USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1962 > Part 3
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Although our study began long before publication of the Master Plan, we are pleased that our general target area is in accordance with the Plan.
One of the Committee's most difficult problems has been the lack of available land surveys in the area under consideration. Land boundary descriptions tend to be sketchy, and in many cases, in the quaint vernacular of 200 years ago.
Representatives of our Committee currently are in the discussion stage with two land owners. It is hoped within the next year that your Committee will have a suitable site to recommend for your consideration.
CHARLES W. CHISHOLM, Chairman STANLEY ROBINSON, Secretary
EDWARD BATTEN H. LEE DONLEY DONALD E. FLORENCE
WENDELL H. PACKARD
WILLARD F. PERKINS
On motion of Ronald A. Winslow it was voted that the report be accepted as a report of progress.
ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by Ralph J. Bens, Jr., Chairman, for the committee:
Report of Progress - Reading Industrial Committee
THE READING INDUSTRIAL COMMITTEE was officially organized as per the instruction of the October 19, 1961, Special Town Meeting, by the Board of Selectmen in January of 1962. Since that time the Committee has held four meetings.
THE PURPOSE OF THE READING INDUSTRIAL COMMITTEE: To assist in the development of present and the establishment of new industrial and commercial enterprises, for the purpose of broadening the tax base, consistent with the residential character of the Town.
PROPOSED ACTIVITY PROGRAM OF THE COMMITTEE FOR 1962:
1. Survey and inventory exisiting land, terrain, locations and number of parcels.
2. Survey existing facilities (utilities, roads, etc.)
3. Survey existing industry-review with same, present and past programs and problems relating to the Town.
4. Present the Town with these statistics in brochure form.
5. Work with brokers in order to promote industrial advantages.
6. Review zoning ordinances to determine if they will attract stable, desirable industry.
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At the present time the Committee is working on phase 1, 2, and 3, of the program for 1962. Once we have completed these stages and have a complete inventory of existing land, facilities, etc., we will present these statistics to the Town.
It is our intent to work closely with all town boards that are con- cerned with Reading's industrial future, and we are certain that much can be accomplished along these lines in the very near future.
The Committee voted against the sale of a 5.5 acre tract of town owned land to Grossmans on the grounds that "a development of this type (a building supply depot) would tend to devaluate the nearby land available for future industrial development." The parcel of land in question is located on John Street. We also "feel that the real estate in- come from taxes to be realized from this type of business does not have as high a potential as does that of industry." Our recommendations were forwarded to the Board of Selectmen. The Board of Selectmen re- fused the sale.
At present we are considering two other offers for the same tract. Of course our capacity in matters such as this is strictly advisory in nature.
Respectfully submitted, RALPH J. BENS, Jr., Chairman
On motion of Ronald A. Winslow it was voted that the report be accepted as a report of progress.
ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by Ronald A. Winslow for the committee:
Progress Report of the Building Code Study Committee
The Building Code Study Committee has held sixteen meetings dur- ing the past year and has made substantial progress in drafting rec- ommended changes to the Town Building Code.
The committee proposes to continue its work.
JOHN H. FULLERTON, Chairman HOWARD T. CLINCH
On motion of Ralph J. Bens, Jr., it was voted that the report be accepted as a report of progress.
On motion of Ronald A. Winslow it was voted to place Article 2 on the table.
ARTICLE 3. On motion of Ronald A. Winslow 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 Leon D. Elliott
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ARTICLE 3. On motion of Ronald A. Winslow it was voted that a Study Committee be established to consider the needs and requirements of the Town Offices, that the Committee be composed of five (5) mem- bers appointed by the Board of Selectmen, such Committee to report back its findings to a subsequent Town Meeting.
On motion of Ronald A. Winslow it was voted to place Article 3 on the table.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Ronald A. Winslow it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Fourteen Thousand Eight Hundred Thirty- nine and 66/100 ($114,839.66) be raised and appropriated for General Government as follows, each item being considered as a separate ap- propriation:
Selectmen's Clerical
$ 2,480.00
Selectmen's Expense
2,500.00
Town Accountant's Salary
6,657.30
Town Accountant's Clerical
1,150.00
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
1,575.00
Collector's Salary (All fees collected to be paid to the Town Treasurer)
6,200.00
Collector's Clerical
10,216.00
Collector's Expense
3,600.00
Assessor's Salaries
Chairman
$ 3,000.00
Secretary
1,600.00
Third Member
1,200.00
Totals
$
5,800.00
Assessor's Clerical
10,313.00
Assessor's Expense (Including travel outside the state, not
to exceed Two Hundred Dollars)
3,165.00
Town Counsel's Salary
6,125.00
Town Counsel's Expense
3,000.00
Town Clerk's Salary (All fees collected to be paid to the Town Treasurer)
3,025.00
Town Clerk's Clerical
4,515.00
Town Clerk's Expense (Including travel outside the state, not to exceed Three Hundred Dollars)
1,220.00
Registrars' Salaries
500.00
Registrars' Expense
3,600.00
Election and Registration Expense
6,500.00
Board of Appeals Expense
600.00
Planning Board Expense
500.00
Capital Expenditures Planning Committee Expense
250.00
Finance Committee Expense
100.00
Personnel Board Expense
50.00
Municipal Building Janitor
4,182.36
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Buildings Maintenance
Depot Maintenance
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
6,071.00
Total
$114,839.66
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Ronald A. Winslow it was voted that the sum of Five Hundred Thirty-two Thousand Six Hundred Ninety- eight and 84/100 Dollars ($532,698.84) be raised and appropriated for Protection of Persons and Property as follows, each item being con- sidered as a separate appropriation:
Police Dept. Salaries
$179,427.00
Police Dept. Pensions
11,030.24
Police Dept Maintenance (Including travel outside State not to exceed $200.00)
15,350.00
Police Station Janitor's Salary
1,620.00
Fire Dept. Salaries
197,899.00
Fire Dept. Callmen Salaries
6,200.00
Fire Dept. Pensions
11,619.00
Fire Dept. Maintenance (Including travel outside State not to exceed $200.00)
15,850.00
Fire Alarm Maintenance Salaries
4,000.00
Fire Alarm Maintenance Expense
1,665.00
Fire Alarm Extension Salaries
1,000.00
Fire Alarm Extension Expense
3,300.00
Tree & Moth Dept. Salaries
36,468.60
Tree & Moth Dept. Expense
5,550.00
Hydrant Rental
21,000.00
Drinking Fountains
100.00
Inspector of Buildings Salary
4,500.00
Inspector of Buildings Expense
850.00
Inspector of Wires Salary
1,000.00
Inspector of Wires Expense
400.00
Gas Inspector's Salary
250.00
Gas Inspector's Expense
100.00
Sealer of Weights and Measures Salary
1,000.00
Sealer of Weights and Measures Expense
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
Total
$532,708.84
13,220.00 1,200.00
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ARTICLE 4. On motion of Charles R. Baisley it was voted that the sum of Thirty-four Thousand Dollars ($34,000.00) be raised and appropriated for Health and Sanitation as follows, each item being considered as a separate appropriation:
Board of Health Salaries
Board of Health Expense
$ 2,975.00 700.00
Health Agent's Salary
1,125.00
Premature Babies
1,500.00
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 Expense
50.00
Inspector of Plumbing Salary
1,700.00
Total
$ 34,000.00
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Daniel L. Chamberlain it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Sixty-one Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($161,200.00) be raised and appropriated for Charities and Aid as follows, each item being considered as a separate appropriation: Public Assistance Administration $ 16,400.00
Public Assistance Aid
144,800.00
Total
$161,200.00
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Ronald A. Winslow it was voted that the sum of Fifty-five Thousand and Five Dollars ($55,005.00) be raised and appropriated for the Veterans' Benefits as follows, each item being considered as a separate appropriation:
Administrative Salaries
$ 3,115.00
Administrative Expense
750.00
Pension
1,140.00
Aid
$ 50,000.00
Total
$ 55,005.00
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Henry M. Paynter, as amended by George R Larson, it was voted that the sum of One Million Six Hundred Twelve Thousand Four Hundred Sixty-six and 46/100 Dollars ($1,612,- 466.46) be raised and appropriated for the School Department as fol- lows, each item being considered as a separate appropriation:
General Salaries $1,365,722.42
Transportation
30,140.00
General Maintenance
179,583.04
Athletics
14,826.00
Vocational Tuition
5,000.00
Summer School
9,400.00
Adult Education
4,300.00
Driver Education
3,495.00
$1,612,466.46
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ARTICLE 4. On motion of Robert E. Stewart it was voted that the sum of Sixty-nine Thousand Forty-two and 69/100 Dollars ($69,042.69) be raised and appropriated for the Public Library, each item being considered as a separate appropriation:
Salaries Maintenance
$ 43,168.29 25.874.40
Total
$ 69,042.69
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Sydney M. Hodson, Jr., it was voted that the sum of Seven Hundred and Eighty Three Thousand, Five Hun- dred and Seven and Sixty Six Hundredths (783,507.66) Dollars be raised and appropriated for the Board of Public Works as follows, each item being considered as a separate appropriation:
Salaries for Administration $ 16,630.00
Expenses for Administration
3,000.00
Public Works Pensions
5,880.16
Salaries for Engineering Division
36,600.00
Expenses for Engineering Division
1,900.00
Salaries for Construction and Maintenance of Highways
89,000.00
Expenses for Repairs, Construction and Maintenance of Highways, setting curbs, purchase or otherwise acquir- ing land for sand and gravel purposes, purchase of materials, tools and equipment and other incidental expenses pertaining thereto
50,000.00
Salaries for Removal of Snow and Ice
47,000.00
Expenses for Removal of Snow and Ice
37,000.00
Salaries for Maintenance and Operation of the Sewer System
15,400.00
Expenses for Maintenance and Operation of the Sewer System and Payment of Interest on Sewer Bonds, in- cluding travel outside the State
13,260.00
Salaries for Connecting Estates with the Common Sewer
22,000.00
Expenses for Connecting Estates with the Common Sewer
12,000.00
Salaries for Maintenance of Storm Drains
19,400.00
Expenses for Maintenance of Storm Drains
4,000.00
Drainage Construction 38,000.00
Salaries for Maintenance of Sidewalks
8,000.00
Expenses for Maintenance of Sidewalks
4,500.00
Salaries for Construction of Sidewalks
8,700.00
Expenses for Construction of Sidewalks
6,000.00
Salaries for Maintenance of Dump
21,500.00
Expenses for Maintenance of Dump
14,500.00
Salaries for Maintenance of Park Department and Com- mons and Supervised Play 22,700.00
Expense for Maintenance of Park Department and Com- mons and Supervised Play
10,400.00
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Salaries for Maintenance and Operation of Water Works of which amount the sum of Thirty Three Thousand ($33,000.00) Dollars shall be transferred from Water Available Surplus and appropriated to Salaries for Main- tenance and Operation of Water Works 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
89,000.00
Expenses for Maintenance and Operation of Water Works including travel outside the State
60,000.00
Salaries for Construction of Water Works 13,000.00
Expenses for Construction of Water Works 25,000.00
Expenses for the payment of Water Bonds and Interest
85,997.50
Salaries for the Maintenance of Parking Areas
1,440.00
Expenses for the Maintenance of Parking Areas Physical Examinations
1,300.00
400.00
Total
$783,507.66
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Edouard N. Dube it was voted that the sum of Twenty-six Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($26,200.00) be raised and appropriated for the maintenance, care and development of Laurel Hill Cemetery and Forest Glen Cemetery as follows, each item being considered as a separate appropriation:
Salaries $ 23,700.00
Maintenance (Including travel outside the state, not to ex-
ceed Two Hundred Dollars) 2,500.00
Total
$ 26,200.00
ARTICLE 4. On motion of William H. Willson, Jr., it was voted that the sum of Eight Thousand One Hundred Twenty-four Dollars ($8,124.00) for Salaries, and the sum of Two Thousand Three Hundred Seventy-five Dollars ($2,375.00) for expense, a total of Ten Thousand Four Hundred Ninety-nine Dollars ($10,499.00) be raised and appropri- ated 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 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 em- ployees and the fixing of their compensation, and said sum to be ex- pended under the direction of the Recreation Committee.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Ronald A. Winslow it was voted that the sum of Forty Thousand Five Hundred Ninety Three Dollars and 67/100 ($40,593.67) be raised and appropriated for all insurance except Group Insurance of Town Employees.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Ralph J. Bens, Jr., it was voted that the sum of Two Thousand Six Hundred Eight-four and 25/100 Dollars ($2,684.25) 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.
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ARTICLE 4 On motion of Ralph J. Bens, Jr., 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 Robert A. Curtis it was voted that the sum of Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) be raised and appropri- ated for the care and lighting of the Old South Clock.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Robert A. Curtis 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 1961.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Robert A. Curtis it was voted that the sum of One Thousand Four Hundred Dollars ($1,400.00) be raised and appropriated for the preparation and printing of the Street List for the year 1962, said sum to be expended under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Robert A. Curtis 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 Preston F. Nichols it was voted that the sum of Two Hundred Eighty Thousand Dollars ($280,000.00) be raised and appropriated for Maturing Debt, not including light and water, as follows:
Sewer
School
$20,000.00 260,000.00
$280,000.00
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Preston F. Nichols it was voted that the sum of Ninety-one Thousand Seven Hundred Thirty-eight and 75-100 Dollars ($91,738.75) be raised and appropriated for interest, not includ- ing water, light and sewer, as follows:
School
$86,338.75
Anticipation of Revenue
5,400.00
$91,738.75
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 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.
On motion of Ronald A. Winslow it was voted to place Article 4 on the table.
On motion of Robert M. Graham it was voted to take Article 3 from the table.
ARTICLE 3. On motion of Robert M. Graham it was voted that there be and hereby is appointed a committee for the purpose of con- sidering the propriety of transferring funds from the Light Department's
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Surplus Account to take care of Contributory Retirement pensions, Blue Cross-Blue Shield and Life Insurance premiums for their employees, such committee to be appointed by the Moderator and to make a report at the adjourned town meeting on Monday, March 26, 1962, made up as follows:
One member from the Municipal Light Board
One member from the Contributory Retirement Board
One member from the Insurance Committee
One member from the Finance Committee
And one member at large, the Town Counsel to serve as a member ex-officio.
On motion of Robert M. Graham it was voted to place Article 3 on the table.
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, 1963, 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 Seven Hundred Dollars ($700.00) 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 previ- ously constructed under Chapter 90 of the General Laws; that the fur- ther sum of Twenty-seven Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars ($27,900.00) be transferred from Surplus Revenue and appropriated for the construc- tion under Chapter 90 of the General Laws of a portion of John Street from Route 128 to Village 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 Middle- sex 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.
ARTICLE 8. On motion of Ralph J. Bens, Jr., it was voted that the Board of Selectmen be, and they hereby are authorized to sell or ex- change, upon such terms and conditions as they may determine, the 1961 Chevrolet Police Cruising Car, and that the sum of One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00), together with the proceeds from said sale or exchange, be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purchase of a new automobile for the Police Department.
ARTICLE 9. On motion of Ralph J. Bens, Jr., it was voted that the Board of Selectmen be, and they hereby are, authorized to sell or ex- change upon such terms and conditions as they may determine, the
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1961 Chevrolet Police Cruising Car, and that the sum of One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00), together with the proceeds from said sale or exchange, be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the purchase of a new automobile for the Police Department.
ARTICLE 10. On motion of Ronald A. Winslow it was voted that the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) be raised and appropri- ated for the purchase of a one-ton truck with mechanical or hydraulic ladder for the Fire Department.
ARTICLE 11. On motion of Robert A. Curtis it was voted that the sum of One Thousand Three Hundred Five Dollars ($1,305.00) be raised and appropriated for the purchase of uniforms for members of the Fire Department.
ARTICLE 12. On motion of Robert A. Curtis it was voted that the sum of Two Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($2,250.00) be raised and appropriated for the purchase of uniforms for members of the Police Department.
ARTICLE 13. On motion of Ralph J. Bens, Jr., it was voted that the sum of One Thousand Three Hundred Dollars ($1,300.00) be raised and appropriated for the care of graves of any persons who have served in the Army, Navy, Air Force 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 9, Chapter 115, General Laws.
ARTICLE 14. On motion of Ronald A. Winslow it was voted that the sum of One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00) be raised and appropriated for the further development and maintenance of the Town Forest.
On motion of Ronald A. Winslow it was voted that the meeting stand adjourned until March 22, 1962, at 8:00 P.M., to meet in the Memorial High School Auditorium.
Meeting adjourned at 10:45 P.M.
166 Town Meeting Members were present.
A true copy. Attest
BOYD H. STEWART Town Clerk
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ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Memorial High School Auditorium
March 22, 1962
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Kenneth C. Latham, at 8:00 P.M.
The invocation was given by Rev. Herbert A. Jerauld.
On motion of Ronald A. Winslow it was voted to take Article 2 from the table.
ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by Winfred F. Spurr, Chairman, for the Committee:
Conclusions Following Meeting on March 21, 1962, to Consider Feasi- bility of the Reading Municipal Light Department Paying for Con- tributory Retirement, Blue Cross, Blue Shield and Life Insurance Pre- miums for Their Employees :-
This committee was appointed by the moderator of the Town Meet- ing to consider the propriety of the Reading Municipal Light Department paying from its operating income, the amount now raised from the tax levy for retirement pensions, Blue Cross, Blue Shield and Life Insurance premiums for the employees of the Reading Municipal Light Department.
The committee met at the Reading Municipal Light Department's offices at 25 Haven Street on March 21, 1962. The Municipal Light Board's study revealed that there would be no hardship on the Depart- ment to assume these payments, however, discussion revealed that there would be substantial mechanical difficulties in applying this for the year 1962. With the present accounting system, it has been the practice to accrue over the period of a year, the amount paid to the Town Trea- surer in lieu of taxes under the formula, on a monthly basis, and it would be the department's intention to use a similar method to accrue these payments for Contributory Retirement, Blue Cross, Blue Shield and Life Insurance for the year 1963. But should it be required that the de- partment pay as of the March Town Meeting 1962, they would be in the position of paying double for this year and would find themselves great- ly limited at a period when they are planning further development of the plant because of the new loads that are coming onto the lines at this time.
The Board realized last Fall that their earnings for the year would probably approach the 8% legitimate limit. At that time, the Reading Municipal Light Board gave considerable thought to some kind of rate reduction. In November, the Board realized it would be impractical to initiate a rate reduction for December, due to the bi-monthly billing practice that one-half of their customers had already been billed and the other half would be unable to participate at that time in any rate reduction. At the same time, the Board realized that a considerable amount of money was being planned for expenditure in 1962, including $200,000, for the Main Distribution Plant. Because of these considera- tions, the Board decided to wait until the auditors had completed their year-end audit before attempting to apply any rate change. After the
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Auditor's report was received, the Board studied various types of rate reductions and arrived at the decision that based on their present esti- mate, they could remain in a healthy position with approximately $75,000 a year less income.
After various studies were considered, it was decided to apply a rate reduction to the three major classes which would affect approxi- mately 14,000 customers.
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