HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-09-26 Board of Public Works Minutes September 26, 1977
' Meeting of the Board of Public Works opened in Room 16, Munici-
pal Building at 7:30 P.M.
Present were Chairman Dustin, Secretary Price, Board Members
Blood and Botka, Superintendent Louanis and Finance Committee Mem-
ber Carl Beaulieu.
The Board reviewed Articles for the November Special Town Meet-
ing and after considerable discussion, it was agreed to place two
Articles in the Warrant, one for authorization to file for federal
funds for sewer construction and a second Article funding Step One
and Step Two.
The Board met with Mrs. Durham and Mrs. Haley, representatives
of the Reading Garden Club regarding the beautification of the Read-
ing Carman. The Superintendent began the discussion by reviewing
the history of the Department's effort to come up with an overall
plan of the Common area. Over a year ago the Department came up
with a plan to place a sign on the small common with a map and in-
formational directory and the idea was picked up and supported by
the Bicentennial Commission with funding of approximately $1 ,000.
This was not enough money to complete the project and other organiza-
tions were contacted. The Garden Club came forward with the idea of
hiring an architect which they would pay for to develop an overall
plan. At this point 'in time there is a difference of opinion as to
which plan to follow. Mrs. Durham presented the Garden Club's plan
which calls for low ground cover planting of the small triangular
portion of the Common with a five sided sign "Welcome to Reading"
constructed in place of the map and informational directory, with
an overall scheme for planting flowers and fruit trees around the
border of the area. The final plan has not been completed by the
architect as he is awaiting further input before proceeding. After
considerable discussion of the merits of both proposals it was moved
and seconded to allow the Garden Club to go ahead with their beauti-
fication of the trangular portion of the Common and to give them
authority to go ahead with the sign. A discussion ensued and it
was moved, seconded and voted to table the earlier motion until the
meeting of October 17th with instructions to the Superintendent and
the Chairman to arrange a meeting between the Garden Club and the
Bicentennial Commission to develop a reasonable compromise.
Superintendent Louanis indicated on a plan the proposed drive—
way entrance to the property on Haven Street owned by Frank Bas—
tolla. The entrance would eliminate one parking space on Haven
Street and the Superintendent stated that by allowing the curb
cut he did not believe a safety hazard would be created. Following
a discussion, Mr. Price moved to deny the petition, Mr. Blood
seconded. The vote 2 in favor, 2 opposed. The motion did not
carry. The Chairman suggested the matter be brought up again when
the entire Board is present.
The Board signed Contract 77-8 "Applying Bituminous Chip Seal ."
The Board reviewed Petition and Agreement for construction of
permanent type sidewalk from Mr. and Mrs. DePloey of 54 Deering
Street. Following a brief discussion, it was moved and seconded
to grant permission for the construction of the sidewalk. The vote 3
in favor, Mr. Blood opposed.
The Superintendent indicated that it seems important to have as
much information as possible concerning the extension of the sewer ,
main and recommended that a public hearing take place on October 31
for all streets not already sewered to obtain an indication from a—
butters their desire to have, or not to have the sewer, as with this
information the Board could defend its sewer program with the Finance
Committee. A general discussion ensued and Mr. Blood moved, it was
seconded and voted that a questionnaire be prepared and given to the
abutters. Thus, the Board could gain input without the necessity of
a hearing.
Action on the Capital Budget was postponed.
The Board signed the Payroll for the period ending September
23 and the Bill Roll dated September 30, 1977.
The Board retired at 9: 10 P.M. to meet with the Board of
Selectmen and other Boards and Departments to discuss strategy in
dealing with labor.
pectfully submitted,