HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978-02-13 Board of Public Works Minutes February 13, 1978
Meeting of the Board of Public Works opened in Room 16, Muni—
cipal Building of 7:30 P. M.
Present were Chairman Dustin, Secretary Price, Board Members
Blood, Russell and Cowell , Superintendent Louanis, Assistant
Superintendent McIntire and Assistant Engineer William Redford,
together with Finance Committee Members Carl Beaulieu and Jose
Canto.
• Minutes of the meeting of January 30th, 1978 were accepted
as written.
Chairman Dustin raised the question as to whether or not it
might be prudent to have a brief report available to read at Town
Meeting on February 27th concerning the sodium level in the drink—
ing water supply in view of the article published in a recent issue
of the Reading Chronicle. Following a discussion, it was determined
that it would be wise to have a brief summary available at the Town
Meeting on the 27th and state further that a Water Study has been
made by Engineering Consultants and a full report will be ready at
the Annual Town Meeting.
The Board acknowledged receipt of the Engineering Divisions '
Report on Computers and Data Processing for the Department of
Public Works. The Engineering Division recommended the Remote
Batch Terminal System be selected to replace the existing unit
in FY-79 indicating that there are several manufacturers who
supply units of this type. Mr. Russell questioned whether funds
were allotted in the Budget for FY-79 and Superintendent Louanis
stated that this could be an addendum to the Water Department
Budget. The Board agreed to accept the report as a point of in—
formation and to table the matter to a later date for further
discussion.
The Board resumed discussion of the Budget starting with
Page 14 — Sewer House Connections. Superintendent Louanis suggested
that a public hearing take place and that all individual home owners
who have an application on file with the Department for a sewer
house connection be invited to attend. The purpose of the hear—
ing being to inform them of the Board 's intention to cease in-
stalling sewer house connections and gather input from them in
this regard. Following a brief discussion, Mr. Blood moved and ,I
it was seconded that the Board, as a matter of policy, cease
accepting applications for sewer house connections. Mr. Cowell
offered an amendment to the motion; the Board, as a matter of
policy, "temporarily" cease to accept applications for sewer
house connections. This was seconded. The vote: 2 in favor -
3 opposed. Vote on the main motion, 4 in favor - 1 opposed.
Roberta Sullivan appeared before the Board and expressed
concern relative to children walking out on Woburn Street on
their way to and from school . The 24 hour blizzard of February
6th and 7th blanketed the Town of Reading with over two feet of
snow resulting in the closing of schools on February 7th, 8th,
9th and 10th. While all streets are opened at this time, they are
not as yet plowed to full width. Mrs. Sullivan requested that
Woburn Street be made one way from Sumner Avenue to Lincoln
Street to provide greater safety for children on the way to and ,
from school . Superintendent Louanis reviewed negotiations be-
tween the Board of Public Works, the School , Police and Fire De-
partments and the Board of Selectmen concerning snow removal and
public safety. The Superintendent stated that on Tuesday,
February 14th the Department planned to employ the use of the
snow blower on Woburn Street widening the street as much as
possible to provide a walking area, explaining further that the
Selectmen had requested the Police Department to provide greater
surveillance during the hours of opening and closing of the school
day and pointed out also that schools were opening and closing an
hour later each day to avoid commuter traffic thereby affording a
greater degree of safety. Mrs. Sullivan thanked the Board for
their consideration.
Mr. Russell requested that the Superintendent explore the
cost of 100% bussing from December 1 to April 1 and compare this
with the cost of sidewalk plowing for the same period.
A discussion ensued relative to the general condition of
the Town as a result of the blizzard. It was moved, seconded
and unanimously voted that the Secretary draft a letter to be
Minutes - continued February 13, 1978
sent to the personnel of the Department of Public Works from the
Board thanking employees for the untiring effort expended in snow
removal .
The Budget was once again presented for review, deleting for
the moment sheets concerning the Water Department, starting with
Sheet 16 - Snow and Ice and approving this at the level recommended
by the Superintendent.
Sheet 17 - State Road Construction (Chapter 356) Funds from
78-9 in the amount of $60,658. would be allocated on Salem Street
as previously approved by the Board and would be a direct reim-
bursement from the State.
Sheet 18 - Street Betterments for Chequessett Road, Bain-
bridge Road, Lisa Lane, Field Pond Drive and Track Road, approved
as recommended by the Superintendent.
Sheet 19 - Equipment Replacement - Assistant Superintendent
McIntire made a presentation to the Board of what needed replace-
ment and was instructed to obtain much greater detail on each
specific piece of equipment and estimate repair and maintenance
costs.
Sheet 20 - Special Park Construction - a discussion ensued
concerning the possible purchase of land adjacent to Washington
Park and proposed improvements at Batchelder Field. Mr. Russell
requested Superintendent Louanis outline the extent of work that
could be accomplished at Batchelder Field with $14,000.
The Board agreed to meet on February 20th to work on the
Budget.
The Board signed the Bill Roll dated February 17, 1978 and
the Pay Roll for the period ending February 10, 1978.
Meeting adjourned at 10:40 P. M.
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