USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1901-1906 > Part 5
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November 17, alarm at 11.25 P.M., from Box 56, for fire in a barn on the corner of High and Vine streets, owned by Michael Ford and occupied by him and Robert Bloom; all out signal at 12.20 A.M. November 18.
November 30, alarm at 2.20 p.M., from Box 31, for fire in a barn on Mill street owned and occupied by Michael Crow- ley ; all out signal 3.30 P.M.
December 31, alarm at 4 A.M., from Box 23, for fire in build-
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on Plain street owned by Mary A. Foley and occupied by James Foley ; all out signal at 4.50 A.M .; at 9.30 P.M. the ruins rekindled and firemen were called to extinguish the same.
December 31, on a still alarm, at 10.30 P.M. ; a few firemen were called to the Dubois house on South Main street, where burning soot in a chimney was sending a shower of sparks skyward, causing much anxiety to the inmates.
EXPENSES.
Paid 54 men $12 each $648 00
Fifty-four men 319 hours at 50 cents
Fifty-four men 50 hours at 25 cents .
159 50
Woodland fires 12 50
67 65
Board of Engineers, fire service
51 60
Engineer of steamer ·
40 00
Fireman of steamer .
30 00
A. J. Gove, hauling apparatus 1 year to May, 1901 400 00
A. J. Gove, expressing, teams, etc., 2 years to May, 1901 21 80
J. E. Blanche, hauling chemical 1 year to May, 1901 74 00
J. E. Blanche, care of chemical engine, May, 1901 41 75
James Riley, hauling Hose 2 1 year to May, 1901 31 50
F. J. Donohue, steward, 1 year to January, 1902 ·
88 00
W. M. Howard, steward, 1 year to May, 1901 68 50
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Paid R. J. McAuliffe, steward, 1 year to May, 1901 ·
$23 25
W. O'Halloran, steward, etc., May, 1900, to January, 1902 . 23 25
J. W. Belcher, insurance 136 16
Hartford Insurance and Inspection Co. 30 00
S. A. Thayer, coal . 21 00
E. Mann, wood .
10 63
D. B. White, coal .
51 25
A. W. Alden, janitor
10 00
C. H. Doughty, steam for alarm whistle to May, 1901 , ·
29 16
C. H. Doughty, drip pipe for whistle
·
7 50
C. H. Doughty, electric light service ·
9 80
N. L. Averill, superintendent of alarms, 13 months to November, 1901 108 33
R. J. McAuliffe, wood and labor 4 50
C. Callahan & Co., supplies
19 04
J. F. Newbegin, dry powder extinguisher,
18 00
James Fardy, labor and material 12 10 ·
James McDonald, repairs of stoves 11 43
James Riley, rent of land . 15 00
R. E. O'Brien, supplies, etc. 7 40
C. Fred Lyons, supplies . ·
.
2 87
E. A. Perry, labor . ·
25
Heirs of Mary Sullivan, rent of land . 10 00
Dennis Whalen, labor
50
$2,296 22
Appropriation
$2,125 00
Balance overdrawn
$171 22
As will be seen by a glance at the figures, the amount overdrawn is $171.22. There are several reasons for this, the
99
most prominent among them being the matter of insurance, which amounted to $166.16, with an appropriation of $50 to meet it; and then the care of fire alarms for which $50 was asked, and having since entered into a contract with the superintendent to serve as such at a salary of $100 per year, he to have the whole care of the system under direction of the Board of Engineers ; he to perform all labor in caring for the battery, repairing all breaks in the circuit, etc., these two items will explain in part the excess of expense over the appropriation.
We shall have to have about $180 for the care of the fire alarm. There are some small bills yet outstanding for supplies for fire alarm. We still believe that the alarm in due time will prove a success in the saving of property and systemizing the work of the department.
FIRE ALARM.
The alarm system is in good condition at present; there have been a few obstructions during the past year, caused by crossed wires and defects in the machinery, which were soon remedied by the superintendent assisted on one occasion by an expert. There have been some needless and false alarms since the alarm system was set up; all persons should exer- cise due care in this respect ; the alarm boxes should not be opened for little brush fires or fires in woodland. And we would remind those persons who pull false alarms of fire that there is a severe penalty that follows a conviction in such cases, and we call upon all good citizens to report the name of any person who shall be known to have tampered in any way with an alarm box, wires, or anything connected with the fire alarm system. As there are some persons who do not quite understand how to pull an alarm, we will say that, after breaking the glass in the small door, then open the larger door and pull down the hook once ; be sure to pull the hook down to the bottom of the slot, or as far as it will go.
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When you have pulled the hook to the bottom let go quickly ; the hook will go back itself.
APPARATUS.
The apparatus of the department consists of the same number of pieces as last year, namely : two steamers, one hose wagon, one hose reel, one hand reel, one chemical en- gine, one ladder truck, 2,500 feet of good hose and 250 feet not so good.
We had an offer for one of the steamers a few months ago, but owing to the delay in calling a special town meeting we have been unable to close the bargain as vet.
HOUSES.
The three engine houses are not in urgent need of repairs at this time.
ESTIMATES OF EXPENSE FOR 1902.
We herewith recommend the following appropriation for use of the Fire Department :
For miscellaneous expenses $1,000 00
pay of 51 men, $12 each . 612 00
pay of 51 men, hour service
250 00
fires in woodland
100 00
insurance .
75 00
fire alarm
175 00
$2,212 00
CHARLES A. WALES,
J. W. FARRELL,
D. J. BRENNAN,
J. E. BLANCHE, W. A. CROAK,
Engineers.
SIXTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
WATER COMMISSIONERS
OF THE
TOWN OF RANDOLPH
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1901.
102
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS.
To the Citizens of Randolph :
The Water Commissioners respectfully submit their six- teenth annual report for the year ending December 31, 1901 :
The condition of the Water Works will appear from the reports of the superintendent, Charles A. Wales, and the engineer at the pumping station, Edward J. T. Dexter.
The condition of the sinking fund and the outstanding bonds will appear from the report of the Treasurer, Joseph T. Leahy.
Orders were drawn on the Treasurer amounting to $10,- 252.57, not including the amount appropriated for sinking fund, as follows :
On account of : Joint maintenance . $2,506 39
Randolph construction 415 46
Randolph maintenance 7,162 14
Holbrook bills paid . 168 58
$10,252 57
EXPENDITURES.
JOINT WORKS MAINTENANCE ACCOUNT.
Paid by Randolph.
Paid E. J. T. Dexter, part of salary as engineer, $918 00
E. J. T. Dexter, cash paid ·
1 40
Richard F. Forrest, labor ·
329 00
103
Paid Isam Mitchell & Co., cement
$3 00
J. E. Blanche, teams
4 00
Eugene Thayer, supplies
1 00
F. A. Long, supplies
9 25
William Mahady, labor
3 50
James Riley, team labor . 12 98
N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R. Co., freight
1 72
Warren Steam Pump Co., repairs
60 50
Edwin M. Mann, wood ·
5 00
D. B. White, coal .
650 00
Boston Woven Hose & Rubber Co., supplies,
6 53
Walworth Mfg. Co., supplies .
60 34
Michael Stanton, labor .
6 00
Griffith Jones, painting standpipe
100 00
John Moore, labor .
2 00
M. E. Leahy & Co., coal
147 07
Frank H. Langley, labor and supplies
4 65
James M. Chick, labor
3 25
Samuel A. Burrill, labor
4 00
William H. Johnson, labor
9 50
Thomas Duff, labor
6 00
Underhay Oil Co., supplies
30 00
Andrew Nightingale, labor .
4 25
Eagle Oil & Supply Co., supplies
30 85
C. Fred Lyons, supplies .
8 48
Falls Rivet & Mch. Co., supplies
1 45
E. M. Walker, engineer .
15 00
George F. Drake, labor
3 50
John Dunn, labor .
9 00
N. E. Tel. & Tel. Co.
13 27
A. J. Gove, teams and expressing
41 90
·
$2,506 39
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Paid by Holbrook.
Paid Locke Regular Co., regulator $4 66
Dodge, Haley & Co., picks 3 00
Warren Steam Pump Co.
717 12
Randolph Electric Light Co., wiring station, 11 00
S. A. Thayer, coal 491 95
W. O. Crooker, expressing
2 22
Burbank & Ryder, paints
127 95
Griffith Jones, painting standpipe .
195 00
C. H. McCarter, teams and labor 51 60
E. J. T. Dexter, part of salary
182 00
George T. Wilde, supplies 6 07
Edson Mfg. Co.
31 50
$1,824 07
Total paid on joint account
$4,330 46
One-half to be paid by each town 2,165 23
Paid by Holbrook sundry bills as above, $1,824 07
Bills on Randolph
account 13 16
Balance joint ac-
count refunded . 328 00
$2,165 23
HOLBROOK BILLS.
Paid by Randolph :
Richard F. Forrest, labor $78 00
Richard F. Forrest, car fare, 20
Michael Reynolds, labor 6 38
A. J. Gove, bill of 1900 25 00
A. J. Gove, bill of 1901
59 00
Refunded by Holbrook, $168 58
$168 58
105
RANDOLPH CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNT, SERVICE PIPE.
Paid Neptune Meter Co., meters
$8 40
George Woodman Co., supplies
4 55
Avon Water Works, pipe
8 30
Brockton Water Works, pipe
53 37
William Mahady, labor .
11 25
National Meter Co., meters
108 34
Sumner Goodwin Co., supplies
6 45
John Anderson, labor
8 50
William Gill, labor
20 00
Richard F. Forrest, labor
66 00
Michael Stanton, labor
70 00
Thomas Donahoe, labor
30 00
William H. Johnson, labor
6 00
John Dunn, labor .
8 00
John Harris, labor .
5 00
James Fardy, labor
1 30
$415 46
RANDOLPH MAINTENANCE ACCOUNT.
Paid Interest on water loan $5,720 00
Richard F. Forrest, labor ·
159 00
William Mahady, labor . ·
5 33
Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Co., rent of box . 10 00
Arthur W. Alden, care of room
6 00
Chapman Valve Mfg. Co., supplies . 9 81
M. W. Baker, stamped envelopes S. M. Jones, labor . · .
5 70
9 00
F. W. Hayden & Co., supplies .
85
106
Paid Frank H. Langley, labor and supplies $8 97
National Meter Co., supplies · 70 95
John F. Gill, labor ·
2 50
N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R. Co., freight
1 17
Joseph T. Leahy, cash paid and expenses
30 00
Charles A. Wales, services as Commissioner
and Superintendent for year ending Dec. 31, 1901 600 00
James F. Sullivan, services as Commis-
sioner, one year ending March 1, 1902, 150 00
James F. Sullivan, cash paid . 90
Daniel B. White, services as Commis-
sioner, one year ending March 1, 1902, 125 00
A. J. Gove, teams and expressing 233 80
Holbrook Water Works, supplies 13 16
$7,162 14
RECEIPTS FOR WATER.
Cash for water rates, fixed . $6,241 35
water rates, meter
. 1,144 24
service pipe
352 11
sale of meter
13 00
use of pump
2 00
$7,752 70
Cash paid Treasurer . $7,752 70
The Commissioners recommend appropriations for the en- suing year as follows :
107
For contributions to the sinking fund $2,500 00
For water hydrants and public use
2,000 00
JAMES F. SULLIVAN, CHARLES A. WALES , DANIEL B. WHITE, Water Commissioners.
RANDOLPH, MASS., February 4, 1902.
We, the undersigned, Auditors of the Town of Randolph, have this day examined the accounts of the Water Commis- sioners and find them correct, with proper vouchers for all orders drawn on the Treasurer.
JOHN K. WILLARD, JOHN B. WREN, JOSEPH BELCHER,
Auditors.
108
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT OF THE CONDITION OF WATER WORKS.
PUMPING STATION.
The pumps, boilers, station and grounds are in good order, and no repairs of any amount will be required during the coming year as far as can be seen.
The old air-pump taken out last year has been built over and repaired in parts and is almost ready for use.
The station at the present time is lighted by 8 incandescent lights from plant in station with capacity of 25 lights.
The labor of reconstructing air-pump and building electric plant has been done by engineer and assistant, at a saving of a number of hundred dollars to the works.
With duplicate pumps, boilers, air-pumps and fixtures, we think our station will compare favorably with the average stations in the State.
During the year telephones have been placed in the station and house, and we have seen the advantage of it two or three times the last year.
The station has been in charge, as formerly, of engineer E. J. T. Dexter.
GREAT POND.
We cannot report anything different in regard to the same than in former years. From reports of the State Board of Health, which come monthly, the quality of water is good.
MAINS.
The mains at the present time seem to be in good condi- tion.
109
We have had eight leaks in the mains the last year ; seven of these have been in section of pipe line between Main and Pond streets ; these will be apt to occur in this section in the future, owing to the loose nature of soil in this locality and also to the pressure in this place ; also one on Main street near the residence of C. H. Kendrick.
STANDPIPES.
The standpipes have been painted two coats of paint on the inside and one on the outside, and are in good condition at the present time.
HYDRANTS.
The hydrants at the present time are in good order as far as known, with the exception of painting, which should be done the present year.
Two or three have been repaired the past year.
The use of hydrants for other than fire service should be discontinued as far as possible, and special connections for watering streets, etc., made, as the constant opening and shutting is liable to cause breaks, and these have to be re- paired at the expense of the water department.
METERS.
We still believe that the meter system is the proper way to supply water to takers, as each pays for what he uses, and in many cases it is hard to fix rates that are just to both parties.
Where meters are put in the parties are apt to keep fix- tures in order, and any water wasted is at their own expense.
Last year we reported a saving of 25} tons of coal and 21,651,557 gallons less water pumped than the year before, and the last year a further saving of 182 tons of coal and
110
3,075,006 gallons of water pumped, and we think we can make a still better showing the coming year.
The average amount of water has been used for fire pur- poses, large quantities for watering streets and building macadam roads.
There are a number of ways to account for these savings. The new air-pumps have made some, but we think that the use of meters can account for their share in the saving.
The use of meters is not an experiment for this town, as in looking over the water reports of other cities and towns it is found that the introduction of meters is being adopted, and although the receipts in some places dropped, the ex- penses have dropped also, so as to show a net gain for the meter system.
In closing, we would cordially invite any persons inter- ested in these matters to call and examine these things, as the station is open for inspection at any time when in use.
CHARLES A. WALES, Superintendent.
To the Water Commissioners of Randolph :
Gentlemen,-I submit to you my fourteenth annual report for the year ending December 31, 1901.
Everything at the station is in such condition that as far as I can see there is nothing to call for the expenditure of much money the coming year, unless some accident occurs that is unforeseen.
The new air pump, which was being installed when our last report went to press, has been in operation since that time, and is giving entire satisfaction. The old one has been almost entirely rebuilt and at small cost, and is now being set up in place and connected to both engines. This
111
work has been necessarily slow, as it has been nearly all done here at the station with our limited means; but as money was more of an object than time in this case, it was, in my opinion, better to take the time than to spend the money necessary to do it otherwise, which would have cost between five and six hundred dollars more than it has.
I am glad to be able to inform your Board that, although I have not quite completed the whole of the work, I am com- ing out well within the amount I asked for and which you have allowed for this purpose. I wish at this time to say a word in regard to our old boiler which, will have to be re- placed before many years by a new one, not on account of its age, but its recognized faulty construction and poor ma- terial. You will remember that this boiler was twice patched before it was turned over to the towns; the insurance com- pany have twice reduced the pressure allowed, and it would not be surprising if they condemned it any year at their an- nual inspection. The fractures about the rivet holes in patch on front sheet are beginning to show signs of distress, which is being watched with great care. If this should develop into anything dangerous, the boiler itself would not be worth any very extensive repairs, but may be considered all right for our pressure as long as this remains good. It will be necessary to make a few repairs on the outside of house the coming spring, chief among which is the piazza, which is unsafe to walk upon.
Following is the usual table :
112
DATE.
Water pumped, gallons.
Daily average, gallons.
Coal burned, pounds.
Daily average, pounds.
January .
4,835,096
155,967
49,541
1,598
February
4, 183,319
149,504
48,343
1,726
March
5,580,078
180,002
47,266
1,524
April
5,509,945
183,665
46,447
1,548
May
6,332,504
204,274
42,691
1,377
June
10,394,895
346,496
62,704
2,090
July
8,017,709
258,635
60,082
1,938
August
9,371,348
302,301
58,476
1,886
September
8,211,616
273,720
53,406
1,780
October .
6,736,914
217,319
49,758
1,605
November
5,800,599
193.353
46,532
1,551
December
6,909,484
222,866
45,648
1,472
Totals
81,883,507
224,460
610,894
1,709
Decrease from last
year ·
3,072,006
18,300
36,253
64
Respectfully submitted,
E. J. T. DEXTER,
Engineer.
RULES AND REGULATIONS.
The following regulations, until further notice, shall be considered a part of the contract with every person who uses water :
1. All applications for the use of water must be made at the office of the Water Commissioners, and state fully the purposes for which it is intended to be used. Water will not be introduced into any building or premises except on the written application of the owner thereof, or by a duly authorized agent. The property will in all cases be held responsible for the water rates.
2. All persons taking water must keep their water pipes
113
and fixtures in good repair and protected from the frost at their own expense. They will be held liable for all damages resulting from their failure to do so. They shall prevent all unnecessary waste, and water shall not be left running to prevent freezing. The Water Commissioners or their agent may, from time to time, ascertain the quantity of water used, the manner of its use, and whether there is any unnecessary waste. They and their agents shall have free access to the premises supplied, to examine the apparatus, and if any fix- tures are found not to be in good order, they shall direct them repaired, and if not repaired within two days the water shall be shut off and not let on again until such repairs are made, and the sum of two dollars paid for shutting off and turning on the water.
3. The occupant of any premises, when unnecessary waste of water occurs, shall be liable to a fine of two dollars for the first offence, and four dollars for the second offence during the same year, and shall be notified thereof in writing ; and if such waste is not prevented and the fine aforesaid paid within two days from the time when the said notice is given, the water shall be shut off from the premises, and shall not be again let on for the same occupant until the waste be stopped and the fine paid, together with an additional sum of two dollars for shutting off and letting on the water; and in case of a third or subsequent offence the water shall be shut off, and shall not again be let on except by a vote of the Water Commissioners and the payment of such fine, not ex- ceeding ten dollars, as the Water Commissioners may impose.
4. Any person supplied with water shall not allow another to take water from their fixtures without the written permis- sion of the Water Commissioners. If any tenant, having no fixtures, has any use of such fixtures, full rates will be charged for such use by each tenant.
5. All parties using water in stables, for horses or other
114
animals, will be charged schedule rates for the same, whether it be carried by hand or through hose.
6. All persons using water for building purposes are re- quired to obtain a permit from the Water Commissioners before taking water from any faucet or fixture connected with the water works, and all water takers are warned not to let any party take water from their premises until they show a permit from the Water Commissioners. Any person furnishing water in violation of this section will be subject to a fine of not less than five nor more than twenty dollars, and if the same when levied is not paid within three days from the time when the notice thereof is given, the water will be shut off from the premises, and will not be let on again until such fine is paid.
7. All fixtures and water closets and urinals must be of a kind and quality approved by the Water Commissioners.
8. No person shall in any case be allowed to open any fire hydrants except by a written permit from the Water Com- missioners ; but the Engineers of the Fire Department shall in all cases have control of hydrants at fires and for practice.
9. The Commissioners reserve the right to restrict the use of hose or fountain, to shut off the water in all cases when it becomes necessary to make extensions or repairs, or for vio- lation of any of the regulations, or whenever they deem it expedient.
10. The regular rates for the use of water shall be payable in advance on the first days of January and July of each year, except where water is supplied to manufacturers by special agreement. In all cases of non-payment of the water rates within ten days after the same is due, as well as for any violation of these rules and regulations, the supply will be shut off, and the water will not again be let on except upon the payment of the amount due, and the sum of two dollars for shutting off and letting on the water.
115
11. The Water Commissioners reserve the right to change the water rates at any time, except in case of dwelling- houses, and established special rates.
12. For business requiring large quantities of water, and all supplies not enumerated in the tariff of rates, special rates will be made.
13. Parties using water for manufacturing or domestic purposes can erect hydrants on their grounds or standpipes in their building to be used only as protection against fire, without additional charge for water.
14. All service pipes will be put in by the Water Com- missioners. All applicants for the introduction of service pipes into their premises are required to make written appli- cation therefor at the office of the Water Commissioners. The Commissioners may then proceed to lay the necessary service pipes to the interior of the building, provided all expenses incurred beyond the line of the street shall be paid by the owner of the premises, who shall thereafter maintain and keep the same in good order at his own cost; and the same shall be at all times subject to the control of the Com- missioners. All applicants for whom the pipe is laid will be charged for the use of one faucet whether the water is used or not, unless they pay all expense that has been incurred in laying such service pipe, and in no case will the main he tapped more than once for the same premises, unless the additional expense is borne by the owner.
The following water rates are established until further notice :
No connection made with the main pipe for any
purpose for less than $6 00
DWELLING-HOUSES.
Occupied by one family, for the first faucet $6 00
Each additional faucet to be used by same family,
2 00
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Two or more families occupying one house, one
faucet for all, each family .
$5 00
One faucet for each family 6 00 .
For first bathtub ·
5 00
If used by more than one family in same house, each family 4 00
Each additional bathtub . 2 00 .
For first pan or self-acting water closet
5 00
If used by more than one family in same house, each family 4 00
Each additional pan or self-acting water closet . In no case shall the charge for the use of water
2 00
by a private family, exclusive of hose and stable, be more than .
20 00
Where two faucets are used, one for hot and one for cold water, emptying into the same basin, only one charge will be made for both.
Laundry tub .
3 00
BOARDING HOUSES AND HOTELS.
First faucet
$10 00
Each additional faucet
3 00
First bathtub .
10 00
Each additional bathtub .
3 00
First pan or self-acting water closet
10 00
Each additional pan or self-acting water closet .
3 00
PRIVATE STABLES.
First horse
$5 00
Each additional horse
.
3 00
Each cow or ox . .
1 00
LIVERY, EXPRESS, AND BOARDING STABLES.
For the first four horses .
$12 00
From five to twelve horses, each . 2 00
·
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The above prices include water for washing carriages. Offices, Stores, Markets, Barber Shops and Res- taurants - When used for ordinary purposes, same as for dwelling-houses.
Building Purposes - Each cast of lime or cement, $0 05
HOSE.
For sprinkling streets, washing windows and similar uses, 4-inch nozzle, to be used only on premises and street opposite, not exceeding two hours per day for six months in the year, $5 00
For any use not herein enumerated, special rates will be made.
METER RATES.
For not over 1,000 gallons average per day, per 1,000 gallons $0 30
For over 1,000 gallons and not exceeding 2,000
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