USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1961 > Part 6
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This section of Humphrey Street completes the reconstruction of the entire length of Humphrey Street. New drainage was installed, 2200 lineal feet of
63
Town of Swampscott
granite curb and 2200 lineal feet of bituminous concrete curb installed, and one-half mile of roadway constructed with bituminous concrete, and one mile of bituminous concrete sidewalks were constructed on this section of Hum- phrey Street. This also was a rather large project.
Article 7 - 1958 - Construct Drain in Ryan Place
The construction of a drain in Ryan Place became involved because of ledge formation. The entire 20-foot width was drilled, blasted, excavated and back- filled with gravel. This required the removal of existing water and gas mains. A 12-inch reinforced concrete pipe drain was installed with required catch basins and manholes. Then new water and gas mains were installed and the entire width of street was graded and paved with bituminous concrete. This project has eliminated a dangerous ice condition forming on Ryan Place and spreading onto Essex Street, a heavily traveled road.
The following streets were covered with asphaltic oil and sand:
(a) Fairview Avenue Extension
(c) Upland Road
(b) Sherwood Road Extension
(d) Worcester Avenue
The following streets were seal-coated with asphalt and pea stone:
(a) Barnstable Street
(n) Aspen Road
(b) Boynton Street
(o) Atlantic Road
(p) Charles Road
(q) Edgehill Road
(r) Mountwood Road
(s) Outlook Road
(t) Sargent Road
(h) Bradlee Avenue
(u) Essex Terrace
(i) Essex Avenue
(v) Reid Terrace
(j) Plymouth Avenue
(w) Hillcrest Circle
(k) Puritan Avenue
(x) Puritan Park
(1) Rock Avenue
(y) Orient Court
(m) Worcester Avenue
(z) Boulder Way
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 constructing man- holes and catch basins. The Park Division personnel assisted by driving trucks, re- moving trees, stumps and roots. The Cemetery Division personnel assisted by driving trucks and hauling loam and gravel. The Highway Division personnel ac- complished 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 without causing delays in the construction progress. They furnish all the engineering laying out, grades and inspection for all the water, sewer, streets, sidewalks and other projects for the Town of Swampscott.
The Board of Public Works wishes to extend its thanks to the Finance Com- mittee, the Board of Selectmen, the Planning Board, the Board of Health, the Citizens of Swampscott, the Supervisors and Personnel of the Public Works De- partment for the assistance and co-operation given to the Department in making the sixth year under Public Works a success.
64
(c) Hampshire Street
(d) Huron Street
(e) Minerva Street
(f) Superior Street
(g) Bristol Avenue
1961 Annual Report
Fire Department
WALTER M. CHAMPION, JR., Chaief
During the year the fire department answered 530 calls.
BUILDINGS
Our buildings are in good condition. It is a credit to the men of this depart- ment for their cooperation in the maintaining of our buildings in such good condition.
PERSONNEL
On May 1, 1961 Joseph P. Ryan, Jr., was appointed a member of this department.
APPARATUS
Our apparatus is in generally good condition with the exception of Ladder #1. I strongly recommend the replacement of this piece of equipment. An article covering the above recommendation, and the purchase of a new chief's car will be inserted in the 1962 annual town warrant.
FIRE PREVENTION
Men of this department have marked the location of hydrants by painting a yellow band on poles nearest the hydrant. This method enables our department to more readily locate hydrants, especially during the winter months when the hydrants are sometimes buried in snow.
Drilling and training of firefighters in modern firefighting techniques, and in the use of equipment and appliances was carried out during the year. This continucus training program is necessary in order that we maintain a high standard of efficiency.
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 telephone the Central Fire Station and an inspector will be dispatched to your home.
Our practice of spraying Christmas trees with fire retardant solution was. continued and many residents took advantage of this service.
I am very grateful to the Board of Selectmen, to the members of my depart- ment, to members of the Auxiliary Fire Department and to all Town Departments and to all others who have cooperated with the Fire Department during the year.
IN MEMORIAM
On December 5, 1961 this department was saddened by the death of retired Deputy Chief Frank W. Oulton who had served as deputy chief of this department for 11 years and who was a member of this department for forty-six years.
65
Town of Swampscott
Police Department
FRANCIS P. WALL, Chief
PERSONNEL
During the year Captain James W. Doherty retired on pension after twenty- seven years of faithful service.
Reserve Officers Lawrence R. Corcoran and Francis A. Losano were appointed permanent patrolmen from a certified Civil Service list.
Officer Lawrence R. Corcoran attended and graduated from the Massachu- setts State Police School. The training of this officer will prove to be beneficial both to the officer and to the department.
AUXILIARY POLICE
The Auxiliary Police under the direction of Captain John P. Costin has been active during the year in assisting the regular force in many functions. This force is ready for immediate service at any time.
ARRESTS
On Warrant
16
Without warrant
54
Summonsed to appear in Court
24
Witness summonses served
32
Notice to Parents
8
Warrants served for other Police Departments
7
Summonses to appear in Court served for other Police Departments 388
OFFENCES CHARGED
Assault and battery
6
Breaking and entering and larceny in nighttime
6
Disorderly conduct
7
Drunkenness
41
Illegal possession of firearms
1
Indecent assault and battery
2
Indecent exposure
1
Larceny
5
Lewdness
2
Non-support
1
Receiving stolen property
1
Sounding false alarm
1
Trespassing
1
Offences charged in 1960
Drunkenness
1
Leaving scene of accident, property damage
1
Operating under the influence of liquor
1
Motor Vehicle Laws:
Going away without making self known, after causing damage to property
7
Operating after revocation of license
2
Operating after suspension of license
1
Operating under the influence of liquor
15
Operating without license
4
Operating without registration
1
Using motor vehicle without authority
6
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1961 Annual Report
DISPOSITION OF CASES
Committed to Youth Service Board
3
Dismissed
10
Filed
18
Fined
38
Found not guilty
7
Probation
3
Released (Drunkenness, first offence)
10
Sentenced to House of Correction
5
Sentenced to House of Correction, suspended
10
Sentenced to State Prison
1
Appeal cases to be tried in 1962
4
Cases continued to 1962
2
1960 cases disposed of: Filed
1
Fined
2
MISCELLANEOUS
Accidents:
Automobile accidents reported and investigated
111
Fatalities
0
Accidents involving personal injuries
78
Property damage only
32
Personal injuries:
Pedestrians injured
4
Bicyclists
7
Operators and passengers
99
Ambulance Service:
To accidents
10
To false alarms
22
To fires
26
Persons conveyed to Hospitals
220
Persons conveyed from Hospital to Home
57
Persons conveyed from Hospital to another Hospital
7
Persons conveyed from Hospital to Nursing Home
16
Persons conveyed to Nursing Home
4
Persons conveyed from Nursing Home to Hospital
4
Persons conveyed from Nursing Home to another Nursing Home
3
Person conveyed from New Ocean House to Home
1
Person conveyed from Fellowship House to Home
1
Person conveyed from Doctor's Office to Hospital
1
Person conveyed from Home to another Home Motor Patrol Service:
1
Assistance given to sick and injured persons
72
Persons conveyed to Hospital
62
Persons conveyed from Hospital to Home
8
Person conveyed from Hospital to Nursing Home
1
Person conveyed from Nursing Home to Home
1
Persons conveyed to Doctor's Office
4
Person conveyed from Doctor's Office to Hospital
1
Person conveyed from Church to Home
1
Person conveyed to Nursing Home
1
To fire
29
To false alarm
6
Breaking and entering cases investigated
37
Complaints investigated
1155
Doors and windows found open
194
Duty calls made by patrolmen from police boxes
52,438
Larceny reports $50 and over investigated
15
Larceny reports under $50 investigated
103
Auto Theft
15
67
Town of Swampscott
Licenses issued:
Bicycle licenses Pistol permits
300
53
Lights in vacant buildings investigated
40
Manhole covers reported loose
4
Messages delivered for other Police Departments, etc.
162
Motor Vehicle Moving Violations:
145
Reported to Registrar of Motor Vehicles Warnings
32
Parking Violations:
Motor Vehicles tagged
4,141
Notice of violation of parking rules served
662
Persons reported missing and located
40
Residences temporarily closed and special
398
Sale or transfer of motor vehicle notices filed
108
Sale of second-hand motor vehicle notices filed
14
Sewers reported overflowing
2
Street lamps reported out
172
Streets reported flooded
1
Street and sidewalk defects reported
30
Sunday permits issued
3
Trees reported down
16
Trenches reported sunken
3
Water leaks reported
13
Windows reported broken and cases investigated
70
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.
RECOMMENDATION
I recommend that the Town purchase two patrol cars to replace two 1961 Chevrolets.
APPRECIATION
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the Board of Select- men, to the members of my department, to the officers and members of the Auxiliary Police, to the traffic Policewomen, to all Town De- partments and to all others who have co-operated with me during the year.
Contributory Retirement System
EDWARD P. CARROLL, Chairman HAROLD R. AUSTIN I. MURRAY ADAMS, Secretary
1961
1960
Assets
$559,831.64 186
$480,302.82
Active Members
177
Pensioners
29
29
Two Pensioners died during 1961, but there are two new pensioners.
There is available in this office a detailed financial statement and a listing of all investments.
68
1961 Annual Report
Building Inspector
RAYMOND O. DOANE, Building Inspector
DWELLINGS
New
Permits 28
Estimated Cost $412,000.00 75,525.00
Alterations and Additions
29
PRIVATE GARAGES
New
29
50,700.00
Alterations and Additions
2
20,000.00
MISCELLANEOUS
Office and Apartments
1
15,000.00
Restaurant (Alterations)
1
15,000.00
Lubritorium
1
12,000.00
Bomb Shelter
1
4,800.00
Store (Alterations)
5
3,600.00
Laundry (Alterations)
1
1,000.00
Car Port
1
500.00
99
$610,125.00
Building Permits Issued
99
Permits to Shingle
25
124
Number of Inspections (Buildings)
321
Number of Inspections (Shingling)
35
356
Amount of Building Fees Collected
$690.00
Elevator Operators' Licenses Issued
New
2
2.00
Renewals
4
2.00
$694.00
All hotels and elevators have been inspected and returns made to the State.
Building Code Advisory Board
EDWARD WEINSHANKER, Chairman
RAYMOND O. DOANE
DONALD C. GOSS
JOHN DIDIO
JOHN F. MILO
During the past year cases were brought before the Board and notices of the decisions were filed in the office of the Town Clerk.
69
Town of Swampscott
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 132 deaths occurred among Swampscott residents providing a crude death rate of 9.9 per thousand population, a slight decrease from last year's rate of 10.3. The average age at death was 67.5 years, and diseases of the heart and circulatory system continued to lead the causes of death with 81 followed by cancer with 18, prematurity 5, pneumonia 9, accidents 3, suicides 2, and 14 miscellaneous causes.
Births totaled 190 through October with ten of these being premature and one half of the premature infants died shortly after birth. This mortality rate is rather high compared to our five years average of 34.4%.
The following communicable diseases were reported during the year and are compared to the previous three years:
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
1961
1960
1959
1958
Chicken Pox
109
158
52
101
German Measles
7
371
20
187
Hepatities Infections
1
4
3
0
Measles
99*
445
4
132
Mumps
16
43
19
176
Salmonellosis
2
1
2
7
Scarlet Fever including Strep. Throat
51
93
11
Tuberculosis
3
0
2
0
Whooping cough
0
0
1
6
* one case with encephalitis
There was a substantial decrease in the number of diseases reported, and this was largely due to a lower incidence of common childhood diseases. We were pleased to note our 6th consecutive year without a case of polio. Three new cases of tuberculosis were reported however, hospitalization was required in only two cases and the third one was placed on chemotherapy at home. With modern drug therapy the hospitalization of these two cases was substantially reduced and they were able to return home before the end of the year.
In our Tuberculosis Patch testing program 635 persons were tested in Grades 1, 7, and 11. Four children were found to be positive reactors, and subsequent X-rays indicated none of these had active tuberculosis. Chest X-rays and tuberculin tests are the two principal methods of detecting unknown cases, and according to current Public Health Service estimates there are 150,000 known active cases of tuberculosis in the country with possibly an additional 100,000 awaiting discovery.
In 1959 the Federal Government in cooperation with the National Tubercu- losis Association sponsored a conference of the leading professional workers in the field of tuberculosis control at the Arden House in Harriman, New York. This conference was held for the purpose of assessing the problem of Tuberculosis and
70
1961 Annual Report
recommending measures to eliminate the disease as a Public Health problem. Suc- cessive conferences have been held in the State and County levels, and in Essex County the Swampscott Public Health Nurse was chosen as Chairman of our County conference held in June at Danvers. The recommendations of this conference were: 1 - Local Public Health Authorities, and Voluntary Agencies take the initiative in supporting and implementing the plan of the State Health Department to estab- lish a strong system of clinics in the county for the early detection of and follow-up of tubercular patients and 2 - That detected cases receive prompt medical treat- ment in accordance with a procedural guide and recommendations of the Massa- chusetts Department of Public Health and the Massachusetts Thoracic Society.
At the State level, a recent evaluation of the tuberculosis hospital facilities has led to the passage of a bill providing for State Control and the consolidation of these existing Hospitals. Beginning in 1963 Essex County Hospital will be closed to tuberculosis patients and Swampscott residents will be required to use the facilities at Waltham.
In our Immunization programs 270 children in Grades 1, 6, and 11 received booster doses of Diphtheria and Tetanus vaccine, and 518 children received booster doses of polio vaccine.
Our Dental Inspection program continues to show dental defects among our children is a major problem. However, improvements have been noted between May and December examinations in the elementary schools as the number of defect notices decreased from 480 to 435.
At our annual Rabies Clinic 257 dogs were inoculated with rabies vaccine and an additional 54 dogs received private inoculations. Our estimated canine population for this period was 614.
Routine samplings from most of the Town's Bathing Beaches and Swimming Pools indicated these areas were relatively free from sewage pollution. However, a defective building sewer line was found to be discharging sewage into a town drain which empties on one of the beaches. The condition was promptly corrected and it was not necessary to close the beach.
As no funds were appropriated at the Town Meeting to begin the sewerage and drainage project in Little's Point, the Board has been resurveying this area and will have to require each resident whose sewage and drainage facilities are not operating properly to take corrective measures.
Plumbing permits issued this year totaled 436 an increase of 52 over the previous year.
As a result of the Town Meeting's acceptance of the State Gas Code in which the Board of Health was designated to appoint the Plumbing Inspectors to the position of Gas Inspectors, the Board of Health proceeded to implement a Town Gas Fitting inspection program, however, the Lynn Gas Company opposed the program and appealed the action of the Gas Inspector and the Board of Health to the State Regulatory Board for Gas piping. A Hearing on this appeal was held at the State House on November 17, 1961 but no decision was issued by the close
71
Town of Swampscott
of the year, and the program as originally implemented with minor changes has been continued.
The occupation of our Conference Room by the Selective Service Board has continued to hamper this department especially during Board Meetings when con- fidential matters are being discussed while the Nurse is administering Polio Vaccine . or Plumbers are obtaining plumbing permits. We hope this problem will soon be - resolved.
This report is submitted in narrative form in keeping with the Town policy, and more detailed information will be furnished upon request.
Department of Veterans Services
ROBERT M. LEONARD, Director
Office Hours: 10 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., Monday thru Friday Telephone LYnn 3-4313 Office LYnn 8-1288
During 1961 eighteen Swampscott veterans of World War I passed away.
It is hoped that the year 1962 will bring results in the world that will eventually justify and repay the efforts these veterans made in 1917-1918.
WORLD WAR I
John A. Boston, Sr.
Charles Labowitz
Peter Cassidy
Walter E. Mclaughlin
Joseph Clancy
George J. Place
Everett L. Currier
Roger Pope
William E. Donahue
Boardman G. Steadman
J. Harold Gillen
Russell Thayer
Joseph M. Hanifey
Malcolm Thomson
Charles L. Judkins
Stephen M. Torrey
Thomas A. Knowlton
George H. Young
WORLD WAR II
Charles F. White Roy E. Lewis
Joseph H. Hoague Frank C. Hall
Workmen's Compensation
DOUGLAS F. ALLEN, Workmen's Compensation Agent
During 1961, twenty-nine claims under Workmen's Compensation involving employees of the Town were reported. Of these, two employees were disabled more than seven days.
Compensation payments to or on behalf of the employees amounted to $2,676.84, somewhat higher than the previous year.
Cooperation of the employees of the Town continues to be excellent and particular acknowledgment is due the Town Counsel, Town Accountant and the Board of Public Works office personnel.
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1961 Annual Report
Housing Authority
JOHN A. MASSEY, Chairman DAVID F. DOHERTY MARTIN C. GOLDMAN, Vice Chairman
LEONARD H. BATES, JR., Treasurer RICHARD T. MCINTOSH, Asst. Treasurer AUSTIN D. Mosco, Director-Secretary
The Swampscott Housing Authority submits its annual report for the year ending 1961 with hopes that it will be informative to all interested residents.
VETERANS HOUSING PROGRAM - CHAPTER 200-1
In September the Annual Re-examination of family income was completed in accordance with approved procedures. The average rent for the year amounted to $50.00 per month. The minimum average monthly or yearly rentals cannot fall below $42.00, an amount established by the State Housing Board.
During the year the Authority received a subsidy from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts amounting to $8,150 which is less than 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. At any time the Authority with the approval of the State Housing Board, may sell the Project if in their opinion find there is no need for such a program. The proceeds from such a sale is used to pay the balance of Bond Issue due, re- imburse the Commonwealth for the amount advanced by subsidy up to date of sale, and the balance is given to the Town to use as it sees fit.
The Contract to clean and service the 36 oil burner units was awarded Roman J. Caron, Lynn, Massachusetts, the only firm interested in such during the past 5 years.
The following insurance policies are carried by the Authority: Fire, Public Liability, Moneys and Bond, Workmen's Compensation, Non-ownership Auto and Fire and Theft on Office Furniture. All the policies are awarded by and with the approval of the State Housing Board on a state wide basis by invitation of bids.
A continuous program of preventive maintenance is constantly being carried out before they become major and expensive to repair. The following such work was carried out during the year - replaced 6 kitchen floors and 6 kitchen counter- tops. All walks were re-surfaced with asphalt to prolong the life of same.
During the year the Authority inaugurated a cycle of exterior painting where- by 1 or 2 buildings will be painted every year. This program will improve the general appearance of the Project by painting the buildings as needed rather than wait every 4 or 5 years to paint all the buildings.
A total of $2182.50 was paid to the Town during the year ; $1,296 represent- ing payment in lieu of taxes and $886.50 for water bills.
During the latter part of the year the Authority were forced to take the necessary steps to replace the existing 36 oil burner units for the reason that the cost of maintaining and servicing the units has become prohibitive. The present units were manufactured shortly after World War II, have steel boilers and the Company has gone out of business. The Authority is considering the conversion
73
Town of Swampscott
to gas and or re-installing new oil burner units. The final decision will be made in the early part of 1962.
The Project consists of 9 multiple buildings, 4 apartments in each for a total of 36 apartments. There are 20 4-room apartments and 16 5-room apart- ments. 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. The Project was initially occupied in June of 1950.
Preference is given to honorable discharged veterans of World War II and the Korean War in the low income group with children. Secondary preference 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 a 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 dependents
$30.00
families with two minor dependents
26.50
families with three 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
VETERANS 200-1 ADMINISTRATION BALANCE SHEET
December 31, 1961
Administration Fund
$ 3,176,95
Petty Cash
20.00
Tenants Accounts Receivable
144.50
Debt Service Fund
$10,887.50
Investment Debt Service Trust Fund
4,000.00
Investment Administration Fund
31,043.76
State Treasurer's Account
252.00
Debt Service Trust Fund
675.42
46,858.68
Development Costs
$406.000.00
Les : Dev. Costs Liquidation
76,000.00
330,000.00
Total Assets
$380,200.13:
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1961 Annual Report
Accrued Insurance
Matured Interest and Principal
374.77 10,887.50
Bonds Authorized
$406,000.00 76,000.00
330,000.00
Debt Service Reserve
13,465.86
Unamortized Bond Premium
4,675.42
Reserve from Sale of Property
16,860.81
Earned Surplus
3,683.77
38,937.86
Total Liabilities
$380,200.13
National Shawmut Bank -
U.S. Treasury Notes due 8-15-63 214 %
4,000.00
Beverly Savings Bank - Savings Account - 4%
6,265.25
Salem Five Cents Savings Bank -
Savings Account - 4%
24,778.51
Operating Reserve December 31, 1961
$ 17.988.96
Less: - Amounts for Exterior Painting
1.560.15
Plus: - Quarterly accrual
432.00
Operating Reserve - 12-31-61
16,860.81
ELDERLY HOUSING PROGRAM CHAPTER 667-1
The Contract for Financial Assistance with the Commonwealth was amended and increased from $513,000 to $580,000. Third Series notes in the same amount was authorized and issued for a period of one year ending September 1962. All surplus funds were invested 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.
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