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ARTICLE XXj. Section 4. On motion of Stephen W. Carr it was voted to
amend this section as follows:
Section 4. Public Buildings. No person shall gamble, or keep, use
or have in his possession any spirituous or intoxicating liquor, in any
building or room owned or occupied by the Town, except as otherwise auth-
orized by special statute or General Laws.
It was further voted to include a sentence in these By-Laws, point-
ing out that wherever the word "he " or "his" was used, this also re-
ferred to "she" or "her".
ARTICLE III. Section 2. On motion of George Theophanis, as amended by
Robert S. Cummings, it was voted to amend this section as follows:
Section 2. The members of the Finance Committee who are'.in-office
atitheatime :.this=Byl-Saw becomes effective shall hold office until the ex-
piration of the term for which they were appointed. An appointment Com-
mittee consisting of the Moderator, the Board of Selectmen, and Chairman
of the Finance Committee, chaired by the Moderator, shall appoint five (5)
members each year for a term of three (3) years, the terms of said mem-
bers to expire on the first day o£ M yyT Finance Committee member
shall serve for more than three ( 3�7^ irm . vRny vacancy on the Committee
shall be filled bVptol omm ttee.
ARTICLE 111. Section 4. It was voted that this section be amended as
followsi also - - the work Moderator to read Appointment
Committcfion 4. If any member of the Finance Committee is absent from
three ( 3) or more_syyccessive meetings of the Finance Committee, the
other members of -Y'69- Committee may by an affirmative vote of its major-
ity, request t� Co i' e o r page such absenting member from its
membership andR�' mi
€hereafter, so remove such member and
shall notify him by mail of such removal.
ARTICLE II. On motion of Carl H. Amon, Jr. , it was voted to insert
after Rule 16 of this Article the following:
' Rule 17. On each Article in a Warrant, involving the expenditure
of money, the Finance Committee shall advise the Town Meeting as to its
recommendations and the reasons therefor.
ARTICLE VI. Section 4. On motion of Carl H. Amon, Jr. , it was voted
to amend this section by inserting the words "When requested by any Town
Board, Committee, Commission or Officer" after the phrase "It shall be
the duty of the Town Counsel".
at the Annual Toon Meeting held
ARTICLE V. The motion, as made by Carl H. Amon, Jr. yyff on March 20,
1972, and as amended per foregoing amendments, was voted &animously and
the following General By-Laws for the Town of Reading were adopted:
1. Repeal Articles I through XVIII inclusive, and to substitute therefor
the following:
ARTICLE I
Town Meetings
Section 1. The Annual Town Meeting shall be held on the first Sat-
urday of March of each year for the election of Town Officers and for
such other matters as are required by law to be determined by ballot.
Section 2. All business of the Annual Town Meeting, except the
' election of such officers and the determination of such matters as are
required by law to be elected or determined by ballot, shall be consid-
ered at an adjournment of such meeting to be held at 8:00 P. M. on the
second Monday after the first Saturday of March.
Section 3. The polls for the Annual Town Meeting shall be opened
at 8:00 A. M. and shall remain open until 7:00 P. M.
Section 4. Adjourned sessions of every annual Town Meeting, after
the first such adjourned session provided for in Section 2 0£ this Arti-
cle, shall be held on the following Thursday at 8:00 P. M. and then on
the following Saturday at 9:00 A. M. and on consecutive Mondays, Thurs-
days and Saturdays unless a resolution to adjourn to another time is
adopted by a two-thirds ( 2/3) vote of the Town Meeting Members present
and voting.
20 L Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972
Section 5. The Board of Selectmen shall give notice of the An-
nual Town Meeting by causing an attested copy of the Warrant calling
the same to be posted in at least three ( 3) public places in each
precinct of the Townnot less than fourteen (14) days prior to each
meeting and either by causing such attested copy to be published at
least fourteen (14) days prior to the time of holding such meeting,
in a newspaper published in the Town or by mailing an attested copy
of said Warrant to each Town Meeting Member at least fourteen (14) days
prior to the time of holding said meeting.
Section 6. The Board of Selectmen shall give notice of each
Special Town Meeting. by causing an attested copy of the Warrant call-
ing for same to be posted. in at least three ( 3) public places in each
precinct of the Town not .less than seven (7) days prior to each meet-
ing, and either by causing such attested copy to be published at least
seven (7) days prior to the time of holding such meeting, in a news-
paper published in the Town, or by mailing an attested copy of said
Warrant .to each Town Meeting Member at least seven (7) days prior to
the time of holding said meeting.
Section 7. All articles for the Annual Town Meeting shall be sub-
mitted to the Board of Selectmen not later than 8:00 P. M. on the sec-
ond Monday of January of the year for the Annual Town Meeting in which
action thereon is to be taken.
Section B. The Board of Selectmen, after drawing a Warrant for
a Town Meeting, shall immediately deliver a copy of such Warrant to
each member of the Finance Committee.
Section 9. Any representative Town Meeting held under the provi-
sions .o£ Chapter 7 of the Acts of 1943 shall be limifted to the Town
Meeting Members elected under Section 3 thereof, together with the
Moderator, Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Finance Committee, Chair-
man of the Personnel Board C-3Chairman of the Board of Public Works,
.Chairman of the Trustees ok) the Public Library, Chairman of the Planning
Board, Chairman of the Board of Cemetery Trustees and Chairman of the
Light Board, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen Chairman of the School
.Committee who are dsignated as Town Meeting Members at large. Any Town
Meeting Member who is both an elected member and a member-at4arge shall
be entitled to only one vote on each question or motion submitted to
the consideration of the Town Meeting.
ARTICLE II
Conduct of Town Meetings
Section 1. In the conduct of all Town Meetings the following rules
shall be observed:
Rule 1 All articles on the Warrant shall be taken up in the
order of their arrangement in the Warrant unless other-
. wise decided by a majority vote of the Members present.
: and voting.
Rule 2. Every person shall stand when speaking, shal;/respect-
fully address the Moderator, shall not speak until rec-
ognized by the Moderator, shall state his name, shall
confine himself to the question under debate and shall
avoid all personalities.
Rule 3 No person shall be privileged to speak or make a mo-
tion, until after he has been recognized by the Moderator. ,
Rule 4. No Town Meeting Member or person shall speak on any ques-
tion more than ten (10) minutes without first obtain-
ing the permission of the meeting. No Town Meeting Mem-
ber or person shall speak more than once on any question
until all others who desire to speak have spoken.
Rule 5 No speaker at a Town Meeting shall be interrupted except
by Member making a point of order or privileged mo-
tio kby the Moderator.
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25 , 1972 203
Rule 6 The Moderator shall decide all questions of order subject
to appeal to the meeting, the question on which appeal
shall be taken before any other. `
Rule 7 When a question is put, the sense of the meeting shall
be determined by the voices of the Members and the Mod-
erator shall declare the vote as it appears to him. If
the Moderator is unable to decide the vote by the sound
of the voices, or if his decision is immediately questioned
by seven (7) or more Members, he shall determine the ques-
tion by ordering a standing vote or a show of hands and
he shall appoint tellers to make and return the count
directly to him. On request of not less than twenty (20)
Members a vote shall be taken by roll call.
Rule 8. All original main motions having to do with the expen-
diture of money shall be presented in writing and all
other motions shall be in writing if so directed by, the
Moderator.
Rule 9 No motion shall be received and put until it is seconded.
No motion made and seconded shall be withdrawn if any Mem-
ber objects. No amendment not revelant to the subject of
the original motion shall be entertained.
Rule 10 When a question is under debate no motion shall be in
order except (1) to adjourn, (2) to lay on the table or
pass over, ( 3) to postpone for a certain time (4) to com-
mit, (5) to amend, (6) to postpone indefinitely, or (7)
to fix a time for terminating debate and putting the ques-
tion, and the aforesaid several motions shall have preced-
ence in the order in which they stand arranged in this
Rule.
Rule 11 Motions to adjourn (except when balloting for offices, and
when votes are being taken) shall always be first in order.
' Motions to adjourn, to lay on the table and to take from
the table shall be decided without debate.
Rule 12 The previous question shall be put in the following form
or in some other form having the same meaning: "Shall
the main question now be put?" , and until this question is
decided all debate on the main question shall be suspended.
If the previous question be adopted the sense of the meet-
ing shall immediately be taken upon any pending amendments,
in the order inverse to that in which they were moved, ex-
cept that the largest sum or the longest time shall be put
first, and finally upon the main question.
Rule 13 The duties of the Moderator and the conduct and method (df
proceeding at all Town Meetings, not prescribed by law or
by the Rules set forth in this Article, shall be determined
by the rules of practice set forth in Robert's Rules of
Order Revised, so far as they may be adapted to Town Meetings.
Rule 14 All committees shall be appointed by the Moderator unless
otherwise ordered by a vote of the Members present and
voting.
Rule 15 When the final report of a committee is placed in the hands
of the Moderator it shall be deemed to be received and a
' - vote to accept the same shall discharge the committee, but
shall not be equivalent to a vote to adopt it.
Rule 16 A majority of the Town Meeting Members shall constitute a
quorum for doing business.
Rule 17 On each Article in a Warrant involving the expenditure of
money the Finance Committee shall advise the Town Meeting
as to its recommendation and the reasons therefor.
204 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972
Section 2. It shall be the duty of every Town Officer, and the
duty of every elected or appointed Town Board or Committee by a mem-
ber thereof, to be in attendance at all Town Meetings for the informa-
tion thereof while any subject matter is under consideration effecting
such Officer, Board or Committee.
Section 3. All Committees shall report as directed by the Town
Meeting. If no report is made within a year after the appointment,
the Committee shall be discharged unless, in the meantime, the Town
Meeting grants an extension of time.
Section 4. A motion to reconsider any vote must be made before
the final adjournment of the meeting at which the vote was passed,
but such motion to reconsider shall not be made at an adjourned meet-
ing unless the mover has given notice of his intention to make such a
motion, either at the session of the meeting at which the vote was
passed, or by written notice to the Town Clerk within twenty-four (24)
hours after the adjournment of such session. There can be no recon-
sideration of a vote orce reconsidered, or after a vote not to recon-
sider. No article in the warrant shall again be taken into considera-
tion after it has been disposed of unless ordered by vote of two-thirds
(2/3) of the votes present.
Section 5. Notice of every vote to be reconsidered at an adjourned
town meeting shall be posted by the Town Clerk in two conspicuous public
places in each precinct of the Town as soon as possible after adjourn-
ment, and he shall, if practicable, at least one day before the time
of the next following session of said adjourned meeting, publish such
notice in some newspaper published in the Town. Said notice shall in-
clude the vote to be reconsidered and the place and time of the next
following session of said adjourned meeting.
Section 6. Any registered voter of the Town may speak at a Town
Meeting, having first identified himself to the Moderator as a regis-
tered voter of the Town. No registered voter shall speak on any ques-
tion more than five minutes without leave of the Town Meeting. Regis-
tered voters shall be given the privilege of speaking at Town Meetings '
only after all Town Meeting Members who desire to speak upon the ques-
tion upon consideration have first been given an opportunity to do so.
Officers and Bnard and Committee Members who are not Town Meeting Mem-
bers shall have the same right to speak, but not to vote, as Town Meet-
ing Members on all matters relating to their Office, Board or Committee.
Section 7. Any person having a monetary or equitable interest in
any matter under discussion at a Town Meeting and any person employed
by another having such an interest, stall disclose the fact of his int-
erest or his employer's interest before speaking thereon.
ARTICLE III
Finance Committee
Section 1. There shall be a Finance Committee consisting. of fif-
teen (15) voters of the Town. Eight (8) members of such committee
shall constitute a quorum. No member of the Finance Committee shall
be a Town Officer, member of an elected Board or Committee, or em-
ployee of the Town. A member of the Finance Committee can be an elected
Town Meeting Member.
Section 2. The members of the Finance Committee, who are in office
at the time this By-Law becomes effective, shall hold office until the
expiration of the term for which they were appointed. An Appointment '
Committee consisting of the Moderator, the Board of Selectmen and Chair-
man of the Finance Committee, chaired by the Moderator, shall appoint
five (5) members each year for a term of three ( 3) years, the terms of
said members to expire on the first day of May. No Finance Committee
member shall serve for more than three ( 3) consecutive terms. Any va-
cancy on the Committee shall be filled by the Appointment Committee.
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972 2 05
Section 3. Any member of the Finance Committee who shall be ap-
pointed or elected to any Town Office, board or other committee, shall
forthwith upon his qualification in such office, and any member who
shall move from the Town shall upon such moving, cease to be a member
of said Committee.
Section 4. If any member of the Finance Committee is absent from
three (3) or more syccessive meetings of the Finance Committee the
other members of := Committee may by an affirmative vote of its major-
ity request the Appointment Committea4o remove such absenting member
from his membership and thelppointment Commitlee may thereafter so re-
move such member and shall notify him by mail of such removal.
Section 5. The Finance Committee shall annually appoint a Clerk
of the Committee who shall not be a member thereof. The Finance Commit-
tee shall meet at the calLof said Clerk by May 10 of each year and shall
then elect its Chairman and Vice Chairman.
Section 6. The Finance Committee shall consider all matters of busibess
included within the Articles of any Warrant, which involve the expendi-
ture, appropriation and raising or borrowing of money.
Section 7. The Finance Committee shall make a written recommendation
on all Articles that ib; has considered, and the Town Clerk shall mail said
written recommendations to each Town Meeting Member at least seven (7)
days prior to the second Monday after the first Saturday of March and
four (4) days in advance of any Special Town Meeting. The said recommend-
ations should be those of a majority of the entire Committee, but recom-
mendations may also be made by a minority of said Committee. The Com-
mittee's report shall also state the total amount of appropriations recom-
mended by it on the entire Warrant and the approximate tax rate based on
such recommendations.
Section 8. The Finance Committee, or its duly authorized agents,
shall have authority at any time to, and upon the petition of one hun-
dred citizens of the Town or a vote of the Town Meeting shall, investi-
gate at once the books, accounts, records and management of any Office,
Board or Committee of the Town and to employ such expert and other as-
sistante as it may deem advisable for that purpose; and the books, rec-
ords amd accounts of any Department and Office of the Town shall be open
to the inspection of the Committee and any person employed by it for
that purpose. The Committee Ehall have no power to incur any expenses
payable by the Town without authority for such expenses having first
been obtained from the Moderator and such expenses shall be
paid from the Finance Committee Reserve Fund.
Section 9. The Finance Committee in making its report upon any
subject referred to it shall arrange the report in clear and compact
form and shall divide it into separate propositions whenever in its
judgment such divisions may be desirable. The Committee shall attach
to each proposition its own recommendations.
Section 10. The various Town Boards, Officers and Committees charged
with the expenditure of Town money shall, not later than the thirty-first
day of December of each year, prepare detailed estimates of the amounts
deemed by them necessary for the administration of their respective Of-
fices or Departments forthe ensuing fiscal year with explanatory state-
ments of the reason for any substantial changes in the amounts appropriated
for the same purpose in the preceding year. They shall also prepare esti-
mates of all probable items of income which may be received by them during
the ensuing year in connection with the administration of their Departments
' or Offices. Such estimates and statements shall be filed by said thirty-
first day of December with the Town Accountant who shall immediately de-
liver copies of the same to the Finance Committee.
ARTICLE IV
Selectmen
Section 1. The Board of Selectmen shall have the general direction
and management of the property and affairs of the Town in all matters
not otherwise provided for by law or by these By-Laws.
206 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972
ARTICLE V
Executive Secretary
Section 1. The Board of Selectmen shall on or after April let in
each year appoint an Executive Secretary who shall serve under the pro-
visions of Chapter 41, Section 23-A of the General Laws, as amended,
until the following March 31st or until his successor is appointed.
Section 2. He shall act by and for the Board of Selectmen in any
matter which it may assign to him relating to the administration of
the affairs of the Town or of any Town Office or Department under its
supervision and control, or, with the approval of the Board of Select- '
men, may perform such other duties as may be requested of him by any
other Town Officer, Board, Committee or Commission.
ARTICLE VI
Law Committee and Town Counsel
Section 1. The Chairmen of the Board of Selectmen, Board of Pub-
lic Works, Municipal Light Board, School Committee, Board of Health,
Board of Assessors, Board of Library Trustees, Board of Cemetery Trus-
tees and Planning Board shall be the Law Committee of the Town, and
the Chairman of the Board of Selectmenshall be the Chairman of the Law
Committee. The Law Committee shall hereafter annually on or before the
first day of April, and whenever a vacancy shall exist, choose a compet-
ent lawyer or law firm to act as Town Counsel. The term of office of
said Town Counsel shall begin on the first day of April or the date of
his selection by the Law Committee and shall continue until the follow-
ing thirty-first day of March and until his successor is appointed.
Section 2. The Law Committee shall have authority to employ spec-
ial counsel whenever in its judgment necessity therefor arises. The
compensation for said special counsel shall be determined by the Law
Committee, subject to the appropriation of the Town therefor.
Section 3. The Law Committee shall have authority to institute, '
prosecute and defend through the Town Counsel all claims, actions, and
proceedings,to which':'the Townis a'.party or in which any right or inter-
est of the Town is involved. The Town Counsel shall not make any final
settlement of any litigation to which .the Town is a party unless he has
..been duly authorized by a vote of the Law Committee or by a. vote of the
Town Meeting. The Law Committee shal,l ;have the authority to compro-
mise and settle all suits involving the payment by the Town of Ten
Thousand Dollars ($10,000) or less. A Town Meeting must approve the
compromise or settlement of. all suits involving the payment by the Town
of more than TWo Thousand Dollars ($10,000) .
... Section 4. It shall be the duty of the Town Counsel ,Xhp requested
by any Town Board, Committee, Commission or Officer, tdraoprove all
bonds, deeds, leases, obligations, and other legal instruments to which
the Town is a party or in which any right or interest of the Town is
involved; to conduct the prosecution or defense of claims, actions,
and proceedings to which the Town is a party, and the prosecution of
actions or proceedings by or on behalf of any Town Officer, Board Mem-
ber or Committee Member or Commission Member as such; to conduct the de-
fense of any claim, action or proceeding brought against any Town Of-
.£icer, Board or. Committee as such when the Law Committee, having deter-
mined that any right or interests of the Town are or may be involved
therein, shall so request; to assist in the prosecution of complaints
for violatiom of any By-Law of the Town, when requested to do so by
the Board of Officer enforcing said By-Law; and, subject to the fore- ,
going provisions of this sentence, to perform all other professional
acts required of him by vote of the Town or any Board. or Committee of
the Town, in connection with matters concerning the Town or any Board
or Committee thereof, as such, and to furnish advice and written opin-
ions to and act for, any Town Officer who requests advice, opinions,
or action upon any subject relating to the duties of his office.
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972 207
Section 5. Immediately upon being notified by the Chief of Police,
Board of Selectmen, Town Clerk, or any other Officer of the Town, of
an injury to a person or property under circumstances which give rise to
a claim for damages against the Town, the Town Counsel or, upon his re-
quest, the said Board or Officer shall within ten (10) days make a care-
ful and complete ;investigation of all the facts relative thereto, and
in case of injuries to a person, Town. Counsel shall, if practicable, im-
mediately cause a physical examination of the injured person to be made
by a reputable physician and such other examinations as Town Counsel
desires. Within a reasonable time after the claim for damages for any
cause has been received by the Town Counsel he shall make a written re-
port to the Law Committee of the nature and circumstances of the claim,
together with such recommendations regarding the same as he deems ad-
visable.
Section 6. The Town Counsel shall annually make a written report
to the Law Committee concerning the professional services rendered by
him during the preceding year. Said report shall contain a statement
concerning each case settled, tried or otherwise disposed of during
the year, and a statement of the status of each pending case, toghther
with such other information and recommendations as he may deem advisable.
ARTICLE VII
Board of Public Works
Section 1. The Board of Public Works is hereby authorized and em-
powered to aid any city or town bordering upon Reading in repairing and
maintaining the physical properties of water supply systems of said cit-
ies or towns under authority of Section 39H of Chapter 40 of the General
Laws, as amended, and may extend such aid subject to such terms and con-
ditions as said Board may impose.
Section 2. The Board of Public Works shall establish a system for
the numbering of any building on or near the line of public or private
ways and shall prescribe by suitable rules and regulations the method
' in which ouch numbering shall be done.
Section 3. No person shall neglect or refuse to affix to any build-
ing owned by him the street number designated for such building by the
Board of Public Works or by the Building Inspector, acting in accordance
with the numbering system and the rules and regulations established by
the Board of Public Works, nor shall any person affix to or suffer to
remain on any building owned or occupied by him, a street number other
than the one designated for such building by the Board of Public Works
or by the Building Inspector. Owners shall be allowed ten (10) days af-
ter written notice to comply with the provisions of this Section 3.
Section 4. No person shall deposit in any area any liquid or solid
waste materials, including garbage and rubbish, except in a dumping ground
or area designated for such deposits by the Board of Health. No person
shall make any such deposit in a dumping ground or area so designated,
unless he has first obtained a permit from the Board of Public Works and
unless he complies with the rules and regulations for such dumping ground
or area as the Board of Public Works may from time to time establish.
The Board of Public Works shall from time to time establish the fees for
the issuance of permits.
Section 5. No person shall turn on or off the water at any water
main, service pipe, hydrant, water post, drinking fountain, or other fix-
ture or appurtenance connected with the Reading Water System or make any
' opening into or connection therewith without authority from the Superin-
tendent of the Board of Public Works, except that hydrants may be used by
firemen or policemen in the discharge of their duty.
ARTICLE VIII
Town Clerk .
Section 1. The Town Clerk shall keep a book which contains a true
copy of all deeds and conveyances executed by the Board of Selectmen or
by any other authorized Board or person.
Section 2. It shall be the duty of the Town Clerk to see that every
conveyance to the Town of any interest in land, and any plan thereof, is
properly recorded in the Registry of Deeds.
208 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972
Section 3. The Town Clerk shall furnish all Boards, Committees
and Officers with a copy of all votes affecting them.
Section 4. Whenever any report of'any Board or Committee, or
any minority report thereof, is presented to a Town Meeting the Town
Clerk shall cause the report to be entered in full upon the regular rec-
ord of the meeting.
Section 5. As soon as practicable after any election has been held
by the Town, or any appointment of Committees or other officials has
been made by the .Town or by any Officer, Board or Committee thereof, the
Town Clerk shall, in addition to the notices he is directed to give to '
officers who are required to take oath of office, issue a written or
printed notice to all persons who have been elected to any other office
or chosen to serve on any Committee, stating that office to which such
person has been elected, or the duties which such Committee was chosen
to perform.
Section 6. The Town Clerk shall cause to be permanently bound one
or more copies of each Annual Town Report, which shall be kept in the
Town Hall
ARTICLE IX
Town Collector and Town Accountant
Section 1. The Collector of Taxes shall collect, under the title
of Town. Collector, all accounts due the Town which are committed to
him.
Section 2. Every department of the Town shall deliver to the Town
Accountant at least once in every month a separate statement of each
account due the Town arising through any transaction with such depart-
ment. Upon receipt of such statements of accounts the Town Accountant
shall commit such accounts to the Town Collector for collection. This
section shall not apply to (1) taxes and special assessments, licenses
and permits issued or granted by the various departments of the Town, ,
(2) costs and fees charged by said departments, (3) interest on invest-
ments of sinking or trust funds, or (4) accounts due the Municipal
Light Department.
Section 3. Any account committed by the Town Accountant which the
Town Collector is unable to collect b ordinary efforts may be referred
Y Y Y
by the Town Collector to the Town Accountant or Town Counsel for instruc-
tion as to procedure. Sofar as permitted by law any account or portion
thereof may be abated by the department in which such account originated.
The Town Accountant shall be notified in writing of the abatement of
any such committed account or portion thereof.
Section 4. The Town Collector shall, at least once in each week,
pay over to the Treasurer all money received by him during the preced-
ing week or lesser period, including any sum received as interest on
$Rpeg'senjece�Xeshaylh�mvRnbRrd �c� �t�o Rm��fft etga� if ldp9reggsrm� gein
of his duties in a form approved by the Commissioner of Corporations and
Taxation and in such sum, not less than the amount that may be established
by said Commissioner, as shall be fixed by the Selectmen.
ARTICLE X'
Planning Board
There shall be a Planning Board consisting of five voters of the '
Town who shall perform the duties prescribed in Section 70 of Chapter 41
of the General Laws, as amended. The members of this Board shall be
elected by a vote on the official ballot at the Annual Town Meeting in
March 1917: two members for the term of three years, two for the term
of two years, and one for the term of one year. At each annual meeting
thereafter, one or two members of said Board shall be elected for the
term of three years as the term of office of one or two members expire.
ARTICLE XI
Council on Aging
Section 1. The Council on Aging shall consist of the Chairma of
the Recreation Committee, the Chairman of the Board of Health, th super-
intendent of Schools, or their respective representatives, and noEEE less
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972 209
than three nor more than seven additional members appointed by the
Board of Selectmen from the voters and residents of the Town. The
Chairman of the Council shall be designated from time to time by the
Board of Selectmen. Appointees shall hold office until successors are
designated. The Council may appoint such clerks and other employees as
it may require.
gramsS�� �°gned'tol ee al o�ge Deod,, the Council to carry out pro-
the Community.
ARTICLE XII
' Gas Inspector
Section 1. The Board of Selectmen shall appoint annually on or
before April 1 a Gas Inspector, who shall hold office for a term ex-
piring on the thirty-first day of March in the following calendar year
and until his successor is appointed and qudified. His compensation
shall be determined by the Board of Selectmen, subject to the appropria-
tion of the Town therefor. He shall have the qualifications imposed by
Section 3-0 of Chapter 143 of the General Laws, and his duties shall be
as prescribed in said Section 3-0. The Gas Inspector may, so far as is
necessary for the performance of his duties, enter any building within
the Town at any reasonable hour.
Section 2. The Board of Selectmen may at any time appoint, for such
term as it may determine, one or more assistant gas inspectors to act in
the absence or disability of the Gas Inspector and, while so acting, each
of them shall have and may exercise all of the powers and duties of the
Gas Inspector. Assistant gas inspectors shall have the same qualifica-
tions as herein above set forth for the Gas Inspector.
Section 3. The Gas Inspector shall not inspect any building in which
he has an interest or has installed or furnished any equipment or material.
With respect to any such biilding, the Board of Selectmen shall designate
an assistant gas inspector or shall appoint a disinterested substitute gas
inspector, with all the powers and duties of the Gas Inspector• and the
compensation paid to such assistant or substitute in such case shall be
deducted from the salary of the Gas Inspector.
ARTICLE XIII
Town Reports and Records
Section 1. All Town Officers, Boards and Committees shall file an
annual report of their doings with the Board of Selectmen on or before
January 15th of each year and the Board of Selectmen shall cause such
reports to be included in the Annual Town Report.
Section 2. The Board of Selectmen shall have the printed Annual
Town Report ready for distribution not later than February 21st of each
year.
Section 3. Each Town Board and Committee shall cause records of
its proceedings to be kept, and such records, excepting at otherwise
provided by law, shall be public records.
Section 4. The Board of Assessors shall publish for general circula-
tion its valuation lists for real estate for the year 1973 and every sec-
ond year thereafter, if the Town Meeting appropriates funds for this
purpose. The Board of Assessors shall establish reasonable fees for the
sale of said lists. After the publication of the list for the year 1973,
' lists for subsequent years shall be printed in not less than the same
quantity as the number sold of the preceding published valuation list.
Section 5. There shall be included as an integral part of the An-
nual Town Report every year the Board of Assessors' records of abate-
ments on real estate taxes, other than statutory exemptions as defined
by General Laws, Chapter 59, Section 5 , such records to include the name
and address of the taxpayer, the location of the property, and the total
sum of money abated.
Section 6. The vote of each Town Meeting Member on all roll call
votes recorded at a Town Meeting shall be included in the Annual Town
Report.
210 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972
ARTICLE XIV
Streets, Highways and Public Property
Section 1. No person shall place or cause to be placed any ob-
struction in any street, public place, or private way in the Town
without the permission of the Board of Public Works.
Section 2. No person shall form or conduct any parade in any
street, sidewalk or public way within the Town, or form or conduct
for the purpose of display or demonstration, any procession or assem-
bly of people, except a military or funeral parade or procession,
within such street, sidewalk or way, without first obtaining a written ,
permit from the Board of Selectmen; and no person shall take part in
any such parade, procession or assembly which is not authorized by such
a permit. The application for such a permit shall identify (1) the per-
son or organization seeking to conduct the parade and the parade chair-
man who will be responsible for its conduct, ( 2) the proposed date,
starting and termination time, and route of the parade, (3) the appro-
ximate number of persons, animals and vehicles, and the type of ani-
mals and vehicles, to be in the parade, (4) the location of any assem-
bly areas and the time units will begin to assemble at such areas, and
(5) the intervals of space to be maintained between the parade's units.
The applicant shall provide such further information as the Board of
Selectmen shall find reasonably necessary for a fair determination as
to whether a permit should be issued.
The Board of Selectmen shallissuea permit unless it finds that
the conduct of the parade isreasonably likely to (1) cause injury to
persons or property, provoke disorderly, conduct, or create a disturbance,
( 2) interfere unduly with proper fire and police protection for, and am-
bulance service to, areas contiguous to the proposed line of march or
other areas in the Town, or ( 3) substantially interrupt the safe and
orderly movement of other traffic contiguous to the parade route. The
Board of Selectmen shall promptly notify the applicant of its decision,
including the terms of the permit issued or the reasons for any denial
or revocation of such a permit. Immediately upon the issuance of a par-
ade permit, the Board of Selectmen shall send a copy thereof to the '
Police Chief, Fire Chief, Board of Public Works, and Town Counsel.
Section 3. The Superintendent of the Board of Public Works, for
the purpose of removing or plowing snow or removing ice from any way
within the limits of the Town and from the Town parking areas and from
any other land owned or used by the Town, may remove or cause to be re-
moved to some public garage or other convenient place, any vehicle parked
upon such highway, parking area, or land and interfering with such work,
and the storage charges and other cost of such removal shall be borne
and paid by the owner of the vehicle.
Section 4. No person shall move or remove snow or ice from private
lands upon any public street, sidewalk or common land of the Town in
such a manner as to obstruct or impede the free passage of vehicular
or pedestrian traffic upon the street, sidewalk or common land of the
Town unless he has first obtained a permit therefor issued by the Board
of Public Works.
Section 5. No person shall, during the period from November 15
to April 15, inclusive, discharge or pipe, or cause to be discharged
or piped, any ground water onto a public way or sidewalk within the
limits of the Town unless he has first obtained a permit therefor is-
sued by the Board of Public Works. . .
Section 6. No person shall make or construct a driveway or other ,
means of access or exit for motor vehicles on to a public way or across
a sidewalk unless he has first obtained a permit therefor issued by
the Board of Public Works.
Section 7. No person, except the duly authorized agents and em-
ployees of the Town, shall carry in or through any of the public streets
or ways of this Town any garbage, offal, contents of cesspools, or other
offensive substances, unless the person so carrying the same shall have
secured a permit therefor from the Board of Health, which permit may be
issued by said Board upon such terms and conditions as it may determine.
Any rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Board of Health under
this Section shall be published at least once in a newspaper, if any,
published in the Town, otherwise in at least one newspaper of general
circulation in the Town.
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972 211
Section 8. Any person who intends to erect, repair or take down any
building abutting on any way which the Town is obliged to keep in re-
pair and desires to makeuse of any portion of said way for the purpose
of placing thereon building materials or rubbish, shall give notice
thereof to the Board of Public Works and thereupon the Board of Public
Works may grant a permit to occupy such portion of said way, to be used
for such purpose as in its judgment the necessity of the case demands
. and the security of the public allows. Such permit shall in no case
be in force longer than ninety days and shall be issued on such condi-
tions as the Board of Public Works may require.
' ARTICLE XV
Anti-Litter
Section 1. DEFINITIONS. For the purpose of this By-Law the fol-
lowing terms, phrases, words, and their derivations shall have the mean-
ing given herein. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in
the present tense include the future, words used in the plural number in-
clude the singular number, and words used in the singular number include
the plural number. The word "shall" is always mandatory and not merely
directory.
(1) "Private receptacle" is a litter storage and collection
receptacle as required or authorized in the Town.
(2) "Commercial Handbill" is any printed or written matter,
any sample or device, circular, leaflet, pamphlet, paper, booklet, or
any other printed or otherwise reproduced original or copy of any matter
of literature:
(a) Which advertises for sale any merchandise, pro-
duct, commodity, or thing; or
(b) Which directs attention to any business or mer-
cantile or commercial establishment, or other acti-
vity, for the purpose of either directly or indir-
ectly promoting the interest thereof by sales; or
(c) Which directs attention to or advertises any meet-
ing, theatrical performance, exhibition, or event
of any kind, for which an admission fee is charged for
the purpose of private gain or profit; but the terms
of this clause shall not apply where an admission
fee is charged or a collection is taken up for the
purpose of defraying the expenses incident to such
meeting, theatrical performance, exhibition, or
event of any kind, when either of the same is held,
given or takes place in connection with the dissemina-
tion of information which is not restricted under the
ordinary rules of decency, good morals, public aeace,
safety and good order; PROVIDED, that nothing contained
in this clause shall be deemed to authorize the hold-
ing, giving or taking place of any meeting, theatri-
cal performance, exhibition, or event of any kind,
without a license, where such license is or may be
required by any laws of this Commonwealth, or under
any By-Law of this Town; or
(d) Which, while containing reading matter other than adver-
tising matter, is predominantly and essentially an ad-
vertisement, and is distributed or circulated for ad-
vertising purposes, or for the private benefit and gain
of any person so engaged as advertiser or distributor.
(3) "Garbage" is putrescible animal and vegetable wastes re-
sulting from the handling, preparation, cooking and consumption of food.
(4) "Litter" is "garbage" , "refuse" , and "rubbish" as defined
herein and all other waste material which, if thrown or deposited as
herein prohibited, tends to create a danger to public health, safety
and welfare.
12 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972
(5) "Newspaper" is any newspaper of general circulation as
defined by general law, any newspaper duly entered with the Post Office
Department of the United States, in accordance with Federal Statute or
regulation, and any newspaper filed and recorded with any recording
officer as provided by general law; and, in addition thereto, shall
mean and include any periodical or magazine regularly published and
distributed to the public.
(6) "Non-Commercial Handbill" is any printed or written matter,
any sample, or device, circular, leaflet, pamphlet, newspaper, magazine,
paper, booklet, or any other printed or otherwise reproduced original
or copy of any matter of literature not included in the aforesaid defini-'
.tions of a commercial handbill or newspaper.
(7) "Park" is a park, reservation, playground, recreation
center or any other public area in the Town, owned or used by the Town
and devoted to recreation or conservation.
(8) i "Person" is any person, firm, partnership, association,
corporation, company or organization of any kind.
(9) "Private Premises" is any dwelling, house, building, or
other structure, designed or used eigher wholly or in part for private
residential ..purposes, whether inhabited or temporarily or continuously
uninhabited or vacant, and shall include any yard, grounds, walk,
driveway, porch, steps, vestibule or mailbox belonging or appurtenant
to such dwelling, house, building or other structure.
(10) "Public Place" is any and all streets, sidewalks, bou-
levards, alleys or other public ways and any and all public parks,
squares, spaces, grounds and buildings. .
(11) "Refuse" is all putrescible and nonputrescible solid
wastes (except body wastes) , including garbage, rubbish, ashes, street
cleaning, dead animals, abandoned automobiles or trucks and solid mar-
ket and industrial wastes.
(12) "Rubbish" is nonputrescible solid wastes consisting of '
both combustible and non-combustible wastes, such as paper, wrappings,
cigarettes, cardboard, tin cans, yard clippings, leaves, wood, glass,
.bedding, crockery and similar materials.
(IJ) "Vehicle" is every device in, upon, or by which any per-
son or property is or may be transported ordrawn upon a highway, in-
cluding devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.
Section 2. LITTER IN PUBLIC PLACES. No person shall throw or de-
posit litter in or upon any street, sidewalk or other public place with-
in the Town except in public receptacles, in authorized private recept-
acles for collection, or in official Town dumps or incinerators.
Section 3. PLACEMENT OF LITTER IN RECEPTACLES SO AS TO PREVENT
SCATTERING. Persons placing litter in public receptacles or in auth-
orized private receptacles shall do so in such a manner as to prevent
it from being carried or deposited by the elements upon any street, .
sidewalk or other public place or upon private property.
t, 1iSection 4. SWEEPING LITTER INTO GUTTERS PROHIBITED. No person
Q
fiilnsR8pTWoaR§ aRRR�l 1Ajonnxfgytt jr Rtfr�St sgu8ti8F pNa J '�SaslRace
from any building or lot or from any public or private sidewalk or
driveway. Persons owning or occupying property .ahhll keep the sidewalk '
in front of their premises free of litter.
Section 5. MERCHANTS DUTY TO KEEP SIDEWALKS FREE OF LITTER. No
person owning or occupying a place of business shall sweep into or de-
posit in any gutter, street or other public place within the Town the
accumulation of litter from any building or lot or from any public or
private sidewalk or driveway. Persons owning or occupying places of
business within the Town shall keep the sidewalk in front of their busi-
ness premises free of litter.
Section 6. LITTER THROWN BY PERSONS IN VEHICLES. No person, while
a driver or passenger in a vehicle, shall throw or deposit litter upon
any street or other public place within the Town, or upon private
property.
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25,1972 - 2 11j
214 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972
Section 16. POSTING NOTICES PROHIBITED. No person shall post
or affix any notice, poster or other paper or device, calculated
to attract the attention of the public, to any lamp post, public util-
ity pole or shade tree, or upon any public structure or building,
except as may be authorized or required by law.
Section 11. LITTER ON OCCUPIED PRIVATE PROPERTY. No person
shall throw or deposit litter on any occupied private property
within the Town, whether owned by smch person or not, except that
the owner or person in control of private property may maintain auth-
orized private receptacles or structures for collection in such a man-
89oed1�prn148ejresgw�lfrg� � � I�dp� h�re3y� ny°.
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private property.
Section 18. OWNER TO MAINTAIN PREMISES FREE OF LITTER. The owner
or person in control of any private property shall at all times main-
tain the premises free of litter. Provided, however, that this sec-
tion shall not apply tpleaves or yard clippings nor phobibitthe-stor-
age of litter in private receptacles or in otherwise lawful conforming
structures.
Section 19. LITTER ON VACANT LOTS. No person shall throw or de-
posit litter on any open or vacant private property within the Town
whether owned by such person or not, unless duly licensed by the Board
of Health under applicable provisions of the General Laws of the Common-
wealth or By-Laws of the Town.
Section 20. CLEARING OF LITTER FROM OPEN PRIVATE PROPERTY BY THE
TOWN.
(a) Notice to Remove. The Board of Health is hereby empowered to
notify the owner of any open or vacant private property within the Town
or the agent of such owner to properly dispose of litter located on
such owner's property which is dangerous to public health, safety or
welfare, or the Board of Health may proceed to abate a nuisance as de-
fined and provided by General Laws, Chapter 111, as amended. Such no-
tice shall be by registered mail or certified mail, addressed to said
owner at his last known address; or such notice may be served upon such ,
owner or agent by a constable or other legal officer as provided by law;
and authorized to serve such process.
(b) Action Upon Non-Compliance. Upon the failure, neglect or re-
fusal of any owner or agent so notified, to properly dispose of litter
dangerous to the public health, safety or welfare within twenty-four -
hours, or within such other time as the Board of Health deems reason-
able, after receipt of such written notice provided for in subsection -
(a) above, or within fifteen days after the date of such notice in the
event the same is returned to the local Post Office Department because
of its inability to make delivery thereof, provided the same was prop-
erly addressed to the last known address of such owner or agent, the
Board of Health is hereby authorized and empowered to pay for the dis-
posing of .such litter or order its disposal by the Town.
(c) Charge Included in Tax Bill. When the Town has effected the
removal of such dangerous litter or has paid for its removal, the actual
cost thereof, plus accrued interest at the rate of six per cent per an-
num from the date of the completion of the work, shall be charged to
the owner of such property on the next regular tax bill forwarded to
such owner, if not paid by such owner prior thereto, by the Town and
said charge shall be due and payable by said owner at the time of pay-
ment of such bill. Any such claim for the expense by said Board or Town
in so doing shall constitute a debt due the Town upon the completion of '
the work and the rendering of an account thereof to the owner, and is
recoverable from such owner in an action of contract, together with
interest thereon at the rate of six per cent per annum from the date
said debt becomes due and payable.
(d) Recorded Statement Constitutes Lien. Where the full amount
due the Town is not paid by such owner within thirty days after the
disposal of such litter, as provided for in subsections (a) and (b)
above, then, and in that case, the Board of Health or the Town may,cause
to be recorded in the Registry of Deeds a sworn statement showing the
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972 2 15
cost and expense incurred dor the work, the date the work was done and
the location of the property on which said work was done. The recording
of such sworn statement shall constitute a lien on the property, and
shall remain in full force and effect for the amount due in principal
and interest, plus coats of court, i£ any, for collection, until final
payment has been made. Said costs and expenses shall be collected in
the manner fixed by law for the collection of taxes. Sworn statements
recorded in accordance with the provisions hereof shall be prima facie
evidence that all legal formalities have been complied with and that
the work has been done properly and satisfactorily and shall be full
notice to every person concerned that the amount of the statement, plus
' interest, constitutes a charge against the property designated or des-
-cribed in the statement and that the same is due and collectible as
provided by law. Such lien may be dissolved by filing with the reg-
irter of deeds for record or registration, as the case may be, in the
ounty or district, if the county is divided into districts, where the
land lies, a certificate from the Collector of Taxes of the Town that
the debt for which the lien attached, together with interest and costs
thereon:_ has been paid or abated. The Tax Collector shall have the
. same powers and be subject to the same duties with respect to such
claim as in the case of the annual taxes upon real estate; and the pro-
visions of law relative to the collection of such annual taxes, the
sale or taking of land for the nonypayment thereof, and the redemption
of land so sold or taken shall apply to such claim.
Section 21. SEPARATE OFFENSES. Each day any violation of the
provisions of this By-Law is committed or permitted to continue shall
constitute a separate offense and shall be punishable as such.
. Section 22. SEPARABILITY. If any section, subsection, sentence,
clause, phrase or portion of this By-Law is for any reason held invalid
-or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion
shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision and such
holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions hereof.
ARTICLE XVI
Contracts
Section 1. No Town Officer or member of any Board, Department,
Committee, Commission, Authority or Trusteeship shall in behald of the
Town, approve, make or join in the making of any contract, bargain or
agreement in, through or by which he has either directly or indirectly
any financial or pecuniary interest otherwise than in common with the
citizens of the Town in general.
Section 2. No Town Officer or member of any Board, Department,
Committee, Commission, Authority or Trusteeship shall receive any fee,
payment or financial compensation whatever, except his salary or com-
pensation as provided by law, or by vote of the Town, for any work or
service performed by him, in connection with his duties as a Town Of-
ficer or member of such Board, Department, Committee, Commission, Auth-
ority or Trusteeship.
Section 3. No present or former municipal employee shall violate
any of the conflict of interest provisions in Chapter 268A of the Mass-
achusetts General Laws, as amended from time to time.
Section 4. Any present municipal employee shall be entitled, to
the extent permitted by law, to the opinion of Town Counsel upon any
question arising under said Chapter 268A relating to the duties, respon-
sibilities, and interests of such employee. Such employee and Town
Counsel shall follow the provisions and procedure set forth in said
Chapter with respect to any such opinion.
Section 5. The Town Board and the Officers of the different Town
Departments authorized to make contracts shall call for competitive
bids on all labor (except professional services) or material to be
furnished to the Town where the cost or estimated cost to the Town of
said labor or material to be so furnished equals or exceeds the sum of
Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000) , except in cases of special emergency in-
volving the health or Safety of the people. or their property. Said calls
for bids shall be advertised by publishing the same in at least one news-
paper of general circulation in the Town, and by posting it in the Town
Hall, such publication and posting to be at least one week before the
G 16 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972
time specified for the opening of said bids, The advertisement shall
require each proposal to be sealed and properly designated, shall an-
nounce the place, date and hour at which the proposals will be opened,
and shall ,reserve to the-TOwn^ the right to' rejeCt any--orall such
bids... .The, bids�as received shall be-.deposited ia-.a:.box securelyclocked, ,
andatthe time and place named shall be opened in public and read
in the presence of the Officer or a member of the Board or an auth-
orized representative of that Board, authorized by the Town to make
the contract.. No bids shall be received after the time advertised
for. opening said bids.
..Section 6. The Officers of the different Town Departments shall '
attempt to obtain at least three bids on all labor (except professional
services) or material to be furnished to the Town where the cost of
estimated cost to the Town of said labor or material to be so furnished
exceeds the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) but is less than the
sum of Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000) .
Section 7. No bill or contract shall be split or divided for
the purpose of evading any provision of this Article.
Section B. No person who is a member of any Board or elective
officers shall hold any remunerative office by virtue of an appoint-
ment by such Board unless said appointment is authorized by vote of the
Town at an Annual Town Meeting. '
ARTICLE XVII
Licenses
Section 1. The Board of Selectmen may license suitable persons,
upon such terms and conditions as the Board shall determine, to be
dealers in and keepers of shops for the purchase, sale or barter of
junk, old metals and second-hand articles, and no person shall be such
a dealer or keeper without such a license.
Section 2. The Board of Selectmenmay also license suitable
persons as junk collectors, to collect by purchase or otherwise, junk, ,
old. metals and second-hand articles from place to place within the Town,
and, no person shall.. engage in such business without such a license.
Section 3. No person shall use any building, enclosure, or other
structure for the storage, sale, or keeping of rags, waste paper stock,
or other inflammable material without a. license therefor from the
Board of Selectmen.
Section 4. The Board of Selectmen may license suitable persons
to use vehicles for the transporting for hire of goods, wares, furni-
ture or rubbish, within the Town of Reading. All persons engaging in
such transportation for hire within the Town of Reading shall take out
such number of licenses as will equal thegreatest number of such vehi-
cles to be used at any one time by said person during the year for which
the license is issued. Such license shall expire on the thirtieth day
of April of each year, and may be revoked at the pleasure of the
Selectmen.
Section 5. No person shall engage in the business of transporting
for hire, goods , wares, furniture or rubbish as specified in Section 4
of this Article without first obtaining a license or licenses therefor
as above set forth.
Section 6. Every person licensed under the provisions of this ,
Article shall cause his name and the number of his license to be printed
or placed in plain legible words and figures in a conspicuous place on
the outside of each vehicle used in exercising said license.
ARTICLE XVIII
Laundromats
Section 1. No person, firm or corporation shall operate a self-
service laundry or laundromat so-called, at any location in the Town of
Reading unless said laundry or laundromat is licensed by the Board of
Selectmen. Two or more coin-operated washing machines., two or more
coin-operated dryers, or two or more coin-operated dry-cleaning machines
shall constitute a laundromat or self-service laundry within the meaning
of this By-Law.
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972
X17
Section 2. Any such license shall issue on April lst (or there-
after) of each year and shall expire on the next succeeding March 31st
and may be revoked or suspended at any time by the Board of Selectmen
for any violation of this By-Law or any rules, orders or regulations
from time to time adopted by the Board of Selectmen.
Section 3. All owners and operators of any such laundry or laundro-
mat shall comply with all rules, orders and regulations as may from time
to time be adopted by the Board of Selectmen.
Section 4. The fee for a license shall be Ten Dollars ($10.00) .
Section 5. Rules and regulations and orders adopted by the Board
of Selectmen under this By-Law shall become effective immediately upon
registered mail notification to owners and operators of such laundry or
laundromat that such rules, orders and regulations have been adopted.
ARTICLE XIX
Disposal of Surplus Property
Section 1. Whenever an item or collection of items of tangible
personal property not exceeding a market value of Five Hundred Dollars
($500.00) within the control of a Town Officer or a Town Board or Commit-
tee, but excluding the Municipal Light Board, shall be determined by that
Officer, Board, or Committee to be surplus, obsolete, salvage, or beyond
repair, it may be disposed of by sale, trade, or otherwise, upon the ap-
proval of the Finance Committee.
ARTICLE XX
Excavations and Wells
Section 1. Any person excavating land, any person in charge of such
excavation, and-any owner of land which has been excavated shall erect
barriers or take other suitable measures to protect the public within
two days after being notified by the Building Inspector or the Board of
Selectmen that in his or its opinion such excavation constitutes a haz-
ard to public safety. Whoever violates any of the provisions of this
Section shall be punished by a fine of not more than Twoi Hundred Dollars
T$200.00) per day for every day such person is in voolation of such no-
tice, commencing with the fourth day thereof.
Section 2. The owner or owners of land whereon is located an aban-
doned well or a well in use shall either provide ?, ,5overing for such
well capable of sustaining wight of three hundred pounds or shall fill
such well to the level of the ground. Whoever violates this section
shall pay for each offense a penalty of not less than One Hundred Dol-
lars ($100.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00)
ARTICLE XXI
Public Conduct
Section 1. No person shall fire or discharge any fireworks, fire-
arms , cannon, or explosives of any kind (1) on or within the limits of
any street, highway, park or other public property, except with the
written permission of the Board of Selectmen, or (2) on any private
property except with the written consent of the owner or legal occup-
ant thereof and the written permission of the Board of Selectmen; pro-
vided, however, that this By-Law shall not apply to the lawful defense
' of life or property, nor to any law enforcement officer acting in the
discharge of his duties, nor to the use of such weapon at any military
exercises or any established rifle range, nor to the rights and privi-
leges of an owner or lessee of land as set forth in Chapter 131 of
the General Laws.
Peeping
Section 2. No person, except an officer of the law in the per-
formance of his duties, shall enter upon the premises of another or .
upon public lands with the intention of peering into the windows or
doors of a house or of spying upon in any manner any person or persons
therein.
G 16 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972
Burning Leaves
Section 3. No person shall burn or cause to be burned in the
open, fallen leaves within the Town.
Public Buildings
Section 4. No person shall gamble, or keep, use or have in his
possession any spirituous or intoxicating liquor, in any building or
room owned or occupied by the Town, except as otherwise authorized by
special statute or General Laws.
Loitering '
Section 5. No person, after being otherwise directed by a police
officer, shall loiter, sit or stand in any street, common place or pub-
lic building so as to obstruct or impede the free passage of any other
person.
2. Change the number of Article XVIII-A of the General By-Laws
of the Town of Reading to Article XXIV.
3. Change the number of Article XVIII-B of the General By-
Laws of the Town of Reading to Article XXV.
4. Change the number for Article XVIII-C of the General By-
Laws of the Town of Reading to Article XXVI.
5. Repeal Articles XIX, XX and XXI, and to substitute there-
for the following:
ARTICLE XXVII
Enforcement of By-Laws
Section 1. Any person violating any of the provisions of these
By-Laws shall be punished by a fine of not more than Fifty Dollars ,
($50.00) , unless a specific penalty is provided elsewhere in said By-
Laws and in that event the specific penalty shbll apply.
ARTICLE XXVIII
Repeal
Section 1. These By-Laws and. the repeal of all By-Laws heretofore
inforce, shallnot affect any actdone, any .right accrued, any penalty
or liability incurred or any suit, prosecution, or proceeding pending
at the time they take effect. The provisions of the foregoing By-Laws,
so far as they are the same as provisions of By-Laws hitherto in force,
shall be construed as a continuation thereof and not as new enactments.
ARTICLE XXIX
Amendment
Section 1. These By-Laws may be amended at any annual or special
town meeting by a majority vote of the Town Meeting Members present and
voting at said meeting, provided that an article or articles for that
purpose .have been inserted in the warrant for said meeting.
(Whenever, in the foregoing,By-Laws, the word::. "he" appears, this shall
also mean:, "she" ; "his" shall mean "her"; and "himself" shall mean
"herself".) '
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972 219
On motion of C. Dewey Smith it was voted to take Article 2 from
the table.
ARTICLE 2. James J. Sullivan, Jr. presented an amended report to
the "Report of the Finance Committee on the Annual Warrant - 1972".
On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted to accept report as
a report of progress.
On motion of C. Dewey Smith it was voted to lay Article 2 on the
table.
On motion of Joseph H. Picano, Chairman of the Personnel Board,
it was voted to take Article 94 from the table.
ARTICLE 94. On motion of Joseph H. Picano it was voted that the
official classification plan, schedules and regulations under Article
XVIII-A of the General By-Laws of the Town be amended as follows:
SALARY GRADE
Labor Grade Point Range Base Salary Max. Salary
L 159 74.63 97.95
2 160-174 79.85 104.81
3 175-169 85.44 112.21
4 190-204 91.44 120.00
5 - 205-219 96.67 126.85
6 220-234 102.18 134.11
7 235-249 108.02 141.79
8 250-264 114.20 149.88
9 265-279 120. 73 158.45
10 280-294 127.63 167.52
11 295-309 134.92 177.08
12 310-324 142.64 187.19
13 325-339 150.80 197.92
14 340-354 165.76 209.25
' 15 355-369 168.55 221.21
16 370-384 178.19 233.86
17 385-399 188. 36 247.24
18 400-414 199.15 261. 39
19 415-429 210.16 276. 33
20 430-444 222.57 292.11
21 445-459 235.28 308.81
22 460-474 248.75 337.04
23 475-489 262.97 345.15
24 - - 490-504 278.01 364.88
25 505-519 293.91 385.76
26 520-534 310. 74 407.84
27 535-549 329.11 431.98
SECTION I - CLERICAL EMPLOYEES
Job Title Labor Grade Mini2mrllKaximum
Jr. Clerks 2 2.13 2.80
Sr. Clerks B 5 2.57 3. 38
Sr. Clerks A 6 2.73 3.57
Hearing Reporter 7 2.88 3.78
Collector's Admin. Asst._8 3.03 4.00
Assessors' Admin. Asst. 11 3.60 4.72
Asst. Town Clerk 11 3.60 4. 72
SECTION II - SUPERVISORY EMPLOYEES
Supervisor 20
Supt. (Cemetery Dept. ) 20
Supt. (Tree & Moth Dept. ) 19
SECTION III - PUBLIC LIBRARY
Head Librarian 21
Librarian, Grade I 16
Librarian, Grade II 14
Librarian, Grade III 12
Library Assistant 7
Library Clerk 4
Library Hourly Employees 1. 32 2.89
Library Pages 1. 32 1.69
2 20 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972
SECTION IV - PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT - ENGINEERING
Hourly
Job Title Labor Grade Minimum Maximum
Superintendent 27
Assistant Superintendent 23
Civil Engineer 22
Supervisor 20
Pumping Station Engineer 19
Sanitary Division Eng-
ineer 18
Assistant Civil Engineer 17
Asst. Sanitary Division '
Engineer 14
Land Surveyor 14 3.99 5.23
Administrative Assistant 14 3.99 5.23
Senior Draftsman 11 3.38 . 4.43
Transitman 11 3.38 4.43
Administrative Clerk 9 3.02 2.97
Junior Draftsman 7 2.70 3.57
Secretary 7 2. 70 3.57
Rodman 6 2. 55 3. 35
SECTION V
Cemetery-Public Works-Tree & Moth Department
(Collective Bargaining Unit)
Actual Paid Rate
Master Mechanic 200.45
Mechanic X90.11
Foreman 180.05
Heavy Equipment Operator 171.10
Assistant Pumping Station Engineer 171.10
Working Foreman 171.10
Skilled Labor 152.09
Dump Caretaker 136.43
Meter Repairman 136.43
Semi-Skilled Laborer 136.43 '
Laborer 120.78
Seasonal Laborer 96.17
SECTION VI - POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief 23 Minimum Maximum
Lieutenant 19
Sergeant 18
Patrolman Inspector 15
Patrolman 175.02 190.53
Police Matron 3. 26 per hour
SECTION VII - FIRE DEPARTMENT
Chief 22
Deputy Chief 19
Captain 18
Lieutenant 15
Private - 175.02 190.53
SECTION VIII - FIRE ALARM DEPARTMENT
Hourly
Lineman 11 3. 38 4.43
Groundman 7 2.70 3.54
SECTION IX - GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Town Accountant 17 ,
Executive Secretary 4, 747.50 7,912.50
Superintendent of Buildin15
Janitor A 8 2.86 3.75
Appraiser 24
and that the allowable sick leave be compensated upon the basis of 14
days per month of service and that the total sick leave be allowed to
accumulate if unused in any year until such accumulated days reach ninety
(90)
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972 2221
And that vacation policy be amended by adding to the allowable two
week vacati®g, one additional day after five (5) years service, adding
to allowable three weeks vacation, one additional day after ten (10)
years service.
On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted to take Article 4 from
the table.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the ✓
sum of Two Hundred Twenty-nine Thousand Two Hundred Ten Dollars ($229, 210.00)
be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for General Government, as
follows, each item being considered as a separate appropriation:
1. Executive Secretary' s Salary $ 5,616.00✓
2. Selectmen' s Clerical 3, 228.00
3. Selectmen' s Expense 2, 325.00`
4. Town Accountant' s'i_Ealary 10, 234.00
5. Accountant's Salary 7,810.00
6. Accountants!. :.Clerical 2,186.00
7. Accountants ' Expense (including travel outside the State
not to exceed Two Hundred Dollars) 1 ,410.00
B. Treasurer's Salary 5,000.00
9. Treasurer's Clerical 8,014.00
10. Treasurer's Expense 7, 200.00
11. Collector' s Salary (All fees collected to be paid to the
Town Treasurer) 6,400.00
12. Collector' s Clerical 16,856.00
13 Collector's Expense 3,500.00
14. Town Clerk' s Salary (All fees collected to be paid to
the Town Treasurer) 4,900.00
15. Town Clerk' s Clerical 13,600.00
16. Town Clerk' s Expense (including travel outside the State
not to exceed Four Hundred Dollars) 7,000.00
17. Assessors' Salaries: .Chairman
Secretary
7Et
I9: Asses 8€ ; ra s gr Third Member )15,510.0 459450000
rica
' 20. Assessors' Expense (including travel outside the State
not to exceed Two Hundred Dollars) 6,480.00
21. Board of Registrars' Salaries ' 960.00
22. Board of Registrars' Expense 200.00
23. Election & Registration Expense 21,880.00
./ 24. Board of Appeals Expense 1,800.00
/\ 25. Planning Board Expense 400.00
26. Clerk of Finance Committee 1, 200.00
27. Finance Committee Expense 250.00
28. Personnel Board Expense 900.00
LAW DEPARTMENT
29. Town Counsel ' s Salary 2,438.00
30. Town Counsel' s Expense 3,000.00
31. Recording Fees 150.00
32. Appraisal Fees 750.00
33. Professional Fees and Dues 100.00
34. New Town Counsel 18,000.00:
MUNICIPAL BUILDING SALARIES
35. Superintendent of Buildings 9,083.00
36. Town Hall Custodian 6,198.00
37. . Police Station Custodian 2, 231.00
MUNICIPAL BUILDING MAINTENANCE
38. Town Hall 6,600.00
39. Depot 1,400.00
$229, 210.00
Article 4, in
On motion of Fred C. Kenney, Jr. , it was voted that the amount of
bb$yy1, 209,868.50 under "Protection of Persons and Property"i and as amended
bE lai onMthe Graham
untilaMon�ay11Marchr Alarm by $6,000. to $9,000. ,
Robert M. Graham requested that the record of the Town Meeting re-
flect his being present, but not voting on this motion.
'222'
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Russell H. Stone, Jr. , it was voted
that the sum of Forty One Thousand Six Hundred Twelve Dollars
($41,612.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the
purpose of conducting and promoting recreation, play, sports, physi-
cal education and other social educational and recreatinal activities
upon sucbland and in such buildings as defined in Section 14, Chapter
45 of the General Laws with authority to exercise all powers conferred
therein, including the purchase of necessary equipment and the employ-
ment of teachers,supervisors, and other officers and employees, and
the fixing of this compensation, said sum to be expended under the
direction of the Recreation Committee as follows:
Salaries $ 25,967.00 ,-
Expense
5,967.00 /Expense 15,645.00
Total $ 41,612.00
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Robert W. Wakeling it was voted that they
sum of Forty Nine Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty One Dollars ($49, 781.00)
be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for Health and Sanitation
as follows, each item being considered as a separate appropriation:
Board of Health Salary $ 5,885.00 '
Board of Health Expense 1,500.00 ,
Health Agent's Salary 10,946.00/
Inspector of Plumbing Salary 1,500.00
Inspector of Animals 550.00 °
Care of Contagious Diseases 4,500.00
Garbage Collection 20,400.00 ,
Fluoridation 4,500.00 -
Total $ 49, 781.00
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Nathan C. White it was voted that the
sum of Thirty Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty-six Dollars ($30, 756.00)
be transferred from Water Surplus and that the sum of One Million Three
Hundred Forty-nine Thousand and Four Dollars ($1 , 349,004.00) be raised
from the tax levy and that such sums aggregating One Million Three Hun-
dred Seventy-nine Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty Dollars ($1, 379, 760.00
be appropriated for the Board of Public Works as follows, each item be-
ing considered as a separate appropriation:
Salaries for Administration $ ✓27,600.00
Expenses for Administration, including travel
outside the State /3, 500.00
Salaries for Engineering Division !75,000.00
Expenses for Engineering Division ;630.00'
h Salaries for Construction and Maintenance
of Highways /119, 700.00
Expenses for Repairs, Construction and Mainten-
ance of Highways, setting curbs, purchase or
otherwise acquiring land for sand and gravel
purposes, purchase of materials, tools and
equipment and other incidental expenses per-
taining thereto �82,000.00
Salaries And Expenses for Removal of Snow and Ice x55,000.00
Salaries for Maintenance and Operation of the
Sewer System `✓30,100.00'
Expenses for Maintenance and Operation of the
Sewer System, including travel outside the State ✓21,500.00
Salaries and Expenses for Connecting Estates ✓100,000.00
Salaries for Maintenance of Storm Drains '18 000.00
Expenses for Maintenance of Storm Drains ,800.00 '
. . ..Salaries and Expenses for Drainage Construction 47,000.00
Salaries for Construction and Maintenance of Sidewalks18, 300.00 ✓
Expenses for Construction and Maintenance of Sidewalk312,000.00
Salaries for Maintenance of Park Department and Com-
mons and Supervised Play X41, 200.00
Expenses for Maintenance of Park Department and Com-
mons and Supervised Play ✓11,000.00
Salaries for Maintenance of Parking Areas /1 ,825.00
Expenses for Maintenance of Parking Areas - 725.00
Salaries for Construction, Maintenance and Operation
of Water Works J152,000.00
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972 2 2 3
Expenses for Construction, Maintenance and Operation
of Water Works of which amount the sum of $30, 756.00
shall be transferred from Water Surplus and the
Town Accountant be, and hereby is, authorized and
instructed to transfer said sum to said account
to carry out the purpose of this vote $ 207,500.00
Expenses for the payment of Water Bonds and Interest 103,180.00
Physical Examinations 800.00
Salaries for Maintenance and Operation of Rubbish
Collection 52,000.00
Expenses for Maintenance and Operation of Rubbish
Collection 11,000.00
' Salaries for Maintenance and Operation of the Incin-
erator and Town Dump 46,900.00
Expenses for Maintenance and Operation of the Incin-
erator and Town Dump 32,500.00
Total $1, 379, 760.00
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the
sum of One Hundred Fourteen Thousand Eight Hundred Thirteen Dollars
($114,813.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for Veterans,
Benefits as follows, each item being considered as a separate appropriation:
Administrative Salaries $ 8,613.00
Administrative Expense 1, 200.00
Aid 105,000.00
Total $ 114,813.00
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Donald R. Walker it was voted that the sum
of Five Million Forty Nine Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty Dollars
($5 ,049_ , 720.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the
School Department, and that the expenditure of Forty Thousand Dollars
($40,000.00) , received or to be received under Public Law #874, and
that the sum of Twenty Eight Thousand Six Hundred Sixty Eight Dollars
($28,668.00) , received or to be received from Chapter 506 Metco Funds
so-called, and that said sums totalling Five Million One Hundred Eighteen
' Thousand Three Hundred Eighty Eight Dollars ($5,118, 388,00) be authorized
and appropriated as follows:
General Salaries $4, 366, 581.00
Maintenance Including Public Law #874 (including
travel out of state not to exceed $2,900.00) 667, 209.00
Chapter 506 Fund ($10,666.00 to salaries and
$18,002.00 to maintenance) 28,668.00
Cafeterias 28, 753.00
Athletics 21,177.00
Adult Education 6,000.00
Total $5 ,118, 388.00
ARTICLE 4. On motion of James W. Rillam, III, it was voted that
the sum of One Million One Hundred Forty-seven Thousand Four Hundred
Fifty-four Dollars ($1,147,454.00) be raised from the tax levy and ap-
propriated for maturing debt and interest for school houses as follows,
each item being considered as a separate appropriation:
Maturing Debt $ 685,000.00
Interest 462,454.00
Total $1,147,454.00
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Frank A. Smith, Jr. , it was voted that the
sum of One Hundred Forty Thousand Seven Hundred Forty-four Dollars
($140, 744.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purpose
of the Town' s share for the operation and maintenance of the Northeast
Metropolitan Regional Vocational School.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of William H. Diamond it was voted that the
sum of One Hundred Fifty-eight Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety-eight and
03/100 Dollars ($158,898.03) be raised from the tax levy, and that the
sum of Four Thousand Eight Hundred Fourteem and 75/100 Dollars ($4,814.75)
be transferred from State Aid for Libraries Reserved, and that the sum
of One Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty-seven and 22/100 Dollars ($1,887.22)
be transferred from the County Dog License Account, and that the Town Ac--
-az T Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972
countant be, and he hereby is, authorized, empowered and instructed
to make such transfers to carry out the purpose of this vote, and
that such sums totalling One Hundred Sixty-five Thousand Six Hundred
Dollars ($165, 600.00) be appropriated for library purposes (including
travel outside the State not to exceed $300.00) as follows:
Salaries $112,620.00
Maintenance 52,980.00
Total $165,600.00
ARTICLE 4. On motion of John H. Crooker it was voted that there
be included in the tax levy for electricity used for street lights,
the sum of Forty-six Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($46,500.00) and
that said sum and the income from sales of electricity to private con-
sumers and for electricity supplied to municipal buildings and for
municipal power, and from sales of appliances and jobbing during the
current fiscal year be appropriated for the Municipal Light Plant and
that the sum of Twelve Thousand Dollars ($12,000:00) be appropriated
from the said receipts of the Department for the sale, installation
and service of merchandise, equipment, utensils, and chattels, as pro-
vided in Se iop 34 C Ater }64 of he ne al Lpws sa3'd appzo ri-
ations to be �3cp Rd a'�P95gM�fl��tru� e�h�0�u � Y�S'a1 i- S8'dt8°�f8f the
the expense of the Plant, including payment of Bonds and Notes, the sale,
installation and servicing of merchancjise, equipment, utensils and chat-
tels as defined in Chapter 164, Section 57 of the General Laws, or any
amendments thereof or additions thereto and that if said sum of Forty-
six Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($46,900.00) and said income shall ex-
ceed said expense for said fiscal year, such excess up to the amount of
50% of the net profit from operations as of December 31st of the preced-
ing year as defined in Chapter 164 of the General Laws, such amount shall
be paid, 50% in June and 50% in December of the current year, into the
Town Treasury, and the balance if any, shall be transferred to the Con-
struction Fund of said Plant and appropriated and used for such addi-
tions thereto as may thereafter be authorized by the Municipal Light De-
patment.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Edouard N. Dube it was voted that the sum
of Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2, 500.00) be transferred from
Cemetery Reserve and that the sum of Twenty-five Thousand Dollars
($25 ,000.00) be transferred from Cemetery Bequest Fund, and that the
Town Accountant be, and he hereby is authorized, empowered and instructed
to make such transfer to carry out the purpose of this vote, and that the
sum of Thirty-eight Thousand One Hundred Fifty-three Dollars ($38,153.00)
be raised from the tax levy, and that such sums totalling Sixty-five
Thousand Six Hundred Fifty-three Dollars ($65,653.00) be appropriated
for the Cemetery Department, including care and development of Laurel
Hill Cemetery and Forest Glen Cemetery as follows, each item being con-
sidered as a separate appropriation:
Salaries $ 55,493.00
Maintenance 8,560.00
Care of Veterans Graves, Section 9
of Chapter 115 of General Laws 1,600.00
Total $ 65,653.00
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the
sum of One Hundred Fifty-four Thousand One Hundred Sixty-five Dollars
($154,165.00) be transferred from Surplus Revenue and appropriated for
all insurance except Group Insurance of Town Employees.
ARTICLE 4. O%motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the
sum of One Hundred n vfhousand Fifty-one Dollars ($112,051.00) be trans-
ferred .from Surplus Revenue, and that the sum of Twelve Thousand Four
Hundred Eighty Dollars ($12,480.00) be transferred from the Municipal
Light Department Operating and Maintenance Account, and that the sum of
Six Thousand Six Hundred Eighty-five Dollars ($6,685.00) be transferred
from the Group Insw"B6gt RAvidend Account, and that said sums totalling
One Hundred Thirty-one r�Two Hundred Sixteen Dollars ($131,216.00) be ap-
propriated for group life insurance, group accidental death and dismem-
berment insurance for Town employees, in accordance with the provisions
of Chapter 32B of the General Laws, and that said sum be expended by and
under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, and that the Town Account-
ant be, and he hereby is, authorized, empowered and instructed to trans-
fer said sum to carry out the purpose of this vote.
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972 9.2 5
ARTICLE 4. On motion of James W. Killam, III, it was voted that
the sum of Thirty-seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($37,500.00) be
raised from the tax levy and appropriated for interest for any and all
borrow;ng in anticipation of revenue.
` AARTICLE 4. On motion of James W. Killam, III, it was voted that
the sum of Four Hundred Two Thousand One Hundred Eighty-six Dollars
($402,186.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for sewer
and incinerator maturing debt and interest as follows, each item to be
/ considered as a separate appropriation:
iMaturing Debt Sewer $ 135,000.00 ''
Interest - Sewer 109,686.00
Maturing Debt Incinerator 75,000.00
/Interest - Incinerator 82,500.00
$ 402,186.00
ARTICLE 4. /On motion of James J. Sullivan, Jr. , it was voted that
the sum of Thirty-four Thoan% One Hundred Eighty Dollars ($34 180.00)
be transferred from Overla�' us Fund, and that the sum of Sixty-
five Thousand Eight Hundred Twenty Dollars ($65,820.00 Ybe raised from
the tax levy, and that said sums totalling One Hundred Thousand Dollars
($100,000.00) be appropriated for the purpose of Reserve Fund, and that
the Town Accountant be, and he hereby is, authorized, empowered and in-
structed to 71e such transfer to carry out the purpose of this vote.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Fred C. Kenney, Jr. , it was voted that the
sum of Two Huncjeed Forty-three Thousand Seven Hundred Forty-four Dollars
($243, 744.00),/be transferred from Surplus_$evenue, and that tho sum of
JI
Seventy-four Thousand Twenty-five Dollars ($74,025.00) be transferred
from the Municipal Light Department Operating and Maintenance Account,
and that the Town Accountant be, and he hereby is, authorized, empowered
and instructed to make such transfer to carry out the purpose of this
vote, and that said sums totalling Three Hundred Seventeen Thousand Seven
Hundred Sixty-nine Dollars ($3q Zb9 OO) be appropriated for the Contrib-
utory Retirement System, to be divided as follows:
Pension Accumulation Fund $ 307, 569.00
Expense Fund 10, 200.00
/ $ 317, 769.00
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Fred C. Kenney, Jr. , it was voted that;the
sum of Seventy Seven Thousand Two Hundred Eighty-nine Dollars ($77,289.00)_
be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for pensions other than con-
tributory and preditable service of retirees due other Towns.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Fred C. Kenney, Jr. , it was voted that the
sum of Three Thousand Two Hundred Five Dollars ($3, 205..00) be raised from
the tax levy and appropriated for Memorial Day Observance, to be expended
under the direction of Post 62 American Legion and Post 685 Veterans of
Foreign Wars.
ARTICLE 4.V/
On motion of Edward P. Cameron it was voted that the
sum of Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) be raised from the tax levy
and appropriatedfor the care and lighting of Old South Clock.
ARTICLE 4. "/On motion of Edward P. Cameron it was voted that the sum
�- of Three Thousand Thirty-seven Dollars ($3,037.00) be raised from the tax
levy and appropriated for printing the Town Report for the year 1972.
' On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that Article 4 be laid
on the table.
On motion of Edouard N. Dube it was voted to take Article 62 from the
table/.
✓ARTICLE 62. On motion of Edouard N. Dube it was voted that the sum
of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) be transferred from Cemetery Reserve:F,nd
and that the sum of Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) be raised
_'. from the tax levy, and that said sums totalling Thirty Thousand Dollars
630,000.00) be appropriated for the purpose of the continued development
of Forest Glen and Charles Street Cemeteries, including site clearing,
the construction of drainage, the extension of the road system, and the
preparation of lots for sale.
226 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972
On motion of Edouard N. Dube it was voted to take Article 63 from
thetable.
/ARTICLE 63. On motion of Edgmard N. Dube it was voted that the
sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000,00) be transferred from the Cem-
etery Reserve Fund and appropriated for the purpose of repurchase and
release of previously sold surplus graves or lots from current owners.
ARTICLE 6. On motion of Robert S. Cummings, as amended by Robert
M. Graham, it was voted that a committee, which shall be known as the
Town Government Study Committee be established, said committee to be
composed of not less than five nor more than seven citizens to be ap-
pointed by the Moderator and Selectmen, none of which citizens shall
hold other town office, which committee shall report to a subsequent
special or annual meeting with recommendations to improve the effici-
ency and overall operation of the Town Government following public
hearing, said committee to prepare articles, for insertion in the War-
rant to effect such recommended changes, if any.
ARTICLE 7/ On motion of James R. Boucher it was voted that the
Town acquire by purchase, right of eminent domain, deed of gift, dedi-
cation or otherwise, for conservation purposes under General Laws,
Chapter 40, Section 8C as amended, the following described parcel of
land of owners unknown, shown on Assessors Plat No. 170, Lot No. S,
in Cedar Swamp, containing 01.1 acres more or less, and that the sum
of $1.00 be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purpose
of this vote:
The land in Cedar Swamp, Reading, Middlesex County, Massachusetts,
being shown as Lot 5 on the Assessors Plat 170, containing 01.1 acres
more or less, and being bounded and described as follows:
Beginning at the Southwesterly corner thereof and /
Thence running Northerly three hundred twelve feet ( 312' ) more or ��(\
less;
Thence running Easterly one hundred seventy eight and seventy-
five hundredths feet (178.751 ) more or less;
Thence running Southerly three hundred nine feet (3091 ) more or
less;
Thence running Westerly one hundred seventy eight feet (1781 ) more
or less to the point of beginning.
144 voted in the affirmative
0 voted in the negative
ARTICLE 8. To see if the Town will vote to acquire or transfer by
purchase, right of eminent domain, deed of gift, dedication or other-
wise for Conservation purposes under General Laws Chapter 40, Section
80., as amended, a certain parcel of land of owners unknown shown on
Assessors Plat No. 221,LbotNNo.�7off Sanborn- Lsnegr.00ntaiging 6.0
nacres more or less, and to see what sum the Town will raise by borrow-
ing, from the tax levy, or. transfer from available funds, or otherwise,
and appropriate for such purpose, or what it will do in relation thereto.
On motion of James W. Killam, III, it was voted that this Article
be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 9. To see if the Town will vote to acquire or transfer by
purchase, right of eminent domain, deed of gift, dedication or other-
wise for .Conservation purposes under General Laws Chapter 40, Section
8C, as amended, a certain parcel of. .land of owners unknown shown on
Assessors Plat No. 183, Lot No. 1, off Haverhill Street, containing
V2.68 acres, more or less, and to see what sum the Town will raise by
borrowing, from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, or
otherwise, and appropriate for such purpose, or what it will do in
relation thereto.
On motion of James W. Killam, III, it was voted that this Article
be indefinitely postponed.
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972 2 27
ARTICLE 10. To see if the Town will vote to acquire or transfer
by purchase, right of eminent domain, deed of gift, dedication or other-
wise for Conservation purposes under General Laws Chapter 40, Section 8C,
as .amended, a certain parcel of land of owners unknown shown on Assess-
ors Plat No_ 206, Lot.No. 15A, on Emerson Street, containing 323 8q. Ft. ,
more or less, and to see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, from
the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise and appro-
priate for such purpose, or what it will do in relation thereto.
On motion of James W. Killam, III, it was voted that this Article
be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 11. To see if the Town will vote to acquire or transfer
by purchase, right of eminent domain, deed of gift, dedication or other-
wise, for Conservation purposes under General Laws Chapter 40, Section 8C,
as amended, a certain parcel of land of owners unknown on Assessors Plat
No. 125, Lot No. 2 on Haverhill Street, containing 3. 2 acres more or less,
and to see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, from the tax levy,
or transfer from abailable funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for such
purpose, or what it will do in relation thereto.
On motion of James W. Killam, III, it was voted that this Article
be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 12. - To see if the Town will vote to acquire or transfer
by purchase, right of eminent domain, deed of gift, dedication or other-
wise for Conservation purposes under Ganeral Laws Chapter 40, Section 8C,
as amended, a certain parcel of land of owners unknown on Assessors Plat
No. 13, Lot No. 48 in Hear Hill, containing 480 sq. ft. , more or less,
and to see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, from the tax levy,
or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for such
purpose, or what it will do in relation thereto.
On motion of James W. Killam, III,. it was voted that this Article
be indefinitely postponed.
' ARTICLE 13. To see if the Town will vote to acquire or transfer
by purchase, right of eminent domain, deed of gift, dedication or other-
wise for Conservation purposes under Ganeral Laws Chapter 40, Section 8C,
as amended, a certain parcel of land of owners unknown on Assessors Plat
No. 121, Lot No. 27A, off Parkman Road, containing 2386 sq, ft. , more or
less , and to see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, from the tax
levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate
for such purpose, or what it will do in relation thereto.
On motion of James W. Killam, III, it was voted that this Article
be indefinitely postpones.
ARTICLE 14. To see if the Town will vote to acquire or transfer
by purchase, right of eminent domain, deed of gift, dedication or other-
wise for Conservation purposes under General Laws Chapter 40, Section 8C,
as amended, a certain parcel of land of owners unknown on Assessors Plat
No. 1, Lot No. 2 off Walnut Street, containing 0.28 acres more or less,
and to see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, from the tax levy, \�
or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for
such purpose, or what it will do in relation thereto.
On motion of James W. Killam, III, it was voted that this Article
be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 15. To see if the Town will vote to acquire or transfer
by purchase, right of eminent domain, deed of gift, dedication or other-
wise for Conservation purposes under General Laws Chapter 40, Section 8C,
as amended, 3Eertain parcel of land of owners unknown shown on Assessors
Plat 221 , Lot No. 1, in Dividence Meadow, containing 3. 3 acres more or
less, and to see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, from the tax
levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate
for such purpose, or what it will do in relation thereto.
On motion of James W. Killam, III, it was voted that this Article
be indefinitely postponed.
G Z t� Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972
ARTICLE 16. To see if the Town will vote to acquire or transfer
by purchase, right of eminent domain, deed of gift, dedication or other-
wise for Conservation purposes under General Laws 6hapter 40, Section
8C, as amended, certain parcels of land of owners unknown, as follows:
Assessors Plat No. Lot No. Location Acres-more or less
'- 248 2 Bear Meadow 3. 3
248 5 Bear Meadow 1.5
249 4 Bear Meadow 3.59
and to see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, from the tax levy,
or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for such
purpose, or what it will do in relation thereto.
On motion of James W. Xillam, III, it was voted that this Article
beindefinitely postponed.
.ARTICLE 17. To see if the Town will vote to acquire or transfer
by purchase, right of eminent domain, deed of gift, dedication or other-
wise for Conservation purposes under General Laws Chapter 40, Section
8C, as amended, certain. parcels of land of owners unknown as follows:
Assessors Plat No. Lot No. Location Acres-more or less
J— 58 9 Longwood Road 00.9
96 14 Longwood Road 33456
96 15 Longwood Road 11117
96 17 Longwood Road 00192
and to see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, from the tax levy,
or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for such
purpose, or what it will do in relation thereto.
On motion of James W. Rillam, III, it was voted that this Article
be indefinitely postponed.
xARTICLE 18. On motion of Nancy Wilson Anderson it was voted that
the Townacquire by purchase, right of eminent domain, deed of gift,
dedication or otherwise, for conservation purposes under General Laws '
Chapter 40, Section 8C, as amended, the following described parcels of
land of owners unknown appearing on the Assessors Map as follows, and
that the sum of One Dollar ($1.00) be raised from the tax levy and ap-
propriated for the purpose of this vote:
PARCEL 1
The land in Cedar Swamp, Reading, shown as Lot 2 on the Assessors
Plat 217, containing 4.5 acres more or less, and being bounded and des-
cribed as follows:
Beginning at the Southwesterly corner thereof and
Thence running Northerly one thousand one hundred forty feet (1140• )
more or less;
Thence running Easterly one hundred eighty two feet (1821 ) more or less;
Thence running Southerly one thousand thirty one feet (1031' ) more
or less;
Thence running Southwesterly one hundred eighty two feet (1821 ) more
or less to the point of beginning.
PARCEL 2
The land in Cedar Swamp, Reading, being shown as Lot 3 on the As-
sessors Plat 217, containing 4. 2 acres more or less, and being bounded
and described as followsl
Beginning at the Southwesterly corner thereof and ,
Thence running Northerly one thousand thirty one feet (10311 ) more
or less;
Thence running Easterly one hundred eighty two feet (1821 ) more or
less;
Thence running Southerly one thousand sixty five feet (10651 ) more
or less;
Thence running Southwesterly one hundred eighty two feet (1821 ) more
or less to the point of beginning.
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972 229
PARCEL 3
The land in Cedar Swamp, Reading, being shown as Lot 5 on the As-
sessors Plat 217, containing 11.6 acres more or less, and being bounded
and described as follows:
Beginning at the Southwesterly corner thereof and
Thence running Northerly four hundred ninety five feet (4951 ) more
or less;
Thence running Easterly one thousand five feet (1005' ) more or
less;
Thence running Southerly six hundred feet (6001 ) more or less;
Thence running Westerly nine hundred twenty five feet (9251 ) more
or less to the point of beginning.
PARCEL 4
The land in Reading in Cedar Swamp, so-called, and being bounded
and described as follows:
Beginning at the Southwesterly corner of Lot 2 of the Assessors
Plat 218 and
Thence running Northerly six hundred sixty feet (6601 ) by Lot 1;
Thence Easterly two hundred feet (2001 ) to Lot 3;
Thence Southerly by Lot 3 a distance of six hundred forty five feet
(645 ' ) ;
Thence Westerly a distance of two hundred feet (2001 ) to the point
of beginning.
Containing three ( 3) acres of land more or less, and being shown on
Lot 2 on the Assessors Plat 218.
PARCEL 5
The land in Reading in Cedar Swamp, so-cAlled, and being bounded
and described as follows:
' 8rgihning at the Southwesterly corner of Lot 4 of the Assessors
Plat 218 and
Thence running Northerly four hundred fifty feet (450' ) by Lot 3;
Thence Easterly two hundred twenty feet (2201 ) to Lot 5;
Thence Southerly four hundred fifty five feet (4551 ) ;
Thence Westerly a distance of two hundred thirty feet (2301 ) to
the point of beginning.
Containing 2. 3 acres of land, more or less, and being shown as Lot 4
on the Assessors Plat 218.
PARCEL 6
The land in Reading in Cedar Swamp so-called, and being bounded and
described as follows:
Beginning at the Southwesterly corner thereof and running Northerly
a distance of four hundred fifty two feet (452 ' ) to the Southeasterly
corner of Lot 4 on a plan hereinafter mentioned;
Thence continuing Northerly by said Lot 4 a distance of four hundred
fifty five feet (4551 )
Thence Easterly a distance of two hundred twenty five feet (2251 )
to an angle;
Thence still Easterly a distance of one hundred twenty five feet (1251 ) ;
Thence running Southerly a distance of nine hundred seventy six and
thirty hundredths feet (976. 30• ) ;
Thence Westerly a distance of two hundred sixty feet ( 2601 ) to the
point of beginning.
Containing 6.6 acres of land, more or less, and being shown as Lot 5
on the Assessors Plat 218. All distances given are more or less.
144 voted in the affirmative
0 voted in the negative
230 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972
ARTICLE 19. On motion of Charles Stratton it was voted that
the Town acquire by purchase, right of eminent domain, deed of gift,
dedication or otherwise, for conservation purposes under General Laws
Chapter 40, Section 8C, as amended, the following described parcels
of land of owners unknown appearing on the Assessors Map as follows,
and that the sum of One Dollar ($1.00) be raised from the tax levy
and appropriated for the purpose of this vote:
PARCEL 1
The land in Reading in Cedar Swamp, so-called, and being bounded
and described as follows:
Beginning at the Northeasterly corner thereof at the Northwesterly
corner of Lot 2 on a plan hereinafter mentioned;
Thence running Southeasterly two hundred seventy five feet (275 ' )
more or less to Lot 4;
Thence Westerly by said Lot 4 a distance of four hundred forty
feet (440") more or less;
Thence Northerly a distance of seventy feet ( 701 ) spore or less•
Thence Easterly a distance of two hundred sixteen and ten hundredths
feet (216.101 ) more or less, to an angle;
Thence still Easterly but more Northerly a distance of one hundred
fifteen and fifty hundredths feet (115.501 ) more or less, to the point
of beginning.
Containing 1. 3 acres of land, more or less, and being shown as
Lot 1 on the Assessors Plat 229.
PARCEL 2
The land in Reading in Cedar Swamp, so-called and being bounded
and described as follows:
Beginning at the Northeasterly corner thereof at the Southeast-
erly corner of Lot 3 on a plan hereinafter mentioned;
Thence running Southerly two hundred fifteen feet ( 215' ) •
Thence Westerly nine hundred ninety five feet (9951 ) to Lot 4; ,
Thence Northwesterly one hundred eighty five feet (185' ) to Lot 2;
Thence Easterly by Lots 2 and 3 a distance of one thousand thirty
feet (10301 ) to the point of beginning. All distances given are more or
less.
Containing 4.2 acres of land, more or less, and being shown as Lot
5 on the Assessors Plat 229.
PARCEL 3
The land in Cedar Swamp, Reading, being shown as Lot 3 on the As-
sessors Plat 231 containing one (1) acre more or less, and being bounded
and described as follows;
Beginning at the Southwesterly corner thereof and
Thence running Northerly two hundred thirty feet ( 230' ) more or
less, to the line dividing the Towns of North Reading and Reading•
Thence running Easterly one hundred seventy feet (170' ) more or
less along the North Reading Town Line;
Thence running Southerly one hundred ninety five feet (1951 ) more
or less;
Thence running Westerly one hundred sixty five feet (1651 ) more
or less, to the point of beginning. '
PARCEL 4
The land in Cedar Swamp, Reading, being shown as Lot 6 on the As-
sessors Plat 231 containing 5.4 acres more or less, and being bounded
and described as follows:
Beginning at the Southwesterly corner thereof and
Thence running Northerly five hundred forty five feet (5451 ) more
or less;
Thence running Easterly four hundred seventy five feet (4751 ) more
or less;
Thence running Southerly five hundred feet (5001 ) more or less;
Thence running Westerly three hundred eighty one feet ( 3811 ) more
or less to the point of beginning.
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972 2 1S
PARCEL 5
The land in Cedar Swamp, Reading, being shown as Lot 2 on the As-
sessors Plat 243 containing 4.2 acres more or less, and being bounded
and described as follows:
Beginning at the Southwesterly corner thereof and
Thence running Northerly four hundred ninety feet (490' ) more or
less, to the line dividing the Towns of North Reading and Reading;
Thence running Easterly two hundred twenty five feet (225' ) more
or less by the North Reading Town Line;
' Thence running Southerly two hundred twenty five feet (225' ) more
or less;
Thence running Easterly five hundred fifty feet (5501 ) more or less;
Thence running Southerly again one hundred fifty five feet (155' )
more or less;
Thence running Westerly seven hundred forty five feet (7451 ) more
or less, to the point of beginning.
144 voted in the affirmative
0 voted in the negative
ARTICLE 20. On motion of Fred C. Kenney, Jr. , it was voted that
the Selectmen be, and they hereby are, authorized to establish a com-
mittee of nine (9) citizens for the observance of the Bicentennial of
American Independence, representing insofar as possible, all age groups
and major interests which constitute the citizen population, for the
purpose of considering and carrying out appropriate projects during the
anniversary years 1975 to 1983, such committee to cooperate with the
National and State Bicentennial commissions, and the committees of neigh-
boring Towns.
ARTICLE 21. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the
Town adopt the provisions of Section 20C of Chapter 90 of the General Laws
as amended, providing for a uniform system of citation for parking viola- ,(
tions a schedule of fines, and the procedure for non-criminal and crimi-
nal disposition of cases arising out of such violations.
ARTICLE 22. To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning By-Laws
and Map of the Town by changing the following described parcels from Resi-
dence A-1 to Business A District:
Land on Main Street in Reading bounded Northerly by the existing
Residence B District at the Southern Boundary of land now or formerly
owned by Mario and Marjorie A. Bertone (as shown on the Reading Assessors
map as Lot No. 4 on Plat No. 27) , Westerly by the existing Business Dis-
trict at the center line of Main Street, Southerly by the Northern bound
of Cross Street, and Easterly by a line which is 150 feet from and parallel
to the center line of Main Street. Said parcels to be re-zoned are shown
as all or portions of Lots No. 1, 2, 3, and 3A on said Plat 27, or what
it will do in relation thereto.
On motion of Raymond R. Couture it was :voted that this Article be
indefinitely postponed..
ARTICLE 23. On motion of Lawrence Drew it was voted that the Town
Clerk be, and he hereby is, authorized to add the sum of One Dollar ($1.00)
to the regular dog license fee collected for any such license fee remain-
ing unpaid after sixty (60) days have elapsed from the time such license
fee was due. ,
ARTICLE 24. On motion of Charles Stratton, as amended, it was voted
that the sum of Two Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($2,600.00) be raised
from the tax levy and appropriated for the purpose of coordinating or con-
ducting programs dealing with the problems of the aging and promote facili-
ties for health, education, welfareand recreation of the aging.
ARTICLE 25. To see if the Town will vote to indemnify certain police
officers and fire fighters for expense actually incurred as a result of
injury in the line of duty, under the provisions of the General Laws, /
Chapter 41, Section 100, as amended or otherwise, or what it will do in ✓�
relation thereto.
2,012 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972
On motion of Edward P. Cameron it was voted that this Article be
indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 26.✓ On motion of Edward P. Cameron it was voted that the
sum of Eleven Thousand Dollars ($11,000.00) be raised from the tax levy
and appropriated for the purpose of Community Center maintenance.
ARTICLE 27. ,Xn motion of Edward P. Cameron it was voted that the
sum of One Thousnad Dollars ($1,000.00) be raised from the tax levy and
appropriated for the purpose of establishing a side-walk tree planting
fund for the planting of trees in and around barren locations.
ARTICLE 28. On motion of Edward P. Cameron it was voted that the
sum of Seven Hundred Five and 90/100 Dollars ($705.90) be raised from the r
tax levy and appropriated for the payment during the year 1972, of
bills remaining unpaid on January 1, 1972, for goods and services
actually rendered to the Town.
144 voted in the affirmative
0 voted in the negative
(four-fifths vote required)
ARTICLE 29. /On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that
the sum of Three Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty Dollars ($3,860.00)
be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the observance of the
Christmas Season of 1972 by the decoration and illumination of
public buildings and public streets, and the decoration of _Christmas
trees upon municipal land.
ARTICLE 30. To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or
from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds or otherwise, and
appropriate for the purpose of municipal collective bargaining expense,
or what it will do in relation thereto.
On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that this Article
be indefinitely postponed. ISI
ARTICLE 31. To see what sum the Town will vote to raise by ,
borrowing or from the tax levy or transfer from available funds and
appropriate for the purpose of reimbursement of other retiring
-- authorities for creditable service attributable to the Town under
provisions of General Laws Chapter 32, Section 59A as amended, or what
it will do in relation thereto.
On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that this Article
be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 32. /On motion of Edward P. Cameron it was voted that
the sum of One Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($1 , 250.00) be raised ?�
from the tax levy and appropriated for the purpose of providing for
renovations and repair of the Central Fire Station. I,
ARTICLE 33. /On motion of Edward P. Cameron it was voted that
the Selectmen be, and they hereby are authorized to sell or exchange,
or otherwise dispose of, upon such terms and conditions as they may
determine, a 1952 Seagrave pumping engine, now in the Fire Department,
and that the sum of Thirty-Five Thousand Dollars ($35,000.00) be
raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purchase of a new
1000 gallon per mi ute pumping engine.
ARTICLE 34. %n motion of Edward P. Cameron it was voted that
the Selectmen be, and they hereby are, authorized to sell or exchange,
upon such terms and conditions as they may determine, the 1966 Dodge ,
Deputy Chief's car now in the fire department, and that the sum of Three
Thousand Fifty Dollars ($3,050.00) be raised from the tax levy, and
together with the proceeds from said sale or exchange, be appropriated
for the purchase of a new Fire Chief's car.
ARTICLE 35. ,/On motion of Fred C. Kenney Jr. it was voted that
the sum of One Thousand Two Hundred Dollars (�1, 200.00) be raised from
the tax levy and appropriated for the purchase of protective clothing
for the members of the Auxiliary Fire Service.
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972
`�3
ARTICLE 36. -VOn motion of Fred C. Kenney, Jr. it was voted that
the sum of One Thousand Six Hundred Fifty Dollars ($1,650.00) be
raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purpose of purchasing
a portable two-way radio system of the walkie-talkie type so-called,
and related equipment for the use of the Fire Department.
ARTICLE 37. ✓ D/n motion of Fred C. Kenney, Jr, it was voted that
the sum of Three Thousand One Hundred Fifty Dollars($3,150.00) be
raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purchase of uniforms
for members of the Fire Department.
' ARTICLE 38. n motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that
the Selectmen be, and they hereby are, authorized to sell or exchange,
upon such terms and conditions as they may determine, the 1968 Chevrolet
and the two 1971 cruisers now in the Police Department, and that the
sum of Eight Thousand Dollars ($8,000.00) be raised from the tax levy,
and together with the proceeds from said sale or exchange, be appropri-
ated for the purpose of purchasing three new cars for the Police Depart-
ment. y�/
ARTICLE 39. /On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that
the sum of Seven Thousand One Hundred Sixty Seven (7,167.00) Dollars
be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purchase of
uniforms for the members of the Police Department.
ARTICLE 40. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that
the 1963 Chevrolet two ton truck chassis presently in the Park Department
be transferred to the Forestry Department.
ARTICLE 41. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that
the Selectment be, and they hereby are, authorized to abandon or l
salvage the 1942 GMC truck chassis now in the Forestry Department.
ARTICLE 42. ✓dh motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that
the sum of Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) be raised from the tax levy
and appropriated for the purpose of purchasing and installing a new
tank for the hydraulic sprayer now in the Forestry Department.
ARTICLE 43. /n motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that
the Selectmen be, and they hereby are, authorized to sell or exchange,
1 upon such terms and conditions as they may determine, the 1965 Dodge
one-half ton pick up truck, and that the su*bf Three Thousand One
Hundred Fifty Dollars ($3,150.00) be raised from the tax levy, and
together with the proceeds from said sale or exchange, be appropriated
for the purpose of purchasing a new one-half ton pick-up truck for
use in the Forestry Department.
ARTICLE 44. To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or
from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and
appropriate for the purpose of paying retroactively, salaries of
personnel subject to the wage freeze so-called under Phase I of the
Economic Stabilization Program, as authorized subsequent to January 1,
1972.
On motion of Donald R. Walker it was voted that this Article
be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 45.L1<On motion of Neil H. Murray it was voted that the
} sum of One Hundred Twenty Thousand Dollars ($120,000.00) be raised
from the tax levy and appropriated for the purpose of renovating and/or
' repairing the roof of Reading Memorial High School and for replacement
of obsolete lighting fixtures and appliances.
ARTICLE 46. " On motion of Frank A. Smith, Jr. it was voted that
the School Committee be, and they hereby are, authorized to sell or
exchange, upon such terms and conditions as they may determine, the
{ 1965 Chevrolet one half ton Pick-Up Truck now in the School Department,
and that the sum of Two Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($2,600.00) be
raised from the tax levy, and together with the proceeds from said sale
or exchange, be appropriated for the purchase of a new three-quarter
ton Pick-Up Truck.
ARTICLE 47. On motion of Frank A. Smith, Jr. it was noted that
the School Committee be, and they hereby are, authorized to sell or
exchange, upon such terms and conditions as they may determine, the
1967 Ford Station Wagon now in the School Departm pt and ,th t the sum
of Three Thousand Three Hundred Dollars ($3,300.01 be raise from
234 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25, 1972
k the tax levy, and together with the proceeds from said sale or exchange,
be appropriated for the purchase of a new Station Wagon.
ARTICLE 48.v On motion of Frank A. Smith, Jr. it was voted that
the School Committee be, and they hereby are, authorized to sell or
exchange, upon such terms and conditions as they may determine, the
1966 Ford Truck with dump body now in the School Department, and that
the sum of Three Thousand Six Hundred ($3, 600.00) Dollars be raised from
the tax levy, and together with the proceeds from said sale or exchange,
be appropriated for the purchase of a new one ton truck with dump body
and hoist. '
On motion of Donald R. Walker it was voted to take Article 2 from
the table.
ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by Donald R. Walker,
Chairman of the School Committee:
SPECIAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT ON KINDERGARTENS
Your School Committee is committed to the establishment of kinder-
gartens in the Reading public. schools in September, 1973. We have un-
dertaken this commitment not only to comply with the state mandate for
public kindergartens, but because we believe that all children should
have the opportunity to benefitfrom a quality kindergarten program.
Professional educators are in near unanimous agreement that a good kin-
dergarten start can and does have a permanent beneficial effect on a
child's education. Over 65% of the public school systems in Massachus-
etts now have kindergarten, and 64% of the eligible children in Mass-
achusetts now attend public kndergartens.
The School Committee is further committed to establish kindergar-
tens in a manner which does not degrade our current educational pro-
gram for grades 1 through 12. This commitment implies the acquisition
of additional space and teaching personnel. Assuming that the kinder-
garten enrollment in 1973 will approximate this year' s first grade,
about 480 children will have to be accomodated in half-day sessions re- ,
quiring the egavalent of 12 teachers and 12 classrooms.
Four alternatives to solving the classroom space questtion have been
explored by the School Committee. They are:
1. Accomodation ofkindergartens within existing space: This solu-
tion does not appear possible without severe overcrowding if grade
enrollments stay at their present level or even continue the down-
ward-trend of the past two years. Such a solution would increase
the average class sizes in the existing elementary system, but
more importantly the number ofovercrowded classrooms and the de-
gree of overcrowding would increase even more than the average
classroom size. This phenomenon results from the non-uniform dis-
tribution of children in the various grade levels within school dis-
tricts. It can be corrected only by districting at individual grade
levels; such a policy not only would require additional bussing, but
more importantly would be educationally and socially disruptive to
the students and their parents.
2. Lease space from local churches: This solution would add consider-
ably to bussing requirements since our churches are not geograph-
ically well distributed. Moreover, only three churches have re--
sponded to an inquiry made last October concerning the potential
availability of space; all three stated that suitable space could
not be made available.
3. Add space by means of permanent construction: This solution could prJo-,
'-ably be most economically and effectively accomplished by additions
to the Barrows and Birch Meadow schools. The School Committee be-
lieves it is the most cost-effective long-term solution, especially
because of the new state law which provides for reimbursement of
interestchargesas well as principle costs and raises the reim-
bursement percentage from 40 bo 50 or 65% depending upon the econ-
omic statistics existing in the gbneral area at the time of construc-
tion (Reading is currently eligible for 65% aid) .
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 25 , 1972 2 335
4. Add space by means of pre-fabricated, portable classrooms. This
solution can be implemented quickly, and the rooms can be spread
out at several existing schools. Cost per classroom is lower than
for permanent construction, but the expected life is limited to 10
years, bonding is restricted to 5 years, and no state aid is provided.
Article 49 has been placed in the warrant for this Town Meeting to
consider planning funds for permanent classrooms. It is the intent of
the School Committee to move indefinite postponement of this article.
As previously stated, we believe permanent construction to be the best
long-term solution to the kindergarten problem, but there is no longer
sufficient time to plan and construct permanent facilities to be avail-
able by September, 1973.
Portable classrooms now appear to be our only remaining alternate
to obtaining kindergarten space. They would have to be ordered early in
- 1973 to be available by September, 1973. The School Committee has con-
sidered requesting such authorization from this Town Meeting. We are
not taking this route, however, because several Town Meeting members and
the Finance Committee are mf. the opinion that school enrollments will
continue to drop at an increasing rate, and that the need for additional
classrooms or the specific number required is therefore questionable.
Instead, we have decided to postpone our request for portables until
next year to permit all of us to get closer to the projected September,
1973, requirements and to have the benefits of actual September, 1972
entollments. -
It should be emphasized that the School Committee believes we are
in no danger of - overbuilding- even if enrollments continue or acceler-
ate their downward trend. The Prospect and Lowell Street Schools are
over-age, four-room buildings; we are using two temporary classrooms at
the Pearl Street School and one at the Eaton School; the 14-room High-
land School may have limited life; and we are leasing 16 rooms at the
Woburn Street School at a cost which has already increased once and will
probably increase in .the future. Thus, we eventually see the need to
replace up to 41 teaching stations.
We cannot wait until the Annual Town Meeting of March, 1973, to re-
quest authorization for portables and have them installed by September,
1973. Accordingly, it is our intent to request a Special Town Meeting
in January, 1973, for this purpose. We have discussed this approach
with the Finance Committee and have been assured that they will consider
our January, 1973, proposal on its merits and not on the sometimes ex-
pressed issue of whether or not expenditures should be considered at
a January town meeting or at the annual town meeting in March.
On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted to accept report as
a report of progress.
On motion of Donald R. Walker it was voted that Article 2 be laid
on the table.
ARTICLE 49. To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing or
from the tax levy or transfer from available funds or otherwise, and ap-
propriate for the purpose of preliminary planning for construction of
school facilities, and or additions to existing school buildings, or what
it will do in relation thereto.
On motion of Donald R. Walker it was voted that this Article be
indefinitely postponed.
On motion of Carl H. Amon, Jr. , it was voted that this meeting stand
adjourned until Monday, March 27, 1972, at 7:45 P. M. , to meet in the
Memorial High School Auditorium.
Meeting adjourned at 4:40 P. M.
178 Town Memting Membe2s were present in the A. M.
167 Town Meeting Members were present in. the P. M.
A true copy. Attest:
Lawrence Drew
Town Clerk