USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1948 > Part 10
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REPORT OF THE STREET DEPARTMENT
December 27, 1948
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Weymouth, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The following streets were accepted at the annual town meeting in March, 1948:
Cummings Ave.
Alden Road
Thayer Ave.
Greenwood Ave.
Briarwood Trail
Griffin Terrace
Appletree Lane
Andrew Road
Cranberry Road
Lyme Street
Birchcliff Road
Gilbert. Rd. to Francis St.
Columbian Street, from Pleasant Street to Main Street, was recon- structed under Chapter 90. The reconstruction of a section of West Street, not completed, was performed under Chapter 90.
Broad Street, from Jackson Square to Madison Street, was resurfaced under Chapter 90 maintenance.
Died during the year - James F. Fitzpatrick, March 6, 1948.
Retired - Cornelius M. Ahern, January 31, 1948 Minot L. Mathewson, October 28, 1948.
Appreciation is herewith expressed to the Police, Fire, Water, Park and Tree Departments for their assistance.
Respectfully submitted, THOMAS J. KELLEY Superintendent of Streets
109
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN'S SERVICES
East Weymouth, Mass.
December 31, 1948
The Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town Hall East Weymouth, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I submit herewith to you and through your Board to the townspeople my annual report for the year 1948.
Although our figures are not complete, a review of accounts for eleven months of the year shows the total spent for Venterans' Benefits to be $35,542.28 - about 100% more than 1947 - but considerably less than our estimate of a year ago. This favorable report can be attributed, in part, to fine weather conditions and full speed ahead on outside construction, the recent step-up in shipbuilding, and a praiseworthy effort on the part of business to absorb, train and utilize the ability of physically handi- capped veterans. The subsistence provisions of the G. I. Bill on educa- tional and training projects for World War II veterans are also an im- portant factor, as is the present Federal Pension and Compensation sched- ule. This last mentioned item, because it represents a vast amount of effort by the department and a sizable return to the town, merits a fur- ther word of comment.
The department has kept a special record of those cases handled since May 1, 1944, wherein claims were filed for either a Federal pension or compensation benefits. Year by year the list has grown and each case has been followed up closely until determined one way or another by the Veterans Administration adjudication authority. At present our record shows two unsettled claims subject for further review, eight claims pend- ing adjudication, and forty-eight claims approved with regular monthly awards. These forty-eight approvals represent a total annual payment direct from the Federal Government of $32,217. This we consider quite an impressive amount, especially since it otherwise would be a local res- ponsibility.
Because all town department expenditures for the year are reported in detail elsewhere by the Town Accountant and our monthly payment and credit distribution as submitted to the State Department of Veterans' Services have not been verified beyond July of this year, there are no figures available at this time for 1948. Verified state figures for 1947 which include Veterans' Benefits and World War II Allowance were re- leased as of July 1, 1948, and show a total credit of $17,349.32. It is safe to assume this amount will be exceeded in 1948.
In closing may we take this opportunity to thank your Board for their cooperation and all town departments, Weymouth Red Cross, Weymouth Family Service and Veterans' Council for services rendered during the year.
Respectfully submitted RAYMOND E. STEIN, Director
110
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
December 29, 1948
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Weymouth Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report for the year ending December 31, 1948.
During the past year the following examinations were made on the children in the two Parochial Schools:
Total number of examinations made on children
6,858
This includes
Number of eyes examined 1,124
Number of heads examined 3,600
Number of ears examined 900
Number of physicals done by Doctors
443
Number of miscellaneous examinations
226
First aid given to 36 children
Number of telephone calls to parents
63
Number of children taken to Doctors
9
Number of children taken home sick
48
Number of Notices sent to parents on:
teeth
83
eyes
122
ears
58
pediculosis
96
physicals
58
Number of house visits made to parents
28
Number of children immunized against Diphtheria
348
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 the Board of Health
REPORT OF WIRING INSPECTOR
January 3, 1949
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Weymouth
Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report for the year ending December 31, 1948.
During the year 1,168 permits were issued.
Receipts for permits were $1,961.50.
I wish to extend my thanks to your Board and other town officials for all the cooperation extended to me during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH W. ROSS Wiring Inspector
111
REPORT OF BUILDING INSPECTOR
December 31, 1948
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Town of Weymouth Massachusetts Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report for the year ending December 31, 1948.
During the year permits were issued for the following:
323 Dwellings
59 Garages
1 Garage and Showroom
1 Summer Camp
1 Roadstand
1 Auto Sales
2 Screening Plants
1 Cleansing Shop
1 Welding and Paint Shop
1 Dental Office
1 Auto Painting Shop
3 Temporary Buildings
1 Bank
1 Plumbing Showroom
1 Washroom
1 Skating Rink
1 Elevator
14 Miscellaneous small buildings
414 New Buildings with estimated cost of $2,291,713.00
298 Alterations with an estimated cost of 1,748,344.00
712 Total New Buildings and Alterations
$4,040,057.00
Receipts for permits were $2,822.00. Fifteen elevator inspections.
I wish to extend to your Board and to other town officials my many thanks for all the courtesies and assistance given me during the year.
Respectfully submitted, ANDREW A. CHISHOLM Building Inspector
REPORT OF THE SHELL FISH CONSTABLE
December 31, 1948
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Weymouth, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I respectfully submit my report as Shell Fish Constable for the year 1948.
The shores of Weymouth are open to Commercial Clam Diggers only, and all clams must be chlorinated before being used.
Permits may be secured by Weymouth residents for bait purposes only. Following is the summary of investigations made for the Shell Fish Conservation Department during the year:
With Coastal Warden 3 Complaints investigated personally 10
Respectfully submitted, CECIL L. EVANS, Shell Fish Constable
112
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARM
January 5, 1949
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, 1948.
Bell Alarms for Fires 166
Second Alarms 1 False Alarms No School Signal 6 1
The outside lines are in good condition. A section of these are replaced each year.
Three fire alarms boxes have been added to the system at new locations which required the running of three miles of wire.
We have nearly completed the installation of red lights over all fire alarm boxes.
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 Alarm
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
January 4, 1949
The Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town Hall
East Weymouth, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The General Relief budget for the year 1949 would indicate a slight increase over 1948. This, of course, is contingent on business.
The high cost of living is a vital factor, not only upon the cost per case, but also the number of cases.
The major number of cases on relief are due to old age, physical un- fitness, and broken homes.
Respectfully yours, THOMAS P. DELAHUNT, Agent Board of Public Welfare
REPORT OF ALEWIVE FISHERY
December 31, 1948
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, 1948. Approximately 10,000 alewives were deposited in Whitman Pond for spawning. These alewives were deposited between April first and May first 1948.
Respectfully submitted, HENRY B. O'TOOLE, Superintendent of Alewive Fisheries
113
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Honorable Board of Selectmen
Weymouth, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit the annual report of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1948.
There were one hundred forty-four bell alarms sounded for fires in- volving buildings. Twenty-two false alarms were sounded, making a total of one hundred sixty-six bell alarms. Four hundred eighty-four still alarms were responded to, making a total of six hundred fifty alarms for the year.
A new pumping engine was received early in the year to replace a piece of apparatus at Station Two which had been in service for twenty- two years. The twenty year old pumping engine at Station Three was also replaced by a new pumper in December.
Repairs to the stations have been carried on during the past year. It is planned to continue this work during the current year.
I wish to thank all who assisted the department in any way during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER R. MURRAY, Chief of Fire Department
There were 166 Bell Alarms and 484 Still Alarms for a total of 650 Alarms.
Residential
44
Non-Residential Assembly
3
Mercantile
12
Oil Burners
50
Chimneys
19
Electric Trouble
24
Heater Trouble
11
Water Tank Leaks
11
Gas Leaks
8
Oil Tank Leaks
10
Automobiles
63
Trucks
10
Bus
1
Electric Car
1
Motorcycle
1
Grass
140
Woods
50
Brush
26
Rubbish
35
Accidents
15
Resuscitator Cases
9
Sprinkler Alarms
5
Persons Locked Out
11
Aid to Crippled Persons
6
Rescue of Persons
2
Rescue of Animals
3
Lost Child
1
Investigations of Possible Fires
3
False Alarms
22
Mutual Aid
7
Needless
8
January 10, 1949
114
-
Gasolene Shovel
Incinerators
1 3
Boats
2
Locomotive Trouble
1
Manhole Explosion
1
Fireworks
2
Road Sign and Wooden Horse
3
Fence
1
Tent
1
Roast in Oven
1
Bird in Chimney
1
Pan of Grease
3
Refrigerator Leaks
11
Washing Inflammables off Streets
8
Total
650
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON PARKING METERS
January 13, 1949
The Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Weymouth, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The Committee on Parking Meters recommends that the Town vote to install parking meters.
Parking meters regulate the flow of traffic and are a benefit to the merchants and the motoring public.
Meters may be purchased outright or may be installed on a percentage basis. When meters are installed on a percentage basis, they become the property of the Town after the cost of installation and the price of the meter have been met.
If meters are to be installed, the Committee recommends that the first location be Washington Square and adjoining areas.
Respectfully submitted
EDWARD F. BUTLER, Chairman CARLETON L. McGAW FRED E. CORBO
CLARENCE M. PRICE
CHARLES C. HEARN
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
December 31, 1948
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report for the year 1948. The sealing fees amounting to $297.68.
My general work for the year is as follows:
Tested and sealed 1,478 weighing and measuring Devices Not sealed 85 Weighing and Measuring Devices Condemned 16 Weighing and Measuring Devices
Trial Weighings and Measurements of commodities sold or put up for sale and summary of inspections after sealing 1,306 articles and devices.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES W. BURGESS, Sealer of Weights and Measures
115
REPORT OF THE HARBOR MASTER
December 31, 1948
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Weymouth, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I respectfully submit my report as Marbor Master for the year 1948. Beginning April 15, and continuing through November 10th, 1948 daily at least 3/4 of Weymouth's 12 1/2 mile waterfront was patroled daily; thus no section of the waterfront went without inspection more than one day.
Following is a summary of the services performed and assistances rendered during the year 1948.
Lost row-boats recovered 21
Lost sail-boats recovered 2
Persons assisted 33
Sail and small power boats, 15 ft. to 45 ft. towed and assisted 32
Investigations 24
Drifting rafts recovered 2
Small races convoyed
31
Interclub races convoyed 1
Fire fighting equipment has been added to the Department; which will make a much more efficient set-up for the 1949 season.
I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to all the town officials, and other persons who so willingly gave their time and efforts to help me.
For the excellent way in which Stanley Tribou helped me conduct the Department, as my assistant, I wish to extend my sincere thanks for the past season.
Respectfully submitted, CECIL L. EVANS, Harbor Master
REPORT OF THE SEWER DEPARTMENT
December 31, 1948
To the Board of Selectmen, Town of Weymouth:
We are pleased to submit herewith the report of the Superintendent of the Sewer Department and our report for 1948.
As may be seen from a reading of the Superintendent's report the past year has been very active in so far as new construction is concerned. Approximately three and seven-tenth miles of sewer have been constructed and a good start has been made towards providing the Weymouth Landing area with a sewerage system. In addition a section of North Weymouth has been provided with sewers including the Edgar Station of the Boston Edison Company. The engineering work for this construction has been done by Metcalf & Eddy of Boston. Seven contracts have been awarded for the construction of the various phases of the work carried on during the year.
Quarters for the Superintendent's office were established on the second floor of the Town Hall by partitioning off a part of the Counicl Chamber and the necessary office equipment was purchased.
116
In March Mrs. Richard Collins was employed as the Secretary of the Department. In April Mr. Francis H. Hamilton was employed as the Superintendent of the Department.
Tentative plans for 1949 propose the construction of additional lateral sewers in Weymouth Landing, the construction of a part of the Central Main Sewer which will eventually serve South Weyymouth, the establishment of a labor force with necessarry equipment and quarters for housing this equipment, the construction of house connections by de- partment men, and the employment of a Junior Engineer. Preliminary plans have been ordered prepared for the part of the Central Main Sewer from the Metropolitan District Commission headhouse on the easterly side of Idlewell to a point in Essex Street near the Town Infirmary. It is estimated that this section will cost in excess of $200,000. However as this section is only about one-fourth of the total length of this sewer, it is proposed that another section to carry the line as far as Washington Street be also designed and constructed during 1949. The route of this sewer is through undeveloped land in great part in order to take advan- tage of natural grades and eliminate pumping stations. This fact, how- ever, means that the sewer will serve a relatively small number of homes until it reaches South Weymouth. Therefore this line should be extended to its ultimate end just as quickly as possible in order to make its benefits available within a reasonable time. Furthermore, the area of South Wey- mouth with the hospital located there and several large housing develop- ments springing up requires sewage disposal facilities as soon as possible. Several contracts can be carried out at the same time without inconvenience to vehicular traffic as the route is through rough and off-highway land.
The additional laterals proposed for Weymouth Landing are for sewers in the streets that were eliminated during 1948 from Contract No. 3 due to the fact that estimated costs exceeded available funds. However, the construction of a certain amount of lateral sewers each year as well as main sewers is excellent basic policy. In this way the major units of the Weymouth Sewerage System are being advanced yearly and pushed out into the Town while at the same time the smaller, more detailed areas are gradually included in the sewerage network.
A labor force must be created to take up the maintenance duties re- quired now that we have some sewers actually installed. It is proposed also to create a force large enough to construct the house connections. It is usual practice to do this work with department employees, and it has proved less expensive than by private contract. The proposed equipment and housing for this equipment is vitally necessary for maintenance opera- tions.
The employment of a Junior Engineer is proposed in order that the plans for lateral sewers may be drawn within the department at a lesser cost than by private engineering; and also as the network of sewers grows, there is an increasing amount of department engineering and drafting work to be done. The layout of house connections. the drafting of record and assessment plans, and pre-desiign survey work is a proper function of the department and it can be done less expensively by department per- sonnel.
It has been the constant thought of the Board to always keep in im- mediate touch with the day-to-day operation of the deparment as well as the overall aspects of the Weymouth Sewerage System, and to that end regular weekly meetings are held with special meetings as required.
Sincere thanks are extended to all those who have aided the Board of Sewer Commissioners and the Sewer Department in its operation.
Respectfully submitted, J. HERBERT LIBBEY, Chairman JOHN W. FIELD CHARLES J. MASTERSON Board of Sewer Commissioners
117
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SEWER DEPARTMENT
December 31, 1948
To the Board of Sewer Commissioners, Town of Weymouth:
I submit herewith the first annual report of the Sewer Department.
From time to time over the past twenty-five years various reports have been submitted to the Town regarding the construction of a sewer- age system. They were concerned primarily with the need for and cost of a suitable sewerage system for Weymouth. It is gratifying to present in this report a summary of the first phases of actual construction of such a sewerage system.
The first contract for construction was awarded in October 1947 for an 18-inch reinforced concrete main from the headhouse of the Metro- politan District trunk sewer located west of Idlewell Boulevard to Wey- mouth Landing. This main leads from the Metropolitan District Com- mission sewer across marsh land on the westerly side of Idlewell Point, under the tracks of the South Shore Branch of the Old Colony Railroad and out to Commercial Street near Pierce Road. From this point it fol- lows Commercial Street to a manhole opposite Tremont Street. It was finished in October 1948, thus completing a vital link in the sewerage sys- tem that will serve the Weymouth Landing district. It will eventually carry all of the sewage from a district bounded by Federal Street on the south; Washington Street from King Avenue, Roosevelt Road, Harding Avenue, and Pleasant View Avenue on the east; Fore River on the north; and the Braintree Town Line on the west. It is primarily a trunk sewer, but of course all properties along its actual route may be directly con- nected and to date several houses along Commercial Street have been connected.
A second contract was awarded in December of 1947 for the con- struction of lateral sewers in Webb Street, part of Richmond Street, Glendale Street, Pierce Road, and Roosevelt Road, - all lateral sewers leading in the Commercial Street main. Approximately one and a fifth miles of line were constructed together with thirty-four manholes and necessary appurtenances. The work of this contract was finished in September 1948, the lines thus became available for use, and several houses have already been connected.
After the appropriation for 1948 had been voted, three contracts were let for additional sewers in Weymouth Landing and one contract was let for a main sewer in North Weymouth. One of the contracts in Wey- mouth Landing was for lateral sewers on Broad Street from Foye Avenue to Lincoln Square, Washington Street from Lincoln Square to the Brain- tree Line, Front Street from No. 30 Front Street to Commercial Street, all of the Weymouth Landing business area, Commercial Street from the Braintree Line to the end of the Commercial Street main at Tremont Street, and Keith, Granite, Norfolk, and Tremont Streets. To date the construction of Tremont Street, Commercial Street, Broad Street, Washing- ton Street, Front Street,, and the Weymouth Landing business area has been essentially completed. Approximately nine tenths of a mile of sewer together with twenty-nine manholes and other necessary appurtenances were constructed.
As part of the Weymouth Landing area is low, another contract was awarded to construct an ejector station into which the sewerage from the surrounding area flows by gravity to be raised or ejected into the Commercial Street main to Idlewell. The ejector station was located at the rear of the Price Block on land obtained by the Town for this pur- pose. The exterior of the station is of Weymouth seam faced granite, a building material certainly appropriate for use by the Town and a build-
118
ing of great lasting qualities. The operation of the station will be as nearly automatic as it is possible to design.
The pumps, controls and other mechanical equipment were furnished under the third contract. As the delivery of machinery of this nature is very slow, the station is not yet in operation and the areas draining into the station can not yet be served by individual sewers, but it is ex- pected that the equipment will be delivered soon and the station will be in operation by early spring.
A sixth contract was awarded in April 1948 for the construction of a main sewer in North Weymouth. It runs from the Metropolitan District Commission trunk sewer at Bridge Street and Rosalind Road, down Bridge Street to Bluff Road, down Bluff Road to Vanness Road, and down Vanness Road to Monatiquot Street. This will serve the properties along the route of the sewer and it will also provide a means for the acceptable disposal of the sewage from the Edgar Station of the Boston Edison Com- pany. The Edgar Station and several houses are already connected and using the main. This line involves approximately two-fifths of a mile of pipe and nine manholes.
Altogether a total of approximately 19,517 lineal feet of public sewer, one hundred and five manholes, and other appurtenances will have been completed during 1948, offering sewer facilities to approximately three hundred and ninety houses and business establishments. The Commercial Street main offers in addition a potential coverage for the entire Wey- mouth Landing area when the lateral lines are laid in the several streets within the district.
A seventh contract was awarded in August 1948 for the construction of particular sewers (house connections). Lacking a force of men and necessary equipment to do this work within the department, it was felt wise from a standpoint of unit cost and quality control to let this work out as a single contract. As applications for connections are received, the contractor is instructed to do the work, the location is laid out by the department, and close supervision is given. Each connection is billed to the Town separately. Property owners are in turn billed by the Town for the actual cost. They may avail themselves of the opportunity to apportion the cost over a ten year period. The first connection to sewers actually built by the Town was completed to a new house at 26 Vanness Road, North Weymouth on September 10, 1948, and since then twenty- two connections have been completed.
Several connections were also made to the so-called Standish Street sewer. This is a 12 inch sewer that was installed by the Federal Govern- , ment from the housing project near Bicknell Square to the Metropolitan District Commission sewer at the intersection of Standish and Evans Streets and was intended to serve only the housing project. It was turned over to the Town at no cost and accepted by the Town in March, 1947. Investigations as to the capacity of this sewer were made during the year, and when it was determined that it was of sufficient size to carry all of the sewage from the properties along its route, it was made available for connection to these properties. Eight connections have been made to this line during the year.
The drawing of assessment plans, the computation of assessments, and the preparation of assessment bills have been carried on during the year.
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