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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1956-07-16-BOS-min b341 ca C) SELECTMEN'S MEETING July 16, 1956 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, July 16, 1956 at 7:3D P. K. Chair- man Reed, Messrs. James, Maloney, Tucker and Mrs. Morey were present. Mr. Gayer, Superintendent of Public Works, and the Executive Secretary were also present. Petition was received from the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for location of one pole on Ledgelawn Avenue, Pole approximately 285 feet west of Hamilton Road. location Mr. Gayer explained that there is a drain ease- ment there and the petition is to move the present pole. Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mrs. Morey, it was voted to grant the petition and sign the Order for the following JO pole location: Ledgelawn Avenue, approximately 285 feet west of Hamilton Road, One pole. (One existing JO pole to be re- moved.) Petition was received from New England Tele- Pole phone and Telegraph Company for location of one pole location on Lowell Street, approximately 100 feet southeasterly from Pear Tree Drive. Mr. Gayer explained that the company proposes to locate a pole on the lot line. Upon motion of Mrs. Morey, seconded by Mr. James, it was voted to grant the petition and approve the Order for the following pole location: Lowell Street, from approximately 1j00 feet southeasterly from Pear Tree Drive, one pole. (Also remove one pole.) The Chairman read a letter from A. F. Lorentzen, Tree 58 School Street, requesting removal of one tree which removal NI he claims inyerferes with his driveway. Mr. Gayer reported that the tree in question is a good-sized elm, damaged by the hurricanes, and as Mr. Lorentzen claims, it does interfere with his drive- way. He said there is no other satisfactory way to locate the driveway and he felt it was a fair request and recommended that it be granted. He said that both 585 he and, Mr. Brenton viewed the area and arrived at the same conclusion. Mrs. Morey asked if the tree was a perfect speci- man and Mr. Gayer replied in the negative. He said that Mr. Brenton felt, because of the damage resulting from the hurricanes, the tree might be subject to Dutch elm disease. Upon motion of Mr. James, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to authorize the Superintendent of Public Works to have the tree posted for removal. The Chairman read a letter from Edward H. Suefert, requesting removal of a tree which he claims obstructs Req. for his driveway which he intends to blacktop. tree removal Mr. Gayer reported that this situation is similar to that at 58 School Street. He explained that the tree is a maple and it definitely interferes with the driveway. The Chairman inquired about the condition of the tree, and Mr. Gayer stated that it is in fair condition. Mrs. Morey asked il; the driveway could be put in from Robbins Road, and lr. Gayer replied that it runs parallel with Robbins Road, and there would be no place to put the car. He said the house is small, the lot is small and there just not room. Before taking any action on the request, the Board will view the area. The Chairman read a letter from Mrs. Walter Scanlon, 33 School Street requesting the town to plant two or three maple trees in front of her property. Req. for Mr. Gayer said that he would place the request shade trees on his list for next year. He said he would like to consider planting trees the entire length of School Street. The Chairman read a letter from the building Inspector relative to request for permission to move a two-family house from 5 Bedford Street to Earl and Ash Streets. He explained that the house is Req. to presently a non-conforming building. The district move bldg. into which it is proposed to be moved is an R1 area denied (single family dwellings), and a two-family dwelling is not a permitted use. The Chairman reported that he and Mr. Gayer had travelled the route. There is a very large tree in front of the house that would have to be taken down and there are a number of large trees all along the way. He reported that there is a heavy cable on Reed Street II and all the wiring would have to come down on order to get the house down the street. Mr. James mentioned that the basis for denying the request is the fact that a building permit cannot be obtained. CD CL Upon motion of Mr. Tucker, seconded by Mrs. Morey, it was voted to deny request of Thomas C. and Norma F. Small for permission to move the two-family house now located at Bedford Street to the corner of Ash and Earl Streets. Petition was received, signed by residents of Hill and Cedar Street, registering a complaint rela- tive to the speed of traffic on Paul Revere Road and Hill Street, particularly between the hours of Ii :00 Traffic on P. M. and 6:00 P. M. Included in the petition was a Paul Revere request for Stop signs at the intersections of Paul Road Revere Road, Cedar Street and Hill Street. Mr. Gayer mentioned that Stop signs are not legal unless approved by the State Department .of Public Works, and the Chairman said he did not think the State would approve a sign going on Paul Revere Road onto Cedar Street. Mr. James said that could not be determined . until the State made a traffic count and -then the road with the heaviest traffic is made a through way. The Chairman said a traffic survey could be re- quested and the petition referred to the Traffic Committee. Mr. Tucker beported that he talked with One of the neighbors in the area and apparently there is a lot of speeding and the people are interested in doing something before some of ,the youngsters are killed. They would like to have a police officer assigned there from time to time for a period of several days between the hours of 4:30 and 6:00 as the traffic disregards the "Children" signs. He said if an officer is assigned to the area and hands out some tickets it might slow down the traffic. The Chairman explained that when the Town .ap- plies for a Stop sign the first thing the State asks is how many accidents have occurred. He suggested discussing the subject with theChief later in the evening. Mr. Gayer brought up the possibility of the town' s liability in the event an accident should happen and the signs were illegal. The Chairman said that an opinion could be ob- tained from Town Counsel. He said signs could be erected an Cedar Street, both ways, until the town is told to remove them. 53 Mrs. Morey referred to requests for signs at corners where the shrubs obstruct the view and said that she thought the Highway Department should go out and notify the inhabitants that they must cut down the shrubs to allow better vision for vehicular traf- fic. She said she would like to institute some action however it may be done. The Chairman asked if Mr. Gayer could erect a couple of signs on Cedar Street and he replied that he would like to make sure that the town is not assuming any liability. Mr. Maloney asked who would be liable, in the event the signs were illegal, if a car stopped be- cause of the sign and the man in back of him runs into him. When Chief Rycroft met with the Board later in the evening the Chairman read the petition to him. Chief Rycroft said that he also had received a letter. The Chairman explained that the Board feels a man should be stationed in the area a couple of evenings between 4:00 and 6:00. The Chief said that he has been trying to do it. Mr. Tucker asked if any tickets had been issued and the Chief replied in the negative, but said that the Officers have booked some of the drivers. He said when the Officer is there the traffic is not so fast. The drivers have a signal system warning Other cars that the police are around. Mr. Tucker asked what .tlae chief thought the Board should do about these complaints. Chief Rycroftrepliedthat the only thing the Board can do is control, and there is no other answer. Mr. Tucker said that an Officer could not be stationed on every street all the time, but if there was one there at irregular intervals and the speeders received tickets word would get around that a speed trap is operated there once and awhile. The Chief said if he had the men and could afford to do it, he would put men there in civilian clothes. Today he has only four men, Mr. James asked if there had been any accidents at Paul Revere Road and Cedar Street and the Chief replied he thought only one. He said the traffic is just as bad if not worse in the morning. The Chairman said that the Board was going to find out if a. Stop sign could be erected. The Chief explained that at one time it was quite a deal, but now they can be erected on streets where the Board thinks they are needed. He said permission must be obtained from the State but there is no trouble as long as the traffic is coming onto a main thoroughfare. CD a38 CL The Chairman read the letter the Board received last week from Morris Motors requesting a fair share of the Town's towing business. The Chief stated that Fitzgerald has nothing to do with the Body work and Morris Motors does. He said that the department does not call anyone except at night. Calls are put out overithe air and both Morris and Fitzgerald go. He referred to an accident that occurred at 8:51 when a doctor going to Lincoln Town' s Lab crashed two cars. Fitzgerald's two trucks arrived towing first. In the meantime, because of the tie-up, back on business the hill there was another rear-end collision. Fitzgerald got two and Morris got one. The Chairman asked if the police determine who would get the towing business when they arrive at the scene of an accident. The Chief replied that usually it is the first one to arrive who gets the business. The Chairman asked if the men had been given instructions to be fair and the Chief replied that they have been told, first come first served. The Chairman said then actually the officer does not say who is to get the business. The Chief said that if Morris arrives first • he gets the business. There is no set way. He suggested that the Board write him a letter on the subject to be read at roll-call. He said that he has never instructed an office? as to who shall receive the towing business. He explained that Fitzgerald has two tow trucks and Morris has only one. He does not want a wreck towed onto the side of the road waiting to be towed away. If there are three ears involved„Morris gets one and Fitzgerald gets two. The Chairman was authorized to write a letter as suggested by the Chief. Mr. Gayer reported on street lights and said that he has a total of 35 requests for lights and 3 for lights and poles ror the Maria Hastings School. . The Chairman stated that the school lights Street should not be provided for out of the Street Light lights budget. Mr. Gayer said there is also a possibility of lighting Worthen Road. He said in the past the street lights have averaged 40 per year. This year, considering part of the year is gone, he could go as high as 50 or 60 lights. It was agreed to defer action relative to lights for Worthen Road but to approve the other requests. 539 Mrs Morey referred to curbing on Hancock Street and asked if Mr. Gayer had the amount actually heeded to finish it. Mr. Gayer replied that he did not have figures with him but there in his office. Mrs. Morey said that there is not very much to Curbing complete Hancock Street and she would like to know how Hancock St. many feet are needed and would like to have it settled whether it is or is not going to be done. Mr. Gayer agreed to call Mrs. Morey in the morning. Mrs. Morey said that she wanted to see No Parking on one side of the street put up. Mr. Gayer retired at 8:15 P. M. No Parking Chief Rycroft met with the Board relative to ap- pointment pf four additional Police Women. He ex- plained that he will need three for the Harrington School and one at Five Forks. He said there are nine applicants and all have cars. Mrs. Charles S. Babcock, 7 Brandon Street, age 32, met with the Board. The Chairman stated that one of the requirements for the position is that the applicant must have a car. He asked if Mrs. Babcock had a car and if she had time Applicants to devote to her work. for Mrs. Babcock replied that she does have a car Police and would have the time. Women The Chairman inquired as to her reason for want- ing the job and she replied that there is no particular reason. She has one child going to the Harrington School who will be gone all day and she would like to do something extra with her time. Mrs. Morey inquired about her health and asked if the winter frightened her. Mrs. Babcock replied that she has enjoyed good health the last three years and the winter does not bother her. Mrs. Babcock retired. Mrs. Robert Wellington, 15 Sherman Street, age 23, met with the Board. The Chairman asked if Mrs. Wellington had a car and she replied in the affirmative. The Chairman asked why she wanted the job and she replied that she thought it might be interesting. The C hairman asked if she was working anywhere else and she replied in the negative. Mr. Tucker asked about her husbandb occupation and Mrs. Wellington stated that he is in the Merchant Marines CD el4 0 Or Mrs. Morey asked how long she has lived in Lex- ington and she replied about three years. Mrs. Wellington retired. Mrs. Everett Dillman, 472 Waltham Street, age 39, met with the Board. The Chairman asked if she had a car and she re- plied in the affirmative. The Chairman asked if she would have the necessary time and Mrs. Dillman 'replied itx the affirmative, stat- ing that all her children are in school. The Chairman said he assumed she was interested in the job because it would take up her time. Mrs. Dillman replied in the affirmative and said that she does need a little extra money. Mr. Tucker inquired about her husbandts occupation and she replied that he is in the ice and coal business in Concord and Bedford. Mrs . Dillman Retired. Mrs. David G. Govan, 129 Cedar Street, age 38, met g with the Board. The Chairman asked if she had a czar available and she replied in the affirmative. The Chairman asked if there was any particular reason why she wanted the job and Mrs. Govan replied that it was on account of her husband!s .health. She said that she also has a child in the Fernald School and that takes more money. Mrs . Govan retired. Mrs. Stanley T. Oley, 3 Fern Street, age 36, met with the Board. The Chairman asked if she had a car available and she replied in the af£il4mative. The Chairman asked if she would have the necessarg time and she replied in the affirmative. She-has a son going into Junior High School and her daughter will be going th Senior High School so she has the days free., The Chairman asked her about her reason for wanting the job and she said that she was going to take a job somewhere from nine until three and when this came out in the paper she decided she would like it. Mrs. Morey asked how long she has lived in Lexingtom and she replied four years. Mrs. Morey asked if she could stand the winter weather and she replied in the affirmative and said she has been in New England for ten years. Mrs. Oley retired. 541 Mrs. Carl E. Good, 37 Wellington Lane, age 3I , met with the Board. The Chairman asked if she had a car and she re- plied in the affirmative. The Chairman asked if she would have the necessary time and she replied that she has the whole day as her children are bus students. The Chairman asked about her reason for wanting the job. She said that she has no one at home and has to get her children across the turnpike in the morning and thought it might be helpful in getting them across. Mr. Tucker asked what school they attend and she replied Hancock School. Mr. Tucker inquired about her husband's occupation and she said that he is a farmer. Mrs. Good retired. Mrs. Floyd D. Netzer, 62 Valley Road, age 37, met 1-lith the Board. The Chairman asked if she had a car and the time necessary, and Mrs. Netzer replied in the affirmative. The Chairman asked if her children were in school and she replied that they attend Hunior High School. The hairman asked her reason for wanting the job and she replied that she needed the extra money. Mrs. Mdrey inquired about her health and she replied that her health is good. The Chairman inquired about her husband' s occup- ation and she stated that he is employed by the Arlington 'Gas Company. Mrs. Netzer retired. Mrs. John Foley, Jr., 47 Cary Avenue, age Ii6,, met with the Board. The Chairman asked if she had a car and she re- plied in the affirmative. She said that she has two children who will attend the Maria Hastings School; one in the third grade and one will stark this Fall. Mrs. Morey asked if there was anyone at home and she replied that her next door neighbor would take care of the children. The Chairman asked her reason for wanting the job and she said she needs the fresh air and thought it would do her good. She said the was going to take an evening job, but would rather be home evenings. She inquired about the tie time of duty and it was expl- ained by the Chief. Mr. Tucker inquired about her husband's occupation and she stated that he is resident manager of the Murphy General for the Armed Forces. Mrs. Foley retired. L CD 542 mo Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was agreed to appoint the following individuals as members of the group of Women Police Officers in the Town of Lexington for school traffic duty: Mrs. Charles S. Babcock, Mrs, Everett Dillman, Mrs. David G. Govan and Mrs. Stanley T. Oley. The Chairman referred to Officer Belcastro' s letter of last week informing the Board of his resignation, which he wanted to do as soon as Belcastro' s possible. He explained that no formal vote was resignation taken and due to Civil Service that is necessary. He said he talked to the Chief and Belcastro wanted to leave last Thursday. He took it upon himself to accept the resignation effective as of July 26, 1956 which wtauld give him two weeks vacation to which he was entitled. Upon motion of Mr. James., seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to ratify the Chairman' s action and accept Officer Belcastro' s resignation effective July 26, 1956. The Chairman referred to Sergeant Russell' s meeting with the Board and said that his complaint was, as a Sergeant he should not have to do some of the duties he was being requested to do. He said the Hoard wanted to discuss the overall policy Police of assignments and the Department in general, He Department said Sergeant Russell' s main complaint was that he, as a Sergeant, was made to do traffic duty and other things he felt a patrolman should do. He said the Board woald like to hear how they are assigned, why they are assigned and if there is any difference between a sergeant's duty and a patrolman' s duty. The Chief stated that he usually tries to assign duties to men he thinks are best qualified for that particular duty and from whom he will get the best results . The Chairman said that in a number of cases the Chief may have tried to cover for the men and he thought it was time to discontinue the practice. He said the men shor'ld be going to the Chief and not coming to the Board. The Chief said that Belcastro took good pictures. Some men go out on an automobile accident who will bring in all the facts and as he goes along he tries to assign men on the jobs who will bring in the best reports. Some men arB very thorough and others are not so thorough. They cannot be repriminded or fired because they forgot to do something. He said police work is en- tirely different from any other business and a man may have a number of titles but regardless of his title, he is bound to carry out the Chief's orders. He said' all 543 Sergeant Russell had to do was read the Rules and re- gulations. He did not need to come before the Board. He said that if the chief is out in the cruiser and the man on the desk gives him an order He is bound to take whatever order is given, because the man on the desk is at the nerve center. He said if he didn't he would be neglecting his duty. He explained that if one is to say a certain duty is a sergeants or a lieutenant's then the patrolman when given a duty will say that it is a sergeant ' s or lieutenant' s assignment. He said °this situation arises in every department in the Commonwealth. The Chief said the morning in question was when the Town painter wanted to put a line on Lowell Street and there was a man in the cruiser who he wanted in the cruiser as he had given him a number of assignments and knew nothing about Lowell Street at the time. He said Mike Shea wanted some help and the Town •has never asked for help that he has not given. He stated that he asked Sergeant Russell to go over and he refused. The Chief told him to go over or go home. Sergeant Russell followed him into his office and said he would take the assignment but was going upstairs. The Chief said he cannot trust him around too much as he is not a good officer. He said that Russell was top man on the list for promotion to Sergeant and the appointment was held up and the list expired. There was a second examination and again he was top man but the Chief said he did not want him appointed. He said the Board received a letter to the effect that Russell wanted a hearing and he was appointed. The Chief said if Sergeant Russell has four or five men he is as easy as can be. If assigned the 19th of April parade, they would be on the sidewalk and the people in the street. He said as long as Sergeant Russell does the work he is told to do it is all_ right, but when he tells him he will not do it, that is something else. The Chief said that there has been a definite change in him since his meeting with the Board; now he can't do enough. Tie Chief said that all the men knew he was coming up to the B oard and they are all watching him. He said he has never yet asked any officer to do anything that he would not do himself. If there is any trouble, all they have to do is let him know and he will be with them. CD 644 Mr. Tucker said that he assumed the change in Sergeant Russell's attitude since he met with the Board was an improvement and the Chief said very definitely. Mr. Tucker asked if the other men noticed the difference, and the Chief replied he., could not tell. He said Officer Day did speak about it. Mrs. Morey asked If the Chief had given Sergeant Russell any comparable duties since he met with the Board and the Chief repled that there has not been any. Mr. James said that the main cpmplaint was that he was used as a substitute. Chief Rycroft said if he had an officer avail- able that day he never would have sent him out, be- cause he knew the officers would have done a better job. Mrs. Morey said Vint whoever is high on the list is eligible for appointnt and asked if the Board could say because of quality of his work he would not qualify for the position. The Chief explained that it would be a difficult thing to substantiate. The Board would have to write Civil Sercice giving reasons for passing the man down and they must be bonafide reasons, and the applicant would be entitled to a hearing. Mrs. Morey asked if the Board would still have to appoint the man receiving the highest mark if it was known that he was morally unsound. The Chief replied in the negative but explained that once the Board signs it is libel. Mr. James stated that the discussion this evening has described the Police Department and its functioning in a different light. It appears that the assignments are made regardless of rank. The best men is selected for the job and the rank is merely a salary level. The Chief said that was correct. You expect more from the officers but if you can't get the best from them you do what you can do and try to keep them from making decisions. He said they have not had supervision for a long time and now they don't like it. Mr. Tucker asked what would eventually happen to a man like Russell and the Chief said that no one knows. He said he will have to keep him where he can be watched but if he would continue as he has since meeting with the Board it would be a great help. 1 545 1 The Chairman said that two men in the department have now come to the Board, both Sergeants, and have given the impression to the other men that they got what they came up for. The men assume that the Board is leaning more to the mem than to the Chief. He said the Board should clarify that the Board has listened but not gone along with everything that was said. Mr. Maloney said he suggested before that the Board should write a letter explaining the situation and also advising that the Chief is the boss. He said if this is not done the men will be back and forth to the Board all the time. He said that in Woodward' s case he may have had some justification but the final say was left to the Chief and the men should know it. The Chief said ha felt badly for Sergeant Woodward but three of the present members of the Board were in office when he explained his reason for wanting three sergeants. He wanted the department covered all the time by a superior officer. He said that if he had acted otherwise and something happened he would have been in an embarrassing position. He said he had no objection to letting two of them go as long as the Board knew about it and approved. The Chief said no one is being hurt. They all have a good job and they all know how to run it and will run it for themselves. He said he is trying to run it for twenty-seven people and also in the best interest of the town. The Chief retired at 10:05 P. M. Further condideration was given to Mr. John A. Collins ' offer of $500 for Lot 72 Tower Road. A proposal to sell this lot was advertised in the July 12, 1956 issue of the Lexington Minute-Man. Tax title No persons contacted the Selectmen' s Office as a result of the advertisement. Mr. Maloney moved that the offer be accepted and that Lot 72 Tower Road, be sold and con- veyed to John A. Collins, the deed to be so worded as to prohibit any building on the lot. Mrs. Morey seconded the motion and it was so voted. Upon motion of Mr. Maloney, seconded by Mrs. Morey it was voted to grant the following uses of halls : First National Stores Cary Dec. 3-4-5- Cooking School Lex. Choral Society Cary Dec. 15 Rehersal Dec. 16 Concert CL The Chairman said that some consideration should be given as to a date for the Special Town Meeting to be held this Fall. He mentioned the middle of October as an appropriate date which was approved by the other members of the Board. The Chairman reported that Grant B. Cole advised him that there is to be a Civil Defence alert on Friday at 1:30. This is not a public demonstration. The Chairman agreed to discuss the offer sub- mitted by Alfred P. Tropeano for purchase of some tax title lots. The meeting adjourned0 P. M.at l0:4 A true record, Attest: ec�tiveySecre ary / 1