USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1957 > Part 2
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Money collected, taxi badges issued
$ 59.00
Number of ambulance cases
559
Number of miles covered by ambulance
6,329
Number of miles covered by Car No. 91
45,272
Number of miles covered by Car No. 92
5,090
Number of miles covered by Car No. 94
15,353
Number of miles covered by Car No. 95
20,975
Number of miles covered by old ambulance
42
Number of miles covered by motorcycle
619
Number of duty calls
54,283
The Police Department has seven vehicles as follows: Chief's car, in- spector's car, two station wagon cruisers, ambulance, motorcycle, and mo- torboat.
The personnel of the department as appointed by the Board of Selec- men consists of: Chief, Lieutenant, Sergeants (3), Patrolmen (26), Women Traffic Supervisors (12), Reserve Patrolmen (8), Clerk, Matron and Cus- todian.
In the past year, the department has fulfilled its function to the town in protecting life and property although handicapped by changes in per- sonnel and two resignations that have left the department short on its ros- ter by two patrolmen and three reserves. It has been difficult, and so far impossible, to fill vacancies on the force because of the low salary offered to patrolmen in comparison with salaries available in private industry.
The town has been fortunate in having a fine auxiliary police force of one hundred men who voluntarily offer their services to the town with- out compensation. In the past months, several of these men have been pressed into service as Special Reserve Officers to fill vacancies. Without the efficient services of these men and the generous co-operation of the auxiliary force, the department would have been severely handicapped in proper service to the town.
On June 30, 1957, Chief John G. Gates retired from the police force after thirty-nine years of service to the town. He was appointed a regular patrolman on June 1, 1918, was promoted to sergeant on March 1, 1929, and to Chief on September 8, 1936. Due in a large part to his tireless efforts, the present modern police station was erected and dedicated on November 17, 1950.
Since my appointment on September 6, 1957, I have found the entire force to be very co-operative.
Respectfully submitted,
J. MERRITT WENZEL,
Chief of Police
17
146TH ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Chief of Fire Department
During the year this department has responded to 800 alarms, divided as follows: 205 box alarms and 595 still alarms.
Estimate of property endangered
$324,150.00
Insurance on property endangered
538,875.00
Loss on property 94,313.70
Insurance paid on loss
64,810.63
Transit value
900.00
Transit loss
297.89
On February 11, 1957, Captain Robert P. MacDonald passed on while fighting a fire at Red Men's Hall. Captain MacDonald was appointed a member of the Volunteer Hose on January 1, 1916. He was appointed a permanent man on November 22, 1919. He was promoted to lieutenant on May 1, 1937, and to captain on October 20, 1945.
On February 7, 1957, Frank J. Malonson, a lieutenant in this depart- ment, passed on after a short illness. He was appointed a call man on February 1, 1923, and permanent on May 31, 1925. He was promoted to lieutenant on April 1, 1946.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM P. HURTON, Chief of Department
REPORT OF FOREST WARDEN
During the year there was a total of 309 grass and woods fires.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM P. HURTON, Forest Warden
18
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Building Inspector
I submit the following report of my activities for the year ending De- cember 31, 1957.
Building permits granted
224
Sets of plans for new houses, schools, alterations and additions approved
224
Building inspections made
1,489
Inspections with State Inspector
26
Buildings condemned
2
Inspections with Fire Chief
31
Inspections with state fire marshal's office
2
Complaints investigated
173
Complaints investigated regarding zoning laws
119
Violations of zoning laws checked
89
Public halls inspected
4
Circus and carnivals inspected
2
Lodging houses inspected
6
Shingle permits issued
13
Sidewalk permits issued
20
Fire escapes inspected
15
Sign inspections
32
Notices posted on dangerous and unsafe buildings
2
Fire inspections
20
Buildings razed
21
Buildings moved
1
Convalescent homes inspected
6
Permits refused
32
Miles driven
5,340
Board of Appeal hearings attended
32
Calls received at home after hours
259
Elevators inspected
11
Total valuation of permits
$ 1,126,896.00
Permit fees received
$708.50
PERMIT VALUATIONS FOR PAST SIX YEARS
1952
$ 2,012,544.00
1955
$ 1,636,845.00
1953
2,629,161.00
1956
5,200,287.00
1954
2,310,200.00
1957
1,126,896.00
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK A. TREDINNICK, Building Inspector
19
146TH ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Wire Inspector
I submit the following report of my activities for the year ending De- cember 31, 1957.
Permits granted
805
Temporary service permits
32
Inspections made
1,139
Inspections approved
805
Temporary approvals (houses still under construction)
101
Installations not passing inspection
27
Installations corrected and passed
27
Wiring without obtaining permit
103
Changes in service
67
Permits for larger service
9
Permits for commercial service
7
Notified for non-payment of fees
103
Inspection of convalescent homes
6
Inspections of public schools
12
Public buildings inspected
10
Meetings on job with electricians
89
Property owners notified to make wiring changes
4
Inspections with fire chief
18
Inspections with state fire marshal's office
2
Requests from tenants for inspections
12
Fees collected Jan. 1, 1957-Dec. 31, 1957 and deposited in Wakefield Trust Co.
$ 1,813.00
Appropriation 1957
1,560.50
Surplus of the department for 1957
252.50
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN J. CURRAN,
Wire Inspector
20
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Plumbing Inspector
Number of permits issued
280
Number of fixtures installed
1,519
Gas storage - Hot water heaters
26
Electric storage - Hot water heaters
8
Oil storage - Hot water heaters
3
Hot water tanks
11
Tankless heaters
93
Water closets
373
Lavatories
330
Bath tubs
148
Showers
22
Sinks
203
Urinals
37
Laundry trays
55
Disposals
3
Dish washing machine
16
Washing machines
35
Trap
1
Soda fountain
1
Drinking fountain
1
Drains
3
Vent
1
Sewer connections
112
Cesspools
37
Fees for permits
$ 1121.50
Respectfully submitted,
KENNETH G. SHAW, Inspector of Plumbing
21
146TH ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Animal Inspector
Eighty-six (86) animals were quarantined as a precautionary measure against rabies.
There were no cases of rabies in Wakefield during 1957.
All cattle and their quarters were inspected and found to be in satis- factory condition.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. HOPKINS, Animal Inspector
Report of Dog Officer
Answered nine hundred fifty-two (952) telephone calls. One hundred eighty-four (184) stray dogs were picked up.
One hundred fourteen (114) were returned to their owners. Seventy (70) were humanely disposed of.
Sixty-eight (68) stray cats were picked up. Three (3) were returned to their owners.
Sixty-five (65) were humanely disposed of. One hundred forty-three (143) dead animals were picked up.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. HOPKINS, Dog Officer
22
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
Adjusted
Sealed
Condemned
Scales over 10,000 lbs.
6
1
Scales 100 to 5,000 lbs.
2
19
Scales under 100 lbs.
4
101
Avoirdupois weights
1
229
Gasoline pumps
4
90
5
Vehicle tanks
1
23
5
Gasoline meters
4
90
5
Linear measures
7
Cloth measures devices
2
Reweighs meats and vegetables-123
Fees collected-$299.10
JAMES J. DEVLIN, Sealer
23
146TH ANNUAL REPORT
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 volunteer basis.
This year's principal problems were forest fires, the town dump and resultant smoke and multiple car accidents on Route 128.
First Aid: A comprehensive training program for first aid station per- sonnel is currently under way under the direction of Mrs. Shirley Stoddart, R.N. We have equipment for two emergency first aid stations.
Rescue Crews: This year saw two men complete a two-weeks' course in heavy duty rescue operations and six men complete a light-duty rescue course. These courses given at the new rescue school at Topsfield have proven beneficial to our crews and it is planned to expand this training program in the coming year. This crew now mans the Civil Defense Rescue Truck regularly on a 24-hour basis on holidays and weekends, sleeping at the Central Fire Station.
Fire and police units again proved their worth during fire and police emergencies in the town.
On the town meeting floor Frank A. Tredinnick sought and received money for six Gonsett Communicators and equipment for our RACES Communication and Control Center. These units are now in operation, having been tested on Labor Day and Halloween in conjunction with the police department protection plan. We will again, through an article in the town warrant, seek expansion of this program. Without this equipment we cannot provide emergency communication for the protection of life and property during enemy attack or local disaster.
Through the Matching Funds Program $1,021 will be returned to the town. As a result of our water situation and procurement of RACES radios we were able to submit to the state and federal governments a re- quest for Matching Funds on our filtration plant. This was rejected by federal authorities. The director, Mr. Tredinnick, and George R. Winters working with state and federal officials reopened the case and there is a strong possibility of its passage. The report is due soon and if favorable will amount to some $30,000.00.
The Surplus Property Program has seen the acquisition of emergency generators now in use at the Central Fire Station and Highway Depart- ment quarters and one trailer unit. This equipment cost the town $205 for some $11,500 worth of equipment.
The budget for 1958 as prepared by selectmen this year is far from adequate to cover operations and maintenance needs.
JAMES T. HURTON,
Director of Civil Defense
24
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Board of Health
The year of 1957 showed an increase of mumps and measles in this community as compared to the two previous years. One case of poliomye- litis (paralytic) was reported.
The Board of Health voted to give town employees flu inoculations. These inoculations were given to 309 employees. The number of flu cases in town was very small compared to other communities. Most flu cases involved the junior high and high school children.
The Board of Health accepted with regret the resignation of Robert G. Reed. Mr. Reed was elected to the board in March of 1952. Norman Bosworth was appointed to the board to finish the unexpired term of Mr. Reed.
Preschool immunization clinics were held with a total of 41 children receiving a series of 3 inoculations against diphtheria-tetanus and whoop- ing cough and 172 receiving booster inoculations.
At the beginning of the year the tuberculosis case register had a case load of 44. During the year 1957 we had 5 new cases reported, 2 re-acti- vated and 3 people deceased. At the present time there are six patients hospitalized. We have 11 patients at home 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
122
Number of trips to sanatoriums for X-rays
35
Number of contacts of tuberculosis patients X-rayed 73
Number of case register patients X-rayed 33
All others X-rayed
41
Patients hospitalized during the year
13
Premature baby investigations
5
Unsanitary conditions, food poisoning, etc.
16
Kindergartens supervised
7
ROBERT DUTTON, M.D., Chairman ROBERT G. REED, Secretary EVAN FAIRBANKS
25
146TH ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Board of Public Welfare
The same trend which was prevalent in the entire state of Massachu- setts also existed here in Wakefield, in that, while the total number of persons aided decreased, the average cost per case increased. There were several factors which contributed to this increased need.
A 5.7% increase in cost of living was granted. Nursing home care rate was increased as were clothing and personal care rates for persons in nursing homes. In addition, children of Old Age Assistance recipients were granted larger exemptions for their needs before contributing to the support of their parents.
The same ratio of net cost to the town of Wakefield maintained, so that while we spent $470,000, the town's share was $118,000 or 25.1%.
General Relief
This program is not a big factor in the total expenditures, as generally assistance is now occasional, granted because of sickness of the head of the family, and now and then, due to unemployment. We finished the year without having, at that time, any fully aided General Relief cases.
Disability Assistance
The number of cases, aided in this category, did not measure up to our estimated number, but the cost per case increased by $20.00 over our esti- mated average. This is a relatively new program and the number of per- sons assisted has increased yearly up to this year and we think there will now be a levelling off. We added 8 during the year and closed 12 for the following reasons:
By death 2
No longer eligible 2
Admitted to a state hospital
1
Transferred to Old Age Assistance 6
Aid to Dependent Children
We estimated on the low side for our 1957 needs, and as a result of adding a couple of high cost cases were forced to transfer $7,000 from our Old Age Assistance funds in order to have sufficient money for the balance of the year in this category. The number of cases maintained itself, but again the cost per case increased and caused this deficit. We added 16 cases during the year and closed 10 for the following reasons:
Became self-supporting 6
Moved from community 2
No longer eligible 2
Old Age Assistance
This program, of course, is the most costly as there are more persons receiving. Of our total case load in all categories, Old Age Assistance ex- penditures represent 85%. There has been a slight decline in the over-all number of cases in Wakefield as well as all over the state. We had figured
26
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
on adding 25 aliens to our rolls, due to a change in the law, effective No- vember 1956. Only 15, however, were added. The average age of our client today is 77.6 and range from age 66 to 95. Again, the case cost was in ex- cess of our estimated figure due to various factors already enumerated. We added 30 cases during the year and closed 42 for the following reasons:
By death 26
Moved from community
7
Children assuming support
1
Admitted to state hospital
3
Became self-supporting
4
Admitted to private institution
1
Respectfully submitted,
P. ELIZABETH KITCHENMAN,
Chairman
M. LEO CONWAY
ALBERT J. PETRUCCI
VIRGINIA M. JACKSON
WILLIAM D. SCOTT
FINANCIAL STATEMENT - 1957
Category
Income
Expenses
Disability Assistance
$ 47,874.01
Federal
$ 10,490.64
State
22,220.86
Refunds
877.93
Aid to Dependent Children
40,541.28
Transfer from OAA
7,000.00
Federal
15,518.98
State
11,440.76
Refunds
569.65
Old Age Assistance
332,981.82
Transfer to ADC
7,000.00
Federal
122,122.81
State
143,650.70
Refunds
1,572.08
Other Cities and Towns
6,235.61
General Relief
11,985.11
State (Unsettled Cases)
1,598.25
Living in Wakefield, settled elsewhere
1,722.73
Refunds-1957
37.60
Refunds-Prior years
142.50
Unpaid Bills
142.00
Administration
27,749.04
Federal
14,579.98
608.55
$360,389.63
$468,273.26
360,389.63
State
$107,883.63
23%
27
146TH ANNUAL REPORT
ADMINISTRATION (All Categories)
Board Members
Appropriated (Town Funds) Expended (Town Funds)
$ 690.00
690.00
Balance
None
Office Employees
$ 14,510.00
Appropriation (Town Funds) Expended (Town Funds)
14,498.67
Balance
$
11.33
Balance 1956 (Federal Funds)
$ 1,046.24
Grants 1957 (Federal Funds)
14,579.98
Refunds
50.00
Funds available (Federal)
$ 15,676.22
Funds expended (Federal)
13,250.37
Balance
$ 2,425.85
Recapitulation
Funds Available (Town and Federal)
$ 30,876.22
Funds Expended (Town and Federal)
28,439.04
Balance (Town and Federal Funds)
$ 2,437.18
Source of Funds
Federal
$ 14,579.98
State
608.91
Town
12,560.15
GENERAL RELIEF
Unpaid Bills 1956
$ 142.00
Appropriated (Town Funds) Expended (Town Funds)
142.00
Balance
None
Recipients
Appropriated (Town Funds) Refunds
37.60
Funds Available
$ 12,037.60
Expended (Town Funds)
$ 11,985.11
Balance
$ 12,000.00
$ 52.49
28
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
1957 Case Load Distribution
Cases
Amount
Living Wakefield; Wakefield settled
25
$ 6,954.32
Living Wakefield, without settlement
3
1,598.25
9
3,369.68
Wakefield cases in other cities and towns Living in Wakefield with settlement in other cities and towns
2
62.86
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE
Recipients
Funds Available
Appropriated
$ 37,600.00
Balance (Federal 1956)
7,399.30
Grants (Federal 1957)
10,490.64
Refunds (Federal )
877.93
Total Funds
$ 56,367.87
Funds Expended
47,874.01
Balance (Federal Funds)
$ 8,493.86
Source of Funds
Federal
$ 10,490.64
State
22,220.86
Town
15,162.51
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
Recipients
Funds Available
Appropriated
$ 15,000.00
Balance (Federal 1956)
5,402.98
Grants (Federal 1957)
15,518.98
Refunds (Federal) 1957
569.65
Transferred from Old Age Assistance (Federal)
7,000.00
Total Funds
$ 43,491.61
Funds Expended
40,541.28
Balance (Federal) Funds
$ 2,950.33
Source of Funds
Federal
$ 15,518.98
State
11,440.76
Town
13,581.54
29
146TH ANNUAL REPORT
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE Recipients
Funds Available
Appropriated
$206,000.00
Balance (Federal) 1956
38,154.61 122,122.81
Grants (Federal) 1957
Refunds
1,572.08
Total Funds
$367,849.50
Transferred to Aid to Dependent Children
7,000.00
Available for Expenditure Funds expended
$360,849.50
332,981.82
$ 27,867.68
Source of Funds
Federal
$122,122.81
State
143,650.70
Town
67,208.31
Town Home
Appropriated
$ 969.00
Expended
926.81
Balance
$ 42.19
Retirement
Appropriated $ 941.70
Expended 941.70
Balance
None
P. ELIZABETH KITCHENMAN,
Chairman
M. LEO CONWAY ALBERT J. PETRUCCI VIRGINIA M. JACKSON WILLIAM D. SCOTT
30
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Veterans' Services and Benefits
Under Chapter 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
$ 30,605.67
Number of Recipients Aided
84 Cases
Medical Cases Aided
47 Cases
Fuel Cases Aided
18 Cases
Veterans' Services
Korean Bonus Applications
78 Cases
Disability Applications
45 Cases
Photostatic Copies
95 Cases
Education, House Loans, Insurance
61 Cases
Hospitalization and Out-Patient
53 Cases
The Veterans' Services Department filed for Korean Bonus Applica- tions for Wakefield Veterans.
RICHARD J. McGRAIL Veterans' Agent Veterans' Service Director
31
146TH ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Recreation Commission
The addition of the Dolbeare School Playground and the dedication of the W. Martin Blatz Little League Field on the Woodville School prop- erty brought the number of play areas used by the Recreation Commission to eleven.
Demonstration Day program highlighted by the handicraft and play- grounds exhibits on the tennis courts under lights at Veterans Field, and also the playing of a doubleheader in softball by the adult groups, and the awarding of prizes, furnished one of the largest attendance of parents and spectators in the history of the Recreation Commission.
On Demonstration Day the boys' baseball and horseshoe champion- ships and the girls' softball championships were decided.
The finals in the girls' and boys' tennis championships were also de- cided at Moulton and the silver cups were presented at the night program.
There were only a few injuries on the various playgrounds. The only serious one was a broken leg by a boy of the Pony League in baseball.
Little League baseball was very successful due to the erection of the first official Little League park in Wakefield. The leagues consisted of 8 teams. There will be 10 teams in 1958.
The Adult Softball League consisted of 9 teams.
The Pony and Pioneer Leagues consisted of 4 teams each. Another team will be added in each of these leagues in 1958.
A Farm League in baseball is also contemplated to take care of the boys who don't make any of the above leagues.
The long range program of the commission provides for a Pony League Park, playgrounds at the new Junior High School in Montrose section, and also at the proposed area for a new elementary school near Spring Street in Greenwood.
It is expected that the Col. Edward J. Connelly Park will be completed. Field houses at Moulton, Nasella and Maple Way will be constructed. A softball field with lights will be a part of the Nasella playgrounds.
To provide more playground area in the Farm and Water Streets area the Woodville School area should be utilized.
The Recreation Commission expects to erect playgrounds, tennis courts and athletic fields on town property only, due to the competition of home builders for private property.
The baseball, softball and tennis needs, in view of the above program, should be adequate for the next 10 years.
The addition of field houses where most needed will not only take care of the sanitary needs but also the problem of the storing of equipment.
PATSY CARISELLA, Chairman JEAN HUPPRICH, Secretary and Treasurer DONALD T. MCAULIFFE MARJORIE McCANN JOHN E. ANDERSON LINWOOD F. YOUNG JOHN O'BRIEN
32
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Elementary School Planning Committee
The Elementary School Planning Committee established under Article 19 of the warrant for the 1954 Annual Town Meeting has continued its work during 1957.
With the completion of four room additions at the Dolbeare and Mont- rose schools and based on 1957 school enrollment figures and on previously presented figures on new pupil potential we found that the need is for school sites in three sections of the town.
In the 1957 Report it was noted that the West Side schools were some- what crowded and that the area should be watched carefully. This year the school population showed an increase putting more pressure on the three schools. While the available land for residential development is not as great here as in other sections of the town, the land for school sites is strictly limited. Therefore your committee recommends that the town pur- chase about 7.65 acres on Albion Street for school purposes.
In Greenwood the school sites available in the section needed, namely the west side of Greenwood are also limited and the potential growth here is great. Future building will reduce and make more expensive what land is available. The committee recommends that the town purchase about 8 acres of land lying easterly and southerly of Greenwood Street and north- erly of Crystal Street. This location is ideal for a school to serve the entire areas in the westerly part of Greenwood. The town holds tax title to ap- proximately one-half of the 8 acres making this site relatively inexpensive to the town.
The Montrose district shows the greatest new pupil potential of any district in town. Our survey shows that a future school site is desirable in the area and the committee recommends the town take steps to obtain land now before the area is developed, making land more costly.
The committee recommends the purchase of 51/3 acres of land on Montrose Avenue.
The location is approximately half way between the Montrose and Woodville schools, making it ideal to serve the town's future needs in this area.
The committee feels that favorable action should be taken this year on these sites and present them for your consideration.
We want to take this opportunity to recognize the valued services ren- dered by Henry B. McConville, Stanley Goodwin and Frederick Cameron who resigned from the committee this year.
The three new members appointed to the committee were Frederick A. Beyer, Jr., John F. Daly and Melvin G. Murley.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SURVEY COMMITTEE
Frederick A. Beyer, Jr.
John F. Daly Henry F. Galvin John B. Hendershot Mrs. Joseph S. Leavitt
Joseph J. McMahon
Melvin G. Murley
Mrs. Atwood C. Wettergreen
Miss Ruth A. Woodbury
Carl W. Vik, Chairman
33
146TH ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Board of Public Works
The drought in 1957, among the worst in the history of the town, de- pleted the town's normal sources of water supply to such an extent that drastic emergency measures were adopted. On June 16, 1957 an order was issued curtailing the use of water.
To supplement the water supply the following acts were initiated:
1. Permission was obtained from the state for the temporary use of Lake Quannapowitt until December 31, 1957.
2. Building of the filtration pumping station was completed on Aug- ust 2, 1957 and the connection made to the water line on Main Street at Lawrence Street.
3. Water was purchased from the Town of Stoneham and City of Melrose.
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