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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1949-06-14228 SELECTMEN'S MEETING JUNE 14, 1949 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room on Tuesday evening, June 14, 1949, at 7:30 P. M. There were present: Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay, Driscoll, Nickerson and Hoyt. The Clerk was also present. The Chairman read a letter from the American Legion requesting permission to park a Ford Sedan, which is to be a prize for t he Fourth of July Field Day, in Lexing- ton Center for more than sixty minutes. The Clerk informed the Board that Mr. Culbertson Parking and Mr. Carlson of the Legion had telephoned and dis- Prize cussed this with the Chief of Police. The Chief inform - Car in med them that this would be a matter for the Selectmen Lexington to decide but he, personally, was opposed. It is his Center opinion that an undesirable precedent would be establ- ished and he suggested that they contact Mr. Waldron to find out whether or not he would have any objection to the car being parked next to his diner. Mr. Hoyt expre?sed the opinion that the Chief's comments would seem to be enough to warrant the Board denying the request. Mr. Nickerson suggested that the car might be park- ed at the old fire station site or the Barnes property drive. The Chairman agreed to acknowledge the communicat- ion and suggest these two locations as alternates. The Chairman read a letter from Louis W. Bilis, Wire Inspector, with reference to the fire in the Cen- tral Block which occurred on May 20th. Mr. Bills stated Wiring in his letter that the Central Block was originally at Central wired for electric lights and he feels that the circuits Block are now overloaded. Mr. Bills recommended that the' Central Block be made safe and stated it should be re- wired to take care of the electrical appliances now being used in the apartments. The Chairman agreed to discuss this with Mr. Ballard and then take it up with the Town Counsel. At 7:50 P..M. Mr. William G. Potter of the Planning Board met with the Selectmen relative to the option which the Board authorized him to obtain on a parcel of land located on Marrett Road which might be used as a location for a fire station, or to enable the continuation of Downing Road. Mr. Potter said he would like to report that no progress was made. He asked if it was the Board's intention for him to obtain the option as a private in- rtri 1 EXCERPT FROM SELEC TMEN!S MEETING June 19, 1950 Instrument was received, signed by Alexander Palladino and Mary Palladino, with quitclaim covenanting a certain parcel of land shown as lot 3B on a plan entitled "Plan showing Subdivision of Lots 1, 2, 3 and 7 Massachusetts Avenue, Ter- race Development and Proposed Drain Easement, Lex- ington, Mass., Scale 1 in. = 40 ft. Oct. 4, 1949, William M. Burns, Town Engineer". The granted premises are conveyed subject to and with the bene- fit of restrictions of record so far as now in force and applicable and subject to an easement ten feet in width extending across the same as shown on said plan. Mr. Stevens took the original document and left a copy for the Selectments files. dividual. Mr. Nickerson replied in the negative. He said the idea was that Mr. Potter was to approach the owner of the property to see if an option could be obt- ained without telling him what the parcel of land is to be used for. Mr. Potter stated that he asked Mr. Couette, who is also a member of the Planning Board and a real estate agent, to contact the owner and tell him that he had a customer. The owner of the land has evidently discussed it with the individual who owns the adjacent lot. Mr. Potter said it might be well for the town to purchase the two lots. However, the owner of Lot 3 wants S3,000 and the owner of the other lot also wants $3,000. He said he thought it would be better for the town to take the property by eminent domain and let it go at that. He said that the stamp on the deed shows that Mr. Mac- Auley paid $900 for the lot. The Chairman asked if the stamp showed the mortgage and Mr. Potter replied in the negative. The Chairman asked what the property is. assessed for and Mr. Potter replied $900. The Chairman asked if Mr. Potter had any ideas on the subject and he said he thought the Board should wait and obtain permission from the town to take it by eminent domain. He said he does not believe that the town can do business with either one of them at the present time. Mr. Hoyt asked if they were buildable lots and Mr. Potter replied in the negative. Mr. Potter retired at 8:00 P. M., and Mr. Howard Sawyer met with the Board. He was requested to meet with the Board as the re- sult of a complaint received from Mrs. Maude F. March. The Chairman informed him that Mrs. March had advised the Board that Mr. Sawyer is running a taxi from his home and causing her loss of sleep. She is apparently not well and is very much upset. Mr. Sawyer stated that over a month ago he had given Mrs. March, who is his landlady, a notice of intention to move by July 15th. The Chairman asked if it was definite that he would be out by the 15th of July and he replied in the affirm- ative. The Chairman said that Mr. Sawyer's business is all right but Mrs. March's hey ..lth cannot be changed. He asked if the Board could tell her definitely that Mr. Sawyer would be out on or before July 15th. He replied in the affirmative and said that he would be out before that if he can make arrangements. Mr. Sawyer retired at 8:15 P. M. Mr. William Burns, Asst. Sup't. of Public Works, met with the Board. (Mr. DeFoe, Sup't., was unable to attend because of illness). Mr. Burns informed the Board that there were sev- eral representatives from parking meter concerns wait- ing to show the Board their samples. He suggested 229 Purchase of land for town consider- ed Public Carriage License 230 that they be invited in one at a time. Mr. Shaughnessy of the Karpack Automatic Meter met with the Board. He explained that tthe meter is made by the Herschode Hall Clock Co. They have meters in Gardner, Mass., and one third of the meters in the United States. He has sold York Beach; Woodstock, Parking Vermont; salisbury Beach; and Brunswick, Vermont. Meters He explained that his company will train a man here or at the factory. The Chairman inquired as to where the meter was made and Mr. Shaughnessy informed the Board that they are manufactured in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Chairman inquired about the delivery and Mr. Shaughnessy said that they could be installed next week if the town was in a hurry by using meters that they intended to install in New Hampshire. He said the meters are $76.00; 50% goes to the company and 50% to the town until the meters are paid for. The Chairman asked if the price of y$76.00 was installed and Mr. Shaughnessy replied in the affirmative. Mr. Burns asked if they had any difficulty insert- ing coins during the winter. Mr. Shaughnessy replied in the negative and stated t hatthe meter has been built for over twelve years and they have very little trouble. He retired at 8:25 P. M. The representative from the Mi -Co Meter met with the Board. He stated that the Mi -Co is a manual type meter and has the best record of any meter on the mar- ket. They have been installed in Revere, Taunton, Lowell, Andover, and Leominster. This meter has a device which indicated when it is out of control and it is not possible for a motorist to lose his coin. The Chairman inquired as to how often the meter had to be wound and was informed that it never has to be wound. He stated .that he price is $59.00 installed and for each 100 meters purchased the town will be given. three free meters to be used as spares. The company trains the man here or he may be sent to the factory at the company's expense. The Chairman asked about the method of paying. The town keeps 50% of the receipts and send 50% to the factory. A five year guarantee is given with the meters. The Chairman asked what would happen if the town had them installed and then decided they were not sat- isfactory before they were paid for. He said the com- pany would take them away and the town would be given a guarantee in writing. In the event the Board wants to try another meter his company will leave the posts which are equivalent to $8.00. He retired at 8:35 P. M. Mr. Gildea of the Duncan Meter Corporation met with the Board. He explained that his product is a Miller meter, manually operated.iiThey have YYe installed them in compan am madeotwclvetinstallationsain Massachusetts, L 1 231 six in Maine, and four in Connecticut. He stated that the Duncan Meter Corporation is the largest parking meter company in the world, devoted solely to manufact- uring meters. He stated thatthe price of the meter is $72.50 installed, less 3%. Mr. Gildea said this is the only meter in the market that can be timed byonepenny, ten cents or twenty-five cents, from one minute to three hours. If the meter is out of order the coin slot is automatically closed and the flag appears. It can only be out of order for the time it takes the pat- rolman to make his rounds. The meter can be furnished with a sealed box but he does not recommend it because it means added labor. The meters can be furnished in twenty days with a two year guarantee. Mr. Gildea also presented a Automaton meter and explained that this meter was invented especially for his company. The price is $59.50 delivered and installed, Parking time can be one or two hours and the machine does not take slugs. Mr. Burns asked if this type had been installed in Wellesley and Mr. Gildea replied in the affirmative. Mr. Burns asked if they had any trouble. Mr. Gildea ad- mitted thatthey had a lot of trouble. The machine was put on the market in December and installed in Wellesley in Febrauary. He said the Selectmen in Wellesley were told that they might expect some trouble because the meter was new. They were put on the streets and his company kept twp men in the town for a period of four months. They now have 330 meters and average $500 a week. Mr. Burns asked how many violations they have now charged to the meters. Mr. Gildea replied that the service man told him that they have en average of three service calls a day. He retired at 9:00 P. M. Mr. L. J. Creaser met with the Board to discuss the Alfeo Twin Automatic meter. He explained that he is with the American LaFrance Foamite Co. who own the International Meters, Inc. This meter parks two care better than two single meters can park two cars. He explained that the all-over cost is better per meter installation and the maintenance in the future is less both from the collection angle and from a mechanical maintenance angle. They have installations in Albany, New York; Glen Cove, Rhode island; and Stamford, Conn- ecticut. There are two coin boxes furnished with each meter and the coin boxes can be either sealed or not as the Board desires. Mr. Creaser retired at 9:15 P. M. Mr. Burns informed the Board the State requires an 18/ to 20' space. If a dual meter is installed, it is very possible that t he r equirements of the state could not be met. 232 Mr. Hill of the Dual Parking Meter Co. met with the Board. He stated that his is the original meter company. Their first installation was made in 1935 in Oklahoma City and the original meters are still operating. They have been in Cleveland ten years and Providence, R. I., for nine years. His company has made installations in Belmont, Ayer, Melrose, Lynn, Quincy, Dedham, Everett, Allston and Brighton. He explained that the cold weather does not affect the operation of the meter. It is completely automatic and cannot be worked by manipulation. The meter is referred to as a "gear shift" model becuase at no cost to the town it can be changed from a one hour to a two hour meter by the turn of a screw which reverses the dial. The meter is activated on a dime and and gives the customer time. The street side of a meter does not show any time. He stated that the Chiefs of Police believe this is one feature that does control traffic' and pull the cars into spaces. Mr. Hill explained that the clock is a Seth Thomas and the only meter witht he clock enclosed in stainless steel. He explained that it not possible to make a moisture proof meter because if it were air tight steam would collect. He stated that the average maintenance cost over a period of ten years is less than 14 per meter per year. The coin box holds over 200 coins and will go a week or possibly ten days without collection. The Chairman asked if the meter bad to be wound and Mr. Hill replied in the affirmative. He explained that it is an eight d ay .clock. The company likes to see them wound every three days be cause the men will then look at the meter every third day and will be sure that it is operating. The price is $66.00 installed in the street which includes two coin boxes. His company believes in sealed coin boxes. Mr. Hill retired at 9:25 P. M. Mr. Pitts from Rhodes, Inc. met with the Board to discuss the Mark -Time meter. He stated that his company has been in business for eighteen years. Their first installation was in Miflmi, Florida in 1936. His company has over 196,000 post war meter installations in the United States. The meter is a manual type and they have installed them in Waltham, Brockton, Lawrence, Medford, Palmer and Pittsfield. There is a five year guarantee. He stated his company has the largest independent tiring mechanism in the world. They make them for General Ele- ctric and Westinghouse. The company gill furnish two coin boxes with each meter and they are the same type of collection boxes that are used by the Telephone Com- pany. Once the box is removed from the meter it cannot be put back until the seal has been broken. The meter can be made in any combination up to ten hours. With a five yecr guarantee the meter is installed complete for $61.50. With,a one year guarantee the meter is installed complete for $55.50. There is a 5% discount for cash 0-4 1 within sixty days. Mr. Pitts stated that his distributor will make the installations in Lexington free of charge and the town will therefore get a $4.00 credit per meter. He a xplained that the trial period would be six months. Mr. Pitts retired at 9:40 P. M. The Chairman agreed to leave all the proposals in the Selectmen's Desk and the members of the Board are to study them and be prepared to make some definite decision at the next meeting. The Chairman read a letter from Eugene B. Hamilton requesting an abatement of the water betterment assess- ment 493.75) and swere betterment assessment (60.40) levied against Lot 176 Irvington Park. He stated that this particular lot contains less than 3,000 square feet of land and has a frontage of 75' on Ledgelawn Avenue, and is of absolutely no value for building purpose or otherwise. Mr. Burns presented a sketch showing the lot in question with its relation to the surrounding land. He stated that up to date Mr. Hamilton is correct. He can not build a house on this parcel of land. However, there is a lot adjoining this parcel and he understands that there is a scheme in the making whereby some time in the future Mr. Hamilton can purchase this let from Doctor Pious. He would then hpve a lot large enough upon which to erect a house and the sewer and water installations would be of benefit. He stated if Mr. Hamilton should go through with this proposed transaction there is no reason why a house could not be built upon the area. The Chairman asked what the sentiment of the Board is relative to abating the assessments. Mr. Hoyt stated that the piece of property as it stands now has not been benefited. Mr. Nickerson said the question in his mind is has- n't the land been bettered to greeter value fors ales purposes. Mr. Hoyt agreed that it has in connection with other land. The Chairmansaid that considering this parcel by itself it has not been bettered. He said that a letter could be written to Mr. Hamilton advising him that the Board thinks the parcel of land in question has possibli- ties of being used with other land adjacent to it and from that point of view there is a betterment. Mr. Nickerson suggested that the Board convey to Mr. Hamilton that it is the Board's opinion that the land has been bettered. Mr. Emery agreed to answer Mr. Hamilton's request for abatement. Mr. Burns reported upon the request from the Arlington 233 Abatements 234 Gas Main Streets Gas Light Company for permission to install a main'in Hancock Street. Mr. Lengton informed Mr. Burns that it will have to be installed before the people in this area need heat in the fall and winter. The Chairman explained that Mr. DeFoe advised him last Saturday that he was endeavoring to get the Gas Company to guarantee that the street would be resealed. However, he admitted he felt that might be expecting too much. Mr. Burns explained that Mr. DeFoe had found out that it will take two weeks if properly done. Mr. Burns explained that this is not much of a job and it is not a long distance. The company is willing to postpone it until late summer or early fall. It was his opinion that a hot -top would be suffi- cient and although it works better in hot weather it can be done as lete as November. Mr. Burns said if it were left until the traffic on Bedford Street is not being interfered with by the water main it would be all right. The Chairman asked the Board if they wanted to per- mit the company to install the pipe end repair the street by a hot -top method or penetrated basis and leave it to Mr. Burns to work it out. Mr. Burns explained that the people in this area have not sufficient pressure in the winter to heat their homes. It was left to Mr. Burns to contact the Gas Company and tell them that the Sup't.. of Public Works is out but further consideration will be given to the request. The Chairman explained that Mr. Schecter has called him repeatedly about the dust on Ledgelawn, Liberty and adjacent streets. Mr. Burns said that asphalt to remedy the situation will cost about $1,000 and these are all unaccepted streets. He explained that the only preced- ent was when Russo was working in town and the Board authorized the Public Works Department to spray some 45 road oil. He explained that even though kerosene were used it would still cost about $1,000. He stated that the only basis of complaint that these people have is the fact that they are putting a sewer in North Hancock Street. He stated he was there the morning the job started and got the first truck going through any of these streets and stopped it. He stated that the town did not use the streets and particularly did not use them during the construction of the sewer. It was decided to advise Mr. Schecter that the Board is reluctantly forced to deny his request. Mr. Burns a request from Tucker Avenue. on a 40.0 x 80 informed the Board that he has received Mrs. Harding for a sewer lateral on He explained that this women's house is .0 lot and no room for any more cesspools. 235. He explained that the last sewer installation done in this area was Chase Avenue and the shortest distance to reach her house is along Tucker Avenue for a distance Sewer of about 180+, the cost of which will be $1,900. How- Request ever, the work can actually be done for $1,200. Her Tucker share of the cost of the sewer to her lot will be 4955.30 Avenue Mr. Hoyt stated that he believed the Board has only one choice and that is to explain to her what it will cost. Mr. Nickerson suggested that the members of the Board look the situation over and then tell Mrs. Harding v ery plainly what it will cost and ask them what they can afford to pay. It was agreed to have Mr. Burns contact Mrs. Harding and explain the situation to her verbally without committing anyone if possible. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Sherman K. Hardy, registering a complaint at the speed at which sand trucks are going through Lexington and also the excess sand which constantly spills on the streets. Mr. Burns informed the Board that it has been nec- essary to sweep the streets because of thesand that has accumulated from these trucks going through. The Chairman asked if he knew the names of the comp- anies and he replied that scree of them were from the Highland Sand & Gravel pit and some of them may be from the Lexington Sand & Gravel, He explained that the Sel- ectmen can, if they want to, send a letter of complaint to the statet hat the trucks are being overloaded. Mr. Driscoll suggested that a letter` be written to the owners of the trucks before writing to the state. Mr. Emery agreed to write such a letter. Mr. Binns retired at 10:40 P. M. The Lhairman r1ead a letter from the Appropriation Committee advising that a transfer has been made from the Reserve Fund to the Law Department, Special Fees Account, in the amount of $700, and a transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Police Pensions Account of $1,307.58. A letter was received from Eugene Resendorn off - erring $50.00 for Lots 167-168 Cliff Avenue. The un- official committee on tax title property reported that these two lots have no value if themselves and it is just a Question as to how much the Board thinks they are worth to Mr. Resendorn who owns the back property. If he is able to purchase these two lots he will Lien have a street frontage and the committee feels it would be well to get this back into taxation. Mr. Gay moved that the lots be advertised and further consideration be given by the Board at the next meeting. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion and it was so voted. Complaint Transf ers Tax Title Further consideration was given to Mr. A. J. Bachelderâ–ºs 236 offer of $100 for Lot 4 on Mass. Avenue and Mr. Paul A. Hoyte's offer of $100 for Lot 5 on Mass. Avenue. Mr. Nickerson moved that these two individuals be advised that the Board of Selectmen will entertain an offer of $500 for each lot; Mr. Driscoll second- ed the motion and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from the Chief of Police stating that Mr. LaRose, 169 North Street, is willing to serve in the capacity of Second Dog Officer if the Appoint- Board decides to reappoint him. The Chairman reminded ment the Board that this ihdividual had been appointed in March for a trial period of two months at no salary, but he was to receive X25.00 a month for the care of the dogs. Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to appoint Mr. E. M. LaRose, 169 North Street, as Second Dog Officer in the Town of Lex- ington for a period expiring March 31, 1950. The Chairman asked if the Board wanted to continue the order restraining the chow dog owned by Mrs. Eleanor Dog M. Boyle, 3 Curve Street. After considering the matter Restraint it was the feeling of the Board that inasmuch as the hot summer weather is now coming on it might be well to keep the dog restrained until Labor Day. Mr. Emery agreed to so advise Mrs. Boyle. An application was received from Muriel Wilson for Use of permission to use the Conference Room on the evening of Hall June 21st for a meeting of the playground personnel. Mr. Gay moved that the use of the room be granted free of charge. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion and it we.s so voted. Licenses Water Order Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to grant the following licenses: William Viano Countryside Asso. Joseph DeFelice Sunday Movies Sunday Golf 81 Westview St., Peddler (Re- newal) Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to sign the order for the installation of a water main in Golden Avenue: (Water order on file in Selectmen's Office under "Water Orders 1949"). The Clerk informed the Board that inquiries had been made at the Selectmen's Office as to whether or not the offices would be closed on Friday, June 17th, a holiday. Mr. Gay moved that the usual procedure of closing the town offices on the 17th of June be followed. Mr. rj 1 Nickerson seconded the motion and it was so voted. The meeting adjourned at 11:15 P. M. %Y Cr er lectmen 237 Town Office Bldg.