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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1946-11-25 128 ce rt SELECTMEN'S MEETING November 25, 1946 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town *ffioe Building on Monday evening, November 25, 1946 at 7.30 p.m. Chairman Potter, Meesrs. Rowse, Locke, Sarano and Paxton were present. The Clerk was also present. Transfer Mr. Joseph H. DeFoe, Supt. of Public Works, appeared before the Board at 7:30 p.m. Letter was received from the Supt. of Public Works, with reference to his recent verbal request for a transfer to the Road Machinery Account to cover outstanding bills, and contemplated expenditures for the remainder of the year. Mr. DeFoe stated in his letter that outstanding bills at the present time amount to approximately X800. He further stated that anticipated expenses for the remainder of the year would probably amount to sometling over $1,500, and he was, therefore, requesting a transfer of $2,000. Mr. Rowse moved that the Appropriation Committee be requested to transfer $2,000 from the Reserve Fund to the Road Machinery Account to take care of present and anticipated expenses for the balance of the year. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that he had a survey Blasting made of the houses on Washington Street and Fair Oaks Damages Terrace, where alleged damages have been claimed as a result of Town blasting. He said that both Stanley Higgins and Mike Shea, the Town painter, had inspected the properties and given him estimates as follows: 40 Percy Road $21.00 9 Washington St. 124.00 15 Washington St. 143 .00 He stated that Dr. Winston on Outlook Drive clamed to have an antique mirror fall off the wall as a result of blasting on Fair Oaks Terrace. He said this residence may be three or four hundred yards away from the area in which the blasting occurred. Mr. Locke suggested that Mr. DeFoe contact these various individuals and endeavor to obtain a figure from them as to the amount of damage. Mr. Paxton stated that the usual procedure is to have the persons claiming damage submit there claim in writing to the Board. Mr. DeFoe agreed to contact the various persons and ask them to Submit their claims in writing. 129 Letter was received from John J. Garrity, Damage to Supt. of Parks and Playgrounds, informing the* Trees installation of an oil pipe line through the Adams School playground had caused damage to some of the Town trees. Mr. Garrity said that he had meet over this area with the foreman of the firm who did the work, and had estimated the damage at approximately $100. He said that he would notify the company to send a check to the Town Treasurer in this amount, if it meets with the approval of the Board. Upon motion of Mr. Rocket seconded by Mr. Rowse, it was voted to approve of Mr. Garrity' s recommendation and authorize him to notify the company as suggested in his letter. Mr. DeFoe said that he had received the following Gasoline five quotations for supplying the Town with gasoline Contract for 1947: Colonial Beacon Oil 12.35 and 13.85 American Oil Company 12.35 and 14.85 Shell Oil Company 12.6 and 14.1 Bonded Oil System, Inc. 14.1 and 15.6 Penn Oil Company 12 .2 and 13.7 Mr. DeFoe stated that the Town is now using Shell Oil Company gasoline. He said that we do not use special gasoline, but he believes that special gas should be used for our new equipment. Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Locke , it was voted to award the bid for the 1947 supply of gasoline to the Colonial Beacon Oil Company at their quoted price of 12.35 and 13 .85. Mr. DeFoe stated that he had confereed with Mr. Chapter 90 Sabin of the State Department of Public Works relative Grove St. to Chapter 90 Construction of Grove Street. He said that inasmuch a s there is only fill and cuts involved, Mr. Sabin is of the opinion that the work should be done by the Town, and not let out on contract. The Chairman asked if the developer had started to Spring build streets in the Spring Street area. Street Mr. DeFoe replied that excavation has been started. Develop- The Chairman inquired about the loam in the ment development, and Mr. DeFoe replied that 411l loam is to be removed and he will inspect it personally. The Chairman asked about the shoulders, and Mr. DeFoe replied that he had talked with Mr. McLaughlin, who has agreed to cut the shoulders back to the property line with a pitch of about 1/4 of an inch. He will then loam /it over and seed it. of Board that the 130 oc 1 The Chairman asked about the ledge in the roads. Mr. DeFoe said that he thought he might have something to present to the Board this Bening. He said that Mr. McLaughlin has struck ledge which projects up above the finished grade of the road, and it looks to him as if the road could be raised somewhat. Mr. DeFoe retired at 8 22 p.m. , and Mr. Reardon, USO representative, appeared before the Board. USO The Chairman stated that one reason for Mr. Reardon' s Office presence this evening was to give him an opportunity to tell the Board of his plans. Mr Reardon explained the purpose and aims of the USO in detail. Mr. Rowse stated that it is not possible for the Board of Selectmen to rent or allow the use of a Con- ference Room in the Cary Memorial Building on a permit basis, and at the time the use had been granted to the USO, the Board understood that it was merely a temporary atrangement. Mr. Reardon asked if it was the judgment of the Board of Selectmen that he will have to move as aoon as possible , and Mr. Rowse replied in the affirmative. Mr. Rearddn asked if he would be given a tht.ity-day notice . Mr. Rowse suggested that he vacate at the beginning of the year. Mr. Reardon retired at 8 35 p.m. Letter was received from the Chairman of the Board Bd. of of Health stating that the Health Inspector had requested Health an increase in salary, and the Board of Health voted to Budget approve an increase of $200, making the revised budget for Personal Services $762:50. Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Sarano , it was voted to rescind the action taken on the Board of Health - Personal Services budget on November 18. Mr. Rowse then moved that the Board of Health - Personal Services budget be approved in the amount of $700. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Transfer Letter was received from E. A. Lindstrom, Building Inspector, informing the Board that he would need $60 in the Building Department - Expenses Account to pay outstanding bills and anticipated expenditures for the remainder of the year. 131 Mr. Rowse moved that the Appropriation Committee be requested to transfer the sum of $60 from the Reserve Fund to the Building Department - Expense Account. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Letter was received from John A. Russell, Dog Request Officer, stating that he would need approxiamtely For $25 to pay outstanding bills and anticipated Transfer expenses for the balance of the year. Mr. Rowse moved that the Appropriation Committee be requested to transfer the sum of 025 from the Reserve Fund to the Dog Officer - Expenses Account. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was sovated. At 8 50 p.m. the following members of the Committee Proposed on Recreational Facilities appeared before the Board Locker Mrs. Paul W. Mathers, Messrs. Goddard, Gustin and Moose. Mr. Gustin explained that the Committee was not present this evening to present a general report , but merely to discuss the proposed locker building, and presented a blueprint to the Board. Mr. Gustin said that the Committee believes that the term "locker building" was incorrect and it should be toilet facilities. He said that the Committee did not feel it was a good policy to spend money for a locker building when the School Committee is willing to allow the use of showers if and when the new high school is erected. The Chairman explained that the vote of the Town Meeting approved $600 for plans and specifications and that the money could not be used for anything else. He said that the intent of the vote would have to be carried out. Mr. Rowse said that the vote could only be changed at the next Annual Town Meeting. Mr. Paxton said that he believed that difficulty would be encountered if high school showers were used by Town groups. Mr. Gustin asked if the Committee was authorized to spend the t600. The Chairman replied in the negative, stating that the Board of Selectmen would have to approve any expendi- tures. Mr. Rowse said that if the Committee recommended not to erect a locker building, the Selectmen could go to Town Meeting and ask to have the vote changed. 1 132 1 The Chairman reminded the group that they would have to keep in mind the fact that when the Town voted the money for a locker building, it was a locker building they wanted, and he believed they would be severely criticized if the vote were not carried out . The Chairman said that if the Committee wanted to put in a recommendation for toilet facilities instead of a locker building, the Selectmen would be justified in asking Town Meeting to change the vote. Mr. Gustin said that the Committee would give the subject further consideration and report later to the Board. The group retired at 9 20 p.m. Petition was received requesting the installation Request of a water main on Burlington Street. For A The Clerk was instructed to refer it to the Supt. Water Main of Public Works. Petition was received requewting the development of Skating at a skating and hockey rink at Kenneen' s Pond. Kinneen's The Clerk was instructed to refer it to Mr. Pond Garrity, Supt. of Parks and Playgrounds, for his recommendation. Letter was received from the Board of Health Board of advising that Mr. George E. Russell had resigned as Health Chairman, but would continue to serve as a member of the Board. Mr. R. L. McQuillan has been appointed Chairman. Letter was received from Rev. Crawford 0. Smith, inviting the Board to services on Sunday, December 15, 194b, at which time Carillonic Tower Bells are to be dedicated. Board of Notice was received from the Board of Appeals of Appeals the hearing to be held on December 6, 1946 upon the application of the Lexington Coal Company for permission to install above ground tanks for the storage of 30, 000 gallons of fuel oil. Form letter was received from Commissioner Long Town of the State Department of Corporations and Taxation, Moderator suggesting that a vote be taken making arrangements for Town Moderators to be elected for a three year period. 188 Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Locke, it was voted to take the necessary steps whereby in the future, Town Moderator will be elected for a three year term. Letter was received from Samuel E. Cazen requesting Paper permission to conduct a waste paper drive on January 19, Drive 1947, in an effort to maintain funds to conduct activities pertaining to Cub Pack #38 and Scout Troop #38, sponsored by the Parker School Parent Teachers Association. Mr. Rowse moved that permission be granted and that Iva. Gazan be notified that the Lexington Athletic Boosters Club had already been granted a pertit to conduct a paper drive on December 15, 1946. Mr. Paxton seconded the motion , and it was so voted. Application was received from the Arts and Crafts Use of Society requesting permission to use Cary Hall on Satur- Hal day, December 14, for a Christman Party for member's children. Mr. Sarano moved that the use of the hall be grant- ed, subject to a $10 charge. Mr. Paxton seconded the motion, and it was so voted. ripplication was received from the Senior Class, Use of Lexington High School, requesting permission to use Hall Cary Memorial Hall on the evening of December 26, 1946, for a Senior Dance. Mr. Sarano moved that the use of the hall be grant- ed free of charge . Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from the War Parents of Use of .America requesting permission to use Estabrook Hall on Hall the evening of December 12, 1946 for a business meeting. Mr. Sarano moved that the use be granted free of charge. Mr. Paxton seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from Theron, H. Gough, Peddler' s 451 Concord Avenue for a_Peddler' s License. License Satisfactory reference was received from the Chief of Police. Mr. Sarano moved that the license be approved. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. ' Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Locke, Liquor it was voted to renew the Package Goods Stores liquor Licenses licenses. The following licenses were signed: 134 Berman's Market, Inc. 14 Mass. Avenue Joseph Trani, Inc. 1757 Mass. Avenue Changing The Planning Board letter relative to changing street Street names was held over from the last meeting of the Board. Names The Clerk informed the Board that according to Town By-laws, Section 51, streets should be called and known by the name given them respectively, until such names shall be changed by the vote of the Town. Mr. Locke moved that publicity be given the matter Art. in in the local paper and that an article be inserted in the Warrant warrant for the Annual Town Meeting in March relative to changing certain street names as recommended by the Planning Board. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so votted. A true record, Attest "(k. r