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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1944-01-17375 tELECTMEN'S MEETING January 17, 1944 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, January 17, 1944, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Rowse, Messrs. Potter, Locke and Sarano were present. The Clerk was also present. At 7:30 P.M. Mr. Clyde E. Steeves and Mr. William Burnham appeared before the Board. The Chairman said that the Board thought it would be best to have Mr. Steeves and Mr. Burnham in to discuss further their position as Assessors, in addition to the letter which they have received. The Chairman stated that the Committee named at last Town Meeting, to study certain Asses' departments of the Town in view of possible recommendations and changes, is going to recommend to Town Meeting that Mr. Spencer be a full-time Assessor. They are also going to recommend a complete Board of Assessors of either three or five members. He stated that the Board of Selectmen have not studied the matter, but felt that in view of the possibility that they might want to follow the recommendations made by the Committee, the Assessors were not reappointed in December. He further stated that the Board had obtained a legal opinion from Mr. Wrightington, and were advised that the Assessors could continue until reappointed. After further discussion on the matter, Messrs. Cann and Emery appeared before the Board at 7:45 P.M. Budgets The Assessors budgets were then considered. The only controversial item was the sum of 50.00 for Travel and Meeting Expenses. Mr. Steeves explained that this amount would depend on the number of Assessors' meetings held during the year. He believes these meetings are of very great value. The group, with the exception of Mr. Cann, retired at 8:05 P.M. The Building Inspector's budgets were then discussed. Bldg. Mr. Cann stated that, iii his estimation, he drove Budgets approximately 240 miles per month in connection with his duties as Building Inspector. This mileage is figured from his house to the Town Office and from the Town Office to the various places of inspection. Mr. Cann retired at 8:15 P.M. The Board checked the Selectmen's report for 1943. It was decided to include the number of Victory Gardens actually operated under the supervision of the Victory Garden Committee. It was also decided to include a paragraph pertaining to the establishment'of the office of Lieutenant in the Police Department. The Chairman suggested that the Board meet on Saturday, January 22, 1944, at 9:30 A.M. to act on budgets. Select's 1943 Report Meet to disc. Budgets 376 Mr. Lamont's Budgets Mr. Garrity Budgets Salaries Mr. Potter retired at 9:35 P.M., and Mr. Lamont appeared before the Board. The budgets of the Sealer of Weights and Measures, Health Inspector and Milk Inspector were discussed. Mr. Lamont retired at 9:40 P:M. Mr. Garrity appeared before the Board to discuss his budgets. Mr. Garrity explained that the item for $890.00 in the Insect Suppression Account was included in this budget with the idea of purchasing lead at the end of the year. The Shade Tree Budget is larger this year because there is much work to be done, which should have been done in 1943. Mr. Garrity stated that he needs a new mower,, and has included an item of $450.00 in his Parks & Playgrounds Budget to cover this equipment. Mr. Garrity retired at 9:30 P.M. The Chairman said that he thought the Board should come to some definite agreement pertaining to salary increases for 1944. He said that it was his understanding that when the bonus was increased, the problem of special increases in salaries would be eliminated, unless changes in duties might justify special consideration. Upon motion of Mr. Locke, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was VOTED: That the Selectmen favor increases in salaries only within the established schedule of annual increases, as set up by the special salary committee report, except where changes in duties might justify special consideration. The Clerk was instructed to write the Chairman of the Appropriation Committee informing him of the above vote. Mr. Potter returned to the meeting at 9:18 P.M., and Mr. John A. Lyons appeared before the Board. Mr. Lyons said that there is a possibility of James Temp. Collins being inducted into the United States Army. He said Welfare that he had talked with Mr. Lupien about the matter and he Agent suggested that a Temporary Agent be appointed, and that it be definitely understood that the appointment would last only for the duration of the war, at which time, Mr. Collins would resume his duties. Mr. Lyons informed the Board that according to the Civil Services rules and regulations, a Social Worker must be appointed Temporary Agent. This would mean that if the appointment were made it would have to be Mrs. Casey, she being the next on the list. Mr. Lyons mentioned that his Board had discussed the possibility of increases for the two clerks in the office, who will now be doing the work of three people. He retired at 9:55 P.M. Postwar A letter was received from Mr. Paxton pertaining to the number of people the Town expected to employ in the postwar period. 1 1 41 41 377 Mr. Paxton stated that -so far as the Public Works Depart- ment is concerned, he would be interested in employing equipment operators.- He referred to his letter addressed Poatwar to Wn. Roger Greeley, advising him that the number of men to be employed over and above those now engaged to carry on the work in the postwar period would be approximately forty-five. The Clerk was instructed to so advise Mr. Francis E. Lombard, Chairman of the Committee on Town Employment. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Wrightingtonbreat regarding the possibility of the Forest Warden serving Warden without a salary. Salary Mr. Wri Iington stated that G. L., Chapter 41, Section 108v/grid employees appointed or employed by them within the l±mits.of appropriations. He said that he could see no reason why an officer such as a Forest Warden could not properly serve without a salary if he so desires. However, Mr. Wrightington thought it would be well to have a written record signed by the appointee of his willingness to serve without salary. The Board decided to leave the Forest Warden appropriation in the amount of 450.00. The Chairman read a letter from George E. Graves of the Rationing Board, stating that he had on hand at least one- half case of evaporated milk which was originally purchased for use at the Observation Tower. Mr. Graves suggested that it might be turned over to the Fire Department, inasmuch as the Tower is only open on Wednesday afternoons. Mr. Locke moved that Mr. Graves be informed that the Board of Selectmen approves of his suggestion that the milk be turned over to the Fire Department. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Each member of the Board received a letter from Governor Saltonstall stating that the Massachusetts Com- mittee on Youth Guidance was appointed by him on November 8, 1943. The membership of this Committee includes the head of each department of the Government of the Commonwealth which has any statutory duty toward children. The Governor is suggesting all Towns form a similar Committee from among their municipal and court officials who have statutory duties regarding youth or who have at their disposal any means which can serve the needs of youth. He further requested a list of the names of persons appointed and their offices. The matter was held over for one week. A letter was received from Clarence S. Walker con- firming his telephone conversation with the Chairman requesting the use of the United States Flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Flag, to be used in the Customer's Room at the bank during the War Loan Drive. Mr. Locke moved that the use of the flags be approved. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. provides that Boards of a Town shall fix a compensation of all officers Mile Youth Guidanc+ Use of Flags 378 1943 Town Report Article for Warrant Reading Postwar Report Mulliken Property Dimout Shades Switch- board The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Sullivan of the Somerville Printing Company, stating that he will furnish the Town of Lexington's Annual Report in accordande with the estimate dated October 29, 1943. A form letter was received from Commissioner Henry F. Long suggesting that an article be inserted in the 1944 Town Warrant relative to investing a portion of the free cash now available in purchasing United States Government bonds or bonds which are a legal investment for savings banks. Mr. Potter moved that an article be inserted in the warrant. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A report of the Committee appointed in the;Town of Reading to survey the situation as to the necessity of postwar planning was received. It was decided to hold this over for one week. The Clerk was instructed to Civilian Defense that Melville W. Property Officer for the Town of them for the necessary forms for this vacancy. Mr. Paxton was unable to attend the meeting, and .the first item on his list was a plan of the Mulliken property. The Chairman informed the Board that he had had talked with Mr. Caouette relative to this property, and told him that the Town was interested in the low land for playground purposes, and possibly a right-of-way on Waltham Street. Mr. Caouette said that he would take the matter up with Otis Mulliken and advise the Board at a later date. advise the Office of Webb, had resigned as local Lexington, and to request an appointment to fill The Clerk informed the Chairman that Mr. Paxton had contacted the Boston Edison Company and was advised by them that in the event that all the dimout shades were removed, and a dimout was ordered, the cost to the Town would probably be '1,000.00 to replace the shades. Mr. Sarano reported that he had made a study of the calls going through the switchboard. He said that he did not believe a change, at this time, would reduce the work at the switchboard to warrant the additional cost it would involve. By putting the Public Works phone on a private line basis with a hand generator set to the Public Works Building, the cost would be as follows: Estimated Monthly Cost Hand Generator Private Line Three -Way Switch 7.00 5.25 .25 33 1/3% disc.14.66 x$11.66 1 Reduction 1 Trunk Line 2.50 331/3 disc. 2.34 1 Station 1.00 Net Increase Per Month 9.32 Upon motion of Mr. Potter, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was voted to approve the following licenses: Miller & Collins 318 Marrett Road Methyl Alcohol Wm. Viano 1794 Mass. Avenue Sunday Movies Application was received from Dr. W. Harrington for the admission of Nicholas Shea, 16 Muzzey Street, to the Middlesex County Sanatorium. Mr. Potter moved that the application be signed. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. On January 10, 1944, Mr. Paxton requested the layout of Adams Street from Hancock Street to the Burlington Line, and also the layout of East Street from Adams Street to the Woburn Line. A letter was received from the County Commissioners questioning whether it is the intention of the Town to re-establish the lines of the old streets. If this is the question, it will be necessary to file a petition for the relocation of these ways. A layout signifies the laying out of a new way. Mr. Potter moved that the previous vote requesting the two above mentioned layouts be rescinded. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Potter moved that the County Commissioners be petitioned for the relocation of East Street from Adams Street to the Woburn Line and also for the relocation of Adams Street from Hancock Street to the Burlington Line. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman said that he had received a letter addressed to the Board of Selectmen, signed by twelve citizens residing in the neighborhood of Fair Oaks Drive. This letter is by way of a formal complaint against Mr. William Dog S. Phillips, 6 Fair Oaks Drive, for allowing his dog to Complant terrorize the neighborhhod, and endanger the children and small dogs in the same neighborhood for a period over a year. The Board considered the petition, and it was decided to order the dog temporarily restrained and to hold a hearing on Monday, January 24, 1944, at 7:30 P.M. at which time reasons will be heard why the restraint should not be made permanent. 379 Applicat'n for San. Mr. Shea Req. Relocat'n The meeting adjourned at 11:10 P.M. A true record, Attest: 1: • Cl