USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1957 > Part 3
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2
R. R. Bridge Trestle
5
Electrical Appliances
10
Rope Flag Pole
17
False
20
Salvage
6
Fences
2
Syphon
2
Fireworks
1
Tar Kettle
1
First Aid
21
Overheated Furnace
2
Flood Pond
4
Raze Buildings
5
Flushing: Gas, Oil, Acid
8
Total Calls:
707
Gain Entrance
35
& 6 Assembly Calls:
6
713
0
1
g
1
I
0
9
0
1
1
1
1
I
P
1
0
0
I
9
0
1
[
Hose laid: 43,000 ft. 2 1/2 inch; 16, 300 ft. 1 1/2 inch; raised 3,282 ft. of ladders. Booster 439. Pyrenes 19. Water cans 776. Dry Powder Ext. 2. Portable Pumps 14. 12, 500 ft. Brush Fire Hose. 3 Co 2s.
Out of City: North Attleboro (3), Adamsdale (1), 'Plainville (1), Taunton (1), Plymouth (1).
Seekonk helped us once and Norton helped us 3 times. 1 death.
11 Oxygen Tanks Used.
2 Parades (Santa Claus)
24.
8
1
622
..
Annual Report
Report of the Fire Department continued-
FIRE LOSS
Value of Buildings at Risk Value of Contents at Risk
$ 2,245,800. 00 4,131,706.00
$6,377,506.00
Insurance on Buildings
2,138,090.00
Insurance on Contents
4,126,200.00
6,264,290.00
Estimated Loss on Buildings
51,214. 78
Estimated Loss on Contents
8,133.01
59,347. 79
Insurance Paid on Buildings
51,214.78
Insurance Paid on Contents
7,362. 01
58,576.79
Loss Not Covered by Insurance
771.00
REPORT OF AMBULANCES FROM JANUARY 1, 1957 UNTIL JANUARY 1, 1958
Jan.
55
Calls
114
Gals. Gas Used
740 Miles Traveled
Feb.
55
=
106
11
11
=
768
11
March
51
84
11
11
524
854
11
11
May
52
1
707 Calls 1305 Gals. Gas Used
9551 Miles Traveled
HOURS OF SERVICE AND OXYGEN TANKS USED
Jan.
59
Hours
23
Minutes
11
Oxygen Tanks Used
Feb.
58
43
9
March
49
49
H
April
70
19
7
May
52
15
10
June
68
8
5
July
50
30
3
August
65
8
5
Sept.
51
26
3
Oct.
64
1
8
Nov.
71
9
5
Dec.
79
21
5
746 Hours & 12 Minutes
72 Oxygen Tanks Used
11
Aug.
57
11
119
11
11
893
Sept.
52
11
132
11
11
881
Nov.
74
134
11
979
11
Dec.
73
109
11
908
11
1 1
June
65
1 1
109
11
842
11
11
July
46
=
77
11
743
11
Oct.
63
11
132
11
April
11
89
579
100
11
840
11
25.
.
:
64
Annual Report
RECOMMENDATIONS
Listed below are the amounts the Board of Fire Engineers feel are proper for the different positions and ranks in the Fire Department for the year 1958.
Salary and Wages
1957
Recommended - 1958
1 Chief
$5000. 00
Per Man
$6000. 00
3 Deputy Chiefs
4300. 00
11
11
5000.00
9 Captains
4100. 00
11
4500.00
1 Mechanic
4100. 00
11
4500.00
66 Men-Per Week-
71.75
11
78. 75 -Per Week{11. 25 Per
(10, 25 Per Day)
3741. 25 Per Year
-
=
4106. 25-Per Year Day)
Maintenance of Equipment
Expended 1957
Recommended 1958
Autos
$4,999. 85
$ 5,000. 00
Stations
4,399. 63
4,500. 00
Hose
3,499. 98
3,500.00
Apparel
3,125.20
4,000. 00 ($50.00ea. ) 500.00
All Other
481. 02
Other Expenses
Light
$ 961.04
$ 1,000. 00
Telephone
1,176.81
1,500.00
Water
146.00
200. 00
Fuel
4,665. 36
5,000.00
Office
150. 00
200.00
Out of State Conference
$ 75.00
$ 200. 00
Repairs to Stations
$500. 00
$ 500. 00
OUT OF STATE CONFERENCE -We recommend that $200. 00 be appropriated for the purpose.
REVENUE
Revenue from issuing permits amounted to:
$195. 00
1 L. P. Gas Permit issued to City:
0. 00
1 Fireworks Permit issued to City:
0. 00
195.00
26.
Annual Report
Report of the Fire Department continued-
FIRE PREVENTION
The officers and men of the Attleboro Fire Department have made many inspec- tions during the past year. Schools, rest homes, kindergartens, and hospitals are inspected monthly. Stores, business establishments, and factories have received some inspections.
Many complaints have been received and investigated. Where hazards were found, the proper authorities were notified to rectify same.
This year a great deal more fire prevention work was done during Fire Prevention Week than ever before, with the help of the Mayor and the Committee he appointed for this work. Fine assistance was also given us by the Chamber of Commerce, the local insurance agencies, the newspapers, Radio Station W. A. R. A. , the churches, various clubs, and the hospital in making this fire prevention program the success it was.
Through the courtesy of the Attleborough Savings and Loan Association, we were able to have a window display for the public to view.
The Deputy Chiefs made many inspections during Fire Prevention Week, aided by the captains and men of the department. Harold Wellman, assisted by some of the firefighters showed pictures to various groups. Films were shown in all the schools in the city.
If it were possible, we would recommend that all factories and mercantile build- ings be inspected regularly. However, at the present time, we do not have the man power to do this.
The establishment of a Fire Prevention Bureau to have charge of all inspections, with men assigned for daily checking, would do much to reduce the fire hazards.
The Massachusetts National Guard Organization kindly loaned us eight stainless 500 gallons capacity water tank trailers during the recent shortage of well water in our city. These tanks were kept filled by the men in our Department and hauled to sections where no water was available. The people whose wells had gone dry were greatly aided by the use of this army equipment.
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. To operate the ambulance on a seven day basis, it takes seven men out of the Department.
27.
Annual Report
Report of the Fire Department continued-
AMBULANCES - continued
Often during the past year the two ambulances have been in use at the same. time. Several times the two ambulances have been out when calls were received and the Chief's car has been used as an emergency ambulance.
Number of Calls Hours of Service Oxygen Tanks Used 72
707
746 Hours -- 12 Minutes
AUTO ACCOUNT
This account has been very small for the number of motor equipment pieces in this department that must be maintained. This account includes all repairs and replacements, also the gasoline account. More money should be appropriated to this account.
STATIONS ACCOUNT
The Stations Account is too small to make any major repairs. This account in- cludes all supplies and equipment purchased, both at the stations and equipment on trucks. It has been used for the maintenance of radio equipment, as we do not have a radio account.
HOSE ACCOUNT
It will be necessary to appropriate more money in this account to purchase the same amount of hose as usual, due to increased prices.
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 $40. 00 is enough to keep the uni- forms neat at all times.
ALL OTHER ACCOUNT
The All Other Account we recommend to be $500. 00. In case of injuries or doctors bills, it will be necessary to request payments as in the past, by special appropriation.
OTHER EXPENSE APPROPRIATION
LIGHT ACCOUNT
We recommend
$1,000. 00
TELEPHONE ACCOUNT
We recommend
1,500.00
WATER ACCOUNT
We recommend
200.00
FUEL ACCOUNT
We recommend
5,000.00
OFFICE ACCOUNT
We recommend
200.00
28.
Annual Report
Report of the Fire Department continued-
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. We again recommend that a new Central Fire Station be constructed in order that we may have proper housing for the aerial ladder truck now located at the Hebronville Fire Station. We also recommend that a new fire alarm system be installed. as our present system is greatly overloaded. We cannot properly take care of the Hospital and large industrial factories, as we do not have the proper number of circuits. This would be a start for a long range program. After a Central Station is built, we could later start Primitive Stations.
2. We again recommend that consideration be given for an additional Fire Station in the South Attleboro section, nearer the state line, where the City is growing very fast in homes and in industry. The value of property in this loca- tion has increased greatly.
3. We recommend that some means be found to supply water for fire protection at the H. & W. Warehouse and Factory property now owned by Cumberland En- gineering Company. The water supply here is very inadequate.
4. We recommend that seven (7) new men be added to the Fire Department, to replace those now used on ambulance duty. We are supposed to have sixty-six (66) Firefighters in this Department. We only have the use of fifty-nine (59); the other seven (7) are used entirely for ambulance duty. Our payroll shows us as having sixty-six (66). The pay of the seven (7) men on ambulance work amounts to $26, 188. 75 per year; which shows our payroll higher than it actually is, as we do not have these men for fire duty.
5. We recommend that a separate account be set up (either in the Fire Department) or the Electrical Branch of the Fire Department) for radios account. With the whole department now equipped with radio, we should have an account soley for radio expenses.
6. We recommend that new additional fire alarm boxes be installed in locations where they are needed.
REPAIRS
7. We recommend that an appropriation be made for repairs to the stations, the same as in the past. $500. 00
8. We recommend that a new tar and gravel roof be installed at the South Main Street Station. $1,350. 00
29.
Annual Report
Report of the Fire Department continued-
NEW EQUIPMENT
9. We recommend that a new supply truck be purchased to replace a 1941 Ford Pick-up truck. This truck is in very bad condition and the repair bills are increasing all the time. We also recommend that a new radio be purchased for this truck. The present radio is a six (6) volt and all new trucks have twelve (12) volts. Truck and Radio -- $3,000. 00
10. We recommend that electric reels be installed on Engine #1 $650. 00
11. We recommend that a smoke ejector be purchased and placed on Ladder #1 200.00
12. We recommend that an appropriation be made for the purchase of 2 1/2" and 1 1/2" hose and forestry hosc. 3,500.00
13. We recommend that an appropriation be made for the purchase of rubber coats. 400.00
14. We recommend that a boat and outboard motor be purchased for rescue work. Our present boat is not suited for this kind of work.
SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS
Doctor Bill of Late Charles T. Videto 25.00
Hospital & Doctor B. Ils Deputy Chief Clifford E. Dieterle) 503.00
Hospital & Doctor Bills (Captain Elliot Hayden) 207. 00
Purchase of a 1000 Gal. Pumping Eng ne 17,044.00
Power Steering Unit-Engine #3 278. 78
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 perform- ance of duties.
We thank His Honor, the Mayor, Cyril K. Brennan, members of the Municipal 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 and Clerk Charles G. Thomae, Chairman Hayward H. Sweet
30.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARM 1957
To the Board of Fire Engineers Fire Department, Attleboro, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report of the activities of the Electrical Branch of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1957.
A total of 520 service calls were made involving the various factories and buildings connected to the system along with inspections and tests made by Fire Insurance Underwriters.
Several changes have been made in numbering boxes. Box 152 to 1512; 451 to 4511; and Box 91 discontinued. New private boxes installed were: Box 3131, St. John's School, Hodges Street; Box 6311, Sturdy Memorial Hospital, H. E. Sweet Wing; Box 3312, Murray Church, North Main Street; Box 7123, N. P. D. Building, NuClear Products Company, Perry Avenue; Box 3311, R. F. Simmons Co., North Main Street; and Box 1141, St. Theresa's Church, Washington Street and Mendon Road. Old Box 114 was moved to Mendon Road in the vicinity of Collins Street. Numerous boxes on the older School buildings were removed and new ones installed.
A replacement of the old Plymouth car which is used by the Assistant elec- trician was made in June, 1957.
For the record, William S. King, Jr. , a private in the Fire Department and who for several years was employed by this branch as a lineman, resigned from the department and in October joined the Department of Justice as a Border Patrol- man.
Under recommendations for 1958 I will state that conditions in regard that Fire Alarm Headquarters are at this time in the same catagory as in previous years --- Nothing has been accomplished and electrically and otherwise matters are really in a serious condition. Something must be accomplished in the near future toward increasing the circuit capacity of this system. (I again refer your board to my recommendations on page 19 of the Annual Reports of the City of Attleboro for 1949).
I wish to extend my thanks and appreciation to His Honor, the Mayor, the Board of Fire Engineers and the members of all City Departments who have con- tributed their assistance in the operation of this branch for the past year of 1957.
Respectfully submitted,
William S. King, Sr. Superintendent of Fire Alarm Electrical Branch Fire Department
31.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF WIRES 1957
To His Honor, the Mayor and the Municipal Council, City of Attleboro, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit the annual report of the Wire Inspection Department for the year ending December 31st, 1957. During the year, permits issued and inspections made were as follows:
ELECTRICIANS
NEW SERVICES
INSPECTED
TOTAL
January
84
19
103
147
February
61
21
82
110
March
99
19
118
157
April
46
26
72
96
May
91
39
130
174
June
51
13
64
85
July
62
31
93
104
August
62
23
85
113
September
91
21
112
149
October
84
53
137
183
November
85
53
138
184
December
51
31
82
109
867
349
1,216
1,611
In comparing the above figures with those of 1956 it can be readily seen that a considerable lag in electrical work took place during the past year of 1957. Part of this was due to the fact that the Attleboro Electric Company contributed toward the installation of new 100 ampere services in 1956 and many property owners took ad- vantage of the Company's assistance.
At this time I would like to call the attention of any one who may be interested to the fact that in the State of Massachusetts there are no existing laws governing the limitation of high voltage electricity on poles located on the highways. This fact was found out by the City Solicitor, the Fire Chief and myself in opposing the construction of a 13, 500 volt transmission line on Park Street by the Attleboro Electric Company. Some type of State Legislation should be instigated for the purpose of limiting the installation of high voltage transmission on our highways especially in the closely built-up areas. Because of this line being erected, the Fire Alarm wires on the poles will all have to be changed and will be an expense of $3, 000. 00 to the City of Attleboro.
In closing, I wish to extend my thanks to his Honor, the Mayor, the Municipal Council, the members of the Fire Department and all who in any way contributed to- ward the successful operation of this department for the year 1957.
William S. King Electrical Inspector
32.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS 1957
To His Honor, The Mayor, and Municipal Council:
I herewith submit my fourth annual report of the Building Inspector for the year 1957.
The total number of permits issued 605
An increase over 1956 of - 35
The estimated value of permits issued $3,282, 906. 31
The amount paid to the City Treasurer 2,824.00
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. I again want to bring to your attention that the Building Laws, as printed, should be amended and brought up to date with present day construction. Many changes can be made for improvements.
2. Some of things that, in my opinion, should be changed are: Ordinance of fences, especially chain link fences; Size of floor timbers; Boarding in of buildings. Some plywood should be prohibited or not used at all. If used, some regulation should be made on size of thickness.
3. I recommend that the Expense Account of the Building Inspector be $575. 00 ($400. 00 of this to be used for Elevator Inspections) and the balance of $175. 00 for office supplies and files which we are greatly in need of.
4. I recommend that something be done to separate the Building Inspector from the Fire Chief's position. I find that there is too much work in the Building Inspector Department to carry on the Fire Chief's position as it should be, in conjunction with the Building Inspector's work, without some help.
5. Arrangements were made this year to have someone to inspect the elevators in this city the past year. A Mr. Wyman from the Providence Elevator Co. began the inspection of elevators about the middle of the year. He has been able to inspect quite a few elevators and recommend necessary repairs. There are still elevators in Attleboro that need adjustment and further in- spection. I again recommend that an ordinance be adopted for a fee for these inspections. Most other cities charge a set fee for inspection of ele- vators.
Elevators inspections are required each year by State Law.
33.
Annual Report
Building Inspector's Report continued-
RECOMMENDATIONS continued
6. I recommend that the salary of the Building Inspector be increased to $1, 500. 00 with the great amount of work that has to be done.
7. I recommend that the salary of the part time clerk be increased to $2, 000 in order that she may put in more hours per week. This is necessary due to the increased amount of office work required along with the ever in- creasing building in this city.
8. I recommend that consideration be given to adopt an ordinance for a flat fee of $10. 00 for alterations, construction or additions to business or mer- cantile buildings.
At this time, I wish to express my appreciation for the assistance given me by the Mayor, City Council and for the advice given me by the City Solicitor; the coop- eration of the Planning Board and the Board of Appeals; the Zoning Board; Wire Inspector who have all assisted me on numerous occasions. I also want to thank the Deputy Chiefs and any one who as assisted me in any way.
Respectfully submitted,
Hiram R. Packard Building Inspector.
34.
REPORT OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR - 1957
Month Permits Shingle
Dwellings
Dwelling Alterations
Business Alterations
Garages
Misc.
Raze
Total
Jan.
14
1-3,200
4- 34,200
2- 5,400
2- 2,500 5- 2,330
-
$47,630. 00
Feb.
32
4-1,160
112- 93,000
1-
975
2- 13,500
1 - 500
7- 2,435
3
127,070.00
(2 Renewal Permits - Service Station & Pump Island $15, 500)
Mar.
46
4- 3,535
12- 92,500
5- 11,800
1 - 8,000
3- 208,000
3 - 4,000 13- 5,775
4
553,610. 00
(1Church $220,000)
Apr.
66
4-2,035
16- 117,000 10- 29,100
2- 197,850. 31 5-
34,000
3- 4,000 21- 9,935
3
423,920.31
(1 Business Garage $30, 000 - 1 Move Building)
May
62
11-8, 347
21-159,000
8- 9,260
2- 11,000
3- 18,900
15- 9,535
2
216,042.00
June
53
8-4,080
12-104,000
4 - 4,475
4- 3,375
19-20,461
3
156,391.00
(1 Renewal $20, 000. 1st National Store - 2- Move Buildings)
July
57 9-3,522 9- 74,000 7- 18,500 (1 Church $125, 000 - 1 Y. M. C. A. $320, 000)
4- 54,500
3- 2,450 19- 9,040
4
607,012.00
Aug.
57
6-7,625
18-155,800
6- 12,300
1 - 4,000
3- 2,000
20- 9,949
3
191,674.00
Sept. 70 15-12,360
11 - 12,840
2- 3,000 16- 6,545
5
389,345.00
(1 Kindergarten $25, 000. - 1 Sanitarium Addition $110, 000. (1 Store $10. 000. 1 Warehouse Store $5, 000. - 1 Factory $60, 000. )
Oct. 69
16-12,115
13-128.000
9- 11,400
3- 15,300
2- 5,500.
4- 4,600
18- 6,490 4 9- 5,160 -
183,405. 00
Nov.
44
6- 2,900
17-140, 500
9- 10,050
1- 4,000
1- 1,900
1- 1,000
165,510. 00
Dec
35 605
5- 3,972
10-104,500
1 -
5,000
1 - 31,000
2 - 67,000
2- 2,500
11- 7,325
3
221,297. 00
$3,282,906. 31
15-130,600
- 1 Sanitarium Boiler Room $ 14, 000 }
35.
Business
5
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE PARK DEPARTMENT 1957
To the Park Commissioners Attleboro, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith present my 12th annual report as Park Superintendent covering the year 1957. This was a year of many accomplishments but was also a year with many discouraging features.
Attendance at Capron Park seems to have reached a plateau. Approximately 300, 000 people visited the Park during the year and this figure seems to have re- mained static for the past few years which would seem to indicate that we are stan- ding still and that isn't good, especially since we have added new attractions in the past few years, new animals, more picnic tables and the music shell. I believe that this is because we are making additions to an area already in use. It is like adding another piece of furniture to a crowded room. The Park is not growing in area to meet the public demand for its use. I sincerely hope that some time the lack of sufficient park grounds will be taken care of. Attleboro needs a hun- dred acres more of park space right now.
The past season, as everyone knows, was another one of drought. In my yearly reports for the past seven years I have been asking for our own irrigation system. I have obtained prices for wells, pipe, pumps and equipment to install a system each year, and each year the cost increases. More money has been spent repairing the ravages of drought than the original figures on the cost of an irrigation system. The past year was the worst, everything suffered. We have already noted a big loss and more will show up in the spring. The question in my mind is whether we should spend another several thousand dollars repairing damages from drought while we wait for rain, or should we do something about getting water. The value of water is clearly shown by comparing the turf in the Anderson Gardens where we have water with the turf elsewhere in the Park.
Mr. Albert Nickerson, a former employee of the Park, has made a gift of land on South Avenue of approximately three acres to the Park, and it is his wish that it should be used as a playground for the children of the neighborhood. It will require about two years to clear this land and bring it to the high stan- dard set by the Park Commissioners, although I plan to install some swings, benches and picnic tables in 1958. Because of the location of this land, I believe that some safety devices will have to be set up so that children may cross this busy highway without danger.
On May 12th the new Music Shell, a memorial to the Veterans of World War I, was dedicated and is proving an asset to the Park and to the City. The U. S. Air Force Band, through the efforts of Mr. William O. Sweet, furnished the music for the dedication and the day will always be pleasantly remembered. The following week was Music Week and each evening music was enjoyed from the shell, the Attleboro High School Band, the North Attleboro High School Band, Mansfield High School Band, the A Capella Choir and the Barber Shoppers each presented a pro-
36.
Annual Report
Report of the Park Department continued-
gram. The week was dedicated to the memory of Mr. M. Stone who did so much to make music available to the people of Attleboro at the Park.
Once again without any fuss or fanfare the Park staff has completed another big project. First it was the Anderson Gardens which were three years in the making, now it is the Frank R. Sweet Memorial Forest. When I thanked Mr. William O. Sweet in my report of 1953 for this gift, I said that it would require five years to prepare it for use. I am proud to say at this time that our goal has been reached and the Forest will be ready for dedication this Spring. I would like to say "thanks" to the men of my department for their efforts in accomplishing this task along with their other work.
We finally have completed trimming the trees damaged in the hurricane of 1954. The delay in doing this job, due to lack of funds, has resulted in the loss of some valuable trees.
The Park Commissioners and Park staff were saddened by the passing on February 4th of Mr. Samuel M. Stone, Park Commissioner and Chairman of the Board for thirty-three years. His counsel and wisdom will be greatly missed. I would like to incorporate in this report our memoriam to Mr. Stone.
WHEREAS, Our Heavenly Father in His infinite wisdom has called to a greater reward our beloved member and esteemed citizen, Resolved, that we, the members of the Park Commission extend to his bereaved family our sincere sympathy.
Samuel M. Stone served the community and its citizens in an able and conscientious manner, and through his untiring efforts and experience made possible many of the great improvements to our Park.
Be it further resolved, that a copy of this resolution be spread upon our records and a copy presented to his bereaved family.
At this time I wish to thank the Mayor and Municipal Council, Superintendent Tennant of the Public Works Department, Chief Marron of the Police Department, Chief Packard of the Fire Department, Bill King and Harold Wellman of the Elec- trical Branch, Warren Hofmann of the Forestry Department, and the men of these departments for the many favors they have extended to the Park Department.
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