USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1960-1962 > Part 69
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440
Buildings found open and secured
401 833
Cases investigated
Death by Auto Accidents
3
Death by Accident
2
Defective sidewalks reported
Defective sewers reported
Defective Streets reported
Defective Street lights reported
72
Deffective Traffic Signals reported
Defective Water pipes reported
Disturbances suppressed without arrest
Funeral escorts
Lodgers at Station
Lost Children
27
Mental Patients
28 29
Money escorts
545
Sick and Injured assisted
175
Suicides
1
Summonses served
621
Suspension of Motor Vehicle License
99
Three Way tickets delivered to Court
3,152
Vacant homes checked 155
I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen, General Manager and other members of the Town Departments for their cooperation with the Police Department during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
MARK F. FOLAN
Chief of Police Norwood, Mass.
4 9 25
43 25 179 112 22
Missing Persons
In Retirement
HENRY F. BREEN, JR.
Henry F. Breen, Jr., was appointed a Patrolman on the Norwood Police Department on January 1, 1921. On September 1, 1931 he was appointed as School Attendance Officer and served the Town of Norwood in both capacities faithfully and conscientiously until his retirement on December 29, 1962.
225
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
To Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
The Norwood Board of Public Welfare submits its annual report for the year 1962.
On February 23, 1962 Leslie J. Latham retired as Director of the De- partment having served the Town well for 30 years.
Mrs. Nora C. Butler was appointed as Acting Director, and has served in this capacity up to the present time.
The present Board was re-appointed by the Selectmen on April 24, 1962 for a one year term.
At a regular meeting of the Welfare Board on July 31, 1962 Mr. Earnest G. Paciorkowski was elected Chairman for the ensuing year.
As in the past, attached to this report is a monthly summary of the number of active cases at the end of each month. The number of individuals represented is also given.
The Aid to Dependent Children category has shown some increase and decreases during the past year. The Department has succeeded in several cases in locating deserting husbands through the Dedham District Court- services of the Town Counsel and Social Security.
The number of Disability Assistance cases has remained about the same, the cost of some of these cases, however, being a great expense.
The number of persons receiving General Relief in 1962 has increased steadily-due to unforeseen circumstances, and applicants not being eligible for categorical aid at the time of application.
We wish to bring out at this time that the Town Counsel during 1962 has been called upon by this Department for advice and legal procedures which he has taken care of in a most gratifying way.
The policy of the Department as to no payment for Doctors and Surgeons services in the local hospital is still in effect, under the State Department Medical Care Plan. This still continues to make it necessary to transfer patients to Boston hospitals.
The Welfare Board and employees of the Department express their appreciation to all Town Departments and Officials for their co-operation during the past year.
Respectfully Submitted:
JOSEPH G. BREEN: Chairman RICHARD G. NEAD ERNEST G. PACIORKOWSKI
Welfare Board Town of Norwood
226
1961 WELFARE CASELOAD
Aid to Dependent Children Cases
Disability Assistance Cases
General Relief Cases
Boarding Cases
Institution Cases
Hospital Cases
Total Cases
Total People
January
19
12
15
1
2
1
50
131
February
19
14
18
1
2
0
54
137
March
16
14
23
1
2
0
56
141
April
14
11
21
1
2
0
49
115
May
16
11
22
1
2
0
52
132
June
16
12
21
1
2
0
52
129
July
17
13
25
1
2
0 0
58
142
August
19
13
24
1
2
0
59
135
September
18
12
27
1
2
0
60
144
October
16
12
27
1
2
0
58
142
November
18
12
27
1
2
0
60
142
December
23
13
25
1
2
0
64
164
TOWN OF NORWOOD
In Retirement
LESLIE J. LATHAM
Started work in the Norwood Public Welfare Department January 1, 1932 and retired February 23, 1962.
In 1932 there was one employee other than himself. At the time of his retirement, the Director had a Staff of five.
Thirty years of consistent, conscientious supervision is a notable achievement.
227
REPORT OF PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Mr. Walter A. Blasenak General Manager Norwood, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit iny report as Superintendent of the Public Works Department for the year 1962.
HIGHWAY DIVISION
Street Maintenance
A program of maintenance for town ways, guard rails, culverts and sidewalks was strictly followed during the year.
Fifty-five thousand gallons of liquid asphalt was distributed on the streets in need of attention. Gravel stone was used as a cover.
Sidewalks
The base course of a hot top sidewalk on Adams Street and Railroad Avenue opposite the newly constructed Housing for the Elderly was laid in 1961. This work was finished in June 1962.
Sections of sidewalks were rebuilt on the following streets: Allen Road, Bond Street, Broadway, Hillside Avenue, Hoyle Street, Parkway, Prospect Street, Railroad Avenue, Ridgewood Drive, Vernon Street, and Winslow Avenue.
Free loam was distributed to all those who manifested an interest in improving the tree lawns at their property.
Chapter Ninety Maintenance Program
Funds from the Chapter Ninety Maintenance Appropriation were used to extend the following drains:
1. Seventy feet fifteen inch plain concrete pipe rear of 544 Nichols Street.
2. Five hundred and forty feet twelve inch plain concrete pipes added to the Neponset Street drain which was laid in 1961.
3. One hundred and thirty feet of perforated eight inch corrugated iron pipe laid in Nahatan Street at the corner of Rock Street to prevent frost heaves.
Street Signs, Highway Guard and Bridges
Street signs and culverts were regularly inspected and maintained. New street signs were erected where they were needed.
Maintenance and Control of Traffic
Traffic lines, cross-walks, curb painting and parking stalls on the highway and in our five town parking areas were marked and painted.
228
TOWN OF NORWOOD
The Massachusetts standards for painting of traffic lines have been revised and we will have to conform to these changes in 1963.
New regulatory signs such as "STOP" signs and various types of "NO PARKING" signs were placed where ordered. Existing traffic markers were repaired or replaced where needed.
Parking Meters
Meters were checked daily, collections made weekly and meters re- paired as needed.
New parking meter posts replaced old posts along that section of Washington Street where granolithic sidewalks were reconstructed. These posts were set in sleeves which were placed at the time the concrete was paved.
The new style parking meter heads are attractive and their construction reduces our maintenance work.
Drain Maintenance
The Eden Road drain collapsed due to poor construction. Nine feet of pipe was replaced.
Forty feet of a twenty-four inch Richland Road drain was replaced when it was washed away by the Neponset River.
Difficulty was experienced with drains in Clark, Nichols, and Union Streets; Avon, Deerfield, and Greenleaf Roads; David Terrace, Hillside Avenue, and Westview Drive. An accumulation of debris caused blockages in these lines.
A new five hundred and fifty feet of eight inch perforated transite pipe with five catch basins was constructed at Father McAleer's Field to keep water from the new baseball field.
Open and closed drains were constantly inspected and cleaned where necessary. Many old catch basins and manholes were rebuilt.
SEWER DIVISION
The Flexible Seweroder Machine was used to clean main sewer lines.
A group of dead end lines were inspected every second week. Flat grades cause these lines to frequently clog.
Detergents and disposals have greatly increased the maintenance re- quired on both mains and house connections.
The sewer station at Spruce Road was regularly inspected and main- tained. The Foxboro Company replaced the automatic control during the year.
The fifteen inch Lenox Street main was cut off at Nahatan Street.
Sewer Main Statistics
1. Number of dwellings. January 1, 1962 5722
Number of dwellings built in 1962 155
Total number of dwellings December 31, 1962 5877
2. Sanitary house connections made in 1962 194
229
REPORT OF PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
3. Total number of sanitary house connections in operation 5658
4. Total length of sewer mains in operation January 1, 1962 74.87 Miles
5. Total length of sewer mains built in 1962
2.17 Miles
6. Total length of sewer mains in operation December 31, 1962
77.07 Miles
7. Broken mains repaired during year 1
00 Broken services repaired during year 3
9. Broken, abandoned, repaired during year 1
10. Manholes rebuilt
1
11. Broken or worn castings replaced
5
12. Locked type covers installed 0
6
14. Service stoppages
15. Services relaid 1
16. The department supervised the construction of all services laid by developers.
WATER DIVISION
1. Number of water services including all services for public and private buildings, cemeteries, parks, and fountains excepting services for ñre purposes only, in use December 31, 1962 6,209
2. Number of above services equipped with Meters 6,209
3. Number of fire services connected and ready for use Decem- ber 31, 1962 56
4. Number of fire hydrants connected and ready for use Decem- ber 31, 1962 687
5. Length in feet of eachı size of main pipes four inches and above, in use December 31, 1962
4"
2,973
6"
198,474
8"
169,205
10"
31,256
12"
23,647
14
9,584
16"
11,550
20"
35
24"
2,416
449,140 feet - 85.06 Miles
6. Number of meters set (new) 178
7. Number of meters replaced 206
8. New water services added to system 177
9. Water service renewal 5
13. Main stoppages 169
230
TOWN OF NORWOOD
10. Water services frozen
1
2
11. Water services abandoned
12. Water service leaks repaired 73
7
13. Hydrants broken by vehicles
14. Hydrants removed and relocated
15. Water main leaks
6
WATER STATISTICS Monthly Consumption in Gallons
M.D.C.
Well Westwood
Westwood
Ellis
Gallons Total
January
84,118,500
79,000
84,197,500
February
79,150,400
77,000
79,227,400
March
81,549,200
80,000
81,629,200
April
86,700,000
81,000
86,781,000
May
102,389,900
78,000
102,467,900
June
111,501,000
76,000
111,577,000
July
123,549,000
81,000
123,630,000
August
120,419,500
79,000
120,498,500
September
99,693,000
77,000
99,770,000
October
89,607,000
78,000
89,685,000;
November
82,721,000
79,000
82,800,000
December
81,530,000
76,000
81,606,000
1,142,928,500
941,000
1,143,869,500
Yearly Total
1,143,869,500
Highest Day - August 3, 1962
Highest Week July 29 - Augus 4, 1962
32,720,000
Westwood
Ellis
Total
5,410,000
32,720,000
Gallons of water supplied to distributing mains during year 1,143,869,500
Water mains laid by contractors were tied to existing street mains by the department. This includeed new sprinkler lines.
Hydrants on dead end water lines were blown off in the spring and fall. All hydrants were operated and inspected twice during the year. Constant hydrant inspections were carried on during the winter months.
The standpipes, wells, and Pumping Stations were regularly inspected and all pumping equipment was frequently tested. Test excavations were made for consultants as required.
Domestic meters were read quarterly and factory meters were read monthly. Check valves where privated water supplies are cross connected to the municipal supply were inspected quarterly. Stopped meters were re- paired and replaced. Meters were set on new services and service calls were promptly made when requested.
. .
. .
.
. . .
. ..
. .
....
.
. .
·
.. .
M.D.C.
5,410,000
01d
2
231
REPORT OF PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Private swimming pools were filled on call. Pipe and fittings were trans- ported from stock to locations where mains were to be laid by contractors.
The construction of water house connections and water mains by De- velopers were supervised by the Public Works Department.
The water properties including Buckmaster Pond were regularly pa- trolled and maintained.
A short section of eight inch main was added to bring the Pine Street water main to the new school property.
Considerable work was involved in boring water shutoffs to grade ahead of many sidewalk projects also at Route One where the State hot topped the road from the Walpole line to the Arena.
A minimum complement of seven men on a full time basis are required by the water department to meet the demands set forth by the New England Fire Insurance Rating Association.
Main gate valve boxes have to be located and in many cases either reset or adjusted to grade. Each main gate valve has to be operated at least once annually. A machine has been purchased for this purpose. A clerk is required to keep the required plans and statistics which include a record card for each main gate and each hydrant.
A fire alarm tapper has been installed at the office. These men have been put on "off" hour shifts so that the water department meets the requirement that automatically we shall respond to all fires in industrial or high valve mercantile districts.
FORESTRY
Moth Suppression - Dutch Elm Disease Control
Prior to leafing, all Elm trees were sprayed for control of the Elm Bark Beetle, with a 12% D.D.T. oil base solution. When in leaf, the trees were sprayed again with a 6% solution of the same material.
Poison Ivy, roadside brush and weeds were sprayed in July and a gen- eral maintenance for shade trees was followed throughout the year.
Sixty five sugar maples were planted along public streets.
RUBBISH COLLECTION
We have maintained a monthly door-to-door collection schedule.
A town-wide collection of Christmas trees was made during the month of January and a special collection was provided during Clean-up Week in May.
DUMP
The Winter Street dump area was kept in good condition, not by our efforts alone, but withi mutual assistance from our Board of Health Agent and our Fire Chief.
It is our opinion that we will have to cease burning at our dump and go to a land fill program of daily covering the rubbish.
232
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Equipment
The following equipment was purchased for the department:
1- Plymouth Suburban Sedan 1 - 34 ton pickup with utility body 1 -34 ton pickup 1-FWD truck equipped with Sno-Go blower
SNOW REMOVAL
The usual work under this category plowing, sanding, salting and post- ing of coasting signs were promptly done.
We have continued to distribute straight bulk salt in ever increasing amounts along with a mixture of sand and salt. The number of wayside sand boxes has been increased.
The two Haiss conveyer type snow loaders have been repaired. The Cletrac Tractor with Sargarent Overhead bucket used for many years on snow removal was traded in and a Snow-Go blower mounted on a 24,000 G.V.W. FWD truck purchased. These units are expected to be put to good use.
1962 Snowfall
Appreciable falls of snow were:
January 2-3.8 inches
March 12 - trace
Jauary 20 -trace
March 13 -. 1 inches
Jauary 24 - trace
March 14 - trace
Jauary 25 -. 9 inches
March 17 - trace
February 2 -trace
April 12 - trace
February 3 -. 3 inches
April 13 - trace
February 8 - trace
April 14-1 inch
February 9 -. 2 inches
April 15-1 inch
February 10-1.7 inches
April 16-2 inches
February 14-9 inches
April 17 -trace
February 15-4.4 inches
November 20 - . 6 inches
February 17 -. 2 inches
November 21 -. 1 inches
February 19-5.8 inches
November 29 -. 2 inches
February 22-2.6 inches
November 30 -. 1 inches
February 24-3.0 inches
February 27 - trace
February - 28 - trace
December 12 -trace
December 17-1.3 inches
December 18 - trace
March 5 -. 6 inches
December 24-7.5 inches
December 25 - 2.5 inches
March 6 -. 2 inches
March 7-trace
December 10 -trace
March 4 -. 6 inches
February 16 - . 4 inches
233
REPORT OF PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Monthly Totals:
January - 4.7 inches February - 30.1 inches March - 1.5 inches
April - 3.0 inches November - 1.0 inches December - 11.4 inches
Total Snowfall for Year 1961 - 51.6 inches
PARKS AND PLAYGROUND
Land areas at all parks and playgrounds were limed and fertilized in the spring after their areas were first cleaned and rolled. Grass was promptly cut during the growing season. Frequent watering of shrubbery was carried out during extreme hot weather. Shrubbery was trimmed at the end of the growing season.
Brush was cut from wooded park, playground, and roadside areas. Skat- ing areas were maintained during the ice season. Assistance was given to promote events connected with the town Fourth of July activities.
All the playground equipment and bleachers were inspected, repaired and painted. New playground equipment purchased by the Recreation De- partment was erected at different playgrounds.
The tennis courts and the baseball diamonds were conditioned and ready for use at the beginning of the playing season.
Hawes and Father McAleers outdoor pools and buildings were main- tained from the opening day in June until Labor Day.
MISCELLANEOUS WORK
1. Automotive maintenance to the following departments: Cemetery, Engineering, School, Light, Police, and Public Works.
2. Issued gasoline to the following departments: Cemetery, Engineer- ing, Fire, Light, Police, Recreation, School, and Public Works.
3. Building maintenance to the following departments: Cemetery, Fire, Light, Recreation, School, and the Municipal Building.
4. Grounds maintenance to the following departments: Cemetery, Light, Recreation, School, and the Municipal Building.
5. Conducted test excavations and hydraulic tests upon request for consulting Engineers and our Engineering Department.
6. Maintenance of Honor Roll.
7. Erection of School Department playground equipment.
8. Handling of Voting equipment.
9. Installation of flag holders prior to National Holidays.
10. Christmas Lighting.
11. Renovation Civic indoor swimming pool.
I wish to thank General Manager Blasenak, The Board of Select- men, the various department heads and other town officials, and the personnel of my department for their cooperation during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
ALBERT E. CASEY
Superintendent of Public Works
234
TOWN OF NORWOOD
REPORT OF CLERK OF PURCHASES
Mr. Walter A. Blasenak General Manager
Dear Sir:
A total of 1840 purchase orders were issued in 1962 in response to requisitions from all Town departments.
Competitive prices were obtained whenever possible either by phone or by mail.
On purchases of $1000.00 or more advertisements were placed in the local papers and all necessary proposals and specification forms were pre- pared by this office for use of bidders. Some of the items included gasoline, fuel oil, road oil, asphalt, school supplies, office furniture, business machines, automotive equipment and numerous electrical products.
I wish to thank all departments for their cooperation in furnishing requisitions well in advance of their anticipated need so that proper bids and proposals could be sent out and Town in return receive the best avail- able price.
Very truly yours, JOHN J. MCAULIFFE Clerk of Purchases
235
REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Mr. Walter A. Blasenak General Manager Norwood, Massachusetts
January 1, 1963
Dear Sir:
We are again pleased to submit to you our report of activities of the Recreation Department during the year just concluded. This is our fourteenth such report of activities and is the eighteenth report submitted since the operation of the Department on a full time basis.
The year 1962 saw a continuance of efforts by all concerned with the Recreation Department to provide interesting and appealing leisure time activities for all groups of Norwood's population. Acceptance of the progranis was reflected in increasing participation in and attendance at the various activities.
The various programs and activities of the Department during 1962 are described in narrative form in the paragraphs that follow. Where appropriate, we have included recommendations for improving facilities and activities.
Summer Playgrounds
For the fourth consecutive season, playground attendance showed an increase over the previous year, the increase this year being 1,925 over the year 1961. Seven playgrounds showed net gains in attendance for the season and five showed slight declines. Weatherwise the season was a good one, with only a day and a half being completely lost because of rain.
The playgrounds were conducted under supervision for a nine week season beginning Monday, June 25th, through Thursday, August 23rd. The playgrounds were open daily for a six hour period, mornings from 9:00 a.m. to noon and afternoons from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Playgrounds were conducted at six School Department locations - Balch, Callahan, Shattuck, Winslow, Prescott and Cleveland. Playgrounds were also con- ducted at the six Recreation Department areas - Endean, Wilson Street, Pleasant Park, Father McAleer's, Bond Street, and the Recreation Center. The Recreation Center was operated exclusively for boys and Bond Street exclusively for girls and small boys. All other playgrounds were operated for both boys and girls of all ages, with a male and a female Playground Leader on duty to supervise activities at all times the playgrounds were open. In 1963 it is contemplated that supervision will be restored at the Senior High School and provision is being made for this in our budget requests.
All members of the Playground staff attended a Playground Leadership meeting for one entire day prior to the opening of the season. On that day a program was presented which was set up to acquaint the members of the staff with their duties and to cover various phases of the summer
236
TOWN OF NORWOOD
program and activities. Subjects covered included Playground Management, Leadership, Games, First Aid, Arts and Crafts, and Tennis.
During the season, weekly meetings were held for all members of the playground staff. These meetings were held to provide additional instruction to the staff, to hear their comments, suggestions, and problems, and to assist them in better carrying out their duties.
Once again we wish to comment on the fine group of young college people who are interested in serving the Town of Norwood as Play- ground Leaders. Leadership in ninety percent of our Playground program, and without our fine staff, we could not continue to realize success in the program.
The organization and conduct of all the various leagues in baseball and softball for boys and girls was under the direction of the Supervisor of Sports. Baseball Leagues were conducted for boys of three different age groups with more than 150 games played during the season. Boys from age six up through age fifteen were eligible to play in these day time leagues. Girls age six through age fifteen were able to participate in softball leaues, with more than 75 games being played in the two leagues during the season. The Supervisor was responsible for all scheduling, equipment, direction of games, and publicity for all five leagues. In addi- tion, he had the responsibility of directing the activities of the Play- ground Leaders, advising and criticizing where necessary, and in general assisting the Leaders in carrying out their functions. He also assisted in planning and conducting the many special events that were part of the program during the season.
The Supervisor of Arts and Crafts had direct responsibility for the conduct of that program which was carried on at each of the playgrounds. Major projects were scheduled each week, with the Supervisor visiting each playground once during the week for usually a half day, instructing the Leaders and the children in the project of the week. The Supervisor also prepared and distributed a large amount of material to the Leaders during the season. She met with the Leaders at the weekly Staff Meetings, thus keeping in close touch with the Arts and Crafts phase of the overall program.
The Supervisor of Tennis was on duty each day of the Playground season at the Recreation Center courts. He provided instruction to boys and girls presenting themselves at the courts and had a regular schedule when individual playgrounds could send children for instruction. All equipment was furnished by the Department. Toward the end of the season, a tournament was conducted with boys and girls competing against others of comparable age and skill. Many hundreds of boys and girls participated in the Tennis program during the season and the progress made by many of them was very marked.
Individual playgrounds conducted many and varied programs of interest to them. The traditional games provided many hours of enjoy- ment at the playgrounds and many of them engaged in such events as
237
REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Doll Shows, Pet Shows, and the like. A town wide Horseshoe Tournament and a town wide Playground Swim Meet were held during the season and attracted more than passing interest.
Once again in 1962 there were three big special events, the Nantasket Outing, the Red Sox Baseball Game, and the Stagemobile of the Boston Children's Theatre. Larger numbers than ever before participated in and enjoyed these three events.
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