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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1942-04-13 480 SELECTMEN'S MEETING 4111 April 13, 1942. A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, April 13, 1942 at 7:30 P.M. Chair- man Giroux, Messrs. Potter Rowse, Locke and Sarano were present. The Clerk was also present. At 7:30 P.M. hearing was declared open on the petition of the Boston Edison Company for permission Pole to erect one pole on Spring Street, approximately 730 locations feet northeast of the Waltham-Lexington line. No persons appeared at the hearing. Mr. Potter moved that the petition be granted and the order signed. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Wrightington appeared before the Board at 7 :32 P.M. The Board discussed with him a complaint received to the effect that Edward L. Tyler of 31 Complaint Maple Street was running a Convalescent Home. It Tyler home was decided to have Dr. Rochette and Mr. Lamont, the Health Inspector, call at the house and make an inspection and further, report to the State Depart- ment of Public Welfare that Mrs. Tyler was running a 410 home without a permit. The Board signed petition to the General Court for the revocation of the Tenement House Act for towns, and a petition relative to the removal of snow and ice from private ways open to public use. Mr . Wrightington retired at 8:00 P.M. Eight members of the Appropriation Committee ap- peared before the Board at 8 :05 P.M. They were as follows : George C. Sheldon, James E. Spellman, George M. Hynes, Raymond A. Bond, Richard W. Maynard, Lewis L. Hoyt, and Robert J. Fawcett. Auto. The Chairman told the group that the Building and allowance Plumbing Inspectors had requested an increase in their Inspectors automobile allowances . Mr. Cann says that he travels an average of 600 miles per month, and Mr. Lindstrom says he travels an average of 500 miles per month. Each receives 0.33 for that length of time . They say there is a great deal of repair work going on now. It was the feeling of both Boards that new and re- pair work would be drastically curtailed very shortly and for this reason, it would be wise not to take action on the request now. The Clerk was instructed 4111 481 1110 to request the Inspectors to bring the matter up again in six months and to furnish information relative to mileage, amount of building and plumbing, etc. The Chairman told the Appropriation Committee that through error the Selectmen had agreed with them to decrease the salary of the Forest Warden to tp50.00 per annum. This was an oversight and if the Select- Forest men did intend to do it, they should have at least Warden given Chief Taylor the courtesy of discussing the Salary matter with him. They requested the Appropriation Committee to make funds available to continue the Forest Warden at his previous salary of $200.00 per year. The Chairman requested the Appropriation Committee to transfer a sum not to exceed $1400.00 for the instal- Drainage lation of drainage at the junction of Downing Road and Outlook Drive. At 8:30 P.M. Mr. Melville W. Webb and Clyde Booker of the American Legion appeared before the Board. They presented a sketch of the proposed memorial War to the men serving in the Armed Forces . Mr. Webb said Memorial that all the labor would be donated and that the mater- ials would cost $59 .33. Only $50 .00 having been appro- priated, the Legion requested that the $9.33 be made available . The Selectmen requested the Appropriation Committee to transfer this sum from the Reserve Fund. The Appropriation Committee retired at 8 :38 P.M. Chief Sullivan and Mr. Wrightington appeared be- fore the Board at 8:40 P.M. The Board discussed the proposed new Police Regu- lations with the two men. The Chairman asked Mr. Wrightington if the Select- men had the right to grant permission to the American Legion to place a memorial to the men in service in the Memorial grass plot in the front of Cary Hall. Mr. Wrightington said he would look into the matter and advise the Board. Mr. Wrightington retired at 8:40 P.M. Chief Sullivan informed the Board that on Friday April 10 , 1942 patrolman John A. Russell was making his John A. rounds around Depot Square when he heard someone Russell whistling. He ran down to the Hood store and saw two commended fellows running away. The rear door of the store was open and the men had been trying to get the safe out. He called the cruising car and they chased the men but were unable to catch them. The Chairman said that by his alertness , officer Russell prevented a robbery. • 482 Mr. Locke moved that officer Russell be written a 4110 letter of commendation for his work on this case. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Chief Sullivan retired at 8:55 P.M. The Chairman told the Board that Hazen Hamlin had talked to him about his client's offer to pay $450.00 Lot 35, for lot 35, Block 1, Lexington Manor. The man desires Manor to build a house on this lot for his son-in-law who runs the gas station in the Manor. After considerable discussion, it was decided to sell the lot to Mr. Hamlin' s client for the net sum of $450.00 provided no higher bid is received. Mr. Potter moved that Eleanor M. Lowe be relieved of her duties as Acting Town Accountant as of April 7, 1942. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Morse appeared at 9:00 P.M. to discuss welfare matters and retired at 9:20 P.M. Letter was received from the M. DeMatteo Construe- Public tion Company requesting that Edward L. Hanlon of 84 Weigher Washing Street, Islington be appointed a certified public weigher. Rowse Rowse moved that Mr. Hanlon be appointed a certified public weigher for a term ending March 31, 1111 1943 provided a statement of character is received from the Chief of Police. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Letter was received from Raymond L. White thank- ing the Board for his appointment as Town Accountant . Letter was received from the V. F. W. requesting Poppy Day permission to hold its annual Poppy Drive on May 22nd Permit and 23rd. Mr. Potter moved that the permit be granted. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Board of Health abatement of $5.00 for the ambu- lance charge issued to Mrs . I. Patenaude was signed. Notice was received of the resignation of George W. Emery as a member of the Civil Service Committee. Notice was received of the resignation of Leigh V. Farnham as a Fence Viewer. Mr. Rowse moved that Stanley L. Higgins be ap- pointed aFence Viewer in Mr. Farnham's place for a period ending March 31, 1943. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 4111 483 411, The Chairman informed the Board that Leigh V. Farnham had left the employ of the Town to go to work Farnham for E. B. Badger & Co. of Boston. Mr. Farnham re- leave of quested a leave of absence on the same terms as those absence granted Albert A. Miller. It was decided to advise the department heads that if any leaves of absences are granted, they would be on the basis that the position would be guaranteed only if there are funds available and work available when the person wishes to return to the employ of the Town. Mr. Sarano said that the group sponsoring gardens for 4-H Clubs would like to have the sum of 4100.00 for seed, fertilizer, etc . Mr. Potter moved that the sum of 8100.00 be made available from the Welfare Aid appropriation for the 4-H purchase of seed and fertilizer and for the plowing of Gardens land for gardens to be worked by children of persons on W.P.A. and welfare. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Sarano moved that the following licenses be granted. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 4111 C. E. Barnaby, 1804 Mass . Ave. Bowling Alleys Sacco Rubbico Bowling Alley Co. Inc. 1698 Mass . Ave. n " Old Belfry Tea Room, 1840 Mass. Ave. Common victualler Salvation Army, Roxbury Junk license Peter 's Music Shop, 1819 Mass. Ave. Overhanging Sign Lowland Dairy Farm, 92 Adams St. Past. of Milk Hugh McIntosh, 442 Marrett Road Sunday Sales David Buttrick Co. , 388 Bedford St. " " Dorothy Day Lappen, 1780 Mass . Ave. " " Carroll Bros . , Allen Street 100 Swine Lois M. Marshall, 1844 Mass. Ave. Funeral Director Ralph M. Marshall, " " It " ft Alice M. McCarthy, 80 Bedford St. " " John W. Leary, 45 Waltham Street Public Carriage Howard Arbetter, 198 Mass Ave. Peddler's License Paul L. Smith, 12 Locust Avenue " " Eugene Zarella, 15 Sylvia Street " " Mr. George C. Sheldon appeared before the Board at 9 :37 P,M. He reported that the Appropriation Committee Salary of was unanimously opposed to restoring the Forest Warden' s Forest salary to 4200 .00 and the Committee suggested appoint- Warden ing a Forest Warden from outside of the Fire Department. 484 The Appropriation Committee approved the transfer • Drainage of $1400.00 for the Downing Road drainage. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Russell, the Miss former Town Accountant, stating that because of the Clifford's excellent work done by Gertrude E. Clifford in the Ac- salary counting Department, he recommended that her salary be increased to $15.00. Mr. Sheldon said he had dis- cussed this matter with the Appropriation Committee and they were in favor of the increase. The Selectmen dis- cussed it and voted to approve the increase. Trans . for Mr. Sheldon. said the Appropriation Committee had War approved the transfer of $10.00 from the Reserve Fund Memorial for the war memorial. Mr. Sheldon retired at 9 :40 P.M. The Clerk was instructed to request the liquor stores to close on Monday, April 20 , 1942. The Clerk was instructed to invite Chief Taylor to meet with the Selectmen on Tuesday afternoon, April 21, 1942 at 4 :30 P.M. Mr. Paxton appeared before the Board at 10:00 P.M. The matter of blackout curtains for the Selectmen' s Blackout office was discussed. Mr. Paxton received a bid from Curtains Lincoln E. Higgins of 44 Bertwell Road for furnishing 4110 Selectmen's three shades for the office and two for the downstairs Office lavatories for $26.40. He said this expense could be charged to the Town Offices & Cary Memorial Building Account. Mr. Rowse moved that the blackout curtains be pur- chased. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton informed the Board that the following uses of halls had been requested: Lexington Committee on Public Safety, :Qarg Hall Uses of on April 17th from 6:30 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. ; Lexington Halls Minute-Men, conference room on April 15th ; Chamber of Commerce, conference room on April 17th from 6 :30 P.M. to 7 :30 P.M. Mr. Potter moved that the uses be granted free of charge . Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr . Paxton informed the Board that the April 1st Bay State water bill rendered Bay State Nursery was $218.27 which Nursery is about $170.00 more than the average bill is for that water bill period. They found that there was an underground leak which no one knew about. The Nursery requested an abatement . 4110 485 4111 If considered on the basis of 14 per 100, the bill would amount to $118.27 and if figured at cost it would amount to $126.26. Mr. Rowse moved that the sum of $100.00 be abated, leaving $118.27 due . Mr . Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton said he thought there should be no park- ing on the northerly side of Woburn Street from Cottage Street to the railroad tracks . He thought two cross- No Parking walks should be put in; one at Labes ' store and one at Woburn St. Semonian' s store. Mr. Saran moved that the traffic rules and orders be amended as follows. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Article V. "By striking out the figures 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 in this Article and by substituting therefor the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 , 5, 6, knd 7, and By adding to Section 2 the following: Woburn Street. On the northerly side from the railroad crossing six hundred and fifty feet (650' ) easterly. " Mr. Paxton said that he had received truck bids 4111 as follows : F. K. Johnson, Inc. 2 Two-Ton Chevrolet $ 1647.56 1747.56 Master Service Station U " rt Dodge 1952.50 1952.50 T. C . Baker Co. " " " Ford 1801.18 1801.18 Harvard Auto Company " " " Ford 1387.00 1387 00 Hoover Motors , Inc. " " " Ford 1627.00 1652.00 Colonial Garage, Inc . " " " G.M.C. 1475.00 1475.00 International Harvester " " " Int. 1887.52 1877.52 Mack Motor Truck Co. " " " Mack 1750 .00 1750.00 Reo Motors Inc. " " " Reo 2031.35 2253.32 Sterling Motors Corp. " " " Federal 1918.20 1968.20 Mr. Potter moved that Mr. Paxton be authorized to purchase the GMC trucks as first choice and that Mack trucks be purchased in the event GMCs are not available . Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 486 Mr. Paxton informed the Board that he had received 4110 bids on the paint requirements for 1942 as follows : E. G. Barker Lumber Co. $464.15 Clevo Company 459.99 Custance Bros. 496.73 Glidden Co. 468.10 Lexington Lumber 458.77 Pittsburgh Plate Glass 445.40 Riverside Paints & Varnish 220.90 Waverley Hardware 406.10 E. H. Mira 473.40 Norfolk Paint & Varnish Co. 451.83 H. M. Lawrence 430.64 He recommended accepting the bid of H. M. Lawrence Co. for furnishing Bay State paints at $430.64. He reminded the Board that last year the Waverley Hard- ware & Supply Co. was low but their bid was for an inferior grade of paint. This year however, they said on their bid that they were bidding on first- grade paint. It was decided however, to accept the bid of the H. M. Lawrence Co. Asphalt bids were received from the following: American Bitumuls Co. Eastern Asphalt & Oil Co. 410 Arthur T. Hausler Co. H. H. McGuire Co. Lake Asphalt & Petrolium Co. New England Asphalt & Tar Standard oil of New York Mr. Potter moved that Mr. Paxton be authorized to purchase the asphalt this year as he sees fit. M1 . Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman informed the Selectmen that the Rationing Board how had to handle sugar rationing Rationing and the State was going to put in another girl. The Board Board needs an office and would like to use the lower conference room in Cary Hall . It was decided to allow the Board to use this room. Mr. Paxton retired at 10:32 P.M. The Chairman told the Board that Mr. Abel was work- ing with Mr. White and he authorized him to work the equivalent of one week of working hours . He said he thought it might be wise for Mr. Abel to come in at the end of the month, however, to help Mr. White to close the books. There was no objection to this. The meeting adjourned at 10:25 P.M. A true record, Attest: � f� 4111 Clerk ="t' 487 4110 SELECTMEN' S MEETING April 21, 1942 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building on Tuesday, April 21, 1942 at 4:00 P.M. The meeting was held on Tuesday because of the fact that Monday was a holiday. Chairman Giroux, Messrs . Potter, Rowse, and Sarano were present. The Clerk was also present. Mr. Carroll appeared before the Board for the drawing of a juror to serve on Criminal Business in Juror Cambridge beginning Monday, May 18, 1942. Mr. Edwin W. Hutchinson, farmer of 169 Blossom Street, was the juror drawn. Mr. Paxton appeared before the Board at 4:02 P.M. He said that the following uses of halls had been Uses of requested: Lexington Committee on Public Safety - Cary Halls Hall, April 27th for a rally; Committee on Public Safety, Selectmen' s Room, April 24th for a meeting; Mrs. Grace L. Merriam, Estabrook Hall , April 28th, May 1st, 8th, and 15th from 10:00 A.M. to 11 :00 A M. for an air raid wardens ' course. Mr. Potter moved that the uses be granted free of charge. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton reported that the following fire in- surance policies were expiring: $13,000.00 policy ex- piring through the office of Elizabeth E. Holton on Insurance May 23rd; $14,800.00 policy expiring through the of- fice of A. A. Marshall & Son on June 26th. Mr. Rowse moved that the policies be renewed through the same offices . Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton informed the Board that he had reK ceived bids on a car for the Supt. of Public Works as follows : Car Bids Firm Make Bid Hoover Motors Ford $965.00 T. C. Baker Ford 953.10 Master Service Station Dodge 1062.45 F. K. Johnson, Inc. Chevrolet 780.97 Mr. Rowse moved that the bid of F . K. Johnson,Inc. for a Chevrolet, at a price of $780.97 , be accepted. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 488 Mr. Paxton recommended that the following wage 41/0 increases be granted as of April 27, 1942. Name Present Rate Approved Andrew Corcoran .60 .65 William G. French 25.00 26. 50 Andrew E. Hammarbeck .65 .70 Robert Hannaford .55-40 hr.wk. .55-44 hr. Kenneth Kelley .60 .65 Creighton Rourke .55 .60 Arthur Silva .55 .60 John F. McKenzie .60 .65 Eugene Moloy .60 .65 Frederick Sgrosso .55 .60 Joseph McDonald .60 .65 Everett Vaughn .60 .65 Mr. Rowse moved that the increases be approved. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton recommended that the men be paid for yesterday, April 20th, and for the following holidays in the future : April 19th, May 30th, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Mr. Rowse moved that in the future the men be paid for the holidays as listed above. Mr. Potter 4110 seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton said that the Town of Lincoln would Rental of like to borrow the roller. Roller Mr. Potter moved that the roller be loaned to the Town of Lincoln subject to the usual conditions. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton said that he had received agreements signed by Mingolelli, Mary D. Hatch, and the Lexing- Lex. Homes ton Homes Inc. , which agreements were drawn up by Mr. Drainage Wrightington. These are in connection with the drain to be laid through the Lexington Country Club Estates and it is now in order to pay $200.00 for the ease- ments through the property. Mr. Rowse moved that the Board authorize the sum of v$200.00 in payment of the easement. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr Paxton called the Board's attention to the Telephone telephone bill for the Town Offices. The base rate bill has been reduced due to the discontinuance of two phones and some switches , but there has not been a reduction in the total bill. 459 4110 The bills have been as follows : January 15-February 15 $86.30 with 1850 extra calls February 15-March 15 79.00 with 1500 extra calls March 15-April 15 109.25 with 2800 extra calls The Chairman said that he understood Mr. Paxton was going to figure the amount that should be paid by the Committee on Public Safety. Mr. Paxton said he understood he was to do that with the Edison bill, and the Board told him that he should do it on both the Edison and the telephone bills . He agreed to do this. Mr. Paxton reported that Miss Cidaliza Sousa, employed in the Highway Department at a salary of $17.00 per week, was leaving to go to work for the Miss Sousa Rationing Board at $24 .00 per week. He said he was going to interview some girls from the High School. Letter was received from Daniel J. O'Connell relative to the agreement prepared by Mr. Wrighting- 1 ton to be signed by John Sullivan in connection with Sullivan his water betterment assessments . Mr. O' Connell in- assessment formed the Board that Mr. Sullivan would not sign 410 the agreement. Mr. Paxton said he had written Mr. Wrightington on the matter and it was decided to take no action until next week. The Chairman said that the American Legion would like the Town to put in some sort of a base for the temporary War Memorial to be placed in front of Cary War Hall. It is estimated that the cost would be $25.00 Memorial to $35.00. Mr. Potter moved that Mr. Paxton be authorized to go ahead with the work and charge the expense to the Town Offices and Cary Memorial Building Expenses Account. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman said that the Rationing Board had a cabinet which it would like Mr. Shea to paint. Rationing Mr. Potter moved that Mr. Shea do the work and Board that his time be charged to the Unclassified Account . Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman said that the Rationing Board had requested the installation of a telephone in its office in Cary Hall. r. 490 Mr. Potter moved that a separate telephone line • Telephone be installed to one of the Conference Rooms in the Rationing Cary Memorial Building for the use of the Rationing Board Board. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr . Paxton retired at 4:50 P.M. Chief Taylor appeared before the Board at 4:55 P.M. The Chairman said that last week the Board told him that it would ask the Appropriation Committee for Salary of funds so that his salary as Fire Warden might be re- Fire stored to its old basis of $200.00 per year. The Ap- Warden propriation Committee was requested to make the trans- fer, but the request was denied. The Chairman said that the Board would like him to continue to serve as Fire Warden with the amount of money available which is $87.50 for the year. The Chief said that possibly the Board never knew or did not remember, that he served on the Board of Selectmen for four years and served as Chairman for two years . He said that the Selectmen admitted that the appropriation for the salary of the Fire Warden !, was An error. The Chief said he knew of nothing in the statute that would prohibit the Selectmen from making a transfer from the Excess and Deficiency Ac- count to make up the deficit. The Chairman said that the only way that could1111 be done was by vote of the Town Meeting. The Chief asked when there would be a Town Meeting and the Chair- man said that there probably would not be one until late in the fall. The Chairman said that if the Ap- propriation Committee had approved the request there could have been a transfer from the Reserve Fund. The Chief said he understood that the Selectmen could transfer from the Reserve Fund and the Chairman read to him G. L. Ch. 40, Sec. 6 which delegates to the Appropriation Committee only the authority to make transfers from the Reserve Fund. The Chief said that he would give the Board his answer by May 1, 1942. Chief Taylor retired at 5 :00 P.M. Letter was received from Mr. Paxton recommending Fly that John Sullivan and the Ross Realty Corporation Nuisance clean the brook which runs through their property in an effort to minimize the fly nuisance. Letter was received from the Franklin School P.T.A. thanking the Board for making it possible for the school children to have hot lunches under the supervision of the W.P.A. S 491 . 4110 Letter was received from Mr. Wrightington relative to a suit brought by him against Francis Burke as ad- ministrator of Katherine Meek, to try to recover welfare Meek payments made to her. Mr. Wrightington felt that he suit would be unable to convince a Court that the Town as dismissec creditor should be entitled to recover. Mr. Rowse moved that Mr. Wrightington be author- ized to dismiss the suit against Francis Burke. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Letter was received from John Smith, Chief Proba- tion Officer, advising that through error in that of- Error in rice, the Wilson Brothers were required to pay $1486.80 Wilson rather than $1446.80. Mr. Smith suggested that a check case for the difference of $40.00 be paid to his office and from there returned to the Wilson Brothers. The Clerk was instructed to refund the $40.00. The Chairman said that Miss Charbonneau, a Clerk in the Accounting Department, was very much upset be- Clerks in cause the other Clerk, Miss Clifford, had been given a Accounting $1.00 increase and she had not . She told Mr. White Dept. that if she did not receive a similar increase that he could consider that he had her resignation. The Board felt that it could take no action on the request and that its action on Miss Clifford was 4111 justified because she has been employed by the Town for some three years. Letter was received from the Planning Board rela- tive to "Standard Form of Limited Town Meeting" and the preparation of an amendment to cover the ground now in- cluded in the Tenement House Act. The Planning Board is willing to study these subjects and to make recom- mendation to the Board. Mr. Rowse moved that the Planning Board be re- quested to make these studies. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Commitment of water miscellaneous charges in the amount of $67.56 and list of wafer rates abatements in the amount of $107.75 were signed. The records of the meeting held on April 13, 1942 were declared approved. The meeting adjourned at 5:45 P.M. A true record, Attest : Clerk