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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1945-10-00 275 SELECTMEN'S MEETING II October 1, 1945 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, October 1, 1945 at 7 :30 P.M. The members were notified of this meeting by a notice mailed on September 28, 1945. Messrs. Potter, Rowse, Sarano and Sheldon wet() present. Mr. Rowse acted as Chairman to conduct the inter- views scheduled with two applicants for the position of Superintendent of Public Works. The Clerk was also present. At 7:30 P.M. Mr. William Plattner, Consulting Engineer, William of North Attleboro, Massachusetts, appeared before the Board. Plattner Mr. Rowse explained that some of the applicants had been Re : selected and invited to meet with the Board of Selectmen for Position the purpose of discussing the position of Superintendent of Supt. of Public Works , to ask questions, and to also give the appli- Pub. Wks cants an opportunity to do likewise. He asked if Mr. Plattner were familiar with the duties of the Superintendent of Public Works in Lexington. Mr. Plattner replied that he was not acquainted in Lex- ington, and knew nothing of the position, except what he had I read in the Town Report. Mr. Rowse outlined the duties in connection with the position. Mr. Plattner said that the work was apparently very similar to that which he had been doing in Brattleboro Vermont, and Mansfield, Massachusetts. He said that he had charge of all the departments, and his duties were, more or less, as a manager, including police, fire, building, plumbing and electrical inspectors. Mr. Sheldon asked if Mr. Plattner were employed now, and he replied in the negative . Mr. Plattner stated that he if fifty-seven years of age, attended public school in Ohio, and graduated from Blufton, Ohio College, which is a general academic college . Mr. Rowse asked Mr. Plattner where he obtained his engineer- ing training, and he replied by experience. He said that for several years he was Superintendent of Public Works in Ohio. Mr. Sheldon asked if he made various changes in his positions because of greater opportunities, and he replied that he had changed for increases in salary. In Mansfield he was receiv- ing $4,000.00 and in North Attleboro he received $6,000.00. He said that he has been in business for himself, doing engineer- ing work, and he has had no public work since 1935. Mr. Rowse asked what training he had whereby he could supervise the Engineering Department. 1 Mr. Plattner said that he had supervised Engineering in Attleboro and also in Mansfield. 276 °o a 0.11x Mr. Rowse asked what experience he had in actual work, and Mr. Plattner said that the only Civil Engineer- ing work that he had done was that which he came in contact with assisting Civil Engineers . He said that he has never had any training as far as surveying or layout work is concerned. Mr. Sheldon asked if he felt he could supervise construction of streets. Mr. Plattner said that he felt he could supervise streets, water, sewers, water extensions, etc. Mr. Rowse said that the'>Board had not made any state- ment as to the salary because it might be possibly adjusted to the man suitable for the position. He stated that the former Superintendent in Lexington was receiving $4800.00 at the time of his resignation. Mr. Plattner said that he would be willing to start at a minimum of $4,000.00 and to work up to a reasonable maximum. He said that he would leave that to the discre- tion of the Board. Mr. Sarano asked if he were available to come to work at any time. Mr. Plattner said that he has been doing some Industrial Engineering, but that he would come to work at most any time. Mr. Plattner retired at 7:50 P.M. Mr. Andre At 8:00 P.M. Mr. Andre C. Fleuriel of 29 Ingalls C. Fleuriel Terrace, Swampscott, Massachusetts, appeared before the Supt . of Board. Public Mr. Rowse informed Mr. Fleuriel that some applicants Works for the position of Superintendent of Public Works had been Position selected for personal interviews, and he thought perhaps it would be well if he outlined the duties of the position. Mr. Fleuriel said that he understood that the Town had no Engineer. Mr. Rowse explained that the Town of Lexington does have an Engineering Department, with a Town Engineer. He said that the Board of Selectmen depend upon the Superintendent of Public Works to supervise the Engineering Department. Mr. Fleurial said that he is thirty-eight years of age and has had two years of engineering at Brown University. He said that since January he has been working for Charles T. Main, Consulting Engineer, in Boston. He said that he has done sewer, drainage and build- ing layouts for this concern. He said that he had worked from 1939 until 1942 for the Eastern. Massachusetts Street Railway Company, during which time he was mainly in building construction. He said that he was coordinator between the Boston Office and various branches, and that he had to make estimates of jobs, so, in that respect, he had experience in contacting various groups which might correspond to departments in the Town. He said that he left the Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway to get into what he thought at the time would be a more interesting field. Mr. Sheldon said that in the original letter from Mr. 277 Fleuriel, he had applied for the position of Town Engineer, and he wondered whether or not this was because Mr . Fleuriel did not understand that it was a Superintendent of Public Works in which the Town was interested. Mr. Fleuriel said that he was under the impression that Lexington was looking for a Town Engineer, and that he has done quite a lot of survey work. Mr. Sheldon asked if it might be possible that he were more interested in a position of that character, than a supervisory position as described. Mr. Fleuriel said that frankly he has had more experi- ence in actual survey work because all of the work which he did in construction involved surveying and some prelimin- ary land surveying and building layouts . Mr. Rowse asked if he had experience in construction of streets, sewer and water systems . Mr. Fleuriel said that he had no experience in water systems, but that has staked out roads . Mr. Rowse said that the Board would like to know the applicant's viewpoint as to the possible minimum and maximum salary. Mr. Fleuriel said that he is now receiving $4, 300.00 a year with a very good company, and since he submitted his application they have started on a hydro electric project, and he would not consider taking a decrease in salary. He said that, up to the present time, he had not done any field work with the Mein Company and his temperament was such that he did not like to stay confined into an office too much, and that is why he submitted an application. Mr. Rowse asked how soon he would be available, and he said that he would prefer to g-Qe two weeks' notice. Mr. Sheldon said that the position would necessitate supervisions of several departments, each involving employees and office clerks. Mr. Fleuriel said that he has men in the field and has done business with men in charge of offices, but as far as being over an office which involves secretaries and steno- graphers, he claimed no experience. Mr. Rowse asked if Mr. Fleuriel were very much interested in this type of position, and he replied in the affirmative. He said that Mr. White for whom he worked in the Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway is now a Commander in the Seabees. Mr. Rowse inquired about further references, and Mr. Fleuriel said that he has not seen a Mr. Leary, for whom he worked before he connected with the Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway, since 1935. He suggested that the Board might write Mr. E. H. Finnegan, 175 Blackstone Street, who is taking Mr. White ' s place . Mr. Fleuriel retired at 8:20 P.M, Mr. Potter acted as Chairman for the remainder of the Ch. 90 evening. Maintenanq 1 A letter was received from James J. Carroll, Town Borrowing Treasurer, asking for authorization to make a borrowing in the sum of $1800.00 for financing Chapter 90 Maintenance. 278 00 C7 Mr. Sheldon moved that Mr. Carroll be requested to I obtain bids on an $1800.00 loan for financing Chapter 90 Maintenance in anticipation of State and County reimburse- ment. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Poison A letter was received from Dr. Ivan G. Pyle, Chairman Ivy of the Board of Health, stating that his Board had discussed Request the eradication of poison ivy, and decided to refer the Report matter to the Board of Selectmen for whatever action deemed advisable. The Clerk was instructed to give a copy of the letter to Mr. Garrity and ask for a report. Wilde's The Board gave further consideration to Mrs. C . B. Offer Lots Wilde's offer of $160. for Lots 4-6 inc. , Sullivan Street, 4-6 Lexington. Sullivan A proposal to sell these lots was advertised, in the Street September 27, 1945 issue of the Lexington Minute-Man. No persons contacted the Selectmen's Office as a result of the Sold Rdvertisement. Ir. Sarano moved that the offer be accepted, and that the lots be sold and conveyed to Mrs . C. B. Wildes. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Request A letter was received from Jessie W. Robbins, 59 Craigie Higher Street, Somerville, Massachusetts, offering $100.00 for IIOffer for Lots 544-548 Asbury Street and Lots 559-567 Edna Street . Asbury St. Mr. Rowse moved that Mrs . Robbins be advised that the and Edna Board of Selectmen would entertain an offer of $250.00 for St. Lots Lots 540 to 548 inc. on Asbury Street , together with Lots from 559 to 567 inc. on Edna Street. Mr. Sheldon seconded the Robbins motion, and it was so voted. Vote to The Board gave further consideration to Mrs. M. Helan Advertise Fitz-Gerald' s offer of $400.00 for Lots 40 and 41, Block 22, Lots 40 Dexter Road, Lexington. & 41 Mr. Sheldon moved that a proposal to sell the lots be Dexter Rd. advertised in the Lexington Minute-Man, and that further consideration be given the offer at the next meeting of the Board. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Richards At 8:30 P.M. Mr. Gordon Richards, Chairman of the Build- Committee ing Committee on Fire Stations, appeared before the Board. on Fire Mr. Richards said that the Committee on the Supervision Stations of Fire Houses needed $250.00, and that no money had ever been appropriated for this committee . Mr. Rowse asked what the money was for, and Mr. Richards said that it was needed to purchase the original drawings of the East Lexington Fire Station. He said that the committee appointed in March, 1945 did not see fit to employ the architect to supervise the Ir construction of the building, and he now has the original drawings . Mr. Richards explained that it is customary for 279 the architect to retain the original drawings, but inasmuch as he is not to supervise the construction, the committee needs them for blueprints, and it will cost $250. to purchase them. Mr. Sheldon explained to the Board that Mr. Morgan, the architect, felt that he should supervise the construction, and the committee has decided that it would be for the best interests of the Town to employ someone else in this capacity. Mr. Sheldon further stated that it would cost approximately $150. to have repraMeactions ode from the two blue prints now in possession of the Committee . Mr. Potter wanted to know why the Committee requested $250. for Mr. Morgan if blueprints can be obtained for $150. Mr. Richards explained that the reproductions would not be at all satisfactory, and that the original drawings are much better . Mr. Richards said that Mr. Morgan has given his word that he will sell the original drawings for $250. He said that Mr. Morgan feels very strongly that he was under paid Request on the job, and he was keenly disappointed because he was Transfer not appointed supervising architect. For Mr. Sarano moved that the Appropriatioh Committee be Addition'I requested to transfer the sum of $250. from the Reserve Archit'tl Fund for additional architectural services . Mr. Rowse Services seconded the motion, and it wax so voted. Mr. Richards retired at 8:50 P.M. , and Mr. William Cann, Building Inspector, appeared before the Board. Mr. Cann presented a letter received from Mr. Garrett Garrett O'Brion, 8 Bartlett Avenue, Lexington, stating that the O'Brion Board of Selectmen had given him permission to erect a roof Wooden on his garage that would not be of first class construction. Garage Mr. Cann wrote Mr. O'Brion and advised him that steel Roof is now available, and, therefore , he would have to erect a roof of first class construction, and that if he wanted. any help, Mr. Cann would assist him in obtaining it . Mr. Q'Btion informed Mr. Cann that he was going to build a wooden roof. Mr. Cann said that he drove by there last week, and Mr. O'Brion is putting on a wooden roof. Mr. Rowse moved that the matter be referred to Mr. Wright- ington for action. The motion was not seconded, and, therefore, lost. Mr. Sheldon moved that Mr. Garrett O'Brion, 8 Bartlett Remove Avenue , be permitted to continue with the construction of the Present roof on his garage ; subject to the condition that he render Roof a written statement to the Building Inspector that he will July 70411 remove the present roof, not later than July 1, 1946, and will erect a roof of first class construction. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Rowse wished to be recorded in opposition. Mr. Cann retired at 9 :05 P.M. , and Colonel Barry appeared before the Board. 280 OD C7 Base Colonel Barry said that he has searched the records Charge for to determine the origin of a flat rate charge of $50. for Installing installing pit meters for farmers. He said that he leas Pit Meters unable to find where this charge was authorized by the Board, on Actual and he suggested that the charge should be the actual cost Cost of of building the pit and connecting with the main. He said Construction that in some cases the charge would be well over $50.00 and other instances it may be less than $50.00. Upon motion of Mr. Sarano, seconded by Mr. Sheldon, it was voted to base the charge for installing pit meters on the actual cost of construction. Vote to Colonel Barry said that he went over the street light Install situation around the playground with Mr. Hitchcock of the 3 Street Boston Edison Company who recommends the installation of Lights three lights, instead of two lights to complete the circuit. Playground Mr. Sarano moved to rescind the vote of September 24, 1945 authorizing the installation of two street lights on Rescind the playground road. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and Previous it was so voted. Vote Mr. Sarano then moved that Colonel Barry be authorized to request the installation of three street lights as recommended by Mr. Hitchcock. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Authorize Colonel Barry said that Mrs . C. Vaccarello of Robbins TwosStreet Road had informed him that in 1941 she had been advised that Lights on street lights would be installed on Robbins Road. On March Robbins Rd. 23, 1942 Town Meeting voted to authorzie the installation of street lights on the unaccepted portion of Robbins Road, but no further action was taken. Mr. Hitchcock informed Colonel Barry that two lights would he sufficient. Mr. Rowse moved that Colonel Barry be authorized to request the installation of two lights on the unaccepted portion of Robbins Road according to Town Meeting's Vote. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Colonel Barry said that he had been investigating the Authorize possbility of obtaining a light cletrac plow to attach to Plow for the small cletrac at the Public Works Building. He said cletrac that the Town should have something better than a six-inch cut to be used on unaccepted streets. He said that Davis, the Agent for cletrac in Boston, has a special light duty V-plow made for the model owned by the Town. This unit weighs 340 pounds, as compared with the 1200 pound plow formerly used, and sells for $295. Mr. Rowse asked whether or not there was sufficient funds in the Snow Removal Account to purchase this unit and Colonel Barry replied in the affifYmative. Mr. Rowse moved that Colonel Barry be authorized to place an order for a V-plow for the cletrac at a cost not to exceed $295, and that it be charged to the Snow Removal Account. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 281 Colonel Barry reported that Bieren and Tribino had Bieren both agreed to work on Snow Removal. He said that Bieren Guarantee still wants a guarantee which he had last year; i.e. , $6.80 6er hour; 64.00 per hour for sanding, and a minimum of Snow 300.00 from January 1, 1948 to March 1, 1946. The Board Plowing had no objection to hiring Bieren under these condition.s Colonel Barry said that he would like authorization to increase the wage rate of Kenneth Kelley to 90¢ per hour as equipment operator, and Eugene Moloy to 900' per hour as a meter repairman. Mr. Rowse moved that the request be approved. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Colonel Barry said that Mr. Grindle wanted to know if he could obligate for next year to employ the Town Painter fifty-per cent of the time . The Colonel stated that he would prefer to have the man who assumes the position of Supt. of Town Public 'Works, make any decisions on this matter. Painter The Board felt that the School Committee should be to be requested to include an item in their budget to provide Full for their own painter. Time A letter was received from Doris I. Allen, 29 North Street, Lexington, requesting that lighting on North Street Lighting be completed. on North The Clerk was instructed to furnish Colonel Barry with Street a copy of the letter and request that he check it. Colonel Barry retired at 9:30 P.M. The .board gave further consideration to T. A. Galbraith's offer of $200.00 for Lots 76 and 77, Waltham Street, Lexington. Mr. Sarano moved that a proposal to sell the lots be Proposal advertised in the Lexington Minute-Man, and that further to sell consideration be given the offer at the next meeting of the Lots 76, Board. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 77 Waltham A letter was received from P.F.C . Anthony J. Gigante, Street 56i Berkshire Street, Cambridge, stating that he was still interested in Lots 129, 130 and 131 inc. on Tarbell Avenue, Vote to Lexington at $250; the price entertained by the Board. Advertise Mr. Sheldon moved that airoposal to sell the lots be Lots 129- advertised in the Lexington Minute-Man, and that further 131 inc. consideration be given t he offer at the next meeting of the Tarbell Board. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Avenue A letter was received from James E, Conniff, 113 Vote to Medford Street, Arlington, offering $300.00 for Lot 12, Advertise Marrett Road, exi Lexington . Lot 12 II Mr. Potter said that he and Mr. Spencer had checked Marrett this lot, and recommended that the offer be accepted. Road L _ - 282 DO 011 Mr. Rowse moved that a proposal to sell the lot 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. Myers A letter was received from Mrs. Flora Myers, 65 Offer Bridge Street, Lexington, stating that she was still inter- Lot 160 ested in Lot 160, Bridge Street, Lexington, at the price Bridge St. of $150.00; the amount entertained by the Board. I Vote to Mr. Sheldon moved that a proposal to sell the lot advertise be advertised in the Lexington Minute-Man, and that further consideration be given the offer at the next meeting of the Board. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Held Over A letter was received from George W. Stevens, 5 Downing Road, Lexington, offering $100.00 for a part of Lot 19, Downing Road. The offer was held over for investigation by the Committee on Tax Title Property. A letter was received from William P. Fitzgerald, 5 Held Over Parker Street, Lexington, offering $225. for Lots 37 and 38, Richard Road, Lexington. This offer was held over for investigation by the Committee on Tax Title Property. A letter was received from Richard Sorrentino, 7 Held Over Theresa Avenue , Lexington, offering $150. for Lots 17, 18, Bow Street and 88, 89, Theresa Avenue . This offer was held over for investigation by the Committee on Tax Title Property. Vote to Mr. Potter informed the Board that it had been voted advertise to entertain an offer of $225. for Lots 90, 91, 92 and 93 Lots 92 on Brandon Street, Lexington, as a result of Mr. J. P. l & 93 Waddleton's offer of $125. for Lots 92 and 93. Brandon He stated that the Clerk had discovered that the Town Street does not own Lots 90 and 91, and it would, therefore, be necessary to rescind the previous action. '0'p©n motion of Mr. Rowse , seconded by Mr. Sheldon, it was voted to rescind the action taken on September 24, 1945, whereby the Board entertained an offer of $225 for the four lots. Mr. Rowse moved that a proposal to sell Lots 92 and 93, Brandon Street, be advertised the Lexington Minute-Man, and that further consideration be givelthe offer at the next meeting of the Board. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and �t was so voted. Keefe Application for a license for a Public Carriage was Taxi received from Edward John Keefe , 110 Row Street, Lexington. License Satisfactory character reference was received from Lt. Neal, Acting Chief of Police. Mr. Keefe also wanted to know whether the Board would consider a Public Taxi Stand in Lexington Centre. 283 The Clerk was instructed to take the matter up with Chief Rycroft for a report. The Board gave further consideration to the charge of $25 quoted to the V.F.W. for the use of Cary Memorial Hall on November 18, 1945 for a Penny Sale . Reduce Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was V.F.W. voted to reduce the charge to $13. Charge Penny Sale The Clerk informed the Board that Mrs . Harold F. Wheeler had requested permission to erect a thermometer on Emery Park War Fund in connection with the United War Fund Drive . Thermometer Mr. Sheldon moved that the request be approved, and per- mission granted. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Clerk informed the Board that Mr. Spencer would like Assessoi{s to keep his office open on Monday evenings from 7:30 P.M. to Office 9:00 P.M. for the purpose of receiving rationing applications . open Mon. The Board had no objections . evenings Mr. Potter said that the committee in charge of the dinner to be tendered to the members of the Rationing Board Scrolls had received a suggestion that a scroll be presented to each Members member of the Board in recognition of their services. He Rating thought that possibly $50 would be sufficient to cover the Board cost . Mr. Rowse moved that the sum of $50 be approved for the purpose of providing scrolls to be presented to the members Garbage of the Rationing Board; this amount to be charged to the Bid Unclassified - War Activities Account. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A sealed bid for the collection and disposal of garbage tithe Town of Lexington for the period of one , two or three years, was received from Connors Brothers at a price of $8,500 per year. A certified check in the amount of $100.00 accompanied the bid. The Board considered the possibility of awarding the garbage contract for a period expiring in April, rather than October, and it was decided to invite Mr. Connors to meet with the Selectmen on Monday evening, October 8, 1945, to discuss the subject. A true record, Attest : er d1111) L