HomeMy WebLinkAbout1944-01-31SELECTMEN'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.M. Mr. Carroll appeared before the Board
for the drawing of two jurors.
Mr. John V. Fannon, statistician, 2 Plymouth Road,
was drawn to serve 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 25' 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
ehargesc.co ald be made direct to the slaughterer from
this office.
393
Jurors
394
Paxton
Deferm't
Lt.
Police
Exam
Req.
Hang
Banner
Across
Mass.
Ave.
Reloc.
East
Adams
Sts.
No.
Lex.
Crossing
Ch. 90
Prep.
Warrants
Notice was received from the Selective Service
System advising that William C. Paxton has been classified
2A until July 28, 1944.
Letter was received from Ulysses J. Lupien, Director
of Civil Service, statin that the examination for promotion
to Lieutenant in the Police Department is scheduled to be
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
Chairman of the Lexington Boosters' Club, requesting per-
mission to hang a canvas banner across Massachusetts Avenue near
the junction of Waltham Street. The banner would be
approximately 15 feet long and 3 feet wide, and would be
advertising the coming sports night to be held on February
21, 1944.
The Board felt that they would prefer not to grant the
request inasmuch as it might be establishing a precedent.
A letter was received from the County Commissioners
advising that the hearing for the relocation of East Street
and Adams Street would be held Friday, February 25, 1944,
at 10:30 A.M. at their office.
A letter was received from the Chamber of Commerce
requesting the Board to consider the matter of the traffic
hazard presented by the North Lexington Railroad crossing.
The Chamber suggested that suitable warning device or gates
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
Works giving the amount of the 1944 Chapter 90 tentative
maintenance allotment as $1,000.00 for State; $1,00000
for Town and $1,000.00 for the County.
A letter eras received from Mr. Carroll stating that he
can have the warrants for the Town Meeting folded, inserted
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 :nailed 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 supervision at a cost of 3/4 of a
cent per voter. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was
so voted.
1
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
regarding the Lexington Community Committee on Veterans'
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
authorizing the Selectmen to appoint such a Committee and
then a separate article to see if the Town will make the
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 only 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.
Art.
Warrant
Vets
Rehabili
tation
The Board discussed the possibility of appoi:ntingt a
Town Committee in connection with returning Servicerrien', and
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,
Lexington offering $100.00 for Lot 41, Section a, Farmhurst,
Kendall Road.
Mr. Sheldon moved that Mr. Cole be advised that the
lowest amount acceptable to the Board for this parcel of
land is $150.00. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it
was so voted.
Town
Comm.
Tax
Title
Offer
396
Visit The
Board to
Children .e Building
The
visiting
Museum
Bill
for
Model
Parking
Area
Chairman said that Mrs. Holt had invited the
visit the children's museum in the Cary Memorial
this evening.
Board adjourned at 8:20 P.M. for the purpose of
the museum, and reconvened at 8:45 P.M.
The Chairman read a letter from the Planning Board
in reference to payment of a bill in the amount of $100.00
for the model of the proposed parking area in Lexington
Center. Mr. White has advised the Planning Board that this
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 any one 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
Ball
Licenses
& A letter was received from the Lexington Firemen's
Benefit Association inviting the members of the Board to
attend the Annual Concert and Ball on Friday evening,
February 11-1944,Tae guests of the Association.
Upon motion of Mr. Locke seconded by Mr. Sheldon,
it was voted to grant the following licenses:
Frederick B. Witthus
Lester J. MacDonald
Joseph C. Tropeano
William Viano
Lexington St., Woburn Trans. Garbage
Franklin St., Reading
Larchmont Lane, Lex. Auctioneer
Mass. Avenue Sunday Movies
Ft
asj
The Chairman read a letter from Albert G. Frothingham,
Secretary of the 19th of April Association, requesting the
Board to consider the nominations made by the Association
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.
The Chairman asked whether or not the Board wanted
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
be appointed to investigate and make recommendations relative
to a new flag pole at the Common, and he thought that
inasmuch as it has some historical value, possibly Mr.
Locke and Mr. Worthen should be appointed to serve on this
Committee.
Mr. Sheldon moved 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
were to be made relative to War Damage Insurance. He said
the Town Meeting should decide the question, but they expect
some recommendation from the Selectmen.
The Board decided that they would recommend not to
appropriate the money.
jhe 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. Worthen} Jr., 5 Winthrop RoadL and
Mr. William G. Potter, 25 Walnut Street.
3.97
19th
April
Comm.
War
Bonds
Comm.
on
Flag
Pole
War
Damage
Ins.
398
Bids
Ladder
Truck
Ladder
Truck
Budget
Art.
Leary
Prop.
Art.
Fire
Station
Fire
Station
Bldg.
Comm.
Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
The Chairman informed the Board that the following
bids had been received by the Board of Fire Engineers on
a 65' Aerial Ladder Truck:
P. Pirsch
La France
Seagrave
$14,100 & 0 n
15,250 & 840 :
15,850 & 325
$14,100
16,090
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
of $14,000.00 for the purchase of a Peter Prisch 65' Jr. Aerial
Ladder Truck. The bid submitted from this concern was
$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 `14,100.00 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.
The Chairman informed the Board that he had requested
Mr. Wrightington to prepare an Article to be inserted in the
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.
The Chairman informed the Board that he had requested
Mr. Wrightington to draw up an Article to be inserted in the
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
Committee of five, to include a member of the Fire Department,
a member of the Board of Fire Engineers and a member of the
Board of Selectmen, be named by the Moderator to obtain
plans, specifications and estimates and to report to the
next Annual ToWn Meeting.
1
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 016.00 additional.
Mr. Potter moved that the personal liability
coverage be increased from 5M & 10M to 20M and 30M Budgets
and that the 050.00 deductible coverage be included; the
additional cost for the estra coverage to be charEed to
the Fire Department - Expenses Account. Mr. Saran.o 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 Svstem-
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 0450.00 as compared
with 0475.00 approved by the Selectmen. The Appropriation
Committee voted to reconsider the budget and it was approved
in the amount of 0475.00.
400
Law Department - Personal Services & Special Fees
T .e`Appro riat!Ion 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 01000.00.
Elections Department - Expenses - Selectmen
This budget had been revised from $2076.00 as previously
submitted to $2463.O0..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 hoard of Selectmen voted
to approve this budget in the amount of $4946.34 as compared
with 45063.00 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.
0.4
1;2 -
Engineering Department - 'Expenses
Tne Appropriation uommfttee 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 %383.83 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 Committee and the Board of Selectmen
had approved this budget in the amount of 014,000.00. The Chair-
man of the Board of Selectmen informed the group that the Fire
Engineers were recommending the purchase 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.
1
401
Shade Trees - Wages & Expenses
The Appropriation Committee and the Boardf 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 X450.00 as
compared with the Selectmen's $475.00. The Board of
Selectmen agreed to reduce their recommendation to $450.00.
Sewer Maintenance - Wages & Expenses
The Appro riation Committee approved $3,000.00 as
compared with 43,500.00 approved by the Selectmen. The
Selectmen agreed to reduce their recommendation to $3,000.00.
Sewer Maintenance - Services
The Appropriation Committee
compared with ;2,200.00 approved
Appropriation Committee voted to
and changed their recommendation
Snow Removal
The Appropriation Committee
compared with ;20,000.00 approve
Selectmen agreed to approve this
$12,500.00.
approved $2,000.00 as
by the Selectmen. The
reconsider the bddget
to $2,200.00.
approved $12,500.00 as
d by the Selectmen. The
budget in the amount of
Traffic Regulation &.,:Control
The Appropriation Committee approved $600.00 as
compared with 5700.00 approved by the Selectmen. The
Selectmen agreed to reduce their recommendation to
$600.00
Puhlic Welfare - Aid & Expenses
1Phe Appropri tion Commitee 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.
402
Pictorial Town Report
The Appropriation Committee made no recommendation.
The Board of Selectmen approved 01300.00.
Unclassified
The Appropriation Committee approved 0"1875.60 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 016,000.00 aa
compared with 016,500.00 approved by the Selectmen. The
Selectmen agreed to reduce their recommendation to 016,000.00.
The meeting adjourned at 11:50 P.M.
A true record, Attest:
rk