USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1959 > Part 6
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Breaks were repaired in the 6 inch main in Pleasant Street, the 10 inch main in Forest Avenue and the 14 inch main in Rock Avenue.
Full cooperation was extended to all Divisions of the Department of Pub- lic Works.
PUBLIC WORKS GARAGE
This Division has 2 mechanics and they are responsible for the mainten- ance, repair and overhaul of all the motorized equipment in the Public Works Department. A preventive maintenance program has been put into operation, and this has checked many large repair jobs on the equipment. It is hoped that appropriate garage space will be available in the near future.
SUMMARY OF MAJOR PUBLIC WORKS ACCOMPLISHMENTS
In accordance with the vote of the Annual Town Meeting of March 24, 1959 the following Public Works Projects were completed:
Article 71-1959-Continuous Sidewalk Program:
Devens Road
Orchard Road
Stanwood Road
Sherwood Road
Linden Avenue Young Avenue Salem Street
Article 25-1958-Sidewalk Replacement Program
Burpee Road
Ellis Road
Paradise Road
Barnstable Street
Burrill Street
Buena Vista Street
Elliot Street
Hampshire Street
Highland Street King Street Extension Redington Street Bay View Avenue Greenwood Avenue Franklin Avenue Plymouth Avenue Suffolk Avenue
Hillcrest Circle
Article 43-1959-Worcester Avenue Drain
Article 47-1959-Reconstruct Forest Avenue-Greenwood Avenue to Walnut Road.
Article 48-1959-Subgrade, Drainage & Gravel Shoulders-Forest Avenue,- Walnut Road to Laurel Road.
Article 46-1959-Reconstruct Stetson Avenue
Article 57-1959-Reconstruct Cutting Road
55
Town of Swampscott
Article 56-1959-Reconstruct Crosman Avenue
Article 53-1959-Reconstruct Muriel Road
Article 63-1959-Reconstruct Longley Avenue
Article 70-1959-Reconstruct Clarke Road
Article 49-1959-Chapter 90 Reconstruction-
Burrill Street, From Monument Avenue to Paradise Road. In conjunction with the reconstruction of the various streets listed above, storm drains, granite curbing and bituminous curbing were installed.
The following streets were graded, Asphaltic Oil applied and then cover- ed with Sand:
Elwin Street Edgehill Road Priscilla Road Ross Road
Boulder Way
Walnut Road
Spring Court
Fisher Avenue
Prospect Avenue
Sampson Avenue Nichols Street
Carson Terrace Lombard Terrace Worcester Ave. Ext.
The following streets were seal-coated with Asphalt and Pea-stone: Bellevue Road Foster Road
Arbutus Road
Lewis Road
Shepard Avenue
Millett Road Ocean View Road Eulow Street Highland Street
King Street Extension
Mostyn Street Rockland Street
Bay View Avenue
Beach Bluff Ave.
Greenwood Ave.
Plummer Avenue
Windsor Avenue MacArthur Circle
Kensington Lane
Cedar Hill Terrace
In 1959 many new street signs were installed, which were soon destroy- ed or removed by vandals. The Board of Public Works, working with the Board of Selectmen voted to discontinue manufacturing new wooden street signs, and to replace damaged street signs with new metal posts and metal signs, which will be purchased from State Prison. These new signs will appear at street corners during 1960.
During 1959, 28,200 sq. yds. of Bituminous Concrete streets were con- structed, another large construction year for the Town of Swampscott.
In conjunction with the reconstruction of the above streets, Forest Av- enue from Walnut Road to Laurel Road was completely constructed with 30 feet of road surface and 10 foot Gravel Shoulders. This area of street is 7600 eq. yds. which will be ready for Bituminous Concrete in 1960. This work was made possible by the cooperation 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 granite corner curbs. The men assigned to the Sewer Division would check all Particular Sewers, then assist by con- structing manholes and catch basins. The Park Division personnel assisted by driving trucks, removing trees, stumps and roots. The Cemetery Division per- sonnel assisted by driving trucks and hauling loam and gravel. The Highway 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 outstanding job of laying out this tremendous program with- out causing delays in the construction progress. They furnished all the engin- eering, laying out, grades and inspection for all the water, sewer, street, side- walk and other projects for the Town of Swampscott.
The Board of Public Works wishes to mention the outstanding job per- formed by the Water Division personnel in repairing the break in the 14" Water Main in Rock Avenue. This job was accomplished expeditiously and ec- onomically under very adverse weather conditions.Personnel from the High- way and Sewer Divisions were also called to assist on this tremendous pro- ject by supplying manpower, equipment and materials to backfill the large hole in the street, and to pave the street.
56
Sargent Road
1959 Annual Report
Another project that should be mentioned is the Swampscott Cemetery Improvement Project. Public Works personnel cleaned out large unsightly areas and transformed them into beautiful planted areas. The citizens of Swampscott should see these beautiful sections which were accomplished by the know-how of our Cemetery and Park Divisions.
A Master Plan for proposed Street Reconstruction is completed. This Plan lists all streets that have been accepted as Public Ways for 10 years or more, with the condition of each street, the length and width, and the square yards of street areas noted.
With this Plan, proposed street reconstruction can be planned so that all Precincts will receive equal consideration, and the program can proceed in accordance with the Town's ability to appropriate monies for street con- struction.
The Board of Public Works submitted application to the Housing & Home Finance Agency for advance funds to complete Phase I for Sewerage and Storm Drainage Facilities for Galloupes and Littles Point areas, as outlined in report from Fay, Spoffard & Thorndike Inc., under date of Jan. 16, 1959.
A Master Plan for improving the Town's Water System has been pre- pared by Fay, Spoffard & Thorndike Inc., Consulting Engineers, of Boston, Mass. This Plan shows the deficiencies in our water distribution system with the phased recommendations for eliminating these deficiencies. If the Town Meeting will approve the Board of Public Work's request for a Bond Issue, the work will start in 1960 and proceed as fast as possible to completion.
The Board of Public Works wishes to extend its 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 Super- visors and Personnel of the Public Works Department for the assistance and cooperation given to the Department in making the fourth year under Public Works a success.
Fire Department
Walter M. Champion, Jr., Chief
During the year the fire department answered 462 calls.
APPARATUS
As a result of the favorable action of our annual town meeting, a new 750 gallon per minute pumper was ordered to replace our Engine 3. Arrival of this new equipment is expected in early 1960. Ladder 1, which is now 14 years old, requires continuous maintenance and I recommend its replacement in the near future. The balance of our apparatus is in good condition.
BUILDINGS
The annual Town Meeting of 1959 authorized the construction of a new central fire station on the site of the Old Town Hall on Burrill Street. The Board of Selectmen appointed a Building Committee consisting of George Burke, chairman, Chester Bond and Dana Chandler. This Committee deserves much credit for their time, knowledge and effort in making a thorough study of the needs and requirements of a new station, the construction and design of such a building, and the careful planning that such a project entails.
Our Phillips Beach Station is in good repair and credit is hereby given to the men assigned to this station for their cooperation and interest in the main- tenance program for this building.
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Town of Swampscott
PERSONNEL
On May 31, 1959 Captain Arnold L. Milberry was retired after 20 years of faithful and efficient service to the town.
On May 1, 1959 Robert E. Donahue was appointed a permanent firefighter and on June 5, 1959 Junior N. Clark was appointed a permanent firefighter.
As a result of Captain Milberry's retirement, Thomas J. Boyce was ap- pointed a Fire Captain on November 6, 1959. Captain Boyce topped the Civil Service list for this promotion.
FIRE PREVENTION
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 tele- phone the Central Fire Station and an inspector will be dispatched to your home.
During the Christmas Season hundreds of Christmas trees were sprayed by this department with fire retarding solution in the interest of fire preven- tion and public safety.
I am very grateful to the Board of Selectmen, to the members of my de- partment, 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.
Department of Veterans' Services
Robert M. Leonard, Director
Office Hours: 9 A.M. to noon Monday through Friday
Telephone LYnn 3-4313 Office LYnn 8-1288 Home
Of great interest to all veterans is the new Veterans Pension Act passed by the 1959 Congress and which takes effect July 1, 1960.
Complete details have not been issued by the Veterans Administration, but World War II and Korean veterans will benefit to a greater degree than at present.
This office will be in a position to help when definite information and forms are available.
The passing of the following Swampscott veterans during 1959 is re- gretted:
WORLD WAR I
William J. Ahearne Thomas E. Ahearne Howard Carter Alson H. Davis Joseph E. Gosselin
Delmar H. McLean Arthur E. Morley Rudolf Rubandt Charles A. Winston Anthony Yasi
WORD WAR II Edmond F. Bemis Carlo Benevento Anthony Cirenza Garrett H. Coan
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1959 Annual Report
Dog Officer
John J. Mattera, Dog Officer
I herewith submit my Annual Report covering the year 1959.
Five hundred seventy-nine dogs licensed and one kennel, making a total of five hundred eighty-three dogs.
Seven hundred fifty 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.
Post Office Committee
Theodore C. Cooke, Chairman
George B. Thomson Vincent P. O'Brien Louis Athanas
Edward K. Hempel Kenneth Ulman Otto W. Friedman
It is with pleasure and pride that the Post Office Committee reports to you that the new postal facility in Swampscott is now open for business. We are sorry that we cannot report the project completely finished, but this will be accomplished in due time if we have a little more patience.
The building was dedicated Saturday, January 30, 1960 with appropriate ceremonies, including an address by Hon. William Bates, representative of the sixth Congressional District. Many people were present to witness the flag raising with music provided by the High School band under the direction of Mr. Donald Hammond.
Credit for the project should be given not only to the Post Office Com- mittee but to Congressman Bates, the Selectmen in office during the existence of this Committee and many others, some of whom are not residents of Swampscott. We are mindful of the many delays and the long period that this Committee has pursued its objective, but a finished product is the important thing and we are close to it. We believe that the people of Swampscott can be justly proud of the latest addition to the civic center. It cost the tax pay- ers only a few hundred dollars and the Town will receive taxes from property that has not contributed to the town funds for many years.
Sealer of Weights and Measures
George A. Holt Sr., Sealer
As I have labeled in other Reports that my Department is a "Protector of the Public Pocketbook," such as the present investigation into New York City butcher shops and other establishments should provide some comfort to
59
Town of Swampscott
the general public that there is such a government agency as the local Weights and Measures Department.
Largely unsung and completely taken for granted, Weights and Measures departments throughout the country have been protecting both the buying public and, yes the honest merchants which we have 9934% here in Swamp- scott, by insuring that buyers get what they pay for and that sellers don't give away their profits through faulty, inaccurate weighing and measuring devices.
Somewhere along the line the buying public and the taxpayer has lost sight of the fact that honesty to a large extent, depends on public awareness and recognition. The "stake" of the average family here in Swampscott in the integrity of this department amounts to several hundred dollars a year. Yet how many of you were aware of this vital service ? Till, of course, you became aware of the present lapses.
This report covers the period from January 1, 1959 to December 31, 1959.
Adjusted
Sealed
Not Sealed
Condemned
Scales
9
351
5
4
Weights
15
170
5
2
Tank Meters
3
96
2
1
TRIAL RE-WEIGHINGS
Tested
Correct
Under 60
Over 380
1480
1040
There were 1584 Inspections and 266 Tests made after Scales and Tanks were sealed. Including all Transient Pedlers coming into the Town.
Some new scales, weights and measures were purchased by several mer- chants throughout the Town, thereby bringing their equipment up to date.
Police Department
Francis P. Wall, Chief AUXILIARY POLICE
The Auxiliary Police under the direction of the Captain, John P. Costin, have been 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
11
Without warrant
31
Summonsed to appear in Court
15
Witness summonses served
12
Warrants served for other Police Departments
2
Summonses to appear in Court served for other Police Departments
231
OFFENCES CHARGED
Breaking, entering and larceny in daytime
1
Breaking, entering and larceny in nighttime
1
Breaking and entering in daytime with intent to commit larceny 1
Breaking and entering in nighttime with intent to commit larceny
1
6.0:
1959 Annual Report
Carrying firearm without permit
1
Drunkenness
23
Larceny
9
Lewdness
1
Non-support
1
Sounding false alarm of fire
4
Stubbornness
2
Trespassing
1
Vagrancy
1
Violation of terms of Probation
1
Wilfully and maliciously breaking glass
2
1958 cases continued to 1959
Drunkenness
2
Failure to stop for Police Officer
1
Operating motor vehicle under influence of liquor
2
Operating motor vehicle without license Using motor vehicle without authority
1
Motor vehicle laws:
Operating motor vehicle without authority
2
Operating motor vehicle without a license
3
Operating motor vehicle without being properly licensed
1
Operating motor vehicle so as to endanger
1
Operating motor vehicle under the influence
4
Using motor vehicle without authority
1
DISPOSITION OF CASES
Defaulted
1
Dismissed
1
Filed
8
Fined
17
Found not guilty
3
Probation
1
Released (Drunkenness, first offence)
11
Sentenced to House of Correction
8
Sentenced to Women's Reformatory
1
Sentenced to Youth Service Board
3
Suspended sentence to House of Correction
5
Cases continued to 1960
3
Case continued to 1961
1
1958 cases continued to 1959 Filed
1
Fined
4
Found not guilty
1
Sentenced to House of Correction
1
MISCELLANEOUS
Accidents:
Automobile accidents reported and investigated
91
Fatalities
0
Accidents involving personal injuries
77
Property damage only
14
Person injuries:
Pedestrians injured
8
Bicyclists
4
Operators and passengers
118
Ambulance Service:
To accidents 32
1
61
Town of Swampscott
To false alarms
32
To fires
46
Person conveyed from home to another home
1
Persons conveyed from Nursing Home to another Nursing Home
5 218
Persons conveyed from Hospital to home
51
Persons conveyed from Hospital to another Hospital
3
Persons conveyed to Nursing Home
6
Persons conveyed from Nursing Home to Hospital
5
Persons conveyed from Hospital to Nursing Home
14
Persons conveyed from Nursing Home to Home
2
Motor Patrol Service:
Assistance given to sick and injured persons
52
Persons conveyed from Doctor's Office to Hospitals
5
Persons conveyed to Doctor's Office
2
Persons conveyed to Hospital
70
Persons conveyed from Hospital to Home
22
Persons conveyed to Nursing Home
4
Persons conveyed from Hospital to Nursing Home
3
Persons conveyed from Nursing Home to Hospital
1
Persons conveyed from Nursing Home to Home
5
Auto Theft
9
Breaking and entering cases investigated
21
Complaints investigated
893
Doors and windows found open
93
Duty calls made by patrolmen from police boxes
50,735
Larceny reports $50 and over investigated
23
Larceny reports under $50 investigated
71
Licenses issued :
Bicycle licenses
197
Pistol permits
39
Lights in vacant buildings investigated
30
Manhole covers reported loose
7
Messages delivered for other Police Departments, etc.
97
Motor Vehicle Moving Violations:
126
Reported to Registrar of Motor Vehicles Warnings
82
Parking Violations:
Motor Vehicles tagged
2,493
Notice of violation of parking rules served
216
Persons reported missing and located
27
Residences temporarily closed and special attention given
366
Sale or transfer of motor vehicle notices filed
290
Sale of second-hand motor vehicle notices filed
76
Street lamps reported out
67
Street and sidewalk defects reported
19
Trees reported down
14
Trench cave-in reported
2
Water leaks reported
7
Windows reported broken and cases investigated
106
Wires reported defective
9
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.
62
Persons conveyed to Hospitals
1959 Annual Report
RECOMMENDATIONS
I recommend that the Town purchase two patrol cars to replace two 1959 Fords.
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, to 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 John A. Massey Martin C. Goldman
Leonard H. Bates, Jr., Chairman Thomas W. Duncan
Austin D. Mosco, Executive Director
The Swampscott Housing Authority is pleased to submit its annual re- port for the year 1959, which represents another milestone in public housing. and it hopes it will be informative as well as constructive to the residents of the Town.
The Authority is a separate corporation from the Town; four members are elected and one member is appointed by the Commonwealth; all for a five-year term. All terms have staggered expiration dates to guarantee a ma- jority of experienced members to carry out the functions of the Authority at all times. All vacancies are filled by vote of a joint meeting between the Au- thority and the Board of Selectmen. The debts of the Authority are not the responsibility of the Town.
Officers are elected annually and consist of Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer. All checks and withdrawals against the accounts of the Authority must be signed by the Chairman or Vice Chairman AND the Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer.
The Executive Director, Counsel and the Insurance Broker are all ap- pointed by the Authority. It also employs a call-maintenance man on an hourly basis.
Veterans Housing Program-Chapter 200-1
In September the Annual Re-examination of family income was com- pleted in accordance with approved procedures. The average monthly rent BEFORE re-examination was $44.62, AFTER re-examination $47.97. The av- erage monthly rentals for the year amounted to $45.78. The minimum average monthly rentals for the year cannot fall below $42.00; a figure established by the State Housing Board in keeping with higher operating costs.
A total of $1876.45 was paid by the Authority to the Town during the year; $1296 representing payment in lieu of taxes and $580.45 for water bills.
During the year the Authority had a turnover of 9 tenants which was the highest change in any one year since the initial occupancy in June 1950. During the year the Authority received a subsidy from the Commonwealth amounting to $10,150 which is the maximum or 21/2% of the $406.000 bond is- sue that can be obtained for debt requirements and operation. The National Shawmut Bank of Boston is the fiscal Agent for the Bond Issue. The Debt Schedule requires that all bonds be retired in 1991 and/or a period of 40 years.
The Contract to clean and service the 36 oil burner units was awarded to Roman J. Caron, Lynn, Massachusetts.
63
1
Town of Swampscott
The following insurance policies are carried by the Authority; Fire, Pub- lic Liability, Moneys and Bond, Workmens Compensation, Non-ownership Auto and Fire and Theft on Office Furniture. All the mentioned policies are award- ed by the State Housing Board on a State-wide basis.
A continuous program of preventative maintenance is being carried out at all times before they become major and expensive to repair. The Author- ity has found that this type of program is most economical in the long run.
The following corrective work and improvements were carried out during the year :- replacing several counter-tops, kitchen floors and also a wire fence in rear of building No. 1 with a chain link fence to separate the project grounds from the abutting private properties; installed a new wooden colon- ial fence in front of buildings No. 3 and 4, and several sub-floors under kit- chen sinks. A program of replacing countertops and floors and installing sub- floors under kitchen sinks will be carried out for the next 4 or 5 years until the 36 units have been completed. All the aforementioned work has and will be charged to the Operating Reserve Account established for such purposes.
The 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 an electric range and refrigerator. Each apartment has its own front, rear and bulkhead doors. The tenant supplies its own fuel and electricity, with the Authority furnishing the servicing of the oil burners and water.
Preference is given to honorable discharged veterans of World War II and the Korean War in the low income group with children. Secondary pref- erence is given to needy Veterans of other Wars. However, there are three additional categories as follows:
1. a single veteran 50 years old or over and widow of a veteran
2. elderly persons over 65 years old
3. non-veterans of the low income group
VETERANS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 200-1
Rents and Income Limits in relation to tenant's family income:
18% with one or less minor dependent
16% with two minor dependents
14% with three minor dependents
$200 deduction from total family income for each minor dependent child in excess of three in number.
Minimum Monthly Rents :-
families with one or less minor dependent $ 30.00
families with two minor dependents
26.50
families with three or more minor dependents
23.50
Admission Limits :--
families with one or less minor dependent $4500.00
families with two minor dependents
4700.00
families with three or more minor dependents 4900.00
Continued Occupancy Limits :-
families with one or less minor dependent $5000.00
families with two minor dependents 5200.00
families with three or more minor dependents 5400.00
The admission and Continued Occupancy Limits were increased during the year to conform with realistic current day values.
BALANCE SHEET - DECEMBER 31, 1959 Veterans Project 200-1 ASSETS $ 5,978.61 20.00
Administration Fund Petty Cash
64
1959 Annual Report
39.00
Debt Service Fund
$ 11,027.50
Investment Debt Service Trust Fund
4,000.00
Investment Administration Fund
22,068.02
State Treasurer's Account
252.00
Debt Service Trust Fund
990.98
38,338.50
Development Costs
$406,000.00
Less: Dev. Cost Liquidation
60,000.00
346,000.00
Total Assets
$ 390,376.11
LIABILITIES
Accrued Insurance
$ 2,164.19
Matured Interest & Principal
11,027.50
Bonds Authorized
$406,000.00
Less: Bonds Retired
60,000.00
346,000.00
Debt Service Reserve
$ 11,017.53
Unamortized Bond Premium
4,990.98
Reserve from Sale of Property
252.00
Operating Reserve
11,322.86
Earned Surplus
3,601.05
31,184.42
Total Liabilities
$ 390,376.11
National Shawmut Bank - U.S. Treasury Notes
due 8/15/63 Rate 21/2%
4.000.00
Beverly Savings Bank - Savings Account Rate 31/2%
5,809.49
Salem 5 cent Savings Bank - Savings Account Rate 31/2 %
16,258.53
Elderly Housing Program Chapter 667-1
The Authority takes great pleasure in announcing that this very worthy program has finally become a reality, and it lists a series of major events in chronological order :-
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