HomeMy WebLinkAbout1947-07-28456
Board of
Survey
Hearing
A. Busa
SELECTMEN'S:OFFICE
July 28, 1947
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmen's Room., Town Office Building,
on Monday evening, July 28, 1947, at 7:15 P.M. There
Were present Chairman Paxton, Messrs. Locke, Emery and
Gay.
At 7:15 P.M. a hearing was deal ted open on the
petition of Antonio Busa with reference to the approval
of a proposed new road as shown on Flan and Profile of
part of A Street, Lexington, dated July 14, 1947,
Everett M. Brooks, Civil Engineer. The Board of Select-
men acted as a Board of Survey and a notice of the hear-
ing was read by the Chairman. Mr. Edward B. Worthen, Jr.,
of the Planning Board, Mr. Busa, and several other
persons were present.
The Chairman asked if anyone wished to speak in
favor of the petition. Mr. Busa said that the Board had
read the agreement and he presented the plans, saying
that he expected to complete construction of the road
before July 24, 1948. At the present time there was a
garden on this land but that would be cleaned up and the
road built before the expiration date. The Chairman said
that at the previous meeting the Board had approved the
plan and agreement subject to this Hearing in order that
Mr. Busa might obtain a permit to start his foundation.
Mr. Busa meplied that he had not received a permit and
had not started work on the foundation.
The Chairman asked Mr. Worthen if the Planning Board
approved the layout and he replied in the affirmative,
stating that there were to be three stone bounds added
which were notshown on the plans at this time.
Mr. Busa inquired as to the width of the road and
the Chairman replied that it must be twenty-four feet
wide with two eight -foot shoulders on either side of the
roadway. Mr. Busa said that at the present time there is
no drainage but that he thought a gravel road would
absorb more water thanwould be normally coming through.
He thought that a gravel road would be satisfactory for
that house alone.
The Chairman replied that there are three catchbasins
at Rawson Avenue and Bow Street, which if kept clean,
will take care of all the water coming at that short
distance, however it is the usual policy to require a
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paved road, and the additional cost of a paved road,
(pea top covering) would be relatively small and more
satisfaotbgy.
Mr. Buse asked if there was any indication of water
being installed at that location and he was referred to
Mr. DeFoe for further information as to the requirements
for water.
The Chairman asked if there were any obdeotions and
there were none. Mr. Emery moved that the petition and
plan be approved. Mr. Gay seconded the motion and it was
so voted. The hearing was declared closed at 7:30 P.M.
At 7:20 P.M. a hearing was declared open on the Board
petition of Six Moon Hill, Inc, with reference to the approval of
of Plan and Profile of Moon Hill Road, Lexington, Mass., Survey
dated June 23, 1947, and Plan of Lots in Lexington owned by Six
Six Moon Hill, Inc., Scale 1" - 40', dated June 23, 1947, Moon
Albert A. Miller, Wilbur C. Nylander, Civil Engr. & Hill,
Surveyors, Lexington, Mass. The Board of Seledtmen acted Inc.
as a Board of Survey and the notice of the hearing was
read by the Chairman. There were presents Mr. Edward B.
Worthen, Jr., Mr. Alan Adams, Mr. Currier, Mr. Bonay,
Mr. Miller, Mr. Kelley and ten other persons. Mr. Bernard
Kelley acted as spokesman for the group.
He said that a plan prepared by Jackson Tyler had been
presented to the Planning Board and minor changes had been
made. There were two exceptions; one, with regard to the
location of the sidewalk; and, secondly, the location of
one possible drain to prevent unnecessary blasting. Mr.
Kelley said the changes had been approved by the Town
Engineer. He said that the most important question now
was the bond The Town had estimated the cost of the
road at 519,000. He said that many bonding companies
had ceased issuing the type of bond necessary to develop
this subdivision. He also said that the land now in the
name of the Corporation was to be owned eventually by the
members of the -Corporation As soon as the road is built
the lots are to be allocated and they are all anxious to
get started as soon as possible. The Corporation presented
a certified check for 519,000., payable to the Town of
Lexington, thereby securing the agreement that they would
build the road according to town specifications and
guaranteeing the town against loss.
The Chairman asked if the Planning Board had approved
the plans and Mr. Kelsey replied in the affirmative. The
Chairman asked Mr. Kelley to have the stone bounds put on
the plan.
458
Water Main
in Grove
Street
Mr. Richards asked if any provisions were being made for
the maintenance of Moreland Avenue which has been taken care
of by the local residents. The Chairman said that he did not
feel that this was a matter for the Selectmen to decide but
felt that the two groups could get together and maim some
amicable arrangements. Mr. Richards asked how the Town felt
about accepting this street and the Chairman said that would
be a question to be presented to the town meeting. The street
would have to be built accorMMng to, town specifications and
betterments would be assessed. The Chairman suggested that
if the residents wanted to have the street accepted they
should contact Mr. DeFoe for an estimate and have it pre-
pared and presented to the Town Meeting in September.
Mr. Bonay spoke in favor of accepting this plan for
Six Moon Hill, Inc. He feels that this group will be interest-
ed in the development of the town and that this section will
add much to the town.
Mr. DeFoe said that we should have a profile of the
drains as well as of the stone bounds. The Chairman req-
uested the Engineer, Mr. Miller, to make the necessary changes.
Mr. Emery and Mr. Locke thought that the Town Counsel
would have to work out an agreeable financial arrangement
that would protect the Town and the. petitioners.
Mr. Paxton said he wanted the petitioners to be
certain that they understood the agreement to finish the
road by September 20, 1948, otherwise there would be a fee
of $25.00 a day until the date of completion.
Mr. Ourrier said that the agreemdnts had all been
prepared according to Mr. DeFoe's advice.
Mr. Emery moved that the lay -out of 6 Moon Hill Inc.,
be approved subject to an agreement satisfactory to the
6 Moon Hill Corporation and the Town of Lexington arrived
at through the Town Counsel in connection with the certified
check or bond.
There were no persons present to speak against granting
this lay -out as presented.
Mr. Gay seconded the motion as presented by Mr. Emery
and it was so voted.
The hearing was declared closed at 8:00 P.M.
At 8:05 P.M. Mr. DeFoe met with the Board. He said
that he would like to go along with the proposed water main
extension on Grove Street. The Chairman felt that we had
delayed on this project long enough and had been unable to
secure any further information as to the State Highway. The
State Engineer said that he felt if we went ahead that they
would follow along with us. Mr. Gay moved that we go ahead
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459
with the work on Grove Street. Mr. Locke seconded the
motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. DeFoe presented a sketch showing the proposed Signs at
location on "STOP" signs at junction of Hancock and Adams Hancock'
Street. The Board did not feel that the signs were and
being placed at the proper locations and suggested that Adams
Mr. DeFoe discuss the matter with the State Traffic. Street
Department again.
Mr. DeFoe said that he had been checking on the Sewer adja-
proposed location of the trunk sewer adjacent to the cent Arl-
Arlington Reservoir. We want to go on land controlled ington
by the Town of Arlington and there is a question as Reservoir
to how this can be done. The Town Counsel for Arl-
ington and Mr. Lynch are working on it to check the
legal matters pertaining to this entrance. There is an
easement that he cannot find, which should be about 201
each side of the brook goingup Maple Street, and of
which there is no record. Mr. Paxton asked Mr. DeFoe
if he thought this could be checked and the survey made
within six weeks. He replied in the affirmative and Mr.
Paxton said that it should be ready for estimates for
the winter budget period. Mr. DeFoe agreed to report to
the Board again in six weeks.
Mr. DeFoe said that he had checked the roadway lead-
ing from Outlook Drive to the Reservoir and could find Roadway
no easement and that it was not town property. The at Outlook
Chairman suggested that Mr. DeFoe check with Mr. Drive
Garrity and report back to the next meeting.
Mr. DeFoe brought in a plan showing the proposed
grades for Preston and Boulder Roads, and suggested
reducing the percentage of'slope. The Chairman said Preston and
that this would not make a great deal of difference Boulder
in that particular area. He said that it might be Roads
possible to have a Board of Survey hearing showing
the lay -out as it is and in that way Baskin could
be forced to build to that grade; but we would have a
grade on file so that anybody building would have to
build to that grade. Mr. DeFoe said that he would have
a tracing made showing the new proposed grades that should
be required at such time as the street comes up for accept-
ance.
At 8:30 P.M. the meeting was declared open for sub- Bids for
mitting of bids for street and water main construction. Water Con -
The Chairman said that the bids for water mains would struction
be opened first and would be opened alphabetically.
The bids were read as follows:
460
RALPH GIVITARESE CO.
Total submitted $53,800
With lead joints --addition 3,960
ttith Leadite joints -
deduction 840
Certified check 2,690
0., & R, CONSTRUCTION CO.
Total submitted
With lead joints --addition
With leadite joints --deduction
Certified check
$ 57;730
4,500
450
3,000
W. 0. FFRGUSON
Total submitted $52,900
With lead joints--ddd.ition 3,000
With leadite joints --deduction 300
Certified check 2,500
CHARLES L. SHEA
WES
Total submitted $ 44,380
With lead" joints --addition 4:400
With leadite joints --deduction 500
Certified check 2,500
CONSTRUCTION CO.
Total submitted $ 66,000
With lead joints --addition 4,000
With leadite joints --deduction 1,500
Certified check 3,500
Mr. Paxton said that it was not necessary to award
the bids at this meeting and it was decided to check the
references on the two lowest bidders, and to return the
certified checks to the other bidders the following day.
The vote to award the bid would be on August llth.
The Chairman said that
for street construction and
opened. After a discussion
it was decided to ope$ this
only one bid had been presented
suggested returning it un -
by all the members of the Board
bid by the Wes Construction
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461
Company with the understanding that it would be returned Bids for
to him if it did not come within the figure appropriated Road Con -
for the street construction. Mr. Vogel, of the Wes struction
Construction Co., agreed to this procedure and the bid
was opened. The bid was in excess of the amount approp-
riated and was returned to Mr. Vogel together with his
certified check for $4,500.
A discussion followed as to the reason more oontractOrs
had neglected to send a bid. It was decided to ask Mr.
DeFoe to rewrite the specifications. The Chairman asked Mr.
DeFoe how long it would take to take the cross sections and
get it set up that way. Mr. DeFoe replied that it would
take about two weeks. The Chairman said that he thought
that the bids could be advertised and they could be opened
on August 25th. That would give ample time to put an
article in the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting if
additional money was going to be necessary to build these
streets.
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. DeFoe approving
the construction called for by an agreement between the Town
of Lexington and R. Lockwood Tower, William Tower and Philip
Tower. The agreement required the signatures of the Board
of Selectmen and the Board certified their approval.
At 10.00 P.M. Chief Engineer Thomas Donnelly, Deputy
Chief Cook and Mr. DeFoe met with the Board in reference to
traffic lights at the new Fire Station. Mr. Donnelly said
that the State Inspector had been out and Checked with Deputy
Chief Cook and Mr. DeFoe and had suggested removing the three-
way light at the corner of Harrington Road and placing it
opposite the fire station so that it would be visible to
the driver and also to traffic coming in both directions. The
Chairman said that the lights at Harrington Road had been
put there for a definite purpose and he thought that if they
were to be removed there should be a definite recommendation
to this effect from the State Traffic Engineer. The Board
did not agree that the lights should be in the positions
as recommended and presented by the Engineers and asked that
they consult again with the State Traffic Engineer about
placing them in different locations. Messrs. Donnelly, Cook
and Adams retired at 10:15 P.M.
A letter was read from the Chamber of Commerce re- Widening
questing that the widening of Massachusetts Avenue in the of Mass.
Post Office and Edison Building Section, and also the east Avenue
1462
Signs
side of Waltham Street from the Alvin Store to the Vine-
brook Road area be given consideration at this time. The
Clerk was instructed to write a letter to the Chamber of
Commerce explaining that due to the shortage of personnel
and inability to obtain materials it is difficult to accom-
plish as much as they would like to and that they thought
the installation of sewer and water mains was of primary
importance. However, they instructed the Sup't. of Public
Works to include this in the 1948 Budget as a special item.
The Chairman read a letter from the Chamber of Commerce
relative to the condition of the "Welcome to Lexington"
signs. The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge this letter
and to advise the Supt. of Public Works to check up on
these signs and report back to the next meeting.
The Chairman read a letter from A. C. Booker regard-
ing the Honor Roll which was in answer to our letter inquir-
Honor ing whether or not the American Legion was going to continue
Roll the maintenance of the Honor Roll. No action was taken.
The Chairman said that he had a request from Mr.
Richards of Rangeway Street to hire the bulldozer owned
by the Town. They.have spent a lot of tithe and money
having gravel dumped on the street but are unable to get
it levelled off. The only means of access to their property
is over Grove Street which is in very poor condition and it
would take three or four hours with the bulldozer to put it
in a fair condition.
Mr. Gay said that he felt we would be establishing a
policy and if we did it this time we must be prepared to
answer all requests for similar purposes.
Mr. Locke said that we had established the policy not
to allow the use of town equipment due to its poor con-
dition and because of the shortage of help.
Mr. Paxton said that he thought we should co-operate
with the residents on unaccepted streets as much as possible.
The Chairman spoke about the cost of using the equipment and
the motion was made by Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Emery, that
the following charges be established:
H.D.-7 and T.D.-4 Minimum charge of $6.00 exclusive of labor
D-4 $5.00 plus $6.00 an hour for minimum moving time of one
and one-half hours in Lexington.
Labor $2.00 an hour. All time to be outside of regular work-
ing hours.
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The Chairman then spoke about Winter Street and Winter
said that he thought there should be an article in this Street
town warrant. Mr. DeFoe was akked to take care of this
and get the information ready for the next meeting.
A letter was read from
tion with the damage at the
windows had been broken the
The Clerk was instructed to
to the School Committee.
Chief John Rycroft in connec-
Adams School. Over 100
week -end of July Fourth.
send a copy of the letter
Report
Damage
to Adams
School
A letter was received from Chief Rycroft relative to
the dangerous traffic condition existing at #47 Pleasant Signs at
Street. The Chief recommended placing "No Parking On #47
This Side" signs. Mr. Emery said that he had observed Pleasant
this location and thought that these signs should be Street
erected. The Clerk was instructed to write a letter to
Mr. DeFoe telling him that the Board would like signs
erected iittmediatelhy and to contact the State Traffic
Engineer, and check on this location. A motion was made
by Mr. Locke, seconded by Mr. Gay, that signs be erected
at this location and that our Traffic Rules and Regulations
be changed to cover at this location, and it was so voted.
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. E. A. Lindstrom,
in connection with the gasoline station owned by Daniel
Curtin. He said that this station was erected in an Rl
zone in 1927 and was approved by the Board of Selectmen
at that time which was previous to the adoption of the Complaint
Zoning Laws. He felt that the station was tieing conducted Curtin
in a proper manner and that onty minor repair work was done Station
on Sunday. The Clerk was instructdd to write to Mrs. (gasoline
A. M. Monahan and advise her that an investigation had
been made and they thought she would not find any further
reason for complaint.
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Lindstrom regarding
a complaint of Edward N. Zacheus. He claimed that a vacant
lot next to #32 Burlington Street was being used by a Mr. Rabbit
Sanborn for the breeding of rabbits and asked whether or not Breedini
a permit had been granted for this purpose. The Clerk was Complain'
instructed to turn this letter over to the Board of Health
for their action.
The Chairman said that September 17, 1947, had been
set as the date for the drawing of the Veteran's Lots and.
that replies had been received from the American Legion and
the AMVETS signifying that they would be willing to assist
464
Meeting of
School
Comm. and
Planning
Board
Charge for
use of Cary
Hall
Lot of
land near
Bedford
Street
Move to
advt. lots
Arcola St.
Move to
advt.
lots on
Homestead
St.
Proclamation
Army Air
Force
Day
in notifying the veterans. The question had been asked
whether or not two applications could be made in the case
where husband and wife were both veterans. It was the
opinion of the Board that only one application should be
allowed in a case of this type. The Chairman said that
he would contact the commanders of these two organizations
and make some definite arrangements to notify the veterans.
The Chairman said that the School Committee and the
Planning Board would like to meet with the Board of Select-
men as soon as possible. It was decided to have this
meeting on August 1lth-at:-8:30 P.M. and the Clerk was
instructed to so notify the School Committee and the
Planning Board.
The Chairman read a letter from'the Lexington Choral
Society questioning the charge of $30.00 for the use of
Cary Memorial Hall. - The Board felt that this was a
legitimate maintenance charge and instructed the Clerk to
advise the Choral Society of their decision.
A letter was read from Edwin John Lee which certified
that he was buying the lot of land near Bedford Street in
behalf of the Boston Edisbn Company. The Board felt that
they -would like more information as to the lay -out and
street crossings in the Town of Lexington before they sold
this lot. The Chairman agreed to contact Mr. MacDonald of
the Boston Edison Company for further information.
The Chairman read a letter from Domenick Torci offer-
ing $300 for lots #178-179-180 on Arcola Street. The Com-
mittee on Tax Title property recommended acceptance of the
offer. Mr. Locke moved that the offer be advertised and
considered -further at the next meeting. Mr. Emery seconded
the motion, and it was so voted.
The Chairman read a letter from Peter Morasi offer-
ing $200 for lots#649-654 Homestead Street. The Committee
on Tax Title property recommOnded acceptance of this offer.
Mr. Locke moved that the offer be advertised and considered
further at the next meeting. Mr. Gay seconded the motion,
and it was so voted.
A proclamation in connection with the Air Force
Day was presented by Sgt. Smith of the local Army
Recruiting Office with the request that it be signed by
the members of the Board and inserted in the local paper.
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Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Locke, it was
voted to approve and sign this proclamation.
An application signed by Luke E. May to change the
name of the corporation was received. Upon motion of
Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Locke, it was voted to sign
the application.
was
for
465
Upon motion of Mr. Locke, seconded by Mr. Gay, it Election
voted to appoint the following election officers Officers
a term expriring September 1, 1948:
ELECTION OFFICERS WHOSE TERMS EIDE
September- 1, 1948
(Must be appointed not later than
August 15, 1947)
PRECINCT ONE
D Charles J. Dailey
D John D. Barry
D. Pauline E. Bartlett
D Frederick L. Murphy
R George E. Foster
R Alice G. Marshall
R Mary E. Stankard
R Marion G. Cook
D Mary A. Rowland
D Mary E. Tracey
D Annie H. McDonnell
D George $. Stygles
R Ilda J.'Field
R Helga M. Carlson
R Helen L. Pierpont
R L. Ellsworth Pierce
PRECINCT TWQ
R Victor H. Harmon
R Clyde E Steeves
R Arthur E. Locke
R Helen K. Fitzgerald
D Randall W. Richards
D Ruth R. Ray
D John H. Dacey
D Gertrude H. Mara
Warden
Deputy Warden
Inspector
Deputy Inspector
Inspector
Deputy Inspector
Clerk
Deputy Clerk
Teller
n
p
n
• Warden
Deputy Warden
Inspector
Deputy Inspector
Inspector
Deputy Inspector
Clerk
Deputy Clerk
466
D Arthur L. Hanson
D Edward McGrory
R Elizabeth R. Nourse
D Mary G. Oliver
R Madeline V. Peterson
R Barabra M. O'Connor
D Anna E. Tracy
D Helen A. McCaffre?q
R
R
R
R
D
D
D
D
D
D
R
R
D
D
R
R
R
R
R
D
D
D
D
D
R
R
D
D
R
R
PRECINCT
Sidney U. Robbins
Carl W. Terhune
Ralph H. Marshall
Neil McIntosh
Charles E. Moloy, Jr.
Margaret E. Ormand
Charles F. Vaughan
Patrick H. MacDonald
Emma Zitso
Ella G. Callahan
Gladys T. Watson
Emma L. Hovey
Timothy J. Quinlan
Elizabeth Burton
Rosalie MacDonald
Edna D. Anderson
Teller
n
n
H
H
THREE
Warden
Deputy Warden
Inspector
Deputy Inspector
Inspector
Deputy Inspector
Clerk
Deputy Clerk
Teller
n
n
n
tt
n
PRECINCT FOUR
Lester L. Andrews
Frederick S. Britton
George M. Fuller
Irene E. Robinson
Helen M. Kirk
Marion N. Burke
Mary J. Ferry
Rose A. O'Dowd
Helena T. Maguire
Florence P. Tobin
Caroline F.•Deloury
T. M. Montague
Robert E. Rayn
Agnes G. Hall
Laurina M. Wilson
A. Thomas Ferry
Warden
Deputy Warden
Inspector
Deputy Inspector
Inspector
Deputy Inspector
Clerk
Deputy
Teller
Clerk
c
o
1
The Cha w:n read a letter from Bernard B. Gould
attorney for John Baskin, in connection with the
surrender of lots on Pine Knoll Road. It was
decided to ask Mr. Baskin and Mr. Gould meet *kith
the Board and Mr. Lynch on August llth.
Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded it was
voted to approve the following license:
William Viano Sunday Movies
$ 5.00
467
John
Baskin
re:
surrender
of land
License
A letter was read from Mr. W. H. Lyon acknowledging
insurance recently written through his office. Insurance
Mr. Locke said that he had talked with Mr. Greer
who wished to increase the light manufacturing area J.W. Greer
going toward the swamp. Mr. Locke said that he advised Re:
Mr. Greer that this would have to go before the change
Planning Board and then be presented at Town Meeting of zoning
inasmuch as it meant a change of the Zoning By -Laws. by:laws
The Chairman said that the closing date for
articles to be inserted in the Warrant would be August
18, 1947.• Mr. Locke said that he felt there should be
an artidle regarding the disposition of the old fire
station. Mr. Paxton said that he felt the cost of
repairing the building and the heating system was
such that it would not be wise to do it. He felt that
we should have an estimate of the cost of repairs to
substantiate this opinion.
Mr. Emery felt that it depended upon what the
purpose the building was to be used for as to what
repairs would be essential. If it was to be for public
works storage it would not be necessary to make as many
repairs as it would if it were to be rented. Mr. Emery
felt that the vote originally passed was that it was to
be used for specific purpose and therefore, nothing
could be done without definite vote of Town Meeting as
to its future use. Mr. Locke said that he thought we
should check with Mr. Lynch and have an article inserted
in the warrant which would cover all angles and let the
voters decide. It was decided to ask Mr. Lynch to discuss
this with the Board when he attended the meeting on the
llth.
Mr. Emery said that he would like to know whether or
not it would be possible for any of the Town Clerk's
468
Delivery of
Pictorial
Town
Reports
Use of hall
V.F.W.
Board of
Appeals
ktraffic
Conditions
at Woburn &
'Lowell Sts.
7d
records to be available for the use of the Board of
Selectmen. He referred especially to records made by
the W. P. A. and now on file in care of the Lexington
Historical Society. Mr. Emery said that he under-
stood these records were typed and indexed. Mr. Emery
said he wondered if it would be possible to have an
article in the warrant authorizing the Town Clerk to
turn over these records so that they would be available
to the -Board of Selectmen. The Chairman said that he
thought it would cost a large amount of money to eet up
the records and Mr. Emery said that he was:=willing to
lay the question on the table for the time being'but felt
that some thought.should be given to the subject.
Mr. Emery spoke about vacancies in Town Meeting Member-
ships. It was suggested that the Clerk ask the Town Counsel
who was responsible for the publicity concerning Town Meet -
Vacancies.
The Chairman said that the Pictorial Town Reports
had been delivered at each home in Lexington and a bill
for $75.00 received from Jeremy Lindsay. Mr. Gay moved
that this action be -approved and the bill paid. Mr. Locke
seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
An application was received from the V. F. W. for
the nee of Estabrook Hall, on the evening of August 6,
1947, for a business meeting. Mr. Gay moved that this
use be granted free of charge. Mr. Emery seconded the
motion, and it was so voted.
Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Gay,
it was voted to appoint Gordon Richards as a member of the
Board of Appeals for a term ezpiring March 31, 1950.
to
Mr. Gay said that it had been brohght;/his attention
that a bad traffic condition existed at the corner of
Woburn and Lowell Streets. After some discussion the
Clerk was instructed to ask the Chief of the Police to
check on this location and notify the Board of his
recommendations.
The meeting adjourned
12:25 P.M.
Acting Cler
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