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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1944-07-31 542 SELECTMEN'S MEETING Si July 31, 1944 A regular meetingof the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, July 31, 1944, at 7 :30 P.M. Chairman American Locke, Messrs. Potter, Rowse and Sarano and Sheldon Legion re: were present. The Assistant Clerk was also present. Redecorating Conference The Chairman reviewed the Selectmen's Records Room, Cary regarding the American Legion use of the conference Building room in Cary Memorial Building. At 7 :40 P.M. Mr. Charles McCormack and Mr. Arthur N. Lee, representing the American Legion, Stanley Hill Post #38, appeared before the Board. The Chairman read a letter written to the Legion in 1931 granting the use of the conference room in Cary Memorial Building as temporary headquarters. The Chairman asked if the Legion now has permanent quarters. Mr. Lee said they have quarters, but they did not know whether or not they would be permanent. He said the Legion is now located at the G.A.R. Hall. The Chairman stated that the Selectmen have control of the Cary Building, but there is a question as to whether a building given to the Town as this one was, should be specifically marked, as painting it with Legion colors. Mr. McCormack said the Legion colors are blue and gold, and although the room does not have to be in these colors , they would like it painted as near as possible to the Legion blue and gold. The Chairman asked if the Legion uses the room at the present time, and Mr. Lee stated that they use it for their Executive Meetings . Mr. Rowse asked if the Legion stored articles in the room, and Mr. McCormack said their records are kept there. Mr. Sheldon asked ir weir necessary to keep the room exclusively for the Legion. Mr. Lee stated they would like to have it that way because the records are kept in the room, and there is no closet in which to store them in the event that another organization used the room. Mr. Sarano asked why the records have not been moved to the G.A.R. Hall, and Mr. Lee said that they use the records at the Executive Meetings. Mr. Potter said the Board of Selectmen appreciate the Legion, but there is a possibility of the returning Veterans of World War II forming an organization of their own, and they too may want the use of a room. Mr. McCormack said he realized this fact, but the room was in poor condition and needed to be painted. At 8:04 P.M. the two representatives and Mr. Rowse retired to inspect the conference room. 543 Mr. Rowse returned to the meeting at 8:06 P.M. and moved that no action be taken on the American Legion request for redecoration of the room at Cary Memorial Building, and if any question arises as to its use, the Legion will have to share the room with other organizations. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted.. Upon motion of Mr . Potter, seconded by Mr. Sarano, Rescind it was voted to rescind the vote passed on July 17, 1944, Temp. Town appointing Miss Mary McDonough Temporary Treasurer Treas. during the incapacity of James J. Carroll, Town Treasurer, Vote in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 41, Section 61Aiff the General Laws. At 8:07 P.M. Mr. James J. Carroll, Town Clerk and Treasurer, appeared before the Board. Mr. Minter A. Pickering, Salesman, 12 Winthrop Juror Road, was drawn to serve on Civil Business at Cambridge on the 11th of September next. The Board discussed the matter of a temporary treasurer with Mr . Carroll and he retired at 8:20 P.M. At 8:22 P.M. Mr. Paxton appeared before the Board. Water He stated that the Police are in need of a water cooler. Cooler at He contacted various filter companies and the only cooler Police that he can secure is from the Puro Filter Company. Station The company Will not sell the cooler, but will rent it for $5.00 a month on a contract basis for three years. Mr. Potter asked if at the end of the three years the cooler would become the Town' s property, and Mr . Paxton replied in the negative. Mr. Potter moved that the water cooler be rented from the Pure Filter Company for $5.00 a month on a contract basis for three years. Mr. Paxton said that Mr. Garrity had spoken to him about the swimming at Butterfield's Pond and the LexingtonIeservoir. Although nothing will be done this No year, lir. Paxton suggested that next year both Butter- Swimming field's Pond and the Lexington Reservoir be posted with Signs "No Swimming" signs. The Town owns both of these properties, and they should be posted in order to protect the Town's interests. Mr. Rowse moved that Mr. Paxton' s suggestion be approved, and that "No Swimming" signs be posted at Butterfield' s Pond and the Lexington Reservior. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton stated that he had received a plan from Mr. Cushman of the Colonial Beacon Oil Company. The route does not quite follow the lines the Selectmen desired to have followed, but it is as close as the 544 ,./ P:1 2i Pipe Line Company can go in considering the topography of the land. Mr. Cushman will return from his vacation on August 11Held Over 21, 1944, and at the August 28, 1944 Selectmen's Meeting he is going to try to submit all the necessary papers on all the properties. Mr. Paxton stated that Mr. George Whiting had Sale of offered $10.00 for a section of the old flagpole. Mr. Section of Garrity is going to retain a piece of the pole for Flagpole historic purposes . Mr. Sheldon moved that the section of the old flagpole be sold to George Whiting for the sum of $10.00. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Oxford St. Mr. Paxton said that the property owners on Oxford Sewer Street had requested sewer construction on that street. Construction This has been delayed as long as possible, but after inspection with Mr. Lamont, Health Inspector, papers Surfacing were sent to the property owners for the required signatures . Mr. Paxton stated that he expected to have these papers at the next meeting of the Board, and if so, he thought he would be able to start construction immediately. Mr. Paxton advised the Board that on August 19, 1944, the Automobile Liability Insurance Policy expires through Insurance the office of L. J. Reynolds. This policy is usually divided between three Agents, viz. Robert Merriam, L. J. Reynolds and Frs. Fitzgerald, but the amount of the premium is so small that Mr. Paxton recommended it be given to one Agent. Mr. Paxton said that Mr. Reynolds has been handling the major part of the work connected with this policy. He also stated that the policy usually cost about $1,100.00 a year. Last year there was a drop in rates so that we actually paid about $700.00, however, there is a clause in the policy stating that if a piece of equipment is not in use we receive an abatement. Thus, the net cost to the Town was actually about $200.00. Mr . Rowse moved that the policy expiring on August 19, 1944, through the office of L. J. Reynolds be renewed through the same office; Mr. Reynolds to be sole Agent. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Surfacing Mr. Paxton stated that the Public Works Department has been doing some surface treatment of road pavements throughout the Town, and he wondered if the Board had any questions . 545 Mr. Sarano asked the amount of territory they intended to resurface. Mr. Paxton stated about 100,000 square yards of honing, 30,000 square yards of a one-inch mix and 70,000 yards of seal coating. He submitted a report of the honing and resurfacing accomplished over a period of years with respect to this year' s work. He further stated that he is making a hydrant survey to establish any weaknesses in the system. Mr. Rowse informed fir. Paxton that the American Legion uses the conference room in Cary Painting Memorial Building and it is in very poor condition. Conference He stated that the room needed to be painted. Room Mr. Paxton said this condition was probably due to a cracked radiator in the room about two or three years ago. He said that this room is the only one in the Cary Building that has not been painted since 1940, and when the Town Painter finishes with the School Department work, the room will be painted. The Chairman read a letter from Leon W. Bateman, Secretary of the Lexington Chamber of commerce, regarding the flashing lights at the intersections of Waltham Street with Massachusetts Avenue and Marrett Road. Traffic Mr. Paxton said that he had talked with Mr. Conditions Edgar Copell of the State Department and requested him to make a survey of the situation. Mr. Copell will check to determine what street should have the red light on the intersection of Waltham Street and Marrett Road. The Chamber of Commerce letter also stated that a dangerous condition existed on Waltham Street and on lower Massachusetts Avenue between Percy Road and Pleasant Street due to speeding automobiles . The Chamber requested the Board to have the police carefully watch these locations. The Assistant Clerk was requested to give Chief Rycroft a copy of this letter, and to ask him to see that these areas are carefully watched. A letter was received from Philip B. Fleming, Major General, U.S.A. , Administrator, Federal Works Postwar Agency, requesting a report of postwar public Construction construction. The matter was held over pending further investigation. 646 063 The Chairman read a letter from Mr. R. W. Day, Bill for 6 Burton Street, Arlington, Massachusetts, enclosing Defect in a bill for a broken spring on his car caused by a Street defect in the street near Child's Garage in East Lexington. Mr . Day said that in MayThe had also broken a spring because of a defect in the street in front of the East Lexington Fire Station. Mr. Day requested reimbursement for the spring broken on June 17, 1944. Upon motion of Mr. Potter, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was voted to take no action on the matter. Petition, three copies of the order and two Pole copies of the plan from the Boston Edison Company Location weze received authorizing the following transfer of location of an existing pole: Spring Street, westerly side, approximately 1123 feet south of the Cambridge- Concord Highway. One (1) pole. Mr. Rowse moved that the order be signed. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from Richard P. Mos ito Cromwell, Clerk of the Planning Board, advising that Controlol at the last meeting of the Planning Board, it was voted to suggest to the Board of Health that the present would be an appropriate time to inaugurate a modern program of mosquito control in the Town of Lexington. The Planning ioard will be very glad to assist in such way as may be desired. The Assistant Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the Planning Board's letter advising that the Board of Selectmen would like very much to have the Planning Board look into and study the matter. The Chairman said that he had a request over the V.F.W. Aux. telephone from Mrs . Brown of the V.F.W. Auxiliary asking Request if the Town has about twenty-four surplus chairs and two desks that could be loaned to that organization until such time as they could obtain their own. It was decided to notify Mrs . Brown that at the present time there is nothing available that could be turned over to the V.F.W. Auxiliary. At 9:30 P.M. Mr. Paxton retired and Mr. White, Legion Town Accountant, appeared before the Board. Honor Roll Mr. White stated that he had contacted Mr. Clyde Booker regarding the Honor Roll, and Mr. Booker is willing to have other organizations use the Honor Roll List in the Town Accountant's Office. 547 The Chairman said that the Board could them assume that the list may be viewed and copied by any organization. Mr. White said that was correct, as long as the list was not removed from the Town Accountant 's Office, Mr. Booker had no objectjon to its use. Mr. Rowse asked what would happen to the list after the war. Mr. White stated that he thought the Legion would turn the list over to the Town Clerk. Mr. White said that he would like the Board's approval of a change in personnel. He stated that Personnel Miss Eleanor Clifford has left the employ of the Town Account- Town to become married. Mr. White stated that he antis would like to hire Mrs. Constance Sansing as Junior Office Clerk in his office at a salary of $20.00 per week. Mr. Sheldon moved that Mrs. Constance Sansing be hired as Junior Clerk at a salary of $20.00 per week. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. White stated that he would like to have Mies Virginia Tarbell as Senior Clerk in 'is office at a salary of $22.00 per week. Mr . Rowse moved that Miss Tarbell be made Senior Clerk in the Town Accountant' s Office at a salary of $22.00 per week. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. White retired at 9 :15 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from William R. Florence, S.F. 1/c, U.S.Navy, who recently purchased the Police motorcycle. Seaman Florence stated that when he purchased the machine it was his understanding Siren on that it was sold with all equipment, however,. the Police Chief of Police removed the Siren. He stated that Motorcycle at the present tine he is „<• ng the machine for Naval Police work and would like to obtain the Siren. The Assistant Cle-"k Wac instructed to send the Chief of Police a copy of this letter, and request him to kindly handle the matter . Latter was received from Brown's Letters Corporation and Construction Reports Inc. , reques ing a list of Postwar Postwar Construction Projects for the Building Trade of New England. No action was taken on the matter. A letter was received from .Milford 0. Woodward, 489 Waltham Street, Lexington, offering the sum of Tax3_itle $300.00 for Lots 25 and 26, Block 21, Dexter Road, Offer taexington. __ _ 548 0,4 Mr. Rowse moved that a proposal to sell the lots be advertised in the Lexington 1inute-Man and that further consideration be given the offer at the next meeting of the Board. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion. and it was so voted. Held Over A letter was received from Mrs . M. D. Fleming, 36 Ward Street, Lexington, offering the sum of $50.00 for Lots 3 and 4, Block 4, Earl Street, Lexington. Upon motion of Mr. Sarano, seconded by Mr. Rowse, it was voted to refer the offer to Mr. Potter for investigation, and to hold the matter over until the next meeting of the Board. The Chairman read a petition from Mr. William E. Maloney, 289 Bedford Street, Lexington. The Maloney'setition regarding Mr. Maloney's previous offer of Tax Title $200 .00 for Lots 27 and 28, Block 1, Harding Road, Offer stated that he intends to make a playground on the two lots, and it was signed by six neighbors who enthusiasticallvapproved. Mr. Maloney again offered $200.00 for the said lots. Upon motion of Mr . Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was voted to advise Mr. Maloney that the lowest possible amount acceptable to the Board for these two lots is $300.00, however, if he wishes to condition the land as a playground he may do so, but, of course, these lots will be subject to sale at any time. The 'hairman read a petition signed by residents Vicious of Ward Street, calling the Board' s attention to a Dog vicious dog owned by one Nina Wilson, Ward Street, Complaint Lexington. Upbb.rmotio&.&of''Mit -Potter, sedohded by Mr: Sheldon, it was voted t.m request the dog officer to investigate the complaint and report to the Board at their next meeting. The Assistant Clerk was requested to acknowledge the petition by writing to Mr. Hugh C. Tupper, advising that the Dog Officer had been requested to investigate the matter and report to the Board of Selectmen. Letter was received from the Planning Board Girl for requesting the Selectmen to arrange for -some girl Planning in the Town Offices to take care of the Planning Board Held Board' s records, inasmuch as Miss Corcoran has left Over Until the employ of the Town. September 11 The Assistant Clerk was requested to advise the Planning -oard that at the present time the Town Offices are shorthanded, but an endeavor will be made in the near future to secure someone who is able to handle this work. 0 549 The matter was held over until the September 11, 1944 meeting of the Board of Selectmen. The Chairman read a form letter from Geor. e C. Parsons, Chief of Inspections, Massachusetts Department Rep. Comm. of Public. Safety, requesting the identity of the Public authoiitied tepresentatiVe of the commissioner of Safety Public Safety. The Assistant Clerk was requested fill in this form, and return it to •'1r . Parsons . At 9:43 P.M. Mr. John A. Lyons, Chairman of the 3oard of Public Welfare, appeared before the Board. Mr. Lyons stated that Mrs. Casey had been advised by the :State to take no action on the matter of anpninting an Agent for State, Military and Soldiers' Relief. No action was taken on the matter. Mr. Lyons retired at 9:45 P.M. Application was received from Mr. Richard Infanti of 33 Maple Street, Lexington, for a Sunday Sales License. Letter was received from Chief Rycroft, advising ' that Mr. Infants: is a man of good character, and that he has no police re ord. Mr. Infanta also desired to sell milk and vegetables on Sundays. Mr. Sheldon moved that the license application be disapproved. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Wrightington's bill for services in connection with the Phelps ' land for a Central Fire Station was received in the amount of $100.00. Mr. Sheldon moved that the bill be approved. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Bill was received in the amount of 30.00 submitted by C.P. Larrabee for the handling and trucking of a large section of the old flagpole from the Lexington Green to the Public Works Yard. Mr. Potter moved that the Dill be approved for payment, and that it be charged to the Flagpole Account. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was voted to grant the following licenses : William Viano 1794 Massachusetts Avenue Sunday Movies nn n n n n n n Marjorie Rose 1840 Massachusetts Avenue Common Victualler 550 The Chairman stated that the following men had been contacted, and were willing to serve on the Postwar Projects Committee: Mr. Edwin B. Worthen, Mr. Winthrop H. Bowker, Mr. Elmer C. Houdlette, Mr. Lester T. Redman, Mr. Lee E. Tarbox, Mr. J' Milton Brown, Mr. Arthur C. Dodge, Mr. Lincoln Grush and Mr. Roy A. Ferguson. Mr. Potter moved that above named gentlemen be appointed the Postwar Projects Committee. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Assistant Clerk was requested to notify the gentlemen of their appointment. The Chairman informed the Board that he will be out of Town the week of August 14, 1944, and the week of August 21, 1944. Therefore, he will be unable to attend the August 14th Selectmen's Meeting. The meeting adjourned at 10:00 P.M. A true record, Attest: Assistant Clerk.