HomeMy WebLinkAbout1962-07-30 Board of Public Works Minutes r'
July 30, 1962
Meeting of the Board of Public Works opened at 7:30 P.M.
in Room 16, Municipal Building.
Present were Chairman Hodson, Secretary Watt, Board Members
Brown and Florence, Superintendent Welch and Town Engineer E. R.Louanis.
Minutes of the previous meeting read and approved.
Read petition from the residents of the Zagorsky Playground
area containing certain requests. Also read was Mr. Welch's report
that two of the requests regarding cutting of brush and safety signs
had been complied with. The Superintendent informed the Board that if
desired a hearing could be held for the installation of sidewalks along
the playground site of Charles Street from Wakefield Street to Haver-
hill Street. A major portion of the land is owned by the Town. The
land was purchased as a school location.
Mr. Watt moved that the Board hold a hearing on the instal-
lation of a sidewalk, thus being consistent with the program of putting
in sidewalks adjacent to, or leading to schools. This, however, pre-
cedes the school but it meets with the intent of the Board's objec-
tive; Mr. Florence seconded and it was voted.
Read petition from the Reading Municipal Light Department
and the New England Telephone & Telegraph Company requesting the re-
location of a pole on Oak Street, Southerly side, approximately I2
feet Easterly from Hillcrest Road. Mr. Florence moved the request
be granted; Mr. Brown seconded and it was voted.
Read letter dated June 21 from the Recreation Committee
questioning the feasibility this year of a clean-up of the recrea-
tional and school site area at Franklin Street; also Mr. Welch's re-
ply. Mr. Watt informed the Board that a meeting of the Recreation
Committee will be held in the near future. Mr. Watt moved that Mr.
Pacino's letter be tabled until further advice is received; it was
seconded and voted.
The Board met with J. F. Springfield, 8 Milton Road, who
presented a petition signed by seven abuttors, requesting installa-
tion of sewerage facilities in Milton Road. Mr. Springfield was ad-
vlsed of the long-range program. A discussion followed. The peti-
tion was accepted by the Board to be processed in the usual manner.
Hearing was held at 8:00 P.M. for the purpose of taking
an easement for drainage and sewerage purposes Westerly and North-
westerly of Main Street through private property. Five persons at-
tended the hearing. Mr. Welch described course of the easement which
will be thirty (30) feet in width. Mr. Louanis answered detail
questions.
Mr. Hodson polled the abuttors as follows: - In favor - 2;
opposed - 2; non-committal - 1. In polling the abuttors, the Chair-
man was informed by A. E. Knapp that he was representing his father,
Arthur C. Knapp, the owner of a large area in this vicinity, who would
be absent from Reading until September. His vote was recorded as
opposed.
Mr. Watt moved that the Board hold any action in abeyance
until such time as there is a request for a review; Mr. Brown
seconded.
Mr. Florence moved that the Superintendent contact Mr.Knapp
upon his return, and if he is in agreement with the taking, to pro-
ceed with the details; Mr. Watt seconded and it was voted. Mr. Watt
withdrew his original motion.
Mr. Hodson read note from the Superintendent regarding the
gunite repair work to the bases of the standpipes; one at Auburn Street
and one at Bear Hill, and his suggestion that the contract be awarded
to the lowest bidder - Penetryn Systems. The bids follow: -
Penetryn Systems - Albany - N.Y. $2,$54.00
National Gunite Corp. - Boston 2,900.00
Eastern Gunite Corp. - Waltham 4,000.00
Gunite Restoration Co. - Malden 7,067.50
of
Mr. Brown moved the contract be awarded to the low bidder,Penetryn
Systems, Inc, in the amount of $2,554.00; Mr. Watt seconded and it
was voted.
Mr. Welch presented to the Board preliminary punch list -
Water Treatment Plant - as prepared by Brendon Davis. Mr. Florence
moved it be accepted as a point of information; Mr. Watt seconded
and the motion carried.
Read letter from W. E. Koulouris explaining his ignorance
of the rules and regulations regarding construction of sidewalks. Mr.
Welch advised the Board that he had cautioned Mr. Koulouris to de-
sist from constructing a sidewalk at 132 Summer Avenue until he had
conformed to the above.
Mr. Watt moved that the application of Martha Gerrior of
133 Hopkins Street to construct a Bituminous Concrete sidewalk sub-
ject to the rules and regulations of the Board of Public Works be
approved; Mr. Florence seconded and it was voted.
Mr. Hodson read letter written to John Devaney, 34
Washington Street granting an abatement of $25.00 on his July 1962
water bill of $61.43. Also read was Mr. Devaney's letter in reply
voicing his displeasure at the amount of the abatement and request-
ing a further reduction. A discussion followed. Mr. Florence
stated that inasmuch as the Superintendent had the authority to
grant abatements on bills up to $75.00, he saw no reason to deviate
from that policy. Mr. Watt moved that the Board refrain from taking
any action on the aforementioned abatement; it was seconded and
voted. Mr. Devaney will be so advised by the Chairman.
Read note from Mr. Welch regarding cutback in the sewer
contract. The appropriation for 1962 sewer construction is
$117,300.00. The expenses to date, plus estimated expenses for the
90
balance of the year amount to $35,400.00; the contract - $8$,300.00;
making a total of $121,700.00, or $4,400.00 in excess of the appro-
priation. It was the Superintendent's suggestion that the Depart-
ment eliminate construction of the sewer in Ridge Road from Waverly
Road to the Dead End this year. This section will be included in the
1963 contract. Estimated cost of this section is $5,000.00.
Mr. Watt moved the people affected by this decision be
notified that the Board will request the money in next year's budget,
and their position in the sewer program is assured; Mr. Florence
seconded and it was voted.
The Board conferred with Thomas E. Osborne, 2 Cedar Street,
regarding the cleaning and plowing of Hopkins Street in the vicinity
of his home. Mr. Welch informed Mr. Osborne that the Department
would check the situation.
The Board signed the following: - '
Sidewalk Assessment Southerly side of Prescott Street
from Pratt Street to Summer Avenue
Payroll and Billroll for the period July 22 through
July 28, 1962
Meeting adjourned at 9:45 P.M.
//Respectfully submitted,
Secretary