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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1954-01-04-BOS-min 21.5 SELECTMEN'S MEETING January 4, 1954 4 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, January 4, 1954, at 7:00 P. M. Chairman Reed, Messrs. Gay, Driscoll and Bateman were present. Mr. Burns, Supt. of Public Works, and the Clerk were also present. The Chairman reported that Roy Jackson, who lives opposite the Hancock-Clarke House, has a Curbing problem caused by tourists turning cars around and driving over his grass plot. He does not ob- ject to the use of his driveway but would like to have curbing installed to prevent the ears going over the grass and is willing to pay half the cost. The Chairman said that he has seen the grass plot and it is all cut up from the oars. Mr. Burns stated that the total cost of curb- ing would be approximately $1,000 and it has been the policy for the Town to pay the entire cost. Upon motion of Mr. Bateman, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to revise the 1954 budget for curbing and include an item of $1,000 for curb- ing along Mr. Jackson's property on Hancock Street. The Chairman read a letter from Richard J. McKee, 66 Hancock Street, stating that it was his understanding that the correction of the street McKee drain sewer situation whereby the town drains the drainage street into his land, would be made in. 1953. How- ever, nothing has been done. Mr. Burns reported that he was down at this place today, has funds to do the work and every intention of doing it, but it is one of the things that the men have not had time to do. He expects that it will be done this week. The Chairman read a letter from Walter Car- Request michael, 7 Appletree Lane, requesting the Town to for trees plant a few trees on his property. The Chairman was authorized to advise Mr. Carmichael that until such time as the street is accepted, the Town has no legal right to grant his request, and following acceptance, his request will be placed on the list for consideration. The Chairman read a letter, signed by twenty- J1V CL one residents of Blossom Street, calling the Board's attention to the condition of the Street. A snap- Blossom St. shot was enclosed, drainage Mr. Burns stated that this is the last of a group of drainage problems which will have to be taken care of. He said that personally he has always felt very strongly that there should have been a drain installed but was advised that it is not the town's responsibility, because the condition is caused by the land having been filled in and not by water dumped by the Town. Mr. Gay asked who filled the land and Mr. Burns replied that it was Mr. Swenson. The Chairman asked if he thought the Town should correct the condition and Mr. Burns replied that re- gardless of the legal angle, these people are tax- payers and it is a very bad situation. He reported that there are a number of small school children in the neighborhood and they have to walk through the water which when frozen is dangerous. Upon motion- of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to authorize Mr. Burns to do whatever drainage work necessary to correct the condition. Notice was received from the Massachusetts Forest Dutch Elm and Park Association relative to a conference on Dutch Conference Elm Disease to be held on Friday, January 8th. Mr. Burns said that he has asked Mr, Brenton to attend the conference. The Chairman informed. the Board that hearings will have to be held in connection with the streets the Board intends to recommend for acceptance at the Annual Street Town Meeting. He explained that there are twenty-four hearings streets that have been constructed by private contrac- tors according to Town specifications and four that the Town will construct. It was agreed t o sign the Notices of Intention to Lay Out the streets on January 18th and hold the hear- ings on Tuesday, February 2nd, Town Counsel will ad- vise the Board if it is necessary to hold public hear- ings on the streets already constructed. He mentioned the street that has to be. construc- ted in connection with the School Street school building and the Board did not think it good judgment to construct the street before the building is erected due to the fact that all the heavy equipment would be going back and forth. The Board felt that it would be better to submit this particular street for accep- tance at the Annual Town Meeting in 1955. Mr. Stevens, Town Counsel, met with the Board at 7 :30 P. M. and Mr. Burns retired. 217 4. w The Chairman read a letter from Lieutenant IIForrest Knapp, in which he applied for retirement Knapp under Chapter 32, Section 85E, G. L., to he effec- retirement tive March 1, 1954. Before Lieutenant Knapp can be retired he- must be examined by a medical panel consisting of three physicians, and a majority of such panel must, after examination, and after reviewing all pertinent facts, certify in writing that the applicant is mentally or physically incapacitated for further duty and that such incapacity is likely to be permanent. The panel must consist of one registered physi- cian designated by the State Surgeon, who shall serve as Chairman; a second physician who shall be desig- nated by the Board of Selectmen; and a third physician who shall be designated by the applicant. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Bateman, it was voted to designate Dr. Ralph H. Wells to serve on the medical panel. Mr. Stevens said that it would be all righttto write to the physicians and also to notify L4eiitenant Knapp, and he would check the law further and advise the Board. The Chairman read a memorandum from the Massa- chusetts Selectmen's Association relative to Legis- lative Hearings on five bills. Legislative Mr. Stevens said that no action is required Bills by the Board. The Chairman read a letter from the Town Mane- Town ger Committee, authorized by the 1953 Annual Town Manager Meeting, requesting the insertion of an article in Article the warrant for the 1954 March meeting to see if the Town will vote to continue the Committee and to in- struct the Committee to prepare legislation guthor- izing a Town-Manager-Selectmen Form of Administration, to be submitted to the Town for approval in 1955. The Committee further requested that a copy of the proposed article be submitted to Town Counsel for his approval and that he consult with the Committee bwfore the article is published in the warrant. A copy was given to Mr. Stevens. The Chairman read a letter from the Approp- Article Re riation Committee requesting the Board to insert an Salary & article in the warrant to see if the Town will vote Job classi- to establish a job classification and salary- plan fication and a personnel board as authorized by Section 108A of Chapter 41, G. L. and appropriate a sum of money for such board. The Chairman reported that Mr. Walker had in- formed him that this was merely to provide honey for the Committee. 218 Cal Ctst Mr. Stevens said that he understands the Com- mittee wants to come in with a proposed by-law that would set up a personnel board, job classification plan . He said if the Committee is ready to reeommend adoption of such a plan, they can do it under this article and make an appropriation if it is desired. Petition was received, signed by John T. Zoning Blackwell and seventeen other registered voters, Articles requesting the Board to insert four articles in the warrant pertaining to zoning changes. The petition further requested the Board to request the Planning Board on its own initiative to hold the. necessary public hearings well in advance s d in any event not less than twenty days before March 1, 1954. Mr. Stevens said that the Board's only obliga- tion is to insert the articles in the warrant. It was agreed to so advise &Ir. Blackwell and also to tell him that he will have to assume the respon- sibility of contacting the Planning Board. Letter was received from Martin A. Gilman, Youth Study Chairman of the Youth Study Commission, stating Commission that the commission will introduce no articles on school budget items, recreation articles or Planning Board items. The letter referred to provisions in the Police Department budget which it is recommending and which they would like to discuss with the Board. A suggested article was enclosed whereby the Town would vote to aithorize and require the Selectmen to designate a member of the Police Department as Youth"Patrol Officer, such officer to be released in 1954 and 1955 from his duties to acquire special training. The proposed article also included provisions for an appropriation of $1,000 tuition for training the officer and 3800 for salary to employ a replacement on the regular force. The letter also included an article to establish a Youth Committee and an appropriation of money for its expenses. Town Counsel did .npt think this was something for Town Meeting B.ption. At 8,00 P. M. Colonel Theodore W. Gramstorff, National State Armory, Charlestown, met with the Board to again Guard Unit request space to locate a National Guard Unit in Lex- ington. He said that the space needed would not have to measure up to the requirements listed in his letter of December 18th. They would like two rooms close together to an assembly area. The Chairman said that the Board is unable to find even a drill hall. 219 ~ I Colonel Gramstorff inquired about the old High School and the Chairman informed hi0 that the Select- men have no jurisdiction over the school buildings and he would have to discuss that Lith the School Committee. He said he thought most of the schools were booked up well in advance for recreational pur- poses by various groups. Colonel Gramstorff asked about the Town Garage and Mr. Bateman told him that it is fill of equipment. Mr. Driscoll suggested that the colonel con- tact the C. J. Maney Company about the possibility of using its building on Bedford Street. The Chairman explained that the Board is not trying to prevent the location of a unit in Lexington but that there just is not any room available. Colonel Gramstorff and Mr. Stevens retired at 8:13 P. M. Chief Rycroft, Police Department, met with the Board and the Chairman explained that he had been invited in again in regard to his request for three Polioe Dept. additional police officers. He said that the Board budget & is not entirely satisfied as to whether three more misc. matters men are necessary. He stated that since the last meeting there are two things that possibly might change the picture in regards to three new men. First, Lieutenant Knapp has asked for retirement and second, the Youth Study Commission is request- ing an article to provide for a Youth Patrol Officer, to ich, if passed, will -squire another man in the Department. He explained that when the Police budget was discussed, the Board did not know about these two items and, at that time, there was some doubt as to whether or not three more men were necessary. He said that, for the present, the two items would be disregarded and he would ask the Chief to explain his reasons for requesting three new men. Chief Rycroft gave his explanation about as follows : We are working a five-day week and have 25 men, a man each week, they get 50 days off, divide that by 7 gives you 6 days with 7 men off and on the 7th day you have 8 men off. Subtract that from 25, it leaves you 18 or 17 men. Then out of that you have no safety factor and I can't emphasize it for any sickness. You have no spars men, no auxiliary, none as a part-time police officer that can be called in. The Toon is not being covered the way I would:J.like to have it covered at night with two cars on both shifts. I can't work it now with the men I have even without albkness. 220 C CU We are running on days just as close. We try to change a man from day to night for more coverage but find it impossible. This is not 22 men working every day. I never know when I leave the Station what I am going to be called upon to do. I may be called upon by the Town of Lexington for a water break, sewer or water services being put in. I an running so short I can't make any more changes. I want men to cover the cars. I also stated before if we did get the men there would be a few nights with an extra man or two and I would like to put than in sections on foot. If anyone had the time and spent 8 hours a day down there for a week no one would have to come up and tell you anything. We have requests, telephone calls and investigations to make. Many times I put a car where I want it and they no more than get there when I have to call them off because of something happening. Last week we had to call a center man down to an accident at Munroe School. I was there myself and received another call about an accident on the Concord Turnpike. As it turned out, it was not too serious. In giving the Committee a man, he is going to work for them all the time. He is not going to work for me and will not be on the Police Department. He will be run by them and not by me. It may do some good, but it ' is my opinion that there is no need of a police patrol- man to be doing Youth work now. The Chairman explained that this is not something the Selectmen are recommending. It may come in under the signatures of ten registered voters. Mr. Gay asked about the duties of a Youth Officer sad the Chief replied that he could go to the schools and lecture, and investigate anything that might come up where a jurenile might be involved, He would also talk to parents. He said that he uses one of his own men now, but it is not a full-time job. He said he was not going to make the remark that our children are all bad: they are not. He said we have a certain percentage and it is a small percentage. He said that the Youth Commission investigates rumors, and that is a job for the police. The Chief said that there are two men on the cer- tified Civil Service list and one of them is in the service. Another list will not be available until the present one is exhausted, nbr can another examination be held until that time. He said that he did not know whether or not the Medical Panel will find" that Lieuten- ant Knapp is disabled. If he is, and the Board appoints two men it will be Fall before another list is estab- lished. He said that Frank Mowat is working and says he is feeling fine, but the Chief has his doubts. He 221 w e., said that he is looking ahead and would not ask for men for the reason of just asking for them. Mr. Bateman said that two years ago the Chief wanted two men for school crossings. Now he has the women. In the morning he has two men at the High School and two at the Junior High School. Ike asked if the Chief could use part-time men to cover the schools. The Chief replied that he wouldn't know where to get them. Mr. Bateman said that they wouldn't have to be young men. The Chairman said that in Winchester the janitors do traffic duty. The Chief said that he has been through janitors. and firemen doing traffic duty and has tried everything. He said that the idea of three extra men is not going to make any difference in the schools because the last half men go into the schools at 7 :30 and cover until quarter to eight. One man is usually at the Junior High School to let the bus in and there are no children cross- ing after 8:30. Mr. Bateman asked if that time is the peak and the Chief replied that all day long is the peak. Mr. Bateman said that he may see things that some of the other members of the Board may not see and one thing that bothers him is seeing so many men in the center of the town and none of them apparently doing alything. He said that very often he sees four men together. The Chief said that if Mr. Bateman would note the day and time, he will try and give him the answer. Mr. Bateman said that there should not be that many men around and the Chief said he could not answer yes or no. One day a week, in the morning, the meters are collected in the center. One crew will leave the car at Box 9 where the bell is and they will go for coffee. If the man on the desk wants anything he will ring the bell and the officer in the center gets the other man. He said that if he knew the day and the time, he thought he could get the answer. Mr. Bateman asked how much instruction was given the men and how much Sergeant Corr would teach them about what he learned at school. The Chief replied that he does not give any in- struction unless it is correcting something. He said the only thing now is instruction in the new ticket system. Be said that the men are all told about change of law but as far as target practice goes, they have no site. Mr. Bateman asked if the program called for four men in the cars and two men on foot. The Chief said that on days there are two men in the center and two men in one oar. 222 r-11 Ca. Mr. Bateman asked if there were six men on a shift and the Chief replied in the affirmative. Mr. Bateman asked if one car covered most of the calls coming in and the Chief said that it does during the day. - Mr. Bateinan asked why he couldn't put the other Men on foot and the Chief said that he does not have two cars on days. He has the two men in the center, two in the car and Officer Day on the desks The Ser- geant is doing court work with the Chief. Mr. Bateman said he would keep a record of these things in the future, He said one night he saw two men in the center and two cars down-at the station and it appeared that there was no officer in them. The Chief said that there may have been only one crew working that night and if there is an accident they come in and make out reports or they may have been called in. Mr, Bateman asked if the Chief felt the Police Training School was worthwhile and the Chief replied in the affirmative. He said that he spoke to the Chairman on the subject and asked to have his budget revised' to provide funds to send four men this year. The Chairman said that one other item that came up was teletype. The Chief said that this was always too expensive for Lexington. At the time it was investigated the town was going to have to pay for a set of wires from Arlington and the cost was between $65 and- %90 per month. He said it is a good thing and keeps the de- partment posted on what is going on. Lexington would be the last place and therefore would be tho messengers such as Arlington has been for Lexington for years. Mr. Driscoll questioned if the town is ready for teletype and the Chief said that he would like time to look into it. Mr. Gay said that if Lieutenant Knapp retires, the Chief will need four additional men and the Chief said that was correct; one would be a replacement. Chief Rycroft retired at 9:15 P. M. Mr, Driscoll said that he would be unable to attend the meeting tomorrow night for work on budgets and wanted to be recorded as being in favor of four additional men for the Police Department as recommended by the Chief. Messrs. Person and Foley, of the Recreation Com- mittee, met with the Board. Mr. Pelson said that his Committee bad received a request from people in the Sunnyfield section -for a play area and advised them that he thought it was too late to be considered this March. He said that he would 223 AN it w•t 11 like the Board's advice re who awns the land, how mudh it would cost, etc. and about inserting an article in the warrant for this year. At the present time there is nothing in the budget for this item. The board felt, and the Committee agreed, that Sunnytield this would be too much of a hurried project and it play area would be better to work something out orderly and present it at a later Town Meeting. The Chairman informed the Committee that the Selectmen will recommend an amount of $10,000 to drain the enclosed field. Messrs. Person and Foley retired at 9 :40 P. M. Mr. Driscoll said that he wished to be recorded Proposed as opposed to the location of a baseball diamond on baseball the Hayden property. diamond The Chairman read a letter from the Capital Expenditures Committee advising that the members would like to discuss any capital expenditures the Selectmen may be planning to propose for the next five-year period. The Clerk was instructed to make an appoint- ment for the Committee to meet with the Board on January 25th. The Chairman read a letter from the Cemetery Commissioners advising that Louise F. Healy has Cemetery been appointed as part-time Clerk to the Board of Clerk Cemetery Commissioners at the rate of $1,000 per year as of January 1, 1954. Letter was received from Mrs. H. Patricia Trailer Nichols, requesting permission to store a trailer on town property adjacent to 303 Marrett Road. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Bateman, it was voted to deny the request inasmuch as it would seem to be establishing an nnsiesirable precedent. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Bateman, License it was voted to renew the following licenses: renewals Corner Variety Shop 856 Mass. Ave. Common Victualler Highland Farm Market 421 Lowell St. " n Ye Towne Diner 1722 Mass. Ave. " m Morris Motors 400 Waltham St. 1st Class Agent Simonds Pontiac 7 Marrett Rd. " Application was received from the Lexington Choral Society requesting permission to conduct a rehearsal Use of and concert in Cary Hall on March 13th and 14th and halls 224 also on May 22nd and 23rd. Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded byyMr. Use of Bateman, it was voted to grant the uses free of charge, halls no admission being charged. However, the uses are subject to a fee of $1.50 per hour for janitor's over- time services. Application was received from Donald J. Gillespie, Use of Jr., on behalf of the Music Department, Lexington public halls Schools, requesting permission to conduct an annual Spring concert in Cary Hall on May 14th from 8:00 P. M. until 10:30 P. M. and also the use of Estabrook Hall as a "ready room" fort he pupils. Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Bate- man, it was voted to grant the use of the hall subject to a charge of $35 inasmuch as there is to be an ad- mission charge. The use is also subject to a charge of $1.50 per hour for janitor's overtime services. The meeting adjourned at 10;00 P. M. A true record, Attest : ler , S ectmen-``-e-g--1-1-7— I L