USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1947 > Part 8
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J. HERBERT LIBBEY, Clerk
76
In Memoriam
CHIEF TIMOTHY G. MCCARTHY
Appointed to this department April 7, 1924
Died June 20, 1947
77
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REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
January 5, 1948
The Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town Hall East Weymouth, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I respectfully submit the annual report of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1947.
This year has been the busiest in the history of the department. There were one hundred sixty-six bell alarms sounded for fires involving build- ings. Fourteen false alarms were sounded, making a total of one hundred eighty bell alarms, seven hundred and fifty-seven still alarms were re- sponded to, making a total of nine hundred and thirty-seven alarms for the year. Many of these fires are the result of carelessness. It is felt that a program of building inspection, soon to be put into operation, will remove many of the causes leading to such fires.
The department has been in a very unsettled state due to the death of our late chief. Many of the key positions have been filled by tem- porary appointments.
Civil Service examinations have been held during the past year for all grades and as a result, the department should shortly be back on a permanent basis. This will enable the adoption of a definite policy of operation.
The Seventy-Hour System, which was accepted at the Annual Town Meeting, was put into operation in October. This has resulted in de- creasing the working period from eighty-four to seventy hours per week. The appreciation of the men is reflected in their work.
A new Squad Truck was received during the year to replace a Squad Truck which has been in service for eighteen years. This far-sighted plan of replacing one outmoded piece of apparatus each year will shortly pro- vide the Town with the most modern fire equipment obtainable.
The stations are in need of repairs and repainting. It is planned to do the most necessary work this coming year. Then it may be possible to plan to do one station each year.
I wish to thank all those who assisted the department in any way during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, WALTER R. MURRAY, Acting Chief of Fire Dept.
There were 180 Bell Alarms and 757 Still Alarms for a total of 937 Alarms.
Dwellings
50 Water Tank Leaks
8
Garages
7 Oil Tank Leaks
2
Gas Station and Store
1 Heater Trouble
3
Machine Shop
1 Acetylene Hose Burst
1
Restaurant
1 Supply Emergency Lights
1
Factory
1 Install Halyard
1
Sheds
3 Electric Ironer
1
Barns
3 Short Circuit in Wiring
2
Henhouses
5 Tar Barrels
1
Store
1 Sulpher Pile
1
WoolenMill
1 Illuminating Gas Leaks
6
Grandstand
1 Rescue of Persons
4
78
Sandhopper
1 Rescue of Animals
6
Boat
1 Mutual Aid
14
Tent
1 Persons Locked Out 10
Storehouse and Playhouse
1 Washing Streets off Inflammables 7
Chimneys
25 False Alarms 14
Oil Burners
57 Baled Rags
1
Baled Wool in Freight Car
1 Piled Shavings
1
Automobiles
49
Baled Paper
1
Auto Accidents
7 Grass Fires
377
Bus
1 Woods Fires 103
Truck
1 Brush Fires 23
Gas Trucks
2 Rubbish Fires
9
Town Plow
1 Dump Fires
29
Tractor
1 Incinerators
7
Deisel Engines
2 Leaves Burning
10
Resuscitator Cases
13 Bon Fires
4
Investigations of Possible Fire
8 Trees
4
Needless
18 Wood Pile
1
Sprinkler Alarms
3
Lumber Piles
4
Refrigerator Leaks
4 Electric Motors
9
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARMS
January 2, 1948
Acting Chief Walter R. Murray,
Weymouth Fire Department
Dear Sir:
I respectfully submit my report of the Fire Alarm System for the year ending December 31, 1947.
Alarm for Fires 180
General Alarm
1
Out of Town calls 4
Calling back off shift (7 hours) 1
Chief's call (3 blows)
1
Supt's call (4 blows)
2
False Alarms
14
No school signal 2
The outside wire is in good condition, a part of which is replaced each year.
Two Fire Alarm Boxes have been added to the system at new locations. In conclusion, I wish to extend my sincere thanks to all for the ser- vices and co-operation rendered at all times.
Respectfully submitted, EDRIC J. SALISBURY, Superintendent of Fire Alarms
REPORT OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE WEYMOUTH PORT DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE FOR THE YEAR 1947 December 30, 1947
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Weymouth, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
On the 12th of June, 1947, representatives of the State Board of Health visited the Town for the purpose of investigating polution in our tidal
79
waters. Samples of oil were taken from a point at the foot of Saunders: Street for analysis and from other points along the shore.
The Back River section of the Town was also visited where a polution condition was reported to exist. It is the opinion of the Committee that steps should be taken to eventually eliminate all polution, but this will require the cooperation of all industry together with the Metropolitan District Sewer Commission. It is our belief that oil polution has not been so bad this year as previously.
Your Committee has been in contact with the Boston Port Authority and at a conference held at their office on December 30th we were assured of their complete cooperation in a project to remove the barge hulks on the Idlewell shore of the Monatiquot River. A complete report on this project will be advanced in about two months. Delay of this project has been due to lack of factual information.
Your Committee has several other projects in mind, including inves- tigating the advisability of establishing a Public Landing in the Town at some future date.
We wish to thank all members of the Committee who have assisted us this year, and the Harbor master, who has been very co-operative.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD L. RAND, Chairman
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
January 14, 1948
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Weymouth, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit the annual report of the services rendered by the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1947.
Causes of Arrest
Crimes against the person
106
Crimes against property
43
Crimes against public order 590
739
Miscellaneous Report
Complaints investigated
778
Doors and buildings found open and secured
1,044
Street lights out
315
Wagon calls
112
Ambulance calls
99
Messages delivered
99
Animals killed
19
Fires reported
3
Defective streets
21
Missing persons located
10
Property recovered
$5,468.00
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD F. BUTLER, Chief of Police-
80
REPORT OF THE SHELL FISH CONSTABLE
December 31, 1947
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I respectfully submit my report as Shell Fish Constable for the year 1947.
The shores of Weymouth are open to Commercial Clam Diggers only. Weymouth residents may secure a permit to dig clams for bait pur- poses only.
. The number of investigations made for the Shell Fish Conservation Department were as follows:
With Coastal Warden 2 With Deputy Warden 2 Complaints investigated personally 4
Respectfully submitted, CECIL J. EVANS, Shell Fish Constable
REPORT OF THE WIRING INSPECTOR
January 2, 1948
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Weymouth Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my first annual report for the period beginning August 1, 1947 and ending December 31, 1947.
During this period 612 permits were issued. Total receipts for permits $662.75
I wish to extend my thanks and appreciation to your Board and other town officials for all the cooperation and courtesies extended to me during the year.
Respectfully submitted, JOSEPH W. ROSS, Wiring Inspector
REPORT OF THE PLUMBING INSPECTOR
Board of Health Town of Weymouth
I herewith submit my report for the year ended December 31, 1947.
During the year there have been issued 834 permits for Plumbing. Received for Plumbing permits $2,283.00.
During the year there have been issued 169 permits for Cesspools and Septic tanks.
Received for Cesspools and Septic tanks $169.00.
There was a total of 2,283 fixtures installed in new and old buildings. New 218 - Old 616.
Estimated Value $208,734.00.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE MARSHALL, Plumbing Inspector
81
REPORT OF THE HARBOR MASTER
December 31, 1947
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I respectfully submit my report as Harbor Master for the year 1947.
Beginning May 15, and continuing through November 15, 1947 at least 3/4 of Weymouth's 121/2 mile waterfront was patrolled daily so that no section went without an inspection more than one day. This also included a complete circling of Grape Island at least every other day. A total of 1900 miles was covered by this patrol.
The following is a summary of the services performed and assistances rendered during the year.
Lost boats recovered 27
Persons assisted 10
Sail and small power boats, 15 ft. to 45 ft. towed and assisted 25
Yachts from 45 ft. to 70 ft. towed 5
Draggers assisted
1
Investigations
22
Small races convoyed
Interclub races convoyed
24 1
If a few additional items could be added to the Harbor Master's equipment such as a small water pump for fire purposes and a Lux Fire Extinguisher System it would be possible to render even greater service to the Town of Weymouth during the year 1948.
Respectfully submitted,
CECIL J. EVANS, Harbor Master
REPORT OF ELECTRIC LIGHTING COMMITTEE
December 31, 1947
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
In 1945 we reported to your Board the death of our Chairman, Mr. Joseph Kelley. Mr. Walter R. Field was elected as his sucessor and this year we are indeed sorry to notify you of his passing. Mr. Field had been a conscientious and valued member of this committee since 1935. We deeply regret his death and wish to extend our sympathy to his family.
This is the first year since 1941 that we have been able to install most of the necessary new street lights. We have placed about 70 new lamps which takes care of most of the waiting locations.
Lack of about fifteen porcelain heads prevented us from completing our schedule on King Ave. Extension, Apple Tree Lane, Raleigh Road, and Revere Road.
Long extensions are needed in Green Street and Thicket Street.
For 1948 - $40,000. will be needed to maintain our existing lights and we are asking for $900. additional for six months service on 100 new 100 candle power lights.
Respectfully submitted,
OLINDO GARAFALO, Chairman ALFRED S. TIRRELL ROGER P. LOUD J. HERBERT LIBBEY, Clerk
82
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
December 29, 1947
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Weymouth Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my annual report for the year ending December 31, 1947.
During the past year the following examinations were made on the children in the two Parochial Schools:
Total number of examinations made on children 4,076
This includes
number of eyes examined 1,197
number of heads examined 1,403
number of ears examined 796
number of physicals
472
number of miscellaneous examinations 140
First aid given to 42 children
Number of telephone calls made to parents
80
Number of children taken to Doctor
12
Number of children taken home sick
36
Number of notices sent to parents on :
teeth 72
eyes
126
ears
68
pediculosis
112
physicals
49
Number of house visits made to parents 47
I wish to extend my thanks and appreciation to the members of the Board of Health for all the cooperation and courtesies extended to me during the past year.
Very truly yours, HELEN D. KELLY. R.N., Health Nurse Secretary to Board of Health
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
December 31, 1947
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report for the year 1947. The sealing fees amounted to $295.86.
My general work for the year is as follows:
Tested and Sealed 1457 Weighing and Measuring Devices
Not sealed 85 Weighing and Measuring Devices Condemned 5 Weighing and Measuring Devices
Trial Weighings and Measurements of commodities sold or put for sale and summary of inspections after sealing 1304 articles and devices.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES W. BURGESS, Sealer of Weights and Measures
83
REPORT OF THE TOWN COUNSEL
January 5, 1948
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1947. During the past twelve months no litigation involving any considerable amount of money has been instituted in behalf of or against the Town. The usual number of claims for damages for injuries received as a result of the alleged defects in the ways of the Town have been presented. Some have commenced suits against the Town. The majority, however, have been amicably adjusted without serious or considerable expense. There . are at the moment some cases pending, but the number is few and the amount involved is relatively small.
In the latter part of 1946 a petition was brought in equity chal- lenging a decision of the Board of Appeal under the Zoning Laws, on their finding that a non-conforming use of property existed before the adoption by the Town of the By-Law and was therefore privileged to con- tinue that use in accordance with statutory provision authorizing it. An abutter feeling aggrieved by the decision brought an appeal to the Superior Court sitting in equity. The case was referred to a master whose finding supported the Board of Appeal and a final decree dismiss- ing the petition was entered in December of 1947. An attempt was made in the proceedings to raise the question as to whether the Board of Zoning Appeal was properly constituted and as now composed had any authority to act in behalf of the Town. Apparently the Court either took no notice of this contention or resolved it in favor of the Town in dismissing the petition. Had the decision been unfavorable on this latter ground it would have left the Town without a Board of Zoning Appeal qualified to act in the matter of all appeals under the Zoning Law. The decision may be regarded for all practical purposes as having settled this issue, for the time being at least.
May I again express my sincere thanks for the many courtesies ex- tended throughout the year by your Board and the various officers and employees of the Town. It has been a pleasure to have worked with you and them on our many problems.
Respectfully submitted, KENNETH L. NASH, Town Counsel
REPORT OF GENERAL RELIEF
The Honorable Board of Selectmen Town Hall
January 3, 1948
East Weymouth, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
In submitting my budget for 1948 for General Relief, a greater cost for relief than in 1947 is indicated. The increased cost of living and the usual causes of sickness and unemployment are, in my opinion, the basic reasons for this increase. It would appear to your Agent that there will be no alleviation of this condition at least until Spring, if then.
Thanking you for your continued cooperation, I remain
Respectfully yours, THOMAS P. DELAHUNT, Agent Board of Public Welfare
84
REPORT OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
January 3, 1948
The Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town Hall
East Weymouth, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
As Agent of the Bureau of Old Age Assistance, I respectfully submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1947.
Total Applications Received
164
Applications Approved
149
Applications Denied
11
Applications Withdrawn
4
Number of Cases December 31, 1947
572
Town Appropriation
$210,000.000
*Federal Reimbursement
152,036.97
** State Reimbursement
143,055.59
Reimbursement from Cities & Towns
4,185.78
Total Expenditures Including Payments to Other Cities & Towns
364,427.92
Refunded Checks
2,578.29
*** Cost to Town
62,571.29
* This Federal reimbursement is placed in a revolving fund and is utilized by this department for relief to those recipients of Old Age Assistance.
** This amount is returned to the Town but goes into the General Treas- ury and may not be used by this department, but in all fairness to this department, I feel it should be considered when computing the tax rate and the cost of this relief on the tax levy.
*** In computing this cost from available figures, I have not considered the return to this Town of that money raised on meal tax and re- turned to the Town Treasury, which I understand will be well above $9,000.00, actually bringing the cost on the tax levy to $53,000.00. Thanking you for your continued cooperation, I remain
Respectfully yours, THOMAS P. DELAHUNT, Agent Bureau of Old Age Assistance
REPORT OF ALEWIVE FISHERY
East Weymouth, Mass 176 Mt. View Road July 1. 1947
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Weymouth, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report as Superintendent of Alewive Fisheries for the year ending December 31, 1947. Approximately Six thousand (6,000) Alewives were deposited in Whitman Pond for spawning. The first were put in after hauling them from Pembroke, Mass. on May 5, 1947. The last catch from East Weymouth on May 26, 1947. The total amount of Alewives from Pembroke were 4,000. The total amount of Alewives from Weymouth were 2,000.
Orders from the Board of Selectmen for 1946 not to sell any Alewives were carried out as usual this year.
Respectfully submitted. WILBUR F. RICE, Superintendent of Alewive Fisheries
85
REPORT OF PUBLIC WELFARE
January 3, 1948
The Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town Hall
East Weymouth, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report as Agent in charge of Aid to Dependent Children for the year ending December 31, 1947.
Total Applications Received
24
Application Approved
22
Applications Denied
2
Number of Cases December 31, 1947
63
Number of Children December 31, 1947
163
Town Appropriation
$56,000.00
*Federal Reimbursement
16,477.63
** State Reimbursement Total Expenditures
23,831.21
71,189.57
Cost to Town
30,880.73
* This Federal reimbursement is placed in a revolving fund and is utilized by this department for relief to those recipients of Aid to Dependent Children.
** This amount is returned to the Town but goes into the general Treas- ury and may not be used by this department, but in all fairness to this department, I feel it should be considered when computing the tax rate and the cost of this relief on the tax levy.
Thanking you for your continued cooperation, I remain
Respectfully yours, THOMAS P. DELAHUNT, Agent Board of Public Welfare
REPORT OF THE STREET DEPARTMENT
January 5, 1948
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Weymouth, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
Pearl Street from Norton to Evans Street was reconstructed under Chapter 90 in 1947.
Streets accepted : Lone Pine Path
Revere Road King Oak Terrace
King Avenue was constructed from Broad Street for a distance of approximately 600 ft. southerly.
Retired :
William E. Lynch, 1342 Pleasant St., January 31, 1947 Frank J. Alger, 22 Edith Road, March 31, 1947
Appreciation is herewith expressed to the Police, Water and Park Departments for their assistance.
Respectfully submitted, THOMAS J. KELLY, Superintendent of Streets
86
REPORT OF THE TOWN ENGINEER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of Weymouth
Gentlemen:
My forty-first annual report as Town Engineer of Weymouth is here- with submitted.
With a view to make this report as brief as possible I would state that the usual surveying and engineering work of the past years, added to and increased in scope each succeeding year, has been done.
The preparation of the Assessors maps used by the Assessors and by many other departments of the town still remains the major item, and necessitates the use of information procured from the Registry of Deeds, Registry of Probate, Land Court, from private surveys, and all other available sources of information. Any increase in transfers and in build- ing adds to the work necessary each year.
The block system is used by the Assessors and. is shown on the maps furnished them.
Prints of the town survey sheets from the beginning of the work in 1907 to 1914 inclusive were obtained the past year and will be delivered to the Assessors shortly, thus giving them a complete file at their office of all sheets from the commencement of the work to date. These prints were lost or destroyed when the transfer was made to the present town hall. Such a file is invaluable in following the growth of the town or changes therein.
The necessity of immediately recording all legal papers relating to the ownership of land is constantly brought to my attention each year by the work necessary for and the expense incurred by various persons in their endeavor to prove ownership to property, made defective due to some unrecorded legal paper.
Weymouth commenced work on a sewerage system in 1947, and sur- veys and plans were made for the use of Metcalf & Eddy, Engineers, and for takings and easements by the Sewer Commissioner; this and other work authorized by the Sewer Commissioners was done by the Weymouth Engineering Department.
Surveys and plans, many street lines for abutters, lines and grades for street construction, lines and grades for curbs, and other work was done for your Board, and for other departments of the town or for com- mittees appointed by the town. Also the town Zoning map was revised in 1947 and the necessary plans filed.
The scarcity of materials and some supplies has continued and the prices have remained high.
My thanks are herein extended to your Board and to other depart- ments of the town and to all town officials and private citizens for their courtesy to me and to my assistants.
Respectfully submitted, RUSSELL H. WHITING, Town Engineer
87
REPORT OF THE REGISTRARS OF VOTERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of Weymouth:
We submit, herewith, the annual report of the Board of Registrars of Voters for the year 1947.
The Board during the year held the following sessions:
Business Meetings 5
5 Registrations Election 1
The total number of voters at the close of registrations as of December 31, 1947, were as follows:
Male
Female
Total
Precinct 1
1239
1205
2444
Precinct 2
709
697
1406
Precinct 3
1158
1220
2378
Precinct 4
480
468
948
Precinct 5
531
541
1072
Precinct 6
924
890
1814
Precinct 7
516
420
936
Precinct 8
527
522
1049
Precinct 9
928
528
1456
7012
6491
13503
Respectfully submitted,
John F. Reardon, Chairman
Chester L. Boyle, Clerk
Lawrence Corridan Edward McIntosh
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
January 1, 1948
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
Following is the report of the Inspector of Animals for the year ending December 31, 1947.
Number of dogs quarantined 107
Cases Investigated
12
Cattle checked from out of state
190
Respectfully submitted, JOHN H. REIDY, Inspector of Animals
REPORT OF THE TOWN INFIRMARY
Weymouth, Mass. January 1, 1948
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Weymouth, Mass.
Gentlemen:
January 1, 1947 there were ten men. January 1, 1948 there were eleven men and one woman. There were twelve others that came in and went out during the year.
Respectfully submitted, FRED P. TOLMAN, Superintendent
88
REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD FOR YEAR 1947
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town Hall
East Weymouth, Massachusetts
During the past year the Planning Board has held ten regular monthly meetings and five special meetings. The special meetings were called for the purpose of discussing urgent matters and the holding of public hear- ings in accordance with the by-laws of the town, and which consisted of hearings pertaining to new developments and the zoning laws. The board has had an unusually busy year, many of our meetings having been taken up by preliminary hearings, persons seeking information regarding land developments, zonings, etc. and many requests for information regarding Board of Survey rules.
During the year a great many requests have been received for the sale of tax title land, which requests have cleared thru the Planning Board, also a number of petitions were received for new sidewalks, renaming streets and squares, and requests for second hearings by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
On two occasions the Board of Selectmen have requested recommenda- tions from the Planning Board as to where new sidewalks should be built, and since it is the aim of our board to build sidewalks adjacent to, and leading from, schools and business centers, all of our recommendations were approved by the Selectmen and all work on these sidewalks has now been completed.
The Planning Board is well aware of the many and various improve- ments that are sorely needed in the several sections of our town, but we are always mindful of any expenditure of money which may affect our tax rate and increase the now heavy burden upon home owners. The board has discussd many worthwhile projects such as
Traffic hazards at Lincoln Square, in view of the creation of an additional chain store
Deaths on Bridge Street, due to speeding traffic
Removal of four large elm trees on Union Street, which are a traffic hazard
Parking regulations at Columbian Square
Deaths due to traffic at Nash's Corner, which condition has now been corrected
Straightening of Commercial Street to eliminate two dangerous curves, also Pleasant Street where the same condition exists
Air Port at Bradley's in North Weymouh
The question of Rapid Transit to Weymouth
Development of Great Hill
Construction of breakwater off Wessagussett beach to protect boats from damage during storms, these boats being taxable property Memorial Highway around Great Pond in honor of the war dead of World War II.
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