USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1917 > Part 5
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Article 73. To see if the town will appropriate the sum of one thou- sand ($1,000) dollars, for the employment of a Public Health Nurse, as authorized by Chapter 72, Section 1, of the Acts of 1911, the said nurse to be under the control and direction of the Board of Health, as petitioned for by Loring Grimes, et als.
The Committee does not feel that the conditions affecting the health of the school children in the town of Swampscott require the employment of a Public Health Nurse as requested by this article, and accordingly recommend that this article be indefinitely postponed.
Article 74. To see if the town will vote to authorize the Board of Health to purchase an automobile for the use of the health officer, and appropriate money for the same, as petitioned for by Elias G. Hodgkins, et als.
While an automobile would undoubtedly greatly faciliate and extend the work of the Health Officer, we feel that its purchase can be deferred, and recommend the indefinite postponement of this article.
Article 75. To see if the town will vote to resurface Beach Bluff avenue from the railroad track to Atlantic avenue, the adjoining owners to pay a portion of the expense thereof, and appropriate money for the same, as recommended by the Board of Selectmen.
As the town has not secured waivers from all the abutters upon this section of Beach Bluff avenue, we recommend that this article be indefinitely postponed.
We annex a tabulation showing the amounts appropriated and spent in 1916, and asked for and recommended for 1917. If no more appropriations to be taken from current revenue other than those we have recommended are made the tax rate for 1917, we feel safe in predicting, will not exceed that of last year ; if, however, material increases are voted the rate will be higher.
Purpose
Appropriated, 1916 $1,600 00
Spent, 1916 $1,535 25
Asked, 1917 $1,600 00
$1,500 00
·
. ....
· . . . .
6,600 00
*6,600 00
Moth Work, Article 16
4,500 00
4,499 20
5,000 00
5,000 00
Tree Warden, Article 17 .
1,075 00
1,075 00
1,564 00
1,125 00
Forest Warden, Article 18
44 16
250 00
75 00
Board of Health, Article 19
Brooks and Drains
300 00
General Expense
3,300 00
3,570 II
4,506 00
4,000 00
Refuse and Garbage
4,000 00
4,000 00
4,200 00
4,200 00
Overseers of Poor, Article 2 1
3,500 00
3,495 06
3,500 00
3,300 00
Surveyor of Highways, Article 22
Millett Road
300 00
General Expense
21,000 00
20,701 52
25,460 00
21,000 00
Seal Coating
·
·
·
. .
2,000 00
2,000 00
Sidewalks and Curbing
1,500 00
1,500 00
1,800 00
1,800 00
Street Construction .
2,000 00
1,963 18
2,000 00
2,000 00
Street Water and Oilings
5,000 00
4,778 49
5,000 00
5,000 00
Assessors', Article 23
2,000 00
1,924 68
2,000 00
1,750 00
Chief of Police, Article 24
11,000 00
10,997 82
11,500 00
12,135 00
Sealer of Weights and Measures, Article 25
170 00
175 03
330 00
170 00
Park Commissioners, Article 26
3,400 02
4,091 02
4,700 00
3,500 00
Sewer Department, Article 28
General Expense
.
.
·
.
·
6,000 00
6,283 34
7,000 00
7,000 00
Particular Sewers
.
.
.
.
800 00
693 27
800 00
800 00
.
·
·
.
·
·
.
.
·
· .
·
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
40
Recommended
Cemetery, Article 14 · Fire Department, Article 15
.
·
.
.
.
· .
·
. .
· .
.
·
.
.
.
.
*$2,000 of this to be raised by notes.
·
.
.
.
.
Purpose
Appropriated, 1916
Spent, 1916
Asked, 1917
Recommended
Selectmen's Report, Article 29 Isolated and Continuous Sidewalks .
6,000 00
6,000 00
6,000 00
6,000 00
Town Hall Alterations
1,500 00
1,665 00
Department Budgets, Article 30 General Government
Legislative
.
200 00
208 54
600 00
600 00
Selectmen .
1,500 00
2,328 44
1,660 00
1,500 00
Auditing
.
.
1,300 00
1,292 24
1,300 00
1,200 00
Treasury
785 00
739 26
1,025 00
1,000 00
Certification, etc., Notes
313 80
400 00
400 00
Collector of Taxes
1,050 00
1,047 84
1,437 00
1,400 00
Town Clerk
500 00
466 12
600 00
500 00
Law
800 00
1,899 85
1,000 00
800 00
Elections
·
750 00
772 46
750 00
750 00
Engineering
.
4,000 00
4,015 05
4,000 00
4,000 00
Town Hall .
2,800 00
2,784 26
2,400 00
2,400 00
Protection of Life and Property
Fire Department
15,400 00
15,936 22
15,969 00
16,050 00
Hydrant Rental
2,715 00
2,715 00
1,000 00
1,000 00
Building Inspector
900 00
700 00
Dog Officer
175 00
116 00
175 00
100 00
Street Lighting
12,500 00
12,218 87
12,700 00
12,700 00
State Aid
.
.
3,000 00
2,469 00
3,000 00
3,000 00
Soldiers' Relief
3,000 00
2,809 39
3,000 00
3,000 00
Schools
.
.
.
60,000 00
59,997 40
62,400 00
61,700 00
Library
.
.
.
2,000 00
1,773 53
3,247 00
3,300 00
.
· .
.
. .
·
·
.. .
1917]
TOWN CLERK'S RECORDS.
41
.
.
·
.
42
Recreation
Monument Lot
.
·
·
.
.
50 00
37 50
50 00
50 00
Memorial Day .
200 00
200 00
200 00
200 00
Unclassified
Town Reports .
1,025 89
950 61
1,000 00
1,000 00
Reserve Fund .
2,000 00
2,000 00
2,000 00
2,000 00
G. A. R. Hall, Heating
75 00
75 00
75 00
75 00
Municipal Insurance
2,000 00
2,000 00
2,000 00
2,000 00
Insurance
1,000 00
1,000 00
1,000 00
1,000 00
Debt and Interest
Interest, Temporary Loans
5,000 00
3,589 II
5,000 00
6,000 00
Interest, General Debt
15,031 52
14,595 27
13,170 00
13,840 00
Interest, Sewer Bond
8,466 75
8,766 00
9,448 00
9,448 00
Metropolitan Park Interest
·
.
2,400 00
4,546 04
5,000 00
5,000 00
General Debt ·
48,500 00
48,500 00
51,300 00
*51,300 00
Sewer Bonds
12,950 00
12,950 00
14,650 00
14,650 00
Metropolitan Park Maintenance, Sinking Fund and Serial Note Assessments
4,075 00
6,427 38
6,500 00
6,500 00
Taxes Agency
State Tax
.
.
·
.
36,500 00
25,920 00
27,000 00
27,000 00
County Tax
·
.
.
.
27,000 00
22,499 15
25,000 00
25,000 00
State Enterprises
.
.
.
·
·
1,000 00
1,285 28
1,200 00
1,200 00
.
·
·
·
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Purpose
Appropriated, 1916
Spent, 1916
Asked, 1917
Recommended
.
.
.
.
1917]
TOWN CLERK'S RECORDS.
Purpose
Appropriated, 1916
Spent, 1916
Asked, 1917
Recommended
Harrison Avenue, Article 31 ·
300 00
Teachers' Pensions, Article 66 .
675 00
659 00
675 00
675 00
July 4th, Article 68 .
.
·
.
500 00
499 87
800 00
500 00
District Nurse, Article 71 . ·
300 00
225 00
300 00
375 00
Total .
.
.
·
·
.
$375,433 00
*Less Transfers to General Debt
5,755 52
And $2,000 Notes under Article 15 . ·
2,000 00
Total Recommendations from Current Revenues,
$367,677 48
.
.
·
.
.
.
.
43
44
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
Table of Recommendations for Issue of Notes.
Article 15. Part of Motor Ladder Truck Expense
$2,000 00
Article 42. Essex Street Sewer
1,500 00
Article 43. Banks Road Sewer 475 00
Article 44. Humphrey Street Sewer 4,300 00
Article 45. Hillcrest Circle Sewer
350 00
Article 47. Palmer Avenue Water
1,150 00
Article 48.
Millett Road Water
700 00
Article 49.
Phillips Circle Water
1,025 00
Article 50.
Phillips Street and Clarmont Terrace Water
1,400 00
Article 51.
Orient Court Water
1,350 00
Article 52.
Buena Vista Avenue Water
1,325 00
Article 53.
Manton Road Water
1,100 00
Article 54.
Hillcrest Circle Water
500 00
Article 64.
Essex Street Pavement
11,500 00
Article 65.
Cedar Hill Terrace Construction
4,500 00
Article 67.
Sewerage Pumping Station
12,000 00
$45,000 00
WESTON K. LEWIS, Chairman,
WIEAR L. ROWELL, Secret ary,
F. WALKER JOHNSON,
HERBERT A. WOOFTER,
C. FRANK HATHAWAY, JOHN F. LUTHER.
Voted, Article 8. To adopt the report of the Finance Committee mak- ing the amount of bonds to be required of the Town Treasurer $15,000.
Voted, Article 9. To adopt the report of the Finance Committee mak- ing the amount of bonds to be required of the Collector of Taxes $10,000.
Voted, Article 10. To adopt the report of the Finance Committee mak- ing the amount of bonds to be required of each member of the Water and Sewerage Board $3,000.
Voted, Article 11. To adopt the report of the Finance Committee mak- ing the amount of bonds to be required of the Town Clerk $1,000.
Voted, Article 12. That the salary of the members of the Board of Health be same as last year.
Voted, Article 12. That the salary of the Moderator be $100.
Voted, Article 12. To adopt the other recommendation of the Finance Committee, making the salaries of other Town Officials same as last year.
The Moderator appointed Peleg Gardner, Oscar G. Poor, James T. Lyons, James R. Dyer and Edwin H. Parrott to serve as tellers for the evening.
Voted, Article 14. To adopt the recommendations of the Finance Com- mittee appropriating $100 for an addition to the tool house, and $1,400 for the care and maintenance of the Cemetery.
Voted, Articles 15 and 67. To take Article 67 from the table and to act on same in conjunction with Article 15.
The report of the Committee to investigate conditions at the Sewerage Pumping Station was read in part.
Report of Committee to Investigate Conditions at the Sewerage Pumping Station.
At the annual meeting of March 24, 1916, it was voted that the Water and Sewer Commissioners and Board of Selectmen be constituted a joint committee to investigate conditions at the Sewerage Pumping Station and report at a future Town Meeting, the sum of $846.30 being appropri- ated for the purpose. The Committee has made a careful study of the situation, and begs to submit the following report, which has been pre- pared without the necessity for expenditure by the town :
45
TOWN CLERK'S RECORDS.
1917]
PRESENT CONDITIONS.
An inspection of the plant was made by the Committee, disclosing the immediate need for a number of important changes in order to safeguard the town.
The steam-engine equipment, which was originally used for driving the two 8-inch centrifugal pumps, together with the marine type boiler were installed in 1903, and may be considered obsolete. The boiler is in such condition that replacement will be required within a few years.
In 1906 a Duplex, steam-force pump was installed. In 1912 a 50-HP. A. C. motor and 10-inch centrifugal pump were substituted for one of the original sets, the other being retained as spare equipment. The large steam pump, which is used occasionally, and the electric pump are in fair condition. Investigation shows that the system as it now stands, however, is not economical from an operating standpoint, or up-to-date, and that some of the equipment must be replaced at once in order to avoid danger of interruption in the pumping of sewage, which would mean serious disaster to the town.
The following is a summary of the objections to the present equip- ment :-
First :- The centrifugal pumps are placed in a sump in the bottom of the sewerage basin. They, therefore, cannot be reached for repair in case of accident except with great difficulty, and then only when the sew- age has been pumped out.
Second :- The arrangement of the intake and discharge pipes of the various pumps is such as to cause interference and loss in capacity, which is a serious matter in case of severe storms.
Third :- The boiler now in use will require renewal within a few years, at the best.
Fourth :- The plant as now equipped is inefficient from the standpoint of maintenance. It would, therefore, appear that this investigation came none to soon, as the disposition of sewage is one of the most important problems which confronts the town, and stoppage even for a few hours might cause serious results.
After finding the above your Committee communicated with chief engineer of the Henry R. Worthington Company, who sent an expert on municipal sewerage disposition to investigate and recommend suitable pumps, and recommend equipment modern and efficient in all particulars. This engineer made a detail study of the local conditions, and submitted the following report, accompanied by necessary drawings :-
" The present station is equipped with three pumps having an aggre- gate rated capacity of 7300 GPM, as follows :-
1, 18x16x18 Warren Duplex, 2,500 GPM.
1, 10'' Vertical Centrifugal,
3,000 GPM.
1, 8"' Vertical Centrifugal, 1,800 GPM.
Under ordinary daily conditions either the 10" centrifugal or the steam pump will amply take care of the flow. At times of extreme rainfall, it it has been necessary to run all the three (3) pumps. It would naturally follow that the capacity handled with all the pumps working should be in the neighborhood of 7300 GPM, but after computing friction head losses in the 18 " discharge main and comparing same with observation taken on a pressure gauge when the steam pump was running in parallel with the 10" centrifugal, it appears that the two pumps together do not handle over 3500 GPM. In other words, with the present equipment, very little increase in capacity can be obtained by working the steam and electric pumps together, as the capacity of the present electric pump falls off rapidly, due to increased resistance in the discharge line at higher rates of flow.
When all three pumps work together, these conditions are not improved, as the 10 inch pump being a constant speed machine, will lay down almost altogether.
46
TOWN DOCUMENTS.
[Dec. 31
The combination of steam and electrical driven pumps at this station therefore does not possess any special merit. There are, on the other hand, excellent reasons why a purely electrical driven pump station would take better care of storm water conditions, effect considerable saving in yearly expense at the same time.
No flow charts are available giving average daily flows for different seasons of the year. It is, therefore, impossible to estimate the current consumption for one year accurately. There are, however, various ways how comparison between the operating cost of the present steam pump and the proposed electrical station can be obtained, as will be shown later after giving a description of a suitable electrically operated station.
Same would consist preferably of two (10-inch motor driven vertical centrifugal pumps operating in a dry pit) just outside of the present pump house. It seems impractical to locate the pumps in the present station, as good practice demands that same are accessible at all times for inspection and repairs, which is impossible in a wet pit.
The proposed arrangement of pumps and motors is shown on blue print RX-23761. It is recommended to install two pumps, designed as follows :-
Pump No. 1. For a maximum capacity of 4,500 gallons per minute against 50 feet head, requiring 84 Brake Horsepower, with 68 per cent efficiency at a speed of 1, 150 RPM. This will take care of any flood con- dition. The motor should be of the variable speed type, minimum revolutions per minute 770 with 20 Brake HP. At this latter speed, the pumps will deliver 2,000 gallons per minute against 25 feet total head, which covers the average daily pumping conditions.
Pump No. 2. Is a duplicate of the above, except that it will be equipped with a 25 Brake HP. constant speed motor running at 900 RPM. and a pump impeller to suit. This pump will be designed to deliver 2,000 gal- lons per minute, requiring 20 Brake HP.
This combination leaves always one pump as a spare for the normal service requirement. For ordinary service pump No. 2 will be operated in preference to pump No. I, on account of better motor efficiency. The pump discharge line has a high point, about 1,800 feet away from the pump house, and in order to prevent freezing in winter no check valves should be employed, allowing the water to drain perfectly to both ends.
We understand that on February 21st, 1912, the flow in the discharge pipe stopped, probably due to freezing, and it looks to us as though such a condition could not have occurred had there been an electrical pump at the beginning of the pipe which allows the water to drain back in the basin.
For performance of costs, we will assume there are 75 rainy days in a year and 295 dry days. On an average rainy day there is a flow in the basin of 20 inches per hour, which represents a capacity of 600 GPM. or 7.2 hours actual pumping time for the electrical pump having 2,000 GPM normal capacity and requiring 20 Brake HP.
The total electrical imput in motor for 73 days is 8,800 kilowatt hours.
We will further assume that for 48 hours in one year, the storm water pump will work at full capacity of 4,500 GMP, giving a total of 3,400 kilowatt hours electrical imput. For the rest of the year, we will figure on an average daily pumping time of three hours, or 14,400 kilowatt hours for the 295 dry days.
Total kilowatt hours of current consumed for one year is 26,600.
Cost of current at 10 cents per kilowatt hour : $2,660 00
Proportionate corrections must be made in the total cost when the price of the current differs from 10 cents per kilowatt hour.
All the pump bearings will be automatic oil lubricating. In order to avoid any night work, it is recommended to have an automatic float con- trol for starting and stopping the service pumps.
The cost of the two pumps with intermediate shafting, but exclusive of motors, piping, valves, structural iron and masonary work, should not exceed $3,000.00 approximately.
47
TOWN CLERK'S RECORDS.
1917]
The cost of operation of the present old plant must be figured from the yearly records, which are not in our possession."
Working on the basis of this report, your Committee has obtained estimates covering the electrical equipment, consisting of motors, com- pensators and automatic float switches, also for the cost of the dry pit, addition to building and necessary rearrangement of piping.
It will be seen from the above that the plan is to place two electrically driven 10-inch centrifugal pumps in a dry pit outside of the present basin, making a small addition to the pumping station. This would insure accessibility of the pumps for care and inspection, the new piping scheme being such that the separate pumps would work efficiently at all times.
If this plan is accepted by the town, it is proposed to leave the old equipment as it is for a year or two, or until such time as the new pumps and connections may be thoroughly tried out. This is done simply as a precautionary measure. Furthermore, the old equipment would not bring more than a few hundred dollars, at best, if sold.
Based on present prices, your Committee finds that the
cost of the changes as outlined would be approxi- mately
$12,000 00
Maintenance :
Referring now to the cost of operation, records of the Accounting Department show an average annual expenditure for the past five (5) years of $3,250 00
Whereas, an estimate of the cost of operating a station with the proposed equipment, would be about . $2,150 00
showing a saving of at least $1,000.00 per year, after interest on investment has been allowed.
Briefly, the reason for this saving is the present inefficient steam plant with large coal bills and incidental expenses.
It is stated, on the authority of the engineer of the Worthington Pump and Machinery Corporation, that all of the present steam equipment can be dispensed with. As above stated, your Committee believes, however, that it would be wise to retain the station in its present condition for at least one year, or until such time as the new pumps shall have been thor- oughly tried out under all conditions.
The estimate of $12,000 includes two new electric motors and pumps, also a dry pit outside the pumping station. It may be found, however, upon further investigation that the present 50 HP. electric motor and pump can be retained, which detail would mean some reduction in the total cost.
In view of the foregoing facts, and taking into account the long deliveries now being made on apparatus of this kind, your Committee is of the opinion that the work should be undertaken without delay. We, therefore, recommend that the sum of $12,000 be appropriated for the pur- pose of providing and installing new equipment at the Pumping Station also, that the work be carried out under the direction of the joint Com- mittee, consisting of the Water and Sewerage Commissioners and the Board of Selectmen.
We further recommend that authority be given this Committee to dis- pose of such material and equipment as may no longer be required, when, in their opinion, it shall be for the best interest of the Town.
Respectfully submitted, (Signed) S. M. KEHOE, GEORGE D. R. DURKEE, M. G. ENHOLM, HENRY S. BALDWIN, WILLIAM E. CARTER, CLARENCE B. HUMPHREY.
Dated March 22, 1917.
48
TOWN DOCUMENTS
[Dec. 31
Voted, to take up report of Finance Committee on Articles 15 and 67 as a whole.
Voted, Article 15 and 67. To adopt the recommendations of the Finance Committee on these articles, making the salaries of the Assistant Chief and Captains of the Fire Department $23 and $22 per week respec- tively, and appropriating $400 for the purpose of extending the under- ground wire conduit in Burrill street, from Thomas road to the Town Hall, and laying cables therein from the Central Engine House on New Ocean street, and appropriating $6,200 for the purpose of motorizing the ladder truck and the addition of a chemical tank or for the purchase of a combination motor ladder truck to take the place of the present apparatus, the same to be raised in the manner hereinafter described, that the above amount be disbursed under the direction of a committee, consisting of the Board of Selectmen and Board of Fire Engineers and the Chief of the Fire Department, and this Committee be further authorized to dispose of the horses and the present ladder truck, or so much thereof as may be desirable for the purpose of accomplishing the recommendation, also to appropriate $12,000 as advised necessary by the Committee having the matter in charge for the purposes specified in their report concerning Article 67, the amount to be raised in the manner hereinafter described ; . the work to be done under the direction of a joint committee, consisting of the Water and Sewerage Board, the Board of Selectmen and one other citizen to be appointed by the Moderator, this Committee to be given authority to dispose of such equipment and material as may no longer be required, the above appropriations aggregating $18,200-$4,200 to be taken from the tax levy of the current year, the balance, namely, $14,000 to be raised by bonds or notes of the town.
Voted, Article 16. To adopt the report of the Finance Committee, as amended making the salary of the Superintendent of Moth Work, Tree Warden and Forest Warden $21 per week and appropriating $5,000 for the work of the Moth Department.
Voted, Article 17. To adopt the recommendations of the Finance Com- mittee appropriating $1,125 for the expenses of the Tree Warden, $250 of this to be issued for trimming, repairing and removing trees of the cemetery.
Voted, Article 18. To adopt the recommendation of the Finance Com- mittee appropriating $75 for the expenses of the Forest Warden.
Voted, Article 19. That the Sewer and Water Board be instructed to immediately procure plans for the extension of the Sewer in Mountain Park and report at an adjourned meeting.
Voted, Article 19. To adopt the recommendation of the Finance Com- mittee placing the care of the brooks and drains under the supervision of the Sewer Department, appropriating $300 therefor.
Voted, Article 19. To appropriate for Health and Sanitation, $3,314; for salary of Health Officer $936, for refuse and garbage. $4,200.
Voted, Article 20. To adopt the report of the Finance Committee on this article.
Voted, Article 21. To adopt the report of the Finance Committee appropriating $3,300 for the Poor Department.
Voted, Article 22. To adopt the recommendations of the Finance Com- mittee appropriating $300 for the purpose of repairing the sidewalk, retaining wall and fence at the foot of Millett road, making same safe for travel, indefinitely postponing action on recommendation as to Burrill street, appropriating for the Highway Department as follows :
General Expenses $17,500 00
Snow and Ice Removal
3,500 00
Seal Coating
2,000 00
Sidewalks and Curbing
1,800 00
Street Watering and Oiling
5,000 00
Street Construction
2,000 00
$31,800 00
49
TOWN CLERK'S RECORDS.
1917]
The Surveyor of Highways to proceed to finish the work of concreting pavement on Humphrey street, using the unexpended balance of $893.87 appropriated in 1915.
Voted, Article 23. To appropriate the sum of $1,900 for the Assessors' Department for ensuing year.
Voted, Article 24. To adopt the recommendations of the Finance Committee appropriating $12,000 for the Police Department for current year, and $135 for the purpose of paying the Chief of Police the balance of his salary for 1915.
Voted, That when we adjourn it be to Wednesday evening, March 28, at 7.45 o'clock.
Voted, To adjourn at 10.25 P. M.
Attest : GEORGE T. TILL, Town Clerk.
Adjourned Annual Meeting, March 28, 1917.
In accordance with the adjournment of March 27th, the voters of the town assembled at the Town Hall on Wednesday evening, March 28, 1917.
The meeting was called to order at 7.45 o'clock by Daniel F. Knowlton, Moderator. The necessary number was present to transact business in accordance with the By-Laws.
Voted, To dispense with the reading of the records of the last meeting. The following tellers were appointed for the evening : Clarence Cahill, C. Edward Newhall and James R. Dyer.
Voted, Article 25. To adopt the recommendations of the Finance Com- mittee as amended, appropriating $200 for salary of Sealer of Weights and Measures and $70 for general expenses of the department.
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