USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1950 > Part 8
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The total number of services for the year ending De- cember 31, 1950 was 7203, an increase of 337 over the year 1949.
Following is presented the essential details showing the physical and operating conditions as prepared in accordance with the annual report to the Department of Public Utilities.
ANALYSIS OF SALES
Revenue
Domestic and Commercial
Kwhrs. 15,950,317 19,611,025
$383,544.17
Industrial
284,681.87
Municipal
1,009,536
15,772.04
Street Lights
753,087
10,995.07
TOTAL
37,323,965
$694,993.15*
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1949
OPERATING EXPENSES
Production
Superintendence and Labor
$40,226.02
Boiler Fuel
225,299.17
Water for Steam
1,184.45
Lubricants
548.82
Station Supplies and Expenses
482.35
Maintenance of Station Structures
3,723.05
Maintenance of Boiler Equipment
12,481.94
Maintenance of Turbo-Generator Units
28,196.84
Maintenance of Electric Equipment ...
3,613.29
Maintenance of Accessory Equipment. .
2,354.64
Maintenance of Miscl. Power Plant
Equipment
12.80
Electric Energy Purchased
10,288.24
$328,411.61
Transmission and Distribution
Operation of Transmission and Distri- bution of Lines
$16,320.63
Transmission and Distribution Supplies
3,504.85
Inspecting and Testing Meters
1,098.06
Removing and Resetting Meters .
3,673.84
Removing and Resetting Transformers
953.00
Maintenance of Transformer Station & Sub-Station Equipment
1,957.22
Maintenance of Transmission and Dis- tribution of Lines
35,455.70
Maintenance of Meters
898.35
Maintenance of Transformers
825.59
$64,687.24
Utilization
Operating of Street Lamps
$4,260.57
Replacement of Street Lamps
1,429.86
Supplies and Maintenance
1,995.92
$7,686.35
General Expense
Maintenance of Consumers Installations
$5,148.79
Commercial Salaries
25,920.15
Advertising
5.00
Salaries of Manager and Municipal Light Board
7,3.00.00
Office Salaries
6,577.08
General Office Expense
5,763.78
Insurance
7,983.07
Maintenance of General Structures.
738.76
Miscl. General Expense
243.43
DEPRECIATION
84,343.16
GRAND TOTAL OF OPERATING EXPENSES BOOK VALUE OF ALL PROPERTY ..
$59,680.06
$544,808.42*
$2,035,521.93*
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PROFIT AND LOSS STATEMENT
January 1, 1950, Balance
$1,970,474.28
Transferred from Income
150,460.13
Balance, December 31, 1950
$2,120,934.41*
INCOME STATEMENT
OPERATING REVENUE
$694,993.15
OPERATING EXPENSES
544,808.42
Manufacturing Surplus
150,184.73
Miscl. Additions
275.40
Transferred to Profit and Loss
$150,460.13
BALANCE SHEET
Assets
Plant Investment
$2,035,521.93
Petty Cash
200.00
Special Cash for Construction
41,385.54
Special Deposits
9,287.05
Accounts Receivable
61,451.72
Materials and Supplies
23,507.42
Depreciation Fund
133,095.90
Prepaid Insurance
4,940.64
TOTAL ASSETS
$2,309,390.20*
Liabilities
Accounts Payable
$0.00
Consumers Deposits
9,287.05
Loans Repayments .
$46,168.74
Appropriations for Con-
struction Repayment
133,000.00
179,168.74
Profit and Loss
2,120,934.41
TOTAL LIABILITIES
$2,309,390.20*
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
BRAINTREE
$8,192.54
EAST BRAINTEE
6,111.88
SOUTH BRAINTREE
17,595.97
CONTRACTS AND SPECIAL RATES. .
27,777.15
MUNICIPAL
1,774.18
$61,451.72*
DEPRECIATION ACCOUNT
January 1, 1950, Balance
$37,798.99
Net transfer from Income
84,343.16
Transfer of cash from Operating Acct. (from sale of electrical switchgear)
18,000.00
Interest
453.75
$140,595.90
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Expenditures
7,500.00
DEPRECIATION BALANCE, DECEM-
BER 31, 1950
$133,095.90*
CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNT
January 1, 1950 Balance
$29,471.92
Expended for Construction
18,706.60
BALANCE
$10,765.32
Transferred from Operating Balance
December 31, 1950
30,620.22
CONSTRUCTION BALANCE, DECEM- BER 31, 1950
CASH RECEIVED AS PER CASHBOOK
PAID TO TOWN TREASURER . ACCOUNTS PAYABLE BALANCE
OPERATING CASH BALANCE, DECEM- BER 31, 1950
$30,620.22
(Transferred to Construction Account )
$41,385.54* $710,104.85 $710,104.85 .00
MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD
Debit
Balance, January 1, 1950.
$0.00
Ernest T. Fulton, Manager
710,104.85
$710,104.85*
Credit
Paid by Order of Commissioners . .
$679,484.63
Cash Balance, December 31, 1950 30,620.22
$710,104.85*
Water Department Thomas E. Sears, Chairman
Joseph Landers
Willard P. Sheppard
George N. Watson, Superintendent
Your Water Supply System is by law governed by a Board of Water Commissioners who are elected in rotation to a term of three years each. This Board is responsible for all the activities of the Water Department.
We are able to keep abreast of the water supply problem only by forward planning and a continuing program of ex- pansion and improvement.
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This year a 125 H. P. electric motor was added to the number three pump at the Great Pond Pumping Station, which is also equipped with a gasoline engine for auxiliary power. The old switchgear has been replaced with a four panel Westinghouse switch board which now permits the operation of any one, any two or all three pumps simultane- ously. The capacity of the low lift pump has been materially increased by installation of a new impeller in this pump.
The Reverend Father Daniel Lenihan, S.J. of Weston College has been engaged to make a Seismic Survey in a search for suitable underground water supply to supplement our present supply. This survey has not been completed to date.
The Water Supply System is self supporting and re- quires appropriations only because the law stipulates that its receipts must be controlled through the general accounting office of the Town and be made available for the use of the Water Department by vote of the Town. Once the Town has voted a sum of money for the Water Board its disburse- ment by law, is wholly the responsibility of the Board.
This year the Finance Committee saw fit to have the appropriation split up into several accounts. Should this practice continue in the face of increasing cost of labor and growing shortage of materials, a condition can easily be brought about that may reflect detrimentally to your Water Supply System, which must operate for your protection 24 hours per day, every day of the year.
In order that we may continue to operate the Water Supply System in an efficient and economical manner, it is requested that the Budget for this Department be appropri- ated in one account.
The Superintendent's report giving detailed data on the activity of the Department is attached herewith.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
In submitting the 60th Annual Report of Municipal opera- tion of the Water Supply System, I take pleasure in report- ing to you that our water supply proved adequate this year despite the prolonged drought which started in June 1949 and lasted through last October. The deficiency in precipitation during the past two years now amounts to 15 inches.
The average daily pumpage was 1,522,120 gallons and the maximum day's pumpage was 2,576,000 gallons. No difficulty was experienced in maintaining adequate pressure in the system at all times.
117
A total of 6, 780 linear feet of new main pipe and 10 fire hydrants have been added to our distribution system which now consists of 99.6 miles of piping and 547 fire hydrants. The program of cleaning and lining some of our older water mains was continued this year; a total of 5,956 feet of 6 inch pipe in Storrs Ave., Oak St., and Academy St. was completed at a cost of $11,072.00.
Three hundred and thirty new service connections have been installed, and thirty-one old services have been replaced which required the laying of 17,600 feet of pipe.
We have had a total of 17 main pipe breaks this year. Two of them were broken by contractors installing storm drains, and twelve (12) breaks were caused by a contractor installing sanitary sewers.
A new Burroughs billing machine has been purchased and our accounting system will be modernized at the start of the new year.
Statement of Charges and Receipts 1950
Current Bills Outstanding Jan. 1
$ 23,121.98 353.63
$ 23,475.61 .
Charges Made
187,454.22
Less Abatements
626.50
186,827.72
210,303.33
Collections
On Current Bills
183,544.88
On Liens (To Assessors)
3,793.05
187,337.93
187,337.93
Outstanding December 31 Current Bills
22,274.06
Liens (To Assessors)
691.34
$ 22,965.40
$ 22,965.40
Cash Balance January 1,
49,321.80
Collection during Year Refunds
187,337.93
114.10
$236,773.83
Expenditures
225,665.83
Balance December 31,
$ 11,108.00
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Liens (To Assessors)
Engineering Department
John J. Drinkwater, Town Engineer
Lines and grades were furnished to the Highway Depart- ment for the following : Road Construction -- Washington Street from the Circle at Church Street to Hawthorn Road; Holden Road from west end of road 250' east; Hillside Road from north end of road 250' south. Drains-Shaw Street through Drive-In Theater 1150'; Park Avenue from Standish Avenue 600'; Washington Street from Circle at Church Street to Cedar Street ; Division Street 135'; Union Street 35'; Hillside Road from Union Street 650'; Pleasant View opposite Argyle Road. Curbing-Washington Street from Circle at Church Street to Hawthorn Road, north and south side; Independence Avenue, Circle at Church Street to Holmes Street; Weston Avenue, Washington Street to Tremont Street, north side.
Plans were prepared for the layout of : Vinedale Road from Arborway Drive to Edgehill Road; Vinedale Road from Pleasant View Avenue to Glenrose Avenue; Summer Street Widening Corner Washington Street, south side; Railroad Street from Pearl Street to Holbrook Avenue-R.R. Land : Drain Easements: 1244 Liberty Street, 108 Peach Street, 464 Union Street and east of 337 Union Street.
Miscellaneous Projects : Park-Layout of football field and hockey field at Hollis Field; Layout of baseball diamond at French's Common. Police Department -- Accident plan of Wash- ington Street, Braintree Highlands; plan for traffic lights at Shaw and Hayward Street ; plans prepared for parking meters on Washington Street, Pearl Street, Summer Street, Holbrook Avenue, Elm Street, Railroad Street, Commercial Street and Quincy Avenue. Schools- Layout of drive at, Monatiquot School from Brow Avenue 200' east.
All deeds and subdivisions were checked and plotted ac- cordingly on Assessors Plans, together with three hundred and seventy-five new buildings and additions.
Pole locations were staked for the Electric Light Depart- ment on Sycamore Road, Plain Street and Edwards Road.
119
Braintree Housing Authority
Frank L. Heaney Chairman
Ernest J. Janssen Vice Chairman
William H. Gustafson Treasurer
William M. Guston Assistant Treasurer
George A. Hitchcock
Fred E. Hanson, Executive Director
The Authority was authorized at a Special Town Meeting 7 June 1948. Four members were appointed by the Board of Selectmen to serve until the 1949 Town Meeting at which time they were elected for various terms, thereafter one member to be elected annually for a five year term.
One member is appointed by the State Housing Board.
All members serve without compensation.
The Authority contracted with Paul Livoli Inc. for the erection of ninety, four and five room homes. Houses are on six widely separated locations in town, each to conform to minimum zoning requirements. Contractor has advised that fifteen homes will be ready for occupancy in January 1951 and twenty-five additional in February.
Houses are of nine different designs, all have concrete floored basements with seven foot head room, heating is latest type oil burner forced hot air system, each house has an elec- tric range and an electric hot water heater, kitchens are equip- ped with metal cabinets. Each lot will be landscaped, have seed- ed lawns, hard surfaced entrance walks and parking area.
We believe that the overall quality and appearance of these buildings will be an asset to neighborhoods in which they are located.
Because of confusion that exists we repeat information given previously-Houses are not for Sale-they will be rented to veterans, rental status to continue for forty years, or until housing emergency is declared to no longer exist.
120
The Authority has employed, on a full time basis, an experienced house builder as Clerk of the Works, who super- vises every step of construction, the State Housing Board also has an experienced man supervising the work, and in addition our architect, Mr. Christopher C. Crowell is in constant touch with all phases of operations.
Executive Director Hanson exercises full control over the project and acts for the Authority on all administrative matters.
All legal matters arising in connection with the Housing Authority projects are handled by Attorney George P. Love, Jr.
Monthly rents, including water rates, will be moderate but will of course be adequate to cover interest and amortiza- tion of over a million dollars bond issue, and for maintenance, overhead and a reserve fund. Prompt payment of rent by all tenants will necessarily be closely supervised.
The State Housing Board has established maximum family incomes at which applicants may be considered for tenancy to assure that houses are used for designed purpose ; i.e. for veterans with low incomes who are now living under unsatisfactory conditions.
Maximum incomes are graded according to number of minor dependents. Rents will be based on a percentage of family income.
Houses are designed for families with one or more minor dependents.
UNION VILLAGE PROJECT
This project has been managed by the Authority since September 15, 1948 at which time the authority was required to act as agent for the Federal Government. We have en- deavored to operate it on a sound, business-like basis, provid- ing the best of living conditions possible for the tenants of these temporary houses. To this end we have made, at con- siderable cost, repairs and replacements of war time plumbing installations, painted the exteriors of all buildings and inspect- ed and repaired all roofs.
On February 28, 1950 the Federal Government rights, title and interest in the project was transferred to the Town of Braintree. At the time of transfer the transactions of the project from the time of inception to February 28, 1950 were examined by Auditors of the Federal Housing Administration and the surplus on hand was forwarded to the Federal Govern- ment.
121
Prior to this transfer the Town of Braintree received from the Authority a payment in lieu of taxes plus a ground rent charge; all other surplus money being turned over to the Federal Government.
For the duration of the project, at the close of each fiscal year, the Town of Braintree will receive the surplus money on hand after the required amounts for reserves have been set aside. As of this date the operation of this project has result- ed in a net profit to the Town of Braintree.
Safety regulations were drawn up and enforced to reduce traffic hazards in the project.
A playground program for the many children in the pro- ject was again operated for a ten week period during the summer. Organized play and instruction in useful crafts- manship were conducted by a capable instructor.
During the past year there have been 32 tenants who have either built or purchased their own homes or who have found rents within their means elsewhere. This is in accord- ance with the purpose of the project to tide worthy veterans over until such time as they can provide or find normal living accomodations.
In accordance with the vote of the 1950, Annual Town Meeting this temporary project will be discontinued and build- ings removed by May 23, 1954.
Airport Commission
William G. Brooks, Chairman Harlan W. Kingsbury, Sec. John W. Murphy Robert B. Hill
George T. Woodsum
The Braintree Airport Commission, appointed by the Selectmen of the Town of Braintree through a vote of the Annual Town Meeting in March 1947, reports the completion of their fourth year of activity, and the third year of operation of the Braintree Airport.
The Airport is located near Great Pond, off Route 128, on Town-owned property, which is under the direction of the Braintree Water Department. The Annual Town Meeting of March 1950 appropriated $1,000. for lengthening and improving the local air strip, under the direction of the Airport Commis-
122
sion. This appropriation allowed the Commission to add 500 feet of runway which now makes a total of 2500 feet in length and approximately 85 feet in width. The 500 feet added this last year will receive the final gravel coat in late spring 1951 after the foundation has settled. This last project was completed at a very low cost through a swampy area from which many large stumps were removed before the foundation fill was applied. Gravel was moved from a pit adjacent to the airfield to bring the new section to an even level with the present air strip.
The Braintree Airport Commission wishes to acknowl- edge the complete co-operation of the Board of Selectmen and John Q. Wentworth, Superintendent of Highway Department. Town-owned equipment not being used on Town projects was used in removing stumps and in final grading. This project was approved by the Board of Selectmen.
A new parking area for automobiles was added to the section adjacent to the center of the air strip and approximate- ly fifty cars can now be parked in this new area.
The Braintree Airport Association which was organized three years ago at the suggestion of the Airport Commission as the active flying group in the Town of Braintree, now has 228 members. Regular meetings have been held throughout the past year with guest speakers giving valuable instruction on aviation topics of the day. Many young men interested in aviation have received their early training from associa- tion members. The officers of the Association report the larg- est activity in the year 1950 since its organization.
The officers of the Braintree Airport Association have offered the services of their group as a section of the Braintree Civil Defense Program and the active members of the Associa- tion are willing to do their part in case of war emergency in the Town. Many of the active members served as aviators during World War II and their past experience will be most valuable to the active Town Defense Committee.
Many flying clubs have operated throughout the season to give Association members an opportunity to fly at small cost. The Association extends a cordial invitation to residents of Braintree who are interested in aviation to join with them in their activities during the coming season. Club officials estimate that several thousand take-offs and landings have been made at the Airport during the past season without a single casualty.
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Harbor Master
Seward W. Taber, Harbor Master Earl F. Connors, Asst. Harbor Master
During the 1950 boating season there were 27 boats moor- ed in the Braintree Area on permits issued by the Braintree Harbor Master.
On March 25, 1950, a boat went aground off Watson Park at 3 A.M. The owner was notified by the Harbormaster and came down and inspected the boat, the Harbormaster stayed with the boat while the owner made arrangements to have it floated off at high tide.
On April 17th, 1950, the sailboat Corinthia broke a stern mooring. The Harbormaster notified the owner who came and remoored the boat.
On Monday, September 11, during the hurricane, both Harbormasters were on the job all night, one small sailboat sank but was pulled out by them and placed on the float. One boat, the Albatross, broke her mooring and collided with the next in line but was returned to its orginal position before any damage had been done.
On October 20th the Harbormaster received a call from the Braintree Light Department that a boat was sinking at its mooring. The boat was beached and the owner notified who came and took care of it.
The boat Laura of Braintree sank in Cohasset Harbor in the month of October. The Braintree Harbormaster was noti- fied and arrangements were made to have it towed to Braintree as soon as it was raised and made seaworthy.
124
School Committee
Ovidio D. Chiesa, Chairman
Sophie G. Blunt
Roger W. Arnold
Archie T. Morrison, Rec. Sec. Helen M. Harmon Gordon W. Bryant
The School Committee, in co-operation with the School Survey Committee, the Advisory Committee on School Sites and Low Cost School Housing Committee, has spent a very busy year furthering the continuation of its Long Range Pro- gram outlined in previous reports.
Rather than burden the townspeople with repetition, we direct their attention to the report of the Superintendent of Schools which follows and which gives in detail the activities of the School Department.
Further, may we remind you to make sure that you avail yourselves of the Braintree School News published by the School Department four times per year. The information con- tained therein is timely and will help you to better understand what is going on in your schools. These bulletins are distri- buted to the parents through the pupils. Copies may be had by contacting the office of the Superintendent of Schools.
It is the hope of the Committee that the Town Meeting members will vote their approval of the special Articles insert- ed in the Warrant pertaining to the schools.
For consideration by the citizens the comparative statis- tics of the Massachusetts Teachers' Federation for the school year 1949-1950 for cities and towns in a population range of 15,000-30,000 shows that Braintree ranks :
1st in Average Membership (4033) 25th in Average Staff Salary ($2,999.00) 13th in Tax Rate ($44.00) 12th in Pupil-Teachers Ratio (25.2) 5th in Total Support of Day Schools ($675,660.00) 26th in per Pupil Cost ($181.00)
Superintendent's Report
Ralph W. Proctor, Superintendent
I submit the report of the Superintendent of Schools for the year 1950. The main accomplishments of the year include :
125
1. Start of construction on the new Donald E. Ross School in East Braintree.
2. First outdoor Braintree High School graduation.
3. Introduction of new type report cards.
4. Introduction of "continuous pupil progress" plan.
5. Start of "Braintree Schools on the Air" Thursday at 10:45 A. M. WJDA.
6. Start of the Braintree School News.
7. Adoption of School Building Program 1950-1957 in- clusive.
8. Acquirement of Lakeside school site.
9. Installation of sprinkler system Braintree High School.
10. Supervision of Hollis Field and Summer Playgrounds.
11. The summer school for Remedial Reading.
12. Best scholarship and promotion record yet attained.
13. Lowest juvenile delinquency rate in area.
14. Lunchroom and Athletic funds placed under Town control.
15. Start of Vocational Training Class at Braintree High School.
16. Change in program for special teachers of music, art and reading to a supervisory-consultant basis.
17. Continued expansion of the system to care for a record enrollment (4236).
Some special comments appear below on items of interest or importance.
BRAINTREE HIGH SCHOOL
A comparison of membership figures of 1949 and 1950, for the corresponding dates, is as follows :
1948-1949
1949-1950
Seniors
199
Post Graduate
1
Juniors
230
Seniors
209
Sophomores
233
Juniors
217
Freshmen
23
Sophomores
226
Freshmen 259
Total
893
Special Class
15
Total 927
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NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL UNDER CONSTRUCTION
An interesting fact about the various class registrations is that the boys outnumber the girls in both junior and fresh- man classes. The total number of boys in school is slightly more than the number of girls.
The above numbers with the north grammar school enroll- ment of approximately 240 boys and girls, brings the total of pupils housed in the high school building to nearly the 1200 capacity. We are forced to use the auditorium or cafeteria for each study period. In addition to this, such rooms as library, chemistry laboratory, sewing room and physics laboratory have to be used as homerooms. It is estimated that we will need to go on two sessions again in 1953 if the seventh and eighth grades continue in this building.
The smallest class for several years graduated last year- the class which entered as the smallest ninth grade for ten or more years. The exercises, held on Hollis Field, were a very attractive innovation for Braintree. The postponement of one day, by reason of bad weather, apparently did not detract from the interest in the function.
127
There is evidence that last year no qualified graduate, who was desirous of attending college, failed to gain admission. We have an accurate record of over forty in institutions of higher learning this year and excellent reports are coming back on the work of these students.
The uncertainty of the drafting into the armed forces, in- sofar, as it affects our senior boys, indicates that college attend- ance among the boys may drop off very definitely since they are unable to plan ahead as to whether or not they can continue. even if admitted. We are urging them, however, to make application with the assumption that they may be allowed to secure admission and attend college, if possible, so that, even in case of their being called to service, later they might be re-accepted into the institution of their choice.
The enlarged auditorium, with its exceptional stage equip- ment, has met the needs, not only of the high school student body, but a large group of citizens outside of school.
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