USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1934 > Part 20
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For your information please note that at no time during the year were we able to properly obtain any assistance to our water supply from any Bowler well, any jurisdiction over which this department has never had control.
NORTH MAIN STREET AND COMMONWEALTH AVENUE WIDENING
Deferred charges, the bulk of which covered payment for services of a land damage expert, were taken care of under the North Main Street and Common- wealth Avenue Widening account.
A settlement of the damage claims of Walter E. and Catherine L. Riley, Alfred M. Richards, and John J. Maher was made, so I understand, through the city's legal department, record of which was transmitted to this department through the City Auditor. The transaction is noted on our books merely as a bookkeeping record, payment having been made through other channels.
EMORY AND PINE STREET IMPROVEMENT
Deferred charges for some of our older trucks, in addition to insurance charges, were written off under this account.
ELMWOOD AVENUE CONSTRUCTION
Having cleared this account of small deferred charges a balance of $371.81 was transferred in August to Highway Maintenance and Operation to reimburse this account for funds expended as the City's contribution on C. W. A. and E. R. A. projects, no additional appropriations having been made by the city government to cover same.
CONSTRUCTION OF WALLS-HAWTHORNE STREET
Similar action was taken under the account Construction of Walls-Haw- thorne Street, a balance of $90.72 being transferred after small deferred charges had been cleared, to the Highway Maintenance and Operation account in August.
CONSTRUCTION OF BUSHEE STREET
Work delayed pending further investigation by the city government on Bushee Street was completed late in the year consisting of resetting and setting of
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ANNUAL REPORT
curb and grading and graveling upon instruction from the Mayor's office. In October fifty dollars was transferred from this account to a special one handled by the Mayor to cover an authorized wall job for Annie M. Allard, an abuttor.
The curbing, grading and graveling work was done in the locality of the properties of Messrs. Seeton and Johnson.
ASHTON ROAD CONSTRUCTION
In the middle of November a construction account to build Ashton Road, after its acceptance as a city way, was set up by the city government by a transfer of the sum of $4,000.00 from the Excess and Deficiency account. Plans covering the recording were then filed. The account was carried over for the actual construction work.
NORTH AVENUE GRAVEL
In the middle of November, on recommendation by the department, the sum of $93.70 was provided to cover a partial payment on an engineer's estimate for gravel used on the North Avenue refill, which came from the Henry Richard- son bank on Commonwealth Avenue.
SEDAN REPAIR
Very late in December the sum of $446.87 was transferred from the Excess and Deficiency account to pay the bill for the repair of the City sedan which was overturned at the corner of Falmouth and Morey Streets when struck in the left rear by a truck driven by Mr. Walter L. Sweet of No. 6 Holman Street, this city, on June 2, 1933.
It is our understanding there is an action present by the city government against the insurance company to protect the City.
EQUIPMENT REPAIR
On December 10, 1934 the sum of $160.00 was provided on an engineering estimate to retube and repair our portable boiler.
Insofar as there was every evidence it would be necessary to utilize this piece of equipment in helping keep open our winter work, particularly for the Federal aid portion of it, this repair job was absolutely required.
This portable boiler is of considerable age and as late as the winter of 1933- 1934 did yoeman work in helping our winter program.
PARK STREET RECONSTRUCTION
Deferred truck and tool charges and replacements of rail top material used on the drainage for this work, as well as the completion of the drainage projected for the job, cover the bulk of 1934 expenditures of record for this account.
Instructions from the Mayor's office were carried out by having a small retaining wall built at No. 633 Park Street for Mr. Walter Gay. It is our under- standing this was done at the solicitation of the city government.
Minor overhead charges, properly adjustable here, were taken care of.
ADAMSDALE AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION
Sidewalk excavation and gravel refill for same was taken care of under this account for this year. Active and deferred truck, tractor and grader charges
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ยท
were handled. Such overhead as was properly chargeable here was given at- tention.
It should be remarked in passing that a double benefit was obtained in many instances on this work as a number of the men employed utilized the money earned to pay water or tax bills.
CONSTRUCTION OF HAZEL STREET
Work on this project which, as has been outlined before, includes drainage on Hazel, Mulberry and Martin Streets to the brook, grading and surfacing to accomodate this drainage, as well as street and sidewalk grading within these limits, with their surfacing and finish, was practically completed within the current year.
The wall at the Peets' property, which had been in question, was constructed in such a manner as was satisfactory to the parties concerned and to the City, in accordance with the desires of the city government.
Accrued and deferred transportation charges were taken care of. Our overhead distribution, material and labor was laid out proportionately against this work to cover benefits which were received by the job as a unit, from the advantageous grouping allowed by our yard supply, storage-sheds, garage, stable and equipment.
The project in its completeness seems to be really appreciated by the locality. It has eliminated a source of complaint during wet weather. I certainly believe the improvements should be continued in the locality. Curbing and paved gutters, with improved sidewalks, should be set as soon as business improves and the property-owners in this locality are able to afford them. The placing of these improvements will round out the splendid start the City has made in this section.
OLIVE, COUNTY AND ELDREDGE STREETS E. R. A. DRAINAGE
On May 14, 1934 the sum of $1,021.00 was appropriated for materials which would allow the continuing of a drain already existing on Olive Street, from the river to the intersection with Robert Street, through Olive Street to County Street, and thence westerly toward Eldredge Street and as far as Summer Street, with the necessary pipe-lines, manholes and catch-basins.
It will be noted that supervisory and other labor, which it was necessary that the City pay for in carrying out the set-up laid out by the Federal government, was taken care of by our maintenance account.
This improvement should be further extended and is essential before a street improvement, which should follow rail removal on County Street, takes place.
FIRST, COUNTY AND HIGHLAND STREETS E. R. A. DRAINAGE
On June 19, 1934, there was an appropriation made in the amount of $1,384.10 which was enhanced to the extent of fifteen cents by a State refund for the mater- ials needed in conjunction with the Federal E. R. A. project covering drainage improvement on County Street in the locality of First and Highland Streets.
This pipe-line, replacing a smaller one from the Ten Mile River, through the Wilmarth property to a point on County Street adjacent to the Water Depart- ment driveway, was extended along County Street to First Street and thence to Highland Street. The work as has been explained, was amplified to include limits as far as could reasonably be expected to be recognized as factors in drain-
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ANNUAL REPORT
age control which the pipe-lines, with their manholes and catch-basins mentioned herein, supported.
The rail removal which took place was essential. Gutter paving and surfac- ing within the limits thus made had to be taken care of. These improvements, with the street returns and hillside gutters necessary, completed a major improve- ment for the locality, far in excess of what most people expected for the money spent. It has been noted that our maintenance account carried supervision and such additional small municipal expenditures for material as was required in piecing in the surfacing.
This work, in view of all of the circumstances, has been a very sensible improvement and one which had to precede pavement, involving a section change for that part of County Street, which is so essential. It is recommended this be done at the very earliest possible moment as this roadway, part of Route 123, is very important in serving our community.
NORTH AVENUE E. R. A. DRAINAGE
On August 13, 1934, another special drainage materials account was in- itiated by appropriating the sum of $2,600.00 to cover an E. R. A. project on West Street from Nerney's brook to North Avenue and thence northerly to Deantown Road. This account was amplified during the year by a refund from the State in the amount of sixty cents.
With the track removal in the locality assured it was important that this drainage work be carried out prior to any street surfacing improvements which were coming along.
The particular and especial benefit from this project was the elimination of complaint from North Avenue property-owners who had spent a considerable portion of their time for many years in trying to obtain from the City a surface water drainage project such as this one.
Its permanency and definite value with its pipe-lines, manholes and catch- basins, etc., adds another investment for the City with E. R. A. aid.
OAK, PLEASANT, HORTON STREETS AND GUSTIN AVENUE E. R. A. DRAINAGE
On the same date, August 13, 1934, there was appropriated a sum for the materials necessary to carry out long desired drainage improvements, which had several times been recommended by this department, in the locality of Oak, Pleasant, Horton Streets and Gustin Avenue, from where the drain line swung across privately-owned land to empty into Thacher Brook.
With the Federal aid allowed, this project developed into a splendid munici- pal investment improving greatly the locality, which had been patient indeed in its desire for drainage relief, particularly during winter thaws or heavy rainstorms.
The department obtained easements giving legal rights across property between Pleasant and Horton Streets. These were in addition to those obtained through Mr. Willard of the General Plate Company.
Great advantage was gleaned in the construction of this project by pushing it at exactly the right season, before the ground water level rose to a point where, with the grade line our engineers established, it could be more expensive.
On all of the E.R.A. drainage projects listed in the group just given it must be recognized that we were required to spend definitely from our maintenance funds to operate the jobs, due to the necessity for providing supervisory, expert and specially trained classes of labor so that the finished work would be the practical investment desired.
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ANNUAL REPORT
OLIVE AND THACHER STREET BRIDGES
The special account set up for decking on Olive and Thacher Street bridges late in 1933 was used in its completeness to carry out the work projected in an excellent and workmanlike manner.
1925-27 STREET WIDENING LOAN
It was expected this account would carry the City's contribution of that portion of the center rail removal proposition contemplated on South Main Street, including the swing into Mill Street. Insofar as Federal objection to rail title had to be surmounted this work was delayed to a coming year.
CENTER E. R. A. CARTRACK REMOVAL
On September 5, 1934, a fund of $3,250.00 was set up for surfacing following rail removal, after the Mayor had interviewed Federal authorities in Boston and had been assured that work on Park and Union Streets would be allowed to proceed.
Legal technicalities on the title of rails and the distribution of work in their removal held up the Federal award, we were informed and delayed the starting of the work within the year 1934.
NORTH AVENUE SPECIAL
Late in December a special account was set up for the City contribution to cover the North Avenue rail removal job, which was already laid out and under- way. These funds were provided by transfers from the following accounts:
Main Line Extension Account $250.00 H-Maintenance and Operation Account. 800.00
W-Maintenance and Operation Account. 200.00
This was done to insure for the Federal government the carrying out of the project in the coming year, they having already accepted a project which would include a contribution from the City.
CURBING AND CEMENT WALK CONSTRUCTION
On December 10, 1934, a special account was set up on the motion of the sidewalk committee chairman for the purpose of constructing cement sidewalks and curbing, etc.
It is only fair to state at this time that this department received no detail concerning the purpose of the appropriation.
E. R. A. SIDEWALK PROJECT
Under the date of December 10, 1934, the City Council set up an account which was approved by the Mayor on December 18, 1934, for $1,200.00 for the purpose of covering the cost of cement to be used on E. R. A. sidewalk projects.
Some cement was purchased for this work under this account. The cost of cement purchased previously, used in carrying on this sidewalk project, was absorbed by our maintenance accounts, which could not be replenished, in ac- cordance with the recommendations, from this fund as set up.
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ANNUAL REPORT
It is hoped further work, than the list attached below, our second E. R. A. cement sidewalk project, will be obtained.
On the following streets granolithic walks were placed, replacing patched tar due to duct-line trench work which had damaged the walks spoken of :
Sanford Street-on the southerly side
Bank Street-between Sanford and Park Streets
Railroad Avenue-on the westerly side between Mill Street and Atherton's store
Mill Street-between the arch and Union Street
On County Street, between the river bridge and along the Wilmarth property, fire alarm duct, and city elimination of iron gutter covers and bridge fill settle- ment, allowed this replacement to be included in the E. R. A. project.
WEST STREET CONSTRUCTION
Repeatedly and often for the past several years this department has been vitally interested to the extent of recommending the improvement of West Street between North Main and Water Streets. In other years, while we were able to obtain a portion of the surface water drainage improvement desired, the rail problem always seemed to crop up to defeat the main objective, that of excellent surfacing and sidewalk outlining and finish.
Earlier in 1934 efforts had been made to coordinate an E. R. A. project to cover this street surfacing but with the Federal government objecting to the railway situation this had to be given up for the moment.
With the rail removal on West Street and North Avenue finally assured the urgency of improving West Street was once more brought to the front. On November 15, 1934, the sum of $15,000.00 was transferred from the Excess and Deficiency account for the purpose of covering the cost of construction of a stand- ard penetration type pavement on West Street between North Main and Water Streets. This was less than the engineer's estimate for the construction of this street.
The gravel refill following rail removal not having been completed and the cold weather setting in, the progress which had been initiated on this project was delayed to the coming year.
RECONSTRUCTION OF LOWER PARK STREET
It has been reported that people along Park Street to Briggs Corner who had clamored for the rail removal, which was accomplished under a C. W. A. project previously reported, had stated by and large they would be satisfied for a con- siderable time with this work, as far as the roadway was concerned. Having seen their primary desire accomplished, however, in very human fashion their dissatisfaction toward an unbalanced road section and surface was quickly organized into another appeal.
This department had anticipated from the wealth of its experience what would happen and had already endeavored to have the original rail removal and gravel refill project extended so that Park Street, especially lower Park Street, could be put into such shape as would satisfy those whose transportation and property were served by it. Federal regulations in force at the time prevented the extension sought. This sort of project was taken up in several other forms- without success. Meanwhile, the combination had been successfully traced on the South Main Street surfacing project between Lamb Street and Thacher Brook which obtained Federal aid for the results we desired.
Work on Park Street was actually started by the department on maintenance funds, pending a final decision. This crowding with other evidence assembled resulted in an approved E. R. A. project.
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ANNUAL REPORT
The work was in full swing in the fall of the year, running between Briggs Corner and the Sanitarium. The question of where at the Sanitarium the work would stop made essential very close observation of the expenditure of the funds available with the net result that finally the work was completed between Briggs Corner and the northern boundary of the Sanitarium, giving us about 31,000 square yards of surfacing at a very reasonable cost.
The work consisted of scarifying, excavating and grading the gravel road already in, reshaping it to the best section obtainable in accordance with our experience and the engineer's grade, completing the graveling and new section where needed, followed by the application of two tar treatments. Gutters were outlined, sidewalks edged and graveled, and stumps removed, giving us the kind of job which would tide us over reasonably for a few years and one which the city government decided they could afford at this time. It will be borne in mind that the department recommended a stone penetration road which, while it would have been more expensive, could have been reduced if we were able to interest the County and State in contributing toward the cost under an Aid chapter.
Positive limitations set by available funds for purposes of this kind, in view of an endeavor to maintain a tax-rate, is convincing that the government was trying to avoid real estate confiscation and had considerable to do, so I am in- formed, with the choice of the type of job.
I recommend sewer and drains be carried out along Park Street at the intersection with Maple Street and a layout be accepted, worthy of the importance and use of this section, carrying all underground structures projected for the next two decades, so that this portion of the street may be improved.
H-STONE
The revolving account of stone in the amount of $2,000.00 carried for years regularly for the especial benefit of our departmental work served its usual useful purpose for the current year. It should be noted, however, that after accrued accounts were paid, during the year the department obtained the benefit from material present over and above that which was charged off to cover the expenses of obtaining stone products from our crushers. This benefit was well distributed through our work.
Please be informed the conservative policies of our community, in face of the odds of the record-breaking depression we are passing through, to sustain the exceptional reputation and credit of the municipality, are indeed solidly sup- ported and contributed to by the marvelous record the Public Works Department has made during this year. Nervous stress, leading to hysteria in management under the exceedingly heavy pressure of our local economic problem, has been avoided. The practical working out of our Federal aid, for such portion of it as was applied to work supervised by this department was so handled as to give a direct benefit to the community and those tax-payers who support it.
The policies controlling Federal aid are beyond any control of this depart- ment. These policies having been set, however, the success of the department in obtaining definite permanency to the improvements noted from a number of our projects should be recorded, as the completion of this type of project will will continue to earn for the community on an investment basis long after the depression is over. It is the earnest desire of the department that a consistent plan of improvement of our highway system be carried out with such aid as can be obtained with the full forces of the city government from all of the agencies legally permitted to contribute aid thereto.
The progressive elimination of the street car rails from our highways should be maintained with full advantage being taken by improving the surface available
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ANNUAL REPORT
to carry our vehicular traffic. It must be borne in mind when considering this work that the preliminary steps, especially if Federal funds are solicited, over- coming and surmounting obstacles, legal or otherwise, absorb considerable time and constitute a lot of real work.
While it is true slackening of construction has reduced the new water service work, this should not be allowed to blind us to the need for bringing our main line plant, equipment and structures up to date, thus permitting the community an opportunity to obtain benefits not now available.
In considering our highway problem and our water problem it must be borne in mind it is essentially important that our sanitary sewer system and surface water drainage be given the full and sensible consideration which their expansion and improvement warrant in order that expense, due to poor co-ordination of these public works, may be avoided.
The urgency and benefit of a proper housing program for the needs of the department is once more stressed.
Please bear in mind that in spite of the grave added work burden and much increased responsibility, due to our aid projects which have been taken care of in addition to our regular duties, no extra stipend from the Federal government or otherwise has been paid to our regular forces. Analytically the regular organization, headed by the writer, assumed the added work and responsibility at a definite sacrifice to themselves, not only in time but in energy and nervous strain, without even the additional recompense to date of a governmental "Thank you.'
We have maintained the integrity of our service even throughout this ex- pansion. I deem it a privilege to gratefully thank each and every one who has contributed much or little toward our outstanding success, which is none the less real even though unadvertised.
Respectfully submitted, (Signed) JOHN O. TABER, Jr. Superintendent Public Works.
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ANNUAL REPORT
EXPENDITURES 1934-PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Charges to December 31, 1934
General Administration
Superintendent's Salary
$ 3,511.84
Engineer's Salary, Asst. Engineer, Rodman, Etc ...
7,360.38
Clerical labor.
3,883.24
Engineering Supplies .
115.59
Office Supplies.
206.63
Insurance .
47.80
Superintendent's Auto Maintenance.
67.15
Rent
756.00
Light.
23.85
Telephone.
99.84
Incidentals.
1.85
$ 16,074.17
Highway Division
Resurfacing
15,832.75
Drains. .
5,351.56
Street Sweeping
507.56
Street Patching.
3,973.24
Street Cleaning
1,970.80
Sidewalk Maintenance.
1,035.70
Equipment, maintenance and repair
453.55
Road Rollers
547.79
Auto Maintenance
535.97
Road Oil and Tar.
6,032.84
Bridges, fences and culverts .
825.10
Crushers.
1,499.88
Ten Mile River and Thacher Brook .
31.11
Insurance .
830.58
Rent, Maynard Street Land.
69.60
Vacations
164.18
Signs, Clocks and Numbers
306.68
Incidentals.
52.75
Snow and Ice.
5,876.85
Sidewalks and Curbing.
3,747.18
49,645.67
New Equipment
5,000.00
Street Lighting.
28,340.47
Water Division
Maintenance Payroll.
8,988.26
Maintenance Material
1,360.15
New Meters
1,231.58
Services.
1,624.92
Shop and Barn.
406.28
Maintenance of Buildings
67.11
Main Line Maintenance
1,556.93
Auto Operation .
909.25
Insurance
1,280.33
Taxes
299.48
Incidentals.
8.96
Emergency Thawing
728.60
18,461.85
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ANNUAL REPORT
Main Line Extension .
1,250.00
Newport Avenue Main Line Extension (C. W. A. & E. R. A.)
5,306.50
Water Main Extension and Replacement in Emory and Pine Streets.
43.59
Newport Avenue Water Main.
48.61
Pumping Station Division .
Payroll
6,892.63
Fuel
7,771.78
Oi]
157.76
Pumps
307.14
Boilers
548.99
Cleaning Filter Beds.
115.19
Care of Equipment, Grounds and Beds.
466.86
Light.
130.65
Phone
217.00
Incidentals
31.20
16,639.20
Sewer Division
Filter Beds.
3,429.27
Repair and Care of Sewers
470.73
3,900.00
Shaw Avenue Sewer
118.15
Rifle Range
131.19
City Survey
114.41
North Main Street and Commonwealth Widening
Avenue
54.50
Emory and Pine Street Improvement.
65.32
Elmwood Avenue Construction .
9.67
Construction of Bushee Street .
143.68
Park Street Reconstruction
216.70
Construction of Hazel Street.
497.42
Construction of Walls-Hawthorne Street.
5.47
Adamsdale Avenue Reconstruction.
378.94
Olive and Thacher Street Bridge
1,500.00
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