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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1947-07-14SELECTMEN'S MEETING Tilly 14, 1947 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, Monday evening, July 14, 1947, at 7:30. There were present: Chairman Paxton, Messrs. Locke, Emery and Gay. The Clerk was also present. Mr. DeFoe, Sup't. of --Public Works, Mr. Antonio Busa and Mr. Everett M. Brooks, Civil Engineer, met with the Board. Mr. Brooks presented a study plan of a proposed new road shown on the plan and profile as part of A Street. He said that this plan had been presented to the Planning Board and approved. He explained that Mr. Busa desires approval on one street only to enable him to build a house and he would like permission to construct the foundation before the formal Board of Survey Hearing is held. Mr. Brooks informed the Board that if Mr. Busa is held up too long he will have to forget about the proposi- tion. Mr. Busa said that duringthe period of advertising and before the actual hearing was held he would like to get permission from the Building Inspector which will enable him son-in-law to start on the cellar of the house. The Chairman suggested that Mr. Busa and his engineer leave the meeting for a few minutes to give the Board an opportunity to consider his request. The Chairman informed the Board that as far as he is concerned be helieved Mr. Busa should be required to build the section of the street according to the Board of Survey specifications, but he did not think he should be required to install drainage. Mr. Locke said that if he did build the street according to town requirements he would be in favor of approving the request. The Chairman stated that Mr. Busa, however, should be required to post a bond. Mr. Busa and Mr. Brooks returned to the meeting at 7:35 P.M. and the Chairman in- formed them that the Board felt thatit would be better to have a Board of Survey Hearing on the matter and the soonest possible date would be two weeks from this evening. He further stated that the Board also felt that Mr. Busa should construct the street according to the Board of Survey specifications which included a 24 foot gravel road, but that the Board would not require the installation of drainage. -He stated that the Building Inspector will be requested to grant a permit which will enable Mr. Buses son-in-law to begin the foundation, but it must be clearly understood that any permit for the construction of the 439 Antonio Busa new road re; 440 Paul Bowser Assessment Drainage in rear of Johnson's garage Thomas Napoli Assessment on Lincoln Street house must be subject to the approval of the Board of Survey Hearing. The Chairman. informed Mr. Busa that it would be necessary for him to post a bond and a specified completion date. He suggested that Mr. Buss confer with Mr. DeFoe to complete -these -details. Mr. Buss and Mr. Brooks retired at 7:40 P.M.' Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that the new assess- ment to be levied against Paul Bowser for the con- struction of Grant Street (taking into consideration the part the town did not assess him for) is $1,242. He also stated that Mr. Carlson's new assessment will be $1,260. The Chairman asked the Board if there were any questions pertaining to these revised `figures and there were none. The Chairman said that he felt the proper way to handle this would be to have the figures revised on the records at the Registry. and suggested that Mr. DeFoe contact the Town Counsel as to the proper. procedure. Mr. DeFoe presented a plan relative to the drainage of the property in the rear of F. K. Johnson's Garage on Bedford Street. Mr. Locke asked if the proposed drainage would be an open ditch and Mr. DeFoe replied that he is planning to pipe it. The Chairmansuggested that Mr. DeFoe consult Fred Johnson to find out what his rection will be and also to determine whether or not he expects to erect any building where the proposed drainage is to be installed. The Chairman aleo asked the Super- intendent if he would find out whether or not Mr. Johnson would be willing to give the town an easement thereby enabling the town to run some pipe and will permit Mr. Johnson to carry on his filling as he sees fit. Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that the assessment for Thomas Napoli in the amount of $157 covers work done last year, and the work for 1947 on Lincoln Street will cost Mr. Napoli $836. Mr. Napoli met with the Board at 7:55 P.M. The Chairman explained the two charges to Mr. Napoli and he asked what the Board meant when they referred to work having been done last year. The Chairman explainedthat was the installation up Lincoln Street to Barrymeade Drive. Mr. Napoli questioned whether or not it was any betterment to his property and the Chairman explained that in some cases when water mains have been laid by farm lands an agreement has been drawn up whereby the farmer does not pay any assessment 1 1 until such time as he taps the main"or until he sells any portion or all of his farm land. Mr. Emery asked if the agreement would be_a lien on the property and the Chairman replied that it would be in lieu of a lien. Mr. Napoli stated that he would be willing to pay for the water if he used it or if he sold the land, but he has nd', intention of selling his property. The Chairman explained that the Town Counsel will leave this week for his vacation and will not be available for at least three weeks. He asked Mr. Napoli if he would hold this subject over for a month and when the Town Counsel returnsan agreement will be drawn up between Mr. Napoli and the Town. Mr. Napoli agreed to the Chair s suggestion and retired at 8:03 P.M. Chairman Hoyt, Messrs. Fawcett, Hopkins and Winlock of the .Appropriation, Committee and Mr. Walker, Town Accountant, met with the Board. The Chairman salted if the Appropriation Committee had any questions that they wanted to ask the Board and`Mr. Hoyt said that there were none that he knew of. He said, hbviever, that at some later date the Appropriation Committee would like to be able to put together some figures showing not only what the town is committed to spend, but what it is anticipated will be spent over the next three years. The Chairman said that the first subject to be dismissed -•:with the Appropriation Committee is the matter by salaries for Miss Ready in the Assessor's Office and Miss Thompson in the Collector's Office. He said that the Appropriation Committee would undoubt- edly recall that last winter the Selectmen invited the heads of both of these Departments to meet with the Board for the purpose of discussing their Budgets. He said that Mr. Seaman did meet with the Board, but the Board of Assessors met with the Selectmen and discussed this subject. He said that they very definitely feel that Miss Ready is worth more money than she is getting at the present time and they asked that her salary be set at $40-.00 a week. He explained that Miss Ready has been in the Department for 25 years and that Mr. Spencer will retire any time and is determined that he will not break in a new girl. The Chairman said that when the -Assessors met with the Selectmen Mr. Spencer also spoke about the Tax Collector's Office and said that he did not think it would be fair to increase Miss Ready and not increase Miss Thompson. The Chairman stated that the Board of Selectmen felt that both girls should receive an increase; 44.E Meet with Appropri- ation Comm.re: salaries and Veteran Agent 442 however, they do not feel that they can go along at $40,00 a week. In view of the fact that it is impossible to hire a capable 'girl 'for less than $35.00 a week the Board would be willing to pay these two girls at that rate. Mr. Winlock asked if there would be any guarantee that the girls would stay after they were increased and the Chair- man replied in the negative. Mr. Hopkins stated that if these two salaries were increased the other girls in the building might request an increase. He questioned whether it would be wise to leave them as senior clerks and increase their salaries above that paid to senior clerks. Mr. Gay asked if the Assessors's Office and the Collector's Office had been represented, would they have been granted increases. Mr. Hoyt replied in the negative stating that there is no question about either Department. He stated that Mr. Spencer knows the rules and procedure relative to budgets and increases in salaries and has known them for a period of thirty-five years. He said that both the Assessors and Tax Collector know that any increases hhould have been requested in the Budgets. The Chairman said that he thought this was -a serious situation and he wanted the Appropriation Committee to be familiar with both departments. Mr. Fawcett asked if the Board of Selectmen intended to pay for the particular position or for the length of service and the Chairman replied that they should be paid for both. The Chairman explained that there is another problem the Board would like to consider which pertains to Veteran's Benefits.. He explained that the town is supposed to set up a Director of Veteran's Services. The Director is to work with a committee to advise the veteran on the questions of benefits, education, mortgages, hospitalization, etc. The Chairman explained that according to law veteran's benefits can no longer be disbursed through the Welfare Department. The Chairman explained what the Board has done to date relative to this subject and read the memorandum received from Mr. Lawrence Miles, who has been asked to serve in the capacity of Director of Veteran's Services. Mr. Hoyt said that he had discussed the matter with Mr. Miles. The Chairman said that the Board has been unsuccessful in ob- taining anyone to accept the job, but no doubt when there is a salary for the position there may be some applicants.. Mr. Hoyt stated that in talking with Mr. Miles he said that right at the moment it does not look like a full-time job but it can become a full-time job at any time. Mr. Hoyt asked if the Board of Selectmen anticipated appointing a full-time Director and the @h,rirman relied that the 1 448 Selectmen have no set-up at the present time and wanted todiscussit with the Appropriation Committee so that it could be taken care of at the fall town meeting. Mr. Hoyt said that the Appropriation Committee had discussed informally the Board of Public Welfare. He said that the Appropriation Committee had the reeling for some tiiie that the town might recieve more for its money if there were a man of more executive ability as Welfare Agent. It might be possible to consider the present agent for the position of Veteran's Director. He stated that the Welfare loan is $7.00 on the tax rate and it has reached the point where it takes a good man to handle it. He said that he, personally, is not too sure that we could get more for our money. The Chairman stated that Colonel Barry and Mr. Collins met with the Board of Selectmen and the Board since that time has received monthly reports from that Department and the greatest item is "Old Age". He said that at the time they met Colonel Barry brought out the fact that every- thing is so tied down by law that anyone on the Public Welfare can only see that the law is carried out and sign the warrants. Mr. Hoyt said that he did not think this was so and that most of the towns are now recognizing that this is a permanent load and it takes a good man to receive what should come to the town. Mr. Hoyt explained that the Appropriation Committee has no criticism of the present agent. The group retired at 8:55 P.M. Mr. Thomas J. Donnelly, Chairman of tue Board of Fire Fire Engineers, -and DeputyChief Roy Cook, met with the Engineers Board. Mr. Donnelly explained that the Board of Fire re: water Engineers recommend tying in the'water mains from mains Buckman Drive to Moreland Avenue, a distance of approx- imately 300 feet. The Chairman explained that the Board is familiar with the situation and it is on Mr. DeFoe's list as one of the items to be discussed this evening. Mr. Donnelly said that the Board of Fire Engineers are considering short cuts from the new station to heavily populated sections of the town and one of these is to run up Bedford Street, through Revere Street and Coolidge Avenue to Merriam and North Streets. The Engineers would like to have Coolidge Avenue -straightened out and regraded and also approximately 15 feet cut off the triangular plot at Hancock and Revere Streets. The Chairman explained to Mr. Donnelly that the Sup't. of Public Works will be in- structed to scrape Coolidge -Avenue but with the increased volume of work and the limited personnel in the Public Submit Works Department, any work on the triangular plot would Reporte 444 Charles Richards Pension Medical Panel app' d. have to be held over until some later date. The Chairman suggested the Board of Fire Engineers submit occasional reports to the Selectmen relative to the number of fires and loss per fire. The Chairman stated that the Selectmen have received a communication from the Town Co@.nsel pertaining to the request of Charles Richards for an increase in his pension. He explained that General Laws provide that no fireman shall be retired for either accidental ordinary, dis- ability unless he has been examined first, by a med±eal panel consisting of three physicians who must certify in. writing after examination that such fireman is mentally or physically ineapic&fated for further duty. The medical panel must consist of three physicians, one of whom shall be designated by the State Surgeon, who shall serve as Chairman, a second who shall be designated by the Board of Selectmen, and a third who shall be designated by the applicant for retirement. Mr. Gay moved that the Board of Selectmen designate Dr. Howard W. Newell as a .:member of the medical panel to examine Mr. Richards and to also advise the State Surgeon. Mr. Emery seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Donnelly and Deputy Chief Cook retired at 9:15 P.M. Mr. DeFoe presented a plan entitled "Plan of Buckman Drive and Easement For Water Main to Moreland Avenue, July 11, 1947, J. T. Cosgrove, Town Engineer", The Chairman suggested that Mr. DeFoe contact the Town Counsel relative to the easement and ask Mr. Luongo to"meet with ,the Board of Selectmen"four weeks from to -night. The Chairman also requested Mr. DeFoe to instruct the Building Inspector not to issue -a building permit for the construction of new buildings on Mr. Luongo's two lots until after he meets with the Board. Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that he and Mr. Proposed Garrity, Sup't. of Parks and Playgrounds, had met with Transmission Mr. John T. Ward, Vice President of the Boston Edison -Line Company relative to the proposed transmission line. Mr. DeFoe said that he could see no objection to granting the petition and that Mr. Ward informed hi{* that the Boston Edison Company will plant trees if necessary. The.Chair- man stated that the Board at this time is not granting permission for any crossings. At the present time the Board will only give them permission to go through the Cambridge Water Basin area. Mr. Emery inquired as to the 1 445 heighth-of the poles and Mr. DeFoe said they would be 45. feet. Mr. Emery asked if the line would go over any part of water -area and Mr. DeFoe replied in the Proposed affirmative but stated that -it would not be carried Transmission over the main body of water. The Chairman asked if Line there were any further questions and there were none. On motion of Mr. Emery seconded by Mr. Gay it was voted to grant the petition of the Boston Edison Company for approval Of the acquisition from the City of Cambridge, for electric transmission line of Easements in land owned by -and held said city for water supply purposes and located in the Town -of Lexington; it being clearly understodd that the approval of this preliminary petition does not include permission for any street crossings. Mr. Edwin Lee's offer of $60 for a parcel of land Mr. Lee's located in Lexington, lying southwesterly from Bedford offer for Street and about 300 feet southeasterly from Hinchey land re: Road, was held over from the last meeting of the Board. Edison Co. Inasmuch as it has been rumored that Mr. Lee is purchas- ing this property for the Boston Edison Company, the Board decided to ask him for an explanation as to why the Boston Edison Company does not contact the Selectmen direct. Mr. DeFoe presented a sketch showing a 36" drain crossing Sherburne Road, The Chairman suggested that an item be entered in the 1948 Budget. Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that the town has a Easement 10 foot easement in Sherburne Road. He said that he had on Sher- telephoned Mr. Nelson who complained about the drainage burne Rd. and Mr. DeFoe explained to him that the town could not Complaint do any work on the street inasmuch as it is not an of Mr. accepted way. Mr. Nelson informed Mr. DeFoe*said Nelson re: that it appears that his statement is correct. The drainage Board felt that if the town is responsible for having dumped the material, then the town should remove it. Mr. DeFoe was instructed, however, not to have the shovel used but to have the work done by hand labor. Mr. DeFoe reported that he and Mr. LeGrow, of the Bow Street Boston & Maine R. R., and Chief Ryeroft inspected the Crossing Bow Street -Railroad crossing. Mr. LeGrow suggested Recommend - having twice as many lights at this crossing as there ations are now. He also suggested new approach signs on both sides of the crossing. The Chairman read a report from the Chief of Police on the subject and also a letter from the Town Counsel, informing the Board as to the result * that the town had dumped excess material from Vine Brook on the bank which prevents the water from run- ning off and Mr. DeFoe 446 Changes in rates for water main- tenance of his conference with Robert T. Fletcher, Counsel for the Boston & Maine. Mr. Emery said that he would recommend the installation of an audible signal. The Clerk was instructed to send Mrs. Frank Cochrane, who presented the original petition pertaining to this matter, a copy of Mr. Lynch's letter and to ask her how the residents in the neighborhood now feel about having an audible signal at this crossing. He stated that some years ago such a signal was discontinued at the request of the residents in that area who objected to the noise. Mr. DeFoe submitted suggested changes pertaining to watdr mains and various maintenance charges. After some discussion of the subject, upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Emery it was voted to approve the fol- lowing schedule of rates: (1) Turning on and 'shutting off water meters $1.50 (2) Repairing or replacing frozen meters $4.00 (3) Testing meters $2.00 (Prdwiding meter is found to be defective) Installation of 6" water mains to be assessed at $1.25 per front foot. Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that the contractor Drain on installing the sewer on Harding Road has encountered Harding Road a 20" drain which does not show on the plans in the Engineering Department and of which the town has no record. He explained that the sewer is being installed at the best possible location but as the contractor digs down the earth, the bank falls away and the pipe is broken. He said that he can't see anything to do but to replace the pipe with a 20"treinforced concrete pipe. The Chair- man explained that/this particular location there would be no impacts and undoubtedly it would be laid not less than 5 feet doh and he felt that a 21" concrete pipe would be advisable. Mr. DeFoe said that it seems to him that the pipe is draining very well at three feet. The Chair- man felt that if the pipe were not laid deeper than feet it should be of reinforced concrete. Mr. DeFoe explained that he had conferred with the contractor and he has arrived at an agreement in connection with this pipe, drains, cattail -basins, etc. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Locke, it was voted to authorize the Supt. of Publics Works, to replace the drain in Harding Road to Williams Road, with 21" concrete pipe at a cost of approximately $750. It was further voiced to approve the following: (1) Connecting Drains $ 2.00 per foot (2) Installing the pipe, including fittings and tying into catch basins $ 7.00 (3) Manholes 25.00 per foot Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that Stanley Higgins had interviewed Mrs. Harriet Childs who claims to have injured her leg in a fall caused by a defect in the town sidewalk. Mrs. Childs was alone at the time Mr. Higgins talked with her and she told him to get in touch with her lawyer, Pierre A. Northrup. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Copell of the STOP State Public Works Department relative to "Stop" signs signs at the intersection of Adams and Hancock Streets. Mr. DeFoe was requested to obtain a plan to support the description. 447 Approve replacing drain in Harding Rd, Claim of Mrs. H. Childs A letter was received signed by residents of Richards and Robbins Roads requesting an estimate for the cost of construction for a finished street. The oommAnioation was turned over to the Supt. of Public Works. Estimate of con- struction A letter was received from the Woodhaven Association St. requesting the installation of street lights on Munroe Lights Street. Mr. DeFoe was instructed to confer with the Boston Edison Company and to submit a report to the Board Monday evening, August llth, on all requests for street lights. The Chairman informed the Board that Mr. John Sullivan had requested permission to cut the hay on the so-called "Poor Farm", explaining that in the past the Board has sold the hay for $5.00. Mr. Locke moved that Mr. Sullivan be authorized to cut the hay at the cost of 05,00. Mr. Gay seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. DeFoe retired at 10:30 P.M. A letter was received from Mrs. Robert P. Trask requesting permission on behalf of- the Smith Club to Sell Hay for $5.00 Rummage Sale on Barnes property 448 conduct a rummage sale at the so= called Barnes property on Friday, Sept. 19, or Saturday, Sept. 20. Mr. Gay moved --;that this -use of the ppoperty be granted free of charge for Sept: 19th. Mr. Locke seconded the motion and it was so voted. Use of The Chairman read a letter from William P. Fitz - Fire Station gerald requesting permission to rent or lease the old fire'station on Merriam Street for washing and polishing cars. -The Clerk was instructed to inform Mr. Fitzgerald that it is doubtful if the -Selectmen can authorize the use of -the building without the vote of town meeting and the matter has been referred to Town Counsel. A letter was received from John R. Sloane requesting Sloane re- permission to rent the old fire station on Merriam Street quest for for storage. The Clerk was instructed to advise Mr. Sloane old fire that it was doubtful if the Selectmen can authorize the station use of this building and the matter has been referred to Town Counsel. The Chairman read a letter from the School Committee advising that the Board -had discussed Mrs. Lindsay's reoom- School mendation that the Posture Clinic be taken over by the Committee School Department. The School Committee is not in favor re: of this recommendation and prefers to have the Clinic Posture conducted as a town function and directed by an independent_ Clinic committee with the co-operation of the School Department. Mr. Gay informed the Board that Mrs. Lindsay would like to have the Selectmen hold up any further action on this at the present time inasmuch as there is a possibility that the P. T. A. may hake over the duties of the Clinic. Deny sale of Lot 77 Wilson*s offer of $100 for Lot #77 Marrett Road. The Chair- Marrett Rd. man informed the Board that he had inspected this parcel of land. He stated --that there isa brook running through the land, emptying into the Lexington Reservoir and that possibly the -town may have some need of it from a drainage angle at a future date. His recommendation would be that the Board retain this particular lot of land. Mr. Emery moved that' the Clerk advise Mr. Wilson that the Board of Selectmen does not wish to, dispose of Lot #77 Marrett Road. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Lots 649-54 A letter was received from Peter Maraso 10 Gladstone Homestead St.,.North Cambridge, offering $120 for Lots 649-654, Street inclusive, on Homestead Street. The Committee on Tax Title The Board gave further consideration to Mr. Axel 1 1 1 Property recommends that the Town receive $200 for these lots. Mr. Locke moved that Mr. Maraso be advised that the Board of Selectmen will entertain an offer of $200. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A letter was received from Leonard Dellis, 70 Reed St., offering $25 for lots 26-29, inclusive, on Earle Street. The Committee on Tax Title Property reported that to be consistent about values being put on lots they -feel -obliged to recommend a price of $100 for these particular lots. Mr. Locke moved that Mr. Dellis be advised that the Board of Selectmen will entertain an offer of $100. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A letter was received from Dominick L. Torci., 47 Clifton Street,-Cambr dge, offering $250 for Lots 178-180, inclusive, on A�cola Street. The Committee on Tax Title Property recommends the price of $300. Mr. Gay moved that Mr. Torci be advised that the Board of Selectmen will entertain of offer of *300 for these lots. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman informed the Board that Mr. Worthen had left with the Clerk of the Board a typewritten copy of the remarks by Mr. Robert Clapp at the dedica- tion of the Cary Memorial Building,. together with a copy of Mr. Clapp's remarks in introducing Major William H. Cary. It was decided to incorporate the remarks as a part of the Selectmen's permanent records, as follows: 449 Jellis offer for lots on Earle Street Torsi offer for lots on Arcola St. Remarks at Ded- ication of Cary Memorial Building Mr. Chairman and Members of the Board of Selectmen: It falls to my lot as President of the Board of Trustees to make formal transfer now of this Building through you to the inhabitants of Lexington, for whose benefit it has-been erected. You and your successors in office -are to' be the custodians of the gift, and it is for you and them to see -that the provisions of the donors' wills regarding its use are carefully observed. The Trustees may be thought to have delayed un- necessarily the execution of their trust, 'but we cels you to remember that an early performance would have resulted in a small and less useful building. The delay has brought 450 a large increase in the available funds, and permitted us to turn over to you a building which has cost, including its site, furnishings and equipments, approximately 3400,000. Furthermore there is left in our hands a trust fund of about 3200,000., yielding income:with which to meet the cost of lectures to be given in this hall for the entertainment and instruction of our people and to furnish financial aid to deserving young men in obtaining an education. We ask you to rememberaLso that our task was not an easy one. I will not dwell upon the difficulties with which we were beset. I will merely say that to surmount them we ddvoted much time and careful consideration. The result of our work is now before you. We have tried to produce a building that will be of constant service to the community, and one withal not without simple beauty and architectural dignity. How far we have succeeded in our efforts is for you and our fellow -townsmen to judge. Fortunately for the Trustees there is one feature in the situation that should remove from them andplace upon all citizens alike the sting of any criticism; for the plans and specifications for this building were approved by the Town in advance. You, ladies and gentlemen, are supposed to have known just what kind of a building you were going to get, and so knowing you agreed to accept and maintain it. You are, therefor, astopped,'as the lawyers say, to claim that it is not satisfactory. When the friends of President Eliot, on his ninetieth birthday met to do him honor, a number of distinguished persons spoke, In reviewing the occasion with his wife, he said he was much gratified to find that his hearing was still very good. He could hear, he said, every- thing but Dr. Peabody's prayer, "But," Mrs. Eliot replied, "that was not addressed to you, was it?" Now, as you fellow -citizens look over this building and 'point out its defects, we, the Trustees, shall claim that your criticisms are not addressed to us, and we shall, perhaps, be a little hard of hearing. In picturing to ourselves the uses to be made of this building, we naturally think first of the town meetings that will be held here; and as we reflect on the thoughtful and instructive address with which Mr. Luce has entertained us, we are led to recognize rather sorrowfully the fact that the simple, primitive life of a New England community, presenting conditions favorable for government through town meetings, has here become a thing of the past; and that we soon must adopt the representative system. 1 451 Here will sit and vote duly chosen town -meeting members, and to these spacious galleries all citizens of the town will be permitted to come. Whether they will be spectatto merely or be allowed to participate in the a discusel4f pending questions, I do not know; but what- ever system shall be devised, let up hope that it will be affective in expressing the popular will, as service- able in developing a sense) of civic responsibility, and as free from the taint of corruption, as ever the town government was in the days of the Fathers. From what Major Cary has told us about the two donors, it seems clear that they would approve the use of the building for any purpose which by common consent makes for the betterment of the community; and these uses may vary from time to time with changes in public opinion. Dramatic and musical performances, dances, social gatherings and the like, as well as "lectures upon historical; educational or other useful subjects, and public meetings," may well occur here. 3o to both the Muses and the Graces the use of this hall may be devoted. It is hoped that all of the pumberous literary, social, and charitable organizations of the Town may here find opportunity for the exercise of their activities. The small hall below us is one which we hope and believe will prove to be very serviceable. It has an historical setting which suggests a name for it. In 1691 what is now Lexington was a part of Cambridge, called Cambridge Farms. The General Court in that year authorized the residents of the Farms to form a separate precinct and settle a minister. Accordingly they erect- ed a meeting house in 1092, and employed as their first minister, Benjamin Estabrook. They built and gave him a house in 1694, and settled him in 1696. This house stood a few rods east of Vine Brook. When excavating for the foundations of this Memotial Building, the workman encountered a portion of the cellar walls of the Esta - brook house. Our small hall, if not actually overlapping the site of that house, come close to it. It is suggested, therefore, That „Estabrook Hall" be adopted as the name of the hall in the basement. In view of a desire, expressed in the wills, that the building be used in part for the safe keeping and exhibition of revolutionary relics and treasures pertaining to the history of the Town, you will recognize the appropriateness 452, of our having provided a place for the Historical Society's valuable painting, "The Dawn -of Liberty" by Sandham, and the fitness also of transferring to the same place the statues of Samuel Adams --and Sohn Hancock, and the memorial tablets in marble -- one relating to the Revolution and the other to the Civil War. To the Exhibition Room, some of the treasured relics possessed by the Historical Society may, perhaps, sooner or later find --their way. All -that is needed to accomplish the result is the mutual consent of the society and the Town. The Trustees are glad to hale been able to affix to one of the walls in the vestibule an original portrait of Margaret, Lady Lexington. She was the wife of Lord Lex- ington, from whom this town is said to have derived its name. The portrait is the individual gift of one of the Trustees -- Mr. Elwyn G. Preston. In keeping with the character of this building will be the placing within its walls of a suitable memorial to the eight Lexington boys who made the supreme sacrifice in the World War. It is hoped that the town will soon avail itself of the opportunity which now comes to it to do appropriate honor to them. Mr. Burnham and members of the Board: To the memory of Isaac Harris Cary, to the honor of his devoted daughters, and to the service of the people of this town, this building is now dedicated. As a last act on the part of the Trustees in performing the agreement heretofore made between them and the Town which bound one party to complete and convey, and the other to accept and maintain, the building, I am about to hand jou the deed and the keys. In doing so, I ask you`to.keep in mind always the memorial character of the gift and the limitations which the donors have placed upon its use. R amber also that the "continued use" of the building for the authorized purposes was an object of solicitude on their part. This means maintenance and thoughtful care, not only this year and next year, but through all'.. succeeding years. This deed, therefore, runs to the "Town of Lexington and its successors forever, for the uses and purposes expressed in said wills." That clamse forecasts a long period of time. Let ue hope that when our remotest descendants shall gather to celebrate events relating to the history of Lexington, this very hall may furnish the place of meeting, and that the audiences then assembled will fervently join in singing: "Let children learn the mighty deeds "Which God performed of old, "Which, in our younger years, we saw, "And which our fathers told." "Our lips shall tell them to our sons, int 1 1 453 "And they again to theirs, "That generations yet unborn "May teach them to their heirs." (Remarks in introducing Major William H. Gary at the Dedication of the Cary Memorial Building,made by Mr. Robert Clapp on Oct. 18, 1928) Isaac Harris Cary, who died in Jamaica Plain in 1881 at the age of 77, was a Boston merchant. He was noted for his philanthropy and the great interest that he took in the educational, moral and spiritual uplift of the comr.unity in which he lived. His daughters, Eliza Cary Farnham and Susanna E. Cary, whose girlhood days were spent in Jamaica Plain, naturally found frequent occasion to visit in Lexington at the delightful summer home of their uncle, -William Harris Cary, on what has been known to you as the Cary Farm. William's wife, Maria Hastings Cary, founder of our library, was the daughter of a man who stood with Captain Parker on the battle green in 1775. The associations to which these circumstances gave rise produced in Yrs. Farnham and her sister a great interest in the early history df Lexington and a warm attachment to the Town. Through the beneficence of these sisters, inspired by a sense of filial devotion to the father's memory and by a desire to promote the welfare of a Town in which they spent many happy hours, there has come into being this Memorial Building. In it anaudience is now assembled for the first time The feelings which the occasion induces in us with compd,ling force are those of gratitude to them for so notable a gift, and of appreciation of the high motives which prompted it. Though''= the event focuses our attention upon these two sisters, it is eminently proper for us to keep in mind, along with our gratitude to them, the debt we owe not only to Maria Hastings Cary but to her adopted daughter, Alice Butler Cary. She was a thavoted friend and lover of Lexington, who generously supplemented her mother's gifts to the Town, and whose sweet and kindly nature endeared her to everyone in this community. Hers is a most gracious memory and one ever to be cherished as the background of the presen# gift made by her cousins. It will, I am sure, be pleasing to you to hear a brief word from one of our Trustees who bears the family name. 454 His father, one of the original Trustees under the Farnham and Cary wills, was first cousin of our latest benefactors. The son will explain how it happened that these cousins came to make this gift. I take great pleasure in introducing to you Major William Harris Cary of Brooklyn, New York." On motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Gay, it wqs voted to grant the following licenses: Countryside, Inc. Countryside Associates William Viano 400 Lowell Street n H 1794 Mass. Avenue Common Vict- ualler (renewal) Sunday Golf Sunday Movies Broken The Chairman informed the Board that Mr. Webster Windows in Thomas of the School Committee had telephoned him relative Adams School to a number of panes of glass that had been broken in the Adams School. The Clerk was instructed to ask the Chief of Police to advise the Board on the matter. Tracy Ames Re: Surety Bonds Insurance The Chairman read a letter from Tracy W. Ames :relative to surety company bonds on construction contracts. The Chairman said that he personally was not in favor of Mr. Ames' suggestion that the contractor be obliged to obtain his bond through a Lexington insurance agent or broker. Mr. Locke said that he could not see the relation between the contractor and the insurance agent. Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Gay it was voted not to take any action on Mr. Ames' suggestion. The Chairman reminded the Board that there is still some insurance to be allocated and submitted his recom- mendations and the amounts and agents. Upon motion of Mr. Locke seconded by Mr. Gay it was voted to approve the recommendations submitted by the Chairman as follows: Add H $11,000 4,000 10,000 5,000 11,000 Division I " II III Add to Ladd expiring July 1, 1951 to Fitzgerald to Sosbee " " " 1950 to Lane " " " 1952 to Ballard " " " 1949 H ,, " $ 41;000 22,000 21, to S33%1/3% 016 2/3 % to Lord policy to McNeil Vaughan 841,000 1,263,000 421,000 expiring July 1, 1951 H n n p H n 1 Mr. Emery stated that he believed the Board should set a definite date for the special election and town meeting. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Emery it was voted to call a special election to be held on Monday, September 22, 1947, and the adjourned town meeting to be held on Monday September 29, 1947. Upon motion of Mr. Locke, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to appoint Mr. John C. Solberg, 30 Maple Street, to serve as a member of the Board of Public Welfare, to fill the unexpired term of the late Colonel Barry. The Board then considered appointments to be made to the Temporary Recreation Committee as authorized by vote of adjourned Town Meeting held on March 24, 1947. Mr. Emery moved that Dr. Howard W. Foley and Kenneth G. Packard be appointed to serve on this committee, with John Grinnell as alternate for Doctor Foley and Charles Vaughan for Kenneth Packard. The meeting adjourned at 12:10 P.M. A true record, Attest: lark, electmen 455 Special Town Meeting Appo't'mt Bd. of P. Welfare Appo't'mt to Recre- ation Comm: