USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1925 > Part 11
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Therefore, the problem was submitted to this department for recommendation and the plan, as out- lined, was accepted and voted by the Municipal Council. The Mayor
was directed to find the funds for the purpose outlined. Conditions and the very nature of the speed at which the construction of the hospital was being carried ahead forced the action on this project so that it took priority over some other work which had been planned for this period.
The work consisted of sixty feet of 16 inch Class "B" cast iron pipe going from the brook embankment to a manhole at the northeasterly corner of Dunham Street and the Speedway, and then under the side- walk four hundred seventy (470) feet of 18 inch Akron pipe to a man- hole in the sidewalk connecting with a basin on the curb line; the hos-
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pital drain pipe coming down the driveway enters into this basin. In the coming year, there will be constructed an additional catch basin perhaps, if the funds are available, so that the project, as it now stands, is the beginning of a real development for drainage in this locality.
CAMBRIDGE AND EMORY STREET DRAIN (Carry Over)
Funds were utilized for a like purpose to that for which they were appropriated, and expended for material and labor for use at Union and East Streets, where a proper highway intersection was worked out. It was necessary and vital, in the interests of public safety and health, to reconstruct the drainage layout at this location. One of the old basins was not taking water properly, and another had become positively un- safe. In addition to this, the hook up with the main drain of the con- nections was not all that it should be. In its finality with the corners rounded, and new basins constructed, and the intersection working, a real improvement should be recorded.
There was also, as has been mentioned before, rebuilding necessary of a collapsed basin on Peck Street just westerly from Florence Street. A few dollars was spent dumping stone to protect one of the corners of the Water Street bridge approach. A study has been made of the Bank Street bridge, and also the necessity of carrying along an improvement on Maple Street over Thacher Brook.
BARROWS STREET
In order to place a record of action, a heading labeled Barrows Street was written into our accounts, and the charge against same was for plan recording at the county seat. This street, in the coming year, will have to be worked upon as it is one of the boundaries of the new school lot in South Attleboro.
UPLAND ROAD SEWER
In the fore part of the year, on February 26, and again on March 9th, a vote approving the sewer extension into Upland Road to finally accommodate the new house of John Holden was received. This ex- tension, running against the grade of the street, started with a very deep cut at its beginning, at North Main Street, and ran out to a very light cut at the property of John Holden. The idea of voting this pro- ject in the winter because of the loose boulder gravel through which the work started, resulted in saving money as the frost aided in maintaining the excavation. In addition to this aid, sheeting and bracing, which had already been used more than once, was salvaged to use to great ad- vantage on this work. As a net result the saving in dollars was con- siderable. In utilizing material in stock purchased advantageously there was further saving on this work, so in its finality the sewer service up to the limit of this extension on Upland Road is all that could be ex- pected in a rapidly growing neighborhood considering the governing features which controlled the work.
The extension is about 542 feet long, and besides the manhole ad- justment on North Main Street, has two manholes. The bare material cost approximates $350, covering only the pipe, brick and iron needed; other material coming from what was available on other work through a proper percentage allowable for breakage and loss. The cut averaged 11 feet at North Main Street and averaged 5 feet at the end of the line. The digging can be considered as difficult.
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A. B. C. STREET RAILWAY
The problem of operating the A. B. C. Street Railway during the year 1925 became part of a new development in the street car line opera- tion in this locality, the road having been operated by the Interstate Consolidated continued to carry on under the jurisdiction of the receiver, properly appointed to handle the Interstate Consolidated operation. The agreement in effect heretofore continued to be maintained, and the pri- mary improvement covering the financial condition of the line was de- rived from the decreased cost of operation put into effect as a result of the changes taking place under the receiver.
Notice of sale of the Interstate Consolidated Street Railway by re- ceiver, Zenas W. Bliss, was received on January 21st. The firm of Hemphill & Wells, as we understand it, purchased the line and took complete possession of operation on May 30th. The Hemphill & Wells firm had men here observing through the winter and spring the details of operation of the Interstate and A. B. C. and other lines subject to operation by the receiver.
The receipts during the past year, it will be noticed, include the small monthly item for advertising. It may further be noticed that the gross on income is sizeably smaller in 1925 than it was in 1924, except for the month of March when the 1924 figure was reduced considerably by the line being out of operation. from the 11th until the 17th.} It may further be noticed that the lopping off of the trips which caused crew overtime resulted in a considerable reduction in the cost of operation. After the taking by Hemphill and Wells of the Interstate Company, the proposition as to what agreement would maintain the operation of the A. B. C. Street Railway was taken up with His Honor, the Mayor, and as I understand it, the new firm desired to run along under the old agree- ment until they had a chance to study it as to the need for any changes either positive or negative. Up until the end of the year this depart- ment has had no further information as to when the new company wishes this drifting period to expire. The Superintendent, however, has recommended that this matter be closed up by an agreement such as we have had heretofore with the old company.
It has been noticed in November and December a new item on the monthly reports showing an expense of $13.75 and $17.60 respectively, for cleaning cars. It seems to me that with a storage charge, a car cleaning charge, a track and oiling charge, which of itself must cover our use of the Interstate tracks, as well as a rental charge for use of their track including the loop, imposes upon the single unit in possession of the A. B. C. a burden too heavy to bear considering the age of the plant and equipment of the operating company and the present disposi- tion of the units to which the upkeep may properly be charged.
During the year there was appropriated a sum of $2500 against which the city forces could work on their maintenance of overhead and track, as well as for car parts, etc. There was also interest of $405 which was taken care of, and a bond of $2250, which I understand was paid off. The attached statement will show receipts of $11,286.54, consisting of fares, advertising, school tickets, and miscellaneous such as from junk, etc. The expenditures under this operating report total $10,533.50, and include the Interstate operating expense, the maintenance payroll
including labor for track and overhead, as well as snow removal as ex- pended by the city forces, and maintenance material which went into the car, the track and the overhead. This shows a net operating profit of $753.04, which with the $2500 appropriated for the convenience of a fund to draw against in maintaining the line would seem to make avail- able $3,253.04. This covers the charges within the knowledge of this de- partment, but does not take into consideration any legal expenses or
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items used in settlement of claims or damages. The maintenance of this line was kept as low as possible bearing in mind the need for protecting public safety. Several pieces of broken rail were replaced, regular in- spection of the bonding and wiring was maintained, and in some in- stances it was found necessary to piece in rather extensive stretches of the trolley wire. New protection boxes for the cut outs were made up and the oiling and maintenance for the year was handled in the field by Joseph Guimond.
While the road was operating under the receiver, it was difficult to obtain monthly statements as close up as was required to maintain the usual custom of reporting every two months to the Municipal Council. Since the taking over of the road by Hemphill & Wells, these conditions have improved but are not all that is desired by the department. It is to be hoped that the new organization will speed up the sending of these reports so that the report due every two months can be handled on time, showing the conditions right up to date covering the financial status of the operation of same. It is also noted that the check covering the amounts due the city from May to November, inclusive, was received as under the date of January 4, 1926. It seems to me a monthly payment is much more desirable for income due the city, and I suggest that this idea be incorporated in any new agreement.
In summarizing I wish to state, that the income for the year, in ad- dition to fares and school tickets, was helped a little by a small adver- tising charge and a small junk item. While it is true that the income for 1925 was reduced considerably as compared to 1924, which was lower than 1923, the expense of operation under the different conditions has been reduced considerably. I am of the opinion that there are items which have been carried as fixed charges heretofore that ought to be slightly reduced. The paying off of all of the accumulative car charges in 1924 was a great factor in eliminating some of the gross deficit for expenditure balanced against income, which has been noticed in other years.
A chart showing the constant falling off of traffic on this line should be made the matter of serious study, and the value of the road as an aid to the School Department should be taken into consideration. Also a positive analysis of the effect of the operation, or non-operation, on assessable property should be looked into. Knowledge of the conditions we face in upbuilding and maintaining the track, overhead, and rolling stock also must be looked into. With these facts in mind, a decision governing the future of the road over a period of years should be ar- rived at so that a continuing policy may be outlined in the control and operation of this line.
The relatively open winter the early part of the year, and the lack of any snowfall in the late months of the year was a material factor in keeping down the maintenance figure in operating during 1925.
MAIN LINE EXTENSIONS
It is well to mention at this time that while the labor charge for the change in main at Pine Street, near Dunham Street, was carried under the Dunham Street Improvement, the material used was absorbed from stock on hand and will be charged back to Dunham Street Improve- ment, upon replacement.
At Holman and Morey Streets, a similar change being necessitated to accommodate the drain, the labor is included under drainage. Upon the material being replaced in the coming year, it will be charged off against Morey Street Improvement.
In looking over our main line work for the past year, is noticeable that we have three 8-inch jobs; 467 feet at Pearl Street placed in ac-
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cordance with a recommendation made by this department, and deemed a positive necessity from the standpoint of fire protection. Emory Street replacement-wherein there was a very small service pipe accon- modating three or four houses on Emory Street, westerly from Morey, was replaced with an 8-inch main, which then was continued under the name of Emory Street Extension to Pleasant Street, amplifying con- siderably the values of the hydrant position within a striking distance of this work. The total of the last two named jobs. was 420 feet. There is to be another hydrant set in the coming year, the branch having been left for position of said hydrant.
In addition to this 8-inch work, there has been laid 521912 feet of 6-inch pipe, which has been put into service both as replacement and extension, to accommodate the demands made upon us. A considerable portion of this construction has been in South Attleboro continuing along the lines of the past five years. It is well to note also the wide variation of the unit costs on the sub-divided jobs under this classifica- tion. There is, of course, a very definite reason for each variation, for instance : Adamsdale Avenue, Curtis Avenue, Brown Street on the east- erly side of Robinson Avenue, and Fifth Street constitute work done in relatively sizable jobs with easy sand or gravel digging and no large item for specials, such as gates, tapping sleeves, hydrants, etc., to bring up the unit cost. Brown Street, westerly from Robinson Avenue, is relatively a short job in hardpan with boulders, but without tapping sleeve is much more desirable for income due the city, and I suggest that this and gate charges, so that the unit is somewhat higher for this work. Chartier Street was a relatively short line, through easy digging, but built up in unit cost by the small disposition of the expensive fittings required.
Fifth Street, being taken in conjunction with the lowest Jefferson Street unit, as one job to make a loop, aided in keeping down the unit of the Jefferson Street part. The first 168 feet on Jefferson Street, which is under guarantee upon application for an extension, of course, is a higher unit due to the specials needed for the extension to come off of the main on Dennis Street.
At Hayward Field an agreement was worked out by which Harold E. Sweet paid a proportion of the charges and the labor for which was carried on a payroll subject to the supervision of the Recreation Board.
At South Main Street, in Hebronville, and at Hebron Avenue, a small pipe was giving considerable trouble, and it was decided to replace this line with a 6-inch main before putting down the stone highway at this location.
Hillcrest Avenue, a private way on the new plat westerly from the Pike, almost opposite from the new school, had a water extension built about 400 feet long to accommodate the new property of Mr. Caleb Orr. Having arrived at the summit, it was decided advisable to cross the street and set a hydrant just off the street line of Hillcrest Avenue, on Summit Street. The two proportionate parts of this work being labeled differently, it is at once seen why the Summit Street unit with its spe- cials and other overhead expense was high in comparison with the rela- tively long run of Hillcrest Avenue in clay digging.
At Rosewood Avenue, on the same plat, it was decided to throw the pipe across the Providence Pike as far as the outside street line to ac- commodate future development. This, of course, is a very high unit which includes tapping sleeve and gate, as well as bends, and other spe- cials to carry it under the busiest highway within our knowledge. Any work on Washington Street, in South Attleboro, of this kind continues
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to increase in expense due to the severe traffic conditions which must be faced.
At Jessie Avenue, easterly from Robinson Avenue, 192 feet of pipe were laid to accommodate a new house and the cost of this extension was considerable due to the fact that most of the distance the work was in ledge. A compressor was hired to handle the drilling. Westerly from Robinson Avenue, on Jessie Avenue, 204 feet of 6-inch pipe were laid in hardpan and boulder digging intercepted in some cases with heavy roots. A hydrant was set at the end of this line. It may be well to mention that there is a very considerable development and construction in this locality recently.
On Lawn Street an extension in relatively good digging was put in to accommodate some petitioners in that locality, who apparently are not able, in some instances, to live up to the agreement made.
At Sycamore Avenue a start was made and a special set to get the proposed replacement off of Brown Street and into clear. This work will be finished in the coming year we hope.
MAJOR STREET
On petition an extension of 192 feet was laid into Major Street, under guarantee, and an additional 48 feet was constructed in order that a dead end could be eliminated by hooking up with a pipe already in the ground at that point.
On Upland Road, in response to petitions from Mr. Baker, Mr Allen and Mr. Holden, a water main was extended from North Main Street towards Bank Street to accommodate the new construction there. It can be seen in looking over this work with the expenditures, as men- tioned above, that there is indeed definite reason for each of the units submitted. It is also noticeable that the small pipe replacements by size- able mains fit for hydrant use are a very desirable improvement and should be continued. It will be further noted that the 8-inch installations are advantageous from a fire protection point of view, and should posi- tively be continued as part of a definite policy to improve existing con- ditions, as recorded on our water record map.
SERVICES
As will be noted, the building progress in the community has con- tinued through this year so that the eighty-five new 1-inch services, with the nine 1-inch renewals, may be considered as a continuation of last year's busy season. In addition, there were four new 11/2-inch services ; four new 2-inch services; one special 4-inch service for the Country Club, and several 6-inch fire services, there was also a replacement of two 11/2-inch and one 2-inch services as outlined in the statistics. Thirty- nine new services ; one 11/2-inch and two 2-inch services, as well as one fire service were put into the South Attleboro section. It is well to bear in mind that on a fire service special work, such as tapping sleeve and gate, indicator post, and special flange and spigot piece, raises the unit cost greatly. The rest of the detail may be worked out from the sta- tistics. Our summary, as in main line, is indicative of extraordinary ac- tivity during the open season under this heading.
NEW METERS
The effort in checking up meters running slow or dead is being maintained. Progress may be reported after investigating our gross revenue, and noting the slight increase to our percentage of water
-
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metered, the claim of being one hundred per cent. metered, while it may be true for our domestic service, is very misleading in accounting for our water pumped because of the several potential outlets from our dis- tributory system which are unmetered. I believe steps should be taken at once to control positively fire service operation and private hydrant operation, and I so recommend. In conjunction with our main line and service headings, it is well to note here that we had a record of answer- ing 1732 calls of notice.
Much of this work is unavoidable in a plant of our size, age, and condition ; whereas on the other hand with the proper co-operation of landlords, tenants, public service corporations, and others, some of this responding to call may be properly eliminated. Bearing in mind the other supporting statistics covering the water division, in studying our direct maintenance account, one must pause to appreciate the amount of work represented in the responses mentioned above alone. It is to be hoped that the units covering our maintenance work may be kept within their reasonable limits in the coming year.
SHOP AND BARN
This account was subjected to a serious drag because of the condi- tions mentioned in other parts of the Water Division report. Our coal figure for heating was about $320; the light was slightly over $90; the telephones, which include the phone at the water barn, as well as the call telephones for Macdonald, Huff and Proulx, allowing excellent serv- ice mentioned above, amount to about $115.50. In addition to this, ma- terial to carry on the work, including a gasoline furnace, repairs for the Smith's shop; a new small motor useable in the meter repair branch ; die stock, filing cabinet, steel for drills and repair parts, as well as numer- ous small hand tools account in full for the expenditures, as recorded.
BUILDINGS, REPAIR AND PAINT
Of the $567.59 spent in the Water Division for Buildings, repair and paint, about $293 was spent at the shop and sheds in back of County Street. The major portion of this amount was spent for two coats of white lead and oil for the water barn itself, and the replacement of sills, and the construction of a concrete apron at the entrance. Of the bal- ance, which was spent at the Pumping Station group of buildings, $100 was paid the Johnson Decorating Company for work inside the Chief Engineer's house. The other expenditure of $105 was for overhauling the window cases and fittings, and the wood work at the Pumping Sta- tion building itself. Carl Youngren did some carpenter work, as re- quested by the Chief Engineer at the Station, under an additional item of $59. Taken altogether the expenditures, as noted, were positively re- quired. The ambition of the Superintendent to maintain the plant at as low a cost as is possible, bearing in mind the operating comfort, has been carried out.
WATER AUTOMOBILES-OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
It is easily understood, after scanning the activities of the Water Division covered in this report, that our motor driven vehicles consist- ing of two covered trucks, one International and one Dodge, aided by a Ford dump, have been unusually busy during the past year. The heavi- est burden of the expenditure for their operation and care includes tire and repair bills. In addition, city labor, with small running repairs on the trucks and appurtenances has absorbed about $150.58. There is a further charge, of course, for oil gasoline, registrations, waste, hose and
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numerous other incidentals usable around these machines. It was deemed advisable to replace the Ford chassis in use, and therefore a trade was made in which a new one-ton truck chassis was obtained from the Uni- versal Car Company, upon which was mounted the same cab and body we had used on the unit turned in. The net charge, as I understand it, was $391. The advantages gained by the trade, as may be seen, com- menced with the use of the new unit. Valuable aid may be expected in the department when it is crowded with work from this unit.
INSURANCE
The policies in force cover liability and compensation insurance for the payroll, and also include liability and property damage insurance on the International and Dodge trucks, which are always used in the water service. In addition it is my understanding that we have fire insurance covering our buildings at the County Street yard, as well as at the Pumping Station. Further records show policies covering contents for our shop and store shed and for our pumping units.
MAINTENANCE MATERIAL
The major portion of the expenditure of $1725.50 covered the ex- penses needed for meter repair parts in maintaining the good operating order required on domestic service. In addition, $590.97 was spent for numerous items including spuds, lead pipe, unions, different sorts of couplings and sleeves, for maintaining in efficient working order our lines, not including those which can be classified as main lines. Also a small charge is here for batteries usable for maintenance, and renewals for same for flashlight use.
INCIDENTALS
It is well to note at this time under this account are included items which for lack of funds elsewhere are written off under incidentals. It seems to me that in the future we should take steps to remove some of these items from incidentals so that the funds allowed therefore may act not only as incidental account, but as a reserve, which, in my opinion, would be good business with the Water Division.
Taxes amounting to $183.29. $100.01 of which was paid to the Town of North Attleboro, and the balance to the City of Attleboro, account for the major item under this heading. In addition, loose leaf sheets for the water ledger, complaint cards, and charts, and other small miscel- laneous items were written off here. Besides this, I find a small item of $20.60 covering necessary repairs to the reservoir fence, making a total of $293.57.
PUMPING STATION
In addition to the salary items of Mr. Cook, the Chief Engineer, and his three assistants at the Pumping Station, there may be noted an ex- penditure in excess of $4300 for coal to use at the Station. This figure is made up of about 285 tons at $7.10; about 174 tons at $6.95; and about 138 tons at $7.40 per long ton, delivered at the station; the difference between this total and our gross figure for coal being the price of stor- ing and trimming. The total tonnage purchased is less than in the pre- vious year because of our better position in going into 1925. As usual the snow pump carried the burden through the year at a very small ex- pense, as listed in the statistics. Our boilers had in excess of $260 ex- pended upon them for arches and door protection, as well as safety valve renewal, and some city labor. About $350 was used for the semi- annual cleaning of the filter beds, and it is well to bear in mind at this
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