HomeMy WebLinkAbout1946-05-13 503
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
May 13, 1946
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building,
on Monday evening, May 13 , 1946 at 7:50 p.m. Chairman
Potter, Messrs. Locke, Rowse, Paxton and Sarano were
present . The Clerk was also present.
Mr. DeFoe, Supt. of Public Works, appeared before
the Board and presented an agreement between the Town
of Lexington and George W. and Helen B. Sarano, Sub-
dividers.
Mr. DeFoe also submitted a Board of Survey
Subdivision Plat entitled, "Subdivision of the Barrymeade
Farm in the Town of Lexington, Massachusetts, April 22,
1946, Scale in feet, Albert A. Miller, Wilbur C. Nylander,
Civil Engineers and Surveyors, Lexington, Massachusetts. "
Mr. Paxton stated that at the last meeting of the
Board Mr. W. O. Couette raised a question as to the section
of the agreement which states that the agreement shall
bind the subdivider, his successors and assigns, and shall
be conversant running with the land.
Mr. Paxton said that it was decided to leave it up Board of
to the Town Counsel to determine whether or not this Survey
particular section would be included in the agreements.
He said that he noticed it has been included in the Barrymeade
Barrymeade agreement.
Mr. Rowse asked if Mr. Sarano preferred to have
this section omitted, and Mr. Sareno stated that he is George &
not going to sell any lots until the streets are Helen
completed, so it will not make any difference to him. Sarano
He said he wanted the profile recorded at the Registry
of Deeds as soon as possible.
Mr. Sarano had no objection to leaving this particular
section in the agreement.
Mr. Paxton moved that the Board of Selectmen acting Approve
as the Board of Survey approve the plan of land of the Plan and
Barrymeade Farm as submitted by Mr. Sarano. Mr. Locke Agreement
seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. Paxton moved that the agreement between the Town
and George W. and Helen B. Sarano be approved. Mr. Locke
seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. DeFoe reported on the Vine Street sewer which Vine St.
was requested by Mr. Timothy Kineen. He said that the Sewer
entire job will cost between *350 and $360.
Mr. Rowse asked if this were an urgent case, and
Mr. LeFoe said that it should be listed, but not as one
of the first projects.
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Mr. DeFoe was instructed to have the Town Engineer
figure the actual frontage on which to base the post to
Mr. Kineen.
Mr. DeFoe presented a survey received from the
HarringtonRd. Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Publio
Road - One Works, pertaining to the possibility of making
Way Harrington Road a one-way street from Bedford Street.
Referred to Mr. Rowse moved that the survey be referred to
Planning the Planning Board for study and recommendations.
Board Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. DeFoe presented four copies of an agysement
between the Town of Lexington, and R. Lockwood Tower
Board of of Carpinteria, Santa Barbara County, California, and
Survey Philip Tower of Maricopa County, Phoenix, Arizona,
R. Lockwood Subdividers. He also presented a Board of Survey Sub-
Tower, et al division Plat entitled, "Subdivision of part of Pollen
Hill Estates Lexington, Mass. owned by R. Lockwood Tower
et al, Scale of Feet, Everett M. Brooks, Civil Eng. ,
Newtonville, Mass. , February 1945. "
Mr. Sarano moved that the Board of Selectmen
acting as the Board of Survey approve and sign both the
agreements and the profiles. Mr. Paxton seconded the
motion, and it was so voted.
Application was received from James J. Roberts,
Request for 11 Revere Street, stating that he would like the sidewalk
Sidewalk adjoining his premises properly graded and laid with
granolithic sidewalk.
Mr. Paxton said that laying a sidewalk in front of
one person' s property only is of no value to the Town.
No sidewalk Mr. Paxton moved that no sidewalk be constructed
in front of in front of Mr. Robert' s property unless the abutters
only one on Revere Street agree to have the sidewalk in front
house of their property constructed and also agree to assume
one-half of the cost of construction. Mr. Saran
seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
British Invitation was received from the British Naval and
' Pilgrimage Military Veterans Association inviting the Board to
attend their Annual Pilgrimage on Sunday, May 26, 1946.
It wad decided to have Mr. Paxton represent the
Board.
The Chairman read a contract prepared by Mr. Wil]L em
Building A. Cann, Building Inspector, whereby the Board of
Inspector Selectmen would agree to employ Mr. Cann on a full-time
Full Time basis for a term beginning May $ 1946 and ending
Contract March 31, 1947, at a salary of $3, 500 for this period.
It further stated that the Selectmen would agree to pay
505
Mr. Cann *400 for the use of his automobile for a term
from May 8, 1946 to March 31, 1947.
The Chairman reminded the Board that Mr. Cann could
not be employed as a full-time inspector inasmuch as he is
over seventy years of age. He said that Mr. Paxton had
talked with Mr. Cann and persuaded him to continue ontthe
job for possibly three weeks until the Board of Selectmen
has an opportunity to contact the Appropriation Committee.
The Chairman reminded the members that the Board
had decided to go along with Mr. Cann as long as the
money in the account is available and then to ask the
Appropriation Committee for a transfer.
Mr. Rowse said that the Board should be in a
position to make a change in inspectors. He said that
he had called Mr. Lindstrom and asked him if it would be
possible to combine the building and plumbing jobs if a
salary could be arranged, and Mr. Lindstrom answered him
in the affirmative.
Mr. Lindstrom told Mr. Rowse that he has a building
permit in the City of Cambridge and he has been doing con-
siderable inspecting for Mr. Cann. He thought he could handle
the inspection work in Lexington. He stated that so far as
larger construction is concerned, he would have to study
and acquaint himself with the work.
Mr. Sarano asked if the Board couldn't go along with
Mr. Cann until the money in the account has been used,
and the Chairman said that Mr. Cann refused to do this. Request
Mr. Paxton said that he thought the_$pard had a Approp.
moral obligation, and moved that the Selectmen request the Comm.
Appropriation Committee to transfer a sufficient amount Transfer
from the Reserve Fund to the Building Inspector - Money
Personal Services Account to pay the Building Inspector
at the rate of $3 , 500 per year for the balance of the
year, plus *400 per year for the balance of the year for
allowance. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so
voted.
Mr. Paxton and Mr. DeFoe retired at 8:55 p.m. and
Major James H. Russell appeared before the Board.
The Chairman told Major Russell that the Board would
like to know when he intended to return to the Accounting
Department.
Major Russell said that the last indication was that Major
he would be released at the end of July, but he did not Russell
know just what was going to transpire. He said the Army Re: Ret.
was endeavoring to obtain officers to stay in until from
December. He said, however, that the Army would have Army
to release him at the end of July if he requested the
release.
The Chairman asked if it were up to Major Russell or
the Board of Selectmen to request his tsturn.
Major Russell replied that it was up to him to
obtain a release.
Mr. Rowse asked if he would come to work immediately,
and Mader Russell said that he would like a vacation.
Mr. Rowse asked if the Army could order him to remain
in the service, and he replied in the negative.
Mr. Rowse said that so far as the Accounting Department
is concerned, it is all right to continue on the present
basis, but the Board would like to give Mr. White a
definite answer as to when Major Russell would be retnrALgg.
Major Russell asked if the Board would have any
objection if he stayed in until December.
The Chairman said that Mr. White is uneasyli and
that every effort should be made for Major Russell to
return to the Accounting Department.
Mr. Rowse mentioned that the month of December
would be a difficult month to make a change, and thought
that it was either a question of coming in early or
waiting until after April 1.
The Chairman said that it would seem that Major
Russell should return as soon as he possibly can.
Major Russell said that he felt an obligation to the
Army and also to the Town, and that he is receiving more
money now than he would be as Town Accountant.
The Chairman said that he thought of the two
obligations, Major Russell owed more to the Board of
Selectmen than to the Army.
Major Russell said that the way it stands at the
present moment, he expects to be out by the end of July.
Mr. Rowse asked if that was definite.
Major Russell said that the Army can always hold
an officer far sixty days beyond the scheduled date, but
the scheduled date it JuL 1.
Mr. Rowse asked when the Board could expect a
definite answer.
Major Russell said that he could go to Army Head-
quarters and check on it,
Mr. Saran asked how long that would take, and Major
Russell said that he could find out right away.
The Chairman asked Major Russell to find out when
he might be released, and to inform the Board.
Major Russell agreed to contact the Colonel to find
out if there is any reason why he could not be r3leased
at the end of July.
He said that if he did get out at that time , he
would report to work for the Town about the first of
September.
Major Russell retired at 9:10 p.m.
507
Mr. Anasty of Somerville appeared before the Board. Let Not
He laid that he was interested in a piece of property in Having
Fair Oaks consisting of 23 ,736 feet in length. Required
He wanted to know if it would be possible to divide the Frontage
property and erect a six room house. For Tarin
The Chairman inquired about the frontage, and Mr. Houses
Anasty said that he would then have a thirty-seven
foot frontage.
The Chairman said that according to the Town Laws,
one cannot divide a piece of land that does not have 100
foot frontage for each house.
He further stated that if the lot was_ already laid
out, a house could be built, but the lot could not be
relaid with a thirty-seven foot frontage.
He told Mr. Anasty that he could only get one house
on the lot in question.
Mr. Anasty retired at 9 10 p.m. and Mr. DeFoe
reappeared before the Board.
The Chairman read a letter from John D. Buckley, Alleged
121 Vine Street, claiming damages in the amount of Buck&thy
$75.75 as a result of an accident involving his Claim
Chevrolet sedan and a truck belonging to the Town of Damages
Lexington. Auto
Mr. DeFoe said that he had discussed the accident Accident
with Mr. Brenton, driver of the Town truck and according & Town
to his Story, Buckley struck the Town truck in the rear. Truck
Mr. DeFoe was instructed to advise Mr. Buckley No
that the Town of Lexington would assume no responsibility. Action
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Walter Brenton,
Sr. , 43 Marrett Street, requesting the removal of an. elm
tree in front of his property. Held Over
Mr. DeFoe was requested to investigate and report.
The Chairman read a letter from Mrs. Irene L ma.
requesting construction of a sidewalk with curbing at
23 Crescent Hill Avenue. Held Over
The letter was referred to the Supt. of Public
Works for a report.
Mr. DeFoe stated that he believed the Town should
advertise for an Engineer. He said that with the Taft To Adv.
Avenue sewer, Woburn Street Sewer, Coolidge Avenue For Eng.
Sewer, etc. , a largeinvolved.
, amount of surveying would be involve .
The Board had no objection to Mr. DeFoe inserting
ng
an advertisement in the Engineering News.
Mr. DeFoe retired at 9:20 p.m.
The Chairman read a letter from the Board of Public
' Welfare requesting a transfer of $120 for telephone Welfare
service at the Barnes Property. Transfer
Mr. Rowse moved that the Appropriation Committee
be requested to transfer the sum of $120 from the Reserve
Fund to the Public Welfare Administration - Expenses
Account.
508 co
Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
A letter was received from the Chamber of Commerce
Req. Est. requesting the Board to consider the establishment of two
2 hour hour parking limits in all present one hour zones, such
Parking talo hour limit to run from 8:00 e.m, to 9 :00 p.m. and
Limits to include both sides of the street known as Depot Square.
The Board decided that any change in the parking
limit should be held in abeyance until the Chief of
Police returns from Washington.
Widening Letter was received from the Chamber of Commer e relative
Drive at to widening the driveway at the Town Office Buildin , thereby
Town Office improving the access to the parking space availa le in the
Bldg. rear.
The Clerk was instructed to inform the Chamber
that the Board of Selectmen contemplates improving his
entrance.
Offer A letter was received from Alberico Sgrosso
of offering $30 each for Lots 14 and 15 , Block 17, Ree. Street
$30 ea. the Board of Selectmen will entertain an offer of $.0 each
Lots 14 for these lots.
15 Reed
Street A letter was received from Robert E. Sharkey, .8 Winter
Street, offering $150 for Lots 4 and 5, Hazel Road, Welcome
Cannot Development.
Sell The Chairman explained to the Board that there is
Lot 4 some question relative to the layout of these lots. He
Hazel further informed the Board that the Town does not o n Lot 5.
Road Mr. Sarano moved that Mr. Sharkey be advised t at
because of litigation pertaining to Lot 4, the Selectmen
prefer not to dispose of the property at this time .
Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
The Board gave further consideration to Mr. Jo3 ph A.
Sell Belcastro's offer of $300 for Lot 81, Marrett Road, Lexington.
Lot 81 A proposal to sell this lot was advertised in the May 9, 1946
Marrett issue of the Lexington Minute-Man. No persons contacted the
Road Selectmen' s Office as a result of the advertisement
Mr. Locke moved that the offer be accepted, and that
Lot 81, Marrett Road, Lexington, be sold and conveyed to
Joseph A. Belcastro. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion , and it
was so voted.
Request was received from the Office of the Secretary
Cert. of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for a statement; of
of Char. facts relative to Arthur F. Mason, 46 Watertown Street, who
Arthur has filed an application for a certificate of incorporation.
Mason A satisfactory character reference was received from Lt. Neal
of the Police Department.
Mr. Rowse moved that the statement of facts be signed.
Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted„
509
A letter was received from Nicholas Thambash, 34 Walnut Street, offering $250 for Lots 42 and 43, Offer for
Subdivision A, Kendall Road, Lexington. Lots 42, 43
Mr. Rowse moved that a proposal to sell the lot Kendall 'Road
be advertised in the Lexington Minute-Man, and that
further consideration be given the offer at the next meeting
of the Board. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was
so voted.
Application was received from the War Parents of Use of Hall
America requesting the use of Estabrook Hall on the
evening of May 21, 1946 for a meeting.
Mr. Rowse moved that the use of the hall be grant-
ed free of charge. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and
it was so voted.
Application was received from the Lexington Senior
High School Class requestingthe use of Cary Hall on the
afternoon of Sunday, June 9, 1946 for a Baccalaureat4
Service.
Mr. Locke moved that the use of the hall be granted,
free of charge. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it
was so voted.
Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, scoonded by Mr. Paxton, Licenses
it was voted to approved the following licenses.
Marie A. Miller 334 Lincoln St. Sunday Sales
Lex. Bowladrome, Inc. 1698 Mass. Agenue 10 Alleys
Edward J. Keefe 110 Bow Street Public Carriage
Willaim Viano 1794 Mass. Ave. Sunday Movies
Mr. Rowse moved that the Town Clerk be requested to Oldest
inform the Board as to who is the oldest citizen in the Citizen
Town of Lexington so that the Board may present the Post Post Cane
Cane, previously held by Mr. Taft. Mr. Locke seconded
the motion, and it was so voted.
The Chairman reported that the committee appointed Rules &
by the Board to formulate rules and regulations relative Regulation!
to public carriages held a meeting on Friday evening. A
set of "rules presented by Lt. Neal were considered and For Pub.
revised. The committee suggested that all individuals Carriages
to whom. public carriage licenses have been issued meet
for the purpose of discussing the proposed regulations.
The committee thought it might be well to have this meeting
previous to the adoption of the regulations by the Board.
The Chairman asked if the Board wanted the committee
to call the meeting or the Selectmen.
It was decided to have the committee arrange the meeting
and tt'ol submit the rules and regulations to the Selectmen for
adoption.
A true record, Attest :
I ,
Clerk.