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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1949-03-07SELECTMEN'S MEETING March 7, 1949 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room on Monday evening, March 7, 1949, at 7:30 P.M. There were present: Chairman Paxton, Messrs. Emery, Gay, Driscoll and Nickerson. Mrs. Flaherty served as Clerk of the meeting. Mr. Paxton reported to the Board that*time and had just reported that as he was on his way to vote, walk- ing on the sidewalk in front of 1 yle's property on Row- land Avenue, he fell over a big boulder which was on the sidewalk. His glasses were broken; he received cuts on the face and nose, and was knocked unconscious. He want- ed to know what procedure he should take to enter a com- plaint and he was advised by Mr. Paxton to wrije a letter to the Board of Selectmen explaining the situation. Mr. Wilson said that he was feeling all right when he left the Selectmen's Office. 105 Complaint At 7:30 P.M. the following members of the 19th of April Committee met with the Board. Messrs. Frothingham, Seltzer, Bashian and Zitso. The Chairman explained that there had been conflicting reports as to the amount of money necessary for the 19th of April Celebration and that the Appropriation Committee is of the opinion that $800 will be sufficient. The Board of Selectmen had approved 8 total appropriation of $1,250. They felt that this amount plus the sum received from the LeRoy Brown Fund would be sufficient. Mr. Frothingham explained in detail the various amounts required for a celebration similar to other years and said he felt that the citizens of the Town, as a whole, would prefer to continue to have this sort of a celebration, rather than to have a large turn-outone year and nothing at all done for perhaps four or five succeeding years. The other members of his committee agreed with this opinion. He said that the Veterans' organizations wanted a parade and wished to perpetuate the 19th of April. Mr. Emery asked if $1,210.00 was the lowest amount for which the:;usual .celebration could take place. Mr. Frothingham said he felt that the Board should approve $1,500.00. The Committee would, as it had this past year, return to the town any balance of funds not used for this purpose. Last year a total of $181.00 was returned to the town. Mr. Frothingham said that the Committee had not, at any .time, advised the Appropriation Committee that 800.00 would be sufficient. This information was pitkisd up "on the street". *Mr. Donald Wilson was in the office at that 19th of April Comm. 106 Garbage Bids Betterment Assessment petition Hearing Mr. Gay asked what the Committee would think of omitting the afternoon parade in view of the fact that next year a large demonstration might be held. Mr. Bashian replied that the Committee represented the people of the town who wanted an annual cele- bration and did not want to have tradition broken down. The Chairman asked the members of the Board if they had any further questions and there were none. At 8:10 P.M. it was suggested that the Committee retire for a few minutes to give the Selectmen an opportunity to discuss the matter. Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted that the Board of Selectmen approved the amount of $ 1,200.00, this amount to be supplemented by an amount from the LeRoy Brown Fund. This would give the Committee approximately the total amount originally requested. The Committee returned to the meeting and were advised of the action of the Board. The Chair- man asked if this met with their approval and they all agreed. The group retired at 8:20 P.M. The following bids were Submitted for the collection of garbage for the ensuing year: Connors Bros. $ 9,600 one year 19,800 two years 30,600 three " John P. Dailey $ 15,358.50 one year 31,495.85 two years . 49,748.25 three " After a discussion as to the term for which the contract should run it was decided to award the bid at the next regular meeting of the Board. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. James J. Carroll, Town Clerk, enclosing a copy of a petition filed with the County Commissioners in behalf of Marion Coughlin in protest of betterment assessment to her property on Dexter Road. The Clerk was. instr- ucted to refer it to the Town Counsel. The Chairman read a letter from the County Commissioners in which they stated that a hearing would be held on the relocation of certain ways in Lexington on Friday, March 25, 1949, at 10:30 A.M. at their office. 1 107 The Clerk was instructed to send a copy of the letter to the Town Engineer and also to the Planning Board with the request that they attend this hearing and bring with them any plans or other information which they may have. Street The Chairman read a letter from Basil R. Deering, Apcpptanea 51 Ledgelawn Avenue, expressing the opinion that Ledgelawn Avenue and Hamilton Road should not be accepted at the present time. The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the letter. A letter was received from Mrs. Frederick J. Hope - wood, 172 Burlington Street, advising the Board that branches had been removed from a tree on her property and requesting that two trees be planted at the front of her lot. A letter was also read from Mr. Garrity, Suptt. of Parks and Playgrounds explaining that all the trees in this vicinity had been pruned and it had. been necessary Trees to remove the branches referred to in Mrs. Hopewoodts letter. However, he said that two trees could be planted there i1' the Board so desired, as this would be consistent with the program followed by the Park Department to get trees off the sidewalks and back on private property. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to instruct Mr. Garrity to plant two trees on the property some time during the coming year. At 8:25 P.M. Mr. Carroll met with the Board for the drawing of two jurors; Robert L. Mialls, 303 Concord Avenue, Mechanic, was drawn for the First Criminal Session. Jurors Frederick R. Childs, 27 York Street, Auto Dealer, was drawn for the Civil Session. At 8:30 P.M. Mr. DeFoe met with the Bo d. He presented a sketch showing the proposed sews lateral on Burlington Street in connection with the r quest of Goldie Powell to have her house connected with the sewer system. Mr. Paxton suggested that it would be advisable to plot the house on Millicants lot as it may have some effect on his betterment. It was suggested that Mr. DeFoe check the amount of the Assessments with the three abutters and also try to.get the reaction of Mr. Milliean, and report back to the Board. Sewer lateral Burlington Street 108 Mr. DeFoe presented each member of the Board with a schedule showing proposed coverage at the Public Works Building outside of the regular Public working hours. The Chairman said he felt that this Works was a step in the right direction and that this Bldg. report of progress should be approved. Mr. DeFoe presented a plan showing takings for sewerage and drainage purposes of the North and South Branches .of Vine Brook and showing all the Ryder easements. -Mr. Paxton said there was the problem of cleaning the brook to Winthrop Road, a distance of about 300 feet, and the sum of $ 8,000.00 had been included in the Highway Main- tenance Budget for the work. Mr. DeFoe said they intneded to bring the brook into the easement where it belonged. Mr. Emery asked when he expected to start the work. Mr. DeFodreplied they would start as soon as Greenough finished the job, presumably in the summer time. Mr. Emery said there may be dangers in changing courses of brooks and changing level of ground water and that he would like to have it a matter bf record -that Mr. DeFoe is not to start on this work until the Board approves the all-over plan and has checked with the Town Counsel. The Chairman suggested that Mr. DeFoe check with the Town Counsel and have completed plans ready before he brings it before the Board for their approval. He felt that a report of progress as to what he had done should be presented to the Board in May so that the Board will be completely aware of the progress on the project. Mr. Emery asked Mr. DeFoe how much of the world listed under Sundry Streets - Sewers he expected to do and what percentage would probably be let out on contract. Mr. DeFoe said that he would probably have to let out on contractt the work on Farmcrest and Fair Oaks. Mr. Emery asked if it would be cheaper to have the town do the work and Mr. DeFoe agreed that it would be cheaper but that it would not be possible to accomplish the amount of work planned for the coming year without some of it being done by contract. A letter was read from Mrs. G. A. Baxter, 18 Hancock Street, requesting a shield for the electric light near her property. The Clerk was instructed to turn this request over to the Public Works Department for their action. Ryder Easements Sewers Street .Lights 1 1 Mr. Gay brought up the subject of the drain in East Street. Mr. DeFoe explained that an item has been included in the budget for a 36" pipe for this drain. Mr. Gay asked if a 24" pipe would do the work just as well and serve the town for the present time. Mr. DeFoe replied that Metcalf & Eddy had . recommended a 54" pipe but that he had gone over the area and felt that a 36" pipe would be adequate at this time. He does not feel that a 24" pipp would be practical. The Chairman suggested that Mr. DeFoe present prices for 12", 24" and 36" pipe with the recommendation for the size he believes to be necessary. Mr. DeFoe stated that he had talked with Mr. Adams in connection with the water main to the Bedford Hos- pital. Mr. Adams informed him that he expected to have his report on March 10th. Mr. Emery suggested that Mr. DeFoe check the contract with Mr. Lynch and have it ready for signatures at the next meeting. Mr. DeFoe, Supt. of Public Works, expressed his appreciation to Chairman William Paxton for his many courtesies to him during his term as Selectmen. Mr. DeFoe retired at 9:15 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from W. H. Ballard enclosing also a letter from Mr. George Scottand a list of the repairs which he is willing to make to the Central Block. The Clerk was instructed to advise MYr. Ballard that this would be discussed further at their next meeting and an appointment made for him to meet with the Board at a later date to discuss the suggested recommendations of Mr. Scott. A letter was read from Mr. Garrity, Suptt. of Parks and Playgrounds, referring to the application for the use of Parker Field Playground for a Fourth of July celebration. It was the opinion of the Board that this request should be turned over to the Recreation Committee for disposition, with the request that this committee advise the Board of Selectmen of the uses of the various playgrounds. A letter was received from Karl E. Adler advising the Board that he did not wish to retain the Veterans' Lot #10 on Cedar Street which had been allotted to him. Me also asked for the return of his deposit of $100. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it was voted to return the dqposit. 109 Water Contract for Bedford Hospital 4th of July Celebration Veterans, Lots 110 A request was received from Claude A. Clarke to change his lot #6 for lot #10 Cedar Street. A motion was made by Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, that Mr. Clarke's request to ex- change lot #6 for lot # 10 Cedar Street be grant- ed. An offer of $50,00 was received from Mr. Warren F. Breslin, 2227 Massachusetts Avenue, for Lot 138, 139 and 140 on Massachusetts Avenue. Mr. Spencer recommended acceptance of the offer. Tax Title The Board decided to look at this lot on Saturday offer morning and requested the Clerk to obtain a Colonial Heights Plan showing the lot. The offer far Lot 5 Massachusetts Avenue was again considered and the Chairman suggested that if .the lot was sold it might be well to include Tax Title the agreement that it would be sold under con - offer sideration that a wall would be built. It was decided to hold it over until Saturday. An offer to purchase Lots 1 and 2 Massachusetts Avenue and Lot 7 Born Street was held over from the last meeting. Mrs. Paladino agreed to purchase Tax Title the lots subject to any easements the town might offer desire. Upon motion. of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Emery, it was voted to advertise these lots and further consideration to be given them next Monday. The appointment to the Board of Health was held over for another week. The Chairman read the monthly report from the Sealer of Weights and Measures and it was accepted as read. A report of the Police Department for the month of February was read and accepted. A request for a resolution concerning a "General Pulaski Memorial Day" was read and filed. An application was received from the Office of the Secretary for a certificate of incorporation Cert. of pertaining to Chris F. Dulsen, 188 Lowell Street, Incorpora- Lexington. A satisfactory character reference was tion received from the Chief of Police. Mr. Gay moved that this certificate be signed. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motien, and it was so voted. amyl tommal 1 111 A telegram and letter from the Massachusetts Selectmenfs Association referring; to the distri- bution of Income and Corporation Tax money held by the State were read to the Board. The Clerk was instructed to send a copy to each member of the Board of Selectmen and also to the members of the Appropriation Committee. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Drisooll,. it was voted to approve the following licenses: Licenses Ira A. Rix, 503 Waltham Street, Lexington Popcorn William Viano - Sunday Movies A copy of the letter sent to the Appropriation Committee by the Board of Health concerning their request for funds to meet the bills of the Nursing Association was read and filed. There was a lengthy discussion of the better- ments assessed against property on Winter Street, Lockwood Road, Byron Avenue and Rhodes Street. The betterments against the properties on Winter Street were approved. Betterments It was the opinion of the Board that the amognt for Lot 18 Byron Avenue (Lammers) should be $400, and the lot owned by Dorothy and John A. C. King should be $ 375. It was decided to check the other properties further before approving the assessments.' It was the unanimous vote of the members of the Board of Selectmen that their appreciation be expressed to William C. Paxton for the exceptional co-operative services rendered by him to the Town of Lexington during his term of office. It is their wish that he continue his interest in behalf of the town. The meeting adjourned at 10:45 P.M. A true record, Attest: Acting Clerk, Selectmen.