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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1952-07-28-min 326 SELECTMEN'S MEETING July 28, 1952 A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, in: Monday evening, July 28, 1952, at 7:00 P. M. Chairman Nickerson, Messrs. Emery, Gay, Driscoll and Reed were present. Mr, Burns, Supt. of Public Works, and the Clerk were also present. At 7:00 P. M. hearing was declared open upon petition of the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for approval Anchor Guys of two guy locations on Woburn Street. Mr. Young was Woburn St. present to represent the Boston Edison Company, but no other persons attended in favor or in Apposition. Mr. Burns, Town Engineer, said that he had no objections and stated that inasmuch as Woburn Street is a State highway he does not know what jurisdiction the town has. Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to approve the proposed locations and sign the order. Petition was received from the Boston Edison Pole Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Locations Company for location of five poles on Woburn Street. Mr. Young explained that these are existing poles and there are no new poles to be. set.f rThie is merely procedure for the Boston Edison Company to use poles jointly with the new England Telephone and Telegraph Company. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to approve five j/o pole locations on Woburn Street, northwesterly side, northeasterly from a point approximately 1,015 feet northeast of Lowell Street, Mr. Young retired at 7:08 P.M. Mr. Burns had five copies of contract for con- struction of roads for which bids were opened July Contract #1 21, 1952. He explained that Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, Streets had prepared the contract on the basis that the Board awarded would award it to the low bidder, Brox. He stated that there was no change in the unit price or the extensions. The Chairman said that if the contract is signed, the Board will be obligating the Town to gay n re money than it has. Mr. Burns explained that it would as far as what has been allocated in the budget breakdown but not as 327 far as what has been voted byTown Meeting. He said that Mr. Stevens has checked the contract and signed it. Mr. Emery asked if the board voted to accept Brox's bid with no further limitation on the vote, would Shade Street be included approximately as bid and the Chairman replied that it would be exactly as bid. Mr. Emery said that he thought Mr. Howard said there was 300 feet too much in there and that he and Mr. Burns were going over it again and perhaps cut it down in linear feet. Mr. Burns explained that as a bookeeping trans- action it seemed easier to leave it in, but the con- tractor knows that it is coming out. Mr. Emery- asked if it would be confusing to award the contract insofar as the streets alone are concerned and then study the drainage. Mr. Burns replied that it would not be very good as far as he is concerned, and that he would not want to set it up as a separate job. He said that he would not know how to go about getting it done as he just can't do it himself. Mr. Emery asked if he could set up an arbitrary amount. Mr. Burns replied in the affirmative and said that he could work up that far. Mr. Emery asked how it could be embodied in a vote and the chairman explained that it could be made con- teingent in the vote that for this particular its*, on the Shade Street drainage, no more that a certain sum should be spent; the sum to be left at the discretion of the Superintendent of Public Works. Mr. Emery asked if the contract as written it broad enough to do this and Mr. Burns replied in the affirm- ative, stating that he could leave an entire street out if he wanted to. Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was unanimously voted to award Contract #4 - Street, Drain and Sewer Work to the low bidder, George Brox, Inc., Contract with the limitation that the Board is including hade #4 Street up to an amount not exceeding *14,500, a portion, awarded or nothing. The Chairman informed the board that Mr. Raymond Reed had made an appointment for this evening to discuss further the water situation in the Fair Oaks area. The Chairman called him and was advised that he wanted the Board to get this matter ready for the Fall Town Meeting. The Chairman reported that he told Mr. Reed he did not think the Board could surround the overall problem in a satisfactory manner to present at a Fall Town Meeting. 328 cz C, 40 He also advised him that Mr. Burns was at the moment ,Fair Oaks discussing material which he developed but that it was Water a large proposition and the Board would not want to get into it too hurriedly. He told Mr. Reed that the Board would give the subject consideration before working on the annual budgets, possibly as early as October 1st. Mr. Reed said that it would be all right with him personally and he thought it would be with the group. The Board unanimously approved the Chairman's action. The Chairman read a letter from Dudley A. Davies, 4 Hayward Avenue, Lexington, requesting the extension of a water main to service his house. He is now using a well and there is the constant fear that it may go dry Request or become contaminated. for water Mr. Burns explained the situation by use of the wall map and said that it involves approximately $2,000. It was unanimously agreed to place it on the list for consideration in the 1953 budget. The Chairman read a letter from Mrs. Kenneth Covey, 17 Patterson Road, requesting "Go Slow - Children" signs to be placed on the Wood Street at Wildwood Road and Holton Go Slow- Road. Children Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, Signs it was voted to grant the request and instruct Mr. Burns to have the signs painted on Wood Street. The Chairman read a letter from Theodore E. Andrews, 134 Lincoln Street, stating that he desired to purchase 125 or 135 feet of frontage onI Lincoln Street from Thomas Napoli$ He inquired as to whether or not he could pay the water betterment assessment on the parcel he proposed to Napoli's purchase and whether or not it would affect the deferment Deferred on the balance of Napoli's land. Betterment Mr. finery moved that Mr. Andrews be allowed to pay the portion of the betterment assessment on the land that he intends to purchase from Mr. Napoli providing Town Counsel advises the Board that it can be done without affecting the balance of the deferred assessment on the remaining Napole land. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Burns left the meeting at 8:00 P. M. and Chief John W. Rycroft met with the Board. The Chairman asked if he had been able to find out anything about the defacement of the Statue and the chief replied in the negative and said that he has a number of leads but it takes Just so much time to work each one out. The Chairman informed him that the board is very much disturbed and feels this to be very serious. He said that it looks bad for the police force and that the Board doesn't like it. 329 The Chief said that the first knowledge the Department had of this was when the Officer went by at 7:30 A. M. He explained that the Officer at the center did not notice it and he was at the upper end of the Center, checking the Central Block, at 6:30 A.M. The cruiser came down shortly after Defacement day break, but it came down Bedford Street and the of Statue Officers did not notice it. The Chairman asked the Chief how serious he thought this was and what his reaction to it is. The Chief said that if the person or persons responsible could have been caught, he certainly wanted to catch them and that he is very much upset about it. He said that he does not like it or want anyohe to get the impression that therean get away with it. Mr. Driscoll said that it is a serious reflection on the Police Department and asked who is on nights. The Chief replied that Russell and Costello are in the car and Baylis is in the Center. They come on at midnight. Mr. Driscoll asked how king the Officers are on for nights and the Chief replied that he has shifts, but some of the men prefer hight duty. The Chairman said that the Board sincerely hopes the Chief will concentrate on this until he has the answer to it. Chief Rycroft retired at 8:25 P. M. The Chairman asked if the Board thought this matter was serious enough to condider offering an award. Mr. Reed said that he would like to see a report on it. The Chairman agreed to follow this through with the Chief daily and if he has no information by Thursday night, the Ghatrman will request him to have his secretary type up five copies of the report for the members of the Board, together with information as to who is on nights, what the shifts are, and the hours. The Chairman read a memorandum from Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, reporting the results of a conference held on June 16, 1952, with Messrs. Nickerson, Worthen and Viano Burns in regard to Round Brook (Viano drainage, Bedford Drainage- Street). Bedford Street Mr. Burns presented a large survey which he had made showing the whole picture, in general going along with the information submitted by Mr. Stevens. He explained that the possible solution will cost approximately 420,000. Mr. Burns was requested to discuss the information he has prepared with Mr. Stevens and the Board will decide 330 00 at the next meetingwhether to go on from here and make recommendations at the next TowMeeting or to confer with Town Counsel and determine whether the matter can be pursued by some future Board when the need bedomes more pressing. Mr. Emery said that he would not be in favor of doing this drainage work merely to bring in increased taxes to the town because he believed it would be es- tablishing a precedent. He said that if Town L'ounsel says that, in his opinion, the town' s position in not spending any particulat amount of money could be defended legally, he would lean that way. He said that he is not interested in draining this property unless Town Counsel feels that it has to be done legally. Further oondideration was given to Mr. Joseph Mo..- Tax omTax Title Donald' s offer for lots 463 throught-466 Banks Avenue. Property Mr, Burns called the Board 's attention to the fact that there is a drainage problem involved and recom- mended retaining the land. Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted not to dispose of lots 463 through 466 Banks Avenue . Mr. Cunha's offer of $50 for Lot 4, Block 95, Reed Street was held over. Letter was received from George Noring, 35 Ashland Street, Arlington, offering $300 for lots 534 and 535 Butler Avenue. Tax Title The Chairman explained that these lots are parallel Property to tge lots on Banks Avenue and are very rocky. He agreed to investigate and try to find out whether or not Mr. Noring is a building contractor,} the Board to give the offer further consideration at the next meeting. Mr. Dattoli's offer of $75 each for lots 63, 64 and 66 Rawson Avenue, was held over pending investigation and report by Messrs. Gay and Reed. Further consideration was given to Mr. Russell Kettell's letter of Julyll, 1952, in which he applied for water service for his proposed house on land running Kettell through Pelham Road and Bennington Road. Water Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr, Gay, Servjce it was voted to authorize the Supt. of Public Works to make the necessary connection for a water service to supply Mr. Kettell' s house . 331 Further consideration was given to Mrs. Mayard's request to have a tree removed from in front of her property at 2380 Massachusetts Avenue. The Chairman reported that Mr. Garrity informed him this is an ash tree, not in very good condition, and he recommended Tree its removal. Removal Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to instruct Mr. Garrity to post the tree for removal. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Garrity advising that he posted the oak tree at 11 Walnut Street for removal and there was no one present at Tree the hearing. He said that he would wait for the Removal Board 's decision as to the removal of the tree. Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to instruct Mr. Garrity to have the tree removed. The Chairman read a letter from Mrs. Rich, Secretary of the Board of Retirement, advising that it will be necessary to held an election to, replace Mr. Alexis R. Shea who has resigned as of August 1, 1952. Board of The Clerk was instructed to request Mrs. Rich Retirement to follow the procedure of previous elections and to make whatever arrangements are necessary for the election of a new member of the Board of Retirement. Mr. Driscoll reported favorably on Morton and Diane Margolis, 22 Sherburne Road, who have applied for a certificate of incorporation. Cert. of Upon motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, Incorp. it was voted to approve the application, The Chairman reported favorably on Mrs. Florence Bruce, 126 North Street, who has applied for a certi- ficate of incorporation. Cert. of Upon motion of Mr. Finery, seconded by Mr. Gay, Incorp. it was voted to sign the application. Application was received on behalf of John P. Doyle, 500 Marrett Road who:.has applied for a certificate of incorporation. Satisfactory character report was re- Cert. of ceived from the Chief of Police. Incorp. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Reed, it was voted to approve the application. Application was received on behalf of Paul A. White, 12 Cedar Street, who has applied .for a certificate of incorporation. Satisfactory character report was re- Cert. of ceived from the Chief of Police. Incorp.Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to approve the application. o• 4• 332 Letter was received from Chief Rycroft in regard to purchasing two loud speakers, to be used at this particular time for the purpose of notifying the residents of the Town of the low pressure in the water system. The Chairman reported that he had polled three Loud Members of the Board and informed Mr. Bateman Chair- Speakers man of the Appropriation Committee, that the Board would be requesting a transfer from the Resettve Fund to pay for the loud speakers . Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to r eques.t the Appropriation Committee to transfer the sum of 4380 from the Reserve Fund to pay for two loud speakers, purchased because of the definite emergency created by low water pressure. Letter was received from the Chief of Police requesting appointment of Stanley Eilenberg, 34 Cotton Street, Newton, and Warren P. Skilton, 68 Austin Street, Newtonville, as Special Police Officers. Both individuals are connected Special with the operation of the theatre and have been checked Police through the Board of 8rbbetion. Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to appoint Stanley Eilenberg sand Warren P. Skilton as Special Police Officers in the town of Lexington for terms expiring March 31, 1952. Letter was received from the Board of Assessors ad- vising that files will be maintained for each betterment assessment extended under Chapter 159 and the accounts Deferred will be checked in July and January of each year. Assessment The question was raised as to what Department would send the bill when the full amount of the betterment becomes due. The Chairman agreed to check this with Town Counsel. Letter was received from Mrs. Henry E. Gamester, League of Women Voters, requesting permission to erect Reg. of a sign, concerning registration of voters, to-be placed Voters in front of the Town Office Building for display August Sign 1st to 15th and upon re-opening of registration in September. The Board had no objection providing the Board of Registrars approve, Letter was received from Mrs. James F. Flynn, Secre- tary of the Youth Study Commission requesting an appro- priation of 4100 for postage, stationery, pencils, paper Youth and sundry items. The Commission also requested the use Studyof a vacant room in the Barnes Building, Commttee The Board was not in favor of granting either request as the group was appointed by Town Meeting to make a study and report at the next Annual Town Meeting. 333 11 Letter was received from the Board of Health requesting 4 ng a transfer of $42.08 from the Reserve Fund to the Dog Clinic Account. Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was Transfer voted to request the Appropriation Counittee to transfer the sum of $42.08 from the Reserve Fund to the Dog Clinic Account. Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Gay it was voted to sign the Sunday Movies License License for the Lexington Amusement Company. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to sign died, prepared by Town Counsel, Deed conveying Lot 13 Smyth Street, Lexington, to Robert W. Swanson and Patricia A. Swanson, 38 Chables Street, Lexington. The meeting adjourned at 10:10 P.M. A true record, Attest: le The next regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen will be held on Monday evening, August 11, 1952, at 7:00 P.M. 1