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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1953-12-07-min 182 CL SELECTMEN'S MEETING December 7, 1953 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, December 7, 1953 at 7 :00 P. M. Chair- man Reed, Messrs. Dickerson, Driscoll, Gay and Bateman were present. The Clerk was also present. Mr. James 3. Carroll, Town Clerk, met with the Board for the drawing of two jurors. Joseph P. Ahern, Jurors electronics, 15 Muzzey Street and Albert 0. Wilson, Jr., structural engineer", 24 Bennington Road, were drawn for jury duty. Mr. Carroll retired. Hearing was declared open upon petition of the Boston Edison Company and the New England. Telephone and TelQgraph Company for permission to relocate one j/o pole on Massachusetts Avenue, east of Paul Revere Road. Messrs. Mahon and Consilvio, representing the petitioners, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert K. Taylor were present at the hearing. Mr. Mahon explained that itt the present time there is a pole on property owned by Mr. Taylor carrying ser- vice to the home of Mr. Thomas, and Mr. Taylor wants the Pole pole moved. He explained that the utility companies are location seeping by this petition to place the pole on the public way, and it will then abut the property of the party be- ing served, Mr. Thomas. Mr. Consl.lvio explained that an attempt had been made to locate the pole on private property owned by Mr. Thomas but he said he would rather have it on public property. The house cannot be serviced from across the street. Mr. Mahon said it appears to him that this may have been a so-called hurry up job in the first place and the reason for the pole being put on private property. The DeVries construction company granted permission for loca- tion of the pole which did not necessitate bringing the matter before the Board. The Chairman asked if Mr. Taylor was in accord with the proposed location and he replied that he understood the pole will be approximately 10 feet on the westerly side of Mr. Thomas' driveway. Mr. Mahon assured him that was correct. Mr. Taylor said that as long as he understands the pole is to be located there, he would not object. Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to approve the petition and sign 183 the order for the following j/o pole location: Massachusetts Avenue, approximately 450 feet east of Paul Revere Road - One pole. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor retired at 7 :00 P. M. The Chairman asked if any progress had been made in regard to underground service at the East Lexington Underground Fire Station. conduit Mr. Consilvio said that he understood the indivi- dual who objected to locating the pole on private prop- erty is a difficult person to do business with but he has not actually discussed the subject with him. Messrs. Mahon and Consilvio agreed to contact Mr. Burns in an effort to obtain specific information as to whatever problems may be involved. Mr. Mahon reported that the engineers are en- Street lights countering much difficulty in regard to lighting the Lexington center of the town all night due to the fact that center there are so many lights on the same circuit. How- ever, he thought that some solution to the problem will be found. Messrs. Mahon and Consilvio retired at 7:20 P. M. Ambulance Letter was received from the Board of Fire Com- missioners asking for clarification as to who is in charge of the ambulance at the scene of accident. The Chairman reviewed the comments made at a pre- vious meeting by the Chief of Police and upon motion ' of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it was voted to advise the Commissioners that inasmuch as accident investigations are made by the Police De- partment, the police should assume charge of the ambulance at the scenes of accidents. Letter was received from the First Church of Street Christ Scientist asking to have a brighter light in- light stalled at the corner of Muzzey and Forest Streets. The Chairman reported that he discussed this with Mr. Burns today and asked him to see that a larger lumin light is installed. The Chairman read a letter from Louis L. Crone, Water on 30 Forest Street, stating that after Forest Street Forest St. was surfaced it was graded so that after every rain Drain on storm water stands in the gutter for several days. Clarke St. He also complained about the drain at the corner of Clarke Street which he cls.imed to be a menace to motor vehicles and pedestrians. The Chairman reported that he had discussed these items with Mr. Burns and he is aware of the 184 C4 CL water situation. He told Mr. Burns that the Board would probably ask him to take care of it. The Chairman read a letter from Brewer & Lord Insurance in regard to extended coverage endorsement. The Board authorized Mr. Nickerson to discuss the subject with Mr. Hill and he took the communication. Petition was received from the Bostoh Edison Cam- Pole pany and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Conn- location pany requesting permission to relocate one pole on Concord Avenue. The Chairman reported that the pro- posed relocation had been approved by Mr. Burns. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it was voted to approve the petition and sign the order for the following j/o pole relocation: Concord Avenue, southwesterly side, approx- imately 15 feet southeast of Barberry Road - One ,pole. One existing j/o pole to be removed. Rsport was received from Mr. Healy; Veterans' Agent, in regard to the financial status of Mrs. William Ambulance H. McCullough, Valley Road, requested by the Board as bill a result of request from Commander Stitt, American Legion Post #11, Brookline, asking for abatement of an ambulance bill. It was decided to ask Mr. Healy what the connec- tion is between the Legion Commander and Mrs. McCullough. If there is no connection, the Clerk is to send the bill and advise her of the request from Commander Stitt and ask if she wants to pay the bill or request the Board to consider an abatement. Letter was received from the Needham Salary and Needham Wage Committee requesting a copy of the present salary request and wage schedule and also any changes contemplated for salary the coming year. scale The Chairman was authorized to advise the Com- mittee of the salaries as they are today and infer that it seems probable that there will be increases but the figures are not yet available. Application was received from the Lexington Field and Garden Club requesting permission to conduct a Meet- ing in Estabrook Hall on January 4th from 8:00 P. M. until 10:30 P. M. Upon motion of Mr. Gay., seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it was voted to grant the request free of charge, but subject to a fee of $1.50 per hour for janitor's over- time services. ' 185 Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Bateman, Licenses it was voted to renew the following licenses : Kieran J. Lowry 286 Lincoln St. Common Victualler renewal Mawhinney Motors 581 Marrett Rd. 1st Class Agent " Hildreth Motors, Inc. 34 Bedford St. " a " n F. K. Johnson, Inc. 39-41 Bedford St. " " It n Colonial Garage, Inc. 1668 Mass. Ave. n re m m Joseph,Trani, Inc. 1757 Mass. Ave. Package Goods Store " Lexington Liquor Mart 1849 Mass. Ave. " e e m Berman's Market, Inc.12A-14 Mass. Ave. _ " " "' "' Connors Bros. 17Q0 Mass. Ave. n a i m The Chairman reminded the Board that Mr. Leland Emery's term on the Board of Assessors will expire as of January 1, 1954. Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Gay, Assessors it was voted to authorize the Chairman to contact Mr. Emery and determine whether or not he will accept re- appointment.. Petition was received signed by 646 registered voters, of which number 318 were verified by Mr. Referendum Carroll, Town Clerk, requesting that the question "shall the town vote to approve the action of the rep- resentative town meeting, whereby it was voted to amend II the zoning by-law of the town by increasing the present required frontage and area of residential lots in a large portion of the town from 125 foot frontage, 15,500 square foot area to 150 foot frontage, 30,000 square foot area," be submitted to the registered voters of the town at large. Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mt. Driscoll, it was voted to call a Special Meeting, for the purpose of presenting to the voters at large the question involved, to be held on Monday, December 28, 1953, polls to be open from 7 :30 A. M. Until 8:00 P. M. At 8:00 P. M. Mr. Charles H. Thompson, 57 Tarbell Avenue, met with the Board to register a complaint about a dog owned by Powers, 41 Tarbell Avenue. A letter of complaint was also received from John Complaint L. Thompson, 62 Tarbell Avenue and a report of investi- re Dog gation made by the Dog Officer was received. Mr. Thompson said he celled the woman who owns the dog and she hung the receiver up on him. Mr. Powers oame to see him and said that he would chain the dog. $owever he is in the service and when he ip not home the dog is let loose. The Chairman asked if the dog was loose this week and Mr. Thompson replied that he was loose the first of last week. II 1 L_ 186 Q4 CL The Chairman asked if the dog had been restrained and Mr. Thompson replied that he is when Mr. Powers is home. The Chairman explained that the Dog Officer sub- mitted a report stating that the dog was on a run forty feet long. Mr. Thompson said when Mr. Powers is home the dog is on the run but when he is away it is let ga. He said that if they kept the dog tied up no one in the neighbor- hood would mind. Mr. Powers came home Friday and since then no one has seen the dog. Mr. Driscoll asked how old the dog is and Mr. Thompson said that it is full grown. Mr. Gay asked if the dog has ever bitten anyone and Mr. Thompson replied in the negative and said that he has growled at Mrs. Thompson. The Chairman said that, according to the report, the dog is owned by the daughter and asked how old she is. Mr. Thompson replied that she is aboat sixteen or seventeen. The Chairman said that the Board would see what could be done to correct the situation. Mr. Thompson said that none of the neighbors want to have the dog disposed of but would like to have it re- strained. Mr. Thompson retired at 8:05 P. M. Messrs. Lewis, Dearborn, Lee and Gardner, repre- senting the American Legion, Stanley Hill Post #38, met with the Board. Mr: Lewis stated that the group was not present in Legion re : the-interest of the veterans but more or less in the in- Americanism terest of Americanism. He said that now in days of com- munism there is too little being done in the interest of Americanism. He said his group feel that the people are at fault and with all due respect to the Board of Select- men there should have been one member of the Board present at the recent Armistice Day observances He said that during the past two or three years there has been little or no interest in the 30th of May. The Chairman said he thought Mr. Lewis was a little out of order and he thought the Board had extended every courtesy possible to attend functions by the different organizgtions of the town. He explained that in the majority of instances the Board does not receive invita- tions until two or three days before the fahction is to take place. If the invitation is received on Friday, the Board does not meet until the following Monday and invar- iably the activity is on Monday or Tuesday. He explained that many times the Board has made arrangements to do something else. He informed the group that the last in- vitation to attend the Legion installation came in on L 187 Friday and he took it up with the Board on Monday. He said he wrote to the Commander advising that he could not attend due to the fact that he is always committed for the second Wednesday of each month, and had the letter delivered by police car. Two or three days after that, the Commander met him and denied receiving the letter He said he supposed the group expected the Chairman of the Board present on Armistice Day and also on the 30th of day, but unfortunately he works both of those holi- days. Mr. Lewis said he was wondering if the Legion could have some help in framing some resolution or petition Resolution for people to sign pledging their support of the Con- stitution of the United States and rights of democracy we have here in Lexington. He said it might take root and become nation wide. He said in order to combat the subversive talk there should be something from the people interested in democracy and the Legion would like the Board's opinioh on the subject. Mr. Lewis said he would also like an explanation Poppy of the Board's ruling whereby Poppy Drives are limited Drives to one day. The Chairman said that if a drive is national in its scope and scheduled for two days the Board has gone along granting permission to hold the drive in Lexing- ton for two days. However, if it is not national the time has been limited to one day because a great many people have complained that there have been too many similar drives over a,period of time. Mr. Lewis said that no pressure is put on the public during the drives and Mr. Bateman said that the individuals selling poppies do ask the public to pur- chase theme He said that in a small town such as ours the same people are in the center on both days of the drive and do not like to be asked to contribute twice. Mr. Lewis then inquired about the dedication of Veterans' the Memorial Library and the Chairman explained that Library the Committee in charge does not have the book ready Its yet. When the book is completed, the dedication will take place. He suggested that the group contact the Veterans' Memorial Library Committee for any fur- ther infortation. Mr. Lewis said that last year he spoke of the fact that the Legion is looking for new headquarters and Legion mentioned the Old Adams School lot in Eat Lexington. Headquarter He said if;_that is not available they would look around ' for some ;.ocation and he hoped the Legion would have the backing of the Board on the location selected even though it might be in a residential area. 188 CL Mr. Nickerson explained that this would come under the jurisdiction of the Board of Appeals and not the Board of Selectmen. He said that the Selectmen might wish the Legion the best of luck but the Board of Appeals is the Board of Appeals and the Selectmen 'would never attempt to influence that Board in its de- cision. The Chairman informed the group that the Old Adams School property has been sold to the Follen Church. Mr. Lewis said that the next thing he had in mind is the Honor Roll. He said he knew that there is a com- mittee working on something like this and hopes it will Honor be passed. He said the Legion feels that tourists con- Roll ing to Lexington look for memorials of the veterans of World Wars. Mr. Dearborn said that, as a member of the Mem- orial Committee, he would like to ask if there are any funds available for the Committee, which was established without an appropriation. He said that they will need money for drafting of plans. Mr. Gay asked how much money would be needed and Mr. Dearborn replied possibly $100. The Chairman asked if the money would -be needed this year or next year and the group was not sure but agreed to discuss the matter at the next Committee meeting. The group retired at 8:25 P. M. Accounting Mr. Walker, Town Accountant, met with the Board to Dept. discuss budgets, at which time the Clerk left the meeting. Budgets Mr. Walker retired at 9 :000; Chief Rycroft met with the Board to discuss budgets. Police The Chairman explained that the Board is going Dept. along with an increase of $208 per year for patrolmen; Budgets $4200 per year for the Sergeants; $4500 per year for the - Lieutenant, and $5500 per year for the Chief, and $47 per week for the Clerk. Following a discussion re the differentials between the ratings, it was agreed to revise the gigure for Ser- geants to $4150 per year. The Chief referred to the Clerk in his Department and said that as far as he is concerned, he would like to lose the Health Department work altogether. He stated that he agreed to have the work done in his Department for a year or two and he would be willing to go along for another year. He informed the Board that as of the first of the year his Department will have to begin the triple ticket system on traffic violations. One ticket has to be sent to the Registry, one for the Court, and one for his files. He said that he also plans to have the Clerk take down Court testimony so that testimony 189 given in lower Court may be checked with testimony Clerk, lateriven in higher Court. The Chief said that the Police Dept. g � Clerk might have to go to Court only once in two weeks. The Chief stated that when he first hired the P Clerk he asked for $46 per week, but the amount was reduced to $42. He said that he does not think $48 per week is too much. The Chief explained that he is requesting two more men as of April 2nd because there are only two on the Additional list. He stated that he cannot cover four oars every Police night sup nights a week and there are two nights that Officers canit/be covered. He said that he has absolutely no sa e y factor and if a man is out sick, the Department is short a man. He stated that as a department increses the chances for sickness in the department increases. However, none of the men have abused the privilege. He said that he would like a man, possibly in civilian clothes, toAavestigate calls about prowlers and also for foot duty in East Lexington, The Chief retired at 9:55 P. M. Mr. Nickerson suggested that the Board check with Town Counsel in an effort to determine whether or not Legal there is any possible way to enact legislation, or Opinion otherwise prevent referendums. . The meeting adjourned at 10:00 P. M. A true record, Attest : Cles ' ectmerc