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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1949-04-05144 Report, Pre - grecs on Scott Building ( see page 152 for April 4th meeting) SELECTMEN'S MEETING April 5, 1949 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Tuesday evening, April 5, 1949, in the Selectmen's Room. There were present; Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay, Driscoll, Nickerson and Hoyt.' The Clerk was also present. At 7:30 P.M. Mr. William H. Ballard, met v6-th the Board to discuss further progress being made by Mr. Scott on the Central Block. Mr. Ballard - stated that he had spent 2 1/2 hours inspecting the Scott Building with Mr. Scott, his attorney 7tr. Murphy, and his contractor. Mr. Ballard reported at length on the conditions found and made the statement that he thinks Mr. Scott has made some progress. He received a letter from Mr. Scott March 21st stating that the carpenter has completed his work and the janitor will have the halls- and roof cleaned. Mr. Scott inquired three or four times about purchasing the old fire station property. Mr. Ballard stated that there was not much of any discussion about widening Massachusetts Avenue. He invited Yr. Scott to meet him at his office some day to discuss this further. Mr. Lynch arrived at the meeting at 7:45 P.M. The Chairman said that he thought Mr. Ballard hoped and the Board of Selectmen hoped that the third story on the Central Blockcould be eliminated. Mr. Ballard explained that he still has hopes of interesting Mr. Scott to agree to accept notice to vacate the third floor at a date agreed upon. He said that 'hat he is making tonight is a report of progress of repairs. The Chairman asked if Mr. Ballard is satisfied with theprogress that has been made and Mr. Ballard replied that he has not made an inspection. Mr. Ballard said that there is not any question but that with these alterations and improvements made there has been some progress but he is not satisfied to let it rest at that by any means. He plans to make another inspection after this meeting tonight. Mr. Ballard stated that the fire house lot may be a great trading item in so far as the future Widening' -of= Massachusetts Avenue is concerned. He said he would like to renew his recommendation that the Selectmen obtain authority to sell the fire station lot. 145 Mr. Lyhch said that the Board would have to know when the town bought the land and how it was purchased. The Chairman asked what Mr. Scott would want for 20 feet and Mr. Ballard replied that he would have to guess on that. The Chairman suggested that the widening of Massachusetts Avenue rest for the present time. He said he assumed that Mr. Ballard would want to see Mr. Scott several times more to develop the best possible solution and Mr. Ballard agreed. The Chairman said that the Board has discussed the fire station matter but he did not know whether the entire Board had it clearly in their minds as to why Mr. Ballard wanted the Board to have the power to sell the fire station property. He said it would seem, however, that it would be well for the Board to have that power. Mr. Nickerson said that if the Selectmen acquire that power it might be regarded by the Board as a mandatory power. The Chairman explained that the Board felt it might be dangerous if it were not utilized for S. number of years and the personnel of the Board changed, and the power might be used in a way not for the best interests of the town. Mr. Ballard explained that th*eason he would like to have the Selectmen authorized to dispose of the property was because of the fact that if he worked out a plan satisfactory to the Board and to Mr. Scott he would then have to wait three or four months before a town meeting was held. The Chairman asked if Mr. Ballard wants it solely for leverage purpose and Mr. Ballard replied in the affirmative. Mr. Ballard retired at 8:30 P.M. Mr. Russell of the Board of Health and Mr. Lindstrom, Building and Plumbing Inspector, met with the Board for the purpose of discussing. occupancy permits. Mr. Russell asked what could be done about builders coming into the town, building houses and then selling them without occupancy permits. Mr. Lindstrom stated that people move intro houses very often before the building is completed. Mr. Lynch asked if Mr. Lindstrom had ever issued any occupancy permits. and he replied in the affirmative. He said, how- ever, he didn't think he had issued more than 5%. Mr. Lynch stated that once people move into a house it would be very difficult to get them out. He explained that the law is comprehensive enough-. but difficult to enforce. He suggested that the 146 Occupancy Permit Water Extension Request cesspool permits be procured before the plumbing permit is issued. Mr. Lindstrom said that if the Board wanted him to have the cesspools constructed before he passes on the plumbing work he will be glad to try it out. Mr. Russell suggested that something be print- ed on the building permit calling the contractor's attention to the fact that occupancy permits are required. The Chairman asked if Mr. Lindstrom could see any practical reason for not holding up the plumbing until the Board of Health has approved the cesspools. Mr. Lindstrom thought that h& might be criticized. Mr. Russell said that he would like to have Mr. Lindstrom try this out if he is agreeable. Mr. Lindstrom asked when this procedure would become effective and Mr. Hoyt thought it should be commenced immediately. Mr. Lindstrom agreed to have the cesspools approved before issuing any pluitaing permits. The group retired at 9:10 P.M. Mr. Gustave E. Larsen met with the Board. He said that he would like to get water for the house he is now constructing facing Taft Avenue. The Chairman explained that he has discussed this with Mr. DeFoe and he drove up Ellis Street last Saturday and thought he saw in the location Mr. Larsen refers to, a plug. Mr. Larsen said that he saw it and his engineer, Mr. Northrup, took a flash light and looked down a plug hole and saw what they believed to be a water gate. Mr. Larsen explained that this pipe is only 22 feet from his lot line but he has been told by Mr. DeFoe that the town will run into con- siderable expense if they are to furnish them water. He said that apparently the town would prefer to bring the pipe up from Oak Street which would mean that he would have an assessment of 253 feet. He said he does not think this is fair when the water is apparently only 22 feet from his property. The Chairman explained that he had told Mr. DeFoe thathe had seen the plug and Mr. DeFoe had agreed to investigate this further. TheChairman said. that it seemed to him that there may be a great deal of commotion that is unnecessary. If there is water there Mr. Larsen's problem frill be solved. Mr. Larsen agreed but stated that he has filed an application twice for water and both times has been refused. 1-4 The Chairman explained that Mr. DeFoe will be meeting.with the Board this evening at which time this subject will be discussed further. He said that if there is no water he -would suggest Mr. Larsen come back again but it does look as if there might be water there. Mr. Larsen retired at 9:25 P.M. The Board gave further consideration to Mario Filipetti+s offer of $ 350 for Lot 5 Massachusetts Avenue. A proposal to sell this lot was advertised in the March 31, 1949, issue of the Lexington Minute -Man. No persons contacted the Selectmen's Office as the result of the advertisement. Mr. Nickerson moved that the offer be acceptedandthat Lot 6 Massachusetts Avenue be sold and conveyed to Mario Filipetti. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from Ernest E. Rogers who is soliciting a portion of the towns insurance business. The Chairman explained that when Mr. Rogers met with the Board last week he was told that there was a general pattern of insurance coverage and insurance distribution which had been laid out several years ago and this Board believed that there were various valid reasons for the way the insurance was divided. However, the Selectmen were not prepared at that moment to discuss the situation and suggested that he submit a formal request in writing. Mr. Nickerson asked if it would be in order to defer this matter until such time as a proper study can be made. The Chair- man said that if it meets with the Board's approval he would like to delegate Mr. Gay and Mr. Nickerson to look into the insurance program. The members of the Board had no objection and both Mr. Gay and Mr. Nickerson agreed. The Chairman read a letter from Bradford Motors requesting the removal of a tree now located in the driveway that they propose to build. The Clerk informed the Board that Mr. Garrity suggested that the members of the Board view this area. Be personally is not in favor of having a driveway as large as the one planned by the Bradford Motors. The Board agreed to hold thiover for one week. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Walker, Town Accountant, informing the Board that the Town Meet- ing voted to transfer a -total of $ 47,000. from the 147 Tax Title Insurance Removal of tree 148 c Water Department Available Surplus fund. The total amount in that account as of Mar. 31, 1949, is $ 46,546.11. Mr. Walker recommends that the Assessors raise by direct assessment the amount of 7,000.00 voted to be transferred from this account to the Public Works Sup'ts. Officer Personal Services. Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to write the Board of Assessors and Transfers recommend that they raise $ 7,000.00 by direct assessment instead of transferring this amount from the Water Department Available Surplus Account. The Chairman read a letter from L. A. Ormand, 136 Grant Street, requesting permission to rent space at the Barnes Property to be used as a research laboratory. Mr. Hoyt moved that the Barnes request be denied. Mr. Nickerson seconded the Property motion, and it was so voted. Permit A letter was received from the Minute Man Cafe requesting permission to operate a stand outside the restaurant on April 19th for the purpose of selling tonic or coffee. The Clerk was instructed to obtain an opinion from the Chief of Police. Mr. DeFoe met with the Board at 9:45 P.M. He requested permission to purchase a supply of Purchase vitrified clay sewer pipe and informed the Board Pipe that he had received a quotation from the Lexington Lumber Company of .2787¢' per linear foot less 2% cash discount. He also received a quotation from Waldo Bros. of . 265¢ per linear foot less 3% cash discount. Mr. Nickerson moved that the Superintendent of Puhlic Works be authorized to place an order with Waldo Bros. for 4800 feet of vitrified clay serer pipe at their quotation of . 264 per linear foot less 3% cash discount. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Deroe disgussed further the requests sub- mitted by Gustave E. Larsen for the extension of e water main on Elli2 Street. The Chairman Wormed Mr. DeFoe that Mr. Larsen claims that he has found the pipe in Ellis Street. Water extension in Ellis Street Mr. DeFoe said that he has been misinformed if what Mr. Larsen says is true. The Chairman explained that he saw a cap in the street partially covered up with the last three letters reading "ter". Mr. DeFoe said that he had sent the Assistant Suptt. of Public Works and Mr. Wessinger to investigate and they claim to have found the end of the water pipe in Holland Street. The Chair- man stated that Mr. Larsen claims to have taken the top off and with the use of a flash light seen a water gate. Mr. DeFoe agreed to check this matter personally. Further consideration was given to Kaarle Manni's request for the extension of a water main in Columbus Street. Mr. DeFoe reported that from his observation this would appear to be ordinary digging. Mr. Manni is building a house on Lot #5 and expects to construct another house on Lot #6. The individual who owns a lot across the street has also requested the extension of the water main. The Chairman said that he believed the Board of Selectmen should decide on some logical approach on granting requests for the installation of water mains. It was suggested that the Superintendent compile a list of requests for service together with the date of the request and keep them in numerical order. Mr. Nickerson moved that the request for the extension of 120 feet of water main in Columbus Street be granted at an approximate cost of $720. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Further consideration was given to Mr. Palladino's offer for the purchase of Lots 1 and 2 Massachusetts Ave. Mr. DeFoe said that he estimates. aminimum of $300 to install the pipe and cover the brook. Mr. Palladino is willing to give the town the necessary easements. Mr. Nickerson moved that Lots 1 and 2 Massachusetts Avenue and Lot #'7 Bow Street be sold and conveyed to Mr. Palladino for the sum of $00., subject to sewerage and drainage easements and that the town be not called upon to put in the drainage for a period of at least one year. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. After further discussion on the subject Mr. Nickerson withdrew his motion. Mr. Gay had no object- ion. The Chairman suggested that the Board view this area again and hold the decision over until next week. Miss Melissa Hunt's request for the abatement of a sewer betterment assessment levied against her property on Meriam Street was held over from last week. Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that he has dis- cussed this with Mr. Lynch who agrees that the property can not be built upon and, therefore, no betterment can be assessed. Mr. Gay moved that the sewer betterment assessment levied against property on Meriam Street owner by Melissa Hunt be abated in full. Mr. Nickerson seconded th iotion, and it was so voted.. 149 Water Ext. Columbus Street Tax Title Property Sewer Betterment Assessment 150 Complaint Resignation Report Report Cary Hall Licenses Appointment Bd. of Pub. Welfare The Chairman read a communication signed by residents of Bedford Street calling the Board's attention to the condition of land adjacent to the brook between Bedford Street and Valley Road. Mr. DeFoe said that he plans to level this land cf f but has just not had the time to do it. Mr. DeFoe retired at 10:50 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from Lester . Andrews submitting his resignation as a member of th oard of Fire Engineers effective April 30th. The report of the Sealer of Weights & Measurers for the month of March was received and placed on file. The report of the Police Department for the month of March was received and placed on file. A letter was received from the Lexington Tax- payers Association requesting permission to use a Conference Room for a meeting of the long range planning committee. Mr. Gay moved that the use of a conference room be granted free of charge. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it was voted to grant the following licenses: W. S. Caouette 1710 Mass. Ave. Auctioneer (ren.) F. B. Hubley 4 Stetson St. " " Marcia W. A. Dane 1736 Mass. Ave. Intelligence Office (ren.) Celia W. Johnson 916 Waltham St. Common Victualler (not approved) (new) rr 0 0 0 " " Suhday Sales " (not approved) The Chairman explained that the Board had deferred action relative to the reappointment of the members of the Board of Public Welfare until Mr. Driscoll's return. Mr. Driscoll moved that the present members of the Board of Public Welfare be reappointed for a term expiring March 31, 1950. Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 151 Use of The Clerk informed the Board that the Common: Boy Scouts would like permission to conduct exercises on the Common Saturday morning, April 9th. In checking with Mr. Garrity she was advised that he has no object- ion. Mr. Nickerson moved that the request be granted. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Board discussed further Mr. Howard Sawyer's request for a taxi stand in Depot Square. Mr. Hoyt moved that Mr. Sawyer be advised that until the Taxi Board of Selectmen has settled the question of park- Stand ing meters and the traffic situation that will result therefrom, they will not consider further the question of taxi permits or locations. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The. Clerk informed the Board that J. Henry Duffy had telephoned and said that the Field and Garden Club would like to know whether or not the Selectmen will permit the Club, through a committee, to have an herb garden somewhere on the Buckman Tavern property, near the house, im memory of Mrs. Hollis Webster. Mr. Hoyt moved that Mr. Garrity and the Lexington Hdstorical Society be so advised and an opinion obtained from them. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman informed the Board that Mr. G. B. Colesworthy, 23 Hancock Street, ppoke to him about the traffic on Hancock Street. The Chairman said that he has noticed that the traffic regulations in front of the Central Block are not being enforced. The Board agreed to have the Chairman speak to the Chief of Police on both matters. The meeting adjourned at 11435 P.M. A true record, Attest: Permit Police re: Traffic