USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1902 > Part 13
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There are a great many streets which should be entirely rebuilt, grades changed, surface drains put in, and gutters paved, and in addition to the usual appropriation, if a large enough sum could be appropriated to thoroughly rebuild a mile or two of our most important streets each year, in time they could be brought into such good condition that a moderate annual outlay would keep them so; but under the present system they are barely holding
229
their own, as the appropriation is not enough for proper mainten- ance, to say nothing about new construction.
The highway appropriation has been expended as wisely and economically as possible. I have given the work my personal attention and have divided it as fairly as possible as to the needs of the respective wards, and in the employment of labor, an honest endeavor has been made to divide it as equally as possible among our citizens. As I before stated, the amount appro- priated was entirely inadequate for the needs of the streets and made impossible permanent up-to-date construction. The most of the work was resurfacing gravel roads, cleaning gutters, repairing fences and general maintenance. This class of work was done all over town and on nearly every street, and I will not attempt in this report to give a detail statement of each job. Care has been taken to first repair the places that would be con- sidered dangerous. More attention has been given to the side- walks than in former years, but there are many now in a dis- graceful condition, and the wants of pedestrians should receive equal attention with the roads. The laying of curb stones should be encouraged, and it is almost impossible to maintain the walks on some streets without them.
Found that the stone crusher was in need of more extensive repairs than my appropriation would allow, so was obliged to use gravel alone. I do not consider it advisable to repair the present crusher, but would purchase a new one, a portable crusher and boiler which could be moved to any part of the town. There are at present bins for storing the stone in two of the wards, and large quantities of stone in the different gravel pits which have been accumulating for years, and with an up-to-date plant could furnish crushed stone as cheaply as we can screen the gravel. The engine and boiler could be used to an advantage at the Town Farm, furnishing power for corn cutter when filling the silo in the fall. This stone, while not equal to trap, would with our traffic, which is not especially heavy, make quite a satisfactory road and great improvement over our present roads. I do not believe in macadamizing every street in town, but on our busiest, most traveled streets it would be economy. There are a great many streets which should be entirely rebuilt, as I have before stated, and the most important subject is that of drainage, particularly in Wards Two and Three, to take care of the surface
230
water, and this can only be done by proper drains. I sincerely hope that an appropriation will be made in the ensuing year for this purpose. It makes no difference what kind of roads you may build, they must all be drained, and until this is done it is impossible to build a permanent road.
In Ward Two, on Broad street, Commercial Square, the section between Madison and Cottage streets needs surface drains badly.
Ward Three needs drains and more catch basins in Washington Square. There could be some changes made in the present basins that would increase their efficiency at a small expense. Taken as a whole the streets are in fair shape, and when the amount of the appropriation is considered, the roads are in as good condition as can be expected.
In the following please find a synopsis of the work in the dif- ferent wards, and some suggested improvements. I have not attempted to give a detailed statement, only touching on the most important jobs, and the improvements which I suggest are those that seem most urgent and which the finances and needs of the public could warrant.
WARD ONE.
The work was distributed over the ward, work being done on every street. Almost all of this work was in the nature of gen- eral repairs which, though necessary, did not make as good a showing as new construction. The shore property is rapidly de- veloping, causing additional attention of new streets, and which will increase from now on. The road machine was used where practicable, and the gutters and drains have received careful at- tention. The principal work was done on the following streets :-
North street, resurfaced with gravel from Thomas' Corner to Robbins' Hill.
Lovell street, resurfaced with gravel and rolled, also portions of Shaw street.
Commercial street, from Middle street over King Oak Hill to North street, resurfaced and rolled, and is now in better condition than it has been for several years.
Middle street, from ward line to Commercial street, has been resurfaced with gravel.
North street has been repaired in sections.
231
Resurfaced sidewalk over King Oak Hill from Ward Two to North street.
Resurfaced section of sidewalk on North street between Pearl street and foot of Robbin's Hill.
Rebuilt sidewalk on Bridge street near residence of Mr. Ber- nard. Would recommend Sea street being resurfaced from Bridge street to North street, Loud's Hill on Commercial street, also re- grade sidewalk on Bridge street near residence of David Ford to conform with grade of state road. Means should also be taken to drain square at junction of North and Sea streets.
WARD TWO.
BROAD STREET .- This is a street that needs constant attention, and was graveled and repaired in different portions from Com- mercial Square to Ward Three line. Relaid paved gutter near Middle street and rebuilt sidewalk from Middle street to Cain avenue on East side, also various other repairs on sidewalks and drains.
Owing to the closing of the Quincy Point Bridge, the South Shore travel has been diverted over this road, and the effects of this increased traffic will demand that this road be resurfaced in the ensuing year. As previously mentioned, the road suffers from the lack of proper drainage.
STATION STREET. - This entire street was gravelled in the early spring and catch basin built near railroad station ; also re- paired sidewalk where needed.
MIDDLE STREET. - Used road machine where it could be worked advantageously, also gravelled it in different sections. Between Hillside avenue and foot of King Oak Hill received a good coat of gravel and was also rolled. Paid considerable at- tention to the sidewalks, and made some decided improvements in this respect, but the best of our walks are none too good, and all should receive more attention in the future.
Enlarged culvert on Raymond street, the old one being too small to take care of water, but if the ditches are maintained properly by land owners, think it will now handle the water. There were many needed improvements to which I could not at- tend, owing to the appropriation.
Lake street is in bad condition, and should be repaired in the
232
coming year. Would also like to see Broad street properly drained from Commercial street to Shaw's corner.
WARD THREE.
This is one of the hardest wards to maintain, owing to its hills. Particular care was taken during the past year to clean all of the drains, culverts and pipe crossings. As yet we have suffered very little damage by water, which is accounted for by the excel- lent condition of our water courses. The highway work was fairly distributed over the different streets. Resurfaced most of the sidewalks in this ward, particularly Front and Broad streets, and numerous other short sections that were unusually bad, and I am sorry to say that there are many now in need of repairs, and hope they will receive more attention in the future. The heaviest work was done on the following streets :
Commercial street, from the railroad station to Tremont street, has perhaps as heavy teaming as any street in town, and was in bad condition. Raised this section about 16 inches, also section east of railroad station to next railroad crossing was resurfaced and road much improved.
Built two catch basins at foot of Webb street, which were badly needed at this point, and they have worked satisfactorily.
WASHINGTON STREET. - Resurfaced hill from Lincoln square to Washington square. Also resurfaced sidewalk on west side and east side of street between Congress street and the Village Cemetery.
BROAD STREET .- Resurfaced sidewalk from Webb street to Ward Two line.
FRONT STREET .- Resurfaced sidewalk from Washington square to Summer street.
SUMMER STREET .- Resurfaced sidewalk from Front street south about one-eigth of a mile.
The grade of Washington street hill should be changed. The railroad tracks are too high for the curb, making bad approaches for the driveways, and give the road a dangerous angle. This would be quite an expensive job, and perhaps not feasible at present. If the paved gutter on this street was relaid it would improve this section, and I would advise that it be done.
Broad street needs resurfacing, and the street railroad tracks make bad conditions, and I hope that some measure will be taken
233
which will compel the railroad to change their tracks, an improve- ment to streets and abutting property owners.
Washington street in front of Village Cemetery and section this side of Main street is rough. This street should be resur- faced.
WARD FOUR.
Generally speaking, this ward is in good condition. Consid- able resurfacing was done on all of the principal streets, the most important being as follows : -
Pleasant street, in different sections from Ward Two line to Park street ; Pine street, from Pleasant to Elm street; Elm street, from Pine street to bridge; Park avenue, from Pleasant street to Main street ; Main street, from Park avenue to Nash's Corner. Used road machine on streets where it could be used to any advantage. Rebuilt part of culvert on Mill street, and it is now in safe condition.
WARD FIVE.
As in the other wards, the work was distributed where most needed and was in the nature of general repairs.
UNION . STREET .- Resurfaced with gravel from Columbian square to residence of W. Baker. This portion of the street is now in good condition.
PARK STREET .- Resurfaced with gravel from Pleasant street past the Fair Grounds to the bridge.
RESURFACED DERBY STREET .- Rebuilt sidewalk on South side of Pleasant street from Columbian square to Railroad Station.
POND STREET .- Resurfaced sidewalk on both sides from Rail- road Station to Burbank estate.
The coming year Pleasant and Pond Streets, between Colum- bian Square and South Weymouth Railroad Station, should be resurfaced. This street has the heaviest traffic of the ward, and is now in bad condition.
FENCES AND RAILINGS.
Built and repaired the rails on the following streets :-
Washington street
910 feet.
Middle street
.
400 feet.
West
.
.
27 feet.
Pleasant street
.
220 feet.
Mill street
240 feet.
234
North street
·
.
.
526 feet.
Main street .
·
290 feet.
Charles street
.
·
.
100 feet.
Raymond street
250 feet.
REMOVAL OF SNOW.
There were a large number of snow storms during the year, the storm of December 13 being the severest of several years. There has also been a great deal of ice that caused considerable ex- pense, for sanding sidewalks, which has been done very thoroughly. I have had sand stored under cover for the pur- pose in the different wards ready for immediate use. Although I realize the necessity of this work for the comfort and security of the public, still the expense is so large that the closely settled districts and dangerous grades are the only places to which we give close attention, and can assure you that it is not the will but the lack of available funds which restrict us. The streets are covered by twenty-nine snow ploughs, making it possible to thoroughly plough out 110 miles of streets in three hours. Have also recently purchased new gutter ploughs for the different wards ; these will make an immense saving over the old method of shovelling them out by hand. There was no special appro- priation this year as there usually is, but must all come from the Highway Appropriation. This is hardly fair, as it is impossible to estimate how much of the Highway money to reserve for this purpose, and for this reason think it should be provided for by a special appropriation as in former years.
At the close, I desire to thank the Board of Selectmen for their kindness and ready co-operation; also the employes for their advice, assistance and zeal in serving the interests of the town.
The following is a schedule of property in charge of this de- partment : -
AT ALMSHOUSE ON ESSEX STREET.
1 steam roller (in good condition).
1 steam roller wheel (extra).
1 Studebaker street sprinkler (in poor condition).
1 Champion road machine.
10 gallons engine oil.
235
¿ 1b. Dixon's graphite.
2 ¿- inch Globe valves.
1 ¿- inch check valve.
2 fusible plugs.
2 gauge glasses.
1 18-inch monkey wrench.
1 18-inch Stilson wrench.
5 lbs. packing steam.
1 shovel.
1 rake.
1 hoe.
1 lantern.
1 6-foot revolving screen for stone crusher (new). Stone crusher and bin on Washington street.
Stone crusher in poor condition.
Bin for crushed stone on East street.
The foremen in the different wards have the following property in their possession : -
WARD ONE.
4 snow ploughs, 1 gutter plough, 5 shovels, 4 lanterns, 7 picks, 1 stone hammer, 4 screens, 5 stone forks.
WARD Two.
7 snow ploughs, 1 gutter plough, 1 road plough, 1 hoe, 2 stone forks, 3 picks, 5 screens (gravel), 2 grub hoes, 1 tree trimmer.
WARD THREE.
5 snow ploughs, 1 gutter plough, 2 gravel screens, 1 paving rammer, 2 stone forks, 2 crow-bars, 1 grub hoe, 3 picks.
WARD FOUR.
5 snow ploughs, 3 gravel screens, 5 picks and handles, 4 lan- terns, 1 crow-bar, 2 stone forks.
WARD FIVE.
5 snow ploughs, 1 gutter plough, 3 gravel screens, 2 post-hole scoops, 3 stone forks, 2 hoes.
IVERS M. LOW, Superintendent of Streets.
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE HIGH SCHOOL SINKING FUND.
The Commissioners of the High School Sinking Fund respect- fully submit the following report :
As will be seen by the report of our Treasurer, on December 31, 1901, the balance to the credit of this fund was $18,881.98, invested as was stated in that report.
During the past year a mortgage for $1,700 has been paid and two bonds of the Weymouth Water Loan purchased at a cost of $2,208.39. There have been no other changes in investments.
At the last annual meeting $5,000 was raised and appropriated to be applied toward the payment at maturity of the High School bonds ; but as yet the Town Treasurer has not been authorized to pay this money into the Sinking Fund, so no addition has been made during the year excepting the interest received on the money already invested, amounting to $684.72, making the total as shown by the Treasurer's report, on December 31, 1902, $19,566.70.
AUGUSTUS J. RICHARDS, HENRY A. NASH, GUSTAVUS M. PRATT, Commissioners of the High School Sinking Fund.
ANNUAL REPORT OF
WATER COMMISSIONERS
OF THE
TOWN OF WEYMOUTH, MASS.
I 902.
WATER COMMISSIONERS.
F. H. MASON, Chairman.
GUSTAVUS M. PRATT, Secretary. JOHN H. STETSON, Treasurer. GEORGE L. NEWTON.
OFFICERS.
IVERS M. Low, Superintendent. CHARLOTTE E. BRIGGS, Clerk. C. B. KLINGEMANN, Engineer at Pumping Station.
Commissioner's and Superintendent's office at Fast Weymouth. All bills made out and presented from this office. Water rents payable April 1 and October 1, in advance.
WATER COMMISSIONERS' REPORT.
The Water Commissioners of the town of Weymouth hereby submit their annual report :
The Board was organized March 8th, 1902, by the choice of F. H. Mason as Chairman, G. M. Pratt as Clerk, and J. H. Stetson, Treasurer.
At a joint meeting of the Water Commissioners and Selectmen, in April, Mr. I. M. Low was elected as Superintendent of Water Works and Streets at a salary of $1600, of which the Water Com- missioners were to pay $700.
In July the books of the Water Department were placed in the hands of the Town Accountant, for which services the Water Commissioners contributed the sum of $215 per year.
Miss C. E. Briggs continues as clerk at the office at a salary of $450 per year.
G. M. Pratt was elected as Registrar and Collector at a salary of $235 per year, he giving a bond to the town in the sum of $5,000.
May 7th, 1902, the resignation of Mr. Sargent as Engineer of the Pumping Station was received and accepted. On July 1st Mr. C. B. Klingemann was employed as Engineer at a salary of $1,000 per year.
During September and October we carried out the instructions of the town on Washington Street for a new main at a cost of $3,- 694.34, from which we are now deriving a revenue of $30 per year. This, you will see, is a very small per cent. on the sum invested, which has always been against the policy of the Board, they wish- ing not less than four per cent., and we think the voters should be very careful about giving instructions of this kind, as the . Board feel if they are given they must be carried out, even if, as in this case, they are against their best judgment.
Since closing the books for the year, the resignation of Mr. Henry A. Nash was received and accepted and the following placed on the records :
" That, in accepting the resignation of Henry A. Nash from the Board of Water Commissioners of the town of Weymouth,
240
we recognize the value of his services to the town in that posi- tion, he having been a member of the Board from the time of the introduction of water into the town in 1884, serving in the capa- city of Clerk of the Board until April, 1902. He at all times gave fully and freely his advice and best services for the interest of the town. We extend to him our sympathy in his sickness and best wishes for a speedy recovery."
In regard to the deficiency account, we find, as per Auditor's report to January 1st, 1902, a deficiency of $7,559.02. Since January 1st there have been water rents paid for which receipts were given, and which was not turned into the treasury, of $383.32, making a total deficiency to that point of $7,942.44. We also have bills to the amount of $720.92 which parties claim are paid, for which they have no receipts, which the Board feel is not true in all cases but is likely to be true in many cases ; there- fore they ask the town to dispose of these accounts and recom- mend that the same be charged off the books and to deficiency account, which, in case you so vote, would make a total defi- ciency of $8,663.26.
They also recommend that as no appropriation is needed, that the whole deficiency account be taken out of our reports and books and that the same be charged to maintenance of works.
An appropriation of $3,000 is asked for the purpose of making such extensions as may be deemed necessary for the ensuing year; also an appropriation from the revenue of the works, to be . applied as follows :
Interest on bonds
$18,520 00
Payment to Sinking Fund
9,260 00
Superintendent's salary
Maintenance of Works .
6,500 00
Pumping Station
Current expenses
Commissioners
1,700 00
Office expenses
$35,980 00
FRANK H. MASON, GUSTAVUS M. PRATT, JOHN H. STETSON, HENRY A. NASH, G. L. NEWTON, Water Commissioners.
REPORT OF THE TOWN ACCOUNTANT.
WEYMOUTH, MASS., January 1, 1903.
To the Board of Water Commissioners :
GENTLEMEN :- I herewith submit the report of the Accounting Department showing the expenditures and receipts on account of the Weymouth Water Works for the year ending December 31, 1902 : -
CONSTRUCTION :
Warren Foundry & Machine Co., supplies
$2,265 38
The Peck Bros. & Co., supplies 1,217 86
The Sumner & Goodwin Co., sup- plies . 587 44
Chadwick-Boston Lead Co., supplies
470 59
Chapman Valve Co., supplies .
327 35
The Oriental Powder Mills, supplies French & Merchant, supplies .
33 17
Everett Loud, supplies
8 55
Perrin, Seamans & Co., supplies
4 08
Walter W. Pratt, supplies
4 69
Bates & Humphrey, supplies
61
S. F. Brown, supplies
75
Alex. Clark & Co., repairs
5 00
Lakeview Park Co.
1 88
Murphy, Leavens & Co.
40
Geo. F. Maynard
5 12
E. S. Wright
: 75
J. F. & W. H. Cushing, coke
5 50
. J. F. & W. H. Cushing, carting
5 50
Peter A. Gallant, carting
55 38
Drew's Express
5 95
H. K. Cushing's Express
1 05
N. Y., N. H. & H. R.R. Co., freight
41 06
C. A. Hamlin, car fares .
8 90
$5,081 61
LABOR ACCOUNT :
Ash, Thomas, 340 hours at 25c.
$85 00
Amounts carried forward
$85 00
$5,081 61
.
20 65
242
Amounts brought forward $ 85 00 $5,081 61
Bresnahan, Timothy, 5062 hours at 25c. . Buckley, Dennis, 100 hours at 25c. 25 00
126 62
Buckley, John, 116 hours at 25c.
29 00
Burke, John, 64 hours at 25c.
16 00
Curran, Edward, 951 hours at 25c.
356 63
Crean, Michael, 737 hours at 25c.
184 26
Crean, Patrick, 865₺ hours at 25c.
216 38
Connor, Eugene, 72 hours at 25c.
18 00
Connor, John, 72 hours at 25c.
18 00
Cunniff, John, 452 hours at 25c.
113 00
Cushing, Seth, 3892 hours at 25c
.97 37
Coakley, Jeremiah, 137 hours at 25c.
34 25
Coyle, Patrick, 37 hours at 25c.
9 25
Coffey, Patrick, 40 hours at 25c.
10 00
Curtin, Charles, 58 hours at 25c.
14 50
Dowd, Edward, 39 hours at 25c.
75
Egan, Martin, 86 hours at 25c.
21 50
Fraher, Thomas, 613 hours at 25c.
153 24
Flannery, James, 275₺ hours at 25c.
93 87
Fraher, Christopher, 51 hours at 25c.
12 75
Furlong, Thomas, 16 hours at 25c. .
4 00
Gough, Benjamin, 356 hours at 25c. Hamlin, C. A., 1,440} hours at 37¿c. Hanley, John, 73 hours at 25c.
18 25
Healey, William, 35 hours at 25c. .
8 75
Keay, Lewis W., 225 hours at 25c.
56 26
Kelley, Michael, 68 hours at 25c.
17 00
Lehan, Cornelius, 1,401} hours at 25c.
350 38
McEnroe, Thomas, 779 hours at 25c.
194 75
McFaun, Thomas, 3412 hours at 25c.
85 37
55 00
Masterson, Joseph, 220 hours at 25c. McAvoy, James, 204 hours at 25c. Maher, David, 942 hours at 25c.
51 00
23 63
Murphy, Michael, 223 hours at 25c.
55 75
Maguire, Frank, 59 hours at 25c.
14 75
Purchase, Fred, 188 hours at 25c.
47 00
Quinn, John, 464 hours at 25c.
116 00
Quinlan, Patrick, 68 hours at 25c.
17 00
Ryan, Michael, 220} hours at 25c.
55 12
Ryan, James, 41 hours at 25c.
10 25
Regan, Martin, 37 hours at 25c.
9 25
Shaw, David, 27 hours at 25c.
6 75
Shaw, Fred, 3252 hours at 25c.
81 37
.
Amounts carried forward . $3,551 21
$5,081 61
89 01
540 20
243
Amounts brought forward . $3,551 21
$5,081 61
Shea, Patrick, 120 hours at 25c. 30 00
Smith, Cornelius, 865 hours at 25c. 216 25
Smith, Thomas, 372 hours at 25c. .
93 13
Smith, Charles, 3312 hours at 25c. 82 87
Smith, John, 252} hours at 25c. 63 13
Smith, Bernard, 57 hours at 25c. 14 25
Tracy, Andrew, 136 hours at 25c. 34 00
Tirrell, William, 176 hours at 25c. .
44 00
Tirrell, Wilbur, 5 hours at 25c. 1 25
White, Cornelins, 302 hours at 25c.
75 50
4,205 59
Total, expended for construction in 1902 $9,287 20
Cr.
By John H. Stetson, Treasurer, cash received for labor and material
2,313 72
Balance
$6,973 48
Balance, construction account from 1901
483,949 70
Cost of work to date, including material on® hand
$490,923 18
MAINTENANCE OF WORKS.
Tirrell & Sons, express wagon
$232 00
A J. Richards & Son, grain
.
79 20
Perrin, Seamans & Co., supplies
60 78
The Waterproof Paint Co.
14 40
Reidy Bros.
76 92
Joseph Poulin
70 80
W. T. Heffernan
28 35
Charles Simmons
45 01
Geo. W. Young, carriage hire
27 00
Baker Hardware Co. .
9 73
W. F. Sanborn & Co.
6 67
D. D. Randall, cedar posts
4 00
Albion Hall, feed-bag
75
Lot Lohnes
50
H. K. Cushing's Express
40
N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R. Co.
25
C. A. Hamlin, car fares
11 75
LABOR ACCOUNT :
Ash, Thomas, 12 hours at 25c. $3 00
Bresnahan, Timothy, 12 hours at 25c. 3 00
Amounts carried forward . $ 6 00
$668 51
$668 51
244
Amounts brought forward . $6 00
$668 51
Crean, Patrick, 134 hours at 25c. 33 50
Crean, Michael, 46 hours at 25c. .
11 50
Cunniff, John, 67 hours at 25c.
16 75
Curran, Edward, 6862 hours at 37¿c.
257 42
Cushing, Seth, 24 hours at 25c.
6 00
Egan, Martin, 11 hours at 25c.
2 75
Flannery, James, 95₴ hours at 25c.
23 88
Fraher, Thomas, 104 hours at 25c.
26 00
Gough, Benj., 8 hours at 25c.
2 00
Hamlin, C. A., 9422 hours at 372c.
353 41
Lehan, Cornelius, 989 hours at 25c.
247 37
McEnroe, Thomas, 63 hours at 25c.
15 75
Purchase, Fred, 16 hours at 25c.
4 00
Regan, Martin, 8 hours at 25c.
·
2 00
Ryan, Michael, 8 hours at 25c.
2 00
Shaw, Fred, 8 hours at 25c.
2 00
Smith, Cornelius, 3972 hours at 25c. .
99 37
Smith, Charles, 66 hours at 25c.
16 50
White, Cornelius, 71 hours at 25c. . 1
17 75
$1,145 95
Total, expended for maintenance in 1902
$1,814 46
Balance, Maintenance account from 1901
23,164 89
Cost of Maintenance to date
$24,979 35
NOTE-The above amount expended for labor was distributed as fol- lows :
Care of gates, gate and sidewalk boxes $302 12
Care of service pipe
.
169 25
Care of mains
.
.
·
71
12
Care of telemeter
: 75 3
Care of meters .
10 73
Care of fountains
66 13
Care of screens
7 00
Care of air-cocks
00
Care of shop and stable
37 00
Shutting off and letting on water Inspecting and flushing hydrants
279 36
Inspecting fixtures
18 00
Placing a pressure gauge in office
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