USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1950-1954 > Part 27
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Shelter signs have been ordered, and after a survey made by members of the American Legion is completed, will be posted throughout the town.
Members of the American Veterans Auxiliary, and the Junior Ladies Library, are prepared to assist in operation of Evacuee Registration at the High School, and other selected points.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars are prepared to extend training, and information for individual self protection, and extended self protection to all citizens of Randolph, in case of emergency.
100
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
A First Aid class starts Monday February 2nd at the High School, for the Police and Fire Departments, and their auxiliaries. Too much emphasis cannot be placed on the importance of this activity.
A Communications Test is conducted by Region 5 the first Monday of each month, in which members of the Ran- dolph Civil Defense organization participate.
In conjunction with the activities of this Agency, the operation of the Ground Observer Corps of the Air Force has become an integral part.
On round-the-clock duty, twenty-four hours each day, this unit becomes increasingly important in the defense plans of our country. The strength has increased since the last annual report from twenty-four (24) to eighty (80). We need at least a hundred more personnel. At present volunteers come from Braintree, Holbrook and North Eas- ton, in addition to volunteer residents of Randolph. Person- nel in this group has the same protection afforded Civil Do- fense volunteers, in case of accident in line of duty.
According to reports from the Air Force there are in- sufficient round-the-clock Observation Posts operating on a full time basis to give complete warning of air attack. The stations, approximately eight miles apart, blanket the eastern seaboard. Accordingly, there are blank areas through which enemy air planes can reach our shores, with- out detection. This duty is without glamour, which may account for the lack of interest. Many persons have joined this group, but do not indicate by their absence, the impor- tance that should attach in case of a second Pearl Harbor.
In conclusion, may it be said, that Randolph is not suf- ficiently prepared to meet an emergency that can happen here. This report is written with the thought that we are all concerned, and should an all-out war be averted, we have gained by whatever training we may have been exposed to - remembering that:
101
ONE HUNDRED) AND SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
Wisdom is knowing what to do. Knowledge is knowing how to do it. Virtue is doing it.
Ralph E. Macleod
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF WIRES
January 6, 1953
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Randolph, Massachusetts.
I hereby submit my report for the year of 1952 as In- spector of Wires.
A total of 409 permits were issued and the sum of $823.75 deposited with the town treasurer.
Number of permits issued
409
New Homes inspected
153
Remodel work Inspected
111
Oil Burner
205
Electric Stoves
166
Water Heater (electric)
31
Electric Clothes Dryer
7
New Services
63
Signs
9
Gasoline Pumps
5
Motors
6
Stores
12
Garages
2
Trailers
6
Apartment Houses
1
Machine Shop
1
Dish Washers
1
Bank
1
Woodworking Shop
1
Dairy Queen
1
Theatre
1
Pumping Station
1
School
1
Factory
1
New Office
1
103
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
Club 1
Railroad Station
1
A total of 712 calls were made and 3,816 miles were traveled by car.
A considerable amount of time was spent on the New High School to assure the town of the best possible job.
A permit is required before any electric work or addi- tional work is started.
Respectfully Submitted,
Alton F. La Brecque
Inspector of Wires.
104
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY SURVEYOR
To the Citizens of the Town of Randolph :
The Highway Department completed the usual Spring work consisting of sweeping, patching gravel on dirt roads, cleaning brooks, drain lines, catch basins, painting and re- pairing street signs, also sidewalk repairs.
The list of streets that received surface treatment were Stoughton Street, Selwyn Road, Cummings Circle, Cedar Circle, Rockerfeller Street, Marion Street, Overlook Road, Wales Avenue, Fairfield Road, Tileston Road, Fencourt Avenue, Wilmarth Road, Howard Street, Plain Street, Paul- ine Street, Old Street, Chestnut Street, Vesey Road, Grove Street, Mill Street, Orchard Street, Bartlett Road, Edwin Street, Amelian Road, Cole Terrace, Junior Terrace, Stevens Terrace, Patterson Avenue, South Street between Center and Holbrook Line, Pleasant Street. Also treated with 3 inch stone and R. C. 5 were Cottage, Depot and Short Streets.
The gravel highways were given Calcium Chloride treatment as a dust layer.
CHAPTER 90 MAINTENANCE
The work completed under Chapter 90 was surface treatment on Pond Street, Canton Street from North Main Street to Irving Road, also catch basins were cleaned, brush cutting, sweeping, repairing shoulders, and patching.
SPECIAL APPROPRIATION
Projects that were completed under the Betterment Act were Himor Circle, Bossi Avenue, Mitchell and Hall Streets.
CHAPTER 90 CONSTRUCTION
Liberty Street was completed under State and Town
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ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
supervision, as was Warren Street from North Main Street to Highland Avenue.
DRAINAGE
One section of Cedar Circle was completed and has taken care of some severe flood conditions.
ENGINEERING APPROPRIATION
I wish to report that careful inspection has been given to new Highway construction and drainage in all areas, and under the new Planning Board rules, the Town has been able to proceed in the right direction. The appropriation was an asset to the Town as it has enabled us to plan future drainage, Highways and a check up on new devolopments and betterment act projects.
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SIDEWALKS
Appropriations made for completion of sidewalks on North Main Street and South Main Street were delayed due to the fact that the State Department of Public Works was not able to start work on curbing and excavation until last November. I have contacted the State to see if construc -. tion will proceed early in the spring, so we will be able to complete our part of the work.
NEW EQUIPMENT
The appropriation for new equipment was of greatt value to the Town, we have purchased a 100 horse power road grader, one Hough Loader, and a 10 - 14 ton roller. This equipment will give us more and better service, both winter and summer.
During the year of 152, snow removal, plowing and! sanding was about normal with the exception of the month of February when we had three northeast storms that hit hard within a period of ten days. These storms kept our snow workers very busy plowing, sanding and hauling snow,
106
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
and keeping our catch basins operative.
A clipping from one of the Boston news papers quotes these lines "The month of February 152 turned out to be the toughest of the past seven years, February total fall of 19.1 was the heaviest of any preceding February since that of 1945 when a total of 26.3 snow fell here". You will note that Randolph had 26 inches during the month of February 1952.
1
THE LIST OF STORMS IN 1952 ARE AS FOLLOWS
Date
Plowing
Sanding
Depth
Jan. 3
Yes
Yes
5"
Jan. 6
Yes
Yes
5"
Jan. 7
No
Yes
1/2 "
Jan. 10
Yes
Yes
4"
Jan. 28
Yes
Yes
4"
Feb. 7
No
Yes
2"
Feb. 17
Yes
Yes
10"
Feb. 21
Yes
Yes
5'
Feb. 27
Yes
Yes
9"
Mar. 1
No
Yes
11/2"
Mar. 5
No
Yes
1'
Dec. 22
Yes
Yes
5'
Dec. 31
No
Yes
21/2"
Total fall
541/2 inches
I wish to thank the Town Officials and Citizens for the fine cooperation given to the Highway Department.
Respectfully submitted,
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John A. Frederickson, Highway Surveyor.
107
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
The Board of Health respectfully submits its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1952.
Our district health nurses, Miss Beatrice Scannell and Mrs. Signe Heath are kept busy answering many calls and have been most helpful and co-operative.
The Dental Clinic was conducted by Dr. William F Maguire, assisted by our school nurse Miss Helen F. Conlon and the diptheria clinic conducted by Dr. Charles E. Wells school physician.
There has been a large amount of fees collected by our plumbing inspector, Mr. Thomas O'Riley, according to hii. report.
Permits for 177 cesspools have been issued, some 00 which have not been started.
Communicable diseases for the year 1952 were as fob. lows ; Scarlet Fever 6; Measles 47; Chicken Pox 7; Mumps 1; Polio 1; and Dog Bites 38.
Respectfully submitted, HENRY J. ROTA
FREDRICK DIAUTO SETH SWAIN
108
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Randolph, Mass.
I hereby submit my report for the year ending Dec. 31, 1952. One hundred fifty eight permits were granted during the year.
Over five hundred calls were made for water tests, final inspections, and interviews. The new High school was completed and the plumbing was installed by C. H. Cronin Co. of Boston and many calls were made by me to inspect each individual line as the roughing work on each line was completed.
Upon completion of the building I made a final inspec- tion of the plumbing and found the work done there in accordance to the plumbing code of Randolph.
After conferring with Board of Health and upon the advice of Town Council I requested the Board of Health to increase the plumbing fees to correspond with the fees of the surrounding towns. The fee is now two dollars for first fixture and one dollar for each fixture thereafter instead of the original five dollars for each permit. This will not only bring in more revenue to the town but will also benefit the home owners who wish to replace fixtures.
Several projects are in process of building now through- ut the town, and the year 1953 should be a busy year for he plumbing inspector.
Respectfully submitted, THOMAS O'RILEY Plumbing inspector
109
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
To the Board of Health of Randolph.
Gentlemen ;
I hereby submit my report for the year of 1952.
Total number inspected; Swine 41; Cattle 8; anl Calves 1.
Total for the year 50.
Cornelius J. Crowley
Inspector of Slaughtering
110
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF MILK
To the Town of Randolph;
Report of the Milk Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1952;
2 Pasteurization Permits
$20.00
38 Store Licenses
19.00
23 Vehicle Licenses
11.50
26 Oleomargarine Registrations
13.00
Total
$63.50
6 Permits
Number of Butterfat Tests Made
28
Henry Merrill
Milk Inspector
111
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE FORMED TO STUDY AND ADVISE ON ZONING IN THE TOWN
The committee met on succesive Thursdays for three months in order to study the existing zoning laws, deter- mine needed revisions, and to suggest the extension of the commercial and manufacturing zones to allow for a regular and well ordered expansion of Town business. The zoning laws in several neighboring towns were examined, the Planning board was extensively consulted, and several col- lective and individual field trips were made. The opinion was formed that the business district is presently inadequate and in need of enlargement. It appears inevitable that the en- tire Main Street from Quincy to Avon will eventually be classified as a business zone. However, such an expan- sion should be made in a succession of extensions of the business zones as the need arises. It is the opinion of the working nucleus of this committee that the existing zoning law and corresponding map adopted at the Town meetings in March 1938 was carefully planned and well constructed, but has suffered from neglect of its enforcement. This can readily be seen by counting over twenty business establish- ments on the Main Street alone which are operating in residential zones. Consultation of the zoning map will show in addition that virtually all businesses not fronting Main Street are located in residential zones with the excep -. tion of these in existence before the zoning law was adopted | and a dozen or so which have since been rezoned at Town meetings. Accordingly, it is the first recommendation off this committee that the existing zoning law be properly en -- forced.
Recommendations of the committee requiring adoption by the Town have been submitted in the form of articles for the Warrant. These seek the acceptance of minimum lot sizes of 12,000 square feet in residential zones with provi- sion for adequate setbacks. Extensions of the business zones are provided. Examination of the land currently zoned for
112
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
manufacturing led to the conclusion that it was unsuitable in a number of respects. Therefore an increase in land available for such purposes is advised and additional man- ufacturing area is specified in the submitted articles.
It is hoped the Town will empower the committee to continue its activities for an additional year to study ways. and means to extend the business zone in the Town center and to include a municipal parking area.
The committeemen undersigned are those responsible for its proposals and should be credited or held accountable for its actions.
Cordially submitted
Fabian Lionetti (chairman), Edgar B. Cole, Robert B. Fraser, Ralph J. Warren, Perley R. Evans.
SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORT
The Committee to study the advisibility of the con- struction of a combination Police and Fire Station on Mem- orial Drive held ten meetings at the Town Hall, also in- spected the station at Needham and went to Walpole to look at plans for a new station on which construction had just started.
It is the opinion of this committee that a combination Police and Fire Station is not only desirable but an actual necessity for the Town of Randolph.
Articles appearing elsewhere in the warrant outline the opinion of the committee and afford the Town Meeting members an opportunity to do whatever they deem best for the welfare of the town.
Harold Bailey
113
1
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
Robert Curran
Harold Whithouse Patrick McDonnell Michael Diauto William Condon Leslie Claff, Chairman, Carl Gove, Clerk.
114
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS SERVICES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
The Department of Veterans Services takes pleasure in submitting to you a summary of service rendered to the veteran and his dependents, of the town of Randolph, for the past year.
This office has processed and developed 77 cases for veterans benefits which were authorized by the Common- wealth under Chapter 115 as amended by Chapter 584 of the Acts of 1946, granting qualified veterans and dependents financial aid when in need, also 12 cases which were disal- lowed because no need was shown; had 2 cases for War Allowance under Chapter 797, Acts of 1950 of which one was authorized by the Commonwealth, one was disallowed because dependency was not proven, making a total of 91 cases for benefits handled by this office during the past year. The town is reimbursed 50% for all qualified Ran- dolph Settled Cases and 100% for State Settled and War Allowance cases. After application is filed by veteran or dependent of veteran for veterans benefits, a rigid inves- tigation, to determine if need is shown, must be made by agent, if case does qualify, case must be investigated periodi- cally, for any change in status.
As Director of Veterans' Services, this office covers every form of advisory and contact work with all federal and state departments for the veteran and his dependents, such as processing and developing claims for war service con- nected disabilities; Non-service connected disabilities, Wi- dow's pension, burial allowance, dependent parent pensions, application for hospital care for all veterans; out-patient treatment for medical or dental, on the job training and education for W. W. II veterans under Public Law 16 and 346; on the job training and education for Korean veterans under Public Law 894 and 550, also information regarding
115
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
real estate and business loans for W. W. II and Korean vete- rans.
The above covers the major part of service to the vete- ran and his dependents as carried on by this office.
The following is an enumeration of the claims for services handled and processed by this office ending Dec- ember 31, 1952:
Number of Claims for burial allowance 6
Number of Claims for burial allowance awarded 6
Number of Claims for widow's pension 6
Number of Claims for widow's pension awarded 6
Number of Claims for dependent parent pension 2
Number of Claims for dependent parent awarded
2
Number of Claims for service connected disability 107
Number of Claims for service connected disability awar- ded 67
Number of Claims for service connected disability pend- ing 36
Number of Claims for non-service connected disability 30 Number of Claims for non-service connected disability awarded 19
Number of Claims for non-service connected disability pending 7
W. W. II - Number of Claims for on the job & education under Public Law 16 & 346 31
W. W. II - Number of Claims for on the job & education under Public Law 16 & 346 awarded 22
W. W. II - Number of Claims for on the job & education under Public Law 16 & 346 pending 6
Korean W. - Number of Claims for on the job & educa- tion under Public Law 550 & 894 16
Korean W. - Number of Claims for on the job & educa- tion under Public Law 550 & 894 awarded 16
116
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
Korean W. - Number of Claims for on the job & educa-
tion under Public Law 550 & 894 pending 7 Number of Veterans sent for outpatient treatment to Soldiers Home and Veterans Administration Hospi- tals 62
Number of Veterans admitted to Soldiers Home and
Veterans Administration Hospitals 58
Total value of pensions awarded to Randolph Veterans of all wars $12,669.32
Total number of applications filed for compensation and pensions 198; plus 118 claims for hospital care and out- patient treatment for medical and dental, making a total of. 306 applications ending December 31, 1952.
In conclusion, I would take this opportunity to thank you, the Board of Selectmen, the veterans organizations of the town and the local doctors for their cooperation, with- out it, the services rendered to the veteran and his de- pendent, by this office, would not be possible.
Respectfully submitted,
William S. Cole
Agent and Director
117
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
Formally organized March 4, 1952 in accordance with provisions of Chapter 41, Section 81A thru 81Y of the Gene- ral Laws and as voted by the Town Meeting March 1951, Edward J. Roycroft was elected Chairman, Charles E. Preble Secretary, Carroll L. Paine, Treasurer, with Randolph Boothby and Frank Young completing the five man Board elected.
The duties of the Planning Board as provided in this Chapter are numerous and it is needless to say that they could not all be covered in the period of one year. Lack of proper planning in the past has made the work of this Board even more dificult. Meetings have been held with the Board of Health Building Inspector, Selectmen and Highway Surveyor seeking their assistance in furnishing the proper planning for the town. Most of the ground work has been completed and we hope to have a complete long range program ready for March 1954.
DEVELOPMENTS
Many public hearing have been hold on Housing Devel- opments with the result of approximately 500 new homes either completed, under construction or on approved plans. In all cases 100% bonds covering road construction and drainage have been filed with the Board guaranteeing the Town that all work will be completed in accordance with rules and regulations of the Planning Board. And addition- al development of 500 homes now contemplated will no doubt be under construction in the Spring. Some developers have seen fit not to comply with regulations, therefore building permits have not been and will not be granted in accordance with State statute until these regulations are met. We re- gret that many purchasers of land in one devolopment due to lack of co-operation of the devoloper, have been unable to
118
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
secure building permits and proceed with the development of their property. Court action has been taken to protect their interests and we trust this condition will not continue. We invite the citizens to inspect the Streets and drainage in the projects bonded and now under construction.
BETTERMENTS
Fuller Street, Morse Street, Ryan Street, Morgan Street, Sarah Street, Upham Street and Royal Street were all submitted for Planning Board Action and Public Hear- ings were held. Due to the lack of a town engineer and en- gineering facitities it was not possible to furnish an accu- rate estimate of construction costs and protective estimates were furnished. Although these estimates were high all abuters present at the hearings favor this work. Ely Street, Stoughton Street, Byron Street off Vesey Road and Char- lotte Lane have been submitted too late for this report but ac- tion will be taken on these Streets. The cost of construction of all these Streets complete with necessary Drainage and water would exceed $300,000.00 these betterments should be covered by long range planning and we feel that at this time only necessary engineering work should be completed and the Streets be referred back to the Planning Board for a proper set up under long range planning. Streets constructed under the betterment act as well, as those in new developments require little if any maintenance for at least ten years and will reduce the cost of snow plow and equipment repairs. This board will vigorously oppose the construction of any Streets unless water facilities approved by the Water Commissioners are installed before construc- tion of said Streets.
ENGINEERING
The progress of the town has been greatly handicaped for lack of proper engineering. In addition to this board the following departments also require engineering services : Board of Health, Highway Surveyor, Water Board and Assessors. A full time planning engineer would prove an
119
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
asset and is necessary due to the fast growth of the town. The preparation of a master plan study is mandatory under the state statute the estimated cost being $100,000.00. A Planning Engineer could develop this plan and keep the Assessors plans up to date, over a period of years at no extra cost. Street layout and engineering of Streets under con- struction plus developments would also be covered. The existing sewage plans could be brought to date. No depart- ment no matter how willing can function efficiently unless you the citizens are willing to furnish the proper tools.
SITES
Many parcels of land falling to tax title have been dis- posed of without thought of future development. New school sites - Fire and Police stations - Town Officers .- Playgrounds and filter beds must be set aside for the fu- ture. Industrial sites must be zoned and business zones ex- tended. Industry must be encouraged or Randolph will have a tax rate far beyond the citizens ability to pay. We suggest to the citizens that consideration be given in long range planning to the construction of new and modern Town Offi- cers, perhaps including combination police and fire station to be located on the site of the present Town Hall and fire station. We recommend that the land on which the Prescott schools now stand be held by the town for future school pur- poses.
We wish to extend our thanks to the department heads for their co-operation and efforts. We particularly extend our thanks and appreciation to John Frederickson, Highway Surveyor and to John Hannon, engineer for their untiring efforts without which our work would have been much more difficult.
Randolph Planning Board EDWARD J. ROYCROFT, Chairman CHARLES E. PREBLE, Secretary CARROLL L. PAINE, Treasurer RANDOLPH BOOTHBY FRANK A. YOUNG
120
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF THE TURNER FREE LIBRARY
Trustees
Frederick E. Knebel
President
Lawrence F. Shurtleff
Vice President
Joseph D. Wales Secretary - Treasurer
Ralph H. Hutchinsen, Joseph J. Semensi, Orrin B. White (Selectmen of Randolph, Ex-Officii)
Mrs. Sallie W. Crawford Roland H. Marden
Benjamin P. Crowell*
Raymond L. Mason
Carl S. Gove Henry W. Merrill
Mrs. Mollie F. Howard John L. Porter
Harold B. Whitehouse ** Albert C. Wilde
*Deceased 7-18-1952 ** Elected 11-3 1952
LIBRARY TRUSTEES
To the Citizens of Randolph :
Pursuant to the provisions of Article 3 of the By-Laws of the Turner Free Library, this Report for the calendar year 1952 and being the seventy-seventh report is submitted, showing the condition of the Trust consisting of the build- ing, library and funds, together with the reports of the Librarian and of the Treasurer, and so much of reports sub- mitted to the Trustees by the various committees as seem to be of general interest.
The Library Committee reports that the books, charts and furnishings are in good condition and that all books owned by the Library are accounted for by the Librarian.
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