HomeMy WebLinkAbout1946-04-29 490 CC
SELECTMEN'S MEETING C
April 29, 1946
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in
the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening,
April 29, 1946, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Potter, Messrs. Locke,
Rowse, Sarano and Paxton were present. The Clerk was also
present.
Authorize At 7:30 P.M. Mr. Joseph H. DeFoe, Superintendent of
Pur. of a Public Works, appeared before the Board.
TD 14 Mr. DeFoe asked if the Board would permit him to purchase
a TD 14 International tractor in lieu of a TD 9.
Mr. Paxton moved that upon further investigation if
Mr. DeFoe still prefers it that he be authorized to purchase a
TD 14. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that he had received a
quotation from Gordon Richards of $176 to install a counter
for the Building Inspector. He also received another bid of
Held $185.
Qver Mr. Paxton suggested that the inspectos have filing
cabinets and counter combined.
The Chairman suggested that this matter be held over
for one week.
Mr. DeFoe said that he had figured the quotation and
Estimates estimates of costs of the roads, drains, water and hydrants• in
For the Follen Hill Estated Development.
Follen Mr. DeFoe stated that Mr. Couette also had an estimate
Hill of the cost. Mr. DeFoe said that he has the agreements drawn
Estates up, with the exception of the figures. He said it is a
Develop- question as to how much the Board wants to set for the amount
ment of the bond covering the completion of the work.
Mr. DeFoe stated that his estimate includes 2,300 feet
of pavement; 1,300 feet of concrete pipe; 170 feet of re-
enforced concrete drain pipe, twelve catch basins, four man-
holes and twenty-eight stone bounds.
He stated that in the development there now, the developer
used Type B roads: i.e. , two inches of stone on top of the
gravel fill. Mr. Couette contends that he should be allowed to
put the same type of roads in now, and the estimates
have been figured that way.
Mr. Paxton said that four inch stone top is the permanent
design for an accepted street -- twelve inches of gravel with
a four inch one course macadm pavement.
He said that from a practical viewpoint, the Town has
asked the contractor to finish the pavement four inches below
the designed gravel.
He further stated that the Town has permitted the develop-
er to incorporate in the twelve inch gravel foundation the
two inches of crushed bank gravel.
491
Mr. Paxton said that the Town does not agree to accept the
roads, but they agree to approve them.
Mr. Paxton asked what the Engineers had figured, and Mr.
DeFoe replied $19,002.
He stated that Mr. Stevens figure was $8,852. Mr. DeFoe
asked for what amount the bond should be written.
The Chairman suggested that the Superintendent of Public
Works instruct the Engineering Department to refigure the Set Amt.
cost on what the contractor is required to do and have the of Bond
bond prepared accordingly. For
Mr. Sarano moved that the amount of the bond be set Develop-
at $10,000. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so went
voted.
At 8:00 P.M. Rev. Douglas P. Brayton and four members of
the Parish Dommittee of the Follen Church appeared before the
Board.
The Chairman said that it was his understanding that the To Sell
Sele tmen will make some arrangement with the Follen Church 20 Foot
wherby the Town would acquire a portion of the church drive- Strip of
way. He stated that the Selectmen already have the authority Land to
to sell the Pollen Church Society the twenty foot strip of land Follen
on the Adams School Property adjacent to the church property. Church
He said that the Town Counsel had informed him that the
Selectmen may sell this piece of property for $1 and other
consideration; the other consideration being that the church
would deed to the Town the piece now being used for a drive- Request
way. This, however, would have to be approved by Town Meeting. Church
The Chairman said that the Selectmen are willing to To Deed
exchange even with the church approximately 1600 feet of Drivewa3
field in the rear for approximately 440 feet to straighten To Town
out the line. He stated, however, that this would have to
be drawn up by the Town Counsel.
Mr. Locke said that it would be necessary to obtain a vote
of the Parish Committee whereby they agree to convey to the
Town, subject to the acceptance of the Town, that piece of
land. He further stated that when the Town Counsel is satis-
fied by the vote passed by the Parish Committee, the strip of
land in which they are interested may be deeded.
Mr. Brayton said that he has talked with Father Desmond
about the Old Adams School Lot, and Father Desmond assured him
that the Sacred Heart Church is not i4}terested in this piece of
property. He said that the Follen Church does not expect to use
the property immediately, but they would like to protect them-
seleves, inasmuch as they hope to build a new parish on that
property.
The Chairman explained that the present Board of Selectmen
could not obligate any future Board.
Mr. Rowse stated that the Selectmen should receive an
authentic offer for the property.
The Chairman said that the Selectmen will consider the
matter and advise the Follen Church Society what price will be
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acceptable to the Board for this property.
The group and Mr. DeFoe retired at 5:45 P.M.
Vote on Mr. Rowse moved that the Board of Selectmen sell to
Sale of the Follen Church Society a twenty foot strip of land
20' Strip on the Adams School Property for $1 and other consider-
of Land ation, and that the Selectmen enter into an agreement to
purchase from the Follen ' ffhirch Society a portion of the
land now being used as a driveway: subject to the approval
of Town Meeting. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it
was so voted. Any agreement , however, would be prepared by
the Town Counsel.
Mr. Rowse moved that the Board of Selectmen entertain an
offer of $900 for the so-called Adams School Lot. Mr. Locke
seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. Raymond L. White, Town Accountant, appeared before the
Board.
Account- He stated that one of his girls wants to change to
ant another department due to the fact that so much bookwork in the
Req : Accounting Department is bothering her eyes. He said that he
Third had discussed the matter with her and she would be willing to
Girl stay in the department if the work were changed somewhat.
Denied. Mr. White said that he thinks there is too much work for
two girls and he would like to ask for another girl, making
three girls. If a third girl were taken into the department,
the work would not be as confining as it is now.
The question of having three girls in the Accounting
Department was discussed at length, and Mr. White retired at
9:05 P.M.
Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Locke, it was
voted to disapprove employing a third girl in the Accountant' s
Office.
Bids on Mr. DeFoe reappeared before the Board at 9:07 P.M.
Water He stated that he had received three quotations on water pipe
Pipe for the Follen Hill Development. The bids were as follows:
Follen
Hull Warren Pipe Company - $1.12 per foot for six inch pipe; and
Develop- $1.60 per foot for eight inch pipe,
ment delivered.
United States Pipe and Foundry - $1.10 per foot for six inch
pipe; and
$1.57 per foot for eight inch pipe,
cars in Lexington.
R. D. Wood 1.09 per foot' fbr i irich',pipe , and
Accept $1. 55 per foot for eight inch pipe, f.o.b. cars in
& Award Lexington. Prices quoted subject to change
Bid to without notice.
Warren
Pipe Mr. Sarano moved that the bid of the Warren Pipe company
as quoted above be accepted. Mr. Locke seconded the motion,
and it was so voted. '
493
II Mr.
DeFoe again brought up the matter of assessments Assessm'ts
in relation to the North Lexington Sewer Job. A lengthy
ssion was held, and upon motion of Mr. Rowse, No. Lex.Sewer Job.
seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was voted to authorize the supe. File Fig.
of Public Works to file estimates at the Registry of Deeds at Reg.
in an amouht twice as great as the original estimate.
Mr. Paxton wished to be recorded in opposition.
The Chairman informed the Board that Mrs. Lewis Willard Use of
had telephoned inquiring as to whether or not the Veterans' Ambulance
Memorial Ambulance might be used by the Veterans Hospital Restrict-
ih Bedford. ed
Mr . Saran moved that the use of the ambulance be to Lex.
restricted to residents of Lexington only. Mr. Locke Residents
seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
The Chairman said that he had been asked by the Planning
Board if the plans submitted to the Board of Survey were Board of
the same that the Planning Board had approved. Survey
The Chairman said that he thought a member of the Layout
Planning Board should be present at all Board of Survey Tracings
Hearings. Must Have
The Board agreed, and upon motion of Mr. Sarano, Sig. of
seconded by Mr. Rowse, it was voted that all Board of Chairman ,
Survey layout tracings approved by the Planning Board Planning
II
must have the signature of the Chairman of the Board, Board
and that a member of the Planning Board be present at all
Board of Survey Hearings.
The Chairman read a letter from Daniel A. Lynch, Town Art. 30
Counsel, stating that after a conference with the State Vote on
Director of Accounts, Mr. Lynch was advised that the Vote No. Lex.
of the Town Meeting on Article 30 pertaining to the con- Sewer
struction of the North Lexington Sewer is legal and will Ruled
bd approved by the Director of Accounts. Legal
The Chairman read a letter from Harry N. Cushing,
Attorney, asking if the Town of Lexington has at any time Sign Brd
requested the Boston & Maine Railroad to place sign boards At R.R.
Crossing
at the road leading from 1265 Massachusetts Avenue to C. Lex.
the Lexington Nurseries.
The Clerk was instructed to give a copy of the letter
to the Supt. of Public Work and to request him to check the
matter.
The Chairman read a letter from the Lexington Nurseries, Un-
Inc. suggesting that the driveway of the east end of the loading
High School be utilized for unloading school buses, thereby School
eliminating the traffic hazard.
The Chairman agreed to contact the Supt. of Schools TrafficTrf
II and
discuss the request with him.
rd
The Chairman read a letter from Lauritz A. Lauritzen, Req. For
24 Parker Steeet, relative to a large maple tree in front, Removal
of his house which be believes should be removed. of Tree
The Clerk was instructed to send Mr. Garrity a copy of
the letter and to ask for an investigation and report.
L _____ -.
494 °°
noAppoint Mr. DeFoe retired at 10 00 P.M.
Town
Engineer The reappointment of the Town Engineer was considered,
and upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Paxton, it
was voted to reappoint John T. Cosgrove as Town Engineer in
the Town of Lexington for a term expiring March 31, 1947.
Building The Chairman reported that he had a conference with the
S Insp. Building Inspector. Mr. Cann informed him that he desires to
Req. for have a full-time job at a salary of $3,000 a year, plus
Full-Time $100 additional for his car. He would not be interested in
$3 ,000 Yr. an alternative.
Position The matter was held over for one week.
A letter was received from Carl Lannquist, 75 Loomis
Vote to Street, Bedford, offering the sum of $250 for Lot 114, Cary
Adv. Lot Avenue.
114 Cary Mr. Rowse moved that a proposal to sell the lot be
Avenue 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.
Held Over A letter was received from Roy N. Wood, 27 Sherman
Street, Lexington, offering $100 for Lots 160 to 189 inc. on
Webb and Young Streets.
The offer was held over for one week.
Held Over A letter was received from Joseph A. Belcastro offering
$300 for Lot 81, Marrett Road, Lexington.
The offer was held over for one week.
A letter was received from Mrs. George H. Doughty, 64 Taft
Avenue, Lexington, stating that she would be willing to accept
Vote to the Board' s figure of $390 for Lots 366 and 367, Taft Avenue,
Sell Lots Lexington.
366 & 367 Mr. Rowse moved that a proposal to sell the lots be
R Taft Ave. advertised in the Lexington Minute-Man, and that further
consideration be given the offer at the next meeting Sf the
Board. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
The Board gave further consideration to Edwin A. Wheeler' s
offer of 150 each for Lots 20 and 21, Block 18, Reed Street,
Lexington.
A proposal to sell these lots was advertised in the April 25
issue of the Lexington Minute-Man. As a result of this
advertisement, an offer of $100 was received from Blanche C. Lee,
for the two lots.
Sell Lots Mr. Fred 3. gillis; . R'a , Lowell and North Streets,
20 & 21 offered $50 each for the same lots and also $50 each for
Rlk 18 Lots 14 and 15, Block 17, Reed Street, Lexington.
Reed St. Mr. Locke moved that Mr. Wheeleb's offer be accepted,
and that Lots 20 and 21, Block 18, Reed Street, be sold
and conveyed to Edwin A. Wheeler. Mr. Rowse seconded the
motion, and it was so voted.
Application was received from the Lexington Club, Inc.
495
II for the use of Cary Memorial Hall on the evening of May 29, 1946 V.F. F
from 8:00 P.M. until 11:30 P.M. for a Children's Msy Party. Use
of
Application weds received from the Veterans of Foreign Hall
Wars requesting the use of Estabrook Hall and a conference
room on the evening of May 8, 1946, from 8:00 P.M. for meet-
ings.
The organization had previously been given the use of
the- ell in the Barnes Property for the meetings.
The Chairman said that he would check with Eugene McCarthy
to determine why they need both places.
Application was received from Norman W. Schuler, a hig22
school student, requesting the use of Cary Memorial Hall on Held
the evening of Saturday , May 18, 1946, for a Youth Canteen Dance. Over
It was decided to have the Chairman contact the School
Department for more information before a permit is granted.
Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was License
voted to grant the following licenses: s
John Kenealy Sunday Sales Renewal
George E. Wardrobe " " "
Max Sulkin Junk "
Benjamin Berman " "
II Minute Man Cafe bommon Victualler New Owners
Michael O'Gara Public Carriage Renewal
John W. Leary * " "
Lawrence J. Selig " " "
Paul Franks " " "
Clifford Flack Peddler "
Sanaa). Gelioto " New
Ernest Arnault " New
Milldam Viano Sunday Movies
The Chairman informed the Board that Mr. Garrity, Supt. of
Parks & Playgrounds, had received four bids for bleachers and ids
he prefers the one submitted by M. E. O'Brien. Bleach-
Mr. Rowse moved that the bid of M. E. O'Brien of 672 ers
seats at $2.37 per seat delivered f.o.b. be accepted.
Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Accept
O'Brien
A letter was received from S. R. Wrightington, Attorney Bid
for Mary D. Hatch. Mrs. Hatch is about to convey Lot 33 on
Crescent Road and now finds that for several years the lot Hatch
has not been assessed to her but to Lexington Homes, Inc. Assess-
Lexington Homes, Inc. paid the 1945 tax. A few years ago a meat
water main was installed and betterments assessed. Lot 33
Mr. Wrightington stated that the water maind does not Crescen
extend in front of Lot 33 but stops at approximately the Road
IIline between 34 and 33 . Mr. Wrightington said that he has
been informed by Mr. Spencer that there is a balance of Req. to
*54.80 unpaid on this betterment , and that the assessment, Abate
by mistake, was made against Lexington Homes, Inc. and Assess-
not against the true owner, Mrs. Mary D. Hatch. Mr. meat
Wrightington said that inasmuch as the real owner has never
received any notice, he believes that the Board has a right
496 GC
to abate the charge. >'C
The Chairman agreed to obtain further information
for the Board.
Mr. Rowse said that he had been approached relative
Neon to the erection of a neon sign in Lexington Center.
Signs Section 2 of Article XIX of the Building By-laws
specifically states that signs shall not project more
than three inches from the face of the wall.
Mr. Rowse moved that the Planning Board be requested
to review this section and to submit recommendations
whereby it may be revised to permit the maintenance of
neon signs. Mr. Paxton seconded the motion, and it was
so voted.
A true record, Attest:
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/V 4t Clerk
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