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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1936-01-21 249 SELECTMEN 'S MEETING • JAN. 21, 1936. A regular meeting of the Board of 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. At 7 :45 P.M. , Mr. Samuel Lewis of the W.P.A. appeared before the Board to discuss the matter of engaging Cary Memorial Hall on Feb. 11th and 12th for the production of the play "Valley Forget by the W.P.A. players, under the direction of the W.P.A. Mr. Lewis stated that he understood that the charge for the hall was $50;,00 per evening for theatricals, and he asked if the Board would consider making any reduction. He stated that admission would be charged, but that Use of the profits would go to the W.P.A. to pay for trans- Hall by portation, hauling scenery and a royalty of 000. per W.P.A. week. The actors are paid by the W.P.A. He a168 desired the use of the hall for rehearsals on Saturday Feb. 8th, and Sunday, Feb. 9th. The Chairman advised him that a regular charge of $10. was made for rehearsals, but that the Board would discuss the matter further and notify him in regard to their decision. Mr. Lewis then retired. Mr . Potter moved that the use of the hall be granted for the two days for rehearsals free of charge and that a charge of $50. be made for each evening. Mr. Clark seconded the motion, and it was so voted. • The Supt . of Public Works and the Supt . of the Park Dept. , Mr. Garrity, appeared before the Board to discuss the Park Department budget . The estimate for 1936 was $19,715.00 and the amount spent in 1935 was ;15,105.00. Mr. Garrity stated that although he had cut down on maintenance in the budget for 1936, the increase was due to proposed construction work. He stated that some of the construction ite]is were repairs to tennis courts; repairs to fence along Parker Street; Park repairs to Park Drive; new locker building. He stated Dept. that he had included in his budget $3000. to take care Budget. of the materials for the proposed locker building and intended to use W.P.A. or Welfare Labor to construct it . There is no locker building at the playground at the present time for persons using the athletic fields; also that there were no toilet facilities there whatsoever, and he felt that this building was very much needed. He had in mind a stone building with showers and toilets, and presented a sketch of the proposed building. The Chairman felt that this was a project that should be considered separately and not included in the Park Dept . budget. He also felt that 250 pi if the building were needed, that it should be built properly, using architects plans and specifications, and should be done in the spring when the ground softens up without waiting for W.P.A. or Welfare labor. He also remarked that he felt a brick building would be more practical than a stone building such as was suggested. Mr. Clark suggested that a separate article might be put in the Warrant asking for an appropriation to build the locker building and then the Town could vote on it . Mr. Garritystated that he felt the building would cost between 5000. and $6000.00. Mr. Garrity stated in regard to the fence, that last year his department repaired the fence which had been there since 1914 with some wire that the Water Dept . had but did not need. He stated that this year he was asking for an appropriation to continue the fence and complete it from Ready's line to Hunneman:' s line . He stated that he had received many complaints from the neighbors in regard to the matter. He also stated that he was asking for an extra instructor at the playground. He had one instructor Park and a man working on W.P.A. last year instructing tennis Dept. and they organized such a large group that one person. Budget . would not be able to handle it this year and it was necessary to employ another. He stated that the increase in labor charges was due to the fact that he keeps the Park Dept . men on full time now whereas some of them were laid off during the winter in previous years . However, with the additional work on skating areas, and cleaning brush, formerly done by the Welfare men and the Moth andade Tree Dept. , it was necessary to keep the men on all winter. He stated that there were four new areas for the Park Dept. to take care of - Bow Street, Wachusett Drive Park, Somerset Park and Kinneen's. In regard to Park Drive, Mr. Garrity stated that this was badly in need of attention and should be brought up to grade between the two bridges. The estimate for this job was 41000.00, but the Supt. of Public Works felt that it could be done for $600.00, and therefor $400. was deducted from the total estimate . In regard to the equipment and repairs item, Mr. Garrity stated that included in this item, was replacing fence at Joy property, $425.00, resurfacing two tennis courts and fences around tennis courts, $900.00, new motor mowwr, $350.00, truck repairs $200.00. The Chairman stated that he felt that the equipment and repairs item should be set up differently, having nothing but those items which were definitely equipment and repair items included in it . Mr. Giroux moved that the estimate be held over for one week to have the equipment and repairs item broken down and segregated. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Garrity agreed to do this and then retired. 251 Mr. Trask presented the Police Department budget. Mr. Lyons asked Mr. Trask what had been done toward furthering the discipline in the Police Dept . and Mr. Trask replied that nothing had been done due to the fact that the Chief had been out for three weeks due to illness . He stated that he thought he would be out for two more weeks . The Board then considered the possibility of appointing a Chief pro-tem, and Mr. Giroux moved that Sergeant Rycroft be appointed acting Chief of Police during the Chief's absence . The Board thought , however, that such drastic action should not be taken until it was known definitely what the Chief' s condition was and Mr. Giroux withdrew his motion. Mr . Trask state(' that he felt that the rules of the Dept. could be enforced if there was someone in authority there. Mr. Ferguson remarked that the Police Dept . was under the supervision of Mr. Trask and that in a case such as this he had the authority to take whatever action he thought best. Mr. Ferguson stated that Sergeant Russell, the Senior Sergeant, had been on the force as long as the Chief, but Mr. Trask felt that Russell was not capable of handling the Department. Mr. Lyons thought that Sergeant Rycroft would make the better executive officer. Mr. Giroux stated that the people of the Town expected an efficient Police force and as the Supt. of Public Works had jurisdiction over the Department, it was up to him to see that it was handled efficiently and suggested that the Board take Mr. Trask's judgment on the appointment of an acting chief. Mr. Ferguson agreed with Mr. Giroux, but felt that it was not necessary to appoint an acting Chief for a few weeks only. Mr. Giroux stated that he thought the Chief should come before the Board and be talked to very frankly, and Mr. Potter remarked that he had been in such poor health for the past six months that he could not be talked to. Mr. Giroux stated that the men would be all right if they were disciplined, and Mr. Ferguson stated that the Dept. had not been operating properly even before the Chief was taken sick and that there was no one who could do Court work except Rycroft. Mr. Trask remarked that if the Chief were retired on the basis of ill health, he would no doubt ask for a hearing, examination, etc . Mr. Potter stated that if the Chief was retired and a new one appointed, a new Sergeant could be appointed. He asked how the Chief would feel about retiring and Mr. Trask thought that he would feel badly, particularly about the decreased income as he has four children who are not working. Mr. Ferguson remarked that it was the Board' s duty to consider the Town and not the feelings of an individual. Mr. Clark asked if Rycroft was good enough to be appointed Chief, and Mr. Trask replied in the affirmative and stated that he would have the backing of the young men as he had always been fair with them, but that he might have trouble with the older men, who were the ones who needed the discipline. Mr. Ferguson stated 252 OwiC 1.4 that the Board could give the Chief a leave of absence until he was over his present trouble and appoint an acting Chief . He thought that about six months would be enough time to accomplish this, and thought that he should receive full pay. Mr. Lyons made a motion that the Chief of Police be given six months ' leave of absence with full pay on the grounds of ill health. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Giroux moved that Sergeant Rycroft be appointed Acting Chief of Police for six months . Mr. Potter secondel the motion and it was so voted. The Police Dept. estimate for 1938 in the amount Police of $ 37,894.41 was considered by the Board. The Supt . Dept. of Public Works stated that the increase in this estimate Budget over last year' s expenditure of $35,387 .62 was due to the yearly increase in salaries and $300. for ammunition. Mr: Potter moved that the estimate be approved in the amount of $ 37,894.41. Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted . The Supt . of Public Works presented proposed rules and regulations for the shooting range at the Public Works Building as follows: 1. All members of the Police Force are required to practice shooting with a revolver one hour each Shooting week until further notice . Range Regulations . 2. Officers on day duty will report at the range in the Public Works Building Wednesday nights at 7:30. 3. Officers on night duty will report at the Public Works Building Wednesday afternoons at 3:30. 4. There shall be no shooting at the range except with revolvers of the calibre for which ammunition is provided by the Police Department. 5. There shall be no shooting at a distance greater than 15 yards . 6. No person other than a member of the uniformed force and the instructor shall be allowed to shoot on the range or be present during practice shooting. The Chairman brought up for discussion the Shooting question as to whether or not the bank employees should Range be allowed to use the shooting range . He stated that Mr. Dale had spoken to him in regard to allowing them the use of the range . Mr. Giroux felt that inasmuch as there was apparently some danger in using 253 the range, it should be limited to the Police Dept . which could be supervised.carefully. Mr. Lyons felt that if the bank employees were allowed to use the range, he did not think the Board would be justified in refusing to allow the merchants, etc. to use the range. Mr. Lyons moved that the regulations as presented be approved by the Board. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. The Supt. of Public Works recommended that the following streets be posted for coasting: Farm Crest Avenue, York Street, Locust Avenue, and Simonds Road (toward Bedford Street) . He stated that the streets would be sanded at the bottoms so that the children could not go across any streets . Mr. Lyons felt that these streets should be very heavily sanded so that no accidents could occur. The Chairman suggested that notice be inserted in the local paper giving the list of posted streets which couldbe used for coasting and stating that those coast- ing on non-posted streets would be subject to arrest. He felt that the notice should be very prominent so that parents would see it. The Board instructed the Supt. of Public Works to insert such a notice in the local paper. Mr. Lyons moved that the four streets named be approved and set aside and posted for coasting. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. The Supt. of Public Works reported on the recent snow storm stating that the storm would cost the Town around $4000. or $5000.00. He stated that 13 trucks had been hired for lifting snow and about 250 men put on Monday. He stated that the Department was working day and night lifting snow and he felt it should be completed by Wednesday night . He stated that snow was removed from the business sections in the center of the Town, the two business sections in East Lexington, in front of school buildings and public buildings and churches . The Chair- Snow man inquired if snow was lifted in front of the gasoline Removal stations inasmuch as they were in business sections and pay the same tax rate as the stores in the center. The Supt. of PublicWorks stated that it was not because it would cost too much to do this . He stated that lifting snow was very expensive and the only reason it is done at all is on account of the congestion due to parking and on account of drainage. He stated further that the Town did not have enough equipment to do the work of lifting snow from in front of all the gasoline stations. Mr. Ferguson suggested that the Board adopt a regulation governing the areas where the snow should be lifted. Mr. Giroux suggested that the Supt . of Public Works be requested to bring in a list to be used in laying down rules for lifting snow fob the meeting next week. The Board felt, however, that the regulation should be , 254 cn y 1-11 rad adopted at this meeting so that calls that might come in between now and next Tuesday on the matter could be answered. Mr. Lyons moved that the Supt . of Public Works be instructed to remove as quickly as possible during or after any snow storm, any accumulation of snow in the Snow following areas : Mass . Avenue on the east side from Removal Grant Street to Meriam Street; on the west side from Regulation. McCarthvts driveway up to Clarke Street; on Waltham Street on both sides for a distance of approximately 300 feet; on Mass . Ave. on the east side in front of the group of stores opposite Pleasant Street; on Mass. Avenue on the west side at the corner of Independence Avenue heading south in front of the group of stores; on Mass . Avenue on the east side at the corner of Bow Street in a northerly and southerly direction in front of the group of stores; on Mass . Avenue opposite Lccust Avenue ; on Mass . Avenue at the corner of Curve Street in front of the group of stores; in front of school buildings, public buildings and churches. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Trask reported that all W.P.A. employees received seven hours per day for the time that they were working on snow removal. The Chairman stated that he and the Supt. of Public Works had discussed and considered salaries of the var- sous employes in the Town Office Building, and recommended increases as follows:-- Albert Miller - Engineering Dept. - From $22. to $25. John Litchenberg - ' " - " 17 . " 18. Wm.C . Paxton, Jr. - Supt. of Sreets - " 40. " 45. Salaries . John O'Connor - Ass't . " " - " 27.50 " 30. Lawrence Mitchell - Welfare Agent " 35. " 40. Helen Spencer - Welfare Dept. - " 16 . " 17 . Muriel Edkins - " " - " 12. " 14. Celia Maguire - Supt .of Pub.Wks . Office -" 19. " 21. Elinor Moakley - Selectmen' s Office - " 19. " 21. Doris Dalrymple - 'tater Dept. - " 16. " 18. Isabelle Harvey - " ' - " 16 . }' 17. Eleanor M. Lowe - Clerk,Selectmen - " 29 . " 31. Mr. Lyons moved that the above increases be made. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. The Supt . of Public Works stated that it would cost approximately $2000. to construct Hibbert S}reet. Hibbert The Chairman stated that the Board had the right to Street. insert an article in the Warrant for the construction of the Street without the consent of the abutters . The Board felt that it would be for the town' s own protection to construct this street if Arlington con- structs that portion of the street situated in that town. 255 The Supt . of Public Works stated that he had received application from St. Brigid' s Parish for the use of Cary Mrmorial Hall on February 25th for their annual Reunion. Use of He stated that the charge in the past had been $25. but Hall. he recommended that the Board grant the use of the hall to St. Brigid' s Parish at the reduced rate of $15.00. Mr. Giroux moved that the recommendation be approved. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. The Supt . of Public Works stated that he had received application from the DeMolay for the use of Cary Use of Memorial Hall on February 22nd for a public installation. Hall. He recommended that the use of the hall be granted at the reduced rate of X15.00. Mr. Giroux moved that the recommendation be approved. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Letter was received from Mabelle S . Peavv request- Request ing that the Board give her consideration when insurance for is being renewed. Insurance. No action was taken on the matter. Proposed amendment to the Zoning By-law with reference to the removal of loam was received from the Zoning Planning Board. Mr . Lyons moved that the Planning Law Board be requested to come before the Board at their' [mendment.next meeting to discuss the new amendment to the Zoning Law... Mr . Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted.. Mr. Giroux zr esented a letter that he suggested be sent to England sympathizing with the people of that Sympathy aouriry on the loss of their King. He felt that Message Lexington had a particular historical significance in to that in 1775 they fought against the principals of England. one king, and he thought that it would be a very courteous gesture- to pay the respects of the Town to one that was such a democratic king. He stated that he Checked up with the Historical Society and found that this would be a proper thing to do and he also found that the proper form was to send the message through the Secretary of State of the U.S . Mr. Giroux moved that the Chairman of the Board be authorized to take such action. Mr. Potter seconded the motion. Upon being put to a vote, however, the motion was lost . Letter was received from Mrs . Agnes Hall in which she requested that she be appointed a Teller rather than Election a Deputy Clerk, to which office she has already been Officers. appointed. No action was taken on the letter at the present time . The Board decided to hold the matter of appointing Tellers. additional tellers for each precinct over for one week. 2560-3 The Chairman read a note in regard to the attitude of the Town of Arlington toward the layout of Middlesex Turnpike. Arlington was first in favor of the Lowell St. layout, which was passed by the Legislature. The State Dept. of Public Works ruled that this layout was not practicable, and changed the layout to follow Summer Street, and Arlington has no alternative other than to accept the State 's recommendation. However, it is planned to amend the vote of the Legislature. The Lowell Street route was not practicable because all the traffics Middlesex would enter Mass. Ave. and flood Arlington center. The Turnpike. problem of what to do with the traffic when it reaches Mystic Street has not been decided. The State would not recommend the Lowell Street layout as it is en- deavoring to circle all towns. The Board discussed the matter and was of the opinion that the only interest the Town of Lexington had in the matter was to take the traffic off Bedford Street and out of Lexington Center. They felt that where the road should come out in Arlington was for the Town of Arlington to decide. Mr, Lyons moved that the Board go on record as favoring the construction of the Middlesex Turnpike, so called, but that the Board make no recommendation as to where the road should begin or end in Arlington. Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Giroux stated that he would attend the meeting of the Middlesex Associates to be held on Jan. 23rd at 8 P.M. in the Chamber of Commerce Building, Lowell. Letter was received from the Arlington Five. Cents Harrington Savings Bank in regard to the Harrington property on property Mass. Avenue. They stated that they now had this property for sale in its entirety at a price of $25,000.00 and asked that the Board give the matter consideration. Mr. Potter moved that the matter be passed. Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted. Letters were received from Stanley Hill Post, No. 38, the Lexington Minute Men, Inc., and the Mass. State Guard #32, stating that these organizations all favored the appointment of Malcolm H. Clifford to the April 19th Committee to represent the Boy Scouts. The Chairman stated that Dr. Walsh was very much disturbed in regard to the appointment of a represen- tative of Sachem Council to the April 19th Committee. The Allied Veterans had had some trouble with this April 19 organization in connection with last year's celebration. Committee Mr. Lyons felt that these organizations should straighten out their difficulties and be cooperative. The Chair- man stated that the Sachem Council had been advised last May that a member of their organization would be appointed to the Committee. 257 11Mr. Potter moved that the Chairman write to the Sachem Council to see if Mr. Malcolm H. Clifford would be acceptable to them as a member of this Committee to represent the Boy Scouts. Mr. Lyons seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Lyons moved that the appropriation for the April 19 19th of April Celebration be increased from $250. to Approp. $500. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Warrant was received from the County Commissigners for the Town's assessment to be paid toward the main- Mid.Co. tenance of the Middlesex County Sanatorium in the amount San. of $3,498.83. Mr. Clark moved that an article be placed Assessment in the Annual Warrant requesting this appropriation. Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted. Report was received from Middlesex County Sanatorium Report on in regard to the patients admitted to the hospital at T.B. the request of the Board of Health stating their present Patients. condition and prognosis. The report was read by the Chairman. Letter was received from the Executive Council, Mass. Mayors and Selectmen, informing the Board of a complimentary banquet to Mr. Theodore N. Waddell, Director of Accounts, on Tuesday evening, January 28th, Board to at the Hotel Lenox. This date being the meeting attend night of the Board of Selectmen, it was suggested banquet. that the Board might meet next week on Monday in order that they could attend the banquet. Mr. Lyons moved that the meeting be held on Monday next week and that the Board attend the banquet for Mr. Waddell on the following Tuesday. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. The Board voted to grant the following licenses: Wm. J. Montgomery - Cor. Marret Rd. & Lincoln St. - Denatured Alcohol Morris Bloomberg - 400 Waltham Street,-Denatured Alcohol Licenses Mrs. George S. MacAlpine - 50 Percy Road - Innholders . Herbert Dalrymple - 9 Sheridan Street - Pasteurization of Milk Chester Lidberg - 92 Adams Street - " It n Swenson Bros. - 210 Marrett Road - n if It The following annual reports were received and approved: Planning Board Board of Appeals Town Physician Forest Warden Health Officer Posture Clinic Reports Cary Memorial Library Board of Assessors Trustees, Bridge Charitable Fund Water and Sewer Dept. Trustees of Pub. Trusts School Department Dental Clinic 258 C7, ON-3 gld The Chairman brought up the matter of placing Mr. Earlets picture in the Town Report for 1935, and the Board voted to insert the picture in the report. Mr. Mitchell reported that the State Bureau of Otis Old Age Assistance recommended that the aid to Elisha case. Otis of Mass. Avenue be increased from $7. to $8. per week. Mr. Potter moved that the recommendation be approved. Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Mitchell reported in regard to the case of Mrs. John Ready. Her husband, John H. Ready receives Old Age Assistance. During the storm, Mrs. Ready Ready stepped out on the front porch and fell and dislocated wase her shoulder. Dr. Hardcastle recommended that she be hospitalized and Mr. Mitchell authorized her admission under Chapter 117. He asked for approval of this hospitalization. Mr. Potter moved that the approval be granted. Mr. Giroux seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Mitchell reported that George Harrington, who was admitted to the hospital, died on Friday morning. Harrington He stated that after talking to Mr. Harrington's niece, case. he arranged with Mr. McCarthy for the funeral. He stated that the niece and her brother expect to reimburse the Town for whatever expense the town had in the case. Mr. Mitchell reported that Walter Allen of Waltham Street had been sent to the Psychopathic Hospital and was now in a very weak condition. He Allen had been on W.P.A., receiving supplementary aid under case. Welfare. The man is not able to work and Mr. Mitchell recommended a maximum of $14. per week, plus fuel. There is a man and wife and four children at home. There is also a man living with the family who hires the house and pays the rent. Mr. Potter moved that the recommendation be approved. Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Mitchell reported that Harry Fisher was taken to the Psychopathic Hospital and is still there. He Fisher lives on Bow Street. Mr. Mitchell recommended sup- case. plementary aid to Mrs. Fisher and one child in the amount of $10. per week and Fuel. Mr. Potter moved that the recommendation be approved. Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it was so voted. 259 ;I IIn regard to the case of Robert Morrison who has been on relief for some time, Mr. Mitchell reported that bath he and his niece, 47 years of age, are in need of dental attention. Mr. Morrison's niece has always been with Morrison him and has received clothes and medical aid, but has case. never made out an application. Mr. Morrison receives $10. per week. Mr. Mitchell recommended that some dental attention be given both persons and charged to each one. Mr. Potter moved that the recommendation be approved. Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it was so voted. In regard to the case of Oliver J. McLean, unsettled case, Mr. Mitchell reported that he had just returned to work on the W.P.A. Mr. Mitchell gave him an order McLean of groceries and one half ton of coal. He recommended case. supplementary aid in this case until he got a start on his W.P.A. Work. Mr. Potter moved that the recommendation be approved. Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it was so voted. In regard to the Kourian case on Grove Street, Mr. Mitchell stated that one child was in the hospital with Scarlet Fever and he had been requested by the Board of Health to investigate the case to see if hospitalization II was recommended, to be paid by the Board of Health. Mr. Mitchell stated that the settlement of this case was Kourian in Lexington. The man claims to be getting only $12. Board of or $14. per week from his poultry business, has no money Health in the bank and the real estate is owned by his mother. case. Mr. Mitchell felt that the man was in need of assistance insofar as the hospital bill was concerned. Mr. Potter moved that the Board of Health pay for the hospital care of the child ill with Scarlet Fever. Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Mitchell reported in regard to the case of John Dambis. There is a wife, her mother, a daughter and her child living in the house. Mrs. Murphy, the daughter, Dambis was taken to the Middlesex County Sanatorium today. case The house is owned by the mother and assessed for $1400. Mr. Mitchell recommended $9. or 010. per week for the food and fuel. Mr. Potter moved that the recommendation be approved. Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Mitchell reported that John Rose, Jr., called him last Monday and said that he had a bad cold and would not report for work. Thursday evening, he called him Rose again and said that he reported for work in back of the case. I Adams School and that he would not work on account of the condit on of the ground, it being muddy and he stated that he refused to work. Dr. Hardcastle went over to see him on Saturday, the 18th, and found him in bed complaining that he had caught cold working in the marshes. Dr. Hardcastle felt perhaps he had a grippe cold but was now better. Mr. Morse also interviewed him and Rose did 260 01 not remember his conversations with Mr. Mitchell over the telephone. Mr. Mitchell stated that he had never had any trouble with him before. He wanted to know if aid should be continued in his case if he refuses to work inasmuch as he has a wife and children. Mr. Giroux moved that the Board instruct Mr. Mitchell that John Rose be given aid provided that he does the amount of work required of him. Mr. Potter inquired what would happen if he refused to work. It was felt that if Mr. Rose refused to work, action could be taken next week on the matter. Mr. Clark seconded Mr. Giroux's motion and it was so voted. The meeting adjourned at 11:47 P.M. A true record, Attest: V_n C kt�n Acting Clerk. 1 I