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 32
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Revolver permits issued
15
Class 1 Dealers Motor Vehicles Sales Reported
197
Class 2 Dealers Motor Vehicles Sales Reported
323
Class 3 Dealers Motor Vehicles Sales Reported
29
Individual Transfer of Sales Reported
193
Auto Violations
536
Violations sent to the Registry
292
Violations place on file
184
Violators stopped and warned
60
TRAFFIC REPORT
Accidents involving personal injury
24
Persons injured
31
Accidents involving property damage
42
Pedestrians involved in accidents
2
TO THE PARENTS IN WEST BRIDGEWATER Again let me remind you to constantly remind your children not to accept rides from strangers, regardless of sex or age.
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Questionable Charitable Organizations
Beware of unscrupulous promoters who solicit you by tele- phone, mail, or in person, requesting that you contribute toward a charity or benefit sponsored by some obscure organization.
Do not respond with money to telephone solicitations, espe- cially when an offer is made to have a messenger call for the contribution.
Reputable social agencies and organizations welcome inquiries about their methods and activities. Ask the party who telephones you for a reputable local reference.
CONCLUSION
Your Police Department is anxious to give you the maximum protection possible.
We solicit your co-operation in assisting the police department to keep West Bridgewater a respected and law abiding community.
In concluding this report, I sincerely wish to express my thanks and appreciation to the Selectmen, and to all other departments for their invaluable assistance in helping us to carry out our duties.
Respectfully submitted,
DOUGLAS EATON Chief of Police
WATER COMMISSIONERS
We, the Water Commissioners of the Town of West Bridge- water, submit our annual report for the year ending December 31, 1953.
During the year a total of 87,213,952 gallons of water was pumped. This is a daily average of 238,940 gallons, a weekly aver- age of 1,672,580 gallons, and a monthly average of 7,267,830 gal- lons. The greatest amount pumped on one day was 479,360 gallons on June 21st; and the highest month was 10,992,128 gallons during
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June. Total consumption was slightly less than during the previous year, and no water ban was necessary.
A total of 65 new and renewal services were installed during the year. All hydrants have been carefully checked and tested, and examined for leakage just prior to the beginning of cold weather. The new wells authorized by the citizens have been installed, in- creasing the well-field from 32 to 36 wells, and the underground reserve of water seems adequate for the foreseeable future provided necessary engineering changes in the pumping station and distribu- tion system are made as our population continues to increase. The new construction which was authorized on Brooks Place and Pro- gressive Avenue has been completed. Meterizing of water services is fast approaching 100%, assuring equitable assessment of water charges based on individual consumption.
Water Department problems arising from the construction of the Fall River Expressway have been studied during several confer- ences with State Engineers, and funds for the Town's protection in areas adjacent to the Expressway will be requested at the Annual Town Meeting, as will be allowances for maintenance and repair or replacement of existing water mains, particularly in the South Street and Cross Street areas.
We have had several contacts with the Southeastern Massa- chusetts Water District Commission, and appeared at hearings held by this Legislative Commission in order to protect the inter- ests of the Town of West Bridgewater; and we have worked closely with the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Water Sup- ply during the period of some special studies this committee was making.
During each year there are 15 separate analyses made of our town's drinking water, under supervision of the Massachusetts De- partment of Public Health. As usual, all reports for the year were most satisfactory, showing highly acceptable quality and much greater freedom from bacterial elements than many nearby surface water sources of public water supplies.
Towards the end of the year the Water Commissioners finished their 18-month study of the costs of furnishing regular and special
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services supplied by the department. On the basis of this very ex- haustive study, and after conferences with the Town Counsel and a public accountant, a revision in rules and regulations has been made, and each person has received with his water bill a booklet stating the current regulations and rates. Throughout this study the two controlling objectives have been to adjust rates on the fairest basis possible to the consumer, and to protect the interests of the Town as a whole as against any one individual or group. Bills for small users will be less in 1954 because the base rate has been dropped from $29 to $24. Only 1 person out of 4 was exceed- ing the $29 base rate heretofore, so 3 out of 4 persons benefit by the change. Under the new rates the same amount of water may be used for $28.20 as could formerly be used for $29. Many users of "excess" water will find their new rate results in higher bills, but it is only fair to the small user that the "excess" users should pay their own way - and the rate for "excess" water is considerably less than the hundred cubic foot rate in the basic water charge.
Out-of-town water takers, of which we have close to 50, will be billed for water at rates higher than those charged our own citizens, and we reserve the right to discontinue supplying them should the needs of our own townspeople make that advisable. Two-family houses are charged a different base charge than single family houses, but they are permitted 8300 cubic feet of water for $40 (a single family house is allowed 5000 cubic feet for $24) so that their cost per hundred cubic feet is the same as for all single residences within the town. Water connections to trailers are charged in full to the owner, including all work done under the street, so that there is no cost to the Town for connecting these mobile units. All water main work in private developments will be closely supervised by the Commissioners, and the entire cost is to be borne by the owner of the housing development.
The Commissioners realize that there are many questions about the new rates and regulations, and welcome the opportunity of talking to any citizens during their weekly meetings, or at any other time mutually arranged.
The cooperation of the residents during the past year is most appreciated by the Water Commissioners and the Superintendent; we urge you to visit us with any questions or problems, and invite
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you to inspect your pumping station with us for a better picture of the operation of this necessary public service.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD G. ASACK, Chairman GORDON A. McDONALD, Secretary WILLIAM E. CROWLEY
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
A total of approximately 53,000 linear feet of town streets was seal coated, the following streets being treated: South St., Manley St., Walnut St., Scotland St., Aldrich Rd., Cross St., South Elm St., Grant St., Thayer Ave., Matfield St. (North Main St. to Vital Ave., and Railroad to East Bridgewater line), East St. (Union St. to Ralph Ryder's house ).
A total of approximately 6,516 linear feet of town streets was renewed with a two-inch black top surface, mixed in place, the fol- lowing streets being treated: Howard St. (Spring St. to North Main St.), Brooks Place (North Elm St. to Clifford Carlson's Farm), Matfield St. (Vital Avenue to Railroad), Maolis Ave. Brooks Place (Carlson's Farm to Progressive Ave.) widened, grav- elled and graded.
The following drainage work was completed: Commonwealth Ave., Catch Basin installed and 300 ft. of pipe laid; Howard St., 200 ft. perforated pipe laid in broken stone; Forest St., 10 inch cul- vert; Bedford St., 10 inch culvert; Brooks Place, 16 inch culvert.
CHAPTER 90 MAINTENANCE
Seal coated with 1/2 inch stone cover on West Center St. from Prospect St. to West St. Widened East Center St. from Hayward's Farm to East St.
CHAPTER 90 NEW CONSTRUCTION
Gravelled, graded and put a mixed in place black top surface on 1700 feet of Crescent St., together with drainage work and sev- eral catch basins. This completes the work on Crescent St.
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TREE WARDEN
Brush cutting on twenty-eight streets was done this year and the spraying of brush with Brush-Killer on some streets for the past two years has started to show results. The initial cost of this pro- ject is large but in future years it is going to be gratifying to see our roadsides free from bothersome brush besides relieving the Depart- ment of work that it can spend elsewhere. Many of the blind cor- ners and curves were cut in deeper to allow motorists a safer view. The brush spraying will be continued in 1954.
This year, an acre of very fertile land near the town forest was cleared, plowed and fertilized. Then seventy-five young Norway maples were transplanted there. These young trees will be ready for setting out along the town's roadsides in two to three years. Twenty-five young Honey Locust trees were purchased and also set out. This ascertains the start of a Town-owned shade tree nursery for which there has been a great need the past few years. Many townspeople have allowed the Department to take young maple shoots from their property for this nursery and the Depart- ment is grateful to them for this help. We plan to add young trees to this nursery continually.
The oaks, maples, ash, pines, hickorys, poplars and sycamore trees of the town are in a very healthy condition even though the dry weather of the past two summers has been against them. The usual pruning of deadwood and low-hanging branches was done and this year, there was a step-up in the bolting and cabling of trees. Twenty-four trees received this treatment to either make them stronger or increase their life. Cavity work was performed on eighteen trees, some of this work being done on trees hit by auto- mobiles. During the windstorms of the season, there was only minor damage done.
The Department has removed the following trees, either be- cause of public hazard, disease or from death of entire tree: four maples, five hickory, two ash, six willow, four pine, one oak, one poplar, two spruce and thirty-four elms. The elm disease continues to be our biggest worry but this year, only twenty-five of the thirty-four died from Dutch Elm Disease against last year's score of thirty-six elm removals.
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The pick-up and dump truck of the Department are in good mechanical condition and all equipment is regularly painted to pro- long their lives. I recommend that in another year the town should trade the 1946 dump truck in for a new model. The addition of the one-man power saw to the Department has made a great difference in labor and time saved coupled along with the work of the two- man power saw. The Department is now well equipped for any emergency which may arise.
ERADICATION OF POISON IVY
There has been a marked reduction in the infestation of Poison Ivy in this town since the start of this project two seasons ago. This year again, the following streets were sprayed with the chemical 2-4-D and 2-4-5-T for Poison Ivy: Spring St., Howard St., River St., South St., Bedford St., Keenan St., Aldrich Rd., Columbus Ave., Samuel Ave., Ash St., Cyr St., East Center St., West Center St., Matfield St., South Elm St., Copeland St., West St., Manley St., Crescent St., Lincoln St., North Elm St., and Brooks Place. Many of these streets treated were follow-ups from 1952 applications.
This project will again be continued this coming season and will continue on every year until we can wipe out this menace. The money appropriated for this is minute compared to the results it brings.
Respectfully submitted, THOMAS B. MACQUINN Tree Warden
MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
I hereby submit this report for the year 1953.
The Moth Department this year sprayed all the roadside shade trees twice and again this year, to control the elm bark beetle, all elms were sprayed three times; once in the spring and two foliar sprays during the summer. The department plans to spray more
74
private elms in 1954 as this will greatly aid in controlling the Dutch elm disease. The woods along the roadsides were also sprayed throughout the town. The town dump was sprayed weekly with DDT to reduce the fly population but in 1954, a stronger insecti- cide than DDT must be used as the flies are immune to it.
This year, a mist blower was purchased and helped greatly, not only in being able to reach tops of the tallest trees but a more com- plete coverage. Most roadside spraying was done at night since there is no wind at that time and the traffic problem is reduced greatly.
An aerial spray in May was placed over 900 acres on the county border and swamps to keep the Gypsy Moths down and from coming in from Bristol County. In 1954, an aerial spray with increased acreage to 1400 acres will be made. The cost of this yearly project is cheap insurance for keeping the moths out of this territory.
The Department again this year set out 27 traps in various locations throughout the town at the request of the Dept. of Nat- ural Resources and these traps were patrolled weekly. These are used to determine the movement of Gypsy moths, if any, in these areas and also gives the department a clear picture of the work needed for the coming year against the Gypsy Moth. Ten traps picked up a total of 48 male moths; an increase over last years catch. But this increase can be attributed to the fact that the Wor- cester tornado came at the time when the moths were in their flight stage in that area and many were blown into Plymouth County.
The Eastern tent caterpillar and Japanese Beetles were kept down to a minimum alongside our roads by the seasonal spraying program but Wood Ticks seem to be on the increase and a menace. These can only be combatted by an overall aerial spray-a very costly project.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS B. MACQUINN Moth Superintendent
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DUTCH ELM DISEASE CONTROL
The war against the Dutch Elm disease, which each year con- tinues to strike down our beautiful, stately elms, goes on. This war cannot subside one degree if we expect to come out victors. There is still no positive cure for the disease and although some would like to believe that the elms are doomed completely, I feel that it can be licked by a careful spray program, fertilizing and proper removal of diseased trees.
The town has 842 elms along its roadsides besides again as many, if not more, on private property. This past summer, scout- ing was done on all elms in town to determine diseased trees and from these, samples were taken and sent to the Shade Tree Labora- tories at Amherst. Twenty-five were confirmed to definitely have the disease and had to be removed. The wood from these trees was burned to completely rid it of disease. There is a definite drop in the disease in West Bridgewater as compared to last year.
Three sprays, one dormant and two foliage, were placed on the elms and this year as many private elms were sprayed as the supply of D.D.T. allowed. This will again be done in 1954. Elms on the following streets were fertilized and limed: South St., River St., and Howard St. This program will be increased to include more streets in 1954.
We are now fighting the Dutch Elm disease in the three rec- ommended ways: by making the tree more resistant by fertilizing; controlling the disease carrier, the Elm Bark beetle, by spraying with D.D.T .; and by combatting the fungus that causes it.
Respectfully submitted, THOMAS B. MACQUINN Tree Warden
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
The townspeople are reminded that they have a Town Forest of 10 acres at the rear of the Memorial Field at their disposal. This fine grove, which contains White Pine, White Spruce, Hemlock and
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Norway Pine, as well as a small spring-fed pond, provides recrea- tion within easy access of all the people and can greatly aid in the preservation of Wild life. This forest can, in the future, be made into an attractive picnic ground and recreation area with a little labor and expense.
In 1953, the Forestry Department cut all underlying brush in the forest as well as the low-hanging branches and deadwood in the pines. Some trees were cut down to allow the remaining trees more space to grow.
Poison Ivy, which seems to predominate everywhere, was also sprayed with Brush Killer and it will be necessary to continue this project in 1954 and 1955 to assure a complete kill of this pest.
The program for 1954 will include the cleaning out of the pond during the dry weather and a continuation of brush cutting and Poison Ivy spraying.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS B. MACQUINN ELMER HUNT ANTONE SOUZA
STREET LIGHTING SURVEY COMMITTEE
This year marks the completion of three years of surveying the problem of lighting for our town. Only the lights which we feel are needed, have been recommended.
We have made several relocations and some removals, at a considerable saving to the town.
In the sizes of units, we have used "lumen" ratings instead of "candlepower" since the new street lighting schedule lists them this way. The 1000 lumen size is identical to the former 100 candle- power, the 2500 lumen to the 250 candlepower, etc.
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We recommend that this committee be continued for another year as there is still work to be done to complete the program of better street lights for the entire town.
Ash Street
Has no lights and we have had several requests for some. The committee feels that five (5) 1000 lumen lights should be installed at three stretch intervals southeasterly from the north intersection with South Main Street, at a yearly cost of $17.00 per 1000 lumens, which totals $85.00.
Brooks Place
Relocate two 1000 lumen lights and remove two other 1000 lumen lights as indicated on a plan. Yearly decreased cost $34.00.
Charles Street
Relocate one 1000 lumen light and install two 1000 lumen lights in new locations as shown on plan. Yearly increased cost $34.00.
East Center Street
Install one 4000 lumen light on pole #6/61, near South Main Street. Install eight 1000 lumen lights in new locations to complete the gap between the last present light on pole #6/44 and the inter- section with East Street. Yearly increased cost $178.00.
Lincoln Street
Relocate 1000 lumen light from pole # 10/2 to pole #3 and re- move 1000 lumen lights from poles #10/5, #11 and #20. Yearly decreased cost $51.00.
Matfield Street
Install one 1000 lumen light on pole #15/60, one stretch east of North Main Street. Yearly increased cost $17.00.
North Elm Street
It was decided to refer survey of this street to next year's bus- iness, after discussion.
North Main Street
Install one 4000 lumen light on new pole to be set on the west- erly side, south of railroad crossing (near Laughton residence). Change present 1000 lumen light at the corner of Matfield Street to 2500 lumen. Yearly increased cost $56.00.
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South Street
Install one 1000 lumen light on third pole beyond 1st present light. Install three 1000 lumen lights in the vicinity of Aldrich Street - one at the intersection, one three stretches north and one three streches south of the intersection. Yearly increased cost $68.00.
South Elm Street
Remove 1000 lumen lights from poles #9/45, #50 and #53. Yearly decreased cost $51.00.
South Main Street
Install eight 1000 lumen lights on various poles as shown on a plan. Relocate one 1000 lumen light. Yearly increased cost $136.00.
The net increased yearly cost of the above proposals is $438.00.
The above is the complete data, with the exception of repairs to a fixture at the corner of West Center and Prospect Streets where a new reflector is needed and repair five lights on South Main Street. These repairs are made by the Brockton Edison Co. at no cost to the town. Orders have already been issued to repair these fixtures.
All requests for lights have been given consideration, and any not completed, will be given serious thought next year.
Possible changes which may result from the construction of the new State Highway are still not known as work contemplated at various crossings may present further complications.
Chief of Police P. Douglas Eaton and Mr. Fred S. Mason, of the Brockton Edison Company, have given us valuable assistance this year, as in the past, for which the committee thanks them
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM E. TURNER, Chairman RALEIGH A. HOLDEN FRANCIS CHEYUNSKI LESTER W. REYNOLDS FRANCIS W. LABRACHE
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BUILDING INSPECTOR
I herewith submit my report of Building Inspection from January 1 to December 31, 1953.
New Dwellings
34
Other New Buildings
15
Alterations to Dwellings
25
Alterations to Other Buildings
13
New Manufacture Plants
1
Alteration to Manufacture Plants
1
Trailers 8
Total Number Permits Issued
97
Total Number of Inspections Made 213
Respectfully submitted,
ANTONE SOUSA Building Inspector
INSPECTOR OF WIRES
Inspections
243
Edison Permits issued
148
Services
89
Meters
116
Locations locked
12
Rough wiring new houses
36
Added wiring old houses
10
Not passed
16
Oil burners
60
Electric clothes dryers
4
Water heaters
20
Electric ranges
34
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My thanks to Board of Selectmen and Town Clerk for their assistance in issuing permits and aid to department.
All inspections were based on 1951 National Electric Code, as adopted by Commonwealth of Massachusetts, with no special rules.
Respectfully submitted, LLOYD P. NORDHOLM Wire Inspector
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Sealed 6 Scales over 100 lbs.
Sealed 29 Scales 100 lbs. and under
Sealed 41 Weights
Sealed 3 Vehicle Tanks
Sealed 23 Gas Pumps
Sealed 7 Grease Pumps
Condemned 2 Scales
ARTHUR L. MATHER Sealer of Weights & Measures
ZONING & BUILDING LAWS COMMITTEE
This progressive report is primarily to inform you and the Citi- zens of West Bridgewater that progress is being made in carrying out the intent of Article II as voted at the Town Meeting of March 9, 1953.
This Committee feels that the time is at hand when some plan- ning for the orderly control and expansion of the Town of West
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Bridgewater should be considered since the course of events in other towns, which we have studied carefully in our work, and the further work under way on the Fall River-Boston expressway, indi- cates that the possible extensive expansion of residential building could far exceed our present facilities and cause an overwhelming burden to the taxpayers of this town. It is not the intent of this Committee to stifle progress but to regulate it to the best interests of the Town.
With these ideas in mind we have held weekly meetings since last May 18th, the summer months exceptd. During these meetings we have studied and discussed Zoning Ordinances from a number of towns of the comparative size and lay-out of West Bridgewater. By a study of accepted by-laws applicable to our own situation, we hope to present for the Town's consideration a reasonable, com- plete, and readily understandable set of Protective Zoning Ordi- nances. Realizing that written ordinances must be supplemented by maps, we have purchased large scale maps of the Town on which we are laying out proposed areas for residential, commercial, and industrial growth, commensurate with established trends in those fields.
We have invited and learned much on the subject of Zoning from representatives of the Massachusetts Department of Com- merce and other informed sources, and the department has fur- nished us with helpful literature on the subject.
We recommend the appointment of a Planning Board at the annual Town Meeting.
Your committee is currently meeting at the Town Hall, Tues- day evenings at 7:30 p.m. and will welcome any suggestions from the Townspeople and answer questions to the best of its ability. As the work of the committee progresses, a Public Hearing will be held at which time the Townspeople will have ample opportunity for discussion and recommendations to the end that every citizen will have full and complete knowledge of the proposed Protective Zon- ing By-Law for the Town of West Bridgewater.
We wish to thank the Selectmen, Finance Committee, and
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everyone who has assisted the Committee in any way, for their co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
LLOYD P. TYRER
EXTENSION SERVICE
The Plymouth County Extension Service is a part of the United States Department of Agriculture and the University of Massachusetts. The County Office is located at the Court House, Brockton, Mass., and is composed of three Departments - Agri- culture, Homemaking, and 4-H Club Work. Though supported by Federal Funds, the majority of the financial assistance comes from county sources. Token appropriations are made by practically all of the Plymouth County towns to the county treasury, and these funds are applied toward the County Aid to Agriculture budget. Towns Directors are also appointed or elected where town funds are appropriated.
The Extension Service is an educational organization. County Extension Agents strive to bring to county people the results of research in Agriculture and Homemaking, that will increase in- comes, provide a better living, and happier family life, by teaching people to help themselves.
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