USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1958 > Part 11
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There are four categories of assistance administered by the Board of Public Welfare, namely, Old Age Assistance, Aid to Dependent Children, Disability Assistance and General Relief. To qualify for Federal and State reimbursement we must strictly conform to rules and regulations issued by both the Federal and State Governments. A budgetary system, established by the Commonwealth, must be fol- lowed in granting assistance to recipients. Medical care and supplies must be provided. The expenditures on a per case basis have increased substantially during the past several years; 1958 was no exception. These increases were caused by the increased cost of living, higher rates for nursing home, hospital and institutional care. The cost of med- ical care, drugs and supplies has reached the proportion of about one- third of the total expenditures made by this Board.
Periodic revisits by our social workers are made upon recipients to determine continued eligibility to receive assistance. There are many occassions requiring special visits.
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE: For a recipient living in a family group the minima is $55.00 monthly and $4.00 "Leisure Time Ac- tivity" making $59.00 monthly. For a recipient living alone a minima of $75.00 and $4.00 "Leisure Time Activity" making $79.00 monthly. There is another item "Transportation Allowance" of $2.50 monthly allowed to each recipient who is not an inmate of a nursing home or
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE 1940-1958
280000
IN DOLLARS
240000
AMOUNT EXPENDED
200000
320
160000
240
120000
NUMBER OF CASES
80000
160
NUMBER OF CASES
0
0
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
5
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
YEAR
151
80
40000
AMOUNT EXPENDED
institution. These items are exclusive of medical care, drugs and supplies. Such factors as substantial employment, good economic con- ditions, increases in Social Security benefits and other resources have resulted in a decrease in the Old Age Assistance case load. Nevertheless, the average cost per case has increased year after year due to the con- tinued increases in the cost of living and higher medical costs. For the year 1958 grants to recipients, payments for hospital care, medical care, drugs and supplies amounted to $266,542.42. The greater part of which was reimbursed by our Federal and State Governments. The Town's share was $43,369.58. On the basis of settlement laws we paid other cities and towns $4,722.95 and billed other cities and towns $6,625.45. Recoveries under the lien law and other sources were made in the amount of $14,259.93 which were proportionately re-distributed to Federal, State and Local Governments.
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN: This program is the outgrowth of Mother's Aid which was established in this State in 1914 for the benefit of widows and children and subsequently became ef- fective under the Social Security Act in Massachusetts in 1937. The purpose of this program is to allow children to continue living in their
AID TO DEPENDENT
AMOUNT EXPENDED
DIN DOLLARS
CHILDREN
1940-1958
60000
AMOUNT
50
^ EXPENDED
40000
40
30000
130
20000
20
10000
10
0
c
40 41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
37
58
YEAR
own homes as a family unit. Assistance is rendered according to a State Budget based on need. The assistance grants to the families and for medical care amounted to $43,623.46, which expenditures are par- ticipated in by the Federal, State and Local Governments. The Town's . share was $9,696.70.
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE: Physical eligibility of each per- son is determined by a State Medical Review Team composed of a panel of Doctors. Persons to be eligible must be eighteen years of age or older. Residential requirements are only one year in this State and citizenship is not required. Such lenient regulations result in many applications being received. The grants to the recipients and for medical
152
50000
NUMBER OF CASES
NUMBER OF CASES
care amounted to $31,711.53. The Commonwealth reimburses 75% of the expenditures which includes the Federal participation. The Town's share amounted to $7,927.82. Recoveries amounting to $839.48 were received which amount similar to those received under the Old Age Assistance category has been proportionately re-distributed to Federal, State and Local Governments.
GENERAL RELIEF : Presently only a small percentage of cases handled through the Welfare Department are on General Relief. Where possible all the cases are placed in those categories in which we receive Federal and State reimbursement. In this category we have the unemployed, the medically indigent, covering the sick, infirm and disabled who are ineligible under any other program. Also under Gen-
OIN DOLLARS
GENERAL RELIEF 1938 -1958
0
180
100000
150
NUMBER OF CASES
120
60000
NUMBER OF CASES
20000
AMOUNT
EXPENDED
30
0
la
38
39
40
A
42
43
44
45
46
4
48
49
50
52
53
54
55
56
57
50
YEAR
eral Relief we have to furnish assistance to the families left destitute by the desertion of the parent until we find some solution, which is usually by placing the family on Aid to Dependent Children. The total expenditure for aid direct to families, hospitals, institutional and medi- cal acre amounted to $22,217.96, which also includes Braintree cases un- der the State Division of Child Guardianship. Under the settlement laws we have billed the Commonwealth $965.73 and billed other cities and towns $3,657.35.
153
NAMOUNT
OEXPENDED
80000
60
40000
SEWER DEPARTMENT
To: The Board of Sewers 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, 1958.
New Construction :
2.1 Miles of new sewers were constructed and put into operation. The following tabulation shows the extent and distribution of the year's work :
Location
From
To
Pipe Sewer Size Length Inches Feet
Arbutus Avenue
Winthrop
Southerly
8
89
Cavanagh Road
Common
Cherry
8
276
Colbert Avenue
Pearl
Easterly
8
47
Easement
Brookside
Elmwood
8
298
Easement
Commercial
Union
10
1,066
Easement
Easement
Miller
8 & 10
441
Easement
Union
Lisle
8
465
Elliot Street
Elmwood
South & East
8
677
Elmwood Park
Weymouth Line
Elliot
8
617
Harding Avenue
Jersey
Summit
8
528
Jersey Ave. Ext. . Merritt
Harding
8
224
Lisle Street
Easement
Summit
8
298
Miller Avenue
Easement
Summit
8
265
Plymouth Avenue
Washington
Summit
8
1,158
Sumner Avenue
Elmwood
Hollingsworth
8
416
Union Street
Liberty
Miller
8
2,934
Winthrop Avenue
Washington
Summit
8
1,315
Total
11,114
Total 1958 Construction
2.1 Miles
Previous Construction
51.6 Miles
Total Construction to Date
53.7 Miles
154
In conjunction with the above work, 41 sewer connections were laid across the highway to the street line on Union Street. Also, the lateral sewer connections to the side streets off Union Street were extended to the street line.
Except for Colbert Avenue, all of the above work was done by Quintin Vespa Co., Inc., under a unit price contract. Vespa's price was the lowest of nine bidders. The total cost of the work amounted to $150,492 or an average of about $12.90 per linear foot for 8 &10- inch lateral sewers.
This year's work made the sewer available to 152 more buildings. The present sewer system can now serve 4,432 buildings or about 54% of all the dwellings, business, school and industrial buildings in the Town.
In connection with the River Street crossing of the Southeast Expressway, 592 feet of 8-inch sewer was installed in relocated Rail- road Street and 175 feet of 10-inch sewer in a relocated easement to River Street. This work was done by the State Highway Contrac- tor under the supervision of the Sewer Department. Also, where the Expressway crosses Union Street, some work was done on the reloca- tion of the Union Street sewer.
At the new Granite Street interchange, 249 feet of 8-inch sewer was laid across Granite Street on the south side of the new bridge before the permanent surfacing was applied. The work was done by the road contractor, M. DeMatteo Construction Company. The total cost amounted to $3,751.
A proposed development of 60 house lots between Middle and Liberty Streets by the Cassoli Construction Co. was started in Decem- ber. The Developer is installing sanitary sewers in the new streets at his own expense under the supervision of the Sewer Department.
A contract was awarded in October to Quintin Vespa Co., Inc. for the construction of a force main and gravity sewer outlet from the Howard Street pumping station. Vespa's price was the lowest of eight bids received, and more than $17,000 below the second bidder. The work was started in December and should be completed by June of 1959.
Assessments :
Sewer assessments amounting to $57,295.16 were levied against 191 properties.
Metcalf and Eddy, our consulting engineers, reviewed our assess- ment practice and found it to be comprehensive, in accordance with
155
the law, and similar to practice of other communities. Further studies are being continued by the Sewer Department regarding change in assessment rate, establishment of sewer rentals, and special assessments to be levied against new large industrial users.
House Connections :
There were 196 sewer connections, requiring 10,419 feet of pipe completed during the year at a cost of $52,927.08. There were 32 applications for sewer connection on file at the end of the year.
There are now a total of 3, 743 buildings connected with the sewer system, or 84% of the buildings where the sewer is available.
Maintenance :
All of the main and lateral sewers were inspected and cleaned during the winter and early spring. There were no stoppage but a num- ber of root growths had to be removed. There were 35 stoppages of house services due to root growths. After heavy rains in January the main sewer became surcharged, due to illegal cellar drainage, and over- flowed into Fore River for about two days.
Priming devices on the pumps at the Brookside Road pumping station continued to give considerable trouble. The new M. D. C. sewer to serve Randolph goes through Weymouth Landing and will be avail- able for use next summer. The Brookside pumping station can be aban- doned by relaying a section of the gravity sewer in Brookside Road and Commercial Street so that it will all flow by gravity into the new M. D. C. sewer.
The pumps at Common Street pumping station are now operating near capacity during wet weather and will have to be replaced with larger units before the proposed shopping center can be served. When the change-over is made it is proposed to install the present pumping units in the new Howard Street pumping station. Plans and specifica- tions for all of this work have been completed.
Recommendations for 1959:
1. Extend sewer from Walnut street to Granite Street to serve proposed shopping center. $160,000
2. Install new pumping units at Common Street station and present Common Street units at Howard Street pumping station. 44,000
156
3. Install sewers in Union Street and run connec- tions to street line from Cleveland Avenue to Miller Street.
50,000
+. Install sewers in Howard Street and Shaw Street.
50,000
5. Relay a portion of Brookside Road and Com- mercial Street sewers to connect into the M. D. C. trunk line.
20,000
6. Extend sewer in Middle Street from the M. D. C. trunk line in Pearl Street to serve new 60 lot housing development between Mid- dle and Liberty Streets. 30,000
Total Recommended New Construction $354,000
Mr. Earl D. Gilliatt, a member of the Sewer Board for nine years, resigned May 19. Mr. Gilliatt has served the town in many ways and has always given freely of his time. His service and advice have been invaluable. Mr. A. Winton Caird was appointed July 21 to fill the vacancy on the Sewer Board until election.
The continued excellent cooperation and valuable assistance re- ceived from other departments of the Town throughout the year has materially aided the Sewer Department in accomplishing its work, and is greatly appreciated.
Respectfully submitted,
George F. Brousseau Superintendent
157
SOUTH SHORE MOSQUITO CONTROL PROJECT
COMMMISSIONERS
JOHN B. CLAPP, Chairman, Hingham RICHARD M. ASH, M. D., Quincy PHILIP S. BAILEY, Scituate WILLIAM BENNETT, Norwell HOWARD BATES, Cohasset GEORGE F. BROUSSEAU, Braintree CHARLES P. DUFFEE, Marshfield HENRY F. GODIN, Weymouth PAUL C. ROSS, Hull GEORGE STARR, JR., M. D., Duxbury
December 5, 1958
To the Citizens of Braintree :
Submitted herewith is the report of the South Shore Mosquito Control Project of its activities in the Town of Braintree for the year ending December 31, 1958.
The Town of Braintree appropriated $5,750 for Mosquito con- trol in 1958.
The basic program of control continued to be based on drainage in the off-season and larvaciding of all areas found to be breeding dur- ing the mosquito season. This program was supplemented by ground application of D. D. T. dust to selected areas during the period when the swamps were frozen. Fog generators and a mist blower were used to combat flying mosquitoes.
The cumulative effect of the work of past winters has changed the work of the Project's crews. The winter dusting has stopped the breeding in many small places, making it possible for the crews to
158
contend better with those left and to search for hitherto unnoticed spots. The drainage has eliminated some crew spraying and much air spray acreage, thus making it possible to absorb higher costs, deal with new breeding areas found or created, and yet lower the yearly budget requests, or at least, keep them the same.
In the Town of Braintree the following ditch work was done: brushing 600 feet, reclaiming none, cleaning 255 feet and new ditch- ing 2250 feet. Further drainage work, principally in the vicinity of the Southeast Expressway will be done this winter. This construction has created problems, however, when it is completed, better drainage conditions will exist.
Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis did not appear in humans or horses in Massachusetts this year, nor were positive tests obtained from pheasants, one of the most susceptible birds. Research along basic lines continues at the U. S. Public Health Service Laboratory at Taunton.
The spring spraying of all fresh water swamps too large to be treated by hand was done in the latter part of April. 1761 acres were sprayed in the Town of Braintree.
As was done last winter, some aerial applications of dusts will be made. This procedure reduces the spring spraying which must be fitted into the few days in April suitable for air spraying.
The Project wishes to acknowledge the help received from officials and departments of the Town and sincerely hopes that the benefits de- rived by these departments as a result of this cooperation are as great as those derived by the Project.
Respectfully Submitted,
LEWIS F. WELLS, JR. Superintendent
1
159
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHT AND MEASURES FOR 1958
The Honorable Board of Selectmen :
I herewith submit the annual report as required by the General Laws, Chapter 98, Section 34.
The measuring and weighing devices in the Town were tested and found in good condition. $528.10 in sealing and adjusting fees was turned in to the Town Treasurer.
My thanks to the Town Officials and businessmen of Braintree for their cooperation.
Following is a summary of work done during the year:
Not Con- Sealed demned
Scales over 10,000 lbs.
Adjusted Sealed 4 2 31
Scales 100 to 5,000 lbs.
Scales under 100 lbs.
10
121
2
Weights
Avoirdupois
122
2
Metric
63
Apothecary
62
Liquid measures under 1 gallon
31
Meters
Inlet 1" or less - Gasoline
21
123
1
Inlet 1" or less - Oil or Grease
16
Inlet more than 1"
26
70
1
Pumps - Kerosene, oil or grease
31
9
Yardsticks
5
Total
59
679
12
3
Trial Weighings of commodities offered for sale :
Total Number
tested
correct
Under
Over
Bread
9
8
1
Butter
12
3
9
Dry Commodities
12
3
4
5
Fruits & Vegetables
50
7
5
38
Meats & Provisions
63
12
29
22
Potatoes
41
5
9
27
Totals
187
30
64
93
Respectfully submitted
CALVIN E. YOUNG Sealer of Weights and Measures
160
HARBOR MASTER
There were forty boats moored from the Shaw Street Bridge to the end of Watson Park with mooring sites being assigned by the Harbor Master and his assistant.
May 20, 1958 - Received call from Mr. Severson of Boston Edison Co. (Mr. Gula) Hancock 6-3300 Ext 531, that they were dropping a cable across the river from No. 1 to No. 2 towers Saturday, May 24 from 10 A. M. to 2 P. M. for repairs. They have received permission from the Department of Harbors and Waterways. Mr. Evans (Weymouth Harbormaster ) has received the same information. The Quincy Ledger has been asked to put a piece in the paper and Radio Station WJDA Quincy has been asked to give out the informa- tion over the air as often as possible. The following boat yards and yacht clubs have been notified :
1. Harbour Villa Marine (Mr. Symons)
2. Metropolitan Yacht Club (Saw Mr. Swartz)
3. Braintree Yacht Club (Signs) (Mr. Viden, Commodore)
4. Rands Boat Yard (Weymouth, Mr. Evans taking care of)
5. Warren Nott Yard (P. S. O'Connell & Signs)
May 21, 1958 - While talking with Mr. Swartz at Metropolitan Yacht Club was informed that Periene Dredging Co. (Mr. Round- tree, Logan 7-1834) was due to move their dredge in on Saturday. Called Periene Dredging Co. May 21. Talked with Mr. Roundtree and gave him the same information.
May 22, 1958 - Received a complaint on a Cenury inboard boat tied up at the Braintree Yacht Club float. Running up and down the river too fast, causing damage to boats on float. Complaints - (1) running too fast, (2) no registration number, (3) no name or indentification.
May 28, 1958 - Received telephone call that there was and Outboard Cabin Cruiser adrift in the river. At 5:00 P. M. went to boat and had Mr. Keefe of Elm Street tow boat to Braintree Yacht Club float, on ar- riving at float noticed that another outboard had beeen cut adrift also. Called Braintree Police at 5:20 P. M. and spoke to Lt. McGuire who sent a prowl car to investigate. Owner of the first boat - Ray V. Brunstrom, 39 Saunders Rd., Quincy.
161
June 22, 1958 - Had telephone call from Braintree Police that a boat tied up at Sheppards Wharf was sinking. Arrived at Sheppards same time as Police and found that was boat was sunk. Mr. Cahoon was go- ing to see if he could get a pump from the Highway Department to pump it out with.
October 13, 1958 - Outboard sunk at Gas Co. wall. Notified Mr. E. Uftring of 66 Blossom Road, Braintree, the owner.
October 25, 1958 - Received telephone call from Mr. J. DeCosta that his 9' Pram moored at end of Trefton Drive was missing. Pram is painted gray, both inside and outside.
November 9, 1958 - Brockton Sea Scout boat adrift. This boat spon- sored by Brockton Kiwanis Club. Tied it up at the old Sheppard Wharf and notified Skipper Robert Rothwell who took care of it.
November 12, 1958 - Pram 7' long stolen from Metropolitan Yacht Club. White outside and blue and green inside.
Seward W. Taber Earl F. Connors
HARBORMASTER
ASSISTANT
REPORT OF THE CEMETERIES
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town Hall
So. Braintree Mass.
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit the Annual report for the care and Maintenance of the following Cemeteries. Pond St., Plain St., and First Parish.
Cemeteries were cared for and maintained through-out the year. Grass was mowed and the grass around monuments and walks was trimmed every two weeks from April 1st to Nov. 30th.
Flower beds were planted and cared for in all cemeteries Dyer Hill cemetery was mowed and cleaned three times.
Burials - four at Pond St. and four at Plain St.
Cemeteries were in good appearance through-out the year.
Respectfully submitted
JOHN F. LEETCH, Supt.
162
SCHOOL COMMITTEE For the Year 1958
Roger W. Arnold, Chairman Robert J. Barrett Robert M. Burdett Reuben H. Frogel, M. D.
Ruth W. Shuster, Secretary Leonard Alves
The School Committee wishes to thank all members of the School Department for their loyal efforts in helping to meet an ever increasing number of problems. Increased enrollment and extension of school services make more work for all, including supervisors, teachers, and auxiliary personnel. Some extension of the school day and the school year has provided additional instructional time. However, the citizens must realize that increased numbers of students will definitely lead to need of additional personnel at all levels.
The acute need for additional rooms for high school students makes it imperative that the Town act favorably to implement the Cambridge Consultants' Plan for another secondary school building. The School Committee's awareness of this impending crisis is evidenced by three separate votes in favor of the Consultants' Plan and by a joint meeting of School Committee, Finance Committee, Braintree High School Building Addition Committee, and the School Study Commit- tee in July 1958. The School Committee has subsequently held an informational meeting for all Town officials and Town Meeting mem- bers to give them the background of the problem and a view of several alternate solutions to the problem. A special Town Meeting has been called for on February 2, 1959, in the hope that an adequate solution to this most urgent problem will be found.
The citizens of Braintree are duly forewarned that, in an effort to avoid excess current spending of tax funds, there has been a large back-log of maintenance and repair work accumulated which must some day be faced.
The Braintree School Department continues to hold its place as one of the leaders in sound, modern education. This position is all the more creditable, since it is accompanied by a relatively low per-pupil cost.
Once again, the Braintree School Committee congratulates all those who have made this achievement possible and wishes to express appreciation to the citizens whose support of their schools makes lighter the burden of providing first class education for 7127 pupils in a town of 29,000 people.
163
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
For the Year 1958
1. GENERAL
It is a pleasure to report that during the year 1958 the efficiency of all departments in the public school system has continued to improve. The attitude and efforts of our teachers, principals and supervisors, has been most commendable ; they are interested in their work and in improv- ing the performance of their responsibilities. The parent conferences in the elementary schools have, as usual, been most helpful in promoting good relations between teachers and parents. Our P.T.A's have also given fine opportunities for developing these contacts.
Teacher morale is greatly influenced by their feeling of equitable treatment by their superiors and by the public. Braintree teachers apprec- iate the efforts of the School Committee and the taxpayers to adjust their salaries in relation to the average salaries in other communities, and also to provide them with good teaching situations, and the necessary teaching materials to facilitate their work. The teachers response in endeavoring to return good value is eminently satisfactory, and evidences the highest type of professional attitude and ethics. Teacher turn-over is small; limited almost entirely to those leaving the work or moving away. We have been successful in securing people with excellent poten- ial for replacements and additional positions needed.
Improvements in a school system are never completed; yet each year we can claim to have made substantial progress in the improvement of instruction suited to the needs of various students in all areas, and to have extended the services rendered by the public schools.
2. SERVICES
Among the services which Braintree renders in addition to class- room teaching are included :
Home Instruction-for the physically handicapped. Thirty (30) pupils involved this year, including accident injuries, rheumatic fever, nephritis, muscular dystrophy and emotional disturbances.
Classes for the Educable and Trainable - Six (6) classes main- tained for pupils of different age groups who cannot be adjusted to the regular classroom work.
11
164
Braille Class - Serving blind children from South Shore com- munities, with special instruction and texts. Entire cost reimbursed by State.
Remedial Reading Teachers - Working primarily with second grade pupils of normal ability who have reading or emotional "blocks".
Guidance Workers - One for each district to counsel teachers and pupils in respect to pupils abilities and achievements and to work on other maladjustments. Also administer the testing program which tests individual pupil ability level every other year, and achievement level every year grades K - 8.
At the junior and senior high school level the above type of ser- vice is continued plus continuous follow-up of achievement, and guid- ance as to vocational plans and choices.
South Shore Guidance Center is available for references of cases that need clinic psychiatric attention.
Health Services - Physical examinations and follow up; sight and hearing tests; services of school nurses and physicians.
Transportation - 14 buses running three trips each in a. m. and p. m. Pupils living over 11/2 miles all transported to school.
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