USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1911 > Part 2
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On motion of Walter S. Parker it was voted to refer the subject matter of this article to the Board of Selectmen to investigate and report at some future town meeting.
Art. 34. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of eight hundred dollars ($800) to re-
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build and surface with heavy oil, South Main street from the B. & M. railroad to Minot street, or what they will do in relation thereto.
On motion of George L. Pratt it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $800 to rebuild and surface with heavy oil South Main street, from B. & M. railroad to Minot street.
Art. 35. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) for the purpose of repairing the concrete sidewalk from Mr. Lathrop's on South Main street to Minot street, and Minot street to the corner of Washington street, or what they will do in relation thereto.
On motion of Antonio Michelini it was voted to raise and appropriate $250 for the purpose of repairing the con- crete sidewalk from Mr. Lathrop's on South Main street to Minot street, and Minot street to the corner of Washington street.
Art. 36. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of eleven hundred dollars ($1,100) for the purpose of installing sanitary toilets in the basement of the Prospect Street School building, or what they will do in relation thereto.
On motion of Charles F. Brown it was voted to raise and appropriate $1,100 for the purpose of installing sanitary toilets in the basement or elsewhere in the Prospect Street School building.
Art. 37. To see if the Town will take measures to sell the school building and lot on the corner of John and Union streets, or what they will do in relation thereto.
On motion of Arthur H. Jewett it was voted to pass over this article.
Art. 38. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of twenty-five dollars ($25) to illuminate the face of
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the Old South Clock, or what they will do in relation thereto.
It was voted to pass over this article.
Art. 39. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of one hundred fifty dollars ($150) for the purpose of re-cutting the letters on the Soldiers' Monument, or what they will do in relation thereto.
On motion of Alfred W. Danforth it was voted to pass over this article.
Art. 40. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of five hundred dollars ($500) from the Cemetery Fund, for the purpose of removing the ledge on the land purchased from the Old South M. E. Society, or what they will do in relation thereto.
On motion of Alfred W. Danforth it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $500 from the Cemetery Fund for the purpose of removing the ledge on the land in the Cemetery purchased from the Old South M. E. Society.
Art. 4. Voted to take from the table.
Art. 4. Selectmen as a committee on combining with other towns in care of Town poor made a report. On motion of Lewis M. Bancroft it was voted to accept said report as a report of progress and be placed on file.
Art. 4. Voted to lay on table.
Art. 41. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Overseers of the Poor to close up the Town Home and provide for the maintenance of the poor in conjunction with other towns, provided satisfactory arrangements can be made, or what they will do in relation thereto.
On motion of Lewis M. Bancroft it was voted that the Board of Overseers of the Poor be authorized to close up the Town Home and provide for the maintenance of the poor in conjunction with other towns, provided satisfactory arrange- ments can be made, with full power in the subject matter.
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On motion of A. Newell Howes to adjourn, vote was not carried.
Art. 47. To authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow during the municipal year beginning January 1, in anticipation of the collection of taxes for said year, such sums of money as may be neces- sary for the current expenses of the Town, but not exceed- ing the total tax levy for said year, giving the notes of the Town therefor, payable within one year from the dates thereof. All debts incurred under authority of this vote shall be paid from the taxes of the present municipal year.
Voted to take up
Art. 47. On motion of Ward O. Mansfield it was voted that the Treasurer be and hereby is authorized, with the approval of a majority of the Selectmen, to borrow from time to time during the current municipal year beginning January 1, 1911, in anticipation of taxes of said municipal year, a sum or sums not exceeding $115,000 (but not exceed- ing the total tax levy) for the purpose of meeting the cur- rent expenses of the Town and to give the notes of the Town therefor payable within one year from their dates. All debts incurred under authority of this vote shall be paid from the taxes of said current municipal year.
Art. 4. Voted to take from table.
The Committee on Gas made a report which it was voted to accept and place on file.
Art. 4. Voted to lay on table.
Art. 42. To see if the Town will vote to establish a scavenger service for the collection of ashes and other waste, and how much money they will raise and appropriate there- for, or what they will do in relation thereto.
On motion of Charles F. Brown it was voted to refer the subject matter of this article to the Board of Health to investigate thoroughly and to report at some future Town meeting.
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Art. 43. To see if the Town will instruct the Board of Selectmen to grant a Pony Express license to Borthwick's Auto Express Co., or what they will do in relation thereto.
On motion of John B. Lewis it was voted to pass over this article.
Art. 44. To see if the Town will vote to appoint a com- mittee for the purpose of revising the Town By-Laws in so far as they relate to building laws, or what they will do in relation thereto.
On motion of Charles A. Loring it was voted that the Board of Selectmen be instructed to appoint a committee of three to revise the Town By-Laws relating to building laws.
Art. 45. To see if the Town will vote to accept Section 37, Chapter 19, of the Revised Laws, an act relative to Civil Service for the Police Department, or what they will do in relation thereto.
It was voted to pass over this article.
It was voted to not adjourn on motion of A. Newell Howes.
It was voted to take up Art. 58.
Art. 58. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate, or otherwise provide, a sum not exceeding eight thousand dollars ($8,000) for the purchase of the Y. M. C. A. land and building on Main street, or what they will do in relation thereto.
On motion of Charles F. Brown voted to refer to a com- mittee to be appointed by the Selectmen and said committee to be instructed to report at some future Town meeting.
On motion of A. Newell Howes it was voted to adjourn to Thursday evening in Lyceum Hall to meet at 7.45 March 16, 1911.
MILLARD F. CHARLES,
Town Clerk.
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ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MARCH 16, 1911
Town meeting called to order by the Moderator pursuant to adjournment.
Art. 43. On motion of Walter S. Davis it was moved to reconsider this article.
Motion was not carried.
Art. 4. Voted to take from table.
Art. 4. George L. Pratt, chairman of the committee on Town Hall, etc., made a report. On motion of Lewis M. Bancroft it was voted that said report be received as one of progress and that the committee be continued and instructed to complete their recommendation, which was to secure an option on the Grouard property for a Town Hall site.
On motion of John B. Lewis it was voted to reconsider the action of the Town whereby it was voted to refer the gas question to the Municipal Light Board.
On motion of John B. Lewis it was voted to refer said gas question to a committee of seven citizens and the Munici- pal Light Board to investigate and report at some future Town meeting.
On motion of A. Newell Howes said gas committee was instructed to report at a Town meeting within 90 days.
On motion of Edward B. Drake it was voted that the Selectmen be instructed to appoint the seven citizens on said committee.
Art. 4. Voted to lay on table.
Art. 5. Voted to take from table.
Art. 5. On motion of Herbert M. Viall it was voted that the Collector be instructed to collect all taxes (so far as possible) on or before October 1, and upon all taxes unpaid at that time to add interest at six per cent. per annum from said date until paid, and also to collect all taxes unpaid January 1 forthwith by process of law, unless delinquents
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procure an order from the Selectmen releasing them from immediate payment.
It was moved by Mahlon E. Brande that the Board of Health be instructed not to license a slaughter house.
It was voted to refer the above to the Board of Health.
Art. 5. Voted to lay on table.
Art. 6. Voted to take up that part relating to health and sanitation.
Art. 6. On motion of Charles A. Loring it was voted to raise and appropriate $300, in addition to the amount already raised and appropriated, for the Board of Health for the current year 1911.
Art. 6. Voted to lay on table.
Art. 58. Voted to take from table.
On motion of Charles F. Brown it was voted to refer the subject matter of this article to the committee on Town Hall, etc.
Art. 46. To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of Chapter 314, Acts of 1909, an act to authorize the Town or Reading to construct a system of sewerage, or what they will do in relation thereto.
On motion of John B. Lewis it was voted to refer to next Town meeting.
Art. 48. To determine the compensation of the Col- lector.
On motion of Harry P. Bosson it was voted to pay the Collector one-half of one per cent. on collections, and post- age.
Art. 49. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of fifty dollars ($50) for the purpose of furnishing electricity for lighting Grand Army Hall on Haven street, or what they will do in relation thereto.
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On motion of John B. Lewis it was voted to raise and appropriate $50 for the purpose of furnishing electricity for lighting Grand Army Hall on Haven street.
Art. 50. To see what action the Town will take to meet the payment of Highland School house bonds for three thou- sand dollars due August 1, 1911.
On motion of George L. Pratt it was voted to raise and appropriate $3,000 to meet the payment of Highland School House bonds due Aug. 1, 1911.
Art. 51. To see what action the Town will take to meet the payment of Lowell Street School house note for fifteen hundred dollars, due Sept. 27, 1911.
On motion of George L. Pratt it was voted to raise and appropriate $1,500 to meet the payment of Lowell Street School house note, due Sept. 27, 1911.
Art. 52. To see what action the Town will take to meet the payment of the High School house bonds for four thou- sand dollars, due Nov. 1, 1911.
On motion of George L. Pratt it was voted to raise and appropriate $4,000 to meet the payment of the High School house bonds due Nov. 1, 1911.
Art. 53. To see what action the Town will take to meet the payment of the High School house note for one thousand dollars, due Dec. 21, 1911.
On motion of George L. Pratt it was voted to raise and appropriate $1,000 to meet the payment of the High School house note due Dec. 21, 1911.
Art. 54. To see if the Town will purchase land for a playground and how much money they will raise and appro- priate or otherwise provide for the purpose, or what they will do in relation thereto.
On motion of Harry P. Bosson it was voted to refer this article to the next Town meeting.
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Art. 55. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of two hundred dollars ($200) toward band concerts the coming summer, or what they will do in relation thereto.
On motion of Harry P. Bosson it was voted to refer this article to the next Town meeting.
Art. 56. To see if the Town will instruct the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to issue notes or bonds of the Town to the amount of the Library and Cemetery Be- quest Funds, bearing interest at four and one-quarter and five per cent. respectively, the same to be used as collateral for money used by the Town, or what they will do in rela- tion thereto.
On motion of Ward O. Mansfield it was voted that we raise and appropriate the sum of $1,015.62, $200 of this amount to be paid to the Reading Public Library Bequest Fund in payment for money received March 17, 1904, the interest due on this fund to be taken from the regular ap- propriation for interest, and the balance, $815.62, to be paid to the Cemetery Bequest Fund as part payment for money received prior to Dec. 31, 1910, and that the Treasurer be and hereby is authorized to issue the bonds of the Town for the aggregate principal sum of $12,000 to pay the balance due the Cemetery Bequest Fund. Said bonds shall be of the denomination of $1,200 each and shall bear on their face " current expense bonds," shall be numbered consecutively from 1 to 10 inclusive and shall be dated April 15, 1911, and shall be payable $1,200 annually, beginning 1912. The bonds shall bear interest at the rate of 4 per cent. per annum, payable semi-annually upon the proper coupons thereto attached, on the 15th days of April and October of the years specified in said coupons. Both principal and in- terest shall be paid at some bank or trust company in Boston named in the bonds. Said bonds shall be signed by the Town Treasurer and countersigned by the Selectmen, and shall be sold by the Treasurer upon the request and approval
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of the Selectmen at a price not less than par and accrued interest.
Voted in favor 56, and none against.
Art. 57. To see if the Town will reimburse Helen W. Chase the sum of forty-three dollars and twenty-two cents ($43.22) being the amount wrongfully collected from her as a tax assessed for the year 1908, or what action the Town will take in relation thereto.
On motion of A. Newell Howes it was votod to refer the subject matter of this article to the Assessors to report at next Town meeting.
Art 59. To hear and act on the report of the Selectmen on the laying out of Dudley street, School street and the extension of Grand and Deering streets, and to determine if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of eighteen hundred dollars ($1,800) for the purpose, or what they will do in relation thereto.
We, the subscribers, Selectmen of Reading, after giving due notice to all parties interested, have laid out for use of the Town as public ways described as follows: first way beginning on the easterly side of High street at land of Amanda J. Hunt and land used as a public way, then the line runs south 85d 10m east along land of said Hunt and others across the end of Grand and Deering streets 779 17-100 ft. to the westerly side of School street. Said way is to be 50 ft. wide and laid on the southerly side of the above described line. We have rounded the corner at High street at land of Betsey R. Bancroft with tangents of 5 ft. and a radius of 3 18-100 ft. and a distance of 6 36-100 ft. Second way beginning on the southerly side of Middlesex avenue at a stake at land of the Town of Reading used for school pur- poses, then the line runs south 1d 17m west along said school land and land of Harriet I. Loud and others 459 and 52-100 ft. to the southerly side of Dudley st. Said way is to be 50 ft. wide and laid on the easterly side of above described
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line. We would recommend that the first way be called Dudley street, that the second way be called School street. We have extended Grand street as follows: beginning at the southerly end on the westerly side at the division line between lands of Lottie J. Gray and Amanda J. Hunt, then the line runs south 10d 2m east 4 5-10 ft., then south 4d 50m west along land of said Hunt 172 2-10 ft. to the north- erly side of Dudley street. Said way is to be 50 ft. wide and is laid on the easterly side of the above described line. We have extended Deering street as follows: beginning at the southerly end on the westerly side at the division line at land now or late of Edward T. Blanchard and others, then the line runs south 4d 50m west 176 2-10 ft. to the northerly side of Dudley street. Said way is to be 50 ft. wide and is laid on the easterly side of above described line.
The above mentioned ways are to conform to the lines shown in red on a plan made by James A. Bancroft, dated Feb. 15, 1911, which is to be considered a part of this report, and when this report is accepted and adopted by the Town the said ways shall thereafter be known as public Town ways.
GEORGE L. PRATT, OLIVER L. AKERLEY, FREDERIC D MERRILL, Selectmen of Reading.
February 25, 1911.
On motion of Mahlon E. Brande it was voted to raise and appropriate $600 to grade said streets as per Selectmen's report, and that their report be accepted and adopted.
Art. 60. To see if the Town will vote to furnish creo- sote free to the citizens of the Town to paint gypsy moth nests, or what they will do in relation thereto.
On motion of Harry P. Bosson it was voted to furnish creosote free to property owners when applied for personally.
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Art. 61. To hear and act on the report of the Select- men in relation to guide posts, and to determine if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of fifty dollars ($50) for the repair of same.
On motion of George L. Pratt it was voted to accept report of Selectmen on guide posts and that to repair same for the ensuing year $50 be appropriated from Highways, Bridges and Sidewalks.
REPORT OF SELECTMEN ON GUIDE POSTS
Guide posts or suitable substitutes therefor were erected and maintained at the following locations, viz. :
Corner Walnut and South streets
Walnut street and Summer avenue
Main street and Summer avenue
Woburn street and Summer avenue (2)
66 West street and Summer avenue (3)
66 West and Woburn streets (2)
Lowell and Willow streets (2)
66 Lowell and High streets (2)
66 Lowell street and Middlesex avenue
66 Lowell and Highland streets
66 Grove and Franklin streets (2)
66 Main and Franklin streets
66 Mill and Short streets (2)
Franklin and Haverhill streets (2)
66 Charles and Haverhill streets (2)
66 Haverhill and Pine streets
Pine and Salem streets (2)
66 Charles and Pearl streets
66 Charles and Main streets (2)
66 Main and Pearl streets
66 Main and Salem streets
Salem and Lowell streets
Woburn and Lowell streets (2)
Salem and Harnden streets
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Corner Main and Pleasant streets
Pleasant and Parker streets
Haven and Village streets
66 Haven and Ash streets
Main and Ash streets (2)
Middlesex avenue and High street
Main street in the Common (2)
Harnden, near Pleasant street
We will have to have many new boards this year to re- place the old and some to be repainted. We have put up one new board at the corner of Lowell and Highland streets (Lowell street to Lowell), in all 46 boards.
GEORGE L. PRATT, OLIVER L. AKERLEY, FREDERIC D. MERRILL, Selectmen of Reading.
Art. 62. To see what instructions the Town will give the Board of Selectmen in relation to filling vacancies which may occur on the Finance Committee.
On motion of Harry P. Bosson it was voted that the Selectmen be authorized to fill all vacancies in the Finance Committee, and that they be instructed to not appoint any Town Officer or member of a department.
Art. 63. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of three hundred twenty dollars ($320) to purchase six Wheeler snow plows, or what they will do in relation thereto.
On motion of Alfred W. Danforth it was voted to raise and appropriate $320 to purchase six Wheeler snow plows to break out sidewalks.
Art. 59. On motion of Henry R. Johnson it was voted to reconsider this article.
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On motion of Harry P. Bosson it was voted to refer the subject matter of this article to the next Town meeting.
Art. 57. On motion of Solon Bancroft to reconsider the action on this article it was voted not to reconsider.
Voted to adjourn without date.
MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk.
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING JUNE 19, 1911
Pursuant to the warrant and the Constable's return thereon a Town meeting was held at the time and place therein mentioned. The meeting was called to order by Town Clerk Millard F. Charles. The warrant was partly read when a motion was made by Willie E. Twombly to dis- pense with further reading of the warrant except the Con- stable's return. Said motion was carried and after the reading of the Constable's return proceeded to the election of a Moderator.
George L. Pratt was appointed to check the names of those voting.
The ballot was duly opened and closed with the follow- ing result : whole number of votes cast, 1. George L. Flint had one and was declared elected Moderator.
Art. 2. To see if the Town will vote to accept the pro- visions of Chapter 314, Acts of 1909, an act to authorize the Town of Reading to construct a system of sewerage, or what they will do in relation thereto.
Voted to lay on the table.
Art. 23. To hear and act on the report of the Gas Com- mittee.
Voted to take up.
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The Gas Committee made two reports, one by a majority of the committee recommending giving the franchise to the Town of Wakefield, the minority recommending giving the franchise to the People's Gas and Electric Co. of Stoneham, Mass.
It was moved by Charles A. Loring to give a franchise to the People's Gas and Electric Co. of Stoneham. Lewis M. Bancroft moved to amend by inserting the Town of Wakefield instead of the People's Gas and Electric Co. of Stoneham. The amendment was lost, seventy voting yes and seventy-four voting no. The original motion was then voted on and was lost by the vote, sixty-six yes, eighty no.
Voted to accept report of Gas Committee, both majority and minority.
Voted to adjourn to June 26, 1911, at 8 o'clock P. M., to meet in Lyceum Hall.
MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk.
Pursuant to adjournment the special town meeting was called to order by the Moderator, George L. Flint, and pro- ceeded to act on the following articles :
Art. 23. Voted to lay on the table.
Art. 2. Voted to take from table.
Art. 2. Voted to accept the provisions of Chapter 314, Acts of 1909, an act to authorize the Town of Reading to construct a system of sewerage. Sixty-nine voted yes and none voted no.
Art. 3. To see if the Town will purchase land for a playground, and how much money they will raise and ap- propriate or otherwise provide for the purpose, or what they will do in relation thereto.
Voted to indefinitely postpone.
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Art. 4. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of two hundred dollars ($200) toward band concerts the coming summer, or what they will do in relation thereto.
Voted to indefinitely postpone.
Art. 5. To hear and act on the report of the Selectmen on the laying out of Dudley street, School street, and the extension of Grand street and Deering street, and to deter- mine if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of eighteen hundred dollars ($1800) for the purpose, or what they will do in relation thereto.
Voted to indefinitely postpone.
Art. 6. To hear and act on the report of the Assessors on the question of reimbursing Helen W. Chase the sum of forty-three dollars and twenty-two cents ($43.22), being the amount wrongfully collected from her as a tax assessed for the year 1908. The Assessors reported recommending the refunding of the amount of tax collected of Helen W. Chase of $43.22 assessed in the year 1908.
Voted that the Assessors make the necessary abatement to refund the amount of $43.22 to Helen W. Chase, provided she make a sworn return of her personal taxable property for the year 1908.
Art. 7. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate, or otherwise provide, the sum of ten thousand seven hun- dred dollars ($10,700) to purchase the Grouard estate, No. 3 Woburn street, or what they will do in relation thereto.
Voted that the Selectmen be instructed to purchase the Grouard estate, so called, situated at the corner of Woburn and Lowell streets, Reading, at a price not to exceed the sum of $10,700, and that the Treasurer, under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, be authorized to issue the note or notes of the Town to an amount not to exceed the sum of $10,700 for that purpose, rate of interest not to exceed 4 1-2 per cent., the Town agreeing to allow Mrs. Grouard to occupy said property during her life time at a rental of $500 per
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year, said rental to be applied toward necessary expenses and payment of said note or notes. Seventy-six voted yes and five voted no.
Art. 8. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of five hundred dollars ($500) for the purpose of surveying the different lots of land and making plans thereof in a systematic way for the use of the Assessors, or what they will do in relation thereto.
Voted that $500 be raised and appropriated, to be ex- pended under the direction of the Board of Assessors, to have the separate lots of land surveyed and plans made of the same in a systematic manner.
Art. 9. To see if the Town will authorize the Munici- pal Light Board to extend its lines to the Town of Wilming- ton, or what they will do in relation thereto.
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