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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1949-08-28313 SELECTMEN'S MEETING August 28, 1949 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room on Monday evening, August 28, 1949, at 7:30 P. M. There were present: Chairman Emery, Messrs. Gay, Nickerson and Hoyt. Mrs. Flaherty, Acting Clerk, was also present. The Chairman read a letter from the Boston & Maine Railroad advising the Board of their intention to elim- inate four trains on account of insufficient patronage. The subject was generally discussed and it was felt that B & M some publicity should be given to this announcement in R. R. the local paper this week. The Chairman agreed to answer the letter and advise the Boston & Maine that such public- ity was being given and that the final reaction of the Board would be based upon the reaction of the public. The Chairman advised the Board it had been brought to his attention that the appointment of the Committee on Town the Advantages and Disadvantages of having a Town Manager Manager, had never been incorporated in the Selectmen's records Committee although the appointments had been made on June 27, 1949. Upon motion of Mr. Hout, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it was voted to approve the action of the Board in appoint- ing the follow ing members as of June 27, 1949: Henry Brask Errol H. Locke Michael Hopkins William Ballard Donald Hathaway The Clerk was instructed to confirm these appointments in a letter to the Town Clerk. An application was read from the Beta Sigma Phi Rummage Sorority for the use of the Barnes Property on September Sale 24th for`arummage sale. Upon motion of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to approve the application but to advise the Sorority that the property would not be open on Friday evening. An application was received from the V. F. W. for the use of. Estabrook Hall and a Conference Room on the even- Use of ings of September 7th and 21st from 8:00 to 11:00 P. M. hall for meetings. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it was voted to approve the application, the use of the hall to be granted free of charge. The Chairman read a letter from the National Citizens' Committee for United Nations Day in reference to a proposal for a celebration on United National Day, Monday, October 24, 1949. The Chairman agreed to contact Mr. William Roger Greeley and request him to advise us as to what he thought U. N. Day 314 would comstitute a proper program for Lexington to on that date. At 7:45 P. M. nineteen residents of Wright and James Streets and Ridgeway Road met with the Board to speak in favor of the petition which they had filed that day for water in these respective streets. The Chairman read the petition which had been signed by every family and was informed that there was a representative of every family present at the meeting. Mrs. Flora Martin, 7 Rangeway Road, said that she had gone around with the petition and everyone had signed it. At the present time several families were out of water. Others have artesian wells and there is no protection in case of a fire. Mr. DeFoe, Supt. of Public Works, arrived at the meeting at 7:50 P. M. Mrs. Coulombe, 23 Rangeway Road, said she Water had been out of water for five days. At that time Request the Fire Department had given her 1,000 gallons. She did not feel that she should continue calling the Fire Department for assistance and at the present time is going down to Winter Street with buckets and carrying the water, which was more than a quarter of a mile. She realizes that her well will not be filled for possibly two months. She cannot ask her neighbors for help for many of them are also carrying water. The Chairman said that the Board was very sympathetic to their cause. He advised them that the Fire Department will continue to fill their wells whenever possible. Mrs.. Coulombe asked if they would come as often as called and the Chairman replied in the affirmative. The Chairman said that water was considered for these streets about two years ago but at that time there was not sufficient response on the part of the residents. However, there was no doubt as to the enthusiasm this evening. He explained that the Town intends to put water in this vicinity late this fall and possibly some relief could be assured. However, he did not know what could be done until the subject was given further study. He asked if they were familiar with the cost of such a project. The general opinion was that they were willing to pay for it if they could have the water and they had been under the impression that it might cott as high as $5.00 per front foot. 1 315 The Chairman explained that the cost was $1.50 a front foot, one half of the cost, in theory, being assumed by the Town, and the other half by the abutter. If the water is put in on more than one street sim- ultaneously the assessment is figured on the anger side. ✓ Mg. Emery asked if these prices were agreeable and the group was unanimous in the opinion that there would be no objection. Mr. Emery explained that he wanted to understand how the betterment was figured so that there would not be unwarranted requests for abatement aftef the bills were sent out. The Chairman asked if anyone wanted to speak a- gainst the petition and there were none. The Chairman asked fi they would be willing to give the Board some time to consider the problem and go over the situation with the Supt. of Public Works to find out if the money is available for the work, and whether or not anything can be done this year. He assured them that they would receive a letter within two weeks stating just what will be done. The Chairman told them to call the Fire De- partment if they needed water and if they encountered any difficulties to contact the Selectmen's Office. The group retired at 8:05 P. M. and Messrs. Jensen and Munch of East Street met with the Board. The Chairman read a petition which had been presented by a group of residents on East Street, re- questing that shade trees be planted in this section. Mr. Jensen explained that they were new resident. of Lexington having purchased new homes on East Street. He said that he was speaking for the petitioners in requesting that, if possible, some trees be planted along the street lines of their properties on East Street between Ridge Road and Lowell Street. He said he hdd been advised to ask the Board if this could be done. The Chairman asked if he was speaking for both sides of the street and he replied in the negative. He said he felt the whole area would benefit by the trees being planted. The Chairman explained that he had been unable to obtain information from the Superintendent of Parks as to just what, if anything, could be done and he would like to consult him before any decision could be r eached. Hee xplained that he did not know if there was sufficient money in the budget to do anything at this time but would be glad to look in- to the matter, and would let him know within a few days. Heasked if this was agreeable to Mr. Jensen and both he and Mr. Munch agreed. They retired at 8:15 P. M. Shade Trees 316 The Chairman asked Mr. DeFoe if he would speak briefly on the petition which had been presented for water this evening. Mr. DeFoe said that he intended to have a survey made and water would be put in as far as Grove Street this fall. It will go over Hillcrest, out Winter to Grove Street. He presented a sketch showing the pro- posed location and also the position of the:streets for which water had been requested. He estimated that the cost for water in Wright, James and Range- way would be approximately $7,600. The Chairman explained that it would be pretty hard to overlook a petition such as presented this evening and asked if the money was available and if the work could be done by possibly delaying for a week or two some other project. Mr. DeFoe said that he was anxious to complete the Bedford Street water job and make the connection but the Board felt that the town was not required to supply the water to the hospital this fall. There was a discussion of the various jobs planned for the balance of the year and of the money available. Mr. DeFoe stated that he would have the money but there was a question of time. The Chairman asked how the other members of the Board felt about approving water for these streets. Mr. finery asked Mr. DeFoe if he thought they should hold up this installation until after the 12" main was completed. Mr. DeFoe said that he could .do Water it sooner and they would get water but he would Request question the fire protection. He said they would get water out of their faucets and after the com- pletion of the other job, or within a few months, the pressure would be greater. He felt that after the demonstration by the group at the meeting this evening that something should be done. He considered it one of the most enthusiastic groups ever request- ing such a service. Mr. Nickerson said he was definitely in favor of inatalljng the water main. The Chairman said that he felt this should be explained to the Appropriation Committee inasmuch as this group of streets was not on the list submitted to them when the Budget was approved. It could also. be explained that some of the work approved was not to be done this year. Mr. DeFoe agreed to look into the matter and let the Board know just what could be done. The Chairman read a letter from Mrs. Hargrove, Water 3058 Massachusetts Avenue, requesting the Board to Massachusettsgive further consideration to the installation of a Avenue water main in this distriot. Mr. DeFoe agreed to .see Mrs. Hargrove and advise her that sufficient signatures had not been obtained from abutters. Foul 1 317 Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to authorizd Mr. Burns to make the nec- Survey ess:/ry survey for the acceptance of Liberty, Ledgelawn,. At.thorized Hamilton and Braemore Terrace. Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to accept the bid of Robert Fawcett & Son, Inc. of $12.49 a ton to supply the coal for the Bid for Cary Memorial and Town Office Building; and to accept Coal the bid of the Lexington Coal Company of $12.48 a ton to supply the coal for the Public Works Building. After a lengthy discussion by Mr. DeFoe with reference to the guard rail on Grove Street it was decided that he should contact the State Department of Public Works and ascertain whether or not he could obtain an exact amount to match the funds available in his account. Chapter 90 Grove Street Mr. DeFoe reported that he had gone over the location on Cedar Street owned by Max H. Straw, who Cedar St. had requested drainage work. He feels that this can Drainage be put over until the spring and the funds included in the 1950 budget. He said he would contact Mr. Straw and explain this to him. The Chairman requested Mr. DeFoe to advise the Town Board as soon as possible whether or not he had any Meeting_ items which might be presented if the Board decided projects it was necessary to call a special town meeting. The Chairman read a letter from Daniel O'Connell, attorney for John Sullivan of 2407 Massachusetts Avenue, in the amount of $225.00 against his property on Paul Revere Road for the installation of a water main. After carefully considering this assessment the Board agreed that this petition should be denied and Mr. O'Connell so advised. Abatement The Chairman read a letter from Daniel O'Connell, attorney for Irma King, 44 Paul Revere Road, requesting an abatement of $187.50., the amount of the betterment ,Abatement assessed against her property as the result of the in- stallation of the water main. Careful consideration was given to the request and the Board agreed this.. abatement should be denied and Mr. O'Connell so advised. Mr. DeFoe retired at 8:10 P. M. At 9:15 P. M. Chief John W. Rycroft of the Police Department met with the Board for a general discussion of his Department. The-Gha4rPA� a i etter.frol Arthur -F$ e, 318 Permit The Chairman read a letter from Arthur B. Pike, 128 Burlington Street, requesting permission to move a small building from his property to another part of his property at 137 Burlington Street. John Shaughnessy of Woburn is to move the building and will furnish a bond. The Clerk was instructed to check this with the Chief of Police and also Mr. Garrity before issuing the permit. The subject of the Sunday Sales License was die - cussed and it was explained that the law governing Sunday these licenses comes under Chapter 136, Section 7 of Sales the General Laws. This law is subject to enforcement License by the Chief of Police Permit The Chiu' of Pol#pe retired at 8:30 P. M. The Chairman read a letter from Joseph L. Bres- nahan requesting permission to conduct a pony ring on Massachusetts Avenue, between #89 and 93, where the fairs and carnivals are usually conducted. A letter was also read from the Chiefof Police recommending a temporary license. After some discussion the Clerk was instructed to check with the Board of Appeals as to the zoning law in this district and whether or not it would be necessary to have a hearing. Mr. Bresnahan appeared before the Board at this time and was advised of this action. A letter received from Henry M. Sanger, 9 Pat- ricia Terrace, Arlington, was read by the Chairman. He complained that there was considerable shooting on the "Whipple Estate" and he asked to have it checked. The Chairman read a letter from the Chief of Police in which he stated that he had checked this report and that this general area is under close ob- Complaint servance and is patrolled more than any other placd in Lexington. He said guns have been taken away from violators in this section but that it is possible that some of the shooting occurs in.Winchester inas- much as the dividing line is at the top of the hill on this Estate. The Chairman agreed to write Mr. Sanger and advise him of this report. The Chairman read a letter from Herbert V. Jones &Company of Kansas City in which a request. Lex. Hist. was made for a historical object from this community Society to be placed in Lexington Court in a housing project in that city. The Chairman agreed to contact the Lexington Historical Society and ask for their sug--.: gestions. Ormi 1 319 A letter was received from Daniel A. Lynch, Town Counsel, recommending the adoption of rules and re- gulations for hawkers and pedlers in the Town of Lex- Legal ington. The Clerk was requested to send a copy to each member and to hold it over for discussion at the next meeting. An offer was recived from Walter Cunha, 139 Reed Street, of $30.00 for lot 3, Block 95, Reed Street. Tax Title The Clerk was instructed to advise Mr. Cunha that the Property Board would entertain an offer of $50.00 for this lot. An offer was received from Anthony Iodice of $150 for the purchases of lots 57, 58 and 59 Morris Street, Lexington. It was agreed that the members of the Board would look at these lots during the week and Tax Title further consideration given the offer at the next meet- Property ings. The Chairman read a letter from the Lovell Bus Lines, Inc. stating their reasons for wanting the pro- posed bus line over Watertown Street. It w as agreed to delay the decision for one week and to advise the Company that they would be advised of the Board's action after September 10th. Upon motion of Mr. it was voted to approve Kenneth Blodgett Countryside Associated Lexington Theatre Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, and sign the following licenses: 269 Bedford St. Sunday Sales Lowell St. Sunday Golf Mass. Ave. Sunday Movies Bus Permit Licenses The Chairman explained that he had a call from Peter Helburn which had been followed up with a letter complaining about the conditions at the Lincoln Street Dump Dump. The Chairman with Mr. burns, had inspected the dump on Saturday and he agreed to acknowledge Mr. Hel- burn's letter advising him that Mr. DeFoe, Sup't of Public Works, will make an investigation. A general discussion was held with reference to the Board of Assessors and the possibility of an article for the warrant if a special t own meeting is called. The Chairman asked the other members of the Board if there were any articles which should be in the warrant for town meeting and after some discussion it was decided to hold this over until the next meeting. The meeting adjourned at 10:50 P. M. Clerk Actitfg Clerk Town Meeting