USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1953 > Part 2
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Therefore, the Planning Board has held a public hearing, has prepared and is at this annual meeting submitting a Final Report and Recommendation on Proposed Amendments to the Zoning By-law and the Zoning Map.
Respectfully submitted,
(Signed) Charles Wilson, Chairman
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham, it was voted that the report be accepted.
Article 2. The following report was read by Newell H. Morton: SECOND REPORT OF COMMITTEE TO STUDY PROVISIONS OF THE ACT MAKING IT COMPULSORY FOR TOWNS TO ENTER INTO A UNION HEALTH PLAN WITH OTHER TOWNS IF STATE MINIMUM
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS ARE NOT MET
Your committee has held monthly meetings since October, has made a study of the existing health services and regulations in Reading, has had interviews with state officials, has attended legislative hear- ings, and has visited the model Nashoba Health Union at Ayer which has been in existence since 1931.
There are both advantages and disadvantages in participation in a Union Health Plan by Reading. The Committee is not yet ready to make any final recommendations since there are several bills before the legislature now to amend the act, or even repeal it.
As is likely in becoming a part of a larger unit, we would lose local control and interest which could result in loss of the "personal touch" in individual cases. Locally available services would be ab- sorbed in the centralization. Once in a Union we might be called upon to expand or make arjustments in our program which would result in large expenditures of money. Even to enter a Union Health Plan under the present setup would entail an expenditure, in your committee's opinion, of about $25,000. as against approximately $15,000. being spent at present.
On the other hand, centralization would tend to a more rigid en- forcement of the Public Health Laws. It would afford a chance to pool resources and equipment with other towns and make available public
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health personnel such as sanitary engineers and public health nurses which no doubt make for efficient operation.
The general feeling of your committee is that health services in town are being reasonably well taken care of through the local Board of Health assisted by the Visiting Nurse Association and the School Nurse plus the cooperation of all the Doctors and Dentists so that the town should weigh very carefully the addition of expenses that would be in- curred should Reading enter a Union Health Plan.
Your committee requests that it be continued in operation until the legislature has completed its work on the proposed bills, whereupon your committee will make a final and detailed report with specific recommendations.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES R. BAISLEY, M.D., Chm. WILLIAM A. CONNELLY, D.MD. H. RAYMOND JOHNSON NEWELL H. MORTON MRS. RUTH M. WATTS
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham, it was voted that the report be accepted as a report of progress.
Article 2. The following report was read by A. Lloyd David: FINAL REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE PLANNING BOARD
As required by law the Planning Board held a public hearing in Room 19 of the Municipal Building at eight o'clock P. M., on February 20, 1953 after due notice by publication in the Reading Chronicle on the matter of proposed amendments to the Zoning By-law and the Zoning Map.
By vote of the town meeting held March 19, 1951 the Planning Board was directed to make a study of the Zoning By-law and to report there- on. Such a study has been made and several amendments prepared for consideration by the town meeting. Many of these proposed amend- ments are of a minor nature and are offered primarily to clarify certain provisions in the present by-law and to simplify its administration.
However, several major amendments are included which are con- sidered vitally necessary to meet the changing conditions in the com- munity.
It is proposed to:
1. Provide that permits, after a public hearing, be required for any new convalescent or rest homes, nursing homes, boarding homes for the aged or private kindergartens.
2. Increase the area of the Industrial District by adding thereto certain land adjacent to the railroad deemed best suited to that use.
3. Eliminate restrictions which have tended to hamper access to and development of the Industrial District.
4. Provide for stricter enforcement of the by-law by requiring "Use and Occupancy Permits", so called, to apply to use of land as well as buildings.
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5. Increase minimum frontage requirements for lots in certain residence districts to provide better proportions in lot dimensions to meet the demands of current building construction trends such as the new ranch type houses and dwellings with attached garages.
6. Eliminate provisions for three-story dwellings in Residence A Districts and four-story dwellings in Residence B Districts.
7. Broaden the scope of the duties of the Board of Appeal.
The Planning Board unanimously recommends the adoption of the proposed amendments as set forth in Articles 24 and 25 of the Warrant for the annual town meeting to be held on March 16, 1953 or any adjournment thereof.
READING PLANNING BOARD A. Lloyd David, Chairman Robert G. Clinch, Secretary
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted that this report be accepted and placed on file.
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham, it was voted to place Article 2 on the table.
Article 3. On motion of James E. Calvin, 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
and that the following be chosen to serve as Measurers of Wood and Bark:
Percy N. Sweetser Harold B. Currell Thomas E. Brogan
Article 3. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham, it was voted that the Board of Selectmen be instructed to accept, in behalf of the town, the rear half of the land owned by H. W. Hunt Co. and located on Pleasant and Eaton Streets, provided such land is conveyed to the town free from any conditions or restrictions.
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham, it was voted to place Article 3 on the table.
* Article 11. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham, it was voted that the provisions of Section 16C of Chapter 147 of the General Laws being a law providing for a five day week for members of the Police Depart- ment be and the same hereby are accepted.
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham it was voted to take up Article 26.
Article 26. On motion of Harold L. Jones, it was voted that the By- law relating to the Wage and Hour Classification Plan and the Schedule of Minimum and Maximum Salaries to be paid to employees in the positions included thereunder be and the same hereby are amended in the manner following:
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham, it was voted to take up Article 11.
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Amend the salary schedule by striking out the hourly and weekly maximums as appearing therein and substitute in place thereof under the Job Classifications the following new hourly and weekly maximum rates:
CLASSIFICATION
Hourly
Weekly
Section 1. Clerical Employees
Max.
Max.
Junior Clerk
41.85
Senior Clerk
51.80
Section 2. Supervisory Employees
Foreman
83.74
Supervisory Employees, Mechanic and Shovel Operator
1.76
70.40
Section 3. Hourly Paid Employees
Skilled Labor
1.66
66.40
Semi-Skilled Labor
1.51
60.40
Unskilled Labor
1.39
55.60
Section 4. Public Works Department
Superintendent
129.59
Asst. Superintendent
90.10
Pumping Station Engineer
79.29
Asst. Pumping Station Engineer
1.59
63.60
Jr. Office Engineer
1.59
63.60
Meter Repairman
1.53
61.20
Section 5. Municipal Light Department
Manager
129.59
Comptroller
112.50
Asst. to Comptroller
65.77
Distribution Engineer
101.10
Construction Superintendent
101.10
Lineman - 2nd class
1.69
67.60
Lineman - 3rd class
1.54
61.60
Groundsman
1.47
58.80
Patrolman - 1st class
1.79
71.60
Patrolman - Apprentice
1.51
60.40
Mechanic
1.67
66.80
Meter Tester
1.56
62.40
Meter Reader
1.25
50.00
Chief Operator
1.88
75.20
Operator
1.61
64.40
Stockroom Man
1.43
57.20
Merchandise Manager
93.12
Service Manager
80.59
Salesman Clerk
61.22
Service Man
1.79
71.60
Service Man - Apprentice
1.47
58.80
Shipping and Receiving Clerk
1.17
46.80
Collector
1.36
54.40
Janitor
1.30
52.00
Dump Caretaker
1.33
53.20
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Hourly
Weekly Max.
Section 6. Cemetery Department
Superintendent
83.74
Working foreman
1.75
70.00
Section 7. Public Library
Librarian
56.66
Asst. Librarian
46.64
Library clerical
.90
Section 8. Tree and Moth Department
Superintendent
83.74
Section 9. Police Department
Annually
Chief
4,750.00
Sargent
3,925.00
Patrolman
3,610.00
Section 10. Fire Department
Chief
4,750.00
Deputy
4,100.00
Captain
3,925.00
Lieutenant
3,825.00
Private
3,610.00
Extra or part-time work .95 max. hrly rate
Section 11. General Government
Town Accountant
4,982.00
Weekly
Janitor - Town Buildings
61.22
Amend the Schedule A, Job Classifications, under Article VIII-A of the By-law relating to the Wage and Hour Classification Plan in the manner following:
Strike out under title Board of Public Works the classification of Chief Survey Party and Transit, Rodman and Draftsman as appearing therein and substitute in place thereof the following job classifications: CIVIL ENGINEER
Shall be a person capable of performing and supervising work on all major types of municipal engineering. Shall be capable of design- ing and inspecting engineering work on roads, sewage and drainage facilities, water supply and distribution, sidewalks and related muni- cipal public work and of supervising subordinate employees in the performance of the same. Shall have an engineering degree from an accredited university and shall be a registered professional engineer.
SENIOR DRAFTSMAN
Shall be a person capable of performing and supervising office work on all basic types of municipal engineering. Shall be experienced in the knowledge, procedures, calculations, plans and records, relating thereto and experienced in supervising small groups of subordinate employees in the performance of the same. Shall have the equivalent of three years of study at an accredited engineering school.
LAND SURVEYOR
Shall be a person capable of performing and supervising work on land and construction surveys. Shall be experienced in the procedures,
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Max.
calculations, plans and records relating thereto. Shall have the equiva- lent of two years of study at an accredited engineering school and shall be a registered land surveyor.
JUNIOR DRAFTSMAN
Shall be a person capable of performing minor drafting work and simple calculations. Shall have at least, a high school education in- cluding high school drawing and mathematics.
TRANSITMAN
Shall be a person capable of performing basic survey work on land and construction projects. Shall be experienced in the basic procedures, calculations and records relating thereto and capable of substituting for the land surveyor as required. Shall have the equivalent of one year of study at an accredited engineering school.
RODMAN
Shall be a person capable of performing minor survey work and simple calculations. Shall have at least a high school education in- cuding high school drawing and mathematics.
Amend Section 4. Public Works Department by striking out the Job Classifications, Chief of Survey Party and Transit, Rodman and Draftsman and the hourly and weekly minimum and maximum rates under such job Classifications and substitute in place thereof the fol- lowing new Job Classificationss with the hourly and weekly minimum and maximum rates:
Hourly
Weekly
Civil Engineer
Min.
Max.
Min. 90.00
110.00
Senior Draftsman
75.00
90.00
Land Surveyor
75.00
90.00
Junior Draftsman
1.15
1.51
46.00
60.40
Transitman
1.50
1.88
60.00
75.00
Rodman
1.15
1.51
46.00
60.40
Amend Section 7 of the Regulations relating to the Job Classifica- tions by striking out the last sentence in Clause (a) of Paragraph 7 and substitute therefore a new sentence as follows: "Exceptions may be made from time to time by the Personnel Board.
Article 4. On motion of James E. Calvin, it was voted that the sum of Fifty-nine Thousand, Eight Hundred Two Dollars and Twenty- one Cents ($59,802.21) be raised and appropriated for GENERAL GOV- ERNMENT as follows:
Selectmen's Clerical
$ 1,210.00
Selectmen's Expense
1,500.00
Town Accountant's Salary
4,775.00
Town Accountant's Clerical
651.52
Town Accountant's Expense (including travel outside the state)
850.00
Treasurer's Salary
2,500.00
Treasurer's Clerical
950.00
Treasurer's Expense
1,100.00
Collector's Salary (Fees to Town Treasury)
4,300.00
Collector's Clerical
5,754.00
Max.
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Collector's Expense
2,000.00
Assessor's Salaries
3,597.00*
Assessor's Clerical
5,571.75
Assessor's Expense
2,790.00
Town Counsel's Salary
2,500.00
Town Counsel's Expense
1,500.00
Town Clerk's Salary (Fees to Town Treasury)
1,567.50
Town Clerk's Clerical
3,372.44
Town Clerk's Expense
700.00
Registrars' Salaries
500.00
Registrars' Expense
2,000.00
Election and Registration Expense
2,000.00
Board of Appeal Expense
350.00
Capital Exp. Planning Com. Exp.
300.00
Planning Board Expense
735.00
Finance Committee Expense
100.00
Personnel Board Expense
50.00
Municipal Building Janitor
3,128.00
Municipal Building Maintenance
3,450.00
$ 59,802.21
*Chairman
$ 1,672.00
Secretary
1,100.00
Other Member
825.00
$ 3,597.00
Article 4. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham, it was voted that the sum of Two Hundred Thirty-one Thousand, Two Hundred Forty-eight Dollars and Two Cents ($231,248.02) be raised and appropriated for PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY as follows:
Police Dept. Salaries
$ 81,239.51
Police Dept. Pensions
9,868.36
Police Dept. Maintenance (including travel outside the state)
9,735.00
Police Station Maintenance
3,050.00
Fire Dept. Salaries
65,773.75
Fire Dept. Callmen Salaries
5,700.00
Fire Dept. Pensions
1,375.00
Fire Dept. Maintenance (including travel outside the state)
8,885.00
Fire Stations Maintenance
3,245.00
Fire Alarm Maintenance
2,960.00
Fire Alarm Extension
1,600.00
Moth and Tree Dept. Salaries
18,781.40
Moth and Tree Dept. Maintenance
5,190.00
Hydrant Rentals
5,000.00
Drinking Fountains
100.00
Inspector of Buildings Salary
3,700.00
Inspector of Buildings Expense
365.00
Inspector of Wires Salary
500.00
*Including travel outside the state
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Inspector of Wires Expense
200.00
Sealer of Weights & Measures Salary
650.00 Sealer of Weights & Measures Expense 250.00
Dog Officer's Salary
375.00
Dog Officer's Expense
400.00
Game Warden's Salary
105.00
Traffic Control
2,200.00
$231,248.02
Article 4. On motion of Samuel H. Davis, it was voted that the sum of Nineteen Thousand Four Hundred Sixty-three Dollars ($19,463.00) be raised and appropriated for HEALTH AND SANITATION as follows:
Board of Health Salaries
$ 1,456.00
Board of Health Expense
650.00
Health Officer's Salary
587.50
Inspector of Plumbing Salary
1,299.50
Inspector of Animals Salary
220.00
Inspector of Milk & Food Salary
350.00
Inspector of Milk & Food Expense
50.00
Care of Contagious Diseases
5,000.00
Premature Babies
500.00
Garbage Collection
6,500.00
Dental Clinic
2,850.00
$ 19,463.00
Article 4. On motion of Newell H. Morton, it was voted that the sum of Two Hundred Seven Thousand Four Hundred Ten Dollars ($207,410.00) be raised and appropriated for Charity and Aid as follows: Welfare General Aid
$ 28,000.00
Welfare General Aid Administrative Salaries
5,550.00
Welfare General Aid Administrative Expense
760.00*
Aid to Dependent Children
16,000.00
Aid to Dependent Children Administrative
1,950.00
Disability Assistance
9,700.00
Disability Assistance Administrative
950.00
Old Age Assistance
138,300.00
Old Age Assistance Administrative
6.200.00
$207,410.00
Article 4. On motion of James E. Calvin, it was voted that the sum of Fourteen Thousand Two Hundred Thirty-four Dollars and Seventy Cents ($14,234.70) be raised and appropriated for VETERANS' BENEFITS as follows:
Administrative Salaries
$ 1,634.70
Administrative Expense
600.00
Aid
12,000.00
$ 14,234.70
Article 4. On motion of Philip R. White, it was voted that the sum of Six Hundred Seventy-four Thousand Eight Hundred Seventy-nine
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and 22/100 Dollars ($674,879.22) be raised and appropriated for the SCHOOL DEPARTMENT as follows:
General Salaries
$531,392.59
General Maintenance including travel outside the state
110,677.63
Vocational Tuition
3,000.00
Transportation of School Children
20,000.00
Athletics
4,200.00
Cafeteria - Equipment
3,800.00
Teachers' Retirement
1,809.00
$674,879.22
Article 4. On motion of Sydney M. Hodson, it was voted that the sum of Eighteen Thousand Two Hundred Eleven Dollars ($18,211.00) be raised and appropriated for the Public Library as follows: Salaries
$ 12,281.00
Maintenance
5,930.00
$ 18,211.00
Article 4. On motion of M. Russell Meikle, it was voted that the sum of Twenty-three Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($23,500.00) be raised and appropriated for the maintenance, care and development of Laurel Hill Cemetery and Forest Glen Cemetery, including travel out- side the State; Twenty-one Thousand Dollars ($21,000.00) for salaries and Twenty-five Hundred Dollars ($2500.00) for expenses.
Article 4. On motion of Harry R. Walker, it was voted that the sum of Four Hundred Three Thousand Eight Hundred Eleven and Ninety-nine one hundredths Dollars ($403,811.99) be raised and appro- priated for the Board of Public Works as follows:
Salaries for Administration
$ 8,320.00
Expense for Administration
1,450.00
Salaries for Construction and Maintenance of Highways Expenses for Repairs, Construction and Maintenance of
49,800.00
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 $ 33,400.00
Salaries for Removal of Snow and Ice
18,500.00
Expenses for Removal of Snow and Ice 16,500.00
Salaries for Construction and Maintenance of Sidewalks Expenses for Construction and Maintenance of Sidewalks Salaries for Construction of Storm Drains
12,800.00
6,000.00
of which amount the sum of $996.50 shall be trans- ferred from the Special Drainage Account and the
Town Accountant be and he hereby is authorized and instructed to transfer said sum to said account.
Expenses for Construction of Storm Drains 13,000.00
Salaries for Maintenance of Storm Drains
6,500.00
Expenses for Maintenance of Storm Drains 3,700.00
Salaries for Maintenance of Dumps 4,600.00
Expenses for Maintenance of Dumps
200.00
11,500.00
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Salaries for Maintenance of Park Department and Com- mons and Supervised Play 11,400.00
Expenses for Maintenance of Park Department and Com- mons and Supervised Play 5,000.00
Salaries for Maintenance, Operation and Extension of the Sewer System
12,400.00
Expenses for Maintenance, Operation and Extension of the
Sewer System, Payment of Interest on Sewer Bonds in- cluding travel outside the State
12,000.00
Salaries for Connecting Estates with the Common Sewer 4,000.00
Expenses for Connecting Estates with Common Sewer 2,500.00
Salaries for Construction, Maintenance and Operation of Water Works
62,000.00
of which amount the sum of Ten Thousand ($10,000.00)
Dollars shall be transferred from Water Available Surplus and the Town Accountant be and he hereby is authorized and instructed to transfer said sum to carry out the purpose of this vote.
Expenses for Construction, Maintenance and Operation of Water Works, including travel outside the State
54,049.49
Expenses for the Payment of Water Bonds and Interest
29,992.50
of which amount the sum of $1,041.99 shall be trans- ferred from the Available Premiums Account and the Town Accountant be and he hereby is authorized and instructed to transfer said sum to said account.
Salaries for Engineering Division 15,000.00 Expenses for Engineering Division 2,000.00
of which amount the sum of $579.71 shall be transferred from the Post War Planning Account and the Town Accountant be and he hereby is authorized and instructed to trans- fer said sum to said account.
Public Works Pensions 7,200.00
$403,811.99
Article 4. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham, it was voted that the sum of Twenty-four Thousand Three Hundred Seventy-five Dollars and Five Cents ($24,375.05) be raised and appropriated for INSURANCE.
Article 4. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham, it was voted that the sum of Eighteen Hundred and Thirty-eight ($1,838.00) Dollars be raised and appropriated for MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE to be expended under the direction of Post 62, American Legion and Post 685, Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Article 4. On motion of James E. Calvin, it was voted that the sum of One Thousand ($1000.00) Dollars be raised and appropriated for the settlement of damage claims against the Town.
Article 4. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham, it was voted that the sum of Two Hundred ($200) Dollars be raised and appropriated for the Care and Lighting of OLD SOUTH CLOCK.
Article 4. On motion of James E. Calvin, it was voted that the sum of Fourteen Hundred Seventy-five ($1,475.00) Dollars be raised and appropriated for printing the TOWN REPORT for the year 1952.
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Article 4. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham, it was voted that the sum of Eight Hundred Twenty-five ($825.00) Dollars be raised and appropriated for the preparation and printing of the STREET LIST for 1953, such sums to be expended under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
Article 4. On motion of James E. Calvin, it was voted that the sum of Two Hundred ($200.00) Dollars be raised and appropriated for the maintenance of the Parking Area.
Article 4. On motion of Kenneth C. Latham, it was voted that the sum of One Hundred ($100.00) Dollars be raised and appropriated for recording instruments in the Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds.
Article 4. On motion of Donald C. Mitchell, it was voted that the sum of Forty-one Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty Dollars and Twenty Cents ($41,720.20) be raised and appropriated for the CONTRIBUTORY RETIREMENT SYSTEM to be divided as follows:
Pension Accumulation Fund
$ 39,962.00
Expense Fund
1,275.00
Military Service Fund
483.20
$ 41,720.20
Article 4. On motion of Alfred H. Dolben, it was voted that there be included in the tax levy, for electricity used for street lights, the sum of Seventeen Thousand ($17,000.00) Dollars and that said sum and the income from sales of electricity to private consumers and for elec- tricity supplied to municipal buildings, and for municipal power, and from sales of appliances and jobbing during the current fiscal year be appropriated for the Municipal Light Plant, and that the sum of Twelve Thousand ($12,000.00) Dollars be appropriated from the said receipts of the department for the sale, installation and servicing of merchandise, equipment, utensils, and chattels, as provided in Sec- tion 34 of Chapter 164 of the General Laws ,said appropriations to be expended by the Manager of the Municipal Lighting Plant 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 General Laws, or any amend- ments thereof or additions thereto, and that if said sum of $17,000.00 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 and General Equipment as of December 31st of the preceding year plus 10% of the net profit for the preceding year as defined in Chapter 164 of the General 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 Joshua T. Day, Jr., it was voted that the sum of Twenty-five Thousand ($25,000.00) Dollars be appropriated by transferring 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.
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Article 4. On motion of Preston F. Nichols, it was voted that the sum of Sixty Thousand One Hundred Fifty ($60,150.00) Dollars be raised and appropriated for INTEREST, not including Water, Light and Sewer.
Article 4. On motion of Preston F. Nichols, it was voted that the following sum in the amount of $145,837.08 Dollars be raised and appropriated for MATURING DEBT, not including Light and Water.
On motion of Kenneth C. Latham, it was voted to place Art. 4 on table.
Article 5. On motion of Preston F. Nichols, it was voted that the Town Treasurer be and hereby is authorized with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1954, 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 accordance with Sections 4 and 17 of Chapter 44 of 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 Sections 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.
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