USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1963-1964 > Part 45
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224
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Balances Available for Capital Expenditures
The difference between our total income and our operating expenses must cover our pay-as-you-go capital appropriations, debt service which includes principal and interest on borrowed funds, the MDC assessment covering the capital cost of our connection with the MDC water system (which becomes fully paid up in 1966), and the desirable additions to the Stabilization Fund as discussed later.
In the following tabluation we have deducted from this "difference" our present debt service (including MDC assessment) in order to illustrate the estimated shrinkage in the amount available for other capital appropriations.
Debt
Difference
Service
Net Available
Actual:
1958
$ 993,000
$377,000
$ 616,000
1959
1,211,000
405,000
806,000
1960
1,338,000
525,000
813,000
1961
1,485,000
484,000
1,001,000
1962
1,513,000
469,000
1,044,000
Estimated:
1963
1,105,000
455,000
650,000
1964
955,000
579,000*
376,000
1965
925,000
526,000*
399,000
1966
960,000
441,000*
519,000
1967
690,000
327,000*
363,000
* Actual costs based on debt outstanding at end of 1963.
The above figures considered in conjunction with the items listed below indicate that the Town must increase its income, or reduce its expenses in order to permit it to acquire the capital projects which will be needed. In addition to planning new capital acquisitions, the Town should re- evaluate its present capital assets to determine whether any can be liquidated to provide some windfall income that might help to defray the cost of some of the projected capital requirements.
A Look at Possible Major Capital Expenditures
1964-8 room addition to Cleveland School
$350,000
Balch School addition and improvement 250,000
Library addition
330,000
1965-8 additional elementary school classrooms Skating Rink
350,000
140,000
1966-New 30 room Junior High School
2,000,000
1967-8 room addition to Peabody School 400,000
Another possible major capital item is the Blue Hills Regional Voca- tional and Technical High School. It is not possible to indicate the timing of this item, nor is it possible to indicate the estimated cost of Norwood's share of this venture.
225
REPORT OF CAPITAL OUTLAY COMMITTEE
Another item of indefinite import is a long term program of upgrading the electric service of the light department. This is now being studied in terms of a 10-year program.
A comparison of the above items with those in our report last year will indicate several significant changes. The incinerator, which was in the thinking stage for 1965, is now thought of in terms of 1969 or later, as our sanitary land fill program has given us more time to solve the problem. The Senior High School eight-room addition, which was listed for 1967, now has a target date of 1968. The light department stockroom garage has been deferred as attempts are underway to solve this problem through the temporary use of the old fire station.
In addition to the major items listed above, the Town will spend each year significant amounts for other pay-as-you-go capital items. These include sewer, water, drain, and highway construction, motorized equip- ment, etc.
Our Stabilization Fund Requirements
This Fund plays a vital role in town financing in two ways: (1) by having certain funds available in the year before new school construction is voted, the Town is able to attain the maximum acceleration of state re- imbursement of school construction costs, which reduces the money needed to be borrowed, hence saving interest expense; (2) when used in conjunc- tion with advance planning for major capital expenditures, it is a means of stabilizing the tax impact thereof.
Our minimum requirements over the period 1964-67 call for $450,000 to be added to the Fund just in connection with state reimbursement of school costs. In addition, we should be adding as much more as we possibly can in order that the acquisition of a new Junior High School will not place us in an unfavorable debt position.
In fact, the Town should develop long range capital planning so that through the proper use of the Stabilization Fund it need not be disturbed by any major capital expenditure either as to tax impact or debt manage- ment.
A Look at Ouststanding Debt
Our outstanding debt at the end of 1962 was $3,254,000 (including $380,000 due MDC) which was already slightly above what it should be with the prudent level considered as 5% of assessed valuations.
If all of the major potential capital expenditures are made as tenta- tively scheduled, we shall be well over the prudent debt level by 1966 with an outstanding debt of close to $4,000,000 which will be close to 7% of assessed valuations.
Our Recommendations for Sound Financial Planning
Use of the Stabilization Fund as a prime tool to lower debt charges, and to aid in attaining a reasonably level tax burden.
226
TOWN OF NORWOOD
The total outstanding debt should be at a level below 5% of assessed valuations, and, if possible, should not extend beyond a ten-year period. As the last payment on our existing debt is due in 1978, it should be our objective to be back within the 10-year limit by 1968.
Capital items costing less than $100,000 should be financed out of cur- rent revenues. Larger amounts that must be borrowed should be planned to require debt service of between $50,000 and $100,000 per year.
Operating expenses, the major part of the Town's budget, must be carefully controlled if the necessary capital items are to be acquired with a minimum impact on the tax rate. Any increase in operating expenses should be balanced against increases in the Town's total income, whether from increased valuations or new sources.
Efforts should be made through the cooperation of all Town boards and officials to create advance scheduling of capital outlays integrated with the use of the Stabilization Fund.
Norwood can afford, with reasonable sacrifice, to acquire and operate capital items that it needs, but it cannot afford marginal or unnecessary projects, no matter how attractive they may appear.
The Free Cash should be managed so that a minimum of $250,000 re- mains after the Annual Town Meeting.
Existing assets should be reviewed to determine their need to the Town and the possibility of their liquidation to provide funds to relieve the impact of the capital program.
In Closing
We wish to rephrase and repeat three vital points :
1. You should insist on long range capital planning of a precise nature tied in with the use of the Stabilization Fund.
2. You should insist on the control of operating expenses in re- lation to anticipated growth in total income.
3. You should insist on the planning and management of free cash so as to preserve an adequate balance at all times as protection against unforeseen contingencies.
Respectfully submitted,
THE CAPITAL OUTLAY COMMITTEE William J. L. Lynch, Chairman (Resigned October 1964) Grafton J. Corbett, Jr., 1966 Edward Martini, 1965 (Appointed October 1964) Andrew M. Monahan, 1966 A. Franklin Swift, 1967 Stephen T. Hefferan, Finance Com. James T. O'Sullivan, Planning Board C. Lothrop Rich, Board of Selectmen Francis X. Sheehan, Jr., School Com. Harold T. Young, Board of Assessors
In Retirement
BARTLEY MCDONOUGH
Bartley came to work for the Town of Norwood in the Cemetery Department February, 1946. He worked until the end of 1964. Bartley was a conscientious worker. Due to ill health Bartley retired. We all wish him improved health and successful retirement.
In Retirement
LAWRENCE CONNORS
Larry began his career working for the Public Works Department in 1925. He stayed with the Town until 1941 and left for defence work. Larry was reinstated in 1950 at the Cemetery Department, and worked until 1964. Larry was a W.W. I Veteran. He was an ambitious worker. We all wish him many years of joyful retirement.
227
REPORT OF CEMETERY DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF CEMETERY DEPARTMENT
Mr. Walter A. Blasenak General Manager Norwood, Mass.
Dear Sir:
The following is a detailed report of the Cemetery Department for the year ending December 31, 1964.
The Cemetery Department prepared for and conducted 213 interments. We also dug and made 6 inter-cemetery transfers.
The Cemetery Department dug out and poured 88 foundations for monuments. We also dug and installed 24 flush markers at various graves. All paid grave repairs were made and perpetual care requests were taken care of.
In Section "G", two more plots of land were laid out for immediate and pre-need sales.
The first section of the Companion lots has been completed. All bounds and lot numbers have been installed.
The Cemetery Department now has temporary upright grave markers. These are put over the graves of all new interment sites until a monument or other permanent marker has been installed. Where lots have markers or monuments, these new temporary markers are not used.
In Section "C", 250 feet of drainage has been installed under St. Adrian Avenue. It is the Cemetery Department's intention that this Avenue be surfaced with asphalt in the coming year.
There were several more flowering trees and shrubs planted in various park areas this past year. There has been considerable pruning and trans- planting done throughout the Cemetery. All of the Cemetery-owned shrubs and hedges have been trimmed.
The Cemetery Department spread 20 tons of lime and 15 tons of fer- tilizer in the past year. Several areas were grubbed out, fresh loam added and reseeded, 300 pounds of seed were used in repairing lots, graves and lawn areas.
Although this past Summer was very dry, all newly planted trees, shrubs and lawns were kept well watered. With the aid of lime and ferti- lizer, the Cemetery lawns were mowed throughout the season.
There has been a considerable amount of hot topping done this year; South Highland View Avenue was completely done. Approximately 15,000 sq. ft. of walks were installed with more concentration being made in the oldest sections of the Cemetery.
228
TOWN OF NORWOOD
The Day Chapel has increased in its use, and more families are using it for interment services during inclement weather. Old Parish Cemetery was not used for interments this year.
The maintenance has continued throughout the season. There has been a chain link fence installed all around the Old Parish Cemetery. This has completely stopped the loitering and vandalism. If any one should want to visit into Old Parish Cemetery, they should call the Superintendent and arrange to have it opened for them.
As custodian of Veterans' graves, all depressed graves were filled; flags and markers were placed over graves; there were 5 flush Granite Veterans' markers installed; bases were put onto 26 Bronze markers and installed at various graves.
I would like to express my thanks to you, Mr. Blasenak, for your cooperation and to all the other department heads for their assistance. I also take this opportunity to thank the men of my crew for their splendid cooperation and unselfishness.
Respectfully submitted,
PATSY F. SANTORO Superintendent of Cemeteries
REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF CIVIL DEFENSE
Mr. Walter A. Blasenak General Manager Norwood, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I hereby submit the annual report of the Civil Defense Department for the period of January 1, 1964 to December 31, 1964.
The present fallout shelters have been inspected monthly. Twelve (12) new locations have been checked with the Army Engineers Corps. As soon as these subject locations have been fully approved by the F.C.D.A., they will be stocked and placed on a monthly inspection basis.
The Civil Defense two-hundred (200) bed emergency hospital has been checked on a monthly basis. All equipment is in readiness for any emer- gency requiring its use. Inspection reports have been submitted to the
229
REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF CIVIL DEFENSE
proper authorities. The drugs and surgical supplies have been increased from a three day supply to a thirty day supply.
The Director has attended monthly meetings of the Civil Defense Directors of Area 2-D, held at Stoughton and meetings held at State Head- quarters in Framingham. Periodic trips have been made to the Taunton Surplus Depot to check any government surplus equipment that could be used in Norwood.
Several Firt Aid classes have been held at the new Civil Defense headquarters. A special thirty hour course for registered nurses was con- ducted on Basic Disaster Nursing. There were also classes held for begin- ners and advanced radiological with other related subjects. This type of instruction will continue throughout the year with new subjects being added as quickly as material is available.
The Radiological Department has conducted special classes for monitors and advanced instructors. Three new monitor stations have been approved and established. This program will continue through the fiscal year with new stations being established as fast as trained personnel are qualified.
The Civil Defense Police Department holds regular weekly meetings. This unit has been used for traffic control and are available for any emer- gency that may occur. During the past fiscal year these men were used a total of two hundred (200) hours.
The Communications Department has been expanded to provide com- munications for all public and municipal departments. Drills are held on a regular schedule for both local and State under special F.C.C. license. Special classes are held for both Morse International Code and Radio Theory by this group. This program will be expanded during the fiscal year to give nation-wide coverage, so this department will be able to move on any emergency that may arise now or in the future.
The Civil Defense Department moved into its new quarters on May 3, 1964. These new facilities made it possible to carry out this training pro- gram. The training program will be expanded to give Norwood the very best protection in any disaster. The new quarters have been visited by many local, sector, and state Civil Defense personnel. It is considered to be a model installation for a fall-out shelter and communication center having better than a one hundred (100) protection factor.
I wish to thank all the other Town Departments who have been most cooperative in assisting me to carry out my work during the past year.
Very truly yours,
JOSEPH F. MCAULIFFE
Civil Defense Director
230
TOWN OF NORWOOD
REPORT OF CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Mr. Walter A. Blasenak General Manager Town of Norwood Norwood, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
The Norwood Conservation Commission hereby submits its report for the year 1964.
At the present time, the Commission is engaged in a study of land area known as the "Westover Parkway." This land area is of some seven- teen acres and is located in the Westover area of Norwood and includes a narrow strip of land circumvented by a road. Germany Brook flows down through the center and the area lends itself to a passive recreation area with an excellent wildlife and bird sanctuary potential.
The Commission has undertaken several surveys of the area with the co-operation of the Department of Natural Resources; and at the time of this writing, it is hoped that the Board of Selectmen and Town Meeting members will see fit to turn the area over to Conservation Commission control.
The Town-owned Well Field area has been under study, and again it is hoped that this area might be perpetuated for conservation and the water supply permanently protected for possible use by our successive generations.
The Neponset River project has been the subject of many meetings of the Commission and interested parties with the design of trying to preserve as much wetland and wildlife as is possible. Mr. Bruce Gullion, Director of The Conservation Services, Department of Natural Resources, has spear- headed many of these meetings; and it is assumed that much progress will be made to protect some vital watershed areas.
We are also investigating several privately owned parcels of water- shed land with the hope of adding them to our green belt.
The Conservation Commission has been very mindful of all applications for building sub-divisions and has met several times with the Planning Board to assure no infringements are made close to brooks or rivers that could lead to possible pollution and aggravation to possible home owners.
We will continue to expand our efforts toward open space land acqui- sition; protection of our watershed areas; and generally promote sound conservation practices within our community.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY E. FRASER, Chairman THOMAS E. CLIFFORD DONALD BONICA JAMES J. DRUMMEY BROWNIE E. GREEN
MRS. ALICE WATSON, Secretary
Norwood Conservation Commission
CONSERVATION COMMISSION: Seated left to right: Alice Watson, Secretary; Harry E. Fraser, Chairman; Sandra H. Frueh, Re- cording Secretary; Standing left to right: Donald Bonica, Brownie Green, Thomas Clifford, and George Spear.
231
REPORT OF TOWN COUNSEL
REPORT OF TOWN COUNSEL
The Honorable Board of Selectmen Harry B. Butters, Chairman Norwood, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith in summarized form the eighth annual report of my conduct of the Legal Department of the Town.
Frequent changes in the laws applicable to municipal government brings requests for interpretation of the law which require constant study of the new legislation in its relation to our activities in order to com- petently advise those charged with the conduct of our own government.
Much of the service rendered was advisory in nature and was furnished in the various departments of the Town through written and verbal opinions upon request therefor.
Additional service was rendered by attendance at hearings and con- ferences, court appearances, drafting of articles for town meeting warrants and motions to be offered thereunder, drafting of deeds, agreements and various other instruments.
The service rendered dealt with practically every phase of municipal activity.
It should be pointed out that in connection with the above activity, many questions arose which required much research to find the proper answers and many hours were applied to this end.
Litigation and Claims
Various claims for personal injuries and property damage were made against the Town arising out of alleged defective conditions in public ways concerning which opinions as to liability on the part of the Town were given and recommendations were made as to the disposition of claims.
Selectmen
Because the Town does not carry public liability insurance, all such claims are referred to Town Counsel for investigation and settlement with approval of the Board of Selectmen and, if settlement cannot be made, then the case is tried in court by Town Counsel.
A number of these cases were on behalf of the Department of Public Welfare and thousands of dollars were recovered, a large part of which came back to the Town treasury.
Without listing all the cases handled, suffice it to say that cases by and against the Town have been brought to a current status with little or no "backlog," so called.
232
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Conclusion
I am grateful for the privilege of having served the Town as legal counsel. During my period of service, I have been constantly aware of the great responsibilities attendant upon this position in a growing com- munity such as ours. The uniform spirit of co-operation and friendliness extended to me by Town boards, committees, officials and friends through- out this past year has greatly aided me in the performance of my duties and I shall be ever mindful of their loyalty and friendship.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER J. GOTOVICH Town Counsel
REPORT OF DOG OFFICER
Mr. Walter A. Blasenak
General Manager
Town of Norwood
Norwood, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I hereby submit my report as Dog Officer for the Town of Norwood
for the year ending December 31, 1964.
Number of dogs licensed 1340
720
Dog notices sent out
Dog complaints investigated
120
Dogs lost and found (Residents)
165
Dogs lost and found (Non-residents)
12
Dogs destroyed 79
Personal calls to home of dog owners 280
Dead dogs picked up
69
Number of phone calls made and received 658
Car mileage 2460
Respectfully submitted,
ANGELO IODICE
Dog Officer, Town of Norwood
233
REPORT OF TOWN ENGINEER
REPORT OF TOWN ENGINEER
Mr. Walter A. Blasenak General Manager Norwood, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I hereby submit my report as Town Engineer for the year of 1964.
All assigned work was completed during the calendar year. A large part of the construction work completed was by contract with competitive public bidding. The Engineering Department handled all phases of this work.
One sewer project, the Federal-aided Union Brook Interceptor Sewer had been started in 1963 and was completed in 1964.
A consulting engineer was retained for that project.
The department personnel is the same as in 1963; Town Engineer, assistant town engineer and five engineers of varying grades. As this report shows, the department handled and completed a goodly amount of work during the year. The problem of retaining capable men, once they have reached their maximum pay, is becoming very evident, and there are pros- pects of losing these trained men to other companies offering better prospects and salaries.
A summary of Engineering Department projects follows:
SEWER CONSTRUCTION 1964
TOWN CONTRACT-TOWN ENGINEERING
Street
Distance
Size
Brook St .- from Nichols St. to Albemarle Rd.
600'
8" AC
Neponset St .- from Pleasant St. Northerly
305'
8" AC
Pleasant St .- from Route One to Neponset St. 408' 8" AC
Warren St. (Rebuilt) - from Granite St. to Philbrick St.
533'
8" AC
TOWN CONTRACT-PRIVATE ENGINEERING (Union Brook Interceptor)
Street
Distance
Size
Field Line - from Traphole Brook Sewer to Union St. ..
2594'
10" AC
Union St .- from Field Line to Sumner St. & I-95 2073' 8" AC
TOWN EGINEERING-CONSTRUCTION BY OTHERS
Street
Distance Size
Neponset St .- from Existing Sewer 266' Northerly
266'
8" AC
PRIVATE ENGINEERING-TOWN INSPECTION WHEN POSSIBLE
Street
Distance Size
Route One - from Traphole Brook Sewer Northerly (Vara)
628' 8" AC
Grant Ave. - from Monroe St. Easterly
170' 8" AC
234
TOWN OF NORWOOD
off Route One -from Field Line to Turnpike Lumber
300'
8" AC
Croydon Rd .- from Yarmouth Rd. Westerly 417'
8" AC
Albemarle Rd .- from Sta. 35 & 50 to Rugby Rd. 923'
8" AC
Rugby Rd .- from Westover Pkwy. to Albemarle Rd.
260'
8" AC
Neponset St .- Eaton Village System (by PWD)
812' 8" AC
Robinwood Rd .- from Wedgewood Dr. to Prescott Rd.
606'
8" AC
Field Line - from Trunk Sewer to Audubon Rd.
185'
12" AC
Audubon Rd .- from Field Line to Arnold Rd.
802'
8" AC
Arnold Rd .- from Audubon Rd. to Sunnyside Rd.
132'
8" AC
Windsor Gardens
870'
8" AC
WATER MAIN CONSTRUCTION 1964
TOWN CONTRACT-TOWN ENGINEERING
Street
Distance
Size
Brook St .- from Nichols St. to Albemarle Rd.
750'
12" CI
Neponset St .- Neponset St. right of way east of Norton.
87'
8" CI
TOWN ENGINEERING-CONSTRUCTION BY OTHERS
Street
Distance
Size
Route One - from Traphole Brook Northerly to Bekins. .
269'
off Sumner St .- Vara Building
231'
8"
off David Ter .- David Terrace Apartments
80'
6"
PRIVATE ENGINEERING-TOWN INSPECTION WHEN POSSIBLE
Street
Distance
Size
Windsor Gardens
660'
8" CI
Windsor Gardens
405'
6" CI
Eaton Village
170'
6" CI
Audubon Rd.
988'
8" CI
Arnold Rd.
351'
8" CI
Sunnyside Rd.
202'
8" CI
Buckminster Dr .- from Wickham Way to Walpole St.
767'
12" CI
Walpole St .- from Buckminster Dr. to Existing 12"
88'
12" CI
Robinwood Rd .- from Wedgewood Dr. to Prescott Rd.
685'
8" CI
Wedgewood Dr .- from Deerfield Rd. to Robinwood Rd.
385'
8" CI
Hampden Dr .- from Suffolk Dr. Northwesterly
32'
8" CI
Rugby Rd .- from Westover Pkwy. to Albemarle Rd.
267'
12" CI
Albemarle Rd .- from Rugby Rd. Easterly
160'
12" CI
Albemarle Rd .- from Rugby Rd. Westerly
892'
12" CI
Devon Rd .- from Albemarle Rd. Southeasterly
302'
8" CI
DRAIN CONSTRUCTION 1964
TOWN CONTRACT-TOWN ENGINEERING
Distance
Size
Street
off Union St .- from Traphole Brook to Existing Drain . . 206'
15" RC
Rock St. (Fisher Field Drain Easement-Varwood Cir. Ease- ment - from Rock St. to Varwood Cir. (Rear)
850'
18" RC
St. Adrian Ave. (Cemetery)-from St. Teresa Southeasterly
240'
12" AC
Perf.
235
REPORT OF TOWN ENGINEER
TOWN ENGINEERING-WORK BY OTHERS
Street
Distance
Size
Pleasant St .- from Main Drain to Catch Basin 30' 8" CI
Hill St .- Cor. Hill St. & Railroad Ave. to Housing Project 45' 12" AC
PRIVATE ENGINEERING-TOWN INSPECTION WHEN POSSIBLE
Street
Distance Size
Albemarle Rd .- from Sta. 38 & 0 to Germany Brook
845'
12" RC
Audubon Rd. & Easement to Meadowbrook-from Meadow- brook to Arnold Rd.
438'
15" RC
70'
12" CI
635'
12" RC
Arnold Rd .- from Audubon Rd. to Sunnyside Rd.
118'
12" CC
Neponset St .- from Easton Village to Neponset St.
112'
12" RC
153
10" RC
ROAD CONSTRUCTION 1964
TOWN CONTRACT-TOWN INSPECTION
Street
Distance Surface
Westover Pkwy. - from Malvern Rd. to Germany Brook
(beyond Rugby Road) 1725' Bit.Conc.
BITUMINOUS CONCRETE SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION 1964
TOWN CONTRACT-TOWN ENGINEERING
Street
Distance
Broadway (West Side) - from Day St. to Shell Gas Sta.
365'
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