USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1932 > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21
Blanks 320
Board of Public Works, Three Years
William T. Fairclough, Grove Street 1253
Miles C. Higgins, 8 Sanborn Street 1125
Howard B. Weston, 5 Green Street 218
Blanks 174
17
Two Constables, One Year
Leon G. Bent, 215 Main Street 2289
James W. Sias, 5 Salem Street 2255
Blanks 996
Tree Warden, One Year
Henry M. Donegan, 15 Federal Street
2486
Blanks
284
Municipal Light Board, Three Years
2264
Blanks
506
Board of Health, Three Years
Cornelius Thibeault, 80 Lowell Street
2257
Blanks 513
School Committee, Three Years
Charles A. Holcomb, 6 John Street 1640
Donald W. MacLean, 41 Vine Street
1087
Frank D. Tanner, 54 Howard Street 1947
Blanks 866
Trustees of Public Library, Three Years
Harry C. Barclay, Vale Road 2222
Ida C. Lucas, 435 Franklin Street 2233
Blanks
1035
Cemetery Trustees, Three Years
Winthrop D. Parker, 1 Charles Street
2252
Clarence C. White, 26 Sanborn Street 2348
Blanks 740
Planning Board, Three Years
Norman W. Haines, 28 Thorndike Street 2216
George W. G. Poole, 30 Walnut Street 2160
Blanks 1164
Shall Licenses be granted for the exhibition of Moving Pictures on the Lord's Day ?
Yes
1037
No
1123
Blanks
610
Voted to adjourn.
MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk
ADJOURNED TOWN MEETING FROM JAN. 18, 1932
Pursuant to adjournment from January 18, 1932, the adjourned meeting was called to order and the Committee consisting of W. FRANKLIN BURNHAM, Chairman NORMAN W. HAINES, Secretary HELEN L. THOMPSON
Henry R. Johnson, 193 Main Street
18
GEORGE A. TABER CHESTER J. WALLACE
made a report which is filed with Zoning Records.
On motion of Norman W. Haines, it was voted to refer this article back to the Planning Board with instructions to reconsider the same in the light of the existing sentiment against the present wording there- of, and to revise the same so that the right of the individual land owner who is not commercializing his property to the injury of others may be fully protected, and, if in the judgment of said Planning Board it is deemed advisable, to resubmit this article, as revised, to the Town at some future Town meeting.
On motion of W. Homer Morrison, it was voted to adjourn this. adjourned Special Town Meeting sine die.
MILLARD F. CHARLES, Town Clerk
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Security Hall, Woburn St., March 14, 1932
Pursuant to the warrant a town meeting was held at the time and place therein specified and was called to order by the Moderator, Charles P. Howard. The Town Clerk, Millard F. Charles, partially read the Town Warrant when it was voted to dispense with further reading of the warrant except the Constable's Return. The Constable's Return was then duly read and the meeting duly opened.
Article 2. To hear and act on the reports of the Board of Select- men, Town Accountant, Treasurer, Collector of Taxes, Board of As- sessors, Board of Public Works, Town Clerk, Tree Warden, Board of Health, Board of Public Welfare, School Committee, Public Library Trustees, Municipal Light Board, Cemetery Trustees, Planning Board, Finance Committee and any other Boards and Special Committees.
Article 2. On motion of W. Homer Morrison, it was voted' to lay this article on the table.
Article 3. To choose all other necessary Town Officers and de- termine what instructions shall be given Town Officers and special committees.
Article 3. On motion of W. Homer Morrison, it was voted that the following be chosen to serve as Measurers of Lumber for the en- suing year : Ora L. Milbury, Burton K. Symonds, Warren M. White- house, Edward B. Eames, William R. Zwicker and Rolland L. Perry: and the following as Measurers of Wood and Bark: Percy N. Sweet- ser, Burton K. Symonds, Thomas F. Brogan and Warren M. White- house.
Article 4. To determine how much money the Town will raise and appropriate for General Government, Protection of Persons and Property, Health and Sanitation, Highways, Sidewalks, Drainage, Main-
19
tenance, Charities and Aia, Soldiers' Benefits, Public Schools, Public Library, Recreation, Cemeteries, Memorial Day Observance, Municipal Light Department, Water Department, Sewer Department, Maturing Debt, Interest, Insurance and General Accounts.
General Government
Article 4. On motion of W. Homer Morrison, it was voted that there be raised and appropriated for General Government the sum of $24,769.00 divided as follows :
Selectmen's Expenses
$ 300.00
Selectmen's Clerical
1,310.00
Town Accountant's Salary
2,000.00
Treasurer's Salary
1,200.00
Treasurer's Expenses
600.00
Collector's Salary
2,300.00
Collector's Expenses
1,300.00
Collector's Clerical
400.00
Assessors' Salaries
1,800.00
Assessors' Expenses
1,300.00
Assessors' Clerical
2,809.00
Block System Survey
300.00
Town Counsel's Salary
500.00
'l'own Counsel's Expenses
150.00
Town Clerk's Salary
350.00
Town Clerk's Expenses
600.00
Board of Public Works, Salaries and Office Expenses
6,000.00
Registrars' Salaries
250.00
Election and Registration Expenses
1,300.00
Total
$24,769.00
General Accounts
Article 4. On motion of W. Homer Morrison, it was voted to raise and appropriate for General Accounts $9,575.00 divided as follows : Miscellaneous Expenses $2,925.00
Municipal Building Maintenance
2,000.00
Fire Station Maintenance
1,050.00
Police Station Maintenance
850.00
Insurance
2,500.00
Planning Board Expenses
250.00
Total
$9,575.00
Interest
Article 4. On motion of W. Homer Morrison, it was voted that the sum of $13,727.50 be raised' and appropriated for the payment of interest on funded debt, not including water, light and loans, and that
20
$18,272.50 be raised and appropriated for payment of interest on loans issued in anticipation of revenue.
Total
$32,000.00
Maturing Debt
Article 4. On motion of W. Homer Morrison, it was voted that $42,000.00 be raised and appropriated for the payment of the following bonds and notes due in 1932:
Municipal Building
$ 2,000.00
Municipal Building and Library Grounds
500.00
Brown Estate
500.00
School Buildings
34,000.00
Police Building
5,000.00
Total
$42,000.00
Protection of Persons and Property
Article 4. On motion of W. Homer Morrison, it was voted that the sum of $80,112.00 be raised and appropriated for protection of Per- sons and Property divided as follows :
Police Dept. Maintenance
$ 2,100.00
Police Dept. Salaries and Special Officers
32,450.00
Fire Dept. Maintenance
2,000.00
Fire Dept. Salaries
20,200.00
Fire Dept. Call Men's Salaries
3,367.00
Fire Alarm Maintenance and Extension
1,200.00
Hydrant Rentals
8,645.00
Moth Dept. Maintenance
5,900.00
Tree Warden Maintenance
2,250.00
Forest Warden Maintenance
400.00
Inspector of Buildings Salary
500.00
Inspector of Wires Salary 200.00
500.00
Sealer of Weights and Measures Expenses
200.00
Gas Inspector 100.00
Game Warden
100.00
Total
$80,112.00
Health and Sanitation
Article 4. On motion of W. Homer Morrison, it was voted' that $11,400.00 be raised and appropriated for Health and Sanitation divided as follows :
Board of Health Salaries $ 300.00
Board of Health Expenses 600.00
Inspector of Plumbing Salary 800.00
Inspector of Animals Salary 200.00
Inspector of Milk and Food 200.00
Sealer of Weights and Measures Salary
21
Care of Contagious Diseases 6,500.00 Garbage Collection 2,300.00
Dental Clinic 500.00
Total $11,400.00
Article 4. On motion of Martin B. Hartshorn, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $3,000.00 for connecting estates with the common sewer. $3,000.00
Article 4. On motion of Martin B. Hartshorn to raise and ap- propriate $35,000.00, which motion was amended by Robert B. Mount to raise and appropriate the sum of $30,000 for construction, main- tenance and repairs of highways, setting curb, purchase of materials, tools and appliances and for the payment of any other incidental ex- penses pertaining thereto, said amendment was voted. $30,000.00
Article 4. On motion of Martin B. Hartshorn, it was voted that the sum of $8,000.00 be raised and appropriated for sidewalk construc- tion.
$8,000.00
Article 4. On motion of Martin B. Hartshorn, it was voted to raise and appropriate $3,500.00 for the removal of snow and ice.
$3,500.00
Article 4. On motion of Martin B. Hartshorn, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $3,000.00 for the maintenance of storm drains and waterways. $3,000.00
Article 4. On motion of Martin B. Hartshorn, it was voted that the sum of $832.00 be raised and appropriated for the care of dumps.
$832.00
Article 4. On motion of Martin B. Hartshorn, it was voted to raise and appropriate $4,000.00 for the care of common, parks and supervised play. $4,000.00
Article 4. On motion of Martin B. Hartshorn it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $100.00 for drinking fountains.
$100.00
Article 4. On motion of Martin B. Hartshorn, it was voted that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $68,697.49, of which sum $8,097.49 is to be taken from the unexpended balance on hand in the Water Department on January 1, 1932, said appropriation to be used by the Board of Public Works for the payment of water bonds and interest, maintenance and operation and construction of water works.
$68,697.49
R. and' A. $60,600.00
Article 4. On motion of Martin B. Hartshorn, it was voted that the Town raise and appropriate $18,220.38, of which sum $9,032.74 is to be taken from the unexpended balance on hand in the Sewer Dept. on January 1, 1932, said appropriation to be used by the Board of Public
22
Works for payment of sewer bonds due the current year, and the charges and expenses incident to the maintenance, operation or ex- $18,220.38 tension of the sewer system.
R. and A. $ 9,187.64
Article 4. On motion of Henry R. Johnson, it was voted that there be included in the tax levy for electricity used for street lights, the sum of $15,960.00 and that said sum and' the income from sales of electricity to private consumers and for electricity supplied to munici- pal buildings and for municipal power, and from sales of appliances and jobbing during the current fiscal year, be appropriated for the Municipal Lighting 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 the plant for said fiscal year, as defined in Section 57 of Chapter 164 of the General Laws, and that if said' sum and said income shall exceed said expense for said fiscal year, $12,000.00 of such excess shall be transferred to the general funds of the Town, and the balance shall be transferred to the construction fund of said plant and appropriated and used for such additions thereto as may thereafter be authorized by the Municipal Light Board.
Charities and Aid
Article 4. On motion of Myrtle L. Leman, it was voted to raise and appropriate $37,152.00 for Charities and Aid to be divided as fol-
lows :
Visitor's Salary
$ 600.00
Visitor's Salary Old Age Assistance
400.00
Clerical Salary
352.00
Aid, Board and Care
18,000.00
Mothers' Aid
4,800.00
Temporary Aid
4,000.00
Old Age Assistance
9,000.00
Total
$37,152.00
Soldiers' Benefits
Article 4. On motion of W. Homer Morrison, it was voted to raise and appropriate for Soldiers' Benefits as follows :
State Aid
$ 300.00
Military Aid
50.00
Soldiers' Relief
11,000.00
Total
$11,350.00
Education
Article 4. On motion of Arthur W. Coolidge, it was voted that $243,000.00 be raised and appropriated for the School Department to be divided as follows :
23
Salaries, Teachers and Janitors
$189,600.00
General School Maintenance
48,150.00
Agricultural Salaries
3,750.00
Agricultural Maintenance
300.00
Industrial Tuition
1,200.00
Total
$243,000.00
Public Library
Article 4. On motion of Ralph S. Keneely, it was voted to raise and appropriate for the Public Library $8,000.00, divided as follows : Salaries of Librarian and Assistants $4,900.00
Maintenance of Public Library 3,100.00
Total
$8,000.00
Article 4. On motion of Philip Tirrell, it was voted that the sum of $9,650.00 be raised and appropriated' for Cemeteries.
For maintenance of Laurel Hill Cemetery $8,900.00
For maintenance of Forest Glen Cemetery 750.00
Total
$9,650.00
Article 4. On motion of W. Homer Morrison, it was voted that six hundred dollars ($600.00) be raised and appropriated for Memorial Day Observance, to be expended under the direction of Reading Post No. 62, American Legion. $600.00
Article 5. To see if the Town will authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1932, 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 5. On motion of Preston F. Nichols, it was voted that the Treasurer be authorized, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of revenue of the financial year beginning, January 1, 1932, 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 6. To see if the Town will 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 Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws, or what it will do in relation thereto.
Town Treasurer
24
Article 6. On motion of Preston F. Nichols, 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 7. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of five thousand dollars ($5000.00) for the Reserve Fund as provided by Section 6, Chapter 40, General Laws, or what it will do in relation thereto.
Town Accountant
Article 7. On motion of Leon G. Bent, it was voted to raise and appropriate $5,000.00 for the Reserve Fund as provided by Section 6, Chapter 40, General Laws. $5,000.00
Article 8. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of three hundred and sixty dollars ($360.00) for the purpose of provia'- ing suitable quarters for Veteran Post No. 194, G. A. R. in accordance with the provisions of Section 5, Chapter 40, General Laws, or what it will do in relation thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Article 8. On motion of W. Homer Morrison, it was voted to raise and appropriate $360 00 for the purpose of providing suitable quarters for Veteran Post No. 194, G. A. R. in accordance with the provisions of Section 5, Chapter 40, General Laws. $360.00
Article 9. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of six hundred dollars ($600.00) 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 who have been honorably discharged from such service, as provided by Section 22, Chapter 115, General Laws, or what it will do in relation thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Article 9. On motion of W. Homer Morrison, it was voted to raise and appropriate $600.00 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 discharged from such service as provided by Section 22, Chapter 115, General Laws. $600.00
Article 10. To see if the Town will accept the legacy of One Thousand Dollars ($1000.00) under the will of the late Horace G. Wad- lin, and to authorize the Town Treasurer to receive such legacy, and to execute the proper receipt or release therefor, in the name and behalf of the Town of Reading, or what it will do in relation thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Article 10. On motion of Samuel H. Davis, it was voted that the Town accept the legacy of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) under the will of the late Horace G. Wadlin, and that the Town Treasurer be
25
and he hereby is authorized and empowered to receive such legacy and to execute the proper receipt or release therefor in the name and behalf of the Town of Reading.
Article 11. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of thirty-two thousand nine hundred and fifteen dollars and' eighty- four cents ($32,915.84) for the purpose of paying the town's proportion of the cost of the construction and equipment of the Middlesex County Tuberculosis Hospital, the assessment therefor having already been made against the Town, determine whether all or any portion of said assessment be funded as authorized by Chapter 10 of the Acts of 1932 and for what period not exceeding fifteen years, direct the Town Clerk to file with the County Commissioners promptly a copy of such vote as may be passed under this article, or what it will do in relation thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Article 11. On motion of W. Homer Morrison, it was voted that the sum of $32,915.84, being the amount of the assessment already made for the Town's proportion of the cost of the construction and equipment of the Middlesex County Tuberculosis Hospital be and the same is hereby appropriated and that of said amount the sum of $30,000.00 be funded as authorized by Chapter 10 of the Acts of 1932, said sum to be paid in substantially equal installments over a period of ten years in accordance with the provisions of said Chapter 10 and the Town Clerk be and he hereby is directed to file with the County Com- missioners promptly a copy of this vote. $2,915.84
Four hundred five (405) voted in favor of this motion and none voted against the motion.
Article 12. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of Five Hundred and Eleven Dollars ($511.00) for the purchase of an automobile for the Police Department, or what it will do in relation thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Article 12. On motion of W. Homer Morrison, it was voted that $511.00 be raised and appropriated for the purchase of an automobile for the Police Department. $511.00
Article 13. To see what sum the Town will raise and appropriate for the purchase of Traffic Signs, or what it will do in relation thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Article 13. On motion of W. Homer Morrison, it was voted to indefinitely postpone Article 13.
Article 14. To see if the Town will rescind vote passed at the Town Meeting held March 7, 1910, affecting the placing of Insurance and to vote to authorize and instruct the Board of Selectmen, Town Treasurer and Chairman of the Finance Committee, to act as a joint
26
committee to negotiate and place all insurance which may be neces- sary in behalf of the Town, or what it will do in relation thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Article 14. On motion of Preston F. Nichols, it was voted that the vote passed at the Town Meeting held, March 7, 1910, affecting the placing of insurance, be and the same hereby is rescinded and the Board of Selectmen, Town Treasurer and Chairman of the Finance Committee be and they hereby are authorized and empowered to act as a joint committee to negotiate and place all insurance which may be necessary in behalf of the Town.
Article 15. To see what action the Town will take regarding the cancellation of certain uncollectible bills due the Town, or what it will do in relation thereto.
Town Accountant
Article 15. On motion of Samuel H. Davis, it was voted that all unpaid accounts, aggregating $2,479.34, due the Town, be referred to the Town Counsel for collection and upon his recommendation that any of said accounts cannot be collected, the Town Accountant be and he hereby is instructed and empowered to charge off and cancel such accounts which are so recommended as uncollectible.
Article 16. To see what sum the Town will raise and appropriate for the payment of unpaid bills of 1931, or what it will do in relation thereto.
Town Accountant
Article 16. On motion of L. G. Bent, it was voted' that the sum of $435.82 be raised and appropriated for the payment of 1931 bills of the following departments :
Board of Public Welfare
$260.91
Board of Assessors
15.95
School Tuition
72.65
Inspector of Buildings
17.75
Town Clerk's Expenses
31.75
Public Library
12.50)
Fire Alarm
1.50
Police Department
2.81
Collector of Taxes Expense
20.00
Total
$435.82
Article 17. To see what sum the Town will raise and appropriate to balance overdrafts of 1931, or what it will do in relation thereto.
Town Accountant
Article 17. On motion of Leon G. Bent, it was voted that $12.01 be raised and appropriated to balance overdraft in Mothers' Aid Ac- count.
$12.01
27
Article 18. To see what action the Town will take regarding certain unexpended balances, or what it will do in relation thereto. Town Accountant
Article 18. On motion of Leon G. Bent, it was voted' that the Town Accountant be and he hereby is instructed and empowered to transfer to the proper accounts certain balances carried forward to 1932 aggregating $400.61.
Article 19. To see what sum of free cash the Town will authorize the Board of Assessors to use in fixing the tax rate for 1932, or what it will do in relation thereto.
Town Accountant
Article 19. On motion of Leon G. Bent, it was voted that the Town authorize the Board of Assessors to use the sum of $20,000.00 of Excess and Deficiency Account in fixing the tax rate for 1932, provided such sum is approved in accordance with Section 3 of Chapter 428 of the Acts of 1931.
Article 2. On motion of H. Raymond Johnson, Article 2 was taken from the table.
The Athletic Field Committee made a report on Birch Meadow project which was duly filed' with the Town Clerk.
On motion of H. Raymond Johnson, it was voted that the final report of the Athletic Field Committee be and the same is hereby ac- cepted and the general scheme as proposed therein and shown on plans attached thereto, for the development of the Athletic Field, located in Birch Meadow be and the same is hereby adopted.
On motion of W. Homer Morrison, it was voted to lay Article 2 on the table.
Article 20. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate from the Cemetery Reserve Fund, receipts from the sale of lots and graves in Laurel Hill Cemetery the sum of two thousand' dollars ($2,000.00) for permanent development of Laurel Hill Cemetery, or what it will do in relation thereto.
Board of Cemetery Trustees
Article 20. On motion of Philip Tirrell, it was voted that the Town appropriate from the Cemetery Reserve Fund receipts from the sale of lots and graves in Laurel Hill Cemetery the sum of $2,000.00 for permanent development of Laurel Hill Cemetery.
Article 21. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars ($150.00) for further develop- ment of the Town Forest, or what it will do in relation thereto.
Committee on Re-forestation
Article 21. On motion of Orville O. Ordway, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $150.00 for the further development of the Town Forest. $150.00
28
Article 22. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of thirty five hundred dollars ($3,500.00) to be expended by the School Committee for the further development of the playground or athletic field adjacent to the Walter S. Parker Junior High School, or what it will do in relation thereto.
School Committee
Article 22. On motion of Arthur W. Coolidge, it was voted that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of $3,500.00 to be expended by the School Committee for the further development of the play- ground or athletic field adjacent to the Walter S. Parker Junior High School. $3,500.00
Article 23. To see what action the Town will take regarding the installation of additional street lights on the public streets during 1932. Municipal Light Board
Article 23. On motion of Henry R. Johnson, it was voted that the subject matter of Article 23 be referred to the Municipal Light Board with authority to install such additional lights as in its judgment are necessary and to make such changes in existing lights as it may deem advisable, the expense of same to be paid from the Depreciation Fund.
Article 24. To see if the Town will authorize the Municipal Light Board to enlarge the garage and storeroom building on Ash Street by the construction of an addition to the Northerly end of said building approximately 20 feet by 60 feet, the expense of same to be paid from the Depreciation Fund, or what it will do in relation thereto.
Municipal Light Board
Article 24. On motion of Henry R. Johnson, it was voted that the Municipal Light Board be authorized' to enlarge the garage and storeroom building on Ash Street by the construction of an addition to the Northerly end of said building, approximately 20 feet by 60 feet, the expense of same to be paid from the Depreciation Fund.
Article 25. To see if the Town will vote to extend and enlarge the Municipal Light Plant by the installation of underground ducts and cables, including the necessary manholes and service connections, also ornamental street lighting standards and lighting units, and re- move the existing poles, overhead distribution wires and street lights on Haven Street between Main and High Streets, including under- ground connections to the overhead system on Gould Street, Linden Street and Sanborn Street, and raise and appropriate therefor, by bor- rowing or otherwise the sum of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) or what it will do in relation thereto.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.