USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1915-1922 > Part 9
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Street Oiling was not contracted this year although we received the usual offers of cight cents per gallon applied. We purchased the oil by tank cars and applied it at a total of four cents a gallon; allowing us to cover twice the amount of streets for the same moncy, including thorough sweeping to allow penetration of oil. About 23 miles of streets were oiled.
Resurfacing of 21,000 square yards of macadam, six inches deep, was done at average cost of 20 cents. Draining and crowning 19,000 square yards with stone base and gravel top averaged 12 cents per yard. Complete new macadam, including drainage, cost 50 cents per square yard. Details of every job are given in the accompanying table.
1
153
Bituminous Macadam four inches deep on four-inch foundation was built on the most difficult streets. On Walpole street the work would have been a foot too high if built over the old foundation which therefore had to be removed; most of the telford was hauled back to the crusher on the return- ing trip for crushed stone, thus cutting the cost. The finer stone removed was used to surface dirt streets. On this street drainage conditions were in such shape that nearly two thousand dollars had to be expended in catch- basins and large drains. For a thousand feet the entire foundation required concrete because of the sewer main and house connections placed the pre- vious month. We laid an experimental tar topeka mixture on this base. Next season's work will be more similar to Cottage street where the old foundation was reshaped and used as a base. The average cost of about 20,000 square yards of bituminous paving was $1.05 per yard.
The Granite Paving for the business section is all surveyed, planned and drainage designed; and we only await the new track work of the trolley company. In view of its early realization this street was not resurfaced, and the frequent patching was finally abandoned. Practically all under- ground services have been renewed and our municipal light conduit will complete the necessary provisions prior to laying this permanent paving.
The Sidewalks in town are in miserable shape and even with thousands spent annually on a fifty per cent agreement with owners, it will be years before they will all be paved with concrete. We will, therefore, regravel many this coming season.
Street Sweeping has in all cases been completed prior to business hours, which not only relieved stores from dust, but also cheapened the work by lack of traffic interference. The pushcart patrol as maintained in the busi- ness district will be extended to the asphaltic streets this coming year. The Park Lot at the Square was cleared of rubbish, graded, loamed, seeded and 50 trees planted by the department at total cost of $991 from highway funds.
The Appropriation requested on our budget for the ensuing year is $10,000 less than previous year's expenditures.
Our Recommendations include the oiling of streets out of street mainte- nance fund and not by additional assessments on abuttors. We believe the State Highway Commission and the County Commissioners might honor Norwood's first request for a State Aid Road if the Canton Road should be properly resurfaced from Pleasant Street to the Neponset River.
We also believe that streets in private development tracts should be properly planted with shade trees before acceptance; also that wider streets be required and that the additional width be restricted for planting.
A Public Works Yard has been reasonably purchased along the railroad with an option for additional area, as well as a siding arranged for. If this siding can be made a reality immediately, it will save a large sum in the handling of the many materials necessary for this year's work. We are now paying about $100 yearly rent for storing $15,000 of apparatus and stock of four departments in several places. We will therefore have to move several storesheds as well as build an oil tank and other extras, which will total about $990, the same sum as expended by the highway department in beau- tifying the Town Common this year. On December 31, 1915 the Stock and Equipment of Public Works Departments was:
Street Dept. Equip., $6,330.00 Stock, $522.61
Sewer Dept. Equip., 1,020.00
Stock,. 634.97
Water Dept. Equip.,. 1,380.00
Stock, 3,547.62
Forestry Dept. Equip., 1,440.00
Stock, 12.80
$10,170.00
$4,718.00 $14,888.00
UNIT DATA ON HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION.
Job No.
Street
Work
Sq. Yds.
Labor
Teams
Stone
Other Material
Total
Per Sq. Yd.
5
Washington
Drain and repair
544 Ft.
$252.52
$55.20
$91.01
$398.73
. 73
6
Hill
Gutter and Resurface
4928
190.23
98.42
305.90
14.90
609.45
.12
11
Vernon
Repairing
2023
220.46
106.76
247.10
1.78
576.10
.28
19
Nichols
Bitum. Gutter
427
30.09
35.10
47.95
10.62
123.76
.29
33
Winter
Resurfacing
3204
183.49
219.98
497.70
13.50
914.67
.28
34
Cottage
Resurfacing
3115
150.63
119.93
289.10
10.80
570.46
.18
35
Cross
Macadam Base
604
46.50
33.30
42.00
121.80
.20
45
First
Macadam Base
757
64.50
43.20
88.90
196.60
.26
50
Second
Repair and Patch
9134
333.59
293.96
289.10
10.20
926.85
.10
52
Canton Road
Resurfacing
4111
182.50
278.67
418.60
22.45
902.22
. 22
62
Walnut Ave.
Resurfacing
4232
209.41
127.35
147.00
21.50
505.26
. 12
79
Pleasant
Constructing
1276
82.42
31.08
4.41
117.91
.09
219
Press Ave.
Resurfacing
3125
157.38
181.35
149.10
25.40
513.23
.16
96
Roosevelt
Macadamizing
3004
439.82
488.83
510.65
61.04
1500.34
.50
103
Garfield
Constructing
971
156.84
102.01
154.00
82.50
495.35
. .
80
Walpole
Tar macadam
8670
7303.73
1327.90
4112.31|
12743.94
1.33
125
N. Washington
Tar Penctration
2447
1254.23
485.80
845.02
2585.08
1.05
154
UNIT DATA ON HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE.
9
| Street Sweeping
and Oiling
223,802
560.38
397.49
52.00
1476.44
2486.31
.01
111
Washington
Patching
96.81
72.47
Chapel
and Oiling
13,755
109.11
92.08
117.60
311.14
799.21
.06
27
Repairs on
Roller
866.36
364.42
155.40
13.70
1399.88
64
Washouts
Parking
486.87
462.25
23.80
18.00
990.92
1
Town Common
Patching
270.80
120.12
72.80
142.80
606.52
4
Washington
Patching
45.75
23.40
35.00
5.25
109.40
8
Lenox
Resurfacing
127.62
46.79
88.20
14.40
277.01
12
Nahatan
Patching
77.38
52.65
88.90
218.93
15
Rock
Patching
73.59
8.10
11.90
93.59
30
Savin Ave.
67.50
17.55
56.35
18.39
159.79
41
Dean and Pond
Shaping
46
Day and Central
Repairing
41.06
21.95
18.90
81.91
49
Cedar
Repairing
91.13
24.86
51.80
40
168.19
53
Lydon
Repairing
56
High
Repairing
64.88
13.16
28.00
382.411
843.76
. 62
145
Cottage
Tar Penetration
1377
300.22
161.13
596.16
1806.35
1.02
134
Walpole
Tar Penetration
1780
839.90
371.10
1754.59
4461.64
.96
126
S. Washington
Tar Penetration
4641
1718.04
989.01
35.10
63.70
153.55
29
Monroe
Patching
35.89
149.05
184.94
86
Dean
Repair and Patch
2229
81.43
55.58
140.70
18.10
295.81
. 13
26
Winter
Build Sidewalk
43.89
38.02
20.30
102.21
106.04
67.50
11.71
79.21
54.75
.51
155
Water Department.
The Driven Wells at the Ellis Station have closed so frequently from the fine sand and iron combination that it has been necessary to clean over 90 wells by pressure and suction 5 times at a total cost of $378. After inves- tigation of the same trouble at Methuen, Mass. and Derry, N. H., at which places the driven wells have been abandoned and open wells sunk, we built a concrete open well of 12 foot diameter and 30 foot depth. Much diffi- culty was experienced from the fine sand and water which was encountered, but as we write this report the work has been completed at a total cost of $1700, and for over a month we have been pumping 380,000 gallons per 24 hours without diminishing the usual production of the driven wells. From results to date we believe this type of well will prove the solution of our water troubles, and that three additional wells will meet the total require- ments and allow us to place the Pond Station as a reserve only; thus greatly reducing operating expenses, as it requires double the crew at the steam pumping station that it does at the electrically pumped station.
The Pond Station has had new feed pump installed for No. 2 pump, and a suction line laid at total cost of $399.21; the filter beds were cleaned 11 times at total cost of $212.90 and the grounds maintained for $215.82. All pumping machinery has been overhauled, but a few repairs are still necessary; the boilers have had grates renewed, brickwork and blow-off pipes repaired, and boilers washed five times. If we are forced to use this plant much this next year, the filter will have to be gravelled up to grade at an expense of about $300.
The Standpipe, over a million gallon capacity, was thoroughly scraped and painted; externally with red lead and internally with asphaltum by the department at a saving of $370 under the average of bids received. In the same manner 276 hydrants were scraped and painted red with aluminum tops at a total cost of 25 cents each; inspection and repairs averaged 27 cents additional. There being no draw-off in the Reservoir, it cost $96.20 to clean it out for use while painting the standpipe.
Boiler Trouble has been experienced in several houses receiving their supply from the force main to the standpipe. Some have been relieved by installing pressure valves or regulating devices; although some of our citi- zens continue to use the direct pressure type of boiler-to which many cities refuse to connect.
The department has done all in its power to relieve such conditions by connecting dead end lines, placing air chambers on pumps and other mat- ters. The same is true concerning collapse from vacuum, we having pur- chased machines for making large connections without shutting off water; and where it is unavoidable a notice with full instructions is left at every house before shutting off.
General Operation has been reduced by combining the department with other construction departments, thus dividing salaries, as well as the ex- pense on three automobiles and one team. Meters have been read with the electric meters and other smaller economies practised. Working under the approval of your Board, we are preparing to shut off water from those delinquents who have persistently neglected the official notices.
Extensions of Mains amounting to 2208 feet, costing an average of $1.08 per foot, are given in detail on the table following. The service of 280 hydrants for the past year, given to the town without charge, is valued at $10,100.
156
Cost of Pumping at Westwood Plant of 145,753,248 gallons recorded, $27 per million. Cost of Pumping at the Ellis Plant of 216,091,040 gallons recorded, $19 per million.
On December 31, 1915 there were approximately thirty miles of street mains from 6 to 14 inches, to which were connected 1932 active services, of which 1498 or 78 per cent were metered.
UNIT DATA ON WATER CONSTRUCTION
Job No.
Street
Work
Lin. Ft.
Labor
Teams
Pipe
Other Mat'ls
Total
Unit Cost
72
Garfield
Extension
148
$35.25
$48.38
$35.16 $118.79
.80
104
Shaw
Extension
444
155.50
5.85
151.10
76.84
389.29
.88
185
Broadway
& Nahatan
Extension
864
386.07
2.93
391.88
201.19
982.07
1.14
201
Lincoln &
Cypress
Extension
265
226.78
119.01
40.34
386.13|
1.46
208
St. John
Extension
398
122.63
134.29
77.35
334.27
.84
Short Exts.
89
70.97
37.03
75.38
183.38
Sewer Department.
The Sanitary System has been extended to the amount of 4257 feet at an average cost of $1.73 per foot. A table of data on each street follows. One hundred and three particular services have been laid this year, and connec- tions have been placed to all vacant properties prior to street paving.
The Sanitary System now comprises 86,089 lineal feet or 16.3 miles of sewer mains; and 62,139 feet of underdrains or 11.77 miles. The number of house connections is 841 totaling 46,872 feet of particular services. The 69 connections with the underdrain amount to 3876 feet. The area of present filter beds is 10.6 acres, with 2.5 additional ready for final covering.
The Disposal Plant and Pumping Station are in excellent repair and a complete daily inspection is made. The Settling Tanks will have to be cleaned early this coming year. The Sludge Bed has been cleaned three times this year at a total cost of $147.77 or 28 cents per ton, the material being used on our experimental farm, where we plowed and planted about three acres in potatoes and turnips. The ground being new and the season late, we obtained poor results and at considerable cost; but this coming season being relieved of expense of clearing the ground, we hope to have better success.
The Drainage System of Norwood comprises 28,800 feet of various sized pipes and about 4,800 feet of culverts in disconnected pieces leading to nearest stream or open drain, and believing the time has arrived for action, we are studying the situation for the design of a connected system using present drains and rights of way. The Main Drain has been surveyed from the river up, and with the permission of the abuttors it was thoroughly cleaned and straightened. Over 100 catchbasins have been regularly cleaned at total cost of $497. Catchbasins and drains have been built in E. Hoyle Street, Winslow Ave., Plimpton Bridge and other points to relieve the former flooded. conditions. This data is given in second table follow- ing.
Concrete Culverts is our desire in place of the present plank, as the latter is a constant source of repair, costing over $170 this past season.
₼
UNIT DATA ON SEWER CONSTRUCTION.
Job No.
Street
Work
Lin. Ft.
Labor
Teams
Pipe
Other Material
Total
Per Lin. Ft.
24
Pond
Extension
316
$388.25
$11.03
$52.53
$63.23
$515.04
$1.63
70
Press Ave.
Extension
672
744.54
. 23.40
114.24
145.05
1027.23
1.53
85
Walpole
Extension
902
1603.05
108.00
148.14
190.53
2049.72
2.27
90
Walnut Ext.
Extension
507
738.48
75.71
83.66
52.07
946.92
1.87
112
Highland
Extension
64
108.60
6.19
10.18
38.08
163.05
2.55
114
Elliot
Extension
1344
1655.45
109.21
216.48
188.35
2169.29
1.61
140
West
Extension
244
144.07
39.58
30.51
214.16
.87
195
Crescent
Extension
152
149.21
5.03
24.84
29.41
208.49
1.37
Short Exts.
56
62.77
540
8.13
76.30
UNIT DATA ON DRAIN CONSTRUCTION.
101
Guild
Extension
165
198.93
8.77
50.17
12.75
270.62
105
Roek
Extension
80
45.32
.80
10.50
1.05
56.87
.70
127
East Hoyle
Extension
115
157.98
. 73
84.79
34.23
277.73
.67
156
Winslow Ave.
Extension
138
162.04
14.46
167.12
40.60
384.22
. 87
214
Kuld Property
Extension
105
24.79
3.65
57.62
86.06
.82
Miseellaneous work
128
73.72
2.19
95.46
3.60
174.97
1.36
83
Cleaning
Main Drains
709.75
2.19
711.94
157
158
Engineering Department.
After competitive examinations in practical subjects, a permanent Town Engineer was appointed, and one rodman engaged during construction season. The expense of this department will be less than $1900 per year, and it has and will perform the engineering services for all departments; similar services have averaged over $5000 on the fee system for several years past. This department has saved us $1080 already as the fee system on the work done during the past six months would have cost over twice the actual expense. Assessors and cemetery plans will now be made without appropriations.
Cemetery Department.
As this Department was only placed under the Manager a few weeks ago, we cannot report on the operations, which will undoubtedly be thoroughly reviewed by the retiring Commission. We do, however, have some decided views for the future of Highland Cemetery, foremost among them being the hope of a suitable office with waiting room and accommodations attached, the uniforming of funeral attendants, the replacing of the disconnected small water lines with proper sized complete circuits below frost line, together with a few sprinkling attachments.
During the past year there was a great saving by the road oiling done throughout the Cemetery. This should be extended the ensuing year. Furthermore, the roads need not be dug deep enough to bury the rocks en- countered in grading, as these can be hauled to the Crusher and brought back crushed for the building of macadam roads in place of hard pan roads. There should be more permanent shrubs and bushes planted which will be in bloom at various seasons of the year. A power mower could be advan- tageously used in many parts; and in many instances one marker could take the place of four.
By using a cart occasionally, a large amount of costly wheelbarrow work can be eliminated. Furthermore, a hand cart with racks will be of great advantage. Uniform sized diagrams of plots will be made by the Engineer- ing Department and an improved recording system is being devised in the Accountant's Office. The value of tools and equipment is $180.
Lastly we believe the Old Parish Cemetery should receive the care and honor due those who honored and cared for Norwood.
Forestry Department.
Shade Trees in Norwood, if mistreated during the next few years as indi- cations are of the past, will be with us but a short time. New England is noted for her stately trees and it is to be regretted that we are not protect- ing those we have as well as planting for the next generation. We should have an appropriation for trimming, cleaning out and filling such decayed trees as are still in a savable condition.
The Moth Suppression work has been pursued by the usual methods with the innovation of doing contract work on large estates after all appropria- tions have been used on the smaller work; this has resulted in considerable saving to owners and also extended this valuable work. During the past year we have kept accounts by card index but this coming year, we will use a recording system which enables copies of accounts to be made in the field and left on the property, which may relieve many of the objections on moth assessments.
159
The creosoting next year will be started one month earlier, thus placing the majority of the work in weather more suited for efficient work. The spraying work last year was done with one large power machine and one hand sprayer, the latter costing nearly $400 to operate, this amount will more than buy a small power machine and hose, which will pay for itself in one season by reducing the labor cost. During the most advantageous season we will operate the large sprayer on two shifts each day, thus getting sixteen hours a day from the one machine. A large amount of the brush cut back two years ago has grown up again and will need cutting this season, this eliminates great breeding places for moths and also betters the conditions on outlying roads.
Electric Light Department.
The Superintendent and his staff are to be commended for the most suc- cessful year in the history of the Department. All expenses have been met, and usual extensions constructed, and in addition over $15,000 of street lighting has been furnished without cost to the Town. The books closed with $2500 of stock and an available surplus of $10,000 which with next year's surplus will practically pay for the underground conduit necessary to properly supply several manufacturing firms and also to provide for the future before laying the granite paving; thus eliminating this from the tax budget as shown in the first table following. As for the past two years the Department will not need any appropriation from the Town.
In General Operation we have promoted and assisted in the sale of elec- trical apparatus. Through the reading of light and water meters simul- taneously, and a new billing and distributing system about $550 has been saved, and through the cooperation of the Police and School Departments the breaking of street lamps was reduced $250. By replacing the old steamer with a gasolene truck, we are securing better and cheaper service besides assisting other departments.
Street Lamps numbering 679, burning 3399.3 hours against 666 lamps burning 3397.45 hours during the previous year. All streets lighted all night
Commercial Business Dec. 31, 1914 Dec. 31, 1915 Increase
Number of customers,
1,147
1,330
16%
Number of meters, 1,169
1,355
16%
Number of lamps, 23,695 28,198 19% 4%
Number of H. P. motors, 1,330 1,382
The Fire Alarm Telegraph has been placed as a Division of this Depart- ment, reducing overhead expenses about $200. A thorough investigation showed the apparatus in fair condition after nearly twenty years service with sınall appropriations. We replaced three of the thirty miles of bare iron wire with armored cable and expect to replace a like amount this com- ing year. A motor generator has been installed to charge the batteries in place of the uneven trolley feed before used. Three new succession non- interfering boxes were added and six more will be added next year; and eventually we'hope to have every alternate box connected with a different circuit. All poles and boxes have been painted conspicuously, new cards distributed and a testing schedule is being arranged.
The Inspection of Wiring has been placed as a Division of this Depart- ment and 124 inspections were made, all work being according to require- ments of the National Board of Fire Underwriters. The new building per- mits have space for the stamp of approval on wiring before the work can be covered, also on plumbing inspection.
The Town is Gainer as shown in double table following, $94,000 on an original total outlay of $84,000. Furthermore the free street lighting for the past eight years has totaled in value practically the original cost of the plant.
ESTIMATE OF REQUIREMENTS FOR MUNICIPAL LIGHT DEPARTMENT FOR THE YEAR 1916
Expenditures Estimated.
For purchase of current. $32,100.00
Payroll. 2,800.00
Distribution labor. 1,200.00
Incandescent lamps including renewals. 2,000.00
Reserve for Repairs (1916)
1,550.00
Insurance . .
250.00
Office expense . 900.00
STATEMENT OF LOSS AND GAIN IN MUNICIPAL COMMERCIAL LIGHTING DEPARTMENT
Gain.
Plant account as of December 31, 1915, .... $83,625.48
Other assets 4,328.95
Cash .
5,019.70
50.00
Accounts receivable. 8,518.55
$101,542.68
$40,800.00
Interest requirement Note requirements .
1,012.75 2,500.00
Depreciation requirement of $3001.79 to be expended as earned for addi- tions to plant together with the further sum of $998.21, a total for additions to plant of . . . 4,000.00
Available for conduit construction in 1916. 16,551.23
$64,863.98
Income estimated.
From sale of current.
54,500.00
Available surplus 1915 business. . 10,363.98
$64,863.98
Loss
Total appropriations to date for all pur- purposes. . 49,100.00
Notes outstanding . 27,500.00
Accounts payable -. 3,229.27
A charge of interest on amounts appropri- ated. 12,781.31
Accrued interest to date. . 101.04
A charge of taxes lost to the town on ac- count of Municipal ownership 6,296.54
Total Loss.
$99,008.16
Net Gain in investment, .
94,337.17
$193,345.33
160
A credit of the amount which the town would have paid for street lighting to date, 81,843.31 A credit of interest saved to the town on the above item of street lighting cost .. .. . 9,959.34
Total Gain . .$193,345.33
1
161
Police Department.
The Reorganization of the Department will begin with the new year hav- ing appointed as new chief a man of considerable experience in the operation of Police affairs; other promotions will be planned during the coming year. The bicycles purchased for outlying beats have proved of great assistance in covering additional territory and the street telephone boxes with red call lights have proven efficient many times. Beats and relief shifts were re- arranged and a daily individual report system and blotter record established. Cooperation with the School Department has been given by placing a traffic officer at the Guild and Everett schools. The Electric Light Depart- ment report shows $250 saved on broken lights largely by better protection.
Regulations have been enforced on all pool rooms and restaurants, news- boys, jitneys and also the traffic rules where possible. Several raids and convictions have been secured on liquor and gambling nuisances. Fire prevention and sanitary inspections have been carried out recently by the patrolmen without additional expense. An emergency call has been ar- ranged which will bring all Town automobiles to Headquarters immedi- ately, and plans are being made for school of instruction in target practise, wrestling, first aid, and so forth. All officers are encouraged to place telephones in their homes, thus aiding the efficiency of the Department. Using autos of other departments has saved considerable hiring charges, and day and night patrol service has thus been arranged. The value of Department equipment is $375, not including the seven cells built last year.
Investigations totaling nearly 700 required only 262 arrests, of which only 10.were women, 21 minors and juveniles; 73 were non-residents and 10 arrests were made for other cities. Drunkenness caused 93 arrests, disturb- ing the peace 46 and assault 18; the remaining 105 arrests being scattered over 55 different charges from escaping from reformatory to murder, which if listed would occupy two pages. The unpleasant duty of regulating dances is now being impartially carried on.
Fire Department.
It will surprise many of our citizens when they learn that only 40 cents of the $12.80 tax rate is spent for police protection, and less than that for fire protection.
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