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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1948-05-031 359 Selectmen's Meeting May 3, 1948 :A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room on Monday evening, May 3, 1948 at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Paxton, Messrs. Emery, Gay, Driscoll and Nickerson were present. The Clerk was also present. At 7:30 p.m. Mr. John T. Blackwell, Planning Eng- ineer, met with the Board, at the Board's request, to discuss the petition for a bus route on Simonds Road, Burlington Street and Hancock Street. The Chairman said that the Board would like some suggestions upon which totse a decision until such time as a transportation survey of the town can be made. Pro - Mr. Blackwell said that the buses, as the service posed is now proposed, would be turning off Bedford Street bus just in front of the Parker School. He said that it is .route not possible to swing a bus on a heavily travelled way like Bedford Street without having trouble. He said that the pavement width up Simonds Road may be handled. It seemed to him that the real difficulty is the width of the pavement on Hancock Street and whether it is actually of heavy enough construction. He said that the point of danger is in turning at Simonds Road -- a sharp turn, steep down grade and then a sharp turn into Burlington Street. Mr. Blackwell said that the safety of the route has to be the first consideration. He said that this does not mean for the people in the vehicle only, but also for the people who live along the route. He stated that he feels very strongly about the physical design and control of traffic through residential neighborhoods. The Chairman said that once the permit is graihte0, the number of runs may be increased. Mr. Blackwell said that he thought the D.P.U. would grant a temporary license and believes that they are empowered to do so. The Chairman asked him his Opinion relative to buses on Burlington Street and Mr. Blackwell replied that he has not checked the exact width of the pavement. He explained that the turning radius of a bus is 30 feet. A. pavement, of 24 -feet would be blocked -entirely by a bus swinging a turn. He said that he thinks there 360 is a real hazard at almost every section of the route with the possibility of increasing traffic on Grove Street. The Chairman explained that there is the same hazard on every street where a bus travels. The people, however, demand some type of transportation. In the event it is granted the town will have to raise money to improve the routes on which the bus travels. After some further discussion, the Chairman asked if the members of the Board had any questions and there were none. The Chairman asked Mr. Blackwell to write a letter outlining this subject briefly, recommending an addit- ional sum of money for a study and submit it to the Board for next Monday evening. Mr. Blackwell agreed and retired at 8:05 p.m. The Chairman stated that the Board has received petitions for and against the proposed bus route and asked if anyone of the members was willing to make a motion. He then asked, in lieu of a motion, for those in favor. Mr. Driscoll stated that, after going over the route today, there is no question in his mind but that the streets are really narrow and he would like to hear some more about it. Mr. Gay asked if it would be advisable to check with the Boston and Middlesex and have an engineer discuss this subject with the Board further. The Chairman said that this could be done, but he thought it should be looked at from a practical point of view. He stated that Mr. Driscoll looked the area over and feels that the streets are too narrow. He said that he thought the other members of the Board were of the same opinion and he does not believe that there is anything further that the Middlesex and Boston could tell the Board. He said that Burlington Street cannot be widened without destroying the property values of every house on the street. Mr. Nickerson moved that the petition be denied. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was unanimously voted. At 8:10 p.m. Mr. Carroll, Town Treasurer, and Mr. Cahalin, Vice President of the Second National Bank, met with the Board. SZa 1 1 361 The Chairman explained that the Board would like to know something about bonding and it hascome to the Board's attention that there is what is known as State House notes, up to 4275,000 or 4300,000. These are approved by the Attorney General but the sale is limited more or less to Massachusetts. Where there is a possibility of borrowing more than 4300,000 a legal expert may be hired for advice whose authority is recognized countrywide. Mr. Cahalin explained that they do a very good job at the State House. He said the town should make an offering as attractive as possible. There is a charge of $1.00 a note over and above 20 notes. The State House notes have moved very well in Massach4setts with the exception of some trustees who do not want to buy a note with the legal opinion. Mr. Cahalin discussed the subject in more or less detail and said that his suggestion would be that by all means, the town of Lexington put out bonds. He also recommended making all the borrowings at one time. He explained that the certification charge would be about 68¢ per bond, 58¢ for legal opinion and 42¢ for printing, making a total of $1.68 per bond. The Chairman asked if it is possible to pay this charge out of the premium and Mr. Cahalin replied that it is usually handled just that way. Mr. Cahalin and Mr.. Carroll retired at 8:40 p.m. The Chairman asked if the Board desired to discuss the matter any further. He then asked if the Town Treasurer should be requested to obtain bids. Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Driscoll it was voted to request the Town Treasurer to obtain bids on the issue of bonds, as outlined in the discussion this evening, on borrowings authorized by the Adjourned Town Meeting held on March 22, 1948. Mr. James V. MacDonald, Boston Edison Company and Mr. DeFoe, Suplt. of Public Works met with the Board. Mr. MacDonald said that he would prefer to answer the Board's letter, relative to lighting Lexington Center, verbally,, He said that, as he understands it, the relighting of the center has been approved from the cost view point by the company. That means that 10,000 lumin lamps on 25 foot standards, modern light- ing 100% will go in from Woburn Street to Bedford Street. Mr. Emery asked if that meant the lighting would be installed along the right hand side of the Common. Street lights 3.62 The Chairman said that it would not go beyond the statue. The Chairman explained that Mr. Hitchcock had telephoned him this evening and the question is this. If the 10,000 lumin lamps are installed through the center on the present shut-off time, the town will save v$ 210 a year. If all night lighting is ma1ntandd in the same area, it will cost $ 45 more than the present schedule. He stated that the Board has received requests from the Chamber of Commerce requesting all night lighting in Lexington Center. Mr. MacDonald retired at 8:55 p.m. Mr. DeFoe reported on the water assessment charge which is questioned by Mr. Joseph H. Mealy, 21 Larch - Mealy mont Lane. The Chairman said that it appears to him assess- that Mr. Mealy has paid for the total installation and ment should not have been billed for the $100 which he charge questions. I nsuran c e Mr. Emery moved that the Superintendent of Public Works be authorized to have the necessary forms prepared for abating the water assessment charge against the'Mealy in the amount of $ 100. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. DeFoe presented a sketch and explained Mr. Henry E. ;Andrewst water assess ht on Preston Road. He explained that the water main does not go in front of Mr. nndrewt property and he never should have been assessed. Mr. Driscoll moved that the charge of $22.81 be abated. Mr. Emery seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. DeFoe presented the Chairman with a letter from Brewer & Lord, which he read to the Board, relative to increased building values. Mr. Converse Hill stated in the letter that the Town should again consider increasing the amount of insurance under the schedule and would suggest an increase of 15% - increasing each item of the schedule by this amount. He also recommend- ed that a specific policy be written rather than en- dorse all policies at this time because of the fact that there will be other changes within a year. 1 1 363 Mr. Emery moved that the Supt. of Public Works be authorized to advise Mr. Hill to increase the insurance by 15% and have one policy written as suggested by Mr. Hill. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. DeFoe presented the Board with a report of Lincoln the,survey made of dumping at the Lincoln Street Street dump. The Chairman suggested, and the Board agreed, Dump that the survey should be made for one complete week and Mr. DeFoe said that he would have it continued for seven consecutive days. Mr. DeFoe stated that he has received a request for the extension of another 400 feet of water main Water on Marrett Road. He said that the petitioner has re- Main quested the extention becauae he thinks he might build. ext. It was decided to tell the petitioner that in on uiew of the large amount of work already scheduled Marrett and the scarcity of water pipe, it will not be possible Road to grant his request until 1949. Mr. DeFoe presented a sketch of the water main installed in Cumming :Avenue with its relation to property owned by Esther Nicoll. Nicoli The Chairman said that the Nicolis could tie Assess - a service into the main and if it is not assessed ment now, at some future date someone may desire to build on the lot and just tie in a diagonal service with- out having any betterment assessment. The Clerk was instructed to advise Mrs. Nicoli that although the main does not extend across the entire frontage of her property, the Selectmen are of the opinion that it is far enough along bn the street so that the lot can be serviced, and in accordance with the general policy of the Board, she is liable for a betterment assessment on •this water main. Mr. DeFoe requested permission to employ Miss Clerk Muriel Wilson as a Clerk for the Park Department at for the salary of 131.00 a week. Park Mr. Emery asked if there were funds provided De/oft. for another girl in the budget and Mr. DeFoe replied in the affirmative. Mr. Emery moved that Mr. DeFoe's request be grant- ed. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 364 Mr. DeFoe requested orders for the installation of water mains in the following streets: Eldred, 92% signed; Donald, 51% signed; Calvin, 50% signed; Bernard, 100% signed; Ivan - one part 44% signed and one part Water orders 88.4% signed. Mr. Gay moved that the orders be prepared for signatures. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Petition was received signed by four residents of Hayes Avenue, requesting the extension of the sewer system, now proposed from the junction of Berwick road and Meriam Street, to the junction of Hayes Avenue Hayes and Meriam Street, a distance of approximately 300 feet. Avenue Mr. Gay moved that the request be granted and an Sewer order prepared. Mr. Emery seconded the motion, and it was so voted. ;Airplane Spraying Bids Lovell Bus Route petition The Chairman r ead a letter from Neil McIntosh relative to water betterments assessments on four lots on Middleby Road. He stated that on April 15, 1948 these lots were sold to Samuel T. Watson, 11 Middleby Road who agreed to pay the betterments. The Chairman explained that notices of betterment• assessments are sent out based on the owner as of January 1st and that is all that is required of the Board. Mr. DeFoe retired at -9:35 p.m. The Chairman read a letter from . Garrity, Suptt. of Parks and Playgrounds, to which waMattached a list of Airplane Spraying bids for the year 1948. Mr. Gay moved that the bid be awarded to the F. A. Bartlett Tree Expert Co., the low bidder, at the quotatioh of $ 354.36. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from the Lovell Bus Lines, Inc. for a license to extend their Lincoln Street route over Weston Street to Shade Street; over Shade Street to Spring Street; over Spring Street to Marrett Road, and in both directions. Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to advise the petitioner that a survey will be made, between now and October 1, 1948, of the general problem of transportation, and until the survey is completed the Selectmen Will defer any action on petitions fdr new or extended bus routes in Lex- ington. „C) 1-41 Sad 1 1 365: Letter was received from the American Overseas Aid - United Nations Appeal for Children requesting permission to place advertising collars on the light poles. Mr. Emery moved that the request be approved providing the Boston Edison Company has no -objections. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Letter was received from Thomas Walsh, 6 Ames Tax Avenue, Lexington, offering $35 for lots 485-486 title ;fames Avenue. The Committee on Tax Title property property recommends a price of 150. The Clerk was instructed to advise Mr. Walsh that the Board would entertain an offer of $50 and also to check as to the possibility of any betterment assessments. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Lynch advising Johnson the Board that he has concluded the agreement with water Ernest B. Johnson, Jr. for the settlement of his claim assess - for damages arising out of the taking by the Middlesex ment County Commissioners a part of his land on Grove Street abated for highway purposes. He stated that to complete the Board should vote to abate the water betterment assess- ment. Mr. Driscoll moved that the water betterment assess- ment, in the amount of $400, on the property of Ernest B. Johnson, Jr. be abated for the specific reason that the construction of the water line in Grove Street, Lexington, has not and will not be of any benefit or advantage to the property of Mr. Johnson. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman r ead a letter from Mr. Lynch advising Sarano the Board 8tthe claim of Helen B. Sarano against the claim Town for damages arising outof the taking by eminent domain by the County Commissioners of 12,500 square feet of land on Lincoln Street for the purpose of relocating Lincoln Street has now been concluded. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Lynch advising Murphy that the action of James J. Murphy and Bertha J. claim Murphy against the Town arising out of the taking by eminent domain by the Middlesex County Commissioners for highway purposes of land on Grove Street has now been concluded. He informed the Board that to complete the agreement, the Board should vote to abate in full the water betterments assessment. * agreement the 366 Napoli Claim Mr. Gay moved that the Board abate in full the water betterment assessment against the remaining property of the Murphys for the specific reason that the construction of a water line on Grove Street has not and will not be of any advantage to the said property. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Lynch advising that the action of Thomas A. Napoli against the Town and the Middlesex County Commissioners, arising out of the taking by eminent domain by the County of certain land of Lir. Napoli on Lincoln Street, for the relocation of Lincoln Street, has now been concluded. Mr. Emery moved that the time for payment of the water betterment assessment levied against Thomas A. Napoli be extended until the land in question or any part of it is sold by Mr. Napoli; the land or any part of it is built upon; or until Mr. Napoli avails himself of the improved water facilities, whichever event occurs first. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Uses of Application was received from the V. F. W. for Hall permission to use Estabrook Hall and a conference room on the evenings of May 5 and May 19 for meetings. Mr. Gay moved that the use of the hall be grant- ed free of charge. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Request was received from the Battlegreen Chapter of DeMolay requesting permission to conduct a second rehearsal in Cary Hall on the evening of May 8, Mr. Emery moved that the use of the hall be grant- ed subject to a charge of 015.00. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Emery, it •;Licenses was voted to grant the following licenses; Norman E. McMillen Hugh McIntosh Clarence E. MacPhee Robert N. Cann Lex. Bowladrome.I�ac. 11 n ,t William Viano Benjamin H. Berman Ralph J. White Max Sulkin 82 442 14 4 1698 Cliffe Avenue Marrett Road Baker Avenue Stetson Street Mass. Avenue " n " 1794 Mass. Avenue 13 Mass. .Avenue 56 Woburn Street 132 South St.,Waltham Peddler (renewal) Sunday Sales " n n " Auctioneer " Bowling " Sunday Bowling " Sunday movies " Junk 11 11 11 " " 1 The Clerk informed the Board that Mr. Stone, representing the Lexington Drum Corps had requested permission for the corps to march through Lexington Center on Friday afternoon and Friday evening to give some publicity to the paper drive on Sunday. It was decided to have the Chairman contact Mr. Stone and discuss this request with him. The Board did not object too strongly providing the Chief of Police is consulted and is of the opinion that soiree arrangement may be worked out. 367 Drum `orps permission to march The Chairman read a letter from firs. Merrick, 377 Bedford Street registering a complaint about the park- Complaint ing on Bedford Street, opposite Buttrick's stand. She claimed that her driveway is very often blocked by parked cars and also called the Board's attention to refuse thrown around. The Clerk was instructed to write the State Depart- ment of Public Works to find out whether or not it is possible to have "No Parking " signs placed in this area and also to give Mr. Nickerson a copy of Mrs. Merick's letter from him to discuss with Mr. Buttrick. Deputy Chief Cook, of the Fire Department, sent the Board a letter received by him' from the Peter Pirsch & Sons stating that the item of x;376 covers 94 hours of labor at $4.00 per hour. The company replaced a number of rungs and also installed a number of steel rungs to strengthen the ladder, but made no charge for the matebial. Mr. Emery said that the real question was what was the fundamental cause of the damage to the ladder truck and he does not believe that the company has made a satisfactory reply. It was agreed that Mr. Emery should discuss this subject with the Board of Fire Engineers. At 10.10 p.m. Paul McCormack and Raymond Lewis of the American Legion met with the Board. Mr. McCormack Field said that the Legion would like to conduct a field day Day and celebration on the 4th of July and the night before. The Chairman explained that they should bo,;ntact Mr. Garrity and make sure that there is nothing in his park program that might conflict. Mr. McCormack asked if he could ask now to have the field reserved and the Chairman said that it is permissable but that Mr. Garrity may have something planned about which the Board has no knowledge. He said that they could, if 368 they so desired, consider the playground reserved, but that it would not be a formal granting of the request until a written statement is received outlihing the details of the proposed celebration. Mr. McCormack and Mr. Lewis retired at 10:15 p.m. The Chairman informed the Board that Mr. Molpy had reported to him that the boy scouts, at the recent Scout Circus in Cary Hall, were not properly dis- ciplined. They.climbed up to the balconies making it necessary to wash the white paint and were more or less out of control. The Clerk was instructed to bring this to the attention of the individual who applied for the use of the hall. The meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m. A true record, Attest: