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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1953-04-06-min 589 SELECTMEN' S MEETING April 6, 1953 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, April 6, 1953, at 7 :00 P. M. Chairman Reed, Messrs. Nickerson, Gay, Driscoll and Bateman were present. Mr. Burns, Supft. of Public Works, and the Clerk were also present. Hearing was declared open upon petition of the New England Telephone & Telegraph Company for permission to lay and maintain underground conduits and manholes in Massachusetts Avenue and Marrett Street. No persons were present in favor or in opposition.. Mr. Burns explained that the proposed location is a State Highway and he recommended favorable action. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Bateman, it was voted to grant the petition and sign the order for the following conduit location: Conduit Location Massachusetts Avenue and Marrett Street - From manhole 54/94 located on Massachusetts Avenue opposite Marrett Street, northwesterly to a pole 147/2. on Marrett Street, approximately 185 feet underground . Hearing was declared open upon petition of the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone & Telegraph Company for pole location on Burlington Street. Mr. Mahon, representing the Boston Edison Company, was the only person present and the proposed location was approved by Mr. Burns . Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Bateman, it was voted to grant the petition and sign the order for the following pole location: Pole Location Burlington Street, approximately 665 feet north- east of Grove Street, one (1 ) pole, guy wire and anchor. Hearing was declared closed at 7 :10 P. M. and 1r. Mahon retired . Hearing was declared open upon application of Leeland G. McConchie for a license to store 2,000 gallons of gasoline . Notice of the hearing was advertised in the March 26th issue pf the Lexington Minute-man. The applicant was the only person present at the hearing. 54(1 AZ He said that he wanted to install the tank for his own use, his own trucks . He explained that he is in the Gasoline building and contracting business . The tank will be hearing located about 45 feet from the street, close to his building. He said that he owns the only house in on the left. Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to maintain one underground tank for the storage of 2,000 gallons of gasoline on premises at 8 Camellia Place . Mr. McConchie retired at 7 ;13 P. M. At 7 :15 k. M. hearing was declared open upon the petition of Ancil E. Heighton for a license to store 1,000 gallons of gasoline at 9 Tucker Avenue. Notice of the hearing was advertised in the March 26th issue of the Lexington Minute-man. The applicant and one other individual were present at the hearing. No one appeared at the hearing in opposition. Mr. Heighton stated that he operates a fleet of seven cars in his work. The Chairman asked if he conducted a business from this address and he replied in the negative, and stated that he operates from an Arlington telephone exchange. The cars are kept at the driver's house and only two are kept at this address . The Chairman inquired as to the type of business and Mr. Heighton replied that he does oil burner repair Gasoline work. hearing The Ckiairman asked if the drivers would keep the cars at their homes and gas up at Tucker Avenue and Mr. Heighton replied in the affirmative. He said that they would have to come in every day anyway to turn in their slips. The Chairman asked if he received business calls at his house and he replied in the negative. He ex- p1ained tkiat customers call Arlington 8740 and the oper- ator then contacts him on his two-way radio. Mr. Nickerson asked if there are other houses near by and Mr. Heighton replied that there is a house next door which was built during the winter and Mr. Janusas across the street. He said that he has about 14,000 square feet of land . Mr. Bateman said that one of the neighbors, who does not approve, spoke to him about the application. Mr. Barnes, who said that he lives across the line in Arlington, said that he was in favor of the license being granted . Mr. Driscoll asked if all the cars were equipped with two-way radio and Mr. Heighton replied that only three cArs have radios. The other drivers call by telephone. The Chairman said that the Board would take the application under advisement. 541 Messrs . Heighton and Barnes retired at 7 :20 P. M. When Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, arriged later in the evening; the Chairman explained the situation to him and stated that 9 Tucker Avenue is in a residential area. Mr. Stevens said that it would seem to him that certainly at least part of the business would be con- ducted at this location. Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to deny the application. Mr. Burns brought up the subject of water rate to be charged to Raytheon Manufacturing Co. and recommended the regular commercial rate of 13X per 100 cubic feet, Water rates until such time as the consumption increases . for Raytheon Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to establish the minimum commercial rate of 13X per 100 cubic feet to be charged for water supplied to Raythen Manufacturing Company at its plant located in Bedford, Massachusetts. Mr. Burns reviewed the installation of water mains in Concord Avenue and the Cambridge-Concord Highway which ran by property owned by Carrie L. Pilkington, Florence Deferred Baldwin and Matilda M. Richards. He said at the time the Assessment mains were installed these people were assured that the betterment assessments would be deferred for the privilege of going on their land. He said that he would like the Board to take some action in order to prevent bills being sent out. Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was unanimously voted as follows : Under the provisions of Chapter 159 of the Acts of 1950, it was voted to extend the time for payment of betterment assessment of $301.80, without interest, levied against property of Carrie L. Pilkington & Florence Baldwin, and located on Concord Avenue, until said land or any part thereof is built upon, sold, or until the expiration of three years from the date hereof, whichever event occurs first; provided, however, that this extension of time shall terminate im- mediately if the facilities of the water main are used for said land or any part thereof. Further: Under the provisions of Chapter 159 of the Acts of 1950, it was voted to extend the time for payment of betterment assessment of 1,987.50, without interest, levied against property of Carrie L. Pilkington & Florence Baldwin, and located on the Cambridge-Concord Highway, until said land or any part thereof is built upon, sold, or until the expiration of three years from the date hereof, whichever event occurs first; provided, however, that this extension of time shall terminate immediately if the facilities of the water main are used for said land or any part thereof. 54� OD Further; Under the provisions of Chapter 159 of the Acts of 1950, it was voted to extend the time for payment of betterment assessment of %524.36, without interest, levied against property of Matilda M. Richards, 128 Spring Street, until said land or any part thereof is built upon, sold, or until the expiration of three years from the date hereof, whichever eventooccurs first; provided, however, that this extension of time shall terminate immediately if the facilities of the water main are used for said land or any part thereof. Mr. Burns retired at 7 :30 P. M. Petition was received from the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone & Telegraph Pole location Company for j/o location on School Street. Notation of approval was made ont he plan by Mr. Burns. Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it was voted to approve the petition and sign the order for the following pole location: School Street, approximately 100 feet north of Eastern Avenue - one (1 ) pole . One existing JO pole to be removed . Certificate of Incorporation was received from the Secretary of State filed by Dan H. Fenn, Stillman Certificate P. Williams, W. Roger Greeley and Paul Hanson. of Incorp. Upon motion of Mr. Bateman, seconded by Mr. Nick- erson, it was voted to sign the application and return it to the State. At 7 :35 P. M. the following members of the School Committee and the Recreation Committee met with the Board : Mrs. Morey, Messrs. Cromwell, Wadsworth, Norris and Supt Smith, Messrs. Foley and Person. Mr. Potter arrived later in the evening. Mr. Garrity, Supt of Rec. Comm,. Parks and Playgrounds, and Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, & School were also present. Comm. re The Chairman explained that the meeting had been appt +'s. scheduled tonight following receipt of a letter from the School Committee in regard to a location for Junior and Senior High School baseball. The discussion pro- ceeded more or less as follows : Chairman= The Sehool Committee does not know where they are going to play ball inasmuch as the field at the further end was taken by the Little League. We would like to straighten every- thing out the best we can so that everyone can play ball some place in Lexington this Spring. First I would like to go hick to just how the Little League happened to be on the field. Mr. Noyes and the Recreation Committee came 543 I in to find a place for the Little League until they had a field built. It was the opinion of the Recreation Committee and the Little League that the diamond on the Lincoln Street end of the playground would be suitable. At the time, Mr. Stevens thought it could be done and it was being done in other communities. The Board of Selectmen then suggested the Recreation Com- mittee contact the School and try to work out some agreement so that there would be no con- flicts. That was the way we left it. We assumed that the Recreation Committee had contacted the School in regard to the entire situation. From talking to Mrs. Morey and some other members of the School Committee it did not seem too clear to them. Before I ask Doctor Foley to speak I would like to remind you that on June 14, 1948, ' the Selectmen voted that the Recreation Committee as of June 15th or as soon as possible thereafter, take full responsibility for all recreation pro- grams in the town and the supervision of all recreational facilities in the town that are now under the jurisdiction of the Park Depart- ment. Foley: I talked to Mrs . Morey at various times during the winter, with Ir. Smith, and also to the School Committee back before Town Meeting. At all times I said the Adams School is available for the Junior High. This is temporary. We know it. We don't like to take a field away, but in view of what we think it means to recreation in town we feel we want to take the #1 softball diamond and make a Little League field for this year. We would like a site for Little League for 1954 and are working on that now. Actually I don' t know how it will be too upsetting to their plans as far as playing ball goes. They still have the enclosed field . We know that is a late field as far as the water goes and then the other field, the one that has been used for some time, will be available, and the Adams School. As far as baseball diamonds go, there are no fewer now than there were last year. It just means going in another direction. It is 3/10 of a mile further to the Adams School than it is to the present Little League field . We had our reason for taking the field. It is the poorest field of the bunch and is just a practice field. The diamond was in bad shape and the outfield is full of holes and hollows. That seemed to us to be the best place to put in the Little League. We went looking for a place for \ 544 Q. one year and in our opinion that was the best and still is. Actually as far as the High School and Junior High using it this year, it is out. Last year we cut out the base paths for the Little League and loamed in the field . We have told the Little League that they have to stay off until opening day to give it a chance to be levelled out, rolled and seeded out . That is all I have to say. Morey: I am sorry to have to disagree *ith_ Doctor .Fole .r I believe that you said you told the Recreation Committee to arrange things with the School Com- mittee . The first the School Committee knew about it was when the fence was up. There was talk around school where the boys were to play ball. We wrote Doctor Foley a letter and asked where the boys were to play. We did not get an answer. I met him and got a verbal answer and was told the Adams School. I think Doctor Foley said he talked with you, did he? Smith: The only time was when I brought the matter to his attention and at that time he suggested the Adams School. At that time I pointed out the difficulties in getting down there. It may be only 3/10 of a mile but that is enough ,t+b discourage the boys. The field is not; par- ticularly good and the coaches told me the en- closed field is not playable the entire season. We have about 125 boys and girls from the seventh grade through the twelfth who are in the High School and Junior High baseball program. The coaches feel the present space is not adequate. Chairman: I went down to the Adams School today. There was a group playing there . Was that Junior High? Smith; I think it was the High School group. Chairman,: Isn't the field at Parker Field available to the High School? Foley; The diamond is seeded . There is nothing available at the Center at the moment. Garrity: The coach was told Saturday that he could get on at any time he wanted from now on. We worked all day Saturday and from now on it is playable . We have no objection to them using it from now on. Driscoll: They can use it now? Garrity: Yes. 545 Chairman: Can the Adams School field be fixed up? Garrity: We spent two days there and put in forty yards of loam, seeded it and I don't know what more we can do. The High School played on it Saturday. Chairman : I looked at the Little League field and it does not seem that we can change it to a regular diamond without going to quite a bit of expense. Foley: I will agree with Mrs. Morey or Mr. Smith who made the statement that the fields we have are not adequate. We need at least one more ball field . Smith: You said there are as many fields available now as there were last year. Foley: Adams. School was not used before; by taking this one out it still leaves Adams School. Smith: I don' t see why Adams School can' t be used but in trying to find out why Lexington has not had good football-teams, one of our criticisms is that the hike from the center to the High School is one of the things. When I talked about going to the Adams School, it would curtail some of the enthus- iasm of some of the boys. I have not gone into what the girls are going to do. Chairman: The further end of the field, I believe, can be used for softball. Foley ; Right now it looks as if it could be used . From the start of the Little League season the Little League field is fenced in and that would cut down on the area. Chairman: Little League won't start until the 15th of May. Foley : That is right. We have snow fence that will have to be taken down and put up if that end of the field is going to be used . Morey: Since you are cutting the school program, it would seem that this year the Little League could forget about the playoffs for this year and then the field could be used and there would not be the mixup there is now. Foley: The girls softball does not start until May. For practice they could use the Lincoln Street end of the field up until the first scheduled game . We have talked to the Softball League because we have taken their diamond and we are planning to make a softball diamond in the enclosed field. I don't see why the girls can't use that . 54fi oz Chairman: The only reason for the enclosed fence is be- cause they can' t go into national competition. Why can' t they put off that for one year, be- fore they go into national competition? Arlington did not have an enclosed field and did not enter into national competition. Where this is the first year for Little League, possibly they would let go on the national com- petition for one year; the fence would not have to be erected and the girls could use the lower end . Gay: The fence now is around the infield . Where will you fence it in? Foley: The outfield . Gay: If you put it on the outfield you will not have room for any other kind of a diamond. Foley: No. Gay: Any other High School teams besides your softball and Junior High baseball? What happens to the field in the Fall? Can the field hockey team use it? Foley: For the last game they used the enclosed field which was lined out for them. They don' t play the same days as the football teaks . It probably could be used for practice. Gay: Do you mean all field hockey games could be played on the enclosed field? Morey: If you take the fence down in August it would not interfere with the girls ' hockey. Garrity: Your field hockey will be all right. Foley: A lot will depend on how Little LeaEe is promoted this year. We are looking at this from the stand- point of recreation. A lot of people have pointed out that Little League only gives so many boys a chance to play. That is true, but recreation is a large subject, and I think you could classify spectator interest as definitely recreation. If other towns and cities are an example of interest, there will be a number of people who will want to watch Little League. Citizens other than parents who go down to watch sports - it is very definitely recreation on their part. .547 Smith; I agree with everything Howard has said . It is a good sport and something every town should have. Our concern, however, is that it is not sensible to stimulate the interest of that age group and then two years later we do not have anything..to offer them. We have two Junior High School base- ball coaches now and we will have two Junior High baseball teams . Sixty boys have signed up for Junior High baseball and thirty for High School baseball. We have between thirty and thirty-five girls. The space available, it does not seem to me could accommodate that group. We have about 120 youngsters who are having their last crack at sports. I think this has been gone into too hastily. Nickerson; It is quite evident that we have not enough fields to accommodate everyone and there are two interested groups in this dispute . When the Recreation Committee was established no one seemed to know what they were going to do. In 1948 we gave them enough stature to carry on. The two interested groups are the Recreation Committee and the School Committee. It seems that there is failure of liaison. We passed this over to the Recreation Committee to take care of these things . There is money in their budget for clerical services. Somehow there has been insufficient con- , tact and planning between the two groups . I think that each group will have to give to use these fields to the fullest extent. I suggest that the Recreation Committee make a point to clear everything that might be available with the School Committee or Superinten- dent, have anough talking and conferences so that no situation like this will develop again. I suggest that a definite point of liaison be taken between the two groups. It is apparent each one must co- operate with the other and give a bit. Morey; I asked that the field be restored to us this year inasmuch as the direction to the Recreation Committee to clear with us had not been done. It looks as if our program is very much handicapped this year. Is it sensible you should take on more programs if you do not have enough fields? Foley; We need another baseball diamond. If we show need for a field, we stand a better chance of getting it. Gay: It seems to me there has been a waste of room in the enclosed field because of the drainage problem. Garrity ; I don' t think the High School is bad off at all by 111 using the Adams School. They are getting two fields. will go Chairman; See if the Little League/along with not erecting a fence and not going into national competition for this year. 54S cD Foley : I would like to see them in national competition. Chairman: I will leave it for you two committees to solve the problem. Morey: I don' t like leaving it at that. The Recreation Committee is responsible to the Selectmen. I think we would prefer that you tell the Rec- reation Committee what you think the position should be. We want a definite program. Chairman: The Selectmen went along with the Recreation Com- mittee for the use of the field by Little League. I don' t know how the Board feels, but in looking over the Little League field it seems to me that it would be expensive to tear it down and change it over again. You couldn't use it if you tore it down. It would be all loam and no grass at all. The Adams School is in fairly good condition now. Wadsworth: When the kids get through practice they are down there when they get through. Chairman: If a boy wants to play ball badly enough he will go any distance to play. We will leave it up to you two committees to work it out . The group retired at 8;25 P. M. ' Mr. Robert Jeremiah and Mr. Burns came into the meeting. The Chairman explained that Mr. Jeremiah would like a place to keep the records of his office as Wire Inspector. Mb. Jeremiah said that he understood the girl in the Building Department was very busy and suggested keeping the records at the Central Fire Station. Mr. Burns said that he had put some part time help from Wire his office in the Building Department and he could see no reason Inspector why the fees and everything could not be handled just the same Office as the building fees. He explained that the work is practically up to date and this can be taken care of. Mr. Burns felt that the building, plumbing and wiring permits should all be issued from the same office. The Chairman suggested that Mr. Jeremiah make an appoint- ment to meet Mr . Burns some afternoon and make the necessary arrangements to locate his records and set up a system for his office. Mr. Jeremiah retired at 8:30 P. M. The Chairman read a letter from M. J. Vaughan,Complaint g , 82 Woburn Street, complaining about stones that roll down from Manley Court. Mr. Burns explained that Manley Court is a private way; that this complaint has come up before and there is nothing he can do . 549 Letters were received from the Assessors referring to 1952 committed street assessments and sewer assesa- Assessment ments on parcels of land owned by the Town. The Assess- on tax ors requested authority to abate the assessments. title Mr. Stevens reminded the Board that only the Select- Property men have the power to abate assessments. Mr. Burns stated that the betterments listed in the three letters amount to approximately $3,000 and once abated can never be collected if the property is sold. Mr. Stevens agreed to discuss the subject with the Board of Assessors. Letter was received from Mr. Garrity, Supt. of Park and Shade Tree Divisions, together with two more Bids for bids for a blower. The original bid received from Blower Fitzhenry-Guptill was $2275, and the additional bids e were from Frost Insecticide Company, $2400., and Abbott Spray & Farm Equipment Co. , $1755, less municipal dis- count. Mr. Garrity stated in his letter that he would still prefer the Fitzhenry-Guptill unit. Mr. Nickerson suggested, and the Board agreed, that the Chairman confer with Messrs. Burns and Garrity and if it is decided that the low bid machine is all right, that the acceptance be consummated. The Chairman called the Board 's attention to the fact that Mr. Burnham's term as a member of the Board Appointment of Assessors expired on January 1, 1953. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it was voted to re-appoint Mr. William I. Burnham an Assessor for a three-year term expiring January 1,.. 1956. The Chairman reported that the amount of $1600 used for budget purposes as the amount necessary pay to a for printing the 1952 Annual Town Reports is $236.01 less Transfer than the actual bill which has been received from the Somerville Printing Co. Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to request the Appropriation Committee to transfer the sum of $236.01 from the Reserve Fund to the Town Report Account. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. George E. Russell resigning as a member of the Board of Health due to illness. Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to accept the resignation, and the Chairman requested the Resignation members of the Board to be prepared to make an appoint- ment next week to fill the vacancy. The Chairman read a letter from Eugene V. Salts- graver on behalf of the Battle Green Chapter, Order of Paper DeMolay, requesting permission to conduct a paper drive Drive in April. 550 CC Camil Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Driscoll it was voted to grant the Demolay per- mission to conduct a paper drive on Sunday, April 26, 1953. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Bateman, it was voted to grant the following uses of halls : Uses of Prom-Manaders Club Gary Hall May 22. Dance $33.00 halls. Lexington Grange " "' Sept.12 Fair free Youth Study Commission Sel. Room Apr . 8 free The Chairman reported that he had a conference with Mr. Rochette, head janitor, and they came to the conclusion that $1.50 per hour would be a fair charge for overtime work for the janitors in connection with Rate for the use of Cary Memorial Building. He stated that Mr. Janitor's Burns also believes this figure to be fair. overtime Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it was voted to establish $1.50 as the hourly rate of pay for janitor 's services for over- time work at the Cary .Memorial Building. Upon motion of Mr.. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to renew the following licenses: Frederic B. Hubley 4 Stetson St. Auctioneer renewal W. S. Couette 1710 Mass . Ave. 1° John W. Leary 4 Waltham St. Public Carriage " Durand ' s 1780 Mass. Ave. Sunday Sales Kieran J. Lowry 286 Lincoln St. Town Line Pharmacy 20 Mass. Ave. Wardrobe 's Pharmacy807 Mass. Ave. Lex. Amusement Co.1794 Mass. Ave. '" Movies The meeting adjourned at 9 :20 P. M. A true record, Attest: /. 1-!' k 1