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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1952-09-08-min 349 SF'J',FCTMEN'S MEETING September 8, 1952 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, September 8, 1952., at 7 ;00 P. M. Chairman Nickerson, Messrs. Emery, Gay, Driscoll and Reed were present. Mr. Burns, Supt. of Public Works, and the Clfk were present. Mr. Driscoll acted as Chairman for the first two hearings during which time Mr. Nickerson was out of the meeting. Hearing was declared open upon petition of the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone & Telegraph Company for permission to locate one pole on Highland Avenue. Mr. Mahon, representing the Boston Edison Pole Company, was the only person present at the location hearing. He explained that this is a j/o I II pole. The Telephone Company has rather a heavy line there and has asked the Boston Edison Company to join them. Mr. Burns ex- pressed his approval of the proposed loca- tion. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Emery, it was voted to grant the following j/o pole location. : Highland Avenue, westerly side, approxi- mately 245 feet northwest of Washington Street, one (1) pole. Hearing was declared open upon petition of the New England Telephone & Telegraph Company for permission to abandon seven poles and also to locate seven poles on the Cambridge-Concord Turnpike. Letter was received from the petitioner explaining that these locations were formerly granted on August 6, 1951, but the grant does not satisfactorily cover the locations due to an incorrect north point. This hearing is to correct the discrepancy by superseding the present grant. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Emery, it was voted to grant the petition and sign an order for the following: 350 CC CO Cambridge-Concord Turnpike (State Highway) from approximately 576 feet southeasterly from Weston Street, southeasterly seven (7 ) poles. Seven existing poles to be abandoned. (Supersedes Order adopted 8/6/51, Book 31, Page 29) ' Mr. Burns reported that he had received two roofing bids for work on the Public Works Building Roof for and explained that last January he had an estimate P. W. of $7,625 for budget purposes, plus $225 for bond, Building if desired. The two bids were as follows: Paul H. Dutelle & Co. , Inc. $7,382, plus $225; Atlantic Roofing and Skylight Works, $6,987, 20 year bond, no charge. Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to award the contract to the low bidder. The Chairman read a letter from the Bedford Board of Selectmen reporting progress in regard to the construction of its sewerage system. The Town of Bedford would like to connect with Lexington's system, and is borrowing $270,000 which will be available for use about September 15, 1952. Mr. Emery asked if Mr. Burns wanted to take Bedford the sewage from Bedford before the low level Sewer sewer is completed and Mr . Burns said that the System reason Bedford is pushing the project now is for use by Raytheon and not for the Town of Bedford. Raytheon is attempting to make an agreement with Bedford that they will have access to the sewer- age system some time after the first of t he year in return for $25,000. He said, in reference to preparing the project and having it ready for Town Meeting, there is no problem. The Board was in favor of inserting an article in the warrant for this Fall 's !bun Meeting requesting funds to take care of this project, possibly taking the money from E & D and collecting from Bedford when the connection is made. Letter was received from Robert H. Packard, 14 Gleason Road, together with petition request- Gleason ing installation of a sanitary sewer and storm Road drain in the southern (unaccepted ) end of Gleason Sewer Road. Mr. Burns said that,if drainage were put in, it would be in connection with the street and not the sewer. It was agreed to file the petition for con- sideration when the 1953 budgets are discussed. 351 Further consideration was given to Mr. Leeland McConchiets offer of $400 for nine lots on on Asbury Street and Balfour StreetThe Chair- man reported that Mr. Burns had contacted Mr. McConchie and was told that he intends to Tax Title build two houses on these lots which comprise about 22,000 feet of land. Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to entertain an offer of $2,000. The Board discussed borrowing for street construction and upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to request the Street Town Treasurer to borrow $80,000 for ten years, borrowing against the $95,000 authorized at the 1952 March Town Meeting under Article 28 through 37. Mr. Stevens arrived at the meeting at 7 :35 P. M. Letter was received from Ray Little, 81 Vine Street, requesting the installation of a street light. Mr. Burns agreed that the request Street is justified. Light Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to approve the request. Mr. Emery mentioned the possibility of try- ing to reach an agreement with Dr. Barnes out of court, and said that the attorney did not repres- Sunnyfield ent the doctorts brother-in-law or the Commons. Sewer He said that he thought the lawyer said that when he did get to represent all three a meeting would be arranged to discuss the subject. Mr. Emery said that if some attempt could be made to arrive at an agreement whereby the matter could be settled out of court he would be in favor of it. Mr. Burns reported that the contractor went to see Dr. Barnes, Buttrick and Commons, but Mrs. Commons was not home. Mr. Buttrick gave him per- mission to do whatever he wants to do and asked only that he watch out for some trees. The thing that concerns him most is taking care of the top soil. As of today they are in agreement and there is no arguement. The contractor went to see Dr. Barnes who told him to see Buttrick about taking care of the ground. Mr. Finery suggested obtaining a written agree- ment from Buttrick and Mr. Stevens said that he thought the attorney for the Doctor also repres- ented Buttrick. He said that he had asked the attorney about developments and was told that he had yet to get very far with Dr. Barnes. He further stated that he wrote to the attorney, sent him a copy of the order and a copy of the plan and said that he would be pleased to confer 352 with him at any time. He said that he would see him again and broach the subject. Further considerationwas given to Mrs. Russell' s request for an abatement of the water betterment assessment levied against Russell her property at 7 Oak Street. Water Mr. Stevens said that he was to talk with Assessment Mr. Tropeano with reference to the West matter which he did. Mr. Tropeano talked with Mr. West and came up with the proposition that 262 feet of frontage be assigned to the house. There were 480 feet of frontage before which this 2" pipe ran, and there is an assessment of $720 on it. He said that, as he recalled it, the total was $1,216.50. The $720 is on that and in dispute. The 262 feet would leave 218 feet which they would like to have post- poned as far as the betterment is concerned. Mr. Stevens told Mr. Tropeano that he could not see why 262 feet were needed for the West frontage and he explained it was due to the Water way the house and barn is set up. He told Assessment Tropeano that the Board would look into it, but in any event it would be necessary for him to supply a lot for the house for record if the Board wast o postpone paypient. How- ever, West does not want to do that because he will be assessed for a building lot in- stead of acreage. Mr. Stevens said that he would recommend that the Board make an abate- ment based on the 262 feet, or whatever is agreed upon, and then have the balance paid in ten installments or create a special lot for the house and get an abatement on that. Then the Board might postpone the balance under the Special Act. Mr. Tropeano agreed to discuss the subject further with Mr. West and then contact Mr. Stevens. Mr. Tropeano was going on the theory of having the betterment on the house abated and the balance postponed. It was agreed to defer any action until Mr. Tropeano contacts Mr. Stevens. Mr. Stevens recommended that the Board defer any action on The Russell request for an abatement until the West matter is settled, and suggested that the Chairman advise her that the Board is considering another matter which will affect this partidular parcel of land. A Mr. Faran made an appointment to meet with the Board in regard to obtaining water for Lawn Avenue. Mr. Burns explained, by use of the wall map, that the only way to give him any hope of 353 getting water is that the Carrig development may possibly get out to his place and he may be able to work out something with Carrig. Mr. Carrig has to supply water for his entire development and will end up within a couple of feet from Lawn Avenue . At 8;03 P. M. Mr. and Mrs . Faran and a Mr. Trembetta met with the Board. Mr. Faran explained that he would like to have Faran water for his house. He is now supplied by a well request which runs dry in the sumnePr. He asked if there is for water any reason why he can't have town water and the in Lawn Chairman explained that money must be appropriated Avenue and the Board must be convinced that it is t he right thing to do. He stated that the isolated areas mean lengthy mains and more money, and the Board has to consider the matter frog all angles. Mr. Trembetta said that the Carrig develop- ment is within 160 feet of his property and after talking to Mr. Carrig he thinks he would grant per- mission to go through his lots. The Chairman explained that when the Board re- ceives a request such as this a study of the physi- cal situation has to be made and budgets prepared in the Fall for the annual Town Meeting. If the Board decides to recommend favorable action, the Town usually goes along but until a study is made the Board cannot commit itself. He said that the Board would consider the subject and asked how many houses are involved. Mr. Trembetta replied that there are only two. The Chairman inquired as to the number of feet involved and Mr. Trembetta said that he would esti- mate 400, and Mr. Burns explained that it will be a six inch pipe. Mr. Gay inquired as to vita o owns the property on the opposite side of the street and Mr. Trembetta said that it is owned by Mr. Bettencourt and he is in favor of having the water main installed. Mr. Faran mentioned the possibility of present- ing this to a Fall Town Meeting and the Chairman explained that it would not be considered until the March meeting. He suggested that Mr. Faran contact the Board early in February as by that time the Board should be well enough along in the budgets to know whether or not this installation would be acted upon favorably for presentation to the Town Meeting. Mr. Faran asked what would happen if they de- cided they did not want the water but the main was installed . The Chairman explained that the Board has to assess betterments but it cannot assess better- ments against land that already has water. Mr. Burns mentioned that the betterment could oe deferred and stated that some times sand fills ap well pumps and the property owner might want 354 OD to connect to the main. Mrs. Faran said that eventually they will have to have water there and, if she spends $1,000 for a well, she would not want to pay an assessment. The ChairMan said that he would suggest that nothing be done about driving a well until Mr. Carrig agrees to give an easement and then bring the subject up again early in February. Mr. Burns explained that if the main is extended, it will be installed by the Town and owned by the Town. The group retired at 8;20 P. M. Mrs. W. T. Durfee, 172 Waltham Street, met with the Board and the Chairman said that the Board understands she is concerned about the condition of Some land owned by the town adjoin- ing her property. She said that the land is part of the land that comes up from the Catholic Club and she worried about it because she believes the debris Debris at is a fire hazard, and the builder informed her 172 Waltham last December that the Town would take care of it. St. The Chairman stated that the Board would view the area and although the Town is under no compulsion to do anything, he felt the Board would co-operate in an effort to relieve the situation. He agreed to contact Mrs. Burfee either by letter or telephone within a few weeks. Mrs. Durfee stated that there is no hurry and she retired at 8=+30 P. M. Mr. Charles Dwyer, 15 Freemont Street, met with the Board and said that he has two problems to discuss. One is the water running down onto Freemont Street, washing it out. The other, is the surface water from Paul Freemont St. Revere Road. drainage The Chairman explained that the Town does have a drainage program, a certain amount of money is appropriated each year, and the Board has to spend that money where it is needed most. He said that the Board would recognize the request, look into the situation, discuss it and decide what can be done if anything. He said that Mr. Dwyer may not hear from the Board for some time. Mr. Dwyer retired at 8:40 P. M. Mr. Burns also retired. Letter was received from Frederic A. Hoxie inregard to his application for retirement. Action was held over until the next meeting pending report from Mr. Driscoll after confer- 355 ence with Dr. Short. Hoxie Mr. Stevens agreed to contact the Board of Retirement Fire Engineers. The Chairman mentioned the fact that Mrs. Sorrentino had called again in reference to a sewer betterment assessment levied against her property on Fottler Avenue. He said that more than a year ago the Board arrived at the decision thEt Sorrentino the property had definitely been bettered and that betterment the assessment should not be abated. The Board was still of the opinion that the land is definitely bettered and, therefore, no abatement justified. The Chairman read a letter from Miss Mary Ann Donahue, formerly employed in the Town Clerk's office in which she questioned the computation of her final pay check. The Chairman was authorized to tell the Town Clerk that the Board would like him to pay Miss Donahue $19‘80 less *1.30 withholding tax. Mr. Stevens retired at 10:00 P. M. Letter was received from Mr. Robert F. Aiken in r eply to the Board's inquiry regarding Mr. James G. Dorman, who has applied for a Certificate Cert. of of Incorporation. Mr. Aiken said that he knew noth- Incorp. ing which would assist the Board in this matter. Mr. Reed a greed to investigate and report at the next meeting. Letter was received from the Massachusetts Clinic of Physiotherapy requesting permission to Tag Day conduct Tag Days on September 26 and 27. Denied. Upon motionaf Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Emery, it was voted to deny the request. Request was received from Mrs. Janet C. Peckham, 67 Reed Street, on behalf on the Lexington Methodist Church, for permission to hold a Rummage Sale at the Barnes property. Rummage Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Sale Driscoll, it was voted to grant the request. Request was received from the League of Women Voters for permission to conduct a meeting Use of hall in a conference room on September 10th from 9:45 A. M. until 12:30 P. M. Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to grant the use of the Poom free of charge. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to grant the Lexington License Amusement Co., Inc. a Sunday Movie License for September 14th. 356 CC Co Op Application was received from Philip LaGrassa, 2173 Massachusetts Avenue, for a public carriage license. The Chairman agreed to investigate and report next Monday night. Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to sign a Water Order for Spring Street from end of existing main a Sign water distance of approximately 770 feet southerly. order The meeting adjourned at 10:05 P. M. A true record, Attest= J'/^2 Clerk The next regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen will be on Monday evening, Septem- ber 15, 1952, at 7 o 'clock. 1