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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1945-06-18SELECTMEN'S MEETING June 18, 1945 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, June 18, 1945 at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Locke, Messrs. Potter, Sheldon and Sarano were present. The Clerk was also present. At 7:30 P.M. Mr. Munroe Hamilton appeared before the Board relative to certain lots in the Sunnyside develop- ment. Mr. Hamilton said that he was interested in the lots, and that he did notbelieve the board realized the whole situation. Mr. Hamilton read a four-parne letter giving all the details from the tiwe he was first interested in certain lots in the Sunnyside Development. Mr. Hamilton was particularly interested in Lots 33 and 34 on Robbins Road. Mr. Sheldon asked what Mr. Hamilton felt would be a fair price for these two lots. Mr. Hamilton said that he intended to pav the amount quoted in a letter received from Mr. Carroll, namely $165. for Lot 33 and $141.66 for Lot 34. Mr. Potter mentioned that if these lots were sold for this amount, there woi;ld still be betterments. Mr. Sheldon asked Mr. Hamilton if he bought the lots for $306.66 what his attitude would be pertaining to the betterments. Mr. Hamilton said that, in his opinion, he felt the Board has established a price by selling Lot B, Plymouth Road, to J. Milton Brown for "150.00. Mr. Hamilton said that if he were going to give up the two lots on Richard Road, he felt that he should pay only $300.00 for Lots 33 and 34 on Robbins Road without paying any betterments. The Chairman asked Mr. Hamilton if he would retire until the Board considered the matter. Mr. Hamilton retired, at 7:55 P.M. The Board discussed his offer of x:300.00 for the lots, and final h decided to sell the lots to Mr. Hamilton at this figure. Mr. Hamilton returned to the meeting at 8:00 P.M. The Chairman told him that the Board had suggested that he write a letter and offer 0300.00 net for Lots 33 and 34, Richard Road. Mr. Hamilton agreed to write the letter, and said that it would be entirely satisfactory to him. He retired at 8:05 P.M. Mr. Clifford Fleming and a Mr. Dwyer appeai'ed before the Board without an appointment. 197 Munroe Hamilton Lots on Sunnyside Developmt 198 Fleming and Dwyer Chickens Without Permit V.F.W. Barnes Property Carnival Superintdt Public Works Resign'tn Phillpott Claim Damages "No Swimming" Signs Mr. Fleming said that he had received a letter from the Board of Health ordering him to dispose of his chick- ens within a certain period. He said that he had told Mr. Lamont that he would dispose of the chickens this spring, but feels now that the shortage of food is so acute that he would like to continue raising them. Mr. Fleming said that he has no permit because his application had been refused. The Chairman explained that originally the Board of Selectmen had jurisdiction over this matter, but now it would have to be handled by the Board of Health. He suggested that Mr. Fleming contact Mr. Lamont. Mr. Fleming and Mr. Dwyer retired at 8:12 P.M. At 8:13 P.M. the following members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars appeared before the Board: Eugene McCarthy, Thomas Brown, Henry Flynn, Warren Breslin, Roland Garmon and Robert Watt. Mr. McCarthy said that the Post met last week, and voted to accept the conditions as designated by the Board of Selectmen relative to the use of the BErnes Property as a meeting place for the V.F.W. He said that the Post would like the Board sometime, in the near future, to reconsider their decision pertaining to the number of carnivals to be held each year. Mr. Potter explained that the Board had no objection to both the Legion and the V.F.W. operating a carnival in the same year, but they preferred not to grant a permit at the same location because of the objections by the neighbors in the vicinity. Mr. McCarthy asked about the keys to the Barnes Property, and the Chairman suggested that he work out the details with Mr. Paxton. The group retired at 8:20 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from William C. Paxton, Superintendent of Public Works, resigning as of July 12, 1945. Mr. Paxton appeared before the Board at 8:24 P.M. He informed the Board that he had received a bill in the amount of 69.45 from Miss Marion Phillpott who claims damage to her car as a result of a manhole cover located on Massachusetts Avenue near Oak Street. Mr. Sheldon moved that Mr. Paxton be authorized to settle the claim in the amount submitted by Miss Phillpott. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton said that he had received a complaint about children swimming in Stevens' pit. He said that the water it four or five feet deep, and he had received a request to have the pit posted. He also reminded the Board that last year mention had been made about posting Butterfield's Pond and the Lexington Reservoir. 0 cp 1 The Chairman suggested that Mr. Paxton discuss this matter with Mr. Garrity, and have Mr. Garrity use his own judgment as to whether or not "No Swimming" signs should be posted. Mr. Paxton informed the Board that coal can be supplied only by those dealers who furnished the Town last year, and, therefore, he requested bids from the Lexington Coal Company and Robert Fawcett & Son Co., Inc. Mr. Paxton suggested having sixty ton delivered now, sixty in September and sixty in November. The Lexington Coal Company submitted a price of 9.84 per net ton for New River Run of Mine Bituminous Coal, and 00.06 per net ton for Pennsylvania 2i" Lump Bituminous Coal. Mr. Paxton advised tthe Board that the Pennsylvania Coal is what has been used at the Cary Memorial Building and the New River is what has been used at the Public Works Building. He stated that the Lexington Coal Company supplied the Public Works Building last year, and the Robert Fawcett & Son Co., Inc. supplied the Cary Memorial Building. Mr. Sheldon moved that the bids for the 1945 supply. of coal be awarded on the same basis as they were last year. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. It was decided to postpone delivery until September 10, or 15, 1945. Mr. Paxton said that he received a request from the School department pertaining to the lighting; of the front stairway at the Parker School. He said that three years ago he had made a survey of the street light situation at Simonds Road and Bedford Street. The Edison Company recommended the installation of three 6,000 lumen lamps at indicated locations, owing to the traffic conditions on Bedford Street; the location of the Parker School, and the bus stop at this location, both sides of the road- way; in order to graduate said lighting up to 6,000 lumen lamps, the Edison Company suggested the installation of 2,500 lamps on poles 6/60 and 6/66. Mr. Paxton said that in goingover the location again, the Edison Company recommend only one 6,000 lumen lamp to be installed at the corner of Simonds Road. Mr. Paxton said that probably this would not solve the problem, and the School Depart- ment may have to install pedestal lights on the stairs. Mr. Sarano moved that Mr. Paxton be authorized to request the installation of one 6,000 lumen lamp. Mr. Paxton said that he had contacted the Fire, Police, and Public 6orks Department pertaining to the Committee on Public Safety supplies. He said that these departments had taken what they felt they could use, and there is still a large quantity of material. 199 Coal Supply Bids Coal Awarded Street Lights Bedford Street Parker School Dispos itrn Committee Public Safety Supplies 200 It was decided to advise the Camping Council Committee that they could have all the blankets left, and to turn over the rest of the material to the Public Health Association. Pole Petition, plan and copies of orders were received Location from the Boston Edison Company requesting authorization of the following pole location: Massachusetts Avenue - Approximately 30 feet southeast of Hibbert Street, one pole. Massachusetts Avenue - Approximately 24 feet southeast of Hibbert Street, remove one pole. Mr. Sheldon moved that the request be granted, and the order signed. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Dump The Chairman read a letter from Harold A. Conant, Complaint 47 Lincoln Street, complaining about the dump. The Chairman informed the Board that he would acknowledge the letter. Mr. Paxton retired at 9:16 P.M. Supt's Resign'n Held Ove r It was decided to have the Chairman contact Mr. John J. Garrity, Assistant Superintendent of Public Works, and to ask Mr. Garrity to meet with the Board of Selectmen next Monday evening. The matter of Mr. Paxton's resignation was held over. A letter was received from Rev. Lester Lewis of the V -J Day V -E Day Committee .submitting additional names to the Board Committee for their approval and appointment to the V -J Day Committee. Rev. Lewis also requested the use of Estabrook Hall for a meeting on Friday, June 22, 1945. Mr. Potter moved that the names submitted be approved, and the individuals appointed to serve on the V -J Day Committee. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Potter also moved that the use of Estabrook Hall be granted, free of charge. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Sign Reinstatement Form #57 was received from the Reinst'mt Divison of Civil Service for the signatures of the Forms Appointing Authority for the reinstatement of Ralph E. Sealer Chadwick of Belmont as part-time Sealer of Weights and ',Weights & Measures in the Town of Lexington. 'Measures The Clerk informed the Board that Mr. Chadwick had resumed his duties as Sealer as of June 15, 1945, before any forms had been received from Civil Service. 1 Mr. Sarano moved that the Reinstatement Date be ., designated as July 1, 1945. Mr. Sheldon seconded the ' motion, and it was so voted. The Clerk informed the Board that the automobile allowance for the Sealer of Weights. and Measures had been reduced from $200.00 to $150.00 in 1943, because of the fact that Mr. Lamont agreed to combine some of his duties as Health Inspector with those of the Sealer. Mr. Sheldon moved that the Appropriation Committee be requested to transfer the sum of $50.00 from the Reserve Fund to the Sealer of Weights and Measures - Expenses Account to restore the account to its original amount of $200.00. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from the Arlington Board of Selectmen relative to the Report of the Metro- politan Transit Recess Commission. The Arlington Board would like to meet with the Lexington Board of Selectmen for a general discussion of the matter which they feel has a direct bearing on the future of both communities. The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the letter, and to advise the Board of Selectmen of Arlington that a date for a meeting would be arranged and they would be so advised. The Clerk was further instructed to bring this matter to the Boardts attention the first of August. A letter was received from George V. Morse, President of the War Parents of America, inviting the Selectmen to attend their Annual Installation and Entertainment at Estabrook Hall on Thursday evening, June 21, 1945. The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the letter, and advise that the Board would be represented. A letter was received from the Board of Selectmen, Town of Winchester, relative to the Greater Metropolitan Area and suggesting that a joint meeting be held with Planning Boards and other Town Officials before the present plans are too far advanced. The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the letter, and advise the kiinchester Board of Selectmen that Lexington is in favor of a jointmeetiug, and would like to be advised when such a meeting is scheduled. The Chairman read a letter from the Lexington Rainbow Girls stating that they would prefer to hold their Mardi Gras on Harrington Road, from Bedford Street to Massachusetts Avenue, inasmuch as there is not enough room between Bedford and Hancock Streets, 201 Increase Weights & Measures Car Allow- ance Transit Report Held Over 1st of August War Parents Invitation Greater Metropolitih Area Mardi Gras 202 the location granted by the Board on June 4 Mr. Potter moved that the Lexington Ra be authorized to block off Harrington Road, Bedford Street and Massachusetts Avenue, on of July 3, 1945 between the hours of 8:00 P 11:00 P.M. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, so voted. Ryder The Chairman read a letter from Robert L. Ryder Unable stating that he regretted exceedingly that he was not Accept in a position at this time to accept an appointment as Board of an Associate Member of the Botrd of Appeals due to Appeals commitments which he has made on behalf of clients App't. of his who will have in the near future matters coming before the Board of Appeals. Application was received from Dorothy P. Rich, et al, for a certificate of Incorporation to establish, maintain and operate one or more schools in Lexington for children of pre-school age on a non-profit basis. Satisfactory character references were received from the Police Department. Mr. Potter moved that the application be signed. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A letter was received from Mr. Wrightington enclosing a bill in the amount of $100.00 from John T. Blackwell for his report on Rapid Transit. Mr. Wrightington said that the bill met with his approval and he understood that a similar bill had been sent to Waltham. Mr. Sheldon moved that the bill be approved for payment, and charged to the Selectmen's - Expenses Account. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. , 1945. inbow Assembly between the evening .M. and and it was Cert. of Incorp. Approve Bill on Rapid Transit Ross Tax Title Sale ohnson Tax Title Sale The Board gave further consideration to Mr. Ross' offer of $100.00 for Lot 35, Robbins Road, Lexington. A proposal to sell this lot was advertised in the June 7, 1945 issue of the Lexington Minute -Man. No persons contacted the Selectmen's Office as a result of the advertisement. Mr. Sheldon moved that Lot 35, Robbins Road, Lexington, be sold and conveyed to Mr. Ross. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Eben Johnson's offer of 5400.00 for Lot 37, Cary Street, plus 0152.08 for the street, water and sewer betterments. was again considered by the Board. Mr. Johnson's application to the Board of Appeals for permission to erect a residential dwelling on this lot was approved on June 8, 1945. D. F. o0 a 1 203 Mr. Potter moved that Lot 37, Cary Street, be sold and conveyed to Mr. Eben Johnson, without advertising, for $552.08, and that an abatement be put through on the betterments. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A letter was received from Walter D. McGrath accept- ing thiaL Board's, price of $150.00 for Lots 197 and 198, Tax Tarbell Avenue, Lexington. Title Mr. Sheldon moved that a proposal to sell the lots be Offer advertised in the Lexington Minute -Man, and that further consideration be given the offer at the next meeting of the Board. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Upon motion of Mr. Sarano, seconded by Mr. Sheldon, it was voted to sign the deed to Lots 105 - 109 inclusive, Sign Beaumont Street, and Lot 73, Farmcrest Avenue. Both of Deeds these deeds were prepared by Mr. Wrightington, Town Counsel. The Clerk informed the Board that Miss Ready's term as a. member of the Board of Retirement would expire on Board July 1, 1945, and it was in order for the Selectmen to of set a date for election of an employee to fill this vacancy. Retire - It was decided to call an election on Friday, June ment 29, 1945 at 5:10 p.m., Mr. Sarano to preside. Member The Clerk informed the Board that she understood the Chamber of Commerce had arranged to close the stores in War Lexington on June 25, 1945, from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. Bond during the War Bond Cavalcade. Caval - Mr. Sheldon moved that the Town Offices be closed cade from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. on June 25, 1945 to afford the Town Employees an opportunity to view`the Cavalcade. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A true record, Attest: Clerk