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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1943-02-01150 SELECTMEN'S MEETING February 1, 1943 A regular meeting of the in the Selectmen's Room, Town evening, February 1, 1943, at Messrs. Potter, Rowse, Locke, The Clerk was also present. Board of Selectmen. was held, Office Building, on Monday 7:30 P.M. Chairman Giroux, and Sarano were present. At 7:30 P.M. hearing was declared open upon the inten- tion to Layout as a Town way Fern Street, from the present end of the accepted way to Moreland Avenue, so called, a distance of about 677 feet. Mr. William C. Paxton, Super- intendent of Public Works, and Mr. Stanley Higgins, Assist - Fern ant Engineer, were present at the hearing. The Chairman Street asked Mr. Paxton if the Board's understanding that there hearing would be no betterments was correct. Mr. Paxton replied in the affirmative. No persons appearing in favor or in opposition, the hearing was declared closed at 7:32 P.M. Mr. Higgins retired. Whereas, an extension of Fern Street from the present end of the accepted way has been in existence for many years, and is the same width as the accepted part of Fern Street so that a layout of this extension at the width normally required by present practice in the Town would be useless unless the accepted part of Fern Street were also widened, and since neither the abutters nor the Town desire at this time to accept such a widening, it is hereby voted that the Board proceed to consider the matter of a layout of the said extension at its present width because of the peculiar circumstances in this case, but without establishing any precedent for similar action in the future. Upon motion of Mr. Potter, seconded by Mr. Locke, it was voted that the following order be approved and signed: COMMONWEALTH QF MASSACHUSETTS Lexington, Mass. February 1, 1943 Town of Lexington, Selectmen's Room At a meeting of the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Lexington, after having given due written notice of the intention of said Board, as required by law, to lay out as a town way the way known as Fern Street, from the present end of the accepted way to Moreland Avenue, so called, a distance of approximately 677 feet, all as hereinafter more fully appears, and after public hearing thereon held on February 1, 1943; Middlesex, ss. 1 Now, upon consideration of the matter, it is ORDERED: that this Board of Selectmen is of the opinion that public necessity and convenience require that said Fern Street be laid out and established as a public town way, and that the same hereby is laid out and established as a public town way respectively, as follows: That part of Fern Street in the said Lexington, so called, from the present end of the accepted way to Moreland Avenue, so called, a distance of about 677 feet. The above description is intended to conform to a plan entitled "Fern Street, in Lexington, as Laid Out by The Town in 1859 and 99, Scale 40, July 18, 1916, F. P. Cutter, C.E.", which plan is on file in the Town Clerk's Office in the Town Office Building. And said Board having considered the question of damages sustained by the owners of lands across and through which said ways have been laid out and established as aforesaid, hereby determines that no damages are sustained and no damages are awarded, and said Board hereby declares that all acts herein are done under the provisions of law authorizing the assessment of betterments. Archibald R. Giroux William G. Potter Errol H. Locke George W. Sarano A. Edward Rowse The conditions surrounding this acceptance may be found, together with an agreement signed by the Selectmen, in behalf of the Town, and the abutters under date of September 8, 1942, in the Selectmen's files under Highways -Fern Street. Mr. Paxton the use of Cary to 10:00 P.M. Mr. Sarano free of charge. so voted. said that Scout Cub Pack No. 36 had requested Memorial Hall on April 5, 1943, from 7:00 P.M. moved that the use of the Hall be granted Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was 151 Selectmen of Lexington Mr. Paxton said that Mr. R.L. McQuillan had requested the use of a hall or room to hold a meeting of war parents. Mr. McQuillan is willing to hold this meeting in any room approved by the Board. Mr. Rowse moved that Mr. Paxton make whatever arrangements desired. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton said that the maximum amount of snow removal in any one month in 1942 was in February -- $3,000.00. He informed the Board that bills for the storms in the past week will all come due in February of this year. He estimated the amount to be approximately $3500.00. Use of halls Snow Removal costs 152 Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Locke, it was VOTED: That due to an extreme emergency involving the safety of persons and property, the Superintendent of Public Works is authorized to pay bills resulting from the removal of snow during the month of February, although they are now in excess of the largest amount spent in any month in the previous year. Mr. Paxton said ,that Mr. Beach estimates he will need- W.P.A. approximately $500.00 to operate the W.P.A. school lunch Schl.Lnch. program from January 1, 1943, to April 1, 1943. Mr. Rowse informed Mr. Paxton that he would like to have all departments arrange to have bills paid once a month, ap- Bills to proximately the tenth, instead of every week. Payrolls, how - be paid ever, will be put through on a weekly basis. Mr. Paxton said monthly that this would be agreeable to him. Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Locke, it was voted to inform all department heads that bills are to be paid once a month, on approximately the tenth; each depart- ment to so inform concerns with whom they are doing business. Letter received from the County Commissioners together I!, with a copy of a letter from Mr. Raymond W. Coburn, Chief Engineer of the State Department of Public Works, relative Maple to the Maple Street bridge in Lexington. St.bridge The Clerk was instructed to send a copy of this letter to Mr. Wrightington with the request that he watch the Town's interest in the matter, in the event that the Boston and Maine might try to assess some of the costs against the Town. Mr. Paxton retired at 8:00 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Commission of Administration and Finance, Mr.Beach commending Mr. Clayton F. Beach on his progress in carrying out his program to conserve gasoline and rubber. The Chairman read a letter from the Commonwealth of Chap.90 Massachusetts, Department of Public Works, indicating the 1943 Chapter 90 tentative maintenance allotment for Lexington. Letter was received from Mr. Robert C. Merriam offering TaxTitle the sum of $450.00 for Lots 18 and 19 Harding Road and Lots Property 22 and 23 Eaton Road. Mr. Potter said that the Committee on the Sale of Tax Title Property recommended selling the Lots to Mr. Merriam. Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Locke, it was voted that Lots 18 and 19 Harding Road and Lots 22 and 23 Eaton Road be sold and conveyed to Robert C. Merriam. The Chairman read a. letter from John A. Russell, Dog Dog Officer, relative to a complaint made by Mr. George Towle Complaint of 20 Hilltop Avenue regarding the killing of his dog by 1 153 two other dogs. The Dog Officer stated that these dogs were owned by Walter Allen, 475 Waltham Street, and John Keenan, 487 Waltham Street. He stated that he had inves- tigated the complaint and from statements and facts re- ceived by neighbors, he recommended that the dogs be re- strained. The Clerk was instructed to order both dogs restrained immediately and to invite the owners to appear before the Board on Monday evening, February 8, to discuss any res,. sons why the restraint should not be made permanent. Letter was received from Allen W. Rucker thanking the Board for authorizing the use of the police patrol car and providing transportation to the Observation Tower. Mr. Rucker stated that it would probably be best to ask the Police Chief to make the car available during an emergency for any car for Observer. He said it would be helpful if Observers could Tower call the police and ask for transportation. The Clerk was instructed to send a copy of this letter to the Chief of Police advising him that it met with the approval of the Board. The Board understands that this will meet with the approval of the Chief of Police. Application was received from Florence L. Spencer of 50 Bridge Street for a license to maintain a home for the boarding of infants. Letter was received from Chief License Sullivan stating that Mrs. Spencer was a woman of good character. Upon motion of Mr. Sarano, seconded by Mr. Locke, it was voted to approve the application. Letter was received from one John Timbury, MOMM 2/C Sea Unit, Co 950, Newport, Rhode Island. Mr. Timbury ex- Requests for pressed the desire to serve on the U. S. S. Lexington. service on The Chairman instructed the Clerk to write the U.S.S.Lexingta Secretary of the Navy relative to this request and to re- fer him to our letter of December 29, 1942. Letter was received from the Lexington Public Health calling the Board's attention to changes in the schedule Change in of charges and services offered by the Lexington Public Schedule Health Association. Letter was received from the County Commissioners rela- tive to a complaint from Mrs. Hazel T. Mason of 914 Massa- chusetts Avenue in regard to an alleged nuisance. The Health Inspector's report on the complaint was also received. No action was taken on the matter. 154 The Board discussed the deed made out in the name of Cupp Andrew Cupp covering the land on Woburn Street formerly deed in the name of Charles W. Ryder. It was decided to hold the matter for one week. Application was received from the Lovell Bus Lines re- questing a license to operate motor vehicles for hire over the following described route: "From the junction of Marrett Road and Lincoln Street over School Street to Massachusetts Avenue over Mas - Bus sachusetts Avenue to the junction of Massachusetts license Avenue and Lincoln Street and return over the same route." The Clerk was instructed to obtain,Mr. Wrightington's approval on the form of license. Movie Upon motion of Mr. Potter, seconded by Mr. Rowse, it license was voted to sign William Vianots Sunday Theater license. water Commitment of Water rates in the amount of $5842.62 rates & and commitment of water lien costs in the amount of $3.00 lien was signed. Mr. George W. Emery, Chairman of the Board of Fire Engineers, and Mr. William C. Paxton appeared before the Board at 9:00 P.M. Mr. Emery said that he and Mr. Paxton had not dis- cussed the recent fire at the Central Fire Station. He said that the Board of Fire Engineers wanted to know what they should do in regard to asking for money. The Chairman Fire asked Mr. Paxton if the insurance company had already been 1 Station notified, and he replied in the affirmative. He said that fire they had sent out an agent to appraise the damage. Mr. Emery said they estimated an amount around $1500.00 for repairs and reconstruction. Mr. Paxton said that he had contacted both Custance Brothers and Walter Black for an estimate on the cost of repairing the building. Custance Brothers said that a rough estimate would be $1500.00 to do the work. The Chairman asked if this figure covered the repairs consid- ered necessary by the Board of Fire Engineers. Mr. Paxton said that he had asked for a figure on replacing the building exactly as it was before the fire, and he assumed that this $1500.00 included wiring and all repairs and reconstruction. Mr. Emery asked if this money would have to be appro- priated, and the Chairman answered that an emergency could be declared. He said that Mr. Emery and Mr. Paxton would have to advise the Board the amount of money that should be made available to repair the building. Mr. Paxton said that $1500.00 should be more than ample for repairs and reconstruc- tion. The Chairman said that an emergency would be declared 1 1 authorizing an expenditure not to exceed 01500.00 to cover repairs and reconstruction of that part of the building da- maged by fire. Mr. Paxton retired at 9:10 P.M. Mr. Emery said that the fire destroyed storage batteries that run the tapper system and the fire alarm boxes. They also lost about 900: feet of rope. Mr. Emery said that it would cost approximately $1700.00 to replace equipment des- troyed or damaged by the fire. Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was then VOTED: That due to an extreme emergency involving the safety of persons and property due to a fire which took place in the Fire House on January 30, 1943, the Board of Select- men hereby declare an emergency and authorize the Board of Fire Engineers to spend a sum not to exceed $1500.00 for the repair and reconstruction of the Central Station, and a sum not to exceed $1700.00 for the replacement of equipment damaged or destroyed in the fire. IT WAS FURTHER VOTED: That an article be inserted in the Warrant to cover the appropriation of these amounts at the Annual Town Meeting to be held on March 15, 1943. The Clerk was instructed to send a copy of this vote together with the emergency vote on snow removal to Mr. Carroll and Mr. White. Mr. Rowse asked Mr. Emery if the Board of Fire Engineers had discussed Mr. McLaughlin's bill in the amount of $300.00. Mr. Emery said that they had not discussed it particularly. Mr. Emery said that it was his understanding that this bill was in connection with the joint meetings. The Chairman read the bill which stated: "For all services rendered to the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Fire Engineers relative to the abolition of the position of the Chief of the Fire Department of the Town of Lexington." Mr. Rowse said he thought the bill seemed excessive. Mr. Emery said that this was a matter of opinion. After further discussion, it was decided that the charge would be taken up by the Board of Fire Engineers who would then report to the Board of Selectmen in writing. Mr. Emery retired at 9:35 P.M. Mr. Potter also retired. 155 Mc Laughl ir] bill Mr. Morse appeared at 9:25 and retired at 9:45 P.M.. It was the feeling of the Board that Mr. Morse had been Mr.Morse most cooperative and was entitled to an increase in salary. Mr. Rowse moved that Mr. Morse's salary be increased $4.00 per week. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Paxton relative to Sergeant Neal's attitude on snow removal. The Chairman said if it was agreeable with Mr. Paxton that this letter Sgt.Neal would be placed on file. 156 Budgets Mr.White Budgets were then discussed as follows: Milk Inspector -Personal Services This budget was approved in the amount of $300.00. On checking, it was found that it should have been $400.00. Upon motion of Mr. Locke, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was voted to increase the Milk Inspector -Personal Services' budget to $400.00. Insect Suppression Mr. Rowse said that Mr. Garrity informed him that the item for equipment rental should have been $400.00. Upon motion of Mr. Locke, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was voted to increase the item for equipment rental from $100.00 to $400.00, making a total budget of $2569.00. At 10:20 P.M. Mr. Raymond White appeared before the Board. He said that evidently there was a little misun- derstanding in regard to his salary. He said he understood that the salary would be the same as that paid the former Town Accountant. The Chairman told him that the amount of $2800.00 was being recommended on top of which he would receive $300.00 fqr services in connection with the Appropriation Committee, plus a bonus of $150.00. This would make a total for the coming year of $3250.00. The Chairman said this total would be very near what the former Town Accountant was receiving after several years' service. Mr. White said that he had been here only two months. Mr. White said that in thinking the matter over, he was satisfied with the action taken by the Board. Mr. White said he would like an increase from $15.00 to $17.00 for Miss Clifford. He said that as approved, the increase was now from $15.00 to $16.00. The Chairman suggested that the Board go along at a $2.00 increase for each girl, and if the Appropriation Committee is agreeable on a $3.00 increase for Miss Charbonneau, the Board will go along with the recommendation of that Committee. The meeting adjourned at 10:30 P.M. A true record, Attest: 1 obj