HomeMy WebLinkAbout1956-09-17-BOS-min 47
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
September 17, 1956
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on
Monday evening, September 17, 1956 at 7:30 P.M. Chair-
men Reed, Messrs. James, Maloney, Tucker and Mrs. Morey
were present, Mr. Gayer, Superintendent of Publie Works,
Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, and the Clerk were also pre-
sent.
The Chairman read a letter signed by August W. and
Annie H. Koch, 15 Oxford Street, requesting abatement Sewer assess-
of sewer betterment assessment levied against lots 126 ment abated
and 127 Oxford Street.
Mr. Gayer explained that the sanitary sewer does
not go by these lots and it is too low to service the
house as the land drops off very sharply.
Mr. Maloney said that in this ease the sewer does
not go anywhere near the lots.
The Chairman said that the sewer does not go by the
lots and asked if that were correct.
Mr. Gayer replied in the affirmative and said that
if the land were level, it might be used.
The Chairman stated that the present Board has
nothing to do with a future Board but he did not want
to abate the assessment if at some future time the lots
could be connected. He said that the betterment mould
be deferred without interest. In this was, if the land
is ever built upon, the town does not lose the better-
ment. He mentioned that if an assessment is abated, it
cannot be charged again. He suggested that a notation
be made somewhere that there should be no long service
to these lots.
Mr. Maloney explained that Oxford Street is pn a
plateau and then drops off.
Upon motion of Mr. James, seconded by Mr. Maloney,
it was voted to abate the sewer betterment assessment
levied against lots 126 and 127 Oxford Street in the
amount of $138.54 inasmuch as there is no benefit de-
rived from the sanitary sewer. If, however, at any
future time the lots are serviced, a connection charge
should be made.
The Chairman read a letter from James G. Franey,
16 Oxford Street, requesting abatement of sewer better-
ment assessment levied on lots 124 and 125 Oxford Street.
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Mr. Gayer explained that the topography here is
the same as the above-mentioned lots owned by Koch.
Mrs. Morey asked if an unusual connection might be
made and Mr. Gayer replied that he did not believe so.
Upon motion of Mr. James, seconded by Mr. Maloney,
it was voted to abate the sewer betterment assessment
levied against lots 124 and 125 Oxford Street in the amount
of $169.02 inasmuch as there is no benefit derived from
the sanitary sewer. If, however, at any future time the
lots are serviced, a connection charge should be made.
The Chairman read a letter from Mrs . Josephine Smith,
20 School Street, requesting abatement of sewer assessment
Sewer on lot 56 School Street. The lot in question is on the
assessment corner of Grandview Avenue and School Street and Mrs.
Smith claims that it already has a sewer betterment. She
was told some time ago that no betterment would be levied
against this lot.
Mr. Gayer drew a sketch of the lot and agreed to ob-
tain more information pertaining to the assessment. In
the meantime the Board will view the property.
The Chairman read a letter from the Cemetery Com-
missioners with reference to salt and sand washing into
Westview Cemetery from Bedford Street.
The Chairman advised the Board that Bedford Street
is a State Highway.
Mr. Gayer. reported that he had viewed the area and
one solution would be for the State tO install some
Drainage, curbing which would prevent the water from flowing into
Westview the cemetery. He said that there is evidence of a con-
Cemetery siderable amount of water running in and he thought
curbing would take care of it.
Mr. James inquired about the distance and Mr. Gayer
said that it is from the top of the hill at the main entrance
down to Westview Street.
The Chairman asked if Mr. Gayer would contact the
State on the subject or if he preferred to have the Board
do so.
Mr. Gayer replied that he would try and see if
something can be done.
The Chairman read a letter from Nicholas Colette,
Colette 575 Bennington Street, East Boston, advising that he
Water charge expects to move into a new house on lot 10 Winter
& betterment Street. He received an estimate of $300 from t he
Water Department for a connection to his house and
an estimate of $498 betterment charge, a total of
$798 which is payable in advance.
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He asked for the extension of the water main which now ends
on Winter Street to eliminate the $300 charge.
Mr. Gayer said that this is not a betterment, but
is a connection charge. There has never been a better-
ment assessed against the lot. Therefore, he will have
to pay the amount of what the betterment would be.
The Chairman asked if the charge had to be paid in
advance and Mr. Gayer replied that Mr. Stevens, Town
Counsel, has so advised. He told Mr. Colette the only
alternate to offer him in lieu of paying the connection
charge was to get the main extended down Winter Street
and the betterment would be charged over a period of
years. However, there is no money for further extensions
this year.
The Chairman said that if Winter Street is not laid
out he would nctbe in favor of putting a water main in.
Mr. Maloney said that the Board has expressed opposi-
tion to long services and suggested extending the main
at least part of the way up to the man's lot.
The Chairman said that there were a couple of exten-
sions in Sunnyfield to be done before the streets and
asked if funds were available.
Mr. Gayer replied in the affirmative and explained
that it will be taken from the street appropriation.
The Chairman said that an article could be inserted
in the warrant for the Special Town Meeting requesting
an appropriation to take care of extensions of water mains&
if the money is not now available.
Mr. Gayer explained that it is figured at $6.00 a
foot for a six-inch line.
The Chairman asked if Mr. Colette would pay more
for the betterment than he would for the connection, and
Mr. Gayer replied that the connection charge is •based
on what the betterment would be.
Mr. Maloney -said that the man has a permit to build
and' he thought the Board should make an effort to get
the money.
Mr. Tucker asked why the town was obligated and Mr.
Maloney replied that he had been given a building permit.
The Ohairman explained that Mr. Colette apparently
has no objection to paying but does not want to have to
pay the entire amount in advance.
Mr. Gayer asked about assessing the people on the
other side of the street and the Chairman said their
property would be bettered.
Mr. James said he thought the Appropriation Committee
might look favorably on a $600 transfer.
Mr. Gayer agreed to obtain an estimate of the amount
of money needed.
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Mrs. Morey said that there should be an article in
the warrant just in case the Appropriation Committee does
not act favorably.
Mr. Stevens said that Mr. Coletta would have to
pay for the cost of putting in the service. If the
Board adopted an order to construct a water line and
assess betterments it could be recorded but the main
would not have to. be put in.
Upon motion of Mr. James, seconded by Mr. Tucker,
it was voted to authorize the installation of a water
main in Winter Street after the Special Town Meeting to
be held in the latter part of October.
Further consideration was given to Mr. Chester
Lidberg's request for extension of a water main on
Adams Street for a distance of approximately 300 feet.
Mr. Gayer reported that it would be to the town's
advantage to connect these two dead ends.
Water main The Chairman asked if there was any particular
extension rush on this extension and suggested that this also
be included in the appropriation to be requested at
the Special Town Meeting.,
The Chairman read a letter from the Arlington
Bbard of Selectmen inviting the Board to a meeting
for the purpose of discussing the proposed State
Highway Program. The Chairman was authorized to
advise that the Board is concerned as always in ob-
taining official information and interested to know
who is going to be present from the State to disseminate
information on the subject. Furthermore, an effort will
be made to attend such a meeting providing it is not held on
Monday.
Mrs. Morey reported that Edwin P. Worthen, Jr.
telephoned her yesterday about some pink horse chestnut
trees his father had planted in his back yard and said
he would like to have them transplanted to Worthen
Road. She reported that they are not very large and
Mr. Gayer thought they could be transplanted. The
house will probably be sold in the Spring and the trees
should be transplanted this Fall. She said she would
like the Board to instruct Mr. Gayer to plant them
in some suitable place on Worthen Road.
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She suggested that possibly they should be placed some-
where temporar$:ly as they are small and may be removed if
planted on the road too soon.
Mr. James suggested placing them at the Lexington
Nurseries temporarily.
Mr. Maloney said that they could be planted but
horse chestnut trees will present a problem, in years
to come. He said he: would arrange to have them planted
and taken care of until such time as it is safe to
plant them on Worthen Road. He also said that the trees
should be at least twelve feet tall before planting.
Mrs. Morey agreed to convey the information to
Mr. Worthen, Jr.
Mrs. Joseph Mangion and one other representative
from the Bedford League of Women Voters, met with the
Board.
Mrs. Mangion explained that they were interested
in the problem of industry coming to town and would
like to have the Board's views on the subject. She
asked if the Board, as a group, encouraged industry. Bedford
The Chairman explained that in the past some of League of
the Boards of Selectmen have recommended changing some Women Voters
areas to light manufacturing, particularly on Route 128.
However, the Town Meeting members and townspeople have
voted against it. He informed them that there is an
area zoned for light manufacturing on Route 128 but the
area 3s swampy and has no access. He explained that it
takes time to change the zoning and by the time the
required hearings were held and a Town Meeting called
those concerns interested have not wanted to wait and
therefore gone elsewhere.
Mrs. Mangion asked how much industry would be
needed before it made an impression on the tax rate.
Mr. James said that he did not think anyone had
ever shown that industry is an advantage and it can-
not be made a categoric statement that it is an
advantage.
Mrs. Mangion asked if the Board thought, in the
long run, it would make any difference whether industry
comes into a town or not.
The Chairman replied that the Board has not had
any experience, but the towns that have should be able
to give an answer.
Mrs. Mangion and the other representative retired
at 8:35 P.M.
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An appointment was made for Mr. H. J. Cassidy,
Concord Highway, Lincoln, to meet with the Board at
Ambulance 8:30 P.M. at his request. He wanted an opportunity
bill to discuss an ambulance bill in the amount of $10
for the use of the ambulance on January 3, 1956 at
which time his car was in an accident involving a
Town sanding truck. Mr. Cassidy failed to keep his
appointment.
The Chairman read a letter from Frank S. Head,
110 Webster Street, Arlington, offering $3500 for
the hodse and land owned by the Town and located at
Tax title 10 Westminister Avenue.
property The Chairman was authorized to advise Mr. Head
that the Board of Selectmen does not intend to take
any action relative to the disposition of the proper-
ty at the present time.
Mr. Gayer retired at 8:50 P.M.
Lieutenant Goorge E. Smith, Lexington Police De-
partment, met with the Board at his request.
He stated that he was attending the meeting this
evening in the interest of the town, the men and him-
Police self. He said that there were only two items he would
Department like to bring up this evening. One is the shift that
the men have been griping about for some time. He
read a letter, dated February 2, 1956, which was given
to the Chief and which he said had not been acknowledged.
He stated that fourteen men had signed the letter.
They feel it is injurious to their health to change
every month. He said in changing over, the men have three
weeks before their system straightens• out and then they
are back on the change again. He said he thought the men
should be complimented for the way they carry on their
job, and that they are working under adverse condition-s.
He said he would leave it up to the Board to decide whether
they should have this change ot+ not.
The Chairman asked if the other shift Lieutenant
Smith was talking about was the one where one night
the men are on early and the next late. This way, they
are on for a month at a time, and Lieutenant Smith re-
plied in the affirmative.
The Chairman said that when the men are on every night
and have Court duty &WIand have to be in Court from
early morning until two, some of the men just off the
night shift come on the early shift. He asked if this
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could happen. He said the men come on duty on the
early shift having had only two hours sleep froM the
previous night.
Lieutenant Smith said that is possible.
Lieutenant Smith said that the other item is
seniority. He referred to the Board's letter of
July 31, 1956 and said that from the tone of the
letter he assumed the Board knew there was something
wrong in the Police Department. He said there was
and he thought it should be straightened out. He
recalled that rules were cited in the letter and
said he would like to read Rule 7, Section 2 which
affected him. "Except when otherwise ordered by the
Board of Selectmen, the Senior Lieutenant of the De-
partment shall assume the duties of the authority of
the Chief when that officer is absent on leave or ab-
sent because of illness or on vacation, or when there
is a vacancy in command." He said that has never been
delegated to him and he has been a night officer for
over fifteen years.
Lieutenant Smith said that several times during
the course of a year calls are received from other de-
partments requesting information which his department may
have, He said it is embarrassing to be an executive of-
ficer of the department and not be able to furnish the
information.
He said that there are other things that come up
under the night department which he thought should be
looked into. There are four or five men in the de-
partment who are executive officers who have keys to
the radio room, lights and records. There are times
when the lights have suddenly gone out, and there is
a delay between the time they go out and the time the
keys are brought to the station. He said if the radio
goes out, the keys have to be brought back to the
station. He said these delays are important in the
efficiency of running the department.
Lieutenant Smith said there is a list of details
and each man is Supposed to take his detail in turn.
He has an opportunity to take it or refuse. That is
locked up. No one knows, except in the day time, and
there have been discrepancies.
Mr. Tucker asked what he meant by details and
Lieutenant Smith said it was an extra such as a wedding
or at Cary Hall.
The Chairman explained that it is extra pay to the
men on their time off for working, as an example, on
a construction job, It is overtime on their own hours.
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Lieutenant Smith said that there is only one man
in the station nights. He said that a week ago there
was a serious accident and he had to call the doctor,
the wrecker and police officers. In the meantime, the
radio was going and the telephone was ringing. He said
that no matter how good a .man is he can't cope with
these emergencies alone.
Lieutenant Smith said that there was nothing more
he wanted to bring up now although there are things he
could discuss. He said that he gets along with every-
one in the department and would like to see it run as
a department. He said that there is too much favoritism
in the department.
Mr. Maloney asked if he had discussed this with the
Chief and Lieutenant Smith said he had during the last
two or three years. He said that Officer Lennon wanted
the last half shift and he wanted the first . The Chief
just would not discuss it. He said he asked the Chief
several times to change back to the steady shift. He
said he thought the senior officers should be shown
some appreciation.
Mr. Maloney asked if the men wanted the details
and he felt they were being skipped and resented it.
Lieutenant Smith said they have been requested not
to work outside. A certain few get the details . '
Mr. Maloney asked if there were a detail list and
Lieutenant Smith replied that it is locked up. I/
Mr. Maloney asked who assigned the details and
Lieutenant Smith replied that he did not know.
The Chairman asked if he had any idea and Lieutenant
Smith replied it could be the Chief or Officer Day.
Mrs. Morey asked if there were any keys in the
station and Lieutenant Smith replied in the negative.
Mr. Maloney asked if the Chief were aware of this
and Lieutenant Smith replied that he should be as he
has had to call him at his house.
The Chairman asked if the officer in chargé at
night had keys and Lieutenant Smith replied in the
negative.
The Chairman asked if there were any reason and
Lieutenant Smith replied that he had never inquired.
The Chairman asked if he had discussed these
items with the Chief and Lieutenant Smith replied in
the negative.
The Chairman referred to the Board's letter and
said it had been suggested that the men talk to the
Chief first and Lieutenant Smith/apparently not
done this. had
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Lieutenant Smith said he had talked enough during
the last couple of years. He said he told the Chief
he was going to request an audience with the Board.
The Chairman said that the Board feels the Chief
should be present when an officer or a patrolman comes
in to see the Board. However, the Chief is now on
vacation. He said the Board would discuss the items
mentioned by Lieutenant Smith further.
Lieutenant Smith retired at 9:10 P.M.
Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, Mrs. Marek, Chairman Franklin
of the School Committee, Mr. Martin, Mr. Smith, Mr. School
Siegfried, Chairman of the Franklin School Addition
Committee, Mrs. Litchfield, and Mr. Biggs met with
the Board.
Min. Siegfried said thaVhe would like to point
out to the Board of Selectmen that his Committee has
carried out its duties to the best of its ability on
the plans and the vote as given by the last Town Meet-
ing. After doing that, they went out for bids and re-
ceived eleven general bids. The low bidder came in at
$509i000 for the gBneral contract. The appropriation
was $430,000 and the low bid is $79,000 above the ap-
propriation. He reported that there had been a meeting
With the architect to explore, as far as possible, means
of reducing this figure. As of last Friday night the
Committee voted to request the Selectmen to call a
Special Town Meeting for the purposeaof asking the Town
to appropriate an additional $79,000.
The Chairman asked 1.f every means to come within
the appropriation had been exhausted.
Mr. Siegfried said that there are means of coming
down, but •thesv.nvolve, in the Committee' s opinion, a
lowering of the educational programas handed down to
the Committee. He said it is not within th96r ights
to lower the program.
The Chairman asked what he meant and Mr. Siegfried
said it meant reducing the number of classrooms. He
said they feel they can build a school within the ap-
propriation based on today' s market but they cannot be
sure it will be the same market *when they go out for
rebids. He explained that by reducing by two the number
of classrooms, leaving out the library, the janitor's
cubteal, principal's office, the covered walk way con-
necting the addition to the existing building and ether
miacellaaeaous items the value of which he did not know
but between the $10,000 and $20,000 they could bring the
figure down to the appropriation. However, the Committee
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felt that this would mean the Town would then get a11
school below what the Town Meeting contracted for.
The Chairman inquired as to the number of class-
rooms and Mr. Siegfried said that there are ten.
The Chairman asked about the bid on the Harring-
ton School and Mr. Smith said it was somewhere in the
vicinity of $590,000.
The Chairman said the figure is almost the same
for the sixteen room school as it is for adding ten
classrooms.
Mr. Siegfried said that the Cittee feels it
is now bidding on a market without parallel.
Mr. Maloney inquired about the sewer problem and
asked if that had been overcome.
Mr. Siegfried replied that the figure quoted in-
cludes a sewage disposal field large enough to take the
entire building.
Mrs. Morey asked if they intended to request just
$79,000 and Mr. Siegfried replied in the affirmative.
Mrs. Morey asked if the architect would expect.
an additional fee, and Mr. Siegfried replied that the
subject has not been discussed with the architect. The
Committee felt it would be better if it did not ask for
the additional 70 on the $79,000 and took it out of con-
tingencies. By dropping the contingencies from $20,000
to $15,000 they would take the remainder from furniture.
The Chairman said that now is the time to put in
the entire figure.
Mrs. Morey said that tO request $79,000 and not
allow for the architect's fee is not exactly present-
ing the figures.
Mr. Siegfried said the Committee thought $79,000
was a lot less to be asking for than $85,000.
Mrs. Morey asked if they didn't still figure a
percentage of the building for furnishing and Mr. Smith
said that on $31,000 they can furnish the building quite
well. The Cafeteria is not as large as the others and
there is no teachers ' room to be furnished.
Mr. Maloney said he was sure no one would question
them when they have made every effort to do the job as
reasonable as possible,
Mr. Siegfried said if it were brought up at Town
Meeting that the Committee was paying a percentage on
the overrun, it might detract from the proposition.
Mr. Siegfried said that the bids were opened Sep-
tember 11th and are valid for thirty days. They expire
on October 10th and therefore, this matter will have to
be acted on before October 10th.
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The Chairman said that the Board is prepared to
call a Special Town Meeting for October 1st.
Mr. Maloney asked if the contractor would extend
the time and Mr. Stevens explained that he is not per-
mitted to. The Statute provides thirty days.
Mr. Stevens said that the matter of financing
should be arrived at as soon as possible. The money
can come from available fends or by borrowing. If
it is to be a borrowing, approval will have to be ob-
tained from the Emergency •Finance Board. He said he
took the liberty of reserving the date of October 4th.
The Chairman said he would be in favor of bonding.
There are to be some large appropriations in the Special
Town Meeting later on October and he suggested borrowing
all at one time.
The Chairman asked if the Committee were going to
discuss the subject with the Appropriation Committee and
Mr. Siegfried replied that he was going to ask for a
joint meeting with the Appropriation Committee, Capital
Expenditures Committee, School Committee and the Board
of Selectmen.
Mr. James explained that this does not come within
the jurisdiction of the Cog ital Expenditures Committee
but it would be well to get as much support as possible.
He said that Committee must meet with the Appropriation
Committee because the latter has to make a report to
the Town Meeting and either approve or disapprove.
The group retired at 9:40 P.M.
Upon motion of Mr. Tucker, seconded by Mr. Maloney,
it was voted to call a Special Town Meeting for Monday, Town
October 1, 1956 at 8:00 P.M. Meeting
Upon motion of Mr. Maloney seconded by Mr. Tucker,
it was voted to sign the Warrant for a Special Town
Meeting, October 1, 1956.
Mr. Stevens retired at 9 :50 P.M.
The Chairman read a letter from 0. Ben Hander, Chair-
man of the Lexington Red Feather campaign, requesting
permission to use a room in the Barnes property from Barnes
September 21st for a •period of six to sight weeks for property
campaign headquarters.
The Board had no objection.
Hr. James reported that the Town Republican Com- Req. for
mittee had officially requested permission to display banner denied
a banner across Massachusetts Avenue at Lexington
Savings Bank Buildimg, Committee headquarters.
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Upon motion duly made and seconded it was unani-
mously voted not to grant the request inasmuch as it
would be establishing an undesirable precedent,
Further consideration was given to Mr. Edward
Tax title Watson's offer of X200 each for tax title lots 73-76
property inclusive, Block D, Garfield Street .
A proposal to sell these lots was advertised in
the Sppt€mber 13, 1956 issue of the Lexington Minute-
Man. No persons contacted the Selectmen's Office as
a result of the advertisement.
Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mr. James,
kt was voted to sell and convey lots 73-76 inclusive,
Block D, Garfield Street to Edward Watson for $200 each,
with a restriction in the deed whereby he can erect only
one house on the four lots.
Mrs. Morey reported that she spoke to Mr. Gayer
relative to the possibility of another exit to the
parking area in the rear of the Town Office Buildings
for the League of Women Voters' convention which is to
be held in Cary Hall. The only way out is ,across one
corner of the Boys ' Club basket ball court.
Mr. Maloney said the traffic would not do the
court any harm and the contractor should be requested
to move some of the materials out of the way so the
exit is available, He said that he would also advise
the Director of the Boys' Club.
Mr. Maloney asked if it would be advisable at this
time to install a gasoline tank at the hew Town Offices
Building and thereby make it possible for the Police
Department to take care of their gasoline needs without
going to the Public Works Building. He reported that
he has not discussed this with the Chief but it might
be well to have the tank installed before the construc-
tion is completed.
The Board was in favor of Mr. Maloney's suggestion
and it was agreed to hold the required hearing.
Mr. Stevens returned to t he meeting at 10:40 P.M.
The Chairman reported that Mr. Carroll, Town
Treasurer, questioned the vote of the Board in regard
to Mrs. Fisk's pension inasmuch as it did not mention
the fact that the pension would cease if she remarried.
Mr. Stevens explained that it is not necessary
for the Board to include that in its vote as it is a
statutory requirement.
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The Chairman read a letter from Sheldon B. Herks-
kovitz, ]J..7 Chilton Street, Cambridge, offering $2,325
for tax title lots 35 and 36 Hillcrest Street. The offer
was made under the condition that it will be possible for
Mr. Herkskovitz to obtain a clew title through Land
Court action, i.e. previous owner's or his heirs' right of
redemption foreclosed and the land being free and clear of
other legal hindrances or liens. If a clear title is not
possible, he reserved the right to withdraw the offer at
any time before completion of the sale.
Mn. Stevens said that Mr. Herkskovitz could not Tax title
check at the Land Court until he received title to the property
lots. He advised the Board to inform Mr. Herkskovitz
that it is not possible for the Board to handle the
matter as suggested by him as tax title property is
not disposed of on that basis. He could have the title
looked up and then let the Board know whether or not he
is still interested in acquiring it.
Mr. Stevens referred to Captain Broughall 's re-
quest for retirement and reported that he has thirty
years of Service. Under Section 85E of Chapter 32, Retirement
General Laws, he can retire for no reason providing
he is sixty years of age or over. At sixty-five he
would have to retire. If he had only twenty years
of service he could retire only if disabled. He ex-
plained that Captain Broughall is entitled to 50% of
the highest annual compensation received in the grade
from which he is retiring plus 1% additional over that
for each year over twenty, but not to exceed in any
event 65%. He has thirty-two years, but can't count
one-half year as a complete year. He said, in his
opinion, all he is entitled to is 62*%.
It appeared that Captain Broughall became a per-
manent member of the Fire Department on March 2 ., 1924
and rendered faithful service continually from that date
on.
Upon motion of Mr. Tucker, seconded by Mr. James,
it was voted tp retire Captain Stephen H. Broukhall
from the Fire Department under provisions of Section,
85E, Chapter 32 of the General Laws, as amended, at
620 of the highest annual compensation that he has re-
ceived in the grade of Captain in the Fire Department;
such retirement to be effective as of September 14, 1956.
At 11:00 P.M. the following members of the Planning
Board met with the Selectmen: Chairman Hathaway, Messrs.
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Adams, Jaquith, Abbott, Mr. Snow, Consultant, and Mr.
Howlett.
The Chairman said, in reference to proposed road
from Edison Way, through Depot Square, to Meriam Street,
it was not his understanding that a taking had to be
made within thirty days. He said he did not know if the
Planning Board wanted to make a forty foot taking which
will involve damage to the Scott property. He reported
that Mr. Stevens has suggested laying out a road which
would not be as expensive as it would be on a forty foot
taking. His proposal is to lay a road otit as wide as
the nearest spot between the buildings and this line here
(pointing to plan) which would be a fourteen or sixteen
foot Road.
Mr. Stevens explained that if the road is laid out
as shown on the plan, a taking would have to be made and
the damages would be substantial. However, if all the
Board had intended to do was to build as a town way, at
this time, the part between the property and the Scott
building, it would save damages.
Mr. Hathaway inquired about the Planning Board's
obligations to John MacNeil with whom the Board is in-
volved.
Mr. Stevens said he talked with Mr. Tropeano who
said he would look at the plan and talk to MacNeil.
The Chairman said that the town's obligation is
merely to establish the street line.
Mr. Hathaway said it would be street line and re-
zoning.
The Chairman said Mr. MacNeil knew the construction
of the street was a gamble and there was do discussion
in regard to the width of the atreet. He said, as he
understands it, there is no obligation other than to set
the line and rezone.
Mr. Adams recalled a street line established through
the O'Connell block for which the Town paid heavy damages.
He said that was a street line and not a taking.
Mr. Stevens said there would have to be a street.
A line cannot be established through private property.
He said the Board did not want a building line on the
Scott property. There may be some damage as it is.
The Planning Board appeared to be in favor of a
sixteen foot taking.
The Planning Board retired at 11:15 P.M.
Mr, Maloney reported that he received a complaint
from Mr. Samoorian on Waltham Street who wants an
Police appointment with the Board to discuss the Police De-
partment. He said he would check it in the next few
days and let the Board know what he finds out.
61
Mr. Maloney said that the Police Department has
had radar equipment in town checking speeders. It works
and did very well. He said the department is limited
in personnel and it might be a good investment for
the Town to purchase one of these units which
cost approximately $1,000.
The meeting adjourned at 11:25 P.M.
.A true record, Attest:
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