HomeMy WebLinkAbout1956-01-30 Special Town Meeting Minutes 61
To,.in S'e:'rant an,d Cffirerls 7. tarn Special Toon Meeting
In 30, 1956
Precinct ),. "7nnicipel Pulleing
Zitzov✓ls Store, 297 Lowell Street
TTc LauThlin' s Store, 1051 IT. In Street
The date ofposting, being more, than seven days prior to
Jnnuary "i0, 195 , the date set for the meeting in this warrant.
I also caused an attested cony of this warrant to be pub-
lished in the Reading Chronicle in the issue of Jnnuary 26, 1956
the some being more than one day prior to the date of seid meet-
Ing.
(Signed ) 'Ni1liai E. Deers nap
Const,ble of Reading
Special Town fleeting January 30, 1956
Piew High School Auditorium
In the absence of the Moderator, the Town Clerk, Boyd H.
Stewart, called the meeting to order at 8:00 P. M. and asked for
nominations for a temporary moderator at this meeting.
Kenneth C . Latham moved that Samuel H. Davis be elected to act
as temporary moderator at this meeting.
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that the nominations
be closed.
.g, On motion of Kenneth C . Latham it was voted that the Town Clerk
be instructed to cast one ballot for Samuel H. Davis for Moderator
to act at this meeting.
The Town Clerk then cast one ballot for Mr. Davis to act as
temporary moderator, and declared him elected.
Mr. Davis was then sworn in, by the Town Clerk, as temporary
Moderator.
The warrant was partially read by the Town Clerk when, on motion
of Kenneth C. Latham, it was voted to dispense with further reading
of the warrant except the Constable' s Return which was then read by
the Town Clerk.
ARTICLE 1. On motion of Kenneth C. Lathem it was voted that the
Board of Selectmen be and they hereby are instructed to proceed
with the terms of the Vote adopted under Article 10 at the Annual
Town I:feeting held March 20, 1950 relating to the disposition by
sale, demolition or otherwise of the Center School Building together
with the lot of land containing approximately 10,000 square feet.
0motion of Kenneth C . Latham it was voted toplace Article_
on t-4e table . Oaiit,'this sentence.
On motion. of Kenneth C. Latham it was unanimously voted that
Woodbury C. Titcomb be permitted to read the following report:
ARTICLE 1 . Progress Report - Special School and Recreation
Site Corunittee as established under Article 33
at the adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 4, 1955,
Following an analysis of Readingis existing school and recrea-
tional facilities, your com_aaIttee then waded into the problem of
what additional facilities will be needed sometime in the future.
We have met often, including many field trips and have completed
a rough report. We have met with and discussed our problems with
your Town boards and committee. At the Town Meeting in March, we
62
Special Town T.Teeting January 30, 1956
hope to have the completed report for your consideration.
(Signed) Pd. C . Titcomb, Chairman
Special Comnittee
On notion of Kenneth C . Latham it was voted that the report be
accepted as a report of progress .
ARTICLE 1. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that the
Town Clerk be and hereby is authorized and instructed to place upon
the records of this Special Town. Meeting held January 30, 1956 a
resolution honoring and commemorating Samuel H. Davis, Town Counsel,
for his long, faithful and honorable service which he has rendered
to andin behalf of the Town of Reading over the past twenty-eight
plus years .
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted to place Article 1
on the. table .
ARTICLE 2. On motion of Kenneth C . Latham it was voted that the
Board of Selectmen be and they hereby are authorized to petition the
General Court for special legislation authorizing the Town to appro-
priate money not exceeding Four thousand (44000. ) Dollars for the
exercise of its corporate powers for the purpose of defraying part
of the cost for installing Warning Signals indicating the approach
of trains at the Reading Railroad Station of the Boston and Maine
Railroad, and to ratify and confirm any and all previous action taken
by the Board of Selectmen in seeking such special legislation.
ARTICLE 3 . On motion of Lawrence Drew it was voted that the Board
of Selectmen be and they hereby are authorized to sell upon such
terms and conditions as they may determine the following described lot
of land:
The land located Easterly of John Street and Southerly of Lakeview
Avenue and bounded and described as follows :
Beginning at the Southwesterly corner thereof at the Northerly
Boundary Line of the Quannapowit,t Drainage Tributory Ditch; thence
Northeasterly 102.3 feet more or less; thence in a general Northerly
direction 95 feet more or less; thence Northwesterly 134.15 feet
more or loss, the last three courses being by land now or formerly
o" 'Nilliari S. Deferrari; thence turning and running Southeasterly
243.70 feet more or less; thence: in a general Southerly direction
60.23 feet more or less to the Northerly b iundary line of the Quanna-
powitt Drainage Easement and thence turning and running Southwesterly
by said Northerly Boundary Line of the Quannapowitt Drainage Easement
260 feet to the point of beginn::ng.
Said parcel is estimated to contain 17,751 square feet of land,
and said parcel is part of Lot 1 shown on Plat 48 of Town of Readings
Assessors Plans,
and the Hoard of Selectmen be and they hereby are further authorized
to execute for end in behalf of the Town such Deed of Conveyance and
other Instruments which may be necessary conveying such land to the
purchaser thereof.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Gilbert 11. Lothrop it was voted that the
By-laws for the Construction of Buildings be and the same hereby are
amended by striking out Section 5-A and substituting in place thereof
the following New Section 5-A
SECTION 5-A . Fees for Permits. The following fees shall be paid
by the applicant on receipt of permit .
For a permit for the erection of each single dwelling. . . . .tlO.00
For each twin or duplex dwelling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 16.00
For each apartment house (the first ten suites) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16.00
Add for each additional suite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.00
For each single one-story store. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.00
For each block of such stores (the first store ) . . . . . . . . . . . 10.00
Add for each additional store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.00
For each school building. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20.00
For buildings to be used solely as halls or theatres,
for the first $1000 of cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00
And for each additional 41000 not exceeding in all 425.0 .50
For each garage for not more than 2 cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00
Ansi for each additional car. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.00
63
Special Tom Meeting January 30, 1956
For business buildings of stores and offices, and for all
buildings and structures not included in any of the fore-
going classifications, for the first $1000 of cost . . . . . c,) 2.00
And for each additional tIO00 not exceeding in all $20.00 2.00
For alterations for the first 6,1000 of cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00
And for each additional 6,1000 not exceeding in all 6,5.50 1.00
The Building Inspector shall endorse upon the back of the
application the amount to be charged for the permit.
The applicant shall pay this amount to the Town Treasurer who will
Five the applicant a receipt for same, and endorse upon the back of the
application that it has been paid.
On motion of Kenneth C . Latham it was voted that the subject matter
of Article 5 be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 6 . On motion. of Lawrence Drew it was voted that the Rules
and Regulations for the Inspection of Wires be and the same hereby are
amended by insert.inf; after Section 9 the following new Sect'.on to be
lmovm as Section 9a:
Section 9c. The follocr fag fees shall be paid by the applicant on
receipt of permit.
For a complete new hos e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . n 1.00
For all other -perriits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
The applicant shall pay this amount to the Town .Treasurer who will
Five the applicant receipt, for the same, and endorse upon the back of
the permit that the fee hEs been paid.
ARTICLE 7. On notion of Gilbert ",T. Lathrop it vras voted that the
sum of Fifteen Hundred (."1500. ) Dollars be transferred from Surplus
Revenue and appropriated for the repairs and improvements to .the Tree
and Moth Department Garage siade necessary because of the recent fire,
and the Town Accountant be and lie hereby is authorized to transfer
said sun to carry out the purpose of this vote.
ARTICLE 8 . On motion of Lawrence Drew it was voted that a nortion
of the Vote relating to the estahlishment of a Recreat'_on Committee
passed at the Special Town Meeting field on June 1 1947, and the Vote
passed at the Annual Town T!eeting held on March H, 1945, and the Vote
passed at the Special Torn held on March 28, 1955, increasing
the Personnel of the Recreation Go:nittee be find the same hereby are
rescinded and that a new Recreat'on Committee be and the same 'hereby is
ostablished consisting of aline P.4embers for the purpose of conducting
and promoting; recreation, plr.y, sport, physical education and other
social, educational and recreational activities, upon such land and
buildings as defined in Section f1 of Chapter !T.' of the General Laws,
with .uthori8y to exercise all the powers conferred thcrein, including
the nurehase of the necessary equipment, and the employment of teachers,
supervisors and ether officers and employees, and the fixing of their
compensation; one Member of such Coo•,iittee to be appointed from the
School Coanittee, one from the 2onrd of Public Works, such '?embers to
be appointed by the respective Co-nt:f_ttee and Board, and the seven re-
maining ifertbers to be appointed at large by the Board of. Selectmen, the
";ember chosen from the School Cocnittee and the one chosen from the
Board of Public Works and ono Memher appointed by the Selectmen at large
shall serve for the term of three years, three Members appointed by the
Board of Selectmen shall serve for two years and the re;-ain_ng three
1 Members s',all serve for oue ;fear, and thereafter such mombership shall
be filled in like manner for the term of three years and such Board or
Committee or the Board of Selectmen as the case may be shall fill any
vacancy whish n,ly occur from time to time for the unexpired term of any
Member. The Members shall serve until their successors are appointed
and oualified. - .
On motion of Kenneth C. Lat'aam it was voted that Article 1 be taken
from the table .
On motion of Konneth C . Latham it was un: nimoisly votecj that John
K. Austin be per to read the folloring report :
64
Special To:;T: lTooting ,'anunry 30, 1956
ARTICLF. 1. T'ie following, report was read by Sohn H. Austin:
REPORT of the BUILDING COMUTTEE
FOR PROPOSED FOREST STREET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
- (in sheet form`
attacbrd '^erewith
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that the re_nort be
accepted as a report of progress.
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted to place Article 1
on the table.
On motion of Georg=e Larson it was unanimously voted
that John H. Austin and Thomas P. Galvin be permitted to inform
the Tooai LTeeting about the New School under Article 9. -
ARTICLE 9. On motion of George R. Larson it was voted that the
eizm of Eight 'Hundred Fifty Thousand (";(170,000. ) Dollars be raised
and appropriated for the purpose of constructing a new Elementary
School Building on land owned by the Town situated on the Southerly
side of Forest Street and for originally equipping and furnishing
t'�c said 3uilding; and to meet said appropriation Fifty Thousand
Dollars be appropriated by transferring said stun from
Surplus Revenue aid the Town Accountant be and he hereby is author-
ized and em>owered to transfer said sum to carry out the purpose of
this vote and that the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen
be and he hereby is authorized to borrow the sum of Eight Hundred
Thousand (MOC,000. ) Dollars, Four Hundred Thousand
Dollars to be borrowed in excess of the statutory limit as authorized
under Chapter 645 of the Acts of 1948 as amended by Chapter 528 of
the Acts of 1950 and Four Hundred Thousand (.!+ OO,000. ) Dollars to be
borrowed within the statutory limit under authority of Chapter 44 of
the General Laws and to issue Bonds or Notes of the Town for the said
;1800,000.00 payable in accordance with the provisions of said Chapter i
44 of the General Laws so that the whole loan shall be paid in not J
more than twenty years from the date of issue of the first Bond or
Note or at such earlier time as the Treasurer and Selectmen may de-
termine and said Bonds or Notes shall be signed by the Treasurer and
countersigned by the Selectmen, and the Building Committee established
under vote of the Town at the Annual Town Meeting held on April. 4, 1955,
are hereby authorized to proceed with the construction of said Build-
ing and to enter into all Contracts and Agreements in respect thereto
and to do all other acts and things necessary and proper for carrying
out the provisions of this vote .
Vote : 130 Affirmative
Q Negative
ARTICLE 10. On motion of Donald C. Mitchell it was voted that the
provisions of Chapter 670 of the Acts of 1955 being an Act Relative to
Increasing the Amounts of Pensions, Retirement Allowances and Annuities
payable to Certain Former Public Employees, be and the same hereby are
accepted.
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Kenneth-. R. Johnson it was voted that the
Town accept the report of the Board of Public Works on the laying out
of a Private Way known as Arthur B. Lord Drive and adopt the recom:een-
dation contained therein, and that the sum of Thirty-four Thousand
Six Hundred (,">14,600. ) Dollars be appropriated for the original con-
struction of Arthur B. Lord Drive from Forest Street to Birch Meadow
(proposed) Drive being an access road to the proposse�� ng Forest Street
Elementary School including the cost of oiled grave'Yad ay, storm
drainage, and bituminous concrete sidewalks to be laid at the time of
said construction, and to meet said appropriation the sum of Five
Thousand ('5000. ) Dollars be appropriated by transferring said sum
from the unexpended balance of the High School Access Roads Account and
the sum of Twenty-nine Thousand Six ';undred (6,291600) Dollars be raised
and appropriated from the Tax Levy, said appropriation shall he appor-
tioned as follows :Twnety Thousand (g20,000. ) Dollars for Salaries and
Sourteen Thousand Six TTxmdred (?'14,(00. ) Dollars for Expenses, and the
Town A^ccu::tant be and he hereby is authorized and instructed to trans-
fer s^. id sum to carry out the purpose of this vote .
Report of the Building Committee
For Proposed Forest Street Elementary School
The Elementary School Building Committee, established under Article 31 of the
Warrant for the 4nnual Town Meeting of 1955, submits herewith its report and
recommendations for the construction of an elementary school on a site located
south of Forest Street on land previously purchased by the Town for this purpose.
The need for the construction of a new elementary school was clearly estab-
lished by t.,e report of the committee appointed to study the problem of additional
school hove, facilities. This report was presented to and accepted by the Tov
at the A=, l 1955 Meetings and included among its recommendations the following
iT, m..'
1.. Authorize money for the preparation of plans and surveys for the con-
5'.,:i-tion of an element=. / ccliool of approximately 16 rooms to open in September
2. Establish a School Building Committee for the purpose of the construction
of an elementary school.
Articles 31 and 32 of the Town Warrant for 1955 dealing with these
recommendations, were submitted by the School Committee and so voted by the Town
on motions as follows:
"Article 31. On motion of Philip R. White, it was voted that there
be and hereby is established a Building Committee for the purpose of
the construction of an Elementary School upon land owned by the Town
on Forest Street, such Committee to consist of seven members, one to
be chosen from the School Committee, one from the Board of Public
Works, one from the Finance Committee and four to be appointed at
large by the Board of Selectmen.
"Article 32. On motion of Philip R. White it was voted that the sum
of Thirteen and 83/100 Dollars (9613.83) be transferred from the New
High School Preliminary Plans Account, and Ninaty-nine Hundred Eighty-
six and 17/100 Dollars (89986.17) be raised from the Tax Levy and
said sums aggregating Ten Thousand Dollars ('10,000.00) be appropriated
for consulting engineers and architectural services, preliminary plans and
2
surveys for the construction of a new Flementary School upon land
owned by the Tam on Forest Street, and the Town Accountant be and
hereby is authorized and instructed to transfer said sum to carry
out the purpose of this vote."
The Building Committee, as established by Article 31, included the
following:
1. Edward W. Palmer
John H. Austin
Thomas F. Galvin Appointed by the Board of Selectmen
William E. Florence
2. William E. Burpee appointed by the School Committee.
3. Kenneth R. Johnson appointed by the Board of Public Works.
4. Emerson A. Willard appointed by the Finance Committee.
In November "Hr. Edward Palmer found it necessary to resign from the committee
due to a transfer in his business operations from Boston to New York. The Board of
Selectmen appointed Tir. George R. Larson to serve on the committee to fill the
vacancy caused by the resignation of iir. Palmer.
The Duilding Committee held its first meeting, on May 31, 1955; and for the
purpose of organization elected Mr. Edward Palmer chairman, and Por. John Tustin
secretary. After the resignation of "`,r. Palmer the committee elected John Austin
chairman, and Thomas Galvin secretary. Since its first meeting on May 31st the
committee has met thirty times.
PRELI:ffI:ARY PLA-MI?ING
In the initial stages of the work, the committee accomplished the following
tasks:
1. Held the required 'Building Needs Conference" at 88 Broad St., Boston,
with the School Building Assistance Commission, received instructions for proced,ire
to follow to secure approval of the construction project.
2. Divided committee into teams to visit and secure all necessary information
relating to new schools in the Commonwealth in the process of construction or
3
recently constructed.
3. Secured lists of school architects and invited those interested to appear
before the committee for interviews. A prepared set of guide questions was set up
In preparation for these interviews.
4. Lade tours and a careful study of the school site to determine a possible
location for a building on the selected site.
5. As a result of the site studies, the committee recommended the relocation
of the so-called Birch Aeadow Drive as tentatively laid out on maps of the area
prepared for the Birch Meadow Study Committee. A study of the topographical survevs
made of the Forest Street School site indicate the reasons for this change, namely,
the fact that the proposed road, as originally planned, cut into the site at a
point where there was a sharp dropoff in the land in close proximity to the con-
sidered location of the school, also at a point where there was considerable out
cropping of ledge which would make for an increased cost in road construction.
The committee further agreed that the relocation of this road would contribute to
the safety of the children using the area as well as add to the natural beauty of
this particular spot. By unanimous vote the School Committee approved of this
action.
EDUCATIONAL SPECIFICATIONS
No school building committee can plan a new building intelligently without a
considerable knowledge and understanding of the educational program. The committee
must, therefore, work closely with the School Committee and the Superintendent of
Schools in order to properly evaluate the educational specifications for the
building. The specifications for the Forest Street School were prepared by the
Superintendent of Schools in consultation with the members of the staff of the
schools and others qualified in the planning of economical and functional school
4
buildings. After several preliminary drafts, the specifications were approved
by the Massachusetts Building Assistance Commission, the School Committee, and
accepted by the Building Committee.
The specifications were based largely on the needs as outlined in the report
previously referred to in relation to additional school house facilities. There
are now 55 available classrooms in our elementary school buildings. In September
1955, 61 elementary classrooms were needed. The 6 rooms over capacity were housed
in the Junior High School and the Senior High School buildings.
In September 1956 we shall need 63 elementary classrooms, and due to increased
enrollment it is estimated that when the school year of 1957-58 arrives there wi=1.
be a need for 68 elementary rooms. On this basis it seemed advisable to recomme:re
the construction of an 18-room building since the Committee on Additional School,
house Facilities recommended the closing of the Lowell Street ^chool upon com-
pletion of the neer building. This arrangement erould make available 69 elementary
classrooms leaving one elementary classroom over estimated requirements. There
are some who believe that the building will be fully occupied when it opens due
to additional housing units in the town now in the process of construction.
However, the projected enrollment for the school year 1958-59 will immediately
absorb this additional room. The opening of this school will also release the
rooms in the Junior and Senior High School buildings housing elementary school
pupils so that these buildings can take care of increased enrollment at the
secondary level.
The educational specifications include auxiliary rooms similar in nature
to those now available at the Joshua Eaton School. These include:
1. A cafetorium (combination auditorium and cafeteria)
2. Playroom
3. Administration office space
4. Health room
5. Teacherst room
6. Small library and remedial work room
7. Storage space for various purposes
8. Toilet facilities
5
The specifications for the size of the 18 classrooms are in line with those approved
by the Building Assistance Commission.
SELECTION OF AN ARCHITECT
The committee was unanimous in the opinion that one of their most important
tasks was the selection of an architect. Representatives of 12 architectural firms
or architects in person appeared before the committee in a series of interviews.
Stenographic notes and tape recordings of the interviews were prepared for final
evaluation and appraisal. Visits were made by committee members to communities
where school buildings were being constructed or where in actual use. Inquiries
were made as to the quality of work and services rendered by the architect in
question as well as the degree of supervision offered by the architect while the
building was under construction. nfker considerable deliberation, and through a
process of screening and elimination, the committee selected '.Nr. Clinton Foster
Goodwin, of Haverhill, to prepare preliminary plans and specifications for the
new school. The committee felt that �Ir. Goodwin had a thorough knowledge of school
building design, economical construction methods, and efficient use of building
materials; that he would work harmoniously with other people; that he was willing
and able to follow educational specifications in designing a school; that his
organization included the necessary trained personnel to provide all the engineer-
ing services required in connection with the construction of the school; that on
the basis of his work in other communities he would render satisfactory service
and design an economical structure that would utilize to the best advantage the
topography of the selected site; and, finally, that he would supply the needed
personal supervision to the work in the event that the Town authorized the con-
struction of the building, since it was his policy to undertake only a selected
group of contacts which his staff could adequately supervise and service. After
working with the architect for a period of seven months now, the members of the
committee are confident that they made a wise selection in the appointment of Mr.
6
Goodwin.
1'011C OF TE COII{ITT.� AND ABCI:ITECT TO DATE
I In the initial conferences with the architect, the committee set up the
following items as guideposts to be co::sidered in the preparation of preliminary
plans.
A. Design building to meet the prepared educational specifications.
B. Every effort to be made to secure low cost construction in relation to
design, materials of construction, etc.
C. Careful study be made of site to determine:
1. Best design and location of building; i.e., utilization of site to
best advantage, tahether one-story, t;;ro-storr, split-level design, cost being
an important factor.
2, Amount of led,e and excavation necessary; adequate number of test
borings, soundings and test pits be used to sec, rc accurate data.
II While the architect was in the process of completing his engineering studies
of the site and preparing his preliminary -glans for a building, the committee in-
vestigated the prefabricated type of school building. Considerable publicity
has been given by the newspapers to this type of construction as a means of saving
substantial sums in school building costs. The Committee investigated three
different types of pre-fab schemes that are available.
The first of these was frame construction with plasterboard walls. These,
in the opinion of the committee, are not suitable for grade school use and would
be an item of high maintenance costs. This type of building uses a roof con-
struction identical with that being proposed for the new school and similarly is
'built on a concrete slab.
The othe7 two pre-fabs are built with a view to mass production of steel wall
units. At the present time these wall units are made only on a special order
has.`s� Consegnertly, the sponsors of these pre-fab units are forced to admit that
there is no cost advantage to their schools if built new before mass production
7
is possible.
III On October 26th the architect submitted the following report to the committee
to accompany his preliminary sketches of the proposed school:
A. Description of the site:
The site is located on the southerly side of Forest Street, about
2600 feet easterly from ?lain Street, and consists of about 9 acres of
quite heavily wooded land which slopes southerly from Forest Street to
Birch Meadow,,. Birch ?Meadow is owned by the Town of heading and is now
being developed as a Recreational Area for the use of the residents of
the Town.
As now proposed, a new road to be called Birch I'teadow Drive, will be con-
structed around the perimeter of the Birch ifeadow Tract. This road will
become the southerly boundary of the land selected as the site for the
new is lementary School. A new road rill connect Forest Street with Birch
ifeadow Drive, this road to be located near tine easterly boundary of the
Elementary School property. It will therefore serve the school from two
directions.
B. Location of the School:
The proposed school will be located on the south central portion of the
tract, and on the most level portion of the area. This will provide easy
access to the road connecting Forest Street with Birch iieadow Drive on
the easterly side of the building thus allowing plenty of play space on
the north, west and south sides of the structwe.
C. Site Development:
It is proposed to clear the areas in close proximity to the building to
provide for paved play spaces, and the partially cleared sections will
furnish more natural surroundings for play. Using this liethod of site
development, the best trees will be saved, and will provide a naturalis-
tic setting and surroundings for the building.
The wooded areas remaining in the tract will be left more or less in their
natural state, e:ccept that hurricane debris and all large pines will be
removed.
The fact that a large recreation area exists along the southerly side of the
tract would seem to preclude the necessity of providing large spaces for
organized play within the tract.
An entrance drive will serve the main entrance and a secondary entrance on
the easterly side of the building and will also provide access to the kitchen
where a loading platform at truck floor height has been designed. Parking
z space has been provided for 71 cars in various locations on the site, all
readily available to the building.
8
D. Building Description:
The proposed building would be one story in height throughout its entire
area and has no basement except under the kitchen, which area will be ex-
cavated to accommodate Boiler Room, a Transformer Vault and space for an
Incinerator.
The classroom wings are covered with low pitched roofs as in the Adminis-
trative sections and the kitchen, while the Play room and the Ca£etorium
will be of higher construction and are covered with flat roofs.
The shape of the building has been largely dictated by the topography of
the lot upon which it is to be set and soundings have been taken at close
intervals over the entire area allocated for the building to determine
soil conditions, presence of ledge and drainage requirements.
A total of 46 borings and 8 test pits were dug at various locations within
and around the perimeter of the building. In addition, 10 tests were made
on the road near the Forest Street entrance. These tests indicate that some
ledge is present in the area where the excavation is to be made for the
Boiler room. However, this is not considered to be of a serious or costly
nature, and will pose no difficult problem in relation to the construction
of the building.
IV The committee, after making a very careful study of the preliminary plans as
submitted by the architect, accepted the general design but made numerous
suggestions as to details of the plan. These suggestions were incorporated in a
new series of sketches which Frere then submitted to the Building Assistance
Commission in Boston. The Commission studied the plans, arranged for a meeting
with the Building Co:mnittee, requested that minor changes be incorporated in the
plan, and then formally accepted and approved the project after the necessary
forms were completed and filed by the Building Committee.
V Cost of the Building Project:
Building, General Contract
(Including site development) 'S69o,000.oc
Architectfs Fee . $6,$00.00
Equipment 54,200.00
Contingency Fund
(Including Clerk of `corks and clerical) 49,300.00
Total Cost ''-850,000.00
VI Cost Analysis:
It is very difficult to compare costs of any two schools not designed and
9
built by the same architect, in which case a complete comparison mould be avail-
able. It must be realized that nationally over the past few years it has been
the trend to simplify school buildings. I£ we were to build a school similar in
design to the Joshua Eaton School, with its extensive play areas, then we would
be requesting an appropriation of ;;1,100,000.00. This figure is based on con-
struction cost indices published by the Engineering Flews Record, which is the
accepted authority in the construction. industry.
VII The Building Committee prepared a brochure showing plans of the school, and
giving pertinent facts about the whole building project. This brochure was mailed
to all occupants of dwellings in Reading. The Committee pointed out in this pam-
phlet that it recognizes that to properly service the Forest Street School, the
construction of Birch leadmy Drive from 0_i'<land Road to John Carver Road, and the
road connecting Forest Street tc Birch Meadow Drive should be completed coincident
to the construction of the school, as recommended in the report of the Birch
Committee.Study Conittee. The Doard of Public 'iorks estimates, on the basis of their
engineering studies, the cost of the Forest Street to Birch Meadow Road to be
34,600.0C This Board estimates the cost of the construction of the Birch Meadow
Drive to be `i46,000.00, although this estimate is not based on recent, firm
engineering stidues.
VIII The Committee wishes to report that it has held meetings with the various
Town Boards listed below to give in detail a report of their work and progress
to date:
1. School Committee
2. Board of Public Works
3. Planning Board
4. Board of Selectmen
S. Finance Committee
On the basis of an appropriation of � 8$0,OOC.00 being approved by the Town,
the Finance Committee has suggested the financing of the project in the following
manner:
10
From Wailable funds :. 50,000.00
i ithin debt limit :,4003000.00
Outside debt limit 400,O(O.00
Total Bond Issue 8)0,000.00
Total Appropriation 850,0G0.00
The Stale will share in this cost to the extent of aparoximal;ely 3):%, or
about 289,0^0.00, making the cost to the Torn, excluding interest, 561,0"0.00.
IX From the very beginning of its work, the committee has realized that it was
necessary to proceed on a definite time schedule of operation if it eras to meet
the deadline of having a school building ready for occupancy in September 1957:
the date set in the report on additional schoolhouse facilities. In the opinion
of the architect, unless unforseen di.."ficulties or e:iergencies should arise, the
target date could be met if detailed dra. i.ngs could be started not later than
the first of February 1956. Drm!ings and spec`_£ications would then be available
for bids so that contracts could be let in time tc start cork on the building
late in the Spring of 1956.
These facts constitute the reasoning bac'.: of the request of the committee
that the -hole ratter be brought to the attention or the To*•n at a Special Torn
Neeting to be held not later than January 30, 1956.
Januar•^•/ 26, 1956
Report of the Building Committee
For Proposed -crest Street Elementary School
The Elementary School Building Committee, established under Article 31 of the
Warrant for the Annual Tonin teeting of 1955, submits herewith its report and
recommendations for the construction of an ele^;entary school on a site located
south of Forest Street on land previously purchased by the Town for this purpose.
The need for the construction of a new elementary school was clearly estab-
lished by the report of the corrittoe appointed to stud;- the problem of additional
school house facilities. This report was presented to and accepted by the Town
at the Annual 1955 =ieeting, and included among its recommendations the fol.lol�?' a,
items:
1. Authorize money for the preparation of plans and surveys for the con-
struction of an elementary school of appro;:imately 16 rooms to open in September
i
1957.
2. Establish a School Building Committee for the purpose of the constructicn
of an elementary school.
Articles 31 and 32 of the Town '..-arrant for 1955 dealing with these
recommendations, were submitted by the School Committee and so voted by the Town
on motions as follows:
"Article 31. On motion of Philip R. Uhite, it ras voted that there
be and hereby is established a iuileing Committee for the purpose of
the construction of an Elementary School upon land owned by the Town
on Forest Street, such Committee to consist of seven members, one to
be chosen from the School Co- mittee, one from the Board of Public
4dorks, one from the France Co=ittee and four to be appointed at
large by the Board of Selectmen.
"Article 32. On motion of Philip R. White it was voted that the sum
of Thirteen and 83/100 Dollars (9;13.83) be transferred from the New
High School Preliminary Plans Account, and Ninety-nine Hundred Eighty-
six and 17/100 Dollars (^x9986.17) be raised from the Tax Levy and
i said sums aggregating Ten Thousand Dollars %"lO,OX.00) be appropriated
for consulting engineers and architectural services, preliminary plans and
2
surveys for the construction of a new Elementary School upon land
owned by the Tam on Forest Street, and the Town Accountant be and
hereby is authorized and instructed to transfer said sum to carry
out the purpose of this vote."
The Building Committee, as established by Article 31, included the
following:
1. Edward W. Palmer
John H. Austin
Thomas F. Galvin Appointed by the Board of Selectmen
William E. Florence
2. William E. Burpee appointed by the School Committee.
3. Kenneth R. Johnson appointed by the Board of Public Works.
4. Emerson A. Willard appointed by the Finance Committee.
In November Mr. Edward Palmer found it necessary to resign from the committee
due to a transfer in his business operations from Boston to New York. The Board of
Selectmen appointed Mr. George R. Larson to serve on the committee to fill the
vacancy caused by the resignation of Hr. Palmer.
The Building Committee held its first meeting on May 31, 1955, and for the
purpose of organization elected Mr. Edward Palmer chairman, and Mr. John Dustin
secretary. After the resignation of PSr. Palmer the committee elected John Austin
chairman, and Thomas Galvin secretary. Since its first meeting on !lay 31st the
committee has met thirty times.
PRELI:-11TARY PLANNING
In the initial stages of the work, the committee accomplished the following
tasks:
1. Held the required "Building Needs Conference" at 88 Broad St., Boston,
with the School Building Assistance Commission, received instructions for procedure
to follow to secure approval of the construction project.
2. Divided committee into teams to visit and secure all necessary informati.o_1
relating to new schools in the Commonwealth in the process of construction or
3
recently constructed.
3. Secured lists of school architects and invited those interested to appear
before the committee for intervimis. A prepared set of guide questions was set up
in preparation for these interviews.
4. Made tours and a careful study of the school site to determine a possible
location for a building on the selected site.
5. As a result of the site studies, the committee recommended the relocation
of the so-called Birch Meadow Drive as tentatively laid out on maps of the area
prepared for the Birch -3eadow Study Committee. A study of the topographical survey,
made of the Forest Street School site indicate the reasons for this change, namely,
the fact that the proposed road, as originally planned, cut into the site at a
point where there was a sharp dropoff in the land in close proximity to the
con-sidered location of the school, also at a point where there was considerable out
cropping of ledge which would make for an increased cost in road construction.
The committee further agreed that the relocation of this road would contribute to
the safety of the children using the area as well as add to the natural beauty of
this particular spot. By unanimous vote the School Committee approved of this
action.
EDUCATIONAL SPFCIFICATIONS
No school building committee can plan a new building intelligently without a
considerable knowledge and understanding of the educational program. The committee
must, therefore, work closely with the School Committee and the Superintendent of
Schools in order to properly evaluate the educational specifications for the
building. The specifications for the Forest Street School were prepared by the
Superintendent of Schools in consultation with the members of the staff of the
MM schools and others qualified in the planning of economical and functional school
4
buildings. After several preliminary drafts, the specifications were approved
by the Massachusetts Building Assistance Commission, the School Committee, and
accepted by the Building Corv.ittee.
The specifications were based largely on the needs as outlined in the report
previously referred to in relation to additional school house facilities. There
are now 55 available classrooms in our elementary school buildings. In September
1955, 61 elementary classrooms were needed. The 6 rooms over capacity were housed
in the Junior High School and the Senior High School buildings.
In September 1956 we shall need 63 elementary classrooms, and due to increased
enrollment it is estimated that when the school year of 1957-58 arrives there wilt
be a need for 68 elementary rooms. On this basis it seemed advisable to recommen:
the construction of an 18-room building since the Committee on Additional School-
house Facilities recommended the closing of the Lowell Street School upon com-
pletion of the nmu building. This arranCement would make available 69 elementary
classrooms, leaving one elementary classroom over estimated requirements. There
are some who believe that the building will be fully occupied when it opens due
to additional housing units in the town nom in the process of construction.
However, the projected enrollment for the school year 1958-59 will immediately
absorb this additional room. The opening of this school will also release the
rooms in the Junior and Senior High School buildings housing elementary school
pupils so that these buildings can take care of increased enrollment at the
secondary level.
The educational specifications include auxiliary rooms similar in nature
to those now available at the Joshua Eaton School. These include:
1. A cafetorium (combination auditorium and cafeteria)
2. Playroom
3. Administration office space
4. Health room
5. Teachers' room
6. Small library and remedial :cork room
7. Storage space for various purposes
8. Toilet facilities
5
The specifications for the size of the 18 classrooms are in line with those approved
by the Building Assistance Commission.
SELECTION OF AS ARCHITECT
The committee was unanimous in the opinion that one of their most important
tasks was the selection of an architect. Representatives of 12 architectural firms
or architects in person appeared before the committee in a series of interviews.
Stenographic notes and tame recordings of the interviews were prepared for final
evaluation and appraisal. Visits were made by committee members to communities
where school buildings were being constructed or where in actual use. Inquiries
were made as to the quality of *.cork and services rendered by the architect in
question as well as the degree of supervision offered by the architect while the
building was under construction. 4fter considerable deliberation, and through a
process of screening and elimination,, the committee se-ected 'Lr. Clinton Foster
Goodwin, of Haverhill, to prepare preliminary plans and specifications for the
nee: school. The committee felt That "s. Soodwin had a thorough knowledge of school
building design, economical construction methods, and efficient use of building
materials; that he could work harmoniously with other people; that he was willing
and able to follow educational specifications in designing a school; that his
organization included the necessary trained personnel to provide all the engineer—
ing services required in connection with the construction of the school; that on
the basis of his work in other communities he would render satisfactory service
and design an economical structure that would utilize to the best advantage the
topography of the selected site; and, finally, that he would supply the needed
Personal supervision to the work in the event that the Town authorized the con—
struction of the building, since it ras his policy to undertake only a selected
group of cont_rcts which his staff could adequately supervise and service. After
working wi6h t':o erchitect for a period of seven months now, the members of the
committee are confident that they made a wise selection in the appointment of Mr.
6
Goodwin.
OP THl C0'41I^TiT AND ARCHITECT TO RATE
I In the initial conferences with the architect, the cortmittee set up the
following items as guideposts to be co::sidered in the preparation of preliminary
plans.
A. Design building to meet the prepared educational specifications.
B. Every effort to be made to secure 1017 cost construction in relation to
design, materials of construction, etc.
C. Careful study be made of site to determine:
L; Best desig:.i and location of building; i.e., utilization of site to
best advantage, whether one-story, two-story, split-level design, cost being
an important factor.
2. Amount of ledge and excavation necessary; adequate number of test
borings, soundings and test pits be used to secure accurate data,
Il While the architect was in the process of completing his engineering studies
of the site and preparing his preliminary plans for a building, the committee in-
vestigated the prefabricated type of school building. Considerable publicity
has been given by the newspapers to this type of construction as a mems of saving
substantial sums in school building costs. The Committee investigated three
different types of pre-fab schemes that are available.
The first of these uses frame construction with plasterboard walls. These,
in the opinion of the committee, are not suitable for grade school use and would
be an item of high maintenance costs. This type of building uses a roof con-
struction identical with that being, proposed for the new school and similarly is
built on a concrete slab.
The other two pre-fabs are built with a view to mass production of steel wall
units. At the present time these wall units are made only on a special order
bas-.s. Cons-qucntly, the sponsors of these pre-fab units are forced to admit that
thare is no cost advantage to their schools if built now before mass production
7
Is possible.
III On October 26th the architect submitted the following report to the committee
to accompany his preliminary sketches of the proposed school:
A. Description of the site:
The site is located on the southerly side of Forest Street, about
2600 feet easterly from "gain Street, and consists of about 9 acres of
quite heavily wooded land which elopes southerly from Forest Street to
Birch :Meadow. Birch tieadow is owned by the Town of Beading and is now
being developed as a Recreational Area for the use of the residents of
the Town.
As now proposed, a new road to be called Birch 'zmadow Drive, will be con-
structed around the perimeter of the Birch --aeadrn: Tract. This road will
become the southerly boundary of the land selected as the site for the
new i:lementary School. A. new road rill connect Forest Street with Birch
Headow Drive, this road to be located near the easterly boundary of the
Elementary School property. It will therefore serve the school from two
directions.
B. Location of the School:
The proposed school will be located on the south central portion of the
tract, and on the most level portion of the area. This will provide easy
access to the road connecting Forest Street with Birch +endow Drive on
the easterly side of the building thus allowing plenty of play space on
the north, west and south sides of the structure.
C. Site Development:
It is proposed to clear the areas in close proximity to the building to
provide for paved play spaces, and the partially cleared sections will
furnish more natural surroundings for play. Using thisnethod of site
development, the best trees will be saved, and will provide a naturalis.
tic setting and surroundings for the building.
The wooded areas remaining in the tract will be left more or less in their
natural state, e::cept that hurricane debris and all large pines will be
removed.
The fact that a large recreation area exists along the southerly side of the
tract would seem to preclude the necessity of providing large spaces for
organized nlay within the tract.
An entrance drive will serve the main entrance and a secondary entrance on
the easterly side of the building and will also provide access to the kitchen
where a loading platform at truck floor height has been designed. Parking
space has been provided for 71 cars in various locations on the site, all
readily available to the buildin ^.
8
D. Building Description:
The proposed building would be one story in height throughout its entire
area and has no basement except under the kitchen, which area will be ex-
cavated to accommodate boiler Room, a Transformer Vault and space for an
Incinerator.
The classroom wings are covered with low pitched roofs as in the Adminis-
trative sections and the kitchen, while the Play room and the Cafetorium
will be of higher construction and are covered with flat roofs.
The shape of the building has been largely dictated by the topography of
the lot upon which it is to be set and soundings have been taken at close
intervals over the entire area allocated for the building to determine
soil conditions, presence of ledge and drainage requirements.
A total of 46 borings and 8 test pits were dug at various locations within
and around the perimeter of the building. In addition, 10 tests were made
on the road near the Forest Street entrance. These tests indicate that some
ledge is present in the area where the excavation is to be made for the
Boiler room. However, this is not considered to be of a serious or costly
nature, and will pose no difficult problem in relation to the construction
of the building.
IV The committee, after making a very careful study of the preliminary plans as
submitted by the architect, accepted the general design but made numerous
suggestions as to details of the plan. These suggestions were incorporated in a
new series of sketches which mere then submitted to the Building Assistance
Commission in Boston. The Commission studied the plans, arranged for a meeting
with the Building Committee, requested that minor changes be incorporated in the
plan, and then formally accepted and approved the project after the necessary
forms were completed and filed by the Building Committee.
V Cost of the Building Project:
Building, General Contract
(Including site development) 'y690,000.o0
Architect's Fee 56,500.00
Equipment 54,200.00
Contingency Fund
(Including Clerk of 1Torks and clerical) 49,300.00
Total Cost '.850,000.00
VI Cost Analysis:
It is very difficult to compare costs of any two schools not designed and
9
built by the same architect, in which case a complete comparison would be avail-
able. It must be realized that nationally over the past few years it has been
the trend to simplify school buildings. If we were to build a school similar in
design to the Joshua Baton School, with its extensive play areas, then we mould
be requesting an appropriation of � 1,100,00C.00. This figure is based on con-
struction cost indices published by the Engineering News Record, which is the
accepted authority in the construction industry.
VII The Building Committee prepared a brochure showing plans of the school, and
giving pertinent facts about the whole building project. This brochure was mailed
to all occupants of dwellings in Reading. The Committee pointed out in this pam-
phlet that it recognizes that to properly service the Forest Street School, the
construction of Birch leado+ Drive from 0_0<land Road to John Carver Road, and the
road connecting Forest Street to Birch '4eadow Drive should be completed coincident
to the construction of the school, as recommended in the report of the Birch
;Meadow Study Committee. The Doard o Public '-forks estimates, on the basis of their
engineering studies, the cost of the Forest Street to Birch Meadow Road to be
31.,600.00 This Board estimates the cost of the construction of the Birch '4eadow
Drive to be `)1+6,000.00, although this estimate is not based on recent, firm
engineering stidues.
VIII The Committee wishes to report that it has held meetings with the various
Town Boards listed below to give in detail a report of their work and progress
to date:
1. School Committee
2. Board of Public l?orks
3. Planning Board
4. Board of Selectmen
5. Finance Committee
On the basis of an appropriation of ',8$0,000.00 being approved by the Town,
the Finance Committee has suggested the financing of the project in the following
manner:
10
From 418ilab'_e funds 50,000.00
iiithin debt limit i,400,OCO.00
Outside debt limit 400,000.00
Total Bond Issue 800,00,0.00
Total App-ropriation 850,000.00
The Sta-;,e will share in this cost to the extent of approximately 3h , or
about „289,0^0.00, making the cost to the Tei-n, excluding interest, '.561,0,0.00.
IX From the very beginning, o2 its -ork, the comittee has realized that it was
necessary to proceed on a definite time schedule of operation if it 7!as to meet
the deadline of having a school building ready for occupancy in September 1957:
the date set in the report on adC..i.tioual schoolhouse facilities. In the opinion
of the architect, unless unforsecn diMculties or e-iergencies should arise, the
target date could be met if detailed dra,, in.^s could be started not later than
the first of February 1956. Drai ings and spec-:fications would then be available
for bids so that contracts could be let in time to start cork on the building
late in the Spring of 1956.
These facts constitute the reasoning back of the request of the committee
that the ,:chole natter be brought to the attention of the Tonin at a Special To.-n
Meeting to be held not later than Jarman. 30, 1956.
January 26, 1956
Special Town Meeting January 30, 1956 65
CO'1TTO S'1MLTTT 07 'r.SSA CHCSSTTS
Middlesex, s., . Town of Reading
REPORT OF 'TIE BOARD OF PUBLIC 71ORIiS ON
TT'E LAYING OUT OF ARTIn'R B. LORD DRIVE
The Board of Public works of the Town of Reading having determined
and adjudged that common convenience and necessity require the laying
out of a Town `Nay under the provisions of law authorizing the assess-
ment of betterments, substantially in the location hereinafter de-
scribed, having complied with all requirements of law relating to no-
tice to the owners of land thereof and of a hearing thereon, and hav-
ing met at the time and place appointed for such hearing and then and
there heard all persons present who desired to be heard, have laid out
as a Town way for the use of the Town running Southerly and South-
easterly from Forest Street to Birch Meadow (Proposed) Drive substan-
tially as and in the location of the private way known as Arthur B.
Lord Drive, the boundaries and measurements of said way as so laid
out are as follows:
Beginning at a point on the Southerly side line of said
Forest Street, said point being Southwesterly, a distance of
280.01 feet measured along the curved Southerly side line of
Forest Street, having a radius of 397.79 feet, from a county
stone bound set at a point of curve:
Thence by a curved line to the Left, running in a South-
westerly direction, havin¢ a radius of 2$.80 feet, by lands
of the Inhabitants of the Town of Reading, a length of 39.69
feet to a point of compound curve ;
Thence by another curved line to the Left, running in a
Southeasterly direction, having a radius of 128.13 feet , still
by lands of the said 'nhabitants of the Toi^m of Reading, a
length of 90-37 feet to a point of tangent;
Thence S .li.6"-25' -OO"E. still by lands of the said Inhabitants
of the Town o" Reading a distance of 171.32 feet to a point of
curve;
Thence by a_ curved line to the Right, running in a South-
easterly direction, having a radius of 285.00 feet, still by
lands of the said Inhabitants of the Town of Reading, a length
of 130.35 feet to a oint of tangent;
Thence S.20o-12' -P}O"E„ still by lands of the said Inhabi-
tants of the Torn of Reading a distance of 337.21 feet to a
point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to the Left, running in a South-
easterly direction, having a radius of 25.00 feet, still by
lands of the said Inhabitants of the Town of Reading, a
length of 49.L4 feet to a point of tangent;
Thence 5.�460-28' -30"11% still by lands of the said Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Reading and along, the Northwesterly side
of Birch ':meadow (Proposed) Drive, a distance of 112.19 feet to
a point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to the Left, running in a North-
westerly direction, having a radius of 30.00 feet, still by
lands of the said Inhabitants of the Town of Reading, a length
of 3 ..92 feet to a point of tangent;
Thence N.200-121 -40"11. , still by lands of the said Inhabi-
tants of the Torn of Reading a distance of 377.01 feet to a
point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to the Left, running in a North-
westerly direction, having a radius of 23$.00 feet, still by
lands of the said Inhabitants of the Town of Reading, a length
of 107.1.9 feet to a point of tangent;
Thence IT.V)0-25' -00"w. , still by lands of the said Inflabi-
tants of the Town of Reading a distance of 171.32 feet to a
point of curve;
Thence by a curved line to Vae Right, running in a North-
westerly direction, havin> a radius of 178 .13 feet still by
lands of the said Inhe.b itants of the Town of Reading, a length
of 151.51 feet to a point of reverse curve;
Thence Inv curved line to the Left, running in a North
westerly direction, having a radius of 29 .73 feet still by
lands of th-c said In'.:ebitants of the Town of Reading, a length
of 93.52 feet to a point on the said Southerly side line of
Forest Street;
66
Special Town Meeting Jcnuary 30, 1956
Thence by the said surved Southerly side line of Forest Street
to the Left, running in a Southeasterly direction, having a radi-
us of 397.79 feet by the said Southerly side line of Forest Street,
a length of 95.00 feet to the point of beginning of this descrip-
tion.
The above described lines being more fully shown on a Plan en-
titled "Arthur B. Lord Drive, Reading, Mass . " dated Janjary 1955,
Board of Public ^locks, James T. Putnam, Superintendent, said Plan
being a part of this description.
We determine that no damage will be sustained by any person or
persons in their property by reason of thetaking to be made for
this improvenont.
This le-riny out so made by us vie hereby report to the Town for
acceptance and recommend that said gray shall thereafter be known
as a Public Town Way and n:.ned Arthur B. Lord Drive .
(signed) Rarold D. Kil=ore, Jr. Chmm
I.enneth R. Johnson
Domenick Zanni, Jr.
Members of the Board
of Public Works
Town of Reading
ARTICLE. 12. On motion of Harold D. Kilrore, Jr. it was voted
th,t the sum of Twenty-one Thousand (""219000. ) Dollars be raised
and apnropriated for the construction of sewers, sewerage works
and other sewerage facilities in Willow Street, from the willow
Street SewaPe Pumping Station to 'lest Street, said appropriation
shall be apportioned as follows; 'dine Thousand Four Hundred Fifty
Dollars for Salaries and Eleven Thousand Five IIundred
Fifty (N11,550. ) Dollars for Expenses, said summ to be expended by
and under the direction of the Board of ?public Works, and that the
Town Accountant be and hereby is authorized and instructed to trans-
fer said sitm to carry out the purpose of this vote.
On motion of Kenneth C . Latham it ',.!s voted to take Article 1
from the table .
On :notion of Kenneth C . Latham it wasz
- oted t'nat ticle 1 be
indefinitely postponed.
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it. rias voted to adjourn, sine die,
at 13: U P.
132 Precinct "embers acre present .
A true copy
Att�2t
Town Clerk
I
�.p�til�tftDlt
NJjtrt6s, it was voted at the Special Town Meeting on January 30, 1956 that
the Town Clerk be authorized to prepare a suitable resolution honor-
ing and commemorating
Mr. iftuturt ]�. Palms, Zntnn marmotl
for his long, faithful and honorable service which he has rendered to
and in behalf of the Town of Reading over the past twenty,eight
years,now
i1fitrtfort. Be It Resolved, that the Town of Reading extend to Mr. Davis
its humble expression of esteem for him in serving the Town faithfully
and well, and its best wishes for good health, success, and prosperity
for many years to come.
A true copy.
Attest: �/YJ
Town Clerk