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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1939-02-04SELECTMEN'S MEETING ' FEB. 4, 1939. A special meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, at 1:30 P.M. Chairman Giroux and Messrs. Potter, Clark and Rowse were present. The Acting Clerk, Miss Elinor Moakley, was also present. Mr. Raymond appeared before the Board relative to snow removal. He said that several complaints had been received during the past week, all of which were investigated, and he found only one place where he could not get through with chains on, and that was plowed. He said that he was still receiving complaints, and that if anything was to be done on the matter, the thing to do would be to go right out and go over the whole town, accepted and unaccepted streets. He said that he had ordered about ten or a dozen men out this afternoon to clean catch basins so that water would not stand and then freeze in the streets. The Chairman said that the question was whether or not it was the intention to let the town get used to the idea of not plowing in the fine way that it has been done in the past, and if that was the intention, we should continue with ' the present policy, and if the town wants to continue the policy of plowing everything, they could take it up at a town meeting and decide it. Mr. Potter thought it best to let it go along as it is now. Mr. Raymond said that if we had three more inches of snow now, it would be necessary to plow everything. Mr. Raymond said that justifiable complaints had been received that a windrow was left across the unaccepted -. streets. He said that it was their intention to push those back, but sometimes it was a half a day before that was done. Mr. Clark said he did not think that a barricade should be left in front of the streets. Mr. Raymond said he would like to act according to what the majority of the Board desires. Mr. Clark said that he had received complaints from people who recognize the fact that the Board is trying to economize and who feel that more economy could be effected if the trucks were not sent back and forth so often over the streets and if the streets were not plowed so low. Mr, Ray- mond said that it was necessary to send the trucks back and forth to push the snow back to the sides of the road and also, men there are automobiles parked, the plow must go back and do the plowing when the car has been removed. Mr. Raymond said he would prefer not to be held rigidly to plowing only when there was six inches of snow but that if he felt the snow was heavy and should be plowed Ahen there was only four or five inches, that he be allowed to plow. The Boa#d was of the opinion that lir. Raymond should use his own judgment in the matter, and although the regulation stipulated six inches, he should order ,the plowing done in cases mere he felt it should be plowed dere there was less than that. Mr. Raymond retired. 155 Snow Plowing, 1156 Public Welfare budgets. Mr. Mitchell appeared before the Board relative to his budgets as follows; Public Welfare - Personal Services $72000.00 Mr. Mitchell said at he was not requesting an increase in salary for himself, Mr. Fardy or Miss Mitchell. He was requesting an increase for Mr. horse from $30. to $35. per week, an increase for Miss Edkins from $14. to $16. per week and an increase for Mrs. Casey from $12. to $16. per week. At the present time Mrs. Casey also receives -$3. per week aid and Mr. Mitchell would prefer to have her on a weekly salary basis. He stated that it is now necessary for him to estimate an administration charge under Old Age Assistance and A,D.C. and therefor, although the total salaries mounted to $7636.81, he had deducted the estimated Federal Grant in the amount of $636.81, leaving a balance of $7,000. to be appropriated. Mr. Mitchell said that he was trying to arrange to have the people call at the office in the morning so that the afternoon would be free and more could be accomplished. Mr. Giroux said that he would strongly recommend that a regulation to that effect be adopted and enforced so that Mr. Mitchell would be able to devote the afternoon to the general prob- lems involved. Mr. Giroux said he realized that when the office was located in the Cary Memorial Building, it was difficult to establish any such regulation, but now that the office has been moved, new arrangements could be made. Mr. Potter moved that beginning Monday, February 6th, all interviews relating to welfare shall be limited from the hours of 9;00 A.M. to 12:00 A.M. daily . and that a sign! be posted to that effect. Mr. Howse seconded the motion and it *as so voted. Public Welfare - Aid & E enses; $73,700.00 Mitchell sald that t figure was practically the same as last year and was, of course, merely an estimate as it is impossible to tell what the total welfare cost will amount to. He stated that the budget was based on the assump- tion that the W,P.A. would continue to operate. There was considerable discussion in connection with surplus commodities and their value to the town. Mr. Rowse suggested that there be some periodic check-up and that the Board be given a monthly report on surplus commodities so they could see that they amounted to. The Board discussed welfare in general, and the Chairman asked Mr. Mitchell where he could out down $700* if the Board decided to hold to the same figure as last year. Mr. Rowse felt that a figure should be set for Welfare and then the department should live within it. He wondered if it could be apportioned by months. The Board considered this, but no action was taken on the matter. 1 1 1 157 F 1 Soldiers' Relief $7500.00 Mitchell stated that it was necessary to make a transfer to this account last year and therefor he was requesting $7500. for 1939. Aid to Dependent Children $102025.00 Mro Mitchell saMl E at he had three cases pending which, would increase the necessary appropriation this year. Mr. Mitchell stated that Mrs. Rhea M. Smith, for whom the Board authorized hospitalization, passed away. Mr. Smith Mitchell asked approval of burial expenses not to exeed case. $100. Mr. Clark moved that this be approved. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Mitchell retired at 3:10 P. M. Mr. Potter moved that an Undertakerts License be granted to Alice M. McCarthy of 80 Bedford Street. Mr. License Rowse seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Potter informed the Board that Mrs. McCarthy was going to sell the ambulance previously -operated by Mr. Ambulance McCarthy at a sacrifice price and she wanted to know if the Board was interested in purchasing it for the town. No action was taken on the matter. Mr. William C. Paxton, Supt. of the Highway Division, appeared before the Board. Mr. Paxton'stated that he had received a request from Mr.'Brayton, minister of the Follen Church, that the snow Lifting be lifted in front of the church. Mr. Paxton informed him snow that that work was not being done, but that he would speak to the Board about it. No action was taken on the matter. Old Age Assistance, Aid & Expenses $25,150.00 `�r . Mlt cnell 4A__ that he was year as against $20,000. last year. asking for $25,150. this He said that there were ei k�zt or ten cases now pending which would increase the amount necessary.. He said the total expenditure would be $45,000. but the estimated Federal grants would reduce the cost to the Town by $20,000.00. State Aid $500.00 fir. Mitchell stated that this amount was the same as appro pri at ed last year. MilitaE Aid $1000.00 —Mr. Mitchell stated that this amount was the same as appropriated last year. Soldierst Burials $100.00 -Mr.-MitchelT stated that this amount was the same as appropriated last year. F 1 Soldiers' Relief $7500.00 Mitchell stated that it was necessary to make a transfer to this account last year and therefor he was requesting $7500. for 1939. Aid to Dependent Children $102025.00 Mro Mitchell saMl E at he had three cases pending which, would increase the necessary appropriation this year. Mr. Mitchell stated that Mrs. Rhea M. Smith, for whom the Board authorized hospitalization, passed away. Mr. Smith Mitchell asked approval of burial expenses not to exeed case. $100. Mr. Clark moved that this be approved. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Mitchell retired at 3:10 P. M. Mr. Potter moved that an Undertakerts License be granted to Alice M. McCarthy of 80 Bedford Street. Mr. License Rowse seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Potter informed the Board that Mrs. McCarthy was going to sell the ambulance previously -operated by Mr. Ambulance McCarthy at a sacrifice price and she wanted to know if the Board was interested in purchasing it for the town. No action was taken on the matter. Mr. William C. Paxton, Supt. of the Highway Division, appeared before the Board. Mr. Paxton'stated that he had received a request from Mr.'Brayton, minister of the Follen Church, that the snow Lifting be lifted in front of the church. Mr. Paxton informed him snow that that work was not being done, but that he would speak to the Board about it. No action was taken on the matter. 15� � Budgets were then discussed as follows: Ashes & _Dum ss $20000.00 Mr. Paxton said that this budget was approximately the ' same as last year. He said that last year 1900, was appropriated, but $1950. was spent. Mr. Giroux asked him if the budget would have to be increased if there was a dump located on Woburn Street and Mr. Paxton said he thought that the man now taking care of the dump at Lincoln Street could also take care of a dump on Woburn Street. Highway Maintenance, Personal Services $5,356.00 ' ` Mr. "Fa.xton sai�ta to salaries in his department were figured on the same basis as last year. Mr. Paxton suggested that if the Board decided to engage an Employment Agent in accordance with previous discussions on the matter, that they consider allowing him, together with Mr. OtConnor, to handle the work. He felt it would cost the town less money if his department did the work, and he would like to see what they could do with the situation. In the event that it was decided to allow them to handle the work, he felt the Board might desire to make an increase in Mr. O'Connor's salary on account of the additional work. High La Maintenance - Wages and Expenses $37,580.00 Mr.Paxton stated that this budget was approximately the Highway same as last year. However, there is An increase of $1850. Division Part of this is due to work the department was not able to , budgets. complete in 1938, primarily drainage work such as flushing drains, etc. He felt that this work should be done. Mr. Paxton said there was also a slight increase on maintenance of bituminous sidewalks. He said there had been several complaints about the condition of the sidewalks and the work should be done. Snow Rem oval$15,000.00 PaxE Ion said that this was merely an estimate and a closer figure could be arrived at prior to the Town Meeting. Mr. Clark informed Mr. Paxton that he had received many complaints to the effect that the town was over -plowing and -that the trucks were going back and forth over the streets too often. Mr. Paxton said that the trucks did have to go back and forth over a street but that he did not know how that could be eliminated and get the snow back where it belongs. It also depends on how fast the snow is falling how many times a truck must go over the same street. Traffic Regulation and Control $20325.00 XF Paxton sala tHata ew years ago, Mr. Raymond made a survey of stop streets and recommended seventeen stop signs. This would cost approximately 4350.00 and this amount is included in this budget. There is also $175. for a traffic marker. Mr. Paxton felt that this should be pur- chased inasmuch as he is receiving increased demands for traffic lines and money could be saved if the department had this equipment. 159 Street Signs $650.00 Mr. Paxton said that this was the same amount that was ' appropriated last year. He said that this appropriation would continue the policy already in practice of replacing some of the wooden street signs each year with metal signs. Highwa Maintenance - Chapter 90 $3,000.00 There was considerable discussion regarding this item, it being the opinion of the Board that the town should not contribute $3,000, unless the State and County did likewise, Mr. Paxton ree mimended that $3,000 be appropriated and if the State and County do not authorize that amount, that the town spend only as much money as they spend. Chapter 90 Construction $11,700.00 under this buage$4,000 was requested for Bedford Street, $5000 was requested for Woburn Street and $2700 for Weston Street, The Chairman stated that the Board had de- cided not to spend money this year for street reconstruction but to do some work under Chapter 90. Mr. Paxton said that he would recommend that Woburn Street be eliminated this year and that the entire length of Weston Street be constructed instead. He said that it would cost about $8000 to complete the construction of the street. High ,way Dept. Reconstruction x$6,655.00 The Chairman stated that he understood that if this work ' was not approved,theri Mr. Paxton would like 02500 added onto Highway Maintenance to take care of the streets pending their reeonstructibn. Mr. Paxton said that all of the streets listed were in very bad condition. He said nothing had.been done on them for the past few years and something should be done -this year to at least keep them in their present con- dition. He thought $2500 would cover maintenance on them. In connection with Westview Street, Mr. Paxton said that that was taken care of with the check for $1500 in the town's possession. Road Machinery Account $10,825.00 r. ax on said at it was the policy now to buy one new truck a year to replace an old one, and he is requesting $1200 for the purchase of a new truck to take the place of the 1933 Ford. Mr. Paxton said there was a request for $1500 for a new gas roller. Mr. Paxton said there was a gas _ roller purchased in 1927 or 1928, but this was when there were quite a few outlying dirt roads, and the machine has not been used now for two years. In the first place there are only a few places where it could be used, and in the second place, it is broken and he did not think it was worth fixing up. He said this new piece of equipment would be used a great deal in his department and better work could be done ' patching, etc. He stated that he was requesting another paving breaker inasmuch as the machine owned by the department can take care of two paving breakers, and they have only one. Although the Water Department has two paving breakers, they 160 are usually both being used when the Highway Department needs, one of them. Mr. Paxton said that Mr. Raymond had requested him to include the request for a tractor hoist and he be- lieved that this equipment was included in anticipation of ' W.P.A. or drainage work. Mr. Paxton said that he would get an allowance of $200. on the old truck if a new one were purchased, and he thought he might get an allowance of $20 on the old gas roller, but he was not sure. Sidewalk Construction Sundrz Streets $1,000.00 Paxton sa d thats amount was the same as appropriated last year. Sidewalk Reconstruction $50250.00 ax on sai is mount was requested to reconstruct the Mass. Ave. sidewalk where W.P.A. curbing had been laid. Highway Dept. - Curbing $9,500.00 The Chairman n-Tormed Mr. Paxton that the Board had voted to approve no funds for this account this year. Mr. Paxton stated that the dangerous point is Woburn Street, and If any curbing work is to be done, he would prefer to have Woburn Street taken care of. Mr. Paxton retired. The Board considered the Highway Dept. budgets, anc7 upon motion of Mr. Clark, seconded by Mr. Rowse it was ' voted to approve the sum of $1900 for Care of Dumps and Removal of Ashes. Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Potter, it was voted to approve the following amounts; Highway Maintenance, Wages & Expenses $36,000.00 Traffic Reg. & Control 1,900.00 Street Signs 550.00 Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Clark, it was voted to approve the sum of $2,000. for Highway Maintenance, Chapter 90. In connection with the Highway Dept. Chapter 90'Conr struction account, Mr. Potter moved that Bedford Streets be appro.Ved and that Weston Street be made a two year job and that Woburn Street be disapproved. The motion was not seconded. Mr. Rowse moved that the construction of Bedf ord Street in the amount of $4,000 be approved. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Clark voted in opposition. Mr. Rowse suggested that the Board discuss with Mr. Raymond the construction of Weston Street under Chapter 90. Mr. Potter moved that no action be taken on Woburn Street construction under Chapter 90. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion and it was so voted. , In regard to the Highway Dept. Reconstruction account, Mr. Rowse moved that Westview Street be constructed, said construction to be paid for by the certified check now being held by the Selectmen. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and The Board discussed the public welfare budgets at Welfare length, and upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Potter budgets, it was voted to request Mr. Mitchell to re -submit his bud- gets for charities to total not over $115,000.00. Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Potter, it was voted to reduce the Assessor's Dept. Personal Services account by approving only 6136. for Assistant Assessors in accordance with the amount approved by the Appropriation Committee. The total amount approved for this account was therefor reduced to $5213.00. Mr. Rowse moved that the sum of $3,000. be approved fcr Law Department, Ryder Case. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Assessor's budget. Law Dept, Mr. Rowse moved that the Board concur with the Approp- Bd. of riation Committee in approving $150. for Board of Appeals, Appeals Expenses, Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it was so budgets. voted. Mr. Potter moved that $750.00 be approved f or Board of Retirement - Expenses account. Mr. Rowse seconded the Retirement motion and it was so voted. budget Mr. Rowse moved that the Board concur with the Approp- riation Committee in approving 0135. for Building Department B1dg.Dept Expenses account. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it budget was so voted. Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Potter, the following budgets were approved; Wire Department - Personal Services $600,00 Budgets ' Wire Department - Expenses 100.00 Health Dept. - Expenses 5000.00 Posture Clinic 625.00 Vital Statistics 25.00 it was so voted. It was decided to discuss the question of Highway Department Reconstruction further with Mr. Raj*ond. In regard to the Highway Dept. Road Machinery Account, Mr. Rowse moved that the items of Parts and Repairs, 2900.00, Gasoline and Oil, X2750.00 and Coal, $200.00, be approved. *r. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. It was decided to discuss this account further with Mr. Raymond. Mr. Rowse moved that the $2000. for the Tractor Hoist be disapproved. Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it was so voted. It was also voted to disapprove the purchase of a paving breaker. Upon motion of Mr. Rowse seconded by Mr. Potter, it was voted to approve the sum of $1,000. for Sidewalk Con- struction. Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Potter, it was decided to make no appropriation for Sidewalk Recon- struction. The Board discussed the public welfare budgets at Welfare length, and upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Potter budgets, it was voted to request Mr. Mitchell to re -submit his bud- gets for charities to total not over $115,000.00. Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Potter, it was voted to reduce the Assessor's Dept. Personal Services account by approving only 6136. for Assistant Assessors in accordance with the amount approved by the Appropriation Committee. The total amount approved for this account was therefor reduced to $5213.00. Mr. Rowse moved that the sum of $3,000. be approved fcr Law Department, Ryder Case. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it was so voted. Assessor's budget. Law Dept, Mr. Rowse moved that the Board concur with the Approp- Bd. of riation Committee in approving $150. for Board of Appeals, Appeals Expenses, Mr. Clark seconded the motion and it was so budgets. voted. Mr. Potter moved that $750.00 be approved f or Board of Retirement - Expenses account. Mr. Rowse seconded the Retirement motion and it was so voted. budget Mr. Rowse moved that the Board concur with the Approp- riation Committee in approving 0135. for Building Department B1dg.Dept Expenses account. Mr. Potter seconded the motion and it budget was so voted. Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Potter, the following budgets were approved; Wire Department - Personal Services $600,00 Budgets ' Wire Department - Expenses 100.00 Health Dept. - Expenses 5000.00 Posture Clinic 625.00 Vital Statistics 25.00 162 The Board discussed the Contributoary Retirement System, Pension Accumulation Fund in the amount of $12,833, but no action was taken on the budget. Mr. Clark requested the Chairman to find out what the future cost of the system would be to the town. The meeting adjourned at 5:40 P. M. A true record, Attest: q.Xr,n oa. NQ Acting Clerk. 1-1 1