USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1963-1964 > Part 15
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During the past year, a never-ceasing and ever-increasing amount of problems were brought to the Town Engineer from private citizens. Typical requests made include queries as to Town procedures and policies, interpre- tation of new zoning by-laws, solving drainage problems in private build- ings and lands, aiding persons dislodged by I-95 construction find available building land, explanations of house connection estimates of cost, explana- tion of methods of figuring sewer assessments and many other varied general and specific inquiries. Each year past has had similar problems and from the beginning, 1964 will be the same.
The year 1964 shows no apparent slow-down in construction work in Norwood. It is expected that the construction work will be at minimum the equal of the previous years; Route I-95 and its attendant problems for the Town is well started; a large apartment complex is contemplated for 1964 construction along with those apartment projects already under way; approx- imately 12 developments will be working in full or in part during the year, necessitating Town surveillance during utility and road construction. These projects together with our construction program and the ordinary day to day requests will present a plentitude of work for 1964. With the present staff, and proper additional personnel, I hope to complete and check all construction assigned to my department within the year of 1964.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT A. HAMILTON
Town Engineer
188
TOWN OF NORWOOD
REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMISSION
To the Citizens of Norwood:
The Finance Commission was organized for the year 1963 as follows:
Stephen M. Hefferan, Chairman Joseph T. Wall John P. Mogan - resigned 4-29-63 Robert F. MacEachern - elected 6-24-63
On January 1, 1963 the debt of the Town of Norwood was $2,874,000.00 with maturities in 1963 of $266,000.00.
The following sums were borrowed in 1963:
Electric Light Construction $280,000.00
Construction of Police and Fire Station 100,000.00
Water Construction 42,000.00
The Town in 1963 made its seventh payment of $95,000.00 to the Com- monwealth of Massachusetts to be applied against the cost of constructing the water main from the Metropolitan System to the Norwood-Westwood line. The total cost is $950,000.00 with $95,000.00 being paid off each year.
The Finance Commission examined the requests for appropriations submitted by the various departments, met with department heads and committees charged with the disbursement of appropriations, and discussed in detail the basis for such requests.
Upon completion of the work of the Commission, a public hearing was held prior to the Annual Town Meeting.
The sum of $35,000.00 was appropriated for the Reserve Fund and transfers were made as follows:
Fire Salaries Overtime
$1,500.00
Election and Registration Incidentals
1,000.00
Veterans Benefits Personal Services
145.00
Unpaid Bills Prior to 12-31-62
728.87
Light Rate Study Committee
625.00
Engineering Incidentals
800.00
Police Department Salaries Special
5,000.00
Certification of Bonds and Notes
973.41
Preliminary Appraisal Parking Area
500.00
Committee of Nine Elementary School Housing
100.00
Water Department Construction
5,000.00
Police Incidentals
385.00
Police Department Salaries Specials
5,000.00
Board of Appeals Zoning
200.00
FINANCE COMMITTEE: Bartley W. Connolly, Clerk; Robert F. MacEachern, Stephen M. Hefferan, Chairman; Joseph T. Wall.
189
REPORT OF FINANCE COMMISSION
Elementary School Study Committee
200.00
Parking Committee
14.00
Selectmen's Legal Services
900.00
Sewer Maintenance Payroll Wages
2,000.00
Selectmen's Transportation Committee
25.00
Playground Maintenance
200.00
Police New Uniforms
776.00
Light Administration and Expense Account
1,500.00
Elementary School Study Committee
400.00
Purchase of Electric Energy
200.00
$28,172.28
STEPHEN M. HEFFERAN, Chairman
REPORT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Honorable Board of Selectmen
Mr. Charles L. Rich, Chairman
Norwood, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I submit to you and to the citizens of the Town of Norwood, the Annual Report of your Fire Department for the year 1963.
The Fire Department put into effect in 1963 an "In Service Inspection Program." This program has met with considerable success and has pro- vided valuable information to both fire fighters and store owners. Since all fire apparatus is equipped with radios, a company fully manned is permitted to participate in inspections and still be available to respond to fire calls. The advantage of these inspections is that every officer and firefighter is able to become more familiar with each type of occupancy, their particular hazards, exits to and from property and permits depart- ment personnel to discuss with the occupant, any problems that might arise concerning fire safety.
Periodic inspections were conducted in the hospital, nursing homes and places of public assembly. All schools were inspected and fire drills were conducted without advance warning to school personnel other than the principal. Such drills were orderly and well conducted, and I wish to compliment all school personnel on their fire drill procedure and their co-operation.
A continuous training program has been established where both the new and veteran firefighters receive daily training in order to maintain this efficiency. All fire personnel received many hours of instruction and
190
TOWN OF NORWOOD
review in the care, maintenance and operation of all fire fighting equip- ment. Officers were delegated in September to attend a three-day Fire Fighting Seminar sponsored by the Massachusetts Institute of Fire De- partment Instructors.
A record number of fire calls was established in 1963, when we re- sponded to 1188 calls which are classified on the following page. In addition 585 ambulance calls were made.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Manager Walter A. Blasenak, and the Department heads for their continued co-operation. To the towns of Westwood, Dedham, Wal- pole, and Canton and their chiefs, I wish to express my appreciation for their support in establishing our Mutual Aid Program.
The officers and men look forward to moving into the new fire station, where we will have more room and better facilities to train, thereby giving you better fire protection.
Respectfully submitted,
IRVING J. DOBSON, Chief Norwood Fire Department
FIRE ALARMS - 1963
Dwellings
Garages
Stores
Factories
Public Bldgs.
False
Auto
Grass - Woods
Misc .*
Aid to Towns
Total Alarms
Aid from Towns
January
15
1
2
10
1
3
2
0
6 14
0
37
1
March
9
3
2
5
1
2
2
37
18
0
79
1
April
10
7
0
4
1
5
6
9
44
29 30
1 104
2
June
6
1
5
3
1
3
7
23
29
0
78
0
July
8
0
2
3
0
0
10
23
36
0
82
1
August
6
2
2
1
2
2
10
13
25
0
63
1
September
16
2
5
1
1
2
3
42
19
0
91
0
October
6
5
0
3
1
9
11
111
27
0
173
1
November
9
0
3
5
2
2
12
9
16
0
58
0
December
22
0
2
4
0
6
7
2
22
0
65
0
Total
121
21
27
47
13
42
85
557
271
4 1188
17
* Dump, Sprinkler surges, smoke, honest mistakes
Mutual aid from: Westwood, Walpole, Dedham, Dover, Needham, Canton, Medfield, Sharon, Wrentham, and Millis.
Ambulance Calls - 585
0
February
5
0
3
6
1
2
6
0
6 253
1 316
10
May
9
0
1
2
2
2 42
191
REPORT OF GENERAL MANAGER
REPORT OF FISH AND GAME WARDEN For Year Ending December 31, 1963
Hours Patroling Time
1.095
Miles In Car 5,000
Complaints
7
Complaints Investigated
7
Prosecutions
0
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES E. BUNNEY
REPORT OF GENERAL MANAGER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit detailed reports of the various departments under the administrative control of the General Manager.
With the continued growth within our community, presenting all the problems involved in the welfare and safety of the public, all municipal departments witnessed an exceptionally busy year. We feel our accomplish- ments in the field of public service has been outstanding and with the understanding and mutual cooperation of all the people, we will continue in all efforts to be the leader in community development.
All construction projects for which monies were appropriated in 1963 have been engineered by the Town Engineering Department and consulting engineers and most of these projects have been completed and the balance will be completed within the early months of 1964.
In reviewing the activities of the departments under the General Manager, I wish to call to your attention some of the outstanding activities of these departments.
1. The Recreation Department continues to be a very active section within our municipal organization. The reopening of the Recreation Center Swimming Pool in February gave Norwood the finest all-around swim- ming facilities in the Commonwealth. This fine facility has continued to grow in popularity and patronage since its opening with young and old alike participating in the various programs conducted there. The two outside pools continue to be extremely well patronized, and indi- cates that some further thinking should be given to a long range program for additional swimming pools.
2. Extensive work has been done in the fall of 1963 on the new playground in the Ellis Gardens area, thus assuring this area a very much needed
192
TOWN OF NORWOOD
facility sometime in 1964. Work will continue in the spring and it is contemplated that necessary equipment will be purchased and erected to make this a first class play area.
3. Only in its third year, the expanded Fourth of July Celebration con- tinued to grow in the number of events offered and in the numbers participating in the many different events. The response of the com- munity to appeals for support was overwhelming and with this fine spirit of cooperation among all community organizations, the future success of the Fourth of July Celebration is assured.
At this time the Manager expresses his appreciation to the Committee and all those who worked closely with the Committee in making this Celebration exceptionally outstanding and successful.
4. On May 1, 1963, Joseph F. McAuliffe, former member of the Norwood Fire Department was appointed Civil Defense Director. Under his leadership the activities in this department have been accelerated and we are looking forward to an enlarged program when this department is established in the new Fire-Police Station.
5. The Municipal Light Department continues to show growth with a 10.4% increase in kilowatt hours consumed in 1962. A study and revision was made of the electric light rates and the Commissioners adopted an "Electric Heating Rate" which was established at 1.89 after discount which is very favorable in the competitive field of electric heating. Contracts have been let for installation of 5,000 KVA Transformer and and switchgear for the Chapel Street Sub-station. It is expected that these additions will be installed and operating in the spring of 1964. The Electric Light Department has had a continuing project at Windsor Gardens and this development is proceeding more rapidly than has been anticipated. Future requirements for this development by the Municipal Light Department can be expected.
6. With the completion of the new Fire-Police Station, facilities in the Municipal Building will be renovated and made available for other existing departments. If funds are made available in 1964, these addi- tional facilities will be available.
7. The General Manager recommends that you read the report of the Public Works Department which is given in detail by the Superin- tendent. You will note that this division which largely is a service department continues to perform the various tasks required.
8. In August, 1963, the Town entered into contract with a private agency for the operation of a sanitary land fill dump at the present dumping site off Winter Street and in accordance with the requirement of the State Department of Public Health. This operation has been very satis- factory and it appears to have eliminated causes for nuisance complaints. It is desirable and essential that the Town acquire additional lands adjacent to the present dumping site and negotiations have been under- way and it is hoped that final negotiations can be completed in 1964.
In Retirement
JAMES D. BALFOUR
Jim was born in Norwood and was appointed permanent fire- fighter on April 1, 1936; after an active career, devoting 28 years to firefighting, he retired on October 15, 1963.
In Retirement
FRANCIS M. HAYES
Francis was born in Norwood May 21, 1898, and was appointed to the call fire department July 1, 1926, and was appointed perma- nent firefighter June 16, 1929. "Father" or "Pluky" as he was affec- tionately known retired on January 7, 1963, after having faithfully served the Town of Norwood for over 37 years.
BOARD OF HEALTH: James F. Foley, John P. Dixon, Chairman; Roy T. Lydon, M.D., Bartley J. King, Agent.
193
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
9. Neponset River Flood Control Project-Present status of this project is as follows:
First stage is now under construction.
Second Stage-Tileston-Hollingsworth Dam to Paul's Bridge in Dedham to be started March, 1964.
Third stage which is to include work in Norwood is to be advertised sometime in the summer of 1964.
10. Norwood Police School of Instruction: During 1962-1963 there was conducted under the sponsorship of the Board of Selectmen and General Manager a School for Police Instruction. The course consisted of 18 lectures and all subject matters pertaining to law enforcement were discussed by competent and outstanding authorities in police and related work.
The General Manager publicly extends appreciation to all those who participated in this course of instruction. We feel that the members of the Norwood Police Department were most fortunate to have this type of instruction, and some of the members of the Police Department con- tinued further in police education by attending the Massachusetts State Police School and Program of Law Enforcement and Security at North- eastern University. It is anticipated that this training course will con- tinue in 1964.
My expression of appreciation is extended to all heads of departments under the control of the General Manager for their cooperation in the discharge of the duties of their office. Further, I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen for their cooperation and consideration shown me in the con- duct of the Office of General Manager.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER A. BLASENAK General Manager
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
The Board of Health organized after the Town Meeting in January, 1963. Mr. John P. Dixon was elected Chairman of the Board, Mr. James F. Foley and Dr. Roy T. Lydon served as associate members.
Mr. Winfelt Eckhardt was appointed Inspector of Slaughtering.
Mr. Harry A. Shannon retired as Plumbing Inspector on March 1, 1963. Mr. Shannon was elected to the Board of Health on January 15, 1934 for a three year term. He was re-elected to the Board of Health on Jan- uary 18,1937. Mr. Shannon was appointed as Plumbing Inspector on July 1, 1939. He served the Town in that position until the time of his retire- ment.
194
TOWN OF NORWOOD
The Board appointed Mr. Henry T. Mcauliffe as substitute Plumbing Inspector pending a Civil Service examination for the position of Plumbing Inspector.
The Board conducted Polio Clinics to administer Type I, II, and Type III Sabin Vaccine to all Norwood children from three months to nineteen years of age. 29,300 doses were administered at all Clinics.
The Town Meeting accepted a new By-Law which provided for the appointment of a Gas Inspector, the Plumbing Inspector was appointed as Gas and Plumbing Inspector for the Town of Norwood by the Board of Health.
Dr. Timothy J. Curtin, School Dentist, retired on August 30, 1963. Dr. Curtin was appointed to his position on September 1, 1928.
Dr. Thomas H. O'Toole resigned as Public Health Physician on Sep- tember 23, 1963. Dr. O'Toole served on the Board of Health from January 31, 1933 to January 21, 1936. He was appointed Public Health Physician on April 4, 1937.
Dr. Roy T. Lydon was appointed Public Health Physician to replace Dr. O'Toole on October 4, 1963.
The Board of Health issued a Certificate of Approval for the Norwood Hospital.
Seven patients were admitted to the Norfolk County Hospital for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis during 1963.
The Board of Health conducted sanitary inspections of Funeral Homes, Nursing Homes, Hospitals, Day Care Centers and Food establishments during the year.
The Board of Health examined the preliminary and definitive plans of Subdivisions presented for approval throughout the year and made recommendations to the developers with respect to a sanitary water supply, sewage disposal and drainage.
PUBLIC HEALTH NURSES
TOTAL NUMBER OF CALLS
4258
MEDICAL 3700
SURGICAL 479
OFFICE
422
TUBERCULOSIS CLINICS 167
TUBERCULOSIS CASES 6
The two registered nurses, who receive instruction from attending physicians visited homes in Norwood and administered bedside nursing care to acute and chronically ill patients. They gave treatments such as
195
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
surgical dressings, injections, enemas, and irrigations when needed. The nurses instructed diabetics on the use of insulin. They also gave guidance to new mothers on the care of the newborn.
A total of 167 patients attended the X-ray clinics held at the Board of Health Office in the Municipal Building on the third Wednesday of the month from 1:30 to 3:30.
The Sabin vaccine was administered to school and pre-school children in January, March and May of 1963.
Report of St. Catherine's School Nurse
Dr. Thomas H. O'Toole made routine visits and examined children referred for examinations. Parents were notified of any physical defects found at this time and advised to consult their family physician.
Communicable Disease Control
Diphtheria toxoid inoculations were administered to children in Grades I and VII. Children whose parents wished received three doses of the Sabin Vaccine. There were over 1500 children who took advantage of this.
Dental Clinic
Dental examinations were given to all children by Dr. T. J. Curtin, School Dentist and Mrs. Margaret Curran. Dental defects found at this time were referred to the parents for correction either to be done by their own dentist or the school dentist.
Vision Testing
All children in the school were screened for visual defects by way of the Massachusetts Vision Test. Those with defects were referred for treatment by an Ophthalmologist.
Hearing Test
All children in the school were screened for hearing defects by way of the Maico Puretone audiometer. All failures were referred for further treatment.
Mrs. Marie Kane, our Speech teacher continues her work with the children who have any speech defect.
MILK INSPECTOR
Licenses were issued for the manufacture of ice cream and frozen desserts for retail sale.
One license was issued for the maintenance of an establishment for the Pasteurization of milk.
Licenses were issued for the sale of milk and cream.
Dealers in oleomargarine were issued registration certificates.
196
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Three hundred ninety-eight laboratory tests were made on ninety-two samples of milk and cream. Five routine laboratory tests were used on the above samples of milk and cream.
1. Babcock test made for butterfat content.
2. Total solids determination.
3. Coliform count.
4. Standard plate count.
5. Phosphatase test for pasteurization.
The results of the laboratory testing were similar to those of recent years. Of particular interest, is the low average of the standard plate count. The average of all counts made on milk was 1,900 per cc. and of all counts on cream was 3,800. These low plate count averages indicate sanitary handling and processing of milk and cream from farm to con- sumer. Although within the limits prescribed by law, the butterfat and total solids content of milk continued to be disappointing in 1963. There is no indication of any improvement in the foreseeable future. Homogeniza- tion, standardization, non-transparent containers, dietary fads and lack of public interest or demand for rich creamy milk all contribute to cause a generally lower level of the butterfat and total solids content of a large part of Norwood's milk supply.
SCHOOL DENTIST
Public School
Number of children completed 301
Number of children not completed 4
Number of temporary fillings
565
Number of temporary extractions 137
Number of permanent fillings 276
Number of permanent extractions
11
Number of cleanings 290
Number of children examined 5163
Number of children O.K. at examination 3315
Parochial School
Number of children completed
74
Number of children not completed 2
Number of temporary fillings
160
Number of temporary extractions
59
Number of permanent fillings
94
Number of permanent extractions
2
Number of cleanings 66
Number of children examined
1552
Number of children O.K. at examination
971
197
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
MOSQUITO CONTROL
The Norfolk County Mosquito Control Commission reported the fol- lowing activities in the Town of Norwood in 1963:
Aerial Spraying
825 Acres
Ground Spraying
788 Acres
Ground Pre-hatch dusting
40 Acres
Drainage
5,056 Feet
Brush Clearing
580 Feet
Culverts Cleaned
19 Culverts
Catch Basins Treated
4,026 Catch basins
PLUMBING INSPECTOR
January
15 Permits
July
51 Permits
February
16 Permits
August
20 Permits
March
20 Permits
September
34 Permits
April
34 Permits
October
58 Permits
May
31 Permits
November
27 Permits
June
41 Permits
December
44 Permits
GAS INSPECTOR
January
0 Permits
July
February
0 Permits
August
March
0 Permits
September
April
0 Permits
October
May
0 Permits
November
June
22 Permits
December
JAMES F. FOLEY
ROY T. LYDON
JOHN P. DIXON
Norwood Board of Health
REPORT OF NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY
Mr. Walter Blasenak, Town Manager
Municipal Building Norwood, Mass.
RE: Annual Report of the Norwood Housing Authority.
Dear Sir,
The Norwood Housing Authority is authorized by Section 26F of Chapter 121 of the General Laws as amended.
Annual Meeting: First Friday after the Annual Town Election.
Regular Meetings: First & Third Wednesdays of the months at 7:30 p.m. at the Authority Office, 14 Adams Street, Norwood.
198
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Members: Frank L. Walsh, Chairman & State Appointee-1966, Francis E. Donlan, Vice Chairman-1965, Roger J. Connolly, Treasurer-1966, John L. Griffin, Asst. Treasurer-1964, Joseph Long, member-1968.
Personnel: Lawrence J. OBrien, Executive Director & Secretary, John Foley, Maintenance-aide, Sullivan & Schwartz, Accountants, Atty. Dennis P. O'Leary, Counsel, Walter J. Dempsey, Servicing Broker.
The Norwood Housing Authority is a public corporation organized in August of 1948 to administer all types of public housing. It is composed of 4 elected officials and one state-appointed member. One member is elected or appointed each year for a term of 5 years.
The Authority currently administers a 75 unit State-aided Veterans Low- income Constructed in 1950 and a 50 unit Elderly Development constructed in 1961. The Authority also received approval of the State Housing Board to construct a second Elderly Project composed of 36 units on January 28, 1963. The site selected for this construction was the Percy Everett Property adjacent to the existing Elderly Project. The purchase price of this property was approved by the State as $27,820.00. The Authority also received ap- proval to purchase some 8,000 sq. ft. of land, known as Willow-wood Rd. extension, from the Town of Norwood for $981.81, which represents back- taxes owed. This parcel will be used primarily for parking. We are pleased that the State has approved the selection of the site, since we are of the opinion that this will vastly improve the area. In addition the locality is excellent for the Elderly people, since they are within walking distance of transportation, recreation, and shopping facilities. We expect Contracts for the Construction of this project to be approved in March of 1964, and bar- ring any unforeseen difficulties, the Project should be ready for occupancy by November, 1964. The Architect selected for this Development was the same one as we had for the first Elderly Project. The Authority felt that the firm of Wm. Nelson Jacobs Assocs. Inc. of Boston could give the best service since they are familiar with the topography of the site selected, and we wanted the design to be basically the same as the present project.
All of this construction came about as a result of State Legislation un- der Chapters 200 & 667 of the General Laws. Since the Commonwealth pays a maximum subsidy of 21/2% of the Development cost annually and guaran- tees payment of bonds over a period of 40 years, all major decisions and expenditures must receive prior approval of the State Housing Board. In- cidentally the subsidy received in 1963 was reduced $4,000.00, since the Au- thority completed its fiscal year with a surplus beyond the budgetary amounts anticipated for operating expenses.
The primary purpose of Public Housing Legislation is to provide ade- quate housing for low and middle-income families at rents they can afford to pay.
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