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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1933-03-14 200 c, SELECTMEN 'S MEETING 00,4 MARCH 14, 1933. 1 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, at 7:30 P.M. Messrs. Trask, Gilcreast, Ferguson, O'Connell and Lyons were present. The Supt. of Public Works and Miss Elinor Moakley were also present. Mr. Lawrence G. Mitchell, Agent of the Board of Public Welfare, came before the Board relative to welfare and unemployment relief cases. He stated that he received application for unemployment relief from Patrick MacKino of 540 Middle Street. He was given three days on unemployment relief last year. He has Meaino had his co-operative-bank payments on the mortgage suspended, case. and now pays $17. per month. He has a wife and three children. His wife has been working to help the family, but has no work now. Mr. Mitchell stated that he had talked to people who knew the family, and they considered this a worthy case. He recommended that he be given three days work a week, and it was so voted. In regard to the application of John Keneally, he stated that he had called twice to zee him but no one was Keneally home. However, he talked with Mr. George Smith in regard case to Mr. Keneally's paper route and he was informed thathe delivers 400 papers for which he gets a cent apiece. He understood that he had no car, but hires a car from the woman he boards with. He owes ' :4. for the board of himself and his daughter. Mr. O'Connell requested that Mr. Mitchell investigate and report to the Board whether or not the ear he now hires is the same car he owned last year. In regard to Patrick McDonnell, now getting four days a week on Unemployment Relief, Mr. Mitchell informed the McDonnell Board that he is now applying for Soldiers Relief. He has a mortgage in the Woburn Co-operative Bank and pays $20. per month. He receives $12. per month compensation from the Government , and therefore applied for State Aid, but it would not be granted unless the Co-op. Bank suspended payments and allowed him to pay interest. In regard to the ease of Mrs. Faulhefer, housekeeper for Mr. Thornton, who receives three days per week on Faulhefer unemployed, Mr. Mitchell stated that she had three children and was divorced from her husband. He is supposed to pay $5. a week for the support of the children, but is out of employment and unable to do so. Mr. Mitchell stated that be talked with Mr. Copithorne, Public Welfare Agent of Somerville, about the case, and as Mr. Thornton is also a Somerville case, he suggested that the aid be given directly to Thornton rather than the Faulherfer family as a separate 201 family. After considering the matter it was voted to grant II a $3. grocery order a week in this case. Mr. Mitchell stated that in regard to a car being operated by a welfare recipient on Cliffe Avenue, the only family he knew of was the Stanbrook family. Mr. 'and Mrs. Auto. Stanbrook are being aided, and live with their son who works for the Burroughs Adding Machine Co. and runs his car back and forth to work. In regard to the case of Thomas Danforth, Mr. Kitchell Danforth stated that he had gone to Pawtucket R. I. to secure help from his uncle. Mr. Mitchell reported that Jos. R. Lees, a single man receiving $6. a week, asked for another day. Noaction waa Lees taken on this case. Mr. Paul Callahan also requested another day. He Callahan stated that his father was ill. There are two children in the family. He was recdiving three days and the Board felt that there was nothing new in this case and did not take any action upon it. Mr. Leonard Meek also requested another day, and no Meek action was taken on the matter. IMr. Arthur Green on Lincoln Street was desirous of Gteen having another day so he could get milk for his child, but thisapplication was passed up also. Mr. Mitchell reported to the Board that he felt the cases were beginning to drop off. He had seen 50 per cent Checkr.up less people in the last few days. He suggested that this of old would be a good time for him to review the old eases and cases. check up on them. The Board con idered this a good suggestion and directed Mr. Mite ell to do so. Mr. Trask Stated that there were a few people on the Unemployment Relief and Welfare ayrolls who have not cashed Checks their checks recently. The Boar considered the matter and outstand- voted to suspend any further pays nts to the following men ing. who had outstanding checks: - Maruel Silva, Walter Brown, Frank Serrilla, Andrew Ready, Leonard Meek, Mr. Dattoli. Mr. William G. Potter, Chairman of the Board of Assessors, came before the Board. He stat d that as the Selectmen were making appointments at this time he would like to have a few words to say about the Clerk of the Assessors, Mr. Frederick Spencer. He felt that Mr. Spenc r had business interests outside the office made by conta is through the office and Assessors I he felt that there might be cons derable criticism of the Clerk. Board of Assessors if this were llowed. After considerable discussion it was left with the Chairman of the Selectmen to spee.k to Mr. Spencer about his outside activities. 202 The matter of the number of hours Mr. Spencer puts in at the office, as he takes his vacation in odd days rather than two weeks at a time, was left with the Assessors to decide upon. Mr. Willard C. Hill came before the Board in regard to insurance in the Town. He suggested that the present insurance could be reduced 5% which would cut off $77,340 insurance and save $989.95 in premiums during 1933. He felt that there had been a depreciation since the appraisal in 1931 so that this might be done . He suggested that if 5% were to be taken off, it ought to be taken off the policies that are nearest expiration because you do not Insurance. suffer on the short rates so much. He stated that also the contents policy was a blanket policy and could be easily taken card of. The Board voted to act on Mr. Hill 's recommendations to the extent of reduci . the amount of insurance on both buildings and contents 5%. The Board voted to reduce the blanket schedule by $77,340. and that the redutttnns be made on the insurance carried by the four agents who oarry the largest amount of insurance on the Town property. Mr. Hill also stated that he felt that it would pay the Town to have an appraisal about every five years. Ea also called attention to the High School Building and stated that installing sprinklers in this building should be given consideration. Mr. Albert A. Ross and Mr. John T. Cosgrove came before the Board in regard to matters pertaining to sewers. Mr. Trask explained that there was a bill in the Legislature on the subject of Lexington becoming completely a part of the Metropolitan Sewer District. The bill is now Entering awaiting the action of the Town Meeting on the question of Met.Sewer whether or not the-Town will support the action of the Board District. in having it passed. He felt, however, that there was a question of whether or not there was an emergency at the present time. It was felt that the emergency at Bow Street- had been taken care of. The Board also felt that it would be good business to go ahead and construct trunk line sewers in the Town and then enter the Metropolitan District when they desired to and in that way avoid the yearly tax. The Board therefore voted to postpone action on the bill in the Legislature itldefinitely. The question of sewer rentals was then discussed. It was stated that Reading and Woburn already have in their own sewer acts the privilege of making sewer rentals a lien on Sewer property. Rentals. After discussing the matter, it was felt that further information should be obtained on the subject, and in the meantime rentals could be charged in the same manner they are now being charged. The Board therefore voted that anything pertaining to sewer rentals be indefinitely post- poned. 203 In regard to the hydrant damaged in East Lexington by II the 011sen Taxi Co. , Mr. Ross stat d that he had talked with Damage the Town Counsel, and that it was is opinion that the Eo case should be settled out of Cour . hydrant The matter was reconsidered, nd the Board voted to refer the matter to the Town Couns 1 to make the best adjustment he can. In regard to sidewalks, Mr. O'Connell made a motion that a sidewalk be constructed fro the junction of Marrett Road and Waltham Street along the asterly side of Waltham Street in a southerly direction to Stedman Road, and that it be staked out forthat purpose b7 the Eng3'neering Dept., all the work to be done with unempLbyed men, and it was so voted. Mr. O'Connell also made a motion that a sidewalk be Sidewalks constructed in North Lexington extending from the railroad tracks to the present terminus of the sidewalk already existing in front of the Kelley property on the 50 foot street line. This motion was also passed. The matter of drainage was considered. It was decided to have the Town Engineer get the grades of the street and make a report in regard to the drainage at both locations. Mr. Scamman was instructed to finish the work on the Follen Rd Pollen Road wall immediately. wall Mr. George E. Smith, police officer, appeared before the Board at the request of the Chairman in regard to non- payment of his contribution to Unemployment Relief. Mr. Smith re Smith stated that he had no intention of not paying the Contribu- amount, but would like to be allow3d to pay his tax bill tion. this month and would make up the contribution next month. The Board granted this request. In regard to the application of Franklin E. Barnard for a pool room license to be transferred to him, the Board decided to grant the license. Licenses License was granted to Walter J. Rose to operate a taxi in the Town. Auctioneer's License of Arthur W. MoLearn was granted, this being a renewal. Application for playground instructor fob the summer Play- of 1933 was received from Sylvia Swett. The application was ground placed on file until such time as appointments are to be Instactor. made. Letter was received from the Planning Board, requesting' Proposed the Board to appoint a member to confer with them in regard Street to the proposed street from Lowell Street to the Winchester Line. The Chairman was requested to confer with the Planning Board. 204 Nominations. The Board signed nomination papers for Chester L. �C Blakely as Animal Inspector and Matthew Stevenson as Slaughtering Inspector. Letter was received from Edwin B. Worthen in which he asked if the Board desired to confer with the Committee on Water Dept. Finance before receiving their report. The Board decided to inform Mr. Worthen that they would leave h the matter entirely in the hands of the Committee until report is submitted. Letter was received from the State Forester approving the appointment of John J. Garrity as Moth Supt. Letter was received from Mrs. Ernest C. Martin requesting that a street light be placed on Rowland Avenue.. As this is not a street which has been approved by the Board of Survey, the Board was unable to grant the request. Letter was received from the Joint Committee on Municipal Finance in regard to the budget for the Metropolitan District. The letter was placed on file. Old Age Assistance application of Charles S. McEnroe was referred to Mr. Gilcreast. The Board considered appointments and voted to appoint the following: Board of Appeals Arthur N. Maddison Charles E. Ferguson C. Edward Glynn Roland W. Baldrey Howard Robbins Clerk, Selectmen Helen C. Whittemore Constables Charles E. Moloy Charles A. Cummings Dental Clinic Committee Mrs. John E. Gilcreast Mrs. William G. Potter Mrs. Thomas S. Grindle Fence Viewers Frank P. Cutter Bartlett J. Harrington Forest Warden Edward W. Taylor Gammell Legacy Income, Trstees Mrs. Robert P. Trask acting with Dept . Pub.Welfare Lawrence G. Mitchell Health Officer Dr. C. Reginald Hardcastle Health Inspector Matthew Stevenson Lockup Keeper James J. Sullivan Milk Inspector Matthew Stevenson Moth Dept. Superintendent John-J. Garrity Plumbing Inspector Andrew T. Bain Public Welfare Agent Lawrence G. Mitchell Public Works Supt. William S. Seaman Registrats of Coters George M. Davis, 133. Sealer of Weights & Measures Charles E. Hadley (Cont . ) 205 Slaughter Inspector Matthew Stevenson Stone Building, Janitor John E. Garmon Supt. of Water & Sewer Dept . Albert A. Ross Town Counsel Bydney R. Wright ington Town Engineer John T. Cosgrove Town Hall Janitor Charles E. Moloy Town Hall Janitor, Asst. Philip E. Leaf Town Physician Dr. C. Reginald Hardcastle Mr. Ferguson raised the question of whether it would Wiring be desirable for the Town to establish special By-laws for Regulations the work of the Wire Inspector and it was decided that it would not be necessary but to continue to use the National Code. Mr. Ferguson reported that as yet he had not obtained Health much material on septic tanks for the Health Regulations, Regula- but that he would have more information at a later date, tions and the matter was therefore left with Mr. Ferguson to consult with the Town Counsel The Board considered the Town Warrant, and voted to meet at seven o 'clock on Monday evening to go over the votes before the Town Meeting. The Chairman inquired what stand the Board would take on the vote of the Appropriation Committee to reduce the Town Employees ' salaries 20%, and it was the opinion of the Board that they should not express any sentiment on the article, having had their instructions in regard to a 10% Warrant contribution last Fall. The Chairman stated that he felt that the Board should ask for $10,000. for the construction of a trunk line sewer; $30,000. for Public Welfare; and $1500 for Soldiers Relief. The Board discussed the appointment of a police officer, Police and decided to invite the Chief to appear before the Board officer at their next meeting with a report of the duties of the officers now in the department. The Supt. of Public Works presented a report of the Printing expenditures for printing last year by the various departments. needs The Board requested that he get an estimate from each department of their printing needs for the remainder of the year to present at the next meeting. The Board considered the matter of furnishing gasoline Gas for to the Supt. of the Park and Moth Departments, who uses his Park own automobile, and it was voted to furnish him gasoline Supt. from the Public Works Building for such use of his ear as he gives to the Town of Lexington. The Board signed the State Aid payroll for the month State of January in the amount of $6. and the month of February Aid in the amount of $6. D)(3 Coa 1-c Joint location was granted to the New England Tel. & Tel. Co. and the Edison Elec. Ill. Co. for one pole on Ward Street and sixty-seven poles on Mass. Avenue, eaterly, westerly and southerly sides, commencing at first pole beyong junction of Marrett Road and extending southerly to Lexington-Arlington Line. The weekly report of the Supt. of Public Works was received. The meeting adjourned at 11 o'clock P.M. A true record, Attest: Acting Clerk. Jx J ) k/