USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of Saugus 1954 > Part 12
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Expenditures for the year 1954 $40,828.64 Superintendent recommends for 1955
$55,571.00
Manager recommends for 1955 $40,896.00
Estimated receipts, by Supt., for
1955 $154,000.00
In 1954 the Water Division Accomplished the following:
New Service Installations 102
Renewal of Old Services 88
Service Repairs 63
New Meters Set, New 1954 Installations 108
New Meters Set Replacing Old Obsolete
Meters 105
Meters Repaired, Tested and Set. 105
New Hydrants .. Installed. 12
Replacement of Old and Broken Hydrants with New Ones.
10
Relocating and resetting hydrants. 4
Hydrants Repaired
7
Hydrants Anti-freezed
71
Main Water Breaks
28
Water Main Cut-overs.
4
Plus daily routine turn-ons, turn-offs, serv-
ice measurements, main gate and curb box repairs and resetting to grade, meter leaks, main gate repairs, blow-outs, sum- mer water services and flushing of hydrants.
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Water Extensions
A total of 6,781 lineal feet of cast iron cement lined water pipe was installed in 1954. By the department 3,613 lineal feet, by contract 1,360 lineal feet and 1,808 lineal feet by sub-dividors.
Stone Street
175 feet of 6-inch cast iron class 150 Main Street
1479 feet of 6-inch cast iron class 150 Holland Street
195 feet of 6-inch cast iron class 150 Buena Vista Street
80 feet of 6-inch cast iron class 150 Fiske Avenue
248 feet of 6-inch cast iron class 150 Greenwood Avenue
124 feet of 6-inch cast iron class 150 Herbert Avenue
192 feet of 6-inch cast iron class 150 Lynn Fells Parkway
638 feet of 6-inch cast iron class 150 Broadway
330 feet of 6-inch cast iron class 150 Pearson Street
40 feet of 6-inch cast iron class 150 Davis Court
112 feet of 6-inch cast iron class 150 *Donna Road
320 feet of 6-inch cast iron class 150 *Fiske Road 41 feet of 6-inch cast iron class 150 *Pillings Road
144 feet of 6 inch cast iron class 150
* Alfred Road
659 feet of 6-inch cast iron class 150 *Gilway
644 feet of 6-inch cast iron class 150 ** Adams Avenue
220 feet of 8-inch cast iron class 150 ** Bristow Street
1140 feet of 12-inch cast iron class 150
* Installed by developer, supervised by the Town.
** Installed by contractor, supervised by Fay, Spofford & Thorndike, consulting engineers.
Two emergency water connections were made with the M.D.C. 16-inch water supply line on Route No. 107 (Salem Turnpike) one at the junction of Ballard Street and the other at the junction of Bristow Street. Before the above connections were made a total of 369 buildings were without water when we had a main water break on Lincoln Avenue between Atlantic Avenue and Ballard Street, also creating a severe fire hazard. With these two emergency connections the Ballard, Dudley and Bris- tow Street areas will have water for domes- tic and fire fighting purposes if a main water break occurs on Lincoln Avenue between the above mentioned location. I consider this one of the major improvements to our water system.
A MODERN GROWING TOWN LIKE SAUGUS NEEDS DRAINAGE to eliminate costly flash floods, make modern, long-lasting street construction possible. Here, on upper Main Street, where Town Manager Lawrence is building a new and modern highway with Federal funds, workmen go deep into the bowels of Mother Earth to lay a well designed drainage system which will permanently solve long lasting and irritating neighborhood problems. Modern management again brings dividends to the community.
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Cement Water Mains Replaced with Cast Iron Cement Lined Class 150
The contract for replacing cement water mains with cast iron cement lined class 150 pipe on Vine and Essex Streets was awarded to Continental Construction Com- pany of Lynnfield, Massachusetts, and 3470 lineal feet of pipe was replaced with cast iron pipe class 150, under the supervision of Fay, Spofford & Thorndike, consulting engi- neer.
Vine Street 2,410 l.f. of 16" cement pipe replaced with 12" cast iron pipe.
Essex Street 1,061 l.f. of 8" cement pipe replaced with 12" cast iron pipe.
Change In Water Rates
On March 1, 1954 the Town Manager, upon the recommendations of Fay, Spof- ford & Thorndike, consulting engineers, in- creased the water rate from minimum charge of $5.00 per six months period for 3,333 cubic feet to $10.00 and the charge for water used in excess of 3,333 cubic feet in any six months period will be increased from $.15 per 100 cubic feet to $.30 per 100 cubic feet.
Recommendations
I recommend the replacement of all cement water mains by establishing a defi- nite yearly planned program of replacement by appropriating $25,000 to $30,000 annually. Under this planned program of cement water main replacement, it would require better than 13 years to complete the re- placement of these mains. This would elimi- nate bond issues and save the taxpayers the interest payments on water bonds.
The three important locations would be the remainder of Essex Street, before Chap-
ter 90 construction starts late in 1955; Lin- coln Avenue, and Central Street.
I recommend that we tie-in all dead-ends so that our water system will then become a complete grid that will enable the de- partment, in times of emergency, to by- pass to the different areas for domestic and firefighting purposes and to connect with M.D.C. water supply lines, emergency con- nections, at Elm and Walnut Streets, Main Street and Lynn Fells Parkway, Essex Street and the Newburyport Turnpike.
Another important function of this di- vision is the upkeep and installation of water meters for proper and accurate bill- ing so that each water consumer pays his fair and proportionate share for water used. I hope that sufficient funds will become available as recommended by me in my budget request so that our metering pro- gram can be accelerated to make up the slack in this program in 1953 and 1954, due to lack of funds.
I again further recommend that Article Eight, voted at the 1949 Annual Town Meeting, be amended and revised, so that all property owners abutting a new water extension will pay their proportionate share instead of one individual paying the entire costs.
I recommend that immediate attention be given to the Baker Hill Standpipe and that an article appropriating the sum of $12,000 be inserted in the Annual Town Meeting warrant to make the necessary repairs such as scraping, wire brushing and painting to this standpipe.
Sewer Maintenance
The total revenue in this department for 1954 was $24,896.51, broken down as follows and showing the years 1951, 1952 and 1953:
WATER, MAN'S BEST FRIEND, CAN BE A FEARFUL THING as this picture dramatically shows. Here residents of Emory Street, their homes innundated by a flash flood of Shute Brook, a tributary of the Saugus River, are carried to safety by the rescue craft of the Fire Department. The unprecedented Spring flood which created fearful damage in the Emory Street area will soon be impossible as a result of the widening of Shute Brook outlet being undertaken with State and local funds. Representative Belden G. Bly, Jr., secured the State funds and control of the project at the behest of Town Manager Lawrence.
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Sewer Rentals
Assessments
435.00
423.63
$9,605.71 15,170.31
Entrance Fees
. . .
225.00
75.00
Connections
480.89
164.34
186.03
45.49
Totals
$8,377.24
$7,939.80
$9,111.57 $24,896.51
Expenditures for the year 1951. $7,531.00
Expenditures for the year 1952 $5,863.59
Expenditures for the year 1953. $7,706.85
Expenditures for the year 1954 $7,615.86
Superintendent recommends for 1955 $8,540.00
Manager recommends for 1955 $8,040.00
*Estimated receipts, by Superin- tendent, for 1955 $10,000.00
* This estimate does not include sewer as- sessments to be levied on the Lincoln Ave- nue sewer construction for 1955.
We now have 572 active sewer connec- tions which is an increase of 70 services over 1953.
Our sewer pumping station located at Franklin Square serves in a dual capacity for a branch library and pump station.
The sewer pumping station, mechanically and electrically, is in excellent condition, due to the able supervision and mainte- nance of this station by Byron Day.
During the year 1954 the following major repairs have been made at the sewer pump- ing station:
Complete overhauling and rebuilding the three master pumps.
Complete overhauling of automatic switch board including repair of broken slate from end to end.
Made and installed new pump glands, ma- chined and turned to size pump shafts and fitted the same to new sleeves.
Repaired damage done to high tension service by Hurricane Carol.
Many minor repairs too numerous to men- tion were made.
The above work was done very economi- cally and with large savings to the depart- ment and taxpayers through Byron Day's ability, not only to make the repairs and improvements but having the knowledge and ability to machine and make the parts needed.
Our sewer expansion program remained at a standstill in 1954. A contract for the installation of approximately 1700 lineal feet of sanitary sewer line on Lincoln Ave- nue was awarded to Continental Construc- tion Company, but this work will not start until 1955.
We have 9.07 miles of sewer pipe lines in Saugus, including two and two-fifths miles outfall sewer line from our pumping station to the Lynn outfall sewer located at the junction of Commercial and Broad Street, in Lynn.
Recommendations
I recommend that $20,000 be appropri- ated so that the Lincoln Avenue sewer project can be completed up to Atlantic Avenue.
Our sanitary sewer problem becomes more acute day to day, due to the ever- increasing new developments, plus the ad- dition of many new homes. Fully realizing the many financial demands made to carry on our local government, I recommend that a definite planned yearly sanitary sewer program be established and carried out to eliminate a serious sanitary problem preva- lent all over town, which affects the well- being and health condition of all our citi- zens, young and old.
Our present sewer assessment rates were voted by our own Town Meeting in 1940 and have been in effect without any change since adoption. Due to the excessive cost in construction of sanitary sewer lines,
I recommend that either the Manager or the Board of Selectmen appoint a committee to study the sewer assessment rates to see whether they are adequate or should they be increased and file a report on their find- ings. (Many municipal corporations have revised their sewer assessment rates within the past few years because of increased con- struction costs.)
I further recommend that Article Seven, voted March 21, 1949, amending part of Article Three voted June 24, 1940, on sewer rental rates be further amended by abolish- ing that part that states "there shall be
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1951 $7,461.35
1952
1953 $8,276.91
1954
$7,775.46
allowed, as measured by the water meter or meters, the usage of 5,000 cubic feet of water per year and for the usage of water in excess of 5,000 cubic feet there shall be an excess sewerage charge of ten cents per 100 cubic feet of water used", to an equita- ble yearly standard sewer rental charge. All water used and measured by a water meter is not wasted into the sewer system. Measured water is used for many purposes,
namely cooking, drinking, medical, upkeep of lawns, gardens, farming, cattle, domestic animals and many others. I believe that this charge is not fair to the citizens using the sewer system.
Highway
During 1954, the highway division re- ceived $1,076.66 from sale of materials and gasoline refunds; listed below is income for the years 1951, 1952, 1953 and 1954:
Gasoline tax refund and sale of materials.
$298.27
$258.32
$426.34
$1,076.66
Sidewalk Assessments
724.93
----
Totals
$1,023.20
$258.32
$426.34
$1,076.66
Expenditures for the year 1951. $44,297.91
Expenditures for the year 1952. $50,845.56
Expenditures for the year 1953 $46,706.41
Expenditures for the year 1954 $42,630.10
Superintendent recommends
for 1955 $89,467.00
Manager recommends for 1955. $51,635.00
Estimated receipts, by Superin- tendent, for 1955 $ 400.00
Our highway program for the year 1954 consisted of road construction and repairs, laying of 6x18-inch granite curbing, cement sidewalks, drainage plus the usual depart- ment maintenance, such as cleaning and re- building catch basins, cleaning and rodding drainage lines, culvert and brooks, sweeping squares and highways, street and sidewalk patching, snow removal, plowing, sanding highways, supplying gravel under Chapter 386 on private ways, bridge repairs, erection of wire fences, painting street lines, erecting signs, removing tree stumps for Tree De- partment, removing and resetting bleachers at various playgrounds, excavating and hauling gravel and loam to Stocker and Bristow Street playgrounds for Playground Commission, constructed Lynnhurst School yard play area for Building Department and assisted in 325th Anniversary celebration.
WORK ACCOMPLISHED DURING 1954 BY DEPARTMENT
Road Construction
Eustis Street Railroad Crossing.
Repaving sections of Winter Street.
Chapter 386 - Waban Street, Tontaquon Avenue, Elmwood Avenue, Lily Pond Avenue, Lake Avenue, Lake Circle and Magnolia Street.
Sidewalk Construction 471 Square Yards
Central Street 183 square yards. Replacing cement blocks damaged by hurri- cane 288 square yards.
Granite Curb Set 301 Feet
Central Street 180 feet.
Corner Lincoln Avenue and Nason Road 121 feet.
Drainage
Elm Street culvert and drain
Completion Winter Street drain by the de- partment.
Widening and straightening of Shute Brook and the Saugus river near Woodbury Avenue under Chapter 91.
Brooks cleaned out :- Fiske, Auburn, Hes- per and Shute.
A contract was awarded to Continental Construction in 1954 for drainage con- struction of Anna Parker Playground, Pelham Street and Hurd Avenue Exten- sion, Crystal Brook, Adams Avenue culvert, Hesper Street culvert and Sweet- water Street. This drainage program to be completed in 1955.
Funds have been set aside for the con- struction of Shute Brook culvert across Central Street and Railroad track under Chapter 91 in 1955.
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CHAPTER 90 CONSTRUCTION
The construction of Ballard Street under Chapter 90 was completed during the year by the State Department of Public works.
The construction of Main Street was started during the year and will be com- pleted in 1955.
The allotment for the construction of Essex Street has been held to 1955, to com- bine two years appropriation for a better contract price. This construction to start late in 1955.
SCHOOLYARDS AND PLAYGROUNDS
The department graded, paved with B.C.I. the Lynnhurst School play yard area and erected chain link fence on three siddes.
Excavated gravel from Main Street pit and loam from Fairchild property on Wal- nut Street, hauled and graded to the Stocker and Bristow Street Playgrounds.
NEW EQUIPMENT OR ROAD MACHINERY ACCOUNT
Expenditures for the year 1951 $7,432.00
Expenditures for the year 1952 $1,300.00 Expenditures for the year 1953. $4,295.00 Expenditures for the year 1954. none Superintendent recommends for
1955 $28,270.00
Manager recommends for 1955 $ 1,800.00
RECOMMENDATIONS
A well staffed and adequate engineering department has now been established as a separate department in the Town of Saugus. I recommend that we adopt the six-year planned construction program for curbing and sidewalks, sanitary
sewers, storm drains, water and roads as recommended by Municipal Planners. This plan guarantees to the citizens and officials a sound and economical program of construction im- provements to our capital plant.
I recommend that a definite highway re- building and resurfacing program be started immediately and continued over a period of years until completed as 95 per cent of our roads are in a very poor condition. I further recommend new street layouts and con- struction of Vine Street, School Street, Forest Street, Fairmount Avenue, Walnut Street from North Saugus Square to the Lynnfield line and Baker Street from Lin- coln Avenue to Clifton Avenue.
Under drainage, I recommend that we eliminate drainage nuisances on Central Street from Fiske Brook to Adams Avenue, junction of Vincent, Wendell and Newhall
Streets, Lincoln Avenue between Lawndale and Dudley Street on the northerly side.
Under Chapter 90 roadwork construction, I recommend the completion of Essex Street.
I suggest that we complete the unfinished 1953 sidewalk program and install granite curb and cement sidewalks in conjunction with Chapter 90 construction of Essex Street.
Under Chapter 91 I recommend that the work to improve Shute Brook be continued.
I also recommend that action be taken by the Town Manager and Board of Select- men, representatives and State Senator to have the State Department of Public Works take over Water Street and Walnut Street, otherwise known as Route 129, as a State highway and that part of Walnut Street from North Saugus Square to the Lynnfield line, because it is the only outlet in Saugus to Route 128.
For equipment I recommend the purchase of two new jeeps for snow plowing pur- poses, an eductor for cleaning catch basins, a mechanical sweeper replacing our old one, a tractor to replace our cletrac tractor and a rubber tired self-propelled front end loader. This type of unit could be dispatched to any project in operation on its own power in a very short time and to several locations in any one given day. This unit would also be ideal for snow removal within our busi- ness areas, in front of churches, hospital and public buildings.
The Public Works Department is not equipped with the proper housing facilities for equipment and materials with our pres- ent garage so that many of our units are out in the open weather 52 weeks of the year. I recommend that a new Public Works garage be constructed to house all public works vehicles, units and materials and vehicles of other departments. Fully real- izing that this would incur a large expendi- ture in one year, I recommend that this garage be constructed under the unit section plan, whereby one section could be com- pleted in one year and carried on annually until the whole unit is completed. I do not recommend anything elaborate but a build- ing sound, practical and easily financed.
I also recommend that a six foot chain link fence be erected enclosing the entire Public Works yard for the protection of our vehicles, units, materials and property.
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My final recommendation is a program of erecting directional signs at the dif- ferent entrances to the town, in the squares and at the town's main arteries.
PUBLIC WORKS ADMINISTRATION
During the year the Public Works Admin- istration received from the sale of maps and dump rental $158.50.
1951
1953
Sale of maps and from dump rental
$381.00
1952 $309.75
$195.10
1954 $158.50
Expenditures for the year 1951 $1,951.95
Expenditures for the year 1952. $2,112.00
Expenditures for the year 1953 $2,142.21
Expenditures for the year 1954. $1,805.79
Superintendent recommends for 1955
$2,115.00
Manager recommends for 1955 $2,090.00
Estimated receipts, by superin-
tendent, for 1955.
150.00
RECOMMENDATIONS
In my budget, I am requesting an ad- ditional clerk to aid with the ever increasing work accruing in this department, which at the present time requires that my clerk and I work evenings and holidays to main- tain the public works administration, com-
mitments and requirements. This will also enable us to show on all water bills, previ- ous reading, present reading and amount used. Water users are entitled to this infor- mation so that they may know what they are paying for.
In conclusion I wish to thank all who in any way assisted the Public Works De- partment for their sincere co-operation throughout the year and also the citizens of Saugus who were so kind and considerate in understanding the many problems that face this department.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES C. DeFRONZO, Superintendent Public Works.
THE SKIES OPENED, AND THE FLOODS CAME in a Spring storm which innundated the Emory Street section of Saugus Centre. Here rescue crews with boats and outboard motors hasten to evict residents from their homes on the edge of what had been a half hour earlier only a meandering brook wending its leisurely way to the sea. Now State and local agencies, directed by Town Manager Walter E. Lawrence, are engaged in eliminating such tragedies by widening Shute Brook and providing proper drainage.
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ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
To The Town Manager:
Great progress was made last year in the organization of the Engineering Department as an individual, yet efficient and integral, unit of the town government. New personnel was added to the staff, and urgently needed equipment was purchased. New methods and procedures were put into practice.
As a result, this office, in addition to per- forming its regular phases of work, was able to bring up to date much of the work that had been left undone in the past. This included drawings of water main gates.
During the past year this department was able to fulfill most of the requests made by the town officials and residents for in- formation on other engineering services. These services included locating street lines, establishing grades for new development and drain work, and thoroughly checking hous- ing development plans and new street lay- out plans for approval and making recom- mendations.
In addition it prepared preliminary plans and estimates for several projects, such as new recreation locations, and supervising construction work. A total of 5,422 feet of the 6,782 feet of new water line extensions completed during the year were laid out and construction supervised by the town engineering staff.
All of the engineering for projects under- taken by the Public Works Department was furnished. Our engineers also assisted in such extraordinary projects as planning the new High School and the proposed cemetery, and worked in close cooperation with pri- vate architects and developers to insure proper development of the town. The ac- complishment of these services was the re- sult of many man hours spent performing numerous duties ranging from initial invest- igation, through detailed computations and field work, to making recommendations, drawing plans and profiles, keeping records and submitting reports.
The following engineering projects were completed, information processed and re- ports forwarded to the representative inter- ested parties during the year:
HIGHWAYS
Winter Street
A survey was made, new plans and profiles were drawn and the roadway regraded and resurfaced thus completing the job of in- stalling a new drain system in two critical sections along this street. The Winter Street spring, which for many years continuously flowed along the surface of the road causing dangerous conditions especially during the Winter months, was capped, connected to the underground drain system, and now flows safely under the newly resurfaced section of this heavily traveled road.
Bayfield Road, Olive Avenue and Oak Hill Road
Because of improper grades on these streets, water accumulated in the roadways and overflowed onto private property. After a survey was made, elevations determined, and plans prepared to rectify this condition, new grades were set and the roads were reshaped and resurfaced.
Walnut Street
A cost estimate was compiled for regrad- ing and resurfacing this street, which con- nects North Saugus Square with the town of Lynnfield.
Stone Street Extension
A plan was drawn, the cost estimated, and the land laid out for a temporary 20 foot roadway, the construction of which will allow better access for children attending the Veterans' Memorial School. At the pres- ent time they travel through a heavily wooded section.
Main Street and Essex Street
In conjunction with the reconstruction of upper Main Street and of Essex Street, re- leases and drainage easements were ob- tained by this department, in cooperation with the Town Counsel.
Hobson Street
A report was submitted regarding the proposed construction of Hobson street. In- cluded in this report was an estimate of the cost for the work of removing ledge, trees and stumps, adjusting water main gates, providing drainage, and grading and sur- facing the roadway for a length of 800 feet.
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Altamont Avenue
In connection with the Town Meeting ac- ceptance of land along Altamont Avenue deeded to the town by the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, plans were drawn which show the location of the newly ac- quired property, the hazardous condition of the present roadway and proposals for its relocation.
Street acceptance:
Curtis Road and Curtis Street
As voted by the Town Meeting, the neces- sary surveys were made on these highways, and plans and profiles were filed with the Town Clerk, in preparation for acceptance of these streets. A cost estimate was com- puted for the proposed construction and surfacing of the roadway.
Report on Street Acceptance
A report was prepared listing all streets accepted by Town Meetings. This report included statistics compiled on the number of miles of constructed and unconstructed accepted streets, constructed and uncon- structed unaccepted streets.
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