USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1954 > Part 3
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William L. Parkinson appointed reserve patrolman, November 8, 1954
Albert A. Fyfe returned as regular patrolman from armed services July 6, 1954.
Curtis W. Leonard, Jr. returned as regular patrolman from armed services, August 15, 1954
DEATHS
Howard A. O'Hare, Inspector on December 27, 1954
25.
1
Annual Report
Report of Police Department -continued
ATTLEBORO POLICE DEPARTMENT
INSPECTOR'S DIVISION
Among others the following crimes are reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation-these were investigated and prosecuted by the Inspector's division during 1954.
CRIME
CLEARED BY ARREST
ROBBERY 1
FELONIOUS ASSAULT
4
4
BURGLARY
45
15
LARCENY (less than $50. 00) 125
55
LARCENY (over $50. 00) 6
3
AUTO THEFT 13
10
For all crimes we had a conviction percentage of 90. 2 of offenders tried before the Fourth District Court of Bristol.
During 1954 larcenies in the amount of $17, 320. 90 were reported and inves- tigated by the Inspector's Division. These included larcenies of money, jewelry, bicycles, automobiles, auto parts and many other miscellaneous articles. About 64% of these articles were recovered or restitution was made to the owners.
2€ .
Annual Report
REPORT OF CITY FORESTER 1954
To His Honor, the Mayor, and the Municipal Council:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit the report of the Forestry Department for the year ending December 31, 1954.
The fight against the Dutch Elm disease has been the chief concern of the Forestry Department this year. Our chief weapon has been night spraying which we have carried on during the summer at three regular intervals. There has been no bad infestation of the disease because of the careful check being made of our elms. This constant vigilance on the part of property owners and the members of this Department is very important. When the condition of a tree shows the possibility of the Dutch elm beetle, a "Suspect" sign is posted on the tree and samples of the twigs are sent to the University of Massachusetts for verification. If the report from the University indicates that the tree is infect- ed, it is removed at once. Up to the present time. over 100 trees have been taken down. Only 25 of these trees have been in the residential areas. Pro- perty owners are urged to check their elm trees and report any suspicious cases.
There is always plenty of roadside brush cutting to do, and the removal of dangerous limbs and dead trees is one of our steady jobs. Then, too, there is spraying for the Japanese beetle and the eradication of poison ivy.
The demand for young trees, which this Department has offered to pro- perty owners, is still greater than the supply. This plan, now in its sixth year, is beginning to show very pleasing results. Because trees are becoming more expensive, and more difficult to obtain, the Forestry Department has established a small nursery at the City Infirmary. In a few years, there will be a good supply of better trees, at a minimum expense.
Respectfully submitted,
Warren P. Hofmann City Forester
27.
Annual Report 1
REPORT OF THE RECREATION COMMISSION 1954
To the Honorable Mayor and the Municipal Council, City of Attleboro, Massachusetts
I herewith submit the annual report of the Recreation Department for the year ending December 31, 1954.
During the year 1954 all of the athletic fields in charge of the Recreation Commission were maintained in good playing condition and the ordinary work of the department was carried on.
Hayward Field was kept in excellent condition during the summer season and was used continuously afternoon and evening throughout the baseball season. Repairs were necessary due to Hurricane damage, but this did not interfere with the football schedule, and again high praise was given by school faculty for the excellent playing surface maintained.
Horton and Finberg fields were popular for Little League activities, and both were kept in fair playing condition -- also additional playground equipment was installed for the smaller children.
Hebronville and Dodgeville fields were used mostly for baseball and some work was done to improve the playing surface.
South Attleboro received additional attention due to the planned dedication exercises. A retaining wall was built, and steps installed leading to the play- ground area -- also trees planted to insure shade in the future. In September the field was dedicated to World War II Veterans, and was named Veterans" Memorial Park. At this time, a flagpole was dedicated to the memory of Willis Newton, South Attleboro's former councilman.
Briggs Playground was opened as usual late in June and swimming classes sponsored by the Red Cross were conducted under the supervision of Mr. Ray Cooney. The remainder of the activities were in charge of Howard Rounseville, Rosalind Kenny, Robert Patterson and John Coleman. The season ended with the usual water carnival at which time, according to the custom of previous years, prizes were awarded, and refreshments were served.
The maintenance laborers were under the supervision of Oscar Munroe. Mr. Munroe, as always, received many favorable comments on the excellent con- dition of all fields under his care.
Respectfully submitted,
William Liddell Jr. , Chairman Frank Miller Thomas Dube Walter White
28.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT 1954
To His Honor the Mayor and Municipal Council:
Your Fire Department submits their Annual Report for the year 1954 and recommendations for the year 1955.
The Department has responded to the following alarms.
Alarm by boxes .
59
Assembly Calls.
5
Still Alarms.
524
588
CLASSIFICATION
Automobiles
23 Old Lumber
5
Automatic Sprinkler
19
No Fire
35
Brush
236
Oil Burner
15
Broken Water Pipe
4 Oil Space Range
10
Buildings
44
Over-heated Furnace
3
Chimneys
12
Out of City
5
Dump
30
Rescue Animal
5
Electrical Appliance
6
Rescue Person
2
Electric Motors
3
Rope in Flag Pole
12
Electric Wires
10
Refrigerator
9
False
1 7
Syphon
7
Filling Tank
3
Salvage
6
Flushing Gas & Oil
12
Christmas Lights
1
First Aid
3
Mutual Aid
8
Fireworks
1
Tar Kettle
1
Gain Entrance
32
Fire Prevention
8
Gas Leak
1
Total Calls
588
Hose laid 28, 450 ft. 2 1/2 inch, 6, 150 ft. 1 1/2 inch, raised 3, 536 ft.
of ladders. Boat 1. Booster 305. Dry Chemical 1. Foam 3. Pyrenes 15.
Water Cans 484.
Out of City, North Attleboro 3. Norton 1. Pawtucket 1.
General Alarm
Boy Scout Call. 1.
O
0
29
Estimated Loss on Buildings
Estimated Loss on Contents
$ 31,483. 70 7,225.07
$ 38,708. 77
Insurance Paid on Buildings
$ 31,408. 70
Insurance Paid on Contents
7,200. 07
$ 38,608. 77
Loss not covered by Insurance
$ 100.00
REVENUE
Revenue from issuing permits amounted to
$224. 00
Revenue from sale of junk amounted to
37. 20
This amount has been paid to the City Treasurer
FIRE PREVENTION
The officers and men of the Fire Department have made many inspections in the past year. Schools are inspected monthly. Stores, business establish- ments and factories have received some inspections.
Many complaints have been investigated and where hazards were found the proper authorities were notified to rectify same.
The establishment of a Fire Prevention Bureau to have charge of all inspec- tions, with men assigned for daily inspections would do much to reduce the fire hazards.
AMBULANCES
The Sturdy Hospital Ambulance that is operated by the Department, with men assigned from the Fire Department has answered many calls during the past year. We have received many fine compliments about the efficiency of the men on the ambulance.
The Department is reduced two men at all times due to this assignment . Often during the past year the two ambulances have been in use at the same time Several times this past year the two ambulances have been out when calls were received and the Chief's car has been used as an emergency Ambul- ance
Number of calls -593
Hours of service- 570 hours 41 minutes
Oxygen tanks used 40
30.
Annual Report
Report of the Fire Department continued-
REPORT ON AMBULANCES FROM JANUARY 1, 1954 UNTIL JANUARY 1, 1955
Number of Calls
Gals. of Gas
Miles Traveled
January
53
96
605
February -
43
47
293
March
59
67
558
April
46
48
387
May
40
42
364
June
40
62
493
July
50
84
623
August
35
57
555
September-
42
93
691. 8
October
72
121
943
November-
55
49
449.5
December-
58
68
467
Totals:
593 Calls
834 Gals. Gas
5,962. 3 Miles Traveled
HOURS OF SERVICE AND OXYGEN TANKS USED
Hours
Minutes
Oxygen Tanks
January
54
54
4
February
38
05
5
March-
42
46
3
April
34
27
1
May-
29
19
1
June
46
21
1
July
40
14
2
August -
44
31
5
September
50
29
2
October
81
43
6
November
50
06
2
December -
57
30
8
Total:
570 Hours
41 Minutes
40 Tanks
31
Annual Report
RECOMMENDATIONS
the different positions and rank in the Fire Department for the year 1955. Listed below are the amounts the Board of Fire Engineers feel are proper for
Recommended 1955
$4850. 00
4250.00
3750. 00
3750. 00
3500. 00 Approx. $67. 00
Chief.
Deputy Chief's
Captains
Mechanic
Men --- Per Week-
Department. The Board of Engineers suggests a salary of $5200, for Note: Should the office of Building Inspector be removed from the Fire
the Chief of the Fire Department.
Automobiles
Stations-
Hose
Apparel-
All other
Light
Phone
Water
Fuel
Office
100 00
Expended 1954
$3838. 61
- 2998. 17
1999. 92
2312. 84
199. 98
849. 98
841.66
131. 38-
3848. 74
98. 44
$
1
3
I
1
1
1
Out of State Conference$75. 00
R
1
1
6
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
!
1
1
0
8
1
F
1
1
1
u
1
8
e
I
0
1
I A
2
1
1
0
i
0
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!
I
1
1
1954
$4150. 00
3550. 00
-3350.00
3350.00-
61. 25-
MAINTENANCE OF EQUIPMENT
Recommended 1955
$4500. 00
4000. 00
2000.00
4000. 00
200.00
$ 850. 00
900.00
150.00
4000.00
150.00
OTHER EXPENSES
F
1
I
1
0
0
!
1
0
1
6
8
:
2
0
1
0
1
0
1
1 1
F
1
0
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
32.
Report of the Fire Dept continued-
1955
SALARY AND WAGES
0
1
0
I
1
1
1
0
1
I
0
1
1
0
i
1
1
Annual Report
Report of the Fire Department continued-
REPAIRS
The South Attleboro Station is badly in need of repairs, The floors are in bad condition and should be refinished or covered with linoleum. The Station should be painted and recieve general repairs. No repairs have been done at this station for some time. Also some new lights should be installed. $1,000. 00
Engine #3 at the South Main St. Station which was purchased in 1939 is badly in need of repairs. The motor has developed a bad knock. We have had this motor inspected and all recommend that the motor be repaired or replaced at once with a new motor. We also recommend that this truck be painted at the same time so as to protect the truck so that it may serve the city for several more years. $1,500. 00
NEW EQUIPMENT
We recommend that a new 1000 Gallon Pumping Engine be purchased. The De- partment needs an additional Pumping Engine to properly protect the city. The large industrial plants in our city, some of which contain many hazards, require need for more pumping equipment to control a bad fire. $18,000. 00
We also have some very dangerous fire hazards in some districts that contain many large wooden buildings. Fires in these districts could spread rapidly un- less we have sufficient Fire Fighting Apparatus. Any city the size of this city should have at least one spare engine to use in cases of large fires and when a a truck is out of service for any reason, such as repairs, or when more than one fire occurs at the same time. Several times during the past year every truck in this department has been out at the same time, and if another fire had occurred could have been very serious.
We recommend that a new Deputy Chief's car be purchased this year. The one in service is a 1951 Chevrolet 4 door sedan. Some plan to replace these chief's cars every three or four years are recommended on an economy basis. $2,000. 00
We recommend that it be replaced with a beach wagon or ranch type vehicle similar to the one purchased the past year for the chief. It has proved the past year that this type of machine is much more efficient. It can be used to trans- port men and also can be used as an ambulance in any emergency. The Chief's car has been used several times as an ambulance the past year.
RECOMMENDATIONS
We recommend that a clerk be employed to assist the Chief with the large amount of clerical work required in both the Fire Department and Building Inspectors Office.
We recommend that $600. 00 be appropriated for the purchase of rubber coats. Money for the replacement of coats should be voted each year. We recommend that $250. 00 be appropriated for the replacement of roof ladders on Ladder #3.
OUT OF STATE CONFERENCE We recommend that $100. 00 be appropriated for the purpose.
33.
Annual Report
AUTO ACCOUNT
This account has been very small for the number of motor equipment pieces in this Department must be maintained. This account includes all repairs and replacements, also the gasoline account.
STATIONS ACCOUNT
The station account is too small to make any major repairs. This account included all supplies and equipment purchased both at the stations and equip- ment on trucks. It has also been used for the maintenance of radio equipment as we do not have a radio account.
HOSE ACCOUNT
This is the same as is usually appropriated for replacement of hose.
APPAREL ACCOUNT
We recommend that this account be increased so as to allow each man $50. 00 for uniforms of which some things have to be replaced each year. The price of uniforms and pants are very high. We do not consider that $30. 00 is enough to keep the uniforms neat at all times.
ALL OTHER ACCOUNTS
The All Other Accounts is the same as usual $200. 00. In case of injuries or doctors bills it will be necessary to request payments as in the past by special appropriations.
OTHER EXPENSE APPROPRIATIONS
LIGHT ACCOUNT
The Light Account is the same as usual $850. 00.
TELEPHONE ACCOUNT
We recommend the Telephone Account should be increased $50. 00 to take care of the telephone in the Chief's home. The first few months of 1954 the Chief paid for his own telephone.
WATER ACCOUNT
We recommend the Water Account be the same as usual $150. 00.
FUEL ACCOUNT
We recommend that the Fuel Account be increased to $4, 000. 00. This year $3, 500. 00 was appropriated and $350. 00 additional was voted in December. We feel that this additional money is necessary to take care of the continuous use of the Hebronville Station
34.
Annual Report
Report of the Fire Department continued-
OFFICE ACCOUNT
We recommend that this account be increased by $50. 00 to $150. 00 to allow for the purchase of a new file for the office that is badly needed.
APPRECIATION
We wish at this time to express our appreciation to all who aided and assisted us in the past year.
As always the Police Department has co-operated and assisted us in performance of duties.
We thank His Honor the Mayor Cyril K. Brennan, members of the Muni- cipal Council and the Police and Fire Committee for granting our requests to improve the Department for the protection of our Public.
ATTLEBORO FIRE DEPARTMENT
BOARD OF ENGINEERS
Hiram R. Packard, Chief
Charles G. Thomae, Chairman John W. Wolfenden, Clerk Hayward H. Sweet
35.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARM 1954
To the Board of Fire Engineers,
Fire Department City of Attleboro, Mass.
Dear Sirs:
I herewith submit the annual report of the activities of the Electrical Branch of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31st, 1954.
During the year, six of the obsolete type boxes have been replaced with modern 3-Fold boxes. Other boxes installed including interior and sprinkler connections were as follows:
Box 7116 Metals & Controls, Bldg. E Perry Avenue
January 26th
Box 5112 Leavens Company, Summer Street March 16th
Box 1171 Crown Mfg. Bleachery, Turner Street May 19th
Box 1151 First National Store, Washington Street July 20th
Box 7117 Metals & Controls, Boiler Room
July 20th
Box 1313 Rogers Nursing Home, Newport Avenue
November 12th
Box 5241 Rocklawn Ave. , & West Street (Street Box) November 12th
Box 3211 Horton Angel Company, Bicknell Street
November 14th
The installation of the above boxes included construction of many miles of additional line to the system.
Because of highway alterations in conjunction with the new parking lot at the corner of Sanford and North Main Streets, new underground ducts were installed on Sanford Street and Box 312 was relocated on a pedestal at the cor- ner of Sanford and Academy Streets
Hurricane "Carol" of August 31st caused severe damage to our boxes and outside plant but within 48 hours, 95% of our system was in working order. Fire alarm service was restored in some sections nearly three weeks before telephone service was in order. Many miles of new wire and hundreds of new cross arms were installed Many boxes, gongs, tappers and lightning arres- tors were burned out because of high voltage wires falling on our wires. Two of our circuits remained intact through both hurricanes which is certain proof that under ground installations are far superior to the overhead type of con- struction. While on this point, some laws should be made to require that a certain percentage of all overhead wires should be placed underground each year This has been done in the past by many of our New England towns and cities The wires being underground would insure continuity of service and there would be less danger to the public and all concerned from falling poles and overhead construction
36.
Annual Report
Report of the Superintendent of Fire Alarm continued-
This department was again called upon to set up the annual Christmas Decorations and again at the end of the holiday, remove them and put them in storage for future use. This work was in the care of Assistant Fire Alarm Electrician, Harold F. Wellman and with what little assistance he could obtain, the best part of a month was required to prepare and install the decorations. This work was forced upon this department in the beginning of World War No. 2 and because of its interferrence with the regular duties of the members of this department, it should again be placed in the hands of regular electrical con- struction firms who are equipped to do this sort of work in the proper manner.
During the year boxes were painted and serviced thruout the entire system. Existing lines were overhauled and many pole changes made.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 1955
Gentlemen, under the above heading, as I have done for many years, I once more request and urge that my recommenations on Page 49 of the 1949 Annual Reports of the City of Attleboro be given serious consideration.
I again request that funds be made available for the purpose of over- hauling and painting the Fire Alarm Line Truck. This truck is a very val- uable piece of equipment and certainly should be given care to prolong its usefullness.
At this time, I wish to extend my sincere thanks to His Honor, the Mayor, the Municipal Council and to all City Departments who in any manner contri- buted to the operation of this department by their assistance during the past year of 1954. Many thanks to Chief Hiram R. Packard and to his officers and men of the Attleboro Fire Department.
Respectfully submitted,
William S. King, Superintendent of Fire Alarm,
Electrical Branch of Fire Department.
37.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF WIRES 1954
To His Honor, the Mayor and Municipal Council:
City of Attleboro, Massachusetts
Dear Sirs:
I herewith submit the annual report of the Wire Inspection Department for the year ending December 31st, 1954. During the year, permits issued and in- spections made were as follows: -
Electricians
Reconnects
Total
January
50
135
Inspected 185
247
February
92
122
214
286
March
115
271
386
515
April
106
123
229
308
May
147
75
222
296
June
64
172
236
315
July
70
136
206
275
August
66
152
218
291
September
159
168
327
436
October
116
185
301
401
November
97
187
284
379
December
94
149
243
324
1,176
1 875
3,051
4,073
These figures show the number of permits issued to electrical contractors and to the Attleboro Electric Company new work and reconnections. Included are also permits for alterations and additions. A number of inspections were made with the Fire Department and State Investigator where required. Much work was accomplished during the several hurricanes.
May I extend my sincere thanks to His Honor, the Mayor, the members of the Municipal Council, James Sullivan, Clerk of 4th District Court, the Fire and Police Departments and to all who in any way contributed to the successful oper- ation of this department for the past year of 1954.
Respectfully submitted,
William S. King Electrical Inspector City of Attleboro
4
38.
Annual Report
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS
1954
To His honor the Mayor and Municipal Council:
I herewith submit my first annual report of the Building Inspector for the year of 1954.
The total number of permits issued - 647 A gain over 1953 of - 180 permits
The estimated value - $3, 108, 162. 00 A gain over 1953 of - $1, 621, 244. 00
The amount paid to the City Treasurer - $2, 202. 50 A gain over 1953 of - $ 603. 50
RECOMMENDATIONS.
I feel that the Building Laws as printed should be amended and brought up to date with present day construction.
I feel that the great amount of work that the Building Inspector is re- quired to do along with the large amount of paper work required, that some thought should be given to have a clerk to do the clerical work for both the Building Inspector and the Fire Department offices.
I recommend that a typewriter should be purchased for the Building Inspector's office. This is necessary.
I recommend that the salary of the Building Inspector be increased according to the amount of work required.
I also recommend that the expense account of the Building Inspector be increased to $50. 00.
At this time I wish to express my appreciation for the assistance and advice given me by the City Solicitor, the cooperation of the Planning Board and Board of Appeal, also the Wire Inspector who has assisted me on num- erous occasions. Also the Deputy Chiefs and any one who has assisted me in any way.
Respectfully submitted,
Hiram R. Packard Acting Building Inspector
39.
MONTH PERMITS
SHINGLE
DWELLING ALTERATIONS
DWELLINGS BUSINESS ALT.
BUSINESS GARAGES MISC. RAZE TOTAL
JAN.
8
1 -- 140
6 -- - 3, 500
1 --- 6,500
10,140 00
FEB.
17
6 -- 2,055
3 --- 4,300
4 -- 28,000
4 -- 4, 700
39,055. 00
$200, 000. 00
MARCH
41
11 -- 4,550
3 --- 3,100
10 -- 71,000
4 -- 35,650
Sturdy Hosp. 5 -- 3150 5 -- 2, 150
2
319,600. 00
APRIL
52
15 -- 8, 740
5 --- 2,850
11 -- 84,500
2 -- 21,067
1 -- 20,000
7 -- 9500|
8 -- 4,820
3
151,477. 00
MAY
41
11 -- 1,856
5 --- 5,250
7 -- 57,500
4-119,000 : 2 -- 13,400
3 -- 2275| 8 -- 1,168
1 --- School, South Attleboro -
897,756.00
JUNE
55
17 -- 6,410
8 -- 10,203
11 -- 85,800
2-101,000
2 -- 9,000
3 -- 1700:11 -- 4, 900
JULY
86
28-10,487
7 -- 10,050.
21-128, 900
2 -- 38, 000
3 -- 41,239
7 -- 4600|11-1.335 8
244,013.00 234, 611 00
AUGUST
63
26-12 765
8 -- 10, 400.
13- 93,300 2 -- - 9,500
1 ==
450 10-2.545
: 1
1 Church Addition and Parsonage -- - 100, 000.00
1 Hall and Club House K. ofC
35,000. 00
263, 960 00
SEPT.
72
37-13,086
6 -45, 500
3-23,000
1 --- 3,400
7 -- 52801
15-13, 844
3 104,110 00
OCT.
76
52-12,849
2-2.000
8 -- 76, 000
: 1 - 6,000
3 -- 3000
8 -- 2,860
2
102,709 00
NOV.
81
45 -- 9,645
5- 6,550
14 -- 98,000
.2 -- 2,300
1 -- 12,000
6 -- 4800
8- 1,350
1
DEC.
54
27
9,293
- 1 -- New School 3 -- 3,300
- --
| 13 -- 89,000 : 1 -- 1,200
1 -- 9501
8 -- 2.343|
634,645 00 1 |106 086 00
=== ==-- - Church ---
3 108 162. 0
0
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE PARK DEPARTMENT - 1954
To the Board of Park Commissioners
Gentlemen®
I herewith submit my ninth annual report as Superintendent of Parks.
The old saying that "if you don't like New England weather, wait a minute!" proved more than true this past year. We had everything - snow, freezing weather and thawing in the same day rain and lots of it, then Carol and Edna. To say the least it has been an interesting year.
The lawns in the Park were beautiful all season. They proved beyond a dowbt that no matter what else is done to a lawn, plenty of rain is the most essen- tial item.
The flower beds were in full bloom when Carol wrecked them.
The Edward Anderson gardens are now ready. This Spring the flower beds will be set out and the rose garden planted.
The popularity of Capron Park , keeps increasing and more people visit it each year, Their words of encouragement and praise are an inspiration to all of us. Their words of sympathy after Carol and Edna were also a comfort to us. We all had a piece of sawdust or something in our eyes as we watched tree after tree topple. It was a hopeless looking task to clean up but we have accomplished part of it and now we are cleaning the tree tops.
Of the $27, 500 approved for hurricane expense this department expended $3, 282. 62. About as much more had to be spent from my regular appropriation and it will require as much more in the next few years to complete the work of cleaning up. I believe that the labor and equipment will cost close to $12, 000 and this figure does not include the cost of replacing the trees we have lost.
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