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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1942-04-06Board of Fire Engineers Uses of Halls SELECTMEN'S MEETING April 6, 1942. A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building on Monday, April 61 1942 at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Giroux, Messrs. Potter, Rowse, Locke, and Sarano were present. The Clerk was also present. At 7:30 P.M.4the new Board of Fire Engineers ap- peared as follows: Alan G. Adams, William H. Driscoll, Robert J. Fawcett, Thomas J. Donnelly, and George W. Emery. The Chairman told them that inasmuch as all had appeared,, he assumed that they were willing to accept the appointment to the Board of Fire Engineers, and the men said that that was correct. The Chairman asked them to organize themselves, temporarily, appointing a tempor- ary chairman and clerk. The Chairman then suggested that they call meetings of the group and then during the com- ing month the members of the Board could familiarize themselves with their duties so that they would be ready to proceed on May lat. He told them they should feel free to invite the Chief of the Fire Department to con- fer with them and to visit both fire houses. He told them also to feel free to consult with the Town Counsel as to their duties and powers. An informal discussion was then held and the group retired at 8:02 P.M. At 8:05 P.M. Mr. Paxton appeared before the Board. He read a letter from the American Legion request- ing the use of Cary Hall on April 24th for the Boy Scouts. Mr. Rowse moved that the use of the hall be granted on this evening as one of the Legion's free uses. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton said that the Tire Rationing Board had requested the use of a conference room each Thursady afternoon from 3:00 o'clock on. Mr. Rowse moved that the use of the hall be granted. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton said requested the use of 20th for a rehearsal for a Rally. Mr. Rowse moved free of charge. Mr. was so voted. that the Lexington Girl Scouts had Cary Hall on the afternoon of May and on the afternoon of May 23rd that the use of the hall be granted, Locke seconded the motion, and it • • • Mr. Paxton said that the Briggs Class had requested the use of Cary Hall on April 12th from 12:00 to 1:00 for its annual Patriotic Rally. Mr. Rowse moved that the use of the hall be granted, free of charge. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton said that the directors of the Lexington Community Chest had requested the use of a conference room on April 28th. Mr. Rowse moved that the directors be allowed to use the Selectmen's Room on that evening, free of charge. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was sd voted. Mr. Paxton said that Mrs. Merriam had requested the use of Estabrook hall from 19:00 A.M. to 12:00 A.M. on the following mornings for meetings of the Civilian Defense group: April 7, 10, 14, and 17. Mr. Sarano moved that the use of the hall be granted, free of charge. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton said that Mr. Wrightington had prepared documents to be signed by the following abutters on Downing Road and Outlook Drive; Messrs, Etheridge, • Brown, O'Connor, and the Menotomy Trust Company. Messrs. Etheridge and Brown have signed and the others will sign. Mr. Paxton said that Mr. Wrightington found no reason why we should not put in the drain. Mr. Locke moved that the work be done as soon as the proper signatures have been obtained. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton said that he had looked into the matter of the sewer assessment levied against Ragna Goodmanson on lot C on Cherry' Street. This is a forty foot lot and,it is possible that a house may be built on the lot. If there is an abatement granted, it is logical that Whalen and Luongo, who own similar lots, would be entitled to an abatement also. If this one is abated t several will have to be. Mr. nowse moved that Mrs. Goodmanson's request be denied. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton said that the War Production Board had not granted the Town a priority on the addressograph, and unless the Board wanted him to try further, he would not do anything further on it. The present one is still fundtioning although it is in very poor con- dition. Downing Road Goodmansa,, req. for abatement Addresso- graph Petition signed by six property owners, on or.near Paul Revere Road, requesting the installation of street Street lights on that street was received. On September 22, lights 1941 the Town voted to install street lights in Paul Revere Road. The Boston Edison Company's plan for lights in this part of the street called for nine addi- tional lights but Mr. Paxton thought that four would be sufficient for the time being. It will be necessary for the Edison Company to install some poles for the lights. Mr. Rowse asked if there were any lights on this part of the street and Mr. Paxton said that there were 'none but that the people had to pass throug this section in order to reach their houses which are in the rear. Mr. Potter moved that four street lights in in- stalled. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton said that there are a few spots in Town that are overlighted as far as traffic is con- cerned. One is Bacon Street which has six lights and Street on which there are only two houses. Mr. O'Connor lights checked with Messrs. Haley and Meek, who live on the street, and they will not object -if three street lights are removed. Mr. Rowse moved that three of the lights on the street be removed. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Letter was received from Elizabeth M. Maynard of 35 Dexter Road complaining of water running down the right hand side of that street. Mr. Paxton said that Dexter Rd. the drain was blocked and the water comes out a catch Drainage basin and comes out Dexter Road and flows down to the intersection of Simonds Road and Dexter Road, then enters another catch basin. The only cure is to clean out the drain and if they find a serious stop- page, it means putting in a couple of manholes to take care of future cleaning. Mr. Paxton talked with Miss Maynard and told her that something would be done to remedy the situation about May 1st, but evidently she thinks that is too long to wait. The clerk was instructed to inform Miss Maynard that the work would be done as soon as,condi- tions are such that the Department can do it. Letter was received from George Harrington advis- ing the Board that to the best of his knowledge there is no additional material which has been taken or borrowed from the Water and Sewer Department vhich has not been returned. 40 The Chairman asked if the Board would approve putting up the reviewing stand on Saturday the 18th for the parade to be held on the 19th. Mr. Potter moved that the stand be put up. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman asked if the Board would approve putting bunting on the stand. Mr. Potter moved that the stand be decorated and the expense charged to the Unclassified Account.` Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman said that a complaint had been re- ceived because of automobiles parking in front of the store on Woburn Street owned by Labes. There have been two accidents here in the past week. It was suggested that parking on the eaaterly side of Woburn Street be eliminated and that a crosswalk be put in. Mr. Paxton said that he would look into the matter. Mr. Paxton retired at 8:50 P.M. Chief Taylor appeared before the Board at 8:57 P.M. The Chairman told him that the Board owed him an apology because of the cut in the salary of the Fire Warden. He said that it was not clear how the cut was made, but at a joint meeting with the Appropriation Committee that body told the Board that it had reduced the salary and the Selectmen, without giving the matter due consideration, apparently passed it. He told Chief Taylor that the Board did not do it intentionally and if they were going to cut the salary they should have consulted with the Chief fir,--. He told him that the Board would take up the matter with the Appropriation Committee and request them to transfer sufficient funds to restore the salary. The Chairman told him that the Board would like him to withdraw his resignation as Forest Warden and he said that he would do so. The Chairman told him that the Selectmen informed him some time ago that they were going to put in a new Board of Fire Engineers and it was not the intention to put in a Board with any idea of removing him or taking away any of his powers. He said the Selectmen felt that he would gain by Having men on the Board who were business men and not fire fighters. The Chief said he thought that he would gain himself. The Chairman said that the Selectmen did not want the Board of Fire Engineers fighting fires. The chances are that the new Board will come to the cohclusion that the Fire Department equipment and houses are obso- lete although nothing can be done about it until after the war. After that, if the Board feels that new equip- ment and houses are needed he thought they Department 0 5 Reviewing Stand Parking on Woburn St. Salary of Fire Warden Board of Fire Eng. 476 might have a pretty good chance of getting them. Chief Taylor asked if the new Board was going to. have the hiring and firing of men and the Chairman said he could not answer that, but as a pwrsonal guess would say that they would not be interested in it at all. The Chairman said that from here on it was for the Chief and the new Board to get together and straighten out any questions they might have before May 1st. Chief Taylor said he had 34 men who used to re - Call port for forest fires; but several of them have gone Firemen into the service. The Chairman suggested that the Chief insert an advertisement in the paper for call men. Chief Taylor retired at 9:17 P.M. The Chairman said that the Veterans had suggested German that the $25.00 received for the German field piece, field which was taken into Boston, be transferred to the piece Hallie C. Blake fund inasmuch as Mr. Blake was instru- mental in obtaining the cannon for Lexington. It was decided to insert an Article in the warrant Article for the next Town Meeting to see if the Town would transfer the $25.00 to the Hallie C. Blake Fund. Letter was received from Ernest E. MacPhee offer- . ing to pay the sum of $450.00 for Lot 35, Block 1, Lexington Manor. Mr. Potter said that this lot contained Lot 35 13,050 square feet and was last assessed for $1360.00. Lex.Manor The Clerk reminded the Board that some time ago it offered to sell the lot for $450.00. However, it was the feeling of the Board that the lot was worth more money and it was decided to tell Mr. MacPhee that the Board would accept a net of $700.00 for the lot. The Clerk informed the Board that Margaret Lots on Carroll of 11 Garfield Street had offered the sum Reed & of $100.00 for the purchase of lots 16, 17, 27, 289 Garfield and 29 on Reed and Garfield Streets. Mr. Potter Streets told the Board that the U. S. Army Engineers were working on this area and he felt that none of the lots should be sold. Mr. Potter moved that the offer be rejected. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Board considered elaude A. Bu.tterfield's offer to purchase lot 121, Bridge Street for $25.00. Mr. Potter moved that the offer be accepted. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. �J • • Bond in the penal sum of Eleanor M. Lowe, Clerk was received. Mr. Potter moved that Locke seconded the motion, of $1,000.00 issued in behalf of the Board of Selectmen, the bond be approved. Mr. and it was so voted. Building Inspector's reports for January.. February, and March were received. Letter was received from William Viano relative to alleged violation of blackout regulations. Mr. Viano said that it was not his intention to violate any of the regulations. Bond in the penal sum of $1,000.00 on behalf of John C. Russell as Constable was received. Mr. Potter moved that the bond be approved. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Town Counsel's bill in the amount of $500.00 for services in the case of P. DeCristofaro Co., Inc. v. Town of Lexington was received. Mr. Rowse moved that the bill be approved. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Quarterly report of the Slaughter Inspector was received and placed on file. The Chairman reminded the Board that last year Mr. James Stuart Smith was appointed a Special Police Officer. Mr.'Smith likes to have this commission be- cause he lives so near the Munroe Tavern. He feels that it is a protection to the building. Mr. Sarano moved that Mr. Smith be appointed a Special Police Officer for a period ending March 31, 1943. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so noted. Governor Saltonstall's Executive Order #10 was received. The Chairman said that Mr. Potter had talked with Clarence Walker and had persuaded him to con- tinue to serve as a member of the Board of Retire- ment. Application for the admission of Marion Hill of 8 Gibson Road to the Middlesex County Sanatorium was signed. Mr. Morse appeared before the Board at 9:37 P.M. to discuss welfare matters and retired at 10:15 P.M. �rE Violation blackout Town Counsel bill Special Police The Chairman asked the Board what it wished to do about the meeting of the week of April 20th. The 19th Selectmen's coming on Sunday, the holiday will be celebrated on Meeting Monday. It was decided to hold no regular meeting, but for the members to meet at 4:00 P.M. on April 81st to sign the warrant and to consider any urgent matters. Applications for temporary appointment to the position of Town Accountant were received from the following: Raymond L. White Eugene T. Buckley Charles F. Vaughn Frederick C. Miller B. F. Watson Leigh V. Farnham Frederick Slader William S. Bramhall 12 Middle St., Lexi N ton 22 Grant Street 5 Cottage Street of 298 Main Street, Wakefield 392 Mystic Street, Arlington 814 Mass. Avenue, Lexington 42 Percy Road, to 25 Parker Street of After giving the applications due consideratidn, it was unanimously voted to appoint Raymond L. White of 12 Middle street, Lexington, Town Accountant as a Town military substitute for James H. Russell who is on Accountant leave of absence for the purpose of serving in the military forces of the United States; Mr. White's appointment to be effective on April 8, 1942, and the salary at the rate of $2500.00 per annum. Letter was received from Jesse Meadows informing 'the Board that he had gone to work at Fort Devens on the Fire Fighting Force and had a chance to sell his 'Junk truck and business to Edward C. Iverson and Ralph J. License White of 60 Woburn Street, Lexington. Ivarson and. White applied for a Junk Collector's license and Mr. Meadows asked that the license be transferred and that no charge be made for the month of May, • • The Chairman told the Board that Harold W. Coburn Cesspools of Kendall Green, Waltham requested permission to clean Cleaning out a cesspool at 440 Waltham Street. permits He read a letter from Albert E. Lamb, attorney for Richard F. Rodenhiser, proprietor of the Electric Sewer Cleaning Company of Watertown. Mr. Lamb's letter explained that Peter Canessa's equipment had been used out of Town on cesspool cleaning work and he enclosed pictures showing the equipment at work outside of Lex- intong. It was finally decided to authorize the Clerk to issue a permit to the Electric Sewer Cleaning Company and to H. W. Coburn of Kendall Green, Waltham to clean cesspools in the Town of Lexington for a period ending March 31, 1943. Letter was received from Jesse Meadows informing 'the Board that he had gone to work at Fort Devens on the Fire Fighting Force and had a chance to sell his 'Junk truck and business to Edward C. Iverson and Ralph J. License White of 60 Woburn Street, Lexington. Ivarson and. White applied for a Junk Collector's license and Mr. Meadows asked that the license be transferred and that no charge be made for the month of May, • • Mr. Potter moved that the Junk Collector's license be granted provided the two men pay the sum of $50.00, which is to cover the license through April 30, 1943. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Water rates abatement, commitment of water lien costs, commitment of sewer house connections, and commitment, of water house connections were signed. The records of the mdeting held on March 31st were declared approved. The meeting adjourned at 10:55 P.M. A true record, Attest: Clerk • 0 479