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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1945-11-12317 SELECTMEN'S 1 JEST ING November 12, 1945 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, November 12, 1945 at 7:30 p.m. The members were notified of this meeting by a notice mailed -on November 8, 1945. Chairman Locke,Messrs. Potter, Rowse, Sarano and Sheldon were present. The Clerk was also present. At 7:30 p.m. hearing was declared open upon the WCOP application of the Massachusetts Broadcasting Corporation, Undergromhd Station WCOP, for permission to install an underground tank Gas Tank for the storage of 275 gallons of gasoline at 75 Concord Granted Avenue, Lexington. No persons apppeared in favor or in opposition to granting the permit. Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Potter, it was voted that the application be approved, and the permit be granted; subject to the approval of the Board of Fire Engineers. Application was received from Mr. Albert T. Butler, who gave an address of 418 Marrett Road, Lexington, for a Public Carriage License. A character reference was received from Mr. John P. Ahalen indicating that Mr. Butler is a resident of the Town of Arlington. The Clerk was instructed to request the Chief of Police to check the status of Mr. Butler's permanent residence, and to determine whether or not his Lexington address is temporary or permanent. At 7:55 p.m. Colonel Henry B. Barry appeared before the Board. Colonel Barry submitted a Water Department Statement to the Board of Selectmen'showi.ng the receipts, expenditures and net revenue from a period from 1940 through 1944. He stated that there is now $15,789.47 in the account with a probable revenue of $30,000, making a total of 45,000. Colonel Barry said that the expenditures total 32,000, leaving a balance of $13,000. Mr. Rowse asked if the $30,000 was net revenue, and Colonel Barry replied in the affirmative. The Board discussed the matter at length, and decided to hold it over for another week before making any definite decision. Butler Taxi License Held Over Water Dept. Statement Receipts Expendi- tures Net Revenue Colonel Barry said that he had checked all available Munroe records, and was unable to locate any information pertain- Tavern ing to the drain opposite the Munroe Tavern. He said that he, Conn'tn, and the Town Engineer, checked this, and were of the opinion Disclaim that the Town should disclaim any connection. 318 Moretti & Collicutt Wage Rate Increases Appoint Committee Study Lights at Mass. Ave. Clarke St. To Establish Policy for Sick Leave Time Off Public Work Dept. Joseph H. DeFoe Supt. of Public Works Appl'ent. Colonel Barry informed the Board that Joseph Moretti is now a trained operator, and can operate any Town Equip- ment. He stated that he would like to increase Mr. Moretti's wage rate to 90¢ an hour. He further stated that Perrie Collicutt, assistant mechanic, is an excellent man, and has been offered a position by his former employer who will pay him one dollar an hour. Colonel Barry recommended that Mr. Collicutt's wage rate be increased to 90¢ an hour. Mr. Potter moved that Colonel Barry's recommendations be approved, and that he be authorized to increase Joseph Moretti's wage rate to 90¢ per hour, and Perrie Collicutt's wage rate to 90¢ per hour. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Potter informed the Board that he had talked with Chief Rycroft regarding the traffic lights at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Clarke Street and, at the time, there was a motor vehicle inspector present. The motor vehicle inspector said that they do not even recommend having blinking lights at this location, and suggest rotary traffic. The inspector said that he thought it would be a mistake to start the lights working again. Mr. Rowse moved that a committee of three, consisting of Mr. Potter, Chief Rycroft and Colonel Barry, study the situation and make -definite recommendations to the Board. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion and it was so voted. Mr. Rowse said that he -would like the Board of Select- men to request Colonel Barry to make some recommendations for a definite policy pertaining to time off for sick leave and for any other reason, s� that the men at the Public Works Building will know what time they may be allowed off. s Colonel Barry said that he had tome very definite ideas on sick leave, and also pertaining to employees leaving to attend funerals, etc. Mr. Rowse asked if he would make a formal recommendation to the Board, and Colonel Barry agreed to do so. He retired at 8:15 p.m. At 8:17 p.m. Mr. Joseph H. DeFoe appeared before the Board. The Chairman said that the basic purpose in asking Mr. DeFoe to meet with the Board again was to determine whether or not he had any questions, and also in line with the conversation Mr. DeFoe had with the Chairman. The Chairman explained that with the method of appropriating money and what is available now, and what may be available until Town Meeting votes the same or a different sum of money, is a matter of a straight $400 a month, and nothing else. The Chairman explained that this would apply not only to Mr. DeFoe, but to any other applicant. He said that that is all the money there is left in the account. Mr, Rowse explained that the Board of Selectmen could 1 319 not commit themselves to anything definite, and that all they could do is make recommendations to the Town Meeting. Mr. Rowse stated that Mr. DeFoe had expressed a desire to meet with the Board before the matter was settled, and that the facts were as he presented them. The Chairman explained that the Board can never be sure of the action of Town Meeting, and that it has no way of telling what may happen beyond April 1, 1946. Mr. DeFoe asked if whoever was selected for the position proved to be satisfactc:ry, would there be any possibility of his being removed by s, change in the Board. Mr. Rowse stated ;hat he had been active in Town affairs for fifteen years, during which time there have only been three Superintendents of Public Works. Two -.of these resigned and left of their own accord. Mr. DeFoe asked if the Board felt that the Town might look favorably on a higher salary, if the man selected proved to be competent and did a good job. Mr. Rowse said he thought it depended upon the showing of cost of operation and efficiency. Mr. DeFoe said that he would like to consider this position, if he were chosen, as something permanent. He said that he has always been able to obtain results, and thought he could in this position, but would expect to receive something accordingly. Mr. Sheldon explained that public employment is different from private employment, and that raises are not as large as they might be in private employment. Mr. DeFoe said that his purpose in seeking a position of this mature was the fact that he would like to be home every evening. He stated that he would like to think this over for a week or so. The Chairman said that he did not believe Mr. DeFoe should make any decision this evening, and the Board would not come to any decision right away. Mr. DeFoe asked if the Building Inspector came under the jurisdiction of the Superintendent bf Public Works.. The Chairman replied that the Building, Plumbing and Wire Inspectors, the Sealer of Weights and Measures and the Police Department are responsible to the Board of Selectmen. The Chairman,said that the salary question was so important to Mr. DeFoe that the next move must be up to him, and suggested that he let the Board know before next Monday evening. Mr. DeFoe retired at 8:45 and stated that he would let the Board know, either by telephone call, a letter or he might appear personally, before Monday evening. Letter from Elmer A. Lord & Company relative to reappraisal of Town buildings was held over from last week. The- Clerk was instructed to find out how much money will be available out of the $2,107.28 balance now in the Insurance insurance account, and also to write Elmer A. Lord & Company to find out whether or not it would be possible to place a temporary policy to cover the Town between now and the Annual Town Meeting, and also to obtain a quotation to 320. Hold Over Legion 19th April Refreshment Booth Use of Entrance Hall Junior Class Dance Free Market Gardners Use of Hall Charles Nutt App'n Assistant Supt. Streets Having Similar Names cover the cost of same. The Chairman read a letter from Ann L. Culbertson, Secretary of the American Legion Auxiliary, requesting a permit for a refreshment booth to be located on the Buckman Tavern Grounds on April 19, 1946. The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the letter, and to advise Mrs. Culbertson that no definite plans have yet been formulated for the April 19, 1946 celebration, and that the Board would keep her request in mind, and consider making it a part of the plans. The Chairman read a letter from the Lexington Visit- ing Nurse Association requesting permission to use the entrance hall in the Cary Memorial Building on November 20, 1945 for the purpose of packing Thanksgiving baskets. Mr. Potter moved that the request be approved. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from the Lexington junior Class requesting permission to use Cary Memorial Hall on the evening of November 23, 1945 for a class dance. The Chairman retired and telephoned Mr. Thomas S. Grindle, Superintendent of Schools, to obtainhis opinion on the matter. Mr. Grindle informed the Chairman that the previous dance conducted by the school in Cary Memorial Hall proved satisfactory, and he hoped that the application would be approved without charge. Mr. Sheldon moved that the application be approved free of charge. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from the Boston Market Gardner's Association requesting the use of Cary Memorial Hall on Decmeber 8, 1945 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. for a luncheon meeting, and lecture. Mr. Sheldon 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 Charles Nutt for the position of Assistant Superintendent of the Highway and Water Departments, Mr. Sheldon moved that Mr. Nutt be advised that the Board is not in a position at the present time to take any action on the matter. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Edwin B. Worthen, Jr., Chairman of the Planning Board, relative to the list of similar street names. Mr. Worthen stated that the Planning Board in general is of the opinion that the subject matter referred to them was a function of the Board of Selectmen, The Clerk was instructed to write to the Planning Board and ask them if they would appoint a sub -committee to review the list of ways in Town having similar names, and make definite recommendations to the Board. The Clerk informed the Board that the Lend -A -Hand Society had requested permission to borrow three tables to be used in connection with their fair. Mr. Potter moved that the request be granted. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A letter was received from the Lexington Chamber of Commerce requesting the Board of Selectmen to take whatever action required to provide a police officer for assignment to duty in Lexington Center between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. in the morning. The Chairman said that he had talked with the Chief of Police relative to having the Town patrolled between these hours. He said that the Chief recognized the need but he has not sufficient help at the present time. Mr. Potter moved that the letter be referred to the Chief of Police for his recommendations. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 321 Borrow Three Tables Request For Police Officer Lex. Center 1-3 a.m. Mr. Sarano informed the Board that the Library Committee had been advised that Federal Funds were made available to Federal complete the plans for the library in the City of Medford. Funds for He said that a small amount of money had been appropriated Library by the Alderman, and that they received $13,000 from Wash- ington to complete plans. If the plans are not used by the City of Medford to build a library, the money must be refunded to the Government. Mr. Sarano said that they did not know any of the details, but it was suggested by Write Rep. the Library Committee that the Chairman of the Board of Rogers req. Selectmen write Representative Edith Nourse Rogers for more Informttn. information on the subject. Mr. Sarano moved that a letter be written to Mrs. Rogers inquiring whether Federal Funds are available for library plans, other public buildings, or public works programs. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A letter was received from Karl Nelson Myers, 168 Tremont Street, Boston, stating that he would like an opportunity to submit a quotation for the cost of making repairs or replacements of the state flags owned by the Town of Lexington. The Clerk was instructed to refer the letter to Mr. Garrity and suggested that he include an item in his budget for 1946 if he believes any of the flags should be repaired or replaced. Repairs or Replacemtt State Flags Letter was received from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts advising the Board that a public hearing would be held on November 19, 1945 pertaining to unemployment compensation. 322 Unemploy- ment CompnsIn Hearing Sewer No. 5 Lowell St. Not to Request Installation With Arl. Sewer Suggest Build New Cesspool Meeting on I Postwar Projects Mr. Rowse moved that Colonel Barry be requested to attend the hearing and inform the meeting that the plan suggested is not feasible for Town Employees at this time. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Potter stated that some time ago the Board had requested him to investigate an overflowing cesspool at No. 5 Lowell Street, Lexington, as to the possibility of having it connected with the Town of Arlington main. Mr. Potter stated t hat two houses between Nai 5 Lowell Street and the Town Line of Arlington are already connected. He stated that there are three houses beyond No.. 5 Lowell Street which are not connected. Mr. Potter informed the Board that at the time the connections were made, the Town of Arlington refused to give the Town of Lexington written permission to tie-in, and he, personally, believes it would be an imposition to ask the Town of Arlington for permission to make another connection. Mr. Potter said that there is sufficient room for a second cesspool on the property in question. Mr. Rowse moved that the Board of Health be informed that the Selectmen do no think it advisable to request the connection with the Town of Arlington, inasmuch as there is sufficient room for an additional cesspool to be built on the property at No. 5 Lowell Street. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Potter informed the Board that he felt the Parking Committee should be requested to bring in recommendations and take further steps to inform the Town of the need of proposed parking area. He said that the citizens of the Town should be familiar with the project, and this should be done before it is presented on the. Town Meeting floor. It was decided to hold a special meeting of the Board of Selectmen on Thursday evening, November 29, 1945 for the purpose of reviewing the proposed parking area, the North Lexington Sewer and other proposed postwar projects. A true record, Attest: ao