USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1962 > Part 6
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221
168
154
168
711
Rocco J. Antonelli, 187 Central St., Somerville
58
53
25
27
163
Patrick J. Brennan, 312 Cambridge St., Cambridge
20
24
11
17
72
Edwin R. Breslin, 26 Hillsdale Rd., Medford
30
15
13
17
75
John J. Carpenter, 29 Linden St., Somerville
11
6
7
7
31
John C. Carr, 30 Burnside St., Medford
33
27
25
39
124
Franklin J. Cronin, 25 Seventh St., Medford
25
7
9
14
55
Frank M. DeFino, 28 Greenwood St., Lowell
7
2
1
8
18
Francis J. Kenney, 21 Roosevelt Towers, Cambridge
16
8
5
8
37
John Sarno, 52 Elm St., Somerville
8
3
5
8
24
Blanks
78
87
70
61
296
Totals
507
400
325
374
1606
BALLOT OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY
SENATOR IN CONGRESS Vote for one
George C. Lodge, 275 Hale St., Beverly ..
402
576
538
554
2070
Laurence Curtis, 44 Beacon St., Boston ..
287
371
426
412
1496
Blanks
12
10
17
19
58
Totals
701
957
981
985
3624
GOVERNOR Vote for one
John A. Volpe, 10 Everett Ave., Winchester
659
918
934
935
3446
Blanks
42
39
47
50
178
Totals
701
957
981
985
3624
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR Vote for one
Francis W. Perry, Temple St., Duxbury ....
649
902
919
912
3382
Blanks
52
55
62
73
242
Totals
701
957
981
985
3624
ATTORNEY GENERAL Vote for one
Edward W. Brooke, 26 Crawford St., Boston
419
549
561
611
2140
Elliot L. Richardson, 56 Sargent Cross- way, Brookline
261
388
403
359
1411
Blanks
21
20
17
15
73
Totals
701
957
981
985
3624
64
Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. 1
SECRETARY Vote for one
Harris A. Reynolds, 5 Rockridge Rd., Wellesley
631
889
906
906
3332
Blanks
70
68
75
79
292
Totals
701
957
981
985
3624
TREASURER Vote for one
Joseph B. Grossman, 86 Monroe Rd.,
Quincy
442
674
665
673
2454
Francis Andrew Walsh, 25 Ross St.
Medford
206
224
244
249
923
Blanks
53
59
72
63
247
Totals
701
957
981
985
3624
AUDITOR Vote for one
Philip M. Walsh, 19 Eleanor Rd., Springfield
614
863
882
883
3242
Blanks
87
94
99
102
382
Totals
701
957
981
985
3624
CONGRESSMAN Vote for one
F. Bradford Morse, 474 Beacon St., Lowell
643
886
905
910
3344
Blanks
58
71
76
75
280
Totals
701
957
981
985
3624
COUNCILLOR Vote for one
Samuel Adams, University Lane, Manchester
630
874
888
893
3285
Blanks
71
83
93
92
339
Totals
701
957
981
985
3624
SENATOR Vote for one
Philip A. Graham, 293 Bridge St., Hamilton
635
881
895
904
3315
Blanks
66
76
86
81
309
Totals
701
957
981
985
3624
REPRESENTATIVES IN GENERAL
COURT Vote for two
Frank D. Tanner, 24 Federal St., Reading
544
783
811
806
2944
Kenneth C. Latham, 55 Grand St.,
Reading
558
780
805
803
2946
William L. Smith, 51 Mill St., Reading
180
213
192
226
811
Blanks
120
138
154
135
547
Totals
1402
1914
1962
1970
7248
2
3
4 Totals
65
Prec. Prec. Prec. Prec. 1 2
4 Totals
DISTRICT ATTORNEY Vote for one William G. Andrew, 472 Cambridge St., Cambridge
548
745
754
768
2815
Arlyne F. Hassett, 21 Elmwood Ave., Watertown
86
123
125
132
466
Blanks
67
89
102
85
343
Totals
701
957
981
985
3624
COUNTY COMMISSIONER Vote for one
George C. Ayotte, 51 Martin St., Lowell ..
65
81
94
97
337
James J. Flanagan, 26 Colonial Ave., Waltham
48
65
45
48
206
Frederick Lowe, 40 Walton St., Lowell
183
209
269
232
893
Jesse A. Rogers, 65 Kensington Park, Arlington
297
409
368
414
1488
Blanks
108
193
205
194
700
Totals
701
957
981
985
3624
SHERIFF Vote for one
John F. Cahill, 24 Little Pond Rd., Belmont
607
839
857
869
3172
Blanks
94
118
124
116
452
Totals
701
957
981
985
3624
COUNTY COMMISSIONER Vote for one (To fill vacancy)
Alan I. Alford, 436 North Rd., Sudbury ....
108
145
132
131
516
William B. Bailey, 222 School St., Somerville
279
417
434
450
1580
James F. M. Cremin, 90 Fairview Ave., Belmont
79
62
86
82
309
Albert L. Daigle, 29 Essex St., Lowell Manuel S. Dias, 3 Chadbourne Rd., Lexington
103
133
125
132
493
Blanks
101
172
182
169
624
Totals
701
957
981
985
3624
COUNTY TREASURER Vote for one (To fill vacancy)
Weldon Hitchcock, 85 Hawthorne Rd., Waltham
239
277
273
301
1090
Frank D. Parker, Frost Rd., Tyngsborough
373
534
555
541
2003
Blanks
89
146
153
143
531
Totals
701
957
981
985
3624
22
21
102
31
28
3
66
The votes were declared in open Town Meeting, sealed in ballot envelopes and placed in the Town Building vault for safe keeping.
Voted to adjourn at 12:00 P.M., sine die, September 18, 1962. Attest:
BOYD H. STEWART, Town Clerk
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
Memorial High School
October 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. Bruno J. Visco.
The warrant was partially read by the Town Clerk, Boyd H. Stewart, when on motion of Ronald A. Winslow it was voted to dispense with further reading of the warrant except the Constable's Return which was then read by the Town Clerk.
ARTICLE 1. The following report was read by Robert E. Stewart, Chairman of the Board of Library Trustees:
Report of Progress of Library Building Committee
Since the last annual town meeting the Library Trustees have in- terviewed seven architects and have selected the firm of Maginnis & Walsh & Kennedy to provide preliminary drawings for the proposed new library addition. This is the same firm that did such an excellent job when the previous library addition was completed in 1950.
The architect has been instructed to follow the various recommen- dations of the Library Study Committee which was established at a special Town Meeting October 24, 1960, to retain as closely as possible the pleasing appearance and setting of the town buildings, to provide for a growth in population to 30,000 people, and to restrict the addition to land presently owned by the town.
We have been informed that more than twenty sketches were pre- pared before the architect was willing to submit four for consideration. In the opinion of the architect the only practical solution to expanding the existing building would be in a westerly direction to the rear. Be- cause the present building is so close to the boundaries of neighboring property, it is almost impossible to provide additional space of any consequence within the limits of presently-owned town land. The own- ers of the adjoining property have participated in an informal discus- sion and have indicated no desire to negotiate a sale.
Of the four sketches submitted by the architect two provided such little additional space that they would hardly warrant consideration. Other than meeting immediate needs, they have little else to offer. The third plan would provide a partial solution, but would undoubtedly require additional consideration within a very short period.
The Library Trustees and the architect are working toward a definite recommendation to be presented to the town at the next scheduled town meeting.
ROBERT E. STEWART, Chairman, Board of Trustees Reading Public Library
67
On motion of Charles R. Baisley it was voted that report be ac- cepted as a report of progress.
On motion of Ronald A. Winslow it was voted to place Article 1 on the table.
ARTICLE 2. On motion of Ralph J. Bens, Jr., it was voted that the Town accept Section 8A of Chapter 40 of the General Laws as most re- cently amended by the Acts of 1961, Chapter 291, an act having to do with a Development and Industrial Commission.
ARTICLE 3. On motion of Ronald A. Winslow it was voted that the sum of Five Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($5,500.00) be trans- ferred from Surplus Revenue and appropriated for maintenance and operation of the Community Center, and that the Town Accountant be, and he hereby is, authorized, empowered and instructed to make such transfer to carry out the purpose of this vote.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Ronald A. Winslow it was voted that the sum of Twelve Thousand Dollars ($12,000.00) be transferred from Tree and Moth Salaries Account, and that the sum of Six Hundred Thirty-three and 61/100 Dollars ($633.61) be transferred from Tree and Moth New Truck Account and that such sums totaling Twelve Thousand Six Hundred Thirty-three and 61/100 Dollars ($12,633.61) be appropria- ted for the Dutch Elm Account, and that the Town Accountant be, and he hereby is, authorized, empowered and instructed to make such transfers to carry out the purpose of this vote.
ARTICLE 5. On motion of Ronald A. Winslow it was voted that the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) be transferred from Surplus Revenue and appropriated for all insurance except Group Insurance of Town Employees, and that the Town Accountant be, and he hereby is, authorized, empowered and instructed to make such transfer to carry out the purpose of this vote.
ARTICLE 6. On motion of Ronald A. Winslow it was voted that the sum of Five Thousand Two Hundred Sixty and 00/100 Dollars ($5,260.00) be transferred from Blue Cross Dividend Reserve and appropriated for group life insurance. group accidental death and dismemberment in- surance 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 such sum to carry out the purpose of this vote.
ARTICLE 7. On motion of William F. Murphy it was voted that the General By-Laws of the Town, Article XVIII-A Salary and Wage Schedule, Section 7-Public Library, be amended by deleting therefrom Professional Assistants, Labor Grade 16 and inserting in place thereof Professional Assistants, Labor Grade 12.
ARTICLE 8. On motion of James S. Perry it was voted that the sum of Thirty Dollars ($30.00) be expended from the Conservation Fund as set up under General Laws Chapter 40 Section 5 Clause 51 as implement-
68
ed by General Laws Chapter 40 Section 8C as amended by the Acts of 1961 Chapter 258 for the purchase of a certain parcel of land in the so- called Town Forest Area and adjacent to property now owned by the Town as a Town Forest.
ARTICLE 9. On motion of Charles R. Baisley it was voted that the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) be transferred from the Premature Babies Account and appropriated for the Contagious Dis- eases Account, and that the Town Accountant be, and he hereby is, authorized, empowered and instructed to make such transfer to carry out the purpose of this vote.
ARTICLE 10. On motion of Henry M. Paynter it was voted that the sum of One Thousand One Hundred Five Dollars ($1,105.00) be transferred from the School Salaries Account and appropriated to the School Department Pension Account, and that the Town Accountant be, and he hereby is, authorized, empowered and instructed to make such transfer to carry out the purpose of this vote.
On motion of John H. Austin it was voted to take Article 1 from the table.
ARTICLE 1. The following report was read by John H. Austin for the Alice M. Barrows Elementary School Building Committee:
Report of the Building Committee For Proposed Alice M. Barrows Elementary School
The Elementary School Building Committee, established under Article 30 of the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting of 1962, submits herewith its report and recommendations for the construction of an elementary school on a site located at Edgemont Avenue and Stewart Road in the area now known as Glen Meadow Estates, on land pre- viously purchased by the Town for this purpose.
The need for the construction of a new elementary school was clearly established by the School Committee in its continuing study of increasing school population.
The School Committee, at the Annual Town Meeting, made the following recommendations:
1. Authorize money for the preparation of plans and surveys for the construction of an elementary school to open as soon as possible.
2. Establish a School Building Committee for the purpose of the construction of an elementary school.
Articles 30 and 31 of the Town Warrant for 1962, dealing with these recommendations, were submitted by the School Committee and so voted by the Town on motions as follows:
"Article 30. On motion of Edward W. Palmer, it was voted that there be and hereby is established a Special Building Committee to be known as 'The Glen Meadow Elementary School Building Committee' for the purpose of the construction of an elementary school upon land owned by the Town in the 'Glen Meadow' area and for the purpose of equipping said elementary school, said committee to consist of one
69
member of the School Committee, chosen by it; one member of the Board of Public Works, chosen by it; one member of the Finance Com- mittee, chosen by it; and four citizens of the Town to be appointed by the Moderator.
"Article 31. On motion of Edward W. Palmer, it was voted that the sum of Ten Thousand ($10,000.00) Dollars be transferred from Sur- plus Revenue and appropriated for consulting engineers, architectural services, preliminary plans and surveys for the construction of an elementary school, said sum to be expended under the direction of the Glen Meadow Elementary School Building Committee, and that the Town Accountant be and hereby is instructed to transfer said sum to carry out the purposes of this vote."
The Building Committee, as established by Article 30, included the following:
1. John H. Austin Appointed by the Moderator
Kenneth P. Roberts William W. Bishop William E. Burpee
2. Robert S. Toperzer Appointed by the School Committee
3. Fred C. Kenney, Jr. Appointed by the Board of Public Works 4. Thomas F. Galvin Appointed by the Finance Committee
The Building Committee held its first meeting on May 9, 1962, and for the purpose of organization elected Mr. John H. Austin, chairman, and Mr. Kenneth P. Roberts, secretary.
PRELIMINARY PLANNING
In the initial stages of the work the committee accomplished the following tasks:
1. Held the required "Building Needs Conference" at 88 Broad St., Boston, with the School Building Assistance Commission; received in- structions for procedure to meet State requirements of the construction project.
2. Divided committee into teams to visit and secure all necessary information relating to new schools in the Commonwealth in the pro- cess of construction or recently constructed.
3. Secured lists of school architects and invited a selected few to appear before the committee for interviews. A prepared set of guide questions was set up in preparation for these interviews.
4. Made a study of the school site to determine a possible location for a building on the selected site.
EDUCATIONAL SPECIFICATIONS
No school building committee can plan a new building intelligently without a considerable knowledge and understanding of the educational program. The committee must, therefore, work closely with the School Committee and the Superintendent of Schools in order to properly eval-
70
uate the educational specifications for the building. The specifications for the Alice M. Barrows Elementary School were prepared by the Super- intendent of Schools in consultation with the members of the staff of the schools and others qualified in the planning of economical and functional school buildings. After several preliminary drafts, the speci- fications were submitted to and approved by the Massachusetts School Assistance Commission and the School Committee.
There are now 73 available classrooms in our elementary school buildings. In September 1962, 78 classrooms were needed. The five rooms over capacity are now housed in the Junior High School and Senior High School buildings, and the cafeteria in the Joshua Eaton School
In September 1964 we shall need 82 elementary classrooms, and due to projected increases in enrollment it is estimated that when the school year 1966-67 arrives there will be a need of 87 elementary classrooms. On this basis the School Committee recommended construction of a building providing 14 classrooms and auxiliary rooms.
The educational specifications include auxiliary rooms similar in nature to those now available at the Birch Meadow and Joshua Eaton Schools. These include:
1. Cafetorium (combination of auditorium and cafeteria)
2. Playroom
3. Administration office space
4. Health room
5. Teachers' room
6. Small library and remedial work room
7. Storage space for various purposes
8. Toilet facilities
SELECTION OF ARCHITECT
The committee was unanimous in the opinion that one of their most important tasks was the selection of an architect. Representatives of architectural firms or architects in person appeared before the com- mittee in a series of interviews. Stenographic notes of the interviews were prepared for final evaluation and appraisal. Inquiries were made as to the quality of work and services rendered by the architect in question, as well as the degree of supervision offered by the architect while the building was under construction. After considerable delibera- tion, and through a process of screening and elimination, the commit- tee selected Mr. Clinton Foster Goodwin, of Haverhill, to prepare pre- liminary plans and specifications for the new school. The committee felt that Mr. Goodwin had a thorough knowledge of school building de- sign, economical construction methods, and efficient use of building materials; that he would work harmoniously with other people; that he was willing and able to follow educational specifications in design- ing a school; that his organization included the necessary trained per- sonnel to provide all the engineering services required in connection with the construction of the school; that on the basis of his work on the Birch Meadow and Highland Schools he would render excellent
71
service and design an economical structure that would utilize to the best advantage and topography of the selected site; and, finally, that he would supply the needed personal supervision to the work in the event that the Town authorized the construction of the building, since it was his policy to undertake only a selected group of contracts which his staff could adequately supervise and service. After working with the architect for a period of five months now, the members of the committee are confident that they made a wise selection in the appointment of Mr. Goodwin.
WORK OF THE COMMITTEE AND ARCHITECT
I. In the initial conferences with the architect, the committee set up the following items as guideposts to be considered in the prepara- tion of preliminary plans:
A. Design building to meet the prepared educational specifica- tions.
B. Every effort to be made to secure low cost construction in relation to design, materials of construction, etc.
C. Careful study be made of the site to determine:
1. Best design and location of building; i.e., utilization of site to best advantage, whether one-story, two-story, split-level design, cost being an important factor.
2. Amount of ledge and excavation necessary; adequate num- ber of borings, soundings and test pits be used to secure ac- curate data.
II. On June 20, 1962, the architect submitted the following report to the committee to accompany his preliminary sketches of the pro- posed school:
A. Description of the site
The site for the proposed school consists of a tract containing about 7.7 acres of land purchased by the Town for such use a few years ago. It is bounded on the east by Edgemont Avenue for a distance of 533 plus/minus; on the north by Stewart Road for a distance of 612' plus/minus; on the west by Shelby Road and private land 551' plus/ minus; and on the south by private lands 643' plus/minus.
The entire area slopes from the southeasterly corner toward the northwesterly corner in variable pitches, the difference in elevation between these two points being 54'.
The Town has already graded an area at the northwesterly corner for recreation purposes and a baseball diamond has already been cre- ated at this location. About 1.25 acres is now in use for this purpose.
B. Proposed Building Location
It is proposed to locate the building on the southeasterly corner of the parcel and at its highest elevation. The structure, together with access walks, driveways, turn-around, parking and play areas will oc- cupy about 2.64 acres, thus leaving 5.06 acres for other activities. The
72
southwesterly corner, consisting of 1.5 acres, is wooded and when properly thinned out and cleared of undergrowth, will provide an ex- cellent location for nature studies and additional space for play.
The building is so located as to provide excellent drainage from all sides and from borings taken, it would now appear that no ledge is present. It is possible, however, that some boulders may be encountered.
The site is particularly adaptable to the accommodation of a two- story building with access to the lower floor from existing natural grades, and to the first floor at its front entrance. By those who have viewed the site from its highest point, it is considered sightly with an excellent view of a considerable area to the northeast, north and north- west.
It is served with all necessary utilities, including water, sewers, drainage and electrical service. It is understood that gas lines will be run to the site if required.
C. Building Description
Due to the sloping site, the proposed building would be of two-story construction with 4 primary grade classrooms, cafetorium, playroom and utilities on the ground floor, and 10 classrooms, small library, remedial room and administration on the upper floor. Main entrance is directly to upper floor from Edgemont Avenue. Design of structure is such that all rooms on ground floor have direct access to lower section of site as well as by stairway from upper floor.
A low-pitched roof is proposed over the entire structure in keeping with the surrounding residential area.
The shape of the building has been largely dictated by the top- ography of the lot upon which it is to be set, and 49 borings have been taken over the entire area allocated for the building and any future ex- tensions, to determine soil conditions, presence of ledge and drainage requirements.
III. The committee, after making a very detailed study of several preliminary plans as submitted by the architect, accepted the general design but made numerous suggestions as to details of the plan. These suggestions were incorporated in a new series of sketches which were then submitted to the School Building Assistance Commission in Boston. The Commission studied the plans, arranged for a meeting with the Building Committee, requested that minor changes be incorporated in the plan, and then formally accepted and approved the project on Octo- ber 1, 1962, after the necessary forms were completed and filed by the Building Committee.
IV. Cost of the Building Project
Building, General Contract (including site development) $730,000
Architect's Fee 59,000
Equipment 61,000
Contingency Fund (including Clerk of Works, clerical, misc.) 40,000
Total Cost $890,000
The State will share in this cost to the extent of approximately 40 per cent.
73
V. From the very beginning of its work the committee has realized that it was necessary to proceed on a definite time schedule of operation if it was to meet the deadline of having a school building ready for occu- pancy at the earliest possible date. In the opinion of the architect, the detailed drawings could be started not later than the first of November 1962. Drawings and specifications would then be available for bids so that upon appropriation of construction funds, contracts could be let in time to start work on the building early in the spring of 1963.
At the Annual Town Meeting of 1962, $100,000 was voted into the Stablization Fund with the intent to use for future school construc- tion. State law provides matching funds for this stabilization money, if voted out for school construction in a subsequent calendar year.
Therefore, in the Town's best interest, the necessary funds for the school construction should not be voted until 1963. However, this Com- mittee feels irreplaceable valuable time will be lost unless working drawings can be started immediately. It is our recommendation to en- gage the architect to complete working drawings and specifications at this time, at an estimated cost of $40,000. Then, early in 1963, the com- mittee would plan to ask Town Meeting for an appropriation to complete the school.
These facts constitute the reasoning back of the request of the com- mittee that the whole matter be brought to the attention of the Town at a Special Town Meeting.
Alice M. Barrows Elementary School Building Committee
(Signed) John H. Austin Kenneth P. Roberts William E. Burpee Thomas F. Galvin Fred C. Kenney, Jr. Robert S. Toperzer
October 5, 1962
On motion of Ronald A. Winslow it was voted that report be ac- cepted as a report of progress.
ARTICLE 1. Ralph J. Bens, Jr., moved that the Board of Selectmen be and hereby is instructed to refrain from selling the town owned land located west of John Street comprising approximately 5.6 acres.
This motion was lost.
On motion of Ronald A. Winslow it was voted to place Article 1 on the table.
ARTICLE 11. On motion of John H. Austin it was voted that the sum of Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000.00) be transferred from Surplus Revenue and appropriated for the purpose of completing working draw- ings and specifications for a new elementary school building to be known as the Alice M. Barrows Elementary School on land owned by the Town and situated on Edgemont Avenue, and that the Glen Meadow Elementary School Building Committee be authorized, empowerd and instructed to enter into such contracts and agreements as may be nec- essary to proceed with the completion of such working drawings and
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