HomeMy WebLinkAbout1950SELECTMENtS MEETING
' January 3, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held
in the.Selectments Room Town Office Building on Tuesday
January 3, 1950 at 7:00 P. M. Chairman Emery, Messrs. bay,
Driscoll, Nickerson and Hoyt were present. The Clerk was
also present.
Mr. Ralph W. Cowdry, 1055 Massachusetts Avenue Arl-
ington, met with the Board relative to veteran lot k3, Hill
Street.,
The Chairman explained that the Board has received
requests from veterans for lots and would like to determine
whether or not those veterans having lots actually intend
to build and if so when.
Mr. Cowdry stated that he has had his lot a little
over one year, but at the present time his finances are
such that he cannot proceed with construction. He explained
that he has been living, until recently, with his mother-
in-law and it will take some time before he is financially
able to build his house.
The Chairman explained that the Selectmen are not
anxious to press the restrictions but would like to make
sure that all those veterans who have been assigned lots
really intend to build on them.
' Mr. Cowdry said that he is definitely interested and
wants td build. He said that several of his friends have
built. on a veteran's lot. He has two children and does ,
_not believe that Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington is the Veterans
place for them to be brought up. Lots
The Chairman asked if Mr. Cowdry had plans prepared
and he replied that he has his own general ideas but has
not as yet seen an architect to have his plans drawn. -
Mr. Cowdry asked if there Frere any deadline as to -
when he,must have his house built and the Chairman said
that the deadline has long past.
Mr. Cowdry stated that the earliest he could build
would be a year from this coming spring and possibly not
until the fall.
The Chairman explained that if the situation becomes
such that the Board feels justified in requesting further
information Mr. Cowdry would probably be invited to meet
with the Selectmen again. He said that if, in the meantime,
Mr. Cowdry does not intend to build on the lot, the Board
hoped that he would release it.
Mr. Cowdry retired at 7:05 P. M.
Mr. Carl R. Petterson, 8 Hill Street, Lexington, met
with the Board relative to veteran lot #12, Cedar Street•
The Chairman explained that the Selectmen would like
to know whether or not Mr. Petterson is in erested in build-
ing a house on his lot, because several requests have been
received from other veterans.
504
Mr. Patterson stated that he is very much interested in
the lot, but 4e cannot afford to build now and does not know '
when he will be in a position to start construction. He ex-
plained that two years ago he made a deposit on this lot with
every intention of building, but he has since married*
The Chairman said that as longg as lots are available the
Selectmen would like to have the boys keep 'them„ but if more
requests are received from lots, something may have to be done
about having those released which have not as yet been built
upon. He said, however, that the Selectmen would invite Mr.
Petterson to meet with them before taking any action and asked
if such an arrangement would be agreeable to him. Mr. Patter-
son replied in the affirmative and retired.
Memo was received from Albert D. Evans, 49 Outlook Drive,
relative to veteran lot #15, Cedar Street. Mr. Evans stated
that he intends to build a house but wants to wait urrtil his
son and daughter, now attending a teachers' college in Alabama,
return. Both children are veterans. His daughter will gradu-
ate in June, 1950,
The Cle* was instructed to write Mr. Evans and ask him
to qualify the situation as to the status of his plans, and
to advise the Board as to just when he intends to start con-
struction of his house.
Letter was received from David G. Govan, 1834 Massachusetts
Avenue, Lexington relative to veteran lot #205, Cedar Street. '
He stated that he definitely does plan to build on this lot and
that his plans have been accepted by -the Planning Board. His
reason for not building is because he is not financially able.
He does not want to take a chance of losing his house when
it is built.
Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that he would like to in-
crease the holdover in the Road Machinery Account from $3300 I
to $5,000 in the event he is able to purchase a large sidewalk
tractor.
Mr., Joseph H. DeFoe, sup't, of Pulbic Works, met with the
Linehan
Board.
better-
Further consideration was given to Mr. Charles A. Linehan's
ment
request for an abatement of the water betterment assessments
assessment
levied against his property on Westview Street.
A majority of the members of the Board inspected the
property and it was unanimously agreed to reduce the assessment
levied against the parcel of land on the westerly side of the
street to $150, It was the opinion of the Board that this lot
has received a betterment not less than what would ru-e> to an
ordinary Zoning Law Lot which would have to have a minimum of
100 foot frontage.
The Board was not in favor of abating any portion of the
betterment assessment on -the easterly side of the street inas-
much as the members who inspected it felt that it is a build-
able lot.
Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that he would like to in-
crease the holdover in the Road Machinery Account from $3300 I
to $5,000 in the event he is able to purchase a large sidewalk
tractor.
Mr. Hoyt stated that he frankly opposed increasing
the amount of money to be held over and questioned whether
' the use of this equipment would justify spending $1200
or $ 1500 more of the town's money.
Mr. Nickerson said that he would not want to have
Mr. DeFoe purchase a small unit if he were convinced that
the larger unit would do a better job. He stated that the
Town of Arlington has the small tractor which apparently has
been satisfactory.
Following a Eeneral discussion it was decided to
leave the order for the small tractor as it is and if
it is not purchased further consideration can be given
to the subject in the spring.
Mr. DeFoe reported to the Board relative to request
received from Hoseph Dattoli for the removal of two
boulders from Albermarle Avenue. He said that he does
not know whether they are boulders or ledge, and there
is a question as to whether they can be cut back or
will have to be dug out. He.explained that if they.have
to be taken out it, will cost approximately $300. It
might take two or three days; two men for drilling and
one on the shovel. He said that any blasting were done
there is the possibility of shattering.
Mr. Hoyt asked if the street would be left the way
it is if the boulders are removed and Mr. DeFoe replied in
affirmative.
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505
Sidewalk
tractor
Boulders
Albermarle
Avenue
the
The Chairman stated that the appeatance of the street
would be improved if the boulders are removed and he thought
the situation had been aggravated somewhat by the installation
of the sewer..
Mr. Gay reminded the Board that Albermarle is an
unaccepted street and raised and question as to whether
or not removing the boulders would invite similar requests
from other streets.
Mr. DeFoe was requested to report further on the
problem next week.
Mr. Harold Stevens, Town Counsel, arrived at the
meeting.
Further consideration was given to Mr. Cataldo's,
request for an abatement of the sewer betterment assess- Cataldo
ment levied against his property on Both Street. A assessment
majority of the members of the Board inspected this
property and Mr. Gay stated that he believes thea are
some fine house lots in this parcel of land. lie said,
however, that there is one thing which might enter into this
and that is the fact that Mr. Cataldo has given the town
a sewer easement.
Mr. Driscoll agreed with Mr. Gay and he said that he
would go along with the Board if it is determined that
the sewer easement should be considered.
The Chairman asked if the lots are buildable and both
Mr. Hoyt and Mr. Driscoll replied in the affirmative.
The Chairman explained the situation to Mr. Stevens
and asked if it would be legal for the Board to reduce .
the amount of the betterment assessment by a sum which the
506,
Board feels to be a fair compensation for the sewer easement
which Mr. Cataldo gave the town and for which he would not
accept payment. Mr. Stevens replied that he would prefer to
check on the situation further,
Mr. Nickerson said that as he understood the.matter, Mr.
Cataldo is not interested in any agreement and he did not
believe the Board would -get anywhere in offering Mr. Cataldo'
a compromise.
The Chairman agreed and said that if the Board is
willing and it is legal to offer him a compromise he might
accept it. He said that he would like to offer a compromise
even if Mr. Cataldo declines it. Mr. Stevens agreed to give
the Board an opinion.
The Chairman said that when water was piped. up Oak
Nieholst Street in 1942, Howard Nichols, or he and his brother and
farm sister owned the so-called Nichols' farm which was later
assessment sold to Mr. West. When the water was installed, the
Selectmen, upon the advice of Mr. Wrightington., made an
agreement with Howard Nichols, who at that time was the
legal owner of the fee or at least the representative of
the Nichols family. He read the agreement and explained
that a bill was mailed �n 1948 but the amount due never
paid.
The Chairman gave the bill and agreement to Mr. Stevens
and asked him to determine if the Town has a point of action,
and who should be responsible for the bills.
The Chairman brought up the subject of acquiring a
parcel of land on Marrett Road, suggested by Mr.•Delbe, to
eliminate going through ledge in the construction of the
Farmerest sever. He said that there is one aspect to
taking.this lot.and that is that it will cc= out.af.taxable
Land taking town property, and will no longer be a site for a home or
Farmcrest bring in revenue. He elplained, however, that Mr. DeFoets
'sewer proj.figures show a saving of 43,OCD by installing the sewer
through this particular lot of land. He said that he; Mr.
Driscoll and Mr. Hoyt agree that it would be to the town's
advantage to purchase the lot.
Mr. Nickerson said that;he has seen the lot, is familiar
with it and would vote to pui�ase it as he definitely
believes it to -be a good business deal.
It was the sentiment of the Board that the Town acquire
the property and Mr. Stevens expressed the opinion that
he thought it should be acquired by a tkking. H e explained
that the Statute makes it clear that the Town can talie
property by eminent domain for sewer purposes but it does not
mention puchasing property. He:said that the Town cannot
buy for a price which is more than 25% of the average assessed
value for the last three years. He said that he thought
f in this instance it would be much better to make a taking
under the vote bf the Town Meeting. If a taking is made,
take a fee and obtain a release of damages and a confirmatory
deed from the present owner.
The Chairman asked if, after the Town took the fee,
the land could be used for any municipal purposes and Mr.
Stevens replied that he thought no but would prefer to check
to make sure.
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The Chairman asked if Mr. Stevens favored taking
fee and he replied in the affirmative.
Mr. Stevens presented an order for the taking in
two parcels of land necessary for the installation of
sewer main in Grapevine Avenue and Marrett Road. Upon
of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was ordered:
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss.
ti�tyj
it in
fee of
a
motion
Town of Lexington
At a meeting of the Board of Selectmen of the Town of
Lexington , held this 3d day of January, 1950, it is
ORDERED:- WHEREAS, by a unanimous vote of a Town Meeting
duly called, warned and held the 7th day of March, 1949, in
accordance with the provisions of law applicable thereto, to wib:
at the adjourned session thereof held on April 4, 1949, the
Selectmen were authorized and empowered on behalf of the Town of
Lexington to install sewer mains in such accepted or unaccepted
streets as might be applied for during the year 1949 and to take
by eminent domain or otherwise acquire any easements or other
interest in land necessary therefor, and an appropriation of
money was made for the purpose, as will more fully appear by
reference to said vote, an attested copy of which is annexed
hereto, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to said vote orders for the construction
of common sewers in Grapevine Avenue and in Marrett Road in
said Town of Lexington were duly adopted by the Selectmen at
a meeting duly held on October 31, 1949, copies of said orders
being recorded in Middlesex South District Deeds, Book 7501,
Pages 40 to 43.
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the undersigned, being a majority of
the Board of Selectmen of the said Town of Lexington, duly
elected and qualified and acting as such, do hereby, under
and by virtue of the provisions of Chapter 79 of the General
Laws of Massachusetts and all acts and amendments thereof and
in addition thereto, and of any and every other power and
authority us hereto in any way enabling, take in fee for the
purpose aforesaid, two parcels of lAnd within said Town,
said parcels being Lots No. 72 and No.84 on a plan entitled "Plan
2, Section 2, May, 1919, C. H. Gannett; C. Ego ' and recorded
with Middlesex South District Deeds, Book of Plans -274, Plan
43, together bounded and described as follows: -
SOUTHWESTERLY by Marrett Road, formerly
Middle Street, fifty (50) feet•,
NORTHWESTERLY by Lot No. 83 and b Lot No. 73
on said plan, two hundred thirty (230 feet;
NORTHEASTERLY by Grapevine Avenue, fifty (50)
feet, and
SOUTHEASTERLY by Lot No. 71 and by
on said plan, two hundred thirty (230)
lots together containing 11,500 square
more or less.
Lot No.85
feet; said two
feet of land,
All trees upon said land and structures affixdd
thereto are included in the taking.
We award the damages sustained by persons in their
property by reason of the taking hereby made as follows:
To Ralph L. Santos and Lucinda C. Santos,
husband and wife, both of Cambridge, Middlesex County,
Massachusetts, the sum of One (1) Dollar.
In so awarding damages, we
supposed owner of record of the
hereof, but, if the name of the
land is not correctly stated, it
interest is owned by an owner or
such case, our awRrd is made to
of.
have awarded them to th®
land hereby taken as of the date
owner of any interest in said
is to be understood that such
owners unknown to us, and, in'
the lawful owner or owners there -
Betterments are to be assessed for the improvement for
which this taking is made and have been estimated in the afore-
said orders for construction of sewers, copies of which are
recorded in said Deeds, Book 7501, pages 40 to 43.
WITNESS our hands at said Lexington the day and year
first above written.
George W,_Emery
Lewis L. Hoyt
William H. -,Driscoll
Donald E. Nickerson -
Frederick M. Ga
Board of 3electmen
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss. January 3, 1950
Then personally appeared George W. Eme, William H.
Driscoll, Donald E. Nickerson, Frederick M.7ay and Lewis L.
Hoyt, known to me to be the duly elected, qualified, and
acting Selectmen of the Town of Lexington, and acknowledged the
foregoing instrument to be the free act and deed of the Town
of Lexington.
Before: -me,
Hazel J. Murray
Notary Public
^771
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I. James J. Carroll, Town Clerk of the Town of Lexington,
hereby certify that at the Town Meeting of Lexington, duly called,
,warned, and held, the 7th day of March , 1949 in accordance with
the provisions of.law applicable thereto, to wit: at the adjourn-
ed session thereof held on April 4, 1949, the following vote was
unanimously adopted -.-
Article 13; "VOTED: That the Selectmen be slid they hereby
are authorized to install sewer mains in such
accepted or unaccepted streets as may be applied
for during the year 1949 in accordance with
Chapter 504 of the Acts of 1897 and all acts
in amendment thereof and in addition thereto,
or otherwise, and to take by eminent domain or
otherwise acquire any easements or other interest
in land necessary therefor, and to appropriate
therefor the sum of $ 198,000.00 of which 0,000.00
are to be transferred from the Sewer Assessment
Fund and the balance of $190,000.00 are to be
raised by the issue of bonds or notes of the
Town; and that the .Treasurer with .the approval
of the Selectmen, be and he hereby is authorized
to borrow the sum of $190,000.00 and to issue
bonds or notes of the Town to be payable in
accordance with the provisions of General
Laws, Chapter 44, within a period not exceed-
ing thirty years."
Carried unanimously 8:55 P. M-
A true copy.
Attest -
January 4, 1950
Ls/ James J. Carroll
Town Clerk
Lexington, Massachusetts
I. James J. Carroll, Town Clerk of the Town of
Lexington, do hereby certify that the above is a true and exact
copy of .'ARTICLE 13 as passed at the adjourned Town Meeting held
April 4, 1949 and as same appears on record.
Ls/ James J. Carroll
Town Clerk
510
Mr. Stevens reported that he di.cussed with Mr. and Mrs.
Ralph L. Santos the question of damages resulting to them.
from the taking of their two lots of land situated respect-
ively on Grapevine Avenue and Marrett Road, and that Mr.
and Mrs. Santos would accept $l XO and give confirmatory
deed and release.
It was thereupon:
VOTED: To pay Ralph L. Santos and Lucinda C. Santos
$1,100 damages for the two parcels of land taken from them
by order adopted January 3, 1950, and received confirmatory
deed and release.
Letter was received from Mr. Lynch, together with copy
Bishop's of his letter to Board of Health, relative to Mr. Bishop's
complaint complaint with reference to the keeping of chinchillas in
a cellar next to his property. Mr. Stevens took the entire
correspondence.
Mr. DeFoe retired.
Chief John -W. Rycroft, of the Police Department, Messrs.
Lewis and Littlejohn, engineers for General Radio met with
the Board relative to the bids received on December 19, 1950
for two-way radio equipment.
Mr. LaWis presented, and the Town Counsel read, m
appraisal of the proposals made by the;five bidders, taking
into consideration all the facts presented in the proposals
and factors not specifically covered by specifications or
the proposals submitted. The,complete analysis is on file
in the Selectmen's Office under Bids 1950.
Mr. Stevens said that the questiom had been asked him
if it were legal to allow Harvey to come in and say how
much they would supply the eliminator for after the bids
had been opened. He said that this has been done in some
cases, but if often leads to trouble. He stated that he
does not know of any case where this particular thing has
been tested, and that as a matter of'law he did not think bids
should be changed once they have been received. He said
that if the Board finds the bids are not satisfactory because
of omitted items or specifications not complete, they may be rejected
and if so he did not believe anyone .could complain.
Mr. Littlejohn informed the Board that Ryatheon, as far
as he knows, has not made an installation of the new line.
Mr. Lewis stated that Raytheon has no production on the
fixed receiver.
Mr. Stevens mentioned that Raytheon has been rated by
the engineers as second on an overall basis and Mr. Lewis
explained the rating as second simply because the price is
low. He stated that he has attempted to contact the Link
representative to find out whether or not the eliminator
has been included in the bid. He said that if there is a
chance that a local firm could do the job he would like to-/
consider them, but he definitely thought Link to be the better
buy for the town from the standpoint of service, reliability
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and everything else.
' Mr. Lewid informed the Board that Raytheon does not
manufacture the equipment here and they have never made it
before. He said that it may be all right to purchase the
equipment from Raytheon on the basis that it is cheaper, but
if the Board wants what the engineers believe a police
department should have, they recommend purchasing some other
equipment.
Mr..Stevens said that he had discussed with Mr.
Littlejohn, the possibility of having a demonstration and
was advised that demonstrations actually do not prove anything.
It may take two years to determine how satisfactory a set
is going to perform.
Mr.'Lewis said that he has never seen any guarantee
stated in terms. The equipment is guaranteed to operate
properly and to meet performance specifications for one
year but no guarantee is made of the vacuum tubes because the
manufacturers do not guarantee them. He said that from his
experience he believes the specifications recommended by him
and Mr. Littlejohn.will provide a satisfactory system.
Mr. Nickerson said that in private business the re-
commendations of the engineers would be accepted.
Mr. Stevens said that he would prefer to contact
Link before the contract is awarded to make certain
whether or not the eliminator is included in the bid.
' The Chairman said that he would like to have a
demonstration and Mr. Littlejohn stated that the
accepted bidder could set up a temporary until as they
have done in some instances, but it does not prove any-
thing.
Mr. Hoyt said that he would be willing to accept
the Link bid providing the eliminator, which amounts to
$105, is included in the bid and a test can be made.
Mr. Driscoll said that he would take the recommenda-
tions submitted by the engineers.
The Chairman authorized either Mr. Lewis or Mr.
Littlejohn to contact the Link representative, without making
any commitment, to find out about the eliminator. They
were also authorized to arrange for a test.
The engineers retired at 9:15 P• i.
C
Chief Rycroft informed the Board that his attention
had been called to the advertisement in the local paper
whereby Shoppers Haven, Marrett Road, is conducting a
regular business on Sunday. A notice was sent calling
attention to the Sunday law and the police made periodic
checks. However the proprietor knows the local police
officers and makes no sales while they are in the stere;
The Chief went to the District Attorney who assigned
an:officer but felt that desired results would not be
obtain -if an arrest were made and an appeal taken before
a jury. He suggested that the police department make
an effort to obtain some evidence to be presented to the
Board of Selectmen who could then revoke or suspend the
Sunday Sales license.
51.1:
Sunday
Sales
lbi olati on
512 cc�
The Chief said that he then contacted the State Police '
and an officer was assigned to the case. Last Sunday the
Chief gave the officer five dollars and instructed him to
survey the store and purchase a pound of ham. Mr. Edward
G. Conrdad of the Concord Barracks took the money and made
the purchase. Sergenat Knapp and the Chief later had a talk
with Mr. Kraff, the proprietor, who denied that any ham
was sold on Sunday. The Chief recommended that the board
suspend or remoke the Sunday Sales License, but said that
he would leave this up to Town Counsel.
Mr. Stevens agreed to check the Statute and advise
the Board as to the best procedure.
Chief Rycroft retired at b.-.30 P. M.
Mr. and Mrs. Nicoli met with the Board to again request
abatement of the water betterment assessment levied on their
property on Cummings Street. Mr. Nical i stated that there is
no water pipe in front of his property.
The Chairman said that the Board would view the property
Saturday morning before taking any further action.
Mr. and Mrs. Nicoli retired at 9:40 P. M
Mr. Gay, at•the request of the Chairman, conducted the
meeting for the balance of the evening.
Letter was received from the Pleasant
(Request chasers of the Harvey C. Wheeler estate on
for The letter stated that 200 houses are to be
Water beginning in March, 1950, and approximately
pipe of water pipe will be needed.
Associates, pur=
Lowell Street.
constructed,
10,000 feet
It was agreed that the group should be advised that no
commitment whatsoever can be made in view of existing needs
in Lexington for extensions of water mains and strengthening
the present system.
Petition was received signed by residents of North
Side- Hancock Street requesting the construction of sidewalks.
walks Phe Board felt this was an item to be considered in
the 1950 budget and the Clerk was instructed to give a
copy of the petition to the Superintendent of Public Works.
Letter was received from Mr. L nch, together with a
copy of his letter to the Board of ealth, relative to
Complaint,complaint received from Frahk K. Bialhop with reference to
chinchillas being kept in his neighborhood.
Mr. Stevens took the entire file on this subject.
Mr. Stevuns retired at 9:45 P. M.
Veterans Letter was received from Anthony Zarella, 15 West
Lot Court Terrace, Arlington stating that he enlisted from
Lexington and would like to purchase Lot #1, Hill Street.
The Clerk was -instructed to invite Mr. Zarella to
meet with the $oard next Monday night.
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Application was received from the V.F.Yf. requesting
permission to conduct meetings in Estabrook Hall and a Use of Hal:
conference room on January 4th and 18th from 8:00 P. M.
until 11:00 P. M.
Mr. Hoyt moved that the uses be granted free of charge.
Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Dr. Driscoll,
it was voted to renew the following licenses: Licenses
L. J. Foss 1734 Masse Ave. Common Victualler (renewal)
Johnsons 966 Waltham St.
Hattie E. A. Peckham 37 Hancock St. "
Minute Man Cafe 1715 Mass. Avenue
Anna E. Phillips 1800 Mas... Ave.
Wildaere Inn 50 Percy Rd. Innholder "
Fred N. Viano 1794 Mass. Ave. Sunday Movies "
Anthony Ferriera 249 Marrett Rd. Peddlerts License
William F. Reidy 109 Bow St. 2nd Class Agent "
Application for renewal of-Common Victuallerts License
received from Shoppers Haven was held-over.
On Thursday, December 29, 1949, the Town Clerk and a
majority of the Board of Selectmen met in the Selectmen's Jurors
' Room and the following jurors were drawn:
Howard W. Howes, Jr. 35 Bowker Street drawn to serve an Civil
Business, First Session at Cambridge beginning February 6,
1950.
Preston E. Maxwell, 22 Downing Road, drawn to serve on civil
business, Second Session at Cambridge beginning February 6,
1950.
It was agreed.to meet Saturday morning at 10:00 A. M.
to consider hud;ee for 1950.
The meeting adjourned at 10:35 P. M.
/lectmen.
L
514
Hydrant
markers
Sewer
bonds
SELECTTYENtS MEETING
January 9, 1950.
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in
the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building on Monday evening,
January,9, 1950 at 7:00 P. M. Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay.
Driscoll, Nickerson and Hoyt were present. The Clerk was also
present.
Mr. DeFoe, Superintendent of Public Works, met with the
Board. - I I
Mr. DeFoe reported -on the proposed hydrant markers
and the Chairman explained that in discussing this subject
with Mr. DeFoe, he was willing to charge the expense to
Snow Removal for 1950. The problem of placing the markers
was considered at length as well as to what account the
expense should be charged.
The Chairman asked.if the Board desired to have one
half of the cost, for purc4asing markers only, charged
to the;Snow Removal Account and the balance to be charged
to the Fire Department budget.
Mr. Nickerson suggested, and the Board agreed,: that
the markers be purchased, posted during the summer, the
work to be done entirely by the Fire Department because
theoretically it would be done at no cost and that the
markers be charged to the Snow Removal Account.
Mr. DeFoe requested the Board to obtain bonding.
money for sewer construction - sundry streets, and ex-
plained that there is X190,000 to be bonded from last year.
The Chairman inquired as to how much money was,
being spent and Mr. DeFoe stated that it is a -proximately
$2,000 per week.
The Chairman informed Mr. DeFoe that the Town
Treasurer would be meeting with the Board later on in the
evening and the subject would be considered further at
that time. He said that it is just a question as to whether
the full amount id borrowed or only a portion of the
authorized amount.
Mr. DeFoe stated that he has received a request from
Mr. Glover for the installation of a sewer lateral at
Request 46 Burlington Street. In checking with the Health Sani-
for sewertarian Mr. DeFoe was advised that Mr. Glover is having
in Burling -trouble with his'septic tank.
ton St. The Chairman reminded the Board that last summer
the sewer was extended in Burlington Street to service
the Powell property and this lateral will necessitate
an extension of another 800 feet, and to reach the house it
will be necessary to make a very deep cut. He explained
that there is no unencumbered money and the $190,000
borrowing which the Town authorized iFmor ally allocated
to Fair Oaks and Farmcreat. He said that it appears to
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' him that the only thing to do is include this item in,
the 1950 budget.
It was agreed that Mr. DeFoe would advise Mr. Glover
that available funds have been committed and to see if some
alternative can be worked out.
Mr. Harold Stevens, the Town Counsel, arrived at the
meeting at 7;15 P. M.
The Chairman read a letter from Katherine T. Leary
advising that she does not intend to sign the easement
with reference to her,. property at 45 Waltham Street. The
•Chairman referred the claim'to Town Counsel and Mr. Stevens
took all the correspondence.
The Chairman stated that the East Lexington Fire
Station Building Committee is considering requesting_
bids. He asked Mr. Stevens to give the Board an opinion
as to whether or -not there is any legal reason why bids
not be requested.
515
Leary
claim
E. Lex. Fire
Station
should
Mr. Stevens reported on the Nichols' Oak Street better-
ment assessment and stated that Mr. Nichols believes that
Mr. West, Who purchased the property, should pay.
The Chairman explained that the agreement the Town
had was'with Mr. Nichols.
Mr. Stevens informed the Board that as soon as Mr.
Nichols sold the property, the obligation to pay arose
and that he would report further on this next week.
Nichols'
agreement
Mr. Stevens said that he would like to approach'
the Shoppers Haven problem from a non -legal point of view. Sunday
He said that he would look into the matter further but Sales
wanted to call the Board's attention to similar instances. Complaint
Mr. Stevens reported that he had spent song time -
with Mr. Cromwell, Chairman of the Planning Board, Mr.
Cromwell wanted him to tell him that he would go over
the draft of the Zoning By-;aw for the Annual Town Meet-
ing. Mr. Stev;ns told him that it was a very long job
as apparently a good portion of the By-law has been
rewritten. He said that he could not do an honest job
within the limited time. The Planning Board is most
anxious to present the By -laves at the coming Town Meet-
ing, one reason beim; the proposed development of the
Wheeler estate on Lowell Street. Mr. Stevens told Mr.
Cromwell that in some instances a consultant is called
in.
The Chairman explained that the Board discussed
this subject rather generally and it is the Board's
opinion that this is something which must be done with
utmost care. The Board also fe;t that Mr. Stevens would
have considerable work to do between now and Town Meet-
ing and that Mr. Lynch would be very much occupied with
his own personal work and eighty-one easements for the
Town. He stated that the Board felt very definitely Mr.
Town
Counsel -
Zoning
Laws
516
Stevens would not have the time to give to the Zoning
By-law. He said that if the Planning Board wants this for '
Town Meeting, special counsel will have to be obtained
and then there is a question as whether or not there is ample time..
The Chairman asked Mr. Stevens if, leaving the time
element out, this is something he though he should or
should hot do as Town Counsel -within his retaining fee.
Mr. Stevens replied that, based upon his understand-
ing with the Board, it would have to be done within his
retaining fee.
The Chairman asked, if the Planning Board ceased t9
force the issue, would Mr. Stevens take it bn as he could
get to it and he replied in the affirmative.
The Chairman stated that the Planning Board is an '
eleeted group over whom the Selectmen have no authorityg
but that they have no power under the By-laws to retain
counsel:
Mr. Stevens and Mr. De Foe retired at`8:10 P. M.; Mr.
Stevens to meet with the Planning Board.
Mr. Gardner Ferguson and approximately twenty-eight
other individuals met with the .7oard relative to the
development of Kinneen Park. Mr. Ferguson presented the
Chairman with a signed petition requesting the Board
to consider the development of a portion of Kinnen.n Park
as a play area and the improvement of the Kinneen Park
skating area. It was also requested that the Board in- '
sert an article in the warrant for the March meeting re-
questing an appropriation for this purpose;
Mr. Ferguson said, among other things, that the area
to the left of the paid where they want the play area `is
about 1001 x 1801, lie stated that the group wants the
Board to make provisions for this project in the 1950
budget and have the funds earmarked for this purehase.If
the Selectmen are not willing to do so, the petitioners
will insert and artield themselves.'
The Chairman explained that Mr. Gustin, Chairman
of the Recreation Committee met with the Selectmen last
Saturday morning on Budgets but the Selectmen did not
go into detail. As he recalled -it the cost .to cut back
the hill, do some drainage work, clean out the mud and
level the area was 94,000. The total Recreation budget for 1950
was $673,000. 1
The Chairman called the groups attention to the fact
that the town is growing very rapidly and the needs for the
taxpayers? dollars are man�y.� He said that he did not thinI
the Board would recommend p67,000 for capital outlay for the
Recreation Committee this year. He asked if the group would
be willing to leave it that before the Selectmen make a final
decision on what they will recommend they call the group or
its representatives back a ain as to what conclusion -the,,'
Board makes. He said that if they were not willing, the
only safe thing to do was to submit an article and re=
minded the group that the warrant closes January 21st.
Mr. Ferguson said that they want favorable action
or art article in the warrant.
f
The Chairman explained that this is an time which
should appear in the Recreation Committee's budget and that
is where it does appear.
Mr. Jaquith said that he thought 9,000 would be
excessive and that the amount could be cut in half to
give thelpetitioners what they want.
Mrs. Packard said that she is in favor of having
something done in the Kinneen Pond area, but she regretted
the method with which the group apparently went to work
and drew plans without first consulting the Recreation
Committee and are now in a postion of wanting to insert
an article in the warrant when it belongs in the Re-
creation Committee budget. She said that as for the
project, she thought she would like it, but as a
citizen of Lexington she wondered if this has been
thought through carefully enough.
After further discussion, the group retired at 8:45
P. M.
Mr. Nickerson asked if this subject should be
referred to Mr. Gustin and the Chairman said that he
felt something would have -to be done in this area this
year and that possibly $3,000 would make quite an im-
pression.
Mr. Hoyt said that if he thought an expenditure of
$3,000 or,$4,000 could be part of an overall program and
not just thrown away he would be willing to go along
with it.
Mr. Driscoll was inclined to feel that the Selectmen
may be getting into something which should be handled by
the Recreation Committee and suggested that it be referred
to Mr. Gustin.
The Chairman agreed to contact Mr. Gustin and Mr.
Burns and find out what the minimum cost would be to
commence this project.
aero , own er Czia `reasurer, met with the
Board to discuss personal services budget for 1950.
The Chairman explained that the Selectmen, in going
over the budgets, did not know whether Mr. Carroll was
requesting three clerks -for his department or whether -one
was to be a replacement.
Mr. Carroll informed the Board that he intends to
have three full-time clerks..
The Chairman asked if the salaries of three clerks
had been figured for a complete -calendar year and Mr.
Carroll replied in the affirmative. He stated that a
new clerk started to work today at 430 per week and one girl
started last April at $30 per week. H51 explained that he
put in a full time figure for the cler who -is not in
the hospital because she is supposed to be able to
' return within a year and has been in the hospital now
since last April.
Mr. Carroll retired at 7:50 P. ill.
517
Kinneen
Pond
Town Clerk
budget
518
::L
Mr. Anthony Zarella, 15 West Court Terrace, Arlington,
met with the Board, at the 3oardts request,'relative to his
application for veteran lot #11 Hill Street.
Vet. The Chairman asked if Mr. Zarel.la knew the condition
Lot under which veterans lots are required and he replied -in
the affirmative. He informed the Board that he has his
plans all drawn.
The Chairman said that the Board would consider the
application and advice Mr. Zarrella of the decision.
He retired at 8:50 P. M.
'Letter was reedived from Mr. James J. Carroll, Town
Precinct Clerk, advising that he has been eledted Chairman of the
Commmitte Committ)e"appointed to review the boundaries of the voting
precincts.
Letter was received from Mr. James4J. Carroll, advising
Long that Leon W. Bateman has been appointed to serve as a member
Range of the Long Range Planning Committee to fill the vacancy
Planning caused by the resignation of Mr. Harold E. Stevens.
Committee
Application was received from the 4-H group requesting
permission to conduct a meeting in a Conference Room, Cary
Hall on January 23rd.
Mr. Gay moved that the request be approved and the
use of the room be granted free of charg6. Mr. Driscoll
seconded the motion, and it was so voted.,_
Mr. Harold Lombard, Chairman of the Board of Public
Welfare, and Mr. James Collins, Welfare Agent, met with
the Board. A general discussion was held with reference
to the various welfare budgets and Messrs. Collins and
Lombard retired at 0:30 P. M.
Letter was received from the Massachusetts Selectmen's
Town
Association advising that a hearing will be held on January
Clerk
12 before the Committee on Public Service with reference
tenure
to the proposed Town Clerk's tenure bills.
bill:
Upon motion by Mr. Nickerson, aeconded by Mr. Gay, it
was unanimously voted that the Board of Selectmen of Lex-
ington be recorded as opposed to any such legislation.
The Chairman read a letter from Philip P. Spencer,,
'
440 Waltham Street, stating that he would like to pur-
Tax
chase a parcel of tax title property on Valley Road
Title
for which he will pay the sewer betterment assessment
amounting to $970.
The Chairman suggested, and the Board agreed, that
the unofficial Committee on Tax Title Property be
fequested to submit a recommendation.
'Letter was reedived from Mr. James J. Carroll, Town
Precinct Clerk, advising that he has been eledted Chairman of the
Commmitte Committ)e"appointed to review the boundaries of the voting
precincts.
Letter was received from Mr. James4J. Carroll, advising
Long that Leon W. Bateman has been appointed to serve as a member
Range of the Long Range Planning Committee to fill the vacancy
Planning caused by the resignation of Mr. Harold E. Stevens.
Committee
Application was received from the 4-H group requesting
permission to conduct a meeting in a Conference Room, Cary
Hall on January 23rd.
Mr. Gay moved that the request be approved and the
use of the room be granted free of charg6. Mr. Driscoll
seconded the motion, and it was so voted.,_
' Petition, plan and copies of an order
the Boston Edison Company for the following
location:
was received from
joint pole
Marrett Road, approximately'125 feet northwest
✓ of Spring Street. 'One pole. One existing JO -1
pole to be removed.
The'Clerk informed the Board that Mr. Burns, Town
Engineer, had no objection to the proposed location, but
inasmuch as it is on a State highway felt that he had no
authority to approve or disapprove.
Mr. Gay moved that the petition be approved and the
order -signed* Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion, and it
was so voted.
The Chairman agreed to discuss this further with the
Town Engineer.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson,
It was voted to approve Frederick N. Vianots Sunday Movies
Incense.
The Clerk informed the Board that Chief Rycroft re-
commended the appointment of Nathaniel P. Thompson as
a Special Police Officer.
' Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Gay,
it was voted to appoint Nathaniel P. Thompson a Special
Police Officer in the"Town of Lexington for a term ex-
piring March 31, 1950,
C
'm
Pole
Location
At 10:10 P. M. the following membdrs of the Planning '
Board met with the Selectmen:, Chairman Richard P. Cromwell}
Messrs. -Adams, Johnson, Potter and Ripley.
Mr. Cromwell stated that the proposed development of the
Wheeler Estate on Lowell Street will be coming up very
soon and the Planning Board would like very much to submit Zoning
the revised Zoning By-law to the Town Meeting in March. He By-law
said that the Planning Board has been working on the By-law
for a long time, but has riot had the benefit of any legal
assistance, and they must have legal aid before it goes
into effect. He said that his Board felt it could be
submitted in March if the legal work is completed by the middle
of February. He said he understood that Mr. Stevens will
confer with Mr. Lynch next Saturday to determine how much'
work is involved. - That means another weekts time is lost.
He said that the Planning Board would like to know if there
is any possible means by which the Selectmen could obtain
funds to employ counsel inasmuch as the Planning Board has no
legal authority to do so.
Thb Chairman explained that the Selectmen have no,power
to make a firm contract with a lawyer but if the Planning
Board is in effect recommending and asking that the Selectmen
obtain legal counsel, they could approach a lawyer and explain the
problem to him. It would have to be explained to him that
no promise can be made as to money but that the Selectmen
520
would recommend -that an appropriation be made at the Town
Meeting'in March.
I�r# Potter suggested that it might be better to let
Mr. 'Stevens handle the By�iaw and givb'cspecial counsel some c.
of the other problems.. Me =explained his suggestion bar
stating that the By-law is'complicated and will be discussed
on Town Meeting floor and should be -explained by whoever
prepares it.
The Chairman said that he did not know how the members
of the Board felt but he would not be in favor of having special
counsel appointed now inasmuch as'he thought Mr. Stevens should
assume the town work now as it is.
A lengthy discussed was held as to whether or not '
it is feasible and possible to submit the new•Zoning
By-law to the Annual Town Meeting in March and also the
proposed development of the Wheeler estate.
Mr. Nickerson suggested that the Selectmen find out
from Mr. Lynch if he would be willing to quote a price
to do the By-law.
The Chairman asked if the Planning Board was re-
questing the Selectmen to make arrangements with an attbrney
for the preparation of the Zoning By-law, to be completed
not later than the middle of February to be submitted to
the Annual*Town Meeting and Mr. Cromwell replied in the
The Planning -Board retired at 10:40'P. M.
'
Mr. -Driscoll, having an appointment with Mr. Lynch for
tomorrow, agreed to discuss this problem and arrange to have
j Mr. Lynch telephone the Chairman.
Mr. Nickerson suggested that the Board authorize the
Chairman to make the necessary arrangements with Mr. Lynch
up to an amount of $1,000.
Mr. Hoyt said that as far as he is 'concerned the Chairman
could make any reasonable arrangement with Mr. Lynch that
is necessary.
The' meeting adjourned at 11;00 P. M.
er , S ectm .
521
SELECTIa:EN' S LUZT]NG
January 13, 1950.
' A special meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in
the Accountant's Office on Friday evening, January 15, 1950
at 7:30 P. I41. Chairman. Emery, Messrs. Gay, Driscoll; ;Nicker-
son and,Hoyt were present. The Cle 4 was also present.
Chairman -Alb , ert,Burnham and Mr. William Potter, Cemetery
Commissioners, met with the Board, at the Board's invitation,
relative to the Conniissionerst personal services budget for
1960.
The Chairman of the Board of Selectmen explained that
many departmental heads, including the Chief of Police and
the 8hief of the Fire Department, are now on a $4100 per year
salary level. Mr. Garrity, now acting as Cemetery Superintendent,
came within this category until Mr. Marshall resigned as
Superintendent of Cemeteries. The Chairman said that the
Selectmen had invited the Commissioners in this evening
to discuss the situation informally and arrive at some Cemetery
solution that Would not necessitate raising four or five Commission -
other town employees. ers
Mr. Burnham said that the Commissioners had been very
fortunate in securing someone who has other work and can
take over the cemetery work at a nominal sum. If the Com-
missioners were obliged to hire a regular Superintem.dent-*
' > present arrangement, the expense is about $850o ,
Mr. Burnham said that they hoped to continue with Mr.
Garrity but, if he can't do other work that he has to do, the
Commissioners do not want to take him. If, however, he is
able to do.his work satisfactory to everyone, they could
see no reason for not continuing with the present arrangement.
The Chairman said that this still leaves the Selectmen
in rather an embarrasing situation because Mr. Garrity was
being paid at the rate of $4100 for a complete day's work
and the question could be raised as to how he could take on
another job and earn an additional 6850.
Mr. Potter asked how much Mr. Garrity -would receive
excluding his rent and the Chairman replied that the rent
is about 0633 and the money he received, including the
cemetery 860, was y1'4300. Without the rent he would re-
ceive 3500.
Mr. Driscoll questioned if the rent should be considered
in a situation such as this.
Mr. Potter asked with what department haads Mr. Garrityts
salary was being compared and the Chairman replied that -he
could be compared with the Town Accountant who also receives
pay for Appropriation Committee work. The Chairman explained
that the Accountant works overtime in connection with his
work as secretary to the Appropriation Committee,
Mr. Potter replied that Mr. Garrity should not be penalized
and stated that he works Saturdays,Sundays and evenings.
Mr. Gail Smith arrived at 7:40 P. M.
# the cost would be between $3,000 and $4,000. Under the
522
w
�J
Mr. Nickerson inquired as to what the extra hours on
the cemetery work amounted to and Mr. Potter said that it
is difficult to determine the hours' He said that Mr.
Garrity shows lots to customers on Saturdays and Sundays.
He purchases all cemetery.shrubbary,seed! lawnmovers,.etc.
Mr. -Smith asked how the Board justified keeping Mr.
Garrity,s salary at the same rate when part of his work
was taken over by the Recreation Committee.
The Chairman explained that the playground supervision
has been taken over by the Recreation Committee, but the
Board does not consider that he had dropped much of his
work.
The Chairman said that he presumed it is the privilege
of the Cemetery Commissioners, as an elected Board, to hire
anyone they want to work for th0;1,but he felt that it
leaves the Selectmen in a postion which is difficult to
explain.
Mr. Smith said that having Mr. Garrity act as Cemetery
Superintendent seemed to him to be the logical setup.
Mr: Nickerson said that if i' can be reasonably proven
that Mr. Garrity is spending extra time to earn the 060
he would be in favor of paying it to him, but he thought
the Selectmen should have some definite justification for
paying that amount of money in comparison with what other
Town Officers are being paid.
Mr. Nickerson inquired as to when Mr. Garrity intends to
retire and Mr. Potter stated that his health is much better
than it has been for two or three years and he intends to
,
remain in the employ of the town until he is seventy. He
is not sixty-five. .
The Cemetery Commissioners retired at 8:00 P. M.
Mr, Leland Emery,'Chairman of the Board of Assessors,
met with the Selectmen.
He said'that one adjustment would have to be made in
the personal services budget inasmuch as the Junior Clerk
has resigned and therefore the budget will be less than
originally presented.
The Chairman said that apparently the Assessors are
going to have to give more time. The Selectmen want them
to give more time., and are therefore recommending $600
for each assessor. He called Mr. Emery,s attentions to the
salary submitted for the Secretary and suggested an. ad-
justment inasmuch as Mr. Spancer was paid as Clerk of the Board
and also as.an Assessor.
Mr, Emery explained that the Senior Clerk is now
the only thoroughly experienced individual in the Assessors,
Departagent and has requested an increase in salary to $150::a
week. He said that possibly a compromise might appeal, to
the Selectmen.,
The Chairman explained that the` -Board has not taken
any formal action on salary increases.
Mr. Hoyt presented a schedule showing the rates of -both
Senior and Junior Clerks and mentioned that a change in the
rate of one clerk would, no doubt, affect four or five other
clerks.
Mr. Emery said that he appreciated the situation and
did not want to disrupt the system, but would like to see
something worked out whereby the Seniro Clerk could re-
ceive more money, and said that he strongly recommends an
increase.
He retired at 8:30 P. M.
Mr. Garrity, Superintendent of Parks and Playground$,
met with the Board. Budgets submitted by him for 1950'rrere
discussed in general and he retired at 8:35 P. M.
Consideration was given to Mrs. Nicolits request
for abatement of the $53.68 water betterment assessment
levied against property owned by hereon Cummings Street,
The Chairman reported that he had inspected the area
and is strongly in favor of abating the assessment in full.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay,'it
was voted to rescind the vote of the Board on November 21,
1949 whereby a request for abatement was denied.
Mr. Nickerson then moved that the water betterment
assessment in the amount of $53.68 levied against the
Nicoli property on Cummings Street be abated in full. Mr.
Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
The Chairman called the Board's attention to the fact
that no 'formal action had been taken upon Mr. 'Zerelle�s
application for Lot #l, Hill Street.
Mr. Nickerson moved that the veterans lot #1 Hill
Street be sold and conveyed to Mr. Zarella providing
he meets the specified requirements pertaining to the
veterans lots. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it
was so voted.
Form letter was received from the State Division of
Forestry with reference to Chapter 48, Section 8 of the
General Laws which provides for the appointment of a
forest warden in the month of January.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to re -appoint Roy A. Cook as Forest Warden in
the Town of Lexington..
The meeting adjourned at 10:10 P. M.
A true record, attest:
1
er , S ectme .
523
Nicoli
water
betterment
assessment
abated
Vet. Lot
#1 Hill St.
Forest
Warden
524
SEt8CTMENtS MEETING
January 16, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held
in the Selectments Room:,Town Office Building on Monday evening,
January 16, 1950 at 7:00 P. M. Chairman Emery, Messrs.
Gay, Driscoll and Hoyt were present. The Clerk was also
present.
The Chairtman reported that he met with Mr. Stevens and
Mr. Lynch to discuss various Town affairs* Mr. Lynch he.s
Town referred to Mr. Stevens corisiderable work, including the
Counsel eighty-one Liberty-Ledgelawn easements, parking meters con-
tract,'Grove and East Street claims and some items that
are 1949 work as far as the present Town Counsel is con-
cerned.
He remirided the Board that the agreement with Mr.
Stevens was that he would receive a flat fee for his ser-
vices plus a sum for trial work, but his fee of $33000
was supposed to include odd easements that might come up
during the year. He said that -if the Board felt the way
he dries, he thought some adjustment should be made in Mr.
Stevenst salary for this year.
The Chairman explained that both Mr. Lynch and Mr.
Wrightington charged $20 for an easement. However, Mr.
Lynch did not intend to charge $20 for each of the eighty-
one easements. The Chairman said he thought the charge
would be approximately $12.
The members of the Board all agreed that some adjust-
ment should be made.
The Chairman said that the Planning Board, officially
through its Chairman, expressed a desire to have the revised
Zoning By-law presented to the Annual Town Meeting in March.
Zoning He said that he told Mr, -Lynch if he could do the Zoning Law
By-law and would do it, the Selectmen would like to have him prepare
it for Town Meeting, and*charge a reasonable fee for the work.
Mr. Lynch agreed to discuss this subject with the Planning
Board at the next meeting which is this evening.
The Chairman said that the money for the preparation of
the Zoning By-law could be included in the Law Department
budget or the Planning Board budget and voted by Town Meeting.
Mr. DeFoe met with the Board at 7:05 P. M.
He informed the Board that Mrs. Thomas Brown, 456 Waltham
Street had requested, verbally, the installation of a street
light between Farmerest Avenue and herehouse, as near her
house as possible. He presented -a kketeh and explained the
present pole locations to the Board. Mr. DeFoe did not
recomend the installation and explained that the entire
street light schedule should be revised if this proposed
installation is to be made.
The Chairman asked if there were any unusual features or
circumstances and Mr. DeFoe replied in the negative.
Further consideration was given to Mr. Phillip Spencer's
offer to purchase a parcel of tax title property on Valley
Road. A report was received from the Tax Title Committee
and the Board agreed to entertain an offer, of $1400 with
the understanding that the deed to.the purchaser would
reserve to the Town whatever drainage easements (in connection
with the brook) are considered desirable by Town Counsel.
Mr, Stevens, Town Counsel, met with the Board at 7:14
P. M.
He reported that the Santos deed had been recorded and
also reported briefly on the possibility of legislation
for entering into deferred betterment assessments without
interest charges.
Mr. Stevens reported`'on the so-called Harmon case and
it was the unanimous opinion of the Board of Selectmen that
the Town Counsel should defend the Building Inspector, a
Town Official, and the three-man Board officially appointed,
as designated by Statute, to make a survey of the Harmcx n
premises.
Mr. Stevens discussed the subject as to whether or not
Selectmen's records and correspondence are public information
and agreed to submit his opinion in writing.
Mr. Stevens and Mr. DeFoe retired at 8:10 P. M.
Letter was received from Mr. J. Henry Duffy in which
he referred to the proposed development of the so-called
Wheeler estate on Lowell Street. He suggested that the
Board give some consideration to the possibility of re-
locating Lowell Street at the junction of Maple Street.
Mr. Duff y's letter was given to Mr. Richard P. Crom-
well, Chattman of the Planning Board.
Letter was received from Danitl A. Lynch, together
with an order of the Department of Public Utiliteis,
dismissing the petition of the Boston and Maine for
approval of the substitution of electric flashing light
signals for the present protection by watchman, part-
time, at the Woburn Street grade crossing.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to grant Mr. Fred N. Viano's application
for a Sunday Movies license.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to grant the following uses of halls
AmericannLegion Cary Hall Feb. 21 Banquet
St, Brigid's Parish it " April 28 Reunion
Mdsx. Cty. Extension Service Conf. Room Feb. 8 Sewing
Mar, 8-22 Course
At 8:15 P. M. Mr. Haskell Reed met with the Board.
He explained that the 175th Anniversary Committee of the
Battle of Lexington would like permission to grant concession
for booths to be located on Emery Park. He said that his Com-
525
Tax Title
Property
Re -location
Lowell St.
Woburn St.
crossing
Ust of Hall
526
mittee believes there will be a large crowd in Lexington
for the celebration and there will be a need for a number
of booths.
The Chairman inquired as to how the Chief of Police
felt on the subject and Mr. Reed informed the Board that
he had discussed this with the Chief and he had no objectionl
Concess- -The Chairman suggested that Mr. Reed submit his problem
ions for to the Board in writing and an opinion would be obtained
April 18 th.from the Town Counsel. He said he thought the Committee
would have authority to grant permission for booths pro-
viding there was no conflict with the Town By-laws or the
State laws.
Mr. Reed retired at 8:30 P. M.
It was agreed to meet on Thursday night at 7;30 F. M.
to continue work on 1050 budgets.
The meeting adjourned at 8;65 P. M.
A ture record, Attest;
Y
er J. S ectme
1
SELECTMENIS MEETING
' January 23, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held
in the Selectments.Rooni, Town Office Building on Monday.
evening, January 23, 1950 at 7:00 P. M. Chairman Emery,
Messrs, Gay, Driscoll, Nickerson and Hoyt were present.
The Clerk was also present.
Mr. DeFoe met with the Board and requested a deci-
sion relative to inserting an article in the warrant for
the construction of Wptson Road.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to insert an article in the warrant for the
1950 Annual Town Meeting to see if the Town will vote
to accept Watson Road from Robbins Road southwesterly to
Lexington Avenue, a distance of approximately 308 feet.
It was further voted to authorize the Superintendent
of Public Works to use the•same formula for determining
the cost as was used in the Liberty-Ledgelawn project.
Mr. Harold Stevens, Town Counsel, met with the Board
at 7:15 P. M.
Mr. DeFoe requested a decision relative to the
water betterment assessments for the 12" main installed
in Westview Street,
Mr. Stevens advised the Board, under the circum-
stances, that no betterment assessments be levied.
Letter was received from Mr. R. J. Peters, attorney'
for Mr. Gustave Larson, relative to the ownership of the
water pipe now in Oak Street.
Mr. Stevens said that Mr. Peters had been into his
office. Mr. Stev,ns said that he told Mr. Peters that
repairing the present pipe was a normal thing to do and
in no way would the Town become the owner of the pipe.
He told Mr. Peters that he definitely felt his client.
would have to pay for the main just as though there was
no water now in the street.
Mr. Stevens reported that Mr. Larson does not want
the lots shown on a plan. He told his attorney that he
thought the lots would have to be shown.
Mr. DeFoe asked it the fact that the present pipe
is inadequate would make any difference anal Mr. Stevens
replied that it was not a municipgl water main and any-
thing the Town may have done to it is immaterial. It'
is not the Townts pipe.
Mr. DeFoe requested approval of the proposed park-
ing meter contract.
The Chairman said that the Board would like to have
the contract just as soon as possible, and would like it
to be as flexible as possible both as to the possibility
of removing the meters and also as to the number to be
installed.
52
Article re:
Watson Road
Westview
water main
Oak Street
water
Parking
Meters
X28
. Mr. Stevens reported that he had met with Mr. Ballard
and discussed the proposed street from Edison Way to the
Depot. He recommended a petition for the acceptance of
this street rather than having any agreements prepared for
signatures.
The Board concurred and authorized Mr. Stevens to
handle this project as he recommends.
Mr. Stevens reported on the claim filed by Anthony
Romano vs. David Govan and the Town of Lexington.
Romano Mr. Gay moved that the Town Counsel be authorized
claim to proceed with the settlement of this case. Mr. Driscoll
seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Building
Law
violation
Hydrant
markers
Pole
Location
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Lindstrom, the
Building Inspector, calling the Board's attention to an
addition to the Bradford Motors garage and salesroom
located at 34 Bedford Street for which no building per-
mit has been issued. Mr. Lindstrom stated in his letter
that the addition is in violation of both the Building
and Zoning By-laws.
Mr. Driscoll moved that the subject be referred to
Town Counsel to determine if the incident constitutesa
violation of either the Zoning or Building By-laws of the
Town and that if his opinion is that such violation does
exist, Mr. Lindstrom should proceed to enforce the By-laws.
Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. Stevens retired;
Mr. DeFoe reported that he had been advised by Chief
Cook that the Fire Department will install the hydrant and
catch basin markers for both the Fire Department and the
Department of Public Works.
Mr. Nickerson moved that the Superintendent of Public
Works be authorized to purchase a supply of hydrant and
catch basin markers at a cost not to exceed $425; this ex-
pense to be charged to the Snow Removal Account. Mr.
Hoyt seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. DeFoe retired.
At 8:00 P. M. hearing was declared open upon the
petition of the Boston Edison Company and the New England
Telephone and Telegraph Company for permission to erect
or construct a guy wire and anchor from pole located in
North Street, approximately 285 feet southeast of Burling-
ton Street.
The plan of the proposed location was submitted to
the Town Engineer and returned with the notation of his
approval subject to the guy wire and anchbnr being moved
If a house is erected on the lot.
No persons appeared in favor or in opposition.
Mr. Gay moved that the request be granted and that
the order be signed. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion,
and it was so voted.
L
1
At 8;05 P. M. hearing was declared open upon the peti-
tion of the Boston Edison Comapny and the New England
' Telephone and Telegraph Company for permission to erect
one pole and remove one existing pole on Cherry Street,
approximately 205 feet southeast of Charles Street.
The plan was submitted to the Town Engineer and
returned with his approval.
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph C. Cook, 10 Cherry Street, were
the only persons present at the hearing.
The Chairman asked if there were any objections
to the proposed location and Mrs. Cook that she had no
objection providing the pole is located outside the
sidewalk.
Mr. Hoyt moved that the petition be approved and
the order signed. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it
was so voted.
At 8;10 P. M. hearing was declared open upon the
petition of the Boston Edison Company and the New England
Telephone and Telegraph Company for permission to remove
two existing poles and erect two poles on Ledgelawn Avenue,
southeasterly from a point approximately 175 feet east of
Bedford Street.
The plan was submitted to the Town Engineer and
returned with his approval.
No persons appeared in favor or in opposition.
Mr. Hoyt moved that the petition be approved and
' the order signed. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it
was so voted.
Mr. Fred C. Newhall and Mr. Edward Abell met with
the Board and requested permission to conduct a Tag
Day on the evening of Friday, February 10th and all day
Saturday, February 111th. Mr. Newhall explained that
the request is being made in an effort to raise funds
for the newly organized Lexington Boys! Club.
Mr. Gay moved that the request be granted. Mr.
Nickerson seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Messrs. Newhall and Abell retired.
The Chairman read a letter from the Lexington
Construction Co., Inc. offering $1100 plus necessary legal
expenses for a small parcel of tax title land, fronting
on Wood Street.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Gay,
it was voted to refer the offer to the Town Engineer
and the Town Counsel for further information.
The Chairman read a letter from Alfred Iodice
indicating that he would like to buy a parcel of land
next to the Town barn, behind lot #3. This is not tax
title property and would therefore require a vote of
the Town before it can be sold.
The Chairman agreed to confer with the Supt. of
Public Works in an effort to determine whether or not
it would be advisable to sell this property.
529
Pole
Location
Pole
Location
Tag Day
Tax Title
property
Offer to
purchase
land owned
by Town
53®
Mr. John Brucci, his attorney, Mr. Pain McCormack,
and Mr. William Lyon met with the Board.
Mr. McCormack explained that Mr. Brucci is grieved
'
by the action of the Board of Health in denying his ap-
plication for permission to keep animals on Paul Revere
Road. He said that Mr. Brucci makes his living by deal-
ing in livestock and wants some consideration.
Mr. Brucci discussed the matter at lemg�h,.
The Chairman said that he did not know the legal
position of the Board in relation to the Board of Health,
and asked if Mr. McCormack was going to represent Mr.
Brucci. Mr. Brucci replied in the affirmative.
The Chairman explained that, at the moment, this
appears to be a Bk"et of Health problem and something
with which the ,Selectmen should not interfere. He sug-
gested that Mr. Brucci have his attorney discuss the
matter with the Board of Health.
The group retired at 9;08 P. M.
Application was received from the Sacred Heart
Holy Name Society requesting permission to hold a
communion breakfast in Cary Hall on Sunday morning,
February 19,
Use of
Halls Mr. Gay moved that the use of the hall be grafted
free of charge. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion,
and it was so voted.
Application was received from the V.F.W. request-
'
ing permission to conduct meetings in,Estabrook Hall
and a conference room on the evenings of February 1st
and 15th.
Mr. Driscoll moved that the uses be granted free
of charge. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion, and it
was so voted.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay,
it was voted to renew the following licenses;
Licenses
Hegy's Spa 856 Mass. Avenue Common Victualler (renewal)
John W. Leary 45 $altham St. Public Carriage "
Fred N. Viano 1794 Mass. Ave. Sunday Movies r'
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Hoyt,
it was voted that the Selectmen give written notice that
Watson
they intend to lay out as a town way Watson Road from
Road
Robbins Road, southwesterly to Lexington Avenue, a dis-
tance of approximately 308 feet.
Town
Bids for printing 500 copies of the 1949 Town Report,
Report
100 copies of the School Report and 100 copies of the
Accountant's report were received as follows;
Company Report School Accountant
Somerville Printing Co. $3.60 $1.00 $1.00 (all per page)
531
1 Rapid Service Press 5.21 2.85 2.52 (all per page)
Acme Printing Co. 6.00 1.00 1.00 it It "
Fleming & Son 4.60 30.00 60.00 100 copies school
per page & accIts. reports
Adams Press, Inc. 5.50 2.50 1.50 (all per page)
Mr. Nickerson moved that the bid of the Somerville
Printing Company be accepted. Mr. Gay seconded the
motion, and it was so voted.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson seconded by Mr. Hoyt
it was voted that the Board of Selectmen authorize the Bids for
architect to obtain bids, from a selected list of ten E. Lex,
bidders, for the East Lexington Fire Station; bids to Fire
close on March 7, 1950. Station
The meeting adjourned at 9;50 P. M.
A true record, Attest;
S ectme
1
b32
J
Jurors
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
January 30, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held
in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building on Monday,
evening, January 30, 1950 at 7:00 P. M. Chairman Emery,
Messrs. Gay, Driscoll, Nickerson, Hoyt and Driscoll were present.
The Clerk was also present.
Mr. James J. Carroll, Town Clerk, met with the Board
for the drawing of three•jurors. 'Mr. John A. C. Kirg7, sales-
man, 17 Lockwood Road was drawn to serve on Criminal Business,
1st Session at Cambridge beginning March 7, 1950.
Edward M. McGovern, Telephone, 260 Bedford Street was
drawn to serve on Civil Business, 2nd Session at Cambridge
beginning March 6, 1950.
Mr. Thomas F. Connors, livestock, 2151 Massachusetts
Avenue was drawn to serve on Civil Business, lst session at
Cambridge beginning March 6, 1950.
Mr. Carroll retired at 7:05 P. M. and Mr. DeFoe, Supt.
of Public Works, met with the Board.
Mr. DeFoe reported that the proposed partition in the
Partition Engineering Department would cost approximately $583 and
Eng. the counter will be about $280. He was instructed to dis-
Deptt, cuss this subject further with the Town Engineer and report
to the Board next week.
Mr. Harold Stevens, Town Counsel, met with the Board
at 7:25 P. M.
He presented, for the Selectmen's signatures, a petition
and proposed Bill relative to time for payment of better -
.Bill re: ment assessments without interest, and explained that Rep.
aIseessment Ferguson thought it might be well to have a special Bill
just for the Town of Lexington.
The Board agreed to sign the petition, as prepared by
Mr. Stevens, with one change.
The Chairman read a letter from the Middlesex County
Commissioners advising that a hearing will be held on Tues-
day, March 21, 1950 at 2:30 P. M. relative to the laying
out, relozation or alteration of Theresa Avenue, Mr.
Stev ns was requested to represent the Selectmen at the
hearing.
r -w
,on
1
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Carroll, Town
Daddario Treasurer, advising that notice has been received from the
Continental Cesualty Company concerning the cancellation
of the Company's suretyship on behalf of A. D. Daddario
for the amount of $10,000. The Clerk was instructed to give
a copy of this communication to the Town Counsel.
Further consideration was given to Mr. Alfred Iodice's '
letter indicating that he would like to purchase a
land next to the Town barn in the rear? of Lot 0.
' The Chairman reported that the Superintendent
Works and the Town Engineer are of the opinion that
parcel of land should not be sold.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
was voted not to dispose of this property.
Mr. Stevens and Mr. DeFoeretired at 9:10 P. M.
1
r
piece of
of Public
thi s
Hoyt, it
Letter was received from the Planning Board with
reference to a proposed bus route on Oat¢ Street, Baker
and Taft Avenues, stating that the Planning Board is un-
animously opposed and does not recommend that a license
be granted due to the narrow width of the traveled way
and the grades of the streets.
The Clerk was instructed to invite Mr. Deeley of the
Middlesex and Boston Street Railway to meet with the Board
next Monday evening.
Letter was received from the Medical Panel appointed
to examine Officer Henry H. Harvey who has requested re-
tirement due to illness. The Panel report stated that
Officer Harveyts condition is not related to his serviee
as a police officer but it is incapacitating and will
permanently prevent him from performing any and all of his
The Panel, therefore, recommended his retirement.
Mr. Driscoll moved that the decision and r ecommenda-
tion of the Medical Panel be accepted. Mr. Hoyt sedonded
the motion, and it was so voted.
Application was received from the Boston Market
Gardeners Association requesting permission to use Cary
533
Offer to
buy parcel
of Town
land
Oak Street
bus route
Officer
Harveyts
duties.
retirement
Hall for a banquet on March 25, 1950,
Mr. Gay moved that the use of the=halls be granted subject to a
charge of35.4.'.: Mr; Hoyt seconded the motion, and it
was so voted. Use of
Halls
Application was received from the Lexington Arts and
Crafts Society requesting the use of Estabrook Hall and
Cary Hall for an exhibition on April 30, 1950.
Mr. Gay moved that the use of the halls be granted
free of charge. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion. -and it
was so voted.
Application was received from Richard F. Jackson re-
questing permission to hold a 4-H Club meeting in a confer-
ence room on February 6, 1950.
Mr. Hoyt moved that the use of the room be granted
free of charge. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it
was so voted.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it
was voted to grant the following licenses:
Fred N. Viano 1794 Mass. Ave. Sunday Movies
David S. Michelson 30 Harding Road Guide
Licenses
534
Poll
The Chairman read a letter from Ernest A. Giroux, '
Barnes relative to first aid facilities on the occasion of the
Property 175th Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, Arpil 19,
1950. The Red Cross would like the use of two rooms and
a toilet in the Barnes property and the Munroe School.
Mr. Gay moved that the use of the so-called Barnes
property be granted as requested. Mr. Driscoll seconded
the motion, and it was so voted.
The request for the use of the Munroe School is to
be referred to the School Committee.
The meeting adjourned at 9=55 P. M.
A true record, Attest;
�r
e , S ect
1
D
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
February 6, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held
in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building on Monday
evening, February 6, 1950 at 7:00 P. M. Chairman Emery,
Messrs. Gay, Driscoll, Nickerson and Hoyt were present.
The Clerk was also present.
Messrs. Littlejohn and Lewis, radio engineers, met with
the Board and the Chairman explained that Mr. Paul Hannah,
Raytheon Manufacturing Company, had requested an'appointment
with the Board.
Messrs,' Hannah and Stewart met with the Board.
Mr. Hannah said that he understood Raytheon was the low
bidder on the bids submitted so far for two-way radio equip-
ment for the Town of Lexington, and that his company could
meet the requirements of Chief Rycrof t on delivery. He also
stated that he believed his company's equipment has been
recommended as suitable for Lexington.
He said that the equipment now being built by Ryatheon
in much better than the equipment they had up to the present
time. He explained that his company was making a special
price for the Town of Lexington which is much lower than can
be offered later. The reason for this is that Raytheon wants
the prestige of having equipment in the communities next to
Waltham.
Mr. Hannah explained in detail the period of time his
Company has been in business, operations during the war,
number of personnel and net worth.
The Chairman asked if there were any questions.
Mr. Gay asked if the set Raytheon had bid on was their
new set and Mr. Hannah replied thet his Company had bid on
both, but recommend the new one which has been tried
experimentally. He said that it has not been built in the
production sense.
Mr. Stevens said that only preproduction models
have been built and none of them have been sold.
Messrs. Hannah and Stevens retired at 7:15 P. M.
Mr. Lewis told the Board that there are a number of
reasons why he and Mr. Littlejohn believe the equipment they
have recommended is better than what Raytheon has to offer.
The Chairman asked if Mr. Lewis and Mr. Littlejohn
recommended the Link equipment and both men repAed in the
affirmative,
Mr. Lewis asked if the money left over after the con-
tract has been awarded would be available and the Chairman
replied that it would unless it was transferred. Mr. Lewis
said that Mr. Roeder and Chief Cook mentioned the fact that
they might want a demonstration. He said that he would like
to know what they intend to do before the money is turned back
because it may be necessary to purchase some speakers.
535
Two-way
radio
536
Mr. Lewis said that he thought the Board has no
choieef-now but to accept Link's bid as it is set up,
but there should be: money enough appropriated for ad-
ditional speakers that might be necessary.
Mr. Gay asked if Mr. Lewis would have any fear of
a Raytheon demonstration and Mr. Lewis replied in the
negative. He said that the reason he feels the equipment
demonstrated is a better buy for the Town is because
it has more selectivity and the new receiver will be
more reliable. He said this cannot be proven but'Ahat
is his opinion. 'He said that he thought Raytheon equip-
ment would require more servicing.
Messrs. Lewis and Littlejohn retired at 7:30 P. M.
it was voted to award the contract to the Link Radio
Corporation, accepting their bid #2 in the amount of
$3947.
At 7:35 P. M. Mr. Harold Stevens, Town Counsel, and
1
Mr. Warren Breslin met with the Board.
Breslin
Mr. Breslin explained that he purchased a parcel
property
of land located between old and new Massachusetts Avenue
in Colonial Heights. In having the title looked up he
found that in 1932 the land was in some way given to the
Town.
Mr. Stevens agreed to investigate the matter and
report further on it.
Mr. Breslin retired at 7:45 P. M.
Mr. DeFoe, Supt of Public Works and Mr. Lindstrom,
Building Inspector, met with the Board with reference to
Mr. Linds'trom's letter dated January 20, 1950 in regard
to an addition attached to the garage and salesroom of the
Bradford Motors, 34 Bedford Street.
Mr. Stevens, in a letter to the Board, stated that he
Violation
has reviewed both the Building and Zoning By-laws of the
of Building
Town and it is his opinion that the addition violates both
& Zoning
these by-laws.
By-laws.
Mr. Lindstrom reported that he has made a preliminary
estimate of the worth of the building and as he figures it
it is $260.84 without any profit. Mr. Douglas, the builder,
claims to have billed Mr. Viano in the amount of $191*.00.
Mr. Douglas told Mr. Lindstrom that he would take the addi-
tion down and that Mr. Viano has plans for enlarging the
building. This was a temporary measure for storing oil cans,
etc.
The Chairman asked Mr. Lindstrom what could be done to
make the addition less of a fire hazard and he replied that
it would be too expensive to do anything.
The Board was unanimous in the opinion that the addition
is a violation and should be taken down.
Mr. Lindstrom retired at'8:00 P. M.
1
' Mr. Stevens reported on the progress of the Parking
Meter contract.
Mr. Kochis, 468 Marrett Road and four other individuals
met with the Board relative to the drainage between Spring
and Middle Streets,
The Chairman agreed to have the Sup+t. of Public Works
and the Town Engineer check further on this subject and
also to write Mr. Sabin, State Engineer, in an effort to
correct the condition.
The group, including Mr. Stevens, retired at 8;30 P. M.
Messrs.,Deeley, Turner and one other representative of
the Middlesex and Boston StrettRailLway Company met with
the Board, at the Chairman's invitation, relative to the.
proposed bus route over Oak Street, Baker and Taft Avenues.
The .Chairman explained that the Planning Board is not
very enthusiastic about the proposed route and is some4�what
concerned about the width of the streets. However, the
Selectmen have been over the route and they do not think
it is too bad. He explained that it is possible that the
individual who owns the land on one side of Oak Street
may give the Town a ten foot strip, but his proposition
may not be concluded for possibly six months. He asked if
the Company considered hills a major hazard.
' Mr. Turner explained that the buses are heavy vehicles
and when they start to glide it is not easy to stop them.
He said that he thought there might be times when Oak Street
could .be very hazardous. He said that if this run were
operated as a trial, by the time the rail was actually in
operation the ice hazard for 1950 would be over. He explained
that the request for bus service in this area was filed by
residents.
The Chairman inquired as to the service and Mr. Turner
said that they would probably try hourly service. Once an
hour they would by-pass Massachusetts Avenue from Oak.Street
to Taft Avenue.
The Chairman asked if, after a trial period the Company
did not feel this to be a worthwhile route, they would re-
linquish their franchise.
Mr. Turner said that he supposed if the trial proved
unsatisfactory they would cease to operate.
The Chairman said that, from the Board's point of view,
it would not like to have franchises in effect if they are -
not going to be used.
The Chairman explained to the group that the Board may
not take any action on this propdsed route for two or three
weeks.
The group retired at 8;45 P. M.
' Letter was received from Custom Built Homes, Inc. re-
questing the installation of a water main in Hudson Road
due to the fact that the houses on this road will be com-
pleted within two or three weeks.
53?
Drainage
Oak Street
bus route
Froo
i
MW
Request
The Chairman agreed to advisec'the corporation that
for
this particular project has never been included in any
Water,
water main appropriation and due to pressure of immediate
'
Hudwon Road
commitments, the request cannot be considered before the
first of April.
!
Mr. DeFoe retired at 9:00 P. M. and Mr. Philip P.
I
Spencer met with the Board.
Mr. Spencer had previously submitted an offer to pur-
chase a parcel of land on Valley Road for which the Board
entertained an offer of $1400. Mr. Spencer said that Paul
McCormack told him this land would have to be put through
Tax Title
Land Court and it will cost"between $300 and $400. He said
that he cannot pay $1400 plus this additional expense and
asked if the Board would consider reducing the price of the
land.
The Chairman suggested that Mr. Spencer explain the
situation to the Board in writing and submit the best offer
he can.
Mr. Spencer retired at 9:05'P. M.
The Appropriation Committee met with the Selectmen
and budgets were considered until 11:15 P. M. It was agreed
to meet again on Saturday morning at 9:30.
Application was received from Donald J. Gillespie, Jr.
of the Lexington High School, requesting permission to con-
duct a concert of instrumental music in Cary Hall on Friday '
evening, May 120 1950 from 8:00 P. M. until 10:00 P. M.
Mr. Nickerson moved that the use of the hall be granted,
subject to a charge of $35.00. Mr. Hoyt seconded the motions
and it was so voted.
Application was received from the Lexington Choral
Use of Society for permission to conduct a rehearsal and concert
Hall in Cary Hall on March 18 and 19 from 7:30 P. M. until 11:00.
The concert is open to the public and no admission is to be
charged.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
grant the use of the hail free of charge.
Application was received from Anthony DePaolo request -
''Pool Ing permission to transfer his license to operate a pool
room room from 1804 Mass. Avenue to 3 Bow Street.
license The Clerk was instructed to contact the Chief of
Police and obtain a statement from hi*.
Application was received from Robert B. Keene, 49 School
License Street requesting the renewal of his Peddler's License.
Mr. Gay moved that the application be approved and
the license signed. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and
it was so voted.
1
Application was received from Bernard Hart, 54 Spring
Street requesting a Peddlers license. Satisfactory character
reference was received from the Chief of Police. License
Mr. Nickerson moved that the application be approved
and the license signed. Mr. Gay"seconded the motion, and
it was so voted.
The Chairman read a letter from Town Counsel with
reference to Mr. Boynton's request for a permit to operate License
a Pin Ball Machine in his gasoline station at 27 Massachusetts
Avenue. Mr. Stevens stated that, in his opinion , a machine
that gives only free games as prizes is nevertheless a lottery
and is illegal.
Mr. Hoyt moved that Mr. Boynton's application be
denied. Mr,. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so
voted.
The meeting adjourned at 11:30 P. M.
A true record, attest:
1
1 , S ectmen.
54®
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
February 13,1950
A regular meeting of the Board o£.Selectmen was held
in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday,
evening, February 13, 1950 at 7:00 P. M. Chairman Emery,
Messrs. Gay, Driscoll, Nickerson and Hoyt were present.
The Clerk was also present.
Mr. DeFoe met with the Board and discussed the possibility
of constructing Coolidge Avenue as a Chapter 90 project.
Chapter He informed the Board that he had discussed this with Mr.
90 Sabin:$ f±Pst assistant inasmuch.as Mr. Sabin is away and
he expects to have a definite answer within two weeks..
Mr. Harold Stevens, Town Counsel, met with the Board
at 7:15 P. M.
Wheeler The Chairman read a letter from the Burlington Board
Road of Selectmen advising that some provisions have been made
for work to be done on Wheeler Road in the near future.
Request for The Chairman read a letter from Lexington Construction
water pipe: Co•, Inc.. requesting the Board to include 3500 feet of water
Wood St. pipe in this year's budget for the development located on
Wood Street.
The Chairman read a letter from Samuel Barker, 43
Barker's Woburn Street with reference to his dog which was shot by
Dog a police officer. The dog, at the time of the shooting,
1
J
Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that he had advised Mr.
Newgent that.he did not believe his request could be
granted.
Letter was received from Mr. Edwin B. Worthen stedng
Screen
that he had received a telephone call form Mr. Walter Sands,
for Cary
Chairman of the Cary Lectures Committee. Mr. Sands claims
Hall
that the projector screen in Cary Hall has outlived.its
usefulness and suggested the purchase of a beaded screen,
approximately 8 x 10, which is kept rolled in a case when
not in use. The estimated cost is $100. The subject was
referred to Mr. DeFoe for a report.
The Chairman read a letter from Miss Katherine T.
Leary
Leary with reference to her property at 45 Waltham Street.
claim
Mr. Stevens agreed to make an appointment to discuss this
matter with Miss Leary and Mr. DeFoe.
Letter was received from Mr. Leo A. Boynton with further
Pin Ball
reference to his request for a permit to maintain a Pin Ball
Machine
machine in his gasoline station at:227 Massachusetts Avenue.
Mr. Boynton claims that such machines are now legal.
Mr. Stevens said that he was assured by one of the
Legislators that the machines are illegal, but he agreed to
check further.
The Chairman read a letter from Samuel Barker, 43
Barker's Woburn Street with reference to his dog which was shot by
Dog a police officer. The dog, at the time of the shooting,
1
J
541
was attacking Mr. Barker's aged mother.
Mr. Stevens said that in his opinion-ithere is no liability
on the part of the Town.
The Chief of Police met with the Board later on in the
evening and made the following statements:
On the day in question I was alone in the Station. At appro$imately
two minutes to twelve I received a telephone call from Mr. Semonian
who was very exceited and difficult to understand. He said that a
woman wanted the police to go down to Barker's house right away as
the dog was chewing up Mrs. Barker again.
I had one car in North Lexington and one in East Lexington as it was
school time. I called Fitzgerald, realizing I had a rookie on duty,
but sent him down anyway. I thud called Miss Early, at the Munroe
School, and had Officer Day go aown right away. I knew fnem the
last episode that tnere might be trouble.
Mr. Berker came into the station while I was home for lunch and was
very obnoxious about the whole matter. There was no worry at all
about his mother, 94 years old, but just the dog. Apparently from
his attitude he brushed the mother aside and showed that the dog
came first and the mother came second.
He then writes a letter and said that the "dog nipped my mother's
' finger as she fell in the hallway". Ben. Day is an experienced
officer and he told me'.that there was a considerable amount of
blood on the bed. We felt that the dog attacked the aged lady on
the bed first.
I talked with Mr. Rich, who is in charge of the Symmes Arlington
Hospital, about about getting a medical report to show what this woman
suffered on both occasions. I first talked to Miss DeWolfe and she
referred me to Mr. Rich. He said that he would like very much for
the Board to see the medical report on this woman, but it is the
policy to require a court order when reports are given out.
Dr. Short handled the case on both occasions. I told him we
were only police officers and not medical men, and in the letter
accusing our men, the son said his mother's fingers were
nipped. Dr. Short said, and he wcs willing to be quoted, that
she was most severely bitten. She was so badly bitten the
tendons showed exposure from one to one and one-half inches
on both hands. In fact there was nothing to sew to and she
could only be bandaged.
The daughter is mentioned. I wanted to check to determine
who ran to the store. I thought it was a Mrs. Young who lives
downstaits in the Barker house. She heard the screaming and ran
to the store and relayed our message. Mrs. Barker's daughter
' was visiting a family by the name of McCarron who lives next to
the railroad tracks. As far as we know she never appeared on the
scene until after the police had arrived. The first thing
she said, according to Officer Baylis, was about the dog.
542^
In his letter Mr. Barker stated that a doctor at the Belmont Anim�
al Hospital said that we would be "breaking the law which
requires fourteen days restraint and had to have his per-
mission". Mr. Barker is either misquoting the doctor or the
doctor is not informed as to what the law is. If we can,
w* fire away from the head.
He says in his letter that the dog came in and put his pagrs up.
The dog never got that close to Officer Baylis or Officer Day.
When'the dog left the woman and started for Baylis, he fired.
He did not kill him but wounded him. The doh; went into the
other room. They tried to get a towel in which to wrap the woman's
bleeding hands, but were unable to find one so Office Day
used his handkerchief and sterile bandages until the ambulance
arrived. At no time did the dog put his paws up.
The woman is still in the hospital and has a broken hip.
We don't know if she broke herthip trying to get away from.the
dog or not. We did not interview her because of her age and
I don't believe she would tell very much anyway whether from
fear or not I don't know.
Dr. Short said that on both occasions she was chewed eery badly.
He said it was brutal.
We understood after the first episode that Mr. Barker was
going to give the dog back to the original owner. When
the Officers told me what they had done I complimented them.
Their lives were in jeopardy and they did just what anyone
should have done. It would have been a different story
if Baylis froze on the job and the dog killed the woman. My.
personal reaction is that they did.s. splendid job.
Veterans Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
lot #1 it was voted to sign a deed, prepared by Town Counsel,
Hill St. conveying veterans lotl, Hill Street to Anthony P. Zerella
and Margaret J. Zarella, husband and wife.
The Clerk informed the Board that Mr. Hewhall, Chair-
man of the 19th of April Commiteee, telephoned with refer-
ence to granting permits for the erection of food booths on
Emery Park. The Rotary -Anes have submitted and application
for a permit.
Tponimotion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was
voted that Emery Park be utilized by Lexington people onlyp
subject to the approval of the Town Counsel.
Mr. Stevens retired at 8:00 P. M.
Hearing was declared open at 8:00 P. M. of the
Watson intention of the Board of Selectmen to lay out Watson Road I Road from Robbins Road, southwesterly to Lexington Avenue, a
distance of approximately 308 feet.
No persons appeared in favor or in opposition.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by lair. Gay,
it was voted that Watson Road be laid out and established
as a public town way from Robbins Road, southwesterly to
Lexington Avenue, a distance of approximately 308 feet.
At 8:05 P. M. Mr. Robert T. Person, 4 Lexington Avenue,
met with the Board. He said that he would like to know
how much the construction of the street will cost.
The Chairman said that the cost would be approximately
$6.00 per front foot and'the assessment may be paid over a
period of ten years.
Mr. DeFoe presented a plan entitled "Plan of Watson
Road, Lexington, Mass., Scale 1 in. = 40 ft. January 19,
19501% William M, Burns, Town Engineer" and explained the
proposed street layout.
The Chairman asked if Mr. Person wished to be recorded
in opposition and he replied in the negative.
Messrs. Person and DeFoe retired at 8:15 P. M.
Application was received from Richard F. Jackson, for
permission to conduct a restaurant sanitation course in a
Conference Room, Cary Memorial Building on Februury 20th
from,2:30 P. M. until 4:30 P. M.
Mr. Hoyt moved that the request be granted free of
charge. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion, and it was so
voted.
' The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Carroll advising
that John F. Rich has submitted his resignation as a member
of the Board of Appeals.
The Chairman read a letter from Roland B. Greeley request-
ing the Board to appoint one of its members to the Board on
the Board of D�peetors of the Lexington Visiting Nurse
Association.
Chairman Gustin, Messrs. Foley, Packard and Person of
the Recreation Committee and all the members of the
Appropriation Committee met for the purpose of discussing
further the 1950 budgets submitted by the Recreation
Committee: A general discussion was held and the meeting
adjourned at 9:50 P. M.
/e'ctm n.
C
543
Use of
Hall
Resignation
�4
V. C.
pipe
SELECTMENIS MEETING
February 20, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held
in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday
evening, February 20, 1950 at 7:00 P. M. Chairman pinery,
Messrs. Gay,.Nickerson and Hoyt were present. The Clerk
was also present.
Mr. DeFoe, Superintendent of Public Works, met with the
Board and presented each member with quotations received from
the Lexington Lumber Company and Waldo Brothers for specified
quantities of V. C. sewer pipe and fittings.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay, it
was voted to accept the low bid of the Lexington Lumber Com-
pany, totalling $2076.03.
Mr. DeFoe reported that Mr. Robert Friars, a lecturer,
obtained a screen for Mr. Walter Sands, Chairman of the Cary
Screen Lecture Committee, to be used in Cary Hall. Mr. Friars was
for Cary willing', to deduct his commission from the price of the screen
Hall which would reduce it to 474129 including express charges.
According to Mr. DeFoe, Mr. Friars also agreed to leave
the screen even though the Town refused to pay for -it., but Mr.
Sands would not agree to any such arrangement.
Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that insofar as he is able
to determine the screen now being used is the original one
and should be replaced.
The Chairman felt that a new screen is needed and
thought this appeared to be a good buy.
Mr. Gay reported that one Henry Brask had looked at the
new screen and in his opinion it is a perfect screen and better
than the one recently purchased for Estabrook Hall.
Mr. Gay moved that the screen be purchased at .a net cost
of $74.29. Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. DeFoe stated that Mr. Walter Harrington, Somerville,
Re: Water who owns Lots 4 and 5 on Winter Street has requested the ex -
Winter tension of a water main to serve his property inasmuch as he
Street expects to build a house.
It was the opinion of the Board that there are many
requests for water, received prior to this one, where it is
1
1
more urgdntly needed and from which more people will derive benefit.
Mr. DeFoe presented a sketch of Wheeler Road and explained
Re: Water' that some individual is building a house on this road and has
Wheeler requested the extension of a water main. He explained that Lex.
Road ington would have to obtain permission from the Town of Burling -
tion, State Board of Health and also from the M.D.C.
The Chairman questioned the legality of such an installa-
tion and suggested that Mr. DeFoe take this up with Town
Counsel.
1
Mr. DeFoe also submitted requests for water main
' extensions in Robbins Road, Webb Street, First, Second and
Third Streets, Young Street and Dunham Street.
He was instructed to place all requests on file and
present them to the Board for r eveiw again after the Annual
Town Meeting.
Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, met with the Board.
Mr. DeFoe reported that he and the Town Counsel went
to see Katherine Leary relative to her alleged claim for
damages to hercproperty at 45 Waltham Otreet. errs. Saxton, Leary
her sister, was there and apparently she is less inclined claim
to settle than is Miss Leary. It was left that they will have
someone look the property over and the Town Counsel would
also have an inspection made.
Mr. Stevens reported that he had someone look.at the
property and reported that there is nothing to do but have
a wall. Miss Leary agreed to call Mr. DeFoe.
1
1
Mr. DeFoe reported that William Mason, an employee
in the Public Works Department was absent from work due to
illness from January 13th to January 31st inclusive, but
did ;not have a doctor. Two or three years = ago the .Boe"y;,-4 :, ,. Mason
in a vote relative to sick leave, ruled that an employee Sick leave
to receive pay for sick leave after the first two days
absence must present a doctors certificate. Mr. Mason
said that he had witnesses who would testify that he was ill.
Mr. DeFoe read a statement to the affect that Mr.
Mason was confined to his home by illness, signed by Mrs.
Mason and Wadwell Holman, who lives in the same house.
.Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it
was voted to authorize Mr. DeFoe to make an exception in this
particular instance, due to the circumstances, and pay Mr.
Mason sick leave.
Letter was received from the Boston and Maine Railroad
with reference to further cancellation of trains from Lexing-
ton --to Boston on Saturdays. Train
It was agreed to have Mr. Adams include an item in the Cancelle-
Minute Man suggesting that all individuals opposed to the tion
cancellation call the Selectmen's Office and leave their
names and addresses.
Mr. Stevens suggested that the Chairman write to Mr.
William H. $irby, Direct, Railway and Passenger Division of
the. D.P.U., State House: and ask to have a survey made.
Mr. Stevens presented an Agreement, in duplicate, between
the Town of Lexington and the Mages -Hale Park -O -Meter Company, Parking
for the. delivery and installation of 120 Model "G" Automatic.:
Park -O -Meters, for a total sum not to exceed $7,380.00.
Mr. Gay moved that the contract be signed. Mr. Nickerson
seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Messrs. Stevens and DeFoe retired at 8;05 P. Ms
`46
At 8:05 P. M. hearing was declared open upon the applica-
tion of John Busa,for a license to maintain one underground
tank for the Storage, of 1,000 gallons of gasoline on premises
'
located at 52 Lowell Streets
A notice of the hearing was inserted in the-eebruary 9,
1950 issue of the Lexington Minute- Man. No persons appeared
Buss gas
in opiosition and Mr. Buss's son -.was the only person present
hearing
in favor.
Mr. Busa explained that the gas would be used for farm
equipment and further stated that he has no tank at the
present time.
The Chairman explained that the application has been
approved by Roy A. Cook, Chief Engineer of the Fire Department.
Mr. Gay moved that the application be approved and the
license signed. Mr. Hoy seconded the motion, and it was
so voted.
Mr. Busa retired at 8:09 P. M.
Hearing was declared open upon the joint petition of the
Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Tele-
graph Company for permission to locate two poles on North Street.
No per's ons, mere:;presexit in"favor; or. in, opposition. and :the
Chairman explained that the petition has been approved by the
Pole Town Engineer and the Superintendent of Public Works.
Location Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it
was voted to grant the petition and sign the order for the
following pole locations: North Street, southeasterly from '
a point approximately 80 feet southeast of Burlington Street.
Mr. Robert Person, representing the Recreation Committee,
Messrs. DeFoe and Stevens met with the Board.
Mr. Person presented plans, termed by him as rough
sketches, of the proposed toilet facilites for the Center
Toilet II playground. He explained theiconstruction and informed the
facili-d Board that he had received and estimate from Howard Custance
ties in the amount of $113,725 for plan A with the gable roof
Center and $115,200 for plan B with a flat roof. The Town Engineer
play- submitted a quotation of 42730 for sewer connection. Mr.
ground Person explained that the total cost would be approximately
$15,000.
Mr. Hoyt asked if the proposed building would be con-
sidered a temporary measure and Mr. Person replied that his
Committee felt it would adequate for a number of 'years.
The Chairman said he thought the Recreation Comittee
should met with the Board next Monday and didnuss this at
which time the Selectmen will have a report as to how they
feel about it.
He further suggested that Mr. Person meet with the Ap-
propriation -Committee this evening and discuss the subject with
that Committee.
Mr. Person agreed and retired at 8:25 P. M.
Mr. DeFoe•also retired. '
Mr. Nickerson suggested that the Board defer any action
on the Recreation Committeest request for $15,000 for toilet
facilities at the Center playground until after the Appropria#
tion Committee has acted upon it.
Mr. Kraff, of Shopperet Haven, met with the Board and
' said that he would like to find out about his Common Victuallers
license which expired on December 31, 1949 and has not been
renewed.
The Chairman explained that the Board had held it up
because of complaint relative to Sunday sales.
Mr. Zraff said that there is not a store in Lexington or
any town that is open on Sunday that can say that they do not
prepare to do business on Sunday. He said that there are
always emergencies coming up. He stated that any complaints
received have not come from the public or the police or any
other officials, but from jealous competitors. He said that
there is no business which he does on Sunday that any competitor
cannot get. Regular Cus.tomerB come in on Sundays for emergencies
and in some instances he has to accomodate them. He said that
he does not sell to just anyone who happens to come along. He
stated that his store is open Sundays for the soda fountain#
beverages, etc., but when an emergency arises he takes.care of
it. He mentioned one instance when the proprietor of the
Domine Manse in Bedford came in on a Sunday because she was not
prepared to take care of all her reservations. He said that he
had never seen her before and that she buys wholesale butthis
was an emergency and one which he told the Chief of Police about.
The Chairman asked Mr. Kraff if he is the proprietor
and he peplied that he opened the store for his son-in-law.
The Chairman asked if Mr. Kraff was at the store most of
the time and he replied that he was at the store at all times.
The Chairman said that he would then know what went on at
all times and Mr. Kraff said that he certainly does. He said
that he did not wish to hide anything. He said that as far as
actually doing business on Sundays, he is not hurting any other
competitor. He stated that his Sunda customers buy items for
Y Y
emergencies and purchases they had not planned.
The Chairman explained that the Selectmen have the
responsibility of trying to see that the laws are upheld and
the ebmplaints forced the Board to look into the matter. He
further stated that the Board intneds to refer it to the Town
Counsel and that is the way the matter stands at the moment.
Mr. Kraff asked how the Common Vi-ctuallerts license would
affect the Sunday Sales license and the Chairman replied that
he did not think it has any direct affect.
Mr. Stevens asked if W. Kraff would divide the store
and thereby solve the problem.
Mr. Kraff said that he would have to move so many items
on Saturday night for Sunday that it would not be possible.
Mr. Stevens saidw
tha as it is no it is one store. It
could be divided into two and no difficulty would rise.
Mr. Kraff said that it just would not work out.
Mr. Stevens asked who the older man is who works on
Sundays and Mr. Kraff said that Mr. Bryant is never there
on Sundays.
' Mr. Stevens said that Sundays was the only time he ever
saw him. He said that he had been there on many Sundays before
he became Town Counsel.
Shoppers,
Haven
548
Mr. Kraff said that Mr. Bryant was in the store only
one Sunday in two years and that was when he came in to help '
take inventory. He stated that his daughter helped out at
one time and that Mr. Bryant, who works on the meat side, works
five days a week and not on Sundays at all.
Mr. Stevens said that this is a situation where admittedly
Mr. Kraff iscelling on Sundays and the law makes no allowances
for emergencies. He explained that the Board is faced with'the
fact that there is a law violation going on and it could be
cured if the store were divided. However, Mr. Kraff might de-
cide
ecide that it would be better not to remain open than to divide
the store.
Mr. Stevens said that he was not prepared to give the
Board his final decision this evening.
Mr. Kraff said that he was not doing any meat business.
on Sundays that amounts to anything.
Mr. Stevens and Mr. Kraff retired at 8:45 P. td.
Mi'. Burns, Town Engineer, -met with the Board.
Application was received from the Lexington Field and
Garden Club for permission to conduct a meeting in Estabrook
Use of Hall Hall on the evening of March 13th from 7:30 P. M. .until 10:30
P. M.
Mr. Hoyt moved that the use of the hall be granted free
of charge. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Application was received from the Veterans of Foreign
Wars requesting permission to conduct meetings in Estabrook
Hall and a conference room on the evening of March 1st from
7:30 P. M. until 10:30 P. M.
Use of Hall Mr. Hoyt moved that the uses be granted free of charge.
Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
1
1
Application was received from Fred Viano for a Sunday
License
Movie License for February 26th.
Mr. Nickerson moved that the License be approved and
signed. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Further consideration was given to Mr. DePaolo's applica-
tion for a pool room license at 3 Bow Street.
The Chairman read a letter from the Chief of Police
e%
stating that, in his opinion, parking facilities are not a"—.
Pool room
quate unless the cars are parked on Mass. Avenue. He further
license
stated -that he is opposed to the operation of a pool room in
Lexington and more so now that the location is to be moved
from the center where there was more opportunity to keep a
check on it.
The Chief stated that Arlington does not permit pool
rooms and he felt that this particular location might invite
undesirables from the Town of Arlington.
The Clerk was instructed to invite Mr. DePaolo to meet
with the Board.
1
1
The Chairman read a letter from iToseph R. Belcik, 69
Valleyfield Street claiming that the town crushed a drain
pipe when the water was installed, causing water to back
up into his cellar. Drainage
Mr. Burns explained that the Town replaced the broken complaint
drain pipe two years go. He said that the pipe could be re-
placed again but it will not do any good. He said that he
has explained this to Mr. Belcik many times, but he is
willing to put the pipe in if Mr. Belcik will tell him what
he wants and.where he wants it placed. He said that it would
cost less than $25.
Mr. Nickerson asked if there is any way to make the
drain work sftisf actorily and Mr. Burns replied in the negative.
He said that the entire swamp would have to be drained.
The Chairman suggested that Mr. Burns contact Mr. Belcik
-and advise him that the_pipe would be replaced if he will show
Mr. Burns where he wants it laid.
At 9;15 P. M. six individuals from the Town of Bedford,
whose names were not given, met with the Board relative to
Bedf ordls sewer problem.
The Town appropriated money for a study and engaged
Metcalf & Eddy. The Veterans Hospital is having trouble with
its sewage plant and polluting the water at the Sachw m Council
.Boy Scout Camp. Bedi'ord would like to work out a -deal whereby
the State, Bedford and Lexington could get the sewage piped
down the M.D.C.
Mr. Burns inquired as to how far Bedford has gone with the
consultant engineers and was informed that Metcalf and Eddy has
made a study of the collection system. He was told that the
Town of Bedford would need to obtain Federal aid to get the
pipe coming down from Bedford.
Mr. Burns said/that first it would have to be determined
how much Bedford will deliver and asked if it is planned to
take over the Bedford. Hospital.
JOne of the representatives replied in the negative, but
said that the'would like to eventually.
Mr. Burns said that if they could find out how much
Bedford will deliver in sewage it would give Lexington some
idea at least as to how much Lexington would be getting into
to pick up Bedfords sewage as well as Lexington sewage. He
explained that the Lexington pipe may have to be larger,
and that it would be necessary to have a consultant to deter-
mine that.
Mr. Burns also said that it would have to be decided
whether or not the force main now at the pumping station
would be large enough to handle the proposed addition and
fit would require some study,; He said also that there would
be the question of the maintenance of the pumping stetion.
He said that personally he thought it might be cheaper for
Bedford to dump into Lexington's wet well and handle the
maintenance between the two towns. He said that Bedford would
have to find out whether or not the M.D.q. would take the
town into its system.
Bedford
sewer
problem
eau
►-w
One of the representatives said that he spoke to an M.D.C.
commissioner who advised him that if the Bedford Selectmen
wrote to the Commission arstudy would be made, but that the
price for Bedford alone would be prohibitive.
'
Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, returned to the meeting.
He said that it would be a fairly expensive line
to run up to Bedford, but there is no reason why a study cannot
be made and if the Federal Government would finance it, it
would of course be a help. He said that the M.D.C. could
not agree to expand the bystem for Bedford. He explained that
the M.D.C. does not have funds of its own to spend and the
costs are distributed against the various towns in the syste*.*
Mr. Burns said that from an engineering point of view,
pumping into the Lexington Station is feasible, but there is
the question as to whether the present pumping station can
handle it.
Mr. Stevens suggested that the problem be discussed
further with Metcalf & Eddy.
The group retired at 9:55 P. M.
Petition for a joint pole location was received from
Pole
the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and
Location
Telegraph Company for the removal and placing of one pole on
Lowell Street. Both the Superintendent of Public Works and
the Town Engineer approved the location.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it was
voted to grant the petition and sign the order for the follow-
ing pole removal and location: Lowell Street, approximately
2,620 feet northwest of Haskell Street.
,
Application was received from the Secretary of the
Cert. of
Commonwealth for a Certificate of Incorporation filed by
Inc.
George D. Jackson, Jr. of 28 Reed Street, Lexington.
Satisfactory character reference was received from the
Chief of Police.
Mr. Gay moved that the application be approved. Mr.
Nickerson seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Notice was received from the Massachusetts Selectmen's
Association relative to bills H-487 and H-1612 to make
Schoal
school appropriations and expenditures subdect to the same
bills
laws that apply to the appropriations and expenditures of
other municipal departments. No action was taken.
Vet. Lot
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it was
#7 deed
voted to sign the deed, prepared by Town Counsel conveying
Veteran.Lot #7 Hill Street to Edmund Morelli.
The Clerk informed the Board that Mrs. Harold wheeler,
representing the Lexington Red Cross Chapter, had requested
Red Cross
permission to erect a sign on Emery Park similar to the one
sign
used ;ast year.
Mr. Gay moved that the request be granted. Mr. Hoyt
seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
'
Letter was received from the Appropriation Committing
advising that a joint meeting of that Committee, the Selectmen,
Chairman of the Board of Assessors, Chairman of the School
Committee and Chairman of the Cemetery Commissioners will
be held in the Selectmen's office on Monday evening, February
27th at 7:30 P. M. This meeting is held as required by Article
13, Sedtion:.2 cif the General By-laws.
The meeting adjourned at 10:33 P. M.
- A true record, Attest:
1
551
552
Jurors
Sidewalks
'Liberty-
Ledgelawn
easements
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
February 27, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in
the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening,
February 27, 1950 at 7:00 P. M. Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay,
Driscoll, Nickerson and Hoyt were present. The Clerk was also
present.
Mr. James J. Carroll, Town Clerk, met with the Board for
the drawing of four Jurors.
Mr. John J. Smith, Jr., furniture sales, 121 Grove Street,
was drawn to serve on Civil Business,
Mr. Joseph Donnelly, C.P.A. 48 Forest Street, was drawn
to serve on Criminal Business, lst session.
Mr. Charles E. Hogan, underwriter, 34 Hayes Avenue, was
drawn to serve on Criminal Business, lst session.
t1r. Arthur S. Pierce, trucking, 6 Dexter Road was drawn
to serve on Criminal Business, lst session.
Mr. Carroll retired at 7:05 P. M. and Mr. DeFoe, Supt.
of Public Works, met with the Board.
Mr. DeFoe reported that the estimated cost of construct-
ing sidewalks, as requested by the First Church of Christ
Scientist, will be $318 for the entire project of which the
abutter pays one-half or $159.
The Chairman agreed to advise the Church that this pro-
ject will be reviewed some time after March 27th.
Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, and Mr. Bruce arrived at the
meeting.
Mr. DeFoe gave a report of progress relative.to the
number of signatures that have been secured with reference to
easements in the Liberty-Ledgelawn section. He stated that
there are 45 parcels on Ledgelawn Avenue; six not signed,
one lot has been signed for by a wife whose husband is out
of town and 39 have signed. On the other streets, out of a
total of 36 parcels, 24 have signed, 9 refused and 3 were
not contacted.
Mr. Bruce also gave a report and said that if something
definite could be told to the property owners it might be pos-
sible to secure more signatures. He suggested telling them
that the streets are going to be constructed whether all sig-
natures are obtained or not and if it becomes necessary for the
town to get into any litigation, the expense will be added to
the cost of the project.
The Chairman said that it was very true that if the Town
is involved in litigation, the cost will be added to the
project and have to be paid by all the neighbors.
Mr. Stevens said that Mr. Bruce could go as far as saying
that the streets are going to go through and that refusing to
sign the easements will only delay the project.
Mr. Bruce agreed to try to secure a few more signatures
and stated that he would report to Mr. DeFoe by Wednesday or
Thursday of this week.
Mr. Bruce retired at 8:40 P. M.
J
1
1
The following members of the Appropriation Committee
met with the Board: Chairman Patterson, Messrs. Cleveland,
Donnelly, Bateman, Smith, Hall, Vadeboncouer, Tucker, and
Mr. Walker the Town Accountant. Chairman Thomas of the
School Committee, Chairman Emery of the Board of Assessors
and Mr. Potter, representing the Cemetery Commissioners were
also present.
This meeting was called by the Appropriation Committee
as provided for under Article XIII, Section 2 of the
General By-laws, and conducted t►y Mr. Patterson, Chairman
of the Appropriation Committee.
The Chairman referred to the budgets submitted by the
Snhool Committee and Mr. Thomas agreed to the amounts as
read.
The Cemetery budgets were then considered and Mr. Potter
questioned the Personal Services budget which had been figured
to include a raise for the Clerk, but reduced by the Appropriation
Committee,
Mr. Patterson explained that no increases had been approved
for any Clerks, and that the Appropriation Committee felt that
as long as the Clerk wants the ;fob no change should be made in the
salary. The Committee also is of the opinion that the Cemetery
records.should be taken care of at the Town Offices,
Mr. Potter said that he agreed that the records should be
in the Town Offices and had said no for years.
Mr. Patterson said that if the Clerk should give up the
' work, the Appropriation Committee believes that it could be
handled without any increase in clerical help.
There were no questions on the Cemetery - Wages and Expenses
budgets.
The Chairman then took up the budgets submitted by the
Board of Assessors.
Mr. Emery asked if anything could be done about the salary
for the Senior Clerk in his department. The Chairman replied
that it is the opinion of the Appropriation Committee that
all clerks in the Town Hall would have to go along without
any increase.
Mr. Emery had no further questions and the group retired
at 7:55 P. M.
Mr. DeFoe reported on the possibility of constructing
Collidge Avenue as a Chapter 90 project. He said that he
was told that if the County agreed, the State would approve
it. Mr. Hatch, the County Engineer, told Mr. DeFoe that
he would recommend it to his Commissioners.
Mr. Stevens recommeded that the Board of Selectmen
petition the'County to lay out and construct Coolidge Avenue.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it was
voted to petition the County Commissioners to lay out and
construct as a public way Coolidge Avenue westerly for about
1,000 feet fo Hancock Street.
it
553
Budgets
Constr-
uction of
Coolidge
Avenue
555
Mr. Stevens said that he has discussed this subject with
Mr. Allen Benjamin and it appears that the power of the
Planning Bocrd is very serious. About two years ago the
State made a survey of the various Planning Boards and the
majority of the Boards require the subdivider to put in
water. Some•Boards require installation of sewers, and
they all require streets. He said that he does not believe
there. -is any legal obligation on the part of the Town to put
in water for a subdivider.
The Chairman asked if the Planning Board, as a Board of
Survey, has the power to make an agreement with a sub -divider
which would put the Town under obligation to spend money to
fulfill the terms of the agreement.
Mr. Stevens replied that the Planning Bo4rd can require
the sub -divider to do things, but there is nothing in the
Statute authorizing the Planning Board to bind the Town.
The Chairman asked if any agreement between the Planning
Board and a sub -divider, involving spending money, would
be contingent upon the Town passing a vote to spend the money
and Mr. Stevens replied in the affirmative.
The group continued to discuss the subject at length
and retired at 10:10 P. M.
The Chairman read a notice from the Department of Public
Utilities stating that a hearing will be held on Wednesday,
March 22, 1950 at 11:00 A. M. upon the petition of the Boston
'
and Maine Railroad for approval of the discontinuance of
Saturday trains.
Mr. Stevens retired at 10:15 P. M.
Letter was received from the Board of Fire Engineers
advising that the Gorham Fire Equipment Co. will allow $150
for 1100 feet of fire pair cable against the purchase of a
generator.
Fire
Mr. Hoyt moved that the Fire Engineers be instructed
Cable
to refer this to Town Counsel for advice. Mr. Driscoll
seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Letter was received from Mr. Garrity recommending a
procedure for obtaining permission from property owners on
Planting
East Street to plant trees in front -of thfer property.
trees, East
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
Street
it was voted to endorse Mr. Garrityts recommendations and,
authorize him to proceed accordingly.
Mr. Garrity also commented on the proposed toilet
Center
facilites for the Center Playground. He suggested the
playground
elimination of the expense of connecting the facilities
toilet f ac.
to the sewer and the installation of a septic tank.
'
The Chairman decided to hold a special meeting on Saturday
morning at 10:00 to disuess this project further with the
Recreation Committee and the Appropriation Committee.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it
was voted to approve the following pole location:
656
Pole
Massachusetts Avenue, northeasterly
Location side, approximately 115 feet northwest
of Bloomfield Street, One pole.
One existing jointly owned pole to be
removed.
The Chairman read a proclamation, prepared by Bertram
Gustin, relative to the adoption of.a tricorne hat as the
19th of motif for the 19th of April celebration. It was the
April opinion of the Board that the Selectmen should not become
motif involved, and that the proclamation should be issued by
the Chamber of Commerce or some other group.
The Chairman reported that he had an artist look at
the paintings in Cary Memorial Building as a result of a
letter received from Mr. Frothingham calling the Board's
attention to the condition of the pictures. The artist
recommended better lighting on the larger picture, the
Battle of Lexington. The artist did recommend, however,
that a good cleaning job be done on the other tveo paintings,
and this will cost approximately $150.
A photostatic copy of Chapter 104, an act validating
the acts and proceedings at Fdjourned sessions of the
Act annaul Town Meeting of the Town of Lexington held in 1969,
was received.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was
voted to grant the following licenses:
Fred N. Vaino 1794 Mass. Ave. Sunday Movies
Licenses Robert Tucker 700 Meriam St. Guide License
Daniel:P� Curtin 435 Marrett Rd. Common Victualler
Mr. Curtin's application for a Second Class Agent's
license was held over until the next meeting.
Application was received from the Sacred Heart Parish
requesting permission to hold a Minstrel Show in Cary Hall
Use of Hall on March 16, 1950.
Mr. Gay moved that the use of the hail be granted, sub-
ject to a charge of $35.00. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion,
and it was so voted.
The Chairman read a letter from Philip Godley, PresI46nt
of the Fiske School PTA, in which he stated that motor vehicles
have been using the footpath between Woodland Road and the
Fiske School. A copy of the letter was sent to the Chief of
Police.
u
The Clerk reported to the Board that Prof. John H. Judge,
Heart Chairman of the 1950 Heart Campaign had requested permission '
campaign to conduct a so-called Tag Day. He has discussed this with
tag day Mr. Grindle and also Mr. Sukeforth of the Lexington High School
who have agreed to have students participate.
The Board had no objection providing the School
Committee is in favor.
The meeting adjourned at 11:20 P. M.
A true record, Attest:
�er , S ect n.
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554
Mr. Stevens reported that the Lumbermen's Mutual Insurance MW
Company will settle the Webb case for $161.98, damage to a
hydrant on Spring Street, and recommended that the Town ,
accept the settlement.
Mr. Hoyt moved that the Town Counsel be authorized to
Claim settle the case of the Town of Lexington v. Effie V. Webb,
Dorchester, in the amount of $161.98. Mr. Driscoll seconded
the motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. Stevens reported that the Lumbermen's Mutual
Insurance Company has also agreed to settle the Rourke case
fbr $20 damage to trees on the property opposite the Lexington
Nurseries, and recommended that the Town accept the settle-
ment. st
Mr. Driscoll moved that the Town Counse],%v. Albert F. Rourke,
Somerville in the amount of $20. Mr. Gay seconded the
motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. DeFoe discussed further the subject of paying Mr.
William Mason sick leave and disclosed information he has
Sick Leave
received on this subject since the last meeting of the Board.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Hoyt it was
voted to rescind the vote passed last week whereby the Suptt.
of Public Works was authorized to pay Mr. Mason sick leave.,
Mr. DeFoe retired at 8:35 P. PA. and the following members
of the Planning Board met with the Selectmen: Chairman
Cromwell, Messrs. Adams, Couette, Johnson, Potter and Ripley.
The Town Engineer was also present.
,
Facilities
The Chairman of the Boerd of Selectmen explained that
for sub-
this meeting was called as a result of the action of the
divisions
Selectmen in asking the Town Counsel questions with reference
to the obligation of the Town, if any, to install facilities
for subdividers where the subdivider does not pay the total
cost; or the legal right of either the Board of Survey or the
Selectmen to make the subdivider pay a percentage of the total
cost. He explained that the questions had arisen when the
Board started to figure the cost of installing several miles
of water pipe.
Mr. Stevens said that, as the Planning Board knows, and
as he reported to the Selectmen, the Statute 81-M authorizes
the Planning Board, as a Board of Survey, to require the sub-
divider to put in public utilities. When the Board requires
it, it is at the expense of the sub -divider unless the Board
makes some other ruling. He said that it islnot quite clear
from the Planning Board's regulations just what is required
of the sub -divider. He explained that he has discussed this
with Mr. Cromwell and apparently the Planning Bocrd has not been
requiring subdividers to put in the water and sewer. He stated
-
that the regulations., in one Place seem torequire the sub-
divider tout the water ter in; but in another place that does
not seem to be the intention.
Mr. Cromwell agreed that the regulations are ambiguous.
'
be authorized to settle the case of the Town of Lexington.
555
Mr. Stevens said that he has discussed this subject with
Mr. Allen Benjamin and it appears that the power of the
Planning Bofrd is very serious. About two years ago the
State made a survey of the various Planning Boards and the
majority of the Boards require the subdivider to put in
water. Some Boards require installation of sewers, and
they all require streets. He said that he does not believe
there:is any legal obligation on the part of the Town to put
in water for a subdivider.
The Chairman asked if the Planning Board, as a Board of
Survey, has the power to make an agreement with a sub -divider
which would put the Town under obligation to spend money to
fulfill the terms or the agreement.
Mr. Stevens replied that the Planning Boerd can require
the sub -divider to do things, but there is nothing in the
Statute authorizing the Planning Board to bind the Town.
The Chairman asked if any agreement between the Planning
Board and a sub -divider, involving spending money, would
be contingent upon the Town passing a vote to spend the money
and Mr. Stevens replied in the affirmative.
The group continued to discuss the subject at length
and retired at 10:10 P. M.
The Chairman read a notice from the Department of Public
Utilities stating that a hearing will be held on Wednesday,,
March 22, 1950 at 11:00 A. M. upon the petition of the Boston
and Maine Railroad for approval of the discontinuance of
Saturday trains.
Mr. Stevens retired at 10:15 P. M.
Letter was received from the Board of Fire Engineers
advising that the Gorham Fire Equipment Co. will allow $150
for 1100 feet of fire pair cable against the purchase of a
generator. Fire
Mr. Hoyt moved that the Fire Engineers be instructed Cable
to refer this to Town Counsel for advice. Mr. Driscoll
seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Letter was received from Mr. Garrity recommending a
J' procedure for obtaining permission from property owners on
Planting
East Stre£t to plant trees in front4.of thter property.
trees, East
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
Street
It was voted to endorse Mr. Garrity's recommendations and,
authorize him to proceed accordingly.
Mr. Garrity also commented on the proposed toilet
Center
facilites for the Center Playground. He suggested the
playground
elimination of the expense of connecting the facilities
toilet fac,
to the sewer and the installation of a septic tank.
The.Chairman decided to hold a special meeting on Saturday
morning at 10:00 to disucss this project further with the
Recreation Committee and the Appropriation Committee.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it
was voted to approve the following pole location:
558
SELECTMEN'S MEETING �+
March 4, 1950 '
A special meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in
the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Saturday morn-
ing, March 4, 1950 at 10:05 A. M. Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay,
Driscoll, Nickerson and Hoyt were present. The Clerk was also
present.
Mr. James J. Carroll, Town Treasurer, met with the Board
and submitted a list of bids received on the $190,000 sewer loan.
The Chairman read the list to the Boerd and upon motion of Mr.
Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, the following vote was passed:
That the sale of $190,000 sewer bonds of the Town (Nos. 1 to 190)
dated March 1, 1950, payable March 1, $10,000 in 1951 to 1958
and $5,000 in 1959.tg.1980 3.under the vote of the Town passed
April 4, 1949, be awarded to L. F. Rothschild & Co. at the price
of 100.7799, rate of interest 1-3/4%.
Mr. Carroll retired at 10:18 A. M.
The Recreation Committee, Chairman of the Appropriation
Committee and Mr. John J. Garrity, Supt. of Parks and Play-
grounds, met with the Board and discussed the proposed toilet ,
facilities for the Center playground.
The meeting adjourned at 12:00 noon.
A true record'. Attest:
1
L
559
SELECTMENTS MEETIZG
March 6, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held
in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday
evening, March 6, 1950 at 7;00 P. M. Chairman Emery, Messrs.
Gay, Driscoll, Nickerson and Hoyt were present. The Clerk
was also present.
Mr. Joseph H. DeFoe, Supt. of Public Works, met with the
Board. He presented each member of the Board with a letter
received from Mr. Converse Hill (Brewer & Lord) in answer
to a recommendation made by the School Committee that a com-
plete review of school valuations as affecting insurance, Insurance
be made.
The Chairman was of the opinion that it might be well
for the Board to invite Mr. Hill and the School Committee
to attend a meeting for the purpose of discussing this sub-
ject.
No action is to be taken until after Town Meeting,
Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that Mr. Robert Ryder, the
developer of Colonial Acres has advised him that he wants to
extend water mains as follows; Sherburne Road, 400 feet;
Dane Road; Kendall Road, 11,000 feet of eight inch and 59000
feet of six inch.
Mr. Harold E. Stevens, Town Counsel, arrive at the
meeting at 7;25 P. M.
Mr. DeFoe explained the request and Mr. Stevens said
that unless Mr. Ryder contemplates a change in the plan, Ryder re -
it does not have to be referred back to the Planning Board. quest for
Mr. Nickerson thought that the approval by the Planning water ex -
Board did not give any approval beyond the plot plan approved. tensions
Mr. Stevens explained that -these roads have been approved
by the Planning Board and Mr. Ryder does not have to go batik
to that Board. He said that the plan has been approved without
any agreement as to putting in services. He said that the
Selectmen are the ones to say whether they will recommend or
take action, as a Board, to put the water in and that nothing
the Planning Board has done binds the Selectmen.
The Chairman asked if the water would be installed under
the Betterment Act and Mr. Stevens said that is how he supposed
it would be done.
Mr. DeFoe retired to ask the Planning Board about the
approval and when he returned reported that the Planning Board
has given approval only as far as the water pipe has been in-
stalled. Mr. Ryder, however, has been given tentative approval
of the layout, and wanted to submit his request before Town Meet-
ing. He has no reason to believe that the Planning Board will
refuse to approve the entire layout inasmuch as it has been ap-
proved tentatively.
The Chairman asked if the Board would be acting prematurely
if any action were taken on this now and the Town Counsel replied
in the affirmative.
560
The Chairman said, that as he understands the situation,.
J the Board of Survey has still to act on the section of streets
for which Mr. Ryder is requesting water, and Mr. DeFoe said
that the Chairman's understanding is correct.
Mr. Stevens agreed that the Selectmen could hold this in
abeyance until some further information is received from the
Planning Board, and that Mr. DeFoe should advise Mr. Ryder
that his request will be placed on file until the Selectmen
hear from the Board of Survey.
Letter was received from Vance S. Tarr, 4 Ledgelawn.Avenue,
stating that he will give the town permission to construct a
slope on his property.
The Chairman asked Mr. Burns, Town Engineer, to meet with
the Board during the discussion relative to Liberty-Ledgelawn
Streets.
The Chairman reported that he had met with Mr. DeFoe,
Mr. Burns and Mr. Stevens in regard to this subject. He
said that the way the proposed streets are laid out and the
way the Town proposes to construct them, the job can be done
without going on any private land except where the Town does
have slope easements. Where the Town does not have slope
easements, the slope easement will be handled in the side -
Adv. for walk area within the street taking the Town took last fall.
bids street Mr. Burns said that if it is not practical the Town Wbuld,
construction in an emergency, make a taking for an easement.
It was agreed by all present that there is no reason for
not asking for bids and upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded
by Mr. Gay, it was voted to authorize the Superintendent of
•Public Works to advertize for bids, said bids to be opened in
the Selectmen's Room, on Saturday morning, March 12, 1950 at
10:00 A. M.
Mr. Burns retired at 8:00 P. M.
Chief John W. Rycrof t of the Police Department met with
the Board at 8:00 P. M.
Mr. Stevens informed the Board that the proposed Parking
Meter and other Traffic Rules and Orders have been tentatively
approved by the State Department of Public Works and will be
placed on the agenda for formal approval March 14th. He ex-
plained that the Selectmen could approve them this evening and
Traffic then publish them on March 22nd or March 29th. He said that if
Rules & they are published on the 29th the meters could be installed,
Orders starting Monday, April 3rd, to ba effective April 10th.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it
was VOTED: That the Traffic Rules and Orders of the Town
of Lexington as now existing be and are hereby amended
as follows:
R
D
1
March 6, 1950
PARKING METER AND OTHER TRAFFIC RULES AND ORDERS
VOTED: That the Traffic Rules and Orders of '
the Town of Lexington as now existing be and are
hereby amended as follows: -
1. By adding the following paragraphs at
the end of ARTICLE I of the existing Rules and Orders: -
(y). "Parking Meter". The words
"Parking Meter " shall mean any mechanical device,
not inconsistent with the provisions of these Rules
and Orders, and placed or erected on any puolie wad'
within the Town of Lexington for the regulation of
parking. Each parking meter installed shall indicate
by proper legena the legal parking time established
by these Rules and Orders and when operated shall at
all times indicate the balance of legal parking time
permitted and at the expiration of such period shall
indicate illegal or overtime parking.
W. "Parking Meter Zone". The words
"Parking Meter Zone" shall mean and include any street
or portion thereof upon which parking meters are in-
stalled and in operation and upon which parking of
vehicles is permittea ror a limited time subject to
compliance with the further provisions of these Rules
and Orders.
(aa�# "Parking Meter Space". The words
"Parking Meter Space" shall mean any space within a
parking meter zone, adjacent to a parking meter which
is duly designated for the parking of a single vehicle
by lines painted on the surface of the street adjacent
to or adjoining such parking meter.
(bb). "Person". The word "Person" shall
mean and include any individual, firm, co -partnership,
association or corporatiozm.
2. By adding at the end of ARTICLE V the
following new sections: -
SECTION 9. No person shall park a vehicle
for a period of time longer than one hour, be-
tween the hours of eight A.M. and six P.M. on
any week day, excepting Friday on which day the
hours are designated as eight A.M. and nine P.Mv,
on any streets or parts of streets herein or
hereafter designated as parking meter zones.
This restriction shall not apply on Sundays or
during the hours of legal holidays during which
business establishments are required by law to
remain closed.
In accordance with the foregoing,
parking meter zones are hereby established in the
following streets or parts of streets:-
bbz
Grant Street, westerly side, from Massachusetts
Avenue northerly for a distance of
320 feet.
Waltham Street, easterly side, from Massachusetts
Avenue southerly for a distance of
163 feet.
Muzzey Street, westerly side, from Massachusetts
Avenue southerly for a distance of
147 feet.
Meriam Street, easterly side, from Massachusetts
Avenue northerly for a distance of
250 feet.
Depot Square, westerly side, from Massachusetts
Avenue northerly for a distance of
.145 feet.
Depot Square, easterly side, from Massachusetts
Avenue northerly for a distance of
180 feet.
Depot Square, from Massachusetts Avenue to Mass-
achusetts Avenue adjaeent,to Emery
Park,
Massachusetts Avenue, both sides from Wallis
Court to Clarke Street.
SECTION 9A. Parking meters shall be placed at
intervals o not less than 20 feet apart and not
less than 12 inches nor more than 24 inches from
the face of the curb adjacent to individual meter
spaces, except that beginning and ending spaces in
any zone may be not less than 18 feet. Meters shall
be so constructed as to display a signal showing
legal parking upon the deposit therein of the proper
coin or coins of the United States as indicated by
instructions on said meters .and for such period of
time as is or shall be permitted by these Rules
and Orders. Said signal shall remain in evidence
until expiration of the parking period designated
at which time a dropping of a signal automatically
or some other mechanical operation shall indicate
expiration of said parking period.
SECTION 9B. The Chief of Police is hereby
authorized and Uirected to establish parking meter
spaces, in such parking meter zones as are hereiin
specified, or as may be hereafter fixed by rules
and orders, and to indicate the same by white
markings upon the surface of the street and to
maintain said meters in good workable condition.
"c
M+oiq
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1
563
SECTION 90. Nothing contained in sections 9
to 914 inclusive, of these Rules and Orders shall
be construed to prohibit the Board of Selectmen
from making provisions for bus stops, taxicab
stands, service zones and loading zones as
authorized by other sections of these Rules and
Orders on any street or portion of street which
has been or may hereafter be designated as a
parking meter zone.
SECTION 91). When ever any vehicle shall be
parked adjacent to a parking meter, the owner or
operator of said vehicle shall park within the
space designated by street marking lines and,
upon entering such space shall immediately deposit
in said meter the required coin of the United
States for the maximum legal parking period or
proportionate period thereof both as shown on
the meter and if so required, set the mechanism
in motion.
The fee for the maximum park-
ing period shall be five (5) cents and one (1)
cent for each proportionate period of said maxi-
mum limit, as shown on the meter.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any
person to deposit or cause to be deposited
' in a parking meter any coin for the purpose
of permitting any vehicle to remain in a
parking space beyond the maximum period of
time allowed in a particular zone.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any
person to park a vehicle within a parking
meter space unless such vehicle is wholly
within the painted lines adjacent to such
meter.
(c) It shall be unlawful for any
unauthorized person to tamper with, break,
injure or destroy any parking meter or to
deposit or cause to be deposited in such
meter any slugs, device or metallic substance
or any other substitute for the coins required.
SECTION 9E. Operators of commercial vehicles
may park in ametered space without depositing
a coin for a period not to exceed SO minutes
for purposes of loading or unloading. Parking
in excess of this time limit without depositing
the proper coin shall be deemed a violation of
the provisions of these Rules and Orders.
SECTION 9F. The Chief of Police is hereby
designaEed as t a person authorized to collect
monies deposited in parking meters or to cause
the same to be so collected. Such monies z"hall
be delivered forthwith to the Town Treasurer,
who shall deposit them in a separate account to
be known as the Lexington Parking Meger Account
664
SECTION 9G. All fees received by.said Town
of Lexington from the operation and use of park-
irig meters shall be used as authorized by Chapter
442 of the Acts of 1947 and Chapter 776 of the
Acts of 1949, as they now exist or may subsequently
be amended or supplemented, and the General. Laws.
SECTION 9H. Any person who violates any
parking provision of these Rules and Orders shall
be subject to the penalties provided by Chapter
90, Section 20A of the General Laws, as now or
hereafter amended,"
3. By striking out SECTION 3 of ARTICLE IX and
inserting in place thereo?--tWe following: -
SECTION 3. Except as otherwise provided,
any person convicted of a violation of any pro-
vision of these Rules and Orders shall be pun-
ished by a fine of not exceeding twenty dollars
(20.00) for each offense.
4. BY striking out SECTION 39 of ARTICLE V and
inserting in place thereo.��e following: -
SECTION 3. No person shall stop a bus upon '
any street within a business district to discharge
or take on passengers at any place other than
places designated as bus stops by the Board of
Selectmen and duly marked as such.
5. Effective upon the installation of parking
meters as hereinabove provided: -
A. Amend SECTION 2 of ARTICLE V. pro-
hibiting parking on certa n streets or highways
or parts thereof, as follows: -
(a) By striking out "Merriam Street.
From Massachusetts Avenue to the Boston &
Maine Railroad'" and "Waltham Street. On
the easterly side from a point 160 ffiet from
the southerly side of Massachusetts Avenue
to the northerly side of Vine Brook Rd."
and inserting in place thereof the following:-
Meram Street. On the westerly side from
Massachusetts Avenue to the
Boston and Main Railroad.
Waltham Street. On the westerly side from
Massachusetts Avenue south-
erly a distance of 184 feet.
(b) By adding:-
1
1
Clarke Street. On the westerly side from
Massachusetts Avenue to
Forest Street.
Grant Street. On the easterly side from
Massachusetts Avenue to
Sherman Street.
B. Strike out SECTION 5 of ARTICLE V, pro-
hibiting parking for o�han one- our in
certain, and insert in place thereof the follow-
ing:-
SECTION 5. No person shall park a vehicle
for a period of time longer than one hour, be-
tween the hours of eight A.M. and six P.M. on
any week day,. excepting Friday on which day
the hours are designated as eight A.M. and
Aine P.M., on the following streets or parts
thereof: -
On the westerly side of Muzzey Street from
the southerly end of the parking meter zone
to Raymond Street.
On the easterly side of Clarke Streets from
Massachusetts Avenue to Raymond Street.
On the easterly side of Waltham Street from
the southerly end of the parking meter zone
and extending to Forest Street.
On the westerly side of Waltham Street com-
mencing at a point 192 feet from Massachusetts
Avenue .and extending to Forest Street.
On both sides of Massachusetts Avenue for
a distance of 500 feet easterly, and for a
distance of 200 feet westerly from the center
line of Independence Avenue,.if extended.
C. Strike out paragraph (b) of SECTION 6 of
ARTICLE V dealing with angle parking and insertin
p ace t ereof the following: -
(B) Upon the streets or parts of
streets which may hereafter be designated by
rules and orders and marked Rnd signed for
angle parking, vehicles shall be parked with
one wheel within twelve (12) inches of the
curb and at the angle to the curb indicated
by such marks or signs, and each vehicle shall
be entirely within the painted lines designated
for its individual use.
61MG
QW
Date of Passage March 6. 1950 '
/s/ George W. Emery
/s/ Frederick M. Gay
/s/ William H Driscoll
/s/ Donald E. Nickerson
/s/ Louis L. Hoyt
Board of Selectmen
Attest;
Zs/ Hazel J. Murray
Clerk of Board of Selectmen
0
'
Messrs. Stevens, Rycrof t and DeFoe retired at 8;25 P. M.
for the next appointment.
Mr. Anthony DePaolo met with the Board relative to.
his application for a license to operate a poolroom at 3 Bow
Street.
The Chairman stated that before the Board granted
Mr. DePaolo's present license, the Selectmen were not
Poolroom
very much in favor of poolroom and that previous Boards
of Selectmen had not been in favor of them for some time.
He further stated that the'present Board still feels the
same about poolroom.
Mr. DePaolo said that he is forced to move from his
location at 1804 Massachusetts Avenue and must vacate by
the first of April. He said that he intends to operate
a recreation hall.
Mr. Nickerson asked if the operation of the present
poolroom had proved to be a success and Mr. DePaolo replied
in the affirmative.
The Chairman asked if there were any questions and
there were none.
Mr. DePaolo retired at 8;33 P. M.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it
was unanimously voted to deny the application.
'
Mr. Richard P. Cromwell, Chairman of the Planning Board,
met with the Selectmen.
He stated that his Board had conferred with Mr.
Special
Lynch last Saturday and it now does not appear that the
Town
proposed Zoning By-laws will not be ready for the Town Meet-
Meeting
ing, He said that there would be sufficient.time for
advertising and hearings, assuming that there would be an ad-
journed meeting carrying into the 3rd of April. Mr. Lynch
feels that, because the copy was not on file in the Select-
men's Office as stated in the Warrant, the By-laws might be
lost because of a technicality. He said that most of the
members of .his Boaf+d do not feel that they should try to have
the By-laws ready for March 20th teeting.;, He asked if the Select-
men would agree to call a Special Town Meeting for the first
week in May.
The Chairman asked if Mr. Cromwell were making this
as a formal request and he replied that his Board agreed
last Saturday that they would not do anything until the
first week in May.
Mr. Cromwell asked if the Planning Board could receive
word from the Selectmen that a Special Town Meeting would
be called and the Chairman replied that if the proposed By-
law is postponed, the Board will have no alternative. He
said that he thought some notice should be inserted in the
Minute Man now if the By-law is not going to be acted on at
'
this meeting.
Mr. Cromwell retired at 8;45 P.M.
568
Budget Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded
Increase it was voted to increase the Elections
Jurisdiction Selectmen budget $400 to
cost of a Special Town Meeting.
by Mr. Driscoll,
Department -
take care of the
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Chapin, Director
of Veterans' Services, stating that his expenditures•
for the first two months this year are 25% higher than
for thd.same period last year. He therefore recommended
that his budget, submitted in November, be increased from
$3500 to $4200.
The Clerk was instructed to advise Mr. Walker, Town
Accountant, of this request.
Letter was received from the Board of Fire Engineers,
together with a report relative to an accident which
Damage to occurred on Lowell Street, February Sth, and caused
Fire Alarm considerable damage to the fire alarm system.
System It was the opinion of the Board that this should
be referred to the Town Counsel with instructions to
settle the claim in accordance with his best illfdgment-
and the best �udgmentz of the Board of Fire Engineers.
The Chairman read a letter from.the National
Municipal League relative to reappraisal of real property.
Letter was also received from Leland H. Emery,
Chairman of the Board of Assessors, in _which he made several
comments with reference to Article 44 in the Warrant for
the Annual Town Meeting, This Article, inserted by ten
or more registered voters, calls for the re -assessment
of the valuation of all real property.
The Chairman read a letter from William E. Maloney,
on behalf of the Lexington Boys+ Club, requesting perj
Paper mission to conduct a paper drive on Sunday, April 2,
Drive 1950.
Mr. Hoyt moved that the request be granted. Mr.
Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Letter was received from W. H. McCullough, 75
Tax Title Valley Road, offering $150 for lots 24, 25, and 26,
Property Block 73, Valley Road, The Clerk informed the Board
that the Town Engineer reported that Route 128 is to
l be located through Mr. McCullough►s property and he
j has to move his house. There is no sewer or water in
the street.
The offer was hold over for one week to give the
membersof the Board an opportunity to look at the lots.
Messrs. Stevens, DeFoe and Rycrof t returned to the
meeting.
Mr. Stevens mentioned the application received some
0
r-,
Qd
[1
1
weeks ago for permission to operate a pin ball machine.
The Chief said that he was not in favor of a permit being
granted. Pin Ball
Mr. Stevens stated that the Board has the power to Machine
refuse to grant the permit.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay, it
was voted to deny the application received from Leo A.
Boynton for a permit to operate a pin ball machine in his
gasoline station at 27 Massachusetts Avenue.
A photostatic copy of Chapter 159, an act relative to
time for payment of betterment assessments in the town of Act
Lexington, was received.
Messrs. Stevens and DeFoe retired at 9;55 P.M.
Certified list was received from the Division of Civil Police
Service, advising that the only eligible application for Officer
the Police Department, to fill the vacancy caused by the appoint -
resignation of Officer Harvey, is Kenneth E. Nutt. ment
The Chief said that he would like to have the Board
make the appointment ei'fective March 27, 1950.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Gay, it
was voted to appoint Kenneth E. Nutt, permanent Patrolman
in the Town of Lexington, effective March 2q, 1950.
Chief Rycrof t retired at 10;55 P.M.
Upon motion duly
made and seconded,
it was voted
to
grant, free of charge,
the following uses
of halls;
4-H Club
Con. Room
March
7 meeting
Sacred Heart Parish
Cary Hall
of
12 rehearsal
Lex. Civilian Police
Estabrook
Hall it
14 meeting
V.F.W. & Auxiliary
"
" it
29 meeting
St. Brigid+s Holy Name
Society Cary Hall
April
2 breakfast
Lexington Grange
It it
Sept.
16 fair
Mr. Daniel Curtin's application for
a 2nd Class
Agent's
license was held over
for another week.
Sealed bids for the collection of garbage in the Town of
Lexington were received as follows;
William Callahan, Wilson Road Bedford
$7500 a year for three years
Connors Brother, Lexington
$11,600 for one year
' 231,800 for two years
36,600 for three years
Certified Check $100
It If 0100
Holger G. Witman, 122 New Boston Street, Woburn, Cert. Check 0100
570
MW
$109984 for one year
20,968 for two years
29,958 for three years
Leonard F. Collins, 141 Spring Street Bank Check $100
09,000
The Clerk was instructed to invite all of the bidders to
meet with the Board for fifteen minutes each next Monday night.
The Meeting adjourned at 10:15 P.M.
A iruee record, Attest:
%Y
iC r Sel ctme
1
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
I
March 7, 1950
A --special meeting.of the Board of Selectmen was hold
in the Selectmen's Room, Tuesday evening, March 7, 1950 at
6;55 P.JYJ. Messrs. Emery, Gay, Driscoll, Nickerson and Hoyt
were present. The Clerk was.also present.
Mr. Driscoll said that there was no Chairman of the
Board at the present time and he therefore suggested that Chairman
the Clerk of the Board preside, The Board agreed that this
was the manner in which the meeting should be handled until
a Chairman was elected, Mr. Nickerson then moved that Mr.
George W. Emery be elected Chairman of the Board of Selectmen
for the ensuing year. Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion, and
it was unanimously voted.
At 7;00 P. M. bids for the construction of the East
Lexington Fire Station were opened. Mr. Goodell, architect,
Mr. Patterson, Chairman of the Appropriation Committee,
Mr, Walker, Town Accountant, and eleven other persons were
present.
The bids were opened and read by Mr. Gay as follows;
Bidders Proposed Contrant Sum
' Tredennick Billings Co. §86.99U0
Harty Construction Co. 78,400
Lawson W. Oakes, Inc. 87,978
C. C. Temple 822792
William M. Bailey Co. 842$42
W. M. Bogart Co. 85 166
Frank E. Yeomans 78,800
Richard White Sons, Inc. 88,000
Donald S. Tait, Inc. 79,585
Horn Brothers, Inc. 835889
The Chairman stated that the Board would keep the
checks submitted by the three low bidders and the others Bids on
would be returned and if any bidder desired to take his E. Lex.
check this evening the Board would have no objection. Fire St.
Lawson Oaks was the only check returned.
The group, with the exception of Mr. Patterson and
Mr. Goodell retired at 7;30 P. M.
The bids were discussed informally and Mr. Goodell
said that in figuring every possible way, Harty Construction
Co. would still be the low bidder. He said that he would
determine, assuming that Town Meeting appropriates the
money, that Harty would be awarded the contract and all
other checks returned. He said that he thought the Board
would not be open to any criticism by awarding the bid
to Harty.
It was the sense of the meeting that it is evident
that Harty Construction Co. is the low bidder.
Messrs. Goodell and Patterson retired at 8;30 P. M.
572
Application was received from Mrs. Harold B. Lamont, ,
Use of on behalf of the 19th of April Committee, requesting per
Hall mission to conduct a rehearsal in Cary Memorial Hall on
Saturday afternoon, March 11 th from 2:JU until 5:00,
Mr. Hoyt moved that the request -be approved and the
use of the hall granted free of charge. Mr. Gay seconded
the motion, and it was so voted.
The meeting adjourned at 8=45 P. M.
A true record, Attest:
1
1
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
' March 13, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held
In the Selectments Room, Town Office Building on Monday
evening, March 13, 1950, at 7:00 P. 14. Chairman Emery,
Messrs. Gay, Driscoll, Nickerson and Hoyt were present.
The Clerk was also present.
AT. DeFoe, Supt of Public Works, met with the Board
and discussed a request received from William R. Reid to
have street lights installed on Rangeway Road. He presented
a sketch to the Board showing both the existing and pro-
posed lights, and recommended three additional lights.
Upon motion.of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to authorize the Superintendent of Public
Works to make the necessary arrangements to have three
additional street lights installed in Rangeway Road.
Further consideration was given to Mr. Tobiason's
request for a street light on North Street. Mr. DeFoe
presented a sketch of the lighting and recommended that
the request be granted.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson,
it was voted to authorize the Superintendent of Public
Works to make the necessary arrangements to have one
additional street light installed on North Street as re-
quested by Mr. Tobiason.
Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, met with the Board at
7:35 P. M.
Mr. DeFoe gave each member of the Board a detailed
financial summary relative to the funds necessary to
complete sewer Contract B.
Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that he has had some
trouble with the boiler in Cary Memorial Building. This
particular boiler has been welded, but is apparently
swelling. A representative from the American Radiator Com-
pany suggested that fronts be put in the boiler and that
the first two sections be taken down to determine the
extent of the rust. If they are not rusted too badly,
he felt that they can be cleaned and with the now boiler
fronts it will last for three or four years. Another
proposition is to take all the sections out, clean them
and then put them back. The cost for the first method
will be approximately $1135 and the cost for the second
method will be approximately $2535. Mr. DeFoe said
that a new boiler, ' dismantling the old one and taking it out, would cost $6586. He said that he thought the
money should be appropriated with the idea that it may
be necessary to obtain a new boiler. He stated that he
would not recommend taking all the fronts out,and spending
that much money on an old boiler.
573
Street
Lights
Street
Lights
Cary Bldg.
boiler
574
The Chairman asked Mr. DeFoe how much the budget
should be increased and he replied that he would re-
commend $6500 with the understanding that if it is
not sufficient, it will be necessary to ask for a
Route transfer.
128 Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Gay,
\ it was voted to increase the 1960 budget for the
Town Offices and Cary Memorial Building in the
amount of $6500.
Mr. DeFoe retired at BrOO P. M.
A letter was received from the State, together
with a set of blue prints relative to Route 128, and
its affect on tax title property. The complete data was
taken by Mr. Stevens.
At 8;00 P. M. Mr. Leonard Collins, 141 Spring Street,
met with the Board, at the Board's invitation, to discuss
his bid for the collection of garbage in the Town of
Lexington.
The Chairman asked if Mr. Collins had the equipment
which he felt he would need or if he would have to purchase
some more.
Mr. Collins replied that he would have the equip-
ment on short notice - two new GMC. trucks.
The Chairman asked if he thought two trucks would ,
be enough to do the job and Mr. Collins replied in the
Garbage affirmative.
Bids The Chairman asked if he had any experience in.
municipal garbage collection and he replied that he
now collects in Arlington and Somerville. He said
that he is under contract with restaurant and hotel
owners,
The Chairman asked if he intended his bid to be
for one year or for three years and Mr. Collins rep;ied
that he thought the contract ran from year to,year.
The Chairman asked if Mr. Collins was a veteran
and he replied in the affirmative. He said that he
Was employed by Swenson before he went into the service
and when he came back he went into business for himself.
The Chairman asked how long he was in the service
and he replied that he was in three years.
Mr. Collins retired at 8;00 P. M.
Mr. William Callahan, Wilson Road, Bedford, met with
the Board, at the Board's invitation, to discuss his bid
for the collection of garbage.
The Chairman asked if he intended his bid to be for
one, two or three years and Mr. Callahan replied that
the price he quoted was for one year but he was thinking
of three years. '
The Chairman asked if it would be agreeable if the
Board chose to award it for one, two or three years
and Mr. Callahan replied in the affirmative.
575
' The Chairman inquired as to what equipment he has and
Mr. Callahan replied that he has a late 1946 Chevrolet two -
ton truck;.
The Chairman asked if he intended to collect with only
one truck and Mr. Callahan replied that if he is awarded
the contract he will purchase a heavy duty truck.
The Chairman asked what experience he has had and Mr.
Callahan replied that he has been hauling from Cambridge
for sixteen years.
The Chairman asked if he were under contract and he
replied that he has a subcontract.
The Chairman asked if he were familiar with the number
ofhouses iri Lexington and he replied that he had some idea,
and thought there are about 41,000. He said that he did live
in Lexington some years ago and was born in:Lexington.
Mr. Hoyt asked if he could cover the entire town, tvo
collections a week with two trucks and Mr. Callahan said
that he believed he could with the right men. He said
that his two brothers would work with him.
Mr. Hoyt asked what else he would do in the course of
a week besides collecting the garbage and Mr. Callahan said
that he figured it would take the entire week to collect
twice from every house.
The Chairman asked if he had any references and he
referred the Board to Mr. Kelley in Bedford and Mr. Paxton,
Mr. Driscoll asked if he owned his own farm and he
replied that his father owns it. 'He said that the farm is
sixty-eight acresr_and located in Bedford.
The Chairman asked if he raised pigs and he peplied
that he had pigs at one time but lost them. .
The Chairman asked what he would do with the garbage
and he replied that he could get pigs easy enough.
Mr. Callahan retired at 8;20 P. M.
Messrs. Edward and Thomas Connors met with the Board,
at the Board's invitation, to discuss their bid for the
collection of garbage.
The Chairman explained that for the first time in some
years several bids had been received. The Board did not
know three of the bidders and therefore decided to invite
them all in.
Edward Connor presented the Chairman with a statement of
his costs. He said that the price of pork .went up and he
then cut his bid. He said that they do not sell the
garbage but feed it and it is worth more when the price of
pork is high and cuts down on the price of the contract.
He also explained that they now have more men.
Thomas Connor said that the town is growing rapidly
and in,order to give good service they have hired two men
and also put another man on last June.
Mr. Gay asked how many men and trucks they have and Thomas
Connor replied that they have five men and two trucks
covering the town twice a week, collecting every day,;
'76
Edward Connor said that Lexington is sixteen square
miles and that does not mean much to many people, but
'
it is an area as large as Belmont, Arlington and Water-
town put together. He also said that there are houses
dotted on the furthermost corners of the Town. He
said that there are not very many streets running
parallel to esch other.
Edward Connor said that he thought the collection in
Lexington had been on contract for about twenty years
and they originally had it. They were working their
men ten hours a day and a law was put into effect where-
by the men could work only eight hours. They checked at
the State House and were advised to bid on an eight hour
day which they did and lost the contract. When the
successfullcontractor bid again he raised his price
and lost the contract.
Mr. Driscoll asked what the average number of com-
plaints was and Rdward Connor replied that he believed there
were between 200 and 250 year.
Thomas Connor stated that he stops at the Town
Offices every day and personally checks all complaints.
Mr. Nickerson asked how long it would take a new
collector to become efficient at the job and Thomas Connor
said he thought it would take six months, possibly longer.
Mr. Driscoll asked how many men they have on the farm
and Edward Connor replied that they have fourteen.
Mr. Driscoll asked him how many pigs they have and he
replied about 1500.
Thomas Connor said that in the event one of the
regular men collecting were to be taken ill, they can
always take a ivan•r,from the farm and put him on collecting.
They also have an extra truck which can be used.
The Chairman ed how large . . the trucks are
and Thomas Connor replied that they are one and one-half
tons.
The Connors retired at 8;35 Y. M.
Mr. Holger G. Witman, 122 New Boston Street, Woburn,
and his son met with the Board, at the Board's invitation.
The Chairman asked him what experience he has had in
municipal garbage collection.
Mr. Holger replied that he collected in Stoneham
and gave the Chairman a letter from the Stoneham Badrd
of Health stating that they were sorry to lose him inasmuch
as he gave the fullest satisfaction in the performance of
his duty and they were glad to recommend him. He also
had a letter from one of the residents, addressed to the
Board of Health, complimenting Mr. Holger on his work.
He said that he had also collected for three years
in Cambridge. He has been buying from Melrose and how
bAys from Winchester.
'
The Chairman inquired as to the location of his farm
and he stated that his farm is in Woburn. He said that he
now has three GMC trucks; two 1947 two -ton and one 1946 ton
and a half.
The Chairman asked how many men he has and he replied
that he has four at the present time. If he were awarded
the Lexington contract he would hire four more and purchase
another taro -ton truck. He said that he pays his men well
and they are good men. He has been in the business for six
years.
The Chairman asked how many pigs he has and he said
that he has about 2500.
Mr. Hoyt asked why he wanted the contract and he said
that it will be cheaper feed than if has to buy the garbage.
He aaid it will also be cleaner garbage to feed.
The Witmans retired at 8:45 P. M.
No decision was made as to the awarding of the contract.
Messrs..Fred Newhall and Reid of the 19th of April Com-
mittee and Chief Rycrof t met with the Board.
. The Chairman explained that the Board would like to know
where, on town property, stands were to be located on the 19th
of April.
Mr. Reid explained that concessions have been granted
to local organizations for Emery Park, the triangle at Hancock
and Bedford Streets, corner of Meriam Street, at the Buckman
Tavern, the Barns property, and the field next to the High
School. The latter has to be cleared through the School
Committee,. The Recreation has also given approval for one
on the Center playground area.
The Committee's request for additional funds was also
discussed and it.wes agreed to ask the Town Meeting for an
additional appropriation of $4,000.
Messrs. Newhall and Reid retired at 9:35 P. M.
Chief Rycrof t informed the Board that construction work
on route 128 will start Monday morning and the Concord Turp-
pike has to be policed twenty-four hours a day. He explained
that it may not be possible to use his regular men all the
time and requested the appointment of five Special Police.
He explained that three of the men he is recommending
are members of the Fire Department, butthis has been cleared
with Chief Cook. The duties of the Special Polied will be
on traffic only and they will be paid by the contractor.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Nickerson,
It was voted to appoint the following individuals as Special
Police Officers in the Town of Lexington for a term expiring
March 31, 1950:
Edward E. McGrory Donald L. MacGillivray
46 Parker Street 33 Charles Street
Edward G. Bunzell Dennis Fullerton
397 Bedford Street 8 Wallis Court
Francis J. McCarron
12 Cherry Street
577
April
19th
concession
Special
Police
Chief Rycrof t said that a Police School for twenty new ,
men will start on March 20th. This is a five week ex-
tensive training course in all fields of police work to
be conducted by the Cambridge Police Department, but
90% of it is to be done by F.B.I. trained instructors.
He said that he would like to send two of his men to
take this course, but felt that they should receive money
for their lunches and transportation. The classes begin
at nine in the morning and are over at five in the evening,
Police every day except Saturday when they close at noon. The
School men will take notes all day and transcribe them as home-
work.
The Chief said that he thought $100 would take care
of the expenses for the men but no provision has been
made in his budget. He said that possibly he could absorb
this in his present budget, but it may be necessary to
ask for a transfer at the end of the year.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay,
it was unanimously voted to authorize the Chief of Police
to select two officers as candidates for the Police
School as outlined by him.
The Chief retired at 9;45 P. M.
Mr. W. H. McCulloughts offer of $150 for lots
2.4,25, and 26.. Block 73, Valley Road, was held over
gram the last meeting of the Board. '
Tax Title Mr. Nickerson moved that a proposal to sell the lots
be advertised, in the Lexington Minute Man and that further
consideration be given the offer at the next meeting of
the Board. Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion, and it was no
voted.
Proposed
cemetery
Letter was received from the Arlington Board of
Selectmen with reference to the proposed cancellation of
Jaturday train service on the Lexington Branch, of the
Boston and Maine Railroad. The Selectmen in Arlington
unanimously voted to oppose the petition and have
written to the DPU requesting to be recorded in oppostion.
Letter was received from the Woburn Board of Health
advising that a hearing would be held on March 15th at
8;00 P. M. relative to an application for the establishment
of alHebrew Cemetery on a lot of land north of Lexington
street. This particular land, in some places, comes up
to the Lexington line.
It was agreed that the Chairman should write a letter
stating that the Selectmen of Lexington are opposed to
the establishment of a cemetery at this particular .
location.
Letter was received from the 19th of April Committee '
inviting the Board of Selectmen to march with the Chief
Marshallts Staff on April 19, 1950.
579
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was
voted to approve National Surety Corporation Bond #632130, C1w k1s
written on behalf of Hazel J. Murray as Clerk of the Board Bond
of Selectmen.
Petition was received signed by a number of residents
in the Fern and Pleasant Street areas requesting favorable Bus
action to adding a bus stop for the Lovell Bus Company at Stop
or near the junction of Fern and Pleasant Streets.
The Chairman agreed to write to the Lovell Bus Lines,
Inc
Application was received from the Middlesex County
Extension.Service for permission to conduct:a meeting in
Cary Hall on Friday, March 31st from 10:00 A. M. until
4:00 P. M.
Mr. Gay moved that the use of the hall be granted
free of charge. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and
it was so voted.
The meeting adjourned at 10:45 P. M.
A true record, Attest:
L
e c n.
680
SELECTMEN I S MEETING
March 18, 1950
A special meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held
in the Selectmen's Room, Town office Building on Saturday
morning, March 18, 1950, at 10:00 A. M. Chairman Emery,
Messrs. Driscoll and Hoyt were present. The Clerk was
also present.
The meeting was called for the opening of bids on
the construction of Liberty Avenue, Ledgelawn Avenue,
Hamilton Road, Braemore Terrace and Hillside Terrace.
Mr. DeFoe, Supt. of Public Works, Mr. Burns, Town
Engineer, and nine other persons were present.
Bids were opened and read as follows
P.V. Barone Corporation Cert. Check$2405.24 Bid$48,104.75
George Brox, Inc. 2000.00 332293.00
W. P. Capone 1850.00 38,683.25
R. H. Stevens, Inc. 2100.00 41,994.00
North Eastern Construction Co. 1500.00 35,959.80
(not cert.) 300.00
Walter Reed 2000.00 361,972.75
The checks of the three low bidders were retained and
all others returned. The group retired at 10:25 A. M.
Mr. Burns, Town Enginaer, took the bids for analysis.
4e , /eiI n.
Ow
1
1
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
March 21, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building
on Tuesday evening, March 21, 1950 at 7:00 P. M.
The Selectmen met on Tuesday inasmuch as the Annual
Town Meeting was held on Monday. Chairman Emery,
Messrs. Gay, Nickerson, Driscoll and Hoyt were present.
The Clerk was also present. Mr. Gay, upon the request
of Mr. Emery served as Chairman for the evening.
Mr. William G. Potter met with the Board and gave
an oral peport on each of the individuals who have
submitted bids for the collection of garbage in the
Town of Lexington and retired at 7:10 P. M.
Mr. Emery informed the members of the Board
that in discussing this subject with the Town Counsel
he was advised that the Board should reject all bids.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Hoyt, it was unanimously voted to reject all the bids
received for the collection of garbage in the Town
of Lexington.
581
Garbage
bids
Mr. Joseph H. DeFoe, Supt. of Public Works met Fair Oaks
' with the Board and requested permission to obtain signa- Sewer
tures for the Fair Oaks sewer project.
Mr. Emery moved that the request be granted. Mr.
Nickerson seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. DeFoe presented the members of the Board with Bid for
quotations received by him for Vitrified Clay pipe and V.C. pipe
upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Hoyt it
was voted to accept the bid of the Lexington Lumber
Company and authorize the purchase of pipe as follows:
n
1,4001 - 8 Extra strength pipe $ 910.00
5,600+ - 8" Single if to 2$48.00
45 Extra strength Wyes 146.25
and Tees
120 Single strength Wye.s 210.00
and Tees
'W f OJ.'t • GJ
Less 2% 76.29
Total � ,3�1 T. -g6
Mr. DeFoe reported on,the subject of all night
' -lighting of Lexington Center and stated that the Boston
Edison Company had informed him that a mistake had been
made in the figures. At the time this was discussed it
was supposed that the Company would only have to connect
up with the Station in Lexington. Now, due to the set-up,
it.will cost $5,000 to make the necessary change over and
J_el <9�
All night
lighting
r
the Company feels that this is a substantial amount of
money to spend. The Edison representatives feel that
if the Town entertained the thought of having all
night lighting throughout the Town in.the near future
it would be too bad to spend this $5,000. On the all
night lighting system for the entire town, this ex-
penditure would not be necessary.
The Edison Company is aware of the fact that an
agreement has been entered into for lighting the
Center and if the Board insists upon enforcing it,
the Company will have to carry it out.
It was the decision of the Board to obtain an
opinion from the Chief of Police on the advantages
or disadvantages of all night lighting in Lexington
Center.
Mr. DeFoe reported that Mr. Raimo, the contractor
on Sewer Contract B had requested a change in the man-
hole specifications. He has consulted Metcalf & Eddy
and they agree with Mr. DeFoe that there would be no sub-
stantial gain in time were the specifications to be changed.
The decision was left to Mr. DeFoe and Metcalf & Eddy.
(Ryder re-
Further consideration was given to the three low
Liberty-
bids received for the construction of streets in the
Ledgelawn
Liberty-Ledgelawn section.
fStreet
Mr. Emery reported that the Town Counsel is of the
Construct-
opinion that it is all right for the Board to let the
ion
contract.
burne Road development.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Nick-
was taken on the matter.
erson, it was voted to award the contract for the
Letter was received
construction of streets in the so-called Liberty-
F. Caterino, 70
Ledgelawn Section to George Brox, Inc. who submitted
School Street requesting
the low bid of $33,293.
of water pipe. Mr.
Mr. Nickerson then moved that the sum of $25,000
Catorino also intends to
be borrowed for a period of ten years to provide funds
the footage of several
for the construction of these streets. Mr. Emery
lots owned by him in this
seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Mr. DeFoe reported that Mr. Raimo, the contractor
on Sewer Contract B had requested a change in the man-
hole specifications. He has consulted Metcalf & Eddy
and they agree with Mr. DeFoe that there would be no sub-
stantial gain in time were the specifications to be changed.
The decision was left to Mr. DeFoe and Metcalf & Eddy.
(Ryder re-
Letter was received
from Robert L. Ryder with re-
quest for
ference to his letter to
Mr. DeFoe
requesting 1500 feet
water pipe
of water pipe for three
extensions
to be made in the Sher-
burne Road development.
No action
was taken on the matter.
Letter was received
from William
F. Caterino, 70
School Street requesting
1500 feet
of water pipe. Mr.
Catorino also intends to
increase
the footage of several
lots owned by him in this
area.
It was agreed that
the letter
should be referred to
the Planning Board.
The Chairman read a letter, signed by three residents
of Gleason Road, requesting the installation of a street
light on Gleason Road at the North Hancock Street end.
R
w—,
1
1
1
r
The Clerk was instructed to advise the petitioner Street
that all requests for street lights will be considered lights
about the first of July, 1950.
The Chairman read a letter from the Lexington Con-
struction Company in which several questions were asked
relative to the installation of water, hydrants, etc.
by developers.
Mr. Emery said that he had discussed this communi-
cation with the Town Counsel today who said that all
the questions in.the letter would be covered by the agree-
ment made between the Board of Survey and the developer,
and suggested that the Selectmen refer the letter to the
Planning Board.
The Clerk was instructed to forward the letter to
the Planning'Board for an answer.
Mr. DeFoa retired at 8:00 P. M.
Mr. Charles G. Esterberg, Jr. and forty-two other
persons, living in the vicinity of Marrett Road and
Lincoln Street met with the Board.
Mr. A. Scott Carpenter, 260 Lincoln Street read a
petition "requesting the Board to prohibit the licensing
for building of any commercial or other ice cream dispensing
establishment in the Five Forks section". The petition
also requested-th6t if a license to build has been issued
that the Board revoke it before construction is started.
Mr. Emery advised the group -that the Board of Select-
men has no jurisdiction over the Zoning By-laws. He stated
that it is entirely in the hands of the Planning Board and
the Building Inspector. He explained that any person who
owns land in a business area has apparently acquired it for
that purpose. He stated that, in the past, the Board of
Selectmen has always encouraged citizens to discuss their
problems with the Board, but in this particular instance
there is nothing that the Selectmen can do. He explained
that the Selectmen have no control over issuing building
permits for a business in a business area. He suggested
that the group engage a lawyer.
The group retired at 8;55 P. M.
Mr. Anthony DePaolo met with the Board and asked why
his application for a pool room -license had been denied.
The Chairman stated that the Board has not in the past been,
as was explained to him at a previous meeting, sympathetic
to the operation of pool rooms in Lexington.
Mr. DePaolo asked if there was any objection to the
way in which his pool room was operated and the Chairmam
replied in the negative, and told Mr. DePaolo that the
Selectmen are opposed to the location at 3 Bow Street.
He said that Mr. DePaolo would have the right to apply for
a license at another location.
Mr. DePaolo retired at 9:00 P. M.
Ice
Cream
Stand at
Five Forks
Pool
room
license
QW
The Chairman read a notice of the Board of Appeals
that a hearing will be held on the petition of the
'
Wakefield Ready -Mixed Concrete Co., Inc. for permission
Board of
to erect a portable steel bin and conveyor for concrete
Appeal
materials at 234 Bedford Street.
hearing
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Emery,
it was voted that the Board of selectmen be recorded as
f
unanimously opposed to the granting of the petitibna.
t
The Board gave further consideration to Mr. William
H. McCullough's offer of $150 for lots 24, 25, 27, Bloc);
73, Valley Road, Lexington. A proposal to sell these
Tax Title
lots was advertised in the March 163, 1950 issue of the
property
Lexington Minute Man. No persons contacted the Select-
men's Office as a result of the advertisement.
Mr. Nickerson moved that the offer be --accepted
and that Lots 24, 25,`24 Block 73, Valley Road, Lexington
be sold and conveyed to Mr. William H. McCullough.
Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Upon motions duly made and seconded it was voted
to grant the following uses of halls;
J. Carroll Ryan Conference Room Mar. 27-31 Census classes
Richard F. Jackson it 11 Mar, 28 4-H meeting
11 it to Estabrook Hall Apr. 24 to if
Mdex. Cty. Farm Bureau Carr Hall Apr. 26 Banquet &dance.
,
(Subject to a charge of $35.00)
Lex. Choral Society May 19-20 Rehearsal and
(Sub.jeet to a charge of $35.00) concert
Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it
was voted to renew the following licenses;
License
W. S. Couette 1710 Mass. Avenue Auctioneer
Robert N. Cann 4 Stetson St. it
Frederick B. Hubley 4 ° Itit
Bills for repairing, erecting and removing election
booths in Precinct 1 were received from Thomas Sullivan
and Timothy Sullivan in the amounts of $21.00 and $10.00
i
respectively. Both bills were approved for payment.
`
A list of thirteen names was received from the
Special
Chief of Police for the Board's consideration as Special
Police
Police for traffic duty at Route 128 Construction Project.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Hoyt,
it was voted to appoint the following individualm Special
Police Officers in the Town of Lexington for a term
expiring March 31, 1951;
1
1
Benedict J. Belcastro,
174 Wood Street
David G. Govan
1834 Massachusetts Avenue
Howard D. Fisk
10 Spencer Street
George B. Wilson''--.
62 Fern Street
Robert A. Hamilton
1970 Massachusetts Avenue
Roy E. Cook
5 Ledgelawn Avenue
Daniel O'Connor
49 Cedar Street
Henri P. Fradette
29 Curve Street
Manuel A. Cunha
33 Center Street
Paul 0. Huoppi
10 Sherman Street
Harry C. Sorensen
68 Gleason Road
Howard Fogg
1847 Massachusetts Avenue
Alfred J. Bevington, Jr.
958 Massachusetts Avenue
A report was received from the Town Counsel that he
had negotiated a settlement with the insurer of Walter
Ahearn+s car for payment in full of the damage caused by
Mr. Ahearn's car to the fire alarm system as a result
ofan accident that occurred on February 8, 1950. Said
damage has been estimated by the Board of Fire Engineers
and Mr. Bill's at $1014.
It was voted to appro a settlement of the town's
claim of $1014 and to autho ize the Board of Fire Engineer,
to execute a rel&ase on behalf of the Town in such form
as the Town Coun el shall approve in return for check for the
agreed amount.
The meeting adjourned.at 9;25 P. M.
er , e ctm n.
583
Claim
584
Pole
Location
SELECTMENIS MEETING
March 27, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building on
Monday, March 27, 1950 at 7:00 P. M. Chairman Emery,
Messrs. Gay and Nickerson were present. The Clerk
was also present.
Mr. DeFoe, Supt. of Public Works, and Mr. Mahon,
representative of the Boston Edison Company met with
the Board.
Mr. Mahon was present for the purpose of discussing
the petition submitted by his Company for approval of
the location of four poles on the Cambridge -Concord
highway, westerly from a point approxirm tely 1425
feet west of Blossom Street. He said that it is
his understanding that the Selectmen would prefer not
to entertain the possibility of these pole locations
on the Cambridge -Concord highway. He explained that,
at the present time, the Company has an existing pole
off Blossom Street extension. In order to reach Bir.
Mann's house, not yet under construction, a petition
was submitted last year for the erection of four poles.'
The Company now has submitted a petition for three poles
to serve another house, the owner of which is pressing
the Boston Edison Company. He explained that the Com-
pany's policy is to eet the first two poles on private
property and then look to the individuals for payment
from there on. He said that to place the poles on
private property in these instances might be all right
but as time goes on and other fees on Concord Avenue
develop, the problem would present itself again as to how
the Company could best service customers. He said
that there might, in the future, also be the problem
of the north side of the Cambridge -Concord Highway..
Mr. Nickerson asked what the problem might be insofar
as underground cables are concerned and Mr. Mahon replied
that underground work is usually reserved for congested
areas.
The Chairman said that he did not know the Board's
legal position or whether the Selectmen are in a position
to change their hinds, but the members felt that they
would do everything possible to defer placing poles on
the Cambridge -Concord Highway, but that another Board
might feel entirely different.
Mr. Mahon retired to give the Board an opportunity
to discuss the subject, and returned at 7:35 P. M.
The Chairman explained that the members present this
evening are in complete agreement not\to grant the peti-
tion. If, however, the Company has any alternative sug-
gestions the Board would be glad to consider them. He
stated that the Selectmen prefer to have the cables
r
1
underground and agreed
letter to Mr. Knowdell,
Mr. Mahon retired
met with the Board,
to confirm the discussion in a
at 7:45 P. M. and Mr. Burns
Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that the 19th of April
Committee has requested him to make and erect five signs
for the proposed celebration. However, they have had
the signs made and now want the Public Works to install
them and assume the expense involved. He explained
that it will take at least a day with taco men. It
was agreed that Mr. DeFoe should advise the Committee
that the installation may be done by the men in his
Department, but any expense involved is to be charged
to the Apri1.19th appropriation.
Mr. DeFoe requested the Board's approval to
hire a sweeper inasmuch as there are only three weeks
in which to clean the streets for April 19th. He
was able to find one sweeper that he can rent for
$7.50 per day including fuel, oil and operator.
Mr. Gay moved that the Supat. of Public Works be
authorized to hire a sweeper at the quoted price of
$7.50. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion, and it
was so voted.
Mr. DeFoe presented quotations received for cast
iron pipe, hydrants, tapping sleeves and gates. After
careful consideration, upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded
by Mr. Nickerson, it was voted to authorize( -'the follow-
ing purchaser
Warren Pipe Company
2,0001 6" pipe at $1.41 per foot
8001 8" pipe at 2.02 per foot
1,5001 10" pipe at 2.71 per foot
4,0001 12" pipe at 3.50 per foot
The order is to be placed with the express understanding
that the Selectmen reserve the right to have the pipe
inspected. However, if it is not inspected, the
specifications of the American Water Works must be followed,
and each invoice is to carry the warranty that the pipe
doe8 meet with the requirements of the specifica#ions
A. B. Smith Co.
19th of
April signs
Rental
of sweeper
7
12"
valves
at
$115.75
each
4'10"
8
8"
valves
valves
at
at
90.65
54.30
each
each
33
6"
valves
at
35.00
each
19th of
April signs
Rental
of sweeper
X86
Prices net - firm subject to acceptance within thirty '
days from March 131, 1950.
Public Works Supply
20 5" hydrants at 125.59 each
A. P. Smith Co.
1 16" x 12" Tapping Sleeves and gates $214.30
1 8t1 x 6" 70.57
1 12" x 6" 84.50
The Chairman read a letter from Jerome F. Garrity,
Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, requesting
the installation of water and sewer services on Hayes
Lane before April 19th. Mr. DeFoe stated that the
"rock bottom" cost on the water service is $25, the
sewer service is $100 and the sewer main is $400;
these figures contingent upon both installations
being made at one time.
V.F.W. Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay,
water & it was voted to have the water and sewer installed
sewer immediately, subject to the payment of the service '
connection charge before installation and the Post's
agreement to a betterment assessment in an amount
estimated at -about $100 to be paid over a period
of ten years.
Bowser Letter was received from the
subpoena together with copy of a subpeona
for assessment of damages by Paul
taking on East Street.
The Clerk was instructed to
to the Town Counsel.
County Commissioners,
relative to a petition
Bowser on account of a
refer the correspondence
Mr. DeFoe presented each member of the Board with
Water a detailed statement relative to work contemplated for
Orders 1950 with a recap of the labor and equipment. A lengthy dis-
cussion was held on the subject and the Board authorized
preparation of the following water orders Woodhaven
Streets (only 5001 to be installed at present); William
Road, 550 linear feet; Harding Road, 550 linear feet;
Crawford Road, 400 linear feet; Tavern Road, 250 linear
feet. The order of installations was left to the dis-
cretion of Mr. DeFoe and Mr. Burns,
Messrs. DeFoe and Burns retired at 10:25 P. M.
Scout Letter was received from Mr. Garrity, Sup1t. of Parks
Pilgrimage and Playgrounds, together with an application from the
Boston Council of the Boy Scouts requesting permission
to use the Common, in connection with the Annual Scout
Pilgrimage, on April 22nd.
' Mr. Gay moved that the request be granted. Mr.
Nickerson seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Surety bond #F-97317 in the amount of $54.0700
on behalf of William S. Scamman as Collector of Taxes
was received from the American Employers Insurance
Oompany,
Mr. Gay moved that the bond be approved. Mr.
Nickerson seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Surety bond #F-97316 in the amount of $54,200
on behalf of James J. Carroll as Town Treasurer and
bond #F-60708 in the sum of $1,000 on behalf of Mr.
Carroll as Tovn Clerk was received from the American
Employers' Insurance Company.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson,
it was voted to. approve both bonds.
The Chairman read a:;.letter from Kenneth V. Cassidy,
on behalf of the Lexington V.F.W. for permission to
conduct a Poppy Drive on May 26th and 27th.
Mr. Nickerson moved that the request be granted.
Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
' The Chairman read a letter from Carl R. Petterson,
6 Hill Street advising that he desires to relinquish
Veterans Lot #12, Cedar Street.
Mr. Nickerson moved that Mr. Petterson's deposit
be returned. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was
so voted.
The Clerk was instructed to notify the vertern
whoses name is on top of the waiting list that this
lot is now available.
Application was received from the Simon W. Robinson
Lodge requesting permission to use Cary Hall on Saturday,
May 6th from 6:30 x'. M. until midnight for an annual
Ladies Night.
.Mr. Gay moved that the use of the hall be granted
subject to a charge of X35.00. Mr. Nickerson seconded
the motion, and it was so voted.
Application was received from the Lexington Field
& Garden Club requesting permission to use Estabrook Hall
on Monday, April 3rd from 7;45 P. M. until 10:00 P. M.
for a• meeting.
Mr. Gay moved that the use of the hall be granted
free of charge. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion, and
it was so voted.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay,
it was voted to grant the Sunday Movies License for the
Lexington Theatre, Inc.
s�
Tax Coll.
Bomd
Town Clerk
& Treas.
bonds
Poppy Drive
Use of
Hall
688
Two proposals were received for the purchase of '
a car for the Lexington Police Department. The mem-
bers agreed to'..,, -hold both bids over until the next meeting
when the other two Selectmen would be present.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay,
Water it was voted to sign the Order for the construction
Order of Watson Road in the following form.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS '
Middlesex, ss. Lexington;, Mass. Feb. 13, 1950
Town of Lexington, Selectmen's Room
At a meeting of the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Lexington,
after having g'iven.due written notice of the intention of said Board,
as required by law, to day out as a town way the way known as Watson
Road from Robbins Road, southwesterly to Lexington Avenue, a distance of
approximately 308 feet, all as hereinafter more fully appears, and after
public hearing thereon held on February 13, 1950;
Now, upon consideration of the matter, it is
ORDERED: that this Board of Selectmen is of the opinion that '
public necessity and convenience require that said Watson Road be laid
out and established as a public town way, and that the game is hereby
laid out and established as a public town way respectively, as follows:
The southeasterly line of Watson Road begins at a point in the
westerly line of Robbins Road, said point being northerly and distant
70.98 feet from the northerly terminus of a curve of 174.31 feet
radius, thence bearing to the left with a curve of 25.00 feet radius
distant 45.70 feet to a point of tangency, thence S770 42.1 50"W
distant 256.44 feet to a point of curvature, thence bearing to the
left with a curve of 25.00 feet radius distant 32.84 feet to a point
of tangency in the easterly line of Lexington Avenue.
The northwesterly line of Watson Road begins at a point in the
westerly line of Robbins Road, thence bearing to the right with a
curve of 25.00 feet radius distant 32.84 feet to a point of tangency,
thence S770 421 50"W distant 256.44 feet to a point of curvature,
thence bearing to the right with a curve of 25.00 feet radius distant
45.70 feet to a point of tangency in the easterly line of Lexington
Avenue.
The above described lines are parallel and distant 40.00 feet
from each other with the exception of the curved intersections at
Robbins Road and Lexington Avenue, all as shown on a plan entitled,
"Flan of Watson Road, Lexington Mass. Scale 1 in. = 40 ft. Jan. 19, 1950,
William M. Burns, Town Engineer which plan is on file in the Town Clerk's
Office in the Town Office Building and a copy of which will be
recorded with Middlesex South, -District Deeds with a copy of this '
order.
And said Board having considered the question of damages sustained
by the owners of lands across and through which said ways have been
' laid out and established as aforesaid, hereby determines
that no damages are sustained and no damages are awarded,
and said Board hereby declares that all acts herein are
done under the provisions of law authorizing the assess-
ment of petterments.
Isf
George
W.
Emery
following
appointments for Appointments
terms expiring March 31,
1950;
Isl
William
H.
Driscoll
/sl Frederick M. Gay
-IsZ Donald E. Nickerson
Lewis L. Hoyt
Board
10JA
Selectmen
Upon motion of Mr.
Nickerson,
seconded by Mr. Gay,
it was voted to make the
following
appointments for Appointments
terms expiring March 31,
1950;
Building Inspector
Ernest A. Lindstrom
Constable (Under Ch. 41,
Sec. 91A)
Charles E. Moloy
Executive Clerk, Selectmen
Hazel J. Murray
Lockup Keeper
John W. Rycroft
Park Department, Superintendent
John J. Garrity
Plumbing Inspector
Ernest A. Lindstrom
Superintendent of Public
Works
Joseph H. DeFoe
Superintendent of Public
Works Assistant William M. Burns
Town Counsel
Harold E. Stevens
Town Engineer
William M. Burns
Veteranst Agent
Edward F. Chapin
Weighers
Jacob Bierenbroodspot
Mary E. Chaplin
Arthut J. Gennetti
Thomas Lynch
Arthur J. Rivet, Jr.
Paul Wagner, Jr.
Harold I. Wellington
590
Wire Inspector Louis W. Bills ,
i
The meeting adjourned at 10;45 P. M.
e , S ectm n.
OL
1
C�
ni
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
April 32 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen
was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office
Building, on Monday evening, April 3, 1950 at 7.00
P. M. Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay, Driscoll,
Nickerson and Hoyt were present. The Clerk was
also present.
Mr. James J. Carroll, Town Clerk, met with
the Board for the drawing of three jurors. Mr:
David A. Long, Creditman, 53 Burlington Street,
was drawn to serve on Criminal Business,'2nd Jurors
session; Mr. Reuben Preston, Electrician, 18 Fair
Oaks Drive, was drawn to serve on Criminal Business,
lst session; Mr. Lauren M. Burgess, Engineer, 227
Follen Road, was drawn to serve on Civil Business,
2nd session; George P. Langton, Sup't., 25 Fuller
Road was drawn to serve on Civil Business, 1st
session.
Mr. Carroll explained to the Board that he
has checked into the borrowings on the so-called
Liberty-Ledgelawn project and the proposed fire
station in East Lexington. He has been guaranteed Borrowings
1—,1% on the $ 45,000 borrowing which, according to
the vote,. of the Town Meeting, calls for a nine
year period. He recommended combining the two
amounts making a total of $70,000.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Hoyt,
it was voted to authorize the Town Treasurer to
borrow the sum of $251000 at 451,000 for five years
and $453,000 at 65,000 for nine years.
Mr. Carroll retired at 7;10 P. M.
Mr. DeFoe, Supt. of Public Works, met with
the Board, and reported on Inspection Service for
cast iron water pipe. He stated that he had re-
ceived prices as follows; 1/ per foot for 611; Water pipe
1.3� per foot for 8"; 1.10 per foot for 10" and inspection
2� per foot for 12". He further stated that for
the estimated amounts, tentatively set up for pur-
chase,, the inspection would cost 4124.40e
Mr. Harold E. Stevens, Town Counsel, met with
the Board at 7;25 P. M.
Mr. Stevens explained that an inspection should
not relieve the Warren Pipe Co. of the warranty.
Mr. Nickerson suggested that Mr. DeFoe discuss
the subject with the Warren Pipe Company and report
further next week.
0
Gasoline
Permit
Mr. DeFoe reminded the Board that 137 spaces
have been approved for parking meters and only
120 meters have been purchased. The matter was
discussed and upon motion of Mr. Driscoll,
seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it was voted to eliminate
meters at the following places: 14 meters on
the inside curve at Depot Square, 1 at the
corner of Grant Street and 2 on the right hand
of Depot Square at the shrubs.
The Board further agreed to erect One
Hour Parking signs at Emery Park without making
any actual change in the Traffic Rules and Re-
gulations.
Mr. DeFoe retired at 7:55 P. M. (returned
at 9:00 P. M.)
At 8:00 P. M. hearing was declared open upon
the petition of Gil Wy:ner Co., Inc. for permission
to maintain one undergrc and tank for -the storage
of 5,000 gallons of gasoline, on premises off Wood
Street, to be used in connection with the construc-
tion of Route 128.
Notice of the hearing was advertised in the
March 23, 1950 issue of the Lexington Minute -Man
and the application approved by Chief Roy A. Cook
of the Fire Department. No persons appeared in
favor or in opposition.
The hearing was declared closed -and upon
motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted that the application be approved and
a license granted.
At 8:15 P. M. hearing was declared open upon
the petition of Kieran J. Lowry for permission to
Gasoline increase the capacity of underground tanks for the
Permit storage of gasoline from 61,000 gallons to 12,000
gallons on premises located at 286 Lincoln Street.
Notice of the hearing was advertised in the
March 23, 1950 issue of the Lexington Minute -Man
and the application approved by Chief Roy A. Cook
of the Fire Department. No persons appeared in
favor or in opposition.
The hearing was declared closed and upon
motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted that the application be approved
and a license granted.
Letter, signed by five residents of the Five
Forks area, was received relative to a building
being erected near the intersection of Marrett
Bldg. at Road and Lincoln Street.
Five Forks The matter was referred to the Town Counsel
who was instructed to contact the individuals.
Mr. Stevens retired at 8:35 P. M.
L
1
1
3
Welf are
Dept.
Comp. plan
Woodhaven
Mr. James Collins, Welfare Fgent, met with
the Board. He explained that the Welfare Depart-
ment compensation plan now in effect provides for
a maximum for the Agent of $3520. The increase in
salary recently approved brings the maximum up to
$3600,necessitating the submission of a new com=
pensation plan to the Division of Civil Service.
Mr. Nickerson inquired as to whether or not
the new schedule would commit the Board to any
yefrly increments and Mr. Collins replied in the
affirmative.
Mr. Hoyt asked if the Board would be required
to give any increases next year even if the Select-
men decided not to approve increases and Mr. Collins
replied in the negative.
The Chairman was authorized to sign the com-
pensation plan submitted by Mr. Collins.
Mr. Collins retired at 9;00 P. M.
The following individuals, residents of Wood-
haven, met with the Board; Messrs. Sullivan,
Aiken, Walker and Rice. Mr. DeFoe, Sup't. of Public
Works, was also present.
Mr. Aiken, spokesman for the group, said that
they are not yet to the point where they are ready
to take action relative to the acceptance of streets,
but would like to begin an educational campaign as
to the necessary requirements for the acceptance of
streets. They would like to prepare a question and
answer release describing the responsibilities and
the rights of the persons living in Woodhaven as the
matter now stands, what can be done about it, and
how it is done.
He explained that most of the home owners are
persons who have not owned homes before or are people
who have come here from outside the Commonwealth.
They are not familiar with the way things are done in
New England or their rights and responsibilities in
this new development.
The Chairman informed the group that all the
streets, with the exception of Spring Street, are
unaccepted. He explained that the Town plows unaccepted
streets and furnishes lights, police and fire protection.
He said that any road work that needs to be done is
not the responsibility of the Town no matter how bad
it gets. He explained that if the Town did work on an
unaccepted street, under Massachusetts law, the Town
would then be in a position where liability can be
imputed to the Town for six years. He said that a
municipality is liable for accidents that occur on
its streets and as soon as the Town dumps fill to take
care of holes, it has, by law, picked up that street
as a responsibility and therefore it has been the
3
Welf are
Dept.
Comp. plan
Woodhaven
In
policy of the Board never to do any work on un-
accepted streets. He stated that if the streets
wear out anything to be done will have to be done
by contribution by the neighbors. He said that
if the streets are so bad that the fire apparatus
cannot get through, he was afraid that the answer
is still the same.
Mr. Aiken asked if the fact that the streets
are marked as private ways indicated that the
property owners are relieved of the responsibility.
The Chairman explained that the private way
marking makes it clear to anyone that it is not
an accepted street. He said that the first step
in having a street accepted is to file a request
with the Board stating that they would like the
town to consider acceptance of the streets and an
estimate of the cost. The Board then refers it
to the Superintendent of Public Works and Town
Engineer. A survey would be made and an estimate
figured as to the cost per linear foot to construct
the streets under the town's specifications. He
said that the total possible cost would be the total
possible cost of the street with 2" hot top laid
in two courses, and further•explained that the
Selectmen are now using the formula of eliminating
from the cost to the abutter, the short side of ,
any lot that is on a corner; the charge being
made for the longer side. The cost for intersections
is also eliminated and if there were a drainage
problem the Board would figure as a cost to the
abutter what the Board and the Town Engineer felt
was a proper percentage of the drainage problem.
The Chairman said that the petitioner would
be sent a long sheet to be signed by the abutters,
giving them an idea of what the estimated cost
would be to build the street, leaving out the
squares at the intersections and the short sides
on corners. That cost, with those deductions, is
divided into the several frontages. He explained
further that the cost to the abutters is payable
over a ten year period. He stated that if the
abutters agreed to have the streets constructed the
Board would then recommend acceptance at a Town
Meeting at which time an appropriation would be
requested. He said that the actual cost could be
higher or lower than the estimates given to the abutters.
Mr. DeFoe suggested that if and when a petition
is presented for acceptance that as many signatures
as possible be obtained.
The Chairman said that the Board would not
recommend the construction of a street with less ,
than one-half of the owners having signed for it.
' The Board prefers to have at least two-thirds of the
owners sign.
Mr. DeFoe explained that the paved surface will
be 24' and a rough estimate of the cost would be
$5.00 per linear foot, not :including sidewalks.
The group, with the excepticnof Mr. DeFoe,
retired at 9:35 P. 1v1.
C
1
The DeFoe presented a plan of Webb Street showing
the property of individuals who have signed for the
extension of a water main as well as the property
of those who will not sign.
Inaemuch as the property owners who do not wsnt
the installation represent more than half the front-
ages on the streetp Mr. Driscoll moved that the in-
stallation be postponed. Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion,
and it was so voted.
Mr. DeFoe presented each member of the Board
with a copy of the quotations he received on cast
iron fittings.
Mr. Nickerson moved that the Sup t. of Public
Works be authorized to place an order with the Warren
Pipe Company for the Short Body fittings, totalling
$1223.47. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was
so voted.
Petition was received for the acceptance of
Butler Avenue, a copy of which was given to Mr.
DeFoe and Mr. Burns.
The Selectmen felt that, due to the construction
program already authorized by Town Meeting, this could
not be considered before a Fall Town Meeting. It
was agreed that during the late summer the Town
Engineer would make a survey.
Specifications were received from the Board of
Fire Engineers relative to the purchase of a car
for the Chief Engineer. The Chairman reminded the
Board that two bids have also been received on
the purchase of a car for the Police Department.
Mr. Driscoll moved that any decision relative to
the bids be held over until the Special Meeting of
the Board on Thursday evening, April 6. Mr. Hoyt
seconded the motion and it was so voted.
The Chairman read a letter from the Chief of "rolice
in reply to the Board's request for inf rmation as to
the advantages and disa.dvantages of al night lighting
in Lexington Center. The chief very d finitely is
in favor of all night lighting, not only in the Center
but all over Town.
Water
Webb St.
Cast Iron
Fittings
Butler Ave.
Article
Fire Dept,
Car
All Night
Lighting
s
CM
It was agreed that the Sup►t. of Public ,
Works should advise the Boston Edison Com-
pany that the Selectmen intend to have all
night lighting in Lexington Center as orginally
agreed upon.
Letter was received from the Chirman of the
Planning Board, confirming a telephone con-
versation with the Chairman of the Board of
Special Selectmen relative to a Special Town Meeting
Town Meeting to be held on May 8th.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by
Mr. Gay, it was voted to call a Special Town
Meeting for Monday, May 8, 1950.
Sewer Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Order Gay, it was voted to adopt a sewer order for Hayes
Lane in the following form;
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss. Town of Lexington
ORDER FOR CONSTRUCTION OF SEWER
The Board of Selectmen of the Town of Lexington, acting '
in pursuance of the provisions of Chapter 504 of the Acts
of 1897 and all acts in addition thereto and in amendment
thereof, and of every other power and authority hereto enabling,
at a meeting duly held this third day of April, 1950, has
laid out and voted to construct a common sewer in Hayes Lane,
a way in said town opened or dedicated to the public use
which has not become a public way, as more fully shown on a
plan entitled "Plan of Proposed Sewer in Hayes Lane, Lexington
Mass., Scale 1 in. = 40 ft. March 30, 1950, William M. Burns,
Town Engineer", abutting the premises numbered 2, thereon
designated as lot #7 on the Assessors' Plans and does hereby
ORDER that the same be constructed in said location. A plan
entitled "Plan of Proposed Sewer in Hayes Lan, Lexington, Mass.,
Scale 1 in. = 40 ft. March 30, 19501, William M. Burns, Town
Engineer" is to be recorded herewith all in compliance with
vote taken at the Adjourned Town Meeting held on March 20, 1950,
as follows; "VOTED; that the Selectmen be and they hereby are
authorized to install sewer mains in such accepted or unaccepted
streets or other land as the Selectmen may determine in accordance
with Chapter 504 of the Acts of 1897 and all acts in amendment
thereof, and in addition thereto, or otherwise; and to take
by eminent domain or otherwise acquire any fee, easement or
other interest in land necessary or appropriate therefor, and
to appropriate for payment thereof the sum of $58,000 of which
$30,000 are to be tr€;nsferred from the Sewer Assessment Fund, I
and the balance of 428,000 is to be transferred from the Excess
and Deficiency Account_."
That the work be done by, or under the direction
of, the Superintendent of Public Works who shall as
soon as feasible e.f ter the completion thereof, together
with the Town Engineer, compute the expense of the
same and return to this Board an account thereof, and
that thereafter, one half (2) of the cost of the con-
struction thereof shall be assessed upon the estates
specially benefited thereby, under and subject to the
provisions of Chapter 221 of the Acts of 1926.
And it is further ordered that a copy of this
order, attested by the Clerk of the Board, be filed
for record in the Registry of Deeds for the Southern
District of said County, as a statement of our
action in the premises, in compliance with the pro-
visions of Section 27 of Chapter 83 of the General
Laws.
The Assessments so to be made are estimated, and
the estates upon which assessments may be so made,
are numbered in the numbering of said street or other-
wise designated, as set forth in the schedule hereto
annexed and made a part hereof.
1s/ Donald E. Nickerson
Selectmen
4s4 William W. Driscoll
Isl Lewis L. Hoyt of
1sl Frederick M. Gay Lexington
Attest:
Hazel J. Murray
Clerk . Selectmen
TOWN OF LEXINGTON
Schedule of estimated assessments, and estates
to be assessed annexed to Sewer Order for con-
struction of sewer in Hayes Lane
House Lot
Number Number Area Supposed Owner
2 7 8,500 Lexington Veterans of
Foreign Wars, Inc.
Assesment
y 104.55
Scc
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. '
Water Driscoll, it was voted to adopt a water order
Order for Hudson Road in the following form.:
ORDER OF TAKING
By the Town of Lexington of Easement
for the Construction of a Water Main
HUDSON ROAD
From Woodcliffe Rd. easterly to Cutler
Farm Rd., distant approxiately 560 feet.
WHEREAS, at a meeting duly called and held on March 20,
1950, the Town Meeting of Lexington pursuant to an article
in the warrant of the meeting for which due notice was given,
duly adopted by unanimous vote the following vote and made
an appropriation therefor:
VOTED: That the Selectmen be and they hereby are
authorized to irs tall water mains not less than six inches but
less than sixteen inches in diameter in such accepted or unaeeetped
streets or other land as the Selectmen may determine, subject
to the assessment of betterments, or otherwise, and to take '
by eminent domain or otherwise acquire any fee, easement or
other interest in land necessary or appropriate therefor,
and to appropriate for payment thereof the sum of X61,500, of
which $451,000 are to be transferred as follows:- X10,000
from the Excess and Deficiency Accoutn, $25,000 from the Water Assessment
Fund, and $101000 from the Water Department Available Surplus
Fund: and the balance of $16,500 is to be raised by direct
assessment.
AND WHEREAS, the right of way and easement hereinafter
described and taken are necessary for the establishment and
maintenance of the said water main;
NOW THEREFORE, the Board of Selectmen of the Town of
Lexington, acting as a Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners, for
and in behalf of the said town, by virtue of the authority con-
ferred upon them by the foregoing vote and of every other
power them thereto enabling, hereby adopt this order of
taking by eminent domain, for the said public improvement for
the purpose of constructing and maintaining a water main in
Hudson Rd. from Woodcliffe Rd. easterly to Cutler Farm Rd.
distant approximately 560 feet as afnTesaid, the following
easement namely:
The right to enter upon the land shown as Hudson Rd. '
in a plan entitled, "Plan of Proposed Water Main in
Hudson Rd. Lexington, Mass. Scale 1 in.= 40 ft. Jan. 30, 1950
4
William M. Burns, Town Engineer", and owned by Macland
Inc., and construct therein a line of water main with
all necessary connections, shut -offs, and appurtenances
substantially as shown on a plan of William M. Burns,
Town Engineer, dated Jan. 30, 1950, to be recorded
.herewith. The easement covered by this taking includes
the right on the part of the Selectmen of the said town
or other duly authorized agents of the town to enter
upon, dig up, open and use the land embraced within
the said way as may be reasonably necessary for the
purpose of initially constructing and thereafter main-
taining, operating, inspecting, repairing and replacing
from time to time the said water main, (the said town
being always bound to see that the ground after the
com1bletion of the work in each case is cleared of all
surplus material and surface left in as smooth and
good condition as at the time of entry.
Betterments will be assessed for this improvement in
accordance with the provisions of Chapter 80 of the
General Laws. The area which it is expected will receive
advantages other than the general advantage to the community
from such improvement comprises the several lots shown
upon the plan of William M. Burns, Town Engineer, above
referred to, which are designated in the schedule hereto annexed
and made a part hereof.
We estimate the betterments that would be assessed
upon each said parcel of land to be as shown in the said
schedule.
We determine that no damages have been sustained
and none are awarded.
To have and to hold the said easement to the Town
of Lexington, its successors and assignay to its and their
own use and behoof forever agreeable to the provisions
of said Chapter 79 of the General Laws and all pertinent
acts in amendment thereof or supplemental thereto.
INWITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned being a majority of
the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Lexington aforesaid
have hereunto subscribed our names this 3rd of April,
1950.
/sl Frederick M. Gay
/s/ William H. Driscoll
!s/ Lewis L. Hoyt
/s/ Donald E. Nickerson
71
Selectmen
of
Lexington
tocc
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss. April 3, 1950
Lexington, Mass.
Then personally appeared the above named George -We -Emery,
Frederick M. Gay, William H. Driscoll, Donald E. Nickerson and
Lewis L. Hoyt and severally acknowledged the foregoing instrument
by them subscribed to be their free act and deed and the free act
and deed of the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Lexington, before
me,
/s/ Hazel J. Murray
Notary Public
Mr. DeFoe retired at 10;45 P. M.
A letter was received from William J.
Heafey, 32 Burnside Avenue, Somerville offering
the sum of $100 for lot 439 Hillcrest Street.
Mr. Hoyt moved that Mr. Heafey be advised that
the Board will entertain an offer of $275 for this lot.
Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
A letter was received from Wallace
Orchard Street, Somerville offering the
$100 for lot 42, Hillcrest Street.
Mr. Hoyt moved that Mr. Foskett be
that the Board will entertain and offer
for this lot. Mr. Driscoll seconded the
and it was so voted.
E. Foskett, 98
sum of
advised
of $275
motion,
Letter was received from the Lexington His -
Sign for
torical Society asking if the Board would permit
Ellen
a sign "Robbins - Stone House Built 171611 to be
Stone
placed on the old Ellen Stone House at 1295 Mass -
House
achusetts Avenue.
'
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr,
Nickerson, it was voted to grant the request
insofar as the Board has any control.
A letter was received from Norman J. Beckett,
Tax title
48 Valley Road, Lexington, offering $220 for Lots
property
1 and 2, Block 69, and Lots 11 and 12, Block 75,
Valley Road.
Mr. Hoyt moved that Mr. Beckett be advised
that the Board will entertain an offer of $350 for these lots.
Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so
voted.
A letter was received from William J.
Heafey, 32 Burnside Avenue, Somerville offering
the sum of $100 for lot 439 Hillcrest Street.
Mr. Hoyt moved that Mr. Heafey be advised that
the Board will entertain an offer of $275 for this lot.
Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
A letter was received from Wallace
Orchard Street, Somerville offering the
$100 for lot 42, Hillcrest Street.
Mr. Hoyt moved that Mr. Foskett be
that the Board will entertain and offer
for this lot. Mr. Driscoll seconded the
and it was so voted.
E. Foskett, 98
sum of
advised
of $275
motion,
1
r
u
A letter was received from Albert C. Tuff,
70 Magnolia Street, Arlington offering the sum
of $100 each for lots 64 and 66 on Grape Vine
Avenue,
Mr. Hoyt moved that Mr. Tuff be advised that
the Board will entertain an offer of $200 each
for these lots. Mr. Gay seconded the motion,
and it was so voted.
A letter was received from John E. Hossfield,
128 Reed Street, Lexington offering the sum of
$25 each for lots 1, 2 and 3, Block 92, Essex Street.
Mr. Hoyt moved that Mr. Hossfield be advised
that the Board will entertain an offer of $150 for these
lots. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Request was received from John J. Shaughnessy, 44
Garfield Street, Woburn, for a permit to move a
house from 75 Valley Road to lots 249 25 and 26
Valley Road. The house is 431 x 271 and approximately
181 high. It is now in the location of Route 128.
Mr. Driscoll moved that the request be granted
and a permit issued. Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion,
and it was so voted.
Application was received from Rev. T. F. Murphy,
on behalf of the Sacred Heart Church, for the use of
Cary Hall on May 17, 1950 from 8;00 P. M. until mid-
night for an Annual Reunion.
Mr. Hoyt moved that the use of the hall be granted
subject to a charge of $35.00. Mr. Driscoll seconded the
motion and it was so voted.
x�
Tax Title
property
Permit to
move
buflding
Use of Hall
Application was received from the Veterans of
Foreign Wars for permission to conduct an Annual Ball
in Cary Hall on the evening of April 19, 1950 from
8;00 P. M. until midnight. The Clerk reported that
the Chairman of the April 19th Committee advised her that the
Committee has agreed to let the Veterans conduct
the Ball.
Mr. Driscoll moved that the use of the hall be
granted and considered one of the organizations free
uses. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so
voted.
Application was received from Richard P. Cromwell,
Chairman of the Planning Board, requesting permission
to hold a public hearing in Estabrook Hall on the
evenings of April 25, 26 and 27, relative to the
proposed Zoning By-laws.
12
The Clerk informed the Board that the use
of Cary Hall has been granted to the Middlesex
Use of Hall
County Farm Bureau on the evening of April
26 for a banquet and dance for which use a
charge of $35 has been made.
The Clerk was instructed to contact Mr.
Cromwell and endeavor to make arrangements
satisfactory to both groups for the two uses
on the same evening.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr.
Nickerson, it was voted to grant the following
Licenses
licenses;
Chester W. Fillmore Pedlerts License Renewal
Lexington Theatre Sunday Movies "
Countryside Associates, Inc.Sunday Golf "
Further consideration was given to the 1950
contract for the collection of garbage.
Mr. Nickerson suggested that bids be
solicited from Connors Bros. and from William
G. Potter.
Garbage
The Chairman said that he doubted very
Bids
much if Mr. Potter would bid because of his
friendship with the Connors Bros. and that
he has never bid against them. Mr. Hoyt agreed
with the Chairman.
Mr. Nickerson moved that the Board
solicit bids for the collection of garbage in
Lexington for one year from Connors Bros. and
William G. Potter. Mr. Driscoll seconded the
motion and it was so voted.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by
Mr. Hoyt, it was voted to make the following
annual appointments.
Appointments
Bridge Charitable Fund Trustee Clarence SWalker
(Term expires 3/31/56)
Dental Clinic Mrs. Vincent Burke
Mrs. John Rich
Thomas S. Grindle
Fence Viewers Stanley A. Higgins
John J. Garrity
Field Drivers
Gammell Legacy Income, Trustees
(Acting with Board of Public
Welfare)
Benjamin W. Day
John W. Rycroft
Harold F. Lombard
Mrs. Robert C. Merriam
cc
Iqu
1
D
Registrar of Voters
Leon H. Truesdell
(Term expires
3/31/53)
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to appoin' the following individuals as
Special Police in the Town of Lexington for a term ex-
piring March 31, 1951:
(See Selectmen's file - 1950 - Special Police)
The meeting adjourned at 11:20 P. M.
A true record, Attest:
1
Cler , lectmen,
is
14
Annual
Appoint-
ments
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
April 6, 1950
A special meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Town Accountant's Office on Thursday even-
ing, April 6, 1950 at 7;30 P. M. Chairman Emery,
Messrs. Gay, Driscoll,Nickerson and Hoyt were present.
The Clerk was also present.
Further consideration was given to the annual
appointments, terms of service having expired on
March 31, 1950.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr.
Hoyt, it was voted to re -appoint Mr. Aiden L. Ripley
as a regular member of the Board of Appeals for
a five-year term expiring March 31, 1955, and to
appoint Mr. Walter C. Ballard as a regular member
of the Board of Appeals to fill the vacancy caused
by the resignation of Mr. John Rich, for a term ex-
piring March 31, 1951.
1
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Hoyt, it was voted to appoint the following individuals I to serve as Associate Members of the Board of Appeals for one
year terms expiring March 13, 1951; J. Hi ry Duffy,
Elmer C. Houdlette, Edwin B. Worthen, Jr. and George W.
Emery..
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to re -appoint Officer John A. Russell
and Mr. Eugene A. LaRose as Dog Officers for terms
expiring March 31, 1951.
The Chairman reminded the Board that the Lexington
Rep. to Visiting Nurse Association had requested a member
V.N.A. of the Board to represent the Selectmen on the organi-
zation's Board of Directors.
It was agreed that Mr. William H. Driscoll would
serve on the Board of Directors of the Lexington Visit-
ing Nurse Association as the Selectmen's representative.
License to Application was received from Gil Wyner & Co.,
store Inc. for permission to store approximately 3,000 lbs.
dynamite of dynamite on State property, to be used on
connection with the construction of Route 128.
Mr. Nickerson moved that the application be approved
and the licence signed. Mr. Gay seconded the motion,
and it was so. voted. I
' A 8;00 P. M. Mr. Joseph H. DeFoe, Sup't. of
Public Works, and Mr. William Burns, Town Engineer,
met with the Board.
Bids were received from Frederic K. Johnson
and Frederic R. Childs for the following; 1/2 ton
pickup truck for the Public Works Department; 4
door Standard Sedan for the Fire Department and
2 -door Chevrolet sedan for the Police Department.
Mr. Hoyt moved that the bid of F. K. Johnson,
Inc. be accepted for a 2 -door Chevrolet sedan for the
Police Department. The motion, however, was not
seconded and therefore lost.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr.
Nickerson, it was voted to accept the bid of
Frederic R. Childs to furnish a 2 -door V-8 sedan
for the Police Department at a net cost of $633.55.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Hoyt, it was voted to accept the bid of F. K. Johnson,
Inc. to furnish a 1/2 ton truck for the Public Works
Department at a net cost of $1097.00
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Hoyt, it was voted to accept the bid of F. K.
' Johnson, Inc. to furnish a 4 -door Chevrolet Standard
Sedan, for the Chief Engineer of the Fire Departments
at a net cost of $15496.50.
Mr. DeFoe inquired as to what date the Board
._desired to have the parking meters become effective
and also asked whether or not the heads were to
be placed before April 19th.
Mr. Driscoll moved that the Sup t. of Public
Works be authorized to proceed with the installation
of the parking meter heads this week. Mr. Nickerson
seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,,
it was voted to have the operation of the pF.rking
meters effective as of April,17, 1950.
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Garrity,
Sup't. of the Park Divison relative to the display of
the Shenandoah Flag System and the State Flags over
the 19th of April holiday. Mr. Garrity recommended
that the Shenandoah system be dispensed with this
year. He further recommended that the State flags
should not be exposed on the Common overnight.
The Board was in complete accord with Mr.
' Garrity's suggestions.
The Clerk informed the Board that Mr. Newhall,
Chairman of the 19th of April celebration, requested
IT
Police Car
Truck for
P. W. Dep't.
Parking
Meters
.16
permission to arrange for additional lighting in
Cary Hall in connection with the program
proposed for the celebration.
The Board had no objection providing the
Committee would agree to assume any expense
that might be involved.
There was a very lengthy discussion as to
how the various public works construction
projects should be handled during the year
1950 and it was decided as follows:
1. Let Fair Oaks take its normal course.
2..Continue on Farmcrest.
3. Town to do any and all drainage.
4. Town to do miscellaneous street water extensions.
5. Let out to contract Prospect Hill Road and Marrett
Road water.
6. Let out to contract Route 128 sewer sections.
7. Let out to contract Fern Street & Bow Street
sewer laterals.
B. Let out Watson Road street construction.
9. Sidewalk construction to contractor.
10. Kinneen Pond to contractor
11. Miscellaneous curbs by Town unless favorable other
opp.
12. Maintenance in July and August by?
13. Hire inspector for #5, 6, 7 and 9.
14. Buy tractor late summer or fall.
It was also decided to arrange an early confers+-
ence with the Planning Board and the Town Counsel to
work our a practical and legal formula for determining
the close cases on where water installations should
be done under regular Betterment Act procedure or
fall within the new regulations covering subdivisions
under the jurisdiction of the Board of Survey.
A true record, Attest:
le
/ectm�en.
I a
L
SEIE CTMEN'S MEETING
April 10, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen
was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Build-
ing, on Monday evening, April 10, 19501 at 7:00 P. M.
Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay, Nickerson, Driscoll and
Hoyt were present. The Clerk was also present.
Mr. DeFoe, Supt. of Public Works, met with the
Board and reported further, as requested by the Board
on testing prices for cast from pipe. He reported that
he had discussed this subject with Mr. Harold Toole,
of the M•D.C. The Commission does have pipe tested,
particularly large orders. In addition to the prices
submitted last week, he stated that he had received a
price of 34er foot for over -sized pipe. He explained
that the Warren Pipe Company would have no objection if
the Selectmen decided to employ an inspector and it would
in no way affect the warranty.
Mr. Hoyt asked if Mr. DeFoe thought pipe should be
inspected and he replied that it would be an extra pre-
caution and the amount of money involved so small that
it might be advisable to take advantage of an inspection
service.
Mr. Harold E. Stevens, Town Counsel, met with the
Board at 7:25,P. M.
Mr. Hoyt asked if Mr. DeFoe recommended the pro -
Posed -inspection and he replied in the affirmative.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to adopt the policy of having all water
pipe inspected; the responsibility as to who is to be
engaged to be left to the discretion of the Supt. of
Public Works.
Mr. DeFoe submitted quotations received for the
purchase of copper tubing for water services.
The Selectmen authorized Mr. DeFoe to purchase
3/4" and 1" copper tubing for water services in an
amount up to 10,000 feet, from the Red Hed Manfactur-
ing Company at prices submitted by Mr. DeFoe.
17
Inspection
of Water
Pipe
Copper
Tubing
The Chairman read 8 -:letter from A. Clifford Request
Fletcher requesting the installation of a water main for water
in Blossomerest Road. It was agreed that the Sue t. installation
of Public Works should prepare betterment assessment
sheets for signatures.
Mr. DeFoe and'Mr. Stevens retired at 7:55 P. Mo
(returned to the meeting later).
18
Mr. Frank H. Walker, Town Accountant, met
with the Board and presented each member of the
Public Board with a report prepared by him with reference
Works to the operation of the Public Works Department
Dept. (clerical). It was agreed to have Mr. Walker
and Mr. DeFoe meet with the Board of Monday
evening, April 24th, at 7:30 P. M.
Mr. Walker retired at 8:00 P. M.
Mrs. Morey, Chairman, and the following
members of the -School Committee met with the
Board: Mesard. Davis, Wadsworth and Slade.
Mr. Grindle and Messrs. Adams and Ripley of
the Planning Board were also present.
Mrs. Morey stated that the town is going
to have another elementary school and presented
a map showing the existing schools and proposed
locations. She said that unless the property
is purchased fairly soon, the Town will have
Elementary to pay more money for it. She stated that
School the School Committee knows where the schools
Sites are needed, the Planning Board knows what land
is available and the Selectmen purchase it.
She said that the School Committee would like
to go to the Special Town Meeting in May and request
an appropriation so that specifications can be
obtained.
The Chairman asked when a new school should
be ready according to the `studies made and Mrs.
Morey replied that the Committee plans to fix
seven rooms in the existing schools and hold
off to see whether a wing will be built on the
Franklin School or another elementary school
built. She stated that if one of the larger
developments actually begins, it might be better
to build another school.
Mrs. Morey said that it does not seem nec-
essary to have a School Sites Committee.
The Chairman said that he thought it
would be more orderly to have a Sites Committee
appointed and it was finally agreed by all
present that there should be an Elementary
School Sites Committee appointed# authorized
by Town Meeting, consisting of two members of
the School Committee, two members of the Planning
Board and two members of the Board of Selectmen;
said Committee to report with specific recommenda-
tions and options to the next Town,Meeting.
Messrs. Adams and Ripley retired at 8:35 P. M.
1.
t
1
1
Mr. Converse Hill-met,with the Board relative to
questions raised -by the School Committee with refer-
ence to
efer-
ence-to insurance. Mrs. Morey infermed Mr. Hill
that the amount of insurance oZi the" Fiske bctiool
seemed to be out of line.
Mr. Hill explained that the letter, dated last
February.to which Mrs. Morey referred, only listed
the schools for depreciation. He stated that when
the Company speaks about the insurable value on the
buildings, it means replacement costs less depreciation,
and that all the buildings are appraised by the
National Appraisal Company.
The subject was discussed at length and Mr. Hill
agreed to write a letter, requested by Mr. Davis, to
the effect that the schools are adequately protected.
It was agreed by the School Committee and the
Selectmen to review the coverage some time about the
first of October.
The group retired at 9:00 P. M.
19
Insurance
Mr. Robert T. Person and Dr. Howard Foley of the
Recreation Committee, Mr. Aiden L. Ripley of the
Planning Board and thirteen other persons, including Messrs.
Currier, Greeley, Lyon, Manley and Hood, met with the
Board. Future
Mr. Currier stated that the Building
group desired to Suggestions
enlist the Boards aid in establishing a policy which
will give the Town, buildings to conform with its
history. He said that he thought there was a responsibility
to keep the Town essentially Colonial or at least have a
Colonial appearance.
Mr. Ripley explained that in the Town of Wellesley
an Art Commission has been created. He talked to the
Chairman of that Commission over the telephone and was
advised that such an arrangement had worked out very
satisfactorily.
Mr. Greeley stated that he thought a Commission
might have a definite interest in the control of archi-
tecture, but that it would be a difficult thing to handle.
He thought Mr. Currier had an idea which should be pursued
to some conclusion, but it would be very difficult to use
force. He said that the idea was good but he thought
very careful thought should be given relative to designating
any such powers, but that it might be safe to have a com-
mittee with powers of persuasion..
Mr. Person inquired &L -to wriei.ier or not the group
present had requested the meeting because of the pro-
posed toilet facilities building for the Center Play-
ground and Mr. Currier replied in the negatite and
said that this was not a new idea. He has in the past
discussed it with both Mr. Ripley and Mr. Lyon. He
20
Approve
Plans
for Bldg.
Center
Playground
Speed
Zone -
Traffic
said that he was not criticizing any past action,
but> wanted to establish a policy that will help
the Town in planning.
Mr. Ripley explained that the subject had
been discussed at a meeting of the Planning Board
and the Board approved the idea in general.
The subject was discussed at length and it
was finally agreed to have a Committee appointed,
under Article 2, at the Special Town Meeting.
The group with the exception of Messrs.
Person, Foley and Stevens, retired at 9:55 P. M.
Mr. Person informed the Board that the
Recreation Committee would like to have an
article inserted in the warrant for the Special
Town Meeting to provide additional funds in the
event the bids for the proposed toilet f acilities
exceed $89500.
The Chairman polled the Board and it was agreed
to endorse the plans for the toilet facilites at
the Center Playground as submitted by the Recreation
Committee. It was further agreed that the building
should be wired for electric lights.
Messrs. Person and Foley retired at 10:10 P. M.
Mr. William F. Bench, of the Registry of
Motor Vehicles, met with the Boardq He said that
the State proposes to speed zone Route 2 beginning
Alewife Brook Parkway and continuing to the Action
line, for 45 miles per hour. He stated that he had
Chief R'ycroft and also the State Police and they
are in favor. He explained that the Registry would
have to have the approval of the Board of Selectmen
and the Chief of Police.
Mr. Hoyt moved that the Board of Selectmen
approve the proposed 45 miles -per -hour speed zone
on Route 2. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion
and it was so voted.
Messrs. Bench and Stevens retired at 10:30 P.
at
checked with
M.
11
The Chairman read a letter from A. Clifford
Fletcher, 46 Blossomerest Road, stating that he
would like to build a house on Lots 90 and 91,
Request for
Wachusett Drive. He asked to have the water
water on
pipe installed across the front of these two
Wachusett
lots and stated that he is prepared to pay the
Drive
betterment on his side of the street. If this
cannot be done, Mr. Fletcher asked for permission
to run a water line from the house he intends to build
to either of the dead -ends.
The Board had no objection to Mr. Fletcher's
suggestion providing it meets with the approval of
Mr. DeFoe and fir. Burns.
11
1
The Chairman read a letter from Gordon E. Eaton,
9 Galvin Street, together with petition signed by
residents in the Sunnyfield area, requesting an ex-
tension of the sewerage system to serve property on
Bedford, Bernard, Ivan and Calvin Streets.
The Chairman was authorized to advise Mr.
Eaton that the Board would be pleased to discuss
the matter, but that it must be recognized that
there is neither the time nor the money to do this
work in 1950.
Mr. Gay, at the Chairman's request, took over
the meeting.
Letter was received from Richard H. Martin
requesting permission to use town property ad-
jacent to his veteran lot #18 for a garden.
Mr. Nickerson moved that the request be
granted, subject to the approval of the Town
Counsel. 1l1r. Driscoll seconded the motion, and
it was so voted.
Letter was received from Mr. William E. Lyon
requesting the installation of parking meters in front
' of his business establishment at 55 Waltham Street.
Mr. Emery was authorized to ask Mr. Lyon if
he would be willing to let the matter rest for a
while and see how the situation develops. The
Board felt that possibly other adjustments may
have to be made after the meters have been in operation:
for a while.
Letter was received from Mr. J. E. McAuliffe,
Supt. of the Lexington Post Office, asking the
Board to consider limiting parking to 5 or 10
minutes in front and one the side of the Post Office.
Mr. Emery was authorized to acknowledge the letter
and ask Mr. McAuliffe to try the meters out as
scheduled for a while and see how they work, but that
the Board would co-operate as much as possible.
Certificate of Incorporation was received on
behalf of Charles G. Esterberg, Jr., 263 Lincoln
Street. Satisfactory character reference was received
from the Chief of Police.
Mr. Nickerson moved that the application be
approved and signed. Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion,
and it was sP voted.
1
21
Sunnyfield
Sewer
Town land
for garden
Parking
Meters.
Cert. of
Incorp.
22
Letter was received from Wallace E. Foskett, 98
Orchard Street, Somerville, advising that he
would accept the Board's price of 4275. for
Lot 42 Hillcrest Street. He further stated
Tax Title
that he would also like to purchase Lot 43
Hillcrest Street at the same price.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by
Mr. Gay, it was voted that the offer be advertised
in the Lexington Minute -Man and further consider-
ation given to the subject at the next meeting.
Letter was received from Mrs. R. C. Cushman,
Ambulance
11 Chase Avenue, requesting an abatement of the
Bill
ambulance bill in the amount of $12. The Clerk
Abated
reported that she had been advised by the Depart-
_
ment of Public Welfare that Mr. Cushman and his
son are both unemployed. The daughter is at-
tending school on a scholarship.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded.by
Mr. Hoyt, it was voted to abate the ambulance
bill.
Application was received from the Lex-
ington Taxpayers' Association requesting the use
Use of
of Estabrook Hall on the evening of May 3rd for
Hall
a meeting.
Mr. Hoyt moved that the use of the hall
'
be granted free of ehar$e. Mr. Driscoll seconded
the irtotion and it was so voted.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr,
Nickerson, it was voted to grant the renewal
of the following licenses;
Licenses
John W. Leary 45 Waltham St. Public Carriage
JRenewal)
Michael O'Gara 1722 Mass. Ave. If It
If
Lex. Bowladrome 1698 Mass. Ave. Sunday Bowling
If
Man-A-Minnit Golf Concord Ave. it Sales
if
George E. Wardrobe 807 Mass. Ave. it If
"
Durand's Chocolate Mass. Ave. It If
"
Geo. R. Reed 1721 Mass. Ave. Itit
"
Kenneth Blodgett 269 Bedford Street If It
"
Marcia Dane 1700 Mass. Ave. Intelligence
"
Lex. Bowladrome 1698 Mass. Ave. Bowling Alleys
"
Salvation Army 87 Vernon St. Boston -Junk Collector "
Theron H. Gough 451 Concord Ave. Peddler
Lexington Theatre Mass. Ave. Sunday Movies
Countryside Associates Lowell St. it Golf
1
L
1
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to appoint the following individuals
(recommended by the Chief of Police) as Special Police
Officers for a term expiring March 319 1951;
Bartholinew T. Clancy
John E. Rowe
Robert E. Walton
Joseph P. Marshall
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr.
Hoyt, it was voted to sign a contract, approved
by Town Counsel, between the Town of Lexington and
Link Radio Corporation for the purchase and install-
ation of a two-way radio system.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Nick-
erson, it was•voted to sign the following Water Orders.-
Winston
rders;Winston Road, Cutler Farm Road, Marlboro Road and
Grassland Street. (Exact copy of order in Selectmen's
Files "Water Orders", 1950).
Sealed bid was received from Connors Bros., dated
April 10, 1950, for the collection of garbage for a
period of one year in the amount of $10,800.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. NickeraDn,
it was voted to award the contract to Connors Bros.
for one year at their bid of x¢100800.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by
Mr. Driscoll it was voted to make the following appoint-
ments for terms of one year;
Public Welfare Bof rd
Fence Viewer
Town Manager Committee
Edmund J. Costello
H. Webster Thomas
William H. Ballard
Henry Brask
Donald D. Hathaway
Idichael J. Hopkins
Errol H. Locke
29
Special
Police
Two-way
Radio':;
Water
Orders
Garbage
Bid
Appointments
The Clerk called the Bo -rd I s attention to the fact
that the perambulation of the Town's bounds should
be done this year, and in the past the Board has appointed
the Town Engineer and the Clerk to the Board of Assessors
as substitutes for the Selectmen.
Mr. Nickerson moved that Mr. DeFoe and'Mr. Burns
be requested to act as substitutes for the Board of
Selectmen. Mr. Emery seconded the motion, and it was
so voted.
The meeting adjourned at ,111:45 P. M.
I_X eY
S ecI n.
24
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
April 159 1950
A special meeting of the Board of Selectmen
was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office
Building on Saturday morning, April 15, 1950
at 10;15 a.m. Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay,
Driscoll, Nickerson and Hoyt were present.
.Various matters were discussed and the contract
with the Harty Construction Company, for the
construction of the new East Lexington Fire
Station, was duly signed by all members of
the Board.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was
voted to rescind the vote passed on April 3,
1950 calling A Special Town Meeting for May
S, 1950, in view of further study of the
proposed zoning by-law.
The above record was
inasmuch as the Clerk
the meeting.
dictated by the Chairman
was not requested to attend
Clerk, Selectmen.
1
1
1
u
SELECTMEN t S MEETING
April 17, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmenrs Room, Town Office Building,
on Monday evening, April 17, 1950, at 7:00 P. M.
Chairman Emery, Messrs, Gay, Driscoll, Hickerson and
Hoyt were present. The Clerk was also preaent.
Mr. James J. Carroll, Town Treasurer, met with
the Board to report the results of bids secured by
him for the $450000 East Lexington Fire station
loan and the 4259000 Liberty-Ledgelawn street con-
struction loan. He informed the Board that the bid
of the First National Bank of Boston was 100.49 with
accrued interest, and a coupon rate of 1 1/4 percent.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr.
Hoyt, it was voted to accept the bid of the First
National Bank and to approve borrowing a total of
$70,000 for financing the construction of Liberty
Avenue, Ledgelawn Avenue, Hamilton Road, Braemore
Terrace and Hillside Terrace,
Mr. Carroll retired at 7:05 P. M. and Mr.
DeFoe, Suplt. of Public Works, met with the Board.
The Chairman read a petition, signed by
residents of Aerial Street, requesting the Board
to take 'gall necessary steps to finish the street."
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr._
Nickerson, it was voted to refer the petition to
the Engineering Department for preliminary study,.
Request received from A. Clifford Fletcher
for'the installation of a water main to service 'a
house to be constructed on Lots 90 and 91 Wachusett
Drive was held over from last week.
Mr. DeFoe presented a sketch of the area and
explained there is ledge in the street. He re-
commended the installation of about fifty feet of
pipe and assessing Mr. Fletcher for the tao com-
plets lots. He informed the Board that the appli-
cant will pay for the assessment any way at all just
as long.as he gets the water.
Mr.,DeFoe was instructed to check further in an
effort to determine where the end of the existing
main is located.
Further consideration was given to the betterment
assessments, as figured by the Superintendent of Public
Works and the Town Engineer, for the construction of
Colony Road.
'25
Borrowing
Aerial
Street
Mater for
Wachusett
Drive
26
The Chairman explained that some membersof the '
Board went down to Colony Road last Saturday
and had determined how the betterments should be
Colony figured.
Road Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr.
Assessment Driscoll, it was voted to figure the betterment
assessments for the construction of Colony Road
as follows:
Divide the total cost of the work by two
(2); then divide half (1/2) the cost of
the work by twice the length. This will
give the rate per assessable foot of
frontage to be used in determining the
betterment.
Mr. DeFoe reported on request received
Water from Mr. Berglund for the extension of a water
Tavern main in Tavern Lane. He presented a plan and
Lane explained that there are two•ways in which the
extension may be mades one is to go down
Percy Road and the other is to enter from Eliot
Road. He has discussed this subject with Mrs. Lyon
who owns three parcels of land upon which a
betterment assessment would be levied.
The Chairman stated that, considering the
total cost, it would be less expensive for thTown to make the extension from Eliot Road. ® '
anal asked IX -.Mrs. Ljron massa
Mr. DeFoe presented a plan of the Lexington
Nurseries, showing a house that Mr. May, owner of
Mr. May the nurseries, has sold and for which he has re -
requests quested a water service. He also grants the, town
water service to repair the present line which is leaking. Mr.
DeFoe said that, in his opinion, this is a private
line, the house is not on a street, and he reels
the Town has no responsibility.
The subject was held over for one week.,
At 7:45 P. M. a Mr. Emond met with the Board
and explained that he is a business associate of
Innis Mr. Robert Innis, who has applied for the extension
request of approximately 800 feet of water main on Ellison
for Road. The Board had previously advised the petitioner
water that the request would be placed on file but -that
no commitment would be made that the work could be
done in 1950.
Mr. Harold Stevens, Town Counsel, met with the
Board at 7:50 P. M. '
**understood the situation. Mr. Defoe said that he had
discussed the matter personally with Mrs. Lyon and that he
would also take the form to her for signatures.
27
Barr. Emond stated that Mr. Innis has been ill
' for a long time and must dispose of his property.
He asked if,,by meeting an5l additional financia
requirements, the water could be extended.
The Chairman stated that he does not know how
the Supt. of Public Works and the Town Engineer feels
about this request, but offhand the situation is one-
which the Selectmen felt was something that they did
not feel should be given preference over other requests.
He explained that this particular area also,involves a
serious drainage problem.
Mr. Emond said that he understands that developers
are now required to install water at their own expense
and asked if Mr. Innis could proceed with the installation
on that basis.
The Chairman asked if Mr. Innis would be willing
to pay for the installation and Mr. Emond replied in
the affirmative, He further stated that Mr. Innis has
plans for drainage. He agreed to have Mr. Innis submit
a letter to the Board stating that he would be willing
.to install the water at his own expense.
Mr. Innis retired at 8:50 P. M.
Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that the time on
Raimots contract "B" has expired and Mr. Raimo requested Raimo
an extension of 60 days. Mr. DeFoe discussed the subject Contract
with Metcalf and Eddy and it was agreed that a schedule "B"
should be obtained from Raimo before any extension of time
is considered, He said that Metcalf and Eddy will write
to Raimo and that he intends to call Raimo in and have a
talk with him.
Mr. Stevens said that he thought some action should
be tak®n as quickly as possible and agreed to call the
bonding company and arrange a conference to discuss this
subject further.
Mr. DeFoe reported on the status of Greenoughts
contract "A" and said that he had an inspection made.
The year expires tomorrow and on April 14th Metcalf & Contract
Eddy wrote a letter to Greenough calling his attention "A"
to three locations where leaks occurred and directed him
to make repairs in accordance with his contract, but as
yet no reply has been received.
Mr. Stevens agreed to contact the attorney tomorrow.
The Chairman informed the Board that Mr. Newhall,
Chairman of the 19th of April Committee, had telephoned and
suggested that the street lights be left on all night Tues-
day, April 18th,
Mr. Hoyt moved that the Supt, of Public Works be
' authorized to arrange to have the lights on all night, Streee
April 18th, in conjunction with the proposed celebrations Lights
Mr. Gay seconded the motion and it was so voted.
28
Mr. Stevens presented, for the Board's signature,
a deed conveying lots 165, 166 and 167 on Ta.rbell
Deeds Avenue to Robert H. Moore, Jr. and Elizabeth D. Moore; '
confirming and correcting a tax title release, erron-
eously executed in 1919.
Mr. Driscoll moved that the deed be signed and
recorded. Mr. Gay seconded the motion and it wap so
voted.
At 8:30 P. M. the following property owners,
living on Cary Avenue met with the Board: Handel
Rivinius, Albert Tufts, Harmon Fawcett, Frank Mattson
and John Faucette,
Mr. Rivinius, spokesman for the group, said that
they would like to know what can be done about Cary
Avenue.
The Chairman explqLined•that, as he understands the
situation, if the town made entry on a private way and.
Cary had any fill putt in, the town then has a Uability..'iihi.-ph
Avenue exists for six years and for that reason the town has
never done any work on unaccepted streets. He stated
that where a street is petitioned for acceptance, as
Cary Avenue could be,,by the abutters, the town would
survey it and see what needed to be done in the way of
drainage as well as the actual construction of the
street, an estimate of the cost figured and the abutters
advised as to what the cost would pe to them. He further
explained that if the property owners still wanted to '
proceed, the Board would include an article in the
warrant for the next Town Meeting to have the street
voted for acceptance. The actual cost would be
figured and the abutters would be charged whatever
percentage of the total cost was felt to be a definite
benefit to the abutter.
The Chairman stated that the Board has been using,
in general, subject to some changes, a formula under
which the Board assessed as betterments to the indiv-
idual abutters, the total cost of construction plus
one-half of any drainage that may be installed in the
street. He explained that after the payments have
been assessed and all the abutters told what their
bill would be, if they do not agree with the decision
of the Board and feel that the assessments are excess-
ive, they can meet with the.Board and ask to have the
assessments reviewed. If any abutter is still not
satisfied he may take the case to Court for trial by
Jury.
Mr. Rivinius asked if there are different hypes of
streets.
The Chairman replied that at present the Board
would presumably install in Cary Avenue what is known
as a hot -top street --two inch thi2qkftiess of bituminous ,
concrete. He explained that the Board does not -know
how much cheaper hot -top is because only one contract
has been let for this type of construction and the
M
'
work has not as yet been
completed, but he thought it might be $1.00 or $1.25 cheaper per foot.
One individual asked if the sewer would be in-
stalled if and when the street were constructed.
.The Chairman replied that it would be a matter
of time, and explained that the town has been trying
for a year to get the sewer through Scott's Wbods,
but that it might be out to Marrett Road by Labor
Day.
Another individual asked if laying a sewer would
add to the cost and the Chairman replied that it would
cost consider&.ble more, but that it would be less ex-
pensive to put it in when the street and drainage is
done.
Mr. Rivinius said that apparently the first'step
was for the group to have a petition signed by as many
Curtin's
people as possible and request that a survey be made
2nd Class
and costs figured.
Agent
The group retired at 8;40 P. M.
License
Mr, Daniel P. Curtin met with the Board relative
to his application for a Second Class Agent's License
to do business at 435 Marrett Road.
The Chairman explained that the Board, in general,
does not enthuse much over second-hand car locations,
and that the Board had in the past received a complaint
about this. general area because of the operation of the
filling station. He explained that the Board denied
the application because the members do not think it the
proper placetostart a second hand car shop.
Mr. Curtin said that he does not intend to have
old used cars on the property, but that they will all
be late models and at no time will he have more than
four on display,
The Chairman asked if he intended to use the site
of the old gasoline station and he replied in the af-
firmative.
Mr. Gay asked if there would be any repair work
done and Mr. Curtin replied in the negative. He ex-
plained that he intends only to display and sell second
hand azes, and that he is not going into the repair
business.
The Chairman asked if the proposed business meant
much of an investment and Mr. Curtin replied in the
negative.
The Chairman asked if he owned the property and
he replied in the affirmative.
The Chairman asked if there was anyone in the im-
mediate area that would object and Mr. Curtin replied
in the negative.
The Chairman stated that the Board would review
'subject
the and Mr. Curtin retired at 8;40 P. M.
30
ilPlanning
Board re
Water
Extensions
Water
Formula
for close
cases
The following members of the Plahning Board met
with the SelBctmen: Chairman Cromwell, keessrs. Adams,
Johnson, Potter, Couette, Ripley and Burns.
The -Chairman explained that requests received
by the Board for water main extensions have raised
the question as to whether some of them should be
decided upon by the Selectmen and done under the
Betterment Act or whether they come under the head-
ing of new subdivisions and should be considered by
the Planning Board.
He said that the Board is interested in arriving
at some formula for deciding close cases.
Dor, Cromwell asked the Chairman to define close
cases and he mentioned the request for 1500 feet of
pipe received from Mr. Ryder for Sherburne Road,
Dane Road and Kendall Road. He stated.that some
pipe has been installed in Dane Road, but none in Kendall
Road. The questions ie 'on Kendall Road -- is it a
new development or part of an old one.
Mr. Cromwell said that he did not believe the
Planning Board had considered that particular phase#
Mr. Stevens stated that if the individual peti-
tioning for water is not asking for streets, he wild- ..
not have to meet with the Planning Board and, there-
fore, he must petition the Selectmen for watery
Any agreement for water in such a case would be be-
tween the builder and the Selectmen.
The Chairman suggested the formula that in cases
where the Building Inspector could issue a building
permit for the land, it would be -within the Selectmen's
jurisdiction to extend the water. If,an the other
hand, the Building Inspector cannot isgue.a permit
the case will be one for the Board of Survey to de-
termine,
The subject was discusesd at length and the
Chairman said, and all present agreed, that if the
Selectmen receive a request for water to serve lots
for which the Building Inspector has no t1ght to
issue a building permit without action by the Board
of Survey; the Selectmen would refer it to the Board
of .Survey.
The group retired at 10;20 P. M.
At the request of the Chairman, Mr. Gay con-
ducted the meeting for the remainder of the evening.
The Board gave.further consideration to Dir.
Wallace E. Foskettts offer of $275 each for lots 42 and
43 Hillcrest Street, Lexington. A proposal to sell these
lots was advertised in the April 13, 1950, issue of
the Lexington Minute -Man. No persons contacted the
Selectmen's Office as a result of the advertisement•
D
L
F.
u
31
Mr. Gay moved that the offer be accepted and that Tax
lots 42 and 43 Hillcrest Street, Lexington, be sold Title
and conveyed to Wallace E. Foskett. Mr. Nickerson Property
seconded the motion and it was so voted.
A letter was received from John E. Hossfield,
128 Reed Street, Lexington in reply to the Chair-
man's.letter of April 18, 1950, with reference to
his offer to purchase lots 1, 2 and 30 Block 92, Essex Street.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by
Mr. Hoyt, it was voted not to make any change
in the price of $150 for the three lots as pre-
viously entertained by the Board.
Letter was received from Mr. James E. Collins,
Public Welfare Agent, advising the Board that there
is no one of the Welfare rolls at the present time
who would be fitted to be a Special Police Officer
for traffic duty on Route 128 construction.
Mr. Emery explained that Mr. Connolly of Bed-
ford Street telephoned him and stated that he thought
it was unfair to have Firemen and Policemen working
as Special Officers when there might be men who need
employment. He also suggested that the Board advertise
in the Minute -Man for men to take these jobs. Mr.
Emery told Mr. Connolly that he would take this sub-
ject up at the next Board meeting.
Mr. Driscoll stated that he was talking to
the Chief of Police who told him that he would like an
opportunity to discuss this subject with the Board.
It was; therefore, agreed to make an appointment for
the Chief to meet with the Board next Monday night.
Letter was received from The Archtecta Collab-
orative, together with contract in duplicate for the
proposed toilet facilites at the Center Playground.
The Clerk was instructed to forward a copy of
the letter and the contracts to the Torn Counsel,
Special
Police
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Hoyt, it was voted to renew the following licenses:
Countryside Associates' Lowell Street Sunday Golf' -
Lexington Theatre Mass. Avenue Sunday Movies„
Daniel Curtin 442 Marrett Road Sunday Sales (renewal)
Lex. Cab Co. Inc* 11 Depot Square Public Carriage "
Letter was received from Mr. William H. Ballard
declining the appointment as a member of the Town
Manager Committeee.
The meeting adjourned at 10:55.P. Me
A true record, Attest: �
e , ectUien.
32 -
SM CTs TS MEETING
April 241 1450
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in'the Selectments.Room, Town Office Building,
on Monday evehing,`April 24i 19509- at 7:00. P. M.
Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay, Driscoll and -Nickerson:.-
were present. The Clerk was also present.
Mr. Joseph H. DeFoe, Supt. of Public Works,
Lex. Nur- met with the Board.
series Mr. DeFoe reported on a tentative arrangement',-
Water
rrangement;Water made with Mr. May, of thb Lexington Nurseries, with
ref erencd to the crater service. He was requested
to obtain further information on the subject and
report to the Board again next week.
Mr. Harold E.'Stevens, Town Counsel, met with the
Board at 7:15 P. M.
Mr. DeFoe informed the Board further on the
request submitted by Mr. A. Clifford Fletcher for
Fletcher water service in Wachusett Drive. He presented a
water sketch of the property owned by Mr. Fletcher and
explained that there is considerable ledge at
one end of the Drive. He suggested laying a pipe ,
approximately hall' way to Mr. Pletcher's llot and
charging the full betterment assessment for 125
feet. He agreed to confer with the petitioner
again and report to the Board neitweek.
Mr, DeFoe reported on request received from
Mr. Herman McKay for the extension of the sewer to
serve -a house which he intends to build on Patriot's
MacKay Drive, and presented a sketch of the area. He
Sewer explained that there is a sewer easement ad-
jacent -to this property and recommended connecting
the proposed house from the corner of the lot line*
Mr. DeFoe stated that the connection would involve
a distance of approximately 120 feet with a betterment
assessment figured at $332.11 for MacKay and $197.08
for the property across the street.
The Board had no objection to Mr. DeFoe's con
netting the sewer in the method he believes to be in
the 'best interest of the Town.
Mri Stevens retired at 7:55 P. M. to attend a
public hearing in Estabrook Hall on the proposed
Zoning By-law.
Mr. Frank Ws3ker,, Town Accountsztt,"met with the '
Boar. Rhe Chairman explained that Messrs. DeFoe,
Walker and Burns held a conference about a week ago on
the general idea of reorganizing the stenographic staff
upstairs. He asked either Mr. DeFoe or Mr. Walker to
open the discussion. Apparently no definite conclusion
had been arrived at and the Chairman suggested another
conference to which both Mr. DeFoe and Mr. Walker agreed.
Mr. Driscoll said that he had one question before
Mr. Walker retired and asked if the clerks in the
Accounting Department had received -an increase in.salary.
Mr. Walker replied'in the negative. Mr. Walker retired at
8115 P. M.
A letter was received from Robert L. Innis requesting
approval to proceed with the extension of water main be-
tween the present water service on Wilson Road and School
Street, following Roosevelt Road, Ellison Road and LeRoy
Road as shown on plan submitted with the letter*
Mr. DeF:ce said that if Mr. Innis is willing to.pay
for the installation of:the water, he did not see how
he could be stopped. He advised Mr. Emond, who represents
Mr. Innis, that a drain should be put in the street as
it will eventually have to be installed.
The Chairman was authorized to advise Mr. Innis
that.the subject had been referred to the Superintendent
' of Public Works and the Town Engineer for further study.
Mr..DeFoe retired at 8120 P. M.
Chief of Police, John W. Ryerof t, met with the
.Boards and informed the Board that he had something to
say about the extra work the Police and Fireman are
doing as Special Police Officers assigned to traffic duty
on Route 128.
He explained that Gil Wyner, the contractor, conferred
with him before any work.on the construction of Route 128
was started, to arrange for officers for traffic duty.
.FoLowing the conference the Chief telephoned Mr. Collins,
Publie,Welf Ore Agent, to find out whether or not there
were any men.on Welfare who might work in this capacity.
He was advised by Mr. Collins that no one was available.
He further explained that a Mr. McWilliams, the State
Engineer and representative then came to see riim on the
same subject and told him that all men on duty had to be
in,uniform. The specifications in the bid specifically
state that the officers must be in uniform while on duty,
Mr. McWilliams said that he could use firemen in uniform.
The Chief said that he asked Mr. McWilliams if the night
men .could be in civilian clothes inasmuch as it is difficult
to tell whether the men are in uniform or not, and he agreed to
try it. The Chief then secured two young service men whok..
were unemployed. He said that the entire project had been
troublesome and doubled the work in his Department. He said
that if.he could take his men off the job he would be glad
to do so.
33
Walker-
DeFoo
re;
Person-
nel
Innis
Water
special
Police
34
He explained to the Board that men could be appointed
Special Police but they, would have to purchase uniforms,
at a cost of between $60 and.$80 and then they might
work only one day. If the state or the contractor has
any objection whatsoever the men can be discharged -,at
a.monentts notice. Mr. McWilliams told the Chief that
any one appointed Special Police Officer could purchase
a uniform but there is no guaranty as to the time of
the work. The Chief stated that the men are paid
by the contractor who is later reimbursed by'the State,•
and both have the power to discharge the men.
Chief Ryerof t retired at 8:30 P. M.
Hearing was declared open upon the application of
Fred Coraazini for permission to maintain one under-
ground tank for the storage of 10,000 gallons of Bunker,
oil #6. According to the application there is only
one building to which the application applied and that is a
Gasoline greenhouse.
Hearing Notice of the hearing was inserted in the April
13th issue of the Lexington Minute Man.
No persons appeared in favor or in opposition and
the application was approved by Chief Engineer Roy.A..
Cook. -
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.•Gay,
it was voted to approve the application and grant a
license to Fred Corazzini for -permission to mkintain
one underground tank for the storage of 10,000 gallons
of Bunker oil #6.
Mr. William C. Paxton met with the Board and the
Clerk retired. Mr. Paxton retired at 10:30 P. M. and
the Clerk returned to the meeting.
of the
The Chairman asked if the Committee had specifications
and asked for bids and Doctor Foley replied -in the
affirmative.
1
F
1
Chairman Foley, Messrs. Person, Potter and Crerib
of the Recreation Committee -met with the Board. Mr.
John Co Harkness., architect, was also present.
Bids for
Doctor Foley reported that five bids had been re -
E. Lex,
oeived on the tennis courts at East Lexington. The
Tennis
lowest bid was submitted by Yeomano OtConnell Co. at
Courts
4875 and the second lowest bid was $877.10 submitted the
Security Fence Company. Doctor Foley said that -in view'
fact that there is only $2.10 difference between the
two low bids the Committee thinks it is advisable to
accept the bid sumbitted byy the Security Fence Compare
because -of the f act;that the president, Gilbert Arno1a,
lives in Lexington*
of the
The Chairman asked if the Committee had specifications
and asked for bids and Doctor Foley replied -in the
affirmative.
1
F
1
' The Chairman asked if all bidders bid on the same
thing and Doctor Foley replied in the affirmative,and'
explained that Mr. Garrity drew up the specifications,
The Chairman asked how bids were solicited and
Doctor Foley.replied that the various companies were
asked to submit bids, and the list.of companies was
made up by Mr. Garrity.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson,
it was voted to accept the bid of the Security Fence
Company in the amount of $877,10.
}octor Foley introduced Mr. Harkness, and Doctor
Foley said that in -talking with Mr, Lindstrom, the
Building Inspector, relative to the proposed toilet facilites
building for the Center Playground he was advised that
t#* building will have to be constructed with 12" brick
or whatever material is to be used and have a plastered
ceiling.
Be said that the Committee was undecided as
to whether bids should be submitted on 8" or 12" or
have an alternate. If the 8" is used it will mean
that a Board of Appeals -hearing will have to be held
approving the variation.
Mr. Person said that the difference between the
' 8'` and the 12" might -make a difference of $600 in the
cost of the building.
The Chairman suggested that the Recreation Committee
plan'on the 8" and apply for a Board of Appeals hearing right
away.' It was agreed by all present to proceed on this
basis.
The group retired at 10:50 P. M.
Deed was received, prepared by the Town Counsel,
conveying Veterans" Lot 20, Cedar Street to David Govan.
Mr. Driscoll moved that the deed be signed for
recording. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion, and
it was so voted.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Gay,
it was voted to grant the following licensest!
Toilet
Facilities
Center
Playground
Vet's.
Lot"
William Gallo 424
Marrett Road
Com. Viet,
n e a
" "
Sunday Sales
Village Variety Store 93
Mass. Avenue
it IN
Anthony Depeolo 1804
Mass. Avenue
6 pool tables 2b. alleys
Countryside Associates
Lowell Street
Sunday Golf
Lexington Theatre 1794
Mass. Avenue
it Movies
,
Mr. O'Connor's application
for a Sunday Sales per-
.'
mit at 271 Lincoln Street
was held over.
Letter was received from Walter W. Hill with're- '
f erence to anambulancebill in the amount of $13.00,
Mr..Hill stated that he,has seven children of which
Ambulance he is the sole support and said that the charge seemed
to be excessive, but that he could pay $3.00.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Gay it was voted to reduce the bill from $13,00
to b.00.
Further consideration was given to the appoint-
ment of a fifth member ba the Town Manager Committee.
gown Mgr. (Mr.'Ballard having previously declined an appoint
Committee ment.)
Upon-motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr.
Nickerson, it was voted, to appointnMr. Thacher det
to serve as a member'of the Town Manager Committee,
The meeting adjourned at 11;10 F. M.
Y
e, elec en.
MA
Selectmen's Meeting - May B. 1950 Page 37
' MMECTMENIS MEETING
May 1, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building
on Monday, May 10 1950, at.7s00 P. M. Messrs. Gay,
Driscoll, Nickerson and Hoyt were present. The
Clerk was also present*
Upon -motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr.
Nickerson, it was voted to elect Mr. Gay, Chairman
for the evening.
Mr. games J. Carroll,Town Clerk left the jury
box with the Clerk of the Board, due to the fact that
he had a previous engagement and could not be present. Jurors
for the drawing of one juror.
Mr: Harris F.•Nea1,-462 Marrett Road, was drawn to
serve, commencing June 5, 1950,
Mr, Joseph H. DeFoe, Supt. of Public Works, met
with the Board.
He reported further on the subject of the water ser-
vice for Lexington Nurseries, which was held over
from the last meeting of the Board. He stated that
'
he planned, subject to the approval of the Board, to
write Mr. May a letter to the effect that if he would
definitely repair his water line so that there is no
further leak, and do it promptly by June 15th as he
said he would do, then he would suggest that the
Lex.
Board settle f or.the last two periods and this coming
Nurseries
period, for the average consumption the nurseries
Water
has used over the previous two years per quarter, plus
Bill
what the excess water cost the town.
Mr. Nickerson said that if Mr. May is losing mater,
he thought his prime move would be to fix the pipe as
quickly as he could.
Mr. Defoe explained that Mr. May will have his own
-menrepair the pipe but they will be busy through the
30th of May and he could not guarantee having the line
repaired before the fifteenth of June.
Mr. Nickerson reminded the Board that Mr. May had
made the same promise last year but did not make the
necessary repairs. He said that he would suggest that
Mr.:May repair the leak so that there will be no more loss
of water and then the Board can decide upon what abatement
may bo made,
Mr. Driscoll agreed with Mr. Nickerson
Mr. DeFoe was instructed to inform Mr. May that the
pipe should be repaired by him immediately and when the re-
'
pairs have been satisfactorily made, and not until then,
the Board will consider the subject of possible abatement.
48
Mr. Harold Stevens, Town Counsel, arrived at the I meeting at 9;15 P. M.
Mr. DeFoe stated that he had received a request
Mr. DeFoe presented a sketch of Elliooni.Road showing
the property ovmod by a Mr. Innis, and stated that he
has discussed this subject with the Town Counsel.
MMr. Innis is ill and therefore, does not intend
to do any more building but would like to dispose
of his lots and wants to install water from LeRoy Road,
down Ellison Road to Wilson Road. He also wants to put
in drainage. Mr. DeFoe suggested the installation of
the drainage because eventually it will have to go in.
Mr. Innis seems 'to want to put the drainage on the lot
lines, connecting with the drainage in Roosevolt Road..
Mr. DeFoe also informed the Board that the Board
of Health wrote Mr. Innis that nine lots on the east
side of Ellison Road probably cannot be served by septic
tanks or cesspools. If Mr. Innis installs the water
main, and sells the lots, the individuals erecting houses '
will then have a sanitary condition which will mean an-
other pumping station.
for the extension of the water and sewer mains in Gleason
Road and explained the location by use of a sketch. He
Gleason
said that both services now come to oppositi.athe petitioner's
Road
lot and the question in Mr. DOFoe1s mind is whether or not
Water &
the Board can assess him for the services if the connections
Sewer
are made.from the present lines without further extensions.
At some future date both the water and sewer mains may be
extended beyond this property.
The estimated cost of the sewer for a distance of 100
feet is $441 because no other property is involved. Under
normal conditions the assessment would be $228.50, How-
ever,, if the sewer is extended at some later date beyond
this property the Board cannot then assess this individual
because he will have the sewer service..
Mr. Nickerson said that he thought some charge should
be made,
Mr. DeFoe explained with reference to the water,
that the property has 100 foot frontage and the water.
assessment would be $150 if the main were extended, but
he can give him water from the main on Doe Road.
Mr, Stevens said that bA thought both services
'
should be paid for in ebsh'..
Mr. Nickerson suggested that Mr, DeFoe contact the
petitioner and explain -the situation to him and tell
him that if he wants to pay cash it.will be all right.
However, if he does not want to pay cash the installation
will be made when the Department of Public Works can
do it and he will have to pay his full share of the
betterment assessments.
Mr. DeFoe presented a sketch of Elliooni.Road showing
the property ovmod by a Mr. Innis, and stated that he
has discussed this subject with the Town Counsel.
MMr. Innis is ill and therefore, does not intend
to do any more building but would like to dispose
of his lots and wants to install water from LeRoy Road,
down Ellison Road to Wilson Road. He also wants to put
in drainage. Mr. DeFoe suggested the installation of
the drainage because eventually it will have to go in.
Mr. Innis seems 'to want to put the drainage on the lot
lines, connecting with the drainage in Roosevolt Road..
Mr. DeFoe also informed the Board that the Board
of Health wrote Mr. Innis that nine lots on the east
side of Ellison Road probably cannot be served by septic
tanks or cesspools. If Mr. Innis installs the water
main, and sells the lots, the individuals erecting houses '
will then have a sanitary condition which will mean an-
other pumping station.
' Mr. Stevens said that the Board of Health found -that
cesspools and septic tanks could not be made to work; in-
stalling the water would be creating house lots that can-
not be serviced by cesspools or septictanks. He further
stated that the owner of the property cannot be ,prevented
from selling lots. He said he thought the Board could
advise Mr. Innis why it is not in favor of selling these
lots.
Mr. Nickerson suggested, and the Board agreed, to
invite Mr. Emond, who represents Mr. Innis, to meet with
the Board on May 15th at 7:15 P. M. and tell him exactly
what the situation is.
Mr. DeFoe left the meeting at 7:35 P. M. and Mr.
John Brucchi,., 63 Paul Revere Road, met with the Board.
He explained that the Board of Health has refused
hlm'a`permit to keep livestock at 63 Paul Revere Road
and he had pureshased the property as a farm.
The Chairman said that the last time Mr. Brucchi
met with the Board on this subject he had him attorney
with him.
-Mr. Bracehi said that this is something that his'
attorney has nothing to do with.
The Chairman explained that the Board of Health Is
appointed by the Selectmen, under Statute, and once the
appointments have been made the Selectmen have no control
over regulations of that Board. He asked the Town Counsel
what his suggestion would be.
Mr. Stevens replied that this is a matter entirely
between Mr. Brucchi and the Board of Health. He explained
that the Board of Health has the right to make regulations,
findings and issue permits and it is within its power to
make decisions.
Mr. #rucchl said that the Sanitarian told him verbally
that he could keep a horse and a cow and °1r. Stevens said
that he was only an employee of the Board of Health, and
animals according to the Board►s rules and regulations,
cannot be kept without a permit.
Mr. Brucchi said that he did not think the Selectmen
understood the situatl6ni.
The Chairman asked each member of the Board if they
understood the situation and they all agreed that it was
a problem for the Board of Health.
Mr. Brucohi said the owners of Lots a, D a E on Paul
Revere Road have pushed boulders out into the street and
asked the Board to investiggte.
The Chairman explained that the Selectmen have no
jurisdiction insofar as unaccepted streets are concerned.
Mr. Brucohi retired at 8;00 P. M. and Mr. DeFoe re-
turned to the meeting.
t Mr. DeFoe reported further on Mr. Hayden's request
for the extension of a water main in Weston Street, He
John
Brucchi
50
said that he had discussed this matter with Xro Hayden
and for the time being he would be satisfied to have .
'
the pipe laid under the road to make provisions for
extending it. Mr. DeFoe explained that the fill
over Weston Road is going to be I2+ deep. He said
that -he has insisted that the State take up the
town's water mains and relay them on Marrett Road
and Massachusetts Avenue so that there would not be
over 41 or 5+ of cover.
He does not like the idea of going down-l2+"under
the read. He'explained that another thought, if the
pipe is put in, is to wait until the road is built
Hayden
Y
except for the gravel fill and the'surf ace treatment.
Request
The pipe could then be run across the top of the -road
for Water
just beyond -the roadway surface and down 51'. Mr:
Main
DeFoe informed the Board that the new road cannot be
broken for a period of five years, and Mr. Hayden WOti.ld
like provisions made now to get under the road. Be '-
wants a fire' hydrant for fire protection.
The Chairman asked if -the State would allow
the Town to install the pipe as near the surf ace as
Mre DeFoe suggests and he saidlthat he did not know.
The Board agreed that the pipe definitely could not
be laid 12*'deep. '
No action was taken and Mr. DeFoe was instructed to
Place -this for'his list next week.
'
'Report was received with reference to an accident
involving the Town ambulanci. Mr. Stevens stated
that he had received a copy and would look into it.
Copy of a letter written to Mre Stevens by Paul
J, McCormack, attorney for Gustave E. Larson, with
reference to the sewer assessment on Oak Street,,was
Oak Ste received.
Water Mre Stevens said that when he received the letter
Assessment he telephoned Mr. Peters, who formerly represented Mr.
Larson, and -11r. Peters did not know that another
attorney had been eggaged, Mr. Peters agreed to.call
Mr. Larson, 'Mr. Stevens said that when he found out more
about this he would call Mr. McCormack.
The Chairman read a letter from He Victor,
Peddler 131 Somerset Street, Providence, Re I. stating that
he had been prohibited from selling in Lexington on
April 19th even though he has a State license.
Mr. Stevens said that the Town has authority,
under Statute, to issue rules and regulations govern-
ing peddling. He suggested that the Board simply ae
knowledge receipt of the letter.
Mr. DeFoe left the meeting at 8;35 P. M. '
u
D
Mr. Stevens said that he does not know where he is
on the Special Town Meeting. The warrant should have
been signed tonight if the Meeting were to be held on
May 22nd. He stated that the Planning Board is meeting Town
this evening but they have three sub -divisions before them Meeting
so they are not going to discuss the Zoning By-law and as yet
the minutes taken at the hearing have not been transcribed.
He reported that he had talked with Mr. Lynch who thinks
there is a very good chance that the -Planning Board will be
ready for a meeting by June 1st. Mr. Stevens said that
June lst is the last date for which the School Committee
can wait, but Mr. Lynch said that the Special Town Meeting
had been called for the Planning'Board and -the School
Committee has no authority to set the date.
Mr. Nickerson said he thought the Board should
be factual and that he did not believe the school
buildings would be ready for occupancy seven if the
contracts were let for June 1st,
Mr. Stevens said that he did not think anything
could be done until after the Planning Board meeting
tomorrow night and that both Mr. Cromwell and Mr.
Lynch had agreed to call him.
Application was received from the Minuteman Chapter,
United World Federalists, for the use of Estabrook Hall Use of
on Friday evening, May 26th from 7:30 P. Me until 11:00 Halls
P. M.
Mr. Hoyt explained that Mr. Roger Greeley had telphoned
to inform him that this organization was non-political.
Mr. Stevens said that he did not 'think this group in
it was political.
The Clerk informed the Board that Mrs. Hanson, who
signed the application, said that admission may be charged,
but it will"depend on whether or not the group has to pay
the speaker.
Mr. Nickerson moved that the use of the hall -be
granted free of charge if no admission is charged, but
subject to a $10.00 rental fee if admission is charged.
Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Xr. Stevens retired and Mr. DeFoe returned to the
meeting.
Mr. DeFoo reported further on A. Cl&fford Fletcher's
request for water service to lots 90 and 91 on Wachusett
Drive. He informed the Board that Mr. Fletcher doeslnot
own these lots but is buying the*, through Mr. Lyon, from `
Neil McIntosh as sooA,Am he is told that he can have water.
Chairman asked w2xsse this request is on the list
and Mr. DeFae replied that it is last.- He said that a
small job like this could be worked in, but he does not
think it should be given priority. He stated that it
Request
for Mater
In Wachu-
sett Drive
52
could. bo done before the
end
of the year. -.Mr. -Depot*
'
stated that if he continues to receive requests such as
this he will heve to let
more work out on contract.
Mr. Driscoll moved
that
this request be placed on
file for the ti.ms being.
The
motion, however, was not, seconded.
Mr. Nickerson suggested
that Mr. Defoe tell Mr.
Fletcher; if he contacts
him,
that his request is on
the list.
Air. DeFoe requested permission to purchase a supply
Sewer of sewer pipe for the two low bidders were as follows;
pipe
Lexin
"gton Lumber Company l5" extra heavy $2:07 per fodt
" " ." " 24" 5 "
:59 "
Waldo Brothers 15" " ° 1.97 "
" e 24" " " 5.29 " w
Mr. DeFoe explained that Waldo Brothers do not know
when they can furnish the pipe, but the Lexington Lumber'
Company can ship it promptly. He will need 2001 of the
15" and 235# of the 2'4".
Upon motion of Mrs Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to authorize the Superintendent of Publ b
Works to accept the 'bid of the -Lexington Lumber Company.
Mr. DeFoe reported on the drainage condition at ,
Franklin Road and explained that before the drainage
was put in, Mr. Baskints land was low and water flowed
out from makeshift drains that were in Franklin Road.
How the land is filled in and the drains have no place
Franklin to go and the water stays there. He explained that the
Road water in the catch basins is five feet below the eellarbe
Drainage He said that he thought the -way to overcome the problem was
to install two catch basins.
Mr. Nickerson said that he could not see why the
situation is so different' -now thanithas been for years.
He said he understood that the water in the middle of
Baskin's land was to be drained off and if the land were
properly graded the way Mr. Baskin is going to do it
eventually, the water wouldn't be there.
Mr. Degoe said that he thought the proposition was
to take the drainage from Franklin and Castle Roads and
bring it through to Somerset -Road. He said that he did
not know that it was just to drain all the surface water
from Baskints land. He said that he did not believe the
Town could drain all the surface water to Baskin's catch
basins.
Mr. DeFoe was instructed to place this subject
on his list for neat Monday night.
Mr. DeFoe told the Board that he is receiving so '
many jobs to do, so many details to draw up and so maxiy
people coming into the Engineering Department for inform•
ation, that the work is falling behind. He said that`hQ
53
would like to have the privilege of working his surveying
crew over on Saturday of ternnons or an hour or so evenings
and charg® the time to whatever the operation.,might_be. Engineering
He said that he felt sure his crew would work^overtime for Dept.
straight time pay.
Furthermore he would like to have the privilege of
hiring two men, 'if he can locate two good men and charge
their salaries likewise.
Mr. Nickerson asked whether or not it would be practical
to hire professional engineers to take him over the.immediate
situation. Mr. DeFoe said that he would prefer to hire some
one other than professional engineers.
Mr. Driscoll inquired as to what he wanted the men for
and he replied that he wanted a man capable of running a
party.
The Chairman asked if Mr. DeFoe wanted two men perman-
ently_• and he replied in the negative.
it Hoyt asked if there was anyone in the Engineering
Department at the present time who could quality as an
Assistant Engineer and Mr. DeFoe replied in the negative.
Mr. Hoyt agreed.
Mr. Nickerson said that he would be entirely in favor
of working the surveying crew overtime, but he eouldnwt-
see how the other problem would work out satisfactotly--
' to secure a good man on a temporary basis.
Mr. DeFoe said that if he was able to hire a good man
who knows his work, it would not slake ,any difference whether
he came from a professional engineering office or not.
The Chairman asked how soon Mr. DeFoe would want the
new men and he replied that he would like to hire them im-
mediately.
The Chairman asked how long -he Mould keep them and Mr.
DeFoe said that he does not know.
Mr. Hoyt'said that he would be willing to grant Mr.
DeFoe's request. Mr. Nickerson and Mr. Driscoll also
agreed.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Nickerson,
it was voted to authorize the Superintendent tE Public Works
to work his present Engineering force overtime on straight
time. It was further voted to grant the Superintendent the
privilege of employing two extra men, to work temporarily in
the Engineering Department; their salaries to be charged to
Whatever project on which they work.
Mr.'DeFoe told the Board that he is unable to obtain
anyone in Town to dynamite. He has made inquiries outside Moretti's
and it costs $4100'an hour for the dynamite man and $2.00 pay Rate
an hour for his helper. .Hohn Moretti, who works for the Increased
Town is capable and has been doing the dynamiting. If he
receives 0 more per hour the problem will be solved.
54cc
The Chairman inquired as to what effect such an in- '
crease might have on the other men in the Department and
Mr. DeFoe replied that they cannot dynamite.
Mr. Driscoll asked how much his rate would be including
the increase and Mr. DeFoe replied $1.30 per hour.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, It
was voted to approve Mr."DeFoe's request for permission to
increase John Moretti's rate of pay from $1.25 to $10'30
per hour inasmuch as he does dynamiting for the Town.
Mr. DeFoe reported that -when an inspection was made
of the shovel that he intends to turn in it was found to
be cracked in two places. The frame is cracked and there:._
is another crack in the shovel in the body part that
holds the hook rollers; He explained that Northwestern., upon
Shovel finding this condition, withdrew its bid. He said that
there is another shovel whieh.he would like, sold by
the Bucyrus -Erie Company. He -had their representative out
and told him the facts, The representative believes that a
welder he knows can repair it so that he can sell it to
a customer he has waiting to purchase a used shovel.
The welder has quoted a price of $200 and the
Bucyrus man will pay up to $200 and deduct it from
the price he quoted for a -new shovel. Mr. DeFoe said
that the price for the new shovel is $161000. If the '
repairs amount to more than $200 the Town will have.
to pay the difference.
Mr. Hoyt asked if there would be any liability on
the part of the Town if the shovel is repaired and
sold by Bucyrus and Mr. DeFoe replied in the negative.
Mr. DeFoe-sai&-that he has money to purchase the
new shovel but he does not think he should pay for the
welding from the Road Machinery Fund.
Mr. Nickerson said that he thought the Town should
purchase the best shovel available.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Driscoll, it was voted to authorize the Superintendent
of Public Works to purchase. one Buoyrus-Erie shovel at
a net price of $15,800 with one qualification. In the
event it does not cost $200 to repair the shovel now
owned by the Town Mr. DeFoe is to add the difference
between the actual cost and the $200 figure to the pur
chase price.
Request for Letter was received from Edward W. Gaudet requesting
water in the extension of a water main in Ridge.Road, northeast from
Ridge Road East Street approximately 380 feet.
The Superintendent of Public Works was dnstructed'
to submit a report on this request.
' Letter
questing the
Avenue*
was received from Edward W. Gaudet re -
extension of a water main. in Hayward
The Superintendent of Public Works"was'in-
strueted to submit a report on this request.
. The Chairman road a letter from the Middlesex
County Commissioners relative to Theresa Avenue.
The letter stated that the Commissioners believe"this
is a matter which should be taken care of py local
authorities and they hesitate to make an order laying
out the street as a public way and directing the
Town to reconstruct same,
The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the
letter and advise the Commissioners that the Board
will reconsider the matter at some future time.
Letter was received from Mr. Garrity, together
witk prices received by him for airplane spraying.
The Clerk was instructed to check with Mr.
Garrity to determine the amount of the appropriation
and put this on the agenda for next week.
Mr. DeFoe retired at I0;20 P. M.
Letter was received from the Board of Fire
' Engineers requesting permission to drill a hole
through the brick wall in the rear of the Central
Fire Station for the pipe for the exhaust from
the auxiliary generator.
The Board had no objection.
Upon motion of We Driscoll, seconded by Mr.
Hoyt, it was voted to grant the following uses of
halls:
Request for
water in
Hayward Ave.
Theresa
Avenue
Use of Halls
Middlesex County Farm Bureau Estabrook Hall May 2
Lex. Field & Garden Club Cary Hall May 25
Lex. Senior High School Cary Hall June 111,
14 and 16
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, second by Mr. Hoyt Licenses
it was voted to grant the following licenses; (renewals;}
Celia We Johnson, Concord Ave. & Waltham St. Sunday Sales
L. J. Foes 1734 Maesf Avenue
Clarence MacPhee 14 Baker Avenue
Benjamin We Berman 13 Mass. Avenue Junk Dealer
Clifford W. Flack 41 Outlook Drive Peddler
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Hoyt,
it was voted to adopt an Order for the construction of a
water main in Tavern Lane from Percy Road southerly ap-
proximately 250 feet.
The meeting adjourned at 11;05•^��
er , S oe n•
Selectmen's Meeting - May 1st on Page 47
' SELECTMEN ' S MEETING
May 8, 1950
A regular.meeting of the Board of Selectmen
was held in the.Selectments Room, Town Office Build-
ing on Monday evening, May 60 1950, at 7:00 P, M,
Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay, Driscoll and"Nickerson
were present. The Clerk was also present.
Mr. James J, Carroll, Town Clerk, met with the
Board for the drawing of two jurors.
Norcross Teele, Real Estate, 44 Bloomfield Street
and Howard Allison, Draftsman,, 15 Utica Street, were
drawn to serve on Criminal business, lst session.
Mr. Carroll retired at 702 P. M.
Hearing was declared open upon the petition of
the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company and
the Boston Edison Company for a joint pole location
890 feet south of Winter Street.
The plan was approved by the Town Engineer and
all abutters notified. No persons appeared in favor
or -in opposition.
Nr. Nickerson moved that the petition be approved .
' and the order signed. Mr. Gay seconded the motion and
it was so voted.
The hearing was declared closed at 7:08 P. M.
Mr. DeFoe, Supt, of Public Works, met with the
Board, and reported further on the proposed boiler
for Cary Memorial Building.
The Chairman asked if the members of the Board
thought there would be any merit in asking a civic
minded heating engineer to discuss this subject with
Mr. DeFoe.
Mr. Nickerson recommended a Mr. Brooks and Mr.
Driscoll said that he knew this individual and agreed
with the suggestion.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to authorise Mr. Nixokerson to contact Mr.
Brooks, to serve with Mr. DeFoe as an informal committee
and submit recommendations to the Board not later than
the first of July.
Mr. DeFoe reminded the Board that it would be
necessary to request additional funds at the Special
Town Meeting if the.Board decides to make any change in
the heating system.
Nr. -Stevens, Town Counsel, and Mr. Burns, Town
' Engineer, arrived at the meeting.
371
Juror s
Pole
Location
Boiler
For Cary
Building
38
Mr. DeFoe, as requested.at the last meeting,
brought up the subject of the Franklin Road drainage
'
and explained that Messrs. Kingsley, Reed and Letoile
claim that water is backing into their cellars. Mr.
DeFoe stated, however,:that the water in the manhole
V
is five feet below the cellar floor of Mr. Kingsley's
house.
Mr. Burns said that the water in Kingsley's
cellar comes from the rear and not from the front and
that when Mr. Baskin filled in the front of his land
on Franklin Road the catch basins were covered over.
The Chairman explained the situation to We
Franklin
Stevens and said that the condition of water in the
Road
Kingley cellar is nothing new but the building of the
Drainage
drains has resulted, at lease to come degree, in some
of the water going through. Mr. Kingsley says that
now there is water in his cellar for the first time
since he purchased the house, but,from time to time
over a -period of years there has been water in that
cellar.
Mr. Burns said that there is no doubt but that
there is a problem in Franklin Road and it is caused
by Somerset Road, and they are both public ways. He
said that if the Town drains those streets, the functions
of the town is to drain the streets and that is all, but
that Mr. Kingsley does have a valid argument that the `
streets are not draining now. He said that the Town is
,
not taking care of the water in Franklin Road or in
Somerset Road.
The Chairman asked if Franklin Road was included
in this year's drainage budget and Mr. Burns replied
in the affirmative but informed the Board that it had
not been approved.
Mr. Aickerson,asked if there is any possibility of
connecting across to the manhole on Baskin's property.
Mr. DeFoe said that the Town has the drainage to
take care of on these streets anyway and it would be
only correcting one spot.
Mr. Burns said that there are other problems in
Somerset. Road and when it starts to get wet or when it
starts to fill up, it spills across Somerset Road in
front of Coleman's house.
The Chairman said that he had never seen water
stand across Somerset Road at any point, but if this
was important enough to stand on its own merits all
right. He said he thought -last year the plan was to
fill in the low spot on Franklin load.
Mr. Burns explained that it was with the provision
that the Town would do something with the drainage. He
said that he does not feel like recommending half deals
any more and it will only be postponing the matter for a
year or so. He said that there is a definite problem
of water coming down off Somerset Road.
'
Mr. Gay asked if a drain would help Mr. Kingsley
and Ur. DeFoe"said that he did not think it would belp',
him very much. He had water there before when the water
was draining in Baskin's land.
Mr. Burns said that the water in the basin is up to
the top of the street'.. He said that there are two
public ways involved here and they both dump water and the
Town is liable insofar as the street is concerned. He
stated that if the water collects in the street and
the Town does nothing about it, he thought it is very
definitely the Town's liability.
Mr. Nickerson suggested that Mr. Kingsley be.advised
that it is doubtful if a drain in the street would help
the condition and that by forcing the issue he may force
the Town to spend between $4,000 or $5,000 and then ask
if he wants to proceed.
Mr. Stevens said that the Superintendent or Streets
as a Public Officer is supposed to look out for drainage
and the Town is supposed to -drain the streets that are
accepted. He said, however, that it does not mean the
Town has to drain back land.
The Stevens said that he thought the Superintendent
of streets could be made to put in drains.
The members.or the Board agreed that Mr. Kingsley
should be invited to the Selectmen's Meeting next week
'
to discuss this subject.
The Chairman read a letter from Edward J. Belliveau,
17 Chase Avenue, stating that he had applied for a building
permit to erect a house on land situated on Oak Street
which he purchased from Gustave Larsen, Thb Building In-
speetor denied the permit and referred Mr. Belliveau to
Mr. DeF'oe inr-regard to a water conngction.
Air, west, former owner of the property involved, is
willing to have Mr. Belliveau go in!on the present water
line until such time as a new line is put in.
Mr. Stevens said that he did not think the Town
should be in the position where it authorizes any con-
nections into this line. He agreed to dictate a letter
to the Clerk advising Mr. Belliveau that the Selectmen
will not authorize furnishing water to him through Mro
West's line.
Messrs. Bi;rns and DeFoe retired at 7:45 P.' M.
Letter was received from Mrs. Morey, Chairman of
the Sohool,.:'Committee, requesting a Special Town Meeting
not later than June Ist.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr.
' Nickerson, it was voted to call a Special"Town Meeting
for Tuesday, June. 1 1950, even though it is not known at
this 'time whether or not the new proposed Zoning By-laws
will be ready.
Mr. Stevens retired at 8:15 P. M.
39
Belliveau
Request
for bldg.
permit &
water
Special
ToMn
Meeting
Sign
Accountant
needs add''
money for
interest
Mr. attorney for Town and Country
Homes And gr. Elliott,'arvey Nugent, met with the Board
although he had not previously made an appoint-
ment.
ppointment.
He explained that a sign has been erected
in connection with the development on 70'ood Street
that is apparently in violation of the Zoning By-
laws and asked the Selectmen to grant permission
to maintain the sign until the matter has been de-
cided upon by the Board of Appeals.
He also requested that some action be taken with
reference to the sign, now located at the corner of
School Street and Massachusetts Avenue, which blocks
off the entrance to Wood Street.
The Chairman suggested that Mr. Elliott discuss
this with the Town Counsel who is now in the building
at a meeting on the second floor.
Mr. Elliott retired at 8:25 P. M.
Messrs. DeFoe, Burns and Walker met with the
Board.
Mr. Walker informed the Board that he will need
about 6200 in interest and it can be taken dare of -by
an article at the Special Town Meeting Or he could,
if it satisfactory to the Board of Assessors, re-
quest that the money be raised. Apparently the
Assessors have indicated that they Would be willing
to raise the money as the tax rate has not been set.
With.ref erenoe to the proposed change in per-
sonnel. of the Public Works Office, Mr. Walker in-
formed the Board that hos! Messrs. DeFoe and Burns
are in agreement that it would.be nice if Mr. DeFoe
hada larger office. However, aside from this item
they were not in agreement.
The Chairman asked Mr. DeFoe if he was in dis-
agreement about bringing the Building Inspector out
into the corridor and Mr. DeFoe replied that he thought
it would be very congested, that the counter would be
limited in space. He explained•that there are always
several persons in the Building Inspector's Office and
the Public Works Department also has people coming in.
Therefore, it seemed to him that the space in which the
girls would operate would be very limited.. He said that
he like the location of his office and if he were in
the Building Inspector's present office he would be
isolated from his girls and files.- He also said that
if someone wished to see him alone, Mr. -Burns would
have to leave the office and vice -versa.
The Chairman asked if there were any Town problems
when people would prefer to be alone with either Mr.
DeFoe or Mr. Burns.
Mr. DeFoe replied that in making purchases, sales-
men like to be alone and do not care to have anyone
else listening.
1
41
The Chairman asked if Mr. DeFoe would call tht..t
a valid complaint.
Mr. Burns said that in his own particular case,
he has people who are very secretive about their
business. He said that even though he-would`later
discuss the problem•or subject with Mr. DeFoe, that
never occurs to people. He said that is one reaon
why he brought up the subject of a petition in the
Engineering Department. He said that personally it
does .not mean anything to him.
The Chairman said that, in other words, they
would both like to have a private office and they
both agreed.
The Chairman asked if Mr. DeFoe felt then that
there is no merit in the other pointe of the report
submitted by Mr. Walker and Mr. DePoe replied that he
would prefer to discuss them point by point. He said
that they had settled the s ubjectinvolving Miss Parello
and -Mr. Burns said that he and Mr. DeFoe had settled
on that before anyone else had.
Mr.. Woe said that he just could not see -taking
the.water bills out of_his jurisdiction. He said that
iieee not kh w of• Shy cffiee' where a maxi in his position
does not haV a charge of the Water Department.
The Chairman asked what the disadvantage would be
and Mr. DeFoe replied that it certainly would look as
if he could not handle it.
The Chairman asked.if Mr. DeFoe felt that it is
essential to his prestige to have charge of all the
Clerks below him.
Mr. .DeFoe r eplied that he thought. they should be
under him and •that he should have direct charge of them.
He further stated that he -thought he should have a com-
petent girl in his office, hired by him, who would-be
his secretary and allocate work to the -other girls:
He said that he has had this in mind for some time, but
has not been able to find the right girl. He stated that
he had also talked with Mrs. Flaherty, in the Selectmen's
Office, about the possibility of taking charge of his
Office. However, she wanted considerable more money than
any of his girls• are receiving, and he does not want to
employ a girl and pay her a much larger salary than the
other girls in the office receive.
The Chairman asked if it is agreed that Mr. DeFoe
has been looking for several years for a person to act
as an assistant to him and to have charge over the girls
in his office. Mr. DeFoe replied in the affirmative.
The Chairman asked Why, basically in principal, Mr.
Dupe was opposed to working out some such solution as
has been suggested.
` Mr. DeFoe replied that for one thing it is not
commonly done, and that Town Accountants do not• have
charge of the water Departments.
42
The Chairman asked it it were impractical or
unworkable.
Mr. Burns said that this is done in Norwood,
but in that town they operate under a Town Manager,
and the Town Accountant comes under the Town Manager..
He stated that in this instance, Mr. Walker is ap-
pointed by the Board of Selectmen and so is Mr. De -
Foe. They are both Department Heads. If Mr. Walker
comes into Mr."DeFoets office and Mr. DeFoe wants
something done, if he likes it or does not like it,
DeFoe would have no control over him whatever
because he is an appointee of the Board of Selectmen.
Mr. DeFoe explained that was what he meant when -he
said he should hire the individual for -this position.
The'Chairman said that Mr. DeFoe's quarrel then
is not transferring the water billing to the Town Ao-
countant but.the fact that he thought the influence
of the Town Accountant would be felt.
Mr. DeFoe said that he objected to the Town'.Ac-
countant taking over the.Publio Works Department. ..
The:Chairman said that on that basis, -then all
other suggestions would fall by the wayside, and Mr.
DeFoe replied -in -the affirmative.
The Chairman asked if Mr. DeFoe had any suggestions
for more efficient operation.
Mr. DeFoe said that if the girl in the billing de-
partment is doing something wrong he would be moat re-
ceptive -to Mr.
eceptive-to.Mr. Walker's opinion.
W4 Gay said that the purpose of this report was
not to relieve any authority from one to another, but
for more efficiently utilizing the girist time.
Mr. Defoe said that he does that now.
Mr. Gay asked if the billing girl spent her entire
time on billing.
Mr. DeFoe-replied in the affirmative and said that
one of the other girls devotes about ten hours to assist-
ing with the water bilis.
He said that in the towns, from which he has re-
ceived reports, they all have more help in the Water
Department than he has. Be said that for 4,000 water'
services he thought his force was small.
The Chairman asked who would replace Miss Parello
and"Mr. Defoe replied that Mrs. Stone would take over
this work and he has already discussed it with her con-
fidentially.
The Chairman said that, as he understood it, the
Public Works Department needed a Chief Clerk for more
efficiency and. better utilization of the girls.
Mr. DeFoe agreed.
The Chairman said that, rather than have the in-
trusion of another Department, for the sake of helping
the Town, Mr. DeFoe felt that it would be better to let
the situation go along as it has.
1
43
Mr. DeFoe said that is the way he prefers it.
He said that he would not say that his Department is
overmanned for the volume of work, but that possibly
he could get along with one less girl. Until recently
it was thought that it was necessary to take and record
the minutes of the Board of Appeals meeting%
. Walker asked how much a Chief Clerk would-be worth
and Mr.DeFoe replied that he thought between $40 and
$50 a seek.
Mr. Gay said that this was just a case of trying
to get more efficient work from the present personnel
and Mr. DeFoe said that he knew that.
Mr. Nickerson -said that it seemed they would be
gaining; in effect, what has just been discussed -for
nothing. The obstacle seems to be that if Mr. Walker
wanted to achieve it, Mr. DeFoe would feel another De-
par'tment'Head were invading his Department.
Mr. Burns said that it would never work out and
that this was nothing but a wedge.
The Chairman explained that this report was solicited
by the Board of Selectmen and the Selectmen had asked Mr.
Walker to give them any suggestions he had..
Mr. Burns said that regardless of who took the
initiative, the fact is that it is bringing one Depart-
ment into'another. He said that he did not care whether
if kas Mr. Walker or who it was, he could not see it
working.
Mr. Gay asked if Mr. DeFoe felt that he needed a
girl to supervise his Department.
Mr. DeFoe replied in the affirmative and said that
she Would be taking the place of one of the girls he
now has.
Mr. Walker asked if he would be satisfied and*.
Woe said that he would if he had a competent girl.
Kt the Chairman's request, Messrs. Walker and
Burns and the Clerk retired at 9:05 P. M.
The Clerk and Mr. Burns returned to the meeting
at 11:40 P. M.
Mr. DeFoe brought up requests for water extensions
on Hayward Avenue, Ridge Road and Bennington Road. Mr. Water
3riseoll suggested that they be laid on the table for Extensions
the time being.
Mr. DeFoe requested permission to continue con-
.atruction of water mains in the Woodhaven Development. Woodhaven
The Board agreed to leave this to Mr..DeFoe's discretion. Water
Mr. DeFoe presented each member of the Board with Development
quotations he had received on water meters. He explained
that the Town now uses meters purchased from the Neptune
Meter Co. and he would like to continue.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Driscoll
it was voted to authorize the Superintendent of Public Water.
Works to purbhase the following meters from the Neptune Meters
Meter Co.-
Planning
Board re.
Board of
Survey
Regulations
Neptune Meter Co.
200 5/8" 03544.00 10 3/4" - $265.90
25 5/8" - 343.75 10 1" 389.00
Mr. DeFae retired at 10:35 P. M. and the following
members of the Planning Board met with the Selectmen:
Chairman Cromwell, Messrs. Adams, Couette, Johnson,
Potter and Ripley.
Mr. Cromwell_ gave each member of the Board a copy
of the recommendations of the Planning Board with refer-
ence to the installation of water mains in new Board of
Survey developments. He explained that this outline
seems to the Planning Board to do what the Town shoul&
have done and what the Planning Board thinks should be
"done on a reasonable basis. He' explained that the Towin
Engineer recommends, and it appears desirable to the,'
Planning Board, that the work be supervised by the Town.
Mr. Burns explained that up to the present time, ,
subdivision streets, while they were under the super-
vision of the Town were in essence gravel streets Now
the Town is requiring a street such as the Town builds
itself and requiring €urther the installation of 'a water
main. While the Town can require the developer to furnish
an Inspector at his own expense, Mr. Burns felt that it is
not too practical.
The Chairman asked if the Planning Board wag in favor
of the items as listed and Mr. Cromwell replied in -the af-
firmative. Be said that the members of the Planning Board
are not engineers and rely very much on what Mr.' Burns ad-
vises and the program as written out seems to them to be
very good.
The Chairman asked the members of the Board' of Select-
men how they felt about the recommendations and Mr. N'ieker-
son inquired about item #2 with reference to the Town fur-
nishing valves, hydrants and special fittings deemed neces-
sary for fire protection;..
Both the Chairman and Mr. Nickerson expressed some
concern'about this item.
Mr. Burns said that personally he felt fire protection
was the function of the Town.
' This particular item was discussed' at length and Mr.
Couette asked if the Selectmen would be willing to go along
with it on more or less of a trial basis for ,a year. He
said that after that period of time the Board might be in
a better position to know if this formula was correct ;.'err
not..:
The Chairman asked if the Planning Board really felt
that the Town should pay for hydrants, valves and special
fittings. -
Mr. Cromwell said that the Planning Board had agreed
on it originally and asked if any member had changed his
mind this evening. The members of"the Planning Board were
all in favor of the recommendations as presented.
The Planning Board retired at 11125 P. M.
Upon request of the Chairman, Mr. Gay conducted the
meeting for the remainder of the evening.
1
1
1
The Town Counsel had left an agreement with the
Board relative to the -proposed toilet facilities for
the Center Playground.
~Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Driscoll, it was voted to sign the Agreement between
the Town of Lexington and The Architects Collaborative
for the erection of a toilet building at the Center
Playground.
Letter was received from Charles G. Davie com-
plaining about the condition of the parcel of land
adjacent to Tower Park.
The Clerk was instructed to submit a copy of
this letter to Mr. Garrity, Sup+t. of Parks and Play-
grounds, and request him to have a report for the
Board next week.
Petition was received, signed by residents in the
Fair Oaks District, requesting the Town to have the Fair Oaks
property adjacent to the reservoir on Masrett Road, Playground
recently purchased by the Town, made into a playground.
The -members of the Board agreed to inspect the
location.
45
Agreement
signed for
toilet
facilities
Complaint re
land adjacent'.
to Tower Park'
Letter was received from Walter Whitney, 22 Gar-
field Street, registering a complaint about upholstering Complaint
being done at 22 Garfield Street.
The Clerk was instructed to request the Building
Inspector to submit a report.
Letter from Mr. Garrity, Supt. of Parka and Play-
grounds, relative to eirplane spraying was held over from Airplane
last week. Spraying
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson,' seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to award the bid -for airplane spraying to the
P. A. Bartlett lase Expert Co, at the quotation of $500.
Bill was received for the shrubbery planted on
Grant Street, together with a notation from Mr. Garrity Bill
inquiring as to what account the bill should be charged.
The Board agreed to charge this item to the High-
way -Maintenance Account.:
Application was received from Leonard Jellis, Jr.,
for Veteran Lot #12 Cedar Street. All other application
have been contacted and replies received that they are
no longer interested.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded bar Mr. Nickerson,
it was -voted to sell and convey veteran lot #12 to Leonard
Jellis, Jr., providing he complies with the regulationslin
connection with veterans lots.
Vet. Lot
#12 Cedar
Street.
46
Public
Carriage
License
Licenses
Application was received from the Lexington
Cab Co. inc., for a Public Carriage License at
1722 Massachusetts Avenue, together with a letter
explaining that this corporation would like to"pur-
chase the Town Taxi business which is for sale.
The Board agreed to advise the Lexington Gab
.Co. that when the business has been purchased a
license will be issued.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Driscoll, it was voted to grant the following
licenses:
Walter J. Rose 6
Elegy's Spa `856
Countryside Associates
Lexington Theatre
CCD
1
Tewksbury Street Public Carriage(renewal)
Mass. Avenue Sunday Sales
Lowell Street " Golf
Mass. Avenue ' 0 Movies
Upon -motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr.
Nickerson, it was voted to grant the` following uses
of halls, free of charge:
Lexington Softball League
Lexington School Dept.
League of Women Voters
Lexington Concert Band
Conf. Room May 11 8-10.
Es'stabrook s 12 8-10
June 7 8-10
Cary Ball June 21 7x45--10:30
The meeting adjourned at 11:55 P. M.
A true record, Attests
1
58
Transite
pipe
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
May lb, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen=was
held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on
Monday evening, May 15, 1950, at 7:00 P. M. Chairman
Finery, Messrs. Gay, Driscoll, Nickerson and Hoyt were
present.' The Clerk was also present.
Mr. DeFoe met with the Board, and stated that he
has had another request form the gentleman, who lives in
Lexington, who sells transite pipe. This individual would
like an opportunity to discuss the subject with the Board
or have Mr. DeFoe discuss it.
Mr. DeFoe explained that transite pipe was first used
in Europe about tbit'Vr years ago and first used in this
country about twenty years ago. Some towns have used it
for ten or fifteen years. Winthrop has used it and Win-
chester is using it. 'Be stated that to him this is anew
product and he did not see how he could recommend it
against cast iron pipe. Mr. DeFoe explained that in layi*ng
this transite pipe one must be very careful and it
has to be backfilled with more or less select material.
The Chairman asked what Metcalf & Eddy would charge
for advice on this and Mr. DeFoe replied that he did
not know. He said that he would ask Mr. Shaw What he
thought of it.
Mr. Hoyt inquired as to why transite pipe is used
and Mr.' Woe explained that it is cheaper and involves
less Work.
Mr. Nickerson suggested that Mr. DeFoe obtain some
comment from M. I. T. which he agreed to do.
Mr. Gaudet's request for an extension of water main
to supply his house at 4 Hayward Avenue was held over
Request from the last meeting of the Board.
for water Mr. DeFoe explained that Mr. Jackson, the Health
Hayward Sanitarian, is of the opinion that the water in Mr.
Avenue Gaudet's well is contaminated because the cover of the
well is not tight and surface water runs in. Mr.
Jackson believes that if the walls of the well were
plastered the situation would be helpful. Mr. DeFoe
said that it would require 270' of 6" pipe to serve this
house from Fairview Avenue.
The Chairman suggested, and the members of the Board
agreed, that Mr. DeFoe discuss this matter with Mr.
Gaudet and have Mr. Jackson present.
Mr. George J. Bailey's request for the extension of
a water main on Ridge Road was held over from the last
meeting of the Board.
1
Mr. DeFoereported that he understands the
petitioner owns both sides of the street and in-
tends to subdivide his property. This request,
involving 400 feet of pipe, is last.on the list.
Mr. Gay said that he thought the petitioner
should take his turn and be advised that his re-
quest will be placed on the waiting list but that
a form should be sent for his signature.
The request for extension of water and sewer mains
in Bennington Road was held over from the last meeting
of the Board.
Mr. Nickerson stated that the members of the
Board had agreed to view the location during the week,
and said that he could see no reason why this request
should not be handled the same as that on Ridge Road.
The Chairman asked if the members of the Board.
felt that some effort should be made for a better
financial arrangement.
Mr. Nickerson saidthat he thought someone
should -talk to the petitioner and inquire as to his
three-way plans for water, sewerage and light.
Mr. DeFoe stated that he had offered to pay
for the entire frontage.
The Chairman suggested that the members of the.
Board look the area over on Tuesday night at 7:15
before the Special meeting of the Board.
Mr. DeFoe again brought up the subject of water
main extension in Coolidge Avenue and explained that
the plans for strengthening the system call for 12"
pipe in Adams Street from the junction of East and
Adams up to Adams and Hancock.
Mr. Harold E. Stevens, flown Counsel, met ,i th
the Board at 7:15 P. M.
The Chairman asked if it would be better to wait
and install the water under the sidewalk because of
the unusual property ownership rights on Coolidge
Avenue..
Mr. Stevens said that he definitely thought it would
be better not to install water now.
Mr. Stevens said that he might havelmore inform-
ation on this subject next week and it was agreed to
defer action until the next meeting of the Board.
.Mr. DeFoe reported on the land taking on Adams
Street with reference to Richard E. Moakley's property.
He presented a sketch of the area involved and said
that the best information he could obtain from the
County plans is that the County Engineers figured from
the edge of the road for the taking into the established
line of the roadway.
59
Request for
Water - Ridge
Road
Request for
water -sewer
Bennington
Road
Coolidge Avenue
water
Moakley
Taking re-
location of
odams Street
60
A taking of 6,500 square feet was made. Mr. Moakley
owns 2 6/7 acres of land.
The Chairman asked if a saleable lot were taken.
from Mr. Moakley and Mr. DeFoe replied in the negative.
Moakley The Chairman asked if there is plenty area in back
taking and Mr. DeFoe replied in the affirmative. He aaid that
relocation the Countytook only 1/7 -of an acre.
of Adams Mr. ickerson asked if Mr. Moakley was aware of the.
Street insignificant value of the land that was taken.
The Chairman said that his impression, when he
talked to Mr. Moakley, was that he felt it was worth
more.
Mr. Hoyt asked if Mr. Moakley received any benefit
from the improvement and the Chairman said that he sup,.
posed not.
Mr. Nickerson asked if the Board should allow Mr.
Moakley to open this case because he was unaware'of the
fact that he should have asked for reimbursement. He
said that he would be willing to reopen the issue but
he could not see that Mr. Moakley was losing valuable
land.
The Chairman said that the Town Counsel, if asked
by the Board, would rule that the Board cannot pay any
gratuity unless the Town voted it.
Air. Stevens said'that the time in which Mr. Moakley
had to file a claim had elapsed and if a precedent is
established there is no telling how many other late
,claims may be filed.
Mr. Driscoll said that he did not think a decision
should be made right away and that the Board should give'
the matter some study.
Mr. Hoyt asked how Mr. Moakley would know his rights
and Mr. DeFoe explained that a notice was mailed to him
by the County Commissioners.
The Chairman stated that Mr. Moakley does not contest
the fact that he received a notice, but he misinterpreted
the word "entry".
Mr. Nickerson asked if Mr. Moakley were misinformed
and the Chairman replied in the negative. He said that
Mr. Moakley did not understand the situation.
'he Chairman asked Mr. DeFoe to secure a copy of
the notice sent out by the County Commissioners and to
bring this item up again. next Monday evening.
Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that some damage had
been done to Colony Road and read a report which he
obtained from the Police Department. He said that the road is
fractured and openings where water can get in. He paid
that liquid asphalt could be poured on, but he personally
felt the the street should be sealed over and it involves -an
expenditure of between $150 and $175.
Mr. DeFoe was requested to obtain further information,
as to the owner of the equipment that damaged the street
and also the operator and report again next week.
1
Damage to
Colony
Road
1
61
Letter was received from Raimo Contracting Co.
with reference to the Lexington Sewer Project Con- Raimo
tract B. Mr. Raimo stated that a dispute had arisen Complaint
between him and the engineer in charge of the pro- re Engineer.
jeet. He stated in the letter that if it is the
Board's intent that the engineer act in a dual cap-
acity both as arbiter and as the owner's representa-
tive, any work done wherein•a dispute arises, a.
claim shall be filed by the contractor for additional
compensation.
Mr. DeFoe explained that Metcalf & Eddy, in their
design, have seen fit to have gravel enveloped in
certain spots, providing the trench is a certain width.
If the trench is wider, they insist on a concreteen-
velope. He stated that it is all in accordance with
the specifications.
Mr. Stevens said that he would take the letter
and the contract and look them over. It was agreed
by the members of the Board to authorize Town Counsel
to handle this matter.
Petition was received relative to the construction
of Cary Avenue. •
Mr. DeFoe said that the Engineering Department
could prepare an estimate of the cost which for all Cary
practical purposes will be sufficient. • Avenue
The Chairman said that he would acknowledge the
petition and state that a survey will be made in the
near future and at that time the petitioners will be
invited to meet with the Board.
The petition was given to Mr. DeFoe.
Mr. Lee F. Emond, representing Robert L. Innis,
met with the Board, at .the Board's invitation, re-
lative to Mr. Innis' request for the extension of Mr. Innis
water main between the present main on Wilson Road Requewt for
and School Street, following Roosevelt Road, Ellison Water
Road and Leroy Road.
The Chairman said that, as he recalled it, Mr.
Innis offered to pay for the cost of installing the
water pipe, but the Health Sanitarian raised some
question as to the proper drainage for sewerage dis-
posal..
Mr. DeFoe said that the Sanitarian has inspected
the property and advised that.the lots on the easterly
side of Ellison Road could not be satisfactorily taken
care of by septic tanks or cesspools. He stated that
Mr. Innis would like to put the drainage in on the lot
line and pay for it, but Mr. DeFoe felt that it should
be put in the street because drainage will eventually
have to be put in the street some day if the street is
built.
62
The Chairman asked if the drainage installation
suggested by Mr. DeFoe would eliminate the danger of
sewage getting into the drainage system.' See 62 A..
-He explained this organization is a national
organization of service man who are known as the
Minute -Men of America and will hold a convention
in Cambridge. They would like to make a pilgrimage
to Lexington, hold ceremonies and lay a wreath on
the Common, Tuesday, July 25th. He asked if it would
be possible to name a day as "Home Coming Day" and have a
member of the Board to receive the group.
The Chairman said that he thought this could be
arranged and asked if it were essential for the Board
to name A day or would a notice in the paper be suf-
ficient.
ufficient.
Mr. Manning'said that the naming of a day was
merely a thought, but they would like to have some-
onepresent to welcome them. They will.leave Cam-
bridge at 2:00 P. M.
The Chairman .saidthat the Board will discuss
the matter and advise Mr. Manning.
Mr. Manning retired at 8:30 P. M.
Hearing was declared open upon the application
Hearing of Mr. Peter Salvucci to store 3,000 lbs. of dynamite
(in connection with construction ol_route128) in
the vicinity of Burlington Street at the Lexington -
Burlington line.
Notice of the hearing was inserted in the May 4th
issue of the Lexington Minute -Man and there -were
thirteen persons present, allin opposition.
Mr. Stevens,.Town Counsel, returned to the meeting.
Notice of the hearing was read -by the Chairman
and he informed the group that the application had
been approved by the Chief Engineer of the Lexington
Fire Department.
The following indivuduals wished to be recorded in
opposition: Harold Grossman, 138 Burlington Street;
R. H. Moulton, 146 Burlington Street; Richard A. Crain
166 Burlington Street; B. Harrison,•29 North Street;
Arthur Williams, 60 North Street; David P. Wilson, 147
Burlington Street; William J. Blanchard, 149 Burlington
Street, James E. Evans, 196 Burlington Street; Fred J. Hopwood,
172 Burlington Street; Charles D. Hufton, 162 Burlington
Street; Mrs. David P. Wilson, 147 Burlington Street.
Mr. Grossman acted as spokesman for the group
and read an excerpt from an Army Handbook on explosives.
Mr. Evans said that his house is within 200 yardais.-.
of the location and his concern is that the right of way,
which Mr. Salvucci is using, is being used by anyone
1
** See next page (62 A)
62 A
Mr. Defoe said that it would seem if Mr. Innis
is going to spend money for the drainage the logical
place is to put:,it in the street and that eventually
the drainage will have to be put in the street any-
way.
the Chairman asked if this suggestion of Mr.
Def oe's represented the recommendation of the Town
Engineer.
Mr. Defoe replied that both he and the Tom En-
gineer recommend putting the drainage in the street.
The Chairman asked if Mr. Defoe had any serious
fee2s of illegal conn lot oe ols and Mr. De -
Foe said that he unde tanks is one in Town. Mr.
DeFoe raised the question as t wh would happen if
a house were built and the cesspool or septic tank
did not work satisfactorily.
Mr.. Defoe asked how Mr. Emond proposed to take
care of the situation.
Mr. u.Ernond said that his request would be to use
the land on the westerly side of Ellison Road and not
the land on the easterly side.
Mr. DeFoe asked whet would happen to the lots that
are not used and Mr. E.nond. replied that at a later
date he will take cre of the drainage to the Town's
satisfaction.
Mr. _mond:, said that he was going to sell the
land on the westerly side for building, and the pur-
chesers would build the houses.
Mr. DeFoe said that it would seem to him that
it would be expensive to pay for water on both sides
of the street if the lots on one side could not be
used.
Mr. Stevens said that it would have to be legal-
ly feasible to restrict the lots on the easterly Side
and mentioned that the lots would be owned by indi-
viduals and also facing on a street. He said that
he would be glad to give this problem some thought and
further stated that the difficulty is that all the lots
are shown on one plan. He said that hedid not think
Mr. Innis would be constructing a road if he dd not
intend to build on the easterly side and Mr. Emond said
that was true.
The Chairman suggested that Mr. DeFoe, Mr. Burns
and Mr. Jackson discuss this problem further in an ef-
fort to work out some practical solution.
Mr. Enond retired at 8:25 P.M.
Mr. Stevens reported on the Leary case on Waltham
Street and the members of the Board agreed to leave the
matter entirely to the discretion of the Town Counsel.
Mr. Stevens retired at 8:45 P.M. and Mr. Joseph
B. Manning, Convention Chairman of the Legion of Guards-
men, met with the Board.
vo
D
-71
choosing to go down the street. He thought this was
an unsafe condition and that if the dynamite is to
be left there, the right of way should be protected.
The Chairman asked the group to leave the room
and give the Board an opportunity to discuss the
application«
Mr. Stevens said-that the Board could deny the
Permit which has been requested.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll,' seconded by Mr.
Ray, it was voted to deny the application of Peter
Salvucci for permission to store 3,000 lbs of dynamite on
land owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
Route 128, in the vicinity of Burlington Street at
the Burlington-Lexington line.
At 9:20 P. M. Mr. Edward J. Conley of Shoppers
Haven met with the Board.
The Chairman explained that Mr. Kraff met with
the Board some time ago and at that time was told
that the Board had not had an opportunity to study
the Sunday Sales License situation, but had been
disturbed by reports of sales on Sundays. Mr. Kraff
at that time said he had made only one illegal sale
on Sunday and that was an emergency. The Chairman
said that the Board was not particularly satisfied
with the status of events and from all the rumors,
the Board was inclined to feel that there was more
being sold than Mr. Kraff knew about, remembered
or realized. He said that the Sunday Sales license
has now expired and the Board wanted to tell him
very frankly that it is not pleased with the reports
and ask if Mr. Conley hard any plans or cared to
make any statement about sales that he would or would
not make on Sundays.
Mr. Conley said that the original license in
question was not the Sunday Sales but the Common
Victualler License and he did not think he was
entirely alone on Sunday'business. He said that
he thought, although he seemed to have been singled
out, that the condition does not exist with him
alone.
The Chairman asked what Mr. Conley proposed to
do if the Board issued a Sunday Sales license.
Mr. Conley replied that if he was to follow the
law he thought it was only fair that everyone
else do the same thing. He said that if the Select -
men feel that the law should be enforced and was going
to be, he would have no alternative but to follow
along.
The Chairman asked if Mr. Conley proposed to
live up to the law if the Board issued a license
and he replied he did not intend to flagrantly dis-
regard everything, but he does feel it should be
a general policy. He said that it was something which
he believed had never been enforced in Town, and
63
Shopperst
Haven
64
that he was not the only one selling items that are
not supposed to be sold on Sundays.
Mr. Stevens explained that the Selectmen have
no right to change the law, and asked who operates
the store in question.
Mr. Conley said that the prpperty is in Mr.
Kraff's name and the store.is in his name and the
licenses are all in his name.
Mr. Stevens said that Mr. Conley advertises that
the store is open every evening and Mr. Conley agreed.
Mr. Stevens said that he also advertised that
he is open Sundays and Mr. Conley agreed.
Mr. Stevens said that there are two stores
and two doors; one at the further end where Mr. Con-
ley is and the other door enters into the general market
where Mr. Kraff is. He asked why both doors were
open on Sundays.
Mr. Conley said that there are items on the
other side which can be sold on Sundays. **** Page 65
The Chairman said that the Board has no alter
native. He explained that the Board does not go out
looking for this type of thing, but as the Town Counsel has
said, there has been advertising in both windows and
in the newspaper that the store is open for business
on Sundays. This so completely disregards the law
that it brings complaints to the Board. Ile said that
since Mr.:Conley's store is the one which has taken
a wide open attitude, he thought the Board should
have his complete assurance that he will adhere to the.
law. He further stated that if Mr. Conley:so desired
he could give the Board such assurance either verbally
or in writing and the Board would than take up the
question of issuing a license.
Mr. Conley said that he could.see no reason why
his Common Victualler license had been held up.
Mr. Stevens said that the question can be raised
that a Common Victualler can be open on Sundays for
the sale of some articles so he thought the two
licenses do tie in together.
Mr. Stevens said. that Mr. Kraff claimed he could
not block one door and have one open. Mr. Stevens,
however, said that he could not see why this is not
possible.
The Chairman asked if Mr. Conley would like to
think this over and write to the Board or meet with
the Board again next week. Mr. Conley replied that it would not
make too much difference.
The Chairman suggested that he write the Board
whenever he makes up his mind and said that the Select-
men do not intend to issue a Sunday Sales license without some
assurance from Mr. Conley that he would comply with
the law. .
1
1
*** The Chairman said that he thought the Board was not
disposed to issue any license at all for Sundays unless
some assurance is received from Mr. Conley that he will
live up to the law.
Mr. Conley said that if it is to be followed by
the strict letter of the law, he will have to do it.
Mr. Conley asked if others were
comply.
The Chairman said that he had a
the Selectmen are going to be strict
be strict with other people.
Mr. Conley agreed to leave the matter as suggested
by the Chairman and said that-he'would let the Board
know how he feels it can be done. He said that, among other
things, some physical changes would have to be made to
close one side on Sundays.
Mr. Conley retired at 9:35 P. M.
going to be made to
right to feel that if
with him they should
Mr. Charles Kingsley, Jr. met with the Board
relative to the drainage problem in the Franklin Road
area.
The Chairman explained that the Board had invited
Mr. Kingsley to discuss this subject and to ask frankly
if he really wanted to press the issue to the conclusion
which would involve an expenditure of between $3,000 and
$4,000 to install drains at the end of Somerset Road and
Franklin Road. He explained that even when it is not
certain that anything very constructive would be accom-
plished.
Mr. Kingsley said that he could not think of any
alternative. He said that this has been a very wet spring
and he has had seven inches of water in his cellar.
The Chairman asked if this is the first year that
there has been water in the cellar and Mr. Kingsley replied
that he has had dampness and an inch or so of water but
nothing like this.
The Chairman asked Mr. DeFoe if he had discussed this
with Mr. Baskin and he replied in the negative.
The Chairman asked if he thought Mr. Baskin's new
drain was clogged and Mr. DeFoe replied in the negative.
He said that the two drains originally drained over to
the Baskin property and that the catch basin grade is
five inches lower than Mr. Kingsley's cellar floor.
He stated that the water in the manhole was five feet
below the cellar floor, and the water now in the catch
basin is down one foot.
Mr. Kinglsey said that it is now eight inches below
his cellar floor.
The Chairman asked if Mr. Kingsley had a pump in
his cellar and he explained that about twenty-five years
ago Mr. Smith, the former owner, had a drain from the
cellar that emptied, with the premission of the Blokes,
into Blake's land.
65
Franklin
Road
Drainage
Complaint
66
The Chairman asked if there is water in the cellar
now and Mr. Kingsley replied in the negative.
The Chairman said that it would be unlikely that
there would be any water in the cellar any more thia
season. He waid that if Mr. Kingsley agreed that the
hazard is over for this Spring, Mr. DeFoe might contact
Mr. Baskin and ask him what he intends to do about the
situation.
Mr. Kingsley said that he would like to be present
when Mr. DeFoe confers with Mr. Baskin and it was so -
agreed. Mr. Kingsley retired at 9:55 P. M.
Mr. Robert L. Ryder met with the Board. Mr. Ryder
said that he owned a parcel of land in Woburn and had
it sold for a cemetery. The Selectmen wrote a letter
opposing it and the Planning Board also took the same
Ryder position. He said his only alternative is to develop
re; the property. He said that Woburn has refused to
Water furnish water for the proposed development. The pre -
Request sent Mayor of Woburn is very sympathetic, but it would
cost the City of Woburn a substantial sum to install pipe
for about a mile and a half and put a booster pump in
at the reservoir. They considered drilling wells, but.
the result was unfavorable. The other alternative is
to purchase water from the Town of Lexington, providing
Woburn can make anis agreement with the Town with the
approval of the M. D. "C. -
Mr. Ryder said that, knowing the Board had done
something similar with the Town of Bedford, or the
Administration of the hospital, he felt that the Board
would at least give this some -favorable consideration
and tell him what he could do.
He said that he had two differcnist groups interested
in purchasing this property providing water is made
available. He said that he would like to know if it
is feasible and practical for the Town of Lexington to
sell water to Woburn and how it would take.
The Chairman said that he did not see how the Board
could say any more this evening than that the Board would
give the matter some thought.
Mr. Ryder said that he did not expect a definite
answer this evening and retired at 10:15 P. M.
Report was received from Mr. Lindstrom, Building
Inspector, relative to a Complaint received by the Board
that an upholstery business was being conducted at 22
Garfield Street, a residential area.
Mr. Lindstrom investigated and advised the up-
holsterer that he was violating the Zoning By-law and must
cease immediately. The property, however, bas been sold and
both tenants have received eviction notices.
Zoning
Violation
1
1
1
1
67
Letter was received from Mr. Garrity, Supt. of Parks,
advising that the parcel of land adjacent to Tower Park has
never been turned over to the Park Department. This letter Tower
resulted from a complaint received from Mr. Charles Davis Park
as to the condition of the property which is now owned by
the town.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it
was voted to advise Mr. Garrity that the Park Department is
to assume the responsibility of maintaining this property
as Park property.
Letter was received from Mr. Garrity with further
reference to Mr. Justin Shea's request for permission to
plant trees between the sidewalk and the highway at 517
Massachusetts Avenue.
Mr. Garrity, according to his letter, is definitely
opposed to the planting of trees between the sidewalk
and the street.
Mr. Emery said that he -had viewed the property
and agreed with Mr. Garrity.
It was agreed by the members of the Board that
Mr. Shea should be advised that the Board is not in
favor of granting his request.
Application was"received from the Boston Edison
Company and the. N. E. Telephone & Telegraph Company
for the following joint pole location;Pole
Woburn Street, approximately 575 feet east Location
of Webb Street.
The plan was approved by the Supt. of Public -Works.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Driscoll, it was voted to grant the petition and sign
the order.
Letter was received from Thomas Martin, 7 Range -
way Road, offering J50 for Lot 20, Block 3, Rangeway
Mr. Potter's recommendation is $350., taking into
consideration that the estimated assessment for the
water is $264.72.
The Clerk was instructed to find out who owns
the property adjoining this lot and submit the in-
formation to the Board next week.
Certificate of Incorporation was received from
the Secretary of State's Office relative to Richard
B. Fawcett, 525 Marrett Road, a member of the pro-
posed corporation of Waltham Junior Chamber of Com -
coerce, Inc. Satisfactory character reference was
received from the Chief of Police.
Mr. Nickerson moved that the certificate be
signed. 'Mr. Emery seconded the motion and it was
so voted.•
Tax Title
Property
Cert. of Inc,
68
Letter was received from the Lexington Drum
Permit Corps requesting permission to conduct Tag Days on
for Tag June 2 and 3 for the purpose of raising funds with
Day which to purchase uniforms and instruments.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Driscoll, it was voted to grant the request.
Application was received from Mrs. Leon S.
Kinsman, on behalf of the Eastern Star, for per-
mission to use the Barnes property on Friday, May
19th, for a Rummage Sale.
Mr. Driscoll moved that the request to granted.
Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Upon
Emery, it
halls:
Uses of Estabrook
Halls
Licenses
motion of
was. voted
Hall Pre
Conference Rood
Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr.
to grant the following uses of
School P.T.A June 3 & 10'
Movies $10.00 charge
Rec. Committee' June 10 - free
Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr.
Nickerson, it was voted to grant the following
licenses:
Lexington Theatre 1794 Mass. Ave. Sun. Movies
Countryside Asso. Lowell St. " Golf
Lex. Cab Co., Inc. 1722 Mass. Ave. Pub. Carriage
Appointment Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Nicker-
to the Board son it was voted to reappoint Mr. R. L. McQuillan as
0f Health a member of the Lexington Board of Health for a three
year term expiring March 31, 1951.
The warrant for the Special Town Meeting called
for Thursday, June first, was signed by the Board.
The meeting adjourned at 10:30 P. M.
CD
1
56
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
Upy 17, 1950
WATER: MAINS
The Selectmen authorized the Superintendent of Public Works
to secure signatures for the construction of water mains in
the following streets;
(1) Blossomerest Road
(2) Robbins. Road
(3) Sherburne"Road
(4) Dane Road.
(5) Bennington Road
(6) Ridge Road
Permission was also given to let out on contract the construction
of water mains in Prospect Hill Road and Marrett Road.
DRAINA(
The Board of Selectmen authorized the Superintendent of 'Public
Works to construct the following drains in the following orders
(1) Grove Street - from Burlington Street to
proposed easement.
Burlington Street - Grove Street to Simonds Road.
(2) Prospect Hill Road and Middleby Road.
(3) Baker Avenue; Ames Avenue; Tarbell Avenue;
and from Tarbell Avenue to Brook.
SEWER CONSTRUCTION
The Board of Selectmen authorized the Superintendent of Public:-
Works
ublicWorks to let out on contract the following:
(1) Sewer for Fern Street
(2) Sewers for Pottier, Drew, Cummings and Cliffe.
Avenue.
Permission was
also given to let out on contract two section_
of trunk sewer to be constructed under the new Route 128.
It was decided not to take any action on the proposed Fair
Oaks sewers until such time as the signatures have been
received.
1
1
57
ITEMS TAKEN UP WITH MR. EMERY AT
MEETING HELD AT 8:30 A. M., Monday& May 22, 1950
Request by National Guard to move two 20 -ton tanks, on
rubber treads, through Lexington on Route 128.
2. Request to move house from vicinity of new Route 128 to
Wilson Road.
3. Request to extend water main from end of present construction
on Rangeway to a point 270 feet roward Grove Street.
Action Taken on Above
1. Approved.
2, Writer to advise that Marrett Road is a State road and
Wilson Road is an unaccepted road over which we have no
jurisdiction:
3. Writer to advise that work cannot be done at this time
but will be given consideration at a later date.
1
1
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
May 22, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
hold in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building on
Monday evening, May 22, 1950, at 7:00 P. M. Chairman
Emery,; Messrs. Gay, Driscoll, Nickerson and Hoyt were
present. ;The Clerk was also present.
The Chairman read a letter received from the
Middlesex County Commissioners, stating that increas-
ing pressure is being put upon the Commissioners to
make an order on the petition of Mary D. Sorrentino
for the laying out, relocation, .or alteration of Ther-
esa Avenue. The letter stated that the Commissioners will
be obliged to take some action at least by the first of
August.
The Clerk was instructed to file the Communication
and call it to the Board's attention again in about a
month.
The'Chairmen read a letter from. Miss Helen C.
Bertini,,ownerof Lot B, Munroe -Estate, opposite Buck-
man Tavern, requesting the removal of'the curbstone and
the elm tree in front of her property.
Memorandum was received from Mr. Garrity, Supt.
of Parks, informing the Board that there are eight trees
in a row at this location, all close to 200 years old.
He stated that they are in a fairly healthy condition
and in his opinion would last quite a while longer. The
expense of removing the trees would be substantial and
Mr. Garrity is of the opinion that they should be posted for
a hearing before removal.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Hoyt,
it was voted to authorize the Chairman to advise Miss
Bertin' that the'Board does not want to have any of these
trees taken down.
Mr. Francis L. Barry, 36 Paul Revere Road, a member
of the Metropolitan Police Force, met with the Board. He
informed the Board that there is a situation in his neigh-
borhood where a cesspool was built and the cover taken off.
He said that there is a hole about three feet deep and it
would be possible for some of the small children in the
neighborhood,to fall in and drown. He discussed this
matter with Mr. Jackson, Health Sanitarian, after which
the owner of the property dug a trench and now there is
a puddle of sewage which is a health menace.
The Chairman said'that he would consult with Mr.
Jackson on the problem.
69
Theresa
Avenue
Request to
have tree
and curb
removed.
Health
Complaint
70
Mr. Barry explained that he was meeting with the
Board as a private citizen and not as a Police Officer.
He retired at 7:10 P. M.
Mr. DeFoe, Supt. of Public Works, met with the
Board, and submitted a copy of letter sent by the County
Moakley Commissioners to Richard W.. and Doris L. Moakley with
Claim reference to land taken for the relocation of Adams
Street. The notice was sent by registered mail and a
photostatic copy of the return receipt was attached to
the copy of the notice. Action was deferred until the
next meeting of the Board.
Mr. Harold E. Stevens, Town Counsel, met with the
Board at 7:20 p. M.
Raimo ex-
tension of
time.
Mr. DeFoe read a letter from Raimo Construction Co.,
dated May 9, 1950, requesting an extension of time due
to abnormal weather conditions beyond its control. He
also read a letter from -Metcalf and Eddy enclosing a•
copy of letter to Raimo. Metcalf & Eddy will not certify
over ten days and any further extension will have to be
determined by the Board.
Mr. DeFoe presented each member of the Board with a
copy of the schedule agreed upon on April 26th -and also
a schedule of the progress made up to May 20th.
Mr. Stevens reported that he had checked with the
State Public Works Department in an effort to determine
how Raimo is progressingon the State job, The individual
to whom he talked said that insofar as he knew the bonding
company had not taken over. Mr. Stevens said that Raimo
is in financial difficulty all the time and has not had -
enough men on the State job, nor has he had enough equip-
ment.
Mr. Stevens said that he also called Mr. Curtin of •
the Continental Insurance Co. and Mr. Curtin told him that
he would call the New York Office and obtain authority for
the Boston Office to see that the work in Lexington is done.
The New York Office gave the authority and the insurance
company will step into this and see that the money is pre=
vided for the payroll and also see that there are enough
men on the job.
Mr. Stevens said that, in view of all this, it would
seem unwise for the Board to grant any extension or arrange-
ments to pay twice a month.
The Chairman asked if -the -initiative from here on
should come from the Board, Mr. Dave or the Town Counsel.
Mr. Stevens said that he would carry it along for a
while and that nothing should be said or answered until
the Board receives further information from him.
Mr. DeFoe requested the Board to consider the con-
struction of Watson Road as an extra for constructing
roads in Ledgelawn area.
1
1
Mr. Stevens said that he couldlnot see any basis for
it.
The Chairman informed Mr. DeFoe that the construction
of Watson Road would have to be advertised and considered
as new work.
Letter was received from Robert C. Jackson,
62 Colony Road, requesting information relative
to the authority for constructing Colony Road, how
the assessments were figured and whether or not the
project is completed.
The Chairman requested the Town Counsel to
dictate a reply to the first question which would
be incorporated in the Chairman's reply to the other
two questions.
Letter was received from Domonic Iovino, 449
Great Road, Bedford, requesting the extension of
water main a distance of 270 feet to his property
on Winter Street, Lexington, for the purpose of
watering his garden.
The Chairman explained that he had instructed
Mr. DeFoe to acknowledge the letter and advise Mr.
Iovino that no commitment can be made at the present
time..
setter was received from -Joseph Sweeney, 277
Summer Street, Somerville, requesting -water and '
sewer services to lots 79 and 80 on Robbins Road.
Mr. DeFoe reported that he has already sent
out forms for the signatures on the water extension
and will have further information pertaining to the
sewer extension next week.
The Chairman instructed Mr. DeFoe to acknowledge
the letter.
Mr. DeFoe discussed a proposed change in grade
for the Waltham Street sewer. He explained that by
changing the grade and raising it about three feet
from the present construction on Marrett Road to
Kendall Road, a distance of about 1,100 feet, a
saving of between $3,000 and $4,000 will be realized.
He said that there is only one lot which might be af—
fected; the basement could not be served. Mr. Burns
had a man check the septic tank and it appears to be
functioning properly.
The Chairman said that the Board might be faced
with the possibility of abating this person's sewer
betterment assessment and Mf. DeFoe said that by
changing grade it would save digging about three feet
of sewer, and sheathing will not be required. This
would mean a saving of at least $3.00 per foot for
A.,100 feet.
71
Watson
Road
Inf. req.
on Colony
Road
Req. for ext.
water in
Winter Street
Req. for water
and sewer in
Robbins Road
Change in
grade in
Waltham St.
sewer
72
The Chairman asked if there are any other lots.
that might be built upon and houses built so low that
they could not be served.
Mr. Burne arrived at the meeting and said that
there are only three lots and he knows one is high.
The Chairman asked, as far as Mr. Burns is concerned,
if there was only ane house affected and no other petential
ones. •
Mr. Burns replied in the affirmative and said that.
there there is only one lot which will have any justi-
fication at all. •
Mr. Nickerson asked what Metcalf & Eddy would say.
Mr. Burns replied that -they state in the report that
conditions might take a change advisable.
The Chairman asked when work would be started and
Mr. Burns replied that they would begin in the morning.
Mr. Nickerson said that the survey had cost a sub-
stantial sum and a major change is contemplated. He,
therefore, thought it would be wise to make sure that
Metcalf and Eddy was informed.
Mr. Burns cited: egverab eh:aea that have been
recommended by him and Mr. DeFoe, all of which were
approved by Mr. Shaw, one of the firm of Metcalf &
Eddy.
Mr. DeFoe at the Board's request, telephoned Mr..
Shaw and explained the situation to him. He reported
that Mr. Shaw said that in this instance it would appear
that an exception should be -made. Mr. Shaw said,
however, that it might be well to check:with the Town
Counsel to see if there might be any reaction.
Mr. Burns said that even if the Board abated one-
half or all of the assessment on this particular lot
it would be worth the saving.
The Chairman asked if the Board wanted to take any
action.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Nickerson,
it was voted to authorize the Supt. of Public Works to
raise the grade of the sewer approximately three feet
from the present construction om Marrett Road to Kendall
Road, subject to the approval of the Town Counsel.
Mr. Stevens returned to the meeting later in the
evening and said that off hand"he could not see whyUie
Town would get into any difficulty. He thought it might
be well, however, for him to telephone Mr: Shaw in the
morning and then report to Mir. DeFoe.
Mr. Burns left the meeting.
Mr. Leonard Jellis, Jr., Messrs. Ryde and Sanseverino
Vet's Lot met with the Board.
Drainage, Mr. Jellis said;that they would like to know if the
Town could do something about the drainage of the veterans
lots owned by these three individuals.
The Chairman said that this was a subject upon which.
the Board could not give an answer off -hand. He said that
he would prcfer to have Mr. DeFoe and Mr. Burns confer and
report to the Board.
The Group retired.
1
t
13
Mr. Gordon Eaton, 9 Calvert Street, Mr. Earl
Outhet, 9 Ivan Street and Mr. Leo Hayes, 6 Calvin
Street, met with the Board.
Mr. Eaton said that they would like to know Sewer
when the sewer.would be constructed for the Sunny- Sunnyknoll '
knoll: area. Area
The Chairman said that he believed Mr. Eaton
knew the situation as to the trunk line and explained
that there is no money available to proceed, and
that it would have to be authorized by vote of the Town.
He said, that there may be a Special Town Meeting in the
Fall, but he did not see how it could be in operation for
a least a year. After the trunk line has been constructed,
the laterals will have to be put in.
Mr. Outhet said that there are five or six
cesspools overflowing.
The Chairman asked how many houses would he served -
and Mr. Outhet replied that he thought about thirtyefive.
Mr. DeFoe said that the estimated cost of the project
is $100,000., not including the laterals.
Mr. Burns, who returned to the meeting at the Board's
request, explained that there are about 25,000 feet
involved and the figure his Department had only brought
the sewer up to Bedford Street. This figured at 50.00
a foot.
The Chairman explained that if the group wanted to
expedite this, they should secure the signatures of the
owners of the thirty-five houses, as well as the owners
of the vacant land, and submit a petition requesting the
installation as soon as it can be done.
Mr. DeFoe explained that there are no plans or
specifications prepared.
The Chairman said that the charge is about 02.00 a
running foot, based on a formula. The abutters have
ten years to pay at 4% interest on the outstanding,balance.
The group, with the exception.of,Mr. DeFoe, retired.
Mr. Emond, representing Mr. Innis, met with the
Board and Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, returned to the
meeting. Innis
Mr. DeFoe explained that indications are, in order Property
to lay a drain pipe to connect in Roosevelt Road, there Wilson Rd.
will be three or four feet of cover over the pipe.
He said that as he understood it, Mr. Innis wants
to sell all his lots. The water'will be installed, the
lots sold and houses constructed. The owners then will
not be able to make the -cesspools function properly and
there will be no sewer available. He said that the Town
Counsel had discussed this with Mr. Emond and mentioned
the possibility of an arrangement whereby the lots, which the
Health Sanitarian states_ Cannot be served by cesspools,
would never be built upon.
etc.
74
Boiler
For Cary
Bldg.
would never be built upon.
Mr. Stevens said that he was trying to determine'
whether or not the Town can bind these lots and he has
not satisfied himself as yet that he can draft an
agreement, in the nature that he spoke to Mr. Emond
about, that will be binding.
Mr. Emond said that he would like to use the lots
that do not present any problem.
Mr. DeFoe said that a sewer could not be constructed
without involving a pumping station..
Mr. Stevens said that he would have to give the sub-
ject some additional study. He said that he did not think
Mr. DeFoe wanted to make any definite statement to Mr.
Emond-until he has more.information from him (the Town
Counsel).
Mr. Emond said that if the Board.of Health wouldap-
prove of the corner lot, he would then have a total of
four.
The Chairman suggested that Mr.-Emond proceed with
the installation of the water and -drainage, according to
the Town's specifications, to serve those four lots -if
the Board of Health will approve the one in question.
The Board agreed to the Chairman's suggestion.
The Chairman explained to Mr. Emond that if this
portion is done, it does not In any way commit the Board
insofar as the balance of the lots are concerned. He
suggested that Mr. Emond obtain the approval of the
Board of Health and then have the specifications approved.
by the Suptt. of Public Works, Town Engineer and Town
Counsel.
Messrs. Emond and Stevens retired.
Mr. DeFoe reported on the cost of a new boiler for
the Cary Memorial Building. He presented each member of
the Board with a copy of quotations received from R. D,
Kimball Company and C. H. Cronin, Inc.
The Chairman said that in the short period of time
from now until Town Meeting be did not feel that he•would
know enough about this subject to answer questions which
might be asked. He asked how long it would take to in-
stall the new boiler and Mr. DeFoe said that it would
take at least a month.
The Chairman asked if this were taken.up.at a Town
Meeting in September would it be in operation by November.
Mr. DeFoe said that everything would have to be ready by
the time of the Town Meeting and he doubted if the work
could be completed before it would be time to heat the
buildings.
The Chairman thought it would be better to ask the
Town Meeting to appoint a Committee, under Article 2,
consisting of representatives from the Board of Selectmen
and,the Appropriation Committee and also ask for an appro-
priation of $500 for use by the Committee.
Crl
1
75
Mr..Niokerson said that he could not see why it
would be difficult to present this at the coming meeting.
He said that the Town Meeting members could be told
that the old boiler is cracked and cantt be used and
that the Board has advice of experts that it may go
at any time. He said that he has made his mind up
that it is better to burn oil.
He said.that"he thought the Selectmen could ask
for an appropriation of 618000 or 620,000 to enable
them to put in the most efficient oil furning system
and have. an expert survey and plans made. He said
the Board could explain the reason for requesting a
blanket amount.
Mr. Hoyt said that he thought Mr. Nickerson had -
a sound approach to the matter, but there is a question
in his mind as to whether the Town Meeting will accept
it.
Mr. Nickerson said that even if the Town Meeting
did not accept it,.it could then be prosented again
at the Fall Town Meeting.
The Chairman said .that he did not like to be re-
fused by Town Meeting and Mr. Hoyt said that he doubted
if the Appropriation Committee wouldgo along.
Mr. Gay said that he thought if the Selectmen
wanted the Appropriation Committee on their side, the
suggestion of a Committee consisting of one or two of
their members was a good one.
Mr. Driscoll said that he thought the Board needed
expert advice.
Mr. Nickerson said that if the other four members
of the Board want to wait until September he would not
waste any more time.
The Chairman asked if Mr. DeFoe had any opinion
as to whether it would be more economical to put in an
auxiliary for the Town Office Building and he replied in
the negative.
Mr. DeFoe said that he wanted it recorded that he
is in favor of presenting this to the coming Town Meet-
ing, in the event that the building is not heated in
the fall and no preparation has been made.
Mr. Nickerson said that because of the time element
and the weather he agreed with Mr. DeFoe.
Mr. Gay said that he would not like to have the
Appropriation Committee oppose the Selectmen on this
matter.
Mr. Hoyt also agreed with Mr. DeFoe and said that
he thought the time to do the work was in the summer.
Mr. Nickerson said that the Board might also obtain
a much better bid now. He said that if there is a Town
Meeting in September and the work is completed in Decem-
ber, the Board would be most fortunate.
Mr. DeFoe retired.
The Appropriation Committee met with the Board later
in the evening to discuss this subject.
76
Letter was received from William Curley, 88 -Cliffe
Tax Title Avenue, offering $150 for lots 189-192 inclusive, on
Property Cliffe Avenue.
The Clerk informed the Board that Mr. Potter checked.
this and reported that the lot has a 75 foot frontage, is
solid ledge and a steep hill. He recommended a. price of
$100.
Mr. Hoyt moved that a proposal to sell the lots
be advertised in the Lexington Minute Man and that
further consideration be given the offer at the next
meeting of the Board. Mr. Gay seconded the motion,
and it was so voted.
The Board gave further consideration to Mr.
Thomas Martin's offer of $50 for Lot 20, Block 3,
Rangeway Road.
Tax Title Report was received from Mr. Potter stating that
Property it is unfortunate to assess this lot 174 -feet front-
age inasmuch as it tapers off at one end.. He thought
would be fair to assess it on the basis of 100 feet
frontage, pricing the lot at $200., plus $150 for the
water betterment assessment, making a total of $350.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay
it was voted to advise Mr. Martin that the Board will'
entertain an offer of $350.
Letter was received from Arthur H. and Ethel M.
Cameron, 53 Kendall Road, Lexington, requesting a
Transient Vendor's License to solicit a -house to house canvass
Transient for colored motion pictures of children, adults, homes
Vendor's and gardens.
License The Clerk reported that she checked this with the.
Chief of Police and was informed that the applicant should
register with the Police Department.
Mr. Bay said that he was opposed to door to door
canvassing and it was agreed to invite the Camerons to
meet with the Board and discuss the subject.
The Clerk informed the Board that an ambulance bill,
in the amount of $10.00 had been sent to a Miss Louise
Reed who lives at the Home for the Aged and Mr. Locke
Abatement would like to know if the Board would feel inclined to
Ambulance abate the charge.
Bill Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Gay,
it was voted to abate the ambulance bill in the amount
of $10.00 sent to Miss Reed.
The Chairman read a letter from Shoppers' Haven,
Licenses signed by Edward J. Conley, -.with reference to a Sunday
Sales License.
The Clerk was instructed to send a copy of the
communication to Town Counsel and request that he answer
it.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it
was voted to grant the following licenses:
1
1
Ernest C. Martin 1793 Mass. Ave. Com'Victualler
CounAryside Asso. Lowell Street Sun. Sales
Lexington Theatre 1704 Mass. Ave. Sun. Movies
Application was received from the Lexington
Allied Veterans Council for permission to hold
Memorial Day exercises in Cary Hall on May 30th.
Mr. Gay.moved that the use of the hall be
granted free of charge. Mr. Hoyt seconded the
motion and it was so voted.
Application was received from Miss Helen
Merrill for permission to conduct a dance recital
in Cary Hall on the evening of June 17th.
Mr. Gay moved that the use of the hall be
granted subject to a charge of $35.00. Mr. Driscoll
seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Application was received from Robert L. Burke
requesting permission to conduct a High School Class
Reunion in Cary Hall on the evening of June 24th.
Mr. Nickerson moved that the use"of the hall
be granted subject to a charge of $35. 'Mr. Hoyt
seconded the motion and it was so voted.
The Chairman informed the Board that Mr. Lynch
had submitted his bill in the amount of $2,000 for
his work as legal advisor to the Planning Board in
connection With the proposed amendment of the Zoning
By-laws.
Mr. Nickerson moved that the bill be approved
for payment. Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion and it
was.so voted.
77.
Use of Halls
Bill for
Legal Advice
Approved
Mr. Howard Patterson, Chairman of the Appro-
priation Committee, and Mr. Cleveland met with the
Board, at the Board's request, to discuss the boiler. New Heaterary
The Chairman of the Board of Selectmen explained y
that the Board realizes that if it asks for the money Bldg.
at the June meeting it will not be able to give the answer
to a lot of questions. Be said, however, that the
feeling seems to be that if this is postponed until
September, time is being cut dangerously short. He said
that the alternative suggestion would be to ask for a
nominal sum of money to hire a consultant to meet with
a committee consisting of two members of the Board of
Selectmen and two members of the Appropriation Committee, but there
again some members of the Board felt that it would be cutting it very
close before the cold weather.
Mr. Patterson said that his Committee does not feel
that sufficient study has been given and more study should
78
be made and that it would be well worth the gamble.
The Chairman said that it was agreed that the matter
should be studied. The alternative is to ask for the •
money and tell the Town Meeting members that no study has
been made and that no money will be spent'until a study
has been made.
Mr. Patterson said that he thought it would be math
better to have a committee to study the matter.
Mr. Cleveland said that regardless of when
appropriation is made, in all probability the
buildings will not be heated in time.
The Clerk left the meeting at 10:25 P. M.
er4., S ectmen.
1
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
May 31, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen
was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office
Building on Wednesday evening, May 31, 1950 at
7:00 F. M. The meeting was held on Wednesday in-
asmuch as two members were unable to be present
on Monday. Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay, Nickerson
and Driseoll were present. The Clerk was also
present.
Mr. Harold E. Stevens, Town Counsel, Chairman
Foley and Mr. Person of the Recreation Committee,'
Mr. Garrity, Supt: of Parks and Playgrounds and
Mr. Leonard Currie, architect, met -with the Board
for the opening of bids for the construction of
toilet facilities at the Center Playground. There
were six other persons present.
Bids were
received as follows:
Base Other work
1b,51 8,811
12,210 10,670
9,999.99 8,459.99
10,899.49. 9,359.49
9,980 8;440
9,013 7,473
12,767 11,227
Bagely & Mucci
Thomas Mulcare
Win Cons. Corp.
J. A. Graziano
J. S. Smith Co.
Rich Bros.
D. C. Loveys Co.
Plumb' Alternate
$1,000
1,540
1,540
1;540
1,540 1,207
1,540 1,359
1,540 927
999.99
Mr. Stevens suggested that the architect and
Dr. Foley review the bids.
The group, with the exception of Mr. Stevens,
retired at 7:20 P. M.
Mr. Joseph H. DeFoe, Supt. of Public Works,
met with the Board.
Mr. Stevens referred to.the proposed extension
of a water main in Coolidge Avenue and said that:it
has now been discovered that water is already;in'
Coolidge Avenue except for about 500 feet. It is
in front of land divided into house lots on a re-
corded plan.
Mr. DeFoe presented a sketch of -Coolidge Avenue
from Hancock Street to Adams Street.
Mr. Stevens said that he thought it would be
better to let the street go through with a fifty
foot width and said also that there is no particular
need for installing the water from the present end
to Hancock Street.
Mr. DeFoe said that he felt the main should be
installed all the way, probably laying it in the
sidewalk,
79
Water main
Coolidge
Avenue
80
The Chairman explained that the County Com-
missioners desire to know if the Towf wants them
to take the two strips in question or not. He
asked Mr. DeFoe if it would be agreeable to him not
to take the strips.
Mr. DeFoe replied that he would prefer to know how
the Town Counsel felt about them.
Mr. Stevens said that he thought it would be
better not to take them.
The Chairman, with the approval of the'Board,
instructed Mr. DeFoe to advise the County Commissioners
that the Town is not interested in taking the strips.
Mr. Stevens reported that he thought the
Raimo work would proceed now with reasonable
promptness and that he will have further inform-
ation for the Board next week.
Letter was received from William R. Cook,.
attorney for the Boston Edison Company , with
reference to certain lots taken in fee in connection
Boston with the transmission line. A copy of the commun-
Edison ication had also been sent to Town Counsel.
Mr. Stevens explained that Mr. Cook claims there
are some parcels of tax land that is not valid.
The Boston Edison Co. will pay whatever the unpaid
taxes are for a release from the Town of all right,
title and interest. He asked the Clerk to find
out from the Tax Collector what the unpaid taxes
amount to and to call him. The Selectmen can then
vote to sell the lots and the deeds can be prepared.
Mr. Stevens retired at 7:40 P. M.
Mr. DeFoe presented estimates as follows for
repairing the Barnes property:
Remove piazza $ 495 and garage $264
Paint building 1,000 total $759
Repair roof 695
Complete new roof 1,300
The Chairman informed the Board that he had
discussed this with Mr. Hoyt who is more or less
in favor of following recommendations made by Mr.
Goodell. Mr. Goodell was of the opinion that it
would be better to remove the piazza and put in
regular -size windows, replacing the prewent long
windows.
It was agreed by all members of the Board
that the garage and the porch should be taken
down.
Barnes
Property
1
Messrs. Foley, Garrity, Person and Currie
returned to the meting.
Dr. Foley stated that the low bid for the
construction of the toilet facilities was received
from Rich Brothers - $9013.00, plus $901.30 for
architect's fees, advertising $30 and contingencies
or $55.70, making a total of $10,000 for a painted
concrete blobk building. This cesspool and de-
molition of the present building is included in
this price -as is the lighting.
The Selectmen felt that the amount for con-
tingencies should be increased, making a total
figure of $10,500.
Vr. Foley explained that the Figures for a
brick building are as follows; $10,372, plus
$1,037.20 for architect's fees, advertising $30,
contingencies, $80.71, making a total of $11,520.
The Chairman asked if the Recreation Committee
wanted to take a definite stand and Dr. Foley said
that his Committee simply wanted a building.
Mr. Chairman asked if the Recreation Committee
wanted to take a definite stand and Dr. Foley said
that his Committee simply wanted a building.
Mr. Garrity said that his personal recommendation
would be a brick building, but if it meant that they
would not have a building at all he would go along
with the concrete block.
The Chairman suggested the motion be made for
a concrete block building and then it could be
amended,
Mr. Nickerson said that he was not in favor of
the additional money for a brick building.
Mr. Currie stated that either brick or painted
concrete block would look good and that from the
appearance point of view he did not think it would
really matter once the building is constructed. He
said that the only practical advantage of a brick
building, thinking in long terms, there will not
be the maintenance. However, in a building as
small as this one, it will not be necessary to paint
the blocks more than on‘c in about every five years.
Mr. Gay moved that the motion be put for the
concrete block building and an additional appropria-
tion requested in the amount of $2,000. Mr. Driscoll
seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr.
Bay, it was voted to award the contract to Rich
&vthelf's., the low bidder, subject to the five-day
referendum and an additional appropriation of
sufficient funds; the type of construction to
depend upon the vote of the Town Meeting on June
1st.
81
Toilet
Facilities
82
The Clerk was advised by Mr. Currie, to retain
the checks accompanying the bids of Rich''Brothers
and the James S. Smith Co., but to return the other
checks.
Messrs. Foley, Garrity and Currie retired at
8:15 P. M.
Mr. DeFoe presented each member of the Bo& d
costs for the installation of a boiler in Cary
Boiler for Memorial Building with provisions for burning.oil.
Cary. Bldg.. The Chairman explained that the Appropriation
Committee is not in favor of burning oil and will
ask for indefinite postponement of this article.
A lengthy discussion was hold on the subject
during which the Clerk was not at the meeting.
Mr. Stevens and Mrs. Sexton met with the
Board at 8:40 P. M. Mrs. Sexton requested an
appointment to discuss the Leary property on
Waltham Street, and the following discussion
was held:
Mrs. Sexton: I am here about the Waltham Street
property. Mr. Stevens told me I
was troublesome, but I try not to
be and I don't1 like it a bit. I
don't think this has been handled
very well. You people know the -
situation. You know how we feel.
Chairman As I understand the situation, we
have offered to take the wall down
or leave it.
Mr. Stevens: That is right. It was some time
during the winter that Mr. DeFoe
and I went there and met Miss Leary
and Mrs. Sexton. We agreed that the
steps needed to be fixed and explained
that in the winter cement could not be
poured and that if an easement could
be obtained to maintain the wall, the
Town would put in wooden steps and then put
in cement steps when warm weather came.
Mrs. Sexton was -disturbed over the
necessity of a wall and felt it would
cause water to back into the cellar. We
told her to have someone look at it.
I had a M.D.C. man look at it and he
saw no solution but the wall and no dan °
of water backing up into the cellar.
We told her the instrument giving an
easement would state that any time they
PIZ
1
Chairman:
Mr. DeFoe:
Chairman:
Mrs. Sextons
Chairman:
Mrs. Sexton:
wanted to build out to the sidewalk,
the -wall would'be removed. She then said
that it was difficult to get into the
driveway. At that time Mrs. Sexton felt
that the wall was not necessary. The
last time we talked, she said her under-
standing was that they would, go right
in and put in wooden steps. We did not
however, make any such arrangement. She
thought the wall was not necessary and
felt the thing to do was for the Town
to pay damagesin the amount of $3,000.
I told.her that was beyond all out of question
and we did not seem to be getting very
far. She said that she did not want to
cause any trouble and I felt that she
was being troublesome, that is where the
word troublesome came in. However,
since then another builder has looked
at the place and he thinks the wall
should be there.
There were other walls put in on other
properties on Waltham Street. No one
else has raised any objection to the
walls. Some people claimed damages
for the amount of taking, but one of
those has signed the instrument for
the wall. This is the only piece of
property where any objection is being
made to the wall.
Before you came, we took
the wall at the Catholic
the entire length of the
we took down part of it.
down part of
Club. It went
property and
The wall there was not strictly necessary.
What do you want us to dote
I would like to know if it is customary
to put up a wall without the consent of
the owner and then ask them for an^ease-
ment for the construction and maintenance
after it is already up there.
I think it is not customary.
I am not going.to dispute some of the
things we said. You told me I was being
troublesome and I resent it very much.
83
84
You gentlemen know from the beginning
that this thing has been bungled.
There was not going to be any work
done on the right-hand side.
Mr. Stevens:I apologize.
"hairman: Nolandtakings.
Mrs. Sexton:I understood that the land taking was
to be made on the other side of the
street. I understand that there was
a deal with the Spencers. The story
goes that the Town made a deal with -
Spencers and in that way they signed.
They agreed to allow the wall to re-
main there, for afttneral business.
Chairman: They said they would be very. glad to
give the Town a slope easement if
they got a license for a funeral home.
That had nothing to do with the Board
of Selectmen.
Mrs. Sexton.I think the Town trespassed up there.
You can have all the experts you want
here. If an -expert -did the _job', he
did -a very poor job. The wall is
cracked, what does that mean? In order
to put up a wall so that we would have
no more trouble with it, just how far
should you go down?
Mr. DeFoe: Walls like that usually go down about
two feet.
Mrs. Sexton:Have they gone down two feet on that wall?
Mr. Woe: I don't know.
Mrs. Sexton:I understand it is not down two feet.
It may be down eighteen inches. We have
been told that the wall is inferior.
Suppose it falls on the sidewalk and
someone gets hurt, wouldn't -we be re€
sponsible?
Mr. Stevens:No. The easement that was requested
was to give the Town the right to have
the wall there. •
1
Don't you think it would have been wise
to have the easement before the wall
was put up?
Chairman: Definitely.
Mrs. Sexton: My sister is sick over this. We pay
a lot of taxes in this Town and we
have lived here a long time. I think
we have rights here.
Chairman: We don't claim that the job was done
with -a great deal of skill in some
ways, particularly about not getting
an easement. We should have an easement
first. I admitted that publicly on
Town Meeting floor. The wall is in
there and what do you want us to do?
Mrs. Sexton: Mr. Stevens said that we agreed. You
can't deny but that the last thing we
said was that there would be temporary
wooden steps put up there.
Mr. DeFoe: I said I would have Mr. Custance come
up the following week and put up tme-
porary steps there.
Mrs. Sexton; You mentioned two granite slabs there.
Mr. DeFoe: You did say that when the work was done
you wanted to have them put in the back.
Mr. Stevens: There were to be temporary wooden steps
put up.. We did have stormy weather. I
did say that we could not do work at that
time of the year anyway. I said we would
leave the steps there until Spring. I
never heard any more.
The. steps are very dangerous. There is
bound to be an accident there. I think
that we should make up our minds to do
something` one way or another.
Chairman: Do you want the wall taken out?
Mrs. Sexton; Yes, I think it should be taken out.
There will be a circular drive there some
day.
Mrs. Sexton:
85
86
Chairman:
Mrs. Sexton:
Chairman:
Mrs. Sexton:
Chairman:
Mrs. Sexton:
Chairman:
Mrs. Sexton:
Chairman:
Mrs. Sexton:
Chairman:
Mrs. Sexton:
Chairman;
If we take out the wall and put in
steps would that be all right?
No. I think some grading should be
done and some adjustment made. A
lot of the soil taken out to make the
wall was pushed back on the property.
If we took the wall out, sodded the
bank and put in new steps would that
satisfy you; having in mind we admitted
the easement should have been taken
first. Everyone makes mistakes.
I feel that if the sod was put in and
the job done so bad in the beginning,
I hava not confidence enough t� say
now that it would be done well. I
would have to know first before I
could agree to that.
Have to know what?
We might have to pull the piazza down.
Would you have confidence in Jack Garrity.
I don't know. his work. He would be on
your side and not on mine.
Don't you think if we told him to sod it
the best he knows how it would give you
a job that you would be satisfied with?
I don't know what he would run into. I •
have an idea they would have to go back under
the piazza. Suppose they get under the piazza
and then we might find that the piazza would
have to be removed. Why should we go to
that expense?
I can't see that the repairs to the piazza
would be on us. We don't think we have
undermined the piazza.
If you start grading now, you don't know
what we will run into. Thatis something
we will have to look .'ahead to see.
I don't know how the other members of the
Board feel. I was just trying to find out
on what basis we could satisfy you. If we
1
1
Mrs. Sexton:
Chairman:
Mra. Sexton:
Chairman:
Mrs. Sexton:
Chairman:
Mrs. Sexton:
Chairman:
Mr. DeFoe:
Chairman:
Mr. DeFoe:
Mrs. Sexton:
Mr. DeFoe:
Suppose we find that there is a weakness
there and the piazza has to be taken
away. What are we going.do? We will
have to build anew piazza which was not
necessary if the thing was left alone.
If what I tentatively suggest does not
satisfy you, what do you want?
I want the wall
the Town, grade
for trespassing
damages that we
What damages do
down, the steps fixed by
it and suitable damages
that would cover any
might have.
you call suitable?
I mentioned $3,000. I would not be
surprised if we would have to go into
the cellar even*
If the posts have been undermined, that
is one thing. I they have deteriorated
by age, that is something else.
If you start grading, you must realize that
you have to run into something.
I can't see that there would be any
trouble if it were sodded.
Supposing we do not change the grade appreciably
and move the wall off your property, put the wall
on the sidewalk and out the.side*alk back a foot.
It•will still be seven feet wide. We won't
change the fill and put in whatever grade you say.
You mean put it back the way it was before?
That is right.
That is a`new...angle I had not thought about.
What kind of a wall would be there.
One high enough so that the fill will not go
out onto the street. We will build the wall high
enough to take the natural slope of your land prior
to our interfering with it at all. Then the wall
would not be on your property and the slope would
be substantially as it is now; only the wall would
be out on Town property.
-Mrs. Sexton: I don't know if that will make sense or not.
87
88
Chairman:
Chairman:
Mr. Stevens:
Mrs.
The wall would be off your land and the
slope would be restored to what if was
before.
If the wall stays there and we seed the
bank, I know the Town Counsel would insist
that you give us an easement.
There would have to be a grant.
Sexton: The wall would not have been there if you
had come and consulted us. We don't want
the wall there.
Chairman:
Mrs. Sexton:
Mr. Stevens:
Mrs. Sexton:
Mr. Stevens:
Mrs. Sexton:
Mr. Stevens:
Mrs. Sexton:
Mr. Stevens:
There is a to
Mrs. Sexton:
Mr. Driscoll:
Mrs. Sexton:
I think the Board will take the wall out
or leave it there and fix the steps and
sod it. If on top of that you want $3,000,
that is something which we will have to
discuss further.
Do you want me to get.a lawyer and let
the Court decide?
I think that is the only way it will be
brought to a head.
You don't think we are entitled to damages.
I don't know anyone else who has asked for
damages and instruments have been obtained.
MacKay got damages.
That was for the land taking.
There was 78 sq. ft. taken on our side.
The land was not taken. The wall was put in.
chnical difference. It is not the same
thing. The land was not taken.
I still think we are entitled 'to damages. Why
doesn't someone else have something to say.
What about you Mr. Driscoll.
Our Chairman spoke on Town Hall floor about it
as he explained. Mr. Stevens was not Town
Counsel at the time the work was done on Waltham
Street.
Do you think we are entitled to any damages.
I think we should look out for our own rights.
I feel we are entitled to some adjustment. If
I am wrong that is another thing.
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1
1
89
Chairman: This Board is trying to reach an agreement.
Any suggestions made have been with the idea
that we are honestly trying to reach a
settlement. If we think that one or more
persona is asking, as a final settlement,
more than we feel we are warranted in pay-
ing, we feel we can ask the Court to settle
it.
Mr. Gay: If we put the wall were Mr. DeFoe suggested,
are you asking $3,000 for the land taiing?
Mrs. Sexton: Let us say trespassing.
Mr. Gay: If we put the wall where Mr. DeFoe suggests
and give you back the land in its original
condition, how would you feel? Would you
feel that you should be receiving 0,000
damages for trespassing?
Mrs. Sexton: I am figuring on what results there would
be after the thing is done. I have been
told it can be sodded by the Town, but we
will probably have some trouble with the
piazza.
Mr. Gay: If we put it back in the original condition,
the piazza will be in the original condition.
Your land will be just as it was previously
and the wall will be on Town property.
Mrs. Sexton: We don't want the high wall there. Would the
sodding take care of it without the wall.
Mr. DeFoe: The sodding would take it down to the street.
Gradually it would become washed out. .You
would have to take care of it otherwise the
• mud would be coming down onto the sidewalk.
Mrs. Sexton: You don't know what you are going to get into.
If you put up a wall we still want space so
that if we have a circular driveway we will
not have a wall in the way. Furthermore, the
wall depreciates the value of the property.
Mr. Emery; You will have to have the wall or have it sodded.
They could have put the wall on Town property
and you could not have stopped that. You would
not have had any control over that at all. The
suggestion Mr. DeFoe makes would be as it would
have been done if you stopped us in the beginning
or if it were put originally in the proper taking.
There would have been a wall there anyway on account
• of the slope.
90
Mrs. Sexton:
Mr. ?DeFoe:
Mrs. Sexton:
Mr. DeFoe:
Mrs. Sexton:
Mr. Gay:
Mrs. Sexton:
Mr. Gay:
Mr. DeFoe
Mr. Gay:
Mrs. Sexton:
Mr. Gay:
Mrs. Sexton:
Chairman:
Mrs.
If the soil had been taken away it would
not have required as high a wall.
I believe it was taken away and not pushed
back.
We always had
there is none
be?
High enough to
all. It might
existing.
a green lawn out there and
now. How high would the wall
hold your land back, that, is
be slightly lower than the,
I want to do the right thing.
Might I suggest that Mr. DeFoe go up and give
Mrs. Sexton a description of what can be done.
We can then take a look at it and see if we
can+t come to some satisfactory arrangement.
•
I have a good idea now. lam willing to go
along with that suggestion, but I am still
wondering if there will be a high wall there.
Let Mr. DeFoe show you how high the wall will be.
We can go out with a rule and show how high
the wall will be.
Would you feel better if he did that?
I will do that, I will do anyt%ing to be
reasonable. Do you feel we are not entitled
to any damages if the wall is removed?
I think we should discuss that as a Board.
I still think an adjustment should be made..
I think we have been put to a considerable
amount of discomfort. It is not a matter of
dollars and cents, but a matter of right and
wrong. I would like to get this thing straightened
out.
We would like to get it straightened out.
Will you report to us or do you want, Mr. DeFoe
to report to us on the geographical and physical
things you want changed. Then if you want to
discuss damages further, we frankly feel that
we would rather have it go to Court.
Sexton; I would be tempted to let it go to Court. If
I had to go to the expense personally, I would
1
1
1
be inclined to go to Court just to see if I am
right or wrong.
Mrs. Sexton retired at 9:30 P. M.
Mr. A. B. West met with the Board relative to
the Oak Street Sewer. He said that the Board is
familiar with the agreement which was transferred'
tohim when he purchased the Nichols. property. He
said that he assumed the responsibility when Howard
Nichols transferred it and he took his word and also
had some lawyers look over the agreement. The passed
on it and he accepted it. He said that he considered
it his responsibility and not Mr. Nichols'. He
stated that his only reason for meeting with the Board
this evening was to ask the Board to leave Mr. Nichols
out of it.
The Chairman explained the reason that Mr. Stevens
had contacted Mr. Nichols was because of the fact that
Mr. Nichols was the one who signed the original agree-
ment with the Town.
Mr. Stevens explained that the Town has no con-
tact with Mr. West, but that the contract is with Mr.
Nichols.
Mr. West asked what he could do to assume the
responsibility.
Mr. Stevens asked him if he were willing to pay
the betterment assessment on Larsen's land and Mr.
West replied that he did not say that. He said
that he was asking as• a personal favor that the
Board leave Mr. Nichols out of this. He said that
he took over the contract with the property.
Mr. Stevens said that the agreement states that
Mr. Nichols would pay the Town so much per square
foot when he sold any part of the land. When he
sold the land to Mr. West he became obligated to
pay the Town and the money has been due since that
date.
Mr. Weat said that was not Mr. Nichols'
understanding nor the understanding of the Board
at -that time.
Mr. Stevens explained that is what the agree-
ment says.
Mr. Westtstated that no one is trying to get
out of paying the Town the money. He said that the
Town would receive the money, but the question is
how it is going to be paid.
' The Chairman said that the Town's contract was
with Mr. Nichols; naturally when the Board did not
know his agreement with Mr. West, Mr. Stevens was
told to go to Mr. Nichols to collect.
Mr. Stevens said that the money was due,
according to the contract, at the time 'the land was
sold.
91
West,
Oak Street
92
Mr. West said that the contract reads that it
is a covenant to go with the -property and he under—
stood that it would g� along. He said that he
assumed the responsibility of paying the interest at
1%. He is willing to pay that and has paid it when
he received the bill.
Mr. Stevens explained that the contract applied
to the entire tract and when Mr. Nichols sold the
property to Mr. West, he sold the whole parcel. Mr.
Stevens impression is that the money became due when
the land was sold. However, Mr. West then sold part
of it. The amount for the part sold became due at
once as it had not been due before. Mr. Larsen
divided the land into house lots. He has built and
sold house and lots. Still no one has paid the Town
any part of the principal, and Mr. Larsen says he,
will not pay. It has gone on along the whole process
and still the Town has not been paid.
Mr. West said that he feels responsible insofar
as Mr. Nichols is responsible, and that if the Board
feels Mr. Nichols is responsible for all of it, he
would like to have him left out. He said that he
made the same kind of an agreement when he sold the.
land to Mr. Larsen.
Mr. Stevens explained that on the date of the
sale to Mr. West, Mr. Nichols became indebted to
the Town.
Mr. West said that he does not interpret the
contract the way Mr. Stevens does.
Mr. Stevens said that he thought Mr. West would
agree that someone owes the money to the Town now
and asked if Mr. West had any suggestion as to how
the Town might receive the money. He aaid that Mr.
Larsen will not pay and the Town has no contract
with Mr. West.
Mr. Stevens said that he would be glad to sit
down with Mr. Larsen and Mr. West to discuss this
subject.
Mr. Stevens and Mr. West retired at 9:45 P. M.
to discuss this subject with Mr. Larsen and his attorney,
Mr. McCormack who were in the Selectmen's Office.
Mr. Stevens reported on this later in the evening,
Mr. Edward J. Conley,. of Shoppers Haven, met
with the Board. He said that the passageway between
his store at 316 Marrett Road has been blocked bez
Shoppers' tween the two stores.
Haven The Chairman asked him if he would follow the
law as outlined in the letter written to him by
Town Counsel.
Mr. Conley replied in the affirmative and said
that he had called Mr. Stevens and thought that
rather than write to the Board he preferred to meet
with them.
1
The Chairman asked if Mr. Conley agreed with what
Mr. Stevens said and he replied in the affirmative.
The Chairman said -that he thought the Board would
act on his applications this evening.
Mr. Conley retired at 10;00 P. M.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr.
Gay, it was voted to grant Edward J. Conley, d.b.a.
Shoppers' Haven, a Sunday Sales License at 316 -
Marrett Road for a term expiring April 30, 1951.
It was further voted to grant a Common Victuallers
license, expiring December 31, 1950.
Further consideration was given to Mr. William
Curley's offer of $150 for lots 189-192 inclusive on
Cliffe Avenue. The offer was advertised in the May
25th issue of the Lexington Minute -Man but no further
offers were received as result of the advertisement.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson,
it was voted to accept the offer and to sell and .
convey lots 189-192 Cliffe Avenue to Mr. Curley; it
to be definitely understood by Mr. Curley that
there is no Town water main which would serve any of
these lots, that the Town has no present intention
of installing a water main and that if and when water
is installed, these lots will be subject to a better-
ment assessment.
93
Tax Title
Mr. DeFoe.informed the Board that he had receive
a verbal request for permission to move a house from
Lexington Street, Burlington to Lowell Street, Lexington.
He has had Mr. Garrity check the proposed route and
he felt that the building can be transported without
any appreciable damage being done to the trees.
The Chairman instructed Mr. DeFoe to contact the
Chief of Police before the house is moved on the
highway.
Mr. DeFoe brought up for consideration the pos-
sibility of installing a sewer main in a section of Liberty Ave,
Liberty Avenue and Hamilton Road. He said he merely Hamilton Rd.
wanted to call the Board's attention to the fact sewer
that there is no sewer in these two sections and to
get the members reaction as to having it installed
before the streets are constructed.
The Chairman suggested that Mr. DeFoe write to
all the abutters and inquire as to how they feel about
the sewer being installed before the street is com-
pleted.
Letter was received from W. S. Couette, on behalf
of Mr. Henning Swenson, requesting the extension of a
water main down Allen Street, a distance of approximately
400 feet.
94
Mr. DeFoe was requested to find out if Mr. Swenson
and Mr. Slocum own all the land involved and if so,
whether or not they would be willing to sign for the water.
Petition was received from residents on Waltham
Street and Concord Avenue requestipg a hearing re-
lative to surface drainage.and mosquitoes at the
Drainage property near and at the intersection of Concord
Avenue and Waltham Street.
Mr. DeFoe was requested to have a report on the
drainage prepared by the Town Engineer and it was
agreed to invite the petitioners to meet with the
Board on Monday evening, June 19th.
Mr. DeFoe retired at 10:30 P. M.
Mr. Stevens returned to the meeting and reported
that Mr. Larsen will give the Town the five feet
Oak Street necessary on Oak Street, will pay the water betterment.
on all his land on Oak Street, will give -the town a
forty foot street, running beck from Oak Street to
Town land, but does not want to pay anything for the
construction of the forty foot street, and wants it
understood that there will be no betterments assessed
to him on the new forty foot strip.
Mr. Stevens suggested that the Board advise him
that this will be discussed by the Selectmen with
the Planning Board.
Letter was received from Capt. Cushman, 140 Grant
Street, expressing appreciation to officials and
employees of the Town.
Mr. Driscoll moved that the communication be
printed in the Lexington Minute -Man. Mr. Gay seconded
the motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. Stevens retired at 11:25 P. M.
Letter was received.from Mrs. Ruth A. Sullivan, on
behalf of the Community Nursery Sbhool, Inc. requesting
Permit permission to have a parade on Friday afternoon, June
2nd, which would include a loudspeaker, to advertise
the Children's Fair to be held on June 3rd.
The Chairman agreed to cheek with the Chief of
Police on this.
Special
Police
Deed
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it wgs voted to re -appoint David Govan, 32 Woodland Road,
as a Special Police officer in the Town of Lexington for
a term expiring March 31, 1951.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll; seconded by Mr. Nick-
erson, it was voted to sign deed, prepared by Town
Counsel, conveying lots 24, 25 and 26, Block 73, Valley
Road, Lexington to William H. McCullough and Blanche R.
McCullough, 73 Valley Road, Lexington.
1
• Applicationwasreceived from Earl B. Sukeforth,
Acting Principal, requesting the use of Cary Hall on
June 15 for a rehearsal and on,June 16 for Junior
High School Graduation.
Mr. Nickerson moved that the use:of the hall be
granted free of charge. Mr. Driscoll seconded the
motion, and it was so voted.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to grant the following licenses:
Countryside Associates Lowell Street Sunday Golf
Lexington Theatre, Inc. Mass. Avenue Sunday Movies
Ralph J. White 56 Woburn St. Junk
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Driscoll, it was voted to sign an order for the
installation of a water main in Robbins Road from
Locust Avenue northeasterly, and distant approximately
220 feet. (Copy of Order in Selectmen's files
under Water Orders, 1950).
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Driscoll, it was voted to continue the policy of
operating the Town Offices with skeleton crews on
Saturday mornings during the months of June, July
and August.
Letter was received from the Planning Board
with reference to inspections required by the new
Subdivision Rules and Regulations. The Selectmen
were .asked to request the Public Works Department
to provide such personnel as is necessary.
The Chairman agreed to advise Mr. DeFoe,
Superintendent of Public Works, of this communication.
The meeting .adjourned at 11=30 P. M.
95
Use of Hall
Licenses
Robbins Rd.
Water Order
96'
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
JTJNE 5, 1980
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmen's Office on Monday evening,
June 5, 1950 at 7:00 P. M. Chairman.Emery, Messrs.
Gay, Nickerson and Hoyt were•present. The Clerk -
was also present. Mr. Driscoll arrived at 7:30 P. M.
Mr. Joseph H. DeFoe, Supt. of Public Works,
and Mr. William Burns, Town Engineer, met with the
Board.
Mr.'DeFoe presented a sketch of the veterans lots
on Hill and Cedar Street. He explained that his
Drainage Department has not had time to make a detailed study,
for Vet- but indications are that it will be necessary to have
erans lot -a drain installed and he recommended laying it on the
line of a proposed lot in the rear of #`12. He explained
that this project will cost between $300 and $400.
Following some discussion, Mr. Nickerson moved
that the Superintendent of Public .Works be authorized
to proceed as outlined by him to ease the drainage
problem on veterans lots 11, 12 and 13 on Cedar Street.
Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Mr. Stevens arrived at the meeting at 7:15 P. M.
Mr. DeFoe reported further on the drainage pro-
blem'in the vicinity of Mr. Kingsley's house on Franklin
Road._ He presented a sketch of the area and explained
that upon. inspection of the line going through Mr.
Baskin's property and coming out to the culvert, it
was found that a discrepancy of about one foot existed.
Mr. Baskin has consented to re-lay approximately 140
feet of pipe on his property, at no cost to the Town,
which leaves about 150 feet to be re-layed by the Town.
Mr. DeFoe explained three possible ways to -solve
the drainage problem and upon motion of Mr. Gay,
seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it was voted to approve proposal
#2. This includes a pain of catch basins in front of Mr.
Kingsley's house with the drain extended to the corner
of Franklin and Somerset Road, and extended from a man-
hole at this location to take two catch basins a short
distance up Somerset Road toward Meriam Street, and
also extended along Somerset Road toward Hancock Avenue
to connect with the existing drain. This project is
to be placed on the waiting list and undertaken when
the Department of Public Works has the time.
Authorization was also given Mr. DeFoe to re-lay
the pipe, approximately 150 feet in length, and at the
same time it is understood that Mr. Baskin will re-lay
approximately 140 feet of pipe in his property, starting
at Somerset Road, at no cost to the Town.
Franklin Rd.
Drainage
1
1
The latter project, to be done at this time, is
to correct the drain that was installed at an im-
proper grade.
Mr. DeFoe.inquired as to what account inspection
of Board of Survey .developments is to be charged.
He explained that the inspectors will watch the
construction of the road, installation of drains and
water mains.
Mr. Burns explained that work on developments
will be intermittent, but -the man hired will have
to be kept on full time and there is enough work in
the Department to keep him busy.
The Chairman asked how inspections have been
handled before and Mr. Burns replied that he has been
doing the inspection himself but he cannot continue
because he has too much to do. Furthermore, the re-
quirements of the new Board of Survey rules and re-
gulations are comparable, to the Town's street speci-
fictions. He explained on Town street constuction
he has required full inspections and he thought the
Board of Survey would require the same on development
streets. He said that he would not be responsible
for such streets on the same bases as he has in the
past. He said that the new streets will be bituminous
eonoretiewith a surface that will be on for ten or twelve
years before anything will be done and he does not want
to be responsible for spot checking because when the
streets are completed they can be accepted by the Town.
He said that the inspector's time and the water mains
could be charged against the Water Construction Account
and when the inspector is not working, on water construction
he can use him in other work. He further stated that
he, thought the drainage inspection could be charged to
the Drainage Acoount.
The Chairman mentioned charging the time to Highway
Maintenance and asked if an inspector would be hired
before next week.
Mr. Burns said that an inspector would have to
be hired whenever the developers bond is straightened
out.
It was agreed to charge the inspector's time on
water and drainage to the Water Construction and Drainage
Accounts and of consider further next week the matter •
of street construction inspection.
Mr. DeFoe asked if he could purchase the gates,
hydrants, etc. as soon as the agreement is signed and
the Board was in agreement.
The Chairman instructed Mr. Burns to advise the
Planning Board that Mr. Larsen has offered to give the
Town the extra footage on Oak Street, pay for the water,
dedicate the out through, but will not pay any better-
ments on the streets. He said that before the Board
advises Mr. Larsen what it thinks, the Selectmenwould
like to know how the Planning Board feels.
Mr. Burns retired at 7:45 P. M..
97
Inspection
Board of
Survey de-
velopments
98
Larsen
Oak Street
Zoar
Avenue
Bus Stop
Transite
pipe
He returned later in the evening and reported -that
the Planning Board is still of the opinion that Mr. -
Larsenwould have to pay betterments on the.proposed
street, if, as and when it' is constructed.
The Chairman said that it was not presumed that
the Tom will take the initiative to construct the
street, and Mr. Stevens said that the water is supposed
to go in the street, but no time was set for.con-
structing the street.
Letter was received from Mrs. Przyjemski stating
that the Selectmen had informed der that the stA'Pcture
on Zoar Avenue was to be torn down by the first of June,
but there is no evidence of it being removed and there
is sonstant.repairing being done.
No action was taken.
Mr. Gay said that the residents in the Pleasant
Street area had petitionedethe D. P. U. for a bus stop
and the matter had been referred' back to the Selectmen.
The correspondence which he had was given to the Town.
Counsel.
Mr. Stevens retired at 8115 P.'M.
Mr. William Brenchick, 46 Lincoln Street met with
the Board, at his own request, to discuss transite
pipe.
He gave each member of the Board a'history of
Transite Asbestos -Cement Pipe, manufactured by Johns -
Manville Corporation and explained that the product
has been used throughout the world for about forty years
and in the United States for about twenty years. He
also said that the pipe carries the Underwriterst approval,
and every length of pope is tested at four times its
rated working pressure. The installation cost is low,
cost of the pipe is low, delivery stays high and keeps
the pumping costs. down. He also explained that there
would not be any loss of water because of leaky joints,
and that the cost ofinstallationis 10% lower than
that of cast iron pipe.
Mr. Brenchick said that sewer pipe was put on the
market at the same time but the sales efforts have
been on water pipe. He explained that the installation
coat is leas due to the.f act that the pipe is in thirteen
foot lengths against two foot lengths of tile and•it
goes toghether very rapidly. He said that there is no
joining compound to buy because that is included with
the cost of the material. Due to the strength of the
pipe, in many cases oradling is eliminated.
Mr. DeFoe asked if there were any disadvantages
at all compared with cast iron pipe and Mr. Brenchick
said that it does not have the strength of cast iron pipe,
1
but it does have enough strength to take care of
anyting that will be demanded of a water line. In
this pipe there is•nothing to corrode, therefore
the strength is not required. He also said that
the pipe cannot be thawed out. with electricity.
Steam or hot water must be used.
Mr. DeFoe asked how long the rubber gaskets would
last and Mr. Brenchiek replied indefinitely.
Mr. Hoyt asked what would be involved in making
the changeover and if there would be any effect on the
pipe that is in the ground at the present time.
Mr. Brenchiek replied that there would be no
e 'f ect Whatsoever.
He explained that at the present time deliveries
are not good as they are back to October.
He retired at 8;40 P. M.
Mr. John Baskin met with the Board and requested
that the sewer.be brought along Somerset Road from Hayes
Avenue to Lot 5, a distance of about 300 feet.
The Chairman asked him if he would sign up for one
side and he replied in the affirmative.
The Chairman explained that the Board would have
to review the situation and see how much is ahead of it.
Mr. Baskin explained that a house will be constructed
here, to be completed in November, and he would like; to
have the sewer extended to serve it.
The Chairman said that the Board would request Mr.
DeFoe to submit a report on this subject for next Monday's
meeting.
Mr. Baskin retired at 8:05 P. M.
Mr. Leonard Jellis, Jr. met with the Board, at his
own request, relative to the drainage problem on Lot 12,
Cedar Street.
The Chairman explained that the Board had already
voted to authorize the Supt. of Public -Works to proceed
to ease the drainage problem on lots 11, 12 and 13.
Mr. DeFoe informed Mr. Jellis that he did not
intend to slope all the land, but would put in a drain
at the most advantageous spot, and that no grading would
be done.
Mr. Jellis retired at 9:00 P. M.
Letter was received from Mr. Leonard Jellis, Sr.
requesting the extension of a water main to service 0115
Reed Street.
Mr. DeFoe reported that he has already asked Mr.
Burns to have a sketch made and will report further next
week,
99
Sewer,
Somerset
Road
Water Reed
Street
Letter was received from Leland McConchie requesting
an extension of the water main to service a house at 152 Adams
100
Water Street. The Clerk was instructed to give a copy of the
Adams St. letter to the,Sup't. of Public Works and request a
report. for the next meeting of the Board.
Mr. DeFoe presented the'Lmembers of the Board with
estimates, received from Custance and Phalen on pro-
posed repairs to the Barnes property.
Mr. Nickerson suggested that he contact Mr. Cus->
Barnes tance and ask him if he would accept the job at a price
Property not to exceed the figure he has gU.oted and if he would
be willing to write a.letter to that effect.
Mr. DeFoe agreed and it was decided to obtain
specifications and then decide whether or not the
bidding is to be open of closed.
Liberty- Mr. DeFoe presented a sketch of the proposed
Ledgelawn sewer in Liberty and Ledgelawn Avenues and explained
sewer that the only individual interested in signing for
the sewer is Mr. Mc0onchie, owner of lot 126: He
said that Mr..Grandail and his son do net want the
sewer, but will go along if they are the only ones not
in favor.
No action was taken on the matter.
Mr. DeFoe retired at 9:35 P. M.
Lighting
Minute Man
Statue
Tax Title
property
Use of
Hall
Letter was received from Carl G. Vienot recommending
that the spot light be turned on again on the Minute Man-
Statue.
Mr. Nickerson said that if it were a matter of $50
of 4075 he thought it would be money well spent.
The Chairman was authorized to make whatevern ,
arrangements are necessary and charge the cost to the
Park Department,
Letter was received from Elbert Fisher, 197 Woburn
Street, Lexington, offering *100 per lot for lots 35
and 36, Hillcrest Street, Park Heights.
The Clerk reported that Mr. Potter recommends a
price of $200 per lot inasmuch as the street is finished
and has water.
The members of the Board agreed to look at the
lots and hold any decision over until the next meeting
of the Board.
Application was received from Miss Helen Merrill
requesting permission to conduct a dance recital rehearsal in
Cary Hall on the afternoons of June 12th and 13th from 1:00
until 5:00.
The Clerk was instructed to find out whether or
not Miss Merrill was reimbursed for her services in con-
nection with the 19th of April celebration and if not,
both uses were to be granted free of charge. If, how-
ever, she was paid for her services, a charge of $35 is
to be made for one rehearsal, the other use being granted
free of charge.
1
1
Application was received from Richard F. Jackson,
on behalf of the 4-H Club, for permission to conduct
a meeting in a conference room on Tuesday, June 13th.
Mr. Gay moved that the use of the room be granted
free of charge. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and
it was so voted.
The Chairman read a letter from Mrs. Doris G. Works,
on behalf of the Pre -School P.T.A., with reference to
the charge made for the use of Estabrook Hall on June
3rd and 10th. Mrs. Works stated in her letter that the
money received from the movies to be conducted on these
two dates is to be used for the Dental Fund for all
Lexington children of pre-school age, and asked if the
uses could be granted free of charge.
The Chairman suggested, and the Board agreed,
that Mrs. Works be:.advised that it has become an established
practice to charge a fee when admission to activities
.nthe Cary Building is charged. However, the Board
would be willing to grant both uses for $10 instead
of $10 for each use.
The Cleft informed the Boaed that the Chief of
Police had received a request from M.I.T. for the
appointment of nine Special Police Officers who will
be working as guards at the Institute's Lexington Special
Field Station. All the individuals recommended Police
by M.I.T. were approved by the Chief.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Gay,
it was voted -to appoint the following persons as Special
Police Officers -in the Town of Lexington for terms ex-
piring March 31, 1951.
101
Use of
hall
Use of hall
Ivers J. Rutherford
William S. Thompson
John G. Bohn
Warren Wilder
George
Donald Tucker
Lancelot B. Cooper
Earl A. Turner
Malcolm Stevens
1E. Richardson
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to grant the following licenses:
Countryside Associates Lowell Street
Lexington Theatre Mass. Avenue
Francis D. Flanage, Jr. 4 Aerial Street
Sunday Golf
Movies
Peddler
Dr. Foley, Chairman of the Recreation Committee, met
With the Board and reported that his Committee had received
a request from Mr. Thwyng on Marrett Road, to have the Town
mow the field adjacent to his house so that the -children
in the neighborhood could use it as a ballfields Be said
that he had discussed this with Mr. Garrity and was told
102
that the Selectmen would have to determine whether or not
Town .equipment could be used for this purpose.
The Chairman agreed to discuss the request with
Mr. Garrity.
The meeting adjourned at 10:00 P. M.
A true record, Attest:
1
1
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
June 12, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen
was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Build-
ing on Monday evening, Jude 12, 1950, at 7:00 P. M.
Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay, Nickerson and Hoyt were
present. The Clerk was also present.
Mr. DeFoe, Supt. of Public Works, met with the
Board, and reported on the petition, dated April 29th,
requesting the Town to have the property adjoining the
old reservoir on Marrett Road, known as Lot #4, made
into a playground for softball. He stated that the
estimated cost will be $3,000 including a fence which he
thinks should be erected for the protection of the child-
ren. He also informed the Board that to put the area
in condition would necessitate removing trees, bulldozing
the material and saving the top soil.
The Chairman was authorized to advise the petitioner
that there are no funds available to do the project cor-
rectly at this time and if it is not properly done, there
may be .a question of liability on the part of the Town if
anyone should get hurt. It was also suggested that the
petitioner be advised to contact the Recreation Committee
with the idea of having this listed for possible future
development.
The Chairman read a letter from Lancelot Cooper,
15 Hilltop Avenue, with ref e'ence to the condition of the
streets in the Farmcrest area following the installation of
a sewer main.
Mr. DeFoe said that the streets could be patched, but
he does not recommend it. Another solution would be to
put on calcium chloride or oil to lay the dust and he
thought the oil would be best.
It was agreed that Mr. DeFoe would not do any patch-
ing, but he would treat the streets as soon as possible to
reduce the dust nuisance.
Mr. DeFoe again requested permission to renew insur-
ance policies expiring July 1, 1950, and explained that he
has only one letter on file from a prospective new broker
and that is Mr. Donald Fifield.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it
was voted to place the insurance formerly held by George
Gosbee, now deceased, with Donald M. -Fif field;.all other
policies expiring July of this year to be renewed with
the agents now holding them.
103
Softball
Play Area
Streets
in Farm -
crest Area
Insurance
104
Ryder
Damages -
Sewer
Raimo
Extension
Mr. DeFoe read a letter which he received from
Converse Hill with reference to insurance coverage
on the East Lexington Fire Station' end was instructed
by the Board to handle this the same as the Fiske
School insurance was handled.
Mr. Harold E. Stevens, Town Counsel, arrived at
the meeting at 7:20 P. M.
Mr. DeFoe referred to Mr. Ryder's request -for
damages due to sewer construction. He explained that
leaks in the sewer line on the right hand side of
Waltham Street, caused water to go, onto Ryder's land
on the left hand side about one-half way down-Walthars
Street and the Vine Brook. The -town plugged the man-
hole cover and put a rock on•it, but someone rolled
the rock off. The first 200 feet is now dried out and
from there on Mr. DeFoe plans to correct the condition,
but Mr. Ryder wants the Town to remove the muck for a
depth of six inches all the way from Waltham Street
out to the South Branch of Vine Brook, a distance of
about 500 feet and replace it with gravel. Mr. DeFoe
said that as soon as the leak is corrected he cannot
see what damage it will cause.
The Chairman asked if the work Mr. Ryder has re-
quested would be done on the Town easement and Mr.
DeFoe replied in the affirmative.
Mr. Stevens asked if Mr. Ryder used the easement
and Mr. DeFoe replied in the negative.
Mr. Stevens asked if Mr. Ryder has been using the
land and Mr. DeFoe replied in the negative. He said
that it is waste land and in a very short time the con-
dition will be corrected.
Mr. Stevens suggested that this subject be
discussed with Mr. Ryder when he meets with the Board
later in the evening.
Letter was received from the Raimo Contracting Co.
requesting an extension of completion time on the Sewer
Project, Contract B job. •
Mr. Stevens said that if an extension is granted,
the Board would have to so vote.
At the Chairman's request Mr. Stevens dictated
the following vote,. passed by the Board: That the time
for completion of the sewer job under contract to Raimo
Contracting Co., designated as Contract B North Branch
Vine Brook, be extended until September 5, 1950, as re-
quested by Raimo Contracting Co., and assented to by the
Continental Casualty Co. as surety; but without in any-
way relieving the Continental Casualty Co. from their
obligations under the bond covering the contract with
A. D. Daddario.
1
1
1
Letter was received from the Arlington Board of
Selectmen with reference to Bill No. 1366, filed with
the Legislature which calls for land located in Cambridge
adjacent to -the Concord Turnpike, and under the jurisdiction
of the M. D. C. to be transferred to the M. T. A. in anti-
cipation of the extension of rapid transit from Harvard
Square to Arlington.
Mr. Stevens recommended that the Board acknowledge
receipt of the letter and state that the Board will look
into the matter.
Mr. DeFoe said that he would like more information
relative to the installation of a water main in Woburn
Street from Lowell Street to the Woburn line requested by
Mr. Ryder. If this line is to take 100 or more houses he
thought it should be a 12" main and would cost approx-
imately $20,000.
Mr. Stevens said that he does not like the proposition
and does not think it practical.
Mr. Stevens informed the Board that he has three copies
of the contract for the construction of the toilet facilities
at the Center Playground.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay, it
was voted to sign the contract between the Town of
Lexington and Rich Brothers Construction Co., Inc., for
the construction of toilet facilities at the Center
Playground.
All three copies of the contract and threesets of
plans were taken by Mr. Stevens.
Mr. Stevens left the meeting at 8:20 P. M.
Mr. Edward L. Crown and Mr. Wilson met with the
Board at Mr. Crown's request, relative to the group of
men who congregate and park cars at Curve Street and
Independenct Avenue. ori`
Both individuals complained about the noise and
parking of cars.
Mr. Crown agreed to obtain the registration
numbers and forward them to Mr. Gay at which time further
consideration will be given the matter by the Board.
Messrs. Crown and Wilson retired at 8:35 P. M.
Mr. DeFoe asked to what budget item the inspection
of construction of roads in developments is to be charged.
He said that he does not know of any budget to charge
his item unless it is absorbed by the drainage and water
budgets. He further stated that he thought this was an
unforeeen expense and would warrant a transfer from the
Reserve Fund.
The Chairman asked if a new account would be established
and Mr. DeFoe replied in the affirmative.
105
Bill
Ryder
Request
for Water
on Lowell
Street
Toilet
Facilities
Contract
Complaint
Inspection
of roads
construc-
tion
106
Barnes
Property
Ryder rd
request for
water on
Lowell St.
The Chairman inquired as to the amount of money
involved and Mr. DeFoe said that he and Mr. Burns thought
it would be in the vicinity of $1,000 but it is dif-
ficult
if-
ficult to make an estimate as there is no way of know-
ing how many developments will be involved.
Mr. Hoyt suggested that this might be considered
as an engineering item but the Chairman felt that it
was not wholley engineering and involves water and
drainage inspection. He suggested that Mr. DeFoe
confer with the Town Accountant and Mr. DeFoe agreed.
Mr. DeFoe reported further on the contemplated
repairs to the Barnes property.
The Chairman said that he thought the Board should
inspect the property with Mr. Custance and requested Mr.
DeFoe to arrange a meeting for that purpose.
Mr. Robert L. Ryder met with the Board at 8:45
P. M.
He said that he would like to refer to his request
for the Town to supply water in connection with the de-
velopment of his property in the area of the Woburn -
Lexington line.
The Chairman stated that the Selectmen have been
discussing this subject and are not, in general, in
favor of the precedent. He said that he did not know
where the money would come from and if the installation
is made, no doubt pressure would come from people using
the water to have the rates reduced.
Mr. Ryder explained that the Town would be
dealing with the City of Woburn 'and not individual
property owners.
Mr. Stevens explained that if the Town sells water
to Woburn at the same price charged Lexington people,
the city of Woburn would undoubtedly charge a higher
rate and as a result the consumers would be paying more
for water than other individuals. He further explained
that if Lexington charges any less, there will be trouble
with the Veterans' Hospital.
Mr. Ryder said that this installation would be,
saving the City of Woburn a considerable sum and the
City might be willing to sell the water at a cost.
Mr. Stevens said that Lexington would have to run
a main to the Woburn line and put a meter on there.
The water would have to be sold to Woburn at the regular
price Or .reduce the price charged to the Veteran
Hospital and he does not think that Woburn would consent to
selling the water without making money on it. He further
explained that permission would have to be obtained from
the M. D. C.
The Chairman said that the Board has numerous requests
for water that can't betaken care of and it does not seem
to him that there would'be any justification to proceed
with this project.
1
The Chairman asked if Woburn joined Mr. Ryder in
his request and he replied that this is one of three
propositions discussed. He said that there would be about
300 houses involved.
Mr. DeFoe said that he very definitely felt that
an 8" main would be too small and recommended a 12".
Mr. Stevens said that he thought the City of Woburn
would expect Lexington to do the construction up to the
boundary and suggested that Mr. Ryder tell Woburn that
Lexington could only sell the water at retail.
The Chairman explained that the annual budgets
had been figured in January or February and if $18,000
or $20,000 is used for this unforseen item the entire
program would be disrupted.
Mr. Stevens said that the Selectmen should not
entertain any such project until some expression is
received from the City of Woburn.
Mx'. Ryder said that if the proposition is not
possible, that is all he wantsto know.
The Chairman said that he could not see any way.•:
out of. it at the moment.
Mr. Ryder asked if it was the Board's intention
to keep the dump on Lincoln Street burning all the
time and Mr. DeFoe replied that only when it is neces-
sary.
The method of operation of the dump was discussed
at length aid Mr, Hyder said that burning at the. dump
was a nuisance and asked if the Town has the right to
maintain a nuisance.
.Mr. Stevens said that whether it is a legal
nuisance is another matter;. a.id Mr. Ryder said that•
he would withdraw his question, but he does not thinly
the Town has. He said that if it is continued there
will be trouble which he doesn't want if he can help
it.
Mr. Stevens said that other towns have the same
problem and the pending report to the Legislature is
the only permanent answer.
The Chairman asked if Mr. Ryder had any suggestions
as to how the dump can be maintained better and he re-
plied that he does not think it is necessary to burn;
that creates a nuisance and he does not think the Town
has any legal right to do it.
:Mr. Ryder asked what the answer is to the over-
flowing manhole in the North Branch trunk line sewer.
Mr. DeFoe explained the situation to him and he
agreed to go over the area and inspect it again. He
said that the last time he looked at it, conditions Were
bad but he has not been there for two or three weeks.
Mr. Ryder stated that he is not ready to discuss
the damage to trees on his property on Lincoln Street
which he claims was caused by fire in the dump.
Mr. Stevens explained that the only information
he has is'that the fire did not start at the dump.
Dump
107
108
Mr. Ryder said that he had the admission of the
man running the dump that it did start from the dump,
blew across the street and started up the hill.
Mr. Ryder retired at 9:40 P. M.
Mr. Stevens read a letter received from Mrs. Sexton
a copy of which was given to the Board relative to 45
Legal Waltham Street.
Issue the Chairman suggested, and the Board agreed, that
this subject be handled by Mr. Stevens as was previously
decided.
Mr. Stevens retired at 9:55 P. M.
At the Chairman's request, Mr. Gay conducted the
meeting for the remainder of the evening.
Mr. DeFoe reported further on the proposed sewer
for Somerset Road and explained that the cost will be
Somerset approximately *1,p6O of which the Town may collect in
Road betterment assessments $1,090.
Sewer Mr. Emery asked Mr. DeFoe to discuss this with.Mr.
Coleman, an abutter, and report again next week, and
also to bring in a list on.sewers.
,Application was received from the Arlington Gas •
Light Company for permission to locate a gas main in
Gas Harding Road to service a new house at #65. Mr. DeFoe
Main and Mr. Burns both approved the proposed location.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Nickerson,
it was voted to grant the request.
Mr. DeFoe retired at 10:25 P. M.
Letter was received from Mr. Carroll, together with
copy of letter from Mr. Grindle, advising that it will
be necessary to remove the Precinct One voting material •
stored at the Adams School inasmuch as the space is needed
for a classroom.
The Clerk was instructed to request Mr. DeFoe to
have the material removed from the Adams School and
stored in Cary Memorial Building.
Report was received from Mr. Garrity relative to Mr.
Play area Thyng's property at 676 Marrett Roads The Recreation
Marrett Rd. Committee had, at a previous meeting, informed the Board
that Mr. Thyng would like to have the Town mow the grass
so that the land could he used as a play area for children.
No action was taken.
Voting
Material
Prec. 1
Elementary
School
Sites Com.
Letter was received from the Town Clerk advising the'
Board that Mrs. Ruth Morey and Mr. Myron Fisher will repre-
sent the School Committee on the Elementary School Sites
Committee.
Mr, Emery designated Mr. William H. Driscoll and Mr.
Lewis L. Hoytto serve on this committee as representatives
of the Board of Selectmen.
1
109
A lengthy letter was received from Mr. Worthen
with further reference to the question of a new Office
Building. Town Office
Mr. Nickerson suggested that Mr. Emery advise Mr. Building
Worthen that approximately $2,000 will be expended on
the property with the idea that in ten years it may
be necessary to put an addition on the Town Office
Building.
Letter was received from Susan Gillingham, 14
Oakland Street, offering $100 each for lots 30 and 31 Rill- Tax Title
crest Street. Property
The Committee on Tax Title Property recommended
$200 for er oh lot, and the Clerk informed the Board
that there is a water betterment assessment of $225 on Lot
50 and $75 on lot 31.
The Selectmen agreed to entertain an offer of -
$200 for each lot and inform Ms. Gillingham of the
assessments. It was also agreed to advise her that
if the two lots are combined, the present Board would be
inclined to abate the betterment 6r $75 on lot 31.
Letter was received from Elbert Fisher, 197
Woburn Street, offering $100 each for lots 55 and
36 Hillcrest Street.
The Committee on Tax Title Property recommended Tax Title
$200 for each lot, and the Clerk informed the Board Property
that there is a'water betterment assessment of $75 on
lot 35 and $103.65 on lot 36.
The Selectmen agreed to entertain an offer of
$200 for each lot and inform Mr. Fisher of the assessments.
The Board gave further consideration to William
Curley's offer for lots 189 through 192 inclusive on
Cliffe Avenue. A proposal to sell these lots was adver- Tax Title
tised in the May 25th issue of the Lexington Minute Man. Property
No persons contacted the Selectmen's Office as a result
of the advertisement.
Mr. Hoyt moved that the offer be accepted and that
Lots 189 through 192 inclusive, on Cliffe Avenue, be sold
and conveyed to William Curley. Mr. Nickerson seconded
the motion and it was so voted.
Letter was received from the Town Clerk with a list
of unlicensed dogs in the Town as of June first.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Hoyt,
it was voted to sign the Warrant for the Dog Officer.
Application was received from Robert N. Cann for
permission to conduct a meeting in Estabrook Hall on the
evening of June 20th, for the purpose of deciding the
future of the Old Belfry Club.
Mr. Nickerson moved that the use of the hall be
granted free of charge. Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion
and it was so voted.
Dog Warrant
Signed
Use of Hall
110
Use of
Hall
Application was received from Helen H. Hager re-
questing the use of Estabrook Hall on Thursday, June
15th for a meeting of Community Concerts.
Mr. Emery moved that the use of the hall be granted
free of charge. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion, and
it was so voted.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Nickerson,
it was voted to grant the following licenses:
Licensee Lexington Theatre, Inc. Sunday Movies
Countryside Associates Sunday Golf
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Nickerson,
it was voted to sign the following sewer orders:
BowAStreet from existing manhole northeasterly and
distant approximately 380 feet.
Cliffe Avenue southerly and distant approximately
Sign 100 feet.
Sewer Cummings Avenue from Bow Street northwesterly and
Orders distant approximately 340 feet.
Fern Street -from Pleasant Street southwesterly and
distant approximately 1,070;f eet.
Pleasant Street from Mass. Avenue southwesterly to
Fern Street.
(Copy of all above orders under Sewer Orders, Select-
men's Files, 1950.)
App't. The appointment of the Fire Engineers was held over.
The meeting adjourned at 10:55 P. M.
1
A
SELECTMEN ' S MEETING
June 19, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen
was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Build-
ing, on Monday evening, June 19, 1950, at 7:00 P. M.
Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay, Nickerson, Driscoll and
Hoyt were present. The Clerk was also present.
Mr. DeFoe, Suplt. of Public Works met with the
Board. He reported that, as directed by the Board,
he had conferred with Mr. Walker, Town Accountant,
relative to inspection charges for developments. Mr.
Walker believes that a transfer should be made from the
Reserve Fund for engineering, not only for road con-
struction inspection, but also the water and drainage.
He suggested that Mr. DeFoe meet with the Appropriation
Committee this evening which he agreed to do.
Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that Mr. Howard Custance
advised him that he does not want any of the material
from the proposed alterations at the Barnes property.
(Further -consideration was given to this subject later
in the evening.Q
Mr. DeFoe again submitted a sketch of Reed Street,
showing a triangular piece of land, in the middle of
the street, with relation to Mr. Jellie' request of
June 2nd for the extension of water to service a house
which he intends to erect on Lots 5, 6 and 7, Block 91,
Reed Street.
He explained that insofar as he has been able to
determine no one owns this parcel of land. The Assessors
have no record of ownership on their books and the
registered plan does not show any owner.
The Chairman stated that before the Town makes
entry for a water main, the legal background of the
triangle should be cleared. He explained the situation to
the Town Counsel when he arrive at the meeting and Mr.
Stevens agreed to look into the matter.
Mr. DeFoe reported further on Mr. McConchie's request
to take an extension from the water pipe now installed on
the sidewalk line of the Selfridge property to service a
house which he intends to build on land at 152 Adams Street.
Mr. McConchie wants pefmission to have a meter installed
for a single family house, installation to be at his ex-
pense and under the supervision of the Town.
Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that Mr. McConchie will
obtain an easement from Mr. Selfridge and he is also will-
ing to pay a fifty foot frontage water assessment for the
water main in Adams Street.
/1/
Inspection
Charges
Barnes
Property
Jellie
request
for water
//d
Brush at
Reservoir
Drainage
Waltham
Street
Palladino
The Board agreed to grant the request subject to
the details being worked out by Town Counsel.
Mr. DeFoe reported that he had conferred with Mr.
Garrity, Supt. of Parks, relative to the possibility
of cleaning the brush between. the Reservoir and Marrett
Road.
Mr. Garrity advised him that, due to the volume of.
work on hand, he will not be able to do anything in this
area until some time in October. He felt that he could
clean the undergrowth at a cost of approximately 40250.
Mr. Burns arrived at the meeting at 7:30 P. M.
Mr. DeFoe presented a plan showing the existing
drainage on Waltham Street. He explained that the
drainage necessary to take care of the complaint, dated
April 17th, and submitted by residents in the Concord
Avenue --Waltham Street area, will involve an expenditure
of about $8,500 for drainage only and has nothing to do
with mosquito control.
Messrs. DeFoe and Burns retired at 7:35 P. M. to
meet with the Appropriation Committee to discuss funds
for engineering supervision on new developments.
Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, met with the Board.
Instrument was received, signed by Alexander
Palladino and Mary Palladino, with quitclaim covenant-
ing a certain parcel of land shown as lot 3B on a
plan entitled "Plan showing Subdivision of Lots 1,
2, 3 and 7 Massachusetts Avenue, Terrace Development
and Proposed Drain Easement, Lexington, Mass., Scale
1 in. = 40 ft. Oct. 4, 1949, William M. Burns, Town
Engineer". The granted premises are conveyed subject
to and with the benefit of restrictions of record
so far as now in force and applicable and subject
to an easement ten feet in width extending across the
same as shown on said plan.
W. Stevens took the original document and left
,a copy for the Selectmen's files.
He also presented for the Board's signatures a
deed conveying Lots 1A, 2A and 7A shown on a plan
entitled "Plan Showing Subdivision of Lots 1, 2, 3
and 7 Massachusetts Avenue Terrace Development and Proposed
Drain Easement Lexington, Mass. Scale 1 in. = 40 ft. Oct. 4,
x.949, William M. Burns, Town Engineer".
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to sign the deed conveying the above
lots to Mary Palladino.
Mr. Stevens submitted a deed, prepared by him, con-
veying lots 189 through 198, inclusive, Cliffe Avenue, to
William and Elizabeth T. Curley, 68 Cliffe Avenue.
113
Upon motion of M. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, Tax
it was voted to sign the deed conveying lots 189i�198 Title
inclusive, Cliffe Avenue to William and Elizabeth T. Property
Curled.
- The Chairman reported that Mrs. Rose Scurto and
her husband had conferred with him relative to the Court
decision ordering the removal of their building on Zoar Scurto
Avenue by June lst. Case
He explained that the Scurtos would like more time
and he was under the impression that they are trying to
de: what is right. It was agreed that the Town Counsel
should confer with the Clerk of the Court on this case.
Mr. Stevens reported that Lots 17 and 19, Valley
Road, which are on the Town records in the name of
Joseph Massucco, have been taken by the Commonwealth
in connection with the relocation of Route 128. The
Attorney General's office regard M. Massuceo's title Legal Issue
defective because of an apparent tax title to these lots re tax title
in the Town. lots
The lots were apparently taken for nonpayment of
taxes, but were sold by the Town; Lot 17 being sold in
1922 and Lot 19 in 1998. The Assessors report them to
have -been assessed to Massucco and his prodecessors in
title for these many years and recommend that the title
be clarified by a release by:thet,:Town of any interest it
might have to these lots.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson,
it was voted to authorize the Town Counsel to prepare
whatever instruments are necessary to clarify the title
of the two lots.
The Chairman mentioned Mr. Iovino's request for a
water extension to enable him to water his garden located
on Winter Street, and said that he would discuss this
further. with Mr. DeFoe.
At 8:00 P. M. hearing was declared open upon the
application of Peter Salvucci for permission to stare
2,000# of dynamite on Route 128, near Robinson Road,
on State property.
Mr. Salvucci, Mr. Shea, Chief Engineer Cook and
sevetn other persons were present:.
Notice of the hearing was read by the Chairman:and
the application approved by Chief Engineer Cook.
Mr. A. W. (CIl:evelend;, Robinson Road, said that he would like
to know how the dynamite is stored.
Mr. Shea ih$ormed the group that he is in businessfbr
himself but was present this evening to help Mr. Salvucci.
He explained that the explosives would be used in the con-
struction of Route 128 and they have had difficulty in
transporting the material through the Town three or four
times a day.
114
Salvucci
Hearing on
Storage of
Dynamite
He explained that he has discussed this with the State'
Fire Marshall and also Chief Engineer Cook. Both agree
that it. would be safer to store the material on State
property. He explained that the magazine is approved
by the State and the State Legislature has published - laws
on this particular material. He stated that the magazine
is locked and under guard. It is not, however, guarded
twenty-four hours a day and the State does not require it.
They do require that it be guarded during working hours
and it be properly marked. He also explained that they
only want the permit temporarily for conveience while
doing the job, and there is no desire to maintain the
magazine for any definite period of time. He stated
that the magazine will be in the bank on three sides
and there will be only one open side; it can't catch
on fire and is amply protected.
Mr. Gay inquired as to how close, -.the nearest house
is located and Mr. Shea replied that the nearest house
is 2,000 feet away and that it is not occupied.
Mr. Gay inquired as to the extent of damage that
might be caused to this house if the magazine exploded.
Mr. Shea said that he doubted if it would cause any
damage and explained that the amount stored is governed
by the Rules and Regulation of the Department of Public
Safety. One can only store what the State's table of
distance applies to. If the magazine has an embankment
the distance can be cut down.
Mr. Hoyt asked how long it would be necessary to
store the dynamite and Mr. Salvucci replied that at the
most it would be for a period of two months.
Mr. Stevens asked if the State Inspector said how
much dynamite could be -stored and Mr. Shea replied that
it is determined by the Staters table of distance. He
said that he could square it off the plans and it is an
engineering plan.
Mr. Stevens asked what the minimum for storage would
be and Mr. Shea replied that he thought about 3000#. He
asked Chief Engineer Cook for his comments.
Chief Cook said that everything has been done accord-
ing to State laws and that the State Fire Marshall came
out, inspected and approved the magazine. He stated that.
according to the location of the magazine Mr. Salvucci is,
entitled to store 3,000# and hepersonally believes that
the magazine is located in the proper place for all con-
cerned.
Mr. Shea explained that they take all possible pre-
cautions in looking it up and Mr. Salvucci stated that
the Police patrol the area at his request.
The Chairman asked if anyone present wished to.be
recorded in.oppositiLn and no one made any reply.
The hearing was declared closed at 8:25 P. M. and
the group retired.
San
41
1
115
Mr. Nickerson said that, in the absence of opposition,
he could see no reason for not granting the permit.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it
was voted -to grant the application of Peter Salvucci for
permission to store 2,000# of dynamite on Route 128, near
Robinson Road, on State property.
Bearing was declared open upon the application
of Robert E. and Ann P. Field, d. b. a. Pine Hill Gasoline
Turkey Farm for permission to store 300 gallons of Hearing
gasoline in an underground tank at 2938 Massachusetts
Avenue.
The application was approved by Chief Engineer Cook
and notice of the hearing read by the Chairman. The
petitioners were the only persons present at the
hearing.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerse n,
it was voted to grant the application.
Mr. {I.nd Mrs. Field retired at 8:20 P. M.
Mr. and. Mrs-. Newell Dearborn, 945 Waltham Street,
Mr. George Forten, 382 Concord Avenue, Mr. Herbert
Abbott, 922 Waltham Street, Mr. Carlton Bennett,
Treasurer of the Abbott Spray and Farm Equipment Com-
pany, and one other individual met with the Board relative to
petition submitted by them and others, requesting relief
from surface drainage and mosquitoes.
Mr. Forten said that the problem seems to be
the fact that the front of Mr.. Abbottts building
at 922 Waltham Street is being flooded by surface Drainage
water which comes from the hill at the rear of his Waltham
building and down Concord Avenue. He explained that Street
there is no way for this water to drain off the street
except onto his property which`is on the west side
of •Waltham Street; the property behind the corner.
He explained that there is a culvert under Waltham
Street, but as hear as he is able to figure it out,
it does not seem to be low enough to take the water
from Mr. Abbott's side of the street to his side. He said
that it does ouase a mosquito problem which, however, has
not been too bad this year because of the spraying.
The Chairman explained that the. Selectmen have• had
the Supt. of Public Works and the Town Engineer look
into this and the drainage alone will cost approximately
$8,500. He said that this petition is the first the
Board has heard about the conditions and accordingly
it is not one of the projects in the long list of pro
jeate Whichwere figured for the annual budgets. He
said that he did not know where the money would come
from. He explained. that it has not yet been determined
whether or not there is a drain which can be fixed tem-
porarily, but insofar as any large project is concerned,
there are just no funds available.
116
Mr. .Carlton ..Bennett said that part of the problem
is water_in the street which collects from three to six
inches deep. Mr. DeFBe arrived at the meeting at 8:35
P. M.
Mr. Abbott said that the water comes down Concord
Avenue and flows into the corner towards Waltham Street.
His property is in a hollow and the water has no place
to go and as a result it drains off onto his property.
What can go through the culvert goes, through, but what
can't go through stays in the street. He said that he
thought some relief could be effected if the depression
in the street were corrected.
The Chairman asked the group to give the Board
another week to investigate the subject and agreed to
advise them of any decision which may be made..
The group agreed and Mr. Porten told the Board that
he would have no objection to an open ditch on his land.
The group retired at 8;45 P. M.
Mr. Emond, representative for Mr. Innis, met with
the Board relative to the lots on Ellison Road.
Mr. DeFoe reviewed the situation and presented a
sketch of the lots in question and explained that Mr.
Emond now wants permission to build on Lot 30 at the
corner of Leroy Road and Ellison Road.
Emond re: Mr. Stevens said that he could not see why Mr. Emond
'water instal- could not proceed to extend the water to service the lots
lation upon which he is going to build.
Mr. Emond left the meeting at the Board's request.
Mr. Stevens said that Mr. Emond should install the
drain as Mr. DeFoe recommends and he should also be told
that the Town Counsel will prepare an agreement.
Mr, Emond returned to themeeting and the Chairman
told him that the Board is disposed, as a general policy,
to try and work out something that will be satisfactory.
He suggested that Mr. Emond make an appointment with Mr.
DeFoe, arrive at some understading and then the Town
Counsel will prepare whatever agreement may be deemed
necessary. He explained that the Board is desirous of
working out something that will be practical from the
Town's pointof view and also legally correct.
Mr. Emond agreed and retired with Mr. DeFoe.
The following members of the Recreation Committee
met with the Board: Chairman Foley, Messrs. Person and
Potter. Mr. Garrity was also present.
Doctor Foley said that they have had trouble with
the toilet facilities on the Center Playground and that
there are three possible solutions to put in a solid foundation
with no chance of the building settling.
One solution would be, after taking borings, to sink
wooden pi],es to a depth of about 20 feet under the foundation
and then a poured concrete foundation reinforced on top of
that. Rich Bros. estimate the cost of this to be $4,192.
1
1
1
1
117
Another method would be a concrete wall construction.
This consists of added concrete footings and reinforced
concrete wall in lieu of the original plans. Two
feet of gravel will also be put beneath the slab.
This method will cost an additional $2,380.
The third solution is to move the building about
forty feet in towards the tennis courts. This would
be a new locationand for the entire building, in-
cluding backfilling, of the original location, excavating
the new location, adding sewer pipe and about forty feet of
trenching the extra cost would be about $1,075. Doctor
Foley explained that this is based on what the soil
analysis expert recommended and the borings that have
been taken. He said that in the forty foot change, Toilet
there is an almost complete change of soil strata. Bldg.
The Chairman asked if the borings were completed Center
and Doctor Foley said that three had been taken and Play -
he did not know if there would be more. ground
The Chairman asked if the architects were satis-
fied with the new location and Doctor Foley read a
letter received from them. He said that he has not
received g final report from the soil analysist but
he would judge that they are satisfied that the new
location is much firmer soil.
Mr. Person explained that $150 has been spent
for borings and approximately x$30 for soil analysis.
The Chairman asked if the amount needed would
be $1,500 and Doctor Foley agreed.
The Chairman explained that the Recreation Com-
mittee would have to request the Appropriation Com-
mittee to make a transfer from the Reserve Fund. .
Mr. Stevens advised the Recreation Committee
to request the transfer on the assumption that it
can be done.
The group, with the exception of Mr. Garrity,
retired at 9:30 P. M.
Mr. Garrity suggested that some agreement be made
with Mr. May of the Lexington Nurseries whereby Mr. iday
could use the parcel of land in front of the MLmroe Land at
Station for plants, without advertising. Munroe
The Chairman asked if this would be in lieu of Station
the Park Department maintaining the area and Mr.
Garrity replied in the affirmative.
The Chairman agreed to obtain a copy of the
vote whereby the Town acquired this land and to re-
quest the Town Counsel for an opinion. He further
agreed to contact the donors.
Mr. Garrity retired at 9:35 P. M.
118
Mr. W. S. Couette met with the Board, and explained
Rezoning that his purpose in being present this evening is in
Russell connection with the matter of rezoning the Russell House
Property property. He .said that by putting this property in
Special a Zone 1 it would accommodate the proper development
Town Meet- of Garden Apartments and a twenty room hotel with
ing restaurant with provision for parking. -
He explained that time is important, The
Planning Board had hoped to be able to complete
the Zoning By-laws by this time and could they have
been completed this matter would have followed along
in its course. He said that the Town Counsel has
advised the Planning Board that it would be im-
possible to act on the Zoning By-law in its entirety -
until Fall.
Mr. Couette said that Warren Russell, whose
property has been in one ownership for a considerable
number of years is forced to do something about
the property. years,
has been operating under permission
of the Board of Appeals. In order for proper capital
to become interested in the property they would
hesitate t� be subject to' ideas of some future Board
of Appeals. He said that, furthermore, he has made
studies with very good operators to exhaust every
possibility of the use of the present building for
hotel and restaurant purposes and in every case was
given the advice that it is not practical.
He said that 75% of the inquiries received came
from people who were interested in maintaining a
convalescent home and that he, personally, does not
think this would be the proper development of the
property.
Mr.-Couette said that there has been, for a •
long time, a need for a proper hotel in this town
of modern character and also a very definite nsed for
apartments that would not impose too much of a
burden on the Town. Therefore, he has an agreement
to purchase, on which a deposit has been made,
providing a change in zoning is allowed.
The Chairman asked if there was a deadline and
Mr. Couette replied that he had until July 15th. He
explained that it will be impossible for Mr. Russell
to carry through until Fall, and he wanted to point
out to the Board the need for a Speci&1 Town Meeting.
He would like to have the meeting called for some
time in July, after the Planning Board hearing on the
10th. He said that it becomes a question of the
Selectmen to give consideration as to whether they
would call a Town Meeting or whether they would require
the petitioner to circulate a petition and secure
signatures, He said that if the Selectmen think this
is of enough importance to the Town to call a Special
Meeting he would appreciate it. Otherwise, he will have
CD
1
119
to obtain the signatures requesting the meeting.
The Chairman said that, granting this is just
as important as Mr. Couette says, there would be other
people in the future who might have projects that
they considered very important and he questioned
the wisdom of the Selectmen calling the meeting.
He said that he would prefer not to have the Board
start such a thing.
Mr. Couette said that he appreciated the Boards
position and that the signatures could be provided
if the Board so elected.
The Chairman said that the Board would discuss
the subject and give Mr. Couette an answer in a day
or two.
Mr. Couette retired at 10:00 P. M.
The Chairman asked how the Board felt on the
subject.
Mr. Nickerson said that if the Board calls the
meeting it would be quite definite that it is in
favor of the project.
Mr. Hoyt said that this is so important that
he believes the Board should call the meeting, but
by calling the meeting he did not think that the
Board would be endorsing the project.
Mr. Gay said that he would be willing to endorse
it but he questioned whether or not the Board would
be crisicized later on the background of it. He
said that he like it very much.
Mr. Hoyt said that a Board could always be
criticized and he thought this was vitally important
to the Town. He said that this is a situation which he
thought the Board should encourage and promote.
Mr. Gay agreed.
Mr. Driscoll said that there is no question but
that the Town needs this and he would vote for it.
The Chairman asked if Mr. Driscoll, as an
individual, was in favor of the Board calling the
meeting, and Mr. Driscoll replied that as a member
of the Board he would vote for it.
The Chairman asked if he meant he would vote
for it on the Town Hall floor or to call a Town
Meeting. He said that he has thought .the Town
would lose an opportunity if Mr. Russell has to
dispose of the property.
Mr. Gay asked if it would look better to obtain the
signatures and Mr. Hoyt said that he has no objection
to securing the signatures, but he thought the Board
could very safely take the initiative.
It was agreed to advise Mr. Couette to secure
the signatures requesting a Special Town Meeting and
have his attorney proceed with wording the article which,
in the Board's opinion, isnot the duty of the Town
Counsel.
Mr. Stevens retired at 10:25 P. M.
20
Mr. Gay, at the Chairman's request, conducted
the meeting for the remainder of the evening.
Opposition Petition was received, signed by 358 residents
to Liquor of the Waltham Street-Marrett Road area opposing
Store the granting of a liquor license in this location.
The Clerk was instructed to send a copy to the
members of the Board.
Deny O'Connor Letter was received from the Five Forks Associ-
Sunday Sales ation Committee requesting a public hearing before
License a license is issued for the sale of ice cream on
Sundays at the Five Forks.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Driscoll, it was voted to deny Mr. John F. O'Connor's
application for a Sunday Sales License at 271 Lincoln
Street, in view of the traffic hazard and opposition'
of the people living in the vicinity.
Letter was received from Norman J. Beckett,
offering $75 for Lot 2, Block 69 on Va3:ey Road.
Tax Title The Clerk was instructed to advise Mr.
Property Beckett that the Board is not in favor of disposing
of Lot 2 without Lot 1, but prefers to sell the two
lots together, and will, therefore, entertain an
offer of $75 for each lot.
Letter was received from John A. May 77 Valley
Road offering $100 for Lots 31, 32,33 and 34, Block
Tax Title 73, Myrtle Street. As a result of the construction
Property of Route 128, Mr. May will have to move hispresent
home and would like these lots upon which to locate
his house. The Committee on Tax Title Property re-
commends a price of $200.
Mr. Hoyt moved that Mr. May be advised that the
Board will entertain an offer of $200. Mr. Nickerson'
seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Further consideration was given to Mr. Thomas
Tax Title Davidson's offer of $1,200 for a parcel of land on
Property Valley Road, formerly owned by Burr. The Selectmen
had informed a prospective purchaser some time age
that the price for this land was $1,400.
The Committee on Tax Title Property appraised
the property at $1,400 and the. Clerk informed the
Board that the Committee believes it is within the
Board's jurisdiction to sell the land at whatever
price it so desires.
Mr. Emery moved that Mr. Davidson be advised
that the Board will entertain an offer of $1,400.
Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion and it was so voted.
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Petition was received signed by residents in
the vicinity of Taft Avenue requesting that the Bus Route
proposed bus service in that area be modified, and Petition
that an alternate route on Oak Street only be
selected.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr.
Hoyt, it was voted to sign deed, prepared by Town
Counsel, conveying lots 42 and 43 Hillcrest Street
to Wallace N. and Eunice R. Foskett, 98 Orchard Street,
Somerville.
Upon motion of Mr.'Driscoll, seconded by
Mr. Emery,'it was voted to sign deed, prepared
by Town Counsel, conveying veteran lot #12, Cedar
Street, to Leonard Jellis.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr.
Driscoll, it was voted to sign deed, prepared by
Town Counsel, conveying lots 189-198 inclusive,
Cliffe Avenue to William and Elizabeth T. Curley.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr.
Driscoll, it was voted to grant the following
licenses:
Lexington Theatre Sunday Movies
Countryside Associates Sunday Golf
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by
Mr. Hoyt, it was voted to sign the following
Sewer Orders:
Fottler Avenue from Bow Street, northwesterly and
distant approximately 140 feet.
Drew Avenue from Bow Street northwesterly
and distant approximately 260 feet.
(Copy of orders in Selectmen's Files,
Sewer °rders, 1950)
A list of proposed jurors was mailed to the
members of the Board for consideration. Upon
motion of Mr. Nickers)n, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to approve the list of jurors for
1950 as follows: (Quote)
The Board discussed the proposed alterations to
the Barnes property. Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson,
seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it was voted to proceed with
the following work:
Tax Title
Property
Sign Deed
Vet. lot
Sign deed
Licenses
Sewer Orders
Jurors
122
Windows (4) $150 Cover shed roof at rear of bldg.372
Porch 534 Shingle roof 340
Garage 545 New Bulk head 50
Trees 100 Extras for porch 100
Remove oil tank 25 Fill and loam 100
Total $2,016.00
The meeting adjourned at 11:25 P. M.
1
128
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
June 26, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of. Selectmen was
held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on
Monday evening, June 26, 1950, at 7:00 P. M. Chairman
Pinery, Messrs. Nickerson, Driscoll, Gay and Hoyt were
present. The Clerk was also present.
Mr. DeFoe, Supt. of Public Works, Mr. Burns,
Town Engineer, Mr. Peter Salvucci and two representa-
tives of The Dow Company met with the Board for the
opening of bids for the construction of Watson Road
and the trunk sewer - Route 128. Only one bid was
received on each project. Sewer
Mr. Salvucci bid $12,963.00 for the sewer cross- Bid
ing Route 128 at Brook Street and 45,575.15 for
the sewer crossing Route 128 near Grove Street.
A certified check in the amount of $906.80 was
submitted with the bid.
The Dow Company bid $3,639.15 for the construction
of Watson Road and a certified check in the amount
of $181.96 was submitted with the bid.
The bidders retired at 7:09 P. M.
Formal action was taken on the bids after the Clerk
had left the meeting. The Chairman advised that upon
motion duly made and seconded. it was voted to accept the
bid of the Dow Company for the construction of Watson
Road.
Action on the Salvucci bid was held over.
Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, met with the Board at
7:15 P. M.
Mr. DeFoe reported on plan to overcome the drain-
age condition at the corner of Concord Avenue and
Waltham Street, and presented a sketch showing the
culvert in the road which was installed years ago.
He said that fill should be put in to drain the area
completely or the whole area should be piped.
Mr. DeFoe said that water from Waltham Street
runs in from both aides and it appears to him that the
Town has some obligation to remedy the condition.
-Mr. Stevens said that if the town does any work
here, he thought that the Board, by letter, should
disclaim any responsibility.
Watson
Road bid
Drainage
124
Raimo
Bids
Mr. Burns asked on what basis the town could do any
work if responsibility is disclaimed.
Mr. Stevens said that the Town would be doing the
work but not admitting any situation, merely taking
care of a difficulty.
It was agreed that Messrs. Stevens, DeFoe and Burns
would view the area for further study and report on July
10th.
Mr. DeFoe reported on the status of the Raimo con-
tract and informed the Board that the work is going
very slow. He had a orence with Mr. Lundergren
and there is no repair work being done and the backfilling.
is going very slow.
Raimo claims there is not suitable backfill left
where Daddario took out the ledge, and he wants to be
paid for the backfill: Mr. Lundergren estimates.it at about
800 yards. Mr. DeFoe said that he is inclined to agree
with Raimo and he has discussed this with Mr. Shaw who is
going to write a letter on the subject and forward a
copy to Mr. Stevens.
He said that Raimo has not started the repair work
and refuses to pay the men the prevailing wage rates that
are being paid in Boston. He said that the Work will
definitely not be completed by September 5th.
Mr. Stevens said that he should receive a letter
from Mr. DeFoe which he would then forward to the bonding
company.
The Chairman asked if bids could be opened if only
one member of the Board were presetlt and Mr. Stevens replied
in the affirmative. He said that the Board could designate
the time of the opening.
The Chairman asked if it were necessary for the
Clerk to be present to make a record of the opening of
bids and Mr. Stevens replied that offhand he did not
think so. He said that he could not see why they had to
be openedat a regular meeting of the Board.
It was agreed to invite bids for the Bow Street and
Fern Street sewers opened on July 14th at 5:00 P. M.
The Chairman said that it would not be necessary for
anyone other than he, Mr. DeFoe and the Clerk to be pre-
sent.
Bar. DeFoe presented each member of the Board with two
Ellison proposals for the Ellison Road development.
Road The Chairman asked if Mr. DeFoe and Mr. Burns had a
Develop- common mind as to what they thought is practical and what
ment is not.
Mr. DeFoe replied that he does not think Mr. Ellis
should build on the lots where cess)Roofs will.not function
properly, but he did not think the 1.own could prevent it.
He said that his definite opinion is that houses can never be
built on Lots 22-29 and be properly serviced by cesspool or
septic tanks.
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1
Mr. Burns said that the lots are legally recorded
and he did not see how the Town could prevent
building houses on them.
Mr. Stevens said that if an agreement were
made whereby these lots would not be built upon
there might be some question about whether or
not it would be legally Valid. He said that
he did not think any conveyancer would pass
title to the property with much an agreement.
Mr: Stevens said that he had tried, without
success,:to contact Mr. Emond, who represents
Mr.Ellis, and thought that nothing further could
be done this evening.
Mr. Burns reported that his men went down to
Zoar Avenue today and were ordered off by Mr.
Pryzejemaki who said that they were trespassing
on private property. He explained that under
the special Drainage Act for Lexington the Town
has the right to enter any property to conduct
surveys but it would not apply to this -situation.
Mr.'Stevens suggested that Mr. Pryzejemaki
be advised that the purpose of the survey is to
determine the exact location of the street so
that the Town will know what is going to be
done on the entire situation.
Mr. Stevens said that he thought the Board
should take the view that an Order has been issued
by the Court and it is up to the Selectmen'to see
that it is enforced and up to Scurtos to abide
by it.
Mr. Stevens reported on the status of the
triangular strip of land in Reed Street with
relation to Mr. Je11isT request for the exten-
sion of a water main to. service Lots 5, 6 and
7, Block 91, and numbered 115 Reed Street. He
suggested that the owner of the property have
the title cleared.
According to information obtained by Mr.
Burns it may be necessary for a portion of Reed
Street to be accepted by Town Meeting and he
agreed to endeavor to locate further information.
Mr. Stevens recommended that no installation
be made until the status of the property in
question was definitely decided.
Mr. Stevens referred to the Chairmants inquiry;;
relative to the Lexington Nurseries developing the
plot of land in front of the Munroe Station. He
explained that the vote of the Town accepting the
parcel of land accepted it for Park,purposes and,
in his opinion, it could not be utilized as suggested
by Mr. Garrity.
Messrs. Stevens and Burns retired at 8a0 P. M.
125
Zoar
Avenue
Jellis
Request for
Water on
Reed Street
Land.in
front of
Munroe
Station
126
Boiler
for Cary
Memorial
Building
Mr. DeFoe and Mr. Kimball of the R. D. Kimball
Company, met with the Board to discuss the proposed
new boiler for Cary Memorial Building.
The Chairman explained that the Board had been
asked several questions relative to the proposed boiler
and one was whether any thought had been given to the
practicability or desirability of replacing , at this
time, both boilers withone very large boiler.
Mr. Kimball said that he would rather see two
boilers, either one of them large enough to take on
as is the usual practice, 3/4 of the load. In this
way there is always one for an emergency to fall back
on in case one of the boilers fail. He explained that
with a boiler large enough to take 3/4 of the load,
rooms that are not needed can be shut off. He stated
that eventually the Town .may have an auto atic fuel
boiler and, with only one boiler, if anyt'g goes wrong
the buildings would be entirely cold, and this is not
good practice.
The Chairman asked if there would be any saving
to the Town other than from the protection angle.
Mr. Kimball replied that in the overall picture
it would be more costly because the large boiler would
have to fire for the most severe conditions of the
winter and explained that there would still have to
be a big fire. The first costs would be less because
there would be only on.e'boiler. For a period of 20 to 30
years the Town would be paying more money for the one
large boiler, and with two boilers, the secondcould
always be used. He said that he was hoping, but he
could not guarantee, that one boiler would take the
load every day in the winter, and that it is three
sections larger than the present boiler. He ex-
plained that it is much more sufficient section by
section.
The Chairman asked if the thought of putting
in two boilers was originally for practicability.
Mr. Kimball replied that the thought then was for
a third boiler. At the time Cary Memorial Building was
built there was consideration given to two additional
buildings. When the third building was built, the
third boiler was to go in. He explained that his plan
show three boilers dotted in and it would. be behind
the present two boilers where the air tanks are located.
The Chairman asked if the third boiler would
ever be necessary if the present two boilers were
replaced.
Mr. Kimball replied that it would not be necessary
for these two buildings.
The Chairman asked about the third building and Mr.
Kimball said that, with mechanical firing, two boilers,
similar to the one he is proposing now, would take car
of the three buildings.
CO
1
1.27
The Chairman said that while the Board feels, or
Mr. Kimball feels that the boiler should be replaced
after 22 years, someone else has questioned it be-
cause he knows of many instances in Boston where
boilers have been in use for 50 years.
Mr :Kimball said that is something no body knows.
He stated that he has not obsery-ed the treatment of
the boilers from year to year, but he did notice the
last time he was in the building that the boiler was
filled with water which is the way it should be. He
stated that he did not know if that happened each
year or not.
The Chairman asked if it would be economically
unsound to try and repair the present boiler rather
than having it replaced.
Mr. Kimball replied that some years ago the
make of the boiler was discontinued, and that would
indicate to him that there was some weakness in the
boiler.
The Chairman asked if Mr. Kimball felt the
cost of replacing sections of the boiler would be
too great.
Mr. Kimball replied that if parts could be
obtained for one or two sections,:he would still
not know whether in the next month or so after the
installation, some other section would go. He
said that it is a gamble which he would not take
and he did not think replacement parts could be
obtained. He said that the Boston Office of the
American Radiator Company told him that they have
no replacement parts, and explained that there are
thirty sections.
Mr. DeFoe said that he does not know about
the inside sections if the boiler is taken apart,
and explained that just to take off the front and
taking out two sections, inspecting them and re-
placing them will cost between $1,000. and $1,200.
He slid that to take the old boiler down and
clean all the sections would cost about $2,500.
Mr. DeFoe stated that a representative from the American
Radiator Company was here and his idea was that it
would be only a gamble. If the two sections were
taken out and then put back they might last two
years or maybe longer. He felt that if the first
two Wections were badly rusted, all the sections
should be taken out and cleaned.
Mr. Kimball said that a number of boilers of
this type and agehave been replaced;.
Mr. Hoyt asked why and Mr. Kimball said that
when the building was built they had all the faith
in the world in the Amercan Radiator Company and
that boiler.
128
Mr. Hoyt asked how long the proposed boiler had
been on the market and Mr. Kimball replied that the h. B.
Smith bailer which he recommends, has been on the
market for a number of years.
Mr. Nickerson said that apparently Mr. Lester
Andrews is able to obtain new sections and Mr.
Kimball said that he was surprised to hear that
because he was told by the Boston office that
they had discontinued making parts.
Mr. Gay asked if Mr. Kimball felt that, with
the new boiler, the other boiler would be used as
an auxiliary only in rare cases and Mr. Kimball
replied in the affirmative.
Mr. Gay said that the second boiler then should
last many years.
Mr. Kimball agreed and said that the ideal
setup would be to install this boiler now and at the
very first opportunity to put an oil burner under
that boiler andcarry the other boiler as an emer-
gency boiler to hand fire. He said that with the
oil burner under the boiler it would carry the load.
A third building would require another boiler.
The Chairman asked if the boiler, as Mr. Kimball_
writes the specifications, would be adapted to
automatic stoker without any change-.
Mr. Kimball replied in the negative and said
that he would want to go down about two feet deeper
for automatic firing, and that would apply to either
automatic oil or coal.
Mr. Gay asked what would have to be done if
the boiler is put in the way the Selectmen want to
put it in now and later on, decide to change to oil.
Mr. Kimball replied that a pit would have
to be dug at a cost of about $$1,300. They never know how
much it will cost to pit a boiler.
The Chairman asked if Mr. Kimball was familiar
with the water level and he replied in the negative.
He said that he went over all his correspondence
and he could not find anything that would indicate water
trouble.
Mr. Gay asked how long it would take to
install the boiler and Mr. Kimball replied that he
would allow two months. He said that he has
every reason to expect that the work would be
completed for opening Cary Buildingin the mall.
The Chairman asked how long it would take to
obtain bids and Mr. Kimball replied that ten days at the
maximum would give them ample time.
Mr. Hitlt inquired about the situation with reference
to the seonnd boiler and Mr. Kimball said that he had.
made an examination of it, but it is the same type of
boiler.
The Chairman said that it now has a small crack in
front.
1
With reference to bids, Mr. Kimball said
that he did not see how.the Board could discriminate
against local contractors and he thought six
or eight contractors would be enough. He re-
commended inviting Boston contractors to bid
as well as Lexington contractors.
Messrs. Kimball and DeFoe retired at S:40 P. M.
When Mr. DeFoe returned to the meeting
later in the evening he was instructed to have
Mr. Kimball complete his specifications and
further to ask local contractors if they wish
to bid and if so, let them.
In addition, he is to ask Mr. Kimball to in-
vite contractors of his own selection.
The Chairman read the notice of hearing
upon the application of Gail W. Smith for per-
mission to maintain one underground tank for
the storage of 500 gallons of gasoline on
premises located at 170 Wood Street. No per-
sons were present in favor or in opposition.
Mr. Gay moved that the application be
approved and a license granted. Mr. Nickerson
seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Mr. Alfred P. Tropeano, attorney for
John F. O'Connor, and Mr. Harold Stevens,
Town Counsel, met with the Board.. ,
Mr. Tropeano said that he was present on
the petition that he understood was denied
Mr. O'Connor for a Lords Day license at his
new ice cream stand. He said that he appre-
ciated that it is at the discretion of the
Board to grant a license and also that no
hearing was required when the application was
entered. However, Mr. O'Connor has constructed
a type of business that is to be operated only
during a few months of the year and that the
Board probably knows the history of the building.
He said that one abutter started objecting.
He bought a lot of land and built his house on
it. When he purchased the land he knew he
was building next to a business lot because the
real estate agent told him.
He explained that when Mr. O'Connor applied
for a permit he applied for a 3rd class construction.
Objections came in and he withdrew his application
for a 3rd class permit and proceeded to build
on a 2nd class construction permit. The individual
who objected obtained signatures of people who
hirdd counsel and tried to stop Mr. O'Connor from
129
Gasoline
Hearing
O'Connors
Sunday
Sales
130
building in a residential area. He was advised that
such was not the case, changed lawyers and engaged
Mr. McLaughlin. He looked into the matter and also
advised this person that Mr. O'Connor was building
properly.
He said that Mr. O'Oonnor filed his Lord's Day
application with the Board some time in April and
no action was taken. Last Monday, when the Board did
not, he understood that a petition had been filed
on the Lard's Day License. He said that he ugder-
stood also that the petition was filed on the day
the license was denied.
Mr. Tropeano said that he did not know whose
signatures appeared on the petition, but that he
could obtain signatures in the same neighborhood
of persons who do not object. He said that right
across the street is a gas station and the operator
sells everything on Sunday, including ice cream.
This person was one of those opposed to Mr.
O,'Connor's building. Mr. Tropeano also mentioned
Miller's Poultry Farm and Napoli's roadside stand
which he said both operate on Sunday's are in
this neighborhood.
He said that it might well be that the Lord's
Day license could be a nuisance, but until an
opportunity is given to see how the stand is con-
ducted he could not see why the Board should deny
the license. He said.that Mr. O''Connor has been
a resident of Lexington for a great many years and
only moved to Concord when he was unable to find
a house in Lexington.
The Chairman -said that Mr. O'Connor sold
his house and that it was a business transaction.
The Chairman said that when this subject first
came up the Board received quite a long petition
which, of course, is available to Mr. Tropeano,
and a hearing was held. He said that the Selectmen's
Room was filled with people who objected to the
ice cream stand and one of the points they emphasized
was the nuisance it would be on all the noise that
goes with such a stand,on Sundays.
Mr. Tropeano said that there are more people
operating on Sundays without a license than there
are with a license.
The Chairman said that he thought the Board
realized a letter probably should be written to
the man who operates the Shell Station across from
the ice cream stand and he thought the Board realized
it before this evening.
Mr. Tropeano said that he thought Mr. O'Connor
should be given an opportunity to find out if it
will be a nuisance. He said that he may have only a
1
dozen cars a Sunday and that the license once
it is issued, can always be revoked. He explained,
that Mr. O'Connor had planned to send someone
along the street, if necessary, every Monday
morning to remove any papers.
The Chairman explained that the Selectmen
feel it is not advisable to issue a Sunday
license at this 1ocation at this time with
many people objecting to it.
Mr. Tropeano said that people in the area
objected before they knew that the building was
to be an ice cream stand and that they just did not
want business in that corner.
The Chairman said that issuing a license for
week days was one thing, but he thought most people
have a right to have some peace and quiet on Sundays
even if they live in a bueiness zone because most
businesses are not open on Sundays. He said that he
does not think it is anyone's privilege, just because he
is in a business zone, to feel he has a right for
a Sunday license.
The Chairman asked if there were any questions
the members of the Board desired to ask and there
were none.
Mr. Tropeano said that he would talk to Mr.
O'Connor and asked if the Board would hold a public
hearing if he wanted one.
. The Chairman said that the Board certainly
would.
Messrs. Tropeano and Stevens retired at
9:00 P. M.
P. M.
Mr. DeFoe returned to the meeting at 9,15
He presented plan and betterment assessments
for proposed sewer in Robbiris,Road. Mr. Sweeney,
who purchased the Robbins property, is going to have
a garbage disposal unit in his new house and wants
the sewer installed. Mrs. Jenkins, one of the
property owners, is now ready to have a septic tank
installed and wants to know if the sewer will be
put in. However, even if the Board authorizes it,
installation cannot be made for some time and she
is now ready for a septic tank. He questioned the
fairness in assessing her.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Driscoll, it was voted not to authorize the extension
of the sewer.
131
Robbins
Road
Sewer
132
Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that the estimated
cost of correcting the drainage at 468 Marrett Road
is $500.
The Chairman asked if he felt that whatever
he intends to do would work and Mr. DeFoe said
Marrett that personally he did not think much of it.
Road The Chairman suggested that this problem be
Drainage postponed until July 10th and in the meanwhile
Mr. DeFoe is to visit Mr. Kochis to find out
whether or not he has made any progress with the
man next door about the possibility of going
under his porch.
Mr. DeFoe said that some time ago the Board
received a letter from Mr. Couette, on behalf of Mr.
Swenson and Mr. Slocum, as to the probability of
water extension at the junction of Blossom Street
and down Allen Street an. approximate distance
Blossom of 400 feet. He reported that the cost of the
Street installation would be about $2,300 and the Town
Ext. would probably realize $1,200.
The Chairman instructed Mr. DeFoe to advise Mr.
Couette that his request will be put on the waiting:
list and given consideration at a later date.
Mr. DeFoe presented plan and betterment assess-
ments for proposed sewer in Somerset Road to service
Somerset Lot 5 for Mr. Baskin. He explained that Mr. Coleman,
Road an abutter, would be receptive if it did not involve
Sewer too much money. At present he is not having any
difficulty with his cesspool. Mr. DeFoe explained
that two corner lots cannot be assessed inasmuch
as they are already being served from Hayes Avenue.
The Selectmen were of the opinion that if the
sewer is installed the assessments on the two
corners lots should be absorbed by the Town. Mr.
DeFoe was instructed to discuss this subject again with Mr.
Coleman and Mr. Baskin using the larger estimates
and to advise Mr. Coleman that the Board would en-
tertain a request for abatement of a portion of his
assessment.
Mr. DeFoe reported that he had inspected the
tree at 151 Shade Street and in his opinion there
is no necessity for removing it.
Mr. DeFoe reported on signatures obtained for
the proposed water main for Bennington Road and in-
formed the Board that Messrs. Preston and Bonddhave
not signed. Mr. Wilson, who originally requested the
water, said that he had talked to both of the in-
Pri
1
133
dividuals and each one feels that inasmuch as the
betterment is of no service to them now, they would
defer paying for it until such time as it will be
desireable, - in other words they will take it on
a deferred payment basis.
Mr. DeFoe said that there may be ledge and Bennington
the project will cost approximately $1,700 of Road
which Mr. Wilson will pay 4475. Water
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr.
Nickerson, it was voted to authorize Mr. DeFoe
to have the order prepared for the Board's
signature but the installation is not to be made.
before bringing it to the Board's attention
again. In the meantime the Chairman is to
contact Mr. Bond.
Mr. DeFoe reported on the signatures obtained
in connection with the Fair Oaks Sewers and read
the following:
Total signatures for lots and houses 62.64%
Unsigned 37.30% Fair
Breakdown Oaks
Houses (100 houses) 73% Sewers
Houses not signed 27%
Vacant lots signed (42) 38%
Vacant lots not signed 62%
The Chairman asked if Mr. DeFoe had any opinion
as to how the job is going to be done, if it is done.
Mr. DeFoe said that he could start the job and
felt that Town labor could do it much cheaper than
a contractor and he thought it would be done as fast.
However, he does not believe people appreciate
the value of what theyare getting and he thought
it should be advertised.
The meeting adjourned at 10:20 P. M.
A True kecord, Attest
134
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
July 10, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on
Monday evening, July 10, 1950 at 7:00 P. M. Chairman
Emery, Messrs. Gay, Driscoll, Nickerson and Hoyt were
present. The Clerk was also present.
Dr. Howard Foley, Chairman of the Recreation
Committee „and Mr. Charles Allen, electrician, met
with the Board.
Doctor Foley explained that shme difficulty had
Lights for arisen relative to lighting the new toilet facilities
toilet building on the Center Playground. He said that the
building plans for lighting the building did not take into
consideration how to get the electricity from the
present system to the building.
This can be accomplished by having the wires
come almost to the building, to a pole, and stop
there. He said that his Committee is of the opinion
that it is best to see if some trade can be made
with the Boston Edison Company and put a cement post just over
the brook and run wires from there. This will
involve one pole.
Mr. DeFoe arrived at the meeting.
The Chairman asked if this problem was. one that
could be deferred until the next Board meeting and
Doctor Foley said that he understood the carpenters
would need the service.
The Chairman suggested, and the Board agreed,
that Doctor Foley confer with Mr. DeFoe and when an
agreement is reached as to the best way to handle
the subject Mr. DeFoe should contact the Chairman.
Mr. Allen said that the Boston Edison engineer
thought his company would install a light if the
Town is willing to pay for maintenance.
It was agreed that Doctor Foley would contact
Mr. DeFoe and the Board would make a formal request
for a street light.
Mr. Allen retired at 7:15 P. M.
Doctor Foley reported that the Recreation
Committee had received a request from the Lexington
Band to conduct a series of concerts on the Buckman
Tavern Grounds or on the Common. They plan to give
one concert each week beginning the last week in
July and continuing until the 30th of August. He
1
1
said that his Committee thinks it is an excellent
idea, but does not have jurisdiction over the Town
parks.
The Chairman asked what expense would be
involved and Doctor Foley replied that there would
be none except to supply the electric lights
necessary for the music.
Doctor Foley said that the members of the
Band feel that in so far as parking cars is concerned
the Common would be better than the Buckman Tavern
property.
The Chairman said that he would discuss this
subject with Mr. Garrity and the Board can go on
from there. _
Doctor Foley also inquired about the Band.
taking up a collection and the Chairman said that
the Board would let him know.
Doctor Foley retired at 7:20 P. M.
The Chairman said that he would like to read
into the records a few comments. He stated that,
as the Board knows, Mr. Paxton, who is an expert,
was asked to give a report on streets and patching.
Mr. DeFoe has read the report and the members
have all read it. The technique as laid down
in this report is something that this Board of
Selectmen, at least, wholly endorses. There are
formulas and various operations in patching of
streets. He said they are not invariable, but in
general he thought they were a helpful guide. Also,
there is a procedure recommended for permanent
patching. The Chairman said that he knows this
Board is in agreement for the need of real care
and permanent patching and it is the impression
of members of the Board that the patches do not
have a good look and contribute nothing to the
appearance of the street. He said that he knows
that the Board feels it would like to see neat
patching done when the permanent job is done. He
explained that Mr. Paxton feels, on many occasions,
puddling is the best procedure and is recommended
before permanent patching is done. He said that this
Board, from what Mr. DeFoe has said, understands he
is doing more puddling than was done before and the
Board would like to have it on the record that
it thinks puddling should be done on every occasion
where in Mr. DeFoe's opinion and Mr. Burns' opinion
a better result would be obtained. In cases where
they think it might be better, the Board wants ser-
ious consideration given to puddling.
The Chairman reported that he, Mr. DeFoe and Mr.
Burns went over in detail Mr. DeFoe's and Mr. Paxton's
135
Patching
Streets
136
Sewer
Assessment
Somerset
Road
Reed St.
Jellis
lists and discussed every instance where there is a variation
of opinion as to treatment. They then looked at
every one of the streets and agreed as to what treat-
ment would be given to the street. In some cases it is a less
expensive type of treatment than that recommended by
Mr. Paxton. They decided on what type of treatment
is to be given to the streets where there is a dis-
agreement. Mr. DeFoe has prepared a list of the
treatment for each street and an approximate cost.
The Chairman said that he, personally, has prepared an
analysis of that treatment as compared with what Mr.
Paxton recommended and he will have a copy of the
analysis made for each member of the Board.
Mr. DeFoe reported on the sewer betterment
assessments for Somerset Road and explained that
Mr. Baskin's two lots and Mr. Coleman's one lot
would absorb one-half of the entire cost. Mr.
Coleman's assessment is 4452.72, and he thought
this was high. Mr. DeFoe said that he asked him what
he thought he should pay and he felt that it should
be down to $200 or 4300. Mr. DeFoe advised him that
possibly something could be done about it and sug-
gested that he apply in writing for an abatement.
He reported that the assessment on one of Mr.
Baskin's lots is 4311.69 and the other is 4325.70.
Mr. Baskin feels that the assessment should be some
where down around 4200. He said that he explained
in detail how the assessments were figured and that
the subject had been discussed with the Board. Mr.
DeFoe said that he was advised by Mr. Stevens that
there is no reason why the Board cannot assess the
cost in whatever proportion the Board feels betterment
has occurred. He stated that in this case Mr. Stevens said
the Board could assess Baskin at a higher price than
Coleman inasmuch as Mr. Coleman has no need of the
sewer and might never need it.
Mr. Stevens arrived at the meeting at 7:28 P. M.
The Chairman said that if the Board so chose
Mr. Baskin could be advised that the assessment as
outlined by Mr. DeFoe, should be levied against the
two owned by Mr. Baskin.
Mr. Stevens reported on the status of Reed Street
insofar as it is connected with Mr. JellisI request
for the extension of a water main to service lots 5, 6
and 7, Block 91. He said that there is a portion of
Reed Street which apparently has never been accepted.
The Chairman asked if he thought it advisable to
1
137
extend the water and Mr. Stevens replied in the nega-
tive. He said that this is a problem that Mr. Jelli8f
attorney should solve.
'The Chairman asked if the Board should secure
releases from the Meagher heirs before water is in-
stalled and Mr. Stevens replied in the affirmative.
It was agreed that Mr. DeFoe should contact Mr.
Jellis and advise him to have his attorney contact
Mr. Stevens.
Letter was received from George A. Maynard in- Damage to
forming the Board that while excavating for a drive- tree at
way at 2380 Massachusetts Avenue, damage was done to 2380 Mass.
the roots of a Town tree. He said that he thought the Avenue
damage had been to such an extent that the tree should
be removed.
Mr. DeFoe stated that Mr. Garrity has inspected
the tree and in his opinion it should be taken down
because the roots have been damaged. He said that
Mr. Maynard wanted to have a driveway into his garage
and in cutting down the bank he damaged the roots of
the tree. This was done without permission and before
the Public Works Department knew anyting about it.
Mr. Nickerson asked if the tree could be saved
and Mr. DeFoe replied that Mr. Garrity has told him
that it should be taken down. Damage to
The Chairman said that it doea not look as if tree
it is in a dangerous condition.
Mr. Nickerson suggested, and the Board agreed,
that each member of the Board look at the tree.
The Chairman was authorized to advise Mr. Maynard
that the Town may not take the tree down and further that
the Board is contemplating bringing action for damage.
Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that he has conferred
with Mr. Stevens relative to Salvucci's bid and also dis-
cussed this subfjeet with the State.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to award Peter Salvucci the contract for
construction of the proposed sewer crossing Route 128
at Brook Street and the proposed sewer crossing Route
128 near Grove Street.
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Carroll, Town
Clerk, informing the Board that a claim for damages has
been filed by Lawrence J. Barlow, 350 Sayles Street,
Providence, Rhode Island. Mr. Barlow claimed that while
-driving through Lexington on Friday, June 30th, a stone
'from one of the town trucks hit his windshield and
cracked it. Mr. Stevens agreed to answer Mr. Barlow's
claim.
Mr. Stevens left the meeting at 8:05 P. M. and re-
turned later in theevening.
Sewer Con-
struction
Route 128
Claim
138
Useful Life of Boiler. The Chairman reported that he
had talked with Lester Andrews who has done most of the
repairing on the boiler in Cary Memorial. Building. Mr.
Andrews claims that 25 years is a fair life for a
Boiler boiler and did say that apparently something happened
Cary Bldg. to the boiler in 1945. The janitor also admits that
something happened but is not quite sure how. According.
to Mr. Andrews it has not been possible to get the
spread back together and it will never be entirely
satsifactory. His feeling is that, regardless of what
happened, the boiler is not in good condition.
Mr. Hathaway said that it is a very drastic step
to recommend the replacement of a 25 year old boiler.
Replacement Parts. The Chairman stated that he talked
with the American Radiator Company and was informed that
this particular type of boiler has been discontinued
because it is too large a boiler to be profitable.
Sections can be made on order, and there will be a
delay of about ten days on parts. However, no guar-
antee will be given as to how many years parts will
be available. He said that Mr. Andrews, as a tax-
payer, felt that the boiler should be replaced be-
cause he feels that taking it down would be very
expensive and it would still not be a new boiler and
it is uncertain as to how long the replaced parts will
last.
CraM ed Space. The Chairman said that he had talked with
dr. fimball who claims that, in his opinion, there is
ample space for repairs.
Mr. Hathaway said that section 5 could not be
replaced without removing the first four.
Zone Control. The Chairman said that if it were thought
to be a good thing to do, from point of view of economy,
Mr. Kimball felt that further zoning. could be done at
some time and would not have to be done when a new
boiler is installed.
Mr. Hathaway agreed.
'The Chairman explained that at the present time
there is a ceiling on the money available and zoning
could not be done.
Condition of System. The•Chairman.asked Mr. Hathaway
what he meant when he questioned whether or not the
system is operating as it was designed to operate.
Mr. Hathaway explained that if the traps on the
radiators are frozen, the system will not operate
efficiently.
The Chairman asked if the traps had ever been
checked and Mr. DeFoe replied that insofar as he
1
1
knew they have not.
Mr. Hathaway explained that they could be checked
in the summer as the system does not necessarily have
to be operating.
Mechanical vs. Hand Firing. The Chairman explained that
the Board has been told that a change could be made at
a later date. He said that both Mr. Hathaway and Mr.
Kimball agree that the boiler could be operated more
efficiently with mechanical firing.
#5 vs i6 Oil. The Chairman stated that there seems to
be two lines of thought insofar as oil vs coal is
concerned.
Mr. Hathaway said that #5 or #6 oil would be
more economical to operate than a stoker, and that
oil vs mechanical soft coal, heavy oil would be cheaper.
He said that he thought the Town would be better off with
heavy oil in this boiler.
Service Contract,. The Chairman agreed that this was
something for the Board to look into and Mr. Hathaway
explained that for about $50 per year the boiler could
be thoroughly vacuum cleaned and monthly reports sub-
mitted.
The Chairman said that the Board has been told
that the contemplated boiler has a greater capacity than
the one now in use and asked Mr. Hathaway if he had. any
opinion relative to the boiler being considered.
Mr. Hathaway replied that he thought the capacity
of the new boiler was only slighter greater. He explained
that the gross capacity of the present boiler is 15,000
sq. ft. and the proposed boiler is 15,250 sq. ft. He
said that he does not know the net rating of the present
boiler.
The Chairman explained that, according to Mr.
Kimball, it is 12,000 sq. ft. and will be more efficient
with mechanical firing. Mr. Kimball also said that the
new boiler should be sufficient to carry most of the
load. Mr. Kimball did say, however, that if a third
building is constructed it would be necessary to operate
two boilers.
The Chairman said that it is now a question as
to whether it is feasible to gamble on the present boiler
or spend the extra money and install a new boiler.
Mr. Hathaway said that he would not like to see
a new boiler installed in the present cramped location.
The Chairman asked if Mr. Hathaway's company had
any opinion of the Kimball Company sheating engineers
and he replied that they had never heard of Mr. Kimball.
Mr. Hoyt asked Mr. Hathaway to outline the test
he mentioned that would not be too expensive but might
determine what the situation is here.
189
140
School
Loan
Fire
Engineers &
Officer J. A
Russell
Mr. Hathaway explained that it would be parallel
to the test made by the insurance company. If a fifteen
pound hydrostatic test were put on, the weak places
would be found.
Mr. Hathaway retired at 8:35 P. M.
The Chairmen reminded the Board that Mr. Kimball
is ready to send out specifications and request bids
and asked if the Board wanted to make any change.
Mr. Hoyt said that,'if it were a fair questions.
he would like to ask Mr. DeFoe what he thinks about
the boiler.
Mr. DeFoe replied that he is not an expert, but
Mr. Andrews thinks it should be replaced. He said that
the American Radiator Company expert, who has been
with the company forty-five years, claims that repair's
are problematical and from what he has heard he believes
it would be a gamble to keep the present boiler.
Mr. Nickerson suggested, and the Board agreed,
that inasmuch as the plans are ready the the job be
put out and see what bids are submitted. 'If the
prices are too high, the contract does not have to
be awarded and Chandler can be consulted.
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Walker, Town
Accountant, with reference to loans which should be
made for the school expenditures now under way.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay,
it was voted to request the Town Treasurer to secure
bids so that the money authorized by vote of the Special
Town Meeting, June 1, 1950, under Articles 7 and 8 can
be borrowed and made available as soon as possible.
Mr. Harold Stevens, Town Counsel, returned to the
meeting at 8:40 P. M. to discuss with the Board the sub-
.ject of the Board of Fire Engineers, and Attorney George
McLaughlin's letter with reference to Officer John A.
Russell who is seeking appointment as Sergeant on the
Lexington Police force.
The Clerk was informed that it would not be necessary
to keep any record of the discussion. She and Mr. DeFoe
left the meeting at 8:45 P. M. and returned at 9:40 P. M.
The next item on Mr. DeFoe's list was sick -leave
pay for William Mason and the Chairman explained that
he hed instructed Mr. DeFoe to bring this subject up
again because of the fact that Mr. Mason had called him
several times and asked to have the Board consider his
request again. He said that Mr. Mason's son was involved
in an automobile accident several weeks ago and additional
1
1
141
expenses have been incurred. He asked Mr. DeFoe if he
had changed his opinion and Mr. DeFoe replied that
he is very sympathetic and believes Mr. Mason was
ill, but if he is paid, regardless of the fact that
he did not have a doctor's certificate the policy
on sick leave pay will have to be changed. He
explained this by stating that all other men in.
the Department have been required to furnish
certificates.
Mr. Nickerson asked if there is any possibility
of giving Mr. Mason extra work to surround the
situation.
Mr. Driscoll inquired as to the amount of money Mason
Mr. Mason lost and Mr. DeFoe replied that there were request
forty-five hours at 401.20 per hour. for sick
Mr. Hoyt asked if it could be made -nuke a leave pay
matter of policy and pay him 50%, and the Chairman
said that he would be agreeable to such an arrangement.
However, Mr. DeFoe still felt that the same arrangement
would have to apply to others.
Mr. Gay suggested that Mr. Mason be paid and have
it definitely understood by all that no one will be
paid in the future without presenting a doctor's cert-
ificate.
Mr. Hoyt and Mr. Nickerson both felt that the
Board should support Mr. DeFoe's position.
Mr. Driscoll asked if the rules on this subject
were posted on the bulletin board at the Public Works
Building and Mr. DePoe replied that when the policy
was first established a notice was posted. He said
that Mr. Mason knew the rules and admits that he was aware
of the fact that a doctor's certificate is required.
Mr. Hoyt said that he thought it would be
difficult to control the personnel if an exception
were made for one man.
The Chairman suggested that Mr. DeFoe advise Mr.
Mason that the policy can't be changed, but that
he may be given overtime work.
Mr. DeFoe said that Mr. Weisinger would not
like that but will have to do it if so instructed.
He agreed to discuss this with Mr. Weisinger to
determine whether or not there is any possibility
of extra work or having Mr. Mason work during his
vacation; receiving pay for working and for vacation.
Mr. DeFoe presented each member of the Board
with bids received on 3/4" Type K Copper tubing and
requested permission to purchase 10,000 feet. He
explained that to date there have been 161 services Copper
and for the'entire year of 1949 there wdre 265 ser- Tubing
vices.
The Chairman inquired as to how much money is
involved, and Mr. DeFoe said that it would be about
$2,750.
142
Water
Reg. Valley
Road
Tree
Removal
Bids
Rent
Control
Bill
Traffic
Complaint
• Mr. Hoyt said that, in view of present conditions,
an order should be placed for 15,000 feet.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Gay,
it was voted to authorize Mr. DeFoe to purchase
15,000 feet of 3/4" Type K copper tubing from the
George A. Caldwell Co. at the quoted price of .276
per foot, 1% 10th prox., providing delivery of
1,000 feet can be made immediately.
In the event the Company will not accept the
order with this provision, Mr. DeFoe is to contact the
Chairman of the Board.
The Chairman read a letter from Mrs. George A.
Bullock requesting an estimate of the cost of water
connections to her house at 34 Valley Road.
Mr. DeFoe explained that this would:mean a
new water main and agreed to report further on the subject
at the next meeting of the Board.
The Chairman read another' letter from Mrs. Rose
J. Doll, 151 Shade Street, with reference to her request
for the removal of a tree.
Mr. DeFoe reported that the tree in question
is not in Mrs. Dollis driveway and as far as he is
concerned there is no need to remove the tree.
The Chairman asked if the members of the Board
desired to change their previous decision. The
Board:did not see any compelling need to remove
the tree and the Chairman was authorized to advise
Mrs. Doll that the Board does not feel inclined
to grant her request.
Letter was received from Mr. Stevens, Tovzi Counsel,
enclosing a copy of his letter to Allan E. Gifford,
Executive Secretary to the Associated General
Contractors of Mass. Inc., relative to bid procedure
in the Town of Lexington.
The Chairman read a notice from the Massachusetts
Selectmen'b Association with reference to proposed
bill on Rent Control. It was agreed that the Chairman
should contact Representative Ferguson and Senator
Evans and have the Board recorded as opposing the bill.
Letter was received from Paul A. Hubbart
Harding Road, referring to his conersation wi
Chairman relative to traffic at the junction
Hancock Street, Valley Road, Harding Road and
Street.
The Chairman said that he would request
Chief of Police to give this area particular
during the construction of Route 128.
22
th the
of North
Bedford
the -
attention
CC
1
1
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Walker,
Town Accountant, with reference to Chapter 159
of the Acts of 1950, an Act relative to time for
payment of betterment assessments in the Town
of Lexington. Mr. Walker suggested deferring
payment of the Sachem Council Grant Street
betterment assessment under the provision of
this Act. The Board agreed to follow Mr. Walkerts
suggestion.
Mr. DeFoe retired at 10:25 P. M.
Letter was received from Arthur J. Pike,
Lexington Street, Burlington,. requesting a permit
to move his house now located on Lexington Street,
Burlington, to 481 Lowell Street, Lexington.
The house is now located in the middle of the new
Route 128 and must be moved by July 22nd.
Mr. Hoyt moved that the permit be granted.
Mr. Gay seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Letter was received fron Clara L. Chapman,
Lexington Street, Burlington, requesting permit
to move her house to 549 Lowell Street, Lexington.
The house is now located where Route 128 is to
be located.
Mr. Gay moved that the permit be granted.
Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion and it was so voted.
143
Boy Scout
Assessment
Permit to
move Bldg.
Further consideration was given to Mr. John
Mayts offer to purchase Lots 31,32,33 and 34 Myrtle
Street. Tax Title
Mr. Gay moved that a proposal to sell the lot Property
be advertised in the Lexington Minute -Man and that
further consideration be given the offer at the
next meeting of the Board. Mr. Nickerson seconded
the motion, and it was so voted.
Further consideration was given to Mr. McQuillants
offer of 4300 for lots 74 and 75 Tower Road.
The Chairman recommended that the Board entertain
an offer of 4300 for each lot (4600 for the two lots)
and the Board agreed.
A letter was received from David L. Wilson, Jr.,
11 Hamblen Street, offering 4100 for Lots 110, 111, 112
and 113 on Bellflower Street.
The unofficial committee on tax title property
recommended a price of 4250 inasmuch as there is water
in the street.
The Chairman suggested, and the Board agreed, that
the Selectmen should look at the lots before making any
decision.
Tax Title
Property
Tax Title
Property
144
Trees
Mr. Garrity's letter of June 16th with reference
to removing one tree and repairing three others on
Massachusetts Avenue, opposite Munroe Tavern, was
held over from the last meeting.
The Chairman said that Mr. Garrity had mentioned
taking money from special trust funds for this work
and asked if this was something the Board thought
should be paid for by these funds.
Mr. Nickerson said that he thought if anything
could be done to save the trees even for a short
period of time an attempt should be made.
The Chairman questioned using the trust funds
and it was agreed to insert an article in the warrant
for the Special Town Meeting in the Fall requesting
an appropriation.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to grant the following licenses:
Licenses Countryside Associates, Inc. Sunday Golf
Lexington Theatre Sunday Movies
Chester Ludwig Peddler
Surety bond in the sum of $1,000 was received on
Constable's behalf of James F. Mowat as Constable in the Town of
Bond Lexington for a term expiring in March, 1950.
Mr. Gay moved that the bond be approved. Mr.
Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
The Chairman read a letter from Eugene T.
Buckley, 22 Grant Street, offering $100 for a parcel of
Tax Title land, abutting his property, which has been foreclosed.
Property The Clerk was instructed to have the Town Engineer
prepare a sketch of the lot and bring it up at the
next meeting of the Board.
The meeting adjourned at 11:05 P. M.
e , lect�ien.
1
1
145
Items Settled with Mr. Emery - Monday - 24, 1950
A. Report on cost to illuminate Minute Man Statue
B. Request for blasting damage at 17 Boulder Road.
C. Request for street light at locker building.
Action Taken on Above Matters by Mr. Emery
A. Street lighting rate applies - A 500 watt light
equivalent to 10,000 lumens has been used at
azost of 470.00 per year up to 1:00 P. M.
A 200 watt light is to be experimented with
(cost $35.00) per year. Mr. Emery advised
to use whatever wattage gives satisfactory
results.
B. Blasting caused damage to plaster when water
service was being installed for adjacent
property. Ownerts plasterer estimated 4162.00..
to consider work. Mr. Dacey, who does work for
Town, estimated at least 4100.00. Owneros
plasterer agreed to 4125.00 which Mr. -Emery
approved.
C. Mr. Emery approved. No cost to Town excepting
to pay light bill the same as for other street
lights.
146
' Paper
Dive
School
Borrowing
SELECTMENtS MEETING
July 24, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectments Room, Town Office Building, on
Monday evening, July 24, 1950, at 7:00 P. M. Chairman
Emery, Messrs. Gay, Driscoll, Nickerson and Hoyt were
present. The Clerk was also present.
The Chairman read a letter from the American Legion
on behalf of the Lexington Drum and Bugle Corps, request-
ing permission to conduct a paper drive on Sunday, Sept-
ember 10, 1950. Receipts will be used to pay for
uniforms and instruments.
Mr. Gay moved that the request be granted. Mr.
Hoyt seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Carroll, Dawn
Treasurer, relative to bids received on borrowings for
additions and remodelling of various schools.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it
was voted to approve the bid of 101.345 with interest
at 1 3/4% received from W. E. Hutton & Co. - Lyons &
Shafto, Inc.
Mr. Joseph H. DeFoe, Suptt. of Public Works, met
with the Board, and reported on the possible construction
of Cary Avenue. He said that 25 houses.out of 28 have re-
quested the construction of the street. He explained that
no survey has been made but it would seem that the cost
will be approximately $10 per foot. He said that the en-
tire length of the street would have to be drained. Mr.
DeFoe said that with all the work there is to be done,
Cary both he and "urr. Burns are of the opinion that it will not
Avenue be possible to have Cary Avenue accepted at a Fall Town
Meeting.
The Chairman asked if the petitions for acceptance
of Aerial Street and Butler Avenue came in before Cary
Avenue and Mr. DeFoe replied in the affirmative.
The Chairman and Mr. Nickerson felt that possibly
Cary Avenueshould be done before Aerial Street and
Butler Avenue.
The Chairman suggested the possibility of employ-
ing outside engineering help and Mr. DeFoe agreed to dis-
cuss the subject with Mr. Burns and report to the Board
at the next meeting.
Mr. DeFoe presented the contract for the con -
Watson struction of Watson Road for the Board's signatures
Road and explained that Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, had
Contract looked at the contract before it was sent out. Mr.
Signed DeFoe requested the Board's signatures and said that
he would show it to Mr. Stevens again.
1
1
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr.
Gay, it was voted to sign the contract between
the Town of Lexington and The Dow Company for
the construction of Watson Road.
Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, arrived at the
meeting at 7:20 P. M.
Mr. DeFoe reported that the lowest bid
received for the construction of Sanitary Sewers
on Sundry Streets (Pleasant,Ir•n, Bow, Fottler,
Drew, Cummings and Cliffe) was submitted by Richard
White Sons, Inc. in the amount of 429,328.20. This
is $2,300 over the estimated amount but several
hundred dollars have been saved on the Farmcrest
job.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Gay, it was voted to award the contract to Richard
White Sons, Inc.
The Chairman informed Mr. DeFoe that he would
like to see the percentage of signatures before any-
thing further is done.
Mr. DeFoe reported on the proposed drain in
Massachusetts Avenue near Munroe Tavern, and ex-
plained that it would be necessary to obtain an
easement from Mr. Fisher. He said that Mr. Fisher
is very willing to sign an easement.
It was agreed that the Town Counsel should be
requested to prepare the necessary easement and the
Chairman suggested that the vote to start the''pro-
ject be held over until the next meeting of the Board.
Mr. DeFoe requested the authorization to do
the work so that it can be started as soon as the
easement is signed.
The Board agreed that the proposed drainage in
Massachusetts Avenue could be started as soon as
the easement is prepared and signed.
Mr. DeFoe reported that the Town of Bedford would
like the Board to consider the possibility of Bedford
entering Lexington's sewerage system.
The members of the Board were of the opinion
that this subject should be given careful study and the
Chairman told Mr. DeFoe that the Selectmen would be
willing to call a special meeting to discuss the
subject with the Bedford Board of Selectmen.
Messrs. DeFoe and Stevens retired at 8:05 P. M.
Mr. W. A. Ross of the Ross Dairy in Belmont,
met with the Board.
147
Sundry
Streets
Sewers
Mass.
Avenue
Drainage
Bedford
re
Sewer
System
148
He stated that he is in the milk business and has
been experiencing a, -little difficulty with one of the men
on the Board of Assessors, in Lexington. He said that
when a person moved to Lexington or buys a home in
Lexington this particular assessor, according to his
foreman, uses influence to get his milk business by
saying that he will take care of the assessed value of
Complaint the property of these new -comers to Lexington.
re Mr. Ross aaid that he had mentioned this to
Assessor some men in Lexington who he has known for some time
and it was their suggestion that he discuss the matter
with the Selectmen. He explained that his company is
willing to stand on its own merits but he did not
think the methods being used should be allowed.
Mr. Gay inquired as to the latest date such an
incident occurred and Mr. Ross replied that it was
about two weeks ago. He said that he has to take the
word of his drivers, who work on commission, and it
is always the same argument, that the assessment will
be taken care of.
Mr. Hoyt asked if this was a new experience to Mr.
Ross and he replied that it is the first time to his
knowledge that anything like it has happened.
Mr. Driscoll asked if Mr. Ross had a route in
Lexington now. He replied in the affirmative and said
that he proposes to establish a second route.
Mr. Gay inquired as to what section of the town
was involved and Mr. Ross replied that he would have
to find out from his delivery man.
The Chairman said that the Board would look into
the matter and asked Mr. Ross to check his records and
advise the Board as to when the incidents occurred.
Mr. Ross also agreed to ask his foreman for the
names and addresses and also find out about a complaint
�f last Wednesday.
He retired at 8:15 P. M. and Ar. DeFoe returned to
the meeting.
Hearing was declared open upon the petition of the
Boston Edison Co. and the New England Telephone & Tele -
Pole graph Co. for the location of five jointly owned poles
Location on Summer Street, southeasterly from Lowell Street.
The abutters were notified and the locations approved
by the Suptt. of Public Works and the Town Engineer.
Mr. Trebino was the only person present and said
that he wished to be recorded in favor of the locations.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Hoyt,
it was voted to approve the petition and sign the order.
Hearing was declared open upon the petition of the
Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone &
Telegraph Co. for the removal and relocation of three
jointly owned pales on Ledgelawn Avenue, westerly from
Hillside Terrace.
Pole
Location
1
The abutters were notified and the locations
approved by the Suptt. of Public Works and the Town
Engineer.
No.persons were present in favor or in opposition.
,,Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Gay,
it was voted to approve the petition and sign the order.
Mr.Trebino requested the installation of a street
light to be located at his driveway and was advised Street
by the Chairman that the Suptt. of Public Works would Light
include his request on the list now on file for consider-
ation at a later date.
Mr. DeFoe reported on the reqUest received by the
Board from Mrs. Bullock for water service to her house
at 34 Valley Road. He explained that the extension in-
volves 180 feet of six inch pipe.
The Chairman suggested that Mr. DeFoe contact Mr.
Bullock in an endesvor to see what arrangement can be
made that will be mutually satisfactory and to report
to the Board at the next meeting.
Mr. DeFoe presented a sketch of the proposed
sewer laterals in Bedford, Milk, Hill and Manning Streets
and explained, that of the total assessable lots he
has 63.8 requested and 36.14 who have not asked for
the sewer. Of 31 houses, 22 have signed and 9 have
not; total vacant lots 5 have signed and 5 have not. 1`
Mr. Nickerson moved that the Suptt. of Public works
be authorized to have estimated assessment sheets pre -
motion and it was so voted.
149
Bullock
request for
water
Sewer
laterals
Bedford, Milk
Manning Sts.
Mr. DeFoe requested permission to award the weather
service contract for 1951 and explained that Weather Ad
visors with whom he has been doing business disorganized
All members, with the exception of the'president, re-
organized and now operate as Weather Service, Inc. They
are willing to take the present contract to the first of the
year at no additional charge and will give the same ser-
vice for the next year at, the same price of 6150.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson,
it was voted to award the weather service contract for
1951 to Weather Service, Inc.
Mr. John J. Garrity, Suptt. of Parks and Playgrounds,
met with the Board, and reported that he had two boys from
the State College send in 23 'samples taken from elm trees.
Twenty-two came back and one was missing. They all have
Dutch elm disease and are rather large trees. He further
stated that out of nine samples sent in four were returned
positive and fbur negative.. Four of these trees are no
Weather
Contract
Dutch
Elm
Disease
150
Trees on
Mass. Ave.
Munroe
Tavern
private property, four on Town property and one on State
property.
He said that there is no way of determining whether
or not a tree is infected with Dutch Elm disease unless
samples are sent to a laboratory and everyone recognized
that a diseased tree should be taken down as soon as
possible. He reminded the Board that last year there were
sixteen trees (seven n private property) which were taken
down and destroyed.
He further calle the Board's attention to the
fact that there is a large -infestation of the elm tree
beetle from Marrett Road to the Arlington line. He said
that these trees were, he thought, sprayed in time as
advised by the laboratory and everything that could
be done has been done.
He said that he would like to cut down every tree
that has Dutch elm disease. He said that the State has
the authority to take the trees down and charge the Town
50% of the cost for trees on Town property and charge 25%
for the trees on private property. .However, he assured
the Board that his Department can take the trees down for•
less than the State charge of 50%.
Mr. Garrity explained that he would use the men in
his maintenance crew and take them off pruning.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, -
it was voted to authorize Mr. Garrity to remove al•l trees
infected with Dutch elm disease; the men in his Department
maintenance crew to be taken off pruning.
Mr. Garrity referred to the four elm trees on Mass-
achusetts Avenue opposite Munroe Tavern and said that
work should be done on them between now and the first of
September if it is to be done this year, and he felt that this
is something which should not be deferred until Spring.
He recommended that the necessary money be taken
from the Shade.Tree appropriation with the expectation
of a transfer to take care of the last three or four
payrolls in December, or an additional appropriation be
requested at the Fall Town Meeting.
He said that he would like to remove the dead limbs
and make an effort to save all four trees. He explained
that this would cost approximately $500 and that he would
secure bids.
Mr. Driscoll moved that Mr. Garrity be authorized to
secure bids for repairs which he believes are necessary to
save these four trees. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and
it was so voted.
Mr. Garrity reported on the damage done to a Town
tree at 2380 Massachusetts Avenue and said that in his
opinion the tree has been ruined. He recommended that
1
151
the owner of the property be given an opportunity to
take it down if he wants to, but not to touch any
other tree. The owner of the property could take
it down at his expense or wait until Mr. Garrity's
men have time to remove it. He said that he de-
finitely would not agree to a retaining wall being
placed around'the tree because it is not a safe tree
and it cannot be guyed to any other tree.
Mr. Hoyt asked how the property owner could
remove a Town tree and Mr. Garrity said that he could
have a competent man take it down and have him bonded.
Mr. Garrity then suggested that the Town take
the tree down and charge the cost to Mr. Maynard
the owner of the property.
Mr. Garrity retired •at.9:20 P. M.
Dr. John E. Murray, Tracy Ames and two other
gentlemen were waiting in the Selectmen's Office
to discuss a drainage problem. However, inasmuch as no
appointment had been requested, the Chairman asked
Mr. DeFoe to discuss the matter with them.
Chief John W. Rycroft met with the Board, at the
Bgid's request, and the Clerk left the meeting at
the request of the Chairman.
Mr. DeFoe and the Clerk returned to the meeting
at 9:50 P. M.
Mr. DeFoe requested, the Board's signatures on the
contract between the Town and Peter Salvucci for sewer
construction, Route 128.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll Route 128
it was voted to sign the contract with the definite Sewer
understanding that Mr.. DeFoe should submit it to Mr. Contract
Stevens, Town Counsel, before giving a coy to the
contractor.
Mr. Eugene LaRose's request for the extension of
a water main to service his house at 169 North Street
was held over until the next meeting of the Board.
The Chairman read a letter from Gordon Robinson
requesting information relative to the purchase of
20:,000 water bills.
The Whairman'agreed to acknowledge the letter and
asked Mr. DeFoe to write to Mr. Robinson and explain
the situation.
Mr. DeFoe retired at 10:15 P. M.
LaRose
Water
Water
Bills
152
The Chairman read a letter from the Chaiber
of Commerce inquiring as to what has been done by
Off the Town regarding a parking space extending along
Street the railroad tracks in the rear of the stores.
Parking He explained that he has instructed Town
Counsel to prepare the necessary legal forms
and forward them to. Mr. Ballard.
Tax Title Mr. Eugene Buckley's offer of 0100 for Lot A
Property Grant Place was held over until the next meeting of
the Board.
Tax Title
Property
Tax Title
Property
Tax Title
Property
Tax Title
Property
The Board gave further consideration to. Mr.
John A. May's offer of 4200 for Lots 31, 32, 33
and 34 Myrtle Street, Lexington. A proposal to sell these lots
was advisertised in the July -13th issue of the Lexington
Minute Man. No persons contacted the Selectmen's
Office as a result of the advertisement.
Mr. Gay moved that Lots 31, 32, 33 and 34 Myrtle
Street be sold and conveyed to Mr. John A. May.
Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion and it was so voted.
The Board gave further consideration to Mr.
David L. Wilson's offer of 4100 f or Lots 110, 111,
112 and 113 on Bellflower Street.
The Chairman reported that he and Mr. Nickerson
had looked at these lots. The Board agreed to advise
Mr. Wilson that an offer of $400 would be entertained.
Letter was received from Mr. R. L. McQuillan
in reply to the Board's price for Lots 74 and 75 on
Tower Road of $600. Mr. McQuillan stated that he
would like to own the lots for protection and does not
intend to build on them or sell them for speculation.
He asked if the Board would consider selling them for
$500.
The Board agreed on this price and upon motion
of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it was voted
to advertise a proposal to sell the lots in the Lex-
ington Minute Man and that further consideration be given
the offer -at the next meeting of the Board.
The Chairman read a letter from the law firm of
Richardson, Wolcott, Tyler and Fassett offering
$25, on behalf of a client for Lot 118 Cary Avenue.
The Clerk was instructed to refer the offer to
the unofficial committee on tax title property.
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Walker,
Town Accountant, suggesting that the following
axtion be taken on the street betterment assessment
cc
1
1
153
levied against property on Grant Street owned by
the Sachem Council Boy Scouts of America;
1. Vote to defer the Grant Street assessment
under the provisions of Chapter 159 of the
Acts of 1950.
2. Advise the Assessors, Sachem Council, Inc. Boy Scout
Town Accountant and Mr. DeFoe of the above Street
action. Assessment
3. As this must be taken up every three years
authorize the Assessors to notify the
Selectmen far enough in advance so the next
deferment will be made in time.
The Board agreed to follow the suggestions sub-
mitted by Mr. Walker.
Application was received from the Battle Green
Chapter, Order of DeMolay, requesting permission to
conduct a Degree and Ball in Cary Hall on the evening
of October 13, 1950, from 7:00 P. M. to 1:00 A. M.
Mr. Hoyt moved that the use of the hall be granted
subject to a charge of 435.00. Mr. Driscoll seconded
the motion and it was so voted.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay,
it was voted to grant the following licenses:
Lexington Theatre, Inc. Sunday Movies
Countryside Associates, Inc. Sunday Golf
Further consideration was given to Doctor Foley's
request on behalf of the Lexington Band to conduct con-
certs on either the Buckman Tavern Grounds or the Common.
The Clerk reported to the Chairman that I,hief Ry -
croft was in favor of having the concerts on the Common
from a traffic angle, but Mr. Garrity preferred the
Buckman Tavern grounds.
It was the decision of the Board to authorize the
use of the Common for the band concerts.
Letter was received from John F. O'Connor,
together with petition, relative to a Sunday Sales License
for his ice cream stand at Five Forks.
The Chairman suggested that Mr. Hoyt and Mr.
Gay analyze the petition which they agreed to do.
The Chairman said that he would contact Alfred
Tropeano, attorney for Mr. O'Connor, to find out
whether or not Mr. O'Connor desired to have a public
hearing called.
Mr. Hoyt took the letter and petition.
The Board gave further consideration to the subject
of Shoppers' Haven conducting a business on Sunday.
Use of Hall
Licenses
Permit
Sunday
Sales
petition
154
Shoppers' Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it
Haven was voted to authorize the hairman to take this
Sunday subject up with the Town Counsel and follow whatever
Sales recommendation he makes.
The.meeting adjourned at 10:50 P. M.
*LtMen.
A true record, Attest:
1
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
August 7, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building
on Monday evening, August 7, 1950 at 7:00 P. M.
Chairman Emery, Messrs. Driscoll, Nickerson, and
Hoyt were present. The Clerk was also present.
Mr. Carroll, Town Clerk, met with the Board for
the drawing of one juror. Mr. Alexander R. Milne,
plumber, 9 Utica Street, was drawn for the Jury Pool.
Mr. Carroll retired at 7:04 P. M.
The Chairman read a letter from John C. McPeake,
34 Valley Road, Lexington, offering 4400 for part
of lot A, lots B and C, (formerly owned by Burr)
located on Valley Road.
It was agreed to advise Mr. McPeake that the
Board is not interested in selling this land for
the price' offered.
Mr. DeFoe, Suptt. of Public Works, met with
the Board at 7:07 P. M.
The Chairman asked the Board if it would be
advisable to write Mr.. George Brox and inform him
that the Selectmen are entirely satisfied with the
work which he has done in Lexington. It was the
unanimous opinion of the Board that such a letter
should be written and Mr. DeFoe said that he would
very much appreciate it.
The Chairman reported that Mrs. A. B. Tenney,
has expressed the desire to give the Town, as a
gift, funds to defray the expense involved in
lighting the Minute Man Statue.
Mr. DeFoe reported on the ditch at the rear
of Dr. Murrey's property on Highland Avenue and
stated that the Town does not contribute to this
drain. He explained that Tar. Murray wants the
Town to clean the ditch and he told him that he
would have to check records to determine whether
or not the Town has any. commitment there.
Mr. Driscoll said that during Mr. Paxton's
time the Town did clean this ditch out, but nothing
has been done since he left.
Mr. DeFoe agreed to submit a complete report
on the subject at the next meeting of the Board on
August 14th.
Mr. Harold E. Stevens, Town Counsel, arrived
at the meeting at 7:15 P. M.
155
Juror
Tax title
Property
Letter to
Brox
Minute Man
Statue
lighting
Dr. Murray's
complaint
156
Mr. DeFoe reported on the drainage at the corner
of Concord Avenue and Waltham Street and presented
a sketch of the area. He stated that Mr. Burns, Mr.
Concord Stevens and he had all inspected the location.
Ave. Drain- Mr. Stevens said that the street was dry the
age day they looked at it and from the appearance of the
land he could not see any evidence that there was
any large amount of water cast onto the land. He
said that he would assume any water from the street
was almost insignificant and would not be the cause of
any difficulty.
Mr. DeFoe said that he again inspected the area
after the rain the other day and there was a puddle
in frontof Mr. Abbott's about 60' long and from
nothing to 5' wide, going to where the drain is
located. Some of it was high enough to ease off the
road and he said that there is no way to take care
of the situation, other than a major drainage job,
except to fill it in and put in a berm.
Mr. Stevens said that the land owned by the
persons who met with the Board several weeks ago
is subject to natural drainage but they are not
the ones who blocked the drain. He said that he
did not see anything that would make him believe
the Town should. provide drainage relief because of
water that the Town casts upon the land.
Mr. DeFoe said that the Town has no right to
throw water on private property. He said the
location is a natural low spot and what the Town
contributes is a very minor portion.
Mr. Stevens said that if the Town put in a dry
well in the side of the road it still would not
solve the problem.
The Chairman asked if he thought it would ful-
fill any obligation the Town has and 'Mr. Stevens
replied in the affirmative.
The Chairman suggested that Mr. DeFoe advise
Mr. Abbott that the Town would fill in the hole
and ask him for permission to build a dry well on
the edge of his lot.
Mr. DeFoe explained that it would have to be
a large dry well and he would prefer to find out
whether or not Mr. Abbott would allow the water to
flow onto the land he is not using.
The Chairman said that he would write to the
other individuals involved and explain.that in
general the Board does not see that the Town is
contributing any water.
Jellis' Mr. DeFoe again brought up Mr. Leonard Jellis'
request for request for extension of water main to 115 Reed
water Street.
Mr. Stevens reported that this situation seems
CO
Cal
1
to be one on which he can obtain no further information.
He thought that it•was a County way on the side of
the thiangle that no appears to have veen laid out by
the County. However, it is not a County way, but is a
Town way that was laid out by the County Commissioners
on an appeal from the refusal of the Selectmen to lay
it out back in 1875.
He explained that the Town Engineer has checked
and found no record of the Town ever formally accept-
ing the street on the other side of the triangle. It
has, however, been used as a Town way for many years
and the Town has maintained it. He said that he thought
the Board could go on the assumption that the street
is a Town way.
He informed the Board that Mr. Jellis is willing
to take the responsibility of putting in the water
service from his property to what has been considered
as Reed Street. If he does that and at some future
time anyone should raise an objection, it would
be against Mr. Jellis and not against the Town. He
said that he thought this would be better than to
have Mr. Jellis enter into any tyge of agreement which
he is willing to do. Mr. Jellis will do the work uindef
the supervision of the Town.
Mr. Stevens said that he would talk to the County
Commissioners and find out whether or not their approval
is necess<ry. He said that he thought the Town should,
at a Town Meeting, accept the other piece of land.
The Chairman inquired as to where -this application
is on the list and Mr. DeFoe replied that it is near
the end.
The Chairman suggested, and the Board agreed,
that Mr. DeFoe should advise Mr. Jellis that his request
for water will be put on the list and done in order of
priority and to further advise him that he has not lost
any time as a result of checking the status of the property.
Mr. DeFoe referred to Mr. Busa's letter relative
to the bridge over Vine Brook and explained that when Vine
Brook was built, the Town constructed a bridge for Mr.
Busa to enable him to use the land on both sides and
there was an easement obtained at that time. He ex-
plained that about a year ago he had occasion to look .at
the easement for something else and thought that it
was given to Mr. Lynch at the time. However, it is
not in the files given to Mr. Stevens by Mr. Lynch
and he has been unable to contact him.
He explained that he had obtained a price of p864
from Mr. Custan ce for repairing the bridge and a price
(oral) of $1075 from Mr. -Napoli. Before the above
quotations were received Mr. DeFoe had estimated that
cost to be approximately 1,000.
157
Bus a
bridge
V. Brook
158
Mr. DeFoe was instructed to obtain a price for
concrete and also for rot -proof timbers.
Mr. Stevens explained that two parcels of land,
owned by Louisa G. Bean, located on Bedford Street,
have been taken by the State in connection with the con -
Bean struction of Route 128. The State will not pay for
sewer the land until the sewer liens are removed. Mr.
assessment Stevens explained to Mr. Kelley, of the State, that
if the Board had deferred payment of the betterment
assessment it was to help Mrs. Bean. She has now,
in effect, sold the property and therefore she would
have to pay the assessment.
Mr. Stevens stated that he thought this was a case
were no formal action should be taken except for an
expression of opinion of the Board that the betterments
that were deferred should now be paid.
Mr. Hoyt said that he was willing to accept Mr.
Stevens opinion on the subject.
The Board agreed to make no change in the policy
of requiring payment of deferred betterment assessments
when the property has been sold.
Mr. Stevens agreed to handle the matter for the
Board.
Mr. Stevens reported that he had talked with Con-
verse Hill relative to the Leary property on Waltham
Street and explained to him that the only way to get
the work done was to have Town labor do it, but the
Town wants an insurance company to which any claim for
damages can be referred. Mr. Hill would like an
opportunity to think it over.
Mr. Stevens said that he had talked with Mrs.
Sexton and explained that the Town expected to have
Leary a contractor do the work, but they are all so busy
property they are not interested in any extra work and as a
result it may have to be done by Town help. He
said that he suggested giving her the $300, but
she wants the work done. He said that if Mr. Hill
will write a policy, he thought the best thing to
do would be to have the Town do the work and he will
prepare an agreement to be signed by the Learys re-
leasing the town. However, if Mr. Hill connot write
the policy, he felt it would be better to tell her
that there is no way the Town can do the work and can
only give her the money --300 and if she is not
willing to accept it there is'nothing further that can
be done.
Mr. Stevens discussed the waterproofing work
done on the steps at Cary Memorial Building two years
ago. Mr. Stevens reported that Mr. Chester Newman,
the contractor, is an indi+ridual of excellent re-
putation and has come back several times to correct
1
1
the condition, but there are still areas showing
leakage. He told Mr. Stevens if anyone can show
him how to prevent the leakage he will be willing
to do it but he is not coming back again, because
he cannot do any better than he has alrady done.
The Board felt that the matter should be
closed inasmuch as in its opinion the contractor
has done -the best he can.
It 8;00 P. M. hearing was declared open upon
the application of the Socony-Vacuum Oil Co. Inc.
for permission to increase the underground storage
gasoline at'27"Massachusetts Avenue from 3,000
gallons to 7,000 gallons.
Mr. A. V. Paynter; representative of the pet-
itioner and one other personwas present. Notice
of the hearing was read by the Chairman and the application
approved by Deputy Chief Roy A. Cook.
No persons were present in oprosition.
Mr. Paynter explained that by increasing
the capacity of the tank, it will not be necessary
to run the oil trucks in so often.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr.
Nickerson, it was voted to grant the petition and
sign the license.
The two gentlemen retired at 8:10 P. M.
of
The Chairman read a letter from Town Counsel
with reference to the claim for damages filed by
Alice G. Kiernan for damages to her car because
of a loose catch basin cover on Waltham Street.
Mr. Stevens, recommended that the claim, in the
amount of $25.00, be settled.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr.
Driscoll, it was voted to settle Alice H. Kiernan's
claim in the amount of $25.00, at recommended by
Town Counsel.
The Chairman reported that he had talked with
Mr. Stevens about the Shoppers Haven violation of
Sunday Sales license and he thought someone should
go over there. It was arranged with Chief Rycroft
to send a man over last Sunday and he reports that
Mr. Lewis Kraff.sold meat illegally on Sunday, August
6th and will be in District Court on August 9th.
Mr. Stevens reported on that status of the Larson -
Oak Street situation and explained that he had prepared,
for the Board's signatures, an instrument to clear
Howard,Nichols' title on record.
Mr. Driscoll moved that the agreement, as prepared
by Town Counsel be signed. Mr. Nickerson seconded the
motion, and it was so voted. (original forwarded to Mr.
Stevens.)
159
Gasoline
Hearing
Kiernan
claim for
damages
Shoppers'
Haven
violation
Clearing
Nichols
title -Oak
Street
160
Tax Title
Property
Tax Title
Property
White
sewer con-
tract
Hearing
on O'Connor
Sunday
Sales
Further consideration was given to Mr. R. L.
McQuillan's offer to purchase lots 74 and 75, Tower
Road. A notice of the offer was advertised in the
July 27, 1950 issue of the Lexington Minute -Man.
No persons contacted the Selectmen's Office as a
result of the advertisement.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Nick-
erson, it was voted to sell and convey lots 74 and
75 Tower Road to Mr. R. L. McQuillan for $500.
Further consideration was given to an offer of
$25 for lot 118 Cary Avenue, received from Richardson,
Wolcott, Tyler and Fassett on behalf of a client.
The Chairman agreed to advise"the attorney that
the Selectmen do not desire to dispose of the property
at this time because of its closeness to town drainage.
Mr. Stevens presented copies of the contract
between the Town of Lexington and Richard White Sons,
Inc. for the construction of Sanitary Sewers on Sun-
dry Streets.
The Board signed the contract and all copies
were taken by Mr. Stevens.
At 8:30 P. M. hearing was declared open }.pon the
petition of John F. O'Connor for a Sunday Sales
License at the Five Forks Dairy Bar, 271 Lincoln
Streets.
Mr. O'Connor, his attorney, Mr. Tropeano, Mrs.
George W. Sarano, Messrs. Joseph F. Clark, Charles
G. Esterbert, Jr.,Arthur T. Burroughs and two other
individuals were rresent.
The Chairman explained that the hearing was called
pursuant to a letter, signed by Mr. Tropeano, attorney
for Mr. O'Connor, dated July 27, 1950 and he proceeded
to read the letter. He also read the Board's reply dated
July 31st and the letter to Mr. Clarke of the same date.
Mr. Tropeano said that he thought it might be ad-
visable for Mr. O'Connor to state briefly what he has
been conducting during the past few mohths, the condition
of the premises, etc. He said that he thought it is
important to point out why Mr. O'Connor opened this
type of business in this location.
Mr. O'Connor said that he is petitioning for a
Sunday license which is, in this business, the best -
day in the week. He said that there was of course, as
everyone knew, objections and in fact there were objections
to building the stand when the idea first came about.
He said that some time ago, he thought it was in Feb-
ruary, he applied for a Board of Appeals hearing in
connection with the construction of the building. As
he understood it, there was immediate objections raised
regarding the Board of Appeals hearing and he withdrew
his request. He explained the reason he had made the
161
request was to build the building of 3rd class
contruction instead of 2nd class as he felt a
better job could be done with wood rather than
block. Unfortunately, he felt it necessary to
withdraw the request. He said that he talked with
the Building. Inspector and he suggested that Mr.
O'Connor might apply for a permit to build a 3rd
class contruction. He said that he received a
registered letter telling him that he was building
at his own peril.
Mr. O'Connor said that he felt he knew enough
about the Zoning Laws to proceed which he eventually
did. He stated that some weeks before he opened he
heard that he might own the building, but that he
would never open it as a business and that he would
not be granted a license to operate. He explained
that this information came to him from a man who
lives fifty miles from here and was riding on a bus
when he overheard the conversation.
He stated that he opened the building for.
business on the 24th of June and his application
fora Sunday Sales License, he believed, was pre-
sented to the Board on the 24th of April where it
remained for two months. He said that on the 24th
day of June action was taken on a petition by a
Committeek. He said that he understands this request
to the Board to deny the Sunday Sales License was
presented on June 24th,,two months after his appli-
cation for a license. The petition was acted on that
evening and his application for a license was denied.
Mr. O'f!onnor said that he was willing to go
along that the original petition could be a mis-
statement of fact and he believed it stated that
there would be rubbish and papers all over the
lawns, and that there would be rats, insects, traffic
hazard and the necessity of police officers for traffic
duty. He said that he was willing to go along and
let the project prove itself. He said that he does
not believe anyone can say that there has been any
filth, cups, or paper napkins on the premises or on
the streets in the immediate vicinity since the place
opened. He said that he could not be responsible for
other businesses in the neighborhood that uses the some
type of containers and he refuses to pick up containers
belonging ted other concerns.
Mr. O'Connor said that the building, as it stands,
he. believes is attractive and. has been told by a great
number of Lexington people that they are happy the stand
is there. They do feel it is somewhat of an injustice
for Lexington people to be sent out of town on Sundays
to patronize a business of the same type when he has the
business and is paying taxes in Lexington. He stated
that the above was a brief resume of the situation. He
162
explained that the building is constructed as far
away from the adjacent lot line as he could safely
do it, and that was in deference to Mr. Esterberg.
Mr. O'Connor said that the lot was on the
market the 6th of May, 1949 and there was a sign
2' square with 4" letters which said it was zoned
for business. This sign was located within 70' of
the Esterberg property line and Mr. Esterberg pur-
chased his property July 15, 1949 and the sign was
there.
He said that in May it was his intention to
dispose of the lot but on the 5th of July he learned
that he has a serious heart condition. Mr. O'Connor
explained that he has a wife and two children and
he did not see how he could supply them with enough
insurance to maintain them if anything happened to
him. It then became necessary for him to make some
way to provide for them. He said that he felt this
type of business was one that his wife could operate
if necessary and that is the reason for the stand
being there.
Mr. Tropeano asked if he proposed to hot top
and landscape and Mr. O'Connor replied that he in-
tended to do it this fall or in the spring. His
plan callsfor dressing both extremes of the lot
taking in the existing parking area with possibly some landscapin
in front of the building.
Mr. Tropeano asked why Mr. O'Connor did not do
the work this summer and he replied that he felt it
is only good judgment to extend capital so far.
Mr. Tropeano asked if Mr. O'Connor had received
complaints about the noise, filth, etc. and he replied
in the negative.
Mr. Tropeano asked if Mr. O'Connor had inquiries
as to why he is not open on Sunday and he replied that
several hundred Lexington residents have asked him that
question.
Mr. Tropeano presented the Chairman with a petition
requesting the Board of Selectmen to grant a Sunday Sales
license to Mr. O'Connor and stated that ten people who
signed this petition also signed the original petition
requesting that the license be denied. He explained that
about half a dozen other people, because of previous
commitments to the neighbors, did not want to sign it.
He said that one of the abutters to Mr. O'Connor's pro-
perty, Mr. Morash, did not sign the original petition and
did not sign this one. He is in favor of having the stand
but he prefers not to enter into a so-called neighborhood
brawl.
The Chairman said that fir. O'Connor spoke of the
refusal of his Sunday Sales license on the same day
the Board received the petition from residents in that
area. He explained that on March 28 the Board wrote
Mr. Carpenter and acknowledged his petition and he would
1
163
not like to leave the impression that one was tied
to the other. That certainly was not so. He said that
the Board has a letter dated March 28th acknowledging the
petition against the issuance of a Sunday Sales License.
Mr. Tropeano said that Mr. O'Connor'`s reference was
to a letter signed by six individuals requesting a
hearing if a license were granted. He said that he be-
lieved the Board had replied that a license had not
been issued and a hearing
a-4-heyrfrrg-therefore was not necessary.
Mr. Tropeano said that the objections seemed to
have been raised and based more on the existence or
nonexistence of the Zoning law rather than the granting
of a Sunday License. He stated that the Town has zoning
laws adopted many years ago and the reason for zoning laws
is for the preservation of property rights. He said
that anyone purchasing adjacent to a business area
should not determine what business can be conducted in
that particular area. He stated that there are no re-
strictions in the zoning laws with reference to con-
ducting an ice cream stand, and that it is not necessary
to have a Board of Appeals hearing to conduct an ice
cream stand.
Mr. Tropeano said that the Statute states that the
license can be revoked at any time. He also said that
there is not one concern in Town, selling ice cream,
that does not have a Sunday Sales license. Mr. Tropeano
said that he has a. great deal of respect for this Board,
but it would seem that there is a great deal of dis-
crimination being shown to John O'Connor or a great deal
of consideration being shown to the objectors. He said
that not only have the Selectmen followed that trend,
but the Town Meeting has, and stated that one year the
Selectmen went before Town Meeting and sought guidance
for the issuance of a Sunday License for the Lexington
Theatre. He said that another instance was a few years
ago when a Sunday Bowling license was granted. He said
that these matters should be taken as a Town and not as
the immediate neighborhood and stated that no matter what
it is the people who are in the immediate vicinity always
object to any change. He said that the objections made
by this group are the same type of objections received when
anyone is seeking a permit for any type of business.
Mr. Tropeano said that he did feel, in fairness to
Mr. O'Connor, in view of the way he has conducted the
business and in view of the trend indicated by the Town
Meeting and the precedent of the Town, that he should
be granted an opportunity to operate on Sundays with
the full knowledge that the license is subiect to re-
vokation by the Board.
The Chairman asked if anyone present speak for the
petitioner.
Mr. Tropeano said that he assumed, from the Chairman's
letter, that he was not to bring anyone to speak for the
petitioner.
164
The Chairman asked if there was a spokesman for the
group or anyone who desired to speak for himself.
Mr. Arthur Burrows, 61 School btreet said that their
impression of the zoning in Lexington was that,,the intent,
when the various sections were zoned, was to take care of
neighborhood activities at a time when transportation was
not what it is today. He said that he had more or less
gathered, listening to the matter of rezoning, that Lex-
ington would have preferred to have its business activity
in one area. He said that the area in question was almost
empty at the time most of the people came into the situation.
He stated that it had a gas station which is a peculiar
type of business. It serves the neighborhood and also
transients but it is of a fleeting nature. He said that
their objections to the type of business that was to go
in there were based on the objections of such places as
Buttricks and the observation of the conditions that sur-
rounded the tiyhite spot. He said that if the business has
enough volume to be a good business there will be a lot
of people there resulting in containers, napkins, etc.
being spread around.
Mr. Burrows said that it is pleasing on Sunday to
have it peaceful and have a respite from the traffic and
bulldozers.
Mr. Chester Esterberg, Jr., 263 Lincoln Street said
that it seems his name has come into this quite a bit.
He said that the point was brought up that Mr. Morash,
the other abutter, voiced no complaint. He said there is
heresay that Mr. Morash intends to build a drugstore
for his son and that may be one motive behind his agree-
ment of the stand. He said that he contends with the
stand six days a week until 11:00 o'clock at night. He
said that if he feels like going to bed at a fairly
reasonable time there are horns blowing, people talking,
etc. He said that he has to keep the shades in his bed-
room down because of the lights and that it is not a case
of personality or spite on his part. He said that they
are fellows who came out of the Army and wanted to get
a home and it was not a case of turning around and finding.
out about the zoning laws. He said they have their home
there and the neighborhood is fairly well established, and
any business that operates six days a week should be
sufficient.
Mr. Esterberg said that it was also rumored that if
a Sunday license were not granted Mr. O'Connor would have
a fried clams or a grocery store.
Mr. F. S. Carpenter, Jr., 260 Lincoln Street said
that if people 3/4 of a mile away objected, they were on
the end of the line of other people who also objected
and wanted to sign the petition. He said that his
situation is similar to Mr. Esterberg's. He stated that
1
r
165
he is away from home a great deal and it would be nice
to have his days at home in peace and quiet. He said
that there are a few people in the neighborhood who
are young and just starting out who have possibly over-
stepped themselves a little bit in trying to buy in
a neighborhood a little beyond them. He said they are
trying to protect their interest in their homes.
Mr. Carpenter said that he thought the zoning
laws were to benefit a majority of people even though
a minority had to suffer.
Mr. O'Connor said that one statement made by Mr.
Esterberg was perhaps, slightly distorted. He made
the statement that there would be a fried clam stand
or a grocery store there. Mr. O'Connor said that the
true statement was that he had an opportunity to either
sell or lease the stand for a fried clam stand but in
deference to Mr. Esterberg in particular, because the
prevailing wind in the summer is westerly and the odors
would blow in every window of his house, he would not
consider the proposition.
Mrs. Sarano, 315 Lincoln Street said that she is
fortunate in having a barn between her house and the
stand so the lights do not bother her, but she does
pick up containers. She said that she does not know
whose they are. Shea said that if the business is open
Sundays she is afraid there will be accidents with so
much parking there.
Mrs. Sarano stated that Mrs. Scheibe, from whom Mr.
O'Connor purchased the land, told her that he bought
it to build a house on and she thought that was the
reason he got it at a very low figure.
Mr. O'Connor said that he would like to correct
the impression that was given. He said that he does
not know what the converation was between Mrs. Schiebe
and Mrs. Sarano but 'she sold the lot at her own price
and not his. She was also very definite in telling Mr.
O'Connor that althoughshe had some trouble with the
Lovell Bus situation, she was sure in her own mind that
r the lot was zoned for business. He said that the value
was put on the lot and that was what he paid.
Mr. Tropeano asked how many cars go into the stand
week days and Mrs. Sarano said that she does not know
as it has not been operating very long.
Mr. Tropeano said that the property has to be made
pay and if it does not pay it will be divided and if
sold,`a meat market is going in there and there is an
option on it now. He explained that the meatmarket
will set on the•line because in a business zone it
can be erected on the line.
Mr. O'Connor said that he does mot see the difference
between a car pulling into a gas station and getting gas
and pulling out and a car pulling into an ice cream stand,
getting ice cream and pulling out. He stated that the
166
bulldozers have notpulled in on his side. He explained
that there definitely is a traffic situation as all the
traffic that would normally go up Massachusetts Avenue
is now going up Lincoln Street. He said that he has
been working around the building since last March and
has never seen a serious accident on the corner yet. He
said that he does not see why, with so many licenses being
issued in Lexington that he should be the only one who
cannot have a license.
Mr. Burrows said that there have been so many com-
plaints about Buttrick's stand that this group wanted
to start complaining early enough so that they would not
be asked why they hadn't done something about it. It
is anticipation where we have seen what happens when a
business of that type really begins to carry a volume
of business. We realize it may seem inconsistent now
but maybe the Buttrick stand became so well established
that to deny them a continuance of the license would
be inconsistent.
Mr. O'Connor said that the original petition to deny
the license was in anticipation of something that has
not happened and now they want the license denied again
in anticipation of something that may happen five years
from now. He said that if his application were denied in
anticipation of what might happen then he thought every
Sunday Sales license should be denied. He said he could
gu€rentee that any cups which may have been picked up
did not come from his stand.
Mr. Lsterberg asked what control Mr. O'Connor had
over his customers when they drive away, from hisIstind.
and he replied that he has no control whatsoever. He
stated that his situation is taken care of before eight
o'clock in the morning, but that he does not intend to
pick up containers which belong to the Shell station
across the street or those belonging to Buttrick.
The hearing was declared closed at 9:35 P. M. and
the group, with the exception of Mr. Stevens and Mr.
DeFoe retired.
(Decision on Mr. O'Connor's petition to be given Friday
night, Aug. llth, Special Meeting of the Board.)
Mr. DeFoe reported on Mr. Bullock's request for the
Bullock extension of a water main to service his property at
request 34 Valley Road. He explained that Mr. Bullock's well
for water had run dry and it was necessary for him to seek the aid
of the Fire Department. He is willing to pay for the
long connection and also 1001 frontage but will expect
the Town to pay for the copper tubing to the curb cock.
Mr. Stevens said that he could see no legal aspect
to the connection and it was agreed to authorize Mr.
DeFoe to solve the problem to the satisfaction of Mr.
Bullock and himself.
Mr. Stevens retired at 9:50 P. M.
1
Mr. and Mrs. David L. Wilson, Jr. 11 Hamblem.
Street, met with the Board relative to their offer,
and the Board's counter-offer of $400 for lots 110. 111,
112, and 113, Bellflower Street.
The subject was discussed at length and the
Chairman asked if Mr. Wilson would be willing to pay
$350 and he replied in the affirmative.
The Wilson's retired.
Mr. Nickerson moved that a proposal to sell the
lots be advertised in the Lexington Minute Man and
that further consideration be given the offer at
the next meeting of the Board. Mr. Hoyt seconded
the motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. DeFoe said that he had received an offer
of $10 for the waiting station formerly used at
Five Forks and asked for permission to accept it.
Mr. Nickerson suggested and the Board agreed,
to leave this matter to Mr.—DeFoe's discretion.
167
Tax Title
Property
Letter was received from the First Church of
Christ, Scientist requesting the installation of
curbing on Forest Street, the length of the "hurch Forest St.
property, and around the corner on Muzzey Street Curbing
to the end of the walk at the side of the Church.
Mr. Driscoll moved that the request be approved
and the work done at Mr. DeFoe's earliest opportunity.
Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. DeFoe reported on the bids for a new boiler
for Cary Memorial Building.
Mr. Nickerson said that the Board could pay Mr.
Kimball his commission and try to have some repair
work done on the present boiler or accept the low
bid -and request a transfer.
The Chairman suggested requesting a trasnf er or Transfer
not taking any action. for Cary
Mr. Hoyt said that he does not think the Board Boiler
should take a. chance.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Nickerson
it was voted to request the Appropriation Committee
to transfer the sum of $1800 from the Reserve Fund
to the Town Offices and Cary Memorial Building Account.
Mr. DeFoe requested permission for the construction
of the Fair Oaks Sewer. He explained that with the
equipment he now has, and which he wants to keep, he
would like to start this project in about three weeks
whether it is let out on contract or done by Town help.
He stated that it will cost apprxomately $65,000 or
$75,000 including road repairs.
The Chairman asked if Mr. DeFoe and Mr. Burns felt
that, from a practicial point of view the work could be
done with Town help, done well, economically and whether
or not it would fit into this year's schedule. Mr. DeFoe
Fair Oaks
sewers
168
replied, that from past performance, he was of the opinion
that it could be done by the Town men. He stated that
if they have this work during the winter, he will be
able to keep them working if we have an open winter.
The Chairman asked how the Board felt and upon
motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it
was voted to authorise Mr. DeFoe to proceed with the
construction of sewers in the Fair Oaks section, the
work to be done by Town help.
The Chairman reported that he attended a meeting
at the State House and Mr. Stokes made it very clear
that it is proposed to include civilian defense
duties with the regular peace time duties of the
various Town Departments. He stated that, having
this in mind, he thought some provision would have
to be made whereby Mr. DeFoe and Mr. Burns will be
able to delegate some of their work.
The Chairman then read a letter from Mr.
Edward A. Palmer, 36 Fuller Road, formerly employed
by Lever Bros. Co., inquiring as to whether or not
there is an opening in the Town Offices for an
accounting, bookeeping, clerical or supervisory
position.
Mr. DeFoe reported that he had talked to Mr.
Palmer and also discussed the subiject somewhat with
Mr. Harrington, of the Public Works Department.
Definite action was held over until the next
meeting of the Board.
Mr. DeFoe retired 11:00 P. M.
1
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Henry Brask
Mr. Brask advising the Board that it will not be possible for
resigns him to devote the necessary time to the Town Manager
from Town Committee and he was, therefore, submitting his resign-
Mgr. Com- ation.
mittee The Chairman asked the members of the Board to
give this some thought and be prepared, at the next
regular meeting of the Board, to appoint someone to
replace Mr. Brask.
Pole
Location
Petition was received from the Boston dison
Company and the NewEngland Telephone & Tele raph Com-
pany -for an alteration in the location of c twin poles
along and across the following public way or ways
in Lexington.
Burlington Street approximately 550 feet
northeast of Grove Street, one pole.
One existing jointly owned pole to be
removed.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to approve the petition and sign the
order.
169
Petition was received from the Boston Edison
Company and the NewEngland Telephone & Telegraph
Company for an alteration in the location of cer-
tain poles along and across the following public way Pole
or ways in Lexington; Location
Lowell Street approximately 765 feet north-
west of Haskell Street, one pole.
One existing pole to be removed.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr.
Hoyt, it was voted to approve the petition and sign
the order.
Application was received from the Stanley Hill
Post #37, American Legion for permission to use
Cary Hall on the evening of September 14, 1950 for the
installation of officers.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Nicker-
son, it was voted to grant the use of the hall free;
this to be considered one of the Legion's six free
uses.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr.
Hoyt, it was voted to approve the following licenses:
Countryside Associates, Inc. Lowell St. Sunday Golf
Lexington Theatre, Inc. Mass. Ave. " Movies
Richard Michelson Marding Road Guide
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll seconded by Mr.
Nickerson, it was voted to appoint the following
Election Officers for terms expiring September
1, 1951;(see Selectmen's Files -"Election Worker's
1950).
A special meeting of the Boprd will be held on
Friday evening, August 11, 1950 at 7:30 P. M.
The next regular meeting of the Board will be
held on Monday evening, August 14, 1950 at 7:00 P. M•
The meeting adjourned at 11:25 P. M..
Use of Hall
Election
Officers
170
Shoppers
Haven S.
S. Lic-
ense Sus-
pended
Dacey
License
Lowry
Sunday
Sales
O'Connor
Sunday
Sales
Billing
Machine
Work
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
August 11, 1950
A special meeting of the Board of Selectmen
was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office
Building on Friday evening, August 11, 1950 at
7:30 P. M. Chairman Emery, Messrs. Driscoll,
Nickerson and Hoyt were present.
Letter, was received from chief kycroft ad-
vising that Louis Kraff, of Shoppers Haven, was
in the Concord District Court on Wdnesday, Aug-
ust 9th and charged with violation of the Sunday
Sales Law, by selling ham to a State Trooper on
Sunday, August 6th.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was
unanimously voted that the license dated June_1,
1950 granted, pursuant to Chapter 136. of the Gen-
eral Laws (ter. ed.) Section 7 as amended, to
Edward J. Conley, d.b.a. Shoppers Haven, to sell
frozen desserts, ice cream mix, confectionery, soda
water or fruit on the'Lord's Day at 316 Marrett
Road, be and hereby is suspended forthwith until
further notice.
Application was received from John J. Lacey,
17 Mayflower Hoed, Arlington for a Sunday Sales
License and also a Common Victualler's License at
424 Marrett Road. Mr. Dacey has purchased the
store formerly operated by Mr. Gallo and a satis-
factory' character reference was received from the
Chief of Police.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was
voted to grant both licenses, subject to a fee
of $5.00 each.
Mr. Kieran J. Lowry's application for a Sun-
day Sales License at 286 Marrett Road was held
over until Mr. Gay returns from his vaction and
all members of the Board are present.
Further action on Mr. O'Connor's petition for
a Sunday Sales License at 271 Lincoln Street was
also held over until Mr. Gay returns from his
vacation.
It was agreed to delay any transfer of the
billing machine work until Mr. Walker's status
re military service becomes more definite.
Further consideration was given to Mr.
Eugene Buckley's offer of $100 for Lot A Grant
Place.
CC
1
171
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was
voted thata proposal to sell the lot be advertised
in the Lexington Minute Man and that further con- Tax Title
sideration be given the offer at the next meeting Property
of the Board.
It was also agreed to sell the lot to Mr.
Buckley providing no higher bid is obtained and
also providing the Town Engineer sees no practical
reason for not disposing.dt the property, and
further based on the assumption that the Town
Counsel will incorporate in the wording of the
deed any necessary easements of travel, drainage
or otherwise.
Mr. George W. Proctor met with the Board,
at the Board's invitation, to answer questions
concerning a Draft Board.
Mr. Proctor informed the Board that physical
examinations will be given in Boston, the Board
will consist of five members, there will also be
two government appeal agents (attorneys), a paid Draft
secretary and probably one clerk. He said that Board
two rooms should be sufficient for the local Board
and that he would serve as Clerk if the Selectmen
applied to the State for his transfer.
It was agreed to recommend the following as
appointees for the Lexington Draft Board: George
E. Graves, William H. Driscoll, John F. Dowd, Robert
J. Fawcett and Robert C. Merriam.
The Board also agreed to recommend, for
government appeal agents, Alfred P. Tropeano,
Francis E. Burke, Gaynor K. Rutherford and Wilbur
M. Jacquith.
The Chairman was authorized to advise the
State Director of Selective Service that the
Selectmen recommend the transfer and appointment
of George W. Proctor as Clerk of the Lexington
Draft Board when appointed.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was
voted to appoint William M. Burns Acting Superintend-
ent of the Public Works Department until Mr. DeFoe
returns from his annual vacation.
The meeting adjourned at 11:30 P. M.
Acting
Supt t.
172
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
August 21, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held on Monday evening, August 21, 1950, at 7:00 P. M.
The following members of the Board were present:
Chairman Emery, Messrs. Driscoll, Nickerson and Hoyt.
The Clerk was also present.
At 7:00 P. M. the Chairman read the notice of
hearing upon the application of S. Arthur Peterson
Gasoline for permission to maintain one underground tank for
Hearing storage of 15,000 gallons of #6 oil on the premises
located at 544 Lowell Street, Lexington. No persons
were present in favor or in opposition.
Mr. Hoyt moved that the application be approved
and a license granted. Mr. Driscoll seconded the
motion and it was so voted.
At 7:05 P. M. the Chairman read the notice of
the hearing upon the application of Ivan G. Easton for
Gasoline permission to maintain one underground tank for
Hearing storage of 550 gallons of gasoline on the premises
at 16 Winthrop Road, Lexington. Mr. Easton was
present and said that he had purchased the property
and a permit had been issued to the previous owner.
He merely.. wished to transfer it to his name. There
was no opposition.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Driscoll, it was voted to approve the application.
Hearing was declared open at 7:10 P. M. upon
the petition of the New England Telephone and
Telegraph Company and the Boston Edison Company
for a joint pole location on Hill Street, southerly
from a point approximately 155 feet south of Diana
Pole Lane, three (3) poles.
Location The plan was approved by the Town Engineer and
the abutters notified. No persons appeared in favor
or in opposition.
Mr. Driscoll Moved that the petition be approved
and the order signed. Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion
and it was so voted.
The hearing was declared closed at 7:13 P. M.
Hearing was declared open at 7:15 P. M. upon the
petition of the New England Telephone and Telegraph
Company and the Boston Edison Company for a joint'pole
location on Robinson Road, easterly from Grove Street,
to set nine poles. There were present Mr. and Mrs.
Merton 0. Baker, 82 First Street, Somerville, and Mr.
William M. Burns, Town Engineer.
CC
1
173
Mr-. Baker'stated that he was. opposed to the poles
being located on that side of the street and thought
they might well be:.located on the opposite side of the
street. He said he contemplated building a new home
and thought the poles as they had been temporarily
erected, were very unsightly.
Mr. Burns explained that the poles were usually Pole
set on the lot lines and would not interfere with any Location
plans that Mr. Baker might, have.
The Chairman said that in his opinion the poles
would be less noticeable if erected as shown on the
plan than they would on the opposite side of the road
and this was the opinion. of the other members of the
Board.
Mr. Baker agreed to contact the representative
of the Boston Edison Company and discuss his problem
with them.
Mr. Nickerson suggested that the decision be with-
held for about two weeks'and the other members of the
Board approved this action.
At 7:25 P. M. Mr. Harold E. Stevens, Town Counsel,
entered the meeting.
A discussion of the water contract for Prospect
Hill Road followed and Mr. Emery told the Board that
he had been advised that Tony Melchianno had been able
to secure a.bond through the Continental Casualty Co.
(Mr. Curtin), and he had been the low bidder for this
contract. The Chairman explained that he and Mr.
Nickerson had checked this bid and had talked with Tony
and inasmuch as only labor would have to be furnished
by the contractor, the equipment to be hired, they felt
that he could handle the job satisfactorily.
Mr. Burns said that he had confidence that Tony
could do the work. He had checked his'three references
and they were satisfactory.
The Chairman asked Mr. Hoyt what his opinion was
and he said he was willing to go along with the Chairman
and Mr. Nickerson, and also Mr. Burns.
Mr. Burns stated that he wanted it understood that
he did not know whether or not there was any connection
between, Tony and Raimo.
Mr. Hoyt asked if it was discouraging men like Mr.
Brox in bidding when a contract was always awarded to
the low bidder, such as in this instance when the fin-
ancial background was limited.
The Chairman and Mr. Burns agreed that Mr. Brox was
perfectly satisfied with the way the contracts had been
awarded..
The Chairman asked Mr. Driscoll for his opinion
and he replied that he did not like this kind of com-
petition, and he agreed with Mr. Hoyt that it might dis-
174
Prospect
Hill Road
Water Con-
tract
Approve
Somerset
Road Sewer
Cert. of
Entry
Hayward
Claim
courage receiving bids from other contractors. Mr.
Driscoll said he would go along with the Chairman
and Mr. Nickerson on this particular contract but
he did not approve it as a general practice.
Mr. Emery asked Mr. Stevens if there was any
legal angle involved in it and Mr. Stevens replied
in the negative. A lengthy discussion followed as.
to the ability of Tony to do the work and the amount
of cash available by him.
Mr. Driscoll asked what would happen if Tony
were unable to complete the job and Mr. Burns re-
plied that his two brothers worked for him and one
of them would be capable of taking over. Mr. Driscoll
explained that one could not compete against that .
type of person inasmuch as he could pay the other
employees and ask his brothers to wait. The ordinary
contractor could not do this. Mr. Driscoll quest-
ioned whether or not he would carry insurance and
Mr. Stevens replied in the affirmative.
Mr. Nickerson moved that the contract be
awarded to A. Mechianno and Mr. Hoyt seconded the
motion. Mr. Driscoll saidthat he had expressed
his viewpoint but would go along with the rest of
the Board.
The Chairman asked Mr. Burns if he had con-
fidence that Tony would work with him and Mr. Burns
said he thought Tony would try.
A further discussion followed as to the ready
cash Tony would have to meet"payrolls. Mr. Nickerson
then made his motion contingent upon the basis that
Tony produce the 3,000 which he says is available
for payroll purposes. It was decided to ask Tony
to show the 0,000 and Mr. Stevens suggested that
an arrangement be made, possbly with the bonding
company, to—have them hold the amount to assure the
town that the payrolls would be met as agreed.
Mr. Driscoll stated that he wished to be
recorded as opposed to the motion.
Mr. Burns reported on the Somerset. Road sewer
request. Signatures had been obtained from 75% of
the owners and 67% of the houses. The Board was in
agreement that this sewer construction be approved.
•
Mr. Stevens presented a certificate of entry on
Watson Road for the signature of the Board. All
copies were retained by the Town Counsel.
Mr. Stevens reported that he had received a letter
from Judge Northrup in behalf of one Hayward. Mr.
Stevens stated that the property was not owned by
Hayward at the time the land was taken and would
suggeste:compromising on. this case on a small basis
1
175
only in order to avoid the expense of a trial. It
was recommended that the Town Counsel consult further
with Judge Northrup before any definite action is
taken.
Mr. Stevens reported that he had talked with Mrs.
Sexton and had drawn an agreement to be signed by Mrs.
Leary et al. Mrs. Sexton requested that another drive- Leary
way should be put in and wanted a definite date as to Claim
when the work would be done.
The Board agreed to do the work on the driveway
and approved the contract to be sent for signatures;
the work to be done by October 10th if the contract
is completed and returned by August 31st.
A motion was made by Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr.
Driscoll, to accept the bid of Fred Williams, Inc.
in the amount of $7,242.00 for the installation of
a new boiler in Cary Memorial Building.
The contract was signed and was taken by Mr.
Stevens. He advised the Board that the plans had
not been submited with the specifications and con-
tract.
A letter was read from Thomas Napoli concerning
the abatement of interest on his deferred water better-
ment assessment. The Chairman agreed to write Mr.
Napoli and ex,lain that a vote would be prepared by
Town Counsel and voted on August 28th to abate the
interest charges and that no further charges would..be
made until the land has been sold, built upon, or ung
til he makes use of the facilities; whichever event
first occurs.
A memorandum was also refd by the Chairman re-
ferring to the sewer betterment interest charges
against Ciriaco Cataldo. The Chairman agreed to write
Mr. Cataldo and explain that a vote would be pre-
pared by the Tuwn Counsel to abate the interest
charges and that no further charges would be made
until such time as the land has been sold, built
upon, or the facilities used; whichever event first
occurs.
Mr. Stevens presented a deed for the signature
of the members of the Board to the Boston Edison Com-
pany for certain land on Garwood Avenue and on the
corner thereof and Bedford Street. (Copy of deed on
file in the Selectmen's Office - Deeds 1950 File)
A copy was also given to Mr. James J. Carroll, Town
Clerk.and the original taken by Mr. Stevens, Town
Counsel
Contract for
New Boiler
Cary Memor-
ial Building
Napoli
Interelst
Abatement
Cataldo
:'Sewer
Betterment
Int. Abate-
ment
Sign Deed to
Boston
Edison Co.
176
Record of
abatements
At 8:55 P. M. Mr. Frank D. Walker met with the
Board at the request of the Chairman to discuss de-
ferred assessments. It was decided that notice of
deferment should be sent to the Sup+t of Public
Works, Assessors, Town, Accountant and the peti-
tioner for the abatement.• It would be a lien
against the property and in -this way would be on
file in the Tax Collector's,0ffice.
After a short recess Mr. Cosmos Debonis, 5
High Street, Medford, met with the Board. He
explained that he had acquired a section of the Wheeler
Estate, approximately 120 lots and the first eleven
lots fronton Lowell Street. He had intended to
start building in the rear but due to the general
conditions of the country he haschanged his plans
and would like to start on those lots facing Lowell
Street. It is his understanding that a portion of
Lowell Street is to be taken by the Town of Lexington
to widen the road and he said that he would be willing
to sign the necessary papers and give the land to the town,
at no cost, if they would take it at this time and make
it possible for him to go ahead with his plans.
At 9:10 P. M. Mr. DeBonis left the meeting
and Mr. Burns explained that a vote of town meeting
had authorized this taking and he would like to see
it done at this time. There would be no money in-
volved and Town Meeting had not provided any funds
therefor. He explained that the amount of money
needed to do the work by the Town would be com-
paratively small and as the land was now in the
Land name of one owner it would not be necessary to
Taking obtain slope easements, etc. at some later date.
Lowell Mr. Hoyt felt that there was money now in
Street Highway Maintenance which might be used and at a later
Town Meeting if it was necessary to secure more money
an explanation could be given as to why this work
had been unexpectedly done.
Mr. Nickerson moved that the land be taken at
this time and the work done as suggested by Mr. Burns
Mr. Hoyt and Mr.. Driscoll both approved the motion
and it was so voted.
Mr. Debonis was advised of the action of the
Board and Mr. Stevens was requested to take care of the legal
papers necessary in order that the work might be
done promptly.
At 9:15 P. M. Mr. William Spiers, representing
the Pleasant Associates, met with the Board. He ex-
plained that he had purchased the Harvey C. Wheeler Estate
1
177
and was interested in the development of the road
connecting Winchester and Lexington. The County
Commissioners advised him that several years ago the
Town had filed a petition requesting the layout
of a public way, but this petition was now of no
use. He presented a new petition and asked if the
Board would consider this project and if in favor
of it he would like to have the petition as presented Petition
by him in blank, completed and filed with the County County Way
Commissioners.
Mr. Alan Adams of the Planning Board was
present and Mr. Emery explained that this would
be referred to the Planning Board for their suggestions
and recommendations. As soon as a reply is received
from this Board Mr. Spiers would be notified of
the action to be taken by the Town of Lexington. Mr.
Spiers and Air. Adams retired at 9:20 P. M. Mr. Burns and
Mr. Stevens also left the meeting.
At 9:20 Mr. Walker, Town Accountant: Mr. Howard
Patterson, Chairman of the Appropriation Committee;
Mr. Raymond James and Mr. Clarence Smith met with the
Board.
Mr. Emery explained that he and Mr. Nickerson
had met with the Appropriation Committee and had
discussed the Barnes property repairs in detail.
They had been in accord as to the work already done.
However, since that time further thought had been
given to the project and the Chairman had secured
an estimate for having the garage put in condition.
This would be 0196.00. He asked if the Appropriation
Committee would have any objections if the Board
accepted this bid, have the work done, and ordered Barnes
some more small pane windows and shutters to com- Property
plete the job. He explained that it would cost
about 0600 to remove the building and the cost of
repairs would only be a little less than 0200.
Mr. Patterson said that the Appropriation Committee
felt that the building might be used for storage
purposes particularly as more office space may be
needed for Civilian Defense Work. The members
present from the Appropriation Committee were willing
to go along with the suggestion made by Mr. Emery
and have Custance Bros. do the additional work and
get the building ready for the painter at an additional
cost of 0196.00
The Chairman read a letter from Frank D. Walker,
Town Accountant, giving further information concerning
his return to the U. S. Army. Mr. Walker is now on
duty at Camp Devens but advised the Board that he
would not take his physical examination until August
29th and if he passed he would be activated on Sept-
178
F. D.
Walker
Military
Leave
Water
Request
Milk St.
ember 4th.. In his letter he requested a military
leave of absence to commence September 14, 1950.
Mr. Walker explained that during the summer
months the work decreases in the Accounting Department
and at the present time all work has been completed
through December. At this time, it would be necessary
for the clerks to do the regular routine work each
week. Later in the year it will become busier and
he suggested that a part-time clerk be employed to
assist them.
The question was raised as to whether or not
it would be possible to obtain a clerk whose work
would be satisfactory on a part-time basis and Mr.
Walker said he thought it could be done.
He also suggested the appointment of Mrs.
Ethel Rich as Assistant Town Accountant to give
her authority to sign warrants. He said that it
would necessitate an increase in pay for both clerks
in his Department if these suggestions were carried
out. Mr. Walker said that he was now at the Town
Office Building evenings and would continue this
practice until September 14th. After that time
he would be geld to assist and answer any questions .
that might arise whenever possible.
Mr. Patterson said that the Appropriation
Committee had in mind arranging their meetins during
the Budget Season so that Mr. Walker might attend
and that payment for such service could be on an
expense basis.
Mr. Walker explained that he would be willing
to come at any time and would give all the assistance
he could if he continues to be stationed at Camp
Devens.
The Chairman asked if the members of the Board
had any questions and they had none. The Chairman
then suggested that this matter be held over for
further discussion after August 29th at Which time
Mr. Walker's status would have been definitely
determined.
Messrs. Walker, Patterson, James and Smith
retired at 9;55 P. M. and Mr. Burns returned to
the meeting.
The Chairman read a letter from W. H. Sullivan,
160 Union Street, Leominster, Mass., requesting
water installation on Milks Street, off Hill Street,
as far as Lots 7 and 8.
Mr. Burns presented a sketch showing the
proposed installation and the probable cost of
$1500 or 10.700, and suggested that this item be
included in the 1951 budget.
It was agreed that the Chairman should write
Mr. Sullivan and advise him that due to prior commit -
1
179
ments for water no action would be taken at this
time; however, this would be discussed again when
the 1951 budgets are being considered.
Mr. Burns explained that there was a waiting
period on the delivery of pipe of sixteen to
eighteen weeks. He stated that pipe was: available Order
for all the work now planned but nothing on hand Pipe
for work which might now be requested.
A motion was made by Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr.
Driscoll, to authorize Mr. Burns and Mr. Emery to •
place an order for pipe with a delivery date of approxi-
mately four months.
Mr. Burns explained that there was a brook
running from Spring Street through the lots to
Grassland Street which needed to be cleaned out.
He said the water was not running off and needed
attention. The approximate cost would be $600.
The Board authorized Mr. Burns to proceed
with this work and have the brook cleaned.
Mr. Burns reported that he had a request
from Mr. Sousa for a water main on Winter Street.
His house was nearing completion and he would
like the water put in.
The Board agreed that Mr. Burns should
acknowledge the request and advise Mr. Sousa
that this would be put on the waiting list, and
the work would probably be included in the 1951
budget.
A letter of complaint was read from Carmine
Massimilla, 108 Bow Btreet, relative to damage to a
fence and retaiihing wall at the rear 9f his pro-
perty on Albermarle Avenue, during the sewer con-
struction.
Mr. Burns said there had been some damage to
the wall for which the town was responsible. The
Board authorized Mr. Burns to talk with Mr. Massimilla
and tell him it would be taken care of.
The Chairman read a letter from Robert G. Allen,
253 Bedford Street, stating that there had been damage
to his property by the town during construction work,
Mr. Burns, was authorized to contact Mr. Allen and
endeavor to see that matters are settled to his
satisfaction.
The Chairman read a petition signed by twenty-
one residents asking that the town consider the
acceptance of Bartlett Avenue, Arcola Street and
Brook
Grassland
Street
Water
Request
WinterStreet
Claim
For Damages
Claim for
Damage
180
Street Pearl Street. The Town Engineer was instructed to
Acceptance review the engineering situation for these three
requested streets and prepare an estimate for the cost of
construction to be sent to the petitioners.
Water re-
quested
Winter St.
Permit
Held Over
Sunday
Sales
License
Tax
Abatement
A letter was read from Walter S. Harrington and
Clifford U. Boggs requesting consideration of a water
service to Lots 4, 5 6 and 10 as shown on Park Heights
Plan No. 1 on Winter Street.
The Chairman agreed to write the petitioners
and advise them that the Board do not feel that
conditions are any more favorable for this installation
now than they were in March when it was previously
requested. the situation regarding the supply of
water pipe is more critical than it was before and
the requests for water extensions have increased rather
than decreased in localities where the Board feels
priority should be given.
Mrs. Flaherty left the meeting at 10:30 P. M.
and Mr. Donald E. Nickerson served as Clerk for
the remainder of the meeting.
A request was received from John Shaughnessy
for permission to move a house from the Route 128
at Route 2A to the corner of Massachusetts Avenue,
on Wood Street (owned by Toros H. I3ashian).
The Clerk was instructed to advise Mr. Shaugh-
nessy that the Board wished to check further with
the Building Inspector and that further consideration
would be given this on August 2Sth.
The Chairman stated that Shopper's Haven wished
to have the Board reconsider the revocation of their
Sunday Sales License. It was agreed that the Chairman
would request Mr. Stevens to advise the attorney for
Shopper's Haven to reiterate their request after
November 1, 1950, at which time the Board would give
it their consideration.
It was moved and seconded that the partial release
as prepared by the Town Counsel for water assessment
on Property on Westview Street in the amount of X63.14
be signed and executed.
A memorandum was read to the effect. that Mr.
Ralph L. Santos, 108A Beacon St., Somerville, had
received a tax bill for property which had been
sold to the town. Upon motion duly made and seconded
it was voted to authorize the Assessors Department
to abage the tax on the land formerly owned by
1
181
Ralph Santos on Marrett Road and Grapevine Avenue
in accordance with deed by them to the Town dated
Jan. 16, 1950.
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. James J. Vacation
Carroll, Town Clerk, referring to the Report of Pay
1941 as to vacations, wages and salaries. Mr.
Carroll made this report in connection with two weeks
vacation pay for a clerk in the Assessor's Office.
The 1942 report directed the Selectmen to adhere to the
report submitted on vacation pay as far as was practical.
Them was some doubt about this according to
Mr. Hoyt.
It was agreed to advise Mr. Carroll that the
Departments should adhere to one week for employees
from six months to a year, and two weeks for over
one year.
A letter was read from Harold E. Roeder, Chairman
of the Board of Fire Engineers, stating that there
was work to be done on the radios which had been
installed in their apparatus in April by the Link
Company. Repeated requests had failed to bring
a response and the Fire Engineers would like to
have the Board of Selectmen contact the Link Com-
pany to see if this work could be completed.
The Chairman agreed to write the Link Com-
pany and ask why this work had not been done and
when the Town might expect that it would be com-
pletep.
The Chairman advised the Board that he had
received a request from Chief John W. Rycroft con-
cerning the bridge on the new Route 128 at Mass-
achusetts Avenue. A letter was written by Mr. Emery
Commonwealth and it was being given their attention.
A letter was received from F. D. Sabin, District
Highway Engineer, asking if the use of the Middle-
sex and Boston Street Railway building for State
Public Works purposes would conflict with our present,
or as it may be changed in the near future, zoning laws.
The Chairman was authorized to acknowledge this
letter and to refer the letter from the State to the
Town Counsel and the Planning Board for their advice.
An invitation from the Boston Naval Shipysrd to
attend the civic celebration to be held on Friday
evening, August 25th, on the Esplanade in Boston,
was read and placed on file.
Fire Eng. -
rex. radio
equipment
Request
from Chief
re: bridge
to the
Request from.
State re:
M & B
Bldg.
Invitation
182
A letter was read from the Selectmen of the Town
County Way of Winchester with reference to the Johnson noad
Johnson Rd. project in anticipation of its construction as a
County Way. The Board voted to refer this letter
to the Planning Board and advise the Winchester
Board of Selectmen of their action.
A letter was received from the Recreation
Playground Director Lawrence H. Bramhall extending an in
Activity vitation to the Board to attend the closing exercises
of the playground season.
The Chairman was authorized to acknowledge
the letter and request Mr. Gay, if possible, to
attend this function.
Further consideration was given to an offer of
$350.00 for lots 110, 111, 112 and 113, inclusive, on
Tax Title Bellflower Street by David L. Wilson, Jr.
Property A notice of the offer was advertised in the
August 17, 1950, issue of the Lexington Minute an.
No persons contacted the Selectmen's Office as the
result of the advertisement.
Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted
to sell and convey Lots 110, 111, 112 and 113 on
Bellflower Street to Mr. David L. ilson for $350.
Further consideration was given tb an offer of
$100 for Lot A grant Street, Lexington by Eugene T.
Tax Title Buckley. A notice of the offer was advertised in
Property the August 17, 1950, issue of the Lexington Minute -
Man. No persons contacted the Selectmen's Office
as the reuult of the advertiseipent.
Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted
to sell and convey Lot A. Grant Street to Mr. lugene
T. Buckley for $110.
Upon motion made by Mr. Driscoll and seconded by
Mr. Hoyt it was voted to approve the figure of $196.00
submitted by Custance Brothers for work on the garage
at the Barnes Property.
The card discussed further the request of the
Lexington Arts and Crafts Society concerning the use
of the Buckman Tavern grounds for certain outdoor
displays. The Lexington Historical Society had no
objections to these uses. The Board voted to approve
the use of the Buckman Tavern grounds by the Society
and request them to advise the Selectmen of the dates
for which the permits are to be issued.
An application from Edward E. Abell for the use
of Estabrook Hall on Spptember 11, 1950, from 7:00
to 10:00 P. M. for the Lexington Boy's Club was considered.
Permit::
1771
1
1
t
183
Upon motion duly moved and seconded it was voted Use of Hall
to approve the use of the hall free of charge.
Upon motion duly made and seconded it was
approve the following licenses:
Countryside Associates, Inc. Lowell St.
Lexington l`heatre, Inc. 1794 Mass. Ave.
voted to
Sunday Golf
Sunday Movies
Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted
to sign sewer orders for Outlook Drive, Fair Oaks Drive
and Marrett Road: (Orders on File in Selectmen's
Office - Sewer Orders - 1950).
`T
Acti g Clerk, Selectme .
Licenses
Sewer
Orders
184
Award
Prospect
Hill Rd.
contract
to Geo.
Brox
Watson
Road
SFT,FCTMEN'S MEETING
August 28, 1950
A regular meeting
held in the Selectmen's
28, 1950, at 7:00 P. M.
Emery, Messrs. Gay, Dri
Clerk was also present.
of the Board of Selectmen was
Room on Monday evening, August
There were'present: Chairman
scoll, Nickerson and Hoyt. The
At 7:00 P. M. Mr. Joseph H. DeFoe, Supt. of Public
Works, and Mr. William M. Burns, Town Engineer, met with
the Board. Mr. Burns advised the Board that Tony Mel-
chianno had been unable to raise the $3,000 which the
Board had requested him to do in order that they might
be assured that payrolls would be met if the contract
for Prospect Hill and Marrett Road work was awarded to
him.
The Chairman suggested that all bids might be
rejected and this project could be readvertised. Mr.
DeFoe and Mr. Burns said this was not advisable.
Mr. Nickerson asked if the difference between
Melchianno and Brox was 43500., and Mr. Burns replied
the net difference was about 41,100. He said if it
was possible the Town would take over a portion of
the work and save about 41,000 but he would not
1eave Marrett Road torn up all winter.
Mr. DeFoe said that Brox bid was a good one.
Mr. Driscoll moved that inasmuch as A. Melchianno
could not raise the money requested by the Board,
to support the contract, it was deemed advisable to
award the contract to George Brox, Inc. Mr. Hoyt
seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Mr. 1eFoe stated that the people on Watson Road
are complaining about the shoulders on the road and
requesting that they be loamed. He explained that
it had been the policy of the town since 1946 to keep
the price down and that the cost of loaming the
shoulders was so high that it had been omitted on all
jobs. He said that Libetsty-Ledgelawn group had made
the same request and it had been denied. The additional
cost to the abutters would be about $2.00 afoot.
On Watson Road the entire cost would be about $400.
Mr. Gay said he had been contacted about the
condition of the street and had looked it over. He
agreed that it looked unfinished and he did not
like it. Mr. DeFoe and Mr. Burns agreed that it
looked bad but that all the streets had been left
in the same condition conforming with the policy of
the town to keep the cost down. Mr. DeFoe explained
1
that it would be cheaper for the residents to pur-
chase the loaM/ and do the work themselves than
it would be i'or them to have the work done by the
Town.
Mr. Hoyt asked if the entire street would have
to be done or just the corners. Mr. DeFoe replied
that before you got through substantially all the
street would have to be done.
Mr. Burns said that on most streets the people
had done the work themselves and it looked very
well.
Mr. Hoyt said if the people want 2t done they
should be willing to pay for it.
Mr. Gay said he thought they expected it to be
done as part of the whole job without extra cost
to them. He suggested that Mr. Mears be contacted
and told that this was not included in the contract
but that if the people wished to sign an agreement
to pay for the work it would be taken care.
The Chairman suggested holding the matter over
for a week. In the meantime Mr. Gay said there .would
be an additional cost if the work is done and would
report at the next meeting.
Mr. Harold E. Stevens, Town Counsel, met with
the Board at 7:20 P. M.
Mr. DeFoe presented an estimate of pipe needed
for work which had been authorized for this year and
work pending forwhich signature sheets have been sent
out. A lengthy discussion followed as to the amount
of pipe to be ordered due to the fact that date of
delivery extends from 14 to 20 weeks according to the
various sizes. They also discussed the amount of
money available and which might carry over into 1951.
Mr. Walker, Town Accountant, was requested to sit
with the Board •and explained why he had allocated the
Water Department Funds as shown on his books. He
explained that if an order was placed in 1950 and he
had notice of it the necessary funds would hold over
to pay for it. However, Messrs. DeFoe and Burns did
not concur with the method and the Board felt that
once money had been appropriated at Town Meeting it
should not be Allowed to lapse.
Mr. Emery read from his notes for the Annual Town
Meeting under Article 14 the explanation given to the
Town Meeting Members.
Mr. Stev ns said the money voted was not limited
and, therefore, legally the town was not limited in order-
ing the pipe.
Mr. Hoyt said he felt the Town could not go wrong
in ordering the pipe now which they felt could be used
in 1951.
185
Purchase of
Water Pipe
186
Kineen+s
Pond
The Chairman requested that Messrs. Walker, DeFoe
and Burns retire:and`check the amount of money available
to place a satisfactory order for pipe and Messrs. Depoe
and Burns returned to the meeting later and suggested that
the following order be placed:
7,700 feet of 6" pipe
2 700 " 8n II 2,000 " 12" "
They would also order hydrants, valves and fittings.
The Chairman asked if the other members of the
Board had any questions about this order and ther
were none.
The Chairman asked if Mr. DeFoe, Mr. Burns and
Mr. Walker approved this order and he replied in the
affirmative.
Mr. Gay suggested that they place a larger order
for pipe and if it was needed it would be cancelled
before delivery. Mr. Hoyt said he agreed with this
suggestion. .
After some discussion. the Board authorized Mr.
DeFoe to place the following order:
9,000 feet of 6"
3,500 " 8"
3,000 " 12"
pipe
n
Bids for thb development of Kineen ' s Pond were
received on Auglist 25th as follows:
Michael Ray $5,017.00
Dow Company 5,664.50
George Brox, Inc. 6,240.00
T. R. Rawson 6,946.00
Milla's Florist Nursery
Inc. 6,958.00
There was a discussion about omitting the loam from
the contract and it was finally decided after con-
ferring with Mr. Stevens to omit this item.
Mr. Burns that when this project was finished
there would be about three times as much area as
was originally requested and he thought that the
loam could be added at a later date. He said the
people would still be getting more than they exped.ted
to under the vote of town meeting. The item of a
backstop was discussed and Mr. Burns said that he
had planned to put a hedge on this area. The Board
felt that this might not be too practical and
that eventually a fence would have to be erected.
The cost of loam was deducted from all the contracts
and the bids were then listed as follows:
1
187
George Bro4, Inc. $3,735.00
Dow Company 2,744.00
Michael Ray 3,748.30 Award
Millais 3,651.05 Contract
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson,
it was voted to award this contract, without loam,
to George Brox, Inc. at a cost of 43,735.00
At 8:30 P. M. Mr. Toros Bashian met with the
Board re his request for a permit to move a house
from R 128 to a location on Wood Street.
The Chairman explained to Mr. Bashian that
he had talked to Mr. L+ndstrom, the Building In-
spedtor, and had been advised that Mr. Bashian
must submit a plot plan to that Department before
a permit could be issued. He also said that there
had been complaints from some of the neighbors
in that vicinity.
Mr. Bashian explained, by use of the map,
just where the house would be located. He also
said it was a new house and had been built about three
years ago.
A'lenthy discussion followed after which Mr.
Bashi.n advised the Board that he had already sold
the house and would not need the permit. He said
he had received a deposit and expected the balance
on Saturday.
The Chairman said the matter would be laid oh
the table and if the deal did not go through Mr.
Bashian could again contact the Building Inspector
and present the plot plan, after which time the
permit would be considered.
Mr. Bashian retired at 9:00 P. M.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to close the Town Office puilding on
Saturday, September 2, 1950.
At 9:10 P. M. Mr. and Mrs. John Chappelle, 72.
Hillcrest Avenue, met with the Board. He explained
that for the past three months he had been unable to
secure any water from his well that could be used.
The water was examined by Mr. Jackson, the Health
Sanitarian, and was declared polluted. He had
made three tests during this time and there had been
no improvement. He explained that he had to carry
water more than a,quarter of a mile for drinking
purposes but had no water for any other use. He
said he had steam heat and unless he was able to secure
water he could not heat his home.
Mr. Chappelle explained that the property on this
section of Hillcrest Avenue, with the exception of
one lot, was owned by relatives of his and he would
Water
Request
188
Salary
for
Vacation
New
Ambulance
Requested
Resignation
Resignation
obtain the necessary signatures to have water installed
without any difficulty.
The Chairman explained that this condition existed
when Mr. Chappelle moved into the property and he must
have been aware of it. He said the Town did not feel
responsible in any way; however, they were sympathetic to
his problems and would discuss it with Mr. DeFoe and
Mr. Burns later in the evening.
The Chairman also explained the shortage of pipe
and said even though the Board wanted to do the work
it might cause considerable delay in obtaining this pipe.
Mr. and Mrs. Chappelle retired at 9:10 P. M.
The Chairman read a letter from the Board of
Assessors requesting authorization to pay Miss
Dorothy Pierce for a second vacation week. Miss
Pierce has been in the employ of the town for seven
months.
The Board voted to adhere to the policy re-
commended by the Wage and Salaries Committee at
the March 23, 1942, Town Meeting, which was to grant
one week vacation to those employees in the Town
service more than six months but less than one year.
The Chairman read a letter from the Board of
Fire Engineers in which they recommend the possible
purchase of a new ambulance at this time. The
Chairman agreed to write the Fire Engineers and
advise them that the Board were not inclined to
take any particular action at this time to replace
the ambulance. It was thought that,this might
be discussed in the 1951 budget.
A letter was received from the Town Clerk advising
the Board of the resignation of Mrs. Steele Lindsay
from'the School Building Committee. Inasmuch as this
committee had been appointed by the Moderator there
was no action necessary by the'Board.
The Board considerered the resignation of Mr.
Henry Brask from the Town Manager Committee.. It
was their opinion that his experience on this
committee during the past year was extremely valuable
and they would like him to reconsider. Mr. Gay
agreed to contact Mr. Brask and express to him the
opinion of the Board.
Messrs. DeFoe and Burns returned to the meeting
at 9:30 P. M.
A letter and petition was received from Mrs. Martha
1
189
Yntas asking that no .shades be placed on the street
lights in the area of 40 Moreland Avenue. No request
for shading the lights had been received and the Street
Chairman agreed to acknowledge Mrs. Yntas' letter Lights
and tell her that if a petition to shade the lights
is received her petition will also be considered.
Mr. Emery asked Mr. DeFoe if he had any
opinion as to water on Hillcrest Avenue. Mr. DeFoe
said Mr. Chapelle had made this request several months
ago but nothing further had been done on it.
Mr. Hoyt said he thought Mr. Chapelle had made Water
an earnest effort and was willing to secure the Request
signatures..
It was decided that the papers shouldbe pre-
pared and a request made for the signati s, with
the understanding that thew ater will be installed
as soon as possible, depending upon the delivery
of pipe.
Upon motion duly made and seconded it was
voted to approve the following votes which had
been prepared by the Town Counsel:
VOTED: That pursuant to the authority granted
by Chapter 159 of the Acts of 1950, the time for
payment of the betterment of 4'836.00 assessed upon
land of Thomas Napoli, consisting of about 12.02
acres, situated on Lincoln Street, which assessment
was made in connection with the laying of a.water
main in said Lincoln Street, is hereby extended, with-
out interest, until said land or any part thereof
is built upon or sold or until the expiration of
three years from the date hereof, which ever event
first occurs; provided, however, this this exten-
sion of time shall terminate immediately if the
facilites of said water• main are used for said lot
or any part thereof.
VOTED: That pursuant to the authority granted
by Chapter 159 of the Acts of 1950, the time for
payment of the betterment of 4518.40 assessed upon
land of Ciriaco Cataldo, consisting of about 14.25
acres, sitauted on Bow Street, which assessment was
made in connection with the construction of a sewer
in said Bow Street, is hereby extended, without
interest, until said land or any part thereof is
built upon or sold or until the expiration of three
years from the date hereof, whichever event first
occurs; provided, however, that this extension bf
time shall terminate immediately if the facilities
of said sewer are used for said lot or any part
thereof.
Votes
190
Gas Main
The Chairman read a letter from the Arlington
Gas Company requesting permission to install a 6"
gas main in Lowell Street from the junction of
Woburn Street,a distnce of 2100 feet. The plan
had been approved by Mr. Burns.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr.
Hoyt, it was voted to grant the request for this
installation.
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. W. H.
McCullough, 67.Valley Road, requesting the installa-
tion of a water main. Mr. DeFoe stated that he
had advised Mr. McCullough to send in a petition with the
signatures of the others who would be served
by this extension. The Chairman agreed to ackno*-
ledge this letter and request Mr. McCullough to
obtain the signatures.
A letter signed by William C. Catley, 41
Fair Oaks Drive and Philip R. Brooks, 44 Fair Oaks
Drive, requesting the extension of a water main on
Water Fair Oaks Drive. The Chairman agreed to acknow-
Request ledge the letter and advise the' writer that in
view of other commitments and other requests we
regret we cannot give any assurance at this time
as to the date of installation.
Mr. DeFoe and 1dr. Burns left the meeting at
10:05 P. M.
A letter was read from Messrs. Littlejohn and
Radio Lewis re commending the purchase of two spare parts
Request kits, trumpet type speakers and an additional mobile
unit. It was decided that the Chairman would look into
the cost of the third unit and to bring the matter
again at the next meeting.
A letter enclosing a bill for 418..00 covering
Water excess water, was received from Newton V. Crandall,
Bill 40 Middleby Road. It was the opinion of the Board
that this bill should be turned over to the bonding
company to could paid under the Raimo contract; and
in the event they did not pay it the bill was to be
abated.
Tranfer
A letter was received from the Town Accountant
advising that there was 445.77 remaining in the Law
Department- Expenses Account. Upon motion of Mr.
Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to re-
quest the Appropriation Committee to transfer the
sum of 4200. from the Excess and Deficiency Account
to cover expenditures for the balance of the yeFr.
1
191
Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted
to approve the following licenses;
Licenses
Countryside Associates Lowell Street Sun. Golf
Lexington Theatre, Inc. 1794 Mass. Avenue Sun. Movies
The Clerk left the meeting at 10:35 P. M. after
which a discussion followed on the Sunday Sales Licenses
requests by John OtConnor and Kieran Lowry. No
action was taken on these permits.
Acting.Clerk, Selectmen.
192
Jurors
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
September 6, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen
was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office
Building, on Wednesday evening, September 6, 1950
at 7:00 P. M. Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay, Driscoll
and Hoyt were present. The Clerk was also present.
Mr. James J. Carroll, ''own Clerk, met with the
Board for the drawing of two jurors.
Mr. John L. Woodbury, insurance agent, 403
Massachusetts Avenue, and Mr. Herman S. Schwarts, editor,
18 Highland Avenue, wire drawn.
Mr. Carroll retired at 7:07 P. M.
-The Chairman reported that the organization of
Use of Alcoholics Anonymous would like permission to hold a
Hall meeting in Estabrook Hall, and also have the privilege
of using the refreshment counter, on Sunday, October
15th.
Mr. Gay moved that the use of the hall be granted
free of charge. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion and
it was so voted.
1
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Frank D. Walker,
Town Accountant, advising the Board that he has passed
tis physical examination, and has been accepted by the
Town Arany.. He requested Military Leave commencing September
Accountant 15, 1950.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to grant Mr. Walker's request for Military
Leave beginning September 15, 1950, and to extend the
Board's best wishes.
Mr. Joseph H. LeFoe, Supt. of Public Works, met
with the Board at 7:10 P. M.
Insurance He reported that Converse Hill has talked with him
Barnes about the Barnes property and believes that, as a result
Property of the recent repairs and remodelling, the insurance
coverage should be increased from 411,500 to 423,000.
Upoh motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Gay, it
was voted to approve Mr. Hill's recommendation and
authorize increasing the insurance coverage on the
Barnes property to 423,000.
Mr. DeFoe reported that he needs additional funds
for Water Services and explained that he has discussed
this subject with the Chairman.
The Chairman said that as he recalls, Town Meeting
appropriated 421,000 which was estimEted to be sufficient
for about 325 services at 465 or thereabouts per seriiee.
193
There have been 290 installed and about 60 more Transfer
applications on file of which 49 have been paid for. for water
He explained that at the present moment the account services
is just about depleted, and there' is pipe on order
at a cost of $1,500 which will have to be paid for
within the next few weeks.
The Chairman suggested that the Board request a
transfer of 46,500 based on the assumption that there
will be a Fall Town Meeting in October. He informed
the other members of the Board that he has discussed
this subject with Mr. Cleveland inasmuch as Mr. Pat-
terson is out of Town and he has agreed to poll his
Board.
The Chairman also explained that he had discussed
this proposed transfer with Mr. Searle of the Division
of Accounts. Mr. Searle said that the acquisition of
additional funds appeared to be urgent at the moment
and it would seem like a logical transfer from the
Reserve Fund.
He stated that there is about $12,000 left in the
Reserve Fund at the present time and undoubtedly Mr.
Stevens, or his concern, will want $2,000 or $3,000
and there is about $10,000 short in the Snow Removal
Account.
Mr. Hoyt thought that possibly less than $6,500
could be tranferred and then additional funds requested
at the Special Town Meeting to be held some time this Fall.
to be transferred from the Water Department Available Sur-
plus Account.
The Chairman said that it would also be necessary to
purchase more copper tubing. An order for 15,000 feet
has been placed but this may be all used by December and
then there would not be any left to start the year.
Mr. Gay felt that the Board had no alternative but to
request the transfer.
Mr. Driscoll said that he would rely upon Mr. Hoyt's
judgment from his experience as a member of the Appro-
priation Committee.
The Clerk was instructed to call Mr. '-leveland (Mr.
Patterson being out of town) and advise him that the
Board of Selectmen would like a transfer of $6,000 from
the Reserve Fund to the Water Services Account. Mr. Cleve-
land,agreed to poll his `committee this evening by telephone.
Mr. DeFoe presented several requests for street lights
and explained each one by the use of sketches. He stated
that a representative of the Boston Edison Company and he
had inspected the various locations and agreed upon the
following recommendations:
Boulder Road, 1 light Lincoln Street, 2 lights
Baker Avenue, 1 light Gleason Road, 1 light
Street
Lights
194
Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to
approve the locations as outlined and recommended
by Mr. DeFoe.
Mr. DeFoe reported that the New York representative
of the Warren Ripe Company is not in favor of giving the
Town any pipe this year and claims that it cannot be
Water delivered. Mr. DeFoe said that he thought some deal
Pipe would have to be made in order to secure the pipe. He
said that he would like the Board's permission to write
a rather severe letter stating that delivery of the pipe
is expected this year in accordance with the agreement
and that it is imperative that a certain number of feet
is delivered at the price quoted. He explained that the
Boston representative felt such a letter might bring re-
sults. The Board had no objection.
Mr. Gay brought up the subject of drainage on High-
land Avenue at the rear of Dr. Murray's property, and
mentioned having a pipe laid.
The Chairman said that the Board had voted to have
the brook cleaned out.
Mr. DeFoe said that he spoke to Mr. Burns about this
but no mention was made of any pipe being laid. He ex-
plained that it would require an 18" pipe and cost ap-
proximE.tely 050. The would eliminate any future clean-
ing.
Mr. Hoyt asked if the necessity of laying the pipe
Highland could be eliminated by cleaning the brook every year.
Avenue Mr. DeFoe said that it would cost about 640 to clean
Drainage it every year.
The Chairman said that he is in favor of this project
but did not see why it should be done before other projects
which have been included in the budgets.
Mr. Driscoll explained that this is an item which has
been discussed many times and nothing has ever been done.
Dr. Murray is somehwat irked because it has been brought
up at various times but without any results. He said that
he thought Dr. Murray would feel much better if some definite
action were taken by the Board.
Mr. Gay moved that the Superintendent of rublic Works
be authorized to place this project on the list of drainage
work to be done with theunderstanding that the pipe will
be laid as soon as possible, in its order of priority.
Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that he did not take any
vacation in 1946, 1947 or 1948. He said that in 1946 he
spent a great deal of time trying to obtain equipment
for the town. In 1947 the Engineer was new and he did not
think it would be fair to leave him alone to handle the
vast amount of work. In 1948 Mr. Burns was appointed Town
Engineer and that year neither he, Mr. Burns or Mr. Weisinger
took a vacation because of the volume of work to be done.
Vacations
1
195
Mr. DeFoe said that he would like the Board to
consider 'extending his time so that he might receive
pay for six weeks vacation time.
The Chairman said that he thought there might be
some legal angles to this and he did not know what the
Town Counsel would say. He agreed to discuss the sub-
ject with Mr. Stevens.
Mr. Gay asked if the Superintendent of rublic Works
could be_authorized to haul approximately 80 years of Loam
loam from the Fiske School to the East Lexington Library. E. Lex.
Mr. Driscoll moved that the superintendent be so Library
authorized. Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion and it was so
voted.
Mr. Gay said that the people on Watson Road are.
very much dissatisfied.
Mr. DeFoe asked if the property owners wanted to
pay for loam and Mr. Hoyt replied that some may and
some may not. He said that the situation is bad and
he thought the Town should put in loam, six the sides
of the road and have it definitely understood hereafter
that the Town will do the work and the people will have
to pay for it or else it will not be done and .the people
so advised. He said that he thought loam srioiild be put
on the sides of "atson.•Road at the Town's expense.
Mr. Hoyt moved that $o,tson Road be taken care.: of
at theTown's expense. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion
and it was so voted.
Mr. DeFoe asked if he were to seed it and Mr. Hoyt
replied that he thought the property owners would take
care of that.
The Chairman said that if Watson Road is done now
he thought the Town would have to go back to Liberty-
Ledgelawn. Mr. Hoyt said that he did not think so.
The Chairman asked why the Town should pay for this
work rather than having it included as part of the cost
of the street.
Mr. Hoyt explained that there are two corners which
have been left in very bad condition and the people on
those corners are not paying for the street anyway. He
said that this was not included in the cost and not dis-
cussed. He stated that he thought the people assumed the
street would be left in a good condition and he does not
think that they should now be told that they will have
to pay extra because the shoulders were left the way they
are.
The "hairman said that he did not see why the Town
would not have to do Liberty-Ledgelawn, and ''Ar. Hoyt said
that the people in that area have all been billed and the
situation cleaned up.
196
Proposed
Road Lex-
ington to
Winchester
Raimo re-
quest for
extension
of time
Radio
System
Rummage
Sale
The Chairman wished to be recorded as not voting
on this subject.
Mr. DeFoe retired at 8:25 P. M.
Mr. William Spiers of the Pleasant Associates met
with the Board with reference to the proposed road from
Winchester to Lexington.
The Chairman explained that he had talked to Mr.
Cromwell, Chairman of the Planning Board, who informed
hoadkised Mr. Spiers that the Selectmen have written to the
(Shim that his Board has not acted as yet upon this. He
Planning Board, and gave him a copy of the letter to read,
but as yet no reply has been received.
Mr. Spiers retired at 8:30 P. M.
Action upon Mr. Brask's resignation as a member of
the Town Manager Committee was held over until the next
meeting of the Board.
The Chairman read a letter
Company requesting an extension
ject to December 10, 1950. The
Continental Casualty Company on
from the Raimo Contracting
of time on the Sewer Pro -
request was approved by the
September first.
The Chairman said that he felt the request to be un-
reasonable and thought an extension to October 1st would
be sufficient. It was agreed to authorize the Chairman
to discuss this matter with the Town Counsel and Superin-
tendent of rublic Works.
Action on the proposed location of nine poles on
Robinson Road was held over until the next meeting of the
Board.
Letter from j'enry C. Littlejohn and Frank D. Lewis,
with reference to the Town's radio communication system,
was held over from the last meeting of the Board.
The Chairman said that the speakers have been tested
and are all right. Whether they are an extra or should
have been standard equipment at the beginning has not
been decided yet. He asked if it would be agreeable to
approve the suggestions if it develops that the present
contract, with the two speakers which have been furnished,
are not adequate and also to have Mr. Stevens modify the
contract to include the third mobile unit. He explained that
this will not mean that the Town will pay more, but would
bring all the units within the guarantee and specifications
of the contract.
The members of the Board had no objection.
Letter was received from Mrs. Louis Cizek on
behalf of the Pre -School P. T.A. for permission to con-
duct a Rummage Sale at the Barnes property on October 21st.
The Board had no objection provided the property will
be available at the time.
1
1
The Chairman read a letter from Ralph E. Chadwick,
Sealer of Weights and Measures, relative to the pur-
chase of a 50 gallon test tank to properly serve the fuel
owners in Lexington. At the present time he borrows
a test tank from the Town of Uatertown. A quotation
of $1,195.00 was enclosed with the letter.
Mr. Hoyt moved that Mr. Chadwick to advised that
there are no funds available for any such expenditure
and suggest that he incorporate it as a Capital Outlay
item when making up his 1951 budget. Mr. Gay seconded
the motion and it was so voted.
A bond in the penal sum of %1,000 wPs received on
behalf of John C. Russell as Constable in the Town of
;,exington.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to approve the bond as submitted.
Application was received from Philip Welch, Supt.
of Public Works in Reading, relative to the position of
Superintendent of Public "orks in Lexington.
Application was also received from James J. Leahy,
106 Blake Road, Lexington, on the same subject.
The Clerk .• was instructed to place both applications
on file until some future meeting.
Application was received from Challis Wilson, 6
Woodlawn Avenue, Waltham, relative to the position of
Town Accountant.
The Clerk was instructed to place this on file
until some future meeting.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Gay,
it was voted to grant the following licenses:
Lexington Theatre, 1794 Mass. Avenue Sun. Movies
Countryside Assoc. Lowell Street " Golf
A discussion was held on the applications for Sunday
Sales Licenses submitted by John F. O'Connor, Five Forks
and Kieran J. Lowry, 286 Lincoln Street.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it was
voted that the Sunday Sales Licenses be granted until 9:30
P. M. providing it is legal to do so.
The Chairman wished to be recorded as not voting on
the subject and agreed to contact Town Counsel before the
licenses are mailed out.
The Clerk informed the Board that Mr. Ralph Nason
would like permission to store some microfilm in the Town
Office vault.
Mr. Driscoll moved that the request be granted. Mr.
Gay seconded the motion and it was so voted.
197
truck
Weights &
Measures
Test Tank
Bond
Application
Supt. rubli
Works
Town Acct.
Licenses
Sunday
Sales
Licenses
Storage
of
film
198
The Clerk informed the Board that the American
Legion would like permission to conduct an installation
Use of rehearsal in Cary Hall on Friday evening, September 8th,
Hall from 8:00 P. M. until 9:00 P. M.
Mr. Hoyt moved that the use of the hall be granted
free of charge. Mr. Gay seconded the. motion and it was
so voted.
Mr. Daniel Curtin's application for a Second Class
Agent's License was held over.
The meeting adjourned at 9:20 P. M.
A true record, Attest:
1
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
September 11, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on
Monday, September 11, 1950, at 7:00 P. M. Chairman
Emery, Messrs. Gay, Hoyt and Driscoll were present.
The Clerk was also present.
Hearing was declared open upon the petition of
the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone
and Telegraph Company for the location of one pole on
Harding Road, approximately 20 feet southeast of Williams
Road. No persons appeared in favor or in opposition.
Letter was received from Thomas J. Dickson stating
that he strongly objects to the proposed location because
he feels that it will depreciate the value of his property.
Decision on the petition was held over pending a re-
port from the Town Engineer.
Mr. DeFoe met with the Board and reported on a
complaint registered by Mr. Henning Swenson relative
to the drainage at Allen and Blossom Streets. He
presented a sketch and explained that there is a
culvert under the road at Blossom Street. Mr. Swenson
wants the brook eliminated from his property and have the
water flow down Blossom and Allen Streets.
Mr. DeFoe stated that the State contributes to
this condition but insofar as he is able to determine
the State does not feel inclined to do anything about
it.
Mr. Gay asked if the Town ever did iar.M* maintenance
work on the brook and Mr. DeFoe replied that to the
best of his knowledge the Town has never done any work
in this connection. He said that it appears to him
to be more or less of a natural coater way, but some
water from Blossom Street does flow onto Mr. Swenson's
property. When Mr. Swenson fills the land, as he intends
to do, the water will then collect on Blossom Street.
He said that if this does develop to the point where
the Town is obligated a survey should be made.
Mr. Harold Stevens, Town Counsel, met with the
Board and the Chairman explained the situation to
him.
Mr. Stevens said that it seems to him that the
street does not create a drainage problem and that
it is just the natural contour of the land.
Mr. Swenson met with the Board at 8:15 P. M.
199
Pole
Location
Swenson
Drainage
complaint
200
The Chairman asked if there was water in the brook
all the time and Mr. Swenson said that there is none in
the dry season, but during the Spring and Fall there is
quite a lot of water.
Mr. Stevens asked if there is a culvert under
Blossom Street and Mr. Swenson replied in the affirm-
ative.
The Chairman explained that, from the point of
view of the taxpayers as a whole, the Board has to
feel fairly sure that there is a legal obligation on
the part of the Town to involve any particular drain-
age problem.
Mr. Swenson said that he would be willing to lay
the pipe through his land and stated that if he does
fill his land he does not know where the water will
goy
Mr. Stevens asked if the land could be filled up
to the grade of the street and Mr. Swenson said that
he intends to scoop up the loam, put in fill and then
put the loam back. He said that he would fill it in
enough to keep the water out because he could not ex-
pect to sell the land with water coming in from the
street.
The Chairman asked what would happen if Mr. Swenson
piped the drain from the low spot to beyond the rise
at Slocum's property and i"ir. DeFoe replied that it would
just spillout.
Mr. Swenson asked who would be responsible if he in-
stalled the pipe and at some later date it became
clogged.
Mr. Stevens said that he would be responsible.
Mr. Swenson said that the land would not be any good
to him if he should be liable to a suit.
The Chairman explained that, from what the Board
knows at the present time, there does not seem to be any
legal obligation on the part of the town.
Mr. Stevens said that this appears to be a natural
drain.
Mr. Couette met with the Board on Mr. Swenson's be-
half.
The Chairman explained that the Board feels that it
is very questionable as to whether this is anything that
the Town is obligated for because the water comes from
other lands and it is a.natural drainage area.
Mr. Couette said that the Town is dumping water onto
Mr. Swenson's land.
The Chairman stated that, at this point, the Selectmen
do not admit that the Town is responsible for any water
going onto this land and would not do anything until they
have had an opportunity to look at the area in question
with the Town Counselk
Messrs. Swenson and Couette retired.
GC
1
Mr. DeFoe said that he has been contemplating
purchasing another sidewalk plow and has carried money
in the budget for three years. The model the Town
now owns has been discontinued. A sample has been
made, but the manufacturer is now involved in a strike and
there is no possibility of the unit going into produc-
tion this year.
In the meantime improvements have been made in the
next smaller model so that the size is comparable
to the tractor owned by the town. The present unit
weighs 4200 lobs. and the new model weighs 4138 lbs.
He explained that this is the only tractor that
can be purchased for this winter and there is just
one left in stock. He said that he would like to look at
it and have permission to purchase it if it meets
with his approval.
The Chairman asked if the $3500 originally
appropriated were still available and 1'1r. DeFoe replied
in the affirmative.
Mr. Gay said that if it is absolutely necessary to have
a tractor and there is no possibility of purchasing a larger
unit, he would be in favor of buying it provided money
is available.
Mr. DeFoe said that he definitely felt the Town should
have two tractors for plowing sidewalks.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll
it was voted to authorize the Superintendent of rublic
Works to purchase an HG -31 tractor from the H. F. Davis
Company at a price of y3,509., providing the unit, upon
inspection, meets with his approval and further pro-
viding there are sufficient funds available.
Hearing was declared open upon the petition of the
Boston Edison Company and the New England Telelphone
and Telegraph Companyfor the location of one pole on
Washington Street, northerly side, approximately 230
feet northeast of Highland Avenue.
No persons appeared in favor or in opposition.
Decision on the petition was held over pending
receipt of a report from the Town Engineer.
Hearing was declared open upon the petition of the
4 n Edison Company and the New England Telelphone and
Telegraph Company for the location of one pole in Robin-
son Road, approximately 125 feet north of apoint approx-
imately 1,015 feet east of Grove Street.
No person appeared in favor or in opposition.
Decision on the petition was held over pending
receipt of a report form the Town Engineer.
Mr. Merton 0. Baker and mr. Ernest' E. Wortman met
with the Board relative to the proposed pole locations
201
Tractor
Pole
Location
Pole
Location
202
on Robinson Road,.eaeterly from Grove Street.
Mr. Baker reported that he had discussed these
locations with Mr. Knowdell of the Boston Edison
Company inasmuch as he is opt.osed to the locations indicated
on the blueprint. Mr. Knowdell agreed to look
into the matter and contact Mr. Baker.
Mr. Baker agreed to contact Mr. Knowdell again and
report to the Board.
Mr. DeFoe reported that the total amount due
Custance Bros. for work at the Barnes property is
61724.85 and the Chairman reported the following
expenditures: shrubs, $100; loam, $90; Mr. Dacey,
Barnes $40; Mr. Moakley, 640; venetian blinds, 450;
Property painting, 6110; extra windows and blinds, 4115 --
Repatr s a total 43,259.85.
The Chairman said that there was a tentative
amount of 62,000 allocated for this work and the
Appropriation Committee transferred 41500 which
leaves a balance of approximately $200.
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Worthen to
Mr. DeFoe relative to a drain at Massachusetts Avenue
Drainage near Cedar Street, on the Rycroft property.
Mr. DeFoe reported that from notes in the
Selectmen's reports years ago, it is indicative that
the Town might have done some work there, but there
are no records stating definitely that the Town
installed the drain.
Johnson
Road
The Chairman suggested that Mr. DeFoe contact Mr.
Paxton and report to the Board again next week.
Mr. DeFoe retired.
Mr. Gay reported that Mr. Henry Brask has agreed
to continue to serve as a member of the Town Manager
Committee more or less as a consultant due to the
fact that it will not be possible for him to attend all
of the meetings.
The Chairman read a letter from the Winchester
Board of Selectmen advising that a meeting will be
held with the County Commissioners on October 5th to
discuss matters,. pertaining to public roads. The
Winchester Town Engineer will attend the meeting and
request funds under Chapter 90 for the construction
of Johnson Road. Winchester would like to have
Lexington attend the meeting in behalf of the Johnson
Road project.
csZ
.4
1
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The Chairman explained that statements have been
made to the effect that Paul Revere Road would be re-
quested as the next project and he hesitated to give
Johnson Road priority.
Mr. Stevens said that the Board could change its
position.
A letter on this same subject was received from
the Planning Board informing the Selectmen that the
Lexington Planning Board and the Winchester Planning
Board will meet on Wednesday, September 13, 1950 at
4:00 o'clock to inspect the location of the proposed
new road.
The Clerk was instructed to place this item on
the agenda for the next meeting of the Board.
Raimo's request for an extension of time on
the: Sewer Project was held over from the last
meeting.
Mr. Stevens reported that he has told Mr. Redman of
the Continental Casualty Company that he thought this
request would be denied. He also asked Mr. Redman
if he and Mr. Peterson were aware of the fact that
any extension would have to be paid for by the in-
surance company and apparently they both understand that.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to deny Raimo's request for an extension
of the completion date to December 10, 1950.
Mr. Stevens agreed to so advise Raimo.
Mrs. Przyjemski's letter of August 30th was
placed on the agenda at the Chairman's request.
Mr. Stevens said that he understands Przyjemski's
house is not in the street and it appears to him that
this is a matter of policy, and the Board should
decide that nothing further is to be done or instruct
him to advise Mrs. Scurto that she must comply with Scurto
the decree. He said that he did not think the Board Case
would get into any difficulty with the Court by not
enforcing the decree. He said, however, that Mr.
Przyjemski could bring proceedings against Mr.
Lindstrom, Building Inspector, to make him enforce
the ByTlaw.
Mr. Driscoll said that he has never seen
the building in question and would like to view
the premises. Accordingly, further action was held
over until the next meeting of the Board.
•hiss Maynard met with the Board. relative to
the damage to a Town tree at 2380•Massaehus-etts Avenue
during the process of digging a driveway to her
father's new house.
204
The Chairman explained that the Selectmen have not
definitely made up their minds as what should be done.
Miss Maynard said that, to begin with, the tree was
partly dead before her folks ever came to Lexington, but
admitted that a bulldozer went over the roots, She said
that the Town's Water Department also damages some of the
roots, and her father thought he might have been able to
save the tree if it had riot been further damaged by the
Tree Town. She said that this entire matter has assumed pro -
Damage portions which seem to have gone beyond what the actual=
problem'is.
The Chairman said that the Supt. of Parks has ex-
pressed the opinion that the tree should be taken down
and that the Board would look into the matter of the tree,.
being damaged by the Water Department as claimed by Miss
Maynard.
The Chairman asked what she thought would be a fair
,settlement and she replied that she thought her father
would be glad to have permission to take the tree down and
she also thought that he would agree to pay part of the
cost involved. She said she thought Mr. Garrity mentioned
$70 for removing the tree.
The Chairman informed Miss Maynard that the Board
would write her father within a week as to the Board's
decision.
Miss Maynard retired.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driecoll
it was voted to advise Mr. Maynard that the Town will re-
move the tree and send him a bill for S7O.
Legal
The Chairman read a letter from Daniel J. O'Connell
inquiring as to whether or not the Selectmen have
authorized anyone to place an obstruction on the street
or sidewalk at 47 Pleasant Street.
It was agreed to advise Mr. O'Connell that no such
authorization has been given.
Mr. Stevens retired.
The following representatives of the Lexington
Lions Club met with the Board: Messrs. Tropeano, Crumb,
Gustin, Lamont and Evans.
Mr. Evans explained that it will not be possible for
the Club to hold its Annual Penny Sale at the Belfry Club
and because the Masonic Hall and the High School Hall are
too small permission is requested to hold the sale in Carp
Hall.
The Chairman explained that some time prior to the
terms df thm present members, the Selectmen had•votedtto
adopt -the policy; Trot to'. approve any further requests for
holding Penny Sales in Cary Memorial Building, and that
1
2O
the present Board had refused requests since that time,
including requests received from one of the Churches.
Mr. Lamont asked if the Selectmen could grant this
request, under the circumstances, without abandoning
the policy and the Chairman replied that once a permit
is granted these individuals who have been refusted
will feel that they have been discriminated against.
He said that the Board would have to either grant all
requests or none at all. Hesaid that he has an open
mind on the subject but could not see how the Board
could make an exception. Use of
The Chairman asked when the sale would be held Hall
and Mr. Evans replied that it is scheduled for Octa ber
26th, but it will be necessary for them to know the Board+s
decision not later than next Monday inasmuch as tickets
have to be printed.
The Chairman said that the Board would consider
the request and the group retired at 9:25 P. M.
It was the unanimous feeling of the Board that the
policy as established prohibiting the use of Cary
Memorial Building for Penny Sales should be strictly
adhered to.
The Chairman read a letter from the Board of Public
Welfare requesting approval of an expenditure of 45.45
from the Bridge Charitable Fund for the purchase of one
pair of shoes for Kenneth Griffin, Bellflower? Street. Trust
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, Fund
it was voted to inform the Trustees of Public Trusts Transfer
that the request had been received and approved by the
Board.
The Chairman read a letter from Mrs. Gladys Crumb,
on behalf of the Symmes Auxiliary, requesting permission
to conduct a rummage sale in Cary Memorial Building. Rummage
Mr. Hoyt moved that a permit be granted for the Sale
rummage sale to be held at the Bernes Property. Mr.
Driscoll seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Application was received from the Massachusetts
Extension Serivee for permission to conduct Dress-
making Classes in Cary Building on September 20th,
October 11th, 25th, November 1st and 8th from 10:00
A.M. until 3:00 P. M. Similiar courses were conducted
last year and the use of the building granted free of
charge.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to grant the uses as request free of
charge.
Application was received from the Middlesex County
Extension requesting permission to conduct a meeting
in Estabrook Hall on September 21st.
Use of
Hall
206
Licenses
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to grant the use of the hall free of charge.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to grant the following licenses:
Lexington Theatre, Inc.
Countryside Assoicates, Inc.
Merrill Y. Storts
Sunday Movies
Sunday Golf
Peddler
Letter was received from Mr. Carroll with reference
to voting equipment for Precinct One. Mr. Carroll sug-
gested that when the booths are taken from Cary
Building, where they are stored, to the Adams School
Voting that they be set up by the men delivering them.
Equipment In this way the janitor's bill at the Adams School for
setting up and taking down could be eliminated.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to instruct the Superintendent of Public
Works to arrange to have the voting equipment delivered
to the Adams School.
The Chairman read a letter from Ciriaco Cataldo,
59 Bow Street, with reference to the Chairman's letter
advising that the interest on the sewer betterment
charges had been abated.
Mr. Cataldo said that he could not accept the
abatement as he felt the sewer charge should be abated
without restrictions as to the sale of the land.
The meeting adjourned at.9:4O P. M.
A true record, attest:
•
1
1
SELECTMEN'S MRETING
September j.LB 1950
A regular meeting of the Boafd of Se ectmen was
held in the Selectme is Room, Town Offi Building,
on Monday evening, .eptember 18, 1950, at 7:00 P. M.
Chairman Emery, M:ssrs. Gay, Driscoll Nickerson and
Hoyt were prese The Clerk was alio present.
Mr. James J. Carroll, Town C -rk, met with the
Board for th= drawing of two jur. s.
Mr. R. Coman Savoy, techni•al advisor, 74 Simonds
Road, and arles M. Willis, a'chitect, 21 Colony Road,
were dray
Mr Carroll retired at :03 P. M. and Mr. DeFoe,
Supt. of Public Works, met with the Board.
207
Juror s
SELECTMEN'S MRFTING
September 18, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building,
on Monday evening, September 18, 1950, at 7:00 P. M.
Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay, Driscoll, Nickerson and
Hoyt were present. The Clerk was also present.
Mr. James J. Carroll, Town Clerk, met
Board for the drawing of two jurors.
Mr. R.Oa'nan Savoy, technical advisor,
Road, and Charles M. Willis, architect, 21
were drawn.
Mr. Carroll retired at 7:00 P. M. and
Supt. of Public Works, met with the Board.
Mr. DeFoe reported that Sebastian Triconi of Wal-
tham was the low bidder on the Coolidge Avenue - Chapter
90 project and the State Department of Public Works
recommend that the contract be awarded to the lowest
bidder.
He explained that there is not much to report
from Dunn & Bradstreet. Mr. Triconi has been in busi-
ness for twenty years, does work in the 08,000 to $20,000
bracket, and pays his bills. He said that from any in-
formation he has been able to obtain he could not see any-
thing that would justify not awarding the contract.
The Chairman asked if Mr. DeFoe has seen enough of
the plans to be convinced that no entry will be made on
private property and he replied that he has seen enough
of the cross sections to know that it will not be neces-
sary. He said that he recommends awarding the contract
to Triconi.
The,Chairman read a letter from the State Department
of Public Works requesting the Board's signature on three
copies of the contract between the Town of Lexington and
Triconi, for reconstructing a section of highway in the
Town of Lexington on Collidge Avenue.
The Chairman asked:if Mr. DeFoe were sure that there
is,no question about slope easements and Mr. DeFoe replied
in the affirmative.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to sign the contract.
Letter was received from Thomas Sullivan, 5 Page
Road, Bedford, stating that he is building a house in
Bedford. The Town of Lexington's water main runs in
front of his land and he would like to connect with it
because the Bedford water line is about one-half mile
away and it will be two years at least before it is ex-
tended to the Lexington line.
with the
74 Simonds
Colony Road,
Mr. DeFoe,
209
Juror s
Coolidge
Avenue
Chapt. 90
Sullivan re,
quest for
water in
Bedford
210
Cast
Iron
Water
Pipe
Mr. Sullivan stated in his letter that the Town of
Bedford would have no objection to such an arrange-
ment whereby Lexington would bill Bedford and Bedford
in turn would bill Mr. Sullivan.
Mr. DeFoe explained that some time ago this re-
quest came in and was discussed with Town Counsel. At
that time it was decided not to furnish water to a Bed-
ford resident.
When Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, met with the Board
later in the vening the Chairman explained the situation
to him, and he said that he would think about it.
The Chairman asked if the Board wished to decidecon
this question as a matter of policy.
Mr. DeFoe said that if this request were granted un-
doubtedly similar requests might be received.
Mr. Hoyt said that he thought it was one of those
things where the Board could judge each caseseparately
and to take care of this individual's problem would not
cost the Town anything. He stated that he would have no
objection but thought there should be some understan4ing
with the Town of Bedford as to whether Bedford or Mr.
Sullivan would be billed.
Mr. DeFoe said that he thought the Town of Bedf3rd
should be billed.
Mr. Gay suggested some temporary arrangement until
Bedford extended its water main.
Mr. Hoyt asked if this would be considered as an
accommodation or good business and Mr. DeFoe said that
he thought it would be an accommodation.
Mr. Nickerson questioned Mr. DeFoe's thought on the
matter inasmuch as Lexington would be making money, and
Mr. DeFoe said that Lexington would be making only about
12.00 a year.
It was agreed to defer action until Mr. Stevens ad-
vises the Board as to any possible legal angles.
Mr. DeFoe reported on future delivery of cast iron
water pipe and explained that any orders placed now will not
be delivered this year. He stated that the price has in-
creased and as a result of his letter to the New York Office
of the Warren Pipe Company, Lexington will receive 4,000
feet of 6" at the original price and 600 feet of 8". This
will take care of the needs for the balance of the year.
He suggested that a letter be written accepting the
new prices with an escalator clause to the effect. that
at the time of delivery the price may be increasedto a
maximum of $5.00 a ten above the quoted price. He said
that is necessary if Lexington is to be considered for
delivery of the balance of the order and the Board agreed
with the suggestion.
Mr. DeFoe reported on the signatures received for
the construction of Butler Avenue, including the in-
stallation of a sewer main. He explained that for the
1
sewer, he has three signatures out of ten, or
242% of the footage.
On the Street, he has 11.67% of the signatures.
It was the unanimous opinion of the Board that
no further action should be taken inasmuch as the
percentage of signatures does not justify the con-
struction of the street or the installation of the
sewer.
. Mr. DeFoe reported further on the cost to re-
pair the bridge over Vine Brook at Busa's property.
He explained that he had'i•eceived a price from
Robert Custance of $1,055. for concrete, but he
personally felt this to be too low. He s id that,
conservatively, $3,000 is as low as he Nought it
could be done.
Considerable discussion was held on the matter
and it was decided to defer decision until Mr. DeFoe
has conferred again with Mr. Howard Custance.
Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that insofar as
Public Liability is concerned, with refernce to the
work on the Leary property on Waltham Street, the Town
is covered. On rroperty Damage, which the Town does
not carry, there is a minimum price of 10; for $1,000
the rate is .194 per $100 payroll; for 45,000, the rate
increased 25% per $100 and for $10,000, the rate in-
creases 34%.
Mr. DeFoe recommended Property Damage coverage in
the amount of $10,000.
It was agreed to authorize payment of $10,00 property
damage coverage in the amount of $10,000 for the proposed
work on the Leary property at 45 Waltham Street.
Mr. DeFoe reported again on the Rycroft drainage
situation at the rear of 2693 Massachusetts Avenue and
prosented a sketch of the area involved. He said that
he has discussed the subject with r.r. raxton and also
with Mr. Higgins of the Engineering Department. He said
that he does not know of any way in which the Town con-
tributes to the water on the Rycroft property.
Mr. Stevens met with the Board at 7:40 and the
Chairman explained the situation to him.
Mr. Stevens said they if the Town•is not draining
water into the land, it is not under any obligation to
relieve the situation.
Mr. DeFoe stated that Mrs. Rycroft claims that the
Town put in the culvert and also built the drain, but
there are no such records available.
The Chairman reported that he had inspected the
property and it is his impression that if the land were
filled in there would be'no further trouble.
It was agreed that the Chairman should write to
211
Butler . .ve.
Street Con-
str. & Sewer
Vine Brook
Bridge
$roperty
Damage Cover-
age 45 Waltham
Street
1
Rycroft
Drainage
Complaint
212
Street
Lights
Mr. Worthen, who had written to the Board inasmuch as
the Savings Bank has a mortgage on the property, that
from information obtained it appears that the Town
has no moral or legal responsibility for the drainage
situation. However, the Board would be willing to re-
open the subject if any new facts are presented.
Mr. DeFoe said
record that he is
tendent of rublic
his (Mr. DeFoe ' s )
that he would like to have it on
recommending Mr. Burns as Superin-
Works to fill the vacancy caused by
resignation.
The Chairman read a letter from The Woodhaven
Association requesting the installation of street
lights on Woodcliffe Road and Normandy Road.
Mr. DeFoe explained that it has been the policy
not to act on any single request for street lights,
but wait until several have been submitted and then
contact the Boston Edison Company and arrange a sur_
vey. He said that he does believe these two streets
should have lights, but thought the matter could be considered
some time in October or November.
The Chairman instructed Mr. DeFoe to contact the
Boston Edison Company and have a survey made.
The Chairman read a letter from Anthony Ferrani,
66 MortonAvenue, Medford, rcquesting water service
to lots on Leonard Road.
Mr. DeFoe said that he would recommend placing
Leonard this request on the waiting list and further stated
Road water that he does not expect to receiveLpipe until October
or November.
It was agreed to advise Ivlr. Ferrari that, due to
previous commitments and the lack of pipe, it is im-
possible to make any promises as to when, if at all,
water can be installed to service his lots on Leonard
Road.
The Chairman read a letter from Miss Bertini re-
questing a hearing relative to the removal of the curb
stone and an elm tree in front of her property at 1341
Elm Tree Massachusetts Avenue.
at 1341 Mass. Memo was received to the effect that Mr. Garrity
has the specifications for rep :firing the trees at this
location rerdy to mail.
Mr. Stevens said that he would like to check the
Shade Tree law to determine what is necessary insofar
as sending out notices of a hearing is concerned.
The Clerk was instructed to advise Mr. Garrity not
to send out ':ani specifications at this time.
Avenue
1
Letter was received from Daniel J. O'Connell with
reference to water betterment assessment levied against
the Sullivan property on Paul Revere Road.
All correspondence from the Selectmen's Files, to-
gether with the original agreement signed in 1942, were
taken by Mr. Stevens.
213
Sullivan
Water Ass-
essment
Letter was received from Daniel ff. O'Connell
with reference to Zoar Avenue. Zoar
All correspondence from the Selectmen's files Avenue
on this subject was also taken by Mr. Stevens.
The Chairman read a letter from Dr. Anthony
Colozzi in which he inquired about the removal of a
tree which borders his land at 1444 Massachusetts
Avenue.
Letter was received from Mr. Garrity stating
that the tree is on Rowland Avenue, an unaccepted
street, and is therefore the Doctor's responsibility.
Mr. Garrity did not recommend doing any work on the
tree because of the fact that there are many publicly
owned trees that need attention.
Mr. Stevens said that he would prefer to check the
law on this subject before any answer is given to Dr.
Colozzi's inquiry.
Letter was received from Antonio Buse offering
40X per length for damaged clay -tile pipe owned by the
Town. Damaged
Mr. DeFoe explained that the pipe costs about Pipe
45/ per foot and Mr. Buse is offering 13/ per foot and
if there is any broken pipe that he wants, he would
recommend selling it at hit price.
Upon motion of Mr Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to accept Mr. Buse's offer and sell the
broken pipe.
Dr. Colozzi
inquiry re
tree removal
Executive
Governor Dever's Executive 407de1 No. 1 relative to Order
the appointment of a Director of Civil Defense by the Civil
Selectmen was received and given to Mr. Stevens. Defense
He suggested that the Board give some thought to
the appointment.
Letter was received from George A. Maynard, to-
gether with check in the amount of $70 to cover the cost
of removing the elm tree located at 2380 Massachusetts
Avenue, damaged during the excavation for driveway to
Mr. Maynard's new house.
The Chairman read another letter from Mrs. Alice
Smith, 19 Garfield Street, with reference to a dog which
she claims is owned by Paull Franks, 82 Reed Street.
Trees
214
Dog
Restraining
Order
Scurto
house-Zoar
Avenue
Complaint
re Grant St.
Assessments
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson,
it was voted, and hereby ordered Mr. Franks to restrain
the dog until further notice.
Mrs. Przyjemski's letter of August 30th with
reference to the Scurto Building on Zoar,..Avenue was
again held over.
Mr. DeFoe retired at 8:30 P. M.
At 8:40 P. M. the following residents of Grant
Street met with the Board: John McKearney, Thomas
Cavanaugh, Johannes Carlson, Edson Mabey and Angelo
Bus a.
Mr.'McKearney said that this group was present
tonight to ask about the,betterment assessments on
Grant Street. He said that the people who have lived
on Grant Street for a number of years wanted the street
constructed and asked for it many times. He stated
that their complaint is not with this Board of Seleetr
men, but their appeal is to this Board. They feel
that the street is a public thoroughfare and is being
used by every type of carrier known. He said that they
feel the assessments as charged against them, after pay-
ing taxes for so many years, is unjust and they would
like the Selectmen to find a way to relieve them of a
substantial amount of this burden.
The Chairman said that there is no doubt the street
is very widely used and asked if the group had anything
definite in mind.
Mr. McKearney said that they feel that anything
above a 50% reduction would not be out of order.
The Chairman explained that the Selectmen are
trustees for the other taxpayers and what this group,
as abutters, does not pay the taxpayers as a whole will
have to pay. He said that it is a question as to what
is a fair betterment to the properties and that he does
not know the legal situation.
The Chairman asked how many years they have're-
ceived betterment assessments on their tax bills and Mr.
McKearney replied that this is the first year.
The Chairman said that the Board would give the
matter careful thought and obtain all the information as
to the legal situation.
Messrs. Mabey, Cavanaugh, Carlson and Busa all said
they concurred with the statements made by Mr. McKearney
and had nothing further to add.
The Chairman inquired as to how long these people
had lived on Grant Street, and replies were received as
follows: McKearney, 53 years; Mabey, 46 years; Cavanaugh,
40 years; Carlson, 27 years and Busa, 20 years.
Mr. McKearney said that in one day he saw eleven
disposal wagons, owned by the Town of Brookline, go by
his property. He stated that every cement mixer, concrete
mixer and all types of equipment used in the construction
1
of the new highway has gone over Grant Street. He said
that the amount of traffic and the speed at which it
travels is really dangerous, and that from 5:20 until
5:30 he counted 31 vehicles going past his house.
Mr. McKearney said that if the group is not satis-
fied with the Board's position in the matter, they will
take it to the County Commissioners or the State.
The group retired at 8:50 P. M.
The Chairman asked if the Board has any legal right
to abate any charges now and Mr. Stevens asked when the
bills were committed. He agreed to give the Board an
opinion.
Mr. Stevens said that he had received a telephone
call from Mrs. Rich, Clerk in the Accounting Department,
and that she informed him that there is no one author
ized to sign warrants. He stated that it would be neces-
sary for the Board to appoint a temporary town accountant.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
appoint Mrs. Ethel U. Rich as Temporary Town Accountant,
pursuant to the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 41,
Section 40, effective immediately to hold such office
and exercise the powers and perform the duties of the
Town Accountant, subject to the pleasure of the Board.
With reference to Mr. Cataldo's letter relative to
action taken by the Board on the sewer betterment assess-
ment levied against his property on BoW..Street, Mr.
Stevens suggested that the Board advise Mr. CEtaldo that
the recent vote has been rescinded and the Board does
not feel that it is justified in abating the entire
assessment.
Mr. Stevens agreed to compose the letter, and re-
tired.
The Clerk retired at 9:20 P. M. at the Chairman's
request.
A true record, Attest:
215
Temporary
Town
Accountant
Cataldo
216
Transfer
Requested
Transfer
Requested
Town
Offices
Police
Officer
recalled
Navy
Theresa
Avenue
Use of
Hall
On Wednesday, September 20th, the Clerk was informed
by the Chairman that the Board had acted on the remain-
ing items listed on the agenda as follows:
Letter was received from Db. Cosgrove, Chairman,
of the Board of Health, requesting a transfer of $2,800
from the Reserve Fund to the Health Department - Expenses
Account. A detailed explanation as to the necessity of
the transfer was attached, and it indicated an outstand-
ing bill in the amount of $373.50 due the Middlesex
County Sanitarium with a balance on hand of only $364.
According to the Chairman the Board preferred not to
request a transfer but to ask for additional funds_at
a Special Town Meeting to be held late in October.
Letter was received from Mr. Collins, Welfare
Agent, requesting a transfer of $3,000 from the Re-
serve Fund to the Old A;e Assistance Account and
$3,000 for General Relief.
The Board preferred to hold this over for the
Special Town Meeting.
No action was taken on the petition submitted
by employees in the Town Office Building relative to
the continuation of "skeleton :forces" on Saturday morn-
ings during the winter months.
The Chairman requested the Clerk to contact sur-
rounding towns and inquire as to how the offices are
maintained on Saturday mornings and bring the matter
up again at the next meeting.
Letter was received from the Chief of Police in-
forming the Board that Patrolman Joseph A. Belcastro
to has been recalled to active duty with the United States
Navy and must report for physical examination and duty
on Saturday, September 30th.
The correspondence on Theresa Avenue was placed
on the agenda at the request of the Chairman but no
action was taken.
Application was received from the Lexington Choral
Society for the use of Cary Hall for a rehearsal on
December 16th and a concert on December 17th.
Application was also received from the Society re-
questing permission to use Cary Hall for a rehearsal on
April 7, 1951, and a concert on April 8, 1951.
The Clerk informed the Chairman that it has been the
Boardtspclicy not to grant uses of the building so far
in advance and that an oral request had been received
by her for the use of the hall on April 8th for a Com-
munion Breakfast to be held by the Sacred Heart Church.
1
The Chairman instructed the Clerk to inform
the Society that the two uses in December, 1950,
were granted free of charge but that the Selectmen
do not think it advisable to make any commitments
so far in advance.
Sunday Licenses filed by Lexington Theatre and
Countryside Associates, Inc. for Sunday, September
24, 1950, were approved.
Report of the Police Department for the month
of August was received.
Deed, prepared by Town Counsel, conveying Lot /X,
Grant Street to Eugene Buckley was signed.
Deed prepared, by Town Counsel, conveying Lots
110-113 Bellflower Street to David Wilson was signed.
Request from the Lexington High School for per-
mission for the High School Band to parade from the
school to the rarker Field, on the days football
games are scheduled, was granted.
Joint petitions for pole locations on Harding
Road, Robinson Road and Washington Street were again
held over.
The Chairman instructed the Clerk to notify the
Town Treasurer and the Town Accountant that Mr. William
M.. Burns has been appointed Sup+t. of Public Works,
effective September 20, 1950, to fill the unexpired
term caused by the resignation of Mr. DeFoe, at the
same rate of pay received by Mr. DeFoe.
217
Licenses
Report
Sign Deed
Sign Deed
Permit
Pole Loca-
tion
App't.
Sup't. of
Public
Works
218
Jurors
Mr. DeFoe
resigns
Vacation
Pay
Appointment
of Mr.
Burns..
App't.
Civil
Def ense
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
September 25, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building,
on Monday, September 25, 1950, at 7:00 P. M. Chairman
Emery, Messrs. Gay, Driscoll, Nickerson and Hoyt were
present. The Clerk was also present.
Mr. James J. Carroll, Town Clerk, met with the
Board for the drawing of four jurors for a Jury Pool.
Those drawn were:
Henry C. Jackson, florist, 40 Clarke Street.
Arthur J. Brock, Asst. Engineer, 4 Watertown St.
Donald E. Bryant, truck equipment, 8 Hudson Road
Edward Ingraham, draftsman, 62 Fern Street.
Mr. Carroll retired at 7:05 P. M.
The Chairman stated the Selectmen's records of
the meeting this evening should include the action of
the Board some two weeks ago, accepting the resignation
of Superintendent of Public Works Joseph H. DeF.oe (Mr.
DeFoe left September 20th.)
The Board also agreed to pay Mr. DeFoe two weeks
salary after his actual departure from Lexington in
view of the fact that he had given up his annual vacation
during the first years of his employment with the Town.
At the Selectmen's Meeting on September 18th some
time after 9:20 P. M., the Clerk having been requested
to leave the meeting, Mr. William M. Burns was appointed
to the position of Superintendent of Public Works for
the unexpired term ending March 31, 1951, at the same
rate of pay received by Mr. DeFoe.
The Chairman stated that the r ecords of this meet-
ing should also include the fact that by a telephone poll,
Mr. H. Webster Thomas was appointed (and accepted) as
Director of Civil Defense. The State Director of Civil
Defense was notified by letter delivered by the Chairman
on September 22nd and receipt of said letter acknowledged.
Mr. Burns, Superintendent of Public Works, met with
the Board.
Mr. C. E. Taylor's letter with reference to a side-
walk on North Hancock Street was held over from the last
meeting.
ago
1
. Burns explained that the complications were between
Braemore Terrace and Hillside Avenue, and stated that all
the trouble is over the trees. A year ago last fall Mr.
Burns went up to North Hancock_Street with Mr. Hunt. Mr.
Hunt said, before they went ups that the people whose
property would be involved were willing to give the Town
easements. However, a -Mr. Foskett had been doing some
work and the people are not so eager to sign easements.
This summer Mr. Hunt telephoned Mr. DeFoe and
they went over the entire subject again. Nothing further
bras done'until Mrs.. Taylor called and Mr. Burns suggested
that she write to the Board.
The Chairman asked if there were any funds avail-
able in the sidewalk appropriation to do the work.
Mr. Burns replied that two years ago money was
earmarked in the Highway Maintenance Budget but it was
never used and the subject was never brought up again insofar
as money was concerned. He said that there is no money
available now. The situation has not changed and the same people
have the same objections.
The Chairman asked if ownership of one or two of
the properties have changed and Mr. Burns replied that
he knew of only one, but there may be others. He said
the difficulty is obtaining slope easementsand the fact
that some trees will be involved.
The Chairman asked if the Board wanted to advise
Mrs. Taylor that if and when slope easements are given in -
writing to the Town for the property between Braemore and
Hillside, the Board will consider including an item in the
annual budget.
Mr. Nickerson said that his impression was that
the north side was the best side for the sidewalk because
there would be no trees involved.
Mr. Burns stated that a Mr. Burgoyne is one of the
own_ers'and has recordedhimself as very definitely opposed
to the sidewalk on that side. He said that there would
be some trees involved on.this side also.
Mr. Burns explained that the people are not request-
ing the construction of sidewalks, but to have the street
widened and a shoulder put in for a sidewalk area. They do
not want anything that will cost them any amore.
The Chairman said that he did not realize this was
to be a non -betterment sidewalk.
The Chairman suggested, and the Board agreed, to
advise Mrs. Taylor that if all the abutters involved would
give whatever Town Counsel feels is the proper and neces-
sary legal easement, the Selectmen will include this item
in the 1951 budget.
Mr. Busa's request to have the bridge over Vine
Brook repaired was held over.
219
Sidewalk
No. Han-
cock St.
220
Vine Brock
Bridge
Water
Request
Chapter 90
Coolidge
Avenue
V
Woodhaven
Street
Acceptance
Mr. Burns reported that he had discussed this with.
Mr. Howard Custance and the cost, using rot -proof timbers
will be 41,100. A reinforced concrete bridge will cost
$1,245. He explained that,the present wooden timbers
have lasted only ten years..
The Chairman asked Mr. Burns if he had any doubt as
to whether or not the bridge should be re -built and he
replied that he has no doubt in his mind that the bridge
in its present condition is a hazard..
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Dris-
coll, it was voted to authorize the Superintendent of
Public Works to accept Custance Bros. bid of 4p1,245.
Letter was received from Oscar W. Carlson, 25 Henry
Street, Winchester, requesting water to service Lots 111-
113 Fair Oaks Drive.
Mr. Burns reported that he suggested that Mr. Carlson
submit his request in writing so that it would be on file,
but he explained to him that absolutely no guarantee would
be made as to when the work may be done.
Letter was received from the State Department of
Public Works, together with contract in duplicate, to
grade, surface with Class I bituminous concrete and
otherwise improve about 1,000 feet of road in Lexington,
being known as Coolidge Avenue.
The contract was signed by the Board and both copies
mailed to the State to be signed by the Commissioners..
Letter was received from Robert F. Aiken, President
of the Woodhaven Association, together with petitions
signed by 77.5% of the abutter involved for the accept-
ance of streets in this area.
The Chairman asked Mr. Burns if he had any comments
and 1ir. Burns said that first-, he thought this should be
a 1951 item and second, that insofar as the sidewalks'are
concerned, all future estimates and any future contracts
to be let should include an item for loaming, seedingand
shoulders to be done if the money is available.
Mr. Nickerson said that generally cost is very im-
portant to the abutter and if the estimates are to be in-
creased for sidewalks, they should be definitely informed.
The Chairman said that Mr. Burns was not referring to
constructed sidewalks but to the matter of loaming and
seeding the shoulder in the sidwalk area.
Mr. Nickerson said that even so he still felt that
the people should be told that loaming and seeding would
increase the cost.
Mr. Burns explained that the figure sent out is max-
imum and not final. He stated that by the time the street is
constructed and the bills sent out, some of the property may
change ownership.
1
1
In that event the Board may find that some of thepeople
want sidwalks and some don't. He said that they could
all be told at the hearing how much is included for
loaming and seeding. If the majority of those attending
the hearing express a desire for sidewalks, the item then
can be included when the contract is let.
Mr. Gay said that he thought the Board should compel
the abutters to accept the extra cost because it seemed too
bad to leave streets in such condition as Watson Road was
left.
Mr. Burns explained that Watson Road was constructed
exactly as requested and the same as all streets have been
done since 1947.
Mr. Gay said that he did not think the Board should
give the abutters an opportunity to say whether they want
it or not.
The Chairman said that he was willing to vote for a
change in policy but the Board should keep in mind that
there will be objections.
Mr. Hoyt said that he felt the Town should put in
sidewalks when the streets are constructed.
Mr. Driscoll said that he was willing to do along
with the other members of the Board if a change in policy
is to be mode, but that the members will have to support
the Chairman at the hearings.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson,
it was unanimously voted that, in the future, the cost
of all streets constructed for acceptance is to include
the cost of loaming and seeding the sidewalk area.
The Chairman read a letter from the School
with reference to the Fiske School drive/ay and
land fronting on Adams Street.
The Chairman requested Mr. Burns to review
report next week.
Committee
the unused
this and
The Chairman read a letter from the Selectmen of
Winchester with reference to Johnson Road. The
communication stated that the Winchester Board would
like to have Lexington's reaction some time prior to
the meeting at the County Commissioners' Office on
October 5th. The Winchester Town Engineer has been
authorized to request an appropriation from the -ounty
for the completion of this proposed road.
The subject of Chapter 90 work in Lexington was
discussed at some length and the Chairman was authorized
to advise the Town of Winchester that Lexington is willing
to petition for a layout-, but cannot agree to press for
its construction either in 1951 or 1952 because of pre-
vious commitments and recommendations already made with
the County Commissioners for these years with respect
to construction in Lexington with Chapter 90 funds.
221
Johnson
Road
222
Pole,
Location
Pole
Location
Shade
Trees
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to approve petition. submitted by the Boston
Edison and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Com-
pany with reference to the following pole location:
Robinson Road (new) easterly from Grove Street -
nine poles.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Gay, it
was voted to approve petition submitted by the Boston
Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Tele-
graph Company with reference to the following pole loca-
tion:
Washington Street, northerly side, approximately
230 feet northeast of Highland Avenue - one pole.
Letter was received from Town Counsel giving his
opinion relative to Public Shade Trees. In view of the
information submitted by Mr. Stevens, it was agreed that
the Chairman should write Doctor Colozzi and advise him
that inasmuch as the tree, about which he wrote, is
located on an unaccepted street and is not a matter over
which the Town has any jurisdiction.
Mr. Burns retired at 8:25 P. M.
Miss Helen C. Bertini and Mr. Daniel 4orman met
with the Board relative to Miss Bertini's request to
have an elm tree at 1341 Massachusetts Avenue removed.
Miss Bertini asked if the members of the Board had
seen the tree which she wants removed and the Chairman
replied that they have all been by them and that he,
personally, has viewed both sides of the street. He
stated that the Board received a report that the trees,
in the opinion of an expert, were worth saving.
Miss Bertini said that two tree experts have told
her the tree cannot be saved. She also said that the
Historical Society would go on record as being in favor
of having the tree removed.
The Chairman explained the report received from the
Bartlett Tree Expert Company.
Miss Bertini said that she has had tree surgeons in-
spect the trees and now she thought she would have to refer
the matter to the Safety Inspectors.
Mr. Gay asked if she had any objections to telling
the Board the name of the tree surgeons and she said that
they were personal friends and do not wish to be quoted.
Mr. Hoyt said that if she could furnish the Board
with information that would counteract the Board's in-
formation, consideration would be given to it.
The Chairman said that if she would bring in opinions
of recognized tree experts and they vary with the opinion
submitted by Bartlett, the Board would certainly review the
matter. He said that the Selectmen are not anxious to keep
trees standing if they are not safe.
1
1
Miss Bertini said that if the Board wants a
report from her tree experts she could probably
get it, but she did not want the Town to start
repairing the trees and then have to take them
down.
Miss Bertini and Mr. Gorman left the meeting.
The Board agreed to authorize the Chairman to
advise her that no contract for repairs would be
signed without first giving her an opportunity to
consult the Safety Inspector from the State if she
wants to.
At 9:15 P. M. Mrs. Ethel Rich with the Board.
The Chairman explained that Mrs. Rich wrote to him
and also called him on the telephone after the Board
voted last week to appoint her as Temporary Town Account-
ant. •She did not want to be sworn as Temporary Town Ac-
countant without discussing the matter with the Board.
He said that he explained to Mrs. Rich that the Board
had only acted last week so that there would be someone
to sign the warrants.
Mrs. Rich said that the title Temporary Town Ac-
countant covers a lot of territory. She said that
under this title she could take over the Accountant's
position and she does not want to do that. She
said that signing the payrolls and warrants was one
thing; but doing all the accountant's workwas some-
thing_else.
The Chairman said that he had told Mrs. Rich that
the Board had in mind the fact that Mr. Walker had said
it might well be that during the busy season there may have
to be another girl in the office.
Mrs. Rich said that she expected Mr. Walker was going
to be able to spend more time in the office but that she
has seen him only three times in eight weeks. She said
that she is a Clerk and not an accountant. She explained
that there is only three months before the first of the
year and there would be meetings of the Appropriation
Committeeas well as the Board of Retirement and this
all means additional work. She said that the Board of
Retirement. would be meeting this week and there is no
secretary. She felt that she could take care of the
Retirement meeting.
Mrs. Rich said that she hoped there would be a part-
time accountant to whom she could turn for help because
she has never taken care of the controlling ledger or
the commitments.
Mr. Hoyt suggested contacting Mr. Searle of the
Division of Accounts, and thought that he might have
someone who could come in two afternoons each week.
Mrs. Rich said that she thought the Board would be
better satisttied with some such arrangement and she knew
that she would be.
223
Temporary
Town
Accountant
224
Mr. Nickerson said that he thought Mr. Walker
would straighten the situation out and be able do do
what he told the Board he would do. He said that the
Board should contact Mr. Walker before going to the
State and find out whether or not he is going to be
able to handle the situation.
The Chairman said that he would like to contact
Mr. Patterson and he thought that he would want Mr.
Walker to continue as Secretary to the Appropriation
Committee.
Mr. Chairman asked if Mrs. Rich would agree to let
matter go for this week and she replied in the af-
firmative. She did say, however, that she would not
like it to go any longer without something being done.
Mrs. Rich retired at 9:25 P. M.
The following members of the Board of Fire Engineers
met with the Board. Messrs. Roeder, Adams, Hynes, .Fitz
gerald and Cook.
The Chairman read a letter from the Engineers recom-
mending an appropriation of 414,000, at the Special Fall
Town Meeting, for the replacement of Engine #2. The Cap-
ital Expenditure Committee recommended the replacement of
this unit in 1951 and the engineers strongly urge that the
funds be made available this fall because of the present
Article - war situation.
Fire Deptt. Mr. Roeder explained that the price, received from
three companies, will hold until October 1st only. To
enable a Town to protect itself, they recommend that a
letter of intent be written subject to the approval of a
Town Meeting. If the Town does not vote the funds the
letter will be discarded. If the Town does vote the funds
the letter would preserve the price that has been quoted.
The subject was discussed at length and it was the
unanimous opinion of the Board of Seldctmen that an article
should be inserted in the warrant for the Special Town
Meeting this fall.
The Fire Engineers agreed to contact the Appropriation
Committee and retired at 10:05 P. M.
Letter was received from Mr. Lindstrom, Building In-
Building spector, with reference to the wooden frame structure at -
Law tached to the Bradford Motor Building at 34 Bedford Street.
Violation Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by kr. Hoyt, it was
voted to advise Mr. Lindstrom to have the structure re-
moved or otherwise comply with the Building By-law.
Letter was received from Dominic Varello, 440 Mass -
Ave. offering 1200 for Lots 50-53 on Hillside Avenue.
Tax Title The Planning Board and the unofficial committee on
Committee Tax Title property recommend that the Town retain the
land in this area until such time as something definite
has been done about the proposed road to be constructed
by Mr. Larsen.
CC
1
Mr. Gay moved that the offer be rejected. Mr.
Hoyt seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Letter was received from the Franklin School
PTA requesting permission to conduct a Rummage Sale
at the Barnes property on Saturday, October 7th.
Mr. Driscoll moved that the request be granted.
Mr. Gay seconded the motion and it was so voted.
The Chairman read a letter from the Board of
Health requesting a transfer from the Reserve Fund
in the amount of 41,145 instead of 42,800 as originally
requested. The figure was revised inasmuch as the
Board of Selectmen expect to have a Special Town Meet-
ing this fall at which time money for the balance of
the year may be appropriated.
Mr. Nickerson moved that the Appropriation Committee
be requested to transfer the sum of 41,415 from the
Reserve Fund to the Board of Health, Expenses Account.
Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Letter was received from the Board of Public
Welfare advising the Selectmen that, in view of
the fact that a Special Town Meeting is to be held
in October, it will not be necessary to have funds
transferred as requested in the letter of September
15th.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it
was voted to grant the following licenses:
Lexington Theatre, Inc.
Countryside Associates, Inc.
Jesse Meadows
Sunday movies
Golf
Junk Collector
The Clerk informed the Board that Mr. Meadows had
requested approval of paying for his license by install-
ment as he did last year. The Board had no objection.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay,
it was voted to giant the fo
Ladies Aux., V. F. W.
Richard F. Jackson
Lex. Health Council
Lex. Field & Garden Club
Lex. Boys Club
seconded by
flowing uses
Conf. Room
n
rr n
Est. Hall
Cary Hall
Mr. Nickerson,
of halls:
Sept. 27th
rr u
Oct. 2 & 19
Oct. 9
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson,
it was voted to sign deed, prepared by the Town Counsel,
as follows: Lots 74 and 75 Tower Street to R. L. Mc
Quillan; Lots 12 and 13, Park Street to Mr. W. Weisinger.
225
Rummage
Sale
Permit
Transfer
Board of
Health
Transf er
Licenses
Uses of
Hall
Deeds
226
Mr. Gay said:that he thought some definite action
should be taken relative to the proposed bus route in
Lexington Manor and if the Lovell Bus Company is not
interested, then contact the Middlesex & Boston Street
Railway.
The Chairman said that unless the Board is pre-
pared to issue a permit over the route suggested by
the Lovell, or some alternative, the Board would be no
better off with Middlesex & Boston.
It was agreed to invite representatives of the
Lovell Bus Lines, Inc. to meet:'with the Board and pre-
sent a definite alternate turn -around.
The meting adjourned at 10:30 P. M.
A true record, Attest:
ec en. ir
1
Cotober 2, 1950
R regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building,
on Monday evening, October 2, 1950, at 7:00 P.M.
Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay, Driscoll, Nickerson and
Hoyt were,present. The Clerk was also present.
Mr. Burns,Sup+t. of Public Works, met with the
Board and requested permission to rebuild the steps
at Spencer's property on Waltham Street. He explained
that the steps were not properly spaced in the beginning
and Mr. Spencer has been asking to have them corrected
for the past six months. Mr. Burns stated that the job
should be corrected and he received a quotation from
Custance Bros. of $100.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr.
Nickerson, it was voted to authorize the Supt. of
Public Works to have the steps at the Spencer property
on Waltham Street rebuilt.
Mr. Burns requested permission to advertise
contracts for sidewalk construction. He mentioned
requests received from a Mr. Cox, the Christie* Science
Church and Mr. Grindle, and explained that he would like
to advertise this week and do as many sidewalks as
possible this Fall, finishing in the Spring. If he
advertises now the $6,000 appropriated will carry over.
Mr. Gay moved that the Supit. of Public Works be
authorized to advertise contracts for sidewalk construc-
tion. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion, and it was so
voted.
Mr. Burns requested permission to purchase two car-
loads of 6" V. C. pipe, and recommeded purchasing one
carload from the Lexington Lumber Company and one from
Waldo Bros. He explained that he has no pipe now and
can secure it out of stock, but not enough to meet his
needs. It was his opinion that it would be well to have
two concerns trying to secure the pipe.
Mr. Gay moved that the Sup't of Public Works be
authorized to purchase two carloads of 6"` V. C. pipe;
one carload from the Lexington Lumber Company and one
from Waldo Bros. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion and
it was so voted.
Letter from the School Committee with reference to
the maintenance of the driveway to the Fiske School and
grading the playground area at the school was held over
from last week.
227
Rebuild
Steps
Spencer
Property
Waltham
Street
Sidewalk
Construction,
Advertise-
ment
Order for
6* V.C.
pipe
228.
Fiske
School
Driveway
May
Gravel Pit'
Mr. Burne presented a recommendation, including
seven items, with reference to a uniform policy of
maintenance of all grounds and driveways surroundii
all public buildings. The Clerk was instructed to
.mail copies to each member of the Board, and place
the School Committee's letter on the agenda for the
next meeting of the Board.
Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, and Mr. Lindstrom,
Plumbing Inspector, met with the Board at 7:23 P.M.
Mr. Stevens said that last Tuesday Mr. Lindstrom
called him and reported that Luke May was taking
gravel: out of a wide area down on 1 oburn Street. He
said that he had checked with Mr. Spencer and was
told that no gravel had been taken out of this area
for twenty years. Mr. Stevens dictated, and Mr..
Lindstrom served on Mr. May a notice that the re-
moval of gravel was a violation of the Zoning By -Laws
and he must cease immediately. Mr. May called Mr.
Stevens and said that this area had been used as a
gravel pit all along; by Break when owned by them
and by him since he purchased the property. Mr.
Stevens advised him to cease operations until the
matter was straightened out, but Mr. May was not
willing.
Mr. Stevens then called Mr. Lindstrom and told
him that he should try and ascertain the facts. He
said that if May has been selling gravel out of there
for several years, it could possibly be a non-
conforming use. Mr. Stevens said that there is also
some question in his mind as to whether May is going
tp continue. He reported he then called the Chair-
man and told him the situation, and it was decided
to obtain more information from Mr. Lindstrom before
proceeding further.
Mr. Stevens and the Chairman inspected the area
Sunday and there is a large hole there. Mr. May
said that he was improving his land which had gravel
in it and would not hold water. Therefore, he is
unable to grow anything in it. He said that he was
taking out gravel, bringing the land down to grade
and spreading loam on it.
The Chairman said that he had asked Mr. Lindstrom
to interview three people, if he could, who would
have some knowledge as to whether or not this pit
had been used during the last few years.
Mr. Lindstrom reported that the land has been cut
away now so that it is about 100 feet from the road.
There is a bulldozer coming in from Woburn Street
and they seem to be pushing from Woburn Street back
toward the sand pit and if a car were driven in from
the road it would drop about fifteen feet. Mr
Spencer informed Mr. Lindstrom that gravel has not
been taken out of this pit for thirty years.
1
229
Mr. O'Connor, who used to live in the area, said it
was between fifteen and twenty years and Mr. Cronin,
who played in the area when he was a youngster, said
that nothing has been taken out for thirty-two years.
Mr. Lindstrom said that May told him he had
taken gravel four years ago.
Mr. Burns reported that, to his knowledge, May
has been hauling out of this pit for two years and
has had trucks there all year in back of the nursery.
The Chairman asked if Mr. Burns meant the were
hauling out of Woburn Street and he replied that they
were using Woburn Street as a way to get in and out.
Mr. Stevens said that if this pit was being used
in 1924, when the Zonins By-law was adopted and also
since then, he could continue. He also suggested that
he and Mr. Lindstrom confer with Mr. May.
Mr. Driscoll agreed to discuss the subject with
one of -the former executives of Breck Robinson Company
in an•endeavor to obtain further information.
Mr. Lindstrom at 7:55 P.M.
Mr. Johnson, representative of the Lovell Bus
Lines met with the Board at 8:00 P.M.
£he Chairman explained that the Selectmen were
trying to re -activate the proposed bus route over
Grant Street, to East, over East Street to Adams
Street, etc.
Mr. Johnson presented a letter from his company
stating that, in its opinion, it will be agreeable
to use as a suitable turn around any street leading
off Simonds Road and returning to Simonds Road. Under North
the Department of Public Utilities rules and regular Lexington
tions, they are not allowed to make use of a back Bus Route
around turn around. The letter further stated that
if tie Selectmen will advise what street they prefer,
the Lovell Bus Co. will make formal application for
a permit immediately and providing a satisfactory
certificate in received from the Department, will
establish service over the new route on a 60 day
trial basis.
Inasmuch as the Board can not issue a license for
buses to travel over unaccepted streets, Mr. Burns was
of the opinion that the only loop available would be
up Bertwell, Eaton and Blake Roads.
Mr. Johnson explained that his Company could
travel •L Bedford Street, but there would be re-
striction of almost 1,000 feet.
The members of the Board decided to ride over
the area Saturday morning and Mr. Johnson agreed to
write a letter outlining the schedule of operation.
Mr. Johnson retired at 8:10 P.M.
230
Crouch
Sewer
Assessment
Rich
Betterment
Assessment
Willard
Betterment
Assessment
Mr. Burns also retired.
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. W.H. Ballard
with reference to the Scott matter and also the Edison
Way matter.
The Clerk was instructed to make a copy for the
Town Counsel.
Mr. Stevens retired a 8:35 P.M.
The Chairman read a letter from D.S. Robertsonon
behalf of Mrs. Edward Crouch, requesting the Board to
defer the sewer betterment assessment levied against
Lot 76 Grapevine Avenue which, she claims, is not
benefitted by the sewer.
The Clerk was instructed to obtain a sketch of the
property from Mr. Burns and the members of the Board
agreed to look at the area on Saturday morning.
The Chairman read a letter from Mrs. Ethel U. Rioi
requesting the Board to defer, without interest, the
sewer betterment assessment levied against a corner
lot, owned by her, on Kendall Road.
It was the opinion of the Board that this is not
a case to which deferment under Chapter 159 of the
Actsof 1950 would be justified.
The Chairman read a letter from Miss Edith W.
Willard requesting a extension or abatement, with-
out interest, of the water better assessment levied
against her property on North Street identified as
Lot C.
The members of the Board, having vim this
property some time ago, were familiar with its
condition. Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded
by Mr. Hoyt, it was voted to extend the time for
payment of the betterment assessment of 095.66
assessed upon the Willard land, consisting of about
316.53 feet and situated on North Street, without
interest, until said land or any part thereof is
built upon or 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.
Permit Letter was received from a Mr. Colin M. Ramsay
for Loud relative to the 24th Annual State DeMolay Conclave
Speakers to be held in Lexington o8 Friday, October 13th.
Mr. Ramsay requested periission to use loud speakers
in the campaign and also to set up signs at Cary
Memorial Building.
Both requests were approved by the Board.
1
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Garrity,
Sup't., Shade Tree Division, with reference to a tree
at 81 North Hancock Street. The owner of the property
plans to do some grading and inasmuch as there are a
number of surface roots that may be severely damaged
by the use of a bulldozer, Mr. Garrity recommended
that the tree be removed.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr.Hoyt,
it was voted to authorize Mr. Garrity to post the tree
for removal.
The Chairman read a letter from Joseph E. Casey,
343 Mass. Avenue, Lexington, offering $1,200 for a
parcel of tax title property oii Valley Road formerly
owned by Burr.
The Clerk was instructed to inform Mr. Casey
that the Board will entertain an offer of $1,400.
Letter was received from Norman J. Beckett,
48 Valley Road, Lexington, stating that he is willing
to pay $75 for Lots 1 and 2, Block 69, Valley Road;
theprice haysng.been entertained by the Board.
m'. Gay moved that a proposal to sell the lots be
advertised in the Lexington Minute Man and that further
consideration be given the offer at the next meeting of
the Board. Mx Nickerson seconded the motion and it was
so voted.
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Chapin,
Veterans' Agent, requesting a transfer of $800 to meet
the requirements of his Department for the balance of
the year.
Mr. Nickerson moved that the Appropr4ation Commit-
tee be requested to transfer the sum of $400 from the
Reserve Fund to carry this account through November,.
inasmuch as further funds may be appropriated at the
Special TownMeeting. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion
and it was so voted.
The Clerk informed the Board that Mr. Ralph L.
Santos had called at the Selectmen:Is Office relative
to a sewer betterment assessment levied against Lot 72,
Grapevine Avenue, in the amount of $146.67. his parcel
of land was purchased by vote of Town Meeting for a
trunk line sewer. _
Upon the motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr.
Drisooll,it was voted to abate the assessment.
Further consideration was given to the continuation
of skeleton forces on Saturdays throughout the year.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Driscoll, it was voted to authorize continuation of
skeleton forces on Saturdays throughout the year, at
231
Removal of
Tree
Tax Title
Properyy
Tax Title
Property
Transf er
Santos
Betterment
Assessment
Saturdays
232
the discretion of the Department heads; it being
understood that sufficient personnel will be in all
Departments to take care of the public interest of
as the pressure of business may require.
Application was received from the Lexington
Use of Committee for the United Nations for permission to
Hall:'. conduct a meeting in Cary Hall on Monday, October 23d
from 8:00 until 1Q;O0P.M.
Mr. Gay moved that the use of the hall be granted
free of charge. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion
and it was so voted.
Application was received from the Battle Green
Chapter DeMolay requesting permission to conduct a
play in Cary Hall on November 17th from 6:00 P.M.
until 11:30 P.M. and a rehearsal on November 16th
from 7:00 P.M. until midnight.
Mr. Hoyt moved that the use of the hall for a
play be granted subject to a charge of $35 and the
use of the hall for a rehearsal be granted free of
charge..
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Hoyt,it
was voted to grant the Lexington Theatre Sunday Movie
License.
Use of
Hall
License
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Hoyt,
Sewer it was voted to sign an order for the installation of
Order a sewer in Somerset Road from Hayes Avenue 540'
southerly. (Copy of Order in Selectmen's Files -
Sewer Orders 1950)
Letter was received from the Lexington Chamber of
Commerce stating the organization would like to go
on record as being in favor of the proposed bus route
service on Oak Street.
The Board agreed to go over the route again
Saturday Morning and make some decision next meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 9:20 P.M. and the Clerk
left.
The next regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen
will be held an Monday, October 9, 1950, at 7:00 P.M.
1
233
Mr. Patterson, Chairman of the Appropriation
Committee, and Mr. Walker, Town Accountant (now on
military leave) met with the Board. The following
information was dictated to the Clerk by the
Chairman.
The Board voted to increase Mrs. Ethel U. Riches
salary to 50 a week and to increase Mrs. Emma Lockets
salary to 41.80,both retroactive to September 15th
which is the date on which Mr. Walker officially left
on Military Leave.
It was also voted to authorize Mrs. Rinh to hire
another girl for the Accounting Department, preferably
on a part-time basis and at a salary that would be in
line with what other Junior Clerks in the Town Office
Building are being paid.
234
Gasoline
Hearing
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
October 9, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building,
on Monday, October 9, 1950, at 7:00 P.M. Chairman
Emery, Messrs. Gay, Nickerson, Driscoll and -Hoyt
were present. The Clerk was aldo present.
Mr. Burns, Sup't of Public Works, met with the
Board.
Hearing was declared open upon the application
of Irving Currier for permission to increase the
storage capacity of gasoline from 5,000 to 8,000
gallons on the premises located at 400 Lowell Street.
Notice of the hearing, which was inserted in the
September 28th issugof the Lexington Minute -Man,
was read by the Chairman. No persons were present
in favor or in opposition.
Mr. Driscoll moved that the application be
approved and a license issued. Mr. Hoyt seconded
the motion and it was so voted.
Mr. Burns informed the Board that he has re-
ceived a bid for coal of $12.83 per ton from the
Lexington Coal Company and $13.00 per ton from
Robert Fawcett & Son. He explained that in
Coal analyzing the coal contents, the bids are very
close.
Mr. Gay moved that the Supt of Public Works
be authorized to purchase the coal supply for
the Town Offices and Cary Memorial Building from
Robert Fawcett & Son, and the coal supply for the
Public Works Building from the Lexington Coal
Company. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion and it
was so voted.
Valley
Road
Water
Mr. Burns reported that requests have been re-
ceived for the installation of water in Valley Road,
North Street and Hillcrest Street. With reference
to Valley Road, he explained that the houses in-
volved are not new and there are no new residents,
but because of a problem created by the construction
of Route 128 these houses have been moved and now
are in need of water.
He explained that 89% of the property owners on
Valley Road have signed for the installation and the
cost will be about $8,600.
1
235 `.
Since the original petition was mailed back with
signatures, another individual, Mr. Beckett, has
requested water for his house. Now would be the
logical time to make the installation before the
street is constructed, but if Mr. Beckett's house
is serviced an additioal 300 feet of pipe will be
required and someone else will have to wait.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Driscoll, it was voted to sithorize the Supt. of
Public Works to install a water main in Valley Road
including Mr.•Beckett's house.
Mr. Burns explained that authorization had
been given to secure signatures for the installation
of water in North Street, and 77% of the property North St.
owners have signed. This project will cost ap- Water
proximately $4,300. He reported that one individual,
Mr. LaRose, has spent between $700 and $1,000 on a
well which is not satisfactory.
Mr. Nickerson moved that the Sup't..of Public
Works be authorized to make this extension. Mr.
Driscoll seconded the motion and it was so voted.
With reference to Mr..Chapelle's request for
water on Hillcrest Street, Mr. Burns explained that
this individual does not as yet own the land and Water
only 44% of the property owners have signed the Hillcrest St.
petition. At the present time this installation
would serve only one house. Mr. Burns stated that
by doing Valley Road, North Street and laying pipe
under Aoute 128 he will have on hand only 200 feet
of pipe. It was agreed that this installation can
not be made now.
Mr. Burns reported that Mr. Potter, who owns the
new store next to Rix's gasoline station, wants to
fill in the front for parking and requested Mr. Burns Potter
to lay a drain pipe before the fill is put in. He Drainage
said that this is a town drainage problem and Mr. Waltham St.
Potter is willing to give any necessary easement.
Upon.motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Gay,
it was voted to authorize the Sup+t. of Public
Works to correct the drainage problem at a cost of
approximately $200 providing the necessary easements
are obtained.
Mr. Burns asked permission to increase Eugene
Moloy's wage rate from $1.30 to $1.35 per hour which
will make his rate equal to foreman. Re said that Moloy
Mr. Moloy is very dependable and due to additional Salary
work Which he has been given, feels he should receive Increase
more money.
236
Street
Sign
Coolidge
Avenue
Paul
Revere Road
Mr. Driscoll asked if Mr. Burns recommended the
increase and he replied in the affirmative.
Mr. Hoyt asked if Mr. Moloy had been given any
other duties which would place him in a different
category than he was in sixty or ninety days ago
and Ar. Burns replied that in asking for the in-
crease he was recognizing what he does.
Mr. Driscoll moved that the.Sup't of Public
orks be authorized to increase Mr. Moloy's salary
from $1.30 per hour to $1.35. Mr. Nickerson
seconded the motion and.it was so voted..
Letter was received from the First Church of
Christ, Scientist, requesting the Town to paint the
street sigh denoting the location of the Church
and also referred to a previous request for the
installation of curbing. Mr. Burns agreed to have
the sign painted and said that he has the curbing
in mind.
Letter was received from the County Commissioners
advising that a second hearing will be held relative
to the relocation and construction of Coolidge
Avenue on Friday, October 27th at 10;30 A.M.
Letter was received from the County Commissioners
advising that a hearing will be held relative to
the relocation of Paul Revere Road, on Friday,
October 27th at 10;30 A.M.
Letter was received from the County Commissioners
Street requesting the installation of street lights on
Lights Walnut Street to light the area to the house occupied
by Sanatorium physicians.
W. Burns agreed to take care of the request.
The Chairman read a letter from Gaetano
Franceschelli, 34 Grapevine Avenue, requesting a
hearing with the board relative to the betterment
assessment levied against his property, which he
claims to be farm land, on Grapevine Avenue,
Members of the Board inspected the land in question
last Saturday morning.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to extend the time for payment of betterment asses
sments totalling $1759.98 assessed upon land owned
by Gaetano Franceschelli and Berta Franceschelli,
designated as Lots.25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33,
34, 35, 36 and 37, situated o;. Grapevine Avenue,
without interest, until said land or any part there
of is built upon or sold or until the expiration of
three years from the date hereof, which ever event
occurs first; provided, however, that this extension
Franceschelli
Betterment
Assessment
1
of time shall terminate immediately if the facilities
of the sewer main are used for said land or any part
thereof.
Mr. Burns retired at 8:30 P.M.
Mr. John J. Garrity, Suptt. of Parks and Play-
grounds, met with the Board relative to the elm trees
on Massachusetts Avenue opposite Munroe Tavern.
He said that there is no question about elm #1.
Tree #2 is the one that everyone seems to recommend
should be taken down. There are no roots holding it
at all from the inside. He said that if tree #4 is
removed he woulq recommend taking them all down. He
also recommenethat Miss Bertini be requested to put
in two pin oak trees in front of her property, pay
for them, but have them under the care and juris-
diction of the Town.
Each member of the Board had been given a copy
of a letter to Mr. Garrity from John H. Lambert,
Senior Member of the Forestors Society of America
and after carefully considering the subject it was
agreed to authorize Mr. Garrity to post trees #3 and
#4 for removal.
'4r. Garrity said that he could contact Mr.
Bertini about planting the pin oak trees.
He retired at 9:25 P.M.
The Clerk retired and Mr. Burns met with the
Board until 9:45 at which time he retired and the
Clerk returned to the meeting.
Mr. Joseph E. Casey, 343 Massachusetts Avenue,
met with the Board relative to his offer of $1,200
for tax title property (Burr) on Valley Road.
The Chairman asked if he knew that there is a
sewer easement through this property and he replied
in the affirmative and said that he thought he could
build a house on part of the land.
The Chairman asked if he realized that any deed
the Town would give would contain the reservation of
the sewer easement of the Town and he replied in the
affirmative.
The Chairman asked if he expected to get more
than one house lot and he replied in the negative.
The Chairman explained that the Board had a
previous offer of $1,200 and advised the prospective
purchaser that the price would be $1,400. He asked
if Mr. Casey's top price was $1,200. Mr. Casey re-
plied in the affirmative and said that it will cost
him about 00 to put it through land court.
Mr. Casey retired at 9:50 P.M.
237
Elm trees
to be
removed
Tax Title
Property
238
The members of the Board felt that Mr. Davidson,
who had previously offered $1,200 for the land should
be contacted to find out whether or not he is still
interested in purchasiragthis parcel of land at $1,200.
At the request of the Chairman, Mr. Gay conducted
the meeting for the remainder of the evening.
Petition for a joint pole location on Harding
Road was held over. The Clerk reported that Mr.
Pole Burns had discussed this location with Mr. Knowdell
Location of the Boston Edison Company and the location, as
shown on the blueprint, is the only place to set the
pole.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr.
Nickerson, it was voted to approve the petition and
sign an order for the location of•one pole on
Harding RAad, approximately 20 feet southeast of
Williams Road.
Crouch
Assessment
Mr. Robertson's letter, on behalf of Mrs. Edward
Crouch, requesting deferment of a sewer betterment
assessment levied against Lot 76, Grapevine Avenue
was held over.
The members of the Board inspected this property
last Saturday morning and upon motion of Mr. finery,
seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it was voted to advise Mr.
Robertson that the Board does not feel justified in
granting the request.
The Board gave further consideration to Mr. Norman
J. Beckett's offer of $75 each for lots 1 and •2,
Tea Block 69, on Valley Road, A proposal to sell these
Title lots was advertised in the October 5th issue of the
Property Lexington Minute -Man. No persons contacted the
Selectmen's Office as a result of the advertisement.
Mr. Emery moved that the offer be accepted and
that Lots 1 and 2, Block 69, Valley Road be sold and
conveyed to Norman J. Beckett. Mr. Nickerson
seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Heavy
trucking
Shade St.
Article
Letter was received from Mr. Donald D. Hathaway
with reference to the elimination of heavy trucking
on Shade Street. Mr. Emery agreed to confer with
the Supt. of Public Works.
Letter was received from the Board of Appeals re-
questing a transfer of $225 to cover expenses for
the remainder of the year 1950. It was agreed to
insert an article in the Warrant for the Special to,
Meeting, October 30th, requesting an appropriation for
thris Department.
1
Request was received from Mrs. Cook, on behalf
of the Lexington Community Fund, for permission to
place collars on the electric light poles; per-
mission having been grantedby the Boston Edison
Company. The Board had no ;objection.
Letter was received from Mr. W.E. Maloney, on
behalf of the Lexington Bays' Club, requesting per-
mission to conduct a Paper Drive on Sunday, Octber
29th.
Mr. Hoyt- moved that the request be granted.
Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so
voted.
Application was received from the Ladies
Auxiliary V. F. W. requesting permission to conduct
a meeting in a Conference Room on October llth from
7:45 P.M. to 10:30 P.M.
Mr. Nickerson moved that the request be granted
free of charge.
Application was received from the Lexington
Boys' Club requesting permission to conduct an
Annual Meeting in Estabrook Hall on November 2nd
from 8:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.
Mr. Nickerson moved that the use of the hall
be granted free of charge. Mr. Driscoll seconded
the motion and it was so voted.
Letter was received from Donald J. Gillespie,
on behalf of the Lexington Junior -Senior High School
Band, requesting permission to conduct a Band Tag
Day on Election Day, Tuesday, November 7th.
Mr. Emery moved that the request be granted.
Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Mr. Emery agreed to write the Chairman of the
School Committee to find out if the Committee favors
this activity and also inquire as to why funds can
not be included in the School budget to purchase
additional uniforms for the band.
Application was received from the Lexington
Theatre for a renewal of a license to maintain a
moving picture theatre at 1794 Massachusetts Avenue.
Mr. Hoyt moved that the license be renewed, to
expire September 1, 1951. Mr. Driscoll seconded the
motion, and it was so voted.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Emery, it was voted to sign deed, prepared by Town
Counsel, conveying Lots 28 and 29, Block 95, Centre
Street to Manuel A. and Lavinia A. Cunha.
Permit
Paper
Drive
Use of
hall
Tag Day
License
Deed
239
240
Town
Report
Order for the installation of a water main in Reed
Street, from Ash Street 6601 northwesterly, was
signed by the Board.
Mr. Emery informed the Board that Alan Adams sug-
gested that he Board request bids for printing the
1950 Town R port so that the successful bidder may
place an or er for paper which, at a later date, may
be diff icul to obtain.
The Board agreed that specifications for 500
copies should be mailed and bid obtained.
The meeting adjourned at 10:35 P.M.
1
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
October 16. 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building on
Monday evening, October 16, 1950 at 7:00 P.M. Chairman
Emery, Messrs. Gay,Driscoll, Nickerson and Hoyt were
present. The Clerk and Mr. Burns, Supt. of Public
Works, were also present.
Hearing was declared open upon the petition of
Porter Bros. & Wilson for a permit to maintain an
additional underground tank thereby increasing the
storage capacity of Bunker oil from 10,000 to 20,000
gallons, on the premises located at 6 Eaat Street.
No persons attended the hearing in favor or in
opposition.
Notice of the hearing, advertised in the October
5th issue of the Lexington Minute -Man was read by the
Chairman and the application approved by the Chief
Engineer of the Board of Fire Engineers.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Hoyt, it was voted to approve the application and
issue the permit.
At 7:0. P.M. hearing was declared open upon the
petition of the Boston Edison Company and the New
EnglandTelephone and Telegraph Company for a joint
pole location on North Street, approximately 2365
feet northwest of Adams Street.
No persons attended the hearing in favor or in
opposition.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Hoyt, it was votedto approve the petition and sign
the order.
At 7:05 P.M. hearing was declared open upon the
petition of the noston Edison Company and the New
England Telephone and Telegraph Company for joint Pole
pole locations on Marrett Aoad, southeasterly from a locations
point approximately 445 feet southeast of Massachusetts
Avenue (two poles).
No persons attended the hearing in favor or in
opposition.
- Upon Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to approve the petition and sign the order.
241
Bunker oil
hearing
Pole
locations
Mr. Burns reported on the drainage problem at
Webb and Woburn Streets and explained that a pipe
runs from the Faulkner property diagonally across to
the corner of Webb and Woburn Streets.
Drainage
Webb &
Woburn St.
242
He explained that when Woburn Street was constructed
several years ago, the road was raised and as a
result the water was dammed in. The facts, insofar
as Mr. Burns has been able to secure them, are that
Mr. Wood objected to the water being dammed up.
Then he objected because he was afraid the water
would go from the street to his land and it was
blocked and has been blockedcever since.
Mr. Burns stated that is the spring of the year
the Faulkner house cellar is flooded. Now Mr. Woods
has no objection to the pipe being opened providing
there is no catch basin installed. Mr. Burne said
that if the pipe is repaired he thought it would
work all r ight, and the cost will be about $30.
The Chairman asked if this were town water or
natural drainage and Mr. Burns replied that it is
natural drainage,
The Chairman asked if Mr. Burns recommended re-
pairing the pipe in an effort to correct the situation
and Mr. Burns replied in the affirmative.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Gay,
it was voted to authorize the Supt. of Public `works
to correct the situation as outlined by him providing
permission is obtained in writing from the owners of
the property involved.
Mr. Burns discussed the drainage at Concord Ave.
and Waltham Street and reported that the condition
insofar as Mr. Abbott is concerned has been taked
Drainage care of. Now he has the problem of Mr. Lima. The
Concord Ave. water runs off Waltham Street onto his property.
Waltham St. The final solution involves running a drain from
Hardy's Pond Brook up to Waltham Street.
The Chairman asked if it is Town water and Mr.
Burns replied in the affirmative and stated that it
takes all the water off Waltham Street up to Blossom
Street.
Mr. Burns said that he has explained to Mr. Lima
that he could see no chance of anything being done
this year, but Mr. Lima wanted him to bring the sub-
ject to the Board's attention.
He said that he had talked with Mr. Welch about
Chapter 90 and it was his suggestion that some
drainage work or some widening might be done on
Concord Avenue in 1951.
The Chairman suggested, and the Board agreed,
thatMr. Burns should advise Mr. Lima that his request
will be placed on the list for consideration next
year.
Mr. Stevens met with the Board.
1
1
1
The Clerk retired for a short time during which
wage rates were discussed. When she returned to the
meeting the Chairman saidjthat the Board had voted to
increase Mrs. Muriel Stoners salary from $31,00 per
week to 036.00 per week, effective October 26th. 41e
Board also voted hot to make any change in the rates
of pay for Senior Clerks this year.
Mr. Stevens, town Counsel, referred to Mr.
Thomas Sullivan's request for an extension of water
main to service his new house which is located in
the Town of Bedford. Mr. Carson, a member of the
Bedford Board of Water Commissioners, is of the .opin-
ion that it would be Lexington's responsibility to
file a Special Bill with the Legislature.
Mr. Stevens recommedded that no further action
be taken by the Selectmen and he agreed to answer
Mr. Sullivan's letter.
Mr. Stevens referred to Mr. Daniel J. O'Connell's
correspondence with f'ef erenee to certain land owned Moretti
by Moretti, located on Bow Street and suggested that land
no action be taken for the time being.
Mr. Stevens reported on the status of the so-
called Seurto ease (house on Zoar Avenue in vio- Scurto
lation of Building By -Law), and was instructed by Zoar Ave.
the Board to proceed to take whatever action is
necessary to force the Scurtos to comply with the
decree issued by the Court.
Mr. Stevens reported that Mr. Brett., attorney for
Shoppers Haven, had telephoned and stated that MB. Kraff
will do anything the Board wants, but he does not want
to erect a partition. He will, however, put up any kind
of a movable partition between the two stores and lock
it on Sundays. Mt. Stevens told Mr. Brett that he Shoppers
would bring the subject to the Board's attention with Haven
no assurance that any action would be taken.
Mr. Nickerson asked if it is the. Board's inten-
tion to have the store closed for a long period of
time and the Chairman replied that he does not know.
Mr. Stevens expressed the opinion that it would
be only fair to discuss the matter with the Chief of
Police and ask for his recommendations before making
any decision.
Mr. Hoyt asked if it is an unfair question to
ask Mr. Kraff what he will do to justify the Board's
granting a Sunday Sales license and Mr. Stevens re-
plied that he understood from his attorney that they
will operate on Sunday only that part of the store in
which the soda fountain is located and will comply
with the law.
243
Salaries
Request
for water
to Bedford
244
If a canvass that can be drawn and secured would be
sufficient, he would do that. However, if the
Board insists upon something like a sliding grill,
he would probably comply. Insofar as dividing the
two stores is concerned, Mr. Kraff said that it
would be almost impossible to operate the rest of
the store as a unit.
The Chairman said that he would be willing to
authorize Mr. Stevens to ask Mr. Kraff's attorney
what he will do and Mr. Stevens said that he had
just outlined what the attorney told him, and
suggested t hat this is a matter of policy upon
which the Board must decide.
Mr. Hoyt said thtt if, through Mr. Stevens,
Kraff says he will put up a certain type of parti-
tion and it seems to be all right, he thought the
Board could give him his license.
It was agreed that the Chairman would consult
the Chief of Police on the subject.
Letter and questionnaire was received from the
Refuse MDC with reference to refuse disposal incinerators.
disposal Mr. Stevens recommended that the questions be
answered and returned.
The Chairman requested Mr. Stevens to compose a
reply for him to sign which he agreed to do. He
also took the original letter from the MDC.
Notice was received from the Waltham Board of
Appeals with reference to a hearing, to be held
October 17th, on the removal of gravel.
Mr. Stevens took the letter to the Planning
Board meeting.
Letter was received from attorney Harold B.
Dondis, 10 Post Office Square, Boston, relative to
Bequest the will of the late Mrs. Angelina F. Remick in
which she left her interest as tenant-in-common of
real estate at 28 Spring Street to the Town.
The Clerk was instructed to forward a copy of '
the letter to Mr. Stevens for acknowledgment.
Letter was received from J. B. Cody, 32 Burl-
ington Street, requesting the Town to supply water
to a house he is building on Nowers Road.
Mr. Burns informed the Board that this would
Cody request involve 300 feet of pipe and will require.an ex -
for water tension down Blake Road and down Nowers Road to
Mr. Cody's property for which there is no pipe
available.
It was agreed to advise Mr. Cody that, due to
prior commitments and shortage of pipe,no encour-
agement can be given at this time as to when an
extension of the water main will be made.
1
1
245.
At the Chairman's request, Mr. Franceschelli's
letter with reference to the sewer betterment asses-
ments.against his property on Grapevine Avenue was
placed on the agenda.
No change was made in the vote passed by the
Board at the last meeting relative to deferment.
At the request of the Chairman, Mr.Gay conducted
the meeting for the remainder of the evening.
The Chairman left the meetthg to confer with
the Appropriation Committee relative to the articles
in the warrant for the Special Town Meeting, and re-
turned later in the evening.
Messrs. Stevens and Burns retired.
Letter was received from Daniel W. Birmingham,
-10 Parquhar Street, Roslindale, offering $150 for
Lot 64, Grapevine Avenue.
The Clerk informed the Board that Mr. Potter re-
commended 20O plus sewer betterment assessment in the
amount of 146.67.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Emery,
it was Noted to entertain an offer of $300.
A bill in the amount of $25.97 was presented by
the American Legion for 12 grave markers purchased Transfer
for Memorial Day. The balance in the account is $18.11.
When the Chairman met with the Appropriation
Committee earlier in the evening he requested a trans-
fer of $7.86 from the Reserve Fund to the Memorial Day
Expenses Account.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, License
it was voted to sign Sunday Movie License for Lexington
Theatre Inc.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr.
Nickerson, it was voted to sign a warrant calling a Town
Special Town Meeting to be held on October 30,1950. Meeting
The Chairman reported that Mr. Garfield, of the
Middlesex & Boston Street Railway Co. telephoned in
reply to the Board's letter with reference to relin-
quishing the franchise to operate buses on the pro- Oak
posed Oak Street route if it proves, after licenses Street
have been granted, to be unprofitable. bus route
Mr. Walsh, president of the company, has just
returned from California, thus the delay for answer-
ing the letter, and suggested thatthe Board incorpor-
ate in the license something to the effect that if
operation of buses is discontinued the license will
be considered defaulted.
246
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to grant the Middlesex & Boston Street
Railway Co. a license to operate buses over Oak
Street, Baker Avenue to Taft Avenue to Massachusetts
Avenue, providing the Company will agree to consider
the license defaulted if the service is discontinued.
The Clerk was instructed to request the Town Counsel
to prepare the license.
The meeting adjourned at 9:40 P.M.
A true record, attest:
�l k, lects*af�t.
1
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
October 24, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building,
on Tuesday evening, October 24, 1950, at 7:00 P.M.
Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay, Driscoll, Nickerson and
Hoyt were present. Mr. Burns, Supt. of Public Works,
and the Clerk were also present.
Mr. Burns reported that only one bid had been
submitted for sidewalk construction and that was from
P. J. Joyce and Son in the amount of 0,043.35.
The Chairman asked if the bid included ®11 the
projects in the budget submitted at the Annual Town
Meeting in March and Mr. Burns replied in the affirm-
ative, and stated that the appropriation was 6,000.
The Chairman asked if Mr. Burns recommended ac-
ceptance of the bid and he replied in the affirmative.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Gay,
it was voted to accept the bid for sidewalk eonstruc=
tion submitted by P.J. Joyce and Son, in the amount of
*5,043.35.
Mr. Burns asked the Board to consider betterment
charges on the so-called Liberty-Ledgelawn street con-
struction project. Be explained that, adding the en-
gineering service on the project and the legal fees,
he figures the price to be 3.52 per foot.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson,
it was voted to authorize the Suptt. of Public Works
to have the bills for the so-called Liberty-Ledgelawn
street construction project prepared and sent out,
using the figure of 4.3.52 per foot.
Mr. Burns reported on the status of the Sewer
Service and Water Maintenance Accounts and explained
that, at the present time, indications are that the
accounts will be short.
There are 26 sewer services on deposit now to be
done and he is estimating 15 more to the end of the
year which amounts to approximately *1800.
He said that he might not need the money and would
prefer hazing the article in the warrant for the October
Town Meetingostponed and included in the warrant for
the November Town Meeting.
It was agreed to indefinitely postpone the article
in the warrant for the October meeting requesting &.n
appropriation for Sewer Services - Wages and Expenses.
247
Sidewalk
Bid
Liberty-
Ledgelawn
Betterments
248.
1951
Budgets
Barnes
property
heating
system
Chamber of
Commerce
Christmas
Program
Insurance
Mr. Burns discussed at some length possible sewer,
water and drainage items to b'e.included in his 1951
budgets.
It was agreed to indefinitely postpone the: article in
the warrant for the October meeting requesting an approp-
riation for Water Maintenance — Wages and Expenses.
The Chairman suggested, and the Board agreed,that he
prepare the budgets up to amounts of $30,000 or $35,000
including the projects which he believes should be done
in 1951.
The Chairman and Mr. Burns retired at 8:07 P.M. to
meet with the Appropriation Committee and Mr. Gay con-
ducted the meeting until the Chairman,.returned.
Letter was received from Mr. Philip M. Johnson,
Scout Executive, suggesting that a heating engineer
be consulted relative to the possibility of making
some recommendations as to having a dual thermo-
static control at the Barnes Building.
The communication was referred to the Suptt. of
Public Works.
Letter was received from the Lexington Chamber
of Commerce requesting permission to attach Christmas
lights to the Edison poles and locate two Christmas
trees -- one at the East Lexington Fire Station and
one at the Manor Spa. Permission was also requested
to broadcast Christmas Carols following the procedure
of last year.
The Board had no objection to the lights being
attached to the electric poles providing permission
is obtained from the Boston Edison Company and it
was the opinion of the Board that broadcasting carols
is very much in keeping with the spirit of the Season.
Inasmuch as there is very little space to locate
a tree at the East Lexington Fire Station, the Select-
men offered the suggestion that the Chamber of Com-
merce consider the possibility of placing a tree on
the traffic island at the junction of Massachusetts
Avenue, Pollen Road and Pleasant Street.
Letter was received from C.L. Coolidge, 503
Waltham Street, requesting that his name be placed
on the list of insurance brokers participating in
the insurance on Town property. The Clerk was in-
structed to advise Mr. Coolidge that he will be given
due consideration when the insurance is apportioned
again next year.
1
249
Letter was received from Charles B. Wendell, 13
Church Street, Watertown, stating that he would ap- Fuel
preciate some of the Town's fuel business. Business
The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the letter
and advise Mr. Wendell that it is customary to let the
contract for fuel about the first of October each year
and suggest that he reiterate his request next September
Letter was received from Daniel W. Birmingham,
10 Farquhar Street, Roslindale, stating that he is still
interested in purchasing Lot 64, Grapevine Avenue, at Tax
the Board's price of $300. Mr. Hoyt moved that a pro- Title
posal to sell the lot be advertised in the Lexington Property
Minute -Mai and that further consideration be given the
offer at the next meeting of the Board.
Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion, and it was so
voted.
Upon motionsduly made and seconded it was voted to
grant the following uses of halls;
Lexington Community Club, Estabrook Hall, November 4th
and 18th, for Puppet Shows to raise funds for the
Simmons Scholarship Fund, subject to a charge of $10.00.
United Community Services, Estabrook Hall, November 8th, Uses of
for a meeting to discuss health, hospitals and medical Hall
care, free of charge.
Lexington Field and Garden Club, Estabrook Hall,
November 13th for a meeting - free of charge.
St. Brigid's Church, Cary Hall, November 30th, for a
banquet and dance, subject to a charge of $35.00.
Upon metidn of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Nickerson,
it was voted to sign an order for the installation of North St.
water in North Street, from Lowell Street, northeasterly water
a distance of 870' more oP less.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Driscoll, it was voted to sign the Warrant for the
State Election to be held November 7, 1950.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Hoyt,
it was voted to sign notices of intention to lay out Cary
Cary Avenue from Middle Street to Shade Street a dis- Street
tance of approximately 1910.32. feet.
Upon motitn of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Hoyt,
it was voted to sign notices of intention to layout Aerial St.
Aerial Street from Daniels Steet to Sutherland Road a
distance of approximately 539.41'.
250
5 day week
Police
Department
Mr. Emery returned to the meeting at 8:30 P.M.
Officer Benjamin Day met with the Board and ex-
plained that he had requested an appointment, as a
result of a unanimous vote of the members of the
Police Department, and with the permission of the
Chief of Police, to discuss a five-day week for the
Department.
He said that at the present time the men never
have two days off together unless they are sick
or on vacation. He said that there are 25 depart-
ments in cities and towns as far as Springfield,
Lawrenceand Norwood now on five-day weeks. The pro-
posed change will mean additional men to carry on
the assignments as they are now.
Officer Day said that he has been a member of
the Department for seventeen years and to his know-
ledge only one change has been made in time off.
It was in 1947 when the men were given every sixth
day off. He said that the request for a five-day
week is misleading but it amounts to 104 days a
year. At present the men are off 60 or 61 days a
year. Under the proposed schedule the men would
work six days and be off two for five weeks; work
six and be off three; work five and be off three.
The Chairman asked if the men were now off 60 days
and Officer Day replied in the affirmative. He said
that under the new schedule they would be off 104
days. He explained that there are 25 men, not in-
cluding the Chief, and these would be divided into
two groups. Three additional men wince needed.
The Chairman asked if the Chief concurre d with
the statement that three more men will be needed
and Officer Day replied in the affirmative.
Mr. Driscoll inquired as to the cities and towns
now operating on a five-day week schedule.
Officer Davy read the following list: Arlington,
Andover, Beverly, Brockton, Brookline, Cambridge,
Chicopee, Clinton, Everett, Gardner, Haverhill ,
Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Medford, Melrose,Methunrn,
Natick, Newton, Norwood, Revere, Salem, Somerville,
Springfield and Westwood.
The Chairman asked how many hours the men work
now and Officer Day replied that the day men work
fifty hours a week and those on school duty have
only twenty-five to thirty minutes for lunch. The
night men work seventy hours.
1
251
The Chairman asked what it would add up to on an
average week and Officer Day replied that there
would be thirty-five hours for night men and fifty
hours for day men.
The Chairmen asked how often a:change is made
from day to night duty and Officer Day replies that
there is no set schedule.
Officer Day said that some of the men wanted an
article inserted in the Warrant for the October
meeting, but it had closed and now some of them want
and Article in the Warrant for the November meeting.
He said that he was present this evening merely to
bring the sentiment of the men to the Board and
stated that he does not think people realize that
the Department is on twenty-four duty.
Mr. Hoyt said that he thought the request
would have a better chance at the Annual March
Meeting inasmuch as there would be more time to
discuss it.
Officer Day said that his own opinion would
be tot ake the advice and knowledge of the groups
responsible. He said that he thought if this is
brought up at Town Meeting and does not have the
approval of the Selectmen and the Appropriation
Committee, the men would be handicapped.
Mr. Gay scid that he though esenting this
at the November meeting would be/igychologically,
and that it would be much better to present it in
March.
Officer Day arid that he did not think any of
the men in the Department, with the exception of the
Chief who meets with the Boards, have any knowledge
of the best procedure to follow; He said that they
would all like to have the five-day week and that he
will report to. them if it is the opinion of the Board
that it would be better to wait until the Annual
Town Meeting. He said that he personally would be
satisfied to wait.
The Chairman suggested, and Officer Day agreed,
that the Board would think this over and let him know.
He said that whatever the Board decides would not
bind the Department not to do anything it wants to do.
Officer Day retired at 8:55 P.M.
Mr. Domenic Petrino and his niece, Miss Frances-
chelli, met with the Board relative to a sewer better- Betterments
ment assessment levied against his property on Grape- Petrino
vine Avenue.
Mr. Burns presented a sketch of the property and
the Chairman asked if Mr. Petrino intended to connect
his house with the sewer. He replied that he would
this winter.
252
Ch. of
Commerce
re off
street
parking
The Chairman asked if he farmed the other two lots
and he replied in the affirmative and stated that
he receives only enough money from the produce to
pay his taxes.
Miss Franceschelli said that Mr. Petrino would
like the betterments deferred without interest.
The Chairman said that the Board would discuss
the subject and let Mr. Petrino know what decision
is made.
Mr. Petrino and Miss Franceschelli retired at
9:25 P.M.
Messrs. Tarbox, Johnson, art, Batemen, and
Berlinger, of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce,
met with the Board.
Mr. Tarbox said that the Chamber of has received
a number of complaints from its members who in turn
have received them from customers relative to park-
ing meters. He said that it is not the meters in
themselves as it is the fact that they do not have. the
option of getting into off-street parking areas.
He said that the Chamber would like to know what is
being done or if there is anything it can. do to help
to secure mor off-street parking. He asked if there
was anything being done at the present time to in-
crease the off-street parking space.
The Chairman stated that the Board has in mind
opening a way between the Boston Edison road and
Depot Square which should give more off-street park-
ing. He said this is the only project he knows of
at the moment. He said that Mr. Burns, through his
association with the Planning Board, might know of
others.
Mr. Burns said that the only other project he has
heard about is the parcel of land adjacent to the
library, and the Chairman said that nothing had been
done about ti_at lately.
Mr. Burns said that the Engineering Deparment made
an estimate of the cost of making this area into a
suitable parking space but nothing ever came of it.
The Chairman said, with reference tothe Edison
Way -Depot Square projedt, that the Selectmen
originally had this and referred it to the Planning
Board who voted unfavorably on it. The Selectmen
felt that it had merits and kept it going, and
referred it to Mr. Ballard.
He said that more recently the Planning Board in-
dicated that they would be glad to take the project
over. He explained that he and Mr. Stevens, Town
Counsel, have an appointment to meet with Mr. Ballard
Friday morning and he thought the situation in regard
to Edison Way is ready for signatures and further ac-
tion. However, he did not know whether it would be
ready for the November Town Meeting.
CC
't7
C
1
1
253
Mr. Tarbox wanted to know if tl_ere is any reason
why the Library project could not be f ollowed through.
Mr. Bateman said that his business had definitely
been hurt by the parking meters and the Chairman asked
if he could prove this statement and he replied that it
would be difficult to prove.
Mr. Tarbox said that the Chamber was in favor of
the meters and it still is if same additional parking
space can be obtained.
The Chairman said that he thought, with reference
to the area at the Library, the approach would be to
the Planning Board and Library,Tte tees.
Mr. Johnson said that the Planning Board is in
favor of the Library lot and he thought the original
auggestion came from the Planning Board.
Mr. Gay suggested that the Planning Board write
to the Library Trustees and state that it is in favor
of the fatoposed parking area at the Library.
The Chairman asked if Mr. Johnson thought this
was a Planning Board subject and he replied that
possibly,;it is and thought it could be easily revived,
but that the statue of the Edison Way project is not
clear in his mind.
The Chairman said that there is no doubt that
Mr. Ballard is taking this from the point of view of
circulation of traffic rather than having a parking
area.
He said that he was sure Mr. Ballard has the
land owners agreement of what they will or will not
do and he will know definitely after the conference
next Friday.
The group retired at 9:55 P.M.
The Chairman read a letter from Mrs. Ann 3. Hunt,
383 Marrett Road with reference to the possibility of
including three more homes in the Marrett Road -Prospect Merrett Road
Hill sewer project. Sewer
Mr. Burns reported that these three homes have been Project
included as requested and the projedt will be under-
taken some time this Fall. However, it will not be
available for use until the summer of 1951.
The Chairman read a letter from Brewer & Lord
with reference to insurance coverage on Liberty
Ledgelawn Streets and Waltham Street.
Mr. Burns said that the only street mentioned in Insurance
the letter on which the coverage should continue is on streets
Waltham Street. He also stated that if Cary Avenue and
Aerial Street are accepted at the Town Meeting in
November, they should be covered.
254
The Chairman read a letter from Daniel A. Lynch,
attorney for Mrs. Emily R. Scheibe, with reference
Scheibe to a water betterment assessment in the amount of
water $494.71 levied against her property located on Lincoln
assessment Street. He requested deferment without interest for
three years under the provisions of Chapter 159 of
the Acts of 1950.
The members of the Board agreed to look at the
property in question before taking any action.
Letter was received from Leland Emery, in reply
to the Chai±man's letter, with reference to a joint
meeting of the Selectmen, Assessors and members of
Re-appraisel the Taxpayers! Association relative to a profession -
of property al re -appraisal of the Town.
The members of the Board felt that they would
like a report from Mr. Emery as to what progress has
been made so far this year but were not in favor of
discussing the subject at a joint meeting inasmuch
as they felt this was something that should be con-
sidered by the Assessors and the Taxpayers' Associa-
tion.
Purchase
of saw
Tax Title
Property
Bus Route
Tag Days
(School)
Letter was received from. Mr. Garrity, together with
a quotation on the price of a power say which he
would like to purchase.
There was some question as to whether or not this
had been specifically included in the budget for this
year and the Chairman agreed to contact Mr. Garrity to
clear the matter.
Further consideration was given to Mr. Joseph
Casey's offer of $1200 for a parcel of tax title prop-
erty on Valley Road. Mr. Davidson, who had previously
submitted an offer, was given until October 23rd
to advise the Board whether or not he was still inter-
ested in purchasing this land.
Mr. Hoyt moved that unless so me_word is received
from Mr. Davidson be Thursday of this week that a
proposal to sell be advertised in the Minute -Man.
Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Letter was received from the Lexington School
Committee advising that the Committee is in favor of
the proposed bus route on Grant Street.
The Committee will make some increase in the bud-
get for band expenses as far as allowed by law so
that further requests for Tag Days may be eliminated.
The meeting adjourned at 11;10 P.M.
Clerk, Selectmen
1
255
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
OCTOBER 30, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building,
on Monday evening, October 30th at 7:00 P.M. Chair-
man Emery, Messrs. Gay Nickerson, and Driscoll were
also present.
The Chairman reminded the Board that last week
Officer Day had been told that the Selectmen would
give him same statement for the Police Department Police
relativeto inserting an article in the November 5 -day week
warrant requesting a five-day week for the Police
Officers.
It was the unanimous opinion of the Board to
recommend postponing this subject until the Annual
Town Meeting in March.
The Chairman explained to the Board that Miss
Thompson in the Tax Collector's Department, had
been advised by State auditors that if she were
appointed and accepted the appointment as Temporary
Collector of Taxes she would be entitled to the Temporary
same pay as that received by the late Mr. Seaman; Collector
the salary having been voted by a Town Meeting. He or Taxes
explained that a majority of the Board had appointed
Miss Thompson as Temporary Collector of Taxes effec-
tive immediately (October 25, 1950), to hold such
office and exercise such powers and perform the
duties thereof until a Collector of Taxes is duly
elected and has qualified according to law. Miss
Thompson agreed tot ake the oath of office and sign
the necessary documents until the Board had an
opportunity to meet and arrive at some decision on
the salary.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to ratify the action taken by a majority
of the Board on October 25, 1950.
It was further understood that Miss Thompson is
to receive the same salary received by the late Mr.
Seaman, during the period of time she is employed in
the capacity of Temporary Collector of Taxes.
When Mr. Stevens, Town Couneel, met with the
Board later in the evening the Chairman asked about
the salary of the other Clerk in the office and Mr.
Stevens informed the Board that her salary was an
entirely different matter because the rate is estab-
lished by the Board. He said thatthe Board chluld in-
crease her rate to that of Senior Clerk with the under
staiding that when a Collector has been elected the
rate will revert back to that of a Junior Clerk.
256
Removal
of tree
Tax Title
Property
Action relative to the Junior Clerk's salary was
deferred until the next meeting of the Board.
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Garrity,
Supt. of Shade Tree Division, advising that work
has been started on the removal of two elm trees
opposite the Munroe Tavern and before the men have
finished, he would like permission to remove tree
#2. This particular tree is the one that Mr. Moony,
of the Bartlett Tree Company, recommended removing.
Mr. Garrity stated in his letter that bh.e tree is
full of Scolytus beetles and is very susceptible to
the Dutch Elm disease, and if it is to be removed
the Boston Edison "ompany, how topping off the other
two trees, can top this one at the same time. He
further stated that there are sufficient funds in
his budget to cover the expense involved.
Mr. Driscoll said that he would be guided by
Cdr. Garrity's judgment and moved that he be given
authority to proceed to have tree #2 removed. Mr.
Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
The Board gave further consideration to Daniel
W. Birmingham's offer of 000 for Lot 64, Section
2, Grapevine Avenue. A proposal to sell was ad-
vertised in October 26, 1950, issue of the Lexing-
ton Minute Man. No persons contacted the Select-
men's Office as a result of the advertisement.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nicker-
son, it was voted to sell and congey Lot 64, Section
2,Grapevine Avenue to Mr. Daniel W. Birmingham.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, sadonded by Mr. Nicker-
pon, it was voted to sign the deed, prepared by
Town Counsel, conveying Lots 1 and 2, Block 69,
Valley Road, to Norman "J. Beckett and Leontine L,.,
Beckett, 48 Valley Road, Lexington.
Application was received from the Lexington
Allied Veterans Council requesting permission to
conduct memorial services in Cary Hall on November
Tax Title llth from 9:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M.
Property Mr. Gay moved that the use of the hall be granted
free of charge. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion and
it was so voted.
Application was received from Rev. Harold T.
Handley on behalf of the Lexington Council of -Churches,
requesting permission to conduct a Thanksgiving ser-
vice in Cary Hall on Tuesday, November 21, 1950, from
Use of 8:00 P.M. until 10:00 P.M.
hall Mr. Gay moved that the use, of the hall be granted
free of charge. Mr. Driscollsieconded the motion and
it was ss voted.
1
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr.
Nickerson, it was voted to approve the aprlication
for a Sunday Movie License submitted by the Lex-
ington Theatre, Inc.
The Chairman read a letter from Doctor Adams
of the Veterans' Administration Hospital in Bedford,
inviting the members of the Board to attend a meet-
ing at the hospital oft November 8th at 2:00 P.M. at
which time a motion picture film depicting the ac-
tion or the atomic bomb will be shown.
Mr. Thomas Napoli left a letter for the Board
which he had received from the Collector of Taxes
relative to a water betterment assessment in the
amount of $157.00 levied against property owned by
him and located on Lincoln Street.
Mr. Burns explained that the Lincoln Street
water main was installed as one job, but there were
two different orders filed. The assessment on the
first order has been deferred and this is the amount
covered in the second order,
The Chairman agreed to contact Mr. Napoli, ex-
plain the situation to him and tell him that if he
wants this amount deferred he should write the Board
a letter requesting same.
Letter was received from Michael J. Crowley,
299 Newbury Street, Boston, offering $150 for Lot
66, Section 2, Grapevine Avenue.
The Committee on tax title property recommended
$200 plus the outstanding sewer betterment assess-
ment in the amount of $1.46.67.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Gay, it was voted to advise Mr. Crowley that the
Board will entertain en offer of $500.
Further consideration was given to Mr. Lynch's
letter, on, behalf of Mrs. Emily R. Scheibe, re-
questing deferment without interest of the water
bettermentassessment in the amount of $494.71.
levied against her property at 376 Lincoln Street.
A majority of the members of the Board have in-
spected the property.
Upon the motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by
Mr. Gay,°it was voted to extend the time for pay-
ment of betterment assessment of $494.71 assessed
against land of Mrs. Emily R. S heibe, on Lincoln
Street, without interest until said land or any part
thereof is built upon or sold, mr until the expira-
tion of three years from the date hereof, whichever
event occurs first; provided, however, that this ex-
tension of time shall ttrm.inate immediately if the
257
License
Invitation
Napoli water
betterment
assessment
Tax title
property
Scheibe
water
assessment
deferred
_.J
258.
facilities of the water main aroused for sL:.id land
pf any part thereof.
Further consideration was given to Mr. Domenic
Petrino's request for deferment of the sewer better-
ment assessment levied against land owned by him and
located on Grapevine Avenue.
Petrino A majority of the members of the Board inspected t
Sewer the land in question, and it was the unanimous opinion
Assessment of the Board that there is no justification in grant-
ing the request.
Mr. Stevens referred tothe proposed bus route on
Oak Street and said that he does not know of any
authority that would enable the Board to condition
the license. If, however, the Board can agree with
the bus company as to what should be incorporated
in the 1i ense, the Department of Public Utilities
will include it in the certificate.
He said that the bus company can operate on a
trial period for thirty or sixty days before the
certificate is granted.
Mr. Driscoll said that he did not think thirty
days would be a fair trial.
Mr. Stevens explained that they may want atrial
because once the franchise is granted, the Depart-
ment of Public Utilities will force the company to
operate.
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 P.M.
A true record, Attest;
25e41)
, electmen.
1
25
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
NOVEMBER 6, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building,
on Monday evening, November 6, 1950 at 7:00 P.M.
Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay, Driscoll, Nickerson and
Hoyt were present. Mr. Burns, Supt. of Public Works,
and the Clerk were also present.
At 7:00 P.M. joint hearing was declared open upon
the intention of the Board to lay out Cary Avenue from
Middle Street to Shade Street, a distance of approxi-
mately 1910.32 feet and Aerial Street from Daniels
Street to Sutherland Road, a distance of approximately
539.41 feet. There were nine persons present.
Notices of the hearing were served .by:Constable
on all the property owners listed in the Assessors'
records as of January 1, 1950.
The Chairman stated that the formal hearing was
held as required by law to consider the matter of the
acceptance of Cary Avenue and Aerial Street, the sub-
ject matter of which has been put in the warrant for
the Town Meeting to be held November 27th. He explained
that the pland and profiles, laid out on the Selectmen's
table, prepared by the Town Engineer may be seen by
anyone interested, and Aerial Street would be considered
first.
The Chairman said that all the property owners have
signed a petition requesting the acceptance and he
understood that every lot is built upon and there should
be no question as whether or not the people desire to
have the street constructed. He explained that the
pavement is to be twenty-four feet wide which is the
standard width the Town is now using. The street will
be built of hot top,.will have two courses of bituminous
concrete surface and ten inch gravel compacted. All
necessary drainage will be installed, the shoulders at
each sidelof the paved way are to be loamed and seeded,
but unless there is violent objection there will be no
sidewalks.
Mr. ''urns mentioned the fact that Aerial Street
now has concrete sidewalks on both sides of the `street
which will have to be repaired. He skid that if there
is any chage in the grade at the end, as there well may
be, the sidewalk will be repaired because of the ex-
isting condition.
260
The Chairman informed the grope that the Town will
expect t o receive legal slope easements to be conveyed
by the individual abutters as they may be needed at no
cost to the Town.
Mr. r'utns said that he did not believe slope ease-
ments would be necessary on Aerial Street. He explain-
ed that the bpsis of the easements for all the streets
constructed in the past four years has been to take _
the cost of the excavation of the surface of the street,
plus one-half of the cost of whatever drainage is
required. The total is. divided by twice the length
of the street to take care of any corners. He stated
that the Town is required by law to f ile an estimated
cost against each let. In most cases the estimate
has been kept high on purpose because once the lien is
recorded it cannot be increased. He explained that
the high estimate is recorded to protect the Town
and in no case this far has the actual cost been as
high as the estimate. He stated that not knowing'what
is coming next year, the estimated cost will be 6.00
per running foot of frontage, but the actual charge
will be figured after the street is built. He ex-
plained that on the streets that have been constructed
this year the same formula was used and the price
figured out about $3.50 per assesstble foot. However,
this figure cannot be guaranteed, but the cost will
not be more than $6.00. He said that the estimate is
set at $6.00 a foot to cover any contingencies that,
might arise, but that in most cases the charge will
be less.
The Chairman said that the construction will be
done by private contractors end that the Board adver-
tises for bids. He said that next year, when the
work is done, the cost, he thought, would be higher
than this year, but it will be something between
$3.50 and $6.00 per fro}.t foot lot. The work will
not be done this fall. The streets will be voted at
the November Town Meeting and if accepted will be let
out for bids in the Spring. The Board will either
advertise or solicit bids from six or eight reputable
contractors. He explained that open bidding has not
proved too satisfactory.
The hearing on Aerial Street was declared closed
at 7:12 P.M.
The Chairman then declared the hearing on Cary
Avenue open and stated that the pavement is to be
twenty-four feet wide, of bituminous concrete surface
laid in two courses with a foundation ten inches of
gravel compacted. All necessary drainage will be
installed, shoulders will be loamed and seeded and
there will be no didewalks aslsuch.
1
261
He said that the sewer is not now available but the
Board feels it advisable, if the street is constructed,
to put in the sewer trunk at this time and also to put
inthe sewer services to every lot as far as the so-
called curbing off the pavement so that the street will
not have to be dug up again. He stated that the cost Cary
of the sewer trunk will be added to the cost of the Avenue
street construction and should figure about 0.25 per
running front foot.
Mr. Burns explained that the lien would be
recorded now. When the work has been completed, the
abutters will be billed within six months from the
date of completion.
Mr. Ryder asked if the bills would be sent out
when the sewer is actually available -.for use and Mr.
Burns explained that the law required billing six
months after the work is completed. However, payment
may be deferred until the sewer is connected up.
The Chairman said that at some later date when
the sewer is connected, there will be a sewer service
connection charge so thatthere will be two sewer
charges involved in this jeb as well as the street
construction job. There will also be water service
connections to the vacant lots in order to avoid
digging up the street once it is constructed.
Mr. Ryder asked if the Town would assune any of
the drainage cost and the Chairman replied that one-
half of the cost would be assumed bythe lown, He
explained that costs next year may be higher than
they have been and the cost on Cary Avenue will be
between 40.00 and 16.00.
The Chairman said that the Town Engineer informed
the Board that at least six trees will have to be
taken down regardless of how the road is laid out, and
if excavation of the street discloses faulty roots
there may be more. He stated that the stonewalls will
also have to be taken down.
The Chairman asked if there were any persons
present who wished to be recorded as opposed to
having the work done as explained at this hearing.
No one expressed opposition.
The hearing was declared closed at 7:35 P.M. and
the group retired.
Mr. Harold E. Stevens, Town counsel, met with the
Board.
Mr. Carroll, Town clerk, left the juror box with
the Clerk of the Board and requested that ;,two jurors Jurors
be drawn.
Mr.•Joseph H. Stoney, 15 Fern Street, was drawn
for jury duty beginning December 4, 1950.
Mr. William C. Woodward, 53 Dexter Road, was
drawn for jury duty beginning December 4, 1950.
262
Sidewalks
Contract in the anount of $5,043.35 for the
construction of sidewalks on various locations,
between the Town of Lexington and P.J. Joyce& Son,
and approved by the Town Counsel, was signed by the
Board in triplicate.
Mr. Burns requested permission to purchase 100
water meters and informed the Board that he had re-
ceived quotations of $21.84 and $21.00. He said
that delivery of one-half the order will b e made in
Water meters two or three weeks and the balance should be re-
ceived before the end of the year. He explained
theat he will probabley use most of the meters this
year. They will be charged to Water Maintenance and
he has sufficient funds available.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt,seconded by Mr. Nickerson,
it was voted to autorize Mr. Burns to use his
{judgment in purchasing the meters.
Scurto case
A general discussion was held relative to the
street betterment assessments levied against prop-
erties on Grant Street.
Mr. Burns retired at 8:12 P.M.
Mr. Daniel J. O'Connell, Mr. and Mrs. Scurto and
one other individual met with the Board.
Mr. O'Connell said that he has told the Scurtos
they will have to comply with the Order of the Court,
but there is nothing in the decree that says where
they are to move the building. He said that one of
the purposes in the Bill in Equity was to have the
building moved from what is called a street. He
stated that the Scurtos have acquired title to
several lots next totheir own and if the decree is
as they understand it, they would like to move the
building across the street.
Mr. Stevens asked if they intend to clear the
street or move the building back end Mr. O'Connell
said that they would obey the decree.
Mr. Stevens said that the domplaint in the Bill
is for both Zoning and Building by-laws and if the
building is not demolishedit will have to comply
with the Building by-law.
Mr. O'Connell said that the Scurtos will place
the building wherever the Board wants it.
Mr. Stevens said that the Board cannot tell
them to put the building. They will have to obtain
a building permit and file plans with the Building
Inspector to s how that the building, as finally
moved, will comply with the Building by-laws.
cc
"L7
1
263
Mr. O'Connell said that his client is prepared to
do that.
Mr. Stevens said that he does not think the Select-
men enter this at all and it seemed to him that the
Scurtos should file an application for a permit to put
the building on a certain lot of land with plans that
will show how the building is going tobe made to comply
with the Building by-law. He stid that there have been
permits issued to do something but nothing has ever been
done and unless definite action is taken he will have to
go into Court.
Mr. O'Connell said that he would have the Scurtos
see the Building Inspector tomorrow.
Mr. O'Connell and his clients retired at 8:16 P.M.
Mr. Stevens said that heehas been told by Mr.
Roeder, Chairman of the Board of Fire Engineers, that Fire Dept.
the spec 'if ications and contract for the purchase of a Pumper
new pumper have been approved, and they request that
the contract be signed.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Nickerson
it was voted to sign a contract in the amount of
$16,322 for the purchase of a Mack Type 93 1,000 gallon
Triple Combination pumper.
Mr. Stevens reported that he hastalked with the
head of the Division at the Department of Public
Utilities with refwrence to the proposed bus route
over Oak Street. All that is necessary is for the
Board to grant the license in the usual form and have
the information givento them, at the time of .the
hearing, which the Board and the Company has agreed
upon. Nothing can be included in the certificate
stating that if it were not renewed at the expiration Oak Street
of the trial period that the bus company would have Bus Route
to give upthe license. He ssid that the Board could
ask the company to consent to a revocation at the end
of a trial period if the buses were not to be operated.
Mr. Stevens agreed to contact Mr. Turner, attorney
for the Middlesex & Boston Street Railway Company and
then dictate the license tothe Clerk of the Board.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to rescind the vote passed on October 16,
1950 granting the Middlesex & Boston Street Railway
Company a license to operate buses over Oak Street,
Baker Avenue to Taft Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue,
providing the Company will agree to consider the
license defaulted if the service is discontinued.
264
Hockey rink
bids
Mr. Gay then moved that the Middlesex & Boston
Street Railway Company be granted a license for the
operation of buses over Oak Street, Baker Avenue to
Taft Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue. Mr. Driscoll
seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. Stevens is to arrange with the Department of
Public Utilities for a trial period in which the
Company will be required to provide adequate service.
Mr. Stevens retired at 8:45 P.M. to meet with the
Planning Board and Dr. Howard W. Foley, Chairman of
the Recreation Committee, met with the Board.
The following bids for the construdtion of a
hockey rink were read bythe Chairman:
Ernest E. Outhet
Custance Brothers
Gordon H. Osgood
Material & Labor and set in
place $850.00
Nobid-too many previous
commitments
843.75
Dr. Foley explained that there is only $600
available for this project and it was suggested that
some of the boards stored at the Public Works
Building could be utilized for the new rink.
Dr. Foley retired to discuss the matter with his
Committee.
Petition was received from the Boston Edison
Company for approval of a pole location on Woburn
Pole location Street, approximately 400 feet west of Lowell Street.
The Milan was approved by Town Engineer.
Mr. Gay moved that the petition be approved and the
order signed. Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion, and 'it
was so voted.
The Chairman said that he would like to have the
Boy Scout situation at the Barnes property settled.
The Scouts are now paying $65 a month. They have the
entire second floor of the ell, one or two rooms in
the main house and also the use of the garage. He
said, he had asked Mr. Johnson, Scoutxecutive, to
to give some thought to this as the board felt the
rent is nominal. Mr. Johnson said that they would
Scout rental like tie use one stall in the garage and it can be done
of Barnes without inconvenience tothe Town. They would also
property like to have the use of the kitchen and pantry and
will fix it up themselfes if the Tmwn repairs the
holes in the plaster, remove the sink and trap holes.
The Scouts will pay $80 rent on that basis, and Mr.
Johnson would like to know how the Board feels as he
must submit his budget tothe Community Fund.
cc
1
The Chairman said that it Will cost about $50 to
remove the plumbing and repair the holes and he would
be inclined ,to accept the proposition with the under-
standing that no lease will be issued, the use of the
building is subject totemmination without notice and
they will not block up the backstairs or the door
between the kitchen and the dining.room. He said that
he told Mr. Johnson the Board does not want any sighs
on the building but a good looking rustic sign out at
the sidewalk would be all right.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Gay,
it was voted to increase the rent , now being paid by
the Sachem Council Boy Scouts of America, to $80 per
month, effective January 1, 1951.
Applicationwas received from the Office of the
Secretary of State, on behalf of N.C. Hubley, Jr.,
24 Ledgelawn Avenue, for a Certificate of Incorpor-
ation. Satisfactory character f;eference was received
from the Chief of Police.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nicker-
son, it was voted to approve the application.
The Chairman read a letter from the Aprropriation
Committee advising the Selectmen that a definite
policy has been established relative to transfers and
the following vote passed: That there be no transfers
from current or prior appropriations to any other
current accounts.
Copy of a letter to Mr. Carroll from the Approp-
riation Committee was'receiUed.. The'fetter stated
that Mr. Frank D. Walker has been appointed to act se
special consultant for t he Appropriation Committee
from September 15, 1950 for as long as the Committee
desires his services and such services will be paid
for from the Appropriation Committee Expense Account
at the rate as determined by the Committee.
Letter was received from Michael J. Crowley,
299 Newbury Street, Boston informing the Board
that he is willing to pay $300, the ;,;rice entertained
by the Board, for Lot 66, Section 2, Grapevine
Avenue.
Mr. Gay moved that a proposal tosell the lot be
advertised in the Lexington Minute -Man and that
furtLer consideration be givento the offer at the
next meeting of the Board. Mr. Nickerson seconded
the motion, and it was so voted.
The Chairman read a letter from the Board of
Assessors reporting on the work that has been done
so far this year and what will be done for the balance
of the year.
265
Certificate
of
Incorporation
Transfer
Special
Consultant
to Approp.
Committee
Tax title
property
266
Assessors+
Report
A.L. Aux.
19th of April
Food Booth
Mr. Hoyt said that he is opposed to having an
appraisal made by an outside concern, but that he
would like to meet with the Board of Assessors and
discuss the subject with them for an hour or so.
The Chairman said that4t seems to him that it
w_;uld be better to have the Chairman of the Board
of Assessors and one or two representatives of the
Taxpayef1s Assoei'ation meet with the Selectmen at
which time both groups could ask questions. He said
that he thought the subject would be cleared up
faster by a joint meeting. However Mr. Hoyt said that
is what he would prefer to keep away from.
The Chairman said that he wanted to give the
Taxpayers the appearance that the Board of Selectmen
has an open mind on the subject.
Mr. Gay said that he is not convinced that an
appraisal should be made by an outside concern, and
thatnhe thought the Assessors were capable of doing
the work.
Mr. Driscoll said that hedoesnot agree with Mr.
Hoyt or Mr. Gay and does not think the Assessors are
doing enough work. He said that , in his opinion,
three mencannot do enough work on a part-time basis,
and he would like to have the entire Board of Assessors
meet with the Selectmen to discuss the subject.
Mr. Nickerson felt that a three way conference
would defelop into a harangue and the orderly pro-
cedure would be to have the Assessors report more
fully to the Selectmen and then the Selectmen could
meet with representatives of the Taxpayers Association.
The Chairman said that he had no objection and it
was agreed to invite the Doard of Assessors to meet
with the Selectmen next Monday eventiig.
Letter was received from the American Legion
Auxiliary requesting permission to erect a food booth
at the corner of Meriam Street and Massachusetts
Avenue on April 19, 1951.
The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the letter
and advise the Auxiliary that the Board prefers not
to make my commitment so far in advance.
The Chairman read a letter from Edmund J. Costello
App'ment submitting his resignation as a member of the Board
to Board of of Public Welfare due to the fact that he has moved
Pub. Welfare to another community.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr.
Hoyt, it was voted to appoint Mr. Frank Hunt,
1Belfry Terrace, to serve as a member of the Board
of Public Welfare for the unexpired term. ending
March 31, 1951.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Nickerson
Land it was voted to sign a deed, prepared by Town CounseM
Conveyance conveying a certain parcel of land, located between
land of Mr. Breslin and the present location of Mass.
Avenue, to Warren F. Breslin.
1
Upon motion of Mr. Gay., secomded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to grant the following uses of halls,
Richard F. Jackson Conference Room 4-H Club meeting
V.F.W. Auxiliary " ' Meeting
The Clerk informed the Board that Mr. John J.
Shaughnessy, a mover from Woburn, had requested per-
mission to move Mr. May's douse from 77 Valley Road
to Lots 31,32,33 and 34 on Myrtle Street. Mr. May's
house must be moved as a result of the location of
Route 128 and Mr. Shaughnessy is a bonded mover. The
Board had no objections.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Gay, it
was voted to approve and sign a Sunday Movies License
for the Lexington Theatre, Inc.
The Chairman reminded the Board that some decision
should be made relative to the salary of the Clerk in the
office of the Tax Collector.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Gay, it
wan noted to te!porarily increase Mrs. Tullar's salary
to $41.80 per week, from October 25, 1950 until the date
a new Tax Collector is elected by the Tbwn; an adjustment
of pay for the interim period.
The Chairman head a letter from Mr. Thomas, Director
of Civil Defense, requesting the Board to make available
a sum not exceeding $100 to be used for the purchase of
certain supplies including stationery, envelopes and
cards.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Hoyt,
it was voted to authorize Mr. Thomas to spend an amount
no exceeding $100 for miscellaneous initial needs of the
Civil Defense program.
During the evening Mr. Potter, representing the
Planning Board, came into the Selectmen's meeting
relative to the possibility of the Town purchasing the
so-called Sexton (Leary) property at the corner of
Fletcher Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue. He explained
that Mrs. Sexton, the present owner, is desirous of
having this property zoned for business and if this
occurs the purchase price will be higher than what it
would be for residential property.
The Board discussed the subject after Mr. Potter had
left the meeting and the members of the Board were
opposed to purchasing the property inasmuch as they felt
that no satisfactory negotiations could be made.
The meeting adjourned at 10:20 P.M.
Atrue record, Attest:
267.
268
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
November 13, 1950
Arregular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held
in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on
Monday evening, November 13, 1950, at 7:00 P. M.
Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay, Nickerson and Hoyt were
present. The Clerk and Mr. Burns, Supt. of Public
Works, were also present. Mr. Driscoll arrived at
9:30 P. M.
Mr. Burns stated that he has received a request
for one street light on Crawford Road and one for
Woodcliffe and Normandy 1owd. He explained that a
survey had been made of Woodhaven and it will require
between 27 and 30 lights before the system is complete,
but for the present he recommended one light.
The light requested by the CountyCommissioners
Street Lights: (at the Middlesex County Sanatorium) involves two new
poles and two lights. The Town has to pay for the
poles and they will cost about. $20 each. The Chair-
man asked if he recommended the installation and he
replied in the affirmative.
Mr. Burns also recommended the installation of one
light at Dawes Road, corner of Follen.
He stated that requests for street lights are in-
creasing and he suggested that the subject be con-
sidered quarterly rather than twice a year as has been
the policy in the past.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Gay, it
was voted to approve the following street lights:
Crawford Road,1 light
Woodcliffe & Normyl light
Walnut Street 2 lights & 2 poles
Dawes Road(corner
of Follen) 1 light
The Board further voted to authorize Mr. Burns to
locate one or two more lights which he believes may
be necessary.
Mr. Burns informed the Board that the entrance to
Crawford Road was at one time part of Lot F in Mr.
Baskin's development, and a water betterment assess-
ment has been levied against it in the amount of $50.
This lot, now being a street, receives no benefit and
Mr. Baskin has requested an abatement.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Nickerson,
it was voted to abate the water betterment assessment
levied against Lot F, Crawford Road, in the amount of
$50.
Water
Betterment
Assessment
Abated
1
The Chairman called the Board+s attention to the
fact that if the sewer is installed the entire length
of Cary Avenue it will include land upon which no
houses have been built and inasmuch as other areas in
town, where there are houses, need the sewer the Board
might well be criticized. He said that he thought the
Board, knowing the situation, might want to reverse
its positimn and explain to the Town Meeting that
the sewer will be installed only up to where the grade
will drain towarf Marrett Road, and not go the entire
length of the street. He said that there is 1,100
feet with no houses and if there were they could not
be serviced by this main. The members of the Board
agreedthat the amount of money involved should not be
spent to install the sewer where there is a question
as to how soon it may be needed.
Mr. Burns agreed to tellMr. Rivinius that the
Board has reviewed the suPject and are of the opinion
that it is impractical to install more that 800 feet
of sewer main.
269
Cary
Avenue
Sewer
Mr. Burns brought up the subject of early morning
street lighting and was authorized to have the lights Street
turned on at 5:40 A. M. until one-half hour before sun- Lights
rise, effective November 29, 1950.
Mr. Burns reported that people on Slocum noad have
called him because of the cars that park on this street
every time there is anything going on at the High
School. The residents claim that cars park on both
sides and they cannot getout of their own driveways.
He said that he has discussed this with the Lief of
Police who felt that possibly parking could be limited
to one side of the street.
No action was taken on the matter.
Letter was received from Gordon WA Robinson, 80
Hancock Street, suggesting that a Stop sign be placed
to control the traffic entering Hancock Street from
Coolidge Avenue.
Mr. Burns agreed to erect a Stop sign and to make
a study as to the best solution to the traffic problem
at this location and report to the Board in two weeks.
Mr. Stevens, 'fern Counsel, and Mr. Lindstrom,
Building Inspector, met with the Board at 8:15 P. M.
Mr. Burns said that last Fall he mentioned taking
the Building and Plumbing Department from the juris-
diction of the Public Works Department and also place
the girls in this Department under the jurisdiction of
the Inspector. Mr. Lindstrom is ready to prepare his
budgets for 1951 and wants to know whether he will in-
clude the girls in his office in his budget or whether
they are to be considered in the Public Works Depart-
mdn% budget.
Parking
Slocum
Road
Stop
Sign
Hancock &
Coolidge
Building
Dept.
270
Police
Radios
Damage to
8'ree
Mr. Burns said that Mr. Lindstrom feels as he does
that the Building and Plumbing Department is separate
from the Public Works and he should take care of the
clerical help.
The Chairman asked if there were any reason not to
make such a change and Mr. Burns replied that there
is none that he knows.
The Chairman instructed Mr. Lindstrom to ihclude
the two girls in his budget, but stated that the
Board would like to give this more thbught before
making any decibion relative to a change in policy.
Mr. Stevens and Mr. Burns retired at 8:30 P. M.
Mr. Leland Emery, Chairman of the Board of Assessors,
and Messrs. Shanahan, Burnham and Cronin met with
the Board. The Assessors gave a report of progress
already made and what they intend to do with reference
to reviewing property values in 1950. A lengthy
discussion was held on the subject and the Assessors
retired at 9:45 P.M.
Chief Engineer Roy A. Cook and Mr. Woods from
Topsfield met with the loard.
Mr. Woods said that he would like to purchase the
old police radios. He explained that in the State
of New Hampshire AM are used whereas in Massachusetts
AM has been discontinued and the stations mast use
FM. The Lions Club in the Town of Somersworth, New
Hampshire, would like to purchase the old radios, have
them repaired and them present them to the Somers-
worth Fire Department. He explained that the Club
will pay $100 for the sets.
The Chairman said that the Board would look into
the matter and let Chief Engineer Cook know what
decision is made.
Messrs.Cook and Woods retired at 9:55 P.M.
The members of the Board were in favor of disposing
of the discarded radio sets for $100 and the Chair-
man agreed to contact Chief Engineer Cook.
Mr. Gay, at the request of the Chairman, conducted
the meeting for the balance of the evening.
Letter was received from Mr. Garrity advising the
Board that a maple tree adjacent to Tower Park has
been damaged by an automobile. A representative of
the Casualty Insurance Compapy has discussed this
with Mr. Garrity and Mr. Garrity gave him an eatimate
of $20. He said that if the tree does not show the
roper growth in the Spring, it can be replaced for
20. If, however, the tree would survive repairs there
will be enough to do the work.
1
271
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it
was voted to follow Mr. Garrity's recommendation and
let the tree remain in its present condition until
Spring.
Letter was received from Mr. Daniel A. Lynch in-
viting the Selectmen to be anong the honored guests Invitation
at a dinner to be held in Cary Hall on November 30th
in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of St. Brigid's
Church.
Mr. Hoyt moved that Mr. Driscoll give the welcoming
address, as outlined in Mr. Lynch's letter. Mr.
Emerysseconded the motion and it was so voted.
The Board gave further. consideration to Michael J.
Crowley's offer of $300 for Lot 66, Section 2, Grape- Tax Title
vine Avenue. A proposal to sell this lot was adver- Property
tised in the November 9, 1950, issue of the Lexington
Minute -Man. No persons contacted the Selectmen's
Office as a result of the advertisement.
Mr. Emerr:.moved that the offer be accepted and that
Lot 66, Section 2, Grapevine Avenue be sold and con-
veyed to Michael J. Crowley. Mr. Hoyt seconded the
motion and it was so voted.
The Board gave further consideration to Joseph E.
Casey's offer of $1200 for Lots Bnand C and part of
Lot A, comprising together 2 1/3 acres, more or leas, Tax Title
on Valley Road. A proposal to sell these lits was Property
advertised in the November 9th issue of the Lexington
Minute -Man. No persons contacted the Selectmen's
Office as a result of the advertisement.
Mr. Emery moved that the offer be accepted and that
Lots B' --and C and part of Lot A on Valley Road be sold
and conveyed to Joseph E. Casey. Mr. Nickerson
seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Letter was received from Mr. Collins, Welfare Agent,
requesting a transfer of 43.,500 for Public Welfare Transfer
Department -Aid and Expenses Account.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to request the Appropriation Committee
to transfer the sum of 41,500 from the Reserve Fund
to the Public Welfare Department -Aid and Expenses
Account.
Letter was received from Mr. "hapin, Veterans'
Agent, requesting a transfer of $400 to meet the ex-
pense of htis Department for the balance of the year. Transfer
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to request the Appropriation Committee
to £transfer the sum of $400 from the Reserve Fund to
Veterans' Benefits Aid and Expenses Account.
272
Letter was received from Mr. Carroll stating that
Thomas Sullivap., janitor at the Adams School, wants
$1.50 per hour for 5a hours (6:00 P.M. to 11:30 P.M.)
Sullivan re for tending the fires to keep the building warm on
Election Election Night, November 7th.
November 7th No action was taken on the matter inasmuch as the
Board did not consider this a proper charge.
Letter was received from Mr. Carroll advising the
Board that Mrs. William H. Shanahan has resigned as a
member of the High School Building Committee.
Application was received from Richard F. Jackson
requesting permission to conduct a 4-H meeting in a
Conference Room at Cary Memorial Building on Ndvember
29th from 7:15 P.M. until 9:15 P.M.
Mr. Nickerson moved that the use of the Conference
Room be granted free of charge. Mr. Hoyt seconded the
motion, and it was so voted.
Applicction was received from the Lexington's Fire-
men's Relief P.ssociation requesting permission to con -
Use of duct an entertainment and dance in Cary Memorial Hall
hall on December 6, 1950 from 8:00 P.M. until 1:00 A.M.
Mr. Nickerson moved that the use of the hall be
granted subject to a charge of $35. Mr. Hoyt seconded
the motion and it was so voted.
Use of
hall
Licenses
Street
Orders
Signed
1950 Town
Report
Uponmotion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Emery,
int was voted to grant the following licenses:(Quote)
*See page 273
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Driscoll, it was voted to sign Orders establishing
Cary Avenue and Aerial Street as public ways in the
Town of Lexington.
Police Report for the month of October was re-
ceived and placed on file.
The following bids for printing the 1950 Annual
Town Report were received,
Somerville Printing Co. $4.15 per page (500 copies)
1.15 " '° (100 Accountant)
1.15 " /0(100 School)
Acme Printing Co. 6.50
1.00
1.00
Rapid Service Press 5.73
2.27
3.15
" (500 copies)
r n (100 Asountant)
(100 School)
if If (500 copies)
" K (100 Accountant)
(100 School)
1
1
1
Mr. Emery questioned accepting a bid before funds
are available, However, Town Reports are supposed to
be available before the Annual Town Meeting and it has
been customary for a great number of years to accept a
bid and have the money made available at the following
Annual Town Meeting.
Mr. Nickerson moved that the Board issue an order
of intent bo purchase to the jomerville Printing Company.
Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion and it was so voted.
The Clerk inquired as to whether or not the Board
desired to make any change in the fee for Package Good
Stores for 1951. The Board decided to think about this
and make a decision next meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 10:30 P.M.
A true record, Attest:
Licenses:
Lexington Theatre,
Man-A-Minnit Golf
Kieran J. Lowery
Pine Meadows Country
George R. Reed & Son
Ye Towne Diner
The 1775 Heuse, Inc.
Inc.
edten
Sunday Movies
177 Concord Ave. Com. Vic. renew
286 Lincoln St. " " "
Club 232 Cedar St.
, Inc.1721 idass. Ave.
1722A Mass. Ave.
130 Pleasant St
•
"
"
"
273
274
Street
Lights
Water
Betterment
Assessment
Abated
Selectmen's Meeting
November 13, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held
in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday
evening, November 13, 1950, at 7:00 P. M. Chairmen Emery,
Messrs. Gay, Nickerson and Hoyt were present. The Clerk
and Mr. Burns, Suptt. of Public Works, were also Fr esent.
Mr. Driscoll arrived at 9:30 F. M.
Mr. Burns stated that he has received a request for
one street light on Crawford Road and one for Woodcliffe
and Normandy. Road. lie explained that a survey had been
made of WOOdhaven and it will require between 27 and 30
lights before the system is complete, but for the present
he recommended one light.
The light requested by the County Commissioners (at
the Middlesex County Sanatorium) involves two new pales
and two lights. The Town has to pay for the polesand they
will cost about $20 each. The Chairman asked if he recom-
mended the installation and he replied in the affirmative.
Mr. Burns elso recommended the installation of one
light at Dawes Road, corner of Follen.
He stated that requests for street lights are increas-
ing and he suggested that the subject be considered quar—
terly rather than twice e year as has been the policy in
the pest.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was
voted to approve the following street lights:
Crawford Road
Woodcliffe & Normandy
Walnut Street
Dawes Road (corner of
Follen)
1 light
1 light
2 lights and 2 poles
1 light
The Board further voted to authorif.e Mr. Burns to
locate one or two more lights which he believes may be
necessary.
Mr. Burns informed
Crawford Road was at one
development, and a'water
levied against it in the
the Board that the entrance to
time part of Lot F in Mr. Baskints
betterment assessment has been
amount of p50. This lot, now
1
being a street, receives no benefit and Mr. Baskin
has requested an abatement.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Nickerson,
it was voted to bate the water betterment assessment
levied against Lot F, Crawford Road, in the amount of
$50.
The Chairman called the Board's attention to the
fact that if the sewer is installed the entire length
of Cary Avenue it will include land upon which no
houses have been built and inasmuch as other areas in
town, where there are houses, need the sewer the Board
might well be criticized. He said that 1e thought the
Board, knowing the situation, might want to reverse its
position and explain to the Town Meeting that the sew-
er will be installed only up to where the grade will
drain toward Marrett Road, and not go the entire length
of the street. Ile said that there is 1,100 feet with
no houses and if there were they could not be serviced
by this main. The members of the Board agreed that
the amount of money involved should not be spent to in-
stall the sewer where there is a question Es to how soon
it may be needed.
Mr. Burns agreed to tell Mr. Rivinius that the
Board has reviewed the subject and are of the opinion
that it is impractical to install more than 800 feet
of sewer main.
Mr. Burns brought up the subject of early morn-
ing street lighting and was authorized to have the
lights turned on at 5:40 A. M. until one-half hour be-
fore sunrise, effective November 29, 1950.
Mr. Burns reported th,t people on Slocum Road
have called him because of the cars that park on this
street every time there is anything going on at the
High School. The residents claim that cars park on both
sides and they cannot get out'of their own driveways.
He slid that he has discussed this with the Chief of
Police who felt that possibly parking could be limited
to one side of the street.
No action wEs taken on the matter.
Letter wfs received from Gordon W. Robinson, 80
Hancock Street, suggesting that a Stop sign be placed
to control the traffic entering A:ncock Street from
Coolidge Avenue.
275
Cary
Avenue
Sewer
Street
Lights
Parking
Slocum
Road
Stop
Sign
Hancock &
Coolidge
276
Building
' Dep't.
Mr. Burns agreed to erect a Stop sign and to
make a study as to the best solution to the traffic
problem at this location and report to the Board
in two weeks.
Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, and Mr. Lindstrom,
Building Inspector, met with the Board at 8:15 P. M.
Mr. Burns said that last Fall he mentioned tak-
ing the Building and and Plumbing Del-artment from
the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department and
also place the girls in this Department under the
jurisdiction of the Inspector. Mr. Lindstrom is ready
to prepare his budgets fdr 1951 andwants to know wheth-
er they are to be considered in the Public Works De-
partment budget.
Mr. Burns said that Mr. Lindstrom feels as he
does that the Building and Plumbing Department is
separate from the Public Works and he should take
care of the clericsl help.
The Chairman asked if there were any reason not
to make such a change and Mr. urns replied that there
is none that he knows. '
The Chairman instructed Mr. Lindstrom to include
the two girls in his budget, but stated the:t the
Board would like to give this more thought before
making any dicision relative to a change in policy.
Mr. Stevens and lir. Burns retired at 8:30 P. M.
Mr. Leland Emery, Chairman of the Board of Assess-
ors, and Messrs. Shanahan, Burnham and Cronin met
with the Board. The Assessors gyve a report of prog-
ress already made and 'what they intend to do with
reference to reviewing property values in 1950. A
lengthy discussion was held on the subject and the
Assessors retired at 9:45.P. M.
Chief Engineer noy A. Cook and Mr. µ'oods from
Topsfield met with the Board.
gr. Woods said that he would like to purchase
Police the old police radios. He explained that inthe State
Radios of lNiew Hampshire AM are used whereas in Massachusetts
AM has been discontinued and the stations must use
FM. The Lions Club in the Town of Somersworth, New
1
277
Hampshire, would like to purchase the old radios, have
them repaired, and then present them to the Somers-
worth Fire Department.He explained that the Club will
pay 4100 for the sets.
The Chairman said that the Board would look into
the matter and let Chief Engineer Cook know what decision
is made.
Messrs. Cook and Woods retired at 9:55 P. M.
The members of the Board were in favor of dispos-
ing of the discarded radio sets for x'100 and the Chair-
man agreed to contact Chief Engineer Cook.
Mr. Gay, at the request of the Chairman, conducted
the meeting for the balance of the evening.
Letter was received from Mr. Garrity advising the
Board that a maple tree adjacent to Tower Park has been Damage to
damaged by an automobile. A representative of the Cas- Tree
ualty Insurance Company has discussed this with Mr.
Garrity gave him an estimate of 4w20. He said that if
the tree does not show the proper growth in the Spring,
it can be replaced for $20. If, however, the tree should
survive repairs there will be money enough to do the
work.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it
was voted to follow Mr. Garrity's recommendation and
let the tree remain in its present condition until
Spring.
Letter was received from Mr. Daniel A. Lynch in-
viting the Selectmen to be among the honored guests at Invitation
a dinner to be held in Cary Hall on November 30th in
commemoration of the 75th anniversary of St. Brigid's
Church.
Mr. Hoyt moved that Mr. Driscoll give the welcom-
ing address, as outlined in Mr. Lunch's letter. Mr.
Emery seconded the motion and it was so voted.
The Board give further consideration to Michael Tax Tule
J. Crowley's offer of $300 for Lot 66, Section 2, Grape- Property
vine Avenue. A proposal to sell this lot was advertised
in the November 9, 1950 issuE of the Lexington Minute -
Man. No persons contacted the Selectmen's ffice as a
result of the advertisement.
Mr. Emery moved that the offer be accepted and that
Lot 66, Section 2, Grapevine Avenue be sold and conveyed
t° Michael J. Crowley. Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion
and it was so voted.
278
Tax title
property
Transfer
Transf er
Sullivan re
re Election
Nov. 7th
Use of
Hall
The Board gave further consideration to Jos-
eph E. dasey's offer of $1200 for Lots B .and C
and part of Lot A, comprising together 2 1/3 ages,
more or less, on Valley Road. A proposal to sell
these lots was auvertisedin the November 9th issue
of the Lexington Minute -Man. No persons contacted
the Selectmen's Office ns a result of the advertise-
ment.
Mr. Emery moved that the offer be accepted
and that Lots B and C and part of Lot A on Valley
Road be sold and conveyed to Joseph E. Casey. Mr.
Nickerson seconded cthe motion and it was so voted.
Letter was received from fir. Collins, Wel-
fare Agent, requesting a transfer of $1,500 for
Public Welfare Department - Aid and Expenses Ac-
count.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr.
Driscoll, it was voted to request the l'pprop-
riation Committee to transfer the sum of $1,500
from the Reserve Fund to the Public Welfare De-
partment - Aid and Expenses Account.
Letter was received from Mr. Chapin, Veter-
ans' Agent, requesting a transfer of 0400 to meet
the expense of his Department for the balance of
the year.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr.
Driscoll, it was voted to request the Appropria-
tion Committee to transfer the sum of $400 from
the Reserve Fund to Veterans' benefits Aid and
Expenses Account.
Letter ws received from Mr. Carroll stating
that Thomas Sullivan, janitor at the Adams School,
wants $1.50 pt.r hour for 5a hours (6:00 P. M. to
11:30 P. M.) for tending the fires to keep the
building warm on Election Night, November 7th.
No action was taken on the matter inasmuch
as the Board did not consider this a proper charge.
Letter was received from Mr. Carroll advising
the Board that Mrs. -William Hi Shanahan has resigned
as a member of the High School Building Committee.
Application w s received from Richard F. Jack-
son requesting permission to conduct a 4-H meeting
in a Conference Room at Cary memorial Building oh,,
November 29th from 7:15 P. M. until 9:15 P1 M.
Mr. Nickerson moved that the use of the Con-
ference Room be granted free of charge. Mr. Hoyt
seconded the motion and it w€s so voted.
1
279
Application was received from the Lexington Fire-
men's {elief. Association requesting permission to
conduct an entertainment and dance in Cary Memor-
ial Hall on Lecember 6, 1950, from 8:00 P. M. un-
til
ntil 1:00 A= M.
Mr. Nickerson moved thft the use of the hall
be granted subje::t to a charge of 435. Mr. Hoyt
seconded the motion and it wfs so voted.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by
Mr. Emery, it was voted t� grant the following
licenses: ('quote)
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Driscoll, it was voted to sign.°rders establish-
ing Cary Avenue and Aerial Street as public ways
in the Town of Lexington.
kolice Report for the month of October was
received and placed on file.
The following bids for printing the 1950
Annual Town Report were received: 1950
Town
Somerville printing Co. $4::15 per page (500 copies) Report
1.15 " " (100 i'ccountant )
1.15 " " (100 School)
Acme printing Co. 6.50 " " (500 copies)
1.00 " " (100 Accountant)
1.00 " " (100 School)
Rapid Service press 5.73 It " (500 copies)
2.27 " " (100 t'ecountant )
3.13 " " (170 school)
Mr. Emery questioned accepting abid before
funds are available. However, Town Reports are
supposed to be available before the Annual Town
Meeting and it has been customary for a great num-
ber of years to accept a bid and have the money
made available at the follovring Annual Town Meet-
ing.
Use of hall
Licenses
Street
orders
signed
'r. Nickerson moved that the Board issue an
order -of intent to purchase to the Somerville Print-
ing Company. Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion and it
was so voted.
The Clerk inquired as to whether or not the
Board desired to make any change in the fee for
Package Good Stores for 1951. The Board decided
to think about this end make a decision next
meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 10:30 P. M.
280
A true record, Attest:
Clerk, Selectmen
* License to be approved: Lexington Theatre, Inc. - Sunday Movies.
Com. Viet. (renew)
P n n
n If n
Mf-n-A-Minnit Golf 177 Uoncord Ave.
Kieran J. Lowry 286 Lincoln St.
Pine Meadows Country Club 22 Cedar St.
George R. Reed & Son, Inc.1721 Mass. Ave.
Ye Towne Diner 1722A Mass. Ave.
The 1775 House, Inc. 130 Plersant St.
If
1
281
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
November 20, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen
was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office
Building on Monday, November 20th, 1950 at 7:00
P. M. Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay, Driscoll and
Hoyt were present. Mr. Burns, Supt. of Publid
Works, and the Clerk were also resent.
Mfr. Carroll, Town._Cle;rk, left the Jury Box
with the Clerk and requested that one juror be
drawn.
M. J. Harper Blaisdell, engineer, 12 Ply-
mouth Road, was drawn to serve, beginning the first
Tuesday in January, 1951.
"Jr. Burns gave an oral report with reference
to water services installed and those to be done
during the balances ofthe year. He informed the
Board that he will need 41,000 as. an appropriation
at the November 27th Town Meeting, for Water
Maintenance - Wages & Expenses.
Mr. Burns reported on the sewer services in-
stalled to date and what he anticipates for the
balance of the year. He advised the Board that
he will need an appropriation of $5500 at the No-
vember 27th Town Meeting for Sewer Services -
Wages & Expenses.
Juror
Mr. Burns said he would like to purchase
3000 feet of copper tubing inasmuch as it is now Copper
available, but due to the lack of funds he is tubing
of in a position to purchase more than 2,200
eet.
The Chairman asked if 2,200 feet would carry
im through the year end J4r. Burns replied in the
ffirmative and stated that the availability is
all that is bothering him.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr.
iD iscoll, it wts voted to authorize Mr. Burns to
I* lace an order for 2,200 feet of copper tubing.
A brief discussion relative to wage rates
or the year 1951 was held and it was agreed that
r..1urns would figure his budgets using last
ear s figures plus 10%.
L
282
Snow
Removal
Town
Gap
Street
Lights
Transf er
Certificate
of
Incorporation
The Chairman read a letter from Mrs. Morey,
Chairman of the Lexington School Committee, relative
to a program of maintenance. A modification of Mr.
Burns s suggestions was attached.
The Chairman requested Mr. Burns to submit
a report on the subject next week.
Letter was received from Mrs. Newton V. Cran-
dall, 40 Middleby Road, with reference to a water
bill which she claims should have been paid by the
Raimo Construction Company. The letter also referred
to conditions left by Raimo and at the suggestion
of the Chairman, Mr. Burns agreed to answer the
letter. he informed the Board that. an abatement
Pias been put through for the water bill sent to
Mr. Crandall.
Letter was received from the State Depart-
ment of rublic Works with refernece to removing
snow from a portion of Route 2A, a distance of
0.20 miles.
Upon motion of ' r. Gay, seconded by Mr. Dris-
coll, it was voted to continue the arrangement
followed for the past several years, whereby the
State will remove snow from the entire length of
Maple Street and the Town of Lexington will plow
all of Massachusetts Avenue.
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Grindle,
Sup't. of Schools, suggesting that the street lights
be turned on mornings when there is no school.
Mr. Burns stated that the lighting system is
controlled by a time switch and any such arrange-
ment would be impractical.
Mr. Burns retired at 7:45 P. M.
The Chairman reviewed briefly the status
of the Law Department Special Fees Account and upon
motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted
to request the Appropriation Committee to transfer
the sum of 61500 from the Reserve Fund to the Law
Department - Special Fees Account.,
Certificate of Incorporartion was received
from the Office of the Secretary of State on behalf
of Wallace G. Knights one of the Incorporators of
the Lexington Boys Club, Inc. A satisfactory char-
acter reference was received from the Chief of Police.
Mr. Gay moved that the application be ap;roved,
signed and returned to the Secretary of State. Mr.
Driscoll second4d the motion and it was so voted.
1
1
Upon motion of Yr
it was voted to grant
Regent Delicatessen Co
Countryside, Inc.
Minute Man Restaurant
Mrs. MacAlpine
David Michelson
. Gay, seconded by Mr. Hoyt,
the following licenses:
. 1729 Mass. Ave.
400 Lowell St.
1715 bass. Ave.
50 Percy Road Innkeeper
30 Harding Road Guide
Com. Viet. (renew)
n n n
rt I,
n
1,
Application was received from Mrs. Paul Hanson,
on behalf of the Minute Man Chapter, United World
Federalists, requesting permission to conduct a
meeting in Estabrook riall on November 29th from
7:30 F M. until 10:30 P. M.
Mr. Driscoll moved that the use of the hall be
granted free of charge. 'Ir. Gay seconded the motion
and it was so voted.
Application was received from the Le*ington
Club for permission to conduct a Children's
Christmas Party in Cary Hall on December -23rd from
1:00 P. M. until 5:00 P. M.
Mr. Driscoll moved that the use of the hall be
granted free of charge. Mr. Gay seconded the motion
and it wf.s so voted.
Letter was received from the Board of Fire
Engineers stating that the Fire Department has bean
making trips each week since last August to fill
wells on Bellflower and Emerald Street. With
cold weather setting in, the Department does not
believe it will be possible to continue and suggested
that something be done abut connecting the homes
in this area to the water main which it is under-
stood is within f few hundred feet.
The Clerk was instructed to ask 1tr. Burns to
report on this subject.
The fee for 1951 Package Goods Stores wt s held
over until next week at which time Mr. Nickerson
will be present.
Inasmuch as the Special Town Meeting will be held
on Monday, the next regular meeting of the Board
will be on Tuesday, November 28th et 7: P. M.
A true record, Attest:
Use of
hall
Wells
283
284
Pole
Location
Pole
Location
Use of
Hall
Sunday
movies
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
November 27, 1950
A special meeting of the Board of Selectmen
was held on Monday evening, November 27th in the
Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building at 7:35
P. M. Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay, Driscoll, Nick-
ere -on and Hoyt were present. The Clerk was also
present.
±'etition, plan and three copies of an order were
received from the Boston Edison Company and the New
England Telephone & Telegraph Company for approval
of a pole location on Burlington Street. The plan
had been submitted to, and approved by, Mr. Burns,
Town Engineer.
Upon motion of lir. Driscoll, seconded by
Mr. Hoyt, it was voted to approve the petition and
sign the order for the following joint pole loca-
tion: Burlington Street, approximately 245 feet
north of Henderson Road, One (1) pole.
Petition, plan and three copies of an order,
were received from the Boston Edison Company and
the New England Telephone & Telegraph Company for
approval of a pole location on Waltham Street.
The Plan had been submitted to and approved by Mr.
Burns, Town Engineer.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr.
Hoyt, it was voted to approve the petition and sign
the order for the following joint pole location:
Waltham Street, opposite Vine Brook Road, one �l)
pole.
Application was received from Ridhard F. Jack-
son, on behalf of the 4-H Club, for permission to con-
duct a meeting in Estabrook Hall on December 14th.
Mr. Gay moved that the use of the hall be
granted free of charge. Mr. N4ckerson seconded the
motion, and it' was so voted.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by gr. Dris-
coll, it,was voted to approve and sign the Sunday
Movie License submitted by the Lexington Theatre,
Inc.
Upon motion of.Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Hoyt,
it was voted to make no change in the present fee
for Package Goods Store Licenses for he year 1951.
1
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 P. M. at which
time the membLes of the Board left to attend the
Special Town Meeting in Cary Hall.
A regular meeting of the Board will be held
tomorrow evening, Tuesday, November 28th at 7:00
P. M.
A true record, Attest:
285
286
Hamilton
request
for abate-
ment
Moon Hill
Road
Carrig's
request for
water
Coquillette
complaint
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
November 28. 1950
A regular meetingof the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmens Room, sown Office Building,
on Tuesday evening, November 28, 1950, at 7:00 P.M.
Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay, Nickerson, and Hoyt
were present. Mr. Burns, Supt. of Public Works,
and the Clerk were also present.
Letter was received from Eugene B. Hamilton,
Trustee of the Home Finance Company, requesting
an abatement of street betterment assessment,in
the amount of $264, lcvied against Lot 176 Ledge-
lawn Avenue. n October, 1949, the Board voted to
abate sewer and water betterments levied against this
same parcel of land, totalling $154.15.
The Chairman suggested asking Mr. Hamilton if
he would be willing to deed this lot to the Town and
agreed to check the assessment.
The Chairman read a letter from Wallace E.
Howell, Clerk, Six Moon Hill, Inc., asking several
questions relative to consequences of having Moon
Hill Road accepted as a Town way.
The first series of questions come within the
scope of the Suprintendent of rublic Works and
were, therefore, referred to him for a direct
reply. The second series were more or less of a le
Jgla nature and referred to Town Counsel for report
to the Selectmen.
Further consideration was given to 1,2. Carrig's
request for a water main from the Concord Turnpike
to Concord Avenue to a point where he can connect
onto it in order that he can service a development
which he has on Concord Avenue.
Mr. Burns said that he thought Mr. Carrig wrote
the letter so that this itme would be included in
the 1951 budget.
The Chairman agreed to acknowledge the letter
and advise Mr. Carrig that his request will be among
the many thzt will be considered for the 1951 budget.
Letter was received from Mrs. Robert Coquillette,
53 Forest Street, complaining about a bush obstruct-
ing the sidewalk on Forest Street making it necessary
for school children to walk on the street.
Mr. Burns informed the Board that he received
a call on this last Septmeber and went to look at
1
1
the Sidewalk. He said that there is a bush growing
from private property which overhangs the sidewalk
^nd it .did not look.partioulariy dangerous. to him.
However, he. went over the next mrirning at eight.of
clock and watched the'children going to school.
They all walked to school on the other side of the
street and crossed. below' this particulEr location.
ue said. that .the ,bush: has ,been growingfor a long
time.:end the situation is nothing new.
The Chairman suggested that ukr. Burns find
out who owns the bush and ask if the owner would
have any objections to cutting the bush to prevent
obstructing the sidewalk.
Mr. Burns retired at 8:00 p.m.
The following persons met with the Board to
discuss the firemen's request for a 56 hour week:
Chairman Roeder, Messrs. Adams and Cook, of the
Board of Fire Engineers, and Messrs. Belcastro,
Bentley, Fiske, Spellman, Spidel, and Timothy.
Mr. Roeder said that he had requested an
appointment with the Selectmen because the per-
manent fireiaen had presented a problem to the
Board of Fire Engineers and they thought they
would like to explain it to the Selectmen.
Lieutenant Spellman said that there has been
some talk among the permanent members of the Fire
Department to have the working hours shortened.
Nothing was done for a period of time and finally
the men held a meeting and he was appointed Chair-
man for the group. From that meeting, they elected
a Committeeto investigate Shortening the work week
of the permanent men, and instructed the Committee
to bring its findings to the Board of Fire Engineers.
He explained that the group present this evening
is to inform the Selectmen as to what has taken
place in an effort to shorten the hours for perman-
ent firemen.
Captain Fiske read the following, and explained
that is is as near the same as what was told the
Board of Fire Engineers as he could make it:
Some time during the last week in August, discussion
was prevalent among the members of the uniformed
fire fighting force to ascertain what might be
done in the matter of reducing the working; hours
of our department. Inasmuch as the Chief En-
gineer was away on his vacation at this time, our
problem was di@cussed with two members of the Board
was to enlighten them as to what was to be brought
before them at some early dr. te.
This matter lay dormant until October 23rd when 18
287
Firemen's request
for 56 hour
week
288
permanent members of our department met at Fire Head-
quarters to discuss ways and means of obtaining this
reduction of working hours. Lieutenant Spellman
was elected Chairman and Private Wilson Secretary
of the group meetings, and after much discussion on
the matter, it was voted to elect a Committee of
5 members, with group committee Chairman, Iaieutenant•
Spellman as a member ex -officio.
The Committee was elected as follows: Captain Bel-
castro, Captain Fiske, rrivate Spidle, Bentley and
Timothy, and they were instructed to gather the nec-
essary information whereby the 56 hour working week
might be placed upon the official Town ballot at the
Annual Town Meeting in March. This method of approach
to our problem was taken because the group meeting
felt that by doing it in this manner, it would relieve
all the Boards concerned of the responsibility of
making a decision either in favor of or against
our problem, thereby leaving it strictly up to a
vote of the people. The group also voted unanim-
ously to instruct the Uommittee to contact the Board
of Fire Engineers as soon as some definite plan had
been arrived at, and inform them of the aims and
plans of the uniformed members of the Fire Depart-
ment.
The above elected Committee held its first meeting
at Fire feadquarters on October 31st, and elected
Captain Belcastro as Chairman and Captain Fiske and
Private Spidle as co -secretaries. After biking
over the prrvious group meeting, Captain Belcastro
was instructed to contact Mr. Joseph Manning, who
is a representative of the St'te Firemen's Associa-
tion,relative to any assistance Mich he might be
able to give us in the matter of our problem. Cap-
tain Fiske was instructed to contact Mr. Charles
Ferguson, our Representative in the General'Court
from this district, to find out the proper steps to
follow in the filing of this Bill, allowing us to
place it on the aforementioned ballot.
The second Committee was held on November 9th with
all members present. Mr. Ioseph Manning met with
us and outlined the general procedure that he had
followed in helping to secure these reduced working
hours for various Departments throughout the State.
In concluding this meeting, Mr. Manning agreed to
contact our Committee with any additional informa-
tion that he might obtain from the State House.
The following day we received this short note from
Mr. Manning, and I quote:
'Dear Captain c Lieutenant: Information received
at State House - Have your Representative or Senator,
whichever is agreeable, file in his name and that
•
1
289
will save you getting -signatures.
In haste, Joe Manning.'
The second group meeting was held at Fire Headquar-
ters on November 14th with 13 members present. A
report of progress was made and accepted by the
members and`a general discussion was then held on
the ways and means of presenting our proolem to
the voters of the Town. Captain Fiske then reported
on his meeting with Mr. Ferguson who informed him
that he would gladly see that the Bill was prop-
erly drawn up and correctly worded and return it
to us with instructions for whatever action we
deemed proper,, and informed us that when we re-
turned it to him he would file it in the proper
manner.
A copy of this. Bill, which the Committee now
has, was received properly worded from jar. Fer-
guson on Novemberl7th and upon contacting our
Chief Engineer, he agreed to arrange for our Comm-
ittee to meet with the Board of Fire Engineers
at their next meeting. This meeting was held on
November 21st and the Committee presented its
problem to the Engineers, at the s me time stating
their reasons for not having contacted them before,
and also explained to them that the time element
in this matter was of great importance inasmuch
as the Bill had to be filed on or before the sec:.
and Wednesday in December in order to receive the
earliest possible consideration from both branches
of the Legislature. Questions were asked by all
the members of the Board regarding the filing of
the Bill, es well as working conditions of various
Departments throughout the State. A pamphlet was
passed among the members of the Board which had
been compiled by the Brookline Taxpayers's Assoc-
iation and after all available information had
been given the Board we were informed by them that
they desired a little more time to talk the matter
over. In a short while we were called back and
informed that they would meet with us on Sunday,
November 26th and let us know their decision.
On Sunday, November 26th we were informed by Chair-
man Roeder that certain members of the Board of
Fire Engineers would meet with all available mem-
bers of the Committee at approximately 3:00 P.M.
but due to duties attendant upon the storm, only
2 members were ale to meet with the Board. Captain
Fiske and Lieutenant Spellman met with Chairman
290
Roeder, Chief Engineer Cook, Mr. George Hynes and
Mr. Alan Adams. Chairman Roeder told us thtt Mr.
Hynes would explain the findings of the Board, which
were in effect that the Board felt tht t the Board
of Selectmen should be itformed of the steps that
had been taken by the Committee elected by the mem-
bers of the Fire Department. Chairman Roeder and
Mr. Hynes offered to accompany the Committee to
its meeting with the Board.
The third group meeting was held at Fire Headquarters
on November 27th with 18 members present and the de-
cision of the Board of Fire Engineers was relayed
to the meeting by group Chairman Lieutenant Spell-
man. After a discussion on the matter, Captain
Belcastro and Captain Fiske were asked to say ofew
words on the suggestion of Mr. Hynes, and the ques-
tion was brought to a vote on instructingfthe Com-
mittee to meet with the Selectmen, the result being
a unanimous vote in favor.
Shortly before the third group meeting was convened
on November 27th officifl notice was received by
the Committee and relayed to the group meeting that
the Board of Fire Engineers had put in a request
for 3 additional men for the purpose of installing
the 70 hour work week. This information was received
from the Chairman of the Board of Fire Engineers,
Harold Roeder. P discussion followed and a vote
was taken which showed a unanimous vote against favor-
ing the adoption of this work schedule.
The Cha.irmfn srid that Captain Fiske mentioned
18 men two or three times in his report and asked
if that is the number of men definitely interested.
Captain Fiske replied th-t there were 18 men
at the first meeting, 13 at the second meeting and
18 at the last meeting. He explained that some of
the personnel hss to comer this Station.
The Chairman asked if the Committee represented
100% of the permanent force and if every member of
the Fire Department, full-time members, were dis-
satisfied.
Captain Fiske replied that when the discussion
first started, there was a paper circulated asking
for members interested in signing a petition to sign
the paper, but he did not know how many signed.
The Chairman inquired as to the basic dissatis-
faction of the present work week.
Captain Belcastro replied that the trend is
to have a shorter work week and it has been put into
1
291
effect in various departments throughout the State.
He said that they are trying to adopt the same work
week other cities and towns have. He stated that
one f eature is that the men have a long day on --
24 hour tour of duty. With the 56 hour webk the men
will work a 0 -hour day and a 14 hour night. He said
that another thing that comes into the light in the
56 hour week is th<t they do not have any meals out-
side of the station, and that the Town would be better
covered during meal hours. He said that a number of
the fires, possibly 50%; occur during meal hours.
The Chairman asked if the 24 hour stretch was
what the men disliked and Captain Belcastro replied
in the affirmative.
Captain Fiske said that another thing is the
fact that the firemen's work week is so far above
the other Departments of the Town, they would like
to get it down to a comparable basis.
rThe Chairman asked what other Towns are operat-
ing on a 56 hour week and Captain Belcastro read the
following, compiled by the Brookline Taxpayers'rAssoc-
iations
Arlington 48 Malden 48
Belmont 61 Methuen 56
Boston 48 Milton 56
Brookline 70 Medford 48
(asking 56) Natick 56
Cambridge 48 N. Bedford 48
Chelsea 56 Quincy 48
Dedham' 56 Revere 48
Framingham 70 Salem 56
Holyoke 70 Waltham 48
Lawrence 48 Watertown 70
Lowell 48 Wobunri 70
Lynn 48 Worcester 56
The Chairman asked if the group wished anything
from this informal meeting tonight except'to let the
Selectmen know what they have in mind.
Captain Belcastro said that they wished the
Board would be in favor and go along with the 56
hour week.
The Chairman asked if they would like an expres-
sion of opinion this evening and Captain Belcastro
replied in the negative.
The Chairman asked how many additional men would
be needed and Captain Belcastro replied that it will
mean eight more men.
The Chairman asked how many more officers will
292
be needed and Captain Belcastro said that they
will need one more.
The Chairman said that,. to be perfectly frank,
the Board could notthis evening give even qualified
approval of this because the Board has not studied
it. he said that the Selectmen have in mind all
the other needs of the Town and to say that they
would endorse this or approve it at this time is
something they just could not do. He said that
the firemen must appreciate that adding eight more
men to the Town taxes is a aubstgntial thing and
he thought the Board would feel that it would have
to be weighed with other interests of the Town.
Mr. Gay asked how the Department s budget
would be figured if this were not acted upon until
the Town Meeting.
The Chairman said that the Town Meeting approp-
riations are not made until at least two weeks after"
the Election.
Mr. Hoyt said that if the Town votes in favor
on the ballot it would vote in favor of an increased
appropriation at the Town Meeting.
Lieutenant Spellman said th-t the idea in meet-
ing with the Board of Sleectmen was to acquaint the
Selectmen with what has transpired, and whichever
way the townspeople vote, it will not embarrass
any member of the Board.
The Chairman said that the Selectmen appreciate
the group meeting with the Board. he said that 1951
was going to be a difficult one financially; that
there are many other Departments and each one feels
that it is vary important also. Ie said that it
would have to be a compromise of what the Selectmen
and the Appropriations Committee feel is a fair fig-
ure to ask the Town to assume.
Mr. Hoyt said that this information would be-
come known before long and the Taxpayers' Association
will probably ask if increased protection would be
furnished.
Captain Belcastro replied that the protection
would not -be increased and that there would be the
same number of men working during the day with the
56 hour week.
Captain Fiske said that there are two hours
out at noon and two hours out at night for meals
so that the Town, with the 56 hour week, will gain
four hours of protection each day.
Mr. Iuickerson asked how much less sleeping hours
the men would have and Captain Belcastro replied
1
that they will have 14 hours at night and one man
will be on desk duty 24 hours a day. The crew at
night has to divide the desk duty.
Mr. Roeder said that under the 56 hour week
there will be no absenteesfor meals.
Captain Fiske said that 70% of the fires occur
during meal hours.
The group retired at 8:40 P.M.
Mr. Thomas Sullivan, janitor at the Adams School,
met with the Board because he did not receive any
pay for the hours he stayed at the school on Election
Day, November 7th..
The Ch£irman explained that the Selectmen felt
that gr. Sullivan had to bein the building as school
janitor and did not see thrt it had anything to do
with the election.
Mr. Sullivan sc.id thrt he did nut have to be
in the building after five o'clock and that he is
always paid for any time after regular working hours.
The Chairman tsked if the amount of money Mr.
Sullivan requested would cover only from five o'clock
on and he replied in the affirmative.
The Chairman asked how late Mr. Sullivan stared
in the building and he replied that he was there
until 11:30 Y.M.
Mr. Hoyt asked if the organizations using the
building evenings usually paid Mr. Sullivan and he
replied in the affirmative.
The Chairman said that the Board would review
the situation and Mr. Sullivan retired.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Gay,
it was -.voted to pay 1".r. Sullivan for 62 hours at
the rate of $150 per hour.
Letter was received from Mr. Winthrop Potter
25 Summit...Road,complaining about a vicious dog
owned by Mrs. Philip Johnson, 22 Summit Road.
The Clerk was instructed to give a copy of the
letter to Dog Officer, John Russell and request an
investigation and report for next Monday night.
Letter was received from the Chamber of Commerce
Off Street Parking Committee and held over until
the next meeting of the Board.
T.he Chairman suggested, and the Board agreed,
to meet next Monday at.7:00 o'clock., before the
Ad:rned sown Meeting, and return after Town Meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 9:05 P.M.
A true record, Attest:
le
Sullivan
pay for
election
Complaint
re dog
293
294
Maintenance
of school
grunds
Maintenance
of library
grounds
Traffic
Complaint
Tower road
& Mass.Ave.
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
December 4, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen
was held in the Selectmen's room, Town Office Build-
ing on Monday evening, December 4,'1950 at 7:00
P.M. Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay, Driscoll, Nick-
erson and Hoyt were present. The Clerk was also
present.
The Chairman read a memorandum from Mr. Burns
with reference to maintenance of school grounds.
he stated that because of the volume of work in-
volved he thought it desirable to have a joint meet-
ing with the School Oommittee, Superintendent of
Schools and the Board of Selectmen to settle as
many questions as possible.
The Chairman agreed to invite the School Commit-
tee to meet with the Board as suggested by Mr. Burns.
The Chairman read a memorandum from Mr. Burns
with reference to maintenance of Cary Library grounds.
he has discussed the subject with Mr. Garrity who
is willing to include this in his 1951 budget. How-
ever, he would like to discuss the matter with the
Trustees or the Librarian before establishing a fig-
ure for his budget.
Mr. Gay agreed to make an appointment for Mr.
Garrity to meet with the Library Trustees.
Mr. Burns made reference, in another memorandum,
to a letter of complaint filed by Charles Starr, 8
Plymouth Road, about traffic conditions at Tower Road
and Massachusetts Avenue.
Mr. Burns made the following explanations:
There is an existing light across the intersection
near Rhodes Street, but there is a shade on it, put
on at the request of the abutters. The State will
not erect a "Stop" sign on Marrett Road at theeen-
trance to Massachusetts Avenue, but might be persua-
ded to erect a "Slow" sign. A"Stop" sign could be
on 'ower Road but its effectiveness is open to ser-
ious question.
A report was also received from the Chief of
Police explaining that only three accidents have
occurred on Massachusetts Avenue at the intersection
of Tower Road in the past five years. In 1947 an
automobile struck a tree just west of Tower Road::.in
which a passenger was injured fatally - cause- too
much speed and possibly liquor. In 1948 an automo-
1
bile struck a tree near the intersection, no
injuries-- cause, could have been faulty front
end. In 1949 an automobile and truck collided
at this intersection - cause, automobile unable
to stop, entering Massachusetts Avenue from Tower
Road, because of icy condition of the streets
due to a freezing; rain.
It was agreed to submit the above inform-
ation to Mr. Starr.
The Chairman read a letter from John J.
Flynn, attorney for Justin Shea , stating that Shea damage
Mr. Shea has placed a claim with him against claim
the town for damage to his property caused by
water from different sources.
The Clerk was instructed to refer the let-
ter to Town counsel.
The Chairman read a letter from the Town
Counsel commenting on the legal points raised
in letter from Six Moon Hill, Inc. with refer-
ence to street acceptance by the Town.
The Chairman agreed to forwardithe infor-
mation to Mr. Howell, Clerk of the corporation.
Letter was received from the'First Church
of Christ Scientist requesting the use of Cary
Hall for a Christian Science Lecture on April
24, 1951. Mrs. Shorey, who wrote the letter,
stated the fact that the hall had been used for
a Thanksgiving Service and St. Brigid's Anniv-
ersary, it was believed that similar permission
would be given to this Church.
It was the opinion of the Board that the
two uses mentioned by Mrs. Shorey did not come
under the category of religious meetings and
upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Nick-
erson, it was unanimously voted that the request
be denied.
Use of hall
295
Letter was received from Mrs. Ruth L.
Berry, on behalf of the Senior High Girl Scouts, Sale at Barnes
requesting the permission to conduct a Christ- Property
mas sale at the Barnes building in one of the
rooms used by the Sachem Council.
Mr. Hoyt moved that the request be granted.
Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so
voted.
Letter was received from Commissioner Hen-
ry F. Long requesting the Board to give favor -
Reserve fund
296
able consideration to the suggestion of ap-
propriating for a Reserve Fund an amount not
less than the maximum allowed by Chapter 124
of the Acts of 1945.
Application was received from Mr. Charles
Use of Vaughn, on behalf of St. Britid's C.Y. 0. , re-
questing permission to conduct a Christmas
Musicrl Show in Cary Hall on December 19th
from 7:00 to 11:00 P.M.
Mr. Gay moved that the use of the hall
be granted subject to charge of 05.00. Mr.
Nickerson seconded the motion, and it was
so voted.
Tax title
property
Bill re:
Fire Dept.
Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by iii.
Driscoll, it was voted to sign the Sunday Movie
license submitted by Lexington Theatre, Inc.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr.
Ni:kerson, it was votedto sign a deed, pre-
pared by Town Counsel, conveyingLots B and
C and part of P, comprising 2-13 acres more
or less, on Valley Road, to Mary C. and Jos-
eph B. Casey, 343 Massachusetts Avenue.
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 P.M. at
which time the Selectmen left to attend the
Adjourned Town Meeting in Cary Hall.
The Selectments Meeting was resumed after
the adjournment of the Town Meeting and there
was a detailed discussion with the Town Coun-
sel about wording of the Bill which is to be
filed with the State Legislature for the Creat-
ion of a board of Fire Commissioners in Lex-
ington, to operate the Fire Department; this
Board of Fire Commissioners in Lexington, to
take the place of the present Board of Fire
Engineers -- in view of the fact that the lat-
ter set-up is obsolete and in many ways con-
fusing and not clear in its operation and
duties. ***
(* The above paragraph wYs dictated by the
Chairman inasmuch as the Clerk wrs not pres-
ent.)
The next regular meeting of the Board of
Selectmen will be held on Monday evening,
December llth at 7:00 P.M.
A true record, Attest:
1
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
December 11, 1950
A regular meeting; of the Board of Select-
men clu s held in the Selectmen's room, Town :Off ice
Building on Monday evening, Lecember 11, 1950,
at 7;00 P. M. Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay, Dris-
coll, Nickerson and Hoyt were present. The Clerk
was also present.
Mr. Burns, Supt. of Public Works, end Chief
Rycroft met with the Board.
Mr. Burns referred to the Communication
received bT..the Board relative to the possibility
of changing the time parking meters are in oper-
ation and the possibility of removing them from
some of the side streets. He said that inas-
much as the Chief of police will have to enforce
the regulations he thought he should be present
this evening during the discussion.
Chief Rycroft stated that he has no quarrel
in changing from eight o'clock to nine o'clock,
but he could not see where such a change would
be of any benefit. ne said that between eight
and nine in the morning there is any amount of
parking space available and he did not think the
volume of business at that hour was very great.
He further st ted thLt the change will necessitate
changing the present signs, installing new plates
and changing the Rules and Regulations. Ile said
that,he would have no objection if he ebukcesee
any good reason for a change.
The Chairman asked if the Chief hEd any ba-
sic objection and he replied in the negative.
The Chairman asked, if for any other reason
the Board felt it would like to try the change,
the Chief would object.
He replied in the negative and said that it
will mein obtaining 120 new plates.
Mr. Gay said that he thought the main com-
plaint was from people who like to stop for a pap-
er or at the Post Office on their way to Boston
and asked if the regulations were strictly enforced
between eight and nine in the morning.
The Chief replied th t they are not strictly
enforeed because he does not have the manpower.
Mr. Gay siad that people feel 'they have to
put money in the meter even if they just go into
the store for a paper.
Mr. Hoyt stated that twelve minutes only cost
one penny.
Parking
Meters
297
298
The Chief said that there were over 500 ,C
violations last month, which is:thc highest since
the meters were installed.
Mr. Hoyt said that there is always room at
Emery Park at that time of day.
Mr. Driscoll inquired as to how this prob-
lem is handled in other towns and the Chief replied
that afew operate meters from ninet until siA, but
the majority operate from eight until six. He said
the reason is to educate the c1evks in the stores'
to put their cars away before they go to work.
The Chairman asked if, as a matter of policy
the Board felt from the point of view of public
relations and from the point of view of making
the Chamber of Commerce happy even if in the Chief's
opinion it would be of no particular improve-
ment, the Board decided to change would the Chief
have any basic objection. He replied in the neg-
ative.
The Chairman said that even though it is a-
greed that parking meters are a necessary evil,
the Board might feel it_,would be better to give
a little if it will make people feel better about
them. He said that if the Chamber of Commerce
will feel better having them start at nine rather
than eight, the Board might give it serious con-
sideration.
The Chief said that he has no strong objec-
tion
and further stated that the meters have been
in operation only since April and he does not think
they have been given a fair trial. He asked if
the time were changed from eight to nine would
there be other requests for more changes. He said
thft any change would be entirely up to the Board
of Selectmen and it will not make any difference
insofar as he is concerned whether the meters are
operated from eight or nine otclock.
The Chairman said that the Board would like
to know if there would be any bad features if the
Meters were operated from nine o'clock from enforce-
ment point of view.
The Chief replied in the negative and said
that he could not sEy whether the clerks would
take advantage of the change or not but he felt
sure they would.
The Chairman asked if he thought the clerks
would leave their cars on the street all day.
The Chief replied in the negative and said
the center would not be as clear as it is now.
The Chairman asked if the Chief thought it
would be proper to request the Chamber of Commerce
to ask the clerks not to leave their cars on the ■
street.
299
The Chief replied that if the Board decides to
make the dhange he would suggest letting the subject
lie for a while. If he finds that it is not working
out well, he will advise the Board and then a -letter
could be written to the Chamber of Commerce.
The Chairman asked how the Chief felt with re-
spect to the side streets.
The Chief said that he is probably in a little
different position from the Board. to said that the
Selectmen do not hear about things uhtil someone has
a "gripe." He said that a number of people have stopped
in at his office and told him how very pleased they
are with the condition of Grant.Street.
He said that a survey was made in a number of
townsand cities and the only way to control parking
on side streets other than have a police officer on
duty, was the installation of parking meters.
The Chairman said that, with reference to the
meters on Grant Street, the town is paying 41,200
for a better situation with practically no revenue.
Mr. Burns said that the greatest advantage is
in the winter when the street has to be plowed.
The Chairman asked if the Chief felt the same,
equally about other side streets and he replied in
the affirmative. He said that he thinks Meriam
Street is definitely in a much better condition since
the meters were installed.
The Chairman asked if the Chief had any feel-
ing about utilizing the old fire station lot on Mer-
lam Street.
The Chief replied that he is not too familiar
with the size of the lot owned by the Town but he
has noticed that it is used as a parking area.
The Chairman asked if he would have any objec-
tions to the area adjacent to the library being
used as a parking area and he replied in the negative.
4. Gay asked if the cars going in and out would
create a traffic hazard and the Chief replied that
he did not wish to appear: -to be facetious but he doubted
very much if people would walk that distance to the
stores. He said that he would like to have a park-
ing area on Clarke Street but he doubted very much
if it would be used.
Mr. Burns said that it will cost between 41,200
and 01,500 to make a parking space on the library
property.
The Chairman read -another letter from Charles
Starr,. 8 Plymouth Road, with reference to the inter-
section of Tower Road and Massachusetts Avenue.
300
The Chief said that an effort is being made
to have the State erect a stop and enter sign on
Marrett Road. Registrar King sent two men out
last week and they inspected the records of all
accidents which have occurred in .this vicinity.
The engineers also prepared a diagram of both in-
tersections showing the terrain. The inspectors
could not find anything in this area that they
considered out of reason and said thrt it is no
different than hundreds or thousands of other
streets in Massachusetts. They went down to the
area one tf ternoon and studied traffic conditions
from four o' Block until five -thirty and said, they
could not see anything out of the ordinary.
ne said thet he idd think if the wattage of
the street light opposite Tower Road were in-
creased it might help.
The Chief retired at 7:30 1'. M.
Mr. Burns informed the Board that, during
the last three orfourweeks, there have been a
number of complaints about the garbage collection.
Garbage He said that last week was not so bad, but prey
Collection sous to that there were quite a few.
The Chairman said that Mr. Burns had brought
this up tonight at his suggestion and he thought
possibly the Board should advise Mr. Connors that
the complaints were running higher than usual and
ask if he cared to make any comment or meet with
the Board. The Board agreed and the Chairman
said thrt he would write to Connors.
Allen s
Betterment
Assessment
Palmer
Betterment
Assessment
Mr. Stevens arrived at the meeting at 7:00
P.M.
The Chairman read a letter from Robert G.
Allen, 253 Bedford Street, asking the Board to
reconsider the assessment levied on his proper-
ty at the corner of Ledgelewn Avenue.
Mr. Burns explained thtt he was assessed the
difference between the frontage on Bedford Street
and the frontage on Ledgelawn Avenue. he said
the land was of no value, but the assessment was
based on the fact that this has been the policy
in assessing corner lots.
The Board agreed to look at the area on Sat-
urday morning.
The Chairman read a Better from Mr. P. K.
Palmer, 37 Liberty Avenue, asking for a liberal
abatement on the assessment levied against his
property.
1
Mr. Burns explained the situation by use of
a plan and said that he thought Mr. Palmer had
a legitimate complaint.
The Board agreed to look at this on Satur-
day morning.
Mr. Burns presented a plan entitled "Traffic
Study Plan of Intersection of Revere and Hancock
Streets." He recommended an island with curbing
and suggested one-way traffic from Coolidge ave-
nue and from Hancock Street to Revere street.
Inasmuch as the proposed solution will cost
between $1,000 and $1,500, Mr. Burns suggested that
this be considered as a 1951 project.
Letter was received from Mr. Francis Culbert-
son, 62 Harding Road, claiming that Harding Road
drains into his driveway and from there into his
cellar.
Mr. turns said that at least on two occasions
the Town has put in a birm which took care of the
situation. He said that it is not so much the faul-
ty grading of the street, as claimed by Mr. Culbert-
son, as it is the location of his garage. He said
that if the shoulders are raised he does not know
how hewill get the water out of his cellar.
MX'. Burns agreed to talk to Mr. Culbertson and
explain what can be done.
301
Traffic
Island
JHancock &
Revere Sts.
Culbertson
Drainage
Complaint
Letter was received from Kelly Construction
Company requesting the extension of 1036 feet of
water main to service nine houses being constructed Kelly request
on Woburn Street, and an additional 106 feet to for water
service lot 4 Woburn 6treet sold to Mr. Sylvester
Moodono.
Mr. Burns said thk:.t a Mr. Turner, below this
development, also wants water and the total number
of feet of pipe is 1400 or 1500 feet at a cost of
about $)10,000.
Mr. Burns was instructed to review the situa-
tion next Monday night with reference to prior re-
quests, supply of pipe and any other factors which
may bear upon this request.
At 8:15 P. M. the following persons met with
the Board; Mrs. Morey, Chairwoman of the School
Committee; Mr. Regan, 73 Durnell Avenue, Roslindale,
Mass., Vice-rresident of the State Council, A.F.L.;
Mr. CampWi, Secretary; Mr. Maloney, Vice President
of the local A.F.L.; Mr. Dailey, Secretary, Mr. Kidd,
Treasurer, and Mr. Harry Shea, President.
302
Mr. Regan: The workmen of Lexington have joined
The Americsn Federation of State and Municipal
Employees, affiliated with the American of Labor.
We would like to establish relationship with the
Selectmen, have the bargaining rights for the Lo-
cal, and to do business for the employees. We
have been in business for the past ten years. Our
International is in Wisconsin. We have about 110
Locals in the State of Massachusetts. We have est-
ablished good relationship in every city and town
we are connected with. We are a non -strike organ-
ization and feel that we can represent these people
or they can represent themselves to you membersof
the Board of Selectmen because we hope you gentle-
men undestand that people have to organize today
in order to get their story across. I hope you
will consider this and establish good relation-
ship with this Local.
Mr. Shea; Mr. Regan spoke for our Local and expressed
the views of the majority of the men in
Town. Do you people have any questions
you would like answered:
Chairman: I dontt know that we have at present.-
Your
resent.Your appointment tonight was at your re-
quest, so we judged you had matters you
wanted to present to us.
Mr. Shea: It was just to formally notify you of our
Organization. As far as any conditions
and improvements we might wish, we have
not taken them up at the present time.
We would be glad to meet with you at a
future date and go into detail.
Mir. Regan:This is a custom that we always form when
we have a new Local.
Chairman: We appreciate the courtesy. I have no
particular question that I think of. I
might ask what your registered enroll-
ment is.
Mr. Shea: At the present time it is somewhere in
the neighborhood of 53.
Chairman: From what group?
Mr. Kidd: Town workers, cafeteria help, and the
custodians.
4-1
1
303
Mr. Shea: Town workers -he means the Public Works'
men. The Park Department is also in-
cluded, not wholly, but janitor in the
library and the three janitors in the
Town Hall.
Mr. Gay: Is that 100% of your Public Yorks group?
Mr. Shea: There is one janitor not in. With the ex-
ception of temporary men, I believe there
are one or two of the permanent men not
included.
Mr. Kidd: About 98% organized.
Mr. Shea: We are desirous of obtaining Civil Ser-
vice in the Town. We have expectations
of putting it on the ballot for the coming
election. At the present time we have
not gone into any other phases of improve-
ments which we might like.
Chairman: This is your organization and only a few
old. We have had no experience either a-
long such lines. We would like to dis-
cuss this with the Town Counsel and the
Appropriation Committee and possibly oth-
er Departments and get in touch with you.
after thst.
Mr. Campbell: None of us are paid organizers. Our
office is at 18 Tremont Street and we are
available twenty -fours a day.
Mr. Hoyt:
Mr. Shea:
Chairman:
Does this include the cemetery men?
As yet it does not.
We will talk this over and write you and
be glad to see you at any time.
The group with the exception of Mr. Stevens and
Mr. Burns retired at 8:25 P. M.
Mr. Stevens reported on the proposed bus route
over Oak Street. .Mr. Turner, attornery for the Mid-
dlesex & Boston, conferred with Messrs. Walsh and
Garfield and they will go along with anything the
Board incorporated in the license, but they will
not agree to it. If the D.P.U. includes the Town's
Provisions in its license they will abide by it, but
304
they will not agree to the D.P.U. including it
in the certificate.
Mr. Stevens agreed to discuss the subject
further with the D.P.U.
Messrs. Stevens and Burns retired at 9:15
P.M.
The Chairman reported that Mr. Kraff of
Shoppers' Haven, telephoned him with reference
Shoppers' to a Sunday Sales License.
Haven Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by
Mr. Driscoll, it was voted that the matter re-
main with the Town Counsel.
Letter was received from David Govan, 1834
Sell Massachusetts Avenue, offering $20 for a 3/4 ton
Truck pick-up truck body now stored at the Public Works
Body Building.
Mr. Hoyt moved thet the offer be accepted
and the unit sold, subject to approvel by 'dr.
Burns. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it
wes so voted.
Letter was received from Mrs. Margaret Car -
TAX Title roll, 80 Reed Street, Lexington, offering $50
Property for Lot 23, Block 89, Garfield Street.
Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by
Mr. Hoyt, it was voted to advertise the offer in
the. Lexington Minute Man and give it further con-
sideration at the next meeting of the Board.
Permit
Letter was received from the St. Vincent De
Paul Society of the Sacred Heart Parish, request-
ing permission to conduct a paper drive on Sunday,
January 7, 1951, weather permitting, or on Janu-
ary 14th as an alternate date.
Mr. Gay moved that the request be granted.
Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion and it was so voted.
F'pplication was received from the Veterans
Use of of Foreign Wars requesting permission to conduct
Hall a meeting in Estabrook Hall on Wednesday evening,
December 13th from 7:45 P.M..until 10:00 P.M.
Mr. y moved that the use of the hall be
granted free of charge. Ar. Nickerson seconded
the motion and it was so voted.
Use of
Hall
hetter was received from Daniel O'Connor, on
behalf of the American Legion, requesting permis-
sion to hold an annual banquet in Cary Hall on
February 22, 1951.
col
plia
1
Jar. Gay moved that the use of the hall be granted
and considered one of the organizations free uses.
Mr. Nickerson seconded the mot,i'on and it was so voted.
The Clerk was instructed to make a note on all
future licenses granted for the uses of halls that
the Custodian of the Building will have to work over-
time and the Board would appreciate a token contri-
bution to,him for services rendered.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by M11
Gay, it was voted to sign Orders for the laying out
and establishing as public town ways, Aerial Street
and Cary Avenue. kCopy of Order in Selectmen's Files -
Highways, 1950.)
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to renew the following licenses:
Lexington 'Thea1 re
Charlotte Colby
Sidney B.Heywood
Ernest C. Martin
Mary A. Rowland:
Shoppers' Haven
Joseph Trani, Inc.
1792
73
'271
1793
150
316
1757
Mass. Ave.
Waltham St.
Marrett Rd.
''lass Ave.
Lowell St.
Marrett Rd.
Mass. Ave. Package
Store
SuOday Movies
Innkeeper (renew)
Com. Viet.
If If
n
If
rt
n
Goods
n
u
If
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Dris-
coll, it was voted to approve the following joint pole
locations, both having been approved by the Town En-
gineer:
Marrett Road, southeasterly from a point approx-
imately 445 feet southeast of Massachusetts Avenue,
nine (9) poles, guy wire and anchor to the ninth
p6le.
Walnut Street, southerly from a point approx-
imately 1500 feet south of Concord Avenue, five
(5) poles, guy wire and anchor to the fifth pole.
The meeting adjourned at 9:55 P. M.
A true record, Attest:
805
306
Gasoline
Hearing
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
December 18, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Select-
men was held in the Selectmen's Room, lown Office
Building, on Monday evening, December 18, 1950,
at 7:u0 P.M. Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay, Dris-
coll, Nickerson and Hoyt were present. The Clerk
was also present.
Hearing was declared open upon the petition
of Manuel J. Aruda for permission to increase
the storage capacity of gasoline tanks from 5,000
gallons to 15,000 gallons at 329 Massachusetts
Avenue.
Mr. Aruda, his attorney, George S. Ryan(637
Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington), Mr. John McCar-
thy and Chief Engineer Roy A.Cook were present.at
the hearing.
Mr. Ryan presented a sketch of the proposed
location of the tanks and stated that they will be
33.4 feet from the next abutter, Mr. McCarthy, who
purchased his property two years ago. The tanks
will be 64 feet from the railroad and a represent-
ative of the Boston & Maine inspected the location
and advised Mr. Arude that his company has no ob-
jection.
Mr. Aruad made the statement that bhe tank
might be used for range oil.
Mr. Ryan explained thFt the Chief of the Fire
Department had been down and has no objection to
the proposed increase.
Mr. Aruda stated that the tank now located
near the sidewalk will probably not be used.
Mr. Ryan said that he understood Mr. Aruda
was negotiating with the Texaco people to erect
a new building.
Mr. Aruda explained that the Texaco Company
will not deliver gas unless he takes a load of
5,000 gallons and at the present time he cannot
take it with the storage he has.
The Chairman asked if there were any objections
to the proposed increase.
Mr. McCarthy said that he has no objections
insofar as the gasoline is concerned, but he would
object to the fuel oil odor.
The Chairman explained that the application
was for gasoline and Mr. McCarthy asked if it could
be changed at some later time.
1
Chief Engineer Cook replied that the petitioner
would have to file another application and have another
public hearing.
Mr. McCarthy inquired about the location of the
vents and Mr. Aruda stated that they are in the same
place as when he purchased the business sixteen
years ago, but he agreed to locate them any place
satisfactory to Mr. McCarthy.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Dris-
coll, it was voted to grant a license to Manuel J.
Aruda for increased storage of gasoline from 5,000
gallons to 15,000 gallons on premises located at
329 Massachusetts Avenue.
The group retired at 7:14 P.M.
Hearing was declared open upon the petition of
the Boston Edison Company and the New England Tele-
phone and Telegraph Company for joint pole location
on the Cambridge -Concord• Highway at Green Lane.
No persons appeared in favor or in opposition.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Hoyt, it wes voted to approve the pole location as
follows:
Cambridge -Concord Highway at Green Lane - one
pole.
Green Lane, northeasterly from a point approx-
imately 90 feet northeast of the Cambridge -Concord
Highway, three poles, guy wire and anchor to the
third pole.
Mr. Burns met with the Board at 7:15 Y.M.
The Chairman eap3ained that on Saturday the
members of the Board discussed placing Christmas
lights in certain windows of the Barnes property
and it will cost $30 for sixteen lights. It was
unanimously agreed to have one candle placed in the
windows and authorized Mr. Moakley to proceed with
the necessary electrical work at once.
Further consideration was given to the request
received from Kelly Construction Company for the ex-
tension of water wain in Woburn Street between Low-
ell Street and the Woburn Line.
Mr. Burns reported that all contemplated water
main extensions have been completed with the excep-
tion of Williams Road and this particular project
was left over inasmuch as there was no particular
hurry for i t .
The Chairman agreed to contact Mr. Walker
and request to have the sum of $35,727.97 revenue
307
Pole location
Lights for
Barnes
Property
Woburn
Street
Water
Main
308
Maintenance
of School
Areas
Salaries
water account carried over.
The Board was not in favor of commencing the
Woburn Street project until Spring due to the pos-
sibility of frost and agreed to further consider
the request in 1951.
At 8:00 P.M. the following persons met with
the Board to discuss a program of maintenance for
school grounds: Mr. Garrity, Supt. of Parks and
Playgrounds; Mrs. Morey, Chairwoman of the School
Committee; Messrs. Grindle, Wadsworth and Fisher.
Mr. Burns' recommendations were discussed and
the following action token:
(1) A uniform policy of maintnenance of all
grounds and driveways.surrounOing all
public buildings be established.
The School Committee was in favor but
had no particular comments to make.
(2) Maintneance of the grounds and driveways
be made the responsibility of the Public
Works Department.
Mrs. Morey stated thL.t her Committee felt
the janitors should have pride in the
outside of their buildings and take care
of the mowing, and keep the papers picked
up. She said that her committee wants
the janitors to keep the immediate school
areas cleaned up.
A general discussion was held on the other
five items suggested by Mr. Burns and there were
no particular objections insofar as the School
Committee is concerned. It was agreed that Mr.
Burns and the School Committee would discuss the
subject further to determine whe.t items will be
carried in the respective budgets.
Mr. Burns and Mr. Garrity retired at 6:35 p.M.
A general discussion was held relative to any
change in salaries and the Chairman agreed to call
the School Committee later in the evening follow-
ing a discussion of this subject with the Approp-
riations Committee.
The School Committee retired at 8:45 P. M.
Mr. and Mrs. Burke, 67 Bridge Street, met with
the Board relative to drainage.
1
The Chairman explained th€:t the problem was
only a portion of a large area in this vicinity and
nothing substantial can be done, that is worth do-
ing,
oing, unless a large area is done all at once. He:
said that the pro,ect could be included in the 1951
budget but there are no funds available at the pres-
ent time to do anything.
Mr. Burke asked if the brook could be relocated
to the other side of the street and the Chairman re.-
plied that Mr. Burns had mentioned one location but
he did not think it was where Mr. Burke wanted it.
Mr. Burke said that the brook is filled in and
the water seeps back into his cellar making it very
wet and unhealthy.
The Chairman said that Mr. Burns does not feel
that cleaning one ortwo channels would improve the
situation. tie asked if Mr. Burke had discussed hls
problem with Mr. Burns and he replied in the negat-
.ive.
Mr. Driscoll suggested, and Mr. Burke agreed,
that Mr. Burns would go over to his house on Tues-
day at 5:30 P.M. to discuss the problem.
Mr. and Mrs. Burke retired at 8:50 P.M.
Hearin; was declared open upon the written cam- Complaint re
plaint received from Mr. Winthrop F. Potter, 25 Summit Johnson dog
Road, Lexington, relative to a German Shepherd dog
which he claimed to be owned by Mrs. Philip Johnson
of 22 Summit Road, Lexington, and which he also claimed
to be a menace to the neighborhood.
The following persons were present at the hear-
ing: Mrs. Philip Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Winthrop Pot-
ter, Mr. and Mrs. Edmund P. Hoxie, Mr. Richard p. Crom-
well, Mrs. Carla Valentine, John F. Groden and Mr.
Clarence E. Smith.
The Chairman explained that upon receipt of Mr.
Potter's communication, a letter was sent to Mrs. John-
son on December 11, 1950, and he proceeded to read same.
He stated that the Town Counsel felt thEt the complainant
should ue sworn or make his complaint under oath. Mr.
Potter stood and was sworn by Mr. Stevens, Town Coun-
sel, and testified under oath.
The Chairman asked if Mr. Potter wanted his let-
ter of November 28th red or make any further state-
ments.
Mr. Potter explained that the reason he wrote the
letter to the Board was occasioned by a series of in-
didents thathad occurred over a period of a year, end-
ing in an attack on his baby sitter returning home from
his house. He said that on the afternoon of November
27th Miss 'Barbara Hoxie of 886 Massachusetts avenue was
809
Bridge St.
drainage
complaint
310
returning home from a baby sitting job at his home
and when going by the Johnson property at 22 Sum-
mit Road, the German Shepherd dog attacked her from
the rear. The dog,ts teeth penetrated Miss Hoxie's
coat and bruised her. He said that she was saved
from more serious injury because she was wearing a
heavy coat and skirt. Mr. Potter said that before
the attack, and while the dog was attacking her,
someone at Mrs. Johnson's house called the dog but
without effect. He said this was reported to his
wife by the girl's mother. He stated that the pre-
vious week his wife was walking on Summit Road and
the dog approached her and snapped at her ankles,
and bit her enough to drew blood.
Mr. Potter said that Mrs. Carla Valentine, 805
Massachusetts Avenue, who works at his house twice
a week, has been attacked by this dog on several oc-
casions and has more. than once had her arm taken
in his teeth by this dog. She was not seriously in-
jured because she had on heavy clothes but she is so
afraid of the dog now that when she comes to his hthme
in the daylight she carries a stick for protection
and will not apss the house at night without an es-
cort.
Mr. Potter said that several times during the
past few months this dog has charged hitt snarling
with lips bared and fur bristling. He said that he
likes dogs and owned a dog for about fifteen years.
ne further stated that there are ten other dogs in
the neighborhood and he has had no trouble in mak-
ing friends with them. However, he has tried re-
peatedly to make friends with this German Shepherd
dog without success.
Mr. Potter said that he feels this dog is vic-
ious and a menace to many children who live in the
neighborhood and who visit there. ne stated that
lairs. Johnson told him she would muzzle the dog, but
he does not think this is enough because if the dog
should knock a child down, the child would be in-
jured from the muzzle. Furthermore, it would ser-
iously frighten the child. Mr. Potter said that he
definitely thought the dog should oe permanently re-
strained or removed from the neighborhood before
something tragic happens.
Mrs. Johnson said that she has a little girl
and to the best of her knowledge the dog has been
very friendly. When she was a pup she started to
frighten the children next door and she sent her
to school. Mrs. Johnson said that since then she
has had no one tell her anything about the dog ex-
cept the neighbors across the street who said that
CO
1
811
the dog knocked her child off a tricycle. She said that
she has always had a dog and always plans to have one.
She stated that she only regretted that Mr. Potter had
not told her about his wife being nipped. She said that
'if she had known that she would have muzzled the dog im-
mediately and the baby sitter would not have been bit-
ten the following week.
Mrs. Johnson said that the children in the neigh-
borhood are afraid of Eny kind of dog that barks and
they run.into the dog with bicycles and tricycles. She
said that they have stoned the dog all the way up her
driveway so th.t the dog has a fear of people especi.al-
ly-if they have a stick, She said that she needs the
dog in the house because her nursemaid is alone. She
said that as long as the dog is muzzled she does not feel
there is any danger, and that the dog has been muzzled
ever since Mr. Potter called.
Mr. Gay asked if Mrs. Johnson ever had any other
complaints during the past year.
Mrs. Johnson said that the woman across the street
has a little boy and she told her one day that the dog
knocked him down. She said that when the Grodens first
moved in the dog went over and barked and frightened them.
After th t she sent the dog to school to learn obedience
and to be with people. She said that this was the first
time, other than the incident with the tricycle, that she
personally heard anything.
Mrs. Hoxie said that her daughter Barbara is seven-
teen years old, is a big girl and s<id that the dog came
racing down the yard and lunged ft her so hard he rocked
her on her feet. The Sunday night before, she went past
the house and the dog followed her, growling and snapping
at her- heels.
gr. Cromwell said that about two years ago his dau-
ghter was going down the street and Mrs. Johnson's dog,
Tory, bit her through her coat. He said it did not in-
flict any harm but frightened his daughter. After that
Mrs. Johnson was co-operative enough to muzzle the dog
and tie him in the yard but it was not permanent. Mr.
Cromwell said that some time after that his little boy
was in his own driveway and the dog came into the Crom-
well yard. The boy was on a tricycle and the dog charged
at himbarking and took hold of the boy's shoulder. He
said that the dog did not hurt him but did frighten him
very mucki. Mrs. Cromwell again went over to Mrs. John-
son's house and again she mu.,zled him. ne said that
Mrs. Johnson has two dogs one of whom the neighbors like,
Dusty, and the other dog, Tory, over which there have
been complaints.
Mr. Cromwell said that he and his wife both feel
that the dog is vicious and a danger to the children.
312
Mr. John Groden said that he lives next
door to Mrs. Johnson. He said he has four
small chilxiren and a yard where from ten to twen-
ty children play. He said that he has a dog
of his own and is very fond of dogs, and that
everyone is fond of Mrs. Johnson's other dog,
Dusty. Mr. Groden stated that he had written:
to Mrs. Johnson about the dog, Tory, and subr
matted copies of the letters to the Chairman.
He said that he has spoken to her help on sev-
eral occasions and said thrt if the dog ever
charged his children he would shoot him. He said
thet a dog this size could seriously hurt the
small children and he is afraid for his chil-
dren.
Mr. Groden explained that there is absol-
utely nothing personal in this but he has a feel-
ing of insecurity about the dog. He said that
he does not like to set dogs tied up es it tends
to make them more vicious.
11Ir. Clarence E. Smith said that he just
wanted to support Mr. Potter's case. He said
that many times in the morning, walking from his
home, to Mr. Groden's, with whom he rides, the
dog has approached him, not wagging his tail
but viciously looking. Ile said th4t he was re-
ally afraid of the dog.
Mr. Hoxie said that he would like to point
out one thing. His daughter, Barbara, was wear-
ing a heavy coat and a heavy velvet skirt and
in spite of that fact she had a large black and
blue spot on her hip. He said that if it had
been summer and the same thing happened, Mrs.
Johnson would have had a problem on her hand.
Mrs. Johnson said that as far as she knows,
the dog has not drawn blood and that she under-
stands any dog is allowed to bite three times
before it has to be disposed of. She said that
she has muzzled the dog and she did not see why
there is anything more to be said.
Mr. Carroll C. Taylor said that he was pres-
ent with his neighbors because he agrees with
them that they have a problem in the neighbor-
hood. He said thrt personally he thought the
dog wss a psycopathic case and that he has been
trying for over a year to make friends with the
dog, because, living as he does next door, he
wants to be friends. He said that the dog has
never done any harm to him but he is an odd type
of dog. Mr. Taylor said that he believed, for
Mrs. Johnson's own interest, it would be well not
to have the dog around.
1
Mrs. Johnson asked if he meant she should dis-
pose of the dog and Mr. Taylor replied that he thought
it would be wise to.
Mrs. Johnson said that the dog is trained to be
a watch dog and very highly bred. She said that all
police dogs are a one-man dog and they don't make
friends with other people.
Mrs. Potter said that as long as this dog is run-
ning free in the neighborhood she feels obliged to
drive anyone working at her house. She said thr..t she
thought it unfortunate that the people cannot use
their own street. Furthermore, she does not feel free
to allow her children to play or go down the street
when there is the danger of thc, dog jumping on than.
The hearing was declared closed at 9:30 P.M. and
the group retired.
After consideration of the evidence at the hear-
ing the following order was unanimously adopted: That
the German Shepherd dog owned by Mrs. Philip Johnson
be securely restrained at all times within the limits
of the property of the owner except when under the
control of an adult on a leash.
Further consideration was given to Mr. Allents
request for abatement of street betterment assessment
levied against his property as a result of construct-
ing Ledgelawn Avenue.
The Board visited the property Saturday morning,
and after considering the matter thorouly, voted
to reduce the betterment assessment to 100.
Letter was received from H. F. Boinay, 69 Pleas-
ant Street, complaining aboutthe condition of.Mill-
iken Lane.
The Board felt that the Town has no responsib-
ility in this private way and accordingly did not feel
warranted in taking any action on it.
The Board gave further consideration to Mrs.
Magaret B. Carroll's offer of $50 for Lot 23, Block
89, Garfield Street. A proposal to sell this lot was
advertised in the December 18th issue of'the Lexing-
ton Minuteman. No persons contacted thb Selectmen's
Office as a result of the advertisement.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to sell and convey Lot 23, Block 89, Garfield Street
to Mrs. Margaret B. Carroll for $50.
Letter was received from Commissioner Henry F.
Long establishing the amounts, not less than which,
the bond for Collector of Taxes and Treasurer may be.
313
Allens
Betterment
A$sessment
Tati-e
Proparty
Collector
and Treasurer
Bonds
314
Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted
to establish the amount of the bond for the Collector
of Taxes as $70,100 and further to establish the a-
mount of the bond for the Treasurer as $54,900.
Application was received from the V. F. W. re -
Use of questing permission to conduct a meeting.in Estabrook
Hall Hall on the evening of December 21st from 7:30 Y.M.
until 10:00 P.M.
Upon motion duly made and secdonded, it was v� -
ted to grant the use of the hall free of charge.
Application was received from the Boston Mar-
ket Gardeners Association requesting the use of Cary
Ball on February 13, 1951, for the purpose of con-
ducting. an Annual Banquet.
Upon motion duly made and seconded it was vo-
ted to grant the use of the hall subject to a dharge
of 435.00.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was vo-
ted to grant the following licenses (all renewals):
(Wm. Reidy)
Bow Street Motors 3 Bow.Street 2nd Class Agent
John J. Rudd 1849 Mass. Ave. Package Store
Berman's Market 12 Mass. Ave. tt
Lex. Theatre, 1794 "lass. Ave. Sunday Movies
Inc.
(renewal)
n
11
The Clerk called the Board's attention to the
fact that a date should be established for closing
the warrant for the Annual Town Meeting in March.
It was agreed to close the Warrant on Saturday, Jan-
uary 20, 1951.
Inasmuch -as there areinsufficient funds in the
Elections - Jurisdiction of Selectmen's Account and
the Selectmen's Expense Account, it was voted to
request, the Appropriation Committee to transfer $160
from the Reserve Fund to the Elections account and
$100 to the Selectman's Account.
Bill in the amount of 410 was received from
the Planning Board for rental of a michrophone used
at the Special Town Meeting on November 27th. It
was the opinion of the Board that inasmuch as the
meeting was called primarily for the Zoning By-law
this itme should be paid for from the Planning Board
Expenses Account.
The Board voted to authorize the Chairman to
1
contact the Chief of Police and advise him that, in
view of the national situation and the President's
speech of Friday, Decemberl6th, with reference to de-
creased working hours and other consequences of the
present international situation, that the Board feels
that it cannot recommend to the Town, this year, the
adoption of a 5 -day week for the Police Department,
particularly in view of the drastically increased taxes
Which the taxpayers must bear and the contribution, even
though it be a minor one, of the manpower shortage by
necessitating more personnel.
The Chairman was also authorized to convey to :the
Board of Fire Engineers with instructions for them to
please convey it to their Firemen's Committee the same
sentiments with reference to the proposed fifty-six
hour week that the Selectmen hope the Firemen's Com-
mittee will review the matter in the light of the pres-
ent national emergency and decide to ask that the bill
they have submitted to the Legislature be withdrawn at
this time.
A true record, Attest:
815
316
Palmer
Street
Assessment
Article Civil
Defense
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
December 26, 1950
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen
was held in the Selectmen's Room on Tuesday even-
ing, December 26th, at 7:00 P.M. Chairman Emery,
Messrs. Gay, Driscoll, Nickerson and Hoyt were pres-
ent. Mr. Burns, Sup't. of Public Works and the
Clerk were also present.
Further consideration was given to Mr. Pal.
men's request for abatement of street betterment
assessment in the amount of 027.65.
The Chairman stated that the property had been
viewed by the Board a week ago and at that time it
was felt that no abatement was warranted. He said
that he discussed the subject with Mr. Burns and
took the liberty of not writing to Mr. Palmer and
requested the privilege of reviewing the matter.
Mr. Gay expressed the opinion that if a change
of policy were made on this particular lot, it
might be establishing a precedent on all corner
lots and, therefore, more requests for abatements
would be received:.
Mr. Burns presented profiles of the entire
Liberty-Ledgelawn street construction project and
the Board discussed the subject at length.
Mr. Hoyt said that he thought it would be bet-
ter to reduce the amount by 1100 as a matter of pol-
icy because it appears this particular individual
is over t.ssessed in comparison with the other prop-
erties.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Hoyt,
it was voted to recuce Mr. Palmer's street better-
ment assessment by $100.
Mr. H. Webster Thomas, Director of Civil De-
fense,
efense, met with the Board at which time Mr. Burns
left the meeting.
Mr. Thomas raised the question, inasmuch as
the warrant for the Annual Town Meeting closes Jan-
uary 20th, as to whether or not it is necessary to
have a separate article to finance the Civilian De-
fense
efense by a bond issue. It was agreed to request
an opinion from Town Counsel.
Mr. Thomas reported that he had conferred with
Harold Roeder and two other engineers relative to
1
to the proposed purchase of a generator and all a-
greed thct the Fairbanks -Morse unit is a heavy unit
and recommended purchasing it. He explained that
the maximum amount to be saved is about $100 and it
is his recommendation that a 3,000 watt generator be
purchased from Fairbanks -Morse at a cost of approx-
imately $670.
Mr. Thomas explained that the total potential
cost of the entire unit may be $1,500 with the re-
ceiver, antenna, wiring, etc. and further stated
that this figure provides for emergency lighting in
the Town Office Building.
He said that it is not absolutely necessary to
make any decision. this year but he personally thought
it would be wise to have the money committed because
otherwise action will be deferred until the March
meting.
The Chairman asked if it were correct that the
Chief of Police recommended purchasing the generator
even as a peace time unit and Mr. Thomas replied in
the affirmative.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by 14r.
Driscoll, it was voted to authorize the purchase of
a 3,000 watt generator from Fairbanks -Morse.
Mr. Thomas retired and Mr. Burns returned to
the meeting.
The Chairman referred to Mr. Eugene Hamilton's
letter of November 25th requesting abatement of the
street betterment assessment levied against lot 176
Ledgelawn Avenue, and suggested deferring the assess-
ment without interest.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was vo-
ted to extend the time for payment of betterment
assessment of $264., assessed against land of Eugene
B. Hamilton, Trustee Home Finance Company, on Ledgelawn
Avenue, without interest until said land or any part
thereofis builtupon or sold, or until the expiration
of three years from the date hereof, whichever event
occurs first.
317
Purchase
of
Generator
Hamilton
Street
Betterment
Assessment
Deterred
The Chairman read a letter from Morris Bloom-
berg requesting deferment of sewer betterment assess-
ment levied against lot 23, Marrett Road.
The Selectmen felt that they would not be jus-
tified in deferring the assessment and upon motion
of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Gpy, it was voted to
deny the request.
Bill in the amount of W45 was received from Dr.
A. Leo Brett, 270 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, for
Bloomberg
Sewer
Assessment
318
Bill for
services to
James Lima
Licenses
Use of
Hall
Juror
professional services rendered to Officer James Lima
in 1949.
The Clerk informed the Board that Chief Rycroft
has no funds from which to pay this bill and it is
something he believes Officer Lima should assume even
though he was hurt during the performance of his duties.
The Chief claims that other men in his department have
had similar expenses and paid them and if this part-
icular bill is paid it might establish a precedent.
The Chairman agreed to contact Town Counsel to
determine whether or not policemenrand firiemeican be
covered by Town's insurance.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Hoyt,
it was voted to grant the following licenses:
Old Coffee Shop 1775 Mass. Ave.
Anna E. Phillips 29 Depot Square
John J. Dacey 424 Marrett Road
Shopper's Haven 316 Marrett Road
Wm. F. Reidy 3 Bow Street
Lexington Theatre 1794 Mass. Ave.
Victualler. (renewal)
nn
n 9
Sunday Sales
2nd Class Agent held over
Sunday Movies
Application for a Sunday Sales license was re-
ceived from Shopper's Haven and held over.
The Chairman read a letter from Sherman K. Hardy,
President of the Lexington Arts & Crafts Society, re-
questing permission to use Cary Hall on April 29, 1951,
for an exhibition.
4r. Hoyt moved that the use of the hall be granted
free of charge. Mr. Gay seconded the motion and it
was so voted.
Mr. J. Ernest Wilson, 29 Pleasant Street,was drawn
to serve on a jury beginning February 5th.
The remainder of the evening was given over to dis-
cussion of budgets with Mr. Burns.
The next regular meeting of the Board will be held
on Tuesday, January 2, 1951.
A true record, Attest:
e lectlnen
1