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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1954-05-03-BOS-min 347 SELECTMEN'S MEETING May 3, 1954 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, May 3, 19511 at 7:00 P. M. Chairman Reed, Messrs. Bateman, James,. Maloney and Gay were present. Mr. Burns, Supt. of Public Works, and the Clerk were also present. Mr. Burns informed the Board that he received Bids on 6" the following bids intwo carloads of 6" clay pier clay pipe Waldo Brothers 35 per foot with a 2% discount Lexington Lumber 31 e * with a 5% discount after deduction of freight Upon motion of Mr. Bateman, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to accept the bid submitted by the Lex- ington Lumber Company. Mr. Burns reported on bids received for a 3/4 ton pickup truck and a carryall as follows: Bids on 3/14 ton truck and Pickup carryall F. K. Johnson, Inc. Net $1279 Frederic R. Childs 1300 Carryall 1' . K. Johnson, Inds 1839 Frederic R. Childs No bid Mr. Burns explained that Childs did not bid be- cause they do not have anything to approach the Chev- rolet price. Mr. Bateman asked if anyone else manufactured a carryall and Mr. Burns replied that they do not in that price range. Mr. Maloney inquired about the trade-in and Mr. Burns explained that he will be trading in a 1914 carryall and a 1911 pickup. Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr. Bapy- man. It was voted to authorize the Supt. of Public Works to place an order with Frederic R. Childs for a 3/4 ton Ford pickup at the quotad price of $1300 and to place an order with F. K. Johnson, Inc. for a Chevrolet carryall at the quoted price of $1839. Mr. Burns referred to petitions filed by the New 348 azC Conduit England Telephone and Telegraph Company in April for locations permission to install underground conduits and manholes in Bedford Street. He reported that the work is de- signed on a twenty-five year basis and no replacements will be needed for that period of time. He further reported that the company does not intend to take down the present cables until they become so disintegrated that it will be necessary to place them underground. The ducts will be able to take them when and if they do have to be taken down. Mr. Burns explained that the company- has changed the plans insofar as they affected the water and sewer locations and he has no further objeetiona. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Bateman, it was voted to approve the following conduit and man- hole locations: Bedford Street: From manhole 54/105 at North Hancock Street, northwesterly approximately 5637 feet of under- ground conduit to pole 6/.01, also nine manholes. From manhole 54/107 approximately 221 feet of under- ground conduit to pole 40/2 on Simonds Road. From manhole 54/111 approximately 60 feet of under- ground conduit it to Dead End at Bernard Road. From manhole 54/114 approximately 170 feet of under- ' ground conduit to pole 92/1 on Westview Street. Bedford Streets. From manhole at Harrington Road, southerly approximately 453 feet of underground conduit. Pole Petition was received from the Boston Edison Com- location pany and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Com- pany for a j/o pole location on Concord Avenue, south- westerly side, approximately 250 feet southeast of Barberry Road. No action was taken on the petition. The Chairman read a letter from Robert L. Lyon, Curbing 265 Bedford Street, requesting the installatioh of twenty feet of curbing on the North Hancock Street side of his property. Mr. Bateman mentioned that this is something that will have to be considered in the curbing program. The Chairman was authorized to advise Mr. Lyon: tthat the Board hopes to have a survey made on the subject this year, but that it is too late to include his request in this year' s program. However, if funds should be avail- able in the account, his request may be acted upon favorably. The Chairman read a letter from the Board of Re- tirement requesting the Selectmen to consider estab- lishing a requirement that a complete physical examina- L. 349 tion, including chest x-rays, be given to all pros- pective permanent laborer employees before hiring. Mr. Burns said that he has never asked for an army examination, but has always required a doctor' s certificate to accompany the application for employ- ment. Mr. James asked how good a job the physician would do and Mr. Burns replied that probably it de- pended on the doctor but he doubted if he would re- port a man was in good physical condition, under his signatureif he did not think so. He said that he has not hired anyone for five or six years. Mr. Bateman asked if he had any objection and Mr. Burns replied in the negative. Kr. James said he thought the Board of Retirement should look into the matter, determine who does the examining and how much it casts. Me. Stevens arrived at the meeting at 7:30 P. M. Mr. John Brucahi met with the Board. He said that the people in hie neighborhood are upset about overflowing cesspools in the McConchie development. He has discussed the subject with the Board of Health and also with Mr. Burns. He said that unless some action is taken within ten days he intends to go to the State Board of Health. He referred to,a pipe through which the sewage flows onto his land and said that he wants that pipe blocked up. The Chairman said that actually this is a Board of Health problem and the Selectmen will have to work with that Board. He stated that the Board would view the area and also discuss the matter with the Board of Health. Mr. Bruechi retired at 8:15 P. M. The following individuals, owners of property abutting the intra highway proposed by the Planning Board, met with the Selectmen: Mr. and Mrs. Seth, Mrs. Manner, Messrs. Foley, McDonough, Locke and Emery (rep- resenting Home for Aged) , Dearborn, Newgent and Father Casey. The Chairman explained that the Board invited the group in for an informal discussion, and stated that the meeting was not a hearing of the proposed layout* He said that this is a portion of a road recommended by the Planning Board to bypass the center and traced the location of the road on the wall map. He said that there has been a serious drainage problem in the area for some time and the present Board of Selectmen has been consider- , ing draining the area even though there is no legal ob- 350 = CooCL ligation. When it was learned that the Planning Board I was .recommending the road, the Selectmen felt that the drainage could be done at the same time. He said that the Selectmen would like to get the reaction of the property owners and hear whatever suggestions they might have. The Chairman explained that two owners of large areas, Mr. Viano and the First National Stores, are not present because the subject has been discussed with them inasmuch as they own property on Bedford Street where the road entrance will be. He explained that the entrance is proposed to be approximately opposite the Fire Station because one of the main purposes of the road is to pro- vide a way for fire apparatus to- reach the Concord Hill area without having to go down Bedford Street and over Harrington Road. He said he would like to know how those present feel and explained that if the road does go through, it will undoubtedly open up a considerable amount of property. He asked if anyone had any objec- tions and there were none. One individual, who did not give his name, said his objection was personal; he would not like a highway going across his back yard. The Chairman said that the road will probably be seventy feet with a twenty foot grass plot in the middle. Itwill not be limited access and asked where this manta property is located. II He replied that it is 2013 Massachusetts Avenue, 1 next to the Hone for the Aged. The Chairman said that in most oases the greatest amount of land to be taken, this side of the brook, would be thirty-five feet. He said that the. Board would, of course, like to have the property owners deed that amount Of land to the Town if there is no objection. .He said the Board would like to find out whether or not the Town will have to take the land. Mr. Whalen asked if it were on each side of the road next to the center and the Chairman replied ih the affir- mative. Mr. Dearborn asked how much it would be on the other side, and the Chi replied that it varies and ex- plained that no definite location has been determined. He said under the conditions Viano and First National Stores give, it will be sixty feet on the Viano side and ten feet on the First National aide. At the present time it would go almost on an angle so in some instances, the amount taken would be small and in others it will be larger. Mr. Seth said that he went on record to the effeet that he would deed a part of the land but did not thi#zk i t ' would be sixty feet. The Chairman said that no definite layout has been made. 11 351 He asked if Mr. Seth and the other property owners would be willing to deed whatever the Town wants to take providing it is within reason. Mr. Locke said that it is a question of how much of thero ert is taken p p Y The Chairman said that there would have to be a cut in the corner there. At the present time Stratham Road would not cut through the highway. There would be a small triangle on the farther side of the Home. for the Aged which could be given to them in return for what the Town takes in the rear. Mr. Locke said they would want an access to their property. The Chairman said they would still be able to get in. The Chairman said that the water main would be in- stalled but no sewer at this time. He said if the road is constructed, betterments may be charged and deferred until the land is built upon. Mr. Locke asked if there would be betterments assessed to the Home and the Chairman replied that there are some cases where betterments ,might be assessed because the land will be bettered and salable for house lots. Mr. Seth said that, starting at Bedford Street, there would be a 900 angle and it will come into his property. He asked if there would be a winding road to follow the II contour of the brook and the Chairman replied that it is not planned to follow the brook, but the brook will be piped and under the strip in the middle. Mr. Burns said that depending upon the outcome of the discussion this. evening, an endeavor will be made to plan a layout that will most nearly cover everyonets condition. If. the pian is prepared and the Board decides to go ahead with the project, a public hearing will be held and the property owners will be given an opportunity to see the plan. Father Casey said that he would have to consult with the authorities on the church land, but he felt• sure they would agree with any recommendations the Board makes and give any amount of land needed. He said that he is de- lighted beyond measure because the road would give access to the land and heal a very great deal in the parking situation on Sunday mornings. He said the church seeks mostly from the road, access to the land and parking area. The Chairman said that the Board realizes this road will clear up some of the parking problems both for St. Brigid' s Church and the Unitarian Church. He said that very shortly South Road in Bedford will be closed and all the traffic will come. down to Lexington. This road will prevent the traffic from going through Harrington Road and also be access to Concord Hill by the Fire Department. Mr. Dearborn asked if the Board planned to go to Stratham Road and the Chairman replied that it will turn 352 vd on the outside corner of the Home for the Aged. Mr. Dearborn asked when the road would be pre- sented to Town Meeting and t he Chairman explained that the Board had considered a June, meeting, but now be- lieves it will be possibly September if everything works out. He said that if the .damages are too high, it may not be presented at all. Mr. Whalen asked when construction would begin if the Town Meeting approved it and the Chairman replied that it would have to be let out on contract and would be in the Spring. Mr. Newgent asked where the money was coming from; that is the Town or Town and State. The Chairman replied that this would be a Town pro- ject. Mr. Newgent asked about betterments and the Chairman said that he had previously mentioned that the Board could defer the betterments .until the land is built upon, but as yet hi) definite decision has been made in regard to the assessment of betterments. Mr. Newgent asked what the assessment would be and Mr. Burns replied that it would .depend on the cost of the road and how much the Board decides to apportion to the property. Mr. Newgent asked why there would be a grass plot in the middle and Mr. Burns explained that there would be turn offs and the traffic would be moving fast. The twenty foot strip is about the length of a car and anyone having to make a turn would have some protection. The Chairman explained this is the beginning of a road the Planning Board has designed to go over to Route 2. This will be presented to the Town Meeting as the first part of that road and the Town Meeting action will deter- mine whether or not the road will be constructed i its entirety. He said that at the present time there arena houses in the way of the road at all. Mr. Emery said that he was puzzled about the plot in the middle and said that in that event cars would not be able to park in the middle and would park on the edge. He said if it were a wide single road, there would be op- portunity to take extra land and provide for angle parking. The Chairman asked what reason there would be for parking in the street and said that there will be parking areas at both the First National Store and the churches. One individual asked about the intersection of Massa- chusetts Avenue and Lincoln Street. Mr. Burns said that is a problem and the Board is aware of it. Not being able to take anything from Hastings 1 353 l.:r• Park, there will have to be an approach to the new road about 90° to Massachusetts Avenue with a circle opposite the triangle. He said that there will have to be traffic lights there. The Chairman asked how the group felt about the road. Mr. Whalen said he liked it. Father Casey said he was praying for it and Mr. Seth said he is very much in accord and feels it would be a great asset to the town. Mr. Bateman explained the urgency by stating that both Mr. Viano and the First National Store have definite plans and if the road is going to be constructed, it must be done at this time. The Chairman explained that damage would be consider- able if they start construction and then the Town took any land. Therefore, it is important to obtain the land be- fore construction is started. At 8'15 P. M. Messrs. Hathaway, Irwin, Grindle, Jaquith and Ripley, of the Planning Board, arrived at the meeting. Mr. Newgent asked if it would be better to have the land given to the town and not have to assess betterments, He said it might be better to have assessments in order to receive full co-operation. The Chairman said the Board hoped to receive co-opera- tion of all concerned, but it is the feeling that better- ments should be assessed because, in most eases, the road will definitely improve the property. He said betterments could be assessed and deferred until such time as the land is built upon. Mr. Hathaway, acting as Chairman for the Planning Board, said that this is a section of what the Planning Board hopes to be a two-mile road and the Board is still in the period of discussion. Mr. Whalen said that there is complete unanimity among the abutters with the exception of ona person who represents the abutter. Mr. Emery said the Home for the Aged is at the cor- ner of where this road would turn. He said if it should give up thirty-five feet, it will but if the amount could be cut down to something less, they would like it. He said the property would be hemmed in and further it cannot expand. However, it would not stand in the way of the road. The Chairman said that there is a small place where Stratham Road comes out onto Massachusetts Avenue now. Ths Town might deed it to the Home for the piece in the rear. Mr. Emery said they would appreciate any consideration. The Chairman said that the Board definitely would have more information for the group before too long because the location must be determined and the group would be notified. The Planning Board, property owners, Messrs. Burns and Stevens retired at 8:55 P. M. 354 Letter was received from William P. Fitzgerald, Parade Little League Chairman, requesting permission to con- duct a parade to officially open the 1954 season on Saturday, May 8 At 1:00 P. M. from the Junior High School to the ball field. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Bateman, it was voted to grant the request.• Telephone call was received from Dry John E. Murray, on behalf of the Archbishop Cushing Paper Paper Drive, requesting permission to conduct a drive in drive Lexington on Sunday, May 9. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Bateman, it was voted to grant the request. Upon motion of Mr. Bateman, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to grant the following licenses: Village Variety Store 93 Mass. Ave. Sunday Sales (renewal) George R. Reed Drug Co. 1721 Mass. Ave. 0 N Vernon S.. Rivet 135 Burlington Junk Collector " St. Bedf. Benjamin W. Berman 13 Mass. Ave. " • Theron H. Gaugh 151 Concord Ave. Peddler Sign at Mr. Gay presented a letter from the Lexington Com- Emery Park munity Concert Association requesting •permission to plaoe a placard 12" x 15" in Emery Park between May Lth and 8th to announce the campaign drive. Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to grant the request. Mr. Gay said that the Christian Scientist Church i Use of ball has been granted the use of Estabrook Hall on May 21 for a Monitor Junior Forum and would like to use the hall on Thursday for a rehearsal. The Board had no objection. The Chairman brought up the subject of the Kiwanis Horse show Club request for permission to conduct a horse show on the so-called Aldrich property. The Board had no objection and the Chairman was authorized to so advise the group and suggest that they contact the Recreation Committee with whom arrangements should be made. The Chairman referred to Mr. Garrity' s visit to the Board at which time he mentioned leaks in the roof of the house in which he lives. The Chairman was authorized to ask Custance Bros. to inspect the roof and submit a report to the Board. L. 355 The Chairman read a letter from the Watertown Arsenal with reference to Armed Forces Day, Satvr4ay, May 15. for which special dedication ceremonies h.a►;� been planned, Mr. James agreed to represent the Board. The meeting adjourned at 9:40 P. M. A true record, Attest: C1er r S dctmen