USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1928 > Part 6
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1
Lost children cared for
27
Lost dogs found and returned to owners
13
Lanterns in dangerous places
64
Liquor search warrants served
3
Medical examiner cases
10
Officers at fires
59
Posting notices
50
Runaway boys cared for
1
Sick and disabled people assisted
20
Wires burning trees and reported
3
Water running to waste and reported
8
90
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
I have collected in non-support cases $1,622.00 and this money I have paid out by check.
On duty calls 58,275.
Miles covered by the police car (Buick) 9.875.
Miles covered by the police Ambulance, 820.
Miles covered by the Motorcycles, 13,290.
During the past year a new Buick Ambulance was provided for this department and as put in operation, Thursday, May 24.
It is a credit to the Town of Wakefield, and it certainly is appreciated by the people who by reason of injury or sickness are obliged to use it. Dur- ing the year we have been clear of Serious Crime and at this time I will say that we have as clean a Town as any in the State of Massachusetts.
DISCIPLINE
Has been very good and I want to thank the officers for the manner in which they have performed their duty.
RECOMMENDATIONS
During the year the Board of Selectmen selected one officer to at- tend the school which is conducted by Commissioner of Public Safety, at Boston, for a period of thirty-days at a very small expense, and I most earnestly ask that this be done each year.
CONCLUSION
In closing this report I wish to return my sincere thanks to the Honor- able Board of Selectmen, for the interest manifested by them in all matters pertaining to this department during the past year.
To the various other departments and to each and every other per- son who have in any way assisted this department during the past year you have my sincere thanks.
Respectfully submitted, 4
JAMES J. POLLARD,
Chief of Police.
91
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
Report of Board of Health
The report of the Board of Health is herewith respectfully submitted. There were 646 cases of infectious disease for the year ending December 31, 1928. Classified as follows:
Pneumonia
23
Anterior Poliomyelitis
4
Chicken-Pox
22
Opthalmia Neonatorum
1
Malaria
1
Measles
482
German Measles
2
Mumps
6
Scarlet Fever
42
Tuberculosis
16
Typhoid Fever
2
Whooping Cough
24
Syphilis
5
Gonorrhea
4
Septic Sore Throat
2
Lethargic Encephalitis
1
Diphtheria
9
The increase in the number over those of last year is chiefly due to the number of Measles cases.
Miss Russell made the following number of visits during the year:
Measles
233
Tuberculosis
295
Scarlet Fever
166
Anterior Poliomyelitis
20
Whooping Cough
11
Chicken-pox
7
Diphtheria
30
Opthalmia Neonatorum
1
Typhoid Fever
13
The arrangement made with the Milk Inspector of Somerville for a monthly analysis of milk samples has proved satisfactory.
A nominal fee is now charged for all permits to do plumbing whether for alterations or new construction
92
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
The garbage collection has been carried out by the Welfare Depart- ment as for several years past, but at a reduced cost, the net cost for the past year being $2,907.30.
Comparative few complaints have been received concerning the quality of service and these have received the immediate attention of the Superin- tendent of the Town Farm.
The next step contemplated in the extension of the low level sewer is the laying of a main to a point on Vernon Street, near Wave Avenue and this will be recommended this year.
Following the suggestion of the State Auditor in his report of a year ago, a number of improvements have been made in this Board's system of accounting.
The Board wishes to acknowledge its indebtedness to Mrs. Adelaide Boynton of the Welfare Department, who has made thirteen trips by auto- mobile to Rutland on behalf of tuberculosis patients.
ERNEST E. TYZZER, M. D., CHARLES E. MONTAGUE, M. D., WESLEY S. GOODWIN.
Report of Plumbing Inspector
To the Wakefield Board of Health:
I herewith submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1928.
Number of permits granted 189
Number of fixtures installed 771
Divided as follows:
Bath tubs
145
Lavatories
142
Closets 168
Sinks
155
Wash Trays 161
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID TAGGART,
Inspector of Plumbing.
93
REPORT OF MILK INSPECTOR
Report of Milk Inspector
To the Wakefield Board of Health.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Milk Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1928.
Upon assuming office it was deemed expedient to make some changes in methods.
A new and more up to date set of records was established, as was al- so a new and better form of milk license.
Additional duties were performed in the capacity of authorized agent, to issue dealers and producers permits, as well as to license all pasteuriza- tion plants within the Town limits.
The milk analysis as carried on by Mr. H. E. Bowman, of the Somer- ville Board of Health Laboratories was of a careful and satisfactory or- der
The Town is to be congratulated that its board has adopted this im- partial method of milk analysis, which to my mind removes beyond doubt, any question of unfairmness or impartiality on the part of the Board or the Milk Inspector.
: In summary I do not hesitate to say, that in my opinion the milk sold and produced in the Town of Wakefield, will compare more than favor- ably with that of other communities the same size.
The co-operation accorded me by your Board as well as by the Milk Dealers and producers in general, has at all times been commendable, and deeply appreciated by me.
I would now call your attention to the following detail of records and accounts.
PERMITS ISSUED-NO FEE
Producers Dealers
11
66
Total
77
94
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
LICENSES ISSUED
Milk-Retail-72 at 50 cents
$36.00
Milk-Producers-25 at 50 cents 12.50
Oleomargerine-1 at 50 cents .50
Oleomargerine-Reg. 21- at 50 cents
10.50
Ice Cream-4 at $1.00 4.00
Pasteurization-1 at $10.00
10.00
Total
$73.50
Respectfully submitted, LAWRENCE E. DOUCETT,
Milk Inspector.
Report of Slaughter House Inspector
To the Board of Health.
Gentlen en:
i Herewith submit n report as Inspector of Slaughtering, for four months ending April 30, 1928.
There were 145 pigs, 2 cows, and 2 calves slaughtered. Three pigs conden ned and disposed of
Respectfully su ›mitted,
MEI VIN BROWN,
Inspector of Slaughtering.
To the nemlers of the Board of Health.
Gentlen en:
lere ith su i it report for Slaughter House Inspector for eight months ending Lecen er 31, 1 2 ..
i ere - ere 2:3 pig -. ! co s, one' calf slaughtered. Two pigs were cor Ger red and disposed of.
1 espectfull
su mitted,
1 ALMER CORBETT,
Inspector of Slaughtering.
95
REPORTOF TUBERCULOSIS DISPENSARY
Tuberculosis Dispensary Report
To the Wakefield Board of Health:
The annual report of the Tuberculosis Dispensary is herewith respect- fully submitted.
We have examined at the dispensary at various intervals, patients discharged from sanatoria, contact cases, and suspicious cases of tuber- culosis, and a number of underweight children. One hundred and twenty examinations were made of seventy patients. Sixteen new cases of tuber- culosis were reported, six more than the number reported last year.
There were thirteen cases of tuberculosis sent to the different sanatoria. Five patients were admitted to Rutland State Sanatorium, three to North Reading, one to Lakeville, one to Westfield, one to the Veterans' Hospital in Rutland, and two to the State Infirmary in Tewksbury.
We have at the present time sixteen patients in the different insti- tutions, seven at Rutland State Sanatorium, four at North Reading, one at Lakeville, one at Westfield, two at the Veterans' Bureau Hospital in Rutland, one at the Infirmary at Tewksbury. There were five deaths from tuberculosis during the year, this includes the deaths at the sanatoria.
Several suspicious cases who came to the dispensary to be examined were sent to North Reading for an X-Ray and Dr. Willoughby of North Reading Sanatorium also examined a number of suspicious cases for this dispensary.
We are again glad to take this opportunity to express our sincere grati- tude to Mrs. Boynton of the Welfare Department for her assistance and co-operation during the past year.
I. W. RICHARDSON, M. D., Dispensary Physician.
NELLIE B. RUSSELL., R. N., Dispensary Nurse.
96
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Inspector of Buildings
Wakefield, Mass., January 1st, 1929. To the Honorable Board of Selectmen. Gentlemen:
I herewith respectfully submit my report for the year ending December 31st, 1928.
Number of building permits issued Increase from 1927 74
274
For the following purposes :
82
Single Dwellings. Increase
18
Two Family Dwellings Increase
1
Two Dwelling Buildings, 17 Apartments each Increase 2
2
Garages for 1 car
69
Increase
28
Garages for 2 cars
33
Increase
13
Garages for 3 cars
2
Increase
1
Poultry Houses
13
1
Increase 4
Dwelling Additions and Alterations
21
Increase 2
Piazza and Sun Room Additions Increase 5
19
Miscellaneous purposes
31
400 Building Inspections have been made.
36 Elevators inspected, tested and certificates of inspection issued.
2
97
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS
Approximate estimate of costs as submitted by Applicants:
1928 Total 1927 Total
$579,210.00 411,771.00
Increase 1928 $167,429.00
I have inspected fifty-three (53) Lodging Rooms and found safety ropes in fair condition.
Fire escapes and exits as required and reported to State Department of Public Safety.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK J. HENKEL,
Building Inspector.
Report of Inspector of Animals
Wakefield, Mass., January 1st, 1929.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen. Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my annual report for the year ending December 31st, 1928.
I tound all cattle in good condition.
Seven rabied dogs killed, thirty-six quarantined and released.
Respectfully,
DR. PALMER CORBETT, V. S.
Inspector of Animals for 1928-1929.
98
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
Wakefield, Mass., January 1,51929. Gentlemen:
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen.
I respectfully submit the following report for the year of 1928.
Adjusted
Sealed
Condemned
Platform scales over 5000 lbs.
3
13
Platform scales under 5000 lbs.
40
115
2
Counter scales 100 lbs. or over
1
8
Counter scales under 100 lbs.
15
66
Beam scales 100 lbs. or over
1
Beam scales under 100 lbs.
7
Spring scales 100 lbs. or over
18
Spring scales under 100 lbs.
24
81
2
Computing scales 100 lbs. or over
2
7
Computing scales under 100 lbs.
40
102
3
Personal weighing
16
2
Prescription scales
6
Weights avoirdupoi ;
18
851
3
Apothecary weights
59
Metric weights
7
Liquid measures
124
Gasoline Pumps
23
75
18
Gasoline Meters
57
3
Kerosene Pumps
2
Oil Measuring Pumps
5
Quantity Stops
87
406
Yard Sticks
60
Amount of fees collected, $230.43.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES J. DEVLIN,
Sealer.
99
REPORT OF WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION AGENT
Report of Workmen's Compensation Agent
Wakefield, Mass., January 1st, 1929.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Wakefield, Mass. Gentlemen :
There have been twenty-two (22) employees injured during the past year who have received medical attendance.
Expense of same $469.75
Compensation paid to five (5) employees 1,522.50
Total Expenditures $1,992.25
A detailed statement of expenditures may be found in the Town Ac- countant's report.
12 employees injured Highway Department.
4 employees injured Sewer Department.
4 employees injured Water Department.
1 employee injured Moth Department.
1 employee injured Poor Farm.
1st Poor Farm case Broken elbow:
Compensation paid to date
$825.73
Surgical and medical expense
270.80
$1,096.53
2nd case Sewer Department:
Settled by Town Counsel compromise, approved Compensation Board and Selectmen for a lump sum not to exceed $1,100.00, cash $650.00, and $10.00 per week while living not to exceed $450.00.
Two contested cases one of which hearings about completed and ready for arguments by counsel, the other pending.
Another case which was strongly contested for almost one year, in- volving expert testimony before Compensation Commissioner and then appealed to Compensation Board.
Verdict in favor of Town. On appeal verdict reaffirined.
100
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
There have been many postponements, and hearings, which have taken much time and careful preparations.
These cases have been conscientiously and ably handled and much credit is due M. E. S. Clemons, Esq., Town Counsel for so well serving the Town.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK J. HENKEL,
Compensation Agent.
Report of Sweetser Charity
Rosa B. Cutler-In account with Sweetser Charity:
Dr.
To balance on hand, January 1, 1928 $291.98
January 3, 1928-received refund 5.00
August 1928-received dividend from Wakefield Savings Bank 8.37
$305.85
Cr.
By disbursements $117.96
January 1, 1929 balance
$187.39
ROSA B. CUTLER,
Treasurer.
101
REPORT OF SWEETSER LECTURE COMMITTEE
Report of Sweetser Lecture Committee
Season 1928
Receipts
Town of Wakefield, Sweetser Lecture Fund
$425.00
Advance Sale by W. H. S. Students
229.80
Advance Sale by L. L. McMaster, 46 season tickets at .75
34.50
Advance Sale by Greenwood Pharmacy, 9 season tickets at .75
6.75
Advance Sale by Item Office, 10 season tickets at .75
7.50
Advance sale by Dr. J. W. O'Connell, 3 season tickets at .75
2.25
Door sales, 91 season tickets at .75
68.25
Door Sales, 684 single tickets at .25
171.00
Extra cash contribution
. 05
Amount contributed by committee to make up deficit
1.65
$946.75
Payments
Lecture, January 3, Lowell Thomas
$250.00
Lecture, January 17, Captain John Noel
250.00
Lecture, January 31, Edward H. Thompson
75.00
Lecture, February 15, Col. Laurence LaT. Driggs
150.00
Lecture, February 29, Maurice G. Hindus
75.00
Police and Firemen's services
20.00
Printing and Advertising
104.51
Clerks
18.00
Postage, Telephone, and Miscellaneous
4.24
$946.75
Committee :
JOHN F. WHITE, J. WILLIAM O'CONNELL, VERNON A. ROACH, CHARLES J. PETERSON, CYRUS M. DOLBEARE.
102
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Town Counsel
Wakefield, January 14, 1929.
To the Honorable, the Board of Selectmen, of the Town of Wakefield.
Gentlemen :
As Town Counsel for the year 1928 I submit the following report:
There are pending against the Town three tort cases for damages alleged to have been caused by defects in highways.
Seven cases are also pending for alleged damages from gas poisoning; one gas case for $5,000 was settled for $350; and one for $10,000 was settled for $500 on the eve of trial.
Two cases for damages for takings and purchase of water tower site and a cross action to compel delivery of deeds were settled for $1,307.14 and deeds for the property and an adjoining lot were delivered to the town.
The Russell case (removal of police officer) was finally disposed of by an adverse decision of the Supreme Court.
Collection by suit for the Water Department was made of $250.
One workman's compensation case, after many days of trial and ap- peal was finally disposed of in the towns favor .. $4,000 was involved.
One similar case for a different injury after some hearings was settled for the lump sum of $650.00 with a contingent further payment not to exceed $450.00.
There are pending three workman's compensation cases. The report of the agent will probably make further reference to these matters, but I wish to call attention to the possible large amounts involved in each case, and generally from what appeared to be a trivial injury at the time, in some cases no record at all being available and the case brought a long time afterwards with a claim for intervening wages or special compensation.
Many titles have been examined, deeds drawn and takings made
103
REPORT OF DOG OFFICER
More streets have been laid out in the past year than for many prior years and each lay-out involves under the new laws very extensive and careful consideration, especially if betterments are involved.
I believe the work of this department the past year has been double that of prior years.
Respectfully submitted, M. E. S. CLEMONS,
Town Counsel.
Report of Dog Officer
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report for work as Dog Officer from March 16, 1928 to January 1, 1929.
Have answered 247 calls on various complaints.
Have gassed 116 dogs, because of sickness or because they were not wanted.
Have found homes for 24 dogs.
Have treated for sickness 22 dogs.
All dogs were kept from five days to two weeks before being disposed of.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE A. BENNETT,
Dog Officer.
104
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Assessors
We herewith submit the Annual Report of the Assessor's Department for the year ending December 31st, 1928.
State Tax
27,625.00
County Tax
31,781.48
Metropolitan Sewer
20,270.95
Metropolitan Park
12,806.38
Metropolitan Planning Board
191.86
Charles River Basin
2,181.26
Traffic Road, Boston, South and East
1,511.16
Abatement of smoke nuisance
89.79
Road Essex St., to Mountford Avenue
579.51
Traffic Artery in City of Cambridge
1,057.22
Auditing Municipal Account
2,062.45
Total State and County Charges
Charges Town purposes
Gross Levy
$100,157.06 950,831.77 1,050,988,83 275,916.34
Less General Receipts
Less 4849 Polls, 2.00 each
Increase in Net Levy over 1927
"Town Valuation" Buildings
15,671,505.00
Land
4,079,055.00
Personal Property
2,886,505.00
Total
Increase in Valuation over 1927
Increase in Buildings
$566,490.00
Increase in Land
90,150.00
Increase in personal property
52,355.00
Rate of Taxation
Overlay
34.40 per M 13,340.55 1,362,500.00 130,000.00
"Assets of Town" including "Land and Buildings," "Municipal Light Plant," "Water Works," and "Sewer System," and all Tangible Property
Less Bonded Debt
4,206,310.65 1,362,500.00 2,843.810.65
Assets above Liabilities
$22,637,065.00 $708,995.00
Bonded Debt January 1st, 1929 Bonds retired in 1928
9,698.00 9,181.88
REPORT OF ASSESSORS
105
Property exempt from Taxation
997,000.00
Number of Residents assessed on property
4,432
All Others
300
Number of Non-Residents assessed on property
555
All Others
82
Total persons assessed on property
5369
Persons paying Poll Tax only
2,386
Number of Polls Assessed
4,849
Number of Polls exempt by Law
14
Number of Motor Vehicles assessed
2,452
Assessed Valuation of Same
766,000
Revenue from Motor Vehicles
26,350
Number of Dwelling Houses assessed
3,117
Number of Horses assessed
123
Number of Cows assessed
153
Number of Neat Cattle assessed
4
Number of Swine assessed
20
Number of Sheep assessed
60
Number of Fowl assessed
5,821
Number of acres of land in Town
4,000
Number of acres of land in Lake Quannapowitt
247.94
Number of acres of land in Crystal Lake
82.86
Number of acres of land in Town Common
2.50
Number of acres of land in Harts' Hill Park
9.68
Number of acres of land in Park Lakeside
6.75
Respectfully submitted, by Wakefield Assessors,
CHARLES A. CHENEY,
GEORGE H. STOWELL,
HUGH CONNELL.
106
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Planning Board
-
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen.
Gentlemen:
The Town Planning Board herewith submits to you its report for the year ending December 31, 1928.
The Board regrets that Mr. Leo A. Brissette has moved from Wake- field and severed his connection with the Planning Board. Mr. Brissette has, for a number of years, represented Greenwood on the Board and has served as its secretary. His spirit of public service and his interest in Town affairs have prompted him to give freely of his time and thought for the public good.
The Planning Board is pleased that the widening of Oak St., recom- mended in its general Town plan published in 1925, has been done at the Main St. end, and very nearly in conformity with its recommendation.
In Greenwood there is also needed a short new street 50 feet wide just south of the school, cutting from Greenwood Avenue to Main St. This would cut a very long block in two, facilitate circulation, and give a more direct outlet from the growing residential district east of Main St.
The rocky wooded area just back of the Greenwood School should soon become Town property. It has no great value as building land, but, set aside as a park, would be a decided asset to the neighborhood.
The Planning Board again wishes to emphasize that Main St. should eventually be 80 ft. wide from the Melrose line to Wakefield Junction. From that point, North Avenue should take the heavy through trucking and become an 80 ft. main throughfare to the Reading line. This is Wake- field's major main-artery problem. Action should soon be taken in Green- wood before the business section of Main St. is too permanently built up. Melrose suffers from a narrow main business street-Greenwood need not have the same handicap through the years, if it will soon see to it that its main business street is widened 80 feet.
The Town Meeting of 1928 authorized the purchase of the playground for the Water St. district by the Selectmen, with the approval of the Play- ground Commission and the Planning Board. The site suggested, near
107
REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD
the Pumping Station, was approved by the Planning Board, providing the area was increased. Through the generosity of the owner a large tract of land was added to the original site without adding to the cost. The selection of this site by the Town is especially wise, in that a beginning has thus been made toward what should eventually be a park strip through the valley of the Saugus River to the Saugus line as recommended by Mr. A. C. Comey in his plan of Wakefield, published by the Planning Board in 1925.
The Board is pleased that a comprehensive surface drainage plan has been prepared for the Town. It is hoped that in this connection the lower- ing of the Saugus River will be done very soon. This is an obvious and rela- tively simple and inexpensive method of draining the swamps in the east of the Town.
The Planning Board has been in consultation with the School Committee in the comprehensive school and playground survey which it is now pre- paring. In that connection, it is important that when Pleasant St. is ex- tended north to Lowell St., it should be 60 ft. wide.
Inasmuch as the railroad bridge at Linden St. is about to be repaired or replaced, the Planning Board calls attention to its suggestion of 1925, at which time a plan was submitted to the Board of Selectmen showing Merriam St. carried through to Greenwood St. The bridge is only part of a larger improvement and should be considered in connection with the whole scheme.
The subject of insurance rates in the business center of the Town is now a live one. The recommendation of the Planning Board made in 1925, in which a plan for a new and secondary business street, east of and parallel with Main St., is again called to your attention. With the very limited area of expansion of Wakefield's business center, such a new street should be laid out before land values are increased, and long before the need of additional store space is felt. This new street would give the Fire De- partment ready access to the rear of all East Main St. and Crescent St. property, and materially reduce the fire hazard.
Regarding Lake Quannapowitt, land on the westerly shore of the lake has recently come upon the market. The Planning Board has always recommended that the Town should acquire privately owned land on the lake front. It is earnestly hoped that the Town will immediately purchase the property now available. This land, lying between the lake and what will some day be the Quannapowitt Boulevard, should be owned by the Town and become part of its park system. If purchased now, the price will be much less than when the boulevard is put through. The unsightly filling process can be carried on and completed before the boulevard brings the general public into this area. With a dyke of clean gravel along the lake shore, the back land can be temporarily used as the west side Town dump without polluting the waters of the lake.
108
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
On the south shore of the lake, the property at the end of Spaulding St., lying along the shore a distance of 300 feet, should be taken by the Town. This could be developed for bathing. One of the best gradually sloping sandy beaches on the lake is located here. The land, together with the old boat house, can now be purchased at a reasonable price, and with a proper bath house erected, the bathing problem of our lake would be solved very satisfactorily.
Respectfully submitted, E. M. BRIDGE, Chairman, WILLIAM G. ROBERTS, T. FULTON PARKS, FRANK T. WOODBURY.
109
REPORT OF MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD
Report of the Municipal Light Board
To the Citizens of the Town of Wakefield:
We submit herewith the Thirty-fifth Annual Report of the Depart- ment which is for the year ending December 31, 1928 and we are pleased to tell you that we have had another satisfactory year.
You will find a balance sheet, a statement of income and expenses of the Gas Department and of the Electric Department and a Profit and Loss Statement appended hereto.
The Manager's report, together with certain recommendations for the year 1929 you will also find appended hereto.
It is gratifying to report that the Electric Department was operated at a profit of $45,629.32 and the Gas Department at a profit of $14,262.01.
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