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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1949-06-06218 SELECTMEN'S MEETING June 6, 1949 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday evening, June 6, 1949, in the Selectmen's Room. There were present; Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay, Driscoll and Nickerson. The Clerk was also present. At 7:30 P. M. Mr. Leland Emery, Chairman of the Board of Assessors, met with the Selectmen. The "hairman asked Mr. Emery what he as Chairman of the Board of Assessors thought about the personnel of that Department. Mr. Emery statedthat as far as Clyde Steeves is concerned he thinks he is a sick man and does not believe he can continue with the Assessor's job or with any job. Mr. Emery stated, however, that this was his personal opinion. He stated that some others have the same opinion but he would not like to say that this comes from the Board. He stated that Mr. Steeves can't keep his mind on things and c an't even stay through a meeting, so he does not see how he can continue for a great length of time. He felt that if Mr. Steeves had been employed by a private organization the sit - Assessors uation would have been ruthlessly handled some time ago. He stated that from what he gathers personally the other members of the Board of Assessors feel that the Board of Assessors feel that the Board of Selectmen will not think that he should continue. Mr. Steeves is now living on his savings but the Assessors do not know what his family situation is. Mr. Emery said that with reference to Mr. Burn- ham, he, personally, likes his judgment and his energy. Mr. Burnham is not too talkative but is very thorough and does know farming. Mr. Emery said that for some years to come it seems to him that the Assessors will have to consider farming here in Lexington. In addi- tion to farms there are a number of greenhouses. If there is no farmer on the Board he would recommend a greenhouse man be appointed. Mr. Burnham has three or four outside jobs, two of them with the Grange. He said if Mr. Burnham had more to say people would be more aware of his contri- bution to the Board. Mr. Burnham is very easy to get along with, does his work, has sound judgment and a considerable degree of farm knowledge. He said that the Board of Assessors could make mistakes on the 1 219 difference between a good farm and a bad one. The Chair- man asked if Mr. Burnham is interested in serving as an Assessor and Mr. Pinery replied in the affirmative. Mr. Emery stated that Mr. Shanahan is the most talkative member of the Board. Some days Mr. Shanahan is apt to place large prices on everything and the next day he might not. As long as he works with a group it tends to keep him on an even keel. He informed the Board that Mr. Spencer is back physically and getting so that he can carry on. He said his guess is that in another three or four weeks he will be back where he was before going into the hospital. The Assessors would like to have him continue until the last minute because Mr. Cronin is putting in his time but has a lot to catch up on. There is no place where Assessors are trained except in private industry. He said if Mr. Cronin can handle the paper work, and he believes he can, there seems to be nothing to worry about. Mr. Emerys aid every fall someone feels concerned about the amount of work but they are always able to get through it. The Chairman asked if Mr. Steeves is a hinderance. Mr. Emery replied in the negative. He said if the Board did not see him until the first of October he would not be missed. The Chairman asked if Mr. Emery or his Board had any suggestions as to what might be done if Mr. Steeves is not reappointed. He asked if there was any outside work he could do for the Assessors. Mr. Emery replied that he does not believe Mr. Steeves could be trusted to do the simplest thing. The Chairman saked if Mr. Emery thought it would be a shock to Mr. Steeves if he were not appointed. He said from a mental point of view. Mr. Emery said his guess is Mr. Steeves would miss the financial part but he acts as though he didn't care. His spirit seems to have gone. He said that Mr. Steeves could be asked to resign if the Borrd felt that he should and this might be the kind way to put it. The Chairman stated that Mr. Steeves has never been reappointed. A successor could be appointed and then Mr. Steeves notified. The Chairman asked if he were correct in his understanding that most of the work is out of the way until after Labor Day. Mr. Emery replied in the affirmativE and replied that there isn't much work from here on. Mr. Gay suggested that the Assessors continue to function as they are now until the fall. Mr. Nickerson asked if Mr. Steeves would be eligible for a pension. Mr. Emery said that he did not know whether or not Mr. Steeves is a member of the contributory retirement system. 220 Mr. Emery retired at 8:00 P. M. and Mr. E. A. Lindstrom met with the Board. Mr. Lindstrom reported that he went up to Zoar Bldg. Avenue a week ago Sunday and he can't see that anything Biolation has been done to the Scurto house with the exception that a power line has been drawn over the building. The Electrical Inspector issued a permit on April 26, 1949, for electricity. Mr. Lindstrom said he was unable to get into the building. He talked to Mr. Lynch and he is ready to go to court any time the Board wants him to. The Chairman asked from what point of view. Mr. Lindstrom replied that the building is illegal because there never was a permit issued. At the time this case went to court some years ago a domolition permit was issued and plans for a new building were submitted. The building is not like the plans submitted. The chairman asked if the building permit hadn't expired and Mr. Lindstrom replied in the affirmative. The Chairman asked if Mr. Lynch is ready to proceed to makethem_demolish the building and Mr. Lindstrom said he presumed so. Mr. Nickerson said if Mr. Lynch's opinion is duly considered end he thinks the building is illegal, plus the fact that a complaint has been made by a neighbor, to have the ordinances enforced, he did not see that the Board has any choice. Mr. Gay asked if it is true that part of the build- ing is situated on Zoar Avenue. Mr. Lindstrom said he believes the building is three or four feet into Zoar Avenue. He explained that t he engineers have made a survey of it and he believes Mr. Lynch has the inform- ation. Mr. Gay said he believes with Mr. Nickerson that the law must be enforced. The Chairman asked if people were living in the building. Mr. Lindstrom said the meter was installed on April 26th and up to a week ago Sunday there were only seven kil6watts used. The Chairman asked if the building had any legal basis whatever. Mr. Lindstrom replied that the mere fact that no permit was ever issued indicated that the whole thing is illegal. He stated, however, that the foundation does comply with the building code. He said he asked Mr. Bills how the application was make out for a wire permit and Mr. Bills told him it was for a summer c amp. Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted that the building on Zoar Avenue, owned by Rose Scurto be either demolished or removed and made to -comply with the Building and Zoning Bylaws of the Town of Lexington. Mr. Lindstrom retired at 8:10 P. M. 1 221 Mrs. Eleanor M. Boyle, 3 Curve Street, met with the Board. The Chairman explained that t he Selectmen had re- Dog ceived a complaint under date of April 23d and proceeded Complaint to read it for Mrs. Boyle. He further stated that the Dog Officer had investigated the complaint and submitted the report under d ate of the 23d, which he also read to Mrs. Bogle. Mrs. Boyle conversed at length about her dog and said that as she understands it the dog was on the proch eating a bone when Ellen McDonnell, the child who was supposed to to have been bitten, went on to the proch. She said that possibly Ellen frightened the dog and he scratched her. She said she had the dog for four years and never had any other complaints. She said she would sell the dog if he bothers every one rather than have him tied. He is a thoroughbred and should not be tied because it will make him vicious. The Chairman asked if it was her opinion that the order should be changed. Mr. Boyle said she didn't think it was fair. The Chairman explained that the Board has received a complaint and a report from the Dog Officer and it is up to the Board to order the dog restrained unless there is some reason for doing otherwise. Mrs. Boyle said she does not believe the dog is vicious and does not want the record against him. The Chairman asked if she would leave the matter up to the Board of Selectmen and they would think it over. Mrs. Boyle agreed and retired at 8:30 P. M. No action was taken. Mr. William H. Ballard and Mr. Joseph DeFoe met with Board. Mr. Ballard presented a plan and expained that it was a result of Mr. DeFoe and Mr. Burns going over the pro -posed street from Edison Way to Depot Square. He explained that it is laid out on a 40' strip with the suggestion of a 24' street and two 8' strips on either side which might be used in any way that seems fit; primarily, in order to have somewhere to throw the snow in the win- ter time. He explained that the proposed street will go with- in 13' of the Boston and Maine rail. The Chairman stated that as he told Mr. Ballard be- fore the Planning Board came in last Wednesday and re- versed its position on this and are now in favor of it. The Chairman said he discussed this with Richard Crom- well of the Planning Board yesterday on the telephone who assured him that the Planning Voard would be delighted to hEve Mr. Ballard or anyone else "carry the ball" and secure the s ignatures of the interested parties and they would be glad to keep out of it. The Chairman asked if that would fit with Mr. Ballard's program and he replied in the affirmative. He stated that Fred Johnson and Leon Bateman have made an appointment with Williams and Bangs. Mr. Ballard is to meet them at ten o'clock 222 Proposed Street Bd. of Health V. N. Assn. Friday with the Board's approval. Mr. Ballard said he thought he would need the help and advice of the Planning Board but right now he couldn't start with anything more than a tentative plan. Mr. Ballard said he explained to Mr. Johnson that anything he and Mr. Bateman might do would be a private pro- position. He presented a letter to the Board stating that if the proposed extension of Edison Way to Depot Square meets with the Board's approval he would be glad to have the Board furnish him with a letter of authorization to the various parties at interest; said letter to be signed by the Chairman. He also gave the Board a suggested letter of author- ization. The Chairman asked if Mr. Ballard thought with such a letter he would get something that would give the Board a moral commitment. Mr. Ballard replied in the negative and said this was informal and he would like an informal reply. This letter will pave the way for his being able to repre- sent to all that everyone is willing to go ahead with the project. The Chairman asked if anyone cared to make a motion. Mr. Nickerson moved that the Chairman be authorized to sign a letter as suggested by Mr. Ballard. Mr. Gay seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Ballard and Mr. DeFoe retired at 8:55 P. M. Doctor Cosgrove, Chairman, and Mr. George Russell of the Board of Health met with the Selectmen. The Board of Health had requested an appointment with the Selectmen because of the fact that the Lexington Visit- ing Nurse Association has submittedbilis for which no funds have been provided. He said that previously, through the efforts of the Association, a lot of public health work done in the town was conducted by them and financed by the Community Fund. The Community Fund has reduced the allotment to the extent that from the first of the year the Board of Health has received bills for work otherthan that for which they were bill- ed hitherto. He said that the Board is here tonight at the suggestion of the Association who is looking to have the Board of Health take over all of these bills. He said the Board of Health does not know what sort of a program the Association intends to carry on; how much it will cost the town, or just how necessary it is. To date they have presented bills for approximately $2,000 for a period of one year. The Board of Health would likesome assistance or suggestions as to whet should be done. Mr. Russell suggested that Mr. Powers, President of the Association, and Miss Morrison, a nurse, come in hosal 1 223 tonight and state the work which they believe should be paid for by the taxpayers. They asked for an appropria- tion from the Community Fund of $10,000 but it has been reduced to $6,700. The Board of Health has been engaging them.to do all T. B. visits and there are a great many of them. The Association has also been doing the' plac- arding. he'plac- arding. The Board of Health has been paying the Associ- ation between $300 and $400 a year. This year. the amount of $300 was set up in the budget but reduced by the Appropriation Committee to $250. The Association is now presenting the Board of Health with bills up to May first amounting to $600 which will run into $1,800 or $1900 for the year. The Association feels it is something for which the taxpayers should pay. Mr. Russell said that the Board of Health feels there is a certain amount of reasonableness in their claim. Most every town the size of Lexington has a town nurse. He said that a town nurse would cost at least $2,700 a year for salsry alone. If the Board of health does engage the Association it would be less expensive and possibly more satisfactory than hiring a nurse. Mr. Russell said the only thought the Board of Health had'"was if they feel this is a just claim they might, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, go before a special town meeting and ask for more funds. Mr. Powers and Miss. Morrison were invited in to discuss this subject further. Mr. Powers explained that `the Association is faced with a deficit and is a sking the town.to help them out. Mr. Powers said that the Board of Health does not have their own nurse, which would cost the town between 84,000 and $5,000 a year. As he sees it the town would be purchasing nursing s er- vice from the Association. He stated that the town does not reimburse the Association for any services for health promotion and disease prevention. The deficits in the Association have always been made up by the Com- munity Fund and, therefore, the Association has never asked for.aid from the Board of Health. The Community Fund cannot now pay the Association the usual allotment. The Communtiy Fund further claims that the Association is doing work for the town for which the town should pay. Mr. Powers stated that it is the obligation of the Board of Health to keep the Lexington' people well. The Chairman asked what the Town's obligation is. Mr. Russell said this is a new thought to the Board of Health. The health problems that have coe:ie up have not been of this nature at all. He said the problems are more in the form of complaints about septic tanks, cesspools, drainage, restaurants, etc. Doctor Cosgrove said he felt the Board of Health's obligation is to assit in any way and it seems more general than anything definite. The Chairman stated that there is no doubt that 224 other towns are paying for things that the Community Fund has paid for: however, the statement to "keep Lexington well" is very broad and asked where the line should be drawn. Mr. Powers said it is the Baord of Health's obligation to d� something about communicable diseases, spreading T. B. and not waiting until .it has been spread. The Chairman said he has no strong opinion on it but the Selectmen are accustomed to considering the Board of Health problems asstated by Mr. Russell. Miss Morrison said that when anyone said that they want to keep Lexington well it is a very broad state- ment. She would prefer to say that they would like putting emphasis on positive health. It is not possible to keep everyone well but the Board of Health can pre- vent;a great deal of disease by putting the emphasis on positive health. Miss Morrison said that in the towns of Arlington, Braintree, Canton, Cohasset, Milton, Reading, Scituate•, Walpole and Westwood the Visiting Nurse does the work for the Board of Health and they also have separate school nurses. The Town of Arlington has a Board of Health nurse but they also pay the Visiting Nurse $2,000 to help their own nurse. The Town of Braintree does not have a nurse end they paid the Association $1,500 last year. In Canton the Association received $2,300. In Milton they operate on a per case rate. In 1947 the Association received $1,200. In Reading the Board of Health appropriates $500 a yesr. In Scituate the Board of Health employs a nurse who also does the Visiting Nurse Association work and she receives 42,300 a year plus what the Association pays her. In Walpole the Association receives 42,000 for T. B. cases but none for communicable diseases. Westwood pays the Association 4750 a year but they have very little T. B. work to be done. The police placard the home. Miss Morriosn stated that up until this year the Association billed the town only for T. B. visits end pla- carding. however, the Board of Directors thought the town should be billed for what they consider promotion work. This does not include any bedside care but is preventative work. It includes the well baby clinic, 1. B. work, well child conferences, pre-school children and maternal care. The Chairman said it would seem to him this entire subject would have to be given further study. He said he believed the Board had absorbed what the Association has in mind but it should be discussed with the Appro- priation Committee and he feels certain that the Select- men would like to make a study before arriving at any 1 225 definite decision. He said that the Board will give further consideration to the matter and probably have something more definite within two or three weeks. The group retired at 9:35 P. M. and Mr. DeFoe met with the Board. He stated that he is getting lists from agents who held policies that are expiring but until some decision is made about the insurance problem he can't Insurance give the agents a reply. Mr. Gay and Mr. Nickerson who are studying the insurance problem for the Board said they would be ready to report on June 20th. Mr. DeFoe reported further on the guard rail, Chapter 90 Grove Street. He informed the Board that the state will find a way to transfer funds from the Chapter 90 construction of Waltham Street. All that the Board will have to do is to write a letter. The Chairman asked if there would be sufficient funds to finish the Waltham Street project and Mr. DeFoe replied in the affirmative. The Chairman Guard Rail asked if Mr. DeFoe expected to erect the guard rail before the completion of Waltham Street. Mr. DeFoe replied in the negative. He said he would request the state to have enough money to do Waltham Street. They assured him definitely they will have more than enough. The Chairman asked how much the guard rail would cost and Mr. DeFoe said it would be between $2,600 and $2,700. The town will contribute 1/3 or 1/4, the maximun being $900. The Chairman asked if he had the $900 now and he replied in the affirmative. Mr. Nick- erson asked if the County would be contributing money for Waltham Street and then use if for Grove Street. Mr. DeFoe replied in the affirmative. Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it was voted to defer the installation of the guard rail on Grove Street until the Waltham Street Chapter 90 work has been completed and it is definitely determined that sufficient funds will be available. Mr. DeFoe requested permission to let out on contract the proposed construction of a water main in Bedford Street and submitted a list of contractors. He read the list together with comments from Dun and Brad- street and also from Tracy Ames. Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to authorize Mr. DeFoe to request bids from the following contractors with the understanding that if any more competent bidders are discovered the Board will have no objection to Mr. DeFoe adding them to the list: Charles L. Shea Susi & DeSantis Co., Inc. George Brox, Inc. C. & R. Construction Co. Bids Bedford Street Water 226 Gas Main R. Zoppo J. J. Duty Construction Co. A. Piatelli R. White Patella Bros. Inc. Wes Construction Co. C. Repucci & Sons, Inc. Munroe Lamptrott Ralph White Williams The Chairman read a letter from the Arlington Gas Light Company requesting permission to locate a 6" cast iron main in Hancock Street. The Chairman agreed to find out how necessary this installation is; whether or not the company guarantees to -replace the street and how long it will take. An application was received from the Lovell Bus Lines requesting a license to operate motor vehicles Bus Lines for hire from the intersection of Massachusetts Ave- nue and Pleasant Street over Pleasant Street to Watertown Street, over Watertown Street to the inter- section of Watertown Street and the Cambridge -Concord Highway. The Clerk was instructed to refer the comm- unication to the Planning Board for their comments. The Chairman read a letter from Wallace C. Weisinger offerring $25.00 each for lots 12 and 13, Block 95, Park Tax Title Street. The unofficial committee on tax title property Property reported that Mr. Weisinger had purchased the adjoining lot from the town for $25.00 each and recommends accept- ing this offer. Before acting on the offer the members of the Board felt that they would like to see the pro- perty. A letter was received from A. J. Bachelder, 2526 Massachusetts Avenue, offerring $100 for Lot 4 on Mass- achusetts Avenue. A letter was also received from Paul A. Hoyte, 2520 Massachusetts Avenue, offering $100 for Lot 5 Massachusetts Avenue. Both bidders stated that they own the adjoining property and want the tax title lots merely for protection. The unofficial committee on tax title property reported that the lots are on a finished street with water and recommend a price of $600. Before seting on these offers the members of the Board felt that they would like to see the property. The Chairman read a letter from William Roger Greeley advisingthe Board that notices have been sent to a list of invited bidders with reference to the alterations of the Cary Memorial Library. Bids are to be received not later than 8:00 P. M. at the Library Town Offices on June 13th. Bids The Chairman informed the Board that under the vote of the town meeting the Selectmen were authorized to obtain bids and let the contract. He said that the Board has not selected the bidders and all it can d o now is ratify Mr. Greeley's action. However, 1 227 the Board has not decided whether'it is in favor or opposed to closed bids. Mr. Nickerson said there is only one poss- ible thing to be done and that is to tell Mr. Greeley to amphlify his list and embrace at least three more firms that will actually put in a bid for the job. The Board authorized the Chairman to contact Mr. Greeley in the morning and advise him that in the Board's opinion the bids are restricted to three union bidders and ask him to obtain three more at least for.consider- ation. and to extend the bids until June 20th. A letter was received from the Town Clerk to which was attached a list containing the names of the owners of Dog unlicensed dogs as of June 1, 1949. Mr. Nickerson moved Warrant that the Dog Warrant be signed and a list given to John Russell, the Dog Officer. Mr. Gay seconded the motion and it was so voted. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to grant the following licenses: William Vieno Sunday Movies (L. Viscoe) Countryside Associates Sunday Golf Licenses The meeting, adjourned at 11:20 P. M. er, S ectmen