USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Harwich > Town annual reports of the selectmen and overseers of the poor of the town of Harwich 1949 > Part 4
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Most of the small mains, 2" and under, were installed by the department workers at a very favorable price. If the present volume of this type of work is to continue, it is recommended that a small tractor mounted trench digger and backfiller suitable for installing small mains and services be purchased. It would not be advisable to invest in the heavier type equipment generally used for installing cast iron pipe, 6" and larger, as it is usually to the advantage of the town to do this work on a con- tract basis. The light type of trencher could be used to good advantage on about 60% of the work that is now done by hand labor and at our present volume the cost of this equipment could be charged off in about four years. An article for consideration of this equipment will ap- pear in the next Town Meeting Warrant.
A total of 165 new services were installed during the year. This is well above any previous year and brings the total number of services to 1223. The installation charges remained the same, although the increase in labor rates
57
voted at the last Annual Town Meeting resulted in a loss on this type of work for the year. It was hoped that the cost of materials would drop off sufficiently to absorb the labor increase, however, prices seem to have stabilized at their present level and it will be necessary to increase the consumers' cost of installing water services. Since the number of services installed was greater than an- ticipated, it was necessary to request a transfer from the Reserve Fund to complete the work requested. A total of $1500.00 was obtained, $1000.00 for service installa- tions, and $500.00 for new meters.
The volume of water pumped during the year increased tremendously. The 105,434,164 gallons pumped was an increase of 43% over our previous high in 1948. The av- erage daily consumption and peak day were also consid- erably above the previous year. It is this peak load that gives us much concern. It is a well known fact that rain- fall has been deficient for the past two years and many water utilities are faced with serious problems concern- ing their source of supply. The fact, that our supply is from an underground source and not entirely dependent on surface runoff, seems to put us in a more favorable position. The ground water level at the well field; is slightly below previous years but the recovery of the water table to date would seem to indicate a normal con- dition. It must be pointed out, however, that the cycle of rainfall deficiency may continue for a period of years and, although our evaluation of underground supplies by established standards indicates no cause for immediate alarm, there is always the possibility of unforeseen con- ditions that could create a local problem. It is obvious that, if the water system continues to expand at the pres- ent rate, it will be necessary to install another gravel packed well in the near future.
The immediate problem is one of handling daily peak loads. Although our 1000 G. P. M. pump is adequate for overall consumption, there are periods during the day when the level of our elevated tank is considerably below that considered safe for fire fighting purposes. This is a condition that could effect fire insurance rates locally and it was considered advisable to discuss this problem with the New England Fire Insurance Rating Associa- tion. It was determined that our storage, from fire insur- ance point of view, had been deficient for many years
58
and they recommend an additional tank of at least 500,- 000 gallons capacity. Our investigation indicates that the best location for such a structure would be at the north- east corner of Brooks Park. The elevation at this point is favorable as well as the fact that it would be removed from dwellings and the Town owns the land.
The full benefits of this tank would not be available to the West Harwich area until such time as the Sisson Road loop is completed. It is, also, desirable that the va- rious sections of main on Lower County Road be tied in so a dual main would serve the section. A break in the present line to West Harwich would necessitate shutting off this section of the system.
It can readily be seen that the rapid growth of the Town presents a perplexing problem to the department and the Board feels it would be remiss in its duties if it failed to point out the weak points in the system. We realize that it is not economically advisable to correct all the shortcomings or install all the extensions request- ed in any one year and it is entirely up to the taxpayers to determine how much, if any, water department con- struction they can support over and above that which can be financed from revenue.
For many months the Board has endeavored to have the New England Fire Insurance Rating Association re- view insurance rates locally, and it is understood that this will be done in the near future. This is the organi- zation that establishes the rate paid for fire insurance and their survey will definitely outline the improve- ments necessary to reduce the insurance rate locally. Since the water department accounts for more than half of the rating points, this report should be helpful in planning improvements that would ultimately result in a cash saving to the majority of property owners.
Routine maintenance was carried on as usual. All hydrants were thoroughly inspected and lubricated and repairs made where necessary. Several troublesome leaks developed during the year and it was necessary to borrow certain emergency equipment from neighboring departments on several occasions to cope with the situ- ation. It is imperative we obtain equipment of this nature that it will be available at short notice when re- quired. Pumping plant maintenance included overhaul
59
of both diesels and considerable replacement of small piping. A heat exchanger was installed on the Sterling diesel which results in more efficient operation. The exchanger installed was a war surplus item and was obtained at about one third of the current market price.
The elevated tank should be painted next year and provisions for this work will be included in our 1950 budget. It will also be necessary to replace the tank ladder. The corrosion of small steel cross sections, due to the effects of salt spray, presents a difficult problem and to date no satisfactory solution has been found.
Following is a brief summary of our 1949 records :
SERVICE CONNECTIONS
Taking Water December 31, 1949
628
Seasonal Takers shut off
551
Total Services Used 1949
1179
Services Not Used 1949
44
Total Service Connections
1223
NEW SERVICE INSTALLATIONS
3/4 "
1"
1 1/4"
1 1/2 "
2"
TOTAL
New services
installed
75
82
2
2
3
1
165
Length in ft.
4833'2" 7134'4" 91'6" 68'9" 206'9" 6' 12,387'9"
Average length
per service
64'5" 87'
45'9" 34'4" 68'11" 6'
75'1"
Average charge
per service
$49.61
Cost to Dept. per foot
.77
MILES OF MAINS BY SIZES
10"
8'
2" 1 1/2 "
1 1/4"
TOTAL
1948 Total
6.07
7.57
9.65
2.68
.21
.02
26.20 Miles
1949 Added
None
.16
1.37
.78
.08
.10
2.49 Miles
1949 Total
6.07
7.73
11.02
3.46
.29
.12
28.69 Miles
HYDRANTS
1948 Total
161
1949 Added
13
1949 Total
174
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1949 MAIN LINE CONSTRUCTION
Kind of Pipe Size
Length
Earle Road
C. L. Cast Iron 6"
1236'
North Rd. and Smith St.
C. L. Cast Iron 6"
1929'6"
Pleasant Rd.
C. L. Cast Iron 6"
1321'
Grey Neck Rd.
C. L. Cast Iron 6"
478'
Lower County Rd.
C. L. Cast Iron
8'
211'6"
Lower County Rd.
Transite 8'
263'
Lower County Rd.
Hiawatha Rd.
Wah-Wah-Taysee Rd.
C. L. Cast Iron 6"
1362'
Long Rd.
C. L. Cast Iron
6"
755'
Long Rd.
C. L. Wrought Iron 2"
638'
Bells Neck Rd.
C. L. Wrought Iron 2"
637'6"
Division St.
C. L. Wrought Iron 2"
250'
Division St.
C. L. Wrought Iron 2"
289'6"
Earle Terrace
C. L. Wrought Iron 2"
975'3"
Grey Neck Lane
C. L. Wrought Iron 2"
363'2"
Meadow Lane
C. L. Wrought Iron 2"
215'4"
Depot Rd.
C. L. Wrought Iron 2"
440'
Pine Lane
C. L. Wrought Iron 2"
335'6"
Woodbine Lane
C. L. Wrought Iron 1 1/2" 209'6"
North Rd.
C. L. Wrought Iron 1 1/2"
194'
State Rd., So. Harwich
C. L. Wrought Iron 1 1/4 "
533'
Total
13,142'3"
WATER CONSUMPTION
Gallons
Gallons
January
2,764,520 July
25,470,949
February
2,503,930 August
23,725,020
March
2,934,470
September
9,427,890
April 3,682,250 October
4,135,450
May
5,608,350
November
3,195,060
June 19,165,105 December 2,821,170
Total Gallons Pumped -- 105,434,164
Pumped to metered ratio 75 %
Average daily consumption 288,860 gals.
Largest monthly consumption-July 25,470,949 gals.
Largest weekly consumption-ending July 9th
6,684,158 gals.
Largest daily consumption-August 10th
1,144,330 gals.
Hours of operation-Fairbanks Diesel 1,151 hrs. 00 Min.
Hours of operation-Sterling Diesel
1,447 hrs. 10 Min.
Total hours of operation
2,598 hrs. 10 Min.
SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTS ENDING DEC. 31, 1949
Commitments
1948 Balance Outstanding Jan. 1, 1949 $2,285.94
1948 Collections 2,285.94
None
C. L. Cast Iron 8"
348'6"
C. L. Cast Iron 6"
157'
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1949 Commitments (Includes $39.56 in Refunds)
Less Refunds and Abatements
41,141.41 81.84
Less 1949 Collections
38,526.01
1949 Balance Outstanding December 31, 1949
Total Balance Outstanding
Receipts
Minimum Charge
$24,570.97
Excess Water
8,222.53
Service Connections
7,984.68
Miscellaneous
30.77
Unidentified Receipt
3.00
TOTAL 1949 COLLECTIONS
$40,811.95
Cash on Hand January 1, 1949
628.03
Paid to Town Treasurer
$41,439.98
Expenditures
Administration
$7,328.54
General
7,548.21
Pumping Station
3,446.96
Service Installations
7,289.02
Retirement of Bonds
7,000.00
Interest on Bonds
1,050.00
Total 1949 Operating Expense Receipts Over Expenditures
$33,662.73 $7,777.25
Payments
SPECIAL ACCOUNTS Water Main Construction $29,901.21 98.79
Appropriation $30,000.00
Balance
$30,000.00
$30,000.00
Water Main Extension
Payments
$4,080.64
Appropriation
$4,000.00
Balance
13.75
Balance from 1948 94.39
$4,094.39
$4,094.39
Hiawatha Rd. Water Main
Payments
$99.04
Bal. from 1948
$99.04
Balance
None
$99.04
$99.04
Respectfully submitted, WALTER E. CAHOON, NORMAN O. NICKERSON, LAWRENCE F. NICKERSON, Board of Water Commissioners JOHN W. HUGHES, Superintendent and Collector
$2,533.56 $2,533.56
41,059.57
62
Report of Harwich Police Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Harwich, Massachusetts
Gentlemen,
I herewith respectfully submit my fourth annual re- port of the Police Department for the year ending De- cember 31, 1949.
Cases before the Second District Court
63
Found Guilty
51
Found not Guilty
6
Released
4
Cases Filed
4
Complaints Received and Investigated
347
Auto Accidents Investigated
58
Injured in Auto Accidents
26
Fires Attended
26
Injured taken to Cape Cod Hospital
8
Trips to Provincetown
14
Trips to Barnstable House of Correction
8
Trips to Taunton State Hospital
5
Trips to Boston & Waltham State Hospital
1
Trips to New Bedford
1
Persons Confined to Lockup
56
Persons Confined to Lockup for others
7
Summons and Warrants Served
56
Permits Issued to Transfer Cars
273
Miles Covered by Cruiser
22,125
Stolen Property recovered
$1,100
I am very pleased to state that with all the increase in traffic this past year we did not have a fatal auto accident.
This past year the Cape had one of the heaviest traffic years of all time and with the present building boom that is now going on 1950 will show an even greater increase in traffic.
The Department should have at least four extra Officers for the months of July and August.
63
As in the past the department makes monthly checks of all houses closed for the winter. During the year of 1949 we have checked a total of 3,316.
Nightly checks of stores for the year total 14,240.
I again wish to thank the public for the cooperation shown this Department this past year.
Respectfully submitted, ISAIAH KELLEY, Chief of Police of the Town of Harwich
Report of the Sealer of Weights and Measures
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Town of Harwich, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I herewith respectfully submit my sixteenth annual report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the Town of Harwich for the year ending December 31, 1949.
Scales
Adjusted 15
Sealed 82 23
Not Sealed 9
Con- demned 1 9
Volumetric Measures
Automatic Liquid Measuring Devices
1
87
20
Linear Measures
10
Weights
146
18
Total
16 348
47
10
Money received from Sealing Fees
Money received from Adjusting Charges
$92.37 .75
Total
$93.12
Paid Town Treasurer
$93.12
Money returned to Treasurer by Director
of Standards for Pedler's License Fees
8.00
Total
$101.12
64
Inspections made of Pedler's Licenses 3 Other Inspections 166 Trial Weighing and Measurements of Com- modities sold or put up for sale 215
Coal in Transit re-weighed lbs. 8,000
Retests of Gasoline devices after sealing
8
Respectfully submitted,
VICTOR S. RYDER, Sealer of Weights and Measures
65
Report of List of Jurors for 1950
Abbott, William J .- Golf Professional Adams, Clifton-Caretaker
Adams, Wilfred E .- Caretaker
Chase, Courtney N .- Plumber Chase, Robert W .- Cranberry Grower Corthell, John E .- Retired Curtis, Robert H .- Painter
Dean, Earl-Cranberry Grower Downey, William F .- Mechanic Eldredge, Benjamin H .- Caretaker Eldredge, Calvin C .- Cranberry Grower Gilmore, Walter W .- Retired Hall, Charles A .- Carpenter Hardacker,Albert C .- Cranberry Grower
Harwichport Harwichport Harwichport West Harwich West Harwich Harwichport Harwich Center North Harwich South Harwich Harwichport Plesaant Lake
Harwichport West Harwich
Hoiby, Theodor-Stone Cutter Holmes, Emerson F .- Clerk Holmes, Elmer W .- Caretaker Homer, Lawrence C .- Farmer Hunt, Alfred L .- Chaffeur Joy, Robert E .- Contractor Moody, George M .- Carpenter McCracken, William H .- Painter
Pleasant Lake Harwich Center East Harwich East Harwich Harwichport Harwichport West Harwich North Harwich Harwichport
Harwichport
Newcomb, Leon A .- Retired Sparhawk, Leon A .- Retired Harwichport Stidstone, George W .- Photographer Harwich Center Stearns, Robert E .- Cranberry Grower North Harwich
66
Report of The Forestry Department
The first comprehensive attack on the gypsy moth in Massachusetts, aimed at the complete control and, if possible, eradication of the pest through the spraying of an entire large area by airplane, was undertaken this last Spring on Cape Cod.
This great program was carried on by the State De- partment of Conservation with the help of the U. S. De- partment of Agriculture, and the many other interested agencies.
All that was requested of the local Moth Depart- ment, was to furnish the necessary insecticide, and the extra manpower needed to carry out the spraying pro- gram in Harwich.
As this town was having one of the largest infesta- tions of gypsy moths in many years, this request was quickly granted, and the money taken from the regular moth appropriation.
Approximately thirty-two hundred (3,200), gallons of insecticide was used, and three-hundred (300), test plates to check the spray coverage were placed throughout the town. These plates were examined while the spraying was being done. Along with this work, many outdoor goldfish ponds had to be covered with canvas furnished by the U. S. D. A.
The very few complaints received during the spray operation were thoroughly investigated by the State and found to be of minor importance.
I want to take this time to thank the people who helped in many ways to make this spraying program possible, and in a few years when the last gypsy moth on the Cape has been destroyed, it will be worth the trouble and inconvenience suffered by all.
No attempt is being made at this time to draw any conclusions regarding the success of the spraying, but I do know that thousands and thousands of egg clus-
67
ters of the gypsy moths were visible at this time last year, whereas, this year the first egg cluster in this town is yet to be found.
Mosquitoes, woodticks, and the pine tip worm, which do not come under the control of the Moth Department, were killed off in great numbers by this airplane spray- ing.
A trapping program was carried on through July and August. Thirty-six (36), traps were loaned by the U.S.D.A., and placed throughout the town within a half mile radius of each other. These traps were visited three or four times a week. Thirty-four (34), male moths were caught in East Harwich and twenty-one (21), in the vicinity of Pleasant Lake, making a total catch of fifty-five (55), male moths. This was the largest number of moths caught in any town on the Cape. Female moths cannot be trapped, as they do not fly.
There was very little scouting this Fall for egg clusters, but this work will have to be done before the eggs hatch this coming Spring.
The control of the Dutch elm disease has now been given to the Moth Departments throughout the State, and with the gypsy moth situation much improved now, and the danger from the Dutch elm disease increasing very rapidly, I am asking that one-thousand ($1,000.), dollars be taken from the usual Moth appropriation and used in fighting this greatest killer of the Elm shade tree at the present time.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER E. CAHOON,
Moth Superintendent and Tree Warden
Veterans' Benefits Department
To the Citizens of the Town of Harwich :
During the year of 1949 there was a marked in- crease in the activities and demands upon this Depart- ment. We have discussed and advised 217 veterans'
68
problems and in each case we received complete cooperation from Commissioner "Hank" O'Day and his very able and understanding Field Representative, Philip Carey. As a result of this patriotic interest on the part of these State officials we have been able to administer all cases promptly and satisfactorily.
The attitude of the veterans themselves also require a loud voice of commendation. They are all anxious to get work instead of financial aid and they never de- mand more than that to which they are entitled under the G. I. Bill of Rights.
We would however, call attention to the lack of coordination between Town Departments. It would please the veterans to receive work instead of monetary assistance, and wherever and whenever possible, this Department would welcome the opportunity to furnish employment to other Town Departments. The veterans of Harwich are not only proud but they are also tax- payers and realize that it would be to the advantage of the Town if they obtained work rather than aid. We invite the heads of all Departments as well as private business to let us place these good workers that they may continue to work for their country and their community.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY B. ALBRO, Veterans' Agent
Report of Brooks Academy Building Committee
The committee appointed under article No. 28 of the Harwich Town Meeting on February 7, 1949 met on Tuesday, November 29 in the Selectmen's Office for the purpose of considering the future use of the Brooks Academy Building. This former school building had been turned back to the Town by the School Committee with the proviso that one room be reserved by them for
69
the Superintendent's office until such time as one can be arranged conveniently in some occupied school build- ing. It was reported that the Superintendent is will- ing to move his office to an upstairs room if necessary.
A general discussion followed which covered the arrangements of rooms if the building were to be used for a Town Office, the possibilities of the building as a recreational center, opportunities for parking in the immediate vicinity, and the future care of such an old historical building. It was voted to recommend to the February 1950 Town Meeting that:
The Brooks Academy Building be used for the I.
Harwich Town Offices.
After further discussion of recreational facilities it was voted to recommend to the Town that rather than use any of the rooms in the Brooks Academy Building, the old Elementary School building be reserved by the Town for organized recreational purposes such as Girl and Boy Scouts, Youth Center and Adult Classes.
Respectfully submitted,
EMULOUS E. HALL CHARLOTTE P. SIMS EARLE F. BASSETT VICTOR S. RYDER C. OSCAR CARLSON
Report of Brooks Free Library
GEORGE W. NICKERSON FUND
Cash on hand December 31, 1948
$5,064.49
Interest for year
107.78
5,172.27
Payments
35.74
Cash on hand December 31, 1949
$5,136.53
70
JOHN F. SMALL FUND
Cash on hand December 31, 1948 Interest for year
$261.44 4.20
265.64
Payments
122,24
Cash on hand December 31, 1949 $143.40
The Trustees of Brooks Free Library feel that with the addition of four book-cases and indirect lighting in the reading room, and six fire-stoppers in the cellar the physical condition of the library is good; and we were pleased to be able to buy a children's encyclopedia with money from the John F. Small Fund.
We received valuable assistance and advice from the state library advisor, the general secretary, and the con- sultant in work with children and young people from the Division of Public Libraries concerning the selection, cataloguing and grouping of books according to subject matter and various age groups.
Our librarian, Mrs. A. Preston Doane, Jr., assisted by Mrs. Archilus Cahoon, has carried on her excellent work with a great awareness of the needs of the public and the opportunities for service that our library offers; and it is with great pleasure that we present her report for the year.
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
Books in library
8,564
Books added
358
Magazines taken 26
Circulation-Adult
8,846
Juvenile
3,128
Magazine
1,388
Record albums
207
Total 13,569
The total circulation figure reflects an increase of 3,226 of which some 2100 is in adult books. I believe a contributing factor in this upward swing lies in the Tuesday night openings we have been observing during the last three months.
71
Our library education program as initiated this past year with the 8-B English class under Mrs. Ada Lover- ing has been most successful not only in developing a keener interest in library facilities, but in addition, giv- ing us a source of apprentice librarians. The enthusiasm of all the young people has been most gratifying.
During Children's Book Week we again had the pleasure of a visit from each class in the Elementary School. Again, too, the Rogers Groups in the Art Room were a strong attraction; and after looking over the books on display in the Children's Room, the pupils en- joyed the stories read by Mrs. Jon Morris. Before leaving the library each girl and boy received an at- tractive book mark as a reminder of the good friends to be made in books.
Respectfully submitted,
VIRGINIA S. DOANE MILDRED B. PAINE CHARLOTTE P. SIMS HILLARY M. LeCLAIRE
Report of Planning Board
The Harwich Planning Board became effective by vote at the Annual Town Meeting, February 8th, 1949, at which time the following were elected to serve for a term of one year :-
OSCAR J. CAHOON EDWIN W. DYBING C. WILLIAM JOHNSON ROSWELL H. NYE ESTHER A. STIDSTONE
The Board met this same week for organization and elected C. William Johnson, Chairman, and Esther A. Stidstone, Clerk. Also adopted tentative rules and regu- lations for sub-division, for which the Board had jur- isdiction.
These rules and regulations were revised and adopted by the Board, March 24th, 1949, and became effective March 25th, 1949, printed and circulated in phamplet
72
form, with large posters in addition put up in stores, lumber yards, post offices, etc., as well as printing in the local paper. A copy was also mailed to each out-of- town tax payer, so that they would be familiar with the action taken.
The Board held seven meetings during the current year to pass on both preliminary and final plans for sub- divisions, nine of which were approved after either a hearing or personal contact by members of the Board with each abuttor or their representative. At the request of the Selectmen we also contacted some ten or twelve other people who were contemplating erecting single buildings, and wanted information as to the effect the construction might have to adjoining property, etc.
In order to secure a record of all new building, the Selectmen requested the Planning Board to prepare a simple Building Code including requirement for build- ing permit, and this has been done and will be submitted as a By-Law for adoption at the coming Town Meeting.
Three Hundred ($300.00) Dollars was appropriated for the Planning Board's expenses, of which Two Hun- dred Thirty Dollars and thirty-six cents ($230.36) was spent for printing the Rules and Regulations, mailing copies to out-of-town tax-payers, advertising hearings on sub-divisions, and printing letter-heads, leaving a bal- ance of Sixty-nine Dollars and sixty-four cents ($69.64), which we feel will be sufficient for 1950 expenses. Detail of these expenditures is included in the Town Auditor's report.
We received splendid co-operation from the entire Board of Selectmen, Engineer Hughes of the Water De- partment, and Dr. Moore, County Health Officer, and wish to record our thanks and appreciation to them.
Respectfully submitted, C. WILLIAM JOHNSON, Chairman OSCAR J. CAHOON, EDWIN W. DYBING, ROSWELL H. NYE, ESTHER A. STIDSTONE, Clerk.
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