USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1951-1955 > Part 9
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Accrued Liabilities
Insurance
426.73
Accrued Interest & Principal
8,896.25
9,322.98
181
Fixed Liabilities Bonds Outstanding
331,000.00
Reserves Debt Service
1,006.46
Working Capital
1,237.72
Operating
· 6,128.54
8,372.72
Surplus
2,543.52
351,239.22
Total Operating Income
16,814.30
Plus : Commonwealth Contri- bution
8,275.00
Total Income
25,089.30
Total Operating Expense
6,905.99
Total Non-Operating Expense
15,639.79
22,545.78
Surplus
2,543.52
DEVELOPMENT - 200-2 OPERATING STATEMENT as of SEPTEMBER 29, 1951
Cash - Development Fund
$169,303.34
Development Costs
(2,444.28)
Incompleted Contracts
121,655.00
288,514.06
Employees Deductions
71.40
Notes Authorized - Temporary
164,000.00
Interest on Notes
2,787.66
Contract Awards
121,655.00
288,514.06
182
Report of the Animal Inspector
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
I herewith submit my animal report as Animal In- spector for the year 1951:
Barns inspected
78
Number of cows
598
Number of calves
174
Number of bulls
28
Number of steers
15
Number of horses
43
Number of swine
1387
Number of sheep
31
Number of goats
13
Cattle shipped into town
40
Dog bites
24
In my coverage of the Town as a whole, I found barns and animals in a very clean and sanitary state.
In reference to dog bite cases in town, I wish to call attention of all Citizens of this Town, of the steady increase in the Country of the disease of rabies, which if not kept under control, could run rampant in a town, and I urge all Citizens to report a dog bite case imme- diately.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD T. WILSON Animal Inspector
183
Report of the Board of Appeals
During the year 1951 the Board received fifty-six petitions asking variations from the requirements of the Zoning By-Law or of the Building Code.
Twenty-nine 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. Two petitions were withdrawn, five petitions were denied and relief was granted to forty-seven petitioners.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.
The number of petitions filed with the Board has increased greatly since the new zoning By-Law went into effect in February of 1951. It seems probable that this condition will continue in the future.
Persons considering the purchase of a building lot or an existing dwelling should make sure that they will be able to carry out their plans for the future in compliance with the Town By-Laws.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD C. ATWATER, Chairman JAMES P. KANE, Secretary JAMES H. KERR
184
Report of the Board of Fire Engineers
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The following is a report of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1951, and in spite of the increase in the number of calls, we are pleased to report that we have had no major fires.
The cement floor and outside apron have been con- structed at the Agawam Center Station which was a much needed improvement in helping to keep our town buildings in good condition.
On April 15, 1951 two men were appointed to the permanent force. One man was retired on November 30 and one appointed on December 1.
We wish at this time to thank the volunteers as well as the permanent men for their prompt and efficient response to fire calls.
The calls upon the department numbered two-hun- dred forty-three.
The inspections made by the oil burner inspectors were as follows:
Oil burner inspections 284
Liquid petroleum inspections 43
5000 gallon tanks for fuel oil 1
1000 gallon tanks for fuel oil 8
500 gallon tanks for fuel oil
2
275 gallon tanks for fuel oil
265
180 gallon tanks for fuel oil
1
2000 gallon tanks for gasoline
2
Total
606
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE N. RILEY
FRANK T. GOSS GEORGE E. PARO
Board of Fire Engineers
185
Report of the Sealer of Weights and Measures
December 31, 1951
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
I herewith submit my annual report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending December 31, 1951.
Not Con- Adjus. Sealed Sealed demned
Scales, 100-5,000 lbs.
14
29
6
2
Under 100 lbs.
28
67
8
3
Weights
0
94
0
0
Bulk Meters
0
2
0
0
Bulk Tank Compartment
3
3
0
0
Fraction Thereof
0
41
0
0
Gas Meter, one inch or less
2
37
4
6
Grease, Oil
0
19
3
0
Liquid, I gal. or less
0
32
0
0
Liquids, 1 gal. or over
0
56
0
0
Veh. Tank Meter System
0
13
2
0
Kero. Oil
0
2
0
0
Yard Sticks
0
11
0
0
47
406
23
11
Sealing Fees-$213.45
Reweighing Commodities Put Up For Sale
Total Number Number Tested Correct Under
Over
Beans
170
147
9
14
Bread
251
205
22
24
Butter
436
310
93
33
186
Confectionery
107
97
4
6
Dry Commodities
189
161
23
5
Fruits & Vegetables
69
60
6
3
Meats & Provisions
181
136
22
23
Potatoes
221
125
51
45
Cord Wood
2
2
0
0
1626
1241
2.30
1.53
Summary of Inspection Made
Peddlers Licenses
12
Peddlers Scales
13
Inspection of milk cans, 40 and 20 qt. Oil Jars
177
Clinical Thermometers
51
Vehicle Truck Meters
11
Out of town Veh. Tank meters inspected
15
Gas Pumps
37
Food Packages
103
Ice Scales
4
Junk Scales
17
Cord Wood
2
469
All equipment tested and adjusted on January 9, 1952.
I received three complaints on short measure of wood and gas. Upon making investigation, found no bases for complaints.
The time has come when it is important to point out to the voters and taxpayers of the Town of Agawam that to do good work, one must have the right tool to do the job. We are sadly in need of heavy duty scales. I have not been able to reweigh a speck of coal or road material, potatoes in transit or other commodities of any kind for lack of them. Therefore it is time for the taxpayers to think about getting a set.
Weights and Measures supervision is of great economic importance to the Town of Agawam. In one or more of its phases it is of direct financial importance to every citizen. It is appropriate, therefore, that it be recognized as one of the principle functions of the
187
27
Town government and that the office charged with the duty of making it effective be ranked on a par with the other major subdivisions of the service.
Respectfully submitted, FRANK E. DRAGHETTI Sealer of Weights and Measures
188
Report of the Plumbing Inspector
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Agawam:
During 1951, the year just past, 1106 inspections were made covering new homes, alterations, sewer en- trances, septic tanks, hot water tanks and heaters, also safety valves. There was also, during the conversion of natural gas, 94 violations that had to be handled and in- spections on same were necessary. There are a few more that will have to be taken care of. The figure mentioned represents an increase of approximately 22% over the previous year, which was due largely to the construction of new homes and gas violations.
In 1952 there will be two or three more new projects under construction. If material is not cut too much for construction, this will mean about 30 to 40 new homes per project. These contemplated new homes will mean that there is a possibility of a continued high level of plumbing installations.
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 privilege to serve you. Your suggestions, help and advice are always welcome.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD J. DESMARAIS Plumbing Inspector
189
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, 1951.
The following permits were issued during the year.
224 New Dwellings
$1,590,345
55 Garages
25,236
63 Alterations and Additions 36,162
6 Addition to Business
33,500
19 Alterations and Repairs
9,025
8 New Business
110,380
43 New Miscellaneous
368,583
23 Demolitions
1 Addition to Garage
300
1 Housing Authority
125,000
443 Permits $2,298,531
Some comparisons of the 1950 totals with those of 1951 are interesting.
1. Although apparent rigid restrictions of the Planning Board regarding subdivision exten- sions were put in force, the number of new dwellings started during 1951 remained the same as in 1950. This would apparently mean that many new dwellings were estab- lished on some of the older streets. The average cost of new dwellings increased in relationship to rising costs. i. e .- $275,914 for 224 dwellings.
2. Discounting additions to two elementary school houses, which are non-taxable, the
190
total value of permits issued during 1951 showed an increase of $553,655 over the pre- vious year. Considering a 60% assessment and a $45.00 per-thousand tax rate, the re- sulting increment in income to the town would be $14,500.00 per annum.
3. The total number of permits issued during 1951 were but seven less than 1950.
4. The value of new business establishments during 1951 was more than double that of 1950.
5. The average estimated cost of a dwelling in 1951 was $7,100 as compared to $5,816 in 1950, an increase of 23%.
During the past year the Building Inspector has maintained the policy of office hours daily from 4 to 5 P. M. The department has also retained a secretary, paid on a part time basis and in conjunction with several de- partments, to receive applications and arrange the daily itinerary for the inspector.
The approval of the new zoning law and map has added somewhat to the responsibilities of the building department. In most cases of violation of the zoning law, enforcement and interpretation is the obligation of the building inspector. Several office consultations and many field surveys, relating to zoning infractions, have been undertaken by the inspector during the past year.
Generally speaking, contractors and other builders have been extremely cooperative with the building de- partment. It has been a pleasure to have had the services of an assistant inspector. These two factors have made it possible to successfully inspect the vast number of building enterprises in progress and completed during the past year.
There have been several minor infractions, the con- sistency of which, have obligated the inspector to choose one of two courses in order to curtail them. The course chosen was to ask permission for applications for elec- trical meters to pass over the desk of the inspector. The sole purpose of this procedure was to insure com- pleted dwellings, with the benefit of all inspections, before owners occupied them. This procedure did not include
191
temporary use of electrical service for construction pur- poses only.
For the future, the writer suggests a closer inter- relation between the several inspection departments. This appears to be a necessity, if in the face of increased de- mands on the several inspectors, each department is to continue to function on a part time basis. We, therefore, suggest the establishment of one centralized department and the retaining of a secretary to receive and correlate all department calls and information. This arrangement would curtail many unnecessary and repetitious inspec- tion calls.
In order to relay this related program to the grantee of a building permit, the several inspectors have combined information in the form of a building directive. In the near future, this information will be issued with the per- mit to the builder. This directive will suggest the com- plete procedure to follow during the full construction period. It will list necessary specifications to be com- pleted before each inspection is called for.
With a minimum of extra expense your department will be able to meet the ever increasing demands placed upon it and continue to do so on a part time basis.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE L. REYNOLDS Building Inspector
192
Report of the Highway Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit a report of the Highway Department for the year ending December 31, 1951.
Highway Maintenance
Patching is still the most expensive item under this account. Streets that were surface treated last year have relieved some of this work. Surface drainage is still badly needed in preserving the surface.
We have cut considerable brush in the past year, but we still have a lot of work to do in this direction.
Calcium Chloride and liquid dust layer were used on many of the streets during the summer months.
Appropriation
1950 bill
$18,125.00 15.10
$18,140.10
Expenditures
16,868.21
Balance
$ 1,271.89
Snow Removal
Plowing and sanding have been very expensive. We have had more sanding than usual. This calls for more salt as well as sand. Much of this work has to be done at night or early morning, which builds up the cost.
Many more sand boxes and barrels have been placed at bad spots in the Town.
The snow fence which we have, has been erected at
193
some of the windiest places. More snow fence is needed badly.
Appropriations
$ 9,000.00
Emergency act
2,289.97
$11,289.97
Expenditures
11,289.97
Balance
.00
Maintenance Oiling
Considerable mileage was covered by this important part of our budget. Sealing keeps our maintenance costs down and gives a flexible surface which helps to over- come breaking from traffic and frost action.
The following streets were sealed in 1951:
Reed Street
Elbert Road
Colonial Avenue
Central Street
Alfred Street
Oak Hill Avenue
Alfred Circle
Moore Street
Charles Street
Scherpa Street
Norris Street
Ellington Street
Kennsington Street
King Street
Cleveland Street
William Street
Royal Street
No. West Street
Randall Street
So. West Street (part)
Poplar Street
Church Street
Garden Street
Ottowa Street (old part)
Homer Street
Highland Avenue
Letendre Avenue
Spring Street
Appropriations
$10,300.00
Expenditures
10,069.88
Balance
$ 230.12
New Oiling
Franklin Street was rebuilt under this appropriation. A gravel base was rolled and sealed with tar.
Poplar Street from Garden Street to Shoemaker Lane was relocated, graveled and tarred. This also called for the removal of twenty-three trees.
194
Part of Lealand Avenue was excavated, graveled and sealed.
The lower end of Cooley Street from Walnut to the end was also excavated, graveled and sealed.
There were no special appropriations for designated streets in 1951.
Appropriations
$14,200.00
Expenditures
12,449.58
Balance
$ 1,750.42
Chapter 90 Maintenance
Maple and Walnut Streets were improved with this account.
The old street car road bed was cleaned, leveled and sealed. Catch basins were readjusted to improve the drainage. One new basin was built at the corner of Spencer and Maple Streets.
The East side of Walnut Street was sealed with two coats of asphalt and covered with stone.
Maple Street was sealed twice where the rails had been removed, then surface treated, full width and covered with stone.
A short distance was treated and covered with stone on Suffield Street.
Appropriation
$ 4,500.00
Expenditures
2,527.78
Balance
$ 1,972.22
Road Machinery Account
The cost of gas, oil, tires and parts have increased again in the last year. We have used our trucks and other equipment more than usual and the cost is high.
We are still in need of small tools, air compressor and battery charger.
Appropriation
$ 7,000.00
Expenditures
6,966.44
Balance
$ 33.56
195
Road Machinery Fund
One new dump truck and a new pickup were pur- chased from this account in 1951. The earnings from our equipment paid for these replacements. Both units that were replaced were ten years old. One truck should be replaced this year.
Available January 1, 1951 $ 5,070.44
Transferred for new equip- ment
4,800.00
Balance 270.44
Accumulated during 1951
4,924.25
$ 5,194.69
Sidewalk Maintenance
The appropriation for this work has been so small that we are unable to improve conditions very much.
Many of the old concrete walks have heaved from frost action and tree growth.
If we could have enough money to straighten these out it would overcome a hazard to pedestrians.
Appropriation $ 250.00
Expenditures
248.82
Balance
$ 1.18
Sewers & Surface Drainage
The work of the sewer department increases each year. There were work orders for 126 new sewer services issued in 1951.
Private sewer plugs have increased. There were 130 calls during the year.
The power drive for the sewer rods has helped very much. We have also replaced some of the worn out rods.
There are many night and weekend calls, which make it hard on the men and also cost us considerable more to work on.
Many manholes and catch basins were adjusted to help the run-off of surface water.
196
Catch basins and sewer lines have been cleaned.
New catch basins were built at some of the most needed places.
Surface drainage on more of our streets is one of our big problems.
Appropriation
$12,700.00
Transfer
1,500.00
$14,200.00
Expenditures
13,977.56
Balance
$ 222.44
Rubbish Removal
This program is still growing. We have added more streets and houses in the past year and will do the same in 1952.
Many of the barrels are too large and heavy to handle. If ash cans were used by everyone it would be fine. Oil drums, when filled solid with heavy material are very hard to handle. They should be only partially filled if used for rubbish.
Bulldozing the dump is an expensive item which is increasing.
Appropriation
$ 6,000.00
Expenditures
5,572.87
Balance
$ 427.13
Respectfully submitted,
ALFRED B. HOWARD
Superintendent of Streets & Engineering
197
Report of the Agawam Library Trustees
During the past year all three Libraries have carried on their work in the usual way.
In North Agawam Mrs. Odette J. Benjamin was elected to replace Mrs. Esther Hauff. Better quarters will be provided there in the new addition to the building. Both Agawam Center and Feeding Hills Libraries have had many new people from the new developements.
We have much to offer the townspeople and are always glad to help.
Respectfully submitted,
EVA S. KERR ODETTE Z. BENJAMIN CLARA J. MC VEIGH
North Agawam
Books
3952
Borrowers
603
Circulation
5692
Feeding Hills
Books
7580
Borrowers
570
Circulation
6998
Agawam Center
Books
11000
Borrowers
775
Circulation
14944
198
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 Mr. Rising as Chairman and meetings were held whenever necessary and all categories were discussed each time. We have always tried to meet all the legal requirements and maintain a high standard of efficiency in our department. The details of the work will be covered more thoroughly in the agent's report.
Respectfully submitted,
LEONARD P. RISING JEREMIAH J. CAVANAUGH ANDREW CHRISCOLO
REPORT OF THE WELFARE AGENT
· Our total relief expense was slightly higher in 1951 than in 1950 but the cost of General Relief was consider- ably lower. Most of the present cases are of a temporary nature and sickness has been the cause in a great many instances. The increase came in Old Age Assistance and Aid to Dependent Children and was due to advanced cost per case rather than to addition of more cases.
The State budget used by the Massachusetts cities and towns was raised last October made our payrolls higher and the new Old Age Assistance law which took effect January first will make this category cost us at least $1,000.00 per month more in 1952.
Aid to Dependent Children should not show much change this year and the expense should not be much greater.
199
A new category has been established, namely Dis- ability Assistance, but we have not as yet been able to get it operating as much as we would like because of delay in proving eligibility due to difficulty in getting necessary medical information. This, like Old Age As- sistance and Aid to Dependent Children, is under Social Security and functions in a similar manner with some return from the Federal Government and some from the State.
The social worker mentioned last year and the year before has not been hired but probably will be in the near future.
Our receipts from all outside sources exceeded pre- vious years and if we could use all of these funds for our relief work a much smaller appropriation would take care of our needs.
The other departments have been very helpful to us and I want to express my thanks and those of the board for all of their favors. In the matter of unusual transportation, the highway department, our janitor and the police have all been very kind to us. The town nurse and the school nurse have helped us in countless ways. Every department has done things for us and we have been able to do very little for any of them in return, but we are appreciative for these kindnesses and all these things together have been very beneficial to our recipients and have made our work easier and more amiable .
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER S. KERR Welfare Agent
200
Report of the Forestry Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
This being my first year as Tree Warden I would like to make a few recommendations for the future of this department.
The job in view is to maintain and keep what good trees we have and to select in regard to location and en- cumberances, trees that will serve to the best advantage. At present there are Elms that are affected with Dutch Elm disease and Poplars that are very dangerous which should be replaced with a better specie. There are also numerous other good types of trees that are in need of tree surgery, cavity fillings, etc.
Last year's budget allowed a sum of $300.00 for spraying. This amount was not enough to spray all the Elms in Town for one spray and yet all our authorities on prevention of Dutch Elm disease recommend three or more sprays.
New tree plantings was an item absent from last year's budget. From the amount of letters, cards and telephone calls I received from people that would like a tree placed on their tree belt, I feel we should give them something to look for in the future. With all this in view cur present budget is not in keeping with the necessary work that should be done.
Considering our budget for use by this department, I feel that our accomplishments have been great and in the future when more funds are available our accomplish- ments will be greater.
Respectfully submitted,
ELMER CASCIO Tree Warden
201
Report of the Parks & Playground Committee
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
During this past year the Parks and Playgrounds Commission continued successfully its program from last year of expanding and improving the play areas with new equipment.
The playgrounds were open for an eight-week period from July 2, 1951 to August 24, 1951. The week pre- ceeding this period was spent setting up the playgrounds, and the week following this eight-week period was spent taking down equipment.
This year the average daily attendance was 167, which broken down is as follows:
Agawam Center 47
Robinson Field 45
Springfield Street 43
Feeding Hills 32
On Tuesdays the playground department took the boys and girls to Babb's Beach in Southwick. This par- ticular project proved even more popular than in previous years with an average attendance of 112 children.
Friday was special events day with prizes being awarded to the winners of the various tournaments. Con- tests such as checker tournaments, Jacks, horse-shoe tournaments, sports events, bike parades and doll contests were held. The Handicraft program also proved popular as it always does among the children.
As a finale a large picnic was held at Riverside Park which was attended by 220 children. The picnic again proved to be the highlight of the playground program with the children voicing their anticipation as early as opening day. The picnic lasted from 10 a. m. 'til 5:30 p. m. Each child received ten free rides from Mr. Carroll,
202
owner of Riverside Park, and a meal ticket furnished by the playground department.
Transportation for the children to and from Babb's Beach and to the picnic at Riverside Park was handled by the DePalma Bus Co., and as last year he furnished us with exceptional service.
The commission feels that as good a job as possible was done with the money allowed for the maintenance of the Legion Memorial Park.
No skating rinks were constructed this year because of the lack of suitable areas for such a project.
A successful program for the winter months has been the adult Arts and Crafts classes under the leader- ship of Miss Jeannette Barry.
During the past summer, the swimming pool at Rob- inson State Park has been completed. The Commission feels that the possibility of conducting the weekly "swim day" at this site might be advantageous because of its nearness.
Next year the Commission is planning to expand and improve its program. We are planning to open up a playground area in the rear of the Agawam High School for the benefit of the children in this crowded area. Skat- ing rinks will be constructed if suitable areas can be ob- tained. The Arts and Crafts classes again will be carried out for the winter with Miss Barry as instructor.
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