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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1943-03-01176 SELECTMEN'S MEETING March 1, 1943 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, March 1, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Giroux, Messrs. Potter, Rowse, Locke, and Sarano were present. The Clerk was also present. At 7:30 P.M. hearing was declared open upon the joint petition of the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for permission to locate Pole three poles on Reed Street, northwesterly from a point ap- locations proximately 95 feet northwest of Centre Street. Mr. Locke moved that the locations be approved and the order signed. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion. At 7:31 P.M. Mr. James J. Carroll appeared before the Board for the drawing of two jurors. Mr. John F. Ballard, Jurors engineer, of 12 Glen Road was drawn for criminal business, drawn first session, at Cambridge on Monday, April 5, 1943. Mr. Thomas, J. Donnelly, Jr., of 16 Smith Avenue, was drawn to serve on civil business, Monday, April 1, 1943. Mr. Carroll retired at 7:40 P.M. Mr. Wrightington appeared before the Board relative to the question of Civil Service in connection with the Chief of Police. Mr. Wrightington said that he had talked with Major Heyworth, secretary to the Commissioner of Civil Service. He went to Major Heyworth at the suggestion of Joseph Cotton. Mr. Wrightington told him that we had ac- cepted General Laws, Chapter 31, Section 48 and 49, and part of Section 20, applying to the Chief. He asked what Chief would happen if we did not have four applicants, and he of said the Commissioner had the discretion to hold an exam - Police ination anyway. Mr. Wrightington explained to Major Heyworth that Chief Sullivan had been given a leave of absence up to the .time his retirement was to become effective, and that an acting chief had been appointed during his absence. Major Heyworth told Mr. Wrightington that the Civil Service Com- missioner.should have been notified, and the next step should have been to complete a blank, now in the office of the Town Accountant, informing the Department that the Chief had applied for retirement, and also requesting au- thority to make a provisional appointment. Mr. Wrightington was informed that an examination could be held inside of three months, and a provisional appointment would last for six months if an appointment was not completed in that time. Mr. Wrightington called absi 1 attention to the Statute relative to a Commissioner of Public Safety which could not be acted on until the next annual meeting. Major Heyworth said it would not be possible to wait until then. Mr. Wrightington advised the Board to obtain the blank from the Town Accountant and mail it to the Commissioner of Civil Service. Mr. Rowse informed the Board that he attended a meet- ing of the Board of Assessors at which time Mr. Spencer asked him why an increase in his salary had not been approved. He asked Mr. Wrightington if he knew of any type of set-up whereby Mr. Spencer could be Clerk and Assessor at a salary, or could he just be an Assessor. Mr. Wrightington said that the Selectmen appoint the Assessors, and they could appoint Mr. Spencer as an As- sessor, instead ssessor,instead of appointing him Clerk. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Wrightington with reference to Article 34 of the Town Warrant which was in- serted at the request of the Veterans of Foreign Wars re- lative to the Old Adams School site. Mr. Wrightington said that possibly the Post intends to present a vote for the conveyance of the land without payment for it. Mr. Wrightington doubted whether or not the Town had the right under Statute 1936, Chapter 271 to convey this plot of land without payment. He suggested that the Post's legal advisor consider the matter with Mr. Wrightington before Town Meeting. The Clerk was instructed to send a copy of this letter to the Commander of the V.F.W. and request that the Post's lawyer hold a conference with Mr. Wrightington before Monday evening, March 8, 1943, so that Mr. Wright- ington will be in a position to give the Board of Select- men a final ruling on the matter. Mr. Wrightington retired at 8:05 P.M. At 8:15 P.M. nine members of the Appropriation Com- mittee; Mr. Houghton, Chairman, and Mr. Ames, of the School Committee; Mr. Walsh, Chairman of the Cemetery Commissioners; and Mr. Steeves, Chairman of the Board of Assessors appeared before the Board. The Chairman informed the group that this meeting was in compliance with General By-laws to con- sider items which make up the annual budget, and any other municipal matters. Chairman Sheldon of the Appropriation Committee said that he would read any part or all of the Appropriation Committee report if it was so desired. App.Com. Report A lengthy discussion was held with reference to the bonus and how to apply it to the School Department. 177 Mr.Spencer V.F.W. Old Adams School site 178 Mr. Sheldon informed Mr. Houghton that he would be given Bonus another opportunity to meet with the Appropriation Commit- tee and to state his case again. Therefore, the discuss- ion was postponed. Neither Mr. Walsh, or the Cemetery Commissioners, nor Mr. Steeves, of the Board of Assessors, had any questions relative to the budget. The Chairman read a letter from the Board of Assess- ors stating that with the figures available at the present 1943 time, and after considering the receipts for 1943, that tax rate Board is of the opinion that the tax rate for the present year will be approximately $25.50. Article 35 of the Warrant, relative to transfer from available funds in the Treasury, a sum of money for the purchase of war bonds or other bonds that are legal in- vestments for savings banks in order to establish a post- war rehabilitation fund was discussed. The Chairman said that he would like to see all the Boards preparing for after the war. He said that if $32.30 has been the average tax rate for 33 years, it is safe to assume that it must have been about the normal rate. Messrs. Steeves, Houghton, Ames, and Walsh retired at 9:10 P.M. Art. 35 Bond Purch. At 9:15 P.M. Ir. George Emery appeared before the Board. Mr. Emery stated that he was representing the Com- mittee on Public Safety. He said that his Committee m uld like authorization to use for miscellaneous and general operating expenses, the unexpended balances of the pre- vious authorizations for specific purposes. He stated that he would like the amount of $150.00 for food for the Observation Tower, also an appropriation for clerical hire. The Chairman said that the Committee on Public Safety Comm. on should advise the Board of Selectmen what there remains Public Safe. unexpended and ask for new amounts as needed. Chairman funds Sheldon, of the Appropriation Committee, said that he agreed with this. These unexpended amounts should revert to the general fund and then the Committee should make requests to meet their needs. Upon motion of Mr. Potter, seconded by Mr. Rowse, it was voted to approve the amount of $150.00 for food for the Observation Tower, which represents approximately $40.00 per month until June 1. Mr. Emery informed the Board that the Secretary to the 1 Committee has been with them for six months at a salary of $15.00 a week. At the last meeting she stated that she wanted $18.00 per week. Mr. Emery said that the Committee felt that she should receive ele.00 a week, and where she does the Town's work on the switchboard, the Town should absorb part of her salary. Mr. Sheldon suggested that the girl be given $18.00 a week until such time as the Select- men know definitely what they are going to do relative to an assistant in that office. Mr. Locke made a temporary motion that Miss Doherty be paid at the rate of $18.00 per week from the funds of the Lexington Committee on Public Safety, and that an amount of y$250.00 be approved to cover a period of four months. Mr. Potter seconded the motion. Mr. Emery retired at 9:45 P.M. Mrs. Robert Mayo and Mr. Clayton Beach appeared before the Board at 9:45 P.M. Both Mrs. Mayo and Mr. Beach are very anxious that the School Lunch Project be continued. Mrs. Mayo said that she had talked with the P.T.A., and they are all interested in continuing the program to the extent that they are willing to volunteer to help the paid workers. She said that since the war- people are much more conscientious, and she would not question but that volunteer workers could . be furnished from either the Red Cross or the P.T.A. Both organizations recommend that the program be carried on. Franklin School is so interested that they intend to continue anyway. She stated that she had talked with Mr. Grindle who said that he did not want any program that would give the teachers any more work. The High School lunch program is carried on as a school activity. Mr. Grindle said that the School Lunch Project should be a school activity. After further discussion on the suggestion, it was decided to have Mrs. Mayo contact Mr. Grindle and suggest that he go to the School Committee, and that the request for the continuation of the Project be submitted from the School Committee to the Appropriation Committee. Mr. Beach was instructed, to contact Mr. Wrightington to clarify the legal angle and then advise the Appropriation Committee be- fore their meeting with the School Committee. Mrs. Mayo and Mr. Beach retired at 10:10 P.M. Mr. Sheldon said that the two Boards were in agreement on the Warrant with the exception of the Bonus Article. The Chairman asked where the bonus was coming from. He said that the Board was of the opinion that the amount was to come out of the tax rate and not the E. and D. The Appro- priation Committee voted that the amount come from the tax rate. 179 Comm. on Pub.Safety Clerical Hire School Lunch Program Bonus Article 180 Mr. Potter moved that the previous vote of the Board of Selectmen whereby the bonus was to be taken from the E. and D. account be revised. Mr. Locke seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Rowse wished to be recorded in opposition. Mr. Potter moved that the amount of the bonus be taken from the tax levy. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Appropriation Committee retired at 10:35 P.M. The Chairman read the following letter from the Captain of the U.S.S. LEXINGTON expressing his appreciation for the picture presented their ship. Mr. Potter moved that the letter be incorporated in the Selectmen's records, and that the original letter be sent to Mr. Worthen. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The letter received from Captain Stump reads as follows: U.S.S. LEXINGTON February 20, 1943. Mr.,A. R. Giroux, Chairman of Board of Selectmen, Lexington, Mass. My dear Mr. Giroux: I want to express the appreciation of my officers and crew for the splendid picture which you so generously pre- sented to the ship. I also want to express my own apprecia- tion of thanks to you and the gentlemen with you, who so kindly attended the commissioning ceremonies. I only regret that I was unable to see more of you and to have become bet- ter acquainted, which pleasure I hope to have at same later date. Cordially yours, /s/ F. B. Stump FELIX B. STUMP Captain, U. S. Navy The Chairman said that the recreational officers informed him that the Navy makes no provisions for recreational faci- lities for the crew of battleships. They will need approxi- U.S.S. mately S7,000.00 to provide the U.S.S LEXINGTON (a crew of LEXINGTON about 2,000 men) with certain recreational facilities. recreation The Chairman was authorized to call a meeting to be held 4.4 1 1 181 Friday, March 5, at 8:00 P.M., inviting the heads of all organizations, directors of banks, and prominent citizens, with Father Joseph C. Canty, Chaplain of the U.S.S. LEXINGTON, to provide all the necessary information. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Charles H. Gray of 25 Bowker Street, Lexington, offering to pay 05.00 for Lot 85 Bowker Street. Mr. Potter stated that the lot 85 was only 32 feet wide and 90 feet long, and therefore Bowker St, could not be built upon. He advised accepting the offer. Upon motion of Mr. Locke, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was voted to accept Mr. Grays offer of t35.00 for Lot 85, Bowker Street. The Chairman informed the Board that Mrs. Allen wanted the order restraining her dog extended for more than a two week period. She is waiting to hear from the Army to whom she has offered to give the dog. Mr. Rowse informed the Board that he understood the dog is a nuisance because of incessant barking. Alien Mr. Sarano moved that Mrs. Allen be ordered to dispose dog of the dog immediately. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Clerk was instructed to send Officer John A. Russell a copy of the letter ordering disposition of the dog. Application was received from Paul A. Bauguss of 18 Adams Street, Lexington, for a permit to keep 500 poultry. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Lamont stating that poultry he had visited the neighbors in this vicinity who seriously permit objected to Mr. Bauguss raising chickens in any quantity. Mr. Potter moved that the permit be denied. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a notice from Victor F. Adams of the Massachusetts Selectmen's Association relative to House Bill #711. This bill was entered by the Association and makes Old Age Assistance a lien upon the property of the recipient and opens the way for towns to recover thou- sands of dollars from the estates of such recipients. House Mr. Potter moved that this bill be brought to the at- Bill tention of Representative Ferguson, and that he be advised #711 that the Board of Selectmen want its passage. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Morse appeared before the Board at 10:45 P.M. Mr.Morse! and retired at 11:10. Mr. Paxton appeared before the Board at 11:10. 182 Uses' of halls Mr. Paxton said that Mr. Garrity had requested the use of Estabrook Hall for a meeting of the Garden Committee on March 3. Mr. Locke moved that the use of the Hall be granted. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton said that Mrs. Harold B. Lamont quested the use of Estabrook Hall for a meeting from 8:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. for a nutritional, etc., program. Mr. Locke moved that the use of be granted. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and voted. had re - March 5, gardening, the Hall it was so Mr. Paxton said that the Girl Scouts had requested the use of Cary Hall on Sunday, May 16, for an annual rally, and on Wednesday, May 12, for a rehearsal. Mr. Rowse moved that the uses of the Hall be granted. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton reported to the Board on the damage result- ing from the sprinkler system in Cary Memorial Building. He said that the adjuster would approve a loss in the Cary amount of $357.50. sprinkler Mr. Potter moved that Mr. Paxton be authorized.to sign system the adjustment in this amount. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton informed the Board that Mr. Custance had done an excellent job as fire adjuster in connection with the handling of the fire loss at the Fire Station at no cost to the Town. He informed the Board that the adjust- ment on the building itself amounted to $1493.91 and on the equipment $1950.10. Mr. Paxton asked the Board for authority to employ high school boys to assist in cleaning up the Town pre- vious to April 19. Mr. Locke moved that Mr. Paxton's request be granted. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton read a letter from the Police Department signed by James Mowatt relative to an accident involving the police car and a car owned by one P. E.• Hallett of Paul Revere Road. Mr. Paxton received a call from the Hardware Mutual Casualty Company. They did not feel that they could settle for the full amount of the claim, which Police amounted to $90.00, and offered to settle for $60.00. Car Mr. Paxton thought it would be advisable to settle for $60.00. Mr. Hallett wanted to know who was going to pay for the damage to his car which amounts to 058.65. • Fire Station adjustment April 19 Clean-up oki 1 Mr. Paxton requested Hallett t matter, but he has not done so Mr. Rowse moved that Mr. settle the claim in the amount action be taken on Mr. Hallett seconded the motion, and it wa o write a letter on the Paxton be authorized to of 060.00, and that no Is request. Mr. Locke s so voted. 183 Mr. Rowse asked about continuing Mr. Beach in the Engineering Department. Mr. Paxton informed the Board that there was plenty of work in the Engineering Depart- ment to do providing it is done properly. He said there are many records that should be brought up to date, and that nothing has been done on preparing for future work. Mr. Beach Since 1930 we have received no plans on any land devel- opment in Lexington, and there are a number of plans we should have. Mr. Paxton said that we should have blue prints or we should send a man down to make tracings of these maps. Mr. Cosgrove is checking this, and Mr. Paxton will report again next week. The Chairman read a letter from Mrs. Agnes E. Rumery of 15 Brandon Street, Lexington, complaining about the road conditions from Massachusetts Avenue into Fottler Avenue. The Clerk was instructed to write Mrs. Rumery and inform her that the Town is not permitted by law to do any work on an unaccepted street, but Town equipment could be rented to residents on private ways, so that the .streets could be made more passable. Mir. Paxton retired at 11:30 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from John J. Garrity, Chairman of the Garden Committee, to which was attached a copy of the records of the first meeting. Mr. Garrity requested $100.00 to be used by this Committee if neces- sary. Mr. Rowse moved that a sum not to exceed 0100.00 be approved for use in connection with the Garden Program. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A bill in the amount of 023.88 was received from Solatia M. Taylor Company for one framed enlargement and one name plate. This was the picture presented to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON. Mr. Locke moved that this bill be approved for pay- ment. Mr. Rowse seconded the Lotion, and it was so voted this this bill be paid and charged to the unclassified account. Fottlei Avenue complai t Garden Committee Taylor bill 184 Carlson Bill A bill was received from J. T. Carlson in the amount of X510.00 for flowers sent to the Burnham funeral and Hill funeral. Mr. Locke moved and Mr. Rowse seconded that the bill be approved for payment and the amount be charged to ✓ unclassified. Letter was received from Ulysses J. Lupien, Director of Civil Service, relative tothe leave of absence policy. Letter was received from the Committee Appointed for the Purpose of Compiling an Apartment House Code to replace Apartment the present Tenement House Act. The completed report was House submitted to the Board for approval. It was decided to Code write each member of the Llommittee that the Apartment House Code would be brought before the Annual Town Meeting, and that it is probable that the Selectmen will suggest that this matter be carried over to a later Down Meeting so that all present will have ample time for discussion and consid- eration before taking a final vote. Licenses Approved Application was received from Wilma A. Brown for the renewal of her license to engage in the business of Physiotherapy. Mr. Potter moved that the application be approved and signed. Mr. Locke seconded the motion,, and it was so voted. Mr. Potter moved that the Sunday theatre license for William Viano on March 7, be approved and signed. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 1 Water rates, water miscellaneous charges, and water liens were signed. The meeting adjourned at 11:55 P.M. A true record, Attest: