USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1947 > Part 22
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1051- . 800 lumen lamps 198- 1,000 36- 2,500 496- 6,000 557-10,000 , "
5-15,000
I wish to thank His Honor the Mayor, and the members of the Board of Aldermen, and the several department heads for the many courtesies received.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES J. CUDDIHY, Commissioner Electric Lines and Lights
326
ANNUAL REPORTS
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
July 7, 1948.
The Honorable Mayor and Board of Aldermen City Hall
Somerville, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :-
Alarms received in 1947 and the classification of same.
First Alarms
763
Second Alarms
9
Third Alarms
2
A. D. T. Alarms
12
Still alarms for all companies
1046
Calls for Wrecker
176
2008
2008
CLASSIFICATION
Fires in residence buildings
158
Fires in other buildings
61
Chimney Fires
28
Fires in rubbish near buildings
96
Fires in dumps, vacant lots
97
Grass Fires
96
Miscellaneous fires out of doors
125
Automobile fires
182
False bell alarms
204
False telephone calls, box sounded
12
False telephone calls, no box sounded
6
Smoke scares, needless alarms
282
Accidents, Inhalator calls
52
Miscellaneous emergency calls
184
Out of City calls
238
Calls for Wrecker
176
Second alarms
9
Third alarms
2
2008 2008
327
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Alarms and Losses for the year ending December 31, 1947
Number of First Alarms
763
Number of Second Alarms
9
Number of Third Alarms
2
Number of A. D. T. Alarms
12
Number of Still Alarms
1228
Total Alarms
2008
Number of Alarms during the year 1946
2128
Decrease in number of alarms during the year 1947
120
LOSSES
Value of Buildings at risk
$2,560,707.20
Insurance on Buildings at risk
2,420,200.00
Insurance damage on Buildings
141,082.10
Value of Contents at risk
778,434.00
Insurance on Contents at risk
702,439.00
Insuranec damage on Contents
93,830.53
Total value at risk
3,339,140.00
Total insurance damage
234,912.63
Approximate Per Capita Loss
$2.23
328
ANNUAL REPORTS
In Memoriam
PRIVATE EVERETT W. BRAY Appointed Permanent Fireman October 16, 1902 Died: March 13, 1947
CAPTAIN VAUGHN S. LITTLEFIELD Appointed Permanent Fireman November 12, 1912 Died: April 32, 1947
PRIVATE FREDERICK A. SCHULTZ Appointed Permanent Fireman April 14, 1910 Died: November 17, 1947
PRIVATE WILLIAM A. SMITH Appointed Permanent Fireman September 24, 1910 Died: December 13, 1947
329
FIRE DEPARTMENT
RECOMMENDATIONS
Appropriations were made in 1946 for the purpose of one 1,000 G. P. M. Pump and one 75 foot Aerial Ladder truck. We have been notified that delivery of the Pump will be made about the latter part of April 1948 and the Aerial Ladder Truck about July 1948. The fire department appreciates the wisdom and prudence of His Honor the Mayor and the Honorable Board of Aldermen for recognizinz the needs of the fire department in the purchase of the above apparatus.
Again we are calling attention to the citizens of the de- plorable condition of a still considerable portion of our fire apparatus. It is imperative that something be done about re- placing this worn out and obsolete apparatus immediately. Our proposed National Defense Program and the European Recovery Program in addition to the back-log of orders for fire apparatus may result in a delay of equal duration or longer before delivery could be made of any apparatus orders now. It is very probable that some of our older apparatus would have to be taken out of service if we had too long a wait before de- livery, not to mention the excessive increase in costs that may be endured later.
Our fire house buildings are in need of extensive repairs. In at least three cases total replacement of these structures is necessary.
It appears to the fire department that it is necessary and important in view of the record of death and injury to the oc- cupants of lodging houses and boarding houses in some of our neighboring cities and towns that something should be done in the form of an ordinance for the protection of these occupants. In case of fire there should be adequate means of escape from the buildings. There should also be fire protection provided.
Numerous complaints are received by this department rela- tive to the storage of second hand empty barrels, cases, boxes, crates, second hand building materials, and for collecting, handling and storage of other second hand materials. This type of business is classed as a high fire risk. Consequently, the in- surance rates are increased considerably in the surrounding areas of those establishments because of the conflagration hazard. At the present time there are inadequate restrictions to prevent these establishments from locating in our city. I, therefore, recommend that a suitable ordinance be adopted to
330
ANNUAL REPORTS
protect existing establishments and requiring that no such es- tablishments on or after date set be located or established with- out a permit or license.
To His Honor the Mayor, the Committee on Licenses, the Members of the Honorable Board of Aldermen, the officers and members of the Police and Fire Departments, and to our cit- izens generally, my thanks are due for prompt and hearty co- operation, at all times and under all circumstances during the year.
Respectfully submitted, J. C. MCNALLY,
Chief Engineer.
331
CITY ENGINEER
REPORT OF THE CITY ENGINEER
Office of the City Engineer, City Hall, Somerville, January 1948
Honorable G. Edward Bradley, Mayor, and Members of the Board of Aldermen :
Gentlemen :
In accordance with the provisions of Chapter X, Section 5, of the Revised Ordinances of 1929 of the City of Somerville, I hereby submit the Annual Report of the Engineering Depart- ment for the year ending December thirty-first, nineteen hun- dred and forty-seven.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM J. SULLIVAN,
City Engineer
332
ANNUAL REPORTS
ENGINEERING DIVISION (City Engineer Account)
A number of streets were resurfaced with a Type I bitum- inious concrete, report of which may be found in the Annual Re- port of the Street Commissioner.
Construction work done under Chapter 90 is a great bene- fit to the City. The State provides 50% of the cost, the County 25%, and the City's share is 25%. I recommend on account of the great benefits the City receives financially under Chapter 90 that a greater amount of construction be done under this chapter.
LENGTH OF STREETS
*Public
90.646
Private
10.804
101.450
* Includes 1.406 Miles of City Boulevard and Park Roadways 2.331 Miles Metropolitan District Boulevard
0.98 Mile State Highway
(A revision of lengths of public and private streets show ing that, owing to abandoned and duplicated streets and incor- porated into the Northern Artery, the total length has de- creased.)
LENGTH OF PUBLIC STREETS IN EACH WARD
Miles
Ward One
14,280
Ward Two
14.671
Ward Three
10.321
Ward Four
14.771
Ward Five
11.779
Ward Six
11.591
Ward Seven
13.213
Total length of public streets in the city
90.646
TABLE OF STREET CONSTRUCTION
*
** Streets paved with granite blocks
Streets paved with vitrified brick
1,648
0.288
Streets constructed with concrete base and bituminous concrete top
287,616
12.428
Streets constructed with bituminous con- crete base and bituminous concrete top ....
3,790
0.215
Square Yards 214,608
Miles
8.778
333
CITY ENGINEER
¿Streets constructed with concrete base and Bituminous penetrated top
19,245
0.461
¿Streets constructed with broken stone and bituminous concrete top
145,687
9.237
#Streets constructed with broken stone and bituminous penetrated top
48,955
Streets constructed of water bound maca- dam
10.308
Streets graveled or unimproved
10.780
Total (Miles)
101.450
* Also 27.92 miles (single track) electric railway paved with granite, asphalt, etc.
** Includes 6,149 sq. yrds. (0.438 miles) cement concrete roadway Middlesex Ave.
+ Includes C.98 mile of state highway.
Includes 1.406 miles of city boulevard and park roadways and 2.331 miles of state boulevard (Metropolitan District Commission, Park Division).
MILES OF EDGESTONE, GRANOLITHIC, GRAVEL AND BRICK SIDEWALKS IN EACH WARD
Edgestone
Gravel Sidewalk
Brick Sidewalk
Granolithic Sidewalk
Ward One
21.343
2.525
5.523
12.419
Ward Two
17.946
4.470
3.580
8.628
Ward Three
14.619
0.448
10.088
3.865
Ward Four
20.901
0.363
5.973
12.090
Ward Five
23.309
2.119
10.638
8.852
Ward Six
25.873
3.225
9.261
13.559
Ward Seven
38.807
1.195
6.952
28.203
162.798
14.345
52.015
87.615
(Details, etc., streets and sidewalks in report of Street Commissioner.)
UNDERGROUND CONDUITS (Public Service Corporation)
Miles laid in City Streets
Boston Elevated Railway Co.
5.55
Edison Electric Illuminating Co.
17.52
New England Tel. & Tel. Company
37.22
Cambridge Gas Light Company
67.60
Boston Consolidated Gas Co. (formerly Charlestown Gas Co.)
32.27
Somerville Department of Electric Lines and Lights,
Police and Fire Alarm
15.66
Total
175.82
All locations for sub-surface construction are assigned by this department.
334
ANNUAL REPORTS
SEWER DIVISION
The design and construction of sewers, storm drains, catch basins, house drains, etc., maintenance of the drainage system and other items in this division are under the direction and control of the City Engineer.
Total length of city's drainage system
151.90 miles Total length of Metropolitan sewerage system mains running through this city 3.475 miles
17 connections, in Somerville, with Metropolitan sewerage mains. Also 4 connections through Medford and 1 connection through Cambridge. Locations of City's mains connecting with state sewer in 1912 report, and details of construction in previous reports
New catch basins constructed in city's highways in 1947 23
Total catch basins maintained by city 2,342
Other catch basins - State Highway, Metropolitan Park, B. E. Ry., etc. 300
Total catch basins in the city for storm drainage pur- poses 2,642
Sump manholes on drainage system 139
The separate sewerage system should be extended each year to assist in the ultimate separation of sewerage and storm water which the Metropolitan District Commission is striving to accomplish.
Many of our storm drains and sewers have been in service for many years. Several of the older sewers have collapsed during the past few years, necessitating immediate repair and in many instances the reconstruction of entire sections. After an exhaustive and thorough examination of our sewerage sys- tem, I am of the opinion that such breakdowns will occur more frequently than heretofore, particularly in the oldest and larg- est trunk sewers and storm drains. Looking toward this end the City Engineer and his assistants are now preparing a comprehensive plan for such long range and large scale sew- age works construction program. This work can very well be done as part of our post war public works program.
Cleveland Street sewer was rebuilt.
Alston-Shawmut Street sewer and storm drain were re- built a distance of 225 feet.
Several manholes and catch basins were constructed in an endeavor to alleviate storm and flood conditions in this city, as
335
CITY ENGINEER
well as, in several cases, reconstruction or repair of broken por- tions of sewer system with benefit to the entire system.
There were received during the year 1947 a total of 1,895 complaints for drains clogged, cellars flooded and catch basins blocked.
Only persons that are licensed as drain layers by the city and who have given satisfactory bonds are permitted to lay and . repair private drains.
Data concerning each drain connection with the public sewer is on file in this office, and time and expense could be saved the owner, where trouble exists, by applying directly to this department for investigation and advice.
Many car track catch basins and underground conduit manholes built by public service corporations have been con- nected with the City's drainage system.
There are to date about 18,682 private drain connections with the city's drainage system.
Four new manholes were added to the City's drainage sys- tem to help in relieving blocked sewers.
A great number of drains were serviced by the Sewer Divi- sion. On numerous occasions during the year the Sewer Divi- sion is called out at any hour of day or night to perform these important duties.
PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS DIVISION
There are at the present time twenty parcels of land laid out as parks and playgrounds and maintained and improved by this department having an area 83.6 acres, also one ceme- tery maintained 0.7 acre. Total 94.3 acres. Many of these areas are badly in need of improvement, and more play areas should be developed in the more densely populated sections of our City.
The City has become so densely populated (averaging near- ly 26,000 people a square mile) that some of the larger park areas should be more extensively utilized for public recreation and physical training purposes. In several parks field houses
336
ANNUAL REPORTS
should be constructed, additional apparatus and shelters pro- vided, and some of the smaller playground areas should be en- closed by wire fencing for protection.
IMPROVEMENTS MADE TO PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS
Complete resurfacing with asphalt and other miscellaneous improvements, including drinking fountain, sand box and shelter, erection of swings and see-saws, were completed at the New Playground Rear of Police Station which was begun last year.
New concrete steps and walks to the Dilboy Monument in front of City Hall were constructed including suitable land- scaping and planting of shubbery.
Sidewalks and walks and concrete curb in front of the High School were reconstructed or repaired and shrubbery planted, also two triangular plots and various other plots.
Bronze plaque on Central Hill in front of the High School, which plaque commemorates the first church in this city, was remodelled and put in place on granite monument.
Pier and steps and bleachers at Trum Field were repaired and new bleachers constructed. New chain link fence was erect- ed for protection of owners on Cedar Street in rear of baseball diamond.
Extensive improvements in Tufts Park and Reynolds Cir- cle, including concrete steps, concrete walks, concrete curbing, repairs to Kiosk, grading, seeding, sodding and planting, were accomplished, also wire fences for protection of shrubbery were erected ,and new flower beds and a great deal of shrubbery for beautification planted.
At Marchi Playground play equipment was furnished and erected, shrubs were planted, chain link fence erected, loam supplied and three shelters erected.
A new portion of chain link fence and new chain link fence in stairway were erected at Lincoln Park for protection of property owners, children and pedestrians.
337
CITY ENGINEER
Many repairs were made to the pool in Foss Park, includ- ing a new overflow valve, tide gate valve, repairs to the base of the pool and the walks around the pool.
At Glen Street Playground fences were repaired or dis mantled, new chain link fence erected, a new backstop erected and miscellaneous improvements made, including new basket- ball court, new drainage system and newly erected baseball diamond.
Under contract, New Playground on Central Street was constructed, including filling, grading, chain link fence, water bubbler, playground equipment, reinforced concrete wall, sand boxes with concrete-framed shelters ; also benches. The surface was graded with stone dust spread and rolled, this type of sur- facing used on account of the late completion of the contract, it not being then deemed advisable to put down permanent sur- facing until later.
The door of the vault at Somerville Avenue Cemetery was enlarged, and a new iron door installed to allow for entrance of bodies of repatriated deceased veterans, pending burial in permanent cemetery. Ventilator and drainage were installed, inside painted white, and new concrete floor constructed and other necessary changes made to simplify the task of placing these bodies in the vault.
At Dilboy Field the bleachers at diamond No. 2 were re- paired. Posts for football training were erected.
The Honor Roll on Central Hill that COMMEMORATES PERSONS IN WORLD WAR II has been maintained as dur- ing all years since its construction, this department providing from this special account; maintenance of lighting facilities, painting flagpole, shrubs and flowers, especially for Memorial Day, and bed guard wire and other equipment for protection.
I would recommend when funds may be made available, the completion of Conway Playground in the very near future, in order that the playground may be put into condition to have a baseball field made possible.
Many parks have been greatly improved by replacing shrubs and planting flower beds, by repairs and replacements of chain link fences and by painting fences and walls. Areas
338
ANNUAL REPORTS
and play surfaces have been graded with loam and other fill and skating facilities furnished.
I would also recommend that a complete enbankment, grad- ing and new iron fence and stairway be constructed at Prospect Hill Tower to make safe the present dangerous condition.
GENERAL
The City Engineer has been called upon to assist the Law Department by preparing plans of locations of accidents in- volving the City of Somerville. On several occasions the City Engineer was represented in court in connection with law suits involving the City.
In conclusion, may I express my thanks to His Honor, the Mayor, and members of the Honorable Board of Aldermen and City Government, to the employees of this department and to the engineers and office assistants who have so kindly co-oper- ated at all times to make the year 1947 a successful one ?
339,
WATER COMMISSIONER
REPORT OF THE WATER DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE WATER COMMISSIONER
January 1, 1948 ..
To His Honor, the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen :
I present herewith my report for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1947.
Water charges committed to the City Treasurer and Col- lector of Taxes during the year 1947 :
Quarterly Accounts
Committed
Less Adjustments
$308,166.38 498.99
$307,667.39,
Commercial Accounts
Committed ..... ....
214,450.22
Additional Accounts
Committed
......... ......
Service Assessments
Committed
2,187.46.
Maintenance Charges
Committed
874.53.
TOTAL COMMITMENT
$525,179.60
NOTE :- See report of the City Treasurer and Collector of Taxes for collections.
340
ANNUAL REPORTS
APPROPRIATIONS AND EXPENDITURES
Water Maintenance and Extension Account
Appropriations made by the Board of Aldermen Balance from 1946
Receipts
$138,297.78 11,684.93 77.90
Labor and Materials for operation and main- tenance :
Labor
$75,802.52
Personal Service
31,726.37
Ordinary Maintenance
29,465.88
Equipment
9,348.88
Encumbered balance forwarded to 1948
2,721.96
Unencumbered balance
995.00
$150,060.61
$150,060.61
There was no main pipe construction or replacement dur- ing the year. 1
Size, number and length of new services installed during the year :
Size
Number
Total Length 228'
3/4" 1"
1
19'
11/2"
5
79'
2"
6
117'
4" 6"
2 (1 fire)
48'
HYDRANTS, GATES, ETC. IN CITY DECEMBER 31, 1947
Number of Fire hydrants January 1, 1947
1,361
Set during the year
22
Removed during the year
22
Net increase in fire hydrants
0
Total number of fire hydrants
1,361
Number of private fire hydrants
90
Number of Gates January 1, 1947
3,026
Set during the year
0
Removed during the year
0
Net increase in gates
0
Total number of gates
3,026
Number of check-valves
9
Number of blow-offs
237
Number of waterposts
59
Number of drinking fountains
11
Number of car-sprinkler connections not in use
10
....
....
11
341
WATER COMMISSIONER
SUMMARY OF PIPES AND FIXTURES OF THE WATER SYSTEM
December 31, 1947
Feet of main pipe (approximately )
602,698
Miles of Main pipe (approximately)
114.15
Services in use
13,974
Services supplying public property
86
Private fire supplies (sprinkler systems)
124
Fire supplies to public buildings
26
Public fire hydrants
1,361
Private fire Hydrants
90
Sprinkler systems installed in public buildings
0
Gates
3,026
Check valves
9
Meters (including 1 Motor register)
13,888
Waterposts (not in use)
59
Car-sprinkler connections (not in use)
10
Blow-offs
237
Drinking fountains and troughs
11
Total number of services required to be metered in actual use
13,888
Services supplying public property
86
Total number of services
13,974
In addition to the above there are fire supplies for private sprinkler systems which are not required to be metered 124
OPERATING METERS, DECEMBER 31, 1947
Size
5/8" 3 /4 " 1"
11/2"
2"
3"
10"
12" Total
No
13,347 279 118
43
68
18
9
4
1
1 13,888
Percent of services metered-100%
Water is furnished without charge to all City Departments and Municipal Buildings.
The consumption of water for the City of Somerville for the year 1947, total quantity, average daily and per capita con- sumption, the per capita consumption being figured on an es- timated population for the year of 106,300.
Month
Gallons Per Day
Gallons Per Capita
January
12,047,100
113
February
11,719,700
110
March
10,902,900
102
April
10,940,100
103
May
10,633,100
100
June
10,780,900
101
July
12,249,900
115
August
12,237,300
115
September
11,687,800
110
October
11,117,000
104
342
ANNUAL REPORTS
November
11,091,200
104
December
11,302,700
106
Year 1947
11,392,700
107
Total consumption for the year 1947:
High service
885,009,000 Gals.
Low service
3,273,333,000 Gals.
Total city
4,158,342,000 Gals.
343
WATER COMMISSIONER
SUMMARY OF STATISTICS For the year ending December 31, 1947 In form recommended by the New England Water Works Association
Somerville Water Works Somerville, Middlesex County, Massachusetts
GENERAL STATISTICS
Population, State Census 1945-105,883
Date of Construction: Commenced in 1868
By Whom owned: City of Somerville
Source of Supply: Metropolitan Water System
Mode of Supply: Water is delivered into City's mains, both high and
low pressure, by the Metropolitan Water Works.
STATISTICS OF CONSUMPTION OF WATER
Population supplies, December 31, 1947, est. 106,730
Average daily consumption 11,392,700 gallons
Gallons per day to each inhabitant 107
Total consumption for the year 1947: High service 885,009,000 Gals. 3,273,333,000 Gals. 4,158,342,000 Gals.
Low service
Total city
STATISTICS RELATING TO DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM, 1947 Mains
Kind of Pipe: Cast Iron
Sizes from 4" to 20",
Total now in use: 114.15
Number of Hydrants added during the year: Public 0 Private 0
Number of Hydrants (public and private) now in use 1,451
Number of gates added during the year 0
Number of gates now in use 3,026
Number of Blow-offs: 237
Range of pressure on mains; 35 pounds to 100 pounds.
Services
Kind of Pipe: Lead, lead-lined wrought iron, cement-lined wrought iron, galvanized iron, cast iron, brass, copper tubing and tubeloy.
Size: one-half to eight inches
Number of service connections made during year: 25 Services in use 13,974
Number of private fire supplies (sprinkler system) : 124
Number of meters now in use: 13,888
Percentage of services metered: 100%
Public services not metered.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY F. O'CONNELL, Water Commissioner.
344
ANNUAL REPORTS
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
Somerville, Mass., December 31, 1947
To His Honor the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville
Gentlemen :
The Board of Public Welfare submits, herewith, reports of the General Agent, the Warden of the City Home and the City Physician, with tables showing the work.
Respectfully submitted,
ALICE I. MCNAMARA, Chairman EDWARD L. HAGAN EDWARD L. CONDON
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE ALICE I. MCNAMARA, Chairman EDWARD L. CONDON EDWARD L. HAGAN
COMMITTEES On Finance, Investigations, Relief and City Home
MRS. MCNAMARA, MR. CONDON AND MR. HAGAN
GENERAL AGENT
CHARLES J. WILLWERTH
345
WELFARE DEPARTMENT
CITY PHYSICIAN
CIRO GIOBBE, M. D.
STAFF OF THE CITY PHYSICIAN
JOHN M. TAVARES, M. D. BENJAMIN BLESOFF, M. D. MARIE A. HANRAHAN, R. N. MARY G. WELCH, Med. and Dent. Asst.
WARDEN AND MATRON, CITY HOME
MR. AND MRS. GEORGE S. GOODRICH
REPORT OF THE GENERAL AGENT
City Hall January 31, 1948.
Board of Public Welfare
Somerville, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
The General Agent submits the following as his report for the year ending December 31, 1947.
Table No. 1
Indoor Relief
(FULL SUPPORT)
City Home (Male, 105; Female, 33) 138
State Infirmary (Tewksbury) 17
(PARTIAL SUPPORT)
Local Hospitals (Central, Somerville, Sunnyside) Cases Hospitalized
81
Out Patient Treatment 52
133
Cases aided to hospitalization in other Cities and Towns (chargeable to Somerville in 1947)
21
Cases aided in Convalescent Homes 10
Cases aided in all other institutions (not included above) 50
Number of Burials during 1947 14
346
ANNUAL REPORTS
Table No. 2
Number of cases aided January 1, 1947 236
Number of cases aided during 1947 646
Number of cases aided in other Cities and Towns (charge- able to Somerville in 1947) 46
Number of cases aided December 31, 1947 259
Table No. 3 Children Boarded
In Private Families 14
Through Division of Child Guardianship
19
Table No. 4 RECAPITULATION
Welfare Miscellaneous
Total expenditures, 1947
$211,415.73
Refunds and transfers
3,450.76
Net cost to Welfare Dept.
$207,964.97
Reimbursements
44,150.01
Net cost to City
$163,814.96
Reimbursements
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
$31,541.94
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