HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-09-23 Board of Public Works Minutes September 23, 1974
Meeting of the Board of Public Works opened in Room 16,
Municipal Building at 7:30 P.M.
Present were Chairman Blood, Secretary Reed, Board Members
Dustin, Russell and Price and Superintendent Louanis.
Minutes of the previous meeting were accepted as corrected.
The Board met with W. E. Koulouris, Penn Michilini , Bob
Warrick and John Polimeno who represented the Pop Warner Foot-
ball League. The organization is in need of an area fifty yards
by a hundred yards for their activities. The grass at the Birch
Meadow Field was rather severely damaged by drought this summer
and further use of the field will mean that there will be no
grass in the spring. It was moved, seconded and voted to approve
the Superintendent's recommendation not to allow the use of Birch
Meadow for the remainder of the season. Discussion continued and
it was pointed out that the existing skating areas at Birch Meadow
could be remodelled and a suitable football field constructed to
accommodate the group in the future. Mr. Dustin volunteered to
take the matter to the Recreation Committee in an effort to re-
solve the problem.
Read letter from Mr. Agnew, Executive Secretary for the Town
of Reading, relative to transferring the Forestry Department to
the Board of Public Works. It was moved, seconded and voted that
the Selectmen be informed by the Superintendent that the Board of
Public Works is in favor of transferring responsibility of admin-
istration of the Forestry Department to the Board of Public Works.
The Board adjourned temporarily to meet as the Board of Survey
and reconvened at 8:35 P.M.
Read note from the Superintendent relative to water and
sewer services to lot on Norman Road owned by Milton P. Silva et ux.
Town Counsel Donald Connors joined the members of the Board and
discussed the legal ramifications involved concerning the problem
of supplying services to a lot on a paper street. Mr. and Mrs.
Silva and Attorney Alfred Walton appeared before the Board.
Following a lengthy discussion it was moved, seconded and voted
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to grant an extension to Lot 126 shown on Assessors ' Plat 79
for water and sewer connection for a future building to be
erected on Lot 126 as shown on Assessors ' Plat 79 if the lot
is a buildable lot within the requirements of the Reading
Zoning By-Laws and the General Laws of Massachusetts providing
the owners of Lot 127 as shown on Assessors' Plat 79 give the
Town of Reading an easement acceptable to the Town Counsel and
provided further that all work shall be done at the owners
expense.
Read letter from Town Counsel and letter from Attorney
Francis C. McGrath relative to Curt E. Nitzsche et al vs. Middle-
sex County; Superior Court Docket No. 298359. A general discussion
ensued. Town Counsel requested that the members of the Board view
the property in question and that he be advised of their opinion
as to whether this matter go to trial or an offer of settlement
be made. Trial date is set for October 22, 1974.
Town Counsel explained that in the matter of Chesley vs.
Town of Reading and Gallagher vs. Town of Reading that Utica '
Mutual will represent the Town in the event of litigation even
though they have denied the claims. If it had been determined
by the insurance company that the Town had been negligent the
insurance company would be faced with a claim. If Utica deter-
mines it is not an insurance matter Town Counsel will defend the
Town.
The Board signed Contract 74-1 for the construction of
Sewerage Ejector Station and Sanitary Sewer Construction by
Coronis Concrete Company, Inc. in the amount of $53,900.00.
The Board signed Contract 74-8 for Metal Building, Founda-
tion and Appurtenant Work by Fred DeLisio and Company in the
amount of $129,800.00.
Mr. Price refrained from participating in the following dis-
cussion and retired from the meeting.
The Board discussed the proposals for engineering services
for the interceptor sewer design submitted by Whitman and Howard
Inc. , Weston and Sampson and Coffin and Richardson. In fairness
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to the other two firms it was determined that a representative
from each concern should be invited to appear before the Board
to elaborate upon their firm's proposal .
Mr. Price returned to the meeting.
The Board discussed the Articles and Motions to be presented
at the Special Town Meeting. It was agreed that an Article and
Motion be prepared for presentation relative to the engineering
for the extension of the Town sewer system. It was decided not
to present an Article or Motion for Leaf Collection at this
Special Town Meeting since the tax rate has been set and funds
are not available. This Article and Motion will be presented
at the Annual Town Meeting.
The Board signed the Payroll for the period ending September
22 and the Bill Roll dated September 27.
Meeting adjourned at 11 : 15 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,' Secretary
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