HomeMy WebLinkAbout1934-04-20 Board of Public Works Minutes Reading, Mass. , April 20, 1931+.
The regular meeting of the Board of Public Works opened
at 7:30 P. M.
Messrs. Putnam, Fowle, Fairclough, Crocker, Barnes and
Superintendent Birnie were present.
The Minutes of the previous meeting were read and corrected.
The Town Counsel, Mr. Davis , appeared before the Board.
He was consulted on the legality of the Board's advertisement in the
Chronicle for bids on tractors . Since no time was mentioned it was
ruled as illegal for the expenditure of. more than $2,000. It was not
certain that the bids would all be less than $2,000. The Town Counsel
advised that the Board send back the bids unopened and make a fresh
start. The Board decided to return all the bids unopened and make
a fresh start. Mr. Stewart representing the P. I. Perkins Co. ,
appeared and was given his bid. He had nothing to say.
A note was received from Mr. DeMarchi asking for a reduction
in his water bill. Because of the poor quality of the water due to the
fact that his house is on a dead end the Board voted to reduce his bill
by 50,$.
Mr. Raymond Lally came in to see the Board about a reduction
in his water bill. The water coming into his house is rusty. That is
evident because of the location of and size of pipes . It was voted
to reduce his bill $1.60 and to connect the piece of 6" pipe in
Gardner Road with the 6" in Eaton St. and to install a hydrant in
Gardner Road.
1
-2- April 20, 1934.
Bids were opened on 50,000 gals. of road tar. It was
voted that the business be awarded to the Barrett Co. at a cost
of 10 3/4¢ per gal. Bids were also received from the American
Oil Products Co. and Coppers Products Co.
A bid of $85 was received from the Elliott Fisher Co. for
repairing the Department's billing machine. It was voted to have
the work done at that figure.
A written request was received from Dr. Lancaster for the
use of the Washington St. Ball Field Saturday mornings until the end
of June. The Board granted the request.
Mrs . Stevens of 18 Prospect St. sent a letter to the Board
asking for the immediate installation of a granolithic sidewalk in
front of her house. It was voted to construct her sidewalk first
and then take the other applications in the order of dates, the work
to begin at once.
The Inter State Commerce Com. sent a letter asking for a
copy of a town map. It was voted to send a copy of Lawrence Parker's
map.
A notice was received from the Selectmen's office request-
ing the Board to consider useful projects adaptable to the E. R. A.
specifications.
The bill of Mrs . Sophie Chalfin, Cor. of Gould and Haven
Streets for water used on her premises was considered. The Board
voted to send her a notice to the effect that water will be shut off
immediately unless the oldest bill is paid in full.
-3- April 20, 1934.
' The water bill of Mr. Frank Cannuli, 216 Lowell St.
was considered. The Board voted to send him the same notice.
The water bill of Mr. Libby, 46 Franklin St. was con-
sidered. The Board voted to require the paying of his oldest bill
before considering the reduction of his latest bill.
The water bill of the Cemetery Department was considered.
The bill was reduced to $5.45, because of incorrect meter operation.
F. R. A. projects were discussed. The possibility of
repairing Woburn St. under such a project was considered. It is
hoped to construct Woburn St. with State and County Aid at a later
date. If, after making the usual road repairs, there is money avail-
able, it was agreed that about $500 should be spent on Woburn St.
from the Square to Chute St. in an attempt to smooth the surface.
The Superintendent brought up the subject of repairing
tennis courts. It was suggested that the posts .holding up the nets
be reset and that some canvas be bought to cover the top of the nets.
It was decided that the procedure of last year be followed in
asking for bids on gasoline and oil.
A plan of Chapin Ave. and a description was presented by
the Superintendent for the Board's inspection. It was agreed that
the Board place an advertisement in the Chronicle for the hearing
before the Board of Survey.
A fireplace was suggested for the park at Birch Meadow.
' The Board agreed to allow the Superintendent to go ahead and construct
the fireplace.
The matter of rubber coats for the employees of the Highway
-�+- April 20, 1934.
Water and Sewer Department was brought up. A general discussion of
checking tools and equipment ensued. The Board decided to have the
Superintendent investigate the cost of placing the Town' s name on
the back of the coats.
The Superintendent was asked to see that none of the office
employees stay in the building after 10:00 o'clock any night.
Park benches and swimming pool were discussed as E.R.A.
projects. Nothing definite was agreed upon.
The Board adjourned at 11:35 P. M.
Respectfully Submitted:
A True Copy:
Attest:
Signed:
A. Russell Barnes, Jr.
Secretary