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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1945-03-05SELECTMEN'S MEETING March 5, 1945 A regular meeting of the Board in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office evening, March 5, 1945 at 7:30 P.M. notified of this meeting by a notice 1945. Chairman Locke, Messrs. Rowse present. The Clerk was also present of Selectmen was held Building, on Monday The members were mailed on March 2, and Sarano were At 7:30 P.M. Chairman Hoyt, Messrs. J. Milton Braun, Bond, Bryant, Hynes and Winlock of the Appropriation Committee and Town Accountant, Raymond L. White, appeared before the Board. The meeting was called to order by Mr. Hoyt, Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, who stated that the By -Laws of the Town specify that the Appropriation Committee shall invite the Selectmen, Chairman of the School Committee, Chairman of the Cemetery Commissioners and Chairman of the Board of Assessors to meet with them to consider the items which make up the annual budget, and any other municipal matters. Mr. Steeves, Chairman of the Board of Assessors, was unable to be present because of illness. Mr. Hoyt said that there was one question that Tracy Ames, Chairman of the School Committee, had asked, and that was in regard to Article 5, the alternate Article pertaining to the bonus. The Chairman said that if the Town Meeting votes for the bonus, Mr. Ames should be prepared. Mr. Hoyt asked whether or not Article 5 was to be presented before Article 4, and the Chairman replied that the subject had not been discussed, but that it would have to be decided before Town Meeting. Mr. Rowse said that it would first be necessary to obtain a sense of the meeting. Mr. Ames appeared at 8:07 P.M. Mr. Hoyt advised him that he had just asked the Selectmen about Article 5 which is going to be presented, and upon which there will be discussion. Mr. Ames would, therefore, have to govern himself accordingly. Mr. Hoyt said that in the matter pertaining to the kindergartens, the Appropriation Committee had not seen fit, under present conditions, to approve such an Article. Mr. Ames said that the School Committee did not agree with the Appropriation Committee. Mr. Hoyt said that there is an item of $8,000.00 for sprinklers in Munroe School, and it would appear that the school department would be participating heavily on the amount of money appropriated, and the Appropriation Committee felt that the item of kindergartens should be held over for another year. 105 Meeting Approp. Comm.etc, Accordin3 By -Laws 106 Mr. Ames replied that the School Committee has different ideas on the subject, -and are going ahead with it just the same. Mr. Hoyt asked what amount of money would be involved, and Mr. Ames replied $4,700.00 or $4,800.00 for the first year. Mr. Bond stated that if this figure were used, the Townspeople would not be acquainted with the actual cost, inasmuch as this figure represents only a part of the school year. Mr. Ames said that the. School Committee intended to present the entire picture. The Chairman asked how many classrooms would be used, and Mr. Acnes replied four. Mr. Rowse asked how many rooms were available for kindergartens and Mr. Ames replied that there were four rooms which could be used. Mr. Rowse asked if these classrooms were used whether or not there would be any available classrooms left, and Mr. Ames replied in the negative. Mr. Rowse thought'that if the available rooms were used for kindergartens, the School Committee would have to propose a building program which should be pre- pared now. Mr. Rowse asked if the Committee had determined the possibility of obtaining teachers, and Mr. Ames replied that the Superintendent of Schools believes that he can get the necessary teachers. Mr. Hoyt said that he had told the Selectmen that the maximum accumulative total over a period of five ears would be approximately $5,000.00; starting at 150.00 the first year, $450.00 the second year and 800.00. or 4 oo. oo the third year. He asked if the schedule were more or less along those lines. Mr. Ames said that if the teachers remain and go to their maximum, the $5,000.00 figure will be correct over a period of five years. Mr. Rowse asked what the Appropriation Committee had planned to do relative to transferring money from the Sale of Lots Fund. Sale of Mr. Hoyt replied that $2,000.00 would be transferred. Lots Fund He said that the Appropriation Committee intended to meet with the Cemetery Commissioners and establish some policy before the next Annual Town Meeting relative to transferring money from the Sale of Lots Fund. Transf. Mr. bond asked why more money could not be trans - from E & D ferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account for the Fire Stat. building of the proposed fire stations. After giving the matter some consideration, upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr.,Sarano, it was voted to rescind the previous vote of February 26, 1945, bonding $10,000.00 per year for a period of ten years and transferring $10,000.00 from the Excess and Deficiency Account to cover approximate estimates for the Central Fire Station. • 1 107 Mr. Rowse then moved that the sum of $10,000.00 per year be bonded for a period of eight years, and the sum of $30,000.00 be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account. Mr. Saran() seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The appropriation Committee and Mr. Ames retired at 8:25 P.M. Mr. Paxton appeared before the Board. He stated that on Tuesday he received a telephone call from Mr. Ford of the Barbour Green Company relative to the purchase of a snow loader. Mr. Paxton said that he had a letter from Mr. Ford giving him a price of $5,280.00 for a snow loader delivered to Lexington; 2% discount, ten days, after the deduction of freight. It will, however, be necessary to have a #1319 W.P.B. form made out. Mr. Paxton said that he talked to Mr. Fprd last Friday to find out whether or not an order placed now would be binding. Mr. Ford stated that if the money were not available, or not voted by Town Meet- ing, he would cancel the order. Mr. Paxton said if the order were placed now, delivery would be made in Oct- Purchase ober, November, or December of 1945. of The Chairman asked if this were one of the first Equipment pieces of equipment he would consider buying, and he replied that in his opinion, the first item to purchase would be a crawler tractor, but there is a question as to whether or not there are any available. Mr. Paxton said that he would consider the tractor aA Number #1; a heavy truck as Number #2 and a snow loader as Number #3 for snow removing equipment. He Snow stated that he had checked the cost of the storm in Loader 1935, and if the Town had owned a snow loader at that time, there would have been a saving of $2,000.00. Mr. Paxton said that by placing the order without too much delay, the Town could be assured of being one of the first to receive the unit. The Chairman said that inasmuch as there is no emergency, and no money available until after Town Meet- ing, no action could be taken at this time. The Chairman read a letter from Robert C. Merriam relative to fire insurance policy #252404 in the amount Ins. of $15,600.00, which expires on April 15, 1945. Mr. Merriam would like instructions to renew the policy. It was decided to consider this policy when the subject of insurance is discussed on March 19, 1945. The Chairman read a letter from Norman A. Downs requesting consideration when fire insurance policy Ins. #439092, formerly placed through the office of Neil McIntosh and expiring on April. 14, 1945, is renewed. This policy had already been renewed through the office of W.S. Couette. The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the letter. 108 East Lex. Fire Station Mr. Paxton retired at 8:55 P.M. and Mr. Donald E. Nickerson and Gordon Richards of the Architects' Com- mittee appeared before the Board, to discuss the East Lexington Fire Station. Mr. Nickerson stated that the new station is proposed to be located twenty feet back from the street; the present building being about forty feet back. He presented plans and explained that they were not as final as those presented last week; the time the new Central Station was discussed. Mr. Nickerson said that he had nothing definite to offer the Board as far as dollars or cents were concerned. He stated that he fully expected to, but the plans and specifications were not completed enough for a man to give an intelligent estimate of cost. He said that an estimate had been made by Howard Custance and given to the architect, but it was based on only three hours of getting acquainted with the plans. No data was given Mr. Custance by the Engineer of the electric, heating or plumbing items. Mr. Nickerson said that a survey was made as good as could be, under the conditions, and an estimate given, but it is not comrrebensive enough. He stated that it was made using today's figures and prices and then making a cutback of 20%. Mr. Nickerson stated that the figure of $47,000.00, cutback at 20% is the amount, but this really does not mean very much. He stated that he had +rade arrangements with an individual to prepare an€estimate just as soon as the necessary d ata is submitted. He did not anticipate receiving this information until possibly the nineteenth of March. Mr. Rowse asked if it would be available before Town Meeting, and Mr. Nickerson replied in the affirmative. Mr. Nickerson explained the reason for the delay and retired at 9:30 P.M. with Mr. Richards. Mrs. Casey appeared before the Board,. Yrs. Casey said that she would like signatures on the application of Evelyn E. Wildes for Military Aid. The Chairman asked whether or not the State Wildes investigated this case, and Mrs. Casey replied that the Milit. State investigates all cases of war allowance. She Aid informed the Board that even if this application were not approved by the Board of Selectmen, the State had requested that she send it in and Mr. O'Day, Deputy Commissioner, would then write the Board of Selectmen and the Town Accountant. Mr. Rowse asked whether or not an individual's earnings had any bearing on an application. 109 Mrs. Casey said that regardless of how much a per- son earned, if he had spent all his money and is in need, he would qualify for aid. Mrs. Casey said that the State will pay for this`aid in this particular case, and it will not cost the Town of Lexingrev hang. Mr. O'Day felt the ease warranted aid and hew l Ing to pay the money, but it is necessary to have the signatures of the Select- men. Mrs. Casey said that she had talked with Miss Richardson Erre of the Civil Service Division who is Crosby opposed to the idea of making Miss Crosby a temporary Senior Senior Clerk, and If she is made such, the increase will Clerk be $1.00 per week instead of $2.00 per week. Mrs. Casey retired at 9:47 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from Melville W. Webb, stating that inasmuch as the Committee on Public Safety Sirens has been disbanded, he did not feel that he had auth- ority to sign the bills .pertaining to the Sirens. Mr. Sarano moved that the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company be instructed to discontinue further service and submit an up-to-date bill covering this account. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from George E. Graves, Chairman of the Lexington War Price and Rationing Board, Rationing informing the Board that the State Auditors had worked Board six days in the Office of the Rationing board and complimented the Lexington uoard on the exceptional careful office records. He stated that no Rationing Board aadited had any better record than that of Lex- ington. The Chairman read a letter from John A. Russell, Dog Officer, reporting that he had investigated a Dog Compl. compaint made by five residents of Oakland, Moreland Suhna and Rockland Avenues against a dog owned by Mrs. Anna Suhna. Officer Russell said that he had talked with the complaintants who stated that the dog was allowed to run at large and although not vicious was a nuisance. He said that he had talked with Mrs. Suhna who agreed to keep the dog tied in her back yard. If this were done, Officer Russell did not think that it would be necessary to issue a restraining order at this time. It was decided to obtain a written statement from Mrs. Suhna that she will keep the dog tied. A letter was received from Keble B. Perine relative to the mosquito control project. The Chairman said that he would contact Edward Wright of the State Board and Chairman of this project for more data. Mosquito Control 110 A letter was received from Rev. William J. Church Desmond requesting permission to conduct a Carnival Carnival on the Viano property on Massachusetts Avenue near Bow Street the week of June 10, 1945. yr. Rowse moved that the permit be granted; providing approval is obtained from the owner of the property. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. • Application was received from the State Depart - Slaughtering ment of Public Health advising that according to Inspector G.L., Chapter 94, Section 128, one or more Inspectors of Slaughtering should be nominated during the month of March. Mr. Rowse moved that the name of George G. Whiting be submitted as nominee for Inspector of Slaughtering. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Aniral Inspector Application was received from the State Depart- ment of Agriculture advising that according to G;L., Chapter 129, Sections 15 and 16, one or more Inspectors of Animals should be nominated during the month of March. Mr. Howse moved that the name of Chester L. Blakely be submitted as nominee for Inspector Animals. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from Rev. Arthur L. Minstrel Durinigan for permission to conduct a Minstrel Show Show in Cary Hall on the evening of Monday, March 19, 1945 from 8:00 P.M. to 11:30 P.M. Mr. Rowse moved that the use of the hall be granted, subject to the usual charge. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Uses of Halls Application was received from the Lexington Civilian Police for permission to use Estabrook Hall on the evening of March 15, 1945, from 7:30 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. for a meeting. Mr. Rowse moved that the use of the hall be granted, free of charge. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from the Sophomore Class, Lexington High School for permission to conduct a dance in Cary Hall on the evening of April 13, 1945, from 8:00 P.M. to midnight. Mr. Rowse moved that the use of the hall be granted, subject to the usual charge. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from John Lamont on behalf 1 111 of the Lexington Grange for permission to use Cary Hall on Saturday, September 15, 1945, from 2:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. to conduct a Fair. Mr. Rowse moved that the use of the hall be granted, subject to the usual charge. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Letter was received from Town Counsel, S. R. Wrightington, relative to the use of Estabrook Hall Legal by the Lexington Club, Inc. for an organization meeting; Opinion this being a club of catholic men only. The Chairman said that he would contact Mr. Rudd who signed the application in an endeavor to explain the situation. A letter was received from the Lexington Select- men's Association suggesting that the Selectmen, as Port of a Board and individually, contact their local Senator Boston and Representative, urging them to vote for House Bill Bill #684 known as the Port of Boston Bill No action was taken on the matter. Upon motion of Mr. Sarano, seconded by Mr. Rowse, it was voted to sign the deed, prepared by Mr. Wrightington, conveying Lot 39, Spring Street to Gustave Fischer. It was further voted to sign the deed, prepared by Mr. Wrightington, conveying Lots 11 and 12, Block 20, Dexter Road to William F. and Mary J. Reid. A true record, Attest: Sign Deeds