USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1930 > Part 18
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The co-operation of the builders and owners to standardize construction in general has been gratifying except in the case of Lucy J. Cosgrove, 50 Clarkson Street, Dorchester, where it became necessary for the Town Counsel to conduct criminal proceedings in Quincy Court for violations of the provisions of the building laws when alterations were made on a building at No. 24 Idlewell Boule- vard.
The complaint was made Sept. 6, 1930 on three counts. The defendant appeared in said court Sept. 8, 1930, pleaded guilty and was substantially fined and required to make the buildings con- form to all requirements of the building laws.
The addition to the Bicknell School, Ward 1, and the new Fire Station, Ward 2, were the two major projects constructed by the Town during the year. The construction on these buildings began in March and was completed about Dec. 1, 1930.
Herewith is summary of the records of the Department:
Building permits issued 225
Alteration permits issued 258
Estimated valuation of buildings $468,770.
Estimated valuation of alterations 176,110.
Total valuation $644,880.
Receipts $883.
Elevators inspected and certificates issued 16.
Approximately 73% of the number of permits issued in 1929 were issued in 1930, and the estimated valuation for this year is approximately 54% of the 1929 total.
It is my desire to express my deepest gratitude and thanks to your Honorable Board, to the Chief of Police, the Chief of the Fire Department and the Town Counsel for the assistance and co-opera- tion given the Building Department during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
Inspector of Buildings
T. J. KELLY
200
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEAL
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Board of Appeal during 1930 'has had thirty-three (33) meetings devoted entirely to cases presented for relief from the provision of the Building Laws. The Board has given careful consideration to 103 applications and have rendered decisions for safety of the occupant and protection of adjacent property.
The Town of Weymouth has never adopted zoning laws although several years ago the matter was referred to the Planning Board. When it does so the Board of Appeal under its Building; Laws will, under the provisions of Chapter 133 of the Acts of 1924 and Chapter 116 of the Acts of 1925 automatically become the Board of Appeals under the Zoning Laws. This is a mandatory provision of the statutes over which the Town has no control. In all matters governing zoning, the requirements of Section 27A of Chapter 40 of the General Laws inserted by the statute as above named are quite technical as to procedure, notice and records. Of course, a person aggrieved by the decision of the Board of Appeal on matters of law can apply to the Supreme Judicial Court for certiorari and there have already been one or two threats made by non-residents to apply for certiorari. In view of the fact that when and if the Town adopts zoning laws the Board must follow the procedure laid down in the statutes, and the substance of the pro- cedure is a convenient way of being sure that the positive require- ments of law have been complied with, it is believed that the time has come when the meetings of the Board of Appeal should be more formal and that better provisions should be made for putting its decision in formal shape and preserving them. This will not only be of value to the Town should it ever be necessary to defend the rulings of the Board on petitions for certiorari against the Board by dissatisfied applicants for building permits, but will help to secure a uniformity and continuity of policy in the decisions of the Board. Furthermore, it will enable property owners and build- ers to know in advance by reference to the recorded decisions what probably will and what probably will not be approved by the Board and to make their plans accordingly, an article has accor- dingly been placed in the warrant which provides for the Board adopting rules of procedure until such time, if ever, as the Town may adopt the provisions of the zoning law.
Herewith is summary of the records of the Board.
Applications approved 36
Applications conditionally approved 22
Applications partially approved 2
Applications disapproved 43
Respectfully submitted,
RUSSELL H. WHITING
Secretary of Board
201
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
To the Citizens of Weymouth:
The work of the Planning Board during the past year has been along the same lines as in previous years, and while perhaps the results were not quite so pronounced, we have, nevertheless accom- plished much which will, we trust, materialize in the coming years.
We have received many requests, both by letters and telephone calls, from the different parts of the Town, asking for our assis- tance in developing and carrying forward certain projects that they were particularly interested in, and we have been very glad to lend our aid in any way we can for the welfare of our Town.
We have now received a Service Map of the town which will be of much assistance to us in our work.
We have been in communication with the State Highway Commission relative to the State constructing sidewalks on all State Highways.
Six members of the Board attended the annual State Planning Board Convention at the Hotel Kenmore, Boston, on September 30, 1930. It was very interesting and instructive.
The following were some of the many projects that were con- sidered by our Board:
The installation of traffic lights at Lincoln Square and In- dependence Square and a blinker light at the junction of North, Norton, and East Streets, Weymouth Heights.
That all electric wires be put under ground.
The removal of tracks on Broad Street between Jackson Square and Johnson Square, also the widening of Broad Street.
The cement wall at the corner of Commercial and Madison Streets.
To construct Putnam Street to its full width at and near the corner of Lafayette Avenue.
To lower the grade on Commercial Street just east of Union Avenue.
Beginning at the junction of Commercial Street and Middle Street, to construct a sixty foot street to Central Square and through to Washington Street.
The extension of Academy Avenue.
Straightening and widening of Pleasant Street between Jack- son Square and the Community Garage; also Commercial, Essex, and Forest Streets.
Extension of the Sea Wall on Fore River Avenue.
Enlargement of Bath House at Great Hill.
The multiplicity of gasoline stations.
Parking facilities at Washington Square.
The beginning of Zoning,
Installation of studded signs at each intersection of the Town.
The sidewalks in various parts of the Town.
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We feel this work has been badly neglected and trust that more sidewalks will be built in the near future, and we recommend that they be of permanent construction and with curbing where practical.
That the names of all new streets be submitted to the Select- men for approval, thus saving repetition, as there are many such cases in different localities in town.
We wish to call your attention to our recommendations in last year's report regarding a street connecting Bridge and Lovell Streets, also a street connecting Pond and Randolph Streets, and the taking of land at the corner of Pond and Derby Streets.
We still are of the unanimous opinion that all of these three projects should be seriously considered by every voter of the Town who has the Town's welfare at heart.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK A. PRAY, Chairman RALPH H .HASKINS, Clerk ·
RUSSELL H. WHITING
JOSIAH B. REED ALLAN C. EMERY
THOMAS J. KELLY
ARTHUR I. NEGUS Weymouth Planning Board
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen,
I respectfully submit the annual report of the activities of the Fire Department during the year ending December 31, 1930.
While the department has had a very busy year responding to calls of various nature, the insurance losses have been extremely small. There were a great many dangerous fires, which if allowed to spread, would have caused considerable loss of life and property, and I feel justly proud of the way the men of my department, although handicapped by the shortage of help, overcame these difficult and hazardous situations. I sincerely recommend the ap- pointment of four permanent men to relieve this condition at meal hours and days off.
During the fiscal year we answered to 539 alarms for fires, in- cluding 2 out-of-town calls, and 9 emergency calls, making it nec- essary for 1718 pieces of apparatus to respond.
The following is a resume of each alarm,
Box alarms, 156
Telephone alarms 198
Still alarms 185
Total 539
203
Automobiles
41 Oil heaters
4
Barn
8 Peat Bogs
2
Bonfires
4 School House 2
Bridge
2 Shops
5
Broken Gas Main
2
Sheds
9
Cement Mixer
1
Stores
6
Chimney
29 Trouble on circuit
2
Dump
44 Install Halyards on flagpole 3
Dwellings
62 Pull horse from ditch
2
Electric Transformers
1 Take man from Edison Tower
1
Elec. wires in tree
1 Take man from quick sand
1
False
20 Take man from under auto
2
Garage
2 Take man from water
1
Grass and Woods
278 Take cat from tree
1
Incinerator
2 Baby in convulsions
1
Total 539
ALARMS ANSWERED AND EQUIPMENT USED AT FIRES
Car
Chiefs
Eng 1
Eng 2
Eng 3
Eng 5
Squad "A"
Lad 1
Lad 2
Forest Truck 3
Forest Truck 5
Totals
Alarms answered
539
150
198
101
77
206
56
122
178
91
539
Miles traveled
19,217
332
560
416
247
879
168
400
1310
705
24,234
Out of Town calls
2
1
1
2
Emergency calls
1
7
1
9
Hours pumped at Fires
4
8
29 34
15
563/4
21%" Hose laid
16,600 21,950 18,800 13,050 51,800
6,250 5000 133,450
Booster hose
6,600 8,800
7,800 80'
3,800
27,000
Ladders raised
187'
504' 1578'
2,349
Salvage covers spread
30
5 12
47
Hand Phomene Extinguishers
1
3
3
7
Hand Soda and Acid Exting.
5
S
4
8
25
Pyrene
3
5
3
11
Pump Cans
133
5
7
487
282
914
Chimney Fussees
3
7
2
6
18
Carbon Di-Oxide
2
2
Life net
1
1
Inhalator
1
1
Foam Generator
1
1
204
-
205
ISPECTIONS MADE AND PERMITS ANSWERED
During the year 497 inspections were made with the thought of Fire Prevention in view. Every Factory, garage filling station, and mercantile establishment was inspected, their fire appliances checked, and if needed refilled and made ready to use in case of fire. Suggestions were made, and conditions have been improved and many fire hazards removed.
Permits issued were as follows,
1
Burning of rubbish
93
Bonfires
3
Blasting
4
Display of Fireworks
4
Garage
14
Oil Heaters
213
Removal of tanks
· 4
Sale of Fireworks
27
Storage of Inflamables
Storage of Inflamables used in manufacturing
5
Transporting explosives
2
Total 369
Property protected during fires,
Insurance on buildings
$1,612,750.00
Insurance paid $60,433.35
3.747% los.3.
Insurance on contents 68,700.00
Insurance paid $18,992.98
27.65% loss.
MOTOR APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT
The motor apparatus in service at the present time includes three Seagrave 750 gallon; triple combination pumping engines, one Maxim 1000 gallon, triple combination pumping engine, one six cylinder and one four cylinder Seagrave City Service ladder truck, one White Squad Truck, one Chevrolet Forest Fire Truck, one mod- el "A" Ford Forest Fire Truck, one Chevrolet Fire Alarm Truck and one Hudson Chief's car. All are giving sp'endid service, each piece having been tested and gone over by service men, with the exception of our Squad Truck which at this time has given sixteen years of hard service, and I do not believe that this piece is capa- ble of giving the efficient service needed, as this truck answers all alarms, and expensive repairs are necessary to bring it up to stan- dard.
I recommend the purchase of a new Squad truck equiped with a booster tank to replace this piece in the near future.
Much new equipment has been added during the past year. An Inhalator, which has been used to such good advantage in resus- citation, high powered hand lights, and an up-to-date Baker Cel- lar and Bridge pipe. In the event of electrical fires, two Carbon Di- Oxide extinguishers are ready together with an All Service Gas and
206
Ammonia mask. This equipment has all been tested and the men of the Department feel equal to any emergency which may arise.
There is 7,700 feet of 21/2 inch hose, 1400 feet of chemical and booster hose now in service. 2500 feet of 21/2 inch hose having been purchased and put in service this past year.
I would recommend the purchase of 1000 feet of 21/2 inch hose and 3000 feet of 1 inch hose, in view of the fact that dragging the long lines of 21/2 inch hose into the woods during fires, is a tedious job which requires more men and time than is possible to spare. The greatest loss of hose results from the small holes burnt in the jacket during these fires which destroys it for other fire service.
If this recommendation is accepted it will mean a saving not only in the cost of 'hose, but also in the labor cost of callmen at forest fires.
Thru the cooperation of Supt. Fred Stevens of the Water De- partment, hydrants have been added over the several districts where needed, and as conditions arise more are to be installed. The fire menace at the section known as the "Birches", which previous- ly has been without water service in case of fire, has been greatly lessoned owing to the installation of three drafting hydrants.
STATIONS
I am indebted to the citizens of the Town who have made it possible for my department to enjoy the fine stations recently com- pleted. It is indeed gratifying to have such fine quarters for our equipment.
The new home of Engine 2 at East Weymouth was opened Thursday, December 4, the apparatus and Fire Alarm equipment being installed and tested, and is now open for public inspection. These quarters are equal to any in the State, and the Fire Alarm equipment is of the latest type, and allowance has been made for future expansion.
The quarters of Engine 3 at Weymouth Landing are in fine con- dition.
The quarters of Engine 5 at South Weymouth have been re- paired and painted inside and out, a bath and shower added and living conditions in general greatly improved. The apparatus floor of this station has settled considerable and will need attention soon.
The quarters of Engine 1 at North Weymouth have been im- proved, having had a bath installed and a new sleeping room added. This station will have to be repaired as the floors have settled and the chimney has cracked open leaving it in a dangerous condition. This condition is in need of immediate consideration.
In conclusion, my first annual report, I acknowledge with grate- ful appreciation, the cooperation that the Honorable Board of Selectmen have so generously rendered at all time.
To the officers and members of the Department under my charge, I tender my sincere thanks for your cooperation in carry- ing out the work assigned to you as without this splendid spirit the task of protecting onr citizens life and property would indeed be difficult.
207
To Chief Pratt, Chief of Police his Officers and Patrolmen I extend my thanks for the performance of their duties maintaining traffic conditions, which at such times is a trying situation.
To the heads and members of other Departments, various Com- mittees and to every Citizen who has helped in any way, I also ex- tend my sincere appreciation.
Respectfully, J. RALPH BACON Chief of the Fire Department.
Weymouth, Mass., January 12, 1930
To Chief J. Ralph Bacon,
Chief of Fire Department,
Chief Bacon, :
I wish to submit the annual report of the present and future needs of the Fire Alarm Department.
The number of bell alarıns sent over the Fire Alarm circuit during the past year, are as follows,
Alarms for fires, 328
Response to Out-of-Town calls,
2
False,
20
Lost child, 2
Total 352
The Department has been gratified by the purchase and in- stallation of a complete new receiving and transmitting apparatus of the latest design, which is an honor to the Town.
The various outside wires are in a very good condition, due to the new construction which added to the cost of maintanence.
Three new Fire Alarm boxes have been added to the system, which brings the total to eighty-one. One replacement has been made, and as there are many of the old boxes that are obsolete, being from thirty-five to forty years of age, I would recommend that these be replaced, a few each year, which will relieve a dan- gerous condition.
The whistle and equipment formerly on the old quarters. has been removed and placed in operation on the new quarters.
Number one circuit has been divided to allow new boxes to be added in the north section of the Town.
In closing I wish to extend my thanks to those who have cooperated with me during the past year, and to extend an invit- ation to all who may be interested, to inspect our new quarters and equipment.
Respectfully submitted, C. F. COOLIDGE Supt. of Fire Alarm
208
REPORT OF TREE WARDEN AND MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Wey- mouth.
Gentlemen,
Herein please find my report for the year 1930. I am glad to eport the setting out of more than 100 young Norway Maple Trees this last year most of them on Park Avenue East and West where most of the Trees were destroyed in building the new State Highway. We also transplanted 12 Elms from the Hunt School grounds to Academy Avenue. We have taken down dead or other objectionable Trees in the streets, etc., all over Town. I hope to set out many more Trees this year.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES L. MERRITT Tree Warden
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of Wey- mouth.
Gentlemen,
Herein please find my report for the year 1930. Regarding the gypsy and brown tail moths we find very few of the former and ab- solutely none of the latter. However we have in their stead the Satin . Moth which defoliates our poplars and willows. The Maple Cottoney Scale which exudes that white substance which with the sap drawn from the tree spreads all over your verandas and everything in reach. This seems to be a hard pest to handle as we sprayed last year with an emulsion prescribed by M. A. C. giving it a good dose with little effect. We cut and burned last year a great many truck loads of the fall tent worms but while we covered most of the streets and some infected sections adjacent there are plenty left for seed this year. But what I fear most is the Elm leaf Beetle as we had in plenty last year not only in this town but practically all over the State many Towns being stripped clean. I hope that any person who sees them in the spring will notify me at once. We must have a new big Sprayer this spring as the Only Sprayer (except orchard) in this department is a Sprayer that has been on this job for Eighteen years. You can see that this is all tall work. Come to Town Meeting and help have it done.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES L. MERRITT Moth Superintendent
209
REPORT OF THE TOWN COUNSEL
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I submit my annual report as Town Counsel for the year 1930:
The situation in reference to the Town's legal affairs con- tinues each year to be more favorable. As a result of the methods pursued during the past few years the appropriation for 1930 was less than that for the preceding year and my present estimates for 1931 indicate that the appropriation for this year can be still smaller. The reasons for this are twofold. In the first place, by en- deavoring to keep in touch from the start with such r'own activities as are likely to involve legal questions, I can prevent a situation rising which is likely to involve the Town in litigation, and in the second place, the success the Town has had in its recent litigation discourages unfounded suits. As a result of these two factors, although the Town's legal business is several time what it was twenty years ago, the number of actual trials in court is hardly in excess of what it was at that time.
For this policy to be successful, all Town committees and officials must keep me informed regarding the progress of so much of their work as involves legal questions. Failure to do this in two nstances during the past year came near involving the Town in serious and expensive legal difficulties.
LITIGATION
The Town has continued to be successful in its litigation. In the only two cases tried before a jury during the past year, one, a land damage case, resulted in the price of the land being fixed far below what the Selectmen would have been willing to pay in settlement, had the demands of the landowner been more mod- erate, and in the other, which was brought for the purpose of get- ting back a deposit made with the Water Department as security, the plaintiff did not succeed in getting to the jury, a verdict being ordered in favor of the Town.
The following suits pending against the Town at the date of my last report have been disposed of:
Alfred J. Jewett et al vs. Inhabitants of Weymouth, Norfolk Superior Court No. 20658. This was a petition for the assessment of damages for the land and buildings of the so-called 'Hawk- Island Club' at Great Pond, taken by eminent domain. The case was settled out of court by the payment of $3800 for the property taken.
Lars P. Solsness vs. Inhabitants of Weymouth. This was a pe- tition before the Industrial Accident Board for services rendered to a Town employee. There was a hearing before the Industrial Accident Board on March 25, 1930, and the Board rendered a find- ing that the Town was not liable for the services in question under the Workmen's Compensation Act.
Inhabitants of Weymouth vs. Inhabitants of Easton, Norfolk Superior Court No. 19343 and No. 22009. These were two actions to recover for the support of a person receiving soldier's relief who was claimed to have a settlement in Easton and was settled by a payment to Weymouth of $680.00.
210
Alice P. Jewell vs. Inhabitants of Weymouth. Norfolk Superior Court No. 19934. This was a petition for assessment of damages for the meadow taken opposite the high school by eminent domain, tried before Mr. Justice Hammond and a jury in the Superior Court at Dedham on November 18 to 26, 1930, and the jury returned a verdict assessing the value of the property at $3000 instead of the $20000 claimed by the petitioner. This verdict was $10,500 less than the lowest offer of settlement made by the petitioner, so that the expense of the trial was amply repaid to the Town.
Henry S. Moody, Trustee vs. Inhabitants of Weymouth, Suffolk Superior Court, No. 198254. This was an action to recover a deposit given the Town for the security for the installation of water mains in private ways. This case was tried before Mr. Justice Donahue and a jury and at the close of the evidence the Judge ordered a ver- dict in favor of the Town. The plaintiff has filed exceptions and the case is now on its way to the Supreme Court.
Fannie A. Sternberg. Conservator vs. Inhabitants of Weymouth. Norfolk Superior Court No. 20203. This was a petition to assess dam- ages for the taking of land at Great Pond. A settlement was agreed upon between the petitioner and the Town but by reason of the petitioner being a conservator it was felt desirable for the Town's protection to have a verdict taken and accordingly one was taken in the amount of the damages agreed upon between the petitioner and the Town, namely $2700.
The following cases brought since my last report have been dis- posed of:
Bradford Alexander vs. In'habitants of Weymouth, two peti- tions before the Industrial Accident Board to recover for board and care of Fred W. Baldwin, an employee of the Tree and Gypsy Moth Department, who was injured while on his duties. The Town author- ities felt that inasmuch as Mr. Baldwin was an old and faithful employee of the Town and his being boarded at Mr. Alexander's saved the Town money, as otherwise 'he would have been obliged to remain in the hospital at greatly increased expense, this claim should be paid. The Town, however, could not legally pay such a claim except by order of the Industrial Accident Board and merely stated the facts to the Board.
Louise Luciano vs. Iuhabitants of Weymouth, District Court of East Norfolk, No. 26281. This was an action for an injury receiv- ed by a child by stepping into a hole caused by a washout in Mid- dle Street. The amount asked was very moderate and the Selectmen were very willing to settle it, but by reason of the plaintiff being a minor the form of a suit had to be gone through in order to pro- tect the Town in making the settlement. The case was settled by the payment of $7, plus a $9 doctor's bill.'
Frank Willis Holbrook, Collector of Taxes vs. Emily S. Brown. District Court of East Norfolk. This was a suit brought to collect an excise tax due from the defendant. An attachment by trustee process was made and a satisfactory settlement agreed upon by the defendent, so the case was not entered.
Alan L. Wingate, Trustee vs. Inhabitants of Weymouth, Norfolk Superior Court, No. 22693. This was a petition for the assessment
211
of damages caused by taking a large tract of land on Thicket Street. The case was settled out of court by payment of $5500.
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