USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1936-1938 > Part 35
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On March 9, the following order was adopted by the Selectmen:
ORDER OF RESTRAINT OF DOGS
Ordered that all dogs shall be muzzled or restrained from running at large for a period of ninety days beginning Friday, March 12, 1937, and it is further ordered in pursuance of Section 167, Chapter 140 of the General Laws as amended that warrants be issued to one or more of the police officers or constables of the town of Norwood who shall, after twenty-four hours from the publication of such notice, kill all dogs found unmuzzled or running at large contrary to such order.
On March 9, it was voted to insert an article in the special town meeting warrant to provide for the appropriation of money for the purpose of
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making a study of the advisability of the town constructing and operating a generating plant for the production of electricity for distribution to its existing system.
The opposition of the Selectmen to the proposed State legislation which would establish the territorial limits of Metropolitan Boston by including therein Norwood and other municipalities in the vicinity of Boston was recorded at a hearing before the Committee on Metropolitan Affairs of the Massachusetts Legislature through the Town Counsel and reported by him on March 9.
On March 16, opinion from Town Counsel to General Manager reported to the effect that the organization known as G. Company Associates was properly classified as fraternal, and therefore was of such character that the Selectmen had authority to grant to it a so-called "Beano" permit, and the General Manager reported that a permit for a "Beano" game had been issued to G. Company Associates.
By letter dated March 16, William L. Pendergast informed the Select- men that in the event they were given authority to purchase property owned by him for the purpose of protecting the town water supply he de- sired to offer the property by way of gift to the town. It was voted that an appropriate letter of appreciation of the offer be prepared and sent to Mr. Pendergast.
On March 16, the State Director of Accounts gave notice that the im- mediate organization of two members of the Local Retirement Board should be made in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 57 Acts of 1937 effective February 26, 1937 and that under said Act the Town Accountant takes office at once as a member of said Board, and that the Selectmen may appoint one other member at the present time instead of waiting until July. Frederick M. Kingman and Joseph D'Espinosa were appointed to serve in such capacity together with Town Accountant Pendergast.
On March 23, a report was received of the action of the Emergency Finance Board in approving the renewal of so much of the $40,000 tax title loan approved by said Board of April 7, 1936 as is outstanding on April 15, 1937, with rate of interest of 1%.
On March 30, a notice from Secretary Waddell of the State Emergency Finance Board dated March 26, was read whereby the Selectmen were informed that said Board had approved a tax title loan in the sum of $3,500.
On April 13, approval was voted of the sale by the Town Treasurer and Collector of Taxes as Town Treasurer of Emergency Finance loan notes of $20,067.27 and $35,000.00 respectively, to the Treasurer of the Common- wealth, with rate of interest of 1% payable at maturity.
On April 27, the General Manager reported that the amount agreed upon with the insurance companies interested as damages for property loss on account of the recent fire at the Civic Building, so-called, is $3,016.88
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and as soon as releases were received the necessary repair work at the building would be started to restore the building to its condition prior to the fire.
On May 9, a program was approved as additional to the present program in respect to recreational activities for girls beyond school age with respect to the use of the Senior High School gymnasium one night a week in order that they might participate in certain competitive games provided, how- ever, that the boys make use of the Senior High School gymnasium and that the program for the girls be limited to the Junior High School gym- nasium if the School Committee permits the use of the premises.
On May 25, following conference with Planning Board Chairman, it was voted that the Finance Commission give favorable consideration to making available a certain sum of money for the purpose of securing the services of an expert town planner, pursuant to the resolution adopted at the recent town meeting, and that in the event the funds were made avail- able arrangements be made in behalf of the Selectmen and Planning Board for retaining Mr. Arthur A. Shurcliff to furnish a report to be submitted directly to the Selectmen and Town Planning Board.
On June 1, approved a recommendation of the General Manager for the construction of a pipe drain running from a catch basin to be con- structed on Stone Circle to the rear of property at No. 3 Stone Circle in order to relieve the existing situation where surface water in the street washes across and through this property with estimated cost $250.
Approval given to the recommendation that the sewer main be extended northerly in Lenox Strcet so that the particular sewer connections from. the service station under construction at the northeast corner of Lenox and Nahatan Streets could be made with estimated cost $300.
On June 1, a report was received that a petition had been filed by the Clerk in the form submitted by County Engincer to the County Commis- sioners for the relocation and widening in Norwood of Canton Street, a public way in the town of Westwood, for the purpose of making a suitable connection between Canton Street as now laid by the Commissioners, this relocation involving a distance of about seven hundred and fifty feet generally northerly from existing town bounds, and which petition was signed by the Selectmen.
On June 8, on application a Sunday sales license at Willett Pond was granted to Oscar J. Cloutier for the period ending May 1, 1938, also a common victualer's license at Willett Pond for the same period, subject to the condition that during the term of his license, neither the licensce nor his successors in business would scek a license for the sale of alcoholic beverages in any form on the described premises.
On June 15, General Manager Kendrick and Chairman Mahony of the Planning Board were appointed at the request of Mr. George F. Willett as representatives of the town to meet with representatives of the towns
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of Walpole and Westwood relative to the question of park reservation in an area in which all three towns are interested.
On June 22, a joint conferenee meeting with the Finanee Commission was held to discuss the policy with respect to requiring guarantees in eon- nection with the extension of water mains and installation of eonduits and conductors underground for the transmission of eleetrie energy.
On June 22, a petition was signed requesting the County Commissioners to relocate Pleasant Street between Dean and Cross Streets, together with making suitable connection with all intersecting ways, for the purpose of establishing boundary lines of said ways, making alterations in the course or width of said way and making repairs on said way.
On July 6, it was voted that the rate of interest be 4% for a guaranty charge imposed in connection with future extensions of water mains.
On August 10, it was voted on application of Forrest M. Douglass, inspector of buildings that the Selectmen as the appointing authority recommend favorable consideration be given by the Contributory Retire- ment Board to his application as a member of the contributory retirement system to continue in employment for a period not exeeeding two years from the retirement age date.
On July 13, the General Manager was authorized to negotiate a settle- ment with Leonard C. Fisher with respect to damages sustained by him relative to the easement taken by the town in his land for surface drainage purposes by an increase of the award of damages to $200 and the further consideration that the town will plaee rough fill in the portion of the treneh which is open. On July 29, voted to inerease the award to $250, which was accepted.
On August 24, upon report received it was voted that a petition be presented to the County Commissioners relative to a relocation of the line of Pleasant Street between East Cross Street and Nahatan Street.
An opinion was received from the Town Counsel on September 7, ad- vising that the provisions of law empowering the town to make appro- priations for providing cooperation with the Federal Government in un- employment relief and other projects of direct or indirect benefit to the town or its inhabitants give power and would warrant an appropriation to meet the expense of transportation to other points of Norwood citizens who are engaged in Federal relief employment, and that the Finance Com- mission would be justified in providing a sufficient sum by transfer for this purpose. It was reported that the Finance Commission on request had taken favorable action and made available the sum of $400 by transfer for the purpose.
On September 14, it was voted that a letter be forwarded to the State Department of Public Utilities protesting against the proposed changes in the timetables of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad Company, Midland Division, whereby certain trains between Boston
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and Norwood would be discontinued, and the General Manager and Repre- sentatives of the district be requested to attend and enter formal protest at the hearing to be held as to said changes.
It was voted on September 21, that the Selectmen go on record as being in favor of employing union labor on the Central Fire Station repair job if the necessary funds are available.
On September 28, it was voted to approve the sale of an issue of notes of indebtedness in anticipation of revenue of 1937 totalling $50,000.00 and bearing interest at the rate of .0069%.
On October 19, the recommendation of the General Manager was ap- proved with respect to the rental of the dwelling house at the Civic Asso- ciation property at the rate of $25.00 a month with tenant to take care of all repairs except those named.
On October 19, it having come to the attention of the Selectmen that horse race betting establishments are being conducted in Norwood, it was voted that the General Manager make a thorough investigation as to whether such establishments are conducted within the confines of the town and, if it so appear, that such establishments be eliminated com- pletely. On October 26, the General Manager reported that all known horse race betting establishments in Norwood had been closed.
On October 19, the Selectmen were advised by the Town Clerk, as a member of the Advisory Committee of the State Auditors and Accountants Association on the Contributory Retirement System, that the Committee was definitely informed that the provisions of any non-contributory re- tirement system could not be adopted after July 1, 1937 by reason of the provisions of Chapter 102 Acts of 1937.
On October 25, a conference meeting was held with Plannng Board members and others for the consideration of the report submitted by Arthur A. Shurcliff as Advisory Town Planner, and it was voted that a public hearing be held on the report and that publicity be given to it by news- paper, and that a sub committee consisting of the Chairman of the Select- men, Chairman of the Planning Board, Clerk of Selectmen and General Manager consider the matter further and report at their convenience to a joint meeting of the Selectmen and Planning Board prior to the pro- posed public hearing. On December 9, consideration was given through conference with the Planning Board of Shurcliff report as to matters in Class I recommendation and it was voted to request the General Manager to cause a study to be made of the area westerly of Wilson Street with a view to securing definite information with reference to a proposed public playground area. At the same meeting the unanimous sentiment was expressed that attention be given to acquiring a parcel of land in the Hartshorn Swale area, also that a South Norwood highway from Pleasant Street to Washington Street should have attention as a Chapter 90 project for 1938.
On October 26, it was voted to recommend to the Board of Assessors
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the abatement of special assessments committed for the year 1936 which it appears are assessed upon property on which the town holds tax title.
On October 26, approval was given for the use of Social Hall at the Civic Building for one night a week for eight weeks without rental charge for the purpose of establishing a course of Music Appreciation in Norwood, under the auspices of the State Department of Education as offered by said Department through the Superintendent of Schools, said course to be under the direction of qualified musicians appointed by the State De- partment.
On November 9, appreciation was voted to Fireman Joseph McAuliffe for his voluntary services in acting as instructor, with the approval of the Boston Chapter of the Red Cross, for holding classes on one of his days off in each week for instruction on first aid work to members of the Police Department.
On November 16, following discussion on rates of truck hire it was voted that the General Manager be instructed that all trucks hired by the town and operated with a body of water level capacity of five cubic yards or over be paid at the rate of $3.00 per hour.
On the same date it was voted, with respect to traffic signals, that the recommendation of the General Manager that a contract be awarded to the Eagle Signal System, Inc. on a one hundred and twenty delivery day basis in the sum of $1,970 be approved.
On November 16, consent was given to granting of a permit for the erection of a marquee type sign for the theatre building at No. 1106 Wash- ington Street and it was voted that the Inspector of Buildings be so notified, and that the General Manager safeguard the interests of the town with respect to liability to the public so far as obstruction in highway is con- cerned, and look into the matter of the town's liability in connection with the maintenance of other similar devices and signs within the town. On December 27, the General Manager reported on advice from the Town Counsel that either through a bond or through a specific provision in a public liability insurance policy, the owner of the premises to whom such a permit is granted, be required to protect the town against liability, and such recommendation was adopted.
On November 16, a notice was received from the State Department of Public Works, under date of November 12, that the State Department will clear all State highways in the town of Norwood, in length 6.10 miles, of snow and ice for the year December 1, 1937 to December 1, 193S.
On November 17, names were submitted as requested to the State De- partment of Conservation, Division of Fisheries and Game, for appoint- ment of a town game warden and endorsing for favorable consideration the re-appointment of James E. Bunney.
On November 23, a recommendation of the General Manager was ap- proved that request be made of the Finance Commission to transfer from the reserve fund the sum of $260 to meet additional costs incurred in the
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matter of repairs of Central Fire Station building, also for the transfer of $225 from the reserve fund to supplement the playground maintenance appropriation, in view of the need for further funds.
On November 30, voted to express to the Chief of the Police Department the appreciation of the Selectmen of the services rendered by Sergeant Patrick J. Coyne and Policeman Joseph Flood of the Norwood Police Department in apprehending two men whose arrest was sought as serious law violators and suggesting that, in recognition of such services, three days leave of absence be granted to each of said officers.
On December 14, approval was voted of advertising the coasting regu- lations, adopted February 4, 1936, without amendment to govern coast- ing during the coming season.
On December 14, it was voted on application made to approve the erec- tion and maintenance by Ellen G. Fisher of an outdoor advertising sign on the wall of No. 719 Washington Street, and further voted that the De- partment of Public Works be so notified.
On December 21, a report was received of a notice under date of Septem- ber 16, from the County Commissioners of Norfolk County, of the return on the petition of Charles F. Holman and others for relocation of Pleasant Street and stating that a copy of the order of taking of land for said pur- pose was recorded in the Registry of Deeds on December 14. There was also submitted a schedule of awards of land damages. .
On December 21, a petition in the following form was signed and ordered forwarded to the Governor of the Commonwealth, namely,
His Excellency Charles F. Hurley Governor of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
State House, Boston
Your Excellency :
The Transportation Committee of our Local Chamber of Com- merce together with certain officials of the Town, have appeared at hearings held by the Department of Public Utilities of the Commonwealth in the matter of the curtailment of train service to Norwood Central and Boston by the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad.
Formal written statements have been submitted by the peti- tioners and we, the Selectmen of the Town of Norwood, do here- with petition Your Excellency that more immediate attention be given the question of curtailment and that the Department of Public Utilities take early and favorable definite action on the petition submitted by our committee and which is now before it.
On December 21, it was voted, following discussion on the question of amendment of the by-laws relating to the acceptance of streets in private
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property, that the following article be included in the warrant for the coming special town meeting, namely:
To see if the Town will vote to amend the by-laws relating to regulations governing the acceptance of new streets through private property by adding at the end thereof the following new sub-division or take any other action relative thereto, viz .:
The Selectmen shall have the authority to waive the requirement of re- moving the soil from that part of a way as laid out on either side of the travelled way, if in its opinion such removal of soil is not necessary for the proposed use of the way, provided, however, that all rocks, boulders and other objectionable hazards are removed, and the full width of the taking graded to approximately the grade of the adjacent travelled way.
On December 28, notice was received from the Division of Forestry, State Department of Conservation, under date of December 27, con- taining the recommendation of the State Forester that the town raise and appropriate the sum of $2,000 for the suppression for the coming year of gypsy and brown tail moths and tent caterpillars.
On notice under date of December 27, received from the Commissioner of Corporations and Taxation, of the establishment of the sum of $47,300 as the amount not less than which the bond of the Treasurer of the Town for the year 1938 shall be written, and of a like amount not less than which the bond of the Collector of Taxes for the year 1938 shall be written, it was voted on December 28, that the amounts so established be adopted as the amounts of the respective bonds, and a certificate to that effect was signed by the Selectmen.
Reports were received periodically fromn American Legion Post No. 70; from Company G 101st Infantry, Massachusetts National Guard and Associates and from Norwood Post No. 2452 Veterans of Foreign Wars, with respect to the conduct of "Beano" games, so-called, in accordance with the requirements of licenses issued therefor.
Weekly grants of funds for soldiers relief as submitted by Soldiers' Relief Agent Pendergast were approved.
Deeds for lots in Highland Cemetery as presented from time to time on sales made were approved and acknowledged for delivery.
From time to time during the year upon notice received so to do jurors for service in the Superior Court for Norfolk County were drawn in the manner required by law.
Consideration was given to estimate submitted by the General Manager and others of appropriations required in the conduct of the business of the town for the year 1937.
Reports were received from the Board of Public Welfare from time to time as to the number of cases aided.
Town meetings, both annual and special, were called by appropriate warrants as submitted by the Clerk and containing articles as to which town action was sought or was required.
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Conclusion
The foregoing report is set up in such form as to acquaint the citizens in considerable detail with the varied activities of the Selectmen in the performance of their duties during the year 1937 and which presents a fair picture of matters undertaken as well as accomplished.
Appreciation is expressed to all other officials and to employees and to the citizens of the town generally for the cooperation and consideration shown.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES F. HOLMAN, Chairman, STURE NELSON, JOHN M. MUTCH, HARRY B. BUTTERS, HERBERT V. BRADY,
Norwood, Massachusetts January 15, 1938
Selectmen of Norwood
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LIST OF PERSONS QUALIFIED FOR JURY SERVICE (INHABI- TANTS OF THE TOWN OF NORWOOD) AS PREPARED BY THE SELECTMEN ON JUNE 29, 1937
Name
Address
Occupation
Ahearn, John F.
37 Railroad Ave.
Watchman
Anderson, Harold C.
760 Neponset St.
Foreman
Bacon, Milo R.
8 Gardner Rd.
Teacher
Bagley, Louis C.
1390 Washington St.
Painter
Bailey, William C.
10 Cypress St. 16 Rock Court
Shoe Cutter
Balboni, Attilo
739 Neponset St.
Expressman
Balboni, Louis P.
739 Neponset St.
Student
Balduf, Curtis I.
24 Phillips Ave.
Wool Sorter
Baler, Joseph
121 Winslow Ave.
Merchant
Banks, Thomas H.
264 Nahatan St.
Truckman
Barron, William G.
163 Roosevelt Ave.
Laborer
Barry, William J.
73 Railroad Ave.
Printer
Bemis, George F.
119 Vernon St.
Salesman
Bernier, Francis E.
27 Chapel St.
Clerk
Bixby, Robert W.
12 Morse Ave.
Chemist
Blasenak, Edward R.
332 Railroad Ave.
Feeder
Blasenak, John F.
232 Nahatan St ..
Lineman
Blasenak, Walter A.
332 Railroad Ave.
Accountant
Blood, Arthur J.
13 Sycamore St.
Machinist
Borowski, Ernest
714 Neponset St.
Florist
Brady, Herbert V.
22 George St.
Clerk
Breen, Thomas F.
21 Hoyle St.
Custodian
Bunney, James E.
49 Central St.
Printer
Butler, George M.
26 North Ave.
Chauffeur
Butler, Harry J.
25 Sycamore St.
Fireman
Callaghan, Martin F.
8 Hoyle St.
Ball Player
Campbell, Edward J.
43 Adams St.
Janitor
Carey, Thomas J.
90 Hill St.
Chemist
Carlson, Fred A.
202 Walpole St.
Accountant
Carlson, Manfred E.
44 Sycamore St.
Foreman
Chapman, Charles D.
200 Nichols St.
Clerk
Charron, Eugene R.
65 Monroe St.
Fireman
Chick, Parker N.
14 Sycamore St.
Salesman
Chubett, Bernard C.
11 St. John Ave.
Clerk
Clark, Stephen B.
779 Washington St.
Grocer
Cody, Thomas P.
18 Cypress St.
Salesman
Conlon, Harry J.
65 Winslow Ave. Janitor
Connolly, John E.
34 Nichols St. Laborer
Cooke, John J.
5 Jacobs Rd.
Machine Tender
Coolidge, Richard H.
3 Stone Circle
Watchman
Clerk
Baier, Edward L.
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Name
Address
Occupation
Corish, John J.
12 Grant Ave.
Carpenter Chauffeur
Cotter, Edwin P.
760 Neponset St.
Coyne, Coleman J.
20 Hoyle St.
Insurance Agent
Cronan, Henry J.
Business Agent
Cuff, James B.
P. O. Clerk
Curran, Michael J.
147 Neponset St. 50 Bellevue Ave.
Pressman
Cushman, Leon E.
Electrician
Danovitch, Lewis J.
92 Lincoln St.
Dentist
Darling, Arthur S.
121 Vernon St.
Machine Tender
Daunt, John
23 Railroad Ave.
Painter
Davenport, Leo
46 Cottage St.
Bank Teller
D'Espinosa, Paul J.
39 Concord Ave.
Blacksmith
DiMarzio, Alexander
26 St. George Ave. 22 Folan Ave.
Laborer
Dolan, Walter E.
49 Rosemary St.
Manager
Donahue, Michael E.
22 Oolah Ave.
Laborer
Donovan, Robert D.
340 Prospect St. 33 Granite St. 24 Cleveland St.
Bookbinder
Duncan, Francis J.
267 Railroad Ave. 48 Bond St.
Clerk
Erickson, Arthur J.
65 Hawthorne St.
Printer
Everett, George E.
346 Washington St. 25 Rock St.
Electrotyper
Farroli, Peter J.
490 Washington St.
Clerk
Fielding, Frank C.
64 Howard St.
Gas Fitter
Fisher, Stanley R.
6 Washington St.
Florist
Flaherty, Edward A.
219 Vernon St.
Merchant
Flaherty, John M.
71 Adams St.
Tailor
Flaherty, Peter
4 North Ave.
Grocer
Folan, John E., Jr.
86 Winter St.
Interviewer
Folan, John P.
114 Casey St.
Laborer
Foley, Hugh C.
220 Nahatan St.
Blacksmith
Forrest, Francis J.
90 Hill St.
Waiter
Fraser, Harry E.
93 Vernon St.
Landscape Engineer
Frueh, Frederick G.
22 Cypress St.
Electrician
Garlick, Irving W.
178 Vernon St.
Bookbinder
Garner, Frank W.
15 Plimpton Ave.
Salesman
Gillett, Frederick
56 Prospect Ave.
Clerk
Gillis, Everett E.
129 Cottage St.
Auditor
Grant, Ernest H., Jr.
S3 Vernon St.
Clerk -
Greig, Nicholas B.
6 Maple St.
Compositor
Hanley, James R.
9 Lincoln St.
Chemist
Hansen, Harold C. F.
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