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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1946-12-09 141 SELECTMEN'S MEETING December 9, 1946 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, December 9, 1946 at 7.:30 p.m. Chairman Potter, Messrs. Rowse, Locke, Sarano and Paxton were present. The Clerk was also present. At 7:30 p.m. , Mr. Joseph H. DeFoe, Supt. of Public East Works, appeared before the Board. Lexingto; Mr. Moe reported that he had conferred with Converse Branch Hill relative to sufficient coverage on the East lea- ington Branch Library during the period of renovation. Mr. Hill stated that there isn't much to be done about it . Mr. Sargna asked if the building would be covered while the work is being done. Mr. DeFoe replied in the affirmative. IIMr. i'1eFoe said that he had received a quotation Graphtype on the purchase of a graphtype for approximately $345. For Water He said that it has cost to date $60 for new plates, Department for which it is necessary to wait several months, and he believes that the purchase of the new machine for the Water Department would be justified. Mr. Rowse said that he did not believe that the unit should be purchased now, but an item should be included in the 1947 budget. It has not been the policy in the past to purchase anything of this type, even though the money were available. Mr. Rowse moved that an item be included in Mr. DeFoe' s budget for 1947 - Capital Expenditures. The motion, however, was not seconded. Mr. Paxton suggested that Mr. DeFoe contact the addressograph people with the idea that possibly they could have representative contact other departments, such as the Tax Collector and the Ansessors, in view of their making use of the addressogrpph and the graph- type. The Chairman asked if the Board would be willing to authorize a purchase , subject to the approval of March Town Meeting. Mr. Paxton moved that Mr. DeFoe be authorized to place an order for the purchase of a graphtype at an 1 142 101,4C i approximate cost of $345, subject to the approval of the Annual Town Meeting in March. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. DeFoe agreed to obtain a letter from the company whereby they would be willing to accept an order with the understanding that the money for the unit must be appropriated by Town Meeting, and in the event that the money is not made available, the order may be cancelled. Meters OIi Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that the question has Hydrants come up relative to placing meters on hydrants for construction purposes. He said he has, during the summer, authorized the installation of meters for this purpose, but he felt that during the winter, there is a possibility of frozen hydrants. Mr. Paxton said that in the past the Water Depart ment has put meters on hydrants in the morning, and removed them at night. A charge is then made to the contractor, ane hour for the man and one hour for the truck, and for whatever water they used. Mr. DeFoe asked if it were the Board's desire that he should grant requests for meters, the Town to take the meters off at night for protection. Mr. Paxton replied in the affirmative. Mr. DeFoe stated that he would make a minimum charge, and the meters will be checked. Renting The subject of renting Town equipment for private Town work was held over from the last meeting of the Board. Equipment Mr. DeFoe said that he did not believe the Town should gamble on renting the grader , inasmuch as it is not in good condition. He said that he believes the Town might find itself in a position of not having any grader at all. not It wad decided/to make any change in the present policy of denying requests for the use of Town equipment for private work. Mr. DeFoe retired at 7 55 p.m. Insurance Letter was received from Robert C. Merriam, stating that Public Liability Policy #0-716618, which insures the operations of the water and sewer departments, will expire on January 1, 1947. 143 Mr. Paxton moved that the policy be renewed through the same office. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Letter was received from Robert L. Ryder, informing Lexington the Board that the Lexington Estates Trust contemplates Estates applying in the very near future for the extension of Trust water mains in Sherburne Road, from the present terminus to Winthirop Road, and in Winthrop Road, from the present terminus to Waltham Street. They also intend to construct an extension of Sherburne Road in the spring, and will require between 1100 and 1500 feet of water pipe. The Clerk was instructed to refer the communication to the Supt. of Public Works. Letter was received from the Appropriation Committee Transfer informing the Board that at a meeting held on November Road 25, 1946, it was voted to transfer the sum of $1,000 Machiner; from the Reserve Fund to the Road Machinery Account. The Appropriation Committee also voted on December 2, 1946 to transfer another $1,000 from the Reserve Fund to the Road Machinery Account. Letter was received from Paul A. Hubbart, requesting Manor II the Board to advise him, as Chairman of the North Lex- Sewer ington Sewer Committee, by what date at the earliest the Project Manor Sewer Project will be completed, a legal opinion pertaining to the effect on the basis of assessment upon the abutters, in the event it is not completed until after December 31, 1946; what the Selectmen propose to do with regard to the basis of assessment , what the approximate assessment per square foot is to be expected, based on the legal opinion, and what the Board believes is the fair basis of assessment, should there n difference between these two points of view. Mr. Rowse moved that a copy of Mr. Hubbart' s communi- cation be forwarded to the Town Counsel, and his opinion requested. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. At 8:07 p.m. Mr. Winthrop Bowker, Chairman of the Resignatio] Board of Appeals, appeared before the Board. Winthrop He stated that due to increased responsibilities in Bowker connection with his work as an estimate engineer of the From Bd. New England Telephone and Telegraph Company, it would of Appeals be impossible for him to continue to serve on the Board of Appeals, and he desires to resign as of January 1, 1947. 144 00 ra Mr. Rowse explained that although the appointment was made by the Board of Selectmen, he was actually sworn in by the Town Clerk and, therefore, his resign- ation should be submitted to the Town Clerk. Mr. Bowler retired at 8:11 p.m. , and the following members of the Board of Fire Engineers appeared before the Board: Chairman Emery, Messrs. Donnelly, Driscoll, Fawcett , and Deputy Chief Cook. Fire Dept. Mr. Emery explained the Fire Department - Personal Hours Services budgets submitted on the basis of a 112 hour week, an 84 hour week, and a 70 hour week. He stated that the Board of Fire Egginaers recommend that Lexing- ton change to either an 84 hour week or a 70 hour week. Mr. Emery then stated that the Fire Engineers believe Lexington should be placed on an 84 hour week at least, but the Engineers make no recommendation one way or the other on the 70 hour week. He said that if the Approp- riation Committee is willing to endorse the 84 hour week and it is accepted by the Towh, the Eggineers will make a schedule similar to what the men are nn now, so that they may have one meal at home and thus bring their time down to 84 hours a week. Mr. Rowse asked if the men' s take home pay would be the same as it is now. Mr. Emery replied it would be the same per man. Mr. Rowse asked if the increase in the budget was due because of increased personnel, and Mr. Emery replied in the affirmative. Article Mr. Emery informed the Board that a request should in Warrant be made at Town Meeting for $2,000 for grading at the new Central Fire Station. The Board of Fire Engineers retired at 8:45 p.m. Transfer Letter was received from the Board of Fire Engineers, a copy Of which was sent to the Appropriation Committee, requesting a transfer of $250 to the Fire Department - Deputy Expenses budget, as a supplementary grant to the item Chief' s listed as "Deputy Chief' s Car. Allowance". The Deputy Car Chief covered at least 10,000 miles in 1946 on Fire Department work with his own private car. Mr. Paxton moved that the Appropriation Committee be requested to transfer the sum of $250 from the Reserve Fund to the Fire Department - Expenses account as a supplementary grant to the item listed as "Deputy Chief's Car Allowance". Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. 145 The Chairman asked how the Board felt relative to Fire Dept. taking any stand on the hours for the firemen. 84 hour Mr. Paxton moved that the Fire Department - week 19ersonal Services budget be approved on the basis of an 84 hour week. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Letter was received from Mrs. Ruth Morey, Secretary Enclosed of the Lexington School Committee , stating that the Field School Committee desires to know if the enclosed field will be ready for use during 1947. The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge Mrs. Morey' s letter, and to advise tier that insofar as the Board of Selectmen is concerned, the field may be used at any time. Letter was received from the Town Clerk, informing the Board that the Moderator has appointed the following Committee individuals to serve on a committee tb study the matter War of a war memorial Memorial Archibald R. Giroux, A. Edward Rowse, Mrs. Thomas S. Appointed Grindle , Lyon Carter, Steele Lindsay, Robert H. Watt (Veterans of Foreign Wars) , Clyde A. Booker (American Legion) , George V. Norse (War Parents) , and William Phillips (Amvets) . Letter was received from the Town Clerk reporting Election on the recount on the votes cast at the State Election Workers on November 5, 1946. A list of election workers was Redount submitted to the Board , and upon motion of Mr. Rowse , seconded by Mr. Locke, it was voted that the workers be compensated at the rate of $1 an hour, having worked from 7 00 p.m. to 11 00 p.m. As required by CEtapter 599, Section 12, the Acts Appoint of 1946, upon motion of Mr. $arano, seconded by Mr. Vets Locke, it was voted to appoint the following dildividuals Advisory to serve on an unpaid advisory board to render such Bd. 0h.599 assistance as Director of Veterans' Services may request : Ralph H. Wells, registered physician , Fulton Brown, industrialist , Leon Bateman, businessman other than an industrialist , Robert 'Watt , a representative of a veterans organization, John Sachetti , a representative of organized labor , Harold T. Handley, clergyman, Thomas Grindle, Supt. of Schools , A. Irving Dodge, director of vocational or trade department of the school system; Irving F. Sherwood, a person experienced in guidance or counsel; and Mrs. Ruth Morey, a member of the Public Health Department. 146 Election Letter was received from tie Town Clerk reporting Workers on the recount on the votes at the State Election Recount on November 5, 1946. A 1 ' of election workers was submitted to the Board, ' . upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Loc e i was voted that the workers be compensated at ate of 11 an hour, having worked from 7 00 p.m. to ill 0• p.m. Appoint Vets As required by Chapter 599 , Section 12, the Acts AdBusory Bd. of 1946, upon motion of Mr. Sarano, seconded by Mr. Ch. 599 Locke , it was voted 'to appoint the following individuals to serve on an unpaid advisory board to render such assistance as Director of V: =ns ' Services may request: Ralph H. Wells, registered, . ysicaian, Fulton Brown, industrialist, Leon Bate,f . , businessman other than an industrialist , Roberti - t, a representative of a veterans organization, John rchetti, a representative of organized labor, Harold T dley, clergyman, Thomas Grincle, Supt. of Schools, A / ' v ng Lodge, director of vocational or trade department o he school system; Irving F. Sherwood, a person expe ienced in guidance or counsel; and Mrs. Ruth Morey , a member 6f the Public Health Department. Letter was received from the American Legion Auxil- Booth On iary, requesting permission to conduct a booth for the Buckman sale of refreshments on the Buckman Tavern grounds on Tavern April 19, 1947. Grounds The Clerk was instructed to inform Mrs. Francis B. Culbertson, Secretary of the! Auxiliary, that the Board has no objection, but believes that the Supt . of Parks and Playgrounds cshould designate the location of such a booth. Tax Title The Chairman informed the Board that in August, 1946 the Board had voted to sell and convey part of Lot 70 and Lot 71, Sylvia Street, to Leo A. and Eva Boynton, former owners, for the amount of $160. The Selectmen received a check, which has been turned over to the Town Treasurer. The Treasurer informed the Board by letter on January 25 , 1945 that these particular lots had been foreclosed through land court, and were owned by the Town and could be sold. However, it now appears that the lots have never been foreclosed. It was decided to adtitee Thomas C. O'Brien, attorney for the Boynton' s, that it will be necessary for them to wait until the title is cleared. Use of Application was received from the 4-H Club for Hall permission to use a Conference Room on Thursday evening, 147 December 12, 1946 for a meeting. The Chairman informed the Board that the Cary Building would be open that evening, inasmuch as both Cary Hall and Estabrook Hall have been engaged. Mr. Sarano moved that the use of the Conterenee Room be granted free of charge. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Paxton stated that he objected to committee meetings being held in the Cary Memorial Building. Application was received from the Lexington Minute- Use of Man Sportsmen's Club, requesting permission to hold a Hall meeting in Estabrook Hall on the evening of December 17, 1946 from 7 30 p.m. to 10 00 p.m. Mr. Rowse moved that the use of the hall be granted, subject toa,oharge of $10. Mr. Paxton seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from,the Boston Market Use of 7 Gardener's Association, requesting permission to hold Hall a meeting and luncheon at Cary Memorial Hall on Wednes- day, December 18, 1946 from 11 00 a.m. to 5 00 p.m. Mr. Sarano moved that the use of the hall be granted, subject to a charge of $30 . Mr. Paxton seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from the Veterans of Foaeign Use of Wars, requesting permission to use Cary Memorial Hall on the evening of December 23 , 1946 for a Veterans' Community Show from 8:00 p.m. to midnight. The Clerk informed the Board that the Veterans' have already had six free uses this year. Mr. Rowse moved that the use be granted free of charge, and that the Post be requested to confine their uses in the future to six per year. Mr. Sarano sdconded the motion, and it was so voted. Upon motion of Mr. Sarano, seconded by Mr. Paxton, Licenses it was voted to grant the following licenses John J. Rudd Liquor License (Has been approved by A.B.C) Joseph Trani, Inc. " " " " " " " Berman's Market " " " " " " " William Viano Sunday Movies I 148 y .1 Appoint The Chairman informed the Board that Mr. Clyde Assessors Steeves and Mr. William I. Burnham's terms as members & Assessors of the Board of Assessors would expire on December 31, Clerk 1946. Mr. Frederick J. Spencer' s term as Clerk of the Board of Assessors will also expire on that date. Mr. Sarano moved that Messrs. ulyde Steeves and William I. Burnham be reappointed as members of the Board of Assessors for a two year term expiring December 13 , 1948. Mr. Paxton seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Sarano then moved that Mr. Frederick J. Spencer be reappointed Assistant Assessor for a term of one year expiring December 31, 1947. Mr. Paxton seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mulliken For the benefit of the members who were not present Estate last week, the Chairman explained that Mr. Bicknell, attorney for Otis Milliken had met with the Board relative to the Town' s taking by Eminent Domain, for school purposes, approximately 7 3/4 acres of land in the Estate of William E. Mulliken. Mr. Mullikenubelieves that according to the present real estate market, he should receive 'j3500 for the property , and the Town has voted to take it by Eminent Domain, and appropriated $ 2500. the The Chairman explained that/ members of the Board present last week felt $3500 was a fair price. Article Mr. Sarano moved that an Article be inserted in the in Warr. Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting in March, 1947, requesting an appropriation of $14.000 as settlement for damages. Mr. Paxton seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Ryder Mr. Sarano said that Mr. Robert L. Ryder would Land like a plan of the land which the Town proposes to take from him for a high school , such plan to show how the remaining lands would be affected. When the plan is ready, he would like to meet with the Selectmen in an effort to arrive at a fair value. Mr. Rowse moved that the Town Engineer be instructed to prepare a plan of the proposed taking, and when it is completed, discuss the matter with Mr. Ryder. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Castle Mr. Paxton said that John Baskin, developer of Castle Heights Heights, wants to know whether or not the Town will Develop- accept Castle Road. Mr, Paxton said that the cost will ment be apportioned among the abutters. 149 ' Mr. Saran said that street acceptances must be presented to Town Meeting. The Chairman stated that he believed that there were a number of streets upon which there are houses which should be accepted first. Mr. Locke said that he believed that if the Board of Selectmen were going to recommend any streets to be accepted, those streets that have been waiting for a long time and upon which there are houses should be given preference. Mr. Paxton agreed to explain the matter to Mr. Baskin. The Chairman explained that colonel Barry, Chairman Welfare of the Board of Public Welfare, had informed him that the Salary Appropriation ®ommittee has approved $210 and $180 Schedule increment on the Welfare Department salary schedule. The Selectmen decided to make no change in their policy of $100 increment. A true record, Attest: /11/2, ,r)(\i /Jy /Clerk. The next seting o - = :.ard,..efeSelec n will be held next M y eveni Decemb 16, 1 t 7 30 p.m. in the Se ctmen's - .m, Town Office Bui ing.