HomeMy WebLinkAbout1944-05-01474
Juror
Fire
Dept.
Ambu-
lance
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
May 1, 1944
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held
in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday,
May 1, 1944, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Locke, Messrs. Rowse,
Sheldon and Sarano were present. The Clerk was also present.
At 7:30 P.M. Mr. Carroll, Town Clerk, appeared before
the Board for the drawing of one juror..
Mr. Russell L. Clifford, foreman, 25 Chase Avenue,
was drawn to serve on Criminal Business, Superior Court,
Cambridge, beginning Monday, June.5, 1944.
Mr. Carroll retired at 7:32 P.M. and Mr. Emery
appeared before the Board.
Mr. Emery said that a matter has come up in the Fire
Department which he would like to call to the attention of
the Board. Two of the permanent men are in the Armed Forces,
one in the Coast Guard, and one in the Naval Reserve.
Mr. Emery.- said that if these two men male back they would be
entitled to their jobs, if they so desired, within six months
after the war. Mr. Emery said that since the men left there
have been three different individuals in these positions, and
it has been most difficult to retain them because it was not
possible to offer them adequate salaries or security.
Mr. Emery said that two men have left, and the name remaining
man might: leave. The remaining man is very good and the Board
of Fire Engineers would like to keep him. Tb.e FineEngineers
appointed him a permanent man, but kept him at regular pay.
He realizes this action is not binding. Mr. Emery said at
present there are fourteen permanent men, onevaeancy for
a permanent man, and two permanent men who may at some time
return, which would give the department one extra man. One
man is sixty-three years old and has.approximately two years
before he will have to retire. There are two or three men
who are not in the best of physical condition and who may
have to retire. Mr. Emery said that in due time the Town
should have sixteen permanent men. He said that Mr. Wright-
ington had given an opinion and stated that it was withinr• the
power of the Board of Fire Engineers to make this appointment.
He said that the Fire Engineers felt that this was the' bett
thing to do under the circumstances, but thought that the
Board should know about the appointment.
Mr. Emery said that he would also like to bring up the
question of the Ambulance being used for transporting in-
dividuals from the hospital to their homes. Mr. Emery said
that it takes two men out of the Fire Department, and last
Saturday morning the Ambulance was used to bring a patient
from the hospital. He felt that paying customers should use
6.4
1
475
a private ambulance. Mr. Emery said that Mr. White had
called today and requested the use of the ambulance to Ambulance
bring Mrs. White home from the hospital. Mr. Emery said
that he suggested that Mr. White take the matter up with
the Board of Selectmen. He said that unless a police
officer was put on to drive the ambulance, he would prefer
not to have it go out on such calls.
Mr. Rowse asked what arrangement could be made about
driving the ambulance so that it could be available to the
citizens, and Mr. Emery thought that there should be some
way devised iso that it could be more widely used. His
only objection is that it takes men from the Fire Department
out of Town.
Mr. Sheldon suggested an arrangement whereby one man
could go from the Fire Department and one man from the
Police Department.
Mr. Emery said that if an officer could be spared
from the Police Department it would help. He said that he
would talk with Chief Rycroft, and also discuss the subject
with the Board of Fire Engineers.
Mr. Emery retired at 7:30 P.M.
Mr. Cann appeared before the Board.
Mr. Cann reported that the third floor in the house
owned and occupied by John P. Whalen, 11 Harrington 'Road, Whalen
was being used by an individual who conducts art classes House
consisting of twenty or thirty women. He said that the
thmrd floor was also being used as living quarters.
Mr. Cann stated that the stairway to the third floor is
extremely narrow, and in the event of fire it would be
impossible for a group of this size to make a safe exit.
He recommended that there should be another exit.
The Board instructed Mr. Cann to contact Mr.
Whalen and advise him that the meetings of the art classes would
have to be discontinued because of the danger of such a
narrow stairway.
Mr. Cann said that Mr. Sorenson, 117 Bedford Street,
had sold 7i acres of land to a Chinaman who wants to build Chinese
a house there. Bldg.
The Board felt that a permit to build a house could permit
not be denied.
Mr. Cann retired at 8 P.M. and Mr. Paxton.`
appeared before the Board.
Mr. Paxton informed the Board that he had received
a total of eleven bids for the motorcycle, owned by the Motorcycle
Police Department, ranging from $125.00 to $526.00. Mr. Bids
Paxton said that the individual who offered $526.00 will
pay cash and remove the motorcycle immediately.
Mr. Rowse moved that Mr. Paxton be authorized to
accept the bid of $526.00. Mr. Sheldon seconded the
motion, and it was so voted.
476.
Mr. Paxton informed the Board that he had obtained
some information relative to a street sweeper, and he
Street wondered if the Board was interested enoughtto make any
Sweeper further investigation.
The Board felt that the matter could be postponed
inasmuch as the equipment is not absolutely necessary
at this time and suggested that Mr. Paxton bring the
subject up again in the fall.
The pole location on Burlington Street, held over
from last week, was again considered.
Mr. Paxton said that when the layout was made for
Pole Lexington Ridge, the Boston Edison Company presented a
Location plan, which was approved by the Board, showing the location
of the poles on that particular sketch. The Boston Edison
Company is requesting that this petition be signed merely
to keep their records up to date.
Mr. Rowse moved that the location be approved and the
order signed. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was
so voted.
The Chairman read a letter from Mrs. Mary Condinho,
610 Waltham Street, stating that ever since the Highway
Cesspool Department lowered the grade and widened the street in
lOverflow- front of her house she has had trouble with the cesspool
ing overflowing. Mrs. Condinho felt that this condition was
caused as a result of the street widening, inasmuch as
she had never experienced any trouble previous to that
time.
Mr. Paxton stated that the situation is about as
Mrs. Condinho stated. He said that the widening which.
she mentioned was done in 1933 or 1934. Mr. Paxton
does not think there is any liability on the part Bf
the Town because, as he recalls it, the cesspool was very
near the right of way line.
The Board requested Mr. Paxton to obtain more
information on the matter and report next week.
The Chairman read a form letter received from the
Building Officials Conference of America, Inc. stating
Bldg. that a conference would be held at the Hotel Statler
Conf. beginning June 12th to 15th inclusive, at which time
such subjects as "finance, administration, laws, ordinances,
labor and public safety" would be discussed.
No action was taken on the matter.
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Wrightington.
stating that he has arranged with, the District Engineers
for a 15 foot right of way across the taking by the United
States for a railroad spur track for the Bedford Airport.
Spur
Track
Bedford
Airport
sq
PiD
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. Wrightington stated that Mr. Cosgrove is
satisfied, and when the necessary papers are filed in
Court they will be sent to the Board for signatures
before paying damages awarded, namely $175.00.
Mr. Wrightington stated that it has come to his
attention that the closing of Wood Street in Bedford
has made Wood Street in Lexington a dead end street.
He has investigated the right of the Town of Lexington
to claim damages for this, but it is a difficult
problem inasmuch as no part of Wood Street in Lexington
was taken. Counsel for the Town of Lincoln has conferred
with Mr. Wrightington about a plan which Lincoln and
Concord have to sue for damges for the closing of •
other roads in those Towns. The plan as proposed involves
the layout by the County Commissioners of an alternative
road partly in Concord and Lincoln, but largely in Lex-
ington. Mr. Wrightington said that it would be bery
important to watch carefully every step in the progress
of these proceedings to make sure no part of the cost
falls on Lexington. He stated that if any notice is
received from the County Commissioners of the hearing,
the Board should consider whether or not Mr. Wrightington
should attend with perhaps representatives of the Town.
Mr. Paxton recommended that the Board follow Mr.
Wrightington's suggestions.
Mr. Paxton retired at 8:35 P.M.
The matter of salaries was then discussed.
Mr. Rowse stated that if the Board of Selectmen
assumes that the salary schedule was fair when it was
drawn up, it should be assumed that if any changes
are to be made in the schedule the School, Fire and
Police Departments should be considered•.
At 8:45 P.M.•the following members of the Appropriation
Committee appeared before the Board: Chairman Hoyt,
Messrs. Hynes, Bond, Winlock, Bryant, Jenney, Ronald Brown,
J. Milton Brown and Mr. White.
The Chairman of the Board of Selectmen stated that
no agreement or suggestiorshad been made as to just how
the situation should be handled. He stated that possibly
the greatest difficulty was with the Junior Clerks. He
said that the possibility exists of raising the maximum
in the Junior classification, which might answer the most
serious problem. However, this raises a question as to
how far the Boards may follow the report of the Salary
_Committee of three years ago. The Chairman stated that
this matter was open for comments or questions.
Mr. Hoyt stated that his Board had not gone beyond
the position taken at the Town Meeting.
477
Closing of
Wood
Street
Salaries
478
The Appropriation Committee does appreciate the
fact that something should be done, and they intend
to take this matter up promptly. He said the Board
would like to have a chance to look the situation over
and approach it without too much haste.
The Chairman said that the most pressing problems
were in the Offices of the Town Accountant and the Supt.
of Public Works. Mr. Paxton has asked for a very sub-
stantial increase, and he doubts if he can continue to
operate with three girls. His department is being
carried along now, but he feels that he is faced with
the possibility of losing them. Two of the girls now
in his office have reached their maximum of $18.00 per
week.
Mr. Sheldon stated that the problem is with the
Junior Clerks whose maximum is $18.00, and it is not
possible to hire a capable girl to start work at this
figure.
Mr. Hoyt thought that with the violation of the
"tops" on the minimum of the Junior Clerks then it
would seem that immediately a change would have to be
made on the Senibrr:Clerk classification.
Mr. Sheldon said that it might be necessary to
make temporary adjustments and postpone a permanent
schedule until after the war.
Mr. J. Milton Brown said that he believed there
was merit in having two classifications in normal times,
but during present conditions, with wages as they are
today; it might be well to consider that angle, and he
would recommend changing the maximum on the Junior
Clerks and also change the classification, so that a
Clerk could be hired at a higher rate than the present
rate now calls for.
The Board of Selectmen felt that the maximum for
Junior Clerks could be increased to $22.00, and that a
new salary schedule could be worked out with new
maximums at some future date.
Mr. White recommended that Miss Clifford's
salary, as Junior Clerk, be increased to $20.00 per week.
He stated that he had interviewed a girl who has had
several years experience in office work, and he would
suggest that if she were hired she also be considered a
Junior Clerk, payed at the rate of $22.00 per week.
After further discussion on the matter, the Appropria-
tion Committee retired at 9:30 P.M.
Mr. Sheldon moved that Mr. White's recommendation,
that he be authorized to increase Miss Clifford's salary,
as Junior Clerk, to $20.00, and to employ an experienced
girl, as Junior Clerk, at a salary of *22.00 per week,
be approved. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was
so voted.
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Mr:� Sheldon moved that the minimum salary for
Junior Clerks be at $17.00 per week, and the maximum
for Junior Clerks be set at $22.00 per week. Mr. Sarano
seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
After considering the matter of increasing salaries,
upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Rowse, it was
voted that the following salary schedule be appro red, to
become effective with the pay period beginning May 5, 19448
Name
Eleanor Heaney
Lillian Tullar
Hazel J. Murray
Mary Jean Doherty
Alice Corbett
Rita J. McNamara
Ruth Vaughn
Eleanor Clifford
Present Salary Increase Approved
$ 17.00
18.00
30.00
20.00
18.00
18.00
17.00
17.00
$ 3.00 $.20.00
2.00 20.00
5.00 35.00
2.00 22.00
4.00 22.00
4.00 22.00
3.00 20.00
3.00 20.00
It was the opinion of the Board that the Appropriation
Committee should consider increasing the salary of Miss
cDonough, in the Town Clerk's Office, from $21.00 per week
to $23.00 per week.
The Chairman read a letter from Edward W. Cole
offering $200.00 for Lots 24 and 25, Blotk 20 on Bertwell Road.
Mr. Spencer advised that these lots were worth $350.00.
Mr. Rowse moved that Mr. Cole be notified that the lowest
amount acceptable for these particular lots is $350.00. Mr.
Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Wrightington
advising that the Department of Education had notified the
School Department that the deductions must be made from
the bonus for the Teachers' Retirement Act, in spite of the
terms of the vote. Mr. Wrightington has been corresponding
with the State Department of Education, and it is hopeful
that they will change their ruling.
Mr. Joseph Corsi's offer of $125.00 for Lots 8, 9, 10,
11 and 12, Block 18, Reed Street, held over from last week
was again considered by the Board.
The Clerk informed the Board that Mr. Cosgrove, Town
Engineer, had advised her that there are now two proposals
for Route 128, but he believes neither one would affect these
particular lots.
Mr. Sarano stated that the State Engineers are working
in Lexington now, and he suggested that the matter be held
over for another week.
The Chairman suggested that Mr. Sarano check relative
to the location of Route 128 and report to the Board.
479
Tax
Offer
Teacher's
Bonus
Tax
Title
Held
Over
480
Upon motion of Mr. Sarano, seconded by Mr. Sheldon,
it was voted to sign the following deeds, which diad;; been
Deeds prepared by Mr. Wrightington, conveying Lots 4 and 5,
Signed Marrett Road, to Anthon 7J. Rochette; Lot 41, Farmhurst,
Section 3, Kendall Road to Frank Cole; and Lot 131, Farm-
hurst, Section 3, Waltham Street, to James E. Brown.
Licenses Upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Rowse,
it wat voted to approve the following licenses:
W. S. Canuette 1710 Mass. Ave. Auctioneer
Walter J. Rose 6 Tewksbury St. Public Carriage
Thomas Montague 21 Bedford St. " "
Hugh McIntosh 442 Marrett Road Sunday Sales
Carroll brothers Allen'St. Swine
Leslie J. Wood 62 Webb St. n
Gustave Hurtado 53 Westview St. "
C. A.'Fogg 239 Woburn St. "
John Sullivan 2407 Mass. Ave. "
William Viano 1794 Mass. Ave. Sunday Movies
Clifford F. Flack 41 Outlook Drive Peddler's
H. P. Hood & Sons 1729 Mass. Ave. Overhanging Sign
Joseph Monsignore 76 Laconia St. Slaughter House
Joseph Monsignore 76 Laconia St. Slaughtering
Salvadore Calabro 76 Laconia St. Slaughtering
The slaughtering license applied for by Salvatore C&aabro
was granted,' subject'to a satisfactory 'character report from
the Chief of Police.
The Chairman said that inasmuch:_as the' Board 9r Public
Old Welfare is now -a' separate Board, the -Selectmen no longer
Age appoint the Bureau of Old Age Assistance.' The vote passed
Bureau at the last meeting of the Board appointing this Bureau
should, therefore,' be rescinded.
Mr. Rowse moved that the vote of the Board of Selectmen
on April 24, 1944, appointing the Bureau of Old Age Assistance,
be rescinded. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was
so voted.
The meeting adjourned at 10:50 P.M.
A true record, Attest:
atkl
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