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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1945-10-08 284 00 1.4 SELECTMEN'S MEETING October 8, 1945 ' A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office 'Building, on Monday evening, October 8, 1945, at 7 :30 p.m. Chairman Locke, Messrs. Potter, Rowse, Sarano and Sheldon were present. The Clerk was also present. Upon the request of the Chairman, Mr. Rowse agreed to interview the applicants for the position of Superintendent of Public Works . Three At 7 :30 p.m. Mr. James J. Carroll, Town Clerk Jurors appeared before the Board for the drawing of three jurors. Drawn Mr. Dana T. Norris , Purchasing Agent , 7 Winthrop Road, bras drawn to serve on Criminal Business, First Session at Cambridge, beginning Monday, November 5, 1945. Mr. Ernest H. Beers, Salesman, 358 Marrett Road, was drawn to serve on Civil Business, First Session at Cambridge, November 5, 1945. Mr. Ralph W. Rogers, Manager, 38 Eaton Road, was drawn to serve on Civil Business, Second Session at Cambridge, beginning November 5, 1945. A letter was received from James J. Carroll, Town Bond Treasurer, stating that the Lexington Trust Company had $1800 submitted a bid at 3/4 of i% discount for a note of the Finance Town of Lexington in the amount of $1800 for a period of Chapter 90 one year for Chapter 90 work. Work Mr. Sheldon moved that the bid of the Lexington Trust Company be accepted, and that Mr. Carroll be author- ized to make a bond in the amount of $1800, through the Lexington Trust Company, for financing Chapter 90. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Carroll retired at 7 :43 p.m. and Mr. Joseph H. DeFoe appeared before the Board. Mr. Rowse informed the applicant that the Town of Lexington needs an over-all Superintendent of Public Works, and outlined the various departments and duties of the Joseph H. position. DeFoe Mr. Rowse explained that the Board of Selectmen in Applicant Lexington is set up as an Advisory Board, and the Superin- Supt. of tendent of Public Works carries out its direction and Public assumes the responsibilities of managing the activities Works in the Town that comes under the Board of Selectmen. He stated that the Town has an Engineering Department with two Engineers and three other men, all who will come under the jurisdiction of the Superintendent of Public Works . Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that he had graduated from Tufts Engineering School in 1919 and went into the construction business at that time . 285 He stated that his first position was as construction engineer, and he stayed in this capacity until the job was completed. After he left the employ of the construction concern, with whom he worked, he went to work with the State of Massachusetts on road construction as an inspector. He said that it was his responsibility to see that the work was done according to plans and specifications and to generally supervise the work. He said the depression then came and he was laid off. He immediately made contact with Daniel Cunning- ham Construction Company for whom he worked two or three years, during which time he supervised the construction of the Billerica House of Correction. He said that he had complete charge of the construction, water system and sewer system. He said as the depression became more acute, Cunningham had no work for him and he went in business for himself. He stated that he then became connected with the govern- ment as resident engineer in construction work which consisted of bridges, public buildings, sewer and water mains and various public works . He said that he had direct charge of one sewer job in Gloucester. Mr. DeFoe said then for a period he was employed in a general supervisory capacity in charge of all jobs in the Greater Boston Area. Next, he ran an employment office for the State, from which he resigned to work for a contractor. Later, he received an appointment with the United States Housing Authority, and was employed as a Senior Engineer. He worked with them for 4i years and supervised a job in South Boston which ran over $3, 000, 000 dollars . He said that on this job he had complete charge of construction, approval of all materials, and the work included water mains, sewer, roadwork, lawns and planting. He said that all changed in the plans and specification were subject to his approval . Mr. DeFoe said that when this job ended, he made a contact with the Colonial Beacon Oil Company for whom he is now employed. He said that his present salary is $5,538 a year. Mr. Rowse said that the question of salary had been left out of the notice becuase the Board wanted to secure the man first, then find out what was necessary to do on the salary and then endeavor to come to some arrangement. He stated that the former Superintendent of Public Works was receiving $4,800 per year when he left. Mr. DeFoe said that the position he has with the Colonial Beacon Oil Company is very interesting, and that he was hired temporarily a year ago, but it might work into a permanent position. Mr. DeFoe said that he would want at least as much as the Colonial Beacon Oil Company is now paying him. Mr. Rowse asked him when he would be available, and he said he would prefer to give his employer not less than two weeks' notice and possibly a month' s notice. Mr. DeFoe asked what the chances would be for a salary increase if a man proved himself to be competent . Mr. Rowse explained that the Town Meeting votes the salary, and if the Board could secure a man who would meet the require- ments, he thought possibly a higher salary schedule for the particular job could be voted. 286 Go Mr. Rowse asked Mr. DeFoe what experience he had as a a supervising engineer, and Mr. DeFoe stated that he had supervised engineering jobs with possibly a half-dozen engineers under him. Mr. Rowse asked if he had directed the engineering of any sewer, water, streets, etc. and he replied that ha kad done some on sewer and water installations . He said that h a ll supervision of the water main, sewer line and pumping station 'in Billerica. Mr. Rowse asked if he had done engineering for public works, and Mr. DeFoe replied in the negative. Mr. Sarano asked Mr. DeFoe if he liked organization work, and he said that the organizing is the part he likes most. Mr. DeFoe said that he wanted to be perfectly frank, and the prospects with his present employer are very good, and that he feels he is now due for a substantial increase in salary. He said, however, that he was interested in the position in Lexington, but hetthought the job would be worth more than $5 000. He said that his next raise would bring his salary up to $6, 000. Mr. Sheldon suggested that the $6,000 figure be used tentatively, inasmuch as the Board undoubtedly would have more interviews. Mr. DeFoe felt that if he received $6,000 per year in Lexington it might be comparable to what he may receive if he remains with the Colonial Beacon Oil Company. Mr. Rowse asked if he would live in Lexington, and Mr. DeFoe replied that he would expect to be come a resident. Mr. DeFoe asked if a man proved that he was the type of individual for the position, how long the job woyald last. Mr. Potter said that he e•ou1d not recall of anyone having been removed from the position. 1r. DeFoe retired at 8:17 p.m. and Mr. Michael E. McArdle appeared before the Board. Michael Mr. Rowse explained that the Town of Lexington is possibly E. operated similar to that of Great Barrington, and he outlined McArdle the duties of the Superintendent of Public Works. He said that Appl, the Town of Lexington needs an over-all Superintendent. Supt. Mr. McArdle said that he went to Great Barrington as Public assistant to the Town Engineer, who died eight months later. Works He stated that he was offered the opportunity to take over the office of the Superintendent of Public Works , and that he had to do all theTown Engineering work which included some surveying. Mr. Rowse asked if Mr. McArdle had an Engineer under his supervision, and he replied in the negative . Mr. Rowse said that the question of salary had been omitted from the notice because the Board preferred to find the man first. Mr. McArdle said that at the present time he is receiving $2,700 a year, and would come to work in Lexington for $3,100 a year. Mr. Rowse said that the Town needed someone who could super- vise departments, and also someone who was familiar with engineering. Mr. McArdle said that he did not have much experience water works. Mr. Locke asked how much of an office force Mr. McArdle had supervised, and he replied that he has two men clerks and that he has never had any girls in hts office. 287 Mr. McArdle retired at 8:45 p.m. , and Mr. Edward Connors appeared before the Board. The Chairman said that he understood Mr. Connors would accept a contract for the collection of garbage in the Town of Lexington for a period of one, two or three years at $8,500 per year, and Mr. Connors replied that that was correct. The Chairman said that the Board felt that it would be more advantageous to tie the garbage contract in more closely with the appropriations . The Chairman asked if the Board would consider a contract for eighteen months , instead of one year or two years, at this time , would Mr. Connors be interested in taking it the same rate . Mr. Connors said that it would be all right with him. The Chairman asked Mr. Connors if the Board wrote the Award contract for some date in April 1947, would it be agreeable Connors with him. Brothers Mr. Connors said that it would he all right. Garbage The Chairman called to Mr. Connors attention the number Contract of complaints that had been received, and Mr. Connors said 18 months that there was only one bad week; the worst in six years . $8,500 The Chairman asked how the prospects for the future per year looked, and Mr. Connors said that they were good. The Chairman asked if he would have more help, and he replied that he has more help. Mr. Potter explained to Mr. Connors that the reason the Board preferred to have the contract terminate after Town Meeting was becuase of the fact that the Board has to ask for a transfer on the-garbage collection contract. He stated that the Town has an appropriation of $6,000 and the contract now calls for $8,500. Mr. Connors retired at 8 :55 p.m. Upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was voted that the contract be awarded to Connors Brothers for a period from October 19, 1945 to April 1947 at an annual rate of $8,500; subject to the approval of the transfer of the difference between the present appropriation of $6,000 and the new contract of $8,500. Mr. Potter moved that the Appropriation Committee be requested to transfer the sum of $500 from the Reserve Fund to the Garbage Collection Account to cover the collection of garbage from October 18, 1945 to December 31, 1945. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. It was decided hot to sign the contract or notify Connors Brothers until the transfer has been approved by the Appropriation Committee . At 0 :07 p.m. Colonel Barry and Daniel Coughlin appeared before the Board. Coughlin Mr. Coughlin said that some time ago he had spoken to a on Lots former Selectman about Lots 40 and 41, Block 22, Dexter Road. 40,41 Mr. Coughlin said that he submitted an offer and received a Dexter letter that the lots would be sold for $300. He said that he Road has a boy who will be discharged from the service and is plan- ning to do some building and the boy would like to acquire 288 on 011 the two lots. Mr. Coughlin said that he had read a notice in the local paper stating that the Board had received an offer for them. The Chairman asked if he acted on the letter setting a price of $300, and Mr. Coughlin replied in the negative . He said that at the time he merely wanted to use it for a victory garden and $300 was more than he could pay. The Chairman stated that the Board had received an offer and the lots have been advertised. Mr. Rowse informed Mr. Coughlin that he could submit a written offer for these two lots how if he so desired. Mr. Coughlin asked if the Board would accept $400, and Mr. Rowse told him to submit whatever he thought best. Mr. Coughlin said that he thought $300 was enough. He retired tb write up an offer for the two lots. Colonel Barry stated that he had received a letter from Charge Off Mr. Wrightington in regard to certain water guarantees . Water Mr. Wrightington advised that the claim against -James S. Guarantees Smith is uncollectible . He said he had endeavored to collect other accounts from this individual without success. Mr. Wrightington stated that the claim against Harvey Wheeler is uncollectible because the Town has no evidence that he ever signed the bond , and whoever had any conversation with Mr. Wheeler is no longer in the employ of the Town. Mr. Wrightington said that the claim against the Lex- ington Real Estate Trust and Rupert Stevens present difficulties . He said that the Statute of Limitations has not run out on these claims, but the amounts are technically too small because each signer of the old guarantee bond made himself personally liable for the entire deficit. Mr. Wrightington stated further that no one in the Town employ has any personal knowledge of the facts or made any of the bookkeeping entries, but that he would be glad to bring suit if the Selectmen so instruct him. He said that Ryder and Stevens would undoubtedly contest the claims and take advantage of all technicalities, and that, in his opinion, the expense of litigation would exceed the amount recovered. Mr. Wrightington said that the claim against Daniel J. O'Connell issmall, and the Statute of Limitations has expired. Mr. Wrightington has no information about the financial responsibility of M. M. Webb, and if suit is to be brought, it should be attended to at onee. Charge Off He stated that apparently the Statute has not run against as the Viano Realty Corporation. Mr. Wrightington said that Viano Uncollectible had threatened suit independently on this claim and inasmuch Water as the Viano claim is much larger than the Town'b claim, it Guarantees would be better not to start suit . Sewer Mr. Sheldon moved that the James S. Smith claim in the Connections amount of $268.04 and the Harvey F. Wheeler account in the amount of $225 be charged off as uncollectible. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 289 Mr. Rowse moved that the Rupert Stevens claim in the amount of 0228.15 and the Lexington Real Estate Trust, Robert L. Ryder, Trustee, in the amount of 0703.01 be charged off as uncollectible . Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Potter moved that the Daniel J. O'Connell account in the amount of $44.13 be charged off as uncollectible . Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Sheldon moved that the M. M. Webb claim in the amount of 065..77 be charged off as uncollectible. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Rowse moved that Mr. Wrightington be instructed to bring suit against the Viano Realty Corporation. No one seconded the motion, and it was, ther6fore, lost. Mr. Potter suggested that this account be held in abeyance until the Statute of Limitations has run. Colonel Barry said that he had personally gone over to Doris I. North Street in connection with Doris I. Allen' s request that Allen street lights be continued the full length of the street. The Request Colonel said that he would recommend no extension of the street Street lights until further development is made. Lights Mr. Rowse moved that no action be taken on the request. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so Toted. Colonel Barry said that Mrs . Lucidino Burri, 29 Hill- side Avenue, came into the office relative to her water bill in the amount of 018.81. A test was made for leaks, but none were found. The Colonel said that the next two bills were Abatement much larger than usual, and the meter was found to be regis- Amount on tering correctly. Mrs. Burri also had a plumber test the Mrs. Burri meter, but he was unable to find a leak. Colonel Barry said Water Billi that in July this year a meter master was borrowed from the Town of Danvers and a leak was located which accounted for the large bills . Mrs. Burri feels that due to the fact that it took a year to locate the leak, the bills were not caused by her negligence, and that they should be averaged according to her other bills covering the same periods . Upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Rowse, it was voted to authorize Colonel Barry to average Mrs. Burri' s bills over a period of a veer and subtract this amount from the larger bills received due to the leak, and that Mrs. Burri be billed only for the actual cost of the water to the Town of Lexington, Colonel Barry retired at 10 :12 p.m. Mr. Coughlin submitted an offer in the name of Gerald W. Coughlin offering 0200. 00 per lot for Lots 40 and 41, Dexter ' Road, Lexington. A letter was received from Mr. Wrightington pertaining to the agreements with the architects for the supervision 290 G of the two new fire stations . Mr. Wrightington stated that the contracts as drawn contemplate execution by the Committee; said Committee having no authority to Contracts execute the contracts . Mr. Wrightington said that this on Super- should be done by the Selectmen. Mr. Wrightington vising incorporated in his letter numerous changes to be made Architects on the agreements. Two Fire Mr. Sheldon moved that a copy of Mr. Wrightington's Station letter and the contracts be returned to the Building Committee with the request that they be referred to the architects with the request that they be rewritten includ- ing the changes recommended by the Town Counsel, and that they be referred to the Board of Selectmen for signatures. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Board gave further consideration to Flora A. Myers offer of $150 for Lot 160, Bridge Street, Lexington. Myers Lot A proposal to sell this lot was advertised in the October 160, Bridge 4, 1945 issue of the Lexington Minute-Man. No persons Street contacted the Selectmen' s Office as a result of the advertise - Vote to meat. Sell & Mr. Sarano moved that the offer be accepted, and that Convey Lot 160, Bridge Street, Lexington, be sold and conveyed to Flora Myers . Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Board gave further consideration to Mr. J. P. Sell Lots Waddleton' s offer of $125 for Lots 92 and 93, Brandon 92, 93 Street, Lexington. A proposal to sell these lots was Brndon, St . advertised in the October 4, 1945 issue of the Lexington Waddleton Minute-Man. No persons contacted the Selectmen' s Office as a result of the advertisement. Mr. Sheldon moved that theoffer be accepted, and that Lots 92 and 93, Brandon Street, Lexington, be sold and conveyed to Mr. Waddleton. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, ands±t was so voted. The Board gave further consideration to Anthony G. Gigante 's offer of $250 for Lots 129, 130 and 131, Tarbell Sell Lots Avenue, Lexington. A proposal to sell these lots was 129-131 advertised in the October 4, 1945 issue of the Lexington Tarbell Minute-Man. No persons contacted the Selectmen's Office Avenue as a result of the advertisement . Anthony Mr. Sarano moved that the offer be accepted, and that Gigante Lots 129, 130 and 131, Tarbell Avenue, Lexington, be sold and conveyed to Mr. Anthony G. Gigante . Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Board gave further consideration to Mrs . M. Helen Sell Lots Fitz-Gerald' s offer of $400 for Lots 40 and 41, Block 22, 40 & 41 Dexter Road, Lexington. A proposal to still these lots was Dexter Road advertised in the October 4, 1945 issue of the Lexington to Mrs. M. Minute-Man. No persons submitted any further offers Fitz-Gerald previous to 5:00 p.m. this evening as result of the advertisement . 291 Mr. Sarano moved that the offer be accepted, and that Coughlin Lots 40 and 41, Block 22, Dexter Road, be sold and conveyed Offer to Mrs. M. Helen Fitz-Gerald. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, Rej. and it was so voted. The Clerk was instructed to advise Mr. Coughlin that his offer, submitted this evening, for these two lots was not accepted. The Board gave further consideration to Mr. T. A. Sell Galbraith' s offer of $200.00 per lot for Lots 76 and 77, Lots 76 Section 3, Waltham Street . A proposal to sell these lots & 77 was advertised in the October 4, 1945 issue of the Lexington Waltham Minute-Man. No persons contacted the Selectmen' s Office as Street a result of the advertisement . T. A. Mr. Sheldon moved that the offer be accepted, and that Galbraith Lots 76 and 77, Waltham Street, Lexington be sold and conveyed to Mr. T. A. Galbraith. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Richard Sorrentino' s offer of $150 for Lots 17 and Sorrentino 18, Bow Street and Lots 89 and 90 Theresa Avenue was held Offer Lotg over pending a report from the Committee on Tax Title Prop- Inade- erty. quate Mr. Potter stated that he and Mr. Spencer had checked these lots and recommended that they be sold for not less than $400.00 for the four lots. Mr. Sheldon moved that Mr. Sorrentino be advised that the Board of Selectmen will entertain an offer of $400 for the four lots . Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A ]e tter was received from George W. Stevens , 5 Downing Road, Lexington, offering $100 for part of Lot 19, Downing Road. Proposal Mr. Rowse moved that a proposal to sell the lot be to sell advertised in the Lexington Minute-Man, and that further Stevens consideration be given the offer at the next meeting of Lot 19 the Board. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was Downing so voted. Road Mr. William Fitzgerald' s offer of $225 for Lots 37 and 38, Richard Rd. , Lexington, was held over pending the report Sell of the Committee on Tax Title Property. Wm. Mr. Potter recommended that the offer be accepted. Fitz- Mr. Sarano moved that a proposal to sell the lots be gerald advertised in the Lexington Minute-Man, and that further Lots 37 consideration be given the offer at the next meeting of the & 38 Board. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Richard Road The Board gave further consideration to Mr. James F. Conniff' s offer of $300 for Lot 12, Marrett Road, Lexington. Sell A proposal to sell this lot was advertised in the Lexington Lot 12 Minute-Man; the October 4, 1945 issue . No persons contacted Marrett the Selectmen' s Office as a result of the advertisement. Rd. Jame. F, Conniff 292 Mr. Sarano moved that the offer be accepted, and that Lot 12, Marrett Road, be sold and conveyed to Mr. Conniff. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from the Middlesex Farm Middlesex Bureau, Inc . requesting the use of Cary Memorial fall Farm Bureau on the evening of November 5, 1945 from 5:00 p.m. to Use of Hall 11:00 p.m. for an Annual Meeting. $30 charge Mr. Sarano moved that the use of the hall be granted, subject to a charge of 630. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. State College Application was received from the Stockbridge School Alumni Assoc. of Agriculture State College Amherst Alumni Association Use of Hall requesting the use of C'ry Memorial Hall on the evening $30. charge of November 8, 1945 from 7 :00 p.m. to midnight for a banquet. Mr. Sarano moved that the use of the hall be granted, subject to a charge of $30. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from the United States War War Fund Fund requesting permission for an overhanging Overhanging sign at 1781 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington. Sign Mr. Rowse moved that the permit be granted. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A letter was received from Chief John W. Rycroft in reply to the Board' s letter of October 2, 1945 request- Taxi Stand ing his suggestion pertaining to a public taxi stand. Chief Rycroft recommended that a two car stand be provided; said stand to be in Depot Square at the northerly end next to Emery Park. The Chief explained that the reason for suggesting this location is to save the valuable parking space formerly utilized by the taxi stand. Mr. Sarano moved that the Chief' s recommendation be approved, and that a two car taxi stand be provided at this location. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Close Oct. The Clerk informed the Board that inquiries had been 12 received at the Selectmen' s Office as to whether or not Skeleton the Torn Offices would be open on Saturday, October 13, Crew Oct. 1945 fdllowing the holiday. 13 Mr. Potter moved that the Town Offices be operated with a skeleton force. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Sarano retired at 10:37 p.m. Mr. Sheldon and Mr. Rowse submitted their recommendations Insurance to the Board on insurance. The Board considered the matter carefully, and upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Sheldon, it was voted that all policies expiring in 1946 be renewed through the same office with the exception of the following policies: 293 $35,000 policy expiring January 1, 1946 through the office of Edward W. Taylor to be renewed through the office of W. S. 11 I Couette : $3,300 policy expiring April 21, 1946 through the office of Helen C. Whittemore to be renewed through the office of Hubert D Broderic, and to be added to the policy now held by Mr. Broderic expiring April 25, 1946; making a total of $15,000. $5,000 policy expiring May 3, 1946 through the office of Jasper A. Lane to be renewed through the office of Samuel L. Fardy; $5,000 policy expiring May 4, 1946 through the office of Edward W. Taylor to be renewed through the office of Samuel L. Fardy, to be written with the above policy as one policy in the amount of $10,000; and $15,000 policy expiring August 1, 1946 through the office of Edward W. Taylor to be renewed through the office of William H. Lyon. The following policies are all to be renewed through the office of William H. Lyon: $5,000 policy expiring November 6, 1946 through the office of Leslie A. Bull; $5,000 policy expiring November 6, 1946 through the office of Jasper A. Lane; $5,000 policy expiring November 6, 1946 through the office of Neil McIntosh; $5,000 policy expiring November 6, 1946 through the office of Mrs . W. V. T. Hinckley; and $5,000 policy expiring November 6, 1946 through the office of E. Elizabeth Holton. The possibility of an elaborate 19th of April celebration 19th was considered. April Mr. Rowse agreed to submit a list of names of individuals Celebra- to make up a committee to work out such a celebration. tion Mr. Potter informed the Board that the committee arrang- ing the banquet to be tendered to the Rationing and Selective Service Boards will need an additional $50 for the scrolls to be presented to the members. Mr. Sheldon moved that an additional amount of $50 be made available for this purpose and charged to the Unclassified- War Activities Account. A true record, Attest : .� l Clerk 1 f �'