USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1957 > Part 18
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Most of the major cleaning up and pumping out of homes was completed by Friday night, but DPW crews returned Satur- day to pump out many of the cellars again when ground water caused reflooding and later that night when a sudden storm brought a flash flood. Approximately 105 homes, eight fac- tories, and several stores and offices were affected.
A DPW truck was left on Winslow Avenue for several days for the depositing of debris by residents cleaning out cellars, which had been flooded. Several special collections were also made during the week.
On request of the MDC a contractor, present in the City on road work was called in immediately to expose the break and start work on repairs. Upon completion of repairs to the water main the following Wednesday, the MDC immediately started on repairs to damaged City property. Willow Avenue from Foskett Street to Morrison Avenue was dug up and reconstruct- ed along with the sidewalks on both sides. Repairs were made to sewer mains in the area and to a sewer main on Grove Street which had collapsed from the strain of the flood water. Ap- proxiately eight million gallons of water did damage estimated at half a million dollars to public and private property.
Every effort was made by this Department to help residents affected by the break as much as possible. Besides the matter of the City's claim for damages, the question of procedure for private claims was taken up with the MDC and assurance re- ceived that MDC responsibility for the water damages would be fully met.
A check in the amount of $11,223.50 was received on No- vember 27, 1957, for reimbursement to the City for labor, materials, and damages expended during the initial cleaning up. Street and sidewalk reconstruction work was paid for by the MDC.
HIGH SCHOOL FIRE
I am proud to be able to report that the renovation of the central building of the Somerville High School was completed
297
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
in time for the entire building to be available to students with the opening of school September 5, 1957.
As a result of a disastrous fire in the High School on June 8, 1956, the second in six months, we had to undertake the complete reconstruction of much of the central building. Main tasks completed during 1956 included the razing of the old roof, installation of a new steel-beamed roof, and renovation: of the basement.
Remodelling of the interior of the remaining three floors of the central building began the final week of 1956. When the entire building was reopened on September 5, 1957, stu- dents found an entirely new interior. Besides new ceilings, floors, and fire resistant walls, new installations included two new stairwells, nine skylights, 14 new fire resistant emergency doors. Ventilation, heating, plumbing and electrical systems were modernized and book room remodelled. As much furni- ture as possible was salvaged and refinished, and new furni- ture was purchased where necessary, A new intercommunica- tion system was installed in both the central building and the wings. Many of these items were dictated by provisions of the State Building Codes which were not in force when the school was originally constructed.
Much attention was paid to all details with the aim of pro- viding high school students with the closest thing possible to a new school building and I venture to say that few of the alumni would recognize much of the 65-year-old structure. Despite the handicap of carrying out this operation while much of the time classes were being conducted in the wings and basement of the same building, the central building was closed for only one school year. Cost in both money and time out of use was considerably less than would have been expended by the City in the construction of an entirely new high school.
A settlement of $501,912.39 was reached with the insur- ance companies with debatable items such as increased costs and demolish resolved in the City's favor, although a sub- tantial allowance for depreciation was unavoidable.
Though visitors were welcome at all times and were often present, several offical tours were also conducted of the build- ing.
On February 12, 1957, a group of legislators were taken on a work progress tour. On April 30, 1957, the School Com-
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ANNUAL REPORT
mittee and those in attendance at the meeting were conducted on a special inspection of all facilities. Finally an official open house was held on the evening of October 2nd and 3rd to which the general public was invited. More than 5,000 per- sons took advantage of the invitation and various student groups served as guides and planned the tour.
OFF-STREET PARKING
Considerable progress was made in off-street parking dur- ing 1957 with the opening, on a temporary free basis, of a 65- vehicle capacity facility in Magoun Square before the Christ- mas holidays.
The operation began on March 19, 1957, with approval of the land taking for the parking lot by the Board of Alder- men.
During the summer two stores, a warehouse, and one house on the site were demolished, with the tenant of the house given more than ample opportunity to find other quarters. Contracts for both demolition and construction of a concrete retaining wall were awarded to the low bidders.
Utility poles and lines, MTA lines, fire alarm box, and a hydrant were moved, the Medford Street corner of the site was cut and widened, and the area graded. The retaining wall was constructed on the right and rear sides, complete with a chain link fence, installed on its top.
Work had to be temporarily halted at this point because of the advent of cold weather and the need to allow the retaining wall proper setting time. Construction will be resumed in the spring with installation of islands and parking meters, includ- ing a number of all-day meters. During construction of the lot, plans were revamped because it was found that an expen- sive concrete ramp would have been needed to allow use of the rear area because of the steepness of the grade. Accordingly, two houses included in the original land takings were returned to their owners intact.
During the year studies were also made of the need for off-street parking in other areas, including Union Square, where considerable progress was made along these lines.
Studies were also conducted of the effectiveness of exist- ing facilities in Davis Square with particular attention to the
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PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
drawing power and capacity of an off-street parking lot opened during the summer in conjunction with a shopping center in Cambridge's nearby Porter Square.
We have reached the conclusion that - in consideration of the need for continued local employment, good taxpaying property, continued health of local business, and shopping con- venience of local residents - Somerville's main retail center must be retained in a competitive position with other shop- ping centers, including adequate off-street parking facilities. Plans are therefore being drawn up for extending the Day- Herbert Street parking lot across to Chester Street.
SCHOOL RENOVATION
Major projects in the school renovation program included the installation of seven new lavatories, new lighting on the top floor of the Southworth School, and completion of the painting of the Perry, Knapp, and Baxter Schools, as well as completion of renovation of the gymnasium in the Southern Junior High School.
TOILETS
Largest operation for the summer was the modernization of the following toilet facilities: Lowe, Hodgkins, Hanscom, both boys and girls; Bingham, girls. Work included new floors, lighting, plumbing, and ventilation, plus replacement of an- tiquated wooden cabinets and overhead fixtures with modern metal partitions and flushometer toilets. In the Lowe School new heating units were put in the girls facility and a new ceiling in the boys. Despite a threat of disruption by a strike in cement manufacturing plants, the work was completed on schedule. All work was perfomed by building division men with cooperation of men in other divisions of the Department.
SOUTHWORTH SCHOOL
Following the receipt of bids on the providing of fluores- cent fixtures for the entire Southworth School, it was decided that, combined with the cost of the complete rewiring needed to increase the capacity of the school's electrical system to ac- commodate the new lights, the expenditure would involve too large a part of the school renovation budget. The single large expenditure was considered unwarranted in view of the items needing prompt attention in almost all of the school buildings.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Accordingly, the project is being completed by building division electricians in smaller stages. Initial work began in August with the rewiring of the entire top floor and installa- tion of new lights in the five rooms only. The entire floor was repainted, furniture refinished, new furniture provided in one room, new clocks and new window shades.
FLANAGAN AUDITORIUM
Work on the renovation of the auditorium at the Southern Junior High School began in 1956 and included complete re- painting, washing of the brickwork with acid, new grills in front of windows, heating vents, and electric control panel, new window shades, and a new stage curtain.
On February 22, 1957, appropriate ceremonies were held and the auditorium was dedicated in memory of Sgt. Joseph S. Flanagan, son of Mrs. Catherine Flanagan, 47 Stone Avenue. Plaques were placed on both sides of the front entrance to the school.
This report covers a relatively small part of our overall program for the year, we have accurate and detailed records of all Department activities and will be pleased to enlarge on any items you may desire.
I trust this report covering the highlights of the year 1957 will meet with your approval and satisfaction.
Respectfully yours,
WALTER J. MANNING, Commissioner of Public Works
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INDEX
INDEX
Page
Address, Mayor William J. Donovan
5
Appeal, Board of, Report of
157
Assessors, Board of, Report of
159
City Auditor, Report of
15
Appropriations
23
Balance Sheet
16
Cash Statement, Dec. 31, 1957
21-23
Classified Debt Jan. 1, 1957
40
Detail of Estimated Receipts in 1957
35
Excess and Deficiency Account
47
Federal Grants
66, 67
Foreclosed Property 1957
94
Funded Debt 40, Insert 44
53
Interest Requirements on Funded Debt (Six Years)
43
Interest Requirements on Present City Debt to Maturity
Insert 44
Maturities on Funded Debt 1958
Insert 42
Maturities on Funded Debt (Six Years)
42
Net Funded or Fixed Debt
19
Overlay Accounts
45, 46
Receipts and Expenditures, Classification
48
Refunds
90
Schedule of Public Property and Miscl. Land
92
Statement of Appropriations (Revenue) 1957
24-33
Statement of Revenue and Expenses 1957
38
Statement of Appropriations (Non-Revenue) 1957
34
Tailings
46
Taxes
41
Tax Possessions
47
Tax Titles
47
Temporary Loans 1957
39
Trust and Invested Funds
20
City Clerk, Report of
127
Births
129
Deaths
130
Licenses and Permits
127-129
Marriages
130
Payments
129
Receipts
127
Borrowing Capacity, Dec. 31, 1957
44
General Government Expenditures
302
INDEX
City Solicitor, Report of 206
City Treasurer and Collector of Taxes, Report of 97
Bonds Due in 1958 as of December 31, 1957
Insert 100
Bond Interest - Due 1958 as of December 31, 1957 Insert 100
Bond Maturities with Interest, Yearly 100
Cash Statement
98
Commitment by Assessors
99
Funded Debt as of December 31, 1957
101
Motor Vehicle Excise
99
Loans, All Other
101
Temporary Loans
100
Dental Hygiene, Report of 193, 194
Election Commissioners, Board of, Report of
113
Preliminary Election, October 8, 1957
116-118
Election, November 5, 1957
121
Expenses
115
Jurors
114
List Registered Voters
118
Listing Board, Report of
119
Nomination Papers
114
Recounts
114
Registration
113
Fire Department, Chief of, Report of
168
Alarms and Losses
168
Classification of Alarms
168
Manual Force
169
Recommendations
170
Health, Board of, Report of
180
Dental Hygiene, Report of
193, 194
Diseases, Schools, list of
185
Funeral Directors 185
Health Nurses, Report of
189
Infant Hygiene, Clinics
186
Inspection of Animals and Provisions, Report of
191
Inspection of Animals and Veterinarian, Report of
191
Inspection of Milk and Vinegar, Report of
192
Medical Inspection of Schools
183
Medical Inspection, Report of Health Officer
187
Mortality Statistics
181, 183
Permits and Licenses
180
Specimens and Supplies
183
Housing Authority, Report of 195
Inspector of Milk and Vinegar, Report of
192
Law Department, Report of
206
Licensing Commission, Report of 165
303
INDEX
Medical Inspection, Report of
187
Diphtheria Immunization
187
Tuberculosis 187
Planning Board 280
Police, Chief of, Report of
132
Arrests
132
Public Library
102
Board of Trustees and Officers
102
Report of Librarian
106
Organization of Library and Staff Personnel
102
Statistics
111
Public Welfare, Department of
175
Aid to Dependent Children
177
City Physician, Report of
179
Disability Assistance
178
Gross Expenditures
179
Members of Board, Committee, Officers, etc.
175
Old Age Assistance
177
Report of General Agent
176
Public Works, Report of Department
283
Recreation Commission, Report of
138
Retirement System
172
School Department
207
Appendix, Contents of (Summary of Statistics)
209
Graduates-High School
252
Junior High Schools
256-264
Evening High Schools
264
Vocational School
265
School Committees and Office Force
207, 208
Teachers in Service
266
Sealer of Weights and Measures 162
Veterans' Services, Report of 137, Insert 137
Veterans' Grave Registration Department, Report of 136
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