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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1943-05-10225 SELECTMEN'S MEETING May 10, 1943 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held In the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building on Monday evening, May 10, 1943, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Rowse, Messrs. Potter, Locke, Sarano and Sheldon were present. The Clerk was also present. Mr. Paxton appeared before the Board at 7:30 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from John H. Devine complaining about the brook which runs in the rear of the houses on Drainage Slocum Road and Winthrop Road. Mr. Devine said that this Mr. Devine brook has been a menace to the residents in the community, and that the water is stagnent most of the time. He said Mr. Miller that several years ago the Selectmen assured Mr. Miller, who then lived on Winthrop Road, that the matter would be taken care of. He said that it is a responsibility which he felt thd.Town should assume and correct immediately. The Chairman also read a letter from Mr. Edward M. Miller of 16 Winthrop Road requesting that some action in the matter of drainage from the ditch adjoining his property be taken. He said there is a culvert which passes under Highland Avenue and isJsupposed to run water off. He said that he believed the ditch was a Town right of way and should be cleaned immediately. Mr. Paxton said that he sent men down to clean the brook out at Mr. Miller's request. He said there is a high spot on, the bed of the brook. Mr. Paxton said the only thing t b do to solve Mr. Miller's problem would be to lower the bed of the brook and put in a pipe. He said relattte to the Divine complaint that oil could be put on the brook to kill mosquitoes. The Chairman asked Mr. Paxton how much of a job it would be to lower the water in regard to Mr. Miller's Victory Garden. `Mr. Paxton said that this was too much of a job to be done now. The Chairman read a letter from William E. Mulliken Mr. Mulli- statiing that he was filing a formal complaint against the ken Town of Lexington because of the water conditions at the rear of his property due to negligence on the part of the Town in- diverting surface drainage into this area without properly providing for its disposal. The Chairman asked Mr. Paxto#i to answer these letters Held over of complaint and to take the matter up again next week. A communication was received from WhltneyHarb of the War Production Board requesting that he be advised Of the Typewriters number of typewriters owned by the Town and the number we would sell. Mr. Paxton said there was only one typewriter not being used and this was not in very good condition. The Clerk was instructed to write Mr. Barb and advise him that we have been short of typewriters and tried to 226 obtain one for the Rationing Board some time ago without success. The survey of telephone service in the Town Offices, Tel. held over from last week, was again discussed. Survey Upon motion of Mr. Locke, seconded, by Mr. Sheldon, it was voted to accept Mr. Paxton's recommendation and authorize him to eliminate one telephone in the Selectmen's Office, and also to eliminate one trunk line. Mr. Sarano informed the Board that the War Parents Use of of America were going to have a meeting to decided whether Hall or not they would change their meetings from Thursday in view of using Estabrook Hall some night other than a Thursday. Mr. Paxton retired at 8:05 P.M. Mr. Carroll appeared before the Board at 8:09$P.M. for Juror the drawing of one juror. Mr. Raymond W. Whalen, oston Elevated Railway, 158 Mass. Ave., was drawn to serve at the First Session, Criminal Court, at Cambridge ori June 7, 1943. At 8:10 P.M. the following members of the new Board Bd. of of .Public Welfare appeared: Messrs. Lyons, Lombard, Cutter Public and Stevenson. Mr. Carroll swore thein. in to the faithful Welfare performance of their duties as members of the Board of Public Welfare for a period of one year ending May 1, 1944. The Chairman said unfortunately Mr. Giroux, who is a member of this Board for three months, was unable to be present. The Chairman said that Mr. Morse had been offered a position with the State Department of Public Welfare and Mr. Monmrhe has with the knowledge of the Board of Selectmen accepted the position which will materialize about the middle of June. The new Board will now have the problem of replacing Mr. Morse. The Chairman toldttie aa-ew Board to feel free at any time to contact the Town Counsel for advice. The group retired at 8:30 P.M. The Chairman informed the Board that Mr. Carroll had received a bid from the Lexington Trust Company of i% on Bid on a loan of $2,000.00 for one year. Loan 'Mr. Potter moved that the bid of the Lexington Trust Company of 1% on a loan of $2,000.00 for one year, for the purpose of financing Chapter 90 Maintenance, be approved. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 1 227 A letter was received from Henry J. Travers, 40 Earle Street, Lexington, offering *25.00 for lots 16 and 17, Block Tax Title 15, fronting on Earle Street. Land Mr. Sheldon moved that the property be sold and conveyed to Mr. Travers for the sum of 00.00. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. At. 8:50 P.M. approximately 40 persons, residents of the Manor section appeared before the Board. The Ohairman said that he had received a request from the group in regard to permits which had been issued for Hearing on pigs. He explained that the Board was endeavoring to Pigs cooperate with the Federal Government's Program for increased production of foodstuffs. He stated that a permit had been issued to one Dr. P. Forbes Butler of 297 Bedford Street to keep,swine. The Chairman said that any permit for animals could be revoked by the Board of Selectmen, acting as the Board of Health at any time, upon receipt of a justifiable complaint. He said that a complaint had been received rela- tive to Dr. Butler's pigs and the Board had revoked the permit. Dr. Butler returned the permit and wrote the Board stating that he had abondoned the idea of keepifg:;swihe The Chairman then informed the group that the Board felt it might be better to be more strict in the issuing of permits and that no more per- mits would be issued for keeping pigs unless in farming sections -- in other words, not in a residentail section such as the Butler property. He asked if any member of the group wished to ask any questions. Mr. Paul A. Hubbart said that he had been asked to speak for this group. He said that they represent a residential section of the Town and would like to know why the Board of Selectmen, acting as the Board of health, issued permits for pigs without first having a hearing. The Chairman said the permits that had been issued were for only two swine and a hearing was not necessary. Mr. Hubbart read the petition which had been previously submitted to the Board and also presented mml additional list of signatures of persons opposing the granting of permits for pigs in Lexington Manor. He discussed at length the subject and emphasized the fact that the residents of this section -of the Town definitely oppose permits being issued for pigs in a residential section. The Chairman again told the group that no permits would be granted for pigs in a residential section. The group retired at 9:40 P.M. Mr. Lamont submitted an application received from Bruno Pig Doiron of 147 Woburn Street for permission to keep two swine. Permits Mr. Locke moved that the permit be denied. Mr. -Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Lamont also submitted an application from Wilson Brothers of 5 Pleasant Street, for permission to keep two swine. This is on a farm. Mr. Locke moved that the permit be approved. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 228 )Br. Canessa Cesspools Victory Garden Committee Flag Week An application was also received from Mrs. A. Porter, 144 Lowell Street for permission to keep four swine. This it also on a farm. Mr. Sammuo moved that the permit be granted for two swine. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Lamont reported .that he had talked with Mr. Canessa relative to the increased price for cleaning out cesspools. Mr. Canessa told Mr. Lamont that he has to pay his men a higher salary, and that is why he increased his prices. Mr. Lamont said that Mr. Canessa is using the Town pump and a piece of hose that the Town purchased and is nearly worn out. He recommended taking no further action in the matter. The Chairman suggested that Mr. Lamont obtain the names, telephone numbers and rates of two out of town concerns who do cesspool work. Mr. Lamont agreed to do this. Mr. Lamont informed the Board that the Victory Garden Committee is statting a Community Canning Committee, and they are going to have a paid instructor. The demonstrator wants $25.00 a week for a five day week. Mr. Lamont said he thought this money could be obtained from v arious organizations in Town. It was decided to have it handled in that manner. Mr. Lamont retired at 9:50 P.M. A letter was received from the United States Flag Association requesting that the Selectmen proclaim June 8th --14th, as Flag Week. It was decided to appoint Mr. Frank B. Culbertson, Chairman of the Lexington Allied Veterans Council, as, Chairman of Flag Week. The Board then signed the following proclamatiob; A PROCLAMATION ski 1 To the Citizens of Lexington, Greetings: WHEREAS, June B to 14 is designated as Flag Weak by the United States Flag -Association, which sponsors throughout the Nation this week commemorating the adoption of our Flag, and Whereas, The observance this year is dedicated to the War Savings Program of the United States Treasury Department with the slogan "SAVE BY SACRIFICE" and the object of selling 100 million dollars wotth of WarBonds over and beyond normal purchases for the week. Now, Therofrgq, the Board of Selectmen of Lexington do pro-' claim the week of June 8 to 14 as FLAG WEEK; direct that our Flag be displayed on all municipal buildings; and urge that our citizens display the National Emblem at their hones, places of business and elsewhere. 229 Furthermore, we urge our people to participate in the Flag Week War Bond Campaigs so that our town will discharge with honor and distinction its share of responsibility in this campaignof homage to our+Flag and aid to the victory for which our brave sons, on the battlefronts of the world, are offering all that they possess. In Witness the seal of the May in the year Whereof we have herunto set our hands and caused Town of Lexington to be affixed this tenth day of of our Lord Nineteen Hundred and Forty-three. /s/ A. Edward Rowse Board of s Errol H. Locke Selectmen s •William G. Potter of /s/ George W. Sarano Lexington /s/ George C. Sheldon The Chairman informed the Board that a bill in the amount of $180.00 had been received for printing and advertising Article 22 of the Building By -Laws. The balance in the Building and Plumbing By -Laws Account is $141.21. Mr. Locke moved that the Appropriation Committee be requested to transfer the sum of $38.79 from the Reserve Fund to the Building and Plumbing By -Laws Account. A letter was received from the Board of Assessors stating that the 1943 tax rate would be $27.00 per thousand. Upon motion of Mr. Potters econded by Mr. Satan°, it was voted to_ approve the following licenses: Wilson Brothers Mrs. A. Porter Walnut Farms Trust John Sullivan Clarence E. MacPhee Benjamin Berman Edward J. Casey William Viano 5 PleasantA3t. 447 Lowell St. 25 Walnut St. 2407 Mass. Ave. 14 Baker Ave. 13 Mass. Ave. 76 Laconia St. 1794 Mass. Ave. 2 swine 2 swine (900 swine) 75 swine Sunday Sales Junk License Slaughter house Sunday movies Commitment of sewer miscellaneous, and Commitment of Commitments water miscellaneous charges were signed. Water house signed abatements were also signed. The meeting adjourned at 10:15 P.M. Attrue record, Attest: 230 SrL CTMENt S MEDT IMG May 17, 1943 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building on Monday evening, May 17, 1943, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Rowse, Messrs. Potter, Locke, Sarano and Sheldon were present. The Clerk was also present. Mr. Paxton appeared before the Board at 7:30 P.M. He said that the Lexington Minute Men had requested the upe of the ticket office in Cary Memorial Hall for a regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 19, 1943, from Use of 8 P.M. to 10 P.M. Hall Mr. Potter moved the use of the hall be granted. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton reported that Charles Lembo who worked for the Town a number of years was injured in June 1942 and Mr. out on compensation for the rest of the year. His name was Lembo not included on the bonus list. Mr. Lembo has raised the Bonus question as to whether or not he is entitled to a bonus. Mr. Paxton said that he thought he was. The Chairman asked if Mr. Lembo would be satisfied if the bonus were based on his actual earnings, and Mr. Paxton replied in the affirmative. Mr. Sheldon moved t}'t paymentof the bonus to Mr. Lembo be approved on the basis of last year's earnings, provided there are sufficient funds in the bonus accOuht. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton said that he had contacted Mr. Mulliken relative to his drainage problem, and found that on .April Mulliken 22, 1940, a letter was received by the Board from Mr. Drainage Mulliken calling their attention to the condition of the land. Mr. Raymond talked it over with Mr. Mulliken and outlined a method of fixing the brook so it would satisfy Mr. Mulliken stating that it would cost about $200.00 and the work would be done providing Mr. Mulliken sent a letter to the Board stating that he would be satisfied with this type of job. Mr. Paxton said he looked the entire situation over and we have cleaned the brook but Mr. Mulliken has not done anything on the brook in his land. He said that he talked with Mr. Mulliken this afternoon and explained to him the labor situation at the present time. Mr. Mulliken said that perhaps the men from the Coal Company could due the work. Mr. Paxton said that he offered to hire the men to clean the brook up to the Mulliken property. He said that he did not think cleaning the brook would materially change the situation, in order to change it, it will need some work at the side line of Waltham Street and the elimination of the riprapping which is out of the 1 1 1 1 231 question at the present time. Mr. Sarano moved that Mr. Paxton be authorized to hire men from the Coal Company to clean out the brook. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton informed the Board that the Engstrom drain has a long history. In 1914 the residents complained to the Board of Health about the health conditions there. Mcording to the .Board of Health records, a system of drainage was in- stalled and the abutters paid for the cost of construction. Mr. Paxton presented a plan of this system drawn by Mr. Horton. This was handled by the Board of Health=acting as agent for the abutters. Mr. Paxton said there were no records showing that Engstrom betterments were paid and there were no records showing a Drain taking. Sometime later the residents complained again to the Board of Health who called upon.the Water and Sewer Com- missioners who decided to clean out the brook if the Board of Health paid for it, and this was done. Two years later they had more difficulty, and the Water and Sewer Commis- sioners refused to take care of it. In 1920 there were plans made by H. K. Barrows and J. Henry Duffy showing a syetem of drainage through the entire Highland Avenue section with a 24" pipe coming up through the Engstrom drain. The pipe was laid to the side line of Highland Avenue and still no takings. Mr. Paxton said that since that time we have cleaned the brook out at various times. Mr. Paxton said that there is a manhole in the center of Highland Avenue and a 24" pipe going over to the approx- imate side. line of Highland Avenue. The only way to solve it is to carry the pipe an additional 50 to 100 feet. Mr. Miller wants a garden in the back of his house, and if this pipe is carried through it will change the grade: water level approximately one foot. kr. Paxton said that he did not think it would make enough difference to give Mr. Miller the planting he expects. Devine Mr. Paxton said that the Devine complaint was from a Complaint mosquito angle, and this could be remedied by spraying oil on the brook. The Chairman suggested that Mr. Paxton contact Mr. Wrightington before he writes any letters pertaining to` these drainage complaints. .Mr. Paxton said that Mr. Morse had talked with him Public relative to the Public Welfare Department returning to the Welfare Barnes property. Mr. Paxton said that he would like to get them out of the Engineer's Office. Mr. Paxton said that their records here were very incomplete, and they contend that they have to go back and forth for information now in the files in the Barnes property. 232 The Chairman thought that perhaps with Mr. Morse leaving it would be better for the department to stay in th1s building and use the Inspector's Room. t was decided to take no further actioh on the matter until we heard from the Board of Public Welfare. Mr. Paxton retired at 7:55 P.M. Pole was locations O'Connell Property British Annual Pilgrim- age Upon motion of Mr. .Locke, seconded by Mr. Potter, it voted to approve the f ollewi.g Joint poleelo'watibnsns. Pole Crescent Hill Avenue, -southwesterly side, Lo c.':ons and southeasterly from a point approximately 145 feet southeast of Haskell Street, - four (4) poles. The Chairman read a letter received from Mr. Wrightington relative to the land on Fletcher Avenue which has 'mesa recorded at the Registry of Deeds, and for• which Mr. O'Connell has not paid. Mr. Wrightington stated in his letter that Mr. O'Connell had again promised to make al3-.ement before the end of the week. He said that when- ever the Board wanted formal action taken it should instruct him to bring suit to compel a reconveyance of the land or, if the Town has a writing signed by Mr. O'Connell binding him to pay for the lot and the Selectmen prefer the money to the land, instruct him to bring suit to recover money damages. The Clerk was instructed to write Mr. Wrightington that inasmuch as the land is already registered the Board would prefer the money, but if the corresponds:ice shows thaBt Mr. O'Connell is not bound to pay for the lot, then the oard desires,that Mr. Wrightington bring suit to compel a re- conveyance of the land. An invitation was received from the British Naval and Military Veterans' Association inviting the Board to attend the Annual Pilgrimage to Lexington. on Sunday, May 23, 1943, starting at Lexingt n Town Hall on 12:00 noon. O'Connell Property ISanseverino Upon motion of Mr. Sarano, seconded by Mr. Sheldon, Deed it was voted to sign the deed conveying the Lots 67, Deed 68 and 69 May Street, Liberty Heights to Gennaro San- severino, 11 Lisbeth Street, Lexington. Upon motion of Mr. Locke, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was voted to approve the follewing licenses; W. S. Csouette 1710 Mass. Ave. Auttioneer's License Alice G. Frost 56 Allen St. Infant Boarding Home William Viano 1794 Mass. Ave. Sunday Movies George S. Zittell 306 Lowell St. 2 Swine British Annual Pi lr,rima rTe Sanseverino Licenses Licenses 0.4 t 1 1 233 An application was received from Jan A. Rudski for permission to keep 150 poultry, and two swine. Rudzki The Board approved the poultry permit but denied Permit permission for Mr. Rudzki to keep swine. The Chairman read a letter received from Daniel A. Lynch, Counsel for Woodbury M. Philbrook, Arthur N. Lee, Arthur J. Rocque, Peter Ryan, Thomas. F. Ryan, Daniel A. Roland M. Hayes, Thomas Cavanaugh, William F. Kenealy Lynch and Thomas F. Kenney. He requested to know when the requests Selectmen, the Appropriation Committee, and the School Committee held a joint meeting regarding salary increases for 1943. He also regiiested a copy of the vote taken at the meeting, and any other action taken by the Board of Selectmen regarding salary increases or the bonus. The Chairman informed the Board that he had answered the letter stating that the joint meeting was held March 1, 1943. •No further action was taken on the requests. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 P.M. A true record, Attest: