HomeMy WebLinkAbout1946-11-04 92 /meq;
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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
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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,
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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100 cc
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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
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