USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1937-1941 > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32
JACOB EDWARDS LIBRARY A17301146241
Philosofy
General works
Religion
Jacob Edwards
„Sociology
Philology
Library
Southbridge, Mass.
History
Literature
Class
Book
Fine arts
Natura science
Useful arts
A17301 146241
R 352 54
1937-1941
JACOB EDWARDS LIBRARY Sontf 1
ANNUAL REPORTS
-of the-
TOWN OFFICERS and FINANCIAL STATEMENT -of the-
TOWN OF SOUTHBRIDGE
MAS
YE OF THE COMMONWE
For Year Ending December 31 1937
SOUTHBRIDGE EVENING NEWS. INC. SOUTHBRIDGE, MASS.
BRIDGE
3
TOWN OFFICERS FOR 1937
TREASURER Norbert C. Benoit
CLERK Clare P. Boyer
SELECTMEN
David E. Hobson
Omer L. Perron
Napoleon J. Blanchard
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
Ovide Desrosiers
Term Expires 1938
Hermas Lippe
Term Expires 1939
Marie E. Lariviere
Term Expires 1940
Herbert H. Michon, Supervisor
BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
George H. Laughnane, Chairman Hermas Lippe, Clerk Marie Lariviere H. H. Michon, Supervisor
-
4
ASSESSORS
Philias X. Casavant Joseph T. Gervais Joseph Metras
Term Expires 1938
Term Expires 1939 Term Expires 1940
BOARD OF HEALTH
Herve L. Desmarais, D. D. S.
Term Expires 1938
Charles Simpson, M. D.
Term Expires 1939
Armand O. DeGrenier
Term Expires 1940
HIGHWAY SURVEYOR Aime Langevin
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
George B. Wells
Term Expires 1938
Pierre Lafortune
Term Expires 1938
George W. Dumas
Term Expires 1939
J. Arthur Genereux
Term Expires 1939
Hector Leclair
Term Expires 1940
Edmond A. Ryan
Term Expires 1940
TRUSTEES JACOB EDWARDS MEMORIAL LIBRARY For the Town
Henry Tetreault Robert Montague Seaver Rice Oswald J. Laliberte
Term Expires 1938 Term Expires 1938 Term Expires 1939
Term Expires 1939
For the Fund
Mrs. Hamilton K. Smith George B. Wells
Richard C. Paige
5
CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
Seaver M. Rice Wardwell M. Edwards Daniel T. Morrill
Term Expires 1938 Term Expires 1939 Term Expires 1940
CONSTABLES
Ulric Brault
Bernard E. Richard
Patrick Donnelly
TAX COLLECTOR Mederic Duhamel
PLANNING BOARD
Joseph V. Laughnane
Joseph S. Normandin
Ralph H. Lavers Oswald Laliberte
Tito DiFederico
SEWER COMMISSIONERS
Omer Perron Pierre Benoit George Lafleche
Term Expires 1938 Term Expires 1939 Term Expires 1940
PARK COMMISSIONERS
William C. Lunan, Deceased Edward L. Chapin Hector M. LeClair
George Silk
Term Expires 1938 Term Expires 1939 Term Expires 1940
6
TREE WARDEN Albert A. L'Ecuyer
-
COMMISSIONERS OF TRUST FUND
Allen H. Faxon
Term Expires 1938
Raymond Varin
Term Expires 1939
Ubald A. Lariviere
Term Expires 1940
APPOINTED OFFICERS
TOWN ACCOUNTANT Joseph E. Desrosier
TOWN COUNSEL Rosario S. Normandin
TOWN ENGINEER John G. Clarke
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS Fuller G. Austin, Resigned Channing H. Greene
CARE OF TOWN CLOCK Frederick J. Locke
7
GAME WARDEN Alfréd Lariviere
POUND KEEPER Joseph Payant
KEEPER OF LOCKUP
Ulric Brault Arthur Bouthiller, Assistant Arcade Grenier, Assistant
JANITOR OF TOWN BUILDING Oliver Proulx
ANIMAL INSPECTOR Hermenigile Lamothe
BUILDING INSPECTOR Emery A. Lavallee
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES G. Rudolphe Lariviere
INSPECTOR OF WIRES Emery A. Lavallee
8
REGISTRARS OF VOTERS
John J. O'Shaughnessy
Samuel D. Perry
Joseph L. Berthiaume
Office Expires 1938
Office Expires 1939
Office Expires 1940
Clare P. Boyer, Clerk
MOTH SUPERINTENDENT Albert A. L'Ecuyer
FIRE DEPARTMENT Joseph E. Ducheneau, Chief George W. Laughnane, Deputy Chief J. Willard Claflin, Assistant Deputy Chief, Deceased Henry Lavoie, Assistant Deputy Chief James C. Sangren, Superintendent of Fire Alarms
FIRE WARDEN Joseph E. Ducheneau
DEPUTIES
Edward Bellerose George W. Lavallee Henry Lavoie
Joseph Mandeville Arthur J. St. Laurent Frank J. Tick
FENCE VIEWERS
George Favreau Arthur A. Allard
9
MEASURERS OF WOOD AND BARK
Thomas Hughes George A. Alley Raymond Mckinstry
John J. Hogan Ralph Mckinstry Royce Fitzpatrick
FIELD DRIVERS
Alfred E. Lariviere Ulric Brault Ovila Martin
SPECIAL POLICE OFFICERS
Joseph F. Tremblay
Ronald Sheriff
Alfred Lafleche
Ernest McDonald
Oliver Proulx
Herve L'Homme
J. Henry Montigny John Nichols
Emil J. Martin
Arthur Lariviere
George W. Lavallee
Irving Mitchell
Raoul Meunier
Rodolphe L'Homme
Romeo LeBoeuf
UNIFORMED POLICE FORCE Ulric Brault, Chief
Joseph Paquin
Carl Corriveau
Ovila Martin
Arthur E. Lariviere
Arthur L. Murphy
Ernest J. Fierro
Patrick Donnelly
Albert Lamarine
Peter Graf Antonio Barbierri
Ernest J. Lavallee
Albert Desrosier
10
Joseph Morin John M. Beaudry
John Lango Arthur Bouthiller
Arcade Grenier-Substitute
Stanley E. Knowles-Substitute
Zenon Lamothe-Substitute Gregorio Materas Substitute
George H. Fitts-Substitute Sylvio Bachand-Substitute
SOLDIERS' BURIAL OFFICERS
Franklin C. Monroe Wm. P. Lacroix
Raymond Litchfield
PUBLIC WEIGHERS
George A. Alley
Ralph Mckinstry
Julian C. Gabree
Irene Hughes
Thomas Hughes
Basile J. Proulx, Jr.
Wardwell Edwards
Mafalda Comstock
Jacob Edwards
Elwin G. Patterson
Raymond Mckinstry
Royce Fitzpatrick
ATTENDANCE OFFICER Emery Lavallee
11
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Ira Mosher Ralph Robbins
Gedeon Gregoire Ronaldo Guilmette
Term Expires 1938 Term Expires 1938 Term Expires 1938 Term Expires 1938
James Colquhoun
Term Expires 1938
Frank H. Diorio
Term Expires 1939
Daniel P. Bernheim Emil J. Martin
Term Expires 1939
Term Expires 1939
Term Expires 1939
Term Expires 1939
Term Expires 1940 Term Expires 1940
Term Expires 1940
Term Expires 1940
Term Expires 1940
INSPECTOR OF PETROLEUM
G. Rudolphe Lariviere
DOG OFFICER
Arthur L. Bouthiller
Herbert F. Ryan Maurice Taylor Elmer Schumacher
John T. Kennedy
Myron B. Clemence Walter G. Buckley John J. Dragon, Sr.
12
JURY LIST FOR 1937-1938
Allard, Ernest G .- Clerk
Allard, Edmond-Painter
Agard, Charles-Specmaker Bachand, John B .- Specmaker
31 High 12 Cohasse 30 Cohasse
245 Mechanic
Belanger, Alpherie-Specmaker 15 Olney Ave.
Belanger, Hormasdas-Specmaker
Benoit, Levis H .- Diemaker
57 Fairlawn Ave. Lebanon Hill 27 Sayles
Benson, Arthur J .- Specmaker Bibeau, Rudolphe-Clerk
Boiteau, Antoine-Specmaker
Bonnette, Romeo E .- Painter Breault, Joseph-Specmaker Bouchard, Joseph-Laborer Bonin, Armand-Machinist Bouvier, Raymond-Farmer Brennan, Richard T .- Specmaker Busfield, Sugden-Retired Butler, Michael-Mechanic Cabana, Arthur-Specmaker Caron, Rudolphe-S. F. Co. Carpentier, William-Laborer Chapdelaine, Hector-Specmaker Chicoine, Peter-Specmaker Clemence, George H .- Foreman Coderre, Henry F .- Clerk Colquhon, Archie-Chauffeur Cormack, George-Agent Costa, George-Merchant Craig, Daniel-Specmaker
Curboy, John H .- Machinist
53 Worcester 71 Sayles 86 Coombs 162 Charlton 13 Eastford Rd. 207 Hamilton 467 South
21 Oakes Ave. Glover 31 River 181 Elm 232 Everett 288 Hamilton 197 Worcester 24 Henry Clemence Hill 49 Coombs 108 Hamilton 16 Oak Ridge Ave. 312 Main 421 Main
621/2 School
13
Curboy, Henry M .- Laborer
1038 Main
Dauphnais, Adelard-Cement Finisher
Davis, Stephen-Baker
199 Charlton 50 Sturbridge Rd.
Decker, Joseph F .- Specmaker
63 Central
Delmore, Nuncio-Specmaker
133 Morris
Desaulniers, Leo-Specmaker
Lebanon Hill
Dufault, Joseph-Specmaker
156 Worcester
Dulmaine, Walter-Chauffeur
88 Pine
Dumas, Armand-Clerk
46 Cohasse 44 South
Dupaul, Leon-Specmaker
Dupuis, George E .- Clerk
9 Off Worcester 148 Hamilton
Duclos, Adelard-Specmaker
Ethier, William-Retired
Fallon, Thomas-Retired
Farland, Ernest A .- Specmaker Fitts, George H .- Agent
Flood, Henry T .- Specmaker
Garceau, Fulgence-Painter
Garceau, Wilfred-Laborer
Gaumond, Armand-Truckman Gaumond, Edmund A .- Mechanic Gaumond, Eugel-Retired
711 Main 110 Mill 16 Gardner 30 Williams 206 Main
Genereux, Louis W .- Steamfitter
Giroux, Alfred O .- Blacksmith
Gladu, Charles H .- Agent
Graf, Peter-Specmaker Greely, Joseph-Driver Gregoire, Joseph F .- Clerk
Grenke, Louis-Specmaker
Grenier, William-Millhand
Guilmette, George O .- Specmaker
Hebert, Leo-Specmaker
Hefner, James E .- Specmaker
233 Marcy 91 Coombs Golf 38 South 22 Curtis 9 Rose 25 Chestnut 9 Henry 48 Fiske
103 Hartwell
Duffy, Joseph-Specmaker
52 Main 102 Mechanic 33 Canal
15 Chestnut 41 Chapin 300 Hamilton 107 South 14 Worcester
Geoffrion, Arthur-Specmaker
14
Hill, Emerson H .- Engineer Houde, John-Agent Julian, Edmund-Clerk
Kathan, Alden L .- Clerk Keyes, Archie-Salesman King, John-Watchman
Labelle, Louis J .- Clerk Lafleche, Albert R .- A. O. Co.
Lafleche, Edmond O .- Specmaker
Lafleche, George H .- Specmaker
Laliberte, Arthur F .- Foreman Laliberte, Oliver-Laborer Laperle, Arthur-A. O. Co.
Lariviere, Joseph E .- Janitor Lariviere, Ubald A .- S. F. Co. Lavallee, Adelard-Millhand
Lucier, Theodore E .- Agent Lamoureux, Napoleon-Specmaker Lamontagne, Henry-Polisher Lamontagne, Alfred-Millhand Lavallee, Napoleon-Specmaker Laverdiere, Alfred-Knifemaker Lataille, Frank-Specmaker Lataille, Joseph G .- Agent Lemire, Napoleon-Specmaker Lepage, Adelard-Patternmaker Leigh, Walter-Timekeeper Libera, Joseph-Millworker
422 South 23 Chapin 147 Charlton 376 Hamilton 116 Dresser 49 Chestnut 12 Crescent 13 Brochu 138 Mechanic 8 Twinehurst Pl. 80 Chestnut 67 River 88 Pine 38 Hamilton 168 Mechanic 75 Crystal Harrington 400 Main 9 Rose
532 Main 400 Main
41 Green Ave. 284 Mechanic 21 Marcy Charlton Rd. 122 Litchfield Ave. 65 Morris 9 Ballard Ct. 21 Harding Ct. 711 Main 593 Main
Lippe, Romeo-Diemaker
Lippe, Clement-Specmaker
Locke, Fred J .- Janitor Loiselle, Joseph A .- Agent Loranger, John-Lensmaker
63 Plimpton 74 Chestnut 24 School 50 Elm
Lynch, Charles A .- Specmaker
Maloney, Michael F .- Specmaker
Marchessault, John B .- Millhand
616 Main
15
Metras, Paul E .- Clerk Meunier, Roland-A. O. Co. Miller, Charles-Unemployed Mitchell, Irving R .- Specmaker
Monnette, Moise-Clerk Moore, Joseph G .- Laborer
Moriarty, Timothy J .- Millhand
269 Mechanic 50 Coombs 83 Coombs 47 Oliver 50 Coombs Lebanon Hill 150 Pleasant 276 Mechanic
Morand, Napoleon-Specmaker Nichols, Thomas Jr .- Specmaker 314 Hamilton Normandin, Sylvio J .- Specmaker Noyes, Gordon-Retired Olney, William-Reporter Patenaude, George-Millhand 314 Hamilton 15 Edwards 41 Charlton 12 Pine Poirier, Joseph S. A .- Millhand 45 Pleasant Poirier, Joseph H .- Painter 41 West Potter, George S .- Agent 42 Edwards Powers, Maurice-Mechanic Peloquin, Lionel J .- Specmaker 41 Wall 103 Charlton Peloquin, Aime-Chauffeur 67 Charlton Peloquin, Felix-Specmaker 29 Hamilton Peloquin, Philip-Painter 210 Everett Plimpton, Ellsworth-Clerk 215 Eastford Rd. 135 Marcy
Plouffe, George E .- Specmaker Polalowski, Joseph-Specmaker 141 No. Woodstock Rd. Pontbriand, Nester-Clerk
Pratt, Walter W .- Farmer Prendergast, James-Agent Proulx, Albert E .- A. O. Co. Proulx, Ovila-Millhand 125 Pleasant
12 Cohasse Morse Dist. 52 Pleasant 1038 Main
Proulx, Charles F .- Carpenter
81 Wall
Proulx, Anatole-Chauffeur
Proulx, Joseph D .- Clerk
257 Mechanic 18 Curtis 25 River
Rapineault, Romeo-Millworker
Renaud, Israel-A. O. Co. 175 Cliff
Santo, Dominic-Specmaker
138 Elm
Silk, George W .- Specmaker
723 Main
16
Shea, John T .- Clerk Small, Harold C .- Clerk St. George, Rayneault-A. O. Co. St. Germaine, John B .- Clerk St. Germaine, Joseph-Specmaker St. Martin, Arsene-A. O. Co. St. Martin, Joseph-A. O. Co. Talbot, Ernest-Unemployed Tallis, Patrick-Specmaker Tavernier, Victor-A. O. Co. Tetreault, Eugene-Timekeeper Tieri, Arthur-Clerk Toomey, John F .- Specmaker Trahan, Ovila-Carpenter
Tremblay, Albert-Chauffeur
Tremblay, Joseph-Specmaker
Tremblay, Isidore-Specmaker
Treal, Delor- Specmaker Trudeau, Blaise-Jitneyman
Tully, Andrew F .- Agent
Whitehead, Benjamin-Unemployed
Zui, Thomas C .- Specmaker
19 Clarke 64 Chestnut 112 Hamilton 56 Oliver 105 Sayles 95 North 79 Fairlawn Ave. Morton Ct. 18 Henry 38 Worcester 53 Fiske 34 Benefit 26 North 16 Clarke 231 Mechanic 222 Mechanic 236 Mechanic 28 Hamilton 35 Central 547 Main 125 High
46 Morris
17
REPORT OF SELECTMEN
To the Citizens of Southbridge :
We submit herewith our report of the activities of your Board of Selectmen for the year.
Immediately after the Board organized, a traffic survey committee was appointed to study traffic condi- tions. This committee lost no time in going to work and very soon after submitted a fine report to the Board. As a result of their study, Main St. was made a through way with the erection of stop signs at every intersection from Sandersdale to the Sturbridge line. Including these stop signs and warning signs, a total of sixty-seven were erect- ed. Red reflector signs were placed at sharp curves and two new electric flashers were placed at the corners of East Main and Mechanic Sts. and at the corners of Main and Elm Sts. Main St. parking spaces were kept painted, also cross walks and center lines at different curves. This work was done under the supervision of the Chief of Po- lice and we wish to thank him for his cooperation.
We attended many hearings held before the Board of Public Utilities and with the help of Mr. Normandin, the Town Counsel, we were able to secure a substantial reduction in the electric rate for the town.
Because of a study of street lighting made by the Chief of Police and Chief of the Fire Department, cer- tain changes were made including the moving of lights from one pole to another where better results would be obtained, changing the size of bulbs, and the installation of flood lights at the corner of Main and Hamilton Sts. to make this intersection safer for pedestrians. As a re- sult of this, we believe that the lighting of our streets is better and more adequate than ever before.
18
All projects voted on at the annual town meeting were carried out and all were completed well within the appropriation made for each project.
During the year, 2042 feet of concrete sidewalk were built by contract and 3,927 by W. P. A .- a total of 5,969 feet, this being much more than has been built in any previous year for a long time.
About the first of November, when it became appar- ent that there would be an increase in unemployment due to the recession in business, we immediately called a meeting with the Finance Committee, the Sewer Commis- sioners and the Board of Public Welfare to meet this situ- ation. As a result, several projects were started, all of which were very much needed, and jobs were furnished to a considerable number of citizens.
We have started the installation of a ventilation job in the Town Hall Auditorium which has been very much needed for years. When completed, this will produce a complete change of air in the hall every fifteen minutes. This job will be finished at a cost not exceeding $350.00.
We have requested the State and County for money to complete the North Woodstock Road, and have been assured that the money will be forthcoming.
We recommend the completion of the paving on West Main St. We also strongly recommend the paving of Mechanic St. This street has been torn up several times during the year and is in such condition that it should have first consideration.
We asked the Town Engineer to make a study of a long time program for the building of streets and other construction projects. He has submitted to us a plan that we think should have the serious consideration of every citizen of the town. It is a sound and practical report and we thank him for the very thorough manner in which he has covered this subject. We will publish this report else- where in the town report.
19
This has been a very busy year but the Board has worked harmoniously and we believe the town has bene. fited by the cooperative spirit that has existed among the members all through the year.
We wish to thank all other town officials and the Finance Committee for the cooperation and help they have given us during the year.
Respectfully submitted, DAVID E. HOBSON OMER L. PERRON NAPOLEON J. BLANCHARD
21
REPORT OF THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Hon. Board of Selectmen,
Southbridge, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I present an outline of a program of construction for the next six years in connection with the public services of the town, together with notes explaining briefly the ends in view and reasons therefor.
Owing to lack of time specific projects are not men- tioned in all cases beyond the first two years 1938-1939.
The work considered is such as seems necessary to improve our present plant, except buildings, and extend it toward meeting growing demands. Entirely new projects such as new parks, swimming pools, etc., are not considered.
YEARLY EXPENDITURE
Expenditure for this class of construction has in the past been very variable-from about $5,000.00 in 1928 to about $58,000.00 in 1935, averaging in the last three years $48,000.00.
This program is based on an annual construction ex- penditure of approximately $50,000.00.
W. P. A.
The W. P. A. projects have a large influence on any plans of this kind and the future of the W. P. A. is prob- lematical. I have assumed that it will be a factor for at least 1938 and 1939. As you know, our allotment of men
22
having shrunk to about forty is now on the increase and is already up to about seventy.
METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION
As a general rule this work should be done by con- tract but while W. P. A. exists it should be used to the extent of our allotment, and while the conditions produc- ing W. P. A. exist I believe we should provide some day work (as was done this winter in the case of the North St. and Elm St. drains) to lessen the Welfare Department burden by affording work for certain men not eligible for W. P. A. but nevertheless drawing upon the Welfare De- partment.
STREETS
For our present purpose we have made an arbitrary division between streets and roads, classifying 24.3 miles of our highways as streets.
The ends aimed at are the following :
(1) A concrete pavement on Main Street from High St. to Mechanic St. and on Mechanic St. from Main St. to Worcester St. to be completed in six years.
(2) Curb and gutter on both sides, the entire length of all streets, in twenty years.
(3) Adequate drainage on all streets in ten years.
(4) A hard surface on all streets in six years.
MAIN STREET
We have scheduled for 1938 the paving of Main St. from Union St. in continuation of the work done last year. This will complete the westerly end of Main St.
The section between Hamilton St. and Foster St., now paved with wood blocks, is very uneven. One of the worst features of this condition is the inconvenience and danger to foot passengers at the crossings. Also there .
23
are very uneven and unpleasant grade transitions where the pavement meets other pavements at both ends of the wood block stretch.
In 1938, we propose building the crossings at Foster, Central, Elm and Goddard Sts. in concrete to meet the pavements on those streets; and the replacing with con- crete the end sections from the east side of the crossing near Hamilton St. to the concrete paving on the hill fur- ther west, and from the west side of the crossing near Foster St. to the concrete paving in front of the library.
The wooden blocks have not begun to rot and we be- lieve if a little more care is taken in making repairs the remainder of this section of Main St. will give good enough service for several years, making it possible to move the expense of replacing to a later date and permit construction on more urgent portions of our paving pro- gram.
CURB AND GUTTER
This is essential to maintain permanent lines and grades for the surfacing; separate sidewalk area from pavement area, and is the first stage in surface drainage. Total cost, $147,000.00-average yearly cost, $7,350.00.
DRAINS
On many of the streets this is the most urgent need. Because of lack of drains the repairs made on these streets last but one season. The total cost is estimated at $156,600.00 and the proposal is to spread this over ten years.
SURFACING
The type of surfacing considered is the treatment of present surface material with bituminous binder ("Stab- ilizing" in present road building terms.) The surface would first be brought to true grade and cross-section and in some cases the material will call for the addition of a certain amount of gravel. Two or three seasons are necessary to produce the best surface. This type of work should be done by the Highway Department out of bud- get appropriation. The town owns all the machinery necessary.
JACOB EDWARDS LIBRARY
24
An attempt has been made at this over a consider- able part of the streets with varying success but in gen- eral, too little attention has been paid to lines, grades and preliminary preparation of the surface. The total cost is estimated at $60,500.00-the work to be spread over five years.
ROADS
Outside of State and "Chapter 90" roads all of our country roads are in very bad condition. They all need drainage and building up with gravel and some need more extensive work. For the present purpose I have used a summary of work to be done which was worked out for the "Farm to Market" project which was never started in Southbridge because the W. P. A. could not furnish the number of men needed.
This calls for an expenditure of $48,500.00 over five miles of road which seemed most in need (Dennison Road, Dennison Cross Road, Breakneck Road, Clemence Hill Road, Gulf Wood Road, Barefoot Road and Brick- yard Road). We are including $10,000.00 per year on these roads.
SIDEWALKS
Where curb and gutter is built alone it should be backed with gravel forming a gravel walk. All streets should have a cement sidewalk on one side.
EXPENSE
The estimated costs are large in total but not very large when divided by the years over which the work is spread and again by 4,000 (the number of autos owned in this town) and compared with other automobile ex- pense. The taxpayer has the choice of paying more in auto expense or less in taxes.
SEWERS
The town is very well covered with sewers. About 90% of the streets as we have classified them are cov- ered. Allowance is made for building these lateral
25
sewers as demanded by building extension. The items of large expense ahead of the town are (1) new disposal plant (2) addition to trunk sewers.
Federal legislation will probably bring the first mat- ter to a head within the next few years. Bills covering the pollution of interstate waters have passed both houses and wait for conference. The Senate bill which carries the strongest element of compulsion also carries provision for financial assistance. We have assumed the postponement of this item beyond the period considered.
The need of an additional trunk line will depend on the possibility of correcting to any degree the excessive- ly leaky condition of some of our lines. There is a second consideration which bears upon this matter. It is not likely that the State or any Federal authority will ap- prove of any disposal system which does not include the disposal of the manufacturing wastes now discarged into the river. A new trunk line on the northerly side of the river will be conveniently situated to accomplish this at the town plant.
The Engineering Department hopes to be able to ac- cumulate information during the coming year which will determine whether the present system can be repaired sufficiently to make postponement of this expense, but every indication at present is that the trouble is so wide- spread that the new trunk line will be the more economic -- al.
PARKS
The only park expenditures considered are such as will make present park projects more usable without calling for large items for maintenance. A W. P. A. project now operative is planned to increase the usable area of the Dresser St. playground.
The twenty-one acres now owned by the Town along Big Pond has a very poor approach. Where it abuts on West St. there is a dangerous condition for lack of fenc- ing. The work proposed for 1938 includes a wall along that part of West St., the grading of material that has been dumped on this land from the West St. widening
26
project and material which will be available from the Main St. Paving project, the improving of the drain be- hind the school building and cleaning up that part of the shore which many people use every year for bathing.
J .G. CLARKE,
Town Engineer.
CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM FOR 1938
Town
Outside
Cost
Appropriation
Sources
PAVING
Main St .- Union to Hamilton and part of Hamilton to Foster $13,500.00 $13,500.00
CURB AND GUTTER Park, Chapin, Win- ter, Water, Spring, Wall, etc. Eastford Road
10,200.00
10,200.00 WPA
SIDEWALKS
Worcester,
Central,
Winter, Water,
Eastford Road
13,440.00
13,440.00 WPA
COUNTRY ROADS
Breakneck-Drains
Dresser Hill (Chap. 90)
30,000.00 10,000.00
20,000.00 State and County 6,500.00 WPA
Brickyard
6,500.00
DRAINS AND WATERWAYS
Fiske St.
5,650.00 5,650.00
Nuisance Brook
6,800.00
6,800.00
Dupaul, Curtis, God-
dard
6,900.00
6,900.00
WPA
Foster and North
4,700.00
4,700.00
27
SEWERS
Morris Street
7,680.00
Paige Hill
3,250.00
7,680.00 WPA 3,250.00 WPA
Mechanic St.
3,700.00
3,700.00
PARKS, ETC.
Big Pond
1,500.00 · 1,500.00
Dresser St.
4,000.00
4,000.00 WPA
Total
121,820.00
49,850.00
71,970.00
CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM FOR 1939
Town
Outside
Cost
Appropriation
Sources
PAVING Mechanic-Q. River to Henry St. $16,000.00 $16,000.00
CURB AND GUTTER Charlton St., Fiske St. and others 10,000.00
$10,000.00 WPA
SIDEWALKS
15,000.00
15,000.00 WPA
COUNTRY ROADS
Dennison District
3,000.00
3,000.00
Dudley Hill Road
30,000.00
10,000.00
20,000.00 State and County
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.