USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1960-1962 > Part 41
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204
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Westover Parkway-Leyton to beyond Malvern
1562' - 8" C.I. 600' - 8" C.I.
Westover Parkway-East leg to 600' northerly
Manchester Road-Westover Parkway northerly
106' - 8" C.I.
Developments - Town Inspection
Yarmouth Road-Harrow to Malvern
1170' - 8" C.I.
Burnley Road-Surrey to Westover Parkway
1366' - 8" C.I.
Kettering Road- Burnley easterly 586' - 8" C.I.
Albemarle Road-Northerly & southerly of Harrow
570' - 12" C.I.
Malvern Road-Albemarle to Westover Parkway
1404' - 8" C.I.
Chatham Road-Orleans northerly
148' - 8" C.I. 1052' - 8" C.I.
Orleans Road-Existing main to cul-de-sac
624' - 8" C.I.
Devon Road-Malvern westerly
1095' - 8" C.I.
St. Catherine Road-Earle to Eisenhower
800' - 8" C.I.
Carpenter Street-Earle to Fales
365' - 8" C.I.
Fales Avenue-St. Catherine to Carpenter
245' - 8" C.I.
State Contract & Engineering - Town Inspection
Boston Prov. Highway-Relocate main at Neponset River 175' - 14" C.I.
Lower main at Neponset River 115' - 14" C.I.
Relocate main at Meadow Brook
133' - 16" C.I.
Relocate main at Meadow Brook
119' - 8" C.I.
ROAD CONSTRUCTION
Town Contract - Private Engineering
North Plain Street-Neponset Street to cul-de-sac
Victoria Circle-Widen entrance to Bonney Lane
Winter Street-Corner rounding and widening for Norwood Hospital- Washington to Linden
Westover Parkway-Nichols Street to Malvern Street
Town Inspection & Engineering
Resurfacing of streets in Westover Area
Layout and inspection for construction of three roads in cemetery.
The Town Engineering Department supplied various Town Boards, Commissions, Committees Departments etc. with the following engineering assistance:
Advisory Parking Commission - Confer with commission members on site and use studies, plans and photos for commission.
Airport Commission - Survey and plan for glide angle relating to Route 95. Appeals Board - Survey and plans on O'Toole Gravel Pit - Everett Street, in connection with Board of Appeals permit for gravel removal.
Fieldbrook Drive-Dell Road southeasterly
205
REPORT OF ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Assessors - Measure, calculate area and volume and plot on cards 374 new buildings and additions. Computing and plotting on Assessors maps and blueprints all land transfers in 1961. Making new Assessors maps.
Building Inspector - House numbers for all new building permits.
Central Fire Station (Proposed) - Taking surveys, plans and documents for land. Estimates for cost of utilities.
Cemetery Department - Study and plan for proposed land acquisition off Westover Parkway. Stake out single graves Section 45. Plotted 230 burials on record plans.
Counsel, Town - Surveys, plans and photos and court appearances for accident cases, damage cases etc.
Health Board - Check on oil condition in Meadow brook.
Study and plan for sewering Gulla property off Howard and Washington Streets.
Plan and discussions on land fill on Bird & Son land between Neponset River and Washington Street, South Norwood.
Industrial Development Committee - Studies on proposed interceptor sewer, Route 95, alternates, Everett St. etc. for effect on proposed industrial development.
Library, Morrill Memorial - Survey and plans for proposed land acquisition.
Light Department - Survey for new wall on Light Department lot. A survey for pole locations and tree removals where needed. Location of underground utilities for Light Dept. duct installation. Study of pro- posed parking area for Nortronics at Light Department Sub-Station on Washington Street.
Norwood Honsing Anthority - Confer with architect on utilities layout for Housing for the Elderly project. Cost estimates for connecting to Town utilities.
Norwood School Department - Mileage checks for bus routes. Conference on drainage problem - Cleveland School.
Planning Board - Data on Simoni Development in Walpole, and tie-in to Holmwood Area. Checking definitive plans before approval; inspection when possible during construction of roads and utilities; final inspection for bond release; estimates for bond amounts prior to construction.
Preparation of modification plans on Arnold and Audubon Roads, and on Nottingham Drive including field work.
Seven Developments were under construction during the year. Data and information to zoning constultant on proposed zoning plan and by- laws revisions.
Public Works Department - Estimated cost of 121 sewer and water con- nections, with grades for 8 sewer connections.
206
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Engineering work for construction of 4325' of bituminous concrete sidewalks, and 55' of concrete sidewalk.
Miscellaneous information and data on utilities etc. work in connection with maintenance and construction problems.
Installation of master meter to check water meter accuracy.
Recreation Department - Stake out lines of ball fields, tennis court etc .; layout of swimming lanes at municipal pools.
School Building Committees - Elementary School Building Committee on Prospect Street - Site plan showing existing utilities and land in the area.
Senior High Addition - Utilities layout and cost to connect to Town mains. Water main relocation and drainage studies with architect for playing field addition.
School Sprinkler Committee - Aid in contract preparation, construction engineering etc. for sprinkler installations.
Town Treasurer - Title search in Registry of Deeds and write 10 legal descriptions for sale of tax title land.
The More Important Miscellaneous Works
1. Street Line - 3 requests
2. Drainage Surveys - 24
3. Surveys and plans for traffic regulation - 4
4. Survey, plans, and cost estimates for road and utilities on Prescott Road.
5. Preliminary engineering work to solve major drainage prob- lems - 6
6. Check elevations of house drains - 7
7. Preliminary surveys, plans and cost estimates for proposed 1962 construction.
8. Line and grade for 5 curbing installations.
9. Update town maps and record plans.
10. Easement plans and taking plans prepared for Town Counsel.
11. Cost estimates and field work for installations of drive openings from private land to town streets.
12. Preparation of 15 sewer assessment plans and documents, and computations for levying 139 sewer assessments.
13. Surveys and plans for new and revised parking meter layouts.
14. Surveys, plans, computations and documents for street acceptance plans.
15. Compilation of statistics for reports to State and Federal agencies.
The Town Engineer is very frequently consulted regarding new con- struction projects under private and public jurisdiction other than Town
207
REPORT OF ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
of Norwood. Numerous conferences were held with governmental agencies and private concerns in conjunction with new construction in the Town of Norwood. Various Engineering Department services were supplied the following :
Massachusetts Department of Public Works
1. Chapter 90 Construction on Sumner Street.
2. Route One widening and relocation.
3. Widening and deepening of the Neponset River.
4. Proposed Route 95 through Norwood.
County of Norfolk
Information concerning Chapter 90 Construction, takings, damages etc.
Metropolitan District Commission
Work on Westwood M.D.C. Sewer in Norwood.
PUBLIC UTILITIES AND PRIVATE ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURAL FIRMS
1. Norwood Gas Co. - locations for new gas mains in Town ways. Marking out existing Town utilities at Gas Co. construction sites.
2. N. E. Telephone Co. - much time given in connection withi exten- sive underground cable and duct line installations.
3. Star Market - Regarding traffic problems and building additions.
4. Architect and Engineer for proposed St. Timothy's Church - regarding utilities, extension and grades.
5. Architect for proposed Xaxerian Brothers school on Clapboartree Street - regarding water supply.
6 Architect for Dedham Trust Co. - Utilities locations and tie-ins; drive and drainage details.
7. Engineer for Marrud Co. - Information on utilities available, copies of utilities plans provided.
8. Raytheon Co. - Information of drainage problem in rear of Route One building.
9. Consultant for Mass. Dept. of Public Works on Route 95 through Norwood - Information of proposed and existing utilities and proposed road tie-ins.
10. Consultant for Town of Norwood on the Traphole Brook Inter- ceptor Sewer. Confer on preliminary work and design.
11. Private Engineer for Town of Norwood on 1961 street construction contract. Details for various construction items.
208
TOWN OF NORWOOD
12. Architect and Engineer on Plimpton Press expansion - Utilities relocation for new construction, and utilities tie-ins for new buildings.
13. Architect on Municipal Building renovation.
The Town Engineer also attends Selectmen's meeting, Planning Board meetings, Town Meetings, Federal, State, and County hearings, zoning change hearings and on request, attends meetings of various appointed town bodies.
The year 1962 promises to be a busy one. It is hoped that with added qualified personnel, the proposed work program will be completed within its alloted year.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT A. HAMILTON Town Engineer
REPORT OF MUNICIPAL LIGHT DEPARTMENT
Mr. Walter A. Blasenak
General Manager
- Dear Sir:
I herewith submit my report as Superintendent of the Norwood Municipal Light Department for the year 1961.
The Light Department once again experienced a full year in completing our program as set forth at the beginning of the year. The completion of a transfromer vault at the corner of Day and Central Streets will enable us to keep pace with the increased usage in our business district. Many new factories and residences were connected to our lines.
An increase in kilowatt consumption of 12.5% over 1960 was registered, and 1962 shows promise of continued growth.
Our electric power cost remains stable and 1962 should remain the same or decrease slightly.
I would like to express my thanks to all members of the Light Department as well as all other departments of the Town for their cooperation.
I offer the following statistical data relative to the operation of the Light Department for the year 1961:
In Retirement
JOHN M. CLAPP
After 40 years of service, John M. Clapp retired on November 1, 1961. His many years of faithful service in which he served as Chief Operator saw many amazing changes not only in the Light Department but in the Town as well.
We of the Light Department extend our heartiest congratu- lations and best wishes for many long and happy years in retirement.
In Memoriam
SABINA E. CONNOLLY
For over 25 years Miss Sabina E. Connolly rendered faithful service to the Town of Norwood. A devoted, and conscientious public employee, a worker conscious of her responsibility and ever willing to perform her duties efficiently and with kind regard for all.
Her loss will be felt by all who were closely associated with her and we offer our expresion of deepest condolences at this time to her family.
REPORT OF MUNICIPAL LIGHT DEPARTMENT
209
Millions of K.W.H.
0
20
30
5
50
60
70
1915
1920
1925
1930
1935
1940
1945
yearly from 1916 to present.
Amount of Electric Energy purchased
1950
1955
1960
1965
210
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Transformers Installed
1 - 5 KVA single phase
1 - 7.5 KVA single phase
4 - 15 KVA single phase 20 - 25 KVA single phase 1 - 37.5 KVA single phase
5 - 50 KVA single phase 3 - 100 KVA single phase
Pole Renewals
15 - 40' poles
15 - 35' poles
2 - 30' poles
Primary Extensions
50' - 3/0 copper wire 1,200' - 2/0 copper wire
5,340' - 1/0 copper wire 800' - #2 copper wire
10,225' - #4 copper wire
3,590' - #6 copper wire
Services
New
Replaced 23
Removed 3
4,550' - #4 copper wire
Service Wire
Fire Alarm Extensions
6/3 cable - 17,515'
4/3 cable - 200'
#6 wire - 840'
12 new boxes #8 wire - 26,600' 5,900' of cable
70 - new multiple street lights added
2 - new series street lights added
45 - new mercury street lights added
The following meter work was accomplished:
new meters installed 209
meters replaced 122
meters discontinued
26
meters discarded
70
Of the new meters installed 9 were time clock combinations for "F" rate.
Applications for service 741
Requests for discontinuances 944
Purchase requisitions 178
Deposit refunds 486
Wiring inspections 1026
Wiring permits 342
Transformers Removed
4 - 5 KVA single phase
1 - 10 KVA single phase
6 - 15 KVA single phase
2 - 25 KVA single phase
Pole Extensions
2 - 45' poles
23 - 40' poles
78 - 35' poles
7 - 30' poles
Primary Removed
5,000' - 2/0 copper wire 900' - #2 copper wire
2,725' - #4 copper wire
7,380' - #6 copper wire
Secondary Extension
40,615' - #2 copper wire
123
Purchase Energy: Short Street sub-station #244 Washington Street sub-station #353
REPORT OF MUNICIPAL LIGHT DEPARTMENT
211
Cost per Kilowatt Hour
.005
. 010
. 015
.020
1915
1920
1925
19 30
1935
1940
1945
Boston Edison Company.
Energy purchased from the
Average annual Kilowatt cost of
1950
-
1955
1960
1965
0
212
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Central Street sub-station #31 65,230,000 KWH'S
Increase for 1691 12.5%
Average cost per KW for 1961 $ .013989
Statistics
Energy used for power and lighting substations 52,357 KWH
Energy used for fire alarm system 2,541 KWH
Street lights were illuminated approximately 4,000 hrs.
using 1,228,141 KWH'S
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM J. KATES, Supt.
REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMISSION
The Finance Commission was organized for the year 1961 as follows:
George T. Mahoney, Chairman Ambrose J. Kelly John P. Mogan
On January 1, 1961, the debt of the Town of Norwood was $3,423,000.00 with maturities due of $278,000.00, and interest payments of $110,691.00 ($7.28 per thosuand of our 1961 tax rate; 111/2% of the total tax bill).
No additional borrowings were made during the year although an authorization to borrow $50,000.00 for the Norwood-Walpole Interceptor sewer was made at the Special Town Meeting June 28, 1961, with the stipulation that the borrowing be reduced by the amount received by the town for this purpose from any grant made by the U. S. Government.
Throughout the year the Finance Commission has met frequently to examine every appropriation and transfer request.
For the General Budget making the Finance Commission met with every Committee and Department Head concerned and each item was examined and related to the general operating plan.
In preparation for the Annual Meeting 7500 copies of the 32 page booklet, detailing the Finance Commission's Appropriation Recommenda- tions were mailed to the townspeople and a budget hearing was held on March 20, 1961.
A reserve Fund of $60,000.00 was appropriated and transfers made therefrom as follows:
Election and Registration Incid. $800.00
Schools Auxiliary Agencies 361.60
Selectmens Transportation Committee 200.00
Civil Defense 750.00
600.00
Parking Commission
Granite Curbing on Washington St. between the Norwod Laundry and Elec. Lt. Sub station
2,871.65
Salaries Traffic Supervisors 320.00
FINANCE COMMISSION: Ambrose J. Kelly, George T. Mahoney, Chairman; John P. Mogan, Bartley W. Connolly, Clerk.
zł
213
FINANCE COMMISSION REPORT
Construction of Fall-out Shelter
455.00
Sewer Maintenance
225.00
Workmens Compensation
1,100.00
Municipal Building P.S.
700.00
Municipal Building P.S.
525.00
Municipal Building Incid. Expense
900.00
Sewer Maintenance
300.00
Playground Maintenance
500.00
Finance Commission
600.00
United Nations Day Observance
200.00
Workmens Compensation
2,400.00
Morrill Memorial Library P.S.
446.00
Soldiers Benefits
3,500.00
Cemetery Maintenance P.S.
800.00
Group Insurance
1,400.00
Buildings Inspector Incid.
100.00
New Eng. Metallurgical Co. Survey Exp.
150.00
Purchase of Electric Energy
37,517.89
Morrill Memorial Library Incid.
654.96
Playground Maintenance
8.60
Workmens Compensation
458.35
New Balance $1,155.95
We have now completed three years of operation of a plan that dates back to at least 1957, a plan designed to provide for all of the needs of the town at a scale, and at a pace, that will - barring unforeseeable occur- rences - make possible a stable tax rate throughout the years 1960-1970.
No fiscal wizardry is in this plan. It is one that recognizes that although we are in an era of rising costs, we are as well the beneficiaries of a rising income.
To scale and pace our program, as mentioned, to our NEEDS and key them to our ABILITY TO PAY requires no extraordinary policies, but rather operating plans that are sound, and made effective by efficient operating procedures.
As a contribution to this the Finance Commission has sought out and prepared extensive information on many items related to the cost of operation of our town, and as well, its sources of income. This material has been furnished to all operating departments concerned with the aim of promoting understanding, and efficiency, and uniformity of operating procedures.
In addition, in 1959, the Finance Commission with the cooperation of the Selectmen and the Moderator redrew the appropriation section of the Annual Town Meeting Warrant as an aid to the general understanding - grouping items that had been appearing as separate articles. We have also striven to have budget items truly represent the ANNUAL operating requirements, and have been able thus to desirably curtail the requirement for special town meetings for requests for additional funds and transfers throughout the year.
214
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Our plans over this period have been generally accepted and while limiting the tax-rate change the following items have been amply provided for:
In 1959: Bathhouse
$22,000.00
Water Construction
49,000.00
Highway Construction 30,000.00
Sewer Construction
25,000.00
Cemetery Construction
65,000.00
New Equipment 55,000.00
and a general 5% pay raise to all town employees.
In 1960:
Water Construction
30,000.00
Sewer Construction 57,000.00
Drain Construction
12,000.00
New Equipment 9,000.00
Stabilization Fund
200,000.00
and for Senior High School Addition Construction $77,800.00 from available funds.
In 1961:
Water Construction
20,000.00
Sewer Construction
11,000.00
Drain Construction
49,000.00
Highway Construction
44,000.00
New Equipment
19,000.00
Interceptor Sewer
101,040.00
Stabilization Fund
300,000.00
and a 5% general pay raise this year to all town employees.
We have as well for each of these three years made an annual $95,000.00 payment (against a total due of $950,000.00) to the Metropolitan District Commission for our connection charge to the M.D.C. Water System.
From the foregoing it appears that Norwood can hope to grow, and provide for growth, without permitting our tax rate to be an uncontrollable item, or to unnecessarily borrow when economical operation and proper scheduling will provide for our needs.
Our debt structure has climbed to a burdensome height and as will be seen in the graph at right has far outstripped (in perctange of change) other significant factors, and to resort to borrowing merely as a means of controlling our tax-rate is not only NOT the answer to our problems, but is clearly the road to curtailed municipal operations plus a confiscatory tax-rate.
The Finance Commission thanks the townspeople and all Boards and Committees for their cooperation in 1961.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE T. MAHONEY
for the FINANCE COMMISSION
FINANCE COMMISSION REPORT
215
EXPENDITURES
RECEBE
FAX RITE
1 9 8 01 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 919 601 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1970
GROWTH RATE SHOWN IN PERCENTAGE OF CHANGE
216
TOWN OF NORWOOD
REPORT OF CAPITAL OUTLAY COMMITTEE
To the Townspeople:
This second annual report includes similar information as our previous report, presented in a simplified manner. The basic financial data is presented by means of a newly-evolved method of analysis which seems better suited to our purpose of projecting the Town's capital needs. An explanation of this data, the assumptions and our conclusions are presented with the data and charts. Although this section has been simplified, the complete data is available in our files for those whose interest requires a more detailed analysis. Additional reports will be made throughout the year if they are deemed necessary. This report will be published separately as required by the by-law and will include charts duplicating some of the tabular data.
The Town has been committed to a stabilized tax at approximately the $63 to $64 level since 1959. Such a goal will be difficult and it appears that the greatest pressure will come from the operating expenses of the Town.
From our latest survey, it appears that the operating expenses are moving upward at the same rate as in recent years, partly due to the growth of the town. If these operating expenditures continue to increase, then the funds available for capital needs will not be available under a stabilized tax rate. Should the capital expenditures be held at approximately $1,100,000, which is a reasonable level, the continued rise in the operating expenses must be checked or a higher tax rate must be expected as is explained in the financial data which follows. It should be noted that the capital expenditures for 1961 were $1,388,000.
A sound policy, which became a major factor in the Town's financial management in 1961, is the accelerated use of the Stabilization Fund, established in 1958. Careful management of this valuable financial tool will help in implementing our recommendation of last year by preventing "long term debt, especially that portion created under today's high interest market from creating a high and continuing level of debt service that diminishes the Town's ability to build in the future. The total debt should be such that it can be managed or altered within a ten-year period."
We must plan ahead toward the period when it may be more difficult to maintain a stable tax rate and still provide the essential services required. The high surplus funds of recent years and the sharp increase in valuations over last year's anticipated level are welcome factors, but such conditions cannot be assured in the future. Prudent management of operating and capital expenditures is vital, together with wise fiscal policies. Care must also be taken that the legitimate needs of the Town are not left unsatisfied through a rigid devotion to an unrealistic tax rate. The required needs of the Town must be satisfied within a sound financial structure.
-
CAPITAL OUTLAY COMMITTEE: (Sitting) A. Franklin Swift, Charles L. Rich, Andrew M. Monahan, Chairman; William J. L. Lynch; (Standing) Frederick A. McDonough, Secretary; John P. Mogan, Thomas A. White.
217
CAPITAL OUTLAY COMMITTEE REPORT
In conclusion, our three recommendations of last year are appropriate for 1962:
(1.) Operating expenses mut be carefully controlled,
(2). Capital Outlays must be prudently selected, and
(3.) The debt must be reduced and controlled.
We are pleased with the progress toward these goals in the past year and the improved cooperation which we have received from all. in the official family.
We urge all concerned to continue to work for a sound and prosperous town, offering all essential services within a safe, controlled and reasonable fiscal structure. The detail reports follows:
SECTION I
General Policies and Procedures
The Capital Outlay Committee was created by action of Town Meeting on March 19, 1959. The Committee consists of nine members and is specifically charged by Town By-Law with the following responsibilities:
1. To ascertain annually what capital outlays will be required by the Town during the next six years.
2. To publish and distribute to each Town Meeting Member an annual report and such other reports as it deems advisable.
3. To include in its report:
(a) Estimates of income.
(b) Estimates of operational expenses and tax rates.
(c) Recommendations for scheduling and financing Capital Outlays.
For the purposes of this report "Capital Expenditures" are considered as those expenditures of substantial amounts for facilities having a relatively long useful life, as distinguished from current operating costs which are continually recurring. Included are those costs which are an element in establishing the tax rate such as debt service and appropriations to the Stabilization Fund. Excluded are the actual disbursements of borrowed funds and disbursements from the Stabilization Fund. Debt service includes the principal payments on borrowed debt plus the interest thereon.
One of the fundamental purposes underlying the existence of this Committee is a desire of the Town to provide for its capital requirements in an orderly manner, to enable the Town to acquire what it needs, when it is needed, without a widely fluctuating tax rate.
Each year the Capital Outlay Committee requests the various depart- ments of the Town to advise it of anticipated capital expenditures in the current year and in the ensuing five years. The Committee has received the cooperation of Town officials and Town employees in this matter.
218
TOWN OF NORWOOD
The Committee does not consider it to be within its province to determine whether a specific capital acquisition should be made from the viewpoint of utility, serviceability, or necessity as such elements should form the foundation of each department's request. However, the Town Meeting will find that an indispensable tool in determining the advisability of appropriations for such projects is the availability of sufficiently detailed information as to projected debt and tax impact.
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