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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1945-03-19 122 tv 021 SELECTMEN'S MEETING March 19, 1945 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, March 19, 1945, at 7 :30 P.M. The members were notified of this meeting by a notice mailed on March 16., 1945. Chairman Locke , Messrs. Potter, Rowse, Sarano, and Sheldon were present. The Clerk was also present . At 7 :30 P.M. Mr. Lee E. Tarbox, Chairman of Committee the Committee on Postwar Projects, appeared before On the Board. Mr Tarbox submitted the report of his Postwar committee and commented briefly on the various phases of the report. Mr. Sheldon moved that the committee be discharged with an expression of sincere apprec- iation for the time and effort obviously spent in the prepration of the report. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Tarbox informed the Board that the Rotary Lexington Rotary Club is sponsoring a "Lexington Contest Looks Ahead" contest. He stated that the Rotary Club is sponsoring this because they felt that such a program might uncover some ideas which would be of value to the Town. The money for the prizes will be raised by contributions from the merchants. He stated that the Rotary Club would like to obtain the endorsement of the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Rowse moved that the Board of Selectmen endorse the "Lexington Looks Ahead" contest to be sponsored by the Lexington Rotary Club. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Tarbox retired at 8:01 P.M. Messrs . George Emery, Donald Nickerson, Gordon Fire Richards and Aiden Ripley appeared before the Stations Board. Mr. Emery said that he had asked an appoint- ment with the Board for the purpose of discussing certain details relative to the presentation Of the motions pertaining to the Central and East Lexington Fire Stations. He stated that in the meantime figures had been obtained relative to the station in East Lexington. 123 ' Mr. Nickerson said that he had a compre- hensive ten pare estimate of the cost for the Massachusetts Avenue Fire Station. He stated that as of 1941 this building will cost $43,000.00, to which must be added 2% for additional architect' s fees and supervision; to which must be added 20% according to this particular estimator' s judgment as what needs to be added to the cost, making a total of $52,682.00. Mr. Nickerson stated that this estimate does not include grading, furniture, or fixtures. He said that he has a set of plans and specifications that would give the Town an excellent Fire Station. Everything in it is, to the best of their knowledge, of high quality and material. He said that if the Board will make sure that the contractor furnishes what is specified, the Town will have a good building. Mr. Emery said that he assumed the Board of Selectmen would explain the financing and present the motions at the Town Meeting. The Chairman said that the Committee would submit the report and answer any questions and ' Mr. Emery said that Tuesday night whoever runs the Precinct Meeting would take up the Fire Stations, at which time Mr. Nickerson would present his report and answer any questions, but the financing he assumed would be handled by the Board of Selectmen. The Board considered the financing of the East Lexington Fire Station and came to the conclusion that $10,000.00 would be transferred from the Excess and Deficiency Account and $45, 000 00 be bonded for a period of nine years at $5,000.00 per year. The Chairman informed Mr. Emery that as a matter of timing Article 4 must be taken up and finished because the meeting is so late that salaries must be voted and approved to have pay- rolls put through the following week. He said that if the meeting goes slowly, it might be necessary to have an Adjourned Town Meeting, at which time the fire stations would be taken up. Mr. Emery asked if the Board intended to take the Articles in their chronological order, and the Chairman replied that they would not necessarily be taken up in that order. The group retired at 8 35 P.M. 124 a Mr. Paxton appeared before the Board. He informed the Board that fire insurance policy in the amount of $35,000.00 would expire on April 15, 1945, through the office of Edward W. Taylor. He also stated that fire insurance Insurance policy in the amount of $20,000.00 would expire on April 15, 1945, through the office of Eliza- beth E. Holton, and another policy in the amount of $15,600.00 would expire on the same date. This policy was originally placed with Edwin B. Worthen. Mr. Sheldon felt that in placing insurance it seemed to him that the Agents should be classified in three different categories, viz : the men in Lexington, the Agents in Boston who live in Lexington and the Agents who make a livelihood from some otherource and sell ins- urance on the side . Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Sheldon, it was voted to renew the fire insurance policy in the amount of $35,000.00, expiring on April 15, 1945, through the office of Edward W. Taylor; this policy to be renewed through the office of Norman A. Downs. Upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was voted to renew fire insurance policy in the amount of $20, 000. 00, expiring on April 15, 1945, through the office of Eliza- beth E. Holton. This policy to be renewed through the office of William Lyon and to be added to a policy, now held by him, expiring in 1947. Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Sheldon, it was voted to renew fire insurance policy in the amount of $15,600.00 expiring through the office of Edwin B. Worthen; this policy is to be renewed through the office of Robert C Merriam, and to be included with three other policies expiring through this office, making a total of $55,600 .00 . Mr. Paxton stated that he had checked with four companies during the past week relative to the possibility of hiring a truck for snow plow- Snow ina next winter. Acme Sand & Gravel Company Removal advised that at this early date no promises can be made for hiring trucks for snow removal work in 1948. They suggested that Mr. Paxton contact them next fall. C . E. Hall & Sons wrote advising that due to the shortage of plows and men, they have not been able to do snow work for Towns . For a number of years they have supplied trucks for the Boston & Maine , Town of Medford, Brook- line et al . 125 Mr. Paxton informed the Board that the Town Mechanic was going to leave the employ of the Town and return to work for the Middlesex and Boston Town Street Railway. Mechanic After a lengthy discussion on the matter, it was finally decided to have the Chairman consider this subject further with Mr. Paxton and also to contact the Town Mechanic . Mr. Paxton retired at 8 :40 P.M. Public Official Bond #F-60708 in the amount of $1,000.00 was received on behalf of James J. Carroll as Town Clerk. Surety bond #F-72409 in the amount of $47,200.00, Town issued on behalf of James J. Carroll as Town Treasurer, Clerk was also received. and Both of these bonds were approved by Henry Treasurer's F. Long, Commissioner of Corporations and Taxation. Bonds Mr. Potter moved that both bonds be approved. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from the Lexington- Bedford District-Sachem Council Inc. , bov Scouts of America, for permission to use Estabrook Hall on the evening of April 9, 1945, from 7 :00 P.M. 11 to 9 :30 P.M. for a Scout Public Court of Honor. Mr. Sarano moved that the use of the hall be Use of granted, free of charge . Mr. Sheldon seconded the Halls motion, and it was so voted. Apclication was received from the Lexington- Bedford District Sachem Council Inc. , Boy Scouts of America, a Cub Pack 76, for permission to use Cary Hall on the evening of April 6, 1945 for a "Cubbing Round-Up" . Mr. Sheldon moved that the use of the hall be granted, free of charge. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. At 9:45 P.M. Mr. John A. Lyons, Chairman of the Board of Public Welfare , appeared before the Board. Mr. Lyons stated that inasmuch as the Board of Selectmen were not accepting* the new compensation plan and Miss Crosby has reached her maximum, the Welfare Board of Public Welfare felt that she is still Salaries entitled to a $2.00 increase. Mr. Lyons said that a $2.00 increase would put Miss Crosby in another classification and the State can allow her to receive over the maximum rate if application is made. He also said that if the Town makes permanent the so-called bonus, she will then be in a new classification. The Board of Public Welfare is 126 r recommending $22.00 per week, plus $2.00 raise. On the present arrangement, she can not receive an increase without going into a new classification unless the Welfare Department makes application to the State. Mr. Rowse suggested that the salaries of the Welfare Department be approved as follows : Mrs . Casey - $38.00 per week, plus 15% bonus; Miss Mitchell - 025.00 per week, plus 15% bonus and Miss Crosby - y$22.00 per week, plus 15%. Mr. Lyons retired at 9 :50 P.M. Upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Rowse , it was voted to rescind the vote of Feb- Rescind ruary 26, 1945, which approved a 02.00 per week Previous increase for Miss Crosby of the Welfare Depart- Welfare ment . Salary It was also voted to rescind the vote of Votes January 29, 1945, which approved a $2.00 per week increase for Miss Mitchell of the Welfare Depart- ment . Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Sign Sarano, it was voted to sign the following Special Commissions Police Commissions : Alan G. Adams Adams Press Ralph H. Marshall Supt. Cemetery Dept. Arthur Linfield Senior High School John W. Alexander Metropolitan State San. William S. Davis John J. Garrity Park Department Thomas F. Ryan Janitor, High School Jacob Haid Minute Man Golf Club Charles M. Blake Call Fireman Leonard Jellis N. E. Tel. & Tel. Co. Roy A. Cook Deputy Chief, Fire Dept. Charles E. Moloy Janitor, Town Offices John L. Murray 127 II Roland E. Garmon Janitor, Stone Building Charles Brenton Park Department Ralph I. Dale 6 Oakland Street C. Edward Glynn Chairman, Board of Appeals A. Edward Rowse Selectmen William G. Potter Selectmen Errol H. Locke Chairman, Selectmen George W. Sarano Selectmen George C . Sheldon Selectmen William Fitzgerald Esso Service Station Clarence MacPhee Franklin School Michael E. McDonnell Janitor, Cary Library Charles A. Tracy Supt. Post Office IIWilliam C. Paxton Supt . Public Works Arthur N. Lee Janitor, Parker School Francis J. Smith Keeper, Hobbs Brook Reservoir George A. Knight Metropolitan State Frank J. Peters It If George E. Pray Janitor, Hunt Building Joseph b. Wellington Caretaker, Hayden Est. Benjamin L. Higgins Janitor, Hancock Church William A. Cann Building Inspector E. A. Lindstrom Plumbing Inspector James Stuart Smith 4 Percy Road Lovell Ernst Manager, Lexington Theatre II Frank George Doorman, Lexington Theatre 128 GO Francis J. Smith Keeper of Hobbs Brook Reservoir I Upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Public Rowse, it was voted to appoint Evelyn F. Blake Weigher a Public Weigher in the Town of Lexington for a period ending March 31, 1946. Miss Blake is an employee of the Lexington Coal Company. Upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Licenses Potter, it was voted to grant the following licenses William Viano 1794 Mass. Ave. Sunday Movies John S. Burns 93 " Overhanging Sign Foster & Lamont 1736 " 't Harry Gee 1734 " n " Liggett Drug Company 1721 " William A. Lyon 1779 " rr n Edgar J. Thivierge 1752 " It William Viano 1794 " The Chairman read a letter from the Stanley Carnival Hill Post #38 Inc. , American Legion, requesting Permit permission to conduct a carnival on the Viano property on Massachusetts Avenue , East Lexington, during the week of August 6 - 11, inclusive. Mr. Rowse moved that permission be granted, providing the owner of the property gives his approval and the location is left in a neat and orderly condition after the carnival. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. It was decided to hold the meeting of the Board of Selectmen next week at 7:00 P.M. The Chairman said that it seemed to him that when Article 4 is taken up at Town Meeting a vote should be offered for a sense of the meeting vote on the bonus . Town Mr. Rowse stated that before Article 4 is Meeting considered, a sense of the meeting must be obtained. The Chairman thought Articles 4 and 5 should be taken up together. Mr. Rowse said that he thought the Chairman should take up Articles 4 and 5 together and then he would ask a sense of the meeting and have a vote ready. He said that he had not the vote ready at the present time, but expected to be prepared at the Precinct Meeting, Tuesday night.. A true record, Attest :