USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1951-1955 > Part 21
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South Westfield Street Sanitary Sewer
One thousand feet of cement asbestos sanitary sewer was laid on South Westfield Street from Feeding Hills Center south- erly. The depth, clay strata and ground water conditions re- sulted in slow progress and high costs. Some places were in excess of twenty feet in depth. Since the work will be finished in January it will be impossible to replace the hardened surface, as this will be delayed until spring. The work not being com- pleted as of the end of the year the cost cannot be shown at this time for the entire project.
Sidewalk Construction
A bituminous sidewalk was laid on the northerly side of Springfield Street between Harding and Colemore Streets. It
144
was also necessary along most of the walk to construct a berm to protect the walk from erosion, since the walk was raised to an elevation higher than the road. The total cost of this work was $8,300.46 from an appropriation of $8,400.00, leaving a balance of $99.54.
At Feeding Hills Center a concrete walk was constructed with a concrete curb on the northerly side of the street in the business section. This walk has already shown a definite im- provement in traffic conditions, especially in the morning and early evening when cars park at the Post Office. $4,100.20 was expended from an appropriation of $5,000.00, leaving a balance of $899.80.
The sidewalk at the Agawam Center Library was replaced because the original walk was crumbling in many places. There remains a small amount of work necessary to restore the lawn to its original condition, and the balance of $54.32 is being retained to take care of this work.
Chapter 90 Construction
The Massachusetts Department of Public Works did not allot any funds to Agawam for 1952 under Chapter 90 con- struction. The 1951 work, which had been started, was car- ried along by the contractor working for the Peerless Casualty Company after it was necessary for that bonding company to take over the work of the original contractor. The final quan- tities have not been determined as yet by the State, but $83,- 040.54 is the amount of work completed as of the end of the year.
It is anticipated that in 1953 the Town will be granted funds by the State and County to complete the gap left on Southwick Street. Whether or not other work, such as the reconstruction of Shoemaker Lane, can also be carried out under this program is not known at this time.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT E. ALCORN Town Engineer
145
Board of Public Welfare and Bureau of Old Age Assistance
We have operated this department in the same manner as other years and regret to say that we are still under-staffed so that our workers have too much to handle. If we are allowed the amount requested in our budget it will meet the expense of another worker.
The details of the work will be covered more thoroughly in the Agent's report.
LEONARD P. RISING JEREMIAH J. CAVANAUGH ANDREW CHRISCOLA
There were very few changes in the welfare field in 1952 and the new laws passed were not of a drastic nature. The local board still administers all forms of relief.
Our General Relief roll is as low as we can expect it to go and includes only unemployables and others of a temporary nature only. The total expense in this category would have been lower than in 1951 except for some large bills from other cities and towns who aided people who had a settlement here.
Sickness with a resultant loss of income has caused some minor expense but desertions, separations and deliquency ac- counted for most of the new cases on General Relief and Aid to Dependent Children. We have many cases where there are Court orders and certain amounts are paid, others where head of the family has disappeared and no revenue is derived from them.
Veterans make up a large part of these and their actions have caused their families to lose their rights to veterans benefits.
We have these deserted mothers file a form with the Clerk of Courts that may be helpful in bringing the responsible parent and father to justice.
Aid to Dependent Children is still the favorite of the State
146
Department and they give us every encouragement to add to its rolls.
Disability Assistance is limited in its scope and thus we have been able to qualify only a few people to receive it.
Old Age Assistance still is our largest category but this showed no gain in numbers during the past year. The some- what higher cost was due to increased grants which became necessary. Medical care and hospitalization have been big items of expense in the last few years and are still on the in- crease.
Our work is rather uneventful and sometimes discouraging. especially when funds are nearly exhausted and expenses in- crease, but the finance board has been very fair and has shown much understanding of our problems and has given us fine co- operation. The Welfare Board has helped us in countless ways and has always shown the fine spirit of good will and fairness that is necessary for best results.
Every other town department has helped us and once again I want to thank them one and all. They may tire of doing so much for us when we do so little in return, but I assure them their kindness is appreciated and has been of great benefit to us and our recipients.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER S. KERR
147
Report of the Veterans' Agent
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my annual report as Agent and Director of Veterans' Benefits and Services.
During the past year the Veterans' Service Department still continued to serve the veteran at a high level. The office calls alone, for the past year, numbered 2,019 as against 1597 in the preceding year.
We can expect a sizeable increase in service to the veterans and their dependents, as the number of those eligible for veter- an benefits are increasing as we go along, as this department not only serves the veterans of World War I and II and the Korean veteran, but veterans are getting married and raising families, and moving into Agawam.
The accompanying chart gives an idea of the quality and quantity of the work required of this department.
The first column shows the number of cases that received aid paid entirely from town appropriations, these cases de- creased in the past year as there was work for anyone who was able to work. Although the number decreased, the expendi- tures increased over 1951, because of the mounting cost of living, which effects the veteran as it does everyone else.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Select- men, all department heads and the vetearns of all wars, for their kindness, patience, and cooperation in 1952, and making it possible for this department to function so effectively.
LESLIE C. MILLER
Veterans' Agent
148
Expended
149
January ..
9
0
0
12
0
0
9
2
1 118
151
$ 381.65
February
10
0
0
7
3
4
8
1
1
95
130
517.70
March
9
0
1
31
1
7
1
0
134
193
455.22
April
8
0
0
20
0
1
5
1
8
2
2
78
158
429.45
May
9
1
1
51
0
23
2
0
8
1
1
87
131
633.83
June July
8
0
2
29
0
0
+
1
0
63
107
407.23
August
7
0)
0
40
0
1
6
5
1
67
127
377.76
September
9
()
()
18
2
2
6
3
0)
138
178
865.35
October ..
11
()
()
31
1
1
6
1
116
162
858.18
November
11
()
1
104
0
7
()
()
58
281
549.25
December
11
0
1
62
3
0
TOTAL ..
111
1
6
134
21
17
72
29
8
1145
2019
$6,549.78
Veterans' Benefits
State War Allowance
Pensions
Photostats Made
Education
Employment
Hospital - Medical
Discharges Recorded
Burials
Counciling the Veteran
Total Calls
0
71
256
678.68
0
1
120
145
395.48
9
0
Report of the Agawam Library Trustees
The work of the Towns' three libraries has been much the same as in the past.
The North Agawam Library was closed for some time due to the construction program in progress at the Danahy School. This library is still handicapped for lack of space.
Both the Agawam Center and Feeding Hills libraries have had many new people from the new developments but believe television has cut down on the reading.
As always we are glad to help the townspeople.
Agawam Center
Books
8575
Borrowers
800
Circulation
18,152
North Agawam
Books
4,249
Borrowers
.
686
Circulation
5,115
Feeding Hills
Books
7,742
Borrowers
610
Circulation
5,923
Respectfully submitted,
EVA S. KERR CLARA J. MCVEIGH ODETTE Z. BENJAMIN
150
Report of the Parks & Playground Committee
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
During the past year of 1952 the Parks and Playground Commission continued successfully its program under the cap- able supervision of Francis Rosso.
Four playgrounds were in operation, namely, Agawam Center, Shea's Field, Springfield St. and Feeding Hills Center.
The attendance figures for the year 1952 far exceed previous years.
Total attendance for Field Trips (including
swimming, museum, Westover, Riverside .. 1,158
Total attendance-playgrounds (includes week- ly attendance at each playground) 5,674
The Agawam Center playground averaging better than 300 children per week led the other playgrounds.
Each week field day events were held at the different play- grounds, such as running races and various other field events. The children were given small prizes for winning these events.
The average attendance on field days was about 41 children at each playground. Checker tournaments were held, and win- ners were declared for boys and girls in the various age brackets. Regular everyday activities of volley ball, soft ball, games and swings, see-saws and basketball games were held.
The swimming program was curtailed by the severe heat, and because of this the town physician, Dr. Ramah, recom- mended we not go swimming until we had a good rain. We did manage to have three swimming trips with the attendance total- ing 421 children. This part of the program proved to be the most popular of all activities.
To take the place of swimming the children were taken on two field trips, one to the museum of Natural History in Spring- fiedl. The display of guns, fish, stones, furniture, animals, pot-
151
tery and many other items of interest were enjoyed by the children. The attendance for the museum trip was 155.
Later on arrangements for a trip to Westover Field was made. This gave the children the opportunity to see the air base and the various types of planes stationed there. It was attended by 217 children.
At each playground, Miss Barry, who was in charge of Arts and Crafts ran programs for the children. The program included the making of belts, bracelets, copper pictures and various other crafts projects. Miss Barry went to each play- ground twice a week for half-day sessions. This part of our program was well attended by the children, and they look for- ward to 'Arts and Crafts' day at each playground. The average attendance for Arts and Crafts at each playground was 40 children.
Our final trip and the seasons final outing was to Riverside Park, which was attended by a record crowd of 365 children. The management was kind enough to give 2800 free rides. These tickets were distributed to the children in equal amounts. The Playground Commission gave each boy and girl attending tick- ets which gave them a hot dog and soda. This trip was the high-light of the season.
The winter program for Arts and Crafts were held at the Granger School, the Springfield St. School and Phelps School, Miss Barry being the instructor. It is planned for next year to have all these classes held at the Danahy School because there is a room available for these classes and to store away the ar- ticles, so that they won't have to be carried around to each school. Two classes a week are planned with longer hours.
The Parks and Playground Commission are considering for the future. Plans are to be made for a playground area for No. Agawam, if a suitable area can be had. With the growth of the Town. we will possibly have to keep the Agawam Center and Shea's Field open until 8:00 o'clock, because these two areas are used mostly at night by older groups. A pee-wee base- ball league is also planned for the future.
Respectfully submitted,
SAMUEL PROVO, Chairman CHARLES KISTNER, Clerk ASHLEY COOLEY
152
Report of the Civil Defense Agency
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and the Citizens of the Town of Agawam:
I respectfully submit herewith, the report on the activities of this department for the year 1952, and incorporate therein a silent prayer of thanks for the blessing that we have enjoyed in the form of freedom from the need to call on the facilities of this agency, for the principal purpose for which it is in existance -"Enemy Bombing."
In the report for the year 1951, we submitted a descrip- tion of the various departments, in operation within the Civil Defense structure. In all of these departments has been added strength in the form of man-power and equipment, and efficien- cy as a result of continuous training.
In the present Civil Defense pattern, a well-organized com- munication department is considered a primary prerequiset to a successful Civil Defense Department. In this respect, I wish to offer a word of commendation to Mr. Arthur Zavarella, and to the men associated with him for the excellent work they are doing. Agawam's communication system is used as a pattern by other communities in Western Massachusetts.
In the last report, I referred to work being done in the Observation Tower at the airport for the use of the ground observer staff. This work has been completed and the ground Observer Corp is in operation. under the able leadership of Joseph Harrison who succeeded Mr. Sidney Smart in that department.
We regret the loss of Dr. John C. Tate as Director of Medi- cal and Health Services, who asked to be relieved of his duties. However, we were fortunate in obtaining Dr. James V. Scola to succeed Dr. Tate.
I wish to take this opportunity to publicly thank Mrs. Eileen Fleming for the work that she has done and Mr. James Atwater, Deputy Director for his excellent cooperation.
153
I wish to thank the Civil Defense Advisory Council for their splendid cooperation.
Respectfully submitted, JAMES A. O'KEEFE Civil Defense Director
154
Report of the Planning Board
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The Agawam Planning Board herewith submits its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1952.
Your Board has held twelve regular meetings and two special meetings during the past year. During these meetings four subdivision hearings and fourteen zone change hearings were held. Some twelve zone changes were approved by the Town Assembly and the State Attorney General.
Three subdivisions were approved and these projects are now developing steadily into worthwhile assets for the Town.
Typographical errors made in the new zoning map have, for the most part, been corrected or appeased.
A great deal of thought and time has been spent by the Board in the development of subdivisions. This category is rather important in as much as it controls the building develop- ment of the Town, more or less. The Board is constantly cogniz- ant that well planned streets and building lots will serve as a barometric gage for that which shall follow. We have, there- fore, been rather specific, and, at times, real stringent in laying down utility installation specifications in order that subdivisions will not in a few short years become liabilities to our taxpayers.
We have requested well prepared and well surfaced road beds. Waterlines, with hydrants, are of adequate size and correctly located. Sidewalks are required on all new subdivisions. Sanitary sewers are installed where outlets are available. Leeching field installations for septic tanks have been supervised by state and town engineers. Proper surface drainage directed to natural run-off areas have been provided.
The Board has been ever mindful to protect future home owners and the Town in general from subdivision liabilities by insisting that proper bond coverage is forwarded by every sub- divider. One subdivision in particular has a court case and
155
decision pending in which the Board felt that the developer had mistreated his responsibilities.
The Board has constanly directed its attention to logical and practical rezoning situations in order to invite new business establishments to locate in our town.
There are those citizens who would expect an over-night change but we feel that a gradual and steady growth in street development, home building, and new business is a healthy and normal situation. We have, therefore, endeavored to keep both feet on the ground.
Looking toward the future through the eyes of past ex- perience, we feel that our established policies will suffice.
There is always something to be gained by a closer correla- tion between the several managing boards and departments. This fact may be considered on an intra-town as well as an inter- town basis.
In regard to the former, we have been in close contact with our town engineer, our selectmen, and other departments.
In regard to the latter, we are planning conferences with neighboring town planning boards in order to better under- stand and learn from the experiences of others to make plans for the adoption of the existance of standard policies for com- munity planning in the valley area in general.
The Board happily invites constructive criticism from any of the citizenry in order to improve substantially our plans for the future.
It also invites you and your friends to pay us a friendly visit on meeting nights so that we may aid in your development problems whether it be a case of buying a home, starting a new business, changing a zone, or planning a new street. The Board shall, with your permission, continue to be a basic factor in the arrangement for the growth of a strong and substantial town.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWIN B. SPRING, Chairman GEORGE L. REYNOLDS, Clerk HENRY W. LAWSON WILLIAM S. MABB RAYMOND J. DELOGHIA
156
Report of the Board of Appeals
During the year 1952 the Board received fifty-two peti- tions asking variations from the requirements of the Zoning By- law or the Building Code.
Thirty meetings were held at which hearing on these peti- tions were given to the petitioners and other parties deemed interested under the terms of the laws.
Three petitions were withdrawn, four petitions were denied, two have been held for decision pending further information re- quested by the Board, forty-three petitioners were granted relief by the Board.
We wish to remind persons considering the purchase of a building lot or existing dwelling to make sure that plans they may have for future use of the property are in compliance with the various By-laws of the Town.
HAROLD C. ATWATER, Chairman JAMES P. KANE JAMES H. KERR
157
Report of the Water Department
To the Citizens of the Town of Agawam:
We respectfully submit for your inspection and approval a summary of the activities of the Water Department for the year 1952, and our plans for contemplated work for the com- ing year.
WATER CONSUMPTION
Consumption of water reached an all time high in 1952 with a figure of 236,258,700 gallons; or a daily average of ap- proximately 650,000 gallons. The lowest day's consumption was recorded at 467,400 gallons, and the highest, 1,680,200 gallons.
Our cost of water for the year, billed by the City of Spring- field, came to $25,604.73.
REVENUE
Total income from all sources during 1952 amounted to $79,061.80, almost twenty five percent higher than in 1951. The greater portion of that increase was derived from higher meter revenue created by the new rates.
The department has accomplished much in the way of new water main extensions and the installation of house services. New house connections completed amounted to 163, to which figure 37 additional services can be added that were installed by developers, giving us a total of 200 new accounts.
We also replaced 37 house services where conditions made such action necessary.
The revenue derived from our house service work amounted to $11,440.29, while our meters returned $67.621.51 to the Town.
Water Commitments $67,621.51
Water Connections and
Replacement Services 11,840.29
$79,461.80
158
NEW CONSTRUCTION WORK
Our regular maintenance work this year, plus the large number of house services and replacements of services, kept our crews unusually busy. As a result we contracted out some of our water main extensions. Specifications were drawn up and the work put out to bid. The Somed Construction Co. of Spring- field were the successful bidders for the work awarded, which consisted of laying 2500 feet of 8 in. Century asbestos cement pipe on Shoemaker Lane, as well as 1200 feet of 6 in. on North Street. These installations closed up the gaps on both streets and provided two additional thru feeds in the areas where they are located.
The balance of the water main extenisons completed dur- ing the year were installed by our own personnel.
Shoemaker Lane
2500 ft. 8" 6"
5
$ 8,431.56 2,777.18
North Street
1200 ft.
2
Witheridge St.
800 ft. 6"
2
2,054.95
Norris St.
200 ft. 6"
1
847.49
Northwood St.
900 ft.
6"
2
2,376.37
Norman Ter.
600 ft. 6"
2
1,789.04
Federal Ave.
900 ft. 6"
2,164.23
Spencer St.
500 ft. 6"
2 1 143.48
Ridgeway Dr.
800 ft.
6"
2 588.55
Colemore St.
600 ft.
8"
2
1,423.81
Hastings St.
materials purchased )
1,663.44
$2,560.10
The Colemore Street extension, an 8" main, was financed in part by the Town, and in part by the developer; he paid an equivalent cost of laying a 6" main, while the Town absorbed the difference between a 6" and an 8" plus hydrants, to secure the benefit of a larger pipe. The builder involved was Armand Dubuc.
During the year an additional 2700 feet of 6" water main was laid and paid for by developers and turned over to the Town. These included Jos. Ramah's project on Walnut St., Geo. Campbell's development on Merrill Drive and Louis DePalma's subdivision on Memorial Drive.
159
PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION WORK 1953
Suffield Street
1600 ft. 8" 3 hydrants
Hastings St.
1000 ft. 6" 2 hydrants
Colemore St
300 ft. 8"
Leland St.
800 ft. 6" 2 hydrants
Oak Hill Ave.
500 ft. 6" 1 hydrant
Columbus St.
700 ft. 6" 2 hydrants
Witheridge St.
500 ft.
6" 1 hydrant
In conjunction with the construction of the approaches to the new south end bridge on the Agawam side, approximately 900 feet of our 6" main on Meadow St. will have to be relocated
Since the State Dept. of Public Works will pay the cost of the relocation of a 6" main, the Town feels that it is an ideal opportunity for us to increase the size of the main at this point with a minimum expense, and will absorb the difference in cost between 6" pipe and a 10" pipe. It is quite apparent that it will only be a matter of time when a larger main will be re- quired in this area.
The Town is confronted with another problem as regards the ability of the present system to supply adequate quantities of water during periods of peak consumption, usually thru July and August. The increase in use of water for irrigating, lawn sprinkling and general consumption is clearly reflected in the total gallonage used in 1952.
We have therefore applied to the City of Springfield for another connection to their main transmission line running thru Agawam. This request has been approved by them, and the location of the new connection, to secure greatest benefit, will be determined after consulting with their engineers and our Town engineer.
Costs attendant to the tie-in, including the meter, meter pit and the tapping sleeve and gate will be borne by the Town.
REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE included the resetting of five hydrants struck by automobiles. Only one such incident has resulted in total costs being returned to the Town by the offender's insurance company. During the year the department repaired 38 minor leaks and 3 major failures in our system.
EQUIPMENT
We are in need of a replacement of our large one and one
160
half ton 1948 Chevrolet service truck. Currently it will require new tires, battery and general overhaul. Since the body is in good condition and can be utilized for some while to come, we feel it would be proper at this time to purchase a new cab and chassis and have the present body transfered.
For several years we have felt the need of a meter testing machine. At present we have to send our meters out for test which is not only an expense that we could eliminate, but like- wise being forced to wait for such service. Maintaining meters is essential to the efficient and accurate control of billing and collecting for water consumption, and the ability to do our own testing and repairing, will reduce our costs as well as to provide quicker and more effective service to our takers.
Respectfully submitted:
DUDLEY K. BODURTHA, Chairman LOUIS MERCADANTE, Superintendent EDWARD CONNOR, JR., Clerk Board of Water Commissioners
161
Report of the Agawam Housing Authority
Board of Selectmen Agawam, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
On behalf of the Agawam Housing Authority I hereby sub- mit the following report for the year 1952:
The present admission and income limits as set by the State Housing Board are as follows: One minor dependent, $3,650.00; two minor dependents, $3,775.00 and three or more ininor dependents, $3,900.00. The continued occupancy limits are $3,900.00, $4,025.00, and $4,150.00 respectively. The aver- age cost of shelter rent for two or three bedroom units (without heat or hot water furnished) is $42.11 per month. Each unit is furnished with an electric refrigerator and electric range. A laundry with two auotmatic washers is centrally located on the project for the use of the tenants.
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