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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1945-05-07 162 00 SELECTMEN'S MEETING 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 surgstion of the Board that a new figure of '400 ure in the amount 00 be made, and then an application for a Board of Appeals hearing 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 163 that a gold star on a lavender background should be used to indicate the 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. Observation Mr. Sarano said that the Civilian Defense has been Tower 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 Bids on advertise in the local paper for bids on the demolition Demolition of the Observation Tower. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Held Over 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, Close May 8, 1945, from 11:30 A.M. to 12 :30 P.M. Town Mr. Rowse moved that the Town Office Building be Offices closed from 11 :15 A.M. to 12 :30 P.M. to enable the V-E Day 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 V.F.W. of Foreign Wars, Post #3007, requesting permission to Poppy conduct their Annual Poppy Day Drive on May 26, 1945. Day Mr. Potter moved that the request be approved. Mr. Drive Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was 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 Speaker the Board of Selectmen now and postwar. Mr. Potter Rotary explained that the Rotary Club would like to have any Club member of the Board if the Chairman were unable to accept the invitation. He also informed the board that there ewould be an open meeting some time in June. 164 00 021 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 May 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 Final taking for the year 1945. The census according to Precincts Figures is as follows : Precinct One - 3646; Precinct Two - 2634; Census 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 not be possible for him to serve as Assoc. an Associate Member of the Board of Appeals, inasmuch as Member business and present activities would not permit his assum- Bd. of ing additional responsibilities. Appeals 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 Board property of 159 Shade Street, Lexington. Mr. Lamont of stated in his letter that the owner, Stephen Klyce , had been Health requested to abate the nuisance. However, nothing had been Order 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 it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Wrightinton, Town Charles Counsel, relative tothe estate of Charles Lyman Weld. Mr. Lyman Wrightington said that the Town of Lexington, according to Weld Mr. Weld' s Will, was made a sort of residuary legatee to Will receive such balance as the wife did not receive in her lifetime . The gift to the Town is stated in the will to be "for educational purposes or chapel at Westview Cemetery" . Legal Issue Mr. Wrightington stated that the Administrator has promised to notify him if any further developments occur. April 19th 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. 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 V 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 Use of of the Senior Class of the Lexington High School for Hall permission to conduct a dance in Cary Memorial Hall on Grad. the evening of June 8, 1945. Dance IIMr. Rowse moved that the use of the hall be granted, free of charge . Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 166 oo Application was received from the Battle Green Use of Chapter Order of DeMolay requesting permission to use Hall Cary Memorial Hall for the Installation of Officers on DeMolay 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 Use of permission t o conduct Lexington Junior High School grad- Hall uation exercises in Cary Memorial Hall on the morning of Jr. High June 19, 1945 from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 noon. Grad. Mr. Sheldon moved that the use of the hall b-e granted free of charge. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A letter was received from Governor Tobin pertaining Waste Paper to waste paper salvage. 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 Board of Health. It was decided to make the appointments effective June 1, 1945 as follows : Dr. Ivan G. Pyle for a term of Appoint one year ; Mr. George E. Russell for a term of two years; Board and Mr. Rufus L. McQuillan for a term of three years . of Mr. Rowse suggested that Mr. McQuillan, as Temporary Health Chairman, be requested to call a meeting of the Board of Health. Application was received from Arthur Pike , 160 Burl- ington Street, for permission to keep six swine . Permits Application was also received from George W. Sarano, Keep 315 Lincoln Street, for permission to keep four swine . 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. Potter, seconded by Mr. Sheldon, it was voted to a pprove Mr. Pike ' s request to keep six swine. Upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Rowse, it was voted to approve Mr . Sarano' s request to keep four swine. Licenses Upon motion of Mr. Potter, seconded by Mr. Sheldon, it was voted to approve the following licenses : 167 Arthur Pike 130 Burlington St. 6 swine George Sarano 315 Lincoln St. 4 swine Clarence E. Macphee 14 Baker Avenue Sunday Sales Marie Miller 334 Lincoln St. Sunday Sales Benjamin Berman 13 Mass. Avenue Junk Hattie Peckham 37 Hancock St. Com Victualler The Clerk informed the Board that Forrest Knapp owed Knapp a balance of $100.00 on Lot 191, Middle Street, Lexington, Tax Title and it is now due . Officer Knapp would like to have the Balance time extended until June 1st. Held Over The Board had no objection, and approved the request . A true record, Attest : / e / %�'( 1� f U l-' V