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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1947-09-22556 SELECTMEN'S MEETING September 22, 1947 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room on Monday evening, Sept- ember 22, 1947, at 7:30 p.m. There were present: Chairman Paxton, Messrs. Locke, Emery and Gay. The Clerk was also present. At 7:30 p.m. Mr. James J. Carroll, Town Treasurer, met with the Board and presented the following bids: $75,000.00 Street Construction DATED: October 1, 1947 PAYABLE: National Shawmut Bank $8,000 annually Oct. 1, 1948 Oct. 1, 1952, inc. $7,000 Oct. 1, 1953 Oct. 1, 1957, inc. 1. Merchants National Bank 100.900 1i% 2. Hornblower & Weeks 100.44 14% 3. Tyler & Company 100.379 1% 4. Second National Bank 100.31 1 % 5. Day Trust Company 100.27 1 % 6. First National Bank 100.214 1 % 7. Lexington Trust Co. 100.15 1 % These bids were authorized by Town Meeting in March, 1947, by the following vote: ARTICLES 51-60, inclusive VOTED: To appropriate for the purposes enumerated in Articles 51-61, inclusive, the sum of $82,000 and to provide for the payment thereof by a trans- fer of $7,000 from the Excess and Deficiency Account, and the balance of $75,000 to be raised by the issue of bonds or notes of the Town, and that the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, be and he hereby is authorized to borrow the sum of $75,000 and issue bonds or notes of the Town to be payable in accordance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 44, within a period not exceeding ten years. Upon motion of Mr. .6mery, seconded by Mr. Locke, it was voted to accept the bid of Hornblower & Weeks at their quotation of 100..44 - 1e%. Mr. Carroll retired and Mr. Lawrence J. Selig met with the Board. Mr. Seling, who has a second-class Dealer's license at 911 Waltham Street, requested that the license be transferred to 396 Marrett Road. Mr. Emery moved that this request be granted, Mr. Gay seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Selig retired and Mr. Joseph H. DeFoe, Sup't. of Public Works, met with the Board. He requested permission to let out on contract the construction of sewer mains in Woburn Street, Libdrty, Ledgelawn, Banks, Chase and Baker Avenues. He explained that this work will amount to approx- imately $3,200., and said that it would not be poss- ible for the town employees to do it. He explained thatehc has enough money to do this work and no further appropriation will be necessary. Mr. DeFoe said that he has five contractors who are willing to submit bids and the Chairman asked if the Board wanted the work let out. Mr. Emery.moved that Mr. DeFoe be authorized to request bids for the const- ruction of sewer mains in these streets. Mr. Gay secondedthe motion, and it was so voted. Mr. DeFoe said that he hoped to be able to bring the bids to the Board on Monday, October 6th. Mr. DeFoe requested permission to extend the curb- ing on the southerly side of Woburn Street. The Chair- man asked if the curbing has been ordered and Mr. DeFoe replied in the negative. The Chairman explained that it was the opinioh of the Board of Selectmen that the purbing should be continued on the northerly side buttOople in the area petitioned the Board and re-. quer ed a reconsideration of the matter whereby the curbing might be installed on the southerly side. The Chairman suggested that Mr. DeFoe have the Engineers prepare a sketch and present it at the next meeting of the Board.. 557 Transfer Selig's License Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that he has received a request from Mr..0ostello at the corner of Slocum Road and Massachusetts Avenue for the installation of a shade on a street light at 146$ Massachusetts Avenue. The Chairman said.that he believed that these lights had deflectors inside the luminaire and Approve re- quest to secure bids for sewer mains in sundry streets Request fol Shade for Street Light 558 suggested that the Superintendent check with the Boston Edison Company. Cast iron Mr. DeFoe requested permission to install 8" cast pipe to be iron under the railroad tracks on Bedford Street in lieu used under of vitrified clay pipe. The Chairman said that it is r.r. tracks the usual custom to put cast iron under railroad tracks. on Bedford The Board had no objections. St. The Chairman reed a letter signed by residents of Candlewick Close requesting the extension of the request for sewer to include this street. Mr. DeFoe informed the sewer in Board that he will not have enough money in his account Caihdlewick to comply with this request. The Clerk was instructed Close to advise the petitioners that there are not sufficient funds available at the present time, but that an item will be included when the Budgets for 1948 are prepared. Traffic Regulation permit .3072 was received from the Department of Public Works, Under authority of Amend Chapter 85, Section 2, of the General Laws the Depart - Traffic went of Public Works has approved the regulations made Regulations by the Selectmen on August 11, 1947. This is in refer- ence to a stop and enter sign for northeast bound drivers on Clark Street at Forest Street. Traffic Regulation Permit #3073 was received from Amend the Department of Public Works. Under authority of Traffic Chapter 85, Section 2, of the General Laws the Depart- Regulations ment of Public Works has approved the regulations made by the Selectmen on August 11, 1947. This is in refer- ence to "no parking" on the easterly side of Pleasant Street from the drileway at house #60 for a distance of 350 feet on the northerly side. The Chairman said that he has noticed house coh- No Parking struction is being continued on Pleasant Street and to be extend- he thought it advisable to have no parking on that ed on Pleas- side. He suggested that Mr. DeFoe contact the Department ant Street of Public Works and submit a report on October 6th. luthorize sale of old tractor Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that he has an oppor- tunity to sell an old tractor which was purchased in 1934 and will be able to get $100 as trade-in for a snow plow. Mr. Emery moved that the Superintendent be authorized to dispose of the tractor for $100. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. DeFoe retired at 8:30.P. M. 559 The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Grindley School Comm. Sup't. of Schools, stating that the Lexington approve School Committee is in favor of taking the entire area site #2 of site #2 for the proposed elementary school. A letter was also received from Mr. Edwin Worthen, Chairman of the Planning Board, stating tPlanning Board has been of the opinion either site2 even though it means a somewhat higher cost. Planning Board re: site #2 Mr. William J. Wilson and Mr. W. Ernest Porter met with the Board at 8:34 P.M. The Chairman explained that the Selectmen have had the area for the proposed elementary school checked by the Engineers and there are 11 1/2 acret4, plus or minus, He stated that going on the basis of 11 1/2 acres that the price quoted would cost the town $17,250. He explained that the Town Counsel would prepare an option for the owners of the property to sign so that the Town may, within thirty days after Town Meeting, take borings and arrange for the purchase of the land. Mr. Emery explained that it might be more than thirty days, possibly sixty. Both Mr. Porter and Mr. Wilson agreed that such an arrange- ment was satisfactory. Mr. Porter asked if the 11 1/2 Wilson re: acres was the entire flat. The Chairman explained that school it will take the entire strip right through at their site price of $1500 an acre. He said that there is a small strip in the name of Jennie Porter of about 2,000 square feet. He stated that the right of way is about 80 feet wide, and on the basis. of $200 which they quoted when they thought it was 40 feet wide, it will bring the total for this parcel to $400. The Chairman said triA., if the Town Meeting approved the Board will commenceAy Town Meeting, of course no purchase will be made. Messrs. Porter and Wilson retired at 8:38 P.M. Porter and The phairman read a letter from John D. Caldwell with further reference to his request for permission to Postage install postage stamp vending machines in Lexington. Stamp He stated that the Sup't. of the Post 0fgioe in Lex- Vending • h Machine ington has no objection but referred him a Boston Postmaster. Mr. Patrick J. Connolly, the Boston Post- master, informed Mr. Caldwell on Friday, September 12th, that he has no objection to the plan. Mr. Locke said that if the Board was going to approve the request he felt they should be advised as to the specific locations of the proposed machines and also as to the method of mounting. The Chairman asked if the members of the Board *1 would be acceptable depending upon the circumstances that develop. He stated that he felt certain the Planning Board would much prefer to have the entire frontage on site *2 prlbceedings to purchase the property. If it is not approved 560 felt that it was a good plan to approve. It was the opinion of the Board that the Town would not be assuming any obligation. The Clerk was instructed to request Qr. Caldwell to submit bhe information as suggested by Mr. Locke. The Chairman read a petition signed by residents of Rhodes Street stating that because of the exeessive cost of the construction of the road they believe it should Residents be deferred until some future time when prices are more of Rhodes reasonable. The Chairman said that it would not be St. Re: logical to construct Lockwood Road and Byron Avenue acceptance without constructing Rhodes Street at the same time. of street The Chairman asked if the Board was going to argue for this at Town Meeting and Mr. Locke replied that he felt the Board would have to. He said the Board could then determine the betterment to the residents oh Rhodes Street after Town Meeting. A letter was received from Charles H. Miller, Jr., Offer for 334 Lincoln Street, offering $350 fur Lots 98-116 Tax Title and Lots 119-120 as shown on a plan of Grandview Terrace. Property The .committee on Tax Title Property recommends a price of $500 for these lots. Mr. Locke moved that Mr. Miller be advised that the Board of Selectmen will entertain an offer of $500 Mr. Gay seconded this motion and it was so voted. Offer for Tax Title Property Offer for Lot 53 Kendall Road A letter was received from John Collins, 210 Marrett Road, offering $350 for Lots 66-85 as shown on a plan of Grandview Terrace. The Committee on Tax Title Property also recommended a price of $500 on these particular lots. Mr. Gay moved that Mr. Collins be advised that the Board of Selectmen will entertain an offer of $500. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A letter was received from Fink T. Neal, 53 Kendall Road, offering $75 for Lot 53 on Kendall Road. The Chairman informed the Board that in 1945 Lieutenant Neal had offered $50 for the lot and the Board at that time advised him that they would entertain an offer of $150. Mr. Locke moved that Lieutenant Neal be advised that the Board will entertain an offer of $100. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was se voted. The Chairman read a letter from Marion L. Rogers stating that the Franklin School P.T.A. would like permission to use the Barnes property for a rummage sale on Friday'. October third. A letter was received from Agnes L. Ross asking the Board to advise her how the Minute Man Crafts Society are allowed to use Cary Memorial Hall to exhibit and sell gifts not made in Lexington. Mrs. Ross alleged that the fair is in competition with Lexington merchants. The Clerk was instructed to contact Mr. Guy Chace and ask him whether or not the Lexington Arts and Crafts Society is affiliated with the Minute Man Crafts Society. It was also decided to invite Mr. Sloane who signed the application for the use of the hall to meet with the Board. 561 Rummage Sale Complaint re: Min- ute Man Crafts Society The Chairman read a letter from Henry D. Love, Complaint 1361 Massachusetts Avenue, registering a complaint Low with reference to airplanes flying at low altitude. Flying The Chairman said that unless the Board knew whether Airplanes or not the planes were Army or Civilian there is little that can be done. However, he suggested that a copy of Mr. Love's letter be referred to the Civil Aeron- autics Commission and that they be requested to submit any suggestions they might have to the Board. The Chairman read a letter from OfficerKnapp of Resignation the Police Department stating that he was submitting of Officer his application for retirement affective February 1, 1948. The Clerk was instructed to refer the commun- ication to the Town Counsel and ask him to submit an opinion as to the Board's. responsibilities.; and limitations on the subject. The Chairman read a letter from the Appropriation Budgets Committee relative to the preparation and presentation of the budgets for 1948. The Clerk was instructed to request that all budgets be submitted not later than November 1, 1947. An application was received from the Middlesex County Farm Bureau, Inc., requesting permission to conduct a meeting and dinner in Cary Memorial Hall on November 6th from 6:00 P.M. until 11:00 P.M. Mr. Locke moved that the use of the hall be granted subject to a charge of $35. Mr. Emery seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mdlsx, Cty. Ext. use of Cary Hall 562 IE DeMolay use of Cary Hall for dance An application was received from Charles T. Merrill, Jr. (Battle Green Chapter of DeMolay) re- questing permission to conduct a dance in Cary Memorial Hall on Saturday, October 25th from 8:00 to 12:00 P.M. Mr. Emery moved that the use be granted subject to a charge of $35.00. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. An application was received from the Lexington Choral Society for permission to conduct a rehearsal Choral Society and spring concert in Cary Memorial Hall on the evenings Spring of Thursday, April 8th and 9th, 1948. Mr. Gay moved Concert that the use of the hall be granted subject to a charge of $35., with one rehearsal free. Mr. Emery Isecongled the motion, and it was so voted. Upon motion of Mr. Gay seconded by Mr. Emery, it was voted to grant the following licenses: Licenses Joseph C. Tropeano 11 Larohmont Lane Auctioneer (ren.) William Viano 1794 Mass. Avenue Movies Regulations Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Locke, Estabrook it was voted to amend the regulations for use of Cary Hall Memorial Building to include Estabrook Hall. The same regulations are to apply to Estabrook Hall as apply to Cary Memorial Hall with a maintenance fee of $10,00. Upon motion of Mr. Locke, seconded by Mr. Gay, it Valleyfield was voted to sign water orders for Valleyfield Street St. Water in the following form: SEE PAGE 472 (meeting on August Order llth, 1947) The Chairman said that he had an original and a copy of the agreement made between the Town of Lexington through the Board of Selectmen, and Charles W. Ryder and Robert L. Ryder, Trustees of Lexington Estates Trust. This agreement has been prepared by the Town Counsel and Ryder signed by both Charles and Robert Ryder. Mr. Gay moved agreement that the agreement be signed by the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Emery seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Locke informed the Board that the Town Counsel suggested that a copy of the agreement be mailed to the Taxpayer's Association and also to the Appropriation Committee. Mr. Emery moved that the copy of theagree- ment be sent to these two groups. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A 1@ngthy discussion was held relative to the betterment assessment against W. John Baskin on Pine Knoll Road and on betterment assessments in general. It was decided to advise Mr. Baskin that the Board does not see that anything can be done until actual figures are available and that when the assessment is made, based on those figures, he may then apply for an abatement. The meeting adjourned at 10:55 P.M. A true record, Attest: 4.1 iie , electmen. 563