USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1925 > Part 2
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On motion of Leon G. Bent, it was voted that sixteen thousand one hundred twenty-one dollars and ninety-three cents ($16,121.93) be appro- priated from Excess and Deficiency Account; one thousand eight hundred and ninety-seven dollars and fifty-nine cents ($1,897.59) be appropriated from Overlay Reserve Fund, and four thousand nine hundred and eighty dollars and forty-eight cents ($4,980.48) be raised in the tax levy and ap- propriated for the payment of bonds and notes maturing in 1925, and that the Town Accountant be authorized to make the necessary transfers for that purpose ($4,980.48).
Article 3. On motion of Galen A. Parker, it was voted to take this article from the table.
On motion of Galen A. Parker, it was voted that the Trustees of Laurel Hill Cemetery be and they hereby are authorized and directed to execute in the name and behalf of the Town of Reading a bond of indemnity for the issue of duplicate warrant or check with especial refer- ence to interest check 8,237,636, Fourth Liberty Loan, drawn on the Treas- urer of the United States, April 15, 1922, payable to the order of said
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Trustees in the sum of $63.75-the bond to be so executed to be on the form 5120 as submitted by the Treasury Department.
Article 3. Voted to lay Article 3 on the table.
Article 5. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of three thousand dollars ($3,000.00) for the Reserve Fund as provided by Sect. 6, Chap. 40, General Laws, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(Town Accountant.)
Article 5. On motion of Leon G. Bent, it was voted that the sum of three thousand dollars be raised and appropriated for the Reserve Fund as provided by Sec. 6, Chapter 40, General Laws ($3,000.00).
Article 6. To see if the Town will authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in antici- pation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1925, and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, any debt or debts incurred under this vote to be paid from the revenue of said financial year.
(Town Treasurer.)
Article 6. On mnotion of Wilfred A. Bancroft, it was voted that the Treasurer be authorized, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money, from time to time, in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1925, and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, any debt or debts incurred under this vote to be paid from the revenue of said financial year.
Article 7. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to renew or refund any notes issued . in anticipation of revenue for a period of less than one year in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 17, Chap. 44, General Laws, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(Town Treasurer.)
Article 7. On motion of Wilfred A. Bancroft, it was voted that the Treasurer be authorized, with the approval of the Selectmen, to renew or refund any notes issued in anticipation of revenue for a period of less than one year in accordance with the provisions of Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws.
Article 8. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate or otherwise provide the sum of three hundred and sixty dollars ($360.00) for the pur- pose of providing suitable quarters for Veteran Post 194, G. A. R., in accordance with Sec. 5, Chap. 40, General Laws, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(Board of Selectmen.)
Article 8. On motion of Walter S. Parker, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of three hundred and sixty dollars for the purpose of providing suitable quarters for Veteran Post 194, G. A. R., in accord- ance with Sec. 5, Chap. 40, General Laws ($360.00).
Article 9. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate or otherwise provide the sum of five hundred dollars ($500.00) for the care of graves of any persons who have served in the Army, Navy, or Marine Corps of the United States in time of war or insurrection, and have been honorably dis-
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charged from such service, as provided in Chap. 115, Sec. 22, of the General Laws, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(Board of Selectmen.)
Article 9. On motion of Walter S. Parker, it was voted that five hundred dollars be raised and appropriated for the care of graves of any persons who have served in the Army, Navy, or Marine Corps of the United States in time of war or insurrection and have been honorably discharged from such service, as provided in Sec. 22, Chapter 115, General Laws ($500.00.)
Article 10. 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 to see how much money it will raise and appropriate therefor, by borrowing or otherwise, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Board of Selectmen.)
Article 10. On motion of Frederick L. Springford that the sum of forty-five thousand dollars 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 four thousand dollars of said sum be raised and appropriated from the tax levy of the current year 1925; 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: forty-one thousand dollars, and to issue bonds or notes of the town therefor, which shall be payable $5,000.00 in one year from the date of the first issue of said bonds or notes, and $4,000.00 each year thereafter, so that the whole loan shall be paid in not more than ten years from said date of issue; said bonds or notes to be issued under the provisions of Chapter 44 of the General Laws, and any acts in amendments thereof or in addition thereto.
Two hundred seven voted "Yea"; one hundred and thirty-four voted "Nay," a two-thirds vote being required to pass. Motion was not carried.
Article 11. To see if the Town will authorize the Board of Select- men to supervise the construction of 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 the erection and completion of said Police Station, including facilities for the Police Department and for the Town Lock-Up, substantially as proposed in plans and specifications in the hands of the Selectmen, but with such modifications as the Selectmen may consider necessary in the progress of the work, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(Board of Selectmen.)
Article 11. Voted to pass over.
Article 12. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of thirteen hundred and thirty-eight ($1,338.00), for the installation of five traffic beacons, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(Board of Selectmen.)
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Article 12. On motion of Frederick L. Springford, it was voted that thirteen hundred and thirty-eight dollars be raised and appropriated for the installation of five traffic beacons. ($1338.00.)
Article 13. To see if the Town will accept the provisions of Section 58, Chap. 48, General Laws; an act relative to the tenure of office of chiefs of fire departments in the metropolitan fire district.
(Board of Selectmen.)
Article 13. On motion of Frederick L. Springford, it was voted that the town accept the provisions of Section 58, Chapter 48, General Laws, an act relative to the tenure of office of chiefs of fire departments in the metropolitan fire district.
Article 14. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of three thousand five hundred and nineteen dollars and forty-two cents ($3,519.42), for the payment of bills of the Commonwealth of Massachu- setts for pauper support from June 20, 1918, to Nov. 30, 1924, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Board of Public Welfare.)
Article 14. On motion of Frederick L. Springford, it was voted that three thousand five hundred and nineteen dollars and forty-two cents be raised and appropriated for the payment of bills of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for pauper support from June 20, 1918, to Nov. 30, 1924. ($3,519.42.)
Article 15. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate by borrow- ing or otherwise, the sum of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000.00) for the construction of a storm water drain from the east side of John Street to the west side of Main Street, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(Board of Public Works.)
Article 15. On motion of John W. Owen, it was voted that the sum of fifteen thousand dollars be raised and appropriated for the construction of a storm water drain from the east side of John St. to the west side of Main St. ($15,000,00.)
Article 16. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate by borrow- ing or otherwise the sum of six thousand dollars ($6,000.00) for the con- struction of a distributing water main on Libby Avenue, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Board of Public Works.)
Article 16. On motion of John W. Owen, voted to lay on the table.
Article 3. On motion of John W. Owen, voted to take from table.
On motion of John W. Owen, it was voted that the Board of Public Works, successors of the Water Commissioners, be and it or they hereby are, instructed to construct distributing water mains in Forest St. and Libby Ave., and to issue bonds in payment therefor, notwithstanding that a return of four per cent therefrom be not guaranteed as otherwise re- quired by a vote of the town passed March 4, 1901, and provided that an issue of bonds therefor be authorized at this meeting.
Article 16. On motion of John W. Owen, it was voted to take this article from the table.
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On motion of John W. Owen, it was voted that the sum of six thousand dollars be raised and appropriated for the construction of a distributing water main six inches or more in diameter on Libby Ave .; and that the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, be and he hereby is, authorized to borrow said sum for the above purpose, and to issue bonds or notes of the town therefor, which shall be payable in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44 of the General Laws, and any acts in amend ment thereof or in addition thereto, and so that said bonds or notes shall be paid in not more than ten years from the date of the first issue of said bonds or notes. Two hundred ninety-five voted "Yes" and none "No." ($6,000.00.)
Article 17. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate by borrow- ing, or otherwise, the sum of fourteen thousand dollars ($14,000.00) for the construction of a distributing water main on Forest Street, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Board of Public Works.)
Article 17. On motion of John W. Owen, it was voted that the sum of fourteen thousand dollars be raised and appropriated for the construc- tion of a distributing water main six inches or more in diameter on Forest St .; and that the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, be, and he hereby is, authorized to borrow said sum for the above purpose, and to issue bonds or notes of the town therefor which shall be payable in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44 of the General Laws, and any acts in amendment thereof or in addition thereto, and so that said bonds or notes shall be paid in not more than ten years from the date of the first issue of said bonds or notes. ($14,000.00.)
Two hundred ninety-four voted "Yes" and none "Nay."
Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to accept the report of the Board of Public Works upon the laying out as a public highway of a private way heretofore known as Bancroft Avenue Extension, such high- way being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved by the Board of Survey and filed in the office of the Town Clerk, in accordance with the statutory requirements, and to see if the town will accept the public highway laid out by the Board of Public Works and heretofore known as Bancroft Avenue Extension, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(Board of Public Works.)
Article 18. Report of the Board of Public Works on laying out of Bancroft Ave. Extension :
"We, the subscribers, Board of Public Works of Reading, after giving due notice to all parties interested, have laid out for the town as a public town way, described as follows:
"Bancroft Ave. Extension, being an extension of the present town way known as Bancroft Ave., and running northerly from the present northerly terminus of said Avenue.
"The westerly line of said Bancroft Ave. Extension commences at a point on the westerly side line of said Bancroft Ave., said point being
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N. 1-45-00 E., a distance of 744.60 ft. from a stone bound on the said westerly side line of the said Bancroft Ave. and at the northerly end of a point of curve connecting with Lowell St.
"From thence the said westerly line is extended northerly in a straight line and upon the same bearing, a distance of 29.83 to a curve.
"Thence with a curve to the left with a radius of 377.42 feet, a distance of 220.42 feet, to a point of reverse curve situated a short distance northerly from the southerly line of a private way known as Weston Road.
"Thence with a curve to the right with a radius of 768.62 feet to a point of tangent with the westerly side line of Bancroft Ave. Extension as laid out on a plan of 'lots belonging to Edwin C. Hanscom, Jan., 1915, Clarence E. Carter, Civil Engineer, and revised by Dana F. Perkins, under date of February, 1921.'
"Then N. 17-00-50 W., a distance of 344.68 feet, to the southerly side line of a private way known as Tower Road and at the end of this layout.
"The easterly line of said Bancroft Avenue Extension comemnce at a point at the present northerly terminus of the easterly line of a town way known as Highland Street, said point being 13.68 feet southerly from the westerly line's point of commencement and 50.00 feet at a right angle therefrom.
"Thence the said easterly line runs with a curve to the left with a radius of 512.66 feet, a distance of 290.94 feet, to a point of reverse curve, said point being N. 58-17-10 E., a distance of 40.00 ft. from the above described points of reverse curve of the westerly line and situated in a private way known as Weston Road.
"Thence the easterly line runs parallel with and 40.00 feet easterly from the above described westerly line, with a radius of 728.62 feet, a dis- tance of 186.94 feet to a point of tangent.
"Thence N. 17-00-50 W., a distance of 344.68 feet to the southerly side line of a private way known as Tower Road and at the end of this layout. The above described lines are more fully shown on a plan labelled 'Extension of Bancroft Ave.,' made by Davis & Abbott, Civil Engineers, Reading, Mass., under date of September, 1924, said plan being a part of this description.
"We recommend that when this report is accepted and adopted by the town that said way shall thereafter be known as a public town way and named 'Bancroft Ave.' ".
On motion of John W. Owen, it was voted to accept said report of the layout of an extension to Bancroft Ave. and adopt the recommendations.
Article 19. To see what action the Town will take regarding the installation of additional street lights on the public streets during 1925. (Municipal Light Board.)
Article 19. On motion of William G. Long, it was voted that the sub- ject matter of this article be referred to the Municipal Light Board, with
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authority to install such lights as in their judgment are necessary and to make such changes in existing lights as may be advisable, the cost to be paid from the Depreciation Fund.
Article 20. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Municipal Light Board to extend and enlarge the municipal light plant in order to . provide additional capacity; or to construct a transmission line with dupli- cate cables and with the necessary transformers, switches, and other appara- tus, and to purchase electricity in bulk; and will raise and appropriate or otherwise provide, the necessary funds to carry out the provisions of any vote under this article, or what it will do in relation thereto.
Municipal Light Board.
Article 20. On motion of William G. Long, it was voted that the Municipal Light Board be authorized to contract with the Edison Electric Illuminating Co. of Boston for the purchase of electricity in bulk, said electricity to be furnished and delivered during a period of ten years, and to enlarge and extend the present plant by the construction of an under- ground transmission line from the Stoneham-Reading town line to our power station on Ash St., including transformers, switches, regulators and all other necessary apparatus; and that there be raised and appropriated for the above enlargement and extension the sum of one hundred thousand dollars, in addition to the amount which may be available in the deprecia- tion fund, to be expended by the Municipal Light Board; and that the Treasurer be and he hereby is authorized and directed, 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 44 of the General Laws with amendments thereof and additions thereto, so that the whole loan shall be paid in not more than twenty years from the date of the first bond or note issued. Two hundred forty-eight voted "Yes," and eight "No."
Article 21. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate, by borrow- ing or otherwise, the sum of seven thousand, six hundred dollars ($7,600.00) for the purchase of the Channell property, No. 10 School Street, adjoining the Highiland School lot, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(School Committee.)
Article 21. On motion of Walter S. Parker, it was voted that seven thousand six hundred dollars ($7,600.00) be raised and appropriated for the purchase, for school purposes, of the Channell property, No. 10 School St., adjoining the Highland School lot.
Article 22. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) for the purpose of developing Forest Glen Cemetery, 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 ten thousand dollars for the development of Forest Glen Cemetery, said money to be expended under the direction of the Cemetery Trustees. ($10,000.00.)
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Article 23. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of three hundred dollars ($300.00) for Child Welfare Work, to be expended 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 23. On motion of Elizabeth H. Brown, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of three hundred dollars for Child Welfare Work, to be expended under the direction of the Reading Visiting Nurse Associa- tion and the Board of Health. ($300.00.)
Article 24. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of two hundred dollars ($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 Agricultural Trustees of the Middlesex County Extension Ser- vice in Agriculture and Home Economics under the provisions of Sections 40 to 45, Chap. 128, General Laws.
(Rolland L. Perry.)
Article 24. On motion of Rolland L. Perry, it was voted that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of two hundred dollars and the Selectmen ap- point a director, the money to be expended by, and the director to serve in co-operation with the Middlesex County Trustees for County Aid to Agricul- ture in the work of the Middlesex County Extension Service, under the provisions of Sec. 40 to 45, Chap. 128, General Laws of Massachusetts. ($200.00.)
Article 25. To see of the Town will raise and appropriate three liun- dred dollars ($300.00) provided the abutters appropriate a like amount, for the installation of tar concrete sidewalk and curbing on the westerly side of Summer Avenue near the corner of Woburn Street, in accordance with sketch B submitted by the Superintendent of the Board of Public Works, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(Percy N. Sweetser and others.)
Article 25. On motion of Otis B. Ruggles, it was voted that the Town construct a sidewalk of tar concrete and a curbing on the westerly side of Summer Avenue, from the junction of Woburn Street, running north ap- proximately one hundred ninety feet, provided the abutters pay one-half. The cost of said construction to be taken from the regular appropriations for highways.
Article 26. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) to be expended by the Planning Board in investigating the possibilities and needs of the town with respect to the dividing of the town into districts or zones and the regulation of the construction and use of buildings in such districts or zones in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 25, Chap. 40, of the General Laws, and with respect to plans for the development of the town property to be considered in connection therewith, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(Planning Board.)
Article 26. On motion of Willard P. Adden, it was voted that one thousand dollars be raised and appropriated, to be expended by the Plan-
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ning Board in investigating the possibilities and needs of the town, with respect to the dividing of the town into districts or zones, and the regu- lation of the construction and use of buildings in such districts or zones, in accordance with the provisions of Section 25, Chapter 40, General Laws, and with respect to plans for the development of town property to be con- sidered in connection therewith.
Article 27. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate a sufficient sum for the installation of a fire-alarm box in Forest Street, between Main and Grove Streets, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(M. J. Burns and others.)
Article 27. On motion of Frederick L. Springford, it was voted to refer this article to the Selectmen.
Article 28. To see what action the Town will take in regard to its rights, if any, under the will of Gilman L. Parker, in property derived or held by him under the will of his sister, Annie B. Parker.
(James W. Grimes and others.)
Article 28. On motion of James W. Grimes, it was voted that the Town authorize its Town Counsel to sign a decree, releasing the gift derived by Gilman L. Parker under the will of Annie B. Parker, to the children of Elmore Parker.
Article 3. Voted to take Article 3 from the table.
Article 3. On motion of Albert R. Shepardson, it was voted to accept reports of Town Officers as printed and also report of Finance Committee.
The whole number of voters reported checked at the town meeting was four hundred seventy (470).
Article 2. Voted to take this article from the table.
Article 2. On motion of Otis B. Ruggles, it was voted that the subject matter of Consolidation of Town Offices be referred back to said committee and that there be added to said committee, Chairman of Board of Selectmen, Chairman Board of Public Works, Chairman Board of As- sessors and Chairman of Finance Committee to report at a future town meeting.
Voted to adjourn sine die.
MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk.
REFERENDUM TOWN MEETING
Security Hall, Woburn St., March 31, 1925.
Pursuant to the foregoing warrant and the Constable's return thereon, a town meeting was held at place and time mentioned therein and was called to order by Robert E. Parker, Selectman. The warrant was read and the Constable's return. The ballots were duly delivered to the Select-
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men and the ballot boxes duly examined and declared empty and the keys delivered to the Constable in charge.
Then the polls were declared open and at nine o'clock P. M. were duly closed with the following result :
The ballots counted by the Tellers were 967; the check lists counted by the checkers were 967; "No", 529; "Yes", 436; blanks 2.
The ballots were counted and declared in open town meeting and sealed and delivered to the Town Clerk.
MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk.
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
Security Hall, May 5, 1925.
Pursuant to the foregoing warrant and the Constable's return, a town meeting was held at the time and place specified therein and was called to order by Moderator Jesse W. Morton. The warrant was partly read, when upon motion of Frederick L. Springford, it was voted to dis- pense with further reading of the warrant except the Constable's return. This being done, the town meeting was duly 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. Voted to lay this article on the table.
Article 2. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Municipal Light Board to extend and enlarge the municipal light plant in order to provide additional capacity, or to construct a transmission line with dupli- cate cables and with the necessary transformers, switches, and other ap- paratus, and to purchase electricity in bulk; and will raise and appropriate, or otherwise provide the necessary funds to carry out the provisions of any vote under this article, or what it will do in relation thereto.
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