USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1950 > Part 2
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During the past year the Personnel Board has discussed this ques- tion with Town Employees, Members of the Town Boards involved, and Representatives of other Towns who now have a forty hour week.
We believe that in the interest of uniformity in our salary schedule and in fairness to our employees the forty hour week should be granted now. The exact cost of this change can only be estimated in advance but the experience of other towns indicates that any increase in costs will be nominal. The departmental budgets have been submitted on the basis of estimated costs not to exceed $6,000.00.
We do not recommend the acceptance of the enabling Act previously presented, at this time. We do recommend that the existing salary schedule be amended at this meeting to provide rates under which the Boards and Departments involved may pay their men on the basis of a forty hour week without decreasing their take-home pay.
Article 22, if accepted, will provide the necessary rate changes and should be approved if you are in favor of the forty hour week. If passed, only those Job Titles specifically mentioned in the Article will have their work week changed.
Respectively submitted,
Harold L. Jones, Chairman G. Lawrence Roberts Emerson A. Willard
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham, it was voted that Article 2 be laid on the table.
Article 3. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham, it was voted that the following be chosen to serve as Measurers of Lumber for the ensuing year:
Harold B. Currell Fred F. Smith Maurice H. Donegan
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and that the following be chosen to serve as Measurers of Wood and Bark:
Percy N. Sweetser Harold B. Currell Thomas F. Brogan
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that Article 3 be laid on the table.
Article 4. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that Article 4 be laid on the table.
Article 22. On motion of Emerson A. Willard, it was voted unani- mously to take Article 22 from table.
Article 22. On motion of Emerson A. Willard it was voted that the Schedule of Minimum and Maximum Salaries to be paid to employees in positions included in the Employees Classification Plan be and the same hereby is amended in the manner following:
Section 2, Supervisory Employees, under the job title of Supervisory Employees, Mechanic and Shovel Operator, is hereby amended by strik- ing out the hourly and weekly minimum and maximum rates and sub- stituting in place thereof and hourly minimum of $1.48 and maximum of $1.56, and weekly minimum of $59.20 and maximum of $62.40.
Section 3, Hourly Paid Employees, is hereby amended by striking out all the hourly and weekly minimum and maximum rates under all the job classifications appearing thereunder and substituting in place thereof under such job classifications the following hourly and weekly minimum and maximum rates:
Hourly
Weekly
Min.
Max.
Min.
Max.
Skilled Labor
$1.35
$1.47
$54.00
$58.80
Semi-Skilled Labor
1.24
1.32
49.60
52.80
Unskilled Labor
1.10
1.21
44.00
48.40
Unclassified Labor
26.00
40.00
Section 4, Public Works Department, is hereby amended by striking out the hourly and weekly minimum and maximum rates appearing therein under the following job classifications: Chief of Survey Party; Transit, Rodman and Draftsman; Meter Repairman; and Dump Care- taker; and substituting in place thereof under such job classifications the following hourly and weekly minimum and maximum rates:
Hourly
Weekly
Max.
Chief of Survey Party
$1.45
Max. $1.61
Min. $58.00
$64.40
Transit, Rodman and Draftsman
1.05
1.32
42.00
52.80
Meter Repairman
1.12
1.34
44.80
53.60
Dump Caretaker
1.00
1.15
40.00
46.00
Min.
Section 6, Cemetery Department, under the job title of Working Foreman, is hereby amended by striking out the hourly and weekly minimum and maximum rates as appearing thereunder and substitut- ing in place thereof and hourly minimum of $1.41 and maximum of $1.55, and weekly minimum of $56.40 and maximum of $62.00.
Article 4. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that Article 4 be taken from the table.
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Article 4. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that the sum of Forty-six Thousand Six Hundred Eighty-seven Dollars and Thir- ty-nine cents ($46,687.39) be raised and appropriated for GENERAL GOVERNMENT as follows:
Selectmen's Clerical
$ 1,052.76
Selectmen's Expenses
1,000.00
Town Accountant's Salary
3,675.00
Town Accountant's Clerical
540.80
Town Accountant's Expenses
600.00
Treasurer's Salary
1,800.00
Treasurer's Clerical
600.00
Treasurer's Expenses
1,100.00
Collector's Salary
3,640.00*
Collector's Clerical
4,242.84
Collector's Expenses
1,800.00
Assessors' Salaries
3,250.00
Assessors' Clerical
4,028.96
Assessors' Expenses
2,400.00
Town Counsel's Salary
1,800.00
Town Counsel's Expenses
800.00
Town Clerk's Salary
1,320.00*
Town Clerk's Clerical
2,705.03
Town Clerk's Expenses
772.00
Registrars' Salaries
450.00
Registrars' Expenses
1,300.00
Election and Registration Expenses
2,000.00
Planning Board Expenses
350.00
Board of Appeal Expenses
250.00
Finance Committee Clerical
200.00
Finance Committee Expenses
150.00
Personnel Board Clerical
200.00
Personnel Board Expenses
100.00
Municipal Building Janitor
1,560.00
Municipal Building Maintenance
2,400.00
Capital Expenditures Planning Committee
600.00
$ 46,687.39
Article 4. On motion of Charles E. Wilkinson it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Eighty Thousand Six Hundred Ninety-five Dollars and two cents ($180,695.02) be raised and appropriated for Protection of Persons and Property as follows:
Police Department Salaries
$ 61,343.80
Police Department Pensions 4,595.24
Police Department Maintenance 8,755.00
Police Station Maintenance 3,100.00
Fire Department Salaries
46,436.14
Fire Department Callmen Salaries
4,750.00
Fire Department Pensions
4,050.00
Fire Department Maintenance
6,575.00*
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Fire Stations Maintenance
3,350.00
Fire Alarm Maintenance
2,825.00
Fire Alarm Extension
2,000.00
Hydrant Rentals
5,000.00
Moth and Tree Department Salaries
16,649.84
Moth and Tree Department Maintenance 4,490.00
Inspector of Buildings Salary
3,500.00
Inspector Buildings Clerical
150.00
Inspector of Buildings Expense
270.00
Inspector of Wires Salary
400.00
Inspector of Wires Expenses
150.00
Sealer of Weights and Measures Salaries
575.00
Sealer of Weights and Measures Expenses
250.00
Game Warden's Salary
105.00
Dog Officer's Salary
375.00
Dog Officer's Expenses
350.00
Traffic Control, Pearl Street
650.00
* Including travel outside the State.
$180,695.02
Article 4. On motion of Joseph H. Reed it was voted that there be included in the tax levy ,for electricity used for street lights, the sum of Seventeen Thousand Dollars and that said sum and the income from sales of electricity to private consumers and for electricity supplied to municipal buildings, and for municipal power, and from sales of appli- ances and jobbing during the current fiscal year be appropriated for the Municipal Light Plant, and that the sum of Twelve Thousand (12,000) Dollars be approrpiated from the said receipts of the department for the sale, installation and servicing of merchandise, equipment, utensils, and chattels, as provided in Section 34 of Chapter 164 of the General Laws, said appropriations to be expended by the Manager of the Muni- cipal Lighting, under the direction and control of the Municipal Light Board, for the expense of the plant, including payments of Bonds and Notes, the sale, installation and servicing of merchandise, equipment, utensils and chattels, as defined in Chapter 164, Section 57, of the Gen- eral Laws, or any amendments thereof or addition thereto, and that if said sum of $17,000 and said income shall exceed said expense for said fiscal year, such excess up to the amount of 21/2% of the primary cost of plant plus 10% of the net profit as defined in Chapter 164 of the Gen- eral Laws, such amount shall be paid into the Town Treasury, and the balance, 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 Alexander P. Glover it was voted that the sum of Five Hundred Fifty-nine Thousand Eight Hundred Twelve and 07/100 Dollars ($559,812.07) be raised and appropriated for the School Department as follows:
General Salaries $420,802.37 General Maintenance including travel outside the State 72,009.70
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Vocational Tuition
3,000.00
School Cafeterias
50,000.00
Transportation of School Children
14,000.00
$559,812.07
Article 4. On motion of Miles C. Higgins it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Seventy-five Thousand Nine Hundred ($175,900) Dollars be raised and appropriated for Charities and Aid as follows:
General Aid Administrative, salaries $ 4,550.00 800.00*
General Aid Administrative, expenses
General Aid
32,000.00
Aid to Dependent Children, Administrative, salaries
2,550.00
Aid to Dependent Children
22,700.00
Old Age Assistance, Administrative, salaries 4,700.00
Old Age Assistance
108,600.00
Including travel outside the state.
$175,900.00
Article 4. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that the sum of Seventeen Thousand Sixty Dollars and Thirty-six Cents ($17,060.36) be raised and appropriated for VETERANS BENEFITS as follows:
Salaries
$ 1,360.36
Administrative Expense
700.00
Aid
15,000.00
$ 17,060.36
Article 4. On motion of Charles E. Wilkinson it was voted that the sum of One Thousand Five Hundred Ninety-five Dollars ($1,595.00) be raised and appropriated for MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE to be ex- pended under the direction of Post No. 62, American Legion, and Post No. 685, Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Article 4. On motion of Charles E. Wilkinson it was voted that the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) be raised and appropriated for the settlement of DAMAGE CLAIMS against the Town.
Article 4. On motion of Charles E. Wilkinson it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Seventy-five ($175.00) Dollars be raised and ap- propriated for the CARE AND LIGHTING OF OLD SOUTH CLOCK.
Article 4. On motion of Charles E. Wilkinson it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) be raised and appropriated for recording instruments in the Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds.
Article 4. On motion of Charles E. Wilkinson it was voted that the sum of Thirteen Thousand One Hundred Ninety-seven Dollars and Fifty cents ($13,197.50) be raised and appropriated for INTEREST, not includ- ing Water, Light and Sewer.
Article 4. On motion of Charles E. Wilkinson it was voted that the sum of Fifty-two Thousand Dollars ($52,000.00) be raised and appro- priated for MATURING DEBT, not including Water and Light.
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Article 4. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that the sum of One Thousand Three Hundred Sixty-six Dollars ($1,366.00) be raised and appropriated for printing the Town Report for the year 1949.
Article 4. On motion of William J. Tonks it was voted that the sum of Fourteen Thousand Two Hundred Nineteen Dollars ($14,219.00) be raised and appropriated for the Public Library as follows:
Salaries
Public Library Maintenance
$ 9,799.00 4,420.00
$ 14,219.00
Article 4. On Motion of James E. Calvin it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Seventy-seven Thousand Five Hundred Thirty ($177,- 530.00) Dollars be raised and appropriated for the Board of Public Works as follows:
Salaries for Administration
$ 6,830.00
Expenses for Administration
1,100.00
Salaries for Construction and Maintenance of Highways
45,000.00
Expenses for Repairs, Construction, and Maintenance of
Highways, setting curbs, purchase or otherwise ac- quiring land for sand and gravel purposes, purchase of materials, tools and equipment and other incidental expenses pertaining thereto
32,000.00
Salaries for Removal of Snow and Ice
10,500.00
Expenses for Removal of Snow and Ice
9,500.00
Salaries for Construction and Maintenance of Sidewalks
11,200.00
Expenses for Construction and Maintenance of Sidewalks Salaries for Construction of Storm Drains
3,800.00
Expenses for Construction of Storm Drains
8,300.00
Salaries for Maintenance of Storm Drains
4,250.00
Expenses for Maintenance of Storm Drains
3,800.00
Salaries for Maintenance of Dumps
3,000.00
Expenses for Maintenance of Dumps
200.00
Salaries for Maintenance of Park Department and Com- mons and supervised play
9,300.00
Expenses for Maintenance of Park Department and Com- mons and supervised play
4,700.00
Salaries for Connecting Estates with the Common Sewer
6,850.00
Expenses for Connecting Estates with the Common Sewer
2,900.00
Salaries for Engineering Division
1,620.00
Expenses for Engineering Division
380.00
Drinking Fountains
100.00
Public Works Pensions
2,000.00
Total $177,530.00
Article 4. On motion of James E. Calvin it was voted that the sum of Twenty-five Thousand ($25,000.00) Dollars be raised and appropriated for the maintenance, operation and extension of the sewer system, said sum to be apportioned as follows: Thirteen Thousand ($13,000.00) Dollars for salaries and Twelve Thousand ($12,000.00) Dollars for ex- penses and that to meet said appropriation, the sum of Forty-four Hun-
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10,200.00
dred and Twenty-six and 85/100 ($4,426.85) Dollars be appropriated by transferring said sum from available funds in the Joshua Eaton School Sewer Account, and the sum of Twenty Thousand Five Hundred Seventy- three and 15/100 ($20,573.15) Dollars be raised and appropriated from the Tax Levy and that the Town Accountant be and he hereby is authorized and instructed to transfer said sum to carry out the pro- visions of this vote.
Article 4. On motion of James E. Calvin it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Twenty-seven Thousand ($127,000.00) Dollars be raised and appropriated for the maintenance, operation and construction of Water Works and Payment of Water Bonds and Interest including travel outside the State, said sum to be apportioned as follows: Fifty-seven Thousand ($57,000.00) Dollars for Salaries and Seventy Thousand ($70,- 000.00) Dollars for Expenses and that to meet said appropriation the sum of Fifteen Thousand ($15,000.00) Dollars be appropriated by trans- ferring said sum from Water Available Surplus and that the sum of One Hundred Twelve Thousand ($112,000.00) Dollars be raised and ap- propriated from the Tax Levy and that the Town Accountant be and he hereby is authorized and instructed to transfer said sum to carry out the purpose of this vote.
Article 4. On motion of M. Russell Meikle it was voted that the sum of Nineteen Thousand Five Hundred ($19,500.00) Dollars be raised and appropriated for the maintenance, care and development of Laurel Hill Cemetery and Forest Glen Cemetery including travel outside the State, Seventeen Thousand Three Hundred ($17,300.00) Dollars for salaries and Twenty-two Hundred ($2,200.00) Dollars for expenses.
Article 4. On motion of Charles R. Baisley it was voted that the sum of Sixteen Thousand Four Hundred Seventy-two Dollars and Fifty Cents ($16,472.50) be raised and appropriated for HEALTH AND SANI- TATION as follows:
Board of Sealth Salaries
$ 782.50
Board of Health Expenses
650.00
Health Officer's Salary
550.00
Inspector of Plumbing, Salary
1,000.00
Inspector of Animals, Salary
220.00
Inspector of Milk and Food, Salary
220.00
Inspector of Milk and Food, Salary
(extra)
50.00
Care of Contagious Diseases
4,000.00
Premature Babies
1,000.00
Garbage Collection
5,500.00
Dental Clinic
2,500.00
$ 16,472.50
Article 4. On motion of Philip R. White it was voted that the sum of Twenty-seven Thousand Three Hundred Five Dollars ($27,305.00) be raised and appropriated for the Contributory Retirement System to be divided as follows:
Pension Accumulation Fund
$ 26,305.00
Expense Fund
1,000.00
$ 27,305.00
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Article 4. On motion of Charles E. Wilkinson it was voted that the sum of Twenty Thousand Six Hundred Eighty-two Dollars and Seventy- six Cents ($20,682.76) be raised and appropriated for INSURANCE.
Article 4. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that the sum of Six Hundred Fifty Dollars ($650.00) be raised and appropriated for the preparation and printing of the Street List for the year 1950, such sums to be expended under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
Article 4. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that the sum of Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) be raised and appropriated for the Maintenance of the Parking Area.
Article 4. On motion of Joshua T. Day, Jr., it was voted that the sum of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) be appropriated by trans- ferring said sum from the Overlay Surplus Reserve Fund to the Reserve Fund, and that the Town Accountant be and he hereby is authorized and instructed to transfer said sum to carry out the purpose of this vote.
Article 4. On motion of A. Lloyd David it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) be raised and appropriated to defray expenses of the Town Manager Charter Committee.
Article 4. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that Article 4 be laid on the table.
Article 5. On motion of Preston F. Nichols it was voted that the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, be and he hereby is authorized to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1951, and to issue a 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 accord- ance with Sections 4 and 17 of Chapter 44 of the General Laws.
Article 6. On motion of Preston F. Nichols it was voted that the sum of Two Hundred ($200.00) Dollars be raised and appropriated for the purpose of foreclosing in the Land Court pursuant to provisions of Section 65 of Chapter 60 of the General Laws, the right of redemption to any and all real estate taken by the Town for non-payment of taxes.
Article 7. On motion of Preston F. Nichols it was voted that a sum not exceeding Two Thousand ($2,000.00) Dollars be transferred from Surplus Revenue and appropriated for the maintenance of various streets previously constructed under Chapter 90, General Laws; and a further sum of Twelve Thousand $12,000.00) Dollars be transferred from Surplus Revenue and appropriated for the construction under Chapter 90, General Laws, of a portion of Charles Street, provided however, that such sums received as reimbursements from the State and County shall be credited to Surplus Revenue and that the Town Accountant be and he hereby is authorized and instructed to transfer said sums to said accounts to carry out the purpose of this vote.
Article 8. On motion of Charles E. Wilkinson it was voted that the Board of Selectmen be and they hereby are authorized and em- powered to sell or exchange upon such terms and conditions as they may determine, the 1937 Packard Automobile used by the Chief of the Fire Department and that the sum of Sixteen Hundred ($1600) Dollars together with the proceeds from such sale or exchange be raised and appropriated for the purchase of a new automobile for the Chief of the Fire Department.
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Article 9. On motion of Charles E. Wilkinson it was voted that the sum of Three Thousand ($3,000.00) Dollars be raised and appropriated for the purchase of a new Truck to be equipped with a Winch for the Tree and Moth Department.
Article 10. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that the Board of Selectmen be and they hereby are authorized and empowered to dispose of by sale, demolition or otherwise, upon such terms and conditions as they may determine, the Center School Building together with the lot of land containing approximately 10,000 square feet, situated on the Northerly side of Salem Street, and said Board are further authorized and empowered to execute for and in behalf of the Town such deed of conveyance and other instruments which may be necessary to transfer the title to the purchaser thereof and to enter into all contracts and agreements in respect thereto and to do all other acts and things necessary and proper for carrying out the provisions of this vote.
Article 11. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that the sum of Two Thousand ($2,000.00) Dollars be raised and appropriated for the purchase and installation of a new fire alarm switchboard system.
Article 12. On motion of Charles E. Wilkinson it was voted that the sum of Five Hundred ($500.00) Dollars be raised and appropriated for the purchase and installation of a two-way radio for the outomobile used by the Chief of the Police Department.
Article 13. On motion of Charles E. Wilkinson it was voted that the sum of Five Hundred ($500.00) Dollars be raised and appropriated for the purchase and installation of a two-way radio for the automobile used by the Chief of the Fire Department.
Article 14. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that the Board of Selectmen be and they hereby are authorized and empowered to sell or exchange upon such terms and conditions as they may deter- mine, the 1947 Ford Police Cruising Car and that the sum of One Thou- sand Eighty-two and 45/100 Dollars ($1,082.45) together with the pro- ceeds from such sale or exchange be raised and appropriated for the purchase of a new cruising car for the Police Department.
Article 15. On motion of Charles E. Wilkinson it was voted that the provisions of Section 6B of Chapter 40 of the General Laws, being a law providing for the purchase by the Town of uniforms for members of the Police and Fire Departments, be and the same hereby are ac- cepted.
Article 16. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that under the provisions of Clause Thirteen of the Will of the late Edna Ethel Grant the gift to the Town of a swimming pool to be located in Memorial Park be and the same hereby is accepted and the Board of Selectmen be and they hereby are authorized to cooperate with the Trustee named in said Will in the construction and completion of the swimming pool, to receipt for such gift, to execute all other documents which may be necessary in connection therewith and to enter into all contracts and agreements in respect thereto and to do all other acts and things nec- essary and proper for carrying out the provisions of this vote.
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Article 17. On motion of Joseph H. Reed 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 additional 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 18. On motion of M. Russell Meikle it was voted that the sum of Fifteen Hundred ($1,500.00) Dollars be appropriated from the Cemetery Reserve Fund receipts from the sale of lots and graves in Laurel Hill Cemetery and Forest Glen Cemetery for maintenance, care, improvement and embellishment of said cemeteries, under the pro- visions of Section 15 of Chapter 114 of the General Laws.
Article 19. On motion of Charles W. H. Smith it was voted that the sum of Fifteen Hundred ($1,500.00) Dollars be raised and appro- priated for the purpose of providing by lease or otherwise, suitable headquarters for Reading Post 62 of the American Legion.
Article 20. On motion of Charles W. H. Smith it was voted that the sum of Six Hundred Fifty ($650.00) Dollars be raised and appro- priated for the purpose of providing by lease or otherwise, suitable headquarters for Reading Post 685, Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Article 21. On motion of Emerson A. Willard it was voted that the Schedule of Minimum and Maximum Salaries to be paid to employees in positions included in the Employees Classification Plan be and the same hereby is amended in the manner following:
Section 4, Public Works Department, under the job title of Assistant to Superintendent and Relief Pumping Engineer, is hereby amended by striking out the Maximum Weekly Salary of $70.00 and substituting in place thereof Maximum Salary of $75.00.
Section 10, Fire Department, under the job title of Call Man - Full Time (24 hours) is hereby amended by striking out the Maximum Annual Salary of $215.00 and substituting in place thereof Maximum Annual Salary of $250.00.
Section 10, Call Man - Half Time, is further amended by striking out the Maximum Annual Salary of $107.50 and substituting in place thereof Maximum Annual Salary of $125.00.
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted to adjourn and meet in Shepardson Hall on Monday, March 27, 1950 at 7:45 p.m.
Adjourned at 10:25 p.m.
170 Precinct members were present.
ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Shepardson Hall
March 27, 1950
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Charles P. Howard, at 8:55 p.m.
Article 23. On motion of Alexander P. Glover it was voted that the sum of Ten Thousand ($10,000.00) Dollars be transferred from the un- expended balance of the Joshua Eaton School Construction Account and appropriated for the preparation of preliminary plans, surveys and
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specifications and the architectural and engineering services which may be necessary for a new senior high school building, such sum to be expended under the supervision and direction of the School Committee, and the Town Accountant be and he hereby is authorized to transfer said sum to carry out the provisions of this vote.
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