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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1945-09-04 249 SELECTMEN'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 Garrett said that he talked with Mr. Cann, who refused to grant O'Brion him a permit for a temporary roof, and said that steel TempOP*1 wasnow available. Mr. O'Brionsaid that he found that steel Roof may be purchased, but the price is more than he can afford to pay. Mr. Rowse explained that by erecting the building on No the lot line, Mr. O'Btion contracted with himself to put Action 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'Brionhad 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 55' $0 Wof Hancock Avenue . No LocationPole 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 Philbrook for Lots 27 and 28, Farmhurst, Section 4, Grassland Street. Lots On August 22, 1945, Mr. Philbrook was advised that the Grassland lowest price acceptable to the Board for these particular Street lots was $250.00. Mr. Philbrook stated that he purchased Lots 25 and 26, Grassland Street, last year, and paid only 6100.00. The Chairman stated that the Board would reconsider his offer and advise him when a decision had been reached. 250 oc 011Mr. 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 Ch. 90 John T. Cosgrove, Town Engineer, had attended a hearing at C Meeting 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 Gentile stating that they had recently purchased land in Lexington Petition known as the Ryder Estate and intend to develop the same . , Drainage Northerly on this estate on Middleby and Wachusett Drive there Donditionnais 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. Hamilton Mary G. Hamilton' s letter relative to Lots 627 and 6283 Taxm Lots Freemont Street, was held over from the last meeting of the Board. A second letter was received from Mrs. Hamilton regard- Redem +n ing Lots 607 to 616 inc. and Lots 655 to 659 inc. , Homestead �' Street, Lexington. of Same 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, Otated 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. Water At 8:15 p.m. Mrs . Owens and Mr. F.J. Meleedy of Grant MatPlace and Colonel Barry appeared before the Board. Gat int Mrs. Owens informed the Board that she had requested an Grant 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. 251 The Chairman read a memorandum from Colonel Barry IIrequesting that the expenditure authorized on August 20, Purchase 1945 for the purpose of tire chains be charged to the Re • Tire Snow Removal Account, rather than to the Road Machinery Chains 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 =It which failed is a #12-5 inch dry valve. Experts from the Grinnel Company, Inc. strongly advise replacement of this unit. Public IIColonel Barry stated that examination was made of the Works pit valve an the Highway Department side of the building and B dgi 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 Request ago, and it will cost ' 1,100.00 to replace them. Colonel Transfer Barry recommended that funds be secured for this purpose. Approp. Mr. Sheldon moved that the Appropriation Committee be Committee requested to transfer the sum of 41,100.00 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 Street of Selectmen had voted to authorize the installation of lights four street lights on Paul Revere Road. However, W.F.B. Paul advised that the extension of present street and light Revere systems had been suspended at that time . The Boston Edison Road 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 252 CC CZ 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 Lincoln pertaining to the Lincoln Street Dump. Street The Colonel felt that there should be two shifts of 1Dump attendants, and that a proper entrance and exit should also be provided. The estimated cost for the additional attendant and a When new road would be about 63,000.00. Budgets The Board felt that this item should be considered at Consid- the time budgets are discussed. ered The Chairman read a further memorandum from Colonel Barry stating that he considered it absolutely essential Purchase that a trailer of proper capacity (15 ton) be purchased to Trailer haul Town Equipment. A 15 ton capacity trailer, 31'8" Request long equiped with lights, manual control, brakes, rear When loading ramps, etc. would cost approximately $3225.00. Budgets The Board felt that this item should also be included Consid- in next year' s budgets. ered 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 Author- the OCD pump at $492.00, now in possession of the Fire ize Department. Mr. Garrity strongly advised the purchase of (Purchase this unit to be used by the Water Department. OCD Upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Rowse, it pump 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. Garbage The Clerk reminded the Board that the garbage contract Contract would expire October 15, 1945. Mr. Rowse moved that bids be advertised in the September Adv. 13th and 20th, 1945 issues of the local paper to be submitted Bids 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. 253 The Board gave further consideration to Monis E. Naugher's letter relative to Lot 22, Sullivan Street, Lot 22 Lexington. Sullivan St Mr. Sheldon moved that Mrs . laugher 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. LOts 644- Munroe's inquiry relative to Lots 644-648 inc. , Asbtiry 648 Asbury Street and Lots 110-113, Bellflower Street. Lots 110- Mr. Potter and Mr. Spencer recommended selling these 113 Bell- lots for $121.42 which is the amount due according to Mr. flower St, 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. 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. Spencer reported that these lots are Ave. on an uhf finished 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, Lot Fair Oaks Drive , was held over from the last meeting of the 106 Board. Fair Oak Mrs. Sidney contended that her son, who formerly owned Drive 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 Held paid and he doesn't believe there is any formal notice sent Over 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 Dexter G. Cann, 16 Cedar Court, Wakefield, offering $300.00 for Lots 315 to 340 inc. Moreland Avenue, Lexington. Morelan+ It was decided to hold this matter over until the next Avenue meeting of the Board. Held Over 254 cc a ori The Board gave further consideration to Capt. Johnstone tiC RI101 Fitz-Gerald' s offer of $250.00 for Lot 101, Hilltop Avenue, II top Lexington. Avenue A proposal to sell was advertised in the August 23, Sold to 1945 issue of the Lexington Minute-Man. ri Coscia 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. Lots 32 & Mrs. M. Helen Fitz-Gerald' s offer of $200.00 for Lots 33 Dexter Road Held Over ollen Church Purchase 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 Adams Sch. requested an option. Property Article 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- arrant men, an Article could then be inserted in the Warrant for the• Annual Town Meeting, inasmuch as this property can be sold IIonly by a vote of the Town. The Chairman read a letter from the Appropriation Committee advising that a meeting held on August 20, 1945, Article the Selectmen' s request for a transfer in the amount of $600.00 Warrant to be used for a reappraisal of the Town Property, was die- ' 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. Trans. Bill was received from the Adams Press in the amount of $95.05 for 100 reprints of the School Report and 100 reprints Printing of the Town Accountant ' s Report. These figures were accepted Town in the bid received from the Adams Press, but through an error, Reports 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. Fire The Chairman read a letter from Gordon D. Richards, Chairman of the Building Committee appointed by the Moderator House to supervise, on behalf of and under the direction of the Board Committee of Selectmen, the construction of the new Central and East I Lexington Fire Station. The Committee has organized and verbally engaged thetf irm of Leland and Larson to supervise 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. 255 The Committee requested a letter from the Board of Request Selectmen explaining their duties and also their power to Legal sign a written contract with these two firms. The letter Opinion 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 Use of Club, Inc. for permission to use Estabrook Hall on the even- Hail ing of September 10, 1945, from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.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. Application was received from the Lexington Choral Society Choral for the use of Cary Memorial Hall on Thursday evening, December Society 20, 1945, for a rehearsal and Friday evening, December 21, 1945 for a concert. Uses of Mr. Potter moved that the uses of the hall be granted, Hall 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- mittingBid an estimae for draperies for the Selectmen' s Office Draperie 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 Posters poles at Lexington Center. on Poles 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. Lt. It was decided to have Mr. Potter check this offer with Mr. Neal Lot 53 Spencer and report at the next meeting of the Board. Kendall A letter was received from John F. O'Conner, 38 Outlook Road Drive, offering $300.00 for Lot 124, Section 3, Farmhurst, Lot 124 Kendall Road, Lexington. Mr. O'Connor enclosed a check with Kendall his offer to be used as a binder. 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 9-14)7 L�f 1