HomeMy WebLinkAbout1948-06-07 406
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
. June 7, 1948
at
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmen's Room on Monday, June 7, 1948
at 7:30 p.m. There were present: Chairman Paxton,
Messrs. Emery, Gay and Nickerson. The Clerk was also
present.
At 7:30 p.m. Mr. DeFoe met with the Board and
submitted the figure of $140,000. as the cost for supplying
water to the Veteran's Hospital in Bedford. This price
is for a 12" main from Tewksbury Street. Doctor Adams,
Mr. Carlton. and one other individual met with the Board.
The Chairman explained that the Selectmen had checked
with the M. D. C. and received a communication stating
that they do not oppose the Town of Lexington supply-
ing water to the hospital. ' Metcalf and Eddy, the con-
sulting engineers for the Town, recommend a 12" main
being installed in Bedford Street from the end of the
existing 12" main at Tewksbury Street and running up
to Winter Street; a 10" main in, Winter Street to the
Water connection at the hospital line. Mr. DeFoe and Mr.
Connection Burns, Town Engineer, in checking disagree with Metcalf
at & Eddy and the Selectmen also feel that a 12" line should
Bedford be used all the way. He explained that the estimate
Hospital will be in the vicinity of $140,000. The Town of Lex-
ington has the approval of the M. D. C. and the Town
of Bedford. The Town has bonded $250,000.00 for water
main construction but this amount has been more or less
allocated and there are no funds to make the connection
for the hospital. Doctor Adams asked if the approval
was received from all sides for the laying and con-
nection and the estimate of the cost of construction was
$140,000.00 and the Chairman replied in the affirmative.
Mr. Carlson said that he did not know how the hospital
could obtain approval and asked if the Board had any
suggestions. The Chairman explained that of the
$250,000.00 bond issue, $50,000.00 is for strengthening
the system and the balance for extensions which have
been requested. The Town has absolutely no money at
the present time that they can allocate to the work for
the Bedford Hospital. The Chairman explained that the
Board could do nothing further until the next town meet-
ing, and the Board, of course, does not know whether
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or not the Meeting will be willing to appropriate
money for this project. Mr. Carlson asked,
assuming that the Government would subsidize or
pay for the line would the Town go along. The
'OW Chairman said that he thought that would be a legal
problem because the question then arises as to the
ownership. Mr. Emery asked what Mr. Carlson meant
by the Government subsidizing. Mr. Carlson replied
that the government would either put the line in and
the Town would amortize it, or put the line in and the
Town would pay a portion of the cost. The Chairman said
that he expects problems may arise which may necessitate
a fall town meeting.
He said that if Mr. Carlson could start work
with the government agencies the chances are that he
would have some solution to the problem before Sep-
tember and it could then be presented to the Town
Meeting. Mr. Carlons - said that he didn't think
there was anything to be done other than to present
the matter to the branch office. He asked if the
beard was willing to have him see what he can do
and then keep in touch with the Board. The Chairman
said that he thought that would be advisable and that
the Selectmen would endeavor to w ork with him as much
as possible. He Panther stated that if they could
come to some agreement before August or early September
the Board will try to have an article in the warrant
to obtain the approval of whatever is agreed upon.
He said that personally he does not think the Town
will act favorably upon the expenditure of $140,000.00
at this time. The representatives from the hospital
retired at 8:00 p.m.
Mr. DeFoe presented a sketch relative to the water
assessment levied against the Johnson property on Grove
Street. He stated that 501 feet had already been taken
into consideration. The Chairman explained that Mr.
Murphy had questioned the 501 feet on the basis that
he thought it carried on exactly from the end of the
existing hydrant down to the property line. He also Johnson
questioned a section at the base of the hill which
is very low. The Chairman said that the Superintendent
advised that there was a total of 53 feet not Assessment
assessed to Johnson to start off with. The only on Grove
question, however, arises on the low section. Mr. Street
Emery stated that there is nothing to do but take
off the 140 feet on an agreement for a deferred
payment.
Mr. Emery so moved, and Mr. Gay seconded the
motion.
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Mr. DeFoe read a letter from Mr. McLaughlin,
the developer of Custom Built Homes, Inc., stating
that he would like an extension of time on his
Board of Board of Survey agreement. The Chairman instructed
Survey the Superintendent to request Mr. McLaughlin to
Extension write a formal letter to the Board .requesting an
extension and to specify the exact number of days.
Mr. DeFoe presented the Board with the copies
of five bids received on a pump and requested permission
to purchase a Jaeger pump. Mr. Finery asked the Chair-
man if there was any doubt in his mind as to whether
or not a new pump was needed. The Chairman replied
Purchase that there certainly was no doubt in his mind, and in
new fact, he thought they should have more than one.
pump He explained that some of the pumps are eight years
old and have had a terrific amount of work. The
other pumps were purchased back in 1932. Mr. Emery
moved that the Supt. of Public Works be authorized
to purchase a 3" Diaphragm Jaeger Pump from the
Builder's Equipment & Supply Company at the cost of
$380. Mr, Gay seconded the motion, and it was so
voted.
Mr. DeFoe also requested permission to purchase
fittings, etc. , at a cost of $66.37. The Board had
Purchase no objections.
Fittings
The Chairman read a letter from Norman I. Adams
requesting the extension of the sewer in Eliot Road
to his property at #22 Eliot Road. Mr. Admas Mated
Sewer that he has a serious health menace at the present
extension time. Mr. DeFoe reported that the extension would
request involve laying approximately 45 0 feet of 8" pipe. He
Eliot does not know at this time whether or not thefe will
Road be enough money, The Chairman suggested that the
Superintendent keep track of his accounts and advise
the Board of the balances in his accounts as soon as
possible.
Water The Chairman read a letter from Ralph H. Clark
extension requesting an estimate for an extension of a water
request main from Fairview Avenue to 2965 Massachusetts Avenue,
Fairview Avenue
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The Chairm suggested that the Sup+t. of Public Water
Works h*ve7bbetterment assessment sheet prepared extension
for the abutterg signatures, but to advise Mr. request
Clark that no guarantee can be made that the Fairview
installation will be completed in 1948. Avenue
Mr. DeFoe stated that he has received a
request for the installation of a water main in
Oak Street. This is in connection with the new
development on the left hand side of the street
and will involve about 1200 feet of pipe. He said
that he thought this should be a 12" pipe going up
Oak Street to Ellis Street. He said that delivery
of pipe is now eight months behind and he does not
know whether or not this request can be completed.
The Chairman suggested that he send the petitioner a
betterment assessment sheet for the abutters signatures
and to advise him also that no guarantee will be given
that the work will be completed in 1948.
Mr. DeFoe requested an order to install a water
main in Bowman Street. He said that under the present Water
set-up if the Town wants to connect Bowman Street Connection
it will be necessary to lay 200 feet of water pipe on
on the old location of Doctor Lynch's property. Bowman
Most of the work would have to be done by hand and Street
it would be a costly installation. He explained that
he has discussed the problem with the Town of Arl-
ington relative to the possibility of connecting with
our line. Arlington will allow Lexington to connect
to an 8" main at the corner of Apploton Street. The
Chairman explained that this is similar to an arrange-
ment the Town has on Lowell Street. Arlington services
some houses and the Town of Lexington is billed. He
said he thought the logical thing to do is to connect
with the Town of Arlington. He suggested that Mr. DeFoe
check with the Town Counsel. Mr. Gay moved that the
Supt. of Public Works request permission to connect
with the Arlington water main to provide water for
Bowman Street, be granted subject to the approval of
any such arrangements by the Town Counsel. Mr. Emery
seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. DeFoe retired at 8:25 p.m. and Mr. Paul 4th of
McCormack and Mr. Raymond Lewis of the American Legion July
met with the Board. Committee
Report
The Chairman read the tentative program for
the 4th of July celebration and asked Mr. .McCormack
what they had in mind for gundayauly 3rd_. He said
that if there was not going to be any events take
place on that day he did not see why they wanted to
have booths open.
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Mr. Lewis said t1.at they would probably not open the 11
booths until about 10:30 p.m. that night at which time
they would serve soft drinks to people arriving for
the bonfire. The Chairman asked if the Board had any
questions. Mr. Gay asked if there would be any booths
constructed on Sunday and Mr. Lewis replied in the
negative. The Chairman said that the tentative schedule
appeared to be all right. Mr. Emery said that he thought
it would be better not to open the booths on Sunday
until late in the evening. Mr. McCormack and Mr. Lewis
retired at 8:37 p.m.
Mr. John L. Raymond of Metcalf & Eddy and Mr. DeFoe
met with the Board at 8:40 p.m. Mr. DeFoe presented
each member of the Board with a copy of a letter received
from Metcalf & Eddy giving a tabulation of the low bids
on the sewer projects together with their estimates
for each of the three contracts. The Chairman asked if
Mr. Raymond thought the Board would receive lower bids
if they re-advertised. Mr. Raymond said he did not think
so. The Chairman said that the Board is faced with the
problem; first, of rejecting them all with the hope of
obtaining lower bids; second, awarding two contracts and
asking for re-bids on the third one; third, see if some
arrangement can be made with the various bidders whereby
they will start certain sections and go along as far as
the money will permit. Then if there is a Town Meeting
in the fall, request sufficient funds to complete the
jobs. Mr. Emery said that from the bids the Board now has
it appears to him that the entire cost of the A-B-C
probjects would be in the neighborhood of $350,000. He
said he has a doubt in his mind if it would be proper
for the Board of Selectmen to involve the Town in contracts
which will run in the amount of $350,000. , without
referring to town meeting. He said that if any or all of
these could be done separately he did not see why the Board
could not let the contract for the South Branch which is
very close to the amount estimated. It would be within the
impression which the Board created at the Town Meeting.
The Chairman asked if the Board had any more questions
to check with Mr. Raymond and as there were none he
retired at 9:25 p.m.
Upon the motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr.
Gay, it was voted to award the contract for the South
Branch Vine Brook sewer project to Greenough Bros.,
Inc. at a net bid of $85,559..! the item for an office
being eliminated due to the fact that the Town expects
to supply an Engineering Office in the Barnes property.
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Mr. beery moved that the bids for the North
Branch Vine Brook sewer project be tejected in view Reject
of the fact that the lowest bid was in excess of the North
amount indicated to the Town Meeting as the cost. Branch
Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion and it was so voted. Sewer
Bid
It was more or less understood that next fall
the North Branch Vine Brook project would be re-
advertised. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr.
Nickerson, it was voted to award the contract for the
Mill Brook Sewer project to Greenough Bros. , Inc. at
a net bid of $56,274; the item for an office: being
eliminated.
Mr. DeFoe presented an analysis of the two low bids
received for street construction includina water
main for Winter Street (bids filed under "Bids - 1948 -
"Selectments File" ). Upon motion of Mr, Emery, seconded
by Mr. Gay, it was toted to award the contract for
construction of various streets, Type A pavement, to
George Brox, Inc. at the net bid of $73,354.30; this amount
to be charged to the Betterment Street Construction appro-
priation and the installation of the water main in Winter
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Street, $13,510.00 to be charged to Water Construction. Street
Mr. DeFoe said that it may be possible for him to obtain Bid
a man from M. I. T. as an inspector on these jobs at Awarded
$40.00 w week. The Chairman said that any inspector
should be in the Engineering Department and under the
supervision of the Town Engineer, and that his salary
should be charged to the job. Mr. Emery said that if
the Chairman thought it was worth while he would have
no objection and asked if the Town needed a supervisor
for every job. The Chairman explained that this is
the usual procedure.
The Chairman read a letter from Charles D. Smiley,
45 Walnut Street, Needham, claiming damages in the
amount of $10.40 for repairs to his automobile caused by Claim
a trench in the road at the intersection of Marrett Road for
and Waltham Street. Mr. DeFoe admitted that there was a Damages
depression but it was not nearly as large as claimed by
Mr. Smiley. The Chairman said that if the hole was not
caused by negligence the Town is not liable. It was
decided, however, to refer the claim to the Town Counsel.
Mr. DeFoe retired and Mr. Carroll met with the Board.
Mr. Carroll said that he merely waited to explain
to the Board the certificate that has to be signed in
connection with the completion of the bonds. Mr. Every
moved and Mr. Gay seconded the motion that the following
vote, as recommended by Mr. Carroll, be adopted:
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Vote: re: "Voted: That the sale to Shields & Co. and Blair
Completion Co., Inc. of the following described bonds of the town
of bonds
at the price of 101.436 and accrued interest for each
$100 of the bonds, and the method of offering the said
bonds for sale (by mailing appropriate circulars on
May 20, 1948, to about 150 probable bidders ) are hereby
confirmed, the said bonds being described as follows, -
all bonds to bear interest at the rate of 1 3/4 per cent
per annum payable semi-annually, to be dated June 1, 1948,
and to be payable on the 1st of June as follows, $360,
--- Sewer Loan payable $20,000 in each of the years 1949
to 1955 inclusive, $15,000 in each of the years 1956 to
1958 inclusive, $10,000 in each of the years 1959 to II
1973 inclusive and $5,000 in each of the years 1974 to
1978 inclusive, $250,000 Water Loan payable $20,000 in
each of the years 1949 to 1953 inclusive and $15,000
in each of the years 1954 to 1963 inclusive, and $500,000
School Building Loan, Act of 1947, payable $25,000 in
each of the years 1949 to 1968 inclusive, the said Sewer
Loan and Water Loan to be payable at the office of and
authenticated by the Second National Bank of Boston and
the sb.id School Building Loan to be payable at the office
of and authenticated by The Merchants National Bank
of Boston.".
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The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Lynch Abate
regarding Shade Street water betterment assessments. Shade
He explained that Lot 235 is One of the lots upon Street
which an assessment was levied in error and that Asst.
in his opinion the assessment should be abated.
Mr. Emery moved that the water betterment assess-
ment levied against #235 Shade Street be abated.
Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
A letter was received from Mr. Lynch advising
the Board relative to Mrs. E. S. Child's request
for permission to use her home at 7 Adams Street No
for the accommodation of seven to nine elderly license
persons. No license of any kind is required from required
the Board of Selectmen or other local Board in the
Town for the operation of a boarding home for aged
persons.
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Lynch re-
garding the petition of Joseph J. Napoli requesting Tax Title
the Board to sell a certain small and irregular Request-
piece of property on Wood Street, now owned by the Napoli
Town. Mr. Lynch stated that the Town has the right
to sell this parcel. Mr. Emery moved that Mr. Napoli
be advised that the Board will entertain an offer of
$75. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion, and it was
so voted.
A notice was received from the Secretary of Cert. of
State advising that Paul F. Bowser, 171 Grant Street, Inc.
has filed an application for a certificate of
incorporation under the name of the Disabled American
Veterans Association. Mr. Finery moved that the
certificate be signed. Mr. Gay seconded the motion,
and' it was so voted.
A letter was received from Mr. Collins, Welfare
Agent, r equesting a transfer from the Bridge Fund in
the amount of $40 to purchase clothes for four children
to enable them to attend camp this summer. Mr. finery
moved that the Trustees of Public Trusts be requested
to approve a transfer of $40 from the Bridge Fund for
this purpose. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it
was so voted.
An application was received from the Lexington Use of
Junior High School requesting permission to conduct hall
a rehearsal in Cary Hall on June 15th and graduation
exercised on June 16th. Mr. Emery moved that the uses
of the hail be granted free of charge. Mr. Gay seconded
the motion, and it was so voted.
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An application was received from the War
Parents of America requesting permission for the
use of Estabrook Hall on June 25th for the installation
of officers. Mr. Nickerson moved that the use be
Use of Hall granted free of charge. Mr. Gay seconded the motion,
and it was so voted.
An application was redeived from the Lexington
Club, Inc. requesting permission to use Cary Hall on
Use of Hall November 19th for a minstrel show. Mr. Emery moved
that the use of the hall be granted subject to a
charge of $35.00. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and
it was •so voted.
An application was received from the Tandem
Use of Hall Club of the Hancock Church requesting permission to
conduct a concert in Cary Hall on March 11, 1949.
Mr. Emery moved that the use of the hall be granted
subject to a charge of $35. Mr. Nickerson seconded
the motion, and it was so voted.
On motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Gay, it
was voted to grant the following licenses :
Uountils ide Associates Lowell Street Sunday Golf
William Viano Mass. Avenue Sunday Movies
Generiiso H. Luongo Pleasant Street Peddler (renewal)
Mr. Emery moved that the Dog Warrant for the
year 1948 be signed and submitted to the Dog Officer.
Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion, and it was so
voted.
The meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
-2121.24e°elec men. (