USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1945 > Part 10
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14
The improvement of the Braintree Highlands water supply in- volving construction of standpipe, pumping station and certain supply mains at an estimated cost of $50,000; the addition of new reserve pump to the Great Pond pumping station at an estimated cost of $9,000; an altitude valve to facilitate the flow of water to East Braintree at an estimated cost of $3,000, all aggregating $62,000, are needed promptly. It is recommended that this sum be borrowed, and since $17,000 relating to pumps and equipments must be retired over a five-year period it is recommended that the $45,000 balance be retired over 15 years. Thus the department would be under necessity of retiring in 1947 $7,000 on these two loans plus $5,000 for the retirement of the loan on our 1945 pipeline, a total of $12,000 to which must be added interest of approximately $1,000, or a total of about $13,000 which must be taken from our current income. In view of new res- idence construction anticipated from now on and consequent expense
123
to which the Department must be placed in installing new services, the department cannot take out of current income any larger sum for retirement of debt.
The department is, therefore, not in a position to expand their fire protection system sufficiently to meet the needs of the town and requirements of the Underwriters without some contribution from the town for this purpose. We have 515 public hydrants which at a rental of $25.00 would provide the department with an annual income of $12,875. This income would be a material step toward the improve- ment in the fire protection of the town, but would still be inadequate to increase the mains to the standard required for adequate pressure to meet fire hazards. The Town of Milton in 1927 found itself in much the same position as we are in at present. A considerable invest- ment was required for the improvement of fire protection. At that time Milton was making no contribution for hydrant rental, but im- mediately inaugurated a rental of $35.00 per hydrant which has con- tinued to this day. We purchase water from Randolph to supply that section of Braintree Highlands which is too high to be reached by our present system. Included in this cost is a charge of $20.00 per hydrant. It is perfectly apparent that a great burden for nearly thirty years has been cast upon the actual users of water from the town system for the maintenance of a fire protection system which is for the benefit of all the people whether they take little water or much water or no water at all. It is, of course, a great injustice to have the users of water pay for all fire protection on such a disproportionate basis. Based on hydrant rental enumerated above we could borrow approxi- mately $120,000 and retire it over a ten-year period or $180,000 with a retirement over fifteen years.
The Water Department has always been ready to cooperate with other departments. We have loaned our equipment and employees on numerous occasions. This year we chlorinated Little Pond at the re- quest of the Selectmen in order to meet the requirements of the State Board of Health, and thus permit bathing. As the season was short we spent but $500. It is anticipated that the expenses for 1946 will ap- proximate $1,700. We shall be glad to cooperate with the Selectmen in continuing the chlorination of this water, but see no reason why this essentially playground appropriation should be taken from the funds of the Water Department. It is clearly an improper use of funds of the Water Department in our opinion. The State Accounting De- partment might very well criticize the inclusion of such an item in the general expense of the Water Department. We, therefore, invite your attention to special article in the Town Warrant on this subject.
The Board wishes to publicly express its appreciation of its em- ployees who voluntarily and willingly have worked long hours in emer- gencies under adverse weather and working conditions. For a more detailed report on the work accomplished by this department we re- fer you to the annual report of our Superintendent, available at the Water Board Office. Owing to paper shortage only a summary of this report is incorporated herewith.
THOMAS E. SEARS, Chairman JOSEPH LANDERS WILLARD P. SHEPPARD
Board of Water Commissioners.
124
Resolution on the death of Mr. George A. Walker, passed by the Board of Water Commissioners of the Town of Braintree, December 7, 1945.
Mr. George Andrew Walker, Chairman of the Board of Water Commissioners, died November 22, 1945. He was born in Andover, Massachusetts, on August 26, 1870; married Mary Dean of Middleboro in 1902, and from this union have come two sons, Dean and Bradford, and two daughters, Eleanor and Virginia, and six grandchildren. He came to Braintree to live in 1912. Since then he has been active in the business and civic life of Braintree and Weymouth. He entered the shoe manufacturing business early in life, and was. for many years an official and part owner of the prominent shoe manufacturing concern of Alden, Walker and Wilde. He was Trustee of the Wey- mouth Savings Bank, past President of the North Weymouth Co- operative Bank, a past Director of the Braintree National Bank, and Corporator of The Braintree Savings Bank. Mr. Walker was an active member of the Union Congregational Church of East Braintree, 32nd Degree Mason, past President of the Cochato Club and Wessagussett Yacht Club, one of the organizers of the South Shore Country Club, and frequently seen among the Brainwey Players in amateur dra- matics. He was one of the original incorporators of Thayerland School, and Chairman of its first Board of Trustees. He was whole- heartedly interested in young people and athletics, particularly in baseball. At the time the new Braintree High School was under con- struction he was an active member of the Building Committee. The Town is also indebted for his warm interest and conscientious effort in connection with many other community activities with which he became associated during his residence in Braintree.
-
In 1932 he retired from business and devoted the major portion of his time to the Braintree Water Department. He gave so gen- erously of his time and energy that his associates felt him entitled to a reasonable salary for his efficient efforts on behalf of the Water Department, but Mr. Walker declined any consideration on this sub- ject, and continued active in the affairs of the Department to the day of his death. Mr. Walker became associated with the Water Board in 1918 and in 1927 on the death of Mr. William C. Harrison became Chairman of the Board. This position he held until his death. Mr. Walker has always prided himself that The Water Board was free from politics, and that all major decisions were made with the unani- mous approval of the Commissioners. During his association with the Department numerous major improvements have been made. The outstanding examples being the enlargement of Great Pond, the new Filtration Plant, the East Braintree Standpipe, the com- mercial pumping system available for industrial enterprises, re- forestration of the water shed, the improvement of the grounds at Great and Little Pond pumping stations, as well as at Dearing Park,
125
the construction of the new pipeline from Great Pond to the Braintree Standpipe, and the expansion of the network of water mains pro- viding improved fire protection and increased water supply for domestic purposes.
Conservative and thoroughly honest in all of his activities he has handled the affairs of the Department with the same scrupulous care and thrift that he would give his own personal affairs. It is with a deep sense of gratitude to Mr. Walker that the Commissioners re- cord upon the Minutes of this Board their sorrow at the loss of their Chairman and of this outstanding citizen of Braintree.
RESOLVED, that the Board of Water Commissioners of the Town of Braintree learns with very deep regret of the sudden and untimely death on Thursday, November 22, 1945, of George Andrew Walker, Chairman of this Board, whose integrity and devotion was an inspiration to the remaining members of the Board, and of all of the employees of the Braintree Water Department; and be it further RESOLVED that copy of this resolution be published in the Annual Town Report and sent to members of the immediate family of the deceased.
126
+
Water Manager's Report
To the Honorable Board of Water Commissioners,
Gentlemen: 1
Herewith is submitted the report of the Water Department for the year ending December 31, 1945.
The activities of this department have been confined to main- tenance except for the laying of a new 12 inch water main between the Pumping Station and the West Street Standpipe.
The five-year program on the removal, inspection and repairing of meters has continued through the year and a total of 1824 meters were tested this year.
1
The results of a survey of the distribution system made recently by this department with representatives of the New England Fire Insurance Rating Association are conclusive evidence that it is ab- solutely imperative that substantial improvements must be made to the distribution system if an adequate supply of water is to be fur- nished for fire protection throughout the town.
We now have in preparation plans to undertake this work as part of a post-war program if funds are made available.
With the completion of the new 12 inch main from the Pumping Station to the West Street Standpipe, the hydraulics of the system have been altered to such an extent, that it will be necesary to install an altitude valve at the West Street Standpipe if the full capacity of the Standpipe at East Braintree is to be maintained.
I wish to express my appreciation to the Commissioners, Town Officials, Customers and Employees of this Department for their co-operation during the year.
Following is presented the essential details showing the receipts and disbursements together with the physical and operating conditions of the department.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE N. WATSON,
Manager.
127
COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
Balance January 1, 1945
$ 27,812.20
Receipts for year.
104,568.69
Receipts from Sale of Notes
10,000.00
Paid by order of Commissioners
Balance December 31, 1945.
$138,245.63 4,135.26
$142,380.89
$142,380.89
COLLECTOR'S REPORT
Balance from 1945
$ 200.00
Collected 1945
104,568.69
Paid Treasurer on his Receipts
Balance December 31, 1945.
$104,568.69 200.00
$104,768.69
$104,768.69
REGISTRAR'S REPORT
Water Rates Charged 1945
$98,839.25
Material and Labor Charged 1945
4,602.11
Summonses
15.25
Telephone Account
10.40
Water Rates Outstanding, Dec. 31, 1944.
18,741.77
Material and Labor Outstanding Dec. 31, 1944
2,128.42
Collections 1945
$104,123.69
Water Rates Outstanding Dec. 31, 1945.
17,386.69
Material and Labor Outstanding Dec. 31, 1945 ..
2,027.63
Abatements on Water
45.50
Adjustment at Audit
43.24
Overpayments 1944
$124,337.20 $124,337.20
SUMMARY OF EXPENDITURES
Maintenance
$ 8,783.98
Great Pond Station
18,061.31
Little Pond Station
1,704.64
Chlorinating Little Pond for bathing
506.43
System Maintenance
4,656.62
Services in Street.
1,802.10
Services Outside Street.
4,003.42
Meters
82.50
Meter Repairs
7,124.53
Meter Reading, etc.
2,563.08
Hydrants
24.50
Hydrant Repairs Main Pipe Extension
2,188.91
Automobiles
2,122.03
Garage
386.26
Tools
246.41
Water Protection
111.35
Filtration
10,979.07
Superintendent
1,818.90
Insurance
2,909.84
Emergency Guard
6,292.20
Care of Property.
10,384.19
12" Main Pipe Line
51,227.89
704.69
Abatement on Material and Labor.
5.76
$138,245.63
128
265.47
SUMMARY OF STATISTICS Year Ending December 31, 1945
Population-1945: 20,280
Date of Construction: 1886
By whom Owned: Town of Braintree Source of Supply :
(a) Braintree Great Pond
(b) Braintree Little Pond (Commercial Only) Mode of Supply: Pumping to distribution system. Storage Tanks, floating on system:
(a) Great Pond Supply: 1,560,000 gallons
(b) Little Pond Supply: 458,000 gallons
PUMPING STATISTICS
1. Pumping Machinery:
(a) Great Pond:
1. Pratt cross compound Corliss Valve gear steam pump. 2. Allis Chalmers, single stage, double suction centrifugal pump; driven by 100 H.P. General Electric Motor. 3. Allis Chalmers, single stage, double suction centrifugal pump; driven by 100 H.P. Allis Chalmers Electric Motor. Little Pond:
(b) 1. Allis Chalmers, single stage, double suction, centrifugal pump driven by 10 H.P. Allis Chalmers Electric Motor.
2. Capacity of Pumps:
(a) Great Pond:
No. 1
1,500,000
G. P. D.
No. 2
2,500,000
G. P. D.
No. 3
2,500,000
G. P. D.
(b) Little Pond: No. 1
720,000
G. P. D.
3. Total Pumpage for Year:
(a) Great Pond
629,825,000
Gallons
(b) Largest Day's Pumping.
2,103,000
Gallons
(c) Little Pond.
73,534,000
Gallons
4. Total Electric Current Used K.W.H .:
(a) Great Pond.
650,960
(b) Little Pond.
11,801
5. Average Static Lift of Pumps:
(a) Great Pond.
133
Feet
(b) Little Pond
17
Feet
6. Average Total Lift of Pumps: 1
(a) Great Pond (With new 12" Main in Service)
160
Feet
(b) Little Pond
40
Feet
7. Cost of Current per Million Gallons:
(a) Great Pond.
$10.56
(b) Little Pond.
2.32
8. Cost of pumping per million gallons based on total expense:
(a) Great Pond
$27.88
(b) Little Pond
23.19
FILTRATION STATISTICS
Date of Construction: 1934
Type of Filter: Wheeler Pyramidal, rapid sand.
Capacity : 2,000,000 gallons per 24 hours Chemical Feeders
1 Bacharach Alum Feeder
2 Bacharach Nuchar Feeder
3 Bacharach Soda Ash Feeder
4 Synthron Lime Feeder
1
129
Chemical Used Pumping Machinery
1. Allis Chalmers, single stage, double action suction pump, driven by 25 H.P. Allis Chalmers electric motor and/or 35 H.P. Waukeshu gasoline engine.
2. Allis Chalmers, single stage, double action, suction pump, driven by 10 H.P. Allis Chalmers electric motor.
3. Capacity
No. 1
2,400,000 G. P. D.
No. 2
580,000 G. P. D.
Total Water filtered:
629,825,000
Gallons
Total Electricity used-K.W.H .:
109,990
Cost of current per million gallons:
$1.68
Cost per million gallons based on total expense
$16.75
RELATING TO DISTRIBUTION MAINS
1. Kind of Pipe: Cast Iron, Wrought Iron
2. Sizes:
Size (inches)
Length
Feet
Miles
Percent of Total
16
741
0.14
0.1
14
1,151
0.21
0.2
12
37,930
7.10
7.8
10
30,587
5.80
6.3
8
35,520
6.70
7.2
6
281,600
53.30
59.0
4
46,350
8.80
9.7
2
18,450
3.64
3.7
11/2
5,185
1.00
1.0
11/4
6,114
1.14
1.2
1
13,500
2.53
3.8
Total
477,128
90.36
100.
3. Extended in 1945
6"
100 feet
8"
300 feet
12"
11,851 feet
4. Replaced small wrought iron with cast iron: None
5. Total now in use: 90.36 miles
6. Number of Hydrants added in 1945: 1
7. Total number of Hydrants now in use: 516
8. Range of Static Pressure: 35-105 pounds
SERVICES
1. Kind: Cast iron, Wrought iron, Lead, Copper, Tubeloy
2. Size: 5/8" to 10"
3. Added in 1945: 7
4. Total number now in use: 5066
5. Number of meters added in 1945: 15
6. Total number now in use: 4946
7. Percentage of services metered: 97.63%
8. Number of Meters Removed and Tested during 1945: 1824
130
Report of the Engineering Department
TOWN OF BRAINTREE MASSACHUSETTS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
-
I submit herewith the sixteenth annual report of the Engineering Department, for the year ending December 31, 1945.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
Lines and grades have been furnished for the following:
ROAD CONSTRUCTION
Abbott Street, from Parkside Avenue 300' south
Allen Street, between Commercial St. and R. R. Crossing 250'
Blanchard Boulevard, from Elm Street 1400' north
Cape Cod Lane, from Cedarcliff Road 200' north
Parkside Avenue, from Abbott Street 620' west
Staten Road, from Abbott Street 460' east
GUTTER GRADES
French Avenue-west side-from Washington Park Road 200' north
Allen Street-at No. 168, south side, 150'
DRAINS
Abbott Street, from Parkside 150' south
Birchcroft Road, both sides, 1090'
Commercial Street, from Fore River R. R. 725' south
Elmlawn Road and Robert Street 235'
Hollis School Parking Area and Webster Road, 410' Merritt Avenue, survey for drain
Parkside Avenue, from Abbott Street 475' west River Street, between No. 264 and No. 268, 140' Standish Avenue, survey for drain Staten Road, from Abbott Street to brook, 330'
Stonewood Lane to Smelt Brook, 615'
Stonewood Lane, both sides, 715' Wildwood Avenue, between No. 8 and No. 16, 250' north
MISCELLANEOUS
Survey for stop signs at the corners of Oak and West Sts., Tre- mont and West Sts. and River and Middle Sts.
Hollis Field-staking line for fence
Hollis School-lines and grades for parking area and curbing
Corner Miller St. and Hamilton St., lines and grades
Corner Trefton Drive and Vinedale Road, lines and grades
131
Checked location of trees destroyed by hurricane with reference to street line: Georganna Street, Hobart Avenue, Holmes Street, Mt. Vernon Avenue and Marshall Street
Betterment plans were prepared for: Stonewood Lane, Birch- croft Road, Cape Cod Lane, Merritt Avenue and portions of Staten Road, Parkside Avenue, Abbott Street
Survey and plan of a portion of Thayer Academy Land at the corner of Washington St. and Central Ave. for proposed library
Measurements have been taken for proposed road construction, curbing and drains.
Survey and plan of street line corner Washington and Cherry Streets
Plans, etc. for proposed super highway
Honor Roll-layout and printing of names
ASSESSORS
All deeds and sub-divisions have been checked and plotted accord- ingly
28 new buildings and additions have been checked and plotted on plans
New tracings of 14 block plans have been drafted.
PARK DEPARTMENT
Layout of baseball diamond at Hollingsworth Park
Lines and grades for tennis court at Hollis Field
Layout of football field at Hollis Field
Layout of hockey field at Hollis Field
Plan for development of Watson Field
ELECTRIC LIGHT DEPARTMENT
Survey for pole line - Braemore Road
1
WATER DEPARTMENT
Location survey and plan of the intersection of Franklin Street, West Street and Granite Street.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Survey and plan of accident at Washington and Taylor Streets.
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Lines and grades for drain at Watson School.
I wish to express my appreciation for the co-operation I have re- ceived from the Selectmen and all Town Departments.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN J. DRINKWATER Town Engineer
ยท
132
Annual Report
OF THE
SEWER DEPARTMENT
OF THE
Town of Braintree
FROM
December 31, 1944, to December 31, 1945
.
133
Report of the Sewer Commissioners
January 2, 1946
To the Citizens of Braintree:
During the past year it has been possible to complete practically all of the house connections requested, and we were pleased to be asked to make 59 new connections, so that the total number of buildings now served is 1,026. However, there are still 580 dwellings so located that they could and should be connected.
In the interests of health, the Town needs to proceed with the construction of additional sewers as rapidly as possible consistent with completing those other projects which are vital. Should the Town appropriate sufficient money each year, for construction that would have cost $100,000 in 1941, it will require more than three years to take care of the districts in serious need. Further, only about one-third of the complete system has been constructed, even though expenditures to date are almost a million dollars. If construction costs in the future run forty per cent over 1941 costs, about 43% of the future outlay will be recoverable from sewer assessments.
Walter E. Thompson, a member of the Sewer Board for nearly nine years, died on June 9. For many years Mr. Thompson had taken an active part in Town affairs. His last public service, as a member of the Sewer Commission, was invaluable to the Town and his loss is felt keenly.
At a joint meeting of the Sewer Commissioners and the Board of Selectmen on September 21, Charles C. Temple was elected to fill Mr. Thompson's unexpired term of office.
Respectfully submitted, BERNARD R. ANDREWS, Chairman, CLINTON I. BATES, CHARLES C. TEMPLE,
Board of Sewer Commissioners.
134
Report of the Superintendent of Sewers
1
January 2, 1946
The Board of Sewer Commissioners
Town of Braintree, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my annual report upon the activities of the Sewer Department for the year ending December 31, 1945.
CONSTRUCTION:
New construction work undertaken during the year consisted of laying an 8-inch sewer in Summer Street, part of Safford Street and across Water Department property to the proposed location of a Com- fort Station at Sunset Lake, a total of 645 feet. The work was done by contract during the month of August at a total cost of $3,255.43. The money was transferred from the Reserve Fund by the Finance Committee.
HOUSE CONNECTIONS:
There were 59 new sewer connections made to the system during the year. The total number of buildings connected with the sewer are now 1,026. The number of buildings not connected, where the sewer is available, is 580.
There were 4 applications for connection on file at the end of the year. These were filed late in November and on account of Winter conditions, any work on these applications will have to be postponed until next Spring.
Since the middle of August more labor has been available and the Sewer Department is now able to make connections within a month after applications are filed. The Department does all the work neces- sary to bring the connection to the inside wall of the building. The actual cost of labor, materials and equipment is billed to the owner. No advance deposit is required. The charges may be apportioned over a period of ten years, with interest at four per cent.
MAINTENANCE:
During the months of March, April and December about 714 miles of lateral sewers were inspected and cleaned. Some roots were found in sewers in 19 different streets. There were two stoppages in the Tremont Street sewer and one in the Ash Street sewer due to root growths.
Seven sewer connections became blocked during the year, five of which were caused by root growths. All were taken care of as soon as reported and promptly put back into service again. Twenty-five sewer connections, where trouble with roots had been experienced in the past, were inspected and cleaned out where necessary.
135
An arrangement has been in effect all during the past year for the disposal of cesspool wastes through the main sewer. A total of about 800,000 gallons was disposed of in this manner. This involved some additional maintenances as there is sand and gravel included with these wastes that settles out in the sewer and has to be removed once or twice a month. It is planned to continue with this arrange- ment the coming year.
ASSESSMENTS:
Twenty-three sewer assessments, amounting to $3,171.91, were levied during the year. The total assessment levy is now $300,164.98. The total assessment collections to date are $291,910.51, including interest.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT:
A complete financial analysis of all expenditures during the past year is on file in the Sewer Department office and this has been sum- marized in the Town Accountant's report.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE F. BROUSSEAU Superintendent
136
1
Annual Report
OF THE
ELECTRIC LIGHT DEPARTMENT
OF THE
Town of Braintree
FROM
December 31, 1944, to December 31, 1945
137
Report of the Electric Light Department
TO THE CITIZENS OF THE TOWN OF BRAINTREE:
YOUR COMMISSIONERS SUBMIT THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BRAINTREE ELECTRIC LIGHT DEPARTMENT FOR THE YEAR END ING DECEMBER 31, 1945.
NORTON P. POTTER, FRANK P. LORD, SHELLEY A. NEAL,
Commissioners
To: MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD
Norton P. Potter, Chairman
Frank P. Lord, Secretary Shelley A. Neal, Third Member.
Gentlemen :
Herewith is submitted the report of the Municipal Electric Light Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1945:
You will note that Production Costs and Kwhrs. Generated and Purchased are about the same as 1944 with a small increase in both.
PRODUCTION COSTS
1945 $211,890.42
1944 $211,711.74
Increase
$178.68
KWHRS. GENERATED AND PURCHASED
Kwhrs. Generated
1945 24,838,000 5,281,650
1944 23,704,000 6,386,850
Increase 1,134,000
Kwhrs. Purchased
Decrease 1,105,200
TOTAL
30,119,650
30,090,850
Increase
28,800
FUEL AND ENERGY COSTS
1945
1944
Fuel Oil
$115,959.22
$113,960.65
Increase $1,998.57
Purchased Power
$ 56,180.02
$ 62,162.37
Decrease $5,982.35
TOTAL
$172,139.24
$176,123.02
Decrease $3,983.78
KWHR. SALES
1945
1944
TOTAL SALES
26,376,737
26,443,934
Decrease 67,197
The decrease in Kwhr. sales was caused by the curtailment in operation and reconversion problems of some of our industrial consumers.
The Department plans to make alterations to the plant which will include the installation of a new 75,000 lb. per hr. integral boiler, this year, to increase our standby capacity. This installation has been long delayed due to war time regulations.
138
In order to anticipate the customers' needs, it will be necessary to expand our facilities and make improvements to existing lines. This program will progress as fast as materials can be obtained. The material situation is still critical. Many items are on a six to eight month delivery.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.