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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1945-04-24149 SELECTMEN'S MEETING April 24,'1945, A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Tuesday evening,. April 24, 1945 at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Locke, Messrs. Rowse, Sarano and Sheldon were present. The Clerk was also present. The members were notified of this meeting by a notice mailed April 23, 1945* At 7:35 P.M. Mr. Paxton appeared before the Board. He said that he had received a letter from Mr. B. A. Simeone, Contractor, who purchased the land on Maple Street from the Ryders. Mr. Simeone has built a road on the first section, starting on Maple Street and a:oing back some 800 feet or 900 feet. He would like to make a dumping ground of this area. The first two or three hundred feet in from Maple Street are not very deep, and Mr. Simeone hopes to fill it in with ashes, etc. He would like to excavate the back end and fill that section in with rubbish and make it into a regular dumping area. Mr. Paxton said that he thought Mr. Simeone would make an attempt to keep a good dump, but he wasn't sure how satisfactory it would be to the town. Mr. Sheldon asked if this would be a public dump, and Mr. Paxton said that Mr. Simeone would offer it as a public E. Lex. dump to the people in East Lexington. Simeone Mr. Sarano asked if there were any time limit, and Mr. Dump Paxton said that Mr. Simeone had mentioned a period of five years. Mr. Sarano asked if this dump would improve the section, and Mr. Paxton replied that ultimately it might. The Chairman asked if Mr. Simeone intended to do any excavating, and Mr. Paxton said that he didn't; he has some good gravel in there. Mr. Paxton said that the dump would be visible five or six hundred feet from Maple Street, and the Board would Dump probably have to restrict it to some extent. Held Over It was decided to make no decision on the matter until the members of the Board had an opportunity to visit the location. Mr. Paxton informed the Board that he had received bids on a tractor, and there is a variation in the bids because of the fact that some extras are included on some units which are not included on Others. Two bids were received from two different concerns on an International tractor. He said that the low bid was received from the Clark Wilcox Company. The bids received were as follows: Bids on Tractor 150 Clark -Wilcox Company Perkins Eaton Tractors Sandberg - Diesel Tractor with Bulldozer. New Allis-Chalmers Model HD -7W diesel powered Tractor, 63" tread 60.1 drawbar h.p., delivered to the Town of Lexington $6,208.00. Terms 2% ten days, thirty days net from date of invoice. Machinery Company - Caterpillar, D6 Tractor, 55 h.p., $6,240.00. Terms 2% ten days, net thirty days. Incorporated - Internation TD14, diesel tractor, 53.5 h.p. $6,633.00 net. Equipment Company - International TD14, tractor, 53.5 h.p. $6,854.00 f.o.b. Cambridge. H. F. Davis Tractor Company - Cletrac Model DDH 61 h.p., $6,865.00. delivered in Lexington. Terms 1% tem:days,.net thirty days. Mr. Paxton explained, in detail, the difference in the various units and bids. Mr. Paxton stated that on the Perkins -Eaton Machinery Company bid of $6,240.00 there should be added the sum of $65.00 for a crank case guard and $16.00 for a front pull hook. Mr. Sheldon asked what the chances were of obtaining the equipment, and Mr. Paxton said that he would have to make out an application to the WPB and then probably wait thirty days for approval or disapproval. Vote to Mr. Paxton said that he personally would prefer the Purchase caterpillar unit, and he would like to submit the WPB form Tractor by May 1, 1945. Upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was voted toreuthorize Mr. Paxton to place an order for the purchase of a caterpillar tractor from the Perkins -Eaton Company at a cost of $6,321.00, which includes $65.00 for a crank case guard and $16.00 for a front pull hook. Ase t Supt. Public Works Mr. Paxton said that he was somewhat disturbed about coming into the postwar period and not bing in a position to take care of projects which might come along. He said that he believed the Town should coordinate the g*neering Department and the various inspectors. Mr. Paxton said that he had talked with Mr. Lindstrom who thinks something might be done to save the taxpayer individually some money. Mr. Paxton said that this year he would like to spend more time with the Engineering Department and with the inspectors, but in order to do so, he thought that Mr. Garrity should be given wider power and a greater scope to his work. Mr. Paxton said that Mr. Garrity was fundamentally interested 1 1M in recreation. He said that at the present time it would be a great help to him if Mr. Garrity were appointed Assistant Superintendent of Public Works. Mr Paxton said that he had talked this over with Mr. Garrity who is very non -committal and did not express an opinion one way or the other. Mr. Sarano asked if Mr. Garrity were better qualified to coordinate his activitiesihan any other individual, and Mr. Paxton replied that.he/the only one who has a separate crew outside. He further stated that Mr. Garrity was most cooperative. Mr. Sheldon asked if there would be any question con- cerning extra compensation, and Mr. Paxton replied in the negative. Mr. Rowse asked what Mr. Harrington's work would be, and Mr. Paxton said that after the war he would probably be a time -keeper or a stock clerk, otherwise he would have to go back as a rod man in the Engineering Department. Mr. Paxton retired at 8:35 P.M. The Chairman read a report from Dog Officer John A. Russell stating that he had investigated the complaint of Cole Mr. Cole, 78 Bertwell Road, Lexington, regarding a dog Dog owned by Mr. James Mullen. Officer Russell interviewed Complaint the neighbors and none of them felt that the Mullen dog was vicious. It seems that a racial situation has arisen concerning the Cole family, and Officer Russell reported Mullen that from the information he received he was of the opinion Dog that the Cole dog was at fault. At 8:40 P.M. Mr. and Mrs. James Mullen appeared before the Board. Mr. Mullen apologized for the fact that this situation had arisen, and said that he would like to know whether or not the report received from the Dog Officer had cleared him, or what was going to happen in the future. The Chairman said that a complaint had been received from Mrs. Cole and also a report had been submitted by the Dog Officer. Mr. Mullen said that the trouble has reached such a point now that it is no longer a dog situation. The Chairman said that the Board of Selectmen could act on the dog complaint only. Mr. Mullen said that he would like to know if his dog were going to be ordered restrained or if the Cole's dog were going to be restrained. Mr. Rowse said there was no evidence of any serious dog trouble. Mr. Sheldon said that neither dog woulr9 be restrained until a hearing had been held and both parties presented their Case. 152 The Chairman said that the report received from the Dog Officer does not indicate that the Mullen dog is vicious, and that the Board of Selectmen rely upon the Dog Officer's report. Mr. Mullen wanted to know whether or not they would be reprimanded on the data presented, and the Chairman replied in the negative. Mr. and Mrs. Mullen retired at 8:45 P.M., and Mr. Paxton appeared before the Board. The Chairman asked if Mr. Garrity were appointed Assistant Assistant Superintendent of Public Works would he have Super't. definite duties. Mr..Padmn said that he had talked with Mr. Garrity, and he would like to become more generally familiar with the policies and activities of the Public Works Department. He said that one of the major advantages of hating Mr. Garrity appointed to this position is the fact that he will have a position of authority. Upon motion of Mr. Sarano, seconded by Mr. Rowse, it was voted to appoint Mr. John J. Garrity as Assistant Superintendent of Public Works in the. Town of Lexington for a period ending March 3]., 1946. Mr. Paxton presented a general insurance program drawn Insurance up as a result of the meeting which he held with Mr. Rowse and Mr. Sheldon. Mr. Sheldon said that they did not intend to make these regulations so arbitrary that a little judgment could not be used. Upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was voted that the following rules and regulations for participation in municipal insurance be approved and recognized as the established policy of the Board of Select- men: RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR PARTICIPATION IN MUNICIPAL INSURANCE General Regulations: 1. Participant shall least five years. 2. Participant shall 3. Participant shall five years. _4. Participant shall municipality. Classification of Agents: be a citizen of Lexington for at be a property owner in Lexington. be a licensed broker for at least not be an employee of the 1. Brokers with offices in Boston who devote their entire time to the insurance business and have'. comeplete engineering facilities available to them. 1 2, Insurance brokers maintaining a regular office in the business district of Lexington in which the insurance. business may be transacted at any time during the generally accepted business hours. The sale and management of real estate only may be combined with the insurance business in order to qualify in this category. 3. All others receiving part of their livelihood from the sale of fire or casualty insurance. Recommended percentage of fire schedule to the 3 groups: Group 1 - 55% $920,600 Group 2 - 35% 585,800 Group 3 - 10% 167,355 Total 100% *1,673i755 Existing allocations of insurance by groups: Group 1. Name Amount Tracy W. Ames Hubert D. Broderic Norman A. Downs Samuel L. Fardy Elmer A. Lord Albert Carson Robert Whitney Group 2. $73,700.00 70,000.00 85,584.00 29,400.00 370,995.00 80, 000.00 125,400.00 Total 835,079.00 50% of total insurance Name Amount Winfield Couette John Lamont William H. Lyon A. A. Marshall & Son Robert C. Merriam Total Group 3 $41,000.00 27,300.00 36,000.00 77,835.00 263,500.00 445,635.00 26.7%of total insurance Name Amount William H. Ballard Leslie A. Bull Helen K. Fitzgerald George G. Gosbee " Paul R. Hederstedt Mrs. W. V. T. Hinckley 06,425.00 5,000.00 46,000.00 10,000.00 30,000.00 5,000.00 153 154 E. Elizabeth Holton 18,000.00 M. J. Ladd 15,000.00 Jasper A. Lane 10,000.00 Neil McIntosh 5,000.00 G. W. Taylor & Son 159,316.00 Helen C. Whittemore 3,300.00 Total 393,041,00 23.3% of total insurance Mr. Sheldon moved that the following recommendation on the remaining policies expiring in 1945 be approved: Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Recommendation on remaining policies expiring in 1945. The following are policies expiring through the office of George W. Taylor - awarded to Samuel Fardy. Date of expiration Amount May 19, 1945 May 20, 1945 August 20, 1945 $13,616.00 10,300.00 10,000.00 Total ;33,916.00 Policies expiring June 1, 1945 to be renewed through the office of George G. Gosbee in the amount of 610,000.00. Policies expiring August 1, 1945 in the amount of $18,035.00 to be renewed through the office of A. A. Marshall & Son. Mr. Paxton said that he had received a letter a month Insurance or two ago from the Elmer A. Lord & Company quoting a price Appraisal of 6600.00 for an insurance appraisal. He stated that at time the matter was discussed with the Appropriation Committee, and it was voted to postpone any action until after Town Meeting. Mr. Sheldon stated that he believed the Board should take steps to provide adequate insurance because of the increased building costs. Mr. Sheldon moved that the Appropriation Committee be requested to transfer the sum of 6600.00 from the Reserve Fund to cover the cost of the appraisal of the Town Property. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from the State Department of Public Works advising that the, Commissioners have allotted under the provisions of Section 34, Chapter 90, General Laws, the sum of $900.00 for the Maintenance of Chapter 90 roads, in Lexington, on the condition that $900.00 be contributed by the Town and 6900.00 by the County. Chapter 90 Roads Allotment 1 1 155 The Chairman read a letter from Edwin B. Worthen, Jr. of the Planning Board referring to the amount of dumping being carried on adjacent to both sides of the railroad Dumping right-of-way from Arlington Heights to the Center Depot. The Planning Board would like to know if the Board of Selectmen could accomplish anything toward cleaning up and and preventing this nuisance. Mr. Paxton said that aigns had been posted, particularly in the vicinity of the East Lexington Station, but unless the Town is willing to prosecute offenders, he did not think there was much that could be done about.it. The Chairman said that until manpower, is available there is nothing the Board can do about cleaning up these various locations, and that, undoubtedly, when the Board of Health is functioning some suggestions may be submitted which will remedy this nuisance. Mr. Paxton retired at 9:15 p.m. The Chairman read a letter from John J. McDonnell, Agent of the Employers' Liability Assurance Corporation, Limited, relative to an insurance policy which was written for a three year period from April 1, 1944, providing coverage to Ins. the Town and store owners in connection with signs at various on locations in the Town. Mr. McDonnell said that the situation Signs now arises that as of April 1, 1945 a further premium is due from each of the individuals, who will probably object to paying a premium inasmuch as all signs are to be taken down from the buildings on January 1, 1946. Mr. McDonnell said that he would like the Board's reaction as to the possibility of waiving the insurance requirements. The Board did not feel khat the Town should waive its protection, and instructed the Clerk to find out from Mr. McDonnell the amount of the further premium due the company from each individual. A list of the Veterans of World War I was received from the Town Accountant giving the name, position, date of birth, age, date of employment and years of employment. This data List of was submitted for the Board's information before determin- Veterans ing whether or not Chapter 32 of the General Laws should be accepted; this is the State Retirement System. Mr. Sheldon made a list of questions to be given to the Town Accountant for further information on the subiject before any definite action is taken. The Chairman said that Mr. Rowse called him the other day and asked him if he would postpone the actual notification of the appointments to the Board of Assessors. He said that Board of he had talked to Mr. Spencer, and also read the report sub- Assessors matted by the Committee to study the setup of the various Town departments. Mr. Spencer told the Chairman that he was not at all interested in being a member of the Board of 156 Assessors, and he was very much in favor of ha:V7ng the present Board of Assessor eappointed. - Mr. Rowse said that/e8mmittee that made the study recommended that an Assessor be. on duty at all times so that a citizen could talk to an Assessor instead of a clerk. The Chairman said that Mr. Spencer feels that it is very definitely an advantage in not being a member of the Board. As clerk he can listen to the citizens and report to the Board. The Chairman said that personally he felt that the present system is satisfactory. Mr. Rowse said that he would be willing to leave it up to the Chairman to decide the matter. The Chairman said that personally he would reappoint the present Board. • Mr. Rowse said that he was merely recommending what he considered to be to the best interest of the Town. Mr. Sarano retired at 9:35 p.m. Instructors The Chairman read a letter from Mr. John J. Garrity, for Superintendent of Parks & Playgrounds, submitting a Pool partial list of instructors for the Center Playground and swimming pool. Mr. Sheldon moved that the list be approved. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A letter was received from Mr. Wrightington advising that a Mrs. Brunton of Newton showed him a copy of her Charles brother's will. He was named Charles Lyman Weld and lived Lyman for some time at 87 Gleason Road. He died October 26, 1944, Weld's leaving a home made will, and apparently intended to leave Will personal property in trust for his wife for life with remainder to the Town "for educational purposes or chapel at Westview Cemetery". Mr. Wrightington said that apparently his wife has waived the provisions of the will for her benefit. The sister has a claim against the estate, and apparently wanted to know from ?r. Wrightington whether or not the Town would oppose her claim. Mr. Wrightington said that he will await instructions from the Board. The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge Mr. Wright- ington's letter, and to advise that no other notice of Held communication has been received by the Board, and it would Over be necessary to have more information before instructing him on the matter. • A bill in the amount of $96.00 was received for plowing Bill for and harrowing Victory Gardens. This represented twenty-four Plowing hours at $4.00 an hour. Victory Mr. Sheldon moved that the bill be approved and charged Gardens to the Unclassified - War Activities Account. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 1 1 157 The Board gave further consideration to Mr. Michael Shea Shea's offer of $250.00 for Lot 55, Crescent Hill Avenue, Tax Title Lexington. A proposal to sell this lot was advertised in Offer the April 19, 1945 issue of the Lexington Minute -Man. No persons contacted the Selectmen's Office as a result of the advertisement. Mr. Rowse moved that the offer be accepted, and that Lot 55, Crescent Hill Avenue, Lexington be sold and conveyed to Mr. Michael Shea. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Board gave further consideration to the offer of $100.00 for Lot 174, Middle Street, Lexington, submitted Roberts by William H. Lyon on behalf of Myron W. end Olive Roberts. Tax Title A proposal to sell this lot was advertised in the April 19, Offer 1945 issue of the Lexington Minute -Man. No persons con- tacted the Selectmen's Office as a result of the advertise- ment. Mr. Rowse moved that the offer be accepted, and that Lot 174, Middle Street, Lexington, be sold and conveyed to Myron W. and Olive Roberts. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from Rev. William J. Desmond Use of for permission to use Cary Hall on Friday, May 4, 1945 from Hall 8:00 P.M. to 11:45 P.M. for a Reunion. 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 Antonio Busa requesting permission to use Cary Memorial Hall on Sunday afternoon, May 27, 1945, for a wedding reception. Mr. Rowse moved that application be denied. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Use of Hall Application was received from Charles B. Peck:represent- ing the Senior Class of the Lexington High School and re- questing permission to use Cary Memorial Hall on Sunday afternoon, June 3, 1945, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the purpose of conducting a Baccalaureate Service. Mr. Sheldon moved that the use of the hall be granted free of charge. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Clerk informed the Board that the terms of the members of the Board of Public Welfare would expire as of May 1, 1945. Upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Rowse,. it was voted to reappoint the following members to serve on the Board of Public Welfare for a term expiring May 1, 1948; Matthew Stevenson, John A. Lyons, Harold F. Lombard, Henry A. Letoile and Warren K. Hadley. Use of Hall Appoint Board of Public Welfare 158 Licenses Honor Roll Upon motion of Mr. Sarano, seconded by Mr. Rowse, it was voted to approve the following licenses: Thomas Montague Max Sulkin Kenneth Blodgett John Kenealy George Wardrobe William Viano Joseph Monsignor° Joseph Monsignore Salvatore Calabraro 21 Bedford Street 132 South St., Aral. 269 Bedford St. 856 Mass. Avenue 807 Mass. Avenue 1794 Mass. Avenue 76 Laconia St. 76 Laconia St. Dorchester Public Carriage Junk Sunday Sales Sunday Sales Sunday Sales Sunday Movies Slaughter House Slaughter Slaughter Mr. Rowse said that he received complaints because of Painted the fact that the Honor Roll needed to be painted. The Clerk was instructed to request Mr. Paxton to have the Board painted. Records on Honor Roll Mr. Rowse said that he thought sortie action should be taken whereby the records pertaining to the Honor Roll could be transferred to the Selectmen's Office, brought up to date, and dandled by that department. It was decided to have the Chairman contact Mr. White on the matter. A true record, Attest: Clef" QO 1