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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1934-05-11 Board of Public Works Minutes Reading, Mass. , May 11, 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 approved. A hearing to settle the location of underground ducts on Haven St. was held at 7:45. Messrs . Gillard, Robert Hodson, Sidney Hodson, Arthur Sias, R. W. Totten, Mr. Barber were present. As the plans were first shown there were approximately 13 trenches to be dug across the street. The plan was rearranged so as to make only 7 crossings. With that change the plans were approved by all present. Mr. Gillard of the New England Telephone & Telegraph Co. , came before the Board to make preparations for a hearing next week on the installation of telephone ducts in Main St. from the Railroad tracks to Washington St. The Board signed the plan thus indicating its approval of the layouts but not necessarily giving permission therewith to construct. At 8:30 P. M. a hearing was held on the establishment of lines and grades before the Board of Survey on Chapin Ave. Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Nichols, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Jackson, Richard J. Bowman, John J. Ferrick, were present. The Board of Survey voted to approve the plan as shown. -2- May 11, 1934. Bids were opened on 2 1/2 Ton Trucks at 8:45 P. M. Those bidding were Laing Chevrolet, Sterling Motor Truck Co. , General Motors Co. represented by Mr. Bailey of the Central Garage, Diamond T Sales & Service Co. represented by A. P. Sousa, La France Republic Sales Corporation represented by Mr. Tousignant, The White Co. rep- resented by Mr. White, The Studebaker Co. , The Auto Car Truck Co. represented by Mr. Campbell, The International Truck Co. , The Brockaway Motor Co. , represented by Mr. Nihan, and the Dodge Motor Co. Mr. Woodward of the Merrill Fuel Oil Co. appeared before the Board to speak in favor of his company's bid on gasoline. A general discussion of gasolene characteristics followed. Previous to the regular Board meeting two members of the ' Welfare Department, Mrs. Leman and Mr. Scholtz, came before the Board to discuss shut-off's. Mr. Putnam later outlined their proposition to the whole Board previous to going down stairs to meet with the Welfare Board. The final matter brought up at the joint meeting was the complaint of the two men sanding that they could not live and work on their small pay. Mr. Birnie thought that by changing around the men the problem could be avoided. The matter was left to his attention. The matter of shut-offs was again brought up. A system was devised whereby the welfare men owing for water could work out their bills. A letter was received from W. L. Thompson, Inc. asking for information on our next meeting preparatory to presenting a proposition. The Secretary was instructed to write a letter a ac- knowledging asking nature o£ business. knowledging receipt of letter n g -3- May 11, 1934. -A request was received from the 4th of July Celebration Committee asking for ties to be torn up on Main Street. The request was granted. Bids were received from Fred Smith and Wendell Bancroft on 1500 Bags of cement. It was voted to divide the business half and half. Bids were received from Hume Pipe Co. , New England Concrete Pipe Corp. , and Wendell Bancroft Co. on concrete and clay drain pipe. 315 ft. of 12" Reinforced Concrete Pipe wad bought from Hume Pipe Co. , 766 Ft. 15" Reinforced Concrete Pipe was also bought from Hume Pipe Co. , and 392 Ft. of 15" Clav Pipe from Wendell Bancroft Co. A letter was received from the P. I. Perkins Co. acknow- ledging receipt of order for tractor. However, because of a mis- understanding on the part of the majority of the Board, the award was not altogether satisfactory. The Caterpillar is a four cyl- inder and our request for bids was for a six. In view of the state- ment contained in the request for bids which provides that any or all bids may be rejected the Board felt somewhat justified in not proceeding with the purchase. A letter was received from the Town Counsel in connection with the exact establishment of ownership of property abutting County Road. A letter was received from the Meadow Brook Golf Club 11 advising the Board that the Club did not vote to pay costs of -4- May 11, 1934. laying underground conduits on Grove St. The application of the Municipal Light Dept. for per- mission to construct overhead wire connections on Grove St. was then approved. A letter was received from the Planning Board asking for a hearing on the comprehensive map constructed by their Department. The Secretary was instructed to write a letter stating that the Board of Public Works would be glad to meet with them next Friday. A letter was received from the Town Counsel relative to sidewalk assessments on John and Locust Streets. A memorandum was received from the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen relative to E. R. A. projects, particularly the finan- cial set up between local government and Federal government. Mr. Parker of Main St. is not satisfied with the condition about Memorial Park. He wants a fence built shutting off his property from the park property. Tuesday night the selectmen will hold a joint meeting with Wakefield Selectmen. Mr. Putnam was chosen as delegate to that meeting together with the Superintendent. The State Public Works Department served an oral notice by means of Mr. Putnam that possibly only one-half of Main St. could be finished by July 1. A discussion of tires was held and the matter was left to the Superintendent's discretion. He was instructed to buy tires in 1 anticipation of ninety days. -5- Me,, 11, 1934. The Superintendent brought up the matter of gravel to be used in Main St. construction. It was concluded that the Town could not sell gravel to a contractor to be used on our roads out of the Golf Club Pit. The Board adjourned at 11:00 P. M. Respectfully Submitted: A True Copy: Attest: (Signed) A. Russell Barnes,Jr, SECRETARY