USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1958 > Part 6
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56
1958 Annual Report
Mr. Hudson's distinguished service in the administration of public office and in many other capacities has won the admiration of the Townspeople, co- administrators, other public bodies on all levels and employees, for his determ- ination and enthusiasm as a public servitor. The Town of Swampscott and all those who know him are richer by his services, labors and capabilities.
CEMETERY DIVISION
This Division has four employees, and with assistance from other Divis- ions, especially before Memorial Day, the Cemetery is maintained properly. There were 118 interments, and all receipts of interments, sale of lots, liners and foundations were paid to the Town Treasurer.
The Board of Public Works reviewed the rules and regulations and ser- vices rendered by towns comparable to the Town of Swampscott, and adjust- ments of services and charges were made for the operation and maintenance of the Cemetery. The work of removing pea stone from certain avenues and roads and resurfacing with bituminous concrete was continued.
Old water pipes were removed and new pipes were relaid below freezing line. The old shrubs around the Chapel were removed and replaced with upright yews and the adjacent grounds seeded. This improved the entire area around the Chapel. Flowering Hawthorns and Kawazen Cherry Trees were planted around the new development.
ENGINEERING DIVISION
Engineering services furnished by this division for the year 1958 included land surveying, preparation of record plans, writing descriptions of proper- ties and easements, correcting maps of the Assessor's Department in accord- ance with land transfers as received from the Registry of Deeds, computation of assessment quantities, cost estimating, designing of various works and structures, preparation of contracts including specifications and drawings, laying out and supervising the work on various construction projects, and the furnishing of engineering data to private engineers, surveyors, attorneys and the general public. The apportionment of these engineering services is shown in the following table:
DEPARTMENT OR DIVISION
MAN-HOURS
PER CENT
Highway Division
3925
37.08
Sewer Division
2192
20.71
Water Division
1797
16.98
Selectmen
1030
9.73
*Engineering Division
999
9.44
Assessors Department
352
3.33
Finance Committee
151
1.43
General Public
79
0.75
School Department
19
0.18
Park Division
15
0.14
Cemetery Division
13
0.12
Town Counsel
10
0.09
Planning Board
1
0.01
Police Department
1
0.01
Totals
10584
100.00
57
Town of Swampscott
*Includes administration and work not chargeable to a particular division or department.
e. g. keeping Town map up to date.
Specific projects requiring engineering services are usually described in the reports of the various departments or divisions concerned. For this rea- son, and in the interest of brevity, no listing of such projects is included herein.
Changes in personnel and shifts in work assignments within this division were brought about by the resignation of Town Engineer Howard L. Hamill who had served the Town well and faithfully for more than thirty years.
HIGHWAY DIVISION
This Division has 22 employees, and from this Division assistance is given to the other Divisions requiring added personnel for short periods of time.
As voted by the Annual Town Meeting various streets were reconstructed with Bituminous Concrete, Storm Drains were installed, and streets were oiled and covered with sand. Due to the breakdown of the Road Roller no streets were seal-coated. Surface treated roads with Asphaltic Oil and Sand took the place of Seal-coating. Under general maintenance all catch basins in the Town were cleaned, and all sidewalks, i. e., sweeping, patching, plowing, sanding, grading, beach cleaning, etc., were carried out by this Division. From May through November the street Sweeper swept the streets in the entire Town. A remarkable job was performed this Fall with the Leaf Loader and Catch Basin Cleaner.
All Traffic lines and signs were replaced by this Division for the Police Department. Cross walks on Humphrey Street were painted a solid Traffic Green for the safety of the pedestrians. Approximately 350 new street signs were made and many were used to designate names of streets where signs. had been missing for many years. A new decking of salt treated lumber was laid on the Essex Street bridge.
Garrett H. Coan an employee of this Division retired on October 2, 1958.
PARK DIVISION
This Division is responsible for the maintenance of the Parks, Play- grounds, planted areas, trees, Administration Building grounds and beaches.
During the month of January, the skating facilities at Jackson Park were used to capacity. The two little ponds served for the small children and time restrictions were placed for hockey playing at the rink. On busy week ends an attendant was assigned to the area.
A snow fence was erected at Abbott Park in an attempt to segregate hockey playing.
The wooded area at Jackson Park was cleared of bullbriar and blow- downs. Equipment was repaired, the interiors of the ring house and field house were painted, and when necessary all men turned to help with snow removal.
With the coming of spring, the High School spring practice was serviced and all baseball fields made ready for Little League, Babe Ruth League and the many teams under the athletic director Bondelevitch.
Approximately 297 elms were sprayed with a solution of D. D. T. for the control of the elm bark beetle, the vector of the Dutch Elm Disease. This was done by a private contractor and allowed the tree crew to plant trees. A total of 208 trees were planted of the following species: 56 sugar maples, 10 kwanzan cherries, 10 schwedleri maples, 27 crimson king maples, and 25 scanlan red maples. These trees were planted on 24 streets. The biggest problem in growing new trees is the damage done by autos.
58
1958 Annual Report
The regular park crew was supplemented during the summer months by college boys who worked cleaning Fishermen's Beach, in addition to the life- guards and beach policeman. Over 2,000 bleacher seats and the frame work were painted. Two tree climbers and a ground man made possible the re- moval of 36 trees. A spraying crew was made up under the direction of a regular man. Almost all private properties were sprayed with the result that there was a decrease in the Japanese beetle population. This decrease is also caused by the combined co-operation of the Garden Clubs, neighbor- hood groups and private contractors. Earwigs and aphids became the prim- ary insect pests.
The pavement at the beach parking area was a great asset both from administration and cleanliness.
The Bay was the scene of great activity with the dredging. The bathing area was greatly improved with the clean sugar sand covering the rocky spots. The local fishermen and boat people are happy over the deepened channel.
The recreation project was under the direction of Coach Stanley Bondel- evitch. This inspiration to children extends from this project to coaching our second class B football champions. May we say, "A good job well done Coach."
Our fall season found our crews busy with the requirements of the fields for the many athletic teams and helping with the removal of trees along For- est Avenue for road construction and services to the new Junior High School site.
Frank Savino an employee of this Division retired August 21, 1958. SEWER DIVISION
In accordance with the vote of the Town Meeting of March 26, 1957 sew- ers were voted for Bay View Drive and Crest Road. This contract was com- pleted August 14, 1958. The Sargent Road and Walnut Road sewer contract was completed on April 24, 1958.
The Diversion Chamber constructed in New Ocean Street alleviated the pollution in Stacey Brook Culvert thereby improving conditions on Kings Beach and the continued operation of the chlorinator is required to allow for the safe use of Kings Beach.
In July the new Sewer Rodding Machine was delivered. The increased cleaning capacity of this machine permits preventative maintenance work to be carried on with a minimum of labor and eliminates costly emergency work.
The following work was completed in 1958:
(a) Particular Sewers rodded and cleaned 152
(b) Particular Sewers laid and inspected 25
(c) Main Sewers rodded and cleaned 170
(d) Sewer lines excavated and repaired 10
(e) Sand catcher pans replaced in manholes 12
(f) Loose manhole covers sealed in
25
(g) Sewage Pumpings for 1958 590,230,000 Gallons
During excessive rain storms, twenty-four hour surveillance must be maintained at the Pumping Station to attend to the equipment, and stand- by service is in order during week ends, nights and holidays. During the sum- mer months when the Diversion Chamber is in operation a standby is in op- eration to control the flow of excessive surface water into the Sewer trunk line.
59
Town of Swampscott
WATER DIVISION
During the year 1958, 21 new services were installed, - 12 services re- newed completely, - 50 services renewed from main to sidewalk, - 7 services renewed from sidewalk to meter, - 45 service leaks repaired, - 22 services cleaned out, - 5 frozen services thawed, - 5 breaks in large mains repaired, - 6 hydrants repaired, - 3 services abandoned, - 2 hydrants relocated, - 41 obsolete meters replaced with new ones, - 4 Read-o-matics installed, - 95 leaking meters repaired, - 20 new meters installed, - 178 meter turn- ons, - 144 meter turn-offs.
Due to the road resurfacing and sidewalk construction program by the Public Works Department, all of the old iron services were renewed from the main to the sidewalk with brass pipe or copper tubing. The service and gate boxes were brought to grade, made adjustabl and the toos painted for ident- ification in preparation for construction work in the following streets :-
Sargent Road Walnut Road
Bay View Drive
Crest Road Nantucket Ave.
Barnstable St.
Stanley Road
Linden Ave.
Sherwood Road
Lewis Road Curry Cir. Brown Road
Bellevue Road Pitman Road Pine Hill Road
Puritan Road from Atlantic Avenue to Littles Point Road, Humphrey Street from Glen Road to Forest Avenue.
The Nantucket Avenue 6 inch cast iron main was extended approximately 200 feet and tied into the Barnstable Street main, thereby eliminating another dead end in the system.
The Pleasant Street 6 inch cast iron main was extended approximately 125 feet for the developer after he had complied with the By-Laws.
All pipe and fittings for the construction of a 10 inch cast iron water main in Forest Avenue have been transported to and stock-piled at the site in readiness for the trench opening.
The versatility of the workmen of the Water Division is such that the men and equipment are used to creditable advantage in other fields of the Public Works Department operations, co-operating in such work as plowing, snow removal, sanding, cleaning catch basin tops, excavating, curbing trenches, laying curbing, installing drains, excavating graves, assisting in the road construction program, hauling gravel, curbing and uprooting stumps, etc.
Full co-operation was extended to all divisions of the Public Works De- partment in order to expedite and complete the general work program for the year.
Table of System:
Hydrants in use Dec. 31, 1958 384
Gates in use Dec. 31, 1958 745
Services in use Dec. 31, 1958 3,760 One Standpipe 850,000 Gal. Cap.
Total miles of mains
43.9 miles
In accordance with the vote of the Annual Town Meeting of March 26, 1957, the following Public Works projects were completed with department personnel:
Article 13, 1957-Linden Avenue-from Salem St. to Crosman Ave. Article 14, 1957-Stanley Rd .- from Humphrey St. to Linden Ave.
60
1958 Annual Report
Article 15, 1957-Curry Cir .- from New Ocean St. to end
Article 17, 1957-Sherwood Rd .- from Forest Ave. to Bond St.
Article 20, 1957-Lewis Road-from prev. construction to Pleasant St.
Article 35, 1957-Puritan Road-from Fish House to Orient Ct. ext.
In accordance with the vote of the Annual Town Meeting of March 25, 1958 the following Public Works projects were completed:
Article 24, 1958-Continuous Sidewalk Program:
(a) Brown Road-Curbs and Sidewalks
(b) Bradlee Avenue-Granite Curb only
(c) Stanley Road-Curbs and Sidewalks
(d) Pine Hill Road-Curbs and Sidewalks
(e) Rock Avenue-Sidewalks only
Article 25, 1958-Sidewalk Replacement Program
(a) Greenwood Avenue-both sides
(b) Devens Road and Redington St .- one side
(c) Grant Road
(d) Rock Avenue
(e) Ellis Road-at Abbott Park
Article 26, 1958-Nantucket Ave. Drain-from Stetson Ave. up Barn- stable St. to Nantucket Ave. and Worcester Ave.
Article 29, 1958-Reconstruct Brown Road-from Atlantic Ave. to Long- ley Ave.
Article 31, 1958-Reconstruct Pitman Road-from Essex St. to end.
Article 34, 1958-Reconstruct Windsor Avenue-Accepted portion only.
Article 38. 1958-Chapter 90 Reconstruction :-
(a) Humphrey St .- from Pleasant St. to Atlantic Ave., in- cluding Traffic Islands.
(b) Puritan Road-from Humphrey St. to Littles Point Road. Article 35, 1958-Construction of 1,000 additional permanent Bleacher Seats.
Article 36, 1958-Water Distribution Study for the Town of Swampscott.
In accordance with the vote of the Special Town Meeting of June 17, 1958 the following Public Works projects were completed:
Article 8, 1958-Reconstruct Bellevue Road-from Humphrey St. to Rail- road.
Article 3, 1958-Forest Ave. 10 inch Water Main Extension-from Laurel Rd. to Walnut Rd. - (This project under construction.)
Article 7, 1958-Install Drain in Ryan Place - (This project has not been started because of above work load.)
In conjunction with the reconstruction of the various streets listed above, storm drains were extended in Linden Avenue, Stanley Road, Sherwood Road, Brown Road, Longley Avenue and Puritan Road.
In 1958 approximately 350 new street signs were made and over 200 were used to replace faded or missing street signs.
In December, 1958 the Flood Lights at the Skating Rink were damaged, necessitating a large expenditure of funds late in the year to replace the flood lights for night skating.
During 1958, 35,670 square yards of bituminous concrete streets were constructed-the largest construction year in the history of the Town of Swampscott. This work was made possible by the co-operation of all the personnel in the Public Works Department. The men assigned to the Water Division replaced old water services, then would assist by laying drains and
61
Town of Swampscott
granite corner curbs. The men assigned to the Sewer Division would check all Particular Sewers, then assist by constructing manholes and catch basins. The Park Division personnel assisted by driving trucks, moving trees, stumps and roots. The Cemetery Division personnel assisted by driving trucks and hauling loam or gravel. The Highway Division personnel accomplished the rough work of grading all roads and sidewalks in preparation for the laying of bituminous concrete. The Engineering Division personnel did an outstand- ing job in laying out this tremendous program without causing delays in the construction progress. They furnished all the engineering, laying out, grades and inspection for all the water, sewer, street, sidewalk and other projects for the Town of Swampscott.
The Board of Public Works wishes to extend their thanks to the Finance Committee, the Board of Selectmen, the Economy Planning Committee, the Planning Board, the Board of Health, the Citizens of Swampscott, the Sup- ervisors and personnel of the Public Works Department for the assistance and co-operation given to the Department in making the third year under Public Works a success.
TABLE OF ORGANIZATION FOR PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
High-
Total
Adm. Eng. Sewer Cem. way Park Water Mech. 1959
Supt. of Pub. Wks.
1
-
-
-
-
1
Administrative Asst.
1
1
Depart. Head
1
1
1
1
1
5
Foreman
1
1
3
1
1
7
Clerks
3
1
2
6
3
1
13
M. E. O.
1
12
4
3
20
Meter Repairman
1
1
F'man Tree Climber and Surgeon
1
1
and Surgeon
2
-
2
Head Mechanic Asst. Mechanic
1
1
Town Engineer
1
1
Asst. Engineer
1
1
Cons. Engineer
1
1
Transitman
1
1
Student Eng.
2
2
"Two clerks charged to water division
PUBLIC WORKS MOTORIZED EQUIPMENT IN OPERATION JANUARY 1, 1959 (requiring gas, oil, maint. and repairs)
PARK
1-1955 Ford 1T. Pickup Dump Truck
1-1952 Ford 2T. Stake Truck
3
Craftsmen
Meter Reader
1
1
Tree Climbers
1
1
63
62
1958 Annual Report
1-1956 Ford Dump Truck w. Plow
1-1951 Ford 11/2T. Dump Truck
1-1956 Ford F700-Platform Dump Truck with Boom
1-1957 Willys 1T. Pickup Dump Truck
1-1957 Willys 1T. Pickup Dump Truck
1-Ferguson Front End Loader Tractor
1-1954 Fitchburg Chipper Trailer
1-1952 Essick Trailer (Roller)
1-1950 Toro Turf Tractor
WATER
1-1954 Chevrolet 114T. Platform Dump Truck with Crane and Winch
1-1954 Chevrolet 34T. Pickup Truck
1-1954 Lindsey Compressor on Trailer
1-1957 Case Industrial Tractor-Loader and Backhoe
1-1958 Ford F700 Platform Dump Truck
SEWER
1-1954 Chevrolet 1/2T. Pickup Truck
1-1958 Seweroder with Machinery Permanently attached
CEMETERY
1-1957 Willys Dump Jeep Truck with Plow
1-1953 Lindsey Compressor on Trailer
ENGINEERING
1-1956 Ford Ranch Wagon
HIGHWAY
1-1956 Ford Truck with Plow and Sand Spreader
1-1956 Ford Dump Truck with Plow and Catch Basin Cleaner
1-1956 Ford Dump Truck with Plow and Sand Spreader and C. Basin Cleaner
1-1956 Ford Dump Truck with Plow and Sand Spreader
1-1956 Ford Dump Truck with Plow and Sand Spreader
1-1957 Caterpillar (Grade Motor)
1-1957 Elgin Motor Sweeper
1-1957 Willys Jeep Dump Truck
1-1957 Oliver Tractor & Plow
1-1957 Oliver Tractor & Plow
1-1957 Oliver Tractor & Plow
1-1957 Oliver Tractor & Plow
1-1957Ford Station Wagon
1-1956 Michigan Tractor Shovel
1-1953 White Truck with Plow and Sand Spreader 1-1947 SnoGo
1-1927 Hercules Road Roller
1-1954 Willys Jeep Dump Truck with Plow
1-1955 Cement, Mixer equipped with Briggs Stratton Engine
1-1957 Gledhill Elliott Vacuum Leaf Loader with Trailer
1-1958 Ingersoll Rand Pneumatic Compressor
63
Town of Swampscott
Fire Department
Walter M. Champion, Jr., Chief
During the year the fire department answered 413 calls with the re- sultant lower fire loss over 1957.
APPARATUS
Our Engine No. 3, a 1941 pumper, is going to be replaced with a new 750 gallon pumper. All other apparatus is in good condition with the excep- tion of our 13 year old Ladder No. 1 which requires periodic repairs.
BUILDINGS
During the year the Selectmen appointed Mr. George Burke, chairman, Mr. Felix Marino, and Mr. Edward Humphrey to a special Fire House Study Committee to repair the Central Fire Station. As a result of their study repairs were made to this building to maintain it for its present or other future town use. The painting of the interior of the Central Fire Station was accomplished through the efforts of the fire department personnel at a great financial savings to the town.
The exterior of the Phillips Beach Station was painted during the year and it is in reasonably good condition.
PERSONNEL
Our department is presently undermanned according to all standards. There has been no increase in personnel in our department for many years. Although we have three engines we do not have sufficient men on duty to op- erate them.
On December 29, 1958, Charles E. Fall, Charles E. Snow, Jr., and Junior N. Clark were appointed to serve as permanent intermittent firefighters.
SCHOOLS
Fire drills have been held in all schools during the year and a recommen- dation that only non-inflammable decorations be used at all times of the year.
Upon my invitation, State Building Inspector. Mr. Earl Soper, Assistant Superintendent of Swampscott Schools, Mr. Philip Jenkins and myself made an inspection of all schools in the interest of public safety and recommenda- tions for the necessary improvements will be made.
INSPECTIONS
Our usual inspection program was continued throughout the year and all buildings permitted by law were inspected.
Inspection of private dwellings are invited, all that is necessary is to phone the Central Fire Station and an inspector will be dispatched to your home.
During the Christmas Season this department introduced to the public a plan of spraying their Christmas trees with a fire retarding fluid. This is a public service offered by the fire department to the citizens of the town as a fire prevention measure and will continue in future years.
IN MEMORIAM
1905 - GEORGE R. BALTHAZAR ยท 1958 Appointed to Fire Department 1940
Retired 1951
I am very grateful to the Board of Selectmen, to the members of my department, to the members of the Auxiliary Fire Department and to all Town Departments and to all others who have co-operated with the Fire Department during the year.
64
1958 Annual Report
Department of Veterans' Services
Robert M. Leonard, Director
Office Hours: 9 A.M. to noon Monday through Friday Telephone LYnn 3-4313 Office LYnn S-1288 Home
Many veterans and their dependents seem unaware of the help and in- formation this department can furnish regarding any problems that may arise regarding their veterans affairs. I am available in the office or at home and am glad to be of service at any time.
A widow of a World War I veteran who had 90 days service is eligible for a pension, and deceased veterans of all wars are entitled to a flat grave stone or marker from the government, without charge.
This office is not a Veterans' Administration one, yet we can help in many VA matters through our contacts.
I am thankful for the assistance given me during the past year by Walter L. Ranger, Agent, of the Board of Public Welfare. The two departments work along similar lines and his co-operation is appreciated very much.
The passing of the following Swampscott veterans during 1958 is re- gretted:
WORLD WAR I
Harry W. Anderson
John G. Beebe-Center
Charles R. Connell
Raymond P. Miller
Attilio S. Corsetti
Frank Murphy
Wallace Falvey
Louis Otto
Melvin King
Albert R. Ravell
James R. F. Lind
Frank T. Roach
WORLD WAR II
Ralph F. Cirenza
Rene J. Palardy
Dog Officer
John J. Mattera, Dog Officer
I herewith submit my Annual Report covering the year 1958.
Six hundred eighty-two dogs licensed and two kennels, making a total of six hundred ninety dogs.
Seven hundred complaints or requests for assistance were made. all of which were acted upon, and in most cases settled to the mutual satisfaction of all concerned.
I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen and Department Heads and their personnel for their co-operation.
65
Ralph I. Lindsey
John H. McDonough
Town of Swampscott
Junior High School Building Committee
Walter H. Forbes, Jr., Chairman
Charles W. Eiseman Howell E. Estey. O. D.
John Clarke Kane Raymond E. Werner
Mary J. Bartow, Secretary
On January 23, 1958, the Board of Selectmen and the Moderator appointed your Junior High School Building Committee, pursuant to the vote of the Special Town Meeting of January 21. The same five men, under the chair- manship of Dr. Howell E. Estey, had served as the School Survey Committee, appointed under Article 1 of the Special Town Meeting of October 29, 1957. Much has been accomplished in the past fourteen months.
The Special Town Meeting of June 17, 1958, unanimously voted to con- struct, equip and furnish a new Junior High School on the Whitney Estate property in accordance with the preliminary plans shown in our "Report to Town Meeting Members, June, 1958," for a sum not to exceed $1,649,621.75. This was the cost estimated in our Report.
Bids were opened on October 9th; State Aid was granted on the 14th; the Emergency Finance Board at the State House approved the bond issue of $1,630,000 on the 23rd, and the contract was signed that night. Construction was started on the 27th. We made a four-page report of progress to the Town Meeting members on November 10th.
As this is written on January 1, 1959, the site has been cleared and grad- ed, access roads have been built, drainage substantially completed and the foundation walls for the 200 foot northerly section of the classroom wing are finished. Before this report is distributed to the Town, very substantial fur- ther progress will be made. The school is scheduled to open in September, 1959.
The education of Swampscott's children has suffered from inadequate fa- cilities at the secondary school level. The new school will permit for the first time in some years, a good junior high school program for grades 7-9. The High School, minus grade 9, will have about 200 less pupils, and the conditions there should be much more satisfactory.
This Committee has been supported by the teamwork of a large group of citizens. Our thanks are especially due to Superintendent of Schools Forrest and his staff, to the School Committee, and to the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Public Works, the Finance Committee and the Town Treasurer, among many others.
Forest Warden
Walter M. Champion, Jr.
During the year 164 permits were issued for fires in the open air. Be- cause of heavy spring rains the number of forest fires were less than 1957.
66
1958 Annual Report
Sealer of Weights and Measures
George A. Holt, Sr., Sealer Office Hours: By Appointment During the Week.
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