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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1948-12-2733 SELECTMEN'S MEETING December 27, 1948 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room on Monday evening, December 27, 1948, at 7:30 P.M. There were present: Chairman Paxton, Messrs. Emery, Gay, Driscoll and Nickerson. The Clerk was also present. Chairman Clyde E. Steeves and Mr. Burnham of the Board of Assessors met with the Selectmen. The Chair- man explained that the Selectmen had invited the two Assessors to meet with the Board this evening because the Board would like some advice. He explained that the Selectmen are thinking somewhat of reorganizing the Assessors Board of Assessors. He explained that as a Board the members have not made up their mind as to exactly what is to be done and would like any suggestions that the Assessors may have. Mr. Steeves stated that he does not believe the town is large enough yet for a permanent three man Board. He said he believed the peak has been reached and the town will not see much more building. The Chairman said that he does not know where the idea of the three man Board originated and the Selectmen realize that the Board of Assessors may be busy some seasons of the year, but during other periods are not as busy. Mr. Steeves explained that the statute requires three men to look at property. The Chairman asked if it must be not less than three. Mr. Burnham explained that under the present system of a five man Board there are usually at least three who can go out at one time. Some times the entire Board is in a position to go. The Chairman asked how long it would take to go over the 700 new houses and Mr. Burnham said that it would take about a month but would 'depend somewhat on the weather. Mr. Steeves stated that of the 3,000 or 4,000 pieces the Assessors have had to tax they have had only 35 applications for abatement. The Chairman asked if there were any suggestions that would make the work in the Assessor's Department any easier. Mr. Burnham said that the Assessors used Mr. Steeves' car last year and they have never gone out in Mr. Spencer's car because it is too small. He thought some arrangement should be made to compensate Mr. Steeves. The Chairman explained that there is a car allowance of $200 in the AssessorAB-.Department Budget. The Chairman asked if from the Board of Assessor's point of view, Mr. Spencer needed the money for his car. Mr. Burnham replied that he does use his car to some extent. The Chairman asked if they had any ideas pertaining to the installation of a card system. Mr. Steeves replied that it would be quite a job and the Board would have to do over the entire town. Mr. Burnham 34 said they would have to obtain new office equip- ment if the same type of c avd is used as that now being used in Newton. He said they would need larger files. The Chairman asked what they thought of the Newton system and they both replied that they thought it was very good and would be an improvement over the present system. The Chairman asked if .it were enog'gh in advance of the system now being used by Lexington to copy. Mr. Burnham said that Mr. Spencer was quite proud of the system now being used and he did not think he would be too much in favor of a change. Mr. Steeves said that he had advocated the system two years ago but could not get any co-operation. The Chairman asked if these two Assessors would be willing to go along without being reappointed. Mr. Steeves stated that he has done this before and as far as he is concerned he is willing to go along until the Board of Select- men have come to some decision. Mr. Burnham said he has been here a long time, perhaps long enough, and he would be willing to continue without being re- appointed. The Chairman said that if the Town of Lexington attempts to set up a system it can be done all in one year which would mean hiring outside individuals. If, however, the Assessors do .the work it will probably go over .a period of five years. He said the Board had thought it might be possible that the man in the office, either Mr. Spencer or Mr. Crohin, could supervise the work, set up the right card system and supervise the outside work. He asked if the work were done by the town over a period of five years would the Assessors be available to do some of this work. He said they would either be a member of the Board or a part time employee. Mr. Burnham said .he would be willing to help all he could. The Chair- man said that he would not expect them to do it for nothing or for what they are receiving at the present time. Mr. Gay asked if they felt there was a lot of land in Lexington not assessed or not properly assessed. Mr. Steeves replied in the negative. Mr. Burnham.said that he did not believe there would be much picked up on the land but Mr. Spencer does not agree with him. The Chairman asked if the Assessors did not hear from the Board relative to re -appointment would they be willing.to continue in their present capacity and they both agreed. They retired at 8115 P.M. Mr. Gustin and Ames of the Recreation Committee and Mr. Garrity, Supit. of Parks and Playgrounds, met with the Board to discuss the Recreation Committee's Budget. 1 1 35 During the discussion of persona, services Mr. Gustin explained that the Committee has not talked to any individual and the salary of $5,000 per year for a full time Director is an estimate. He said they thought the man would actually start at $4,000 a year with the opportunity of going up. He said they have found that Recreation Directors are paid salaries comparable to the salaries received by Junior High Shhool Principals. The Chairman explained that the salary they have figured is somewhat higher than is now being received by the Tax Collector and the proposed Health Sanitarian. Mr. Garrity stated that Arlington has paid a director $4,200 a year and is increasing it to $ 4,900 this year. Wellesley pays $4,600 plus a bonus. He explained that boyd'from Boston University will expect to receive $4,200 a year. Ar. Gustin said that the Committee has come to the conclusion that a full time man would be less expensive 'in the long run. • After a length, discussion of the budget submitted by the Recreation Committee Mr. Gustin agreed to submit a revised budget not later than January 17th. The group retired at 14);05 P.M. License - Mr. and Mrs. William P. Reidy met with the Board. 2nd Class Mr. Reidy had called the Selectmen's office and requested Agent an appointment because of the fact that the Selectmen had denied his request for a Second Class Agent's license. Mr. Reidy said that he was wondering why he was unable to obtain a license. The Chairman explained that the Board had made an investigation and felt that the facts did not warrant one. Mr. Reidy explained that he had worked eight- een years for the Atlantic & Pacific and obtained a license in Cambridge to sell second hand motor vehicles. He ex- plained that he purchased the property at the corner of Bow Street and Massachusetts Avenue and had anticipated making a living here. The Chairman asked if Mr. Reidy still had a license in Cambridge and he replied in the affirmative but said there isn't sufficient room for more than two or three cars. Mr. Finery asked him how long he owned the property in Lexington and he replied he purchased it four or five months ago. Mr. Emery asked if he were living there and he replied in the affirmative. Mr. Reidy explained that the reason he left the A. & P. work was because of a nerve condition. The Chairman said that the Board would take it under consider- ation and let him know. M. and Mrs. Reidy retired at 9:45 .P.M.• Mr. Driscoll agreed to obtain further information about this individual and report to the Board next week. 36 The Chairman read a letter from Mr. DeFoe with reference to the petition'for abatement on the water betterment assessment levied against Everett Kourian, 109 Grove Street. Mr. DeFoe stated that he has had a conference with Mr. Rourian,and indications are that it is a routine matter that will be adjusted this week without further action by the Board of Select- men. A notice was received from the Office of the Secretary of State advising that John P. Whalen, 11 Harrington Road, and others not residents of Lex- ington, have filed en application for the issuance of a certificate of incorporation. Satisfactory character reference was received from the Chief of Police. Mr. Emery moved that the application be approved and returned to the Secretary. Mr. Dris coli seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Upon motion of Mr. Emery seconded by Mr. Gay, it was voted to grant the following licenses: Bradford Motor Co. 34 Old Coffee House 1775 Ye Olde Countryside 400 Minute Man Restaurant1715 Ye Towne Diner 1722 John J. Rudd 1849 Berman's Market Inc. 12 Joseph Trani, Inc. 1757 William Viano 1794 Bedford Street lst Class Agent, (ren.) Mass. Avenue Common Victualler " Lowell Street Mass. Avenue Mass. Avenue n n n Mass. Avenue Padkage Goods^Store " Mass. Avenue n n n n Mass. Avenue n n II n Mass. Avenue Sunday Movies A memordandam was received from the Town Accountant to which was attached abatement sheets for the Boards consideration. They included charges committed for the use of ambulance from 1942 up to 1947, totalling $ 319.98; 1946 water rates $9.12; 1947 water house connections $30.37; 1947 sewer house connections $61.31. Mr. Nickerson moved that the 1946 water rates in the amount of4 9.12 be abated. Mr. Emery seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Nickerson moved that the 1947 water house connections in the amount of $ 30.37 be abated. Mr. Gay seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Mr. Driscoll moved that the 1941 sewer house connections in the, amount of $ 61.31 be abated. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion, and it was so voted. The Clerk was instructed to request the Collector of Taxes to make another effort to collect the outstand- ing ambulance bilis. The meeting adjourned at 10:45 P.M. A true record, Attest: Clerk, Selectmen. 1 1