USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1922 > Part 8
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16
SEWERS
In the Sewer division, a right-of-way was sold across the filter bed grounds to the New England Power Co. The scrub timber on the south- erly end of the beds was cut off to allow a free sweep of drying winds over the beds and this action was very emphatically approved by the state in- spector.
The new hose, as recommended last year, was purchased because of necessity in having it to flush properly the dead ends, and I must again state the need for repairing a leaky roof in the filter bed shed, painting the structure, and installing a new weir for flow measurement.
Undoubtedly the extension of the sewer to Farmer's village, as request- ed by the people in that vicinity would be only fair and just, and I recom- mend its construction as soon as possible.
DRAINS
A continuation of the surface water drainage plans should be projected and I believe a project in conjunction with the state at the intersection of Highland Avenue and Washington Street should be settled upon and construction started. Also the drain laid on Hodges Street, from the river to Mechanic Street in 1921 be extended up Hodges Street as far as John Street; and that the area around Peck Street, Hope Street, and Peck Avenue, and Leroy Street, be properly and finally taken care of. I think this last proposition can be done in conjunction with a study for changing the grade line of Bank Street between the Gee Whiz tracks and the new bridge, and a permanent benefit obtained by all concerned.
Without question, the drains which we have under construction at present will be finished in the coming year and extensions to same will be considered.
107
ANNUAL REPORT
A. B. C. STREET RAILWAY
The A. B. C. railway, in my opinion, based upon its financial statement since the city acquired it and with due knowledge of the condition of road- bed, overhead and rolling stock, is a problem which should be settled by a representative committee of all of the parties interested, headed by His Honor, the Mayor. If the road is to remain as a going proposition, its exact status should be broadcasted and a definite policy satisfactory to those concerned should be laid out to cover a minimum period of five years. If the alternative of gas driven vehicles privately owned is decided upon as the best means to give service to the people now served by the A. B. C. line, the quicker the decision is made the better it will be for all concerned. With the problem as it now is, the actual operating, controlled by a private corporation and a controversy with the abuttors in process, I believe that a definite decisive policy could be arrived at in a comparatively short time and I await the pleasure of His Honor, the Mayor, to adopt any changes which may be recommended and approved.
PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE
Because of the varied tasks and the enlarged field of the employees in this department, our normal office force has been exceedingly busy hand- ling the increased details which go with our expansion. It was found necessary during December to add the services of an additional clerk, a Mrs. Rhodes, to assist in getting out the water bills. Outside of this, however, the efforts of our regular girls have been highly satisfactory in ably handling the work as it arose. To realize the breadth of their efforts a little study of the extent of our endeavors will enlighten any observer.
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
The city engineer, aided by two assistants for the full year and by three assistants for the first quarter, has had ample work to perform in keeping abreast of the department needs. Mr. Westcott, a private engineer, has been working in conjunction with and under the direction of this division in starting a city survey in the south end of the city. At different times when needed, laborers have been withdrawn from other divisions to assist whenever possible in the tasks where they were needed. In speaking of engineering work in this department, it is well to bear in mind the varied tasks which arise from the different divisions for engineering service. The duties covered include street surveys, drain surveys, study, estimate and design; water extensions, layouts and estimates; establishing line and grades for curbing; designing and establishing lines and grades for highways; making a comprehensive study to properly start a cor- rect city plan; studying, projecting, locating, designing and inspecting. new bridges, and any maintenance jobs in the field which are bound to arise from time to time. Besides this, plans are supplied upon request to the Mayor or Council, compilation as rapidly as possible of plat records of field surveys, corrections wherever possible of old records, aid upon request the planning board and the assessors and, as occasion demands, work in conjunction with the State engineers and private surveyors lo- cated in our city. It will be well for interested parties to study the tabular form accompanying this report, covering an outline of the activities of this division.
Mr. Westcott, of North Attleboro, was selected for the survey work in the south part of the city because of his wide experience in laying out the original plats in that section, and a close acquaintance and general knowl- edge gathered from a long business career with the people and happenings in the south part of our city. In this sort of work his special experience makes him a very valuable man for the job. He has turned over to this office an outline of his work and a draft of the ground covered, which will
.
108
ANNUAL REPORT
be worked up and added to from time to time. Persons interested can obtain further details by applying to the office of the city engineer between the hours of 8:00 A. M. and 5:00 P. M., except Saturdays, when the office is closed, unless for some special reason, at 12 M.
1921 ROADS.
The 1921 balance which was carried over for the year was expended as listed in the itemized account. The final payments due the Simpson Bros. Contracting Company were settled up and a piece of South Avenue be- tween Tiffany and West Streets was penetrated and the shoulders of the south line job dressed down and oiled. On West Street the road was widened along by Orr's Pond as you turn by the ice-house, in order that it should be safe for the use of pedestrians. Without question this was a decided improvement and it took a very considerable amount of time and material; yet, with the high-speed motor traffic and the car line opera- ting on one side, I am sure the citizens will appreciate the pains taken for the safety of the pedestrian along this route.
EMORY STREET DRAIN.
After considerable debate, a drain was authorized on Emory Street, the work started and carried from Thacher Brook to Sturdy Street, al- though the Council vote and Mayor's signature were received at this office, July 24, 1922, it was late in the year before the material could be obtained and the work started.
SOUTH MAIN STREET DRAIN.
On the authorized drain on South Main Street some clearing, grubbing, stripping and slight excavation was done in order to keep up the agreement with the Lamb Estate, which was signed in October I believe.
CAMBRIDGE STREET DRAIN.
While there was some material on hand to start work on the Cam- bridge Street authorized drain, as shown by the account, I am under the impression that a release from Mr. Perry was not obtained and the work therefore was not started.
EMERGENCY APPROPRIATION.
There was an emergency appropriation voted by the Council April 4, 1922 for $1,000 and $45.00 refund added to this account gave work to some of the help who were thrown out of employment by the closing ยท down of their regular occupations. This money was spent in cleaning out the Dodgeville bank preparatory to the season's work, putting Phillips Street into far better condition than it ever was before, doing some work required by law on the rifle range, filling up some wash-outs in sidewalks and highways, and cleaning up and grading on the Peck lot. Several valuable tasks were completed and paid for from these funds and work was given to a number of needy people.
BRIDGES.
In July 1921, your Superintendent recommended the need of a new bridge structure at Bank Street over the Bungay river. The recom- mendation was submitted following a close inspection of the structure then existing and a serious study for its replacement. This recommenda- tion was referred to His Honor, the Mayor, and an examination was made
109
ANNUAL REPORT
by him in company with the City Engineer and Superintendent of Public Works. The matter was then referred to the Municipal Council and by them to the committee on streets. This committee visited the structure and after thoroughly satisfying themselves as to its need recommended a new bridge, recommendations, plans, and estimates for which should be submitted by His Honor, the Mayor, from the Public Works Department. The subject was again brought to the attention of the Municipal Council by His Honor, the Mayor, in March 1922. The council committee after inspecting the bridge with the Mayor and Superintendent of Public Works, ordered it closed. June 3, 1922, Mayor Brady requested $3,000 for a new wooden bridge at Bank Street. The matter was debated and laid on the table. On June 20th, the Council voted that bids be obtained for a new bridge at Bank Street, and in July the Mayor withdrew his recom- mendation for a wooden structure at Bank Street, acting upon the advice of Mr. Dean, Chief Engineer, Public Works Department of the State of Massachusetts, and requested instead a concrete structure supported by piles. The council voted in favor of this improvement, and again requested that bids be received. The engineering department, under the direction of your Superintendent, took the plans which they had already shown to the Municipal Council and went into further detail in the study for a founda- tion. The plans, as finally laid out, were examined by Charles R. Gow, a consulting expert on soft foundations, and with slight modifications were approved. The work was advertised and wash borings taken by the Artesian Well and Supply Company, Providence, R. I. Seven contractors submitted figures and the bids were opened on August 24th. Upon Aug- ust 28th, the contract was awarded to the Engineering Service & Con- struction Company, of Boston. Work was started August 31st, and pile driving for the foundations was completed on October 18th. The con- tractors finished pouring concrete on December 11th, and since that time the city forces have, as favorable opportunities presented themselves, started the heavy fill which is needed before the street can be opened.
In 1921 this department after its regular inspection of bridges marked the crossing of the Ten Mile River at Water Street for further study. When the initial soundings for the Bank Street work had been completed, equipment and crew with sounding rods were put to work on Water Street. There was no question as to the need of replacing the structure which then existed (the floor rested upon log cribs) which was of a very flimsy nature, and was relatively expensive to maintain in safety because of its type and age. Designs, plans, and estimates were drawn up by our engineering department, under the supervision of your Superintendent, and were sub- mitted to His Honor, the Mayor, and the Municipal Council, and they in- vestigated in person the conditions in the field. In June 1922, the Council voted that bids be obtained for this structure and it was decided to com- bine the work on Water Street with that on Bank Street in advertising so that a lower unit cost might be obtained. The Engineering Service & Construction Company, of Boston, being low bidders on the consolidated structures, were investigated as to reliability and competency and the work was awarded to them on August 28th, 1922. Work commenced there within a few weeks and the concrete pouring was completed the 18th of December. Since that time the city forces have been engaged in complet- ing the fill behind the retaining walls and it is expected that the bridge will be passable some time in January 1923.
In passing, will say that the Engineering Service and Construction Company gave us full value and performed their contract in an excellent and expeditious manner, all things considered. There is as yet some strip- ping and finishing to be done on both structures, proper filling behind the abutments to be completed, the bridge decks to be surfaced, and hand rails to be set on top of the retaining walls. $30,000 was appropriated for this
110
ANNUAL REPORT
work and it is my opinion that we will finish within the appropriation. The sand and stone used on these jobs was sold by the city and handled to the job in such a manner as to be a prime factor in speeding up progress. Without question the combining of the city forces with the contractor re- duced considerably the total cost of the work performed. Comparisons of our unit prices with those of other structures awarded in our vicinity at the same time as these are thoroughly convincing upon this point. It has been the ambition of all the forces connected with this work to do tlie job so well that all of our intelligent people will feel satisfied that they have obtained face value for the money expended. The work was carried on night and day, Sundays and holidays, in order that expense might be saved the city by pouring concrete after the winter had definitely settled down upon us. An itemized statement of the expenditures involved on these two bridges to date accompanies this report.
MECHANIC STREET BRIDGES.
Approximately $3,150 was carried over into 1922 to complete the struc- tures at Mechanic Street. Before work was begun in 1922 exceedingly heavy rains allowed a concentration of water on the extensive slopes which drain towards Mechanic Street, and with the velocity obtained from such slopes washed out part of our fill each side of the canal bridge. It was an especially accurate illustration of the direct need for the extension of sur- face water drainage as designed for this vicinity. By consolidating the cleaning of catch basins and our road scraping adjacent to the wash-outs we were able to absorb the charges for repairs in our maintenance account completely except for about sixty ($60) dollars.
An inspection of our yards in the early part of the year allowed the department to use about four hundred fifty feet of curbing which had been unused for some years. While it is true that some of this was second- hand, the results obtained with it are very satisfactory and the cost of this curb in place very reasonable. Other cut stone whichi was at the yard was utilized to extend back on the return retaining walls on the westerly side of the canal bridge, and in my opinion will work out to good advantage. The fencing of about six hundred feet wooden two- rail fence had two coats of white paint applied and sets off the work in fine shape and replaces an old rotten fence which was really unsafe. About one hundred twenty feet of iron pipe railing fence was placed atop a con- crete return wall on both bridges by Pope and Read, under contract, and painted by the city men.
A penetration pavement was placed between the bridges and from the canal bridge westerly past Third Street so as to include the return into Third Street. Round corners were set at Third Street and the pavement limited by cobble gutter-total gutter laid was about one hundred sixty square yards and the total pavement about one thousand fifty square yards. The stone used was a product of our own men and equipment and the as- phalt for the penetration was salvaged from 1920 refined asphalt stored in the yard, while the seal coat was paid for from the bridge funds and ap- plied by motor truck. An additional catch basin was added to the drain already built, and it seems to me the work of the bridge projects can be considered quite complete and what is more satisfactory inside of the limit set by funds available.
GENERAL BRIDGE ACCOUNT.
The triple planked wooden decking across Thacher Brook at Emory Street has been a source of constant trouble to this department because of the fact that heavy trucks were either going over it, or owing to its lack of strength, compelled to detour. Something had to be done and the top was ripped up and the job of pointing up the old stone wall and setting a
111
ANNUAL REPORT
24" outlet for a contemplated surface water drain and the placing of a heavy concrete slab within the street lines of Emory Street over the brook was given to Olof Pearson working under the direct supervision of this department and the city engineer. For a relatively small sum a real good job was obtained. Since it has been opened all vehicles use it, including the steam roller.
RESURFACING.
$4,000. was appropriated for this account and $10,000. was transferred from 1921 balance, making $14,000. allowed for this account not including the extra $400. appropriated for resurfacing part of Mechanic St. between North Main and Hodges Sts.
Bank Street was gullied and in bad shape on the hill. All surface it was possible to save was saved, while the gutters were brought up and tlie road extended to them. This work was carried on bearing in mind the probability of a heavy increase in traffic after the new bridge was open.
At Brown Street there has been complaint for many years of two bad mud-holes, particularly in the Spring of the year. One of these is located just North of Robinson Ave. while the other is between Adamsdale Road and Allen Ave. The clay base was taken out from these places and put over on Newport Ave. A stone fill was then made and a gravel dressing placed upon it. I do not anticipate any further trouble at these localities.
Carpenter Street in the block between South Main and Union Sts. was in a deplorable condition. It was scarified and a No. 2 stone top put in, surfaced, waterbound and blanketed with a bituminous top. The corners were reinforced with a bituminous binder and I expect to get more service out of this piece of road subjected to hard usage from light traffic.
During the winter, some of the City forces were engaged in gravelling Clifton St. in places where there had been complaint and in the spring they worked on mud-holes on West Street between Clifton St. and the Ceme- tery. Later on there was further work done on West St. near Uhlig's Hill. The road was in excellent condition going into winter.
The citizens of George St. between Park and Dunham Sts., seem very well satisfied with a light No. 2 stone penetration, sealed, which was placed on coarse gravel laid on a sand cushion over the clay base which was uncovered.
In South Attleboro, Newport Ave., received some attention between Orr's Corner and Oldtown and was brought to fair shape. This road also received some attention down in the hollow before climbing the sand-hill to the race-track. It is without doubt a desirable ambition to properly construct and maintain this road in its entirety through the City.
Robinson Ave. between Brown St. and Highland Ave. was gravelled and put in first-class shape, the top oiled, and later a bituminous blanket placed on it. The same treatment was applied to a piece of Highland Ave. between Robinson Ave. and Oak St. Will say that while this treatment for Highland Ave. was the best available funds allowed, there is no question but what this thoroughfare should be of a heavy and proper construction to take care of increasingly heavier travel between the Boston Pike and the Blackstone Valley main road.
North Main St. between John St. and Dean St. was found to be ravell- ing and opening up so that water was affecting it, a seal coat with a dust cover was squeegeed over it and will undoubtedly be of great advantage in preserving it.
Olive St. over-pass on both slopes has been in bad shape according to reports for many years. The opportunity presented itself to do a good job at a reasonable figure. The citizens using it have been kind enough to express satisfaction at the result.
112
ANNUAL REPORT
Thacher St. between the railroad and So. Main St. was brought into excellent condition for the first time in many years. The hill approaching the railroad was in particularly bad shape. It is not an easy approach to work, but, for the money expended, I feel that the forces employed have obtained a commendable result.
After finishing Uhlig's Hill off with some of the material excavated from South Ave., it was decided to help out Tiffany St. on both sides of South Avenue and thereby silence the complaints from the R. F. D. carrier. The work has been finished some considerable time and I feel that as these complaints have ceased it is probably satisfactory to all who use it.
There are innumerable other streets here in the City which have been treated as favorably as the needs demanded and the funds permitted. Accompanying this report is a list of the same.
STREET CLEANING.
There is no doubt but what the spring and fall scraping when properly performed is a great aid in maintaining the outside gravelled roads. This work, however, is a job for a tractor and while the horses did as well as could be expected in the current year, I have every hope that we will have a tractor in years to come. Gutter cleaning is a job that could be done monthly to good advantage if the funds were available. However, to clean gutters by hand is expensive and I believe that if the residents would co-operate that a more lasting benefit would be obtained in the spring and fall cleaning. His Honor the Mayor and the Municipal Council co- operated in the Clean-Up Week by supplying the funds which were ex- pended by this Department in handling the rubbish and material to be carried away and in levelling and cleaning up dumps adjacent to the center of the City. It is only fair to remark that numerous citizens have aided the department in keeping the gutters cleared by having the curb cut and abolishing the boards which they had been using to ease the ap- proaches to their garages.
STREET SWEEPING.
Two regular street sweepers have been employed for the year and are aided as the need arises by other personnel from the Highway Division. With the extension of hard surfaced roads, the use of a motor driven pick- up sweeper will be worth considering.
STREET PATCHING.
His Honor, the Mayor, and the Municipal Council seemed to realize full well the problem that has faced them in patching up our highways as. they are disintegrated by an ever increasing stream of motor vehicles. A , patrol truck was purchased and has certainly performed royally by giving constant attention to our black-top highways. At other times this truck has been used on gravel patching on the outside untreated highways. Our personnel can be compared very favorably for skill in patching with those of any of the surrounding communities. They are entitled to con- siderable credit for the interest they take in doing good work.
SIDEWALKS-MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS.
The maintenance of sidewalks has been handled by the Highway forces at such favorable times as were possible. There is no question, however, in my mind but what a progressive bonded program for permanently im- proving our sidewalks would be the proper thing to handle efficiently the problem of giving comfort to the pedestrian. It is to be hoped that the
113
ANNUAL REPORT
development of such a scheme can be brought forward in the very near future and a program started for a first class granolithic walk, retained by curbing, to supplant the old tar concrete and eroded gravel walks which are so plentiful in the City at the present time.
SNOW AND ICE.
With the means at our command, the best results possible were obtained in keeping the walks and the business section of the city clean of snow and ice for the winter of 1921-1922. It seems that about all of the snow for the season came in the early months of 1922. It was also true that the 1922-1923 winter settled down earlier and more severely than usual and as a result the money expended for snow and ice removal has been in excess of the appropriation as estimated. Of course, it is understood that a snowstorm is an act of the Lord and nobody can foresee the exact size of the problem of its removal.
MACHINERY AND TOOLS.
Another Conant Loader, some new tar kettles, and other implements of proven quality have been purchased under the Machinery and Tools account. While this account in some cases took the major portion of the expense, part of the charges have been written up against some of our bonded accounts, which I feel is a fair way of making these accounts pay for the benefits derived from the implements charged. As soon as funds are available for the consolidation at Forest St., I am sure the proper plan to handle any machines or equipment the Department purchases will be brought to a head and I firmly believe this should be done at as early a date as possible.
CRUSHERS.
All of the stone for our patching, for the two South Main St. jobs, and for part of South Avenue, as well as stone for Carpenter St., Olive St., Hill, George St., and such other streets as used stone, except South Avenue was passed thru our crushers during the past year. Our costs have been maintained at as low an ebb as possible in keeping with the age and con- dition of the crushing plant which we have to work with. I might add incidentally that the prime factor in keeping this cost down was the co- operation from the men in studying ways and means to fetch loads of stone on their return from trips to the different parts of the City, giving them a full load both ways and reducing considerably the initial cost of the stone to be crushed. We should have a new modern stone-crushing plant in this City with a proper set of truck scales adjacent thereto.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.