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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1945-09-04SELECTMEN'S MEETING September 4, 1945 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Tuesday evening, September 4, 1945 at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Locke, Messrs. Potter, Rowse, Sarano and Sheldon were present. The Clerk was also present. The meeting was held on Tues- day evening as Labor Day was celebrated on Monday, Sept- ember 3, 1945. At 7:30 p.m. Mr. Garrett O'Brion appeared before the Board. He stated that two weeks ago he appeared before the Board and understood that he could put a temporary roof on his garage, and that he was to so advise Mr. Cann. He said that he talked with Mr. Cann, who refused to grant him a permit for a temporary roof, and said that steel wasnow available. Mr. O'Brionsaid that he found that steel may be purchased, but the price is more than he can afford to pay. Mr. Rowse explained that by erecting the building on the lot line, Mr. O'Btion contracted with himself to put on a fireproof roof, and that he agreed two weeks ago to put on a first class roof as soon as materials were avail- able. Mr. Rowse further stated that materials were now available and Mr. O'Brlon had'no alternative but to proceed with a first class roof. The Chairman explained that if fire proof materials are now available, the Board of Selectmen has no further interest in the matter. According to the laws of the Town, the building must be of first class construction, and that the matter will have to be worked out with Mr. Cann. Mr. O'Btion retired at 7:45 p.m. Hearing was declared open upon the petition of the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for permission to set one pole'on Han- cock Street, approximately 55180 Wof Hancock Avenue. No persons appeared in favor or in opposition. Mr. Potter moved that the petition be approved and the order signed. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. At 7:45 p.m. Mr. W.M. Philbrook, 49 Grassland Street, appeared before the Board relative to his offer of $100.00 for Lots 27 and 28, Farmhurst, Section 4, Grassland Street. On August 22, 1945, Mr. Philbrook was advised that the lowest price acceptable to the Board for these particular lots was $250.00. Mr. Philbrook stated that he purchased Lots 25 and 26, Grassland Street, last year, and paid only $100.00. The Chairman stated that the Board would reconsider his offer and advise him when a decision had been reached. 249 Garrett O'Brion Temporar1 Roof No Action Pole Location' Philbrook Lots Grassland Street 250 Ch. 90 Meeting Gentile Petition Drainage Condition Hamilton Tax Lots Redemp'n of Same Water Main Grant Place Mr. Philbrook retired at 7:58 p.m. The Chairman requested Mr. Potter to contact Mr. Spencer and check this property again. The Chairman read a letter from Colonel Barry, Executive Assistant, Department of Public Works, advising that he and John T. Cosgrove, Town Engineer, had attended a hearing at East Cambridge on August 23, 1945, in connection with matters pertaining to Chapter 90 Maintenance and Construction for the year 1946. Petition was received from Louise and Cherubino Gentile stating that they had recently purchased land in Lexington known as the Ryder Estate and intend to develop the same. Northerly on this estate on Middleby and Wachusett Drive there is a drain pipe submerged below the bed of the brook and only a small part of the top functions to drain this property. The petitioners requested the Town to correct the condition. The Clerk was instructed to request Colonel Barry to check this location with the Town Engineer and report to the Board at the next meeting. Mary G. Hamilton's letter relative to Lots 627 and 624 Freemont Street, was held over from the last meeting of the Board. A second letter was received from Mrs. Hamilton regard- ing Lots 607 to 616 inc. and Lots 655 to 659 inc., Homestead Street, Lexington. Mr. Potter reported that he and Mr. Spencer had inspect- ed these lots which are on a paper street with no lights and no water. They advise that the lots be sold for the amount due in back taxes. On August 20, 1945, Mr. Carroll, Town Clerk, &tated that there was $48.66 due on the lots on Freemont Street and $239.23 due on the lots on Homestead Street. Mr. Sheldon moved that Mrs. Hamilton be advised that the Board of Selectmen would entertain an offer of $350.00 for the above mentioned lots. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. At 8:15 p.m. Mrs. Owens and Mr. F.J. Meleedy of Grant Place and Colonel Barry appeared before the Board. Mrs. Owens informed the Board that she had requested an appointment this evening relative to the petition presented August 6, 1945 requesting the installation of a water main on Grant Place,. Mr. Rowse explained that the owners of the property would have to get together and have a proposed street laid out, the general layout would then have to be accepted by the Town and legally recorded; until such action were taken, the Board of Selectmen has no authority to enter on private property for the installation of a water main. After a lengthy discussion on the matter, it was decided to have the residents on Grant Place meet with Colonel Barry and John T. Cosgrove, Town Engineer, and to determine whether or not a private contractor could be employed to do the work. Mrs. Owens.and Mr. Meleedy retired at 8:50 P.M. 1 251 The Chairman read a memorandum from Colonel Barry Purchase requesting that the expenditure authorized on August 20, Re: Tire 1945 for the purpose of tire chains be charged to the Chains Snow Removal Account,. rather than to the Road Machinery Account. Upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was voted to rescind the vote passed on August 20, 1945 Charged authorizing the purchase of tire chains, in the amount of to Snow $371.38, to be charged to the Road Machinery Account. Removal Mr. Sheldon then moved that Colonel Barry be authorized Account to purchase these items and to charge them to the Snow Removal 'Account. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a memorandum from Colonel Barry advising that during the night of August 28-29, 1946, a pit valve controlling part of the sprinkler system at the pit Valve Public Works Building failed, and started a flood which Sprinkler was promptly shut off by Mr. Weisinger. Failure of this System particular valve was because of the fact that the threads Failed were stripped th1s causing the valve to let go, not filling the sprinkler system at the ceiling, but flooding from the pit. Colonel Barry explained that the mii.t'. which failed is a #12-5 inch dry valve. Experts from the Grinnel Company, Inc. strongly advise replacement of this unit. Public Colonel Barry stated that examination was made of the Works pit valve an the Highway Department side of the building and BYdg it was found that this one - a #12-6 inch pit valve was strengthened by a prop, indicating that at some time in the past this also had failed. The Grinnell Engineer also recommended the replacement of this unit. These valves were installed approximately fifty years ago, and it will cost11,100.00 to replace them. Colonel Barry recommended that funds be secured for this purpose. Mr. Sheldon moved that the Appropriation Committee be requested to transfer the sum of $1,100.00 from the Reserve Fund to the Public Works Building - Wages and Expenses Account to cover the cost of replacing the above mentioned valves. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Rowse suggested that Colonel Barry meet with the Appropriation Committee and explain in detail the necessity for replacing the valves. Colonel Barry stated that on April 7, 1942 the Board of Selectmen had voted to authorize the installation of four street lights on Paul Revere Road. However, W.P.B. advised that the extension of present street and light systems had been suspended at that time. The Boston Edison Company now advises that the limitations have been removed. The petitioner has now renewed a request for street lights on Paul Revere Road. Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Sheldon, it Request Transfer Approp. Committee Street lights Paul Revere Road 252 was voted to authorize the installation of four 800 lumen street lights at Paul Revere Road. Cruft Lab. The Chairman read a memorandum from Colonel Barry Request stating that the Central Communications Research, Cruft Place Laboratory, Harvard University had requested permission to Trailer park a Fruehauf Trailer containing certain instruments at Curve St.N.W. Corner of Curve Street in connection with experiments under the auspices of the.National Defense Research Council; said use to be for a period of about three months. Mr. Sarano moved that the request be granted upon the condition that if the trailer becomes objectionable, Central Communications` Research will remove it. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a memorandum from Colonel Barry pertaining to the Lincoln Street Dump. The Colonel felt that there should be two shifts of attendants, and that a proper entrance and exit should also be provided. The estimated cost for the additional attendant and a new road would be about 63,000.00. The Board felt that this item should be considered at the time budgets are discussed. Lincoln (Street 'Dump Then Budgets Consid- ered Purchase Trailer Request When Budgets Consid- ered Author- ize (Purchase OCD pump Garbage Contract Adv. Bids The Chairman read a further memorandum from Colonel Barry stating that he considered it absolutely essential that a trailer of proper capacity (15 ton) be purchased to haul Town Equipment. A 15 ton capacity trailer, 31,8" long equiped. with lights, manual control, brakes, rear loading ramps,.etc. would cost approximately $3225.00. The Board felt that this item should also be included in next year's budgets. Colonel Barry informed that Board that Mr. Garrity had been advised by the Lexington Fire Department that authorities in Washington had requested the disposition of the OCD pump at $492.00, now in possession of the Fire Department. Mr. Garrity strongly advised the purchase of this unit to be used by the Water Department. Upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Rowse, it was voted, providing the Town Accountant believes it is within the scope of the appropriations of the Water Depart- ment and the money is available, to authorize the purhhase, at a cost not exceeding $375.00, one OCD pump to he charged to the Water Department - Wages and Expenses Account. Colonel Barry retired at 9:40 p.m. The Clerk reminded the Board that the garbage contract would expire October 15, 1945. Mr. Rowse moved that bids be advertised in the September 13th and 20th, 1945 issues of the local paper to be submitted as bids of one, two and three years, and to be opened October 1, 1945. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Board gave further consideration to Monis E. Naugherts letter relative to Lot 22, Sullivan Street, Lexington. Mr. Sheldon moved that Mrs. Jaugher be informed that the Board of Selectmen would entertain an offer of $90.00 for the lot. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Board gave further consideration to Alice E. Munroe's inquiry relative to Lots 644-648 inc., Asbtry Street and Lots 110-113, Bellflower Street. Mr. Potter and Mr. Spencer recommended selling these lots for $121.42 which is the amount due according to. Mr. Carroll, Town Clerk. The lots are on a paper street, no water, lights and not even a road. Mr. Sheldon moved that Mrs. Munroe be informed that the Board of Selectmen would entertain an offer of $125.00 for the lots. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 253 Lot 22 Sullivan St LOts 644- 648 Asbur3 Lots 110- 113 Bell- flower St, The Board, gave further consideration to Mr. John Lots 86 MacMillan's:letter relative to Lots 86 and 87, Bartlett & 87 Avenue, Lexington. Bartlett Mr. Potter and Mr..Speneer reported that these lots are Ave. on -an unfinished street with water available and recommended contacting Mr. MacMillan to find out whether or not he would buy two additional lots at a cost of $300.00 for the four. Mr. Potter and Mr. Spencer recommended that Lots 86 to 89 inc. Bartlett Avenue, should not be divided and that the four lots should be sold at one time. The Clerk was instructed to write Mr. MacMillan and to inform him that the Board preferred to sell Lots 86 to 89 inc. and would entertain an offer of $300.00. Mrs. Louella M. Sidney's letter pertaining to Lot 106, Fair Oaks Drive, was held over from the last meeting of the Board. Mrs. Sidney contended that her son, who formerly owned the property, received no demand for taxes and no notice of foreclosure. On August 31, 1945 Mr. Wrightington informed the Clerk that the owner of any property knows that taxes have to be paid and he doesn't believe there is any formal notice sent at the time of foreclosure. Mr. Wrightington said that when property is ultimately foreclosed through the Land Court, the Land Court sends out notices. Mr. Potter agreed to check this property again, and it was held over for another week. A letter was received from Wakefield, offering $300.00 for Avenue, Lexington. It was decided to hold this meeting of the Board. Lot 106 Fair Cala Drive Held Ove r Dexter G. Cann, 16 Cedar Court, Lots 315 to 340 inc. Moreland Morelani matter over until the next Avenue Held Over 254 Ptilltop Avenue Sold to Coscia Lots 32 & 33 Dexter Road Held Over of len Church Purchase Adams Sch. Property Article arrant Article IN/arrant Trans. Printing Town Reports Fire House Committee The Board gave further consideration to Capt. Johnstone Fitz -Gerald's offer of $250.00 for Lot 101, Hilltop Avenue, Lexington.. A proposal to sell was advertised in the August 23, 1945 issue of the Lexington Minute -Man. An offer was received from Gaetano A. Coscia, 46 Downing Road, Lexington, offering $260.00.for Lbt 101 Hilltop Avenue, Lexington. Mr. Sheldon moved that Mr. Coscia's offer be accepted, and that Lot 101, Hilltop Avenue, be sold and conveyed to Mr. Gaetano A. Coscia for $260.00. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mrs. M. Helen Fitz -Gerald's offer of $200.00 for Lots 32 and 33, Dexter Road, Lexington, was held over until the next meeting of the Board. The Chairman read a letter from William Bell, Clerk, Pollen Church Parish Committee, relative to the so-called Adams School Lot in East Lexington. The Follen Church may be interested in purchasing this piece of property, and requested an option. The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the letter and to advise Mr. Bell that if ten or more Registered Voters of the Town submit a request in writing to the Board of Select- men, an Article could then be inserted in the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting, inasmuch as this property can be sold. only by a vote of the Town. The Chairman read a letter from the Appropriation Committee advising that a meeting held on August 20, 1945, the Selectmen's request for a transfer in the amount of $600.00 to be used for a reappraisal of the Town Property, was dis- approved. The Appropriation Committee felt that this request was not an Emergency or an unforeseen expense, and should be included in a separate Article in the Warrant for the next Town Meeting. Bill was received from the Adams Press in the amount of $95.05 for 100 reprints of the School Report and 100 reprints of the Town Accountant's Report. These figures were accepted in the bid received from the Adams Press, but through an error, were not submitted in the original bill from the printer. Mr. Potter moved that the Appropriation Committee be requested to transfer the sum of $95.05 from the Reserve Fund to the Printing Town Reports Account. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from Gordon D. Richards, Chairman of the Building Committee appointed by the Moderator to supervise, on behalf of and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, the construction of the new Central and East Lexington Fire Station. The Committee has organized and verbally engaged thetf irm of Leland and Larson to supervize the construction of the Central Fire Station, and the firm of Andrews, Jones, Biscoe and Goodall to act in a like capacity on the East Lexington Fire Station. 1 1 The Committee requested a letter from the Board of Selectmen explaining their duties and also their power to sign a written contract with these two firms. The letter stated that the Committee strongly favors a "selected" list of bidders as opposed to "wide open" competition. The Clerk was instructed to request Mr. Wrightington, Town Counsel, to submit his opinion as to the legality of the "selected" list of bidders in preference to the "wide open" competition. Application was received from the Lexington Sportsman's Club, Inc. for permission to use Estabrook Hall on the even- ing of September 10, 1945, from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 i.m. for a meeting. Mr. Potter moved that the use of the hall be granted, free of charge. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 255 Request Legal Opinion Application was received from the Lexington Choral Society for the use of Cary Memorial Hall on Thursday evening, December 20, 1945, for a rehearsal and Friday evening, December 21, 1945 for a concert. Mr. Potter moved that the uses of the hall be granted, subject to a charge of $20.00. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A letter was received from the Betsy Ross Galleries sub- mitting an estimate for draperies for the Selectmen's Office and for the Girls' Staff Room. Inasmuch as there is such a limited selection of materials from which to choose, the Board decided to take no action on the bid until a greater variety of material is available. The Clerk informed the Board that Mrs. Harold Wheeler had requested permission to attach Community Fund Posters on the poles at Lexington Center. Mr. Sheldon moved that permission be granted, subject to approval of the Boston Edison Company. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A letter was received from Lt. Frank T. Neal repeating his offer of $50.00 for Lot 53, Kendall Road, Lexington. It was decided to have Mr. Potter check this offer with Mr. Spencer and report at the next meeting of the Board. A letter was received from John F. 0/Conner, 38 Outlook Drive, offering $300.00 for Lot 124, Section 3, Farmhurst, Kendall Road, Lexington. Mr. O'Conner enclosed a check with his offer to be used as a hinder. Use of Hall Choral Society Uses of Hall Bid on Drape rie Posters on PoleE Lt. Neal Lot 53 Kendall Road Lot 124 Kendall Road Adv. 256 The Clerk was instructed to return the check, inasmuch as the Board prefers to have a vote actually passed selling and conveying the property before any money is accepted. Mr. Potter 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. A true record, Attest: Clerk 1