1949-06-06-AC-MIN.pdf - Laserfiche WebLink

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} On Monday evening, May 9, 1949 it was unanimously voted to request the Appropriation Committee to transfer the sum of $ 700. from the Reserve Fund to the Law Department - Special Fees Account. The Selectmen realize that it is early in the year to be requesting a transfer, but you will recall that the budget was not approved as submitted, having been reduced to 01,300. When Mr. Lynch, the Town Counsel, submitted his budget he requested $3,000. and explained that there were legal cases pending on re- quests for tax abatements and cases filed in 1948 which would pro- s bably not be reached until 1949. Up to the present time he has cr represented the Town in court on three of these cases. The Selectmen have also requested the Town Counsel to draft an un- usually large number of easements, the necessity of which was not foreseen when the budget was estimated. Yours very truly, S Hazel J. Murray Clerk - Selectmen. " It was voted to transfer $700. from the Reserve Fund to Law Department - Special Fees Account. The following letter was received from Daniel A. Lynch: "Board of Selectmen May 25, 1949 Town Office Building, Lexington 73, Massachusetts Gentlemen: In reply to your recent inquiry regarding special fees, charged by me in addition to my salary as Town Counsel, please be advised that I have followed very strictly the policy established by my prede- cessor, the late Sydney R. Wrightington, Esq. The salary paid to the Town Counsel has always been regarded as compensation for consultations with and advice given to the various elected and appointed boards and the various department heads of the Town; examination and advice regarding amendments to Zoning, Plumbing, and Building By-laws and Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health and Board of Cemetery Commissioners; opinions on questions of law sub- mitted both orally and in writing and the preparation of the Warrants, Votes and advice given prior to, at and subsequent to all Annual and Special Town Meetings. The special fees are charged for preparing deeds; representing the Town in all litigated or controversial matters initiated by or against the Town; and representing the town in all matters in Court and before Administrative Board and at hearings before Legislative Committees. It is obviously impossible to anticipate the volume of litigated or controversial matters that may arise during any particular year, but the Appropriation Committee can be assured of my willingness to co- operate with them in any way that will be of assistance in their budget problems.