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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 1 1 1 41 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 1 459 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 1 1 461 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. 1 463 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. 1 1 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 1