HomeMy WebLinkAbout1947-08-25522
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
August 25, 1947
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held on Monday evening, August 25, 1947, at 7:30 p.m.
in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building. There
were present Chairman Paxton, Messrs. Locke, Emery and
Gay. The Clerk was also present.
Mr. DeFoe, Sup't. of Public Works, Mr. Burnes,
Asst. Sup't. of Public Works, Stanley Higgins, a Town
Engineer, Mr. Tracy Ames, an inusranee broker, and nine
other persons met with the Board for the opening of bids
for the construction of streets. Bids were received as
follows:
Bid Certified Check
J. F. White Contracting Co. $47339. $ 225007----
11 Pemberton Square
Boston, Massachusetts
C. & R. Construction Co.
75 Bradeen Street
Roslindale, Massachusetts
57,950.24 3,000.
A. V. Taurasi, Inc. 60,077.14 3,100.
40 Court Street
Boston, Massachusetts
es Construction Co. 50,211.03 2,600.
119 Landseer St.
West Roxbury, Massachusetts
The reading of the bids was closed at 8:05 p.m. and the
group retired. The Chairman invited Mr. White to return
to the meeting. He asked him kow long his firm had been
in operation and Mr. White replied that it was incorporated
in 1920. They have done Chapter 80 work in North Andover
and are now working in Marlboro. He stated that he is
President and General Manager but that his father has a
share in the business. Mr. Emery asked if the business
is incorporated and Mr. 'White replied in the affirmative,
and gave the amount of $50,000. He informed the Board
that the corporation owns all its own equipment. The
Chairman aJsked if the contract was awarded to Mr. White
would he be willing to place the insurance with 'alocal
agent. Mr. White said that he has done business with Mr.
T. J. Nowland. The Chairman said that possibly Mr. White
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might request Mr. 'lowland to handle the bonding through
the office of Tracy Ames. He explained, however, that
there was nothing in the specifications whereby a con-
tractor is obliged to place the bond through any particular
agent. Mr. White retired at 8:14 p.m.
Mr. DeFoe reported to the Board that he and Mr. Street light
Frank Hitchcock of the Boston Edison Co. had inspected req. denied
the location on Watertown Street as the result of a
request received for an additional street light. At
the present time there is four -pole lighting which is
not very good but Mr. Hitchcbck is not keen about recom-
mending another light. Mr. DeFoe explained that as far
as eventually lighting dip the street is concerned, to
install the light requested would be a step in the right
directioh. The Chairman asked if Mr. DeFoe and Mr.
Hitchcock felt that it was not practical from an engineer-
ing point to put in the street light, and Mr. DeFoe replied
in the affirmative. Mr. Gay moved that the request be
denied. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. DeFoe explained that they had also investigated
a request for a street light on Cummings Avenue off Hillside
Street. He said that he would not recommend a light at this
location. Mr. Locke moved that no action be taken on the
request. Mr. Emery seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Shade for
The Chairman read a petition signed by residents Street
of Spencer Street requesting the installation of a light
shade on a street light at the corner of Joseph Road approved
and Spencer Street. Mr. Emery moved that the request
be granted. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was
so voted.
The Chairman read a letter from Custom Built Homes,
Inc., claiming damages as a result of alleged neglect
on the part of the Town while installing a water service Claim for
at 50 Munroe Road. Mr. DeFoe stated that he would like Damages
to confer with Mr. McLaughlin and report at the next
meeting of the Board.
The Chairman read a letter from Alfred G. Tropeano
stating that he is representing James J. & Bridget 3.
Murphy in their claim for damage as a result of a taking Claim for
for the purpose of re -locating Grove Street. Mr. taking of
Tropeano stated that he would appreciate an opportunity property
to discuss the matter with the Board. Mr. DeFoe said
that the Murphy's are very much conerned about the trees
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-and the line has been changed for them. He agreed
to bring in a sketch showing the new location. Mr. DeFoe
retirdd at 8:30 p.m.
Messrs. William Porter, John Porter, Ernest Porter
and James Wilson met with the Board. The Chairman
explained that the Planning Board and the School Committee
Perter - had looked over the land owned by Porter Bros. and
Wilson Wilson as a possible location for a proposed elementary
school. He explained that one site is at the end of
York Street and is right close to the Vine Brook
Channel. A second area is the land owned by John Bas-
kin and Paul Bowser which does not have quite enough
area although it is a real possibility. Another site
is the Porter Bros -Wilson property which extends all
the way from the Baskin land to the sewer easement
line over the Burton property and an eighty foot
easement up to Woodland Road.
Mr. Porter asked how m4eh land would be left
between the taking and the bird sanctuary'. The Chair-
man replied that there will be none left' inasmuch as it
borders on the bird sanctuary lit. He said the Board
would like to have all the possible information so
that they can go to town meeting in September and
recommend the purchase of one of the two parcels of
land for so much money. He said that what the Board
wanted to know was how much Porter Bros. & Wilson want
for their land. Mr. Ernest Porter replied that they
wanted $1,500 an acre for their eleven (11) acres,
which would put the price up to something like $15,000.
The Chairman asked what the land is assessed for and
Ernest Porter replied that he did not know. John
Porter said he thought it was assessed for *400 an acre.
The Chairman explained that if the Board goes to Town
Meeting and recommends that the Town talo by eminent
domain and appropriate a certain amount of money, the
only amount allowed is the assessed valuation plus
25%. He stated that usually the owner of the property
is not satisfied with that 'amount and take the town
to court. The case is then dragged out for possibl*
two years and the town as well as the owner of the
land then has legal fees. He said that the town hopes
to be able to get togkther on the purchase price which
may be recommended to the School Committee and the
Planning Board, who in turn will recommend it to the
Town Meeting. Ernest Porter asked if the town would
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like the entire strip. The Chairman replied that it
would seem to him that it would be better to take
the entire strip. He asked how much they would want
left on Adams Street and Ernest Porter said that they
would want about two (2) acres. Mr. Locke inquired as
to the frontage on Adams Street and William Porter said
that the frontage is about 400 feet. Ernest Porter said
that they could give the town a right of way. Mr. Emery
&eked if they wanted the land on Adams Street and Ernest
Porter replied that they wanted that particular parcel
of land to raise plants for their greenhouses. He stated
that it is the best land on the farm. The Chairman asked
if using the eleven acre total for a basis and taking off
the two acres, how much it would cost the town for the
remaining nine acres. He said that this would give them
about a 200 foot right of way running in from Adams Street.
Ernest Porter replied that he would Like to get about
$1,250 for an acre. The Chairman said that he personally.
believes $16,500 is more than he would like to see the
town pay at the present moment. Mr. Emery and Mr. Gay
said they both felt the same way. The Chairman said that
inasmuch as the land is assessed for $400 an acre and the
owners quadruple the price, it makes it embarassing to take
it before Town Meeting. Mr. Emery asked if the prive was
set so high because the owners felt that the town would be
taking the most usable land. John Porter said that any
land they have sold has been sold at the prime of $1,000
an acre. The Chairman said that they recognized that the
town would be taking the part of the farm, but on the other
hand there are one or two acres which will not be taken
and the Selectmen would prefer not to take it by eminent
domain because there will be an economic loss to everyone.
He suggested that the owners of the land think it over and
the Board would also give it further consideration. The
group retired at 9:50 p.m.
The Clerk was instructed to write to the Chairman
of the School Committee and the Chairman of the Planning
Board informing them of the proposition presented by the
Porter Bros. and Wilson and to ask them for their opinion
by Tuesday, September 2, if possible.
• The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Walker, Town
Accountant, requesting permission to purchase a 14" Royal
Typewriter for approximately $131.75, and also authoriz-
ation to dispose of an old typewriter and an adding
machine. The H. M. Nichols & Co. of Framingham has
offerred $35 for the used typewriter and $20 for the
used adding machine which Mr. Walker believes to be
Approve
purchase.
of
machine
for Town
Acc'ts..
Office.
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Poster for
Examination
for Sergeant
Lex. Police
Dep't.
Adams &
Parker
School
Breaks
Approve bill
A. L. for
Veteran's
Lots
V. F. W. re-
quest for
rent reduction
denied.
more than the Royal Typewriter Co. would allow
him. He stated in his letter that he has sufficient
funds in his account to pay for a new machine.
Mr. Emery moved that the request be granted. Mr.
Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
The Chairman read a letter from H. M. Nichols
& Co. of Framingham, Mass., submitting a quotation
of $39 for an Underwood Typewriter and $21 for a Royal
Typewriter now being used by the Assessors. The clerk
was instructed to request Mr. Spencer to submit an
explanation relative to this offer.
A letter was received from the Division of Civil
Service l;together with the poster to be issued for
the examination of sergeant in the Lexington Police
Department. The Clerk informed the Board that the
Chief of Police is of the opinion that the examination
should be open to the permanent regular patrolmen who
have been employed for at least three years prior to
the examination. The poster is set up for one year
prior to the date of the examination. Mr. Emery moved
that the poster be returned with the request that it
be revised to read "three years" instead of "one year".
Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. Gay brought up the subject of the recent
breaks in the Adams and Parker Schools and upon motion
of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to
request the Chief of Police to submit a preliminary
report on these two breaks.
The Chairman read a letter from the American
Legion to which was attached a bill in the amount of
932 for mailing and material relative to drawing for
veteran's lots.
Mr. Emery moved that the bill be approved for
payment and charged to the Unclassified Account. Mr.
Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
A letter was received from the V. F. W. requesting
the Board of Selectmen to reduce the rate for the use
of the rooms in the Barnes property from $15,00 a
month to $1.00 a month. The Chairman explained to the
Board that the rent has already been reduced from
$25.00 to $15.00. Upon motion of Mr. Locke, seconded
by Mr. Emery, it was voted to advise the V. F. W. that
the Board of Selectmen believe the present charge of
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$15.00 is reasonable and no reduction is justified.
A letter was received from the Town Counsel Legal
regarding vacancies occuring during the year in the Opinion
list of Town Meeting Members. It is Mr. Lynch's
opinion that upon notice of a vacancy a special
meeting of the Town Meeting Members of that precinct
in which a vacancy occurs should be called promptly
by the Town Clerk and the vacancy filled.
A letter was received from the Town Counsel Legal
relative to the records of the Town Clerk. He stated Epinion
that unless the records pertain to illegitimate or Town
abnormal sex births, etc., there is no reason why Clerk
the town clerk cannot turn copies over to the
Board of Selectmen.
A letter was received from the Town Counsel Legal
regarding the use of Cary Memorial Hall and charges /Opinion
to be made for said use by the Board of Selectmen. / Cary Hall
Mr. Lynch stated that it was his oipi4in that the ✓
Selectmen are empowered to permit the use of the
hall or any meeting that is not of a sectarian or
poli ical character, and they are empowered to
promulgate a schedule of rates.
The Selectmen received a letter of complaint Complaint
from E. N. Zaccheus addressed to the Board of Appeals
which the Clerk was instructed to refer to Mr. E. A.
Lindstrom.
A letter was received from Elbert Fisher, 88
Dudley Street, Medford, offerring $100 for Lots 58
& 59 on Rangeway Road. The Committee on Tax Title Tax Title
Property recommends an amount of $150. Mr. Locke Property
moved that Mr. Fisher be advised that the Board of
Selectmen will entertain an offer of $150. Mr.
Emery seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
A letter was received from Rocco Dell 'Isolay.,
11 Leydon Street, Medford, offering $75 for Lots 35
& 36 on Hillcrest Avenue. Whenever Winter Street Tax Title
has been accepted by the Town Meeting these lots Property
will then be on a finished street with water and the
Committee on Tax Title property recommends a price of
$200. Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Gay,
it was voted to advise Mr. 'Isola that the Selectmen
do not wish to dispose of these lots at this time.
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Tax Title
Property
Tax title
property
Tax Title
property
Estabrook
Hal"
App't. to
Bd. of Pub
Welfare
A letter was read from Joseph Ventoal offering $200
for lots # 50, 51, 52, 53 and 55 Hillside Avenue. The
Committee on Tax Title Property recommends retaining these
lots until such time as the soeoalled Nichols property on
Oak Street is developed. If and when Hillside Avenue is
widened, the lots will be worth considerably more. Mr.
Ventola be advised that the Board of Selectmen do not
desire to dispose of these lots at this time, Mr. Day
seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
A letter was received from Irs. Arthur N. Lee of
59 Ward Street stating that she is willing to pay $200
for Lots 18, 19, and 20, Block 19, Ward Street. Mr.
Emery moved that a proposal to sell be advertised in the
Lexington Minute -Man and that further consideration be
given the offer at the next meeting of the Board. Mr.
Gay seconded the motion, and it was. so voted.
The Clerk informed the Board that Mr. Apostoulu,
who submitted an offer of $45 for "167 and 168 Cliffe
Avenue came into the Selectmen's Office with Mr.
Spencer and questioned the price of $75 which the
Board put on these lots. Mr. Emery moved that Mr.
Apostoulu be advised that the Selectmen do not wish
to reconsider their quotation of $75. Mr. Gay seconded
the motion, and it was so voted.
A letter was received from the V. F. W. requesting
permission to hire Estabrook Hall and Conference Room
on Wednesday evening, September 3. Mr. Emery moved
that this use be granted free of charge. Mr. Locke
seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
An application was received from Jessie I. Withrow,
73 Waltham Street, for permission to accomodate and serve
meals to permanent winter guests. Mr. Locke questioned
whether or not the Board of Selectmen had the authority
to grant a license inasmuch as this house is located in a
residential area. The Clerk was instructed to obtain
more information.
Upon motion of Mr. Locke, seconded by Mr. Emery,
it was voted to appoint Mr. Arthur W. Mason as a member
• of the Board of Public Welfare for the unexpired term
ending March 31, 1948.
The meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m.
A true record, Attest,
14
Jerk,Yectmen.
C
gay
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