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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1947-12-01124 Jurors SELECTM N'S METING December 1, 1947 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room on Monday evening, December 1, 1947, at 7:30 p.m. There were present: Chairman, Paxton, Messrs. Locke, Emery, Gay and Driscoll. The Clerk was also present. Mr. James J. Carroll, Town Clerk, left a box of names with the Clerk of the Board of Selectmen and requested that two jurors be drawn. Mr. Edmund J. Costello, 1468 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, was drawn to serve on Civil Business, First._ Session. Mr. Peter H. Stevens, Engineer, 31 Hancock Street, Lexington was drawn to serve on Criminal Business, First Session. At 7:35 P.M. Mr. James V. McDonald of the Boston Edison Company met with the Board. Mr. McDonald explained that he was acting as advance man on a formal request the Boston Edison Company will make Boston to the Board of Selectmen about an easement over Edison Butterfield's Pond, which was taken by the Town. re: ease- Mr. McDonald presented a bluepkit which he stated ment over he would leave with the Board. He said this is Butter- part of the same road which he discussed in the field's Hobbs Brook Section. He stated that there will be Pond no structures in the pond; that it will be aerial. The Chairman explained that the Board of Selectmen had requested the Boston Edison Company to advise the Board as to the complete layout. He said that it would be helpful if they could prepare an 800 acale map with a line showing the exact location in Lexington. Mr. McDonald stated that for the Board's information a little better than 70% of the land taking have been obtained by the Boston Edison Company. The Chairman read a letter from the Town Coun- sel stating that he is entirely in accord with the position of the Board of Selectmen and advised both Mr. Cook and Mr. McDonald of the Boston Edison Company that the entire matter would have to be fully explained and presented to the Board of 125 Selectmen before the Board could arrive at any decision on the factual aspect of the case. Mr. McDonald agreed to meet with the Board of Select- men on Monday evening, iiecember 8th, to discuss the entire subject. The Clerk was instructed to request the Town Counsel to be present at this meeting. Mr. McDonald retired at 7:45 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from the law firm on Gaston, Snow, Rice and Boyd, together with a notice of a hearing on the joint petition of the Boston Cchsolidated Gas Co. and the Arlington Gas Light Co. for approval of the contract and the sale and pur- chase of gas. The hearing is to be held at Room 1u6, State House, on Thursday, Dec. llth, at 10:30 A.M. No action was taken on the matter. The Chairman read a letter from Andrew Adamson Sale of offering $50 each for Lots 43 and 44, Block 1, Property Garfield Street. Mr. Adamson stated that these lots adjoin his property. The Committee on Tax Title Property recommended accepting the offer. Mr. Locke moved that a proposal to sell the lots be advertised in the Lexington Minute -Man and that further con- sideration be given the offer at the next meeting of the Board. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from the Lexington Chamber of Commerce requesting the consideration of the Board relative to the installation of parking Parking meters in the busines section of the town. The Meters Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the letter and advise the Chamber that the subject of parking meters has already been brought to the attention of the Board of Selectmen, and that the Planning Board has been requested to aubmit a report on this subject. The Chairman read a letter from the Chamber of Commerce relative to the installation of lights in Depot Square area which they claim was approved some time ago. The Clerk was instructed to request additional information and to inquire as to whether or not this communication referred to Depot Square roadway. The Chairman read a letter from the Lexington Chamber of Commerce relative to the "diminshed Lights in Depot Square 126 Street Ligh t Wa l th am S t . M. & B. St. Rwy. Petition Bow Street Crossing lighting now existing on Waltham Street". The Chamber urges increased wattage to be installed in the street lighting fixtures and increased wattage in the lights along Massachusetts Avenue. They also requested that all night lighting of public areas be incorporated in the program for 1948. The Clerk was instructed to advise the Chamber that lines have been established for the widening of Waltham Street and it is anticipated that an item will be included in the 1948 Budget to cover this expenditure. The Selectmen are of the opinion that it would not be logical to put in new lights before the widening is completed. The Clerk was also instructed to inform them that the Boston Edison Company is at the present time making a sur- vey of Massachusetts Avenue, in its entire length from the Arlington line to Bedford Street. The Chairman read a letter together with a petition received from the Middlesex and) Boston Street Railway Co. for a license to operate motor vehicles for the transporatation of passengers for hire from the corner of Bedford Street, Hancock Street and Bedford Street. Ir. Emery suggested that a copy of the letter and petition be forwarded to the Planning Board with the request that this subject be given consideration and their recomm- endations submitted to the Selectmen. The Chairman read a letter from the Town Counsel regarding the request of Mr. Frank L. Stevens for an explanation in writing from the Town Accountant as to the procedure of rendering and payitg the bills. The Town Counsel stated that the letter the Town Counsel proposes to send to -Mr. Stevens seems to be in accord with the facts and he knows of no reason why it shouldn't be mailed. The Chairman read aletter from Mrs. L. Frank Cochrane, 21 Cliffe Avenue, relative to the Bow Street Railroad crossing. The Clerk was instructed to send a copy of the letter to the Town Counsel and to advise him that the Selectmen are in total agreement with Mrs. Cochrane, and are of the opinion that the matter has been delayed far beyond a reasonable time. She was also instructed to req- uest the Totem Counsel to take this matter up with 1 127 the Chief Engineer of the Boston & liiaine in an effort to find out if and when the proposed changes are to be made. The Chairman read a letter from the Approp- riation Committee stating that it has been unan- imously decided that the salary schedule for all town employees, with the expection of the clerks Salaries in the Town Office Building and 'Welfare Department, should not be handled as a group. The Committee also voted to recommend to the Selectmen the following; adjustments: - that the max- imum for all senl-n% clerks should be 038.00 per week and ?33.00 per week for junior clerks, and the comm- ittee feels the pay of the various clerks should be adjusted to that •finure if recommended by the Depart- ment Head. No action was taken on the matter. Upon motion duly made and secanded it vas voted to grant the following licenses: Licenses William Viano 1794 Mass. Avenue Geo. F. Taylor 424 Marrett Road Sidney B. Heywood 271 Marrett Road Bessie 0. Withrow 73 Waltham Street Minute Ivian Cafe 1715 Mass. Avenue Johnson Pontiac 97 Mass. Avenue Frederic R. Childs 409 Mass. Avenue Sunday Movies Common Victualler (ren.) it » 1f Innholder Common Victualler 1st Class Agent ti 1f If The Chairman read a letter from H. Webster Thomas stating that the hockey rink for the Lexington High School hockey team, adjacent to and on the east side of the high school, has not worked out satisfactorily inasmuch as there is no protection at this point from the full mid-day sun. As a result the ice surface melts and the surface is not good for practice use by the team. The Coach as well as the Director of Athletics feel that it would be better for the hockey team to practice at the rink at the Parker Field. Mr. Emery moved that the School Committee be informed that the Board of Selectmen is reluctant to sacrifice one of the rinks at the playground now being used for skating by the children and that the School Committee consider using the land in the rear of the High School or the Munroe School forthe location of a hockey rink for the highschool hockey team. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so voted. n n Hockey Rink 128 Dump complaint Appoint Veteran's Agent At 8:30 P.M. Mr. Lawrence Selig met with the Board relative to his application for the renewal of the sec- ond class Agent's License at 396 Marrett Road. The Chairman said that Mr. Selig had been requested to meet with the Board to -night because the members of the Board desired more information pertaining to the K. & S. Company at 396 Marrett Road. Mr. Selig informed the Board that he is now in business for himself; that the K. & S. bus- iness is operated by him only. Mr. Selig stated that 396 Alarrett Road is a temporary location and is at the corner of Marrett Road and Waltham Street. Mr. Emery asked if this were Mr. Selig,.►s main business and he replied in the affirmative. Mr. Emery asked how much room he had for cars at this location and Ilr. Selig replied that he has three. He said that when he is ready to change the location he would come before the Board and discuss the matter with them. Mr. Selig retired at 8:45 P.T.I. Iir. Gay moved that Ur. Selig's application for a second class Agent's license at 396 Marrett Road be approved. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Gay informed the Board that the caretaker of the dump suggests that the dump be closed at four o'clock in the afternoon and that a.,gate be erected to keep it closed until seven in the morning. He said it had also been called to his attention that garbage is being deposited in the dump. The Chairman said that it is his opinion that the dump attendant should stop truck drivers from dumpi.ng loads and he should also be able to stop the dumping of garbage. tie reminddd the Board that the attendant has been appointed a special police officer. The Chairman said that there was no question that the problem of fires at night was a serious one, but he did not believe the attend- ant started them. Chief Rycroft met with the Board at 9:15 P.M. relative to the applic&tions for the position of Dir- ector of Veteran's Services and Veteran's Benefits and an informal discussion was held. He retired at 9:2$ P.M. Upon motion of ''°r. Driscoll, seconded by Lir. Gay, it was voted that Edward F. Chapin, 17 Columbus Street, Lexington, be appointed Director of Veteran's Services and Veteran's Benefits, on a part time basis from December 1, 1947, to March 31, 1948, at a remun- 1 oration of 320.00 a week. Yr. Emery suggested that the Chairman dictate a letter to RIr. Chapin advising him that he would be on a probationary period. Mr. Emery sug,_•,ested that the Board consider inserting an article in the ',arrant for the pur- pose of obtaining funds to be paid to the family of John Broughall, a former fireman who has rec- ently died. Tiie Clerk was instructed to write the Town Counsel and to inquire as whether or not there is any legal way the town can, if it sees fit, pay the widow money. At 9:50 P.M., Er. Joseph H. DeFoe, Sup t. of Public Works, and ter. E. A. Lindstrom, Building Inspector, met with the Board. The Chairman read a letter from the Board of Health informing the Board that there have been instances where new houses have been sold and occupied without an occupancy permit being issued, due to the non - approval of sanitary facilities. Mr. Lindstrom stated that he does not issue occupancy permits until everything has been inspected. The Chair- man asked him if he would check on occupancy permits. I,Ir. Lindstrom stated that he does not issue a permit until a Health Inspector has approved the cesspool or septic tank. 129 Occupancy Permits Mr. Lindstrom said he wanted to bring up the question of gravel being hauled from Maple Street. He said he went down a week ago last Wednesday, and at that time he was told no ..ore gravel would be removed. He questions whether or not this gravel pit is being operated legally. The Chairman said that he thought the Building Inspector should contact the Town Counsel. The Chairman asked Yr. DeFoe if he had any idea when the Liberty and Ledgelawn Avenue work would be completed. Mr. DeFoe replied that Russo expects to have another machine in this week. If he does Mr. DeFoe will follow up the water. He said he did not think it would be fair to Russo to put in the water and have the trench cave in. The chairman explained to the Board that a Mr. Hamilton has built a Gravel Pit on Maple St. Sewer on Liberty & Ledge - lawn 130 Sewer on Liberty & Ledgelawn Street lights X20,000 house on Ledgelawn Avenue and he wants to move in to -morrow. He is most anxious about the sewer line. The sewer service line has been installed in his house. He wants to move in but does not want to build a cesspool He has con- structed a small dry well right at the street line. The question is whether or not he can move in and utilize this inasmuch as the sewer is coming through in a very short time. Yr, Emery asked if it would be two weeks before the sewer would be extended to this property. mr,. DeFoe replied that it might be more. The Board felt that this was a problem that Mr;. Lindstrom and Mr. Lamont could probably work out together. Mr. Lindstrom retired at 10:05 P.M. Mr. DeFoe presented a blueprint of the pro- posed changes'in street lighting starting at Grant Street, going up through Lexington Center to Merriam Street. He informed the Board that the section from Woburn Street to Bedford Street calls for the installation of 31 - 1000 lumens lights; the units to be replaced are 1 - 1000 lumen light and 42 - 6000 lumen lights, these all being underground. He stated that this would cost .?36.68 extra per year for the job. He explained that the Boston Edison Company will do all the underground work and pave the streets and sidewalks if necessary. He stated that there is a plan now in process whereby in a few months communities will be charged for installations. If the order is placed promptly the town will have to pay only the "36.68. Mr. Emery asked if the Town would have to pay for the concrete poles and Mr. DeFoe replied in the negative. He said that the proper procedure was to write to the Boston Edison Company and make a formal request for the installation and to ask then to advise the Board as to the cost, if any. The Board questioned the cost of 06.68 inasmuch as Mr. DeFoe. had a letter from the Boston Edison Company stating that the installation charge would be $18,000. The Chairman called Mr. Hitchcock at his home and the explanation as given by Mr. Hitchcock advised him to have the Board of Selectmen write a letter' requesting an estimate 0-4 1 of cost of new lights in Lexington Center. Under Schedule rate "E" they can charge underground installation but they have not been charging them. By writing this letter it would force the company to make a decision and Mr. Hitchcock will try to have a letter back to the Board for the next meeting. Mr. DeFoe ex- plained that the present overhead section from the Arlington line to Woburn Street calls for 115- 6000 lumen lights, six of which have already been installed at the High School, so that the total would be 109 lights. He explained that the present lighting consists of 31 - 800 lumen, 25- 2500 lumen and 9 - 6,000 lumen. These would be removed if the new lighting was installed and the total cost to the town would be an additional $5,271.12. He said it is fair to assume that the installation could be made at the company's expense; however, the cost would have to be compiled. The Chairman asked the Board if they wished to discuss street lighting on Massachusetts Avenue. Mr. Gay said he would like to see something done. With reference to a change in the lighting at the corner of Waltham Street and Concord Avenue, Mr. DeFoe replied that the Boston Edisdn Company recommends installation of one 800 and one 600 lumen light. Mr. Emery moved that the Boston Edison Company be instructed to proceed with the proposed changes in the street lighting at the corner of Waltham Street and Concord Avenue. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so. voted. With reference to the estimated cost of tem- porary repairs on Winter Street Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that the section from where the request came could possibly be temporarily repaired for about $150. He said there are other sections where fill should be put in and also thegrader used. He said he thought it mould all be done and put in a fairly good condition for about .$300. The Chairman explained that any expenditure on this street would be more or less a waste because the town intends to construct the street in the spring. He suggested that the ashes from the schools be dumped on the /edgy section and that it be smoothed up at a cost not to exceed $100. The Board agreed. 1 131 Street lights Lights at Wal- tham St. & Concord Avenue Repairs on Winter Street 132 Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that the people on Winter Street have not as yet been billed for Repair of the use of the bulldozer and he believes that no Winter St. charge should be made. He explained the equip- ment was there for only about four hours and that the people themselves dumped in eight of nine Charge for loads of gravel. Mr. Driscoll said that he could use of not see town employees being paid by private in - equipment & dividuals. He asked, in the event of an accident, men. how the insurance angle would be handled. The Chairman asked if the people on Winter Street paid for the operator's time and Mr. DeFoe replied in the negative. Mr. Gay asked who paid the operator and Mr. DeFoe replied that he was paid by the Town. The Chairman stated that he is in favor of utilizing town equipment for private individuals, but it should not be done on town time and they should pay the men. Mr. Driscoll moved that the Sup't. of Public Works be instructed to bill the residents of Winter Street for the use of the bulldozer and also for the operator's time. Mr. Emery seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Water on Marrett Road -- Grigor Agreement Lisbeth St. construction Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that he has con- ferred with the Town Counsel relative to the method of handling assessments for the installation of a water main on Marrett Road. Mr. DeFoe said that his procedure is for the town to install the water main and charge the betterment assessment. When Mr. Grigor asked for an abatement he will then be presented with an instrument for his signature whereby he agrees to pay the charge if and when he sells any or all of his farm land. The Chairman asked if Iir. DeFoe had discussed this with Mr. Grigor and he replied in the negative. The Chairman asked if the Board felt that Mr. DeFoe should contact Mr. Grigor and it was decided that the Sup't. discuss the subject with Mr. Grigor to determine whether or not he would be willing to sign such an agreement. Mr. DeFoe informed. the Board that all the prop- erty owners on Lisbeth Street have been interviewed as the result of a petition requesting the construct- ion of the street. However, out of eight abutters only two are willing to pay for the cost of cons- truction. No action was taken on the matter. bkomol 1 Mr. DeFoe presented the Board with a fin- ancial statement relative to the John iicDonald Construction Company. The Chairman asked if the Sup't. had analyzed the bid and he replied in the affirmative. Upon motion of ir. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Emery, it was voted to award the contract for the installation of a water main in Maple Street to John McDonald Construction Co., the low bidders., the work not to be started, how- ever, until ':Woburn Street is sdfficiently com- pleted to be open for traffic. Pair. Emery seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Ir. DeFoe informed the Board that an individual was building a house on Fairview Avenue and both abutters on both sides of the street have signed a petition for the installation of a water main. He said this would entail an extension of only 70 feet. He thought that Where it is such a short connection it could be put in and about three lengths of pipe would take care of the house under construction. The Board suggested that he have the order ready for signatures next week. A letter was received from Maurice Eartin req- uesting a sewer connectionfor 5 Fuller Road. Mr. DeFoe presented the Board with a sketch and ex- plained it in detail. He informed the Board that he has no money in sewer construction - sundry streets. The Chairman said that although Mr. Martin needs the sewer, and the town would like to help hira, if there is no money available it will have to wait until after the town meeting in March. Mr. Emery asked if this were a hardship case and Lir. DeFoe said that according to his letter Lir. Martin expects to move in the latter part of January or the first of February. The Chairman said that he thought it should be done if there was any way of doing it, and perhaps it would be best if Pair. DeFoe went to see Mr. Martin and advised him that if there was any money available in January, because of the fact that other contracts did not take as much as anticipated, it might be possible to comply with his request. 133 Award bid for Maple Street Request for sewer on Fuller Road 134 0-4 1 Borrowing Request Bids Wm. Porter Re: Water meter Mr. DeFoe said that with relation to 16" pipe, he has sufficient money to finish the job, but for water pipe 6" to 16", not including 16", there is only $13,000 left. He stated that he has X7,700 worth of pipe still coming plus some fittings, but he believes it will be necessary to request additional money. He has sufficient funds to take care of 16" pipe. The Chairman asked if the Board wanted to req- uest the,Town Treasurer to obtain bids on 100,000 borrowing. Mr. Locke said he thought the borrowing should be made. Upon motion of Mr. Locke, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to request the Town Treasurer to obtain bids on a )100,000 borrowing for a period of ten years. Mr. Emery said that Mr. William Porter of Adams Street wants someone to fix his water meter. ,Mr. Porter said he had talked with the Public Works Department several months ago but nothing had been done. Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that at the time of Town Meeting he celled Mr. Porter's house and talked to Mrs. Porter. He said that he told her to have Mr. Porter get in touch with him, which he has never done. Mr. Emery asked if Mr. DeFoe would contact Lir. Porter again and he replied in the affirmative. Mr. Emery asked why wouldn't the winter, when the ground was frozen, be a better time Culvert to do the culvert work at the back of the fire rear of station than in the spring. He asked if it Fire Station were practical from Mr. DeFoe's point of view. Pair. DeFoe said that he would have to have money to do it. Mir. Gay asked how he would obtain the money. Mr. DeFoe said that this was one of the things Mr. Cosgrove, the Town Engineer, was going to work up for the next town meeting. Mr. Gay asked if he couldn't do it before April and Mir. DeFoe said he couldn't do it un- less he took the money out of Highway 1iain- tenance. hir. Emery asked how much it would cost and I3r. DeFoe thought that for ar..prox- 400 feet of 36" pipe it night cost X7.00, X8.00 or ;9.00 a foot. The Chairman explained that the difficulty is that this is a construction job and no money is available unless it comes out of Highway Main- tenance. The money in the Highway MIaintenance Account goes back into the E. & D. on December 31st. The Supt. of Public Works can in Jan- uary spend an amount not exceeding the maximum Monthly expenditure in 1947, and whatever he takes out for the culvert will be deducted from the Highway Maintenance Account. Mr. Emery asked if there were much engineering work involved and Mr. DeFoe replied in the negative. Mr. Emery said that Deputy Chief Cook will have the firemen do the work themselves if the S p't. can give them 50 feet of pipe. Mir. DeFoe said that first a layout should be made. They should know where the pipe is going- and determine the grades and figure the size of the pipe. The Chairman said that if the firemen are willing to lay the pipe that the Supt. should, he believes, order some 50' pipe. Mr. Emery said this installation will be from the west side of the Camelia Place to the brook. Mor. DeFoe said he would have the Town Engineer lay it out, determine the grades, determine the size of the pipe and try to do something about it right away. Mir. DeFoe retired at 11:40 P.M. The Clerk was instructed to ask the Town Accountant to submit a statement showing balances in all the accounts, not including personal services, and make a notation as to which accounts carry over. The meeting adjourned at 11:45 P.M. A true record, Attest: -Y le , electrsen. 135