HomeMy WebLinkAbout1949-11-21SELECTMEN'S MEETING
November 21, 1949
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on
Monday evening, November 21, 1949, at 7:00 p. m. Chair-
man Emery, Messrs. Gay, Nickerson, Driscoll and Hoyt were
present.
At 7:10 P. M. Mr. Harold Michelson, representing the
Lexington Chamber of Commerce, met with the Board relative
to the application filed by him for the use of Cary Memorial
Hall on December 27, 1949, for a drawing.
The Chairman had previously informed the Board that
the Chamber of Commerce is willing to secure a bond to
indemnify the town against any possible damage to the
building.
Mr. .Chairman explained to Mr. Michelson that the
Selectmen are not too enthusiastic about the project be-
cause of the fact it is more or less in the same category
as penny sales which, by a vote of the Board some years
ago, are prohibited.
Mr. Michelson explained that the proposed activity
will include the entire town, and everyone will have a
chanbe to win a prize by the co-operation of the merchants.
It is their intent to issue coupons at the rate of one for
every fifty -cent purchase. The coupons will be deposited
in a barrel and the drawing will be held the Tuesday follow-
ing Christmas, and there may be 1,000 people who will attend
the drawing. He explained that there would be police super-
vision and possibly fifteen merchants to see that the crowd
is kept under control. They would also like to have the
drum corps entertain the audience and prizes will be given
to the best drummer, bugler, etc.
The Chairman inquired as to how long the drawing would
last and Mr. Michelson replied that it would take possibly
four hours.
The organization intends to send out an eight -page cir-
cular to every home in Lexington on December 8th and another
on December 15th which will go to Bedford, Lexington, Con-
cord, Carlisle and Burlington. It is expected to be the
biggest selling campaign the merchants have ever tried.
Mr. Michelson retired at 7:15 P. M.
A motion was made to deny the application, but Mr. Gay
said that he would prefer to decide on it later in the even-
ing. The motion, therefore, was not seconded.
Mr. DeFoe, Superintendent of Public Works, met with
the Board.
He informed the Board that he has checked relative to
turning the street lights in Lexington Center on fifteen
minutes earlier, and there seems to be no objection.
441
Use of
Hall
442
He was advised that the additional cost to the town will
be $38.50 per year to light the town from Woburn Street
up to the Common.
Street Mr. Gay moved that the Superintendent of Public Works
Lighting be authorized to arrange to have the street lights, from
Woburn -Street through Lexington Center to the Common,
turned on fifteen minutes earlier at an additional cost of
$38.50 per year. Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion and it.
was so voted.
Mr. DeFoe gave a report relative to the request for two
additional street lights on Tower Road, He explained that,
at present, there is a light 100 feet from the corner of
Plainfield Street and he would like to check with the neighbors
in this vicinity to determine how they feel.
The Chairman suggested that Mr. DeFoe be authorized to
arrange for the installation of one or two lights, the location
for good street lighting to be determined by him. The Board
had no objection.
With reference to a letter received by the Board from
Mrs. Esthbr Nicoli protesting water betterment assessments
Nicoli levied against her property on Cummings Street, Mr. DeFoe
water stated that he thought this had been settled long ago.
better- Mrs. Nicoli claims that she has not sufficient land upon
ment which to build a house. Mr. DeFoe discussed this with the
assess- Building Inspector and it was determined that she has area
ment enough to build a certain type of house. The entire amount
involved is $53.68.
It was the opinion of the Board that the property has
been bettered and upon motion of Mr. NickErson, seconded by
Mr. Gay, it was voted not to abate the assessment.
Mr. DeFoe explained that there is a "Stop" sign at the
corner of Hancock and Adams Street. The State Department
Stop of Public Works suggested a "Stop" sign in front of the
Sign Richards' house, stopping traffic coming down Hancock Street
Adams & going towards the center. The town put up a sign on Adams
Heincock Street, entering Hancock Street. The State has written a
Streets letter and w ants to know whether or not anything is going
to be done about complying with its suggestion. Mr. DeFoe
explained that the sign as now located is illegal. However,
in discussing this with Mr. Lynch, Town Counsel, Mr. DeFoe
was told that there would be no comeback if anything happened.
Mr. O'Hay of the State told Mr. DeFoe that the sign s hould be
located where the State Engineers recommend it or not at all.
Mr. DeFoe was requested to bring this to the Board's
attention again next week.
Tractor Mr. DeFoe requested permission to purchase a sidewalk
tractor for snow plowing. He explained that the tractor
which he would like to purchase is not being made, but he
can buy a smaller unit.
hosull
The Chairman said that Mr. DeFoe would be buying a
tractor that he did not intend to purchase when the ap-
propriation for Road Machinery was voted. He said, per-
sonally, he felt this should be cleared through the Ap-
propriation Committee.
Mr. DeFoe informed the Board that he has an appoint-
ment to meet: with the Appropriation Committee next Monday
night at which time he will discuss the purhcase of this
tractor without committing the Selectmen.
Mr. DeFoe requested the Board to consider the drain-
age of the North Branch of Vine Brook. He explained that
just north of Middleby Road water has backed up due to the
dam constructed by Daddario and several complaints have
been made. The Health Sanitarian reports that the water
is polluted.
Mr. Lynch arrived at 7:35 P.M.
The problem was explained that Mr
something should be done and suggested
tendent of Public Works recommend what
an engineering point of view.
The Board agreed to authorize Mr.
of the problem in the manner he thinks
ing point of view.
. Lynch said that
that the Superin-
should be done from
443
Request to
purchase
tractor
DeFoe to take care
best from an engineer -
Mr. DeFoe said that he had contemplated doing the
sidewalk construction on Bedford Street with town labor
but has received a price of 20per foot from P. *.T. Joyce
and he would like to award the work to Joyce. The Board
had no objection.
North Branch
Drainage
Sidewalks
Mr. Lynch presented plans showing the original 1925
layout of Waltham Street. He explained that an entry was made
in 1925 down to the end of the Aldrich property. In the various
awards made by the County Commissioners 1170 Square feet
were taken from Aldrich and damages awarded in the amount of
$3,000. He went to Court, sued the Town and was awarded
$3,920. That is as far as the town went at that time.
He explained that when entry is made it takes in the
entire street. This project was considered at several town
meetings, but at no time, in his opinion, was the idea of
the widening ever abandoned. He stated that 765 square feet
were taken from Ellen Locke and an award of 082.50 made.
The property is now owned by McKay. He explained that 777
square feet were taken from Stevenson and an award of gp250.
made. The Franks property now belongs to Bickford and Hay-
ward. He said that 455 square feet were taken from one and
570 square feet from the other and $173.70 awarded each.
There was 125 square feet taken from the Catholic Club and an
award of $175 made. This is now the Lyon property and he is not
going to press the Town for any money now. He will give the
Town an easement and it will be stipulated in the easement
that if he even erects a business building, it is understood
that he can build right out to the property line.
Waltham
Street
Widening
444
The Aldrich property is now owned by John O'Connor
from which 875 square feet were taken and no award made.
Mr. Lynch explained that he has drafted a confirmatory
deed which Mr. O'Connor has agreed to sign.
Mr. Alfred Tropeano represents the Bickfords and
wants to know what is going to be done about the walls.
Mr. Lynch said that When the Town went in, with
reference to MacKay, the taking was not too much, only
765 square feet in front of his land. They were awarded
$382.50 and it is stated in the deed to the property.
However, the Town went beyond the taking and made an ex-
cavation and laid bare his wall. Part of his steps were
out on the taking, which he never did own under the pro-
visions in his deed.
Mr. Lynch said that the property looks terrible and
he would recommend settlement on a reasonable basis.' This
will leave the Bickford and Hayward property and these people
have not decided whether they want the wall in or out. He
stated that the Tom was going to give McKay $382.50 and do
some work on the property at a cost of $700 or $800 and he
would be getting roughly $1,100. He said that Mr. DeFo
and Mr. Burns went to see MacKay before anything was done
and told him what was ging to be done and it met with
his verbal approval. Now MacKay wants $1,650 and the
Public Works Department was planning on spending $1,100.
Mr. Lynch said that a year ago the Town Meeting was
told that money was needed for the project and damages
would be awarded. At the time the Board felt that the
money had been awarded and might not be legally due, but
it was morally due.
He said that when he spoke to MacKay's attorney,
having in mind the Town might have to pay $1,250., he
started at $800. He now wants $1,632.50.
The Chairman said that the Board would have to go to
Town Meeting and ask for consequential damages. Mr. Lynch
stated that the Selectmen can askcf or a supplementary ap-
propriation to pay for land damges arising out of a taking.
He said that the Town was wrong in going onto private prop-
erty without an easement and he recommended settling the case.
If the Town appropriates the money Mr. MacKay will sign a
confirmatory deed. Mr. Lynch said that he certainly would
not agree to paying interest until Town Meeting appropriates
the money.
Upon motion of Mr. Nickerson, seconded by Mr. Driscoll,
it was voted to authorize the Town Counsel to settle with
MacKay's lawyer for $1,632.50; it being understood that no -
interest is to be paid by the Town and a supplementary
appropriation will be requested at the Annual Town Meeting
in March, 1950.
Messrs. DeFoe and Lynch retired at 9;05 P. M.
1
445
Action taken on items by Chairman at meeting
with Mr. DeFoe, November 21, 1949, at 8:30 A. M.
a. Request to approve new layout for section
of Concord Avenue adjacent to Teeter's property.
Approved.
b. Request to employ extra girl temporarily for
the Building Department. Approved.
c. Request to abate part of water bill for Joseph
Belcastro on Marrett Road. Approved.
d. Request to repair Middleby Road. Approved.
e. Request to award Weather Advisors Contract
for 1950. Approved.
Commander Jerome F. Garrity and Wendell Irvine of
the. V. F. W. met with the Board. An application has
been filed with the Board for the use of Cary Hall on Use of hall
April 18, 1950, for a military ball, but the Board has
reserved the hall from April 16 through April 19 for
possible uses in connection with the 175th Anniversary
Celebration.
Mr. Garrity said that his organization would be very
glad to take charge of the dance for the Committee. He ex-
plained that the annual ball is about the only way in which
they can make any money, inasmuch as penny sales have been
disallowed. He stated that they usually make about $600 and'
the dance is the only activity for which ads are solicited
from the merchants in town. It has been agreed, however,
not to solicit. in 1950.
The Chairman explained that the Selectmen do not want
to.have any part in taking away from the organization's
income. He explained that Mr. Brown, Chairman of the
original Committee had an appointment with the Board this
evening. He said he thought the Board would be willing
to tell the new Committee that the V. F. W. had the use
of the hall for the past few years and ran a dance on
April 18th.
Mr. Irvine said that this year they intend to have
a well-known band so that it will not be necessary to sell
tickets from house to house. The tickets will be $1.00
plus tax. The Chairman said that the Selectmen will do
everything possible to see if some solution can be worked
out when the Committee is appointed.
Commander Garrity and Mr. Irvine retired at 7:15 F. M.
Mr. Ronald Brown met with the Board.
The Chairman said that the Selectmen would like to have
his Committee, with such additions as he and the Selectmen
may agree upon, serve on the Committee authorized at the
Special Town Meeting.
446
April
19th
Committee
Buckley
Complaint
Mr. Brown said that he could not speak for the other
members of the Committee but personally he could not give
the time which would be necessary. He said that he will
be away most of February and April.. He said he did think
that the plans submitted could be followed by any Committee.
The main difficulty will be in cutting it down on the day
of the 19th. The other events do not involve the expenditure
of much money. He said that whoever serves on the Committee
should spend a lot of time and he knew some on the old Com-
mittee would like to serve again.
Mr. Nickerson said that the Selectmen liked the way
Mr. Brown served on the old Committee and are disappointed
that he feels he cannot continue with the new Committee.
Mr. Brown recommended Mr. Rowse as Chairman of the
Committee.
Mr. Hoyt asked if the Board could call on Mr. Brown
for ideas and he said that he would.be glad to help out
when he could but would rather not be on the Committee.
He said that he had several ideas and presented the Chair-
man with some suggestions he had prepared. He explained
that the Committee's idea was not to make money on the dances
but merely to clear expenses.
Mr. Brown retired at 8:30 P. M.
Mr. Eugene Buckley met with the Board relative to
the alleged violations of the Zoning By-law at 2 Grant Place.
He said that he decided the best way to inform the Board
was to keep a daily record of what happens. He said that he
took the liberty of making up a record and just before meet-
ing with the Board showed it to the Town Counsel, who told
him that what he wanted to know was in this record.
The Chairman explained that up to this time the Town
Counsel felt sure this to be a border line case and felt
that it might be d4fficult to take legal action.
Mr. Buckley said the thought the Board should ask Mr.
Slater where he conducted his business before he came to
Grant Place. He said that he b elieved Zoning laws were
made to protect property owners and he does not w ant a
business started next to his house.
The Chairman suggested that no further discussion be
held on the subject unitl after a copy of Mr. Buckley's
report is submitted to Town Counsel. He asked if Mr.
Buckley would agree and if he were willing to have the in-
fromation forwarded to Mr. Lynch. Mr. Buckley replied in
the affirmative.
Mr. Pierre Northrup and Mr. Victor Hamon met with the
Board.
The Chairman stated that the Board had received a letter
from Mr. Northrup which indicated that he was disturbed about
various phases of the so-called Harmon case. He explained that
the Board has investigated the matter and asked if there is
any other information that Mr. Northrup would like to present.
1
1
447
Mr. Northrup said that he thought this letter set
forth the situation as he sees it. He said that the jury
in this case took a view of the premises and went over the
building from top to bottom and into every,room. He said
that they went into every thing Mr. Lindstrom said was in-
dicative of it being unsafe and the decision was reached
not only from testimony but from what they themselves saw of
the premises. He said that he thought the finding of the
jury in this case, and he said it as a resident of Lexington,
was a blow to the prestige of the Town. He said that it is
the kind of decision that reflects discredit upon the entire
town. He said that the decision of the jury leads to only
one conclusion and that is that Mr. Lindstrom acted in an
improper manner and that this property never should have been
condemned. Mr. Northrup said that he was allowing for.mis-
takes in judgment, but he thought the finding proves that
either Mr. Lindstrom was incompetent or he was dishonest.
He said that he argued to the jury that he was dishonest awl;
the jury found in his favor. He stated that the spectators
in the case agreed in that Mr. Lindstrom was not acting in
good faith in this matter. Regardless of whether or not he
was acting in bad faith or in negligence makes no difference
to Mr. Harmon. He said that he was now speaking of the
financial loss, and there were other losses that cannot be
Compensated for. Mr. Northrup said that as a result of this
case Mr. Harmon is in a nervous condition and was obliged
to go to the hospital. He said that he, Mr. Northrup, and
the doctor say it was because of the unnecessary prosecution
or persecution of Mr. Lindstrom and those who had charge of
this case.
He said that Mr. Roeder was admittedly dishonest. He
asked how the Board thought it felt for a citizen of Lexington
to sit in the Court Room and have an official of this Town
swear under oath that he signed a statement that he knew was
false and knew was false at the time he signed it. He said
that was Mr. Roeder's statement.
Mr. Northrup said that he claims not only was Mr. Lindstrom
wrong in this case, but that the Town and those who had charge of
the prosecution of this case were prosecuting a case with no
reasonable grounds. He said that he talked to Lee Tarbox who
claimed to be a victim of circumstances. He said that was not
in accordance with the facts, but untrue, Mr. Northrup stated
that Mr. Tarbox learned about an agreement that Mr. Harmon had
with a certain party for the sale of this house. He, Mr. Tar-
box, with ten or fifteen other residents down there called Mr.
Ferguson and told him they thought he was violating real estate
ethics. Mr. Tarbox told Mr. Ferguson that the place should be
condemned and that they were going to look into it. Mr. Nor-
thrup stated that Mr. Tarbox said he went in merely to find
out what repairs needed to be made. Mr. Lindstrom went down
two or three days after the complaint was made and Mr. Tarbox
was the one who made the complaint to Mr. Lindstrom. Mr. Nor-
thrups,ai'd that Mr. Lindstrom had no right whatever to go into the
house. He said he went in without the knowledge or consent of
the owner.
P-
448
Although the house had not been occupied for two or
three years he immediately placed a condemnation notice
on the property. He said that Mr. Harmon then came to
him, Mr. Northrup, and told him the situation. Mr. Nor-
thrup told him to get a contractor and suggested that
Mr. Custance go down with Mr. Lindstrom and see what
was needed to be done. He said that they did go down and
he read a letter from Mr. Custance. Mr. Northrup said
that Mr. Custance told him orally that Mr. Lindstrom was
unreasonable. Mr. Lindstrom wanted the whdle down staffs
underpinning taken out and it would cost about $2,000 to
do it. Mr. Northrup said that Mr. Custance told him he •
thou there was something not on the level as far as the.
whole procedure was concerned.
Mr. Northrup then told Mr. Harmon to get someone else
to look at the house. He had Mr. Black go down and he found
the same, situation as did Mr. Custance. There was nothing
unsafeabout the property at all. Mr. Northrup said that
he felt ands till feels there was something very underhanded
about the situation.
Mr. Northrup said that he then brought a bill in equity
to restrain the Town from going ahead with the procedure.
He said he thought Mr. Lynch would agree to try -the case. By
reason of some technicality Mr. Northrup was unable to proceed
with the action. He said that he then obtained a Mr. Phillips,
a construction engineer at Harvard, and had him go over the
building. He also made a report and all the reports were given
to the Town Counsel so he knew the situation at the time. Mr.
Northrup said that he pleaded with Mr. Lynch to have someone
else go in to see what was wrong with the property. Mr. Nor4
thrup said that there was no grounds, in view of the reports
he had, for the town to proceed with this action. He said
that against these reports the Board had verbally the question-
able opinion of Mr. Lindstrom and no one else.
Mr. Northrup said that he suggested to the Town Counsel
that someone else examine the property. He told the Town
Counsel that he did not want litigation and that it would cost
Mr. Harmon money and cost the Town money. He said that he told
the Town Counsel that there was no reason why the Town should
go ahead with this case. He read a letter he had written to Mr.
Lynch dated July 19, 1949. ,This was the second letter he had
written and he had talked to him four or five times. He said
that if the Selectmen or the Town had obtained the opinion of
a construction engineer who said that there was something unsafe
and agreed with Mr. Lindstrom he would not be at the meeting
this evening to bring his charge against the Town Officials -
Town officials against whom he thinks he has a just claim.
He said that the Board had Mr. Lindstrom go down, under
most suspicious circumstances and not an expert insofar as
building construction is concerned. Against that there was
the statements of three eminent builders. He asked why the
Town pursued an action against Mr. Harmon in the face of that
evidence. He said that it was groundless and without any
reason whatsoever.
449
He said that he could not make this statement if
the Town had obtained a construction engineer's state-
ment that the building was not safe. He said that the
case has cost Mr. Harmon _about $1,500 and there was no
reason for this expenditure. He said that he told Mr.
Lynch that he would agree to whatever opinion was obtained
from a reliable construction engineer. He said that
after the Board was appointed he was not trying to hurt
Mr. Lindstrom and he knew the Board was going to be con-
trolled by Mr. Lindstrom or the Town officials and he
suggested, ratherslyly, to Mr. Lynch that he knew Mr.
Lindstrom was on the spot and did not want to hurt him.
He said that if this Board found something that needed
to be done such as a new beam or lally columns at a cost
of $200 or so, the case would not have gone to Court-.
He said that he was trying to give Mr. Lindetrom a way
out.. Every member of the Board admitted that they have
signed a statement that was false and Mr. Phalen and Mr.
Roeder admitted when they signed the statement theyknew it
was false. He said that the Selectmen could obtaia copy
of the official Court Stenographer's report if they want
to.
Mr. Northrup said that he feels this matter is one for
whidh he doesn't blame the Board of Selectmen. They appoint-
ed a man who they thought was honest and competent. He said
that he believed that in two of these instances the Board
has made a mistake.- He said he thinks that Mr. Lindstrom
is not only incapable but he knew that the people wanted
to kill the sale and he felt Mr. Lindstrom was influenced
in his decision. He asked, whether he was or not; if the
people of the Town of Lexington af'e to be subjected to
similar proceedings by Mr. Lindstrom.
He said that Mr. Harmon has lost $1,500 and he feels
that he, Harmon, should be compensated by the Toon for
the loss which he has suffered. He said that the Town
prosecuted this action without any reasonablwgrounds.
The Chairman asked how Mr. -Northrup arrived at the
$1,500 figure and he said that he did not mean to imply
that the amount is owed to anyone.
Mr. Northrup said that there was a bill in equity, a
trial from October 4 to October 10, He said that the bill
he has submitted to Mr. Harmon does not include expert
testimony and it comes to $1,235. He said that there was a
considerable amount of work in preparing the.case.
He said that he told Walter Black that as soon as Mr.
Harmon sold his house he would pay him for his testimaony and
he would be entitled to at least $100 or $150. Mr. Black
told him that he did not w ant any money and felt that Mr.
Harmon was getting a raw deal put over on him and he did
not want to see that done.
Mr. Northrup said that Mr. Harmon told him, and he
believes it, that he had no idea the people desiring to
purchase the property wer( objectionable to the people
in the neighborhood.
450
He said that Mr. Harmon has never received any
bill from Mr. Custance and he doubts if Mr. Custance
will even submit a bill for the services which he
rendered and to which he -is entitled. Mr. Phillips,
Mr. Walsh; the architect, and Mr. Brands have not sent
any bills. He said that they only wanted to help out
in a case where they felt an injustice had been -done.
The Chairman asked if the members of the Board
had any questions and there were none.
• He said that Mr. Northrup had said somethings that
he, the Chairman did not entirely agree with. He said
that the Board has Mr. Northrup's opinion and that
Victor Harmon knows there never was anything personal
in this insofar as any of his friends in Lexington are
concerned.. Mr. Harmon said that he never thought any
such thing as that.
• Mr. Northrup said that he argued to the jury that Mr..
Lindstrom was not acting as an impartial official in this
case.
The Chairman told Mr. Northrup that the Board would
get in touch with him later.
Mr. Northrup and Mr. Harmon retired at 9:25 P. M.
A petition was received from the Boston Edison Com -
Pole pany for permission to set and -remove two poles on Blossom
Location Street, southeasterly'from a -point approximately 295 feet
southeast of the Cambridge-Concord•Highway.. The proposed
location was approved by Mr. Burns, Town Engineer.
Mr. Hoyt moved that the petition be granted and the
order signed. 'Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion and it
was so granted.
A -letter was received -from -Victor Palermo, 20 Avon
Street, offering $25 for lot 24, Avon Street. Mr. Palermo
Tax had made the same offer in June, but inasmuch as the location
Title of Route 128 had -not been determined the Board voted not to
dispose of this parcel of land. The Clerk informed the
Board that she had checked with the Engineering Department
and as yet no definite information or plans have been re=
ceived with reference to the exact location of the route.
It was the opinion of the Board that the land should not
be disposed of at this time.
A letter was received from the Town Clerk inforiibg
Resig- the Board that Paul F. Hannah had resigned as a member of
nation the Recreation Committee. Mr. Hannah was the appointee of'
the Moderator and it was decided to refer the matter to Mr.
Ferguson, present Moderator.
The Chairman read a letter from the Board of Assessors
Assessors relative to the settlement of the Frank L. Stevens case).
The Chairman read a letter from the Board of Assessors
requesting the Board to authorize the Treasurer to issue two
salary checks, coveting two weeks sick leave, issued to Mrs.
Sullivan, which he has been holding. Mrs. Sullivan has been
an employee of the Town for more than seven years.
1
Mr. Gay moved that-the-rrequest be granted and the
Treasurer authorized to give Mrs .Sullivan her checks'.'
Mr. Nickerson seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
A letter was received from the Town Counsel together
with an order of taking by eminent domain'of an easement
in land of Robert L. Innis and Gertrude S. Innis on Bootle.
velt Road, for,draiiage purposes as voted by the Town Meet-
ing on November 14, 1949, under Article 11 of the warrant.
Mr. Gay moved that the easement be signed and recorded.
Mr. Driscoll seconded the motion and it was so voted.
An application was received from the Sachem Council
Boy Scouts for permission to conduct a banquet in Cary
Hall on the evening of February 11, 1950, from 7:30 P. M.
to 10:30 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.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay, seconded by Mr. Hoyt, it was
voted to grant the following licenses:
Fred A. Viano 1794 Mass; Avenue Sunday Movies
Joseph Trani, Inc. 1757 Mass. Avenue Package Goods Store
Further consideration was given to Officer Russell's
recent discussion with the Board relative to the position'
of Sergeant in the Police Department.
Upon motion of Mr. Gay seconded by Mr. Nickerson, it
was voted to authorize the Chairman to -advise Officer Russell
that up to the present time the Chief of Pollee has not re
quested the appointment of either a Sergeant or a Lieutenant.
Any action relative to the Board of Assessors was de-
ferred for two or three weeks,-but"it was decided that in
the meantime the Chairman should notify Clyde Steeves that
his term as a member of the Board of Assessors would expire
on December 31, 1949.
The Beard discussed at length the position of Town
Counsel and was definitely in favor of having whoever is
appointed to the position attend the Selectmen's Meetings
every Monday night during the time the Superintendent of
Public Works is present. The members of the Board also
agreed that the Town Counsel should arrange to spend one
morning or one afternoon each week at the Town Offices.
The Chairman stated that three applications have
been receive4j one in writing and two verbally. He asked
if it was the wish of the Board to interview these three
or advertise, but it was the opinion of the Board that there
would not be sufficient time to advertise and that anyone
interested had ample notice, both at the Town Meeting and
through the two local newspapers. It was agreed -to invite
the three applicants to meet with the Board on Tuesday,
November 22 for interview.
451
Sick
Leave
Drainage
easement
Roosevelt
Road
Use of
Hall
Licenses
Assessors
Town
Counsel
452
The Clerk informed the Beard that'the Chief of
Permit P ].± a had inquired as to whether or not permission
had been given to the High School band to hold a parade
Ian Thanksgiving Eve. One of the s tudents went to the
Police Station today to obtain -permission
Mr. Hoyt moved that permission be granted and'
the details Worked out by the Chief of Police. Mr.
Driscoll seconded the motion and it was so voted.
The subject of parking meters was mentioned and
Park- it seemed to be the opinion of the Board that install-
ing ations should be deferred until March, 1950.
Meters
A list of individuals to serve -on the Connnittee
for the Celebration of the 175th Anniversary of the'
Battle of Lexington was compiled as follows:
Raymond.E. Lewis
James A. Peirce
Julius Seltaer
John W. Rycroft
Committee Cornelius P. Cronin
Albert G: Frothingham
Burton B. Bruce
Jerome F. Garrity
Gardner L. Frost
Bertram P. Gustin
Robert'H. Watt
Carl G. Vienot
Dr. John
Mrs. John M. Cook
John F. -Dowd
Tracy W. Mes
Albert J. -Gardner, Sr.
Malcolm H. Clifford
Haskell W. Reed
Bert V. Borngesser
Ernest A. Giroux
Mrs. Gerald Litchfield
Fred Newhall
George E. Craves
Alfred P. Tropeano
E. Murray
The meeting adjourned at 11:10 P. M.