USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > West Bridgewater > Town annual reports of the selectmen, overseers of the poor, town clerk, and school committee of West Bridgewater for the year ending 1950-1954 > Part 24
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It is the policy of the Water Commissioners to disapprove any water installations in private developments unless the mains are of at least six-inch capacity. All mains installed by the Department will be six inches or larger.
Plans have been drawn, and preliminary engineering estimates secured, for new construction which will soon have to be done on Brooks Place and Progressive Avenue, and also on South Street, Cross Street, and Forest Street. Leaks and repairs on Brooks Place
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are becoming more costly every year, and the residents are without adequate fire protection. Proper fire protection is also lacking in the South Street, Cross Street, Forest Street area.
The Water Commissioners are appreciative of the hearty co- operation of the citizens during the water ban which was in effect from July 16 to August 6 inclusive. The town was thus able to avoid an immediate shortage, and ample pressure and standpipe re- serves were kept available for fire fighting.
Daily employee time cards were put into effect during the year, showing each man's work throughout each day, and these are a val- uable asset in organizing and analyzing the work of the department. We have also been in contact with the Special Legislative Com- mission which is studying the feasibility of establishing a South- eastern Massachusetts Water District. This Commission has been requested to keep us informed of its interim reports and its eventual findings.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, in its peri- odic analyses of our water, continues to find it highly acceptable as to lack of turbidity, color, suspended solids, and chemical content. Its palatability remans high, and its softness has greatly increased since the establishment of the well-field. On April 30th the hard- ness factor was down to 23, as compared to a factor of 40 when the well-field site was first tested; and public water supplies within the State vary up to an extreme hardness of 186.
We wish to thank all those who have cooperated with us this past year, and again invite the citizens to inspect the Pumping Sta- tion with the Commissioners or the Superintendent. We would be happy to arrange tours for school children; and urge any resident with questions about the Water Department to feel free to visit us at the Town Offices.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
of Board of Water Commissioners of West Bridgewater
The following regulations shall be considered a part of the contract with every person who takes water; and cvcry such person by taking water shall be
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considered to express his assent to be bound thereby. All applicants for the in- troduction of water to any premises, or for the extension of any pipe for the conveyance of such water, shall be signed by such applicant, and shall state fully and fairly all and several of the various uses to which water is to be ap- plied; and whenever thereafter any other uses of water, or additional service pipe or plumbing or fixtures are required, a further application must be made as aforesaid.
The Water Commissioners reserve the right to decline to connect with plumbing which has not been done by a plumber approved by them. All ap- plicants for whom service pipe is laid will be charged for the use of one faucet and sill cock whether the water is used or not. Persons taking water must keep their own water pipes and all fixtures connected therewith in good repair, and protected from frost at their own expense. They must provide a stop and waste cock to be properly located inside the building, and have the pipes so arranged that the water can be drawn from them wherever and whenever there is danger of its freezing.
No alterations in pipes or fixtures shall be made and no additional fixtures put in without notice to the Water Commissioners, and a permit having been obtained therefor by a plumber approved by them. The only exception to the above rule will be in cases where pipes have burst, and damage to the premises is likely to result from delay in making necessary repairs. In all occupied prem- ises all water fixtures of whatever nature will be deemed and held as used, and will be charged for so long as said fixtures shall remain connected with the water pipes.
No person shall be entitled to damages, nor to have any portion of a pay- ment refunded for any stoppage of supply occasioned by accident to any por- tion of the works, nor for any stoppage for purposes of additions or repairs, NOR FOR NON USE OCCASIONED BY ABSENCE. The Water Com- missioners shall have the right to shut off water to make repairs or additions without notice.
No hydrant or hose attachment shall be placed in any yard or area of any premises so situated as to be accessible to persons living in or occupying neigh- boring premises, unless the owner of the premises first named becomes respon- sible for and pays the water rent for all persons using water therefrom. No water taker will be allowed to supply water to parties not entitled to its use except by special permit from the Water Commissioners, and if found doing so without a permit the supply will be cut off, and the water rent already paid forfeited.
No permits will be granted for garden sprinklers, sill faucets, fountains, or post hydrants, unaccompanied with inside use, unless by special permit; liable to be abrogated on notice at any time. There shall be no concealment
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of the purpose for which water is used. There shall be no unnecessary waste of water. Any person violating this rule shall be liable to have his supply shut off, and the amount paid therefor forfeited. No person shall interfere with the fire hydrants, hydrants for street sprinklers, valves or other water works fixtures without proper authority.
The Water Commissioners shall have the power to ascertain by meter the quantity used in every case, and the rate shall be charged as set forth under meter rates. The Water Commissioners, their agents and assistants, may enter the premises of any water taker, at all reasonable hours of the day, to examine the pipes and fixtures, the quantity of water used, and the manner of its use.
CAUTION. It being frequently necessary to shut off the water from the street mains to make extensions and repairs, without giving notice, all per- sons having boilers on their premises, not supplied by tanks, but depending upon the pressure from street mains to keep them supplied, are cautioned against danger from collapse.
PAYMENT OF BILLS. All bills at annual rates will be payable three months in advance, January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. If bills remain unpaid for 60 days after due the amount then becomes subject to a lien in accordance with Chapter 40 of the General Laws. The supply of water is liable to be shut off for non-payment of bills, or violation of rules, and when so shut off the bill, if any, shall be paid before letting on.
Water shall not be left running to prevent freezing. All persons using water for building purposes arc required to obtain a permit from the Water Commissioners before taking water from any faucet or fixture connected with the water works.
EDWARD G. ASACK, Chairman GORDON A. McDONALD, Secretary JAMES C. KINNEY
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FIRE DEPARTMENT TELEPHONE NO. 4137
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit the Annual Report of the West Bridgewater Fire Department for the year 1952.
PERSONNEL
One Chief, One Deputy Chief, Twenty-Eight members, One Alarm Operator, One Master Electrician, Five Deputy Forest Wardens.
APPARATUS
Combination No. 1. Chevrolet Truck with 600 gallon water tank. Front end pump, also portable pump mounted on side, seven years old.
Engine No. 1. Seagrave Combination with 750 gallon pump. Built to specifications, purchase at annual Town Meeting 1951, de- livered in April, 1952.
Engine No. 2. Buffalo Diamond T. Combination with 500 gallon pump. Fifteen years old.
One E. & J. Resuscitator and one National Cutting Unit for emergency use.
One twelve foot boat presented to the Town by the American Legion for emergency use.
One G. E. Mobile Radio Receiver and Transmitter mounted on Engine No. 1.
One G. E. Mobile Radio Receiver and Transmitter mounted on Engine No. 2.
One G. E. Mobile Radio Receiver and Transmitter mounted on Combination No. 1.
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117
ALARMS ANSWERED
Automobiles, Trucks, and Tractors
5
Frame Buildings
26
Grass and Woodland (81 Acres)
42
Alarm, No Fire
1
Aid out of Town
5
Dumps and Rubbish
10
Electric Light Poles
1
Emergency Calls
1
Aid to Police (Lost Person)
1
Resuscitator Calls
5
Hay Stacks
1
Gas Mains
1
Total Alarms answered
99
In performing its duties in 1952 the Fire Apparatus has traveled 829 miles, operated pumps at fires for 1411/2 hours and laid 13,050 feet of booster hose, 20,450 of 11/8" Forestry hose, 6,500 feet of 11/2" hose, 6500 feet of 21/2" hose, also raised a total of 565 feet of ladders.
BUILDING FIRES
Value Losses and Insurance Paid
Assessors value on buildings
$ 30,345.00
Insurance carried on same
69,225.00
Estimate Loss on Buildings 16,175.00
Insurance Paid on Same
16,740.00
CONTENTS IN BUILDING FIRES Value Losses and Insurance Paid
Estimated Value of Contents $ 19,915.00
Insurance carried on same
12,300.00
Estimate Loss on Contents
8,775.00
Insurance Paid on Same 4,800.00
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PERMITS ISSUED
Open Air Fires 858
Oil Burner and Oil Storage 237
Bottle Gas and Miscellaneous Permits 93
During the year I have investigated one hundred and seventeen complaints on various Fire Hazards, smoke scares, etc.
Bell Alarms and Whistle are tested daily at 7 P.M. except on Sundays.
INSPECTIONS
Inspections on Schools, Public Buildings and Private Enter- prises are made periodically. Recommendations of alterations in various buildings were made, and these are carried out. Also "No Smoking Signs" posted where required by Law.
Board of Fire Prevention Regulations Rules and Regulations of Department of Public Safety
Chapter 148 - Section 10
It is required by law that any installation or alteration of fuel oil burners of any type shall not be made by any person or firm unless in possession of a certificate of competency.
No oil burner of any type, or oil tanks, shall be installed with- out first filing an application for permit with the head of the Fire Department.
After installation of oil burners and tanks, a completion certif- icate must be filed with the head of the Fire Department for inspec- tion of work.
No person or firm shall use or store liquified petroleum gas (known as bottle gas) used for cooking and heating purposes, with- out first filing an application and obtaining a permit from the head of the Fire Department.
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NOTICE
Permits must be obtained from the Fire Department for all open air fires.
ATTENTION
To keep your fire loss small, CALL YOUR FIRE DEPART- MENT IMMEDIATELY upon discovering a fire in a building, grass or woodland.
I wish to thank the Selectmen, Officers and members of the Department, and all others who have helped in any way with the Department.
Respectfully submitted,
ANTONE SOUSA Chief
REPORT OF STREET LIGHTING SURVEY COMMITTEE
We, the members of this committee, feel that we have made good progress in the surveying of the problem of lighting for our town this year.
We recommend that this committee be continued again for another year so that we will be able to put in force a detailed pro- gram of better street lights for the entire town.
In keeping with the program as planned last year, we again have recommended just the lights which we feel are needed most.
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We have decided that we should complete Monument Square this year by installing one more 600 cp. light just north of the square on Main Street.
Due to the very heavy use of the town hall for meetings, social events, etc., we felt that we should increase the two street lights located in front of the building to 600 cp. This will be a big help for the officer directing traffic and for the fire department in enter- ing and leaving the station.
Install three 250 cp. lights in new locations and change two present 100 cp. units to 250 cp. units on Howard Street. This will correct a poor situation which exists for people walking to and from the new school at night. This will also cover a petition we received for better lighting on this street.
Keenan Street - Install one 100 cp. light in new location.
Matfield Street - Install two 100 cp. lights in new locations.
Plain Street - Install 100 cp. light in new location.
South Main Street - Install two 400 cp. and three 250 cp. lights in new locations. Change two present 100 cp. lights to 250 cp. and remove one present 100 cp. light.
West Centre Street - Install two 250 cp. lights in new loca- tions. Change one 100 cp. unit to 250 cp. Remove present 100 cp. unit now in Library Yard.
The total increased yearly cost will be $524.00 for the above program.
We did not discuss the possible changes which may result from the construction of the New State Express Highway as it is impos- sible to determine and evaluate these at the present time. Work contemplated at various crossings may present further complications.
The committee has received several requests for lights through- out the town and each one has been recorded and will be given ser- ious consideration for next year and other years to come. The most
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urgent to be taken care of first, and those not necessary will not be recommended.
The committee wishes to thank P. Douglas Eaton, Chief of Police, and Mr. Fred S. Mason of the Brockton Edison Co. for their valuable assistance and tireless work they have done this last year, to help in correcting the street lighting situation.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM E. TURNER, Chairman JULES A. BRIAND FRANCIS CHEYUNSKI RALEIGH A. HOLDEN LESTER W. REYNOLDS
REPORT OF SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
The School Building Committee has virtually completed con- struction of the new junior senior and elementary school. The building was officially turned over to the school department on August first. On August 23 an official open house was held at which time an estimated 2,000 people visited and inspected the building.
The building was occupied by the pupils and teaching staff at the opening of the school term in September.
At the close of 1952 the building committee was still faced with two contracts not completed. The athletic field was not seeded successfully during the summer, because of the dryness of the sea- son, and this work will have to be done over again this spring. There is work yet to be done on the roof of the gymnasium, shop and
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cafeteria, where caulking matcrial between the concrete roof planks has been causing some trouble.
The committee feels that the contracts will be concluded dur- ing 1953, and that state aid to construction will then be forthcoming.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN C. ELDRIDGE, Chairman ROGER H. BURRILL, Secretary ALLAN FOYE EARL GIFFORD
JULIAN LUCINI
CLIFFORD CARLSON
CLIFFORD BROMAN
WARREN ANDERSON
ROYAL SNELL
CHARLES ENSHER
REPORT OF VETERANS' SERVICES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Veterans' Services during the year 1952 processed a total of twenty-five cases. Twenty-one were approved, two were rejected and two were incomplete at the end of the year.
The cases involved the care of thirty-two adults and twenty- cight children for food, shelter and medical.
Respectfully,
WILLIAM W. NOYES, Veterans' Agent
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REPORT OF TREE WARDEN
I hereby submit my annual report for the year 1952 as Tree Warden.
The maples, oaks and ash trees of the town are in a healthy condition but because of the firm stand the Dutch Elm disease has in town, a constant fight must be waged to keep what elms we have in a healthy state. The department, in the past year, removed the following trees, either because of a public hazard, disease, or from death of the tree: eight maples; seven ash; nine oaks; three hickory; five pine; one beech; and forty-seven elms. Thirty-six of these elms were known to have the Dutch Elm disease. This work could not have been accomplished in this time without the two-man power saw.
It is the plan of the department to fertilize as many trees as possible in 1953 and to start a tree-planting program in operation along with the possibility of a town-owned tree nursery.
The usual pruning of dead wood and low hanging branches was done and the roadsides of thirty-two streets were cleared of brush. This is a large labor-consuming job and some roadsides this year were sprayed with brush killer in trying to cut down on this large labor factor.
Cavity work was performed on twenty-three trees as well as bolting and cabling four others. The pick-up and dump truck of the department are in very good mechanical condition.
Report of the Eradication of Poison Ivy
This year a pump sprayer was purchased and the following roadsides sprayed for Poison Ivy: Bryant St., Howard St., Arch St., River St., East St., Forest St., South St., Aldrich Rd., Matfield St., Belmont St., Union St., E. Center St., West Center St., Spring St.,
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North Elm St., Crescent St., Copeland St., Prospect St., West St., Bcacon St., South Elm St., Cross St., Plain St., and Manley St.
The Poison Ivy menace has grown greatly the last few years and enough money should be appropriated each year if the citizens of West Bridgewater want the roadsides of all the highways to be sprayed for Poison Ivy. Each succeeding year a check could be made of all roadsides and the ivy eradicated wherever it might reoccur.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS B. MacQUINN Tree Warden
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN ON THE DUTCH ELM DISEASE
I hereby submit my annual report for the year 1952:
For several years the Dutch Elm disease has been known to have destroyed hundreds of stately elm in the surrounding towns. This year the department took samples from 42 of the 878 town clms and sent them to the Shade Tree Laboratory at Amherst. Of these, 36 notices came back confirming that they were diseased and must be removed. The disease now has a firm stand in West Bridge- water and as there is no positive cure for the disease, extreme pre- ventive mcasures must be taken by the town's tree department to stop the further spreading of the disease.
A minimum of three sprays must be placed on the elms. In 1953, as many elms as possible will be fertilized and limed, this prac- ticc having been proven to make the elms more resistant to the dis-
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ease. In controlling the Elm Bark Beetle by spraying with DDT, we will be able to control the disease.
It costs the taxpayers an average of $150.00 for each elm re- moved, besides the loss of a beautiful shade tree. Every dollar spent in combatting the disease is money well spent.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS B. MacQUINN Tree Warden
DENTAL CLINIC
January 29, 1953
Board of Health West Bridgewater, Mass.
Dear Sirs:
The Lions Club sponsored Dental Clinic, held at the Howard School, is now being conducted each Monday and Thursday by Dr. Louis Fuller and Anna C. Erving, D.H.
The importance of proper dental care in the early years can- not be overemphasized. This includes not only treatment of dental caries but knowledge of good mouth hygiene as well.
Of the 150 children treated since September 1952, 21 per cent were found to have extensive caries (6 or more), the remaining per cent having 2 or more.
Ninety-five children have been given cleanings and careful ex- aminations by your hygienist followed by oral instruction and inter- esting and authoritative reading material on home care.
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We wish to thank the Red Cross for the additional equipment which has added greatly to the efficiency of the clinic.
In closing, we wish to take this opportunity to commend the cooperation of the school staff and parents, which furthers our aim in making the school dental program a truly helpful contribution to the community.
Respectfully submitted,
ANNA C. ERVING Dental Hygienist
REPORT OF BUILDING INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my report of building inspections from May to December 1952:
Permits issued
Inspections
32
New dwellings 64
18
Other buildings 23
10
Alterations 12
Total inspections 99
Respectfully submitted,
ANTONE SOUSA Building Inspector
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REPORT OF MODERATOR'S COMMITTEE TO STUDY THE UNION HEALTH DEPT. ACT
At the Annual Town Meeting held on March 10, 1952 the Town voted "for the Moderator to appoint a committee of five to investigate and study the provisions of Chapter 662 of the Acts of 1949, the act relative to the organization of union health depart- ments, and to study existing public health services and facilities in the Town and to determine the advantages to be derived from West Bridgewater joining with neighboring towns for a town union health department. This committee to report its findings and recommen- dations at a future town meeting."
This committee is not prepared at this time to make any rec- ommendations for action as our study is not completed. However, we would like to report to the Town on the work of the committee thus far.
We have met with representatives from the State Department of Public Health to discuss the provisions of the Act itself, and also the requirements of "Minimum Health Services" as defined by the Public Health Council, which requirements must be met by all municipalities under the law. The purpose of the Union Health Department Act is to make it possible for small towns to secure adequate public health services at a cost which they can afford. It was passed as a result of surveys of public health services in the Commonwealth, which were found to be much less than adequate in most communities. The Act makes provision for: the organiza- tion of a union health department by two or more cities or towns; exemption from joining; and withdrawal from the union. It pro- vides for representation of each town on the union board of health. It also defines the qualifications and duties of the director of health and the treasurer, and makes provisions for budget estimates and the auditing of accounts.
It was recognized that the cost of providing adequate health
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services would be prohibitive to most small towns if they attempted to provide such services by themselves. Moreover, the public health situation was found to be so critical, that while the law makes it possible for towns to join together in a union health department voluntarily at any time since the Act was signed into law (August 10, 1949), it also provides that "If, after ten years from said effective date, municipalities having a population of less than thirty-five thou- sand are not included voluntarily in such unions, the state depart- ment of public health, after a public hearing, shall include such municipalities in existing or new unions unless such communities are providing minimum health services as defined by the public health council."
Under "Minimum Health Services" we find seven basic divi- sions:
1. Control of Communicable Diseases
2. Environmental Sanitation
3. Laboratory Services
4. Maternal and Child Health
5. Health Education
6. Chronic Disease Control
7. Vital Statistics
Requirements are also set down for personnel as follows:
1. One full-time director of health
2. One full-time supervisor of public health nursing
3. One full-time nurse per 7,500 population
4. One full-time supervising sanitary officer
5. One sanitarian per 25,000 population
6. One full-time chief clerk and one full-time clerk per 15,000 population
We have met with Mr. William W. Noyes, Board of Health Agent, who cooperated with the committee by providing us with an analysis of funds now being expended by the Town for public health services, and discussing these items with us. Mrs. Lillian Hewitt, School Nurse, has also attended many of our meetings, and has been very helpful.
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It is apparent from our study thus far that the Town falls far short of the requirements of "Minimum Health Services," and that we must be prepared to spend additional sums in order to meet the requirements of the law. While we are not prepared to submit any budget figures at this time, it is our opinion that in order to meet these requirements at a cost which we can afford, we will probably have to consider joining with other towns in a union health depart- ment.
We are planning to meet with Union Health Department Committees from other towns in our area for an exchange of infor- mation about the public health situation in these towns. After a series of such meetings we will be in a much better position to make recommendations for action by the Town, since the efficiency of a union health department will be increased, and the per capita cost decreased, as we reach a minimum of thirty-five thousand popula- tion to be served, and preferably a total of fifty-thousand popula- tion, which is considered by authorities on the subject to be the desired goal.
We also plan meetings with representatives from all groups, clubs and organizations in the town, as well as meetings open to the general public, so that as many people as possible will become acquainted with this proposed program on public health. In the meantime, we invite inquiry of any member of this committee if further information is desired.
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