Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1921, Part 2

Author: Reading (Mass.)
Publication date: 1921
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 286


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Article 12. On motion of Charles P. Howard, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of seven hundred dollars to install fire alarm boxes at the Prospect Street School, Lowell St. School, Chestnut Hill School and on Main St., near Cross St. ($700.00.)


Article 25. To see if the Town will accept the provisions of an Act passed by the General Court in the year 1921, entitled, "An Act author- izing the Town of Reading to establish a Board of Public Works" or act in any manner relating thereto, or what it will do in relation thereto.


Article 25. On motion of Otis B. Ruggles, it was voted to take up this article. The Moderator decided that no legal action could be taken on this article, so it was moved and voted to lay this article on the table.


Article 13. To see if the Town will accept the Provisions of Section 73 of part 2 of Chapter 344 of the General Acts of 1917, a section pro- viding that, when accepted, a building line not more than forty feet dis- tant from the exterior line of a highway or town way may be estab- lished in the manner provided for laying out ways, and thereafter no structure shall be erected or maintained between such building line and such way except parts of buildings, such as steps, windows, porticoes and other usual projections appurtenant to the front wall of a building to the extent prescribed in the vote establishing such building line, and except that buildings, steps, fences, gates, etc., existing at the time of the establishment of the building line may be permitted to remain and to be maintained under such conditions as may be prescribed in the vote establishing such building line, and providing for damages and the collection thereof as in laying out a town way, or what it will do in re- lation thereto.


Article 13. On motion of Chester J. Wallace, it was voted that the Town accept the provisions of Sec. 73 of part 2 of Chapter 344 of the General Acts of 1917: To establish on streets a building line not to ex- ceed forty feet in width from line of existing street or way.


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It was voted to adjourn, to meet in Security Hall on Monday, March 28th, at seven forty-five o'clock P. M.


MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk.


SPECIAL TOWN MEETING


Security Hall, Reading, March 28, 1921.


Pursuant to the warrant a town meeting was held and was called to order by the Moderator, Jesse W. Morton. The warrant was par- tially read by the Town Clerk, Millard F. Charles, when it was moved by Otis B. Ruggles that further reading of the warrant be dispensed with, except the Constable's return, and it was so voted. The Con- stable's return was then read and the meeting duly declared open.


Article 1. To see if the Town will accept the provisions of Chapter 118 of the Acts of 1921, entitled "An Act authorizing the Town of Read- ing to establish a Board of Public Works," or what it will do in relation thereto.


Article 1. On motion of Eugene H. Cox, it was voted that the Town accept the provisions of Chapter 118 of the Acts of 1921 entitled: "An Act authorizing the Town of Reading to establish a Board of Public Works."


Article 2. To see if the Town will fix a date for the election of members to the Board of Public Works, if the act to establish the same is accepted, or what it will do in relation thereto.


Article 2. It was voted that the subject matter of this article be referred to the Selectmen with full power to call a town meeting for the election of a Board of Public Works at the earliest practical time.


Article 3. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate or other- wise provide, a sum not exceeding seven thousand five hundred dollars, ($7,500) for the purpose of paying for any part of the cost of installing, in certain streets designated by vote of the Town at the annual town meeting of 1920, that portion of the sewers, consisting of particular sew- ers from common sewers to the boundaries of streets and will author- ize the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow said sum and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor, said bonds or notes to be payable in accordance with the provisions of Clause 1, Sec- tion 7 of Chapter 44 of the General Laws, so that the whole loan shall be paid in not more than thirty years from the date of the first note or bond issued.


Article 3. On motion of John W. Owen, it was voted to indefinitely postpone this article.


On motion of Otis B. Ruggles, it was voted to adjourn "sine die." The check list showed that 333 voters attended this meeting.


MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk.


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ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING


Security Hall, Reading, March 28, 1921.


Pursuant to adjournment, a town meeting was held and was called to order by the Moderator, Jesse W. Morton.


Article 14. To see what sum the Town will appropriate from the tax levy for the Municipal Light Department as compensation for street lights during 1921. (Municipal Light Board.)


Article 14. On motion of William G. Long, as amended by motion of Carl M. Spencer, it was voted that there be raised and appropriated for street lights the sum of twelve thousand five hundred dollars, and this, together with the unpaid balance in the Operation Fund, Dec. 31, 1920, of one thousand eight hundred ninety-one and 27-100 Dollars ($1,891.27) and the income from sales of electricity to private customers and to municipal buildings during the fiscal year, be appropriated for the Municipal Light Plant, the whole to be expended by the manager of municipal lighting under the direction and control of the Municipal Light Board, for the expense of plant for the fiscal year ending De- cember 31, 1921, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 164 of the General Laws. ($12,500.00.)


Article 15. To see what sum the Town will raise and appropriate,. or otherwise provide, for the purpose of providing funds for additions and extensions to the Municipal Light Plant during 1921, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Municipal Light Board.)


Article 15. A motion was made by William G. Long to raise by an issue of bonds, the sum of $5,000.00 for extending and enlarging the Mu- nicipal Light Plant. It was not voted.


Article 16. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Municipal Light Board to install incandescent street lights on any or all of the following streets, or what it will do in relation thereto:


12 on Haverhill Street, between Wakefield Street and Bay State Road.


3 on Ridge Road.


1 on Chute Street, between Haven and Woburn Streets. 1 on Cross Street, near Ash Street. (Municipal Light Board.)


Article 16. On motion of William G. Long, it was voted that the subject matter of this article be referred to the Municipal Light Board with authority to install such of said lights as in their judgment are necessary, with the exception of the twelve lights on Haverhill Street, between Wakefield Street and Bay State Road, and to make such changes in existing lights as may be advisable, the cost of same to be paid from the Depreciation Fund.


Article 17. To see if the Town will appoint a committee to inves- tigate and report as to the advisability of assessing a large portion of the cost of grading and surfacing streets upon the abutters, or what. it will do in relation thereto.


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Article 17. A motion was made by Charles P. Howard to appoint a committee to investigate advisability of assessing upon abutters a part of the cost of streets and sidewalks. The motion was lost.


Article 18. To determine how much money the Town will raise and appropriate or otherwise provide for permanent highway construction, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Selectmen.)


Article 18. A motion was made by Otis B. Ruggles to raise and ap- propriate, or otherwise provide, the sum of $105,000 for street construc- tion. The motion was lost by a vote of indefinite postponement.


Article 17. On motion of Eugene H. Cox, it was voted to reconsider action taken on this article.


On motion of Charles P. Howard, it was voted that the Moderator appoint a special committee of five to investigate and report upon the advisability of assessing a large part of the cost of grading and sur- facing streets upon the abutters.


The Moderator appointed the following as that committee: Charles P. Howard, Henry Q. Millett, Mary Daniel, Joseph D. Knight, John L. Devaney.


Article 19. To determine how much money the Town will raise and appropriate or otherwise provide for repairs on South Street from Main Street to the Wakefield town line, in accordance with the decree of the County Commissioners dated February 4, 1921, or what it will do in re- lation thereto. (Selectmen.)


Article 19. On motion of Otis B. Ruggles, it was voted to raise and appropriate for repairs on South Street, from Main St. to Wakefield town line, the sum of fifteen hundred dollars. ($1,500.00.)


Article 20. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of $1,500.00 for special police protection at Lowell Street bridge from Nov. 17, 1920, to Feb. 18, 1921, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Selectmen.)


Article 20. On motion of Otis B. Ruggles, it was voted to raise and appropriate one thousand four hundred ninety-nine dollars for special police protection at Lowell St. Bridge from Nov. 17, 1920, to Feb. 18, 1921. ($1,499.07.)


Article 21. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate or other- wise provide the sum of $264.00 for the purpose of providing suitable quarters for the G. A. R. Post, in accordance with Chapter 62, Acts of 1913, Sec. 1, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Selectmen.)


Article 21. On motion of Otis B. Ruggles, it was voted to raise and appropriate two hundred sixty-four dollars for the purpose of providing suitable quarters for the G. A. R. Post, in accordance with Chapter 62, Acts of 1913, Sec. 1. ($264.00.)


Article 22. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate or other- wise provide a sum of money not to exceed $30,000.00 for the purpose of


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paying the cost of installing any portions of the sewers in certain streets authorized by vote of the Town at the annual town meeting of 1920, and will authorize the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen to bor- row said sum and to issue bonds or notes to be payable in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 7, Chapter 314 of the Acts of 1909 and in acts in amendment thereof or in addition thereto, or what it will do in re- lation thereto. (Sewer Commissioners.)


Article 22. On motion of Eugene H. Cox, it was voted to indefi- nitely postpone this article.


Article 23. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate or other- wise provide, a sum not exceeding seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500.00) for the purpose of paying for any part of the construction of drains connecting estates with main sewer drains constructed in streets within the Town and will authorize the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow said sum and to issue therefor bonds or notes of the town, such bonds or notes to be payable in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 49 of the Revised Laws so that the whole loan shall be paid in not more than three years, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Sewer Commissioners.)


Article 23. On motion of Eugene H. Cox, it was voted to indefi- nitely postpone this article.


Article 24. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of $600.00 for the purpose of providing supervisors for the playground in Memorial Park, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Park Com- missioners.)


Article 24. On motion of Galen A. Parker, it was voted to raise and appropriate six hundred dollars for the purpose of providing Supervis- ors for the Playground in Memorial Park. ($600.00.)


Article 26. To hear and act on the report of the Selectmen on the laying out of Ridge Road and to see how much money the Town will raise and appropriate or otherwise provide to lay out said road, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Walter S. Eaton and others.)


Article 26. On motion of Otis B. Ruggles, it was voted to indefinite- ly postpone this article.


Article 27. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate or other- wise provide the sum of one hundred and eighty-five dollars ($185.00) for the purchase of one punch register to be installed in Hose 2 House, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Charles H. Heselton and others.)


Article 27. On motion of Charles P. Howard, it was voted to in- definitely postpone this article.


Article 28. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of $500.00 for the construction of a gravel sidewalk on the north side of Lowell St., extending from Grove St. toward the Lowell Street bridge, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Charles M. Ambrose and others.)


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Article 28-A motion was made by Charles M. Ambrose that $500.00 be raised and appropriated to build a sidewalk on North side of Low- ell St., from Grove Street to Lowell St. Bridge. Motion was not car- ried.


Article 29. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate or other- wise provide the sum of $500.00 to construct a sidewalk on the westerly side of Hanscom Ave., from Lowell Street, or what it will do in rela- tion thereto. (J. Angus Bell and others.)


Article 29. A motion was made by J. Angus Bell, to raise and ap- propriate $500.00 for a sidewalk on the westerly side of Hanscom Ave. Motion was not carried.


On motion of Carl M. Spencer, it was voted to refer to Selectmen or Board of Public Works, same to be taken out of Highway Appropria- tion.


Article 30. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate or other- wise provide the sum of $200.00 to construct a sidewalk on the easterly side of Winter Street, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Herbert W. Sawyer and others.)


Article 30. On motion of H. W. Sawyer, as amended by Carl M. Spencer, it was voted to refer to Board of Selectmen or Board of Pub- lic Works.


Article 31. To see if the Town will appoint a committee to inves- tigate and report upon the advisability of erecting a memorial statue to Reading boys who have served and died in the World War, or what it will do in relation thereto.


Article 31. On motion of Otis B. Ruggles, it was voted to indefi- nitely postpone this article.


Article 2. Voted to take from the table.


On motion of Otis B. Ruggles, it was voted to accept Report of Town officers as printed and the Finance Committee's report.


On motion of Otis B. Ruggles, it was voted to adjourn this meet- ing "sine die".


MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk.


SPECIAL TOWN ELECTION


Security Hall, April 25, 1921.


Purusant to the warrant a town meeting was held at time and place specified. Meeting was called to order by the 'Moderator, Jesse W. Mor- ton. The warrant was read by Town Clerk Millard F. Charles. The ballots were delivered to the Moderator. The ballot boxes were in- spected and declared empty and the polls were duly delared open.


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On motion of Ardine M. Allen, it was voted to close the polls at S o'clock P. M.


The polls were duly closed at eight o'clock P. M. with the following results :


One Member for Board of Public Works, One Year


Frederick W. Allen, 253 Summer Ave. 733


Mary F. Daniel, 17 Harnden St. 518


Blanks 19


Two Members for Board of Public Works, Two Years


Charles Van Stone, 46 West St. 1018


Clarence C. White, 26 Sanborn St.


1091


Blanks 431


Two Members for Board of Public Works, Three Years


George H. Clough, Perkins Ave. 1015


John W. Owen, 34 West St. 1032


F. W. Allen 3


Louis Ellenwood 1


Blanks 489


The hallots were counted and declared in open town meeting with the result as above noted, and the ballots and check lists were duly. sealed and delivered to the Town Clerk.


MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk.


SPECIAL TOWN MEETING


Security Hall, June 6th, 1921.


The special town meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Jesse W. Morton. The warrant was read by the Town Clerk, Millard F. Charles. When partially read, a motion was made and carried, to omit further reading of the warrant except the Constable's return, which was duly read.


Article 1. To hear and act on the reports of town officers and spe- cial committees and determine what instructions will be given the Town Officers.


Article 1. On motion of Otis B. Ruggles, it was voted to lay this article on the table.


Article 2. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) for the purpose of paying for any part of the cost of constructing and completing the system of sewers in the Town in certain streets designated by a vote of the Town at the an- nual Town Meeting of 1920, and will authorize the Treasurer, with the


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approval of the Selectmen, to borrow said sum and to issue bonds or notes to be payable in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 314 of the Acts of 1909 and acts in addition thereto and in amendment thereof, or what it will do in relation thereto.


Article 2. On motion of George H. Clough, it was voted that the sum of fifteen thousand dollars be raised and appropriated for the pur- pose of paying for any part of the cost of constructing and completing the system of sewers in the town in certain streets designated by a vote of the Town at the annual town meeting of 1920, and that the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, be and hereby is, author- ized and directed to borrow said sum and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor, said bonds or notes to be payable in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 314 of the Acts of 1909, and acts in addition thereto and in amendment thereof. Sixty-three voted "Yes", and none "No."


Article 3. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of thirty thousand dollars to be expended for highway construction and maintenance, office expenses, including salaries, and for the salary of the Superintendent of Public Works and the purchase of land for use as a gravel pit, or what it will do in relation thereto.


Article 3. On motion of George H. Clough, it was voted that the sum of thirty thousand dolalrs be raised and appropriated for the pur- pose of paying the cost of construction and maintenance of highways and the cost of office expenses of the Board of Public Works, including salaries and the salary of the Superintendent of Public Works, and the cost of purchase of land to be used for supplying gravel and other materials for the construction and maintenance of highways; and that the Board of Public Works be and it hereby is, authorized and directed to purchase, in the name of the town, such parcel or parcels of land as said Board shall deem it expedient to purchase, for the construction and maintenance of highways as aforesaid ($30,000).


Article 4. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of one hundred dollars, for the use of the Board of Public Works act- ing as a Board of Survey, or what it will do in relation thereto.


Article 4. On motion of George H. Clough, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of one hundred dollars for the use of the Board of Public Works, acting as a Board of Survey ($100.00).


Article 5. To see if the Town will amend Section 1 of Article 4 of the By-Laws of the town by substituting therefor the following section, or what it will do in relation thereto.


Section 1. "The chairmen of the following boards to wit,-Board of Selectmen, Board of Public Works, Municipal Light Board, School Com- mittee, Board of Health and Assessors,-acting jointly, shall constitute and be the Law Committee of the Town and the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen shall be Chairman of the Committee. Such Law Commit-


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tee shall hereafter annually, on or before the fifteenth day of April and whenever a vacancy shall exist, choose some competent lawyer to act as Town Counsel, who shall receive such compensation as the Town shall determine as an annual or special meeting."


Article 5. On motion of Otis B. Ruggles, it was voted to amend Sec- tion 1 of Article 4 of the By-Laws by substituting the following section :


Section 1. The chairmen of the following Boards, to wit, Board of Selectmen, Board of Public Works, Municipal Light Board, School Committee, Board of Health, and Assessors, acting jointly, shall consti- tute and be the Law Committee of the Town, and the chairman of the Board of Selectmen, shall be the chairman of the Committee. Such Law Committee shall hereafter, annually, on or before the fifteenth day of April and whenever a vacancy shall exist, choose some competent lawyer to act as Town Counsel, who shall receive such compensation as the Town shall determine at an annual or special meeting.


Article 6. To see what sum the Town will raise and appropriate or otherwise provide, for the purpose of providing funds for extensions and enlargements of the Municipal Light Plant during the year 1921, or what it will do in relation thereto.


Article 6. On motion of William G. Long, it was voted that there be raised and appropriated for the purpose of extending and enlarging the Municipal Light Plant during the year 1921, the sum of seven thous- and dollars, in addiiton to the amount which may be available for such purposes in the Depreciation Fund, to be expended by the Manager of Municipal Lighting under the direction and control of the Municipal Light Board; and that the Town Treasurer with the approval of the Se- lectmen, be, and hereby is, authorized to borrow for the above purposes, the sum of seven thousand dollars, and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor, which bonds or notes shall bear interest at a rate not exceeding six per cent per annum, and shall be payable in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44 of the General Laws, so that the whole loan shall be paid in not more than twenty years from the date of the first issue of said bonds or notes. Sixty-two voted "Yes", and five "No".


Article 7. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of five hundred dollars for the maintenance of the Fire Department, the said sum to be raised and appropriated over and above all sums hither- to raised and appropriated by the Town for the said purpose, or what it will do in relation thereto.


Article 7. On motion of Charles P. Howard, it was voted that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of five hundred dollars for the main- tenance of the Fire Department, the said sum to be raised and appro- priated over and above all sums hitherto raised and appropriated by the Town for said purpose. ($500.00.)


On motion of Otis B. Ruggles, it was voted to adjourn "sine die".


MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk.


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SPECIAL TOWN MEETING


Security Hall, October 31, 1921.


The special town meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Jesse W. Morton. The warrant was partially read, when upon motion of Otis B. Ruggles, it was voted to dispense with further reading except the Constable's Return, which being duly read, the meeting was for- mally opened.


Article 1. To hear and act on the reports of town officers and special committees and determine what instructions will be given the town officers.


Article 1. On motion of Otis B. Ruggles, it was voted to lay this article on the table.


Article 2. To see if the Town will vote to transfer any part of the proceeds of the sale of bonds authorized by a vote of the town, passed on June 6, 1921, for the purpose of paying for any part of the construc- tion of sewers in certain streets designated by a prior vote of the town, from the fund or appropriation so created, for the purpose of construct- ing sewers in Copeland Avenue and Perkins Avenue; and that the fund so transferred be appropriated for the purpose of constructing sewers in said avenues, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Board of Public Works.)


Article 2. On motion of George H. Clough, it was voted that two thousand five hundred dollars of the proceeds of the sale of bonds au- thorized by a vote of the Town, passed on June 6th, for the purpose of paying for any part of the construction of sewers in certain streets designated by a prior vote of the Town, be transferred from the fund on appropriation so created, for the purpose of constructing sewers in Cope- land Avenue and Perkins Avenue; and that the fund so transferred be appropriated for the purpose of constructing sewers in said avenues.


Article 3. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate, or other- wise provide, the sum of $5,000 to pay the cost of street lighting from October 1, to December 31, 1921, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Municipal Light Board.)


Article 3. On motion of Herbert G. Evans, it was voted to lay this article on the table.


Article 4. To see if the Town will appropriate and vote to authorize the School Committee to expend for general maintenance any unexpend- ed balance of the amount raised and appropriated at the last annual meeting for salaries in the general account; and will appropriate and vote to authorize the School Committee to expend for general mainten- ance of the agricultural department any unexpended balance of the amount raised and appropriated at the last annual meeting for salaries in the agricultural department. (School Committee.)


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Article 4. Walter S. Parker moved that $1,000.00 be transferred from School Salaries Account to General Maintenance Account of School Appropriations. Voted to indefinitely postpone.




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