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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. 558 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 1 1 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 66,1 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, 1 563 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: 6114 1