Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1946-07-22 62 GO SELECTMEN'S MEETING July 22, 1946 1 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, July 22, 1946, at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Potter, Messrs. Locke, Rowse, Sarano and Paxton were present. The Assistant Clerk was also present. At 7:30 p.m. hearing was declared open upon the petition of the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for permission to set two poles on Larchmont Lane , northwesterly from Revere Street. Mr. Alfred P. Tropeano and a Mrs. Stone were present at the hearing. The Chairman read the petition which had been approved by Pole the Supt. of Public Works and the Engineers. Locapions Mr. Tropeano said that the poles are technically on his Larchmont land, although the development is on the other side of the Lane street. He felt that the poles should be located on the op- posite side of the street because there are blue spruce trees on his side of the street and if the poles are located there, he felt that the spruces would be damaged. Mr. Trbpeano said that this was the only objection he had to the pole locations. Mrs. Stone stated that she is building a home on the opposite side of the street where the poles are to be located. She said she merely wanted to be sure that there is electricity there so that her contractor can complete his work. Mr. Tropeano and Mrs. Stone retired at 7:39 p.m. , and the hearing was adjourned until the next meeting of the Board on August 5, 1946. The Chairman said that he would talk with the Engineers to see whether or not the pole locations will harm the blue spruces. At 7:40 p.m. Mr. James J. Carroll , Town Clerk, and Treasurer, appeared before the Board for the drawing of three jurors. Mr. Charles E. Morse, Bank Clerk, 57 Harding Road, Lexington, was drawn to serve on Criminal Business, First Session at Lowell, on September 4, 1946. Mr. Frank Lambert, Auditor, 23 Lowell Street, Lexington, Jurors was drawn to serve on Civil Business, First Session at Cambridge, on September 3 , 1946. Mr. George W. Saul, Engraver, 53 Pleasant Street, Lex- ington, wad drawn to serve on Civil Business, Second Session at Cambridge, on September 3 , 1946. Bids on Mr. Carroll stated that he had received the following Manor bids on an $170 ,000 loan for the construction of sanitary Sewer sewers in that part of North Lexington as shown on a set of Loan plans in the office of the Town Engineer, to be payable in 563 II accordance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 44, within a period not exceeding ten years Tyler & Company - $100 .649 - 1% Day Trust Company - $100. 57 - 1% Second National Bank of Boston - $100 .49 - 1% Coffrin Burr, Joint with Hornblower & Weeks - $100,144 - 1% Lexington Trust Company - $100 - 1% $stabrook and Company, Joint with Lee Higgimmon & Company- $101;103 - 1 Merchants National Bank, Joint with R. W. Prestwich Company - $100.865 - 1 W. I.. Hutton, Joint with Laidlaw Company - $100.808 - 1 Payne, Webber, Jackson, Joint with Hobart Hawkins - $100.799 - l Mr. Rowse moved that the bid of Tyler & Company, 75 Federal Street of %100.649 - 1% be accepted. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Carroll retired at 7:48 p.m. At 7:49 p.m. Mr. Joseph H. DeFoe , Supt. Of Public Works, appeared before the Board. Puroha Mr. DeFoe requested approval of the Board for the as purchase of a canvas canopy for the D4 at a prime of Canvas approximately $125. Canopy Mr. Rowse moved that the order be placed at a cost D4 not to exceed $125. Mr. Paxton seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. DeFoe said that he would like an order to construct High- the Highland Street drain. land Mr. Paxton said that if the easement is in order and Street recorded, it does not need any action as far as the Board Drain is concerned. Mr. DeFoe said that he would check to see about the easement. Mr. DeFoe presented to the Board for their signatures C & R several copies of the contract with the C & R Construction Contraci Company for the construction of the Manor Sewerage System. Manor Mr. DeFoe stated that the Town Counsel had looked it Sewer aver and said that it was in order. The Board signed the contract. Mr. DeFoe requested the Board's signatures on the agreement for the development of the Spring Street area by Custom Built Homes Incorporated, and he also requested approval of the layout. Mr. DeFoe explained to the Board just what Custom the Town Counsel had said was wrong with this aggeement. Built Homes 564 co However, the Town Counsel said that the agreement could be signed this evening and then the supplementary sheet could be attached to it later. The Chairman said that the Board of Survey Hearing would not be dissolved but would be adjourned until a later date. The Board signed the Agreement and the Plans. Pur. Mr. DeFoe said that he would like to purchase his Brass brass goods from Red Hed without competitive bidding. He Goods said that the firm has always taken care of his orders and he believes theirroduct to be an excellent one. Mr. Rowse mov §that Mr. DeFoe be authorized to purchase his 1946 supply of brass goods from Red:lied. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. DeFoe stated that he would like to plane orders for Purchase manhold and catch basin frames and covers with the Department frames & of Correction, State of Massachusetts, without competitive covers from bidding. Dept. of Mr. Rowse moved that Mr. DeFoe be authorized to purchase Corres$ion the necessary manhole and catch basin frames and covers from the Department of Correction, State of Massachusetts. Mr. Paxton seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. DeFoe said that he would like to see a change in Water the method of assessing Developers for water mains. Assessment Mr. Paxton said that it has been the usual custom to Charges assess 50% on the water mains. Back in 1933 the figure of 90¢ a foot was set up and it was never adjusted on the charges until last winter. Mr. Paxton said that twice extensions were put in Robbins Road. They were 100 ' extensions; and each time the Town was left with dead ends, due to the fact that an individ- ual did not wish to pay his assessment in front of a lot that he had purchased just to protect his property. Mr. Paxton felt that the Town should retain the betterment assessment procedure and pay a percentage of the cost because the mains will be there for approximately 80 or 100 years and the Town is constantly being reimbursed for them. The Board discussed the matter, and upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Locke, it was voted to request the Supt. of Public Works to make recommendations in writing to the Board for the next meeting. Mr. DeFoe requested authorization to have the necessary flameproofing done in the Cary Memorial Building. He said Flame- that the curtains have been tented and they are very proofing inflammable. He stated that he could have the work done Cary Hall for approximately $250; $200 for everything on the stage and 565 $50 for the window drapdries. Mr. Locke moved that the Superintendent's request be approved. Mr. Paxton seconded the motion, and it was so voted. At 8:15 p.m. an Adjourned Board of Survey hearing was held on the petition of Custom Built Homes Incorporated. Mr. McLaughlin of the Custom Built Homes Inc. , Mr. & Board Mrs. Harry Seaberg; and Mr. Walter Ahlgrimm appeared before Of the Board. Mr. Ahlgrimm said that he just wanted to know Survey what the Board's opinion was on the matter. Custom The Chairman informed the group that the Engineers had Built approved the plans. Homes Mr. and Mrs. Seaberg looked at the plans and said that there was nothing that they objected to because they were about 300 yards distant. The Chairman said that if no one had any objections, the Board was in accord with the plan. Mr. Rowse said that there should be a plot plan of only the section that is going to be immediately developed. Mr. DeFoe said that the Engineers could correct the submitted plan by putting in a dotted line around the area to be developed. The Board signed the plan for the Board of Survey layout with the understanding that the Engineers would change the plan with a dotted line showing the section to be developed now. The hearing was adjourned and the group retired at 8:30 p.m. At 8:31 p.m. Mr. George Macbeth, Town Accountant, appeared before the Board. Mr. Macbeth said that he had hired a girl with eight years' experience who came in for $20 a week. He advertised for another girl about three or four weeks ago, putting five or six adds in the paper and finally a girl came in for Acct.& $25 a week. She arrived at 9:00 a.m. and left at 12:00 noon. ing Mr. Macbeth showed a letter to the Board from the girl Dept. stating that she had thought her salary was to be 25 net. He stated that Mrs. Arner, his present girl, has had eight years' experience, and he thinks she is a very good girl. He said that he would like to raise her salary to $25 a week. Mr. Rowse said that this would have been done in the first place if the Board had known that she had had experience. Mr. Macbeth said that he had received an offer of employment from a =diem firm at rather a large salary. The firm put a deadline of August 5 to take over the position, and this will leave a period of three weeks before Mr. II - Russell returns. Mr. Macbeth said that he would be perfectly willing to come in Saturdays, or two or three nights a week, to keep things up to date so that there would not have to be another change in the Accounting Department. 566 00 The Chairman asked if things would work out all right if Mr. Macbeth just came in Saturdays or two or three evenings a week. Mr. Macbeth said that he felt sure the arrangement would be satisfactory. Mr. Macbeth said that he would like to make Mrs. Arner a Senior Clerk and then hire an inexperienced girl who has had some idea of shorthand. Mr. Rowse felt that it would be all right to hire an inexperienced girl. Mr. Macbeth explained that Miss Tarbell will have to leave the Accounting Department if Mrs. Arner is made a Senior Clerk. Mr. Paxton asked if Mr. Macbeth could 'get along with one girl. Mr. Macbeth said he could omit a lot of work that has been done up in that department, but he thought that at times he really would need two girls. Mr. Rowse moved that Mrs. Arner be advanced to $25 Increase per week; effective at once. Mr. Paxton seconded the Mrs. motion, and it was so voted. Arner Mr. Rowse moved that `ttie Accountant 'b.e xeauested to proceed to obtain a Junior Clerk for the Accounting Office. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Hire Mr. Rowwe suggested that Miss Tarbell be transferred Jr. Clk. to the Public Works Department Office as soon as possible. Aceng Dept . Mr. Macbeth gave a brief outline of the duties in the Accounting Department and made several recommendations. Mr. Locke asked Mr. Macbeth to submit the recommendations in writing to the Board. The Chairman said that the Board appreciated Mr. Macbeth's offer to come in to keep the office running. Mr. Macbeth said that when the Town Accountant does return, everything will be up to date. Mr. Macbeth retired at 8: 55 p.m. At 8:56 p.m. Mr. Anthony Saransky appeared before the Board, representing the New England Air Show. Mr. Saransky said that Chief Rycroft had referred him Air to the Board. He stated that he would like to secure Show permission to erect one or two temporary signs on the road leading to Bedford, and on the other road leading to the Bedford Airport at the left of the monument. He said that they were temporary signs and would' be taken down the day following the show; providing there are not any rainy days. He stated that the Boston Aeronautical Socity is sponsor- ing the show and 75 per cent of the proceeds is going to be donated to the Army Air Forces Aid Society. Mr. Saransky said that Chief Rycroft has no objections to 567 the signs as they do not obstruct the traffic. He said that he would like one sign placed in the triangle in front of the Unitarian Church and the other one placed in the triangle in front of the Masonic Temple. Mr. Rowse moved that Mr. Saransky' s request be approved. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Saranaky retired at 8 58 p.m. At 9:00 p.m. Mrs. Howard Patterson appeared before the Board. Mrs. Patterson said that she had previously requested permission to have a paper drive for the Round Table Club of the Baptist Church off September 14, but the permit wad Paper denied because the Legion had previously been granted a Drive permit for September 15. She said that the members of Permit the club have been collecting papers from May 1 and they have accumulated quite a lot. She said she wondered if she could collect the papers this Saturday, July 27, 1946, from just the members of the Round Table Club. The Chairman said that it is rather an embarrassing position. for the Board because they have already granted a permit to the Legion. Mts.. Patterson said that she would just like permission 111 to collect what paper the members of the club have stored in their basements. She wondered if it would be all right if she collected the Round Table Club members' paper without a permit from the Board. The Board did not think there would be any objections to this procedure, and they Left the matter up to the descretion of Mrs. Patterson. Mrs. Patterson retired at 9:02 p.m. The Chairman read a letter from three residents of blossom Street, Lexington, requesting a water extension on Blossom Street, Lexington. The request was referred to Mr. DeFoe. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Thomas J. Phelan, Street 6 Aerial Street, requesting the installation of a street Light light on Aerial Street. Aerial Mr. Rowse moved that the request be referred to Mr. St. DeFoe. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Letter was received from Warren E. Russell requesting the RAotir Town to fix the stone wall on his property, facing Mass- Req. achusetts Avenue between the High School and his driveway. Russel, Mr. Paxton stated that in the past the Town has put Bence back the loose stones. 568 00 a x Mr. Sarano moved that Mr. DeFoe , Supt . of Public Works , be requested to put the loose stones back in their proper place. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A letter was received from Charles F. Vaughan Insurance requesting his share to Town insurance. The Assistant Clerk was instructed to advise Mr. Vaughan that the Town has not placed any new policies, but has merely renewed old policies. The Chairman read a letter from Converse Hill of Brewer & Lord stating that he had been watching the Insurance progress of the new fire station and he felt that i on Fire insurance should now be placed, covering the building Station while in the process of construction. He stated that he had taken the liberty of binding $107,000 with the Fireman's Fund Insurance Company, and the cost of the insurance would be about $264. Mr. Locke moved that the insurance be placed as of July 12, 1946 and the Appropriation Committee be requested to transfer the sum of $264 from the Reserve Fund to the Insurance Account. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from the Planning Board regarding neon advertising signs. Mr. Rowse said that he had talked with a Mr. Lowney of a sign firm regarding neon signs. He said that he asked Mr. Lowney if it were possible to have the neon signs conform to the present Building Laws Neon Signs in Lexington. Mr. Lowney informed Mr. Rowse that the signs could conform to the Building Laws if they have the proper insulation and the transformer is moved. Mr. Paxton asked about the thickness of the sign if this were done. Mr. Rowse said that a door would be cut in the sign for the transformer. Mr. Rowse said that it would cost just a little more, but it would hot be a hardship. The Chairman asked Mr. Rowse if he could obtain a letter giving full information regarding the installation of the Neon signs so that they will conform to the present Building Laws. Mr. Rowse agreed to do this. 569 A letter was received from do A. Russell , Dog Officer, requesting a transfer of $70 from the Reserve Fund to the Dog Officer's Department - Expense Account Transfer to take care of feeding and the caring of the dogs for To Dog the remainder of the year. 0fficdr' s Mr. Rowse moved that the Appropriation Committee be requested to transfer the sum of $70 from the Reserve Fund to the Dog Officer' s Department - Expense Account. Mr. Paxton seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read alletter from Mr. George E. Foster Transfer of the Memorial Day Committee requesting a transfer of Memorial $9.64 to pay bills of this committee. Day Mr. Paxton moved that the Appropriation Committee Account be requested to transfer the sum of $9.64 from the Reserve Fund to the Memorial Day Committee Account. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A bill was received from the Town Counsel, Daniel Transfer Lynch, for the Board of Appeals Case regarding the Lovell Lovell Bus Hearing in the amount of $350. Bus A bill was also received from Mr. Lynch in the Case amount of $150 for three Eminent Domain Orders. There is not enough money in the account to pay these bills and, therefore , a transfer should be requested. Mr. Sarano moved that the Appropriation Committee be requested to transfer the sum of $1,000 from the Reserve Fund to the Law Department - Special Fees Account. Mr. Paxton seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. DeFoe returned to the meeting. Mr. Paxton said that he had received a number of complaints from residents on Bedford Street and Reed Compl'ts Street regarding the New England Telephone and Telegraph Bedford trucks. St. Mr. DeFoe said that the company thought it was going Tel . Co. to be a small job, but the prices ran so high that they had to write specifications. Mr. Paxton said that he thought the company should be charged about $2.50 a square yard for all the bituminous sidewalks. In this way, there would be enough to resurface them. Mr. DeFoe said that he would look into the matter. The Chairman told Mr. DeFoe that Mr. Macbeth was leaving and that he wanted to make Mrs. Arner a Senior Clerk, 570 CO thus leaving Miss Tarbell available for the Public Works Department. Mr. DeFoe said that Miss Tarbell could go into the Building and Plumbing Departments and also do Mr. Garrity's Park Department work. Mid. of The Chairman read a letter from the Chamber of Mass. Ave. Commerce requesting information about the proposed widening Parking of Massachusetts Avenue, and also the parking problem in Problem the center of the town. The Superintendent said that he did not know when this work would be done. After a lengthy discussion on the Public Works Department and the Engineering Department, Mr. DeFoe retired at 10:90 p.m. Mr. Rowse read a letter from the Chamber of Commerce relative to a complaint about the Douglas Motor Co. , Inc. No action was taken on the matter. Three letters were received from Mr. Charles H. Peirce, 47 Bloomfield Street; Mr. H. Webster Thomas, 50 Bloomfield Speeding Street, and Mr. Norcross Teel, 44 Bloomfield Street, The Mass. Ave. letters all stated that Massachusetts Avenue, between the High School and Marrett Road, has become a speedway. The letters were referred to the Chief of Police for action. The Chairman read a letter from the Board of Health Property stating that it believes the property at 42 Ward Street, 42 Ward St. Lexington, to be both a health and safety menace. Menace Mr. Paxton said that Mr. Lindstrom should be requested to inspect the property and report to the Board as to whether or not the building is fit for occupancy and also if it should be torn down. A letter was received from Miss Rose Marie McKenna, Deny Req. Secretary of the Lexington Youth Committee, requesting a Block permit for a block dance on Harrington Road, July 27, 1946. Dance Mr. Rowse moved that the permit be denied. Mr. Harrington Paxton seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Rd. The Board gave further consideration to Mr. Vincent Iginico' s offer of $100 for Lot 195, Grassland Street, Lexington. A proposal to sell this lot was advertised in Sell Lot the July 11 , 1946 issue of the Lexington Minute-Man. 195 Grass- As a result of the advertisement , an offer of $300 land St. was received far the lot from Harold A. Conant, 47 Lincoln to Conant Street, Lexington. Mr. Sarano moved that Mr. Conait' s offer be accepted and that Lot 195 Grassland Street be sold and conveyed to Mr. Harold A. Conant for $300. Mr. Locke seconded the 1 571 motion, and it was so voted. The Board gave further consideration to Mr. Malcolm L. Allen' s offer of $200 for Lot 21, Fair Sell Lot Oaks, Downing Road, Lexington. A proposal to sell 21 this lot was advertised in the July 11, 1946 issue Downing of the Lexington Minute-Man. No persons contacted Rd. to the Selectmen' s Office as a result of the Allen advertisement . Mr. Rowse moved that the offer be accepted and that Lot 21, Downing Road, be sold and conveyed to Mr. Allen. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A letter was received from Mr. Guy Lepore, 53 Reed Street, offering the sum of $200 for Lot 35, Reed Street, Lexington. Mr. Sarano moved that a proposal to sell the lot 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. A letter wag received from Mr. Wilfred B. Hesley, 411 Marrett Road, Lexington, offering the sum of $400 for Lots 149 and 150, Bridge Street, Lexington. Mr. Rowse moved that a proposal to sell the lot be 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. Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was voted to grant the following licenses: William J. Viano, 1794 Massachusetts Avenue - Sunday Movies Thomas J. Phelan, 6 Aerial Street - Peddler' s Upon motion of Mr. Saran, seconded by Mr. Paxton, it was voted to sign the following deeds: Lots 431, 432, 433 , Tucker Ave. to Florence E. & Robert G. Poirier Lot 143 , Outlook Drive to Geza J. & Marie A. Hauck Lot 4, Hazel Road to Robert E. & Dorothy M. Sharkey Application was received from the American Legion requesting the use of Cary Hall on the evening of September 12 , 1946 from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight for an installation meeting. 572 00 Ca Mr. Rowse moved that the use of the hall be granted, free of charge. Mr. Paxton seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Applications were received from the Veterans of Foreign Wars requesting the use of a conference room on July 31 , 1946 from 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. for meetings. Mr. Sarano moved that the uses be granted. Mr. Paxton seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from the Lexington Choral Society requesting the use of Cary Hall on Thursday, December 12, 1946, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. for a rehearsal. Mr. Sarano moved that the use be granted free of charge. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from the Lexington Choral Society requesting the use of Cary Hall on Friday, December 13 , 1946 from 8:15 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. for a concert. Mr. Paxton moved that the use of the hall be granted, subject to a charge of $20. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman informed the Board that the supply of Building Laws is running low. He wondered how the Board felt about printing the Building and Plumbing Laws as one book. The Board had no objections . Upon motion of Mr. Locke, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it Transfers was voted to request the Appropriation Committee to sake the following transfers: $3,000 from the Reserve Fund to the Water Services Account . $1,000 from the Reserve Fund to the Highway Road Mach. Account; $ 600 from the Reserve Fund to the Plumbing & Building Department- Personal Services Account (Miss Terbell' s Salary. ) . Mr. Paxton stated that he thought that at the next Town Meeting an appropriation or transfer should come from the Water Department - Available Surplus Account to cover the Water Services transfer. He further stated that the same procedure, an appropriation or transfer, should be taken to cover the transfer to the Highway Road Machinery Account transfer. A true record, Attest: mss , jja Q j cJftt� Clerk / 1