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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1946-11-04 92 /meq; 1 SELECTMEN'S MEETING November 4, 94 1 6 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, November 4, 1946, at 7:30 p.m. Messrs. Locke, Sarano and Paxton were present. In the absence of Mr. Potter, Mr. Locke served as Chairman. The Clerk was also present. At 7:30 p.m. Mr. James J. Carroll, Town Clerk, appeared before the Board for the drawing of two jurors. Jurors Mr. Arthur V. Boyce, Inspector, 30 Charles Street, was drawn to serve on Criminal Business, First Session, at Cambridge, beginning Tuesday, November 12, 1946. Mr. Sherman K. Hardy , Salesman, 80 Hill Street, was drawn to serve on Criminal Business, First Session, at Cambridge beginning Tuesdays_ November 12, 1946. Mr. Cambridge, retired at 7 35 p.m. and Mr. Joseph H. DeFoe appeared before the Board. Street Mr. DeFoe reported that he and Mr. Frank Hitchcock Lights of the Boston Edison Company had checked Blake Road as Blake a result of a request for street lights between the Road interesection of Preston Road and Burlington Street. Mr. DeFoe said that two lights would be sufficient, which would involve four poles. Mr. Paxton moved that the Supt. of Public Works be authorized to request the installation of two street lights on Blake Road. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so' voted. Brove Mr. DeFoe said that with reference to assessments or Street takings for Grove Street there will be a few places with rather extensive slopes. He questioned whether or not we should have takings to include the slopes. Mr. Paxton explained that usually the Town widens out to the taking on the shodlder width. Mr. DeFoe said that he could tell Mr. Hatch, the County Engineer, to figure on taking the roadway itself. He asked if the Town should obtain the easements, and Mr. Paxton replied in the affirmative. Mr. DeFoe said that last fall, at about this time, the Town insurance was increased 40 per cent. This Insurance coverage is due again on November 16, 1946. He said that inasmuch as we are not going to eeceive the final survey until the latter part of the month, it would seem I that the policy should be renewed. He stated that Elmer A. Lord & Company is willing to pro-rate the insurance. Mr. Locke suggested that Mr. DeFoe confer with Converse Hill and find out definitely whether or not this insurance may be held on a binder. A form letter was received from the Department of Public Works, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, relative Snow to Town ways selected for snow removal assistance. The Removal Department has selected Route 2A, Town gap, 0.20 miles Assistance on which assistance will be given on plowing for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1947. Mr. Paxton explained that in plowing Massachusetts Avenue the Town naturally would include the distance from Maple Street to Marrett Road, and he suggested that the State plow the entire length of Maple Street. Upon motion of Mr. Paxton, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was voted to recommend that some arrangement be made whereby the State Department of Public Works shall plow the entire length of Maple Street and the Town of Lexington will in exchange plow all of Massachusetts Avenue . The Clerk reported that Mr. John J. Garrity, Tree Warden, had adtised the Chairman that there was no other Pole way for the Boston Edison to place thew poles on Locations Burlington Street •than what was shown by the plan Burlington submitted last week. Mr. Garrity will make sure that Street no damage is done to the trees. Upon motion of Mr. Paxton, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was voted to grant the petition and sign the order authorizing the Boston Edison Company to locate three poles on Burlington Street southwesterly from North Street. A form letter was received from the Commonwealth Wage of Massachusetts, Department of Labor and Industries, Rates Ch. together with a list of the classifications and 90 minimum wage rates to be paid to meohahics, teamsters, chauffeurs and laborers employed in Highway Construction on Grove Street under Chapter 90. Application was received from the Boston Edison Pole Company for permission to remove and set one pole on Location Gleason Road. The plan was approved by the Town Gleason Engineer and also the Supt. of Public Works. Rd. Upon motion of Mr. Sarano, seconded by Mr. Paxton, oc 94 �q yip 11 it was voted to authorize the Boston Edison Company to set one pole and remove one pole on Gleason Road, approximately 275' southeast of Williams Road. Mr. Potter arrived at 7.50 p.m. and Mr. DeFoe retired. The following members of the recently appointed Committee on Committee on the Sub-division of the Poor Farm Tract Subdivision appeared before the Board: Messrs. Couette, Lustance, Poor Farm Devine , Hardy, Houdlette, Phillips and Worthen. The Tract Chairman stated the chief item is the limited number of lots available under the Town Meeting vote. He said that the reason for the suggestion of the twenty-three lots was because of the fact that facilities are already installed in Hill and Cedar Streets. Mr. Devine asked what effect the development of this Town Farm property would have on the surrounding property. The Chairman reminded the group that the vote of Town Meeting only authorized the sale of lots facing on these two streets. Mr. Rowse arrived at 8:12 p.m. Mr. touette spoke at length on what the original committee had in mind, and Mr. Phillips also discussed the matter. Mr. Devine said that he could see a lot of trouble inasmuch as there are 1400 veterans and only about twenty lots to allocate. He said that undoubtedly there would be a lot of abuse heaped upon the members of the committee. He stated that the G. I. 's would have to hire an architect or else there would be a conglomeration of houses. He said that if the building situation collapses the boys will find a millstone in years to come and the whole thing might be a disaster. Mr. Rowse explained that this meeting tonight was primarily for organization purposes and to carry out the vote of the Town. Mr. Paxton said that it is not his idea that the Board of Selectmen should place the responsibility of allocating the lots because that is definitely the responsibility of the Board. He said that in order to obtain the best solution it was necessary to have the Engineers draw a plan. This may not be the best one, but some study has been given to the subject. He said that it was his idea that this committee should study the plan further to see whether or not it is the best layout. He• stated that this committee could assist the men in obtaining the best possible house for the lowest 95 possible price, and that the Board of Selectmen would have to take any criticism, insofar as allocating the lots is concerned. Mr. Worthen stated that the responsibility of signing the deeds is on the Selectmen, and that there is no- reason why this committee cannot make recommendations. The Selectmen may then reject or accept the suggestions made by the committee. Mr. Devine asked if the committee was merely an advisory committee , and the Chairman replied in the affirmative . The group retired at 8 4.0 p.m. The following members of the Committee on School Sites appeared before the Board: Chairman Roland Greeley, Mrs. Morey, Messrs. Grindle , Sullivan and Thomas. Mr. Greeley said that he had suggested meeting with the Board of Selectmen because it looked as if the two groups might be working at cross purposes. He said he wanted to be assured that the committee was carrying out the wished Of the Town Meeting. He stated he understood that they were to select the school sites, obtaining the I information from the School Committee, and using as their textbook the Nichols report. This report recommends the abandonment of the Hancock School and the erection Committee of two elementary schools to take its place. Mr. On School Greeley said that he would like to know if the committee Sites is heading in the right direction in accepting the Nichols recommendation or whether the Board feels that some different recommendation should be made. Mr. Rowse asked just what connection the Board of Selectmen had in relation to the Committee on School Sites. The Chairman said that he did not believe the Board of Selectmen would recommend or oppose anything that the Committee on School Sites might present to Town Meeting. Mr. Paxton said he thought that they should try to solve the problem, keeping in mind the Nichols report as far as possible. He asked how soon they would like to construct the new school, and Mr. Thomas replied immediately, and Mrs. Morey replied in March. Mr. Grindle said he thought the land should be purchased as soon as possible and plans made ready. Mr. Paxton said that he thought this was no time to build, and he felt that they would have a lot of difficulty. After further discussion on the matter, the group retired at 9:05 p.m. , and the following members of the Board of Board of Fire Engineers appeared before the Board. Fire Eng. Chairman Emery , Messrs. Adams, Donnelly, Driscoll and Hours of Fawcett. Deputy Chief Cook was also present . Firemen L 1 96 co Mr. Emery presented each member of the Board with a record showing the hours per week on duty of permanent firemen in Massachusetts in Towns and Cities with a population between 8, 500 and 25, 000. There was also attached a schedule of the 1947 personnel requirements based on 112 hours duty; 84 hours duty and 70 hours duty. Mr. Rowse asked how the firemen' s hours are scheduled. Mr. Emem. replied that they come on in the morning at 8: 00 a.m. and stay until 6 00 p.m. They do this fonn days in a row and then are off twenty-four hours. Mr. Rowse asked how much the personnel would be increased on 84 hours duty, and Mr. Emery replied that they would need six additional men. He said this whole matter has come about because the Fire Engineers had so much pressure put on them for shorter hours. He said he thought about one-half of the men would settle for an 84 hour week, and the other half would be disappointed if they did not get a 70 hour week. Mr. Emery said that the men have something coming to them, but it is up to the Board of Selectmen to determine what it will be. Mr. Paxton asked if in the event a change were made, would it effect the call men. Mr. Emery replied that he did not think it would be very much. The Chairman asked if Mr. Emery were in favor of shorter hours. Mr. Emery replied in the affirmative and stated that he did not think now is the logical time to put over a 70 hour week, and he has grave doubt in his 4i.nd if it would be justifidble. Mr. Emery stated that Lexington is out of step with other Towns, and it is a question of how far the situation should be corrected. Mr. Paxton asked how the 112 hours was made up, and Mr. Emery replied by two days on and one day off. The Chairman said that any change in the working hours of the Fire Department personnel would affect the Police Department . Mr. Emery said that the Board of Fire Engineers have made no commitments whatsoever in reference to the 70 hours and the Chairman said that he was of the impression that when the increase in salaries was discussed that it seemed better to go throw with the increase and at some future time come in with the recommendation for shorter hours. Mr. Emery said that some decision would have to be made before the budgets were figured, and Mr. Rowse stated that two sets of figures would have to be prepared for Town Meeting. Mr. Emery said that the Board of Fire Engineers wanted Chief Cook to be in the same relative postion as the Chief of the Police Department, and not have to spend nights at the station, i.e. , for him to be more or lees an executive. Mr. Rowse said that he thought the Board of Selectmen would have to study the other Town departments and then meet with the Board of Fire Engineers later on. The Chairman said that the Boards would have to be in agreement and try to sell the idea to the Appropriation Uommittee. He said that the Selectmen would consider the matter further and let the Fire Engineers know in about a month's time. Mr. Emery stated that Louis Bills, Wire Inspector, feels that there should be two more manholes. There are no manholes now between Elm Avenue and Johnson' s Garage. Mr. Emery stated that while Mr. Bills' contract for the installation of the fire alarm system is based on this fact, he feels that there should be a manhole half way from Elm II Avenue and Johnson' s Garage and another one in front of the new Central Fire Station. Mr. Emery said that it will cost : 200, each for the manholes, plus resurfacing. Mr. Emery said this expense would be taken out of the $15,000 appropriation for con- tingencies and or expenses. The Board of Fire Engineers retired at 9 35 p.m. , and Mr. Frank Ready appeared before the Board. Mr. Ready said that his request for an appointment this evening was in connection with overhanging signs. Mr. Rowse said that he had a eommuntegtion from the Lowney Sign Company stating that a neon sign can be put on a building, and abide by the present statute. He said that the condensa' used in connection with the sign is high voltage and needs to be thoroughly insulated. He explained that the Selectmen had tried to get the To Recommeni Planning Board to recommend a broadening of the Change provisions in our by-laws making it permissable to In Laws erect a sign 10" or 12" from a building, however, the Governing .Planning Board is in favor of carrying out the Building Overhanging AptImme exactly the way that they are set up. Signs The Chairman said that Mr. Ready' s problem is this. The signs up in the Center now are illegal and they must be taken down or else Mr. Ready should be permitted to erect a sign. r- 98 98 Mr. Rowse said that he thought the Board of Selectmen should recommend a change in the Building By-Law pertaining to signs and let the Town vote on it. The Chairman explained to Mr. Ready that if he erects a sign he will have to take the chance of Town Meeting voting on it. Mr. Rowse moved that the Board of Selectmen recommend to Town Meeting a change in the Building By-Law pertaining to signs whereby it would be permissable to erect a sign more than six inches from the building. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton explained that if by any chance the recommendation is defeated, the present Building By- Law would have to be enforced. Mr. Ready retired at 9 50 p.m. Resignation The Chairman read a letter from Miss Doherty, Assistant Assistant Clerk, tending her resignation, effective Clerk November 14, 1946. Miss Doherty explained that she was terminating her services with the Town to accept a position in Somerville. Reimburse The Chairman informed the Board that Mr. Walter State Abel, State Auditor, receives 2.35 an hour and Mr. Auditor McMenimen recommends that the Town pay him $2.50 an hour for whatever time he gives the Accounting Department. Mr. Rowse moved that Mr. Walter Abel be paid at the rate of $2.50 a1gout for whatever time he devotes to work in the Accounting Department. Mr. Saran seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman informed the Board that Mr. Reardon U.S.O. the U. S. 0. representative would like permission to Request to clean and paint the conference room that he is now Paint Conf. using and also to install a telephone. Room and Mr. Reardon informed the Chairman that he has Telephone funds available to pay for the installation of the telephone and also for painting the room. Mr. Paxton moved that Mr. Reardon be authorized to install the telephone and to paint the room under the supervision of the Supt. of Public Works. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman retired and Mr. Locke again acted in the capacity of the Chairman. A letter was received from Mr. James J. Carroll, Chapter 90 Town Treasurer, stating that he had received a check Maintenance on November 2, 1946 from the County of Middlesex in the 99 Ab' V` amount of $499.93 and also a check from the Common- wealth of Massachusetts in the amount of $499.93 , reimbursement for Chapter 90 Maintenance. Mr. Paxton moved that the vote of the Board on October 28, 1946, requesting the Town Treasurer to borrow $1,000 for Chapter 90 Maintenance, be rescinded. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A letter was received from Mr. E. A. Lindstrom, William Building Inspector, stating that on August 26, 1946 Richards he sent a registered letter to Mr. William Richards, Repair 101 Grant Street, calling his attention to the fact Shop that the operation of a repair shop at that address Violation was in violation of the Zoning Laws. Zoning Laws Mr. Lindstrom further stated that on October 30, 1946 he had made an insppction and found that Mr. Richards is still operating the repair shop. Mr. Rowse moved that the matter be referred to the Town counsel with instructions that he take whatever steps are necessary to enforce the Zoning Laws. Mr. Paxton seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A letter was received from the Follen Church Society, dated October 29, 1946, offering 3200 for the so-called Sale of Old Adams School Property. This communication was Old received sometime after a telephone conversation between Adams Mr. Rowse and Rev. Brayton, who stated that the church School was not interested in the lot because of additional Propert; land acquired in the rear of the present church property. A letter was received from the Chief of Police Appointment informing the Board that Mr. Robert W. Brant, whom Police the Board had appointed temporary patrolman, has Dept. decided that he does not desire to become a member of the police force. The Chief submitted the name of Stanley Janusas, Rescind 112 Tucker avenue. Vote Mr. Paxton moved that the vote passed on Passed October 28, 1946, appointing Robert W. Brant a temporary patrolman in the Lexington Police Department, be rescinded. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Rowse moved that the Selectmen appoint Stanley Janusas, 112 Tucker Avenue , a temporary patrolman in the Lexington Police Department pending the establishment of an eligible list from the Civil Service, and subject to the approval of Civil service. �_._ 100 cc Nag Transfer A letter was received from the Clerk bf the Board Board of of Appeals requesting a transfer in the sum of $50 to Appeals cover miscellaneous expenses through December 31, 1946. Mr. Rowse moved that the Appropriation Committee be requested to trandfer the sum of $50 from the Reserve Fund to the Board of Appeals -- Expenses Account. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. • Town Counsel A letter was received from the Town Counsel stating Settle Est. that he had adjusted the claim against the Estate of Elizabeth Elizabeth Latter. The purchase price of the property at Latter 147 Woburn Street amounted to $5,100, plus $2. 50 insurance adjustment, making a total of ? 5, 102.50 total adjustments amounted to $3, 242.59, leaving a balance of $1,859.92, Mr. Lynch enclosed with his letter two checks in payment of this amount . Mr. Lynch' s bill for services in this case amounted to $100. Mr. Rowse moved that the Appropriation Committee be requested to transfer the sum of $100 , from the Reserve Fund to the Law Department - Personal Services & Special Fees Account. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. A grue record, Attest Y / t ) �e k /Y:./