USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1961 > Part 2
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The town is fortunate in having a very active Auxiliary Police Organi- zatin which co-operates fully during any emergency arising in town and also turns out to aid the regular department during the July 4th celebra- tion.
New Traffic Rules and Regulations for the Town of Wakefield were compiled with the aid of the Traffic Division during 1961 and were ap- proved by the State Department of Public Works. The new set of regula- tions should be of aid to this department in police work and in the pre- sentation of traffic cases before the Court.
A photographic laboratory is being organized by Sergeant James Mc- Keon for the purpose of maintaining photographic records pertaining to traffic accidents and of keeping a photographic file of persons who have committed crimes.
Most cases of serious crime occurring within the year were cleared by arrest. There has been a decrease from the previous year in the number of criminal cases, traffic violations and arrests. There were, as there al- ways will be, certain cases of breaking and entering and larceny which were not cleared.
This department has had full co-operation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the State Police, the Metropolitan District Commission, and from other cities and towns of the Commonwealth. These other organ- izations have been very helpful in clearing cases and in assisting with handling large crowds. In return, we have endeavored to aid them.
17
150TH ANNUAL REPORT
Chief Justice Lawrence G. Brooks, Presiding Justice of the District Court, Malden, and his Associate Justices have been very co-operative with this department during the year in all matters pertaining to court cases. The various branches of the law find it most necessary to work together to combat crime which is highly organized today.
Respectfully submitted,
J. MERRITT WENZEL Chief of Police
Report of Chief of Fire Department
During the year this department has responded to 720 alarms divided as follows: 171 Box Alarms and 549 Still Alarms.
Estimate of Property Endangered
$562,375.00
Insurance on Property Endangered
781,690.00
Loss on Property
163,717.90
Insurance Paid on Loss
148,217.90
Transit Value
3,050.00
Transit Loss
608.15
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM P. HURTON Chief of Fire Department
REPORT OF FOREST WARDEN
During the year there was a total of 98 grass and woods fires. Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM P. HURTON
Forest Warden
Report of Building Inspector
7
I submit the following report of my activities for the year ending December 31, 1961:
Building permits granted
236
Sets of plans for new houses, schools, alterations and additions approved 220
Building inspections made 1,508
New dwellings
66
Inspections with State Inspector
8
Buildings condemned
2
Inspections with Fire Chief
16
Inspections of Fire Jobs
17
Complaints investigated
174
Complaints investigated regarding Zoning By-Laws
132
Violations of Zoning Laws checked
126
Public Halls inspected
6
Lodging Houses inspected
4
Sign inspections
32
18
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Shingle permits issued
9
Sidewalk permits issued
20
Elevators inspected
18
Fire escapes inspected
14
Buildings moved
0
Buildings razed
14
Convalescent Homes inspected
7
Permits refused
27
Board of Appeals meetings attended
27
Miles driven
4712
Calls received at home after hours
262
Permit fees received
$1,314.50
PERMIT VALUATION FOR LAST SIX YEARS
1956
$5,200,287
1959
$3,671,570
1957
1,126,896
1960
2,024,560
1958
1,483,684
1961
2,522,908.62
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, 1961:
Permits granted
757
Temporary service permits
23
Inspections made
1,271
Inspections approved
722
Temporary approvals (houses still under construction)
66
Installations not passing inspections
52
Installations corrected and passed
50
Wiring without obtaining permit
89
Changes in service
132
Permits for larger services
13
Permits for commercial services
18
Notified for non-payment of fees
89
Inspections of Convalescent Homes
18
Inspections of public schools
24
Public buildings inspected
10
Meetings on job with electricians
74
Property owners notified to make wiring changes
42
Inspections requested by Fire Chief William P. Hurton
21
Inspections requested by Municipal Light Dept.
10
Requests from tenants for inspections
4
Industrial buildings inspected
12
Fees collected January 1, 1961 - January 1, 1962 and
deposited in Wakefield Trust Company
$2,108.50
19
150TH ANNUAL REPORT
In this report, I would like to express my appreciation for the co-opera- tion extended this department by Michael Collins, manager of the Munic- ipal Light Department; Frank A. Tredinnick, building inspector; and Chief William Hurton of the Wakefield Fire Department.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN J. CURRAN Wire Inspector
Report of Plumbing Inspector
The annual report of the Plumbing Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1961 is as follows:
Number of permits issued
258
Number of fixtures installed
1,797
Gas storage-Hot water heaters
38
Electric storage-Hot water heaters
8
Oil Storage-Hot water heaters
3
Hot water tanks
17
Tankless heaters
69
Water Closets
452
Lavatories
435
Bath Tubs
279
Showers
29
Urinals
14
Sinks
234
Laundry trays
17
Dish Washing Machines
15
Disposals
8
Washing Machines
90
Dental Chairs
2
Drinking Fountains
17
Soda Fountains
1
Dry Cleaning Machines
20
Auto Washer
1
Sewer Connections
42
Cesspools
6
Fees for permits
$1,581.00
Respectfully submitted,
KENNETH G. SHAW Inspector of Plumbing
.
20
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
The Department of Sealer of Weights and Measures inspects all com- mercially used weighing and measuring devices. These range from large capacity scales to the delicate prescription balances used by pharmacies. This department also inspects scales of butchers, grocers, junkmen, fuel oil measuring meters and gasoline pump meters.
All of these measuring devices definitely relate to the cost of living of every family in Wakefield. Usually neither the merchant nor customer is aware of any inaccuracy of devices, or in packaging operations unless such is discovered by your sealer during his routine inspection. Your sealer's job is to protect you and all the citizens from misrepresentation-to see that you get what you pay for and not one bit less.
Below is a report of the work accomplished by your Department of Weights and Measures during 1961.
Adjusted Sealed
Not Sealed Condemned
Scales over 10,000 lbs.
3
Scales 100 lbs. to 500 lbs.
2
15
4
Scales under 100 lbs.
24
113
1
1
Weights:
Avoirdupois
1
64
4
Metric
20
Apothecary
60
Meters-1" inlet or less
Gasoline
12
117
2
Oil - Grease
25
Meters-Inlet more than 1" Vehicle Tank
5
21
Bulk storage
5
11
1
Pumps-Gasoline-No. of stops
1
Leather Measuring Devices
1
Wire Cordage
2
-
-
-
-
TOTAL
49
452
6
7
Inspected over 410 lbs. of meats, fruits and vegetables during 1961.
Respectfully submitted, PASQUALE J. CARISELLA Sealer of Weights and Measures
21
150TH 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 part time as office clerk and field agent. The director and all other members of the organization are serving on a volunteer basis.
In July, President Kennedy announced a step up in the Shelter pro- gram and reassigned the Office of Civil and Defense Mobilization to the Department of Defense. As a result of this transition there are many changes and re-evaluations of Civil Defense being undertaken.
This department lost the services of two dedicated men with the re- tirement of Auxiliary Fire Chief George Gardner and the promotion of Communications Officer Robert Kiley in the U. S. Army.
Rescue Service: A well trained crew of 19 men man this vehicle and are available to all departments for all types of emergency work. Police Sgt. James McKeon graduated from the two weeks intensive heavy duty CD Rescue School in Topsfield. Skin Divers being organized in conjunction with the Police Department now have ten trained men operating under the direction of Patrolmen Frank Skillings and Arthur Bragg.
Communications: This group meets regularly and is available to all town departments in emergency work, most notable this year at Halloween and the Fourth of July. A lack of serious power loss and communications problems gave this group a temporary rest. The need for additional equip- ment however to meet the stepped up program demands and possible local disasters continues. This unit also needs two new portable radios on the Police Frequency to comply with FCC Ruling.
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 but the Selectmen have recommended 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 utilized $27,000.00 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 re- activate the Civil Defense Advisory Council.
The director thanks Deputy Director Frank Tredinnick for his untir- ing efforts in the field of Civil Defense; the 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
22
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Dog Officer
Gentlemen:
The following is my report as Dog Officer for the year ending De- cember 31, 1961:
Stray dogs picked up
168
Stray dogs returned 132
Stray dogs disposed of 36
Stray cats picked up 58
Stray cats returned
8
Stray cats disposed of
50
Dead animals picked up
147
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. HOPKINS Dog Officer
Report of Animal Inspector
Gentlemen:
The following is my report as animal inspector for the year ending December 31, 1961:
Eighty-four (84) animals quarantined as a precautionary measure against rabies.
All cows, sheep, goats, and horses were inspected and found to be satisfactory.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. HOPKINS Animal Inspector
C
Health
and Welfare
Reports of
HEALTH DEPARTMENT WELFARE DEPARTMENT VETERANS' SERVICES RECREATION COMMISSION
24
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Board of Health
In the year 1961, Infectious Hepatitis and Chicken Pox were down while Mumps and Measles were on the increase. For three consecutive years the Town of Wakefield has not had one case of Poliomyelitis reported.
Diptheria, Tetanus and Whooping Cough immunization Clinics were held for pre-schoolers and also 1st and 6th grades with 40 receiving a series of 3 inoculations and 91 receiving booster inoculations.
There was only one new Tuberculosis case reported for 1961 and at present there are no patients hospitalized, and 20 patients on Chemo- therapy. New and active Tuberculosis cases are at the lowest in the Town of Wakefield for over 10 years.
The following is an abbreviated summary of field trips, nursing serv- ices and investigations made by the Public Health Nurse and Agent:
96
Nursing visits to Tuberculosis patients and contacts 30
Number of contacts to Tbc. patients X-rayed
Number of trips to Sanatorium for X-rays 55
43
Patients hospitalized during the year
8
Premature baby investigations
7
Unsanitary conditions, food poisoning, etc.
45
Kindergartens supervised
9
Respectfully submitted,
Norman S. Bosworth, Chairman
Evan H. Fairbanks, Secretary
Robert Dutton, M.D.
Report of Board of Public Welfare
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 to the Aged. The last four are part of the Social Security Act and are governed by Federal and State Law. All employees of the Department must be covered by Civil Service status. The basic requirement for public assistance is "need." Under its 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.
Public Welfare
During 1961 there were 34 cases aided under public welfare in this community with an expenditure of $8,948.06. In this category, aid is for a temporary period only, while the applicant is awaiting unemployment compensation due to lack of employment or temporary illness. The Fed- eral government does not reimburse the town for assistance granted in this category.
Number of case patients registered X-rays
All others X-rayed 56
25
150TH ANNUAL REPORT
The town granted $49,863.94 to 32 families for Aid to Dependent Chil- dren during 1961.
During 1961 there were 34 cases aided in Disability Assistance at a total cost of $43,237.94.
There were 221 Old Age Assistance cases aided during 1961 at a cost of $179,999.02.
Medical Assistance to the Aged was given to one hundred during 1961 at a cost of $183,310.24.
The eligibility requirements differ according to the category and the amount that each client receives differs according to their budgeted needs, such as the amount of rental, carrying charges, etc. It should be remem- bered that general economic conditions govern the expenditures required. The following charts will give a monthly breakdown by category. This re- port was prepared by Andrew P. Ring, Director of Public Assistance.
Aid to Dependent Children
Month
No. of Cases No. in Family
Total Payment
January
19
77
$ 4,008.50
February
20
81
3,542.69
March
21
88
3,931.21
April
21
87
4,051.31
May
22
93
4,018.60
June
21
90
3,638.19
July
27
116
4,754.15
August
28
113
5,024.14
September
25
100
4,407.60
October
23
89
4,340.79
November
24
92
4,134.47
December
23
89
3,885.50
Disability Assistance
Month
No. of Cases Average per Case
Total Payment
January
22
$127.50
$2,805.08
February
23
126.37
2,906.69
March
24
230.51
5,532.81
April
22
112.36
2,472.11
May
23
112.93
2,597.43
June
24
183.33
4,400.09
July
23
114.50
2,633.55
August
22
137.72
3,029.96
September
22
146.55
3,224.25
October
23
184.09
4,234.26
November
23
187.62
4,315.37
December
22
185.82
4,088.11
Old Age Assistance
Month
No. of Cases Total Payment
Average per Case
January
197
$16,549.21
$84.01
February
195
15,996.60
82.03
March
191
16,827.05
88.09
April
188
15,665.06
83.32
26
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
May
187
15,570.43
83.26
June
191
14,831.07
77.65
July
189
13,722.17
72.60
August
187
14,070.59
75.24
September
182
14,268.32
78.39
October
183
13,382.48
73.13
November
182
13,664.40
75.08
December
178
13,886.21
78.01
Medical Assistance to Aged
Month
No. of Cases
Total Payment Average per Case
January
67
$14,209.72
$212.08
February
66
13,648.43
206.79
March
69
15,273.37
221.35
April
73
16,413.57
224.84
May
73
14,299.49
195.88
June
70
14,949.93
213.57
July
72
15,720.20
218.34
August
76
15,334.88
210.77
September
72
16,006.14
222.31
October
79
15,620.19
197.72
November
82
15,709.90
191.58
December
83
15,962.35
192.32
Respectfully submitted,
M. Leo Conway, Chairman
P. Elizabeth Kitchenman
Virginia M. Jackson, Secretary
Albert J. Petrucci
William D. Scott
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
$40,725.95
Recipients aided
94 Cases
Medical cases aided
62 Cases
Fuel cases aided
27 Cases
Veterans' Services
Disability Compensation and Pension Applications
105 Cases
Photostatic Copies
121 Cases
Hospitalization at Veterans' Hospitals
40 Cases
Education - House Loans - G. I. Insurance
43 Cases
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD J. McGRAIL Veterans' Agent Veterans' Service Director
27
150TH ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Recreation Commission
A record-breaking crowd viewed the Annual Demonstration Day Pro- gram of the Recreation Commission.
In the afternoon, at the Common, championship games were played. Titles were decided in horseshoes, beanbags, checkers, kickball and dodge- ball. Championships in baseball for boys and in softball for girls were played.
The boys' tennis titles and the girls' tennis titles were determined in the afternoon at the Moulton Courts.
Girls and boys from each playground in town put on entertaining acts on the tennis courts, at Veteran's Field, under the lights.
The evening exhibition was featured by an arts and crafts exhibit. Prizes were awarded for the best articles made during the summer. Comb cases, pot holders, bread baskets, stuffed animals, key chains, autograph books, and mosaics were the articles on display.
Dancing under lights on the tennis courts to recorded music was enjoyed by many boys and girls.
The finals in the six-team softball league (adults) were being played on the softball diamond at Veteran's Field. A large turnout of fans was evidenced at these games each night. The season ran from May 1 to October 1 with four games scheduled each week.
The staff of the Recreation Department consisted of the director and thirty-three assistants.
Areas of recreation in the order of attendance were: Spaulding Street Bath House - 30,034, Common - 10,132, Col. Edward J. Connelly Swim- ming - 9,089, Moulton - 2,484, J. J. Round - 2505, Montrose - 2484, Nasella - 2413, Col. Edward J. Connelly Playground - 2405, Mapleway - 2262, Dolbeare - 1825, and Handicrafts - 867.
More than 300 at the Spaulding Street Bath House and 135 at the Col. Edward J. Connelly swimming area took swimming lessons. The poor con- dition of the water kept the attendance lower than other years.
During the summer over 300 boys and girls were taken by bus to Pleasure Island for the day. More than 400 boys were taken to Boston by bus to see the Red Sox play a double-header in baseball.
Only fifteen injuries were reported during the summer, none of a serious nature.
A new playground will be opened this summer at the Woodville School area.
Recreation Commission,
CHARLES P. GREENE, Chairman MARY ELLEN HURTON, Secretary J. FRANK ANDERSON EARL BONNEY JOHN ENCARNACAO THOMAS HENNESSY DAVID SLINEY
Maintenance
Reports of
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
Cemetery Division Highway Division Moth and Tree Division Park Division Sewer Division Water Division
30
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Report of Board of Public Works REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
The year 1961 was one of progress for the Board of Public Works.
In March, two new members were elected to the Board, Aldo A. Bart- lett and Albert V. Boland. After serving a few months, Mr. Bartlett tendered his resignation which was accepted by the Board, and at a joint meeting of the Selectmen and the Board of Public Works, John S. Bethel, Jr. was appointed to serve as a member of the Board until the next annual Town election.
Director of Public Works, George R. Winters, submitted his resignation in April and after considerable advertising for a new Director, 25 applica- tions were received, all of which were reviewed by the Board with a final choice of six applicants. These applicants were personally interviewed by the Board and it was the unanimous decision of the Board to appoint Rich- ard C. Boutiette for a term of three years. Mr. Boutiette served as Town Engineer for the Town of Reading, was employed as a senior highway en- gineer for Edwards and Kelcey, Consulting Engineers and worked on the engineering staff of the Mass. Dept. of Public Works. The Board feels Mr. Boutiette will do a fine job of improving and greatly enhancing the opera- tions of the Department of Public Works.
Mr. Joseph Casazza, the Town Engineer, was appointed Acting Director and took over his duties in April. He acted in this capacity until the ap- pointment of Mr. Boutiette on August 1st.
The programs which have been completed for the year 1961 are as follows:
1. New street construction under the Betterment Act - Forrester Road and Brewster Road.
2. The 1960 Chapter 90 work on Water Street and North Avenue from Armory Street to Main Street was completed.
Reconstruction of Albion Street was initiated under the 1961 Chapter 90 program. Completion to date is from the Stoneham Line to the inter- section of Broadway. A 1962 program has been established for continued reconstruction of Albion Street. New drainage was also installed in the reconstructed portion of Albion Street.
3. Resurfacing of a portion of North Avenue was also completed under the Chapter 90 Maintenance program.
4. Drainage Program - Although there are many drainage problems in the Town, the Board has endeavored to remedy some of them. Com- pleted to date was the Lowell Street culvert which was reconstructed with the proper head walls and with sluice ways to permit water to enter into the stream without erosion of the sides of the road bed. This is a newly devised method by our new Director. Extension of the drainage from Brewster and Forrester Roads was continued along Vernon Street to Lowell Street and terminated at the Lowell Street culvert. Drainage was also completed on Spring Street to the Stoneham line, Hart and Valley Streets and piping of the brook from Stedman Street to Converse Street.
31
150TH ANNUAL REPORT
5. The Oak Street Trunk Sewer, the Force Main and the new Pumping Station at the corner of Farm and Water Streets have been completed. This trunk line and pumping station will serve for future sewer extensions to the Montrose and Chapman Park areas.
6. The 1961 Water Relay Program was also completed.
7. Progress is being made on the acquisition of lake shore land which the Town intends to acquire in order to preserve and beautify the shore line of Lake Quannapowitt.
8. Sidewalk Program - Considerable accomplishment on the Sidewalk Program was effective in getting certain areas completed. On the westerly side of North Avenue the sidewalk was completed from Prospect Street to Wolcott Street for the benefit and safety of school children and pedestrian travel in that area. A new asphalt sidewalk was constructed along Parker Road from Elm Street up to a point opposite Outlook Road and new side- walk was constructed on Nahant Street from Valley Street to a point at the corner of Sexton Avenue. The remainder of this sidewalk is gravel which in the 1962 program will be continued to the Farm Street area with an asphalt surface.
The Board of Public Works has petitioned the Legislature to invalidate the present sewer act and to put Wakefield under the General Laws relating to sewers so that a more uniform and up-to-date policy for assessing can be applied.
The new Director is also formulating new plans for the operation of plowing snow, removal of snow from the business areas and a sidewalk plowing program which the Board feels will be most helpful in giving the people of Wakefield the proper public service to which they are entitled.
We are confident that the Director will continue to make improve- ments as he deems necessary and he shall have the full support of the Board in all his endeavors.
SABATINO BENEDETTO, Chairman WALTER E. MORTON, Secretary JOHN S. BETHEL, JR. ALBERT V. BOLAND HARRY H. DENNING
REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
The major problems which confront this Department are in order of their seriousness:
1. Improvement of the water distribution system.
2. Improvement and extension of our existing storm drainage facilities.
3. The maintenance of all Public Works facilities Town wide.
We are proceeding with a planned program of reinforcement of our existing water distribution system as recommended by Camp, Dresser and McKee, Consultants for the Town, as well as our own water relay program. This work shall be performed by our own forces only insofar as it does not interfere with a proper maintenance program. It is also the hope of this Department to provide adequate fire flows to the downtown area and
32
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
to increase pressures in certain areas of the Town, which are greatly affect- ed in times of peak demand, by the construction of a standpipe on the West Side of Town as was recommended by the Consultants in their 1959 Report.
This Department is currently seeking an overall drainage study of the Town to be financed by an interest free loan from the Federal Government from which we may formulate an annual program of improvement and extension of our drainage system, paying particular attention to the main outlets which are badly in need of maintenance.
Over the years that this Department has been in existence the focus has been on items of a capital nature, as a result little attention has been given to problems of maintenance. In attempting to keep a comparatively low tax levy by using Town forces for the construction of capital items, maintenance has become neglected.
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