HomeMy WebLinkAbout1962-03-05 Board of Public Works Minutes 31
March 5, 1962
Regular meeting of the Board of Public Works opened at
8:00 P.M. in Room 16, Municipal Building.
Present were Chairman Florence, Secretary Leonard,
Board Members Hodson, Watt and Brown, and Superintendent Welch.
Minutes of the previous meeting read and approved.
Also read and approved were minutes of the February 16 meeting.
Consultation was held with George Bogren of Weston &
Sampson, Engineer for the new Filter Plant, for the purpose of
obtaining information in regard to the work which is being done,
progress and payment.
Mr. Florence reviewed various items which allegedly do
not meet the specifications. As verification, pictures were
' shown to the Engineer. Mr. Bogren explained that corrections had
been made on some; of others he had no knowledge.. Mr. Bogren
agreed to inspect the plant within two days.
Mr. Florence advised Mr. Bogren of the absence from the
new Filter ,Plant of Mr. Zolli, full-time Superintendent, and
disapproval as evidenced by the Board. Mr. Bogren informed the
Board that he would confer with the Construction Company in this
regard and insist on a. full-time Supervisor, although he was under
the impression that a competent mechanic-foreman was in charge.
The Chairman brought to Mr. Bogren's attention the dif-
ference in the last estimate of 81% of work done as submitted by
James Construction Company, and 62% as estimated by the Clerk of
Works, Mr. Davis, a differential of 19%. Mr. Bogren explained
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�., that the contractor bazv a a little bit on the high side and the
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Clerk a bit more conservative. Mr. Bogren was informed that
the differential should be closer to 10%. It was agreed that j
Mr. Bogren, Mr. Davis and Superintendent Welch will finalize each
ad
item as to work completed as of the date of the Estimate and ar-
rive at a new figure for payment.
A detailed discussion was held regarding possible devia-
tions from the specifications in many instances and payments which
should be credited to the Town. Mr. Hodson inquired of Mr.Bogren
as to when the plant could be put in operation. Mr. Bogren as-
serted that he was reasonably sure of two or three weeks at the
latest. Mr. Welch wished the statement to go on record that he did
not agree with Mr. Bogren on his estimate.
Mr. Florence in summing up his requests advised Mr.
Bogren that the Board wished him to review the estimates with the
Clerk of Works and to reduce the differential between the Town's
estimate and the contractor's so that the estirAte is no more than
10%. Estimate #6 will not be paid until it has been reviewed and
adjusted. The same applies to all future estimates.
The Boardinsiststhat the Filter Plant project be
supervised to a greater extent. A supervisor should be there con-
stantly; also, Isar. Bogren insist that the contractor adhere to the
specifications 100%. The Board feels that the contractor has
deviated from the specifications a great many times. The Board is
casting no reflection on Weston & Sampson.
Mr. Watt suggested that a list of deviations from the
specifications by the contractor be maintained as the work pro-
gresses so that it may be reviewed before the final payment. J
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It was agreed by Mr. Bogren that a revised estimate will
be in the hands of the Board at the March 12 meeting.
The Chairman read record of persons attending the sewer
hearing on February 26 at the Community Center plus those who
registered by letter or telephone, as follows: -
Non-
Yes No Committal
Ridge Road 4O 0
Summer Avenue 14
West Street 4 0 1
Oak Street 14 0 0
Puritan Road 4 0 0
Weston Road 1 0 0
Harvard Street 9 0 0
Lowell Street 9 0 0
Hanscom Avenue 11 0 2
Essex Street 1 0 0
John Carver Road 8 0 0
Priscilla Road 4 0 0
Mr. Leonard moved that the Board approve the proposed sewer program
h. for 1962 as a result of the sewer hearing on February 26 and proceed
to advertise for bids. Mr. Watt seconded and the motion carried.
Read note from the Superintendent recommending that a
meeting be held March 16 at 3:00 o 'clock in the Auditorium of the
Community Center for all employees. Explanation will be made of
job evaluation, personal evaluation, new classes, step increase by
merit, etc. The Superintendent and Board Members will conduct the
meeting.
Read note from the Superintendent regarding letter re-
ceived July 28, 1961 from Town Counsel with reference to the word-
ing of the sewer contract in relation to the low bidder and his
ry recommendation thereto. This was accepted as information to the
�`."° Board.
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Read request from Mary K. Hobart, representing the
Girl Scouts, for permission to suspend a banner across Main Street
at the Southern end of Reading Common during the Girl Scoutst 50th
Anniversary from March 8 to March 20. Mr. Watt moved that the
request be granted; Mr. Brown seconded and it was voted.
Signed the Bill-roll and Pay-roll for the period March
4 through March 10, 1962.
Meeting adjourned at 10:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary