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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1949-10-03373 SELECTMEN'S MEETING October 3, 1949 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room on Monday evening, October 3, 1949. There were present: Chairman Emery, Messr. Gay, Driscoll, Nickerson and Hoyt. The Clerk was also present. At 7:30 P. M. a hearing was declared open upon the Bus application of the Middlesex & Boston Street Railway Co. Hearing and the Lovell Bus Lines for permission to operate buses over Pleasant Street from Massachusetts Avenue, to Water- town Street and over Watertown Street to the Concord Turn- pike. Mr. Fayton, General Manager of the Lovell Bus Company, Mr. Garfield and Mr. Turner of the Middlesex & Boston Street Railway and twelve other individuals were present at the hearing. The Chairman explained that the purpose of the hearing was not primarily to ask citizens living on these streets to vote on which company, if either, should be given the permit, but to determine how they feel about having buses operate over these two streets. He explained that representatives of both companies w ere present and they could probably answer questions about the frequency of the service, etc. The Chairman stated that the Board would prefer not to have a discussion of relative merits and would ask those in favor to speak first, giving their names and addresses. Mrs. George Dolloff, 41 Watertown Street, said that she was very much in favor of having a bus line and felt that the people in this area need the accommodation. She stated that Mr. and Mrs. Eames, 2 Briggs Road and Mr. and Mrs. Johanson, 8 Briggs Road, asked to be recorded in favor of a permit being granted for the operation of buses over Pleasant and Watertown Streets. Mr. A. F. Mason, 46 Watertown Street, stated that he is in favor of having bus service ..through this area and thinks it is badly needed. Mr. Wendell F. Fogg, 10 Hilltop Avenue, explained that up until this year the residents of Hilltop Avenue had three possible ways of getting to Harvard Square. They could go to Lexington Center and take the train; take the M. & B. bus to Arlington Heights and then the street car to Harvard Square, or take the Lovell Bus which is direct to the Heights. He stated at the present time the Lovell Bus Company is operating a line from the Bedford Airport by way of MerrettRoad.; to- Arlington Heights, then over Pleasant Street towards Belmont, down the turnpike to Harvard Square. He stated that most of the traffic on the bus comes from the Marrett Road section. He said that the proposed route over Pleasant Street would be most welcome to the people in his area because of the thine that would be saved. He stated that from his point of view„ and he believed many of his neighbors, he would like very much to have the Board grant a permit to the Lovell Bus Lines. 374 He explained that he has no complaint whatsoever against the Middlesex & Boston as he has always found their service satisfactory and their operators courteous. However, the Lovell Bus Lines, he thought, were willing to put in time and enerby to develop runs. Mr. Arthur J. Brock,4 Watertown Street, wished to berecorded in favor. Mr. Anthony Bonaceto, 6 Watertown Street, wished to be recorded in favor. Mr. Francis F. Scannell, 9 Pleasant Street, stated that he lived very close to Massachusetts Avenue but he wished to be recorded in favor of granting a permit or buses over Pleasant and Watertown Streets. Mr. Walter Wilson, 21 Pleasant Street, stated that he believed everyone on Pleasant Street wanted a bus line and that he and his entire family are very much in favor of a permit being granted. Mr. Clesson Schofield, 7 Pleasant Street, and Mr. Cataldo of Watertown Street, both wished to be recorded in favor. The Chairman stated that he believed both companies would have stops whereever they are allowed. Mr. Turner explained that the bus stops are arranged after a consultation with the Board of Selectmen, the Chief of Police and the Chief of the Fire Department. Generally the bus company places thes tops wherever the town desires them. The Chairman inquired about a situation where there might be a conflict of two bus companies, such as at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Pleasant Street. Mr. Fayton stated that in all fairness to the com- peting company the Lovell Bus Company would ask for a re- striction of 1,000 feet from Massachusetts Avanue on Pleasant Street. His company would not pick up or discharge passengers within 1,000 feet of Massachusetts Avenue and Pleasant Street. Mr. Wilson said that would bring the stop up to the corner of Fern Street and he thought thes top should be at the be- ginning of Pleasant Street. Mr. Lawrence Corcoran, President of the Arlington Heights Improvement Association, stated that if the Middlesex & Boston were to obtain a franchise he would like to know where the buses will stop in the vicinity of Arlmont Village. Mr. Garfield said that the bus wouldstop for the con- venience of the citizens in the area. They may have two or possibly three stops. Mr. Fayton said that the Lovell Bus Line would operate under the same condition. Mr. H. Keenan of Arlington stated that he attended the hearing before the Department of Public Utilities and asked that the Lovell Bus Company be given the privilege of trans- porting from Arimont Village to Harvard Square. He stated that he thought a through route would best service that area. 1 375 The Chairman explained that the Board of Selectmen would like to discuss this further with the Police and Fire Departments and the Planning Board. It did not ap- pear that a decision would be made for three or four weeks. Hearing was declared closed at 7:50 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from the Board of Fire Invitation Engineers inviting the Selectmen to attend a demonstration by the Fire Department to be held on Sunday, October 9th at 2:00 P.M. in observance of Fire Prevention week. Miss Marjorie Pierce met with the Board as a represen- tative of the Lexington Historical Society with reference to obtaining a telephone at the Buckman Tavern. She informed the Board that Mrs. Hess, who now lives in the Tavern, is willing to pay the telephone bills, but because the wires Telephone are underground on Massachusetts Avenue it will inoij.r•eon- Buckman siderable expense for installation. The House Committee Tavern received a figure from a local contractor for digging the trench necessary to lay the cable. She explained that the Telephone Company, because the building is a historical one, and the Company has some interest in the town, have stepped a little out of line and will install the lead cable from the center of the street opposite Clarke Street. They will have to rebuild a manhole, take up the pavement and replace it. Miss Pierce explained that someone, however, will have to dig the trench from this point to the building in which the Telephone Company will supply and lay the cable. Mr. Brucci quoted a price of X100 to dig the trench. Miss Pierce stated that she, personally, thought the figure was excessive. She wanted to know if the Board of Selectmen could assign town labor to do the trench work. The Chairman asked if the Lexington Historical Society has made all arrangements with the Telephone Company so that the only expense incurred by the town would be to dig the trench and fill it in again. Miss Pierce replied in the affirmative. The Chairman explained that the Suptt. of Public Works would be meeting with the Board this evening and the subject would be considered. Miss Pierce retired at 8:05. It was agreed that some arrangement should be made whereby the Department of Public Works could dig the trench from the sidewalk to Buckman Tavern for a telephone cable and refill it after the cableha.e been laid. The Chairman explained that Mr. Lindstrom informed gom- him last Saturday that a complaint had been received to the plaint effect that a business was being conducted at 2 Grant Place. He read a letter from Mr. Lindstrom etating that the property consists of a two-family house and two single car garages. One of the tenements and one of the garages is rented to Gordon Slater whose business is landscaping. Mr. Lindstrom stated in the letter that there is a 1/2 don dump truck parked in the driveway and a gasoline roto -tiller and power saw stored in the garage. There is no sign or other evidenee of a business being conducted. 376 Mr. Gordon Slater met wigh the Board at 8:11 P.M. He said that he understood a complaint had been filed and he would like to know what the violation is. The Chairman read the Building Inspector's report to Mr. Slater. Mr. Slater stated that he has nothing for sale, is not advertising that he is operating from this address, and is using it only as a place to store his equipment. The Chairman asked if the trucks were going in and out frequently. Mr. Slater replied that the truck goes out in the morning and goes back at night. He said he leaves no tools around. The Chairman asked if the trucks were kept in the garage nights. Mr. Slater replied. that he has two trucks. He keeps one in the garage and one outside. Mr. Slater retired at 8:14 P. M. At 8:15 P.M. Mr. Wilbur F. Nylander met with the Board. Mr. Nylander had been invited by the Selectmen to attend this meeting because of the f acg that the Board has W. Nylander been informed that he had some ideas with r eference to cer- re P. Wks. tain projects completed by the town or in the process of Dept. being completed. The Chairman s tated that the members of the Board of Selectmen are not engineering men and d dr not know all the answerfi; neither do the Superintendents know all the answers. He said if Mr. Nylander had any helpful suggestions the Boatd would be delighted to hear them. Mr. Nylanderstated that he has been closely asso- ciated with a couple of projects in town and has made some,,, observations. He said that one thing in general, it does seem to him without question, that the work that the Publci Works Department does with its own force is not up to the general standard of general construction work. It is not up to the standard of the work required by outside contractors. The Chairman asked what work he r eferred to. Mr. Nylander replied that he meant sewers, drainage and laying water pipe. He said that it is not enough to merely dig a hole and lay the peipe. If the work is done incorrectly it results in higher operating costs. He said that he has seen drainage work being done and out of curiosity stopped to see what was going on; that is, he was looking for alignment, proper back fill, cushion, etc. He said that with ref er- ence to the alignment he noticed 30" pipe being laid in Adams Street which was very poorly laid and out of alignment. He said it was thick mud and should have been laid carefully. He said if it was out of alignment for grade he did not know, and if the grade were no better it was not a good job. The Chairman asked if Mr. Nylander thought it was due to lack of "know how" or to carelessness of the men. Mr. Nylander replied that it could be lack of inspection, train- ing or good specifications, or possibly the supervision of the men. He said that every contractor who beings a gang of men into town is forced to do a better job. The Chairman asked if Mr. Nylanderthought that possibly the work was being done toofast. 1 377 Mr. Nylander replied that he thought it could well be caused by the fact that someone is trying to make a good showing with reference to time and cost. Mr. Nylander said that if a job fails within a few years because of the improper alignment, it is neither a good job nor good prac- tice. He stated that to say what type of failure will re- sult in a certain period of time is difficult. He stated int anyone knows a drain or sewer line not laid right will result in the s acrifice of carrying capacity. The Chairman asked if Mr. Nylander were speaking from %ghat he saw with reference to drainage. Mr. Nylander replied both drainage and sewer. The Chairman asked what sewer. Mr. Nylander replied that last year he saw some sewer work in East Lexington but he paid no particular attention to it. The Chairman asked if he were referring to the laterals. Mr. Nylander said he thought it was laterals. The Chairman asked if he knew the names of the streets and Mr. Nylander replied in the negative. The Chairman said that Mr. Nylander spoke of the under cushion. Mr. Nylander stated that under - cushion is very important and if it isn't correct the town does not get point pressure but will get failure from bending or just plain punctures. The Chairman asked if he is referring to Adams Street. Mr. Nylander said that was the last job he noticed which was badly out of line. The Chairman asked if there was any ledge on Adams Street and Mr. Nylander r eplied that he did not notice any. The - Chairman asked if he had anything to say on laying the water mains. Mr. Nylander replied that in general his observations were the ame; however, align - Ment is not as important in water pipe because it is'a pressure conductor. He stated that there would be bending at the joints if the pipe is out of line. He said there again he would say that in connection withwater pipe it is important to give it a cushion. The Chairman asked if he could think of any instance Where water pipe is laid incorrectly. Mr. Nylander said that he could not remember. He said he thought there were many house connections, particularly extensions, and there have been several of those which were not good. He referred to extensions on Sherbourne Road, Castle Road and Moon Hill Road. The Chairman stated that Mr. Nylander has also mentioned Franklin Road. Mr. Nylander stated that something has happened up there and he does not know the answers but to his wry of thinking he understands that Greenough laid a drain line for the Town right down the middle lots owned by Baskin. Mr. Nylander said that he has not seen the pipe but one of Greenough's men told him they laid a 12" pipe, which he understood was laid for the Tonw of Lexington. The Chairman asked what Mr. Nylander's point would be if it were for the Town of Lexington. Mr. Nylander replied 'Nothing". 37.8 The Chairman then asked what his point, would be if it were not the town. Mr. Nylander replied that regardless who did it, it seems to him that it was not the thing to lay a pipe there. He said, in his opinion, the way things are shaping up there all that is necessary is an open channel or a low point so the surface water would drain away. He stated that he thought the condition was being improved by the con- struction of Castle Road which cuts the area in half. Less water will be finding its way to the lgwer portion where the new drain was laid. He said that 1_.t seems as if any work is to be done there the drainage from Meriam Street -should be cut off plus all the other ',things hap- pening. He stated that something should be done to carry it down Franklin Road rather than try to continue to dis- charge it through Baskin's land. The Chairman'said that he remembers the over-all plan is to carry it through Baskin's land out on to Som- erset Road, then down Hayes Avenue, with Baskin, at his own expense, putting in the pipe; then fill in the de- pression in Franklin Road and let the water go to both ends of Franklin Road. In the east end it will go through the drainage system. On the other end it will go down Somerset Road and be picker; up by the present system and save putting in any drain in Franklin Road. The Chairman explained that this was decided after consulting with the Town Engineer and the Superintendent of Public Works. He asked if this answered any questions that Mr. Nylander might have. Mr. Islander replied that it would all depend upon the amount contributed by Mr. Baskin. He said he should think it would be undesirable for Mr. Baskin to have a system of drains going through his land. The Chairman explained that Mr. Bas- kin was very willing. The town has not used any pressure on him at all. Mr. Baskin wanted the drain and said that if the town took care of the ends he would take care of the middle himself. He paid for it; it is his land and his idea. Mr. Nylander stated that this is the part of the picture which he did not have but he can't see that it helps Baskin's case. The Chairman explained that the town will run under- ground a certain number of feet of pipe from Castle Road to meet Baskin's pipe. He explained that the pipe will be buried. Mr. Nylander s tated that as far as Baskin's land is concerned there is till a surface problem. The Chairman asked if there were any catchbasins and Mr. Nylander replied in the affirmative. He said that they are on Castle Road but he is talking about the area between Castle Road and Franklin Road. Hes aid that he could see that ]phis -is to Mr. Baskin's advantage but as far as the town is concerned it is beside the point. The Chairman explained that the town is bound to relieve Mr. Baskin from water from town streets and that is all the town is attempting to do. If the made of handling it suits Mr. Baskin, and it seems to the Board the economical wgy to do it, the Chairman asked if Mr. Nylander wouldn't feel that the Board is reasonably justi- fied. 1 1 379 Mr. Lylander said that he would think so if Mr. Baskin contributed the pipe. He said that his thought was that the amount of pipe laid in Franklin Road would do a much better job and eliminate easements. Mr. Chairman said that Mr. Baskin was very glad to give the easement and it was his idea: He also contributed the pipe. Mr. Nylander asked what happens to the water from Castle Road. The Chairman replied that he did not know the details but would check with the Supt. of Public Works. Mr. Nylander said that it would seem to him that all the water coming down Meriam Street into Franklin Road would have to go back Castel Road. He said that an easement can not go through the middle of the road. It would have to go back Castel Road 150 feet or go down Franklin Road to get a lot line. The Chairman replied that as he recalls, it goes through Franklin Road. The Chairman asked if Mr. Nylander had any other com- ments. He 'said that he could think of no particular instances and in this case he did not have the entire picture at all. He said he is still wondering what was in back of Mr. Baskin.is mind when he thought this one up. He said it does not seem to be to his advantage. Mr. Nickerson said that as he understands it the two catch basins up Franklin Road where the water stands now, are not working properly but are going to be made to work and carry it down to the lot line. Mr. Nylander said that he tried to find some record of those catch basins but it was an old system and he thinks it is filled with roots. He said he thought it was a clay tile 4" line and inadequate Pccording totoday'ss tandards. He said that when the town went into Castle Road with the sewer and water the line was cut twice with trenches and due to its condition no attempt was made to do anything about it. This made the basins inoperable. He said that as far as he is con- cerned it does not seem that the drainage problems of Franklin and Somerset Roads are solved. He stated that the problem of Franklin Road is solved only as far as Castle Road. The Chairman said that by filling in the low spots gravity would take care of the two ends. Mr. Nylander said that he could not recall the grade in Franklin Road but he thought it pitched uniformly. Mr. Hoyt said that he was interested in Mr. Nylander's statements regarding the pipe on Adams Street. Mr. Hoyt stated, without asking Mr. Nylander to answer a question in a critical way, does he think that the supervision should be at the fore- man's level. Mr. Nylander replied that it depends upon the set-up. He stated that ,ith the town organization as eh knows it the re- sults in the field are up to the foreman because anyone at a higher level does not spend his time there. He stated that the technical man is probably the Town Engineer. He should have a good knowledge of specifications and what is going work. It is his job to see that good work is obtained. Then it would be up to him to instruct his men. He said the Superintendent, he would think, would be more of an administrative job. 380 He said that he should think the working foreman, that is the man on the job, should see that the work is done properly. He has to train his men to give him good results and be reasonably sure that he is getting them. The Chairman asked if Mr. Nylander thought the town should give more work out on contract. Mr. Nylander re- plied that it would be hard to say. He said there might be an andvatage on large projects but on the smaller ones he didn't know. He said there are men who will have to be kept busy. Off hand hethought that it might be advisable for the town to let out its larger jobs. He explained that this is a qualified statement but there is a question in his mind as to whether or not the town would get into heavy construction. The Chairman stated that the Selectmen are under pressure by many groups to keep expenses at a minimum and if they can eliminate the contractor's profit without sacrificing quality they try to do it. Mr. Nylander stated that the Board should be able to get the quality. It is not difficult to obtain. He said, however, he supposed there is a question of wages.• He said the Board may, or may not, have considered fully the question of including all costs. He said that many costs may not be properly apportioned and if all the costs are not included the Board has a misleading figure. Mr. Nylander said he might mention the matter of drain- age on Adams Street again. He wondered if that problem could not have been solved more easily by bringing the drainage along by the greenhouses and out through Colony Road. The Chairman explained that the town wanted to pick up the water from the Lidberg farm on the north side of Adams Street. Mr. Nylander stated that it used to go through a•natural channel. He said that the main drain line from the school is not more than 25 feet from the ditch. He said there is one solution which may or may not work. He suggested bring- ing it back where it went in the first place, down to the natural Channel. The Chairman thanked Mr. Nylander for attending the meeting this evening and stated that the Board welcomed criticism that is justified at any time. Mr. Nylander re- tired at 8:55 P. M. The following representatives of the Lexington Allied Veterans' Council met with the Board: Commander Garrity, Messrs. Fitzgerald, Foster, Buckley, Irving, Zitso, Frothing - ham, Bashian and Clifford. The Chairman stated that then the 175th Planning Committee for the 19th of April, 1930, was appointed he wrote to Mr. Fitz- gerald and also to Mr. Garrity that while the Selectmen had not attempted to appoint the committee by organizations they did think that they had appointed a representative of the V. F. W. n He said that the Selectmen felt that there are other consideratio in the preliminary plans more important than organizations. This conclusion was arrived at knowing how the committee was appointed in 1925. CC 1 1 1 He read the list of names of those appointed to the preliminary committee and also the permanent committee in .19th of 1925. He said that there are certain points he would like April to make about this committee which he thought perhaps the Celebration group had not fully realized. One is the difficulty in obtaining a large sum of money by town meeting particularly after the appropriation for a high school has been denied. He said that it did not seem improbable to the Board that there might be some objections to the town spending $20,000 on a celebration. There may be those who think that if the town could not afford a high school it could not afford to spend this money for a celebration. The Board felt that in order to have this amount appropriated it was necessary to have a broad personnel. He explained that he meant by that a committee consisting of people from all over the town and from different walks of life, with the idea of having the town meeting members recognizing the committee as people that they know. He explained that possibly if the town meet- ing members did not know the individuals on the committee they might feel that the program had not been properly pre- pared. He explained that the Selectmen feel that this pro- posed celebration is not particularly a military one. There are other phases to it such as concerts, schools, bands, speakers, etc. He also explained that the committee appointed was not to plan the details but they were to try and list what in their opinion,,was the proper and appropriate num- ber of events to be included. He said he would not try to deny that the Board did intend to have a V. F. W. representative on the committee. Apparently a mistake was made and he off erred his apologies. He explained that Mr. Chamberlin has resigned from the committee and the Board has appointed Robert H. Watt to fill the vacancy. The Chairman stated that he had explained to Mr. Watt that the work of the committee was all done; that a mistake had been made and if he would be willing to serve as a member of the committee, the Board would appreciate it. He informed the group that Mr. Watt had agreed to accept the appointment. Mr. Waldron said that the Council has been carrying on for fifteen years and they have tried to please both the Selectmen and the citizens of the town. He said the group did feel slighted but as a result of the Chairman's explan- ation many questions had been answered. He said that all he wanted was to have the Allied Veterans Council have charge of the parade as they have in the past. The Chairman explained that the special town meeting, to be held in November, would be asked to appoint a committee. He said the Board has not gone any further than that and he could not promise that the Board would recommend that the Allied Veterans Council would have charge of the parade. The committee, when appointed, will be represented on that committee. Comander Garrity stated that regardless of.whether or not his organization is represented, if there is anything that they can do they will be very glad to help. The group retired at 9:15 P. M. Planning Board re: site for Fire sta. 382 The following members of the Planning Board met with the Selectmen: Chairman Cromwell, Messrs. Adams, Johnson, Potter, Ripley, Superintendent DeFoe and Town Engineer • Burns. Mr. Cromwell stated that the parcel of land located on Marrett Road, which the Planning Board has recommended as a site for a future fire station can be purchased for $1,800. The Chairman asked if the Planning Board would carry this on the town meeting floor. Mr. Cromwell replied that the Planning Board will sponsor the article. • Mr. Cromwell referred to Mr. Gustave Larson's offer to purchase land on Hillside Avenue and also his request for water in Oak Street. He explained that the Planning Board, and he believed the Selectmen, did not approve the Hillside Avenue going into'usetts Avenue. This will encourage a lot of trafficgoing down a steep grade to Massachusetts Avenue. The Planning Board talked about the possibility of some other arrangement. Mr. Larson was not receptive at first but at the last meeting a different plan was cema dered to which Mr. Larson agreed. If the. Board of Selectmen agree then it will be a matter of asking the Town Counsel to draw up the papers. Mr. Cromwell presented a plan and explained it to the Board 'hereby Mr. Larson will give the town an easement for water, sewer and travel over a portion of his land. The town will not build a atreet nciw.,• or maybe ever, but if it wants to put in a street it will be ableto do so. The Chairman asked if the street would be constructed under the betterment act and Mr. Cromwell replied in the affirmative. He explained that lots C, D and E as shown on the blueprint owned by Mr. Larson, will be subject to an assessment if the town puts in the road. Mr. Larson will also reserve a strip for a future road on the Taft Avenue side. This might be fore° the purpose of opening up the back land. The Planning Board believes that the first street mentioned is necessary. The:- other. he ,other• part of the deal is that water would be put up Oak Street. Mr. Gay asked if he understood correctly that the't own is to install the water and Mr. Larson will give the town the 8Reement• Mr. Cromwell, replied in'the affirmative. He said that the town will not build a street now, but if and when there is need of a street due to development in that area. Mr. Potter said that the Planning Board gave Mr. Larson to understand t hat the Planning Hoard would do what it could to sell the Selectmen the idea of putting water up Oak Street. Mr. Gay asked if Mr. Larson would give the town the ease- ment if he does or does not get water. Mr. Potter said that Mr. Larson wants the water and for the water he will go through with this proposition. He will give the town one lot on Oak Street.which is worth $1,000. Mr. Potter explained that Mr. Larson will not sign any thing until he is assured of the water. 383 The Chairman asked if the Planning Board had any idea as to what Mr. Larson's attorney was going to in- sist on. Mr. Potter replied that his attorney is agreeable to Mr. Larson giving up the area for a street on .the basis that water is installed in Oak Street. Mr. Nickerson asked if Mr. Larson would expect to be awarded the town lots for a low sum and Mr. Potter informed the Board that this did not enter into the .deal at all. The Chairman asked if Mr. Larson would give the town a ten foot strip all the way up Oak Street. Mr. Potter said, as he recalls it, this was not mentioned in the dis- cussion. The Chairman asked how soon Mr. Larson wanted the water and asked if any time was mentioned. Mr.. Potter replied that the Planning Board did not make any promises or obligate the Board of Selectmen in any way. The Chairman asked if the Board of Selectmen were to tell Mr. Larson that as a result of this lay -out the pros- pect of water on Oak Street looks better, what the next step would be. Mr. Potter said he thought the Town Counsel should be consulted. W. Johnson said that Mr. Larson's lawyer suggested himself that he contact Mr. Lynch. The Chairman asked if the Selectmen could leave this with the Planning Board. Mr. Potter said that it is a Planning Board project with the exception of the water. W. Cromwell said that if the Planning .Board is going to work out any kind of .a deal it should know how far to to with reference to the water. The Chairman said he -did not think there should be anything said in the deal about water. Mr. Cromwell said that if that is the case there would be no deal. W. Witter said that the town has an interest in Hill- side Avenue and the area owned by the town. If the town's problem can be solved he thought the Board would be justified in exchanging something for it. He said he could not imagine anyone being critical. The Chairman asked how.the•Board felt. Mr. Driscoll said he felt the town .should realize something. Mr. Hoyt said. in his opinion the town would be getting an area open which is, of coursg,wh at the Board wants. . The Chairman suggested leaving the solution up to the Town Counsel. Mr. Cromwell asked if the Selectmen were suggesting that the Planning Board convey the information to the Town counsel asking him to make a deal along these lines with the under- standing that there must not be anything in it about w ater in Oak Street. W. Potter said that if the Selectmen do not intend to chane their mainds there is no need of going any further with it. He said that both W. Larson and his attorney, Mr. Peters, want the water. 384 Mr. Nickerson said he thought the Planning Board had done a good job but that the Selectmen will have to think about this for another week before advising the Planning Board to go ahead, because it still involves. spending $10,000 of town money to put the water up Oak Street. The subject of Class A and Class B streets was then discussed. Mr. Cromwell explained that the Planning Board has not gone into this to the final degree but feels it woulii-be desirable to have the town accept Clas B streets. The Chairman asked if there would be any objections. Mr. Cromwell said in certain cases where a particular road would serve not only the abutters by a connecting road or by a through way, the town might require Class A con- struction. Be said that the Planning Board has been think- ing of making some ellanges in the requirements for Class A possibly changing the amount of gravel and hot -top instead of macadam. He a xplained that the Board has not gone into it so far that the members are absolutely :'3old on any .par- ticular change. The Chairman of the Board of Selectmen explained that the Boadd has been subject to pressure by the Liberty -Ledge - lawn group to consider a street less costly than a Grade A. The Selectmen wondered if the Planning Board would run into any difficulty on street programs if the Selectmen change the policy. Mr. Cromwell said that he did not think so. Mr. Potter said that he thought all roads should be built as Class B and any roads the town thinks should be Class A should be constructed from B to A and the expense borne by the town. He said the. Planning Board disucssed this but has not taken any vote on it. Mr. DeFoe stated that a Class A street is more or less permanent and would need very little maintenance. He said that if the B streets as they are today, were to be made more permanent, certainly within two or three years they should be given a mixed- in-placd job. After two years they should b e given a good seal coat, then crushed stone and every four or five years given a seal depending upon the condition. He explained that the maintenance of the B street would be higher than of an A street. The Chairman asked if at the end of twenty years the Grade B would cost as much as a Grade N. Mr. DeFoe said he thought the difference would be negligible-. Mr. Burns stated that one of the objections to macadam roads in a residential area is the fact that they are noisy. He stated thaj< where the town does not build streets with sidewalks it is difficult to walk and it may result in more pressure being put on for the construction ofsidewalks. He explained that on a Type B street, unless it has some kind of a term water will ger under it and unless a very good job had been doe the street is liable to break up. The Chairman asked Mr. Burns if he thought it would be a mistake to build grade B streets in Lexington. Mr. Burns replied in the negative. 1 1 385 Mr. DeFoe also stated that he did not think it would be a mistake. Ir. Couette. arrived at 9:45 P. M. The Chairman said as he understands it the Planning Board can see no difficulty if the Selectmen decide togo into Grads B streets. Mr. Couette said he thought it was very unfair to require the developer to have a type B street and then tell the pur- chaser that he would some time have additional betterments be- cause the streets were not good enough for acceptance. He said he thought the aim should be to have so many streeets paved as possible. He said he thought the reason the town•has not had more paved streets is because of the cost. He also stated -that type A streets are too noisy. Mr. Burns said that a logical outcome of this would be for someone to come in for acceptance of present streets. If the town is going to type B street construction for accept- ance, and if the town gets a development of any size and the streets are going to be constructed under type B, then let the town accept and construct the street under the Betterment Act. The Chairman said that the Board of Survey program would be changed if the town accepted the streets and con- structed them immediately. Mr. Burns replied that he did not mean that the streets. would have to be accepted as soon as they are built. Mr. Cromwell explained that it would not make any change in the operating methods but would make a change in the agree- ments. - Mr. Couette said that it would make more sense to a developer if he knew that he was going to sell his property on a way which would be accepted Shen completed. Mr. Nickerson said that he thought the town whould have a new type of street, not just 12" of gravel with a penetrated surface on top. Then there will be no difficulty and the town will have a just charge in paying for the additional 4". It will lower the cost of any type B streets below what the type A street costs now. Mr. Burns said that the street would be about $3.00 difference and it would be only necessary to have 2" of hot -top. The Chairman asked if a change;•of this type should originate with the Board of Selectmen or the Planning Board. Mr. Cramwell said he did not think the Planning Board felt they should be in on it just for being in on it. If they can be of any help they would be glad to assist in anyway. He said that this matter might be a little premature because the Planning Board does not know the exact difference between a Grade A and a Grade B surface and has not sufficient details to discuss it as intelligently as it should be. He suggested that the Planning Board discuss this subject between themselves and meet with the Selectmen on October 17th. It was so agreed and the Planning Board retired at 10:20 P. M. A 386 Mr. DeFoe requested the Board's signatures on Water water orders for the construction of mains in Hill - Orders crest, Wright, James, Rangeway and Ellis Streets. signed Mr. Hoyt moved that the orders be signed and recorded. Mr. Gay seconded the motion and it was so voted. (These orders are on file in Selectmen's File, 1949, Water Orders".) Mr. DeFoe requested permission to let the side- walk construction out on contract. He explained that the residents on Cherry Street and been promised side - Sidewalks walks a year ago. Mr. Water, at the corner of Hill and Bedford Streets, has requested the construction of a sidewalk. There is also a portion of Muzzey Street to be done and Mr. Tropeano of Vine Brook Road wants a hot - top side walk in front of his property. He explained that there are sufficient funds to construct these but with reference to the Vine Brook Road it has not been the Board's policy to construct isolated sidewalks. Mr. Nickerson suggested that Mr. DeFoe contact Mr. Tropeano and recommend that he try to interest the neighbors in having the sidewalks constructed, Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay= it was voted to authorize the Superintendent to. request bids for sidewalk construction to be opened on Thursday, October 13 th. P. W. Bldg. Mr. DeFoe went over the information previously Watch- submitted to the Board with reference to having a night man watchman at the Public Works Building. No decision was made and he was requested to bring the matter up at the. next meeting. Mr. DeFoe requested a decision on the rate of ate of assessment to be filed against the Ledgelwwn area for 4+ssse.ssment street construction. He said it was agreed that the for Libertyrate of assessment should be the total cost. Mr. Nick- iLedgelawn erson.suggested that Dir. DeFoe w ork up a cost that is 'section just as low as he can possibly figure it. Careful con- sideration was given to this subject and it was finally agreed to use the figuPe of $15.00 a foot as the rate of assessment to be filed against the Liberty-Ledgelawn area for street eonstfuction. Water requests Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that he had received requests for the construction of water mains in Biossor- crest and Webb Streets. He stated that he would write. the petitioners advising them that their request would' be considered when the 1950 budgets w ere discussed. He presented a sketch showing Westview Street and informed the Board that Mr. DeFelice has been requesting waters ince 1947. 1 387_ Mr. Shea, the contractor, on the Bedford Street water job, has agreed to lay this pipe on Westview Street for Water 1.00 a foot. Mr. Driscoll moved that the Superintendent Order be authorized to prepare and send out assessment sheets for the installation of a water main in Westview Street, the order to be prepared for the Board to sign at the next meeting. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that he had received a request for the installation of a street light on Ledge- Street lawn Avenue and it is his recommendation that the request Light be granted. Mr. Hout moved that the request be granted and the installation of a street light on Ledgelawn Avenue approved. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that he would like per- mission to purchases two carloads of salt and that there are about 40 tons to a car. He obtained bids from the International Salt Co., Inc. and also from the Chemical Company, both bids being the same, $12.50 a ton. He e x- plained, however, that he has been purchasing his salt supply from International and would like to continue. Mr. Hoyt moved that the Superintendent be authorized to purchases two car loads of salt from the International Salt Co:, Inc. at the quotation of $12.50 per ton.. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that he believes it will cost approximately $600 to take care of the drainage along the roadway from Woodland Road to the Fiske School. The Chairman explained that this project is a result of a con- versation of the School Committee, School Building Committee and Mr. Burns, Mr. DeFoe and the Chairman. The best price the School could obtain was $1,000 and the School Committee would like to have the town do the work and they will be"re- imbursed. The Board agreed that the Department of Public Works should co-operate with the School Department and auth- orized the Supt. of Public Works to take care of the drain- age. Mr. DeFoe requested permission to purchase 1.2 snow blades and submitted the following bids: Dyer Sales & Machinery Co. $ 650.00 Louis A. Allister Co. 598.00 New England Road Machinery 577.78 He informed the Board that the Myer Sales furnished the recognized material used for blades. Hes tated that their original quotation was $706.00 but he was able to get a lower figure of $650. He recommended that the town continue to pur- chase its supply of blades from Dyer. Drainage Bids 388 Upon motion -of Mr. Hoyt, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to authorize the Supt. of Public Works to purchase 142 snow plow blades from the Dyer Sales & Machinery Co. at the quoted price of $650. The Chairman read a letter from Mrs. Morey Pe- Signs-- questing that the "Go Slow - Children'" signs be checked. Brush She also suggested that the town cut some of the brush along the sides of narrow streets. The Superintendent ioas instructed to confer with the town painter relative to the possibility of repairing the signs. He was also instructed to cut back the brush in the near future, at least on the streets where it is most needed. Notice was received from the Department of Public Utilities stating that a;public hearing will be held on Hearing Thursday, October 20th at ten otoloek on the petition of the Boston & Maine R. R. for the approval of automatic flashing dual light signals at Hancock and Meriam Streets grade crossings. Notice was received from the Department of Public Hearing Utilities stating that a hearing will be held on Wednesday, November 9th at ten o+olock upon the petition of the Board of Selectmen in the matter of the discontinuance by the Boston & Maine R. R. of two weekday round trips between Boston and points on the Lexington Braneh. The Chairman read a letter from the Board of Public Transfer Welfare requesting a transfer of $1,500 to Aid to Dependent Children, Aid and Expenses account. Mr. Hoyt moved that the Appropriation Committee be requested to transfer t he sum of $1,50p from the Reserve Fund to this account. Mr. Gay seconded the motion and it was so voted. The Chairman read a•letter from konald D. Brown with reference to the appointment of Robert H. Watt to the 175th April 19th Anniversary Planning Committee. Mr. Brown stated that it Comm. is his opinion that the committee is automatically discharged with the completion of the report. Mr. Brown did not seem to be in favor hating the name substituted on the report to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Chamberlin. The Chairman agreed to discuss this subject with Mr. Brown before relasing the report for publication. The Chairman read a letter from Donald J. Gillespie, teacher at the Lexington High School, requesting permission to march the Lexington High School band from the school via Massachusetts Avenue and Clarke Street to Parker Field on the dates of home football games. Mr. Gay moved the request be approved, providing the Chief of Police has no objection. Mr. Hoyt seconded the motion and it was so voted. School Banc 1 389 The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Lynch stating that in 1940 the town conveyed a parcel of land on Middle Street to Forrest D. and Ethel D. Litchfield. The Litchfields ap- Sign parently never recorded the deed and they now desire to dis- Deed pose of the property. He enclosed a confirmatory deed and asked that the Board of Selectmen execute it. Mr. Gay moved that the confirmatory deed be signed and returned to the Town Counsel. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion and it was so voted. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr.-Driecoll, it wadi voted to approve the following uses of halls: American Legion November 10th Banquet Free of charge Lexington Allied Veterans November llth Memorial Service " Lexington Firemen's Ben. Assn. December 2d. Ball - $35.00 charge Upon motion of Mr. Bay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it was voted to grant the following licenses: Lexington Theatre Countryside Associates 1794 Mass. Avenue Lowell Street Sunday Movies Sunday Bolt Mr. Nickerson informed the Board that he had received a new estimate for the East Lexington Fire Station based on the quantities taken from the 1945 plans. He said that in 1945 the e stimated cost was $55,000; today's estimate is $93,233. The meeting adjourned at 11:55 P. M. er , Sectmen. Licenses