HomeMy WebLinkAbout1939-03-20-ATM-minIN
FIRST ADJOURNED TOWN MEETING HELD MARCH 20, 1939'
Talled to order by the Moderator, Robert H. Holt, at 8:10 P.M.
There were 181 Town Meeting Members present.
The Town Clerk, James J. Carroll, read the Warrant, until upon
motion of Selectman_ Errol H. Locke, it was voted, further reading
of Warrant be waived.
Unanimous.
' The Town Clerk then read the Constable's Return of the Warrant
for the Meeting.
Selectman Archibald R. Giroux asked permission to present a
resolution concernin Senator Joseph R. Cotton, which was granted,
and read-as follows
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, at a time when the right of people to select
their own rulers and to be governed according to their own desires
is being seriously impaired in many parts of the world, it is well
for us, the Citizens of Lexington, to pause in the transaction of
our own affairs and give some consideration to the benefits which
we enjoy from the perpetuation in this country of that freedom to
which the very soil of our Town was dedicated by the first blood
shed for freedom- on this continent; and
WHEAS, the survival of government with the consent of
the governed has guaranteed to every citizen the right to express
himself on any question of public policy without fear of personal
harm and with the confidence of respect of his neighbors however
they may differ in their own opinions; and
WHEREAS, in this process it has been the privilege of
this Town to have its townsman JOSEPH R. COTTON elected for six
terms to the Massachusetts Senate, and it is with a great sense
of pride that this Meeting records the fact that Senator Cotton
has been selected by the Senate to preside over its deliberations;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it --
R E S 0 L V E D that we, the Citizens of Lexington in
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in Town Meeting assembled, here-
by express our congratulations to our fellow townsman JOSEPH R.
COTTON upon his election as President of the Massachusetts Senate,
and by this Resolution express our concurrence in the confidence
thus expressed in his sagacity, judicious wisdom and qualities of
leadership which have marked his progress from Moderator and
Selectman of this Town to the high office in the Commonwealth
which he ,now holds.
Said resolution, as presented, adopted unanimously at 8:14 P.M.
Robert C. Merriam., Chairman of the Appropriation Committee
under Article 2 presents Report of the Appropriation Committee, ,
which was voted to be accepted and placed on file.
Carried Unanimously 8:15 P.M.
Unless otherwise noted, the following articles were presented
by Archibald R. Gi roux, • Chairman_ of the Board of Selectmen.
Article a.. VOTED: That a committee of three be appointed to have
charge of the lectures under the wills of Eliza Cary
Farnham and Susanna E. Cary for the current year.
Carried Unanimously 8;15 p.m.
Article 3. VOTED: That this article be indefinitely postponed.
Zarried Unanimously 8.16 P.m.
Article 4. VOTED: That the Town Treasurer, with the approval of
the Selectmen, be and hereby is authorized to borrow
money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue
of the financial year beginning January 1, 1940, and
to issue "a note or notes therefor, payable within one
year and to renew any note or notes as may be given
for a period of less than one year in accordance with
Section 17, ',Chapter 44, General Laws.
Carried Unanimously 8:16 P.lT.
Article 5. VOTED: That the Treasurer, with the approval of
the Selectmen, be and hereby is authorized to refund
any or all of the revenue notes issued in anticipation
of the revenue of the year 1939, in accordance with the
provisions of Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws;
any debt so incurred to be paid from the revenue of
the year 1939.
Carried Unanimously 8:17 P.M.
Article 6. VOTED: That the sum of $16,700.00 received from the
Highway Fund in 1938 be appropriated for Highway Main-
tenance, as provided by 'Chapter 2 of the Acts of 1939.
Nathan B. Bidwell presents the following:
"That it is the sense of the Town Meeting Members of various
precincts that no salary increases be allowed of any Town employee
receiving $25.00 per week or more".
Selectman Archibald R. Giroux replies that Article 6 contained
no amounts in connection with salaries.
Article 6 as presented, carried unanimously at 8 :18 P.M.
Article 29. VOTED: That the Selectmen be authorized to execute and
deliver a lease of some or all of the land of Hildur
Sorenson, located at 116 Woburn Street, for the purpose
of disposal of refuse for not exceeding three years at
a rent not exceeding $100.00 per year, and for this
purpose the sum of $100.00 be raised and appropriated
for the rent of the first year.
Explanations offered by Robert C. Merriam, "Chairman of Appro-
priation Committee.
Eugene T. Buckley speaks in favor of the article.
By voice vote, Article 29 declared lost 8:23 P.M.
Article 31, which was voted upon in three parts.
Article 31. VOTED: To appropriate the further sum of Nine Thousand
Six Hundred Thirty -six Dollars in addition to the amount
appropriated under Article 2 of the Warrant for the
Town Meeting held August 25, 1938, making $163,636.00
in all, for the purpose of acquiring land and easements
and constructing a sanitary sewer, force main and pump -
ing station for North Lexington and to enable the Town
to secure the benefit of funds granted by the Federal
Government under the Public Works Administration Appro-
priation Act of 1938, the money so appropriated to be
derived from the proceeds of the sale of bonds author-
ized in said original appropriation of August 25, 1938
and from funds granted by the Federal Government, and
Carried Unanimously 8:30 P.M.
FURTHER VOTED: To authorize and direct the Selectmen
to accept on behalf of the Town the amended offer of
-the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works,
dated March 9, 1939 for use in carrying out the project
for the construction of a sanitary sewer, force main
and pumping station for North Lexington, and
Carried Unanimously 8:30 P.M.
FURTHER VOTED: To authorize the Selectmen to acquire
land and easements by right of eminent domain or other-
: wise on behalf of the Town for a sanitary sewer, force
main and sewage pumping station as follows:
1. Beginning at a point on the southwesterly side line
of Valley Road distant about 45 feet from the northeast
corner of land now or formerly of George A. Bullock,
thence southeasterly by varying courses and northeast-
erly on lands now or formerly of James M. Burr, +A=a E.
Rardin, James A. and Margaret J. taker, David J. Harrigan,
Dorothy T. Taylor, Cornelia Bierenbroodspot and Lo f-sa
G. T. Bean, to the westerly side line of Bedford Street
at a point which is about 75 feet southerly of the north-
east corner of land now or formerly of Louisa G. T. Bean.
2. A parcel of land now or formerly of Ethel F. Bean on
the easterly side of Brook Street so- called, a private
way, near Myrtle Street, and bounded on the west by the
said Brook Street and for about 100 feet in length and
having a depth of about 100 feet.
"arried Unanimously 8 :32 P.M.
Article 7. VOTED: That the following amounts be raised and appro-
priated for the current year:
Nathan B. Bidwell again presents the sense of the Town Meeting
Members of the various precincts, as previously presented.
Appropriation committee
Personal Services
Expenses
$350.00
450.00
Carried Unanimously 8 :36 P.rrI.
Selectmen's Department
Personal Services 3114,67
Expenses 1761.00
Carried 8:39 P.1%
Decision of Tloderator doubted by D. Jack Allia and others,
whereby a rising vote was taken as follows:
- In Favor Opposed.
l8 Donald E. Nickerson 11
3 !ateit Mcintosh 62
27 Alan G. Adams 12
80 85
Lost 8 :42 P.M.
Philip M. Clark asked for reconsideration at 8 :45 P.M.
D. Jack Allia asked if it would be possible to get the sense
of the Town Meeting in regards to the proposition as presented by
Nathan B. Bidwell.
Reconsideration presented and passed unanimously at 8 :47 P.M.
Nathan B. Bidwell presents the folio amendment.
That the amount for Personal Services in the Selectmen's Depart-
ment be reduced to $3,036.34.
Motion to amend declared carried at 8 :49 P.M.
Lotion as presented with amendment.
Selectmen's Department
Personal Services $3036 ®34
Expenses .1761.00
Carried at 8 :49 P.M®
482 OR
Accounting Department
Personal Services $4203.00
Expenses 325.00
Nathan B. Bidwell suggests that the Personal Services in the
Accounting Department be reduced to read $4,103.00.
Selectman A. Edward Rowse asks Mr. Bidwell if he intends to
reduce.the figures for each department as they are presented. If
such was the case, it would be better to get the sense of the
meeting before proceeding.
Mr. Nathan B. Bidwell replies, it was his intention.
The Moderator asks Mr. Bid to present his motion in
writing, in order to get the sense of the meeting, whereby Mr.
Bidwell presented the following.
It I move you it is the sense Of this meeting there be no
raises in salaries for those employees mentioned by the Appro-
riation Committee on page 5, paragraph 6, whose salary is of
25.00 per week or more.
The sense of the meeting as presented, put to a voice-vote
and declared carried at 8:51 P.M.
Accounting Department
Personal Services $4128.00
Expenses 325.00
Carried Unanimously 8:57 P.M.
Treasurer's Department (presented by Robert C. Merriam, Chair-
man of the Appropriation 'Committee.)
Treasurer's Department
Personal Services 1683,75
(including salary of Town Treasurer, $1,000.00)
(Of which $683.75 is ,to be. raised from revenue
of the current year, and 61,000.00 is to be
transferred from the Account for Foreclosure
and Redemption of Tax Titles.)
Expenses 421.50
Outlay 237,25
Carried Unanimously 9:00 p.y.
Other Finance Offices and Accounts
Expenses 200,00
Carried Unanimously 9:01 P.m.
Collector's Department
Personal Services 5034,00
(including salary of Collector, $2,850.00)
Expenses 1730.00
Carried Unanimously 9:02 P.M.
Assessor's Department
Personal Services 5209.00
Expenses 400,00
Carried Unanimously 9:03 P.T.
Law Department
Personal Services and Special Fees 2000,00
Expenses 215,00
Personal Services - Ryder case 3000.00
Carried Unanimously 9:03 p.y,.
Presented by Robert C. Merriam Chmn. Appropriation Comm.
Town Clerk's Department
Personal Services 2366.25
(Including salary of Town Clerk, $1800.00)
Expenses 186,90
Carried Unanimously 9:04 P.M.
Ir
Elections (Jurisdiction
of Selectmen)
Expenses
$586.00
Carried
Unanimously 9:04
P.K.
Elections (Jurisdiction
of Town Cleric)
Expenses
50.00
Carried
Unanimously 9:05
P.M.
Registration of Voters
Personal Services
200,00
Expenses
400,00
Carried
Unanimously 9:05
P:Id.
Public Works - Superintendent's Office
Personal Services
5538.00
Expenses
390.00
, Carried
Unanimously 9:05
P.-M.
Town ,Of ices & Cary Memorial Building
Personal Services
3249.00
Exp ense s
6750.00
Carried
Unanimously 9:06
P.TvI.
Engineering Department
Personal Services'
120624,00
Expenses
900,00
1 Carried
Unanimously 9:06
p,M.
Planning Board
Expenses
250,00
Carried
Unanimously 9:07
p,ld.
Board of Appeals
Expenses
150,00
'Carried
Unanimously 9-.07
P,TvI
Police Department
Personal Services-
38.9325.04
Expenses
4,225.00
Carried
Unanimously 9:08
P,ya.
Fire Department
Personal Service"s'
36.9248.25
Expenses
7,485.00
Carried
Unanimously 9:08
p.,T
Building Inspection.
Personal Services
1100.00
Expenses Carried
Unanimously 9:08
p..,,�I.
135,00
Wire Inspection
Personal Services
600,00
Expenses
100.00
Carried
Unanimously 9:08
p.jj.
Weights & IJeasures Department
Personal Services 450.00
Expenses Carried Unanimously 9:09 p.lvj. 50.00
Shade Trees
Wages & Expenses 2448,70
Carried Unanimously 9:09 P,Id..
Forest Fires
Personal Services 200,00
Wages &- Expenses 1200.00
Carried Unanimously 9:09 p.
Dog Officer
L
Personal Services 100.00
Carried Unanimously q:Oq p.Pjj.
484
p.jg,
Sewer Maintenance -
Personal Services
1124,26
Wages & Expenses
Health Department
4785.00
Carried Unanimously 9:11
P.M.
Personal Services
$500.00
'Expenses
Carried Unanimously 9:11
P
5000,00
Care of Damps & Removal of Ashes
Carried Unanimously
9:09
P.M.
1900.00
Dog Clinic
P.M.
Garbage Collection
-Expenses
Expenses
350,00
Carried Unanimously 9:11
Carried Unanimously
9:09
P.M.
Dental 'Clinic
5356.00
Wages and Expenses
,Personal Services
(Of Which $414.14 is to be transferred from
1750,00
-Expenses
Mass. Avenue and Right of Way to
100.00
Carried Unanimously
9:09
P.M.
Snow Removal
Posture Clinic
Wages & Expenses
C.3
18000.00
. Carried Unanimously 9 :12
Expenses
Traffic Regulation & Control
625,00
Carried Unanimously
9:09
P.M.
Carried Unanimously 9:13
P.M.
Vital Statistics
Expenses
25,00
Carried Unanimously
9:09
P.M.
Animal Inspection
Personal Services 500,00
Carried Unanimously 9 P.M.
Slaughtering Inspection
Personal Services 800
Carried Unanimously 9:10 P.M.
Plumbing Inspection
Personal Services 800.00
Expenses 125,00
'Carried Unanimously 9:10
p.jg,
Sewer Maintenance -
Personal Services
1124,26
Wages & Expenses
4785.00
Carried Unanimously 9:11
P.M.
Sewer Services ,
Wages & Expenses
1550.00
Carried Unanimously 9:11
P
Care of Damps & Removal of Ashes
Wages & Expenses
1900.00
Carried Unanimously 9.*11
P.M.
Garbage Collection
Expenses
4800,00
Carried Unanimously 9:11
p.15,
Highway Maintenance
Personal Services
5356.00
Wages and Expenses
19300,00
(Of Which $414.14 is to be transferred from
u
Drain 'ons'ruc Sundry and $641.49 is
to be transferred from Drain Constar-i-etion
Mass. Avenue and Right of Way to
Mill Brook)
Carried Unanimously 9:12
P.M.
Snow Removal
Wages & Expenses
C.3
18000.00
. Carried Unanimously 9 :12
p.j,,j.
Traffic Regulation & Control
Wages & Expenses
1975,00
Carried Unanimously 9:13
P.M.
Street Lights
Expenses $23,000.00
Carried Unanimously 9:13 P.M.
7
Street Signs
Wages & Expenses 550,00
Carried Unanimously 9:13 P.M.
Highway Department - Road Machinery Account -
Expenses 8600.00
(This amount to be -transferred from the Road
Machinery Fund)
Carried Unanimously 9:14 P.M.
Town Physician
Personal Services 750,00
Carried Unanimously 9:16 P.1
Aid to Dependent Children
Personal Services 450.00
Other Administration 25,00
Aid & Expenses 10,000.00
, ,Carried Unanimously 9:16 P,M.
Old Age Assistance
Personal Services 1
Other Administration 150.00
Aid & Expenses 25,000.00
Carried Unanimously 9:17 P.M.
Soldier's Relief
Personal Services 350.00
Oth.er Administration 25.00
Aid & Expenses 7P475,00
State Aid 500.00
Military Aid 1,000.00
Soldier's Burials 100.00
'Carried Unanimously 9*.18-p.m.
School Maintenance presented by Randall B. Houghton, Chairman
of School ,Committee .
VOTED: That the sum of $232,000.00 be appropriated and
assessed for the support of the Public Schools for the
current year of which
Personal Services 192,021.10
Expenses 39,978.90
Nathan B. Bidwell speaks against total amount asked for, stating
same to be amended to read $221,708.15. -
General discussion by various speakers.
Amendment as offered by Nathan B. Bidwell as follows:
VOTED: The amount to be appropriated for the School Depart-
ment for all purposes be $221,708.15 the amended reduction
to be apportioned in the judgment of the School Board to
Personal Services and to Expenses.
Amendment as presented declared not carried by the Moderator,
which was doubted, and standing vote taken as follows..
In Favor Tellers Opposed
14 Donald E. Nickerson 20
51 Neil McIntosh 40
16 Alan G. Adams 21
81 81
Account decision being a tie, same declared lost by the Moderator
at 10:17 P.M.
486 C71
Original motion as presented, read by the Moderator.
Amendment offered by Harold F. Lombard that the item of
Expenses be reduced 5a.
Question by the Moderator, what would be the total amount of
the vote, whereby Mr. Lbm1bard replies, to make Expenses read
$38 $ 000.00, a total for Personal Services and Expenses to be
0230
Amendment as presented by Harold F. Lombard put to a vote
and declared carried.
10:20 P.M.
Main vote was presented as follows, with amendment.
School Maintenance
Personal Services $192,021.10
Expenses . 38,000.00
Declared Carried 10:21 P.M.
Randall B. Houghton, Chairman of the School Committee pre-
sents the following:
VOTED: That the sum of $190.00 be appropriated and
assessed for the maintenance of classes for instruction
in Americanization.
'Carried Unanimously 10:22 P.M.
Randall B. Houghton, '..'Chairman of the School Committee pre-
sents the following:
VOTED: That the sum of $1,,187.00 be appropriated and
assessed for the payment of tuition of pupils attend-
ing Vocational School.
Carried Unanimously 10:23 P.IvIl.
Presented by Randall B. Houghton.
Cary IJemorial Library & Branch
Personal Services X9 .9 835.00
Expenses 2
Carried Unanimously 10:24 P.N.
Parks & Playgrounds
Personal Services 4,012.17
Wages & Expenses 10
(Of which $231.73 is to be transferred from
the Center Playground Fence Account, and
$35.59 is to be transferred from the East
Lexington Fence Account)
Carried Unanimously 10:25 P.1,1.
Memorial Day
Expenses 250.00
Carried Unanimously 10:25 P.1
Patriot's Day
Expenses 500,00
Carried Unanimously 10:25 P.M.
Public Works Building
Wages & Expenses 8,
Special Equipment 390.00
Robert C. IMerriam, Chairman of the Appropriation Committee,,
presents the following amendment:
That the item of Special Equipment for $390.00 be omitted.
Amendment as presented, carried 10:26 P.M.
Motion with amendment presented as follows.
Public Works Building
Wages & Expenses
8
Carried
Unanimously
10-.26 P.M.
Insurance
7.,890.00
Carried
Unanimously
10.-27 P.M.
Administration of Trust Funds
Expenses
70.00
'Carried
Unanimously
10:27 P.M.
Town Report
Expenses
791,10
Carried
Unanimously
10:27-P.1J.
Unclassified
Expenses
300.00
Carried
Unanimously
10:28 P.M.
Water Maintenance
Personal Services
4 ,256.91
Expenses
53,000.00
Replacements
1
Services
5.,000.00
Carried
Unanimously
10:29 P.M.
Cemetery Maintenance
- - Munroe
Personal Services
250.00
'gages & Expenses
1$951.80
Carried
Unanimously
10:29 P,BIT.
N
Cemetery Maintenance
Services Personal Servi
.L - 450100
Wages &- Expenses 2.9644.80
(Which amount is to be transf erred from the
L
Westview Sale of Lots Fund)
Carried Unanimously 10.-29 P.1d.
Interest on Debt 13,611.90
Carried Unanimously 10:29 P.M.
Maturing Debt - 132.9000.52
(Of which $10..000.00 is to be transferred
from the Excess and Deficiency Account)
Carried Unanimously 10:29 P.M.
Article S. VOTED: That the following sums be transferred to the
Excess and Deficiency Account:
From:
Sewer Department - Claim Account - 65,70
Colonial Garage, Incorporated
Highway Construc - Charles Street 41.81
Carried Unanimously ;10:30 p.jj.
Article 9. VOTED: That the Board Of Selectmen be authorized to
sell and convey any of the real estate acquired by the
Town by f oreclosure of tax titles ' upon such terms and
conditions as they may approve.
Carried Unanimously 10:32 P.1
'Question by Town Counsel, Sydney R Wrightington, to finish
item of the Public Welfare Department under Article 7.
Article 7. Public Welfar
Personal Services 4
Other Administration ,074.19
Federal Commodities 1,500.00
A 0 id & Expenses -13t,500.00
Carried Unanimously 10:32 P.M. 100.81
Article 10. VOTED: That the sum of $15,000 ® 00 be raised and
appropriated for the Reserve Fund as provided by
Chapter 40, Section 6, General Laws.
Carried Unanimously 10:33 P.M.
Article 11, VOTED: That the Board of Selectmen be authorized
to petition the Director of Accounts of the State
for an audit for the year 1939.
'Carried Unanimously 10:34 P.M.
Article 12. VOTED: That the sum of $1,647.25, this being the
sum received from the Middlesex County for dog
fees, be transferred to the Cary Memorial Library
Expense Account.
Carried Unanimously 10 :35 P.M.
.Article 13. VOTED: That the sum of 04,733.25 be raised and
appropriated for the Suppression of Gypsy and Brown.
- Tail Moths, and other pests, in accordance with
Chapter 132, General Laws and amendments, to be
expended as follows:
For Personal Services - Salary of
Superintendent $300.00
For Wages & Expenses 3533.25
For Replacement of Track 900.00
Carried Unanimously 10:36 P.M.
Article 14. VOTED: That the sum of $434.69, this being the
town's share of the principal of the Middlesex
County Tuberculosis Hospital Addition Funding Loan,
Act of 1935, bonds maturing in 1939, less amount
of premiam - as provided in Section 37A of `Chapter
35, General Laws, as amended by -Chapter 29 of the
.Acts of 1933, be raised and appropriated, and that
a fo rther sum of $131.25 be raised and appropriated
on account of interest and other charges on account
thereof. That a further sum of 5,725.37 be raised
and appropriated for the town's share of the net
cost of care, maintenance, and repairs of the Middle-
sex County Hospital, including interest on temporary
notes issued therefor in accordance with sections
of Chapter 111 of the General Laws, applicable there-
to, including Chapter 400, Section 25 G.(6) ( a) of
the Acts of 1936.
Carried Unanimously 10 :37 P.M.
Article 15. VOTED: That the following sums be raised and appro-
priated for pensions for retired members of the Police
and Fire Departments, under Chapter 32 of the General
Laws and amendments:
Fire Department Pensions $1107.81
Police Department Pensions 1095.00
Carried Unanimously 10 :37 P, 1r.
.Article 16. VOTED: That Selectmen be authorized to install
water mains in such accepted or unaccepted streets,
as may be applied for during the year 1939 in accord -
ance with authority contained in the By -Laws of the
Town, subject to the assessment of betterments, and
to take by eminent domain any necessary easements
therefor, and for the purpose of said installation
the sum of $4,000.00 be appropriated, this money to
be provided by the transfer of $1,000.00 from the
Water Assessment Fund, and the transfer of $3,000.00
from the Water Department .Available Surplus Account.
Carried Unanimously 10:38 P.TVI.
M
IN
Article 17. VOTED: That the Selectmen be authorized to install
sewer mains in such accepted or unaccepted streets
as may be applied for during the year 1939 in accord-
ance with St. 1897, :Ch. 504, as amended, or otherwise,
_and to take by eminent domain_ the necessary easements
therefor, and for the purpose of said installation the
sum of $3,500.00 be appropriated and transferred from
the Sewer assessment Fund.
Carried Unanimously 10:39 P,M,
Article 18. VOTED: That the sum of $2,000.00 be raised and appro-
priated for highway maintenance; said sum, or any
portion thereof to be expended under the direction of
the Selectmen and to be used in conjunction with any
money which may be allotted by the State or County,
or both, for this purpose.
Carried Unanimously 10:40 P'M.
Article 19, VOTED: That the Town raise and appropriate the sum of
4,000.00 for the improvement of Bedford Street; said
sum, or any portion thereof, to be expended under the
direction of the Selectmen and to be used in conjunction
with any money -m7hi ch may be allotted by the State or
County, or both, for this purpose.
Carried Unanimously 10:40 P.B1,
Lotion made by Charles E. Ferguson the meeting be adjourned
until Monday, March 27, 1939.
Suggestion by .Archibald R. Giroux, Chairman of Board of Select-
men, that meeting be adjourned to two weeks, April 3, 1939, this
suggestion being accepted by Charles E. Ferguson.
Same being put to a voice vote, which was declared by the
Moderator as not being carried.
10:41 P.M.
.Account question of doubt, the question of adjoining the
meeting for two weeks, April 3, 1939, was again put to a voice
vote, which was declared carried.
10:42 P.M.
A True Record.
Attest:
C1
Town
There were 165 Town Meeting Mlembers present.
Unless otherwise noted, all articles for the meeting were
presented by Archibald R. Giroux, Chairman of the Board of Select—
men.
Under Article 2, Robert C. Merriam asked permission to present
a resolution.
The Moderator asked if any objections. Being none, the iiioa-
erator declared said reading to be in order, whereby the following
was -o resented® I
=REA-S, during the economic depressio of'the last
several years, actuated by duty and sympathy for the less fortunate
but wholly deserving of its citizens, our State has endeavored, in
many ways to fulfill its obligation to them, and in so doing, as - v 'l as by some legislation of questionable necessity, has through
various avenues spent millions of dollars - which its citizens must
pay through taxation; and
T the State tax has now reached the point where
FIEHEREAS P
it is injuring business and depressing valuation of property which
MUSt be relied U"Qon to pay Obligations of the State itself as
well as Of its citizens; and
=REAS further reduction of the valuation of such prop-
erty and consequent impoverishment of its owners threatens a finan-
cial catastrophe to cities, towns and citizens alike,
NOW, THEREFORE, the citizens of Lexington, through their
representatives in Town Tvleet assembled, do most respectfully
request and urge the Great and General 'Court, now in session to
not only; most carefully and critically examine all appropriations
and projects likely to increase state taxes, summarily rejecting
all such measures except those of the utmost urgency, to the end
I C:�
that all unnecessary expenses may be stopped; but also to go much
further, and promptly seek, investigate, and embrace every oppor-
tu to reduce expenditures by the curtailment or elimination
of all services or projects that are not strictly and immediately
vital to the common welfare; so that, the state tax, as assessed
upon the towns and cities of this Commonwealth drastically
may be
reduced in the near future®
V 'J
After reading said Resolution, IVIr. Robert 0. Merriam added
the following:
Mr. Moderator I move that this resolution as just read be
accepted and endorsed by this Ylieeting, and that lifne Town Clerk be
instructed to forward a copy of it, together with a record of its
acceptance and endorsement by the Town Meeting, to our State rep-
resentatives and our State senator.
The above as presented, put to a vote and declared carried
unanimously at 8:14 P.1,
Senator Joseph R. 'Cotton asked permission to take the floor
same being granted, he spoke in recognition and appreciation of
the recent resolution presented him by vote of the Town Meeting
held DT-arch 20th,, 1939.
Article 39,
The Moderator asked i' there was any objection in presenting
L
this article which did iiot follow in order. There being no ob-
jection, same was presented as follows:
N
Article 39. VOTED: That the sum of $16,315.00 be appropriated
for the purchase of a new ladder truck for the Fire
Department, the same to be "purchased by the Board
of Fire Engineers, and that for this'purpose the
sum of $6 be raised from the revere - ue of the
current year, and the sum of $10,000.00 be provided
by the issuance of notes of the town payable in not
exceeding five years in accordance with the law.
Ed T. Taylor - Chief of the Fire "Department, asked per-
mission to speak. There being no objection, r
i he speaks in favor
of the truck, wInich was followed by slides showing pictures of
the new track.
Nathan B. Bidwell presents the following amendment:
VOTED: That the subject matter contained in article 39
and any matters incidental thereto be referred to a`
committee of five,* the chairman of - which be Robert W.
Fawcett of the Appropriation Committee, and the other
four be selected by the Moderator, one of the four to
be from the fire department engineers, one from the
Board of Selectmen, one from the Precinct Committee
of Twelve, and one person at large; said committee to
report to the Town or, or before July 1, 1939.
General discussion by various speakers.
The question of accepting Mr. Bid amendment presented
for vote, which by voice vote was declared lost at 8:50 P.M.
-
The Moderator declaring a two thirds vot e necessary, asked
for a standing vote, which was as follows:
L
In Favor Tellers Opposed
21 Frederic K. Johnson 13
51 Leland H. Emery 31
10 James E. Spellman 20
82 64
Lost 8:53 P.M.
Article 20.
VOTED: That the Town raise and appropriate the sum
of $2,700.00 for the improvement of Weston Street;
said sum, or any portion thereof, to be expended
under the direction of the Selectmen and to 'be used
in conjunction with any money which may be allotted
by the State Or County, or both, for this purpose.'
Same declared
lost by voice vote, 9.*01 P.1'1.
rt
Ar ticle 21,
VOTED: That the Town accept the layout as a town
way of Eliot Road between Pelham Road and 7 lTashington
Street, as laid out by the Selectmen, and shown upon
a certain plan on file in the office of the Town
,,C le
Clerk, dat ed January 19, 1979.
Carried Unanimously 9:03 P,'INI,
Article
22 presented by Sydney R. 17r-Ightirgt n, as follows:
Article 22,
VOTED: That the Selectmen be authorized to raise
and appropriate th e s o f $1500.00 for the improve-
ment of Westview Street, as relocated by the County
CoMiss and to accept reimbursement from the
New England eater Supply Corporation or Layne-Bowler
New England Co. for the cost of the - work . , including
land damages; and to accept a gift of a conveyance
of land for .the par poses of the said relocation from
the New England tater Supply Corporation or Layne-
Bowler Hem England Co. or from the present owners of
the land mithin the said relocation.
Carried Unanimously 9:05 p,jj,
Article 23 VOTED: That the Town raise and appropriate 'the sum
of 20,000' ®00 for providing co- operation with the
Federal Goverment in unemployment relief and other
projects, of direct or indirect benefit to the town
or its inhabitants, said sum to be expended by the
Selectmen.
Carried Unanimously 9:00 P.M.
Article 24 VOTED: That the Selectmen be authorized to install
street lights in the following unaccepted streets:
Oakmaant Circle; Daniels Street.
Carried Unanimously 9:07 P ®M®
Article 25. VOTED: That the Selectmen be authorized to construct
granolithic or bituminous concrete sidewalks where
the abutting owner pays one -half the cost, and for
the purpose of said construction the sum of $1 ®00
be raised and appropriated.
Carried Unanimously 9:08 P ®M®
Article 26, VOTED: That the Selectmen be authorized to install
water ?rains not less than 6 and not more than 16"
in diameter in the following street:
Stetson Street, from Merriam Street to Oakland
Street, a distance of approximately 500 feet;
and in such other streets as the Selectmen may deter -
mine, and for this purpose the sum of $3 be
appropriated, the money to be provided by transfer
from available funds as follows:
From Mater Construction - Raymond Street
Acct. $1,094 ®82
tt - ' Cottage and
East Streets
Account 880 ®21
From- 71ater Department Available Surplus
Account 1
, Carried Unanimously 9:o9 P.M.
Article 27. VOTED: That the action of the Selectmen in execu-
ting an agreement with the Town of Arlington_ f or
reciprocal use of sewers near the boundary line be-
tween the two towns dated December 5, 1938, a copy
of which was read to this meeting, be ratified and
adopted and tbiat the Selectmen be authorized to
deliver the same or to execute arid deliver one sub-
stantially similar thereto on receipt of a duplicate
thereof executed by the duly authorized officers of
the Town of Arlington.
The following read by the Town Counsel, Sydney R. Wri ghting-
ton® f
AN AGREE made this 5th day of December, 1938 between the
Town of Arlington, a =ricipai corporation in r,.tiddlesex County,
of the one part, and the Town of Lexington, a ma nic ipal corpora-
tion in %rliddlesex County, of the other part,
t=REAS both Arlington and Lexington are included in the
Metropolitan Sewer District and sewage from Lexington now flows
through, a trunk line or trunk lines in Lexington into similar
lines in Arlington; and
S in certain sections of the two Towns adjacent to
the line between them it will be more economical to discharge
sewage from sewers directly into the street mains of the other
Town instead of directly to the trunk line of each Town respect-
ively, and it is the purpose of this agreement to provide a
reciprocal arrangement for that purpose, and this agreement is
entered into on behalf of the said Towns by their respective
Boards of Selectmen but is to take effect only upon ratification
thereof by the Town Meetings of the respective-Towns and
MEEBA S when. used ,herein the word "sewer" refers to sanitary
severs and not to drains for surface water;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the
mtuaal agreements herein contained it is hereby mutually agreed
U
as follows:
1. Iffhenever the-Town of Lexington shall build a sever La
Crescent Hill Avenue, Lexington, extending to or near the-Arling-
ton line, the "'own of Arlington may connect with. it severs in
_
Arlington with the area shown on the plan hereto annexed marked
"A and discharge through it sewage from the said area.
2* Whenever the Town of Lexington shall build a sewer in
Daniels Street, Lexington, extending to or near the Arlington
line, the Town of Arlington may connect with it sewers in Arl
ton within the area shown on the plan hereto annexed marked "B",
and discharge through it sewage f
CD from the said area.
3* The Town of Lexington may connect a sewer in Lowell
Street, Lexington, to the Arlington sewer in Lowell Street at
or near the Arlington - Lexington line and through th t t Lowell
Street sewer In Lexington discharge the sewage from an area
described as follows:
Beginning at a point on the Arlington- Lexington town line
at the center of S Street so-called, thence northeasterly
900 feet along said tovrn line, thence - northwesterly a distance
of 1000 feet to a point about 600 feet northeasterly of the
center line of Summer Street thence southwesterly about 1000
feet to a point on the center line of Lowell Street which is
1500 feet measured along the center line O said Lowell Street
't _L
from the point where the Arlington-Lexington line crosses said
Lowell Street, thence southwesterly by a line perpendicular to
Lowell Strome-t for a distance of 150 feet, thence southeasterly
and parallel with said Lowell Street to the said Arlington-
i-jeX- town line, and thence n ortheasterly by said Arlington-
Lexington town line to the point o
--- _1 beginning. Said area is
slaOlffn on the plan hereto annexed marked TI C". -
Neither Town shall be obl pay any part o tae
cost Of construction or maintenance of severs in the other Town
except such parts Of sewers across the town line as it may
choose to construct at co'
nnecting points. Any construction by
U
one Town in the other shall be in a manlier sa' -.
usfac'Or7 to the
Superintendent of th e e Sewer Department of the other and th
a' the Lu - t e surface of the ground excava shall be restored by
the Town making the excavation to the condition in which it was
before such excavation. No charge shall be made by either Town
o
to the other for the facilities hereby accorded.
,5e This agreement shall take effect when ratified by - the
Town 1`�eetlngs of Lexington Arlington respecti
!IT WIT VV=REOF the parties hereto have caused this
instrument and a duplicate .0 have licate original thereof to e signed in
their names and on their behalf and their respective corporate
seals to be affixed by their respecti officers thereunto duly
authorized. L_
TO'571 OF ARLINGTON TO FN OF LEXENGTO
By By T
JAT.IES R. SjSJITH
ARCH BATT) R. GIROUX A. EDWARD ROYTSE
PHI 1,11. CaikRK ALBERT A. ROSS
1 , 7 VILLARD A. WALL_4,CE 7TILLIAM G. P
Article 28, VOTED: That the Selectmen be authorized to pur-
chase the lot of land on Clarke Street known as the
Isaac Harris Cary Educational Fund lot., and contain-
ing 12,508 square feet, more or less, as an addition
to the site of the Cary Memorial Library, and for
this purpose the sum of $1.,500.00 be raised and
appropriated.
Robert C. Merriam Chairman of the Appropriation Committee
states that the Appropriation Committee disapproves of the pass-
ing of this article.
Article as presented, put to voice vote. Declared lost at
9:15 P'1V10
Article 30. VOTED: That the Town ratify the action of the Board
- of Selectmen in requesting the Legislature to amend
Statute 1926, Chapter 221 with reference to the
assessment of betterments for sever construction in
Lexington so as to make possible the use of Federal
funds in sewer construction.
Carried U 9:17 P.M.
Article 32. Moved for indefinite postponement,
Carried Unanimously 9:17 P.I
Article 33. Moved for indefinite postponement.
Carried Unanimously 9:1'7 P.M.
Article 34, VOTED: That the sum of $13,650.8 be raised and
appropriated for the ,Contributory Retirement System
established under the provisions of Chapter 318 of
the Acts of 1936, comprising the following items:
For Pension Accu=lation Fund $12
For Interest Deficiency on Funds 267,87
For Expense Fund 750.00
Carried Unanimously 9:18 P.M®
Article 36, Moved for indefinite postponement.
Carried Unanimously 9:20 P.1,1.
Article 37. Moved for indefinite postponement.
Carried Unanimously 9 P.M.
Article 38, VOTED: That the sum of $350.00 be appropriated for
the improvement of the traffic control system at
the junction of Massachusetts Avenue Bedford and
Clarke Streets, and that for this purpose the sum
of $314.50 be raised from revenue of the current.
year and the -,am of $35.50 be transferred from the
account for Traffic Regulation and Control - Im-
provements for 1938.
Declared lost by voice vote, 9:23 P. 1 1J.
Mr. Elmer C. Houdlette states he was desirous of getting the
sense of the raeetino and presented the following:
VOTED: That it is the sense of this meeting that the
budgets for the year 1940 from each and every department
be submitted to the Town at an early date for amounts
equivalent to a five per cent reduction from the sums
appropriated for the current year of 1939.
Y
Harold B. Lamont states he would like to present an amend-
ment to the above to read fifteen per cent reduction instead of
five per cent.
Mr. Willard C. Hill states account the objective being on
1940 appropriations, he was of the opinion it would be better to
wait until a later date.
William B. Bennett moves the meeting be dissolved.
On vote to dissolve the meeting, it was declared not carried
by the moderator. 9.24 P. T,
The decision being doubted, the Moderator then asked those to
raise their hands who desired the meeting to be contimed, and all
those who desired the meeting not to continue, whereby his decision
from the raised hands was that the decision to dissolve the meet-
ing was in order.
Thereby the Moderator stated all the articles of the warrant
being disposed with, the meeting was declared dissolved.
9:25 P .IVi.
A true record.
Attest;
"
Tow n ' e rk