Norwood annual report 1932-1935, Part 12

Author: Norwood (Mass.)
Publication date: 1932
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 1450

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189

Overdue Water and Electric Accounts

On May 16, 1929, an accumulation of unpaid water and light bills more than sixty days overdue (and in many instances from two to five years overdue) were turned over to the Town Manager for collection. The electric accounts totalled $36,552.42 and the Water accounts $6617.81, making a total of $43,170.23. On December 31, 1932, the uncollected accounts more than sixty days overdue totalled in the Electric Department $1,004.65 and in the Water Department $1,663.0S, a total of $2,667.73. During the years 1928 to 1931 the total annual sales have increased from $302,955 to $372,576 or 23%. The accumulated uncollected accounts diminished from 14% of the annual sales to 7/10 of 1% at the present time. The unfortunate financial condition of such a large percentage of our consumers at the present time as compared with conditions three years ago, emphasizes all the more the thoroughness with which collections have been enforced; and yet on the other side, every consideration has been given to persons out of work, sickness, or other unfortunate circumstances. From what check-up we have been able to make .with other Water and Light Departments, and private companies in Massachusetts, we feel there can be no refuting the statement that the business of collecting Norwood's accounts is far beyond that of other public service enterprises.

Retrenchment

The major activity of the Manager's office this past year as in 1931 has been assistance to the Selectmen in the reduction of municipal expendi- tures. As one example of many can be given a week's payroll in just one department, namely the Electric Light, where, for the identical week in 1930 the payroll was $975.05, in 1931 $808.SS and in 1932 $577.38. These figures show for the same weck that 1932 was 28% under 1931 and 40% under 1930. The 1933 weekly payroll is now running about 45% under 1930. The efficiency of the department has not been lowered. The reason for this reduction of personnel was that in 1930 much of the outside system" had to be rebuilt and has gradually been completed. The practice of hiring temporary additional help has thus been unnecessary.

In the Public Works department, pursuant with your instructions, the work done was as far as possible, that type which required a minimum of materials; this fact, combined with the drop in material costs, allowed a larger percentage of expenditures to go directly to payrolls than had formerly been the case. While the Cemetery Department shows larger payrolls than in some previous years, it was because of your desire to furnish work for as many men as possible. The town has received the benefit however, of securing over 2500 additional graves.

Thesc, and reductions in other departments, have been the cause of being able to reduce the Manager's budget requests for 1933 to $528,000 as against $636,000 in 1931, and $687,000 in 1930, a reduction for 1933 of

190

$75,000 (16%) under 1932 and $217,000 (32%) under the budget of 1930 for the same departments.

In General

In the endeavor to minimize the Manager's report, only a few of the high spots have been reviewed in this brief summary. It can readily be seen that to cover every phase of the work of the Town Manager's office in every one of the municipal departments for an entire year could be drawn out until it made a volume by itself. No mention has been made of the amount of time and endeavor which has been given to unlimited details affecting the operation and efficiency of these departments and the equipment and property within their jurisdiction. Neither has mention been made of the numerous cases of matters pertaining to personnel. A chapter could be written on the complaints, inquiries, and suggestions which are constantly received and which are given individual attention, recording and answers. These innumerable problems, both large and small, in addition to the continual efforts for reduction of financial burdens to our citizens, have only been accomplished through the ever-willing cooperation and attention to details given by the Superintendents of all

departments, as well as with the aid of their co-workers. Above and be- yond all our individual efforts has been the faith and confidence extended to the Manager and all his subordinates by the Board of Selectmen-to whom this brief report is most respectfully submitted. The writer would be unappreciative indeed, if he failed to acknowledge with thanks the kind words of commendation he has received from many citizens on the prompt- ness and thoroughness with which all complaints have been courteously investigated and corrected. Naturally, no public official ever expects to receive as many compliments as criticisms, because in the minds of many, no municipal employee ever knows his work or is credited with sincerity or ability regardless of whether he annually saves the town five times his salary or not. Oftentimes Managers' reports from other cities will be found to contain remarks as to the necessity of having the "wisdom of Solomon and the patience of Job." This truly is no idle remark and while it has frequently been said that an official should be paid double to compensate him for the abuse he has to take, yet we feel there are enough fair minded citizens in Norwood whose sympathy with us makes life worth living, and who encourage us to show the incentive and desire to perform our tasks to the end that we might occasionally at least, earn the remark of "Well done, good and faithful servant."

The Selectmen realize for themselves as well as for their subordinates the great number of people constantly pulling wires for their own personal gain. Likewise we of the municipal family thank the members of the Board for their recognition of the fact that we cannot be "All things to all men" and that our job as sworn officials calls for the saying of "No" when such means the greatest good for the greatest number.

In closing we would repeat the last paragraph of our 1929 report in

191

which we stated that the longer the writer serves municipalities, the more he agrees with the Director of Public Works at Philadelphia when he ended his annual report some twenty-five years ago by quoting Abraham Lincoln where he said "If what I do turns out all right, what they have said against me will not count; but if what I do turns out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right will make no difference."

Respectfully submitted,

C. a. Binghamo Town Manager

192

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Mr. C. A. Bingham,

General Manager,

Town of Norwood.

Dear Sir:

I hereby submit my annual report relative to the number of arrests and the disposition of the cases brought before the Courts during the year 1932.

Arrests Made for the Following Offences

Assault

45 Lottery 1

Attempt to commit lareeny

1- Loaded revolver 5

Attempt to commit rape

1 Murder 2

Bastardy

5· Neglect of children

Burning building

1 Negleet of family Peddling no license

Breaking and entering and lareeny

13 * Rape

Burglar tools in possession

3 Runaway boys

Drunk

135

Trespass

Disturbing the peace

23 Throwing glass in street

Escape

3 Violation of automobile law

False Fire Alarm

1 Violation of Fish and Game law

Idle and disorderly

9 Violation of Pure Food law

Lareeny

18 Violation of Liquor law

Lewdness

4 Violation of Vendor law

Loitering

3 Violation of Prohibition law 3

Vagabonds

2 Vagraney 5

Disposition of Cases as Follows

Committed to Coneord Ref. 4 Delivered to U. S. Officers 3

Committed to House of Cor.

15 Fined 105

Committed to State Farm

7 Filcd

Committed to State Prison

1 Probation 10

Committed to Ref. for Women 3 Probation and susp. sentence

Delivered to other departments

31 Released 51

Delivered to Child Welfare

8 Dismissed

Waiting for trial 8

The total amount of fines levied at the courts for the year 1932 was $2,950.00 and the amount paid was $2,760.00.

Respectfully submitted,

WILLIAM H. SULLIVAN,

Chief of Police.

Delivered to parents

11 Not Guilty

193

ANNUAL REPORT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT

Mr. C. A. Bingham,

Town Manager, Norwood, Massachusetts

Sir :---

The annual report of the Norwood Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1932, as taken from the records is submitted hereon; the number of alarms responded to, amount of water pumped, number of feet of hose used, the value of property at risk, and the paid fire loss is shown.

Alarms were responded to as follows :--

From Street Fire Alarm Boxes 59

Sent out from Headquarters

Still Alarms; No Signal Sounded

159

Squad Calls 36

Total

269

There has been a noticeable decrease in the number of False Alarms over last years number of (26) in comparison with this years number (6).

No new equipment of any consequential value has been added to the Department although a new Brush Fire Truck should be purchased in the near future, as the present truck lacks the needed power to do the work required and to haul the equipment and tools that are needed to fight properly and efficiently whenever called upon to do so.

The Department Mechanic in his report states that at the present date all apparatus of the department is in first class condition mechanically. This investment by the Town of a Mechanic in this department has proven its worth in the past year by the saving of many dollars on repair bills of the apparatus.

Another item that has been increased this year over that of last is in the issuance of Permits for the Storage of Range Oil, a great many of these have been issued. Before these permits are issued a member of the de- partment must inspect the tanks wherein the oil is to be stored, to see that the Regulations as set down by the State Fire Marshal's office are adhered to, through these inspections many hazards that otherwise would have been unnoticed, have been noticed and those responsible have been told to remedy the situation. Second notices have not been needed in any of these cases.

The Personnel of the Department has been increased by the addition of one man, Henry O. Millin, appointed April 1, 1932.

The inspection of Buildings, Cellars, Tenement Houses, Stores, and yards

194

was continued regularly throughout the year and due to the wonderful cooperation by the tenants and owners the loss by fire has been kept at a minimum this year.

In the extinguishment of the various fires there was used approximately 628,940 gallons of water, and to reach the fires there was used approximately 62,750 feet of hose.

The value of the property that was being risked by firc during the year was approximately $625,975.00 and the paid fire loss was $32,302.23; a large reduction over last years figures. These figures are approximate and a small variation either way may be found.

The position of Chief of Department, was temporarily vacant from September 7, 1932, until December 31, 1932 owing to the resignation of John J. Hannigan. During this time Deputy Chief Louis F. Parker was acting in the capacity of Chief of Department.

The thanks of the members of the department and myself, to the mem- bers of the Town Government, the heads of each department, the press and the citizens of the Town, is greatfully extended for the assistance ren- dered during the year. The members of the department are to be com- mended for their attention to duty, which in a great measure helped to keep the fire loss down.

Respectfully submitted,

ALONZO W. EARLE, Chief of the Fire Department

195

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Mr. C. A. Bingham,

Town Manager,

Norwood, Massachusetts.

Dear Sir:

I herewith submit my report as Superintendent of the Public Works Department for the year 1932. With a reduced budget the Department was able with the men furnished by the Welfare Board, the Unemployment Committee and the Soldiers' Relief, to make many improvements through- out the town. Some of these improvements were as follows:

The widening of Winter Street from Prospect Street to the Westwood Line.

Pleasant Street, west side, from Railroad Avenue to Neponset Street.

The widening of road leading to the Town Dump from Winter Street.

Surfacing with gravel, the street car bed on Washington Street, between the bridges after the rails and ties were removed by the railroad company.

Many sidewalks were improved and sewer laterals were constructed on Morse Street, Highview Street and a section of Washington Street.

A culvert of paving blocks was built through the Corcoran Estate, from Rock Street south.

These men were also used on the maintenance of Parks, Drains, Streets and the cleaning of the filter beds at Westwood Station, and in many other ways that aided in repaying the town for the expenditure.

Highway Maintenance

The usual methods of maintaining the work coming under this heading was continued throughout the year. In addition, Neponset Street was widened and a sidewalk built on the north side from Pleasant Street to Washington Street. On Water Street an added clearance of three feet was made under the Railroad Bridge and 150 feet of the road at this point was surfaced with asphalt.

Highway Construction

Street

Sq. Yds. Estimate

Cost Including Per Sq. Overhead Yard

Hill Street

1,010

$1,800.00

$2,232.02

$2.21

Mountain Avenue

1,339

2,200.00

2,178.25

1.626

Garfield Avenue

4,049

5,800.00

5,421.44

1.339

Highland Street

726

1,600.00

1,740.69

2.398

*Cedar Street

1,922

5,800.00

6,547.89

3.407

*(This job includes the building of two retaining walls).

196

Granolithic Sidewalk Construction

Street

Sq. Yds. Walk

Sq. Yds. Crossing

Feet Concrete Curb

Cost

Washington Street (Tremont to Austin

151.5

133

$ 389.68

Washington Street (Front of Abdallahs)

145.66

312.70

Linden Street

(Guild St. to Winter St.)

297.25

45.5

710.85

Guild Street (At Bandstand)

106

182.36

Prospect Street (Gaps)

123

31.75

252.96

823.41

105.25

244

$1,848.55

Asphalt Sidewalks

Street

Sq. Yds. Estimate

Cost

Cost per Sq. Yd.

Washington Street

(Tremont St. to East Wal- pole Line)

2,000

$1,900.00

$2,367.62

$1.183

Cedar Street

(Chapel St. to End)

595

500.00

1,093.33

1.84

Washington Street (Between Bridges)

1,970

1,900.00

2,154.77

1.094

Washington Street (Prospect St. to Granite St.)

960

2,800.00

1,337.96

1.40

The above sidewalks were surfaced with a Colprovia Compound an asphalt product. This type of sidewalk apparently makes a very sub- stantial walk at a minimum cost.

At the intersection of Dean and Pleasant Streets the four corners were widened at a cost of $927.98, against an estimate of $1200.

Central Street was resurfaced with a Colprovia Asphalt Top, from Washington Street to East Vernon Street at a cost of $1,199.22 or $.287 per square yard, against an estimate of $1,800.

Nichols Street Extension was treated with an application of road oil and pea stone at a cost of $1,212.31 or $.0842 per square yard.

Short Street from Morse to Washington Streets and Morse Street from Short Street to Neponset River Bridge were reconstructed with six inch crushed stone penetration.

197

Parks

The various parks and playgrounds throughout the town were kept in very fine condition during the season.

Sewer Maintenance

Nothing of unusual character occurred in the sewer system during the past year. The entire system is functioning in a very satisfactory manner. Twenty-four particular sewers, 1349 ft., were laid at a cost of $1,611.13.

Sewer Construction

Size of

Street

Length

Main

Estimate

Cost In- cluding Overhead

per Foot

St. John Avenue

320'

$ 800.00

$ 541.05

$1.69

Hill Street

95'

167.78

1.77

Mountain Avenue

138'

257.00

1.86

Prospect Street

115'

246.08

2.14

Hawes Brook Outfall *

3,682'

24"

27,300.00

23,964.20

6.508

Metropolitan

Connec-

tion t

58'

24""

1,056.03

4408'

$26,232.06

* Hawes Brook: This was heavy construction and it was necessary to hire a large size pump, also 150' of 30-inch flume. A dam was built on the tannery side of the brook to take care of the water through tunnel under the railroad in order to change the course of water, so as to make construction possible.

t Metropolitan Connection: This connection was made at a point approximately 900' east from Pleasant Street on the sewer line leading to the Filter Beds. The construction consisted of 58' of 24" pipe and a 22' manhole. Considerable water and silt was encountered during the process of construction. At the completion of this work, it made it pos- sible for the department to abandon the filter beds. All sewerage is now entering the Metropolitan Sewerage System.

Sewerage System now totals 28.68 miles.

Drains

The following list of drains were added to the system, which now totals 15.77 miles, with 541 Catch Basins and Drain Manholes.

Cost

198

Street

Length

Estimate

Cost

Cost per Foot

Size

Water St. at R. R. Bridge

92'

$ 199.69

$2.16

Hill St. Extension and

Mountain Avenue

870'

$2,800.00

1,791.91

2.06

12 & 8"

Garfield Ave. Extension

1;122'

2,100.00

2,310.15

2.06

12"

Oliver and Rock Streets

465'

800.00

1,000.73

2.151

12'

Tremont Street

486'

900.00

994.43

2.046

10'

Cedar Street

(Four catch basins)

312.99

6 & 8"

Concord Avenue

418'

889.92

2.129

12"

Short and Morse Streets

627'

1,096.55

1.75

12"

Granite Street

157'

449.13

2.86

12"

From the culvert at the Corcoran Property on Rock Street two lines of 42" concrete pipe (96 ft.) were laid across the street, where two lines of 36" concrete pipe were continued through Clark Swamp for a distance of 1660'. Here two manholes were constructed and from there to the railroad 1566' of pipe was laid. It was planned to tunnel under the railroad tracks to Broadway, but after the tunnel had proceeded through solid ground for a distance of twenty-eight feet we ran into a fill of loose ashes and gravel. As there was no way to control this material from settling ahead of the tunnel and the vibration from passing trains caused settlements, the Railroad Company insisted that work be stopped until they could put proper shoring under the tracks.

Water Division

Eight hydrants were replaced. Five of these were on account of being struck by automobiles * the other three were old type hydrants that were leaking badly. There were forty-three service leaks repaired and three leaks in the mains.

Pumping Stations, Pumping Machinery and buildings are in very good condition.

* (The town secures reimbursement for damage on these hydrants.) The following extensions were made to the system :

Cost

Street

Size

Length

Estimate

Cost

per Foot

Hill Street

215'

$ 600.00

$ 332.99

$1.55

Cleveland Street

253'

1,200.00

438.23

1.73

Franklin Street

744'

969.47

1.30

Highview Lane

309'

900.00

671.79

2.17

Sumner Street

493'

1,163.53

2.36

2,014'

$2,700.00

$3,576.01

199

Operating Record at Water Pumping Stations

Station

Days

Hours

Gallons Pumped

Ellis

365

3,565}

230,830,000

Westwood

365

2,535

149,265,000

Total

730

6,100%

380,095,000

Monthly Consumption in Gallons

Month

Ellis Station

Westwood Station

January

21,360,000

8,965,000

February

20,310,000

7,700,000

March

22,220,000

9,145,000

April

14,350,000

15,155,000

May

12,600,000

18,415,000

June

11,440,000

21,000,000

July

18,800,000

16,765,000

August

24,730,000

11,440,000

September

23,560,000

10,290,000

October

22,290,000

10,335,000

November

19,740,000

9,765,000

December

19,430,000

10,290,000

230,830,000

149,265,000

Total Gallons Pumped 1932, 380,095,000.

Water Pumped in Previous Years

1926

493,814,375 gallons

1927

428,230,000 gallons

1928

416,875,000 gallons

1929

387,820,000 gallons

1930

418,015,000 gallons

1931

411,230,000 gallons

The day on which the greatest amount of water was pumped was August 16, 1932-1,345,000 gallons.

The week during which the greatest amount of water was pumped was the week of July 16 to July 21 when 9,050,000 gallons were pumped.

Miles of Water Mains January 1, 1933-44.06.

Water pumped from both stations registered by Venturi Meters.

Number of Services in use January 1, 1933 2679

Number of House Meters in use January 1, 1933 2725

Number of Shop Meters in use January 1, 1933 47

Total Number of Hydrants 424

Seventeen water services were renewed and twelve new services were added to the system. Twenty new meters were set.

200

Forestry

The following is a list of work done by the Forestry Department:

One hundred eighty-four trees were pruned.

Twenty-eight young American Lindens were pruned for future shape.

Eleven trees, where limbs extended over private houses were pruned to permit sunlight and to prevent damage to houses.

Fourteen trees were removed, including the stumps. Nine of these trees were killed by illuminating gas, one by drought, caused by ledge under soil, three decayed and in dangerous condition and one tree was obstructing a driveway.

Fifteen young Norway Maples were purchased and planted.

Five trees were transplanted on account of street widening.

Two trees required rod bracing to prevent splitting.

All town trees were sprayed, including Parks and Schools.

All private property trees that could be reached from the street were sprayed.

Under brush along side of roads was also sprayed.

A survey of the town was made and all gypsy and satin moth eggs were painted. Brown Tail Moths were gathered and burned.

Respectfully yours,

JOSEPH E. CONLEY, Superintendent of Public Works.

201

ENGINEER'S REPORT

Mr. C. A. Bingham, Town Manager, Norwood, Massachusetts.

Dear Sir:

I herewith submit my report as Town Engineer for the year 1932.

Taking plans, deed descriptions, construction plans, assessment plans, lines and grades and final measurements were furnished for the following jobs:

Street Layouts and Widenings

Cedar Street between Washington Street and Railroad Avenue. Garfield Avenue between Adams Street and Monroe Street. Hill Street Extension. Mountain Avenue Extension. Highland Street Extension.

Dean Street and Pleasant Street, 4 corners.

Drains

Cedar Street

Clark Swamp Granite Street Concord Avenue

Oliver and Rock Streets

Short and Morse Streets Water Street Hill Street Garfield Avenue Tremont Street

Sewers

Hawes Brook

Morse Street

Prospect Street Mountain Avenue Extension

Hill Street Extension

Highview Street Washington Street St. John Avenue Metropolitan Connection

Construction plans, lines and grades were furnished for the following jobs:

Neponset Street surfacing. Washington Street sidewalk, Tremont Street to Town Line. Cedar Street sidewalk, Chapel Street to railroad. Linden Street sidewalk. Washington Street sidewalk between Granite Street and Town Line. Prospect Street sidewalk. Cemetery extensions.

202

Miscellaneous Work

Town maps showing sewer, water highways and sidewalks brought up to date.

Assessors' plans.

Sewer assessment plans.

Sidewalk assessment quantities.

Water valves located and plotted.

House connections plotted.

Estimated costs on new construction.

Cemetery plan finished.

Plotting 1932 burials on lot plans.

Alteration plans in municipal building.

Building survey for assessors.

Estimating costs of sewer and water connections to new houses.

Proposed locations of new streets around cemetery.

Information to engineers, contractors, Telephone Co. and Metropolitan Sewer Commission.

1933 town maps.

Town charts.

Miscellaneous plans showing connections to new highway.

Pole location surveys for Light Department.

Accident surveys.

Hydrant location surveys.

Street lines relocated.

Plans to eliminate sewer pumping station.

Respectfully submitted,

A. W. THOMPSON, Town Engineer

203

REPORT OF LIGHT DEPARTMENT

Mr. C. A. Bingham, Town Manager, Norwood, Massachusetts.

Dear Sir:

After going through another year of dull business, it is a pleasure to say that we had a small gain in our output. This makes the Light Depart- ment's 1932 out-put largest in our history.

During the past year we have lost the Street Railway business, starting June 12, when the Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway discontinued its trolley car service.

We have continued the rearranging of our commercial and street lighting circuits, which results in much better service given to our people.

The Department has replaced ninety-four poles, added thirty-four new poles and four and one-half miles of commercial and street lighting wires.

General Data

December 31, 1931

December 31, 1932

Gain

Lamps on Lines

126,463

131,125

4,662

Meters in Use

4,576

4,695

119

H. P. of Motors

4,269

4,484

215

Street Lighting

Traffic and

Fire Alarm

C. P.

C. P. C. P. C. P. C. P.

40 & 60

250

400

600

1000

Total Candle Power ·

7,360

550

32,980

144

36,000

186

74,400

116

67,600

34,000

Tota C. P. on Streets

1,169 Street Lamps burned 3,916 hours.

Electric Inspection and Meter Division

Inspection was made of all new work and changes of wiring, approved all meter locations and changing of customers' services when necessary.

Testing, checking, numbering and filing all records of meters.

139

252,340

204

Cutting out and reconnecting of meters for vacancies and nonpayment. Removing and installing of meters.

Investigated all complaints for the Billing Department.

Issued three hundred and fifty wiring permits during the year. It was necessary to rewire several old jobs of wiring during the year.

Fire, Police and Traffic Signal Division

No additions or changes have been made during the year. The systems are all in good working order and we have had little trouble during the year.

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Norwood annual report 1932-1935, Part 12

Author: Norwood (Mass.) Publication date: 1932 Publisher: The Town Number of Pages: 1450

Author: Norwood (Mass.)
Publication date: 1932
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 1450