USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1958 > Part 2
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Report of Compensation Agent
COMPENSATION ACCOUNT
Appropriation
$300.00
Disbursements
200.00
Balance
$100.00
FRANK A. TREDINNICK, Compensation Agent
19
147TH 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 Massachusetts.
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.
Training and Education: Two regular firefighters and fourteen vol- unteers attended the Civil Defense Rescue School at Topsfield and success- fully completed a two weeks training course. Through the cooperation of the Municipal Light Department and Manager M. F. Collins, two of his men completed an advanced course of one week's duration. This course was specifically aimed at utilities emergency procedures. All men attend- ing believed the program should be continued in Wakefield.
Rescue: A water rescue of last spring proved the value of the boat donated by the Kiwanis Club. As a result the Rotary Club donated a 71/2- horsepower Johnson motor to this phase of rescue work. The boat was called to service several times during the past year. The Rescue Crew now has a frogman group in process of organization.
Fire and Police Auxiliaries: These groups have regular meetings and again have proven their worth in providing sorely needed ready trained reserves for police and fire departments. Chief Wenzel has often praised these men for their response to duty in any emergency.
Surplus Property Program: Major items purchased were a new 2 k.w. generator valued at $960, costing the town $25.00, and 17 Smith & Wesson revolvers valued at $654.50, costing the town $18.70.
First Aid Emergency: The first aid station personnel are being trained by Mrs. Gordon Stoddart, R.N. This training is highly specialized and the course will be completed in 1959.
Matching Funds: Although the town was granted credit to participate in the program a motion by the Civil Defense to the Finance Committee was tabled.
Races: The Races (ham radio) group meet regularly and have been praised by Chief Wenzel for their valuable assistance to his department on many occasions. There is a strong need for additional equipment for this group.
JAMES T. HURTON,
Director of Civil Defense
20
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Board of Health
The year 1958 showed still a high prevalence of Measles and Mumps. There were no cases of Poliomyelitis reported in Town and only one case of Meningitis reported.
Preschool immunization clinics were held with a total of 37 children receiving a series of 3 innoculations against Diphtheria-Tetanus and Whooping Cough and 133 receiving booster innoculations.
During the year 1958 we had 6 new cases of Tuberculosis reported, 2 cases moved out of town and 1 person deceased. The case load at the present time is 44. There are 4 cases hospitalized and 14 patients at home on Chemotherapy under their Physician's care and 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
128
Number of trips to Sanatoriums for X-rays 40
Number of contacts to Tuberculosis patients X-rayed 64
Number of case register patients X-rayed 31
All others X-rayed 45
Patients Hospitalized during the year
7
Premature Baby investigations
8
Unsanitary conditions, food poisoning, etc.
20
Kindergartens Supervised
5
EVAN FAIRBANKS, Chairman
NORMAN BOSWORTH, Secretary ROBERT DUTTON, M.D.
Report of Board of Public Welfare
There was a continuance of the trend of an over-all case load decrease, and our total expenditures increased about $28,000 over 1957. The reason for the increase was due largely to hospitalization and nursing home care. We spent a total of $498,900.00, and Wakefield's share was $129,000, or, 25.9%.
General Relief
This program continues to be the lesser in cost of all programs. Wake- field settled cases, living in other cities and towns, are charged to us if aided and we have little or no measure of control over this factor. We added sixteen cases during the year and closed eight for the following reasons:
Returned to employment
3
Became self-supporting 3
Transferred to another category 2
21
147TH ANNUAL REPORT
Disability Assistance
New cases have levelled off and we operated very much as in 1957. We added five cases during the year and closed six for the following reasons:
Admitted to state hospital 2
Became self-supporting By death
2
2
Aid to Dependent Children
During the latter part of the year we processed several new applications and anticipate a still further case load. There were several desertion cases and non-support referred to this department for assistance.
We added ten cases during the year and closed nine for the following reasons:
Returned to employment 5
Moved from community 2
Became self-supporting 2
Old Age Assistance
Social Security Benefits have made an impact on the number of new cases added to this program. As a result, some grants are less now than in the past and this will, of course, have a continuing effect. There was an adjustment made for fuel allowance which reduced the figure for the three summer months, and increased it during the nine months of fuel need, which resulted in an over-all increase in this item. During the year 1958, we recovered from five Old Age Assistance cases, the amount of $12,- 691.96 which represented the re-payment of assistance given to those cases and which was protected on a lien on the several properties. We added forty-three cases during the year and closed thirty-eight for the following reasons:
By Death 27
Resources exceeded budgeted needs 1
Family assumed responsibility 1
Moved from community 5
Eligibility discontinued 1
Application withdrawn by client 2
Admitted to state institution 1
Respectfully submitted,
ALBERT J. PETRUCCI, Chairman P. ELIZABETH KITCHENMAN M. LEO CONWAY WILLIAM D. SCOTT
VIRGINIA M. JACKSON
FINANCIAL STATEMENT - 1958 ADMINISTRATION
Available funds: Town Federal
$16,790.00* 17,986.27
$34,776.27
22
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Expenditures: Board Members Office Other
$ 690.00
26,570.05
5,285.03
$32,545.08
Balance
$ 2,231.19 * State Reimburses-$528.09
GENERAL RELIEF
Available funds:
Town
$20,187.53
Expenditures:
Unpaid Bills-1957
$ 4,152.30
Veteran's Pension
941.70
General Relief Recipients
12,231.23
17,325.23
Balance
$ 2,862.30
1958 Case Load Distribution
Living, Wakefield; Wakefield settled.
10
Living, Wakefield; without settlement
4
Wakefield Cases in other cities and towns
15
Living, Wakefield; settled elsewhere
3
Disability Assistance
Available funds:
Town
$40,000.00* 20,968.02
Federal
$60,968.02
Expenditures
46,312.22
Balance
$14,655.80 State reimburses-$23,201.42
Aid to Dependent Children
Available funds:
Town
$29,000.00* 25,702.65
Federal Funds
$54,702.65
Expenditures
50,775.58
Balance
*
$ 3,927.07 State reimburses-$16,925.19
23
147TH ANNUAL REPORT
Old Age Assistance
Available funds: Town Federal Funds
$228,000.00* 160,237.97
Expenditures
$388,237.97 351,940.42
Balance
$ 36,297.55 * State reimburses- $161,188.71
Summary of Expense Distribution
Total expenditures Federal share
$498,898.53 167,924.97
$330,973.56
State share
201,843.41
Cost to town
$129,130.15 ALBERT J. PETRUCCI, Chairman P. ELIZABETH KITCHENMAN M. LEO CONWAY WILLIAM D. SCOTT VIRGINIA M. JACKSON
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 $27,390.16
Number of Recipients Aided
76 cases
Medical Cases Aided
44 cases
Fuel Cases Aided
17 cases
Veterans' Services
Korean Bonus Applications
52 cases
Disability Applications 40 cases
Photostatic Copies
90 cases
Education, House Loans, Insurance
55 cases
Hospitalization and Out-Patient
61 cases
The Veterans' Services Department is set up to help Veterans and their Dependents, in applying for Pensions, Compensation, Insurance, Housing, etc.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD J. McGRAIL Veterans' Agent Veterans' Service Director
24
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Recreation Commission
The W. Martin Blatz Little League Field on the Woodville School pro- perty and the Nasella Playground on Water Street provided fields for the American and National Little League baseball teams.
The Pony League games were played on Moulton Playground and the Pioneer League operated on Maple Way Park. On Saturday mornings the Farm League games were played at John J. Round, Harris M. Dolbeare, Veterans', Maple Way, Moulton, and Nasella Fields.
Fifty-two managers volunteered their services to supervise the above 600 players.
In the evenings at Veterans' Field in the adult softball league eight teams consisting of 160 players played under lights.
As usual the Common at the center of the town was the major recrea- tion area of the town.
There were very few accidents during the summer. None were of a serious nature.
At the Col. Edward J. Connelly Park and swimming area at the head of the lake the largest attendance ever since its opening was recorded. The most capable life guards obtainable anywhere were on duty daily. They not only protected the swimmers but also taught swimming.
While the Montrose School area was being graded this summer, children from that section joined with boys and girls at the Harris M. Dolbeare Playground.
In 1959, the Montrose School grounds will for the first time be large enough to have a boy and a girl supervisor.
Demonstration Day held on the last week of August enabled about 2,000 people to observe what goes on at the playgrounds during the summer.
At Veterans' Field under lights there were adult softball games, handi- craft exhibits, more than 200 participants in singing and dancing groups from the various playgrounds, and dancing on the tennis courts under lights by the children of the playgrounds.
The same afternoon on the other playgrounds girls' softball and boys' baseball titles were decided. Tennis champions, horseshoe, checker and volleyball titles were declared and prizes awarded.
JOHN J. O'BRIEN, Chairman JEAN HUPPRICH, Secretary DONALD T. MCAULIFFE, Treas. JOHN E. ANDERSON LINWOOD F. YOUNG PATSY CARISELLA HAROLD T. DONOVAN
25
147TH ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Board of Public Works
Early in 1958 the Town's normal sources of water supply recovered suf- ficiently from the drought of 1957 to permit the discontinuance of the tem- porary pumping station at Lake Quannapowitt in February of 1958. The Board is considering plans for the removal of this station from the shore of the lake.
On September 25, 1958, with the construction of the connection between our plant and the M.D.C. system completed, the new Linden Street pumping station was put into service. The operation of this pumping station enabled the Town to fulfill its contract to join the M.D.C. system whereby the M.D.C. agrees to supply the Town with a maximum of one million gallons of water per day. This accomplishment should be recorded as an historical event in the Town's history.
The major cost of joining the M.D.C. system follows:
$370,000.00 in bonds issued by the Town payable serially over twenty- five years.
$278,155.79 M.D.C. entrance fee and connection charge for supply line from Melrose to the Wakefield town line, payable over ten years.
The cost of water purchased each year from M.D.C. must be added to the yearly payments of the above obligations.
In 1958 the maturing bond and interest payments of the Water Division totaled $79,109.25, the 1959 bond and interest payments will be $121,835.75, an increase of $42,726.50 over 1958 charges. To this must be added the yearly charge of $27,800.00 for the M.D.C. obligation listed above making a total payment for 1959 of $149,635.75 or about double the 1958 payments.
The anticipation of the foregoing increase was one of the major reasons for the establishment of a new schedule of water rates last year of about double the previous charges. By law the Water Division must be self- supporting.
The Board regretfully accepted the resignation of Mr. William T. Thistle on May 20, 1958. Mr. Walter E. Morton was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by Mr. Thistle's resignation until the next annual Town Election.
The contract to rebuild Green Street was signed on October 7, 1958, and it is expected that the project will be completed by June of 1959. The reconstruction of this street was voted under Article 47 of the 1957 Annual Town Meeting which provided for a transfer from the fund established under the provisions of Chapter 718 of the Acts of 1956.
Construction of all the sewers voted in the 1958 Town Meeting has been completed. Construction of streets voted in 1958 are about 90% com- pleted with the exception of Stark Avenue which is nearly 75% done. This work will be finished early in 1959. Substantially all the sidewalk and drainage work planned for in the 1958 budget has been completed. The foregoing work was performed by the Department and resulted in substan- tial savings.
26
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
For a detailed description of the work of the various divisions, we refer you to the report of the Director of Public Works which follows this report. GEORGE F. GARDNER, Chairman JOSEPH J. NOLAN, Secretary HARRY H. DENNING
HERBERT HEWITT, JR.
WALTER E. MORTON
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
In 1958 the Department was able to follow a detailed work schedule with minor changes. This schedule was established shortly after the Town Meeting and included in addition to the normal maintenance program a schedule of the work voted at the Town Meeting. The accomplishments of the various departments are contained in the supervisors' reports.
The fact that the work program has been adhered to so closely is the result of splendid co-operation between the Board of Public Works and the men in the Department. The work scheduled included heavy construction which in previous years had been let out to contract. The men believed that they could accomplish this work at a reduced cost to the taxpayers, even though their experience was not comparable with contractors. This spirit which permeated the whole department caused every man to enter whole- heartedly in the effort to complete the work program. Briefly, it is a tri- bute to the men that although the population of the Town has increased and with that increase many services are offered, the complement of the Department remains approximately the same, and the work is being done.
It is hoped that in 1959 the experience gained in the past year will be helpful in bringing about even more benefits to the taxpayer.
GEORGE R. WINTERS,
Director
ENGINEERING DIVISION
The past year has been a very busy one for this Division.
We have furnished the engineering for the Highway Division in its greatly expanded road construction program, as well as engineering and laying out an extensive sewer main construction program built by the Water and Sewer Division. In addition to these demanding schedules, we assisted Park Supt. Vik in extending the roadway and drainage sys- tem in Forest Glade Cemetery, as well as helping to plan future develop- ment of the Hall Park area, the Col. Connelly Playground site, and future roadways in Forest Glade Cemetery.
Other departments received assistance in many ways. Several street intersections were surveyed and detailed plans turned over to the Police Department to aid them in obtaining approval for traffic control signs. We also assisted in laying some experimental traffic lane stripes along Albion St. and North Ave. Traffic patterns have been studied and layouts made of several off-street parking sites, to assist the Town Committee on Off-Street Parking. All tax-title land is checked for the Treasurer's office in an attempt to anticipate and prevent drainage problems and to assure him that the Town has no need of the particular parcel for future building
27
147TH ANNUAL REPORT
sites or for some accessory use to adjoining Town land. A report is made on these properties to both the Planning Board and to the Director of Public Works who in turn advises the Treasurer.
While keeping abreast with current plan work, a milestone was reached in our office work when we completed our inventory of plans and finished research that enabled us to make two atlases-one showing the extent of the Town's Sanitary Sewer System and the other showing the extent of the Water Distribution System. Colored adhesive tapes on an acetate overlay give the size and length of each main throughout the Town. We are undertaking a more detailed study in order to create an atlas showing our Town roads-their status and existence as constructed streets or as "paper" streets. Progress has also been made on Project "Backlog"-drawing the "as built" sewer assessment plans for installations dating back 10 years. As soon as time permits us to complete our clerical work, notices will be mailed to effect the renumbering of So. Main Street and Nahant Street.
In addition to my regular duties as Town Engineer, I have participated in conferences and attended hearings on the improvement of the Saugus River and more recently similar talks on the widening of Route 128 in Wakefield. The contract for reconstructing Green Street was let in Oc- tober, necessitating constant inspection. About 50% of the work is complete. Work will resume in the Spring. It is hoped that two important projects can be initiated this coming year. Our Water Main Gate Location sketches are out of date, causing delays and in some instances practically preclud- ing the chances of finding those gates that are not obvious. Each gate needs to be re-located and a new location sketch book set up. The other project is another clerical job-typing the necessary information to set up a complete cross-referenced card index based on our Master Plan Index.
DAVID E. BEEDE, Town Engineer
MOTH AND TREE DIVISION
During the year we lost 250 trees throughout the Town due to the Dutch Elm Disease and other causes. The Dutch Elm Disease is still at a steady incline. Most of these trees have been removed.
We found no Gypsy Moth but the Tent Caterpillars and Japanese Beetles have increased in many areas.
With our Mist Blower we were able to spray twice including the roadside areas.
I would like the co-operation of all property owners in destroying or putting under cover all dying or freshly cut wood. This is the only means we have for combating the Dutch Elm Disease.
We have planted 150 maple trees, that were grown in our nursery, on new and various streets throughout the Town.
I would like at this time to express my appreciation to the Board of Public Works and the Director for their co-operation. I would also like to express my appreciation to the Civil Defense Director for his co-operation during the year.
ERNEST J. McWHINNIE,
Supervisor
28
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
PARK DIVISION
The following permanent improvements were completed during the year 1958:
Installation of 450 feet of chain link fenceing at the Mapleway.
Work was continued on the Hall Park, about 250 feet of 5 foot hot top walks were installed and 350 feet of hot top laid on the gravel base com- pleted in 1957.
Twenty flowering shrubs and evergreens were planted.
The boat launching ramp was completed.
An area of approximately 1250 square yards was loamed and seeded which completes the landscaping of this portion of the park.
Approximately 2,000 square yards of lawn area was loamed and seeded at the Colonel Connelly Park, 210 feet of 6 foot path was excavated, graveled and graded also 60 feet of 5 foot path. About 290 square yards of hot top was applied to the parking area.
The average daily attendance at the bath house was about 325 adults and children.
Working under the sponsorship of the Wakefield Chapter of the Ameri- can Red Cross swimming and life saving classes were held. The Chief Life Guard, John Winner, was in charge of the program and he issued certifi- cates to those who passed the tests.
J. HENRY VIK,
Supervisor
CEMETERY DIVISION
The following permanent improvements were completed at Forest Glade Cemetery :
Stripping of about 1,000 cubic yards of loam from land to be taken by the State.
The placing of about 10,000 cubic yards of various types of fill.
Loaming and rough grading of about 2,500 square yards of the above area.
Preparing the sub-grade and hot topping of approximately 200 square yards of avenue. All the avenues in the cemetery are now surfaced.
The following data is from the Cemetery Records:
Foundations for monuments installed
60
Markers set
7
Government markers set
7
Interments:
Babies and stillborns
12
Adults
98
Sale of Lots and Graves:
Single graves
14
Two grave lots
23
Three grave lots
3
Four grave lots
4
Six grave lots
2
J. HENRY VIK,
Supervisor
29
147TH ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF HIGHWAY DIVISION
General maintenance costs for the principal items are as follows:
Patching
$11,531.28
Street Cleaning
2,410.76
Rubbish Collection
22,140.57
Repairs to Sidewalks, etc.
4,664.44
Street Signs
3,439.02
Traffic Lines
1,753.00
Cleaning Catchbasins
3,792.10
Surface Treatment
9,544.95
Snow and Ice
47,427.93
Drainage
8,154.38
Garbage Collection
18,000.00
Miscellaneous
1,458.99
Capital Outlay
13,700.06
Supervisor
4,900.00
Clerk
3,150.00
Sick and Emergency Leave
2,872.85
Holidays and Vacations
6,723.84
Pensions
5,884.38
Chapter 90 Maintenance-North Avenue from Winn St. north-
erly approximately 1900 feet
$
4,500.00
Chapter 90 Construction-continuation of work on Water Street -does not include final payment to contractor. 28,372.75
Patching:
Labor
4,044.42
Material
7,486.86
Street Cleaning: Labor 1,496.17
Material
914.59
(Street cleaning included the cleaning of streets in the spring and the business section four times a week.)
Rubbish Collection:
Labor 21,958.11
Material
182.46
Miscellaneous Repairs to Sidewalks:
Labor
3,065.45
Material
1,598.99
(Miscellaneous repairs were made on West Water Street,
Broadway, Cutter Street, in front of 348 Main Street, Howard Street, Church Street, 272-280 Albion Street, Walnut Street and Aborn Avenue.)
Street Signs: Labor 2,801.45
Material
637.57
(New signs were erected, directional and traffic signs in- stalled. This also included painting of existing signs of all types as needed.)
30
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Snow and Ice:
Labor Material
21,747.39 25,680.54
Traffic Lines:
Labor
1,158.70
Material
594.30
(This item includes all cross walks, center lines, bus stops, taxi stands, stop lines, all parking spaces and restricted curb markings. All traffic lines and markings are made to conform with State Highway Specifications. This work was done under contract.)
Cleaning Catchbasins:
Labor Material (1161 basins were cleaned.)
3,730.65 61.45
Drainage:
Labor
5,727.40
Material
2,426.98
(550 feet of 15 inch pipe was installed in Hopkins Street; 394 feet of 15 inch pipe, 38 feet of 18 inch and 22 feet of 12 inch pipe in Parker Road; 410 feet of 12 inch pipe in West Water Street.)
Surface Treatment:
Labor
1,046.29 8,498.66
Material and Contract Work
(Bituminous concrete was applied to a portion or all of the following streets: West Water Street, Fosters Lane, Church Street, between Main and Common Streets, Linden Street, Hopkins Street, Lowell Street, easterly from Warren Park approximately 500 feet.)
Capital Outlay : 13,700.06
The following equipment was purchased: 1 34 yard pick-up, 1 2-ton truck chassis and 3 yard body, 1 sidewalk tractor, 2 snow plows with frames and controls and 1 (used) Barber Greene snowloader.
New sidewalks were constructed on the following streets: Lowell Street northerly from Warren Park approximately 500 feet; work was continued on the westerly side of Preston Street to within 200 feet of New Salem Street; Otis Street easterly from Crescent Street approximately 150 feet and Cres- cent Street southerly from Otis Street approximately 100 feet.
Sidewalks were rebuilt on the northerly side of Chestnut Street from the railroad crossing to Fairmount Avenue.
Replacing of concrete curbing with granite was continued on White Circle and Coolidge Park.
31
147TH ANNUAL REPORT
Drainage, in addition to the work done under maintenance, was in- stalled as follows: Spring Street 245 feet of 18 inch pipe and 36 feet 36 inch in Valley Street.
New street construction was completed on Paon Boulevard and Paon Circle and the work on Woodcrest Drive, Karen Road and Stark Avenue is 90 per cent complete.
CARL G. CHELMAN,
Supervisor
WATER DIVISION
Water Main Extensions - 1958
By the Town
New Salem Street - 375 feet of 8" Cement Lined Cast Iron pipe. (From Preston Street to front of Gray Van Warehouse).
Quannapowitt Boulevard - 1900 feet of 8" Cement Lined Tyton Joint Pipe.
Water Main Relay
By the Town
Stark Avenue - 1356 feet of 8" Cement Lined Cast Iron Pipe. (From Nahant Street to dead end).
By Contractor Under Town Supervision
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