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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1951-08-06-min 513 ST'T.FCTMEN'S MEETING August 6, 1951 I A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday evening, August 6, 1951 at 7:00 P.M. in the Selectmen' s Rooms There were present: Chairman Nickerson, Messrs. Driscoll, Emery and Hoyt. Mrs . Flaherty, Acting Clerk, was also present. Mr. B. J. Linehan of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company and Mr. William J. Burns, Supt of Public Works, were present for the following pole locations: (1) Waltham St. (State Highway) From a point approximately 45 feet southeasterly from manhole 54/72 located at intersection of Forest St. , southwesterly to pole #195/9, approximately 40 feet underground connection. Upon motion of Mr. Emery seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to approve the pole location as submitted. (2) Cambridge-Concord Turnpike (State Highway) Northeasterly side and northwesterly from a point approximately 576 feet northwesterly of Weston St. Seven (7) poles Seven (7 ) existing poles to be removed. Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to approve the pole locations as submitted. (3 ) Northern Circumferential Highway (State Highway) (Abandoned section of Weston Road. ) Approximately 1,000 feet northeasterly pole from Concord Turnpike, northeasterly approx- Locations imately 200 feet underground conduit. Upon motion of Mr. Emery seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it was voted to approve the pole location as submitted. (4) Bedford St. (State Highway) From a point approximately 500 feet south- easterly from Bernard St. , southeasterly approximately 240 feet underground conduit. Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to approve the pole location as submitted. (5) Northern Circumferential Highway (State Highway) (Abandoned section of Robinson Road) From pole 161/2 located approximately 500 feet northerly from Grove Street, northeasterly and northerly to pole 161/4, approximately 220 feet underground conduit. Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it was voted to approve the pole location as submitted. 514 (6) Massachusetts Ave. & Wood Street From manhole 54/89 located on Massachusetts Avenue approximately 205 feet from westerly street line of Wood St. (extended north- Pole westerly and northeasterly to pole 115/3 Locations Approximately 360 feet underground con- nection. Massachusetts Ave. From manhole 54/89 approximately 400 feet easterly place one manhole . Old Wood Street From manhole 54/89 northwesterly to pole 115/2 abandon approximately 308.9 feet underground connection. Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it was voted to approve the pole location as submitted. (7) Cambridge-Concord Turnpike (State Highway) Northeasterly side and northwesterly from a point approximately 576 feet northwesterly of Weston Street. Seven (7 )even7 poles ( ) Seven (7 ) existing poles to be removed. Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to approve the pole location as submitted Mr. Linehan retired at 7:25 P.M. Mr. Burns presented a report on street lighting requests. He explained that only two lights had been given in the Woodhaven District last year and he would like permission to install twenty one more this year. It was his opinion that more lights would be required at a later date but this number would be sufficient for the time being. He also requested permission to make the following installations: Wilson Road 2 Street SteHolton Road 4 Donald Street 3 Aerial Street 1 Ivan Street 1 Woodland Road 1 Westview Street 2 Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it was voted that the lights be installed as suggested by Mr. Burns. A letter was read from Warren A. Hawkins, 4 Patricia Terrace, requesting the installation of a street light. This was referred to Mr. Burns, to be included in his installations if he felt it was needed. On Friday, August 3, 1951, the following bide had been received on water construction-sundry streets: 515 M & M Construction Co. $29,190.00 Geo. Brox, Inc. 27,973.20 D'Allesandro-Crognaie, Inc. 30,439.50 Bids Cibotti & Andreassi, Inc. 28,617.50 S. Cali Construction Co. 23,419.25 There was a general discussion concerning the bids and it was agreed after Mr. Burns had completed his check on the finincial standing of the low bidder it would be left to the discretion of the Chairman of the Board and Mr. Burns to award the contract. Mr. Burns made a report on the progress of the water program in proportion to the funds approporiated at the Annual Town Meeting. It appears that the work as presented to the Budget Committees will be done and the costs will be close to the oudget figures. At 8:00 P.M. Mr. Harold Roeder and Mr. William Fitzgerald, Members of the Board of Fire Commissioners met with the Selectmen. Mr. Roeder said that at the last meeting with the Selectmen he had agreed to report back to them, after talking with thief Engineer Roy Cook about the accident involving his son, Roy E. Cook. Mr. Roeder felt that the meeting with Chief Engineer Cook had not been too satisfactory. He had told Chief Engineer Cook the Commissioners were to report to the Selectmen after their meeting with him, and that possibly there would be some action taken after this meeting. The Commissioners requested him to consider the matter with the attitude that it might be any fireman, not necessarily his son; however, they felt his attitude was not to co- operative. Mr. Nickerson said that it showed progress, if they Fire had a formal meeting and had made an unanimous decision. Dept. Mr. Roeder replied that their decision was unanimous Report that so much time had elapsed since the accidents occured that no action other than a warning could be given at this time. He said that new rules had been issued concerning the speed at which the Fire apparatus and ambulance were to be operated. These rules had been published on the Bulletin Board and were pasted on the front of each piece of apparatus. They felt that there had been an improve- ment since the issuance of the ruling. Mr. Nickerson asked if this would check the efficiency of the Department and Mr. Roeder replied that Chief Engineer Cook had approved the ruling. Mr. Nickerson explained that this matter was distressing to everybody but had to be considered and he hoped the results would be such that there would not be any further accidents, and no further action would be necessary. He said he did not feel that Chief Engineer Cook should take offense because of this investigation. Mr. Roeder said he thought Roy, Sr. had upheld his son, but Mr. Nickerson said that he felt Chief Engineer Cook would have been loyal to any of the men in the Department. 516 Mr. Nickerson asked if the members of the Board had any questions. Mr. Driscoll suggested that the Fire Commissioners ask Roy E. Cook to meet with them and have a discussion of the matter. He felt that much could be gained from this meeting and the reaction would be better than issuing anything in writing to him. Messrs . Roeder and Fitzgerald accepted this sug- gestion and said they would comply with this suggestion. Mr. Hoyt asked if they had talked with Roy E. Cook about this matter and Mr. Roeder replied it the negative. Mr. Driscoll cited a case which occured recently where a truck driver had sued after being dismissed and was ordered reinstated by the court, and collected his pay for the entire period of dismissal. Mr. Stevens said that a new Act passed says that a "man can only be dismissed for cause" and it would be im- possible to anticipate what the circumstances would.ibe; therefore, he felt that a verbal discussion with young Roy would be more satisfactory. Mr. Roeder said that he was pleased to get the sentiment of the Board and with this in mind he felt that they could Fire come to some satisfactory settlement of the case. He agreed Dept. to a verbal discussion between Roy E. Cook and the Board Report of Fire Commissioners, and that there would be nothing in writing. Mr. Roeder asked Mr. Driscoll about the driving test for all the drivers and it was suggested that Mr. Roeder contact Converse Hill and try to secure it through the company insuring the Department. Mr. Roeder also reported that the Commissioners were having personnel record cards printed which would give a complete history of each member from the time they enter the Department until they retire or resign. The Selectmen approve this action. Mr. Roeder said that Chief Engineer Cook had brought to their attention the fact that there had been complaints about the cost of the use of the ambulance to Concord. Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it was voted to review the ambulance charges. Mr. Emery agreed to check the costs for the Board. Mr. Fitzgerald said that the Fireman have requested a definite ruling be issued es to seniority rights at the scene of an accident. This refers especially to the moving of a patient in case an ambulance is needed and they wish to know whether the final decision is to be made by them or the Police Department. 517 Mr. Nickerson asked who had assumed seniority up to this point and Mr. Fitzgerald replied the Police had made the decisions but there was a difference of opinion on this question. Mr. Nickerson said he did not know what could be done about this question but it would be given consider- ation. Mr. Roeder said that two bills had been presented covering the hospitalization of medical bills for Chief Engineer Cook due to his recent accident. Blue Cross had refused payment of these bills. Mr. Harold Stevens said that he had taken the matter up with the Blue Cross and had been unable to convince them that they should pay. There are not sufficient funds in the Fire Depart- ment budget to pay them. The Chairman said the payment of the bills was under the jurisdiction of the Fire Commissioners and he suggested that they write the Board of Selectmen requesting a transfer of Transfer funds from the Reserve Fund in the amount of $376.25 to cover payment; the Board would then request the Appropriation Committee to make this transfer. Another matter for the consideration of the Board was the condition of the Fire Station Building on Bedford Street. Mr. Roeder reported that there were several leaks and that he had secured three bids for the repair work. Mr. Driscoll suggested that the architects be requested to look it over. Fire The Chairman explained that since the leaks at the Fire Station Station had been brought to his attention he had also been Bldg. making a check of the Cary Memorial Building. It was his opinion and that of Mr. Burns that it would be better to start by having the architect to diagnose the situation, inasmuch as he supposedly knows more about the building than anyone else could. He said that the Building Committee for the Central Fire Station had been discharged but he felt that the Commissioners could leave the question with the Committee now completing the East Lexington Fire Station, at least temporarily. Messrs. Roeder and Fitzgerald retired at 8;45 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from Norman A. Downs reporting an accident with damage to his car. Upon motion Claim of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Emery, it was voted to refer this claim to Mr. Stevens for his attention. 1 518 A letter was received from Doris I. Allen and Clairborne C. Elliman requesting deferment of water Water betterment on their property on North Street. It was Better- a unanimous opinion of the Board that deferments should went not be made where payments have already been started. The Chairman agreed to write the petitioners and advise them o f this decision. A letter and bond was received from the U. S. Fidelity Bond & Guaranty Co. re bond for Northeastern Gas Transmission Gas Company. This bond was increased to $10,000. Mr. Stevens, Trans- Town Counsel, agreed to acknowledge receipt of this bond to mission the Company. Co. A letter was received from Mrs. Freeman M. Gray, 9 Burlington Street, Lexington, making a formal complaint under G. L. Chapter 140, Section 157, concerning a dog Dog owned by Mrs. Gordan Richards of 58 Handock Street. Complaint Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to refer this to Dog Officer Russell to make an investigation and secure a sworn statement from her. The officer was to be requested to make this report before the start of his vacation, if possible. A letter was received from Mr. John J. Garrity, Sup't of Shade Tree Division, reporting on trees at 127 Shade Street, Shade Lexington. Trees Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it was voted to instruct Mr. Garrity to remove limbs or entire trees from the property at 127 Shade Street, according to his judgment. A letter was received from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Route Department of Public Works, advising that the new Route 128 would 128 be opened on August 16th. Dedi- The members of the Board agreed to meet at the junction of cation Route 4 and Route 128 for this dedication. A letter was received from Mr. Edwin B. Worthen suggesting ,Hand the erection of a hand-rail along the steep path to the Old Rail at Belfry. Old The Chairman agreed to acknowledge this letter and advise Belfry him that the matter would be referred to Mr. Burns for further consideration in the 1952 budget. A letter was received from Mr. Edwin B. Whrthen giving Leary- detailed information about the Leary-Sexton Property which Sexton the Town has recently acquired. A letter of acknowledgment Property was sent to Mr. Worthen for his valued information. A letter was received from the Massachusetts Selectmen's Association concerning passage of Bill S-718. Bill The Chairman agreed to write Mr. Charles E. Ferguson S-718 and advise him that the Board is entirely in favor of this bill. 519 Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to sign deed conveying Lot 64 Grapevine Avenue, Lexington, Sign to Robert L. and Joan R. Jenkins and William J. and A. Deed Bernice Gibbs. Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it was voted to sign the following water orders; (Copies of orders on file in "Selectmen's Files--Water Orders, 1951). Concord Avenue, from end of existing main a distance of approximately 1675 feet northwesterly. Water Paul Revere Road, from Constitution Road Orders a distance of approximately 365 feet easterly. A letter was received from Chief John W. Rycroft Cert. of certifying to the character of Andrew K. Lewis, 23 Incorp. Oakland Street, Lexington Upon motion made and seconded it was voted to sign Certificate of Incorporation for Andrew K. Lewis (and others ) under the name of Kalmia Woods Corporation. Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it was voted to approve the following applications for the uses of halls. Stanley Hill Post #38, A.L. Cary Hall 9/12/51 free of charge Richard F. Jackson 4H Conference Room 9/11/51 free of charge Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it was voted to sign the following licenses. Licenses Countryside Associates, Inc. Sunday Golf License Richard Michelson Guide License Simonds Pontiac, 7 Mass. Ave. 1st. Class Agents License Mr. Stevens said that Mrs. Morey had inquired as to whether or not the Board had decided where the road is to be located at the new High School. New Road Mr. Burns replied that neither he nor the Board had at High reached s decision because he was having punch borings School made and the location would depend upon this report. Mr. Stevens reported that he was filing a writ against Monsignors, 76 Laconia Street, for the Legal al illegal operation of a store at the address. Issue Mr. Stevens also reported that he had given a notice of one week to Mr. Goodwin on Pearl Street, Legal to cease operations which do not conform to the Issue present Zoning Laws. 520 an In cdn A general discussion followed on the letter in the local paper relative to the new High School '� Letter re written by John Devine. Mr. Stevens advised the New High Board that the construction was being continued and School any further action would have to come from Mr. Devine. Mr. Nickerson brought up the subject of the gate house at the reservoir. Mr. Burns said that the present structure could not be reactivated but another one could be pit back at the same location. It would, however, be a different Gate House type of structure. Upon motion of Mr. Every, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to instruct Mr. Burns to take care of this as inexpensively as possible at the present time and to take the permanent solution into consideration in his 1952 budget. Paul Revere Road proceedings were discussed and Mr. Burns advised the Board as follows: (1) That a very expensive drainage situation near the Cedar Street end exists and that the only possibility of Avoiding this approximately $8,000 cost would be the use of an old waterway through Sullivan' s land. This waterway shows on an old map produced by Mr. Burns, but will have to be proved to be in existence now. If $8,000 must be spent to put drainage in this Revere section of the street, the length Paul Pal RvDrainage of street we will do this year will be much reduced. (2) Releases for land taking must be obtained before we start any work. Sullivan and Powers are the two principal owners so it was voted by the Board to have Mr. Stevens and Mr. Burns approach these two as soon as possible, the feeling being that if they will agree the others will go along. (3 ) That possible wall relocations might be required by certain owners This could prove expensive. .(4) That he wants to have five foot and three foot shoulders instead of two three foot shoulders; this for pedes- trian safety. 521 Upon motion duly made and :seconded the Board voted to apply to the Civil Service Camnission for Police examination for police officers at the earliest Ian convenience. A true record Attest: Acting Clerk