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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1945-08-20 Z42 00 SELECTMEN'S MEETING August 20, 1945 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, August 20, 1945 at 7 :30 p.m. Chairman Locke, Messrs. Potter, Rowse , Sarano and Sheldon were present. The Clerk was also present . At 7 :30 p.m. Mr. James J. Carroll, Town Clerk, appeared before the Board for the drawing of two jurors. Jurors Mr. Wallace W. Ferguson, Expeditor, 6 Belfry Terrace, was drawn to serve on Criminal Business, First Session, at Cambridge, the first day of October, 1945. Mr. John D. Campbell, Carpenter, 238 Lincoln Street, was drawn to serve on Civil Business, Second Session, at Cambridge, the first day of October, 1945. Mr. Carroll retired at 7 :34 p.m. The Chairman read the Board of Appeals Order, dated October, 1944, upon the petition of Garrett O'Brion requesting permission to put a roof on his garage at 8 Bartlett Avenue, Lexington. Garrett At 7:55 p.m. Mr. O'Brion appeared before the Board. He O'Brion informed the Selectmen that he had started to build a garage Roof about three years ago. He said that he obtained a permit from Mr. Cann, the Building Inspector, purchased the blocks and on hired a mason to put the blocks up. He tried to get steel Garage for the concrete roof, but was unsuccessful, and was informed that even corporations were unable to obtain steel. He said Bd, that he tried to obtain second hand steel, but was unable to of get that either, and was told that there would be no steel Appeals available for two or three years. Therefore, he could not put Denied on a concrete roof. Mr. O'Brion said that he purchased some Same 2' x 8' timbers, intending to put on a hip roof and was going to put asphalt shingles on and fireproof the roof as best he could. He said that he had a carpenter put the 2' x 8' timbers up. Mr. Cann then inspected the building and said that Mr. O'Brion could not put up that type of roof. Mr. O'Brion said that Mr. Cann stopped the construction, and some time later a friend of his talked with Mr. Cann again and Mr. Cann said that he would allow Mr. O'Brion to put on a flit wood roof with tar and gravel. Mr. O'Brion stated that the land in the back of his garage is higher than it is in front, and that he has a three foot picket fence. He said that the height from the picket fence to the garage is only three feet, and if he puts a flat roof on he thinks the children might climb up onto the roof with the possibility of getting hurt. 243 Mr. Rowse asked what the condition of the toot was at the present time, and Mr. O'Brion said that he has the 2' x 8' timbers up, but there is no boarding or sheathing. Mr. Rowse asked if he were stopped now, and Mr. O'Brion reblied in the affirmative . Mr. Rowse explained that the Board of Appeals have rendered a decision that Mr. O'Brion would have to have the garage of first class construction, and he asked Mr. O'Brion if he would finish the garage in first class construction as soon as he was able to obtain materials . Mr. O'Brion said that if he were compelled to tear the present roof down, he supposed that he would have to. Mr. Sarano asked if Mr. O'Brion had any idea as to When he would be able to obtain materials , and Mr. O'Brion replied in the negative stating that he would like very much to have the garage roof completed for this winter. The Chairman asked Mr. O'Brion if he now had a permit, and he replied that the permit had run out . Mr. Rowse said that the whole case would be settled if Mr. O'Brion would put on a roof of first class construct- ion, and asked Mr. O'Brion if he would put on a temporary roof. Mr. O'Brion said that was what he wanted to do in the first place, i.e., to put on a temporary roof until such time as steel is released. Mr. Rowse said that the Board of Appeals had rendered a decision, but the Selectmen are willing to have Mr. O'Brion put on a temporary roof until such time as he is able to obtain materials necessary to comply with the Board of Appeals decision. Grant Mr. Howse suggested that Mr. O'Brion write to the Build- Temporary ing Inspector advising holm that if a permit is issued for a Roof temporary roof until such time as he is able to obtain steel, he will put on a first class roof as soon as materials are O'Brian available. Mr. O'Brian retired at 8:07 p.m. Memorandum was received from Colonel Barry requesting Colonel authorization to approve bills pertaining to the Department Barry of Public Works. Approve Mr. Sheldon moved that Colonel Barry be authorized, as Bills Executive Assistant of the Public Works Department, to approve bills pertaining to that department retroactive to August 10, 1945. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Colonel Barry requested authorization to purchase tire Colonel chains and chain repair parts for the coming winter amounting Barry to to $404.98, of which $33.60 will be for the Police Depart- purchase ment. chains & II parts. Rowse moved that Colonel Barry' s request be approved, providing there are sufficient funds available in the Road Machinery Account. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 244 00 a Colonel Barry submitted a memorandum to the Board of New Selectmen suggesting the establishing of new assessment Assessm't charges on water main construction. Charges Upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Rowse, it Water was voted to establish the rate of *1.18 per linear foot Main to be paid by each abutter on the installations of 6, 8 and Construc'n 10 inch pipe, and further to have this rate computed one year from now on the basis of the average cost per foot for the past five years. The Chairman read a letter from Fraik P. Holman advis- ing that he had purchased two acres of land facing on what is Request called Robinson Street, Lexington. Mr. Holman intends to Change build a house on this property as soon as possible, and Name of inasmuch as there is already a Robinson Road in Lexington, Street he would like the name of the street changed to Woodberry Road. The Clerk was instructed to notify the abutters of this request, and ask whether or not they had any objections to the contemplated change. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. William A. Cann, Building Inspector, relative to the excavations in Battle Excav'tns Green Village . Mr. Cann stated that there is about a foot Battle of water in a cellar hole, the bank of which is approximately Green five or six feet high. Village Mr. Potter informed the Board that excavations had been made on this property possibly five or six years ago, and only one has any water in it. Mr. Ross has written to Mr. Cann adtising that he has been unable to secure anyone to perform the necessary labor to eliminate the danger and menance. He said that he has advised one of his brothers to attempt to hire someone with a bulldozer. In the meantime, he has erected "Danger Signs" on this location. The Board felt that Mr. Ross should be given at least 90 days ninety (90) days in which to have the necessary work done to eliminate the hazard. A letter was received from the Appropriation Committee Transfer advising that the sum of 0,000.00 had been transferred from the Reserve Fund to the Selectmen's Department - Expenses Account for use in connection with V-J Day Celebration Activities, The Chairman read a letter from the Board of Selectmen of Winchester pertaining to the Metropolitan Area Planning [Metrop'tn in which they advised that a meeting will be held in the Area Plan- Winchester Public Library on Wednesday evening, September 19, ning 1945 at 7:45 p.m. It was suggested that the Board of Select- Meeting men, the Planning Board and the Town Counsel be present at the hearing. Sept. 19 The Clerk was instructed to notify the Winchester Board of Selectmen that the members of the Board of Selectmen of Lexington would plan to attend. She was further instructed to send a copy of the letter to the Planning Board and ask them how many members of that Board would be able to attend. 245 IIA latter wa-a received from Harold Conant pertaining to the dump on Lincoln Street. Lincoln St. The Clerk was instructed to refer the letter to Dump Colonel Barry. Ambulance Service Report was received for transporting Mrs . Raymond L. White to the New England Baptist Hospital . R. L. White Mr. Rowse moved that no charge be committed for this Ambulance use. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. No Charge A letter was received from Mr. W. M. Philbrook, 49 Philbrook Grassland Street, Lexington, offering the sum of $100.00 Offer Lots for Lots 27 and 28, Grassland Street, Lexington. 27 & 28 Mr. Rowse moved that Mr. Philbrook be advised that Grassland the lowest figure acceptable to the Board for these part- Street iauler lots is $250.00. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A letter was received from Captain Johnstone Fitz- Fitz- Gerald, 165 Brooks Avenue, Arlington, offering the sum of Gerald $250.00 for Lot 101, Farmhurst, Section 3, Hilltop Avenue, Offer Lot Lexington. 101 Hill- Mr. Sarano moved that a proposal to sell the lot be top Avenue advertised in the Lexington Minute-Man, and that further consideration be given the offer at the next meeting of II the Board. Mr. Shed on seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A letter *as received from Mrs . M. Helen Fitz-Gerald, Fitz-Gerald 165 Brooks Avenue, Lexington, offering the sum of $200.00 Offer Lots for Lots 32 and 33, Block 22, Dexter Road, Lexington. 32 & 33 Mr. Rowse moved that a proposal to sell the lots be Dexter Road advertised in the Lexington Minute-Man, and that further consideration be given the offer at the next mmeting of the Board. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A letter was received from Robert C. Cady, 10 Green- Lots 379 wood Street, Lexington, offering the sum of $100.00 for & 386 Lots 379 to 386 inc. on Balfour Street, Lexington. Balfour Mr. Sheldon moved that Mr. Cady be advised that the Street lowest price acceptable to the Board of Selectmen for these particular lots is $125.00. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A letter was received from Mr. John MacMillan, 66 Bristol Lots Road, West Somerville, Mass. , relative to Lots 86 and 87, 86 & 87 Bartlett Avenue, Lexington. These lots formerly belonged to Bartlett Neil McMillan, a brother who died several years ago. Mr. II John MacMillan would like to know how much it would cost to Avenue redeem the property. The Board decided to have Mr. Spencer and Mr. Potter investigate all offers from persons desiring to redeem property and to submit a recommendation to the Board as to the purchase price . 246 001 cr A letter was received from Mary G. Hamilton, Premius Lots 627 Avenue , Boston, MassachUsetts, relative to Lots 627 & 628 and 628, Freemont Street, Lexington. These lots were Freemont formerly owned by her mother, Mrs . Grace Prestwich of Street 832 Randbiph Street, North Abington, Mass. Mrs . Hamilton wanted, to know what would be necessary for her to redeem the lots . This request was referred to Mr. Potter and Mr. Spencer for their recommendation. A letter was received from Mrs. Luella M. Sidney, Held Over Box 393, Concord, Massachusetts , relative to Lots 106, Fair Oaks Drive. This lot was formerly owned by her son, Frederick C. Sidney. Mrs. Sidney wanted to know the amount of back taxes and interest due to clear the property. This request was referred to Mr. Potter and Mr. Spencer for their recommendation. A letter was received from Alice E. Munroe, 105 Otis Street, Cambridge, Mass. , relative to Lots 644 to Held Over 648 inc. Asbury Street and Lots 110 to 113 inc. Bell- flower Street, Lexington. These lots were formerly owned by Mrs. Munroe, and she wanted to know how much it would cost to redeem same. This letter was referred to Mr. Potter and Mr. Spencer for their recommendation. A letter was received from Monis E. Maugher, 403 Washington Street, Somerville , relative to Lot 22, Held Over Sullivan Street, Lexington. This lot was formerly owned by Mrs . Maugher and she wanted to know the cost of redeeming same. This request was referred to Mr. Potter and Mr. Spencer for their recommendation. The Board gave further consideration to Mr. John Misdh's S. Misch's offer of $50.00 for Lot 74, Summit Avenue, offer Lexington. A proposal to sell this lot was advertised Lot 74 in the August 9, 1945 issue of the Lexington Minute- Summit Ave. Man. No persons contacted the Selectmen' s Office as a Accepted. result of the advertisement. Mr. Sheldon moved that the offer be accepted, and that Lot 74, Summit Avenue, Lexington, be sold and conveyed to Mr. John S. Misch. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. May A letter was received from Helen H. May, 9 Center Lots 1,3, Street, Brookline, offering the sum of $10.00 a lot for 4, Pine Lots 1, 3 and 4, Block 73, Pine Street, Lexington. Street Mr. Sheldon moved that Mrs. May be informed that eete the Board of Selectmen is not interested in selling these No particular lots at this time. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 247 ' The Chairman read a letter received from Joseph J. Napoli applying for the rezoning of a parcel of land in Napoli North Lexington recently acquired by Mr. Napoli. The Rezoning property in question is now zoned as residential, and Mr. Napoli would like to have it rezoned for business. The Clerk was instructed to refer this request to the Planning Board and to advise Mr. Napoli that the Board of Selectmen have requested a report on the subject from the Planning Planning Board. Board A letter was received from the Chief of Police, John W. Rycroft, of the Lexington Police Departmetrt recommend- ing that William Mara, 51 Hancock Street, Somerville, who Appoint is employed by the County of Middlesex as overseer of Mara Sp. prisoners working at the Middlesex County Sanatorium, be Police appointed a Special Police Officer while he is employed in Officer this capacity. Mr. Potter moved that the request be approved, and the Commission signed. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was voted to grant the following licenses : Licenses II Old Belfry Tea Room 1840 Mass. Ave. Common Victualler Nora Spellenberg 150 Lowell Street " " 'I e „ n n Sunday Sales William Viano 1794 Mass. Ave. Theatre A letter was received from Mr. Henry A. Flynn, 26 Oakland Avenue, Lexington, inquiring as to whether or not V.F.W. the V.F.W. would be granted the use of Cary Memorial Hall Penny on Friday evening, November 16, 1945, for the purpose of Sale Use conducting a Penny Sale. Of Upon motion of Mr. Potter, seconded by Mr. Sarano, Hall it was voted that the use of the hall be granted, subject to a charge of $25.00 to cover the cost of additional janitorial services. It will also be necessary for the organization to deposit the $50.00 required in the Rules and Regulations covering the use of the Cary Memorial Building. A list of bills was received from Mr. T.A. Custanee, V_J Day Chairman of the V-J Day Committee totalling $523.00. The Board questioned one item of $8.00 for tuning the Committee piano at the Barnes Property. Bills The Clerk was instructed to check with Mr. Custanee on this charge. Mr. Rowse moved that the sum of $523.00 be approved II for payment, providing the $8.00 charge is legitimate. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. L 248 The Clerk informed the Board that Mr. Ryder, Attorney Rix for David A. Rix, and the Attorney for the Sunoco Oil Gasoline Company had requested a joint meeting of the Board of Hearing Selectmen and the Board of Appeals relative to Mr. Rix' s application for permission to maintain a gasoline fill- ing station at the corner of Waltham Street and Marrett Road, Lexington. Next It was decided to hold the next meeting of the Selectmen ' s Board of Selectmen on Tuesday evening, September 4, 1945, Meeting inasmuch as Monday, September 3, Labor Day, is a holiday. The Chairman informed the Board that Fulton Brown Fulton had applied for water and sewer connections to his property Brown on Muzzey Street, Lexington. Water & The Clerk was instructed to advise Mr. Garrity that Sewer Conn. the Board had no objections . A true record, Attest : Ye k / 1