HomeMy WebLinkAbout1961-07-31 Board of Public Works Minutes July 31, 1961
LRegular meeting of the Board of Public Works opened
at 7:30 P.M. in Room 14, Municipal Building.
Present were Chairman Florence, Secretary Leonard,
Board Members Hodson and Watt, Superintendent Welch and Assist-
ant Superintendent Putnam.
Minutes of the previous meeting read and approved as
amended.
Conferred with Mr. Bogren of Weston and Sampson on
the operational details of the proposed purification plant. A
general discussion was held covering detailed operation of new
plant and interest shown in the Leopold Agitator. The data
was accepted as information to the Board.
LRead note from Superintendent Welch recommending
elimination of burning at the dump. Mr. Leonard moved, Mr.
Watt seconded and it was voted that burning of rubbish of any
nature at the Town Dump on John Street shall cease as of twelve
midnight, Tuesday, August 1, 1961.
The renaming of a portion of South Street was brought
before the Board. It was agreed to table Item #4 until the
August 21 meeting. Abuttors will be notified that a name will
be chosen at the August 21 meeting. The Board will accept sug-
gestions until then but on that date will proceed to take the
necessary legal steps to change the name.
Read note from the Superintendent regarding Annual
L Conference of the New England Water Works Association to be
held at Poland Springs. It was moved, seconded and voted to
grant Mr. Welch permission to attend.
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It was moved, seconded and voted to hold a special
meeting, Wednesday, August 2 at 7:30 P.M. to discuss the pro-
posed schedule of classifications and salaries, and Items 12,
13 and 14 regarding appointments and salary increases.
Read note from Superintendent in regard to discharge
of water from private swimming pools and his remarks thereto.
Mr. Watt moved that the Board accept the Superintendent's
recommendation that he be granted general authority to abate,
upon request in writing, when proper, an amount on the sewer
bill equal to one filling of the swimming pool. Mr. Leonard
seconded and it was voted.
Read note from Board of Selectmen on Lot 3, Plat 61,
Tax Title #635 on Willow Street and Tax Title #46 on property
at the corner of Wilson and Pleasant Streets and Mr. Welch's
comments thereto. Mr. Leonard moved that the Superintendent �.
be instructed to write a proper letter explaining reasons why
the properties should not be sold at this time. Mr. Watt
seconded and the motion carried.
The Board adjourned temporarily to meet as the Board
of Survey at 8:50 P.M.
The Board reconvened at 9:20 P.M.
Read note from Ralph and Doris Steadman, 44 Winslow
Road, requesting permission to use five feet six inches of the
fifteen foot right of way which the Town of Reading now holds
on their property for the purpose of erecting a garage. Mr.
Watt moved the request be approved, Mr. Leonard seconded and
it was voted.
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Read petition received from fourteen property owners
requesting the piping of ditch abutting railroad from near
Pilgrim Road to near Plymouth Road. According to Mr. Welch,
long-range plans are being made to drain the area. Mr.Leonard
moved that a letter be sent to the person whose name first ap-
pears on the petition covering the details as outlined by Mr.
Welch. Mr. Watt seconded and it was voted.
Chairman read letter from the Board of Selectmen
with reference to list of complaints against the sewer con-
tractor, Norino Mirra. A discussion followed. Mr. Leonard
moved, Mr. Watt seconded and it was voted that the Superintendent
write to the Board advising that the Board of Public Works is cog-
nizant of the problems attendant to the construction of sewers
as pointed out in their letter of July 24; that the contractor
has hired a new superintendent and operations have improved. The
Board of Public Works is still pressing for better and quicker
work.
Chairman read report from the Superintendent on side-
walk construction. Mr. Watt moved the Superintendent's recom-
mendation be followed that bituminous concrete sidewalks be
built along Birch Meadow Drive from Main Street to Arthur B.
Lord Drive but omitting the section immediately in front of the
new Junior High School. Mr. Leonard seconded and the motion
carried.
' Mr. Leonard expressed the opinion that sidewalks
should be built on the Northerly side of Birch Meadow Drive
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from Arthur B. Lord Drive to John Carver Road and on the Easterly
side of Arthur B. Lord Drive from Birch Meadow Drive to Forest
Street. No action was taken but the matter will be investigated.
Signed Order of Assessments - Bituminous Concrete
Sidewalk on the Easterly side of Pratt Street from Prescott
Street to Woburn Street.
Signed the Pay-roll and Bill-roll for the period July
23 through July 29, 1961.
Meeting adjourned at 9:55 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary '