USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1917 > Part 13
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When opened we shall be in position to enlarge the service of the library, except as limited by expense. The hours of service should of course be increased. The work of the library with the schools should be systematized and ex- panded. There will also be opportunity for efficient cooper- ation with study classes and reading clubs. Our books should be re-classified, and obsolete volumes discarded and replaced by others of immediate interest. Some of this work can be accomplished without materially increasing the annual expenses, as soon as the convenient and permanent
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quarters provided in the new building are ready. Other service which the library will be in position to render will require a somewhat larger expenditure for books and for operation. It will be remembered that the money received from insurance on books damaged in the fire some years ago was, in expectation of the erection of a building, not then spent in the replacement of the damaged volumes, but was covered into the treasury and used for other municipal pur- poses. An equivalent amount, at least, ought to be appro- priated for the library, as soon as it can be properly used. We do not ask for it now, however, in view of the present necessity for limited expenditures in all departments of the Town. Last year we asked for, and received, an appropria- tion sufficient to meet the cost of removal to the new build- ing and to cover enlarged expenses consequent upon removal. This amount was carefully reserved, and since we have been unable to move we have returned it (as will be seen from our financial statement) as an unexpended balance. We now recommend an appropriation with similar items in- cluded to be used during the coming year, and in addition request only enough to maintain the library before and after removal, without unusual expansion, until December 31. Our scheduled estimates, submitted to the Town Account- ant as required by law, are as follows :
ESTIMATES FOR 1918
Rent
$350 00
Salaries .
1,060 00
Heat and light
250 00
Books and periodicals
500 00
Minor expenses, including rebinding
250 00
Moving and incidental expenses ·
450 00
$2,860 00
The total amounts to about 34 cents only, per thousand, on the valuation of last year; or, assuming that the valua- tion increases at all, a relatively less amount than was ap- propriated last year.
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CONCLUSION
Mr. Harry P. Bosson, a faithful member of the Board, interested in the Library and devoted to its progress, died during the year. The vacancy thus created was not filled, and remains to be filled for the period of two years, by the Town at the forthcoming annual meeting; and the terms of Messrs. Mansfield and Doughty expire.
Our thanks are returned to Miss Bertha L. Brown, Li- brarian, for the manner in which she has administered the library during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
HORACE G. WADLIN, Chairman
ARTHUR W. MANSFIELD, Secretary CHARLES F. DOUGHTY
RALPH S. KENEELY
FRANK O. CARTER
Trustees.
REPORT OF CEMETERY TRUSTEES
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN AND CITIZENS OF READING :
The Trustees of the Cemetery submit the following report :
We have endeavored to fulfill the expectations of the people, that their burial resting place should always be kept in first-class condition, and we take pride in saying we think it has been done.
We wish to request right here, that if any citizen ever sees anything to criticise they would at once make it known to the Superintendent and it will be corrected if possible.
After the spring town meeting we found that, owing to the increase in the price of labor, we were obliged to ask for an increase in appropriation of $375, which was granted, and which enabled us to carry out in full all the work which was required to be done.
The same condition still existing, we would for the coming season recommend the appropriation of $1575.
Again we would ask every lot owner who possibly can to place his lot in perpetual care, as it is largely owing to this that our cemetery has been made to be such a beautiful place at Decoration time.
A full explanation of how this is done can be ascer- tained by applying to the Superintendent.
The Town Accountant's report contains our financial report.
Very respectfully, A. W. DANFORTH, Superintendent,
for the Trustees.
Reading, Mass., Jan. 25, 1918.
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REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :
I herein submit my report as Inspector of Animals for 1917.
During the early part of the year orders were received to make an individual inspection of all premises and stock kept within the Town limits. These orders were carried out, the owner in each instance receiving a copy of the report with the suggestion for improvement, which in your Inspector's opinion would be of benefit, marked. In some instances a second or third visit was needed before the sug- gestions were carried out satisfactorily, not on account of the expense of such change but simply a laxness on the part of the owner.
The increase in price during the last year of dairy cattle and farm animals generally has caused the owners of such stock to pay more attention to their well being, purchasing nothing but the best and remembering that at present cost of stock, grain, hay, etc., it does not pay to keep anything which is 'not profitable, they are quickly learning to weed out the boarders from the farm.
The present prices of milk are certainly justified under present conditions, for we can boast of having a supply from surrounding home dairies which are second to none in the state. We have clean, wholesome products from healthy stock, in clean, well kept stables and put up in a clean, sanitary manner by clean hands.
It is my desire as far as possible to have as many calves raised this year from good ancestors, cows which are not simply boarders eating practically all they earn and a little more, but those which pay a profit. Heifer calves should be raised from such stock for, if we still continue to be hood-
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winked by the prices offered for calves and milch cows which happen to be fair beef, within the next two years I venture to say we will be paying $200 for a common dairy cow which a few years past could be bought for from $60 to $70.
The pork producing scheme I hope will be received kindly by all. Pigs are the cleanest animals which live, I believe, if given encouragement in that line, and should be the cause of little if any offense.
It is ordered that I make an inspection of all premises and stock kept within the Town limits and within the next month this will be done. Suggestions made at that time will be for the betterment of all concerned and it is my intention not to be unreasonable by asking for expensive changes but things which can be done in a few hours at a trivial cost but multiple in benefit.
I wish to thank all who have so willingly complied with my suggestions and assisted in many ways to make the duties easier.
Cases of contagious disease are to be reported to the Inspector of Animals of the town in which found. I stand ready at any time to make an investigation and will be grateful to those who know of, or suspect anything of a con- tagious nature if they will report to me.
Yours very truly,
CALVERT H. PLAYDON, M. D. V.
Inspector.
Second Annual Report
OF THE
SEWER COMMISSIONERS
For the Year Ending December 31
1917
REPORT OF SEWER COMMISSIONERS
TO THE CITIZENS OF THE TOWN OF READING :
Your board of Sewer Commissioners submit the follow- ing report for the fiscal year 1917.
That part of the sewer system which we were authorized to construct by vote of the Town at the meeting held Oct. 30, 1916, was divided into two sections for convenience in letting and handling.
Section No. 1 comprises the main interceptor from a point in Brooks Street, near the Reading-Wakefield line, where connections will be had with the Metropolitan Sewer, through Brooks Street, across Ash Street, and through pri- vate land to near the junction of John and Village Streets. The is a 24" diameter vitrified pipe laid with asphalt joints and set in concrete where in deep cut.
The trunk lines from the end of the interceptor. through John Street. Green Street, Eaton Street and Elm Street, also in Village Street and John Street to Washington Street are 18" and 15" diameter. The balance of this section is laid with S" diameter pipe for the most part.
Section No. 2. The main trunk line of this section begins at the junction of Village and Washington Streets and is laid through Washington Street, Main Street, Ash Street, Washington Street under the Boston & Maine Rail- road to Lincoln Street and through Lincoln Street to Pres- cott Street. This length is laid with 20", 15" and 12" diameter pipe. The balance of this section is laid with 8" diameter pipe. The trunk line in Section No. 2 will receive the flow from all the mains and laterals on the west side of the Boston & Maine Railroad as well as those in Reading Square and vicinity.
The Engineer's report appended gives a complete list of all streets in which sewers have been laid, together with cost of same.
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Bids were received for vitrified pipe on December 28, 1916, and the contract awarded to Percy N. Sweetser, of Reading, the lowest bidder at 73% plus 5% discount from September, 1916, price list. At the same time a contract was awarded to Mr. Sweetser for the unloading and storing on his own property of all pipe and castings at a price of $0.75 per ton.
The proposals for construction of both Sections No. 1 and No. 2 were advertised according to law and the follow- ing bids were received and opened on March 24, 1917 :
SECTION No. 1
D'Onfros Bros. & Little
$41,812 00
John E. Palmer
50,468 00
Bruno & Petitti
39,194 00
SECTION No. 2
Susi & Williams . 30,213 70
Middlesex Construction Co.
37,383 00
C. E. Trumbull Co. 44,204 90 ·
Kelly & Sullivan .
46,127 50
D'Onfros Bros. & Little
44,478 00 .
A. Michelini
. 61,028 90
John E. Palmer
46,518 50
Bruno & Petitti
43,243 75
Frank Drinkwater
42,923 00
Section No. 1 was awarded to Bruno & Petitti, Section No. 2 was awarded to Susi & Williams, these being the lowest bidders in each case.
Bids for furnishing cast iron manhole frames, covers and steps were advertised for and received as follows :
Sessions Foundry Company, Bristol, Conn. $1,863 00
Lovewell Henrice Corporation 2,578 00
T. C. Fife, Reading
1,783 00
Boston Iron Company
1,726 75
Francis Bros., Reading
2,046 00
the contract being awarded to the Boston Iron Company, the lowest bidders.
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Actual construction work was begun on Section No. 1 April 17, 1917, and on Section No. 2 April 14, 1917, and progress was very satisfactory.
Excessive amount of water in some localities and un- chartered ledges in other localities, and a form of quicksand encountered in John Street, caused some delays, otherwise no unusual conditions were encountered.
The high quality of the work done and the results obtained are very gratifying to the Commissioners.
The inspection shows the pipes laid to true line and grade, with comparatively little leakage at the joints, even where pipes are far below the level of the ground water and subject to heavy outside pressure.
On June 25, 1917, the three Commissioners met, by appointment, the members of the Metropolitan Water and Sewer Board, at their office, to discuss with them the mat- ter of the construction of the Metropolitan portion of the outlet through Bear Hill to Stoneham which work, contrary to the understanding between the town of Reading and the Metropolitan Board, had not been started.
The Board gave as the reason for not starting construc- tion, their inability to secure bids for work at a price within their appropriation of $285,000. They agreed, however, to make a new estimate of the cost of the work and to include in their budget for 1918, an amount sufficient to cover the additional cost of the construction of this connection.
This they have done, and have asked for $700,000, an increase of $415,000 over the original appropriation to carry out the work.
Early in the month of June the work was progressing so satisfactorily, and in view of the fact that the price of labor and materials were rapidly advancing, it seemed to the Board wise to take advantage of a clause in the contracts whereby the amount of work to be done or materials fur- nished could be increased 25% over the amount named in the specifications on which bids were based.
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This would allow the Commissioners to purchase addi- tional pipe at the price originally contracted for and to in- crease the length of sewer to be laid 25% in value.
As the part of the system then under construction com- prised the main interceptor and the heavier trunk lines, the additional work as proposed would be comprised mostly of laterals of 8" diameter and under. The smaller cost of this construction per foot would allow an increase in length of line approximately 65% for the 25% additional cost.
To obtain authority to do this additional construction and to obtain funds to pay cost of same, your Commissioners came before the Town at the meeting held July 9, 1917, and asked for an additional bond issue of $25,000. This bond issue was not acted on favorably by the voters at this meet- ing, and the Commissioners, feeling that the subject merited further consideration, caused a special town meeting to be called for July 30, 1917, and again presented the question to to the voters for action.
At this meeting, held July 30, 1917, favorable action was taken and your Commissioners were authorized to con- struct the proposed additional sewers in streets then named, and the issue of bonds or notes to the amount of $25,000 was authorized to cover the proposed work.
The option in the contract for pipe was to expire on August 1, 1917, and in order to avail themselves of this op- tion, an order was placed on July 31, 1917, for the necessary additional pipe, which was delivered and is now in stock.
Owing to the inability to sell the bonds at the rate of interest specified or to secure the necessary funds in other ways in time to proceed with the work before the season closed, the Commissioners were obliged to suspend the work and close up the contracts without constructing any of the proposed additions.
Had it been possible to carry out the work as planned by the Commissioners, the Town would have had for an ex- penditure of $100,000 at an average cost of approximately $20,000 per mile trunk lines and laterals to the length of 4.85 miles and for an additional expenditure of $25,000 ad-
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ditional laterals to the length of 3.1 miles at an average cost of approximately $8.000 per mile, making a total length of trunk lines and laterals to the length of 7.95 miles con- structed under existing contracts.
With the construction of this additional length of laterals, the Board was convinced that no further extended construction of sewer would be required for some time to come, as these would cover all streets and localities which were in immediate need of improved sanitary facilities, and that all future extensions could be paid for out of the 30% which is to be assessed on the abuttors.
Since the existing contracts were made the price of labor has advanced approximately 40% and the price of sewer pipe and fittings has advanced approximately 45%.
Therefore it is plain that to construct this additional length of laterals (3.1 miles) under prevailing prices will cost approximately $35,000, or $10,000 in excess of the price for which the work could have been done under the exist- ing contracts.
On account of the unsettled conditions in general and the uncertainty that the Metropolitan Sewer and Water Board would complete their line through Stoneham at an early date, the advisability of constructing the Reading Sewers at this time was considered. In view of the fact that the bids received for construction work and materials were satisfactory and much below what could be expected at any future date, it was deemed wise to proceed with the work of constructing our system as planned. The wisdom of the decision is borne out by prevailing conditions, and from the fact that the Metropolitan Water and Sewer Board have been obliged to ask for an amount over 100% above their previous estimate.
We have a system covering 4.85 miles laid ready for use at a cost of approximately $100,000. To duplicate this sys- tem at a future date, figured at prevailing prices, or any prices which can be reasonably expected in the next few years would cost approximately 40% more than the present system has cost, or $140,000.
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With bonds bearing 4% interest, the annual cost to the Town for interest is $4,000 per year. It is readily seen that the system can remain unused for some years before the interest will approach the amount in cost saved by the immediate construction.
The Commissioners do not recommend any further con- struction at present, or until such time as the Metropolitan connection and outlet is assured.
We do recommend, however, that in streets where sewers are laid, and where street improvements are con- templated, that all house connections be laid from the street main to the back of the sidewalk before the street surface is repaired.
Respectfully submitted,
HARVEY A. BANCROFT JOHN W. OWEN CHARLES R. HERRICK Sewer Commissioners.
APPROPRIATIONS AND EXPENDITURES
Amount appropriated for Commis-
sioners' salaries for the fiscal year 1917 . $225 00
Amount appropriated for general office expenses 675 00
Total appropriated
$900 00
Amount drawn as salaries-March
1st to December 31, 1917
$187 50
EXPENDED
M. F. Charles, stationery
.
$ 60
N. E. T. & T. Co.
.
14 31
P. O. box rent
3 00
Lyceum Hall Asso'n, rent of office 65 00
W.E. & J. F. Twombly, printing
2 25
Oora J. Jaquith, services as typist 7 50
Municipal Light Department
1 50
Gen. Fireproofing Co., steel plan cases and filing cabinet . 160 52
Miscellaneous, including postage and express 4 12
$446 30
Unexpended balance
453 70
$900 00
SEWER CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNT
Amount of bond issue
$100,000 00
Amount of bond issue 5,000 00
$105.000 00
EXPENDITURES FOR CONSTRUCTION PURPOSES Adams & Company, cheese cloth . $12 00
F. A. Barbour, engineering and supervising 6,601 00
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Harold L. Bond Co., dry jute $503 20 Boston Iron Co., manhole covers and castings 936 12 · B. & M. R. R. Co., pipe agreement account right of way crossing 25 00 B. & M. R. R. Co., freight on materials . 52 68 ·
Theodore P. Berle, land damages
250 00
Bruno & Petitti, construction
34,273 35
Farley, Harvey Co., cheese cloth Fred A. Hudlett & Son, cast iron pipes and valves 373 47
68 42
J. W. Morton, filing land takings J. W. Owen, amount paid for ad- vertising bids for construction Reading Water Works, material and labor changing water pipes Susi & Williams, construction
10 95
25 96
25,308 42
Percy N. Sweetser, furnishing and delivering sewer pipe 16,770 60
Percy N. Sweetser, unloading pipe W. E. & J. F. Twombly, printing
2 50
Waldo Bros., joint compound
51 48
Warren Bros., joint compound
795 00
Carroll's Express
2 00
Smith Bros., garage, Malden
9 00
$86,943 17
CONTRACTORS' RETAINED PERCENTAGES
Bruno & Petitti . $6,048 24
Susi & Williams
4,595 22
P. N. Sweeter
2,959 52
Boston Iron Co.
314 97
F. A. Barbour
1,850 00
$15,767 95
Due for labor and material fur-
nished during January, 1918 1,162 87
Unexpended balance 1,126 01
$105,000 00 $105,000 00
8 00
863 30
.
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TOTAL VALUE OF MATERIALS ON HAND
Vitrified pipe and specials $5,237 23
Jute, 300 lbs. at $0.10 30 00
Compound, 400 lbs. at $0.02 8 00
Cheese cloth, 75 yds. at $0.06 4 50
Manhole frames, 7 (rings only),
manhole steps, 285 at $0.34 96 90
Cast iron pipe, 2 L. 10 in. 1,335 lbs. at $0.03 40 05
$5,416 68
REPORT OF ENGINEER F. A. BARBOUR
SEWER COMMISSIONERS, Reading, Mass.
DEAR SIRS-Following is a report of the work done in constructing sewers during 1917.
The work accomplished during the past year-the first year of construction-was undertaken for the purpose of providing the principal interceptors or main arteries of the system, the sewering of the important streets in the center of the Town adjacent to the Square and the sewering of the section northwest of Prescott Street where, because of wet cellars, the lowering of the ground water level was desir- able-a result accomplished by the under-drainage of the sewers.
The construction included what was known to be the most expensive and difficult portion of the system-at least one-third having been estimated to cost over three times as much per foot as the average cost of the sewers remaining to be built. Seven thousand (7000) feet of the sewers laid during the past year were below the level of Quannapowitt Lake and therefore necessarily expensive.
While actual construction did not start until the second week in April, 1917, preparations for providing the neces- sary materials were begun in the fall of 1916, in anticipa- tion of the possible embargo on freight. But for this fore- sight of your Commissioners the work would have been seriously handicapped, as was the case in numerous other cities and towns in Massachusetts.
The construction of the sewers was divided into two contracts to expedite the work. Section 1 included the main interceptor, the Village and Washington Street inter- ceptor to Elliott Street, the John Street and Green Street interceptor to Elm Street, and several street sewers draining
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into the Village Street interceptor. Section 2 included the construction of the Washington Street interceptor from Elliott Street in Washington, Main, Ash and Lincoln Streets to Prescott Street, the continuation of the John Street and Green Street interceptor from Elm Street through Eaton, Pleasant, Wilson and Salem Streets to Harrison Street, the High Street interceptor from Washington to Haven Street, and numerous streets draining into these interceptors.
Bids were called on March 24, 1917, three bids being received on Section No. 1 and nine on Section No. 2. The contract for Section 1 was awarded to Bruno & Pettiti of 18 Tremont Street, Boston, Mass., and that for Section 2 to Susi & Williams, 306 Hanover Street, Boston, Mass., these concerns being the lowest bidders.
The actual work of construction was started on Wilson Street, on April 14, and carried on throughout the year, with no unusual incidents.
Because of the extra amount of rock encountered over that anticipated, together with the additional expense due to the change from a nine hour to an eight hour day, the actual cost exceeded the estimates by about 10% and it be- came necessary to omit some of the street sewers included in the contracts as let, in order to keep within the limits of the appropriation. Eighty-two per cent. of the length of sewers in the contract schedules has been laid and ninety-one per cent. of the total estimated value of the contracts as let has been completed.
Underdrains have been laid beneath all sewers where water was encountered or where necessary to provide a free outlet for underdrains in streets at higher levels - twenty- one thousand six hundred (21,600) lin. ft. of underdrains being found necessary or sixteen hundred (1600) feet more than were estimated for the part of the system constructed.
All sewer joints, where the ground water level rose above the sewer grade, were made with asphalt compound, a total of twenty-one tons of asphalt and four thousand seven hundred (4700) pounds of jute being used for this purpose.
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One thousand seven hundred and two (1702) cu. yds. of rock have been removed or 1000 cu. yds. more than the quantity allowed in the original estimates based on surface indications and local information but without the aid of borings.
It is estimated that the additional rock and underdrains and the change in hours of daily labor added $10,500 to the cost of the work.
In general, the work has followed the lines and grades of the original plans with the exception of that portion of the main interceptor, from John Street to beyond the rail- road, which was moved north of the car barns to the prop- erty line between the Bay State Street Railway and the Reading Rubber Company in order to lessen land damages and shorten the length of the line. The outlet for the Eaton Street sewer, which was originally planned to enter Green Street through Elm Street and an interceptor across private land was changed. After ascertaining the probable land damages and absence of rock at the lower end of Green at Eaton, it was considered for the best interests of the Town to continue the sewer in Green Street to Eaton and in Eaton to Elm.
The sewer on Haven Street was located north of the street car tracks after an agreement had been entered into between the Bay State Railway Company and the Com- missioners whereby the additional cost of the extra length of connections for abuttors on the south side of the street is to be paid for by the Company.
SCHEDULE OF STREETS IN WHICH SEWERS WERE CONSTRUCTED IN 1917
SEWERS
UNDERDRAINS
STREET
LOCATION
SIZE
LENGTH
SIZE
LENGTH
Ash.
From Main to Washington Street ..
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