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
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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