Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1948-09-20518 Larson reques t for water on Oak Street Article for Vet's Hospital SELECTMEN'S MEETING Sept. 20, 1948 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room on Mondayevening, September 20, 1948, at 7:30 P.M. There were present: Chairman Paxton, Messrs. Emery, Gay, Driscoll and Nickerson. The Clerk was also present. At 7:30 P.M. Mr. Larson, who is building houses on Oak Street, met with the Board. He stated that hh wanted to have water installed in Oak Street. The Chair- man asked if he had discussed this with the Supt. of Public Works and Mr. Larson replied in the affirmative. He said that Mr. DeFoe told him that there was only a 2" water pipe in the street and that Mr. Larson could not tap in the two new houses he was building because there would not be enough pressure. The Chairman said there was a question in his mind as to whether or not the town owned the 2" pipe. He said he thought it was a private service installed to the Nicholls estate. The Chairman said that the Board realizes that it would be a good thing to have a large water main installed on Oak Street; however, the Nicholls Estate did not feel that they were able to pay the water betterment assessment that would accrue to the land, when the sewer was put in and they signed a deferred sewer agreement. The Chairman said that water main pipe is very difficult to obtain and in October and November of 1947 pipe was ordered anticipating the needs for 1948. He said that there may be sane instances where people have signed up for water pipe which has been ordered but in the mean time have changed their minds. If such is the case there might be pipe available for Oak Street. He said on the other hand the only thing Mr. Larson could do is to make a request for a water main installation and sign up for it now so that it may be included in the 1949 Budget. He said that as far as the Board knows this will be the first request for 1949. The Chairman stated that the possibility of Mr. Larson getting a water main this year is negligible. Mr. Larson retired at 7:43 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from Dr. Winthrop Adams, Veteranft Hospital, Bedford, stating that inasmuch as the date line for including articles for the warrant for the October meeting has been set as September 20, he is certain that an agreement cannot be reached in time for this town meeting. He stated that he is confident that the central office in Wahhington will grant approval in order that the 1 1 required connection work may be accomplished at an early date. Mr. Emery moved that an article be inserted in the warrant that will be broad enough for action at the town meeting in the event the Veteran's Office in Washington has something definite to offer by October 18th. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A petition was received from Carl Hauck signed by twenty-six individuals requesting a hearing for the purpose of discussing street betterment assessments. The Clerk was instructed to advise Mr. Hauck that the Board of Selectmen is extremely busy preparing for the Special Town Meeting but an appointment will be made same time the first part of November. A letter was received from the Town Counsel stating that a bill in equity against Thomas Morrison was filed in the Middlesex Superior Court on Tuesday, September 14th. Mr. Morrison has been enjoined by the Court from importing, bringing or causing to be brought to the prem- ises of 145 Spring Street ani 'horses, cows, po4ies or other cattle or equipment for the purpose of exhibiting same, for sale of same or for any purpose other than the operation and conducting of a farm or a customary use accessory thereto. The Court has ordered pleadings com- pleted on or before September 24th and the case will be assigned for trial the week of September 27th. The Chairman read a letter from Donald B. Hathaway, 84 Shade Street, requesting the Board to have an investi- gation made of the present uses of the Swenson Farm which he believes is a violation of the Zoning Laws. The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the letter and advise Mr. Hathaway of the action which has been taken by the Board. 519 Betterments A letter was received from the Chief of Police rela- tive to Mr. C. F. Stucke's complaint about cars being parked adjacent to his property on Bedford Street. The Chief stated that he has discussed this with Mr. Stucke and also Bradford Motors and they have arrived at a solu- tion satisfactory to all concerned. At 8:00 P.M. Mr. Carl Terhune met with the Board. Mr. Terhune said that there are a great many children on Grant Street and no sidewalks; therefore, the people are somewhat concerned about the traffic which does speed more or less, and anything the Board might do would be appreciated by the neighbors in that section. The Chair - Case against Thomas Morrison Complaint Parking Camp1iint Signs 520 said he did believe Grant Street is going to be a main street and he thought there should be a com- plete check of the street made in its entire length and that as many signs as are necessary be installed. Mr. Emery moved that the Supt. of Public Works be requested to have a complete check of Grant Street made for the purpose of determining locations for "Go Slow -Children" signs. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. and Mrs. O'Neil and a Mr. Cunningham came into the meeting. Mr. Terhune explained that this group represented the AA and stated that for the past two or three years they have been meeting at the Visiting Nurse Association but have now outgrown the building and are looking for a place to meet every Sunday night. He said that the group consists Meeting of about eighty members. They like to begin their Place re- meetings at 8:30 and they adjourn at 10:00 P.M. quested The Chairman assured the group that the Board of Selectmen would keep their request in mind and if anything occurs to any member of the Board within the next month or two theywill contact Mr. Terhune. Mr. Emery moved that the Board of Selectmen take up with the Trustees of the Cary Memorial Library the possibility of the A. A. Meeting in the East Lexington Branch Library Building. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The group retired at 8:25 P.M. V. F. W. re: old fire station Commander Fitzgerald and Messrs. Irvin and Garrity of the V. F. W.,1 met with the Board. The Chairman asked what the prospects are for moving the old Central Fire Station. Mr. Fitzgerald replied that the Veterans would like to get the building moved as soon as possible. To move it and remodel it would cost between $15,000 and $17,000 and the organization has not sufficient funds. He said that they would like a little more time and if there is any way they can get some financial aid from the town to help move the building they would like to know about it. The Chair- man replied that the boiler in the present building doesiot work and it will not be heated, He said that as far as financial aid is concerned he did not know of anything. He explained that the Budgets are all made up and appropriations approved. If the town were to assist the V. F. W. the Legion and Amvets would then want assistance. He explained that the Board of Selectmen would have to give a great deal of consideration to the matter and that the warrant for the special towh meeting was already closed. cad 1 52 He said that as far as an extension of time was concerned the Board felt that they have been allowed plenty of time and had one year in which to move the building. He said that with the number of complaints about parking, the Board would like very much to have the land levelled off even if it will only take care of half a dozen cars. Mr. Gay asked how much aid they would like. Mr. Fitzgerald replied that they would like to have $ 5,000. The Chairman asked how much they had in their }3uilding Fund and Mr. Fitzgerald replied that they have $ 2,000. Mr. Gay asked how much of an extension they would like and Mr. Fitzgerald said they would like as much time as they can have. Mr. Irvin asked if the Veterans could sell the build- ing once it had been turned over to them. The Chair- man replied that the Board was to sell the building for $ 1.00 and they in turn were to remove it from its present location. Mr. Garrity asked if the Veterans could have permission to dispose of the building in any way they saw fit. Mr. Fitzgerald asked if the Board would extend the time until after their meet- ing of October 6th at which time they will find out whether or not the Post is in favor starting a drive for funds. Mr. Irvin said that the organization would have a definite answer for the Selectments meeting, October llth. The group retired at 8:55 P.M. and Mr. DeFoe met with the Board. Mr. DeFoe requested that the Board award the con- tract for the construction of a water main in Maple and Fern Streets. He reported that Rosa of Rosa & Todisco has been working for Metcalf and Eddy as an engineer and inspector for thirteen months. Todisco Award was connected with Barletto for 19 years and for two Bid years has been with the Wes Construction Co. Neither individual has done any contracting work but are both working. They bid a job in Watertown, then withdrew their bid because they apparently made a mistake. They also bid a job in Marblehead and again made a mistake and again requested that their money be re- turned. They have $ 18,000 in the First National Bank credited to the partnership. Mr. Nickerson said he thought the Selectmen should make up their minds as to whether or not the low bidder could perform. Mr. DeFoe said of all the jobs in the town this job certainly needs experienced men. The Chairman said that he was a little bit concerned about the fact that the bidder has made two bids and twice requested the beturn of his check. Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to award the contract for the construction of 522 water mains in Maple and Fern Streets to Dingley Con- struction Company at their quotation of $24,690.00. Mr. DeFoe requested that an article be inserted Transfer in the warrant for the October town meeting for an appropriation'Committee to determine whether or not a transfer would be made from the Reserve Fund for this amount. If not an article is to be inserted in the warrant. He also informed the Board that he would need 5,000. for the balance of the year in the Highway Department, Road Machinery Account. Mr. DeFoe reported Transfer that he might need $ 200. in both the Town Office Build- ing and the Cary Memorial Building and Traffic Regulations Account. The Board felt that they should be handled by transfers rather than articles in the warrant. Mr. DeFoe requested permission to have the side- walks which the town is contemplating building let Bids out on contract. Mr. Emery moved that Mr. DeFoe be authorized to obtain bids for the construction of sundry sidewalks. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. DeFoe presented a sketch showing the sidewalk at the front of Wallace Weisinger's property. He ex- plained that Mr. Weisinger is interested in purchasing Weisinger another strip of land from the town. The Chairman request stated that in the first place an article would have for to be inserted in the warrant and personally, he did land not believe that he wanted to go back to town meeting and ask for an additional parcel of land for Mr. Weisinger. He said he is aware of the fact that the sidewalk in front of the Weisinger property is back on his land and has been for a good many years. Mr. DeFoe retired at 9:40 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from the Town Accountant stating that some of the Town Office employees have indicated a desire for having a Coca Cola machine in the building. He explained that he has contacted the Coca Cola Company and they are willing to install and service the machine for no outlay to the town, keep it filled and pay 30t a case on all Coca Cola. Mr. Walker suggested that the machine be located on the second floor corridor. Vote to Install Coca Cola Machine 1 Mr. Driscoll moved that the Board approve the installation of a Coca Cola machine to be located in an inconspicuous place, preferably the basement. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman wished to be recorded in opposition. At 9:55 P.M. Mr. Merrill F. Norlin met with the Selectmen. Mr. Norlin informed the Board that he was representing the Boosters Club regarding conducting a tag day in Lexington for the purpose of raising funds to purchase uniforms for the High School Band. The band realized $600 last spring from a concert, $300 from a paper drive, $100 from the Boosters Club, $100 from the Lions Club, making a total of approximately $1,100. The uniforms cost about $50 a piece and there are 40 members in the band. The Boosters Club would like permission to conduct a tag day on November 2d, Election Day, with publicity before hand explaining the problem and have the band appear at different locations in the town. The Chairman asked for this Board's opinion. Mr. Driscoll moved that the request be granted. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Emery asked if Mr. Driscoll would be willing to amend the motion making it subject to the approval of the Town Counsel. Mr. Driscoll agreed. Mr. Norlin retired at 10:05 P.M. The Board gave further consideration to Mrs. Floyd Roby's offer of $40.00 for Lots 39 and 40, Block B, Acorn Street. A proposal to sell the lots was advertised in the September 16, 1948, issue of the Lexington Minute Man. No persons contacted the Selectmen's Office as the result of the advertisement. Mr. Emery moved that the offer be accepted and the lots sold and conveyed to Mrs. Roby. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Reports were received from the Board of Health and the Building Inspector relative to the Central Block at 1833-53 Massachusetts Avenue. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to request the State;_ Department of Public Safety to make a thorough investigation of the building. Mr. Central Emery informed the Board that he would be willing to Block take the Chairman's letter in personally. The members Report of the Board thought that this would be the best way to take care of this matter. The Board felt that the report submitted by the Building Inspector was excellent and it was suggested that Mr. Lindstrom be so advised. 523 Tag Day for Boosters Approved Sell tax Title Land 524 Uses of Hall Uses of Hall Article for amendment to Zoning By -Laws Veteran's Lot An application was received from the Lexington Garden Club for permission to use Estabrook Hall on the evenings of October 4, November 1, April 4, 1949, and May 2, 1949, Mr. Emery moved that these used of the hall be granted free of charge. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. An application was received from the Lexington Pre -School P. T. A. requesting permission to use Estabrook Hall on November 22d. Mr. Gay moved that the use of the hall be granted free of charge. Mr. Emery seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. J. W. Greer requesting that an article be inserted in the warrant at the next town meeting providing for an amendment to the Lexington Zoning By -Laws. A copy of the pro- posed article was attached. Mr. Emery suggested that the Board of Selectmen present the motion on the basis that if the proposed changes are made greater revenue will be realized by the town. The Chairman asked if the members of the Board were willing to sponsor the article in the warrant and there was no objection. The Clerk was instructed to advise Mr. Greer that the Board of Selectmen will insert an article in the warrant but will not assume the responsibility of having it worded correctly nor support it. A letter was received from Harry C. Wyman advising the Board that he has given up plansto build a house on Veteran's lot #4. He further stated that he would like the town to trensfer this lot to Mr. Richard Harding. The chairman informed the Board that Richard Harding has Lot #3 and the deed has already been prepared for the Board's signature. He said that Mr. Harding called him and he told him that it would be up to the Board whether or not an exchange would be approved. Mr. Emery moved that Richard Harding be allowed to exchange the lot from #3 to #4. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman asked if the Board would meet on Saturday morning, September 25th, at 9:30 A.M. to go over the proposed articles for the special town meet- ing. The Board agreed. The meeting adjourned at 10:50 P.M. A true record, Attest: 1 1