HomeMy WebLinkAbout1935-01-11 Board of Public Works Minutes Reading, Mass. , January 11, 1935.
The regular meeting of the Board of Public Works opened at
7:30 P. M.
Messrs. Putnam, Fairclough, Fowle, Barnes, Crocker and Supt.
Birnie were present.
Minutes of previous meeting were read and approved.
A letter was received from the Health Department of the Common-
wealth of Mass. stating that our water supply is perfectly good from the
standpoint of health. Board voted to write to the above department re-
questing an examination of the water distributing system.
A letter was received from Catherine E. Reilly, 19 Glen Road,
requesting an extension of time in payment of her water bill. A letter
was written explaining the lien system and its benefit to all concerned.
A letter was received from the Board of Selectmen stating k
that it has been voted to make a restoration of wage reductions of one-
half beginning as of September 1, 1935.
The Assistant Executive Administrator of E. R. A. Mr. Bryant,
furnished information concerning the advantages of living in Reading.
A letter was received from Mrs . Avis 0. Merritt, of West St. ,
requesting a reduction in her water bill. Voted to make her bill the
minimum amount.
It was determined that the telephone bill at the Pumping Station
of $60.84 per year was not exorbitant it being a special line. Pays
light, coal, $15.00 a month rent; water free.
Voted to remedy unsafe sidwalk condition in front of Atkinson's
store on Haven St.
-2- January 11, 1935.
The sub-committee of the Finance Committee- appeared for
conference with this Board. The first question was on office help
salaries. Office equipment was next. Chairman Putnam stated that
a new typewriter was purchased last year. Superintendent stated that
files and new accounting book were purchased. Supt. Birnie stated
the typewriter cost $112.00. Going back to salary of clerks it was
discovered that a typographical error was made in the salaries.
The question was raised should we pay rent for office space.
Requested to inform committee whether or not this board would pay rent .
if deemed necessary by finance committee.
Any income of water department remains a water department fund.
' Statement of Chm. Putnam. Actual collection in December very little on
water bills. Have we lost some big consumers? Have you a sliding
scale for large consumers? How many large heavy users in Town?
Chm. Putnam states six. How much is Christensen' s bill per year?
$200.00 states Super. Birnie. Agreed that the water department budget
items are elastic within the limits of the total budget.
Service Pipe Maintenance 1 Why was there an increase in that
expense? Hard winter last year destroyed many pipes.
Hydrant Rental 1 The Finance Committee would rather keep
taxes down than reduce water rates. Chairman Putnam states cost $140
to install hydrant. The Board feels town should pay at least 4% of
hydrant construction. Will the Finance Committee pay the difference
between fire hydrant rental and taxes on water department property.
No answer.
-3- January 11, 1935.
Mr. Sturges asked what would be the cost of a water ,
system built today to replace the present one. In other words what
is the actual value of the present system.
Is not our water rate lower than that in other towns of
similar size? The minimum bill is smaller but the average bill
equal to or larger. What is fair hydrant rental? $56.00
Mr. Connelly asked would you accept $1000.00 this year same as last.
Could you make cut in rates if getting $1000.00. Might possibly.
Chairman Putnam wants $5.60 per hydrant, which is sufficient to cover
4% of installation cost.
Pumping Station No. 1. Is it used at all? Chairman Putnam
states 2 times. Box fact. fire. Dry season in summer. Could you elim-
inate station #1? What is engineer up there for? What part goes on
new station? Eaton works one day a week.
Questions as expected were asked regarding rent, light,. .coal,
etc. Save coal and light about $300. Would have to install new auxiliary
to maintain a second supply required by law. What is the garage bill
$350 for? New Garage.
How much does a meter cost? $9 to $10. Meter Maintainanceq
why the step up in demand? Frozen meters 92 states Superintendent during
last winter. Was discovered that reading meters was charged to meter
maintenance. $54 four times a year. Also discovered that more than
200 meters went through the repair shop. How many meters were repaired
In last two years, also $1346 payroll be broken down to show service ,
charges and repair charges and other details.
January 11, 1935.
' Balance in water department is reappropriated every year.
How much percentage will ci.t in water rates amount to?
No Answer.
How many new wells this year? 25 more.
How many hours do pumps work? In summer 24 hrs.
How many wells were first dug, 35
We have not had a large increase in population and yet
we have increased the number of wells 200%.
What would Board say if cut were made in main pipe construction?
$12,279 for main pipe construction. $3,700 new wells.
agreed we must have the wells , would you take $9,000 on main pipe
' construction and $3,000 into reducing water rates. Chairman Putnam
says cannot be done because all of $12,000 necessary for proper main-
tenance of system.
Why did the payroll in the Highway Department increase $1,000
over 1933? Truckmen, transfer of men from one department to another.
How much will a new truck cost? Chairman Putnam, $4500.00
Truck plow will cost how much? $1800.00. How much will tractor cost?
$1200 less but would remain in barn all summer. Truck would be used all
year.
Would ve be satisfied with $29,000 total? Necessary that we
have $30,000. Finally left that it should be $30,000.
Is this Board following the F. A. Barbour drainage plan?
Yes , absolutely.
-5- January 11, 1935.
Finance Committee feels that Main St. must be let go this
year. Lowell and West St. may possibly be permitted.
It was agreed that we can cut in half the fence account
on the Washington St. Playground.
Received a plan from Superintendent Birnie on the relocation
of the corner of Lowell and Bancroft Ave. and steps are to be taken
to persuade the abuttors to agree to the change.
Two communications were received from the Town Counsel re-
garding Franklin St. and Mr. Cornel's claim for damage.
Board adjourned at 12:00 M.
Respectfully Submitted: -
Signed:
A. Russell Barnes , Jr.
Secretary