1929-01-07-STM-MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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230 oessit0 " Some of the proporled extensions are through new streets or in old streets where no water pipes now exist . It is therefore evident that some of this expenditure would come beck to the town in increased valuations and that only a portion can be rightfully charged to Fire Protection . " THE NEW ENGLAND INSURANCE EXCHANGE At this time permit us to offer a word of explanation re - garding the New England Insurance Exchange . The real function of the New England Insurance Exchange is to determine the rates for fire insurance on buildings and contents in any given locality . 'These are determined by a system of grading - See Schedule A . " Rates for devilling properties are established under six grades of protection , " A " , r, B ,t , " C „ , " u„ , t? E,t , "F ,t ; i" A ” being the community having the best type of protection and " F" being very poor or no protection . For specifically rated property , such as stores , manufacturing establishments , etc . , under the analytic system of schedule rating there are ten classes desig - nated from one to ten ( 1 to 10) , 1 being the best protected community ( there are not any first class communities ) and 1D having very poor or no protection . " Lexington has enjoyed " B " classification for dwellings and 5th class for specifically rated property . We have been informed that since 1924 its fire protection was such that our dwellings really belonged in class " C " . Schedule A shows our deficiencies . Of the twenty- six communities to which questionnaires were submitted , seven are in class " C " , the balance in Class " B " : The New England Insurance Exchange in their report have specified that the town in order to remain in class "B " must adopt the following : - 1 - " That the chief engineer devote his entire time to the department ' s service , and that he be held solely responsible for the efficiency and maintenance of the department . F - " That at least four additional full , paid men be appointed immediately , and that eventually tale full paid membership be increased so that the least number on duty at all times will be 20 during the day and 8 during the night . * 3 - "That an automobile combined pump and hose wngon with pump of not less than 750 gallons per minute capacity and equipped with 60 gallons or larger water tank , or a 40 gallon chemical tank be provided for Hose Company No . 1 at East Lexington . The present combination hose wagon be equipped with a turret pipe and transferred to headquarters in place of the present Knox pumping engine . 4 - " That complete fire department rules and regulations be prepared and adopted covering decipline , house rules and other fire department matters ; printed in a form for in- dividual distribution and that they be rigidly, enforced . 5 - " That suitable drilling facilities be provided , preferably including a drill tower , and all members' be regularly drilled in the use of all apparatus and appliances , ,quick • * NOTE : The call force to be retained until such time as the fullpaid strength of companies can be established as given in the table above . Call men should be employed in the town and reside in proximity to station of assignment .