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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1949-07-25266 Approve loan Memorial Plaque for Gordon D. Richards Approve loan sewer cons. Proposed bus route Lovell Bus lines, Inc. SELECTMEN'S MEETING July 25, 1949 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room on Monday evening, July 25, 1949, at 7:30 P. M. There were present: Chairman ESnery, Messrs. Gay, Driscoll, Nickerson and Hoyt. The Clerk was also present. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it was voted that the action of the Chairman with reference to awarding the bid for 05,000 1 -year water loan to the Merchants National Bank of Boston, be approved and ratified. Mr. Nickerson moved that a plaque of some type befitting the occasion be installed at the Central Fire Station in memoryof Gordon D. Richards. Mr. Gay seconded the motion and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from Mr.. Carroll, Town Treasurer,' with reference to a sewer construc- tion laon in the amount of $45,000.. Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted that the loan be secured through the First National Bank of Boston who submitted a figure of *100.03 at 111%. At 7:40 P. M. Mr. Fayton and Mr. Johnson of the Lovell Bus Lines, Inc. met with the Board of Selectmen. The Chairman explained that the Board would like more information with reference to their application for permission to operate busses from the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Pleasant Street, over Pleasant Street to Watertown Street, over Watertown Street to the intersection of Watertown Street and the Cambridge - Concord Highway. Mr. Fayton informed the Board that the company's main interest is obtaining a route from the Bedford Airport to Harvard Square, Cambridge, for which the company will be granted a permit this week from the Department of Public Utilities. He explained that if the busses go down Pleasant Street and Watertown Street they will be able to piok up passengers at the Arlmont Willage and take them to Harvard Square. He said that naturally they would apply for a permit to pick up passengers along Pleasant Street but that will be up to the D. P. Ul, and how much the Middlesex and Boston objects. He explained that these will be through busses from the Airport to Harvard Square. The Chairman asked if the busses now stopped along Marrett Road. Mr. Fayton stated that they stop all along the way on Marrett Road until they arrive at Follen Road. They now have a stop at Follen Road and Marrett Road. He explained that two companies operating over the same route are not allowed to discharge or pick up passengers within 1000 feet of the competitor's line. He stated that his company will apply for a permit to pick up passengers indiscriminately between the Cambridge -Concord Highway and Massachusetts Avenue. Mr. Driscoll asked how often the busses would run and Mr. Fayton said that they would have an hourly schedule eighteen hours a day in each direction and more if business warranted it. The Chairman asked if Mr. Fayton thought he would secure a permit under the State. Mr. Fayton said he attended. a hearing this afternoon and was assured that the permit would be granted. The Chairman called Mr. Fayton's attention to the fact that Watertown Street and Pleasant Street curved and the visibility is not too good. He explained that there has been a great deal of agitation about school children using the streets, with no sidewall1s, and the town expects to con- struct sidewalks but the work will not be commenced until probably around the first of September. Mr. Gay asked when they would start operating the busses. Mr. Fayton replied that if he obtains a permit from the State they will start running .the busses from the Airport next week. If the Selectmen grant the permit hearing for three weeks. It will be possibly three weeks after that before the State's final approval is received. Mr. Fayton and Mr. Johnson agreed to retire while the Board discussed this request. The Chairman read a letter from the Middlesex and Boston Street Railway Company requesting permission to operate busses from the corner of Bedford Street and Simonds Road via Simonds Road, Burlington Street, Hanii cock Street, Adams Street, Meriam Street, to the corner of Meriam Street and Massachusetts Avenue. From the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Grant Street via Grant Street to the Corner of Grant Street and East Street. From the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Pleasant Street and Watertown Street to the corner of Watertown Street and the Concord Turnpike. The members of the Board felt that they w ould like to discuss this application with representatives of the Middlesex and Boston Street Railway Co. and decided that before taking any action on the Lovell Bus request it 267 M & B request for permit 268 might be well to invite representatives of the M. & B. to meet with the Board. Mr. Nickdrson informed Mr. Payton that further study will have to be made before a definite decision is reached. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Worthen Appoint stating that Richard Michelson has passed an exam - Guide ination for a guide in the Town of Lexington. Mr. Nickerson moved that Richard Michelson'be granted a license to guide within the limits of the Town. Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from Officer Thompson informing the Board that Mrs. Parker, 26 Farmerest Dog Com- Avenue, reported that hereon was bitten by a dog plaint owned by Mrs. Fountain. A letter was written to Mrs. Fountain.on June 2 advising her that the Board of Selectmen had voted that her dog be restrained until further notice. Mr. James T. Parker, 26 Farmcrest Avenue, Mr. Edward Bentsen, 27 Farmcrest Avenue and Mr. Louis J. Visco, 6 Farmcrest Avenue, met with the Board. Mr. #isco informed the Board that. his child was bitten six months ago. Mr. Parker explained that he and these other two gentlemen had come to the meeting this evening because of the Fountain dog. He explained that there had been three individuals bitten in the neighborhood within the past year, and two within the last two months. He explained that the dog, al- though ordered restrained, bit his child and in so far as he is concerned the dog is vicious'and should nbt be at large. He explained that the Fountain family has ignored the restraining order and he wants something done. The Chairman explained that the Board of Selectmen is sympathetic to the situation and had already ordered the dog restrained. The Police Officer was requested to investigate.. Mrs. Fountain claimed that she was a cripple and considered the dog as her protection. He explained, however, that as soon as the Board had re- ceived a report that the d og was not being restrained the police were sent to investigate again but they could not find the dog. When the Board received -the report that the Parker child had been bitten the Police were again requested to go over to Mrs. Fountain. He explained that he has discussed this with the Chief of Police and received a note that the dog has been taken and is now at the dog pound. He explained that this has not been discussed by the Board tonight except as a prelude as to why Mr. PErker and his neighbors were here. The Chairman said that he cantt imagine that the Board would let the d og be taken back to Mrs. Fountain. Mr. Parker said that as long as the dog is not returned to the neighborhood he will be satisfied. 269 The Chairman asked how the other members of the Board felt and they all agreed that the dog should not be returned to the neighborhood. The Chairman asked if those present would be satisfied if the Board made the statement that the dog will not be returend without at least giving them an opportunity to be heard. The group agreed and retired at 8:157P. M. Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted not to authorize the return of the Fountain dog to the neighborhood. The Chairman read a letter from Edith Willard, 66 North Street, referring to several lots on North Streets, Building The Chairman explained to the Board that a Mr. Williams Permit applied for a permit to build a house, part of which North St. would be in Lexington, part of which would be in Burlington, and it raised such questions that the Town Counsel advised that no permit be issued. Mr. Williams applied to the Board of Appeals and was refu$ed. The case then .went to Court. Mr. Williams finally set his house back and buildt in Burlington, the Town of Lexington supplying the water. Mr. Driscoll suggested that the Town Counsel be invited to discuss this matter with the Board of Selectmen, and in the meantime the Chairman was to acknowledge Miss Willard's communication. -A letter was received from Pierre Northrop, copies of'which were sent to the members or the Board, with reference to the condemnation proceedings against the property owned by Harmon at 6 Rowland Avenue. Building The Chairman explained that Mr. Lindstrom discussed Condemned this with him last Saturday morning and advised him that Harold Roeder was on vacation and would not be able to make the inspection on Wednesday, July 27th. The Chair- man said he saw no reason for not granting Judge Northrop's request that further proceedings be held in abeyance until Mr. Lynch returns. The Board agreed and authorized the Chairman to acknowledge Mr. Northrop's letter and advise him that the Building Inspector has been asked to delay furtiler action until after the Town Counsel returns from vacatiOnrand the Bocrd has had an opportunity to consider in detail the subject matter of his letter. • It was decided to defer any decision on Mr. Hamilton's request for the abatement of betterment assessments levied Abatement against Lot 176 having a frontage of /5 feet on Ledgelawn Avenue until after the Board of Appeals decision on August fourth. . At 8:35 P. M. Mr. W. John Baskin met with the Board. The Chairman said as he understands it Mr. Baskin has three or four matters which he watned to discuss with the Board. 270 Baskin re East St. property Baskin re agsessment on Grant Street 1 One of them, he presumed, was Ba'skin's property on East Street. He said, as he recalls it, Mr. Lynch suggested that Mr. Baskin have his attorney contact him. The Chairman asked if this had been done. Mr. Baskin said he told his attorney to get in touch with Mr. Lynch but he has not had any reply. Mr. Baskin agreed to wait until the Town Counsel returns from his vacation and then have his attorney contact him. Mr. Baskin asked if the Board went down and looked over his property on Grant Street. The Chair- man replied in the affirmative. Mr. Baskin inquired ,as to the Board's verdict. The Chairman replied that the Board had reduced the assessment one half. He ex- plained that the Board felt there was one let on Round Hill Road that has definite building appeal for the right person. Mr. Baskin said he meant down where the town stripped the ledge. The Chairman said that the land is still buildable and explained that the Board is supposed to protect the rest of the taxpayers in Lex- ington. He said that the Board would like to reach an equitable basis and wants to be fair. He asked what Mr. Baskin thought would be a fair amount and Mr. Baskin said that he didn't think he should be assessed anything. He said he thought the Board would agree that no one would want to buy the property. The Chairman said that Mr. Baakln has a point of view and the Board of Selectmen has a point of view. The members of the Board have in- spected the property several times, If there is any compromise Mr. Baskin is willing to make the Board will be very glad to listen. He said it would not seem fair to the rest of the taxpayers to abate all the assessments on the land because some daysome one will buy the land and build on it. Mr. Baskin suggested that the Board let the assess- ment go until some one does build on the land. The Chair- man asked if he would sign an agreement to defer the better- ment. Mr. Baskin said he might if he couldn't make any other arrangement. The Chairman said that he wanted Mr. Baskin to understand the statement he had just made. He asked if Mr. Gaskin would be willing to sign a.deferred betterment contract for the amount of money the town now has as betterments assessed against that land. Mr. Baskin said that the other lot should have been cut in half. The Chairman asked if Mr. Baskin would think this aver and let the Board know. He said that they might but he didn't think there wes any one who would buy the property. Mr. Baskin then dismissed the drainage on Franklin Road. The Chairman informed Mr. Baskin that he was in this area this evening and it did not look too bad. He asked what Mr. Baskin wanted the Board to do. 272 A Approved July 25, 1949 PROPOSED CHA:'GES IN PARKING METER LAYOUT 1. It appears that parking meters or one hour parking signs should be considered between the Colonial Garage and Wallis Court on Massa- chusetts Avenue. 2. Change crosswalk at Post Office so that it will be directly in first of the entrance. 3. Grant Street. Suggest no parking on easterly side to end of fence beyond bridge and pzrking meters on the westerly side to the bridge. 4. Depot Square. Check space just beyond Fiske Brothers toward station for additional meters subject to the Engineers determining where the line is. 5. Meriam Street. Suggest meters in southerly side of Meriam Street to Railroad track. No parking other side to Railroad track. G. One hour parking from the northerly end to the bus stop to Hancock Street, starting just beyond Meriam Street and continue to Buck- man Tavern. 7. Clarke Street. Suggest no parking on westerly side from Mass. Ave. to point opposite Raymond Street. Oen hour parking on easterly side starting 30 ft. from corner of Mass. Avenue, to Raymond Street. 8. Muzzey Street. No parking easterly side to Forest. Parking meters westerly side to driveway rear of Trust Company. One hour parking from termination of parking metefs to Raymond Street. 9. Waltham Street. Suggest meters be in position as shown on plans and one hour parking on westerly side from Mass. Avenue to Forest Street and no parking on the easterly side from end of Alvin's Store to Forest Street. He said that the water did not settle here until the sewer was put in. The Chairman explained that last year when Mr. Baskin started dumping material from Castle Road this area started to fill up and it would seem that he contributed somewhat to the condition. The Chairman asked him what he would settle for and Mr. Baskin said it is not his problem to dig up the town streets and re- pair town drainage. The Chairman explained that it is his impression that this might be very expensive. He said that between the town putting in the service requested by Mr. Baskin and the construction of the road by Mr. Baskin, the old drainage system of the Hayes estate may have been disrupted. W. DeFoe met with the Board and presented a sketch showing the Baskin property. He explained that he feels the old drain is all right up to a certain point. From there on a piece of it may have to be replaced. He ex- plained that Mr. Baskin had agreed to let the Town run the drainage into his brook but now he wants the town to follow the lot lines. The Chairman asked how much money would be involved and Mr. DeFoe replied that it would be approximately $950. not going on the lot line and not cleaning the brook. To clear the entire area eliminate all the catch basins, etc., would cost $2,000 or $3,000. Mr. DeFoe said he thought possibly the town should dig up at the corner of Franklin and Castle Roads. The Chairman asked if he thought this would relieve the situation. Mr. DeFoe replied in the affirm- ative. Mr. Baskin said that if the town followed the lot lines he would be willing to give an easement so that the job would be done right. Mr. DeFoe explained that this would be an open ditch but Mr. Baskin said he preferred to have a closed ditch. The Chairman said t hat a closed ditch would run into considerable more money and suggested that Mr. DeFoe prepare detailed estimates as to how much it will cost to follow the lot lines and also the cost of an open not commiting itself to do either job and does not even admit that the town is liable at this moment. Mr. Baskin retired at 9:10 P. M. 271 Baskin re Drainage on Frank- lin Read A communication from the Massachusetts Selectmen's Association with reference to the Children's Medical Center campaign was held over from the last meeting. Mr. Nfekerson reported that he had discussed this subject with Mr. Golden in Arlington, and he understands that Arlington left this up to the Chief of Police. It was decided to refer this to Chief Ryeroft and let him decide where coin boxes will be displayed for contributions. At 9:30 P. M. Mr. Ferguson and Mr. Palladino met with the Board with reference to Mr. Palladino's proposed purchase of three lots of tax title land from the town (Lots 1 and 2 Mass. Ave.,.and 7 Bow Street). Children Medical Center Campaign 272 The Chairman explained to Mr. Ferguson that this whole subject reached the point where the Board felt that it *as more trouble than it was worth and it did not seem possible to reach an agreement that would be satisfactory to Mr. Palladino and to the Town in view of the drainage, etc. The Chairman explained that the Board desires to have tax title property back into taxation but if it involves drainage problems it seemed better to retain the land. Mr. Ferguson explained that Mr. Palladino wants to Tax?Title build his house but the bank does not want to give him Land a mortggge unless he has 20 feet more. All he wanted was one lot. The entrance to Bow Street was suggested by someone at the Town Hall. He explained that the town has built drainage cesspools on Mr. Palladino's land. They are now there with no rights. The Chairman ex- plained that this has been disuussed by the Board several times and suggested that Mr. Ferguson and Mr. Palladino meet with Mr. DeFoe in an endeavor to work out some solution which might be agreeable to both the Town and Mr. Palladino. Mr. Ferguson and Mr. Palladino retired at 9:30 P. M., and Chief Rycroft met with the Board. The Chairman stated' that Mrs. Harold Wheeler had requested permission to place four bridge tables in Lexington Center on Wednesday, August 27th, for the purpose of advertising Blood Donor Day, September 7th. Deny The Chairman asked if the Chief had any objections to Permit granting such a request. He reminded the Board that similar requests have been refused and if it was granted to one group it will have to be granted to all groups. The Chairman asked if he objected because of the point of view of traffic and he said that he was afraid the privilege might be abused. The Chairman asked if the Chief had any objections to the Board stating that granting such a permit did not meet with his approval. He replied in the negative. Mr. DeFoe presented a list of,proposed changes in the parking meter layout, said changes recommended by the Chief and Mr. DeFoe after a Complete study. The changes as recommended were approved as follow•a* Countryside Associates, Inc. Lowell St. SundarGolf Fred N. Viano Mass. Avenue Sunday Movies Daniel P. Curttn 442 Marrett Road Common Victualler n n n n 1! It, Sunday Sales Pnannt PIZ rad 1 Mr. DeFoe told the Board that the meter salesman recommends not having meters less than 21 feet. The state goes for 20 - 21 - 22 feet. The parking meter man claims that the town will run into all linds of difficulty with large cars if the spaces are less than 21 feet. Mr. Nickerson felt that 21 feet was not neces- sary. However, the Chief said he felt the parkers should be given 21 feet in which to park, particularly due to the fact that there would be many women parkers in Lexington Center. ** See Page 273 273 a. b. c. d. e. f. DeFoe re: Reques •r water extension on Request for e in stop Request for Chang for Castle Road. Request con for Colony Propos c anges in parking meter est to purchase truck. oad. s at Adams & Hancock Streets. sewer betterment assessments be awarded ands igned. ut. Mr. DeFoe explained that on the present layout most of the meters will be spaced at 21 feet. It was decided that the spaces be left at 21 feet where they can be, and 20 feet in those arec:s that the Chief of Police and Mr. DeFoe so designate. Chief Rycroft re- tired at 10:15 P. M. A contract in duplicate wes received from the State Department of Public Works for the maintenance of certain roads in Lexington under the provisions 3f Chapter 90. Mr. DeFoe explained that the contract is in order and upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Hickerenn, it was voted to sign and return it to the State. Sign Chapt. 90 contract A letter was received from Oscar R. Carlson with reference to water and sewer betterments levied against his property on Castle Road. Mr. DeFoe presented a sketch Setter - showing the water installation and also showing the property ment owned by Mr. Carlson. He explained that there was water al- ready in Hayes Avenue long before it was installed in Castle Road. Mr. Carlson's lot could be divided into two lots. Mr. DeFoe stated that he thought it would be fair to Mr. Carlson to go on the assumption that he can divide his one large lot into two separate lots and charges him for 100 feet frontage. It was agreed that Mr. DeFoe would contact Mr. Carlson and explain the situation. Mr. DeFoe presented a sketch showing the sewer in- stallation mentioned in Mr. Carlson's letter. He explained that the sewer assessment las figured on an area basis and average, depth happened to be 100 feet. Just because Mr. Carl- son has a long frontage the assessment is large. The Chairman said that this could be discussed the same as the water assessment. In this instance, Mr. Carlson did not pay anything on Hayes Avenue. It was agreed to have Mr. DeFoe explain this to Mr. Carlson at the same time the water betterment assesmsAs is discussed with him. Mr. DeFoe stated that he had received a request for the extension of a water main on Dane Road. He presented a bketch and explained that the petitioner has signed for the extension which is about 312 feet long. 274 Sign Dane Road water order The Chairman said that this is 1949 budget. Mr. DeFoe agreed but and the money. Mr. Nickerson moved approved and the order signed. Mr. and it was so voted. not included in the said he has the pipe that therequest be Gay seconded the motion Mr. DeFoe reported that the State recommended STOP sign that the town have a "STOP" sign on Hancock Street Hancock St.going into Adams Street. The sign going into Adams Street is all right. The town had one at the end of the island stopping traffic from Adams Street going into Han- cock Street and the State objected. Mr. DeFoe wrs in- structedto take this up with the Chief of Police. Award bid and Sign contract for Colony Road Approve purchase of Autocar Legal Sand Trucks Mr. DeFoe requested that the contract for the construction of Colony Road be awarded, Mr. Hoyt moved that the bid submitged by George Brox, Inc. be accepted and the contract awarded to this concern, who was the lowest bidder. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion and it was so voted. The bids were open at a public opening on Monday, July 18th, at 5:30 P. M. Mr. DeFoe was informed that the contract is to be mailed to Mr. Lynch for his signature before it is given to Mr. Brox. Mr. DeFoe presented each member of the Board with a list of eleven bids received for the purchase of one truck. Mr. DeFoe and Mr. Driscoll have gone into this matter thoroughly and both recommended the purchase of an Autocar. The Chairman said he judged Mr. Driscoll felt the Autocar would be worth the difference in price. Mr. Driscoll said that there is no comparison and he does not consider this too heavy for town work. He informed the Board that both the Town of Winchester and Newton have just purchased a larger Autocar. It is a unit which should last for fifteen years. He personally owns one that has gone over 300,000 miles. Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Gay, it. was voted to authorize the Supt. of Public Works to purchase an Autocar truck, model C70D, no trade in, at a net price of $7,518.50. A letter was received from Henry Wise together with five written statements as claims against A. D. Daddierio and also against the Board of Selectmen for unpaid wages. The Clerk was instructed to send a copy of the letter and the claims to the Town Counsel. Mr. DeFoe was instructed to confer with the Chief of Police with reference to the sand trucks%driving through the streets in Lexington, causing the send to spill off. Mr. DeFoe retired at 11:20 P. M. The Chairman read a letter from the Lexington Chamber of Commerce with reference to a "Back to School" campaign. The Clerk was instructed to put this on the agenda for the next meeting. An application was received from the Lexington Field and Garden Club for permission to conduct a meeting in Estabrook Hall on Tuesday morning, November 8th, from 10:00 to 12:30 A. M. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nikcerson, it was voted to approve the application and grant the use of the hall free of charge. Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voged to grant the following licenses: ** See Page 272 The Chairman agreed to check on Thursday of this week and decide at that time whether or not a meeting was to be held next Monday. The meeting was adjourned at 11:50 P. M. 275 Use of hall Licenses