USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1963-1964 > Part 47
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The usual replacement of police cruisers were made during the year together with the replacement of the town ambulance.
The General Manager gratefully appreciates the advice, counsel, and cooperation received from the Selectmen, Department Heads not under the control of the General Manager, and all town committees. To the Depart- ment Heads, to the Chiefs, and to all employees, my deepest appreciation for their cooperation, interest in their work, and constant awareness of their responsibilities. It is through this spirit and effort that we were able to accomplish the work required in the conduct of the public office.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER A. BLASENAK General Manager
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
The Board of Health organized after the Town Meeting in January, 1964. Mr. James F. Foley was elected Chairman of the Board, Mr. Bartley J. Foley and Dr. Roy T. Lydon served as associate members.
Bids for the collection and removal of garbage from the Town were opened on February 7, 1964. Two bids were received by the Board. The South Shore Disposal Company of Abington, Massachusetts, bid $48,500.00 per year and Edgar McClellan of Pembroke, Massachusetts, bid $56,000.00 per year. The Board awarded the contract to the South Shore Disposal Company.
The Board of Health refused to certify Nursing Homes in Norwood during 1964 unless the applicant for Certification applied for a special permit from the Board of Appeals under Sub-section C-3 of Table A, Section S-4 of the Zoning By-Laws to allow for the continued use of the
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BOARD OF HEALTH Bartley J. Foley, Member; Bartley J. King, Director
249
RPEORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
premises in question as a Nursing Home. The former By-Law did not provide for the granting of permits for Nursing Homes in residential areas of the Town. However, former Appeal Boards did grant variances for Nursing Homes over the objections of the Board of Health. The Board of Health had always taken a view that a Nursing Home was an organized business and a commercial enterprise and as such they were not permitted in residential areas. The new By-Law will permit a Nursing Home in a residential area if permission is granted by the Board of Appeal after a Public Hearing.
Dr. John C. Burns was appointed to the position of School Dentist pending the examination and certification of a School Dentist by Civil Service.
The Division of Civil Service conducted an examination for the position of Plumbing and Gas Inspector for the Town of Norwood.
The Board of Health ordered a Bakery to stop production of bakery products in Norwood because the building and bakery did not comply with the Rules and Regulations on Bakeries and Chapter 94 of the General Laws. The Baking Company had started production in substandard quarters and had not applied for or received a permit from the Board of Health as required by law.
The Board appointed Winfelt C. Eckhardt Inspector of Slaughtering.
The Board of Health voted to reject the Charm Wage Survey and Report which was completed in 1964. The Charm Report could not compare with the Griffen-Hagen Report which was completed in 1956.
The Board of Health and the Norfolk County T.B. Association con- ducted a Mobile X-Ray Unit in Norwood during the month of December.
The Board of Health informed the Board of Selectmen that the Health authorities were opposed to the sale of Buckmaster water to any munici- pality in order to preserve the Town of Norwood water rights for the future residential and industrial needs of the Town of Norwood.
The Board of Health conducted sanitary inspections of Funeral Homes, Nursing Homes, Hospitals, Day Care Centers and Food Establishments during 1964.
The Board of Health examined preliminary and definitive plans of sub-divisions presented for approval throughout the year and made recom- mendations to the developers with respect to the sanitary water supply, seweage disposal and drainage.
Public Health Nurses
The two registered nurses of the staff visited homes in Norwood and administered care and treatment to acute and chronically ill patients. The nurses instructed diabetics on the use of insulin. They also gave guidance to new mothers on the care of newborn infants.
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
Our Chest X-Ray Clinic is held once a month in the Municipal Building with Dr. Donald Martin in attendance and Mr. Thomas Turner on x-rays. There were 127 patients who attended our clinics this year.
The nurses have visiting hours in the office at the Municipal Building between one and three o'clock Mondays through Fridays. A total of 355 patients were treated in the office.
Medical 3260
Surgical
216
Infant 17
Premature Birth
1
Tuberculosis Cases
3
Total Number of Calls 3493
Report of School Nurse - St. Catherine's School
The School Physician made routine visits and examined children re- ferred 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.
Grades I -164 children received a booster dose.
Grades VII-166 children received a booster dose.
Vision Test
All children in the school were screened for visual defects by way of the Massachusetts Vision Test. Those failing the test were referred for treatment by an Opthalmologist.
Hearing Test
The Maico Puretone Audiometer was administered to all the children in the school for screening any hearing defects. All failures were referred for further treatment by an ear specialist.
Mrs. Marie Kane, our Speech teacher continues her work with children that have any speech defect.
Report of Milk Inspector
One license was issued for the maintenance of a plant for the pasteuri- zation of milk.
Licenses were issued for the manufacture of ice cream for retail sale.
Licenses were issued for the sale of milk and cream.
Dealers in oleomargarine were issued registration certificates.
251
RPEORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
Samples of milk, skim milk and cream were obtained from milk dealers and stores. The following tests were made on the samples in the Board of Health Laboratory.
1. Phosphatase test for pasteurization.
2. Standard plate count for purity and proper processing and care from farm to consumer.
3. Coliform count for contamination after pasteurization.
4. Butterfat content.
5. Total solids content.
6. Completeness of homogenization.
Phosphatase tests, standard plate counts and coliform tests were uni- formly satisfactory in nearly all samples, and in some cases were excellent.
Butterfat and total solids content, although above legal requirements, continue to be disappointingly lower. There is no indication of any reversal, or even any "evening out" of the trend to lower butterfat and total solids content. The following factors can be cited as contributing to this trend.
1. Almost universal homogenization of milk.
2. Standardization practices.
3. Non-transparent containers.
4. Multiple quart containers.
5. Medical findings and publications relative to the adverse effect of the consumption of animal fat on human dis- eases, particularly certain heart conditions.
On August 11, 1964 the Mass. Department of Public Health approved a reduction in the standard plate count requirement on pasteurized milk from 10,000 to 5,000 colonies per cubic centimeter. In connection with this reduction I made a survey of six hundred sixty-one (661) standard plate counts made in the Norwood Board of Health Laboratory. Below are the results of this survey :
Total counts reviewed 661
Counts over 20,000 per cc. 23
% of counts over 20,000 3.4%
Counts over 10,000 per cc. 37
% of counts over 10,000 5.6%
Counts over 5,000 per cc. 101
% of counts over 5,000 15.0%
Average of 661 counts 3,814 per cc.
The Board of Health Laboratory was relocated in remodeled quarters during 1964. The new laboratory room is most satisfactory to me, especially after working under virtually untenable conditions for many years in the old laboratory. I wish to thank all who participated in the remodeling of the work area. It was an extremely difficult job very well done.
252
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Plumbing Inspections
January
50 Permits
July
41 Permits
February
73 Permits
August
65 Permits
March
43 Permits
September
48 Permits
April
77 Permits
October
78 Permits
May
42 Permits
November
42 Permits
June
72 Permits
December
34 Permits
Total
665 Permits
Gas Inspections
January
6 Permits
July
8 Permits
February
5 Permits
August
29 Permits
March
11 Permits
September
14 Permits
April
13 Permits
October
39 Permits
May
13 Permits
November
25 Permits
June
12 Permits
December
23 Permits
Total
198 Permits
MOSQUITO CONTROL
The Norfolk County Mosquito Control Commission reported the fol- lowing activities for 1964 in the Town of Norwood.
Aerial Spraying
400 Acres
Ground Spraying
848 Acres
Ground Pre-hatch Dusting
90 Acres
Drainage 1,385 Feet
Brush Clearing 475 Feet
Culverts Cleaned
19 Culverts
Catch Basins Treated
1,454 Catch Basins.
Respectfully submitted,
BARTLEY J. FOLEY ROY T. LYDON, M.D. JAMES F. FOLEY, Chairman Norwood Board of Health
NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY: Seated left to right: Francis E. Donlan, Chairman; Roger J. Connolly; Standing left to right: Frank L. Walsh, John L. Griffin, Lawrence J. O'Brien, Exec. Director and Joseph Long.
253
REPORT OF NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY
REPORT OF NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY
Mr. Walter Blasenak, General Manager Town of Norwood Municipal Building Norwood, Mass.
Dear Sir:
The Norwood Housing Authority is authorized by Section 26F of Chap- ter 121 of the General Laws as amended.
ANNUAL MEETING: First Friday after the Annual Town Election.
REGULAR MEETINGS: First and third Wednesdays of the month at 7:30 P.M. in the Authority Office, 14 Adams St., Norwood, Mass. MEMBERS: Francis E. Donlan, Chairman 1965; Roger J. Connolly, Vice Chairman 1966; Joseph Long, Treasurer 1968; John L. Griffin, Asst. Treasurer 1969; Frank L. Walsh, State Appointee 1966.
PERSONNEL: Lawrence J. O'Brien, Executive Director and Sec- retary; John Foley, Maintenance-aide; Sullivan & Schwartz, Accountants; Dennis P. O'Leary, Attorney; William C. Lewis, Insurance Broker.
The Norwood Housing Authority is a public corporation organized in 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 ap- pointed each year for a term of 5 years.
The Authority currently administers a 75-unit State-aided Veterans Project completed in 1950, a 50-unit Elderly Project completed in 1961, and a 36-unit Elderly Development scheduled for occupancy March 1, 1965.
The General Contractor for the nearly-completed second Elderly Project is Fred J. Findlen & Sons of Dedham, Mass .; the Architects, Wm. Nelson Jacobs Assocs., Inc. of Boston. Ground breaking ceremonies were held on May 9, 1964. The Project will be ready for occupancy on March 1, 1965. The Authority interviewed 146 applicants during the month of November and 36 tenants have been selected. The Authority gives preference to needy and low-income persons. Also long-time residents of the Town are given first consideration.
All of this construction came about as a result of State Legislation under Chapters 200 and 667 of the General Laws. Since the Commonwealth pays a maximum subsidy of 21/2% of the Development cost annually and guarantees payment of the bonds over a 40-year period, all major decisions and expenditures must receive prior approval of the State Division of Housing. Since the Authority completed its fiscal year with a surplus beyond the budgetary amounts anticipated for operating expenses, the
254
TOWN OF NORWOOD
subsidy on the 200-1 Project was reduced $4500.00 and on the 667-1 Project $2000.00. Mr. Robert M. DeGregario became Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Housing under the newly-organized Dept. of Commerce and Development. This was formerly known as the State Housing Board.
The primary purpose of Public Housing Legislation is to provide decent housing for low and middle income families at rents they can afford to pay.
The State-aided Veterans Low-income Project, 200-1 is located at Roosevelt Avenue and Jefferson Drive. It has 33 single homes with 3 bed- rooms; 12 duplex and 6 triplex apartments with 2 bedrooms. The present average rent is $48.00 per month. It is 100% occupied and there are 46 applications for admittance on file.
The Elderly Project, 667-1, known as Willow-wood Terrace and located on the corner of Railroad Avenue and Adams Street, has 50 3-room apart- ments in 6 brick buildings and a Community Building consisting of a recreation hall, laundry, kitchen, and the Authority Office. It is 100% occupied and there are 146 applications for admittance on file. A person must be 65 years of age or over to apply and must be a resident of Mass- achusetts for at least 5 years. The average monthly rent is $56.00, which amount includes all utilities.
Since there seems to be a need for Housing for Elderly persons-judging from the number of applications, the Authority intends to apply for ad- ditional units, providing Town Meeting gives authorization and there are funds available.
At this time, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Town Officials, Department heads, and Town Meeting members for their cooperation and assistance in this worthy endeavor.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCIS E. DONLAN, Chairman
ROGER J. CONNOLLY
JOSEPH LONG JOHN L. GRIFFIN
FRANK L. WALSH
L. J. O'BRIEN, Secretary The Norwood Housing Authority
NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY NORWOOD 200-1 MASS. Balance Sheet - December 31, 1964
ASSETS
Administration Fund - Norfolk County Trust
$17,463.05
Tenants' Accounts Receivable
944.00
Accounts Receivable - State Aid
5,072.37
2,319.89
Prepaid Insurance
255
REPORT OF NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY
Debt Service Trust Fund
Debt Service Trust Fund Investment - U.S. Bonds
716.48 1,000.00
1,716.48
Investments - Norwood Co-Op
26,040.76
Investments - Union Savings
33,000.00
59,040.76
Development Costs
800,000.00
Less - Development Cost Liquidation
174,000.00
626,000.00
TOTAL ASSETS
$712,556.55
LIABILITIES
Withholding Taxes
$182.27
Tenants' Security Deposits
800.00
Bonds Authorized
$800,000.00
Less - Bonds Retired
174,000.00
Debt Service Reserve
30,422.52
Matured Interest and Principal
16,073.12
Unamortized Bond Premium
1,716.48
Operating Reserve
29,696.46
Reduction of Annual Contribution
1,125.00
79,033.58
Net Income
6,540.70
TOTAL LIABILITIES
$712,556.55
NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY NORWOOD 667-1 MASS. Balance Sheet - December 31, 1964
ASSETS
Administration Fund
$10,985.84
Administration Fund - Norwood Co-Op
10,106.25
Accounts Receivable - State Aid
3,437.50
Prepaid Insurance
3,630.68
Development Costs
$630,000.00
Less - Development Cost Liquidation
24,000.00
606,000.00
TOTAL ASSETS
$634,160.27
LIABILITIES
Contract Retentions
$130.00
Notes Authorized $630,000.00
Less - Notes Retired
24,000.00
606,000.00
626,000.00
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
Matured Interest and Principal
6,178.14
Debt Service Reserve
4,678.00
Operating Reserve
14,459.53
Reduction of Annual Contribution
1,500.00
26,815.67
Net Income
1,214.60
TOTAL LIABILITIES
$634,160.27
NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY NORWOOD 667-2 MASS. Balance Sheet - December 31, 1964
ASSETS
Development Fund
$46,815.31
Accounts Receivable - Materials Stored
12,983.00
Investments - U. S. Bills
99,023.00
Incompleted Contracts
106,108.00
Development Costs
362,208.54
TOTAL ASSETS
$627,137.85
LIABILITIES
Sundry Accounts Payable
$50.00
Withholding Taxes
16.00
Contract Retentions
15,589.31
Notes Authorized
502,000.00
Interest Accrued
3,374.54
Contract Awards
106,108.00
TOTAL LIABILITIES
$627,137.85
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
The year 1964 seemed to present a new gleam into Norwood's Industrial Horizon. It has appeared that conditions within the Town had reached a possible dead-end but instead a revitalization is at hand.
An area of great expanse bordered by Route One, Everett Street and Canton Street will offer the Town a much needed Industrial Site. Much work has been done by the Committee on Industrial Development in this measure. Meetings were held with the Board of Selectmen, Planning Board, Board of Health and Conservation Commission in an effort to effect a meet- ing of the minds. The Steering Committee, consisting of Martin Lydon,
257
REPORT OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Francis Close, Eugene Smith, Robert Kerr and Albert Nelson took part in these and many other meetings.
One of the major projects to get under way was the Everett Street Development. The United Consolidated Shoe Company commenced work on an eloborate warehouse and office to serve as their headquarters. The erection of this plant could serve as a kick-off for the introduction of many others to compliment this area.
Having laid dormant for years this Neponset Valley Project was resus- citated this year. A joint meeting with Canton's Industrial Committee was held with the local five legislators. Senator Quinlan, Representatives Rosen, Ronayne, Butters and Ahearn were in attendance. They were given the background on a bill calling for the dredging of the so-called Canton Meadows area. This project was started in Dorchester Bay and was sched- uled to be completed at Traphole Brook in Norwood this year. A portion of the project was accomplished but then it remained at a standstill.
A meeting with the Metropolitan District Commission Engineers was arranged in Boston. Members of the Norwood Committee and the Legis- lators discussed the entire project with the group. From the meeting it was determined that the project would continue to its completion in Norwood in 1967.
The finalization of this project will transform the Neponset Valley area into a spot useful for Industry, Recreation and Conservation. The Com- mittee on Industrial Development is following this project with complete scrutiny as it is one that will bring strong bearing on the Town's future.
Respectfully submitted,
MATTHEW B. CONNOLLY General Chairman of Committee on Industrial Development
REPORT OF LIBRARY ADDITION BUILDING COMMITTEE
Three years of effort to plan an enlarged Library acceptable to all authorities concerned finally succeeded in 1964.
When the year began, the Building Committe had only preliminary plans completed. When it ended, the actual work on construction and renovation was underway. The actions taken during the year were too numerous and involved to detail but may be summarized as follows:
February 27: On the recommendation of the Finance Commission, the Capital Outlay Committee, the Library Trustees, and the Building Com- mittee, a Special Town Meeting voted $18,800 for final plans for an addition
258
TOWN OF NORWOOD
to the front. On March 2, it also voted to rezone the Library and adjoining Doctors' properties from general residence to business use.
May: The Town received as a gift from the Doctors an 8,202 square foot strip of land adjoining the Library lot.
August 13: A Special Town Meeting voted to transfer this parcel of land and also the remainder of the old Beacon School lot in the rear to the Library. This enlarged the Library property from about 25,000 square feet to over 43,000.
October 15: General contract bids were opened. The low of three bids was $449,900 from A. T. Scanzillo Inc. of Dedham.
November 12: A Special Town Meeting voted the Building Committee the additional power necessary to undertake renovation and remodeling as well as the addition.
On the motion of the Finance Commission, Town Meeting then voted 70-20 to appropriate $525,000 for construction. This sum was broken down into $361,000 for the new addition ($346,000 to be borrowed) and $164,000 for alterations ($105,000 to be borrowed). The project would add 12,000 square feet of new space and would make much of the 16,000 square feet in the old building fully useable for the first time.
November 18: A petition to rescind the appropriation pending a referendum vote by the Town failed to get enough signatures.
November 24: A. T. Scanzillo was awarded the general contract. Com- pletion date was extended one month to November 15, 1965 because of the delay in making the award after bidding. However, the contractor still expected to finish by October 15.
December 10: Work began with demolition of walls in the basement. December 16: Ground breaking ceremonies were held as work began outside. Work was well underway and progressing very satisfactorily in January, 1965.
This factual summary does not do justice to the efforts of all concerned in bringing a difficult and controversial project to this final step. An appropriate acknowledgment to all will be made in the Committee's final report, but the Committee would especially like to thank the Norwood Finance Comission and its chairman Stephen T. Hefferan for their assis- tance, guidance, and understanding.
Respectfully submitted,
DANIEL E. CALLAHAN, JR., Chairman MARY L. DUNN ROBERT C. FOX FRANK W. GARNER GEORGE KOZAK JOHN LANZONI PAUL M. MURPHY
Library Addition Building Committee
259
REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY
REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY
The Library Building
The long-sought addition to the building is on its way up at last. Al- though the specially appointed Building Committee has had the primary responsibility since 1961, the success of the project is the culmination of twenty years of effort by the Library Trustees and Librarian Emeritus Edna Phillips.
The last few years of that effort were at times a struggle. Even after Town Meeting on November 12 voted $525,000 for construction, there was a final suspenseful roadblock as a petition was circulated to bring the Town Meeting action to a referendum vote. Thanks in part to quick and effective action by the Trustees and the Building Committee, the petitioners failed to get enough signatures, and construction began on December 10. The building was planned by the Norwood firm of Korslund, LeNormand, and Quann and is being built by A. T. Scanzillo Inc. of Dedham. The expected completion date is November 15, 1965.
A few people still feel certain they won't like the new building with its altered facade and closeness to the street, but there is no arguing with the improvement in facilities. Present capacities of 77 reader seats and 50,000 books will be about doubled as 12,000 square feet of new space are added and the present 16,000 made fully usable.
Previous Library construction in Norwood has come entirely from the generosity of the Morrill family. This time there are no donors, and the Town was unsuccessful in its application for federal aid under the new Library Services and Construction Act. The people of Norwood themselves are providing this building, and it should be one they can be proud of.
Personnel
Last year's report described the Trustees' fundamental revision of the Library's personnel organization and operations. This revision has now been tested, improved where necessary, and firmly established. With every job description, work method, assignment, and procedure having been reviewed and many changed, it is understandable that a few staff members still have limited enthusiasm for the new system. All twenty-eight people who work here, from the Director on down, have been affected in both concrete and intangible ways; but most are getting used to the changes, seeing the resulting advantages, and cooperating very well.
The Finance Commission during the entire year has been carefully studying the new classification and pay schedule. Many meetings have been held on the subject, and the Commission has even come to the Library to study the situation at first hand. Its endorsement of the plan is awaited by the Trustees as the conclusion of probably the most significant step the Library has ever taken toward a high-quality, modern, productive service program that will reach every person in this community.
260
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Operations
Both the quality and quantity of service was strengthened in 1964 by the personnel reorganization. The number of information and advisory questions answered increased 92% from 3816 in 1963 to 7,330. (Part of this increase is due to more careful record-keeping, however). Circulation at the Main Library increased by 6%, total circulation by 5%. A $3,000 higher book budget, resumption of the summer reading club, and a little more emphasis on fiction purchases were other factors in this substantial increase.
Naturally, there are patrons who aren't pleased with some of the changes, but the great majority seem to be. The net increase in registrations, 8% in 1963, was 12% in 1964. Over half the Town's estimated 28,000 popula- tion now have Library cards. It remains for the Library to catch up with their interests and needs and to build on the beginning that has been made in improving the quality of service.
Service and Events, 1964
A. There were several personnel changes, as follows:
Kathryn Taylor was appointed substitute July 28 and also took a full time program at the Simmons College School of Library Science during the fall semester.
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