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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1944-12-11SELECTMEN'S MEETING December 11, 1944. A regular meeting of the board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, On Monday -evening, December 11, 1944, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Locke, Messrs. Potter, and Sarano were present. The Clerk was also present. Mr. Carroll, Town Clerk, appeared before the Board at 7:30 P.M. The Chairman explained that Mr. Carroll had been invited to meet with the Board relative to the question of the Decennial Census of 1945. He said that in checking the Assessors' part in taking the polls, etc., the Board learned that they have apparently a system already set up. Mr. Spencer has workers for the various districtsr and he himself intends to do the outlying sections of the Town. The Chairman stated that if it were possible, the Board would like to make use of Mr. Spencer's workers, and to obtain as much help as possible from him, which Wouldeliminate any unnecessary work. Mr. Carroll stated that whatever method the Board of Selectmen would adopt would be perfectly agreeable with him. - ? r. Potter explained to Mr. Carroll that the Boar, would like to delegate this work, through him, to the Board of Registrars.. Mn Carroll said that undoubtedly the "oard of Registrars would prefer to make some appointments for this work.. The Chairman asked Mr. Carroll to find out whether or not the Registrars are willing to have the work done assisted by Mr. Spencer and his census workers, and to also advise the ''oard if the Registrars have any preference as to the individuals taking the census. Mr. Carroll retired at 7:45 P.M. Messrs. William G. French and William C. Paxton appeared before the Board. Mr. Paxton explained that Mr. French requested an appointment to meet with the Board tonight relative to the condition of Garfield Street Which is an unaccepted street. He wanted to know if it is possible for tia.e Board to give him afew loads of fill for the street. Mr. Paxton said that he had previously explained to Mr. French that the policy of the "oard was, more or less, a case of the people raising the money to hire the Town egiipment, and arranging themselves to have the material put in. 29 Decennial Census of 1995 Request for Fill for ' Garfield Street 80 Use Town Ashes Mr. French said that if he were given permission to take the ashes from the .Lown Buildings, he would haul the ashes, level off the road and put it in shape. The Board decided that if Mr. French would arrange to haul the ashes, there would be no objection to his having them. Messrs. Paxton and French retired at 8:05 P.M. Chairman read a letter from James J. Carroll, Town Clerk, stating that he had received a bill from the Adams Press for printing the voting list amounting to $275.00, and the balance in the account, at the present time, was Printing $199.52. Mr. Carroll requested a transfer of $75.48 to Voting take care of this bill. List Mr. Potter moved that the Appropriation Committee be requested to transfer the sum of $75.48 from the Reserve Fund to the Elections Account. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was s o voted. Mr. Rowse arrived at 7:55 P.M. Chairman read a letter from Mr. Carroll, Town Clerk Recount and Clerk of the Board of Registrars, stating that a recount of ballots cast November 7, 1944 for the office of Attorney General was held on Thursday, December 7, 1944. The recount was officially opened at 7:00 P.M. and closed at 11:00 P.M. According to General Laws, compensation for this work is recommended and provided through the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Sarano moved that the workers for the recount be paid at the rate of $1.00 per hour. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The board gave further consideration to Mr. Wallace Tax Title C. Weisinger's offer of $50.00 for Lots 14 and 15, Sale Park Street, Lexington. A proposal to sell these lots was advertised in the December 7, 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 14 and 16, Park St., Lexington, be sold and conveyed to Mr. Wallace C. Weisinger. Mr. Sarano seconded the mots on, and it was so voted. The -Board gave further consideration to James F. and Mary E. Connell' a offer of $35.00 for Lots 194 and 195, Freemont Street, Lexington. A proposal to sell these lots was advertised in the December 7, 1944 issue 1 1 31 of the Lexington Minute -Man. No persons contacted the Selectmen's Office as a result of the advertisement. Mr. Sarano moved that Lots 194 and 195 Freemont Street, Lexington, be sold and c onveyed t o Jambs F. and Mary E. Connell. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Tax Title Sale Chairman read a letter from Mildred B. Seth complaining of the rubbish, etc. at the rear of the First National Block of Stores. The Clerk was instructed to have Mr. Lamont investigate the complaint, and have the nuisance abated. Chairman read a letter from Isabel P. McCarter, Chairman of the Lexington Camping Committee, suggesting that some of the blankets, originally purchased by the Blankets Committee on Public Safety, be donated to the Lexington Held Over Camping Committee. The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the letter, and inform Mrs. McCarterthat an inventory is being made, and tit her request would be given, consideration at the time the items are disposed of. At 8:00 P.M. Mrs. John G. Sexton appeared before the Board. Mrs. Sexton asked if anything further had been done relative to Mrs. Leary's alleged7 claim for damages to Leary her house on Muzzey Street. Claim. The Chairman replied that there was no further Falli information than what Mrs. Sexton already had. He stated Treeg that from the best information the Board can obtain, the tree was in good condition and that being the situation, there was nothing further for the Board to do. Mr. Sarano asked if anyone had ever requested the Town to remove the tree, and Mrs. Sexton replied in the negative. Mrs. Sexton said that the tree came up by the roots, and she felt that it could have been taken care of, and that there was a liability on the part of the Town. The Chairman -replied that the Board assumed Mr. Garrity would have taken care of the tree if it needed any work. fe stated that there are no records indicating that work s hould have been done on the tree which was not done. W. Potter explained that the Town Counsel has ruled on this claim, advising the Board that there is no responsibility on the part of the Town, and the Board is acting according to his advice. Mrs. Sexton asked if she could abtain a copy of the report made by Frost and Higgins, and the Board referred her to Mr. Wrightington. Mrs. Sexton retired at 8:40 P.M. 32 Mr. Paxton appear ed before the Board. He informed the Board that Workmen's Compensation Insurance. and Public Liability Insurance Policies will expire on December 31, 1944. Mr. Paxton stated that he had a proposal prepared by J. F. McNeil, a representative of the American Mutual, which showed a possible 20% saving on all Workmen's and Public Liability Policies. He reminded the Board that the Board of Selectmen voted some years ago to stay with stock companies. Mr. Rowse moved that the policies be renewed through the same companies, and that the Appropriation ommittee be requested' to give this matter some consideration, and submit their recommendations as to the possibility of using a mutual company. Mr. Sarano seconded the Renew motion, and it was so voted. Insurance. Mr. Paxton informed the Board that Public Liability Policy, covering the operations of the Water and Sewer Department, will expire on January 1, 1945, through the office of Robert C. Merriam. Mr. Potter moved that the policy be renewed through the same office. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton stated that the policy in the amount of $1,250.00 on the Aircraft Tower, formerly paid Tor out Tower ICs. of the Committee on Public Safety Funds, through the Not re- office of Gilmore Rothery, would expire in the near rowed. future. Mr. Rowse moved not to renew this policy. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted.. Mr. Paxton stated that all the insurance for 1945 Held Over. is still pending, and there are some policies which will expire early in 1945. It was decided to hold the question of insurance over. The Chairman informed Mr. Paxton that there had Div. of been some concern shown by the citizens of the Town Precincts. relative to the division of precincts, andthat the Board voted on Saturday to have a study made of this subject, and to take definite action in December, 1945. The Chairman said that the next item to betaken Girls Rest- up with Mr. Paxton was the possibility of fixing up Room a girls'rest room. Mr. Paxton stated that the first thing to be done would be to erect a metal cage in the basement to enclose the Engineer's equipment now in the room on the second floor, which is the only room available for a rest room. 1 33 The Chairman read a letter from Gennaro Sanseverino requesting a street light on Lisbeth Street, Lexington. Mr. Paxton stated that Lisbeth Street is unaccepted and suitable for pedestriant.raffic only. He stated that the Sanseverinots house is no further from any Street street light on Massachusetts Avenue than the average Light householder. Mr. Potter moved that no action be taken on the request. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Letter was received from Hubert Broderic listing his qualifications as an insurance broker and requesting Insurance that consideration be given him when the matter of placing additional insurance is discussed by the 1:5oard. The Clerk was instructed to bring this letter to the Board's attention when the insurance for 1945 is Herd Over considered. The Board then discussed budgets, and the following action was taken: Account Requested Approved Engineering Dept. - Expenses 855.00 855.00 ,Sewer Maint. -. Wages & Expenses 3,500.00 3,500.00 Highway Mwint. Chapter 90 1,000.00 1,000.00 Traffic Regulation & Control 700.00 600.00 Street Lights 23,700.00 25,200.00 (The item for Boston Edison Co, was increased from *23,400.00 to *24,900.00) Street Signs 500.00 500.00 Highway Dept. :: Road Machinery 27,000.00 27,000..00 Account Public Works Bldg. - Wages & 6,500.00 6,500.00 Expenses Insurance Water Services 6,400.00 6,400.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 Mr. Paxton retired at 9155 P.M. 34 The Chairman read a letter from Neil McIntosh offering Tax Title $200.00 for Lot 108, Farmhurst, Section 3, Hilltop Avenue, Offer Lexingtcn. Mr. Rowse moved that a proposal to sell the lot be advertised in the Lexington MinuteMaan, 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. Application was received frau Rev. Arthur L Dunnigan for permission to conduct a Christmas Dance in Cary Use of Hall Memorial Hall on Saturday, December 23, 1944, from 8:00 P.M. to 11:30 P.M. Mr. .Rowse moved that the use of the hall be granted, subject to a charge of $15.00. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from.Alfred C. Capone., Saddle 1099 Massachusetts Avenue, for permission to keep two Horses. saddle horses. Mr. Lamont granted the license, subject to the approval of the Hoard of Selectmen. The Chairman asked Mr. Potter if he would check this location and report on it next week. - The Clerk .informed the Board that Mr. Wrightington telephoned the Selectmen's Office on December 6, 1944, relative to granting a permit to Henry J. Halloran for permission to transport garbage through Lexington. Mr. Wrightington.said that Judge Broadhurst said that Henry J. Halloran will be enjoined from carrying on the pig business. The decree has not been entered and possibly Mr. Halloran will go to the Supreme Court. Mr. Wrightington felt that the Board of Selectmen should give this matter serious consideration before sending out an application for a renewal of Mr Hal loran ' s permit The Board discussed the matter, and upon motion of Mrs. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was voted that an application be sent to Mr. Halloran for a renewal of his license to transport garbage through the Town of Lexington. Upon motion of Mr. Potter, seconded by Mr. Rowse, it was voted to grant the following licenses: Halloran Garbage Permit John S. Burns - 93 Mass. Ave. Calvin W. 6ailds 409 Mass. Ave. Herbert M. Lawrence1777Mass. Ave. Precision Products Marrett Rd.-Wa Daisy MacAlpine 50 Percy Rd. Calvin W. Childs 409 Mass. Ave. William Viano 1794 Mass. Ave. Common Victualler Alcohol n ltham St. Aleohbl Innholder 1st Class Agent Sunday Movies co 0.4 1 35 The Chairman informed the Board that James H. Russell's term as Town Accountant would expire on December 31, 1944. Bussell Upon motion of Mn Potter, seconded by Mr. Sarano, Re -appoint it was voted to reappoint James H. Russell, Town Accountant Ment for a three-year term, beginning January 1, 1945. Town Accountant The Chairman informed the ',bard .hat Messrs. Leland H. Emery's and William H. Shannahan s terms as Assessors would expire on December 31, 1944. Continue Mr. Rowse moved that a letter be written to Messrs. Assessors Emery and Shanahan advising that they are to continue in the capacity of Assessors until further. notice. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and. it was so voted. Deficit The Chairman read a latter from Mrs. Mary E. Casey,Chapber Welfare Agent, requesting a transfer of *4,000.00 to 118A meet a deficit under Chapter 118A of the General Laws O.A.A (Old Age Assistance) Aid & Expenses. Mr. nowse moved that the Appropriation Committee be requested to transfer the sum of *4,000.00 from the Reserve Fund to meet the estimated deficit under Chapter 118A of the General Laws (Old Age Assistance) Aid & Expenses. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A true record, Attest: r