HomeMy WebLinkAbout1941-03-03' SELECTMEN'S MEETING
March 3, 1941
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in
the Selectments Room, Town Office Building on Monday evening,
March 31, 1941 at 7:30 P. M. Chairman Giroux, Messrs. Potter,
Locke and Sarano were present. The Clerk was also present.
Mr. Rowse appeared at 8:05 P. M.
At 7:30 P. M. the Town Clerk appeared for the drawing of
two jurors. Mr. Paul L. Callahan, repairman, of 8 Fletcher
Avenue was drawn to serve on Criminal Business at Cambridge,
First Session beginning April 7, 1941. Mr. Arthur B. Field,
garageman, of 20 Chase Avenue was drawn to serve on Civil
Business at Cambridge, Second Session, beginning April 7,1941.
Drawing
jurors
At 7;35 P. M. Mr. Garrity and Mr. Paxton appeared be-
fore the Board. Mr. Garrity said that in 1937 the Board of
Selectmen authorized the Deputy Tree Warden to plant trees
inside the sidewalk in various streets in the Town. The
people in the Brick Village Development have asked to have
Planting
trees planted, but Mr. Garrity did not believe that they should
trees ro-
be planted on the plot between the sidewalk and the street.
side walks
This plot is about three feet wide. He thought the trees .
'
should be put six feet inside the side walk. Most towns are
planting trees in private property inside the sidewalk now.
Mr. Potter asked if there was any chance of the Town
getting into trouble and Mr. Garrity said he would send out
a card which the property owner would sign and which would
protect the Town. He read the form of card to be sent out.
The Chairman suggested that it might be a good idea to make
mention on the card that this was in accordance with the
custom being followed in other communities.
Mr. Paxton said the three foot grass plot was not wide
enough to give proper water to the roots of the trees and
as the trees grow, they displace the sidewalk and gutter pave-.
ments. Mr. Garrity said that Winchester would not plant a
tree in the outer grass plot.
Mr. Potter moved that Mr. Garrity be authorized to pro-
ceed with the"work in accordance with his desires provided
the Town Counsel approved. Mr. Locke seconded the motion,
and it was so voted.
Mr. Garrity retired at 7:45 P. M.
Mr. Paxton said that a conference had been held with
Mr. Merriam, Mr. Ross and himself present. The group worked
Estimate of
out an estimate of costs of Patriots Drive using a different
cost of
method. Mr. Ross felt his estimate might be increased to
Partiots Dr.
$1900.00.
550
Uses of
Halls
He found a list of assessments on water and sewer construction
made up in 1937 to be assessed to Mr. Merriam and the total
amount of the assessment was $1140.00. Calling this $1125.00
and deducting from Mr. Rosa' figure of $1900.00, a balance of
$775.00 is left. This is what is to be paid to Mr. Merriam
but he will he satisfied with $700.00 provided no betterment
is assessed on Lot 7.
Mr. Potter moved that Mr. Merriam be reimbursed in the
sum of $700.00 with the understanding that no betterment
assessment will be levied on Lot 7. Mr. Locke seconded the
motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. Paxton received a request from the Precinct Four
Town Meeting members for the use of Estabrook Hall on
March 20th. Mr. Potter moved that the use of the hall be
granted free of charge. Mr. Locke seconded the motion,
and it was so voted.
Mr. Paxton said that the Red Cross requested the use
of a conference room on March 11th. Mr. Potter moved that
the use of the conference room be granted free of charge.,
Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. Paxton said he had talked with Mr: Custance about
using one of the rooms in the Barnes' property for the meet-
ings of the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Custance finally agreed
to try the room now used by the W. P. A. engineers.
Mr. Paxton said that last year the Board granted him
Rental permission to rent a sweeper for which he paid $35.00 per
of sweeper day. This sweeper did such a good job that he would like
to rent it this year for not more than two weeks, the cost
to be charged to the Highway Maintenance Account.
Mr. Potter moved that Mr. Paxton's request for per-
mission to rent the sweeper be granted. Mr. Locke seconded
the motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. Paxton said he felt that the real difficulty on the
coal had perhaps been a misunderstanding on the specifica-
tions under which we requested our bid. We requested straight
run -of -mine coal and there are two types ---this and domestic
Coal run -of -mine the latter is screened and that is the type the
Lexington Coal Company has supposedly been delivering to us.
However, as our specifications call for straight run -of -mine,
beginning next week the Lexington Coal Company will deliver
to us straight run -of -mine coal at $7.00 per ton.
Mr. Rowse asked how the coal supplied by the White Fuel
Company had been running and Mr. Paxton said according to
analysis the fuel had not been quite up to specifications.
He called this to the attention of the company and they
showed him the result of an analysis as compared with the
analysis made by the Town. The Company felt that the Town
should pay for any analysis made now. He said however, from
a practical point of view, they have noticed no difference
in the coal burned.
11WIV
1
1
1
' Mr. Paxton is going to write a letter to Mr. Birmingham and
tell him that the analysis was not up to what it was supposed
to be. Mr. Paxton discussed the petition for acceptance and
construction of Moreland Avenue, Oakland Avenue, and Swan
Lane, etc. The engineers made up an estimate of the cost of
this construction showing it to be $20,000..00 or $24,000.00.
The assessment sheets were sent to Mr. George McLaughlin,
attorney, for signatures. However, they were able to secure
only five on the entire list. Mr. McLaughlin feels that the
Town has a responsibility as far as these streets are con-
cerned, and he feels that something should be done on them.
Mr. Paxton said he mentioned to Mr. McLaughlin that he
understood the abutters on any private way were responsible
for the way in front of their property, and he felt that if
there was any way that the Town could force the people to
maintain the road to a certain minimum standard, it would
satisfy his clients. Mr. Paxton told him that was something
the abutters should straighten out between themselves. The
Chairman suggested that Mr. Paxton consult with Mr. Wrighting-
ton and request him to answer Mr. McLaughlin's letter.
The Chairman called the Board's attention to the fact
that the Selectmen desired to have some report on the Mine
Brook situation to be presented to the Town meeting. Mr.
' Russell was to make up this report and it had been suggested
that it was to be incorporated in the Appropriation Committeets
report. They felt that it would cost forty or fifty dollars
to have the report printed and the suggestion was made that it
be omitted from the Appropriation Committeets report and that
it be mimeographed and distributed at the Tows Meeting and also
be put in the paper. The Clerk was requested to ask Mr. Russell
to submit it to the Board.
The Chairman said that Mr. Ernest Martin spoke to him
about having the one hour parking on Mass. Avenue between
Waltham Street and Muzzey Street extended to nine or ten
o'clock in the evening. Mr. Sarano said this subject, was
being studied by the Chamber of Commerce and that the or-
ganization would submit its recommendations soon.
5:51
Accept. &
Con6tr. of
Moreland,
Oakland &
Swan Lane
Vine Brook
Report
Extending 1
hour parking
in Center
The Clerk reported that it would cost $150.00 to print
enough copies of the Building, Plumbing, and Gas Laws to be Building,
supplied to the Town Meeting members and $250ti00 if they were Plumbing &
to be sent to all the voters. It was decided to have printed Gas By -Laws
sufficient to supply the Town Meeting members only.
The Chairman said that certain individuals in Town are
anxious to have sufficient funds appropriated at this Town
meeting to take care of equipping three units of the Fire
552
�I
Department so they could connect with the two-way police ,
radio. It would cost $480.00 for each unit or approxi-
mately $1500.00 for the three. The Clerk was instructed
to write Mr. George Fuller and tell him that the Select-
men would recommend the purchase of the equipment for the
Police Department only as equipment for the Fire Depart-
ment could not be purchased under the article in this
warrant.
The utter of increased personnel for the Fire De-
partment was discussed. It was the opinion of the Board
Increase that the Town might approve one additional man but that
personnel it would not approve of two. It was decided to recommend
Fire Dept. the employment of one additional man in the Fire Department,
beginning May 1, 1941,
A letter was received from the Appropriation Committee
Bldg. & advising that that body had approved the sum of $93.75 for
Plmbg. Ins. automobile allowance for both the Building and Plumbing
car all. Inspectors. It was decided to change the Selectmen's
recommendation on this item from $75.00 to $93.75 in order
to concur with the Appropriation Committee.
A letter was received from Channing Cox in which was
indorporated a letter from the Director of Accounts advis-
(Money for ing that in his opinion cities and towns could appropriate '
'defense money for defense purposes. The Chairman said he did not
see how the Board could say how much money was needed.
Har. Paxton retired at 9:30 P.I.
Mr. J. L. Douglass appeared before the Board.He said
that he would like permission to obstruct the sidewalk in
front of 1698 Mass. Avenue for the purpose of constructing
J.Dou lass
g
a building there. Mr. Douglass said he with e
g g s d had filed th
sidewalk
Board a bond to obstruct the highway and he wanted to know
bond
if this would be sufficient or if it would he necessary to
file another bond.
Mr. Potter moved that Mr. Douglass be granted per-
mission to obstruct the sidewalk in front of x,698 Mass.
Avenue for the purpose of constructing a building, this
permission to remain in effect for sixty days from March
3, 1941, provided he filed a bond which met with the approval
of the Town Counsel. Mr. Locke seconded the motion,and it
was so voted,
The Chairman said that last Friday the Clerk had to
Trans. Exp.
cover a meeting at the State House and he thought she
'Clerk-Select.should be reimbursed for expenses and transportation.
Mr. Rowse moved that the Clerk be authorized to sub-
mit a bill to cover expenses whenever she had to go anywhere
on Town business. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it
was so voted.
A letter was received from the Appropriation Committee
Bldg. & advising that that body had approved the sum of $93.75 for
Plmbg. Ins. automobile allowance for both the Building and Plumbing
car all. Inspectors. It was decided to change the Selectmen's
recommendation on this item from $75.00 to $93.75 in order
to concur with the Appropriation Committee.
A letter was received from Channing Cox in which was
indorporated a letter from the Director of Accounts advis-
(Money for ing that in his opinion cities and towns could appropriate '
'defense money for defense purposes. The Chairman said he did not
see how the Board could say how much money was needed.
' He felt that if such emergency should arise,, then a transfer
from the Reserve Fund could be made or a Town Meeting could
be called.
Mr. Charles McCormack and Mr. Edmund A. Webb appeared
before the Board. They requested that the American Legion
be granted permission to use the center playground on Jtlly
30 4, and 5 for the purpose of holding a Field Day.
Mr. Sarano moved that the permit be granted. Mr. Locke
seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
The matter of a stand to be placed on the Common on
April 19th was discussed. All of the members felt that
there should be a new stand. It was decided to add the sum
of $100.00 to the Park Department -Expense Account so that a
new stand could be built.
Mr.•Potter moved that the expense of decorating the
stand be charged to the Unclassified Account. lir. Locke
seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
The Clerk informed the Board that no objection had been
received on changing the name of Blake Avenue to Patriots
Drive.
Mr. Sarano moved that the Selectmen, acting as the Board
' of Survey, approve changing the name of Blake Avenue to
Patriots Drive. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was
so voted.
n
553
Field Day
permit
New stand
for Apr. 19
Blake Ave.
be Patriots
Drive
A letter was received from Mr. Robert C. Merriam
calling to the Board's attention the fact that a fire Fire Ins.
insurance policy in the sum of $3300.00 expires April 21 --- policy
through the office of Helen C. Whittemore. He requested
authority to rewrite the insurance.
The Clerk was instructed to determine how much insurance
Mr. Merriam had and bring up the matter next week.
Mr. Potter moved that Mr. George Whiting be nominated
as Slaughter Inspector. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and Slaughter
it was so voted. Insp.
Mr. Potter moved that Dr. Chester L. Blakely be nomi- Animal
nated as Animal Inspector. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, Insp.
and it was so voted.
Mr. Morse appeared before the Board at 9:15 P. M. and
discussed the Food Stamp Plan. He said that the stamp window Food Stamp
would have to be open from 9 to 12 and 1 to 3 on Thursday window hrs.
and Fridays, also it should be open either Monday or Tuesday
morning and afternoon.
554
MIT
Mr. Beach thought that Wilbur Roberts work on the W.P.A.
,
would be decreasing because of the number of men being
Food Stamp
laid off and both he and Mr. Morse felt that Mr. Roberts
Cashier
was qualified to serve in the capacity of Stamp Cashier.
The recommended that his salary be increased from $22.00
to 130.00 per week. Mr. Rowse asked why they recommended
the increase and Mr. Morse said that he would have more
clerical work to do and would have to do some of his visit-
ing after hours.
It was decided to employ Mr. Roberts in the dual capacity
of W.P.A. Investigator and Food Stamp Cashier and pay him at
the rate of $27.00 per week, beginning March ll, 1941. It
was also voted to allow him $100.00 for -cat allowance. The
Surplus Commodity budget was approved in the amount of $1506.00.
A letter was received signed by the following members
of the Welfare Department: George V. Morse, James E. Collins,
Request from Mrs. Mary E. Case, Thomas F. Fardy, Muriel C. Edkins, and
employees of Gertrude E. Mitchell. These employees requested that the
Welfare Dept. Board review and reconsider the salaries recommended for
for salary 1941. They felt that they were not justly compensated for
increases their work and requested that the salaries recommended under
Civil Service be adopted.
The Chairman told Mr. Morse it was the feeling of some
of the members of the Board that there should be no increase
In salaries but the Board did approve some. He said that a
committee was to be appointed to study salaries and.to sub-
mit recommendations prior to the next annual Town Meeting.
Mr. Morse retired.
A report was received from Mr. Beach showing a balance
of $72.63 on hand as of March lst on the School Lunch Pro-
ject.
A letter was received from the Appropriation Committee
recommending that bids be received on fuel allowed Welfare
recipients. It was decided to refer the matter to Mr.� Morse
for his recommendation.
A letter was received from the Lexington Field and
Re: Food Garden Club expressing regret that permission was given
Booth At to the American Legion Auxiliary to sell food at Emery
Emery Park Park on April 19th. It was voted to rescind the vote of
January 2, 1941 granting permission to the American
Legion Auxiliary to operate a food booth at Emery Park
on the 19th of April.
The Clerk was instructed to advise the Auxiliary that
the Board would have no objection to the maintenance of a
booth at the corner of Depot Part and the Central Block,
provided the property owner had no objections.
Commitments of water rates, water bettemments and water
liens were signed.
rThe meeting adjourned at 10:45 P.M.
A true record, Attest:
Clerk
1