Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1932-10-18SELECTMENtS MEETING. OCTOBER 18, 1932. A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at the Selectmen's Office, Town Office Building on October 18, 1932 at 7;30 P.M. Messrs, Trask, Custance, Gilcreast, Ferguson and O'Connell were present. The Supt. of Public Works and Clerk were also present. Request was received from the Girl Scouts for the use of Cary Memorial Hall on Dec. 5 and 6th. It was decided Cary Hall to grant them the use of the hall at the same rate charged Girl last year. Scouts. It was voted to grant an Alcohol Permit to the Standard Alcohol Oil Co. of N. Y. for the location at 157 Bedford Street. license. Commitment of sewer charges in the amount of $105.04 Commit - was signed by the Board. ment. The Chairman reported that Mr. Amos Holman of Hill Avenue informed him that he had 100 pigs that had to be Holman inoculated and he asked permission to keep them at John pigs. LAmont's place temporarily. Hb granted Mr. Holman permission to do so feeling that ' Mr. Holman would keep his word. The Board approved that action of the Chairman. The Town Counsel reported that he looked up the title of the Vanderwoude property and found the situation as stated by Judge Northrop d1d did not find any tax title on the property. The Board then considered the question of damages and Vanderwoud abatement of the highway betterment tax on the Vanderwoude case, property and decided not to make any offer of settlement or abatement of the betterment. . In regard to the Meady case the Town Counsel reported having received some valuable• informat ion from Daniel -Gorman Sr. relative to the drainage situation in the vicinity of Mr. Meady's property. He stated that Mr. Meady is claiming that the brook below the pipe is clogged up and that the Town should Meady clean it out. The Town, however, has no right to go on private claim property and therefore there is no liability on the part of the town for not goingrin and cleaning out the brook. Mr. Gorman informed the Town Counsel that the covered pipe was put in by Mr. Palmer the second year after Mr. Palmer came to live in the Meady house. Counsel felt that he should take the dep- osition from Mr. Govman because of his advanced years and poor health and was instructed to do so. ' In regard to the Shea case, Counsel advised that Attorney Shea McLaughlin for the Shea Brothers wanted the town to file case. interrogatories as soon as possible. m Pinewood Street status. Police Dept. In view of the fact that it is the intention of the Board to have a sewer installed in.Pinewobd Street, the Town Counsel was requested to give a ruling on the status of the street. The street was accepted by the Town in 1928 and the order of acceptance was recorded at Cambridge. The Supt. of Public Works put some gravel in on the highway which would constitute an entry. The street, however, was never constructed and no appropriation was made for the construction. Counsel felt that under the circumstances the street should be regarded as a private way and a taking made in the sewer order. Later on the Board should go through the procedure of laying out the street in the same manner that is customary. The Chief of Police came before the Board to.discuss matters pertaining to his department. The Chairitan explained to him that some of the members of the Board felt that the officers on traffic duty in the centre of the Town should stand in the street and not be talking on the side of the road. The Chief stated that he had spoken to the men about this and for the past week they had been attending to duty. It was also claimed that there were seventeen breaks in the Town and no convictions. The Chief stated that there were not as many breaks and owing to the fact that there were only three or four officers on at night it was impossible to get the evidence. Owing to the demands for the services of the officers for protection of the school children diming the day, there could not be any better serviQe at night. He stated that he did not like to change the two officers, namely Lennon and Edward Maguire, owing to the fact that they had been commended for their services at the Hancock and Munroe schools in caring for the children. He would not want to make. a change until Mr. Maguire was through on Jan. 1, 1933. Mr. Gilereast inquired what the police car was doing at the Catholic Club on Waltham Street on Sunday night for about one half hour. He stated that the car was left standing part way into the street so that it was hard to get by. The Chief stated that there -was an"aftident on -Waltham Street but he did not know whether it was at that particular place. Officer Neal was on Bedford Street at 6:30 P.M. that night with the police car as he met him there. Mr. O'Connell inquired who investigated the break at the Cary Library and the Chief stated that Rycrof t did. Asked what Rycroft's duties were, the Chief stated that he was general utility man, reported at six o'clock in the morning, took the other officers place at the desk when they were out. He stated that Officer Knapp ran the motor- cycle and served summons whenever needed. Mr. O'Connell thought that -Officer Knapp spent too much time hanging around Perkins? garage. The Chief, however, felt that Officer Knapp was one of his best officers. Officer Knapp was on duty at this crossing to care for the school children. In regard to the police officer who was on duty while under the influence of liquor, the Chief stated that this officer was penalized and that this offence occurred last fall. Nothing of that nature has occurred since. 1 1 fl '29 Request was received for a street light and gravel on Wachusett Drive from Mrs. Marie Mowat. Light, ' Its decided to insert the article in the Warrant Wachusett asking for the street light. The Supt. of Public Works reported Dr. that when the gravel washes down on to Waltham Street they put it back up on Wachusett Drive. The Board felt that it would be better to carry the gravel away permanently. Letter was received from Frederick A. Tullar requesting the use of Cary Memorial Hall for a boxing match for the Use of American Legion. They desired to know the attitude of the Cary Board relative to holding the match before making any Hall, arrangements for a definite date. The Board informed him that they saw no reason why the boxing match should not be held. Mr. O'Connell reported that he had written a letter relative to the estate of James Callahan, but as yet he had Callahan received no reply. He would bring in the information at a estate. later date. . Mr. V iano presented a new sketch of sign to be erected in front of his theater which instead of being 13 ft. 6 Overhang - inches high, was reduced to ten feet. This sign seemed to Ing be less objectionable than the one previously presented and Sign. the Board voted to grant the permit subject to the approval of the Building Inspector. ' At 8 P.M. hearing was declared open on the application of C. Ross Morash for approval of the Board of Survey plans of his property off Allen Street. The Planning Board had previously reported their approval of the development, and the Town Engineer was present and stated that the plans met with his approval. The Board therefor voted to approve the entire plan of the development and also the plans of the streets. Plans are entitled as follows: "Plan of Allen Street in Lexington Mass., Scale - 1 in. - 40 ft., Oct. 1932, Rowland H. Barnes and Henry F. Beale, Civil Engineers, Newton - Waltham"; Morash, "Plan and Profile of Moreland Avenue in Lexington, Mass. Bd. of Scales: - Hor. 1 in. equal 40 feet, Vert. 1 in. - 4 feet, Survey Oct. 1932, Rowland H. Barnes and Henry F. Beale, Civil Engin- Hearing eers, Newton - Waltham"; "Plan and Profile of Roberts Road, in Lexington, Mass., Scales:- Hor. 1 in - 40 ft., Vert. 1 in. - 4 ft... October 1932, Rowland H. Barnes and Henry F. Beale, Civil Engineers, Newton - Waltham"; "Plan and Profile of Clematis Road in Lexington, Mass., Scales:- Hor. 1 in - 40 ft., Vert. 1 in. - 4 ft., October, 1932, Rowland H. Barnes and Henry F. Beale, Civil Engineers, Newton - Waltham"; "Plan and Profile of Overlook Road, in Lexington., Mass., Scales: - Hor. 1 in - 40 ft., Vert. 1 in. - 4 ft., Oct. 1932, Rowland H. Barnes and Henry F. Beale, Civil Engineers, Newton - Waltham and "Plan and Profile of Bellevue Road in Lexington, Mass., Scales:- Hor. 1 in. - 40 ft., Vert. 1 in. - 4 ft., Oct. 1932, Rowland H. Barnes and Henry F. Beale, Civil Engineers, Newton - Waltham". 30 coon Mr. Morash stated that he would like to have water extended to his property early in the Spring. He did not care for it this Fall. The Supt. of the Water and Sewer Dept. stated that he ' recommended that the 1932 guarantee that would be charged Water to Mr. Morash would amount only to $16, for the year and mAins. that this be abated in order to give the men some work this Fall and that an article should be inserted in the Warrant so that the work could be stared this Fall. He also stated that if the work were done now it would be a saving to Mr. Morash on the cost of the pipe. This arrangement was sat- isfactory to Mr. Morash. The Supt, estimated the cost of constructing an 8 inch water main in Blossom Street to be $3500. Mr. Ross was before the Board in regard to the men who came in complaining that they were laid off, at the last meeting of the Board. Mr. ]Ross explained that the Board agreed to lay off all of these men, and than there was some work to be done on Bedford Street, and he called them back. When the work was done, he laid them off again inasmuch as it was his understanding that they were to be laid off perman- ently. After the meeting when the Board ggreed to lay off these men, he reported to the Chairman that Mr..Galvagno had Water gone to work with the Dept. in 1926 and he was therefore Dept. kept on. The Board also agreed to keep on Cam Cuccinello employees. even though he had been hired since 192$. Mr. OtConnvll felt this worked a hardship on the men inasmuch as they had families to take care of and no income. ' Mr. Ross informed him that they were all good men and he would be glad to hire them back if work was provided for the Department. Mr. Bv= chi was needed for dynamite work on the Bedford Street job and that was why he was kept on, and he needed one other man, and out of this crew he kept Thomas Rudd inasmuch as he had a family to take care of. With the exception of these men, there were no changes in what the Board had agreed to previously. Letter was received from Mr. Ross asking the Board to decide whether or not Mr. Iovino was entitled to a vacation. Mr. Iovino was laid up on account of an accident due to an injury on December 3, 1930 while he was working for the Department. Mr. Iovino was paid compensation for the accident Iovino and he also went before the Industrial Accident Board and vacation, secured additional compensation, giving him a total of $241.35. The actual time he worked was twenty-seven weeks in 1931. The Board discussed the matter and some of the members of the Board expressed the tholzght that this would establish a precedent if he were allowed a vacation for less than thi.;rty-two weeks work. However, the matter was left with the Chairman to communicate with Mr. Ross and get further I information as to the reason of the injury and the matter was laid over for one week. 1 Letter was directed to the Appropriation Committee asking them to transfer the sum of $375, to the moth Dept. Appropri- and $50* to the Town Clerk's Dept. ations. The Chairman took the request to the Committee, who were in session in the conference Room, and they voted to grant the request. Miscellaneous Commitment of water charges in the amount of $460.92 was signed by the Board. Commitment Mr. Custance reported having had a conference with the State Department of Public Works in reference to obtaining a contribution from that department for the construction of Wood Street. He stated that he received a telephone call from them that they would contribute $6000. being a sum similar to that which the County agreed to contribute. Mr. Custance therefore felt that work should be started and that the part of Wood Street already started should be completed, then the excavation and starting of the other work could be done later. Some of the welfare men could do some of the work of cutting wood, excavating the loam and getting the road ready for the gravel. Mr. Custance felt that with the $7000. the Wood town has appropriated and the $12000 contributed by the State Street and County that the street could then be finished to the Bedford line for about $5000 more. Mr. Custancq felt that it would be too late for penetration ' if the weather gets colder and he recommended that the work on the part of the road now started, namely 2700 feet, be completed. It was therefore voted that the work proceed on the building of the road already statted and that work should cease when that part is done,at the present. Notice was received fdom the Mayor of Holyoke in regard 'Gas, to having the gasoline tax returned to cities and towns for tax. a period of two years for the welfare work. The Board decided to lay the matter on the table for one month. The Supt. of Public Works reported in reference to the Outlook surfacing job being done on Downing Road and Outlook Drive, Drive He stated that the job consists of a thin cover of bank gravel and from which the large stones have been removed and a coat of Dawning heavy asphaltic oil applied. There was no excavating except Road where a high bank was removed. At the present time the work is not completed as a thin coat of pea stone is being applied and rolled. The Supt. was asked to make another report. Mr. Gilcreast reported in regard to the application of Catherine Hoye for Old Age Assistance that upon checking up Hoye, with the Lexin ton Co-operative Bank she has already paid in Old Age $1279 leaving 1221 due. They would now charge her only 12 Assist - per month. It was decided to lay the matter on the table ance. for one week until her residence is determined. 32 n out ',Nater, It was voted to instruct the Supt. of Water Dept. to Outlook make the extension of 85 feet. of water pipe in Outlook Drive I Drive. to the house of Mr. L. Colwell. The Supt. of Public Works reported that Mr. B. J. Follen Harrington had been paid $284. for work on the Follen Road job; Rd. wall. Rycroft $84; the Unemployed $1422, making a total of $1786. Mr. Custa nce reported in reference to the Board's request to the County for aid on Woburn Street and Pleasant Street that he was informed'at the State House that it was intended Highways, that contracts be let this fall for work on Concord Avenue. He thought in view of this fact that aid should be requested on Pleasant Street first and that a petition for relocation and specific repairs should be sent to the County. A meeting of the Committee on Fire Station Sites was called at 8:30 P.M. Mr. Hallie C. Blake, Albert H. Burnham John Devine, and Chief Edward W. Taylor were present. Mr. Custance reported that he communicated with five Fire.Chiefs to get their opinion on the plan,tentatively proposed for the Lexington Fire Station. He received a letter from Boston, Woburn, Belmont and Arlington. He did not receive a reply from Waltham, but he received a telephone call from the Chief who stated that he had very little criticism of the plan submitted. The Chief of Boston stated that he thought the plans were fairly good and that the first floor met with his approval. In regard to the second floor, he recommended dormitories for the men. He also recommended a drill tower, and suggested that the new fire stations at South Boston and Chestnut Hill Avenue be viewed. New Fire The Chief of Woburn felt that the plans were very good Station and suggested a tower for drying hose. He recommended single Committee.rooms rather than the dormitory idea. The Chief of Belmont did not recommend single rooms for the privates. These were the only criticisms he had to offer. The Chief of Arlington considered the plan an excellent one. He made some suggestions as to the moving of the watch room to the front corner of the plan in order that the man on watch would be visible to all the operators of the apparatus; also the radiator in this room connected to the small heater that is_used all year round to supply hot water, so that in the Spring and Fall it would not be necessary to start a large heater. He suggested a public toilet: on the first floor; sliding poles on the sides and front. He would place the battery room in the basement and have the instrument room, Supt's. Office, bedroom and fire alarm employees, a separate unit with no connection from the main station except from outside; folding doors between the chief and clerk's office for additional space; no stairways on apparatus floor. He suggested that the gymnasium might be too closely located near the assembly room and library. Single rooms did not appeal to him. He suggested a supply room, some large closets, and locker rooms on the second floor; also that the rear part 1 33 of the building should have a flat roof to allow for lighting• from skylights; also a tower for drying hose, first story of tower to be a smoke house and for storage of drilling appliances, the basement for the air tanks to operate the whistle. He felt that a drill tower in the yard would be imperative for drilling the men. He also suggested that no building should be more than two miles from the fire station to avoid the penalty of increased insurance rates. He also suggested that fire stations could be used as voting places. He did not believe that the building was too elaborate for Lexington inasmuch as we must build for the future. He also suggested following out the old colonial lines on the building to have it in keeping with the historic town. He suggested communicating with Percy Charnock and John Caldwell of the New England Exchange relative to the needs of the town. Chief Taylor reported that the Chief of Waltham liked the single room idea rather than dormitories. The matter of the location of the•building was then discussed by the Board and Mr. Custance suggested that bringing the fire station too far down toward the center of the Town would bring it too near the East Lexington Fire Station and that it should be borne in mind to keep the station within two miles of all buildings. Mr. Custance had sketches of the building located upon various lots mentioned. The Caroline Harrington property was sketched and it was felt that this property was entirely prohibitive owing to the fact that the Ice Company was building up so closely in the rear of the lot. On the Phd]ps property on Bedford Street, there would be sufficient ' land. The Russell House property was also considered. Mr. O'Connell reported a price of $35,000. that he understood this property could be purchased for. The Leary property and the Barnes lot on Mass. Avenue leading back to Fletcher Avenue were also considered. The Chairman reported that the Planning Board felt that the Russell House property should be used for School purloses, but the School De t. did not feel that it should be. Mr. Devine felt that the Committee should recommend the purchase of a site of land at this time even though it were purchased and held for the future. The ownership of the Town property where the Cary Memorial Building is situated was also discussed and Mr. Ferguson suggested that the property of Dr. Barnes, upon which his house was located, might be purchased thereby making an entire unit of Town property that would not be interrupted by stores; then the Leary property being further down would not affect the beauty of the unit if that were for stores.' The Board felt that the prices should be received on the various locations discussed and suggested that Mr. Blake get a price on the Barnes property, Leary property, Valentine, Russell House and Phelps property. It was also suggested that the Chief be required to bring in further studies of the station and he should use every endeavor to decrease the size of the station and thereby ' decrease the price. The present building calls for an area of 12,000 square feet and Mr. Custance felt it should be reduced to at least 10,000 square feet. 34 Mr. Devine felt that in connection with the presentation to the Town of the recommendation for a site, that a plan should be had showing the available commercial property in the business zone and the sites available so that the pictures could be given to the voters, having in mind also the life of the building, the service to the Town, and the appearance of the Town in choosing the site. Mr. Taylor expressed the view'that he has always felt that even though this station is built in Lexington Center, that moving it toward Bedford Street would not eliminate the -necessity of another headquarters of the bungalow type in North Lexington and in the south section of the Town at a' later date. It was felt that the distance between Bedford Street and Mass. Avenue in the vicinity of'Fletcher Avenue was not very great. It was decided to hold another meeting four weeks from tonight.. November 8th. Mr. Trask reported that Mr. Edward Rowse was Chairman of Salaries.the Appropriation Committee and that he had invited the Committee to appear before the Selectmen next Tuesday night and also the School Committee to discuss the matter of salaries before the matter was voted upon at the Town Meeting, The Chairman reported that he had a conference with the officials of the Teachers Association inasmuch as Mr. Smith had objected to the reduction in salaries of the teachers, and they were very much opposed to any reduction in salaries. They would much rather contribute as they are now contributing. Re stated that he found out that it would not make a great deal of difference in the Teachers Retirement, if there was a ten per cent reduction. The Board discussed the matter of reduction of salaries, however, and voted that it was the sense of the Board in discussing the matter at the Town Meeting October 31st, that they recommend a ten per cent reduction to take effect Jan. 1st, 1933 in all salaries of all departments of the Town except the laborers. The Committee discussed the use of the $2000, available for architect's plans and contractorfs bids for the new fire station and felt that at the present time they need not spend Articles more than $500, and the Board therefore felt that an article for should be inserted in the Warrant to transfer the sum of Warrant. $1500.'Eo the excess and Deficiency Account to help out the Welfare Dept. Mr. Custance called attention to the fact that Mr. 77illiam Paxton Paxton is running his car on three town jobs and he felt that car, some adjustments should be made to make him an allowance of. some kind for the use of his car. Mr. Mitchell came before the Board and reported that he had received a telephone call from the Somerville Infirmary that they could not keep Mrs. Georgie Saunders there owing to the fact that she did not obey the rules. He consulted Dr. Hardcastle and he informed him he would go doWS there with him. He stated that they would go•down there and talk with her to see if he could endeavor to have her obey the rules., C 1 35 In regard to William J. Rogerson of Homestead Street, 1 he teported that this was a Somerville case and that the man had spent all his money and was now down to $2.39 in the Lexington Savings Bank and he recommended that he be given -- two days a week work on the Welfare Department. The Board voted to grant two days a week work on the Welfare Department. Mr. Mitchell reported in regard to Arthur Silva, blind boy of Waltham Street, that Dr. Hardeastle also recommended, as did Dr. Harrington, that he be sent to Tewksbury. He reported this, however, to the Commission of the Blind, and they objected to his being sent to Tewksbury and stated that there was a club house at South Boston where he might be boarded at the cost of $7, per week. They would agree to pay $4, a week if the Town Would.pay the other $3. The Board was agreeable to this arrangement if it could be made. Mr. Mitchell also reported that he visited Mars. Williams, mother of Roger Williams, and obtained information that she had only $3, left in the bank. She was paying $15.50 a month to the Lexington Co-operative Bank. She has been a widow for two years. She stated that she did need aid. One son w orks Unem- on the Highway Department and gets $17. a week and he has a ployment wife and four children. The mortgage has been paid at the and bank by Charles. Welfare The Clerk reported that the Williams family owned another cases, house and Mr. Mitchell was requested to get the information about that. It was therefore laid over for one week. He ilso reported that he had received application from Frederick McMillan of 131 Cliffe Avenue and according to the records he found that he had been given groceries in the amount of $11. per week during the winter. He is back in his payments of $20.04 at the Co-operative Bank. He 6tated that according to the State Budget the allowance for the family for food would be $13. alone. It was therefor decided to put him to work for four days per week with Mr. Paxton with instructions that the man,was not to be worked too hard owing to his illness last winter of pnwa.-umonia. In regard to John Thornton, 49 Bowker Street, they reported that they felt this was a Somerville case. There was a ease,of diphtheria in the.family. His housekeeper's son gives $5. per week, and he therefore recommended that the man be given four days a week, and the Board so voted. He also received application from August W.. Carlson Nestainster Avenue. Mr. Carlson and his wife were born in Sweden. There is one child three years old. The family has lived in Lexington for four yeaas. He became 'a citizen in 1931. They have a straight mortgage at the. Cambridge Savings Bank of $4000. on the property. The man has enough to pay his next payment on the house. He has no car and has ordered his telephone disconnected. He recommended that he be given three days and it was so voted. 38 " 29n SEIE CTMEN' S MEETING 004 OCTOBER 25, 1932. It was decided to request the Building Inspector to see Garages, that plans are presented to the Board of all garages for which applications are made at the time of the hearing. A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held at the Selectmen's Office, Town Office Building on October 25, 1932 at 7:30 P.M. Messrs. Trask, Custance, Gilcreast, Ferguson and O'Connell were present. The Supt. of Public Works and the Clerk were also present. Letter was received from Alfred E. Haynes in which he stated that he had leased the lots of land fronting on Hill Street and requested that the water coming from the Haynes street be diverted because it is causing damage to this drain. property. He also stated that the sidewalk job was unsatis- factory. The Board voted to request the Supt. of Public Works to survey the conditions and report to the Board at the next meeting. Wood Statement was received from the State Department of Street. Public Works in which it was stated that they would allot $6,000. for the construction of Wood Street. State State Aid pay roll for the month of September in the Aid. amount of $6.00 was signed by the Board. Grounds- Bill of Edward B. Ballard of $50. for professional Public services in8pfing plan for planting around the Dept. of Works. Public Works a r ceived. The Board approved the bill. Bill of the Town Counsel of $55.25 for services in the Bridge Bridge Street Water guarantee case was approved by the Board. Street. Mr. Jones against whom suit was brought agreed to settle the case rather than go toCourt for a decision. Letter was received from the Dept. of Civil Service stating that they would send the certification of the two persons eligible for the vacancy in the Police Department to Police the Board. Dept, The Chairman stated that he endeavored to make an vacancyo appointment with the Civil Service Commissioner but was unable to do so. He wanted to explain the situation to him. Mr, O'Connell stated that Mr. Pierce, who was eligible on the list., had gone to California, and there was a police record against Mr. Hall, the other person eligible. He would endeavor later to see the Commissioner to talk the matter over, It was decided to request the Building Inspector to see Garages, that plans are presented to the Board of all garages for which applications are made at the time of the hearing. 35 In regard to William J. Rogerson of Homestead Street, he reported that this was a Somerville case and that the man had spent all his money and was now down to $2.39 in the Lexington Savings Bank and he recommended that he be given two days a week work on the Welfare Department. The Board voted to grant two days a week work on the Welfare Department. Mr. Mitchell reported in regard to Arthur Silva, blind boy of Waltham Street, that Dr. Hardcastle also recommended, as did Dr. Harrington, that he be sent to Tewksbury. He reported this, however, to the Commission of the Blind, and they objected to his being sent to Tewksbury and stated that there was a club house at South Boston where he might be boarded at the cost of $7. per week. They would agree to pay $4, a week if the Town Mould pay the other $3. The Board was agreeable to this arrangement if it could be made. Mr. Mitchell also reported that he visited Mrs. Williams, mother of Roger Williams, and obtained information that she had only $3. left in the bank. She was paying $15.50 a month to the Lexington Co-operative Bank. She has been a widow for two years. She stated that she did need aid. One son w orks Unem- on the Highway Department and gets $17. a week and he has a ployment wife and four children. The mortgage has been paid at the and bank by Charles. Welfare The Clerk reported that the Williams family owned another cases. house and Mr. Mitchell was requested to get the information ' about that. It was therefore laid over for one week. He also reported that he had received application from Frederick McMillan of 131 Cliffe Avenue and according to the records he found that he had been given groceries in the amount of $11. per week during the winter. He is back in his payments of $20.04 at the Co-operative Bank. He Atated that according to the State Budget the allowance for the family for food would be $13. alone. It was therefor decided to put him to work for four days per week with Mr. Paxton with instructions that the man was not to be worked too hard owing to his illness last winter of pne-.:umonia. In regard to John Thornton, 49 Bowker Street, they reported that they felt this was a Somerville case. There was a case,of diphtheria in the.family. His housekeeper's scan gives $5. per week, and he therefore recommended that the man be given four days a week, and the Board so voted. He also received application from August W. Carlson 'Nestminster Avenue. Mr. Carlson and his wife were born in Sweden. There is one child three years old. The family has lived in Lexington for four years. He became a citizen in 1931. They have a straight mortgage at the. Cambridge Savings Bank of $4000. on the property. The man has enough to pry ' his next payment on the house. He has no car and has ordered his telephone disconnected. He recommended that he be given three days and it was so voted. 36 rC He received application from Mrs. Edward Harkins, also. 1� She has two girls contributing •$7. per week each and her husband gets $24. a week. There are nine children in the ' family. They have one boy 18 years old that goes to the Bentley School of Accounting. They pay $44, a month to the Bank. It was felt that Mrs. Harkins could apply to the bank for a reduction in her payments and get along in that manner. He reported having received application from Mrs. Paul McDonald, Vine Street, who informed him that her husband was supposed to pay her $12. per week. She is only getting $5. from him, however, Mr. Mitchell had given her some groceries and as yet he was unable to get the legal status of the case as to whether or not she was legally separated. She stated that she had the custody of the children but upon calling the Court house, he was not able to get any information on the case. Mr. OlConnell suggested that he call the Probate Court to obtain the information on the case. No action was t aken. Mr. George Stygles has moved from Arlington to Lexington and is now located at 27 Sylvia Street. He figured an allowance to be $12.80 per week for his family. The Board felt that Mr. Stygles should obtain a reduction in the rent of the house. Mr. Mitch6ll reported that Mr. George Balduf has not as yet found a place to live. ' In regard to Peter Scopa, he reported that he cannot work any more on account of his back. He was receiving Soldierts Relief and was supposed to be paying $25. a month rent for his apartment. Joseph Moretti was being aided on the Welfare. Dept. and was supposed to be paying $20, a month rent. Mrs. Pasquale Moretti stated that she had not received any rent from either of them and intended to put them out. Mr. Mitchell felt that if the Town paid the rent of Peter Scoa in the amount of $22. and of Joseph Moretti in the amount of 18. and gave cash in the amount of $;67. to Scopa and $8. to Moretti 066 food, that the Town should lay Pasquale Moretti off from the payroll. The Board voted to approve this arrangement. Mr. Mitchell reported that he took off the active unemployed and found about 40 unemployed working, representing 130 persons being cared for on a payroll of $300. per week. On the Welfare Dept., the town has approximately 41, represent- ing 160 persons having a Lexington settlement and approximately 19 State cases, representing 75 persons and there are one or two settlements in dp)3t, representing 44 persons, making a total of 68 families and 279 persons. The Welfare costs run to about $2500. a month. The Supt. of Public Works reported that the labor payroll , equalled 29.2 per cent of the expenditures for 1930 and 1931 Labor and for 1932, indlucing October 15th, the labor cost equals Cost 38.6 per cent of the expenditures. He explained that the increase was due to the fact that there was very little ' construction work and several heavy rains during the summer. The weekly report of the Supt. of Public Works was received. The meeting adjourned at 12:15.. A true record, Attest: L Clerk. 37