USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1940 > Part 5
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660.00
Total Damage to Buildings
$2,963.00
Total Damage to Contents
$1,725.24
Total Fire Loss
$4,688.24
RECAPITULATION
Total value of property to which Dept. was summoned
$235,785.00
Total insurance value of property to which Dept. was summoned
211,900.00
Total insurance loss on property to which Dept. was summoned
3,647.24
Total uninsured loss on property to which Dept. was summoned Assessed value of buildings totally destroyed
660.00
Rebuilt and revalued property (Assessable value)
none
Total assessable loss
none
Exposure loss (Assessable value)
Per Capita loss for 1940-42 3/5 cents; Loss per hundred dollars, $1.99
This Department responded to 22 Box Alarms and 142 Still Alarms during the year. No boat losses during the year.
EDWARD G. SPOONER, Chief
-
Month
Buildings
Contents
Buildings
Contents
Buildings $ 38,200.00
Contents
$ 4,000.00
February
18,200.00
$ 121.00
none
none
May
Report of Superintendent of Fire Alarm
During the year 1940, the appropriation provided for two much needed additional fire alarm signal boxes in the center of the Town; also over a mile of new, rebuilt wiring and cross-arm construction; in addition to the usual neces- sary replacements due to new poles and general upkeep.
An unexpected expense was entailed this year, as the State Inspection department made requirements necessitat- ing changes in the air tanks of the fire alarm whistle, which was met by the appropriation, at a cost of $119.51. This somewhat curtailed extensions that had been planned for the current year.
Next year we anticipate extending the fire alarm service by two new boxes on Sconticut Neck, to cover the contemplated new water mains on that road, which by so doing, will, it is expected, reduce the fire insurance rates in this section of the Town.
Thanks are due to the firemen at Headquarters for their hearty cooperation in the maintenance of this depart- ment.
Respectfully submitted,
CLIFTON A. HACKER,
Supt. of Fire Alarm.
Report of Building Inspector
To the Board of Selectmen :
The Building Department respectfully submits the fol- lowing report for the year 1940:
There were 219 permits applied for and passed by the Building Inspector. The estimated cost of this new building as given to the office was $116,165.00. We collect- ed for building fees the sum of $183.00. This was for 29 new dwellings at $5.00 each and 38 new garages at $1.00 each. There were 11 dwellings and 4 garages restored, for which we charged no fee ..
There has been some misunderstanding about the amount collected for these fees, some thinking that the amount collected should at least equal the number of per- mits issued. However, the article passed in Town Meeting on July 8th, 1924, specifies that there will only be charge for new dwellings and new garages. Any other building may be done with no fee for the Building Permit. Also, all dwellings and garages, destroyed by the hurricane in 1938, may be restored, even if the building is entirely new, with- out a fee for the permit. This ruling came up and was pass- ed upon by Town Meeting Members.
Following is a list of the applications to build, passed by the Inspector :-
19 new single dwellings; 4 new dwellings, with garages at- tached; 6 overnight cabins with attached garages; 28 single garages; 11 dwellings and 4 garages, restored; 2 barns; 12 common sheds; 37 alterations; 48 additions; 1 sawdust shed; 11 henhouses; 2 silos; 1 summer house; 1 workshop and salesroom; 2 boat houses ; 2 gas stations; 1 Radio tower ; 1 boat shed; 1 vegetable stand; 1 Transformer station; 1 stage for repairing masonry work and 13 buildings were razed.
A great many of the hurricane destroyed cottages have been rebuilt. One difficulty that now confronts some of those who would rebuild, is the fact that the lot on which they did have a house is now too small, according to our
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present lot line restrictions, to build the size of a house they desire. Many of these destroyed cottages were built long before we had any Building Laws and a house could then cover the entire lot.
Title and Scope
Section #1. These by-laws shall be known and cited as the Building Laws. No building, structure or part thereof, shall hereafter be constructed and no building or structure now or hereafter erected shall be razed or built upon except in conformity with the provisions of these Building Laws. Nor shall plumbing, gas-piping, drainage, heating, wiring or ventilation be installed or altered in any building except in conformity herewith.
Plumbing Inspection
There were 188 Plumbing Permits issued from this office for the year 1940. The Plumbing Inspector made 464 calls and inspections pertaining to these permits.
All Plumbing Permits will be issued from the office of the Building Inspector in the future.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY T. HOWARD
Building Inspector.
Report of Inspector of Animals
To the Honorable Board of Health
Gentlemen :
As Inspector of Animals, under the supervision of the Division of Livestock Disease Control, I do respectfully submit my report for the year 1940.
18 Dogs quarantined
1011 Cattle inspected
784 Cows inspected
199 Young cattle inspected
28 Bulls inspected.
185 Swine inspected
43 Goats inspected
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK J. COSTA,
Inspector of Animals.
Report of Inspector of Slaughter
373 Alden Rd. Fairhaven, Mass. January 21, 1941
To the Board of Health
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report for the year ending December 30, 1940.
I made the following inspections during the last year: Hogs 141, Cows 116, Calves 117.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY STEVENS, Slaughter Inspector.
Report of the Shellfish Inspector
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Fairhaven, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
The year 1940 has been an average year for the Town Shellfish Industry. The quahog catch was about half of last year's crop and the State work in our contaminated areas was about half of last year's operations, but the scallop catch was above average with 8500 bushels taken commercially which brings the yearly value of the catch to about $45,000. or nearly the same as last year.
There were 81 quahog licenses issued for hand workers, 2 licenses for power draggers, 183 scallop and helpers licenses and about 12 lobster licenses.
All licenses were checked from time to time and all complaints investigated and taken care of. As much patrol work was done as the appropriation would permit, which it should be remembered was only $400. from March 1st until the end of the year.
Respectfully submitted,
TRACY W. MARKS,
Shellfish Inspector.
Report of Fairhaven Board of Retirement
The system has forty members with eight on retire- ment at the present time.
Income for 1940
Cash on hand Jan. 1st, 1940
$5,936.90
Contributions from Members
1,767.74
Appropriation of Town
6,329.97
Interest Received
195.77
$14,230.38
Disbursements
Pensions Paid
$4,807.08
Refunds
94.38
Expenses
338.44
Adjustment
144.40
5,384.30
Cash on Hand Dec. 31, 1940 $8,846.08
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE A. GREENE, Chairman CLAUDIA I. SCHILLER WILLIAM D. CHAMPLIN
Fairhaven Board of Retirement.
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my annual report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending Dec. 31, 1940 during which time the following devices were tested and sealed or condemned.
Scales
Adjusted
Sealed 53
Not Sealed 14
4
Counter Platform
2
9
2
Counter
6
55
5
1
Beam
2
2
Spring
10
95
10
Computing
32
51
1
9
Personal Weighing
1
9
Prescription
3
Jewellers
1
Weights
Avoirdupois
53
410
Apothecary
24
Metric
7
Troy
5
Measures
Liquid over 1 Gal.
4
20
Liquid
86
Dry
35
Fuel Baskets
4
Oil Jars
2
Measuring Devices
Gasoline Pumps
3
5
2
Stops on Pumps
12
37
Gasoline Meter Systems
29
45
5
Oil Pumps
1
18
22
Kerosene Pumps
5
17
4
2
Grease Pumps
4
Linear Measures
Yard Sticks
7
Totals
187
1004
51
34
Sealing fees collected and turned in to Town Treasurer $114.88
Condemned
Platform
6
117
Number of Reweighing of Goods Ready For Sale
Tested
Correct 75
Under
Over
Beans
75
Bread
88
83
2
3
Butter
101
96
5
Charcoal
(in paper bags)
25
2
23
Coal (in paper bags)
146
25
18
103
Confectionery
25
11
14
Dry Commodities
60
60
Flour
51
49
2
Fruit and Vegetables
97
45
20
32
Grain and feed
62
59
2
1
Hay
2
2
Lard
28
28
Liquid Commodities
24
24
Number of Inspections
Paper or fibre cartons
252
Pedlers Licenses
42
Milk Jars
110
Number of licenses issued
State, County, Town
25
Marking of
Bread
249
Food Pkgs.
156
Wholesale milk cans
82
Coal in paper bags
162
Kindling wood in paper bags
89
Pedlers scales
10
Ice scales
4
Junk scales
2
Oil jars
204
Glass graduates
14
Other inspections
59
Number of tests made
Retest on gasoline devices after sealing
30
Mfrs. Sealed milk jars
12
Approved paper cartons
20
Oil jars
24
118
I wish to thank all the various officials for the support extended to me during the past year.
Appropriation recommended for 1941 as follows:
Salary
$630.00
Transportation
180.00
Equipment & Supplies
45.00
Tel., Postage, Printing
10.00
Convention & Travel
25.00
Sealers Helper
10.00
$900.00
Respectfully submitted,
CHAS. P. THATCHER, Sealer of Weights & Measures.
Report of the Moth Superintendent
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen.
Gentlemen :
There have been no Browntail Moths on the trees this year, but a number of Gypsy Moths, both on street trees and on private property and also a large number of tent cater- pillars. I have sprayed a large number of wild cherry trees to eliminate the tent caterpillars.
I recommend an appropriation of $300 for the Depart- ment in 1941.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN JARVIS,
Moth Superintendent
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen.
Gentlemen :
ยท All street trees throughout the town have been sprayed as well as a large number on private property to safeguard our shade trees. I have trimmed and cared for the trees in the different parts of the town as far as my appropriation would permit. In the past year we have had a large number of Elm Leaf Beetles throughout the town due to an epidemic throughout the State, therefore I am asking for a larger appropriation this year for spraying, trimming and remov- ing a few dangerous trees.
I recommend an appropriation of $2,000 for the care of trees in 1941.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN JARVIS Tree Warden
Report of the Board of Health
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Gentlemen:
The Board of Health hereby submits the annual report for the year ending December 31, 1940.
Frequent meetings have been held during the past year. The office has been open every day from nine until ten o'clock, unless the executive officer was making in- spections or carrying on other duties connected with the Board. During the rest of the day Mr. Clarence Terry, a member of the Board, has been available in the Assessors' office.
The garbage has been collected, as usual, in a most satisfactory manner. All complaints have been quickly in- vestigated and corrected.
The following diseases dangerous to public health have been reported and investigated :
Infantile paralysis 1
Chicken pox
6
Dog bites
14
Eye infections
2
Pneumonia
13
Measles
69
Scarlet fever
8
Tuberculosis
6
Whooping cough
16
There have been 43 places carded and released and 117 inspections made. During the year we have issued 89 burial permits, 2 pasteurization licenses, 3 alcohol licenses, 4 oleo and 3 ice cream licenses.
We have 10 patients at Bristol County Tuberculosis Hospital and 2 patients at Lakeville State Sanitorium under our care at present. There have been 34 tuberculosis con- tacts x-rayed. A state-sponsored tuberculosis clinic was held for the pupils of the eighth grade and high school. As a result of this, 1 student was sent to Bristol County Tuber- culosis Hospital and 36 were listed for an annual check-up.
121
A reclassification clinic was also held under the auspices of the state during which all reported adult cases were re- checked and 28 were x-rayed.
This past summer 3 girls and 2 boys were sent to the Bristol County Health Camp. In the Board of Health clinics 184 children were immunized against diphtheria, and 106 were vaccinated against smallpox.
Our sanitary engineer checked 35 wells and 2 samples of sea water for contamination.
The Board wishes to express its appreciation to the community nurses, the police department and Mr. Richard Thatcher for their co-operation and valuable assistance during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
F. A. SILVEIRA, JR., M.D.
Secretary and Exec. Officer.
Report of Health Nursing Service
It is the responsibility of the public health nurse to assist in analyzing health problems and related social prob- lems of the families and individuals; to help them, with the aid of community resources, to formulate an acceptable plan for the promotion of their own health, and to encour- age them to carry out the plan. The public health nurse ;
1-Helps to secure early medical diagnosis and treat- ment for the sick.
2-Renders or secures nursing care of the sick, teaches through demonstration and supervises care given by relatives and attendants.
3-Assists the family to carry out medical, sanitary, and social procedures for the prevention of disease and the promotion of health.
4-Helps to secure adjustment of social conditions which affect health.
As in other years, the townspeople voted to appropri- ate a sum of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), for the pur- pose of hiring public health nurses for services where nec- essary. The following visits made during this year are chargeable to the appropriation ;
Town Patients
456 Visits
Communicable Diseases
129
"
Child Welfare
1897
Tuberculosis
383
Total
2865
The appropriation paid for 1334 visits and the remain- ing 1531 therefore are free visits.
The visits to town patients have included bedside nur- sing, or demonstration of nursing methods, carried out under medical direction. Instructions have been given in the homes not only in nursing technique, but also in hygiene and the prevention of disease.
123
The communicable diseases reported by the Board of Health have been visited at least once. On the first visit, bedside nursing care was given when necessary. Families and patients have been told what to do, and how to pre- vent further infection. Prevention through inoculation has been urged.
Keeping track of the reported cases of tuberculosis and being sure that all contacts are examined regularly, is one of the major responsibilities. 67 patients have been x-rayed and examined. 39 of these patients were taken to State Sanatoria and 28 were x-rayed and examined at the Reclas- sification Clinic. This Clinic was conducted under the supervision of the Board of Health by a State Unit from the Division of Tuberculosis of the Mass. Dept. of Public Health. As far as is known all active cases are hospitalized and all contacts except for the few who refuse have been examined and x-rayed. These latter present our "problem cases". because it is so hard to impress them with the importance of a regular check-up for all persons who have been exposed to tuberculosis.
From the sale of Christmas Seals, five children were taken to Bristol County Health Camp, where they had supervised play, well planned meals and regular rest peri- ods, which resulted in greatly improved general condition.
The Child Welfare service is that phase of the family health program which deals with infants from birth to one year and with children from one to five years of age. This service emphasizes the care and development of the child and the relationships between his physical, emotional and social health. These visits are especially important because during the infant and pre-school period, the child is partic- ularly susceptible to the communicable diseases and be- cause the foundations of his physical and mental health are being built.
Assistance was given at the following clinics held under the supervision of the Board of Health:
Diphtheria Toxoid Clinics-184 children were innoc- ulated.
Vaccination Clinics-100 children were vaccinated.
Reclassification Clinic for Reported Cases of Tuber-
culosis-28 patients were x-rayed and examined.
124
The Board of Health Executive Officer has been most helpful in reporting some of the new laws and policies of the Commonwealth as they affect those doing public health nursing.
To all who have assisted and co-operated, appreciation is hereby expressed.
Respectfully submitted
EDITH B. HORNE, R. N.
Report of the Sewer Commissioners
To the Citizens of the Town of Fairhaven:
The Board of Sewer Commissioners organized on February 15, 1940 as follows: G. W. Valentine, chairman, John M. Reilly, clerk.
During the year 28 new sewer connections have been made and repairs made to one existing connection, making a total of 1610 connections now in use. This year there were no sewers built as Federal Relief projects. It has been planned by the department for a number of years that as soon as conditions would warrant the expenditure two sewers would have to be re-built and enlarged to take care of the additional mileage added to the original install- ation as put in by the Shone Company in 1896. First, in Rotch street from Washington to the pumping station at the corner of Center and Rotch streets. Secondly, in Spring street from Green to the pumping station at the foot of William street.
The net expenditures for maintenance during the year totalled $7,001.05 and we refer you to the financial state- ment found elsewhere in this report for expenditures in detail.
Respectfully submitted,
G. WINSTON VALENTINE JOHN M. REILLY LAWRENCE B. MAXFIELD
Board of Sewer Commissioners.
Report of Fairhaven Committee on Street and Highway Safety
To the Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen :
The past year has seen Fairhaven penalized with 61 accidents and 83 injured. This is one accident more than in 1939 but there were two less injured.
Fairhaven at the present time stands twenty-third on the list of The National Safety Council of Cities and Towns of our size in the Nation, an improvement over 1939 when we stood thirty-sixth.
The Committee hopes the time will not be too far dist- ant when Fairhaven will adopt a set of modern traffic by-laws regulating parking and traffic flow.
The need of Bus stops in the North end is most ap- parent and study is being made to determine how best this can be done with as little inconvenience to Business and Automotive Public as possible.
The Police Department under the new Chief is to be commended for the fine work being done in keeping down accidents. Most accidents have been of a trivial nature and with a little more care on the part of those involved Fairhaven's accident record for 1940 would have been out- standing.
One feature of Police Work never before available for study is the accident graphs and accident photographs. These photographs are remarkable pieces of work and will prove helpful in checking responsibility and accident damage.
127
The following table sets forth Fairhaven's record for the past eight years.
Year
Accidents
Deaths
Total Injured
Pedestrians Injured
1933
54
2
97
25
1934
52
3
83
25
1935
47
0
73
20
1936
54
1
96
11
1937
77
0
118
31
1938
79
2
114
10
1939
60
0
85
18
1940
61
0
83
11
It is recommended that steps be taken to fence in the Rogers School playground. This would prevent trespass- ing during games and the danger of some youngster being injured when chasing a ball or some other object into the street.
Again the Safety Committee wishes to express its grateful thanks to the Fairhaven Post of the American Legion and all other Civic and Business Associations for their fine spirit of cooperation and encouragement in the worthwhile work or hobby of saving lives. To the Superin- tendent of Schools and his fine corps of Principals and Teachers for the safety educational work in the Schools, which work is equal to the best in the Country. Also to Superintendent of Streets Henry Howard and his Depart- ment for the prompt and efficient work in keeping ice- coated streets sanded and to those motorists who have set an example in safe driving.
In closing, the Committee again urges the need of con- trolled speed and speed zones for a Happy, Safe Fairhaven.
Respectfully submitted,
VICTOR O. B. SLATER, Chairman RAYMOND T. BABBITT
Report of Emergency Relief
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen.
Gentlemen:
I am submitting report of projects completed in the year 1940. This report is compiled from data and reports submitted by the various departments of the Town directly sponsoring the projects worked.
W.P. 16901- A continuation project for household aide providing employment for needy persons in furnish- ing free home assistance in housework and care of children in the homes of the needy where homemaker is totally or partially incapacitated. This unit was started October 10, 1938 at the conclusion of a previ- ous unit and closed February 4, 1940 when a new unit was approved under a State wide project. The esti- mated contributory cost for the proposal as originally submitted was $946.00. Actual values incorporated in the project $630.45. For transportation, office supplies, sanitary supplies, sundries etc. $186.45; for rent, heat, light, typewriter rental and contributory labor $444.00. An average of 6 women were employed on the above work.
Bl. 17817- A unit operated in Weeden Road, Washington Street south to the railroad, entailed the construction of 336 1. ft. of stone retaining wall, 1050 l. ft. of block stone curb, and grading with gravel of 1050 i. ft. of sidewalk, and 110 sq. yds. of road bed. Project was started on January 5, 1940 and completed February 14, 1940. The estimated contributory cost as submitted in project proposal was $655.00. Actual values incorporated in the project $620.05. For material $252.48, equipment rental $277.75, contri- butory labor $89.82.
W.P. 21270- After the blizzard of February 14th W.P.A. granted the sum of $345.00 for emergency snow re- moval and limited the removal to clearing hydrants and catchbasins. 37 men with 2 foremen and time- keepers were used on Saturday the 17th and Sunday
129
the 18th clearing all sand catchers to facilitate flow of water, and making all hydrants accessible for fire apparatus.
W.P. 17826- A project for control of gypsy moth, brown tail and other insects including creosoting moth egg clusters, cutting brown tail and caterpillar webs and spraying at the proper time. This project also in- cluded the thinning of wood land wherever necessary to facilitate creosoting. This project was submitted and approved in 1938. Considerable wood land was thinned and the wood salvaged for distribution to welfare recipients. Spraying was limited by W.P.A. to woodlands and no work was allowed on shade trees in the town limits as such work was classed as mainten- ance. The estimated contributory cost when project proposal was submitted, and included spraying of shade trees was $4500.00. Actual values incorporated in the project due to the elimination of shade trees was reduced to $809.06. $269.31 for material, first aid, tools etc .; $307.75 for truck rental and $232.00 for contributory labor. This project was originally started January 16, 1939 and was suspended May 10, 1939, reopened on November 22, 1939 and closed March 18, 1940 because of expiration of Federal funds for labor.
Bl. 17817- A unit operated in Ball, Sycamore and Garrison Streets which entailed the construction of 5686 1. ft. of reinforced cement curb on stone grouted base. Started August 25, 1939 it was suspended for the winter on December 6, reopened April 29, 1940 and completed June 12, 1940. Estimated contributory cost of the project was $2381. Actual values incorporated in the project $2461.63, equipment $949.51, material $1118.27, contributory labor $393.85.
Bl. 17817- Unit operating in Houle, Wilding and Ash streets entailed the relaying of 40 ft. of surface drain pipe, construction of 2 catchbasins and 1160 l. ft. of reinforced cement curb. 1185 l. ft. of road excavation and refill with gravel in 2 courses rolled and stabilized with tar, and the grading of 155 ft. of sidewalk with new gravel and regrading of 2060 ft. of sidewalk. The estimated contributory cost $3672. Actual values in-
130
corporated in the project $2737.06. $1556.51 equip- ment, $817.65 material and $362.90 for labor. Project started November 27, 1939, suspended January 6, 1940, reopened on February 23, 1940 and finally completed on July 16, 1940.
Bl. 17817- Unit operated in Terry Street between Christian and Spring Streets. Construction of 792 l. ft. of reinforced cement curb, excavate 404 l. ft. of road- way 24 ft. in width to a depth of 12 in. refill with gravel in 2 courses rolled and stabilized with tar and gravel and grade 784 l. ft. of sidewalk 8 ft. in width. Also entailed the removal of 808 l. ft. of block curb and the removal and relaying of 40 ft. of new 8" corrugated iron pipe for surface drainage. Estimated contributory cost $1468. Actual values incorporated in the project $1135.16. Equipment $395.51, material $595.97, labor $143.68. Project started April 1, 1940, completed July 17, 1940.
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