HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-02-09 Board of Public Works Minutes February 9, 1976
Meeting of the Board of Public Works opened at 7: 30 P. M.
in Room 16, Municipal Building.
Present were Chairman Russell , Secretary Dustin, Board
Members Blood and Botka, Superintendent Louanis and Finance
Committee Member Donald Trudeau.
Minutes of the meeting of February 2d were accepted as
written.
Read thank—you letter from Carol A. Shattuck relative to
the removal of snow along Grove Street. It was accepted as a
point of information.
During a recent heavy rain storm the Department was able
to render assistance to a hone owner at 70 Pearl Street thereby
preventing a flooding problem. Mrs. Susan DeAngelis ' letter of
thanks was read and accepted as a point of information.
Mr. Price joined the meeting at 8: 15 P. M.
' Read letter from the Conservation Commission directed to
Chairman Russell with regard to the Drinkwater Case. The Super-
intendent reviewed the history surrounding the case and after a
discussion it was agreed that the Chairman would contact the Con-
servation Commission in an effort to gather more information be-
fore a request is made to the Selectmen to authorize the Town
Counsel to intervene on Reading's behalf as an interested party
in this litigation.
The Board reviewed and amended the Capital Budget as prepared
by the Superintendent. It was moved, seconded and voted to accept
the mended Capital Budget.
The Superintendent presented a Water Rate Study to the Board
and pointed out the need for a rate increase as of April 1 , 1976•
The Superintendent stated that the Water Department could continue
with its present water rates but that the deficit would have to be
' met by the tax levy, whereas by raising the water rates those who
wish to conserve and enjoy a lesser water bill are afforded that
privilege and this behavior results in a twofold benefit. Following
a detailed discussion it was moved, seconded and voted to increase
the water rates 35.6 per cent or to eighty cents per hundred cubic
feet effective April 1 , 1976 and increase hydrant rental rate to '
eighty dollars per hydrant.
The Superintendent advised the Board that Federal Funds
under a program entitled Community Development Grants may be
available to the Town of Reading for a suitable project. Follow-
ing a lengthy discussion it was agreed to apply for a grant of
$100,000 for replacing lead and lead lined water services in the
older sections of the Town.
The Board reviewed the Superintendent's analysis of the
sewer rental income, and noted the need to increase the income
in order to meet the anticipated expense. Following a lengthy
discussion it was moved, seconded and voted to set the rate for
sewer rental at forty cents per hundred cubic feet effective
Aprils , 1976.
The Superintendent delivered a progress report on the
Department's present dump study outlining the present dump
operation and some of the items under consideration for future
expansion. The R. M. Bradley Company has again indicated an
interest in acquiring approximately eight acres of the Reading
Dump with frontage on John Street and the possibility of a land
swap of a parcel of land just east of the present dump. The
Board accepted the report as a report of progress and instructed
the Superintendent to prepare a Progress Report for the Annual
Town Meeting.
The Board signed the Payroll for the period ending February
8 and the Bill Roll dated February 13, 1976.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary °
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