HomeMy WebLinkAbout1934-04-27 Board of Public Works Minutes ' Reading, Mass. , April 27, 1934.
The regular meeting of the Board of Public Works opened
at 7:30 P. M.
Messrs . Putnam, Fowle, Fairclough, Crooker, Barnes and
Superintendent Birnie were present.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
An analysis of the report on the construction of a grano-
lithic sidewalk in front of Mrs. Stevens house at 18 Prospect St.
was made. It was decided that hereafter as heretofore the charge to
abuttor on sidewalk construction shall be 50% of the total cost.
Samuel Lieberman of 34 Main St. made a complaint on his
water bill. However, after talking with the Board he withdrew his
complaint.
On the installation of curb stone it was decided that the
same policy be followed as that for granollthic sidewalks.
A considerable discussion was held on the construction of
fence around the town' s parks and playgrounds. It was agreed that
Mr. Crocker see Mr. Bent and explain to him why a substantial fence
cannot be built around Memorial Park this year.
An acknowledgment of our awarding of contract to the Barrett
Company was received.
A permit for the storage of gasoline in the Highway barn
at John St. was received.
A letter was received from Sam Davis, Town Counsel, stating
' that an account with the Town of Reading has been opened at the
Registry of Deeds for Middlesex County.
-2- April 29, 1934.
An estimate of the cost of cement block construction
to be used in building a new garage for the whole department
equipment was presented by the Superintendent.
Estimates were also presented in the construction of
County Road, Van Norden Road, West St. Drain, Pearl St. 6"
Water Main, Charles St.
Water was shut off at Sophie Chalfen's place with the
result that thirty dollars was immediately received and a promise
made to pay the remaining forty-five dollars before the first of
May.
Water was also shut off at Mr. Frank Cannuli's house
with the result that he gave the Superintendent a check for
$8.60. His other water supply is still shut off, he not choosing
to pay anything on that account.
Rubber raincoats were considered. The Superintendent
reported a price of $3.25 per coat. Board voted to buy 14 coats
and it was also voted that the Town' s name be stenciled on the backs.
The matter of lights on the tennis courts was discussed.
It was suggested that a time clock be installed. It was voted
that the Secretary write a letter to the Selectmen asking that
the Police Department see that the lights on the Town's parks
be put out at 10:30 P. M.
The problem of purchasing a truck or trucks was taken up.
It was voted that the Superintendent get some prices on
Chevrolet and Ford trucks for the Sewer Department.
-3- April 27, 1934.
The Superintendent suggested that the girls in the office
alternate on work Friday Nights for the five summer months, May
through September, so that only two will be on duty each night.
It was voted to do so.
The Superintendent suggested that a pipe fence be con-
structed on High St. at the point where Mr. Vernon St. enters it.
The Board voted to get a price on a cable fence.
The Superintendent reported a price of $3. 50 per piece
of canvas necessary to the tennis courts. It was suggested that
he get prices from the Beacon Co. of Boston.
The Superintendent reported that it would be necessary
to buy five tons of stone dust in order to properly surface the
ground around the horse shoe courts.
After some discussion it was decided to try some sugar
gravel instead.
The delinquent water bills were taken up. All bills
incurred previous to October 1933, it was agreed, must be paid at
once or water will be shut off. It was pointed out that under the
water department regulations the superintendent is obliged to make
shut offs thirty-five days after bill is due. Those people who
are making an attempt to pay their back bills will not have the
water shut off.
The Board adjourned at 11:30 P. M.
' Respectfully Submitted:
A True Copy:
Attest: Signed:
A. Russell Barnes, Jr.
Secretary