Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1945-05-07162 SELECTMEN'S 1'GEETING May 7, 1945 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, May 7, 1944 at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Locke, Messrs. Potter, Rowse, Sarano and Sheldon were present. The Clerk was also present. At 7:35 P.M. Mr. Eben Johnson, 20 Parker Street, Arl- ington, appeared before the Board relative to his offer of Lot 37 $525.00 for Lot 37, Cary Street, Lexington. Cary St. The Chairman said that he understood this particular Eben lot was four (4) feet short, and before it can be built Johnson upon, Mr. Johnson would have to go before the Board of Appeals. Mr. Johnson said that first he would like to know whether or not his price is correct. The Chairman stated that in the next four years better- ments on this particular lot would amount to $152.08. The Chairman said that if the Board of Appeals granted Mr. John- son permission to build a house upon this particular lot perhaps, in view of the amount of the betterments, he might want to submit a revised offer. The Chairman said that it was the suggstion of the Board that a new figure in the amount of 4400.00 be made, and then an application for a Board of Appeals hearina, filed. He informed Mr. Johnson that if the Board of Appeals granted the application, the lot would then have to be advertised for sale. He further stated that it would then be sold to Mr. Johnson, providing no one else was interested in purchasing it after it was advertised. Mr. Johnson said that this procedure was agreeable to him, and he would submit an offer in writing of $400.00. Mr. Johnson retired at 7:40 P.M. Mr. Sheldon moved that Mr. Johnson's offer of $400.00, which is to be confirmed in writing, be tentatively accepted, subject to a Board of Appeals hearing. Mr. Paxton appeared before the Board at 7:43 P.M. He stated that during the past week he and Mr. Potter Honor had visited seven surrounding Town cheleking on the various Rolls types of Honor Rolls relative to the placement of the names of persons killed in action. Mr. Paxton said that in most cases a silver star is used. In Newton they used gold lettering on a colored background, and the names were left in the original order on the Board. Mr. Potter thought that in looking at an Honor Roll it was logical to look at the names alphabetically, and he, personally, liked the alphabetical arrangement, but thought 00 tzl 1 that a gold star on a lavender background should be used to indicatethe war dead._ The Board discussed the matter further and f inally decided to use a gold star on a dark background beside the name. The Chairman said that he would contact Raymond L. White, Town Accountant, relative to the above suggestion. He also said that he would find out whether or not the names on the Honor Roll at the present time were up to date. Mr. Saran said that he had received three complaints about the condition of the Observation Tower. Mr. Hardy, a neighbor in the vicinity, is very indig- nant, and feels that the Town should take some action to keep trespassers away from the property. Mr. Sarano said that the Civilian Defense has been officially disbanded in Washington, and apparently there is no reason for retaining the Tower. He said that Howard Custance had advised him that the value of the lumber would compensate the cost of removing the Tower, Mr. Sheldon moved that Mr. Paxton be authorized to advertise in the local paper for bids on the demolition of the Observation Tower. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Board suggested that Mr. Paxton offer the Sirens to the Fire Department. The Chairman informed the Board that Mr. Theodore A. Custance had called him this evening, and stated that V -E Day Exercises would be held on the Common on Tuesday, May 8,. 1945, from 11:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Mr. Rowse moved that the Town Office Building be closed from 11:15 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. to enable the employees to attend the exercises at the Common. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A letter was received from the Lexington Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #3007, requesting permission to conduct their Annual Poppy Day Drive on May 26, 1945. Cdr. Potter moved that the request be approved. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and itwas so voted. A letter was received from the Lexington Rotary Club inviting the Chairman of the Board to speak on Monday, May 14, 1945 at 12:15 P.M. on matters concerning the the Board of Selectmen now and postwar. Mr. Potter explained that the Rotary Club wouldlike to have any member of the Board if the Chairman were unable to accept the invitation. He also informed the oard that there would be an open meeting some time in June. 163 Observation Tower Bids on Demolition Held Over Close Town Offices V -E Day V.F.W. Poppy Day Drive Speaker Rotary Club 164 Final Figures Census Assoc. Member Bd. of Appeals Board of Health Order Charles Lyman Weld Will Legal Issue April 19th The Clerk was instructed to advise Mr. Charles R. Metchear, Chairman of the Program Committee, that it would be impossible for a member of the Board to speak at the Mag 4th meeting, inasmuch as time for preparing such a subject is too limited, and that possibly the request could be complied with at some later date. Mr. Paxton retired at 8:13 P.M. A letter was received from James J. Carroll, Town Clerk, in connection with the final figures for the census taking for the year 1945. The census according to Precincts is as follows: Precinct One - 3646; Precinct Two - 2634; Precinct Three - 2808; and Precinct Four - 3445; making a total of 12,533. The Chairman read a letter from Frederic K. Johnson stating that it would riot be possible for him to serve as an Associate Member of the Board of Appeals, inasmuch as business and present activities would not permit his assum- ing additional responsibilities. It was suggested that Judge Hugh McLellan be asked to serve as Associate Member. The Chairman said that he would contact Mr. McLellan personally. The Chairman read a letter from John Lamont, Health Inspector, relative to an overflowing septic tank on the property of 159 Shade Street, Lexington. Mr. Lamont stated in his letter that the owner, Stephen Klyce, had been requested to abate the nuisance. However, nothing had been done, and Mr. Lamont recommended that a Board of Health Order be issued immediately. Mr. Sarano moved that Stephen D. Klyce and Hildergarde M. Klyce of 159 Shade Street be ordered to remove the source of filth thereon consisting of an overflowing septic tank. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and itwas so voted. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Wrightinton, Town Counsel, relative tothe estate of Charles Lyman Weld. Mr. Wrightington s&id that the Town of Lexington, according to Mr. Weld's Will, was made a sort of residuary legatee to receive such balance as the wife did not receivein her lifetime. The gift to the Town is stated in the will to be "for educational purposes or chapel at Westview Cemetery". Mr. Wrightington stated that the'Administrator has promised to notify him if any further developments occur. A letter was received -from the Citizens' Public Celebrations Association of Boston stating that it seemed feasible to consider reprinting the Patriots' Day Program. No action was taken on the matter. 1 1 165 A letter was. received from David A. Kirkbright, Tax Title 291 Marrett Road, Lexington, offering the sum of $250.00 Offer for Lot 53, Kendall Road, Lexington. Mr. Potter reported that he and Mr. Spencer had considered this offer, and inasmuch as a member of the family who formerly owned it is interested in purchasing it, they would recommend that the offer be accepted. Mr. Rowse moved that a proposal to sell the lot be advertised in the Lexington Minute -Man, and that further consideration be given the offer at the next meeting of the Board. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from Otis J. Conner, 50 Outlook Drive, Lexington, offering the sum of $200.00 for Lot 134, Wachusett Drive, Lexington. Tax Title The Committee on Tax Title Property felt that the Offer Town should receive $350.00 for this particular lot, the Town to assume the taxes. Mr. Rowse said that he would so advise Mr. Conner. The Chairman read a letter from Dr. Clarence Shannon, 18 Edgewood Road, Lexington, offering the sum of $100.00 Tax Title for Lot 73, Farmcrest Avenue. Offer Mr. Potter informed the Board that the Committee on Tax Title Property recommend a figure of $150.00 for this particular lot. Mr. Sheldon moved that the Doctor be•advised that the lowest price acceptable to the 3oard for ,this parcel of land is $150.00. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from Walter D. McGrath, 14 Wright Street, Arlington, offering $100.00 for Lots Tax Title 197 and 198, Tarbell Avenue, Lexington. Offer Mr. Potter informed the Board. that the Committee on Tax Title Property recommend a figure of $200.00 for this particular lot. Mr. Sheldon moved that Mr. McGrath be advised that the lowest price acceptable to the Board for this parcel of land is $200.00. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from Kenneth Lima on behalf of the Senior Class of the Lexington High School for permission to conduct a dance in Cary Memorial Hall on the evening of June 8, 1945. Mr. Rowse moved that the use of the hall be granted, free of charge. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Use of Hall Grad. Dance 166 Use of Hall DeMolay Use of Hall Jr. High Grad. Waste Paper Salvage Appoint Board of Health Permits Keep Swine Application wasreceived from the Battle Green Chapter Order of DeMolay requesting permission to use Cary Memorial Hall for the Installation of Officers on the evening of June 9, 1945. Mr. Potter moved that the use of the hall be granted; subject to a $20. charge. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from Merrill F. Norlin for permission t o conduct Lexington Junior High School grad- uation exercises in Cary Memorial Hall on the morning of June 19, 1945 from 10;00 A.M. to 12:00 noon. Mr. Sheldon moved that the use of the hall be granted free of charge. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A letter was received from Governor Tobin pertaining to waste paper salvage. The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the letter, and refer it to Mrs. Wheeler. The Chairman informed the Board that Mr. George E. Russell would accept an appointment to the Hoard of Health. It was decided to make the appointments effective June 1, 1945 as f ollows: Dr. ,Ivan G. Pyle for a term of one year; Mr. George E. Russell for a term of two years; and Mr. Rufus L. McQuillan for a term of three years. Mr. Rowse suggested that Mr. McQuillan, as Temporary Chairman, be requested to call a meeting of the Board of Health. 00 tzi Application was received from Arthur Pike, 160 Burl— ington Street, for permission to keep six swine. Application was also received from George W. Sarano, 315 Lincoln Street, for permission to keep four swine. Both applications had been approved by Mr. Lamont, Health Inspector, subject to the approval of the Board of Selectmen, acting as the Board of Health. Upon motion of Mr. it was voted to a pprove swine. Upon motion of Mr. it was voted. to approve swine. Potter, seconded by Mr. Sheldon, Mr. Pike's request to keep six Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Rowse, Mr. Sarano's request to keep four Licenses Upon motion of Mr. Potter, seconded by Mr. Sheldon, it was voted to approve the following licenses: Arthur Pike George Sarano Clarence E. Macphee Marie Miller Benjamin. Berman Hattie Peckham 130 315 14 334 13 37 Burlington St. Lincoln St. Baker Avenue Lincoln St. Mass. Avenue Hancock St. 6 swine 4 swine Sunday Sales Sunday Sales Junk Com Victualler The Clerk informed the Board that Forrest Knapp owed a balance of $100.00 on Lot 191, Middle Street, Lexington, and it is now due. Officer Knapp would like to have the time extended until June 1st. The Board had no objection, and approved the request. A true record, Attest: 167 Knapp Tax Title Balance Held Over