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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1954-06-14-BOS-min 386 SELECTMEN'S MEETING June 14, 1954 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, June 14, 1954 at 7:00 P. M. Chair- man Reed, Messrs. Maloney and James were present. Mr. Burns, Supt. of Public Works, and the Clerk were also present. Mr. Gay arrived at the meeting at 7:35 P. M. Mr. Burns presented a layout of the three parcels Napoli of land owned by Mr. Napoli upon which three separate assessments assessments were levied. The subject was discussed informally with Town Counsel and the Chairman was authorized to contact Mr. Lynch. attorney for Mr. Napoli, in regard to a possible settlement. Notice from the Department of Commerce relative to Acts in re promotion of business and industry was re- ferred to Town Counsel for whatever action he may deem advisable. Bulletin from the Massachusetts Selectmen's Associa- tion re Gypsy Moth eradication statute was referred to Town Counsel. Mr. Stevens retired at 8:10 P. M. Mr. Maloney brought up the subject of the dump on Dump Lincoln Street, and following a discussion with Supt. of Public Works was requested to submit rules and recom- mendations to the Board for decision. The Chairman read a letter from Walter P. Clark, 24 Notre Dame Street, Roxbury, requesting the instal- Req. for lation of a water main in Circle Road, Lexington to water service a house owned by him. Circle Rd. Mr. Burns explained the area by use of the wall map and stated that it would be an expensive propo- sition and further that the property is almost inacces- sible. The Chairman was authorized to advise Mr. Clark that the Town is not in a position at the present time to undertake this project. Bids were received as follows for repairs to the roof on the house located at 9 Hancock Street, occupied by Mr. Garrity: 387 Donald K. Irwin Reshingling roof over existing shingles $155 Reshingling roof removing existing shingles 198 Bids on Edward Shenrock Garrity Strip shingles, wood shingles, copper and house nails 575 Stripping off existing shingles 696 Custance Brothers Reshingling 388 Removing present shingles X95 Upon motion Of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. James, it was voted to accept the bid as submitted by Donald K. Irwin. Mr. Burns retired at 8;15 P. M. The following members of the Personnel Advisory Committee met with the Board: Chairman Chapman, Messrs. Day, Hoyt and Simonds. Personnel The Chairman explained that as yet the Selectmen Advisory have not arrived at any definite assignment for the Comm. Committee but would like to discuss the entire subject. He said he thought the Board was of the opinion that it would be an internal matter for this year and at present it does not look as if there will be any raises recommended for the coming year. Indications are that the departments are operating very smoothly. He said that Mr. Chapman was familiar with this subject and asked if he had any suggestion. Mr. Chapman stated that the Committee has arrived at one conclusion which is both broad and general. He said the Committee understands and expects to get into things only as assigned and requested by the Board - an advisory group. He explained that if the Committee reeeivsa calls from various individuals, the answer will be that the matter is to be taken up with the department head and the Committee does not function un- less the Board of Selectmen requests it to review and report. He explained that the Committee has not gone into the classification program in detail at all. He said that subject would take a little study but he did not think the Committee would go ahead without submitting plans to the Board for approval and instruction. He said as they understand the vote, it does cantor some organizing work, an informal plan to be used for the guidance of the Selectmen in connection with the gen- eral pay structure. That, he thought, would be one of the Committee's first duties. He said they do not 388 ac expect;. in' connection with this, to go out and start interviewing town employees. He said they could go over the town payroll, as was done by the other committee, and try and see if there are anyfbatures that might be improved upon informally, not necessarily changing the rates, either in cases of individuals or groups or general changes. Mr. Maloney said that everyone knows about the Committee and asked if the members had received any questions from any of the town employees. Mr. Chap- man replied that there was one individual who wanted to meet with then, but he was advised to discuss whatever he had on his mind with his department head. The Chairman said he thought it would be help- ful if the Committee looked into the subject of sick leave. Mr. James said. in looking over the classifica- tions, as he recalled them, there were a number of different classifications. He thought something could be done to make a lesser number without dis- turbing things too much. The Chairman said that the sheet prepared by the Town Accountant contains only nine classifica- tions for twenty-nine men. Mr. James asked if all laborers received the same and the Chairman replied that sixteen laborers receive $1.50; the dump man and one meter reader and the man who picks up the papers are in a different classification. Mr. James said that the other items he had in mind were sick leave, vacations, insurance coverage and other fringe benefits. The Chairman said that he has the group insurance data in his desk and he will be glad to give it to the Committee. Mr. Chapman said that many people in the same classification may have a variation of duties per- formed. Mr. Hoyt asked if the Chairman meant the situ- ation is pretty well takenccare of insofar as the Town Meeting went and the Chairman replied that there was a general increase with the exception of a few part-time jobs. Mr. Hoyt said that it might be a good idea to get away from the program of overall inoreaae$ being made across the Board. He said that served its pur- pose during the war but now increases should bo con- sidered on merit. The Chairman said that he did not think there would be any across the Board increases. There may be some items not quite equal. He said he thought, that those who have worked for the town for a number 889 of years should be given an extra week' s vacation. At the present time there is no recognition for length of service. Mr. Chapman said that if there were a policy guide, it might be something for the Committee to work up for the Board. He asked what the Board wanted to use as a measuring stick in regard to vacations, sick leave, time off, death benefits and a pay policy. The Chairman said that the Board went over the sub- ject last year and felt that Lexington had an unusual group of men. They are younger and of greater ability than what was found in surrounding towns. For the num- ber of men, much work is accomplished. Mr. Chapman said that the Board might consider if ,t wants a booklet spelling out the policies. Mr. Day said that he would like to have it in the records that he could assure the Selectmen that any- thing said in the meetings will *not go out the door"'. He asked if it would be out of order if the Committee made any similar comparisons with surrounding towns. He said that he would dare to state that the year will not expire without some requests from some of the de- partments and he thought it would be an advantage if the Committee could bring in a very clear picture of towns similar to Lexington. Mr. Maloney suggested selecting surrounding towns even though they might be larger in size. The Chairman said that the Board would be glad to listen to anything the Committee might prepare in hel- ping the Board to set up a policy. Mr. ehapman said that the Committee would discuss its approach at the next meeting, submit it to the Selectmen who can let the Committee know how they feel about it. Mr. Hoyt asked if the Appropriation Committee used any Taxpayers? Association data which is accurate but not up to date. Mr. James said that some of the information is not too reliable because it is statistics pure and simple. The Committee would have no idea in reading the Job title and the pay what the individual actually did. Mr. Hoyt said that the Committee would have to know the background in the individual towns. Mr. Day said that the large group of employees would be the Fire and Police Departments and .at the present time should be equal in pay from the top to the bottom. He said thatnext group would be the Public Works, the laboring group and then the per- sonnel in the Town Office Building with one or two exceptions, then the library. Mr. Day asked the Board's permission to use town stationery for letters of inquiry and the Town Counsel could see no objection. 390 The group retired at 8:45 P. M. The following members of the School Committee met with the Board: Chairman Wadsworth, Mr. Norris and Supt. of Schools, Smith. Mr. Wadsworth said that two things the Committee is contemplating is the addition to the Franklin P g School and the Maple Street School. These two pro- jects have to be faced in the near future. Franklin School has about 8i acres of land and School the Building Commission thinks that for eight or ten Committee roombin addition to what is over there, there should be about ten acres. He said there is a triangular Piece (explained by use of *all map) that could be squared off which contains about an acre and a half. The Committee would like to know what to do about acquiring it. This piece of property is owned by Swenson, owner of the parcel of land originally pur- chased for the school. The Chairman said that he would be willing to contact Mr. Swenson and discuss the subject with him. Mr. Wadsworth then brought up the subject of the acoustics in the gymnasium at the New High School. The Committee would like to do the four corridors and the gym and include the cost in the report for dohool aid. However, the report must be submitted by October let. He said the committee now wonders if it should attempt, at the Fall Town Meeting, to try and get $3500 of which one third would be paid for by the State. Mr. Smith said they need $6,000 or $7,000 to do the corridors and the gym and one or two other areas. The estimate on the gym is about $3500. He said the Committee would get something back from the State pro- viding the bills are paid by October 1st. Mr. Norris asked if the Committee could use money from the School Maintenance budget and then request a transfer. Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, returned to the meet- ing at 9:15 P. M. The Chairman explained that the Committee needs money for acoustics and asked if a transfer could be made from the Reserve Fund. Mr. Norris explained that the Committee wants to submit the bill to Marshall by October 1st. Mr. Stevens asked how much money would be involved and Mr. Smith replied $7,000. Mr. Norris said it could be paid from maintenance funds and if the Town Meeting in October approved, transfer it. 1 391 Mr. Stevens asked what would happen if Town Meeting did not approve it, and Mr. Nbrhis replied that some of the maintenance could not be done. The Chairman said that the Committee would like to get the work done and submit the bill. Mr. Stevens stated that maintenance money is for expenses and not classified as maintenance. He said that it is not an emergency and that the Reserve Fund is set up by vote of the Annual Town Meeting. He explained that the Fall Town Meeting could vote for a transfer, but not to the Reserve Fund. Mr. Stevens said t hat it would certainly leave the Reserve Fund very low. Mr. Norris suggested contacting Mr. Marshall and inquiring whether or not the bills could be sub- mitted October 1st, minus this one bill and processed on this basis. Mr. Stevens retired at 9:50 P. M. Mr. Wadsworth said they have the problem of elementary schools and what they should do. They have the plans for Franklin- School ready for about July 1st. There are plans also for the Maple Street school which they should have about the same time. At the present time there are enough students going to. various schools to fill the Franklin addition. There are not, at the present time enough students to go to a sixteen room school at Maple Street. He asked what the Board thought about, instead of going for such a large school on Maple Street, to build possibly only eight rooms and auditorium, which would be cheaper, and the Franklin School addition at the same time. Mr. James asked how much it would cost to build the Maple Street School in two parts in comparison to one. Mr. Smith said his thought is that the school suggested for Maple and Lowell Streets would be com- parable to what the Franklin School originally was. The Franklin School will cost 4325,000 more for the addition. He thought the building in two parts would cost .250,000 more than if it were built all at one time. Mr. Norris said he did not think it would cost any more. Mr. Maloney said that he would not recommend com- ing into Town Meeting every year asking for more funds. The Board of Selectmen were in favor of the six- teen room school at Maple Street and the addition to the Franklin School. Mr. Wadsworth said that one of the problems to be L 392ac a met in 1958 is the problem of the High School being filled even if the 9th grade is moved back. There will be about 1,000 students over there and the building is designed for 850. The Junior High school will be filled about 1959. Mr. Wadsworth said that the Committee does not have much luck in keeping informed on 'tat the police are doing in regard to the various breaks. He said the Committee thinks it Would be of great help if they know how they stood. He said they never know what the police are doing, what they have accom- plished or what they find out. Mr. Smith reported that about two months ago School Com. he wrote to Chief Ryoroft, after a break in the re: Police Center School and Junior High School„ and said if Dept. he could havega report without interfering with the investigation, the committee might be able to help him. He said if the Committee knew how certain inci- dents were solved, the Committee might be guided in protecting the property. He never received a reply to that letter. Mr. Smith said that about four weeks ago there was a break in the Franklin School. An innocent boy was accused and the matter came to his attention. The boy denied it and so he had him in his office with, the boy' s principal. He told his story and it involved' two other boys. The two boys were called to his office with their principals and both of them confessed to the break at Franklin School and the Junior High School. After the confession, Mr. Smith contacted Chief Ryoroft and told him the story. He said he would take care of the matter and that is where it ended. A week or so later, the boy accused in the first place was set upon by a group of other boys because he had told and was beaten up. Immediately, it raised the question of what happened to the two boys wboaere guilty. He said it would be helpful if he ceuld tell the teachers that the situation was taken care of. The impression now is that nothing is being done. Mr. Smith said he thought the Chief tries not to give the youths. any record but at the same time these things do happen and the 'Committee feels that it Mould know how these things progress. The Chairman said that he would discuss the subject with Chief Rycroft. The Chairman referred to Mr. Smith' s letter of May 25th in regard to insurance coverage on school 393 equipment and also to Brewer & Lord' s letter on the same subject. He said that the amount of items stolen over a a period of ten years is minute and the cost of the Insurance insurance, in the Board' s opinion, would be too ex- pensive. Mr. Smith said that after reading the letter from the insurance company, the coverage seems to be an expensive proposition for the school. The Chairman said that the subject could be dis- cussed again when budgets are considered. Mr. Smith said that in view of the rates, he would not recommend the coverage. The group retired at 10:05 P. M. The Chairman read a letter from Charles G. Davis, President of the Lexington Historical Society in re- gard to Mr. Worthen's letter relative to placing a Marker for suitable marker on the first grave of the Lexington grave of Minute Men. Minute Men Mr. Davis suggested a committee of two, one from the Board and one from the Society to confer with Mr. Worthen. The Chairman was authorized to advise Mr. Davis that the Board is in favor of the project and suggest that the Society work out the details with Mr. Worthen. Letter was received from the Appropriation Com- Transfer mittee approving a transfer of $35.37 from the Reserve Fund to the Dog Clinic Account. Letter was received from Miss McDonough, Assis- Cary Lecture tant Town Clerk, advising that the Moderator has made Committee the following appointments to the Cary Lecture Com- mittee: W. Neil Chapman, Mrs. Clayton M. Hager and Harold F. Wheeler. Application was received from Clarence MacPhee, Licdnse 114 Baker Avenue,for renewal of his Common Victualler's license. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Maloney, it was voted to grant the license. The meeting adjourned at 10:20 P. M. A true record, Attest: er , Se47 '� J