USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Harwich > Town annual reports of the selectmen and overseers of the poor of the town of Harwich 1950 > Part 4
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A second hand motor driven diaphragm pump and Army Surplus 3KVA motor generator were purchased at
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a considerable saving. Both were trailer mounted at our own shop and we now have two pieces of emergency equip- ment available for immediate use, eliminating borrowing or hiring equipment from neighboring departments.
A start was made on a concrete block storage shed and a large part of the materials purchased, however, funds available in our budget were not sufficient to complete this project and our 1951 budget will include an item for the funds required. It is essential that this project be com- pleted at the earliest possible date as there has been an urgent need for storage space for several years to protect many pieces of valuable equipment from the weather.
The Kildee Hill elevated tank was painted and the ladder replaced. The difficulties experienced by painting contractors in the past with this tank presented somewhat of a problem obtaining bids. The work was delayed until fall in an attempt to avoid the unfavorable weather condi- tions encountered during the spring and summer months. Only two bids were received, one from the G. & A. Indus- trial Painting Co. of West Hanover, Mass., for $3,260.00 and the other from the General Painting and Maintenance Corp. of Boston, Mass. for $3,100.00. The contract was awarded to the latter and a very satisfactory job obtained. They made a special effort to correct some of the difficulties we have experienced in the past with the paint on this tank and we have every reason to believe that the cleaning and painting this year should withstand the elements better than previous paint jobs.
A contract was awarded to the Hammond Iron Works to replace the ladder on this tank. We obtained a very favorable price of $910.00 for this work due to the fact this same company had previously been awarded the contract for erecting the new standpipe and, with their equipment and skilled steel workers working locally, transportation and other charges were eliminated. The new ladder was
62
constructed of steel with heavier cross sections than the original and should last many times longer.
The tank riser pipe supporting rods were found to be in poor condition. The original 7/8" diameter rods have rusted so badly that the cross section area is less than a 3/8" rod in many places. It was considered essential that these rods be replaced without delay. The necessary steel was purchased and new rods fabricated and, in an effort to lengthen their life, it was decided to have them hot dipped galvanized and then Bonderized plus the usual paint. This was accomplished at a comparatively small additional cost and it is estimated it will double or triple the life of the steel. The finished rods had not been returned from the galvanizing shop by the end of the year and installation will, not doubt, be delayed until more favorable weather.
Funds made available at the last Annual Town Meeting for the purchase of a small trenching machine enabled us to acquire a very useful piece of equipment. After careful study, it was evident that the type of equipment best suited for our needs was a small tractor mounted unit that could be maneuvered in close quarters. We received four bids, three of which were for a Ford Tractor with Wain-Roy Trencher and Wagner Loader and the fourth a Minneapolis Moline Tractor with Henry Trencher and Lull Loader. Following are the individual bids :
Capeway Auto Sales $3,300.00
Baker Tractor Corp. 3,300.00
Fisk Alden Co. 3,399.00
Sandberg Equipment Co. 4,166.00
The contract was awarded to the Capeway Auto Sales Co. and delivery was made previous to the spring rush. Several small extras were purchased including a bulldozer blade, canvas cover, running time meter and lights, bringing the total cost to $3,441.48. This piece of equipment was used to good advantage to install over 31/4 miles of pipe.
63
A total of 142 new service connections were installed during the year. This was 23 less than the previous year, but considering that main line extensions were limited to short minor extensions, this was well above the number we expected to install. It was necessary to increase the charges made to the property owner for this work to cover increased costs of labor and material. The charges for 3/4" pipe in- stalled was increased to .70c per foot and 1" pipe was in- creased to .80c per foot. The $10.00 tapping charge re- mained unchanged. Although materials continue to increase in price, every effort will be made to hold installation charges at their present level.
Water main extensions, with the exception of 361 feet of 6" pipe installed on Willow Street, were limited to pipe 2" and smaller mostly to accommodate new homes con- structed adjacent to existing mains. A total of 6,546 feet of pipe was installed to accommodate 52 new customers. The return to the Town was high and the estimated revenue in each case well above the 6% required, averaging 20% of the actual cost. New land developments presented an even greater problem than in past years and the Board continued the policy of installing only small mains on private ways and requiring developers to pay a substantial part of the cost of this work.
A total of 86,019,180 gallons were pumped during the year, this is a reduction of 18% over the previous year and represents a normal variation proportionate to temperature averages and precipitation. Ground water levels continued to recede but there was good indication that recovery may be greater than last year.
Both diesel engines were overhauled early in the year. Each year, as our equipment becomes older, more mainten- ance work is required in the pumping station. The most costly job this year was replacement of the low speed bear- ings in the D-2 gear box. Considerable difficulty has been experienced with the electrical starting system on the
64
Sterling engine due to the fact batteries must be maintained throughout the year although the engine, with the excep- tion of emergencies, is used only during the peak load period of about three months. Since air pressure must be maintained throughout the year, it seems advisable to re- place the electrical system with air starting motors to eleminate costly maintenance.
At the year's end work was progressing satisfactorily on the new standpipe voted at the last Annual Town Meet- ing. The shortage of steel resulted in many delays. It was fortunate that the Town authorized this construction early in the year as it is doubtful that such a project could be undertaken now except with an escalator clause and un- certain delivery.
Whitman & Howard of Boston, Mass., were engaged as consultants to complete plans and specifications. It seemed advisable to split the project into two separate contracts, one for the standpipe and another for the foundations, con- necting piping, control valves etc. Bids were opened on May 17, 1950 and the following bids were received on the standpipe :
Hammond Iron Works, Warren, Pa. $42,770.00 Pittsburgh-DesMoines Steel Co., N. Y., 44,900.00
Chicago Bridge & Iron Co., Boston Mass. 46,200.00 The following two bids were received on the foundations and connecting piping :
Gallo Construction Co., Inc., Sagamore, Mass. $14,700.00 Jones Construction Co., Inc., Hyannis, Mass. 15,878.50 Contracts were awarded to the low bidder on each project namely, Hammond Iron Works and the Gallo Construction Co., Inc. The bid price in each case was below the original estimate. Several minor details were not included in the original contracts, as it seemed desirable that they be handled separately. These include fencing the area with chain link fence, installation of power cable and erection of a hazard light, installation of cathodic protection and pos-
65
sibly certain control equipment that may be needed. In- cluding this extra work plus engineering fees, it should be possible to return several thousand dollars when the pro- ject is completed.
Present indications are the steel work will be completed late in January, however, painting will be delayed until warmer weather and it will, no doubt, be April before the tank will be in service. The quality of the work to date has been excellent, the milling and fabrication of the steel is above average and the erection crew are all skilled steel workers. The completed tank will be one of excellent quality, pleasing in design and should serve the require- ments of the town for many years.
We wish to repeat our recommendation that serious consideration be given the proposed 10"' main on Sisson Road connecting the dead end at the South Street school to the State Road as Sisson Corner. The full benefits of the new standpipe will not be available to the West Harwich section until this loop is completed. We also recommend that the various dead ends on Lower County Road be con- nected to accommodate the expansion of this area and im- prove fire flows.
The usual maintenance work was carried on during the year and the system maintained in good condition. Only one serious leak developed, a radial crack in a defective 6" main. The present state of National Emergency requires that the system be maintained in top condition and that gate valves in particular receive special attention. We plan to conduct a complete survey of all gate valves, clean and raise boxes and correct location ties. No doubt, certain pre- cautionary measures will be required by the authorities and at the close of the year it was evident that we must organize to cope with any emergency.
Following is a brief summary of our 1950 records :
SERVICE CONNECTIONS
Taking Water December 31, 1950
693
Seasonal Takers shut-off
592
Total Services Used 1950 1285
1
66
Services Not Used 1950 Total Service Connections
80
1365
NEW SERVICE INSTALLATIONS
1"
11/4"
11/2"
2"
6''
TOTAL
New services installed
73
59
3
4
2
1
142
Length in feet
4598'2"
4601'1"
299'
1115'6"
220'
58'6"
10,892'3"
Average length
per service
63'
78'
99'8'"
278'10"
110'
58'6"
76'9""
Average charge per service
$59.40
Cost to Department per foot
.79
MILES OF MAINS BY SIZES
10"
8''
6''
2" 112"
TOTAL
1949 Total
6.07
7.73
11.02
3.46
.29
.12
28.69
Miles
1950 Added
None
None
.07
.87
.10
.21
1.25
Miles
1950 Total
6.07
7.73
11.09
4.33
.39
.33
29.94
Miles
HYDRANTS
1949 Total
174
1950 Added
None
1950 Total
174
1950 MAIN LINE CONSTRUCTION
Kind of Pipe
Size
Length
Spruce Gate Drive
C.L. Wrought Iron
11%"
231'
Lothrop Road
C.L. Wrought Iron
2"
381'
off Brooks Road
C.L. Wrought Iron
1 1/4"
268'
Willow Street
C.L. Cast Iron
6"
361.5'
Bayberry Lane
C.L. Wrought Iron
2"
372'
Zylpha Road
C.L. Wrought Iron
11/4"
127.5'
off Pleasant St. (Parking Lot)
C.L. Wrought Iron
11/4
340'
Red River Road
C.L. Wrought Iron
2"
947'
Gordon Ritchie Road
C.L. Wrought Iron
196'
Kildee Road
C.L. Wrought Iron
1 1/4'
349'
Pine Needle Lane & Mayflower Way
C.L. Wrought Iron
2"
498'
Archibald Circle
C.L. Wrought Iron
2"
1495'
Helena Ave.
C.L. Wrought Iron
11/2"
301'
6546'
WATER CONSUMPTION
Gallons
Gallons
January
2,503,930 July
21,147,500
February
2,220,680 August
19,380,970
March
2,857,210 September
6,764,010
April
3,206,390 October
4,396,040
May
5,359,090 November
3,081,760
June
12,155,800
December
2,945,800
Total Gallons Pumped - 86,019,180
C.L. Wrought Iron
679'
Division St.
67
Pumped to metered ratio
921/2%
Average daily consumption
235,669 gals.
Largest monthly consumption - July
21,147,500 gals.
Largest weekly consumption - ending July 29th
6,469,390 gals.
Largest daily consumption - July 28th
1,087,640 gals.
Hours of Operation - Fairbanks Diesel
1,105 hrs. 40 mins.
Hours of Operation - Sterling Diesel 1,316 hrs. 15 mins.
Hours of Operation - Gasoline
2 hrs. 45 mins.
Total hours in operation
2,424 hrs. 40 mins.
SUMMARY of ACCOUNTS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1950
Commitments
1949 Balance Outstanding January 1, 1950
$2,533.56
1949 Collections 2,533.56
1949 Balance Outstanding
None
1950 Commitments (Includes $24.86 in Refunds,
44,099.57
Less Refunds and Aabtements
43.86
44,055.71
Less 1950 Collections
41,106.50
1950 Balance Outstanding December 31, 1950 $2,949.21
Total Balance Outstanding
$2,949.21
Receipts
Minimum Charges
$27,729.25
Excess Water
7,609.81
Service Connections
8,188.24
Miscellaneous
112.76
Total 1950 Collections
Paid to Town Treasurer
$43,640.06 $43,640.06
Expenditures
Retirement of Bonds
$7,000.00
Interest on Bonds
910.00
Painting & Repairing Elevated Tank
4,187.08
Maintenance & Operation
Administration
$7,210.24
General
10,896.07
Pumping Station
4,169.02
New Equipment & Plant
2,539.69
Improvements
24,815.02 10,000.00
Service Installations
Total 1950 Operating Expenses $46,912.10
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SPECIAL ACCOUNTS
Payments Balance
Water Main Construction $98.79 Balance from 1949 $98.79
None
$98.79
$98.79
Payments Balance
Water Main Extension $4,013.74 Appropriation
$4,000.00
.01 Balance from 1949
13.75
$4,013.75
$4,013.75
Trencher and Backfiller $3,441.48 Appropriation
$3,500.00
58.52
$3,500.00
$3,500.00
New Standpipe
- Brooks Park
Payments Balance
$39,213.58
Appropriation
$75,000.00
35,786.42
$75,000.00
$75,000.00
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER E. CAHOON
LAWRENCE F. NICKERSON
NORMAN O. NICKERSON, Board of Water Commissioners
JOHN W. HUGHES Superintendent and Collector
Payments Balance
69
Report of Harwich Police Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Harwich, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my first annual report of the Depart- ment of Police for the year ending December 31, 1950.
Cases before the Second District Court
41
Found Guilty
36
Found Not Guilty
3
Cases Filed
2
Complaints Received and Investigated
443
Auto Accidents Investigated 57
Injured in Auto Accidents 23
2
Fires Attended and Rescue Truck Calls Attended
183
Injured taken to Cape Cod Hospital
9
Trips to Provincetown
4
Trips to Barnstable House of Correction
3
Trips to Taunton State Hospital
2
Persons Confined to Lockup
36
Persons Confined to Lockup for Others
5
Summons and Warrants Served
46
Permits Issued to Transfer Cars
316
Houses Inspected during Year
3677
Total Nightly Check of Stores
45971
Stolen Property Recovered
$1698
Miles Covered by Cruiser
34190
Auto Accidents Fatal
The past year on the Cape has seen a record breaking influx of traffic, due to the completion of the upper mid- cape highway and the large increase in building and popu- lation in this area.
70
Naturally more cars congested in a small area of wind- ing, narrow roads means more accidents. To meet this hazardous situation, new signs have been installed at vari- ous dangerous intersections and many more have been ordered for next year. The various Police Departments on the Cape have run prints of serious accident pictures in the local papers as a warning to speeders. The cruiser has ever been on the alert to warn motorists and intercept speeders. Dispite this vigilance, accidents have occured. We must square our shoulders and work even harder in the next year to prevent these casualities.
In closing, I wish to thank the Town Officials, the members of the Police force, the Special Police, members of the Association and the Citizens of Harwich for their splendid co-operation and help during this first year of adjustment.
Respectfully submitted,
GLENN T. MILLER, Chief of Police
Report of Sealer of Weights & Measures
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen: Town of Harwich, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith respectfully submit my seventeenth annual report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the Town of Harwich for the year ending December 31, 1950.
Adjusted 20
Sealed 78 21
Not Sealed 9 6
Con- demned
Scales Volumetric Measures
24
71
Automatic Liquid Measuring Devices
70
8
2
Linear Measures
6
Weights
133
6 :
Total
20
308
23
32
Money received from Sealing Fees
$135.80
Money received from Adjusting Charges
.25
Money received from Transient Vendors Local License Fees
15.00
Total
$151.05
Paid Town Treasurer
$151.05
Money returned to Treasurer by Director of Standards for Pedlers' License Fees
8.00
Total
$159.05
Inspections made of Pedlers' Licenses
3
Other Inspections
167
Trial Weighing and Measurement of Com- modities sold or put up for sale
190
Coal in Transit re-weighed
lbs. 2,000
Retests of Gasoline devices after sealing
7
Respectfully submitted,
VICTOR S. RYDER, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
Report of Life Guard
SUMMER OF 1950
1. The summer season of 1950 was a good season in regards to drowning incidents. Only one incident of seriousness occurred, this being on July 28, 1950, at 4:15 p. m. A middle-aged woman wandered off the dropoff, which was clearly marked by buoys. The rescue of this woman was successfully handled by the lifeguard. No call for the emergency truck was issued.
A number of small children were dragged out of the
72
surf on the rougher days, none of whom were affected by the incidents.
Many cuts were treated, some victims being sent to Dr. D. Elia for treatment.
2. The equipment used by the lifeguard consisted of the following :
a. Lifeguard tower
b. Rescue Board, this board being purchased by the Harwich Recreation Commission for the use of the lifeguard
c. Whistle, loaned to the lifeguard by Police Patrol- man Bailey
d. Buoy marker floated at the location of the dropoff
e. Warning sign at location of dropoff
f. First Aid Kit, loaned to the lifeguard by the Har- wich Fire Department
3. The lifeguard's tour of duty extended from July 1, 1950, to September 4, 1950, his hours being 10:00 a. m. to 1:00 p.m .; 2:00 p. m. to 5:00 p. m., seven days a week.
4. The situation on the beach was kept under control all summer. One of the major problems, however, was to keep the swimmers from going out too far.
Suggested Improvements
1. A heavy, wooden storage box, similar to those used by the Highway Department for storage of tools, to be used for storing the lifeguard's equipment at night. This box to be bolted to the rear of the lifeguard tower. This is must for next summer, the previous storage system being inadequate.
2. An additional lifeguard would be of value. This has been suggested by numerous users of the beach, who felt that the area to be watched and the large crowd, being too much for one lifeguard. This problem is left entirely to the discretion of the Selectmen. I am in favor of the suggestion. This would ease the problem of no protection for the summers between 1:00 p. m. and 2:00 p. m.
Respectfully submitted,
PHIL FOSTER, Life Guard
.
73
Report of Veterans' Services
To the Citizens of the Town of Harwich:
As the war clouds again begin to appear upon the peaceful horizon of America, the veterans of Harwich once more demonstrate their patriotic attitude and desire to serve their God and their Country.
Although this Department more than doubled its activi- ties and handled over 600 separate inquiries, 1950 was another year of complete harmony and patience. No de- mands were made by the veterans which were either unjustified or unreasonable. In spite of an unusually "off season" summer employment situation on Cape Cod, Har- wich veterans accepted their reduced income like real vets and made many personal sacrifices.
In all cases of genuine hardship the Commissioner of the Commonwealth, and his trained assistants, gave total cooperation. In fact, no public servant could render more sympathetic service than that man of human heart and level head, with due consideration to both veteran and tax-payer, than Henry V. O'Day. No worthy case was ever rejected by this honest and very efficient Commis- sioner of Veterans' Services.
In addition to an added burden upon this Department caused by unemployment, there was an unprecedented number of hospital cases. As a result, our expenses ran well over $7,000 for the year and with the world condi- tions in their present state of uncertainty and chaos, we can expect an even larger budget for 1951. The only bright side of the picture is the fact that when cases are approved by the State, the town receives a 50% reimbursement.
For the fine spirit of cooperation by all town officials, the advisory council and the veterans themselves, grate- ful appreciation. It has been a pleasure to serve my town and my comrades and this office is always open for my per- sonal assistance and advice to every veteran of all wars, every day. We are prepared for a busy year in 1951 but may it bring peace and prosperity to all, veterans and citizens alike.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY B. ALBRO, Veterans' Agent.
74
Report of Moth Superintendent and Tree Warden
The Moth Department had the privilege of seeing one of the best years in its history. The entire Town appeared to be free of the gypsy moth at last.
All woodland was checked and rechecked, but not one of these worms could be found living or dead. This was the result of the aerial spraying of Barnstable County in 1949. Because of the showing up of fifty-five (55) male moths in the trapping program of 1949, it was necessary to re-spray by air 1,265 acres this year. The trapping program was carried on in July and August with very good results. As far as we know now, the Robbins Pond section in North Harwich is the only area that has any gypsy moth. This area must be thoroughly checked and watched this coming spring.
It is now the duty of the Moth Department and the Voters of the Town to see that the gypsy moth does not get another start in Harwich.
The report on the condition of our shade trees is very discouraging as usual. Four large elm trees were removed, with more to be taken down this coming year. Unless new trees are set out along our public roads each year it will be found that the last shade tree is removed.
The Finance Committee just does not appear to be a friend of the trees.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER C. CAHOON, Moth Superintendent and Tree Warden.
75
List of Jurors for 1951
Abbott, William J .- Golf Professional Adams, Clifton-Caretaker
Albro, Harry B .- Retired
Baldwin, Priscilla D .- Housewife
Bagnell, Walter C .- Retired
Cashen, Gladys D .- Housewife Chamberlain, Elizabeth D .- Housewife Chase, Robert W .- Cranberry Grower Curtis, Robert H .- Painter
Dean, Earl-Cranberry Grower
Downey, William F .- Mechanic
Eldredge, Calvin C .- Cranberry Grower
Gilmore, Walter W .- Retired Holmes, Emerson F .- Clerk Holmes, Elmer W .- Caretaker Joy, Robert E .- Contractor Mears, Flora Hall-Housewife
Morey, Charlotte W .- Housewife
Pratt, Charles S .- Carpenter
Raneo, John S .- Caretaker Sparhawk, Leon A .- Retired Stidstone, George W .- Photographer Stearns, Robert E .- Cranberry Grower Stokes, Imogene DeLancy-Housewife Williams, Lawrence E .- Farmer
Wright, Thomas M .- Auctioneer
Harwich Port Harwich Port Harwich Harwich Port West Harwich East Harwich Harwich Port West Harwich Harwich North Harwich South Harwich Pleasant Lake Harwich Port East Harwich East Harwich
West Harwich Harwich Port Harwich Port
Harwich North Harwich Harwich Port Harwich North Harwich Harwich Harwich
East Harwich
Report of Building Inspector
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Town of Harwich, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report as Building Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1950. Appropriation Salary $1,250.00 123.00 Legal Notices
$1,500.00
76
Printing Permit Blanks
18.00
Printing Building Law Booklets
45.00
Total
$1,436.00
Balance $64.00
Received for Permits
$254.00
Paid to Town of Harwich
$254.00
Number of Building Permits issued
145
Number of Sewage Disposal Permits issued
134
Number of Inspections made
528
Mileage Covered 4562 miles
Types of Buildings erected
Year Round Houses
64
Summer Houses
33
Garages 12
Commercial Buildings
9
Green-Houses Additions and Alterations 25
This being the first year in which Building Laws have been operative, the co-operation of the contractors and property owners has been greatly appreciated. Respectfully submitted,
WINSLOW B. SAWYER Building Inspector.
Report of Trustees of Caleb Chase Fund
Dr.
Interest and Dividends received January 1 to December 31 $395.49
Paid Overseers Public Welfare
January 1 to December 31
$395.49
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
10 shares American Tel. and Tel. Co. $1,561.85
50 shares First National Bank 1,703.75
50 shares National Shawmut Bank
1,312.50
Deposits-Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank
5,557.66
$10,135.76
2
77
$1,000 N. Y. Water Service-Value $992.50 was called and redeemed May 1, 1950, for $1,010.00.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS M. WRIGHT,
WICKHAM AMES, J. FREEMAN RYDER, JOHN T. WOOD, JOSEPH B. ATKINS, AMBROSE NICKERSON, ARTHUR P. DOANE, JR., Trustees Caleb Chase Fund. Examined and approved, ALTHEA M. CHASE, Town Accountant.
December 31, 1950
Report of Cemetery Commissioners
To the Citizens of Harwich :
The Cemetery Commissioners have used their allotment of $1,000.00 on the following cemeteries:
South Harwich East Harwich Methodist
End of the Pond
Seth Eldridge
Harding East Harwich Road
Harwich Centre
Island Pond Kelly Harwich
North Harwich
Baptist West Harwich
Smith Belle Neck Road Chase Lothrop Avenue This makes a total of twelve cemeteries cared for and a few other small ones not mentioned.
The sum of $22.17 has been returned to Revenue.
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