USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1927 > Part 9
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Continuing the policy adopted by the Board a few years ago, the Depreciation Fund has been further increased to $38,684.81 as compared with the sum of $24,886.92 at the close of the year 1926.
It seems appropriate to tell you at this time that we are looking forward to the time when the Department will be in a position to wholly replace the present high pressure system, which now serves Montrose and Greenwood, with low-pressure mains of adequate size. This is a project of major importance and of large cost but we believe it can be financed to a large extent with depreciation reserves. During 1927 much high-pressure distribution in the vicinity of lower Salem Street, Turnbull Avenue, Emerald Street, and Vernon Street was replaced with low-pressure distribution and we believe it is operating much more sat- isfactorily and at much less expense for upkeep.
Much attention has been given' to the gas distribution system this past year, with respect to locating leaks and to enable the consumers to have a proper supply at all times.
148
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Despite substantial new installations of street lights in 1927 with many contemplated for 1928, we plan to ask the Town for only $18,000 for street lighting service for 1928, which is the same price that has pre- vailed for 1926 and 1927.
The books of the Department have been audited by the State De- partment of Corporations and Taxation and the result will be found in their general report to the Town.
It is our intention to again ask the Town at the annual spring meet- ing to authorize the transfer from Operation Fund to Construction Fund of the sum of $40,863.86 the cash balance in Operation Fund at the close of the year 1927. This, together with the unused balance in the Construction Fund and such amounts as are necessary from the Depre- ciation Fund, will eliminate the necessity of increasing bonded indebted- ness for the third consecutive year.
It is again pleasing to note a further reduction in bonded debt, namely from $192,500 at the end of 1926 to $177,500 at the close of 1927.
A further increase of net plant book value is shown in that the book value of the Plant as a whole stands at $662,636.48 with outstanding bonds of $177,500, and current and accrued liabilities of $14,188.06, con- sisting of Consumers' Deposits $11,751.89, Matured Interest Unpaid $281.10, Interest on Bonds $2,622.48, less a debit balance of Accounts Payable $467.41, leaving net of $470,948.42: as compared with $442,425.62 at the close of 1926.
We again ask your co-operation and pledge ourselves to serve you to the best of our ability.
Very truly yours,
MARCUS BEEBE, 2nd, Chairman. A. STANLEY NORTH, Secretary. CURTIS L. SOPHER, M. D.
Board of Commissioners Municipal Light Department.
149
REPORT OF MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD
MANAGER'S REPORT
January 4th, 1928.
Municipal Light Board. Town of Wakefield.
Gentlemen :
I am submitting, herewith, the thirty-fourth annual report of the Town's Municipal Light Plant. The report is complete including rev- enue accounts, balance sheets, and statistics covering the Plant's opera- tion for the fiscal year ending December 31st, 1927.
The business for the year has been very satisfactory.
On September 1st, the commercial lighting rate was reduced by a larger discount allowable on promptly paid bills, the rate now stands 10 cents gross 7 cents net and the discount allowed on commercial power was increased from 10% to 20% at the same time.
It is expected that a discount on gas bills will be in effect early in 1928.
Recently published statistics give the weighted average of all items in the cost of living as 73.4% higher than in December 1913. The price of electricity for domestic uses has decreased continually for many years with few exceptions; and now stands 41% lower net than in December 1913. Wages have risen at least 100% during the period. The relative price of manufactured gas for domestic consumption shows a net in- crease. The reduction in rate on this account will no doubt be appre- ciated by all.
The comprehensive scheme of last year for renewal and extension of gas mains has been continued and the proposed work for last year has been carried out. Some of the former high pressure areas have been placed in low pressure the sizes of mains being enlarged to compensate for the reduction of pressure.
A further extension of larger units for street lighting has been made this year. General Electric Novalux number 16 units on orna- mental poles have been placed on Tuttle Street between Chestnut Street and Albion Street and on Albion Street from Tuttle Street to Murray
150
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Street, also larger units have been placed along Water Street from the Town Hall to Richmond Street.
By direction of the Board of Selectmen, the Department undertook the extension of the Police Signal System installing 5 new signal boxes each equipped with light and horn call signals, this in competition with outside contractors was a substantial saving to the town.
During the year, the Department has constructed an underground service to the pumping station on Broadway, delivering power for the entire operation of the new plant installed this year. This and the power line connecting the low level pumping station of the Sewer De- partment off Valley Street are the major accomplishments of the elec- tric division.
Early in the year, the Board of Selectmen found that more room was needed for the other town departments in the Town Hall and pro- posed that the Light Department find quarters elsewhere, if possible. Acting on this suggstion, the Light Department found office room in the Savings Bank Building and a lease was signed in March for a five year period whereby this Department occupies the former rooms of the Savings Bank, moving in on April 1st.
A condensed Financial Statement for the year is as follows:
151
REPORT OF MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD
BALANCE SHEET ASSETS
- -
PLANT INVESTMENTS:
Gas Department
Land
$6,591.75
Structures
22,284.39
Boiler Plant Equipment
2,228.49
Engines
8,289.09
Miscellaneous Power Plant Equipment
1,439.06
Water Gas Sets
21,283.00
Street Mains
126,096.00
Services
10,196.29
Consumers' Meters
25,284.59
Consumer's Meter Installation
2,539.31
226,231.97
Electric Department
Land
213.57
Structures
18,270.84
Substaiton Equipment
37,236.96
Poles, Fixtures and O'Head Conductors
79,325.74
Underground Conduits
22,854.82
Underground Conductors
36,097.18
Consumers' Meters
31,006.32
Consumer's Meter Installation
34.67
Line Transformers
24,641.60
Transfer Installation
1,963.72
Street Lighting Equipment
20,976.55
Miscellaneous Equipment
523.24
General Equipment
273,145.21
Office Equipment
6,627.41
Transportation Equipment
4,169.36
Laboratory Equipment
376.55
11,173.32
152
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
UNFINISHED CONSTRUCTION
34.70
CURRENT ASSETS :
Operation Fund
40,863.86
Construction Fund
8,520.58
Depreciation Fund
38,684.81
Petty Cash
100.00
Change Fund
300.00
Special Deposits
11,751.89
Accounts Receivable
33,851.06
Materials and Supplies
16,768.16
150,840.36
PREPAID EXPENSE
General Insurance
571.92
Liability Insurance
582.90
Deferred Charges
56.10
1,210.92
TOTAL ASSETS
$662,636.48
153
REPORT OF MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD
LIABILITIES
BONDS
$177,500.00
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Consumers' Deposits
Matured Interest Unpaid
11,751.89 281.10
12,032.99
Less-Debit Balance Accounts Payable
467.41
11,565.58 .
ACCRUED LIABILITIES:
Interest on Bonds
2,622.48
2,622.48
OTHER LIABILITIES:
Loans Repayment Appropriation for Construction
295,800.00
51,632.86
SURPLUS DECEMBER 31, 1927
347,432.86 123,515.56
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SURPLUS
$662,636.48
154
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENSES-GAS DEPARTMENT
INCOME FROM SALES OF GAS:
Regular Meter Sales
$134,702.01
Prepaid Meter Sales Municipal Meter Sales
4,204.00 567.80
$139,473.81
DEDUCT OPERATING EXPENSES:
Production Expenses
75,019.51
Trans. & Dist. Expenses
28,317.86
Commercial Expenses
6,680.86
New Business Expenses
181.50
General and Miscellaneous Expenses
17,310.35
127,510.08
NET OPERATING REVENUE
11,963.73
OTHER INCOME
Merchandising and Jobbing Revenue
47.46
Interest on Bank Balances
142.54
Interest on Accounts Receivable
1.48
191.48
GROSS INCOME
12,155.21
DEDUCT MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES:
Interest on Bonds
2,425.16
Interest on Consumers' Deposits
140.80
Tar Expenses
30.13
Taxes
47.95
2,644.04
NET INCOME
$9,511.17
155
REPORT OF MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENSES-ELECTRIC DEPT.
INCOME FROM SALES OF ELECTRICITY :
Commercial Lighting
$98,866.11
Power Sales
42,463.23
Municipal Lighting
5,017.55
Street Lighting
18,000.00
$164,346.89
DEDUCT OPERATING EXPENSES
Electric Energy Purchased
54,273.77
Transmission and Distribution Expenses
20,334.05
Utilization Expenses
5,778.04
Commercial Expenses
6,281.06
New Business Expenses
181.50
General and Miscellaneous Expenses
26,137.69
112,986.11
NET OPERATING REVENUE
51,360.78
OTHER INCOME
Merchandising and Jobbing Revenue
726.87
Interest on Bank Balances
142.54
869.41
GROSS INCOME
52,230.19
DEDUCT MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES:
Interest on Bonds
5,186.04
Interest on Consumers' Deposits
141.85
Taxes
47.96
5,375.85
$46,854.34
NET INCOME
156
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
PROFIT AND LOSS STATEMENT
CREDITS
Balance at beginning of the year
$109,992.76
Profit on Electric Operations
46,854.34
Profit on Gas Operations
9,511.17
Adjustment Inventories 1926
1,296.50
Adjustment Gas Purchased 1926
226.57
Adjustment Accounts Receivable
341 42
Adjustment Interest Payable
103.40
Income from rental of ducts prior years
100.42
Dividend from Mutual Policy prior years
21.67
TOTAL CREDITS
$168,448.25
DEBITS
Bonds Retired
15,000.00
Band Debts 1921-1926
2,937.63
Adjustment of Depreciation-Autos
206.88
Property Abandoned
26,788.18
TOTAL DEBITS
44,932.69
SURPLUS, DECEMBER 31, 1927
$123,515.56
. !
157
REPORT OF MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD
COST OF GAS
For the first time in the operation of the Municipal Light Plant, the entire output of gas has been purchased.
The cost of gas in the holder was $75,019.51. The gas purchased during the year amounted to 100,024,686 cubic feet, making the cost in the holder $0.75 per thousand cubic feet. The gas delivered to the con- sumers amounted to 82,700,600 cubic feet so that the average cost of gas delivered to the consumers during the year 1927 was $1.57 per one thousand cubic feet.
The question of gas unaccounted for has had serious consideration and every effort has been made this year to reduce the so-called leakage as far as possible. There has always been some talk about the excessive "leakage" of gas but talk has not been based altogether upon a know !- edge of the facts. The gas delivered and metered at the works shows one amount whereas the gas delivered and metered at the consumers' premises shows a smaller amount and the difference between these two amounts has been called "leakage" or unaccounted for. It is not all leakage, however, and for the following reasons: The average temper- ature of the gas at the works is higher than the average temperature at the consumers' meters. It is cooled by being passed through the mains and services underground and that cooling causes a contraction in volume. In other words, the cubic feet of gas delivered to the con- sumers is less than the cubic feet of gas metered at the works because of the cooling that takes place and irrespective of any leakage. Further- more, the gas leaving the works contains certain elements in the gas- eous state which are condensed to a liquid state during the passage through the pipes and the volume of gas is again reduced irrespective of leakage. These conditions are not peculiar to Wakefield. Their ef- fect varies from time to time and, if complete records are kept, the re- sulting contraction in volume can be calculated and subtracted from the apparent leakage to ascertain the actual leakage.
COST OF ELECTRICITY
The cost of electricity on the swtchbord for the year amounted to $54,273.77. The electricity delivered to the board amounted to 3,374,874 kilowatt hours or at a cost on the board of $.0161 per kilowatt hour.
Electricity delivered to consumers amounted to 2,970,636 kilowatt hours at the average cost of electricity delivered to the consumers for all purposes $.0395 per kilowatt hour.
158
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION
During the year 1927, there has been laid 14,118 feet of gas main of various sizes at an approximate cost of $16,980. There have been installed during the year 81 gas services at a cost of $2,277.
246 gas meters have been purchased during the year at a cost of $2,611. At the beginning of the year 1927, there were 3493 gas meters in use. There have been installed since 30 more meters, 156 meters have been condemned and replaced, making the total in use as of Decem- ber 31, 1927, 3523 gas meters.
During the past year, there have been installed 48 street lights of various sizes and replacements at an approximate cost of $2,553.
There have also been installed 14 new transformers at a cost of $3837.
There have been purchased during the year 150 electric meters at a cost of $1,488, and there were installed December 31, 1926, 3989 electric meters to which 103 have been added making the total in use as of December 31, 1927, 4098.
The primary and secondary lines and house services have been ex- tended 43,885 feet and 92 poles have been set, or replaced on joint own- ership basis with the New England Telephone and Telegraph Co.
It is recommended that an extension of low pressure mains for gas within the present high pressure area adjoining the low pressure area be continued in the vicinity of Water Street, Wakefield Avenue, Cyrus Street, Columbia Road, and Richardson Street, that the low pressure line be continued in Vernon Street to Cordis Street thus putting in a complete low pressure circuit in the North Ward.
It is further recommended that the present three phase line from the Substation now arial from Bennett Street outlet to the corner of Main Street and North Avenue be increased in wire size on account of expectation of increased demand for that power in that locality in the near future.
Some changes in primary and secondary circuits together with more transformer capacity should be made in the Main Street business dis- trict to take care of the continued increase of load in this district.
159
REPORT OF MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD
It is suggested that a continuation of the larger lighting units be made in Chestnut Street between Main Street and North Avenue.
The statistics and details of this report have been omitted, but if they are required, any and all may be had from the general files of the Municipal Light Office.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
In order to participate in the reduction of rates for both gas and electricity, all bills should be paid within ten days after the date of the bill. The short portion of your bill is the important part of the account- ing system and must be returned to insure a proper credit.
Payment should be made by check, money order, or in cash at the main office in the Savings Bank Building, on or before the expiration date shown on the bill; or at the store of E. E. Lee in Greenwood, who has been authorized to receive payment for this Department. All checks and money orders are to be payable to the Municipal Light Department and so addressed.
I again wish to express my appreciation for the support given me by the Board of Light Commissioners as well as for the loyalty, co-oper- ation, and good will of the employees and the general public, all of which has been largely responsible for the continued prosperity and success of this municipally owned utility operated wholly for the public good.
Respectfully submitted,
SAMUEL H. BROOKS,
1
Manager.
160
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Fire Alarm
January 4, 1928.
Municipal Light Commissioners. Town of Wakefield.
Gentlemen :
The system is in good operating condition. New storage battery cell elements have been installed to take care of the mutual aid system between Reading and Melrose, this aid system has demonstrated its value on a number of occasions during the year and is worth many times its cost for the service rendered.
During the year, there have been very few open circuits due to high winds and falling limbs. Prompt repaire were made. Several new box- es of the non-interfering successive ringing type have been placed in the more thickly occupied sections and old boxes renumbered and repaired and extended to the outlying sections. A box has been connected to the Elizabeth E .. Boit Home for Aged Women. The apparatus for com- pressed air blowing of the fire alarm whistle at the North Avenue works has been installed, this should be in operation but through no fault of the Department the failure of the motor driven compressor has prevent- ed and it was returned to the manufacturers for repairs after being set up.
No recommendations for extensions are being made for 1928. It is, however, desirable that quick connection between the Police and Fire de- partments be obtained so that the police officer on patrol may be put in touch with the Central Fire Station without delay.
Respectfully submitted,
SAMUEL H. BROOKS,
Superintendent Fire Alarm.
161
REPORT OF RECREATION COMMISSION
Report of Recreation Commission
To the Citizens of the Town of Wakefield
The weather this last summer was as rainy in Wakefield as it was everywhere else. It nearly ruined the playground season. On many days when it did not rain all day the grounds were too wet for any of the classes. On many of these days use was made of the Y. M. C. A. Build- ing for the arts and craft classes. The commission feels much indebted to the association for their help. The exhibition at the end of the sea- son had to be postponed on account of the weather until after school had opened. It was difficult then to get either the teaching staff or pupils together.
Our appropriation was $1,000 which was a $500 reduction from last year. By reducing our personnel, salaries, purchases of supplies, in fact by cutting to the limit every possible item, we were able to get through and turn back to the town part of our appropriation.
Our daily average attendance was 297. The attendance record for the season was 5,075 boys and 6,779 girls, or a total of 11,853.
The commission wishes to reiterate its belief that the town should provide suitable playgrounds in each section of the town. The purpose of supervised playgrounds is not to furnish entertainment either for children or adults but is of a distinctly instructive nature. Children are taught how to use their hands by making beautiful and useful things. They are also helped in building healthy bodies. This is a matter which concerns the town as much as the children who directly benefit.
In laying out playgrounds there is no reason why they cannot be planned so that adults can get the benefit of them. They can be con- structed so that they may be flooded in the winter thus providing safe skating for everyone. Such recreational centers we believe would con- tribute mightily to the health and happiness of us all.
LAWRENCE W. CHURCHILL,
Chairman, Wakefield Recreation Commission.
162
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of School Committee
ORGANIZATION OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
School Committee for 1927-28
Harry B. Allman, Chairman, Greenwood Street
Term Expires 1930 Mrs. Ida Farr Miller, Secretary, Summer St., Malden Term Expires 1930 Dr. J. William O'Connell, Treasurer, Fairmount Ave. Term Expires 1928 Mrs. Eva Gowing Ripley, Emerson Street Term Expires 1928
John B. Sawyer, Summit Avenue
Term Expires 1929
Leo A. Rogers, Stedman Street
Term Expires 1929
SUB-COMMITTEES
Mr. Rogers
Public Property Mr. Allman
Mr. Sawyer
Finance and Accounts Dr. O'Connell Mrs. Miller
Mr. Allman
Teachers and Salaries
Mrs. Ripley
Dr. O'Connell
Mrs. Miller
Courses of Study
Dr. O'Connell
Mrs. Ripley Mr. Rogers
Mrs. Miller
Text Books and Supplies Mrs. Ripley Mr. Rogers .
Superintendent of Schools
Willard B. Atwell, 94 West Chestnut Street
Secretary to the Superintendent Harriet A. Foster, 15 West Water Street
163
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Office, High School Building. Hours: 8 to 12 and 1:30 to 5.
Monday Evening 7 to 8. Saturday 8 to 12. On Wednesday and Friday the office is open until 5:30 P. M.
Office telephone 0122. Superintendent 0363. Secretary 0074.
Regular Meetings of the School Committee: Second and fourth Fridays of each month at 7:30 p. m. at Committee Rooms.
Report of School Committee
To the Citizens of Wakefield:
Herewith is submitted our annual report for the schools of Wake- field.
TESTING
We have continued the work in testing which we began three years ago. Admission to the first grade for those who are under the required school age is still granted, if the child shows a mental age of at least six years. Careful records have been kept of all who have been admitted in this way. . No one of these younger entrants has failed, but the larger majority are in A or B divisions. We shall continue to keep careful watch over these pupils to see if they are able to maintain their stand- ard when they reach the higher grades.
Every pupil throughout the grades will be given different sets of tests to ascertain whether or not he is doing the kind of work which his ability indicates we might expect of him. Where such is not the case we shall take steps to find out, if possible, where the trouble lies, and try to ascertain and correct the cause. To secure the best results tabulations of scores should be in the hands of the principals as soon as possible after the tests have been given and corrected. All of these require a great deal of time and energy, but we believe that the results fully justify the extra work.
EVENING SCHOOL
The different departments in the Evening School have been conduct- ed as in previous years. The change in the immigration laws has had a decided effect upon the enrollment in the classes in Americanization.
164
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
This is growing smaller, so much so, that we have discontinued two class- es this year. This means that the appropriation needed for this part of the work has decidedly diminished.
The Director of Evening School reports that the alien adult not only looks upon the Evening School as a place to secure knowledge of English, but also as an agency to secure advice upon almost anything pertaining to his home. Thirty-five petitions for naturalization have been filled out by the Director for persons who do not attend any of the classes.
The Commercial department is about the same as it has been, but we are able to maintain this department with one less teacher than last year ..
The classes in the Practical Arts department seem to be as popular as ever, the enrollment exceeding that of last year, but by a rearrange- ment of classes we are conducting the work with one teacher less.
HEALTH
The School Physician reports that it appears that parents are more careful about keeping their children at home for minor illnesses than they were ten years ago. This is encouraged particularly in the matter of common colds. Common colds with their resulting complications cause more absence from school and more disturbance in the class than any other condition unless it be an epidemic of whooping cough.
After the physical examination which is required, almost one thousand four hundred notices were sent home calling attention to physi- cal defects, most of which were remediable; more than half of these were for decayed teeth, but as a rule no notice is sent for defect in temporary teeth unless it is so great as to interfere with eating, or is a distinct menace to the health. Poor nutrition is to a considerable degree remedi- able if sufficient care is taken, and is almost entirely in the hands of the mother of the family. Faulty habits of eating, sleeping, and exercises are the basis of faulty nutrition, aside from inherited tendencies. It is by no means the children of needy or indigent homes that are the princi- pal sufferers from this condition.
The School Nurse assisted at the State Clinic which was held at the High School in December, when 110 underweight children were exam- ined .. . The result of the examination was as follows:
165
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Total number of children examined
110
Number of contacts
11
Number given tuberculin test
110
Number reacted to test
34
Helium tuberculosis
1
Latent Helium tuberculosis
1
Suspicious tuberculosis
3
Negative tuberculosis
29
Children with enlarged tonsils
27
Children in need of dentistry
64
Number of cases of malnutrition
7
During the year there were the following number of certain con- tagious diseases: Mumps, 58; Scarlet Fever, 20; Measles, 10; Diph- theria, 2; Typhoid Fever, 3; Infantile Paralysis, 1.
HIGH SCHOOL
When the new High School was built the Finance Committee asked how long it would be before the building would be full. Our guess was seven years. It looks now as though we were too optimistic. In June we will have used the building for five years and already we are begin- ning to feel somewhat cramped for room. The enrollment at the begin- ring of the School Year was as follows:
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