USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1946-1950 > Part 41
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Albert Street
Highland Avenue
Barry Street (part)
Norman Terrace
Colonial Avenue
South Westfield Street
Edward Street
Wilson Street
Elm Street
William Street
Harding Street
Wyman Street
Appropriation
$10,000.00
Expenditures
9,991.13
Balance 8.87
Chapter 90 Maintenance
Meadow Street was completely re-sealed and the shoulders cleaned and widened with Chapter 90 Funds. Shoemaker Lane was also treated, between Suffeld Street and Silver Street; this portion having been done because it is the most heavily traveled and the bus route.
It is not expected that the State will cooperate in giving the Town Chapter 90 Maintenance Funds in 1950. The reason for this will be obviated by the fact that the State is willing to contribute under Chapter 90 Construc- tion $70,000.00 towards the reconstruction of Springfield Street.
Appropriation
$3,600.00
Expenditures
3,183.02
Balance
$ 416.98
Chapter 90 Construction
The reconstruction of Springfield Street between the Agawam Bridge and O'Brien's corner was started with
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1949 funds, but the State awarded the contract so late as to prohibit its completion until the spring of 1950. This construction will be a major improvement and will result in the elimination of the curves on the present grade. This hill has long been a serious hazard during wet and slippery weather.
The proposed Chapter 90 program for 1950-1951 is the extention of Springfield Street reconstruction through to the Southwich line. This road is presently about 30 years old and is worn out. The State through the Dept. of Public Works has recognized our need for this recon- struction and has stated its willingness to cooperate by giving Agawam a much larger share of construction funds then we have ever received in the past.
Suffeld Street
Completed in 1948 Bal. of available funds
$12,728.83
Contractor
6,748.34
Balance
$ 5,980.49
Springfield Street
Appropriation
$44,000.00
Misc.
24.73
Contractor
3,778.25
3,802.98
Balance
$40,197.02
Road Machinery Account
The cost of maintaining our equipment has been a constantly increasing figure due to the age of a number of the vehicles. We have in service at the present time, one truck fourteen years old, one ten years old and one nine years old. Our loader was purchased second hand four years ago and besides being worn, it is outmoded, because of the height of bodies of the town Ford Trucks, making it very difficult to satisfactorily load these two trucks.
The maintenance cost for gas and oil have increased due to our own use of equipment for sewer construction. The Road Machinery Account expenditures are directly proportional to increased work the department takes on.
165
In addition to sewer construction, the Town now makes regular monthly collections of rubbish, which increases the use of equipment, thus necessitating a larger appro- priation for this account.
Appropriation
Credits
$ 7,500.00 22.34
$ 7,522.34
Expenditures
$ 7,513.93
Balance
$ 8.41
Road Machinery Fund
The purchase of a new grader during 1949 was un- anticipated but was made necessary by the burning up of the old grader. This fire was caused by the breaking of the gasoline line at the manifold with a resulting ex- plosive ignition of the gas as it poured upon the hot mani- fold. This new grader, because of its construction and incrased power, is of much more value to the department than the old one.
A new road sweeper attachment for the tractor was added to the departments equipment and has been very useful in cleaning the streets prior to tarring so that a better bond between the road surface and the tar can be had.
The new paint sprayer has served more uses than as a road marker, for we have been able to inflate our own tires without the delay of sending them to a garage and we are also able to paint our own equipment at a fraction of the time normally consumed by hand painting.
It is our desire in 1950 to replace the 1936 and 1940 trucks by two new ones. Our loader, as previously men- tioned, should also be replaced so that we may avoid a costly overhaul and have a more satisfactory piece of equipment.
Snow Removal
The only severe storm of the year was the first of March, when we had 22 inches to combat. The fact that there was only one such storm is not in indication of the amount of work necessary for snow removal. This item
166
includes setting out of snow fences, maintaining sand boxes, and all necessary sanding during ice and snow storms. Small storms can often be as expensive as large snowfalls; since sanding requires the purchase of sand and salt.
We have endeavored to open up all main highways as soon as possible with our four plows. Many times, in an effort to keep cost at a minimum, some side streets are delayed in their cleaning. The public's cooperation would perhaps be more complete, if on side streets cars were not parked during or after storms. Many times delays have occurred while making an effort to clear the streets of parked cars so that the road may be cleared.
Appropriation
$8,028.00
Expenditures
8,028.00
Balance
00.00
Sidewalk Construction
A special appropriation was voted by the Town to complete the sidewalk between Reed Street and Federal Street. This work was carried on by the department and a substantial balance was left over estimated contract costs. This work involved bringing in a considerable quantity of fill since the edge of the road had existed very close to the edge of the bank. So as to protect the pedestrians using this walk, fill was used beyond the edge of the sidewalk.
It is anticipated that 1950 requests will include the construction of a sidewalk on Springfield Street to follow the completion of the new highway. This walk is urgently needed as those citizens using Springfield Street Hill in the morning between 8:00 and 9:00 will realize.
Appropriation
$1,750.00
Expenditures
1,554.09
Balance
$ 195.91
Leonard Street Construction
The Leonard Street construction succeeded in ap- preciably reducing the dangerous curve at the foot of the
167
hill. This section, during flood times, has always been under water but the present changes will eliminate this in the future. The problem of snow removal upon the hill was always serious, as a storm of any consequence made it necessary for trucks to go only from the top to the bottom, because of the impossibility to make the grade and curve while plowing up hill.
The swamp over which the road was constructed gave more trouble then was anticipated. A culvert over 100 feet in length had to be laid through this mucky swamp and it was necessary to lay a bed of gravel seven feet in thickness before the pipe could be stabilized.
As a result of this added excavation and the gravel bedding, the appropriation was exceeded and it will be necessary to compensate the contractor for this work.
Appropriation Expenditures
$28,000.00
28,000.00
Balance
00,000.00
New Oiling
Cooper Street, Royal Street, Randall Street, and part of Garden Street were graveled and hardened under this appropriation. These streets have long been a source of complaints due to the extensive use by the public and their lack of a suitable surface for such amounts of travel. Other streets, such as Rowley Street and Franklin Street which are cut across between the main roads are planned for future hardening.
Appropriation
$11,000.00
Expenditures
10,987.68
Balance
$ 12.32
New Highway Construction
The completion of the surface drainage on Monroe Street left this street as one of the few in Town having all of the facilities which normally are placed beneath the roadway completed in place. For this reason this street was hardened with a bituminous macadam surface,
168
since no future utilities need be placed to destroy the surface.
Appropriation
$5,000.00
Expenditures
4,977.06
Balance
$ 22.94
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT ALCORN Superintendent of Streets & Engineering
169
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE AND BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
The Board and Bureau were both organized early in the year with the same chairman who called meetings when necessary and all categories were discussed each time.
As far as possible in meeting the necessary require- ments we have tried to practice economy and still main- tain efficiency.
JEREMIAH J. CAVANAUGH ANDREW CHRISCOLA RAYMOND J. DELOGHIA
REPORT OF THE WELFARE AGENT
Like all communities our relief costs for 1949 were much higher and the prospect for 1950 is not promising.
Unemployment of course helped to increase our load but as in the previous year the major causes were deser- tions, separations and delinquency which always resulted in hardship and need.
Aid to dependent children is now a very popular form of aid and we have many proponents and advocates working in its behalf. All the private agencies, some lawyers and many of the court officials recommend it to every one who could possibly be eligible. It has good points and it is very liberal, but it is too much of a favorite with the state department and in the opinion of
170
your agent should include settlement as is the case with old age assistance.
Old age assistance is much the same and did not get overhauled last year as much as usual by our legislature. The recess commission mentioned in this report a year ago has been continued, but the legislature after boosting their own salaries to the extent of $1,000.00 each felt that they ought to remember the old age assistance recipients who are all citizens and able to vote. Their generosity was commendable, but lack of funds caused them some trouble. They finally granted each one on old age assist- ance $4.00 per month and not having any reason to make the increase, said it was for leisure time activities, which sounds well and is agreeable to those benefitxed thereby.
This money is to be paid back to the cities and towns by the state from new taxes, and these don't seem to materialize, so no repayment has been made as yet. The result is that we have to pay out more money and wait. A case load of 125 means $500.00 more each month which till now has come directly from town funds.
To comply with state and federal regulations regard- ing administration it is necessary to have at least one more worker, so we will probably add a social worker in the near future. At the present rate, nearly half of this extra expense will come from federal grants.
WALTER S. KERR
Welfare Agent
171
REPORT OF THE AGENT AND DIRECTOR OF VETERANS' BENEFITS AND SERVICES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
The Veterans' Service and Benefits Department is a very important department in Town, and will continue to be important as long as we exist. In the past year there was 1366 calls came to this office for help, advice and guidance.
This department acts as a service office not only for members of veterans' organizations but for all veterans and their dependents in Agawam. Discharged veterans' find this department a center for further information, photostatic copies are made of all his important papers. He is assisted in obtaining information on the following subjects, Banking, Education, Insurance, Legal, Medical, Hospitalization, Rehabilitation. Assisted in making con- tact with the Veterans' Administration, either in person or representation in filing claims for pension, appeals, questions about insurance and hospital care. A daily report is kept of each veterans problem and the action taken.
With the unemployment sitauation as it is today the work under Veterans' Benefits has increased for the agent. For every application made by a veteran or his dependent for financial assistance the following records must be obtained, Copy of Discharge, Prove his Settle- ment, Bank Reports (11 banks) Wage Reports, Marriage Record, Birth Record of Children, Public Record of any Divorce or Seperation where either is pertinent to con- sideration of application, Court Record and a Sworn to Dependency Report for the Father or Mother by the veteran. A weekly report must be made at this office of all who are receiving financial assistance, and a home in-
172
vestigation by the agent twice a month. All applications for benefits are subject to approval by the State Depart- ment by law. This department has endeavored to work closely with the State, therefore any person checking the records of payment by the Town and receipts from the State will find this true. The accompanying chart gives an idea of the work required of this department. The last column shows the amount paid entirely from Town appropriations for Relief, Fuel, Medical, Hospitalization, Dental and Medical Services.
Respectfully submitted,
LESLIE C. MILLER Agent and Director, Veterans' Services
173
Total Expended on Veterans' Benefits
Total Calls
Red Cross
Widows Pension
Veterans' Administration
Soldiers Relief
Photo-stat
Pension . Compensation SC.
NSC.
Notorization Merical · Dental & Hospitalization
Loans
Insurance
Counciling the Veteran
Fuel . Housing
Employment
Education
Copy of Discharge Burial · Death Benefits
January
0
2 13
5
5
5 1
20
030
3
12 2
12
2 301
90 $ 185.85
February
March
0
0
5
4
4
2
8
10
1
16
201
2
210
2
27
1
8
1
11
2
8
1 19
2 300 94 81 104 102 138 111 140 162
281.42
May
1
2
2
2
5
4
5
11
9
2
10
3
5
11
12
0
22
31
15 7 2
October
1
2
4 9
November
0
December
..
7 16 84 68 131 125 10 281 38 9 7 62 144 15 179 81 96 5 8 1366 $6020.09
Total
0
3 1
1
2
16
0
19
1
24
100
4
12
5
10
9 0
8 3 810
26 3 15 1 4
315.20
June
1
July
0
2 17
4
14
August
1 0 1
September
2
1
6 12
18 7 0 21 9 0 17 0
40 32 26
6 01 5 9 02 7 2306 7 003 300 4
10 21
0 2
14
600 19 9 11 00 1 9 0 12 9 7 0 0
148 114
654.17
200 6
2 0
12
8 202 82 210.05
601.02
April
1
483.72
0
6
13
1 11 8
26
3 1 2 12
394.75
831.89
810.67
904.03
347.32
1 9 12 0 0 3 7 17
1 8
2 15
8 5 911 9 8 12 2 0 8 11 00 17 10 900 27 14
Bonus
174
25
Income Tax
Legal Aid
REPORT OF THE Agawam Library Trustees FOR THE YEAR 1949
During the year of 1949 all three libraries have func- tioned as usual. Due to the increased population more people have used the libraries.
In Agawam Center the building has been redecorated by the Library Association. Story hours were enjoyed by the children during the summer months.
The work in North Agawam is much curtailed be- cause of lack of room.
Two much-needed chairs were added to the Feeding Hills Library. Here there was an increase in reading by the children and in non-fiction by the adults.
We hope the towns people will use our Libraries even more this coming year.
Respectfully submitted,
EVA S. KERR CLARA MCVEIGH ESTHER HAUFF
Feeding Hills
Agawam
Center
North Agawam
No. of books
7,350
10,400
4,356
Borrowers
480
800
500
Circulation
6,875
13,514
6,006
175
REPORT OF THE PARKS & PLAYGROUND COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
With a little more money to work with in 1949 and with many requests and suggestions from various groups in the town, the Parks & Playground Committee pro- ceeded in buying necessary equipment for the playground areas. The committee was pleased to find that the people of Agawam are finally realizing that playground activities are worthwhile in building up a good social community spirit throughout the town.
This year the total average daily attendance was 146 (41 more than last year). During the first three weeks of the season our average daily attendance was 182. Dur- ing the last week in July and the first week in August when Dr. Diamond ordered that the North Agawam Play- ground be closed due to one case of polio, our attendance really took a drop, but the health of the children comes first.
After installing new slides in the Agawam and Springfield Street playgrounds and a new set of swings in the Agawam playground, we opened our season. The 1949 season lasted for eight and one-half weeks, the same as last year. The supervisors were high school stu- dents who in turn were guided by a Springfield College student and a college girl who specialized in craft work. The average daily attendance of the three playgrounds were: Agawam Center 43, Springfield Street 52, and North Agawam 71.
Evry Tuesday we took the boys and girls by bus to Babb's Beach in Southwick for swimming. The atten- dance at first was exceptionally good, but after the scare of polio it dropped considerably.
In addition we held horseshoe and checker tourna- ments, the regular softball and volley ball leagues, pet shows, bicycle circus, captain kid party, newstand party,
176
scavenger hunts, and a field day. Trips were also made to the Coco Cola plant, the Spalding athletic goods factory, and to Forest Park.
As a finale we held a large picnic at Riverside Park. The 375 children and 25 mothers that attended was double what we had in 1948. Each child received 10 free ride tickets from Mr. Carroll and one food ticket from the Recreation Department.
With the construction of the New Granger School still in progress this spring we did not dare open the play- ground in Feeding Hills for fear of accidents to the chil- dren. But next year we will endeavor to equip that play- ground with the same facilities that our other play- grounds possess.
A softball league was formed this year by the com- mittee for our local teams. Many spirited adults played before large crowds in the evenings as Robinson Park. The Agawam Cafe went undefeated for the second straight year to win the town championship and were awarded a beautiful trophy for their efforts.
Three skating rinks were constructed and maintained in the three sections of the town. These rinks proved to be very popular to the children and adults alike. Next year a few more rinks will be added in the different sec- tions of the town.
We are asking for a little more money this year as the Agawam American Legion Memorial Park has been turned over to the Commission. To maintain its present beauty we will need a larger appropriation.
Next year we not only intend to carry out the same program as this year but we expect to improve this pro- gram. We also would like to add two girls and one boy as supervisors.
Respectfully submitted,
SAMUEL F. PROVO, Chairman FRANCIS J. NAPOLITAN, Clerk LESTER M. OBERHEIM
Parks & Playground Commission
177
REPORT OF The Planning Board
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
The Agawam Planning Board held twenty-three meetings during the year 1949. Included in this number are eleven special meetings to consider the proposed new zoning by-laws and map, as well as special sub-division hearings.
Your Board has been confronted with several pro- found problems during the past year. The most critical, perhaps, was the challenge of the legal existance of the Planning Board due to improper wording of the passage of Article 18 of the warrant of the Annual Town Meeting, February 12, 1944. A declaratory judgment by the Supe- rior Court has been requested by our Town Counsel but, to date, no decision has been rendered. This delay forces us to withold our presentation of the new proposed zoning laws and town zoning map. Our citizens, who request zone changes or await acceptance of the new zoning map for future business development are harassed by this same delay.
Our second problem is concerned with the passage of the new zoning laws and map, if and when the Planning Board is declared "legal", due to the fact that we are ever confronted with groups who wish small sections to be zoned in favor of individual interests. The Board feels that the new law and map have been devised, enlisting the aid of a competant consultant, with the broad interests and general welfare of the Town as the prime factor. The Board would, therefore, solicit the support of broad in- terests in the passage of this act. Such a program would expedite the fulfillment of a pledge of the Planning Board
178
to give the town an up-to-date zoning law, which would be coincidental with the rapid growth of the town.
The Board also believes that a well planned "Capital Outlay" program should be undertaken to provide for the much needed public utility developments. This program would attempt to eliminate the problem of repeated re- construction on certain streets and embody a well thought-out plan for "most needed" - "first served". It would also provide a "sinking fund" for future contin- gencies such as the establishment of a central sewerage disposal system and the erection of public buildings.
During the past year, we have agreed that sub- dividers (those who wish to develop building sites on other than a registered street) shall enter into a bilateral agreement with the selectmen of the town to perform the following :
1. Install sewers of such size, as in the judgment of the Town Engineer, will adequately service the develop- ment proposed.
2. Install water mains at least six inches in dia- meter to the specifications of the Board of Water Commis- sioners.
3. Provide for surface drainage when and where the same may be connected to and become part of existing storm sewers.
4. Semi-harden public way to grade and specifica- tions of the Town Engineer.
5. Post a surety sub-division performance bond in an amount equal to the estimated cost, as computed by the Town Engineer, of the foregoing improvements guaranteeing the performance of the conditions herein- before required.
With these specifications, we have placed a require- ment on the developer to create a street and subdivision which will, at its very inception, be an asset to the town rather than a distinct liability when the street is finally accepted. Modifications and arrangements have been made with smaller developers, when occasions have arisen, to allow normal opportunity to all.
May the ensuing year disclose the legality of the Board, the acceptance of the new zoning law and map, and the establishment of a sound "capital outlay" pro-
179
gram so that we may continue to endeavor to play our part in the development of the true possibilities of the Town of Agawam.
Respectfully submitted,
FRED EMERSON, Chairman JOHN BELTRANDI EDWIN SPRING WILLIAM VIGNEAUX GEORGE L. REYNOLDS, Clerk
180
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS
During the year 1949 the Board received 32 petitions asking variations from the requirements of the Zoning By-Laws of the Building Code.
Twenty-two meetings were held at which hearings on these petitions were given to the petitioners and other parties deemed interested under the terms of the laws.
One petition was withdrawn, three petitioners were denied and relief was granted to twenty-six petitioners. Two decisions have had to be withheld until such time as a court decision concerning the Planning Board is ren- dered. Restrictions were imposed in such cases as the Board thought necessary, in order to protect the best interests of the Town and its citizens.
The Board wishes to remind all concerned that any restriction placed upon the records will be enforced and properties so restricted will be investigated occasionally to make sure that the law is being obeyed.
The Board wishes to thank all of those in other de- partments of the Town Government for the cooperation received during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD C. ATWATER, Chairman JAMES P. KANE, Secretary JAMES H. KERR
181
ur he
REPORT OF THE WATER DEPARTMENT
To the Citizens of the Town of Agawam:
We respectfully present herewith our report on the activities of the Water Department for the year 1949.
There has been a steady growth in the number of takers, a greater demand for water for domestic and fire consumption, and considerable activity in the way of con- struction work.
WATER CONSUMPTION
Total number of gallons used in 1949-213,847,300 an increase of 21,715,500 gallons over 1948; a daily aver- age of 585,900 gallons.
This was due to the unusually dry summer, making a great demand for water to sprinkle lawns and gardens.
TOTAL REVENUE
Revenue from all sources for the year was $53,893.96. This shows a marked increase over 1948 which is due to several factors. Among them are, a very dry season, calling for much water for irrigating purposes; a con- siderable increase in the number of new house services in- stalled ; a charge for renewals of old services; and a small charge for clean-outs. During the year the department has completed the installation of 118 new house services, 293 repairs, replacements and relocations of old service lines, with a total revenue of $14,413.40 for such opera- tions. Water meter readings indicate a consumption re- turning $39,480.56.
Water Committments $39,480.56
Water Connection 6,075.00
Accounts Receivable 8,338.40
$53,893.96
Paid to City of Springfield for water $17,065.06
182
HYDRANTS
Seven hydrants have been broken by automobiles. Only two of these have paid for by Insurance Companies. Unfortunately we were unable to find out who hit the other five, therefore they had to be taken care of by the department.
Locations of broken hydrants are as follows:
Springfield Street 2
Royal & Randall Streets
Elm Street
Suffield Street
Poplar Street
Main Street
Twelve hydrants had to be repacked and four hydrant stems had to be replaced. Two so-called gateless hydrants had to be moved on Springfield Street where the street is being relocated, two gate valves were put in while this work was being done.
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