USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1959 > Part 2
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Gas storage - Hot water heaters
39
Electric Storage - Hot water heaters
10
Oil storage - Hot water heaters
9
Hot water tanks
29
Tankless heaters
78
Water closets
360
Lavatories
327
Bath tubs
149
Showers
42
Urinals
49
Sinks
178
Laundry trays
30
17
148TH ANNUAL REPORT
Disposals
7
Dish washing machines
7
Washing machines
54
Drains
12
Drinking fountains
5
Traps
5
Bradley washers
7
Electric water coolers
7
Sewer connections
115
Cesspools
33
Fees for permits
$1,220.75
Respectfully submitted,
KENNETH G. SHAW Inspector of Plumbing
Report of Compensation Agent
COMPENSATION ACCOUNT
Appropriation
$624.00
Disbursements $624.00
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK A. TREDINNICK Compensation Agent
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
Adjusted
Sealed
Condemned
Scales over 10,000 lbs.
3
Scales - 100 to 5000 lbs.
2
15
Scales under 100 lbs.
5
86
Weights
164
Linear Measures
4
Bulk Meters
1
Meters - Inlets 1" or less
1
121
1
Meters - Inlets 1" or more
5
21
1
Bulk Storage
4
Cloth Devices
1
Reweights on meats
64
Reweights on vegetables
72
Yard Sticks
4
Respectfully yours, PASQUALE J. CARISELLA Sealer of Weights & Measures
18
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Dog Officer
One hundred ninety-eight (198) stray dogs were picked up.
One hundred twenty-nine (129) were returned to their owners. Sixty-nine (69) were humanely disposed of. Seventy-eight (78) stray cats were picked up. Four (4) were returned to their owners.
Seventy-four (74) were humanely disposed of.
One Hundred forty-nine (149) dead animals were picked up.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. HOPKINS Dog Officer
Report of Animal Inspector
Sixty-six (66) animals were quarantined as a precautionary measure against rabies.
Two (2) animals died while under quarantine and were taken to the Wasserman Laboratory for further examination.
All cattle and their quarters were inspected and found to be in sat- isfactory condition.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. HOPKINS Animal Inspector
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.
Medical: Seven people completed an advanced training first-aid course. They are now prepared to meet the emergencies at the time of a disaster. Troop 51 of Senior Girl Scouts have been taught a course in CD fundamental First-aid and Messenger Service.
Communications: A total of six units are now in service and used extensively by the police department at various times. The personnel
19
148TH ANNUAL REPORT
must donate their own vehicles and materials since the town refused to appropriate sufficient funds for the maintenance of equipment nor for the purchase of needed additional equipment. We need a total of 30 units to carry out CD plans of operations.
Rescue: The CD rescue truck responded to its usual varied number type of calls during the past year. The volunteer personnel donated much time and equipment in an attempt to keep the vehicle and equipment in serviceable condition. A lack of funds, need of painting and replacement of old equipment are the chief problems of this group. Many hours have been given the town by this group who have also attended the Rescue School in Topsfield and the newly established Auto Accident and Rescue School in Ashburnham. Through the cooperation of Police Chief Wenzel two regular patrolmen attended the CD Rescue School in Topsfield and it is planned to continue this excellent training program.
Auxiliary Police: There are 105 auxiliary police trained and ready to respond to any emergency at the Chief of Police's request. These men have been used regularly to fill in on all types of police work and are one of the best auxiliary police groups in the state, a direct tribute to Chief Wenzel and Sgt. William Connors, their instructor.
Fire Services: This group, as do the police, maintain a regular train- ing schedule. They are in need of a truck which is serviceable and reason- ably well equipped.
Matching Funds: This town availed themselves of $719.50 of Match- ing Funds in the police and fire training programs.
Surplus Property Program: Lack of funds prevented acquisition of much needed emergency town equipment. However the town did purchase a prime mover in anticipation of a generator for emergency power at the Broadway pumping station. This unit, costing the government $13,000, cost the town $100.
Very truly yours,
JAMES T. HURTON Director of Civil Defense
Report of Board of Health
Communicable diseases were at a minimum level for 1959, with no major increases indicated. Two (2) cases of paralytic poliomyelitis were reported in the town and two (2) cases of meningitis.
The immunization clinics, for preschoolers, were held with one hun- dred twenty-three (123) children receiving a series of three (3) innocula- tions against Diphtheria-Tetanus and Whooping Cough, seven (7) not completing the series and one hundred three (103) receiving booster innoc- ulations.
In 1959, we had four (4) new cases of Tuberculosis reported, two (2) deceased, three (3) moving out of town, and one (1) moving into town.
20
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
There is one (1) case hospitalized at present and fifteen (15) on Chemo- therapy, making a case load of forty-five (45).
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 116
Number of contacts to tuberculosis patients X-rayed 63
Number of trips to sanatoriums for X-rays 52
Number of case patients register X-rayed 45
All others X-rayed 73
Patients hospitalized during the year
5
Premature baby investigations
3
Unsanitary conditions, food poisoning, etc.
34
Kindergartens supervised
10
EVAN FAIRBANKS, Chairman
NORMAN BOSWORTH, Secretary ROBERT DUTTON, M.D.
Report of Board of Public Welfare
During the year 1959 there was an overall decrease in the number of recipients in the four categories. At the close of the year we had twenty- five fewer cases than we did January 1, 1959. However, the average cost of each program has increased, and as a result the total cost for a lesser number of cases has increased.
Medical expense for the Old Age Assistance Program has approximately doubled. The average cost on a current basis is approximately $15,000.00 per month. This includes nursing home care, hospitalization, physicians visits, prescriptions, etc. There are approximately ninety Old Age Assist- ance recipients who are patients in licensed nursing homes.
Mr. Francis E. Wallace, Agent of the Board of Public Welfare for the past ten years resigned as of March 24, 1959. Several applications were received for the position. The board held several executive sessions and screened the applicants. A new Director of Public Assistance, Mr. Francis A. Ordway, was appointed as of June 1, 1959.
This appointment was on a provisional basis pending the results of a Civil Service examination, which was ordered to be held. The examination was held on November 21, 1959 and the board hopes to make a permanent appointment during the coming year.
The board is pleased to note that the town has authorized the housing authority to construct housing units for the aged. This program should be especially beneficial to our Old Age Assistance recipients.
The new Director of Public Assistance is working with the police de- partment to assure that all deserting parents assume the cost of support for their families. Because of this, our Aid to Dependent Children cases have decreased in number.
21
148TH ANNUAL REPORT
The Board of Public Welfare would especially like to thank the various town departments for the cooperation extended to our board. The Town Counsel, Mr. Frank McGrath, gave us needed assistance during the period when our former director resigned and before a new director was appointed. He has also been active in the processing of liens on real property owned by Old Age Assistance recipients. The police department, the assessors department, the town clerk's office have been especially helpful.
General Relief
We added seven cases during the year and closed eight for the fol- lowing reasons:
Became self-supporting 4
Transferred to another category 3
Moved from community 1
Disability Assistance
We added seven cases during the year and closed nine for the follow- ing reasons:
Moved from community 1
Transferred to another category 1
Admitted to a mental institution 1 Became self-supporting 5
By death 1
Aid to Dependent Children
We added seven cases during the year and closed fourteen for the following reasons:
Became self-supporting 12
Transferred to another category 1
Moved from community 1
Old Age Assistance
We added forty cases during the year and closed fifty-five for the following reasons:
By death 36
Moved from community
9
Eligibility discontinued 2
Admitted to mental institution 4
Became self-supporting 4
FINANCIAL STATEMENT - 1959
ADMINISTRATION
Available funds: Town Federal
$ 15,000.00 18,239.64
$ 33,239.64
22
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Expenditures : Salaries of board members
Office Other
$ 690.00 25,237.96 4,285.65
$ 30,213.61
Balance
$ 3,026.03
1959 State Reimbursement 1959 Federal Reimbursement
$ 566.12
$ 16,150.12
GENERAL RELIEF
Available funds:
Town
$ 18,500.00 226.10
Refunds
$ 18,726.10
Expenditures :
General Relief Recipients
$ 12,921.35
Balance
$ 5,804.75
Disability Assistance
Available funds:
Town
$ 31,000.00 28,038.72
$ 59,038.72
Expenditures :
$ 39,958.39
Balance
$ 19,080.33
1959 State Reimbursement
$ 17,859.34
1959 Federal Reimbursement
$ 12,567.06
Aid to Dependent Children
Available funds:
Town
$ 36,000.00 28,010.27
Expenditures:
$ 42,552.23
Balance
$ 21,458.04
1959 State Reimbursement
$ 14,798.26
1959 Federal Reimbursement
$ 23,009.00
Old Age Assistance
Available funds: Town Federal
$226,000.00 173,900.73
$399,900.73
Federal
$ 64,010.27
Federal
23
148TH ANNUAL REPORT
Expenditures
352,497.96
Balance
$ 47,402.77
1959 State Reimbursement
$145,601.13
1959 Federal Reimbursement
$127,486.64
Summary of Expense Distribution
Total expenditures
$478,143.54
State share
178,824.85
$299,318.69
Federal share
179,212.82
Cost to town
$120,105.87
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM D. SCOTT, Chairman P. ELIZABETH KITCHENMAN M. LEO CONWAY VIRGINIA M. JACKSON
ALBERT J. PETRUCCI
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 authori- zation from the State, as to settlement, dependency and need is shown.
Recipients Expenses $29,693.97
Number of Recipients Aided
72 cases
Medical Cases Aided
33 cases
Fuel Cases Aided
26 cases
Veterans' Services
Korean Bonus Applications
38
Disability Applications
51
Education, House Loans, Insurance
62
Hospitalization and Out-Patient
68
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
Photostatic Copies 105
24
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Recreation Commission
1959
Demonstration Day of the playgrounds brought out about 4000 parti- cipants and spectators.
In the afternoon on the Common team games for younger boys and girls were held. The tennis champs were declared at Moulton Courts in the afternoon where the finals were played.
At Veterans' Field in the evening under lights the adult teams played softball. On the tennis courts there was a handicraft exhibit of the best work at the various playgrounds.
After the specialty acts, performed by groups from each playground, dancing was held on these same courts under lights to the tunes of re- corded music.
From April through September close to 500 boys took part in the various Pioneer, Pony, Little, and Farm baseball leagues.
The play areas used were Col. Connelly, Dolbeare, Montrose, Nasella, Maple Way, J. J. Round, Moulton, Common, Veteran, Walton and Blatz Fields.
The staff consisted of 23 men and women.
No serious accidents were reported during the summer.
The Commission, believing that some recreation beyond what now is provided should be offered, has proposed an extension of its program into the winter months.
It has proposed tennis instruction, baton twirling, basketball for girls, volleyball for boys and self-defense (boxing) for boys. Classes in boating and sailing safety, and classes in handling rifles and shotguns also have been planned.
Looking further to the future it has proposed in its Capital Outlay program to construct six tennis courts on the Hall Park property, to install lights for softball at Nasella Playground, and the taking over by Park and Recreation Department of the Rice property on New Salem Street for recreational purposes.
DONALD T. MCAULIFFE, Chairman HAROLD T. DONOVAN, Secretary JAMES J. O'BRIEN LINWOOD F. YOUNG JAMES P. COONEY DEANE RAMSDELL DOMINIC GIUFFRE
25
148TH ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Board of Public Works
Rules and regulations governing the use, and conduct of the public on all beach, playground and recreational areas in Town are in the pro- cess of being revised by the Board of Public Works, Recreation Commission and the Town Counsel.
Regulations governing the use of Lake Quannapowitt as they apply to bathing, fishing, skating and boating were revised and adopted with approval of the State.
In Wakefield, it is the practice of this Board to make a betterment assessment to recover the Town's cost of the sewer construction. The charges for the operation of the sewerage system is assessed to the public as a whole as a general tax. The Wakefield Industrial Area does not front on a Town street. However, it has been benefited due to the construction by the Town of a pumping station, force main and gravity sewer. The total cost of this improvement is estimated to be $64,852.00. The sewer constructed in Lowell Street can be assessed to the adjacent owners, thus subtracting this cost of $8845.00, leaves a net cost to the Town of $56,007.00. This amount was spent solely for the benefit of the Wakefield Industrial Area. "Properties or lots which can be benefited by connecting to the Town's sewer systems, but against which no betterment assessment has been levied, shall be charged for the use of the sewer at the rate of two-thirds of the established betterment assessment at the time of entry, in addition to the usual connection charge"; hence an assessment of $37,338.00 as outlined above was assessed against the portion of Wakefield Industrial Area which is occupied by the Pleasure Island buildings.
Inasmuch as an immediate connection was desired, we complied with their request so as not to interfere with the grand opening of Pleasure Island Inc.
Several joint meetings were held with the Personnel Board. Salaries and wages for the members of the department were discussed and recom- mendations were submitted. New vacation periods were discussed as well as new job classifications.
Meetings were also held for street hearings, finance committee, con- tracts and for other private and public agencies.
The Board of Public Works established a new schedule for independent contractors doing work for the Town. It is now required that they produce centificates of insurance for Workingmans Compensation and Public Lia- bility, 20/40 for bodily harm and $5,000.00 for property damage.
The inspection of buildings and equipment under the jurisdiction of the Board of Public Works was made periodically.
A detailed report of the various divisions of the Department of Public Works follows this report.
HARRY H. DENNING, Chairman HERBERT HEWITT, JR., Secretary SABATINO BENEDETTO GEORGE F. GARDNER WALTER E. MORTON
26
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
Due to the fact that late in the year we lost the services of our Town Engineer, the reports of the Engineering Division and the Director's report will be consolidated as one report.
The itemized accomplishments of the various departments are in- cluded as reports of the supervisors concerned and these show that for the most part the construction voted at the Annual Town Meeting in 1959 was carried out by Town forces, except for the construction of Hill- crest, Robin, Woodbriar and Fernwood Roads and new sidewalk construc= tion at various locations.
The program which we have tried to follow in the Public Works Department through the past three years has been increasingly ambitious in regard to the use of Town equipment and regular Town employees. I feel that by following this program the taxpayers in the Town of Wake- field are gaining the benefits from the full time labor force and the equipment which the Town has obtained in process of growth.
One of the most important aspects of Public Works is planning, and in this phase the year 1959 saw the completion of the complete study of our Water Division. We now have the tools with which to provide the Town with a well balanced water distribution system by careful utiliza- tion of this study. We also feel the operations of the department can be increased as to efficiency and at the same time offer a greater variety of services to our water customers. This has proved to be true in the case of the overall sewer study which was completed in 1955 and which has been the basis of our planning since that time.
Water and sewer are two of our major utilities and constitute the yardstick of municipal growth to business firms and to private home owners, and it is important that we continue to follow a planned program to show any future investors in Wakefield exactly what they can expect in the future.
The engineering work involved in the preparation of these reports and the formulation of the working plans has been tremendous, and our engineering staff has been particularly overburdened by the task. How- ever, as both these programs begin to materialize, we will have more time for the engineering duties more particularly characteristic to a municipal department.
In the coming year we intend to shift the employees from construction to applying themselves to the task of bringing up to date some of the various maintenance conditions in the Town. By scheduling maintenance work, i.e., snow clearance, brook cleaning, hydrant and valve maintenance, etc., it should be possible to achieve a balanced program of maintenance and new construction which will result in taxpayers' savings in the Town of Wakefield.
GEORGE R. WINTERS,
Director
27
148TH ANNUAL REPORT
MOTH AND TREE DIVISION 1959
During the year we lost two hundred trees and most of these were killed by the Dutch Elm Disease and most of them have been removed.
A few Gypsy Moths were found. Tent Caterpillars and Japanese Beetles were as predominant as in the previous year.
The Dutch Elm Disease still remains our biggest problem and it is the responsibility of the home owner to destroy, or put under cover, all freshly cut and dead elm wood. This is necessary because the elm bark beetle breeds in this wood.
I would like to express my appreciation at this time to the Board of Public Works, the Director and all other departments for their co-opera- tion during the past year. I also want to express appreciation to Mr. Michael Collins, Manager of the Light Department, for the help extended to me in removing trees with Dutch Elm Disease that were in the wires.
ERNEST J. McWHINNIE,
Supervisor
PARK DIVISION 1959
The following work was completed during the calendar year 1959 over and above regular maintenance:
By Contract:
Erection of approximately 70 feet of 6 foot high chain link fencing on the easterly side of the Bath House property.
Erection of approximately 50 feet of chain link fencing at the west end of Spaulding Street adjacent to the Bath House land.
Repair of all outside walls and inner partitions of the Bath House. Repair of supporting structure of the Park Bandstand.
By Park Employees:
Painting of approximately 1100 linear feet of chain link fencing at Lakeside.
Removal of 12 diseased elms and replacement with various species of deciduous trees.
All the skinned surfaces of the baseball diamonds were treated with sani-soil-set, a dust preventative.
At the Hall Park on North Avenue an area of approximately 34,500 sq. ft. was loamed and seeded. In conjunction with this project, 2,500 sq. ft. of walks were graded and made ready for hot top. Approximately 200 tons of sand and gravel was spread at the water's edge.
This year our maintenance program was considerably enlarged. All playground equipment was erected and dismantled for the season's activi- ties. The Dolbeare School area and the Little League Field at Farm Street were incorporated into the grass cutting program.
Bath House: The bathing and swimming facilities at the Spaulding Street Bath House were used more than ever. The Red Cross swimming instruction classes were exceptionally well attended.
J. HENRY VIK, Supervisor
28
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
CEMETERY DIVISION 1959
The following permanent improvements were completed at Forest Glade Cemetery.
Installation of 200 feet of 18 inch reinforced concrete drainpipe was installed.
The placing of about 5,000 cubic yards of fill, grading and seeding an area of about 19,500 square feet.
Planting of various shrubs and trees.
Old Cemetery - Church Street - 480 feet of old picket fence was removed and replaced with a low slung ornamental chain type barrier.
The following statistics are from 1959 records:
Adults
84
Babies and Stillborn 22
Total
106
Interments
Concrete Foundations:
56
J. HENRY VIK,
Supervisor
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY DIVISION
General Maintenance costs for the principal items as follows:
Patching
$11,119.58
Street Cleaning
3,734.91
Rubbish Collection
23,727.19
Repairs to Sidewalks, etc.
4,636.16
Street Signs
3,517.58
Traffic Lines
1,463.54
Cleaning Catchbasins
2,777.29
Surface Treatment
10,554.31
Snow & Ice
29,528.70
Drainage
10,333.19
Garbage Collection
18,000.00
Miscellaneous
6,046.09
Capital Outlay
10,511.83
Supervisor
5,100.00
Clerk
3,250.00
Sick and Emergency Leave
1,580.65
Holidays and Vacations
6,465.77
Pensions
5,884.38
Chapter 90 Maintenance - Main Street from Station 30 + 12 to 49 + 12 approximately 1900 feet $ 4,500.00
Chapter 90 Construction - continuation of work on Water Street - does not include final payment to contractor
18,370.16
Patching:
Labor 6,945.16
Material
4,174.42
29
148TH ANNUAL REPORT
Street Cleaning :
Labor
2,984.15
Material
750.76
Rubbish Collection :
Labor
Material
23,494.68 232.51
Miscellaneous Repairs to Sidewalks:
Labor
1,218.51
Material
3,417.65
Repairs to Sidewalks - Greenwood Street and Spring Street, repair and replace cement sidewalk.
68 Pleasant Street - ramp and sidewalks.
Replace curbing corner Summer and Orchard Streets. Rebuild sidewalk on Water Street westerly from Farm Street.
63 Richardson Street to corner of Melvin Street rpr. Prospect Street at School House.
Replace radius curbing Lafayette at Church Streets.
Street Signs:
Labor
3,142.50
Material
375.08
Traffic Lines:
Material
417.69
Contractual Work
1,045.85
Cleaning Basins:
Labor
2,701.85
Material
75.44
Surface Treatment:
Labor
1,860.44
Material
8,693.87
Approximately 6.1 miles of streets were resurfaced.
Snow & Ice:
Labor
14,333.14
Material
15,195.56
Drainage:
Labor 8,002.48
Material
2,330.71
Rebuild catchbasins Sweetser Street, Park Avenue and Dell Avenue.
Repair culvert Bennett Street and basin at 183 Oak Street.
Repair broken culverts New Salem Street and Main at Water Street.
Repair broken pipe (8") Birch Hill Avenue near Nahant Street.
Plus regular maintenance drainage.
30
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
10,511.83
Capital Outlay : 1-Sign Applicator 1-5 ton dump truck
$ 971.83 9,540.00
New Street Construction:
Putnam Avenue, Stark Avenue, Eunice Circle. Nelson Av- enue one-third complete.
By Contractor: Fernwood, Hillcrest, Robin and Wood- briar Roads - about one-half completed.
New Drainage:
292 feet of 18" R.C.B.&S. Spring Street from Esmond Avenue easterly.
296 feet of 12" corrugated Fellsmere Avenue.
229 feet of 27" R.C.T.&.G. Preston and New Salem Sts. 372 feet of 15" R.C.T.&G. and 281 feet of 12" B.&S. Parker Road and Elm Street.
130 feet of 12" R.C.B.&S. and 30 feet of 12" C.I. pipe Greenwood Street at Michael Road.
130 feet of 12" R.C.B.&S. and 48 feet of 8" C.I. pipe Broadway near North Avenue.
20 feet of 12" C.I. pipe Main Street near Beebe's Cove.
CARL G. CHELMAN,
Supervisor
WATER DIVISION
New Water Main Construction - 1959
By the Town
Charles Avenue - 650 feet of 12" Cement Lined Cast Iron Pipe (from Salem Street to Cabot, Cabot & Forbes property line).
Lyons Lane - 845 feet of 12" Cement Lined Cast Iron Pipe (from Lowell Street to Route #128).
Aldrich Road - 109 feet of 8" Cement Lined Cast Iron Pipe (from Nelson Avenue south).
Nelson Avenue - 100 feet of 8" Cement Lined Cast Iron Pipe (from old dead end to Aldrich Road).
Eunice Circle - 548 feet of 6" Cement Lined Cast Iron Pipe (from Salem Street to Mitchell Lane).
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