HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-01-03 Board of Public Works Minutes January 3, 1977
Meeting of the Board of Public Works opened at 7:30 P. M.
in Room 16, Municipal Building.
Present were Chairman Russell , Secretary Dustin, Board
Members Blood and Botka, Superintendent Louanis and Messrs.
Cowell and Dube of the Finance Committee.
Minutes of the previous meeting were accepted as read.
The Superintendent read memorandum from Mr. Agnew concern-
ing space needs of the Department both present and future. The
Board of Public Works presently occupies approximately 2,200
square feet of office space in the Town Hall . Space require-
ments of all departments is needed in order that the Planning
Board may project the future office space requirements.
Superintendent Louanis reviewed the Offer and Acceptance
of State Grant for Wastewater Treatment Facilities indicating
that the construction of three pumping stations, force main,
interceptor and collector sewers for the Town of Reading would
be funded as follows:
Project financing under terms of this offer $ 1 ,840,970
Estimated project cost eligible for Federal
and State participation 1 ,650, 245
Federal Grant Offer 75% 1 ,237,684
State Grant Offered 15% 247,537
Applicant 's share 10% 265,024
It was accepted as a point of information.
The Superintendent reviewed letter from the United States
Environmental Protection Agency dated December 14, 1976 giving a
detailed breakdown of the total eligible costs determined by their
office; the total being $1 ,840,970, eligible portion $1 ,650,245•
It was accepted as a point of information.
Letter dated December 15, 1976 from the United States Environ-
mental Protection Agency re C250163-01 indicates that the Town of
Reading will receive $18,500 in addition to the $403,781 previously
received under the North East Interceptor Sewer Program. It was
accepted as a point of information.
Read letter from the Department of Public Works, 100 Nashua
Street, Boston acknowledging receipt of the Board 's letter of
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November 11th concerning the interseact/ion of South, Hopkins and
Summer Avenue with Route 28 in Reading, indicating that a prelim- ,
inary study of the area has been made and as soon as a report
of alternative solutions and probable costs is complete we shall
be advised of their decision.
The G and S Paper Company requested that their 75 lb,
single
ply paper sack be tested in various sections of the Town to
determine its durability for use in Reading' s refuse pickup system.
Reading is presently using two ply 50 lb. paper sacks. It was
agreed to test the single ply 75 lb. sack as the use of the single
ply sack could save the householder a possible .015 per sack.
The Board reviewed bids received on December 30th, 1976 on
the sale of scrap metal received at the Municipal Incinerator, as
follows:
E. Martel Plant Dismantling-Recycling, Inc. $ 12.00 Ton
F. Richard Standley $ 7. 10
Following a brief discussion it was moved, seconded and voted
to award the contract to the high bidder, E. Martel Plant Dis-
mantling-Recycling, Inc. in the amount of $12.00 per ton, in
accordance with the specifications.
The solid waste disposal area is open from 8:00 A. M. to
4:00 P. M. the first and third Saturday of each month. However,
during January of 1977 each of these days falls on a holiday.
It was moved, seconded and voted to open the area on the 2nd
and 4th Saturday (January 8 and 22) and then revert to the 1st
and 3d Saturday in February. The Superintendent was directed
to have an article placed in the Reading Chronicle to inform the
citizens of the change in schedule.
The Board began the budget review for the year ending June
30, 1978. The Public Works salaries showed a proposed increase
of 7.5% and the expense account showed 11 .94% increase. A re-
view of the debt and interest showed a decrease of 4.97%. The
sewer construction progress was discussed in detail and in light
of the anticipated State and Federal Funding and the presently ,
authorized bonding it was concluded that no further bonding or
authorization would be necessary to complete the sewer main con-
struction program.
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Minutes - continued January 3, 1977
The following accounts were reviewed: Administration, En-
gineering, Highway and Sidewalk Maintenance and Construction.
The Board requested more detailed information be submitted on
the above. An overall discussion of the Highway Maintenance
Account indicated a deficiency of funding in this area existed and
in light of the promised Highway Maintenance Report for the Town
of Reading to be ready next week further action was deferred.
Douglas Cowell of the Finance Committee requested permission
to address the Board regarding the Finance Committee's proposed
meeting with Representative Nordberg relative to the affect
state mandated programs would have on our financing and invited
the Board to attend the meeting on January 4, 1977. Members of
the Board expressed their concern for funding of maintenance and
construction of State and County Highways within the Town and the
need to allow the community to have more direct control of the
design and construction aspects of the project. The Board also
expressed concern over the continuation of the State Collective
Bargaining and Binding Arbitration Laws.
The Board signed the Pay Roll for the period ending December
31 , 1976 and the Bill Roll dated January 7, 1977•
Meeting adjourned at 10: 30 P. M.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary