USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1923-1927 > Part 40
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141
It would be policy to keep the equipment in running order and a small amount of the various sizes on hand to provide stone in small amounts from the Town crusher, so that there would be no delay in the work in case of failure of prompt delivery of stone purchased.
Sewer Division
Mains constructed during the year were as follows:
Street
Size
Length
Parkway-Winslow Avenue to Bond Street
6"
592 ft.
Bond Street-from Parkway westerly
270 ft.
Elliot Street Extension-from end of pipe in Elliot Street to Nichols Street Extension
285 ft.
Nichols Street Extension-from Elliot Street Ex- tension to New High School
8"
518 ft.
Walpole Street-Chapel Street to Saunders Road
8"
1,219 ft.
Lenox Street-Willow Street southerly
6"
492 ft.
George Street
6" and 8"
305 ft.
Broadway-Nahatan Street to Vernon Street Ex- tension
10"
556 ft.
Vernon Street Extension-Broadway to Central Street
10"
316 ft.
Central Street-Day Street to Cottage Street
375 ft.
Cottage Street Extension-Broadway to Washington Street
6" and S"
519 ft.
Field Line-Pleasant Street to Morse Street
15"
1,160 ft.
Weld Avenue-Washington Street westerly Short Extensions
340 ft.
175 ft.
7,122 ft.
The Walpole Street sewer was laid in anticipation of the construction of the concrete highway which is to be built the coming season, and cannot be used until it is connected with the sewer in Chapel Street. To ac- complish this a short section will have to be laid in Chapel Street between Walpole Street and Winslow Avenue, which should be done this year.
In order to provide for the domestic sewage from Bird & Son's Floor Covering Plant, a 15" field line was laid between Pleasant Street and Morse Street at Bird & Son's expense. This line was constructed so as to become a permanent part of the Town's system and will be taken over by the Town this year, at which time Bird & Son will be reimbursed the amount paid by them.
One hundred and thirty-three new house sewers were added to the system, making the total to date 1640. This includes twenty-four connections laid on Walpole Street from the main to the street line.
The entire piping system has been thoroughly cleaned and is in excellent condition.
1
142
Filter Beds
Number 6 filter bed was resurfaced with sand. The other beds were given the usual care and attention. Owing to the removal of sand due to eleaning, two of the beds need resurfacing. This should be done the coming season.
There is no question but that the beds are being overworked, particularly during rainy periods when large amounts of surface water find its way into the sewers and which is eventually discharged onto the beds. With careful eare they will provide for the present dry weather flow, but any material increase over the dry weather flow causes them to become flooded and trouble is experienced.
In order to provide for the increase in sewage due to the normal growth of the town, it will be necessary to construet additional beds. At least two should be built during the coming year.
During the dry season the water in the Neponset River became very low, and in order to improve its condition and prevent putrefaetion resulting in offensive odors, nitrate of soda was added to the effluent from the filter beds.
Drains
The following main drains were eonstrueted:
Street
Size
Length
Parkway-Hoyle Street to drain in rear of Junior High School
10' 250 ft.
Mountain Avenue and Willowwood Street-from Adams Street to Hill Street
8" and 10" 500 ft.
North Avenue and Nahatan Street-North Avenue to Field Line
10" and 12" 234 ft.
Cottage Street-Broadway to Central Street, con- erete
3' x 4' 250 ft.
Broadway-Nahatan Street to Cottage Street 10"
250 ft.
Water Division
The following mains were laid during the year:
Street
Size
Length
St. Paul Avenue-from end of main casterly
6 "
296 ft.
Mylod Street-cast of Rockhill
6"
482 ft.
Elliot Street Extension-from end of main to Nichols Street Extension
6"
260 ft.
Lenox Street-from end of main northerly
8"
330 ft.
Berwiek Road-Gardner Road westerly
6" 288 ft.
Weld Avenue-westerly from Washington Street
6" 344 ft.
Cottage Garden Development (1st, 2nd, 3rd Street sections)
6" 1,758 ft.
143
Nichols Street Extension-Elliot Street Extension to New High School 6" 528 ft.
"Central Street" (so-called)-from Vernon Street Ex-
tension to Nahatan Street
6""
775 ft.
Cottage Street-westerly from Broadway 6" 500 ft.
Short Street-westerly from Morse Street 6" 232 ft.
One hundred and twenty-four new services were installed and thirty- seven old services renewed.
The fire hydrants have been examined and put in first-class order. Eight new hydrants have been set in the following locations:
1 -- Berwick Road.
2-Cottage Garden Development.
1-Nichols Street Extension near New High School.
2-Central Street in Town Square development.
1-Cottage Street in Town Square development.
1-Winslow Avenue between Harding Road and Chapel Street.
Pumping Station Operation
During the past year the stations have been operated as follows:
Ellis Station 265 days 5994 hours 321,070,000 gallons pumped
Westwood Station 211 days 2080 hours 107,494,157 gallons pumped
Total 576 days 8074 hours 428,564,157 gallons pumped
Average Daily Consumption for Year-1,174,148 gallons.
Average Consumption per Capita per Day-83 gallons.
Supply
During the year the supply has held up remarkable well. Throughout the winter months a small amount was pumped from the Westwood Station, but apparently this was not due to any shortage at the Ellis source. Beginning February 27, the Westwood plant was shut down and all of the water was pumped from Ellis until March 23, at which time the sup- ply became lowered to a point where it became necessary to start the Westwood Station again. Both stations were operated throughout the summer and until October 3, when the Westwood Station was shut down, remaining so throughout the balance of the year. With the ex- ception of the water pumped during the winter months, all of the water from Westwood has been filtered.
Monthly samples have been sent to the State Department of Health, and the results of the analyses show the water to be of excellent quality.
144
Filter at Buckmaster Pond
The present filter was constructed in 1914. It is of the slow sand type, having an area of 13,000 square feet, with a filtering capacity of 1,300,000 gallons per day, which amount is practically the capacity of the pumps. In operating, the filter is used for a period of from ten to twelve days. The surface of the sand then becomes elogged with sediment, and it is necessary to draw the water off and allow the sand to dry. The sediment is then removed from the surface of the sand and the filter put into operation again. The drying and cleaning require about three days; and with one filter it is necessary to either pump the raw pond water into the system or take the entire supply from the Ellis Station.
During an extremely dry period the Ellis source has not been sufficient to allow of pumping the entire supply; consequently, it has at times be- come necessary to use the Westwood supply unfiltered. In order to over- come tliis, an additional filter is now under construction and is practically completed. It is the same area and capacity as the original filter and constructed in the same manner. When the Westwood Station is put in operation, the two filters will be used and all the water will pass through them before it enters the distributing system. At present the filter has cost $25,671.26. There still remains some fittings to be installed, some grading to be done around the outside, and some other incidental work which will cost in the vicinity of $1,500.00, bringing the total cost to about $27,175.00.
Pumping Machinery
The machinery at the Ellis Station is in good condition and, barring accident, should give service for some years to come.
New clectrical-driven pumps are now being installed at the Westwood Station. They consist of a 1,500,000 centrifugal pump direet connected to a 100-H. P. motor for the high service pump, and a 1,500,000 gallon centrifugal pump driven by a 15-H.P. motor which will be used for pump- ing the water from the pond onto the filters.
A pole line has been extended from a point near the Norwood line on Winter Street through private property to a point near the pumping station, and the electric current used for pumping will be supplied by the Municipal Light Department.
The pumps are located in the present station and so arranged that by opening or closing certain gates the original steam plant can be put in operation.
Thus far there has been expended $3,525.00. The gates, fittings, etc., to- gether with labor will cost $1.300.00; making the total cost of installation $4,825.00.
Meter
A Venturi Meter has been purchased and will be installed in the West- wood Station. The meter was purchased from the Builders' Iron Foundry
145
of Providence, R. I., at a cost of $1,225.00, which cost includes installation.
The meter will measure all of the water pumped from this station, which, with the Venturi Meter at the Ellis Pumping Station, will enable us to keep accurate records of the amount of water pumped into the system.
Water Hammer
There has been considerable annoyance caused by water hammer when the present steam pumps are running, particularly in the high land in the * vicinity of the standpipe. I believe this will be overcome to a large extent, if not entirely, by the use of the centrifugal pumps.
Water Investigation
Early in the summer it was decided to make a thorough investigation in order to determine whether it would be possible to increase the under- ground supply. Consequently, tests were made by means of driven wells in all localities where it was thought possible that water might be secured. The locations tested are as follows:
1. Foundry or Colburn Brook Valley westerly from Pond Street in Westwood.
2. Germany Brook Valley in Westwood.
3. Neponset River Valley on land of Gov. Forbes northerly of Everett Street.
4. Neponset River Valley southerly of Everett Street on land of Cathe- rine Codman.
5. Neponset River Valley northerly of Neponset Street on land of Edward Talbot.
Twelve wells were driven at the first location. The test demonstrated that the underground condition in this location is such as to make it im- possible to obtain a large quantity. Taking into consideration the area of the water shed and the restricted area of water-bearing material, I am of the opinion that not over 200,000 gallons per day could be secured. The analysis shows the water to be of excellent quality.
At the second location the surface indications were not favorable, but in order to make the examination complete, it was thought best to test it out. Consequently two wells were driven, both of which were failures.
At the third location, or on land of Gov. Forbes, four wells were driven, from three of which water was pumped freely and in large quantity. Analysis showed the water to be somewhat high in chlorine, but otherwise of good quality.
Four wells were driven at the fourth location on land of Catherine Codman. Fine impervious material was encountered at each well, ore of which extended to a depth of SO feet below the surface. None of the wells would yield any water whatever.
146
On the fifth location one well was driven to a depth of ninety feet, but the material was such that no water could be pumped from it.
The first three locations are in the Town of Westwood.
Previous tests, and those made during the past summer, demonstrate that it will be impossible to secure any material increase of ground water within the town limits.
If permission can be secured to locate at the third location in Westwood, it would be possible to secure an additional supply of from 300,000 to 400,000 gallons per day. The location is within one mile of the Ellis Pumping Station, and the supply could be developed in such manner that the water could be pumped into the present piping system. It would, however, necessitate constructing a small auxiliary station. The total cost of the system (not including land damage) would be in the vicinity of $50,000.00.
Should the consumption in Norwood increase to any material extent, it will be necessary to secure an additional supply from some source. If the Town is to develop its own supply, the location above described should be considered and more extensive tests made in order to determine as far as possible the quantity that could be secured and its quality. This could be done by means of driving about ten wells, connecting them up, and running a pumping test.
Town Square Development
This work was started during the latter part of the season, and con- tinued until about the first of January, at which time it became necessary to discontinue work on account of cold weather,
The work consisted of:
Streets
Cottage Street-Broadway to Washington Street.
"Central Street" (so-called)-from Vernon Street to Nahatan Strect.
Have been brought to subgrade and are now practically ready for sur- facing.
Water Mains
Cottage Street-westerly from Broadway to near Washington Street.
"Central Street" (so-called)-from Vernon Street Extension to Nahatan Street.
Sewers
Broadway-from Nahatan Street to Vernon Street Extension. Vernon Street Extension-from Broadway to Central Street. Central Street-from Day Street to Cottage Street.
Cottage Street-from Broadway to Washington Street.
147
Drains
Concrete culvert in Cottage Street from east side of Broadway to Central Street.
Surface Drain in Broadway from Nahatan Street to Cottage Street, together with the necessary inlets and catch basins.
The curbing for these streets has been purchased, and will be set during the coming year.
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Mr. George A. Smith, Engineer
The Engineering Department covers a wide range, and is one of the most important departments in the town.
Plans and estimates for all construction, such as sewers, water, streets, drains, parks, etc., are prepared in this office, and all necessary engineering in connection with the actual construction furnished. The department also prepares the Assessors' maps, and makes Assessors' building surveys.
Engineering services were rendered the different departments by the Engineer or his assistants as follows:
Sewer Department
163 days
Highway Department
126 days
School Department
88 days
Water Department .
70 days
Norwood Square Development
51 days
Assessors' Maps.
17 days
Assessors' Building Survey
44 days
Drainage
33 days
Cemetery Department.
25 days
Zoning Maps.
16 days
Board of Survey
13 days
Parks
7 days
Electric Light Department.
2 days
Armory Site
2 days
Owning to the large amount of construction contemplated, the coming season will be a busy one for the department, and it will probably become necessary to employ an extra man for a few months.
LIGHT DEPARTMENT
Mr. F. S. Barton, Superintendent
The Light Department has had a most satisfactory year from the financial standpoint and that of work accomplished.
Street lighting has been improved by adding 5-60 c. p., 12-250 c. p., 1-400 c. p., 10-600 c. p., and 4-1500 c. p. lamps. The 1500 c. p. lamps
148
were installed on Bond Street and the High School grounds, and form a very attractive piece of lighting. One more lamp should be installed on the High School grounds opposite Everett Avenue to complete this see- tion.
Three hundred and fifty-four meters have been installed during the year, more than in any previous year, and the department is now about 99% metered.
As there are less than 50 unwired houses in town, we must now depend on new buildings, and cooking and refrigerating appliances for our future load to inerease our income and earnings. The electric range and refriger- ator offer a great field to work in, and it would undoubtedly be poliey for the Light Department to further the use of these appliances.
There are two things which the department should undertake this year, and as soon as possible. First: the installation of 4 capacitators at the source of the low power factor on different lines. The total cost of these is estimated at $10,250.00, and the saving to the Town as a result of this installation is estimated at $4,575.00 per year. Second: the installation of 4 cireuit regulators to replace the present two 3-phase regulators which are too small for our fast-growing plant. Regulation at 100% means higher efficiency on our lines and meters and giving our customers 100% light for their money.
Underground conduits, manholes and feeder ducts for secondary feed to the business seetion and for street lighting should be installed on Market, Cottage and Nahatan Streets in the seetion of the new park development. A new line should also be set through Lyman Place, the Town Yard, and along Broadway to Day Street to provide for the present feed wires now on wooden poles along Washington Street. This will cost about $10,- 000.00, and will eliminate all wooden poles in the eenter of the Town and on Washington Street from Railroad Avenue to Guild Street.
A Mead-Morrison No. 901. Capstan Winch complete with mounting and driving parts should be purchased. The amount of work involved in the setting of heavy poles, some 60 feet higli, the hanging of transformers and the loading of heavy weights warrants the purchase of such an outfit. The amount of hand labor saved will pay for the outlay, $449.00, in a short time.
The cost of the above recommendations, approximately $31,000.00, could well be taken from the surplus and the present year's earnings.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
On August 25, Mr. William C. Kindelan submitted his resignation as Chief of Police to take effect on October 10. Mr. Kindelan was Chief of the department for four years. He was an able and efficient chief, and the department has lost a valuable man.
About twenty-five applications for the position were received, and
149
after careful consideration Mr. William H. Sullivan of Marshfield was appointed. Mr. Sullivan assumed the office on October 18.
Personnel and Organization
Chief
William H. Sullivan
Appointed October 18, 1925
Sergeant
Walter A. Readel
Appointed April 1, 1907
Patrolmen
William J. Barrett.
Appointed July 31, 1911
J. Irving Reid.
Appointed Sept. 11, 1911
Peter N. Curran.
Appointed May 1, 1917
Thomas C. Lydon
Appointed May 1, 1917
Charles R. Donnell
Appointed May 1, 1918
Harry F. Snow
Appointed October 30, 1918
Patrick J. Coyne
Appointed June 1, 1920
Henry F. Breen
Appointed January 1, 1921
John S. Conroy ..
Appointed April 1, 1922
John J. Nee
Appointed April 10, 1923
Nicholas P. Curran.
Appointed April 27, 1924
John F. Lee
Appointed July 19, 1925
Four hundred and twenty-four arrests were made, or 158 less than during the preceding year.
Summary of Arrests
Adultery
1
Assault and battery .
16
Accosting opposite sex.
3
Bribery
1
Breaking and entering
10
Capias.
2
Carrying loaded revolver
1
Cruelty to animals .
1
Cutting through funeral
1
Desertion .
1
Deserter U. S. C. G.
2
Disturbance .
4
Dist. on publie conveyance .
1
Disorderly house
1
Drunk
185
Exposing and keeping
5
Fornication
1
Gaming on Lord's Day
4
Insane
8
Lareeny
13
150
Lewd, wanton and lascivious cohabitation
4
Manslaughter
2
Malicious injury to building .
17
Manufacturing intoxicating liquor
1
Neglected children
4
Neglect of wife and minor child.
2
Non-support.
6
Operating auto while drunk
20
Profanity
1
Runaways.
2
Safe keeping
2
Sale of liquor
9
Selling leased property
1
Suspicious persons
8
Selling property held on conditional bill of sale .
1
Keeping unlicensed dog .
5
Violation of Auto Laws.
63
Violation of Fish and Game Laws.
2
Violation of Town By-Laws.
4
Violation Pure Food and Drug Laws
2
Violation of Probation .
2
Violation of U. S. Immigration Laws
2
Violation of U. S. Postal Laws
1
Disposed of as follows:
Appealed.
15
Continued for trial .
2
Defaulted .
2
Delivered to Boston Police.
9
Delivered to Foxboro Police
1
Delivered to Plainville Police
1
Delivered to Probation Officer
1
Delivered to Walpole Police
4
Delivered to Wrentham State School Officer
2
Delivered to R. I. Reform School Officer
2
Delivered to U. S. Immigration Officer
1
Delivered to U. S. Postal Officer
1
Delivered to U. S. C. G. Tampa.
2
Discharged .
9
Dis. for want of prosecution.
4
Filed
36
Fined . 153
Fined and committed .
12
Foxboro Insane Hospital
8
For Out-of-Town Police
24
151
Grand Jury 3
Not guilty
1
Probation
32
Released 74
Returned to New York
1
Sentenced to House of Correction
29
Sentenced to State Farm .
3
Sentenced to Lyman School
1
Suspended Sentences.
29
Taken by Public Welfare Department.
4
Total arrests.
424
Males
404
Females
20
Minors
74
Juveniles.
40
Total amount of fines . $4325
Superior Court
Fined .
6
Probation .
4
Nol-Prossed .
2
Total amount of fines $385
Other Duties Performed
Accidents reported and investigated.
153
Buildings found open and secured .
136
Complaints investigated.
1198
Dead bodies cared for
5
Death as result of fire.
1
Death as result of automobile accidents.
11
Defective cesspools reported
5
Defective drains and vaults reported .
5
Defective hydrants reported 2
Defective lamps reported . 123
Defective sewers reported .
2
Defective streets and walks reported
31
Defective water pipes reported .
5
Disturbances suppressed without arrest
37
Dogs killed by Police . 28
Fire alarms given by Police.
4
Fires extinguished by Police
1
Horses killed by Police 3
1
Insane persons taken in charge
8
Lodgers at Station House
14
Killed by railroad train .
Lost children restored. 9
152
Missing persons reported
20
Missing persons found . 15
Liquor raids. 3
Police Officers attending fires on alarms.
72
Sick and injured persons assisted.
19
Street obstructions removed .
1
Suicide by hanging.
1
Total days attendance in Court by Officers 463
Cacant houses reported and cared for 9
Water running to waste reported . 3
Value of property reported stolen in town. $7976.70
Value of stolen property recovered . 3446.85
Value of property recovered for other cities and towns 7250.00
CEMETERY DEPARTMENT
Mr. George A. Smith, Superintendent
New development at the Highland Cemetery consisted of removing stone and digging over about 2,750 square feet in Section 44, and ex- cavating for and placing stone fill in 120 linear feet of avenue. Stone was removed and rough grading done for 96 graves in Section 18. Holy Cross Avenue was given a coat of Tarvia.
We now have available 4 lots and 58 single graves in the Protestant section, and 10 lots and about 37 single graves in the Catholic section.
There were 147 interments during the year and 6 removals.
FORESTRY DEPARTMENT
Mr. Walter H. Metcalf, Superintendent
The work of this department consisted of spraying all shade trees bor- dering the streets, and a large amount of spraying on private property. During the season the conditions, due to rainy weather, made it impos- sible to perform the work promptly, consequently there was some delay; but, considering the conditions and the small force, the results were very satisfactory.
The large spraying machine was thoroughly repaired and is in good condition. A small machine was purchased to replace the old one, and will be of service for a number of years.
One thousand each of white and Scotch pine seedlings were set out. A portion of these were planted at the sewer pumping station on Pleasant Street, and the balance on Town property near the Ellis Pumping Station.
No new shade trees were set out, but the inoney appropriated for this purpose was used for pruning, trimming and caring for our present shade trees.
153
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Mr. Harry M. King, Sealer
The following scales, weights and measures were tested and sealed during the year:
Platform Scales, over 5000 lbs.
35
Platform Scales, under 5000 lbs.
136
Counter Scales, under 100 lbs.
68-1 condemned ยท
Beam Scales, over 5000 lbs.
1
Spring Scales, over 100 lbs.
2
Spring Seales, under 100 lbs.
41-2 condemned
Computing Seales, under 100 lbs.
78
Personal Weighing Scales
9
Prescription Scales
4
Avoirdupois Weights.
534-1 condemned
Apothecary Weights
41
Metrie Weights
47
Liquid Measures
23
Glass Oil Jars.
37
Gasoline Pumps
37
Kerosene Pumps.
5
Quality Stops
187
Leather Measures
21
Yard Measures.
187
School Scales
16
The following inspections were made:
Inspections
Overweight Underweight O.K.
Bread .
18
1
17
Butter
32
2
2
28
Charcoal in Bags
15
15
Coal in Bags
16
3
1
12
Coal in Transit
12
6
2
4
Coke in Bags.
10
2
S
Confectionery .
18
3
1
14
Dry Commodities
28
7
21
Dry Goods
18
2
16
Flour.
34
4
30
Fruit and Vegetables
36
4
32
Grain and Feed
38
3
1
34
Hay
4
Ice .
42
5
2
35
Kindling Wood in Bags
S
8
Liquid Commodities.
24
5
1
18
Meat and Provisions
32
4
28
4
154
Kindling and Cord Wood .
8
2
6
Coal Certificates.
16
Ice Scales.
20
Junk Scales .
6
Marking of Bread
16
Marking of Food Pkgs.
24
Ice-Cream Containers
10
Milk Jars. .
8
Paper and Fibre Cartons. .
12
Peddlers' Licenses
38
Peddlers' Scales.
26
Transient Vendors' License
1
Wholesale Milk Cans.
16
Respectfully submitted,
LEWIS D. THORPE, General Manager.
1
STATISTICS POPULATION, VALUATION, TAX RATE
1918
1919
1920
1921
1922
1923
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