USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1961 > Part 3
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It was agreed by the Committee that a review of the Fire Facilities in the Northern Area be made by the New England Fire Insurance Rating Association. As a matter of information, this organization is delegated the authority for promulgating Fire Insurance rates through- out New England. In addition the Association also maintains an Engineering Staff in their Municipal Department for determining the Grade and Efficiency of Town and City Fire Fighting Facilities.
With the approval of the Selectmen the Committee requested the review and specifically asked the following question:
"What effect would an additional Fire Station have on the Grading of the Town."
This grading would determine if there would be any basis to a change in the Fire Insurance Rates. In a letter of reply dated September 12, 1960, the New England Fire Insurance Rating Ausociation reported the following:
ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by Stanford C. Cam- eron, Jr., for the commitee:
Mr. Lawrence Drew, Chairman
Board of Selectmen
Reading, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Drew:
We have completed our investigation in regard to an additional Fire Station in the Town of Reading. We find that at the present time there is no need for an additional Station in this area. If such a Station were constructed no additional credit would be allowed in our present grading of the Town of Reading.
We did note, however, that there is considerable growth in the Northern Section of Reading and we understand that one or more schools are to be constructed in this area in the not too distant future. We feel it would be advisable for the Town to set aside some land for a future Station should the growth continue.
We understand that there has been some consideration given to the conversion of the former pumping station on Mill Street. We would not consider this a satisfactory location.
Very truly yours,
Percy C. Charnock, Manager
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The association saw fit to comment on two additional factors which also have a bearing on this report.
The Committee also met with Fire Chief James E. Perry to discuss the necessity of additional facilities and to get his opinion and recom- mendation of the Committee.
With the cooperation of Chief Perry and Dep. Chief Pratt various test runs were made to sections in the Northern Area. The purpose of these tests were to determine if the various areas in the Northern Sec- tion of Town were within a satisfactory scope of present fire protection facilities with a view to both distance and time. Additional tests were made to other areas of the town for comparative purposes.
The Committee after discussion and with due consideration makes the following observations:
1. It would appear that a Fire Station in the Northern Area is not practical at this time. It is the view of the Committee that an addi- tional station would not improve the Fire Protection Facilities based on the present population to an extent that would warrant expense to the Town.
2. It would appear that the access difficulties to the area of the former pumping station would make this site inadequate for either con- version or new facilities.
The committee, therefore, does not recommend a new Fire Station at this time. It does recommend that consideration be given to obtaining a site of land in the Northern Area to be held for a future Fire Station when growth conditions warrant its construction.
The Committee further recommends that a "Site Committee" should be appointed and that this Committee should work in conjunction with the Planning Board and the Master Plan for the Town of Reading.
Respectfully submitted,
STANFORD C. CAMERON, JR., Chairman EARL HOBART, Secretary JOHN CROOKER ROBERT U. CHANONHOUSE
On motion of Lawrence Drew it was voted that report be accepted and placed on file.
ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by John B. Harker, Chairman, Capital Expenditures Planning Committee:
SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CAPITAL EXPENDITURES PLANNING COMMITTEE
The Capital Expenditures Finance Committee was originally organ- ized in 1944 to look into the future and make recommendations concern- ing the financing of major expenditures with which the Town was faced. It was to work in conjunction with the Finance Committee and in con- sultation and cooperation with the other major Boards. The findings
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were expected to be of real value to the Finance Committee in arriving at their recommendations each year. During these past seventeen years the committee has attempted to fulfill the expectations of the town by determining through inquiring of the Boards what they plan in the way of capital expenditures and scheduling to best advantage these fore- seeable needs. At times this has meant recommending that money be set aside in anticipation of major items; it has also meant that desirable items have been delayed to avoid an undue impact on the tax rate. On the other hand, our long range projections have not always included items that suddenly became necessities while others that we carefully scheduled for four or five years in advance have not materialized in the year for which they were planned. In spite of these difficulties, the Town has avoided serious fluctuations in the tax rate and has achieved those objectives regarded as desirable by the majority of the Town Meeting members. Therefore, there is real merit - which we are sure you recog- nize - in planning ahead to meet your future needs and desires as op- posed to operating on a year to year basis.
The Capital Expenditures Finance Committee is not prepared this year with the formal report we have regularly provided in the past. This is due to a combination of circumstances that resulted in the committee getting re-organized only a few weeks ago after the resignation of the previous chairman last summer. We were unable to follow our normal routine of questioning each Board as to their long-range capital expend- iture plans and prepare a projection based on this. We have, however, reviewed the programs that were predicted last year as they apply to the next four years and we believe that they will stand as presented with the exception of the Library which would appear to be set back a year.
For your guidance and information this year we have prepared a condensed report of actual capital expenditures from 1957 through 1960, the recommended items in 1961, and projected items through 1965. This report is attached, and we are sure a careful study of it will be helpful in your deliberations this year. We would like to call your attention particularly to the computation of the rate of taxation for capital ex- penditures including payments of bond principal and interest (other than for Water and Light Depts.). While capital expenditures have not been completely stable, they have maintained an average level rather than constantly growing, and judicious use of the Stabilization Fund and Surplus Revenue have helped materially in keeping the overall tax rate from wide fluctuation.
It is the recommendation of this committee that capital expenditures which the Town might find desirable now or in the future be considered in relation to those already scheduled and that the appropriation for them be programmed in such a way that the tax rate for capital items be maintained on a relatively stable basis.
JOHN B. HARKER, Chairman JAMES J. SULLIVAN, JR. (P)
JOHN H. CROOKER (P) ROBERT P. SUMBERG (F)
PAUL C. NICHOLAS (F) (VACANCY)
CHARLES F. SMITH
(P) Planning Board Member; (F) Finance Committee Member; Others appointed by Selectmen.
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On motion of Lawrence Drew it was voted that report be accepted as a report of progress.
On motion of Lawrence Drew it was voted to place Article 2 on the table.
ARTICLE 3. On motion of Lawrence Drew it was voted that the following persons 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 persons be chosen to serve as Measurers of Wood and Bark for the ensuing year:
Harold B. Currell
Maurice H. Donegan
Thomas E. Brogan
ARTICLE 3. On motion of Carl H. Amon, Jr. it was voted that there be and hereby is appointed a Special Committee to be known as the "Town Meeting Study Committee" for the purpose of studying the time for holding the annual town meeting, said Committee to consist of three citizens of the Town appointed by the Moderator, and said Committee to file a written report with the Town Clerk not later than November 1, 1961.
ARTICLE 3. On motion of Earl W. Hobart it was voted that the Selectmen appoint a committee to be known as the "Fire Facilities Site Committee for the Northern Area"; that the committee consist of five members; that one member be appointed from each precinct and one member at large. That the committee shall inquire into the availability of land suitable for a Fire Station in the Northern Area and report back to a Town Meeting not later than the annual meeting in March of 1962.
On motion of Lawrence Drew it was voted to place Article 3 on the table.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Lawrence Drew it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Twelve Thousand Seven Hundred Eight-four and 30/100 Dollars ($112,784.30) be raised and appropriated for General Gov- ernment as follows, each item being considered as a separate appropri- ation:
Selectmen's Clerical $ 2,200.00
Selectmen's Expense
3,000.00
Town Accountant's Salary
6,100.00
Town Accountant's Clerical
956.80
Town Accountant's Expense (including travel outside the
State, not to exceed Two Hundred Dollars)
600.00
Treasurer's Salary
4,000.00
Treasurer's Clerical
1,925.00
Treasurer's Expense
1,675.00
Collector's Salary (All fees collected to be paid to the Town
Treasurer)
6,125.00
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Collector's Clerical
Collector's Expense
9,476.50 3,000.00
Assessors' Salaries
Chairman
$
2,925.00
Secretary
1,600.00
Third Member
1,200.00
Total
$ 5,725.00
Assessors' Clerical
9,620.00
Assessors' Expense (including travel outside the state, not
to exceed Two Hundred Dollars)
3,510.00
Town Counsel's Salary
5,000.00
Town Counsel's Expense
3,000.00
Town Clerk's Salary (All fees collected to be paid to the Town Treasurer)
2,800.00
Town Clerk's Clerical
4,025.00
Town Clerk's Expense (including travel outside the state, not to exceed Three Hundred Dollars)
1,170.00
Registrars' Salaries
500.00
Registrars' Expense
3,600.00
Election and Registration Expense
4,000.00
Board of Appeals Expense
600.00
Planning Board Expense
500.00
Capital Expenditures Planning Committee Expense 250.00
100.00
Personnel Board Expense
50.00
Municipal Building Janitor
3,900.00
Buildings Maintenance
17,286.00
Depot Maintenance
2,500.00
Superintendent of Buildings Salary, of which the sum of Four Thousand Four Hundred and Twenty Dollars ($4,420.00) shall be transferred from the Community Center Building Maintenance Account and appropriated for Superintendent of Buildings Salary, and the Town Accountant be and he hereby is authorized and in- structed to transfer said sum to carry out the purpose of this vote
5,590.00
$ 112,784.30
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Lawrence Drew it was voted that the sum of Four Hundred Eighty-nine Thousand Two Hundred Ten and 84/100 Dollars ($489,210.84) be raised and appropriated for Protection of Persons and Property as follows, each item being considered as a separate appropriation:
Police Department Salaries $ 158,850.00
Police Department Pensions 11,030.24
Police Department Maintenance (including travel outside state not to exceed $200.00) 13,690.00
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Finance Committee Expense
Police Station Janitor's Salary
1,440.00
Fire Department Salaries
182,987.00
Fire Department Callmen Salaries
6,200.00
Fire Department Pensions
11,619.00
Fire Department Maintenance (including travel outside state not to exceed $200.00)
11,500.00
Fire Alarm Maintenance Salaries
4,000.00
Fire Alarm Maintenance Exp.
1,665.00
Fire Alarm Extension Salaries
1,000.00
Fire Alarm Extension Expense
3,300.00
Tree and Moth Department Salaries
33.689.60
Tree and Moth Department Expense
5,550.00
Hydrant Rental
20,520.00
Drinking Fountains
100.00
Inspector of Buildings Salary
4,500.00
Inspector of Buildings Exp.
640.00
Inspector of Wires Salary
1,000.00
Inspector of Wires Expense
400.00
Sealer of Weights and Measures Salary
1,000.00
Sealer of Weights and Measures Exp.
250.00
Dog Officer's Salary
375.00
Dog Officer's Expense
400.00
Game Warden's Salary
105.00
Traffic Control, Schools
11,400.00
Conservation Commission
2,000.00
$ 489,210.84
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Charles R. Baisley it was voted that the sum of Thirty-two Thousand Six Hundred Fifty Dollars ($32,650.00) be raised and appropriated for Health and Sanitation as follows, each item being considered as a separate appropriation:
Board of Health Salaries
$ 2,850.00
Board of Health Expense
700.00
Health Agent's Salary
900.00
Premature Babies
500.00
Care of Contagious Diseases
3,000.00
Garbage Collection
18,000.00
Dental Clinic
4,200.00
Inspector of Animals Salary
400.00
Inspector of Milk and Food Salary
350.00
Inspector of Milk and Food Exp.
50.00
Inspector of Plumbing Salary
1,700.00
$ 32,650.00
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Daniel L. Chamberlain it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Sixty-one Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars ($161,900.00) be raised and appropriated for Charities and Aid as follows,
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each item being considered as a separate appropriation:
Public Assistance Administration $ 11,400.00
Public Assistance Aid
150,500.00
$ 161,900.00
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Ronald A. Winslow it was voted that the sum of Thirty Thousand Four Hundred Nineteen and 20/100 Dollars ($30,419.20) be raised and appropriated for the Veterans' Benefits as fol- lows, each item being considered as a separate appropriation:
Administrative Salaries $ 2,529.20
750.00
Administrative Expense
1,140.00
Pension Aid
26,000.00
$ 30,419.20
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Newell H. Morton it was voted that the sum of One Million Four Hundred Thirty-Five Thousand Thirty-four and 54/100 Dollars ($1,435,034.54) be raised and appropriated for the School Department as follows, each item being considered as a separate ap- propriation.
General Salaries
$1,213,200.78
Transportation
34.540.00
General Maintenance
169,334.56
Athletics
8,659.20
Vocational Tuition
5,000.00
Adult Education
4,300.00
$1,435,034.54
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Robert E. Stewart it was voted that the sum of Fifty-eight Thousand Three Hundred Twelve and 44/100 ($58,312.44) be raised and appropriated for the Public Library, each item being considered as a separate appropriation:
Salaries
$ 37,087.44
Maintenance
21,225.00
$ 58,312.44
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Donald E. Florence it was voted that the sum of Six Hundred and Ninety-three Thousand, Three Hundred and Ninety and Sixteen one Hundredths ($693,390.16) Dollars be raised and appropriated for the Board of Public Works as follows, each item being considered as a separate appropriation:
Salaries for Administration $ 14,370.00
Expenses for Administration
6,500.00
Public Works Pensions 5,880.16
Salaries for Engineering Division 35,100.00
Expenses for Engineering Division
1,900.00
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Salaries for Construction and Maintenance of Highways .... Expenses for Repairs, Construction and Maintenance of Highways, setting curbs, purchase or otherwise acquir- ing land for sand and gravel purposes, purchase of ma- terials, tools and equipment and other incidental ex- penses pertaining thereto
76,000.00
49,000.00
Salaries for Removal of Snow and Ice
48,000.00
Expenses for Removal of Snow and Ice
44,000.00
Salaries for Maintenance and Operation of the Sewer System
11,600.00
Expenses for Maintenance and Operation of the Sewer Sys- tem and Payment of Interest on Sewer Bonds, including travel outside the state
8,640.00
Salaries for Connecting Estates with the Common Sewer
19,500.00
Expenses for Connecting Estates with the Common Sewer
13,000.00
Salaries for Maintenance of Storm Drains
12,300.00
Expenses for Maintenance of Storm Drains
3,500.00
Drainage Construction
35,000.00
Salaries for Maintenance of Sidewalks
5,000.00
Expenses for Maintenance of Sidewalks
3,000.00
Salaries for Construction of Sidewalks
6,500.00
Expenses for Construction of Sidewalks
6,000.00
Salaries for Maintenance of Dump
14,500.00
Expenses for Maintenance of Dump, including the purchase of a brush chipper
11,900.00
Salaries for Maintenance of Park Department and Commons and Supervised Play
19,400.00
Expenses for Maintenance of Park Department and Com- mons and Supervised Play
10,800.00
Salaries for Maintenance and Operation of Water Works
82,000.00
Expenses for Maintenance and Operation of Water Works including travel outside the State 58,000.00
Salaries for Construction of Water Works
12,000.00
Expenses for Construction of Water Works
26,000.00
Expenses for the payment of Water Bonds and Interest
54,000.00
Total
$ 693,390.16
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Winfred F. Spurr it was voted that there be included in the tax levy, for electricity used for street lights, the sum of Twenty-six Thousand ($26,000) 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 appliances and jobbing during the current fiscal year be appro- priated for the Municipal Light Plant and that the sum of Twelve Thousand ($12,000) 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 Section 34 of Chapter 164 of the General Laws, said appropriations to be expended by the Man-
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ager of the Municipal Lighting Plant under the direction and control of the Municipal Light Board, for the expense of the Plant, including payment 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 amendments thereof or addi- tions thereto and that if said sum of Twenty-six Thousand ($26,000) Dol- lars 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 Gen- eral 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 Ernest E. Brown it was voted that the sum of Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) be raised and appro- priated for the maintenance, care and development of Laurel Hill Ceme- tery and Forest Glen Cemetery as follows, each item being considered as a separate appropriation:
Salaries $22,500.00 Maintenance (including travel outside the State, not
to exceed Two Hundred Dollars (200.00) 2,500.00
$25,000.00
ARTICLE 4. On motion of William H. Willson, Jr. it was voted that the sum of Seven Thousand Six Hundred Seventy-five Dollars ($7,675.00) for Salaries, and the sum of Two Thousand Six Hundred Seventy-five Dollars ($2,675.00) for expense, a total of Ten Thousand Three Hundred Fifty Dollars ($10,350.00) be raised and appropriated for the purpose of conducting and promoting recreation, play, sports, physical education and other social, educational and recreational activities upon such land and in such buildings as defined in Section 14 of the Chapter 45 of the General Laws, with authority to exercise all powers conferred therein including the purchase of necessary equipment and the employment of teachers, supervisors and other officers and employees and the fixing of their compensation, and said sum to be expended under the direction of the Recreation Committee.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Donald C. Mitchell it was voted that the sum of Sixty-eight Thousand Five Hundred and Twenty-seven Dollars be raised and appropriated for the Contributory Retirement System, to be divided as follows:
Pension Accumulation Fund
$65,827.00
Expense Fund
2,617.50 82.50
Military Service Fund
$68,527.00
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ARTICLE 4. On motion of Lawrence Drew it was voted that the sum of Fifty-five Thousand Dollars ($55,000.00) be raised and appropri- ated for all insurance except Group Insurance of Town Employees.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Ronald A. Winslow it was voted that the sum of Two Thousand Six Hundred Fifty-two Dollars (2,652.00) be raised and appropriated for Memorial Day Observance, to be expended under the direction of Post 62 American Legion and Post 685 Veterans of For- eign Wars.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Lawrence Drew it was voted that the sum of Two Thousand Dollars (2,000.00) be raised and appropriated for the settlement of damage claims against the Town.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Ralph J. Bens, Jr., it was voted that the sum of Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) be raised and appropriated for the care and lighting of the Old South Clock.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Ronald A. Winslow it was voted that the sum of Two Thousand Three Hundred Dollars (2,300.00) be raised and appropriated for printing the Town Report for the year 1960.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Ralph J. Bens, Jr., it was voted that the sum of One Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($1,200.00) be raised and appropriated for the preparation and printing of the Street List for the year 1961, said sum to be expended under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Lawrence Drew it was voted that the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) be raised and appropriated for the maintenance of the parking areas.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Ronald A. Winslow 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 Lawrence Drew it was voted that the sum of Five Thousand Twenty-three Dollars and 45/100 ($5,023.45) be transferred from the Insurance Dividend Reserve for Appropriation Ac- count and the sum of Ten Thousand One Hundred Fifty-eight and 09/100 ($10,158.09) be transferred from the Blue Cross Refund Reserve for Ap- propriation Account and the sum of Twenty-two Thousand Five Hun- dred Eighteen and 46/100 Dollars ($22,518.46) be raised and appropri- ated from the tax levy, and that said sums aggregating Thirty-seven Thousand Seven Hundred Dollars ($37,700.00) be appropriated for group life insurance, group accidental death and dismemberment insurance and group general or blanket hospital, surgical and medical insurance for Town employees, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 32B of the General Laws, and that said sum be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, and that the Town Accountant be, and he hereby is, authorized and instructed to transfer said sums to car- ry out the purpose of this vote.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of George R. Larson it was voted that the sum of Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) be appropriated by
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transferring said sum from the Overlay Surplus Reserve Fund to the Reserve Fund, and that the Town Accountant be and he hereby is au- thorized and instructed to transfer said sum to carry out the purpose of this vote.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Preston F. Nichols it was voted that the sum of Two Hundred Seventy-nine Thousand Three Hundred Thirty- eight and 31/100 Dollars ($279,338.31) be raised and appropriated for Maturing Debt, not including light and water, as follows:
Sewer
School
$20,000.00 259,338.31
$279,338.31
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Preston F. Nichols it was voted that the sum of Ninety-eight Thousand Five Hundred Thirty-one and 25/100 Dollars ($98,531.25) be raised and appropriated for interest, not includ- ing water, light and sewer, as follows:
School
Anticipation of Revenue
$93,531.25 5,000.00
$98,531.25
ARTICLE 5. On motion of Preston F. Nichols it was voted that the Town Treasurer be, and he hereby is, authorized to borrow money from time to time, with the approval of the Selectmen, in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1962, 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, Chapter 44, General Laws
ARTICLE 6. On motion of Preston F. Nichols it was voted that the sum of Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) 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 the sum of Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.00) be transferred from Surplus Revenue and appropriated for the maintenance of various streets pre- viously constructed under Chapter 90 of the General Laws; that the fur- ther sum of Twenty-six Thousand One Hundred Dollars ($26,100.00) be transferred from Surplus Revenue and appropriated for the construction under Chapter 90 of the General Laws of a portion of Lowell Street from Route 93 to Woburn Street and Salem Street from Lowell Street to Route 128, provided, however, that such sums received as reimbursement from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the County of Middlesex shall be credited to Surplus Revenue and that the Town Accountant be, and he hereby is, authorized and instructed to transfer said sums to carry out the purpose of this vote.
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