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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1934-05-04 Board of Public Works Minutes Reading, Mass. , May 4, 1934. ' 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 approved. Mr. Hayward of Haverhill St. came in to see the Board about his water bill. Since he did not occupy the house at all for some time it was decided to reduce his bill to $6.45. Mr. Crocker reported that Mr. Bent agrees that it will be impossible for the Board to construct a fence. around the tennis court area because of insufficient funds. ' A general discussion of Park conditions and regulations en- sued. It was suggested that early morning tennis, that is , before 6:30 in the morning be prohibited. It was finally agreed that the Superintendent visit the courts early in the morning to see just what the conditions are. A letter was received from the Home Owners' Loan Corporation in regard to shutting off water at the residence of Mary H. Cannuli. In view of the facts presented therein it was voted to suspend the shut off until further notice is received from the Corporation. An application for curbstone construction was received from John W. Goff, 20-22 Spring St. and acknowledged. It will be attended to when funds are available. -2- May 4, 1934. Bids were opened on Tractors at 8:00 P. M. in the presence of the two salesmen. Bids were received from the Sandburg Co. , the P. I. Perkins Co, and the H. F. Davis Co. Mr, Stewart of the P. I . Perkins Co. then addressed the Board alone describing his company's tractor. Mr. Main of the H. F. Davis Tractor Co. did likewise. The Board agreed not to settle the award until next Friday. Bids on Gasoline and 011 were opened at 8:30 P. M. in the presence of Mr. Woodard of the Merrill Fuel Co. , Mr. Williams of the Tide Water Oil Co. , Mr. Soule of the Colonial Beacon Co. , Mr. Driscoll of the Gulf Refining Co. Bids on gasoline were received from the Colonial Beacon Oil Co. , the Standard 011 Co. of New York, Merrill Fuel Co. , Jenney Mfg. Co. , The Texas Co. , Gulf Refining Co. , Tide Water 011 Co. , and the Atlantic Refining Co. Bids on 011 were received from Hook & Coward, Merrill Fuel Co. , New England Sales Co. , Shell Eastern Petroleum Products Co. , Quaker Valley Petroleum Co. , Inc. , and the Texas Co. Bids were received on 1 1/2 Ton trucks from the Laing Chevrolet Co. and the Reading Motor Co. It was voted to buy the truck from the Chevrolet Co. leaving the turn in allowance to be handled by the Superintendent. The Tractor bids were discussed. It was voted to buy the ' Caterpillar Tractor in view of the fact that the price of it is $417 less than the Cletrac Tractor, which is in the Board 's judgment the equivalent of the Caterpillar as far as our needs are concerned. -3- May 4, 1934. A letter was received from the Selectmen calling to the attention of the Board the advantage of pooling bids in coal. The Secretary was instructed to write a letter saying that the Superin- tendent, Mr. Birnie, has been requested to cooperate with the other town departments in purchasing coal. It was suggested further that a saving might be effected in purchasing gasolene and oil. Mr. Fowls paid a visit to the Selectmen to get their opinion. He was not able to see them. A letter was received from Captain Hugh L. Eames requesting the use of water from a fire hydrant on Minot St. near Sweetser Ave. for the purpose of demonstrating some antique fire engines. It was granted and the Secretary instructed to write a letter to that effect. ' It was voted to buy cable from the Durable Wire Rope Co. for the purpose of constructing a fence on High St. where Mt.Vernon enters it. A letter was received from the Municipal Light Department advising the Board that the work of that Department will be finished at the date mentioned for the beginning of reconstruction of Main St. from Haven St. to the Railroad Station. A quotation of $50.71 was received from the Power Lawn Mower Service Co. on parts necessary to the repaiting of the department's power mower. It was voted that the parts be bought. A letter was received from the Chairman of the Board of Public Welfare, Mrs. Leman, regarding the use of work slips. It was , informative only. A -4- May 4, 1934. An application was received from Mr. Costello, Ash St. for the erection of a sign. The matter was voted to be turned over to the Building Inspector. It was voted to purchase materials for the complete painting of Mr. Strout's house on Mill St. A letter was received from the New England Telephone and Telegraph Co. relative to reconstruction of Main St. advising the Board that any work either overhead or underground contemplated in the area should be started at once and completed at the earliest date possible. Mr. Bryant came before the Board relative to E. R. A. work ' He would like to have work started at once on Main St. drainage so as to put to work 40 of his men for one full week and 20 men for two .full weeks at once. It was agreed that the Board could put to work 40 men next Tuesday morning working in three day shifts at 50 cents an hour. The Superintendent to have the pick of all men on Welfare or E. R. A. It was suggested to Mr. Bryant that he put a man on a project to determine the practice of neighboring towns in the licensing of overhead signs, marquis , awnings, etc. A notice was received from the Public Works Department of the State of Massachusetts stating terms and conditions of contract to reconstruct Main St. - Representative Mollie Sweetser appeared to report on the progress of the bill to suspend betterment payments by the residents of Libby Ave. The bill is submitted with permission to withdraw. -$- May 4, 1934. Mrs. Oleo S. Swenson of Haverhill St. sent in a request to reduce her water bill. A motion was made to send her a bill for $5.70. Mr. Fowle was requested to see the Golf Club authorities in regard to their wishes in connection with the pole locations on Grove St. through their property. A letter was received from the Building Inspector regarding the condition of the Highway Barn on John St. He reported it to be safe within certain limits. The Chairman, Mr. Putnam, suggested that Weeping Willow trees be planted along the brook from Memorial Park dam to Salem St. The Superintendent was instructed to consult Lawrence Parker and the Legion in the matter. The Chairman also suggested moving the boulder monument in the Park from its present location to one more suitable to the Legion. The reconstruction of Main St. was discussed at length especially that part from Washington St. to the Railroad crossing. It was agreed that this board recommends concrete construction similar to the rest of the street and the. Superintendent was instructed to communicate with Mr. Dalton. The trees standing out into the street would have to be removed. However, both matters may be left until a later meeting for. discussion. The Superintendent was instructed to telephone to Ma. Dalton of the Public Works Department of Massachusetts that this Board would like to see work started on Main St. as soon as possible. -6- May 4, 1934. The policy of the Board on tire purchases is to be an open one leaving the purchasing to the Superintendent as needed. The Board adjourned at 11:25 P. M. Respectfully Submitted: A True Copy: Attest: Signed: A. Russell Barnes, Jr. Secretary