USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1930 > Part 11
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South Main Street Drain-On the South Main Street Drain which was authorized a couple of years ago opportunity was lacking in absorbing truck rentals. The small balance available was thus utilized this year in closing the account.
1927 Sewer Extensions-While this extensive trench work was being carried on by the Department forces, truck charges and rentals accrued which could not be absorbed until a replacement was in order. Upon the exchange of a worn out Ford in trade for a Chevolet No. 3 this account was fairly cleared and the account closed.
WATER AND PUMPING STATION DIVISION
The successful carrying out of the water supply service, both domestic and fire, for the past year has indeed been a serious problem particularly bearing in mind the essential details which imposed during drought periods, a super- burden upon our facilities. Our severest tax upon the plant, of course, came before the Wading River was available on anything except an emergency pump- ing unit basis.
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Our gross receipts as will be noted have maintained a healthy growth. This can be attributed in a great measure to the close attention to detail which is being obtained from our personnel. Undoubtedly the local garden needs during the dry spell have added considerably to this revenue. The two large ice plants also contribute greatly to our gross. I believe, however, an industry of this kind depending entirely for supply upon a utility financed by the public should never obtain any water at a rate less than cost. Dyeing plants used considerable water. Jewelry manufacturing depression reduced their proportion of water revenue.
The number of new services was reduced very considerably, and without question is a fair index to one scoring point of the current depression locally. Our maintenance payroll, bearing in mind our burdens, was kept at a normal figure, despite additional responsibility and enlarged duties.
Conditions along the channel of the Seven Mile River above the Pumping Station were such as to cause considerable annoyance. A group of persons not all of whom were young insisted upon trying to utilize the Attleboro Water supply for a swimming pool by damming the stream. Repeatedly our men on patrol were called upon to clear away this channel blockade.
The State Road Contractor working on Washington Street, North Attleboro, observed the clean flowing brook passing under Washington Street from our Reservoir to the Station and immediately hooked on to utilize it for construction supply. He was unaware of the history of the stream until our patrolman re- leased the water surrounding his pumping unit and advised him concerning the uses and destination of the brook.
During the summer cleaning of beds the thread of the stream was absolutely dry with the Reservoir shut off, thus allowing a very thorough cleaning. This stream condition, however, necessitated a careful timing of our cleaning operations. Once our forces started to work there was no stopping until completion owing to the very limited supply of filtered water underground available for our South Attleboro pumping unit.
Very early in the year a plan of operations was decided upon by the writer after consulting with the Chief Engineer at the Station and our working of the emergency pumping unit as well as all of our cleaning operations was controlled by this definite plan which took into consideration all the circumstances a drought would present to us and all of the resources at our command, limited as they were, which could be utilized to overcome each handicap as presented.
The gravity of such a situation as we faced during the summer season can- not be appreciated by one whose experience does not include a similar situation with a responsibility corresponding to that which was thrust upon this Depart- ment. By measuring the increased peak demands for water, both for domestic purposes and industry, and considering the maximum shrinkage of water supply overhead and underground due to drought conditions which have extended for several seasons, some idea of the problem can be obtained.
Our emergency pumping unit was first brought into use on February 9th and kept working until May 3rd. This scheme relieved our immediate necessity and allowed us to push forward, closer to the dry period of summer, our first filter bed cleaning. Thus we were enabled in the fore part of the summer to obtain maximum filteration from our antiquated plant as a result of having clean beds. The continuous overload on these beds slowed up, of course, the quantity of water available after filteration within a twenty-four hour period. With the filtration slowing up and the heavy draft maintained, a serious burden was placed upon our emergency unit by increasing its responsibility for positive supply until such a time as the new unit at Wading River could be made available. On August 6th our emergency pumping unit was put to work and kept pumping until September 29th when the new Wading River pumping station was utilized to overcome conditions of supply which faced us. When this point was reached
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and the drafting showed signs of slackening, a splendid late summer cleaning was obtained and the Community passed safely through a gravely critical period without being subjected to the restrictions that were so common all about us here in Massachusetts and New England.
After our emergency pumping unit stopped the Mazzur Company supplied a man to operate the Wading River station until October 4th when our own Chief Engineer took over the burden of operating the pumps for City supply. The plant and pumping machinery, however, were not turned over to the Depart- ment by the Engineer, Mr. Van Valkenburgh.
It is only fair to record the fact that in addition to New England the country at large suffered serious damage directly traceable to drought conditions similar to those outlined above. The advantages of an adequate water supply can be truly measured during such times as these.
There is appended in our tabluation a list detailling types, kinds and numbers of services, which includes not only new services but other charges for replace- ments, either in whole or in part.
The reasonable charges for shop and barn including coal for the yard, a matter of $51.68 for lighting, the annual charges for telephone service, not only at the barn but to cover our employees who respond to emergencies, and the usual general charges all of which amounted to $411.81, are to my mind very reasonable considering the plant and the duty expected of it.
Under our Maintenance of Buildings sub-division the largest proportion of money expended was utilized in sheathing and some outside carpenter work which was done at the Chief Engineer's cottage at the South Attleboro plant. This work was positively necessary and could not be delayed. Some of our paper roofs at the County Street yard were treated and painting and glazier work were taken up, all being badly needed. Inside painting to brighten the garage was also carried out. It was necessary to re-enforce for safety's sake the main floor used by the automobiles. The total expense recorded was $403.31.
This division was operating at the beginning of the year a Reo truck with a covered body bought in 1928, a Dodge truck purchased in 1929, and also two Ford runabout pick-up trucks used very advantageously by meter readers and for jobbing. Authorized in our budget was the price of a third Ford pick-up car which was purchased and put into service later in the year after the Mansfield Pumping unit went into use. It was found that any repairs on the force main, in spite of the fact that the new work had not been turned over to us, would have to be taken care of by this Department. Credit is due all of the active workers handling trucks in the Water Department for the low figure chargeable to the machines usedi n their work, bearing in mind the exceedingly great number of tasks they are called upon to perform.
It should not be forgotten that under our item of taxes in this division we pay bills in the towns of North Attleboro, Mansfield, and Foxboro as well as in the City of Attleboro.
Under our incidentals record the charges as usual are small.
The Emergency Water Supply above noted called for an expenditure of $3,166.73 which is properly included under the maintenance figure in this divi- sion.
Under our Pumping Station division the items listed statistically include charges for power for a period covered by the last quarter of the year and a few days in September.
NEWPORT AVENUE WATER MAINS
On November 18, 1930, the City Government voted $2,600.00 to make arrangements for protecting any projected water line extensions in Newport
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Avenue from Highland Avenue southerly, properly clearing the proposed new 40 feet of cement pavement. Pipe crossings were laid with the idea in mind of ultimately being part of a projected plan of expansion of water service in and about this locality which would amply take care of any future developments. This matter had been studied to a considerable degree by the Council Committee on water supply and the decision finally arrived at was made by them in conference with the Mayor and the Superintendent of Public Works, the plan settled upon being forced to some degree by the action of the Commonwealth in immediately constructing the layout turned over to them by the County. This, in my opinion, eliminated the time essential for an adequate study including important financing which the City Government without question would like to have gone into.
WATER MAIN EXTENSIONS AND REPLACEMENTS IN PINE AND EMORY STREETS
The special account of $5,000.00 for extensions and replacements of water mains in Pine and Emory Streets was appropriated on October 24, 1930, to take care of replacing a 4" pipe line in Pine Street between Carpenter and Maple Streets. This work was completed.
In addition, on Emory Street the 8" line was brought throught Forest Street as far as Holman Street and was to be extended to Emory Street, thence along Emory to Park Street. The greater portion of this distance had no water service whatever and this line, of course, strengthened considerably several city blocks carrying wooden buildings, from the standpoint of fire protection. A beginning was made on this work late in the year and circumstances over which we had no control forced the finishing of this work over into 1931. Un- questionably early in 1931 we will see this work completed and the same may be said of the water crossings as outlined on Newport Avenue.
MAIN LINE EXTENSIONS, REPLACEMENTS, ETC.,
We had appropriated in the budget for Main Line Extensions $10,000.00, to which was added $6,575. 00 during the year. This account carries the working charges for main line extensions, replacements, etc. At the end of the year all of our work as authorized under this account had been completed except Rounds Court. Here the Department set a tapping sleeve and gate and carried the pipe to clear the northerly West Street boundary line. No arrangements were made by the interested parties to take care of grading and properly covering the pipe as projected on the profile submitted. Under the conditions as they exist serious trouble for the water takers and constant expense to the City would result. The City Government was so advised concerning the details and the Department awaits the pleasure of those parties directly concerned. Money . which was available to complete this work was converted, as I understand, to the Excess and Deficiency account in spite of the recommendation from this Department concerning the need for money to cover construction on Rounds Court until a final decision was reached.
Two major improvements to be noted under this account are those on a proposed street back of the Post Office where a 10" connection line with a large hydrant was placed, allowing the supply on Pine Street between Dunham and Park Streets to be built up properly.
In addition the immediate benefit of a large hydrant is available for the Post Office, the Elk's Building, the Watson Block, and other wooden structures adjacent thereto. This work was authorized by the City Government and was placed as soon as convenient under the conditions controlling the work.
On Maple Street before surfacing the highway a 12" water line was placed feeding from South Main Street, by Lafayette Street, and across Pine Street
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where a hydrant was cut in and the line was plugged. This was placed not only to immediately re-enforce the fire protection locally but as a beginning of a sizeable supply line to make a main feeder for the side streets coming into Maple Street in Ward 5. Ultimately the plan for improving fire protection in this Ward closely built up of wooden construction calls for extending the 12" line to and by the Speedway to Park Street. The history of fire fighting in this locality warrants without question this improvement and the project as started has had the support of other City Departments as well as the City Government. A list is attached hereto which indicates in detail the work accomplished in addition to that mentioned above covered by main line extensions and authorized replacements and other main line work.
On Carpenter Street work already started was extended and bad conditions uncovered during the progress of the work were properly overcome. As a result the 8" line coming through Carpenter Street from South Main Street and across Pine Street now has been carried by Parker Street to Hazel Street filling a blank block between Parker and Pine Streets and allowing us to put out of commission an old 4" water main which was under the sanitary sewer line between Parker and Hazel Streets. A 4" line uncovered on Parker Street northerly from Carpen- ter Street was removed and replaced with a 6" line to bring conditions up to the Underwriter's record and to give the people proper service and fire protection. On the southerly side the 6" work was carried outside of the street line. In conjunction with this work the domestic services were replaced from the new main, at least to the curb gate and if required, in to the meter. Detailed tabula- tions covering the service work are included.
On Linden Street a small line was replaced and then extended to accommodate a new house as voted.
A dead end was eliminated on Lincoln Avenue by connecting an existing line to the force main on North Main Street.
Prior to the taking over of James Street between Carpenter and Maple Streets a' dead end was eliminated to complete a grid-iron leg by connecting with the new main on Carpenter Street.
On Edgewood Avenue prior to street acceptance a water line was recom- mended to carry through from Washington Street filling the block to Quintin Avenue (formerly called Howard Avenue) and then replacing a very small line serving a few domestic takers. This is of material value in giving adequate fire protection to the settlement at this location.
A peculiar condition not ordinary in the sense of water service was overcome in accordance with instructions from the City Government by laying a water line in Alfred Street, a private way, graded and controlled by Mr. T. Sadler. This line served houses on the hill whose existing water service was indeed woe- fully handicapped and intermittent due to age. This was to be expected from the kind of installation which was originally placed many years ago.
On Clarence Street a small job was done to clear our dead end in such a manner as to allow the street work as ordered to proceed.
On Blackburn Road and Bacon Street extensions were ordered to accommo- date new houses.
On Payson Street a short extension was made to clear the newly accepted part of the street prior to constructing same.
On South Main Street between Goff Street and Webber Avenue a beginning was made on the water circuit as recommended by the Department so that service, both fire and domestic, could be given to the new school house.
On Forest Street the 8" work was carried ahead of street improvements as far as Holman Street, building up fire protection in the locality and connecting into Holman and Falmouth Streets.
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Where old and new Park Streets connect there was a small addition placed in new Park Street to couple up with the existing line in old Park Street and thus eliminate a dead end.
On Park Street at Bishop Street it was necessary to replace some water pipes found to be practically gone from electrolysis.
Under the Leroy Street Improvement after the rough shovel grading was taken care of, arrangements were made to lower the existing line in Leroy Street and connect up with a new 8" line in Bank Street. At the intersection of Bicknell and Bank Streets where the grading was fill instead of cut, work was done on Bank Street on the new 8" line connections. The existing water line on Bicknell Street was also changed to meet the new conditions.
A large hydrant on Fourth Street broken and ungated was replaced with a new hydrant and gate.
A small pipe was extended in High Street under a special vote to eliminate unsatisfactory conditions of service for existing structures due to a change in ownership.
An 8" gate was cut in on Pine Street to complete the 10" line put in on the new proposed way to give proper future control.
In addition to this work the cement road widening on Washington Street called for a water pipe crossing near Cumberland Avenue. This was taken care of so that we can extend the water line on Washington Street from the North Attleboro Line when desired.
In several instances broken hydrants were taken care of and where it was possible control gates were cut in so that the hydrant units can be isolated without bothering the street main.
SEWERS-MAINTENANCE, OPERATION AND EXTENSION
As was necessary, a man to control properly the beds and ground at the sewer filtration plant was employed full time for the year. The regular spring and fall cleaning of the beds was handled by grouping men and equipment advan- tageously. Without question the drought affected favorably our sewer bed maintenance by lightening the burden which had to be taken care of.
In 1915, practically a year after the sewer system went into service and prior to the raise in prices for material and labor, due to the war, the gross amount expended for sewer maintenance was $2,852.01. In 1920, the year prior to the arrival of the writer and marked with higher unit costs due to the war, this amount became $3,214.62. I believe, therefore, that it is only fair to take this opportunity to call to your attention comparative features for our year 1930, when the maintenance expenditure was $2,616.79. The 1915 report indicates that on December 31st there were 844 connections serving 1,004 buildings. On December 31, 1920, our records indicate there were 1,152 connections serving 1,340 buildings. On December 31, 1930, we had a total of 1,756 connections serving 1,968 buildings. Isn't this truly a remarkable tribute to the Department bearing in mind there were no major maintenance improvements undertaken in the entire period spoken of?
The 1915 figure with its relatively low units amounts to $2,852.01. The 1920 figure of $3,214.62 follows a growth in the number of connections and buildings served. The growth in the cost of maintenance and operation is worth studying. Ten years pass, until in 1930, we find the figures recording connections and buildings served have continued to grow, prices of material and labor have not changed to any great extent while on the other hand the mainte- nance and operation charges have been reduced to a point below that recorded for a new sewer and beds in 1915. This result or that for any previous year of
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the decade indicates truly, bearing in mind all the facts, a record of efficiency challenging comparison. By and large, therefore, it can be seen at once that the limit is practically reached and steps should be taken to expand and improve in a major way not only the sewer system but the filtration plant. The sewage conditions our City faces today warrant major operations to include service for areas already recommended, particularly in South Attleboro, and to extend properly and promptly our existing filtration plant.
I believe the usual spring and fall cleaning and flushing of the sewer system should be enlarged upon in places, due to the extensive elapsed interval existing since the placing of the system into service. To lighten in any way the care of this Department is not in my opinion good business.
On Park Street, between Emory and Bishop Streets, a rather difficult sewer extension was made during the current year. The contract was let to W. W. Staples of North Attleboro, Mass. 1,353. 75 linear feet of 10" sewer, most of it in deep cut and difficult digging, a considerable portion of which was done by machine under the inspection of our Engineer, Mr R. W. Mawney was built. It is to be hoped all of the connections will be carried outside the street limits so that the improvement begun in this locality can be expanded to include the highway surface and drainage.
On Lincoln Avenue, a private way, the City Government made arrangements to place a sewer extension to accommodate an extensive property value increase between North Main and Prince Streets. Conditions were such that I believe this step was taken prior to street acceptance and with the idea in mind of handling the underground structures for as well as giving service to expensive new build- ings. This work was contracted to Jose Morrell & Son of North Attleboro and was done with a mechanical excavator under the inspection of our Engineer.
As was noted in the report for 1929 the sewer extension on Fontneau Avenue having been started late in that year, was finished early in 1930. The expenditures covering same are noted in the accompanying report.
1928 SEWER EXTENSIONS
Surface and trench repair charges were handled under this account. Accrued truck charges were written off as the account handled a proportionate share of a light truck replacement.
RIFLE RANGE
In the budget for 1930 the sum of $125.00 was appropriated for this account and on July 1, 1930, $75.00 additional was provided for maintenance and opera- tion of same. The usual disbursements were taken care of and proportioned under taxes in the Town of North Attleboro, in the amount of $12.28, and the Wakefield Range charges amounted to $38.50 for the use of local company mem- bers. Some minor work was done by Frank Davis on the masonary at the Range in accordance with instructions from the company officers. Further labor was taken care of by company members under the supervision of company officers. Payroll was carried under this account by this Department and amounted to $112.19.
REFUNDS
One hundred and ninety-two dollars and eighty-eight cents was received under the different heading noted as refunds. From the Camden Fire Insurance Company one hundred and thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents was received to cover a fire loss at the highway barn at Forest Street. From Olof Pearson who
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utilized second-hand return on driveway work twenty-five dollars was received for the Sidewalks and Curbing account. A five dollar item from the Puritan Iron Works to cover a coat of shop paint omitted by the shippers and chargeable against the Holden Street River Bridge and Leroy Street Improvement accounts was taken care of and a credit against the accounts noted, amounting to $5.00, was received. From the Donaldson Iron Company crediting the Main Line Extension account the sum of twenty-five dollars and thirty-eight cents was received to cover an error.
It would be only fair to record as desirable the opportunity to have as a refund the sum of six hundred ninety-four dollars and fifty-six cents to cover the bills rendered to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for work done on a detour. I believe and recommend that the City Government should insure items of this kind being returned to the accounts in which the expenditure originated.
Because during the past year an excessive proportion of our street railway mileage within the City limits has been abandoned by the Street Railway Com- pany and bus service substituted, the financial aspect of this move directly affect- ng the City purse should be studied. The abandonment of the rails invites a larger highway area being used by the public. It is the duty, of course, of the Street Railway Company to remove track, ties, and appurtenances. It is also their duty upon completing this removal to insure that the portion of the high- way included in their railway operations shall be placed in a reasonably good condition which under present circumstances means sufficient to adequately care for such traffic as uses the highway affected. I believe the local company has been adversely affected by the depression. I further believe that with this background the problem presented should be reasonably spaced so that there would be no serious suffering, financial or otherwise, on the part of the City and its inhabitants on the one hand and on the part of the Railroad Company on the other. The public convenience or necessity, however, being paramount warrants due diligence on the part of those concerned in completing promptly the task of rail elimination from our highways.
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