USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1918 > Part 21
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289,
STREET COMMISSIONER.
Eight hours constitute a day's work.
The city does its own insuring for injured laborers. There are eleven former employees receiving pensions under the act providing for pensioning laborers.
There were during 1918 :-
155 permits issued to the Cambridge and Charlestown Gas Com- panies.
117 permits issued to occupy streets and sidewalks.
18 permits issued to cross sidewalks.
22 permits issued to feed horses.
45 street watering complaints and requests.
320 notifications to other departments and corporations.
26 accident reports.
1,112 police reports.
204 brick and granolithic sidewalks repaired.
672 miscellaneous reports and requests.
19 drain layers permits.
823 water department openings.
79 permits to open streets and sidewalks.
13 danger signs erected
36 new signs erected.
100 signs repainted.
2,893 cubic yards sand and gravel used.
2,920 cubic yards dirt removed. 264 cubic yards old macadam used.
1,211 cubic yards of ashes used.
1,456 bags Portland Cement used.
290
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Recommendations.
On account of the high cost of materials, I do not, at this time, feel like recommending any extensive reconstruction, but when prices become normal, I hope the city will continue the good work started a few years ago, in recutting the old granite blocks and replacing them on a concrete base, grouted joints, on such streets as Washington street and Somerville avenue, which are paved on a gravel base and sand joints.
The reservation on Broadway from Cross street to Boston line should be paved with granite paving blocks.
A garage should be erected at the city yard for the depart- ment's automobiles and trucks, and a suitable heating plant installed to heat the several work shops, doing away with individual stoves, thus saving coal and labor as well.
I wish to extend my sincere thanks to all for their support and hearty co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
ASA B. PRICHARD, Street Commissioner.
291
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
REPORT OF COMMISSIONEROF PUBLIC BUDILINGS
OFFICE OF COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS, City Hall, Somerville, January 1, 1919.
To the Honorable, the Mayor, and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville :-
Gentlemen :- In accordance with the provisions of the City Charter, I submit herewith the annual report of the pub- lic buildings department for the year ending December 31, 1918.
The total valuation of the public property which is in the cutstody of the public buildings department is $3,282,700.
The total expenditure for the year 1918 for the care and maintenance of this property was $178,885.95.
This amount was expended as follows :-
Janitors
Fuel $55,821 81
Light $5,778 92
Care and Repairs
Totals
School buildings .
E.ectrical Dept.
655 01
87 73
$30,639 75 154 95
$132,057 92 897 69
Fire Buildings
3,939 26
1,829 68
3,852 17
9,621 11
City Home Build- ings
1,794 46
361 88
1,177 81
3,334 15
Contagious tal
Hospi-
400 14
2,168 12
660 24
935 29
4,163 79
Highway Buildings
324 52
190 51
376 79
891 82
Central Library
1,429 24
246 11
875 88
536 77
3,088 00
West Branch Li- brary
1,074 00
467 44
316 75
419 36
2,277 55
brary
.
680 72
349 94
95 51
380 01
1,506 18
Urion Sq. Library
Branch
799 00
224 73
144 33
92 58
1,260 64
Muric pal Buildings
3,676 82
2,010 18
1,243 60
2,850 02
9,780 62
Prk Buildings
348 00
78 49
234 51
181 72
842 72
P lice Buildings
1,350 15
2,003 24
486 85
896 91
4,737 15
Po'ling Places
4 63
19 50
471 98
496 11
Sanitary Buildings
120 95
241 97
341 07
703 99
Sewer Buildings
58 71
46 36
51 66
156 73
WYnter Buildings
546 91
244 47
363 25
1,154 63
Bathhouse
1,091 21
823 94
1,915 15
Totals
$50,666 72
$70,814 51
$12,858 69
$44,546 03
$178.885 95
.
Eist
Branch Li-
.
Inspection of Buildings.
The Commissioner of Public Buildings is also the inspector of buildings according to the terms of the charter and as such during the past year has made 1.050 formal inspections of build- ings in the process of construction. .
$39,817 44
292
ANNUAL REPORTS.
The following table shows the number of permits issued for building operations during the year 1918 :-
WARDS.
Buildings
1
2
3
4
6
7 Totals
Dwellings
9
13
4
6
5 11
4 13
60
Stores
3
2
1
1
1
8
Dwellings and stores
2
3
1
6
Garages
4
4
4
4
18
7
22
63
Storage
5
10
11
1
1
7
Sheds
3
2
1
6
Offices
1
2
2
5
Stables
·
.
1
1
1
1
Miscellaneous
2
2
3
1
3
11
Totals
.
30
43
11
17
33
13
45
192
Wood
Fire Resisting
Totals
New Buildings
19
64
83
Alterations
85
24
109
Totals
104
88
192
WARDS.
Buildings
1
2
3
4 12
5 14
6
17
100
Wood and cement
1
1
2
Wood and tile
1
1
2
Fireproofed wood
1
1
3
1
1
2
9
Brick
4
5
1
2
2
1
15
Brick and wood
3
4
1
Cement block
3
5
3
13
24
Concrete
3
12
1
9
25
Concrete and wood
1
1
Steel
1
1
2
Totals
30
43
11
17
33
13
45
192
The number of plumbing permits issued during 1918 was Number of permits for plumbing in new buildings,
19
Number of permits for plumbing in old buildings,
. 127
Number of buildings in which soil pipes were tested,
85
Wood
18
27
6
Wood and concrete
1
1
Wood and metal
1
1
Brick and concrete
2
2
1
1
2
Shops
1
3
4
Banks
2
Theatres
1
1
17
Manufactories
4
.
The total estimated cost of the new buildings and altera- tions during the year 1918 was $676,470, while the estimated cost in 1917 was $883,412, showing a decrease of $206,942.
The total number of permits issued during the year 1918, viz. 192, was 156 less than during the year 1917, when 348 permits for new buildings and alterations were issued.
·
146
6 7 Totals
293
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
This large decrease can be attributed to the high cost of labor and materials due to the European war and the restric- tions placed on all kinds of building material by the govern- ment.
These restrictions were enforced by the War Construction Priority Board at Washington, D. C., which in turn appointed a State Board and a Local Board.
Our Local Board was composed of five members, namely, John J. McCarthy, Chairman, Messrs. Harrison W. Bowers, John E. Locatelli, Waldo D. Phelps and Commissioner George L. Dudley, Secretary.
Very fortunately the armistice was signed about two months after the committee was organized, but as prices of materials and labor still remain very high, building, to any great extent, still remains prohibitive, but all our hopes are strong for the future.
The Commissioner has under his charge and direction the work of maintenance and keeping in repair all of the eighty- six public buildings of the city and the grounds in connection therewith, the direction of all janitors in the city's employ, a force of nine mechanics who perform most of the work of keeping the buildings in repair, the inspection of the instal- lation and care of all elevators, the supervision of the con- struction of all new municipal buildings, the maintenance of the public bathing beach and the public municipal baths in the Bennett and Bingham Schools and Lincoln Park.
The various activities in connection with the department work require a vast amount of time and attention in order to keep the property in proper condition for occupancy.
Coal.
During the year 1918, the shortage of coal added a great deal to the labor of the Commissioner and his assistants as well as to the expense of this department.
Each year a proposal for bids is advertised for supplying coal to this department. These proposals are for sealed bids for specified kinds of coal which must meet a laboratory test. These proposals are publicly opened on a specified date.
In the summer of 1917, when this department advertised for proposals for the supply of coal for the winter of 1917 and 1918, no bids were submitted for same.
However, a concern who had received the contract from this department for the previous year, although not wishing to sign a contract. undertook to attend to our wants which they were able to fill up to January 1, 1918.
The situation was then up to the Commissioner, who by strenuous efforts managed to obtain coal or other fuel to keep open the Municipal Buildings, Fire Stations, Police buildings,
294
ANNUAL REPORTS.
and other working departments. School and Library build- ings were closed and the coal supply in these buildings used elsewhere.
Every means was used by the Commissioner to obtain an added supply so that these buildings could be opened which he finally accomplished through the courtesy of the Boston & Maine Railroad and the Hinckley Rendering Company.
This department was obliged to hire labor, teams and trucks to handle this coal together with the added depart- mental work of keeping records of all weights, delivery re- ceipts, etc.
The shutting down of heating plants in the various build- ings caused considerable damage through freezing and bursting of pipes owing to settlements and sags in pipes in many of the old buildings, also the freezing of water mains entering these buildings.
These repairs were made at once and as soon as a supply of coal was received these buildings were put immediately into working commission.
As usual during the summer of 1918, the Commissioner again advertised for bids for supplying the coal for the city buildings for the winter of 1918 and 1919. However, he received no bids and was obliged to make the attempt to buy the supply of coal direct from the mines.
After many difficulties he was finally able to make a con- tract for the supply of coal for the year through the mine agent, to be delivered in cars direct to Somerville.
As this was a new departure from the regular custom of handling the coal supply and as the coal bins in the many public buildings were inadequate for holding a year's supply of coal, the Commissioner found it necessary to use additional space in the basements of several buildings. Temporary bins were constructed, and in those buildings where there was no extra room available, outside bins were constructed. It was also necessary to use a portion of the City Yard at Cedar Street to store additional coal for buildings where it was impossible to obtain extra space.
The Commissioner made a contract at an exceedingly low figure with a teaming contractor for teaming and housing this coal, and is pleased to say that the coal thus purchased and handled was at a considerable saving to the city.
Elevators.
According to an act of the Legislature the Building Com- missioner is required to have every elevator in the city in- spected yearly and a report of the conditions and necessary repairs made to the State District Police.
295
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
A plan and specifications of all new installations of eleva- tors must be filed in this office and a certificate of approval granted by the Commissioner.
During the year 1918, there were 100 elevators inspected and ninety orders for repairs to be made sent to the owners.
Plans and specifications were filed and applications grant- ed for the installation of nine new elevators.
School Buildings.
The maintenance and care of school buildings has as for- merly demanded the most vigilant attention from this depart- ment and the appropriation made for that purpose has, I be- lieve, been expended carefully and judiciously.
Additional Accommodations.
During the year provision has been made for additional seating capacity in the schools for 600 pupils. This has been accomplished by the completion of the twelve-room Junior High School in ward three, known as the Southern Junior High School.
Upon the completion of this Junior High School, it became necessary to make changes in the arrangement of 1,000 desks and seats in five school buildings at a considerable outlay of time and money.
A new addition has been connected to the Boys' Vocational School which contains room for the instruction in the repair of automobiles.
On July 25, 1918, an order was passed by the Board of Aldermen appropriating the sum of $17,000 for the construc- tion of a new fireproof building in connection with the Boys' Vocational School, to be used as an automobile repair shop in order that the pupils might receive instruction in a large. and growing industry.
Plans and specifications were prepared by the Commis- sioner of Public Buildings and the contract was awarded to the lowest bidder, J .. Edward L. McLean of 163 Summer Street, Somerville.
The work of construction was commenced immediately after the signing of the contract and continued as speedily as possible until completion.
There were many complicated conditions that arose dur- ing the construction of this building due to the fact that we were unable to secure priority rights from the govern- ment, and this added greatly to the cost of the building and impeded the progress of construction.
The building is now being used by the pupils and proving
296
ANNUAL REPORTS.
a great success, as shown by the large classes and the amount of work coming in.
It will be necessary and advisable the coming year to add another sectional boiler to the present heating system in order to do away with the three hot air furnaces now in the base- ment of the old or Davis School building, furnish new equip- ment, and fix up the grounds around these buildings.
Enclosed connecting passageways were built at the East Somerville School between the Prescott and Southworth build- ings, and at the Northern Junior High School between the Forster and Forster Annex. This construction was an urgent and necessary affair as many pupils and teachers passed daily between these respective buildings and they are now protected from the inclement weather.
New combination furnaces have been installed at the Girls' Trade School which were greatly needed, and now permit heating of the third floor by radiators.
Eight of the school buildings, namely, the Edgerly, Ben- nett, Brown, Northern Junior High, East Somerville Junior High, Bingham, Lincoln and sixteen rooms in the High School were painted on the inside, and four, namely, the Baxter, Hanscom, Durell and Proctor, were painted on the outside.
The most pressing needs this year will be the following :-
That the policy of yard resurfacing be continued so that the school yards may be kept sanitary and free from dust.
That the policy of painting as many school buildings as possible during the year be continued.
Additional windows in the Edgerly School.
Electric lighting in all buildings with one side lighted rooms.
Outside enclosed fire escapes on the Edgerly, Morse and High- land School buildings. These buildings are three stories high and the old style type of construction with very little distance between stairways.
New heating and ventilating plant in the Morse School, doing away with the present seven furnaces which are in bad condition.
New floors should be installed in both the Edgerly and High- land School buildings.
Installing direct steam coils thermostatically controlled in the new wing of the Brown School, also the Glines and Pope schools and the High School Annex. This would mean a great saving of coal and would eventually pay for itself.
Extending the heat control system in the High School to the remainder of the building.
The third story of the Pope School to be fitted up for a hall.
Installing motors and doing away with the present engines used to run the ventilating fans at the Bell and Prescott School buildings as these engines are in bad shape and would cost as much to be repaired as new motors.
Removing the partitions between the fire rooms and coal bins in the Bingham, Durell, Morse and Highland School buildings and replacing same with an eight-inch brick wall.
Continuation of the policy of installing sprinkler systems, doing as many buildings as possible during the coming year.
-
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
297
Fire Department Buildings.
There has been considerable work done and many improve- ments made in the several fire department buildings.
The Central Fire Station has been further renovated on the first floor by the installation of permanent partitions between the apparatus rooms and what was formerly the horse stalls. thus providing an excellent shop for the repair of all motor apparatus.
A new toilet having modern sanitary accommodations is being installed in Engine Two House, and other general re- pairs are being made.
The increased cost of fuel curtailed a great number of the needed repairs during the past year but much necessary work was accomplished.
The most pressing needs for this year will be the follow- ing :-
The pushing to completion of the new sanitary accommodations at Engine Two House.
Repairs to Engine Six House.
Painting interior of Hose Five House.
I urgently recommend something being done to Engine Four House. This building is in such bad shape that it does not seem wise to spend any money on repairs and as it is a well located building on a good lot of land, I heartily recommend it being torn down and a modern building erected on this site. There is much material in the present building which could be used in the new.
Municipal Buildings.
The municipal buildings, consisting of City Hall and City Hall Annex, are in fair condition generally.
It will be necessary, however, to paint the exterior of City Hall as the metal work is commencing to deteriorate.
Considerable new fittings and furniture have been re- quested by the various departments, and new sanitary accom- modations are needed in City Hall Annex.
During the past year the entrance porch, balustrade and concrete steps and platform were thoroughly repaired and painted. The ceiling and walls of the two front staircases to the second story were repaired and painted and the walls and ceiling of the Board of Aldermen's Chamber were painted.
Libraries.
The new library building in East Somerville was opened in April, 1918, thus completing four libraries well located for the accommodation of our citizens.
Very few repairs were necessary at the Union Square
.
298
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Branch Library the past year as the building was remodelled in 1917.
At the Central Library the office and Librarian's room were repainted and much of the furniture refinished.
At the West Somerville Branch Library the roof needs repairing and some of the interior finish needs attention.
Water, Highway and Refuse Buildings.
The Water buildings needed very little attention during the past year due to the fact that they were put in very fair repair in 1917.
In the Spring the painting of the Highway Building was completed and much attention was given to the repair of the horse stalls in both the Highway and Refuse buildings.
Hospital Buildings.
Extensive painting and other general repairs were made this last year in these buildings, but there is still much to be done in order to keep these buildings in proper sanitary condition.
The insurance was renewed for three years.
City Home Buildings.
In addition to the general repairs to the buildings a new addition to the garage building was completed and a large amount of concrete work done around the piggery.
The insurance was renewed for three years on all the buildings.
Request has been made by the Overseers of the Poor for considerable work to be done this coming year.
Police Buildings.
During the past year a large portion of the interior of the Station House was repaired and painted, an addition to the garage building constructed as well as many general repairs made.
I urgently recommend the extension of the steam supply main from the Station House boiler to the stable and garage in the rear. This is needed to properly heat these buildings as the heater in the stable is beyond repair and there is no heat in the garage.
299
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
Bathhouse.
The public Bathhouse on the Mystic River at Wellington Bridge was opened and maintained as usual last year, although it did not show a very large attendance. This was due parti- ally to the cool weather but largely to the war as a great many of our patrons were in the army.
The principal improvements made last year were all on the outside, on the grounds, and consisted of a concrete walk to the entrances, the loaming and grading of the land in front and the building of about 530 feet of six-foot iron fence at the request of the Metropolitan Park Commissioners, who shared in the expense.
The further improvement of the bathing beach was not made as I desired owing to the impossibility of procuring sand at reasonable prices. However, one large load of sand was procured which came from Europe, being used as ballast on a returning transport.
Beside the enlargement and resanding of the beach this coming year the bank will need bulkheading to keep it from being washed out each winter by the heavy tides.
Park Buildings.
The attendance at the Lincoln Park showers fell some- what short during the year for the same reason as at the Bathhouse but the buildings were opened and maintained on the same schedule as usual.
This coming year the two buildings located in Broadway Park will need considerable attention in the way of repairs as the wooden building leaks badly and the plumbing in the concrete building needs renovating.
I heartily recommend the erection of a permanent band- stand in Broadway Park as it is fair to assume that we will continue to have more band concerts here in the future than in the past, and there is no permanent place to have such affairs in the city.
In General.
The Commissioner of Public Buildings has had the co- operation of all branches of the City Government, including His Honor, the Mayor, the honorable members of the Board of Aldermen and all the city officials, and desires to thank them for their kindly consideration.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE L. DUDLEY, Commissioner of Public Buildings.
300
ANNUAL REPORTS.
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF ELECTRIC LINES AND LIGHTS
OFFICE OF COMMISSIONER OF ELECTRIC LINES AND LIGHTS, Somerville, Mass., January 1, 1919.
To the Honorable, the Mayor, and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville :-
Gentlemen :- I most respectfully submit my tenth annual report as Commissioner of Electric Lines and Lights for the year ending December 31, 1918.
Inspection of Wiring in Buildings.
Electrical installations have somewhat decreased this year owing to war conditions, but the necessity of strict in- spection has been as great as in previous years owing to new men engaging in the electrical construction business who need careful supervision.
Inspections are followed up very closely and no work is approved unless installed in a manner to provide against fire and injury to persons.
On July 1, 1918, an ordinance was enacted which provides for a permit to be obtained before any interior electrical work can be done.
This has proven a great help to the inspection department as it provides an additional check on wiremen who do work and have heretofore failed to notify the department of such work.
The connecting of unapproved wiring to existing installa- tions by inexperienced persons without proper notification or inspection still continues and when discovered notice is sent to the owner of the building to have same corrected under liability of having meter removed. Ample time is allowed for such corrections, and the request of the Inspector is gen- erally complied with.
I again call attention to the unwise practice of connecting flat-irons, cooking utensils, vacuum cleaners and like apparatus to lamp sockets which are not designed to carry the amount of current necessary to operate these devices.
The result is, in a great many cases, the burning out of sockets and blowing of protective fuses which are sometimes
301
COMMISSIONER OF ELECTRIC LINES AND LIGHTS.
replaced with fuses larger than allowed to protect the lighting circuit.
This is a dangerous practice and is liable to cause a fire.
Separate circuits should be run to supply any of the above named appliances and should be properly fused to pro- tect the same.
No work should be accepted until the Inspector has been notified and his approval obtained.
Number of notifications of new work . 794
Number of inspections of new work 794
Number of re-inspections of new work 1,167
Number of inspections of old work . 175
Number of defective installations of old work 10
Number of defective installations remedied 10
Number of re-inspections of old work
10
Total number of inspections .
2,166
Number of permits issued to the Edison Electric Il-
luminating Company for installing meters, lamps, etc.
Number of permits issued to the Malden Electric
1,345
Company for installing meters 4
Fire Alarm System.
The second year of operation of the new central fire alarm office has proved its worth and has given complete satisfaction. One of the advantages of this central office is the ability to receive two or more alarms at the same time.
As many as four different alarms have been received practically simultaneously and have been transmitted to the fire stations one after the other without confusion. 277 bell alarms were received and transmitted during the year.
This office is considered a "show office" and has been visited by many fire alarm and fire department officials who have expressed their approval of the system.
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