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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1946-04-02 461 SELECTMEN'S MEETING April 2, 194$ A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Tuesday evening, April 2, 1946 at 7:30 p.m. Inasmuch as the Town Meeting was held on Monday, April 1, 1946, the Board met on Tuesday even- ing. Chairman Potter, Messrs. Locke, Rowse, and Paxton were present. The Clerk was also present. At 7;30 P.M. Mr. Joseph H. DeFoe, Supt. of Public Works, appeared before the Board. Mr. DeFoe stated that he had purchased a compressor from Vote to the surplus government equipment, but he had never received a Purchase formal vote from the Board authorizing the purchase. Compress- Mr. Rowse moved that the action of the Supt. of Public or Works in purchasing a compressor from the government be approved. Mr. Locke, seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that he had been down to Percy Road Extension, and he believed that this section can be Plow plowed if a tractor is used. Percy Mr. Paxton stated that if a tractor is sent down to plow Road out Percy Road Extension, that will be the only place in that vicinity where the tractor will be used. The Chairman suggested that Mr. DeFoe advise Mr. McGregor that unless the driveway is so arranged that the equipment being used in that area can plow it, there is no way in which the Town can take care of it. Mr. DeFoe reported that the water storage tank is in very bad condition and should be given attention in the very near future. He said that the foundation is supposed to be concrete, but it can be crumpled up in one' s hand. Article The Chairman said that there would have to be an article in inserted in the warrant for the next Town Meeting to appropri- Warrant ate money to take care of this. Mr. DeFoe informed the. Board that Preston Road comes into 2 Houses. Simonds Road, and there are two houses on it which have not been included in the Manor Sewer job. Mr. DeFoe said that he To be believed this should be included, and that it can be served. Added to The Board agreed that this should be included in the Manor Manor job. Mr. DeFoe retired at 8:20 P.M. The following persons appeared before the Board relative to a proposed garage to be erected by the Lovell Bus Lines, Inc: Messrs. Merriam; DeVincentis, architect for the Lovell Bus Lines, Inc; Johnson and Payton, both representatives of the bus company; � i 462 r C71 011 Lovell McCleary, attorney for the Lovell Bue_Lines; Adams, Fawcett , x Bus Lines and Emery, of the Board of Fire Engineers. Mr. Gordon D. Garage on Richards, Chairman of the Fire Stations Building Committee, was also present. Mr. DeVincentis presented a plot plan and explained it to the Board. The Chairman asked if the proposed garage would back up to the Lexington Lumber Company, and Mr. DeVincentis replied in the affirmative. The Chairman asked if the land were low, and Mr. DeVIncentis replied that it would have to be filled in. Mr. Rowse asked if the Board of Fire Engineers would have any use of the property on the other side of Camelia Place. Mr. Emery stated that they did not have any use at the present time, and that there is plenty of land so that the road may be widened. Mr. Emery asked if the Board of Selectmen desired to discuss this matter privately and the Chairman said that he thought it should be discussed in general. He further stated that it does not come under the jurisdiction of the Select- men, but it is a matter to be decided upon by the Board of Appeals. Mr. Merriam stated that it is most essential for the Lovell Bus Lines to obtain a garage in Lexington. He said that many people depend upon this line for transportation, and that it is the only bus line with a five-cent fare. Mr. Merriam stated that the company could not operate from May- nard at that tate, and that they now have petitions for additional routes. He said that up to the present time they have been using the garage at the Arlington Buick, but this space will no longer be available. Mr. Merriam said that the bus company could acquire the property in question, which is nearly an acre in area, and already devoted to public service and business. He stated that the company is reliable and substantial , the line is well run and the drivers cooperative. Mr. Merriam said that the company intends to file a petition for a Board of Appeals hearing, and they would like to feel that the Board of Fire Engineers and the Selectmen are agreeable. He stated that the matter had been taken up with the Planning Board, and that the majority at the meeting were in favor with the proposition. Mr. Merriam said that he understood that the company would construct a building which would, cost at least 00,000. Mr. Emery stated that the Fire Engineers would like Camelia Place as an emergency use. He stated that it would be a nuisance to the fire department and asked how often the buses would run. Mr. Fayton said that the buses would be leaving the garage at 6;00 or 6:30 in the morning, and they would be out until 6 00 or 6:30 in the evening. Some of them would not be coming LA until midnight. He said that there would not be any continous traffic, and perhaps once or twice during the day one bus might come in for gas or check up. 463 He said that there would be- four coming in at six o'clock at night, and two or three coming in after midnight. Mr. Emery asked if there would be fifteen-minute traffic, and Mr. Fayton replied in the negative. The Chairman asked how many buses would be housed in the proposed garage, and Mr. Fayton said they would erect a garage large enough to accommodate sixteen buses: . Mr. Emery asked if they would be working on the buses during the night, and Mr. Fayton said that any Minor service would be done in the daytime. Mr. Adams asked if there would be a night man, and Mr. Fayton replied in the affirmative. He said that the garage would be mainly storage and light service. He said that all heavy repair work will still be done in Maynard. He stated that the garage would be large enough to accommodate sixteen buses, but at the present time, they would only have ten. The buses will be registered from the Town of Lexington. The building will be of first class construct- ion, absolutely fireproof. He stated that there would be no dirt or noise. Mr. Emery said that the traffic at six in the morning would make it desirable to have Camelia Place wide enough for two cars to pass. Mr. Fayton said that they would like to have the road twenty-two feet wide. Mr. Emery asked if the conpany intended to purchase the land, and Mr. Fayton replied in the affirmative He stated that they would not build on the other side of Camelia Place. Mr. Fayton said that they had no intention of using Hancock Avenue. Mr. Rowse asked if the company expected the Town to widen Camelia Place at the Town' s expense, and Mr. Fayton thought the Town would pay for widening the street. Mr. DeVincentis thought the company would like the town to remove the trees and widen the street, Mr. Paxton said that he thought that they would have to have a fairly substantially paved surface. The Chairman suggested that the group, with the exception of the Fire Engineers, retire so that the matter could be discussed by the two boards., Mr. Rowse asked how much interest the Board of Fire Engineers had in a through street. Mr. Emery said that they only intended to use the Farm Crossing in an emergency or possibly for the light brush fire wagons. He said that the Fire Department has no intention of regularly using Hancock Avenue as an exit. If the Board of Selectmen make a through street, the Fire Department would like to use it. He said that it would be a convenience to have a potential outlet. Mr. Emery said that the road would have to be raised, and some type of dust proof top put on it. Mr. Locke said that the Fire Department would need, as good a I surface as the bus company would. Mr. Emery agreed. 4�4 cc The Chairman asked if the Board of Fire Engineers would go on record stating that the width of the road is sufficient for the needs of the Fire Department, and Mr. Emery replied in the affirmative. The Chairman suggested that the bus company might pay one-half of the expense in widening the street, and having a forty-foot right of way laid out by the Town Engineer. The representatives of the bus company returned at 9:20 p.m. The Chairman stated that apparently neither the Board of Fire Engineers or the Board of Selectmen have any opposition to the building going in, other than com- ing to some agreement of the right of way going in, and the road. He said that the Board would like to have the road from the street into the line, constructed on a twenty-four foot width, with the cost to be divided by both parties. He stated that the Town would like a forty foot layout for the extra area, with the thought that sometime the Town might want to make a through way. Mr. Merriam asked if the Board had any idea as to what it might cost to improve the property from Bedford Street to the line. Mr. Paxton said that his guess would be a maximum of $2,000. Mr. McCleary said that he thought the Lovell Bus Company would be willing to do something, and that it would have to be taken up with the Board of Directors. He suggested leaving the matter as it is at the present time, and said that the company would like the Board's opinion as to whether or not they would consider the proposition as discussed this evening. The group retired at 9:35 p.m. Mr. Gordon Richards remained at the meeting. The Chairman asked Mr. Richards about a bill in the Central amount of $109. submitted by the Andrew & Johnson Company Fire Stat for blueprints in connection with the Central Fire Station. Mr. Richards stated that the agreement was that the architect would be paid 20% plus the cost of blueprints. Rather than to absorb the cost in the fee , the architect elected to send a separate bill. Mr. Richards maid that this was a bill of construction cost, and should be paid out of the 0110,000. appropriation. Mr. Rowse moved that the bill be approved for payment, and be charged to the Central Fire Station appropriation. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. $r Richards brought samples of bricks which the architect would like to use in place of the New England Water Struck Brick. 465 Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Locke, it was voted to approve the substitution of bricks of equal quality, inasmuch as it is not possible to obtain New England Water Struck Bricks. Mr., Richards stated that he would like the Board's approval in the reduction in the oil tank from 1/4 inch to 3/16 inch. Mr. Rowse moved to approve the reduction. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Board felt that it is not necessary for Mr. Richards or his committee to submit any alterations of a minor nature in the construction of the proposed fire station. However, before any major changes are made , or alterations ooneidered, which may involve additional money, the Board prefers to have them presented for approval. Mr. Richards retired at 10:03 p.m. , Air. Emery returned to the meeting at 10:10 p.m. Bids Open relative to the bids on the new fire truck and fire alarm on Fire system. Alarm It was decided to have the Engineers open bids and System & submit them to the Board of Selectmen. Fire Mr. Rowse questioned opening bids on fire alarm systems Truok before the building is erected, and Mr. Emery stated that they would not let a contract or recommend that the Select- men approve a contract unless the government stated that they could go ahead with the building. Petition, plan, and two copies of an order were received from the Boston Edison Company requesting authorization of the following pole locations: Pole North Street northerly from a point approximately 2490 feet Locations north of Adams Street , - three (3 ) poles; guy wire and anchor to the third pole. Mr. Rowse moved that the pole location and the order be signed. Mr. Paxton seconded the Motion, and it was so voted. Letter was received from the Bradford Motor Company, 34 Bedford Street, stating that they would like to have a tree removed which is in the way of a proposed driveway. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Garrity, Superin- Tree tendent of Shade Trees, stating that this tree is not very Removed valuable, and he recommends posting it. Bedford Mr. Locke moved that the tree be posted and the abutters so notified. Mr. Paxton seconded the motion, and it was so votqd. 466 GO C Application was received for a First Class Dealer's >1 First Class License from Edwin P. Bradford, PrSsident of Bradford Dealer' s Motor Company. License Satisfactory character reference was received from Bradford the Chief of Police. Motor Co. Mr. Locke moved that the license be granted. Mr Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Petition was received from Mr. Arthur E. Nunan, 309 Marrett Road, registering a complaint of alleged Nunan damage by children in the neighborhood to private Complaint property. It was decided to refer the matter to the Police Department. Petition was received from the residents of Woburn Street requesting the installation of a sewerage connect- ion. Petition The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the petition, for Woburn and advise the petitioner that due to previous commitments, Street the work cannot be done at this time. Sewer Letter was received from Ralph E. Clark offering *200. for Lots 1-4, Colonial Heights, Massachusetts Avenue. Clark Mr. Locke moved that a proposal to sell the lots be Tax Title advertised in the Lexington Minute-Man, and further consid- Offer eration be given this offer at the next meeting of the Board. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Letter was received from Mark Maguire, 4 Parker Street, Lexington, offering the sum of $75. for Lots 81 and 82, Maguire Hillside Avenue. Tax Title The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the letter, and Offer to advise Mr. Maguire that the town does not desire to dispose of the property at this time. Letter was received from Carl 0. Wennberg, 14 Cherry St. , Lexington, offering the sum of $300, for Lots 110D, 110E, and 110F, Fair Oaks Drive. Wennberg Mr. Rowse moved that a proposal to sell the lots be ' Tax Title advertised in the Lexington Minute-Man, and that further Offer consideration be given at the next meeting of the Board. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Three separate offers were received for Lot 50, Bowker 3 Offers Street and Taft ayenue, and Lot 49, Taft Avenue and Charles Tax Title Street. Property Mr. Rowse moved that a proposal to sell the lots be advertised in the Lexington Minute-Man, and further consider- ation be given the offer at the next meeting of the Board. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application for a certificate of incorporation was received from the Office of the Secretary of State, 467 requesting a character reference on James P. McCarthy, Cert. of II201 Pollen Road. Incorpora'n Satisfactory reference was received from the Chief James P. of Police. McCarthy Mr. Rowse moved that the application be signed and returned to the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from William J. Tobin, Tobin's stating that he understood that the Lexington Police Request Department had requested that appointment of two permanent to De officers, and that he would like to be a member of the Police police farce. It was decided to refer the letter to the Chief of Police. The Chairman read a letter from Henry B. Rogers, offering the sum of $100. for the East Lexington Fire Offer for Station. East Lex. The Clerk was instructed to advise Mr. Rogers that the letter would be kept on file, and that no contract has been let. She was further instructed to tell hien that it may be advantageous to include the building in the contract when it is let . Application was received from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, requesting the use of Cary Memorial Hall on the even- Use of ing of April 27, from 7 00 p.m. to midnight, for a public Hall installation. Mr. Locke moved that the use of the hall,be granted, free of charge. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from the Lexington Softball League, requesting the use of the conference room on the Use of evening of April 9, for a meeting. Conference Mr. Rowse moved that the use of the hall be granted, Room free of charge. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from the Massachusetts Farm Use of Bureau Federation, requesting the use of Estabrook Hall Hall on the evening of April 10 , from 8 00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. for an educational meeting. Mr. FRowse moved that the hall be granted, free of charge. Mr. Paxton seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Clerk informed the Board that Mr. Carl Terhune Suter Stated that Richard Suter, from whom the ambulance had Ambulance been called and a charge of $5 .20 committed, was a dis- Bill charged veteran who is financially unable to pay the Charge. Mr. Locke moved that the charge be abated. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 408 00 a Selig' s The Clerk informed the Board that Lawrence J. Selig Request now has a license for three public carriages, and would for like to license two additional. add'nl Mr. Rowse moved that the request be denied. Mr. taxis Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. It was decided to request the following individuals Committee to serve on a committee for the purpose of formulating on Public rules and regulations pertaining to Public Carriage Carriages Licenses: Lt. Frank T. Neal, Arthur Dodge, Frank B. Culbertson, and William G. Potter, ex-officio. Appl'n Mr. Anthony Iodice's application for a Public Cagriage Public License was held over from the last meeting of the Board. Carriage Mr. Rowse moved that this license be denied. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Penal sum bond in the sum of $1,000. on behalf of Constable Edward C. Magurie as Constable, was received. Bond Mr. Locke moved that the bond be approved. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Reject Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Locke, it E. Lex. was voted to reject the bids received on the East Lexington bids , Fire Station, return the bond and checks, and to request new bids. A true record, Attest: C erk 1