Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1947-10-20SELECTMEN'S MEETING October 20, 1947 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday evening, October 20, 1947 at 7:30 P.M. There were present: Chairman Paxton, Messrs. Locke, Emery, Gay and Driscoll. Mr. Joseph H. DeFoe, Sup't. of Public Works met with the Board. Mr. DeFoe stated that the Department has used a lot of gas this year, has done a lot of work, replacement of parts, etc., for equipment. He explained that he ordered a backhoe which failed after a very short period of service and had to be repaired. He explained that the concern in Ohio from whom he pur- chased it replaced it and the second one failed. How- ever, they refused to do anything further. He stated that the sum of $912 has been spent up to October first for gasoline and oil supplied to the Police Department and $188 for gasoline and oil to the Welfare Department. He informed the Board that he would need approximately $3,500 additional for Road Machinery. The Chairman stated that this amount should have been transferred from the Road.Machinery Fund at Town Meeting. Any transfer now will have to come from the Reserve Fund. He explained to the Board that the Public Works Depart- ment used to handle the gasoline and oil bills of the Welfare and Police Departments by transfers so that the money would come back ihto the operating account. A few years ago it was decided to bill these Departments and the amount goes into the Road Machinery Fund. He asked if the Board thought it would be wise to contact the Town Accountant to find out whether or not he would let this $1,000 item be handled as a transfer instead of a bill. By doing this the money will come back into the account which is now short. Mr. Emery asked the Super- intendent how it happened that no request for additional funds was made at Town Meeting. Mr. DeFoe replied that on August 31st he felt that he had enough funds for the balance of the year, but apparently he underestimated. The Chairman suggested that the Superintendent check with the Town Accountant to find out whether or not he will handle the charges against the Police and Welfare Departments by transfer. He also requested the Super- intendent to bring in a breakdown of the Road Machinery Expenditures. 19 Request for trans- fer for Road Machinery Account 20 Mr. DeFoe requested permission to place an order for additional cast iron water pipe for 1948. He explained that he telephoned Warren Pipe and they are not quoting prices. They will sell pipe and charge the prices in effect at the time of delivery. He stat- ed that he also telephoned U. S. Steel Supply Co. and they will quote a firm price. The Chairman explained that in the purchase of any material such as this, even though the town does not have a firm price, it is easy to check the prices with other communities. He stated further that he believes the Warren Pipe Company will give the town a good competitive figure. He said that over a period of years in obtaining bids from the U. S. Steel and the Warren Pipe the prices have varied only a cent or a cent and a half a foot," Mr. DeFoe said that if the order is placed now the pipe will be delivered in April. The Chairman asked how much pipe he would need. Mr. DeFoe replied that he will need 4,190 feet of 81'; 2,680 feet of 10"; and 14,152 feet of 12". He explained that this included Grove and Winter Streets. The Chairman asked if the Superintendent has anything for Coolidge Avenue and he replied in the negative. The Chairman suggested that the Sup't. of Public Works develop the entire proposal by streets and list those that will come under the Betterment construction and also list those that will be used for strengthening the system. Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that he has received a request from Mr. Hamilton to extend the water mains in Liberty and Ledgelawn Avenues and Bowman Street and expects the Town to do this within the next two or three weeks. The Chairman asked Mr. DeFoe if he felt it was possible to do the work this year and he replied in the affirmative. Mr. Emery said that if these are in the same cata gory he thought Winter and Grant Streets should be done first. He said that the town has voted on these two streets and every effort should be made to do them. The Chairman explained with ref- erence to Winter Street that it is a water job and in reference to Grant Street it will be a sewer job. Mr. Emery agreed and said that he thought the people who had applied should be given the advantage of the present cost and not be expected to wait until prices are higher. The Chairman said that he believed the bids in March would be much more satisfactory than they would be in September, October.or November, Mr. Emery replied that we are still in a cycle of rising prices 1 and if the Board does not let the contract for Winter and Grant Streets they may find themselves in a -very embarrassing postion. He stated that it is very likely that labor costs will be up next spring. The Chairman asked where the Sup't. of Public Works would get the plans and specifications for letting the job. He stated that when the Town of Lexington does a job with their own employees the plans and specifications required are less than they would be if the work were let out on contract. He said that Mr. DeFoe has stated that he cannot do Liberty, Ledgelawn and Bowman with town men this year. Mr. DeFoe said that a resrtai:n amount of sewer and water mains have been installed for Mr. Hamilton. The Chairman stated that the only alternative the Board has is to advise Mr: Hamilton that the Board regrets that it will not be possible to make any more extensions in that area this year, but an item will be included in the 1948 Budget at which time consider- ation will be given to his request. Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that Mr. Palladino, who is interested in purchasing the Richards property, thought he -had a mover who could move the building but he will be unable to start for over 90 days. Mr. DeFoe then called Mr. Mandago who wants to take it down and will start right away. Mr. Mandago will meet with Mr. DeFoe tomorrow morning and will obtain a demoliton permit. He informed the Board that he is not asking Mr. Mandago to furnish a bond. 21 Request for extensions for Liberty Ledgelawn and Bowman Demolitio of ,. Richards property The Chairman read a proposed amendment to the Traffic Rules and Regulations relative to "No Parking" on Watertown and Pleasant Streets and also on the north- erly side of Independence Avenue. On motion of Mr. Gay Amendment seconded by Mr. Locke, it was voted to adopt the follow- Traffic ing amendment to the Traffic Rules and Orders for the Rules & Town of Lexington. Regulat- ions ARTICLE V - Section 2: By adding to the section the following: On the easterly side of Watertown and Pleasant Streets from the junction of Route 2 and Watertown Street to the driveway at #60 Pleasant Street. On the northerly side of Independence Avenue from the junction of Massachusetts Avenue fr-tire.lefetkrrt a€-I&aesas4a setter extending a distance of approx- imately 290 feet. 22 The Chairman explained that the Board has two other appointments this evening and asked Mr. DeFoe to retire until these appointments were completed. Mr. DeFoe retired at 8:25 P.M. and Mr. Stanley C. Marshman, secretary of the Lexington Camera Guild, and Mr. Peter Zitso, Chairman of the Camera Guild, met with the Board relative to their request for permission to conduct regular meetings in Esta - brook Hall. The Chairman explained that the Board Use of of Selectmen has recently passed a vote on the use Hall for of Cary Memorial Building and established the rate Camera. of $35 as a rental charge and $10 as a rental charge Guild for Estabrook Hall. He explained that if the use Meetings is considered to be for the best interests of the Town as a whole the rates might be adjusted by the Board. Mr. Marshman said that he understood if the use was for an educational purpose, and open to the public, that they would be entitled to use the hall. Mr. Zitso stated that the group has been meeting in halls and at the studio until such time as it closed. He said that they would design their meetings so that they would not be merely a club meeting but more of an educationalprogram. The Chairman asked how many usually attended such meetings and Mr. Marshman replied that they have about twenty persons present. Mr. Gay asked if the meetings would be open to the public and Mr. Marshman replied that they would if that were a condition upon which they were allowed to rent the hall. Mr. Gay asked if there would be an admission charge and Mr. Zitso replied in the negative. The Chairman said one of the questions was the advisability of renting Estabrook Hall on alternate Tuesdays during the year. He explained that the Board has had requests to rent either a conference room or Estabrook Hall for special nights and they have refused with the exception of Veterans organizations. He said that the Board does not feel that they should commit themselves to a regular weekly use of the hall. Mr. Marshman suggested that the Guild prepare a ten- tative program for ten or fifteen days for the year. The Chairman stated that he doesn't know how the Board feel about it but, personally he would not approve such an arrangement. He said that he recog- nized the worthwhileness of the organization, never the less the town is in the formative stages of a recreation program .and that sooner or later all municipal buildings will be used to a greater extent than at the present time. He suggested that the int 1 23 Camera Guild would be better suited tb the High School laboratory rather than Estabrook Hall. Mr. Zitso said that the school is open from 7:30 to 10:00 and it is difficult for members of the Guild to meet as early as that. Mr. Gay asked how long their meetings would ordinarily last and Mr. Marshman said that eleven o'clock or even later. Mr. Driscoll asked if Mr. Zitso were a professional photographer and he replied in the affirmative but the members of the Guild ere not professioanl photographers. Mr. Emery stated that as•far as he is concerned that if the Guild scheduled one meeting for next month he would be willing to approve the use of the hall but he wouldn't think it would be fair to go beyond that. Mr. Zitso asked what the rate would be and the Chairman replied that it would depend upon the vote of the Board. Mr. Zitso said that the members pay $1.00 a year dues which barely pays for the advertising. The Chairman asked if the Board wanted to make a decision while these gentlemen were present of if they preferred to ask them to retire. Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted that the Lexington Camera Guild be allowed one use of Estabrook Hall free of charge. Mr. Zitso and Mr. Marshman retired at 8:40 P.M., and Chief John W. Rycroft, met with the Board. The Chairman asked if the Chief had anything in Chief particular which he wished to report. The Chairman Rycroft said that the first thing the Board might be interest- ed in was the automobile accident on Tower Road. The Chief gave them a brief report on the subject. The Chairman said that the Board would like a report on the gambling in Lexington Center. The Chief replied that there are two individuals who are involved and he knows about it. He said that they are not m�n nin ghem out slips but are taking the bets orally and the'i by telephone. He said that he had spoken to both of these individuals and told them that they would have to stop or he would ask the District Attorney's Office to assign an officer -to Lexington Center. He explained that they both agreed that they were—through. The Chairman stated that the Board recognizes the difficulty in trying to wipe out gambling. He said that the Board. is unanimous in the feeling that it should'.not'.be carried out publicly and as open as it has been. He said that it looks bad from the Board's point of view and also from the Chief's point of view. 24 The Chairman said that in connection with this subject it is quite obvious that some of the police officers have no compunction about figuring their horses out in public. He said that if the Police Department is going to enforce the law of "No Gambling" it does look bad to have officers doing business with the men they are trying to control. The Chief said that the only man in his Department who talks horses is John Barry and he discusses them constantly. The Chairman said that he thought it was disgraceful the way the officer sits on the steps with a racing form. The Chairman aleo stated that a member, of the Police force, only recently appointed, was seen getting out of the car of one of the gamblers. The Chief said that he did not believe the officer in question had a tendency to gambling. The Chairman said the next thing the Board wanted to mention was drinking in and about the center and the so called "Jungle". He said the Board received two complaints and reported them to Lieutenant Neal while the Chief was on vacation. The Chairman said that he appreciated the fact that it was difficult to arrest fellows who have been in town for a number of years but if they continue to loll up and down the street, and drink in and about the freight yard, it showeda complete disregard for the law. The Chairman said the question also arises as to drinking among the police officers. He asked if there was anything to this. The Chief replied that he has not seen any evidence of it. He s&id that any time he meets them they are all right. The Chairman stated that if any police officer is found drinking or drinks on duty, this Board will have absolutely no sympathy with them. The Chairman said the next item was speed. He stated that when Office Day was out he thodght there was a great reduction in speed throughout the town but evident- ly it is creeping up again. He asked if from reports turned in by Officer Day it would be possible to determine what percentage were people from Lexington and what percentage were people from out of town. The Chief .V:e_ Plied that the, greater percentage are tirtvers .from •Qut �f own. He explained that any local speeders were warned and if caught the second time were then given a ticket. The Chairman asked if there was any way that speeding could be controlled and the Chief said that he believed the only way is to stay after it. He said he believes signs are a wasterof money but he does believe that *40 1-4 1 white lines are of great importance. The Chairman said that if a great majority of the speeders are from out of town the signs may have.a tendency to slow them down. The Chief said the signs the town now has have outlived their usefulness and he thought the town should have glare signs. Mr. Gay asked the Chief for his suggestions relative to night speeding. He replied that the only way he could handle this was by changing Officer Day's hours. Mr. Gay asked if the night men could do it and the Chief replied that there are two men in the cruiser. He said he would like this opportunity to inform the Board that he has received a request from the Library for a man to be stationed inside the Library every night between the hours of 7:00 and 9:00 P.M. He said he agreed to send a man in but he didn't feel that he could spare an officet to comply with their request. The Chairman said that there had been rumors indicating.that there has been some negligence on the part of the officers ringing the boxes at the required times. The Chief replied that Lieutenant Neal is on duty every night and according to him the boxes are tibeing properly rung. He said that he has good conscicen. ons men in the ears at night. The Chairman said that the Board has received a letter.f rom the School Department inquiring as to what is going to happen as far as reimbursing the school for damage caused by vandalism. The Chief said that the actual damage done at the Adams School was something over $100 and he has collected only $18. He said the Police Department is not a collecting agency and some of the children involved in breaking the windows ane only eight years old and some of them are girls. He said that the Department would look ridiculous taking them to court. The Chairman asked how many children were involved and the Chief said it was impossible to determine but there were possibly six or eight ranging from eight to eleven years. He stated that Miss Morrison, principal of the Adams School, has a way with children and is excellent in handling such'problems but she has been unable to obtain any information. The Chairman asked if the Chief had anything to report on the parker School and he stated that he thought he knew who did the. damage but he has no absolute proof. The Chairman said that someone had told him that finger prints could have begin made but were not made. The Chief replied that the Chairman had been misinformed and that finger prints were made. Mr. Emery asked the 25. Officer requested for Library 1 Police Vacation Plan Chief if he could check the finger prints of the boy he suspects. The Chief replied that unleas a person is arrested for a major crime a minor cannot be finger printed. The Chairman said that the School Committee has been somewhat insistent that a report on both of these cases be made and if the Chief would make up a report giving a general outline, it might be help- ful. Mr. Emery stated that the School Committee will be having a meeting to -morrow night and he thought it might be well if the Chief of Police met with them. The Chief said that he would be very willing to meet with them inasmuch as he felt a verbal report would be more satisfacotry than anything he could submit in writing. The Chairman said that he understood there was friction in the Police Department and complaints about partiality. He said one of the things brought to his attention several months ago was the subject of vacations and it was on the basis of allocating vacations to them. The Chairman said that he has not the least idea how the police arrange their vacations but one of the members of the Department did not think the method was fair. The Chief explained that vacations are set aside, two weeks at a time, starting June 10th, and all men to be back by the time school begins. He explained that a schedule is made and the weeks drawn up and pat in a box. The officers then draw their vacations according to :.seniority. He said that he believes this is the fair way to handle the situation and it is the customary way in most Departments. Mr. Driscoll said that he thought there was no question but that it was being handled fair- ly. Mr. Emery asked if the men could interchange the vacations which they drew and the Chief replied in the affirmative. Mr. Gay asked if the Chief thought that he was properly manned and he replied in the negative. Mr. Gay asked him how many men he thought he should have. The Chief said that he believed he should have one man who would do nothing but investigations. He said that they should have another car on nights; two cars on the first half and om, car on the last half. The Chief said in this way there would be four men in two cars every night. He said that in order to cover days off he should have four new men instead of three. The Chairman said that he would like to have the Chief check his budget and estimate his needs to cover this town in the best possible way. He said he should include everything he needs; to make the Police force the best small town force there is. around . He suggested that the Chief check with the 27 National Police Chief's Association to obtain any data he might need. The Chief said that Town Meeting voted to give the officers one day off in six and he would like per- mission Of the Board to put this in effect November One day first. Mr. Gay moved that the Chief of Police be off in authorized to allow the police officers one day off six as in six as authorized by v�te of the town meeting to of become effective November first. Mr..'Emery seconded 11/1/47 the motion, and it was so voted. Chief Rycrof t retired at 9:45 P.M. Mr. John Fitzgerald and four other representatives V.F.W. of the V. F. W. met with the Board. He stated that Old Fire the organization is about to construct quarters for the V. F. W. and at the present time have options on several places. He said that the veterans would like to get the old fire station and move it to whatever piece of prop- erty the Post decides upon, He asked if the Board would donate the old fire station to them. The Chairman ex- plained that the Board has advertised in the papers for bids which will close October 27th at 5:00 P.M. He said that the best thing for them to do is to submit a bid in writing. Mr. Fitzgerald said that he has a letter in his pocket and also money if it is necessary, and that the ad does not say that the highest bidder will get it. He asked if the Board would co-operate with the veterans. The Chairman replied that would depend somewhat on what type of bids are received. He said that the Board does nbt have to accept the highest bid and he assumed the Selectmen would have the right to sell tb whomever they wished. The Chairman explained that in view of the town vote that if the Board received an exceptionally good offer he did not believe the Board could give the building away, but he did think the Selectmen would do everything they could to see that the veterans get the best offer. He stated that they could rest assured that the Board of Selectmen will give the veterans organizations the great- est amount of consideration. The group retired at 10:05 P.M. Mr. DeFoe returned to the meeting. He submitted the following schedule of wage rates being paid by surrounding towns: 28 Truck Stoneham Laborers Drivers 48 hours $ 1-1.06 $1.06-1.08 Arlington 44 hours $ .80-.93 .87 pay for 48 ReadinK 44i hours Watertown 40 hours Belmont 44 hours Melrose 44 hours .94-1.10 1.00 Lexington .95-1.05 1.05 44 hours Sidewalk on Woburn Street repaired Goodwin Road Heavy Equip. Mechanics Operator Forem $1.10-1.20 $1.14 1.06-1.23 1.18 1.12 000:. 1.35-1.55 1.05-120 1.14 1.24-1.26 1.25 1.35-1.65 000 1.20-1.40 $60 week 1.16 054 week 1.10-1.30 1.05-1.10 1.10-1.30 (Meter reader - Lexington 1.00) Mr. DeFoe said that Mr. Garrity, Sup't. of Parks and Playgrounds, thinks that if the rates recommended by him are approved, Walter Brenton in the Park Department should receive $1.05 an hour and Mr. DeFoe said that he was inclined to agree with him. The Chairman said that any suggested changes in rates would probably go into effect about Obtober 31st and he suggested that the members of the Board think about these rated during the coming week and be in a position to make some definite recommend- ations at the next meeting. The Chairman read a letter from Daniel J. O'Connell stating that the insurance company which'4s-insures his building at 25-27-39 Woburn Street has requested him to notify the Town of the condition of the broken sidewalk. Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that he has already issued instructions to have the broken concrete sidewalk repaired, but such repairs are tdmporary until such time as it will be possible to replace the concrete. The Clerk was strutted to so advise Mr. O'Connell. The Chairman said that as he recollects, the situation relative to Goodwin Road is not in accordance with the Board's wished. He said that he has discusse;dthis with Mr. DeFoe who has prepared a list of expenditurd s. The Chairman explained that this happened on a Saturday 1 29. morning when Mr. Lynch met with the Board in connection with preparing the warrant, at which time he rte- quested rental of equipment. The Chairman said that Goodwin evidently Mr. Lynch miaunderstood the situation Road somewhat and word got to Mr. DeFoe different than the Board understood it. The Chairman said that he recalled Mr. Locke making the statement it was all right to rent equipment but not on town time. The Chairman said that he saw that the street was given a second treatment of oil on Saturday morning with town equipment and he heard about this from the Tax- payer's Association; He said that evidently there was some misunderstanding. Mr. Emery asked what was the understanding that Mr. Lynch had. Mr. DeFoe replied that Mr. Lynch asked him to do the work and he said that he would have to have the approval of the Board. He said that Mr. Lynch wanted the oil and he told him that it would have to be taken up with the Board. Mr. DeFoe told Mr. Lynch that he could probably do it on a Saturday afternoon if the Board wanted to go along with him. Mr. DeFoe said that as he understood it Mr. Lynch told the Board that he would do the work if the Board would let him. He said that Mr. Lynch came back and told him that the Board had approved it. Mr. Emery asked how long ago this happened and Mr. DeFoe said that it was about a month ago. The Chairman said that he thought the town was just renting the equipment. Mr. Emery said that the Chairman told Mr. Lynch that he could hire the equipment at the regular rates and he could hire the men to work on thiir own time. He said that there was nothing mentioned about hot top.;; that it was a straight job and the laborers were to be paid for at standard rates. The Chairman asked what the total job cost and Mr. DeFoe said it was approximately $350. The Chairman asked what amount was manpower. Mr. DeFoe replied $32.50. Mr. Emery asked whether or not Mr. DeFoe knew if every man on the job turned in his hours. Mr. DeFoe replied in the negative and stated that Wallace Weisinger, the foreman, turned the time sheets in. Mr. Driscoll said that he personally thought that it would be a mistake to let Mr. Lynch pay the men direct. The Chairman said that if the men are paid through a town payroll the question of insurance will have to be considered. Mr. Driscoll said he real- ized that but the men actually worked on town time. The Chairman said that if the Board would feel easier having it go through the town payroll he would have no 30 objection and in this event 5% will have to be added for Workmen's Compensation, and the men will be paid at our regular rate. Mr. Driscoll moved that the men who worked on Goodwin Road be put on the town payroll and a bill submitted to Mr. Lynch. Mr. Locke seconded the motion and it was so voted. The Chairman asked the Board how they wanted payment for the material handled. Mr. Emery asked if that wasn't something a little different. The Chairman said that all the bills could be made out to the town and paid out of Highway Main- tenance and then a bill submitted to Mr. Lynch. Mr. DeFbe asked if Mr. Lynch was to be billed for the entire amount of the material and the Board replied in the affir- mative. Mr. DeFoe retired at 11:05 P.M. and Mr. G. H. Anker met with the Board. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Anker stating that the Afco Products Company would like to rent the store at 29 Depot Square from Mr. Scott inasmuch as additional -storage space is needed. In talking with Mr. Scott about renting the old battery room at the fire station he was advised that this annex is on Mr. Model Scott's property and that Mr. Scott is willing to rent Airplane it. The Chairman explained that the Board expects to Flying dispose of the building within a period of two weeks. Meet He stated that the annex, if left on its present site, will have only three walls. Mr. Anker asked if it would be possible to use the building until the first of the year and the Chairman replied that the Board expects to have the building out of there by December first at the latest. Mr. Anker said that he would like to sponsor flying gasoline model airplanes and he would like permission to conduct a meet at the playground on the first or sedond Sundays in November. He explained that there would be no charge and the meet would be open to the public. The Board suggested that Mr. Anker make out a program of what he wants to do and contact Mr. Garrity, Sup't. of Parks and Playgrounds. He informed Mr. Anker that Mr. Garrity does not have the authority to grant the use of the playground but that the Board will listen very strongly to whatever recommendations he may make. Mr. Emery asked what part of the piayground would be used and Mr. Anker said he would use whatever part the Selectmen and Mr. Garrity agreed upon. Mr. Emery asked if he needs one or two. acres and Mr. Anker replied that if the spectators are considered they will need about an acre. Mr. Driscoll asked if the area 0-41 1 31 would be raped off and Mr. Anker said that area where the planes are actually being flown would be roped off. Mr. Locke inquired as to the length of the meet and Mr. Anker replied that it would last about three hours until about four or five o'clock. He stated that they serve coffee and doughnuts and he wanted to have the Boosters Club or some local organization serve them. The Chairman asked if the activity would be restricted to Lexington residents and Mr. Anker replied in the negative. The Chairman said that if only Lexington residents were involved his argument might be strength- ened. The Chairman suggested that Mr. Anker contact Mr. Garrity, who in turn would submit a report to the Board. Mr. Anker retired at 11:20 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from the Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission relative to a complaint received from Henry D. Love regarding low-flying air craft over Lexington. Inspector Sweeney of the Commission has Compl- talked with Mr. Love and attempted to explain the regula- aint tions. He stated that he believes he has done so to re low Mr. Love's satisfaction. Army officers and other flying operators located at the Bedford Airport have been not- of ified and the Inspector expects that the situation planes will be improved to the Board's satisfaction. An application was received from the War Parents of American for permission to conduct a meeting in Estabrook Hall on the evening on October 2.9th. Mr. Emery moved that the use of the hall be granted free of charge. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Use of hall An application was received from the Lexington Taxpay 's Association requesting permission to conduct Use of a meetfrtt Estabrook Hall on the evening of Octobek 28th. Hall Mr. Driscoll moved that the use of the hall be granted free of charge. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. On motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Locke, Licenses; it was voted to grant the following licenses: William Viano Sunday Movies The Chairman said that there was a notice in last week's Minute Man stating that the P. T. A. had appointed a Posture Clinic Committee. He said he suggested that the 32 Posture Clinic Loan Chairs and tables for Comm. Fund Drive Complaint of School Committee re foot - Sell land to Edwin J. Lee (Trans- mission line) Clerk contact Mrs. Lindsay and as a result she sent in a letter to the Board stating that the P. T. A. was a little previous in announcing the appointment of the Posture Clinic. However, she has straightened the matter out by tendering her resignation as Chairman to take effect immediately, and to save time three of the committee would like to have their resignations included with hers. They are Miss Margaret Noyes and Mrs. Dana T. Norris and Mrs E. J. Vadeboncouer. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Emery, it was voted to appoint the following individuals: Mrs. Mrs. Mrs. Mrs. Lawrence F. Viano Mrs. D. Sargent Goddard Mrs. Robert W. Hunter Mrs. Thomas C. Morris Mrs. Mrs. Donald Russell S. Davenport Donald M. Guernsey Robert C. McA.naul George P. Wadsworth S. Wilson to serve on the Posture Clinic for the Town of Lex- ington for a term expiring March 31, 1948. A letter was received from Mrs. Webster H. Thomas, Administrative Chairman of the Lexington Community Fund, requesting permission to borrow 6 tables and 12 or 15 chairs to be used for the Community Fund driffe October 31 to November 19th. Mr. Emery moved that the request be granted. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Chairman read a letter from the Lexington School Committee requesting the co-operation of the Selectmen in remedying the situation which exists at the football field at the Center Playground. The School Committee claims the field has been neglected to the point where it is in a very poor condition. Due to the lack of water the entire playing surface has become very dry. The letter also stated that the player's cleats have chewed up the dry surface to the point where the turf is almost completely gone. The Committee requests the Board to take whit steps it can to insure regular watering of the foot- ball field. The Chairman agreed to discuss the matter with Mr. Brenton of the Park Department. Mr. McDonald of the Boston Edison Company telephoned the Chairman with reference to the Edwin J. Lee offer to purchase a piece of land. Mr. Lee is Assistant Clerk to the Boston Edison Company and the land in question is part of the location for the proposed transmission 1 1 line. Mr. Emery moved that Mr. Edwin J. Lee's offer of $6o for a parcel of land located southwesterly from Bedford Street about 300 feet southeasterly from Sell Hinchey Road, comprising an area of approximately 3,750 square feet, be accepted and the land sold and conveyed with the definite understanding that this sale in no way indicates the approval of the Board in connect- ion with the proposed transmission line beyond the pre- liminary petition. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Driscoll informed the Board that Doctor Foley had telephoned him and asked permission to use the old fire station on Merriam Street for the purpose of collecting and preparing clothes to be sent to Japan by a Jesuit priest. The Board suggested that Doctor Foley use a room in the Barnes property for this purpose. Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Driscoll it was voted to appoint George M. Hynes a member of the Board of Fire Engineers to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Driscoll. The meeting adjourned at 12:25 P.M. A true record, attest: electmen. , 33 land Use of Barnes property by Dr. Foley Appoint Geo. Hynes Fire Engineer