Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1942-11-2383 I SELECTMEN'S MEETING November 23, 1942 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town. Office Building on Monday evening, November 23, 1942 at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Giroux, Messrs. Rowse, and Locke were present. The Clerk was also present. Mr. Sarano arrived at 8:10 P.M. At 7:30 P.M. Mr, James J. Carroll appeared for the drawing of two jurors. Mr. Henry D. Miller, sales en- gineer, of 209 Follen Road, was drawn to serve on Civil Business at Cambridge, First Session, beginning on Mon- day, January 4, 1943. Mr. E. Gerry Barber, Jr., salesman, of 201 Wood Street, Jurors was drawn to serve on Criminal Business, First Session at Cambridge, beginning on Monday.. January 4, 1943. Mr. Carroll retired at 7:31 P.M. Letter was received from Mr. Carroll requesting 3 Franklin the Special Avenue, appointment of Mr. J. Harold Snowdon of Police Lexington, as a Special Policeman. This man was recom- mended by Malcolm Clifford and Chief Sullivan. Mr. Locke moved that Mr. Snowdon be appointed a ' Special Police Officer to serve until March 31, 1943. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Hearings for joint pole locations were held as follows: 7:30 P.M. Mass. Ave. from Breck Street 4 poles Mass. Ave. Breck Street 1 pole 7:31 P.M. Mass. Ave. and Marrett Road 1 pole Marrett Road 1 pole Mass, Avenue at Tower Road 1 pole Maple Street 1 pole Mass. Ave. - Plainfield Street 1 pole 7132 P.M. Westminster Ave. 1 pole 7133 P.M. Sylvia Street l pole 7:34 P.M. Summer Street 1 pole 7:35 P.M, Mass. Avenue - Stratham Road 1 pole 7:36 P.M. Mass. Avenue - Winthrop Road 3 poles Mass, Avenue - Woburn Street 1 pole 7:37 P.M. Woburn Street - Utica Street 1 pole Woburn Street s Utica Street 1 pole Woburn Street - Laconia Street 1 pole 7:38 P.M, Waltham Street - Waltham Line 1 pole Waltham Street - Concord Avenue 1 pole Waltham Street - Concord Avenue 1 pole War Bond Booths James G. Sullivan comp. 7:39 P.M. Mass. Avenue - Hillside Avenue 1 pole Mass. Avenue - Lisbeth Street 1 pole Mass. Avenue - Lisbeth Street 1 pole Mass. Avenue - Bowker Street 1 pole Mass. Avenue - Bowker Street 1 pole Mass. Avenue - Charles Street 1 pole Mass. Avenue - Sylvia Street 1 pole Mass. Avenue - Sylvia Street 1 pole All of the above petitions were held over for one week. The Chairman said that Mrs. Norman Baker had tele- phoned and said that the various women's organizations in Town were going to conduct a War Bond Drive for one week beginning November 27, 1942. Booths will be placed in various stores. They would like to have a booth in the foyer of Cary Hall for Dr. Tozier's lecture and for the Cary Lecture. Mr. Locke moved that the Selectmen approve the placing of a booth in the foyer of Cary Hall for the two lectures. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman said that James G. Sullivan, an employee of the Highway Department, had called on him relative to compensation for an accident. Mr. Sullivan injured his back some years ago and his compensation has stopped. Mr. Paxton submitted a report on the matter advising that on January 19, 1938 Sullivan sustained a back injury which was immediately reported to the Employers' Liability Assurance Corporation and he was paid for the time lost and for all medical bills. Since that time he has had reooeurence of the original injury and each time he has reported to the insurance company and has received compensation for all time lost. Mr. Brennan of the insurance company informed Mr. Paxton this week that the company was going to suspend pay- ments of compensation. if Sullivan wished to do so, he could appeal to the Accident Board of the Department of Labor and Industries for a survey of his case. The Clerk was in- structed to so advise Mr. -Sullivan. Letter was received from the Parent-Teacher Association thanking the Board for the use of Cary Hall on November 13th. At 7:48 P.M. Mr. Paxton and Mr. Rupert H. Stevens ap- peared before the Board to discuss Mr. Stevens' outstanding R.H.Stevens accounts which total $2,081.79. Mr. Stevens owes $216.25 accounts for equipment rental and two small items of $9.00 each, among other things. He also owes $408.15 for water guaranties and in September of 1941 he agreed to pay $25.00 per month on the account. 1 1 1 ' 85 ' The Chairman asked Mr.. Stevens if he could pay the $216.25 plus the two small items of $9.00 each in December and bring up to date his water guaranty payments during the month of January. Mr. Stevens said that he dould do this. He said he couldn't pay all his water rates now but would have to pay one quarter. He said he thought it was only fair to assume that the Town was going to take sand from his pit about the middle of December and store it at the Public Works Building so he would receive payment for that. Mr. Stevens retired at 8:05 P.M. Mr. Paxton informed the Board that the Minute Men Arts and Crafts Society had requested the use of Cary Hall in the daytime and evening on December 10, 11, and 12. Uses of Last year they had both Cary and Estabrook Halls for one Halls week and the charge was $150.00. Mr. Locke moved that the use of Cary Hall be allowed subject to a fee of $25.00 per day. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton said that Robert C. Merriam had requested the use of Estabrook Hall in the evening of December 2, 1942 for the purpose of holding a course for Air Raid Wardens. Mr. Locke moved that the use of the hall be granted ' free of charge. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The matter of turning on the street lights from 6:00 A.M. to one half hour before sunrise was discussed. Mr. Paxton thought that the lights should be turned on in the Street morning and said that it would cost approximately $240.00 lights additional if this were done. Mr. Rowse moved that the street lights be turned on from 6:00 A.M. to one half hour before sunrise during the months of December and January. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman said that Theodore A. Custance had dis- cussed some time ago the installation of a street light in the parking space at Depot Square. -:Article Mr. Locke moved that an article be inserted in the warrant for the next Town Meeting to see if the Town will Street authorize the installation of such a street light. Mr. lights Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton said that he had notified the truck owners about snow plow rates and Mr. Paul Wagner is not satisfied. Snow Two years ago Mr. Wagner operated five ton Sterling trucks removsl ' and was paid $5.50 an hour. He lost some of his trucks in rates TO 'Water service Snow loader (Scribner water bill $S7 a fire and purchased some oversized Fords and he wants the ' same amount of money for these trucks as he was paid for the Sterling trucks. The State pays $2.50 an hour for a similar sized Ford truck. Mr. Wagner feels that the Fords are doing the same type of work that the five ton trucks are doing, but Mr. Paxton does not agree with him and feels that if Mr. Wagner is paid the higher rate, then the persons owning larger trucks will be dissatisfied. The Board areed with Mr. Paxton that Mr. Wagner should not be paid the 15.50 an hour. Mr. Paxton said that the Supt. of Public Works.in Arl- ington would like to have a water service laid across Lowell Street with a hydrant, so that fires at Silkfs pit might be put out (this is where the Town of Arlington dumps refuse). Arlington is willing to pay for the installation and will keep track of the time the water is turned on and off so that they can pay for the water used. We have a four inch service at this point with a four inch gate on it so that the cost to the Town of Arlington will be very small. Mr. Locke moved that Mr. Paxton be authorized to make the connection. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. O'Brien told Mr. Paxton that Arlington had three ' snow loaders but because of the labor situation probably would use only two this winter. Mr. O'Brien thought that if the Lexington Selectmen requested the Arlington Board for permission to rent the snow loader, undoubtedly it would be granted. The Board felt that it would be desirable to rent the loader if possible. Letter was received from Mr. Harold B. Lamont relative to a water bill rendered Dr. Charles Scribner of Highland Avenue. On October lst Dr. Scribner was rendered a water bill of some $26.00 which he thought was excessive. Mr. Lamont said that the meter read some 8,000 feet for the October bill and later when Dr. Scribner read it, it read some 4,000 feet. Mr. Paxton told the Board that the meter was read for the October bill by the regular meter reader and read some 8,000 feet. It was checked by two other employees about two weeks later and it was still in the 8,000's. However, shortly after that, Dr. Scribner reported that the meter was reading 4,000 and this was checked by a 'hater Department employee andlfound to be so. The meter was removed and found to be registering 96% which means that Dr. Scribner was receiving 4% more water than was registered on the meter. Mr. Paxton wrote Dr. Scribner and told him this and asked him if any plumber had worked at the house who rhight have turned the meter back. ' 1 The meter man in the Fitchburg ,'dater Department came to Lexington and could find nothing wrong with the Scribner meter. A.new.meter was put in the house on October 14, 1942 and up until November 16, 1942, 992 cubit feet of water had been used. On this basis it is perfectly logical that Dr. Scribner could have used the amount of water he did last summer. Mr. Paxton said that he had discussed the subject with several men who had been meter salesmen for many years and they see no way which the meter could have reversed itself. It was decided to advise Mr. Lamont that after in- vestigation, the Board felt that it would not be justified in authorizing an abatement of any part of the bill. The Chairman said that on December 2, 1942, Maurice Woodward, Police Officer, was due for an automatic in - crease in salary. Mr. Locke moved that Mr. Woodward's salary be in- creased from $5.00 to $5.25 per day as of December 2, 1942. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. At 8:55 P.M. Messrs. Emery, Fawcett, Adams, and Driscoll of the Board of Fire Engineers appeared before ' the Board to discuss Fire Department matters. They re- tired at 9:32 P.M. The Chairman informed the Board that the State Director of War Transportation telephoned and said that inasmuch as Mr. F. K. Johnson had resigned as local Ad- ministrator of War Transportation, it would be necessary for the Selectmen to appoint someone to take his place. It was decided to ask the Chamber of Commerce for sug- gestions to fill the office. The Clerk informed the Board that Mr. Worthen of the Planning Board had telephoned about filling the vacancy on the Board, and said that only Mr. Donald E. Nickerson and himself were available. It was decided to request these two gentlemen to meet with the Board next week to elect members to fill the two vacancies on the Planning Board. Letter was received from Robert C. Merriam request- ing permission to use the basement foyer in Cary Hall as an Air Raid Shelter. Mr. Locke moved that the request be granted. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 1 Woodward's salary Adm. of War Trans. Planning Board Air RAid 88 Mr. Locke moved that the following licenses be signed. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted: Clifford F. Flack, 41 Outlook Drive Peddler's license William Viano, Sunday Theatre license for November 290 1942 for the showing of the following pictures: "Blossoms in the Dust", Grand Central Murder", and news. At 9:40 P.M. Mr. S. R. Wrightington appeared before the Board. The Board of Fire Engineers then came before the Selectmen and presented their recommendation for the abolition of the office of the Chief of the Fire Depart- ment; a copy of which recommendation follows. "The Board of Fire Engineers hereby unanimously recommend to the Board of Selectmen that the office of "Chief of the Fire Department" be abolished in the immediate future. Our reasons for such recommendation are listed below. We shall be glad to join with your Board in passing whatever votes, and in following whatever procedure Town Counsel advises you is best. "1. With a statutory Board of Fire Engineers (which includes a Chief Engineer and Clerk) doing the executive work of ' the Fire Department, and with full time experienced officers Letter was received from Andrew Cupp offering to pay ' Taxtitle $1200.00 for the Ryder land on Woburn Street. It was the land Board's feeling that the land should hot be sold for less than $1500.00. No action was taken on the matter. A petition in order for joint location of poles on Vine Street was received. The matter was held;over.for one week. Letter was received from Chief Sullivan relative to the accident which occurred on November 3, 1942 between Police car the police car and a car owned by Gordon E. Eaton of 9 addident Calvin Street, Lexington. Chief Sullivan said that after receiving Officer Harvey's report he believed that the driver of the police car was not responsible for the ac - c i de int . Mr. Rowse moved that the Town deny responsibility in the case. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Board signed a petition to the County Commissioners requesting the layout of Concord Avenue from the Belmont Line to the Concord Turnpike. Deed transferring lots 200 to 203 on Freemont Street, to David J. Cavanaugh, was signed. ' Mr. Locke moved that the following licenses be signed. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted: Clifford F. Flack, 41 Outlook Drive Peddler's license William Viano, Sunday Theatre license for November 290 1942 for the showing of the following pictures: "Blossoms in the Dust", Grand Central Murder", and news. At 9:40 P.M. Mr. S. R. Wrightington appeared before the Board. The Board of Fire Engineers then came before the Selectmen and presented their recommendation for the abolition of the office of the Chief of the Fire Depart- ment; a copy of which recommendation follows. "The Board of Fire Engineers hereby unanimously recommend to the Board of Selectmen that the office of "Chief of the Fire Department" be abolished in the immediate future. Our reasons for such recommendation are listed below. We shall be glad to join with your Board in passing whatever votes, and in following whatever procedure Town Counsel advises you is best. "1. With a statutory Board of Fire Engineers (which includes a Chief Engineer and Clerk) doing the executive work of ' the Fire Department, and with full time experienced officers T 0 1 Fire Dept. now in the Department, one of whom (the Deputy Chief) is already in char a of Fire -fighting operations, etc. in the absence of the Chief of the Fire Department", it is our opinion that there is no necessity for this latter position. "2. Whereas the present "call" chief of the Fire Department first assumed the responsibilities of such office in 1913 when the population of Lexi ton was approximately 5,600, its total assessed valuation8,562,600., and its full time Fire Department employees numbered 3 or 4. yet in 1942 its population is estimated at about 14,000, its assessed valuation is $22,302,328, and its full time Fire Department employees number 15, in the Board's opinion, due to said changed conditions, the responsibility for the exting- uishment of fires should be placed upon a full-time regular duty. officer. "3. In the Board's opinion, the safety of life and property in the town would be best preserved by having the responsibility incident to the extinguishment of fires placed in a full-time regular duty, experienced officer, - and such officer already exists within the present structure of the Fire Department; rather than continuing said responsibility in a "call' chief who has no regular hours on duty at the Fire Station, and who is very frequently out of Lexington on his own business during daytime working hours. The Board of Engineers feels it would not be fulfilling its responsibility to the Town by continuing a system in which fire fighting operations are in charge of an officer whose past three year attendance at bell -alarms is about 58%, when we have available the services of an experienced subordinate who can attend every fire and be present with the arrival of the first ap- paratus. "4. Due to war uncertainties and possible emergencies, the efficiency of the Fire Department should be kept at the highest possible level; and, in the Board's opinion, such efficiency (in peacetime as well as wartime) would be more readily attained by having as a responsible head an experienced _full-time, regular duty officer, particularly as such officer would serve the same hours of duty, both day and night, at the fire house, as the other permanent personnel. 15. Our citizens are faced with the heaviest tax bur- dens in the history of the U. S. It is the duty of municipal officers to eliminate all unnecessary expenditures; and it is the opinion of the Board of Fire Engineers that, with exper- ienced full-time officers already available within the Depart- ment, in the interest of economy the position of Chief of the Fire Department is no longer necessary." The Board of Selectmen then unanimously VOTED; That before taking formal action on the recommendations, they be brought to the attention of the "Chief of the Fire Department", and that his views upon them be obtained; and that for that T 0 1 Fire Dept. 90 ^' purpose, he be requested to appear before the Board on Monday, November 30th, 1942 at 7:30 P.M.; and that a copy of these recommendations be sent to him with the notice. The Fire Engineers and Mr. Wrightington retired at 10:15 P.M. At 10:45 P.M. nine members of the Appropriation Committee appeared before the Board. There was a general discussion on the salary policy for 1943. The Appropriation Cornittee retired at 10:50 P.M. The Clerk informed the Board that it would be necessary to dim out the Cary Memorial Building, the Town Office Build- ing, and the Public Works Building to comply with the new Dimout Regulations. Mr. Paxton has not had an opportunity Dimout to estimate the cost of this, but a rough estimate is $300.00. The Clerk was instructed to tell Mr. Paxton to go khead and do whatever he felt was necessary to comply with the Dimout Regulations and to keep the cost as low as possible. Mr. Morse appeared before the Board at 11:00 P.M. He said that he thought he would need $6,000.00 for Chapter 117 to carry him through the end of the year. Mr. Morse asked the Board to approve the adjusted bill for Surplus Commodities in the sum of $103.03. Mr. Locke moved that the adjusted bill be approved. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Morse retired at 11:03 P.M. Water liens in the amount of $569.17 were signed. A statement showing the expenditures on the Chapter 90 Maintenance for 1942 in the amount of $2,648.84 was also signed. The meeting adjourned at 11:05 P.M. A true record, Attest: Clerk 1