USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1960 > Part 2
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18
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
All available vacancies in the ranks of regular patrolmen or officers in the department have been filled, and I am not asking for additional regular patrolmen in the year 1961; however, there are three vacancies in the position of reserve patrolman for which there are no applicants avail- able from the Civil Service list. Again in 1960, it has been necessary to employ special provisional reserves with the permission of the Civil Service Commission. Most of these men are members of the Auxiliary Police Force and are interested enough in the department to help out in their spare time in order to keep the department functioning efficiently.
During 1960, the following members of the department have received additional training in police work:
Patrolmen Raymond F. Malonson, James W. Foley, Frank P. Skillings, Robert A. Westcott and Arthur M. Bragg graduated from the Massachusetts State Police Academy in Framingham.
Patrolmen Alfred J. Foley, John F. Brennan, Anthony A. Bucci, Jarvis S. Burbine, William E. Myers, Jr., and Howard J. Ellis graduated from the Cambridge Police Academy.
Serg't James T. Mckeon attended the Federal Bureau of Investigation Firearms Training School at Camp Curtis Guild.
I feel that all members of our department should be given every oppor- tunity to receive additional training in police work. I am hoping to send three more officers to school this year.
All members of the department are required to fire regularly on the range with their service revolvers. The entire force of men attended the F. B. I. school for police-type shooting at Camp Curtis Guild.
In accordance with the town policy of replacing uneconomical equip- ment, a 1960 station wagon cruiser was purchased to replace an older model cruiser. The Main Street Chevrolet Company has made a policy of donating a station wagon each year to the Police Department for use as a safety car. Our 1960 safety car has been of great value to the Safety Officer for use in his work in safety instruction at schools, playgrounds and churches.
The development of a new traffic division in the department is pro- gressing well. Four members of this department are regular motorcycle officers and have use of two motorcycles within the department, one of which was equipped with a two-way radio during 1960. The motorcycles are maneuverable for use in traffic work, are inexpensive to operate and spare the load on our more expensive vehicles. We now have thirteen women traffic officers attached to the Traffic Division to add to the safety of children going to and from school.
The police ambulance will be eight years old in 1961. It has gone approximately 50,715 miles and has responded to 4,888 calls to transport citizens to and from the hospital. This valuable piece of equipment is starting to rust out and needs constant expensive repairs. I should like to purchase a new ambulance in 1961 so that the town will not be without ambulance service during a major breakdown of the present ambulance.
A photo-copying machine has been added to our office equipment. It is useful and profitable to the town for providing copies of accident reports to proper authorities. There is a charge for this service and the proceeds are turned back to the town.
19
149TH ANNUAL REPORT
Most of the criminal cases occurring within the past year have been cleared by arrest, and there has been no real increase in crime noted. One serious case, where a house was entered and two persons were tied up and assaulted, has not been cleared; also not cleared are several cases of breaking and entering.
This department has had full co-operation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, from the State Police and from other cities and towns of the Commonwealth. We have also aided them. These other organiza- tions have been very helpful in clearing cases and in assisting with handling large crowds. We find it most necessary to work together because most criminals move from place to place very easily in these days of high-speed vehicles.
Respectfully submitted,
J. MERRITT WENZEL
Chief of Police
Report of Chief of Fire Department
During the year this department has responded to 755 alarms divided as follows: 185 Box Alarms and 570 Still Alarms.
Estimate of Property Endangered $3,379,275.00
Insurance on Property Endangered
4,912,600.00
Loss on Property 119,682.56
Insurance Paid on Loss
113,015.71
Transit Value 13,345.00
Transit Loss
2,751.00
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM P. HURTON Chief of Fire Department
REPORT OF FOREST WARDEN
During the year there was a total of 174 grass and woods fires. Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM P. HURTON
Forest Warden
20
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Building Inspector
I submit the following report of my activities for the year ending December 31, 1960.
Building permits granted
242
Sets of plans for new houses, schools, alterations and additions approved
242
Building inspections made
1588
New dwellings
67
Inspections with State Inspector
13
Buildings condemned
14
Inspections with Fire Chief
32
Inspections of Fire Jobs
22
Complaints investigated
190
Complaints investigated regarding Zoning By-Laws
43
Violations of Zoning Laws checked
133
Public Halls inspected
6
Lodging Houses inspected
4
Sign inspections
40
Shingle permits issued
7
Sidewalk permits issued
13
Elevators inspected
28
Fire escapes inspected
14
Building moved
13
Buildings razed
24
Convalescent Homes inspected
6
Permits refused
38
Board of Appeals meetings attended
38
Miles driven
5338
Calls received at home after hours
290
Permit fees received
$1,131.00
1955
$1,636,845.00
1958
$1,483,684.00
1956
5,200,287.00
1959
3,671,570.00
1957
1,126,896.00
1960
2,024,560.00
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK A. TREDINNICK
Building Inspector
Report of Wire Inspector
I submit the following report of my activities for the year ending December 31, 1960.
772
Temporary service permits
46
Inspections made
1278
Inspections approved
772
Temporary approvals (houses still under const.)
78
Permits granted
21
149TH ANNUAL REPORT
Installations not passing inspections
49
Installations corrected and passed
49
Wiring without obtaining permit
81
Changes in service
109
Permits for larger services
22
Permits for commercial services
18
Notified for non payment of fees
81
Inspections of Convalescent Homes
15
Inspections of public schools
14
Public buildings inspected
10
Meetings on job with electricians
81
Property owners notified to make wiring changes
38
Inspections with Fire Chief
30
Requests from tenants for inspections
15
Industrial buildings inspected
30
Fees collected Jan. 1, 1960 - Jan. 1, 1961 and deposited in Wakefield Trust Co.
$1,909.50
Appropriation for 1960
2,425.00
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN J. CURRAN
Wire Inspector
Report of Plumbing Inspector
The annual report of the Plumbing Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1960 is as follows:
Number of permits issued
271
Number of fixtures installed
1,223
Gas Storage - Hot water heaters
29
Electric Storage - Hot water heaters
7
Oil Storage - Hot water heaters
2
Hot water tanks
14
Tankless heaters
82
Water closets
270
Lavatories
281
Bath Tubs
150
Showers
30
Urinals
11
Sinks
164
Laundry trays
32
Disposals
10
Dish washing machines
7
Washing machines
100
Drains
22
Vents
2
Air Condition Unit
1
22
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Drinking Fountains Dental Chair Sacarum Sewer Connections Cesspool Fees for permits
7
1
1
79
40 $1,043.00
Respectfully submitted, KENNETH G. SHAW
Inspector of Plumbing
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
In public service, there is no official having greater opportunity to serve the public in the field of consumer protection than your sealer of weights and measures. The consumer has but little opportunity to check the quan- tity of his purchase under today's methods of food distribution. Likewise, the accuracy of his fuel oil deliveries is dependent upon the activities of good weights and measures administration.
With daily living expenses forced higher and higher, the buying public is today more than ever "quantity conscious." Today's high prices permit no controversy; ounces and pounds, pints, quarts and yards are dollars and cents.
To receive short weights or measures is the equivalent of receiving counterfeit money in your change. To give short weights or measures is a double edge evil, it not only cheats the purchaser, but provides unfair competition by offering a means of underselling an honest competitor. For a merchant to give long weights or measures, either carelessly or un- knowingly, is to give away his profit, his means of livelihood. Neither short nor long weight or measure can be tolerated.
It is the policy of this Department to be of equal assistance and protec- tion to all parties concerned. To the buyer by safeguarding him against commercial misconduct in the matter of weights and measures, to the seller by taking out of his path erroneous trade customs.
Below is a report of the work accomplished by your Dept. of Weights and Measures.
Sealed
Adjusted
Condemned
Scales over 10,000 lbs. capacity
1
1
0
Scales 5000 to 10,000 lbs. cap.
3
3
0
Scales 100 to 5000 lbs. cap.
20
6
2
Scales under 100 lbs. cap.
155
18
4
Weights
68
0
10
23
149TH ANNUAL REPORT
Meters - inlets one inch or less 120
Pumps 2
Meters - inlets more than one inch 26
Inspected 300 lbs. of prepackaged food
Inspected 75 gallons of liquid products
3
1
4 0
Respectfully Yours,
PATSY J. CARISELLA Sealer of Weights & Measures
Report of Dog Officer
The following is my report as Dog Officer for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1960.
Stray dogs picked up (159)
Stray dogs returned (109)
Stray dogs disposed of (50) Stray cats picked up (66) Stray cats returned (5)
Stray cats disposed of (61)
Dead animals picked up (169)
Respectfully submitted, JOHN W. HOPKINS
Dog Officer
Report of Animal Inspector
The following is my report as Animal Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1960.
Fifty eight (58) animals were quarantined as a precautionary measure against rabies.
One (1) dead animal was taken to the Wasserman Laboratory for fur- ther study. (It proved negative)
All cows, sheep, goats, and horses were inspected and found to be satisfactory.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN W. HOPKINS
Animal Inspector
24
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.
Rescue Service: A well trained crew of 17 men man this vehicle and are available to all departments for all types of emergency work. Police Sgt. William R. Connors graduated from the two weeks intensive heavy duty CD Rescue School in Topsfield. Skin Divers being organized in con- junction with the Police Department now have six trained men operating under the direction of Patrolmen Frank Skillings and Arthur Bragg. No- table service of these units to the town were the September hurricane and the disastrous plane crash in Winthrop Bay in October. This unit needs a new chain saw and radio on the Police-Light Department frequency due to age and failure of present units.
Communications: This group meets regularly and is available to town agencies for emergency communications work. Their value was proven during the September hurricane when they provided the only means of emergency power and communication for our vital Light & Gas Depart- ment and Public Works when telephone communications failed and were out during the entire storm. This group needs 2 - 12 volt radios to replace 6 volt units which are no longer useful for mobile communications but will be converted to base station operation.
Police - Fire Services: These organized groups receive regular training and are available as are all units for varied types of emergency work.
Medical: A small group of highly trained personnel stands ready to man our emergency hospitals and fill in on minor emergencies.
Air Raid Sirens: Town has virtually no means of warning populace and Selectmen have recommended no action in this system.
Matching Funds: It is recommended by this department that the town take further advantage of this program in all areas. To date we have util- ized $15,000.00 worth of materials and should have tripled that amount.
Surplus Property: The town should take greater advantage of this program.
Advisory Council: It is recommended that the Board of Selectmen reactivate the Civil Defense Advisory Council.
The director thanks Deputy Director Frank Tredinnick for his untiring efforts in the field of Civil Defense, The Honorable Board of Selectmen, and the heads of all town departments and the Daily Item for their co- operation in this effort.
Respectfully Submitted,
JAMES T. HURTON
Director of Civil Defense
Health and
(w)
Welfare
Reports of
HEALTH DEPARTMENT WELFARE DEPARTMENT VETERANS' SERVICES RECREATION COMMISSION
26
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Board of Health
In the Year 1960, Infectious Hepatitis and Chicken Pox were increased over the previous 5 years. There were no cases of Poliomyelitis reported in the Town this year.
Diphtheria - Tetanus and Whooping Cough immunization Clinics were held for preschoolers with 80 children receiving a series of 3 inoculations and 103 receiving booster inoculations.
There were 7 new cases of Tuberculosis reported, 2 deceased, 1 moved in. There are 6 cases Hospitalized at present and 16 on Chemotherapy, making a case load of 50.
The following is an abbreviated summary of field trips, nursing services and investigations made by the Public Health Nurse:
Nursing visits to Tuberculosis patients and contacts
110
Number of Contacts to Tbc. patients X-rayed 50
Number of trips to Sanatorium for X-rays 60
Number of case patients registered X-rayed 50
All others X-rayed 56
Patients hospitalized during the year
8
Premature baby investigations
9
Unsanitary conditions, food poisoning etc.
30
Kindergartens supervised
9
Respectfully submitted,
NORMAN S. BOSWORTH, Chairman EVAN H. FAIRBANKS, Secretary ROBERT DUTTON, M.D.
Report of Board of Public Welfare
Each year, in writing this report, the same questions arise - do the citizens understand Public Assistance, are they satisfied with the admin- istration of the local program and do they approve the large expenditures of money? Then the problem that confronts the Board is how to explain the program, so that the citizens may understand what it is all about.
The various categories of assistance under the supervision of the Board, are General Relief, Aid to Dependent Children, Disability Assistance, Old Age Assistance and Medical Assistance for the Aged. The last four are part of the Social Security Act. Aid to Dependent Children and Old Age Assistance were born during the severe economic depression, in the belief that public assistance would be a diminishing program, while the social insurance would be the basic program; but it has not worked out that way. Many types of employment are not covered under the present Social Secur- ity Act, and the present grants under the Old Age & Survivor's Insurance
27
149TH ANNUAL REPORT
program are not sufficient to provide for the individual's needs, and there- fore they are required to seek public assistance in addition to their Social Security grants, to meet the present costs of living. Under the present laws governing the administration of public relief, all needs are met - there is no maximum amount. This means that an individual's needs, to include medical, hospital and all other services are provided, in addition to the needs in the home.
It is believed that no private business and few public organizations could have survived the brand of publicity Public Welfare has had since its beginning. The emphasis has always been on the cost - never on what the public gets for its money. The truth is that Public Welfare does not cost - it pays. It pays in actual dollars and cents of the taxpayer's money, besides the priceless human values which it conserves. Perhaps this best could be explained where the granting of assistance has seen many families rehabilitated because they were able to get help when illness or accident to the bread-winner presented emergencies they could not cope with unaided. In these emergencies, which are major threats to family security, besides the financial help given, there is the stabilizing influence of the social service rendered by the workers who go in on the case. By financial assistance in these cases, the children are able to have sufficient food, decent shelter and adequate clothing, which enables them to continue in school and become useful citizens in the community.
Another reason for the increase in the case load and costs of public assistance, is the increased life span of the average individual. In 1900, the average length of life was 49 years. In 1955 it was 66. In 1900 one person in twenty-five (25) was 65 years of age or older. In 1980 it is es- timated that the ratio will be one in ten. As people become older, their medical needs change, and they require more medical service. As the aver- age citizen well knows, the costs of medical services have increased and of course has resulted in a large increase, when you consider a large number of cases at one time. Medical science has, of course, made a great deal of progress and has reduced many diseases which were once fatal, to a point where - if properly cared for - can now be cured. For the aged and chronically ill there is no well planned or integrated service. Unfortunate- ly, they find refuge in general hospitals, convalescent homes and homes for the aged. The majority have worked steadily and productively in a society that respects only the productive, and the ending of ability to do gainful work is for most aged persons a tragedy. It symbolizes the end of independence and purpose of life. Unfortunately, at present, there does not seem to be any way to work out a program to care for this type of aged person in need, because old people fear isolation and want to be near relatives and friends. They like to be around where they can associate with their old friends, and they like to attend the church where they have been in attendance for many years. To accomplish good social work, it is best that they should have a home of their own, or live with relatives or friends as long as they are capable to, in some way, care for themselves.
More than six million persons (Social Security Bulletin 1958) were receiving public assistance; almost 2.5 million aged with an average pay- ment of $61.79; almost 750,000 families (three million recipients) receiving ADC with an average payment of $103.26 per family; 109,000 blind with an
28
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
average of $66.98 per month; 321,000 permanently and totally disabled re- ceiving only $60.85; and 381,000 cases receiving general assistance with an average payment per case of $61.43. Public assistance represents the only available income to approximately 80 per cent of these families.
Public Welfare
During 1960 there were 38 cases aided under this category in Wakefield with an expenditure of $7,894.72. This agency paid $5,053.35 to other com- munities for aiding Wakefield settled cases. The total expenditures for this type of assistance during 1960 was $12,948.07. Assistance under this program is granted to individuals who are not eligible for other types of assistance. In most cases, applications are received from individuals due to sickness or unemployment. They are not constant cases and sometimes receive as- sistance for a short period of time only. There has been an increase in the number of welfare cases aided during the last several years. This is due to the population increase in this community. This is the only category of relief in which Federal Government does not participate. They do not reimburse in any welfare case for aid, or for administration costs.
Aid to Dependent Children
During 1960 the local board aided 29 cases under this program. The total expenditures amounted to $42,386.75. The costs of this program were shared by the Federal Government, the State and the local community. Aid to Dependent Children is provided in cases where there is a widow with dependent children, and when families have been deserted. It is also granted to a family where the parent is physically incapacitated, and the medical report shows that the duration of disability will extend for a period in excess of three (3) months.
Federal reimbursement received during the year is held in a special account by the Town Accountant and is used for this program only. The State share of reimbursement cannot be credited to this account and there- fore goes to the Excess & Deficiency account of the town as an estimated receipt.
Disability Assistance
This program is part of the Social Security Act. A person must be 18 years of age or over, to have lived in Massachusetts continuously for one year immediately preceding the date of application for assistance, and to be in need of aid. This category came into effect in November of 1951 and is to provide for needy persons found to be permanently and totally dis- abled.
During 1960, 30 cases have received a direct grant from this board at a total cost of $40,695.20. Federal reimbursement received during the year is held in a special account by the Town Accountant and is used for this program only.
Old Age Assistance
To be eligible for Old Age Assistance, which is also part of the Social Security Act, a person in Massachusetts must be 65 years of age, to have lived in the Commonwealth three out of the last nine years - one year immediately preceding the date of application - and to be in need of assistance. There are also other eligibility requirements such as personal property and amount of income, which must be considered before the local board can render a just decision.
29
149TH ANNUAL REPORT
During 1960 there were 304 cases aided by the Wakefield Board of Public Welfare under this category, at a cost of $322,656.98. This community also had to reimburse other communities at an approximate cost of $2,000.00. We expect to receive in the vicinity of $8,944.28 from other communities. Total expenditures for Old Age Assistance during 1960 was $324,656.98.
Old Age Assistance is part of the Social Security Act, and the costs are shared by the Federal Government, State and local community where the person is legally settled. The Federal reimbursement is retained in a special account - the same as Aid to Dependent Children and Disability Assistance - and is used over again by this board. The State share and the money received from other cities and towns for cases aided in Wake- field are credited to the Excess and Deficiency Account, as estimated re- ceipts.
Medical Assistance for the Aged
Medical Assistance for the Aged is also part of the Social Security Act, and became effective on October 1, 1960. The costs are shared also by the Federal, State and local government. This program is expected to increase tremendously. There are several amendments before Congress at present, and if approved will broaden the category even beyond its present scope. The total spent since this category became effective was $37,650.00. The number of people assisted under this program since October 1, 1960 was 67.
Administration Costs
The term "Administration Costs" covers all expenditures of the board to administer the five programs under the board's supervision, which are Old Age Assistance, Disability Assistance, Aid to Dependent Children, Medical Assistance for the Aged, and Public Welfare. The Federal Govern- ment does not participate in the costs of administering the Welfare pro- gram, but does the other four categories. Federal reimbursement is based on home visits and all contact with cases in the office.
The Social Security Act requires all employees of the board to be under Civil Service, and salaries must conform to Civil Service Compensation Plan (minimum.) Old Age Assistance and Disability Assistance, and Med- ical Assistance for the Aged cases must be visited semi-annually; Aid to Dependent Children cases every three months, and General Relief cases are seen or contacted weekly.
It should be remembered that general economic conditions govern the expenditures required and unfortunately the expenses of the Board of Public Welfare are always the greatest when the economic conditions of the country are bad, and when the taxpayer can least afford to pay the high cost.
This report has been prepared for the local Board of Public Welfare by Andrew P. Ring, Director.
The board members are:
VIRGINIA M. JACKSON, Chairman P. ELIZABETH KITCHENMAN, Secretary ALBERT J. PETRUCCI WILLIAM D. SCOTT M. LEO CONWAY
30
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Veterans' Service and Benefits
Under Chap. 115, General Laws as amended, the Town of Wakefield is reimbursed one-half of all monies spent, provided that proper authoriz- ation from the State as to settlement, dependency and need is shown. Recipients Expenses $37,075.11 Recipients aided 85 Cases
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