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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1945-02-19 90 Co SELECTMEN'S MEETING February 19, 1945. A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Romp, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, February 19, 1945 at 7:30 P.M. The members were notified of this meeting by a notice mailed on February 15, 1945. Chairman Locke, Messrs. Rowse, Sarano and Sheldon were present. The Clerk was also present. At 7:30 P.M. Mrs. Mary �. Casey, Temporary Agent for of the Board of Public Welfare, appeared before the Board relative to the salary of Miss Katherine Crosby, Junior Clerk and Stenographer in the Welfare Department. Mrs. Casey said that she had talked with Miss Richardson, Miss Assistant to the Director of Civil Service who advised her Crosby's that the new salary schedule, which has not been adopted by the Salary Board of Public Welfare, has nothing to do with the Welfare present group in that office. Mrs. Casey said that it is Department allowable to make step-rate increases over the maximum if the person doing the work is worthy of it. Mr. Rowse explained to Mrs. Casey that the Board was merely trying to line up the Public Welfare Office with the other offices in the Town, and stated that Miss Mitchell is a Senior Clerk, where Miss Crosby is a Junior Clerk. The Senior Clerk's maximum at the present time is $27.00, plus the bonus, and inasmuch as Miss Mitchell is receiving only $25.00 she has not reached the maximum. Mr. Rowse stated that as far as Miss Crosby is concerned, with the bonus her salary would be above the requirements .of the Civil Service. Mrs. Casey said that, in her opinion, the Junior Clerk is doing more important work than the Senior Clerk, The Chairman asked if the maximum of $1,380.00 for the Junior Clerk is allowable, and Mrs. Casey replied in the affirmative. This is, however, greater than the present maximum of the Junior Clerk. Mrs. Casey stated that the new rate is $1,020.00 to $1,380.00 for the Junior Clerk & Stenographer. She stated that the Town would not be accepting the entire schedule by accepting this salary for Miss Crosby. Mrs. Casey retired at 8:02 P.M. , and Mr. Paxton appeared before the Board. Mr. Paxton informed the Board that he had received a Hill for bill from Clifford E. Wilder. He said that evidently there Digging were ten men who dug out Winter Street, and felt that they Out Winter should be paid. He said that theyworked for six hours at Street. $1.00 an hour, making a total of 60.00. 91 Mr. Paxton said that he explained that the Town had no control over the matter, and did not know that they were working. No action was taken on the matter. Mr. Paxton submitted a four page report on the recent anow storm. Report The Clerk was instructed to make copies for each 7 Snow member of the Board. Storm The Chairman read a letter from D. F. Rosa, registering a complaint because of the fact that Depot Square had not been plowed until two days after the storm. Depot Mr. Paxton said that he had talked with Mr. Ross on Sp are Friday, and explained the situation to him, and believed Complaint he was satisfied at the time. He said that he received Plowing this letter on Saturday and he wrote a rep;y which Mr.. Ross received this morning (Monday) . Mr. lioss called Mr. Paxton and said that the letter had been mailed in error. The Chairman said that it was in order for the Board to declare an emergency relative to snow removal. Upon motion of Mr. Sarano, seconded by Mr. Sheldon, Emergency it was VOTED: That due to an extreme emergency involving Vote on the safety of persons and property, the Superintendent of Snow Public Works is authorized to pay bills resulting from the Removal removal of snow during the month of February, although they are now in excess of the largest amount spent in any one month in the previous .year. The Clerk informed the Board that the Town owns some property on Syltia street, including a barn and garage. Ins, on The total assessment as of February 19. 1945 on the property Tax and buildings is $1,580.00, and Mr. Spencer suggested that Title the property be insured in the amount of $1,000.00. Property Mr. Sheldon moved that Mr. Paxton be authorized to place a policy for a period of one year in the amount of 1 ,000.00, through the office of Robert C. Merriam, on the Followings garage and barn on lot 69, Sylvia Street, formerly owned by Leo A. and Eva Boynton, 38 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton informed the Board that the lest appraisal made on Town Buildings Fas in 1935. He said that in 1941 Ins. the National Appraisal ompany advised Mr. Willard C. Hill Appraiaal that they would go over the entire appraisal and add what- ever insurance was necessary at a cost of $200.00 or $300.00. The Chairman asked Mr. Paxton if he would contact the National Appraisal Com anys through Elmer A. Lord & ComPan ys and report to the Board. Mr. Paxton agreed to do so. He retired at 8237 P.M. 92 00 a Mr. Daniel J. O'Connell and Nrs. John Misch appeared before the Board. Mr. O'Connell said that for some reason or- other, Slaughter Mrs. Nisch had been refused a permit to operate a Slaughter- house house at 20 Hill Avenue, Lexington. He stated that a License Slaughterhouse had been operated in this location for forty-five years, and that Mrs . Misch is ready to do any- thing that the State or Town requires so far as• the maintenance of the building is concerned. He said that if there were any particular reason for the license not being issued, Mrs. Misch would remedy the condition. The Chairman explained that the Board would give the matter further consideration. Mr. O'Connell and Mrs. Misch retired at 8:55 P.N. Mr. Sarano moved that the Board make no change in its previous decision to deny the application of Jahn Nisch for a Slaughterhouse License at 20 Hill Avenue, Lexington. Mr. Sheldon seconded themotion, and it was so voted. Mr . John A. Lyons, Chairman of the Board of Public Welfare, appeared before the Board. Mr. Lyons said that the Appropriation Committee had recommended a $2.00 increase for Miss Mitchell, and no Miss increase• for Miss Crosby. He said that under the present Crosby's compensation plan, Miss Crosby has reached her limit Salary without the $2.00 increase. Under the new plan, a $2.00 increase would be allowable. Mr . Rowse explained that the maximum for Senior ('larks is $27.00 per week, and the Maximum for Junior Clerks is $22.00 per week. The Chairman stated that possibly Miss Crosby had been classified erroneously. Welf. Mr. Rowse asked why Miss Mitchell was made a Temporary Temp. Social Worker, and Mr. Lyons stated that Mrs. Casey recom- Senior mended it with the understanding that when Mrs . Casey assumes Clerk her old- position as Social Worker, Miss Mitchell will then revert back to her former position. Mr. Lyons stated that there were two ways by which Miss Crosby could receive a $2.00 increase. The• Town could either accept the new plan, 1.e. , the schedule from $1,020.00 to $1,380.00, or a letter could be written to the State requesting that she be reclassified as a Temporary Senior Clerk. Mr. Lyons said that the entire Board of Public Welfare is in favor of increasing Miss Crosby's salary $2.00 per week. The Board felt that if Miss Crosby were made a Temporary Senior Clerk, a $2.00 salary increase might be warranted. Mr. Lyons retired at 9:10 P.M. 93 Mr. Daniel J. Coughlin, 52 Dexter Road, Lexington, Coughlin appeared before the Board. He explained that some time Deputy ago he was appointed Deputy Collector of Taxes in Boston Tax and would like to be considered when the Tax Collector Collector. refers taxes for collection. The Chairman explained that this situation is entirely up to the ,Collector of Taxes. Mr. �'oughlin retired at 9:20 P.M. and Mr. George W. Emery, Chief Engineer of the Board of Fire Engineers, appeared before the board. Mr. Emery a tated that he was here this evening at Mr. Emery the request of the Appropriation Committee in view of the Fire fact that he explained to them that according to the Dept figures of the Board of Fire Engineers, the revised Budget. amount of $22,298.47 for the privates in the Fire Depart- ment is $698.78 short. Mr. Emery explained the entire situation to the Appropriation Committee, and they advised that he discuss it with the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Sheldon moved that the vote of January 20, 1945, approving the Fire Department - Personal Services Budget in the amount of $43,296.58 be rescinded. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 1$r. Sheldon then voted that this budget be reconsider- ed, and that the item for privates, formerly approved as $22,298.47 be approved in the amount of $22,997.25. Mr.. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Emery retired at 9:27 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from David Wilson, 91 1:00 A.M. Blake Road, Lexington, registering a complaint because of Lighting the difficulty in walking on slippery roads after midnight. Complaint He suggested that some consideration be given, and that the streets be illuminated until after midnight. The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the letter, and advise Mr. Wilson that the Board of Selectmen is recommending to the Town Meeting an appropriation to establish 1:00 A.M. lighting, Mr. John A. Lyons and Mr. Henry Letoile of the Miss Board of Public Welfare appeared before the Board at Crosby 9:30 P.M. to b e Mr. Lyons said that he had talked with the Temp Appropriation Committee and advised them that the Board Sr. Clk. of Public Welfare had decided to make Miss Crosby a Temporary Senior Clerk. He said that the Appropriation Committee had agreed to go along with this decision. Mr. Lyons and Mr. Letoile retired at 9:32 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from the Hull Board Of WOOF Selectmen stating that in the event WCOP purchases property and erects a radio transmitter in Lexington, they believe both the Town and the station will mutually benefit. 94 Go 0-11WBZ has a transmitter located in Hull which in no way detracts but it is considered by the Selectmen an added attraction to the Town in both a scenic and business view- point. The Board gave further consideration to William F. Reid's offer of $350.00 for- Lots 11 and 12, Block 20, Reid Dexter Road, Lexington. A proposal to sell these lots was Tax Title advertised in the February- 15, 1945 issue of the Lexington Sale Minute-Han. No persons contacted the Selectmen's Office as a result of the advertisement. Mr. Sheldon moved that the offer be accepted, and that Lots 11 and 12, Block 20, Dexter Road, Lexington, be sold and conveyed to Mr. Reid. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. John J. Garrity, Supt . of Parka & Playgrounds; stating that he had received a number of inquiries in regard to the Town appointing a Victory Committee to foster a program for community gardens. Mr. Garden Garrity stated that if the Board intended to by point Committee such a Committee, he recommended that action be taken as soon as possible. He further recommended that the sum of $200.00 be set aside for this Committee. Mr. Sheldon moved that the following members be appointed to serve on the Victory Garden Committees John 3. Garrity, Frederick J. Spencer and John Lamont. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Sheldon further moved that a sum, not to exceed $200.00, be provided for work in connection with Victory Gardens; this amount to be taken from the Unclassified - War Activities Account. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from Mrs. Gerald B. Litchfield, USO of Commissioner of the Lexington Council of Girl Soouts, Hall requesting the use of Cary Memorial Hall on the evening of May 18, 1945, from 7100 P.M. to 9:30 P.M. for a Girl Scout Rally. Mr. Rowse 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 James J,.Carroll on behalf of the Lexington Athletic Booster Club for the use of Cary Memorial Hall on the evening of April 17, 1945, from 6:00 P.M. to 10:30 P.M. for a banquet. Mr. Sheldon moved that the use of the hall be granted:, free of charge. . Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 1 95 Application was received from the Middlesex County Sanatorium for the readmission of Lillian Wendell Appl. to Faulkner, Age 23, of 66 Winter Street, Lexington, to the San. Sanatorium. Mr . Rowse moved that the application be approved. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr, Rowse moved that the deed, prepared by Mr. Wrightington, conveying Lot 32, Summit Avenu;;gg, Lexington, to Helen H. and Harold T. Cowan be signed. 'fir. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Budgets were then acted upon as follows* Account Requested Approved Board of Retirement - Chapter 419-Acts of 1943 789.86 789.86 Contributory Retirement System- Pension Accumulation Fund. 14, 319,00 14,319.00 Contributory Retirement System - Interest Deficiency on Funds, 693.31 693.31 Bonus 13,053.39 13,053.39 Assessors ' Department - Expenses 585.00 535.00 (The Board voted to reconsider the item for auto allowance, formerly approved in the amount of $200.00. The item was then reduced to $150.00, making the total budget $535.00.) Health Department - Expenses 6,329.50 6,000.00 (This budget was approved on December 9th, in the amount of $6,329.50. The Board voted to rescind the previous vote, and reconsider this budget. It was then voted to reduce the entire budget, and the sum of $6,000.00 was approved. ) The Chairman gave a brief report on the meeting he had attended pertaining to mosquito control. Chairman Locke slid that according to the survey made by Mr. Wales, State Entomologist, Lexington has the largest breeding area of the six Towns and Cities interested in this project. The survey included the followings Towns of B elmont, Arlington, Watertown and Lexington, and Cities of Cambridge and Waltham. An Estimated budget had also 96 CO Cm"' been prepared, assuming that the work might be done by the six Towns and Cities. The amount allocated for Lexington was $3,000.00.and the Chairman felt that this was exorbitant. The Town of Arlington has closed the Warrant, and no money has been appropriated for such a project. There will be another meeting in two weeks, at which time the group will decide whether or not they want to organize. The Chairman said there was an Article in the Warrant, and that the Appropriation Committee would undoubtedly want to make some recommen- dation. Mr. Rowse moved that the Board of Selectmen recommend advisable action on mosquito control. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. However, if all Towns are not ready to enter into this project, it might be necessary to ask for indefinite postponement of the Article. The Chairman read House Bill #986, an Act relative to the appointment in Towns of Directors of Veterans ' Services to disburse Soldiers ' Relief and Aar Allowances. Mr. Rowse moved that Mr. Ferguson be requested to oppose this bill inasmuch as it might ultimately develop into a very unsatisfactory condition. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman said that he would discuss with the Appropriation Committee the subject of mosquito control and also Miss Crosby!e salary increase of $2.00. A true record, Attests Lr �� / 1