Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1916, Part 3

Author: Fairhaven (Mass.)
Publication date: 1916
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 154


USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1916 > Part 3


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5500.00


Bridge bonds, N. B. and Fairhaven


32000.00


$ 116270.00


72


SELECTMENS REPORT.


The first meeting of the Board of Selectmen and Overseers of Poor was held Feb, 8. 1916, and organized with the choice of Charles P. Maxfield as Chairman, John I. Bryant as clerk.


Miss Lillian H. Simas was chosen as Secretary to the Board of Overseers of the Poor.


As voted at the annual town meeting, the sum of five hundred [500.00] dollars was appropriated for the purpose of continuing the plotting of the town. Mr. F. M. Metcalf, C. E. was selected by the Assessors to have charge of the work. That part of the town north of Washington Street between Rotch, Adams, North Main St. and the Alden Road, commencing at corner of Rotch and Washington Streets, thence extending north in east line of Rotch, Adams and North Main Streets to the Town of Acushnet line, thence southerly in west line of Alden road to Washington Street, thence westerly in north line of Washington Street to Rotch Street, amount placed in the tax levy 1916


As voted by the town at its annual Town Meeting, the bill presented by the City of New Bedford, for Fairhaven's part of the maintenances of the New Bedford and Fairhaven bridge for the year 1914-1915 amounting to $2290.75 was paid, and placed in the tax levy 1916.


In accordance with the vote, at Annual Town Meeting 1915 that the Selectmen should prepare and establish a system of building permits to govern the construction and repairs of buildings in the town. The board report that the same has been in use from the first of April, 1915 to the present time, and proved to be a good practical idea, not only as a help to the Assessors in knowing when and where new build- ings are constructed, they are also informed of the estimated cost of same. Another rule is that which requires all chimneys to be plastered upon the outside from cellar to the roof. Thus removing the danger from chimney fires. The rules are an assistance to the Chief Engineer of the Fire Department


73


as he inspects and controls the building of Garages, as called for by the laws of the Commonwealth. One hundred and eighty permits have been granted from the time of issuing the permits to the present time, showing an amount of $316,340.00 as the amount of estimates as shown upon the applications for the permits.


As voted by the Town at annual town meeting, the board acting with the Board of Fire Engineers have purchased and placed in use at the North End Engine House, an automobile Chassis, at a cost of $891.98, the payment for same was made as follows, $500.00, as appropriated and placed in this years tax levy, $50.00 from sale of old wagon, and $300.00 paid as voted from Incidental Account. Showing an overdraft of $41.98.


In accordance with the vote as passed at the Annual Town Meeting, the Board of Selectmen and Board of Fire Engineers have made an investigation of the different locations suitable for the Town to have erected upon in the future an Engine House. The joint Boards after a conference with architects and other investigation, decided to employ as the architects, Brigham, Coveney & Bisbee to prepare a set of plans suitable for the location that they thought best adapted for Engine House purposes, the board expects to report upon same at next Annual Town Meeting.


At the special Town meeting held April 28, 1913, the citizens unanimouly voted that the Town accept the trust created by the following provisions of the will of the late Henry H. Rogers :---


I give and bequeath to the Town of Fairhaven in the State of Massachusetts, the sum of One Hundred Thousand ($100,000) Dollars, in trust, however, as a permanent endow- ment fund, and I direct that the income thereof be applied between the maintenance of the Primary and Grammar schools of the said Town of Fairhaven.


In accordance with the provisions of the said will the man- agement of said Trust fund, the Board of Selectmen submit the following statement :-


74


Received from the Executors of the will of the late Henry H. Rogers, Aug. 12. 1913, $100,000. Deposited same in Fair- haven National Bank at 2 per cent interest.


Invested Oct. 24, 1913 $25,000.00 in New York Telephone Co., first general mortgage 4 12 % gold bonds at a cost of $24.468.75.


Invested Oct. 25, 1913, $25,000.00 in American Telephone and Telegraph Co., Collateral Trust 4% bonds at a cost of $21,937.50.


Deposited Dec. 30, 1913, in Fairhaven Institution for Savings $10,000.00.


Deposited Dec. 30, 1913, in New Bedford Institution for Savings, $10,000.00.


Deposited Dec. 30, 1913, in New Bedford Five Cent Savings Bank. $10,000.00.


Invested March 13, 1914, $10,000.00 in New England Telephone and Telepgrah Co., 5% Gold Bonds at a cost of $10,108.75.


Deposited May 12, 1914, in Citizens' Savings Bank of Fall River, $5,000.00.


Deposited May 12, 1914, in Union Savings Bank of Fall River. $5.000.


Invested Nov. 18, 1914, $3,000 in Automatic Telephone Co. of New Bedford first mortgage 5%bonds at a cost of $2,850.


Deposited December 21, 1914, $635, balance of Trust Fund in Fairhaven Institution for Savings.


Income received from Rogers Trust Fund to Dec. 20, 1916, $4416.64.


At the special town meeting held April 28, 1913, the citi- zens voted to approve the action of the selectmen in accepting from the Executors of the will of Sarah C. Anthony, ten thou- and [$10.000.] dollars, bequeathed by her to the town of Fair- haven, in trust, to be held as a permanent fund, in memory of her late husband, Edmund Anthony, Jr., the income thereof to be devoted to educational purposes, in such manner as the school committee may from time to time determine.


Income received from Anthony Trust Funds year 1916, $404.00.


75


At special Town Meeting held Oct. 30, 1916, the Town voted to accept the report of the Selectmen relative to the laying out of Spring Street from the east line of Adams and Rotch Streets to the north line of Washington Street.


At special Town Meeting held Oct. 30 ,1916, the Town voted to accept the report of the Selectmen relative to the laying out of Lawton Street from the east line of Contem- plated South Rotch Street easterly, 330 feet more or less.


One of the most important matters the Board had to consider the past year, was the petition of the Union Street Railway Co., for an extension of tracks in the Town to take care of the congested state of travel that now exists, during the summer months, caused by the great amount of travel to and from Fort Phoenix.


The said petition dated Nov. 27, 1916 was filed with the Board. The Selectmen ordered that a hearing to all parties interested in said petition would be held by the Selectmen Dec. 26, 1916 at the Town Hall, at said meeting it was voted almost unanimouly not to approve the petition as asked for.


After the hearing was adjourned, a petition was presented which read as follows: Voted: That the Selectmen select five citizens, neither one of whom shall have real estate affected by a change of track location, to act with the Selectmen as a committee to confer with the Union Street Railway Co., and submit to some future meeting, a track location, accept- able to the Union Street Railway Co., and beneficial to the Town.


The Board voted not to grant the petition of the Union Street Railway as asked for.


The Selectmen call the attention of the citizens and tax payers of the Town to the financial condition of the Town. Our Town debt is increasing and about up to the debt limit. All departments of the Town are increasing their expense accounts, owing to the much larger cost of all necessary sup- plies and the State Legislature making laws that compel the Town to furnish support for an increasing number, which formally were self supporting. The Board most earnestly


76


request the citizens to investigate and act upon the same in a conservative and as a business matter.


As part of the requirements of the town for the coming year we report the following for debt and interest. Sewer bond, due October 1, 1917 $ 5500.00


Bridge bond, due November 1, 1917


1000.00


N. B. and Fairhaven bridge, note 2000.00


Howland Road sewer, note 500.00


Motor Chemical, note 560.00


Bridge maintenance, note 400.00


500.00


Oxford sewer, note


300.00


Howland road sewer, note


300.00


Wood, Buttonwood and Taber sewer, note


100.00


N. B. and Fairhaven Bridge, note


1100.00


Refunding Loan, note


400.00


Oxford Schoolhouse, note


1400.00


Coggeshall Street Bridge, note


1370.00


Refunding Loan, note 650.00


Fort Street Extension, note


300.00


Green and Watson Street sewer, note


500.00


Refunding Loan ,note 400.00


Refunding Loan, note


450.00


$ 17730.00


Interest on bridge bonds $ 1280.00


Interest on sewer bonds


220.00


Interest on notes 3373.27


Interest on temporary loans


800.00


$ 5673.27


$ 23403.27


Credit by refunding loan


3000.00


$ 20403.27


South east sewer, note


77


We respectfully submit the following estimates for appropriations as asked for to maintain the various depart -ยท ments for the ensuing year.


Debt and Interest, $ 20,400.00


Sewer department,


5700.00


Poor department,


3700.00


Fire department,


4000.00


Fire Alarm,


150.00


Highway department,


5000.00


Hydrants


2800.00


Police Department,


1100.00


Town Hall,


1900.00


Salaries,


4000.00


Street Lights,


2800.00


Park Department,


1700.00


Incidental Account,


3500.00


Tree Department,


1200.00


Board of Health,


2000.00


Shellfish Commission,


456.30


Mothers' Aid,


1500.00


Industrial School,


1000.00


Gypsy and Brown Tail Moth


300.00


Coggeshall St. Bridge


1400.00


Total


$ 63206.30


Respectfully submitted,


CHARLES P. MAXFIELD. JOHN I. BRYANT. THOMAS W. WHITFIELD.


Selectmen of Fairhaven.


78


REPORT OF HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT.


The Board of Selectmen had charge of the Street De- partment work the past year and selected to have charge of the work as foreman, Henry C. Pierce, who superintended the macadamizing and re-surfacing the streets and William H. Bryant had charge of the general repairs on same.


The Street Department has given its usual attention to keeping the streets and gutters clean and tidy, and as it makes quite an item in the street department expense account, the Board requests the citizens to refrain as much as possible from using the streets and gutters as a dumping place. it would not only give the streets a better appearance but we should all do what we can to keep up the general character of our town for cleanliness.


To retain the top covering of our streets and prevent the same from being blown from the surface of our highways and also as a sanitary feature, the department continued the use of oil on our highway where most needed. For that purpose 22,932 gallon of Standard road oil was purchased and applied to the streets under pressure by the Standard Oil Co. Auto Sprinkler machine at a cost of $1733.68.


The Park Department desirous of saving the streets in Cushman Fark, had 1250 gallons of oil applied to same by the street department at a cost of $115. 50, the said amount placed to the credit of the street department from the Park Department account.


As $3000.00 was appropriated at Annual Town Meeting to widen where necessary and macadamize the so called Sconticut Neck Road. The Selectmen called for bids to have the same done by contract. The Acushnet Construction Co. were awarded the contract at 97 cts per square yard. The length of road, macademized by same 2740 feet.


As it was voted at Annual Town Meeting to build one mile of road on Bridge Street easterly from Mill Road and appropriated $3000.00 for same, the Selectmen decided to


79


have the highway department macadamize the same, using the tar penetration idea in building the same. The amount expended on road this year was $2637.15 showing in length as macadamized 3540 feet. The Board recommend the balance of appropriation be used in early spring upon the road.


As voted at Annual Town Meeting to appropriate $1000.00 to macadamize Elm street easterly from Main Street, we report the same has been attended to and street ma- cadamized by using the tar penetration process which costs more but in the judgment of experts makes the streets last much longer. Amount expended on street $1062.11.


As $300.00 was appropriated at Annual Town Meeting for the purpose of filling in and grading Wilding Street and building sidewalk, we report the same has been attended to at a cost of $314.27. Cost exceeding the appropriation paid from highway account.


As the Town voted to macadamize Green street from Huttlestone Avenue to Elm Street and appropriated there- for $1,000.00, the Board reported that after investigation found that a sewer was contemplated through the street and as the street was in very bad condition and not any sidewalk they decided to grade the street and build sidewalk this year. The amount expended to do the same was $532.23 leaving $467.77 to the credit of Green street account.


The main work done by the general highway depart- ment this year has been resurfacing the streets, repairing culverts and repairing the sidewalks by the use of cinders and screenings, all the streets have been re-surfaced by the use of tar as a binder.


Streets Re-Surfaced.


Washington Street


3000 ft.


Middle Street, 2500 ft.


Center Street, 900 ft.


6400 ft.


80


The first case the Town was called upon to settle by ac tion of the State Accident Board was the case of Thomas Greenwood, he was injured by falling from team Oct. 14, 1915 while loading stone at crusher plant, he injured his collar bone. The committee of Arbitration consisting of Thomas F. Boyle of the Industrial accident Board, Lewis E. Bentley representing the Town and Patrick M. Doyle representing Greenwood held hearing on the matter November 3, 1916. It was agreed upon and approved by the Committee that he be allowed eight [$8.00] dollars per week from the time of injury to Oct. 1, 1916. Amount paid from highway account to Thomas Greenwood four hundred and fifteen dollars and forty-three cents, ($415.43). The Board this year have placed the several departments for protection to Town in some insurance Company.


The attention of the citizens is called to the law which prohibits placing any rubbish or material in the highways of the Town. As many of our citizens, janitors of our public buildings and churches have been in the habit of cleaning their yards and lawns of grass, leaves, etc., then raking or sweeping the same into the streets, this law applies. Trust- ing this notice will be sufficient, and that we all use barrels in which to place our refuse in the future, by so doing it will be received by the ash cart.


We would also recommend that the citizens of the Town do all they can to separate the waste paper from the ashes. Perhaps if they would burn the paper, or have a separate barrel or box to place the paper in. it would help the matter: but we are fully satisfied something must be done to abate the nuisance which now exists.


REPORT


OF THE


SEWER


COMMISSIONERS.


82


REPORT OF SEWER COMMISSIONERS.


The Board organized as in 1914 and 1915. G. W. Valen- tine, Chairman; N. M. Paull, Clerk; W. J. Fitzsimmons, Superintendent of Power House.


In order that the Sewer Commissioners and the public also might have definite knowledge of comparative costs, this board in April, 1914, began a systematic records of power house expenses. We find, during that time, that while the operating expenses of the oil engine are less, the repairs have been much more. There has been expended for repairs on the steam plant $125.00. on the oil engine $700.00. We also in the spring of 1916 tried an electric motor, the use and in- stallation of which cost nothing for the trial; we found that the cost of current was prohibitive, the expense, outside of at- tendance being nearly double that of the other sources of power. If the station is to be operated for several years more. it would be economy to install an up to date and ade- quate steam plant as the most satisfactory all around. the cost of operating the station was $3400 for the year.


According to our records the amount of sewage discharged from the Shone System during the year was:


At Rotch Street ejector 17,617.800 gallons 73,114 tons


At Ferry Street ejector 8,948,000 gallons 37,094 tons


At Spring Street ejector 17,942,600 gallons 74,412 tons


At Bridge Street ejector 14,166,300 gallons 58.290 tons


Totals 58,675,700 gallons 242,810 tons


Although less sewage was pumped with the portable outfit than in 1915, its services were in demand as late in the year as July. Cost of maintenance and operation of the power pump was $106.


Extensive repairs and renewals of ejector parts were necessary, but it would seem as if they would now be in good operating condition for some time. Cost of care and main- tenance of the ejectors was approximately $1100.


83


Flushing and clearing although not extensively donc cost $189, repairs of hose $5.00.


In the early part of the year the board had installed in some of the deepest cellars on the Shone System, electric bell alarms whcih should give prompt notice of a rise in sewage in those cellars. The board has, by being notified through telephone, averted flooded cellars in many instances. The cost of these alarms was $36.00.


Several manhole covers were broken during the year: the board believe by heavily loaded automobile trucks with iron rimmed wheels, New Bedford we learn has had similar ex- perience. Cost of renewals and other repairs to manholes was $62.00.


Under votes of the annual town meeting of 1916 the board constructed the following extensions .


In Elm Street from Walnut to Green Streets,


191 lineal feet 8 inch pipe sewer and one manhole.


[Huttleston Avenue Gravity System].


In Middle Street, northerly from Bridge Street,


220 lineal feet 6 inch cast iron pipe sewer, one manhole. [Shone System]


In Laurel Street from Maple to Cottage Streets,


135 lineal 6 inch vitrified pipe sewer one manhole.


[South End Gravity System]


The board obtained bids on the above but for various reasons it was difficult to close a contract and the work was done by the day.


By vote of a special meeting October 30, there were built in Linden Avenue from William Street easterly,


236 lineal feet 8 inch pipe sewer.


This was built under contract with H. W. Barney the lowest bidder.


As by vote of the town in 1913 all making and repairing of sewer connections was placed in the hands of the Superinten- dents of highways, acting as agent for the Sewer Commissioners there being no appointee to that office, the Selectmen desig-


84


nated Mr. Barney to look after this work. Thirty-one new connections brought the total record to six hundred and thirty-four.


It is very urgent that our record plans should be brought up to date with blue print copies for filing with the town clerk. We ask for a special appropration of $250.00 for this work.


In 1914 and 1915 we received the appropriation we asked for and at the end of those years we had credit balances. In 1916 we asked for $5500, we received $5000, and have over- drawn our account. The summary of our expenditures was as follows:


Power House $3400, Ejectors $1100, Pump and Pumping $106, Flushing and repair hose $194, Alarms $36, Repairs manholes $62, legal counsel $43, Printing and advertising $38, Tools, rubber boots, lanterns $42, the balance of expen- ditures is accounted for by oil on hand January 1, and general expense.


We ask this year for $5700 for maintenance of the sewers.


Respectfully submitted, G. WINSTON VALENTINE, W. J. FITZSIMMONS, NORMAN M. PAULL,


Sewer Commissioners.


REPORT


OF THE


BOARD OF HEALTH.


86


BOARD OF HEALTH REPORT


Fairhaven, Mass., Jan. 1, 1917.


The Board of Health respectfully submits its annual report. The Board organized Feb. 14th, 1916, with Joseph B Peck, Chairman, David L. Kelley, Secretary, and Dr. Andrew N. Bruckshaw Medical Adviser.


The number of infections and contagious diseases for the year ending Jan. 1, 1917.


Diptheria


4


Chicken Pox


9


Opthalmea Neoatorium and other Eye Infections 5


Measles


4


Pul T. B.


15


Scarlet Fever


8


Whooping cough 11


Typhoid Fever 8


Anterior Poliomzelitis 3


The number of Tuberculosis cases reported cause the most expense to the Town; an expense that cannot be avoided on account of existing State Laws. This the citizens must fully realize when the appropriation for the Board of Health is made.


JOSEPH B. PECK, Chairman


DAVID L. KELLEY, Secretary


Dr. ANDREW N. BRUCKSHAW Medical Adviser.


REPORT


OF THE


Tree Warden


88


To the Citizens of Fairhaven:


The Tree Warden hereby submits his annual report.


For an experiment the Tree Warden did not put the Power Sprayer into commission this year, only spraying the English Elm, as they are the pride of the Beetle, with the Hand Sprayer. In most place this worked well, but showed the lack of spraying at the end of the season and could not be followed another year. The Beetle has to be kept down in order to save the Trees and the only way is to spray. Considerable trimming has been accomplished, this year, covering most of the Town and a number of dead trees have been removed and more to take down.


The Town has planted fifty Maple Trees on North Green Street and Elm Street.


The Improvement Association has planted twenty-five trees in different parts of the Town.


The Tree Warden respectfully recommends the same appropriation of $1200, so that the work may be continued and the beauty of the Town preserved.


Respectfully submitted


PETER MURRAY,


Tree Warden.


REPORT


OF THE


Fire Engineers


90


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :-


Gentlemen :--


The Board of Fire Engineers herewith present their report for the past year.


During the year we have had 13 bell alarms and 16 still alarms.


Our appropriation the past year has been over-run owing to the extra expense for the storing of the Chemical, and the extra cost of material. At the last Annual Town Meeting it was voted to purchase a chassis for the North End of the town which we have done, and the machine is now in commis- sion.


At the last Annual Town Meeting it was requested that the Board of Selectmen and the Fire Engineers meet to look up and procure plans, site, and cost of a fire station and report at the next Annual Town Meeting.


We again call the attention of the citizens to the con- dition of the shed in which the ladder truck is kept, and would recommend that immediate steps be taken for a new station. We recommend $4,000.00 be appropriated for the ensuing year.


Board of Fire Engineers,


CHAS.WESTGATE, Chief. JESSE S. GIFFORD, 1st Asst. ALEXANDER PRICE, 2nd Asst & Clerk ARTHUR STONE, 3rd Asst.


REPORT


OF THE


Overseers of the Poor


92


Overseers of the Poor.


Gentlemen :---


I herewith submit my report of the Home and Farm for the year 1916.


We have ten inmates. Four men and six women. Two are confined to their bed and they require constant attention. Owing to the added feebleness of the inmates we have been compelled to have a maid. Owing to the unfavorable season our supply of vegetables is not up to standard. We have not been able to can so much as heretofore but have made enough sweet-corn, potatoes, turnips, cabbage and parsnip to supply us in plenty. This supplied in connection with milk and eggs from the farm saves a large item on expense account. We have made a good supply of hay and other rough feed.


Owing to the fact that we had to have another horse and a cow with the added expense of repairs and painting the house also farm implements bought has made our account heavier for this past year.


Thanking you for your thoughtfulness and kindness at all times and extending our thanks and appreciation to all who remembered the home during the Holidays.


I remain,


Very Respectfully,


J. L. ELDRIDGE.


SCHOOL REPORT


1916


Fairhaven, Massachusetts.


2


In School Committee, Jan, 12, 1917.


Voted :-- That the Report of the Superintendent of Schools be accepted and printed as the Report of the School Com- mittee.


Voted :-- That the Committee ask for an appropriation of $21,000 for the ensuing year.


T. A. TRIPP, LEWIS E. BENTLEY, D. W. KENDRICK, D. W. DEANE, ALTON B. PAULL, LYMAN C. BAULDRY,


3


SCHOOL COMMITTEE.


DANIEL W. KENDRICK,


Term expires 1917


DANIEL W. DEANE,


Term expires 1917


THOMAS A. TRIPP,


Term expires 1918


LEWIS E. BENTLEY .,


Term expires 1918


LYMAN C. BAULDRY,


ALTON B. PAULL,


Term expires 1919 Term expires 1919


Chairman, THOMAS A. TRIPP.


Secretary and Superintendent, CHARLES F. PRIOR.


Superintendent's Office Hours :


Town Hall :- 8.15-9.00 A. M .-- Monday, Wednesday, Friday. 4.00-5.00 P. M .-- Every school day unless absent on special business. 7.00-8.00 P. M .-- Wednesday.


High School :-- 9.30-10.00 A. M .-- Monday.


Regularly out of town :- In Mattapoisett a part of Tuesday. In Acushnet a part of Thursday.


Telephone call at Town Hall, Fairhaven, 3891.


Telephone call at residence, 37 Laurel Street, 3499-W.


4


SCHOOL CALENDAR.


Tuesday, Jan. 2. Thursday, Feb. 22.


Friday, Feb. 23.


Monday, March 5.


Thursday, April 19.


Friday, April 27.


Monday, May 7. Wednesday, May 30. Friday, June 29.


Tuesday, Sept. 4.


Friday, Oct. 12.


Wednesday Nov. 28.


Monday, Dec. 3. Friday, Dec. 21.


Schools close


Christmas vacation Schools re-open


Wednesday, Jan, 2. (1918)




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