USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1946-1950 > Part 60
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sanitary line was laid through the entire length of Hall Street a distance of 1,320 feet. Since the contractor has not been completely paid for this work, the final cost as well as the betterment assessments cannot be determined at this time.
Franklin Street Sewer
The Franklin Street Sewer is under construction at the end of 1950 and it will be sometime before this work is completed. Because of the rising costs of material and labor construction, prices paid for this work were not as favorable as the town had received in the past. As a result of this the amount of construction will be shortened to meet the available funds. This work is also being done under the betterment assessment program and assessment will be levied during 1951.
Mittineague Bridge Repairs
The steel work, bridge rollers and sidewalk brackets were seriously in need of repair and upon the recommen- dation of the Massachusetts Department of Public Works this work was started in 1950. The sum of $5,500 was appropriated by the town and because of the considerable amount of damage by corrosion the State has granted $1,400 additional funds to accompany the town's. This work is not complete but the contractor will continue on when weather permits. The Mittineague Bridge in the near future must be considered for reconstruction since during flood times access to West Springfield is impossible through their underpasses. These underpasses also make it necessary for high trailers to use this bridge which is outmoded because of its antiquity and narrowness.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT E. ALCORN Town Engineer
263
REPORT OF THE AGAWAM HOUSING AUTHORITY
Board of Selectmen Agawam, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
On behalf of the Agawam Housing Authority I here- with submit to you the report of our activities since the beginning of the year 1950.
At the start of the new year elected members con- tinued in office. At the annual election in February 1950, Mr. Louis DelPadre was elected to succeed Mr. Robert J. Hackett. The present members are Louis DePalma, Raoul A. Charpentier, Harry N. Abell, Jr., and Louis DelPadre. George L. Reynolds continued in office by vir- tue of his former appointment by the State Housing Board.
Our veterans' housing project, known as Joseph J. Brady Village, located at the corner of Springfield and Franklin Streets, has been fully occupied since its com- pletion September 1, 1949. It consists of seven four- apartment buildings and two duplex buildings, making a total of 32 dwelling units, heated from a central heating plant. The present admission and income limits have been set at $3250 for two dependents or less, at $3500 for three dependents or more, and for permanent oc- cupancy at $3750 and $4000 respectively. The average cost of shelter rent for two or three bedroom units ( with- out heat or hot water furnished) amounts to $36.41 per month.
During the year in review there have been three va- cancies which were immediately replaced from a long list of applicants.
This report is submitted with the authority's com- plete awareness of the fact that there is still an ex- isting need to adequately house our veterans in the low income group.
As a result of our survey for future housing needs in our community, your authority has been successful
264
in obtaining the approval from the Chairman of the State Housing Board for the construction of 12 addi- tional units of the two story garden type apartment build- ings. This construction will be known as State-aided Project Agawam 200-2, and will be built on vacant land adjoining present site. Plans and specifications are in the process of completion.
Of additional interest to the citizens of the Town of Agawam is the fact that the Authority has set aside, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 200, an amount of $710.80, which amount does not exceed five per cent of the aggregate shelter rent from the period starting Sep- tember 1, 1949 to December 31, 1950, to be paid to the Town of Agawam in lieu of taxes on or before March 1, 1951.
A combined statement of operations and financial condition as of December 31, 1950 is enclosed herewith.
The progress made represents an appreciable amount of labor and time given by every member of the author- ity. I am personally grateful to my co-workers compris- ing the authority. Each has served and is serving with- out compensation and at a considerable sacrifice of his business activities and personal affairs. The abilities of each member are well suited to the varied phases of the authority's program. Successful completion of our as- signments will call for sustained team work and devotion to duty as we see it.
Progressing toward our objectives we shall need to be thankful for the cooperation of legislative and admin- istrative bodies of Town and State. We also hope for the continued confidence of Agawam citizens and the under- standing of our many problems.
Respectfully submitted
RAOUL A. CHARPENTIER Chairman Agawam Housing Authority
Combined Statement of Operation and Financial Condition as of December 31, 1950
Cash
In Bank
Petty Cash
$ 7,149.57 10.00 $ 7,159.57
265
Accounts Receivable, Tenants
Debt Service Fund
Development Costs
88.94 1,405.18 331,000.00
Management Expense
315.36
Operating Services Expense
194.96
Utilities
965.04
Repairs, Maintenance, Replace- ments
9.79
General Expense
45.50
Insurance Expense
106.68
Payments in lieu of taxes
80.80
Debt Service Expense
2,484.11
Bond Refunding Expense
804.91
$344,660.84
LIABILITIES
Bonds Authorized & Out-
standing
$331,000.00
Accrued Insurance Expense
106.68
Accrued Payment In Lieu of Taxes
710.80
Accrued Liabilities
700.00
Debt Service Reserve
2,948.13
Working Capital
1,237.72
Operating Reserve
3,710.00
Dwelling Rent Schedule
4,210.01
Other Project Income
37.50
$344,660.84
266
REPORT OF THE ANIMAL INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my animal report as Animal In- spector for the year 1950.
Barns inspected
82
Number of cows
661
Number of calves
209
Number of bulls
21
Number of steers
9
Number of horses
47
Number of swine
1495
Number of sheep
29
Number of goats
17
Cattle shipped into town
55
Dog Bites
32
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH J. D'AMATO Animal Inspector
267
REPORT OF THE ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my first annual report as Electrical Wiring Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1950.
INSPECTIONS
New construction 286
Rewiring old work 82
Electric ranges 88
Oil burners
73
Electric water heaters
28
Temporary services
5
Fires caused by faulty wiring 4
Elec./gas hot air heaters
2
Total 568
The Town of Agawam has long needed the services of a Wiring Inspector for the purpose of establishing proper safeguards against loss of life, and, of property by fire, and to eliminate existing hazards arising from the use of wires for light, heat, power, and other purposes.
The need for wiring changes in many homes and buildings is apparent and the replacement of defective and inadequate wiring is advised to meet the present day demands of modern electrical appliances.
It has been very gratifying to receive the earnest and helpful cooperation from you, the town officials and the townspeople.
Respectfully submitted,
O. WM. ANDERSON Electrical Inspector
268
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS
During the year 1950 the Board received 17 petitions asking variations from the requirements of the Zoning By-law or of the Building Code.
Fourteen 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, 2 petitions were denied and relief was granted to 14 petitioners.
Restrictions were imposed in such cases as the Board thought necessary, in order to protect the best interests of the Town and its citizens.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD C. ATWATER, Chairman JAMES P. KANE, Secretary JAMES H. KERR
269
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE
Town of Agawam - 1950
According to Section 45, Chapter 128 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth, any town may appropriate money to be expended by the Trustees for carrying out the provisions of the law under which they are appointed.
Agents of the Trustees have made contacts during the past year in your town either by public meetings, individual farm and home visits, group discussions, dem- onstrations or otherwise in attempting to assist citizens toward improved farm practices, better home manage- ment and work with boys and girls in 4-H club work.
The following citizens have been of real assistance in promoting such assigned projects as have been con- ducted during the year :-
Ernest G. Freeman, Raymond Cascella, Mrs. Robert C. Allen, Cynthia Allen, Jenny Lu Powell, Mrs. George Blood, John Shortt, Arthur Morganstern, Thomas Reidy, Mrs. Orlo Powell, Mrs. Ernest Hall, Mrs. R. H. Ferry, Mrs. Kenneth Burton, Mrs. Henry Gensheimer, Mrs. J. R. Hy- land, Mrs. Romeo Loiselle and Mrs. R. P. Jenny.
An expense of $115.15 was incurred by these local leaders for either travel or purchase of material needed in carrying on the various projects. Any appropriation made by your Town is used exclusively for reimbursing your own citizens for any necessary expenses they may incur in performing such duties as may be assigned to them.
1950 Appropriation $ 50.00
Balance carried over from 1949 73.48
Total
$123.48
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Expended in 1950
115.15 Balance available for 1951
$ 8.33
Appropriation recommended for 1951 . . 125.00
Respectfully,
Trustees For County Aid To Agriculture By: L. B. BOSTON, Clerk
271
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
In submitting our report for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1950, we are pleased to report that we have had no major fires, in spite of the increase in the number of calls.
The building in the past three years has increased about a million dollars per year, if the fire department keeps abreast of the building it must increase proportion- ally for every building is a potential fire hazard.
At the present time according to the Fire Insurance Rating Exchange, we are very short of the required num- ber of feet of hose we should have in hand. Under present conditions there is a question as to the availability of hose even though the need is great.
The air horn purchased and installed in the past year has proven to be an asset by speeding up the volunteer firemen in answering fire calls.
The Feeding Hills station should have more dials for the air whistle alarm system as the number on hand does not cover this section properly.
At the school fire drills this year the time of exit was even better than last year, the order and discipline plainly showed much training had been done by the teach- ing staff.
The Board of Fire Engineers recommends a clause be inserted in the building code pertaining to sprinklers being installed in all public building basements, having a floor area of an amount to be determined.
We wish at this time to thank the volunteers as well as the permanent firemen for their prompt and efficient response to fire calls.
The calls upon the department numbered (236) two hundred thirty-six.
272
The inspections made by the Oil Burner Inspector number as follows;
Oil Burner Inspections 308
Liquid Petroleum Inspections
91
275 Gallon Tanks for Fuel Oil
297
55 Gallon Tanks for Fuel Oil
33
550 Gallon Tanks for Fuel Oil
12
1000 Gallon Tanks for Fuel Oil
16
2000 Gallon Tanks for Fuel Oil
1
10,000 Gallon Tanks for Fuel Oil
1
12,000 Gallon Tanks for Fuel Oil 1
550 Gallon Tanks for Gasoline 1
1000 Gallon Tanks for Gasoline
4
2000 Gallon Tanks for Gasoline
1
3000 Gallon Tanks for Gasoline
4
4000 Gallon Tanks for Gasoline
1
5000 Gallon Tanks for Gasoline
1
Total Inspection
772
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND D. LEWIS, Chairman FRANK T. GOSS GEORGE N. RILEY
Fire Engineers
273
REPORT OF THE Sealer of Weights and Measures
December 31, 1950
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my annual report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending December 31, 1950.
Adjusted
Sealed
Con- demned
Scales, 5,000-10,000 lbs.
1
1
Platform 100 to 5,000 lbs.
8
39
7
Scales or Balances
30
70
11
Weights
122
0
Vehicle Tanks
2
Fraction Thereof
8
Liquid 1 Gal. or under
21
Liquid over 1 Gal.
1
Meters 1 In. Inlet
2
41
1
Bulk Storage
2
Oil, Grease
21
Veh. Tank Meter System
2
14
Kero., Oil
1
Cloth. Mesa. Device
2
Yard Sticks
3
-
-
Sealing Fees $208.05
Reweighing of Commodities Put Up for Sale
Beans
37
33
4
0
Bread
147
138
4
5
Butter
481
313
115
53
Olio
37
34
0
3
43
348
19
274
Confectionery
52
52
0
0
Dry Commodities
178
172
3
3
Flour
6
6
0
0
Fruits & Vegetables
151
131
13
7
Grain & Feed
55
47
3
5
Hay
66
38
11
17
Lard
33
33
0
0
Liquid Commodities
6
6
0
0
Meats & Provisions
247
216
13
18
Potatoes
247
204
16
27
1743
1423
182
138
Summary of Inspection Made
Peddlers Licenses
20
Peddlers Scales
13
Inspection of milk cans 40 and 20 qt.
131
Oil Jars
27
Clinical Thermometers
37
Vehicle Truck Meters
14
Out of town Vehicle Tanks inspected
16
Gas Pumps
22
Food Packages
114
Ice Scales
10
Junk Scales
4
408
Test and Compare and Adjusting Working Equipment on the 11th of January, 1951
Avoirdupois
4
1 oz.
16
50
4
1-2 oz.
1
25
4
1-4 oz.
1
20
4
1-16 oz.
2
10
4
1-32 oz.
2
5
4
1-8 oz.
1
4
Gas Measuring Cans
12
2
One
5 Gal.
4
1 1b.
One
4 Gal.
4
1-2 1b.
One
3 Gal.
4
1-4 1b.
One
2 Gal.
4
2 oz.
One
1 Gal.
One Meter Measuring Tank-Tested 50 Gal.
Tested One Metric Set.
Tested Two Balances-All O.K.
Tested One 50 Foot Tape off the state standard.
275
This is work done by me in getting ready to go to work in the field.
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES DUTIES
A Sealer's work is to bring uniformity in the Town in which he is appointed. His duties are many and varied. He must first test all his field equipment. Then starting out in the field, he must test all store computing scales where food is sold or put up for sale. Next comes farm scales of the platform type, and all spring scales. Then comes ice scales, Drug Balances, Wall Scales, Personal Weighing Devices, Clinical Thermometers, Graduation Measures, etc. Next comes liquid devices. There too, I must test all my liquid measures before I start work, and call in the State Man to test my large test tank. Notices are then sent to all fuel dealers to come and have their truck meters tested. Gas stations are checked, testing all gas pumps, grease devices, oil devices or anything that pertains to liquids.
All School scales must be tested. Summer stands with spring scales checked. Scales in amusement parks and in slaughterhouses are tested.
Then comes reweighing of food in packages or put up for sale. This work is the most important part of weights and measures. This phase of the work takes about 40% of my time.
Then I have to reinspect all service stations and check all devices. All work is done in duplicate. I have to give duplicate slips.
I have two bulk meters. I have to inspect all milk cans of 20 qt. and 40 qt. capacity. Then comes road in- spections such as peddlers, junk dealers, bakery trucks and gypsys, and all that comes under the necessities of life.
I collect fees and have to make all returns to the Town Treasurer. I keep books and records available to the Board of Selectmen at all times. These are audited by the State annually.
I am on call at all times.
Respectfully submitted, FRANK E. DRAGHETTI Sealer of Weights and Measures
276
-
REPORT OF THE Plumbing Inspector
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and the Citizens of Agawam:
During 1950, the year just past, 913 inspections were made, covering new homes, alterations, sewer entrances, septic tanks, hot water tanks and heaters, also safety valves. The figure mentioned represents an increase of approximately 20% over the previous year, which was due largely to the construction of new homes.
In 1951 there are four or five additional new building projects under consideration. If materials are available, and the proposed construction is carried out, each of these developments will average forty homes. These contem- plated new homes will mean that there is a possibility of a continued high level of plumbing installations (of the nature described above) .
As your Plumbing Inspector, I would, at this time, like to express my appreciation for the cooperation shown me by all plumbers and owners of buildings and homes. I assure you that I will continue to do my utmost to make the Town of Agawam a clean and healthy place to live and a credit to all. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve you. Your suggestions, help and advice are always welcome.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD J. DESMARAIS Plumbing Inspector
277
REPORT OF THE Building Inspector
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit this annual report as Building In- spector for the year ending December 31, 1950.
The following permits were issued during the year.
226 New Dwellings 1,314,431
8 Business Establishments 56,639
53
Garages 27,244
40
Alterations & Additions
25,905
26 Alterations & Repairs to Dwellings
10,900
3 Additions to Businesses
3,500
33
Miscellaneous
15,935
12
Additions to Miscellaneous
10,020
13
Alterations to Miscellaneous
3,262
7 Moving
390
1 Renewal
28
Demolitions
450
1,468,226
The above summary depicts a slight tapering off in both the number of permits issued and consequently the total value which they represent, although the number of new dwellings under construction during the past year showed an increase of approximately 10% over the pre- vious year.
Although 48 new homes were constructed on one tract off Springfield Street, a survey of the placement of new homes shows a rather uniform dispersement through- out the town.
The taxpayers might also be interested to know that two industrial concerns are now housed in our converted
278
"Race Track" grandstand. The conversion of this build- ing, at no expense to our taxpayer, developed a rather large and modern industrial area, which should mean, eventually, employment possibilities for some of our me- chanics.
Due to the fact, that the Building Inspector must also serve as the zoning enforcement officer, we have been obligated on several occasions to ask violators to petition approval of the "Board of Appeals". Many of these cases included the use of house trailers as temporary homes and the illegal placement of breezeway-garage combina- tions. The above board has been prompt, fair, and co- operative in rendering these decisions.
Your inspector has served approximately 400 office hours and 500 hours in field survey and inspections. It has been necessary to travel 4000 miles to inspect con- struction at its various stages.
We have suggested that in order to insure prompt and continued daily service, in case of emergency, an assistant building inspector be appointed.
It has been a pleasure to have served the town in this capacity and to have enjoyed the congenial assistance of various other town officials.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE L. REYNOLDS Building Inspector
279
Highway Department
Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit a report of the Highway Department for the year ending December 31, 1950.
Highway Maintenance
Patching is our most costly item under Highway Maintenance. Frost action where some of our roads have insufficient base will always cause damage in the late winter and spring months. If it were possible to treat these roads more often it would save us considerably.
More surface drainage would also help keep costs down.
Calcium Chloride was used on some of the unim- proved streets as a dust layer and also as a stabilizer.
Some liquid dust layer was used in the same way.
Roadside brush is a driving hazard that should be overcome, but we do not have sufficient funds for a real program.
Appropriation $20,940.00
Expenditures 20,493.40
Balance
$ 446.60
Snow Removal
This heading includes, plowing, sanding and salting, filling and replacing sand boxes, erecting of snow fence. Sanding and salting are costly as we have a number of bad spots which have to be taken care of at all hours of the day or night when ice or packed snow cause slippery streets. As a large part of this work has to be done at night the cost is higher. There are sand boxes at a num- ber of our worst places.
We would do well to purchase more snow fence at sometime in the future as it certainly cuts plowing costs
280
when snow is drifting. There are a number of bad places which could be protected.
Appropriation
$6,100.00
Transfer
770.48
Total Available
$6,870.48
Expenditures
6,870.48
Balance
0.00
Maintenance Oiling
This is a very important item in our budget. Streets should be sealed more often so as to keep the surface flexible, as a dried out surface will heave with frost action and break. Heavy traffic will also crumble such surfaces. The more mileage covered by this type of work will re- lieve our maintenance costs considerably.
The following streets were sealed in the past year:
North Street
Mill Street
Line Street
Garden Street (part)
South Park Terrace
Federal Street
Lealand Ave (part)
Springfield Street (part)
Leonard Street (part)
High Street (shoulders)
Cooper Street
Adams Street (part)
Appropriation
$10,000.00
Expenditures
9,407.93
Balance
592.07
New Oiling
Rowley Street was completed under this program. A good gravel base rolled and surfaced with three coats of tar make this a good crosscut between two of our main highways, Route 75 and Route 57.
A short part of James Street was excavated, grav- elled and treated in the same way.
Mill Street from Suffield to Perry Street was also gravelled under this program.
Perry Street from Mill to Elm was excavated and relocated. This included the removal of a large oak tree and replacing the existing culvert with a new 48 inch treated steel culvert. A temporary gravel surface was
281
put in for the winter as this street will be in the Water Main program for next spring.
Appropriation
$8,900.00
Expenditures 7,138.42
Balance
1,761.58
Chapter 90 Maintenance
Late in the season the State and County co-operated with us by furnishing funds to establish this account which was not planned in the annual budget. This fund was used to replace parts of Suffield and Silver Streets with a bituminous macadam surface. Silver Street was also sealed in part, full width and stone covered. The intersection of Suffield and Silver Street was sealed in the same way.
Appropriation
$4,500.00
Expenditures
3,037.25
Balance
1,462.75
Road Machinery Account
The cost of gas, oil, tires and repairs has increased tremendously in the last year. The equipment has worked hard and the older trucks have broken down frequently. More minor repairs could be taken care of within the de- partment if funds were available to buy a supply of small tools.
A battery charger and an air compressor are needed badly.
Appropriation
$6,750.00
Transfer
1,000.00
Total
7,750.00
Expenditures
7,730.36
Balance
19.64
Road Machinery Fund
Two new trucks were purchased, one for highways and one for sewer work, in 1950. A new International Tractor loader was also purchased. This equipment has been of great help to us and was badly needed. We now
282
have a ten year old truck and a ten year old pickup, both of which should be replaced.
Trucks should be replaced more often as the cost of maintenance would be greatly reduced.
The Road Machinery Fund, built up by the earnings through use by the Highway Department, takes care of replacements.
Available January 1, 1950 $4,095.59
Transferred for new equip-
ment
4,000.00
Balance
95.59
Accumulated during 1950 5,070.44
Balance Available December
31, 1950 5,166.03
Sewers & Surface Drainage
The sewer department has been very busy during 1950. A total of 95 new sewer services were installed. Catch basins and manholes were built in some of the needed places. On many streets adjustments were made to meet new grades and to help the flow of surface water.
Sewers and catch basins have been cleaned and re- paired.
Private sewer plugs have been very numerous. These seem to come over weekends as a rule and build up the cost considerably. The majority of them are caused from old mortar joint sewer connections which have become filled with roots. Present methods for installing connec- tions prevent root entry.
A power drive for the sewer cleaner would save us both time and money.
Appropriation $11,600.00
Expenditures
11,542.06
Balance
57.94
Rubbish Removal
This is a program that is growing very rapidly. We have added a number of new streets to our rubbish col-
283
lections. More will be added in the near future as new housing is certainly on the up grade.
The dump is an expensive proposition as people will not drive in far enough to dispose of their rubbish and consequently we have to use a bulldozer frequently.
We have been collecting the weekly routes in one day so as not to break into the other work more often than necessary.
.
Appropriation
$6,000.00
Expenditures
5,239.23
Balance
760.77
Ottawa Street
This street was excavated and widened to 24 feet, gravelled and surfaced with bituminous macadam. Four catch basins and one manhole were added to the drainage system. Existing catch basins and manholes were re- built. Trees were removed and the steep grade cut down considerably.
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