USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1956 > Part 2
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10
Meetings on job with electricians
75
Property owners notified to make wiring changes
5
Inspections with Fire Chief
15
Requests from tenants for inspections
5
Fees collected Jan. 1, 1956 to Dec. 31, 1956 and deposited in Wakefield Trust Co.
$1,710.50
Appropriation 1956 Town Meeting
1,516.50
Surplus of the department for 1956
194.00
JOHN J. CURRAN,
Wire Inspector
Permits granted
145TH ANNUAL REPORT
19
Report of Plumbing Inspector
Number of permits issued
365 1,735
Number of fixtures installed
Gas storage-Hot water heaters
41
Electric storage-Hot water heaters
20
Oil storage-Hot water heaters
1
Hot water tanks
9
Tankless heaters
117
Water closets
313
Lavatories
315
Bath tubs
223
Showers
28
Urinals
25
Sinks
271
Laundry trays
86
Disposals
13
Dish washing machines
16
Washing machines
46
Traps
2
Soda fountains
2
Drinking fountain
1
Drains
7
Repiping
1
Air conditioner
1
Refrigerator drip
1
Cold pan drips
5
Dental chair
1
Sewer connections
124
Cesspools
66
Fees for permits
$ 1,266.00
KENNETH G. SHAW,
Inspector of Plumbing
20
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Animal Inspector
Eighty-five (85) animals were quarantined as a precautionary measure against rabies.
One (1) animal died while under quarantine and was taken to the Wasserman Laboratory for further examination. (It proved negative).
There were no cases of rabies in Wakefield during 1956.
All cattle and their quarters were inspected and found to be in satis- factory condition.
JOHN W. HOPKINS, Animal Inspector
Report of Dog Officer
Answered nine hundred eighty-two (982) telephone calls. Canvassed town twice (2) for unlicensed dogs. Two hundred twelve (212) were picked up. One hundred thirty-two (132) were returned. Seventy-nine (79) were humanely disposed of. One (1) was sold. Money turned into town treasurer. Sixty-seven (67) stray cats were picked up. Four (4) were returned to their rightful owners. Sixty-three (63) were humanely disposed of. One hundred forty-two (142) dead animals were picked up.
JOHN W. HOPKINS,
Dog Officer
145TH ANNUAL REPORT
21
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
Adjusted
Sealed
Condemned
Scales over 10,000 lbs.
6
1
Scales 5,000 to 10,000 lbs.
1
Scales 100 to 5,000 lbs.
3
25
Scales under 100 lbs.
3
106
1
Avoirdupois weights
3
127
Linear measures
10
Gasoline meters
6
90
1
Vehicle tanks
11
42
5
Bulk storage
4
2
Gasoline pumps
6
90
1
Leather measures
1
Cloth measures devices
1
Reweighs on meats and vegetables-249
Fees collected-$363.45
JAMES J. DEVLIN,
Sealer
22
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Director of Civil Defense
This Department was organized pursuant to directives issued by the Governor of Massachusetts and Chapter 639 General Laws of Massachu- setts.
There is one paid employee serving as office clerk and field agent. The Director and all other members of the organization are serving on a vol- unteer basis.
Warden Service: The group was disbanded because no funds were appropriated for equipment or training.
Communications Service: A discarded fire truck was given a com- plete overhaul by the Wakefield Road Knights and placed in operation. The Road Knights donated parts and equipment and other parts were do- nated by private merchants. The interior of the truck was remodeled by the Kiley family and is ready to receive communication equipment. This town is one of the few towns that has an operation plan accepted by the Federal Communication Commission permitting it to be on the air when all other communications systems must remain silent, yet the town has never appropriated money to purchase the equipment necessary to fulfill the plan. On six occasions during the past year the need for this equip- ment was clearly demonstrated.
A nation-wide communications test was held in July and Wakefield was able to participate only through the use of borrowed equipment.
The Wakefield Kiwanis Club donated an aluminum 14' rescue boat which has responded to many calls. If this boat had not been available to the town at the time of an unfortunate drowning accident no rescue nor body recovery steps could have been taken for about 15 minutes.
Auxiliary Police: This service again proved its worth and saved the town in direct dollars and cents more than the entire amount appropriated for Civil Defense for the year.
Auxiliary Fire and Rescue Services: This service and the heavy rescue truck also proved itself another valuable asset to the town, performing ex- cellent work at disaster scenes and local emergencies.
Matching Funds Program: This town's failure to avail itself of the matching funds program cost $5,263.50. Again more than the amount ap- propriated to Civil Defense.
Emergencies in this town during the past year again indicated a need for a Control Center, Races Plan equipment and mobile generators. This equipment is obtainable through the Matching Funds Program, and the Government Surplus Program. Lack of a control center makes Wakefield ineligible to participate in either program.
JAMES F. HURTON,
Director of Civil Defense
23
145TH ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Board of Health
The year 1956 showed a very low incidence of communicable diseases. One case of Poliomyelitis (Paralytic) was reported. The total for the pre- vious year was 22.
The Board of Health voted to continue the Salk Vaccine inoculations at school and pre-school clinics. Vaccine for inoculations by private physi- cians was also dispensed through the Board of Health. A total of 3,300 children received inoculations at public clinics and 2,800 children received their inoculations by private physicians. Local physicians again partici- pated in this program with first inoculations starting in March, second inoculations were completed in June. Wakefield was the second com- munity in the State to complete their program before the school year ended in June.
The Board of Health accepted with regret the resignation of Mrs. Ernestine Nardone, R.N. Mrs. Nardone was appointed Public Health Nurse in June of 1950. Mrs. Shirley Stoddart, R.N., was appointed full time Pub- lic Health Nurse on August 1, 1956.
Preschool immunization clinics were held with a total of 33 children receiving a series of 3 inoculations against diphtheria-tetanus and whoop- ing cough and 123 receiving booster inoculations.
The Tuberculosis Case Register at the beginning of the year showed a case load of 40. During the year 1956, 3 new cases were reported, 1 re-activated. At the present time there are six patients hospitalized. Ten patients at home are on chemotherapy under their physician's supervision.
The following is an abbreviated summary of field trips, nursing serv- ices and investigations made by the public health nurse:
Nursing visits to tuberculosis patients and contacts 112
Office visits of patients and contacts 20
Number of trips to Sanatoriums for X-rays 40
Number of contacts of tuberculosis patients X-rayed
89
Number of case register patients X-rayed
30
All others X-rayed
32
Patients hospitalized during the year
12
Poliomyelitis home visits
7
Premature baby investigations
7
Unsanitary conditions, food poisoning, etc.
8
Kindergartens supervised
6
ROBERT DUTTON, M.D., Chairman ROBERT G. REED, Secretary EVAN FAIRBANKS
24
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Board of Public Welfare
The same trend as evidenced itself in 1955 continued in 1956. Case loads in all categories other than Disability Assistance decreased, but the cost per case increased. As predicted, a new hospital care rate was made effective, February 1, 1956 which increased costs. A further increase in cost of living from 14.2% to 20% was made effective, July 1, 1956.
Total expenditures for all relief in Wakefield, including maintenance of the Town Home and administration amounted to $416,766.92.
We had returned from all sources $324,510.22, which resulted in a net cost to Wakefield of $92,256.70 or, 22.1% of total expended.
General Relief
We have had only a few full time, single unit, cases in this program. In addition, we, as usual, assisted a few families where income was dis- rupted because of illness or unemployment.
Aid to Dependent Children
Our estimate of 16 cases for the year proved to be accurate. We added 9 cases to the rolls and closed 6 for the following reasons:
Became self-supporting 5
Moved from community 1
Disability Assistance
The number of persons applying for aid in this category increased, but not to the figure of our estimate. Because of the health conditions of these cases they are proving to be more costly than a case in other categories. We added 7 cases during the year and closed 13 for the following reasons:
By death 6
Became self-supporting
1
Admitted to a State Hospital 3
Moved from community 2
Continued eligibility not established 1
Old Age Assistance
Nothing eventful occurred in this category. The total case load de- clined from 295 at the beginning of the year, to 286. A new law, effective November 7, 1956, allows aliens, who have lived in this country for twenty years, to receive Old Age Assistance if otherwise eligible. We look forward, therefore, to added cases in 1957. We added 38 cases during the year and closed 50 for the following reasons:
By death 39
Admitted to a State Hospital
4
Moved from community 5
Continued eligibility not established 2
25
145TH ANNUAL REPORT
Town Home
The Town Home continues to be closed for resident clients and is be- ing carried on a maintenance basis until the town votes disposition.
Respectfully submitted,
M. LEO CONWAY, Chairman P. ELIZABETH KITCHENMAN PETER Y. MYHRE ALBERT J. PETRUCCI
Financial Statement-1956
Category
Income
Expenses
Disability Assistance
$ 48,600.49
Federal
$ 12,037.89
State
25,634.08
Refunds
378.86
Aid to Dependent Children
23,458.75
Federal
9,079.84
State
7,549.54
Refunds
366.35
Old Age Assistance
300,155.58
Federal
113,903.34
State
129,258.92
Refunds
2,200.28
Other Cities and Towns
5,075.57
General Relief
12,660.48
State (Unsettled Cases)
2,335.00
Living in Wakefield, settled elsewhere
1,178.69
Refunds - 1956
1,061.45
Refunds - Prior years
114.00
Unpaid Bills
3,707.30
Administration
28,184.32
Federal
13,527.51
State
508.90
$324,510.22
416,766.92
324,510.22
$ 92,256.70
22.1%
Administration (All Categories)
Board Members
Appropriated (Town Funds) Expended (Town Funds)
$ 690.00 690.00
Balance
None
26
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Office Employees
Appropriated (Town Funds) Expended (Town Funds)
$ 12,810.00 12,810.00
Balance
None
Balance, 1955 (Federal Funds)
$ 2,199.05
Grants, 1956 (Federal Funds)
13,527.51
Refunds
4.00
Funds Available (Federal)
$ 15,730.56
Funds Expended (Federal)
14,684.32
Balance (Federal)
$ 1,046.24
Recapitulation
Funds Available (Town and Federal)
$ 29,230.56
Funds Expended (Town and Federal)
28,184.32
Balance (Federal)
$ 1,046.24
Source of Funds
Federal
$ 13,527.51
State
508.90
Town
14,147.91
GENERAL RELIEF
Unpaid Bills for Years Prior to 1955
Appropriated
$ 000.00
Balance (Town Funds) 1955
166.92
Expended
000.00
Balance (Town Funds) 1956
$ 166.92
Unpaid Bills for 1955
Appropriated (Town Funds)
$ 3,553.96
Refund (Town Funds)
182.00
Funds Available (Town Funds)
3,735.96
Funds Expended (Town Funds)
3,707.30
Balance (Town Funds)
$ 28.66
Recipients
Appropriated (Town Funds)
$ 18,700.00
Refunds (Town Funds)
1,061.45
Funds Available
$ 19,761.45
Expended (Town Funds)
12,660.48
Balance
$ 7,100.97
27
145TH ANNUAL REPORT
1956 Case Load Distribution
Cases
Amount
Living Wakefield, with Wakefield Settlement
28
$ 6,886.84
Living Wakefield, without Settlement
3
2,335.00
Living Other Cities and Towns with Wakefield Settlement
12
2,259.95
Living in Wakefield with Settlement in Other Cities and Towns
4
1,178.69
-
47
$ 12,660.48
Disability Assistance Recipients
Funds Available
Appropriated (Town)
$ 43,000.00
Balance (Federal) 1955
583.04
Grants (Federal) 1956
12,037.89
Refunds (Federal)
378.86
Total Funds
$ 55,999.79
Funds Expended
48,600.49
Balance (Federal Funds)
$ 7,399.30
Source of 1956 Funds
Federal
$ 12,037.89
State
25,634.08
Town
10,928.52
Aid to Dependent Children
Recipients
Funds Available
Appropriated
$ 19,000.00
Balance (Federal) 1955
415.54
Grants (Federal) 1956
9,079.84
Refunds (Federal)
366.35
Total Funds
$ 28,861.73
Funds Expended
23,458.75
Balance (Federal Funds)
$ 5,402.98
Source of 1956 Funds
Federal
State
$ 9,079.84 7,549.54
Town
6,829.37
28
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Old Age Assistance Recipients and Other Cities and Towns
Funds Available
Appropriated
$211,000.00
Balance (Federal) 1955
11,080.97
Grants (Federal) 1956
113,903.34
Refunds
2,200.28
Total Funds
$338,184.59
Funds Expended
300,155.58
Balance (Federal Funds)
$ 38,029.01
Source of 1956 Funds
Federal
$113,903.34
State
129,258.92
Town
56,993.32
Town Home
Appropriated
$
1,295.00
Expended
1,295.00
Balance
None
Home is closed-caretaker in charge.
Retirement
Appropriated Expended
$ 941.70
941.70
Balance
None
M. LEO CONWAY, Chairman P. ELIZABETH KITCHENMAN PETER Y. MYHRE ALBERT J. PETRUCCI
29
145TH ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Veterans' Services and Benefits
The Veterans' Benefits and Services Department submits its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1956.
Under Chap. 115, General Laws as amended, the Town of Wakefield is reimbursed one-half of all monies spent, provided that proper authoriza- tion from the State as to settlement, dependency and need is shown.
Recipients Expenses
$ 32,450.00
Outstanding Medical Bills for 1956
Request Town Meeting Appropriation
857.28
Number of Recipients aided
93 Cases
Medical Cases Aided
52 Cases
Fuel Cases Aided
18 Cases
Veterans' Services
Korean Bonus Applications
92 Cases
Disability Applications
37 Cases
Photostatic Copies
137 Cases
Education, House Loans, Insurance
84 Cases
Hospitalization and Out-Patient
41 Cases
RICHARD J. McGRAIL,
Veterans' Agent Veterans' Service Director
Report of Personnel Board
During the past year the Personnel Board has held a number of meet- ings with representatives of various town departments and boards to dis- cuss and take action upon matters pertaining to the personnel by-law and employees covered by this by-law.
Because of turnover in membership, three members of the Board have been active for less than three months. Moderator-appointed members Kenneth Mulligan and Roger Muse resigned and were replaced by the ap- pointment of Daniel V. Lucey and Frank A. Tredinnick, Jr. John L. Clark, an employee-elected member, resigned and the town employees elected Arthur H. Anderson of the Board of Public Works as a new member of the Personnel Board.
The board continues to be handicapped by the lack of an office of its own, and it is hoped that this situation will soon be rectified.
FRANK A. TREDINNICK, JR. Chairman, Personnel Board
30
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Recreation Commission
More than 1,000 parents and friends attended the annual Demonstra- tion Day of the playgrounds. It was held at Veterans' Field.
The folk dancing classes from the various playgrounds, and the handi- craft exhibit were held under lights on the tennis courts.
The handicraft class made potholders, mail-holders, felt beanies, felt purses, gimp articles and stuffed animals.
Softball for adults, baseball, tennis, horseshoes, basketball, dodge ball, badminton, croquet, bean bags, kickball, track and field events, and story- telling were the activities on the play areas.
A regulation Little League park on Farm Street was completed.
Colonel Edward J. Connelly Recreation Area was fenced in.
A regulation Pony League diamond was constructed on Moulton play area.
Attendance at all play areas was much higher than in previous years. There were 12 minor accidents during the year.
There were 119 games played in the Adult Softball League; 132 in Little League baseball; 56 in Pony League baseball, and 62 in Pioneer League baseball.
It is hoped that swimming will be better controlled at the Col. Edward J. Connelly area, now that it is fenced in.
Plans for the future are: Opening of the Dolbeare School Playground, spraying of the skating surface near Col. Edward J. Connelly Park, adding lights to Veterans' Field for night softball, erecting an overhead backstop at Maple Way baseball field, and erecting a field house on Moulton Play- ground.
DR. PHILIP L. MCAULIFFE, Chairman JOSEPH J. McMAHON, Secretary PATSY J. CARISELLA NICHOLAS F. MAURIELLO DANTE VOLPE FLORENCE P. GOULD MARJORIE G. McCANN
31
145TH ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Board of Public Works
Mr. Joseph H. DeFoe retired as Director of Public Works on October 15, 1956. Mr. DeFoe served the board faithfully for six years.
Mr. George R. Winters was elected as Director of Public Works for a three year term starting October 15, 1956.
Substantially, all work planned for in the 1956 budget has been accom- plished. Construction of sewers voted in the 1956 town meetings and the projects held over from 1955 have been completed. Orchard Circle, Roch- elle Drive and Thistledale Road construction was consummated. The pro- gram of surface treatment and resurfacing streets was carried forward as outlined in the director's report.
We were unsuccessful in completing the relaying program of old water mains due to the necessity of water main extensions. A revised program for water main relay and extension has been formulated and all the work under the old program should be completed in 1957.
We are recommending an increase in the amount appropriated for drainage as there are many serious drainage situations that need correc- tions immediately.
We are requesting one revision in the rates of pay for engineers to permit us to employ a man in the engineering division who will be quali- fied to assume the duties of Town Engineer.
We are requesting the appointment of a committee to investigate the feasibility of the construction of an incinerator jointly with the town of Stoneham, Reading and Lynnfield for the disposal of rubbish. Facilities for the proper disposal of rubbish are of paramount importance to the town.
For description of the work of the various divisions of the department we refer you to the report of the Director of Public Works which follows our report.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS GEORGE F. GARDNER, Chairman WILLIAM T. THISTLE, Secretary SIDNEY F. ADAMS SABATINO BENEDETTO JOSEPH J. NOLAN
REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
In the past year the department has completed the work schedule set forth in the budget and town meeting with the exception of the construc- ion of new sidewalks. This was due in part to the retirement of Mr. De- Foe and the appointment of a new director. The accomplishments of the year are outlined in the reports prepared by each division supervisor which follow.
Our most pressing problems have to do with the water supply of the town, the dump, the drainage work, and the need for sidewalks.
32
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
The water problem will be brought to the attention of the town meet- ing this year by the Water Survey Committee. The members of the board and the men of the department have tried to work with the Committee and assist them in every possible way.
In regard to the dump problem, this department has requested addi- tional funds for the coming year to carry on a more satisfactory program of sanitary land fill. We realize that anything we do at our present loca- tion will be of a temporary nature, and we are atempting to find new dump locations. We are also investigating incineration of rubbish, and in this regard we are working with joint committees from neighboring towns.
The amount of drainage work yet to be done in the town is prac- tically unlimited, and the further development of the town increases the problem. We attempt to ease the most critical situations, and still main- tain a planned extension of our drainage facilities. A review of the drainage areas of the town must be started soon to correlate the work of this department and the work currently being done by the Massachusetts Department of Public Works, Division of Waterways.
Construction of new sidewalks will be attempted this year by the utilization of town men and equipment in place of contracting the work as has been done in previous years. It is hoped by this method we can stretch our budget to include more work for each dollar spent, and perhaps be able to diminish the number of requests facing the department.
GEORGE R. WINTERS, Director
ENGINEERING DIVISION
The Engineering Division during 1956 furnished street house numbers, street right of way lines and grades, also necessary engineering for work carried on by the various divisions of the Public Works Department.
Detailed estimates and contract plans were completed by outside help for the construction of Thistledale Road, Rochelle Drive and Orchard Circle.
Requests for sidewalks and curbing were received and added to the long list on file.
Plans and specifications were prepared for the construction of a park- ing area, including an approach for a municipal boat landing. Pavement, curbing and drainage were completed.
MOTH AND TREE DIVISION
During the year we lost two hundred trees throughout the town due to the Dutch Elm Disease and other causes.
We planted one hundred fifty-five maples, grown in our nursery, on various streets throughout the town.
We have about ten thousand trees under our care. During the past hurricanes and sleet storms, many of these trees were injured and required our constant care.
33
145TH ANNUAL REPORT
Dutch Elm Disease is still at a steady incline. Most of our trees with this disease have been removed.
Gypsy Moth, Tent Caterpillars, and the Satin Moth are about the same as in the past years, but the Japanese Beetles have increased in many areas.
With our Mist Blower we were able to spray many of our elms twice and some of our swamps were sprayed for mosquitoes.
ERNEST J. McWHINNIE,
Superintendent
REPORT OF PARK AND CEMETERY DIVISION
The following report for 1956 is a brief resume of work completed, and activities that are over and above the regular maintenance that is the re- sponsibility of this division:
Park: Repaving of the tennis court at Veterans' Field which was contracted to the H. H. McGuire Company.
The completion of the parking area at the William Hall Park. This involved the laying of the subgrade, paving the area with two courses of hot top and the installation of hot top curbing. This also was contracted to the H. H. McGuire Company.
The baseball diamonds at Veterans' Field, Moulton Playground and the John J. Round Park were completely rebuilt.
A new Little League Field was completed on town property on Farm Street and this will be available for use in 1957.
A new chain link fence was installed at the Col. Connelly Park. This should adequately protect the children using the area.
Bath House: The average daily attendance for 1956 at the Spaulding Street bathing area was approximately 250. No serious accidents occurred during the season, nor was there any evidence of extreme rowdyism.
The Red Cross swimming classes were well attended. The following certificates were issued to those completing the various classes.
Beginners 190 Swimmers 20
Intermediate 50 Advanced 2
In the adult beginners division five young mothers were enrolled.
The classes were under the leadership of Miss Carolyn Maher and as- sisted by the remainder of the bathhouse staff.
Life saving courses were taught by Mr. Joseph Tecce, ably assisted by Mr. Philip McAuliffe; four senior and 20 junior certificates were awarded.
Cemetery: During 1956 the following interments were made in Forest Glade Cemetery :
Adults
80
Babies and Stillborn 16
Total 96
34
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Foundations-Markers and Monuments
54
Sale of Lots and Graves
Recorded baby graves 9
Single adult graves 10
Two lot graves 22
Four lot graves 2
Five lot graves
1
Permanent Improvements: In addition to regular maintenance a section containing approximately 350 graves was graded and seeded. This area will be available for sale in 1957.
A 6 inch water main was installed for a distance of 1,400 feet into the central part of the cemetery. This main is the first phase of developing proper watering facilities; and it will also give greater fire protection for adjacent undeveloped town land.
In conjunction with the above, a new main avenue was graveled and graded. In the spring of 1957 this will be surface treated and made ready for immediate use.
J. HENRY VIK, Supervisor
WATER DIVISION
WATER CONSTRUCTION
By Contractor
Daniel Road, 500 feet 6-inch cast iron cement lined pipe.
Magnolia Terrace, 525 feet 6-inch cast iron cement lined pipe.
Sycamore Road, 225 feet 6-inch cast iron cement lined pipe. Meadowview Road, 480 feet 6-inch cast iron cement lined pipe. Goodwin Street, 250 feet 6-inch cast iron cement lined pipe. Gregoria Road, 96 feet 8-inch cast iron cement lined pipe.
Michael Road, 32 feet 8-inch cast iron cement lined pipe.
Aldrich Road, 215 feet 8-inch cast iron cement lined pipe.
Louise Avenue, 432 feet 8-inch cast iron cement lined pipe.
By Town
Forest Glade Cemetery, 1400 feet 6-inch cast iron cement lined pipe.
WATER EXTENSIONS
By Contractor
Plymouth Road, 1000 feet 8-inch cast iron cement lined pipe.
Mitchell Lane, 650 feet 6-inch cast iron cement lined pipe.
By Town
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