USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1948-1950 > Part 9
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Laborer
Whitty, Paul X.
301 Prospect Street
Salesman
Wilde, Harold C.
119 Gay Street
Real Estate
Williams, John F.
9 George Street
Clerk
Williamson, George S.
25 Beacon Street
Salesman
Williamson, Payton R.
5 Carpenter Street
Superintendent
Wilson, Arthur V.
323 Washington Street
Sales Manager
Woodberry, Gordon F.
413 Prospect Street
Architect
Zacofsky, Walter J.
41 Veterans Road
Student
118
TOWN OF NORWOOD
REPORT OF THE TOWN COUNSEL
The Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen :
I submit herewith in summarized form my report of the activities of the law department for the year 1948.
Frequent amendments of the laws applicable to municipal government bring requests for interpretation of the new legislation in its relation to our activities in order to competently advise those charged with the conduct of our town government.
Much of the service rendered was advisory in nature and was furnished to the various departments of the town through written opinions upon request therefor.
Additional service was rendered by attendance at hearings and conferences, court appearances and trials, drafting of articles for town meeting warrants and motions to be offered thereunder, and the drafting of deeds, agreements and various other instruments.
The service rendered dealt with practically every phase of municipal activity.
Litigation and Claims
Michael Flaherty vs. Norwood-Industrial accident claim for compensation for partial disability resulting from injury suffered out of and in the course of employ- ment. Agreement for compensation reached with employee and approved by Indus- trial Accident Board.
Lyons vs. Board of Appeal-Appeal by petitioner from refusal of respondent board to grant a permit for the removal for sale of sand and gravel from petition- er's property off Everett Street in Norwood. The action was tried in the Superior Court at Dedham and a decree was entered ordering a permit to be issued in accord- ance with conditions and restrictions set forth in the decree.
Lipschits vs. Building Inspector-Petition for writ of certiorari subsequently amended to mandamus brought in the Superior Court seeking to void the action of the building inspector in refusing to grant building permit in alleged violation of building by-laws. Respondent's return was prepared and filed. After trial before Donahue, J. at the Superior Court in Dedham the court ordered that the action of the building inspector be quashed upon the return.
Various claims for personal injuries and property damage were made against the town arising out of alleged defective conditions in public ways in which opinions as to liability were given and recommendations made as to disposition.
Other matters as to which service was given by way of advice and otherwise are briefly referred to under the headings of the departments or officials concerned.
Selectmen
Veterans housing legislation-review and report as to status.
Street car rails-advice with reference to liability for cost of removal.
Property damage claim resulting from operation of snow loader-advice as to liability.
Right of way question in connection with proposed town yard location-advice. Election officers-advice with reference to providing meals.
:
119
REPORT OF TOWN COUNSEL
Sewer construction-question of assessment of areas of undeveloped property under provisions of sewer act-advice.
Housing Authority-preparation of articles for warrant and form of votes in connection with establishment of Housing Authority and preparation of application for allotment.
Flaherty industrial accident claim-review of file, advice and recommendation.
Northeast Sewer Line-opinion furnished with reference to contract provisions dealing with time extension for stated causes.
Alcoholic beverages-advice with reference to serving without charge, common victuallers and non license holders.
Playground-advice with reference to leasing portion for private enterprise.
Amusement license-advice with reference to activities within scope of license.
Common Victualler's license-advice in connection with application for common victualler's license, requirement of specified place of business.
Hearing-advice with reference to procedure and formality of hearing, police department.
Surplus Revenue-opinion as to necessity of approval of Commissioner of Cor- porations and Taxation prior to use of funds transferred from Surplus Revenue.
Parking Area-advice with reference to right of way to property proposed as parking area.
Selectmen's meetings-advice with reference to quorum and votes necessary to take proper action.
Dog officer-advice and interpretation of law relating to duties of dog officer.
Surface drainage-advice with reference to liability for damage caused by surface waters.
Representative town meeting-advice and attendance at meetings of temporary committee authorized to determine percentage of voters to constitute representative town meeting and number of districts to be established and drafting of by-laws in connection therewith.
Street names-advice with reference to authority to change names of streets and question of amendment of deeds in event of change.
Smoke nuisance-review of file, advice and attendance at hearing.
Town charter act-advice with reference to authority of selectmen and General Manager in matter of appointments.
Reimbursement-drafting of bills with reference to reimbursement for payments made for installation of water service in ways accepted by the town.
Cemetery-advice with reference to setting aside portion of cemetery.
Civil service-advice with reference to veterans preference and termination of provisional appointment.
Town election-advice with reference to effect of warrant provisions as to hours of voting.
Bicycle registration-preparation of article for town meeting warrant with reference to acceptance of act providing for registration of bicycles.
Light rates-attendance at hearing before Department of Public Utilities on petition of Edison Company for increase in rates.
120
TOWN OF NORWOOD
License fees-advice with reference to charge of nominal fee in connection with licenses issued to veterans' organizations.
Sale of land-preparation of deed and passing papers-former pumphouse prop- erty on Pleasant Street.
Selectmen's report-preparation of summary of Selectmen's records for 1947 report.
Board of Appeal
Advice to chairman with reference to jurisdiction in matters relating to building by-laws.
Advice with reference to form of notice of hearing and report of decisions.
Drafting pleadings, preparation and trial of appeal from Board decision with reference to refusal of permit for removal of sand and gravel for sale.
Finance Commission
Drafting of motions under articles requiring appropriation of funds.
Advice with reference to form of motions.
Advice with reference to interpretation of statutory provisions governing reserve fund transfers.
Advice with reference to procedure in matter of disputed bill referred to Com- mission for investigation and attendance at conference.
Town Treasurer and Collector of Taxes
Advice with reference to service of trustee process.
Town Clerk and Accountant and Clerk of Selectmen
Advice with reference to preparation of ballot for town election.
Advice re private livery license.
Advice and drafting of articles for special town meeting.
Advice with reference to registration of voters.
Filing nomination papers-advice with reference to dates for filing for certifica- tion and election.
Vacation pay-advice with reference to payment in case of deceased employee.
Veterans Housing-advice re pending legislation and authority under existing law.
Alcoholic Beverages-advice re regulations of Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.
Saturday closing of public offices-preparation of article for warrant with reference to acceptance of statute permitting Saturday closing.
Housing Authority-advice with reference to election of Housing Authority, nomination papers and ballot.
Cemetery lots-advice with reference to descent of cemetery lots and control in case of several heirs.
Garbage Contract-advice with reference to performance bond and assignment of contract.
Surplus Revenuc-conference and advice with reference to availability of surplus revenue funds in connection with salary appropriations.
121
REPORT OF TOWN COUNSEL
Water extension - discussion and advice with reference to water extension agreements.
Representative Town Meeting- conference and advice with reference to proced- ure under special act.
Town meetings-conference with reference to annual town meeting and special town meetings-drafting of articles and motions and advice with reference to extent of action permissible under motions.
General Manager
Advice with reference to installation of light poles.
Advice with reference to duty of abutters with reference to sidewalks.
Sewer assessments-discussion and review of special act with reference to basis of assessment.
Advice with reference to sidewalk obstructions.
Advice with reference to bids and contract awards.
Advice with reference to establishment of no parking areas.
Installation of utilities in private way by individual-advice.
Form of invitation for bids-conference and advice.
Preparation of release-Petringa matter.
Elks Park-conference and advice with reference to drainage problems and proposed skating area.
Town Charter-review of provisions of charter with reference to duties of General Manager.
Advice with reference to Fairbanks Road petition for acceptance.
Conference with reference to Access Road to airport.
Advice with reference to performance bond requirements.
Conference and advice with reference to procedure in Workmen's Compensa- tion matters.
Advice with reference to overhead pipe line across Morse Street.
Advice with reference to Legion baseball admission charge.
Sewer contract-conference and advice with reference to contract provisions in connection with alleged dust nuisance resulting from installation of sewer line.
Conference and advice with reference to tax title situation, Lenox Street widen- ing and Plimpton Avenue.
Advice with reference to statutory and by-law provisions in case of public official dealing with the town.
Advice with reference to applicability of Workmen's Compensation provisions in case of part time playground employees.
Advice with reference to title and order of taking in connection with Lenox Street relocation.
Advice with reference to use of Bond Street park.
Advice and preparation of article for town mecting warrant providing for acceptance of gift by the town.
Discussion and advice with reference to liability in connection with surface drainage situation.
122
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Advice with reference to erection of poles by Edison Company, Norwood-West- wood line.
Preparation of release in Nickerson claim.
Advice with reference to procedure and statutory requirements in acquisition of public parking areas.
Advice with reference to rights of pedestrians at cross walks.
Conference with reference to occupancy of civic building.
Preparation of guarantee agreements in connection with extensions of water service.
Preparation of Augustine-Webber lease.
Advice with reference to responsibility for maintenance and repair of bleachers at High School.
Advice with reference to applicability of provisions of General Laws to annual vacations for employees.
Housing Authority
Opinion with reference to authority of Veterans' Housing Board and Housing Authority.
Board of Health
Review of former proceedings with reference to abatement of alleged smoke nuisance.
Advice with reference to application for complaint-violation of by-law.
Building Inspector
Advice with reference to non-conforming use.
Advice with reference to permitted use in business district.
Conference, advice and preparation of pleadings in matter of Lipschitz appeal.
Conference and review of legislation with reference to petition to Board of Standards.
Advice with reference to authority in matters arising under by-law prohibition against removal of sand and gravel for sale.
Discussion with reference to regulations with reference to trailers and applica- bility of by-law.
Board of Public Welfare
Advice and attendance at conference with reference to salary schedule under welfare compensation plan.
Advice and drafting of application to Civil Service Commissioner with reference to welfare compensation plan.
Advice with reference to establishment of domicile as basis of settlement.
Advice and preparation of papers in estate payment of amount due secured by mortgage and bond and discharge of same.
Advice with reference to statutory provisions dealing with neglect of children.
Conferences and advice with reference to various claims for reimbursement and contribution.
123
REPORT OF TOWN COUNSEL
Conference with reference to out of town accident cases, hospital charges and physician's charges.
Police Department
Advice with reference to sale of gas and automobiles on Sunday.
Advice with reference to picketing areas, public highway.
Advice with reference to carrying of firearms.
Planning Board
Preparation of articles for town meeting warrants with reference to amendments to zoning by-law and motions to be offered thereunder.
Advice with reference to petition for amendment to zoning by-law.
Advice with reference to conduct of public hearing and adequacy of petition.
Advice with reference to publication of notice of hearing.
Advice with reference to report and form of motion incorporating recommen- dations.
Examination of notices of hearings with reference to petitions for amendment.
Town Engineer
Conference with reference to Access Road application for allotment of funds.
Conference and advice with reference to relocation of Lenox Street.
Discussion with reference to sewer contract alleged dust nuisance.
School Committee and Superintendent of Schools
Opinion with reference to interpretation of equal pay law.
Opinion with reference to establishment and effect of rules of sub committee on matters of appointment.
Preparation of article for warrant with reference to public school kindergarten.
Library Trustees
Preparation of article for warrant for town meeting with reference to accept- ance of film service as gift to town.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCIS C. FOLEY, Town Counsel.
124
TOWN OF NORWOOD
REPORT OF THE GENERAL MANAGER
The Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
I hereby transmit detailed reports of the various departments over which the General Manager has administrative control. These department reports contain some of the more important activities of the various departments. The following brief observations in connection with the various departments are offered for eon- sideration :
1. An increase in electrical consumption has offset the increasing high eoal charges of the Boston Edison Company from whom the Municipal Light Plant purchases its electrical energy. A study is now being made regarding the installation of a new street lighting system.
2. The increasing demand for installation of sidewalks would make desirable a larger appropriation for such purpose.
3. Future expansion of Highland Cemetery has been the subject of consider- able study during the past year.
4. The Public Works Department was highly commended for its excellent work in snow removal during the past severe winter. A new system of rubbish collection has resulted in more economie operations. The limited number of present employees would appear to be inadequate. More efficient equip- ment is being gradually added each year for the purpose of eventually making the department completely self-sustaining. A new Town Yard is definitely needed.
5. Water used during the past year has been over 17% greater than the previ- ous year. Since we can expect our water usage to increase each year, it will be necessary for us to add another gravel packed well in 1949.
6. The work load of the Town Engineering Department is extraordinarily high.
7. One additional patrolman was added to the Police Department this year to assist particularly in the handling of illegal parking, speeding and other traffie problems.
8. The Recreation Department is doing everything possible to keep youngsters busy.
9. Maintenance of publie buildings proceeds at a paee which covers bare essentials only. Thought is being given to a re-appraisal of our public buildings for insurance purposes.
10. Competitive bidding in all phases of municipal purchasing is being continued excepting in those isolated and unusual circumstances where an emergency condition would preelude purchasing on a competitive basis.
Detailed departmental reports follow.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD C. MONAHAN, General Manager.
In Memoriam
--
JOHN H. DONAHOE
Born in Norwood on August 20, 1876. Died in Norwood, April 30, 1948.
Mr. Donahoe, or "Jack," served the Town of Norwood as a special police officer for many years.
In the spring of 1929 he became custodian of the new Municipal Building in which capacity he served for over 14 years, retiring December 15, 1943.
The Town of Norwood extends this expression of gratitude for the faithful work done by him during his employment and wishes to record its appreciation and its expression of sorrow in his departure.
125
REPORT OF PURCHASING AGENT
REPORT OF THE PURCHASING AGENT
Mr. Edward C. Monahan, General Manager,
Dear Sir :
The following is a brief summary of the requisitions, purchase orders and invoices handled by the department during the year ending December 31, 1948:
Purchase Orders Issued 1554
Total Amount of Invoices $772,129.89
Total Cash Discounts 4,011.11
In connection with each and every order numerous telephone calls, letters and other means of communications were utilized in order to ascertain proper competi- tive prices, delivery dates and other important information.
In all but emergency cases, the spirit of competitive bidding was used to the fullest extent in order that Town purchases could be made at the lowest possible prices provided quality, service, delivery, etc., were comparable. Local vendors were always contacted first in order to give them the opportunity to do business with the Town.
In reference to Local vendors the following policy was adopted by the Board of Selectmen on January 20, 1948 :
"Where responsible local bidders are within 2% of the lowest responsible bidder, if they come down to the amount of the lowest responsible bidder, they may be given the contract."
The above policy enabled local vendors to receive contracts on various occasions during 1948.
In connection with all purchases during 1948 prices remained at a high level. The well-known escalator clause was still in effect during the past year. This clause appeared in the purchases of cast iron pipe, transformers, and electric cable of all sizes. With the escalator clause in effect it is impossible to give an actual cost of material when ordered because the actual cost does not become known until the time of delivery. However, there has been a noticeable easing of this tight situa- tion, especially in the last month or two of the year. It may be that we are finally moving into a buyers' market which will eventually rid us completely of the unsat- isfactory escalator clause. This easing of the situation may be temporary - time alone will give us the correct answer.
Respectfully yours,
JOHN J. MCAULIFFE, Clerk of Purchases.
126
TOWN OF NORWOOD
REPORT OF ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENTS
Mr. Edward C. Monahan,
General Manager, Town of Norwood, Massachusetts
Dear Sir :
I herewith submit my report as Town Engineer and Director of Public Works for the year 1948.
The year 1948 was a very busy year for the Engineering Department with the many and varied requests. During the construction of the Northeast Trunk Line sewer, it was necessary to keep two engineers on this job alone, for about 75 per cent of the year, as inspectors. On three of the largest contract jobs, (1) Northeast trunk line sewer, (2) Drains on various streets, and (3) Water mains in Access Road and Winslow Avenue, which represented a total of about $306,000. The Town saved over $25,000 by having the Town Engineering Department do the work instead of outside engineering firms.
We have had so many more requests for engineering services this past year and with the limited help, we have been unable to finish some of the requested plans and surveys.
A brief review of the more important requests and work done are listed as follows :
Highways
Lenox Street - plans for construction and moving houses.
Cambridge Road - checking construction, making acceptance plans and legal documents.
Margaret Street - checking construction, making acceptance plans, and legal documents.
Edgehill Road - checking construction, making acceptance plans and legal documents.
Lancaster Lane - checking construction, making acceptance plans and legal documents.
Glendale Road - checking construction, making acceptance plans and legal documents.
Ellis Avenue - surveys, acceptance plans and legal documents.
Shaw Street - study plan for extension to Cross Street.
Water Street - relocation plans.
Tentative plans showing exterior lines, Guild Street and Central Street.
Setting stone bounds on Fairview Road, Ellis Avenue and Margaret Street.
Street lines on Everett Street at Route 1.
Checking Irving Street levels during construction.
127
REPORT OF ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS
Sidewalks
Plans, budget estimates, lines, grades, contract documents and final measure- ments were made for the following sidewalks :
Bituminous Concrete Walks
Pleasant Street - 980 S. Ys.
Lydon Street - 132 S. Ys.
Warren Street - 289 S. Ys.
Garfield Avenue - 239 S. Ys.
Railroad Avenue -235 S. Ys.
Maple Street - 131 S. Ys. Vernon Street - 100 S. Ys.
Plimpton Avenue - 559 S. Ys.
Cross Street - 543 S. Ys.
Miscellaneous Patching - 125 S. Ys.
Total-333 S. Ys.
Granolithic Walks
Washington Street - 214 S. Ys.
Hawthorne Street - 104 S. Ys.
Press Avenue - 38 S. Ys.
Hill Street - 33 S. Ys. Nahatan Street - 31 S. Ys. Total - 420 S. Ys.
Sewer Construction
The major improvement in 1948 was the beginning of construction of the North East Trunk Line Sewer, running from the Metropolitan District Sewer Main near the Norwood-Canton Line to Neponset Street, Washington Street to Philbrick Street. For many years the northeast section of the Town has been without sewers and as this section is near our water supply area, it was becoming a serious situa- tion effecting our water supply. The main line running through the low meadow area near the Airport was designed to carry the sewerage of part of Westwood as well as the Norwood section. It is anticipated that at some future date, when this part of Westwood decides to have a sewerage system the Metropolitan Sewer Division will take over about three miles of this line and reimburse the Town of Norwood for part of the present cost.
It was decided to do this job in two sections and the two successful bidders were Norwood contractors. There were thirteen bidders for these two jobs with the highest bidder being 120% over the lowest bidder. Contracts were awarded as follows :
Section 1 - Norfolk Construction Co. $185,498.17 Section 2- Forrest Construction Co. 84,410.33
SECTION 1 - was approximately three (3) miles long and consisted of 14,600 feet of twenty-four inch reinforced concrete pipe and 630 feet of eighteen inch reinforced concrete pipe, both with the rubber gasket type joint.
SECTION 2- was approximately one and eight-tenths (1.8) miles long and con- sisted of 156 feet of fifteen (15) inch vitrified clay pipe, 2149 feet of twelve (12) inch vitrified clay pipe, 3676 feet of ten (10) inch vitirified clay pipe and 4015 feet of eight (8) inch vitrified clay pipe.
SECTION 1 will be completed about the middle of 1949. SECTION 2 has been completed but property owners along SECTION 2 will not be able to connect into the system until SECTION 1 has been completed.
128
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Plans, estimates, grades and contract documents were also made for Mylod Street, Lenox Street and Fourth Street.
Lines, grades and inspections were furnished for Norwood Arena connection to M.D.C. Sewer.
Drains Construction
Specifications, contract documents, lines, grades, inspections and final quantities were made for the following drains :
Mylod Street
Washington Street to Maple Street
Nahatan Street
Savin Avenue
Margaret Street
Fulton Street
Dean Strect
Water Department
Lines, inspections during construction and final quantities were furnished for work done by contract on Access Road, Winslow Avenue, State Highway Route 1 southerly of Cross Street and Gay Street.
Plans and contract documents were made for water main extension on Union Strect.
Discussions and lay-out of water main additions and changes to Factory Mutual plant.
The master meter was placed in 41 houses to check on various water complaints. Lines for water extension to Norwood Arena from Pleasant Strcet.
Miscellaneous
1. Locating and posting tree removal notices.
2. House locations, measurements and calculations on 1948 new buildings for the assessors.
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