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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1945-04-02SELECTMEN'S MEETING April 2, 1945 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, April 2, 1945 at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Locke, Messrs. Potter, Sarano, Rowse and Sheldon were present. The Clerk was also present. At 7:30 P.M. Mr. George W. Emery, Chief Engineer of the Board of Fire Engineers, appeared before the Board. Mr. Emery stated that the Fire Department has a 1923 Lincoln chassis formerly used as a brush fire wagon. He said that this piece of equipment was junked as fire apparatus about two years ago, and the Board of Fire Engineers would like to have the author- ity to dispose of it. Mr. Sheldon moved that the Board of Fire Engineers be authorized to obtain bids for the 1923 Lincoln Chassis formerly used by the Fire Department as a brush fire wagon. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. At 7:40 P.M. Mr. William C. Paxton, Superintendent of Public Works, appeared before the Board. Mr. Paxton called the Board's attention to the fact that the perambulation of the Town's bounds should be done this year, and in the past the Board has appointed Mr. Spencer and Mr. Cosgrove as substitutes for the Selectmen. Mr. Potter moved that Mr. Cosgrove be requested to act as a substitute for the Board of Selectmen, and that Mr. Frederick J. Spencer also be appointed a substitute, subject to the approval of the Board of Assessors. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton informed the Board that the men in the Public Works Department who are now receiving 70st or 855Z an hour will be receiving 8025Z, 86 3/4, and 97 3/4. Mr. Paxton presented .a list recommending an increase in the rates as follows: Name Present Rates Sugested Rates Brenton Cataldo Galvagno Mackenzie Nutt Paladins Ryan Silva .85 .75 .70 .75 .75 .70 .75 .75 1.00 .90 .82 .90 .90 .82 .90 .90 131 Sell 1923 Lincoln Chassis Fire Dept. Perambul- ation Town Bounds Wage Rates 132 Vote to Purchase Snow Loader Clothing Drive Name Present Rate Suggested Rate Vitale Weisinger Rourke OMNeil Hauck Shea Harrington O'Connor .75 .90 .75 .70 1.25 .85 .90 1.00 .90 1.05 .90 .82 1.25 1.00 1.05 1.15 He said that he would suggest increasing the three men now receiving 70V per hour to 82V per hour and the rest of the men be given a straight 15' increase. He said that neither of these three men can operate equipment. After considering the proposed schedule, upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Potter, it was voted to authorize Mr. Paxton to increase the wage rates of the men in his department as follows: The present rate of 70V now being paid to three men to be increased to 82V; the present rates of 75i and 85¢ to be increased 15V each; the present rate of 90V to be increased to $1.05; and the present rate of $1.00 to be increased to ;p1.15. Mr. Paxton informed the Board that he had received prices on a snow loader from three different companies. He stated that there are three units used in and around this area, namely the Barber -Greene, Haiss and the Nelson. Of. these three makes, Mr. Paxton prefers the Barber -Greene unit. The price quoted on the Nelson is $5,192.00 at Boston and a Crawler unit at 45,392.00. The price quoted on the Barber -Greene unit is 45, 280.00 and the Haiss 45.400.00. Mr. Paxton said that where he would have only one machine, he would prefer the Crawler type. He informed the Board that the price on the Haiss was quoted to him verbally, and he has no written bid. Mr. Paxton said that Nelson does make a smaller unit that sells for 43,470.00, but he would prefer a larger machine. Mr. Potter moved that Mr. Paxton be authorized to purchase a Barber -Greene snow loader at a price not to exceed 45,280.00. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman said that the Lexington clothing will be held on April 22, 1945. being supervised by Mr. Don MacCarter and Wheeler who would like permission to use of the basement of Cary Hall to sort and Mr. Paxton said that he could see no granting the use of the space. Mr. Rowse suggested that possibly th might be more suitable. collection of This drive is Mrs. Harold the back part pack the clothing. objection to e Barnes property on 1 The Clerk was instructed to notify Mrs. Wheeler that the Board had no objection to their using the Cary Building.or, if they preferred, the Barnes Property. The Chairman said that they would also like to use Town trucks. Mr. Paxton said that municipal equipment has not been used in mostof these salvage campaigns. He said that in talking with Mrs. Wheeler -she seemed to think that there would be between twenty-two and twenty-five depots in the Town from which they would bring the clothing to a central location for sorting. He said that if this arrangement were carried out, beachwagons would be an ideal solution to the transportation problem. The Board felt that every effort should be made to use private cars, and that only as a last resort should Town equipment be used. At 8:10 P.M. Mr. Joyce, Chairman of Selectmen in Bedford, Mr. Larken, Chairman of the Water Commissioners in Bedford, a Mr. Atwood, Mr. Puffer and Theodore A. Custance appeared before the Board. Mr. Joyce said that they were trying to control the water which was flooding part of Bedford, and at their last Town Meeting it was voted to appropriate $4,000.00 to purchase dam rights of Clark's dam. He said that it is believed that by eliminating this dam the flooding conditions would be remedied both°in Bedford and Lexing- ton. Mr. Clark is asking $8,000.00 for the dam rights. Mr. Joyce said that until the existing situation is corrected, there is nothing that can be done to drain the area, and the reason they are discussing this subject tonight is to find out what cooperation may be expected from the Town of Lexington. Mr. Custance said that if by cooperating with the Town of Bedford the water level could be lowered sufficient ly, then there is an opportunity for the Town of Lexington to do something for the Town of Bedford. He said he did not know how much the level would be lowered if the dam were removed, but he had been informed that it would be possibly nine feet. The Chairman stated that according to the elevations on the map submitted by Mr. Cosgrove, the Town Engineer, the water level in Lexington would not be lowered at all. Mr. Custance said that he was merely interested in this project as a citizen in the Town of Lexington. The Chairman asked if it wouldn't be necessary to lower the entire brook in order to obtain proper water drainage. Mr. Puffer replied that to a certain extent that was correct. Mr. Buffer said that if a complete drainage project were undertaken it would be necessary to test the natural water bed. 133 Clothing Drive Clark's Mill Dam Draining 134 Mr. Rowse asked what would be accomplished for the Town of Bedford if the level of the river bed were lowered. Mr. Puffer replied that it would accomplish a more rapid flow -a -way of the present water at the brook. He said that a drop of the presentlevel of about 32' or 4' would give the surrounding territory a chance to drain into the brook at a much lower level than it does now. Mr. Potter asked if the dam held water back the whole summer, and Mr. Puffer replied that it did With the exception of a few weeks. Mr. Sarano asked if the dam were being used at the present time, and Mr. Larken replied in the affirmative. Mr. Rowse asked how much interest there had been shown in Bedford relative to doing the complete job of. lowering the level, and Mr. Puffer replied that a great deal of interest had been shown. The Chairman asked if an engineering survey had been made. Mr. Joyce said that the County Commissioners bad been contacted a week ago, at which time he was not aware of the meeting this evening. He said that he would like to have the Selectmen of Lexington express their desire to cooperate to the extent that Bedford could. advise the County Engineer that Lexington was definitely interested in having a -survey made. He said that he did not know whether or not the County would be of any assistance. He stated that he had not had a qualified engineer sumbit any report as to *hat results would be obtained from the lowering of the dam. The Chairman stated that the drainage must start in Bedford, and Lexington would have to obtain some complement. to know whether or not any benefit to the Town of Lexington would he obtained.:.He saidthat'the Town of Lexington could not contribute to the cost unless it Were known whether or not it would be a benefit to the Town. Mr. Potter asked how much money would be necessary for a complete project. Mr.Puffer said that atone time he had been advised by an Engineer that the project would be approximately $25,000.00. Mr. Larken said that the Town Meeting in Bedford had appropriated $4,000.00 for this project and they would like Lexington to contribute $4,000.00. The Chairman informed them that the Annual Town Meeting had been held a week ago. Mr. Sarano asked if the proper procedure wouldn't be to find out whether or not this work could be taken over by the County. Chairman Joyce said that that was what he would like to see started. He asked if the Board of Selectmen of Lexington would go on record as being in favor of asking the County Commissioners for a survey. 1 1 Upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was voted that the Board of Selectmen be recorded in favor of supporting the Town of Bedford and asking the County to make a study of this particular problem. Chairman Joyce said that he would take this matter up with the County Engineers tomorrow, and advise them that it has been discussed with the Board of Selectmen of Lexing- ton who have indicated their desire to cooperate. The group retired at 8:45 P.M. A letter was received from W. H. Lyon acknowledging additional fire insurance recently placed through his office. Chairman read a letter from W. H. Lyon offering $100.00 for Lot 174, Middle Street, Lexington. Mr. Potter reported that he and Mr. Spencer had looked at this parcel of land which is a small corner lot. He said that the owner of the property on the other side is contemplating purchasing it to be annexed to his present lot. Mr. Potter said that inasmuch as it is only a 50' lot, he would not recommend building a house upon it. Mr. Potter moved that no action be taken on the offer. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from Arley A. Amber offering $150.00 for ]Lots 92 and 93, Brandon Street, Lexington. Mr. Potte'r said that he and Mr. Spencer had looked at these lots and would not recommend that they be built upon, Tax inasmuch as they are too small. Offer It was decided not to dispose of the lots at this time. 135 Ins. Tax Offer A letter was received from Frank Ambrocey offering $75.00 for Lots 33 and 34, Marvin Street, Lexington, Mr. Rowse moved that a proposal to sell the lots be advertised in the Lexington Minute -Man, and that further consideration be given the offer at the next meeting of the Board. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Board gave further consideration to Anna Valihura's offer of 435.00 each for Lots 88, 89, and 90, Valleyfield Street, Lexington. A proposal to sell these lots was advertised in the March 29, 1945 issue of the Lexington Minute -Man. No persona contacted the Selectmen's Office as a result of the advertisement. Mr. Sheldon moved that Lots 88, 89, 90, Valleyfield Street, Lexinaton, be sold and conveyed to Mrs. Anna Valihura. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Wrightington, Town Counsel, acknowledging his re -appointment for another year. Mr. Wrightington stated that on February 8, 1946 he will be seventy years of age, and will automatically retire under the terms of the Contributory Retirement Act. Town Counsel's Rs-'App't 136 Reapp't Town Counsel Nurse Placard Houses Dangerou s Disease Sp. Police App't Lamont Uses of Hall O'Connell Agreement Sign Release Mr. Rowse moved that the vote of March 12, 1945 appointing Mr. S. R. Wrightington as Town Counsel for one year be rescinded, and that he be reappointed for a term to expire February 8, 1946. Mr. Potter seconded, the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from Lyon Carter, President of the Lexington Visiting Nurse Association, relative to a nurse placarding houses wherein exists a contagious disease. The Clerk informed the Board that Mrs. Versteeg, Director of the Association, came in to the office today, and said that she was very much in favor of having one of the nurses assume this responsibility. She feels that the Association should work more closely with the Board of Health. She stated that she had telephoned Mr. Carter and he had authorized her to advise the Board of Select- men that he would have no objection to having one of the nurses placard houses for contagious diseases. Mr. Sheldon moved that such an a rrangment be approved. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by was voted to appoint John Lamont a Special in the Town of Lexington for a term ending gym. Sarano, it Police Officer March 31, 1946. Application was received from Mrs. Gerald B. Litchfield on behalf of the Lexington Council of Girl Scouts for permission to use Cary Memorial Hall on the afternoons of March 15, and 16, 1945 for Drum Corps rehearsals. Mr. Potter moved that the uses be granted, free of charge. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. An -agreement was received from Daniel J. O'Connell' for signatures of the Board of Selectmen releasing all rights of the Town of Lexington in an agreement given to said Daniel J. O'Connell, dated January 27, 1937 pertaining to his land on Massachusetts Avenue and Woburn Street. This agreement imposes voluntary restrictions on the use of the land by 1'r. O'Connell which is now zoned as a C-1 district. The Annual Town Meeting on March 26, 1945 voted to cancel the agreement. The Clerk informed the board that she had contacted Mr. Wrightington who approved of the form of release and recommended that it be signed by the btl&rd . Mr. Rowse moved that the,release be signed. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion,, and it was so voted. 1 1 137 Upon motion of Mr. Sarano, seconded by Mr. Sheldon, it was voted to grant the following licenses: Licenses Garret D. Foley 1698 Mass. Peter's Music Shop 1719 Mass. William Viano 1794 Mass. Avenue Avenue Avenue Overhanging Sign Overhanging Sign Sunday Movies The appointment of a new member of the Board of Appeals to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Maddison was held over for three weeks. The Board considered -the appointment.of..a separate Board of Health and felt th&t these appointments should and it was decided to be given a great deal of thought, take no action at this time. The Clerk informed the Board Custance had requested the use of on Tuesday evening, April 3, 1945 V -Day Committee. Mr. Sheldon moved that the use of the room be granted. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. that Mr. Theodore A. the Selectmen's Room for a meeting of the Held over 3 weeks Board of Health V -Day Committee Meeting Mr. Potter said that Mr. Raymond White, Town Account- ant, had advised him that two girls in his department and one girl in the Town Clerk's office were not employed by Clerk's the Town at the time the bonus was voted in 1944. However, Bonus Mr. White included sufficient money in the amount appropri- ated at the Annual Town Meeting for the payment of a bonus from January 1, 1945 through March 31, 1945 to include these three clerks. Mr. Sheldon moved that payment of the 15% bonus from the period of January 1, 1945 to March 31, 1945 inclusive be approved for the .following clerks: Janet Kidd in the Town Clerk's Office, Virginia Tarbell in the Town Account ant's Office and Muriel Wilson in the `sown Accountant's Office. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Rowse stated that he had been approached by an individual interested in a Youth Center who wanted to know whether or not the board would object to such a project, and if it would be in favor of leasing the Barnes Property for this purpose. The members of the board felt that they would approve an acceptable plan under proper supervision. A true record, Attest: Youth Center