USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1944 > Part 3
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1,500.00
Maintenance, Operation and Construction of Water Works, Payment of Water Bonds and Interest, including travel outside the state 50,000.00
Maintenance, Operation and Extension of the Sewer Sys-
tem, Payment of interest on Sewer Bonds
12,800.00
$141,245.00
Article 4. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that the sum of eight hundred dollars ($800.00) be raised and appropriated for Memorial Day Observance, to be expended under the direction of Post No. 62, American Legion.
Article 4. Henry R. Johnson moved that there be included in the tax levy, for electricity used for street lights, the sum of fourteen thou- sand ($14,000) dollars 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, and that the sum of twelve thousand ($12,000) dollars be appropriated from the said receipts of the department for the sale, in- stallation and servicing of merchandise, equipment, utensils, and chat- tels, as provided in Section 34 of Chapter 164 of the General Laws, said appropriation to be expended by the Manager of the Municipal Light- ing, under the direction and control of the Municipal Light Board for the expense of the plant, including the sale, installation and servicing of merchandise, equipment, utensils and chattels, as defined in Chapter 164
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of the General Laws, or any amendments thereof or additions thereto, and that if said sum of $14,000.00 and said income shall exceed said ex- pense for said fiscal year, such excess up to the sum of thirty-five thou- sand ($35,000) dollars shall be paid into the Town Treasury, and the bal- ance, if any, 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.
Article 4. On motion of Gardner G. Long it was voted to amend this motion by substituting the sum of fifty-one thousand eight hundred dollars ($51,800.00) for thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,000.00) stated in the motion. The original motion as amended was voted by the Town.
Article 4. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that the sum of three thousand dollars ($3,000.)) be raised and appropriated for interest, not including, Water, Light and Sewer.
Article 4. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that the sum of thirty-eight thousand dollars ($38,000.00) be raised and appro- priated for Maturing Debt, not including Water and Light.
Article 4, On motion of Leon G. Bent it was voted that the sum of eighteen thousand seven hundred and sixty,three dollars be raised and appropriated for the Contributory Retirement System to be divided as follows :
Pension Accumulation Fund $ 18,063.00
Expense Fund 700.00
$ 18,763.00
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted to lay Article 4 on the table.
Article 5. On motion of Leon G. Bent it was voted that the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, be and hereby is author- ized to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1945, and to issue note or notes therefor payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year, in accordance with Sec- tion 17 of Chapter 44 of the General Laws.
Article 6. On motion of Leon G. Bent it was voted that the sum of three hundred dollars ($300.00) be raised and appropriated for the pur- pose of foreclosing in the Land Court pursuant to provisions of Section 65 of Chapter 60 of the General Laws, the right of redemption of any and all real estate taken by the Town for non-payment of taxes.
Article 7. On motion of Leon G. Bent it was voted that the sum of four thousand dollars ($4,000.00) be raised and appropriated for the Re- serve Fund, as provided by Section 6, Chapter 40, General Laws.
Article 8. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that the sum of six hundred ($600.00) be raised and appropriated for the care of
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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.
Article 9. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that the sum of five thousand five hundred and fifty-six dollars, and sixty-four cents ($5,556.64) be raised and appropriated for the Town's share of the maintenance, care and repair and other lawful expenses incurred in 1943 for the Middlesex County Sanatorium.
Article 10. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that the sum of six hundred dollars ($600.00) be raised and appropriated for the preparation and printing of the Street Lists for the year 1944, such sum to be expended under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
Article 11. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham, it was voted that the sum of four thousand dollars ($4,000.00) be raised and appropriated for the preservation of health and protection of persons and property during the National Emergency, such sum to be expended by the Board of Selectmen for all purposes set forth in Chapter 487 of the Acts of 1941, and any and all amendments thereto.
Article 12. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that the sum of twenty-five hundred ($2,500.00) dollars be raised and appropriated for the alteration and improvement of the Central Fire Station.
Article 13. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted the Board of Selectmen be and they are hereby authorized and empowered to sell or exchange upon such terms and conditions as they may deter- mine, the police ambulance, and that the sum of forty-five hundred ($4500) dollars, together with the proceeds from such sale or exchange, be raised and appropriated, for the purchase of a new ambulance for the Police Department.
Article 14. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that the first paragraph of Section 1 of Article VI of the By-Laws of the Town be and the same hereby is amended by adding thereto the words: "but nothing herein shall prohibit a member of such committee from holding office as a Town Meeting Member under any form of Representative Town Meeting Government," so as to read as follows :
Section 1. There shall be a Finance Committee consisting of fif- teen voters of the Town, no one of whom shall be a Town Officer or a member of a department receiving a salary, but nothing herein shall prohibit a member of such committee from holding office as a Town Meeting Member under any form of Representative Town Meeting Government.
Article 15. On motion of Irving C. Austin it was voted that the sum of thirteen thousand ($13,000.00) dollars be raised and appropriated for the installation of new heating systems in the Highland and Lowell
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Street Schools, including the engineering service, plans and specifica- tions therefor, such sum to be expended under the direction of the School Committee.
Article 16. On motion of Irving C. Austin it was voted that the sum of seven hundred sixty ($760.00) dollars be raised and appropriated un- der authority of Chapter 419 of the Acts of 1943, such sum to be paid into the teacher's retirement system for the benefit of teachers on military leave of absence during the years 1942 and 1943.
Article 17. Irving C. Austin moved that the sum of four thousand ($4,000.00) dollars be raised and appropriated for the preparation of plans, surveys and specifications, and for such architectural and engi- neering advice and services which may be deemed necessary for the de- sign of a new Senior High School, such sum to be expended under the direction of the School Committee.
On motion of Roy C. Burpee it was voted to lay Article 17 on the table. 69 voted yes; 62 voted no.
On motion of Louis C. Lyons it was voted to take Article 17 from the table.
The original motion of Irving C. Austin was then voted.
Article 18. On motion of Irving C. Austin it was voted that the sum of thirty and 80/100 ($30.80) dollars be raised and appropriated un- der authority of Chapter 179 of the Acts of 1941 for the payment of un- paid 1941 bill for Industrial Tuition due the City of Malden. This was voted unanimous vote.
Article 19. On motion of Wendell P. Davis it was voted that the sum of thirteen thousand five hundred ($13,500.00) dollars be appro- priated from the unexpended balance in the Road Machinery Account and transferred to the Road Machinery Fund for the maintenance, re- pair, purchase and operation of road machinery and equipment for the use of and under the direction of the Board of Public Works and that the Town Accountant be and hereby is authorized and instructed to transfer said sum to said account.
Article 20. On motion of Wendell P. Davis it was voted that the sum of one thousand eight hundred ($1,800.00) dollars be raised and ap- propriated for the purpose of resurfacing the Mineral Street Bridge.
Article 21. On motion of Wendell P. Davis it was voted that the sum of one thousand and fifteen ($1,015.00) dollars be raised and appro- priated for the purpose of ploughing, harrowing and furnishing, aid in the cultivation of private land as authorized under the provisions of Chapter 75 of the Acts of 1943.
Article 22. On motion of Wendell P. Davis it was voted that the sum of seven hundred and thirty-five ($735.00) dollars be raised and appropriated for the collection of such scrap materials as may be sal- vaged for use in the production of materials necessary to the prosecu-
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tion of the war, said appropriation to be expended by and under the di- rection of the Board of Public Works.
Article 23. On motion of Wendell P. Davis it was voted that Article 111 of the By-Laws of the Town be and the same hereby is amended by adding after Section 2 the following new section :
Section 3. The Board of Public Works is hereby authorized and empowered to aid any neighboring City or Town in repairing and maintaining the physical properties of its water supply system under authority of Chapter 125 of the Acts of 1943, and may extend such aid subject to such terms and conditions as said Board may impose.
Article 24. On motion of James W. Fairchild it was voted that the sum of one thousand ($1,000.00) dollars be appropriated from the Ceme- tery Reserve Fund receipts from the sale of lots and graves in Laurel Hill Cemetery, and Forest Glen Cemetery, for the maintenance, care, im- provement and embellishment of said cemeteries, under the provisions of Sction 15 of Chapter 114 of the General Laws.
Article 25. On motion of Henry R. Johnson it was voted that the subject matter of Article 17 be referred to the Municipal Light Board, and that said Board be, and it hereby is, authorized to install such addi- tional street lights as in its judgment are, required, and to make such changes in the size, type and location of existing street lights as it may deem advisable, the expense of same to be paid from the income of the plant.
Article 26. Wendell P. Davis moved that the sum of forty-five hun- dred ($4,500.00) dollars be raised and appropriated for the purpose of conducting, and promoting recreation, play, sport, physical education and other social, educational, and recreational activities upon such land and buildings as defined in Section 14 of Chapter 45 of the General Laws, in- cluding the purchase of the necessary equipment and the employment of teachers, supervisors and other officers, and employees, and the fixing of their compensation.
Mr. Bent moved to spend the money under the direction of the Rec- reation Committee.
The article was voted as amended by Mr. Bent.
Article 27. On motion of Wendell P. Davis it was voted that the sum of two thousand ($2,000.00) dollars be raised and the sum of one thousand ($1,000) dollars be transferred from the Water Department available surplus and said sums aggregating three thousand ($3,000.00) dollars be appropriated for the cost of the preliminary engineering and architectural advice and service, plans, surveys and specifications and otherwise in cooperation with the Post War Planning Program, for Re- grading Ditches, Granolithic Sidewalks, Parks and Playgrounds, includ- ing the Junior High School Field, Extension of Water System by Addi- tional Wells, Sewer Extensions, Storage Sheds near Municipal Garage,
35
Extension Municipal Garage for Water Department Equipment, Storm Drains, and Index of Public Works Records, and that the Town Ac- countant be and he hereby is authorized and instructed to transfer said sum of $1,000.00 to carry out the purpose of this vote, and such sum so transferred shall be restricted to the extension of the Water System by Additional Wells and the Extension of the Municipal Garage for Water Department Equipment, and shall not be used for any other purpose.
Article 28. On motion of George B. Pease it was voted that five hundred ($500.00) dollars be raised and appropriated for Post War Plan- ning, to be expended under the directions of the Post War Planning Committee.
Article 29. On motion of Leon G. Bent it was voted that the sum of one thousand and nineteen dollars and sixty-nine cents ($1,019.69) be raised and appropriated to pay into the Contributory Retirement Sys- tem for Municipal Employees, excluding school teachers, for the bene- fit of municipal employees on military leave of absence during the years 1942 and 1943, as provided for and under the authority of Chapter 419 of the Acts of 1943.
On motion of James W. Fairchild it was voted to take Article 2 from the table.
Article 2. Report of the Special Committee chosen to study the merits of a capital expenditures budgeting program as applied to Read- ing, Massachusetts.
The committee established by vote of the Special Town Meeting on December 13, 1943, to study the merits of a Capital Expenditures Bud- geting Program, as applied to Reading, Massachusetts, presents the fol- lowing report :
The Town of Reading is about to enter a period when it will be called upon to finance a number of public improvements. Some of these are pressing upon us today, and are known to most citizens; others will take shape and develop in the post war period.
It is certain that the rather rapid growth in population, which this Town has been experiencing for several decades, and which has been temporarily retarded by the war, will be resumed after hostilities cease. From what may be gleaned of post war activity by reading the current press, it is apparent that much emphasis will be laid on better homes and better living. Since Reading is primarily a residential community we should expect to be influenced by this emphasis. On the last Federal census in 1940, there were 10,866 people living in Reading-more than twice as many as lived here in 1900. With a continuation of this growth, we may easily have a population of 13,000 in 1950, and 16,000 in 1960.
Now these increases in population, while desirable, do force any community which is growing rapidly, to spend considerable money on new construction. Reading is faced with a back log of urgent munici- pal capital expenditures which will be forced upon us soon after the
36
war. The most apparent of these is a new high school. This one item, together with others which are urgent, may cost upwards of one and one half million dollars. If we are to finance these expenditures and remain solvent, some careful programming is obviously necessary. We shall have to study each item to see that (1) we meet our most pressing needs first, (2) that we get the most value possible out of each dollar expended and (3) that we accomplish this within the ability of the Town to pay. All of this points to the need for a long range financial program for the Town, which will show the citizens what they can have for the money available to spend. Such a program is generally referred to as a Capital Expenditures Budgeting Program.
Your committee has studied the Capital Expenditure Programs of several towns similar to Reading and find they have many desirable features. The group usually responsible for such a program is called "A Capital Expenditures Planning Committee." Its personnel generally con- sists of one or more representatives of the Finance Committee, Plan- ning Board and from the Town at large. In this way the financial, planning and policy groups of the Town are represented. The program which is prepared by such a committee will cover a period of six years. In order to start the program some preliminary research work is neces- sary to build up the data used in preparing the estimates. This done, the committee received from all departments their programs of capital expenditures for the ensuing six years, and in order in which they are needed. It will then be the job of the Capital Expenditures Planning Committee to fit these programs together, so spreading the financial load that no undue burden is placed on any particular year, and at the same time giving due recognition to the requirements of each depart- m'ent. Such programming should have a tendency to stabilize the tax rate, should assure the citizens of a sound long range financial program for the Town, and should work toward that day when the Town may adopt a pay-as-you-go policy, a plan which has already been achieved by several towns in the Commonwealth. It should also assure each Board that its requirements are known and are receiving consideration even though some of its needs cannot be met in the current year.
In preparing this six year program, the Capital Expenditures Plan- ning Committee must work very closely with each of the boards in Town and with the Finance Committee in particular. Since the program is to cover a six year period, it is concerned as much with future requirements as with the year at hand, and the Finance Committee should find such a program of considerable use in determining the financial policy of the current year. Finally, as each year is passed the actual results are added to the historical data used in making the estimates, and the program is again reviewed and extended another year.
The Capital Expenditures Planning Committee would have no au- thority but to recommend. The voters of the Town would have final
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say as to the soundness of its policies. It would not be in competition with any town board, nor would it wish to usurp the power of any board. Its function would be purely cooperative, in order to prepare the best long range financial program for the Town.
We believe that such a program, as herein described will be of in- estimable value to the Town, in the troublesome days which are ahead. At the present time, the Town is living on pretty much of a hand-to- mouth basis. True, each board has some ideas and plans for its future capital expenditures, but these are known only to a limited few. No- where in the management of the Town is there any report which as- sembles all of the financial data of the Town, and projects that data ahead over a number of years so that the voters can see the overall financial position of the Town. We believe such a program is necessary if we are to vote intelligently on financial issues. Accordingly, this committee is recommending for your favorable consideration an article in the warrant of this Town Meeting, establishing a Capital Expendi- tures Planning Committee.
Signed :
WALTER D. BERRY, Chairman WILLIAM J. TONKS, Secretary BERNARD L. MAXWELL JAMES W. FAIRCHILD
H. RAYMOND JOHNSON CHARLES E. WILKINSON MILES HIGGINS LEON G. BENT LOUIS ELLENWOOD
JOHN L. DEVANEY PRESTON F. NICHOLS EDWARD M. HALLIGAN, M.D. SAMUEL H. DAVIS HAROLD B. CURRELL WENDELL P. DAVIS
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted to lay Article 2 on the table,
Article 30. On motion of James W. Fairchild it was voted that a permanent committee of seven members to be known as "Capital Ex- penditures Planning Committee" be and hereby is created for the pur- pose of establishing, promoting and developing in the Town a long range plan of capital expenditures of the various Boards and Commit- tees of the Town, such committee to consist of two members of the Fi- nance Committee, two members of the Planning Board, such members to be designated and appointed by their respective committee and board, and three members at large to be appointed by the Board of Selectmen, all such appointments to be made within thirty days after the final ad-
38
journment of this meeting, and that the sum of five hundred ($500.00) dollars be raised and appropriated for the use of such committee.
Article 31. On motion of Victor C. Pitkin it was voted that the sum of one thousand ($1,000.00) dollars be raised and appropriated for the observance of the Tercentenary of this Town to be expended under the direction of the Tercentenary Committee.
Article 32. On motion of Henry Wilson Powers it was voted that the Board of Selectmen be and they hereby are authorized to secure as suitable headquarters for Reading Post No. 62 of the American Legion, the premises situated on the westerly side of Ash Street, known as the Victory House, and that the sum of fifteen hundred dollars ($1,500.00) be raised and appropriated as rent for such premises for the year 1944.
Article 2. Henry Wilson Powers moved to take Article 2 from the table. The motion did not prevail.
Article 33. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that the sum of one thousand seven hundred dollars ($1,700.00) be raised and ap- propriated for the further development of the Town Forest.
Article 34. On motion of Leon C. Bent it was voted that the sum of four hundred dollars ($400.00) be raised and appropriated for Child Welfare Work, to be expended under the direction of the Reading Vis- iting Nurse Association and the Board of Health.
Article 2. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted to take Art. 2 from the table.
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that Art. 2 be indef- initely postponed.
Article 4. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted to take Art. 4 from the table. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that Art. 4 be indefinitely postponed.
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted to adjourn, Sine Die. Attest :
NORMAN P. CHARLES,
Town Clerk
March 31, 1944
A meeting was called of Precinct 3 members and John L. Devaney and Grace C. Curtis were elected chairman and clerk respectively.
NORMAN P. CHARLES, Clerk
April 21, 1944
A meeting was called by the Town Clerk of Precinct 2 members, as per petition filed in his office for the purpose of electing a chairman and clerk.
A. Perry Glover, 178 Prescott St., was elected chairman, and James R. Mercer, Jr., was elected clerk.
NORMAN P. CHARLES, Clerk
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WARRANT For Presidential Primary
Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Seal)
Middlesex, ss.
To either of the Constables of the Town of Reading, Greeting
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are here- by required to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote in primaries, to meet in the Odd Fellows Building, Wo- burn St., in said Reading, as the polling place designated for the four precincts in said town, on,
Tuesday, the Twenty-fifth Day of April, 1944, at twelve o'clock noon, for the following purposes :
To bring in their votes to the Primary Officers for the Election of Candidates of Political Parties for the following offices :
7 Delegates at Large to the National Convention of the Republican Party.
7 Alternate Delegates at Large to the National Convention of the Republican Party.
12 Delegates at Large to the National Convention of the Democratic Party.
12 Alternate Delegates at Large to the National Convention of the Democratic Party.
2 District Delegates to the National Convention of the Republican Party, Eighth Congressional District.
2 Alternate District Delegates to the National Convention of the Republican Party, Eighth Congressional District.
4 District Delegates to the National Convention of the Democratic Party, Eighth Congressional District.
4 Alternate District Delegates to the National Convention of the Democratic Party, Eighth Congressional District.
District members of State Committee (one man and one woman) for each political party for the Seventh Middlesex Senatorial District.
25 Members at Large of the Republican Town Committee.
10 Members of the Democratic Town Committee.
The Polls will be open from 12 o'clock noon to 8 P. M.
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting an attested copy therecf in at least three public places in each of the four precincts of the Town not less than seven days prior to April 25, 1944, the date set for the meeting in said warrant, and to cause this warrant to be pub- lished in the Reading Chronicle one day at least prior to said date.
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Hereof fail not and make due return of this warrant with your do- ings thereon to the Town Clerk, at or before the time appointed for said meeting.
Given under our hands this 10th day of April, A.D., 1944.
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