USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1924 > Part 11
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 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19
131
ANNUAL REPORT
the past years here in this city, it has been our experience that the lowest bidder in road oils is not always the cheapest man to do good work. Ex- perience in this particular has been very definite.
Our city has been fortunate, however, in that the responsible companies have gone to considerable pains to cooperate with the requests of the Superintendent, and have even been glad to send us, whenever possible, personnel with their equipment whom we were positive had the ability required for our type and standard of work.
Our results and costs on the continued use of our loader and the development of our sand bank has been really a source of considerable satisfaction during this past year.
CRUSHERS.
Under our crushers account arrangements were made to trade in our old Acme at North Avenue and for $700 additional, plus the freight, we received a rebuilt Acme of the same size and capacity. On the whole and considering that the price for a new machine would be close to three times what we did pay for a machine from which we will obtain the same service, the trade may be considered to the City's advantage. In addition to this charge under crushers there was a payroll for dismantling and handling the old crusher out of place and the rebuilt crusher into place, as well as taking care of running repairs to elevators, screens, and other appurtenances during the year. Also this payroll covered money expended to dismantle and raise from its deep pit at Forest Street our ancient Farrell crusher, which was used in advertising for another replacement. The balance of the money approximating $125 was for running repair parts such as crusher jaws, boxes, drive chains, etc.
MACHINERY AND TOOLS.
.
Our old Farrell crusher having been utilized to advertise for a trade, the offer received from the Acme Company for a rebuilt crusher in ex- change, plus $800 net on the cars here at Attleboro, the crusher being the same type, kind, and size as the previous unit mentioned from this com- pany, was considered as the best opportunity for the city. The deal was consummated toward the very end of the year and arrangements made to have the shipment of this crusher handled for the late winter or early spring. To make the proper hook up for this unit, it will without question be necessary to obtain gear shafting, elevator parts, etc., in addition to that material which we have already on hand.
Two sidewalk snow plows were also purchased under this account, and a dump Ford cab and body to go with a unit to be jointly used by this division and the Water Works division was charged off under this ac- count. In the early part of the season a highway line marker was pur- chased to use in our traffic painting and has indeed given good service. This machine does not look intricate or costly, but the price in my opinion is set by the limited market and patented protection. I feel that the machine was a fine proposition during the past year and without question will be of considerable service to us in the coming year.
Besides this new equipment, repairs on our old equipment to keep it constantly in shape for work were found to be necessary, and in addition our small tools and equipment such as lanterns, shovels, wrenches, and numerous other small articles were purchased as needed and charged under this account for our maintenance purposes. I wish to call to your attention at this time the fact that our bonded jobs have always had written
132
ANNUAL REPORT
off against them as a fair charge their proportionate share of small tools and our charge under this account is kept as small as is possible, bearing in mind all of the conditions affecting the various accounts.
ROLLERS.
In our steam roller account, under materials, the large item approx- imating $334.69 is for a car of coal for the use of the rollers during the Another relatively large item is $43.75 for oil. In addition to this the boiler inspection, and miscellaneous valve parts and wearing parts on the engine of the steam roller total up the balance, except for a small charge for rewiring the roller shed, which is included herewith. Our labor item is composed of the charges for unloading coal, $35.18; over- hauling our two rollers and portable boiler, $140.48; and painting the roller building, $22.89, and it is well to note there that no charge is written off for the material which is carried over from a previous year. The balance of this item is for miscellaneous repairs, approximating $41.77, and covers numerous incidental small items properly chargeable against this account.
I feel that at this time the urgency of the existing demand of this department for a second serviceable road roller with scarifier attachment cannot be stressed too strongly. In considering, the opportunities for use, the conditions and fair depreciation charges which should be made against our present equipment, must be taken into consideration.
AUTOMOBILES.
During the years 1921, 1922, 1923 and 1924 our two Mack trucks have given a wonderful exhibition of motor truck service. From the most strenuous construction jobs in the summer to pushing and handling snow in the winter their tasks have been many and varied. However, in ad- dition to the fact that their replacement period as a commercial invest- ment has arrived, I feel that an additional truck larger and heavier than our 312 ton should be included in our highway fleet, and therefore I re- commend urgently the purchase of a heavy duty five-ton dump body motor driven truck for the highway division in the coming year. In addition to these large units, we have had in service continuously. during 1922, 1923, and 1924 an International one ton chassis with a hand dump body which has given remarkable service. I say this advisedly because it has been assigned most of the time to patrol job work and other runabout jobs which subject a truck in constant starting and stopping to a severe wearing strain. Consideration of this service must be given this unit, and a replacement for it figured upon in the near future.
A light Ford runabout, purchased in 1923, has been utilized to great advantage for numerous small jobs and owes us nothing. In addition, the Ford chassis purchased last year by the Water division with a dump body paid for from highway funds has been used by the highway division whenever there was an opportunity so that it may be considered as having been of very considerable service to the highway division in its operations.
During the past year a like purchase added another Ford unit to our fleet, and it has been found that this closed cab hand dump body, one ton Ford, low geared, is a very real aid in taking care of numerous small de- tails which constantly crop up under modern highway operating condi- tions.
It is to be expected, of course, that the automobiles of this division should be replaced and added to, as mentioned above, so that the main- tenance fund covering the expenses which go to the upkeep of such ma- chines will be kept within a reasonable limit.
133
ANNUAL REPORT
INCIDENTALS, FREIGHT AND INCIDENTALS.
The control of maintaining our vacation figure within conservative limits under highway accounts in face of the ever increasing highway problems, and bearing in mind the law which this city has accepted,resolves itself into a problem warranting serious thought.
Under the insurance item for highways there is an account for com- pensation insurance which accounts for the largest part of the money expended. In addition to this there is a further contractor's liability policy which is also a very sizeable item. The amount of these two policies depends directly as you know upon the payroll audits at rates set and approved by the proper insurance bureau and the State officials, as I understand it. In addition there are small items for fire insurance cover- ing highway buildings and contents.
The incidentals which have been charged off under our highway account during the past year are mostly for recording new street layouts. This item has been very conservatively handled, and wherever possible, charges have been placed to cover jobs directly concerned as it is not our intention to run up a large incidental account if it is possible to avoid.
DRAINS CARRIED OVER FROM 1923.
The so-called South Main Street drain was built across a platted street on the Lamb property between South Main Street and the river with the understanding there would be adequate cover for the pipe, shaped to fall in with the profile of the proposed street. This covering, or grading, was to be outlined within three years. Therefore, in the early part of the current year, after the proper charges for replacing in stock some 15" vitrified pipe, which had been used under the sidewalk on South Main Street, were written off, the surplus available under this account was utilized toward the grading, as understood by this department. Most of the gravel and material used was hauled from the South Main Street bank and the right of way brought to a reasonably close outline of the proposed way mentioned above. As a matter of record I wish to state that it is the understanding of this department that this property has since changed hands.
It will be noted from last year's report that there was a considerable surplus on Cambridge Street drain. It is mentioned that this surplus showing, as of the 31st of December 1923, was built up to a considerable degree by utilizing for the Cambridge Street drain material of different kinds on hand at our different yards. This included some pipe, iron work, brick, considerable sheeting and tools, such as trench jacks, hand tools, etc. It seemed only fair that a proper distribution of overhead charges and a replenishment of stock, which might be used in light drainage work as projected for the current year, should be charged off against this account. This was done accordingly. Much of the material replacement written off under this account was turned to good advantage on the Hodges Street drain, which had been authorized late in the year 1923, and the final funds for which were voted under the 1924 Sewers and Drains bond issue of August, current year. A shifting bottom on the lower end of this Cam- bridge Street drain called for some additional labor and the dressing off of the Perry hayfield, rounding the corners at Angell Street, and other work required to properly complete this project was taken up during this year. From the balance carried over on Emory Street, a small charge covering the proportionate share of hand tools, etc., was written off, and I believe that the balance available with any surplus from Cambridge Street will be
134
ANNUAL REPORT
taken up in a final consolidation of the charges accruing under the 1924 sewers and drains. It is reasnable to believe that with the conditions which were uncovered on these 1924 projects this money will be needed to aid in the final payment of these accounts.
1924 SEWERS AND DRAINS.
In October of 1923, the Honorable Municipal Council voted to have plans and estimates made for the extension of the sewer system on Lexing- ton Avenue, Short St., Riverside Ave., Water Street, West Street, and North Avenue and the Mayor was requested to recommend the necessary appropriations. When this project was finally taken up, the Committee eliminated North Avenue; but included in the bond issue, the surface drain voted in October of the previous year for Hodges Street between John Street and Mechanic Street, and also included a surface water drain on West Street extending from the brook just easterly of the intersection with North Avenue to the Sharp property, adjoining Brady's rear line, where there has been a continual complaint owing to lack of drainage. This point and the sag in the street profile adjacent to the schoolhouse property were two compelling factors in the decision to construct the West street drain.
The desirability of properly improving Hodges Street, the hill of which was continually washed out, governed the approval of drainage for Hodges Street prior to surfacing the highway.
On Lexington Avenue and Short Street overflowing cess pools have been the cause of steady complaint to the Health Officer, so I understand for several years, and it is without doubt a serious public necessity to relieve the conditions complained of. In order to conform to the sewer lay-out and relieve Short Street, it was necessary to construct a lateral through Riverside Avenue to the intersection of Short Street, and thence on Short Street to the terminus laid out.
In Lexington Avenue the gravity layout as projected originally to handle this locality was upset because of the great unproductive expendi- ture the original plan would require in order to tap the trouble spots on Lexington Avenue.
The work toward relieving the Farmers district and West Street was initiated because of high ground water level not allowing adequate cess pools in the district around North Avenue and West Street, and including lower Water Street. In addition to this reason, I believe a series of com- plaints covering pollution of the Ten Mile River and small brook tribu- taries in this locality are on record.
There was also included under the bond issue a small extension from South Main Street at the end of the present sewer southerly to include the next street intersection to accomodate Mrs. Johnson. An inspection of this program and the desirability for its accomplishment bearing in mind the need of helping the department organization, if possible, during the winter decided the construction methods.
On the Hodges Street drain the city forces having opportunity at hand in the late spring had already taken hold of the project and in an economical manner brought it from Mechanic Street northwesterly to the foot of the hill. This work was prior to the bond issue and was inade possible by the use of material including pipe, bracing, etc., which was on hand and available as a credit replacement of stock written off against the
135
ANNUAL REPORT
Cambridge Street drain, as noted above. In making up the final costs of Hodges Street, a recapitulation particularly of material would include items from these two accounts mentioned. The economical development made possible by this method can be understood by summarizing the costs listed under Hodges Street drain included in our statistics.
The iron pipe sanitary sewer extension through the Farmers district and West Street was advertised as a contract and awarded to Charles Callahan, lowest bidder, of Boston, in the latter part of the year. Work on this project began at once. The bulk of the work on the West Street drain has been accomplished by the city forces from the brook to the wet places mentioned. There are places where this is a deep cut, wet bottom, and fine running sandy soil, difficult to handle but at this time almost completed.
On Lexington Avenue the city forces undertook what was relatively a short trench job which in reality turned out to be a very mean under- taking having considerable rock excavation, loose coarse gravel overlay, and nests of boulders in the trench bottom to be overcome. The work, however, was interesting and ideal considering the season of the year (winter).
On Riverside Avenue and Short Street rapid progress was made by the city forces. The excavation was through sandy material and the river controlling the ground water level was low enough so that there was no interference with the work through this means. Because of the wintry weather most of the trench, which ranged in depth from six to nine feet, was excavated without the need of bracing, the frost acting as an ally to the workmen. I am convinced that this advantage more than offset the usual loss which can be charged off in this kind of work to winter weather.
The short piece of sewer on South Main Street to complete the sewer program can easily be taken care of very soon. The early spring will see the sewers constructed by the city forces in operation and the drains, Hodges Street and West Street, while not completed in detail at present are already doing the work for which they were constructed. The Hodges Street drain in the second stage from the foot of the hill northwesterly to John Street was worked out along original lines consolidating catch basins with manholes to avoid conflict in alignment with the gas and water pipes which appear to have been located without any reasonable definite control, as compared to the street or curb outline. In looking up this drainage construction project, it was found that the record of Hodges Street as an accepted way was absent from the road book, and the pro- cedure of properly outlining and recording the desired highway was legally gone through in order to protect the city's investments of the past, present, and future in this location.
The statistical record included in this report will show the status of these sewers and drains, as of December 31, current year.
In addition to this, the Municipal Council having voted in December of 1923, and the Mayor having approved the rounding of corners and elimination of rolled gutters at the intersection of Pine and Pearl Streets necessitating an improvement of drainage conditions at this location, it was deemed advisable to utilize the funds available for this drainage improvement. This project called for rebuilding of an existing catch basin and the construction of three new basins, complete with throat stones, with the necessary connections to the manhole centered over the drain outlet to be used. The repaving of the adjusted gutter was also
136
ANNUAL REPORT
taken care of, and the highway at this intersection, after the excavating and back filling, was brought into first-class condition with trap rock and asphalt penetration. This work also includes the purchase and setting of the circle curb as shown in the lay-out recorded. The finished job is indeed a very attractive improvement and a good example to use in favor of eliminating other bad street intersections on Pine and Union Streets.
It is our intention to further dress up this vicinity by having a grano- lithic sidewalk placed at the four rounded corners, and, if possible. induce the street railway company to accomodate the increased throat entry to Pearl Street on their side with additional paving to maintain the surface between the rails.
LIGHTING.
Before the year had advanced very far into the second quarter, a policy of improving our street lighting in the center was developed and it was also decided that it would be advisable when this new system was inaugurated to have all night lights here in our city. These improvements it is expected will add approximately fifty percent to our annual lighting bill, but the decision for the improvement was probably governed by a serious study based upon similar experience as to the benefits which ob- tain for a progressive and growing modern community. The G. M. Gest Company working under contract with the Attleboro Steam and Electric Company installed, in accordance with plans on file and under an agree- ment approved by the proper authorities, the necessary duct lines and fixtures. The old lighting agreement expired as of September 30, and the new program was opened up as effective October 1st. There was con- siderable celebrating of the occasion with music and dancing in Monument Square.
There will without any question be a further extension of these im- proved lights in coming years, and I believe that constructive suggestions from our citizens will be appreciated in the future development. I feel that different groups of citizens in the outlying districts should consolidate in their efforts, in conjunction with the Steam & Electric Company and the city authorities, to obtain properly planned extensions to serve the isol- ated population with new lights.
GARAGE.
Under the authority granted by the Mayor and Municipal Council a contract was entered into with Fuller and Barrowman to construct a brick garage with tar gravel roof and sky lights at the Forest Street yard. In- cluded were foundation, walls, and roof with electrical details, windows, doors, painting, etc., excluding, however, the floor and partition. This garage was to house all of our highway vehicles and allow protection not only to the machines but to the workers handling them for running repairs and other details required in their operation and upkeep. The excavation of considerable clay material for a proper foundation for a heavy floor was completed by highway forces, and Olof Pearson put in a very satisfactory cement job designed with the idea in mind of the heavy loads which it would have to sustain. In addition a connection with the sanitary sewer was constructed by the city forces, and also a connection for the drain passing in Forest Street emptying into the brook so that it will be possible to wash our vehicles whole housed. This is the first modern building which this department has had in a number of years, and in view of the existing prices of construction, I consider a very adequate return was re- ceived on the money invested.
137
ANNUAL REPORT
A. B. C. ST. RY.
In the first two months of the year weather conditions were favorable to winter operation on this line and except for two derailments the usual business was handled. On March 11, however, during a very severe snow storm this line went out of commission in spite of the best efforts of our men in raising and staying the overhead, and plowing ice and snow from the rails. We were unable to get into service until Monday, March 17th The temporary trolley wire carriers remained in use until the summer sea- son came on when the J. O. poles were replaced by the telephone company. In addition to those which had fallen they looked over the line and put in such sticks as they decided would need replacement in order to avoid a repetition of the experience which we had just passed through.
The problem of reducing the cost of our ties was studied and several reject main line ties from the New York, New Haven and Hartford, while not good enough for their high speed heavy service, were valuable to us on the A. B. C. were sandwiched in with some new ties and our track expenditure was thus stretched over a further reach then would have been possible otherwise. This department because of the kindness of the New Haven in this and other instances has always tried to reciprocate in like way and manner with the New Haven when the opportunity has presented itself.
The matter of wage scales for car operators and the policy for the operation of our railroads in Attleboro, including the A. B. C., has taken a different trend during the year just past. Whereas the operators started out with an award for increased wages by arbitration, the Interstate Com- pany finding itself unable to meet bills due went into a receiver's hands and the receiver in dealing with the men and municipal authorities ex- plained exactly why they could not operate at the going scale of wages. An adjustment was made which in my opinion has extended the life of those lines affected. The problem of transportation was further com- plicated by unlicensed bus lines operating between Attleboro and Provi- dence making this traffic interstate, and not subject to any usual State law, affecting materially perhaps the intentions of the Interstate Com- pany, which of course reacted on any plans which might be in the making for the operation of the A. B. C. under the contract with the above men- tioned Interstate.
A study covering the period of operation of this A. B. C. Railroad over the last six years with attention being paid particularly to gross receipts will convince the interested observer that automobiles, having come to stay and tending to operate more and more twelve months in the year, have cut in materially to revenue which was available in the past for this trolley line. The problem of its future has got to be faced and it would seem to me that an evasion or a postponement of this day of settle- ment, all factors being considered, is not good business. Until further instructions are received, it will be our policy to continue to do our best in operating and maintaining this railroad with the facilities at our command. Numerous jobs on both the track, over head, and rolling stock are being constantly postponed awaiting the outline of a policy covering a period of years which would warrant the expenditures required.
SIGNS, CLOCK, AND NUMBERS.
A number of new signs with a composition back and aluminum num- bers and frame were erected on metal posts in important streets in and about the center. From what comment this department has heard, it will probably be desirable to expand our policy in detail by placing a greater number of these much needed street signs in the coming year.
138
ANNUAL REPORT
The usual care was taken of the city clock by Mr. W. W. Josselyn.
The rifle range used by our state troops and cared for by the city had the usual running repairs which were needed, including chain re- placement, painting, small telephone pole erections, and some clearing. Also two tax bills, one for 1923 and the other for 1924, were paid to the Town of North Attleboro.
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.