HomeMy WebLinkAbout1951-06-04-min 469
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
June 4, 1951
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building,
on Monday evening, June 4, 1951 at 7 :00 p.m. Chair-
man Nickerson, Messrs. Emery, Gay, Driscoll and
Hoyt were present. Mr. Burns, Supt. of Public Works,
and the Clerk were also present.
Hearing was declared open upon the application
of Philip Tropeano for permission to increase the
capacity for storage of gasoline from 500 to 1,000
gallons on premises located at 11 Larchmont Lane.
Mr. F . J. Rando, representing the Bonded Oil System Tropeano
(Esso) was the only person present. He explained Gasoline
that several years ago Mr. Tropeano had permission Permit
to install an underground tank for the storage of
500 gallons of gasoline but due to the fact that he
was unable to obtain a tank his permit was never
used. He further stated that the gasoline is for
private use.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Hoyt,
it was voted to grant a license to Philip Tropeano
to maintain an underground tank for the storage of
1,000 gallons of gasoline at 11 Larchmont Lane.
The hearing was declared closed and Mr. Rando
retired.
Hearing was declared open upon the application
of Joseph Monsignore for permission to maintain an Monsignore
underground tank for the storage of 1,000 gallons of Gasoline
gasoline on premises located at 76 Laconia Street. Permit
No persons were present in favor or in opposition.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by "Ir. Gay,
it was voted to grant a license to Joseph Monsignore
to maintain an underground tank for the storage of
1,000 gallons of gasoline at 76 Laconia Street.
Mr. Burns reported that he had called Metcalf
& Eddy relative to Cibotti and Andreassi and talked
with a man who had worked with this concern on a
job in Weymouth. They have money to do the work and
also have the equipment. Mr. Powers, of the Brain-
tree Sewer Department also told Mr. Burns that he
was very much satisfied with the concern's performance.
The Board instructed Mr. Burns to proceed to
have the contracts on Projects #2 and #3 prepared.
Mr. Burns reported on the status of the funds
and requests for water installation. He said that
he took all the streets mentioned last winter, in-
cluding those requests that were put on the waiting
list, in arriving at his figures.
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He said that while he admits the price per foot may
be high, it is too early to say just how much they
will all cost, but his figure is $102,000. Of that
he has in stook pipe worth $30,000 which gives a
! Funds balance of about $72,200 left for labor, fittings,
available hydrants, etc. to do the rest of the work. He said
for water that since January, 1951 the requests, as of May 31st,
installation total $2700. This will bring the total amount for
work to be done to $70,400. He stated that there
is available cash of $28,391, $50,000 remaining to
be bonded which gives tentatively $78,391 to do
$79,000 worth of work. He said that this means, as
of now, that there is no money to take care of any
requests that may come in.
Mr. Emery asked if the $30,000 included large
pipe and Mr. Burns replied that he is figuring it
as available for this work.
Mr. Emery asked if all the available pipe would
be used and Mr. Burns replied in the affirmative.
He said that he should almost be putting in an order
for pipe now that the pipe situation is not good.
Mr. Burns reported that since the first of the
year requests amounting to $13,800 have come in for
sewer installations and there is $17,000 available.
The only one prmmised is Mr. Phalen.
The Chairman read a letter from the Arlington
Gas Light Company requesting permission to locate
300► of 4" cast iron gas main in Paul Revere Road,
Gas main and 400' of 4" cast iron gas main in Cedar Street.
The proposed main is for the purpose of supplying
gas service to two new homes, now under construction,
on Paul Revere Road.
Mr. Burns said that he would like to have the
mains installed before Paul Revere Road is constructed.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr.
Hoyt, it was voted to grant the requested permit.
The Chairman read a letter from Sarah E. Connolly,
110 Bedford Street, claiming damages as a result of
stepping through the grating of a sewer drain in front
of the First National Stores.
Mr. Burns said that there is no question but
that the bars were bent and the space definitely was
wide enough for a woman to step through. The police
called him when the accident occurEed and he had the
grate fixed immediately.
The Chairman said that he had discussed this
with Town Counsel and he felt that undoubtedly the
Town is liable.
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Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr.
U
Hoyt, it wrs voted to refer the matter to Town
Counsel and authorize him to settle it.
The Chairman read a letter from Eleanor and
Philip DeAngelis stating that they would like to
have their property connected with the Follen Road
sewer project. DeAngelis
Mr. Burns explained that the nearest manhole request to
is 100 feet and not 15 feet as stated in the letter . connect
He presented a sketch of the location and explained uith sewer
that the reason this property was not included in
the Follen Road sewer project is because it is on
Robbins Road .
The Chairman suggested that Mr. Burns answer
the letter and the Board had no objection.
Carver Bros. ! request for extension of water
main to property at corner of Blossom Street and
the Turnpike was held over from last week.
Mr. Burns reported that Mr. Carver came to see
him and agreed to have his name placed on the waiting
list.
Mr . Wheeler+s letter requesting refund for
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paymentiof water betterment assessment levied against Wheeler
her property on Reed Street was held over. request for
Mrd Burns presented a sketch of the property and refund
explained that Mrs. Wheeler owns Lots 7, 9, and 10.
Lot 8 is owned by a colored family and they are all
25' . He explained that several years ago Mrs. Wheeler
did pay for the water to the house in which she lived,
but the refund she is requesting is for the other
three lots.
Mr. Raymond Bond met with the Board at 7:45 p.m.
to discuss the water betterment assessment levied
against his property on Bennington Road.
Mr. Burns presented a plan of the Bond property Bond water
showing Pelham Road and Bennington Road. assessment
Mr. Bond stated that a Mr. Wilson purchased a
parcel of land and he knew there was no street, sewer,
lights r water facilities, all of which had a bearing
on the rice of the land at the time of purchase. The
price f r which the land was sold took into consideration
the f ac that the purdhaser would be obliged to take
care of jthose facilities.
He said that the assessment levied is a matter of
princip] e as to whether he should pay for something
that is of no value to him. He said that when his father-
' in-law turchased the Tower property he put in a line
which will take care of any requirements that he mig4t need.
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He said that he knew the basis upon which the assess-
ment is levied.
The Chairman asked if there is a garage on the
property and Mr . Bond replied that there is no building
of any kind. He said that he thought the water goes
down at least two thirds of the distance of his lot,
and it would adequately service any building he might
put up. He said that the water was put in to serviee
a little house where his father-in-law' s gardener lives
and at the time he paid the entire cost of laying the
pipe all the way down.
The Chairman inquired as to the basis for the
charge and Mr. Burns said that the entire Bond frontage
was assessed.
Mr. Hoyt said that if Mr. Bond's land was ever
sold and built upon it would have to be serviced and
Mr. Bond stated that the water originally installed
by his father-in-law would take care of any house.
He said that the water was6ut in by the Town about
twelve years ago.
Mr. Emery asked if Mr. Bond 's father-in-law
petitioned the town to have the water installed and
he replied that what started it was when he purchased
the Tower property the little cottage did not have
adequate water supply and he wanted to maintain the
valuable garden, sprinklers, etc. He just asked the
Town to put it in and the Town did the work.
Mr. Bond retired at 8:05 p.m.
The subject was discussed at length and upon motion
of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to
abate the water betterment assessment levied against
Jr operty in the name of Doris E. Bond, 13 Pelham Road,
in the amount of $520.50.
Mr. Robert Breslin met with the Board relative
to acquiring a parcel of land between so-called Old
Massachusetts Avenue , and new Massachusetts Avenue.
Bedore he met with the Boc.rd, the Chairman re-
ported that Town Counsel had advised him that the
Town Meeting vote permits the Board to dispose of the
whole area between the old and the new street. He
explained that when land was transferred to Warren
Breslin, it was only the parcel in front of his house.
Mr. Breslin presented a blueprint showing land
he owns and the land which he would like to acquire.
He now owns lots 44, 45, and 46 and 47.
The Chairman asked if jr. Breslin wanted the
same consideration that had been given to his brother ,
Warren, and he replied in the affirmative.
The Chairman said that if this were done, he
would have to pay for whatever legal work is necessary
and the recording fee. lie said that the Board would
be in touch with Mr. Breslin later.
Mr. Breslin retired at 8:20 p.m.
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Leijter was received from Burpee Coffill, 3
Forest treet, requesting the removal of a tree
located at the entrance to his driveway. He in-
' tends t have a blacktop drive and the tree is in
the way
The Chairman read a memo from Mr. Garrity Coffill
statinglthat the tree is in splendid condition but request to
it intei1feres with the entrance to Mr. Coffill 's have tree
garage. If he puts a blacktop drive in, the roots removed
will be ,injured which will cause considerable
damage o the tree. He recommended, therefore,
that th tree be posted for removal.
Th Board jr eferred to inspect the tree before
making a,ny decision.
The Chairman read a letter from William F.
Furdon, 7 Spencer Street, statingthat he would like Veteran's
to purchasep
veteran lot 17, Cedr Street, and that
he intends to build a house immediately upon acquiring Lot
a lot of land. He is a veteran of World War II, having
enlisted in the Navy from Lexington.
UpAn motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr.
Gay, it was voted to sell and convey veteran's Lot
#17 Cedar Street to William F. Furdon.
Mr. John R. Sloane met with the Board at 8:30
to discuss his communication of May 28th relative
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to certain requests of the Lexington Concert Band.
The Chairman referred to item #2 of the letter, Lexington
requesting an appropriation of $50, and explained Concert
that the money is just not available. Band
Mr. Sloane explained that last year the group
worked through Dr. Foley, of the Recreation Committee,
to some degree and the instructions were for Mr. Sloane
to contact Mr. Garrity to make arrangements. They
had Mr. Allan contact Mr. Garrity and he took care
of the lights, connecting and disconnecting them. At
the end of the season Mr. Allen sent a bill to the .
Recreation Committee in the amount of $25, and was
told th t there were no funds available.
Th Chairman explained that if there is goingto
be any oney involved, an item would have to be in-
cluded n the budget for the March Town Meeting. He
said th t the Board does not have various funds to
use. ,
Mr Sloane said that the group would like to
know is some arrangement might be made whereby they
could u e the bandstand that is used for the 19th of
April c lebration.
Mr Burns said that the bandstand is not in
very go d condition and would have to be fixed up if
it were Ito be used by the grasp.
IIMr Sloane retired at 8:45 p.m.
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Mr. Emery suggested closing Harrington Road on
the evenings of the band concerts, and placing the
stand on the street.
The Chairman agreed to discuss the subject fur-
ther with Mr. Burns to see what arrangements might
be made.
Letter was received, signed by Robert L. Jen-
kins, 45 Grapevine Avenue and William J. Gibbs,
Tax title 49 Grapevine Avenue stating that they wish to pruchase
property Lot 64, Plan 2, Section 2, Grapevine Avenue for the
sum of 0300.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to sell and convey Lot 64, Grapevine Avenue,
to Robert L. Jenkins and William J. Gibbs for the sum
of $300.
Discussion was held relative to contacting the
State Department of Public Works and asking to have
Route 218 opened . Mr. Burns said that he understood
the Route is to be opened July 1st and until it is
Route 128 taken over by the State it is the contractor's respon-
sibility and he did not believe it would be opened
until that date.
Mr. Stevens said that he doubted if portions of
the Route would be opened and he understood that the
entire length is to be opened on July 1st with a cav-
alcade of cars and special ceremonies. However, he
and Mr. Burns agreed to 06tain more definite informa-
tion.
Messrs. Stevens and Burns retired at 9:50 p.m.
Letter was received from Jean D. Wanless, Pres-
ident of the Follen Church Evening Alliance, requesting
Rummage permission to conduct a rummage sale at the Barnes
Sale property on Saturday, September, 8th.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Hoyt,
it was voted to grant the request.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it
was voted to grant the following licenses:
Countryside Associates Lowell Street Sunday Golf
Lexington Theatre, Inc. Mass. Ave. Sunday Movies
Albert E. Nevins Haverhill St. , Reading Auctioneer
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it
was voted to sign an Order for the construction of a water
main in Leonard Road from Woburn Street, a distance of 495
feet more or less, northerly.
The meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m.
A true record, Attest :
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