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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1946-04-22 480 SELECTMIN'S MEWING >< April 22 , 1946 , A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectments Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, April 22; 1946,at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Potter, Messrs. Locke, Rowse, Sarano and Paxton were present. The Clerk was also present. Mr. James J. Carroll, Town Cleric appeared before the Board at- 7:30 p.ii. for the drawing of three jurors: Mr. Bertram F. Whipple , Bank Clerk, 9 Charles Street, Three was drawn to serve on Civil Business, First Session at Jurors Cambridge, beginning the third Monday in June. Drawn Mr. John A. Porthouse, Salesman, 10 Aerial Street, was drawn to serve on Civil Business, Second Session at Cambridge, beginning the third Monday in June. Mr. James Cavanaugh, Truck Driver, 36 Liberty Street, was drawn to serve on Criminal Business, First Session at Cambridge, beginning the third Monday in June. Mr. Carroll retired at 7:32 p.m. , and Mr. William Cann, Building Inspector, appeared. before the Board. Mr. Cann stated that from January 1 to April 1. he had Mr. Cann issued building permits amounting to $466.490, and for the Building month of April alone he had issued twelve permits for houses Inspector totaling $88, 500. Mr. Cann stated that he could not do the Requests work required on a part-time basis. Increase Mr. Rowse asked if Mr. Cann had tqken into consideration In Salary the fact that for three years we have had no building, and also the fact that his salary has already been increased. Mr. Cann replied that he could not do the work required of him for $30 a week. Mr. Rowse asked how much of the construction in Town was being held up on account of the new rulings pertaining to building, and Mr. Cann replied that most of the cellars have been dug. Mr. Rowse asked if permission would be given to proceed with construction of all buildings ,where the cellars have been dug, and Mr. Cann replied in the affirmative. Mr. Sarano asked Mr. Cann how much money he wanted, and Mr. Cana replied $3 ,000 a year. Mr. Sarano asked him if he would furnish his own car, and Mr. Cann said that he would not unless he was paid for it. The Chairman said that the Board would discuss the matter and advise him whatever decision is made. Mr. Cann retired at 8:47 p.m. Mr. Locke said that he thought the Board would have to go along with Mr. Cann. Mr. Rowse suggested that the Chairman discuss the matter with Mr. Cann, and then take it up with the Appropriation Committee. 481 Mr. DeFoe, Supt. of Public Works, appeared before the Board. Mr. DeFoe stated that he thought there should be a girl to do the clerical work for the Building and Plumbing Inspectors, and the Supt. of Parks & Playgrounds, unasmuch as these three departments are to be set up in the room now occupied by the Public Welfare Department. He stated that he had planned Transfer to have Miss McNamara take care of this work. Mr. DeFoe Miss stated that Miss Tarbell had talked to him confidentially Tarbell and said that she was going to leave the Accounting To Public Department because the work was too much of a strain on Works her eyes. She said that she would like very much to work in Department his department, and would appreciate a decision as soon as possible , inasmuch as she has another position in mind. Mr. DeFoe explained that if she did not go to work Cdr him, she would leave and take another job. Mr. Rowse moved that the Board approve the change, following a conference with Mr. White, Mr. DeFoe and the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. DeFoe said that he would like approval of the Board to purchase a nine or ten foot Buckeye spreader. He said there was only a $40 difference between the nine or ten foot unit, Vote to and he was not sure which one the Massachusetts Broken Stone Authorize had for sale. Purchase Mr. Paxton explained that formerly the Town hired the of spreader from the company that the stone was purchased from, Spreader and the work had to be adjusted to their time. He said that as he recalled it, the Town had to pay five or ten dollars a day for the spreader. Mr. De Foe said that the nine foot spreader cost $589.50, and the ten foot spreader cost $633.50. Mr. Sarano asked if he had sufficient money to purchase this unit and Mr. DeFoe replied in the affirmative. He said he merely wanted authorization to purchase either a nine or ten foot spreader at a cost not to exceed the prices quoted this evening. Mr. Paxton moved that Mr. DeFoe be authorized to purchase either a nine. or a, ten foot spreader at a cost not to exceed the prices quoted this evening. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. DeFoe said that he had conferred With Mr. Garrity Fence at about the fence at 11 Belfry Terrace investigating the complaint Belfry submitted last week by Mrs. Evelyn White. Terrace Mr. Garrity informed him that it will cost $400 to repair the fence, and he has included this item in his budget for four years, but each time it was disapproved. He has no money for this work now. Item for The Chairman asked if the fence could be patched up, and Budget Mr. DeFoe said that some of it could be fixed. The Chairman suggested that the fence be fixed as well as possible for the time being, and that an item be included in next year' s budget to cover the expense of doing the work properly. 4132 00 Mr. Jasper A. Lane's request for additional insurance was held over from last week. Lane Req . Mr. DeFoe said that one policy in the amount of $5,000 Additional would expire May 3 , and another policy in the amount of $5,000 would expire November 6. Mr. Rowse stated that Mr. Lane is a Federal Reserve Bank Employee and does not devote his full time to insurance. He suggested that Mr. DeFoe write to Mr. Lane and advise him that the Board is going to review the insurance business again, and consideration may be given him at that time. It was decided to have Mr. Rowse, Mr. Paxton and Mr. DeFoe meet for the purpose of going over the insurance schedule. Chairman At 8:30 p.m. Mr. DeFoe retired, and Mr. Harold Bowker, Board of Chairman of the Board of Appeals appeared before the Board. Appeals Mr. Bowker submitted a plan of the proposed garage which Re: the Lovell Bus Lines, Inc. intend to erect in the event the Lovell Bus petition is granted by the Board of Appeals. Mr. Bowker stated Lines, that the Board of Appeals had requested him to find out how Inc. much of the street is owned by the Town of Lexington. Mr. Paxton informed him that the Town owns to the center of the brook. Mr. Bowker asked if the Town had the right to enlarge the street, and the Chairman replied in the affirmative. Mr. Bowker asked if there was anything to prevent the Town from enlarging the street , and Mr. Locke replied that there was nothing whatsoever. The Chairman read a letter from the Lovell Bus Lines, Inc. agreeing to grant the Town a forty foot right-of-way through the property which they propose to purchase. Mr. Rowse asked if the Town had to fill it in, and Mr. Paxton replied in the affirmative, but stated that it wodld not have to be excavated. Mr. Bowker asked if the Board of Selectmen had any objection to this company erecting the garage in its connection with the new Central Fire Station. The Board of Selectmen had no objection, and Mr. Rowse said that the Fire Engineers would want enough room to pass, and on this twenty-four foot street there would be sufficient room. Mr. Bowker retired at 8:30 p.m. Russell At 8:30 p.m. hearing was declared open upon the petition Davenport of Russell S. Davenport for permission to increase the capacity Gasoline of an underground tank for the storage of gasoline from 100 Hearing gallons to 1,000 gallons on the premises located at 482 Bedford Street, Lexington. Mr. Davenport explained that he merely wanted to replace the present 100 gallon tank with a 1,000 gallon tank. Mo persons appeared in favor or in opposition. The hearing was declared closed at 8:35 p.m. , and Mr. Davenport retired. 483 Mr. Rowse moved that the permit be granted; bubject to the approval of the Board of Fire Engineers. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Robert pady, 10 Greenwood Street, appeared l6etore the Board. He alt321 that he had applied for a permit to build a Cady two-car garage and at the present time he has a one-car Permit garage. He said he wanted to enlarge the building and put To Build in another door. He stated that he was told by the Build- Garage ing Inspector that the building must be twenty feet from the lot line. Mr. Cady said that the garage has been these for thirty years and is ten feet from the street. He said it has a Dement platform and floor. Mr. Rowse informed him that the only thing he could do was to apply for a Board of Appeal hearing. Mr. Cady retired at 8:40 p.m. and Mr. Joyce, representing the developer who intends to erect houses on Spring Street, appeared before the Board. • Mr. Joyce said that they want to start building houses on Spring Street and their plan for this has been tentatively approved by the Planning Board. Mr. Rowse asked wily he didn' t get the plan for the entire development approved, and Mr. Joyce replied that it involves a great deal of work. Mr. Rowse stated that the correct procedure would be to hale the entire Spring Street layout approved. Mr. Locke stated that he could lay out the lots on Spring Street as long as they conform to the building requirements. Mr. McLaughlin, the developer, appeared before the Board at 8: 45 p.m. Develp'r He stated that he hoped to have this plan approved tor Re: Lay- night because they are ready to operate. out The Chairman stated that insofar as the lots on Spring Spring Street are concerned, if they are laid out with s 100' Street frontage and an area of 12, 500 feet, Mr. McLaughlin could for Build go ahead, but a hearing would have to be held by the Board ing of Survey to approve any further layout of the development . Houses The Chairman said that the only thing that he question is the streets running from Spring Street. Mr. Joyce said that if it is a point of corners having a hundred feet on one-half the arc, he could easily arrange that. Mr. Paxton suggested that Ms4. Joyce confer with Mr. DeFoe and Mr. Cosgrove, and he agreed to do so . Mr. McLaughlin asked if he could go ahead on Spring Street as laid out. The Chairman said that the Boardues o corner q tined the lots, and would leave it up to the Town Engineer as to whether or not they meet the requirements. Messrs. McLaughlin and Joyce retired at 9:00 p.m. and Mr. DeFoe returned to the meeting. Mr. DeFoe stated that he had talked with the Town Counsel relative to the method of assessing the proposed construct- Watson ion of Watson Road. Mr. Lynch agreed that the Town must Road Constr- ues L 484 00 oq assess all the abutters for betterments, but according to Chapter 80 you cannot assess beyond the value of that betterment to the property. As far as abating the better- ments, it is up to the Selectmen. If the betterment isn't an improvement to the property, it can be abated in its entirety. If there is undue hardship, as a corner lot, it is also within the Selectmen's province to abate this too. Mr. Rowse moved that the construction be done under the system outlined by Mr. Lynch. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. DeFoe stated that the War Assets has an International Authorize 10D-9 Diesel Hydraulic Operative Bulldozer which looks to him Purchase of like a good unit for snow removal. Mr. DeFoe said that the Bulldozer unit sells for $3 ,680, and he feels sure that he can pur- chase it at 40 per cent off. Mr. Paxton moved that Mr. DeFoe be authorized to pur- chase the bulldozer at a price not exceeding $3 ,680. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Man for A lengthy discussion was held pertaining to the Eng. Dept. Personnel of the Engineering Department. The Chairman suggested that Mr. DeFoe obtain some Held information on what he may have to pay a man for the Over Engineering Department, and to bring the subject up again at the next meeting of the Board. Mr. DeFoe retired at 9:40 p.m. Mr. Goodwin of B. F. Goodwin & Sons, the concern Permit to engaged to move the Ellen Stone House, appeared before the Move Board. Ellen The Chairman asked Mr. Goodwin if he knew that he had Stone to obtain a permit before moving the house, and Mr. Goodwin House replied that he didn't always have to have a permit. Some of the Towns do not require one. He said he thought he had a permit, but was unable to locate it. Mr. Locke stated that two months ago Mr. Goodwin appeared before the Board and, at that time, told the Board what he intended to do . He was informed that a permit would be issued when he applied for it at the time he was ready to move the building. The Chairman explained that the Board was only interested in having him apply for a permit and obtaining a bond to protect the Town. Mr. Rowse asked if Mr. Goodwin would make the arrange- ments with the utilities, and he replied in the affirmative. The Chairman said that the Board would have a permit prepared and advise him when it is ready. Mr. Goodwin retired at 9: 50 p.m. The Clerk was instructed to have the Town Counsel approve the permit and also to notify Mr. Garrity when it is issued. Upon motion of Mr. Locke, seconded by Mr. Rowse, it was voted to issue a permit to B. F. Goodwin & Sons for per- mission to move the Ellen Stone House; subject to the approval 485 of the Town Counsel and the filing of a $1,000 bond. At 9 :55 p.m. Mr. Roland Greeley and Mr. Alfred Tropeano, representing the Committee studying the need of future school sites, appeared before the Board. Aldrich Mr. Greeley stated that they wanted tolbuild a school on Property the Aldrich Property, and Mr. Hayden refused to grant per- For mission. Mr. Greeley said that there is a clause in the School deed stating that this property could be used for educational Site purposes. Mr. Hayden denied the deed included any such terms. He said that any school on the property would be detaimental to the playground property. Mr. Greeley said that his committee could not find any other site that seems to be as good as this one, and they are sold on the location as the best site. They would like to know if there is anything that can be done about the situation by the Town to assert its case with Mt. Hayden. The Chairman suggested that the Board of Selectmen be given an opportunity to consider the matter. Messrs. Greeley and Tropeano retired at 10:20 p.m. It was decided to have the ,hairman contact Mr. Giroux relative to discussing with Mr. Hayden the possibility of erecting a school on the Aldrich Property. Mr. Joseph Busa, 36 Lowell Street, appeared before the Not to 11 Board. He stated that he has a Quonset Hut that he would like Allow to set up somewhere in Lexington temporarily. Quonset He said that at the present time he does not own a Huts piece of property upon which to place the hut, and he would like to know whether or not the Town will allow him to set the hut up and live in it. The Chairman explained to him that according to his interpretation, it would be in violation of both the Zoning and Building By-Laws. Mr. Rowse stated that the Board could not grant separate privileges. He said that first it must be determined how much need there is among veterans in Lexington for housing, and if it develops that some arrangements must be made, consideration will be given to Mr. Busa's problem, but the Board could not grant permission to individuals at the present time. The Chairman stated that he thought the Town was anxious to do soemthing, and at the present time a survey is being made. Mr. Busa said he wanted to know if he could use the hut, and Mr. Rowse informed him that under the present laws, he could not use it. The Chairman said that the Board hasn't an opportunity Appoint to give this any consideration, and that he hadn't expected Ca0m. Mr. Busa this evoking. Study Mr. Busa retired at 10:35 p.m. Housing Mr. Rowse suggested that the Board of Selectmen dis- Shortage approve Quonset Huts for living quarters at the present time. 486 CZ 1.4 It was decided to appoint the following members to serve on a committee to study the problem of the housing shortage A. Irving Dodge, George E. Grave, Rev. Harold T. Handley, W. S. Couette, Robert D. Mayo, William Phillips and Mr. William Potter, representing the Board of Select- men. , Potter informed the Board that he had inspected the Paint rooms in the Barnes Property where the Welfare Department is Barnes to be located. Prop. He said that the walls should be painted and the floors should be sanded down. It was decided to have the Town Painter paint the rooms and charge the cost to the Town Offices and Cary Memorial Building Account. Vets to The Chairman said that the Veterans of Foreign Wars had Use requested the use of the ell in the Barnes Property until such Barnes time as they are able to locate headquarters. Ell The Board had no objection. The Chairman stated that the Allied Veterans Council are sending out questionnaires to veterans relative to their Survey individual housing needs, and the council would like some Housing money for the postage. Needs of It was decided to charge the expenses incurred in this Vets survey to the Lexington Community Committee on Veterans Rehabilitation and Employment Account. Upon motion of Mr. Rowse , seconded by Mr. Saran, it Appoint was voted to reappoint the following members of the Board Fire of Fire Engineers in the Town of Lexington for a period of Engineers one year beginning May 1, 1946. George W. Emery 47 Somerset Road Robert J. Fawcett 511 Marrett Road William H. Driscoll 25 Winthrop Road Alan G. Adams 15 Somerset Road Thomas J. Donnelly 16 Smith Avenue 1 487 Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Paxton, it IIwas voted to appoint the following individuals to serve on Appoint the Board of Public Welfare for a term of one year begin- Bd. Pub. ning May 1, 1946: Welfare Colonel Henry B. Barry 26 Oakland Street Mr. John A. Lyons 1314 Massachusetts Ave . Mr. Harold F. Lombard 23 Eliot Road Mr. Malcolm H. Clifford 54 Chase Avenue Mr. Leon C. Burt 25 Harding Road The Chairman read a letter signed by six residents of flown Valleyfield Street requesting the installagion of Town Water The Clerk was instructed to request the Supt. of Valley- Public Works to have an estimate of cost prepared for the field St. installation of Town water for this street. The Chairman read a letter from John E. Rowan together Req. For with an application signed by the residents of PiAe Knoll Est. of Road requesting an estimate for the cost of constriction Cost Pine of this street. Knoll Rd. The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the letter, and to advise Mr. Rowan that consideration will be given the matter when the warrant is being prepared for Town Meeting. No action To A letter was received from Lt. Neal stating that it Increase the conoensus of opinion of the Police Department that it Parking will be advisable to increase the parking time limit from Limit to one to two hours. Two Hours It wad decided to take no action on the matter at this time. The Chairman read a letter from E. S. Emery registering a complaint about the sand, tree branches and refuse in front of the junction of Stetson and Merriam Streets. The Clerk was instructed to refer the letter to Mr. DeFoe. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Robert Whitney Robert stating that he is working for the Employers' Liability Whitney Assurance Corporation with the privilege of continuing his brokerage business with Gilmore, Rothery Company. 13msety Bond in the penal sum of 01,000 on behalf of Approve I the Clerk of the Board of Selectmen was. received. Clerk': Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Locke, it Bond 488 00 a was voted to approve the bond. The Chairman read a letter from Lt. Neal stating that application had been made by Paul W. Franks for reinstatement as a Special Police Officer. Appoint Mr. Franks was a Special Police Officer prior to his Paul enlistment in the United States Marine Corp. Franks Mr. Rowse moved that the request be granted and the Special Commission signed. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was Police so voted. Officer The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Charles R. Neskey, former owner of Lot 85 , Marrett Road, stating that he would like to redeem this piece of land. $250 Cdr Mr. Paxton moved that Mr. Neskey be informed that the Lot 85 Board would entertain an offer of $250; the amount due at the Marrett time of foreclosure. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it Road was so voted. Dellis The Chairman read a letter from Leonard Dellis offering Offer $25 for Lots 25-29, Block 19, Earl Street, Lexington. Reed St. The Clerk was instnucted to inform Mr. Jellis that the Board would entertain an offer of $75 for these lots. The Chairman read a letter from Edwin A. Wheeler offer- Offer for ing $50 each for Lots 20 and 21, Block 18, Reed Street, Lots 20 Lexington. & 21 A letter was also received from Fred J. Gillis offering Blk 18 $50 each for Lots 20 and 21, Block 10, Reed Street and Lots 14 Reed St. and 15, Block 17, Reed Street, Lexington. Mr. Rowse moved that a proposal to sell the lots be advertised in the Lexington Minute-Man, and that further con- sideration be given the offer at the next meeting of the Board. Mr. Locke seconded the motion,and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from Mrs. George H. Doughty, Lots 366 64 Taft Avenue, offering $200 for Lots 366 and 367, Taft Avenue. & 367 Mr. Rowse moved that Mrs. Doughty be informed that the Taft Ave . Board of Selectmen will entertain an offer of $300 for these Lex. lots. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Lts. 7,8 A letter was received from Mrs. Lambert (nee Bougie) Eastern stating that Frank E. Bougie, former owner of Lots 7 and $ Avenue Eastern Avenue , would like to redeem the property. Mr. Rowse moved that the lots be sold to the former owner for $370 without being advertised. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 489 A letter was received from Mr. T. J. Quinlan, 63 Woburn I Street, complaining about dogs in his neighborhood. Complaint The Clerk was instructed to refer the complaint to Re: Dogs the Dog Officer for investigation and report. Application was received from the Softball League req- uesting the use of a conference room on the evening of Use of April 24, 1946. Hall Mr. Rowse moved that the use of the hall be granted free of charge. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from Mrs. Jane.. K. Vance of Lincoln requesting the use of Cary Hall on May 25 , 1946 for Use of a children' s movie for the purpose of raising money for a Hall kindergarten in Lincoln. Mr. Rowse moved that the request be denied. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from James J. Carroll, Town Defective Clerk, stating that Articles 30 and 65, passed at the Articles Adjourned Town Meeting on March 25, 1946, have been claimed in Warr- defective by Theodore N. Waddell, Director of Accounts. ant A copy of Mr. Waddell' s letter was attached. The Chairman informed the Board that the Town Counsel II had a copy of this correspondence , and intanded to confer with Mr. Waddell. A true record, Attest: r: I � erf / ) A le k. .(