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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1935-12-10rut SELECTMENIS MEETING DEC. 105 1935. A regular meeting of the Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, at 7:30 P.M. Messrs. Ferguson, Potter, Lyons, Giroux and Clark were present. Miss Elinor Moakley was also present. Petition was received from the E.E.I. Co. and the New England Tela & .Tel. Co. for. permission to set six Pole poles and remove six poles on Farm Crest Avenue, south - Location. easterly from Waltham Street and set seven poles and remove seven poles on Farm Crest Avenue northwesterly from Allen Street. Mr. Lyons made a motion that the permit be granted, Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted.. H Letter was received from the Town Treasurer in which he suggested that the town borrow $100,000.00 in anticipa- tion of revenue, bids to be dated December 18, 19350 payable July 17, 1936, and to be received December 17th Revenue 1935, Loan, The Town Accountant appeared before the Board and stated that this loan was to take care of $75,000100 coming due in January and $75,000.00 coming due in March. ' It was requested at this time inasmuch as the Town Accountant felt that it would be better to borrow it against the 1935 revenue rather than the 1936 revenue as only $450,000, had been borrowed in 1935, leaving a balance of $3691,701.25 available to borrow againot. He also stated that this year the town would have borrowed about $100,000.00 less than it borrowed last year. Mr. Lyons made a motion that bids be requested in accordance with the request of the Town Treasurer. Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted. At 8:00 P.M. hearing was declared open on the Knudsen application of John Knudsen for permission to maintain garage a one car garage of wooden construction at lot #201 hearing. Bridge Street. Mr. Knudsen appeared and presented plan of the proposed garage. No persons appeared in opposition. Mr. Lyons made a motion that the permit be granted subject to the approval of the Building Inspector, Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Albert A. Ross, Supt. of the Water and Sewer Dept. appeared before the Board. Mr. Ross stated that he intended to resign as Supt. of the Water and Sewer I Dept., said resignation to become effective at any time ' the Board desired. He stated that he intended to take over his fatherts contracting business and that that concern now has two big jobs which will need his 187 attention beginning the first of March. He stated that at the present time there were several things in his office that would need to be cleaned up, among them his budget for 1936, annual report, and Mr. Wrighting�on needed Ross his services on the Ryder case. Mr. Ross stated that Resig- he would be glad to give any advice that he was capable nation. of giving to the Town after his resignation became effective. Mr. Ferguson asked him what work the department was carry- ing on at the present time, and Mr. Ross replied that this had been a very quiet year, and that the department was doing mostly maintenance work, repairing leaks, etc., and he felt that unless some emergency arose, it might be necessary for him to lay off six to ten men. He had suggested to the Supt. of Public Works that the Depart- ment might get along without a Superintendent as several of the surrounding towns having Supt's. of Public Works are doing such as Arlington, Reading, Wakefield, etc. The Board decided that they would not set any definite time for Mr. Ross's resignation to become effective, other than March lst, or any previous time. They thanked Mr. Ross for his courtesy in the matter and he then retired. Mr. Louis E. Noonan, Teamster, of 2 Vine Street, was drawn as a juror for Criminal business to be holden at Cambridge on the first Monday of January next. ' Mr. Dana T. Norris, Office Assistant, of 7 Winthrop Road, was drawn as a juror for Civil business to be holden at Cambridge on the first Monday of January next. Petition was received for the installation of three street lights on Hamilton Road and Ledgelawn Avenue, unaccepted streets, signed by several residents of the vicinity. Mr. Clark moved that an article be inserted in the next Town Warrant requesting 'these lights. Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted. Juror. Juror. Street Lights. Fletcher Avenue. crossing Letter was received from the Town Counsel in which he stated that he had received a letter from John B. Sawyer, attorney for the Boston & Maine Railroad, asking what action had been taken with reference to closing the Fletcher Avenue grade crossing or what was likely to be t a ken.in the near future. Mr. Wrightington suggested that the matter be turned over to the Planning Board for study. Mr. Giroux moved that the recommendation of the Town Counsel that the matter of the Fletcher Avenue grade crossing be tur ne.d over to the Planning Board be accepted. ' Mr. Clark seconded the motion Lettdr was received from and it was so voted. the Town Counsel giving his estimate for the expenses of the Law Department for the ensuing year. He stated that he had already received Juror. Juror. Street Lights. Fletcher Avenue. crossing a bill from ,the stenographer in the Ryder case of nearly Estimate $200. for services up to December 1, and feltthat the for bill may be nearly $500. He requested that his approp- Law Dept. riation be at least $3000. rather than $2500. as during the current year. He also stated that he felt a sep- arate appropriation should be made to take care of the Anthony Ross suit against the Town and that he would notify the Selectmen of the amount as soon as he received the execution. No action was taken on the matter. Letter was received from Luther R. Putney in which he stated that he appreciated the honor of being selected to serve on the Committee to consider ways and means of 'improving the administration of Public Welfare in the Town. However, he felt that if absolutd regularity of attendance at the meetings was necessary, he would not be Committee able to accept the -appointment inasmuch as Mrs. Putney on is extremely active in town affairs also and he was Welfare. obliged to remain at home several evenings. He stated that if the Board wished to have him serve under these conditions he would be glad to do so. Mr. Lyons made a motion that Mr. Putneyts letter be acknowledged and that he be asked to serve on the Committee to the best of his ability with due consideration to his home business. Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted. Letter was received from Mary VV. Duffy (Mrs. J. Henry Duffy) in which she stated that she would be glad to serve on the Committee. The Chairman reported that he had received word from George Barton that he would be pleased to serve. Agents Inasmuch as the other members of the Committee had not accepted the appointment as yet, it was decided to take no further action on the matter until next week.. Application was received from William G. Murphy for a 2nd Class Agentd License at 109 Mass. Avenue, Lexington. Mr. Lyons expressed the opinion that he was not in favor of granting licenses to have second hand cars Agents standing in yards as he felt that they were an eyesore, License, nuisance and an element toward destroying the beauty in Murphy. the town. He stated that he felt that the Board should begin now to deny licenses of this sort. The Chairman stated that he felt that this was a business zone and that this property had been used for several years as a repair shop and for the sale of automobiles. He felt that the property was taxed as a business zone and he did not feel that the Board would be justified in refusing a license without sufficient reason. He felt that if the Board found that there was anything objectionable, the license could be revoked at any time. Mr. Giroux suggested that there might be an amendment to the Zoning Law so as to restrict the The Board signed commitment of Iffater Betterment Assessments, Waehusett Drive, in the amount of $571.84. The Board signed commitment of Sewer Betterment Assessments, Eustis Street, in the amount of $364.27. The Board also signed commitment of Vater Service, House Connections, Harry Lilly, in the amount of $24.83. showing of second-hand cars on property. Mr. Clark felt that he would like to go down and look at the property and also talk to the residents in the viciftity to see if they objected to the granting of the license. Mr. Giroux made a motion that the application be laid on the table for one week. Mr. Lyons seconded the motion and it was so voted. Application was received from Joseph Trani for renewal of his license to sell alcoholic beverages at ' 1757 Mass. Avenue. - Mr. Lyons moved that the license be approved subject to the approval of the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted. Application was received from Max Berman for renewal of his license to sell wines and malt bevera#es at 12 Mass. Avenue. Mr. Lyons moved that the license be approved subject to the approval of the Alcoholic Bev- erages Control Commission. Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted. Application was received from Edgar J. Thivierge for renewal of his druggistts license to sell alcoholic beverages at 1752 Mass. Avenue. Mr. Lyons moved that the license be approved subject to the approval of the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission, Mr. Giroux ' seconded the motion and it was so voted. Application for a Peddlerts License was received from George H. Rupert of 68 Ward Street to peddle bakery products. Mr. Lyons moved that the application be approved, Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted. The Board signed commitment of Iffater Betterment Assessments, Waehusett Drive, in the amount of $571.84. The Board signed commitment of Sewer Betterment Assessments, Eustis Street, in the amount of $364.27. The Board also signed commitment of Vater Service, House Connections, Harry Lilly, in the amount of $24.83. R 0 6 040 on Liquor Licenses Peddlers License. Commitments Police shooting gallery The Board discussed the matter of the shooting gallery for the Police Dept. which Mr. Dale brought before the Board on November 26th. Mr. Lyons stated that he would be in favor of having the gallery made and the Police Dept. joining the Police Revolver League if it did not cost too much. Mr. Ferguson stated that the cost Mould be $350. for the year, and this would include practice for every man on the Dept. He felt that the project should be ' started right away to get it under construction so that it wouldbe ready for use by the first of the year. He felt that $10D. for the building of the gallery would be sufficient At.the present time. If it were not started until after the March meeting, he felt that it would set R 0 6 040 on Liquor Licenses Peddlers License. Commitments Police shooting gallery Mor, W.P.A. Checks. back the project about six months. Question arose as to whether or not the Appropriation Committee would approve of the project, but the Chairman felt that if the Board felt that it was worthwhile enough, they would be justified in expending the $100. at this time, and in the event the $350. was not appropriated next year, the gallery would still be available for the Police to go up there and practice. Mr. Lyons made a motion that the matter be laid on the table for one week, and during that time that the Chairman confer with the Chief of Police and Town Accountant in regard to the matter. Mr. Giroux sec- onded the motion and it was so voted. The Chairman brought up the matter of paying the Uld.P.A. and E.R.A. workers. He stated that due to the change from E.R.A. to W.P.A., most of the W.P.A. workers had not received any pay up until the middle of last week. The engineers and some of the ,workmen on Lincoln Street received one check. In the meantime most of them had no funds to get along with. Mr. Ferguson stated that he called the bank to see, if the checks were going to be held up for any considerable length of time, if it would be possible for the people on the W.P.A. to borrow on their anticipated check. In other words, probably Mr. Mitchell would be appointed to give the men a note signed by him to go to the bank and they would loan them some money. When the men received their checks, some means would have to be devised for them to pay the bank back. Mr. Walker said that they would be very glad to cooperate and do what they could if it were necessary. The only thing they would like to have would be a letter from the Selectmen saying that if by any chance some of the men did not pay, that the Selectmen would put an article in the Warrant for the Annual Meet- ing to reimburse them for whatever loss they sustained. Mr. Ferguson stat ed that he was bringing the matter up at this time to see if the Board would authorize him to write such a letter if it became necessary to have aid from the bank. He felt that the town had to take care of the men in some way, either they would have to be given aid or supplementary aid and when they received their checks would be under no obligation to reimburse the town, or they could borrow the money from the bank, to whom they would have to repay it. He felt that the latter method would tend to save the town more money, even if there were a few who. did not reimburse the bank. Mr. Ferguson explained that at the present time .it was necessary to take care of providing the necessities for them in some way, so Mr. Mitchell calls up and arranges credit for them at the various stores. Of course the Town is liable for the bills if they do not pay, but the people have to be cared for in some manner. 1 1 Mr. Mitchell appeared before the Board and stated that he had provided credit for 18 different persons. He ' stated tpon question, that five men on the topo survey and the sewing unit had received some compensation, and Saturday some of the Lincoln Street workmen received some pay. It cannot be ascertained from the W.P.A. headquarters when the men will be paid. Upon being questioned how the present system of extending credit was working out, Mr. Mitchell replied that it seemed quite satisfactory, and there had only been one repeat on the number of people to whom credit was extended. He stated that those that were on Welfare were given supplementary aid, but he told them that they would also have to have credit extended to them and then repay it if they asked for too much. Mr. Giroux made a motion that the Chairman be authorized to write a letter to the bank assuring them that if any loss were sustained by them on account of loaning money to W.P.A. employees, the Selectmen would put an article in the warrant to reimburse them and would support it, should it become necessary to write such a letter. Mr. Lyons seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Mitchell reported that during the month of November, 100 families received aid, representing about 420 persons. There were 46 families given supplementary ' aid under the E.R.A. and W.P.A., representing about $1100. At the end of the month there were 77 families receiving aid. The Chairman asked Mr. Mitchell if he thought he would have any balance left in his approp- riation and Mr. Mitchell stated that he thought he could keep within the appropriation so that there would not be an overdraft, but that there would probably not be much of a balance left. Mr. Mitchell reported in regard to the case of Mr. and Mrs. Miskell who live on Concord Avenue. There is a man and wife and two children. He cannot be put on the W.P.A. and consequently has applied for aid. He lives in a house owned by his Uncle John Miskell and pays no rent. The man has a Lexington settlement. Mt. Mitchell recommended that the family be given $10, per week cash, he to work out the aid rendered. Mr. Lyons made a motion that the recommendation be approved, Mr. Giroux seconded the motion.,' -,"and it was so voted. Mr. Mitchell reported that Mr. Morse, investigator, had procurred a house for the Anthony Carr family on Woburn Street, owned by Mr. Tobin which can be rented for $4.50 per week. Mr. Mitchell stated that it was neo- essary to have him come back to Lexington, and he wished ' authorization to pay the rent. Mr. Lyons made a motion that Mr. Mitchell be authorized to pay the rent in this case, Mr. Giroux seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 191 Welfare cases. Miskell case. Carr case 192 Mr. Mitchell reported Hadley in the hospital again and cases blood transfusion tonight. since last May - C" oil that Mrs. Emma Hadley is back would have to have a double I Mrs. Hadley has been ill In regard to the case of Salvatore Caselli, Mr. ' Mitchell reported that this man had worked for the Cemetery Dept. from about the first of April to the first Mr. Mitchell reported that Mr. George Ingram of Ingram Vine Street died last Sunday night. He had arranged to death have him go to the hospital, and sent a taxi down to take him, but Mr. In.. -ram died before leaving the house. In regard to the case of Joseph P. Mason, son-in-law of Peter Canessa, Mr. Mitchell reported that he was working on the Watertown Arsenal E.R.A. but that is Mason closed now. Mason is unable to do pick and shovel work case. and has to apply for Welfare aid. He has a wife and two children and Mr. Mitchell recommended that he be given $18. per week. Mr. Lyons made a motion that the recommendation be approved, Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Mitchell reported in regard to the case of John Canessa, son of Peter Canessa. He has a wife and two children and is unable to do pick and shovel Canessa work. He pays p30.00 per month rent. Mr. Mitchell case, recommended that he be given $15.00 ier week, $8. for food and $7.50 for rent, and also that he receive fuel in addition. Mr. Lyons made a motion that the ' recommendation be approved, Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Mitchell reported in regard to the case of Edward F. Harkins who has a wife and seven children. Harkins One girl earns $12. per week and one son works as a case. plasterers helper one or two days a week. Mr. Harkins was getting $18. per week at the Public Works Building and then increased to $20. Mr. Mitchell recommended $15. per weekcash and medical attention. Mr. Lyons moved that the recommendation be approved. Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr.LMitchell reported that he had received an application for aid from Johanna Kennedy. She has a Kennedy house from which she gets $25. per month rent which case* just about pays the taxes and interest on the mortgage and possibly takes care of the water rates. Mr. Mitchell stated that her case was a problem of food and possibly electricity and gas bills. He recommended $4.00 per week cash. Mr. Lyons made a'motion that the recommendation be approved, Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted. In regard to the case of Salvatore Caselli, Mr. ' Mitchell reported that this man had worked for the Cemetery Dept. from about the first of April to the first of November. There is no way of providing for him on the W.P.A. He lives at .445 Mass. Avenue with his father. The rent is $20. per month and they both pay $10. toward the rent. Mr. Mitchell recommended $10. per week to Caselli cover everything. He stated that the father is getting case. $13.00 per week on VV. P. A. The Board felt that since the man had steady employment from April to November, the case should be investigated further before granting assistance. Mr. Mitchell is to report. in regard to the case again at the next meeting of the Board. Mr. Lyons read a letter which he received from Edward L. Kelley, a patient at the Middlesex Co. San- atorium. Mr. Kelley asked that the Board authorize a Kelley physician to examine him for a possible operation on T.B. his spine inasmuch as he has tuberculosis of the spine case* and feels that this is the only cure for it. The Board of Health has been taking care of him at the Sanatorium. The Board discuseed the matter and decided to authorize Dr. Remick, Supt. of the Middlesex County Sanatorium, to have the physician come out and examine Mr. Kelley and report his findings and recommendations to the Board of Health. Mr. Giroux stated that several of the ministers in the Town had been talking about organizing some sort of ' a group to start a bureau where persons could register Unemplay- for odd jobs, etc., and he wondered what the Boardfs ment opinion of this would be. The Chairman stated that this Bureau same idea had been tried out before without any success, and the Board did not think that such a plan would be practical. No action was taken on the matter. The meeting adjourned at 10:03 P.M. A true record, Attest: C Acting Clerk.