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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1944-04-10SELECTMEN'S MEET ING April 10, 1944 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, April 10, 1944, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Locke, Messrs. Potter, Rowse, Sarano and Sheldon were present. The Clerk was also present. At 7:30 P.M. Mr. Lindstrom appeared before the Board. He said that the reason he had wanted to see the Board was in regard to the bonus. He said he would like to know the reason why he did not receive the bonus. The Chairman said that the Vote of the Town was that the bonus was to be paid to regular full-time em- ployees. Mr. Lindstrom said he felt he was entitled to receive the bonus because he feels that he is a full- time employee. He said that there were three reasons why. he considered himself to be full time. He said that in 1938 he was accepted into the Retirement Act, and has been a member ever since. He said thathe is under competitive Civil'.Serice, and examinations are not held for temporary or part-time positions. His final argument was that he is on call twenty-four hours a day. The Chairman said that it might be necessary to obtain a ruling from the Town Counsel. Mr. Lindstrom said that he would like to have it determined whether he is a full-time or a part-time employee. Mr. Lindstrom retired at 7:45 P.M. The Clerk was instructedto requst the Town Counsel to submit his opinion as to whether or not Mr. Lindstrom may be classified a full-time regular employee. At 7:45 P.M. Chief Rycroft appeared before the Board. He said that he wanted to discuss Lith the. Board the matter of police cars. The 1941 car (white) has been driven over 114,000miles and needs a general overhauling job. He said the 1942 ear has been driven 79,000 miles, but this car has just been overhauled. He said that the repair bills on the white car are running very high, and the mechanic informed him that it would be quite expensive to repair it. Chief Rycroft said that he would recommend putting the 1941 car in storage and registering the new car, which is not stored. 455 Lindstrom Plumbing Insp. re: Bonus Police Cars 456 Vote to Sell Motor- cycle He said that if this 1941 car was stored it could be used to fill in as a spare ear, but if it is to be used continuously it should be repaired. Mr. Rowse asked if there was any work to be done on the new car before it could be put on the road, and the Chief replied that the radio would have to be transferred. Mr. Rowse moved that Chief Rycroft's recommendation be approved, and that the 1941 white police car be stored and the new car now in storage be registered for use. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and itW.was so voted. Chief Rycroft said that the motorcycle used by the Police Department was.. purchased in 1941, and cost $340.00. He said that it has only been driven 5,600 miles, and he did not see any need of the motorcycle in the departtmet . The Chief said that he feels that motorcycles are dangerous, and it is very easy to have someone tossed off. If such an accident should occur, it would definitely affect the department as they are shorthanded as it is. The Chief said that he believes it a waste .of money to have the motorcycle lying idle. He said that he would like the Board to authorize the Supt. of Public Works to sell it. Mr. Potter moved that Chief Rycroft's recommendation be approved, and that Mr. Paxton be authorized to place an advertisement in the local paper ,and `a1s to receive bids on the sale of the motorcycle. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Chief Rycroft retired at 8:50 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from J. H. Ashe,_Asa't. Ellen A. Trust Officer of the New England Trust Company, advising Stone that the legacy of Miss Ellen A. Stone became payable upon Legacy her death). He requested the date of the next Town Meeting so that he might have some idea when this would be acted upon by the Town. The Clerk was instructed to inform Mr..Ashe that Art. for the Selectmen expect to call a Town Meeting before the Warrant first of July, at which time there will be an Article in the Warrant to see if the Town will accept the legacy of $2,000.00. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. White advising No. on that there are 1, 120 names on the Honor Roll, and there Honor are several lists remaining to be sent_ from the Draft Roll Board. He recommended that the number on the Service Changed Flags be changed to 1,200. Mr. Rowse moved that the number on the Service Flags be changed to 1,200.00. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and .itwas so voted. 1 Letter was received from Mr. Wrightington informing the Board that the final payment had been received from Joseph A. Ross on the judgment obtained against him last 0ear. The total amount collected in installments has been 124.24 plus certain costs. Mr. Wrightington enclosed his bill for services and disbursements in the amount of $54.50. Mr. Rowse moved that the bill be approved for payment. Mr. Saran seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from Anthony J. Rochette, submitting an offer of $250.00 for Lots 4 and 5, Marrett Tax Road, (Fair Oaks). If the Board accepts the offer, Mr. Title Rochette would like to pay $50.00 down, and $50.00 quarterly Sale thereafter. Mr. Sarano-moved.that a proposal to sell the lots be. advertised in the Lexington Minute -Man, and that further consideration be given the offer at the next meeting of the Board. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 457 Ross Legal Bill At S 00.P.M. Mr. Paxton appeared before the Board. He said that Ann Webber, 17 Nichols Road, had requested the use of the grader. Mr. Paxton said that it would cost approximately $10.00, plus the operator's time. Mr. Sarano moved that the use of the Grader be granted, subject to payment in advance. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton said that he had talked with a rep- resentative of the B. & M. Railroad pertaining to closingtthe Maple Street Bridge during repairs. Mr. Paxton said that he had called Mr. Wrightington on this subject, and Mr. Wrightington advised that the Selectmen adopt the following vote and then carry it out. "VOTED: That the Board of Selectmen, as Road Commissioners, authorize and direct the Superintendent of Public Works to close to traffic. Maple Street on each side of the Maple Street bridge over the Boston & Maine Railroad during repair thereof, pursuant to an order of the County Commissioners, and to post notices of such closing and adequate barriers to prevent passage by vehicles. The Superintendent of Public Works is also authorized and directed, if practicable, to provide during the repair a temporary footway across the railroad track, but to post at each entrance to it a separate notice that the bridge is under repair, that a temporary footway has been provided, that travellers on foot are permitted to use it, but only at their own risk." Use of Grader Maple Street Bridge Vote 458 Bicycle Rack Draperies Estabrook Hall Mr. Paxton said that in talking with a man from the Boston & Maine_ Railroad, he was informed that during the work most of the present bridge will be in place, and adequate for foot travel. However, for two days there will be no crossing. W. Paxton said that the Boston & Maine Railroad will post the bridge and take care of the posting on either end of the street. He said that the Boston & Maine Railroad would have to build a footbridge if it is necessary, but the Town would have to pay a proportionate share of the cost. Mr. Sheldon moved that the Board of Selectmen adopt the vote submitted by W. Wrightington. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. W. Paxton said that he had received a request from the Chief of Police to have a bicycle rack placed on the parking area of the First National Store. Chief Rycroft has received a number of complaints about bicycles being left by the building while the owners are shopping or bowling. W. Paxton said that the rack we had built some time ago had cost $35.00, and was paid out of the Traffic Regulation & Control Account. He said that a bicycle rack placed on this parking area would not interfere with the present parking space. Mr. Sarano moved that W. Paxton be authorised to have a bicycle rack constructed and placed on the parking area of the First National Store; the expense to be charged to the Traffic Regulation and Control Account. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. W. Paxton said that he has just had a complete maintenance job done in Estabrook Hall, and the draperies are in such poor condition that they should be replaced. Mr. Paxton said that in requesting bids for draperies for Estabrook Hall he also requested bids for draperies in the Selectmen's Room. He said that he receive two replies, one from Paine's Furniture Company and one from the Betsy Ross Galleries. Paine's Furniture Company quoted prices ranging from $77.78 to $144.00 for draperies in Estabrook Hall. Paine's Furniture Company quoted prices ranging from $297.88 up to $388.88 to furnish draperies for the Selectmen's Room. Betsy Ross Galleries quoted a price of 57.00 for draperies in Estabrook Hall, and a price of 160.80 for draperies in the Selectmen's Room, Mrs. Ross said that there would be an installation price for the entire job of $10.00. Mr. Paxton said that neitheribers recommended interlining the draperies. Samples were submitted from both bidders, and upon motion of Mr. Rowse, secondmd by Mr. Sarano, it was voted obsi 1 1 to authorize Mr. Paxton to accept the bid of the Betsy Ross Galleries to furnish draperies for Estabrook Hall, not to exceed the sum of $67.00. The material to be used is the same as the blue sample submitted by Mrs. Ross. Mr. Paxton brought up the question of the Town Offices working with a skeleon crew on Saturday mornings during the summer months. Mr. Paxton said that he had never been in favor of this because the summer months are his busy months. He said that he had received a complaint from one of the citizens about the Town Office closing on Saturday mornings. He said that, in his opinion, the skeleton crew should be eliminated, and all employees work every Saturday morning. He said that he thought this would result in obtaining better help from the girls, and the citizens will•be more satisfied. No action was taken on the matter. Mr. Paxton retired at 8:45 P.M. Letter was received from Ralph E. Cochrane, 18 Farmcrest Avenue, offering the sum of $100.00 for Lot 31, Farmcrest Avenue. Mr. Potter said that he and Mr. Spencer had checked this lot and found that the Town owns both Lots 30 and 31. Mr. Cochrane's house is on Lots32. Mr. Potter said that he would not recommend selling these lots separately. The lots are on an accepted street, have water, and have a 50 foot frontage. Both of the lots are assessed for $370.00. Mr. Sarano moved that the Board acknowledge the offer and inform Mr. Cochrane that the lots may not be sold separately, and the Board feels that they should be offered not less than $150.00 each, or a total of $300.00 for both lots. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Letter was received from Frank Cole, Kendall Road, offering the sum of $150.00 for Lot 41, Kendall Road, Section 3, Farmhurst. Mr. Rowse moved that a proposal to sell the lot be advertised in the Lexington Minute -Man, and further consideration be given the offer at the next meeting of the Board. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 459 Skeleton Crew Saturday Mornings Tax Title Offer The Chairman read a petition signed by six residents of James Street, Lexington, protesting the use of adjacent property, recently purchased by Dominic Iovino, for housing and rangirghundreds of hens. Mr: Lamont, recognizing that this is a residential secti on,'recommended that a permit be granted to Mr. Iovino to keep chicken not less than 50 feet from the line of any abutters, providing the objection of the abutters is withdrawn. Tax Title Sale Complaint Iovino Chickens 460 It was decided to have Mr. IJaMortt straighten this out with the neighbors before granting a permit. The Chairman read Mr. Carroll's letter of April 3, Mr. Carroll 1944, which was held over from last week, adviaing the Town Clerk Board that it is impossible to complete the workin his office with one clerk. No action was taken on the matter. Mr. White Secretary Sale of Lots Fund Act on Board of Health Fire Station The Chairman read Mr. White's letter of April 3, 1944, which was held over from last week, advising the Board that Mrs. Farnham had tendered her resignation. Mr. White asked if the Board was willing to pay a higher salary than was received by Mrs. Farnham due to the fact, as a result of several inquiries, $25.00 would not be sufficient for a Secretary. It was decided to have the Chairman contact Mr. White on this. The Clerk was instructed to send a copy of Mr. James J. Walsh's letter regarding the "Sale of Lots Fund" to Mr. Wrightington, and request him to advise the Board pertaining to this matter, so that a final answer may be given to Mr. Walsh. The Board discussed the act prepared by Mr. Wrightington for the establishment of a separate Board of Health. Mr. Wrightington had prepared the act so that the Board of Health would consist of five members. Mr.. Rowse moved that Mr. Wrightington be requested to redraft the act so that it would read "There shall be in the Town of Lexington a Board of Health, consisting of not less than three and not more than five members, etc." Mr. Sheldon seconded the mot -ion, and it was so voted. Statement was received from the Planning Board relative to the Fire Station Problem in Lexington. A copy of this statement had been mailed to each member of the Board. Mr. Rowse asked if the Board felt that a complete study had been made, and Mr. Sheldon said that he believed it was up to the Board to approve or disapprove the reports of the Planning Board_ -and Fire Engineers. Mr. Fatter said that he believed the only thing to do now was to approve the general location. Mr. Sheldon moved that the Board of Selectmen approve the statement submitted by the Planning Board, and also the report submitted by the Board of Firs Engineers, in principle, which establishes the site for new Central Fire Station on Bedford Street. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 1 Upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was voted that the Chairmen of the three boards, i.e., Board of Selectmen, Planning Board and Board of Fire Engineers, form a Committee to make a survey of the location of the Central Fire Station, obtain borings and etc; the Chairman of the Board of Fire Engineers to be Chairman of the Committee. The Chairman informed the Board that the Board of Public Welfare and the Old Age Assistance Bureau should be reappointed during- the month of April. The Board considered the possible appointments, and upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Potter, it was voted to appoint Warren Hadley a member of the Board of Public Welfare to replace Ernest Cutter whose term expires April 30, 1944. Inasmuch as Mr. Letoile will be entering the Armed Forces within a very short time, Mr. Sheldon moved that Mr. Paul Hubbard be appointed a member of the Board ,of Public Welfare to replace Mr. Letoile. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Sheldon said that he would contact Mr. Letoile on this matter. The appointment of the full Board was held over for one week. The appointment of the Board of Fire Engineers was held over for one week. The Chairman said that he had received a letter from Patrick S. Brannan, 46 Fletcher Avenue, requesting a report of the condition of the hot:.water boiler at 44 Fletcher Avenue. The explosion of this boiler caused damage to his property, and the report requested is necessary to place liability. The Clerk was instructed to refer the letter to Mr. Wrighti ngton. Upon motion of Mr. Sarano, seconded by Mr. Sheldon, it wasvoted to grant the following licenses: William Viano 1794 Mass. Ave. Sunday Movies Warren McMillen 400 Marrett Road Public Carriage Warrant for the Presidential Primaries, to be held on April 25, 1944, was signed by the Board. The meeting adjourned at 10:55 P.M. A true record, Attest: 461 Matter of Appointing Board of Pub li c Welfare Held Over Held Over Hot Water Boiler Explosion Licenses Warr ant Pres. Primaries