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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1948-06-07406 Water Connection at Bedford Hospital SELE CTMEN' S MEETING . June 7, 1948 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. Carlson: 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 connection at the hospital line. Mr. DeFoe and Mr. Burns, Town Engineer, in checking disagree with Metcalf & Eddy and the Selectmen also feel that a 12" line should be used all the way. He explained that the estimate 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 0-4 1 1 407. 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 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. CarIbonn 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 Board 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 fnuther 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 thehospital 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 Finery 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. 408 014 Board of Survey Extension Purchase new pump 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 Survey agreement. The Chairman instructed the Superintendent to request Mr. McLaughlin to 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 Jaegar 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 that there certainly was no doubt in his mind, and in fact, he thought they should have more than one. 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. awry 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. Air, 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 froth Norman I. Adams requesting the extension:: of the sewer in Eliot Road to his property at #22 Eliot Road. Mr. Admas Stated Sewer that'he has a serious health menace at the present extension time. Mr. DeFoe reported that the extension would request involve laying approximately -450 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 409 The Chairm suggested that the Sup+t. of Public Water Works have7bbetterment 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. Be 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 Connectiot 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 Imerican Legion July met with the Board. Committee Report The Chairman read the tentative program for the 4th of July celebration and asked Mt..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. 410E Mr. Lewis said that they would probably not open the 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 reeeived 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. Every 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. ing 1� Mr. Eatery moved that the bids for the North Branch Vine Brook sewer project be tejected in view of the fact that the lowest bid was in excess of the amount indicated to the Town Meeting as the cost. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion and it was so voted 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. 411. Reject North Branch Sewer Bid Mr. DeFoe presented an an.Alysis of the two low bids received for street construction including a water main for Winter Street (bids filed under "Bids • 1948 - "Seleotmen's 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 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. Ts as an inspector on these jobs at Awarded $40.00 a 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. Ehnery 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 a trench in the road at the intersection of Marrett Road and Waltham Street. Mr. DeFoe admitted that there was a 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. I4nery moved and Mr. Gay seconded the motion that the following vote, as recommended by Mr. Carroll, be adopted: Claim for Damages 412 Vote: re: Completion of bonds "Voted: That the sale to Shields & Co. and Blair Co., Inc. of the folldawing described bonds of the town at the price of 101.436 and accrued interest for each 4100 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 bondsto 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; 4360, --- Sewer Loan payable 420,000 in each of the years 1949 to 1955 inclusive, 415,000 in each of the years 1956 to 1958 inclusive, $10,000 in each of the years 1959 to 1973 inclusive and 45,000 in each of the years 1974 to 1978 inclusive, 4250,000 Water Loan payable $20,000 in each of the years 1949 to 1953 inclusive and 415,000 in each of the years 1954 to 1963 inclusive, and 4500,000 School Building Loan, Act of •1947, payable 425,000 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 EWA School Building Loan to be payable at the office of and authenticated by The Merchants National Bank of Boston.". 0-4 1 The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Lynch regarding Shade Street water betterment assessments He explained that Lot 235 is Acne of the lots upon which an assessment was levied in error and that 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 for the accommodation of seven to nine elderly persons. No license of any kind is required from the Board of Selectmen or other local Board in the Town for the operation of a boarding home for aged persons. 413 Abate Shade Street Asst. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Lynch re- garding the petition of Joseph J. Napoli requesting the Board to sell a certain small and irregular piece of property on Wood Street, now owned by the 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. No license required Tax Title Request - Napoli .A notice was received from the Secre#ary 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 hall be granted free of charge. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 414 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: Uountiraide ;associates William Viano Generino H. Luongo Lowell Street Maas. Avenue Pleasant Street Sunday Golf Sunday Movies 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: gad