HomeMy WebLinkAbout1944-08-28557
SELECTM.EN,S MEETING
August 28, 1944
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on
Monday evening,, August 28, 1944 at 7:30 P.M. Chairman
Locke, Messrs. Potter, Rowse and Sarano were present.
The Clerk was also present.
At 7:30 P.M. Mr. James J. Carroll,- Town Clerk,
appeared before ttie Board for the drawing of one juror. Juror
'Mr. William J. Hyde, C.P.A., 19 Eliot Road, was
drawn to serve on Civil Business, Cambridge, the first
Monday in October 1944.
Mr. Carroll retired at 7:33 P.M. and Mr. Paxton
appeared before the Board.
Mr. Paxton said that the garbage contract renewed Garbage
two years ago, October 19, 1942, was supposedly for a Contract
two year term. However, it was made out for a three year
term, and signed by the Board and by Connors Brothers.
Mr. Paxton said that he haw talked with "'r. Thomas
Connors who stated that he realizes a three year contract
has been signed for a period ending October, 1945,
and he is willing to do whatever the Board feels should
be done under the situation. Mr. Connors would like the
Board to know that he has had one thousand dollars
additional expenses since the contract was signed.
This is due to the increase in salaries, Social
Security and Workman's Compensation. Mr. Paxton said
that Connors Brothers would appreciate any adjustment the
Board might make, but -they will continue at the rate
outlined in the contract.
It was decided to take the increased costs to
Connors Brothers into consideration when a new contract
is entered into.
Mr. Paxton informed the Board that he had received
a letter from the Boston Edison Company stating that Street
early morning street lighting on the 5:30 A.M. schedule Lighting
will start September 8, 1944.
Mr. Paxton reminded the Board that street lights on
this schedule began last year from December 1, 1943 to
March 16,1944. The Boston Edison Company would like
instructions at this time as to how the Town intends to'
operate for this year.
Mr. Rowse moved that the early morning street lighting
schedule begin December 1, 1944 through March 1, 1945.
Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
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The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Paxton requesting
a transfer of $500.00 from the Reserve Fund to the
Street Signs Account. Mr. Paxton said that numerous
complaints have been received relative to the conditions
of the signs throughout the Town. He has made a thorough
check and believes that there are between 75 and 100
signs which should be replaced. It is not possible to
obtain signs from the State, and he had_to request Mr.
Custance to make up about one hundred plaques, at an estimated
cost of x;109.00. These plaques will have to painted and,
added to the- cost of the metal posts, the total expense
for replacing the signs, will be approximately $500.00.
Mr. Rowse moved that the Appropriation Committee
be requested to transfer the sum of 4500.00 from the
Reserve Fund to the Street Signs Account.
At 7:55 P.M. Messrs. James R. Hargreaves, William
F. Covil and Frederick M. Gay appeared before the board..
Mr. Hargreaves informed the Board that he was deeply
concerned about the condition of the limb of the so-called
Harrington Harrington Elm which hangs oder Massachusetts Avenue.
Elm He.believes this limb is ready to drop off at any time.
Mr. Covil said that this question was brought up at a
Precinct.Meeting and those present were of the opinion
that it would be to the best interests of the Town to
assist Mr. Hargreaves in fixing this tree.
Mr. Wrightington appeared before the Board at 8:00
P.M..
Mr. Hargreaves stated that in talking with Mr.
Garrity he was given to understand that there is a good
deal of life in the tree, but this particular branch should
be removed. Mr. Garrity brought a Mr. Keane from Frost
and Higgins Company out to look at the tree. Mr. Hargreaves
said that both Mr. Keane and Mr. Garrity thought all of
the excess branches and the cement now in two limbs
sho,.1.1d be removed. Mr. Hargreaves stated that he had
an outside figure of 4160.00,including labor, material
and trucking. He further stated that he understood
clearly his position in this matter, but he was looking
at it from a historical angle and he would like to have
the tree preserved. tie said that if the top branches
were removed the tree could still serve as a landmark.
The Chairman informed the group that the Historical
Society is in no way financially able to take care of
this tree .
Mr. Gay asked if there was any funds in the park
Department which could be used for the purpose of doing
the work necessary on the tree to preserve it as historical
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landmark.
Tt was decided to hold the matter over until the
next meeting of the Board, and the group retired at
B:25 P.M.
The Chairman said that he would check with Mr.
Garrity to determine whether or not there was.suffi cient
funds in the Shade Tree Account to do Stever work was
necessary.
559
Held Over
The Chairman asked Mr. Wrightington if anything
further had been done on the John F. Daniels and Edward
W. Cole case.
Mr. Wrightington said that he believed it was
a question of paying $50.00 or becoming tangled up in a
lawsuit with Mr. Cole whose lawyer threatens a suit. Daniels e
The Chairman asked if Mr. Wrightington knew. of any Cole C ase
reason why the Town should not pay the $50.00
Mr. Wrightington thought the Board would be
justified in paying the $50.00 to straighten the case
outl Mr. Cole's lawyer claims that Mr. Cole bought his
property with the idea that he was going to get the extra
lot ab:.# laterd#ta. It is possible that
Mt might make up some kind of a claim for damages which
would make trouble for the Town. Mr. Wrightington
said that he thought Daniels, who made the first contract,
would probably receive the lot. Mr. Daniels said that
he will take the lot and pay for it, and sell one half
of it to Mr. Cole and charge him one half of what he is
paying for the lot. Mr. Cole will take it, but he wants
the Town to pay part of the cost. Mr. Wrightington said
that he thought this way would be the least expensive for
the Town.
Mr.. 'Rowse moved that Mr. Wrightington be authorized
to notify counsels for John F. Daniels and Edward W.
Cole that the Board of Selectmen has approved the proposed
settlement of a $50.00 payment to CUE,. Mr. Sarano
seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. Wrightington informed the Board that before
this transaction could be completed, the title on
these particular lots will have to -be cleared by Mr.
Carroll.
Mr. Wrightington informed the Board that over six
months ago the Town Clerk had agreed to turn over his
tax titles to }aim, but to date nothing further has been
done.
The Board agreed that Mr. Carroll, Town Clerk,
should turn over this work to Mr. Wrightington for
clarification.
Tax Titles
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The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Wrightington
dated July 12, 1944 relative to his opinion in the
matter of Cemetery Fund Investments.
It was decided to hold the matter over until September
11,1944, at which time a definite time will be set for Cemetary
a meeting with a representative of the Cemetery Fund
Commissioners and Trustees of Public Trusts to discuss Investments
the matter.
The Board felt that Mr. Wrightington should also
be present at this meeting.
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Wrightington
to which was attached a deed from the Town to the
Colonial Beacon 011 Company carrying out the vote of the
Town granting permission to said oil company to lay a
pipe under the land of the Town. of Lexington known as the
Adams School Playground.
¥r: Wrightington suggested that the Board of
Selectmen -advise him as to how much the Town wanted,
and when the deed had been signed by all the members
of. the Board return it to him. $e will then retain
the deed until hereceives a check from the Colonial,
Beacon Oil Company.
Mr. Rowse moved that the deed be signed. Mr.
Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
The Clerk was instructed to obtain from Mr. Paxton
the number of feet involved and submit a figure to Mr.
Wrightington with the deed.
A letter was received from Merlin J. Ladd expressing
his desire to be of further service to the Town of Insurance
Lexington with respect .to its insurance.
No action was taken on the matter.
The Chairman read a letter data August 18, 1944,
from Janes J. Carroll, Town Treasurer, stating that , Temp.
Mise Mary R. McDonough had been duly sworn to the faithful Town
performance of her duties as provided by the General Treasurer
Laws. Mr. Carroll also wrote that application had been
made for a bond on behalf of Miss McDonough, but no
further information had been received.
. The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the letter
and state that the Selectmen would appreciate his advising
them as soon as the bond is received.
The Chairman read a letter from Donald E. Dickerson,
Treasurer of the Lexington Community Committee on Veterans Bills for
Rehabilitation and Employment, submitting two items of Vets. Comm,
expenses incurred by Mr. Hamblin and Mr. Nickerson,
Oil Line
amounting to $30.00.
Mr. Potter moved that the bills be approved for
payment. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so
voted.
Bi11 was received in the amount of $3,150.00.;
from Roy 0. Leonard for furnishing and erecting one new
125' top mast flagpole on the Common as per the Board's
acceptance of June 21, 1944.
New tressle trees and cross trees made of Oak at
a price of $150.00 brought the total hill to $3,300.00.
Mr. Rowse moved that the bill in the amount of
$3,300.00 be approved for payment. Mr. Potter seconded
the motion, and it was so voted.
The Chairman read a letter from John A. Russell,
Dog -Officer, stating that Mrs. Rose Wilson does not Wilson
want to dispose of her dog, and stated that she would Dog.
keep him indoors of tied at all times.
The Clerk was instructed to write Dog Officer
Russell and request him to watch this particular
location and if, at any time, it is possible to pick up
the dog to do so.
The'(;hairman read a letter from T. Bateman Slocum
offering $125.00 for. Lots 20 and 21 and 22, Blossomcrest,
Lexington, formerly in the name of Cir.lys Slocum, Jr. Tax
These lots are assessed for $500.00, and the taxes Sale
due from 1937 to 1942, as quoted by Mr. Carroll,
Town Clerk, to Mr. Slocum, are $106.78 without interest.
Mr. Potter moved that Mr. Slocum be informed that
the lowest figure acceptable to the Board for these
particular lots is X150.00. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion,
and it was so voted.
561
Flagpole
The Board gave further consideration to Mr. Frederick
Shaw's offer of $50.00 for Lots 118 and 119, Homestead
Street, Lexington. A proposal to seal these lots was
al'rertised in the August 17, 1944 issue of the Lexington
Minute -Mai. No persons contacted the Selectmen's Office
as a result of the advertisement.
Mr. Potter moved that the offer be accepted, and
that Lots 113 and 119, Homestead Street, be sold
and conveyed to Mr. Frederick Shaw. "Ar. Rowse seconded
the motion,and it was so voted.
The Board gave further consideration to Mrs. M. D.
Fleming's offer of $50.00 for Lots 3 and 4, Block 4,
Earl Street, Lexington. A proposal to sell these lots
was advertised in the August 17, 1944 issue of the
Lexington Minute -Man. No persons contacted the
Selectmen's Office as a result of the advertisement.
Tax Title
Sale
Tax Title
Sale
562
Mr. Potter moved that the offer be accepted, and
that Lots 3 and 4, Block 4, Earl Street, be sold and conveyed
to Mrs. Fleming. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it
was so voted.
The Board gave further consideration to Mr. William
E. Maloney's offer of $300.00 for Lots 27 and 28,
Tax Title Block 1, Harding Road, Lexington. A proposal to sell
Sale these lots was advertised in the August 17, 1944 issue
of the Lexington Minute=Man. No persons contacted the
Selectmen's Office as a result of the advertisement.
Mr. Potter moved that the offer be accepted, and
that Lots 27 and 28, Block 1 Harding Road, be sold
and conveyed to Mr. William E. Maloney. Mr. RoWse
seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
The Chairman informed the Board that Eugene T.
Election Buckley who had been appointed Clerk in Precinct #3
Workers was unable to accept the appointment due to his present
employment.
He also informed the Board that Cornelius Cronin
was unable to accept the appointment as Teller in
Precinct #3 because of his present employment.^
Upon the motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr.
Potter, it was voted to appoint Mr. William J. Collins,
4 Cottage Street, Clerk in Precinct #3 for a term expiring
September 1, 1945.
Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Potter,
it was voted to appoint' Mr. Timothy J. Quinlan, Teller_
in Precinct #3 for a term expiring September 1, 1945.
The Chairman read aletter from Harold I. Wellington,
Public Vice -President, Lexington Coal 'ompany, requesting that
Weigher Evelyn F. Blake, an employee of the company, be appointed
a public weigher in the Town of Lexington.
Mr. Potter moved that Miss FEvelyn F. Blake be appointed
a public weigher in the Town of exingtoh for a period
ending March 1, 1945. Mr. Rowse -seconded the motion,
and it was so voted.
Use of The Lions Club application, for the use of Cary
Hall Memorial Hall to conduct a Penny Sale, which was held
Penny over from the meeting of August 14th was given'further
Sale consideration by the Board.
Lions Mr. Potter moved that the use of the hall be granted,
Club -free of charge, Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was
so. voted.
The Chairman read a letter ,from littVisr A. Flynn,
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264akland Avenue, representing the V.F.W., requesting Use of Hall
the use of Cary Memorial Hall on Tuesday, November Penny Sale
23, 1944, for the purpose of conducting a Penny Sale. V.F.W.
The Clerk was instructed to to send an application,
together with a copy of the regulations pertaining to the
Cary Memorial Building, to Mr. Flynn.
Application was received from the Minute -Man's
Sportsman(s Club, Inc. for permission to use Estabrook SportamanTs
Hall on the evening of September ll, from 8:00 P.M. Club use of
to 10:00 P.M. Hall
Mr. Rowse moved that the use of the hall be granted,
free of charge; subject to the $25.00 deposit. Mr.
Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Upon motion of Mr. Howse, seconded by Mr. Potter, Licenses
it was voted to approve the following licenses:
Harriett Allen, 475 Waltham St. Boarding Home for
Infants
Sarah E. Bickford, 82 ''•Waltham St. Boarding Home
For Infants
William Viano, 1794 Mass. Ave. Theatre License
William Viano, 1794 Mass. Ave. Sunday Movies.
The Chairman stated that a Committee should be
appointed to hold exercises for the dedication of the
new flagpole at the Common.
Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Potter,
it was voted to appoint the following Committee of
three to work with Mr. Garrity in preparing suitabiav)
exercises to be held on Monday, September 4, 1944, at
2:00 P.M.
Flagpole
Julius Seltzer, Chairman -representing the
Allied Veterans Council,
George W. Sarano-representing the Board of
Selectmen, and
Francis W. Copp- Representing the Flagpole Committee.
The Chairman informed the Board that Miss Marion
P. Kirkland, former librarian at Cary Memorial Library, Flowers
had passed away and that the funeral will be held on for
Wednesday, at 2:90 P.M. Kirkland
Mr. Potter moved that flowers be ordered and sent
to the funeral. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it
was so voted.
The Clerk informed the Board that it had been customary
to close the Town Office Building the Saturday proceeding
Labor Day.
Mr. Rowse moved that the Town Office Building Town Offices
be closed Saturday, September 2, 1944 through Monday, Closed
September 4, 1944, and that the next meeting of the Board Sat.
of Selectmen will be held on Monday, September 11, 1944, Before
Labor day
564
Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted;
' The Board then discussed the reduction in water rates
as requested in the petition presented some weeks ago
by a group of farmers and market gardeners.
Mr. Rowse moved that, on commercial meters only,
no change in the present method of charging would be
made, except when a water user had used fifty -thousand
cubic feet; the rate then to be 14 per one hundred cubic
feet and to apply on the entire consumption. Mr. Sarano
seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
The meeting adjourned at 9145 P.M.
A true -record, Attest:
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