USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1941 > Part 15
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DRAINAGE PIPE LINE CONSTRUCTION (for Surface Drainage)
Street
30"
24"
15"
12"
10"
8"
6"
Catch Man 4" Basins Hole
Jessie Ave.
340
301'
4
Watson Ave.
50'
1
Riverbank Rd . .
221'
332'
170'
10
1
Mechanic St.
36'
2
Brook St.
1
Union Road .
88'
Highland Ave.
107'
200'
2270' 3670'
945'
90'
32
17
Willet School .
766'
155'
2250'
6
1
Totals. 88'
107'
421'
3708'
4382'
945'
90'
2250' 55
20
Two heavy snowfalls were experienced during the early part of the year. The first storm occurred on January 23rd when we had a snowfall of 9 1-2 inches. Then on March 8th we had another snowfall of 8 1-2 inches. In each case plow- ing operations proceeded as usual; however, in the subsequent work of clearing the streets in the business district there was one notable difference. On February 5th the Municipal Council authorized the purchase of a snow-loader for the Public Works Department and on February 10th the loader arrived at the city yard. After the storm of March 8th the snow-loader received its first real test; it was used to remove the snow from the streets throughout the business district. A large audience of interested spectators constantly watched its opera- tion and their many interesting remarks praising the machine and its work assured this department of the approval by the public of its purchase. The streets were cleared in a fraction of the time it formerly took to do this work and at a fraction of the former cost.
A new timber flooring was placed on Thurber Avenue railroad bridge by the city and the N. Y. N. H. & H. R. R. reconstructed the entire Fond Street railroad bridge. The bridge abutments were raised and the superstructure, which is entirely timber, was replaced.
The sewer filter beds were reconditioned during the year by city forces, the sludge was removed from every filter bed and the surface was raked, graded and replenished with clean sand where necessary. This thorough reconditioning is necessary for the proper and efficient disposal and filtration of the sewage.
182
ANNUAL REPORT
Although I am not recommending the following construction in the im- mediate future I would suggest that it receive serious consideration. Under the present system in which the sewage is filtered through sand beds, the eltuent is collected in underdrains and discharged in the Ten Mile River. This method is obsolete and does not allow any control of the chemical contents of the effiuent or its treatment, also the present disposal plant is inadequate. It is very im- portant that control of sewage disposal be maintained at all times and for this reason I would recommend the construction of a sewage treatment plant to be constructed at the present location of the sewer filter beds. This is a measure which affects Public Health and therefore merits due consideration.
The water filter area at the South Attleboro pumping station was thoroughly cleaned and reconditioned during the year. The work consists of draining the area and removing all sediment which has accumulated during the year. New material is added if necessary and the surface of the entire area is loosened and graded. Proper maintenance of this area permits efficient filtration of the water, increasing the available supply by replenishing the collecting wells quickly during pumping periods and providing quick recovery after pumping periods.
Every fall this department places approximately 5,000 feet of snow fence along roads where drifting occurs during heavy snow storms. In the spring the fence is taken up and stored at the city yard where necessary repairs are made before it is used again.
Under a W. P. A. project the roadway running along the 18" force main from the water standpipe to Tiffany Street was reconstructed of gravel to furnish easy access to this vital supply line at any time. At least once a week the entire length of this force main is traversed by an employee of the water department for in- spection purposes. The importance of this force main cannot be minimized because through this line is pumped all water which is stored in the standpipe. The roadway as constructed is fifteen feet wide.
NEW EQUIPMENT PURCHASED DURING THE YEAR
1-Snow Loader-Barber-Greene Model 558 with bucket loader boom ex- tension, for use in sand loading operations.
1-12 Ton, 3 wheel, gasoline-powered Buffalo-Springfield road roller, equip- ped with scarifier.
1-2 Ton, 2 wheel, gasoline-powered Buffalo-Springfield tandem roller.
1-"Cletrac" tractor,, 18 H. P. equipped with a Sargent sidewalk snow plow.
1-"Allis-Chalmers" Tractor, Model 1B, 12 H. P., equipped with a Baker "V" Sidewalk snow-plow.
1-Welding outfit and accessories. (This outfit was mounted on one of our old Chevrolet 1 1-2 ton truck chassis).
1-Used Chrysler engine for use as a power unit for the Welding outfit.
1-Used 1937 Dodge 1-2 ton pick-up truck.
1-Used 1936 International 1 1-2 ton truck, equipped with hydraulic hoist and dump body.
1-Used 25 ton Trailer for use in transporting the power shovels.
In addition to the above equipment which was purchased, there were also constructed at our city yard two pieces of equipment which are used in road construction.
In the construction of the gravel bituminous treated pavement, which is the type normally built, it is very important that the gravel surface of the road has just a sufficient amount of moisture to insure proper penetration of the bituminous material when it is applied.
The greater portion of our road construction is done during the summer months, when we have warm weather and very little rain; as a result we are often
183
ANNUAL REPORT
confronted with adverse conditions when bituminous material is to be applied on the streets under construction. The gravel surface is dry and dusty and the road oils when applied, would tend to "float" on the surface because they cannot penetrate entirely through the very fine materials on the surface of the road. The solution is to dampen the surface just sufficiently to lay the dust and leave the gravel surface porous. This allows the road oils to penetrate easily, quickly and to a greater depth, also the road oils will adhere to the gravel particles. The result is a tight, homogeneous pavement.
Previous to last year the methods used to dampen the road surface were either by the use of hose attached to any convenient hydrant or by the use of an old water wagon. Both of these methods were unsatisfactory.
It was decided to construct our own water spraying outfit designed along the lines of a distributor truck as used in the distribution of road oils. It was neces- sary to design the outfit as a portable unit to be mounted on one of our 5-ton trucks. A brief description of the unit is as follows: Two 550-gallon tanks were hooked together for storage of the water supply, these tanks fit into the dump body of the truck, a small 8 H. P. 2-cylinder Le Roi engine was mounted at the rear of the truck furnishing power to a small rotary pump with a 3" intake and outlet, a piping arrangement from the tanks through the pump extends downward from the rear of the truck branching out toward each side covering a width of road of approximately eight feet. In this arm are pressure nozzles eight inches apart, the pump furnishing a pressure at these nozzles of approximately fifty pounds. The operation of the unit is as follows: The tanks are filled with water, either from a hydrant or if none is available, water can be pumped into the tanks from any natural water source such as a brook or pond, when the tanks are filled the truck moves into position along one side of the road which is to be sprayed and travelling at a slow constant speed covers the roadway with a fine, uniform spray of water, under pressure, at the rate of approximately 1-2 gallon per square yard.
A large section of roadway can be covered in this manner in a short time. The road oils can be applied at the proper time with an assurance of uniform and excellent results.
When this equipment is not in use it is easily removed from the truck on which it is mounted. Thus no rolling equipment is tied up.
The second piece of apparatus constructed was an asphalt heating plant. This unit is permanently mounted on a platform at our Wall Street yard and is so placed that the portable tank, which is used for transporting the heated asphalt, can be moved under the heating unit to obtain the supply of asphalt from the tank. The heating unit is a 550-gallon steel tank mounted on an old wagon chassis. In the tank are banks of 1 1-4-inch pipe through which steam is cir- culated by an Almy boiler having a maximum operating pressure of fifteen pounds. The usual operating pressure is five pounds. When the asphalt has been properly heated it is drawn off into the portable tank which is attached to a light truck. This portable tank is heated by a small firebox directly under the tank. The asphalt can then be transported to the job where it is used for paint patching of the pavements.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Equipment :
1-Allis-Chalmers Tractor, Model "M", to replace the old Fordson Tractor.
1-Adams leaning wheel Grader with an 8' blade, tractor-drawn, to replace grader which is thirty years old.
1-Mechanical Sweeper for use in street sweeping work. At the present time this work is done by hand. This is an expensive procedure and limits the area which can be covered.
184
ANNUAL REPORT
Improvements :
1. Read Street. On Read Street, just south of West Street, there is a highway bridge over the Seven Mile River. The existing structure is constructed of timber set on stone masonry abutments. The bridge is in very poor condition and is definitely dangerous considering the traffic which passes over the structure. Many of its supporting timbers have deteriorated and it is only because of several supporting posts erected by this department that the structure is capable of withstanding the loads. However, these measures must be regarded as merely temporary precautions and the reconstruction of the bridge should be undertaken at once. When the structure is replaced the roadway should be straightened to eliminate the dangerous reverse curve which now exists. The relocation would involve some land-takings. However, when permanent improvements are made here, the opportunities for relieving an unsatisfactory situation should not be overlooked. I recommend the above construction be completed in 1942.
2. Locust Street. For several years plans have been complete for the re- location and reconstruction of Locust Street from Oak Hill Avenue to a point 2500 feet south from South Main Street, which point marks the approximate location of a previous layout of Locust Street from South Main Street. Con- siderable preliminary work has been done for this relocation, which will establish a definite street layout and eliminate one very dangerous curve and until definite street lines are laid down it is not advisable to do any extensive work on this street. Locust Street is an important link in our rural road system and I recom- mend steps be taken to establish a relocation between the points mentioned.
3. Collins Street, from Newport Avenue to Mendon Road. I wish to repeat my recommendation for the acceptance of this street between the points men- tioned. The construction of the highway would furnish a much needed con- necting highway between two State routes, as well as two sections of South Attle- boro.
4. Guard Fences. For several years I have recommended recognition of a project to replace all wooden guard fences with concrete and steel cable guard similar to that which is used by the State Highway Department. The wooden fences are of little practical value for safety purposes, their resistance to impact is very small. The cable guard fences can withstand a comparatively heavy impact and although they will be damaged. they have a definite value as a safety medium. The wooden fences are expensive to maintain while the cable guard fence is in- expensive to maintain.
Various charts pertaining to the Highway Department follow:
GRANOLITHIC SIDEWALKS AND CURBING
Str. Curb Lin. Ft. 2-Ft. Cor.
Circle Curb Lin. Ft.
Gran. Walks Sq. Yds.
Granolithic sidewalks and
curbing placed by City
forces, Reg. assessment. .. 860.80
13
22.00
179.77
Granolithic sidewalks and curbing placed by W.P.A. forces, W. P. A. assess- ment . 2913.89
72
3997.03
Granolithic sidewalks and curbing placed by W.P.A.
forces on W.P.A. Street
Reconstruction Projects- No assessment
209.4
548.52
Totals
3774.69
85
231.4
4725.32
15.5
ANNUAL REPORT
SEWER CONNECTIONS
Total connections January 1, 1941 1985
Buildings served. 2197
Connections added during 1941. 19
19
Total 2004
2216
STREET LIGHTING
Number and kind of lights in use January 1, 1941
Kind
Number
Cost
1000 C. P.
60 $ 92.00 each
Sunset to 11:30 p. m.
1000 C. P.
33 108.00 each
All night lights
1000 C. P. U-G
1 69.00 each
Sunset to 11:30 p. m.
250 C. P. 5 40.00 each
All night lights
100 C. P. 45 19.00 each
All night lights
60 C. P.
1243
16.50 each
All night lights
60 C. P.
20 16.50 each All night lights under Railroad arches
Traffic Blinkers 2
28.00 each
24-hr. flashing service
Street Lights placed during 1941*
100 Candle Power
Date Placed
Street
Date Placed
Street
September 18 Hazel Street
September 18
Pearl Street
September 18.
. George Street
September 18
Dexter Street
September 18.
Holman Street
November 10 Brook Street
September 18.
Falmouth Street
*All 60 candle power lights replaced with 100 candle power lights, June 1, 62 new 250 candle power lights
Number and kind of lights in use December 31, 1941
Kind
Number Cost
1000 C. P.
60 $ 92.00 each
Sunset to 11:30 p. m.
1000 C. P.
33 108.00 each
All night lights
1000 C. P.
1 69.00 each
Sunset to 11:30 p. m.
67 C. P.
250 35.00 each
All night lights
1248 C. P.
100 - 18.00 each
All night lights
Traffic Blinkers 2 28.00 each
24-hr. flashing service
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
Comparison of Itemized Expenditures for
1920
1939 $ 4,538.64
1940 $ 5,695.24 1,756.16
$ 6,475.35
Drains Maintenance
1,556.53
2,583.07
Street Sweeping.
2,611.32
863.32
754.22
599.51
Street Patching.
9,572.84
4,253.79
4,287.02
5,151.73
Street Cleaning.
7,998.46
1,335.08
1,464.09
1,126.34
Sidewalk Maintenance.
5,142.73
692.76
706.99
829.36
Equip., Maint. and Repair . .
663.28
Road Rollers
1,757.95
979.82
289.39
249.36
1941
Resurfacing.
$ 13,850.45
1,828.77
186
ANNUAL REPORT
Highway Auto Maint.
726.70
743.74
Road Oil and Tar.
22,188.37
2,961.39
4,889.20
5,374.24
Bridges, Fences and Culverts
608.04
1,714.93
1,966.71
1,220.76
Crushers.
185.42
1,025.03
1,024.44
287.29
Ten Mile River and Thacher Brook
711.26
104.65
37.54
31.87
Insurance
2,062.41
1,657.13
1,573.90
1.701.24
Rent-Maynard St. Land. . .
69.60
Vacations.
393.28
380.26
323.90
557.15
Signs, Clock and Numbers .
344.00
111.43
204.41
135.77
Phones .
160.81
238.49
Incidentals.
74.76
55.16
43.65
Snow and Ice.
11,073.23
6,185.15
9,472.80
6,672.66
Unexpended Balance of 1919 Appropriation .
19,981.13
Deferred Barn, Stone and Gravel Charges
955.95
Crosswalks.
222.11
Care of Common.
335.85
Express, Freight, etc.
349.65
$102,697.28
$30,868.23
$34,661.98
$32,523.54
New Equipment
3,665.80
3,475.00
16,691 27
12,699.74
(Listed as Machinery, Tools, etc., 1920)
Repair Division-Labor and Material (Paid by Special
Accounts in 1920)
9,000.93
8,025.75
8,555.00
*Totals
$106,363.08 $43,344.16
$59,379.00
$53,778.28
*These totals exclude Sidewalks and Curbing
MATERIAL HAULED FROM CITY OWNED BANKS-1941 North Avenue Bank
Sand.
2 Yards
Loam.
421 Yards
Gravel
7259 Yards
Peastone
25 Yards
No. 2 Stone
731 Yards
Dust
741 Yards
7,477 Yards
West Street Bank
Loam.
258
Yards
Subsoil
32 Yards
Gravel.
13424} Yards
No. 1 Stone.
Yards
No. 2 Stone
854 Yards
Peastone
44 Yards
Dust.
40} Yards
13,888 Yards
Bliss Pit
Sand.
27921 Yards
Gravel.
8831 Yards
Loam
4388₺ Yards
Subsoil.
3977 Yards
No. 2 Stone
237 Yards
Peastone.
107 Yards
Dust.
112 Yards
12,397 Yards
Total
33,762 Yards
187
ANNUAL REPORT
TOTALS:
2,7941 Yards Sand @ .45 yd. 1,257.52
21,567 Yards Gravel @ .35 yd 7,5448 45
4,689 Yards Loam @ 1.50 yd 7,033 50
4,009 Yards Subsoil @ .40 yd 1,603 60
396 Yards No. 2 Stone @ .45 yd. 178.20
1762 Yards Peastone @ .45 yd.
79 42
3} Yards No. 1 Stone @ .45 yd.
1.57
1263 Yards Dust @ .65 yd.
82.22
Total
$17,784.48
(Fair Market Value of Material)
WATER DIVISION
As stated previously in this report the total length of main line extensions for 1941 was considerably less than the total placed in 1940. The two major reasons for the decrease were: First, the sharp decrease in the W. P. A. labor available for this work and secondly, the placing of drastic restrictions by the O. P. M. authorities upon the use of water pipe and the fittings which practically halts all new installation of water mains. There was an increase in the amount of new work, outside of W. P. A. projects, which, together with the maintenance pro- gram, kept the City employed men of this department very busy.
In the coming year, the maintenance of the water supply system will assume much greater importance than in the past, because every effort must be made to conserve materials and prevent even minor breakdowns which could be caused by lack of maintenance. The difficulty in obtaining materials for this particular department is acute.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improvements :
1. I recommend the construction of a new supply well, similar to the "Bowler" wells, to be erected at a location just below Orrs' Pond. This particular location was tested at the time tests were being made for the location of the present so-called "Bowler" wells. The results of tests at the proposed site were very satisfactory. I believe in view of the following facts the proposition merits immediate consideration before conditions involving procurement of necessary materials become too critical.
In 1940 this section of the State had a precipitation of 43.84 inches; in 1941 the precipitation for the section was only 29.46 inches. This was a drop of 32.8%. The State Department of Public Health has stated the precipitation for this section in 1941 was 35.2% below normal. Obviously this decrease in precipita- tion affects our water supply situation gravely and it is doubtful if the present, sources of supply could withstand another season of low precipitation without imposing restrictions upon the use of water. Last summer it was necessary for us to obtain all available supply from the "Bowler" wells simultaneously with the supply available from the collecting wells of our principal source of supply. For a long period during the summer and early fall it was necessary to restrict the rate of pumping from the collecting wells because of their slow recovery, this condition being caused by the lack of normal precipitation.
1SS
ANNUAL REPORT
The expenditure involved for the construction of the additional we is truly justified in view of the conditions which existed during the dry season of 1941. The increased cost of pumping, due to the restriction of the pumping capacity of the pumps, during the latter half of 1941, was substantial.
The water supply system is one of the most essential of our public services, consequently, a substantial margin of safety should be maintained in the sources of supply which would be available during periods of drought or other emergencies.
2. I again recommend the installation of a dual 12-inch water main in West Street and Newport Avenue from the pumping station to Highland Avenue. By making application to the Federal authorities it might be possible to obtain their approval. thus enabling the city to purchase materials necessary for this project.
3. The water standpipe should be reconditioned as soon as possible, both inside and out. A suggested outline for repairs to the standpipe was made by the National Gunite Contracting Company some time ago. I would recommend their procedure for the reconditioning of the tank. a brief description of which follows:
Repairs inside of tank-Remove all the existing membrane, waterproof lining which has blistered and in places has fallen from the walls; a new cotton membrane lining, mopped in with hot asphalt, will be placed on the walls from the floor to the top of the tank; to prevent any scouring action, by ice, on the membrane lining the entire inside of the tank would be covered with a 2 1-2-inch thickness of re-enforced gunite concrete; the dome of the tank is constructed of tile which is beginning to disintegrate and to re-enforce this section it is suggested that a new supporting dome of gunite concrete be constructed and tied into the wall in addition to bearing on the new gunite lining.
Repairs outside of tank-Spalling of the concrete on the outside of the tank had been a serious problem previous to 1915. Measures had been taken to repair the spalled sections but met with little success. Finally an 8" brick wall was constructed around the entire outside of the tank. A few years ago this wall be- gan to fall off in large sections and subsequently the wall was removed to the 50-foot level. The removal of this brick wall revealed leakage occurring at horizontal construction joints, vertical cracks in the wall and spalling of the concrete wall at various places. It may be assumed that these same conditions exist to some extent on the area below the 50-foot level, which is still encased with brick. It is suggested that the remaining brick wall be removed, all spalled areas thoroughly cleaned and loose concrete removed; finally the entire outside of the tank be covered with a re-enforced gunite concrete covering, its thickness to be determined by conditions found upon the entire removal of the brick wall.
I would also recommend the construction of an additional water storage tank of similar capacity of the present standpipe. The proper procedure, if it could be financed, would be to build the new standpipe first, then repair the old one, in which case 24-hour pumping would not be necessary while repairs were being made.
Equipment :
I recommend the purchase of the following new equipment:
1 .- International Truck-equipped with express body fitted with facilities for carrying necessary tools and materials for the work; also of a capacity sufficient to carry 16-foot lengths of water pipe.
1 .- Tapping Machine-to replace the present machine which is over thirty years old, and for which it is practically impossible to obtain repair parts. This machine is vitally necessary for the work of this department.
159
ANNUAL REPORT
Various statistics pertaining to the Water Department follow:
1941 WATER MAIN LINE EXTENSIONS
Street Location
Bayberry Hill Road.
10" Pipe 237'
8" Pipe 6" Pipe Hydrants
Brook Street.
199' 6"
Crossman Avenue
George Street.
Harvard Street.
Highland Avenue.
Oak Hill Ave .- 1st installation.
80' 256'
Oak Hill Ave .- 2nd installation.
Payson Street.
108' 599'
Richardson Avenue.
3,005' 6"
2,408' 6"
9
Total
237'
3,541'
5,524'
15
Total mains 82.09 miles-9.302 feet
Total number hydrants-714
Following are charts giving the costs and other pertinent data relative to the placing of new services and replacements of old services:
New Services-1941
Length in
Size
Number 73
Feet
Cost-Main to Street Line $1580.97
Cost-Street Line to House $1268.37
Total Cost $2849.31
1 1-4 inch
2
78'
73.64
23.91
97.55
2 inch
1
52' 6"
72.55
24.15
96.70
4 inch
1
110'
82.22
310.85
393.07
6 inch
2
80'
Fire Service
300.11
300.11
Totals
79
4804' 11"
$1809.38
$1927.39
$3736.77
Service Replacements-1941
Cost-Main Cost-Street
Length in Feet
to Street Line
Line to House
Total Cost
Size
No.
*A-21
3-4 inch
40
*B-3
1236' 2"
$ 820.00
$ 299.70
$1119.70
*C-16
3 inch
1
*C-1
17'
86.19
45.67
131.86
4 inch
1
*C-1
42'
109.69
76.05
185.74
Totals 42
1295' 2"
$1015.88
$ 421.42
$1437 30
*A-Services replaced from main to street line
*B-Services replaced from street line to house
*C-Services replaced from main to house
PUMPING STATION
The city owned house, located adjacent to the pumping station in South Attleboro, is occupied by the chief engineer at the pumping station. For a number of years the house had been in extremely poor repair and recommendations
1
Rayburn Drive
470' 6" 1 242' 72' 1,624' 3
1
3-4 inch
4484' 5"
190
ANNUAL REPORT
for its repair had been made in the annual reports of this department. During the year funds were made available for the most necessary repairs which included the replacement of plumbing and fixtures. replacement of electric wiring and fixtures; also the renovation of the kitchen and bathroom. I know that the chief engineer and his family are very appreciative of the work which was done.
In the latter part of the year a Wallace & Tiernan chlorinator was installed at the pumping station in South Attleboro. This installation will undoubtedly prove to be invaluable to the water supply system.
Statistical charts of this department follow :
PUMPING RECORDS-1941
Electric Pump-South Attleboro Totals per Month
Gallons
Month
Hours Pumping
Coal Con- Pumped Kilowatts sumed lbs. Vent. Meter Used
January
259 hrs. 45 min.
22,675
38,845,000
42,360
February
235 hrs.
20,100
34.993,000
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