USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1963 > Part 3
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The following methods of financing the construction of such a pool were considered:
a. Direct Taxation
b. Bond Issue
c. Outside sources (e.g. Foundations, Trust Funds, etc.)
d. Private Subscriptions
e. State and Federal Aid
f. Utilization of present available funds with some possible as- sistance from the town, if necessary.
Considering Direct Taxation, it was felt that with the decisions confronting the town on the construction of at least one new school and new library addition that undertaking such a project from this source at this time was not feasible.
This thought was also applied to a possible Bond Issue.
The Committee investigated many Foundations and Trust Funds which we felt might possibly be willing to donate funds for such a cause, however it was unanimous that they would not contribute to a municipality. One such group did suggest that they might be willing to donate some equipment to the pool once it had been built.
At two of the regular meetings conducted by the Committee repre- sentatives from Service Organizations within the Town were invited to attend. The purpose of inviting these Organizations was to determine if they would be willing to assist in an all-out drive to solicit funds for such a project. The first of these meetings was held in July 1962 at which time the various organization representatives in attendance wished to discuss the proposed project with their respective organiza-
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tions. The next such meeting was held in late October to allow all or- ganizations to commence their Fall meetings and have an opportunity to properly consider such a program. This meeting was very poorly at- tended, with the organizations in attendance leaving the impression that they were not interested in a program of this magnitude. Without the full cooperation of all such organizations, such a venture would be fruitless.
Members of the Committee visited both State and Federal Officials and found that neither would assist in such a program.
Taking a look at the presently available funds, which consist of:
a. Grant fund $48,015.19 6,672.03
b. Salvage fund
Total $54,687.22
(The Salvage Fund is under the jurisdiction of the Selectmen and must receive their concurrence before it can be used for this purpose.)
It is, therefore, the recommendation of this Committee that the Recreation Committee, or such other Committee as may be designated by the Town, be authorized and proceed immediately with plans for the construction of a pool with the present available funds, that such a pool be so constructed that it may be enclosed at a later time if the town so desires. It is further recommended that the Committee so desig- nated return at the next Special Town Meeting with its plans in an effort to proceed with the construction of the pool for the year 1963, if the Town Meeting so votes.
If the pool is constructed, it is again recommended that it be oper- ated under the jurisdiction of the Town of Reading Recreation Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
Lawrence Drew, Chairman William P. Reed, Secretary
Donald F. Ellingwood
Theodore M. Nigro Richmond W. Woodward
On motion of Ralph J. Bens, Jr., it was voted that report be accepted and placed on file.
ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by Robert A. Curtis for the committee:
Progress Report of the Building Code Study Committee
The Building Code Study Committee has completed its deliberations. A rough draft of a complete revision to the Building Code has been prepared.
The Committee recommends that it continue its work. The Committe proposes to:
1. Edit the rough draft.
2. Hold at least one public hearing to discuss it with interested parties, and
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3. Present the recommended revision of the Building Code to a Special Town Meeting in the near future.
John H. Fullerton, Chairman Howard T. Clinch Royal C. Jaques
On motion of Ralph J. Bens, Jr. it was voted that report be accepted as report of progress.
ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by A. Lloyd David for the committee:
Progress Report, Reading Mass Transportation Study Committee March 1963
The Reading Mass Transportation Study Committee has continued to keep itself informed with respect to developments in the mass transportation field.
The State Mass Transportation Commission, with the use of Federal and State funds, has undertaken a study of the net effect of reduced fares and increased train service on the Boston & Maine Railroad. At this point it would appear that unless Federal and-or State subsidiza- tion continues the days of commuter B. & M. service to Reading are limited. In its stead electrified M.T.A. service is the only existing alter- native.
In this connection every study of mass transportation needs of Greater Boston has concluded that the extension of M.T.A. service to the suburbs, including the Reading area, is the ideal solution. Electrified M.T.A. service will call for some form of subsidy, either Federal, State or local
Our conclusions at this point are that if the citizens of Reading and other communities affected are to accept M.T.A. services with local subsidy, they should insist upon proper representation and voice in the affairs of the M.T.A.
Respectfully submitted,
Reading Mass. Transportation Study Committee Earle O. Latham, Chairman
On motion of Ralph J. Bens, Jr., it was voted that report be ac- cepted as a report of progress.
ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by A. Waldo Phinney, Chairman, for the committee:
Report of the STUDY COMMITTEE voted into existence by the Town Meeting March 19, 1962, under Article 3 and appointed according to instructions by the Board of Selectmen and notified April 10, 1962, said committee consisting of Elisabeth A. Dagdigian, Edward F. Hurley, Jr., Robert E. Stewart, Lawrence Drew and A. Waldo Phinney, now chairman.
The committee prepared questionnaires which were mailed to all the heads of departments in the Town of Reading and has received reports, of a kind, from all of them . .. or promises.
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Since the preparing of the questionnaires and the gathering of the harvest of answers, some of them not particularly fruitful, is time consuming and a necessarily slow process, and since it is obvious that the determining of the needs for space for all these departments in the next three to fifteen years is a complex and intricate problem involving estimates, "guesstimates" and the human element of uncer- tainty ... we the committee are keenly aware of the proportions of the problem and the careful consideration it should be given before we can present to this assembly some of the answers it seeks.
If intelligent study is continued we feel that a logical and sensible long range plan can be evolved to meet the needs of all the Town of Reading's many departments.
For the Committee
A. Waldo Phinney, Chairman
On motion of Ralph J. Bens, Jr., it was voted that report be accepted as a report of progress.
ARTICLE 2. On motion of Paul C. Nicholas, Chairman of the Fi- nance Committee, it was voted that the Report of the Finance Com- mittee under Article 4, General Government, page 8, be amended by striking out the amount for Finance Committee Expense, $100.00, and inserting in place thereof $300.00. That the total recommended for Gen- eral Government, therefore, be amended by striking out the amount of $114,412.64 and inserting in place thereof $114,612.64.
That the Report of the Finance Committee under Article 4, Public Works, page 10, be amended by striking out the amount for Snow and Ice Removal Salaries, $46,000.00, and inserting in place thereof $50,000.00. That the total recommended for Public Works, therefore, be amended by striking out the amount of $1,172,477.48 and inserting in place thereof $1,176,477.48.
That the Report of the Finance Committee under Article 51, page 15, be amended by striking out "No Action" and inserting in place thereof "Recommend $200.00." That the total recommended for Protection of Persons and Property, therefore, be amended by striking out the amount of $595,935.54 and inserting in place thereof $596,135.54.
That the Report of the Finance Committee under Article 4, Unclassi- fied, page 11, be amended by striking out the amount for Printing Town Report, $2,300.00, and inserting in place thereof $2,448.40. That the total recommended for Unclassified, therefore, be amended by striking out the amount of $238,216.26 and inserting in place thereof $238,364.66.
On motion of Ralph J. Bens, Jr., it was voted that report be accepted as read.
On motion of Ralph J. Bens, Jr., it was voted to place Article 2 on the table.
ARTICLE 3. On motion of Ralph J. Bens ,Jr., 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
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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
ARTICLE 3. On motion of William H. Willson, Jr., as amended by Robert N. Chanonhouse, it was voted that the Recreation Committee be, and it hereby is, constituted as a Swimming Pool Building Committee and that it be, and it hereby is, authorized, empowered and instructed to make recommendations for the construction and location of an out- door swimming pool, but so constructed and so situated as to be adapt- able as an indoor pool, within available funds, including a study of operating cost thereto, and to report back with plans and recommen- dations at any Town Meeting, but not later than the Annual Town Meeting of 1964.
ARTICLE 3. On motion of Carl H. Amon, Jr., as amended by Robert E. Stewart, it was voted that the Study Committee appointed by the Board of Selectmen to consider the needs and requirements of the Town Offices, pursuant to the vote of the Town Meeting under Article 3 at the Annual Town Meeting held March 19, 1962, be and they hereby are instructed to study, consider and investigate all matters relating to the following:
1. The continued ownership of the Community Center Building by the Town.
2. The demolition of the Community Center Building.
3. The use of the land now occupied by the Community Center Building and the acquisition by the Town of land adjacent to the Community Center Building.
4. The size and location of the Library building or buildings and any addition to the present Library building.
5. The size and location of the Municipal Building and any addi- tion to the present Municipal Building.
6. The acquisition of any land for Library and Municipal Building purposes.
That two additional members be appointed to the Study Committee by the Board of Selectmen, one member to be Carl H. Amon, Jr., and to report to the next Annual Town Meeting or at any time prior thereto.
ARTICLE 3. Edgar L. Frost moved that a Special Committee of three Town Meeting Members be appointed by the Moderator for the purpose of studying the need to increase the number of Selectmen from three to five.
Said Committee shall be known as the Selectmen Membership Study Committee, and said Committee shall be required to file a written report with the Town Clerk not later than October 15, 1963, to be read at the first Special or Annual Town Meeting thereafter.
This motion was lost.
ARTICLE 3. On motion of William W. Bishop it was voted that the Moderator and the four Town Meeting Precinct Chairmen be in- structed to investigate the actions which will be necessary for this meeting to change and increase the membership of the Representative
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Town Meeting of the Town of Reading from the present membership of 180 elected members to a new and increased number of Representa- tive Town Meeting Members which this meeting may find to be de- sirable; and that the Moderator and the four Precinct Chairmen report their findings to this meeting at the next Special Town Meeting when- ever it may be convened.
On motion of Ralph J. Bens, Jr., it was voted to place Article 3 on the table.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Ralph J. Bens, Jr., it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Twenty-five Thousand Five Hundred Seventy-two and 64-100 Dollars ($125,572.64) be raised and appropriated for Gen- eral Government as follows, each item being considered as a separate appropriation:
Selectmen's Clerical
$ 2,900.00
Selectmen's Expense
2,500.00
Town Accountant's Salary
7,053.00
Town Accountant's Clerical
1,252.00
Town Accountant's Expense (Including travel outside the state, not to exceed Two Hundred Dollars)
600.00
Treasurer's Salary
4,225.00
Treasurer's Clerical
1,900.00
Treasurer's Expense
1,835.00
Collector's Salary (All fees collected to be paid to the Town Treasurer)
6,200.00
Collector's Clerical
10,824.82
Collector's Expense
3,600.00
Assessors' Salaries
Chairman
$ 3,000.00
Secretary
1,600.00
Third Member
1,200.00
5,800.00
Assessors' Clerical
10,951.82
Assessors' Expense (Including travel outside the state, not to exceed Two Hundred Dollars)
3,000.00
Town Counsel's Salary
6,500.00
Town Counsel's Expense
3,000.00
Town Clerk's Salary (All fees collected to be paid to the Town Treasurer)
3,250.00
Town Clerk's Clerical
4,650.00
Town Clerk's Expense (Including travel outside the state, not to exceed Three Hundred Dollars)
1,350.00
Registrars' Salaries
4,070.00
Registrars' Expense
75.00
Election & Registration Expense
3,000.00
Board of Appeals Expense
600.00
Planning Board Expense
350.00
Capital Expenditures Planning Committee Expense
50.00
Finance Committee Expense
300.00
Personnel Board Expense
50.00
Municipal Building Janitor
4,412.20
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Buildings Maintenance
14,930.00
Community Center Building Fund
$ 9,000.00
Depot Repairs and Maintenance 660.00
Industrial Commission Expense
500.00
Superintendent of Buildings Salary, of which the sum of Four Thousand Four Hundred Twenty Dollars ($4,420.00) shall be transfered 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 6,383.00
Total
$125,772.64
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Ralph J. Bens, Jr., it was voted that the sum of Five Hundred Sixty-five Thousand One Hundred Eighty-five and 54-100 Dollars ($565,185.54) be raised and appropriated for Protec- tion of Persons and Property as follows, each item being considered as a separate appropriation:
Police Dept. Salaries
$196,659.00
Police Dept. Pensions
9,059.96
Police Dept. Maintenance (Including travel outside State not to exceed Two Hundred Dollars)
17,200.00
Police Station Janitor's Salary
1,860.00
Fire Dept. Salaries
220,325.00
Fire Dept. Callmen Salaries
4,000.00
Fire Dept. Pensions
11,618.88
Fire Dept. Maintenance (Including travel outside State not to exceed Two Hundred Dollars)
10,050.00
Fire Alarm Maintenance Salaries
4,000.00
Fire Alarm Maintenance Expense
1,265.00
Fire Alarm Extension Salaries
500.00
Fire Alarm Extension Expense
2,500.00
Tree & Moth Dept. Salaries
37,785.20
Tree & Moth Dept. Expense
5,810.00
Hydrant Rental
21,480.00
Drinking Fountains
100.00
Inspector of Buildings Salary
4,500.00
Inspector of Buildings Expense
850.00
Inspector of Wires Salary
1,127.50
Inspector of Wires Expense
500.00
Gas Inspector's Salary
625.00
Gas Inspector's Expense
250.00
Sealer Weights & Meas. Salary
1,000.00
Sealer Weights & Meas. Expense
350.00
Dog Officer's Salary
375.00
Dog Officer's Expense
400.00
Game Warden's Salary
105.00
Traffic Control - Schools
10,890.00
Total
$565,185.54
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ARTICLE 4. On motion of Ralph J. Bens, Jr., it was voted that the sum of Fifty-five Thousand Two Hundred Seventy-four and 08-100 Dol- lars ($55,274.08) be raised and appropriated for Veterans' Benefits as follows, each item being considered as a separate appropriation: Administrative Salaries
$ 3,334.08
Administrative Expense
800.00
Pension
1,140.00
Aid
50,000.00
Total
$ 55,274.08
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Charles R. Baisley it was voted that the sum of Forty-eight Thousand Four Hundred Thirty-one and 30/100 Dollars ($48,431.30) be raised and appropriated for Health and Sanita- tion as follows, each item being considered as a separate appropriation: Board of Health Salaries
Board of Health Expense
$ 3,531.30 700.00
Health Agent's Salary
2,000.00
Premature Babies
1,500.00
Care of Contagious Diseases
5,000.00
Garbage Collection
29,400.00
Dental Clinic
4,200.00
Inspector of Animals Salary
400.00
Inspector of Plumbing Salary
1,700.00
Total
$ 48,431.30
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Ralph J. Bens, Jr., it was voted that the sum of Forty-eight Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety-nine and 19-100 Dollars ($48,899.19) be raised and appropriated for all insurance except Group Insurance of Town Employees.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Robert A. Curtis it was voted that the sum of Two Thousand Four Hundred Forty-eight and 40-100 Dollars ($2,448.40) be raised and appropriated for printing the Town Report for the year 1962.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Robert A. Curtis it was voted that the sum of One Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($1,600.00) be raised and appropriated for the preparation and printing of the Street List for the year 1963, 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 Robert A. Curtis it was voted that the sum of Five Thousand Four Hundred Thirty and 22-100 Dollars ($5,430.22) be transferred from the Life Insurance Dividend Reserve for Appropriation Account and the sum of One Thousand One Hundred Seventy-four and 75-100 Dollars ($1,174.75) be transferred from the Municipal Light Department Operating and Maintenance Account and
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that the sum of Thirty-one Thousand Three Hundred Ninety-five and 03-100 Dollars ($31,395.03) be raised from the tax levy and that said sums aggregating Thirty-eight Thousand Dollars ($38,000.00) be appro- priated for group life insurance, group accidental death and dismem- berment insurance and group general or blanket hospital, surgical and medical insurance for Town employees, in accordance with the pro- visions of Chapter 32B of the General Laws, and that said sum be ex- pended 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 carry out the purpose of this vote.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of C. Dewey Smith 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 C. Dewey Smith it was voted that the sum of Two Thousand Seven Hundred Forty-eight Dollars ($2,748.00) be raised and appropriated for Memorial Day Observance, to be expend- ed under the direction of Post 62 American Legion and Post 685 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of C. Dewey Smith it was voted that the sum of Three Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($3,500.00) be raised and appropriated for the settlement of damage claims against the Town.
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Daniel L. Chamberlain it was voted that the sum of One Hundred Forty-three Thousand Six Hundred Ten Dollars ($143,610.00) be raised and appropriated for Charities and Aid as follows, each item being considered as a separate appropriation: Public Assistance Administration $ 13,610.00
Public Assistance Aid 130,000.00
Total
$143,610.00
ARTICLE 4. On motion of Donald C. Mitchell it was voted that the sum of Thirty-three Thousand Seven Hundred Thirty-eight and 72-100 Dollars ($33,738.72) be transferred from the Municipal Light Department Operating and Maintenance Account, and that the Town Accountant be and hereby is authorized, empowered and instructed to make such transfer to carry out the purpose of this vote, and that the sum of Sixty-three Thousand Three Hundred Twenty and 35-100 Dollars ($63,320.35) be raised from the tax levy and that said sums aggregating Ninety-seven Thousand Fifty-nine and 07-100 Dollars ($97,059.07) be appropriated for the Contributory Retirement System, to be divided as follows:
Pension Accumulation Fund
$ 92,769.00
Expense Fund 4,000.00
Military Service Fund 290.07
$ 97,059.07
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ARTICLE 4. On motion of Henry M. Paynter it was voted that the sum of One Million Seven Hundred Ninety-nine Thousand Five Hun- dred Seven Dollars ($1,799,507.00) be raised and appropriated for the School Department as follows, each item being considered as a separate appropriation:
General Salaries
$1,516,251.00
Transportation
35,704.00
General Maintenance
204,643.00
Athletics
14,729.00
Vocational Tuition
8,300.00
Pension
3,380.00
Adult Education
4,000.00
Summer School
9,000.00
Driver Education
3,500.00
$1,799,507.00
On motion of Ralph J. Bens, Jr., it was voted that the meeting stand adjourned until March 21, 1963, at 8:00 P.M., to meet in the Memorial High School Auditorium.
Meeting adjourned at 10:50 P.M.
159 Town Meeting Members were present.
A true copy. Attest:
Boyd H. Stewart, Town Clerk
ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Memorial High School Auditorium
March 21, 1963
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Kenneth C. Latham, at 8:00 P.M.
The invocation was given by Kenneth C. Latham
On motion of Ralph J. Bens, Jr. it was voted to place Article 4 on the table.
The following Resolution was read by Newell H. Morton:
Resolution
Whereas Bill Russell has been one of the great personalities in the World of Sports.
Whereas he has been an outstanding professional basketball player and a mainstay in the many World's Championships won by the Bos- ton Celtics.
Whereas his fine teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship has been an inspiration to all and especially to the youth of this area.
Whereas he has been a citizen of Reading these many years.
Be it resolved that this Annual Town Meeting of March 1963 decree that a day be designated as Bill Russell Day, and that the Selectmen be instructed to designate such date by appropriate recognition and ce- remonies.
On motion of Ralph J. Bens, Jr., it was voted to take Article 2 from the table.
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ARTICLE 2. The following report was read by Thomas F. Galvin for the committee:
Report of the Glen Meadow Elementary School Building Committee
The Glen Meadow Elementary School Building Committee opened bids on the General Contract for the Alice M. Barrows Elementary School on Wednesday, March 20, 1963. The low bid amounted to $787,000.00 which is $43,000.00 above our estimate. We have a contingency account of $30,000.00 which when used still leaves this item short $13,000.00
The Committee will be taking bids at a later date on School and Cafeteria equipment which we feel will not exceed our estimate of $62,000.00 and may produce some savings, but leaving no contingency for the unforseen items which are unavoidable.
The Committee feels that, if we are fortunate in the construction progress and the Equipment bids are favorable we may nearly break even, but if many unforseen items arise, and with our contingency fund gone, we may, at a future date, have to request the Town Meeting for an additional $20,000.00 to $25,000.00 to properly complete and equip the School.
Glen Meadow Elementary School Building Committee
John H. Austin, Chairman
Kenneth P. Roberts, Secretary
William E. Burpee Stanford C. Cameron, Jr.
Thomas F. Galvin
Fred C. Kenney, Jr. Robert S. Toperzer
On motion of Ralph J. Bens, Jr., it was voted that report be accepted as a report of progress.
On motion of Ralph J. Bens, Jr., it was voted to place Article 2 on the table.
On motion of Ralph J. Bens, Jr., it was voted to take Article 4 from the table.
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-seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($27,500.00) 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 appropriated for the Municipal Light Plant and that the sum of Twelve Thousand Dollars ($12,000.00) 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 payment of Bonds and Notes, the sale, installation and servicing of merchandise, equipment, utensils and chattels, as de- fined in Chapter 164, Section 57 of the General Laws, or any amend-
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ments thereof or additions thereto and that if said sum of Twenty-seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($27,500.00) and said income shall ex- ceed said expense for said fiscal year, such excess up to the amount of two and one-half per cent of the primary cost of Plant and General Equipment as of December 31st of the preceding year plus 10 per cent 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.
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