USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1926 > Part 2
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Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to reimburse the Collector of Taxes for taxes, costs and interest due the Town collected by L. Anthony Sweetland, Deputy Collector, which he has failed to pay over to the Collector of Taxes, and what the Town will raise and appropriate therefor, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(Board of Selectmen.)
Article 11. On motion of Robert E. Parker, it was voted that seven hundred sixty-three dollars and twenty-eighty cents be appropriated from the Overlay Reserve Fund to reimburse the Collector of Taxes for taxes, costs and interest due the Town, collected by L. Anthony Sweetland, Deputy Collector, which he has failed to pay over to the Collector of Taxes.
Article 12. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of two hundred and fifteen dollars and ten cents ($215.10), to defray the taxes on the Channell property, so called, assessed April 1, 1925, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(Board of Selectmen.)
Article 12. On motion of Robert E. Parker, it was voted that two hundred fifteen dollars and ten cents be appropriated from the Overlay Reserve Fund to defray the taxes on the Channell property, so-called, assessed April 1, 1925.
Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to construct a sidewalk on Lowell and Woburn Streets, abutting the Municipal Building lot, and what sum it will raise and appropriate therefor, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Board of Selectmen.)
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Article 13. On motion of Robert E. Parker, it was voted that three thousand dollars be raised and appropriated to be expended by the Board of Public Works for the construction of a sidewalk on Lowell and Woburn Streets, abutting the Municipal Building lot ($3,000.00).
Article 14. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of five hundred and six dollars and seventy-eight cents ($506.78) for the payment of bills due for care and support of poor in the years 1915 to 1920, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(Board of Public Welfare.)
Article 14. On motion of John W. Owen, it was voted to raise and appropriate five hundred and six dollars and seventy-eight cents for the payment of bills due for care and support of poor in the years 1915 to 1920 ($506.78).
Article 15. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate by borrow- ing or otherwise, the sum of thirteen thousand dollars ($13,000.00) for the development of storm water drainage, 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 thirteen thousand dollars be raised and appropriated for the development of storm water drainage ($13,000.00).
Article 16. To see what action the Town will take regarding the installation of additional street lights on the public streets during 1926.
(Municipal Light Board.)
Article 16. On motion of Henry R. Johnson, it was voted that the subject matter of this article be referred to the Municipal Light Board, with 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 of same to be paid from the Depreciation Fund.
Article 17. To see if the Town will authorize the Municipal Light Board to extend and enlarge the Municipal Light Plant by the con- struction of a garage and storeroom on land owned by the Town adjacent to the Electric Light and Power Station on Ash Street, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(Municipal Light Board.)
Article 17. On motion of Henry R. Johnson, it was voted that the Municipal Light Board be, and it is hereby authorized, to extend and enlarge the Municipal Light Plant by the construction of a garage and storeroom on land owned by the Town adjacent to the Electric Light and Power Station on Ash Street.
Article 18. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate, by bor- rowing or otherwise, the sum of thirteen thousand five hundred dollars ($13,500.00) for the purposes set forth in Article 17 of this warrant, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Municipal Light Board.)
Article 18. On motion of Henry R. Johnson, it was voted that there be raised and appropriated for the extension and enlargement of the Municipal Light Plant by the construction of a garage and storeroom on land owned by the Town adjacent to the Electric Light and Power Sta-
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tion on Ash Street, the sum of thirteen thousand dollars, in addition to the amount which may be available in the Depreciation 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.
One hundred forty-six voted "Yes"' and none "No".
Article 19. To see if the Town will authorize the sale of a strip of land, approximately 827 square feet, on the easterly side of the Lowell Street school house lot, abutting the land of Clarence S. Smith, or what it will do in relation thereto. (School Committee.)
Article 19. On motion of Albert R. Shepardson, it was voted that the Selectmen be and are hereby authorized to sell a parcel of land, con- taining approximately eight hundred twenty-seven square feet on the easterly side of the Lowell St. schoolhouse lot, abutting the land of Clarence S. Smith.
Article 20. To see if the Town will vote to petition the General Court for legislation to authorize the borrowing outside the debt limit for the purpose of contructing a Junior High School building on land recently taken by the Town between Temple and King Streets, or what it will do in relation thereto. (School Committee.)
Article 20. On motion of Albert R. Shepardson, it was voted that the Town petition the General Court for legislation to authorize the Town to borrow seventy-five thousand dollars outside the debt limit for the purpose of constructing a Junior High School building.
Article 21. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of six thousand eight hundred ($6,800.00) for the purpose of developing Forest Glen Cemetery, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(Cemetery Trustees.)
Article 21. On motion of Galen A. Parker, it was voted to raise and appropriate six thousand eight hundred dollars for the purpose of develop- ing Forest Glen Cemetery ($6,800.00).
Article 22. To see if the Town will vote that hereafter the board known as the Trustees of Laurel Hill Cemetery shall be known as the Board of Cemetery Trustees and that the Board of Cemetery Trustees shall have all the powers now exercised by the Trustees of Laurel Hill Cemetery.
(Cemetery Trustees.)
Article 22. On motion of Galen A. Parker, it was voted that here- after the board known as the Trustees of Laurel Hill Cemetery shall be known as the Board of Cemetery Trustees and that the Board of Cemetery Trustees shall have all the powers now exercised by the Trustees of Laurel Hill Cemetery.
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Article 23. To see if the Town will adopt a Zoning By-law under the authority of General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 25, as amended, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Planning Board.)
Article 23. On motion of Otis B. Ruggles, it was voted to lay this article on the table.
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 to raise and appropriate 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 25. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of two hundred dollars ($200.00) and authorize the Selectmen to appoint 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 Agriculture in the work of the Middlesex County Extension Service, under the provisions of Sections 40 to 45, Chapter 128, General Laws. (Rolland L. Perry and others.)
Article 25. On motion of Rolland L. Perry, it was voted that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of two hundred dollars ($200.00) and authorize the Selectmen to appoint 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 Agriculture in the work of the Middlesex County Extension Service under the provision of Sections 40-45, Chapter 128, General Laws.
Article 26. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of five hundred dollars ($500.00) for the maintenance of "Victory House," headquarters of Reading Post No. 62, American Legion, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Frank D. Tanner and others.)
Article 26. On motion of Frank D. Tanner, it was voted to raise and appropriate five hundred dollars for the maintenance of "Victory House, " headquarters of Reading Post 62, American Legion ($500.00).
Article 27. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of five hundred dollars ($500.00) to be expended by the Board of Public Works, in improving the grounds and repairing the grand stand and bleachers at the athletic field on Washington Street, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(George E. Lang and others.)
Article 27. It was voted to indefinitely postpone this article. '
Article 28. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) to be expended by the Board of Public Works, in removing trees, setting back curbs, poles, etc., on the easterly side of Main Street, from point on the southerly line of the Mechanics Savings Bank property, in a straight line to and beyond Haven
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Street, until said line intersects with the curb line in front of the property of William H. Willis, making an eight foot sidewalk as shown on a plan prepared by the Board of Public Works, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Henry R. Johnson and others.)
Article 28. On motion of H. Raymond Johnson, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of one thousand dollars to be expended by the Board of Public Works in removing trees, setting back curb, poles, etc., on the easterly side of Main Street from a point on the southerly line of the Mechanics Savings Bank property in a straight line to and beyond Haven Street until said line intersects with the curb line in front of the property of William H. Willis, makng an eight-foot sidewalk as shown on a plan prepared by the Board of Public Works ($1,000.00).
Article 29. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of eleven hundred dollars ($1,100.00) for the purpose of increasing the salaries of the call firemen from one hundred dollars to one hundred and fifty dollars per year, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(Howard E. Bussell and others.)
Article 29. It was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of eleven hundred dollars for the purpose of increasing the salaries of the call firemen to one hundred and fifty dollars per year ($1,100.00).
Article 2. On motion of Henry R. Johnson, it was voted to take this article from the table.
The Municipal Light Board made the following report on the purchase of electricity :
"The question of electric light has confused the minds of the voters until they do not know what is best. This question has been dis- cussed for more than a year and has been before the voters in one way or another until it has seemed as though it never would be settled. I am going to say very little about what happened previous to my appointment to the Board last December. The Electric Light Commissioners in 1924 made a study of the question and recommended the purchase of electric current from the Edison Co. with a contract for ten years and an outlay of $100,000.00 for conduit and cables. There were some who thought it unwise to sign a ten-year contract and were opposed to expending $100.000.00. There were others who wanted to continue to generate at any expense."
On October 26th last the Town passed the following vote:
"That the Municipal Light Board be, and they are hereby authorized to contract in behalf of the Town with the Eastern Massachusetts Elec- tric Co. for the purchase of electricity in bulk for a period not exceeding ten years upon terms and conditions as in the opinion of said Board will be for the best interests of the Town."
The Board asked for and received a contract from the Eastern Mass. Electric Co. Dec. 7th, which contract they had printed in the Reading Chronicle so that the voters could have an oppotunity to study it. They thought it unfair to bind the Town by signing such a contract and have
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since been striving to find some way that this question could be settled to satisfy everyone and to the best interests of the Town.
After careful consideration, the Board has concluded that the last offer received from the Edison Company would be for the best interests of the Town.
The Company offers to construct, at its own expense, a four-duct underground conduit with two 5000 K. V. A. cables from the Stoneham line to our power station, and connect with our switchboard at 2300 volts, ready for distribution by us.
We are to pay for the use of the property installed by the company in Reading an annual rental equal to 131/2 cents on the cost, which cost is estimated at $85,728.00. This is practically the same amount which we would pay for fixed charges if the Town made the investment.
The Company will maintain all the equipment which it furnishes. The Town is to have the right at any time within ten years to take over the property owned by the Company upon payment of its cost less de- preciation.
The locations for the line to be granted jointly to the Town and the Company if the Board so desires, and stipulation in the grant of locations that the Company will not sell electricity to anyone in our terri- tory unless ordered to do so by public authority. No term contract will be required, and the Town may terminate the service at any time upon ten days notice. The rate is the wholesale co-operative rate, which is the lowest rate we have been offered.
I am going to ask Mr. Sias to go more fully into the details of the proposed contracts and give you any other information you may desire.
It is the policy of this Board to give to the voters all the information which they have and will welcome any suggestions which you may have that will assist us in giving service or reduce cost.
I believe that those persons who have participated in this discussion have been working as they saw fit for the best interests of the Town.
Let us get together on this question and watch the results. You can plainly see you have nothing to lose. Your plant will be undisturbed, your money unexpended, no contract, and you will be just as free in one, two, or three years to go on generating if the results are not satisfactory.
HENRY R. JOHNSON, Chairman HARRY P. BAKER HERBERT G. EVANS"
Article 2. The School Committee made a report on the estimated cost of a Junior High School Building as $356,000.00, exclusive of architects' fees and furniture, which was placed on file.
Article 2. It was voted to lay Article 2 on the table.
Article 3. It was voted to take Article 3 from the table.
Article 3. On motion of George L. Flint, it was voted that it is the sense of this meeting that the Municipal Light Board be authorized
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to procure a supply of electric current in accordance with the plan just now outlined by the chairman of the Board.
On motion of George L. Flint, it was voted that the several depart- ments of the Town, wherein it is possible, give preference to citizens and taxpayers of our town when hiring help.
Article 23. On motion of Melville F. Weston, it was voted to take this article from the table.
After some discussion, it was voted to indefinitely postpone.
Article 2. Voted to take from the table this article.
On motion of Otis B. Ruggles, it was voted to accept the reports of Town Officers and the Finance Committee as printed.
Report of the number of persons admitted to the annual town meet- ing, Monday evening, March 8, 1926, in Security Hall, as shown by the registered turnstile. Return made in accordance with Chapter 276, Acts of 1910.
To the Town Clerk:
The number of persons admitted to the annual town meeting this date as registered by the turnstile is three hundred sixty-nine.
ROBERT E. PARKER CHARLES F. TREVOR ELIAS B. CURRELL Selectmen of Reading.
Middlesex, ss.
March 8, 1926.
There personally appeared the above Selectmen of Reading, viz :- Robert E. Parker, Charles F. Trevor and Elias B. Currell, and made oath that the above statement signed by them is true according to their best knowledge and belief.
Before me, MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk.
On motion of Otis B. Ruggles, it was voted to adjourn sine die.
MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk.
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
Security Hall, May 3, 1926.
Pursuant to the warrant and the Constable's return thereon, the meeting was called to order at time and place mentioned therein by the Moderator, Jesse W. Morton. The following were duly appointed checkers :
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John J. MeKenney, William P. Pierpont, Philomena Doucette, Jessie N. Thaxter, and James Winthrop Sias as operator of the turnstile, who were duly sworn by the Town Clerk.
The Town Clerk, Millard F. Charles, read part of the warrant, when it was voted on motion of Robert E. Parker to dispense with further reading except the Constable's return. This 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 Town Officers and special committees.
Article 1. On motion of Henry R. Johnson, it was voted to lay this article on the table.
Article 2. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to proceed to perfect by foreclosure or otherwise, as provided by law, the title of the Town to such real estate as is held by the Town for non-payment of taxes for the years 1922 and 1923, or what it will do in relation thereto. (Board of Selectmen.)
Article 2. On motion of Robert E. Parker, it was voted that the Board of Selectmen be and hereby is authorized to sell certain parcels of real estate taken or purchased for taxes prior to July 1, 1915, and to execute and deliver in the name and behalf of the Town, all contracts, deeds or other instruments needful for the execution of the foregoing authority.
Article 4. To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of Chapter 82 of the Acts of 1926, entitled, "An Act providing for Com- missioners of Trust Funds in the Town of Reading," or what it will do in relation thereto. (Board of Selectmen.)
Article 4. On motion of Robert E. Parker, it was voted that the Town accept the provisions of Chapter 82 of the Acts of 1926, entitled, "An Act providing for Commissioners of Trust Funds in the Town of Reading."
Article 5. To see if the Town will adopt a Zoning By-Law under the authority of General Laws, Chapter 40, Sec. 25, as amended, or what it will do in relation thereto.
Article 5. On motion of Melville F. Weston, it was voted to lay Article 5 on the table.
Article 1. On motion of Henry R. Johnson, it was voted to take Article 1 from the table.
Henry R. Johnson made a report on contract they proposed to enter with the Edison Electric Illuminating Co. of Boston.
Voted to lay Article 1 on the table.
Article 6. To see if the Town will vote to ratify and confirm the action of the Municipal Light Board in arranging for the purchase of electricity from the Edison Electric Illuminating Company of Boston in pursuance of the vote of the Town passed at its annual meeting, March 8, 1926, or what it will do in relation thereto.
(Municipal Light Board.)
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On motion of Henry R. Johnson, it was voted that the action of the Municipal Light Board in arranging for the purchase of electricity from the Edison Electric Illuminating Company of Boston as reported to the meeting by the said Board be and the same hereby is approved, ratified and confirmed.
Two hundred eighty-five voted "Yes" and one hundred ninety-six voted "No."
On motion of Melville F. Weston, it was voted that when this meet- ing adjourns, it stands adjourned until 7.45 P. M., Monday, May 10, 1926, at this place.
Reading, May 3, 1926.
Report of the number of persons admitted to the special town meet- ing held Monday evening, May 3, 1926, Security Hall.
To the Town Clerk:
The number of persons admitted to the special town meeting this date as registered by the turnstile is five hundred forty-eight (548).
ROBERT E. PARKER CHARLES F. TREVOR ELIAS B. CURRELL Selectmen of Reading.
Reading, May 3, 1926.
Middlesex, ss.
There personally appeared the above Selectmen of Reading, viz :- Robert E. Parker, Charles F. Trevor and Elias B. Currell, and made oath that the above statement signed by them is true according to their best knowledge and belief.
Before me,
MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk.
The meeting was then adjourned as by previous vote to meet Monday, May 10, 1926, at 7.45 P. M.
MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk.
ADJOURNED SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
Security Hall, Reading, May 10, 1926.
Pursuant to adjournment, a town meeting was held and called to order by the Moderator, Jesse W. Morton.
Article 5. On motion of Melville F. Weston, it was voted to take this article from the table.
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An amendment was offered by William T. Fairclough, which was voted to make a part of the Zoning By-Law.
After some discussion, Melville F. Weston moved the previous ques- tion, which was so voted.
On motion of Melville F. Weston, as amended by William T. Fair- clough, it was voted that the Zoning By-Law hereinafter set forth be, and the same is hereby adopted as and for a By-Law of the Town.
THE ZONING BY-LAW
A By-Law for the improvement and development of the Town for the lessening of danger from fire therein and for the promotion of the health, safety, convenience and welfare of the inhabitants thereof; established under the authority of G. L. Chapter 40, Sec. 25, and all other laws here- unto enabling :
Part 1-Districts
Section 1. Establishment of Districts :
For the purpose of this By-Law, the Town of Reading is hereby divided into five classes of Districts as follows:
1. Single Residence districts (indicated by the letter "S"' upon the zoning map, dated February 27, 1926, and signed by the members of the Planning Board which accompanies, and by reference is made a part of this By-Law.
2. Multiple Districts for Residence (indicated by the letter "M" upon said map).
3. Business Districts (indicated by the letter "B" upon said map).
4. Industrial Districts (indicated by the letter "I" upon said map).
5. Unrestricted Districts (indicated by the letter "U" upon said map).
Section 2. Boundaries of Districts :
The boundaries between districts are as shown upon said map. Where a boundary is indicated upon a street, the line shall be the centre line of the street. Where a boundary is indicated upon the main right of way of the Boston & Maine Railroad, the districts are bounded respectively upon the opposite sides of the right of way. Where a boundary is in- dicated otherwise than as above, it is determined by the scale of said map. Where a boundary is indicated as approximately parallel to a street, it shall be taken as parallel thereto, and if there is any variance between the scaled distance between the boundary line and the side line of the street and the distance as marked in feet upon the map, the latter shall govern. Where a district boundary line divides a lot, as existing at the time of this by-law takes effect and the major portion of this lot is in the less restricted district, the regulations relating to that district may extend as well to such portion of said lot as is not more than thirty feet within the more restricted district.
Part 2-Use Regulations
Section 3. Within any district, no building, structure or premises shall be used, arranged or designed to be used, and no building or struc- ture shall be erected or altered for any purpose or purposes except as set forth in the following five sections:
Section 4. Single Residence Districts, "S":
1. Single family detached house.
2. Renting rooms or furnishing table board in such a house, by a family resident therein, provided there is no sign to advertise such use other than a small window card.
3. The office of a professional person, located in such a house in which he resides; provided there is no display visible from the street or sign to advertise such use, other than a professional name plate not ex- ceeding six inches in width and twenty-four inches in length.
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