HomeMy WebLinkAbout1934-03-30 Board of Public Works Minutes Reading, Mass. , March 30, 193 +.
The regular meeting of the Board of Public Works opened
at 7:30 P. M.
Messrs. - Putnam, Fowles Fairclough, Crocker, Barnes and
Superintendent Birnie were present.
The records of the previous meeting were read and approved .
The Chairman reported that the Town Auditor requests that
bills and vouchers be approved by Friday morning with at least three
signatures . The Board decided that the vouchers will have to be
taken by the Superintendent to at least three of the members Thursday
night or Friday morning.
Mr. Forrest Bryant came in to see the Board about the
finances of the C. 11. A. projects in which the Public Works Depart- '
ment is involved.
Mr. Hayward's problem was taken up. The Board voted that
no fence can be built until it is proved that there existed a fence
there before the construction of the road.
The Building Inspector was asked in to see the Board relative
to the Highway barn on John St. He agreed to inspect it tomorrow
afternoon and make a verbal report next Friday.
The Chairman reported some progress on the changing of the
Woburn-Reading line.
Mrs. Watson's complaint which was received last Friday
was reconsidered. It was decided that the culvert on Haverhill
St. should be cleaned out as soon as possible. The Secretary was ,
instructed to write a letter to that effect.
-2- March 30, 1934.
Mr. Loring of Deering St. came in before the Board
to see if he could have a tree lawn in front of his house and
to see if his sidewalk could be put in better shape. The Board
voted to comply with his requests.
The Board considered two alternative methods of con-
structing a drain on Chapin Ave. , Elliott and Green Streets.
The Chairman reported that the Town Auditor complained
about the Board charging expenses to highway construction ac-
counts before any money was available. It was decided that
expense of that kind must be charged to the Highway Department
until such time as money is available.
Four Owner's applications were received applying for
water main construction in Colburn Road. Board voted to write
a letter to each individual applicant stating that no money is
now available and that the applications will be placed on file.
Miss Elizabeth Desmond of 5 Center Ave. , Reading, re-
ceived an injury by reason of a defect in the Town sidewalk on
Lincoln St. The matter was referred to the Town Counsel.
Mr. S. W. Bowker came before the Board to see if he
could get work as a highway foreman. Board assured him that if
there should be anything he would be notified.
Miss Florence Nichols made application for the use of
both tennis courts in Memorial Park from 2:45 to 4:45 P . M, two
' days a week. Board voted to write a letter to Miss Nichols,
telling her that the Board feels that only one court can be given
over to the use of High School girls. However, in case it is
desirable she may increase the number of hours use of the one court.
-3- March 30, 1934.
A letter was received from the County Commissioners
warning the Board of road defects.
The Board received a letter from Mr. Scott of Ridge
Road who complains of the very poor condition of the road in
front of his house. Board voted to have the Superintendent
look over the section and make the necessary repairs.
The Board received a letter from Mr. Dean of Pearl St.
who asks for fire protection. The Board voted to write him a
letter saying that the installation of a hydrant near his house
on Pearl St. is an important job and one which we hope to make
this summer.
The Board considered the financial condition of
the Water Department. The advice of the Town Accountant and
Town Auditor was sought. The Town Accountant assured the
Board that $55,000. had been appropriated to the Water Depart-
ment and credited to the Department and that our expenses
might exceed our revenue from water bills providing that our
expenses for the entire year do not exceed the year's appro-
priation.
A form contract was received from the Post Office
Department which was turned over to the Superintendent.
The Meadow Brook Golf Club' s problem was considered.
The Club now wants the Board to move Grove St. over so as to
leave more land on the easterly side of the road.
The Board consulted the Town Counsel on the matter
of paying bills against new construction before money is avail.
-4- March 30, 1934.
' able. He could see no other means of paying bills except out of
general highway funds or holding back payment until such time
as money is available.
A letter was received from Carl B. Sawyer applying for
use of Washington St. Ball Grounds for July 2d, 3d, & 4th. Board
granted request and voted to send letter to that effect.
A request was received from Post 62 for the use of
Washington St. Ball Grounds for a Wrestling Match on June 18.
The Board voted to write a letter granting the request.
The Superintendent reported that the open ditch and
culvert on Woburn St, near Temple St. was in an unsafe condition.
Board voted to place 45' of pipe at dangerous section.
A Plan & Profile for the Board of Survey on the installa-
tion of the drain in Chapin Ave. was requested of the Superinten-
dent by the Board, for the next meeting.
Board voted that the Superintendent get some definite
figures on the comparative costs of trucks preparatoryto the buy-
ing of a new truck to replace the present two ton Auto Car.
The Board voted to instruct the Superintendent to buy
some Lefax pages to keep a record of automobile maintenance.
Board adjourned at 10;45 P. M.
Respectfully Submitted:
A True Copy:
' Attest:
(Signed) A. Russell Barnes,Jr.
Secretary