HomeMy WebLinkAbout1943-06-281
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SELECTMEN/'S MEETING
June 28, 1943
A. regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held
in the Selectments Room, Town Office Building on Monday evening,
June 28, 1943. Chairman Rowse, Messrs. Potter, Locke, Sarano
and .Sheldon were present. The Clerk was also present.
At 7:30 P.M. Messrs. S. R. Wrightington, George Emery Alloc. of
and Deputy Chief Cook appeared before the Board. OCD Fire
The Chairman said that Deputy Chief Cook had spoken to Equipment
him about the allocation of certain equipment through the
Massachusetts Committee on Public Safety. He said that equipment
was obtainable for the Town of Lexington and that the Fire
Department had applied for it. The original application was
signed by the Chairman of the Lexington Committee on Public
Safety. However, this should have been signed by the Chairman
of the Board of Selectmen as Executive Officer of the Town.
It is also necessary for a bond to be filed.
The Chairman said that Mr. Emery and Mr. Cook had
requested an appointment with the Board to discuss this
matter and to answer any questions in connection with it.
The Chairman said that Mr. Wrightington had been given some
material so that he could advise the Board with reference to
it.
Mr. Emery said that the Federal Government is allocating
to communities supplies for Civilian Defense which may be ob-
tained by the Board signing certain statements. He said that
as Vice -Chairman of the Committee on Public Safety and as a
member of the Board of Fire Engineers he would advise that the
equipment be obtained as after the war it may be retained by the
Fire Department.
The Chairman said that as he understood it, the Town
has an opportunity to obtain some equipment to which it is
entitled, and that there is no expense involved.
Mr. Wrightington said the only expense would be for the
surety bond.
Mr. Emery said that assurance must be,given that the
equipment .would be kept in good repair.
Deputy Chief Cook said that he understood from the Office
of Civilian Defense that this equipment can be used in connection
with Fire Department work but that it must not be destroyed.
The Chairman asked Mr. Cook if he intended to use the
equipment and he replied in the affirmative.
Mr. Emery asked what the cost of the bond would be, and
Mr. Wrightington replied that $25.00 would be the probable
charge on this particular bond.
The Chairman asked if Melville W. Webb should be bonded,
and Mr. Wrightington replied that he should be. He said that
the Board should certify that Melville W. Webb has been appointed
Property Officer and that a vote should be adopted.
252
Upon motion of Mr. Potter, seconded by Mr. Locke, it was
VOTED: That Melville W. Webb be appointed local Property Officer
of the Town of Lexington to act pursuant to regulation No. 1
of the Director of Civilian Defense, and to be the duly authorized
Agent of the Town of Lexington to receive on behalf of the
community loans of property of, and controlled by, the Office of
Civilian Defense, subject to the rules, regulations and orders
of the Director of Civilian Defense with respect thereto.
Mr. Sheldon moved that the Chairman be authorized to sign
the agreement between the Town of Lexington and the Office of
Civilian Defense,in-ecinnection with".the allvoationo,o.f-dertdins
was so vote uipment :•tobe ueed1by-the Tov*n. Mr. _Barano sechhded..the motion, and it
Mr. Jmery said that the Committee on Public Safety had a
small fund set aside for such items as bonds etc.
Mr. Wrightington said then that it would not be necessary
to pass a vote pertaining to payment of the bond. However,
someone mast arrange to secure the bond.
Mr. Emery said that the Committee on Public Safety will
arrange to secure.the bond.
The Chairman asked if Mr. Webb should be notified, and
Mr. Wrightington said that he should have a copy of the vote
appointing him local Property Officer.
Upon completion of the forms they are to be given to
Deputy Chief Cook who will deliver them to the Office of Civilian
Defense in Boston.
Comm. on Mr. Emery said as Finance Officer of the Committee on
Pub. Sfty Public Safety he was requesting the allocation of $900.00 from
Transfers the $15,000.00 Committee on Public Safety Fund to be used as
follows: $200.00 for Administration, Operation and Miscellaneous
expenses; $100.00 for Air Raid Wardens; $250.00 for Personal
Services and Cleriea3 Work; $300.00 for the Report Center and
Telephone Account and $50.00 for the Mounted Patrol. He 'said
these amounts should be sufficient until the 1st of September.
Mr. Sarano moved that the allo:Cation of $900.00 from the
$15,000.00 Committee on Public Safety Fund as requested by Mr.
Emery be approved. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it
was so voted.
Messrs. Cook, Emery and Wrightington retired at 8:00 P.M.
A contract, in duplicate, for the maintenance of certain
roads in Lexington under the provisions of Section 34, Chapter
90 was received from the Commonwealth, Department of Public -Works.
Both copies were signed by the Board.
At 8:05 P.M. John A. Lyons appeared before the Board. Mr.
Lyons advised the Board of Selectmen that the majority of both
Boards must sign Aid to Dependent Children, Old Age Assistance
and general welfare payrolls.
Bd. of
Public
Welfare
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253
Mr. Lyons submitted the name of Webster Thomas as a.
possible appointment to the Board of Public Welfare to fill
the vacancy caused by the resignationof Mr. Giroux.
Mr. Lyons suggested that the two Selectmen who are now
members of the Old Age Assistance Bureau resign.
The Clerk was instructed to write letters of resignation
for Mr. Sheldon and Mr. Locke. Mr. Morse's
resignation
A letter was received from George V. Morse resigning as
Agent of the Board of Selectmen to administer Soldiers' Relief,
Military and State Aid under Chapter 115 of the General Laws
and War Allowances under Chapter 11 of the Acts of 1942.
A second letter was received from Mr. Morse resigning as
a'Trustee of the Gammell Legacy Income, said resignation to
become effective July 1, 1943.
Upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Locke, it was
voted to appoint Mr. James E. Collins temporary Agent to
administer Soldiers' Relief, Military and State Aid under
Chapter 115 of the General Laws and War Allowances under
Chapter 11 of the Acts of 1942.
Upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it
was voted that Mr. John A. Lyons be appointed a Trustee of
the Gammell Legacy Income for a term ending March 31, 1944,
to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Morse.
This appointment is to become effective July 1, 1943.
Mr. Lyons retired at 8:20 P.M.
Mr. Paxton appeared before the Board.
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Wrightington stating
that following the relocation of Spring Street, Rudolph and Reinap
Elwine R. Reinap filed a petition for assessment of damages Claim
for a taking by eminent domain in the relocation. Mr.
Bidwell represents the plaintiffs and has indicated that it
may be settled for $300.00. Mr. Wrightington stated that it
was the theory of the County Commissioners and of Mr. Cosgrove
that the Reinaps would be entitled to collect damages because
although a technical taking was made over their land, the
same land that was taken was already subject to easement of
travel because the land of the taking at that point was
identical with the land shown on a plan of engineers of
Neil McIntosh with reference to which the land in question
had been registered and the Reinap lots had been sold.
Mr. Wrightington said there would be some technical
difficulties in proof if the case went to trial. The county
engineer who did the field work is now in the Navy and there
might be other difficulties in proof. He stated thflt,a settlement
would avoid the expense of trial and suggested that the Board
authorize him to offer $100.00 in settlement.
The Chairman asked if there was a possibility of the
Reinaps collecting damages.
Mr. Paxton said that he had talked with Mr. Cosgrove and
he doesn't feel that they are entitled to damages.
Gemmell
Trustee
Appoint'mt
254
Mr. Paxton said that McIntosh had left thisstrip of
land for future widening of Spring Street, and the Town never
acquired title. to it. In selling these lots, people had to
trespass over his property and over a period of years,
because of the time, they acquired certain rights. Mr.
Held Paxton thought that the case would probably'be dragged out
Over' and cost more thatn $100.00.
The matter was held over for two weeks until more
information could be obtained.
Ch. 90 The Chairman informed Mr. Paxton that the contract
Contract for Chapter 90 maintenance had been received.
Mr. Paxton informed the Board that he intended to
spend the entire Chapter 90 on Wood Street and to do a
complete re -surfacing job.
Mr. Paxton said that he had talked with Lt. Brinker
who advised him that the fiscal year of the Federal Government
ends on Wednesday, June 30, 1943, and that he would like to
Air pay the $900.00 for water furnished the Airdrome.
Base Mr. Paxton said that he talked with Mr. Gow of the
Water Metropolitan District Commission over the telephone today
and was advised that there was no reason why the contract could
not be signed. Mr. Gow said he would send Mr. Paxton a letter
confirming this conversation.
Mr. Patton said he would like to notify Lt. Brinker
tomorrow so that the $900.00 item could be put through for
payment. If this amount is not spent by June 30, 1943, it
reverts -back and another appropriation must be obtained.
Mr. Locke moved that Mr. Paxton, as Superintendent of
Public Works, be authorized to sign the contract. Mr.
Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. Paxton informed the Board that he had received his
first request for water for Victory Gardens. He said that
Water he though that some regulations should be made covering these
for requests. Mr. Paxton said that the Water Department puts in
Victory pit meters to farmers every so often and charges a flat rate
Gardens of $25.00. The Town is supposed to pay. for the installation
from the main to the curb -cock. He said in many instances
it cost more than $25.00 but over a period of time the Town
gets back what is has invested due to the amount of water used
by the farmers. However, with the Victory Gardens it will
be much different as this is not a long time project.
Mr. Paxton recommended that upon receipt of requests for
water to be furnished for Victory Gardens, an estimate of the
cost from the main to the pit be given the applicants, and that
they be informed that they must complete the work from there on.
Mr. Potter moved that Mr. Paxton's recommendation be
approved. Mr. Sheldon seconded the mdtioii, and it was so voted.
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Mr. Paxton informed the Board that he had sent requests
to five companies for prices on coal for the Town Office Building and
the Public Works BuildiXig. He said that he had received two
replies. Lexington Coal Company submitted the following
id: On Glenmar, Domestic Mine Run, Pennsylvania Bituminous
Coal a price of $9.45 per net ton plus a Federal Transportation Coal
Tax of 4¢ per het ton. This price is based on the present Bids
tine price of $3.50 per net ton. Robert Fawcett & Son Co., Inc.
submitted the following bid: $9.55 per ton for Pennsylvania
Coal with a mine price of $3.40 per ton, plus a transportation
tax of 4¢ per ton. This Company bid on Colver domestic run -of -
the mine coal.
The Chairman asked what Mr. Paxton wanted to do in regard
to the matter and he replied that he wanted to purchase the
winter's supply at one time. He said that he recommended coal
furnished by Robert Fawcett & Son Co., Inc. for the Town Offices
Cnd Cary Memorial Building and coal furnished by the Lexington
oal Company for the Public "orks Building. He said that he
would need approximatdly 75 to 90 tons for the Public horks
Building, and 200 tons for the Town Offices and Cary Memorial
Building.
Mr. Potter moved that Mr. Paxton be authorized to
Purchase the coal. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it
*as so voted.
The Chairman read a letter from Elizabeth and Katherine
Buckley relative to a bill in the amount of $4.90 rendered by Buckley
the Water Department for labor, repair clamp and trucking. Water
They would like to know wherein the Water Department has the Complaint
authority to make the owners pay for such a charge. Tlie
Buckleys claimed that when they returned home in the evening
there was no pressure to the water and every faucet was
running a small stream. They called a plumber who stated
that the Town men must have been working and the sand had
blocked the meter so that the water could not get through
enough to give any pressure. He had to blow out the meter,
ut in new washers throughout the house, clean out the sand
rom the tank, and clean out the pipe entering the electric
hot water tank.
Mr. Paxton said that on April 28, 1943 he received a
telephone call from a woman walking down Clark Street who
Said there was water coming from the Buckley house. A leak
'vas found on the house side of the shut off. Mr. Paxton
Said he talked with the plumber, Mr. Robert Watt, who claims
he did not take off the meter and'that he had beensat the Buckley
house on May 22, 1943, nearly a month after the leak
had been repaired. Mr. Paxton said that in his opinion, this
Sharp was a just one.
The Chairman said that he would acknowledge the complaint
and advise Miss Buckley that the Water Department had used good
udgment as it is the duty of that department to repair water
pipe leaks at once.
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Painting
Signs
The Chairman read a letter from the Lexington Chamber
of Commerce calling the Board's attention to the condition of
the "Welcome to Lexington" signs.
Mr. Paxton said that the Town painter had so much ,work
to do now that he could not spend any time on these signs.
No action was taken on the matter.
Mr. Paxton retired at 8:55 P.M.
Tax Title A letter was received from Charles ti. Tracy, 12 Hill Top
Offer Avenue offering to pay 0150.00 for Lot. No. 100, Farmhurst,
Section 4, Hill Top Avenue.
Mr. Potter informed the Board that he and Mr. Spencer
had looked over this lot and recommended this offer be accepted.
Mr. Sheldon moved that the lot be sold and conveyed to Mr.
Tracy for the sum of $150.00. Mr. Locke seconded the motion,
and it was so voted.
The Clerk informed the Board that Mr.. Howard S. 0. Nichols'
Retirement Appoint- term as a member of the Contributory Retirement System in the
menu Town of Lexington would expire July 1, 1943.
Upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Locke, it
was voted to reappoint Mr. Nichols as a member of the Contributory
Retirement System in the Town of Lexington as of July 1, 1943
for a three year term ending July 1, 1946.
A letter was received from Mr. White stating that at
present there are 958 names on the Honor Roll. He recommended
that the number on the service flags be changed to 1,000.
The Clerk was instructed to request Mr. Moloy and Mr.
Garrity to change the fiigure on the service flags making the
new figure read 1,000.
Honor
Roll
Ragweed
4th def
July
Proclama-
tion
Swine
Permit
Daniels
Bill
A letter was received from the Massachusetts State
Federation of Women's Clubs requesting cooperation of the
Board of Selectmen in the campaign to eliminate ragweed.
No action was taken on the matter.
A letter was received from the National Safety Council
suggesting that a proclamtion be issued in connection with
the Fourth of July. safety campaign.
No action was taken on the matter.
Application was received from Maurice S. Hutchins'of
2 Middle Street, Lexington, for permission to keep two swine.
Mr. Lamont recommended that the application be denied.
Mr. Sarano moved that Mr. Lamont's recommendation be
approved. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
A letter was received from Mrs. Clifton B. Daniels advising
the Board that she is unable to pay the bill rendered for board
and care of her husband who is a patient at the Middlesex County
Sanatorium.
It was decided that the Chairman would write Mrs. Daniels
and ask how much of the hospital charge she is in a position
to pay.
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The Chairman reminded the Board that Mr. Thurber of
8 Deed Road, wrote a letter on May 18, 1942 enclosing $25.00
as a down payment on Lots 1 and 2 Dee Road. He agreed to
pay $25.00 additional December 1, 1942 and the balance of
250.00 on July 1, 1943. Mr. Thurber is still interested
in these lots and wants to pay the balance of $250.00.
The Chairman informed the Board that it was customary
to advertise lots for sale. These lots, however, were not
advertised and inasmuch as a partial payment has been made,
he wondered if it would be necessary to advertise these lots.
Mr. Locke moved not to advertise these lots. Mr.
Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. Sarano moved that Lots 1 and 2 Dee Road be sold
and conveyed to Mr. Herbert A. Thurber upon payment of the
balance of $250.00. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it
was so voted..
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Tax Title
Sal e
A letter was received from the Lexington Post No.
3007 V.F.W. requesting a permit to hold a Carnival the last Carnival
week of July on the so-called Viano Lot in East Lexington. Permits
A letter was also received from the Stanley Hill
Post, No. 38 of the American Legion requesting a permit
to conduct a carnival during the week beginning July 19, 1943
on the Viano Lot.
After. some discussion on the matter., Mr. Potter moved
that not more than two permits be issued in any one year for
a carnival at the same location. Mr. Sheldon seconded .
the motion, and it was so voted.
Inasmuch as the Sacred Heart Church held a carnival .at
this location, only one more permit should be granted.
The. Chairman informed the Board that. the Veterans
of Foreign Wars have had permits to conduct a carnival at
this location for the past two years. No permit has ever
been granted to the American Legion.
Mr. Sarano moved that the. permit be granted to the
Stanley Hill Post and that the Veterans of Foreign Wars be
notified of this decision. Mr. Locke seconded the motion,
and it was so voted.
A copy of a letter addressed to the Chief of Police Center
from the Lexington Chamber of Commerce was received. The Condition
attention of the. Police was called to the lax control exec-
cised in removing persons under the influence of liquor
from the business section of the Town.
. No action was taken on the matter.
The Chairman read,a letter from the War Parents of Post-war
America asking what plans the Selectmen have made relative to problems
possible post-war problems.
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Post War
Planning
Held
Over
Poppy
Drive
Redeipts
Deed
Licenses
Lamont
1Car
Allow.
Retire-
ment
System
Case
It was decided to request the Chairman of the Planning
Board to meet with the Board of Selectmen to discuss this
subject.
The Chairman read a letter from the Employment Security
Commission of New Mexico requesting information of any plans
for re -adjustment after the war. They inquired as to whether
any plans the Town might have would be financed by local funds
as well as Federal aid and if so, what method would be adopted
to establish local reserves for use in the post-war period.
The Clerk was instructed to obtain information on this
subject from Mr. Paxton and to take it up at the next meeting.
The Chairman informed the CBoard- .:c that a Veterans of
Foreign War Poppy Drive isosupposed to be for the purpose of
raising money for the welfare of that organization..
Apparently this money is not being used for the purpose in-
tended.
It was decided to have the Chairman write the Veterans
of Foreign Ware requesting that they advise the Board the
amount of money raised by the Poppy Drive and how the funds
have been spends.
The deed for the sale of Lot 95, Hill Top Avenue,
Lexington, to George J. Sinnett was received from Mr.
Wrightington.
Mr. Sarano moved that the lot be sold and conveyed
to Mr. Sinnett and deed signed. ,Mr. Locke seconded the
motion, and it was so voted.
Upon motion of Mr. Sarano, seconded by Mr. Potter,
it was voted to grant the following licenses:
F. K. Johnson Bedford Street Overhanging Sign
Theatre Pharmacy Mass. Ave. Overhanging Sign
William Viano Mass. Ave. Sunday Movies
Mr. Sheldon said that he had talked with Mr. Lamont
in connection with his automobile allowance as Sealer of
Weights and Measures and Health Inspector. Mr. Lamont in-
formed Mr. Sheldon that he had saved some mileage by
doubling up on the two jobs, and he is willing to take a
reduction of $50.00 in his automobile allowance.
Upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Locke,
it was voted to reduce the car allowance of the Sealer of
Weights and Measures from $200.00 per year to $150.00 per year.
The Chairman informed the Board that his attention had
been called to the fact that a suit had been brought on
aecouht of an employee of the City of Lawrence being un-
willing to contribute to the Contributory Retirement System.
The Chairman understood that this employee did not have to
contribute and the case is to be appealed.
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The Clerk was instructed to have Mr. Wrightington
follow this case and advise the Board as to the final
decision.
The Chairman showed the Board a copy of the new
List of Persons, 20 Years of Age or Over, Book which had
been prepared by Mr. Carroll.
Upon motion of Mr. Sarano, seconded by Mr. Locke,
it was voted to order seven books at $1.00 each, and
charge this to the Selectmen's Department Expenses
Account.
The meeting adjourned at 9:55 P.M.
A true record, Attest:
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20 years
or Over
Age List