Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1952-11-24-min 409 SELECTMEN'S MEETING November 24, 1952 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, November 24, 1952 at 7 :00 P. M. Chairman Nickerson, Messrs. Gay and Reed were present . Mr. Burns, Supt of Public Works, and the Clerk were also present. Mr. Emery arrived at the meeting at 7 :30 P. M. Hearing was declared open upon petition of the Boston Edison Company for location of conduits and manholes en Massachusetts Avenue at Grant Street and Grant Street at Massachusetts Avenue. Mr. Mahon, Conduit representing the petitioner, was the only person location present at the hearing. Mr. Mahon explained that this work is merely to piece in between manholes. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Reed , it was voted to approve the following location of con- duits and manholes ; Massachusetts Avenue , at Grant Street, a dis- tance of approximately five feet. Grant Street, at Massachusetts Avenue, a dis- tance of approximately fifteen feet . Mr. Mahon retired at 7 .05 P. M. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. P. A. DePaolo, 46 Forest Street, requesting the instal- lation of a sidewalk in front of his property. In- Sidewalk asmuch as there are no funds available and October request 15th was the deadline for construction requests, the subject will have to be considered in the 1954 budget. Letter was received from Streeter Stuart, 11 Crescent Hill Avenue, requesting the installation of curbing along the street in front of his property. Mr. Burns mentioned that, if the request were Curbing granted, it might encourage similar requests from request owners of the adjoining property. This request also is to be considered in the 1954 budget inasmuch as there are no funds available, and it was received after October 15th. At 7 :10 P. M. hearing was declared open upon alp- ' ' plication of Bradford Motor Co. for permission to in- Gasoline crease the storage of gasoline at 34 Bedford Street hearing from 6,000 gallons to 10,000 gallons. 410 Q0 0D Mr. Arnold Bradford and Mr. Richard Bonzell, 397 Bedford Street, were the only persons present at the hearing. Notice of the hearing was read by the Chairman and approval indicated on the application by Captain Belcastro of the Lexington Fire Department. Letter was received from Captain Belcastro ad- vising the petitioner also desired to increase the storage of motor oil from 400 to 600 gallons and al- cohol from 150 to 400 gallons. The Chairman explained that the application for increase in the storage of alcohol should be submitted to the Board of Health. He also explained that the original application did not mention anything about an increase in the storage of motor oil and therefore was not advertised and so could not be acted upon. Mr. Bonzell said that he was in favor of having the application approved . Mr. Gay asked if there would be an increase in the number of tanks, and Mr. Bradford replied that it would probably mean a decrease. The request is for the purpose of cutting down on deliveries. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Reed, it was voted to approve the request and grant a license for the storage of 10,000 gallons of gasoline in underground tanks at 34 Bedford Street. Mr. Bradford referred to a request he submitted several weeks ago to have a tree in front of his prop- erty removed. He said that the tree has been partially Tree cut up by the power companies, and there is not too removal much of it left. The Chairman said that the Board went up and looked at the tree and were of the opinion that, even if it has some holes, it is healthy. Mr. Bradford said that he would like to extend the driveway and that is why he wants the tree removed . The Chairman said that the Board would look at the tree again. Messrs. Bradford and Bonzell retired at 7 :25 Y. M. Mr. Burns discussed the water situation and in- formed the Board that there were two different pepprtS- made on Lexington's water supply. The New England Fire Water Insurance Rating Association made a report in 1928 and situation also one in 1944. Metcalf & Eddy made a report in 1928 and in that report made fifteen specific recommendations. Of these fifteen, nine have been completed; end i-s-p*o-_ posed in 1953, and several of the others no longer fit the situation as it stands now. Growth of the town did not take place in some of the areas they anticipated, and it has in other areas . 411 In the test made in 1944 they submitted six re- commendations that should receive high priority. They also had a plan in which they outlined a good many more desirable ones. Of the six, four have been done. Two that have not been done are the extension of the line on Adams Street from East Street to Merriam Street and Merriam Street from Adams Street to Massachusetts Avenue. Mr. Burns said that his comments tonight are merely in a rough outline form, and he will have the infor- nation typed for each member of the Board. He explained that a twelve inch main would elimi- nate the drop at the end of the hill, but would make no change whatever in the pressure. The only improvement that would show would be the fact that, when a hydrant was opened, the pressure drop would not be as great as it is now, and twenty pound pressure could be maintained . He mentioned going to a high pressure system and a low pressure system, and explained that in hilly cities the two systems are used. In -order to maintain suf- ficient water pressure at high elevations they have to pump at 150 or 200 lbs. He said that he has heard the two system proposed for Lexington, and it would mean cutting off certain lines, running new lines to cut in back of the ones gated off, with a booster pump or booster pump and elevated storage in addition to what 111 we have. He said that, in his opinion, we do not have a sufficient number of hills to warrant it. He stated that, while the cost of putting in a twelve inch main on Merriam Hill is high, it would be little in comparison to the installation and maintenance of a separate system. In addition, there is a greater danger in gating these things off. There may be people shutting off or opening gates who do not know anything about the system whatever. Mr. Burns recommended larger size mains to reduce the gap between the static pressure and the residual pressure. He explained that, with the larger pipe, there would be less friction loss. Mr. Emery asked if Metcalf & Eddy would have brought up the subject of two platoon system if they thought it was necessary, and Mr. Burns replied in the affirmative. Mr. Emery asked what the pipe going over Merriam Hill would accomplish if it did not improve the pressure. Mr. Burns said that in 1948 he took a test at Oak- mount Circle and had a static pressure of forty pounds with the hydrant closed. If there were a twenty inch pipe, the pressure would still be forty. When the hydrant was opened the pressure would drop from forty to five pounds, but, by putting in a larger pipe, there would not be so much friction loss . A twelve inch pipe would reduce the gap between the static pressure and the residual pressure. 6 412 = 0D Mr. Emery asked if this would be merely for fire II protection on 'Merriam hill, and Mr. Burns replied in the affirmative. Mr. Burns stated that in 1944 the New E land Fire Insurance Rating Association ecommended a s xteen inch line along the Cambridge-Concord Highway up to Spring Street with a standpipe, and a twelve inch 1'ne up Wal- tham Street up to the corner of Marrett Road and Waltham Street. This has been diverted, at least temporarily, because growth and demand have taken place in a dif- ferent district. They recommended a twelve inch on Maple Street which has been done. Mr. Stevens arrived at 7 :40 P. M. Mr. Burns said that, with reference to next year, he would like to start at the intersection of Woburn Street and Massachusetts Avenue, up Winthrop Road to Vine Brook Road, down Vine Brook Road to the Vine Brook sewer and drain easement, along the easement to Waltham Street, then out Forest Street up to Clark, going up Clarke to the corner of Massachusetts Avenue then along Massachusetts Avenue to take the eight inch out to the intersectionof Lincoln Street, then onto the eight inch on Lincoln Street which should be replaced later. The other part is a twelve inch line at the inter- section of the Vine Brook drain easement and Waltham Street, along Waltham Street to Marrett Road to con- II nect to the new twelve inch that is laying there now. Another part is to bring a ten inch from Middleby Road to Fair Oaks Terrace. There is a six inch in there now, but there is also a section where there is nothing. He said that it would be logical to start at Middleby Road and complete the circuit with a ten inch main. He stated that in order to take up this difference in elevation, only forty pounds will be obtainable unless there is a higher head. A larger pipe size that does not have the frictional loss is what is needed. Mr. Burns said that this comes to approximately $147,000, but the total project would be $356,000, in- cluding Merriam Street, Adams Street, Waltham Street and Concord Avenue from the existing twelve inch to Pleasant Street. He recommended for 1954, Adams Street and Merriam Street at a cost of $94,000; for 1935, Waltham Street from Marrett Road to Concord Avenue; for 1956, Concord Avenue to Pleasant Street at a cost of $64,000. The Chairman asked if the Carrig development could safely be spread over four years, and Mr. Burns replied that Carrig will not have the 250 houses for about two years. Messrs. Burns and Stevens retired at 7 :55 P. M. II 413 Chief Rycroft met with the Board. The Chairman said that some of the Board members had looked at the police car recently d= aged in an accident, but he did not know the exact details . Chief Rycroft reported that some time shortly before 3 ;00 A . M. the cruiser checked on Childs ' gasoline station at the turnpike and found a car with two women sitting in it, who said that they had stopped to rest. The officers were not quite satisfied with the story and ordered them to go along, which they did . The cruiser circled and returned to the station to check further and see if the car returned to pick anyone up. A car passed travelling at about sixty miles an hour, and the officers thought at first that it was the same car and gave chase, operating the siren and blinking light. They chased it all the way to the left turn at Lincoln, going to Concord, and, in going down the slope, the car in front of them began to swerve and, in an attempt to avoid a collision, tried to go over the island. The car was thrown around until it hit a traffic light standard. The car was hit on the right-hand side, but the men were not hurt to any great extent . They ar- rested the operator and pressed for operating under, reckless driving and failing to stop. The Chairman said he had told the Chief that, if the car were damaged to the extent of $500, it would not be advisable to keep it in the Department. Three members of the Board looked at the car and felt that bids should he received for a new car. Two sealed bids were received, opened by the Chairman and read as follows : F. K. Johnson, Inc. 1952 Chevrolet Special Model 1502 2-door sedan, equipped with heater and defroster and fiber seat covers, in exhhange for 1952 Ford Mainliner, 8 cylinder, wrecked 2-door sedan, net cost $567 .27 Bids on Police car Frederic R. Childs 1952 Mainline Ford V8 Tudor Sedan, equipped with heater, slip covers and turn indicators, $1786.70 less allowance for 1952 Ford, $10i6.70, net cost $750. The Chief said that it will cost about $75 dollars to transfer the equipment and about $15 for directional lights. Childs cannot make delivery until December 2nd, and Johnson has a car on the road now which should arrive within a day or two. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Emery, it was voted to accept the low bid, submitted by F. K. Johnson, Inc . in the net amount of $567.27. Upon motion of Mr. Reed, it was voted to request the Appropriation Committee to transfer the sum of 414 457.2.7 from the Reserve Fund to the Police Depart- ment - Expenses Account. The Chairman read a letter from Chief Rycroft preferring charges against Officer Joseph A. Bel- castro for Neglect of Duty. The Chief stated that Saturday, November 22nd was a bad day. It became dark very early in the evening, and it was raining, making visibility very difficult. He drove through the center and did not see the officer on duty at Waltham Street and Mas- sachusetts Avenue. He parked his car at Depot Square and walked back to the Waltham Street crossing at about four o 'clock. He stood at the crosswalk for awhile and then crossed the street and stood in the doorway of Thivierge 's drug store. He said that he Belcastro could see the Officer at the First National Store Neglect of crossing and also the Officer at the Theatre cross- Duty ing. He stood there until about one minute of five and then saw Officer Belcastro in the doorway of Zitsots studio. He stated that he did not see him come out Of the store, but he would have had to see him if he came around the corner at the Edison store. The Chief then returned to his car, drove to the Station and asked the Lieutenant to request Officer Belcastro to state in writing where he was between four thirty and five. He did write a letter and stated that he was on the crossing until four forty. A number of people said that they could not see him, so he put the light on automatic for five minutes, went over to Tranlls store for a few minutes, then walked down to Edison Way, spoke to Officer Nutt and returned to the Waltham Street crossing. The Chief said that, if the Officer had written that it was wet and he went in toet dr he would g y� have taken care of the situation. However, it appears that the Officer was either confused or had written untrue statements. The Chairman asked what time the Officer' s assign- ment called for, and the Chief replied that he thought it was from four thirty until six. He said that the man on this crossing putlights must out the and work the crossing by hand, and that when he went up to the Center, he could see traffic blocked up to the monument. Mr. Emery said that he would like to know what the legal angle is. The Chief said that the Officer has the right to be heard, and the Chairman said that the Board would discuss the subject with Town Counsel. When Mr. Stevens returned to the meeting, he told the Board that he would review what action was taken on a similar instance and draft something for the Board . The letter from the Chief was given to Mr. Stevens. 415 The Chairman read a letter from Mrs . Florence l Page, 12 Independence Avenue, in which she called attention to traffic police being in danger of being struck by motorists because the lighting is very poor between four forty-five and six. the Chief stated that at one time a survey was made relative to spot lights at Smith' s crossing, Waltham Street and the First National Store. He went over the situation with a representative from the Boston Edison Company, Mr. Louis Bills and either Mr. DeFoe or Mr. Burns. At that time it was decided to defer any action until the completion of Route 128 to see what difference it made in the traffic. At first it worked out very well, but, in the last six or eight months, the traffic has come back again. Chief Rycroft retired at 8:20 P. M. Chairman Foley, Messrs. Person and Potter, of the Recreation Committee, met with the Board. Dr. Foley reported that his Committee and the Chairman of the Board had looked over the area in Woodhhven that it is recommending for recreational Recreation purposes. The Chairman suggested that the Committee Committee find out about the land and report to the Board. Dr. Foley said that two lots are owned by the Town, and the Committee actually wants five lots. He presented a plan showing the five lots and stated that one individual owns two lots and will not sell singly; the Town would have to purchase both of them. The Com- mittee wants two Town lots and four others. The owner of the double lot will only sell both lots or not at all. He reported that the two single owners will take $600 for each lot, and the owner of the double lot wants $1800. He said that he told them all that he had no way of knowing what could be done and asked for the lowest figure. The Chairman said that it appears the Committee is talking about $3,000, and Dr. Foley replied in the affirmative. The Chairman said that the Committee has done what the Board wanted and has submitted a concrete proposal of $3,000 for the land. He recommended that the Committee purchase the land only this year and not proceed with development until next year. The Recreation Committee retired at 8:40 P. M. , and Mr. Burns returned to the meeting. The Chairman read a letter from Mrs . Winifred Holman, 275 Concord Avenue, complaining about a hole in the street in front of her driveway. Holman Mr. Burns said that he sent Mr. Weisinger over complaint three times, and he went over himself twice, and he does not know what she is talking about. 416 tp The Chairman agreed to go over and look at the location with Mr. Burns . Letter was received from Albert B. Wolfe, trustee and an owner of Philip Road, Lantern Lade and the ex- tension of Dawes Road, requesting acceptance of the same by the Town. Street Mr. Burns explained that there is an unaccepted accept. street intervening in between, and there has been no request for acceptance . The Board decided to view the area before making any decision. Letter was received from Mr. Grant B. Cole, Director of Civil Defense, inquiring about the possibility of conducting a Home Nursing course in the room and anteroom at the Barnes property, now Civil being used by the Community Chest. Defense Inasmuch as it will cost approximately $300 or $400 to make the plumbing usable, the Board felt that Mr. Cole should endeavor to find some other location. Mr. Burns retired at 8;55 P. M. The Chairman reported that Mrs . Allen Rucker D. A. R. called and said that the D. A. R. organization has a flag flag which they think should be placed in the custody of the Town. The Board had no objection. Letter, together with plan in re the Seth-Maxner property on Bedford Street, was received from Mr. William H. Ballard . One copy was given to Mr. Emery and one to Mr. Seth- Gay, and the Chairman was authorized to advise Mr. Maxner Ballard that the Board will study the matter and con- property tact him at a later date . The Chairman read a letter from Mr. William H. Ballard requesting the removal of an elm tree direc- Tree tly adjoining the street near the entrance walk to his removal house and an elm tree in the sidewalk area adjacent to 7 Hastings Road. The Board decided to view the two trees before taking any action on the request. Letters were received from Sanborn C. Brown, 7 Maple Street and Charles R. Gredler, 119 Burlington Street, requesting that hunting in Lexington be out- lawed . The Chairman was authorized to suggest that these two gentlemen get together and have a group insert an article in the warrant for the Town Meet- ing, as the Selectmen prefer not to sponsor such an article but would be in favor of it. 417 Legal opinion was received from Mr. Stevens in regard to permission being granted to the Girl Scouts to occupy the checkroom in Cary Building during elec- tions; Letter was received from Mr. Eilengerg, Lexing- ton Theatre, requesting the appointment of Maurice Streletsky, manager, as a Special Police. Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Gay, Special it was voted to appoint Maurice Streletsky a Special Police Police Officer in the Town of Lexington for a term expiring March 31, 1953 . Application was received from the V. F. W. Auxiliary requesting permission to conduct a meet- Use of hall ing in a Conference Room on Wednesday, December 10th from 8 ;00 P. M. until 11 :00 P. M. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Reed , it was voted to grant the use of the room free of charge. Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to grant the following licenses: Lex. Amusement Co . 1794 Mass . Ave. Sunday Movies Connors Bros. 1700 Mass . Ave . Package Goods Store Mr. Emery retired at 9 ;05 P. M. A short discussion was held relative to a parcel of property on Wood Street which Mr . Harvey Nugent and Mr. Lindsay are interested in purchasing. The Chairman agreed to contact them and walk the area in which they are interested. The Meeting adjourned at 9 ;20 P. M. A true record, Attest : / er I