Loading...
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 1 . 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. 1 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 1