HomeMy WebLinkAbout1949-09-20SELECTMEN'S MEETING
September 20, 1949
A meeting of the Board of Selectmen, adjourned from
Monday evening,,September 19, 1949 to Tuesday evening,
November 20, 1949, was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town
Office Building at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Emery, Messrs.
Gay, Nickerson and Hoyt were present. The Clerk was also
present.
Mr. DeFoe, Superintendent of Public Works, met with
the Board and brought up fthr further discussion the pos-
sibility of installing water mains in Marrett Street,
Marrett Road and Massachusetts Avenue. He presented each
member of the Board with information typed in detail,
giving the names of the abutters, total footage, assess-
ments and percentage of signatures obtained.
He explained to the Board that one side of Marrett
Street is owned by the State and itowas his opinion that
the Town would not be able to assess that portion.
The Chairman asked if this subject had been brought
up particularly by Mrs. Hargrove and Mr. DeFoe replied
in theaffirmative. He said that he would prefer the
Massachusetts Avenue installation from a water works
standpoint.
Mr. Gay said that he did not believe the Board would'
be justified in authorizing the work with such a small
percentage of signatures.
It appeared from the information submitted by Mr.
DeFoe that, to provide water for Mrs. Hargrove, the least
expensive way would be Marrett Road at a cost of $17,150
plus 480' on Massachusetts Avenue at a total cost of ap-
proximately 020,510 with a possible return of only
$4,300, If those individuals who have signed pay their
assessments.
Mr. Hoyt said that from what information has been
presented he does not believe that the Board would be
justified in spending town funds for a project of this
kind.
Mr. Nickerson said that he did not believe the Har -
groves would expect the town to spend $20,000 and collect
between 3,000 and $4,000.
The Chairman agreed to write Mrs. Hargrove and ex-
plain why this seems to be a financial situation which
the. Board does not feel justified in putting on the town.
Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that he has decided hot
to deepen Vine Brook the extra two feet because of the
culvert. He said, with the Board's permission, he would
dig it down only to the depth of the culvert. He explained
that Mr. Ryder has already signed an easement which per -
359
Marrett St.
Marrett Rd.
Mass. Avenue
Water mains
360
mits the town to do the drainage. The Town Counsel
Cleaning suggested that a letter be obtained from Mr. Ryder but
Vine Brook when Mr. DeFoe asked for it he said that the town alreddy
has an easement and he did not think a letter was neces-
sary.
The Board approved Mr. DeFoets request for permis-
sion to clean Vine Brook, in accordance with the Winth-
rop Road agreement. Howcver, the Board wanted it clear-
ly understood that no cleaning is to be done without Mr.
DeFoe first consulting Town Counsel and his advice is
to be strictly followed.
Mr. DeFoe presented eabh member of the Board with
information typed in detail with reference to the Farm -
burst Sewer Project.
The Chairman asked if Mr. DeFoe preferred to have
this work let out by contract or have it done bytown
men. Mr. DeFoe said that he would prefer to have t own
men do it, but would wait a copple of weeks to see how
his work program comes along.
Mr. DeFoe reported that Mr. Palladino stated today
that he is willing to purchase lots 1 and 2 on Massachu-
setts Avenue under any conditions the Board may desire
to make.
It was decided to have Mr. Burns and Mr. DeFoe decide
as to just what arrangement would be for the best interest
of the town. Mr. DeFoe agreed to discuss this with Mr.
Burns and secure approval of the Town Counsel.
Mr. DeFoe said that he would like permission to
purchase -a smow plow to be used on the new truck. He
Snow plow has been given to understand that he c an try a one-way
plow at a cost of y$450 and if it does not prove satisfact-
ory he can return it for a two-way plow at an addition-
al cost of $50.
Mr. Gay moved that Mr. DeFbe's request be granted.
Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. DeFoe presented the members of the Board with
a copy of the proposed rules and regulations pertaining
Parking rulesto parking meters. The subject was discussed at•some
& regulationslength and it was decided to increase the parking limit
from one to two hours, Mr. DeFoe agreed to revise the
regulations and submit them to the Board for further
considerFtion.
Lots 1 & 2
Mass. Ave.
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The Chairman read a noticereceived from the County
Commissioners advising that the Commissioners of the State
Department of Public Works will hold almeeting on October
6 at 10:30 a.m. to discuss highway improvements for the
year 1950. Mr. DeFoe agreed to report to the Board on
this next week.
The Chairman read a letter from the State Department
of Public Works with reference to the Chapter 90 allot-
ment for Waltham Street which was revised to be State
361
$8,000, Town $4,000 and County $4,000. Chapter
Mr. Gay moved that the new signature page covering Waltham
Memorandum of Agreement be signed as requested by the State.
Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. DeFoe retired at 9:25 p.m.
The Chairman informed the Board that a communication
had been received from the Division of Civil Service
stating that the results of the recent examination for
police service have been determined... The provisional
employment of Messrs. Burdick, Martin, Corr and Thompson
mu$t, therefore, beterminated within 14 days fromSept.
15. He explained that the Chief of Police preferred to
take the formal requisition, signed by the Chairman, into
the Division of Civil Service r ather than have it mailed
and therefore the Chairman signed the necessary forms.
Mr. Gay moved that the Board ratify the action of
the Chairman. Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion, and it was
so voted.
The Chairman read a letter from the Lexington His-
torical Society requesting the Board to consider giving
-to that Society the American flag from the Battleship
Lexington.
The Chairman agreed to confer with Mr. Ames, Mr.
Worthen and also the Town Counsel.
Letter was received from the Planning Board re-
commending the purchase of the lot between Outlook Drive
and Marrett Road providing it can be accomplished at a
favorable price. The Planning Board is of the opinion
that this property would be of considerable benefit to
the town with respect to extension of water and sewer
systems as well as facilitating snow removal.
The Chairman was authorized to write the Planning
Board and suggest that Mr. Coutette investigate the pos-
sibility of securing an option on this property.
The Board discussed further the petitions for permits
to operate buses over Pleasant Street from Massachusetts
Avenue to Watertown Street and over Watertown Street to
the Concord Turnpike. It was the opinion of the members
of the Board that no decision whould be made until after
a public hearing, and it was decided to notify the pro-
perty owners in this area that a hearing on this subject
will be held on Monday evening, October 3.
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Ballard reporting
on his progress on the matter of reaching an agreembnt
with Mr. Scott as to the purchase of the Meriam Street
fire house property and the readjustment of the boundaries
of his prpperty. Mr. Ballard renewed his recommendation
that an article be included in the warrant for the next
90
St.
Requisition
for police
Flag from
Battleship
Lexington
Purchase of
lot by town
Buses over
Pleasant &
Watertown
St.
362
Town Meeting authorizing the Selectmen to sell the
Article Meriam Street fire house property.
The Board was in favor of inserting such an article
in the warrant for the Special Town Meeting this fall
and the Chairman agreed to so advise Mr.. Ballard.
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Ballard with
reference to the proposed street between the Boston
Edison Company and the depot. The Chairman agreed to
read the report submitted by Mr. Ballard and leave it
at the Selectmen's Office for the other members of the
Board. The Clerk was instructed to place this item on
the agenda for the next meeting of the Board.
Upon motion by Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay,
it was voted to hold a Special Town Meeting on Monday,
November 14, 1949 and to close the warrant for said
meeting on October 14, 1949..
The meeting adjourned at 11:05 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
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