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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1947-03-10236 SELECTMEN'S MEETING March 10, 1947 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building on Monday evening, March 10, 1947. Messrs. Locke, Sarano, Paxton, the newly elected members Emery, Gay and the Clerk were present. Upon motion of Mr. Locke, seconded by Mr. Sarano, Mr. William C. Paxton was elected Chairman of the Board of Select- men for the ensuing year. At 7:30 p.m. Mr..James J. Carroll, Town Clerk, met with the Board for the drawing of two jurors. Mr. John J. Sweeney, mailman, 10 Barnes Place was drawn to serve on Jurors ctiminal business, 1st session, beginning April 7, 1947. Mr. J. Raymond Myers, production engineer, 10 Locust Avenue was drawn to serve on Civil Business, 2nd session, beginning April 7, 1947. At 7:35 p.m. Mr. Charles E. Ferguson and Mr. Joseph H. DeFoe met with the Board. Mr. DeFoe stated that it is his understanding that in the past, it has been customary for the M.D.C. to tay for installation of meters. However, the Commission expects the Town of Lexington to pay for the Venturi meter to be in- stalled at the Arlington -Lexington town line in connection with the proposed 20 -inch main from Forest and Summer Streets, Arlington to the Lexington town line. Mr. DeFoe said that, in his opinion, no charge should be made and therefore he had discussed the subject with Representative Ferguson. Mr. Ferguson stated that he had conferred with the Commissioner and also with Mr. Toole, Director of Mater Division and Chief eater Supply Engineer, and advised them that the Town protested the probable charge for the Venturi meter. Their argument to Mr. Ferguson was that this is an established custom and the Commission will make a charge to all new entrants to the syttem. They felt that the Town Venturi should not object because of the lower rates now in force. Meter Mr. Ferguson said that insofar as new entrants to the Charge system are concerned, a charge may be fair, but Lexington has been in the system for a long period def time. Mr. Toole felt that Mr. Ferguson's reasoning is sound, but he has no authority to make any change and suggested that the Board of Selectmen write to the M.D.C. and protest the charge, stating reasons. 1 1 1 237 After:.careful consideration of the subject, it was the opinion of the Board that the Town of Lexington stthuld.y, if possible, be relieved of the full amount of the charge. The Board took into consideration the fact that the rates have been reduced and also that all new 8ntranees-to the system are required to pay their share. However, the Town of Lexington had been in the system since 1903 and paid to date approximately $700,000. TheClerk was instructed to inform the M.D.C. of the Board's decision on the matter and to advise Mr. Ferguson when the letter is completed for mailing. Mr. Ferguson retired at 7:50 p.m. Mr. DeFoe reported that he was unable to obtain more definite information relative to the route of the proposed Lowell Turnpike. Mr. Sabin of the State Department of Public Works, intimated that it may be five year before this project is started. The Chairman suggested that the Board either reject or approve the _Selfridge -layout at the next meeting of the Board. At 8:00 p.m. Messrs. Kenne and Paige met with the Board. Er. Keene informed the Board that he dedibes some information relative to two lots of land on Marrett Road. According to a blueprint presented by Mr. Keene, Outlook Drive id shown as possible being extended and Mr. Keene asked if the Board had any knowledge relative to continuing Outlook Drive. The Chairman explained that apparently at some time when the location in question was laid out, there was some idea of continuing Outlook Drive, but that such a project would be entirely up to the owner of the property. Mr. Keene said that he would like to divide the parcel of land into two lots and Mr. Locke stated that he would not have 100 foot frontage! Mr. Paxton explained that there must be 100 foot frontage on a paved road. He suggested that Mr. Keene take his problem to the Planning Board. Messrs. Keene and Paige retired at 8:10 p.m. Mr. DeFoe reported that he had inspected North Hancock North Street relative to possible widening and said that due to Hancock the location of trees, high banks, stonewall, etc. nothing Street could be done unless some of the trees and stonewalls are removed. The Chairman said that he believed it to be the opinion of the Board that it would be necessary to take down some of 238 the trees. Mr. Emery informed the Board that Mr. George P. Morey advised, him that the residents would be satisfied with a sidewalk. The Chairman said that the people on the street cannot have trees and a sidewalk area at the same time, and he suggested that the Supt. of Public Works havethe engineers put in a line of lathes so that the abutters will see where the excavation will be. The Sup°t. of Public Works agreed to carry out the Chairman's suggestion. Letter was received from the Arlington Gas Light Company, together with a plan, requesting permission no Gas Main install a 4" steel gas main in Pleasant Street, starting at the'corner of Folien Road and Massachusetts Avenue and running to the culvert just short of the Concord Turnpike. The Town Engineer approved the plan. Mr. Sarano moved that the request be granted. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from Mrs. Rose Winston, 75 Outlook Drive, requesting the Board to reconsider her claim for damages. Mrs. Winston ennlosed a bill in Claim the amount of $50 for repairs to a mirror which she says fell from the wall because of blasting. Mr. Sarano Moved that no action be taken. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from Francis Liberatori, president of the Paraplega Association, Cushing Hospital in Framingham, stating that the recovery of Gregory Seymourian of Laconia Street has been seriously retarded due to existing conditions of the street. The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the latter. Mr. DeFoe retired at 8:45 p.m. National Surety bond #632130, covering the Clerk of Clerk's the Board, in the sum of $1,000 was received from John Bond C. Paige & Company. Mr. Sarano moved that the bond be approved for a period of one year. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. (- The Chairman reminded the Board that some action Battle flag should be taken relative to suitable ceremony on April 19 for accepting the battle flag flown on the USS LEX- INGTON, which has been offered to the Town. c 1 1 239 Mr. Locke moved that the correspondence be referred to the Patriots' Day Committee. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Notice was received from the Commissioner of Veterans' Services advising that only one member of the Board could serve in connection with Veterans' Services. Vet - Mr. Sarano moved that Mr. Frederick Gay be erans' appointed to serve in the capacity of Veterans' Agent. Agent Mr. Emery seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from the State Department of Conservation, Division of Forestry, reminding the Board that within ten days after organization, appoint- Moth went must be made of local superintendent for the suppre- Supt. ssion of gypsy and browntail moths. Mr. Locke moved that Mr. John J. Garrity be re- appointed for the term of one year, subject to the approval of the State. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman informed the Board that complaints have been heard relative to the rates of pay for election workers. The subdect was "discussed and upon motion of Mr. Sarano seconded by Mr. Emery, it was voted to increase the rates as follows: Wardens from $11 to $15; Inspectors and Clerks from $9 to $12 and Tellers from $7 to $9; Allowance for one meal increased from .75 to $1. Upon motion of Mr. Sarano, seconded by Mr. Emery, it was voted to grant the following licenses: (all renewals) Rates for Election Workers Old Belfry Tea Room Ira A. Rix Chester Fillmore William Viano 1840 Mass. Avenue 503 Waltham St. 83 Bertwell Road 1794 Mass. Avenue Common Victualler Popcorn Peddler Sunday Movies Application was received from the Lexington Council of Girl Scouts for permission to use Cary Hall on the afternoon of May 14, for a rehearsal and on May 15 for a Scout Rally. Mr. Locke moved that the use of the hall be granted, free of charge. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from the Middlesex County Farm Bureau, Inc. for permission to hold an annual banquet in Cary Hall on March 26. Uses of Hall 240 Mr. Sarano moved that the use of the hall be granted, subject to a charge of $30.00. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from the Veterans of Foreign 'Wars for permission to use Estabrook Hall and a conference room on the evenings of April 2 and 16 for business meetings. Mr. Locke moved that the uses be granted free of charge. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from the Society of Children of the American Revolution for permission to conduct a marionette show in Estabrook Hall on March 22. Mr. Sarano 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 the War Parents of Americanfdr permission to conduct a business meeting in Estabrook Hall on March 20. Mr. Sarano moved that the use of the hall be granted free of charge. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Bids for printing 100 copies of the School Committee and Superintendent's Rpports and 100 copies of the Town Accountant's Reports as follows: Bidder Fleming & Son Somerville Printing Co. Adams Press, Inc. 00 meg 1 1 School Reports Accountants' Rep. $ 2.37 per page $2.66 per page 2.75 per page 3.05 per page $110 - 100 copies $255 - 100 copies Upon motion of Mr. Locke, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was voted to accept the bid of Fleming & Son. The Chairman said that one of the problems the Board has to solve as soon as possible is the appointment of a new Town Accountant inasmuch as Mr. Russell has requested retirement effective March 16, 1947. He explained that approximately twenty-five applications have been received and read by Mr. Locke. It was decided that each member of the Board should review the applications this week and to interview the Lexington applioahts next Monday evening. The Meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m. A true copy, Attest: Clerk.