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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1949-07-11259 SRT.FCTMEN' S MEETING July 11, 1949 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday evening, July llth, 1949. There were present: Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay, Driscoll, Nick- erson and Hoyt: The Clerk was also present. At 7:30 P. M. a hearing was declared open upon the petition of Jerry Cataldo for permission to install one underground tank for the storage of 1,000 gallons Gasoline of gasoline on premises at 59 Bow Street. Mr. Cataldo Hearing and his son were the only persons present at the hearing. Notice of the hearing was read by the Chairman who in- formed the Board that the application had been approved by Roy A. Cook, Chief Engineer. Mr. Gay moved that the license be approved as re- quested. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion and it was so voted. The Cataldos retired at 7:35 P. M. A letter was received from Mr. Daniel A. Lynch, together with a copy of an order of the Department of Public -Utilities, with reference to the railroad gates at Hancock Street. The Department has approved the railroad's request to install auomatic flashing light signals in substitution for gates. It is Mr. Lynch's opinion that the finding is contrary to the evidence introduced at the hearing held on April 25th. The Chairman explained to the Board that he had discussed this with Mr. Lynch and agreed that he should appeal the finding to the Supreme Judicial Court. Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to approve the action of the Chairman and the Town Counsel. A copy of the letter to the Building Inspector from Mr. Lynch was received relative to the case of Harmon el al vs. Lindstrom et al. The Chairman explained to the Board that the house had been put on the market for s ale and the r eal estate agent asked the Building Inspector to make an inspection. As aresult Mr. Lind- strom foudn the house to be unsafe for occupancy. The Town Counsel advised the Building Inspector that a Board must be appointed by the Inspector consisting of a sur- veyor, the head of the Fire Department and one disinter- ested person. The Chairman further explained that he and Mr. Hoyt discussed this matter and appointed Harold Roe- der, Chairman of the Board of Fire Engineers, to serve on the Board mentioned by Mr. Lynch. Mr. Gay moved that the Chairman's action be approved. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion and it was so voted. Railroad gates to be removed. Harmon Building Unsafe for Occupancy Committee to be ap- pointed. 260 Building Inspection Central Block Sign Cary Library Contract Gasoline Hearing A letter was received from Mr. Lynch regarding the over-all wiring conditions in the Central Block. He stated that in his opinion the Building Inspector should make a new survey of the Central Block and following the inspection of the Building Inspector a further inspection should be made by a Board con- sisting of a surveyor, the head of the Fire Department, and one disinterested person. Mr. Bout moved that the Chairman be authorized to notify the Building Inspector in writing that upon advice of the Town Counsel it is the opinion of the Board of Selectmen that the Inspector should make a,.new survey and report to the Board immed- iately. Mr. Gay seconded the motion and it was so voted. It was also decided that Mr. Lindstrom be requested to take the Wire Inspector with him when he makes the survey. Three copies of the contract between the Town of Lexington and the Chandler Construction Company for al- terations to the Cary Memorial Library were received, signed by the contractor. Mr. Driscoll moved that the contracts be signed and mailed to Mr. Lynch for his ap- proval. Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion and it was so voted. At 7:55 P. M. a hearing was declared open upon the application of the Jenney Mfg. Co. upon the petition to increase the capacity of underground tanks for storage of gasoline from 6,000 to 8,000 gallons, and to store 110 gallons of radiator alcohol, 500 gallons of lubricat- ing oil and 200,pounds of lubricating grease. Mr. William A. Gott of Melrose, the enginear for the petitioner, was the only person present at the hearing. He explained that his company has an application to con- struct a new building which will ihclude a two car lubri- torium. It is their intention to demolish the present building. He explained that some of the tanks are now obsolete and they want to remove them before any building is done. The Chairman said he didn't believe the company would want the Board of Selectmen to grant this license to them and then at some later date have their application for a lubritorium refused by the Board of Appeals. Mr. Gott explained that it will not make any differ- ence inasmuch a s the present tanks would have to be taken out any way. They want an additional 2,000 gallons in order to take care of the proper distribution from the bulk plant. Mr. Hoyt asked if they wanted new tanks regardless of what might happen at. a. Board of Appeals hearing and Mr. Gott replied in the affirmative. - - Mr. Nickerson moved that the application of the Jenny Mfg. Co. be approved and license granted. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Gott retired at 8:06 P. M. 1 At 8;07 P. M. a hearing was declared open upon the petition of the Boston Edison Co. for permission to erect or construct three (3) poles on North Street, southeasterly from a point approximately 560 feet southeast of Burlington Street (guy wire and anchor to the first pole). No persons were present in favor or in opposition. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. DeFoe stating that he had suggested that the poles be placed on property lines either 100 or 200 feet apart so that they will not inter- fere with driveways or make an unsightly appearance directly in front of a dwelling. He stated that the Boston Edison Company is taking this under advisement. Mr. Nickerson moved that the lobation be granted subject to arrangements that Mr. DeFoe may make d th the Boston Edison Company. Mr. Gay secnded the motion and it was so voted. At 8:10 P. M. a hearing was declared open upon the petition of the Boston Edison Co., for permission to erect four (4) poles on the Cambridge -Concord Highway, southerly side, and westerly from a point approximately 470 feet west of Blossom Street Extension. No persons appeared in favor or opposed to it. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. DeFoe stating that the location meets with his approval pending approval by the State Department of Public Works. Mr. Hoyt moved that the Chairman be authorized to check on this and report at the next meeting. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion and it was so voted. At 8:00 P. M. Chief Rycroft of the Police Department and the following members of the Board of Fire Engineers met with the Selectmen: Chairman Harold,. Roeder, Deputy Chief Roy A. Cook, George Hynes and Alan Adams. The Chairman read a letter from the Fire Engineers, stating that at a recent meeting of the Board of Engineers which was attended by Chief Rycroft, a discussion was held relative to the radio situation between the Police and Fire Departments. The Engineers req0ested a joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen to discuss this subject. Chief Rycroft explained that the radio at the present time is an AM installed in 1941. He explained that it is his understanding, although he had nothing to do with it at the time, that the radio was good for seven years. He stated that the radio is not out of order and is still being used but it is costing more to use it. He stated that a dis- cussion has been held with the Fire Department and with Mr. DeFoe of the Public Works Department of the possibility of equipping the Fire Department and three cars in the Public Works Department with radio. The Chief stated that he has checked on this and has found out that any municipal depart- ment can be included in the radio and could be used through the Police mediums. 261 Pole Loca- tion Pole Loca- tion Fire and Police De- partments re radio 262 Zld He informed the Board that he has had several well know radio men give demonstrations on FM. He said that he -believes that inasmuch as the present set is starting to detericrate this would be a good time to make a change from AM to FM and also include the Fire Department and the Department of Public Works. He explained, however, that the control station would be in the Police Department as it has been with a remote control in the Fire Department Whereby the Fire Department could take over and broadcast in case of a fire, or if the Chief of the Fire Department wanted to talk with his office.` He said he -believed, personally, that it would be of advantage and.:assistance to the Fire Department. He explained that the men in the Police Deaprtment may not be as familiar with the Fire apparatus and there is a possibility of error in relaying calls. This, he felt, would be eliminated if the calls went direct to Fire Headquarters. -He informed the Board that in his discussion with the Fire Engineers they figured on three two-way radios for the Police Depart- ment, - one in each car and the central station at Police Headquarters. The Fire Department would have one in the ambulance, one in the Chief's car, one in the service wagon and one in the ladder. Mr. DeFoe wants three mobile pieces. This would be primarily for snow removal. He explained that in 1941 the town had the main station and two pieces of two-way radio. The price at that time he thought was $2,400. He -now had tentative prices and all the equipment they want, withr emote control at Fire Head- quarters, will cost between $8,000 and $8,500. The Chief explained that it t akes time to secure a permit through the F. C. C. in Wabhington and, therefore, he is bringing this matter to the Board's attention at this time thinking that it might be presented to town meeting if a special. meeting is held in the fall. The Chief suggested that a committee or three radio technicians be appointed to draw up the specifications as to what will be required when bids are received. He ex- plained that the M. D. C. had a technician from M. I. T. draw up the specifications. Cdr. Hout felt that the suggestion whereby a committee be appointed was a good one. The Chairman said he thought a committee appointed by the Appropriation Committee or Selectmen would carry more weight at a town meeting. Mr. Nickerson suggested that the committee be elim inated as such and that the Selectmen accept the com- bined Board's recommendations that they get technical ad- vice. He said that the Chief and the Engineers should select some advisors and have the specifications written up. The Board agreed. The group retired at 8:35 P. M. and Mr. DeFoe met with the Board. The Chairman read a letter from the Town Accauntant Borrowing relative to borrowing. tar. Walker recommended that the $45,000 sewer construction loan which was authorized October 18 1948, be advertised. He further recommended the borrowing of $'75,000 for water construction, sundry streets. Mr. Hoyt seoonded the motion and it was so voted. Chief Rycroft was invited to return to the meeting for a discussion relative to parking meter locations. The Chairman said that as he recalls a conversation of sometime ago the Police. Department is ready and equipped to enforce parking meters any time they are installed. The Chief replied that he was prepared in so far as manpower is concerned but he thinks much more must be done. He said the parking rules and regulations, particularly with reference to Lexington Center, would have to be changed and parking would have to be included for the side streets. The Chairman asked how much of a job this would be and he said he was not prepared to answer. He maid he would be willing to draw up a draft, submit it to the Town Counsel and the Board of Selectmen. He explained that any changes in the parking rules would have to be submitted to the State Department of Public Works for - ppproval, and that the town would also need a great many more signs. It was agreed that Chief Rycroft and Mr. DeFoe would discuss this matter with Mr. O'Hay of the State Department of Public Works and report at the next meeting of the Board. Chief Rycroft retired at 9:00 P. M. In discnssifag this subject further it was agreed to eliminate parking meters on Grant Street and Clarke Street. They' are to be installed in front of the Post Office, around Depot Square, in front of the Central Block and the Hunt Block and on Meriam Street. The type• of meter to be purchased was then considered. The subject was discussed at some length and upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it was voted to purchase the Parkh0-Meter for the Town of Lexington. Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it was further voted that the Supt. of Public Works be authorized to place an order for between 100 and 125 meters at the quoted price of $61.50 or less, if Mr. DeFoe can arrange a lower price, the order to be placed subject to the company's willingness to sign a oontract approved by the Town Counsel. 263 Parking Meter Locations The Chairman reported to the Board that a Mr. Milne on Manning Street telephoned him about the condition of the street. He explained that the dust is so heavy that they have to keep their windows closed. He asked Mr. DeFoe to obtain a price on calcium chloride. Mr. DeFoe stated that it would cost $486.00 a mile and this would be a very cheap job. The Chairman explained that if the Board agrees to do any Work it will be a radical departure from anything that has been done before. It was decided to take no action. Mr. DeFoe retired at 9:45 P. M. Type of meter to be pur- chase No work on unaccepted street 264 The Chairman read a letter from Eugene B. Hamilton with reference to his request for the abatement of better - Tax went assessments levied against Lot 176 on Ledgelawn Avenue. Betterment Mr. Hamilton stated that he sees no way open for increasing, the area of the lot in question because Doctor Pious, the owner, is asking $1,000 and this is twice the a punt for which lot 175 and 174 were sold. Mr. Nickersonsuggested that Mr. Potter and Mr. Spencer be requested to appraise this parcel of land for the Board and the other members of the Board agreed. Furtherconsideration was given to Mr. Wallace Tax Weisinger's offer of *50.00 for lots 12 and 13, Block 95, Title Park Street. Notice of the offer was inserted in the Property June 30, 1949, issue of the Lexington Minute -Man. No further offers were received as a result of this ad. Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to sell andconvey lots 12 and 13, Block 95, Park St., to Wallace G. Weisinger. A letter was received from Margaret Ivusic with refer - Tax Title ence to her offer to purchase lot 55 Hillside Avenue. The Property Board is still of the opinion that it would not be in the best interests of the town to sell this lot inasmuch as the status of Hillside Avenue is somewhat in doubt. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Edward Bentsen, 27 Farmerest Avenue, stating that Mrs. Fountain's dog is still not restrained. The reports received from the dog Officer stated that Mrs. Fountain's dog is still unlicensed and she claims the needs the dog for protection, and also Dog that she is unable to pay for the license. Officer Russell Complaint told Mrs. Fountain that if the dog was kept restrained, either in the house or tied in .the yard, he would see. that the dog was properly licensed. The Chairman agreed to write the Dog Officer and a sk him to advise the Board as to what was finally done in this matter, particularly with reference to the last paragraph of his letter. A letter was received from Anne B. Conroy on behalf of the Round Table Club of the First Baptist Church requesting Rummage permission to conduct a rummage sale at the Barnes Property Sale on Saturday, October first. Mr. Mout moved the request be granted. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion and it was so voted. A letter was received from the Massachusetts Select- men's Association requesting the Board to appoint a chairman to place coin boxes in the stores of the town for a collection of dunds for the Children's Medical Center Campaign. Mr. Driscoll moved the Chairman check on this and answer the letter as he feels it s hould•be answered. Mr. Gay seconded the motion and it was so voted. 10-4 1 1 265 Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to approve the following licenses: Licenses Fred N. Viano Countryside Associates James.V. Cosgrove Chester D. Ludwig 1794 Mass. Avenue Lowell Street 30 Grove Street 16 Vine Street Sunday Movies Golf Peddler's license (new) (renewal) Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to sign the Grandview water order, a copy of which maybe found in the Selectmen's Files - 1949 - Water Orders. Water Order Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to sign the order for the installation of Sewer Order the sewer lateral in Tarbell Avenue, a copy of which may be found in the Selectmen's Files, - 1949 - Sewer Orders. The Clerk informed the Board that Mr. Howard Nichols' term as a member of the Board of Retirement expired on Appointment July first. Mr. Hoyt moved that Mr. Nichols be reappointed to serve as a member of the Board of Retirement for a Term expiring'July 1, 1952, Mr. Gay seconded the motion and it was so voted. The Chairman informed the Board that he had instructed Mr. DeFoe to advertise for bids for the construction of Colony Road, said bids to be opened in the Selectmen's Bids Office on Monday evening, July 18, 1949, at 5:30 F. M. The next regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen is go be held on July 25th. The meeting adjourned at 10:55 P. M. �e elec en (See Page 265A for Selectmen's Meeting , July 18, 1949)