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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1947-11-1790 SFLECTI: EN' S IJEETINC; November 17, 1947 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room on Monday evening, November 17, 1947. There were present: Messrs. Locke, Emery, Gay and Driscoll. In the absence of Mr. Paxton, Mr. Locke served. as Chairman. At 7:30 P.M. Mr. James J. Murphy and his counsel, Mr. Alfred P. Tropeano and Mr. Joseph H. DeFoe met with the Board. Mr. Tropeano informed the Board that P:ir. and Mrs. Murphy owned con- siderable land on the upper end of Grove Street. The taking for road easement consisted of 36,400 square feet and there were also 13,200 square Murphy feet taken for road slope purposes. The taking and Tropeano about which Er. Murphy is concerned is in regard re: land to the trees. The taking included the stone wall taking and practically all of the trees. He explained that the Murpny frontage is approximately 470 feet, starting at the end of the Cosgrove line. Mr. Locke, asked is this the county lay -out and Pr. Tropeano replied in the affirmative, but said that the town is responsible for the damages. Mr. DeFoe explained that the county intends to leave all the trees and, they proposed to fit the road in and expect to take only a few trees. Mr. Tropeano said that his client purchased the property in three separate parcels and that it is on high land where the cut off starts, and he would have had room enough for five house lots. He explained that the low land is practically worth- less at the present time. Mr. Tropeano said that under the taking the Town has taken the stonOall and the Town may move the stone wall with the consent of the owner to the new line and that is one thing that Mr. Murphy would like to have done. Mr. Murphy stated that if the stone wall is put back he believes it to be worth 12.00 or 13.00 a foot. Tvlr. Tropeano explained by use of a ''_blueprint that Mr. Murphy would have five lots but by starting the road where they did it eliminated the fifth lot. He said that he has not contacted any experts on the matter as he did not think it necessary. Mr. 1 91 Tropeano explained that the statute will run out in December and he will have to start a friendly suit to prevent the statute from running out. He said that he has discussed the price with Mr. Murphy and explained to him that the value of the trees will be taken into consideration only on the enhancement of the land. Mr. Tropeano said that Mr. Murphy has set a very high price on the trees with which he does not agree. He explained that the town or the county could go in at any time and take the trees down and that the best figure that he could get Mr. Murphy to permit hild to submit is 42,000. Mr. Paxton arrived at the meeting at 8:02 P.M. Mr. Tropeano stated that Mr. Murphy has lost the front line, the trees are on the easement and his house may have to be set back to allow grading. He stated that there is no question that there is a value to the trees and the stone wall which Mr. Murphy values very highly. He explained to the Board that Mr. Murphy is asking that the ttone wall be relocated, plus a payment of 02, 000. The Chairman explained that there is a very similar situation on Spring Street. The trees are within the taking but in the construction of the street neither the trees nor the stone wall were disturbed, and the property owners never asked for anything as far as the taking was concerned. He was, in fact, glad to get a wider street pavement. Mr. Tropeano said that if the town widens the street in connection with Route 128 the wall and trees will be taken and Mr. Murphy's time will have run out. The Chairman replied that the Town has made a taking but does not expect to do con- struction at the present moment. He said that the Town tries to save trees wherever possible. The Chair- man asked if some kind of an agreement could be arriv- ed at whereby the Town would replace the wall if and when the street is widened. Mr. Murphy replied in the affirmative. Mr. Tropeano said he thought an agree- ment along that nature would be satisfactory. The Chairman said if the street is left in its present condition there is no need of replacing the wall. He inquired about the number of trees and Tis. Tropeano replied that five were taken and there are 21 addition- al. The Chairman said that it might be possible to swing the line and save the trees. Mr. DeFoe agreed 92 F. L. Stevens re: Goodwin Road as to this possibility. The Chairman asked Mr. Tropeano just what it was his client wanted. Mr. Tropeano replied that he wanted the wall relocated, when and if the surface part of the street does encroach upon it, and ;P 2,000. The Chairman suggest- ed that the Board be given an opportunity to consider Mr. Murphy's request and also to look at the property. Mr. Tropeano and Mr. Murphy retired at 8:15 P.M. Mr. F. L. Stevens, his attorney Mr. Walter McLaughlin, Francis J. Hunt, a court stenographer, Mr. Baird of. the Taxpayer's Association, Mr. Peal Hederstedt, and Mr. William Coscia met with the Board. Mr. Stevens stated that he was after the facts on Goodwin Road. The Chairman said that Mr. DeFoe prepared a list of Figures which were presented to the Taxpayer's Association meeting. Mr. Stevens. d]i med that he never received the figures. Mr. Stevens said that he is trying to prove the figures are either right or prove them wrong. He said that Mr. DeFoe gave him slips to show where the loads were delivered. He asked Mr. DeFoe to go with him to see where the work was done. It can be seen on Goodwin Road so it can be seen anywhere else. He said the 13th of October was a holiday and Mr. DeFoe told him that it is common practice not to work on town pro4ects on a' -holiday. Two slips shown 76 tons of crushed bank gravel delivered to Goodwin Road; 162 tons for Highway Maintenance which Mr. Stevens claims he has not been able to follow; 16 3/4 tons on water construction; and, 3 tons on sewer services. Mr. Stevens said that he has been unable to find that that town used crushed bank gravel on the previous week or the following week. He stated that on the 14th, a town day, the town used peastone on Goodwin Road. He said the town did not use any the week before or the week after but they used 13 tons on Goodwin Road, 14 tons highway maintenance, 14 tons North Lexington sewer; and, 27 tons on water construction, Mr. Stevens stated that on Saturday, the 18th, 33 tons of crushed rock went on Goodwin Road, 21 tons on North Hancock Street and again the same situation appears. There was not any used the week before of the following week. Mr. Stevens asked the Chairman if he were associated in business with Rupert Stevens and the Chairman 93 replied that he is doing some work with him. Mr. Stevens said that Mr. Gordon Richards told him that the town did not have time to do the fire station but Goodwin Road was done. Mr. Stevens said that he has Mr. Richard's estimate of 700 square yards of black top at the fire station at $1,050. He said the figures, according to Mr. Richards, show 60 to 70 tons of black top. Mr. McLaughlin said that his client is looking for information and that he under- stands he has had to dig for the information. He stated that if a citizen comes before the representat- ive governing group and asks for information it should be given to him clearly, logically and so that anyohe can understand it. He said that he was sent down to the Highways and Treasurer's Office and was shown a lot of invoices. Mr. McLaughlin said that with his training and experience he could not put them together and there is one man who knows what was done on all of these roads and that is 1„r. Weisinger. He said he thought it was an obligation of the Board to bring Mr. Weisinger in and have him tell what was done. He said that if one takes the time record and allocated it to what is known to be the basic cost, then find that Goodwin Road cost X400 and the contractor's cost would be $1500.00, and try to line it up against the cost of Goodwin Road, there seems to be something wrong. Perhaps the Board doesn't know about it and there is one man who knows about it- Mr. Weisinger. Mr. McLaughlin said that he is making a specific request for the Board to have Mr. Weisinger in to answer the questions. He said he would like to know the answer to Goodwin Road; - an area of 1760 square yards at a cost of $450 when everyone knows that it could not be done for less than 1,500'.00. He said that if something is being put over, and the Board doesn't know about it, the Board now knows it is the subject of inquiry. The Chairman said that he agreed with what Er. McLaughlin said but he did not believe they should try to get the information as though he was the District Attorney and the Board were criminals. He said that he thinks it is the opinion of the Board, and if he is wrohg the Board may correct him that they do not intend to be questioned as criminals. He explained that 1dr. Weisinger was in before the Board last week and was questioned and the Board was satisfied with the informatioh. The Chair- man'said.' that Mr. Weisinger is a foreman and a 94 Mr. Thayer re easement on Brookside Avenue for drainage laborer and these fellows get disturbed. He said that the Board does not approve of the fact that Goodwin Road was done, and the Selectmen do not like it because it was done on town time. He said the error was made and has been checked as closely as possible. Mr. Emery said that if Mr. Stevens had eye witnesses of the time the roller was on Goodwin Road, and the time is different from what the Board has been told he thought the Board should be given the information. Mr. McLaughlin said that this job figures 33¢ a yard and he asked if Goodwin Road could be repaved for 33¢ a yard. The Chairman replied that there is a possibility the way the town does the work. Mr. McLaughlin asked if as a private contractor Mr. Paxton would do it and he replied "not as a private contractor". Mr. McLaughlin asked if Mr. Paxton thought town employees and town equipment are more economical than private contractor. The Chairman explained that a private contractor pays a different rate of pay and people expect nearly perpetual main- tenance from a private contractor. He stated that the job the town did was not in any way similar to the job he would have done. He said that you cannot compare that type of work with a bi-concrete pavement, and that is completely different. The Chairman explained that the Board had an appointment with an elderly gentlemen and would appre- ciate it if the group would agree to retire for this appointment. The group retired at 8:45 P.M. and Mr. Thayer of Brookside Avenue met with the Board. Mr. Thayer informed the Board that he has owned his present home for 27 years. The Chairman explained that the Board would like an easement to go right by a lot line to the brook. Mr. Thayer said that he is anxious to have the $2,900 assessment released. The Chairman said he thought the Board was in complete sympathy with him on this problem. AIr. Thayer said that the back land would be sold long before any- thing could be done with it. The Chairman asked if Mr. Thayer ever used it for a garden. He said that he has but he is not able to use it for that purpose any longer. The Chairman explained it is difficult for the Board to determine what the actual cost is going to be and therefore, 95 • a t1 , t is difficult to tell how mucil ti Board could abate. Mr. Thayer said he wa9/going to pay more money for the road. He said that building a road will throw a lot of excess water on his property. The Chairman explained that the town would build up the shoulders and the water will go through a catch basin and then into a pipe which the town wants to install. Mr. Thayer said that his lawyer stated that there can be no assess- ment of betterments where there is no betterment and that the place is no good to Mr. Thayer now. He said that his lawyer could fight it but it would cost too much money. The Chairman explained that the Board does not want to put i:%ir. Thayer in the position of fighting this and unfortunately, at the present moment the Selectmen cannot commit themselves. The Chairman asked if Mr. Thayer would permit the town to have the easement and trust to the discretion of the Board relative to an abate- ment. The Chairman said that after the work is com- pleted and the Board has the real cost he thought that Mr. Thayer could rest assured the Board of Selectmen will do everything they can to give him the fairest charge possible. He said the Board could do nothing more than that and that Lr. Thayer would be taking a gamble. The Chairman said that if Mr. Thayer would consider giving the town permission to put the drain through he was sure that this Board would treat Mr. Thayer in the fairest possible manner. Mr. Gay asked if the lot at the lower end could be used as a building lot and Mr. Thayer replied that the upper end of the back lot is hollow. Mr. Thayer said that he supposed he could let the town put the drain in and the Chairman said that it would permit the town to complete the job. Mr. Thayer said that he guessed he would let the town put the drain across there. He said he would be leaving Lexington just as soon as he was able to get reservations. The Chair- man said that when he came back in the Spring the Board would get in touch with him. Mr. Thayer retired at 9:00 P.M. Mr. Stevens, et al, returned to the meeting. Mr. McLaughlin stated that there is something of vital in- terest to him and that is the delivery slip of H. H. 96 McGuire delivered to the Town on October 14th and accepted by Mr. Weisinger. He said that it is obvious that the record has been changed by an erasure. He said that this is a matter of interest to the citizens of Lexington and.he assumed it is a matter of interest to the Board of Selectmen. He asked first who would . have the courage to tamper with the records and sec- ond, what was the reason. He said at this point he would like to have the Selectmen take ever, and find out from the Superintendent when, how and why the record was changed. Mr. DeFoe said that he did not know anything about a change. Mr. McLaughlin asked Mr. DeFoe if he changed the record and he replied in the negative. Mr. McLaughlin asked who had access to the slip and could have changed it and Mr. DeFoe said that the girls in the office make otjt the bills. Mr. Mc- Laughlin asked who received delivery slips and Mr. DeFoe said that the foreman receives them. Mr. Mc- Laughlin asked what the foreman did with the slips and Mr. DeFoe replied that he gives them to Mr. Harr- ington.* MP, McLaugh1±n-a ked-to'-whoni— r.'HnTx`rflgto-n would give 44e slips u nl MIS: 'De1?ue i epl1ed Lhdt-tt would- retnincd. Mr. McLaughlin asked if these were the only persons who would have access to the slips outside of the Superintendent, and Mr. DeFoe said that he did not know of anyone else. Mr. Mc- Laughlin said that if the Board of Selectmen decides what they intend to do he wanted them to notify Mr. Stevens in writing of what was to be done about altering town records. Mr. Gay asked on what basis Mr. Stevens claimed that this load cost more than it has been billed for. Mr. McLaughlin said that he has received the cost from a contractor for the same type ofjob. Mr. DeFoe said that the records were not eltered9* Mr. Stevens said that the records of H. H. McGuire shown 1,480 gallons was delivered to Lynch. He said any other record was the record of Weisinger or DeFoe. The delivery record of the truck shows 1,480 gallons to Lynch. Mr. McLaughlin said that he wanted two things. He wanted the Board to advise Mlr. Stevens in writing their decision about altering tewn records and second, whether or not the Board was going to produce Mr. Weisinger to answer questions on `. this road. He said that he would make a formal ret - Quest on behalf of Mr. Stevens that the Board produce Mr. Weisinger to answer questions. Mr. DeFoe stated that the cost of Goodwin Road came out 38.4 a yard. *Mr. McLaughlin asked to whom Mr. Harrington would give the slips and Mr. DeFoe replied to the girl in the office. Mr. McLaughlin asked what she would do with it and Mr. DeFoe replied that it would be retained. **and the delivery tickets were not altered. The cost of Grove Street was 22.6 and the cost of Robinson Road was 19.1. The Chairman said that Mr. McLaughlin had made a formal request which the Board would discuss. Mr. Stevens said that he would pick up a letter in the morning. The group retired at 9:50 P.M. Mr. Alan Adams met with the Board. The Chairman said that the Board understands that Mr. Adams in the past has checked with the Clerk on the Specific- ations for Town Reports. He said the Board is anx- ious to obtain a good report at the lowest possible price. Mr. Adams said that he would suggest that possibly the Board could get a combination of the last two reports within limits. He believed by editing the Town Report, space would be saved; however, he did not know who could do this. Mr. Adams said that he bel- ieved a smaller report could be written up which would be more interesting, cheaper and more informative. The Cb.airman said the Board has not discussed the form of Town Report but he baij?ves the members would agree that they are not in a position to edit the report, and it might have to be done by a committee. Mr. Adams said that if the last two reports were combined the specifi- cations would have to be changed. He suggested that the Town Accountant's report be reduced in.type size and that the book face be used instead of news style face. He said the most essential thing is to get someone to rewrite the job. The Chairman suggested that Mr. Adams write a letter to the Board outlining his suggestions so that the Board may have something to consider at the next meeting. Mr. Adams stated that ha would make the suggestions but he definitely is not interested in print ing the report this year. Ivir. Adams retired at 10:05 P.M., and Mr. John Baskin raet with the Board. Mr. Paxton presented a sketch of the land taken Baskin re by the Town for school purposes. He is interested in purchase purchasing a portion of the Burton property and of straightening the line. The Chairman said that he Burton ;g1aot know whether this could be done but the Board property /discuss it and let hire know. Iter. Baskin retired at 10:15 P.M. 97 Alan Adams re Town Report 98 Bids for Cast Iron Water Pipe At this point the meeting adjourned for an intermission. The meeting reconvened at 10:40 P.M., at which time Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that i$4() had received the followingquotations for Past. iron water pipe: R. D. Woad Not interestedid bidding. U. S. Pipe & Foundry Co. (Subject to change without notice) 6" $ 1.59 8" 2.28 10" 3.06 12" .3.94 Warren Pipe Co. of Massachusetts (Subject to maximus: change of 10% raise) 6" $ 1.48 (Maximum $1.63) 8" 2.11 2.33 10" 2.83 " 3.11 12" 3.65 " 4.02 Nir. Gay asked if the Warren Pipe Company would accept an order subject to a vote of Town Meeting and Mr. DeFoe replied in the affirmative. Mr. Emery said that unless there was a clause in the Warre_Pipe Company agreement whereby any increase shall not exceed either 10% or prevailing prices, whichever is lower, there is nothing to prevent them from increasing the prices at any time. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, sec- onded by Yr. Driscoll, it was voted to authorize the Superintendent to place an order for cast iron pipe with the Warren Pipe Co. of Massachusetts at the prices quoted, with the definite understanding that any increase in price shall not exceed -either 10% or prevailing prices, whichever is lower at the time of delivery. It was also to be further understood that the order is subject to an appropriation of funds being made at the annual Town Meeting in March. Mr. DeFoe said that the Board had suggested that he advertise for gasoline bids. He said that gas is getting dcarce. He said that he has talked with the L\ Shell representative, who is of the opinion that with the supplied being out the price may be raised, and he feels that the bid will be in- creased when it comes in because other companies will not be anxious to take on new customers with a shortage of gasoline. The Chairman asked if the Board wished to request bids with the possi- bility of paving more, or let it go along on its present basis. Mr. Emery asked how the Chairman felt on the subject. The Chairman said that his personal opinion is that they could continue with Shell, who has always taken care of the town and their price was always favorable. Mr. Emery asked if a contract would have to be signed and Mr. DeFoe said he could have them write a letter saying that they would continue to supply the town with gasoline. Mr. Driscoll moved that the Superintendent be authorized to continue purchasing gasoline supplies from the Shell Oil Company. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. DeFoe said that l,,r. Luongo has received his check for $100 and that he is now ready to install the water main in Buckman Drive. Mr. Locke stated that it is certainly within the premises of the Board of Selectmen to order the installation. b±. LoCke,moved that the Supt. of Public Works be authorized to install water main in Buckman Drive. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 99 . Continue purchase of gas from Shell Oil Approve installation of Water Main Mr. DeFoe said that the Chief of Police is not in favor of opening up Bedford Street for traffic Saturdays and Sundays. The Chief believes it would be much better to leave the horses up and the street partially obstructed because the town would then be protected if anything did happen. He said that he could put a man there if it is necessary but he believes it is safer the way it is. The Chairman said that his personal opinion, in view of what he saw coming down there this evening and the cons- truction changes that take place, that it would be well to leave this decision to the Supt. of Public Works and the Chief of Police. The Board agreed. Traffic on Bed- ford St. 100 The Chairman read a letter signed by residents Petition of Lisbeth Street requesting that the street be fixed. for repair Mr. DeFoe was instructed to contact the property owners and give them an approximate cost before estimates are prepared, this to be done verbally and nothing submitted in writing. Claim for accident Sachetti Subpoena served on Town & County Land Taking Changing of Town Records The Chairman read a letter from Michael J. Vaughan, 82 Woburn Street, requesting the installation of curb- stone in front of his property. The Chairman asked Mr. DeFoe if he expected to put curbing in there this year and Mr. DeFoe replied in the affirmative. The Chairman read a letter from Parker Brownell stating that he represents Miss Anita V. Saehetti who lives at 12 Cherry Street. As the result of a fall Miss Sachetti fractured her left wrist and she is claiming that this accident was caused by the neg- ligence of the town in allowing an accumulation of stones or boulders to remain on the travelled way without any warning or lights. Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that he has discussed this matter with the Town Counsel who wrote a letter to Brownell. The Chairman stated that the contractor is protected by public liability. The Chairman said that Mr. Lynch should be notified that the contractor should be advised of this accident. Mr. DeFoe said that be belived Mr. Lynch under- stood that but he would mention it to him again. The Chairman read a letter from the County Comm- issioners to which was attached a copy of a subpoena served on the County for assessment of damages by Ernest B. Johnson, Jr., on account of land taking on Grove Street. The County Commissioner also requested that the Board appoint counsel to enter an appearance in behalf of the town and county. Mr. Emery moved that the letter and subpoena be referred to the Town Counsel. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Locke asked if Mr. DeFoe would be interested in the Board's decision relative to changing town records. Mr. DeFoe said that no town records have been changed. He said that the gallonage shown by H. H. McGuire has not been changed, but that the town showa the various jobs on which the material was used. The Chairman asked if H. H. McGuire made out slips at the plant 101 or if the truck drivers made them out on the job. Mr. DeFoe replied that he thought they were made out at the plant but he was not sure. Mr. Driscoll and Mr. Gay agreed to visit H. H. McGuire's office and check their slips and also check with the truck drivers. It was unanimously agreed that a letter be written to Mr. Stevens advising him that the Board of Selectmen is certainly not in favor of a policy of changing official town records. It was also agreed to inform Mr. Stevens that the Board had questioned Mr. Weisinger and feels that his answers, as far as the Board is concerned, are satisfactory, and unless Mr. Stevens will produce affidavits in support of his statements that he has witnesses to refute information Mr. Weisinger has given to the Board, the Selectmen do not feel warranted in subjecting Mr. Weisinger to examination. The Chairman asked lir. DeFoe if Mr. Lynch, before he came to the Board of Selectmen, mentioned oil. Mr. DeFoe said that he does not recall what was said. He said he does not remember whether the words "build" the road or "surface" the road were used. Mr. DeFoe retired at 11:55 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from the Outdoor Adver- tising Authority stating that they have an application Hearing for the maintenance of a sign at 1835 Massachusetts for Avenue. The Board's objection to the sign has been Sign at noted and if a public hearing is desired the Atit'hority 1835 Masa should be notified within ten days. The Clerk was Avenue instructed to request the Outdoor Advertising Author- ity to hold a public hearing at which time the town counsel will attend to voice the Board's objection. The Chairman read a letter from the Town Account- ant stating that it will be necessary to transfer ?4528.22 from the Reserve Fur:d to Fire Pensions to pay Mir. Richard's retirement retroactive to October 7, 1946. The Clerk was instructed to check with the Transfer Town Counsel as to whether or not a transfer can be to Fire made from the Reserve Fund to provide payment from Pensions the date of the acceptance of the Act. If so, a request is to be made to the Appropriation Committee for the full amount. If it cannot be done the Appropriation Committee is to be requested to transfer an amount from the first of January, this year. 102 Transfer from Reserve Account to Forest Warden Letter from Town Counse 1 re Officer Knapp Options - j Elementary School Accepted The Chairman read a letter from the Forest Warden requesting a transfer of :3325 from the Reserve Fund to the Forest Warden - Wages and Expenses Accoant. The Forest Warden informed the Selectmen that as the result of a long period of drought unexpected expenses have been incurred resulting in the necessity of additional funds. Mr. Driscoll voted that the Appropriation Com- mittee be requested to transfer the sum of 025 from the Reserve Fund to the Forest Warden- Wages and Ex- penses Account. Mr. Emery seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from the Town Counsel regarding the report received from the medical panel relative to the retirement of Officer Knapp. Mr. Lynch stated that the finding of the medical panel relative to the retirement of Officer Knapp falls far short of the statutory requirement of a finding that the appli- cant is "mentally or physically incapacitated for further duty and that such incapacity is likely to be permanent ". Hr. Lynch said that in his opinion Officer Knapp cannot be retired on the report of the medical pahel. The Chairman suggested that a copy of the Town Counselts letter be sent to the chairman of the medical panel. Mr. Emery said that all the Board could do is advise Officer Knapp that on the basis of the report submitted by the medical panel, and the Town Counselts advice, the Selectmen do not feel that the report is sufficient to warrant his retirement. The Chairman read a letter from the Town Counsel regarding the options given to the Town for the acq- usitien of real estate for elementary school purposes. Mr. Lynch stated that it is not customary to make a detailed examination of the title to property until after the options have been accepted. He explained that the thirty day period between the acceptance of the options and the passing of papers is specifically provided to allow sufficient time to check the title and the clearing up of any deficienbies in the title. However, acting on the assumption that the options would be accepted he started a title search several weeks ago and expects a report from the conveyancer within a week. Mr. Lynch recommended that the Board 103. vote to accept the options after which time he will communicate with the owners by registered mail and make arrangements to have all necessary papers executed. As soon as the money is available for pay- ment to the owners Mr. Lynch would like to be advised. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to accept the options given the town for the acquisition of land for the proposed elementary school. The Chairman read a letter from Pennell & Thompson Lot 5 advising that their customer will make an offer of Spring $300 for Lot 5 Spring Street. This concern was St. advised on November 4th that the Board would entertain an offer of 0350 for this lot. The Clerk was instruct- ed to inform Pennell, & Thompson that the price for this particular lot was still .350. The Chairman read a letter frot Thomas Walsh, Advo. 6 Ames Avenue, offerring .35.00 for Lot 482 Aures Lot 4.82 Avenue, Lexington. Mr. Walsh claims that this parcel Ames Ave. of land adjoins his property. Mr. Spencer recommends the offer be accepted. Mr. Emery moved that a pro- posal to sell the lot be advertised in the Lexington MinutelMan 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. A letter was received from S. C. Sone, 51 Ward Street, relative to Lots 27-31, inclusi�e, Block 17, Ward Street. Mr. Stone has been advised that the Board will entertain an offer of $600. Mr. Stone said that lots have been sold on Reed Street for 050, and he is ttill offerring $0. for each lot. The Clerk in- formed the Board that Mr. Spencer, Mr. Potter and Mr. Steeves again checked these lots and all agreed on the price of $600. Mr. Emery said that the Board has followed tax title recommendations so far and may te well go along until there is a change in the policy. An application was received from the Lexington Use of hall; Taxpayer's Association for permission to conduct a lecture in Cary Memorial Hall the evening of Dec- ember 10th from 8:00 to 11:00 P.M. Mr. Emery moved that the use of the be granted free of charge. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 104 Upon motion of Mr. Locke, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to sign a deed prepared by the Town Counsel, conveying a parcel of land in Lexington to Edwin John Lee. Mr. Locke said that he had received a letter from Approve the Clerk pf tkie Board of Appeals requesting a transfer of Transfer $100 from the Reserve Fund to the Board of Appeals, Bd. Expense Account. He suggested that possibly this amount Appeals be increased to $115. TheChairman suggested that the Board ask for $125,.eliminating the possibility of having to ask for another transfer. Mr. Locke moved that the Appropriation Committee be requested to transfer the sum of $125 from the Reserve Fund to the Board of Appeals - Expense Account. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The meeting adjourned at 12:40 P.M. A true record, Attest: Cle , lectmen.