Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1945-10-29SELECTMEN'S MEETING October 29, 1945 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, October 29, 1945 at 7:30 p.m. Messrs. Potter, Rowse, Sarano and Sheldon were present. The Clerk was also present. In the absence of Mr. Locke, Mr. Potter served as Chairman. At 7:30 p.m. Mr. James J. Carroll, Town Clerk, appeared before the Board for the drawing of three jurors. Mr. Thurman D. Cunningham, Engineer, 21 Barnes Place, was drawn to serve on Criminal Business, First Session at Cambridge, the third of December, 1945. Mr. George B. Gosbee, Insurance, 2 Rowland Avenue, was drawn to serve on Civil Business, Second Session, at Cambridge, the third of December, 1945. Mr. Harold B. Needham, Ass't. Foreman, 40 Fern Street, was drawn to serve on Civil Business, First Session at Cambridge, the third of December, 1945. At 7:32 p.m. Mr. Carroll retired. The Clerk informed the Board that Mr. Samuel Fardy, Pine Knoll Road, had telephoned and inquired as to whether or not the Board would make an exce tion to the vote, passed last week, pertaining to the ren%/'of Town Equipment. He would like to rent the grader to level off fifteen loads of gravel on Pine Knoll Road. The Clerk was instructed to inform Mr. Fardy that the Board preferred not to make any exceptions, and that all requests for the rental of Town Equipment are to be denied. The Clerk informed the Board that Mr. George G. Whiting, Permit 333 Waltham Street, had telephoned requesting a permit to move Transpart a building, approximately 20' x 20', from Sylvia Street, Lexing- Building ton, to a street off Reed Street in North Lexington. The build- ing will not come in contact with the trees or electric wires. Mr. Sarano moved that a permit be granted, subject to the Whiting approval of the Department of Public Works. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Memorandum was received from Colonel Barry informing the Authorize Board that Mrs. Anthony E. Smith, 15 Hibbert Street, Lexington, Install'n had requested the installation of a street light on Hibbert Street Street near Massachusetts Avenue. C51one1 Barry checked the Light location, and recommended that the request be granted. Hibbert Mr. Sarano moved that the request be approved, and Street Colonel Barry be authorized to arrange for the installation of one street light on Hibbert Street. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 303 Jurors Fardy Renting Town Equipment Denied 304 Refer List Colonel Barry submitted a list of ways of of similar names, but indicated as street, avenue stated that the similarity leads to confusion. It was decided to forward the list to the suggestions and recommendations. Similar Names of Streets Planning Board Petition County C omm is&rs Relocate Grove St. Alleged omplaint Hole in (Sidewalk 'Waltham Street for the Town having or road. He Planning Board A letter was received from Colonel Barry recommending that a petition be submitted to the County Commissioners requesting the relocation of Grove Street from Burlington Street to the Bedford line. Colonel Barry stated that this matter had been discussed with Mr. Sabin, and that it might be possible to have this project included in Chapter 90. Mr. Sheldon moved that the County Commissioners be petitioned for the relocation of Grove Street from Burlington Street to the Bedford Line. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A letter was received from Harriet L. Child, 194 Waltham Street, stating that on October 13, 1945 she stepped into a hole on the sidewalk at the Bond Home causing her to fall resulting in a lacerated knee. The Clerk informed the Board that the matter had been taken up with Colonel Barry, and the hole was repaired on October 25, 1945. A letter was received from W. B. Coombs, 34 Wood Street, Commiss'rs Lexington, stating that some time the Town or Government No record widened Wood Street, and destroyed the water supply at No. Taking We1134 Wood Street, namely a well. Mr. Coombs wanted to know Coombs - whether or not there was any redress on replacing the water Lowe Prop. supply. 34 Wood The Clerk checked this subject with the Town Engineer Street and was informed that in 1930 the County Commissioners took only a very slight area of the property then owned by Mary E. Lowe, and that there was no indication on the plan.of any well located in the area taken. The Clerk was instructed to advise Mr. Coombs that there was no redress inasmuch as the County Commissioners have no record that there was ever a well located in the area taken. Lexington Veterans' Council equest Parade Sunday Nov. 11 A letter was received from the Lexington Allied Veterans' Council inviting the Board of Selectmen to parade on Sunday, November 11, 1945, from the Lexington Green to the Sacred Heart Church in East Lexington. The organization wanted to know whether or not the Board had any objections, and stated that the band would not play during the time the parade was passing the Baptist and Follen Churches. The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the letter, and advise the Lexington Allied Veterans Council that the Board had no objections. 305 A letter was received from the Planning Board stating that Subdivlsitxt. on October 15, 1945, Mr. E. W. Higgins, who hoped to develop an Maple St. area of approximately forty acres on the northerly side of Maple Letter Street, met with the Planning Board relative to the layout. The From Planning Board is in possession of a map of this area drawn up by Plann- Olmsted Brothers, and of a plan of street profiles. The Planning ing Bd. Board approves the layout especially regarding the configuration Survey of the street plan, but recommended that there should be a turn- around on the westerly corner of the development adjoining the Lexington Nurseries. The Planning Board understands -that out of eighty-one lots, thirty-three connections can be made with the main trunk sewers,'twenty=one with the Maple Street sewer, if and when built, and that twenty-seven never can be serviced by a sewer. The Planning Board stated that there should be some proof that local drainage conditions would be adequate to take care of the twenty-seven lots not serviced. A letter was received from Mr. Edward B. Worthen, Jr., Letter Chairman of the Planning Board, submitting his personal comments From as a suggestion for the Board of Survey to discuss with the Town Chrman Engineer in reaching a decision on approval of this subdivision. Planning Mr. Worthen stated that his letter did not constitute a Board report of the Planning Board. At 8:00 p.m. the following members of the Lexington Community Committee on Veterans Rehabilitation and Employment appeared Lex. before the Board: Stephen Hamblin, Eugene Morgan, Rufus L. Comm. McQuillan, Rev. Harold T. Handley and Mrs. Robert Mayo. Mr. on Vets George Proctor of the Selective Service Board was also present. Rehabili- Mr. Rowse said that this meeting had come about as a result tation & of a conversation he had with Mr. Hamblin a couple of weeks ago. Employ - He said that the Attorney General has ruled that it will be ment compulsory for the Town to insert an Article in the Warrant to determine whether or not the Town wishes to accept Chapter 723 of the Acts of 1945, which will place all veterans matters in the hands of a veteran. This will include the work now tiding done by Ch.723 the Lexington Community Committee on Veterans Rehabilitation and Acts Employment, and also compensation for veterans relief and etc. 1945 Mr. Rowse said that the members of the Board are anxious Vets that a committee of Townspeople, such as were present, continue to handle this work because the proposed procedure may have political difficulties. He stated that the Board would like this committee, as a group of citizens, to handle the work in such a manner that the voters of the Town will be satisfied with the committee, and vote against acceptance of the act. Mr. Rowse said that this committee was originally made up of representatives of the various organizations in the Town as an Advisory Committee during the time of war. He said that the Board would like to have some discussion from the members present, as well as the Selectmen, as to what is necessary in the way of changes, addition- al facilities, or money that might be needed, to efficiently do the work so that the veterans will be satisfied. Mr. Hamblin said that last evening, the War Parents of America had disapproved Chapter 723 in at least two sections. The first change that they recommended was that the Director 306 of Veterans Services should be more clearly described. The second suggestion recommended by the War Parents is in Section 5 of the Act, whereby an unpaid advisory board should be granted more powers than merely to furniah such information as the Director may request, making the advisory board appear as a figure head. The War Parents of America are drafting a bill on these two matters, and expect, therefore, some action will be taken before March. Mr. Hamblin said that Francis S. Cotter, Commissioner of Veterans Aid & Pensions, will approve such a bill. Mr. Sheldon asked if the intent of such a hill would be to supersede Chapter 723 or offer a substitute. Mr. Hamblin said it was merely to make two changes. Mr. Rowse asked if the War Parents were approving the Act as amended, and recommending that it be accepted. Mr. Hamblin replied in the negative stating that this is a state matter, and the War Parents want the present act amended to apply to all the states. Mr. Rowse asked if in view of the recormnendation, were the War Parents recommending acceptance of the Act by the cities and Towns. Mr. Hamblin said that the War Parents had nothing to say on that. He stated that there were so very few veterans coming in to the office that they have discontinued having an individual at the desk at all times. Mrs. Mayo said that there is an average of one a day coming in, and they ask questions such as "how to obtain a job", "are they eligible for the state bonus", etc. Mr. Morgan said that he had received 250 notice cards from the Veterans Services Center, and out of that number only fourteen desired ald, He said that he had mailed out 240 questionnaires, but only 43 had been returned. Mr. Sheldon asked how many of the 43 required some assistance, and Mr. Morgan replied that about 35 stated that they were unemployed. He said that the opinion he received was that most of them wanted to rest awhile, and only about ten were interested in going to work at once. Mr. Rowse suggested that a list be advertised in the local paper each week giving the names of men available for work, and then to have some person in charge so that employer and prospective employee could get together. Mr. Handley suggested that a committee be appointed as an Employment Committee to make sure that everyone in Lexington working in Boston in firms large enough to employ any number of help may be contacted. Mr. Hamblin asked if this special committee would be volun- teers, and Mr. Rowse replied in the affirmative. Mr. Rowse said that the committee had not been invited to be present this evening because of any criticisms, but merely to make plans for the future. Mrs. Mayo said that the employment question was the most important. Mr. Rowse said that it will be necessary for the committee to submit a request for an appropriation now. 1 Mr. Hamblin said that most of the committee felt that they could carry on until the Town accepts Chapter 723, then the committee would be discontinued. Mr. Rowse said that the Board wanted this committee to continue. He suggested that the committee meet, discuss the problem, and if it feels that there is anything the Board of Selectmen can do, to so advise them. Mrs. Mayo and Rev. Handley said that very definitely they did not believe this work would require a full -time -paid individ- ual. Mr. Sheldon asked if the committee would be willing to take over the responsibility, and if so, what funds would be needed. Mr. Hamblin said that in Lexington the problem of helping returning veterans is not as marked as it is in other Towns. He said that the War Parents are of the opinion that this Chapter 723 is not needed. The group retired at 8:45 p.m. A letter was received from Edwin B. Worthen stating.that Design of a full-sized design of the World War I tablet in Cary Memorial World War Building is located in the vault of the Cary Memorial Fuilding. One Tablet A letter was received from Mrs. G. G. Henry Kuipers, 109 Cary Vault Reed Street, offering $200 for Lots 5, 6 and 7, Block 91, Reed Street. In November of 1944, Mrs. Kuipers offered $150 for the Kuipers same number of lots, and was advised that the lowest figure Offer acceptable to the Board of Selectmen was $300. $200 for The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge Mrs. Kuipers offer, Lots 5,6 and to refer her to the Board's letter of November 14, 1944, and & 7 state that the Board is of thesame opinion at the present time. Reed St. 307 Application was received from the Lexington Sportsman's Club requesting the use of Estabrook Hall on` the evening of November 5, 1945 from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for a meeting. Mr. Sarano moved that the use of the hall be granted, free of charge. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Sportsman's Use of Hall Free Application was received from the Lexington Club, Inc. for the use of Cary Memorial Hall do the afternoon of Sunday, December 23, 1945 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for a Children's Christmas •Party. Mr. Rowse moved that the request for such a use be granted, providing the organization selects a day other than Sunday. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from L. J. Foss, Dainty Sweets, 1733 Massachusetts Avenue., for a Common Victualler's and Sunday Sales License. Satisfactory character references were received from the Chief of Police. Mr. Rowse moved that the licenses be approved. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted, Lex.Club Use of Hall On Sun. Denied Granted if Other Day L.J. Foss Comm. Vic Sun. Sale Licenses Granted 308 Reduce Fee It was decided to reduce the cost for the Common Victualler's Comm. License from $5 to $2.50, inasmuch as all Common"Victualler's Vitt. Licenses expire on December 31, 1945. Sign Deeds Board %Old,Age Assist. Request For transfer $7,500 Approp. Comm. & Bureau Old Age Reduce Request to $4,000 Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was voted to sign the deeds prepared by Mr. Wrightington on Lots 76 and 77, Waltham Street, Lexington; 4-6 Sullivan Street; Lot 54 Spring Street; and Lots 315-340, 131-155, and Lot 21, Moreland Avenue, Lexington. At 9:05 p.m. Chairman John A. Lyons, Messrs. Harold Lombard, Warren K. Hadley and Matthew Stevenson appeared before the Board. Mr. Lyons stated that a request had been received for a couple over 65 years old, Arlington settled, now staying in a nursing home on Maple Street. The request was for $50 a week, $25 each. Mr. Lyons said that he had been informed by the Agent that there is no limit as to what may be paid under Old Age Assistance. Mr. Lyons said thet he would prefer not to approve the assistance, and if the case came up before the State Board he would go into the hearing. He said that in his opinion $200 a month for two people over 65 years of age was entirely out of order. However, this is an Arlington settled case, and Mr. Cook of Arlington has agreed to• reimburse Lexington in this amount. The Agent was advised that if the aid was not granted, Federal Grants would be withheld. The Board of Selectmen felt that they should not makv.any decision on this case, and they believed that it should be entirely up to the Bureau of Old Age. Assistance as to how the matter should be handled. At 9:25 p.m. the following members of the Appropriation Committee appeared before the Board: Chairman Lewis L. Hoyt, Messrs. George Hynes, J. Milton Brown, Thacher Jenney, Fred Newhall, Ronald Brown, Michael Hopkins and Harvey Winlock. Mr. Raymond L. White, Town Accountant, and Mrs. Casey, Agent of the Bureau of Old Age were also present. Mr. Hoyt informed the Board that all the transfers requested had been approved, with the exception of $500 requested for the Sewer Services Account. Mr. Lyons said that the request from the Old Age Assistance - Aid & Expenses Account was necessary, as he understood it, because of the increased cost of living and increased payments made necessary by the requirements of the Old Age Assistance Act. He said that he understood that there were several cancer cases, more than they ever had before, requiring nursing care. He stated that last year up to October 1, that department had spent approximately $40,000, and had requested a transfer of $4,000 for the balance of the year. Mrs. Casey said that in 1944 the $4,000 transfer was not requested until December. She stated that Federal Grants come in approximately $2,500 a month, and that $7,500 additional will be needed. Mr. Sheldon wanted to know why it was going to cost so much more to carry the last three months of this year than it had cost last year. Mrs. Casey replied that they have figured Lexington cases being aided by other cities and towns which will have to be co 1 309 reimbursed. She stated that the number of cases in hospitals and nursing homes is greater this year thanchest year. Mr. Rowse asked if there was any method payment by which it would not be necessary to transfer such large amount. Mr. Lyons said that he would like to have the request changed from $7,500 to $4,000. Mr. Sheldon asked if that would be feasible, and Mrs. Casey said that in the past they have asked for money twice at the end of the year. Mr. Lyons said that he would prefer going into December with a transfer of $4,000 now, and, if it is necessary, to make a request for an additional transfer later when he will have a more complete story. The Bureau of Old Age Assitance retired at 9:40 p.m. Mr. Rowse moved that the Appropriation Committeebe requested to transfer the sum of $4,000 from the Reserve Fund to the Old Age Assitance - Aid & Expenses Account. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Potter stated that the Board wondered whether or not Reduce it would be possible to reduce the $500 transfer requested on Transfers both the sewer services and the dumps and ashes account. Mr. Rowse said that inasmuch as the men in the Highway Department are building a road in the dump, it might be possible to charge the expenses incurred for same to the Highway Depart- ment - Maintenance. Account. Upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was voted to advise the Appropriation Committee that the Board of Selectmen would like to withdraw the request of October 22, 1945 for a $500 transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Sewer Services Account, and the $500 transfer to the Care of Dumps and Removal of Ashes Account. Mr. Sheldon then moved that the Appropriation Committee be requested to transfer the sum of $250 from the Reserve Fund to the Sewer Services Account. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Appropriation Committee retired at 9:45 p.m. The Clerk was instructed to write Capt. Mahoney, applicant Capt. for the position of Superintendent of Public Works, and advise Mahoney him that the Board of Selectmen would like to have him appear for a second interview on Monday, November 5, 1945 at 9:00 p.m. A true record, Attest: Au44471— le ctmen.