HomeMy WebLinkAbout1961-09-18 Board of Public Works Minutes September 18, 1961
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
Member Hodson and Superintendent Welch.
Minutes of the previous meetings (August 21 and September
11) read and approved.
Read letter from the Board of Selectmen regarding pur-
chase of the New England Telephone & Telegraph Company property
at 11 Sanborn Street, Reading. Mr. Florence advised the Board
that the Telephone Company had refused an extension of time for
receipt of bids. The Chairman contacted the Selectmen for further
consultation and was informed that the building had been sold.
The Board adjourned temporarily at 8:00 P.M. to meet as
the Board of Survey.
The Board reconvened at 8:15 P.M.
Read applications for sloped curbing received from
Harvey Kelch, 475 West Street, and Richard B. Chesley, 50 Pratt
Street. A discussion followed. Mr. Leonard moved that the appli-
cations for sloped curbing be denied at this time due to lack of
appropriation. Mr. Hodson seconded and it was voted.
Read application for bituminous concrete sidewalk re-
ceived from Robert L. and Phyllis L. Ballou, 8 Elliott Street.
Mr. Leonard moved the application be denied due to the fact that
it does not conform to the Board's policy at the present time.
Mr. Hodson seconded and it was voted.
The Board signed Memorandum of Agreement for the Main-
tenance of certain roads in the Town of Reading under the Pro-
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visions of Section 34, Chapter 90 of the General Laws.
Read letter from the Mystic Disposal Company inviting
the Town of Reading to consider a 20-year contract for use of an
incinerator to be built presently in Medford. Mr. Leonard moved
that the Board meet with the proponents but suggested delaying
answering the letter until after Mr. Watt' s return from Europe. Mr.
Hodson seconded and it was voted.
Read letter from the Personnel Board stating that it is
in favor of certain basic steps in changing the Town' s Classifica-
tion and Salary Plan for Public Works employees and suggesting a
meeting in the near future after definite regulations have been for-
mulated.
Mr. Leonard moved that the letter be placed on file until
the full Board has been able to definitely formulate a program; Mr.
Hodson seconded and it was voted.
Received application for sewer extension from Herbert
Hutchinson, 58 Linden Street. Mr. Leonard moved that the applica-
tion be approved, Mr. Hodson seconded and it was voted.
A detailed discussion took place regarding Board of Pub-
lic Works personnel installing sanitary sewer in Reading which is
presently let out to contractors. Mr. Leonard moved that the
Superintendent lay out a program and formulate his ideas on the
Town Personnel doing sanitary sewer work, the information to be pre-
sented to the Board in about ten weeks. Mr. Hodson seconded and
it was voted.
Received letter and petition from John E. Flynn, 12 Park-
view Road, requesting sewer extension for Parkview Road. Mr. Welch
explained to the Board that the sewer would be installed in the
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rear of the houses, through private property, and would necessitate
obtaining easements. Mr. Hodson moved that the Board proceed with
the project, Mr. Leonard seconded and the motion carried.
Read note from the Superintendent suggesting that the
Agenda for any regular Monday meeting include in it only such items
which are on file at 5:00 P.M. on the previous Wednesday. Mr.
Florence requested that the proposal be included in the Agenda for
discussion. Mr. Leonard moved that the request of the Chairman be
complied with, with the reservation that if an item comes in after
the deadline which the Superintendent considers important, it may
be added with the permission of the Chairman.
Mr. Hodson seconded and it was voted. It was also agreed
that the Agenda will be mailed to each Board Member on Thursday
L instead of Friday.
Read letter from the Board of Selectmen relative to Lots
86 and 89 and 101 to Ill inclusive on Colburn Road. Mr. Welch ad-
vised the Board that the lots were of no particular use to this
Department. Mr. Leonard moved a letter covering the Superintend-
entfs observations in reference to the property be sent to the
Selectmen; Mr. Hodson seconded and the motion carried.
Read note from Superintendent Welch suggesting the trans-
fer of $6,000 from Water Available Surplus to Water Maintenance.
This will be requested at a Special Town Meeting to be held on
Thursday,. October 19, 1961. Mr. Leonard moved that the request of
the Superintendent be complied with and that the Board of Selectmen
be notified that the Board of Public Works will request a transfer
of $6,000 from Water Available Surplus to Water Maintenance. Mr.
Hodson seconded and it was voted.
The Chairman brought before the Board the replacement of
a Board Member. Mr. Leonard stated there was a gentlemen's agree-
ment in existence that it would be a unanimous decision of the
Board when selecting a new member. It was agreed that action would
be postponed until September 25 when Mr. Watt will have returned
from Europe.
The Board signed the following: -
Commitment Sheets - Water main and house connections
Chain Link Fence contract with Cyclone Fence Company -
Birch Meadow Playground and Washington Street
Park
Pay-roll and bill-roll for the period September 10
through September 16, 1961
Meeting adjourned at 9:45 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
CL
Secretary