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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1944-11-06SELECTMEN'S MEETING November 6, 1944. . A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, November 6, 1944 at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Locke, Messrs. Potter, Sheldon and Sarano were present. The Clerk was also present. The members were notified of this meeting by a notice mailed November 1, 1944. At 7:30 P.M. Mr. Raymond L. White, Town Accountant, appeared before the Board, and said that he would like the approval of the Board of Selectmen for the purchase of an adding machine for his department. Mr. White explained that at the present time he is using one which he borrowed from the Assessors. He explained that this was not satisfactory because both departments very often want to use the machine at the same time. Mr. White said that it would take from three to five months before the equipment would be delivered if the order were placed now. He stated that the machine he wishee to purchase costs $205.20 net. Mr. White asked what the Board intended to do relative to the numerous unpaid bills. He suggested that they either be collected or abated. The Chairman asked Mr. White to make up a list of unpaid bills, to date, and submit it to the Board. Mr. White agreed to do so, and retired at 7:35 P.M . Mr. Paxton appeared before the Board. He informed the Board that he has received the approval of the War Production Doard for the constriction of the Center Playground Fence. The date of such authorization, however, expires January 2, 1945. Chain Mr. Rowse arrived at 7:40 P.M. Link Mr. Paxton said that Mr. Garrity would like the Fence approval of the Board whereby the Chain Link Fence Company would be authorized to commence on the construction of the posts. The bid submitted by the Chain Link Fence Company, Transfer as per specifications, was 44,540.00 which included a backstop at a cost of 4400.00. Deducting $400.00 from the bid, because of the fact that there was no mention of the,backstop at the time the Appropriation was voted, the net cost of the fence was 44,140.00. The 'ippropriation approved by Town Meeting was y$'4,000.O0, making a deficit of $140.00. Upon motion of 14r. Potter, seconded by Mr. Sheldon, it was voted to request the Appropriation Committee to transfer the sum of 4140.00 from the Reserve #fund to the Account for the Purchase of a New Chain Link Fence for the Lexington Center Playground. Adding Machine Town Acct. Unpaid Bills 1 Sand Spreader. Dump Post Signs Vote to req. Approp Comm. New Adding Lachine Mr. Paxton stated that he had received a quotation on a new type sand spreader. He said that the unit in which he is interested would fit one of the Town trucks, and is equipped with a clutch, etc. It delivers f.o.b. the factor for $298.00, plus shipping charges of possibly $10.00 or $15.00. He said that he had sufficient money in his account to take care of this item. Mr. Potter moved that Mr. Paxton be authorized to purchase a sand spreader at a cost of $298.00 f.o.b. Chicago, plus shipping charges. This amount is to be charged to the Highway Department - Road Machinery Account. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton said that he had talked with Mr. Calabro of Bedford Street relative to the dump. Mr. Calabro stated that he knew the dump was there when he purchased his house, but he objected to the fact that people stopped on Bedford Street and carelessly threw rubbish over the bank which then blew across the street •onto: his property. Mr. Paxton suggested posting three "No Lumping" signs at the Bedford Street dump, and that the police watch it. Mr. Paxton said that Chief Rycroft had contacted him because of the fact that he '"ad received several complaints about the street lights not being turned on .early enough in the morning. Mr. Rowse moved that the Boston Edison pompany be instructed to turn the street lights on in the -'own of Lexington at 5:30 A.M., beginning November 15, 1944. Mr. Uheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman stated that Mr. White had requested the Board's approval for the purchase of a new adding machine for his department. Mr. 2axton said that the Public Works Department has three adding machines, two in the office which are busy most of the time, and one at the Public Works Building which is used every evening. Mr. Potter moved that the Appropriation Committee be requested to transfer the sum of $205.20 from the Reserve Fund to the Accounting Department - Expenses Account for the purchase of a new adding machine. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman informed Mr. Paxton that a request had been received from the Lexington Visiting Nurse Association for permission to garage the station wagon at the Barnes Property. Mr. Paxton said that the Red Cross had been using the garage, but that for some time their car has been kept elsewhere. 1 The Ulerk was instructed to write the Red Cross and ask whether or not they intend to continue to use it and if not, return the keys. Mr. Potter moved that the Lexington Visiting Nurse Association be authorized to garage the station wagon at the Barnes Property, providing the Red Cross no longer desire the use of the garage. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Lex Nurse Assod Garage Barnes Property At 8:05 P.M. Mrs. John Sexton appeared before the Board. Mrs. Sexton stated that she had requested an appointment with the Board relative to the tree on Muzzey Street which was blown down in the recent hurricane. Mrs. Sexton said that the property belongs to her mother Bridget Leary. She said that correspondence from "`rs. Leary had been referred to t he Town Counsel,and that as she understands it, v1r. 'Wrightington feels that there is no liability on the part of the Town. Mrs. Leary feels that there is some argument because of the condition of the tree. The Chairman asked what made her think the tree was in an unsafe condition, and sirs. Sexton replied that the roots were raised above the street. The Chairman said that as far as the Board under- stood it, the tree and the branches were all in good condition. He said that Mr. Garrity, Superintendent of Parks and Playgrounds, stated that the tree was in good condition, and in a matter of this kind, the Town has no legal liability, and that is why it was referred to Mr. Wrightington. Mrs. Sexton said that she believes that if the tree had been taken care of this accident would never have occured. She said that the damage was estimated at over one thousand dollars. Mr. Sarano stated that no complaint had been received as to the condition of the tree pre -sous to the storm. The Chairman said that the Board has no alternative other than to obtain the best advice, and be guided by that. Be said that the burden of the proof must not -be put on, the Town, and that it must rest on Mrs. Leary to show that the tree was not in good condition. Bridget Leary Claim Fallen Tree Mrs. Sexton retired at 8:20 P.M. The Chairman said that he would write Mr. Wrightington advising him that Mrs. Leary objected to the dispostion of her claim -for damages of her property at Muzzey Street. Mr. Paxton retired at 8:24 P.M. Appt. to Rationing Board Trustees Public Trusts & Cemetery Commissioner Use of Hall Use of Hall The Chairman read a letter from George E. Graves, Chairman of the Lexington War Price and Rationing Board, in which he submittea for the Board's approval the name of Lincoln C. Grush as a member of the Rationing Board to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Lyon Carter. Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by ter. Sheldon, it was voted to a,prove the recommendation that Lincoln C. Grush serve on the Lexington War Price and Rationing Board to fill the vacancy oaused by the resignation of Mr. Lyon Carter. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Wrightington to which was attached the proposed amendment to the Act establishing the Trustees of Public Trusts to enable them to receive and invest the Perpetual Care •eund of Westview Cemetery. Mr. Wrightington also enclosed sa proposed vote of the Town Meeting to amend the Westview Cemetery regulations. He suggested that if these meet with the approval of the hoard of Selectmen, copies be submitted to the Trustees of Public Trusts and to the Cemetery Commissioners for further suggestions before the petition is signed and sent to Representative Ferguson for filing. Mr. Rowse moved that a copy of the act and the proposed vote be sent to the Trustees of Public Trusts and to the Cemetery 'ommissioners for their approval. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from the texingtonChoral Society (Cary Lecture) for permission to conduct a rehearsal in Cary Memorial hall on Tuesday, December 12, 1944: from 7:30 P.M. to 10:30 P.M. Mr. Sarano moved that the use of the hall be granted, free of charge. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from the Lexington Police Relief Association for permission to use Cary Memorial. Hall on the evening of December 8, 1944, from 8:00 P.M. until 1:00 A.M. for a benefit dance. Mr. Potter moved that the use of the hall be granted free of charge. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from Henry E. Cronier, 4 Hayward Avenue, Lexington, offering $50.00 for Lots 136 and 137, Hayward Avenue,Lexington. Mr. Potter informed the Board that the Town also owns Lot 135. These are 25 foot lots on a paper street with no water, sewer or lights. Mr. Rowse moved that Mr. Cronier be advised that the Townreferred to sell the three lots for a total price of 075.00. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from Melville W. Webb relative to various matters pertaining to the disbanding of the Lexington Committee on Public Safety. It is the opinion of the ommittee on Public Safety that the material purchased for the Medical Division might be donated to Disband the Red "rose or t'o the Lexington Camping `'ouncil. Com. Pub. Mr. Webb stated that the telephones have all been dis- Safety connected, with the exception of one private telephone to Newton which may or may not be removed according to the discretion of the Board. He stated that the sirens are still in force and they may be discontinued if the Board so desires. Mr. Webb further suggested that the radio equipment might be sold or donated to the several operators. The Clerk was instructed to request Mr. Webb to submit an inventory of the equipment which belongs to the Medical Division. It was decided to take no action at this time relative to the disposition of the sirens or the Observation _,Tower. Mr. Rowse moved that the telephone .in the Selectmen's Room be removed, and that all other equipment, wires, Held over etc. in the Selectmen's Room be dismantled. Mr. Sheldon seconded -.the motion, and it was so voted. The Clerk was instructed to advise Mr. Webb that the Hoard approved of his suggestion that the radio equipment be donated to the several operatdrs. Mr. Sheldon retired at 8:35 P.M. Tax bill in the amount of $20.92 was received from the Collector of Taxes covering 1.4 acres of land on Bedford Street, the site upon which the proposed Central Fire Station is to be erected. Mr. Potter moved that the tax'bill be abated. ham. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Letter was received from Mr. Wrightington together with the deed conveying Lots 25 and 26, Block 21, Dexter Road, to Milford 0. Woodward. Mr. Wrightington stated that he had obtained a land court decree for a new certificate of title in the name of the Town of Lexington although this certificate has not yet been issued. 1'1r. Wrightington said that upon receipt of the consideration from mr. Woodward, the deed should be delivered to him with the instructions that he take it to the Registered Ilan. Department of the Registry of Deeds, East Cambridge, and a new certificate of title would then be issued in his name. Tax Bill Abated Fire Station Wood- ward Land Pool Table Mr. Rowse moved that the deed be signed. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application for a license to maLntain a pool table at 275-277 Bedford Street, which is to be a barber shop, was received from one Frank Ambrocey, 2 Shawsheen Avenue, Bedford, Massachusetts. The Clerk informed the Board that Chief hycroft had been unable to contact the Chief of Police in Bedford for a certificate of character. It was decided to hold the application over for one week. A true record, Attests Cler fiu