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Minutes <br />Reading Historical Commission <br />December 2, 1997 <br />1 <br />1-d 25 A & <br />Meeting convened at 7:40 p.m. <br />Regular members present: Virginia Adams, Gladys Montgomery Jones, David O'Sullivan, <br />Roberta. Sullivan <br />Associate members present: Louise Sandberg, Alan Ulrich <br />Guests: Randy Collins of Gates-Leighton; Richard Bernardo of Beta Engineering <br />Minutes recorded by Gladys Montgomery Jones <br />Randy and Richard presented plans for the streetscape around the Town Common for the RHC's' <br />information. Meeting state requirements for absolute minimum road width would require taking <br />more footage from the Common on the Main Street side between 129 and Woburn Streets. Total <br />taking would be 3.6' on east side, but may be able to gain 3.7' from the west side; they are trying <br />for net loss/gain of zero. The reason have to meet state minimum is that project is state funded; <br />Town could assume responsibility for that section of road but expense would be $100,000- <br />$200,000. No official endorsement needed at this time, but will be seeking support in the future. <br />The aim is to get the report to Mass Highway by January; funding expected six months after that, <br />then to concept stage, then to comment and revision; opportunity for input. Members did not <br />want the Town to lose the opportunity for funding but had strong reservations about further <br />encroachment on the Common. David moved and Gladys seconded that the Commission submit <br />a letter to that effect; passed 5-0-0. <br />Minutes of the previous meeting approved 5-0-0. <br />Treasurer's Report: Expenses: bills for $91 to pay for 288 Grove Street hearing notice in the <br />Chronicle and Historic Massachusetts membership dues of $35. Balance in regular account = <br />$438.74. Gladys moved and David seconded to pay bills; passed 5-0-0. Eleanor Dalrymple <br />submitted bill of $499 for work on Inventory to be paid from grant from 350th Trust. <br />Old Business: need to go to Library to check on security of original postcards in collection. <br />Board of Assessors Preservation Tax Benefits tabled. <br />Letter to Selectmen on Bandstand siting; Mass Historical has no jurisdiction if no state money <br />involved. <br />Archives: with current work; seeing progress toward full utility of materials; may be possible to <br />get a senior citizen to finish project. Roberta to follow up. <br />Alan said he will not seek appointment to the Millennium Committee because of other <br />obligations. <br />Historic Properties: <br />• Mill Street Bridge - restoration with granite <br />0 30-32 John Street - no word on status <br />Walnut Street - declared a scenic road <br />0 Christian Science Church - requesting state funds for portico restoration <br />