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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1944-12-1836 Stanley N. White Gasoline Application Three Under - Ground Tanks. SFLECTMEPT:S MEETING December 18, 1944 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening,December 18, 1944 at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Locke, Messrs. Potter, Rowse, Sarano and Sheldon were present. The Clerk was also present. The members were notified of this meeting by a notice mailed December 16, 1944. At 7:30 P.M. Hearing was declared open on the application of Stanley N. White for permission to install three .underground tanks for the storage of three thousand gallons of gasoline on the premises at 286 Lincoln St., Lexington,. The notice of the hearing was read by the Chairman. Mra. Hinxman, mother of the applicant, was the only person present at the hearing. Mr..Potter'asked if there had ever been tanks at this location before, and Mrs. Hinman replied that there had been three one -thousand gallon tanks on this site. She informed the Board that Mr. Hinxman leased the property to the Shell Oil Company who pur— chased the equipment. When they wanted to cancel the lease before the expiration date, they took the tanks with them, inasmuch as the Hinxmans were financially unable to purchase them. The Sun Oil Company is now interested in operating the station, providing under- ground tanks are installed. Mr. Sheldon asked how long the gasoline station had been operated, and Mr. Hinxman replied that her husband had operated it since 1937. Mr. Sarano asked if the property were listed in the name of Stanley N.".White, and Mrs. Hinxman replidd in the affirmative. Mrs. Hinxman retired at 8:45 P.M. Mr. Sarano moved that the application of Stanley N. White for permission to install three underground tanks for the storage of three thousand gallons of gas- oline on the premises at 286 Lincoln Street be granted; subject to the approval of the board of Fire Engineers, Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Chief Rycroft appeared before the Board at 8:50 P.M. He stated that he would like to purchase 125 badges for the Auxiliary Police, and charge this item to the opmmittee on Public Safety Account. Be stated 1 37 that the best price he could obtain was $165 per badge, Which would make a total cost of $206.25. He informed Audi liary the Board that the Auxiliary Police held regular meetings Police once a month, and still donate service to the Town. Badges Mr. Potter asked how this price compared with the price previouslyaid for badges, and the Chief replied that he had paid $2.50 each. Mr. Rowse asked if the other badges had been purchased and charged to the Committee on Public Safety Account, and the Chief replied in the affirmative. Rowse asked if they could be purchased before the end of the year, and the Chief replied that he was assured often day delivery. Mr. Rowse moved that the sum of $206.25 be. approved for the purchase of 125 badges for the Auxiliary Police; this amount to be charged to the Committee on Public Safety Account. Mn Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Chief Rycroft retired at7:55 P.M., and the following members of the Appropriation Committee appeared before the Board: Messrs. Hoyt, Brown, Bryant, Hynes,.Jenney, Winlock, and Brown. Mr. Hoyt explained that the School Committee. had presented a proposition to the Appropriation Committee and he would like to know the reaction of the Board of Selectmen so that the School Committee may be advised whether or not it will be necessary to revise its budgets,‘, They have submitted budgets with a 15% increase in salary to all on the School, Department, with the exception of the janitors and the clerks. The School Committee prefers a permanent salary increase of 15%, rather than the bonus. They suggested that the 15% increase in salary be put into effect September 1, 1945, and that they go along with the bonus unti 1 that time. Mr. Potter asked why the School Committee didn't feel the same about the janitors and the clerks as they did about the teachers. Mr. Hoyt replied that the School Committee felt that the teachers have not been paid what they should have been paid and have rated higher salaries for some time. B1 said that the raises were figured on a basi a of teachers with degrees and without degrees. He said that the School Committee agreed that perhaps the clerks and janitors did not come into the same category as the teachers. Mr. Sheldon asked if the difficulty was that they were having difficulty in hiring teachers, and Mr. Hoyt replied in the negative stating that they felt higher salaries had been due for some time which would put Lexington in the class with surrounding Towns. 38 Mr. Ronald Brown informed the Board that at the present time there is a maximum on the grade schools and on the Junior and Senior High Schools, and the School t'ommittee proposes to forget that basis. He further stated any teacher has put in a nutber of years training. Whatever a teacher is trained for, the School Committee would prefer to hire her for that particular job. The Committee claims that on the present basis if they desire to hire a teacher for the rade schools there. is a maximum, and it is difficult Cb get s teacher for that amount. By going on a schedule, that calls for "with degrees" and "without degrees" teachers could be hired according to the schedule. Mr. Sheldon said that it would appear that there are two issues, one is the School Uommittee's criticism of their own salary system, and the second is the bonus issue. Mr. Potter reminded the group that the only issue that the Board of Selectmen is interested in is that of the bonus. Mr. Hoyt said that the School Committee wants to be able to hire teachers for a definite permanent salary, and not on a year to year basis, that is promising a bonus. He said that if the teachers were paid a salary and a bonus, they felt that the bonus could be eliminated any time. Mr. Bryant said that 4r. Grindle's argument was that in hiring a teacher at the end of the year, he would have no authority to advise her that there would be a bonus paid the following year. Mr. Hoyt stated that the problem is how to reconcile the School Committee's request with the rest of the Town. The School Committee desires to establish a higher scale for salaries. Mr. Locke informed the Appropriation Committee that the Selectmen as a Board had not arrived- at any dicision relative to the bonus or salary increases. Mr. Hoyt said that the Appropriation Committee would like to see the bonus continued and that step rate increases have not been debated. Mr. Hoyt said that the School Department has included' in its bud$etta request for several thousand dollars for a kindergarten and the Appropriation Committee thought possibly this item should be handled through a separate article, rather than the regular School Department budget. The School Committee claims that they have the authority and the responsibility to operate a kindergarten. 1 1 Mr. Bryant said that the School Committee has two reasons for including this item in the budget: First - they have a petition signed by a few hundred people, and Second - they have inquired as to the benefits of a kindergarten, and find that a child who spends two years in a kindergarten is three .years ahead of the average child in the first grade. Mr. Hoyt informed the Board that the Appropriation Committee had not taken any position on this matter, but they did feel that it would be fairer if the towns- people had an opportunity to vote on it at Town Meeting. The Appropriation Committee retired at 8:40 P.M. Mr. Paxton appeared before the Board. The Chairman said that the question has come up Insurance &s to whether or not the insurance policies for the coming year are to be renewed through the same agents. Mr. Paxton said thpt he is trying to make July 1st the expiration date on all policies. Mr. Paxton said that for the first quarter the following policies would be expiring: 44,000.00. Elmer A. Lord - Ja uary 5, 1945;411,000.00. George W. Taylor & Son - January 5, 1945; $11,100.00 - Robert Whitney - February 8, 1945; $90,000.00 - Elmer A. Lord March 1, 1945; and $60,000.00 - George W. Taylor & Son - March 1, 1945. • • Upon motion of Mr. hawse, seconded by Mr. Sheldon, it was voted to cancel the following policies as of January 5, 1945; Fireman's Fund Insurance Company, expiring January 5, 1945, $ 4,000.00; Fireman's Fund Insurance Company, expiring January 5, 19.45,. $90,000.00; and Aetna Insurance Company, expiring May 6, 1945, $10,000.00. Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Sheldon, it was then voted that these policies be renewed through the agency of Elmer A. Lord & Company for a period of approximately five years and 178 days, expiring July 1, 1950. Upon motion of Mr.. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Sheldon, it was voted to cancel the following policies placed through Robert Witney, expiring February 8, 1945: Hartford Fire Insurance. Company - February 8, 1945- 411,100.00• Home Insurance Company of New York - April 1, 1945 - $15,000.00; and Home Insurance Company of New York - December 5, 1945 - $20,000.00. Upon motion of Mr._ Rowse, seconded by Mr. Sheldon, it was voted that one policy be written in the amo ant of $46,100.00 for a period of approximately five years and 145 days, expiring July 1, 1950, through the office of Robert Whitney. 39 Kind's' gar ten 40 Upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Rowse, it was voted to cancel the policy of $10,000.0a expiring, on April 16, 1945, through the agency of W. S. Couette, and rewrite the policy with the same agent as of January 5, 1945 in the amount of $21,000.00 for a period of approximately five years and 178 days, expiring July 1, 1950. $11,000.00 of this amount was formerly placed through the agency of George W. Taylor & Son with -an Held expiration date of January 5 1945. Over Feb. The Chairman requested Mr. Paxton to take up the question of insurance again sometime during the Math of February. Mr. Paxton reported on the list of unpaid accounts Unpaid submitted a few weeks ago, and said that there .are several Accounts miscellaneous charges going back as far as 1936. The majority are for turn ons and turn offs at $1.00 each. One item is for damage to a hydrant in 1943. A bill was sent to the man who caused the damage, in the amount Abatements of $103.50, but he now lives out of state. There are a few.for repairs to water services not amounting to more than five .or six dollars each; the total of the entire group about $1,264.50. Upon motion of Mr. Potter, seconded by Mr. Sheldon, it was voted to abate miscellaneous water charges as follows* 193& - $9.78; 1939 - 1.00; 1940 - 418.00. 1941 - $8.85; 1942 - $33.74; 1943 - $157.23 and 1944 - $26.00. Mr. Paxton said that the next list that he had was water guarantees Which had been given to Mr. Wright- ington in 1940. He said that ,prior to 1935, the amount outstanding was $955.15. Upon motion of Mr. Potter, seconded by Mr. Sheldon it was voted to abate the following water guarantees Margaret Dempsey Henry J. Nutt James S. Mowat Angelica Young William R. Rogerson John Donavan Charles Higgins Russell B. Alien E. E. Holton Frank Maguire Louise Hannaford 00 1 175.87 1935 & prior 280.21 n n n 93.29 No longer resident of Mass. 227.59 Deceased 24.46 1935 & Prior 18.98 1937 & Prior 13.18 1936 ! Prior 51.45 Financially unable to ply 250.52 ,Deceased 183.80 Several years illness in family 36.31 Old Age Assistance. 41 Upon motion of Mr. Potter, seconded by Mr. Sheldon, it was further voted to instruct fir. Paxton to request Mr. Wrightington to report as to the collectability of the following water guarantees: James S. Smith - 268.04; Lexington Real Estate Trust, Robert Ryder Trustee 703.01; Rupert H. Stevens - $228.15 and Harvey Wheeler - 225.00. The Board of Selectmen also considered sewer house connection charges, and upon motion of Mn Potter, seconded by Mr. Sheldon, it was voted to abate the following charges: Leland McConchie - $12.75; Louis Ruocco $9.72 and John Anderson - $15.22. The Board also voted tq instruct Mr. Paxton to request Mr. Wright ingto n to report as to the collect - ability Of the folio*ing sewer house connection charges: Daniel J. O'Connell - Committed September 27, 1938 - $44.13; and Viano Realty Corp. - committed October 14, 1941 $219.83. The Board requested Mr. Paxton to obtain further information pertaining to the sewer house connection charge committed May 26, 1940, in the amount of $65.77, against Melville W. Webb, before submitting game to Mr. Wrightington. Upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Rowse, it was voted to abate the following Highway Department charge: Woodland Riding Acadamy, committed December 31, 1941 - $10.00. Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, se onded by Mr. Sheldon, it Was voted to abate the following Public Works Charges: iohn Bieren - committed November 22,,1943 $10.00; -and Arthur Pierce - Committed November 22,'1943 422.50. Edward W. Taylor- committed November 3, 1942'- $45.70 The Chairman read a letter from bene J. Viano, President of the Colonial Garage, Inc. stating that abort six weeks ago employees of the Frost & Higgins Company of. Arlington, on removing a large branch of the elm tree in front of their garage, allowed the branch to fall knocking off two flood lights on a steel pole, damaging the lights possibly beyond repair. No •estimate of damage has been received to date. Mr. Paxton stated that "`r. Garrity had received a letter from Frost & Higgins advising him that they are covered by insurance. 42 The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the letter from the Colonial Garage, Inc., and advise them that their alleged ' claim had been referred to Frost &c Higgins, who. the Board understands are covered by insurance. Mr. Paxton said that he would like the Board to reaffirm the vote of the Selectmen as of March 29, 1928, Reaffirm pertaining to the duties and responsibilities of the Supt. Spperintendent of Public Works. This vote stated that Vote the following divisions were included in the Department of Public Works: Highway, Water, Sewer, Engineering, Park, Public Buildings (with the exception of the Schools Libraries and Fire Stations) Building, Plumbing and Wiring. Mr. Sheldon moved that the Chairman be authorized to write a letter to these various departments reaffirming the vote as requested by Mr. Paxton. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from Raymond Le White advising that the Appropriation Committee had voted Transferto transfer the sum of $75.48 from the Reserve Fund to the Registrations Department - Expenses Account. Letter was received from Mr. James J. Carroll Census informing the Board that material furnished by the Material State for the census to be taken in 1945 has been delivered to his office. The Board gave further consideration to Mr. Neil McIntosh's offer of $200.00 for Lot 108,'Farmhurst, Tax Sale Section 3, hilltop Avenue, Lexington. A proposal to sell.this lot was e.dvertised in the December 14, 1944 issue of the Lexington Minute -Man. No persons contacted the Selectmen's Office as a result of the advertisement. Mr. Sheldon moved that the offer be accepted and that Lot 108, Farmhurst, Section 3,.Hilitop Avenue, Lexington, be sold and conveyed to i4r. Neil McIntosh. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A bill was received from William H. Ballard, Parking Chairman of the Committee on Parking Facilities, in the Comm. amount of $7.13 for expenses incurred by his Committee. Bill Mr. Rowse moved that the bill be paid and charged to the Unclassified Account. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Oo 1 1 43 Alfred C. Cap.one's application fora permit to Permit keep two saddle,horses at 299 Massachusetts Avenue, Saddle Lexington,held over from last week, was then considered. Horses Mr. Potter, reported that he had investigated the locality and he would recommend granting the permit. Mr. Rowse moved that the permit be approved. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Letter was received from major James. H. Russell expressing his appreciation for his reappointment as Re App't Town Accountant for a three year term, beginning January Accountant 1, 1945. Application was received from Kenneth Lima of the Lexington High School for permission to conduct a High School Dance on the evening of December 28, 1944, from 8:00 P.M. to 12:00 P.M. • Mr. Rowse moved that the use of the hall be granted; subject to a charge of $25.00, plus a police officer and matron. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Rowse moved that the deed, prepared by Mr. Wrightington, conveying lots 14 and 15, Park Street, Lexington, to Mr. Wallace C. Weisinger, be signed. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Rowse also moved that the d eed, Mr. Wrightington, conveying Lots 194 and Street, Lexington, to James F. & Mary E. signed. Mr. bheldon seconded the motion, so voted. prepared by 195, Freemont Connell, be and it was Use of Hall A letter was received from Mr. Scamman, Tax Collector, stating that his department would take care of thebback taxes due the Town, and he expects to have them settled early in 1945. Sign Deed Sign Deed Back Taxes Report was received from the Board of Public Welfare relative to the Board's inquiry regarding the Accounts list of Accounts Receivable an Old Age Assistance and Receivable Public Welfare. Upon motion of Mr. Potter, seconded by Mr. Sheldon, it was voted to approve the following licenses: Ltetenses 44 Tax Title Held Over Town Offices Carroll Brothers John A. Janse Mantel Silva John E. McHugh Kennedy Brothers James F. Morse & Co. N. E. Rendering Co. Bernice H. rog Frank Reynolds Pattison Bros. Leslie J. Wood Mary A. & Ernest R Ro Mike & Christy Hallos Edgar J. Thivierge F. K. Johnson, Inc. George F. Taylor Morris Motors F. K. Johnson Violet P. Burgess William Viano 31 Alien St. Trans. of 26 Greenwood St. "• " State Rd., Lincoln"' " Virginia Rd. Con. " " 142 Winter St. Wal:' 46 Norfolk Ave. Rex" - 39 Market St., Bri." 239 Woburn St., Lex" South Rd., Bedf. " Middlesex St. Burl." 62 Webb St., Lex. " wland 150 Lowell St 1715 Mass. Ave. 1620 Mass. Ave. 39 Bedford St. 424 Marrett Rd. 400 Waltham St. 39 Bedford St. 34 Fletcher Ave. 1794. Mass. Ave. Garbage (Renewal) n n e n n rr n n op n n n It n n n n n n n Victualler" n n Common n n Alcohol License Common Victualler" 2nd class Agent " 1st Class Agent " Infanta Boarding" Sunday Movies " n " Letter was received from John F. O'Connor offering $200.00 for Lot 124, Section 3, Farmhurst, Kendall Road, Lexington. The Chairman asked kr. Potter to check this offer and report at the next meeting of the Board. The Clerk informed the Board that inquiries had been made as to whether or not the Town Offices would be Christmas closed Saturday, December 23, 1944and;$aturday, December New Year 30, 1944. Closed Mr. Sheldon moved that the Town Office Building be closed all day Saturday, December 23, 1944 and all day Saturday, December 30, 1944. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. It was decided to hold the next meeting of the Board on Tuesday, December 26, 1944, and to have the. first meeting in 1945 on Wednesday, January 3, 1945. A true record, Attest: