USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1959 > Part 15
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The matter was discussed with officials at both Westover Air Force Base, Massachusetts, headquarters of the Eighth Air Force, and Stewart Air Force Base, New York, headquarters of the Eastern Air Defense Force.
Regrettably it was found that it would be impossible to eliminate the noise over Somerville because of the sound waves of the planes flow out in a 20 or 30 mile wide dish and hit the high Somerville hills, making the noise. The planes must fly over the area because they are on patrol and not merely training.
240
ANNUAL REPORTS
An explanation of some of the factors involved was issued to the papers to help residents understand what is taking place and eliminate the natural concern when one hears the Sonic Booms.
C. METROPOLITAN DISTRICT COMMISSION DISCUSSIONS
During the year, in response to the request and complaints of residents and concern expressed by the Aldermen, as well as our own program, we have had various discussions with the Metropolitan District Commission and other state agencies on a variety of City programs.
The most gratifying result, from past discussions with these agencies and appearances before the legislative committees, has been the construction of Dilboy recreation area and the installation of new tide gates as discussed in another section of this report.
During the past year the following items were taken up with the MDC: Marsh Dust sweeping over Ten Hills; Fellsway bus stop and bus shelter; the need for avoiding any further delay in installation of the tide gates; the need for speedy im- provements at Foss Park and the advisability of discussing final park plans with local recreation and athletic officials; the need for speedy work on the Dilboy Center; the immediate need for installation of pedestrian traffic lights at Dilboy; a pedestrian passageway at Bonair Street through the Northern Artery Safe- ty Island; construction of a pedestrian overpass at Foss Park; and installation of benches along Msgr. McGrath Highway, near the Washington Street overpass for use by elderly people.
The matter of the bus stop was also taken up with the Metropolitan District Commission and a drawing submitted showing a proposed route for the bus, which would permit stop- ping at Shore Drive. This was adopted.
The Metropolitan District Commission seeded the marshes across the Mystic with swamp grass and this nuisance was greatly alleviated.
A bill, sponsored by Senators Corbett and McCann and favored by the representatives, included funds for overpasses at Dilboy and Foss Park in a capital outlay bill passed by the Legislature. The sum of $200,000.00 was allocated for Foss Park and $100,000.00 for Dilboy.
241
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
D. CODE ENFORCEMENT
The problem of code enforcement is often a difficult and delicate one; and we gratefully acknowledge the aid of the po- lice and law departments on the matter.
During the year, three cases of businesses operating in residential areas were carried to the courts. The courts found for the City, eliminating the non-conforming uses.
The problem of forced demolition is handled with every ef- fort made to protect the rights of abutters and property owners. Several conferences were held during the year with owners of various property on complaints.
As the result of this activity two vacant houses were de- molished by the City as definite fire hazards; and a house and a shed were demolished by the owners after receiving notifica- tion to do so from the City.
V. EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL
A. NEW EQUIPMENT
We have during the past year acquired some additional, vital equipment, which rounds out the department's require- ments.
This new equipment includes a street sweeper; truck mounted, power-operated catch basin cleaner; a 3/4 ton truck and cab with service body for Water Division emergency works; a 3/4 ton pick-up truck for the Engineering Division; an auto- matic tree stump cutter, which is a combination buzz saw and hatchet; a street liner; and two beach wagons acquired from government surplus.
Modern equipment of this type is invaluable and economi- cal in performing necessary service for our residents through- out the City.
All equipment has been winterized and October safety in- spection stickers were issued.
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ANNUAL REPORTS
B. GENERAL
We have permanent shop equipment and machinery to operate main repair shop, lubritorium, and garage shops for the various divisions.
Portable equipment includes two power rollers, two street striping machines, four compressors, two trailer pumps, two trailers, one concrete mixer, 6 power mowers, 1 material spreader, one flexible sewer cleaning machine, four generators, 10 pumps, a power roller, one 3 to 5 ton roller, portable saw, five gasoline chain saws, pipe threading machine, electric pipe cutter, band saw, and drill press, plus all types of ladders, hand tools, jacks, bars, floodlights, etc.
Rolling stock consists of the following: 17 dump trucks; 13 load packers; 12 pick-up trucks; 11 trucks with specialized service bodies; two catch basin cleaning machines; five Walter Snow Fighters; one Walter Snow Fighter with crane; four rack body trucks; five street sweeping vehicles; two tractor plows; two snow-go loaders; two Hough payloaders; two power wagons; two low boy trailers; an Ingersall Rand trailer; a tow truck; a jeep; and three station wagons.
C. PERSONNEL
Men
366
Women 23
VI. POPE AND CUMMINGS SCHOOLS
Several conferences were held during the year on the mat- ter of potential overcrowding in a few of our school buildings. In most instances the problem was solved, at least temporarily, by the transferring of one class to another school building where there were vacant rooms.
Additional conferences were held on the matter of the Pope School to consider such proposals as use of the Southern Junior High School, use of nearby elementary schools, or use of the top floor of the police station, facilities of two clubhouses, or nearby churches. All the non-school property was found en- tirely inappropriate or inadequate, or was rejected on various grounds by the State building inspector.
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PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
The preceding year we had set up temporary partitions in the auditorium of the Pope School and had created two first class school rooms. The School Committee decided to continue use of these rooms, as well as other auxiliary rooms available in the new school and to keep the youngsters all within the Pope school.
During the summer we submitted an application to the Community Facilities Division of the Housing and Home Fi- nance Agency to study the feasibility of constructing four room additions to the Pope and Cummings Schools. The move was made in conformance with requests of the School Committee and the Board of Aldermen.
Under the grant, repayment is made only if actual con- struction is undertaken.
The entire school situation is one which requires careful study by all concerned with a view toward full utilization of the facilities available and future consolidation of facilities when new construction is undertaken. I sincerely hope that definite action will be taken on this program in the near future.
The preceding has been only a summary of the Depart- ment's many activities. We have accurate and detailed records of all department projects and programs and will be pleased to enlarge on any items you may desire. I trust this report will meet with your approval and satisfaction.
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 who have so kindly co-operated at all times.
Respectfully submitted, WALTER J. MANNING,
Commissioner of Public Works
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ANNUAL REPORTS
REPORT OF THE VETERANS GRAVES REGISTRATION DEPARTMENT
February 12, 1960
To the Honorable, the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville
Gentlemen:
In submitting the 1959 Annual Report of the Graves Reg- istration Department, I wish to state that during the year 1959 the death records of Veterans of all wars who died during 1959 were recorded in the Department files whenever it was possible to obtain such records. Information was also supplied to any request in regards to deceased Veterans.
The Veteran's Memorial Cemetery at Clarendon Hill and Somerville Avenue Cemetery were suitably decorated with wreaths, also small flags were placed at individual graves on both "Memorial Day" and "Veteran's Day."
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT R. BRADLEY,
Graves Registration Officer
EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR 1959
Personal Services $750.00
Ordinary Maintenance
$ 90.00
245
POLICE DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
January 1, 1960
To the Honorable, the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville
Gentlemen:
I respectfully submit herewith the Annual Report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1959.
ARRESTS
Whole Number of Arrests
3623
On Summons
1248
On Warrants .
388
Without Warrants
1987
3623
Held for Trial
3382
Delivered to Other Departments
144
Released on Waiver
97
3623
Males
3352
Females
271
3623
Foreigners
153
Non-Residents
1219
Minors
412
Drunkenness - Released
1103
POLICE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL
The personnel of the police department consists of one hundred and sixty-eight (168) permanent men, two (2) police matrons and one (1) clerk-stenographer.
During the year Lieutenants Thomas L. McGahan and Ray- mond J. Gleason were promoted to Deputy Chiefs. Lieutenants John J. Smith, Leo Gormley and James M. Kilmartin were pro- moted to Captains. Sergeants Fred A. Cammon, William F. Wills, Cornelius J. Collins, Thomas L. Hall, William F. Blake,
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ANNUAL REPORTS
James L. Smith and John T. Mahood were promoted to Lieu- tenants.
Patrolman William E. Johnson passed away, and, Patrolman Edward G. Forristall was pensioned.
RANKS IN THE DEPARTMENT ARE AS FOLLOWS
Chief
1
Deputy Chiefs
2
Captains
5
Lieutenants
10
Sergeants
3
Patrolmen
147
OFFICIAL ROSTER OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
December 31, 1959
Chief of Police
Thomas J. O'Brien
Deputy Chiefs of Police
Thomas L. McGahan
Raymond J. Gleason
Captains
LeRoy V. Pierce Henry W. Roche John J. Smith
Leo J. Gormley James M. Kilmartin
Lieutenants
William F. Blake
Cornelius J. Collins
Joseph G. Crowley Fred A. Cammon Dennis F. Kearney
John E. Hughes William F. Wills Thomas L. Hall James L. Smith John T. Mahood
Sergeants
Thomas F. Mahoney John F. Burlingame
John F. Powers John W. Murphy
Patrolmen
James F. Holmes Patrick J. Lyons James Souza Jeremiah F. Donovan John J. Brosnahan George Spiers
Charles W. Ellis Garrett F. J. Mehigan Arthur W. Kelley George Gullage, Jr. Frederick W. McGovern Patrick F. O'Brien
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POLICE DEPARTMENT
Jeremiah G. Sheehan George B. Phillips, Jr. Ricco Rossi John M. Dunleavey
Daniel F. Murphy John J. Clark
Walter J. MacRae
William J. Quinlan
Harold L. Coffey
John F. Heafey
Joseph F. Curran
John J. Tanner
Daniel J. O'Connell
Ernest C. Faulkner
Joseph F. Fedele
Clifford A. McQuilken
Robert J. Brady
William J. Fitzgerald George W. Crosby Edward J. Kiley
Joseph R. Estee
Francis L. Rogers
Cosmo DeVellis
Herbert H. Stokes
William J. Heafey
George W. McCauley
William F. Lynch
Frederick A. Landry
James F. Downing
Augustine W. Fitzpatrick
Allan L. Collins
James E. Hughes Howard F. Hallion
James P. Ryan
Glen B. Nicholas
Thomas F. Doody
Edward W. Kelley
Albert E. Dempsey
William J. Downey
William L. Bavin
William J. Kelley
James C. Baird
James F. Ryan
William S. McDonough
Christopher C. Cullinan
William A. Kinsley, Jr.
John J. Mahoney Thomas W. McGovern
Thomas J. Sullivan Waiter C. Barletta
John J. Donovan Francis J. Keane Allan S. Mosher
Vincent D. Hartnett
Andrew L. Dennehy
Earl S. Hemenway, Jr.
Felix J. Manfra
Edward L. Fahey
John T. Canty #2
James J. Higgins Vincent J. McDonough
John F. Burns
John C. DeLellis
Charles T. McCarthy William J. Shine
Wallace E. Foskett
Medardo A. Muzzioli
Gerald D. Bugden
John P. Dwyer
James J. Ryan, Jr.
William E. Connolley Nicholas J. Masiello John J. Bacci William C. Breen
Charles B. Winn
Daniel P. Murphy William J. Duffy
Joseph H. Nolan, Jr.
Robert A. MacDonald
William J. Butler Bernard L. Cotter John J. Doherty James R. O'Leary James F. Reardon William J. White Ralph F. DeFuria H. John Roche James P. Ledwell Michael J. DeLellis
George L. Gordon
Carmine L. Perna
Robert E. Doyle John T. Canty # 1 Harold A. MacDonald
Raymond F. Peck James J. Carroll John J. Fothergill
James C. Mearls Vincent J. Izzi John Cunha, Jr. Joseph L. Mearls Ernest A. DiNisco
Samuel J. Boike David T. McKenna
Charles W. Moran John J. Fitzgerald
Benjamin J. Callahan, Jr. Robert J. Lungo William B. Ward, Jr. Charles A. Cecere Edward J. Lepore Thomas M. Hickey Joseph J. Hurley Walter J. Donovan Henry E. Ramsdell, Jr. William A. Silk, Jr. Lester A. Caswell John H. O'Brien
John F. Donovan
Joseph M. Desmond
248
ANNUAL REPORTS
Matrons
Marcella D. Yates
Margaret M. Brussard
Clerk - Stenographer M. Gertrude Lawler
In Conclusion
I wish to thank His Honor, the Mayor, members of the Board of Aldermen, heads of various departments and all mem- bers of the police department for their loyal support, coopera- tion and assistance during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS J. O'BRIEN, Chief of Police
249
PUBLIC LIBRARY
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
i 1
ORGANIZATION OF LIBRARY AND STAFF PERSONNEL December 31, 1959
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mrs. Mary J. Noone, President
January 1, 1961
Dr. George K. Coyne, Vice-President 1962
Rt. Rev. Msgr. Thomas F. Garrity
1960
Rev. Dr. H. Daniel Hawver
1960
Mr. Arthur G. Helmund
1961
Mr. William H. McKenna
1961
Mrs. Mary O'Hear
1962
Mr. John J. Sheehan
1960
Mrs. George J. Wyse
1962
COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATION
Mr. Arthur G. Helmund, Chairman
Mr. William H. McKenna
Mrs. George J. Wyse
The Vice-President, Dr. George K. Coyne, ex-officio
The President, Mrs. Mary J. Noone, ex-officio
COMMITTEE ON BOOKS AND CATALOGING
Mr. John J. Sheehan, Chairman Rt. Rev. Msgr. Thomas F. Garrity The Vice-President, Dr. George K. Coyne, ex-officio The President, Mrs. Mary J. Noone, ex-officio
COMMITTEE ON BUILDING AND PROPERTY
The President and the Vice-President
SECRETARY OF THE BOARD Mr. John D. Kelley, Librarian
ORGANIZATION ON LIBRARY STAFF PERSONNEL
December 31, 1959
John D. Kelley Librarian
250
ANNUAL REPORTS
PROFESSIONAL GRADED SERVICE
John T. Mackey
Assistant Librarian
Gloria F. Graham
Executive Assistant
Ruth Holmes
Reference Librarian
Anna E. Cullen
Chief Cataloger
Rita D. Adams
Supervisor of Schools and Deposits Desk Chief
Barbara C. Niles
Supervisor of Periodicals and Binding
John A. Mclnerny
Music Librarian Hospital Librarian
Kathryn Kenny Branch Librarian, East Branch
Mary M. Noonan Branch Librarian, Teele Square Branch
Ruth D. Warner
Branch Librarian, West Branch
Barbara T. O'Neill
Branch Librarian, Union Square Branch
Lillian G. Casey
Station Executive, Ten Hills Station
Joan E. Brunet
Children's Librarian, Central Library
Children's Librarian, West Branch
Children's Librarian, East Branch First Assistant
Elizabeth W. Hennigan
Katherine V. Nolan
Alice P. Morrill
A. Marion Johnian
Thelma G. Donovan
Margaret E. Ronayne
Margaret E. Durkin
11 11
Ann M. Coleman
Lois E. MacDonald
Senior Assistant
I. Marguerite Sawin
Anne M. Russell
Lillian F. Hixenbaugh
Mary F. Baker
Shirley A. McCauley
11
Mary T. Sullivan
Junior Assistant
Kathryn D. Fralick
Margaret T. Kelly
Mildred C. Murphy
Althea L. Donahue
Irene T. Herlihy
Ann Barrett
"
Agnes B. Killeen
11
"
Margaret A. Quigly
11
Edna F. O'Brien Alice E. Hennigan
UNGRADED SERVICE - Non Professional
Mary T. Tuccelli
Mary E. Sweeney
Marie P. Lawless
Angelina Errico Patricia A. Estee Beverly A. Razzaboni
11
11
Emma Merlini
251
PUBLIC LIBRARY
PART TIME ATTENDANTS
Mary B. Gravelle
Anne E. Maguire
Margaret J. Jones
Jean L. Milewski
Patricia M. Bates
Ellen M. Murray
Helen E. Conley
Beverly A. O'Hare
Mary R. Conley
Kathryn E. Rogers
Charles V. Grew, Jr.
David N. Sexton
Paul M. Grew
Barbara A. Slattery
Marianne C. Hall
Priscilla J. Sotiros
John H. Kelley
Patricia A. Stackpole
Thomas B. Kelley
Jean M. Wall
Judith A. Lynch
RESIGNED DURING YEAR
Gail P. Clark
Part Time Attendant
Helen McCarthy David
Junior Assistant
Mary Lou Kelley
Part Time Attendant
Elizabeth A. Mclnerny Junior Assistant
John F. Mack, Jr.
Part Time Attendant
Margaret P. McKenna
Part Time Attendant
Patricia A. Meskell
Part Time Attendant
Myrtle Nicholson Desk Chief
Catherine M. O'Malley First Assistant
Nancy C. O'Neill Part Time Attendant
252
ANNUAL REPORTS
To the Honorable, the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville
Dear Sirs:
The Annual Report of the Board of Trustees of the Somer- ville Public Library is herewith respectfully submitted and appended thereto, and forming a part of it, the Annual Report of the Librarian, which details the growth and operation of the library for the past year.
Very respectfully,
MARY J. NOONE,
President, Board of Trustees
253
PUBLIC LIBRARY
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
To the Board of Trustees:
The year 1959 was the busiest in the history of the Somerville Public Library. Though statistics do not present a satisfactory picture of the services rendered by the Library, for hundreds of patrons avail themselves of our services each week using only the facilities in the library buildings. Therefore, we have no record since they did not charge any books out, never- theless, the records we possess portray to some degree the pressure under which we have labored.
The Reference Departments are answering on an average of 2,000 questions each month. 21,452 borrowers have appeared in person seeking information, which in many instances re- quired hours of research to present the correct answer. Tele- phone requests increased so tremendously it became necessary to place an additional telephone extension in the Reference Department at the Central Library - 2,714 persons sought information through this medium.
In the Circulation Department 913 more persons than a year ago registered for borrower's cards, a near all time high. Book circulation increased 27,267 over a year ago. In the Music Department 17,957 records were loaned, an increase of 4,662 and 1,090 persons used the listening booth to enjoy their favorite records.
These figures, though impressive, merely scratch the sur- face of the heavy load placed on the staff. With increases in the number of borrowers and book circulations our behind the scene activities are more burdensome with a greater number of overdue notices and book reserves, more books to process in the Catalogue Department and a strain on the Bindery De- partment to keep ahead of the wear and tear on the books.
One of our greatest difficulties, especially at the Central Library, is to accommodate the influx of students. All available chairs and tables are constantly in use from 2:15 p.m. until closing at 9:00 p.m. We could easily use several dozen more chairs and tables though we are somewhat cramped for space. With all the commotion we are happy to report we have very few discipline problems though we do suffer from the confu- sion resulting from the crowded conditions.
We were extremely disappointed that the planned partial refurbishing of the Central Library could not be undertaken
254
ANNUAL REPORTS
this year because of the limited funds in the Public Works Department Budget. Specifications were advertised for the exterior work, roof repairs and window installations but the lowest bid was some $19,000. over the appropriation. We firmly trust that sufficient additional funds will be appropriated this coming year, for now the chaotic condition of the building is not a matter of pride but of urgent necessity. It is unfor- tunate that such a beautiful building should be allowed to depreciate to this extent and, furthermore, how sad to have a young and growing population face these conditions especially at a time when civic pride should be a part of their education.
The Union Square Branch in its first year of operation in its new location has certainly fulfilled all expectations. Book circulations and registered borrowers have more than doubled. The West Branch is sadly in need of repair, the furniture is falling apart, window shades in deplorable condition and the lighting facilities so poor it is necessary to keep a flashlight on hand to read the titles of books on the lower shelves.
The adoption of the new salary scale two years ago plus the $200. general salary increase to all city employees has stemmed the rapid staff turnover we have been experiencing. Our only regret is that we are not in a financial position to induce college graduates to join our staff because of the more lucrative inducements of the teaching profession. We have and have had some excellent prospects who have served as part time attendants during their high school and college careers, with definite interest in the library profession, leave upon graduation because we cannot match the statewide teaching salaries. It is sad that a Junior High School Librarian, with less hours of work and with no night schedule assignments, can start at a salary higher than any of our department heads with years of experience.
Our library public relations program originated in 1953 and is designed to acquaint the public with the availability of library services and the ease with which patrons may use them con- tinues its effectiveness. Under the able direction of Mr. John T. Mackey, Assistant Librarian, a panel consisting of himself and three department heads have addressed over sixty civic, fraternal, religious and parent-teacher associations on the edu- cational and recreational value of the library to our community. Each week annotated lists of new books are published in the Somerville Journal Press, supplemented periodically with fea- ture articles on a wide variety of subject fields, plus stories stressing the services of the library are published in the Somer-
255
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ville edition of the Boston American and the Somerville Journal Press. Miss Gloria Graham each month cleverly and artistically prepared lists of new books, phonograph records and special lists on varied subject areas for distribution at all library locations.
The request for the services of the Hospital Librarian is increasing to the extent that it is almost impossible to meet the demand. In addition to two weekly rounds of the Central and Somerville Hospitals, and services to most of the Rest Homes in the city we are receiving innumerable calls from shut-ins. A station wagon would be of invaluable assistance in this department as now we, out of necessity, depend upon the generosity of our staff members for the use of their personal automobiles to cover the city. In the past week we have re- ceived a call pleading with us to service the Capen Street Housing Project for the Aged from elderly people who cannot undertake the long trek to the Teele Square Branch Library. With our limited resources we are attempting to fulfil the re- quests for this service.
The cooperation which we have received from the School Department this year has been outstanding and to our mutual benefit. Several meetings attended by Miss Holmes of the Reference Department and Miss Adams of our School Depart- ment, Mr. George Hickey, High School Librarian and the three Junior High School Librarians to discuss their various problems have brought the responsibilities of the Public Library and the School Libraries into better focus. The old humbug of term papers assigned to pupils in various subject areas without our knowledge has been corrected. Previously, students were served on a first come, first served basis with the result that all ma- terials on certain subjects were in circulation and therefore, not available for the late comers. Now, with advance advise- ment, information on the needed subjects is held in reserve for use in the library buildings and made available for all.
An important innovation suggested by Mr. Francis X. Rooney, Head of the High School English Department was adopted. Regularly scheduled classes for all members of the college courses of the High School were held at the Central Library. The various procedures and services of the library were described with special emphasis on cataloging procedures and the use of the card catalogue, the various services offered by the Reference Department, and an explanation of the book and phonograph record borrowing privileges. Upon the con- clusion of the course a guided tour of the library was conducted to emphasize the location of our various facilities.
256
ANNUAL REPORTS
Again we are indebted to Mr. Charles Kelley of the Recre- ation Department for his cooperation in sponsoring a joint story hour at the Central Junior Library every Friday afternoon con- ducted by Mr. Walter Flaherty. We also were fortunate to have Miss Paula Galligani, a Somerville resident and a student at Boston College School of Education, volunteer her services as a story teller at the Teele Square Branch each Friday. Miss Galligani has undertaken this project as part of her teacher practice experience, a requirement of the college.
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