USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Quincy > Inaugural address of the mayor, with the annual report of the officers of the city of Quincy for the year 1953 > Part 3
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On the close of the breeding season the commission turned its attention to drainage. Ditehing oper- ations in Quiney ineluded: eleaned, 1717 feet; reclaimed. 4973 feet: new, 910 feet.
Initial organizational work and unavoidable delays in getting equipment restricted progress during the first year.
Dr. Brook> Ryder, commissioner of health, reported:
"Great strides have been made in mapping of the area and in getting to know the trouble spots.
"By the middle of the season equipment was adequate to do a good job with the erew available. With less money being spent on equipment next season. more labor ean be hired and more coverage achieved.
"Sinee equipment and men can now be obtained at the right time, it is inevitable that the record of last year, the reduction of telephone calls reporting mosquito troubles, from as many as 40 per day in May to 10 per week in September, will be improved upon."
City of Quincy
38
QUINCY CITY HOSPITAL
The Quincy City Hospital in 1953 cut its operating deficit by $134,000, bringing the red ink figure from $507,000 in 1952 to $373,000 this year. This is the second successive year that the deficit has been greatly reduced. The reduction during the past two years is more than a quarter of a million dollars, which means a savings to the taxpayers of an equivalent sum.
These savings are the result of adopting modern business methods, including strict collection pro- eedures, centralized purchasing, proper supervision of expenditures and the efficient use of equipment and supplies together with an adjustment of rates.
The average patient days' stay in the hospital was reduced from 8 days in 1952 to 6.9 days in 1953. Because of the limited bed facilities, many of the border-line patients seen and treated in the accident rooin, and cases that would have been admitted formerly, were discharged to their homes. This pro- eedure contributed toward an increase of 1,282 patients treated in the accident room, and effected a reduction in admission to the hospital of 301 patients, thereby easing the impact on the limited bed facilities, Dr. Joseph P. Leone, the director, pointed out.
Because of the recent advances made in chemistry, and to fulfill the requests of the medical staff for blood tests on their patients, there was an increase of 8,334 in the examinations performed by the Pathol- ogy and Laboratory departments. Also significant is the fact that there was an increase of 34 post-mortems over the figure of the preceding year, bringing the autopsy percentage up to 48.3 of the deaths.
On June 1, 1953, the Elizabeth Serposs Clinic at the Atherton Hough School was opened. Since then it has been open each Monday under the supervision of Dr. Albert Davis, with Miss Helen Mosher, head of the Out-patient department services, in charge.
Late in the year the new half a million dollar heating plant was placed in operation. The new plant allows for future expansion of the hospital as it has the capacity to furnish heat and steam to a hospital almost three times the present size.
The work of the Clinic for Alcoholism has been challenging and inspiring, with a total of 190 patients during the year. The source of referrals is considered significant, with a definite shift toward voluntary referrals. This shift was pronounced for re-admissions where more than 50 percent of the patients returned as self-referrals: that is, they returned on their own initiative.
The year of 1953 saw the written approval of the Quincy City Hospital School of Anesthesia for Nurse-Anesthetists. Now the graduates of the school are eligible to take the qualifying examinations for certification by the American Association of Nurse-Anesthetists,
In September 27 students were graduated from the Quincy City Hospital School of Nursing. Thirty- two students were admitted in September.
The bed shortage continues to be the Number One problem at the Quincy City Hospital, Dr. Leone pointed out in his annual report for 1953. The hospital needs an additional 100 beds, he emphasized.
"We regret to record the death of Dr. Claude L. Payzant who was in charge of the Physical Therapy Department at the Quincy City Hospital for 23 years during which time he gave splendid service to the patients and to the medical staff," the Director wrote. "In his death the hospital staff and the City of Quincy lost a true and generous friend."
Financial Operations
1951
1952
1953
Salaries and Wages
$1,308,028.34
$1.420,498.21
$1.450,416.79
Expenses
510,023.36
469,955.31
497.979.65
Capital Outlay
12,618.66
21,254.85
15,367.85
Total Expenditures
1,830,670.36
1,911,708.37
1,963,764.29
Receipts
1.178,774.52
1,404,532.36
1,590,590.67
Excess of Expenditures Over Receipts
651,895.84
507,176.01
373,173.62
Patient Statistics
1952
1953
Admissions
Room Patients
1,378
1.336
Ward Patients
8,897
8,802
Service Patients
1,210
1,045
Total
11,485
11,183
Annual Report
39
Patient Statistics
Ont-Patient Clinics
Private Out-Patients
1.991
1,783
Accidents
7.321
8,603
Physical Therapy Treatments
1,154
3,347
Pre-Natal Visits
549
487
Newborn
1,834
1,744
Operations
5.724
5,711
Laboratory Examinations
92,197
100,431
X-Ray Exams and Treatments
11.431
12,049
Daily Average Patients
237
226
Daily Avcrage. Excl. Newborn
205.6
196.7
Daily Average, Newborn
31.4
29.3
Total Days Treatment
86,499
82.487
Days Treatment, Excl. Newborn
75,055
71,800
Days Treatment. Newborn
11.444
10.687
Deaths
342
323
Autopsies
122
156
Autopsy Percentage
35.7%
48.3%
THE WELFARE DEPARTMENT
The year of 1953 was one in which the status quo of public welfare in Quincy was relatively un- changed but during which much study was given to plans to meet anticipated changes at the local, state and national levels. Welfare expenditures decreased $36.012.38 from the preceding year.
National plans for increased social benefits, if and when they materialize, will be reflected in the local activities. The department is making plans for adjustments in anticipation of expected stream- lining of state welfare laws.
The state department of public welfare has promulgated a Medical Care Plan, to be mandatory on all local departments, in an effort to control medical expenses, the rising cost of which has become a scrious burden to public assistance. Although most communities at the end of 1953 were busily en- gaged in devising machinery to meet the demands of the state plan, the Quincy Welfare Department already has a smoothly functioning medical program which served in some part as a guide to the authors of the new state plan.
Quincy welfare officials have been for some months giving much thought to the possible benefits from integrating all categories of assistance now rendered under the present divided department. There remain some problems to be ironed out, such as finding adequate physical facilities to house the com- bined staff. but Comm. Anthony J. Venna hopes that in months to come he will see the fruition of the plans.
In line with the general prosperity enjoyed nationally in 1953. the caseloads and costs of publie wel- fare showed little change from the previous year.
In Old Age Assistance, the largest category, there was a decrease in caseload. This decrease was attributed to: (a) operation of the lien law, which encourages prospective heirs to keep their aged rela- tives off assistance: and (b) increased benefits paid by Social Security.
Aid to Dependent Children showed a very slight inerease; and Disability Assistance, the newest category, registered a more substantial inercase.
General Relief. the only category in which the Federal Government is not a participant, increased 10 cases, but it still remains near an all-time low. This category is a sensitive barometer to register any declines in employment ; and it will tend to increase if the economic status deteriorates.
The City Home continued to operate as a temporary shelter for the homeless and for evicted fami- lics during 1953. pending its conversion to a public medical institution. The department continued to retain Dr. William R. Helfrich as city physician in 1953 to treat patients on general relief. Recipients in other categories are permitted to select their own physicians.
City of Quincy
10
2.411
2,328
7,432
7,111
Ambulance Calls
1.573
1.632
Relative Welfare Caseload Figures 1953
Jan. 1
Dec. 31
Old Age Assistance, Individuals
1372
1315
Aid to Dependent Children, Families
169
173
Disability Assistance, Individuals
114
136
General Relief, Families
69
79
THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Crime was on the down grade in Quincy during 1953, if the number of arrests made by the Quincy Police Department ean be used as a gauge. Arrests during the year were 2.195 against 2,323 in 1952.
Juvenile delinqueney also appeared to be decreasing: Quincy poliee took only 142 boys and girls into court in 1953 against 286 in the previous year.
Automobile accidents, however, increased. There were 800 recorded traffic accidents in 1953 as com- pared with 794 in 1952. There was a slight decrease in the number of persons injured: 731 in 1953 as compared with 742 in 1952.
The number of fatal accidents increased sharply from two deaths in 1952 to six deaths in 1953.
The year of 1953 brought a new chief for the Quincy Police Department. Captain William Ferrazzi. who had been acting chief during most of 1952 following the death of the late Chief Joseph F. Hughes. was named to head the department.
Detective Bureau
Breaking and Entering Investigations
218
Deaths Investigated
70
Robberies Investigated
7
Larceny Cases Investigated
381
Claims Against City Investigated
34
Miscellaneous Investigations
340
Security Investigations for Outside Agencies
1,903
Miscellaneous Fingerprints
302
Prisoners Fingerprinted, Photographed
119
Photographs for Other City Departments
466
Investigations for License Board, City Clerk, etc.
675
Investigations of Applicants for Gun Permits Value of Property Recovered $15,445.78
375
Automobiles Stolen in Quincy
112
Automobiles Recovered
112
Automobiles Stolen Out of Town, Recovered in Quincy
17
Bicycles Stolen
178
Bicyeles Recovered
155
Juvenile Bureau
Males Referred to Court
127
Females Referred to Court
15
Runaway Boys
47
Runaway Girls
34
Cases Disposed of at Home
210
Cases Disposed of at School
207
Cases Disposed at Police Station Restitution Made
$1,080.00
Property Recovered
$1,110.38
113
Charges involving juveniles included: arson and attempted arson 2, assault with dangerous weapon 1, automobile violations 15. breaking and entering 13, false alarms 5. drunkenness 9, damage to property 8, Iareeny 39, rape 2, fornieation 1, unarmed robbery 1, stoning trains 10.
Annual Report
41
Traffic Bureau
Total Number of Accidents
800
Number of Passengers Reported Injured
591
Number of Pedestrians Reported Injured
140
Fatal Accidents 6
Licenses Suspended by Registry
133
Registrations Suspended by Registry
59
Parking Violations
8833
Warnings
1761
Investigations Made
777
Motor Violation Complaints Sought in Court
535
Automobile Transfers Recorded
18,058
Bieycles Registered
497
Traffie Investigations for City Council
152
Surveys
312
December was the worst month for traffie accidents; with two killed. 62 passengers injured and 15 pedestrians injured.
Court cases involving motor violations included: speeding, 253; operating under the influence of liquor, 106; leaving the seene of an accident, 16; failing to slow down at an interseetion, 63; violation of traffic control signals, 59; operating so as to endanger, 11; using ears without authority, 19.
Liquor Squad
Investigations
94
Liquor Violators Before License Board
11
Vendors Investigated
93
Inspections of Cafes Arrests
7,281
21
Police Boat "Guardian"
The Quiney police boat "Guardian" was in commission in 1953 from May 14 to October 10. During that time it patrolled 21 yacht races in Quiney waters.
Towing or other assistance was rendered to 7 rowboats, 22 outboard motorboats, 11 sailboats and two motor craft, aboard which were 111 persons.
Two persons were saved from probable drowning; one body was recovered; brought ashore two injured persons for hospitalization; rendered assistance to 12 boats capsized in gale; polieed three water carnivals; investigated five thefts from boats.
Dog Officer
Dogs Picked Up
266
Dogs Disposed of
15
Dogs Returned to Owners
44
Dogs Turned Over to Angel Memorial Hospital 207
Lost Dog Investigations
90
Shellfish Constable
Court Prosecutions 29
Defendants Fined
=
During the year, 165 commercial permits, 607 non-resident permits and 1003 resident permits were issued to dig shellfish, bringing in $2540.50 in fees. In September, 1953, the Council raised the fees for commereial diggers from $5 to $25. During the year flats off Edgewater Drive and Post Island, closed for two years, were reopened.
- City of Quincy
42
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire losses in Quincy during 1953 were estimated at $369,474, an increase of approximately $58,000 over the preceding year. The per capita loss was $4.19 as against $3.54 for 1952.
During the year the department responded to 2489 calls, of which 132 were false alarms. Vigorous investigation and prosecution by the police department cooperating with the fire department resulted in the reduction of the number of false alarms by 47.
In the 12-month period the city had only two major fires: one involving a saw mill and an adjoining junk yard; and the other involving four stores in a one-story business building. One civilian died in a fire during the year.
In 1953 the Quincy Fire Department equipment traveled 12,990 miles to and from fires; used an estimated 13,967,495 gallons of water: laid 177,605 feet of hose and raised 9,423 feet of ladders.
There were 408 alarms for fires in buildings: 1688 alarms for grass, brush and rubbish fires: 139 alarms for fires involving motor vehicles, machinery and boats; 86 calls for rescues and other emergen- cies. A new Hose Truck was delivered and placed in service; eight new fire alarm boxes were installed.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Supervision of construction of major capital improvements featured the activities of the Department of Public Works in 1953.
During the year the finishing touches were given to the new Beechwood Knoll and Snug Harbor Elementary Schools and to the big addition to the Quincy Trade School. A contract was let for the con- struction of a four-room addition to the new Snug Harbor School and work was well advanced by the end of the year.
The new so-called demountable addition to the Squantum School, an experiment in low-cost con- struction that was watched with keen interest by school and building authorities in many parts of the country, was nearing completion as the year ended.
The new power plant of the Quincy Hospital was completed and in operation late in 1953. Contracts for extensive repairs and alterations to the Quincy Central Junior High School were let, and the work well advanced as 1954 approached.
HIGHWAY, SANITARY AND FORESTRY DIVISIONS
Contracts for the resurfacing of streets were let to the Old Colony Construction company during the year. C. P. Gardiner and Sons started a street construction contract. The Old Colony Construction company built Joan Drive, Priscilla Lane and Miles Drive. The Walter Reed Corporation completed the construction of Puritan Drive. The Quincy Contracting company was given a contract for the construe- tion of Winthrop Street, Weston Avenue. Linden Street. Penns Hill Road and Ames Street.
Under Chapter 90 provisions, School Street was resurfaced between Hancock Street and the railroad bridge. Contract for the reconstruction of Adams Street was let to Bradford Weston, Inc., and the work on the Easterly half was practically completed when cold weather stopped operations. Department em- ployees reconstructed Newbury Avenue and Wollaston Avenue.
The first half of the new John Hancock Parking area was completed by the end of the year, adding 348 metered parking spaces to Quincy's famous off-street parking facilities. Work also progressed on the constructions of the Quincy Depot parking area, west of the railroad tracks.
The Sanitary division carried on its usual collection of rubbish and garbage and, in addition, pumped out 225 cesspools. Through the eooperation of the health department, a number of cesspools were eliminated through new sewer connections.
The Forestry division, in addition to its routine trimming operations, continued its fight against the Dutch Elm disease in various sections of the city, and again battled Gypsy Moth through spraying. The division personnel maintained flower beds; and, late in the Fall, planted trees on recently constructed streets.
Annual Report
43
THE ENGINEERING DIVISION
The Engineering Division of the Public Works Department is the hand-maiden of all branches of municipal goverment, at the beck and call of each. The division endeavors to provide accurate and effi- cient engineering service upon request to all other departments.
The increasing demands for engineering services incident to the expanding public works and capital improvement programs necessitated additions to the professional staff in 1952.
Field engineering services were supplied in 1953 for the construction of 74 storm drains and sanitary sewers; 20 street constructions and 12 street resurfacings; 3 widenings and 2 sidewalk and eurbing projects each.
Engineering services were also supplied for the fencing of five city-owned quarries between Quarry Street, Scotch Pond Place and Curtis Street. Fencing was completed a few days after the end of the year.
During the year the work of the engineering division included: preparation of 40 taking plans and orders for the Planning Board: preparation of 185 estimates for varions public works projects: 163 re- ports following investigations and surveys: 310 building grades established; 105 sewer plans and 56 drain plans made or revised; plans and specifications for the construction or resurfacing of 43 streets, Serposs Clinic, Veterans" War Memorial and Hancock Street water main. Many other routine matters were also handled.
THE SEWER DEPARTMENT
The Sewer Division of the Public Works Department made 297 connections to the common sewer in 1953.
A total of 13,452.09 feet of particular sewers were laid during the year, with the cost of connections at $30,240.76.
Of the 297 new connections. 267 were to one-family dwellings; 10 to stores, 5 to factories.
The total number of sanitary sewers in operation at the end of the year were 17,836.
During 1953 a total of 7,637.07 feet of main sewers were built, or 1.45 miles. Of this construction, .278 miles were built by contract. At the end of the year 183.749 miles of main sewer lines were in operation.
In 1953 a total of 9931 feet, or 1.88 miles, of storm drains were laid. There were 125.120 miles of storm drains built to the end of the year.
WATER DEPARTMENT
Summary of Statistics
Population, Estimated December 31, 1953
85,000
Daily Average Consumption in Gallons
7,480,900
Gallons Per Capita
88
Main Pipe Laid in Feet During Year
10,141
Total Miles of Mains Now in Use
219.0
Service Pipe Laid in Feet During Ycar
10,080
Service Pipe Now in Use, in Feet .
877,663
Number of Taps Made During Year
224
Services Discontinued During Year
73
Total Number Services Now in Use Services Cleaned Ont Because of Poor Pressure
57
Service Pipe Renewed
293
Service Leaks Repaired
311
Number Sprinkler Connections for Fire Purpose
105
Meters Installed in 1953, New Services
245
Total Number of Meters Now in Usc
18,801
Percent of Services Metered
99.0
Fire Hydrants in Usc on December 31, 1953
2,069
Hydrants Converted to National St. Thread
1,416
Hydrants Broken by Automobiles
18
Hydrants Moved 22
Number Gate Valves in Use December 31, 1953
3,722
City of Quincy
-
Leakes Repaired 43
18,991
Daily Water Consumption in Gallons 1953
January
7,364,200
July
8,075,500
February
7,330,700
August
8,076,100
March
7,203,200
September
8,216,700
April
6,756,000
October
7,449,700
May
6.825,500
November
7,072,000
June
8,296,000
December
7,104,700
Daily Average 1953
7,480,900
Storage Reservoirs in Distribution System
Name
Year Built
Elevation
Capacity Gals.
Forbes Hill Res.
1901
192
5,100,000 MDC
Forbes Hill Stpipe
1900
251
330,000
Cranch Hill Stpipe
1936
233
2,000,000
Penns Hill Stpipe
1926
233
1,000.000
Penns Hill Tank
1934
256
200,000
Houghs Neck Tank
1914
205
100,000
Squantum Tank
1926
211
300,000
Break Neck Hill Stpipe
1934
269
197,000
New pipe was laid as follows in 1953: 6", 8781 feet; 8", 1232 fect; 12", 128 feet; total, 10,141 feet.
Total pipe in use on December 31. 1953: 2", 15,606: 4", 64,462: 6", 510,073: 8", 299,165: 10", 110.265: 12", 104,183; 16", 37,474; 20". 15,542; total. 1,156,770.
CEMETERY DIVISION
The Cemetery Division of the Public Works Department maintains both the historic old Hancock Burying Ground and Mount Wollaston cemetery. The older cemetery, in which lie some of the founding fathers of the country, has been closed for burials for many years. Recent surveys indicate that the newer cemetery will be exhausted within five or six years, necessitating the acquisition and develop- ment of additional burial grounds if the city continues to render this public service.
During the year 556 graves were opened for burials in Mount Wollaston: foundations were laid for 273 monuments; roads were patched and three acres of new land was plotted into lots and graves. Total receipts eame to $82,990.99.
Considerable grading and other maintenance and repair work was also done at Sailors' Snug Harbor Cemetery at Germantown and at the National Sailors' Home Cemetery off Fenno Street, two other small burial grounds maintained by the department.
DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING INSPECTION
During 1953 the Department of Building Inspection issued permits for construction and alterations to an estimated valuation of $3,927.265. an increase of approximately $660,000 over the previous year.
Included in the construction were 252 new dwelling units and 45 additional units through altera- tions to existing buildings. The permits also provided for 13 new mercantile and manufacturing build- ings, coming to a total estimated valuation of $738,000.
The Board of Appeals for the building code acted on 49 applications; granting 46 appeals and denying three.
The Board of Appeals for Zoning heard 30 applications: granting 22 and denying eight.
Ward Tabulation of Building Operations
Ward
Permits
Estimated Cost
1
422
$1,668,488
2
126
188,597
3
163
805,508
4
158
307,262
5
209
242,798
6
258
714.612
1336
$3,927,265
Annual Report
. 45
Type of Construction
Permits
Type of Construction
Estimated Cost
203
One Family Dwellings
$1,422,800
1
Two Family Dwelling
8,000
3
Four Family Dwelling
61,000
1
Multi-Family Dwelling
140,000
9
Mercantile
261,085
1
Manufacturing
476,800
9
Storage
54,360
162
Garages
98,350
726
Residential Alterations
138,637
137
Other Alterations
759,330
38
Removals
14,790
4
Elevators
113,550
28
Signs
14,263
11
Miscellaneous
64,300
1336
$3,927,265
DEPARTMENT OF WIRE INSPECTION
The Department of Wire Inspection issued permits during 1953 for the wiring of 195 new buildings. They included 136 single family dwellings, three two-family dwellings, three four-family dwellings, five mereantile buildings, four manufacturing buildings, three garages and 41 miscellaneous structures.
Permits were issued for additional wiring in 1,638 single homes, 223 multi-family dwellings, 304 mercantile buildings and 60 manufacturing structures.
Permits issued covered the installation of 1,109 oil burners, 388 electric ranges and 101 air condi- tioners. Inspections of wiring totalled 3,764. A total of 2,700 permits brought in fees of $6,459.50.
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
The Sealer of Weights and Measures in 1953 made 5949 reweighings of commodities; finding weights correct in 4554 eases, under weight in 790 and over weight in 605.
A total of 1295 scales were sealed; 102 were adjusted and 27 condemned. Also condemned were 7 weights, 3 capaeity measures, 19 automatic measuring devices, and 10 linear measures.
The department made 15,677 inspections and collected $3,037.80 in sealing fees and adjusting charges and from hawkers and peddlers.
THE PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT
Comparative figures of the Personnel Department show that the number of permanent city employees remained nearly constant during the year. There were 1489 permanent employees on the payroll on January 1, 1953; and 1484 on December 31, 1953. including both full time and part time personnel. These figures do not include employees of the School Department.
The average payroll was 1676.5. An increase of 87 in total number of employees was due chiefly to the inercase in the number of temporary employces, and of part time and intermittent employees.
The City Council on March 20, 1953, placed in effeet the new adjusted salary schedule on which an unpaid job evaluation committee composed chiefly of eity employees and officials had been working somne 18 months. The new schedule ironed out a number of inequities, set up a general policy of equal pay for equal work and provided step increases. Money was placed in the budget for the many pay in- creases worked into the new salary schedule.
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