Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1911-1929 Reports of Committees, Volume 2 IN PROCESS OF TRANSCRIPTIONReports of Committees Book 2 1911-1929 IDs: TC -23, PP 43 Committee Reports and Selectmen's Reports March, 1911 to Audubon Road, 5 Auto Fire Engine, 24 Anniversary (200th), 50 Alms House, 69 Accounting, Methods of, 111 Ahses and Garbage, Collection, 135 Anniversary (150th), 164 Appropriation Committee report, 186 Anniversary (150th), 243 Air plane Carrier, Committee Report of, 280 Air plane Carrier, Treasurer's Records of, 283 Air plan Carrier, Committee on naming it "Lexington," 297 Almshour property, sale of, 305 Berwick Road - acceptance, 27 Brooks, on lowering of, 29 Belfry Hill, on purchase of, 32. By Laws, revise, 110 Building Laws, Revision of, 303 " " " " , 328 Charles St. - on acceptance, 76 Cemeteries - Bedford st., 93 " Rules and Reg., 100 Corn Borer Committee Report, 108 Cary, Isaac Harris Conference Comm., 250 Cary, Isaac Harris Trustees Report, 260 "Depot Park" Mass. Ave. Edgewood Road acceptance, 6 Fire Engine - House & Apparatus, 2. Fire Apparatus, 24 Finance Committee, on, 36 Franklin Rd. acceptance, 64 Fire Whistle apparatus, Removing, 292 Fire & Water Report, 333 Government, Town Form, 130 Garbage Collection, 239 Hayes Avenue, 8 Highways, Needs and recommentaions road building and maintenance, 138 Honor Roll, 192 Increased School Accomodations, 71 " " " , 78 Improved Highways, 88 Methods of Accounting, 111 Memorial Honor Roll, 192 Majority Report, 193 Minority Report, 225 New Cemetery (1912), 10 New School House in E. Lex., 15 New Cemetery, 80 " " , 85 Police - charges against Chief of, 58 Planning Board, Report on Zoning, 193 Plumbing Laws, 317 Revere St. relocation, 66 Railroad Park on Mass. Ave., 148 B&M R.R. (Depot Park) Representative Town Meetings, 271 Representative Town Meetings, 294 Review of Present Zoning By Law, 390 Shirley street, 4 {School House in East Lex} { Location for }, 7 Somerset Road, 8 {School House in East Lex} { Location for }, 9 School House in East Lex, 15 Swimming Poll & Playgrounds, 18 Slocum Road, 28 Schools - increased accommodations, 56 " " " , 60 Summer St., 63 Street Lights, Bow St & others, 126 Schools, Increased Accomodations, 174 Stone Building Repairs, 191 School Building Committee, 233 Selectmen's Report on new Cary Memorial Building, 293 Swimming Pool report, 397 " " " Metcalf & Eddy, 398 Town Engineer, 34 Triangle - Mass. & Pleasant, 53 Town Government, 74 Town Government, 92 Town Forest, 146 Town Office Building Committee, 268 Traffic Signals, Report on, 302 Town Office Building " " , 310 Vine Brook Rd - acceptance, 6 Watering & Oiling, Streets, 41 Wire Inspection, Advisibility of Establishing, 300 Zoning, Planning Board, report on, 192 " Majority Report, 192 " Minority Report, 192 2 Report of Committee on Fire Engine House and Apparatus. Submitted to the Town at the Meeting on March 27, 1911 See Town Records for that year, page 335. "Last year the Committee on Centre Engine House recommended that further investigation be made along the line of motor driven apparatus. Your committee has given much thought and consideration to this question. The object of our search has been a motor driven fire engine with a powerful motor pump, constructed in a strong and substantial manner, and capable of doing better work than the ordinary steamer, combining the fire engine and hose wagon in one piece of apparatus. The reason of our special interest in motor driven apparatus is, that if we can secure such, it will obviate the construction of a new engine house at an expense of exceeding thirty thousand dollars ($30000) and make a very decided saving in expense of maintenance. From all available sourcres of information including schedule prepared for "Fire Chief's Convention" at Syracuse N.Y. in 1910 it is demonstrated that as compared with horse drawn apparatus of equal capacity the cost of maintenance of motor drawn apparatus is not one half. We believe that the present engine house can be rebuilt with first story brick, second story cement covered at an approximate cost of somewhat exceeding $3000# proving for motor driven fire engine, ladder truck and extra space for further appratus. This plan would make it unnecessary to maintain horses at the engine house, using the ladder truck as reserve apparatus with horses from the stable. We have found upon the market the product of several manufacturers of motor driven apparatus, but at the present time are not ready to recommend the purchase of any special machine. We believe that in the near future it will be possible to decide upon the merits of the different machines offered. The Board of Fire Underwriters approve the use of motor driven apparatur, and have definitely stated that our Steamer in its present condition does not give adequate protection. We unanimously recommend the purchase of a motor driven fire engine and the reconstruction of the present engine house as outlined, and that the matter shold be definitely brought before the town for action as soon as it can be demonstrated which is the best machine to purchase. Respectfully submitted Charles H. Spaulding Arthur L. Blodgett Timothy H. OConnor Henry A.C. Woodward Fred Larcom Arthur C. Whitney George A. Warner 4 Report of Selectmen on acceptance of Shirley Street. Town Meeting held June 10, 1911 - Article 11. See Records 1907 - page 364 Lexington Mass. June 10, 1911. We respectfully report to the town the laying out by us as Selectmen of a town way leading from Bedford street, southerly from Hill street; said way is known as Shirley street; and we respectfuly recommend that said laying out be accepted and allowed by vote of the town to the end that the new way be established as a public way. The street, as laid out at present is forty (40) feet in width, and four hundred and eighty fix (485) feet in length, with ten dwellings erected thereon. While the stret, at present time, is not built to grade, the owner and abuttors thereon have agreed to pay a sufficient sum to accomplish this request. Respectfully submitted Frank D. Peirce | Selectmen | Frank D. Peirce | Selectmen --------------- | ---------- | | H.A.C. Woodward | of W.H. Whitaker | Lexington. H.A.C. Woodward | of W.H. Whitaker | Lexington. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 Report of Selectmen on acceptance of Audubon Road. Town Meeting held June 10, 1911 - Article 12. See Records 1907 - page 364 Lexington Mass. June 10, 1911. We respectfully report to the town the laying out by us as Selectmen of a town way leading from Massachusetts Ave., Concord Hill, to Lincoln St.; said way is known as Audubon Road, and we respectfully recommend that said laying out be accepted and allowed by vote of the town to the end that the new way be established as a public way. The street as laid out at present time is forty (40) feet in width and six hunded and twenty one (621) feet in length, and five houses erected. A small amount of work will have to be done to bring the street to grade, and satisfactory arrangements have been made with the owners and abuttors to do this. Frank D. Peirce | Selectmen --------------- | ---------- H.A.C. Woodward | of W.H. Whitaker | Lexington. 6 Report of Selectmen on acceptance of Edgewood Road. Town Meeting held Jany. 17, 1911 Article 3. See record 1907 Page 306 July 1, 1911 In accordance with a vote passed under Art. 3 at a Town meeting held on January 17, 1911, at which time it was voted, "that Edgewood Road be accepted as a public stret when laid out and graed to the satisfaction of the Selectmen, and properly deeded to the town," we respectfully report that we have viewed the said street, and found the conditions satisfactory for acceptance. It has been properly deeded to the town, and we hereby accept the above street as a public way under said vote Respectfully submitted Frank D. Peirce | Selectmen ------------------- | ---------- Henry A.C. Woodward | of W.H. Whitaker | Lexington. A true copy of the report Attest Chas. W. Swan Town Clerk. See Records of Selectmen Book 1911 - Page 52 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 On taking of land at East Lexington for a location for a New School House. Report of Committee - Submitted Sep. 15, 1911. See Town Records of 1907 - page 373 Lexington Sep. 14, 1911. To the Citizens of Lexington. The committee appointed under our article in the warrant for a town meeting held April 29, 1911, to investigate and report to the town in referece to a suitable location, and plans for a new grammar school building to be located in East Lexington, respectfully submit their first report as to a location. The Committee after viewing several locations were of unanimous opinion that the tract of land in the rear and adjoining the property of the Follen Church and property of the town on which stands the Stone Building was the most suitable for the purposes desired, and immediately took steps to secure an option of the same. Owing to the unfortunate illness of the owner, Miss Ellen A. Stone, much delay has been encountered. Finally, after several interviews with Miss Stone and her agent Mr Wm. H. Ballard, a price meeting the approval of the committee has not been obtained, and we therefor now recommend that a taking in fee as provided in Sec. 47-48 and 49 - Chapter 25 of the Revised Laws be made under Articles 5 and 6 of the Town Warrant for a meeting to be held Sept. 15, 1911. Dwight F. Kilgour Abram C. Washburn Frederick G. Jones Frank D. Peirce Four of the Committee A true copy of the Report Attest Chas. W. Swan Town Clerk. 8 Report of the Selectmen on acceptance of Hayes Avenue and Somerset Road At Town Meeting held October 19, 1911. Article 4. See Records 1907 Page 390 Lexington, Mass. Oct. 11, 1911 The Selectmen respectfully report to the town the laying out by them as public streets or ways, the same being known as Hayes Avenue and Somerset Road. Each of these streets is laid out to a width of fifty feet. Hayes Ave. leading from Hancock St. near the residence of Edward C. Graces, runs in a easterly by northeasterly direction, across land now or late of the Hayes estate, for a distance of approximately 1375 feet to Merriam St. Somerset Road leads from Hayes Avenue about 350 feet from Hancock St, also across the Hayes estate, in a southwesterly by southeasterly direction to Merriam St., a distance of about 1490 feet. Near it junction with Hayes Ave. it divides and presses rount on either side, and oval parcel of land, or might be classed as a small park, this we are told by one of the trustees of the property will be deeded to the town when the street becomes a town way, and we ask that it become a part of this layout. These streets pass through property which is being developed into a fine res- idential section of the town, they have been practically constructged to grade, and in our opinioni will be of no material expense for some time. We therefore respectfully recommend that said layout be accepted and allowed by a vote of the town, to the end that the new ways be established as public ways. A true copy Attest, Chas. W. Swan Town Clerk. ------------------------------------------------ 9 New School House in East Lexington Report of Committee on building site. At Town Meeting held Oct. 19, 1911. - Article 6. See Records 1907 Page 391 Lexington, October 19, 1911. The committee apppointed for the purpose of investigating and reporting to the Town in reference to a suitable location and plans for a new School building in East Lexington beg leave to further report as follows:- Acting under the vote of the Town at the Town meeting held Sep. 15, 1911 - "that it is the sense of the meeting that the committee investigate and consider the matter of a proper approval to the proposed school lot," the committee wish to recommend that the Town purchase in addition to the land which was voted to be taken in fee at the Town meeting held Sept. 15, 1911, the land and buildings known as the Garmon estate and a triangular piece of land in the rear of said Garmon estate and adjoining the former proposed school house lot. To that end the committee have secured an option on the entire property considered and present that option with this report. Respectfully submitted J.O. Richards Dwight F. Kilgour Frank D. Peirce Frederick G. Jones Abram C. Washburn A true copy. Attest, Chas. W. Swan Town Clerk. 10 1912 New Cemetery, Report of Committee Submitted to the town at a meeting held Jany. 24, 1912. See Town Records, Vol page 409. Accepted as a report of progress. The committee appointed to consider the needs of the town for additional cemetery accommoations has given careful attention to its duty and reports as follows. The town has urgent need of a new cemetery at once, as not a lot remains in the present cemetery, while several of our citizens desire to purchase burial lots in Lexington The present cemetery contains about five acres, divided into 500 lots besides the drives and walks and some single graves. The Catholics of our town have never possessed a cemetery and yet it seems desirable that they have an opportunity to bury their dead within our borders, and this committee has taken the matter into con- sideration. It seems advantageous to have a cemetery so located that it will be as available as possible at all seasons of the year and to all persons desiring to visit the place and yet due consideration must be given to land valuation and the development of residential areas to increase our taxable property. The soil must be dry, no so gavely or crumbly as to cave easily when a grave is dug, free from large rocks and of sufficient fertility to maintain a fair growth of grass. For a town like Lexington, it seems as though a cemetery should possess some of the natural beauty as apparant in ou landscapes and along our highways. The natural attractiveness is more satisfying, more permanent and more to be desired than a locality requiring artificial construction. In making a study of the several available location, this committee ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 has been greatly aided by the services of Olmsted Brothers, Landscape Architects, represented by Mr. Percival Gallagher, a member of the firm. Probably this firm stands at the head of Landscape Architects in this country. Further than bring an artist of skill and exptensive experience, Mr. Gallagher was entirely free from all local prejudice and narrowness of consideration. Besides the estates in front of the present cemetery, the committee accompanied by Mr. Gallagher visited and carefully considered five (5) different locations. Some of these places were visited several times. Because some of our citizens have advised the purchase of one or more of the estates on Mass. Ave., in front of the present cemetery, this committee has given attention to the proposal. The John D. Bacon property contains 79000 ft of land assessed at $8350. Buildings 5350 ---------- Total $13700 The Wm. E. Harmon property contains 38360 ft. of land assessed at $3240 Buildings 2200 ---------- Total $5440 The Timothy H. Brown estate has 43560 feet of land assessed at $2770 Buildings 1300 ---------- Total $4070 The F.E. Tufts property has 49010 Ft. of land assessed at $3920 Buildings 3100 ---------- $7020 The total area of the four properties is 4 8/10 acres. The assess valuation is, land $18280 buildings 11950 ---------- Total $30230 Some of the land included in these estates is too low to be available without considerable filling - may be 1/5 of the entire area. 12 The town can hardly expect to obtain property for less than the assessed valuation for purposes of taxation. Allowing all that could be recovered from the sale of buildings these four estates fur- nishing about four acres of available land would cost not less than $25000.00, or more than 6000.00 per acre. Besides the unwarranted expense there are objections more or less valid to extending the cemetery forward with so great a frontage on Mass. Ave., and this committee advises unanimously against the purchase of any of these estates. After considering all lands suitable and available for cemetery purposes, the committee unanimously recommends the purchase of the Herbert V. Smith farm on Adams St. now occupied by Mr. Smith. It is pleasantly situation, easily available at all seasons of the year, one and one half miles from the center village on a good road, and has a soil well suited to the needs with very little waste area. The land is assessed at $2750 Buildings 2500 Total $5250 Here are 42 acres which can be easily developed at a minimum expense and which will be a credit and satisfaction to our town. It ought to cost not over $400 or $500 per acre when ready to sell lots and at the same rate as lots have been sold in the old cemetery - which prices is considered low - it will pay the town about $4000 per acre. Considering the very urgent needs and the fact that in the end it will pay for itself many times over, the town should take steps at once to make this one of the most beautiful cemeteries in greater Boston. Vine Brook crosses the land and will not only add greatly to the natural attractiveness of the 13 place but will furnish an abundant supply of water, so essential to the good appearance of a cemetery. The property should be surveyed and exact It lacks many of the natural advantages of the Smith farm and it is the firm belief of this committee that it could never be made as beautiful and satisifying as the Smith farm. Patrick F. Dacey Charles G. Kauffmann William C. Stickel Arthur A. Marshall Fred S. Piper Com. on New Cemetery by Fred S. Piper, Chairman Lexington Jany 24, 1912 A true copy of the Report, Attest Chas. W. Swan Town Clerk 15 New School House at East Lexington Report of Committee Submitted Apr. 24 1912 Su Town Records, Vol. 13, Page 446, To the Inhabitants of Lexington -- The Committee appointed by vote of the Town April 29, 1911, to secure a site and pro- cure plans for a new school house at East Lexington, beg to make the following report: - After careful consideration of every available piece of land in East Lexington, the committee finally recommended to the Town that the piece of land in the rear of Fallow Church and Emerson Hall and attending to the railroad, be procured for a school-house site. This was done by vote of the Town on Sept 15, 1911. At this Town meeting, the committee was instructed to secure if possible, better means of entrance to the proposed school-house lot than that which has been selected. The committee recommended that the so called Garmon estate, which is between Emerson Hall and the brick store, be procured and added to the school-house lot. This was done by vote of the Town on Oct. 19, 1911. The school-house site being decided upon, the committee then proceeded to secure plans for a new building. We first considred the present needs of East Lexington in reference to a school building and then the probable needs within the next eight or ten years. The present building of four rooms is over-crowded and an additional school room is in use at Emerson Hall. The committee were informed by the school authorities that without doubt it will be 16 necessary to occupy six rooms of the new buil- ding within a year from the present time and if the present growth of East Lexington con- tinues, the entire eight rooms will be necessary within five years. This advice convinced the committee that it was wise to recommend a building of at least eight (8) rooms which should be so constructed as to allow for an addition of four rooms at some future time, without inter- fering with the architecture of the original building. The committee thought it wise, to secure the services of a practical experienced architect, who should act as a professional advisor to the committee. His duties were to assist in the selection of an architect, to examine the plans submitted and to approve the specifica- tions in detail. We were fortunate in being able to secure the services of Mr. R. Clipston Stearns of Boston who is without doubt the highest authority on school-house construction in this section of the country. Under his direction we held a competitive examination, in which six architects competed and as a result of this competition, the firm of Brainerd & Leeds of Boston was selected. Upon the assurance of our advisor that the initial cost of a practically fire-proof construction would be but a matter of 5 to 7% in excess of the cost of a second-class construction and that the saving in the cost of the up-keep of such a building would, within two years equal the extra cost in the beginning, we have planned for a very nearly fire-proof building. We show with this report the basement, first and second floor plans of the proposed building. The basement and first floor are fire- 17 proof with the exception of the minor partitions in the class rooms, which form the wardrobes. The walls of the Assembly Hall are entirely of brick. The floor of the corridor of the second story, and the stair ways are fire-proof but the corridor walls on the class room side are con- structed with wooden studs and metal laths. This form of construction will prevent any fire from the basement working up through the buiding. It will prevent any fire in the Assembly Hall from working into the rest of the building. With this precaution and with the stairways of iron it would seem that the building is as nearly fire-proof as is necessary. The front entrance of the building faces towards Massachusetts Avenue. This will give a south and west exposure to the class rooms insuring sunlight at some part of the day in each class-room. The preliminary drawings, and out-line specification have been submitted to three (3) contractors and an approximate price askedfor. Basing our opinion upon their judgment we believe that this building can be erected including heat, plumbing, electrical construction and fixtures, architect's and engineer's commission and incidental expenses for $55,000.00 this cost exclusive of finished grading and furnishings. Respectfully submitted. J.O. Richards A.C Washburn F.G. Jones Frank D. Peirce Dwight F. Kilgour A true copy Attest: Charles W. Swan Town Clerk. 18 Swimming Pool and Playgrounds Report of Committee Submitted March 25, 1912 See Town Records, Vol. 13, page 438. The financial part of the report of the Swimming Pool and Play-ground Committee is given in the Town Report. The location of the "swimming-hole" was not an easy matter. The only place with suitable soil, and sufficient fall of water on the Town land was found back of the ball-ground. Several hundred cubic yard of loam and sand were removed and used in grading the rear and side of adjoining ball-ground. A dam was built and a pool some 100 feet long 40 feet wide was made with a depth of water in the deepest place of 3 1/2 feet to 4 feet. A drain was laid between the two fields adjoining and the ditch filled with soil from the pool. A portion of the field was plowed and levelled by the same means. Altho the bottom of the swimming pool was soon covered again with some of the black soil washed down by the brook, yet we firmly believe the Town received the value of every cent spent upon it, for many boys and girls learned to swim there and then went to the deep pool at the Pump- ing Station. It was decided by the committee to open the supply basin for a deep swimming pool for the older swimmers. The covered top was removed to let in the sun and air, the piers thrown down, a rail and platform built, and everything possible to insure safety was done. The adjoining buildings made good rooms for dressing, and the pool was enjoyed by many during the summer and late into the fall. Your committee thinks this pool cold be easily enlarged with a concrete addition on one 19 side where the younger ones could learn to swim, and then join the older ones in the deep pool beyond. A great advantage of this would be the combination of the swimming places, the use of the brick building for bath lockers, and more than anything else allow for supervision by some on appointed for that work. Rules and regulations for bathers, and times for boys and girls and others could be provided in order to preserve order and propriety. The present diamond on the ball-ground is badly located and should be moved over on to the next field. In fact, the present ball-ground should be laid out so that several games could be going on at the same time. There are enough boys for several diamonds and all should have a chance. Part of the present grounds should also be laid out for tennis courts, places for jumping, vaulting, running, hurling of shot, etc., with a running track all the way round the two fields. Roads through this property connecting with the several streets on both sides of the meadow also shold be laid out and gradually buit up of the ashes and dirt collected from the Town. Trees and shrubs would follow and shortly the meadow would become a glorious playground and park. To aid in the play ground movement many citizens of the Town have shown an interest by offering their services. Mrs. Willard Brown has given sketches and plans for a grand-stand with an overhanging top, provided with lockers underneath and sanitary arrangements for the use of the ball-players and other participants in athletic grmes. Mr. Jones, a member of the committee, contributed a drinking fountain for the ball- ground. This was connected and set up by the generous action of the Water Department of 20 the Town. Mr. Cutter did extra work in getting surveys for the use of the Committee, and no doubt many others will in the future help with money and gifts to improve this property until it becomes a possession for Lexington to be proud of. The thanks for the Town should be extended to these citizens. Mr. Glass kindly permitted putting a water-pipe through his land to the ballground. Your Committee recognized at the very outset the tremendous task of digging a hole of sufficient size to bear with any degree of dignity the name of a swimming-pool, or of laying out and im- proving the ball ground sufficiently to satisfy all parties. The difficulties of the grounds for both objects, worthy as they are, the many factors of soil, water-supply and draining, leveling and fencing, together with the complaints of the adjoining citizens of encroachments of the public, forced your Committee to a general consideration of a far greater subject than the mere objects for which they had been appointed. Especially was this true when it became known to the Committee that in the future there might be large additions to these prospective pleasure grounds from an adjoining estate. We can only hint at the great natural advantages of this tract of land, the meadow with the upper reservoir of several acres for swimming in summer and skating in winter, the Vine brook with its natural curving course and supply from wells for the deep swimming pool, the open swimming pool for beginners, the low land that can be flooded in winter for skating, the expanse of meadow with its grass, and woods beyond are some of the attractions offered. The prospect of Lexington possessing, in 21 the near future, grounds for the pleasure of its citizens, for all times, unsurpassed by any town in the State, impressed upon your committee the necessity of planning largely, wisely and well. Therefore to aid in this work, your committee sought the assistance of Mr. John Nolen of Cam- bridge, well known the world over for his City and Town planning, as well as playgrounds and parks. With him your committee on many occasions tramped over the ground already owned by the Town and the prospective additions. Mr. Nolen was much impressed with the advantages of the many possibilities of the brook, springs, supply basin and reservoir springs, for play grounds for Lexington children, and grounds for athletic sports and recreation of its citizens. Every one with eye half open to the signs of the times, must recognize the great movement, world wide, towards the acquisition by Towns, by gifts of private individuals, by Schools and Colleges and [illegible] corporations, of tracts of land for sports and recreation. The day of all work and no play has passed. To make healthy children is the demand of the present day and in no better way can this be done than by giving the children public grounds. The great work going on to eradicate tuber- culosis has shown the one great remedy to be fresh air. It is the medicine for the adult as well as the child. Open air schools, fresh air rooms, and public play grounds are all needed for the strenghtening and broadening of forces for improving the condition of child life. The public must be educated to see the reason for this and to insist upon it. In a letter written for another town on this same subject, Mr. Nolen says: "We are surprised that many individuals fail to realize the advantages of play-grounds. The 22 movement for playgrounds in an attempt to give children and others certain rights and privileges formerly enjoyed when the country was less thickly peopled and woods and fields less covered with and surrounded by barbed wire, but now lost. The child cannot enjoy its perfect childhood with- out games and play. Play grounds are necessary to make children happy, and happiness is one of the legitimate needs of young life. Playgrounds are a contribution to health. We read (and hear) in the paper and from the platform of the loss to the State by the waste of life, and a greater part of this is due to lack of fresh air and an opportunity for deep breathing." "Another reason for play grounds is the necessity for preparation for adult life. To be a man in any complete sense, one must live the natural, free, joyous life of the boy or girl." Mr. Malcolm Gordon of St. Paul's school says: "If play is the inalienable right of the child, he shold be given the chance to play and he must be taught to play in such a way as to develop in him the qualities of leadership and manliness." Many citizens speak of the expense of these matters. It is true, to prepare the ground, erect the buildings, provide the apparatus, will cost considerably. But this is no more than other improvements cost in good roads, sidewalks and other public work. We are convinced that these improvements for chances to play will pay for themselves in the increased health of the children using them as well as furnishing attractions for people seeking homes in our Town. 23 Therefore your committee recommends the appropriation of one thousand dollars for the continuance of the work begun; and also the passage of the articles adopting the Park Act so called. F.L. Emery Chas. H. Bugbee A.E. Scott J.O. Tilton 24 Fire Apparatus Report of Committee Submitted June 29,1912 Town Records, Vol 13, Page 447 June 29,1912 The Committee appointed by the Town Moderator to investigate and report back to the Town the condition of the Steam Fire Engine and recommend any necessary changes, organized with W.S. Scammon as Chairman, and F.H. Moulton, clerk. Your committee respectfully beg to report that a number of meetings were held and all matters per- taining to the question carefully considered from every standpoint. The committee bearing in mind at all times the necessity of the most rigid economy being practiced. As has been reported at a previous Town Meeting, the Steam Fire Engine now on hand has been condemned by the Inspector of Boilers, after Sept.1st, 1912, and at the present time the Inspector has ordered the boiler steam pressure reduced from 115 lb to 90 lbs. The boiler now has three plugged tubes, and all tubes are more or less pitted and have been caulked so often that they are in an extremely thin condition, and we consider the boiler practically unsafe to operate. If the present piece of apparatus is kept in service it will be necessary to com- pletely overhaul the Engine, install a new boiler, and rebuild the pumps. The Committee believes that the exhibition given by the old Steamer at the recent fire that de- stroyed the barn on Forest St. must have demon- strated to the citizens of Lexington that some immediate action be taken. The Steamer can be put into good servicable condition for about $2500.00 25 Your committee next considered the proposition of a new second-class Steam Fire Engine, which can be purchased for about $5000.00. We next took under consideration the advisability of the purchase of a Triple Combination Automobile Fire Pump, Chemical Engine, and Hose Wagon. The last proposition we decided was the most advisable for the Town, and we have rejected the two previous propositions that we so carefully considered for the following reasons, which were taken from the 1911 Town Report relating to the expense of maintaining the apparatus now in service in your Fire Department. Hay, Grain, etc. $1162.40 Shoeing 291.40 Veterinary 63.40 Harness, repairs 29.55 ------------------------------------------ 1546.75 This kept seven horses for the year at an average cost of $220.96 per horse. Should an autmobile pump be purchased and the horse drawn apparatus be done away with, an initial saving on the maintenance of the fire horses now in the Dept. would amount to $1104.80 per year. The cost of maintaining the Auto Chemical now in service has been as follows for five months: 65 Gallons of gasoline at 15¢ $9.75 6 " " oil " 50¢ 3.00 or a total of $12.75, or at the rate of $30.60 per year. We consider it worthy of consideration, and desire to call the attention of the citiens to the fact that the Auto Chemical has been run on the above expense 100 miles, of which 44 were practice, and 56 miles of actual service responding to alarms. Inasmuch as the members of the Fire Department are now familiar with the operation of the 26 apparatus, we consider it safe to assume that the operating expense in the future will average considerably less than the figures for the past five months show, as there will be less practice. Should the Town purchase a triple combination pump, hose, and chemical, we would dispose of the steamer at the Central Station, Chemical Engine and Hose Wagon at East Lexington, and therefore save the Town the cost of keeping the five horses to the amount of $1104.80 per year. Deduct the estimated cost of maintaining the suggested auto apparatus, amounting to $30.60, and a net saving of $1074.20 per year results. Your committee is satisfied that the Auto Rotary Pump is in a state of servicable perfection and can be depended on to render effective service at all times, and your Committee is unanimous in recommending to the Town the purchase of an Auto Triple Combination to be placed in the service of the Fire Department. Signed W. S. Scammon F. H. Moulton George H Childs. A true copy of the report. Attest: Charles W. Swan Town Clerk. 27 Berwick Road. Report of Selectmen on acceptance of. Lexington Oct. 9. 1912. We respectfully report to the town the laying out by us as Selectmen of a town way leading from Hayes Avenue, near the residence of Edward C. Sawyer, across property now or late of the Hayes Estate, to Merriam St; and known as Berwick Road. Said way is laid out to a width of fifty (50) feet, and about five hundred and ninety (590) feet in length leading in a northeasterly direction from Hayes Ave.; it is completed to grade with the exception of a small portion near Merriam St, and a satisfactory amount has been pledged to finish the work. We therefor respectfully recommend that said layout be accepted and allowed by vote of the town, to the end that the street be established as a public way Frank D. Peirce George H. Childs Edward P. Bliss Selectmen A true copy of the report Attest Charles W. Swan - Town Clerk See Town Records - Vol. 13 page 503 " Street Acceptances " 1 " 161 " File #100 28 1912 Slocum Road, Report of Selectmen on acceptance of, Lexington, Oct. 9, 1912. The Selectmen respectfully report to the Town the laying out by them as a public way a street leading from Massachusetts Ave. opposite the High School building across the estate of the Heirs of Lewis Hunt and known as Slocum Road. Said way is practically completed to a grade accepted by the Board of Survey; it is forty (40) feet in width, leading from said avenue in a Southwesterly direction for a distance of about one thousand and twenty-five (1025) feet to a proposed extension of Highland avenue: A concrete side walk has been constructed on the Northwesterly side for a portion of the distance, and we recommend that the Hunt Estate be re-imbursed for one-half the expense thereof by the Town. We therefor respectfully recommend that said layout be accepted and allowed by vote of the Town, to the end that the street be established as a public way. Frank D. Peirce George H. Childs Edward P. Bliss Selectmen A true copy, Attest Charles W. Swan, Town Clerk See Town Records Vol 13 page 506 " Street Acceptance " 1 " 162 " File #100 29 1912 Brooks - report of committee chosen Apr 24. 1912 in lowering of, for better surace drainage. Oct. 7, 1912. To the Citizens of Lexington, At the last Town Meeting a committee was appointed to investigate the best method of draining the low lands situated near the more thickly settled portions of the Town. The committee consist of the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners and a member of the Board of Health. The vote making the appointment required that the matter should be investigated, and a report presented at a later Town Meeting. The committee herewith reports that they have looked over the wet area in company with a civil engineer and have come to a conclusion as to what should be done. Chapter 504 of the Acts of 1907, this being the original Lexington Sewerage Act, (although it has been several times amended) empowers the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners to deepen, widen, and straighten water courses, and to remove obstructions therefrom within the limits of the Town. This Act also confers the right to take by eminent domain lands, or interests in lands, necessary for this purpose. The work required for draining the territory referred to consists in improving existing brooks or drains, which have, at times been in better condition that at present, so that the general level of the water shall be lowered. The brooks are Vine Brook and the brook sometimes called Bound Brook, which crosses Bedford Street twice, first just north of the Common, and again at some distance from it. The worst sections to be improved are those 30 1912. which are drained by Vine Brook, and by a small brook at East Lexington. The former includes a large area between Mass- achusetts Avenue and Middle St. on both sides of Waltham St., and a large area bounded in a general way by Massachusetts Ave., Woburn St., Lowell St., East St., and Grant St. It, in fact, extends north of East St., and finally drains into the Shawsheen River. The latter area is in very bad condition. The brook which is referred to as crossing Bedford St. drains land between Massachusetts Ave., and Lincoln St., near their intersection, and on both sides of Bedford St. The brook also discharges into the Shawsheen River. At East Lexington the area near the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Pleasant St., and extending to the Boston and Maine Railroad needs draining as much as the other, and the condition of both is menacing to the public health. Mr. Robert P. Clapp has looked up the history of the treatment of these brooks for the Committee, and has found an account of it in the Town Report published in January 1879, and in others of earlier dates. In 1872 or 1873 a special com- mittee was appointed for the purpose of draining the wet lands, then referred to as the North Meadows and South Meadows on the ground "That it would naturally tend to the health of the place, greatly improve the meadows themselves and render suitable for building purposes a broad belt of land on the margin of these meadows near the village, which is now too wet for dwelling houses." The committees suggestions were approved, and the selectmen were authorized to petition the Legislature "for authority to drain the meadows on each side of the village by lowering the channel of Vine Brook and the stream emptying into the Shawsheen." 31 1912 Therefore there was a time when the condition of the meadows was better than it is now and the present Committee is desirous of improving the present state of affairs. For this reason they have inserted an article in the warrant for this meeting relating to it, and are offering a vote to provide $600.00 for a survey to determine what shall be done, and our estimate of the cost of the work. After this is completed the Committee will make a further report. Respectfully submitted, Frank D. Peirce Edward P. Bliss George H. Childs Francis W. Dean Dwight F. Kilgour Geo. E. Briggs A true copy, Attest Charles W. Swan, Town Clerk See Town Records, Vol. 13 page 504 Submitted Oct. 19, 1912 32 Belfry Hill, Report of committee on purchase. Submitted at a Town Meeting, Apr. 5, 1913. See Town Records, Vol. 14 , page 47. The committee appointed to consider the purchase of Belfry Hill from W.W. Ferguson begs to report that while they are in favor of the purchase of the property they have not been able to agree with Mr. Ferguson as to price. The Hill, adjoining as it does the Hancock School property and much more available for play ground purposes than it is for sensible building development, should belong to the Town for the protection of its property. This is especially so because there appears to exist somewhere over the narrow strip of land at its easterly end on Clarke Street near Miss. Clara Harringtons property a right of way which would be exceedingly troublesome and detrimental to the School property as would surely be the case if any building here started on the Hill. This is one of the strongest reasons why the committee would like to see the Town control the Hill. The accompanying map shows the lines of the property bought by Mr. Ferguson containing just over 2 acres. Mr Ferguson's house in which he lives is so near to the line that he bought the Hill that he might have an open space back of his house, and in looking over the property the Committee agreed that if purchase could be made of Mr. Ferguson he should be allowed to retain a strip of land back of his home property. Furthermore, the lot of land on which now stands the old Belfry is of such 33 character and is so situated in relation to the rest of the School property that it does not seem essential to the proper protection of the School property and it would be of some little advantage to Mr. Ferguson. It has therefore seemed to the com- mittee sensible to recommend that this land be conveyed to Mr. Ferguson in partial exchange for the Hill property. The mistake was made that in the summer of 1911 when the Rindge Estate wanted to sell the Hill for $1500 it was not purchased for the Town. Referring again to the plan herewith, it will be noted that of the 95130 feet bought by Mr. Ferguson he wishes to retain for his back yard 6825 feet, and the transfer to him of the Belfry lot, 6879 feet, would leave a net purchase if consummated by the Town of 79626 square feet. For this net amount of land the committee is unwilling to recommend the payment to Mr. Ferguson of over $2000 while Mr. Ferguson's lowest figure has been $2250. We wish to say that Mr. Fergu- son has held the property open since he secured his deeds last October that the town might consider its purchase. It is for the Town to decide whether the property shall be bought, and what it considers a fair price. The committee hopes that if the Town votes to adopt its recommendations Mr. Ferguson will meet the views expressed by the voters of the Town. In addition to the purchase price for the land the Committee recommends that the Town meet the expense of fencing and surveying, amounting to about $150. Respectfully submitted A.E. Locke. Frank D. Peirce Henry S. Raymond. 34 Town Engineer Report of Committee. Submitted at a town meeting, Jan. 10, 1914 Town Records, Vol. 14 Page 155 Lexington Jany. 8, 1914 Report of Committee on Town Engineer. The Committee met and organized as follows:- Howard S.O. Nichols, Clerk, George H. Childs, Chairman. Numerous meetings were held, and a sub com- mittee elected to investigate what amount was appro- priated for engineering departments, and salary paid to engineers in many of the nearby towns. After carefully considering the subject of a Town Engineer the committee were unanimous in their opinion that Lexington should engage an engineer, and therefore recommended that the Chairman of Selectmen, Charman of Sewer and Water Boards, together with the Chairman of the Board of Assessors constitute a Committee with power to appoint a Town Engineer and that the matter of salary of engineer be left with said committee, engineer to hold office until April 1st 1915, and each succeeding year the Chairman of the three Boards above named shall, in the month of March, or until otherwise provided by vote of the Town appoint an engineer whose term of office shall be for one year beginning April 1st following date of the appointment. Said Engineer to be under the super- vision of the Board of Selectmen. Your committee estimate the expense of this appointment for the first year to be about 35 1914 $3000.00 and recommend this amount be appro- priated and assessed. George H. Childs Frank D. Peirce Edward W. Taylor A.O. Tenney } Committee Ernest K. Ballard W.C. Stickel George H. Jackson A true copy, Attest: Charles W. Swan Town Clerk Note - A motion to accept this report and adopt the recommendations was defeated by vote of the meeting, and the question was not brought up under Art 6 in the warrant. 36 1914 Report of Committee chosen March 17, 1914, to consider the subject of a Finance Committee. December 1, 1913 To the Citizens of the Town of Lexington: The undersigned, appointed on March 17, 1913, as a committee "to consider the subject of a Finance Committee" and report to the Town at a subsequent meeting, have, after careful discussion and consideration of the subject at several different meetings, reached conclusions in which all the members of the committee concur, and the same are now embodied in this report. The vote by which the present Finance Committee was created, passed March 22, 1909, is in the following terms: - Voted, That until the town shall otherwise by vote provide, a Finance Committee composed of twenty-one citizens exclusive of the Moderator, be appointed by the Moderator to consider and report to the town from time to time on matters relating to the financial and business interests of the town and especially to consider and report to the town at all meetings upon matters carrying the appropriation of money; one-third of said committee to be appointed to serve for one year, one-third for two years, and one-third for three years, the places of retiring members to be filled annually by appointment for a term of three years by the Moderator of the March town meeting. And Voted, further, that the Moderator of the March town meeting in each year be a member of said Finance Committee for the following year. 37 1914. At that time there was no law in relation to the appointment of such committees in towns; but in 1910 the Legislature passed an Act (Chap. 130), Section 1 of which is as follows: "Section 1. A town may by by-laws provide for the appointment and duties of advisory or financial committees, who may consider any or all municipal questions for the purpose of making reports or recommendation to the town; and such by-laws may provide that committees so appointed may continue in office for a term or terms not exceeding three years from the date of their appointment." Your committee recommends that, in lieu of the above mentioned vote, a by-law be adopted covering the subject which shall provide for the appointment of a committe of fifteen instead of twenty-one, and place the power of appointment, not in any one person, but in what may be termed an appointing board, consisting of the moderator, the chairman of the selectmen, and the chairman of the finance committee. Accordingly, a by-law in the following terms is suggested for adoption: Article Finance Committee. Section 1 From and after the annual town meeting in 1914 there shall be an advisory committee, to be known as the Finance Committee, consisting of fifteen members and appointed in the manner hereinafter provided. The terms of office of five members shall expire each year, but all or any retiring members may be reappointed. In 1914 five members shall be appointed for the term of one year, five for two years, and five for three years; and each succeeding year five members shall be appointed for the term of three years. 38 1914. Section 2. The town moderator, the chairman of the board of selectmen, and the chairman of the finance committee at any given time shall constitute an appointing board. They shall, directly after each annual town meeting, make the necessary appointments, and any vacancies from time to time arising in the committee shall be filled by such board. If at the time of any appointments the office of chairman of the committee should be vacant, the person who last held the position shall act as one of the appointing board. Section 3 -- It shall be the duty of the finance committee to consider and report to the town from time to time on matters relating to its financial and business interests, and especially to consider and make recommendations concerning matters involving the appropriation of money. It will be observed that the section which covers the scope of the committees duties is in almost the idential language of that adopted in the vote under which the present committee is acting. There is no change in substance. The proposed by-law is direct and simple in its terms; and is, we think, sufficiently definite. The by-law, if adopted and approved by the Attorney General, will have all the force and effect of a statute passed by the legislature; and it should not, in our judgment, contain any provisions in relation to procedure which might be found unduly to tie the hands of the Town. The provisions should be of a general character, leaving details with respect to methods and times of submitting reports to be determined, as a present, by vote of the town from time to time. It will be observed that we recommend that any or all members whose terms expire 39 may be reappointed. There is at present no rule prohibiting this, but it has been the invariable custom, we believe, for no re-appontments to be made. This, it seems to us, is a mistake, as the practice may deprive the town of the services of citizens who are able and willing to perform effective service. In some towns it is expressly provided that no town officer elected by ballot may be a member of the finance committee. While we should expect that such rule ought ordinarily to be followed in Lexington, yet it seems better not to make any hard and fast provision on the subject, but to leave this matter to the good judgment of the appointing board. There might be a case where everyone would recognize not only that there would be no impropriety in having a par- ticular town officer a member of the committee, but that there would be a positive advantage in doing so. The question of making some provision for public hearings was also considered, but the con- clusion was reached that this too was a matter which might best be left in the hands of the committee itself. We are informed that at no time in the past has any person desiring to present views to the Finance Committee been excluded from a hearing before them, and the present chairman of the committee informs us that the public is welcome at all hearings of the committee, though naturally not permitted to remain when matters are considered in executive session. Your committee at first undertook to provide for the gradual dovetailing, so to speak, of the proposed committee of fifteen with the existing committee of twenty-one. This, as will easily be seen, would necessitate a somewhat complicated scheme, since the numbers are 40 different, and since there are fourteen members whose terms, under existing appointments, would not exppire until 1915 and 1916; and on the whole it was thought to be the simpler and better way to provide for a fresh start in 1914. Under the plan recommended, the present Finance Committee continues in office until the close of the annual town meeting in 1914, and it will be its duty to report, as usual, upon the financial articles in the warrant for that meeting. Respectfully submitted, Edward P. Bliss Geo. E. Briggs George H. Childs Robert P. Clapp Edward H. Mara Edward P. Merriam Howard S.O. Nichols Joseph P. Ryan John F. Welch Committee Lexington, December 1, 1913. A true copy, Attest Charles W. Swan Town Clerk Submitted at a Town Meeting Jany. 10, 1914. See Town Records, Vol. 14, pages. 30, 157, 162. 41 Report of Committee chosen at the Meeting on March 9, 1914 to consider and report on question of Street Watering and Oiling To the inhabitants of Lexington: The undersigned, appointed at the adjourned annual meeting of the town, held on Mar. 9, 1914, a Committee to consider the matter referred to in Article 38 of the Warrant, respectfully report as follows: Since 1895 certain towns have had authority to expend money for the watering of streets, and to assess the whole or any portion of the cost upon the abutting estates. The statue which authorizes such expenditure and assessment originated in that year, 1895, and it was to apply to towns of the requisite size which should accept the provisions of the Act. Lexington duly accepted them on May 25, 1895. The town at the same time voted that 25% of the cost of watering streets should be assessed upon the estates abutting on the streets watered. A slight amendment, immaterial for our purposes, was made in the statute by the Legislatures of 1908. In 1909, by chapter 289 of the Acts of that year, the provisions of the law were extended so as to include not only ordinary street watering but also the sprinkling of streets with oil or any liquid, and the spreading of any material suitable for laying or preventing of dust and preserving the surface of a street. Following is the full text of the statue of 1909: "An Act relative to the sprinkling of streets with water and other liquids and materials. Be it enacted, etcc, as follows: Section 1. Any city or town may sprinkle or 42 1914. spread upon its public ways, or parts thereof, water or any liquid or material suitable for laying or preventing dust and preserving the surface thereof, and for sanitary purposes, and all statues providing for watering such public ways shall apply to the use of such liquids and materials, including the appropriation of money, the expen- diture thereof at the expense of the city or of the abutters, the assessment upon abutting estates, and the collection of such assessments and proceedings therefor. Section 2. This Act shall take effect upon its passage." Under the enlarged authority it became competent for Lexington to provide by vote that all or any portion of the cost of street oiling or even that of surfacing the streets with tarvia should be paid by estates abutting upon those portions of streets to which the oil or tarvia is applied. The town did in effect so provide as to a portion of the cost, so far as oiling is concerned, by vote passed at the annual meeting in 1913. No vote has been passed in terms extending the scheme of assessment to the cost of applying tarvia; but possibly the term "oiling" could be construed as a generic term of sufficient breadth to cover both. The Surveyors of Highways in 1909 or 1910 began the use of oil in place of water for street sprinkling; the report of those officers for 1910 shows that oil instead of water was used during that year as a dust preventative on Massachusetts Avenue from the Arlington town line to and around the Common; and in 1911 money was appropriated for "Street watering and oiling." In the annual town report for 1911 that title appears for the first time in the published Auditors Reports. In connection with the 43 1914. annual appropriation made in the year 1913 for "Street watering and oiling," it was voted "That until the Town shall otherwise by vote provide, the tax assessed on abutters for street watering and oiling shall be two cents per running front foot, and not as heretofore." Prior to the passage of this vote the practice was to assess abutting estates one cent per running front foot. As shown above the town's vote when accepting the street-watering statue in 1895 was that 25% of the cost be assessed; but from the beginning assessments were made on the front-foot basis, probably on the assumption that one cent per foot would yield approximately the requisite percentage. For the year 1895 the cost was $1490.49, of which one-fourth was $372.62 The assessment amounted to $420.83 - a little in excess of that proportion of cost. Before the use of oil began to supersede that of water in sprinkling, the region within which the watering was done embraced comparatively little besides Massacusetts Avenue from the Arlington town line to Lincoln Street; portions of Waltham, Hancock and Bedford Streets; and the short streets connecting with Massachusetts Avenue near Lexington centre. The intention, and substantially the practice, was to assess all the abutters, other than the churches, so far as the watering extended. Religious, charitable, historical and educational institutions, though exempt from general taxes, are subject to assessment the same as individuals in respect of taxes based upon special benefits like that for street watering and should be assessed therefore. The use of oil for sprinkling, however, has in fact out-run the district in which 9 SCHEDULE F . ate,, TOWN OF LEXINGTON . a) Vacations ; Pensions , Days Off , Etc . 00 y Civil Service , Schools , Drills , Etc . Civil Service Law Training Reciprocal Vacations Pensions Sick Leave Days Off Ps Adopted School Drills Help. Watertown 1 2 Weeks Yes Yes 2 Platoon Yes Yes Twice a year Yes System 6 weeks period Arlington 2 Chief hap According Chief Chief No 16- 30 Days Continuously With 5 towns charge to law . Boston 2 Masters and cities Own drill tower Belmont 3 2 Weeks General Law Left to Left to Chief Yes No Once a month Yes Chief Winthrop 4 2 Weeks 4 Pay With pay 2 Platoon Yes No .No Yes System Milton 5 2 Weeks 4 Pay Yes 2 Platoon Yes Yes , Boston In summer Yes System Braintree 6 2 Weeks Yes No 1 in 5 No Yes , Boston 2 Weeks , call Yes 24 Drills , year Norwood 6 2 `leeks Chan . 32 1 in 5 Yes , excepting No Weekly Yes Sec . 85 Chief Dedham 8 2 Weeks Yes No rule 1 in 5 Yes No Once a week in May & June Saugus 9 -- Yes No No Yes Danvers 10 2 Weeks No No 1 in 6 Chief only No Monthly Yes Winchester 11 2 Weeks Yes Yes 1 in 3 Yes No 3 times weekly Yes Bridgewater 12 2 Weeks None -- - - -- - - -- Stoneham 13 2 Weeks 2 Pay No No No No No Yes Wellesley 14 2 Weeks Yes Yes 1 in 5 Yes Yes , Boston Monthly Yes Needham 15 2 Weeks No No set limit 1 in 5 No No Bi -monthly Yes 4 months period Swampscott 16 2 Weeks i Pay Full pay 1 in 5 Yes No Weekly .• Yes injury on Duty 2 pay outside Reading 17 2 Weeks None 2 weeks with 2 Platoon sys . No Yes , Boston Monthly Yes a Marblehead 18 2 Weeks Yes p Full pay Every 6th day No No No No Hudson 19 e e -- 0 l— Stoughton 20 2 Weeks 4Pay One month 1 in 6 No No Monthly Yes Lexington 21 Weeks es Yes 1 in 4 No No * Yes Concord 22 2 Weeks -- 1 day per week No No Twice a month Yes i Cheltailford 23 -- - - No No Once a month Yes May to October Walpole 24 None None None None No No Monthly Yes 0 -4, r _ 1• - - ' r Civil Service t Law as Training Reciprocal VacQ ti ons Pensions Sick Leave Days Off Adopted Schools Drills Help Mansfield. 25 2 Weeks No No Monthly Yes Hingham 26 2 Weeks None None 1 in 7 & every No No Monthly Yes 5th Sunday * Very infrequently , if at all , prior to June . Since this inquiry some drills have been held under the direction of the Arlington drill master . cr ta