USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1936 > Part 12
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Present dumping places for the town are as follows:
Cliftondale and West Cliftondale at pond in North Revere. Saugus Center off Appleton Street.
East Saugus at the further end of Bristow Street.
Lynnhurst, swamp between Cleveland and Newcomb Ave. (Note: This swamp is a health menace to that section of the town and should be filled in.)
Dumping places are kept as clean as the appropriations will allow.
During the year additional safety methods were adopted in an effort to avoid possible accidents. Directional lights were installed on the truck, the running boards reinforced, and handles were attached to the cab in order that the men might have proper grips while riding between stops.
An additional appropriation of $25.00 will be necessary this year to equip the ash crew with leather gloves and goggles which have been suggested by the insurance company that carries the compensation on town employees.
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WATER DEPARTMENT
The principal accomplishment of the water department was the locating and repairing of three major leaks in our water system. The first of these was found on High Street. A leak was believed to be somewhere in that vicinity, but was never definitely located until this year. The other two were found on the high pressure system, one on Stanley Terrace and the other on Springdale Avenue.
The repair of the last two leaks effected a large saving of water, plus a saving of power and labor at the pumping station.
Most of the work of locating leaks is carried on between the hours of 1 A.M. and 5 A.M., which means added work for the men of the department.
The repairing of these three leaks has greatly increased the pressure, which in turn has caused a series of main breaks at weak points in the system. The Engineering Department at the present time is preparing a series of maps of the different sections of the town showing the main gates and hydrants. These maps will be used in conjunction with a survey to be made as soon as good weather comes, for the purpose of locating other leaks which we know must exist.
WATER MAINS AND EXTENSION
Two very important through connections have been made this year. One on Talbot St. which makes a through con- nection from Vine St., to Denver St. The other was on Beech St. which makes a circuit from Adams Ave. to Vine St.
The water main was extended on Old County Rd. for a distance of about 300 feet.
On Burrill St. the main was extended for 700 feet.
These extensions have benefited a number of families in those vicinities and fire protection has been improved.
During 1936 main breaks occurred at the following points :
3/19/36-6" main on Bow St.
4/ 2/36-gates on Sussex, Jackson Sts., and Granite Rd. 5/21/36-4" cement main on Fairview Ave.
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1936]
9/17/36-joint leak on Bow St. joint leak on Cliff St.
5/28/36-16" main on Vine St., (joint) .
10/ 1/36-Clifton St.
10/29/36-High St., 4" C.I. Main (bad leak) .
11/ 5/36-Stanley Ter., 4" C. I. Main.
11/12/36-Springdale Ave.
11/19/36-8" C. I. Main, Denver St.
11/26/36-Newhall St. (joint).
12/ 3/36-10" C.I. Main, Central St., near mills.
12/10/36-10" C.I. Main on Broadway.
The main pipe line at the Town Infirmary was carried through to the new state highway line, at which point it will be picked up and carried to the opposite side of the road with funds provided for in the state contract.
A connection was made at the corner of Woodbury Ave., and Central St., making a through circuit. The water main opposite the Public Works building was moved from under the new pavement to a new location under the sidewalk, in order that at some future time the main may be continued down Woodbury Avenue to Riverbank Road, providing a through connection at that point.
At Belmont St. a 2" pipe for supplying water to seven houses was replaced with a 6" main, and a hydrant for fire protection. Two blowouts were installed for flushing the main.
HYDRANTS
The department has instituted a new policy of checking hydrants twice each year, once in the spring and once in the fall. This, in order to make the hydrant near your home accessible and ready for service in case of fire in your im- mediate neighborhood.
All hydrants have been painted. Those at dead ends have been painted a distinguishing color in order that the fire de- partment might recognize them as such.
The servicing and inspecting of hydrants is being carried on by the water mains foreman, Ernest Swett, and a man from the fire department, in order that both departments
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may know of the conditions of the hydrants about the town.
Hydrant replacements have been limited to the appropria- tion for this purpose. This work should be continued with a larger appropriation in order to renew hydrants that are not in 100% working condition.
It has been possible, however, to do more work on hydrants this year, because of the fact that the Finance Committee has given us two additional amounts during the year.
Hydrants have been renewed at: Gates Rd., Bristow St., Main St., Harvard Ave., Fairmount Ave., Midvale Ave., Alder St., Central St., cor of Winter St., Essex St., Summer St., Stocker St., Hillcrest St., a total of 12 hydrants renewed.
Hydrants raised or extended 15
Hydrants rebuilt 22
Hydrants repainted 373
During the year, two hydrants which more than once have been damaged by automobiles, have been moved to safer lo- cations.
WATER COMPARISON
1932
1933
1934
1935
1936
New Services
57
25
9
24
18
Renewals
44
45
84
67
85
Blow Outs
275
306
418
388
408
Turn Ons
197
162
Turn Offs
178
110
Meters Repaired
242
349
393
622
503
Meters Installed
76
16
12
30
26
Meters Frozen
45
77
245
209
175
Meters Tested
17
24
23
33
46
New Hydrants
2
1
5
4
Miles of Main pipe
·
64
REMARKS
The Public Works Department has endeavored to co-operate with all other town departments, realizing that only by such co-operation might the greatest amount of efficiency be ob- tained.
· It has been a pleasure for this department to have been
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1936]
able to assist other town departments in their work of the past year.
(signed) ERNEST A. MERRITHEW, Superintendent of Public Works.
Report of the Town Engineer
The following report has been submitted to the superin- tendent by the town engineers.
"In accordance with the practice of all engineering offices, a daily diary is kept, notating the work covered and the ac- tivities of the personnel of the department.
In reviewing my records of the past year (1936) I submit the following activities of this department.
SCOPE OF WORK
Surveys, drains, water systems, assessors plans, street lines and grades, release, Public Works estimates, plans and draw- ings, tracings, W.P.A. projects, supervision of works and miscellaneous.
SURVEYS
The following streets were surveyed for street acceptance: Clifton Street, Wakefield Avenue, Summit Avenue, Pratt Street, Bailey Avenue, Johnston Terrace, Kenwood Avenue, Spring Street, Allard Street.
DRAINS
Work on drains was performed on the following streets: Woodbury Avenue, Summer Street, Central Street, Bristow Street, Willis Street, Endicott Street (proposed,) Western Avenue (proposed,) Denver Street, (plans to relieve flooded areas,) Dudley Street extension of drain, Shutes brooks, Central Street and theater section, and the Anna Parker Play- ground (proposed.)
WATER
In conjunction with the water department, plans and lay- outs for water lines on the following streets were made: Beech Street, Broadway extension, Talbot Street, Burrill
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Street, Old County Road, Golden Hills Road, and Shore Road extensions, Hawkes Street, revision of water mains along Broadway due to the widening, water locations and mains at the Town Farm, estimate to replace existing cement water mains in the Town of Saugus.
STREET LINES AND GRADES
Street lines and grades were established as follows: Birch St., Fairmount Ave., Columbus Ave., Auburn St., Stackpole Field for fence, Johnston Ter., Main St., section of Lincoln Ave., parts of Woodbury Ave., and Spring St.
RELEASES
In conjunction with the Chapter 90 (Woodbury Ave.) pro- ject, releases had to be obtained from the abuttors. This work was accomplished at a considerable saving over two years ago. My assistants, Henry Seaver and Frank Murphy, spent considerable time interviewing the abuttors, explaining the takings in detail and in most cases were successful in securing the lowest possible land damage to the town.
While this work is not entirely completed, we believe that before the second decree is started next year, that all of the releases will be obtained.
PLANS, DRAWINGS AND TRACINGS
Many plans, tracings, and drawings were made during the year, consisting of land court records and plans on file at the Registry of Deeds in Salem, revising assesssment sheets for the Assessors, and preparing drawings for W.P.A. projects.
One of the new requirements of the W.P.A. is that plans and specifications must be filed in triplicate form. This in- volves considerable work on some of the more complicated projects.
Due to the alterations made on the turnpike and Woodbury Ave. during the year, many changes were necessary on the assessment sheets. Along with the regular work of the as- sesssment sheet changes, considerable time was spent on this work.
I have estimated that over 600 plans, tracings or drawings were made during the past year.
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PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
1936]
W.P.A. PROJECTS AND WORKS
Due to the conversion of the ERA to WPA at the beginning of the year, considerable work has been added to the depart- ment. Under the C.W.A. and E.R.A. policy, projects were submitted in a general form and the acceptance depended upon the recommendations of the sponsors.
The requirements of the WPA are very exacting, and all projects must be submitted in detail form. This policy necessitates a complete and itemized cost of all materials and labor entering into the project.
PROJECTS PREPARED
Bristow and Willis Street Drain projects, East Denver Street Water, Broadway Water Extension, Elm Street Bridge, Dudley Street Drain, Basswood Avenue Water, Town Hall Grading, Dudley Street Culvert, Curb Box locations, Cleaning Saugus River, Records and Indexing, Public Works Depart- ment, Assessors Project, Burrill Street Water, Old House Stackpole's Field, Hawkes Street Water, Billboard Advertis- ing, Forrest Street Water, Cleaning Saugus Marshes, Locat- ing Water Leaks, Appleton Street Ledge Removal, New Field | House at Stackpole's Field, Water Extension projects, (sev- eral streets grouped) proposed Saugus Stadium, and a group project of 20 streets for construction, preparing project for replacing existing cement mains throughout the town, side- walk construction projects in group form throughout the town.
SUPERVISION AND MISCELLANEOUS
Supervision and laying out of the Public Works and WPA projects were made as required during the year as well as services rendered to other town departments upon request."
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN DYER,
Town Engineer.
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Minority Report of The Board of Selectmen
To the Citizens of Saugus:
The Board of Selectmen having failed to submit an annual report, I herewith submit a minority report together with recommendations for the ensuing year.
The Board organized with C. F. Nelson Pratt as chairman, who served in this capacity until August 4, 1936 when he was removed by the majority because he insisted meetings should be conducted in accordance with recognized Parliamentary proceedure.
Much may be expected for the year 1937 and it is urged upon all citizens, that they actively participate in the coming election in order that the best men available may be elected to serve the town.
NEW PRECINCTS
New precincts were established in 1928 and it is now es- sential that more new precincts be established in order to serve the interests of the greatest number with inconvenience to the fewest possible.
STREET LIGHTING
Although a White Way Lighting system has been installed in Saugus, the town does not derive the full benefit of this system as approximately one third of the lights are turned off.
A survey by engineers should be made to bring about a more modern layout of street lighting and placing street lights of sufficient size to serve some real purpose.
BRIDGES
Woodbury Avenue bridge, built at a cost of $10,000, is the only cement one in town. Ballard Street bridge can be elimi- nated by the construction of a culvert at this point at an esti- mated cost of $7,000. which would mean a saving of $11,000. if a new bridge is constructed. The writer has proposed a W. P. A. project to take care of this situation.
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1936]
Elm Street bridge is in a dangerous condition. An appro- priation of $1,000. is requested this year which together with the $1,000. appropriated in 1936 should be an adequate sum to replace this bridge.
A bridge building program for the replacement of existing dangerous wooden bridges by concrete bridges should be es- tablished.
SNOW REMOVAL
Saugus continues to hold its lead in the matter of efficient snow removal and is deserving of the utmost praise. The pro- tection to street surfaces warrants the expenditures of funds for this work while the convenience afforded the town's people cannot be weighed in dollars and cents.
CEMENT WATER MAINS
Far too little has been done in the replacement of cement water mains and while good fortune has smiled upon us in our having escaped from catastrophies such as have taken i place in neighboring communities, we can ill afford to calmly disregard the dangers that exist.
As there is about 12 miles of this pipe in our streets since 11888 when its life was estimated at 30 years, it may be readily conceived of what a problem with which we have to contend.
A definite program should be established and a bond issue provided to make an immediate start on a situation which has been neglected for altogether too long a period.
Another phase of the question, aside from that of public safety, is the one of reduced fire insurance rates when this very dangerous condition is eliminated.
WATER MAINS-NEWBURYPORT TURNPIKE
Throughout the town, there are many dead end water mains and others far too small to adequately care for the present day needs, let alone the future. Due to a short sighted policy this condition has been permitted to go from bad to worse. At times, for long periods, portions of the town have been with- out any water supply and in others the pressure has been very low. To some extent this condition can be alleviated by laying a main from East Saugus direct to the stand-pipe. At the present time there is only one pipe line from the pumping
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
station to the stand-pipe. Therefore when the stand-pipe is on during a fire or otherwise no water can be pumped into it. At times Saugus has been confronted with a serious situation due to this condition.
Water mains should be laid on the Newburyport Turnpike from Thomas Street to Walnut Street in order to supply North Saugus with an adequate water supply. On other portions of this highway, together with the new highway from Revere to Felton Street on the Turnpike, water mains should be laid.
A bond issue is recommended in order to carry out this work while the Newburyport Turnpike is being widened.
HIGHWAYS
Chapter 90 work was undertaken on Woodbury Avenue and Walnut Street. A few years ago the writer was instrumental as acting Chairman of the Legislative Committee on Counties in having the County Commissioners take up the program again of Chapter 90 work in Essex County with the cost borne by the county and municipalities reduced from one-third to one-quarter while the State's share was increased from one- third to one-half of the total cost.
In 1936 the total cost for this work in Saugus was $20,000, of this the town's share was $5,000. The work was done by the Public Works Department rather than by private contract. This resulted in Saugus men receiving approximately $11,000 in wages while local business men received nearly $6,000 from the sale of supplies and materials used on these streets. There- fore by the expenditure of $5,000. the towns people received $17,000. which went for labor or materials and we have per- manent construction on two of our highways.
The wisdom of doing this type of work has been so clearly established that the town not only should continue the work on Walnut Street to North Saugus Square and Woodbury Ave- nut through Hesper Street to the Lynn line but likewise undertake the reconstruction by this method on other main highways as follows: Central Street should be widened from Walnut to Appleton Street: Main Street from Monument Sq. to Irving Road where the State will do the rest of the street to the Turnpike; Essex Street from Cliftondale Sq. to Vine
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SELECTMEN'S REPORT
1936]
Street where the State will reconstruct the remaining section to the Turnpike; Lincoln Avenue from Washington Sq. to Cliftondale Sq.
Car tracks should be removed on Lincoln Avenue and Win- ter Street in order to enable the widening of these streets.
The program of tar and pea stone application to our streets should be enlarged.
UNACCEPTED STREETS
Many streets have been accepted. It is a sound policy to to accept streets and then proceed at once to place them in good condition while Federal funds are still available for this type of work.
The town should take advantage of the opportunity to put into effect an extensive street program.
SIDEWALKS AND CURBS
Several years ago the writer was instrumental in instituting the program of cement sidewalk construction. This type of project is one of the most desirable on the W.P.A. An ex- tensive program of cement sidewalk construction should be undertaken while Federal funds are available. Granite curb- ings on our miles of streets not only would prove beneficial but are necessary. As between the two, where only one can be had, curbings are more essential than cement sidewalks. The curbs permit sidewalks of gravel, cinders and pea stone to be constructed for several miles at a comparitively low cost until cement sidewalks can be constructed. In the mean- time curbings will make is possible to construct and maintain gutters and thereby keep surface drain water from flowing onto property from the highways.
A constructive program should supplant political favoritism in the matter of allocating this work.
WATER SUPPLY
Saugus purchases its water from the City of Lynn which in turn obtains the bulk of its water supply from ponds which are principally located in Saugus.
The town should seriously consider the feasability and ad- visability of a water supply of its own made possible by ar-
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
tesian wells. Many years ago Revere, when a town, took its water from wells located off Vine Street where it had a pump- ing station which also supplied many houses in Saugus.
The writer, as a member of two different water investigat- ing committees, went into the Metropolitan Water supply matter very thoroughly and found the cost of entering such a system prohibitive.
We should secure a substantial reduction from Lynn or maintain and operate our own plant.
In the meantime Saugus should have a reciprocal arrange- ment with the municipalities contiguous to the town whereby connections are made into their mains for the purpose of ob- taining an additional water supply in the event of an emer- gency or water shortage.
Golden Hills residents have had their water rates reduced 50% so that now the rate is the same throughout the town.
A program has been instituted to standardize hydrants and also to replace faulty ones. The town can ill afford to exper- ience another such defective hydrant condition at that which caused the destruction of the G. A. R. building.
DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TERRITORY
The construction of a through way from Springdale Avenue to Lincoln Avenue via Sunnyside Avenue will not only make for convenience for hundreds of citizens but likewise greatly enhance land values in these sections. This can be undertaken as a Farm to Market project, the cost to be met by the Federal Government.
A connecting link from Adams Avenue to Essex Street through Davis, Crescent and Tuttle Streets would supply a needed improvement and enable further development of this section.
WORKS PROGRESS ADMINISTRATION
Providing employment for men desirous of obtaining work, who through the force of economic circumstances over which they had no control are unable to secure positions in their own trade, has been a difficult problem. Saugus has not enjoyed the advantages of the W.P.A. to its fullest extent due to lack
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SELECTMEN'S REPORT
1936]
of co-operation on the part of some of our town officials.
A larger quota might have been secured and more funds made available if the Board had adopted the proposal of the writer for them to go to Washington and take the matter up with the W.P.A. authorities.
In December 1933 and the first half of 1934 the writer ren- dered considerable service to the Board of Selectmen and de- voted a great deal of time to the C.W.A., E.R.A. and other relief programs. As a result a larger quota of workers was secured for the town in proportion to population and valuation than any other community in the State. Approximately 21/2 times more than the original allotment of Federal Relief money and more than three times the number of workers in the original quota were secured. That the import of this ac- complishment was recognized by the towns-people is attested to by unanimous adoption of commendatory resolutions by Town Meeting Members in 1934 and other favorable com- ments appearing in Town Reports.
C. Carroll Cunningham was appointed Co-ordinator and has handled a very difficult position in a capable and efficient manner. Better co-operation by the Board would have enabled more persons to have participated from the benefits of this program. A larger quota would have materially reduced the heavy strain on the Public Welfare and Soldiers' Relief De- partments. This would have meant a substantial savings to the taxpayer.
The writer was responsible in securing back pay of approxi- mately $1,200. for the 88 men on the Brooks project when others failed to get results. Again he arranged the conference with W.P.A. authorities and was instrumental in having 23 men reinstated to the W.P.A. who were layed off the side- walks project.
The type of project secured for Saugus met with approval by former Administrator Paul A. Edwards when he visited the town. One may examine the report of the Supt. of Public Works and note the various projects undertaken.
The Newburyport Turnpike widening should enable many Saugus men to obtain employment at larger wages than paid
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TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
on the W.P.A. Many Saugus men, when layed off the W.P.A. were employed in Methuen and Amesbury, the town supplying transportation by truck or bus.
Only such projects as are of a permanent nature should be undertaken by the town.
FLOOD RELIEF
Typical of Saugus people and characteristic of the town to always do its bit in any emergency, the citizens organized a Flood Relief Committee to aid the communities affected by the floods of last year. Clergymen and civic leaders responded to the call and several hundred dollars were raised for the Red Cross fund. Veteran organizations and school children took an active part in this campaign. Citizens in all stations of life contributed liberally of clothing, food and other mater- ials which were delivered to North Andover and Haverhill by Public Works Department trucks.
The Fire Department aided the Town of North Andover with its portable lighting equipment in charge of Chief Sals- man and Fireman Parrott. The police co-operated with Hav- erhill with Chief Stuart personally going to that city and ex- tending an offer of the services of his department.
The writer donated the use of his Sound Truck to the De- partment of Public Safety which assigned it to Haverhill. 1 There, under the operation of William L. Dowling and Roland Johansen it rendered service day and night for nearly a week, lighting the banking and business section at night by powerful flood lights from its power plant and using the amplifier sys- tem day times to broadcast to the inhabitants health bulletins as to water conditions, etc. The town received credit for the services of this sound truck although it was not municipally owned. Publicity of this type is beneficial to the town and would that we had more of it.
SEWERS
After years of advocacy of the need for a sewer system in Saugus the writer was instrumental in getting the town meet- ing to petition the General Court for legislation to put such a program into effect. In 1929 he secured the enactment of Acts which enables Saugus to enter the Lynn Outfall Sewer and to maintain a sewer system.
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1936]
A great deal of progress has been made but much valuable time has been lost. The opportune time to have undertaken this work was in 1933 when Federal funds were made avail- able for such purposes. Now that the Federal Government has recently made available $750,000 for a sewer system for Saugus, no further delay should be tolerated.
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