HomeMy WebLinkAbout1946-01-28 399
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
January 28, 1946
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in
the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening,
January 28, 1946, at 7 :30 P.M. Chairman Locke, Messrs. Potter,
Sarano and Sheldon were present. The Clerk was also present.
At 7 :35 P.M. Mr. James J. Carroll, Town Clerk, appeared Jurors
before the Board for the drawing of two jurors
Mr. Emile J. Vadeboncoeur, printing business, 35 Brandon
Street, was drawn to serve on Criminal Business, First Session,
at Cambridge, beginning March 5, 1946.
Mr. Albert G. Ross, pattern maker, 7 Locust Avenue, was
drawn to serve on Civil Business, First Session, at Cambridge,
beginning March 4, 1946.
Mr. Carroll retired at 7 :40 P.M. , and Colonel Barry and
Mr. DeFoe appeared before the Board.
Mr. DeFoe said that if it could be done conveniently, he
would like to include an additional $25 in the budgets for the
Town Offices & Cary Memorial Buildings and the Public Works
Building to take care of the inspection of sprinkler service.
The Board considered the request, and decided that the
amount could be absorbed in the present budget figures.
Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that he had some tests made Lower-
in connection with the lowering of Vine Brook from Waltham ing
Street to Clarke Street. The first 400 feet, beginning at Vine
Waltham Street, have approximately five feet of muck. The Brk.
remainder of the brook, with the exception of about 200 feet,
is in the same condition. Mr. DeFoe said that possibly if
some of the muck were removed, gravel put in, and some cross
timbers laid, upon which to set the pipe, it might stabilize
itself. However, he said it was questionable as to how much
material would have to be removed when the work is once
undertaken.
Mr. DeFoe suggested riprapping. He stated that by doing
the latter, less seepage would be required. He stated that
instead of lowering 2.8 at Clarke Street, it could be lowered
3.8 by riprapping, and he said that it probably would not cost
too much for stone. Mr. DeFoe reported that John T. Cosgrove,
Town Engineer, had prepared an estimate of $15,500 for lower-
ing the brook. He said that he had reviewed the figures, and
it appears that it might be possible to do it for this amount,
but they may run into a foundation condition.
Mr. Sheldon asked if Town labor would be used, and Mr.
DeFoe replied in the affirmative.
The Chairman asked how much it would cost for riprapping,
and Mr. DeFoe said that he would have to know where he was
going to get the stone, and how much the hauling charges would
be. He said that he estimated the wood taking a yard for every
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foot, and that it is prob3amatical as to how much it will cost. R°C
He said that if the brook were dug out with a shovel, it could
be done within a week or ten days; two weeks at the maximum.
Mr. Potter suggested that Mr. DeFoe look around to see
what he could find for stone, and report next week.
Plowing Mr. DeFoe said that he had driven down to Percy Road
Percy Extension, and from what he could see, with the snow still
Road on the ground, he does not believe it feasible for a truck
Extension to go in. He said that he could not tell whether or not the,
cletrac could go in the driveway at Wildacre without damag-
ing the lawns. However, he felt that if they could get the
cletrac in, it might be well to clear the driveway.
The Board felt that the driveway should not be plowed,
and requested Mr. DeFoe to inspect it sometime after the
snow has disappeared.
Mr. DeFoe reported that he had checked the so-called
Stevens' Gravel Pit on Utica Street, and he does not believe
the quality of the material is very good. He said that the
sand is extremely fine and not suitable for anything for which
the Town would use it. He said it could probably only be used
for fill.
Miller Mr. DeFoe said that he had checked #973 Concord Turnpike
Street investigating Mr. Miller's request for a street light. He
Light said this is the last house on the Turnpike. Mr. DeFoe said
Turnpike that he had called the Boston Edison Company and inquired as
to whether or not they could furnish a light. He also asked
them if they would furnish a light upon request of the Board
of Selectmen. He was advised that it would take about a week
before they could give a definite reply.
Article The Chairman read a letter signed by property owners on
Street Leonard Road requesting the installation of street lights.
Light Mr. Potter moved that an Article be inserted in the War-
Leonard rant authorizing the Selectmen to install street lights on
Road Leonard Road. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was
so voted.
Hearing The Chairman read a letter from the County Cissioners,
Reloca- County of Middlesex, stating that the Commissioners have
tion scheduled a hearing for the relocation of Lincoln Street for
Lincoln February 27, 1946, at 11:15 a.m.
St. The Clerk was instructed to inform the Commissioners
that the Selectmen' s Room would be available for the hearing.
Sanding Mr. DeFoe said that he had received several requests for
Streets sanding streets.
The Board felt that the men should not go out arbitrarily
to sand streets and that the Superintendent of Public Works
should wait until he has received a request.
Colonel Barry and Mr. DeFoe retired at 8:25 P.M. , and Mr.
Peter Helburn appeared before the Board.
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Mr. Helburn said that he wanted to set up a blacksmith
shop on Burlington Street.
The Chairman explained that Mr. Helburn should petition
the Board of Appeals for a hearing.
Mr. Helburn retired at 8:30 P.M.
The following members of the fire station committee Fire
appeared before the Board: Messrs. Emery, Richards, Nicker- Station
son, and Ripley. Mr. Richards said that Mr. Billings expected Committee
to be present at the meeting this evening, but it was im-
possible for him to obtain the information he desired, and
he would like to meet with the Board next Monday evening.
Mr. Richards said that the clause written in the bids means
just what it says. He said that if there is an increase in
price, the total cost must therefore be increased. Mr.
Billings will check with his material men and sub-contractors
stating that he has a job, and ask them if they will hold to
their price. If they agree, he will then take out the
qualifying phrase. He expects to have this Information for
the Board next week.
Mr. Richards said that without hurting the building,
and including the architects' fees, it may be possible to
bring the figure down. He said that if the contract is let
now, material for future building may be ordered.
Mr. Rowse asked if the architects' fees had to be in-
cluded in the $110,000 figure, and the Chairman replied that
that was the ruling given by Mr. Wrightington.
Mr. Emery said that he had talked to Billings, and they
really want the contract, and hope to have the figure for
next week.
Mr. Sheldon said that as far as the Board Of Selectmen
is concerned, there is nothing that can be done until next
Monday evening.
Mr. Emery said that it was a good idea to place the
contract and get the order so that the Town will be on the
top of the list for material.
Mr. Richards said that the quality of the building would
not be cut if the figure is reduced, but some of the work may
be done by the firemen. He said that it would be necessary,
however, to have a conti%ency fund.
It was decided to hold the matter over until the next
meeting -when Mr. Billings will be present.
The group retired at 8:45 P.M. , and Mr. Robert Ryder
appeared before the Board.
Mr. Ryder discussed at length the requirements of the Bd.
Board of Survey rules and regulations. Survey
He retired at 9 :15 P.M.
Mr. Edwin B. Worthen, Mr. Aiden L. Ripley, Mr. W. S. Ellen
Caouette, Mr. Goodwin, a mover, Mr. Harter and Mr. Brigham Stone
appeared before the Board. House
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Mr. Caouette said that Mr. Harter desires to
preserve piq
the Ellen Stone House in East Lexington, and he would like
to undertake moving the structure from its present location
to opposite the Munroe Tavern, next to Weltits house on Mass-
achusetts Avenue. The area of the lot upon which it is to
be placed is about 16,000 feet.
Mr. Caouette said that Mr. Harter had been told that the
Town would not issue him a permit to move the house.
The Chairman explained that there was no argument as to
the interest of saving the house, and that the Board of
Selectmen would do everything possible to cooperate.
Mr. Goodwin said that as far as the State Law goes, when
the Board of Selectmen have granted a permit to move a build-
ing, the mover is required to give the public utilities a
twenty-four hour written notice, and they must move the wires
free of charge.
Mr. Sheldon asked how long it would take to move the
house, and Mr. Goodwin replied that it would take six days,
and he can keep one-way traffic. Mr. Sheldon asked if there
were any tree work necessary, and Mr. Goodwin replied that
there are one or two limbs which may have to be removed. He
said that he has not had an opportunity to check the matter.
Mr. Sheldon asked if he will have to wait until the ice
is off the streets, and Mr. Goodwin said that he does not
want a permit until April. Mr. Goodwin said that he had been
in the moving business for approximately 52 years, carries
liability insurance, and is a bonded mover. Mr. Caouette
asked if he would maintain a watchman.
Mr. Goodwin said that he would keep a traffic policeman
there and lights. He said that the job would be protected
at all thea.
The Chairman said that the Board of Selectmen is in
accord, and the details may be worked out later. He further
stated that the necessary permit could be arranged.
The group retired at 9 :25 P.M.
Clay The following tennis enthusiasts appeared before the
Tennis Board: Messrs. Munroe Hamilton, George Morse, Aiden Ripley,
Courts Frank Pespisa and Rev. Harold Handley.
Mr. Hamilton said that the purpose for meeting with the
Board of Selectmen this evening was to find out about ob-
taining clay tennis courts for the Town of Lexington. He
said that the committee had prepared a four-page report and
presented arguments for the clay courts.
Mr. Morse went into the matter in detail.
Mr. Sheldon asked if the argument came on reconditioning
of the present courts, or building new ones.
Mr. Hamilton said that he would like to see the Town
appropriate money enough to build two courts to start with.
Mr. Sarano asked if this subject shouldnTt come under
the Park & Playground Department.
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Mr. Hamilton said that he had talked with Mr. Garrity,
and asked him to submit the report, but he is out of Town
this evening.
Mr. Sheldon asked what the cost of a clay court would
be, starting from the beginning.
Mr. Hamilton replied that they vary, and in Lincoln two
very fine courts were built at a total cost of $2,000. How-
ever, if the courts had to be built from scratch, it will
cost $1500 each.
Mr. Sarano asked if Mr. Garrity had included an item in
his budget, and Mr. Hamilton said he understood Mr. Garrity
had reserved his action until he knew whether or not the Board
would approve the item.
Mr. Sheldon said that it would seem that the idea should
be redonr¢nended by Mr. Garrity.
Mr. Hamilton said that Mr. Garrity did recommend that
the information be compiled, and submitted to the Selectmen.
Mr. Potter suggested that the committee present their
ideas to the Appropriation Committee.
The Chairman said that they must have some very definite
figures for such an item, and he believed it could be included
in the general budget. He asked how much money would be in-
volved.
Mr. Hamilton said that he received a figure from someone
in Lincoln of $3,267, and Mr. Garrity suggested adding one-
third.
The Chairman reminded the group that an additional amount
should be included for maintenance.
Mr. Hamilton said that the Town of Lincoln had approved
$4,000 and used $3200.
The group retired to meet with the Appropriation Committee
at 9 :55 P.M.
The Selectmen considered adding a figure of $3,000 to the
Park Department - Wages & Expenses Appropriation.
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Thomas S. Grindle, Connect
Supt. of Schools, stating that the School Committee will have Sprinklers
an Article in the Warrant asking for funds to directly connect Fire Alarm
the sprinkler system in the different school buildings to the Boxes
fire alarm boxes.
Mr. Grindle further stated that the Appropriation Com-
mittee had suggested that the School Committee consult the
Selectmen to see if it would be best to have this Article
include all public buildings.
The School Committee will also have an Article asking
for an appropriation to install emergency lights in the school
buildings where required by law.
The committee thought this was a project which would
logically include all public buildings.
Mr. Casimiro Bertinits letter of January 19, 1946, was Bertini
held over from the last meeting of the Board. re :
Hillcrest
Avenue
Acceptance
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1.711
Mr. Bertini is anxious to have Hillcrest Avenue accepted,
but he has been unable to obtain the required 75 per cent
of the abutters to sign a petition.
The Clerk was instructed to advise Mr. Bertini that
there is nothing that the Selectmen can do to help the
present situation, inasmuch as they have no alternative but
to continue the present procedure which required signatures
of 75 per cent of the abutters on a street.
The Board gave further consideration to Mr. Winston H.
Johnson's offer of $325 for Lot 114, Fair Oaks Drive, Lex-
ington. A proposal to sell this lot was advertised in the
January 24, 1946 issue of the Lexington Minute-Man.
A second offer was received from Gordon J. MacDonald,
1 Payson Street, Lexington, Of $350 for the same lot.
Mr. Sarano moved that Mr. MacDonald's offer be accepted,
and that Lot 114, Fair Oaks Drive, be sold and conveyed to
Mr. MacDonald. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was
so voted.
Lots 48-52 A letter was received from Charles D. Sullivan, 51 Grant
inc. Street, Lexington, offering $600 for Lots 48 to 52 inc. on
Fletcher Fletcher Avenue and Hayes Lane.
Avenue & An offer of $800 for the same lots was also received
Hayes Lane from Mr. William L. Potter.
The Chairman reminded the Board that Lawrence A. Husted
had offered $625 for the same lots and was advised that the
Board would entertain an offer of $1,200.
Upon motion of Mr. Saran, seconded by Mr. Sheldon, it
was voted to write the three bidders, and to advise them that
the Board would consider an offer of $1,000.
Vote to Notation was received from Jessie Robbins, 59 Craigie
advertise Street, Somerville, stating that the Board's figure of $250
Lots 550- for Lots 540 to 548 inc. on Asbury Street and Lots 559 to
to 567 567 on Edna Street would be acceptable.
Asbury & Mr. Sheldon moved that a proposal to sell the lots be
Edna Sts. 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.
Purchase The Chairman read a letter from Mrs. Louise Sexton
Sexton inquiring as to whether or not the Town would be interested
Property in purchasing the property at 1519 Massachusetts Avenue,
Lexington.
The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the letter, and
to advise Mrs. Sexton that if she cared to submit a figure,
the Board would give it further consideration.
Use of Application was -received from the Lexington Club, Inc.
Hall for permission to conduct a dance in Cary Memorial Hall, for
Senior High School students on the afternoon of February 22, 111946, from 2:00 P.M. to 6 :00 P.M.
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Mr. Sarano moved that the use of the hall be granted
free of charge. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was
so voted.
Application was received from the Tandem Club of the Use of
Hancock Congregational Church requesting permission to con- Hall
duct a concert in Cary Memorial Hall on the evening of March
22, 1946, from 8:00 P.M. to 10:30 P.M.
Mr. Saran moved that the use of the hall be granted,
subject to a charge of $25. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion,
and it was so voted.
Upon motion of Mr. Saran, seconded by Mr. Sheldon, it Licenses
was voted to grant the following licenses :
William Viano 1794 Mass. Ave. Sunday Movies
Daisy MacAlpine 50 Percy Road Innholder (renewal)
Morris Motors 400 Waltham Street 1st Class Agent
A true record, Attest :
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