Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1947-01-20182 SELECTMEN'S MEETING January 40, 1947 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building on Monday evening, January 20, 1947 at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Potter, Messrs. Locke, Rowse, Sarano and Paxton were present. The Clerk was also present. Mr. DeFoe, Supt: of Public Works appeared before the Board. He requested authority to purchase 10,000 feet of 3/4 inch copper tubing and 1,000 feet of 1 inch copper tubing. copper Mr. Paxton moved that the Supt. of Public Works be Tubing authorized to place an order for the desired tubing. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. DeFoe stated that he would like to purchasee150 stop and wastes. Mr. Sarano moved that the Supt. of Public Works Curbing be authorized to make the purchase and place the order Cocks with Red Hed. Mr. Paxton seconded the motion, and it was so voted. M -scope Mr. DeFoe said that he would like the Board to re- consider his request for permission to purchase an M -scope. He said that the reason he is asking for reconsideration is because of the fact that they had a water break on Williams Road and the Sewer pipe goes down the center of the road with the water pipe supposedly ten or eleven feet out of the eenter of the road. However, in this particular instance it was only three feet out and the men hit it. He said that it would seem that before the town does too much more sewer work, it should definitely be determined where the pipes are located. Mr. Paxton said that it was obvious that an M -scope:: is needed and he could see no reason why it should hot be purchased now. He suggested that the item be charged to Main Breaks under Maintenance of Mains. Mr. Sarano moved that the Supt. of Public Works be authorized to purchase immediately an M -scope and that the allowance in the 1947 budget for this item be eliminated. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and it was so voted. *corp -cocks, 150 curbing cocks and 150 Nog 1 1 183 Mr. DeFoe retired at 7:45 p.m. and Mr. William S. Seaman, Collector of Taxes appeared before the Board. The Chairman explained that the Board had invited all department heads to meet with the Selectmen for the purpose of discussing salary increases for clerks in 1947. Mr. Seaman said that he had submitted his budget Salaries asking for an increase from $34.93 to $36.00 for Miss Thompson and an increase from 08.13 to $30.00 for Mrs. Tullar. Mrl Paxton inquired as to the duties in connection with Miss Thompson's position, and Mr. Scarman said that she keeps the real estate and commercial accounts. Mr. Paxton asked if she would qualify as a bookkeeper and Mr. Seaman replied in the affirmative and again said that she handles all the real estate. Mr. Paxton asked if Miss Thompson is really a senior clerk and Mr. Scamman replied in the affirmative. He said that she knows how to take care of the dffiee. The Chairman explained that all other senior clerks in the building will be receiving $35.00 a week and the Board is trying to be fair to everyone. Mr. Seaman said that Miss Thompson should receive $40,00 a week and the Chairman stated that if her salary is above $35.00 a week then, in fairness to the other clerks, it would be necessary to raise all senior clerks. Mr. Scamman retired at 8:00 p.m. and Mr. James J. Juror Carroll, Town Clerk & Treasurer appeared before the Board. Mr. Carroll said that it is necessary for the Board to draw one juror. Mr. George V. Hunt, post Office, 58 Juror Farmcregt Avenue was drawn to serve on Criminal Business, secondesession commending February 10, 1947. The Chairman explained to Mr. Carroll that he had been invited to meet with the Board to discuss salary increases for 1947, and asked if Mr. Carroll had anything to offer. Mr. Carroll said that he is asking for an increase Salaries from 36.13 to $38.13 for Mary McDonough and an increase from $23.63 to $25.63 for Ann McDonough. He explained that Mary assumes more responsibility thannAnn when he is out of the office. He said that it is quite a relief to him at the present time, where he has to go to the doctor twice a week, to have Miss McDonough take care Of the office. The Chairman informed Mr. Carroll that there is no senior clerk in the building who re®aived-more than $35.00 and as far as Ann McDonough's salary is concerned, 184 the Board felt that she is underpaid and suggests an increase to $27.00 a week. He said that the Board is recommending $35.00 a weak for Mayy McDonough. Mr. Carroll said that no other senior clerk has the responsibilities that Mary has and the Chairman reminded Mr. Carroll that the town should not be paying her for her work as Assistant Town Treasurer. He said that her salary had been increaded on the basis that she was doing senior clerk work. Mr. Rowse asked if Ann could take dictation and Mr. Carroll replied in the affirmative. Mr. Rowse said that in that case she is underpaid as compared with the other girls in the building. Term of Mr. Carroll said that the Board of Selectmen have the Town authority to set the term of office of the Town Clerk and Clerk he wondered if the Board would consider making it a three year term. He retired at 8:10 p.m. The Chairman informed the Board that Mr. Russell, Town Accountant came in to the office to see him today and he does not seem well enough to come backl Mr. Russell is now on terminal leave and is practically out of the army on disability. If the Board will retire him on account of his health, he will receive one-half of his salary. The Chairman said that Mr. Russell must first be reinstated as Town Accountant, applytfor retirement and then go before a medical Board of three, and if they approve he can automatically be retired. Mr. Locke asked if Mr. Russell would make a gesture of coming back and then have the Board retire him, and the Chairman replied in the affirmative. The Chairman suggested that Mr. Mussell write to the Board requesting reinstatement as Town Accountant, having in mind that he intends to request retirement. The Board authorized the Chairman to contact Mr. Russell to this effect. Mr. Paxton said that he thought it might be worth- while to consider the possibility of making the position of Town Accountant part time. At 8:25 p.m. Mr. Andrew Dresselly appeared before the Board. He said that he was representing the Lexington Its cr oot 1 1 185 and Crafts Society and would like permission to conduct an exhibition in Cary Memorial Hall on Sunday, April 27, 1947 from 2 to 9. He said the Society wmuld like Use of the Board to give them consideration relative to charging Hall for the use of the hall. Mr. Rowse asked if this activity was the one usually conducted in Masonic Hall and Mr. Dresselly replied in the affirmative and said that they needed a large hall. Mr. Locke asked if this would be an all day use and Mr. Dresselly replied that they would like to have access to the hall in the morning to set up the exhibits. He also said that they might like to use the voting booths. The Chairman explained that the booths are under the jurisdiction of the Town Clerk. Mr. Dresselly retired at 8:30 p.m. Upon motion of Mr. Rowse, seconded by Mr. Sarano it was voted to grant the use of the hall, subject to a charge of $25.00 At 8:30 p.m. the following individuals met with the Selectmen: Appropriation Committee represented by Mr. Hoyt; Planning Board represented by Chairman Worthen, Messrs. Richards, Ferguson, Cromwell, and Houdlette; School Committee represented by Chairman Thomas, Messrs. Grindle and Mrs. Morey; Committee on School Building Sites represented by Chairman Roland Greeley, Messrs. Davis, Tropeano; Recreational Committee represented by Chairman Gustin, Mr. Whalen and Mrs. Matther. Mr. Garrity, Supt. of Parks and Playgrounds was also present. The Chairman explained that the meeting had been called to discuss the new high school site, the location of the building on the site, and the proposed site for the Hancock School replacement. Mr. Greeley said that the problem arises from the fact that the line for taking of the praperty for the high school does not leave the Ryder property in the situation that Ryder feels is to his advantage. He said that the information made available in the Town Engineers' and Assessors' offices gave no indication of the Bushnell taking. He said that his committee thought they were dealing with two large Ryder tracts. He said that his committee felt that a new street would compensate for the right of way from Waltham Street. The Chairman said that the Selectmen would like to find out how Mr. Ryder can be satisfied without costing the town too much. The Committee on School Sites presented a plan and explained in detail ther:proposition and the Planning 186 Board also presented a plan which was explained by Mr. Worthen. A lengthy and very informal discussion on the subject was held. Mr. Greeley then advised the groups present of his committees thoughts relative to a school site for the replacement of the present Hancock School. He said that his committee is of the opinion that the best possible site of a scho61 to replace Hancock School is on the property between Park Drive and the Hagerty property. He said that some time ago he had asked Mr. Lynch for a legal opinion in regard to this property, but apparently it is not a simple legal situation due to the fact that the property was acquired by the Board of Selectmen in 1895 without any vote of the town. The Chairman said that he thought it would be better to discuss the site before devoting the time to look up the deed. He said that the committee's proposal will take part of the playground and part of the soccer field. He said that possible Mr. Garrity and the Recreation Committee would like to comment on this. Mr. Garrity said that the proposal will take a lot of the field away and he is certainly opposed to it because he has no idea where to put the overflow. He also asked about sewerage if the property is taken for t school and what would be done insofar as drainage is concerned. Mr. Rowse asked if the Scholl Sites Committee intended to recommend this location to Town Meeting and Mr. Greeley replied in the negative and stated that he is waiting for a legal opinion. The entire group, with the exception of the Recreation Committee, retired at 10:20 p.m. Mr. Gustin, Chairman of the Committee on Recreational Facilities informed the Board that he had talked with, Mr. Roger Greeley and Mr. Greeley has agreed to furnish plans and specifications for a locker building for 000.00, the amount appropriated by town meeting. He said that Locker Mr. Greeley will try to obtain an estimate of the cost Buildingf construction before next Monday night, providing the Plans Board approves and advises him in writing to proceed with the plans and specifications. Mr. Paxton moved that Roger Greeley be advised that the Selectmen would like him to proceed to prepare plans and specifications for the locker building proposed by the Committee on Recreational Facilities, the cost of 1 1 187 same not to exceed $600.00 appropriated by Town Meeting, and also that Mr. Greeley obtain an estimate if possible. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Gustin presented a condensed report of his committee and gave a copy to each member of the Board. He said that his committee feels that the Park Department should come under the proposed recreation Commission and the Supt. of Parks would have the same statue as the Rgcreational Director. Mr.. Paxton suggested that the Selectmen have an opportunity to look over the report and within the next month have the Committee meet With the Board again at which time some definite decision may be made. The Committee retired at 11:02 p.m. Letter was received from the Department of Public Works, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, advising that tentative 1947 Chapter 90 allotments for Lexington Chapter are as follows: 90 Grove Street $5,000 (State) $5,000 (Town) $5,000 (City) Maintenance 1,500 " 1,500 " 1,500 " Communication was received from residents on Grove Street requesting town water from #71 Grove Street to #241 Grove Street. The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the request and refer it to the Supt. of Public Works. Petition for coasting on Robbins Road was held over from last week. Chairman read a letter from the Chief of Police stating that inasmuch as coasting is allowed on Locust Avenue, he felt the immediate vicinity is adequately taken care of. He said that he felt the establishing of precedent in setting aside too many streets for coasting should be carefully considered. The Clerk was instructed to advise the petitioner that Coast - the request had been considered and denied. ing Mr. Paxton moved that the request to post Robbins Road for Boasting be denied. Mr. Rowse seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Letter was received from Eileen Wood, Secreatry of the Youth Committee requesting .permission to conduct a Hall dance in Cary Hall on January 27, 1947. The Clerk was rental instructed to advise Miss Wood that a reguihr application form Must be filled out and the Board advised as to 188 whether or not there would be adult supervision at the dance. The Clerk reminded the Board that the garbage contract would expire in April and asked if the Board desired to advertise for bids. Garbage Upon motion of Mr. Paxton, seconded by Mr. Sarano, Bids it was voted to advertise for bids for garbage collection in this week's Minute -Man, returnable February 10, 1947; bids to be submitted for one, two and three year periods. Application was received from V.F.V. requesting Uses of permission to use Estabrook Hall and arconference room Halls on the evenings of February 5, 1947 and February 15, 1947. Mr. Locke moved that the uses be granted free of charge. Mr. Paxton seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Bond Letter was received from the Town Treasurer together Ass't with a Surety Bond covering Miss Mary R. McDonough as Treas. Assistant Treasurer, in the amount of 45,000. Mr. Rowse moved that the bond be approved. Mr. Sarano seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Upon motion of Mr. Paxton, seconded by Mr. Locke, it was voted. to sign a notice of intention to lay out Taft Avenue from Charles3Street to beyond Sutherland Road, approximately 4.70 feet. Upon motion of Mr. Paxton, seconded by Mr. Sarano, it was voted to sign a notice of intention to lay out Pine Knoll Road from -Bedford Street to the Bedford Town line approximately 1,145 feet northeasterly. A true record, Attests T next regual meeting of t e Boardof lectmdn will held on Mo ay evening, nuary 27. 7:30 p.m.'in the electmen's R m, Lawn Qjtice B+filding, Le ngton. C�^ org 1