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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1928-02-14 201 REGULAR MEETING, FEBRU/tRY 14, 1928. A II regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at the Selectmen' s Office at 8 P.M. Messrs. Custance, Ballard, Chamberlain, and. Robertson were present. The Supt. of Public Works and the Clerk pro-tem were also present. Mr. Eliot Hadley came before the Board at 8 P.M. in response to a request of the Board of Selectmen to discuss several matters. The first item which was discussed was in regard to what matters should be published in the local paper, and Mr.Hadley stated that if a letter was received by him signed, he published it in the paper, because he felt that the signature relieved him of any responsibility. But if he received an article which was anonymous, he does not publish same. When asked about the article published in the paper on Feb. 3, 1928 relative to bus service, Mr. Hadley replied that it was a letter signed by the Lexington Civic Association, and he felt that it was his duty to publish it. Mr. Hadley stated that he has not been satisfied with the infor- mation received from the Selectmen and if an article is published in his paper that may not be the corredt opinion of the Board, he is not altogether to blame as he secures information from different .sources. The Chairman stated that the Board is willing to give any information to the Town that is reasonable, but there has not been much news lately to give to the citizens. .dr. Hadley suggested that the Board give him the records of the meeting to look over, but it was felt that they are private records, and that they should not be given to anyone. It II was decided that the Chairman should look over the records and give Mr.Hadley anything he sees fit . Mr. Hadley stated that he had been inquiring from different towns, in regard to publishing the town warrants in the paper as a paid add, and when asked by Mr. Ballard for an estimate of the cost of the March Warrant as a paid add, he replied that it would probably cost between $24.00 arid $25.00. The Board could not see any special advantage in doing this and Mr.Hcdley stated that some people who are not voters may be interested in town affairs . Mr Hadley also said that for the past year the Milk Inspector has not had his monthly reports published in the paper, and he felt that by printing them the milk dealers would try to raise the grade of their milk, and therefor it would be a good thing for the tqwn . It was deciaed to ask Mr. Prentiss why a copy of his monthly report has not been given to Mr. Hadley. The matter of printing the ballots for the Town Election was also brought up by Mr.Hadley„ as ho felt that he had bought the Minute Man, - which was published by C. S. Parker & Son, and he thought that he should do that printing rather than having C. S. Parker & Son do it . ..r. Rob- ertson stated that a special column should be had for any Town notices, such as garage hearings, gasoline hearings, Board of Survey hearings, registration dateqetc. , and they should be published in that column instead of in any corner of the paper. - At 8.30 P.u. Mr. Everett N. Montague came before the Board and presented two finished plans of the Block Plan system, one on the 40' scale and one on the 80' scale. Mr. Montague stated that he could com- plete eleven sheets with the 1500 ppropriated for this purpose. [ 202 those V T1s. Montague was asked if an aerial survey of till: Town would help him in his work, and he replied that he didn' t see how it would as the photographs do not show boundary lines, and the photographs would have to be enlarged before they could be used. The Board requested Mr. 1ontague to give them an estimate of the cost of making a block plan of the entire town. The Fire Engineers, Messrs Buttrick, Hooper, and Taylor, together with the Appropriation Committee came before the Board to discuss the 1928 estimate of the Fire Department. After a rather lengthy discussion the Engineers and the Appropriation Committee adjourned, and the Board took up each item on the estimate sheet separately and de- cided to approve - two more permanent men, but no increase in pay of any permanent men; three call men, but no raise in pay of call men; ten new boxes, $1750; extension of wires, 3500, and purchase of new pump, $12,030. , by the Selectmen provided that the Knox and Kissel engines are sold. The estimate of $4200. for placing fire alarm wires under ground from Meriam Street to the Russell House was discussed, and it was decided not to approve this expenditure until they had further in- formation on the matter. The Supt. of Public Works was requested to get a report from Mr. Louis W. Bills relating to this matter. The following estimate sheets were approved: Village Hall, $780. ; Library Treasurer, $100. ; Accountant, $2700. , salary; Inspector of Plumbing, $1200. , salary, $50. , stationery, Engineering, salary of Assistant Town Engineer, adjusted to ` 39.00 per week, Sewer Con- struction, $19,000. ; Sewer Maintenance, $12,000. ; Vine Brook Drainage, $1500. Mr. Ballard read a letter from Metcalf and Eddy to Mr. Fred- r erick L. Emery in regard to vh t service would be given for the $1500. Mr. Robertson suggested that if the Town bought the swamps that this project is proposed tp drain, he felt it would be more economical than trying to drain that area. It was felt that the Town Engineer should not turn out anything for different boards, and departments until it has been approved by the Supt. of Public Works or Board of Selectmen. In connection with this matter it was deci :ed to bring up fur future discussion. specific instructions regulating the work of the Engineering Department. ir. Ballard made a brief summary of some of the items contained in the Traffic Committee report, and stated that there should be three large lights in front of the Memori l Building. The Board granted permission to the Edison Electric Ill Co. and the B. E Tel & Tel. Company for joint pole location on Meriam Street for two poles beginning at a point approximst,ly 200 feet southeast of Hayes Avenue and running southeasterly. The meeting adjourned at 12: 45 A M. A true record, Attest: Clerk pr tem.