USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1959 > Part 13
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76
9
239
46
374
58
Cases Reported to Registrar For Action on Licenses
Unlawful Speed
157
13
Operating Motor Vehicle after Drinking
45
0
Passing School Bus
1
1
Other Violations
106
3
309
17
Violations of Traffic and Meter Regulations
Restricted Place
536
67
All Night Parking
307
45
Meter Violations
946
304
All Other Violations
410
102
2199
518
Cases and Violations Committed by :
Residents
1361
387
Non-Residents
1521
206
Personnel
46 Police Officers
15 Women Traffic Supervisors
1 Clerk
1 Custodian
In my budget requests for 1960 I have asked for three new men. This would allow a reorganization to provide a plainclothes man for the 4:00 p.m. to midnight shift. This would provide a constant check on liquor establishments and a control on juveniles who obtain or try to obtain service in such places. Investigations started could be continued with better results. A man would be available for duty from 12:00 midnight to 8:00 a.m. at Headquarters to man the Ambulance or Wagon, and to do clerical work. At the present time the Lieutenant at Headquarters is alone during these hours and has to call in a prowl car in order to man the Ambulance. The third man would be a Relief Officer, covering days off of other men.
174
I have requested the replacement of four cars. Our past experience has proven that the operation of prowl cars during the second year is extremely costly.
Funds are sought for sending one Sergeant and one Patrolman to the Mass. State Police Academy.
Our new ambulance has really had a heavy schedule making 431 runs during the year. In 1958 there were 389 ambulance runs. Our prowl car ambulance had 215 runs this year as compared with 194 during 1958. .
Miscellaneous complaints increased to 6556 as com- pared to 5972 in 1958. Arrests for 1959 numbered 803 as compared to 736 in 1958. All these facts in- dicate the trend, to be expected in future years as the Town expands, residentially, commercially and industrially
Traffic during the year posed a tremendous problem. In our 5 Corners area it developed to 42000 vehicles daily, after the opening of the Central Artery in Boston, and the closing of the railroads. In handling this problem we had excellent cooperation from the Selectmen, Mass. State Police, Registry of Motor Vehicles and the State Department of Public Works.
Our South Braintree Board of Trade were also very cooperative during this trying period. The problem sub- sided with the opening of the Southeast Expressway, but the failure to complete the Union St. Rotary has created a problem in Storrs Square, Braintree. When the Rotary is completed in the spring we look for some relief in this section.
Many other traffic problems have arisen and in the solution or relief of them we have had excellent cooper- ation from our Highway Department and the State De- partment of Public Works.
Our Auxiliary Police and Women Traffic Supervisors have rendered their usual excellent performance of duty. Many complimentary expressions have been received be- cause of their services.
I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen, Finance Com- mittee and all others who have shown this spirit of co- operation toward my department.
Respectfully, EDWARD D. CAHILL, Chief of Police
175
REPORT OF THE VETERAN'S GRAVES REGISTRATION OFFICER
In accordance with the General Laws as amended by Chapter 86, 1957, the duties of this department have been carried out faithfully. All graves of veterans that we have in our files have been properly cared for and the flag of our country was placed on each grave Memorial Day. The duties in this department have been growing as the rolls of the veteran dead have been increasing, As complete a record as possible is being kept in our files. The grave of every deceased veteran is entitled to a bronze or marble marker from the United States Govern- ment and these may be obtained through application to the Quartermaster Department, Washington, at no cost. Information can be obtained at the Veterans' Service of- fice, Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE A. LYDON, Veteran's Graves Registration Officer
REPORT OF THE CEMETERIES
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town Hall., So. Braintree, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I respectfully submit the following report as Supt. of Cemeteries for the year ending Dec. 31, 1959.
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 ceme- teries, Dyer Hill Cemetery was mowed and cleaned three times.
There were five burials and one cremation burial at the Pond St. Cemetery and eleven burials and one still- born burial at the Plain St. Cemetery.
There were fifteen graves sold at the Plain St. Ceme- tery.
Cemeteries were in good appearance throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN F. LEETCH, Supt.
176
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT
John Q. Wentworth, Superintendent
Maintenance
Streets and sidewalks were cleaned throughout the Town
The business centers were cleaned daily
All catch basins and drains were cleaned
Drains repaired where needed
Patching and Repairs
Town streets - Sidewalks - Fences and Guard Rails were repaired where needed
Street Surfacing
Surface treated about 84,300 lin. ft.
Used 67,500 gals. of asphalt
Signs - New
Keep Right 12
No Parking 12
Dead End
3
Street Closed 8
Street Signs
28
Directional Sign reconditioned 1
Street Painting
Cross Walks at all school - streets - intersections and traffic meters were painted
South Braintree Square cross walks were laid with Perma Line
East Braintree Square 1 cross walk laid with Neff- slabs
Painted cross walks at all schools with Traffic Yellow Yellow paint supplied to us by the Junior Chamber of Commerce
Snow Removal
All streets - School Parking Areas - Town Park-
ing Areas, were plowed and sanded as soon as possible. Salting begins in Business Centers - Main Streets - Hills and Intersections as soon as snow covers the ground.
177
Salt used 85 Tons Sand used 3000 Tons
New Construction Drains
Pond St. Wayne Ave. to Glendale Rd. 700 ft 12" Conc. Pipe, 4 Basins, 3 manholes.
Pond St. Extend present drain 150 ft 36" Conc. Pipe, 1 Manhole.
Sherbrook Ave. Replace present drain 1282 ft. 15" Conc. Pipe, 5 manholes. Replaced round covers and frames for 8 square basins.
Oregon Ave. and Dewey Ave. 480 ft. 12" conc. pipe, 3 basins, 3 manholes.
New Construction Streets
Liberty St., approx. 1000 lin. ft.
Cleveland Ave., 1000 lin. ft, 300 ft. 12" pipe, 6 catch basins, 4 manholes. Resurfaced 11%" Asphalt Concrete Union St. to Harrison Ave., 1200 lin. ft.
Chapter 718 Resurfacing with Bituminous Asphalt Mix
Quincy Ave .- RR. Crossing to Quincy Ave. Bridge Union St .- Washington St. to RR. Tracks
Middle St .- Cleveland Ave.
Commercial St .- Shaw St. to Prescott Lane
Union St .- Grossman's Driveway to Washington St.
Elm St .- Washington St. to Expressway
New Construction Sidewalks Under the Betterment Act
Arbutus Ave .- 1463 Lin. ft. South Side
Prospect St. North-1032 Lin. ft. Both Sides
Pearl St .- 1189 Lin. ft. Fountain St. to Veterans Housing
Liberty St. North Side from Forest St. 700 Lin. ft. West
Pond St .- 835 Lin. ft. Armstrong Circle to Present Sidewalk East
Streets Under Construction by Private Developers
Old Country Way Leahaven Ter. Evelyn Lane
Carolyne Ave. Cardinal Ct. Birch St.
Winter St. Old Coach Rd. Court St.
Cranmore Rd. Grove Cir. Norfolk Rd.
Holmes St. Loretta Ave. Amherst Rd.
178
Rubbish Collection
Collections are made Monthly beginning :
The FIRST Monday in precincts 1 and 2
The SECOND Monday in precincts 3 and 4 The THIRD Monday in precincts 5 and 6 Holidays falling on Monday, collection will begin the following day
Rubbish should be in suitable containers NOT IN OIL DRUMS.
MOTH DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT
John Q. Wentworth, Superintendent PRIVATE PROPERTY SPRAYING
The procedure for spraying on private property for other than Elm Trees: The party for whom the spraying is to be done, makes application and payment to the Town Treasurer, who in turn forwards to us a copy of the re- ceipt for payment.
This copy of the receipt is our authority to spray.
DUTCH ELM DISEASE
82 samples of suspected trees were sent to the Uni- versity of Mass. Shade Tree Laboratories at Amherst, Mass.
Report of their diagnosis was as follows:
Diseased 29
Wood Decay 17 Sterile 36
Contract let for the removal of diseased trees.
179
RE: ZONING BOARD REPORT FOR 1959
Board of Selectmen
Town Hall, Washington Street, Braintree, Mass.
Gentlemen:
Submitted herewith is the requested copy relative to the above captioned matter :
"In view of the explosive population situation, the administrative need for controlled zoning is more impera- tive than ever. The Board being fully cognizant of this problem, has for the past year governed its decisions ac- cordingly. As a reminder to the Townspeople seeking relief, the purposes and principles of the Zoning By-Laws require the retention of present land uses from further deterioration by orderly development and planned varia- tion of areas."
Respectfully submitted,
HYMAN BORAX, Chairman JOHN MAHAR, Clerk ERNEST SMITH, Member EDWARD LIBERTINE, Alternate
BOARD OF ASSESSORS REPORT
Chester W. Nelson, Chairman
Richard H. McNealy, Clerk J. Warren Cuff
In accordance with the By-Laws of the Town, we are pleased to submit our annual report for the year end- ing December 31, 1959.
180
1959 RECAPITULATION Figures Used in Fixing Tax Rate G. L. Chap. 59: 23-25
All Appropriations Voted Since 1958 Tax Rate Was Fixed Court Judgements
Contributory Retirement Expenses
State: Tax and Assessments
County : Tax and Assessments
Overlay of Current Year
Gross Amount to be Raised
$5,481.099.51 45,210.52 310.00 209,352.97 179,175.57 164,225.58
$6,079.374.15
Estimated Receipts Available Funds
$1,703,300.95 492,329.27
Total Deductions
$2,195,630.22
Net Amount to be Raised by Taxation on Polls and Property Number of Polls: 8571 at $2.00 each
3,883,743.93
Valuations: Personal Estate $2,524,000.00 @ $65.60
17,142.00 165,599.90 3,701,001.88
Real Estate 56,416,110.00 @ 65.60 Fractional Rate .15
Total Taxes Levied on Polls and Property
$3,883,743.93
181
1959 REPORT OF BUILDING INSPECTOR
John C. Pafford Building Inspector Daniel A. Maloney - Deputy
Dwellings
179
Apartment Houses
2
2,047,012.00 64,000.00
Garages (Private)
48
60,292.00
Stores
7
4,066,149.00
Storage Buildings
4
185,000.00
Drive-in-Theatre
1
65,000.00
Laundromat
1
6,000.00
Cleansing Establishment
1
40,000.00
Service Station
1
13,500.00
School
1
400,000.00
Church
1
120,000.00
Rectory
1
45,000.00
Manufacturing Building
1
78,000.00
Generating Plant
1
500,000.00
Club House
1
5,000.00
Iron Works Shop
1
4,200.00
Temporary Building
1
1,000.00
All other new construction
6
2,785.00
Additions, Alterations and Repairs
227
725,659.00
Relocations
2
Renewals
2
Razing
9
Estimated value of construction
$8,428,597.00
Fees
9,315.50
Total permits issued
498
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS SERVICES
The Department of Veterans Services operates under Chapter 115 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth as amended by Chapter 584 of the Acts of 1946 in admin- istering Veterans' Benefits.
Expenditures during the year 1959 have increased 8.8% due largely to a greater case load and increased medical costs in Hospitals and Nursing Homes.
182
During the year applications for service and non- service connected disabilities, widow's pensions, burial allowances and grave markers have been filed with the Veterans Administration through this office.
Assistance in obtaining Social Security for recipients has been rendered, therefore, saving the Town many hun- dreds of dollars.
The facilities of this office are available to all Vet- erans and their dependents to assist them in processing necessary forms affecting settlement, claims, insurance etc. Notary Public and photostatic services are also ren- dered.
JAMES A. C. SMITH, Director.
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town Hall, So. Braintree, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I respectfully submit the following report as Tree Warden for the year ending Dec. 31, 1959.
All work approved in the 1959 budget for General Care and Tree Removal has been completed.
350 new Trees were planted throughout the Town. I have also maintained 1500 young Trees in the Tree Bank for future planting. I hope to continue and expand this Tree planting program, especially in the new sections of Town where the residents are desperately in need of shade trees.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN F. LEETCH, Tree Warden
183
1959 HARBOR MASTER'S REPORT
There were 62 mooring spaces made available this season and all were in use.
The channel was marked by both the Braintree and Metropolitan Yacht Clubs each doing their respective sections.
Mooring Space in the area about the Braintree Yacht Club down past Watson Park is filled.
One boat was returned to its mooring; it had been broken into and many parts were broken beyond repair.
One boat belonging to Mr. Uftring of Braintree float- ed from the Braintree Yacht Club during the December flood tide. The owner was notified and boat was re- turned to yacht club.
SEWARD W. TABER, Harbor Master
EARL CONNORS, Ass't Harbor Master
INSPECTOR OF WIRES
ARTHUR F. LUCAS, Inspector JOHN H. FRAZIER, Deputy
Permits issued in 1959
750
Number of Inspections in 1959
1864
Days in Office 253
Fees collected from January 1, 1959 through Decem- ber 31, 1959 $2,559.45
1
184
BRAINTREE AIRPORT COMMISSION
William G. Brooks, Chairman
John W. Murphy
Gordon H. Robinson
William K. Stewart George T. Woodsum
The year 1959, the twelfth anniversary of operation of the Braintree Airport, marked the greatest advance in improvement in the facilities of the airstrip since the early days of construction. In 1947 a young group of aviators returning from active service in the Armed Forces, deter- mined to have their own aviation field, leveled a heavy wooded area and filled swampy land for a period of twelve months, resulting in a 2500 foot runway 80 feet in width.
This past few months a group of aviators new to the local airport and interested in improving the runway have revived the Braintree Airport Association and through many hours of hard labor and donation of personal funds have added much to the usefulness of the flying field. Trees have been cleared at the west end of the area and the runway lengthened over 200 feet, making the approach much safer and landing facilities more desirable. The swampy section at the far end of the field has been filled and connection made with the old gravel pit, in a natural turning circle for planes. The low area in the center of the strip has been raised with heavy fill and topped with fine gravel. The drain at mid field has been lengthened and the entire runway widened from 80 feet to 125 feet by adding many loads of fill, thus eliminating the swampy sections of the old site. The area close to the road has been graded to allow a tiedown parking area for many additional planes.
The Braintree Airport, located near Great Pond, off Route 128 on West Street on Town-owned property of the Braintree Water Department was declared as one of the best locations for an airport on the South Shore by the Civil Aeronautics Association of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts following a survey made thirteen years ago of the area south of Boston. The section of land where the Braintree Airport is located can accommodate three runways at different angles of 4000 feet long and 150 feet wide, if needed to serve the area.
The flying area is registered with the Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission of the Commonwealth as a Priv-
185
ate Landing Field at latitude 40 degrees-12'-20" and longitude 72 degrees-02'-25" and operates under the direc- tion of the Braintree Airport Commission.
This year members of the Braintree Civil Aeronautic Patrol, including young people from the Town of Braintree interested in aviation, operating under the direction of Commander John Catone Jr., a licensed pilot and officer in the Marine Corps, are using the facilities of the airport and have assisted in the reconstruction activities. The use of the airstrip by this group of future citizens makes the airport project worth the entire effort of the people re- sponsible for the development of the aviation field.
The Braintree Airport Association, operating under the jurisdiction of the Braintree Airport Commission, is open to membership for residents of Braintree and South Shore towns interested in flying, development of the facili- ties of the airport and students in aviation. It is necessary ties of the airport and students in aviation. It is not neces- sary to own a plane to be a member of the organization. Persons interested in joining the group should make appli- cation to the Association secretary. Over 65 residents of the area are members of the airport group.
Tie down facilities are available to plane owners. All persons with planes, using the facilities of the Braintree Airport are required to register their plane with the Air- port Commission before using the facilities of the Town Airport. Membership in the Airport Association includes tie down facilities for planes. You are invited to join the Braintree Airport Association.
An insurance policy is provided by the Airport Asso- ciation to cover any damage to property or accident that might happen at the airport, to eliminate any liability to the Town of Braintree. The Airport Commission reports that no serious accident or property damage has taken place at the airport during the twelve years of operation.
The officers of the Braintree Association elected this past year are as follows: President, William G. Brooks; Secretary, William B. Webber; Treasurer, Russell Mac- Kenzie; Supt. of Airport, Reo Albonetti Jr. Ch. Safety Committee, Arnold R. Stymest; Ch. By-Laws, George W. Condon; Ch. Planning Comm., Clarence Jermyn and Ch. Membership Comm., William B. Webber.
Members of the Braintree Airport Commission and Braintree Airport Association appreciate the complete co-
186
operation of members of the Braintree Water Commission and the interest and assistance given by Water Department Superintendent Donato T. Richardi.
WILLIAM G. BROOKS
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES FOR 1959
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. $532.45 in seal- ing and adjusting fees was turned in to the Town Treas- urer.
My thanks to the business men and Town officials. of Braintree for their cooperation.
Following is a summary of work done during the year :
Not Ad- Seal- Seal- Con- justed ed
Scales over 10,000 1bs.
Scales 5,000 to 10,000 lbs.
1
Scales 100 to 5,000 lbs.
3
26
Scales under 100 lbs.
5
110
2
Weights :
Avoirdupois
97
Metric
77
Apothecary
66
Liquid measures under 1 gallon Meters :
1
41
Inlet 1" or less-Gasoline
19 132
3
Inlet 1" or less-Oil or Grease
16
3
Inlet more than 1"
24
73
1
Pumps-Kerosene, oil or grease Yardsticks
30
4
3
Totals
52 674
9
4
187
ed demned-
2
Trial Weighing of Commodities offered for sale:
Total Cor- Un- Tested rect der
Over
Fruits and Vegetables
51
20
12
19
Meats and Provisions
59
42
4 13
Potatoes
24
7
0
17
Totals
134
69
16
49
Respectfully submitted,
CALVIN E. YOUNG
Sealer of Weights and Measures
PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS and GOLF COURSE
CHARLES F. ABELL, Superintendent
The Braintree Park Department experienced another successful season at all playgrounds, swimming areas and Golf Course.
The largest crowds ever attended Sunset Lake and Swifts beach this year. Car parking was the only trouble- some condition we had at both beaches because of the limited area.
Our playgrounds were kept in good condition for Spring and Fall athletics carried on by the Braintree schools. During the spring and summer we maintained the playgrounds for organized teams such as the Little League, Babe Ruth and Junior Legion, as well as the men's softball leagues playing at Hollis and Adams St. We also carried out a full program of organized play at our thirteen playgrounds. We offered many activities in order to appeal to all children in the town. We will con- tinue to offer a well balanced program complete with good facilities and grounds.
Our Golf course had a very successful season, both money and health wise. Our course is turning into a fine community recreation spot. Over sixty women have formed a golf association and play well organized tourna-
188
ments. More Braintree women are welcome to enjoy the healthy game of golf at our course. Braintree High School had a fine team this year, placing 4th in the Bay State League.
The Park and Playground Commission are grateful to many other town departments for their generosity in. allowing us to use their equipment and facilities as well as assisting us to make our areas safe and clean. Our thanks. also to the service organizations in town for their gifts. that have added greatly to our facilities and program.
GEORGE F. LEBEN, Chairman MR. GEORGE H. SNYDER, Jr. MR. ELMER E. RAYMOND MR. EARL C. HOLLIS MR. WILLIAM G. DYER
DR. EDGAR L. COPP
MR. RICHARD S. BROOKS
Board of Parks and Playgrounds Commissioners:
189
BRAINTREE LIGHT DEPARTMENT
Your Commissioners submit the Annual Report of the Braintree Electric Light Department for the year ending December 31, 1959.
CARL W. R. JOHNSON, Chairman JAMES H. DIGNAN, Secretary WALTER J. HANSEN
Gentlemen :
The Municipal Light Department respectfully submits herewith the annual report on operations for the year 1959.
Load Changes
The Town's growth is reflected in an increase of resi- dential customers from 8336 in December, 1958 to 8449 in December, 1959.
Total sales for residential purposes in 1959 were 32,625,977 kwh. compared with 30,901,540 kwh. for 1958. This is an increase of 5.5% .
Small power and commercial customers have in- creased from 577 to 691 during the year with a power con- sumption of 10,691.850 kwh. compared with 1958, con- sumption of 8,636,458 kwh. This represents a 23% in- crease.
Industrial users have increased their requirements from 20,545,665 kwh. in 1958 to 32,964,840 in 1959. This represents an increase of 60.4% and is composed largely of power requirements for Walworth's as well as increased requirements by the Armstrong Cork Company.
In all types of service, the sales have been steadily upward and totals for all sales during the year were 80,727,521 kwh. compared with 63,926,648 kwh. for 1958. This is an increase of 26.2% .
The Town's increasing power requirements has also had its effect on our overall system loading. Continuous daily loads over 11,000 k w have been prevelant during the year with increasingly higher loads after September when our daily loads were over 14,000 k w. Peak loads have been proportionally higher reaching 20,000 on numerous
190
occasions with a system peak of 22,200 k w during Christ- mas season.
Generating Plant
Our Allen St. generating plant has been capable of meeting all power requirements for the major portion of 1959 and could possibly have carried through the entire year. However, the failure of any of our larger units could have resulted in curtailment of power during peak load periods. In order to prevent this possibility, our consultant engineers, co-operating closely with our own personnel and contractors, completed the first unit at the Norton P. Pot- ter Station in time to have this unit in service during the Christmas peak.
On December 16, 1959, this No. 1 Unit was placed in continuous service and opened up a new era in the power field for the Town of Braintree.
Up to this time, the Allen Street Station has been our sole source of generating capacity and has served the Town well since electric service was first available within the Town limits. However, the rapidly expanding uses of electric power together with increasing commercial and industrial developments clearly indicated that this site could no longer be expanded to meet our requirements.
A new site was selected that has all the qualifications necessary for the installation of an efficient Town generat- ing plant. Our site studies have disclosed that this is the only site within the Town limits that could be considered as a desirable location for our purpose.
The first steps have been taken to develop this site in a manner that will render the best and most efficient service to the Town. The first unit 12,500 kw. or approxi- mately 50% of our total capacity at Allen St. has been installed. This is a high pressure, high temperature unit (1250 lb. per sq. in. and 950 deg. F). During its opera- tion since December 16, it has clearly demonstrated that this installation will more than fulfill our expectations.
Acquisition of land and installation of the first unit represent the beginning of this development. Our oil re- quirements will increase as the plant load increases and proper development and use of existing facilities will naturally follow to enable this Department to purchase and handle oil in quantities that will yield substantial savings.
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