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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1945-11-26328 SELECTMEN'S MEETING November 26, 1945 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held' in the Seleotmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, November 26, 1945 at 7:30 p..m. Chairman, Locke, Messrs. Potter, Rowse,'Sarano and Sheldon were present. The Clerk was also present: At 7:30 p.rn. Colonel Barry appeared before the Board. Colonel Barry stated that.the water in the Barnes Property must be turned off because he reels that there V.F.W. will be a freeze-up, inasmuch as the building is not Barnes heated. Property Mr. Potter asked'If'the Veterans of Foreign Wars kept the building heated, and Colonel Barry replied in the negative. He said that the boiler can be used temporarily, but cannot die operated twenty-four hours a day in its present condition. Mr. Potter asked if the organization had paid the. rent, and Colonel Barry replied in the negative. Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Potter, it was voted to advise the Veterans of Foreign Wars that it will be necessary to shut off the water in the Barnes Property, as of December 1,'1945, to protect the building during the cold weather, and that the only basis upon which the building may be used by the Veterans of Foreign Wars beyond that date is as follows: (a)° that the organization assume expenses necessary to repair the boiler so that it may be operated twenty-four hours a day to prevent freezing; and (b) that the building be heated twenty-four hours a day with janitor service at a temperature of not less than 50 The Clerk was instructed to advise the veterans that if these protective -arrangements are not made by December 1,"1945, it would be necessary to drain off the water and close the building. 'Colonel Barry stated that he had received an offer_ from the Highland Sand & Gravel -Company of 425.for an old drag line bucket now located at the Public Works Building. The Colonel said that the bucket is too heavy to be used on the new shovel,and he would recommend that it be sold. Mr. Rowse moved that Colonel Barry be authorized to accept the $25 offer received from the Highland Sand & Gravel Company. Mr. Sarano seconded the_ motion/ and it was so voted.. Sell Old Drag Line 'Bucket Colonel Barry informed the Board that he had a representative of the National Slate and Tile Company inspect the roof of the Town Office Building, and he found forty broken slates, and reported that the chimney also needs cementing and the gutters need to be cleaned. Colonel Barry stated that it will be possible to have this work donee for ninety dollars. Mr. Rowse asked Colonel Barry whether or not he had sufficient money in his account to pay for such an expenditure, and Colonel Barry replied in the affirmative. Mr. Rowse moved that Colonel Barry be authorised to have the necessary repairs made to the roof and chimney at a cost not to exceed ninety dollars. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Colonel Barrysaid that he would like to increase Increase Frederick Sgrossots wage rate to 90¢ per hour, inasmuch Sgrossots as he is the only equipment operator who is not now Wage Rate receiving this amount. to 90r/ Mr. Potter moved that Colonel Barryts recommendation be approved, and that Frederick Sgrossots wage rate be 'increased to 90per hour. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 329 Repairs to Town Office Bldg. Roof Colonel Barry stated that Mr. Garrity informed him that he would need seven dozen bulbs for Christmas lights which will cost approximately $15. Mr. Potter moved that Colonel Barry ''beauthorized to purchase•the bulbs necessar -for-Christmas lighting. qtr. Rowse seconded the motion,=and it was so voted. Colonel'Barry informed', the Board that he had received a letter to the effect that the new bulldozer will not be delivered until January, February or March, 1946, and that the pricehas gone up 5% due to O.P.A. action, without regard for when the order was placed. Obviously, this equipment will not arrive in time to be used on Snow Removal. Colonel Barry said that if the Board would approve canceling the order, he would like to purchase a Huber Road Maintainer with specified equipment at a cost not to exceed $3,265 f.o.b. factory. Upon motion of Mr. Howse, seconded by Mr. Sheldon, it was voted to cancel the order placed for a caterpillar cletrae, inasmuch as the equipment will not be available in time to be of any value to snow removal. Mr. Rowse then moved that Colonel Barry'be authorized to purchase a Huber Road Maintainer with specified equip- ment at a cost not exceeding $3,265 f.o.b. factory, providing the equipment meets with his approval upon inspection. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A letter was received from Elmer A. Lord & Company relative to a reappraisal of the Townts insurance, and was held over from the last meeting of the Board. Purchase Christmas Lights Cancel Order Bulldozer Vote to Purchase Huber Road Maintainer !Insurance 330 Colonel Barry informed the Board that he has an ' estimated free balance in the insurance account of $1,500. Mr. Sheldon moved that the additional insurance be Isis, ,placed for a period of one .year, involving the amount of $830.07, effective at once. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was soioted. The adoption of a sick leave policy for employees of the Town of Lexington was held over until the next meeting of the Board of Selectmen. Water rates, recommended by Colonel Barry at a previous meeting of the Board, were considered at length. Established Upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Sarano, .New Water it was voted to rescind, as of April 1, 1946, the action Rates taken by the Board of Selectmen on March 13, 1928,relative to the establishment of water rates. ' It was further voted to rescind, as of April 1,- 1946, the action of the Selectmen on August 28, 1944 relative to the establishment of water rates. Upon motion of Mr. Sheldon, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was then voted that new water rates for the Town of Lexington be established, effective"April 1, 1946, as follows Minimum charge $3 per 1200 cubic feet .251 per hundred cubic feet up to 10,000 cubic feet 20¢ per hundred cuY,i.ft' for the next 20,000 cu. ft. 15 per hundred cu. ft. for the next 20,000 cu. ft. 'Any user of 50,000 cu. ft. or more will receive the: minimum rate of 13i per hundred cu.'ft. on the entire amount of water used. The Bedford Airport, and the Middlesex County Sanatorium to be charged 13g per hundred cu. ft. regardless of the quantit* of water used. A preliminary discussion was held on the various Public Works budgets presented by Colonel Barry. 'Department It was decided to include an amount of $300 in the Budgets Town Offices and Cary Memorial Building- Expenses Budget to cover the item of draperies for the Selectmen's Room. The Drainage Construction Budget was figured at $750, and the Board felt that this amount was insufficient. The Chairman suggested that Colonel Barry check the budget covering this item prior to the war, and refigure the budget. In connection with the Street Light Budget, the Chairman read a letter from the Lexington Chamber of Commerce stating that that organization felt that street lights should be continued in Lexington Center until dawn. 331 Mr. Potter reported that there is no switch in Lexington whereby the Center lights could be left burning. He explained that under the present system, Lexington being tied in with Bedford, it is not possible to illuminate Lexington Center without incurring additional expense. Mr. Potter estimated that it would cost approximately an additional_ 4,000 per year to have all-night lighting. The Chairman requested Colonel Barry to obtain a quotation on all-night lighting. Colonel Barry retired at 9:35 p.m., and Mr. George V. Morse appeared before the Board. Mr. Morse said that the first subject he would like to discuss was that of a war memorial. Mr. Morse informed the Board that a group of nine individuals, representing the War Parents of America, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, drew up recommendations pertaining War to a war memorial. Memorial Mr. Morse stated that the War Parents have not made any definite recommendations that any particular item be suggested, but they feel the memorial should be something in the nature of a living memorial. Mr. Rowse stated that the correct procedure would be for this group to request the Selectmen to insert an Article in the Warrant, inasmuch as a war memorial is a Town affair and should be considered by Town Meeting. The Chairman asked Mr. Morse what he wanted the Board of Selectmen to do. Mr. Morse replied that he was merely reporting to the Board. Mr. Potter reminded Mr. Morse that if a committee on war memorials needed any money, it should be appropriated at the Town Meeting. The Chairman informed Mr. Morse that the.. Board'of..,6eiactmen had no authority to approve any such committee, and that it should be authorized by Town Meeting. The Chairman stated that the committee can request that an Article be inserted in the Warrant whereby the Moderator would name a committee to study and report on war memorials. Mr. Morse said that he would recommend to his committee that an Article be inserted in the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting. Mr. Morse informed the Board that at the last meeting of the Req. War Parents he was delegated to name a committee to inquire into Change the housing situation in Lexington to determine if there is any Zoning possibility that there could be any change in the zoning by-laws One to the'effect that the large houses in Lexington might be remodeled Fmly into two or three apartments. Houses Mr Potter explained to Mr. Morse that this would not be possible, inasmuch as it would be spot zoning. The Chairman informed Mr. Morse that if he had any particular house in mind, it would be up to the Board of Appeals to act upon an application to remodel it to convert it from a single family residence to a two family residence. 332 Article Mr. Morse said that he understood that there is to be 'Warrant an Article in the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting 'Chapter pertaining to Chapter 723 of the Acts of 1945, and he 723 further understood that the Selectmen oppose the acceptance of this Chapter. Mr. Morse asked whether or not the Board would state the specific reason for opposing the Chapter. Mr. Rowse said that Stephen Hamblin bad informed the Board that the War Parents of America had passed a vote -requesting two changes in the Act, and they were not approving the Act without changes. Mr. Rowse stated that the Board of Selectmen has taken the stand that they would like to at least attempt to try out the handling of Veterans affairs by a committee. He said that if the committee functions properly it can do, in the opinion of the Board of Selectmen, a better job than if a Veteran had charge with the possibility of it becoming a political job. Mr. Morse stated that nationally the War Parents are opposed to Chapter 723 in its present state, but the Lexington Chapter has recorded itself as favoring the Act. Mr. Rowse asked whythe War Parents are in favor of the Chapter. Mr. Morse said that basically it is impossible to obtain anyone to handle the work voluntarily and have it satisfactory. Mr. Rowse asked Mr. Morse to write the Board of Selectmen and state the reason why the War Parents of America are in favor of Chapter 723, in preference to having Veterans' affairs taken care of by a committee. Mr. Morse agreed to doso, and retired at 10:10 p.m. Pay Call Mr. George W. Emery, Chief Engineer of the Board of Man $100 Fire Engineers, appeared before the Board. Ambulance Mr. Emery said that he Would like the Selectmen to Calls approve and authorize the payment of 4100 to Gordon Robinson, a call man who has answered over eighty ambulance calls during the year 1944-1945. Mr. Rowse asked from what account such an expenditure would be paid, and Mr. Emery said from the Call Man Approp- riation, in which there in enough money. Mr. Rowse moved that the request be approved and that the Board of Fire Engineers be authorized to pay Gordon Robinson the sum of 4100. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted, Mr. Emery retired at 10:20 p.m. A letter was received from the Appropriation Connnittee ,Transfer informing the Board of Selectmen that a transfer in the amount of $3,000 had been approved for the Old Age Assistance - Aid and Expenses Account. The Chairman read a letter from Richard O. Bramhall, 25 Parker Street, Lexington, offering 4700 for Lots 19-22 inclusive, Block 17, Bertwell Road. 1 The Committee on Tax Title Property recommended that the offer be accepted. Mr. Sheldon moved that the offer be advertised, and that_ further consideration be given the offer at the next meeting of the Board. Mr. Potter seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 333 Advertise Lots 19- 22, Bert - well Road A letter was received from Mr. Wrightington, Town Rapid Counsel, stating that the new Rapid Transit Commission has Transit adopted all the recommendations of the original commission, Commission with the exception of those for the district which includes Lexington. He stated that a representative of the commisssion has already addressed a meeting in Arlington, and will probably want to hold a meeting in Lexington. A letter was received from Mrs. Robert D. Mayo stating Comm. on that the Lexington Community Committee on Rehabilitation and Re-employ. Employment has appointed a committee on re-employment, ment Vetfi consisting of Messrs. Herbert Collins, Robert Mayo and Robert Merriam. The Chairman read a letter stating that a hearing relative Street would be held on Friday, p.m. from the County Commissioners to the relocation of Grove December 28, 1945, at 3:00 The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Joseph H. DeFoe accepting his appointment as Superintendent of Public Works in the Town of Lexington. Mr. DeFoe asked if the effective date of his appointment could be extended from December 21, 1945 to the first of the year. Mr. Rowse moved that the vote of the Board of Selectmen on November 19, 1945 appointing Joseph H. DeFoe as Superin- tendent of Public Works in the Town of Lexington, effective as of September 21, 1945, be rescinded. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Rowse then moved that Mr. Joseph H. DeFoe be appointed Superintendent of Public Works in the Town of Lexington, effective January 1, 1946. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Grove Street Hearing Reletn. DeFoe Accepts Supt.of Public Works The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Wrightington, Town Selectmen Counsel, regarding disbursements from the Bridge C'hAritable to handle Fund. Mr. Wrightington said that, in his opinion, the terms Bridge of the original deed of trust of the Bridge Fund impose upon Fund the Selectmen, for the time being, the responsibility of Requests selecting the beneficiaries of the fund. Mr. Sheldon moved that the Trustees of Public Trusts be requested to transfer the sum of 00.75 from the Bridge Charitable Fund, partial payment for an artificial limb to be furnished Mr. Chester R. Banks, 8 Brandon Street, Lexing- ton. This request was originally submitted to the Board by the Board of Public Welfare. 334 The Chairman read a letter signed by a committee of eight Employees requesting the use of the Selectmen's Room on Friday afternoon, Christmas December 21, 1945, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for a -Town Party Office Employees Christmas Party. Mr. Sheldon moved that the request be granted. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from the Lexington Sportsman's Club for the use of Estabrook Hall on December 11, 1945, from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for a meeting. Mr. Potter moved that the use of the hall be granted free of charge. Mr. Sheldon seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from the Lexington Club, Inc. for the use of Cary Memorial Hall on Friday, January 25, 1946, from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. for a Minstrel Show. Before quoting a rental charge, the Board felt that it should be determined whether or not the receipts from this activity are to be used for charitable purposes. Use of Hall Tse of Hall Use of Hall Lynch Re: Town Counsel Rich Re: town Counsel The Clerk informed the Board that the Junior Class of the High School had requested the use of Cary Memorial Hall on Friday evening, November 30, 1945,1ixasmuch as the dance scheduled for November 23, 1945 had been canceled. Mr. Sheldon moved that the request be approved. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Rowse reported that he had seen Daniel Lynch, and told him that he was representing the Board of Selectmen to find out whether or not Mr. Lynch would be interested in the position of Town Counsel. Mr. Rowse said that he explained the duties of the position. Mr. Lynch informed Mr. Rowse that he had been contacted on the matter-, and the first time he had stated that he was not interested. The second time, he was approached and asked if he would consider.. the position in the interest of the Town, and he replied in the affirmative. Mr. Rowse said that Mr. Lynch gave him a great deal df information on the type of work he is doing, his background* and his education. He is a graduate of Boston College and Boston University of Law School. He was -originally associated with McLellan, Carney and Brickley, and later became associated with Carney who died and turned his entire practice over to Mr. Lynch. Mr. Rowse said that he would judge that Mr. Lynch would be exceptionally able in court work. He is the trial man for Daniel Conants of the Sheraton Interests. Mr. Lynch has lived in Lexington since 1941, and owns his own home on Goodwin Road. Mr. Rowse said that he and Mr. Locke had talked with John Rich who is a conservative type of individual. He does trial work in connection with corporations.. He is the counsel for Sanford Mill in Sanford, Maine, and also for the Hearst newspapers. Mr. Rich is interested in the position, and is very much interested in the Town. 335 It was decided to invite Mr. Rich to meet with the Board on Monday evening, December 3, 1945. A true record, Attest: /��/ erk�/