USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1924 > Part 2
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(Selectmen.)
Article 11. On motion of Joseph D. Knight, it was voted that the sum of $6,710.92 be raised and appropriated to pay the share of the Town toward the cost of constructing the approaches to the Lowell St. Bridge, said amount to be expended in accordance with the decree of the County Commissioners. ($6,710.92.)
Article 12. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate, or other- wise provide, the sum of $186.50, to reimburse Owen McKenney and Ed- ward W. Tasney to the amounts of $140.50 and 46.00 respectively, for
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losses incurred in consequence of injuries suffered in the line of duty while fighting fires. (Selectmen.)
Article 12. On motion of Joseph D. Knight, it was voted that the sum of $186.50 be raised and appropriated to reimburse Owen McKenney and Edward W. Tasney to the amounts of $140.50 and $46.00 respectively, for losses incurred in consequence of injuries suffered in the line of duty while fighting fires.
Article 13. To see if the Town will authorize the construction of a . Police Station, so-called, providing facilities for the Police Department and a Town Lock-Up, and will raise and appropriate, by borrowing or otherwise, $90,000, or a greater or less amount, therefor, or what it will do in relation thereto.
Article 13. On motion, it was voted to recommit the substance of this Article to the Committee with instructions to bring in plans and specifications to complete the said mentioned Police Station and Town Lock-Up for a sum less than $60,000.00.
Article 14. To see if the Town will authorize the Selectmen to supervise the construction of the proposed Police Station, with full power to act in behalf of the Town, and with authority to make contracts, and to do every other necessary thing in the name of the Town in connec- tion with the erection and completion of said Police Station, including facilities for the Police Department and for the Town Lock-Up, sub- stantially as proposed in plans and specifications prepared and submitted by Messrs. Adden & Parker, Architects, but with such modifications as the Selectmen may consider necessary in the progress of the work, or what it will do in relation thereto.
Article 14. It was voted to pass over.
Article 15. To see if the Town will authorize the appointment of a committee to revise the building laws. (Selectmen.)
Article 15. On motion of Joseph D. Knight, it was voted that the Moderator be authorized to appoint a committee of five citizens to revise the Building Laws.
Article 16. To see if the Town will accept Sections 6 to 11, inclusive, of Chapter 143 of the General Laws and Amendments thereof and addi- tions thereto, relating to the inspection of buildings and the removal of dangerous and unsafe features in connection therewith, or what it will do in relation thereto.
Article 16. On motion of Joseph D. Knight, it was voted that the Town accept Sections 6 to 11, inclusive, of Chapter 143 of the General Laws and Amendments thereof and additions thereto, relating to the inspection of buildings and the removal of dangerous and unsafe features in connection therewith.
Article 17. To see if the Town will accept the provisions of Chap. 26 of the Acts of 1923; an act amending Chap. 41 of the General Laws, by inserting after Sect. 34. the following new section: Section 34a. In any
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city or town accepting this section, in a city by vote of the city council or in a town by vote of the voters thereof, the Overseers of the Poor shall thereafter be known as the Board of Public Welfare; but said change of name shall in no respect affect the rights, powers, duties or tenure of office of said Overseers. This section shall not apply to a city or town in which the Overseers of the Poor are incorporated.
(Selectmen.)
Article 17. On motion of Joseph D. Knight, it was voted that the Town accept the provisions of Chapter 26 of the Acts of 1923; an Act amending Chapter 41 of the General Laws, by inserting after Sect. 34 the following new section: Section 34a: In any city or town accepting this section, in a city by vote of the City Council or in a town by vote of the voters thereof, the Overseers of the Poor shall thereafter be known as the Board of Public Welfare; but said change of name shall in no respect affect the rights and powers, duties or tenure of office of said Overseers. This section shall not apply to a city or town in which the Overseers of the Poor are incorporated.
Article 18. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of six' hundred ninety-three dollars and fifty cents ($693.50) for the installation of two traffic beacons and six crossroad lights, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(Selectmen.)
Article 18. On motion of Joseph D. Knight, it was voted that the sum of $693.50 be raised and appropriated for the installation of two traffic beacons and six crossroad lights. ($693.50.)
Article 19. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate by borrow- ing, or otherwise, the sum of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) for the construction of a storm water drain on High Street from about the in- tersection of Woburn Street to and across Washington Street, with the necessary catch basins, manholes and connections thereto, and street and sidewalk grading made necessary by said construction, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Board of Public Works.)
Article 19. On motion of George H. Clough, it was voted to raise and appropriate $20,000.00 for the purpose of constructing a storm water drain on High Street, from about the intersection of Woburn Street, to and across Washington Street, with the necessary catch basins, manholes and connections. ($20,000.00.)
Article 20. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of twenty-one hundred and forty dollars and twenty-six cents ($2,140.26) for payment of bills of the School Department incurred in excess of appropriation for 1923, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(School Committee.)
Article 20. On motion of Walter S. Parker, it was voted to raise and appropriate $2,140.26 for payment of bills of the School Department incurred in excess of appropriation for 1923. ($2,140.26.)
Article 21. To see if the Town will authorize the Trustees of Laurel Hill Cemetery to purchase approximately 16,950 sq. ft. of land with
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buildings thereon, consisting of the easterly portion of the Dexter Clapp Estate adjoining the Cemetery, and for the purpose of extending the Cemetery, and to appropriate the sum of six hundred and fifty-eight dollars and fifty cents ($658.50) from the Cemetery Reserve Fund to pay for same, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Cemetery Trustees.)
Article 21. On motion of Galen A. Parker, it was voted that the Trustees of Laurel Hill Cemetery be and are hereby authorized to pur: chase approximately 16,950 sq. ft. of land with buildings thereon, con- sisting of the easterly portion of the Dexter Clapp Estate, adjoining the Cemetery, for the purpose of extending the Cemetery, and to appropri- ate the sum of $658.50 from the Cemetery Reserve Fund to pay for the same.
Article 22. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate or other- wise provide the sum of six thousand dollars ($6,000.00) $3,972.67 for the purchase of land and buildings thereon, containing approximately nine acres, and located at Forest and Pearl Streets, and $2,027.33 for survey and preliminary work on same, for the purpose of providing a new cemetery for the Town of Reading, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Cemetery Trustees.)
Article 22. On motion of Galen A. Parker, it was voted that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $6,000.00, of which $3,972.67 shall be for the purchase of land and buildings thereon, containing approxi- mately nine acres, located at Forest and Pearl Streets, and $2,027.33 for survey and preliminary work on the same for the purpose of pro- viding a new Cemetery for the Town of Reading. ($6,000.00.)
Article 23. To see what action the Town will take regarding the installation of additional lights on the public streets during 1924.
(Municipal Light Board.)
Art. 23 .- On motion of William G. Long, it was voted that the subject matter of Article 23 be referred to the Municipal Light Board, with anthority to install such lights as in their judgment are necessary, and to make such changes in existing lights as may be advisable, the cost of the same to be paid from the Depreciation Fund.
Article 24. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of three hundred dollars ($300.00) for Child Welfare Work, to be ex- pended under the direction of the Reading Visiting Nurse Association and the Board of Health, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(Elizabeth H. Brown and others.)
Article 24. On motion of Elizabeth H. Brown, it was voted that the sum of $300.00 be raised and appropriated for Child Welfare Work to be expended under the direction of the Reading Visiting Nurse Asso- ciation and the Board of Health. ($300.00.) 1
Article 25. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $200.00 and the Selectmen appoint a director, the money to be expended by and the director to serve in co-operation with the County
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Agricultural Trustees of the Middlesex County Extension Service in Agriculture and Home Economics under the provisions of Sections 40 to 45, Chapter 128, General Laws of Massachusetts. (Rolland L. Perry)
Article 25. On motion of Rolland L. Perry, it was voted that the sum of two hundred dollars be raised and appropriated and the Select- men appoint a Director, the money to be expended by and the Director to serve in co-operation with the County Agricultural Trustees of the Middlesex County Extension Service in Agriculture and Home Economics under the provisions of Sections 40 to 45, Chapter 128, of the General Laws. ($200.00.)
Article 26. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) to be expended by the Board of Public Works in preparing plans and other information necessary to the establishing of building lines, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Charles S. Hasty and others.)
Article 26. On motion of Charles S. Hasty, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,500.00, to be expended by the Board of Public Works in preparing plans and other information necessary to the establishing of building lines. ($2,500.00.)
Article 27. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of five hundred dollars ($500.00) for the maintenance and upkeep of the Athletic Field, to be expended under the supervision of the Board of Public Works, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(George E. Horrocks and others.)
Article 27. The motion of George E. Horrocks to raise and appro- priate #500.00 as per article was not carried. Sixty-eight voted "Yes" and 123 voted "No".
Article 28. To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 1 of Article 6 of the By-Laws by striking out the words "a member of the committee without vote" and substituting therefor the words "Clerk of the Committee." Also by adding to this Section the words "Eight mem- bers shall constitute a quorum." Also to amend Section 2 of Article 6 by striking out the words "and Clerk."
(Albert R. Shepardson and others.)
Article 28. On motion of Albert R. Shepardson, it was voted that Section 1 of Article 6 of the By-Laws be amended by striking out the words, "a member of the committee without vote" and substituting there- for the words, "Clerk of the Committee" ; also by adding to this section the words "Eight members shall constitute a quorum"; also that Section 2 of Article 6 be amended by striking out the words, "and Clerk".
Article 29. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of four hundred and fifty dollars ($450.00) to cover the expense of mov- ing the bandstand from the Common to Memorial Park, also for new foundation, repairing of bandstand, if necessary, and beautifying the Common, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(Charles S. Hasty and others.)
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Article 29. The motion of Charles S. Hasty as per Article 29 was not voted.
Article 30. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate a suffi- cient sum to install a Fire Alarm Box at the corner of Howard Street and Hill Crest Road, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(Leone F. Quimby and others.)
Article 30. On motion of Leone F. Quimby, it was voted that a fire alarm box be installed at the corner of Howard Street and Hill Crest Road and the expense for same be charged to the Fire Alarm Appropria- tion.
Article 31. To see if the Town will vote to adopt an ash-collecting system and to see how much money it will raise and appropriate for that purpose, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(J. E. Frost and others.)
Article 31. On motion of J. Edward Frost, it was voted that the Moderator appoint a committee of six citizens, which will include a member of the Board of Health, to investigate the question of an ash- collecting system in Reading, the Committee to report at the next Town Meeting.
Article 32. To see if the Town will vote to appoint a committee to study and report on the advisability of adopting the Limited Form of Town Meeting, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(Charles S. Hasty and others.)
Article 32. On motion of Charles S. Hasty, it was voted that the Moderator appoint a committee to study and report on the advisability of adopting the limited form of town meeting.
Article 33. To see if the Town will vote to accept Libby Avenue as a Public Way, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(Arthur A. Gilmet and others.)
Article 33. It was voted to indefinitely postpone this article.
Article 4. Voted to take this article from the table; and it was voted to raise and appropriate the following sums for the Board of Assessors' Dept .:
Salary of Assessors $ 1,800.00
Clerk Hire 1,300.00
Expenses 1,700.00
Article 3. Voted to take this article from the table.
On motion of John L. Devaney, it was voted that a committee of three be appointed by the Moderator to determine the feasibility of having the Assessors appointed by the Selectmen, and also to determine the proper compensation to be paid the Assessors, and to report at the next town meeting.
Voted to lay this article on the table.
Article 2. Voted to take this article from the table.
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On motion of Joseph D. Knight, it was voted to accept reports of Town Officers as printed and to accept report of Finance Committee.
Voted to adjourn without date.
MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk.
PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES
Security Hall, April 29, 1924.
A Primary was held as per warrant and was called to order by the chairman of the Board of Selectmen, Joseph D. Knight, at 5.45 o'clock, A. M. The warrant was read and the following Ballot Clerks and Tellers were duly sworn by the Town Clerk: Mrs. C. F. Atkinson, Mrs. Mary F. Daniel, Mrs. Marion P. Allen, Mrs. Jessie N. Thaxter, Mrs. Katherine E. Riley, Mrs. Mary C. Barrett, Miss Philomena Doucette, Mrs. Katherine E. Murray, Mrs. Mary L. Baker, F. L. Springford, Jr., Richard N. B. Wil- son, George L. Flint, William W. Atkinson, Charles E. Mellen, George M. Hutchinson, Charles A. Sullivan, James A. Waters, Ernest A. Clapp.
The ballot boxes were duly examined and the keys delivered to the Constable in charge, Edward G. Quinlan. The ballots were delivered to chairman and the polls were duly declared open. The polls were duly closed at 4.30 o'clock P. M.
The ballots were duly counted and declared as follows:
Republican Party-Delegates at Large
Channing H. Cox, Boston 299
Henry Cabot Lodge, Nahant 296
Frederick H. Gillett, Springfield 298
William M. Butler, Boston
294
John H. Sherburne, Brookline 295
Anna C. Bird, Walpole 296
297
Jessie A. Hall, Worcester
Blanks 81
Alternate Delegates at Large
Pauline R. Thayer, Lancaster 290
Elizabeth Putnam, Boston
290
Charles H. Innis, Boston
278
John Jacob Rogers, Lowell
292
Robert M. Stevens, Pittsfield
286
Mary B. Browne, Salem 289
284
Spencer Borden, Jr., Fall River
Blanks 147
District Delegates, Fifth District
Charles S. Smith, Lincoln 296
Kimball G. Colby, Methuen 289
Blanks 31
25
Alternate District Delegates, Fifth District
Victor Francis Jewett, Lowell 268
Charles P. Howard, Reading 282
Blanks 66
Whole number votes cast
308
Democratic Party-Delegates at Large
David I. Walsh, Fitchburg 39
Arthur Lyman, Waltham
23
Joseph B. Ely, Westfield
24
John F. Doherty, Boston 30
Helen A. MacDonald, Boston 23
Susan W. Fitzgerald, Boston 27
Rose Herbert, Worcester
1S
Mary E. Meehan, Boston
19
Charles H. Cole, Boston
Blanks 159
Alternate Delegates at Large
Arthur J. B. Cartier, Fall River 20
William A. O'Hearn, North Adams 31
Jeremiah J. Healey, Natick 23
Edward A. Ginsberg, Brookline
21
Dorothy Whipple Frye, Brookline 20
21
Anne O'Keefe Heffernan, Northampton
23
Mary Bacigalupo, Boston 15
27
Blanks 191
District Delegates, Fifth District
Andrew E. Barrett, Lowell 5
Patrick W. Cox, Lowell
6
John W. Daly, Lowell
7
John H. Gilbride, Lowell
4
Bernard J. Golden, Woburn 41
Katherine F. McCarthy, Lowell
7
Peter P. McMenimon, Lowell
2
Humphrey O'Sullivan, Lowell
16
Walter H. Wilcox, Woburn
38
Blanks
76
Alternate District Delegates, Fifth District
Michael H. Hoar, Lowell 18
John J. Mullaney, Lowell
20
Blanks 158
Whole number of votes cast
49
MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk.
30
Mary H. Quincy, Boston
William H. Doyle, Malden
26
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
Security Hall, Reading, May 26, 1924.
Pursuant to the warrant a town meeting was held at the place and time specified, and was called to order by the Moderator, Jesse W. Morton .. The Town Clerk, Millard F. Charles, partially read the town warrant, when it was voted to dispense with further reading except the Constable's return, which was duly read.
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. Report of Committee on Police Station.
To the Town of Reading:
Pursuant to vote of the Town at the last meeting in March, we have been working to carry out the expressed desire of the voters that we present something less expensive than the plan which was recommended by us at that time. There are certain essential items which enter into the problem, and which must be included in any layout which is to be at all adequate to the needs of the Department.
First :- Taking the exterior of the building, we believe that the Town wants it to present a substantial, attractive and creditable ap- pearance.
Second: Construction :- This certainly should be fireproof, solid, durable, built of good material and put up in a workmanlike manner.
Third: Interior Finish :- Not ornate or elaborate but neat, plain and of good quality of wood properly applied so that we may have a suitable building for years to come, of which we need not be ashamed or be continually annoyed by the necessity of repairs.
Fourth :- In any scheme worth considering there must be the follow- ing :- Public Waiting Room, General Office, Chief's Room, Detention Room, Emergency Room and Toilet, side entrance and hallway for prisoners, Lockup with suitable cell and toilet facilities, Locker Room and Toilets for the Officers, Storage Room.
After many meetings and the consideration of a great number of sketches, your committee recommends a plan which includes the above features, and also garage accommodations for three cars, wherein may be stored the Police car and two other municipal cars, at a considerable saving in storage charges each month. This plan is in reality a modifica- tion of the previous one submitted in March, being smaller in area, one story and a basement, eliminating the elevator and also the bedrooms, guard room, etc., that were shown on the second floor of the original plan.
We have cut this down to what we believe is a minimum of space and cost. There is no unassigned room, every bit of space being essen- tial to the proper conduct of the work of the department, but a second story may be added when the Town finds it necessary, and the specifi- cations call for construction with that in view.
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We have estimates which assure us that this building can be con- structed, equipped and turned over to the Town at a total cost somewhat under $50,000.00, and while, of course, it is not comparable in space and desirability with our first plan, we believe that it will serve the present. need and meet the wishes of the voters in their desire to economize.
Respectfully submitted,
H. RAYMOND JOHNSON, JOSEPH D. KNIGHT, JESSE W. MORTON, FREDERICK L. SPRINGFORD, CHESTER J. WALLACE.
On motion of Otis B. Ruggles, it was voted to accept report of Com- mittee and that said Committee be discharged.
It was voted to lay Article 1 on the table.
Article 2. To see if the Town will authorize the construction of a Police Station, so-called, providing facilities for the Police Department and a Town Lock-Up, and raise and appropriate, by borrowing or other- wise, $50,000.00 or a greater or less amount therefor, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(Selectmen.)
Article 2. On motion of Joseph D. Knight, it was voted that the sum of $50,000 be raised and appropriated for the purpose of erecting,. equipping and furnishing a building to be used as a Police Station and Town Lockup; that $3,000.00 of said sum be raised and appropriated from the tax levy of the current year; and that the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, be and he hereby is authorized, to borrow for the above purposes the balance of said sum, to wit: $47,000.00 and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor, which shall be payable in ac- cordance with the provisions of Chapter 44 of the General Laws and Acts in amendment therefor or in addition thereto, so that the whole- loan shall be paid in not more than twenty (20) years from the date. of the first issue of said bonds or notes.
Seventy-four (74) voted "Yes" and 78 voted "Nay" and the motion was declared lost.
On motion of Albert R. Shepardson, it was voted to refer the matter of a new Police Station and Lockup to the next annual town meeting.
Article 3. To see if the Town will authorize the Selectmen to super- vise the construction of the proposed Police Station with full power to act in behalf of the Town, and with authority to make contracts and do every other necessary thing in the name of the Town in connection with
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the erection and completion of said Police Department and for the Town Lockup, substantially as proposed in plans and specifications in the hands of the committee, but with such modifications as the Selectmen may consider necessary in the progress of the work, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(Selectmen.)
Article 3. It was voted to pass over.
Article 4. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of $650.00, the amount of insurance received on Prospect Street School boiler, to reimburse the School Dept., General Maintenance Account, for cost of boiler repairs, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(Town Accountant.)
Article 4. On motion of Leon G. Bent, it was voted that the sum of $650.00, the amount received for insurance on Prospect Street School boiler, be appropriated to reimburse the School Department, Maintenance Account, and that the Town Acountant be authorized to transfer said sum to the School Dept. Account.
It was voted to adjourn without date.
MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk.
STATE PRIMARY
Security Hall, Reading, Sept. 9, 1924.
Pursuant to the warrant a Primary was held at the time and place specified and was called to order by the chairman of the Board of Selectmen, Joseph D. Knight. The warrant was partially read when it was voted to dispense with further reading except the Constable's return, which was duly read. The ballot boxes were examined and found empty and registering 0000 and the keys were delivered to the Constable in . charge, Edward G. Quinlan. The following Ballot Clerks and Tellers were duly sworn by the Town Clerk: Frederick L. Springford, Jr., Ernest A. Clapp, Katherine E. Murray, Jessie N. Thaxter, Mary L. Baker, Martin Halloran.
Tellers: Marion P. Allen, Percy E. Anderson, Charles E. Mellen, Edward G. Quinlan, Frank Tanner, Walter Standish, Christine F. At- kinson, Mary L. Doran, William D. Quillen, Mary C. Barrett, Catherine L. Doherty, Philomena Doucette, Helen G. Quinlan, Charles A. Sullivan, James H. Fleming, Jesse N. Hutchinson.
The polls were declared open and were closed at time mentioned in the warrant. The ballot boxes registered 1837; the check lists showed that 1849 had voted and the Tellers counted 1849 ballots with the follow- ing result: Eighty Democratic and 1769 Republican ballots were cast.
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REPUBLICAN BALLOT Governor
Alvan T. Fuller of Malden 1281
James Jackson of Westwood
453
Blanks
35
Lieutenant-Governor
Frank G. Allen of Norwood 1608
Blanks
161
Secretary
Frederick W. Cook of Somerville
1540
Blanks
229
Treasurer
Otis Allen of Lowell 225
William A. Allen of Boston
103
James W. Bean of Cambridge
205
Fred. J. Burrell of Medford
251
Horace A. Keith of Brockton
116
William S. Youngman of Boston
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