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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1953-03-30-min 531 SELECTMEN'S MEETING March 30, 1953 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen 's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening at 7 :00 P. M. Chairman Reed, Messrs. Nickerson, Gay, Driscoll and Bateman were present. Mr. Burns, Supt. of Public Works, and the Clerk were also present. Mr. Burns referred to the bids received at five o'clock and stated that there is available only $45,000, including engineering fees. He said that if this were his own work, he would just have to cut some of it mkt. Eldred St. However, in this instance, the Town of Bedford is in- sewer volved and is going to pay the money. He questioned whether or not Bedford would be willing to pay the dif- ference between the amount of money appropriated and the low bid . He said that last Fall the Town appropriated 645,000 to be bonded, the work to be done by Lexington and the Town of Bedford to pay Lexington. The work was to be done subject to an agreement between Lexington and Bedford. The agreement has to be signed by both towns before the i45,000 can be bonded . The Chairman requested Mr. Burns discuss the matter with Town Counsel and then contact the Town of Bedford. Mr. Nickerson suggested the possibility of elimi- nating the last part, letting the contract and then call a Special Town Meeting for additional funds if the Town of Bedford would agree to go along on the bid . Mr. Burns discussed proposed work for 1953 and ex- plained that he has set the projects up about the same as he did last year. He listed all the work authorized by Town Meeting and broke it down as he sees it in an effort to obtain the best possible advantage from the contracts. Oontract #1 Water, includes Winthrop Road, Vine Brook Road, Forest Street, Clarke Street, Massachusetts Avenue, Waltham Street, Outlook Drive and Watertown 1953 Work Street. The first five items call for 16"' mains and Water, the last three items call for 12'" mains . He said that Street & these are the largest jobs he has to do. He stated Sewer that Nowers Road and Haywood Avenue are small jobs that he would like to do himself. He explained that his reason for grouping the eight streets was to ob- i ' tain a good contract, and he felt that he would re- ceive some fair bids . 532 "rv' Contract #2, combination of streets and sewers includes Edison Way, Massachusetts Avenue, Bartlett Avenue (including sewer) and Gleason Road (including sewer ) . Mr. Burns said that he combined the streets and sewers because it is better to have one individual responsible for the entire project. Contract #3., Sewers, included Hill Street, Bur- lington Street, Simonds Road, Blake Road, Marrett Road, and School Street . He said that there are a number of small jobs that he will have to do, mainly on drainage, and if the services continue to come in as they are, he may have to group them together as a separate contract. The Chairman said that he would like to bring up the subject of sewer connections in the Sunnyfield area and stated that out of fifty-four properties only sixteen have applied for connections. It was suggested that the Chairman contact Mr. McQuillan, Chairman of the Board of Health, on the subject. Letter was received from Elizabeth J. Connell requesting the Town to plant two trees on her property at 55 Forest Street. Request for The Chairman was authorized to advise Ms . Connell trees that the number of Applications for trees will un- doubtedly exhaust the appropriation for this year, but her request will be placed on file in its proper sequence. Letter was received from Mr. Garrity, Sup't. .Slde Tree Division, together with a bid of $2275 received from Fitzhenry-Guptill Company for a mist blower. Mr. Gay said that he believed there should be more than one bid and the Board agreed . Letter was received from Mr. Garrity, together with two bids for a new 2 ton truck for the Shade Tree Divi- sion. F. K. Johnson, Inc. submitted a bid of $22.50 for a model 6403 truck and equipment; $3440 including winch, and in addition, frame reinforcements at a cost of $55 which would make net totals of $2605 or $3495. Frederic R. Childs submitted a bid of $3800 with winch and $2900 without winch. Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay , it was voted to accept F. K. Johnson's net bid of $2605 for a 1953 Chevrolet long wheelbase 2 ton model 6403 truck, including frame reinforcements, but not including winch. Mr. Burns retired at 7 :45 P. M. 533 The Chairman read a letter from Dr. Stanley H. ' Cath, 36 Brunswick Road, Arlington, requesting per- mission on behalf of the frlington-Lexington-Bedford Permit Jewish Center, to seek the financial support of the people in Lexington in the publication of a Shoppers ' Guide. The book will be subscribed to on space per size of subscription basis. Mr. Bateman informed the Board that the Chamber of Commerce would definitely be opposed to any such acti- vity. Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Dris- coll, it was voted to refer the communication to Town Counsel for his advice and when the request is acknow- ledged, advise Dr. Cath of the position that the Chamber of Commerce may take. Letter was received from Mr. Carroll, Town Clerk, to thich was attached a copy of the vote passed at the Adjourned Town Meeting, March 23rd, in regard to the Salary and Wage Study Committee. Upon motion of Mr. Bateman, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it was voted to appoint Mr. Driscoll as a member to serve on the Committee from the Board of Selectmen. The subject was discussed and views expressed by the members of the Board . Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was unanimously voted to authorize Mr. Nickerson to compose a letter on this subject to be published in the Lexington Minute Man; said communication to be submitted two the Board for approval before publication. At 8:00 P. M. the following representatives from the American Legion met with the Board : Commander Legion Daniel O' Connor, Murray Dearborn, Malcolm Clifford and Use of hall one other man. Mr. O'Connor said that the last time he met with the Board he thought it was suggested that he send a letter to the Board stating just what the Legion wants. This he did December 29, 1952. He said that the Auxiliary holds its meetings on the same evening as the Legion, and the Post would like to have the use of .stabrook Hall and a conference room for regular meetings the third Monday each month. He questioned paying the janitor and said that they would like the uses at as little expense as possible and stated that for years the janitor opened the building but left before the meeting adjourned. Mr. O' Connor said that the other point he wanted to discuss was the Old Adams School property. The Legion has the money and plans and would like to purchase the property and build there . L 534 041 The Chairman referred to the request for the use of Estabrook Hall and asked if they would also expect to use the kitchen. Mr. O' Connor replied that they do serve coffee and doughnuts and would like the use of the kitchen. Mr. Gay asked how many meetings are held each month, and Mr. O'Connor replied that they meet the third Monday each monthLfrom September through June . The Chairman asked how often the executive committee would meet, and Mr. O'Connor replied that they would meet at the old quarters. Mr. Driscoll inquired as to the membership and Mr. O' Connor replied that there are 167 members. Mr. Gay asked how many attend the meetings, and Mr. O' Connor replied that there were fifty-three present at the last meeting, but at the old location the number was down to thirty-five. The Chairman explained that the recent Town Meeting approved an appropriation for janitors and the Board in- tends to make a definite charge to the organizations renting the building. He said that the janitors are ob- liged to work many nights and some times the groups using the building pay and others do not pay. Now the janitors will be paid from the funds appropriated, and the organi- zations using the building will be billed. Mr. O' Connor asked if this applied to the school, and the Chairman explained that the money was appropriated for the Town Office & Cary Building janitors only. He stated that the use of school buildings is entirely within the jurisdication of the School Committee. When the group retired, upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Bateman, it was voted to grant the Uses of American Legion, Stanley Hill Post the use of Estabrook halls Hall for regular meetings the third Monday of eahh month, except the months of July and August, for a period of one year, and the Auxiliary the use of a conference room for the same nights and period of time. No charge will be made for the uses of the hall and conference room, but a bill will be rendered each month for janitor 's services. Mr. O' Connor asked the Board to reconsider the Legion's request for a permit to conduct Tag Days on April 17 and 18. He said that due to a conflict in paper drives, the Legion did not make as much money as Tag Day anticipated and would therefore like to conduct Tag Days for two days just for this year. The Chairman explained that Tag Days have been limited to one day because people have complained about being asked to contribute two days in succession. He said that the Board would reconsider and let him know. The group retired at 8:25 P. M. 535 Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Batemen, it was voted to make an exception for this year only and permit the American Legion to conduct Tag Days on April 17th and 18th. At 8:30 P. M. Mr. Allen Murray, Bedford, met with the Board . He said that he did not have every much to say but would like to register a complaint about the Police Department . However, he has found out that the police Complaint were right in the sense that they followed the letter of the law. He was supposed to have a summons served from the Waltham Police in January and never received it, never knew anything about it and then received a warrant. This put him to much inconvenience and caused the loss of a day's pay. He said that there was someone at his house all during the month of January . The Chairman said that the Board is not familiar with the situation at all but would look into it and ask the Chief of Police for an explanation. Mr. Murray said that he spoke to the officer on the desk, and he was very pleasant . However, the Chief or whoever was there took a very arrogant attitude. The Chairman said that the Board would definitely look into the matter. Mr. Murray retired at 8:35 P. M. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it was voted to grant the following uses of halls, free of charge: American Legion Auxiliary Conf. Room April 13th Knights of Columbus Cary Hall May 24th Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it was voted to grant a Sunday Movies License to the Lexington Amusement Company. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it was voted to sign the following Street and Sewer Orders:: Bartlett Avenue from Lowell Street a distance of approxi- mately 971 feet westerly. (Copy Selectmen' s Files High- way 1953 ) Gleason Road from North Hancock Street nor- therly approximately 760 feet to Fuller Road . (Copy in Selectmen's files Highways 1953 . ) Sewer in Bedford Street from Eldred Street, northwesterly to Winter Street, 1645 feet plus or minus . (Copy in Selectmen 's Files - Sewers 1953 . ) Further consideration was given to Mrs. Harold J. 111Crumb 's request, on behalf of the Ways & Means Committee, Lexington- Symmes Auxiliary, for permission to conduct a 536CO CO Tag Day in May . Mr. Gay said that he might be inclined to grant the request inasmuch as residents of Lexington use the hospital, and Mr. Driscoll brought up the fact that Lexington people also use Emerson Hospital. Mr. Bate- Tag Day man felt that once granted, it might become an annual denied affair. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Bateman, it was voted to deny the request on the basis that citizens of the town are going to be contacted for donations . Mr. Nickerson did not vote on the subject. Further consideration was given to Mr. W. H. Ballard 's letter of March 13, 1953 in re George Scott - Proposed Massachusetts Avenue widening. Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to authorize the Chairman to instruct Mr. Ballard to continue his negotiations with Mr. Scott and make an appointment to discuss his plans with the Board at his convenience . The subject of closing the Town Offices on Monday nights was brought up and upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to close the Town Offices Monday evenings effective immediately; it being felt that it was the intent of the vote which was passed unanimously by Town Meeting and not being necessary to wait until the amendment to the By-laws is approved and advertised . Sealed bids were open for a car for the Police Department as follows : F. K. Johnson, Inc . - 1953 Chevrolet 2 Door Sedan Model 1502 equipped with direction signals, airflow heater, defroster and fiber seat covers - net $395.35 (Trading 1952 Ford 2-Door Sedan) . Frederick R. Childs - Mainline V8 Tudor Sedan equipped with oil filter, direction lights, heater and seat covers - net $425 .00 (Trading 1952 Ford Tudor ). Mr. Driscoll said that for the difference between a Ford V8 and a Chevrolet 6, he would recommend the Ford . Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Bateman, it was unanimously voted to accept Mr. Child 's bid in the net amount of $425. 1 537 Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to make the following appointments for a period of one year unless indicated otherwise ; (Quote ) APPOINTMENTS MADE 3/30/53 Board of Appeals Lester T. Redman (5 yr. term) Board of Appeals (Associate Members ) J. Henry Duffy George W. Emery Elmer C. Houdlette Edwin B. Worthen, Jr. Board of Public Welfare Harold F. Lombard John A. Sellars Howard H. Dawes Building Inspector Ernest A. Lindstrom Constable (Under Ch. 41, Sec. 91A ) Charles E. Moloy Dental Clinic Mrs. Vincent Burke Mrs. John R. Rich Mr. John B. Smith Dog Officers James F. Mowat Eugene M. LaRose Executive Clerk Hazel J. Murray Field Drivers John W. Rycroft Benjamin W. Day Fence Viewers Rev. Harold Handley John J. Garrity Gammell Legacy Income Trustees Harold F. Lombard (Acting with Board of Public Welfare ) Mrs. Robert C. Merriam Lockup Keeper John W. Rycraft Measurer of Wood & Bark Harold I. Wellington Moth Department Superintendent John J. Garrity Old Age Assistance Harold F. Lombard John A. Sellars Howard H. Dawes Park Superintendent John J. Garrity Plidmbing Inspector Ernest A. Lindstrom 538 A tO Public Works Superintendent William M. Burns Registrar of Voters Leon H. Truesdell (3 yr. term) Sealer of Weights & Measures Ralph E. Chadwick Town Counsel Harold E. Stevens Town Engineer William M. Burns Veterans' Agent Maurice N. Healy Weighers Harold I. Wellington Jacob Bierenbroodspot Paul Wagner, Jr. Arthur Genetti Arthur J. Rivet, Jr. Mrs. Edith M. Kindred Wire Inspector Robert Jeremiah Recreation Committee Ernest J. Crerie (3 Yr. term ) Reference was made to Dr. Wells ' visit with the Board some time ago for the purpose of discussing Union Union Health Departments as proposed under Chapter 662 of the Health Acts of 1949. The Board was of the opinion that it would Committee he advantageous to the Town tp ]'iave this subject followed by a committee of three for the purpose of studying and observing the progress of the Union Health Law. Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to appoint Messrs. Ralph H. Wells, R. L. McQuillan and Edward B. Cass . The meeting adjourned at 9;45 P. M. A true record, Attest: