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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1944-01-31 393 SELECTMEN'S MEETING January 31, 1944 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, January 31 1944, at 7 :30 P.M. Chairman Rowse, Messrs . Potter, Locke, Sarano and Sheldon were present. The Clerk was also present. At 7 :30 P Y. Mr. Carroll appeared before the Board Jurors for the drawing of two jurors . Mr . John V. Fannon, statistician, 2 Plymouth Road, was drawn to se-ve on Civil Business , Second Session, at Cambridge , beginning March 6, 1944. Mr. Gorham Buttrick farmer, 6 Locust Avenue, was drawn to serve on Civil Business , First Session at Cambridge beginning March 6, 1944 Mr. Carroll retired and Mr . George G. Whiting appeared before the Board. The Chairman said that inasmuch as George Holman has discontinued slaughtering and Mr Monsignore is Slghtrng preparing to carry on the slaughtering business at Laconia Animals Street, the Board was considering making a charge for each animal slaughtered. Mr. Whiting said that he assumed Mr. Monsignore would slaughter for his own use and possibly for anyone else who might have one or two animals to be slaughtered. He said that now, with Mr. Holman out of the business, there would be no other way for residents in Lexington who have raised one or two pigs to have them slaughtered without going out of Town. Mr. Whiting said that with this being the only slaughtering house in Town he didn't think Mr. Monsignore would be able to take care of the all the business in the limited time designated on his permit if people raise hogs and cattle next year the way they did this year. After some discussion on the subject , it was decided to wait until the slaughtering business at Laconia Street had been in operation for a few months and then to have Mr. Whiting report to the Board if anything out of the ordinary develops . Mr. Whiting agreed to do this and retired at 8:50 P M. The Board considered the question of making a charge Chg for for each animal slaughtered, and upon motion of Mr. Potter, Slghtrng seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was voted to make a charge of 10¢ for each hog, calf or sheep slaughtered and 24 for each cattle slaughtered. The Clerk was instructed to advise Mr. Whiting of this, and to request him to forward to the Selectmen's Office a record of the animals slaughtered so that the charges could be made direct to the slaughterer from this office. 394 Notice was received from the Selective Service Payton System advising that William C. Paxton has been classified Deferm' t 2A until July 28, 1944. Letter was received from Ulysses J. Lupien, Director Lt. of Civil Service, statin that the examination for promotion Police to Lieutenant in the Police Department is scheduled to be Exam held on March 25, 1944, and is open to the permanent ser- geants and regular patrolmen in the Department. A letter was received from John P. Whalen, Publicity Req. Chairman of the Lexington Boosters ' Club, requesting per- Hang mission to hang a canvas banner across Massachusetts Avenue near Banner the junction of Waltham Street. The banner would be Across approximately 15 feet long and 3 feet wide, and would be Mass. advertising the coming sports night to be held on February Ave. 21, 1944. The Board felt that they would prefer not to grant the request inasmuch as it might be establishing a precedent R�loc. A letter was received from the County Commissioners East advising that the hearing for the relocation of East Street and Adams Street would be held Friday, February 25, 1944, Adams at 10:30 A.M. at their office . Sts . A letter was received from the Chamber of Commerce requesting the Board to consider the matter of the traffic No. hazard presented by the North Lexington Railroad crossing Lex. The Chamber suggested that suitable warning device or gates Crossing be installed. The Clerk was instructed to write to the Boston and Maine Railroad and ask what precautions are taken at the crossing, and also to obtain a report of the recent accident from the Chief of Police. A letter was received from the Department of Public Ch. 90 Works giving the amount of the 1944 Chapter 90 tentative maintenance allotment as $1,000.00 for State; $1,000,00 for Town and $1,000.00 for the County. A letter cies received from Mr. Carroll stating that he Prep. can have the warrants for the Town Meeting folded, inserted Warrants and addressed at the rate of 3/4 of a cent per voter. He said that the work would be strictly under his supervision and, therefore, he would see that tt was done as required by law. The Chairman said that Mr. Carroll had spoken to him about this matter, and informed him that all registered voters had not been receiving warrants , that is , only one warrant was mailed to some homes where there was more than one registered voter. The Chairman said that Mr Adams would not be able to handle the work this year any way, as he hasn't the help. Mr. Locke moved that Mr. Carroll be authorized to have the work done under his s3pervision at a cost of 3/4 of a cent per voter. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 395 The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Wrightington Morris regarding the application of Morris Bloomberg for a Motors second hand dealer's license Mr. Wrightington suggested License that the police interview Mr. Bloomberg and explain' that if the business is continued it will be necessary to prosecute inasmuch as the Board has not issued a license. Mr. Wrightington further stated that the fee deposited for the license should be returned. Mr. Sarano said that he would like to talk with Mr. Bloomberg, and the matter was held over for one week. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Wrightington Art . regarding the Lexington Community Committee on Veterans ' Warrant Rehabilitation and Employment. He stated that as he understands it, the appointment of this Committee is merely a suggestion of the Governor and not an Executive Order. In his opinion, the warrant should contain an article Vets authorizing the Selectmen to appoint such a Committee and Rehabili then a separate article to see if the Town will make the tation appropriation. Mr. Wrightington stated that he had dis- cussed the matter with the Division of Accounts in an effort to persuade them that the ratification of the present appointment of the Committee would be sufficient, but their attitude was that the appropriation could be authorized onl - if the Committee was originally under the authority of the Town. He said there should, therefore, be a reappointment of the Committee after the Town vote . Mr. Sheldon moved that an article be inserted in the warrant to cover the appointment of the Committee on Veterans ' Rehabilitation and Employment , and also an article to cover an appropriation of $200.00 requested by the Committee. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Board discussed the possibility of appointing a Town Town Committee in connection with returning Servicemen and Comm. postwar work. Mr. Potter suggested a Committee possibly consisting of Mr. Paxton, and Mr. Garrity might be appointed for Town work only, and there would be no connection between this Committee and the War Parents of America. The Board agreed that the Town Committee should be entirely separate from the War Parents of America. It was decided to have the Chairman discuss the matter with Mr. Paxton. A letter was received from Frank Cole 41 Kendall Road, Tax Lexington offering $100.00 for Lot 41, Section E3, Farmhurst, Title Kendall Road. Offer Mr. Sheldon moved that Mr. Cole be advised that the lowest amount acceptable to the Board for this parol of land is $150.00. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 396 doq 2) Visit The Chairman said that Mrs . Holt had invited the Children�s Board to visit the children's museum in the Cary Memorial Building this evening. lu3eum The Board adjourned at 8:20 P.M. for the purpose of visiting the museum, and reconvened at 8:45 P.M. BillThe Chairman read a letter from the Planning Board for in reference to payment of a bill in the amount of $100.00 Model for the model of the proposed parking area in Lexington Parking Center. Mr. White has advised the Planning Board that this Area work would not be considered a 1943 expense item unless the project was completed and the bill submitted on or before January 6, 1944. The Planning Board would like to reimburse Mr. Dreselly for his work and would like to know whether or not it is possible to make an arrangement to pay this bill before the 1944 appropriation is voted in March. The Chairman informed the Board that the largest amount spent in anyone month in 1943 was in September and the amount was 50. 00. It was decided to advise the Planning Board that the full amount of the bill could not legally be paid at this time. The Chairman read a letter from Chief Rycroft informing Inv. to the Board that the alterations in the Police Department were Police now complete and extending an invitation to the Selectmen to Dept . inspect the station. Application was received from James Cataldo on behalf Use of of the sacred Heart Church for permission to use Cary Hall, Hall February 14, 1944, for a dance. The application has been approved by Chief Rycroft who recommended one Police Officer and one Matron. Mr. Potter moved that the use of the hall be granted, subject to the usual charge. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Inv. to Concert & A letter was received from the Lexington Firemen's Ball Benefit Association inviting the members of the Board to attend the Annual Concert and Ball on Friday evening, February llf 1944,-a8 guests of the Association. Upon motion of Mr. Locke seconded by Mr. Sheldon, Licenses it was voted to grant the following licenses : Frederick B. Witthus Lexington St . , Woburn Trans . Garbage Lester J. MacDonald Franklin St . , Reading " Joseph C Tropeano Larchmont Lane, Lex. Auctioneer William Viano Mass . Avenue Sunday Movies I 39? The Chairman read a letter from Albert G. Frothingham, 19th Secretary of the 19th of April Association, requesting the April Board to consider the nominations made by the Association Comm. for the Patriot ' s Day Committee. Upon motion of Mr. Sarano, seconded by Mr. Locke, it was voted to appoint the following citizens to serve as the Lexington Patriot 's Day Committee : Arthur N. Lee, Stanley Hill Post American Legion George E. Foster, Sons of Union Veterans Fred W. Bodge, State Guard Veterans Association Eugene McCarthy, Veterans of Foreign Wars James J. Carroll Lexington Minute Men, Inc. Julius Seltzer, 'resident of , AND Albert G. Frothingham, Secretary of the Lexingron Allied Veterans Council. War The Chairman asked whether or not the Board wanted Bonds to make any definite recommendation relative to purchasing War Bonds . He stated that there is less than $100,000.00 available for the purchase of bonds . The Board decided to take no action on the matter. The Chairman said that he thought a Committee should Comm. be appointed to investigate and make recommendations relative on to a new flag pole at the Common, and he thought that Flag inasmuch as it has some historical value, possibly Mr. Pole Locke and Mr. Worthen should be appointed to serve on this Committee. Mr. Sheldon -loved that an article be inserted in the warrant authorizing the Selectmen to appoint a Committee to investigate and make recommendations relative to the purchase of a new flag pole to be placed on the Common. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman asked the Board what recommendations War were to be made relative to War Damage Insurance . He said Damage the Town Meeting should decide the question, but they expect Ins. sore recommendation from the Selectmen. The Board decided that they would recommend not to appropriate the money. ' he Chairman asked if the Board wanted to name a Committee to Judy the parking facilities at Lexington Center. Parkng Mr. Sheldon moved that the following individuals Facili be appointed to serve on a Committee to study and make tie. definite recommendations relative to the parking area in Lexington Center : Mr. William H. Ballard, Hastings Road; Mr. Frederic K. Johnson, 39 Bedford St.; Mr. Frederick Spencer , 15 Hancock St . ; Mr. Edwin B. Worths:1 Jr. , 5 Winthrop Road, and Mr. William G. Potter, 25 Walnut Street. 39$ 1164 PZ Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Bids The Chairman informed the Board that the following Ladder bids had been received by the Board of Fire Engineers on Truck a 65' Aerial Ladder Truck: P. Pirsch -- $14, 100 & 0 a $14,100 La France -- 15,250 & 840 * 16,090 Seagrave -- 15,850 & 325 16,175 Seagrave and La France are steel aerial Pirsch is wooden aerial Seagrave -- price is subject to 2% discount, 10 days All three would allow $100.00 for the old ladder truck. The Fire Engineers have submitted a budget in the amount Ladder of $14,000.00 for the purchase of a Peter Prisch 65 ' Jr. Aerial Truck Ladder Truck. The bid submitted from this concern was Budget $14,000.00 including the allowance of $100.00 for the 26 year old ladder truck now being used by the Department . The Fire Department advises that the tires are worth more than a $100.00. The Engineers recommended that the old equipment be retained. It will, therefore, be necessary to increase the budget to $14,100.00. Mr. Potter moved that the sum of X14,100.00 be approved for the purchase of a Peter Prisch 651 Jr. Aerial Ladder Truck for the Fire Department. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Art. The Chairman informed the Board that he had requested Leary Mr Wrightington to prepare an Article to be inserted in the Prop. Warrant to take the so-called Leary property by purchase or by eminent domain. Mr. Sheldon moved that the Chairman' s action be approved and that the Article be inserted in the Warrant . Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Art. The Chairman informed the Board that he had requested Fire Mr . Wrightington to draw UD an Article to be inserted in the Station Warrant to cover plans and specifications for the construction of a new Fire Station or a combined Fire and Police Station. Mr. Wrightington said that it would be necessary first to have the location determined. Mr. Sarano moved that an Article be inserted in the Warrant to determine the location of a new Fire Station or a combined Fire and Police Station, and that plans and specifications for the construction of same be procured. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. In discussing this subject , the Board felt that a Building Fire Committee of five, to include a member of the Fire Department, Station a member of the Board of Fire Engineers and a member of the Bldg. Board of Selectmen, be named by the Moderator to obtain Comm. plans, specificat_ons and estimates and to report to the next Annual Town Meeting. 399 The Clerk was instructed to ask Mr. Wrightington if it were necessary to have an Article to name this Committee and a separate Article to authorize the Committee to secure the plans and specification. The Chairman advised the Board that George Emery, Ins. for Chairman of the Board of Fire Engineers, had informed Dep. Chief him that Deputy Chief Cook carries personal liability Cook insurance on his car (5M & 10M) at a cost of $44.50 per year. Fifty dollar deductible collision insurance would cost $16.00 additional. Mr. Potter moved that the personal liability coverage be increased from 5M & 10M to 20M and 30M Budgets and that the $50.00 deductible coverage be included; the additional cost for the estra coverage to be charged to the Fire Department - Expenses Account . Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Budgets were acted on as follows : Account Requested Approved Slaughter Inspector - Personal Services $ 800.00 $ 800.00 Sewer Construction - Sundry Street 9,621.97 9,621.97 Snow Removal 20,000.00 20,000.00 Public Welfare - Personal Services 913 40 913.40 Contributory Retirement System- Pension Accumulation Fund 13,764.00 13,764.00 Contributory Retirement System- Interest Deficiency on Funds 931.65 931.65 Printing Town Report 625.00 625.00 Printing Police Rules & Regulations 150.00 150.00 Bonus - 15% 50,033.89 50,033. 89 At 9:45 P.M. the following members of the Appropriation Committee appeared before the Board. Messrs . Hoyt, Brown, Bond, Jenney, Winlock , Maynard, Bryant and White. Mr. Rowse suggested that those budgets on which there was a difference between the Appropriation Committee and the Board of Selectmen be considered. Mr. Hoyt agreed and the following budgets were discussed: Assessors ' Department - Expenses The Appropriation committee approved $450.00 as compared with $475.00 approved by the Selectmen. The Appropriation Committee voted to reconsider the budget and it was approved in the amount of $475.00. 400 Law Department - Personal Services & Special Fees The Appropriation Committee approved this budget in the amount of 01500 .00 as compared with $1750.00 approved by the Selectmen. The Selectmen reconsidered the budget and upon motion of Mr Potter, seconded by Mr. Locke it was voted to approve this budget in the amount of $1000 .00. Elections Department - Expenses - Selectmen This budget had been revised from 452076.00 as previously submitted to $2463.00. This change was necessary due to the fact that there will be four elections in 1944 instead of three. The Appropriation Committee and the Selectmen agreed to approve the new figure. Public Works - Supt ' s. Office - Personal Services The Appropriation Committee and the board or Selectmen voted to approve this budget in the amount of $4946.34 as compared with $5063.00 as requested. The request for the Superintendent 's salary was reduced from $4150.00 to q4000 00. The item for Clerk was increased from $913.00 to $913.01 and an amount of $33.33 was added to the budget to cover the vacation pay of the Clerk who left this Department January 10, 1944. Engineering Department - Expenses Tne Appropriation Lommittee approved this budget in the amount of 0700.00 as compared with $725.00 approved by the Selectmen. Mr. Rowse explained that Mr. Cosgrove the Town Engineer, had written a letter to the Board advising that he believed the $25.00 in question would be needed in his budget for equipment repair. The Appropriation Committee voted to change their recommendation to $725.00. Board of Retirement - Chapter 419 , Acts 1943 This budget was revised from 083.83 to $767.66 to cover the full amount that would have been paid into the Retirement Fund by emplcyees on military leave of absence . The Selectmen voted to approve this budget in the amount of $767.66. Fire Department - Capital Expenditures Both the Appropriation Oommittee and the Board of Selectmen had approved this budget in the amount of $14,000.00. The Chair- man of the Board of Selectmen informed the group that the Fire Engineers were recommending the puri3hase of a Peter Pesch 65' Aerial Ladder truck at a net cost of $14,100.00. Deputy Chief Cook believes that the tires on the old apparatus are worth more than the $100.00 which would be allowed, and, therefore, recommended that the Department retain the old truck. This will increase the budget from 14,000.00 as previously re- quested to $14,100.00. Both Boards agreed to approve the sum of $14,100 .00. Health Department - Expenses The Appropriation Committee approved $5,000.00 as compared with the Selectmen' s $5,387.00. Tree Selectmen agreed to reduce their recommendation to $5,000.00. 401 Shade Trees - Wages & Expenses 11 The Appropriation Committee and the Board of Selectmen agreed to approve this budget in the amount of $1530.00 of which $330 00 is to be taken from the Taylor Shade Tree Fund. Dog Clinic - Expenses The Appropriation Committee approved 4450.00 as compared with the Selectmen's 4475.00 . The Board of Selectmen agreed to reduce their recommendation to $450.00. Sewer Maintenance - Wages & Expenses The Appropriation Committee approved $3,000.00 as compared with $3,500.00 approved by the Selectmen. The Selectmen agreed to reduce their recommendation to $3,000.00. Sewer Maintenance - Services The Appropriation Committee approved $2,000.00 as compared with ;2,200.00 approved by the Selectmen. The Appropriation Committee voted to reconsider the budget and changed their recommendation to $2,200.00. Snow Removal The Appropriation Committee approved $12,500.00 as compared with ;20, 000.00 approved by the Selectmen. The Selectmen agreed to approve this budget in the amount of $12,500.00. Traffic Regulation & Control The Appropriation Committee approved $600.00 as compared with $700.00 approved by the Selectmen. The Selectmen agreed to reduce their recommendation to $600.00 PuhIic Welfare - Aid & Expenses The Appropri tion Committee approved $23,000.00 as compared with $22,000.00 approved by the Selectmen. Further consideration was given to this budget by both Boards and it was finally agreed to approve the amount of $20,000.00. Parks & Playgrounds - Wages & Expenses The Appropriation Committee approved $8,680.00 of which $180.00 was to be taken from the Tower Shade Tree Fund. The Selectmen approved $8,800.00, the entire budget being reduced to last year ' s appropriation. The Selectmen agreed to approve the same amount as recommended by the Appropriation Committee. Park Department - Capital Outlay The Appropriation Committee made no recommendation for this budget . The Selectmen approved $3,500 .00 for a new flagpole for the Common. Patriots ' Day The Appropriation Committee made no recommendation. The Board of Selectmen approved $300.00. 41012 Pictorial Town Report The Appropriation Committee made no recommendation. The Board of Selectmen approved 01300 .00. Unclassified The Appropriation Committee approved 01875.00 as com- pared with $p1925.00 approved by the Selectmen . This difference was in the budget submitted by the Rationing Board in the amount of 0675.00 and reduced to 0625.00. The Selectmen agreed to reduce their recommendation to agree with the Appropriation Committee. Bonus The Chairman raised the question as whether or not the Article pertaining to the bonus should include part-time employees . He asked how the Appropriation Committee felt about the matter and Mr. Hoyt replied that his Board had only discussed this informally. Both Boards were of the opinion that if any part-time employees were to be included it would be difficult to determine how many should be included. Mr. Sheldon moved that the bonus be recommended for regular full-time employees . Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Appropriation Committee and the Board of Selectmen approved the sum of 50,033.89 for the 15% bonus . Water Maintenance - Wages & Expenses The Appropriation Committee approved $16,000.00 as. compared with $16,500 .00 approved by the Selectmen. The Selectmen agreed to reduce their recommendation to $16 ,000.00. The meeting adjourned at 11:50 P.M. A true record, Attest : it- 1, I) 1