HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973-11-05-AC-MIN.pdf 33
APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE
DATE: November 5, 1973
TIME: 8 : 00 P.M.
PLACE: Town Office Building
PRESENT: Edward E. Furash, Chairman, Jack L. Mitchell,
Vice Chairman, Donald B. White, Vice Chairman,
Arthur T. Bernier, J. H. Blaisdell, Howard L.
Levingston, Richard M. Perry, Comptroller
OBSERVER: Marjorie Daggett - League of Women Voters
I . DISCUSSION
a. Chairman Furash announced that the purpose of the
meeting with the Board of Selectmen was to hear
Chief Corr's 1974 presentation.
b. It was stated by the Chairman that "Town Meeting"
will be set for four weeks after the date of election.
c . A reminder was made that the "Mock Town Meeting" will
be Thursday, November 15, 1973. This will be devoted
entirely to the Bicentennial.
d. Don White gave a brief rundown on the present status
of the School Committee. He mentioned the fact that
some staff must be taken out of present budget.
II . POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESENTATION
Chief Corr stated that for the last 20 years it has been
difficult hiring personnel for many reasons -- lack of interest;
poor salaries to name a few. Until 1966, it was necessary to
be a resident of Lexington in order to be hired for police work,
this no longer is a requisite , i.e. , in 1967 nine were hired
from Somerville .
The following is a brief rundown of Chief Corr's Presentation:
a. Investigations - complaints; this would be when a
call from a resident comes in and an officer is sent
to investigate.
1962-3500
1972-8000
b. Serious Offenses - automobile, housebreaks, larceny, rape .
1961- 361
1973- 1121
c. Arrests - summonses
1950- 500
1973-7000
d. Fines - most of this goes to the County.
1955- 4,000
1972-65,000
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e. Housebreaks
1961-100 up over 200%
1972-350
f. Auto Theft
1961- 40 up over 300
1972-120
g. Property - Stolen
1962- 50,000
1972-500,000
Property - Recovered
1962- 25,000
1972-200,000
h. Accidents
1973-1,100
i. Police Officers
1957-1967 - 36 police
1966-1967 - 9 men were added
1967-1973 - 1 man added
The Police Force is divided as follows;
1 Command officer
1 desk officer
4 center officers
4-1 man cruisers
1-2 man cruiser
1 patrol supervisor
1 detective
1 dispatcher
Civilian Positions:
4 clerical
2 dispatchers
1 mechanic
6 police cadets
Chief Corr stated that he needs 5 additional personnel to
effectively enforce the aboveplan. "I would like to see
the Cadet Program expanded, however, the additional help
is to be given top priority" quoted the Chief. A copy
of the actual daily schedule was presented to the Committee
for their review.
j. Projected Estimate:
1973 population - 33,000
1990 - 48,000
Police Officers - 1973 - 51
Recommend 1974 - 56
Estimated - 1990 - 65
Selectman Kenney asked the Chief to briefly give his views
on 18 year olds drinking and the drug incidents in Lexington:
"As for the 18 year olds drinking, the rate of
accidents as a result of this has greatly risen"
stated the Chief. The drug situation statistics are
from 39 cases in 1968-69 to 73 cases in 1972-73.
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III. VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
Mr. Glennon, Veterans Agent appeared befoge the Board
of Selectmen with blueprints of the new plaque to be
displayed hopefully at the base of the flagpole in
front of Carey Hall. $750 has been appropriated for
this expenditure.
Upon motions duly made and seconded EXECUTIVE SESSION
was VOTED at 9:15 P.M.
C.„1 The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 12, 1973
at 7:30 P.M.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted.
Elizabeth M. Flynn/mo'b
Secretary