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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1948-10-13SETFCTMEN'S MEETING October 13, 1948 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Wednesday evening, October 13, 1948. at 7:30 P.M. There were present: Chairman Paxton, Messrs. Emery, Gay, Driscoll and Nickerson. The Clerk was also present. Mr. Daniel A. Lynch, Town Counsel, also attended the meeting. The Chairman asked the Board for a decision as to whether or not additiona;funds should be requested at the Special Town Meeting for the proposed widening of Waltham Street. Mr. Driscoll said that, personally, he would move for indefinite postponement. Mr. Gay asked how the Chairman felt. The Chairman replied that he would rather not say. Mr. Nickerson said he would like to see the traffic congestion relieved but he thought the amount estimated for the widening seemed excessive. The Chairman stated that in view of the fact that the Board of Selectmen has committed itself at the last town meeting and stated that the cost would be $ 7,900.00 he believed that it would be better to move for -indefinite postponement. Upon motion dif Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Emery, it was voted to move for indefinite postponement under Article 12. The Chair- man retired at 7:40 P.M. to meet with the Appropriation Committee to discuss the proposed widening of Waltham Street. 545 Widening of Waltham Street -discussed Mr. Lynch was invited to meet with the Board for the purpose of discussing the Scott Building, 1835-1853 Massachusetts Aftenue. Mr. Lynch explained that under the law the Board of Selectmen have no authority or jurisdiction whatever as far as the building is concerned. He stated that it is exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Building Inspector, who is given very extensive powers. The Building Inspector has been up to the building and looked the place over. He explained that he and the Board thought a state inspector should also check the building. He explained th_t where towns have accepted corresponding sections of Chapter 43 IDS the Building Inspector is the sole arbiter. If the town has not accepted the correspondening sections, the State has the power. In 1910 Lexington accepted the law, and there- fore, the burden lies with the Building Inspector. 546 Scott Building Mr. Lynch said that despite that the State was re- quested to make an inspection whereby Mr. Lindstrom might receive the benefit of the State Inspector's broader views. The State Inspector's views are sub- stantially the same as Mr. Lindstrom's. He said that Mr. Lindstrom can make the recommendations on what he wants the owner of the building to do but the cost may be prohibitive. He can send a notice by registered mailand also post on the outside of the building just what must be done, and give the owner a reasonable length of time to comply. If he does not do the required work the town can then have it done and charge it to the property as a lien. Mr. Lynch said that it seems to be the feeling that Mr. Scott, the owner of the building, is very much dis- turbed about the entire situation. It is rumored that he will go to extreme lengths to satisfy the Board and will start to evict his tenants and take down the third story. He said he does believe Mr. Scott contemplates setting the building back which is a problem for the Board to consider. Mr. Lynch explained that Mr. Scott can appeal any decision of the Building Inspector to the Superior Court and have a Jury trial. Both inspectors state that the building is substantially sound and should not/Ifi all probability could not be condemned. The Chairman returned to the meeting at 8:48 P.M. Mr. Scott and Mr. Miller met with the Board, Mr. Scott having been invited by the ::Board. The Chairman explained that the Board would like an opportunity to discuss with Mr. Scott the Central Block. He stated that the fire in the Block occurred before the Stoneham fire and the Board is very grateful that it did not have the results of the Stoneham fire, but it did receive a lot of .unfavorable publicity in the town which was accentuated by the Stoneham fire. The Chairman said that the Board would like to know just what Mr. Scott plans to ao. Mr. Scott replied that he plans to fix the building up the best he can. He admitted that where the tenants used to keep the papers was a very bad place and he has built a place in the yard which is supposed to be fire- proof, and which will help a little. Mr. Miller said that Mr. Scott has built, away from the house over near the fire station, a concrete block for the trash barrels which will keep them away from the building. He said itwas in the trash barrels the fire started. Mr. Scott said that the timbers in the build- ing are heavy and would be hard to burn. •The Chairman explained that the day the fire occurred it came close to 1 547 getting a good start. Mr. Scott replied that it did get a good start. The Chairman said that according to reports if the fire had started an hour earlier it is possible that there would have been loss of life. Mr. Scott stated that there are four doors and that the papers made a lot of stories out of the incident. He stated that the Lexington paper said there were 47 children in the building but actually there are only 27. Mr. Scott said that the tenants can go from one apartment to another. There are two back stairs and fire escapes. The fire escapes were constructed about eight years ago. The Chairman ex- plained that according to the reports received by the Board it appears that quite a bit of work should be done. Mr. Scott said that he would like to look at the recommend- ations and asked if the Board had a list. The Chairman replied that the Board has a list but would like to talk it over with Mr. Scott to find out what he has in mind before they take any action.. He explained that the construction of the containers for rubbish is a very small part of the entire problem. Mr. Scott asked if he could see the list of recommendations. The Chairman replied that he would rather retain them for the present moment because Mr. Scott is undoubtedly as familiar with them as the Board. Mr. Scott said he thought that he should be able to get together with the Board and arrange to do something that would not be too expensive. Mr. Driscoll asked when Mr. Scott proposed to remove the top floor and Mr. Scott replied that he has been working on this for about two months. Mr. Lynch asked what was holding him up and Mr. Scott replied that it was obtaining materials. Mr. Scott also said that it is hard to get the building vacated. Mr. Lynch asked what he had planned to do and he replied that he had just put a front in. Mr. Lynch asked if he had any plans for a new building and he re- plied in the negative. He stated that he is trying to get a wrecker to give him a figure on taking it down. Mr. Lynch askedif he had any immediate plans for taking down the two top stories and Mr. Scott replied in the negative. Mr. Lynch explained that this is a situation that has caused a lot of publicity. It has been called to the attention of the town officials and to Mr. Scott's attention. If anything happens now this responsibility will fall not only on Mr. Scott but also on the Board. He explained that if the town moves it will move quickly. He stated that the town can compel Mr. Scott to do a number of things and it may be very expensive. He said that once the town has taken a stand the required changes must belmade within a specific time. Mr. Lynch said that 548 Scott Building he would recommend that Mr. Scott engage an architect to look the place over and have plans made of what he intends to do, and before proceeding with the plans sub- mit them to the Board before any attempt is made to evict the present tenants. Mr. Lynch explained that the Court can evict them and give them a stay of execution up to one year. He said that if Mr. Scott has plans approved by the Board the citizens of Lexington can be so advised. Mr. Miller askenf the town felt that people should not live on the second and third floors. The Chairman replied that at the present moment the Board feels that it it definitely unsafe. Mr. Miller stated that the rents are very low and the housing shortage now serious. He stated that the property will be developed into something eventually but he does not know how soon. Mr. Lynch suggested that Mr. Scott have an architect draw up a set of plans. The Chairman said that an adequate set of plans for a three stbry building in accordance with the building code would be definitely expensive and he thought Mr. Scott should proceed on the basis of a one story build- ing, having the plans submitted not later than January first. The Board could then postpone any action. Mr. Scott said it would not be necessary to have much of a plan to take off the two top floors. The Chairman said that it requires a certain amount of plans because it must comply with the building by-laws. There is work that has to be done. Mr. Scott said that he cannot say very much iliust now. He thought a few alterations would be all right. The Chairman explained that a few alterations on the present building are not going to be satisfactory and will not comply with the laws of the town. Mr. Scott said he wanted to fix the building up temporarily and in two or three years he might erect a new building, but he did not dare to venture that now with the price of materials. He said he would like to get some good tenants before he sp ends too much money. Mr. Lynch said that he believes time is an important factor and he thought the Board should be able to _report- to the town that after the first of November something is going to be done. Mr. Miller asked if the town would tell Mr. Scott what should be done. Mr. Lynch•replied that the Board does not have a final report of the Building Inspector but does have some recommendations. He explained that once the detailed report is made a matter of public records the recommendations must be followed and the Board did not want to put them on record until Mr. Scott had an oppor- tunity to present his ideas. He explained that once the records are made -public the building will be posted and a sign put on the building that certain things must be done CIA 1 1 1 within a certain period of time. If Mr. Scott does not comply then the town will step in, have the work done and charge it to Mr. Scott. The charge then becomes a lien on his property. He explained that the town does not want to do this but if the Board is forced to then there is no alternative. Mr. Lynch read a few of the recommendations and explained that they are not as substantial as the final recommendations will be. Mr. Scott asked if these were what the Build- ing Inspector recommended and Mr. Lynch replied in the negative, stating that it was merely a preliminary report. Re said that he suggests that Mr. Scott write a letter to the Board of Selectmen before November first explaining just what he intends to do. He said that the Board appreciates that Mr. Scott cannot do anything very sub- stantial within a period of one year because it will take that much time to evict the tenants. Mr. Miller asked if all the recommendations were not followed would Mr. Scott have to put all the tenants out of the building and Mr. Lynch replied in the affirmative. Mr. Miller said that this was something to be thought over and that two weeks would not be enough time. The Chairman said that the Board is not asking for a concrete plan but just a letter telling what Mr. Scott thinks he might do and have the letter submitted to the Board before November first. He said if Mr. Scott decided he was going to do any thing to just so advise the Board. Messrs. Scott and Miller retired and Mr. Morrisson met with the Board without an appointment. The Chairman informed him that the Board had only ten minutes before the next appointment. Mr. Morrisson said he would like to eliminate a lot of trouble that is accumulating. He said that there is a policeman out- side the door of his place on Spring Street watching what is going in and out. He said that he is not trying to cover anything up. He stated that when Its'. Lynch came to his place he was under the impression that as long as he had a farm and operated a farm and sold from the farm at public auction there would beno objection. He •stated that he has leased the property with an option to buy and is moving in the first of the month. He said he would like to improve the place but he doesn't want to go ahead unless he has some assurance. The Chairman said that Mr. Lynch could straighten Mr. Morrisson out on the legal points. Mr. Morrisson said he would like to know what the objection is. The Chair- man replied that the Board has received a number of 549 Spring Street Auction 550 complaints about the auctions being held. He said that at one time carloads of horses were seen going in. Mr. Morrisson replied that there was one carload of horses into Lexington Center. He does not under- stand why there would be any objection to a carload of horses where there are also carloads of pigs coming in. The Chairman said that there may be pig farms in Lex- ington but there are no places of auction. Mr. Morrisson stated that most of the horses he brings in are taken by truck to Maine to sell. He said there is no use for work horses in this part of the country. The Chairman explained that the problem is on the auction. Mr. Morrisson._ said that if what he has to do is to apply for a change in the Zoning Law he would like the Board to so advise him. Mr. Lynch said that Mr. Morrisson has an attorney and, therefore, he does not feel free to advise him on legal matters. Mr. Morrisson said he was looking for advice from the Selectmen and not from the Town Counsel. Mr.,Lynch stated that the Board has had complaints about the auctions and he spoke to Mr. Morrissonts attorney in the presence of Mr. Lind- strom, the Building Inspector. He said at that time that they told Mr. Morrisson to continue running a farm and bring horses in for farm purposes, and Mr. Morrisson stated at that time that was all he intended to do and that he would not bring horses in for auction. Mr. Morrisson said that he never told Mr. Lynch or any- one else that he would ship horses in there to use on a farm. Mr. Lynch replied that this is the only reason he can bring them in. Mr. Morrisson said that he thought according to the law there was nothing that could stop an auction. Mr. Lynch replied that that is not so. He said that the day following the visit to the farm there appeared an ad in the Sunday Globe. Mr. Lynch then called Mr. Morrissonts attorney. When he told his attorney about it he was as shocked as Mr. Lynch. He said that he explained to the attorney that this was a departure of what Mr. Morrisson said he was going to do. Mr. Lynch explained that he then filed a bill in equity and as a courtesy to Mr. Morrissonts attorney gave him a copy of the bill before filing in Court. He further told him when it would be filed. Mr. Lynch explained that he received an injunction against Mr. Morrisson from the Court. The Court ordered him not to bring horses or cattle of any kind to the farm except for the purpose of operating the farm. Mr. Lynch said that he has been advisedLthat the cattle 551 have been brought in there for the purpose of being sold at auction. Mr. Morrisson said that was not so and Mr. Lynch replied that he had been so advised. Mr. Morrisson said that he has taken them down to the New England Dressed Meat & Wool Company. Mr. Morrisson said that Mr. Lynch talked to him on Saturday and any ad which appeared in the Globe on Sunday had to be given to the paper on Friday. Mr. Lynch said that Mr. Morrisson must have known about the ad Saturday. Mr. Morrisson said that he did not do it deliberately. Mr. Lynch asked why Mr. Morrisson did not tell his attorney that the ad would be in the Sunday paper. Mr..Morrisson replied that Mr. Garrity said that Mr. Lynch was "sore" because of the ad. Mr. Lynch said that he was not "sore". Mr. Lynch said that Mr. Morrisson did not tell him nor his attorney that the ad was going to be in the Sunday paper. He explained that Mr. Morrisson stated in the ad that he expected a couple of loads from Maine. These horses were being brought in for the purpose of being auctioned off. Mr. Morrisson stated that in the summer he might own 700 horses. He.either owns them or lets them out. In the fall he has to auction at the Walnut Hill Stables, Lowell, or here. Mr. Lynch asked him why die didn't auction them off somewhere else and stop all the trouble. Mr. Morrisson replied that he would like to go in business in Lexington. Mr. Lynch said that the town does not want auction sales in Lexington. The Chair- man said that as he sees it the situation is this: If Mr. Morrisson wants to bring horses or cattle in for the purpose of grazing farm land and keep them for a period of three, four or six months and then ship them out, it would be considered a farm and the customary uses accessory thereto. Auctions can be held only on produce raised on the farm. If, however, there are to be weekly auctions it would indicate that Mr. Morrisson is bringing the animals in. He said that this is a residential district; therefore, auctions on a weekly basis are a business and not permissible. The Chairman explained that Mr. Morrisson could request a change of the Zoning but his off -hand opinion is that the planning Board would recommend against it. It would also have to be voted at a town meeting and he thought it would be voted down. He said that if Mr. Morrisson wants this farm for the purpose of building up his stock to ship them wherever he wants to it would be permissiblevland there is nothing ,_--,: < --_ eA—' the Board can do about it, because it would be a violation of the Zoning Law. 552 Mr. Morrisson said he would think the Board of Selectmen was opposed to auctions there. The Chairman replied that it is a violation of the present Zoning -By-law and there is nothing the Board can do but to enforce it. Mr. Morrisson said that the Board must be aware of the fact that he could ship cows in and keep the calves a month and run an auction once a month. Mr. Lynch said that the main business would then be auctioning instead of the operation of a farm. Mr. Morrisson said that he can ship cows in; the calves will be born on the premises, grown on the premises and then he can sell them if he wants to.. He said he has asked legal advice on this. Mr. Lynch said he thought Mr. Morrisson could save himself a lot of bother. The town is not anxious to get into litigation but will not shrink from litigation. Mr. Morrisson said he would like to know if he is right or wrong in assuming that the Board is against his running auctions. The Chairman replied that the Board is against it based on the fact that the laws do not permit it and he must abide by the law. He explained that Mr. Morrisson's only recourse is to go the the Planning Board and have the request for the change in Zoning presented to the Town Meeting. He said that the. way the law now reads the Board has to abide by-it'and that is that there shall be no business in residential districts. He said that holding an auction once a week is a business. Mr.. Morrisson asked if he could have the people in the neighborhood sign a petition requesting that he be allowed to conduct auctions. Mr. Lynch told Mr. Morrisson to have his attorney contact him. Messrs. Morrisson hnd Tarbell retired. Mr. DeFoe reported that he has again talked to Mr. Shaw on Grant Street but he does not believe there is any use in further discussion. Mr. Shaw plans to put in a drain from the rear of his garage down to the side. of the garage and out to the street. The proposed drain will end up in a catch basin that Shaw is going to build with a grating over it. If the water is taken down to the street it will relieve the bank a lot after it is sodded. Mr. Shaw wants to empty the drain into the street but that is not permissible. He wants to change the terms of the agreement so that the continued maintenance will run for a period of five years. Mr. Lynch explained that there are fourpeople on Grant Street who have substantially the same situation. Three of them have signed an agreement on the basis of maintenance of the 1 1 bank until April 1, 1949. He said the town will have no responsibility with those three individuals beyond 1949. Mr. Shaw wants main- tenance for a period of four years beyond what the other abutters are getting. He further wants to tie in with the drain to relieve a situation which has always existed. Mr. Lynch stated that the construction of Grant Street had nothing whatever to do with Mr. Shawls drainage problem. He said that personally he does not like going to three individuals and then giving Mr. Shaw so much more than is being given to the others. Mr. Shaw also wants to reserve all rights against the town... He said that there is a ledge and if anyone falls off there will be trouble. There is also an open cesspool which is bothersome. Mr. Lynch said that he would go as far as to recommend that the town agree to maintain the slope, even for the five years, if the Board wants to; give him his drain, unless this would be establishing a policy that might be embarassing later on, but all this on the basis that Mr. Shaw give the town a clean release of all claims and demands. Mr. DeFoe explained that Mr. Shaw wants to reserve the right for any damages now or that may accrue. The Chairman askedif the town should fill in the cesspool. Mr. Lynch explained that a letter had been written to Mr. Shaw asking for his per- mission. Mr. DeFoe stated that he has received no reply. The Chairman mentioned giving Mr. Shaw thesame type of agreement as signed by the others with the exception of the date; Mr. Shawls agreement to run to April 1, 1950. Mr. Driscoll said that he did not see why Mr. Shawls agreement should be different from these prepared for the other abutters. Mr. DeFoe explained that so much time has elapsed now that it may not be possible to do the sloping in the spring and that the sloping of all the other properties may not be done until the spring. Mr. Gay asked if Mr. Shaw were given the same type of agreement as the other three abutters would that, in Mr. Lynch's opinion, have any bearing on the decision that the Court might male. Mr. Lynch said that he thought the chances in Court would be negligible. Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it was voted that the same type of agreement be used for all the abutters on Grant Street. Mr. Lynch suggested that Mr. DeFoe send another letter by registered mail advising Mr. Shaw that the town will fill in the ex- cavation made by the town for the purpose of building a new cesspool unless he advised the Board not to fill in the excavation. 553 Shaw re: Grant Street 554 Insurance Decals Side- walks Mr. Emery asked about erecting a fence to prevent people from falling off. Mr. Lynch agreed that it might be a good idea. The Chairman suggested erecting some slow fence which would be safer than a rope. Mr. Lynch recommended that the Supt. of Public Works send Mr. Shaw the original agreement and to advise him that on a certain date, unless the excavation made by the town for a cesspool, and will erect a temporary fence along his property unless he advises the Board to the contrary. Mr. Lynch retired at 9:05 P.M. Mr. DeFoe presented the Board with a letter received from Tracy Ames in which he advises placing smoke insurance on the Hancock and High Schools. Mr. Converse Hill of Brewer and Lord, and Mr. Ames' ideas on the subject differ. Mr. Nickerson moved that the Sup+t. of public Works be authorized to cancel the binder and to advise the insurance company that no provisions had been made in the present budget for this coverage. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. It was also suggested that Mr. DeFoe inform the insurance company that the Board will consider appropriating funds for this item at the annual meeting in March. Mr. DeFoe submitted the following prices for decals: From 100 to 249 " 250 " 499 " 500 and up $ 1.33 each 1.05 " .60 " No action was taken on the matter. Mr. DeFoe requested permission to let the contract for sidewalk construction. He informed the Board that there are not sufficient funds in the sidewalk appropriation to do all the sidewalks and that would come under sidewalk construction. The Chairman explained that there is not enough money to take care of Cherry Street which was the last request received. He stated that therefore the concrete sidewalk on Cherry Street will have to be eliminated. He suggested that Mr. DeFoe advise the people on Cherry Street that unfortunately there are not enough funds to take care of this sidewalk constr- uction and that this item will be considered when the 1949 budgets are discussed. Mr. DeFoe reported that he had checked on the p. J. Joyce & Sons and 1 555 it appears to him that it is a reputable firm. Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it was voted to award the contract for sidewalk constr- uction to P.J. Joyce & Son, the lbw bidder. Mr. DeFoe retired at 9:35 p.m. Mr. John Fitzgerald, Commander of the V. F. W. met with the Board. He informed the Board that the veterans have made plans to move the old fire station from Merriam Street. He explained that the Post will release all funds now in the Lexington Co-operative Bank so that they can be used to move the building. He said that he had asked the Building Inspector for a permit to put the present second story floor on Sale of top of cinder blocks and asked if they could start Old Fire excavating. Mr. Lindstrom said that they might have Station to obtain a permit from the State because of the fact that this is to be g club house. The Chairman said that the Board of Selectmen is interested in the removal of the building as soon as possible and the conditions under which it is going to be moved through the center. The structural problem is one that will have to be worked out with the Building Inspector. The Chairman said that the Board has not passed a formal vote to sell the building to the veterans because they have been waiting to get the pertinent information. He asked how soon the veterans will have their plans ready and Mr. Fitzgerald replied that they expect to have them completed within a week or two. They want to have the building moved by December first. Mr. Driscoll asked if they plan to have the same mover and Mr. Fitzgerald replied in the affirmative. The Chairman said that Mr. Fitzgerald had given the Board a progress report but still has not been able to assure the Board as to when the building will be moved. He said it appeared to him that they should continue as though the building belonged to them and work as fast as they can to get it moved and then let the Board know. Mr. Emery said that Mr. Fitzgerald should come in at some time in the near future and advise the Board as to just what day Shaughnessy will move the building. The Chairman stated that if the removal of the building goes beyond December first the offer of $1,00 may not any longer be valid. Mr. Fitzgerald said he hoped to have the building moved by December first. He retired at 9:55 P.M. 556 Memorial Committee Baskin Betterment Assess- ments Use of Hall Use of Hall Use of Hall A letter was received from the Memorial Committee of the Lexington Minute Men, Inc. advising that some consideration must be given to the foundation upon which the memorial to the 1775 Minute Men is going to be placed. Stakes have been driven on the Buckman Tavern grounds in the approved location. The Committee felt that the foundation work should be done either under the supervision of some Town Department or by the facilities of some Town Department at the expense of the Memorial Fund. The Clerk was instructed to send Mr. Garrity, Supt. of Parks and Playgrounds, a copy of this letter and ask for his recommendations as to what he thinks would be the best solution. A letter was received from W. John Baskin stating that he thinks the assessments on street betterments on Pine Knoll Road is still too high. Mr. Baskin stated that if further consideration is not given to the assessments the matter will have to be settled in Court. Upon motion made by Mr. Emery and seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to advise Mr. Baskin that the Board has again considered the betterment assess- ments levied against his property on Pine Knoll Road and find no reason for making any change in the present assessment. An application was received from the Lexington Minute Man, Inc., for permission to conduct a business meeting in a Conference Room on the evening of October 21st from 8:00 to 10:00 P.M. Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to approve the application for the use of the hall, free of charge. An application was received from the Lexington Tax- payer's Assocation for permission to conduct a meeting in Estabrook Hall on Tuesday evening, October 26th. Mr. Emery moved that the use of the hall be granted free of charge. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so voted. An application was received from the Simmons Club of Lexington for permission to conduct a puppet show in Estabrook Hall on Saturday morning, November 6th and also on Saturday morning November 13th. Mr. Gay moved that both uses be granted subject to a total charge of $10.00. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 557 An application was received ffom the Lexington Firemen's Benefit Association requesting permission to conduct an entertainment and dance in Cary Hall on December 3d from 8:00 P.M. to 1:00 A.M. Mr. Gay Use of moved that the use of the hall be granted subject to Hall a charge of $35.00. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman informed the Board that Howard Sawyer has now taken over the taxi stand at the Town Diner and also purchased a second automobile. He would like to have his present license issued at 45 Freemont Street transferred to 1722 Massachusetts Avenue. He would also like a license for the second cab. Mr. Emery moved that the request be approved. Public Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Carriage License The Chairman read a letter from Lexington Planning Board relative to the hearing to be held Thursday evening, October 14th, on the proposed change to the Zoning By- law. Mr. Emery asked what should be said by the spokes- man of the Board Monday evening relative to the proposed change if questions are. presented. Mr. Nickerson thought the Board would have to wait until after the hearing and Change receive some report from the Planning Board.. Mr. Emery In said that if the Planning Board is, or is not, in favor Zoning of the proposed change what is the opinion of the Board By-law of Selectmen. Mr. Gay said that if the Planning Board is not in favor of the change he would not favor it. Mr. Nickerson said he would prefer to wait until after the hearing before arriving at any decision. The Chair- man stated that whether the Planning Board is in favor or not, he personally thinks the proposed change is a good idea. He said the only reason he would oppose it would be if the abutters in the immediate area were definitely opposed.. He explained that this is a piece of property in a low swamp area bringing in no revenue at the present time which cannot be used for anything but light manufacturing and if the zoning is changed it is possible that the town will receive $50,000. revenue with no cost to the town. Mr. Emery moved that the Board of Selectmen go on record as being in favor of the proposed change to the zoning by-law unless the abutters in the immediate area strongly protest the hearing. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman reported to the Board that if the Appropriations under Article 2 and 3 for Old Age Assistande and public Welfare are reduced from the amounts requested Articles by the Board of Public Welfare it may be necessary to request a transfer from the Reserve Fund in December. 558 Articles Sign Warrant Elections Mr. Emery moved that the Appropriation Committee be advised that the Board of Selectmen is in favor of requesting $6,000. under Article 3 and $ 8,000. under Article 2. The Chairman reported that Mr. Clarence Smith of the Appropriation Committee feels that the $45,000. borrowed under Article 7 should be for a ten year period. The Board agreed to go along with the Appro- priation Committee and request a borrowing for a period of ten years. The warrant for the Presidential Election, November 2, was presented to the Board for signatures. Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to have the polls open on November 2, 1948, from 7;00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. The Chairman suggested that the Board meet at seven o'clock on Monday night prior to the Special Town Meeting. The next regular meeting of the Board will be on Tuesday, October 19th, at 7:30 P.M. The meeting adjourned at 10:45 P.M. A true record, Attest: 20. 1.20 1