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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1948-04-20 341 SELECTMEN'S MEETING April 20, 1948 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building on Tuesday evening, April 20, 1948. Chairman Paxton, Messrs. Emery, Driscoll, Gay and Nibkerson were present. The Clerk was also present. At 7:30 p.m. bids were publicly opened for road construction. Mr. DeFoe, Sup►t. of Public Works, Mr. Burns, Asst. Sup►t. of Public Works, Mr. Ames, an insurance agent and four other persons were present. Only two bids were received as follows: John McCourt Col, 910 Huntington Avenue, Boston, for Type A road $122,003.99; Type B read $106,980.42; Wes Construction Co. 119 Landsee Street, West Roxbbry, for Type A road $94,399.10; Type B road $ 79,560.07. The group, with the exception of Mr. DeFoe, retired at 7:55p.m. Any decision relative to awarding the Bids on contract was held over until the next meeting of the Street Board. Mr. DeFoe and Mr. Burns to check the bids. Constr- uction Mr. DeFoe requested permission to purchase a sidewalk roller and presented each member of the Board with a list of bids. (copy in Selectmen' s files under Bids. ) Mr. DeFoe explained the various bids and upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it was voted to authorize the Sup't. of Public Works to place an order with the Clyde Everett Equipment Co. for a Buffalo KT7 roller at a net cost to the Town of $1,950.00, immediate delivery. Mr. DeFoe requested permission to purchase 2 two- ton dump trucks and 4 pick-up trucks. He presented each member of the Board with a list of bids. (copy in the Selectmen' s file under Bids ) . After a careful analysis of the bids, upon Motion Bids for Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to Trucks authorize the Supt. of Public Works to place an order with F. R. Childs for the following: One 2 ton truck ($750 allowance for a 1939 two-ton Federal) $1,885.36 net. Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Gay, it wasvoted to authorize the Supt. of Public Works to place an order with F. R. Childs for the following: J F 342 CIA 1 One 3/4 ton pick-up trubk ($400 allowance for 1937 - ] ton Chevrolet) for 4 1,036.38 net. One 3/4 ton pick-up truck ($500 allowance for 1939 3/4 ton Chevrolet) $936.38 net. Upon motion of Mr. Emery, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to authorize the Sup't. of Public Works to place an order with F. R. Childs for one 1/2 ton pick-up truck ($400 allowance for 1937 Plymouth 2-dr. ) $884.54 net. Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Dris- coll, it was voted to authorize the Sup't. of Public Works to place an order with F. K. Johnson, Inc. for one 1/2 ton pick-up truck, no trade- in, at a net cost of $1,144.30. The Board considered the advisability of puri: - chasing a truck or pleasure car to be used by the U sistant Supt. of Public Works and upon motion if Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to authorize the Sup't. of public Works to place an order with F. K. Johnson, Inc. for a 2-door Style- master, no trade-in, at a net cost of 1,234.50. The Supt. was further authorized to purchase heaters and defrosters for all the above mentioned units, the cost of which will be in addition to the net prices quoted. Mr. Defoe retired at 8:55 p.m. and Mr. Frank Graham of the Man-14-Minnit Golf Club met with the Board. The Chairman asked Mr. Graham to explain the facilities of the Club. Mr. Graham stated that he has rented the Club from the Hanlon Associates and he pays for water and any repairs. He said that he would like to sell coffee, doughnuts and tonic. He explained that he did not intend to operate a restaurant but merely serve light lunches so that the golfers would not have to drive to the center. He informed the Board that between twenty and thirty people play golf in the evening, but that there would be no transients for lunches. Mr. Emery asked if Mr. Graham had leased the property from the Hanlon Associates and he explained that he has a lease which runs tennefit at will. 1 343 They are unable tog ive him a lease for a year because they might sell the entire property. Mr . Graham said that he has five men work- ing far him, three of them living in Lexington. Licenses Mr. Grhham retired at 9:00 p.m. Man- A- Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by innit Mr. Gay, it was voted to issue a Common Victu allerpClub and Sunday Sales License to Mr. Graham, doing business ab the Man-A-Minnit Gaff Club. Mr. James V. MacDonald of the Boston Edison Company met with the Board. He explained that the Company has started to clear the right-of-way relative to the proposed transmission line and they would like to settle the easement over Butterfield' s Pond reasonably soon. He informed the Board that the City of Cambridge, on the Hobbs Brook section, charged $1.74 a r unning foot which included both structures and the aerial crossing. He stated that the span over Butterfield' s Pond is less than 100 feet, somewhere around 92 feet. He said that if this price seems reasonable to the Board he would like to submit it and make some arrangement as soon as possible . Mr. Emery inquired as to the Company' s policy relative to installing modern type poles In towns that do not have them now. Mr. MacDonald replied that where changes are made, they put in the most modern because if not, it will mean another change within ten years. Butterfield Mr. Emery asked if it was a question of Lex- Pond ington obtaining new type poles without putting Easement on some pressure or if it is the policy of the Company to install them anyway. Mr. MacDonald replied that it is simply a question of obsolescence. If a pole is sound and has ten years of life, they will continue to use it. Mr. Emery asked why Lexington did not get some new modern poles and Mr. MacDonald replied that there would be some new poles necessary for the center on the modern layout . He said that he does not believe there is any set rule beyond the fact that when the useful life of a pole has been written off on the books it will be replaced. The Chairman told Mr. MacDonald that the Board would discuss the subject and advise him. Mr. Mac- Donald retired at 9:20 p.m. 344 1 The Chairman said that the Board knew that the Edison, 1l1 revise the lighting in Lexington Center at no cost if the Town goes along with a revision from Woburn Street to the Arlington line. This will increase the cost of lighting. He said, however, that if the Board desired to go along on this basis the ,jpproproation Committee should be so advised. Mr. Gay mentioned that there is no money avail- able this year andthe AAppropriatibn Committee may not approve any next year. The Chairman said that the Board could ask for a transfer and Mr. Emery said that he doubted if the Appropriation Committee would consider this an unforeeen emergency. The Board considered the matter acid agreed not to favor improved lighting the entire length of Massachusetts Avenue. Mr. Gay said that there is a section between Massachusetts Avenue and Independence Avenue Where the lighting should be improved. The Chairman at3ggested and the Board agreed that the Boston Edison Company beadvised that the Select- men are most anxious to comply with the request and settle the question of the transmission ease- ment over the so-called Butterfield' s Ponies soon as possible . The Selectmen understand that the Company will improve the lighting in Lexington Center, providing the Town of Lexington will authorize improved lighting to the .Arlington- Lexington line an additional cost to the town of approximately $3,100. However, in view of the A increased budgets for 1948 and the anticipated increases for 1949 the Selectmen are reluctant to enter into a program as-extensive as outlined at this time. They do feel that certain sections of Massachusetts Avenue from the High School to the Arlington-Lexington line should be improved. The Board would like to have the Boston Edison Company improve the lighting in Lexington Center, from Woburn Street to Bedford Street using the new proposed system of 25 foot poles and the proper luminaires; the Town to convey to the Boston Edison Company the transmission easement over Butterfield' s Pond for the sum of 51.00. Mr. Gordon Richards and Mr. Alan Adams, of the Planning Board, met with the Selectmen. The subject of appointdilg a member to the Planning Board to fill the present vacancy was discussed. Mr. Emery moved that Mr. Frederic K. Johnson, Member 9 Audubon Road, Lexington be appointed to fill the to the unexpired term caused by the resignation of Mr. Planning Thayer Rudd. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and Board it was so voted. Mr. Richards and Mr. Adams retired at 9:35 p.m. Mr. DeFoe returned to the meeting. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. M. J. Vaughan, 82 Woburn Street pertaining to the curbing and fence posts on Woburn Street at his property. Mr. DeFoe explained that the face of the guard rail will be back two inches from the property line Vaughan and as it is now it lines up with Mr. VaughanTs little Corn- wall, and he wants to move the wall out two inches . If Mr. Vaughan insists, the first post can be moved out two inches. TheChairman asked if it were on Mr. Vaughan' s land and Mr. DeFoe replied that it is on Buckley' s land. Mr. DeFoe agreed to contact Mr. Vaughan in an endeavor to determine whether or not some satisfactory arrangement may be worked out. Letter was received from the M.D.C. relative to the water possibility of the Town of Lexington furnishing the for Veterans ,Adminstration Hospital in Bedf ofd with a water Bed- supply. ford The Cornmitsion requested the Board to secure a Hospital written statement from the town officials of Bedford that they are not in a position to furnish the hospital with water and that they have no objections to the Town of Lexington supplying the hospital with its water requirements. The Clerk was instructed to send a copy of the to Dr. Adams of the hospital and request him to obtain the statement from the Town of Bedford and present it to the Selectmen when he meets with them next Monday evening. Letter was received from Mr. Garrity, Supt. of Parks and Playgrounds inquiring as to whether or not Play- the Recreation Committee will take over the assignment ground of appointing playground instructors for the year 1948. app'tms. 346 CLA 1 Mr. Gay moved that Mr. Garrity be requested to submit the list of appointments to be made as he has done in the past and the Board will consider It at the next meeting. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. DeFoe requested the Board to consider a proposed revision in wage rates for .public works employees, a copy of which was mailed to each member of the Board last week. The Chairman asked if the members of the Board had any questions. Mr. Emery aaid that most of the 95 i an hour men were scheduled for a 10i/ increase, but two are scheduled for a 20¢ increase. Mr. DeFoe explained that one of these men operates equipment and the other is very good on water and sewer work. The Chairman asked if the Board, without going into each individual case, is satisfied with thea e r t s prepared by the Superintendent. Mr. Emery asked the Chairman for his opinion. He said that they are low compared with the rates everyone else has to pay. He said that in view of the fact the men are working long hours and will have to continue to work long hours they will have a very good take-home pay. The subject was considered at length and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the revision in wage rates for public works employees as follows : Laborers $1.05 maximum Equipment Operators 1.15 " Heavy equipment Operators 1.30 " Foremen 1.40 'J Working foremen 1.25 " Mechanics 1.40 " Asst . mechanic 1.25 Time keeper 1.15 " Painter (Foreman) 1.25 " Painter 1.15 " Painter 1 .05 " 1 X47 The rates to be maximums to be paid provided the employee has worked for the Town in a satisfactory manner for a period of not less than eighteen months. In addition, it is the wish of the Board that the Superintendent of Public Works try to keep the rates of pay within these limits. However, if under certain conditions it becomes necessary to make increases in order to maintain the present personnel the Superintendent is to check with the Chairman of the Board before any further raises are put into effect. The revised wage rates as outlined above to become effective on Friday, April 30, 1948. Mr. DeFoe retired at 10 :10 p.m. Letter was received from the Board of Retirement Regular stating that the examiners from the Commissioner of Insurance would like to have the Selectmen establish the regular work week for employees on hourly rates on which to base deductions for retirement purposes. As it is now, the employees on hourly rates are having deducted from their salaries the 5% on total number of hours times the rate. Mr. Gay moved that the Retirement Board be informed that the established work week for employees on an hourly basis is forty-eight hours. Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion, and it was'po voted. Letter was received, signed by Mr. and Mrs. William Moore and Ruth C. Welch of Hancock Street opposing the proposed bus line to be operated on Hancock Street. Letter in opposition was also received from Philip M. Clark of Hancock Street. Proposed Two petitions signed by a number of individuals Bus was also received registering opposition. Route The Clerk was instructed to make a list of the over number of houses, nuber of individuals in favor and Hancock in opposition, and also note those who had signed both Street petitions. The Board decided to go over the proposed route on Saturday afternoon and withold a decision unitl the next meeting. Notice was received relative to a hearing at the State House on April 23, Room 433 at 10:30 a.m. with Hearing regard to securing money for alterations and improve- ments on Buckman Tavern. Mr. Emery agreed to attend the hearing and suggested that the Clerk contact Mr. William R. Greeley and request him to be present to answer any questions . :O 348 L II Letter was received from Elinor Perry, Chairman of Use of the "Two Million for Mount Holyoke" Campaign, requesting Barnes permission to use the Barnes property for a sale . Property Mr. Driscoll moved that the requestiibe approved and permission granted free of charge. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from George G. Whiting for permission to continue to store dynamite in the Dynamite Public Works magazine at 201 Bedford Street. Permit Mr. finery moved that the request be approved and permission granted. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Application was received from Mrs . George V. Morse, onb ehalf of the Simmons Club of Lexington, for permission Use of Hall to conduct an open meeting in Estabrook Hall on Thursday evening, April 29, 1948 from 8:00 until 10;00 p.m. Mr. Gay moved that the use of the hall be granted free of charge. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Licenses Upon motion of Mr. Driscoll, seconded by Mr. Gay, II it was voted to approve the following licenses: Dorothy Day, Inc. 1780 Mass. Avenue Sunday Sales (renewal) L. F. Foss Store 1733 Mass . Avenue " " " Village Variety Store 93 Mass . Avenue II " 11 George E. Wardrobe 807 Mass. Avenue " " " Marcia Dane 1736 Mass. Avenue Intelligence Office " Salvation Army Boston, Mass. Junk License " William Viano 1794 Mass . Avenue Sunday Moties Countryside Associates Lowell Street Sunday Uolg Letter was received from the Town Counsel, together pith the original and one copy of an agreement between the Town of Lexington and James J. Murphy and Bertha J. Murphy. Mr. Lynch requested the Board to sign both the original and copy and return them to his office. The Clerk informed the Board that Dr. Gaebler, Special Supt . of the Metropolitan State Hospital has requested Police that Henry Brown, Jr. be appointed a special police officer. X49 1 Mr. Driscoll moved that Henry Brown, Jr. be appointed a Special Police Officer in the Town of Lexington for a term expiring March 31, 1949. Mr. Emery 'seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Special Police Authority was received from the Division of Civil Service to fill the position of Sergeant in Sergeant the Lexington Police Department. appointed Mr. Gay moved that Officer George E. Smith be appointed Sergeant in the Lexington Police Department. Mr. Emery seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Letter was received from the Town Accountant, Ambulance together with a list of abatements of ambulance charged charges dating back to 1941. The Tax Collector abated is of the opinion that these are uncollectible. Mr. Emery moved that the abatements be approved and signed. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it was voted to sign sewer orders for Reed Street, Bow Street, Candlewick Close , Baker Avenue, Sewer Chase Avenue and Meriam Street. ,A copy of each order Orders is filed in the Selectmen' s 1948 files under "Sewer Easements Orders" . Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, it wasvoted to sign a water order for Water Middlty Road, Winter Street, Burlington Street and Orders North Street. A copy of each order is filed in the Selectmen' s 1948 files under "Water Easement Orders. " The Clerk informed the Board that the Lexington Use of Bedford District Boy Scoutb have been given permission Hall to conduct a Scout Circus in Cary Hall on May 1, 1948 and would like permission to have a rehearsal on April 29, 1948. Mr. Emery moved that the request be granted, free of charge. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Clerk informed the Board that the Community X-ray Survey group would like permission to place a sign on the lawn in front of Cary Hall, size to comply with 354 cla I the Building and Zoning laws, during the time of the x-ray program. The Board had no objection. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint the following individuals to serve on the Board of Fire Engineers for a term expiring May 1, 1949. Messrs. George M. Hynes, Robert Fawcett, Thomas J. Donnelly, Lester Andrews, Roy A. Cook and Harold Roeder. The meeting adjourned at 11:45 P.M. A true record, Attest: le , electmen. ' D l