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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1949-02-28100 procla- mation Brook Complaint Sidewalks Appro- priation 19th of April SELECTMEN'S MEETING February.28, 1949 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room on Monday evening at 7:30 P.M. There were present: Chairman Paxton, Messrs. Emery, Gay, Driscoll and Nickerson. The Clerk was also present. The Chairman read a letter from the Minute Man Chapter of United World Federalists to which was attached a copy of a proclamation for the Board's signature. Mr. Emery suggested that -Mr. Adams amend the proclamation and submit it to the Chairman of the Board before publishing it in the newspaper. The Chairman read a letter from Viano Properties, Inc. with reference to the town widerixg the brook, a portion of which is located on the Viano property on Bedford Street. The Chairman explained that this lettetois the result of cleaning and widening of the North Lexington Brook near the Fire Station. There is a special Act accepted by the town which giyes the town the right to enter on to provate property to clean brooks. He explained that this is the first time to his knowledge that sny -complaint has ever been made. The Chairman said that if the brook is cleaned out it will help the entire area. The Board was of the opinion that Mr. DeFoe should contact Mr. Viano and possibly discuss the matter with the Town Counsel. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Edwin B. Worthen with reference to the sidewalks along both sides of Depot Park. The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge Mr. Worthen's letter and advise him that funds have been included in the 1949 appropriations for the installation of a sidewalk, and curbing on the westerly side of Depot Square. Mr. Emery stated that Mr. Winlock, Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, had inquired as to whether or . not a compromise should be reached on the 19th of April appropriation. The Appropriation Committee are recommend- ing $800. Mr. Emery moved that the Board's approval of 4,500. be -revised to 4 1,250. -Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman explained that there has been con- flicting reports as to just how much money the 19th of April Committee would need and suggested that Mr. Froth- ingham and Mr. Seltzer be invited to meet with the Board next Monday night, if they can act for the committee. Mr. DeFoe met with the Board at 8:00 P.M. He reported that he had talked with Doctor Adams today who advised him that Mr. Gray, the administrator in Washington, has approved the project for furnishing water to the Veterans' Hospital in Bedford. The agreement is now in the Bureau of the Budget for funds. Doctor Adams told him that there may be a few angles on the phrasing of the contract but substantially it seems to be all right. He expects to hear from Washington very shortly. Mr. DeFoe stated that he explained to Doctor Adams how necessary it is to have the contract signed before Town Meeting. Doctor Adams seems to be eptimistic that the contract will be signed and if he doesn't hear from Washington within a few days he will contact Mr. Gray. The Chairman said that if this does not come through before Town Meeting it is difficult to explain what the Board's attitude may be after it does come through. He thought a representative of the Veterans* Administration should be at Town Meeting. Mr. Emery said that he understood from Mr. DeFoe's dis- cussion that he thought if a favorable bid were received the government might renege. Mr. Emery said that on the other hand if the town does not obtain bids before Town Meeting the project will have to be sold to the Town as a bargain. Mr. Emery asked Mr. DeFoe why he felt con- cerned about asking for bids. Mr. DeFoe replied that if he obtained a bid that was quite low and the contract has not been signed the government might take the attitude that the town should contribute on a percentage bads. The Chairman asked if the Board wanted to let the matter go along or authorize the Superintendent to obtain bids. It was decided not to request bids until after the contract has been signed. Mr. DeFoe exPlained that the Board of Health was Connecting desirous of having all sewers in the Manor connected by of sewers January 1, 1950. He explained that the Public Works in Manor Department is supposed to obtain a down payment and he Section is not just sure how to handle it. The Chairman said that he thought the Supt. of Public Works should arrange to discuss this with the Town Counsel and the Chairman of the Board of Health. Mr. DeFoe agreed. Mr. DeFoe stated that a Mrs. Valihura of Valleyfield Street would like to remove cinders from the schools and put them on Valleyfield Street, at her own expense. The Chairman said that as far as the Board of Selectmen is concerned he dict-iot know why it would make any difference but he thought it would be a problem that should have the approval of the School Department. The Town does not 101 Water at Bedford Hospital Removal of ashes from school 102 Dump New Hours Approved for Fire Dept. Revised Regulations for Ambulance Use of Hall charge the schools and the removal of ashes is charged to the Ashes and Dump Appropriation. He said he thought if the School Department gave her permission to do it she should write a letter absolving the Town of any claims of damage. Mr: Emery suggested that the Superintendent advise Mrs. Valihura that the Town removes cinders from the -Schools as a public service to the School Department, and ask her to contact the School Committee. The -Chairman informed 11A,DeFoe that the agree- ment between Meadows and White and the Town of Lex- ington would not be ready for another month. Mr. Kelley, the present caretaker of the dump is, there- Fore, to rem&inuntil such time as the contract has been approved and signed. Mr. DeFoe retired at 9:00 P.M. Chairman Thomas J. Donnelly and Harold Roeder of the Board of Fire Engineers met with the Select- men. Mr. Donnelly presented each member of the Board with a plan whereby three new permanent men will be added to the present permanent personnel; thus enabling the men a work week of approximately • seventy hours. Mr. Emery asked if this plan met with the approval of the Board of Fire Engineers and Mr. Donnelly replied in the affirmative: Mr. Emery asked if they intended to put this new schedule in operation the first of May. Mr. Donnelly replied that the Fire Engineers would like to have the new men and the schedule operating May First. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to approve the plan submitted by the Engineers. Mr. Donnelly explained that the Engineers had also prepared revised regulations covering the use of the Veterans' Memorial Ambulance. The uses are more limited than those now in effect. The rates have increased from the ones now being charged. The underlying motive is to save man -power in the Fire Department and to'have the --ambulance available for emergencies. The Clerk was instructed to send a cppy of the revised regulations to all the physicians in town and explain why they are being charged and ask if they have any suggestions to submit them before next Monday night.' Messrs. Donnelly and Roeder retired at 9:25 P.M. Mr. Merrill Norlin met with the Board. He stated that he was representing the Boosters Club and it is the feeling of the Directors that because the boys hockey team had performed so capably some recognition should be made of the achievement with- out giving over emphasis to athletics. The Boosters plan to have a banquet and award sweaters to the boys 1 103 on the hockey squad. He explained that it will not be a money making proposition but will be a catered supper and will cost $ 2.50. The Boosters will make a charge of 50¢ to help defray the cost of the sweaters. They will give 16 sqeaters at a cost of approximately $12.00. The Boosters would like permission to hold a banquet in Cary Hall free of charge. Mr. Gay moved that the Booster's Club be granted the use of Cary Hall on the evening of April 6th for a banquet for the Lexington Hockey squad, free of charge. Mr. Emery seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Norlin retired at 8;30 P.M. A letter was received' from' the Lexington Drum Permit Corps requesting permission' to conduct rehearsal's on Sun- Drum days during March and April at the rear of the High School Corps Mr. Emery moved that the Drum Corps be granted permission to conduct rehearsals on Sundays provided no complaints are received. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Clerk was instructed to advise the organization 4th of that in so far as the use of the school property is con- July cerned it will.be necessary to contact the School Depart- Program ment. A letter was received from the American Legion stating that the Post is making -plans for an annual Forth of July event at the Parker Field. They would like to use the field from July 2 to July 4, inclusive. The Post would like the Board's tentative approval now as plans are extensive and call for about the same program as last year, - a bonfire, fire works and midway. The Clerk was instruct- ed to get an expression to opinion from Mr. Garrity. An application was received from Ralph W. Cowdrey, 1055 Massachusetts Avenue, for Lot 3 on Hall Street. Mr. Cowdrey lived in Lexington for twenty-one years and was inducted from 21 Steadman Road, Lexington. Mr. Driscoll moved that the application be approved. Mr. Gay seconded theTnotion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a memorandum from Professor Russell submitting five names of individuals who might serve on the Board of Health. Further consideration is to be given to this subject at the next meeting of the Board. An application was received from the Battle Green Chapter Order of DeMolay requesting permission to conduct a plan in Cary Hall on April 9th and a rehearsal on April 6th. Mr. Emery moved that the use of the hall for the play be granted subject to a charge of $35.00. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Board of Health Use of Hall 104 An application was received from the V. F. W. requesting permission to conduct a meeting in Esta- brook Hall and a conference Room on the evenings Use of March 2 and March 16th. Mr. Emery moved the uses of be granted free of charge. Mr. Nickerson seconded the Hall motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Filipettits offer of $500 for Lot 5. Massachusetts Tax Avenue, Lexington, was held over for another week. Title Land The Clerk informed the Board that Mrs. Harold Wheeler, representing the Red Cross, would like'permission to erect a thermometer on Emery Park. Mr._Gay moved that Red the request be approved. Mr. Driscoll seconded the Cross mthtion, and it was so voted. The Chairman informed the Board that bids on garbage collection are to be received until Monday Bids noon March first. It was decided to open the bids next Monday evening. The•Board discussed at length the analysis sub- mitted by the Engineering Department of the streets recently constructed.' Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it was voted to establish the following rates per foot: Rhodes Street, Byron and Lockwood Avenues - 4.80 -Grant Street 4.75 1/2 Winter Street 4.60 The meeting adjourned at 10:45 P.M. A true record, Attest: