USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1956 > Part 8
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Plumbing permits issued this year totaled 530, an increase of 40 over last year
Our annual rabies clinic was held in September and 243 dogs of the 616 licensed dogs received inoculations and an additional 47 were inoculated privately a various other times.
Results from our dental inspections of school children continue to indicate ar increasing number of children are receiving dental care; never-the-less, parent. should still be aware of good nutrition in relation to good dental health.
As a result of inefficient refuse collections the town meeting appropriated ai additional $7,000 for the purpose of providing the refuse contractor with adequat
82
1956 Annual Report
funds to meet the rising cost of operation and improve service. Also, a committee has been appointed to study the overall disposal problems for the future.
Pollution of Stacey Brook has not been eliminated yet and the M.D.C. was required to close Kings' Beach again last summer until temporary chlorinating equip- ment could be installed. An investigation of the brook indicates that sewage is entering surface and ground water drain in Lynn and Swampscott from various sources. At present the City of Lynn is planning to construct a new sewer pumping station which they feel will correct their problem. Pollution from Swampscott occurs in our obsolete drainage system which permits sewage to enter the drain during heavy rains or when a sewer becomes plugged. The Board of Public Works is cognizant of this problem and is taking steps to correct it.
The sewage and drainage problem on Little's Point has increased this year as more private sewage disposal systems have failed and the Board of Health is urgently recommending favorable action on the sewer study article for this area at the 1957 town meeting.
In conclusion we wish to acknowledge the fine cooperation and assistance received from other town departments and agencies, especially the volunteer physicians, nurses, and mothers, who assisted us in the polio inoculation program.
Dog Officer
JOHN A. BOSTON, Dog Officer
I submit my final report as Dog Officer.
For the period ending July 4th, 1956, there were 449 dogs licensed and 5 kennels, making 469 dogs, for a total. 369 complaints were received and attended to. All funds and town property were turned over to my successor, Mr. John Mattera.
I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen, and department heads and their personnel for their cooperation during my term of office.
Dog Officer
Es
JOHN J. MATTERA, Dog Oficer
I, herewith, submit my annual report covering from July 5, 1956 to the year nding December 31, 1956.
ar 1 1 2
Six hundred and ninety dogs were licensed in the Town from April 1, 1956 b December 31, 1956, a nine month period.
Forty-five dead animals were removed from streets of the town; mostly cats- upposedly killed by cars.
Three hundred complaints or requests for assistance were made, all of which vere acted upon and in most cases settled to the mutual satisfaction of all concerned.
I wish to express my appreciation to all departments and personnel for their elp and cooperation. uah
83
Town of Swampscott
Department of Civil Defense
ROBERT O'NEILL, Director
CIVIL DEFENSE is the organization of each level of government to combat disaster. The primary reason for the current civil defense effort is the threat of total war, which modern technology has literally brought to the doorstep of every citizen. A secondary value of civil defense is the increase in the capability of our society to cope with the effects of natural disaster, which become increasingly severe as our society becomes increasingly mechanized and independent.
The organization of civil defense in an area of nuclear warfare is the most complicated task that civil government has ever faced. Coupled with this fact is the evident condition in which public interest in civil defense rises and falls with the tides of world tension. However, the threat of war and the threat to our national survival is a permanent fact of our present situation. Therefore, the planning, organization and training for civil defense must be pressed forward regardless of the current state of public opinion until that day when there is absolute assurance of permanent peace.
Massachusetts is divided into four civil defense areas, each based upon a target or support zone of the state. These sub-divisions of the state for administration and operational control are each led by an area Director. Each area is divided into a number of sectors, which are based upon disaster operations considerations. There are two city sectors, Boston and Worcester. The other eighteen sectors contain from nine to thirty-two cities and towns, and each is headed by a Sector Director. The function of each sector is to provide leadership, guidance and assistance to the local civil defense organizations within the sector.
The keystone of civil defense disaster action is the local civil defense organiza- tion. Each municipality has a civil defense director who is the disaster coordinator for the executives of the municipality, who appoints him. The local civil defense organization must include all organized resources of the community, as well as numerous auxiliary civil defense volunteers. The local organization is also respons- ible for educating the people of the community on the action that they should take in event of enemy attack in view of their geographic situation.
If enemy attack threatens Massachusetts and evacuation of target cities were ordered, who would go where? By what roads? Would there be proper facilities to receive them? How about food? Shelter? New and detailed answers to these and other questions are being sought through a sweeping research and instruction pro- gram launched by the Massachusetts Civil Defense Agency. Financed by Federal funds, it is called the Preliminary Operational Survival Plan Project, and recently twenty-five men were graduated from the State Civil Defense Training School in Topsfield as staff officers. These men will assist local civil defense organizations in developing or revising operational plans to cope with enemy-caused disaster.
The plan's aim is to provide a program to afford more protection and care for the population of the state's 351 communities. The essential task of the project is to render assistance to these municipalities in developing organized, timed and super- vised evacuations of major target centers so that every child in school, every woman at home and every man at work will know exactly what he is to do. This plan further specifies the routes of evacuation movement, the reception communities in
84
1956 Annual Report
Massachusetts, and the utilization of Maine and New Hampshire as additional reception areas.
We in Swampscott Civil Defense will cooperate to the fullest in furthering the plans of this group. We are fortunate in having available fully equipped and trained personnel in our Auxiliary Fire Division, Auxiliary Police Division, Rescue Service and Communications Division. The Auxiliary Fire Department now has two fully equipped pieces of apparatus in addition to the old ladder truck. We have the best equipped rescue truck and trained crew of any civil defense group in the state. We have, during the past year, purchased three Gonset sets for our Communications Division and have trained personnel to handle any emergency. Our Auxiliary Police, as I have stated before, are the best in the state, and having completed their training in the use of revolvers it is our intention to purchase, under matching funds, revolvers for this group.
We have completed our evacuation plans for the Town and all available information will be distributed to each home in Town before the summer season starts.
I sincerely believe that Civil Defense should be a permanent department of each city and town government. It has proven its worth many times in the natural disasters we and other communities have been faced with during the past five years.
I sincerely hope the Board of Selectmen and all department heads will continue to give Civil Defense their support.
I thank all who have, through their interest and support, helped bring our Civil Defense Organization to the point where it is one of the best in the state.
Inspector of Wires
FRED D. SARGENT, Inspector
I herewith submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1956. This report covers the period from January 1, 1956 to December 31, 1956.
Month
Permits Issued
Fees Collected
January
35
$ 64.50
February
31
50.25
March
39
86.75
April
45
74.75
May
45
78.75
June
50
70.75
July
44
71.75
August
40
48.75
September
27
42.75
October
49
69.50
November
59
101.00
December
41
57.00
Total
505
$816.50
Frequent inspections are made of electrical installations in new buildings and of changes made in old work. Work performed is in accordance with the require- ments of the Massachusetts State Code.
85
Town of Swampscott
Department of Veterans' Services
ROBERT M. LEONARD, Director
Office Hours: 0900 until noon Monday through Friday
After serving as Director of Veterans Services since July 5, 1949, Newton S. Courtney resigned his office on August 24, 1956 to accept an appointment with the Federal Government Service in Washington, D. C.
Mr. Courtney is a veteran of World Wars I and II. He served with the Yankee Division in France in the first World War, being awarded the Purple Heart, with Cluster, and saw action in Normandy, Central France, Alsace-Loraine and Germany in the Second World War. Wounded in Germany in 1945, he was discharged from the Walter Reed Hospital in Washington with the rank of Lieut .- Colonel.
His military record and his interest in helping his fellow veterans fitted him admirably to carry out the duties of this department, in which work he was of great help in assisting veterans and their families. He had a thorough knowledge and acquaintance of the workings of the various State and VA problems and used his capabilities to aid so many others who were less informed.
Robert M. Leonard, a Past Commander of Leon E. Abbott Post No. 57, American Legion, was appointed to succeed Mr. Courtney and is very appreciative to the Board of Selectmen for their confidence in naming him to fill the office; also for Mr. Courtney's courtesy, assistance and instruction in the proper functioning of the department. He will seek to carry out the work along the same high standard that Mr. Courtney instituted.
This Department of Veterans' Services is all the name implies. The office is available to everyone needing help in any way pertaining to Veterans affairs, and is open from 9:00 to 12:00 every morning daily Monday through Friday. At other times, Mr. Leonard can be reached by telephoning LYnn 8-1288 at 176 Aspen Road and shall be ready always to be of service.
It is with regret that the names of Swampscott veterans who passed away during the year are listed below:
SPANISH WAR Alexander E. A. Macdonald
WORLD WAR I
Frederick W. Anglin
Frank W. Lima
Ernest J. Gendron
Andrew B. MacConachie
Gerald R. Griffin
John J. Noonan
Donald A. Ingraham
Kendall A. Sanderson
Andrew C. Jensen
Luke E. Thompson, Sr.
Linthall E. Leatherby
Raymond T. Vredenburgh
WORLD WAR II
Oliver R. Briggs Thomas N. Johnson
Robert E. McKenna Lawrence C. Smith
May they rest in Peace.
Every effort has been made to insure accuracy in this listing. If any names ar omitted or in error, kindly notify this office.
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1956 Annual Report
Fire Department
WALTER M. CHAMPION, JR., Chief PERSONNEL
It is gratifying to report during the year Rev. Laurence Cedrone of the St. John the Evangelist Church (R.C.) and the Rev. Howard Andrews of the First Church Congregational were appointed Chaplains of this department. Their appointments, as the first Chaplains in the history of this department, was marked by a testimonial dinner held at the Central Fire Station on April 12, 1956.
Captain Carl J. Pagano, who headed the Civil Service list was appointed Deputy Chief on December 7, 1956. Mr. Pagano succeeds Chief Champion in the deputy post.
Mr .Robert E. Donahue was appointed to the permanent intermittent list on December 14, 1956.
Due to lack of manpower we are operating two pumps and one ladder truck. Our normal complement should be three pumps and one ladder truck. Our third pump, which is used only on emergencies, stays parked in the central fire station. An investigation should be made, and a progressive program established to remedy this shortage of manpower.
During the year Captains, Joseph Braccio, James E. Champion, Frank H. Maitland and Fire Fighter Albert W. Lalime attended and graduated from the Massachusetts Fire Service School. The knowledge gained from this school has proved to be beneficial to the department. This school is sponsored by the Massa- chusetts Civil Defense Agency located in Topsfield.
BUILDINGS
In reviewing the year 1956 we find that the principal topic of interest, both to the committee and the townspeople is the construction of a new Central Fire Station in a more centralized location. The Central Fire Station on New Ocean Street is in very poor condition and its upkeep is very costly to the taxpayers.
Our Phillips Beach Station is in good condition with the exception of minor carpentry and painting of the stairway.
APPARATUS
Our fire apparatus is in good condition with the exception of our 12-year-old ladder truck, which requires a major engine overhauling.
INSPECTIONS
An inspection program was inaugurated this year. All mercantile, public buildings, hotels and other buildings permitted by law were inspected. Inspection of property is a very valuable branch of the fire service and any citizen who desires to have their property inspected by an experienced firefighter may do so by calling the Central Fire Station - LYnn 5-4050.
A total of 456 calls were received during the year. There has been 157 permits issued for the installation or alteration of oil burners, and 37 permits were issued for the use of dynamite in the blasting of rock.
APPRECIATION
I sincerely appreciate the excellent work of my own personnel during the past year and I am most grateful for the co-operation of the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, Auxiliary Fire Department and all other departments.
FIRE STATION PHONES
For Fire Calls-LYnn 2-0082 For Ordinary Business-LYnn 5-4050
87
Town of Swampscott
Police Department
FRANCIS P. WALL, Chief
PERSONNEL
On April 19, 1956 Officer Herbert F. Frazier, Sr., regular member of this department was retired on pension. Officer Frazier, Sr., had served in the department for twenty-eight years.
On May 11, 1956 Charles Losano, Jr., was appointed a permanent patrolman from the reserve list to fill the vacancy caused by the retirement of Officer Herbert F. Frazier, Sr.
On May 11, 1956 Ralph J. D'Agnese was appointed a reserve officer to fill a vacancy resulting from the appointment of Charles Losano, Jr., as a permanent patrolman.
The reserve force which consisted of a personnel of five was increased to a personnel of seven. On January 26, 1956 James A. Gregory and Chandler E. Marble were appointed to the reserve force to fill this complement.
Officers Stephen J. Boraizia and Charles Losano, Jr., attended and graduated from the Massachusetts State Police School. The training of these officers has proven to be beneficial both to the officers and to the department.
On November 1, 1956 the Board of Selectmen commended Officer John R. Daley for his excellent police work and heroic action in pursuing and apprehending three individuals, occupants of a stolen car on October 29, 1956.
AUXILIARY POLICE
The Auxiliary Police under the direction of the Captain John P. Costin has been very active during the year in assisting the regular force in many police functions. This force is ready for immediate service at any time.
ARRESTS
On warrant
12
Without warrant
27
Summonsed to appear in Court
13
Witness summonses served
18
Warrants served for other Police Departments
6
Summonses to appear in Court served for other Police Departments
242
OFFENCES CHARGED
Assault and battery
8
Drunkenness
19
Idle and disorderly
2
Incest
1
Larceny
6
Lewd and lascivious person
1
Lewdness
2 1
Lewdness in speech and behavior
2
Use of a firearm negligently so as to cause property damage
1
Wilfully and maliciously did set fire to the contents of a building.
1
Wilfully and maliciously did set fire to a building
2
Wilfully and maliciously setting fire to a dwelling house
1
Motor vehicle laws:
Operating an unregistered and an uninsured car
3
Operating motor vehicle after license had been suspended
2
Operating motor vehicle under the influence of liquor
5
Operating motor vehicle without a license
8
Using motor vehicle without authority
3
Malicious injury to personal property
Non-Support
3
Receiving stolen property
1
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1956 Annual Report
DISPOSITION OF CASES
Dismissed
5
Filed
7
Fined
17
Found not guilty
4
Probation
11
Released (Drunkenness, first offense)
13
Sentenced to State Prison
2
Suspended sentence to House of Correction
6
Cases continued to 1957
6
MISCELLANEOUS
Accidents :
Automobile accidents reported and investigated
Fatalities
0
Accidents involving personal injuries
71
Property damage only
33
Personal injuries:
Pedestrians injured
13
Bicyclists
3
Operators and passengers
88
Ambulance Service:
To accidents
11
To false alarms
37
To fires
38
Persons conveyed to Hospitals
177
Persons conveyed to Doctor 's Office
7
Persons conveyed to Nursing Home
11
Persons conveyed from Hospital to Home
49
Persons conveyed from Hospital to Nursing Home
8
Persons conveyed from Nursing Home to home
2
Persons conveyed from Nursing Home to Hospital
5
Persons conveyed from Hospital to another Hospital
2
Persons conveyed from Nursing Home to another Nursing Home
1
Persons conveyed from Nursing Home to Doctor's Office
1
Persons conveyed from Doctor's Office to home
4
Persons conveyed from Doctor's Office to Hospital
1
Use of Inhalator 5
Motor Patrol Service:
Assistance given to sick and injured persons
55
Persons conveyed to Doctor's Office
5
Persons conveyed from Doctor's Office to Hospital
3
Persons conveyed to Hospitals
50
Persons conveyed from Hospital to home
5
Breaking and entering investigated
18
Complaints investigated
786
Doors and windows found open
117
Duty calls made by patrolmen from police boxes
44,296
Larceny reports $50 and over investigated
11
Larceny reports under $50 investigated 57
Licenses issued :
Bicycle licenses
150
Pistol permits
99
Permits to perform necessary work on the Lord's Day
7
Lights in vacant buildings investigated
13
Manhole covers reported loose
3
Messages delivered for other Police Departments, etc. 140
Motor Vehicle Moving Violations:
Reported to Registrar of Motor Vehicles 101
89
Auto Theft
5
Town of Swampscott
Parking violations:
Notice of violation of parking rules served 1,789
Persons reported missing and located 29
Residences temporarily closed and special attention given 356
Sale of transfer of motor vehicle notices filed 314
Sale of second-hand motor vehicle notices filed 113
Street lamps reported out 104
Street and sidewalk defects reported
11
Trees reported down 8
Water leaks reported
13
Windows reported broken and cases investigated
67
Wires reported defective
8
DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT
The equipment of this department is regularly inspected and tested and no effort is spared to have it ready for instant use at all times.
RECOMMENDATIONS
I recommend that the Town purchase two motor vehicles to replace a 1955 Chevrolet and a 1956 Ford which are now in use.
APPRECIATION
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the Board of Selectmen, to the members of my department, to the officers and members of the Auxiliary Police, tc the traffic Policewomen, to all Town departments, and to all others who have co-operated with me during the year.
Housing Authority
DAVID F. DOHERTY, Chairman
THOMAS W. DUNCAN EUGENE S. MOREAU
JOHN A. MASSEY MARTIN C. GOLDMAN
The Swampscott Housing Authority submits herewith its Annual Report for the year ending December 31, 1956.
The debts of the Authority are not the debts of the Town of Swampscott as the Authority is an independent Corporation from the Town. However, four members of the Authority are elected while the fifth member is appointed by the State Housing Board for a term of five years. The other four members are elected for a five year term with staggered expiration dates guaranteeing a majority of experienced member. to carry out the functions of the Authority at all times.
Officers are elected annually and consist of Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasure: and Assistant Treasurer. All checks drawn against the Authority must be signed by the Chairman or Vice Chairman and the Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer.
The Executive Director, Austin D. Mosco and Counsel, Albert F. Pashby ar appointed by the Authority.
In September the Annual Re-examination of family income was completed in accordance with approved procedures.
The subsidy from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the year 195( amounted to $10,150.00 which is the maximum that can be obtained for deb requirements and the operation of the Project.
The average monthly rent for the Project amounted to $44.95 for the year The minimum average monthly rental established by the State Housing Board car not fall below $34.50 per month.
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1956 Annual Report
A total of $1848.10 was paid to the Town of Swampscott, $1296.00 represent- ng payment in lieu of taxes and $552.10 for water bills.
The contract to clean and service the 36 oil burner units was awarded to the Geo. E. Warren Heating Corp., Lynn, Mass., the only bidder.
During the year 1956 Jiffy (wooden) combination storm and screen windows were installed on all first floor windows. The windows were furnished by the Bailey Builders Supply Co., lowest bidder, in the amount of $1391.60. Labor and supplies o install same amounted to $601.28 for a total cost of $1992.88. The new windows will eliminate drafts, heat loss and will reduce heating costs to the tenants.
A program of preventive maintenance is continually followed by the Authority o rectify problems before they become major and expensive to repair.
The Swampscott Project consists of 9 multiple buildings, 4 apartments in each for a total of 36 apartments. There are 20 4-room and 16 5-room apartments. There are 36 individual cellars and heating units. Each apartment is equipped with in electric range and refrigerator. The tenant supplies his own fuel and electricity. The Authority furnishes the servicing of the oil burner units and water.
The following insurance policies are carried by the Authority for its protection : Fire, Public Liability, Position and Bond, Workmen's Compensation, Non-Owner- ship Auto and Fire and Theft on Office Furniture.
Periodic inspection of grounds and apartments are made by representatives of he Authority.
The apartments were originally occupied in July 1950, and as the buildings get older, more maintenance and replacements will be required which will reflect in higher maintenance costs.
The costs to maintain and service and maintain the heating units have been xcessive during the past two years. A survey was made by the Lynn Gas & Elec. Co. o ascertain the possibility and advisability of conversion from oil to gas. Conferences will be held with the State Housing Board on this subject during the coming year.
During the year three tenants moved out and three tenants moved in.
Rents and Income Limits:
18% for families with one or less minor dependents
16% for families with two minor dependents
*14% for families with three or more minor dependents
*$100 deduction from total family income for each minor dependent child in excess in three in number.
Minimum Monthly Rents:
For families with one or less minor dependents $ 30.00
For families with two minor dependents
26.50
For families with three minor dependents
23,50
Admission Limits:
For families with one or less minor dependents
$3650.00
For families with two minor dependents 3775.00
For families with three minor dependents
3900.00
Continued Occupancy Limits: 1955 1956
Families with one or less minor dependents $3900.00
$4100.00
Families with two minor dependents
4025.00
4200.00
Families with three minor dependents
4150.00
4300.00
Please note that in the latter category the Authority received approval from the tate Housing Board to increase the continued occupancy limits to conform with resent day living costs.
91
Town of Swampscott
On December 7, 1956 the Authority was advised by the Chairman of the State Housing Board that Martin C. Goldman, was appointed the State Member of the Authority, to succeed Gerald H. Pashby, whose term expired on June 5, 1956, but who was serving as a hold-over.
Mr. Pashby's experience and training has been invaluable to the Authority and for which all its members are grateful for a job well done. We also congratulate Mr. Goldman on his appointment.
The Authority would like to thank the Town Departments and the staff of the State Housing Board for their cooperation and assistance during the past year.
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