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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1954-02-23-BOS-min 278 Co SELECTMEN'S MEETING February 23, 1954 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Tuesday evening, February 23, 1954 at 7:00 P. M. Chairman Reed, Messrs. Nickerson, Gay, Driscoll and Bateman were present. Mr. Burns, Supt. of Publie Works, and the Clerk were also present. Rearing was declared open upon petition of the Pole Boston Edison Company for location of three poles in locations Edison Way. Mr. Mahon, representing the petitioner, was the only person present. Mr. Burns explained that these poles are to pro- vide illumination for Edison Way and the hearing is to confirm the Boston Edison Company's position. Upon motion of Mr. Miekeraon, seconded by Mr. Bateman, it-was voted to approve the pdtition'aad sign the Mrder for the following pole 1eeations Edison Way, northerly from a point approximately 110 feet north of Massachusetts Avenue, --Three poles. Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Bateman, it was voted to grant permission to the Boston Edison Company to locate and maintain four poles off Edison Way. Mr. Burns explained that a property owner on Grassland_ Street has contacted the Boston Edison Com- pany for location of one pole for house service. The town owns property there and the Boston Edison Com- pany would like permission to grant the request and locate the pole on town property. Upon motion of Mr. Bateman, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to grant the Boston Edison Company to locate one pole on tax title property located on Grassland Street. Mr. Mahon retired at 7 :10 P. M. Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, met with the Board. The Chairman read a letter from Marie A. Miller, 580 Marrett Road, enumerating complaints in connec- tion with the installation of the sewer in Marrett Road and also referring to betterment assessment in the amount of $718.24. Mr. Burns explained that Mrs. Miller had talked to him over the telephone and, as far as he is con- . 279 eerned, her complaint is justified. He stated that Miller there is no plumbing in the shed and if the Board Sewer does not think the assessment should be abated, he Assessment would recommend deferment without interest. The Chairman asked if the damage was caused by the contractor or the town and Mr. Burns replied that she is concerned about the time lost because her place of business was shut off and that is the town's responsibility. The Chairman asked if Mr. Burns thought she was entitled to deferment and he replied in the affir- mative. Mr. Burns said that he explained to her that if the assessment were deferred, it would be without interest, s. ,71 The Chairman agreed to write Mrs. Miller and - advise that if she desires deferment of the assess- ment without interest, she should submit her request to the Board in writing for consideration. Mr. Burns retired at 7:45 P. M. Letter was received from Mr. Carroll, Town Clerk, O'Connell together with copy of petition of Richard W. O'Connell petition for for assessment of damages, damages Mr. Stevens explained that Mr. O'Connell has brought a petition individually and for his brother's estate for damages in takings on Edison Way extension. Mr. Stevens said he has written for a copy of the petition and will file an answer. Resolution by the City of Melrose was received in- regard to proposed legislation providing for the establishment of the Metropolitan Planning District. Mr. Stevens reported that he has not had an opportunity to check on this but he did hear that an unfavorable report was made by the Committee on Met- ropolitan Affairs. He said that he did not think any action was required by the Board. Mr. Stevens retired at 7 :50 P. M. The Chairman read a letter from the Lexington Visiting Nurse. Association, requesting the Board to appoint one of its members to serve on the Board of Directors of the Association. No action to be taken until after organization of the Board following the Annual Election. Mr. Santosuosso's offer of $300 for Lots 51 and 52,Cummings Avenue was held over. The Chairman read a. -letter from Connell Albertine, inviting the Board to a showing of the finished model of the contemplated Veterans' Memorial, in the Select- 280 C114 ments Room, Thursday evening at 8:00 P. M. , Proposed notice for the newspaper in regard to change of electrical fees was received from Mr. Jeremiah, The notice was approved as submitted and no changes made. Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay, Liquor it was voted to request co-operation from the liquor Stores stores in closing on Monday, March 1, 1954 from 7:30 A. M. until 8:00 P. M. the hours during which the polls will be open. At 8;00 P. M. the following members of the Approp- riation Committee met with the Board: Messrs. Ferguson, Joint who acted as Chairman, Cave, Biggs, Donnelly, Clarke, Meeting on Fisher and Read. Mr. Potter, Chairman of the Cemetery budgets Commissioners, Mr. Burnham, Chairman of the Board of Assessors and Mr. Wadsworth, Chairman of the School Committee were also present. Mr. Ferguson explained that the meeting was called by the Appropriation Committee in accordance with the By-laws. He said that he had gone over the budgets with the Selectmen and the School Committee and there are a few points of difference. He referred to budget page 35, Fire Department Expenses and said that the Appropriation Committee is recommending adding %500 back into this budget and let- ting the Fire Commissioners decide whether they want to paint the building or put in the hot top themselves. He. said he wanted the Selectmen to know about this, but that the Appropriation Committee would go along either way. Mr. Nickerson commented that the Station is in need of painting and the Board of Se;.ectmen had no objection to adding $500 back into the budget. Mr. Ferguson referred to budget page 13, Assessors Personal Services and said that there are two Junior Clerks who have been there four or five, or five or six years each. Under the rates recommended they would receive $38 per week and $40 per week which would make them themothe lowest paid Clerks in the town. On that basis, the Appropriat on Committee would not be opposed and would recommend making the salaries $40 per week and $42 per week. Mr. Burnham said that they have been asking for raises for the past two years and the Board of Assessors would agree to the increases. 281 Mr. Ferguson said that the next budget, where there is a difference, is page 82, Public Welfare - Aid and Ex- pelmet. He mentioned that the original amount for cash grants was $5,000 and the original amount for Other Cities and Towns was $4,000. The Appropriation Committee is willing to go along with a total budget of $18,000. The Chairman said that the Selectmen felt Mr. Collins was afraid of the layoffs at the Navy Yard and the Water- town Arsenal and thought it would be better to gamble and later request a transfer if necessary. Mr. Ferguson said that $5,000 would be 25% of the Reserve Fund and too much to transfer. The Appropriation Committee and the Selectmen both agreed on a total budget of $16,000. Mr. Ferguson referred to budget page 86, Veterans Services - Personal Services, He said the Agent asked for an increase of about $300 and the Appropriation Com- mittee is willing to go along. Last year the Agent told the Committee the job did not justify a raise at that time and when he thought it did he would ask for it. Mr. Ferguson said he thought Mr. Healy is entitled to the increase and the Appropriation Committee will go along with it. The Chairman explained that this individual cannot earn more than $2700 a year because of a total disability pension which he receives. He had been getting $1250 as Veterans Agent and was appointed Clerk to the Cemetery Commissioners and paid another $1,000. Then he was made Superintendent of Cemeteries at $900 which put his total salary over $2700. He,therefore, had to give up his position as Clerk to the Cemetery Commissioners and his wife took it over for him. Now his income is under the $2700 figure and he is requesting a raise. He explained that the agent can make the job whatever he wants; he can put in a whole day or not. He said that the Select- men feel the salary is sufficient, plus his being Super- intendent of the Cemeteries and his wife, Clerk. Mr. Nickerson explained that the present agent sue - ceeded Mr. Chapin who did the work a number of years on a small number of hours; two afternoons a week and some visiting evenings. Mr. Chapin discussed the matter with Mr. Nickerson and said he was very much satisfiedsiwith the money but felt he would rather live on his Post office salary and not do the extra work. He explained that the present agent made a fuller job and has done a very good job, but everything the Chairman said is true. Mr. Ferguson said that since Mr. Healy has been on the job there have been two general increases. He has reduced the number of cases and done a lot of investi- ' gating which has enabled the cases to be cut down. 282 Q. The total budget was agreed upon at $1,560.00. ' Messrs. Burnham, Wadsworth and the Clerk retired at 9:20 P. M. A true record, Attest: Cler , S ctme, 1