HomeMy WebLinkAbout1947-12-15152
Gasoline
Hearing
Johnson
Pontiac Co.
SELF CTMEN' S MEETING
December 15. 1947
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen
was held on Monday evening, December 15, 1947.
There were present Chairman Paxton, Messrs. Locke,
Emery, Gay and Driscoll. The Clerk was also
present.
At 7:30 P.M. a hearing was declared open
upon the petition of Johnson Pontiac Co. for
permission to maintain two underground tanks for
the storage of gasoline on the premises at 7
Massachusetts Avenue. Mr. James J. Cavanaugh
represented the petitioner and no persons ap-
peared- in opposition. Notide•; of the hearing
was read by the Chairman. Mr. Cavanaugh explained
that tanks are already in the ground and were
used prior to the war by the White Motor Co.-
pany,, but the pumps have been removed. This
opplieation was approved on November 13, 1947, by
Chief Engineer Roy A. Cook. Upon motion of Mr.
Emery, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted
to grant the license. Mr. Cavanaugh retired
at 7:36 P.M.
Gasolihe At 7:38 P.M. hearing was declared open upon
Hearing - the petition of Antonio Busa for permission to
To increase increase the capacity of an underground tank
capacity for the storage of gasoline from 500 to 1500
of tanks gallons, on premises located at 46 Lowell Street.
A. Busa No persons appeared in favor or in opposition.
The Chairman read the notice of the hearing.
The Chairman explained that Mr. Busa has req-
uested increasing the capacity of his tank
inasmuch as the gasoline companies are reluctant
to make deliveries of small quantities. This
application was approved on November 28, 1947,
by Chief Engineer Roy.A. Cook. Mr. Emery moved
that the license be granted. Mr. Locke seconded
the motion, and it was so voted.
At 7:50 P.M. Mr. James J. Carroll, Town
Treasurer, met with the Board and presented
bids relative to the borrowing of $95,000 for
the installation of water mains not less than
Bids for
Borrowing
for water
mains
1
153
6" but less than 16" in diameter. The bids
received were as follows:
Second National Bank
Lexington Trust Co.
Whiting, Weeks & Stubbs
W. B. Button
Kidder, Peabody
Merchants Nat'l. Bank
Coffin, Burr Inc.
Jt. Hornblower & Weeks
100.39 1i%
100.3456 1z%
100.28 1-%
100.266 1-i%
100.16 i %
100.74 1 3/4%
100.622 1 3/4%
Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr.
Locke, it was voted to approve the bid of the
Second National Bank at 100.39 at l %. Mr.
Carroll retired at 7:53 P.M.
The Chairman read a letter from the Town
Counsel relative to the agreement entered into
between the Town, acting through the Board of
Selectmen, and Charles W. & Rab'ert`''L. RyderTrustees of
Lexington Estates Trust. In his letter Mr.
Lynch explained that from June 28, 1946, the
date the taking of the land in question was
recorded at the Registry of Deeds, to December
31, 1946, the taxes on the 15.57 acres taken
by the Town should be assumed and paid by the
Town. He said that the amount of taxes is $30.96
and cannot be abated, and in order to clear the
record of the Collector of Taxes a transfer should
be made from the Reserve.Fund. Mr. Lynch also
enclosed a list of disbursements in connection
with this case, as follows:
Town Counsel's fee for multiple conferences,
examination of records, drafting and filing
answers, drafting agreement, etc. $450.00
Anna Doherty McInerney, examination of title -
75.00
John F. Murphy, appraisal 100.00
Cassell & Cassell, real estate appraisers -150.00
154
Request
Transfers
for Law
Department
Drain in
rear of
_Central
Fire
Station
Middlesex Registry of Deeds, recording fees
14.25
$ 789.25
Mr. Emery moved that the bills be approved for
payment.. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it
was so voted.'
The Clerk informed the Board that it would
be necessary to obtain a transfer of $178.83
to the Law Department, Expenses Account, and the
sum of $80.00 to the Law Department, Spatial
Fees Account. Mr. Driscoll moved that the
Appropriation Committee be requested to transfer
the sum of $178.83 from the Reserve Fund to .the
Law Department, Expenses Account. Mr. Gay
seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. Gay moved that the Appropriation
Committee be requested to transfer the sum of
$80 from the Reserve Fund to the Law Department,
Special Fees Account. Mr. Emery seconded the
motion, and it was so voted. •
Mr. Emery then moved that the Appropri-
ation Committee be requested to transfer the
sum of $30.96 from the Reserve Fund to apply
toward the payment of $30.96 for taxes remain-
ing unpaid on the 15.57 acres of land taken by
the town.
At 8:00 P.M. Mr. DeFoe, Sup't. of Public
Works, met with the Board. He reported that
the Boston & Maine R. R. representative has
been out relative to the proposed iirainage
at the rear of the Central Fire Station. The
Boston & Maine will allow the town to go in with
an easement but there is a question as to what
it might cost.
Mr. DeFoe reported that if the proposed
drain goes along the railroad track it will
cost about $16,000. If it is left in its
present location it will cost about $4,373.
If the drainage goes along just inside of
F. K. Johnson's property it will cost about
$5,060. Mr. Locke asked if the last proposal
was entirely over Johnson's land and Mr. DeFoe
replied that it would be on Johnson's land and
)
gad
1
155
eta land of the Town of Lexington. The Chair-
man explained to the Board that the Boston &
Maine would probably charge the Town a yearly
rental. Mr. Emery asked if the present location
included the property recently purchased by
Gordon Richards. Mr. DeFoe stated that Mr.
Richards is not interested in the Town going
through his property. Mr. Locke said that he
thought this was a natural drainage and questioned
what the .Town's obligation is to Mr. Johnson.
Mr.' Emery said the Town had no obligation whatso-
ever and Mr. Johnson purchased this property
knowing the conditions. Mr. Emery said that if
the Brook is in any way improved insofar as
Johnson's land is concerned, Johnson then secures
a benefit and he should pay part of the cost.
The Chairman asked the Sup't. of Public Works
which proposal he recommended. Mr. DeFoe
replied that the most economical would be to
follow the line already dug out. Mr. Locke asked
if Mr. Johnson would have to give the town an
easement and Mr. DeFoe said he would be g1/td to.
The Chairman said it appeared to him that there
are two solutions; first, the ideal way is going
along the railroad but the construction cost
will be heavy and there'will be annual charge for
the easement. He said there is no question, how-,.
ever.; but that this does give the best engineering
layout. He said that if the Town stays close to
the Johnson property line and does not go through
the railroad there should be an angle and Richards
does not like that. He asked the Board if it
would be advisable to have Mr. DeFoe study this
property a little more and then invite Mr. F. K.
Johnson to meet with the Board. Mr. Emery said
he thought it would be a very good idea to have
Mr. Johnson in and he believed that he should
be willing to pay a pro rata cost per foot. The
Clerk was instructed to invite Mr. Johnson to
meet with the Board next Monday night. The Chair-
man asked if the Board felt that an assessment
should be made against Johnson and Mr. Gay said
that he felt that way and that Mr. Johnson should
be charged. The Chairman said that he believed
this was a tie-in and that Mr. Johnson might not
156
Traffic
light
report Waltham
Street &
Mass. Avenue
Transfer
for Snow
Removal
Authorize
purchase of
2 mold boards
feel that it was worth paying the price if he
is charged per lineal foot.
Mr. DeFoe said he wanted to report on the
study of the traffic lights at Waltham Street
and Massachusetts Avenue, as a result of a req-
uest received by the Board of Selectmen and the
Chamber of Commerce. He said the State made a
study and told him that the lights are not in
accordance with the permit approved in 1929 and
at the present time are not legal. The State
wants a six hour study made from 12:30 noon to
6:30 P.M. He asked if the Board wanted the
Police Department to make the survey. The
Chairman explained that it has beenthe custom
for the Traffic Officer of the State Department
of Public Works to make surveys and he thought
someone familiar with traffic conditiona should
do this. Mr. DeFoe said that it woad require
three men and the Chairman said that the Police
Department could not possibly spare the men.
He aaked if it would be permissible insofar
as the Board was concerned to request the State
Department of Traffic Control to assign three
men to make this count. Mr. Emery moved that
the State Department of Traffic Control be req-
uested to make the count which they recommended.
Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was so
voted.
Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that he is
$1,599.50 short in his Snow Removal account.
He stated that he has been able to pay for
labor and for everything except the Road
Machinery. The Chairman explained that this
is something that happens nearly every year and
the Board usually has to request the Appropri-
ation Committee to make a transfer from the
Reserve Fund. He explained that it is question-
able how much money will be needed from now
until the first of the year. He suggested
asking for a transfer of $2,000 now and having
$3,000 held available until December 31, 1947.
Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that the fact-
ory shipped two (2) mold boards to the Town of
Lexington in error but he would like permission
4
Cla
to purchase them. Mr. Driscoll moved that
the Supt. of Public Works be authorized to
purchase two mold boards which have been
shipped from the factory bydstake, but
which will arrive in Lexington after the first
of the year, the units to• be paid for from
the 1948 Snow Removal account. Mr. Locke sec-
onded the motion, and it was so voted.
A petition was received signed by residents
of Blake and Preston Roads requesting an estimate
of cost of shaving Blake Road accepted, between
Simonds Road and Burlington Street and Preston
Road.between Simonds Road and Blake Road.
Mr. DeFoe said that before he could get the sur-
face he could only guess on the cost and say
about :x12.00 a foot. The Chairman said that on
the present profiles someone in the Engineering
Department should be able to make up an estimate
for this project in a couple of hours. Mr. DeFoe
said that he would do the best he could.
The Chairman read a le Iter from the State
Department of Public Works advising the Board
that the Commissioners voted to install a semi -
actuated traffic signal at the intersection of
Lowell Street and Woburn Street (Route 128)
at an estimated cost of $5,000 providing the
Town of Lexington will agree to pay one half
the cost of installation and assume the monthly
power bills. The Chairman explained that this.
traffic signal would be similar to the one at
Waltham Street and Marrett Road. He said that
if motor vehicle operators obeyed the sign
now at this location it should not be necessary
for the To to spend $2,500 for the proposed
signal. The Clerk was instructed to notify the
Commissioner that in considering the 1948 budgets
the Board will discuss this item.
The request recce 'tved from Ralph H. Tucker
for the extension of the sewerage system on
Merriam Street to include his house and that of
Mr. Brackett was held over from last week. Mr.
DeFoe presented a plan of the proposed sewer in
157
Request
for
estimates
for
Blake
Road
Traffic
Sign at
Woburn &
Lowell St.
158
Sewer
Extension
on Merriam
Street
Merriam Street. The Chairman explained that 11
when the Hancock Street sever was designed
from the truck line which crosses at Burlington
Street and Hancock Street, going down through
Lexington Nurseries, it was kept at a very
low level, for the cut at the intersection of Hancock Street &
Coolidge Avenue was down 16 feet. He said
the reason it was kept so low was to take care
of Coolidge Avenue and so that it could be
extended up Merriam Street. He said the
original design was to serve these two houses.
He said that it seemed to him, however, that
this design was impractical inasmuch as it would
be easier to take it down Adams Street. He said
this work could be done under Sewer Construction,
Sundry Streets Account. Mr. DeFoe said that he
would include it in his budget and as soon as
he has the unit cost determined he will send
out an application for signatures. The Chairman
said that he believes the Town has a definite
obligation to these individuals. Upon motion
of Mr. Every, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted
to advise Mr. Tucker that the money appropriated
under W. P. A., prior to the war, has been turned
back to the Town and is not available at the
present time. However, an item will be included
in the Sewer Construction - Sundry Streets
budgets for 1948, and the work will be done as
soon as possible, the Board recognizing the fact
that this project has been on the list for some
time. Mr. DeFoe retired at 8:55 P.M.
The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Garrity,
Hockey Sup't. of Parks and Playgrounds, informing the
Rink Board that he has inspected the lumber which has
been used for the last twelve years for the town
hockey rink. Mr. Garrity'stated it is in very
bad condition and in order to use it again it
it will require a lot of repair. He explained
that it would be less expensive to install it on
a surface that is to be flooded than on a sheet
of natural ice such as the reservoir.
159
Mr. Garrity informed the Board in his letter
that the cost of a hockey rink, exclusive of
labor, would be approximately 000.
At 9:00 P.P. the following members of the
Recreation Committee met with the Board: Mrs.
Winthrop F. Potter, Messrs. Gustin, Samborski,'
Packard and Foley. Mr. Gustin presented each
member of the Board with a copy of his Committee's
report which he read to the Board as follows:
TEMPORARY RECREATION COMMISSION REPORT
The Temporary Recreation Commission, appointed
under Article 2 at the Annual Town Meeting of
March, 1947, "To develop the scope of and estab-
lish authority for a recreation program and make
recommendations for the establishment of a perman-
ent Recreation Commission to the Board of Select-
men not later than January 1, 1948" make the
following report.
We have studied "The Recreation Committee
Report of 1946", Recommendations and Standards
of the National Recreation Association, and Town
Reports. We have also had interviews with
Recreation Directors of comparable nearby towns.
We agree with
(1) It was concluded in the National Recreation
Survey Report of 1945 that the greatest need in
Lexington was for direction.
(2) It is recommended by the National Recreation
Association, a recognized American authority,
that for every dollar spent in playgrounds and
facilities a comparable dollar should be spent
for program and direction in order to the the
maximum good from the available facilities.
160
(3) A self-evident truth -- Trained supervision
and direction constitute the greatest single
factor in an athletic and recreational program.
Without efficient supervision the distribution
and use of facilities and equipment become
disorganized, the programs lose direction and the
participants lose interest because of the result-
ing confusion. Without the guidance of effective
direction, steady improvement in performance
and the consistent display of sportsmanship in
competitive athletics fail of realization.
(4) We quote from Mr. J. J. Garrity;,, Town Report,
1944, Page 117.
"We believe that it is time to give some thought
to setting up a separate head for recreation."
(5) The directors of Recreation in Belmont,
Neehham an Wellesley who state: The best way
to promote and coordinate all recreation and
athletics in the town is through a recreation
Committee.
RECOMMENDATION
The Temporary Recreation Commission believe
in the formation of a permanent administrative
committee for the program and direction of recrea-
tion in the Town of Lexington under the immed-
iate jurisdiction of the peoples of the town
as constituted by law. We believe the need of
such a committee is immediate.
SCOPE
This committee would be responsible for:
(1) The use for recreational purposes of all
facilities, indoor and outdoor, at present or in
the future.
(2) The development of a year-round indoor and
outdoor recreational program for all peoples of
the town. This would include:
(a) Summer playground program.
(b) Summer and outside school hours year-
round recreation and athletics for
older children.
1
(c) Swimming pool classes and activities.
(d) Winter sports.
(e) Winter use of gymnasiam Halls and other
Public 'Places for recreation and athletics.
(f) Year-round program of recreation and
athletics for adults as required.
(3) Serving as a clearing house for public and
private agencies as to programs, plans and use
of facilities.
(4) Securing whatever staff is necessary for
carrying out tax -supported programs.
This committee should have a trained Director
of Recreation for the purpose of carrying out the
program. The salary and duties would be in relation
to the program of the committee.
ORGANIZATION
(a) Authority
This committee should operate directly
the Board of Selectmen, with a budget to be
appropriated annually as determined.
(b) Establishment
This committee would- be composed of five
members to be appointed for a term of three years
as follows: Two members by the Selectmen, two
members by the School Committee, and one by the
Moderator. To provide continuity, not over two
would be appointed in any one year except the
first year.
lst year - Selectmen - 1 for 2 years - 1 for 1 year
School - 1 for 2 years - 1 for 1 year
Moderator - 1 for 3 years
Vacancies would be filled after the first year,
by the appointing authorities for a period of
three years. Vacancies occurring before the
expiration of the term would be filled by the
appointing authority for the duration of the term.
Members to be effective on April 15th of each year.
under
161
162
Temporary Recreation Commission
B. P. Gustin, Chairman
Dr. H.W. Foley
K. G. Packard
Mrs. W.F. Potter
A.W. Sambor-
ski
The Chairman asked if the Committee had
requested the legality of the proposals made in
the report. Mr. Gustin stated that his committee
has met with the Town Counsel who advised them
that it is possible to accomplish what is outlined.
In some towns, the Commissioner of Recreation is
elected, but in order to have an elected comm-
issioner it is necessary to have a bill put
through the legislature. Mr. Gustin explained
that his committee is of theopinion that the Town
might be able to secure better calibre of men by
appointing them rather than by election. The
Chairman asked if they had any idea what would
be the proper budget to carry out the program
that is outlined. Mr. Gustin said that the pro-
gram is similar to that in Needham and they are
asking for $16,000 in that town for direction
only, having nothing to do with maintenance. He
said that they thought possibly provision should
be made for a clerk for $1,000., equipment ex-
penses, $1,000., and Director at $3,000., making
a total of $5,000. The Chairman asked if the
Committee is in favor of having the athletic
director assisting in the School Department.
Mr. Gustin felt that they have no right to discuss
this angle.`The Chairman asked if the Committee
was recommending a budget of $5,000, and Mr. Gustin
replied in the affirmative. Mr. Emery asked if
the School Committee has discussed the contents
of the report. Mr. Samborski said he felt certain
there is nothing in the report to which the School
Committee would have any objection. Mr. Emery
asked if the School Committee would be willing
to have the director a full time employee of the
School Department and Mr. Samborski said he does
not believe that they are ready to say that the
director would be a full time employee of the
School Department. The Chairman said that the
PNV
1
Board of Selectmen would like to make certain
that the Sdool Committee is thoroughly familiar
with this report. The Group retired at 9:55 P.M.
and Mr. Thomas Moon, Coach of Lexington Hockey
team, met with the Board. The Chairman also
asked Mr. Samborski to return to the meeting.
Mr. Moon said he was here in the interest
of the High School Hockey team and he explained
that for the past three years he has been coach
and had a rink at the High School. This year,
however, he has no rink. He said that it seems
that the expense for running the rink was too
high for the school to carry on and they gave it
back to the Park Department. He explained that
last year there was a fellow from the school
who took care of the rink but it did not work
out satisfactorily. He said that he had suggested
putting the rink in the skating area at the play-
ground but he will not take the team on the res-
ervoir because it is too dangerous. He asked
who was going to pay for the skating rink inas-
much as he understands the school can't pay for
it, and the Park Department has no money in that
budget. The Chairman said that in his opinion
it is the responsibility of the School pepartment
and has been handled by the School Department for
the past three years. He explained that the Park
Department budget was made up last March and it is
now the end of the year and there is just not enough
in the account for a rink. He said now is the time
to prepare so that in 1948 the rink will be ready
when it is needed. He said that all the Park
Department can do this year is to try and help
as much as possible. He explained that the Board
of Selectmen and the Park Department are anxious
to co-operate but there are no funds to assume
the responsibility. He stated that this subject
was discussed by the Board of Selectmen last
Monday evening with Mr. Garrity, Sup't. of Parks
and Playgrounds. He said the boards are up to
the Public Works Building and Mr. Garrity has
reported that they will be all right for a small
skating area, and that the Park Department evidently
has sufficient funds to try and set the boards up
but the maintenance of the rink for the coming season
16
Tom Moon
re
Hockey
Rink
164
pie . Use of
Hall by
Girl
Scouts
Com. Long
re salaries
of
officials
will have to be the responsibility of the School
Department. He said in the first place the Park
Department has no money, and in the second
place, they have not the available man power.
Mr. Moon said that he has had the school children
shovel the snow from the rink but he does not
think that it is their responsibility. The
Chairman said that the Town would plow the rink
after the streets are plowed, snow has been
lifted and streets sanded. Mr. Samborski agreed
that the hockey rink was definitely a school
item. The Chairman stated that the decision of
the Board of Selectmen is that the Park Dep-
artment will assist in getting the boards up
in whatever location the coach decides he is
going to have the rink. The flooding and
maintenance of the rink, however, will be the
responsibility of someone else . He further
stated that after the snow removal problem
of every storm has been taken care of, and the
town has taken care of its own skating areas,
they will then take care of the rink. Mr.
Moon and Mr. Samborski retired at 10:25 P.M.
The Chairman read a letter from Mrs.
Ruth G. Tucker, Commissioner of Lexington Girl
Scouts, requesting the Board to reconsider the
application for the use of Cary Hall on the
evening of February 25th. This use was grant-
ed by the Board last week subject to a charge
of 05. Mr. Driscoll said that he did not see
how the Board could deviate from the rules and
regulations which have been adopted relative to
the uses of Cary Memorial Building. Upon motion
of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was
voted to notify Mrs. Tucker that the Board
discussed her request but considered the charge
a legitimate one.
A letter was received from Commissioner Long
calling the Board'sattention to Chapter 540
of the Acts of 1947 relative td the compen-
sation of elected officials and appointed employ"
ees. This amendment requires that the salary and
compensation of.all elected officers of the town
shall be fixed annually by vote of the town.
The Clerk was instructed to forward the commun-
ication to the Town Counsel for his opinion.
1
165
Mr.
6cal
Mr. Charles H. Miller's offer of $ 150
for Lots 17-23 on Eastern Avenue was held over
from the previous meeting of the Board. The Sell tax
Committee on Tax Title property recommends that Title
the offer be accepted. Mr. Gay moved that a Property
proposal to sell the lots be advertised in the
Lexington Minute -Man and that further consider-
ation be given the matter at the next meeting
of the Board. Mr. Emery seconded the motion,
and it was so voted.
Mr. John Collin's offer of $125 for Lots 25,
26, 28, 29, and 30 on Fairland Street was held
over from a previous meeting of the Board. The
Committee on Tax Title Property recommends that
the offer be accepted. Mr. Gay moved that a
proposal to sell these lots be advertised in the
Lexington Minute -Man and that further consider-
ation be giventhe matter at the next meeting.
Mr. Emery seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
The Chairman read a letter from the Town
Accountant recommending that the town offices be
closed the afternoon before Christmas to enable
the employees to have a Christmas party: Mr.
Driscoll moved that the Town Office Building
be officially closed on Wednesday afternoon,
December 24th, at 3:00 P.M. Mr. Gay seconded
the motion, and it was so voted.
A letter was received from Commissioner Long
advising the Board that the sum of $50,700 has
been established as the amount not less than which
the 1948 bond of the Treasurer shall be written,
and the sum of $53,500 as the sum not less than
which the 1948 bond of the Collector of Taxes shall
be written. Mr. Locke moved that the sum of
$50,700 be established as the amount not less
than which the 1948 bond of the Treasurer shall
be written. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it
was so voted.
Mr. Locke moved that the sum of $53,500
be established as the amount not less than which
the 1948 bond of the Collector of Taxes shall be
written. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and
it was so voted.
To close
building
on Dec.
24 th
Bond of
Coll. of
Taxes
166
Use of
Hall
Licenses
Fee for
Package
Goods
License
Hold over
appointments
to Assessors
An application was received from the
Tandem Club of the Hancock Congregational Church
requesting permission to conduct a concert in
Cary Memorial Hall on the evening of March
12, 1948, from 8:30 P.M. to 10:30 P.M. Mr.
Locke moved that the use of the hall be granted
subject to a charge of $35. Mr. Emery seconded
the motion, and it was so voted.
Upon motions duly made and seconded it was
voted to grant the following licenses:
Reliable Cab Co. Public Carriage (renewal)
Ye Olde Countryside Common Victualler
L. J. Foss ^ " "
Morris Motors First Class Agent
Colonial Garage, Inc. " "
Hardy's Garage
F. K. Johnson, Inc. " ^ "
Berman's Market Package Goods Store
Joseph Trani, Inc. " ^
John J. Rudd " " ""
Mr. Locke moved that the 1948 fee for the
package goods store licensexemain at $1,000.
Mr. Emery seconded the motion, and it was
so voted.
The Clerk reminded the Board that Leland
H. Emery and William H. Shanahan's terms as
members of theBoard of Assessors will expire
on December 31, 1947. Mr. Gay suggested that
the appointments be held over for one week
stating that he would like more time to con-
sider the appointments. Mr. Locke questioned
holding this over.
The Chairman reported to the Board a
conversation he had with the Town Accountant
relative to a member of the Board ofAssessors
being in the Contributory Retirement System..
Mr. Emery said he would take no part in the
discussion and he does not want to be present
when the appointments are made. The matter
was held over for one week.
1
Upon motion of Mr. Locke, seconded by
Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to set the date
of January 17th as the closing date for the
warrant for the Annual Town Meeting.
The Clerk informed the Board that the
committee making arrangmenta for the Senior
High School dance had requested permission to
decorate Cary Memorial Hall with fire -proof
streamers. Mr. Emery moved that the request
be granted and that the committee be advised
that there could be no nails or tacks used.
Mr.. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so
voted.
16f•
Set date
for Annual
Town Meeting
To decorate
Cary Hall
for Senior
Dance
The Clerk informed the Board that a patient Use of
at the Cushing General Hospital,whose home is on Ambulance
Woodland Road, would like to come home the day
before Christmas in the town ambulance. He is
paralyzed and the Army ambulances would be most
uncomfortable. Mr. Gay moved that the request
be granted. Mr. Locke seconded the motion, and
it was so voted.
The Chairman reported to the Board his
conversation with Mrs. John T. Cosgrove, relative
to retirement of Mr. Cosgrove, She informed the
Chairman that she has been unable to persuade
him to apply for retirement. Mr. Emery said that
he believed if anything was going to be done about
retiring Mr. Cosgrove it should be done by Jan-
uary first and that Mr. Cosgrove should have at
least 90 days notice. The Clerk was instructed
to write the Town Counsel to check the legal
aspects of this case and have a report ready for
the Board next Monday.
The Chairman read a letter from the Town
Clerk stating that the Massachusetts Town Clerk's
Association is preparing a bill to be presented
to the Legislature, for the tenure If such a bill
is passed it will apply to town clerks who have
been in office five years or more. Mr. Carroll
stated ih his letter that the Association is
desirous of ascertaining the approval of dis-
approval of the Boards of Selectmen throughout
* of office of town clerks throughout the State.
168
L
the state. The Clerk was instructed to notify
Mr. Carroll that the Board of Selectmen has
discussed this subject and is definitely
opposed to it under general principles.
The Chairman read a letter from the Approp-
riation Committee advising that a discission
has been held relative to the possibility of
recommending the insertion of an article in
the warrant for the pupose of giving the torn
meeting members a chance to vote on the estab-
lishment of a staibilzing• form. The Approp-
riation Committee feels that this would enable
the town to start at once to accumulate funds
that will lighten the burden when the bonded in-
debtedness reaches its peak in 1950. They
suggest the Selectmen consider appointing a
committee on this subject. No action was
taken.
The meeting adjourned at 11:35 P.M.
A true record, Attest:
G
ler , lectmen.