HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-03-07 Board of Public Works Minutes March 7, 1977
' Meeting of the Board of Public Works opened in Room 16,
Municipal Building at 7:30 P. M.
Present were Chairman Russell , Secretary Dustin, Board
Members Price and Botka, Finance Committee Members Cowell and
Dube and Assistant Engineer William Redford.
Minutes of the previous meeting were accepted with correc-
tion.
Read two memoranda from Executive Secretary Agnew concern-
ing McNeil Associates Development on North Main Street, calling
attention to a meeting at 8:30 P. M. on March 10, 1977 in the
Selectmen's Office for the purpose of gathering input for the
Board to aid them in setting forth conditions most advantageous
to the Town should their decision be favorable to the project.
Mr. Dustin requested a map, drawn to scale, of the area showing
the proximity of the proposed 114 units to the existing homes
on Sanborn Lane. The Board discussed whether they would appear
as the Board of Public Works or the Board of Survey at this
meeting but did not reach a decision. It was moved, seconded
and voted to table the matter.
Mr. Thomas McManus and Attorney Paul Good appeared before
the Board and Mr. Good outlined the area at the dump site that
Mr. McManus was hopeful of purchasing from the Town of Reading
for the purpose of constructing a building similar in design
to that now known as 128 Saab wherein they could have a display
room for their Ford Dealership. If the various Boards within
the Town of Reading appear to be in favor of allowing the pur-
chase of the land by McManus there will be an Article in the
Warrant authorizing the Selectmen to sell a parcel of land.
The Superintendent advised the Board that the Engineering Divi-
sion had reviewed the proposal and found there was no major con-
, flict with the present or future operations of the sanitary
landfill . However, an inquiry has been made to the State Depart-
ment of Public Health as to any regulations or guidelines as to
as to legal setback from the sanitary landfill for any buildings
or utilities. It was generally agreed that the use of the land
in question would be beneficial to the Town and the Superinten-
dent was instructed to report to the Board next week on the
recommendations made by the State Health Department.
The Board reviewed the bids received on Pesticides for
use by the Forestry Division, as follows:
Quantity Item Hartney. Baird &
_ Spray Corp. McGuire
5 55 Gal . Methoxchlor $ 1 ,581 .25 1 ,622.50
5 5 Gal . Sevin Carbaryl 277.50 292.50
2 5 Gal . Malathion 105.00 103.50
4 1 Gal . Meta Systox-R 80.00 No bid
5 1 Gal . Cytrol Anitrol-T 73.75 78.75
Following a brief discussion it was moved, seconded and voted
to award the contract for the various pesticides to Hartney
Spray Corporation in the total amount of $2, 117.50 as per
their bid. '
Bids received on February 10th for trees and shrubs from
the following nurseries were reviewed.
Bigelow Nurseries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,330.00
Blueview Nurseries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,357.00
Cherry Hill Nurseries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 ,545.00
OldColony Landscape. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,217.00
Mahoney's Rocky Ledge Farm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 ,861 .00 **
Princeton Nurseries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 296.30
Sudbury Nurseries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 420.50 ***
* Cannot supply on 6 items
** No bid on 6 items
*** Bid received March 1st
Fallowing a discussion it was moved, seconded and voted to
award the contract for trees and shrubs to Bigelow Nurseries
in the total amount of $2,330.00
The proposed personnel organization chart was presented
to the Board and it was suggested the matter be tabled until '
Mr. Blood could be present.
Minutes - continued March 7, 1977
' The Board reviewed the cuts made in the Department 's Budget
for the ensuing year by the Finance Committee. It was moved,
seconded and voted to delete the replacement of Car #2 for another
year. However, the Board agreed to go back to the Finance
Committee and request funds to replace Pickup #4 for the Park
Division, Truck #24 for the Forestry Division and for an addi-
tional Bombardier for the Highway Division at a total appropria-
tion for these three items of $31 ,000.00.
Chairman Russell requested the Board Members to give him
some input concerning the Town continuing with the law firm con-
cept of Town Counsel vs. an individual Town Counsel . After con-
siderable discussion it was moved, seconded and voted to table
the matter for a period of one week.
The Board reviewed cuts made by the Finance Committee in
the Special Article for Park Construction. The Finance Committee
had cut the request for appropriation from $25,000 to $12,000
recommending the drinking fountain and the lights for the Fop
Warner Field be deleted. After considerable discussion of the
Special Parks Program Mr. Dustin moved the Board request the
Finance Committee approve $18,000 for the completion of the work
started on the skating rink at Birch Meadow to create more park
area. It was seconded. Mr. Price amended the motion to read
$24,000 to include cleaning up the area along first and third
base lines and behind the back stop at the basketball field.
The amendment lost and the motion carried for $18,000 - three
in favor and none opposed.
The Board recommended that we request the Conservation
Commission advise us when they reject a plan. It was noted too
that we should advise the Conservation Commission of all Board
of Survey Hearings.
The Board signed the Billroll of March 11 and the Payroll for
the period ending March 4, 1977• Meeting adjourned at 11 : 15 P.M.
Respectfulyy submitted,
,.�C*f
Secretary