USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1960 > Part 7
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10
Spring work consisted of servicing the many athletic fields for spring sports, the construction of two new Little League sized diamonds at the Stan- ley School site, the grading and marking of a new "Pop Warner" sized foot- ball field, including goal posts at Phillips Park and planting 76 new shade trees. The usual clean-up of the Fish House area and the beach was accomplished.
Arbor Day was celebrated with the fine work of the teachers and pupils of the Stanley, Clarke and Machon Schools. Flowering Crabs were planted with fitting exercises at each of the School grounds.
Ten new cases of the Dutch Elm disease were reported. A total of 30 Dutch Elm trees and stumps were removed.
Normal tree maintenance was upset by the appearance of Hurricane "Donna" at five P.M. on September 12th. The streets of the Town were full of torn branches, and over fifty up-rooted or broken trees had to be removed. With the fine cooperation of all Divisions, the debris was burned at a site on Cemetery land. The stumps were ground out with the new Stump Remover and twenty-seven new trees planted.
The spraying crew had an increase in work, due to the Solitary Oak Leaf Miner and the Oak Twig Pruner. Both are difficult to control and a great part of the control lies in burning Oak leaves and twigs in the fall. As we are one of the few Towns of the Commonwealth that attempt to spray all property at no extra charge, it has become necessary that we spray by precincts. This season precincts 1, 3 and 4 were covered as well as distressed areas. It is advisable for the home owner to spray his own garden and foundation plant- ings.
Park improvements for the year were: the finished construction of the hard surface tennis court, the erection of a safety fence at the "little tots" play area, and the erection of high property line fence at Jackson Fark, as well as the repair of the Fish House line fence.
67
Town, of Swampscott
SEWER DIVISION
This division has 4 employees and they are responsible for the mainten- ance and repairs of all Main Sewers. They also clean all brooks and maintain the operation and up-keep of the motorized equipment at the Sewer Pumping Station.
The following work was completed in 1960:
(a) Particular Sewers inspected 36
(b) Main Sewers rodded and inspected 232
(c) Main Sewers cleaned and flushed 210
(d) Sand Catcher pans replaced in manholes
10
(e) Loose manhole covers sealed 22
(f) Sewer lines excavated and repaired
(g) Sewerage pumpings for 1960 18
462,361,000
With the procurement of the sewer rodder machine a preventive main- tenance program has been put into operation and this has kept our main sewer lines free of roots, rags and grease which cause most of the obstructions. This maintenance work has checked many large repair jobs and eliminated costly emergency work. The cost of this machine was saved in the first six months because of the reduction in sewer maintenance costs.
The combined operation of the chlorinator and the Diversion Chamber relieved the pollution in Stacey Brook. The cost of operating the Chlorinator is assumed on a cooperative basis by the Town and the City of Lynn.
To attend the equipment at the pumping station during excessive rain storms, a twenty-four hour surveillance must be maintained and an emergency stand-by operation is put in effect to attend the equipment and control the Diversion Chamber.
The men of this division also assisted in the reconstruction of the various streets, by constructing manholes and catch basins, also in assisting in the building maintenance and repairs of Public Works buildings. This was made possible without interfering with the sewer maintenance by additional help from the Summer Help Program.
WATER DIVISION
For the year ending December 1960 :- 53 service leaks repaired, 27 ser- vices cleaned out, 48 new services installed, 55 services renewed from main to sidewalk, 4 services renewed from sidewalk to meter, 11 services renewed completely, 4 services extended, 3 services abandoned, 3 services thawed out, 11 service boxes dug and renewed, 7 hydrants were repaired, and 2 relocated.
Breaks were repaired in the 10" main and the 6" main in Paradise Road and the 6" main in Monument Avenue.
Meters were read quarterly and all routine work necessary to turn ons and turn offs, installations, repairs, etc., were carried on in the usual manner.
The new Cast Iron cement lined mains installed were: an 8" in the un- completed portions of Bellaire Drive and Morningside Drive and an 8" in the newly constructed Sunset Drive, thus completing the water main installations in the present Sterling Heights Development.
68
1960 Annual Report
An 8" in Parsons Drive; a 6" in the Golden Age Housing Project; an 8" Fire line and a 6" domestic line to the Morton's Stores at Paradise Road; a 4" to the New Fire House on Burrill Street and a 2" Copper Tubing main in Galloupes Terrace.
Hydrants were added to the system; at rear Morton's Stores (1) Morning- side Avenue (1), Bellaire Drive (1), Sunset Drive (1), Summit View Drive
(1), Parsons Drive (1), Eastman Avenue near Brookview Drive (1), Golden Age Housing at Superior Street (1), Dennison Avenue (1).
Progress has been made in the direction of improvements to the system. The tie-in between Charles Road and Shepherd Avenue, has been completed. The 10" connections from Salem Street into Dennison Avenue and from Hum- phrey Street into Dennison Avenue, have been installed and the laying of the pipe between these connections is nearly completed. Also another 10" connec- tion from Humphrey Street into Beach Bluff Avenue has been installed in readiness for laying a 10" main from Humphrey Street through Beach Bluff Avenue to Atlantic Avenue.
The Telemetering device has been purchased and will be installed in 1961. Certain arrangements must be made with the M.D.C. and the Town before this can be accomplished.
Arrangements for an easement from Humphrey Street through Forest Avenue to Laurel Road are in process. As soon as the easement is received construction on this 10" main installation can be started.
The aforementioned improvements have been and will be accomplished under the $300,000.00 Bond Issue Voted by the Town.
All hydrants were flushed in the spring and inspected and winterized in the late fall, and all departments were notified to report the use of any hy- drant during the winter months.
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.
With the cooperation of several Public Works employees, the (2) stalls which had been occupied by the Swampscott Auxiliary Fire Department were completely reconstructed for the temporary Public Works Garage, returning the space previously occupied to the Tree Crew of the Park Division. New overhead doors, new walls, new windows were installed and roof re-shingled.
SUMMARY OF MAJOR PUBLIC WORKS ACCOMPLISHMENTS
In accordance with the vote of the Annual Town Meeting of March 29, 1960 the following Public Works Projects were completed:
Article 13-1960-Continuous Sidewalk Program Longley Avenue Nantucket Avenue
Bellevue Road
Article 40-1960-Sidewalk Replacement Program Forest Avenue Clarke Road Cherry Street Puritan Road
Bay View Drive Buena Vista Street Hillside Avenue Mudge Street
69
Town of Swampscott
Article 38-1960-Construct new section of Cemetery
This project was partially completed, the area in the rear of Section C was filled, graded and covered with loam and seeded, this area represents approximately 300 graves. It is contemplated to finish the entire available area in 1961.
Article 39-1960-New Public Works Equipment
(2) 1960-Ford Dump Trucks replaced 1956 Trucks.
(2) 1960-Station Wagons replaced (1) 1955 Station Wagons
(2) 1960-Locke Power Mowers replaced (2) 1948 Station Wagons.
(1) 1960-1 Ton Sidewalk Roller.
(1) 1960-Traffic Line Marker replacing old Marker.
Article 41-1960-Reconstruct Forest Avenue-(Walnut Rd .- Laurel Rd.)
Article 42-1960-Reconstruct Aspen Road
Article 54-1959-Reconstruct Bay View Drive-(Crest Rd .- Millett Rd.)
Article 59-1959-Reconstruct Nantucket Avenue
Chapter 718-1959-Reconstruct Puritan Road-(Orient Ct. Ext .- Robin Lane)
In conjunction with the reconstruction of the above named streets, new water services were constructed where necessary, granite and bituminous curbings were installed, all main sewers and particulars were checked. Trees were planted in the grass plots between paved sidewalk and curb.
In 1960, 22,600 sq. yds. of Bituminous concrete streets were constructed. Numerous hardships were encountered this year, i.e. Retaining wall at Puri- tan Road which required a Portland Cement Concrete backfill to hold wall in place, underground public utilities in the wrong location which had to be removed, all of these problems delayed the completion of the projects.
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 Div- ision personnel did an outstanding job of 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.
In July as in the previous year a major water main break occurred in the 10" main in Paradise Rd. and at the same time a break occurred in the 6" main on Monument Avenue. The Board of Public Works wishes to mention the outstanding job performed by the Water Division personnel, assisted by High- way and Sewer Division personnel, in making necessary repairs to the mains and with backfilling the trench and paving the streets.
As per Article 45-1959-The Board of Public Works have received the final plans and specifications for phase I for sanitary and storm facilities for Little's Point and Galloupes Point areas. These areas, which have inadequate sewerage and drainage facilities, are faced with a Health and Drainage prob-
70
1960 Annual Report
lem. To promote better conditions in these areas for the benefit of the entire town it is necessary to construct adequate sanitary and storm sewers.
The Board now have the necessary plans to correct the conditions in these areas and an article will be introduced in the 1961 Town Meeting sponsored by the Board of Public Works and Board of Health for funds to proceed with the construction.
The Board of Public Works wishes to extend its thanks to the Finance Committee, the Board of Selectmen, the Planning Board, the Board of Health, the Citizens of Swampscott, the Supervisors and Personnel of the Public Works Department for the assistance and cooperation given to the Department in making the fifth year under Public Works a success.
Sealer of Weights and Measures
George A. Holt, Sr., Sealer
As I have labeled in my other Reports that my Department is a "Pro- tector of the Public Pocketbook". Ever consider what a muddle the world would be in if we. didn't have such prosaic regulators as standard units of weights and measures? Without such units, our complex way of life would quickly be plunged into chaos. When the housewife buys a pound of meat or the motorist a gallon of gasoline, they depend upon the accuracy of such mea- surements. Hundreds of such transactions obviously requiring accurate weigh- ings, tests and measurements are carried on in the Town of Swampscott throughout every year by your Sealer.
Somewhere along the line the buying public and the taxpayer has lost sight of the fact 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 thousand dollars each year. Yet how many of you were aware of this vital service that is performed for YOU by this Department.
This report covers from January 1, 1960 to December 31, 1960 inclusive.
Adjusted Sealed Not Sealed
Condemned
Scales
9
356
6
2
Weights and Measures
10
176
7
5
Gasoline and Tank Meters
5
102
1
0
Miscellaneous
1
4
0
0
TRIAL RE-WEIGHINGS
Tested
Over
1434
Correct 1084
Under 38
312
There were 1624 Inspections and 304 Tests made after Scales, Measures and Tanks were sealed, including all Transient Pedlars coming into the Town. Scales, like other pieces of machinery, can make mistakes when they are worn out, have been abused, or are used by unskilled persons. Some new Scales and Gasoline Tanks were purchased by local merchants.
71
Town of Swampscott
Housing Authority
David F. Doherty, Chairman John A. Massey Martin C. Goldman
Leonard H. Bates, Jr. Richard T. McIntosh Austin D. Mosco, Executive Director
The Swampscott Housing Authority is enclosing its annual report for the year ending 1960 with the hopes that it will be of interest to all the residents. Mr. Thomas W. Duncan, a member of the Authority and other town agen- cies, passed away on April 6, 1960. His services as a public servant, clean minded, honest with sincerity and a gentleman will be sorely missed. All those who knew him are richer by his services, labors, friendship and capabilities.
At a joint election between the Authority and Board of Selectmen held on September 15, 1960, Mr. Richard T. McIntosh was appointed to fill the Duncan vacancy until the 1961 Annual Town Election. The Authority is very fortunate to have a man of Mr. McIntosh's calibre serving and his construction and building experience will be invaluable.
Veterans Housing Program - Chapter 200-1
In September the Annual Re-examination of family income was completed in accordance with approved procedures. The average monthly rent before re-examination was $46.89, after re-examination $49.30. The minimum aver- age monthly rentals for the year cannot fall below $42.00, an amount estab- lished by the State Housing Board.
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 issue that can be obtained for debt requirements and operation. 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.
The following insurance policies are carried by the Authority: Fire, Public Liability, Moneys and Bond, Workmens Compensation, Non-ownership Auto and Fire and Theft on Office Furniture. All the mentioned policies are awarded by the State Housing Board on a state-wide basis.
A continuous program of preventative maintenance is being constantly carried out before they become major and expensive to repair. The following corrective work and improvements were carried out during the year-replaced 6 kitchen floors-replaced 6 kitchen counter-tops-installed 36 ornamental iron railings on the rear steps of each apartment-installed screens on all cellar windows-secured electric kitchen ranges to floor as a safety measure ·to prevent tilting of same by the children.
A total of $2,129.45 was paid by the Authority to the Town during the year; $1,296 representing payment in lieu of taxes and $833.45 for water bills.
The project consists of 9 multiple buildings, 4 apartments in each for a total of 36 apartments. There are 20 - 4 room units and 16 - 5 room units. There are 36 individual cellars and heating units. Each apartment is equipped with an electric range and refrigerator. The tenant supplies its own fuel and electricity, with the Authority furnishing oil burner service 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 prefer-
72
1960 Annual Report
ence 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 dependents
$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 dependents
$5000.00
families with two minor dependents
5200.00
families with three or more minor dependents
5400.00
Hurricane Donna of September 12 caused minimum damage to the roofs of all buildings at a net estimated cost of $300.00.
BALANCE SHEET - DECEMBER 31, 1960 200-1 ASSETS
Administration Fund
$ 2,275.08
Petty Cash
20.00
Tenants Accounts Receivable
64.00
Debt Service Fund
$10,957.50
Investment Debt Service Trust Fund
4,000.00
Investment Administration Fund
29,885.31
State Treasurer's Account
252.00
Debt Service Trust Fund
833.20
Prepaid Insurance
695.99
46,224.00
Development Costs
$406,000 60,000
346,000.00
Less: Dev. Cost Liquidation
Total Assets
394,983.08
73
Town, of Swampscott
LIABILITIES
Matured Interest & Principal
10,957.50
Bonds Authorized
$406,000
Less: Bonds Retired
60,000
346,000.00
Debt Service Reserve
12,241.70
Unamortized Bond Premium
4,833.20
Reserve from Sale of Property
252.00
Operating Reserve
17,004.82
Earned Surplus
3,693.86
38,025.58
Total Liabilities
$394,983.08
Elderly Housing Program Chapter 667-1
After five (5) years of effort the Authority finally realized the start of the construction of a 40 unit Project with an office building, and is listing below the major events that took place during the year :-
On January 26 general bids were publicly opened. Messina Builders, Inc., Brockton, Mass., was low bidder in the amount of $415,194.00.
On February 9, 1960 it was voted to reject all general bids due to a viola- tion of bidding procedures for the best interest of the Authority.
On April 5 general bids were opened for the second time and Messina Builders was again the lowest bidder in the amount of $417,082. The contract was awarded to the Messina firm.
The Contract for Financial Assistance was amended and increased from $440,000 to $513,000.
Raymond O. Doane, builder and Building Inspector of the Town of Swamp- scott was appointed Clerk of the Works. It is Mr. Doane's function to protect the interest of the Authority while the development is under construction.
Architect, John J. Mahoney passed away on May 1, 1960. His sudden passing was a shock to all who knew him. This created a problem and Nich- olas Lento, Architect, associated with Whitney, Atwood Norcross of Boston was appointed to supervise the construction of development from Plans de- signed by the late Mr. Mahoney.
Second Series Notes in the amount of $513,000 was authorized and issued for a period of one year ending September 1961. All surplus funds were in- vested in short term U. S. Treasury Notes. After project is completed the Authority will go into permanent financing over a 40 year period for a sum that will equal the Development Cost.
A proceed order was issued to Messina Builders to commence work on June 6, 1960.
At the start the Authority had plans that the development would be ready for occupancy by the end of this year. However, due to the death of Mr. Mahoney, readvertising for bids and storm of December 12 the completion date was extended. It appears at this time that the move-in date will be in April 1961.
74
1960 Annual Report
The contract for furnishing 40 electric refrigerators was awarded to the Westinghouse Electric Corp. under a Public Housing Administration Contract.
The Contract for furnishing 40 gas ranges was awarded to the Lynn Gas Company, the only bidder.
Following are some of the main features of the Golden Age Development under construction :-
1. Access road to project from Superior Street with turn-around at end of street.
2. Emergency vehicle path to buildings which will not reach across road.
3. Parking for 16 cars.
4. Asphalt paved walks, drying yards and recreational areas.
5. Provisions for new planting and foliage as well as grass area.
6. Each building shall include individual boiler rooms with gas boilers and hot water heaters, fireproof stairhalls, wood-frame construction with brick veneer walls; complete fire detection, emergency lighting and call systems.
7. Each living unit shall include 525 square feet of floor space, separate living room, bedroom with closet, kitchen and bath; living and bedroom shall have oak strip hardwood flooring; kitchen and bathrooms shall have vinyl asbestos tile flooring, bathroom walls shall be of cement plaster and ceramic tile, master television antenna system outlet, fire detectors in bedroom, living room and kitchen, automatic door release which unlocks front door when unit emergency call devices are tipped, modern kitchens shall be equipped with double sink, gas range, electric refrigerator, and range hood and fan units; bathrooms shall be furnished with linen closet, lavatory, tub and shower.
8. There will be six buildings in all; four six-unit buildings with two units over four; one eight-unit building for four units over four; and one eight-unit building with four units over four. The Office will be located at one end of the first floor.
THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ELDERLY HOUSING PROGRAM ARE as follows :-
1. A person must be 65 years of age or over (single individuals living alone or couples are eligible.)
2. A person must be a citizen of the Untied States (except an alien who has served in the armed forces of the United States and who has been honor- ably discharged and provided application has been made for citizenship and aliens eligible to receive Old Age Assistance.)
3. A person must be of low income. In general the annual income of a single individual not to exceed $2500 and the annual income of a couple not to exceed $3000.
4. A person must be in need of good housing. Dwellings for two persons may be occupied by the following combinations :-
a. married couple
b. two men or two women
c. a brother and sister
d. in some instances an elderly tenant (65 years or over) and a non-
75
Town of Swampscott
elderly person provided that person is necessary for the physical well being of the elderly person in the low income group.
Average rent and including heat and utilities $54.00 per month depending on final construction costs.
In conclusion the Authority would like to extend its appreciation to all town departments, State Housing Board officials and the Swampscott Garden Club for their assistance during the year.
BALANCE SHEET - DECEMBER 31, 1960 667-1
ASSETS
Development Fund
$ 79,072.48
Investments
150,000.00
Development Costs
(2,761.82)
Incompleted Contracts
417,082.00
Total Assets
$643,392.66
LIABILITIES
Contract Retention
29,366.36
Notes Authorized
513,000.00
Accrued Interest on Notes
2,578.40
Contract Awards
417,082.00
Less Expenses :--
Payroll Executive
$ 1,300.00
Legal Service & Expense
1,732.00
Travel Expense
40.60
Office Expense
61.60
Advertising
204.83
Fiscal & Other Fees
405.80
Bond Counsel Opinion
199.36
Fees Under Contract
11,700.00
Boring & Test Pits
165.00
Inspection Salary & Services
3,375.00
Land Purchase Price
1,950.00
Accrued Taxes Remitted
84.70
Surveys & Maps
179.00
Appraisal Fees
200.00
Title Examination
200.00
Recording Fees
16.60
Structures & Equipment
293,663.60
Contingencies
3,341.07
Income Tax Withholding
185.06
(318,634.10)
Total Liabilities
$643,392.66
76
1960 Annual Report
Board of Health
E. Wallace Donald, Chairman Robert H. Bessom, M.D. Edward L. Cashman, Jr., M.D. John E. LaPlante, Health Officer
This year Swampscott deaths totaled 149 providing a crude death rate of 10.3 per thousand population. The average age of the death was 67.3 years an increase of 2 years over 1959 and approximately 8 months more than the five year average. Our leading cause of death continues to be diseases of the Heart and Circulatory system which accounted for 82 deaths followed by 21 from Cancer, and 11 fiom Preumonias.
Birth reports received through November totaled 89 a substantial drop from last year however, this figure will probably be much larger when de- layed reports arrive from surrounding communities. Ten of these births were premature with 2 deaths among the group.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.