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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-03-27 Annual Town Meeting Minutes 2a ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Memorial Reading^High School Auditorium March 27, 1972 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Kenneth C. Latham, at 7:45 P. M. The invocation was. given by Rev. Paul E. Barnes of the First Con- gregational Church. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted to take Article 4 from the table. ARTICLE 4. /On motion of Fred C. Kenney, Jr. , it was voted that the sum of One Million Two Hundred Nine Thousand Eight Hundred Sixty ' Eight Dollars ($1, 209,868.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropri- ated for Protection of Persons and Property as follows, each item being considered as a separate appropriation: 1. Police Dept. Salaries $ 456,082.00 2. Police Dept. Maintenance (including travel outside State not to exceed Two Hundred Dollars) 33,950.00 3. Traffic Controls, School 29,640.00 4. Traffic Light Maintenance 4, 500.00 5. Police Dept. Reserve Uniforms 6. Fire Dept. Salaries 543,873.0 7. Fire Dept. Maintenance (including travel out- side State not to exceed Two Hundred Dollars) 7, 500.00 / 8. Fire Alarm Maint. Salaries 6,000.00 9. Fire Alarm Maint. Expense ,3 000.0p 10. Forestry Dept. Salaries 44.02606. V 11. Forestry Dept.. Expense 10,000.00 12. Tree Removal Including Labor 3,568.00 13. Hydrant Rentals 26,000.00 14. Drinking Fountain 100.00 15. Inspector of Buildings Salary 6,630.00 16. Inspector of Buildings Expense 985.00 17. Gas Inspector's Salary 1,000.00 18. Gas Inspector's Expense 50.00 ' 19. Sealer of Weights & Meas. Salary 1,246.00 20. Sealer of Weights & Meas. Expense 400.00 21. Dog Officer's Salary 821.00 - 22. Dog Officer' s Expense 810.00 23. Civil Defense 1, 500.00 24. Inspector of Wires Salary 2,187.00 25. Inspector of Wires Expense 1,000.00 Total $1,209,868.00 On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted to lay Article 4 on the table. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted to take Article 2 from the table. ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by Douglass L. Barker, Chairman of the Depot Traffic and Parking Committee: REPORT OF THE DEPOT TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMITTEE I. Introduction The Depot Traffic and Parking Committee was created at the Read- ing Annual Town Meeting on Monday, March 15, 1971. ' Member Douglass L. Barker moved under Article 3 that "a committee of five (5) , composed of three ( 3) citizens appointed by the Board of Selectmen, the Police Chief, and one (1) member of the Board of Public Works, selected by, it, be formed forthwith to develop a comprehensive plan for the regulation of parking and traffic flow in the depot and sur- rounding residential areas. . The committee shall be empowered to study all aspects of the depot parking and traffic problem including, but not limited to, the charging of parking fees, installation of traffic signals, relocation of roadways, establishment of parking zones, and the regulation of traffic flow. o,. y 1 c p� .qy k of F.V A S o o I sA r4R L � I N II � I ' n �'1 D y YZ A n' R �C C v�' = LA a�oJ•' a M I4 Y 7 Im •J` !I D I n I S y P y v z a r d c z Al z o (� h m o i r m 1 �c is q v I � I Z i n o s o I I 1 i Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 27, 1972a r �nl Be it further moved that the Board of Selectmen cause the committee to report within sixty (60) days and to nsert all articles as rec- ommended by the committee in the next special or annual town meeting occuring after sixty (60) days from March 15, 1971. " The committee met on April 12, 1971, and organized as follows: Douglass L. Barker, Chairman, appointed by Board of Selectmen Thomas J. Ryan, Member, appoint by Board of Selectmen Kay K. Krekorian, Member, appointed by Board of Selectmen Donald E. Florence, Member, from Board of Public Works John F. Beaudoin, Member, Police Chief William A. Jessiman, Secretary, Special Consultant II. The Problem The depot area parking problem (Haven, Woburn, High, Prescott, Lin- coln, and Arlington Streets) is one of parked commuters restricting traf- fic. The problem is worse during the winter when more people take the train into Boston and snow banks limit the effective widths of the streets. Residents of the depot area have their driveways blocked; merchants complain of illegal all-day parkers taking up business spaces; emergency vehicles cannot negotiate turns in the area due to parked cars; and legal parking on both sides of Woburn Street plus the snow results in Woburn Street being restricted to one lane of traffic flow. After lengthy discussion it was decided to divide the study into two aregs - Parking and Traffic. III. Committee Recommendations A. Parking 1. The Town should appropriate funds for paving the strip of Town- owned land along the east side of the B & M tracks and High Street north of Woburn Street (estimated cost $10,000) to make that area easier to plow and maintain. (Area A in Figure 1) 2. The Town Counsel should approach the B & M Railroad seeking ' permission for the Town to use the B & M-owned strip of land far- ther north along the east side of the B & M tracks north of Woburn Street for additional off-street commuter parking. (Area B in Figure 1) 3. At the same time the Town Counsel should request of the B & M a right-of-way across the tracks from Vine Street to the Town- owned land west of the tracks for possible ultimate development of that parcel of land. However, at this time no specific develop- ment of that land is proposed. (Area C in Figure 1) 4. Regarding on-street parking the following changes in the ex- isting parking regulations are proposed: a) Woburn St., north side, west of tracks opposite the inter- section with Arlington and Lincoln Streets: put in "NO PARK- ING" signs to improve traffic flow at that point. (Area E in figure 1) b) High 8th east side, south of Woburn St. and north of Haven St. : change the sign to read "NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER" in- stead of "NO PARKING". (Area G in Figure 1) c) Prescott St. , south side, west of Lincoln St. : remove 15 minute parking limit sign, since it was only temporary while Post Office was located there. (Area H in Figure 1) d) Prescott St. , north side, between Arlington and Lincoln ' Sts. : make that side "NO PARKING". (Area I in Figure 1) 5. All existing parking regulations and signs in the depot area should be reviewed for conformity to uniform standards and ade- quacy of placement. Also the approval of the Massachusetts DPW should be obtained in compliance with Chapter 85, Section 2, of the General Laws of Massachusetts. 6. No increase in parking violation fines is recommended at this time. 7. Parking meters or parking fees for either off-street or on- street parking are not recommended at this time. c)�b Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 27, 1972 GG B. Any Town-sticker type priority parking system is un- desirable. 9. The Town should pursue improved snow plowing and re- moval procedures to alleviate the depot area parking prob )61em in the winter. 10. Parking stalls on High Street south of the depot should be nine feet wide (instead of the present ten feet) to match those on High Street north of the depot. This would provide six additional parking spaces. B. Traffic 1. No alternate traffic flow patterns such as one-way street , systems in the vicinity of the depot area would improve the traffic congestion/safety problem in that area. 2. A vehicle-actuated traffic signal installation is recom- mended at the intersection of High and Woburn Streets (esti- mated cost $15,000) because of the high accident history at that intersection. (Area D in Figure 1) IV. Discussion of Recommendations A. Parking Since the traffic problem is at least partially due to parked cars, the parking problem will be dealt with first. The depot area parking and traffic problem is most pronounced in the winter when more commuters use the B & M rail service and when accululated snow banks reduce street width available for both parking and traffic flow. Lack of suitable alternative parking space forces the commuter to .park his car on-street wherever he can. (There are ap- proximately 300 off-street or designated on-street parking spaces, as indicated by areas A, J, K, L, and M in Figure 1, and a total of 350- 400 would-be parkers) . It is the opinion of this Committee that restricting on-street parking in the immediate vicinity of thedepot would only serve to move ' the parking problem somewhere else as the commuters have to, and are entitled to, park their cars somewhere. The best solution to accomo- date the 50-75 on-street "problem" parkers - some of whom are presently parking near corners, driveways, etc. , constricting traffic flow - is to provide additional suitable off-street parking. To purchase additional land, such as the Bancroft Lumber or Mobil Station properties, would be prohibitively expensive (estimated at $110,000 for Bancroft, and $85,000 for the Mobil property) . The con- struction of a large off-street parking facility, such as one on the - Town-owned land adjacent to the Bancroft Lumber property (Area C in Figure 1) , is undesirable at this time because of the high cost involved (estimated at $250 per parking space minimum for filling, paving, and fencing) and because of the uncertainty over the future plans of the B&M/MBTA regarding commuter railroad service. The most readily suit- able piece of land for additional parking is the strip of land paral- leling the B & M tracks along High/Vine Streets north of the Town- owned strip. (Area B in Figure 1) This strip of land is now used by parkers in the summer and would need only to be plowed in the winter to be useable. However it belongs to the B & M, and the Town Public Works Department would require special permission from the B & M to so maintain it in the winter. It is therefore the recommendation of this Committee that Town Counsel approach the B & M to request such permis- sion, and that the Public Works Department seek approval from their , Board to plow that area in the winter if B & M permission is received. The site of the present B & M loading platform would also be a log- ical parking area if the B & M were to remove the platform; however ini- tial informal inquiries of the B & M have indicated they wish to keep the platform as is. A number of alternatives were reviewed for regulating on-street parking including: 1) restriction of on-street parking in the vicinity of the depot or limiting the duration of parking allowed to one or two hours. 2) installation of parking meters or some manner of parking fees for parking in the vicinity of the depot. Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 27, 1972 3) adoption of a Town-sticker system, such as the one used at the Town Dump; , to limit parking to Reading residents only, or to reserve prime depot area parking spaces for Reading residents. 4) an increase in parking violation fines. After considerable discussion, all of these alternatives were rejected as undesirable or unenforceable. Next the Committee reviewed all existing on-street parking zones in the depot area, with special emphasis on locations where parking is known to cause traffic flow bottlenecks or to make certain turning movements difficult for larger vehicles. The following charges are recommended: 1. Woburn St. , north side, west of tracks opposite the inter- section with Arlington St. : put in "NO PARKING" signs from the tracks to beyond the Arlington St. intersection. This particular area is a traffic flow bottleneck, expecially in the winter when snow bank accumulation forces cars to park father out into the roadway. (Area E. in Figure 1) . 2. High St. , east side, just south of Woburn St. : change the existing sign from "NO PARKING" to "NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER" , to remove confusion over where the parking restric- tion ends. (Area G in Figure 1) 3. Prescott St. , south side, west of Lincoln St. : remove 1115 MINUTE PARKING LIMIT" sign to permit commuter parking. The time limit was installed on a temporary basis only, while the Post Office was located there. (Area H in Figure 1) 4. Prescott St. , north side, between Arlington and Lincoln Streets; install "NO PARKING THIS SIDE" signs. This area is another traffic bottleneck during the winter with park- ing along both sides of the street. (Area I in Figure 1) All other parking regulations were felt to be satisfactory as is. ' However there were a number of instances where signs were confusing or not in conformance with State "Uniform Traffic Control Devices" stand- ards. The Committee recommends that all existing parking regulation signs in the depot area be reviewed for conformity to uniform standaad3, clarityz'Of message, consistency, and adequacy of placement, and that the approval of the Massachusetts DPW be obtained. The ability of Public Works Department snow removal teams to clear away snow has much to do with the effectiveness of parking spaces pro- vided. It is a general Committee recommendation that the Public Works Department should examine the adequacy of its present snow removal plan for the area, in order to maintain the same number of parking spaces in the winter as are provided during the summer. A particular snow removal problem is the strip of Town-owned land along the B & M tracks north of Woburn St. , which accomodates some 40 parked cars (Area A in Figure 1) . It is unpaved and therefore very difficult to plow and maintain effectively. The Committee therefore recommends the Town appropriate the funds necessary to have that strip graded and paved. The estimated cost of paying this strip is $10,000. B. Traffic As discussed above there are a number of traffic bottleneck problems caused by parked cars in the depot area which, hopefully, the above rec- ommendations would solve. There is however, one traffic problem unre- lated to parked cars which the Committee feels needs to be acted upon - the intersection of High and Woburn Streets, presently controlled by a flashing traffic light. Accident records indicate a serious safety problem at that intersec- tion as shown by the following figures: Year No. Accidents Reported 1967 17 1968 9 1969 9 1970 13 G4 U Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 27, 1972 G While there were no fatalities, few of the accidents were of the less severe rear-end collision type. The large number of turning movements at that intersection leads to many traffic flow conflicts and hence many cross-collisions. Therefore the Committee recommends a full traffic signal be installed at that intersection. While this may well increase traffic congestion, and may not reduce the number of traffic accidents, it should reduce the severity of accidents. Due to the proximity to that intersection, of the Woburn Street railroad crossing, it would also be necessary to have co-ordinated, properly sequenced signals installed on the west side of the tracks at or near the Woburn-Arlington-Lincoln Street intersection as part of the High-Woburn signal system. The presence of the second set of signals, tied in to the railroad signal system, is necessary to permit ' railroad pre-emption of the signals if a train were to cross Woburn Street, and proper sequencing is necessary to prevent queues of vehicles from forming across the tracks, both safety considerations which the Department of Public Utilities would probably insist upon. Members of the Traffic Engineering staff of the Massachusetts DPW have confirmed the necessity and feasibility of such a co-ordinated traffic signal sy- stem (hereinafter referred to as the traffic signal) for controlling the High-Woburn Street intersection. The least expensive (approximately $10,000) traffic signal would be a fixed, pre-timed type. Unfortunately, the State has a volume war- rant for this type of signal which requires a minimum of "500 vehicles per hour on the major street (total of both approaches) , and 150 vehi- cles per hour on the higher volume minor street approach (one direc- tion only) for each of any eight hours of an average day". Traffic count checks indicate that this intersection is very close to meeting this warrant for the peak hours, but is is our observation that this traf- fic level does not appear to be maintained for eight hours of the day. An eight hour count should be made however, to be sure the warrant can- not be met. In that event a vehicle-actuated signal is recommended. This type of signal can be justified by the accident records, but will cost an estimated $15,000 to install because of the more complex sensing equip- ' ment required. Alternative traffic flow patterns were investigated as a means of avoiding the cost of the traffic signal. One such plan called for a one-way rotary-type circulation pattern involving Lincoln, Washington, High and Woburn Streets. However, the increased inconvenience to dri- vers traversing the depot arda, increases in congestion because of more traffic movements being held up by railroad train activity at the Wash- ington Street crossing, and expenditures necessary to make minor physi- cal street improvements and sign installations, were felt to be suffic- ient detractions to eliminate the plan from consideration. C. Long-range Suggestions Although this Committee concerned itself primarily with the short range problems, a number of longer range considerations were discussed, because they encroached upon recommendations for the depot area. One such factor was the future plans of the MBTA and B & M for extending rapid transit to Reading or making improvements to the present commuter rail line. It is the feeling of this Committee that the Town should maintain frequent contact with MBTA representatives, expecially concerning the possibilities of additional rail stations with large parking facilities at Route 128 and/or at Route I-93. Another consideration of the Committee was the federal TOPICS pro- gram whereby the Town can receive one hundred percent funding for a complete traffic study and implementation of any recommended improvements It was discarded by the Committee for purposes of the depot area problem because the TOPICS program would require perhaps two years to be brought up to the implementation stage, and we were looking for immediate solu- tions. However., it is our recommendation that the Town should pursue this program further to determine its applicability to future, Town- wide traffic problems. Reading Depot Area Traffic and Parking Committee Douglass L. Barker, Chairman John F. Beaudoin Donald E. Florence Kay K. Krekorian Thomas J. Ryan William A. Jessiman, Secretary Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 27, 1972 94 y / On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that report be ac- cepted with thanks and placed on file. ARTICLE 2. Cad H. Amon, Jr. , requested the School Committee to present an informal report on the rental of administrative space for the office of the Superintendent of Schools. Donald R. Walker, Chair- man of the School Committee gave the report as requested. On motion of Carl H. Amon, Jr. , it was voted to lay Article 2 on the table. x� ARTICLE 50. Wn motion of Lawrence R. Blood 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 maintaining, repairing and resurfacing the streets constructed under Section 34 of Chapter 90 of the General Laws, together with such funds as may be provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the County of Middlesex. ARTICLE 51. VOn motion of Lawrence R. Blood it was voted that the sum of Ten Thousand Four Hundred Dollars ($10,400.00) be raised from. the tax levy and appropriated for the purpose of improving and constructing a portion of Haverhill Street together with such funds as may be pro- vided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the County of Middlesex, under Section 34 of/ Chapter 90 of the General Laws. ARTICLE 52. n motion of Lawrence R. Blood, as amended by James J. Sullivan, Jr. , it was voted that the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purpose of maintain- ing, improving and constructing facilities in the parks and playgrounds, such sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Pub- lic Works. ARTICLE 53. On motion of Malcolm E. Reed it was voted that the sum of Eighty-seven Thousand Dollars ($87,000.00) be transferred as follows from the Board of Public Works ' Expense Accounts: Administration $ 500.00 Engineering Division 1,500.00 ' Construction and Maintenance of Highways 10,500.00 Removal of Snow and Ice 14,000.00 Maintenance and Operation of Sewer System 1,200.00 l Sewer House Connection 10,000.00 Maintenance of Storm Drains 3,600.00 Construction of Storm Drains 6,500.00 Construction and Maintenance of Sidewalks 4,700.00 Maintenance of Park Dept. and Commons 4,000.00 Maintenance of Parking Areas 100.00 Construction, Maintenance and Operation of Water Works 14,400.00 Rubbish Collection 9,000.00 Incinerator and Dump Operation 7,000.00 Total $87,000.00 and the sumo of Eighty-seven Thousand Dollars ($87,000.00) be appropriated for the maintenance, repair and operation of road machinery and for the purchase by the Board of Public Works of One (1) Backhoe - Loader One (1) Medium Sized Truck One (1) Five Cubic Yard Sander Two (2) Pickup Trucks and that the Board of Public Works be, and it hereby is authorized and empowered to sell , exchange or transfer upon such terms and conditions as it may determine One 4'1) Bay City Shovel One (1) Medium Sized Truck One (1) Five Cubic Yard Sander Two (2) Pickup Trucks and the proceeds from such sales, exchanges or transfer are to be appro- priated in addition to the aforementioned Eighty-seven Thousand Dollars ($87,000.00) for the purchase of the aforesaid equipment, and the Town Accountant be and he hereby is, authorized, empowered and instructed to transfer such amount to carry out the purpose of this vote. 242 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 27, 1972 ARTICLE 54.J On motion of Malcolm E. Reed it was votedthatthe sum of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) be raised and appro- priated for the construction of sanitary sewers, sewerage work and other sewer facilities, such sum to be expended by and under the direc- tion of the Board of Public Works, and to meet said appropriation, that the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) be raised from the tax levy and that the sum. of Four Hundred Ninety Thousand Dollars ($490,000.00) be raised by borrowing, and that the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, be and he hereby is, auth- orized to borrow said Four Hundred Ninety Thousand Dollars ($490,000.00) and to issue at one time or from time to time bonds or notes of the Town for said Four Hundred Ninety Thousand Dollars ($490,000.00)payable in accordance with Chapter 44 of the General Laws so that each issue shall be paid in not more than thirty ( 30) years from its date or at such earlier time as the Treasurer and Selectmen may determine, said bonds or notes shall be signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by the Sel- ectmen, and that the Board of Public Works be, and it hereby is, auth- orized to proceed with the construction of said sewers, sewerage work andother sewer facilities and enter into all contracts and agreements with respect thereto and to do all other acts and things necessary or proper for carrying out the provisions of this vote. 137 voted in the affirmative 0 voted in the negative ARTICLE 55. 00n motion of Donald E. Florence it was voted that the Town accept the report of the Board of Public Works on the layout of a Private Way known as OSBORNE AVENUE and adopt the recommendations con- tained therein, and that the sum of One Thousand Two Hundred and Three Dollars ($1 , 203.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the laying out and construction of said Way, such sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF. PUBLIC WORKS ON THE LAYING OUT OF 1� OSBORNE AVENUE The Board of Public Works of the Town of Reading hzving determined and adjudged that common convenience and necessity require the laying , out of a town way under theprovisions of law authorizing the assess- ment of betterments, substantially in the location hereinafter des- cribed, having complied with all requirements of law relating to notice to the owners of land thereof and of a hearing thereon, and having met at the time and place appointed for such hearing and then and there heard all persons present who desired to be heard, have laid out as a town way for the use of the town running northerly from Pleasant (Pub- lic) Street, substantially as and in the location of a private way known as Osborne Avenue. The boundaries and measurements of said way as so laid out are as follows: Beginning at a pgint on the northerly side line of Pleasant Street, said point being 5.83 18' 00"W. , a distance of 114. 38 feet from the divi- sion property line of lands of Carl R. and Mary E. Dahlquist, and lands of the Town of Reading; Thence by a curved line to the right, having a radius of 25,000 feet, a distance of 35.78 feet, to a point; Thence N.14042100"W. , a distance of 381.08 feet to a point of cur- vature; Thence by a curved line to the right, having a radius of 20.00 feet, a distance of 19. 25 feet, to a point of reverse curvature; Thence by a curved line to the left, having a radius of 50.00 febe.a distance of 253. 52 feet, to a point of reverse curvature; Thence by a curved line to the right, gaving a radius of 20.00 feet, ' a distance of 19. 25 feet, to a point; Thence 5.14°42'00"E. , a distance of 373.88 feet to a point of curva- ture; Thence by a curved line to the right, having a radius of 20.00 feet, a distance of 34.21 feet, to a point; Thence N.83018' 00"E. , a distance of 85.13 feet, to the point of be- ginning of this description. Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 27, 1972 243 The above described lines being more fully described on a plan en- titled "Street Acceptance Plan - Osborne Avenue, dated January 1972, E. Roger Louanis, Superintendent, said plan being a part of this des- cription. We determine that no damages will be sustained by any perxon or persons in their property by reason of the taking to be made for this improvement. All acts in connection with said laying out are done under the probision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, and betterments are to be assessed therefor. This laying out so made by us we hereby report to the Town for ac- ceptance and recommend that said way shall thereafter be known as a public town way and named Osborne Avenue, and that the sum of One Thou- sand Two Hundred and Three Dollars ($1, 203.00) be raised and appropriated for construction of said way. Nathan C. White, Chairman Donald E. Florence, Secretary William H. Watt Malcolm E. Reed Lawrence R. Blood ARTICLE 56. vbn motion of Donald E. Florence, as amended by William H. Diamond, it was voted that the Town accept the report of the Board of Public Works on the layout of a Private Way known as SPRUCE ROAD and adopt the recommendations containediherein, and that the sum of Twelve Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-two Dollars ($12, 772.00) be transferred from Surplus Revenue and the :Town Accountant be, and he hereby is, auth- orized and empowered to make such transfer for the laying out and construc- tion of said way, such sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works. . REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS ON THE LAYING OUT OF SPRUCE ROAD The Board of Public Works of the Town of Reading having determined and adjudged that common convenience and necessity require the laying out of a town way under the provisions of law authorizing the assessment of betterments , substantially in the location hreinafter described, hav- ing complied with all requirements of law relating to notice to the owners of land thereof and of a hearing thereon, and having met at the time and place appointed for such hearing and then and there heard all persons present who desired to be heard, have laid out as a town way for the use of the town running easterly from Grove (Public) Street, substantially as and in the location of a private way known as Spruce Road. The bound- aries and measurements of said way as so laid out are as follows: Beginning a8 a point on the easterly side line of Grove Street, said point being N.25 31130"W. , a distance of 66.11 feet from the division property line of lands of Albert J. and Ruth M. MCNaney and lands of Gerald C. and Maureen E. Powers; Thence by a curved line to the right, having a radius of 30.00 feet, a distance of 59.88 feet, to a point; Thence N.88050' 30"E. , a distance of 428. 55 feet, to a point; Thence N.4044' 30"W. , a distance of 40.00 feet, to a point; Thence 5.88050' 30"W. , a distance of 477.57 feet, to a point; Thence by a curved line to the right, having a radius of 20.00 feet, a distance of 23. 27 feet to a point; Thence by a curved line to the left, having a radius of 1260.00 feet, a distance of 22.48 feet, to a point; Thence S.25031130"E. , a distance of 81.10 feet, to the point of be- ginning of this description. The above described lines being more fully described on a plan en- titled "Street Acceptance Plan - Spruce Road, dated February 1972, E. Roger Louanis, Superintendent, said plan being a part of this description. We determine that no damages will be sustained by any person or per- sons in their property by reason of the taking to be made for this im- provement. All acts in connection with said laying out are done under the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, and bet- terments are to be assessed therefor. 244 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 27, 1972 This laying out so made by us we hereby report to the Town for acceptance and recommend that said way shall thereafter be known as a public town way and named Spruce Road, and that the sum of Twelve ThoV-- sand Seven Hundred Seventy-two Dollars ($12,772.00) be raised and ap- propriated for construction of said way. Nathan C. White, Chairman Donald E. Florence. Secretary William H. Watt Malcolm E. Reed Lawrence R. Blood ARTNCLE 57. On motion of William H. Watt it was voted that the ' sum of Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000.00) be raised and ap- propriated for the purpose of making improvements to the Water System, including the construction of pumping stations, pumping station equip- ment, sludge collection equipment, the installation of wells, pipe, fittings and related facilities, and to meet said appropriation, the sum of Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000.00) be raised and ap- propriated by borrowing, and that the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, be and he hereby is, authorized to borrow said Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000.00) and to issue at one time or from time to time, bonds or notes of the Town for said Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000.00) payable in accordance with Chapter 44 of the Gen- eral Laws so that each such issue shall be paid in not more than ten (10) years from its date or at such earlier time as the Treasurer and Selectmen may determine, and said bonds or notes shall be signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by the Selectmen, and that the Board of Public Works be, and it hereby is, authorized to proceed with said improvements and enter into all contracts'and agreements with respect thereto and to do all other acts and things necessary or proper to carry out the provisions of this vote. 137 voted in the affirmative 0 voted in the negative ARTICLE 58. To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or d , from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds or otherwise anap- propriate for expenses of the Board of Public Works, including consult- ing engineering services, surveys, preliminary plans, design, contracts, s-ecifications, final plans and estimates for an addition and modifica- tions to the Public Works Garage, such sums to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works, or what it will do in relation thereto. On motion of William H. Watt it was voted that the subject matter of this Article beindefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 59. '/On motion of William H. Watt it was voted that the sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for improving and reconstructing Town Public Ways, such sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Public Works and in such locations as the Board of Public Works May deem advisable. ARTICLE 60. To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing or from the tax levy, or transfer from abailable funds or otherwise and ap- propriate for the purpose ofi constructing a parking area on land owned by the Town at the southwesterly corner of Union Street and Middle Street and for surfacing said area with bituminous concrete, and for maintaining said parking area, or what it will do in relation thereto. On motion of Nathan C. White it was voted that the subject matter , of this Article be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 61. To see if the Town will amend the official classifica- tion plan, schedules and regulations in accordance with Section 4 and Section 5 of Article XVIIIA of the General By-Laws of the Town by adding the following: SECTION IV - PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT - ENGINEERING Sanitary Division Engineer Labor Grade 18 Secretary to the Superintendent Labor Grade 8 Principal Clerk Labor Grade 7 Senior Clerk Labor Grade 6 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 27, 1972 SECTION V Cemetery - Public Works - Tree & Moth Departments (Collective Bargaining Unit) Master Mechanic Labor Grade 17 Assistant Mechanic Labor Grade 9 Assistant Sanitary Engineer Labor Grade 14 - or what it will do in relation thereto. On motion of Nathan C. White it was voted that the subject matter of this Article be indefinitely postponed. ' ARTICLE 64. O�otion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purpose of Aid to Agriculture and work of the Middlesex County Extension Service and the 4-H Club under General Laws Chapter 12B, Sections 40 and 45 as amended, said sum to be expended under the direction of a Director appointed by the Selectmen, such dir- ector to cooperate with the Middlesex County Trustees. ARTICLE 65. /On motion of Robert W. Wakeling it was voted that the spm of Nineteen Thousand Sixty Two Dollars ($19,062.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purpose of providing cooperative or complementary facilities to out-patient clinics established or to be established in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 123, Section J 13A of the General Laws, in cooperation with the Department of Mental /\ Health and other agencies collaborating with said Department, and for providing payment for services rendered, or to be rendered, by such pub- lic or private agencies in such clinic in accordance with the provisions of General Laws Chapter 40, Section 5, Clause (40-C) , the same to be ex- pended under the direction of the School Committee or of the Board of Health or under the joint direction of both. ARTICLE 66. To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of Chapter 835 of the Acts of 1970, which amends Chapter 41 of the General Laws, inserting Section 108L, or what it will do in relation thereto. On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that the subject matter \ of this Article be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 67. .L On motion of Robert W. Wakeling it was voted that the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purpose of the erfadication of mosquitoes in the Town, such sum to be expended under the supervision of the Board of Health. ARTICLE 68. 4-On motion of Robert W. Wakeling it was voted that the V sum of Twenty Three Thousand Dollars ($23,000.00) be raised from the tax /\ levy and appropriated for the purpose of drug-related emergency health care under existing programs organized under the provisions of Chapter 735 of the Acts of 1966, to be expended under the direction of the Board of Health. ARTICLE 69. To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and appro- priate for the purpose of operation and maintenance of conservation lands and providing for the payment of expenses of the Conservation Committion, or what it will do in relation thereto. On motion of Charles Stratton it was voted that the subject matter of this Article be indefinitely postponed. ' ARTICLE 70. To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, or .otherwise, and appro= priate for the purpose of adopting a program to obtain matching assist- ance for the Conservation Commission under the Ford Foundation Program, or what it will do in relation thereto. On motion of Charles Strattpn it was voted that the subject matter of this Article be indefinitely postponed. 246 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 27, 1972 ARTICLE 71. kr On motion of Charles Stratton it was voted that the sum of Three Thousand Three Hundred Dollars ($3, 300.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purpose of operating expenses, advertising and publication, engineering, surveying and appraisal ser- vices, to be expended by the Conservation Commission for Conservation purposes. ARTICLE 72. To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or I from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and ppropriate for the purpose of creating an option fund for acquisition by the Town, by option or agreement, or what it will do in relation thereto. ' On motion of Charles Stratton it was voted that the subject matter of this Article be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 73/ 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 parcel of land of the Southerly Portion of Cedar Swamp, being bounded and described as follows,4 and that the sum of Fourteen Thousand Dollars ($14,000.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purpose of this vote: Beginning at a point on the Easterly side line of Haverhill Street at t�e Northwesterly corner of land of Margaret A. Carleton and running N.22 09' 30"W. , by the Easterly side of Haverhill Street, a distance of 41.21 feet to the Southwesterly corner of land of James M. Fortunato et ux; Thence turning and running Northeasterly, a distance of 37.68 feet to an angle; Thence slightly Northerly by said Fortunato, a distance of 105.00 feet to a corner at land of the Town of Reading as surveyed for the Conservation Commission under date of May, 1969; Thence running Easterly through the swamp, a distance of 1275 feet to a corner; , Thence Northerly 95 feet and Westerly 1152.50 feet to a corner at land of the said Fortunato; Thence Northerly, slightly Westerly, a distance of 495.54 feet to an angle; Thence Northerly, slightly Easterly, a distance of 761.50 feet to a corner at land of Mary E. L. Zanni; Thence Easterly, a distance of 372. 35 feet to a corner; Thence Northerly 312.00 feet, Easterly 178.83 feet, and Southerly 309.00 feet to a corner, all by land of the Reading Rifle and Revolver Club, Inc., Thence Easterly 713.00 feet to an angle, and thence still Easterly, slightly Northerly, a distance of 244.73 feet to a corner; Thence Southerly 301.50 feet to a corner, and again Easterly 337.00 feet to a corner, all still by land of the said Rifle Club; Thence Northerly 154.20 feet to an angle, 229.50 feet to an angle, 169.00 feet to an angle, 117. 38 feet to an angle, and 529.00 feet all still by the said club, to a corneruElar Dead River; Thence Southeasterly in an irrepa ine, partly by said Dead River and by land of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a tie line distance of 909. 31 feet to a corner on the so-called "Line of Safety" ; , Thence Southwesterly by land of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by an irregular line, the tie line distance of which would be 3078.79 feet to a cement bound; Thence more Southwesterly through land of the said Commonwealth, a distance of 139.88 feet to an angle and thence Southerly 220.00 feet to a corner; Thence Westerly, still by said Commonwealth land, a distance of 493.06 feet to the Southeasterly corner of land of Colbert Electric Com- pany, Incorporated; Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 27, 1972 247 Thence Northwesterly by various corners and angles as follows: 279.67 .feet, 118.62 feet, 502.82 feet and 513.66 feet to the Northeasterly corner of land of the aforesaid Margaret A. Carleton;. Thence Westerly by the said Carleton, a distance of 450.00 feet to .the point of beginning. Said parcel containing 109 acres more or less of lands and the same is shown on a plan of said premises, made under date of May, 1971, for the Reading Conservation Commission by H. Kingman Abbott, Registered Sur- veyor, and on file in the office of said Commission. 137 voted in the affirmative 0 voted in the negative On motion of Robert S. Cummings it was voted that this meeting stand adjourned until Monday, April 3, 1972, at 8:00 P. M. , to meet in the Memorial High School Auditorium. Meeting adjourned at 11:10 P. M. 181 Town Meeting Members were present. A true copy. Attest: Lawrence Drew Town Clerk ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Auditorium April 3, 1972 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Kenneth C. Latham, at 8:00 P. M. The invocation was given by Rev. Frederick E. Emrich, Church of the Good Shepherd. ARTICLE 74. ZOn 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 parcel of land situated on Pearl Street, Reading being bounded and described as follows, and that the sum of Twenty Seven Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($27, 750.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purpose of this vote: Beginning at the end of the wall on the easterly side of Pearl Street and at land of Richard O. Harper et ux and a drill hole; From thence the line runs by the wall and the said easterly side of Pearl Street on a course of N. 00-00-20 E. , a distance of 30.00 feet to land to be retained by said Miriam E. Corey; Thence running N. 84-03-40 E. , by land so retained a distance of 177.34 feet to a corner; Thence N. 6-03-50 W. , a distance of 240.00 feet to a corner; Thence turning at a right angle and running S. 83-56-10 W. , a distance of 88.96 feet to a wall; ' Thence by the wall on a course of N. 15-03-30 E. , a distance of 84.84 feet to a drill hole at a bar-way; Thence continuing by the wall N. 15-01-10 E. , a distance of 137.53 feet to a drill hole in the corner of the wall; Thence turning and running N. 71-56-20 W. , by the wall a distance of 121.62 feet to a drill hole at another corner of the wall; Thence across the field N. 76-56-50 W. , a distance of 234.90 feet to a drill hole at another corner of the wall at land of Dominic Zelano et ux, said drill hole being approximately 192.00 feet from said Pearl Street.