USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1946-1950 > Part 15
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65
98
machinery account is the only available source of funds to purchase minor parts and equipment that the sewer and highway departments require. The appropriation in the past has been so small as to allow for immediate re- pairs only, and has never allowed for purchase of small road machinery items. It is hoped that this account can be increased in 1948.
Appropriation Transfer
$4,000.00
214.26
Expenditures
$4,214.26
Balance
Sewers and Surface Drainage
The expansion of the housing program within the town accompanied by the expansion of our sanitary sewer system has resulted in the doubling of the number of house connections installed in the year over the pre- vious year. A total of 106 connections were made during 1947 of which 57 were installed by the sewer department, the balance by contractors during the construction of new sewers.
The increased burden is resulting in a definite inter- ference by the work of the Highway Department with the work of the sewer department. Since the work is handled by the same crew of men, it necessarily results that both highway work and sewer work can not be ac- complished at the same time. It is during the summer the majority of house connections are requested, and as a result of this, one or the other must be postponed. It would appear that in order to provide a satisfactory oper- ation of both the sewer and highway work, a separate crew of men should be hired and their entire time devoted to sewer and surface drainage work.
Because of the large number of house connections and the lack of time available, it has been impossible to prop- erly take care of the drainage systems within the town. If a separate department were created to carry on this work, the crew could well devote their time to the main- tenance of our drains when house connections and sani- tary sewage problems are not at hand. In order to create this separation, it will be necessary to have additional funds.
99
Appropriation
$5,000.00
Additional Transfers 1,500.00
Total Appropriation
$6,500.00
Expenditures
6,497.27
Balance
$ 2.73
Sidewalk Maintenance
This appropriation allowed for minor repairs from existing sidewalks. Time was not available to have accom- plished all the work necessary. Appropriation $350.00
Expenditures
233.84
Balance
$116.16
Engineering
The following reports of construction activities car- ried out during the year will give evidence of the work carried out by the Engineering Department. The follow- ing sanitary sewers were constructed: Elm Street, Mill and Springfield Streets to a point 500 feet beyond North- wood Street, Cleveland Street, Pierce Street, Mooreland Street, Springfield Street from O'Brien's Corner 750 feet towards the Agawam Bridge. A new drain was con- structed to remove surface water from Memorial Field in front of the American Legion Home. The remaining por- tion of Cooley Street that was not surfaced previously has received a bituminous macadam roadway so that the entire length of Cooley Street is now hardened.
The laying out and setting of bounds over new public ways was a cause of considerable confusion due to the legal necessity of a large amount of paper work prelimi- nary to establishment of such streets. A new system, as demanded by the town council, is getting underway and when sufficient funds allow for the necessary work, many new streets which have petitioned for acceptance as public ways will be handled. It must be realized by the public that construction activities take priority over the laying out of such streets and in due course of time, all streets petitioned will have an opportunity for their pre- sentation as public ways.
The rapid increase of home construction in the town
100
-
has made more work than in the past due to the request for sewer depths and street numbers which often must be determined by surveying in the field. Appropriation $6,230.00
Expenditures 6,159.39
Balance
$ 70.61
Sanitary Sewer Construction
Elm Street Sewer.
The construction of this sewer was started in 1946, but a very small amount of work was accomplished before the end of the year due to the extreme difficulties in- volved. Demos Brothers, contractors, took over the work after an unsuccessful attempt by other contractors, and completed the work early in March.
Expenditures
Contractor
$12,500.00 Material, Handling, etc. 2,676.75
Total Cost $15,176.75
Springfield and Mill Street Sewers:
The work was begun at the junction of Poplar and Mill Streets and carried through the hill at Springfield Street to a point approximately 500 feet west of North- wood Street. The depth at the cut at the top of the knoll was approximately 25 feet, and the major portion of this cut was in a hard red clay which could only be ex- cavated by a slow gradual chewing away by the power shell. After passing the knoll the entire length of the por- tion constructed was laid over up to 3 feet of ground water. The removal of the water in the trench was nec- essary before any pipe could be laid, making the work slow and tedious. The original contract called for the construction over as far as Northwood Street, but the presence of water forced the contract to be extended 500 feet, in an effort to extend the pipe to a point above the ground water. Part of the anticipated work for 1948 is the extention of this sewer to Feeding Hills Center.
Expenditures
Contractor
$13,121.87
Material, Handling, Policing detours, etc. 5,737.03
Total
$18,858.90
101
Main Street Sewer:
2,760 lineal feet of sanitary sewer main was laid on Main Street to complete the section lying between Barden Street and Adam Street. This construction brought about the completion of the section necessary to have sewer sys- tems continue from Cooper Street to the River Road.
Expenditures
Contractor $ 9,766.12 Material, Handling, Polic-
ing, etc. 3,496.97
Total cost $13,263.09
Cleveland Street :
Over the entire length of Cleveland Street a sanitary sewer was laid. The location of the gas and water lines were such as to necessitate extra manholes and shifting of the sewer from the center line. Very few of the houses on this street connected to the sewer at the time of its construction; but the connection of the remaining ones will be made at a later date.
Expenditures
Contractor
$4,869.81
Material, Handling, etc. 2,200.75
Total cost $7,070,56
Pierce and Mooreland Streets :
These streets presented a serious hazard to the local residents due to the constant surfacing of draining mat- ter from the septic tanks. Practically every house re- quired re-digging of the tanks in an effort to alleviate the condition. The Board of Health found it necessary to con- struct this sewer, which resulted in the largest number of connections paid for the total amount spent by the town for any sanitary sewer.
Expenditures
Contractor $2,177.00
Material, Handling, etc. 782.88
Total Cost $2,959.88
Springfield Street (O'Brien's Corner)
The acknowledgment by the Massachusetts Depart- ment of Public Works that the reconstruction of Spring- field Street will be started in the near future required that sanitary sewer construction over the entire length of Springfield Street be completed so as to make certain
102
that it will not be necessary to tear out a new roadway. The work that was started with the balance of the funds covered from O'Brien's Corner to the top of the hill lead- ing to the Agawam Bridge. All of the expenditures are not shown on this accounting because the work was not accepted for payment until January.
Expenditures
Contractor (to date-Decem- ber 31, 1947) $ 687.07
Material, Handling, Detours, etc. 1,657.53
Total Cost $2,344.60
The completion of Monroe Street was made during 1947 because the weather did not allow for the re-estab- lishment of the road surface. This cost was $1,189.09. The expenditures of $13.50 for Westfield Street sewer was made to finish that account.
Balance, January 1, 1947 $15,717.35
Appropriation 1948 50,000.00
Available Funds
$65,717.35
Elm Street
$15,176.75
Mill and Springfield Streets
18,858.90
Main Street
13,263.09
Cleveland Street
7,070.56
Pierce and Mooreland Street
2,959.88
O'Brien's Corner
2,344.60
Monroe Street
1,189.09
Westfield River
13.50
Stock on Hand
1,267.63
Total Expenditures
62,144.00
Balance
$ 3,573.35
Future Layout Bounds
Street bounds were set on Hastings Street, North- wood Street, Federal Street Extension, and Belle Street. Appropriation $500.00
Expenditures 497.68
Balance
$ 12.32
103
-
Memorial Park Drainage
Two catch basins were constructed in Memorial Park and a new culvert was built across Springfield Street to drain this area in anticipation of future landscaping and beautifying of this park. Appropriation $850.00
Expenditures
826.12
Balance
$ 23.88
Cooley Street Highway
The gravel for this construction between Maple and Moore Streets was laid in 1946 and the stone work, tar- ring and re-building of catch basins was done during the year.
Balance, January 1, 1947 $1,125.88
Expenditures
1,003.44
Balance
......
$ 122.44
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM D. RISING Superintendent Streets and Engineering
104
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE AND BUREAU OF OLD-AGE ASSISTANCE
Early in the year both the board and the bureau were organized and Mr. Cavanaugh was chosen as chair- man of each division.
The Chairman called meetings when it seemed neces- sary and all categories were discussed at each meeting.
The details of the work will be covered more thor- oughly in the Agent's Report.
Respectfully submitted
JEREMIAH J. CAVANAUGH ANDREW CHRISCOLO FRANK W. KELLOGG
REPORT OF THE WELFARE AGENT
The local board still administers all forms of relief and there have been very few changes in the past year except increased budgets and larger case loads in every category. These factors of course resulted in higher costs which will be even higher in 1948 and a much larger appropriation will be necessary.
While we are aware of higher costs in this depart- ment, we would do well to consider also that the expense is shared and part of the total cost is returned to the town. For instance, the gross sum paid out in 1947 for Old Age Assistance was nearly $41,000.00 and we re- ceived in Federal Grants, from the state, from other cities and towns and from meal tax enough to bring the net cost down to less than $4,500.00.
We also receive similar payments to offset the cost
105
of Aid to Dependent Children and our net expense for this category in 1947 was less than $2,200.00.
Our expense in General Relief is eased somewhat by reimbursement from the state and from other commu- nities for aid to people without a settlement in Agawam.
Our increased load in Old Age Assistance has been gradual and the expenses have risen proportionately, but the jump in General Relief and Aid to Dependent Chil- dren has been unusual and alarming and several cases will have to be placed on A. D. C. as soon as possible.
Two surveys were made during 1947 in this depart- ment, one by Federal authority and one by a private organization. These were to see that all legal require- ments are met and that all the work is properly done.
No compliments are ever paid by people doing this work and the absence of severe criticism is some satis- faction. They insisted however that more help was needed.
The agent feels that we can function for another year without asking for any additional help and when it be- comes absolutely necessary he hopes there will be suf- ficient outside funds to pay for all or part of it.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER S. KERR Welfare Agent
106
REPORT OF THE
Sealer of Weights and Measures
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
I herewith submit my annual report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending Dec. 31, 1947.
Adjusted
Sealed
Not Sealed
Platform Scales, 100-5,000 lbs.
14
22
3
Counter 100 lbs. or over
1
Counter under 100 lbs.
8
Beam 100 lbs. or over
1
Beam under 100 lbs.
6
1
Spring 100 lbs. or over
1
3
Spring under 100 lbs.
15
31
2
Computing under 100 lbs.
12
27
2
Personal Weighing (Slot)
2
Prescription
1
2
Avoirdupois
114
Metric
24
Troy
2
Vehicle Tanks 100 gals. or less
5
1
Liquid-1 Gal. and under
26
Liquid over 1 Gal.
1
Meters 1 In. Inlet or less
2
42
Oil Measuring
17
Grease Meas.
36
2
Yard Sticks
3
Taxi Meters
2
Cloth Measuring Devices
3
Totals
....
45
378
11
107
Trial Weighings on Measurements of Commodities Sold or Put Up for Sale
Total No. Tested
No. Correct
Incorrect Under
Over
Beans
47
40
2
5
Bread
157
126
13
18
Butter
126
98
26
2
Confectionery
22
17
5
Dry Commodities
137
127
6
4
Flour
14
14
Fruit and Vegetables
20
18
2
Grain and Feed
10
10
Lard
37
34
1
2
Meat and Provisions
38
38
Potatoes and Onions
109
93
10
6
Dry Goods
30
15
1
14
Olive Oil
10
8
2
Totals
757
628
78
51
Clinical Thermometers Inspected 19
Retest on Peddler's Scale-Total 12, Correct 3.
Retest on Ice Scales-Total 6, Correct 6.
Retest on Proper Markings-Total 38, Correct 38.
Reinspection of Gas Pumps-Total 14, Correct 14.
Inspections on Road-Total 35, Correct 35.
Sealing Fees $106.37
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK DRAGHETTI Sealer of Weights and Measures
108
Forestry Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Gentlemen :
During the past year we have removed many large poplar trees throughout the town. A great many of these being on Springfield, School, and Kensington Streets. In so doing we have removed a great menace to the town, mainly preventing interruption to electric and telephone service to many people who are greatly dependent on both.
We did not remove trees of any value because these poplars have reached the stage where the blight has hit them or would soon hit them causing them to die off rap- idly. These trees have been a nuisance to most people, breaking into sewers, cellars, sidewalks, etc., and having also been a source of this department's greatest expense. There are more to be removed, but the worst of these are gone.
This coming year this department is hoping to re- place many of these and other trees removed in the past by planting young maples. We are also expecting addi- tional funds to enable us to buy a new chain saw which we feel will allow us to do a great deal more work.
I regret to report that about 35 cases of Dutch Elm disease have been reported to me by the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture, and I have been requested to approach the Board of Selectmen for funds to remove these infected trees before they spread to all elms in town. These in- fected trees are mostly situated on private property, and we have not been able to do much about the situation.
We received good results from our spraying last year and hope to do better this year if possible.
This department will welcome calls in regard to tree work, such as low branches, split trees, broken limbs, dead trees, infected damaged trees, etc. We will try to help in every way we can.
Respectfully Submitted DANIEL DI DONATO Tree Warden
109
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and citizens of the Town of Agawam:
I herewith submit my annual report of the Police De- partment for the year ending Dec. 31st, 1947.
Personnel
Perley J. Hewey, Chief Roland C. Reed, Sergt.
Patrolmen
R. Kenneth Grady, John Chriscola, Romeo Borgatti, Louis Tatro and Stanley Rhodes Special Officers Steven Carlisto and Edward Harpin
Total number of Arrests 696
Total number of Convictions 688
Total number of Accidents 165
Total number of Speeders apprehended 354
Total number of Ambulance Calls in 8 Mo. 71
Total Amount of Fines collected $8,285.00
Total Amount of Property recovered $3,920.00
The past year has been a busy one for the Police De- partment. Our Arrest column shows that more arrests have been made than in any previous year, also fines taken by the Court have surpassed those taken in any preceding year. Our Accident record has increased slightly, due to the fact that more cars have been oper- ated on the highways. The Town Ambulance presented to the Town by the American Legion has seen much serv- ice, and I believe is appreciated by the people of the Town who have had occasion to use it.
In conclusion I wish to express my appreciation for the assistance and co-operation given us in the year 1947 by the Board off Selectmen and all other Officials and citizens of the Town.
Respectfully submitted,
PERLEY J. HEWEY Chief of Police
110
REPORT OF THE Plumbing Inspector
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Agawam:
I wish to state that the year of 1947 was as I pre- dicted in my report of 1946. It was a very busy year and I have almost doubled my work of 1946. Materials have been released both on pipes and fixtures and the prospects for 1948 will be far beyond our expectations. This year will almost double the year of 1947.
You will notice on my report the number of fixtures installed in new houses, and alterations far exceed those in 1946.
During the year of 1947 I have issued 689 permits, and have made over 1,000 inspections. These permits were for the following :
Septic Tanks
170
Hot Water Tanks
189
Safety Valves
278
Odd traps for fixtures replaced
110
Hot Water Heaters
191
Urinals
3
Kitchen Sinks
232
Laundry Trays
173
Bathtubs
205
Showers
13
Lavatories
248
Water Closets
257
Sewer Entrances
119
Gas Pipe Installations
90
A total cost for all these fixtures, gas piping, septic tanks and sewer entrances would be about $100,000.00.
I think that Agawam as a whole is progressing very well for a town of its size.
I wish at this time to thank all plumbers and owners of buildings and homes for their co-operation in the past
111
year. I also wish to state that it has been a pleasure and privilege to be of service to them.
I will do my utmost to make the town of Agawam a clean and healthful place to live in and a credit to all of us. I shall be ready to serve and co-operate whenever called upon for suggestions and advice.
Respectfully yours,
Plumbing Inspector.
112
REPORT OF THE Building Inspector
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my annual report as Building In- spector for the year ending December 31, 1947.
Estimated Cost of Buildings
$1,488,588.00
Number of Permits Issued
402
Number of Inspections Made
2,045
New Homes
184
Additions and Alterations to Homes
70
Garages
44
Barns
16
Poultry Houses
19
Storage Buildings
23
Miscellaneous
33
Buildings Demolished
13
Respectfully submitted,
ERNEST R. HALL, Building Inspector
113
REPORT OF THE
Board of Fire Engineers
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
In submitting our report for 1947, we wish to call attention to the decrease in the number of calls upon our department, which were far less than the previous year. We believe this to be largely due to the campaign on fire prevention during the dry season.
The delivery of the new truck for Feeding Hills de- partment has been held up on account of trouble at the factory. This being settled, we hope to have it soon.
We wish to thank every member of the department for his unselfish and efficient effort to make this a better department.
CALLS DURING 1947
North Agawam Station No. 1 57
Feeding Hills Station No. 2 42
Agawam Center Station No. 3 56
155
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK T. GOSS, Chairman RILEY S. FARNWORTH RAYMOND D. LEWIS
114
ANNUAL REPORT OF Agawam Library Trustees FOR THE YEAR 1947
During the past year all three Libraries have oper- ated in the usual manner. We have tried especially to help the students.
In Agawam Center the story hours were conducted throughout the summer with a good attendance.
In North Agawam there is difficulty because of the lack of space and lack of heat during the evening hours in the winter.
In Feeding Hills the sixth grade children are inter- ested in the State Certificate Reading. We have also been able to get books on the inter-library loan.
We have not been able to purchase as many books as usual because of the increase in price. Discarded periodicals have been welcomed by the waste paper drives.
If there are any new ways in which we can help our people we will be glad to do so.
Respectfully submitted
EVA S. KERR CLARA MCVEIGH ESTHER HAUFF
Feeding Hills
No. Agawam
Agawam
No. borrowers
460
5,657
10,450
No. books
7,325
452
700
Circulation
6,200
5,696
13,639
115
REPORT OF THE The Planning Board
This Board has held seventeen meetings during the year as well as numerous informal discussion periods.
The question of approval by this Board of the accep- tance of streets was settled by a legal ruling as to the proper procedure, which placed the matter in the hands of the Selectmen.
The Board has acted upon twelve applications for zone changes of which six were recommended and six were not recommended.
During the year eight requests for approval of sub- division plans have been favorably acted upon and nu- merous other requests have ben considered. In most cases these will be approved when proper provision for streets and street connections are provided in the plans.
The Board has had several meetings with its con- sultant relative to a general revision of the zoning by- laws and believes that progress is being made.
Respectfully submitted,
AGAWAM PLANNING BOARD
WILLIAM E. VIGNEAUX, Chairman ANDREW CHRISCOLA EDWIN B. SPRING FRED C. EMERSON PAUL B. JOHNSON, Clerk
116
-
-
REPORT OF
The Town Nurse
JANUARY 1, 1947-DECEMBER 31, 1947
Total Number of Nursing Calls 1,081
Total Number of Dressings 237
Total Number of Temperature, Pulse, Respiration
197
Total Number of General Care, Baths, etc. 316
Total Number of Mothers and Babies 53
Total Number of Pre-natals 31
Total Number of Hypos 169
Total Number of Miscellaneous 78
1,081
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
Mumps 9
German Measles 7
Regular Measles 8
Whooping Cough
62
Chicken Pox
16
Scarlet Fever
8
110
Appointments made and patients taken to Westfield Sanatorium, Springfield Hospitals and Doctors and Dentists
31
The Well Baby Clinic started March 3 under Dr. Edward Langer. There were 8 clinics and 72 babies ex- amined by Dr. Langer before his resignation on June 16. On July 3 Dr. Charles Diamond took over. Dr. Diamond has had 11 clinics and 132 babies have been examined. A vote of thanks to both of these fine doctors who so will- ing gave their services free. All babies are welcome to these clinics but appointments must be made with Miss Williams. At the present time the clinic is being held the 2nd Thursday of the month from 3 to 4 p. m.
Our Diphtheria Immunization Clinic was held April 21, May 15, and June 5 and 19. There were 256 children immunized. 100 school children received booster doses and 17 pre-school. 15 children received only 1 or 2 doses,
117
so were not immunized. The Clinic was in charge of Dr. Langer with Miss O'Brien and Miss Williams assisting.
The Vaccination Clinic was held May 29, and 208 chil- dren were vaccinated. The Doctor's fee for this clinic was $1.00 per child. Dr. Langer was in charge.
On June 4th 104 pre-school children were examined.
During the year it was decided by the Board of Health to charge a fee of $1.00 per nursing visit. A total of $346.75 in fees was collected by Miss Williams and paid over to the Town Treasurer.
Mrs. Parady was the substitute nurse during my vacation and did a fine job.
At this time I would like to thank Mrs. Woodbury, Mrs. King, Mrs. Kerr, Mrs. Gibson, Mrs. Parady, Mrs. Miner, Mrs. Polhamus and all others who so generously gave of their time and cars to help make our Clinics a success.
The Agawam Women's Club Loaning Cupboard has been a great help to both my patients and myself, espe- cially the hospital bed. I do thank everyone for their dona- tion. Any equipment you wish to give to the Cupboard will be gratefully received.
May I again thank the Town Officials and Towns- people for their help and cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
CLARA H. WILLIAMS, R. N., Town Nurse
118
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS
On January first, Nineteen Forty Seven, the Board had on hand four petitions to be acted upon. During the year the Board received 21 petitions asking variations from the restrictions of the Zoning By-Law or the Build- ing code.
Eighteen meetings were held at which hearings on these petitions were given to the petitioners and other in- terested parties.
As a result of these hearings three petitions were withdrawn before decision was rendered and four peti- tions were denied absolutely. Relief was granted to seven- teen petitioners, in most cases such restrictions were im- posed as were deemed necessary by the Board to protect the best interests of the Town.
There are two petitions on file on which action is pending at this date.
The Board would be remiss in its duties if it failed at this time to express its appreciation to the various other divisions of Town Government for the co-operation it has received during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD C. ATWATER, Chairman JAMES P. KANE, Secretary JAMES H. KERR
119
REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of Agawam:
The Board of Water Commissioners respectfully sub- mit the Annual Report of the Water Department of Aga- wam, Massachusetts, for the year ending December 31, 1947.
The past year's operation has indicated conclusively that this Department must be kept abreast of the rapidly expanding residential development in the Town, and to make this possible we request your help and consideration toward that end.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.