Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-04-22 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting Minutes")Z ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School April 22, 1985 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Stephen J. O'Leary at 7:30 P.M., there being a quorum present. The Invocation was given by the Rev. David Lewis, of the First Baptist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. ARTICLE 2. On motion of Paul C. Dustin it was voted to take Article 2 from the table. ARTICLE 2. On motion of Carol S. Beckwith it was voted to allow Mr. Marvin M. Rosenthal to give the following report of the Highland School Building Committee: HIGHLAND SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE Final Report April, 1985 In the weeks that followed this committee's last report of progress to Town Meeting, construction at the Middlesex Avenue site proceeded according to schedule. A certificate of substantial completion was issued to general contractor Rene C. Lamarre in January, 1984, and installation of carpeting and shelving was completed early the following month. These two contracts had been let separately for reasons of economy. By February 15, 1984, the former Highland School building was fully adapted for use as a public library, and authority of the property at 64 Middlesex Avenue passed from the Board of Selectmen to the Board of Library Trustees in a brief public ceremony. What happened during the next two weeks made quiet history in Reading. Many of you will remember, because you were part of the action. Hundreds of people of all ages turned out to move the contents of the library from its old quarters to its new home. As a result of your effort, the move was not only cost free, but it actually made money! The volunteer people - power, computed at minimum wage per hour, qualified as an in -kind contribution. The National Endowment for the Humanities granted us one -third matching funds -- enough to pay for the substantial sign that will soon be in place on the front lawn. The new Reading Public Library was formally dedicated on March 2, 1984. Again hundreds of people turned out -- only this time they all appeared at once. We're pleased to report that the building withstood this test of its maximum likely capacity. As the library assumed operation at the new site, we continued to monitor the building. Bids were invited on a Defender storm window system, and Northeast Energy Savers of Boston was awarded the contract at $10,600. At this point we reviewed our treasury along with the list of finish details that had been postponed until the project's end. Rather than moving ahead with them, we opted to take a wait - and -see attitude and maintain a contingency fund throughout the so- called shakedown period. Thus we were prepared to respond to such things as the water problem that came with the spring rains and required a $2000 tie -in with existing storm drains. And we were prepared for other unforseen events that were less costly but no less demanding. Confident that a full year of operation had revealed any "bugs" for which the building committee might bear responsibility, we met formally on the evening of April 4, 1985, to review our year -old punch list and allocate the remaining funds accordingly. We are pleased to deliver to the Town a package that remained within budget and included more features than we believed possible at the time of its presentation two years ago. Sometimes it's hard to separate what we have done from what the library itself has done. Perhaps that's because it has been a really productive partnership. But we believe it's important to note here that the project has inspired overwhelming generosity on the part of local businesses, groups, families, and individuals. And because of this generosity, the building that Town Meeting funded in June of 1983 is today furnished and equipped in ways that a less fortunate Massachusetts municipality would not have dared dream in the 1980s. Recently the Reading Public Library received notice that it had won a John Cotton Dana Public Relations Award. Only sixteen of these awards are given annually by the American Library Association, and rarely do they go to towns as small as Reading. We think Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 22, 1985 the citation itself is worth quoting as we conclude our report. It reads: ... for exemplary library and community involvement in passing a bond issue, raising funds for furnishings, and coordinating an all- volunteer move of the library's contents. In a very real sense this is an award to the entire town for its great spirit of cooperation. At this time we consider our work to be finished, and ask that you accept this as a final report of the Highland School Building Committee. Respectfully submitted, HIGHLAND SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE Marvin M. Rosenthal, Chairman Elia A. Dangelmaier, Vice Chairman Carol S. Beckwith,Secretary John Zorabedian, Jr., Treasurer Sharon Ofenstein Cherrie Dubois Wayne Lewis William Fowler Beverly Seavey Associates Virginia Adams Paul Fermano Barbara Nelson Fish This report was accepted as a Final Report of the Highland School Building Committee. ARTICLE 2. On motion of Paul C. Dustin it was voted to lay Article 2 on the table. ARTICLE 32. On motion of James R. Boucher it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) be transferred from the performance bond for Warren Avenue Extension and that the Board of Public Works be authorized to expend said sum for the purpose of completion of the construction of a private way known as Warren Avenue Extension in accordance with the terms of a certain performance bond executed by Rivers Development Corp. and Old Colony Bank and Trust Co. to the benefit of the Town of Reading on January 4, 1982, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 41. ARTICLE 33. On motion of James R. Boucher it was voted that the sum of Forty -Five Thousand ($45,000.00) Dollars be transferred from the performance bond for Buckskin Drive and that the Board of Public Works be authorized to expend said sum for the purpose of completion of the construction of a private way known as Buckskin Drive in accordance with the terms of a certain performance bond executed by Land Realty Trust and Merchants Cooperative Bank to the benefit of the Town of Reading on May 5, 1983, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 41. ARTICLE 34. On motion of Robert P. Griffin it was voted that Article 34 by indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 35. On motion of Robert P. Griffin it was voted that the sum of Five Hundred ($500.00) Dollars be transferred from the performance bond for Latham Lane and that the Board of Public Works be authorized to expend said sum for the purpose of completion of the construction of a private way known as Latham Lane in accordance with the terms of a certain performance bond executed by Brandt Development, Inc. and the Wakefield Savings Bank to the benefit of the Town of Reading on October 22, 1979, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 41. ARTICLE 36. On motion of Barry E. Hampson it was voted that the sum of Ten Thousand ($10,000.00) Dollars be transferred from the performance bond for Gavin Circle and that the Board of Public Works be authorized to expend said sum for the purpose of completion of the construction of a private way known as Gavin Circle in accordance with the terms of a certain performance bond executed by Barkley Development Corp. to the benefit of the Town of Reading on January 21, 1983, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 41. 2r) 8 ,P--! Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 22, 1985 ARTICLE 37. On motion of Douglass L. Barker it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Thousand ($100,000.00) Dollars be transferred from the Water Surplus Account and said sum be appropriated for the purpose of making improvements to the water system, including the engineering services, pumping station construction, the installation of pipes, fittings, equipment and related facilities. ARTICLE 38. On motion of Arthur Polychrones it was voted that Article 38 be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 39. On motion of Nils L. Nordberg it was voted that Article 39 be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 40. On motion of Eugene R. Nigro it was voted that the Town delete the current Sealer's Fee schedule in its entirety and substitute the following, or take any other action with respect thereto: Scales with a capacity of: 10,000 lbs. or over $ 50.00 5,000 to 10,000 lbs. $ 20.00 1,000 to 5,000 lbs. $ 15.00 100 to 1,000 lbs. $ 10.00 10 to 100 lbs. $ 5.00 10 lbs or less $ 4.00 Each liquid capacity measure (except vehicle tanks) $ 1.00 with a capacity of more than 1 gallon and measures on pumps. Liquid measuring meters (Except water meters) Inlet pipe %z inch or less '/z inch to 1 inch 1 inch or over vehicle tank (pump) vehicle tank (gravity) bulk storage bulk storage (with cer $ 4.00 $ 8.00 $ 15.00 $ 15.00 $ 30.00 tified power)$ 15.00 Taximeters $ 10.00 Machine or device for determining linear or area measurement $4.00 All weights and other measurements, each $ .50 Charges for repairs, alterations, adjustments or use of special facilities $ 15.00 per hour minimum charge $ 2.00 ARTICLE 41. On motion of Eugene R. Nigro it was voted that the Town amend Section 104.5 of the Building Code of Reading by deleating the fee schedule in its entirety following the words "receipt of the permit :" and substituting therefor the following: BUILDING PERMIT FEE SCHEDULE Based on Estimated Cost of Construction New Dwelling $ 511000 Additions, Alterations & Solid Fuel Appliances 25.00 min. 5 /1000 Garages - Residential - 1 Car 40.00 min 2 Car 50.00 min. 3 Car 75.00 min. 5 /1000 ` {l ' C Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 22, 1985 Commercial or Industrial Addition or Alteration 50.00 min 1 Story Dwelling 5/1000 Signs 25.00 min. 2 Story Dwelling (Garrison, Colonial, etc.) 5/1000 Swimming Pools - Above - Ground 25.00 min. Below - Ground 50.00 min. Attached or Detached Garage - Single 5/1000 Accessory, Temporary Buildings, Sheds 25.00 min. Triple 5/1000 Razing Permit - Residential Accessory Bldgs. 25.00 min. Residential Houses 50.00 min Commercial 100.00 min. Central AirConditioning 5/1000 Foundation Permit, if needed 100.00 min. EACH PERMIT SHALL BE VALID FOR A PERIOD NOT TO EXCEED 90 DAYS. 5/1000 Move Building 100.00 min. 5/1000 INDEX FOR FIGURING VALUATIONS $ 50.00 1 Story Dwelling 50.00 /sq . ft. lye Story Dwelling (Expansion Cape, Split, etc.) 60.00 /sq. ft. 2 Story Dwelling (Garrison, Colonial, etc.) 70.00 /sq. ft. Basement Garage - Single - add 2,000.00 Double - add. 4,000.00 Attached or Detached Garage - Single 8,000.00 Double 10,000.00 Triple 15,000.00 Commercial or Industrial Buildings 60.00 /sq. ft. Apartment Buildings 60,000.00 /unit Fire & Smoke Alarms (each unit) 5/1000 ARTICLE 42. On motion of Eugene R. Nigro it was voted that the Town amend Section 121.21 of the Building Code of Reading by deleating the fee schedule in its entirety after the words "with the following schedule:" and substituting therefor the following: RESIDENTIAL New Houses $ 50.00 Service Change, Temporary Service, Rewire 10.00 Additions or Alterations - 1 - 5 Outlets 5.00 Each additional outlet .50 Ranges, Oil & Gas Burners, Dryers, Disposals, Dishwashers, 5.00 Air Conditioners, Hot Water Heaters, Vent Fans, Misc. Repairs 2.00 - each 5.00 Electric Heat (per unit) 1.00 Swimming Pools 25.00 Vinyl or any other type of siding for resecuring service 5.00 Fire & Smoke Alarms (each unit) 2.00 Central AirConditioning 15.00 COMMERCIAL New Service or Service Change (Single - phase) 25.00 New Service or Service Change (3- phase) 50.00 Additions or Alterations - 1 - 5 Outlets 5.00 Each additional outlet .50 Fixed Appliances 5.00 Fire & Smoke Alarms (each unit) 2.00 Special Equipment - Signs, Welders, Transformer, Gas Pumps, Motors, Generators, etc. 10.00 Apartment or Office Buildings 100.00 (plus $10.00 for each apartment & office) Industrial or Commercial Buildings that employ electricians for maintenance or repair - per year 100.00 Permits for which no fee is herein prescribed 10.00 EACH PERMIT SHALL BE VALID FOR A PERIOD NOT TO EXCEED 90 DAYS. n =� Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 22, 1985 ARTICLE 43. On motion of Eugene R. Nigro as amended by Nils L. Nordberg and Stanley M. Nissen, it was voted that the Town delete the Plumbing and Gas fee schedules in their entirety and substitute the following: PLUMBING FEES Domestic (3 dwelling units or less) - New or Replacement Commercial or multiple Family Piping Sewer Connection GAS FEES Domestic (3 dwelling units or less) - New or Replacement Commercial or multiple family Propane Tanks - #100 or smaller Domestic Commercial MISCELLANEOUS FEES Rje- Inspection Charge Hot Water Tanks (New or replacement) Oil Gas $20.00 up to 6 fixtures 4.00 each additional fixture $50.00 plus $5.00 per fixture $ 5.00 $ 25.00 $20.00 up to 6 fixtures $4.00 each additional fixture $50.00 plus $5.00 per fixture $20.00 plus $4.00 per tank $50.00 plus $4.00 per tank $ 25.00 $10.00 (Plumbing permit only) $15.00 (gas & plumbing permit) Double the applicable fee will be charged if permits are applied for after installation has commenced, except when such installation is necessitated by an emergency repair or replacement, and application for a permit is filed within two business days thereafter. OTHER INFORMATION All active permits that have not had any requests for inspection within twelve (12) months of last inspection shall be null and void and new applications shall be submitted and fees at current rates shall be paid before any permits are issued and any work may commence. ARTICLE 44. On motion of Russell T. Graham it was voted to indefinitely postpone Article 44. ARTICLE 3. On motion of Carl H. Amon, Jr. it was voted to take Article 3 from the table. ARTICLE 3. On motion of Carl H. Amon, Jr. it was voted that the Board of Selectmen be and they hereby are instructed in the matter of the sale of the property known as the Community Center to take into consideration the need of the Town's low income elderly for affordable housing and social services, as well as the Town's need for revenue. (Mr. William C. Brown of Precinct 8, requested that he be recorded as present, and not voting.) ARTICLE 3. On motion of Douglass L. Barker it was voted that the School Department and /or School Committee be instructed to take the necesary actions to return the permanent public address system in the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium to proper working order. Repairs as required are to be funded from the School Department's available funds and are to be completed by July 1, 1985. ARTICLE 3. On motion of Paul C. Dustin it was voted to indefinitely postpone Article 3. Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 22, 1985ES ARTICLE 2. On motion of Paul C. Dustin it was voted to take Article 2 from the table. ARTICLE 2. On motion of Paul C. Dustin it was voted to indefinitely postpone Article 2. On motion of Paul C. Dustin it was voted that this meeting stand adjourned sine die. Meeting adjourned at 10:05 P.M. 128 Town Meeting Members were present. A true copy: Attest 1� i Lawrence Drew Town Clerk