USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1955 > Part 7
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Tax rate
Salary P. T. Ratio
54-55 Per Pupil Cost
Northampton
29,063
50.00
4134
27.8
243
Beverly
28,884
62.60
3866
25.7
274
Framingham
28,086
47.00
4588
28.3
262
Belmont
27,381
40.00
4793
26.4
315
Melrose
26,988
55.40
4583
26.9
262
Gloucester
25,167
55.40
3937
26.1
258
Methuen
24,477
54.00
3689
28.4
220
Leominster
24,075
52.00
4137
23.8
279
Attleboro
23,809
45.50
3700
25.8
213
Braintree
23,161
59,90
3859
26.3
229
Peabody
22,645
58.90
4155
26.5
269
Milton
22,395
46.00
4484
28.3
269
No. Adams
21,567
53.00
4218
24.3
262
Westfield
20,962
40.00
4051
29.2
231
Wellesley
20,549
45.50
4609
22.8
307
W. Springfield
20,438
44.00
4263
26.5
263
Woburn
20,492
41.80
4450
33.6
236
Other South Shore Neighbors
Weymouth
32,690
40.00
4216
29.5
235
Dedham
18,487
48.60
3754
26.3
243
Norwood
16,636
50.00
4373
29.2
279
Hingham
10,665
58.00
4024
29.6
279
Quincy
83,835
60.60
4501
28.5
250
Brockton
62,860
58.60
4167
31.8
213
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Airport Commission WILLIAM G. BROOKS, Chairman
THOMAS C. CURRIER WILLIAM K. STEWART JOHN W. MURPHY GEORGE T. WOODSUM
The Braintree Airport Commission reports the com- pletion of nine years of activity and the eighth year of operation of the Braintree Airport.
The Airport is located near Great Pond, off route) 128, on Town-owned property of the Braintree Water Department, has a runway of 2500 feet in length and is 85 feet wide. The major part of the runway was con- structed through the efforts of members of the Braintree Airport Association, whose membership is open to Brain- tree residents interested in flying.
The flying area is registered as a Private Landing Field under the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Aero- nautics Commission at latitude 40° 12' 20" and longitude 72° 02' 25".
Many Braintree residents and their guests use the field during the summer months. Eight planes were regularly tied down in the fenced in area. This coming year, activity should increase as several former members of the Airport Association have returned from govern- ment service and will use the air strip during the summer months.
The Airport Commission reports that the field has been operated for eight consecutive years without a casualty or serious mishap.
All persons using the Braintree Airport are required io communicate with the Airport Commission and regis- ter their planes before using the facilities of the Town. You are invited to join the Braintree Airport Association.
€ 80
Town Forest Committee
January 14, 1956
Board of Selectmen Braintree, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
Improvement of the Town Forest continued through 1955, but because of the unusual weather conditions, not to the extent that the Town Forest Committee wished. The committee had planned to have footbridges built in two locations where trails cross the brook that runs through the forest, but the late summer and early fall, when this work was to have been done because the brook would normally be at its lowest level, brought record- breaking rains instead and the project had to be post- poned. The floods caused a severe washout on Washington Street where it borders the Town Forest, but did little damage to the forest itself.
Further poor weather during the fall delayed the clearing-up program under which stunted and dead trees and underbrush are gradually being removed, but never- theless about two acres have been cleared where the forest borders Washington Street and the committee hopes to obtain pine seedlings from the state to plant in this area. The trails through the forest were checked periodi- cally and kept open throughout the year.
Vandalism is an ever-present problem. Trees have been damaged or cut down on several occasions, and the committee has given up trying to keep directional signs in the forest, as they have been consistently knocked down or removed entirely.
We recommend that the Town Forest be surveyed, so that its boundaries may be accurately determined and marked. This would eliminate such confusing incidents as occurred this year, when it appeared that an abutter was laying claim to part of the forest. Subsequent in- vestigation revealed that the land in question had been sold by the town under tax title several years before the forest was established, and actually never had been part of the forest, although it was so indicated on the Town Forest map.
81
The Town Forest Committee is doing everything possible within the limits of the funds available to see that the forest is maintained and improved as befits a town recreational area that is becoming increasingly . vaulable as the years go by.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY C. LAKE DONALD C. WILDER JEANETTE MOHNKERN Town Forest Committee
Board of Appeal Under Zoning By-Law
During the year 1955 the Board heard 37 petitions: allowed 27; and denied 8. No action was required on 2 of the petitions for reasons of withdrawal by the petitioner.
HERBERT J. REDMAN EARL R. GRANT ROBERT A. WOODSUM MERVIN B. HILL
Board of Selectmen JOHN W. MAHAR, Chairman
HERBERT B. HOLLIS, Celrk FRED A. TENNEY
Our annual task seems to be to provide some general picture of the Selectmen's work and accomplishments without republishing the full detailed records of our meetings which are public and open to inspection at our office. Those records would show that for the past year 1955 we dealt with a great variety of petitions, com- plaints and routine work of the office.
82
With the Town's rapid growth and the influx of many new citizens it is, perhaps, quite natural that they should bring their requests, in the first instance, to the "FRONT OFFICE"-Many of them, of course, should be, and, are disposed of, so far as the Selectmen are con- cerned by reference to the proper department, such as Highway, Police, Health, Water, Light and Sewer. Some of those who are referred seem to feel that the Select- men, ordinarily referred to as the "CHIEF EXECU- TIVES" of the Town, should be able to deal with these matters directly. Since however, the responsibility for them is placed by law on departments over which, in many instances, we have no control, we can only refer with recommendation and hope that our new citizens will understand.
Such executive control as we have over the High- way Department has been exercised, usually on the recommendation of the Highway Superintendent, in an effort to satisfy reasonable requests so far as they may not conflict, through excessive expenditures or improper action, with the public interest. In this category falls re- quests for minor repairs, improving drainage facilities and various amendments of Traffic Regulations includ- ing posting of "Warning" signs.
Because it is routine, we hesitate to mention it, but because of its time consuming, it should be realized that the Selectmen's duties include the approval of the Week- ly Warrants including the payrolls of all Town employees to say nothing of required signatures on all of the official borrowings of the Town including thousands of Bonds, even on School construction.
As a Licensing Board we are pleased to report that the past year presented no serious problems of violations or control of our licensed Liquor businesses. As a Licen- sing Board many other types of licenses were issued on petition including various vendors licenses, auto dealers, gasoline storage, etc.
The Board has discharged its responsibility of mak- ing required Civil Service appointment of two Police Sergeants and three Patrolmen.
And, OH YES !- THE WEATHER-it rained last .August and the floods came in such a manner as to create
· 83
a warning that recent fill, dumping and change of dams and bridges may have seriously effected the capacity of our main water course. The Board, in conjunction with our Representative in the General Court, has initiated various steps in the hope that this problem can be dealt with before the recurrence of the floods. Skillful negotia- tions by Representative Hollis, supported by the Board, speedily obtained a "BAILEY" bridge as a temporary replacement on Middle Street to be followed by perma- nent work at the State's expense. Legislation has been sponsored to study the whole water shed and drainage problem with provision in the Warrant for such action as the Town desires to take thereon. This, we have done, and, will continue to do, what we can in the public inter- est. In this respect we must add a word of caution that private individuals who suffer damage through such an "ACT OF GOD" cannot look to the Town Treasury as an Insurance Fund.
In closing may we express our thanks for the confi- dence and patience of the public and the loyalty ofour fellow employees.
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Tax Collector
Year Ending December 31, 1955
1954 Uncollected Balances and Commitments . $ 192,188.79 666.63 $192,855.42
Charges from previous years .
1955 Commitments and Charges
3,360,021.50
Total Accounts for Collection
$3.552,867.92
Credits by :
Collections
3,197,446.19
Abatements
98,225.38
Tax Titles ·
4,640.00
Judgments etc. .
96.58
Returned for Apportionment 52,394.17
3,352,802.32
Outstanding Balance Decmeber 31, 1955 .... Itemized Outstanding Balances:
$ 200,065.60
1955 Real Estate
95,115.78
1,109.57
261.07
81.00
5.00
797.85
85
Sewer Betterment Apportionments . Sewer Connection Apportionments . Street Betterment Apportionments . . Sidewalk Betterment Apportionment: Water Liens ...
Committed Interest
350.91
Poll Excise
152.00
25,371.30
Personal
6,399.52
Unapportioned Miscl. Betterment Assessments 1954 Balances for future Adjustment
70,447.91 Credit 26.31
Total
$ 200,065.60
GEORGE H. GERRIOR, JR. Tax Collector
86
Braintree Housing Authority
ESNEST J. JANSSEN, Chairman
WILLIAM H. GUSTAFSON JOHN E. MALONEY Vice Chairman Assistant Treasurer
PAUL P. FOLEY JOSEPH F. CONNOLLY
Treasurer
IRVING E. STODDARD, Executive Director
CHAPTER 200 PROJECT
Flood waters did not miss our single unit houses and the Authority was confronted with the problem as were other homes throughout the Town. Cooperation of Town departments was of tremendous help.
Annual inspections of all units were made by mem- bers of the Authority and as a whole it was found that the tenants have cared for the property as though it were their own.
A program of interior painting is being progressed; with the limited time of our maintenance man, tenants have redecorated the interiors, the authority providing the paint.
Tenants financial status is continously improving and many have found new homes thereby permitting veterans of lower income to enter the project. Such tenants of over- income who have not vacated, have been notified of their limitations so that their plans may be made without the Authority exercising eviction preceedings.
The Authority may appear too firm in insisting on payment of rent when due, but our indebtedness must be paid on income from rents, consequently our firm position must and will continue.
UNION VILLAGE PROJECT
The last of the twelve temporary buildings was de- molished during 1955.
This project has been in operation by this Authority since 1948 as temporary facilities for Braintree Veterans and has afforded some '200 families temporary housing.
The cost to the Town of Braintree of this project approximates $15,000.00 and during the years of opera- tion this Authority has reimbursed the Town about $60,- 000.00 on this investment.
87
Braintree Light Department 1955
Your Commissioners submit the annual report of the Braintree Electric Light Department for the year ending, December 31, 1955.
NORTON P. POTTER CARL W. R. JOHNSON SHELLEY A. NEAL
Commissioners
To the Municipal Light Board
Gentlemen :
Submitted herewith is the annual report of the Braintree Electric Light Department for the year ended December 31, 1955.
Work in the steam department has consisted of necs- sary maintenance and alterations to keep this plant up to date as far as possible and in good operating condition. This maintenance program consisted of opening and in- spection of No. 3 turbine, overhaul of No. 3 circulating pumps, inspection and necessary repairs to boiler plant equipment. New additions consisted of slight changes in pipe and valve arrangements to improve operations pro- cedures.
Materials will be purchased for No. 1 generator in 1956 with plans for a complete overhaul on this unit in 1957.
In the line department many changes and additions have been made. Straightening and resurfacing of Com- mon and Hancock Streets required complete re-construc- tion of existing facilities requiring new poles, wire, trans- formers and street lighting.
As a result of load growth, a continued study and change of present distribution system is necessary. Many homes services have been replaced with heavier wires in order to adequately carry the increased home demand. In many areas transformer sizes were inadequate and num- erous transformer changes have been made.
88
A new aerial cable has been installed from Cleveland Avenue Sub-station to Storrs Square in order to overcome a low voltage condition that existed there last year.
Completion of 98 homes in Granite Park area off West Street made it necessary to install new 1/0 conduc- tors on West Street from Braintree Five Corners to Addison Street.
Installation of a new Super-Market at Grove and Liberty Streets as well as the building of 100 homes off Peach Street added approximately 450 KVA to the Brain- tree Highlands feeder. Since another 50 homes are sched- uled to be installed off Peach Street, 58 off Plain Street and approximately 150 in other areas of the Highlands, as well as two schools on Liberty Street, our present Braintree Highlands feeder would be greatly overloaded. In order to be prepared to meet these increases a new 4/0 aerial cable was installed from Plain Street to the corner of Arbutus and Brewster Avenue. This feeder will now be our "Highlands" feeder and has sufficient capacity to serve the expected expansion in the Highlands area. The, old Highlnads feeder was changed to Grove Street feeder and will serve the Peach Street area, the new schools, supermarket and will be available to serve the develop- ment planned for Plain Street, Kendal Avenue area.
Mercury type street lights were installed on Quincy Avenue replacing the old sodium lights that had become obsolete. New mercury type street lights were also install- ed on Hancock Street and at the Liberty, Grove Street crossing
New housing areas have been lighted with multiple type street lighting system and it is expected that this type: system will be continued in all new development areas.
Installation of two-way radio on all department trucks early this year has greatly aided in our construction and repair program. It's effectiveness was well demon- strated during the recent flood when numerous services were disconnected temporarily because of hazardous. conditions.
Peak demand this year was 15,800 KW, an increase. of 2000 KW over 1954.
Highest output day was 252,000 KWH, an increase:
89
of 42,000 KWH over the highest output day of 1954.
Gross output for 1955 61,733,000 KWH Gross output for 1954 53,435,000 KWH
Increase 8,298,000 KWH
This represents an increase of 15.53% over 1954.
I wish to express my appreciation to the Commission- ers, Town Officials, Customers and Employees for their co-operation during the past year.
Following is presented the details showing the physi- cal and operating conditions as prepared in accordance with the annual report to the Department of Public Utilities.
Respectfully submitted, ALBAN G. SPURRELL, Manager.
ANALYSIS OF SALES
Domestic and Commercial 28,656,800
$720,125.70
Industrial
22,245,624 341,838.66
Municipal
1,874,303 36,340.32
Street Lights
1,088,276 19,032.96
53,865,003*
$1,117,337.64*
OPERATING EXPENSES
Production
Superintendence and Labor $ 71,105.65
Electrical Labor
767.98
Boiler Fuel
357,081.27
Water for Steam
2,530.48
Lubricants 281.47
Station Supplies and Expenses 619.68
Maintenance of Station Structures
6,958.68
Maintenance of Boiler Equipment
17,468.44
Maintenance of Turbo Generator Units
30,812.91
Maintenance of Electric Equipment 2,401.55
Maintenance of Accessory Electric Equip. 2,967.36
Electric Energy Purchased
16,210.15
$ 509,250.62*
Transmission and Distribution
Station and Sub-station Superintendence and Labor $ 12,079.29
Operation of Transmission and Distribu- tion of Lines
16,385.60
Distribution of Tools 4,177.78
90
Inspecting and Testing Meters
438.85
Removing and Resetting Meters
7,985.82
Removing and Resetting Transformers
2,277.48
Maintenance of Sub-station Structures
663.67
Maintenance of Transformer Station and Sub-station Equipment Maintenance of Transmission and Distribu- bution of Lines
3,349.01
Maintenance of Underground Conduits
398.67
Maintenance of Underground Conductors
82.16
Maintenance of Meters
2,305.89
Maintenance of Transformers
2,163.98
Maintenance of Storage Batteries
218.73
Hurricane Carol (Credit)
21,544.77
$ 58,766.32
Utilization
Operation of Street Lamps
$ 10,492.36
Replacement of Street Lamps
2,271.54
Supplies and Maintenance
2.827.98
$ 15,591.88*
General Expense
Maintenance of Consumers Installations $
5,847.52
Office Expense
41,674.76
Advertising
234.94
Salaries of Municipal Light Board and Manager
8,883.30
Office Salaries
4,001.20
General Office Expense
8,080.06
Insurance
12,618.45
Accidents and Damages
20.00
Maintenance of General Structures
4,706.28
Miscellaneous General Expense
1,171.92
$
PENSIONS
$
DEPRECIATION
$
147,500.50*
GRAND TOTAL OF OPERATING
EXPENSES
BOOK VALUE OF ALL PROPERTY
$ 837,482.29* $ 3,751,270.92*
PROFIT AND LOSS STATEMENT
January 1, 1955, Balance
$ 2,554,820.18
Transferred from Income ...
188,227.09
Balance, December 31, 1955
$ 2,743,047.27*
INCOME STATEMENT
OPERATING REVENUE
$1,117,337.64 837,482.29
OPERATING EXPENSES
Manufacturing Surplus
279.855.35
Miscellaneous Deductions
701,21
$ 279,154.14
91
87,238.43* 19,179.54*
27,784.16
Bonds and Interest $ 90,927.05
Net transfer to Profit and Loss
$ 188,227.09*
BALANCE SHEET
Assets
Plant Investment
$3,751,270.92
Petty Cash
200.00
Town Treasurer, Operating Account
19.46
Cash Reserve for Payment of Bonds and Interest
72,840.05
Special Deposits
13,813.11
Accounts Receivable
95,250.45
Materials and Supplies
42,959.04
Unadjusted Debits
6,916.88
Depreciation
348,598.01
Prepaid Insurance
12,838.25
TOTAL ASSETS
$4,344,706.17*
Liabilities
Accounts Payable
.00
Consumers Deposits
13,813.11
Bonds Payable
1,190.000.00
Interest Accrued
8,677.05
Loans Repayments
343,000.00
Appropriations for Construction Repayment 46,168.74
Profit and Loss
2,743,047.27
TOTAL LIABILITIES
$4,344,706.17*
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
BRAINTREE
$ 10,943.01
EAST BRAINTREE
7,972.84
SOUTH BRAINTREE
33,093.19
CONTRACTS & SPECIAL RATES
34,816.43
MUNICIPAL
3,892.02
STREET LIGHTS
4,532.96
TOTAL
$ 95,250.45*
DEPRECIATION ACCOUNT
Balance, January 1, 1955 $ 256,574.76
Transferred from Income, 1955
147,500.50
Re-imbursement from State on Hurricane Carol
21,357.84
Re-imbursement from Customers on Hurricane Carol
175.46
Interest Income
485.00
$
426,093.56
Expended on New Construction
$ 77,495.55
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1955 $ 348,598.01*
92
CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNT
Balance, January 1, 1955 $ 2,484.13
Expended on Construction
2,484.13
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1955 $ .00*
SPECIAL BOND FUND
Balance, January 1, 1955 $ 26,172.07
Expended on Construction 26,172.07
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1955 $ .00*
CASH RECEIVED AS PER CASHBOOK $1,151,783.92
PAID TO TOWN TREASURER $1,151,783.92
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
$
.00*
OPERATING BALANCE, DEC. 31, 1955 $ 72,859.51
Transferred to Reserve for Payment of
Bonds and Interest $ 72,840.05
OPERATING BALANCE, JAN. 1, 1956 $
19.46*
MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD
Debit
Balance, January 1, 1955 $ .00
Alban G. Spurrel, Manager 1,151,783.92
$1,151,783.92*
Credit
Paid by Order of the Commissioners $1,078,924.41
Cash balance, December 31, 1955 72,859.51
$1,151,783.92*
Board of Public Welfare
HARRISON T. SMILEY, Chairman FRED A. TENNEY, Clerk HERBERT B. HOLLIS, Member H. J. GAFFNEY, Agent
The State Department of Public Welfare promul- gates the rules and regulations under which we operate and have established a budgetary system to follow in granting assistance to recipients. The Board of Public Welfare has the responsibility of rendering assistance in the categories of Old Age Assistance, Aid to Dependent
93
NAMOUNT
BEXPENDED
GENERAL RELIEF 1938-1955
120000
150
100000
120
80000
NUMBER OF CASES
90
60000
60
400001
NUMBER OF CASES
30
20000
AMOUNT EXPENDED
--
0
10
38
39
40
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
YEAR
Children, Disability Assistance, General Relief and the Town Infirmary. Exclusive of the Federal and State reim- bursements received monthly, we have available in unused funds from our 1955 operations an amount of $30,573,82 Federal Grants, which amount will be used as a credit against, and to reduce, the 1956 Town Appropriation. For a great many years the continuous increase in the costs of rendering assistance has been due to the continually rising cost of living. During the last few years, the increased costs are substantially attributable to the ever-increasing hospital and medical costs. All of the hospitals were ap- proved for a higher per diem rate in 1955, certified to by the State Commissioner of Administration and Finance, who now has the duty of accumulating operating costs from the hospitals from which he establishes this rate. Some of the present rates are: Massachusetts General $21.63; Massachusetts Memorial $21.74; Free Hospital for Women $21.71, and so on. Periodic calls by our three visitors are made to the homes from which continued eligi- bility to receive assistance is determined.
Old Age Assistance: For a recipient living in a family group, the minima is $55.00 monthly and $4.00 "Leisure Time Activity," making $59.00 monthly. For a recipient living alone, a minima of $75.00 and $4.00 "Leisure Time Activity," making $79.00 monthly. The average cost per case, however, averaged $81.00 month- ly, including hospital, convalescent home care and med- ical costs. The grants to the recipients and payments for hospital care, druggist bills and medical amounted to $254,824.28, the greater part of which is reimbursed by
94
180
AMOUNT
EXPENDED
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN 1940-1955
60000
50
40000
40
1
30000
NUMBER OF CASES
30
20000
20
NUMBER OF CASES
10000
AMOUNT EXPENDED
10
0
0
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
YEAR
the. Federal and State Governments. The Town's share was $39,380.64. In addition to these grants, on the basis of settlement laws we paid other cities and towns $6,347.84 and billed them $7,236.89. Recoveries under the lien law amounted to $10,164.01, which have been proportionately distribute to Federal, State and Local Governments.
Aid to Dependent Children: This program is estab- lished to enable children to continue living in their own home, as a family unit. Assistance is rendered based on need and eligibility, where there is a widow, divorcee, legal separation, where the parent is physically incapaci- tated, has deserted or is incarcerated. Full medical has to be granted. The grants to the families and payments for medical amounted to $52,474.23, which expenditures are participated in by the Federal, State and Local Gov- ernments. The Town's share was $13,737.36.
Disability Assistance: This category provides for as- sistance to needy persons, eighteen years of age or over, who have been determined to be permanently and totally disabled by a medical review team working under the State Department of Public Welfare. The medical costs in this program are large because of the physical condition of the recipients. Payments to the persons direct and the costs for medical expenses amounted to $21,681.79. The Commonwealth reimburses 75% of the expenditures which includes the Federal participation. The local share amounted to $5,420.44.
General Relief : While it is true the Nation and the Commonwealth are enjoying a period of the best em-
95
50000
1
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE 1940-1955
AMOUNT EXPENDED
280000
IN DOLLARS
240000:
200000
NUMBER OF CASES
320
160000
240
120000
AMOUNT EXPENDED
160
80000
NUMBER OF CASES
40000
80
O
0
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
YEAR
ployment conditions with higher wages than in any previ- ous peacetime period, resulting in keeping the number of welfare cases at a minimum, we still have our welfare cases. The Statutes of the Commonwealth require each community to care for its indigent people. In addition to unemployment, this class also includes the sick, the in- firm, and the disabled, not eligible for any other category of relief. Any case becoming eligible in another category is immediately transferred from General Relief. The total expenditures amounted to $24,513.38 including as- sistance in the town itself and payments to the Common- wealth and other cities and towns as well as to the various hospitals on Braintree settled cases. Under the settlement laws we received $1,863.61 from the Commonwealth and billed other cities and towns $2,031.83. There was a re- covery of $149.00.
Town Infirmary: The Town Infirmary is used princi- pally to house single homeless persons. It is also used to house evicted persons and families who are forced out of their homes by fire, floods, hurricanes, or other dis- asters. A Superintendent and Matron are in charge. The inmates must be able to care for themselves. The first part of the year there were seven inmates, and at the end, five. Total expenditures were, for operating costs $4,- 905.07, and for repairs and maintenance $93.00. Total income from the Commonwealth was $1,001.38, billed other cities and towns $83.66, and received from one inmate $240.00, making a total of $1,325.04.
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