USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1910 > Part 16
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The section in Whittemore Park between Lake Avenue and the Boston & Lowell Railroad should also receive attention as soon as funds can be made available. The ground thereabouts is low and the drainage inadequate.
I would suggest that the proposed construction of a valley sewer from Medford Street to serve the territory north of the Boston & Lowell Railroad and later the town of Lexington be given consideration in the report of the committee on Sucker Brook Improvement. From time to time applications are received for sewer connections within this territory, which cannot be handled except by the construction of this sewer or the installa- tion of three additional temporary pumping plants located at Grove Street, Mill Street and Forest Street. This sewer would also eliminate the small pumping plant at Brattle Street now operated by electricity.
COLLECTION OF OFFAL AND ASHES.
The work in this department has increased very materially . during the year and is now equal to the work of three men and two teams, and during 1911 will probably require four men and two teams to give satisfactory service. The method of handling the ashes is the same as in former years, the Highway Depart- ment supplying teams and horses.
As in the case of the offal collection, the cost of collecting ashes and paper is increasing rapidly due to increase in population.
The building erected last year at the Town Yard for the transfer of offal from the teams in which it is collected to the teams of the contractor was put into commission in July and has proven satisfactory and economical.
218
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
EQUIPMENT.
The equipment of the Highway and Sewer Divisions is in good condition and no large increase will be necessary for the coming year. Two more horses are owned by the Highway Division than last year and the purchase of small additional outfit has placed the department on a good standard.
In regard to the Crushing Plant: As stated last year, I do not think any extensive repairs should be made on the old plant, simply a sufficient amount to keep same in running order so that what surplus stone is obtained from excavations by Sewer and Water Divisions may be handled. Ultimately, I believe, the plant should be disposed of and a portable plant procured which can be used wherever the department is making large ledge excavations in the course of construction of new streets. I feel there is no question but that the Town can purchase crushed stone from the large manufacturers far cheaper than they can quarry and crush same on the scale required for highway work in Arlington. One thousand two hundred seventy six tons of stone were purchased, and two thousand three hundred eighteen tons were crushed at Arlington in 1910.
TOWN YARD.
The roadways leading from Massachusetts Avenue to the Offal Transfer House and extending through Commonwealth land near Metropolitan pumping station were constructed early in the year. The part on the Commonwealth property was done under special permit from the Metropolitan Water Board who gave the Town the privilege of building a road and use of same for all teaming purposes with the exception of the offal wagons. This roadway allows the department to haul supplies from the area of the Town Yard at good advantage to all parts of the Town.
During the late fall and winter the excavation for new storage bins for the unloading of crushed stone from train has been carried on so that the actual construction of these bins may go forward by April 1. It is proposed that these bins have a capacity of four hundred tons of crushed stone and be so arranged that the cars can be quickly unloaded and the stone transferred to highway teams with a minimum amount of labor. I feel positive
219
TOWN ENGINEER'S REPORT
that contracts can be made for the supply of this stone which will result in a considerable saving in cost and handling of the material.
BOARD OF SURVEY.
Twenty-four plans were examined on which hearings under petitions for locations and grades were to be held by the Board. All of these plans were later approved by the Board.
Studies have been made for the extension of a new street from Tanager Street to connect with Spring Street, Lorne Road and Inverness Road, so-called, and plans of same have been approved by the Board. If these extensions can be built by the Town a considerable area of good building land will be made available and can be approached at easy grade. .
ASSESSORS' SURVEY.
Considerable progress has been made toward the survey of lands adjoining the Belmont, Lexington and Winchester lines. By the first of April plans will be completed which will show the ownership and areas along these boundaries which have not already been blocked into house lots and recorded at the Registry of Deeds.
The work of another year should complete the plans and surveys with the exception of the triangular survey which can come a year later. If this programme is carried out the Town will have acquired accurate plans and surveys of the whole area within a space of four years at an expense of approximately $2000. These completed plans will be of incalculable value to the departments and committees in the service of the Town.
IN GENERAL.
The several highway bridges are in good condition, no ex- tensive repairs being required during the year with the exception of replanking the Park Avenue Bridge which was done by the Boston & Lowell Railroad at the expense of the Highway Division.
The work on the new channel of Alewife Brook has progressed as far as Little Spy Pond, and the channel is now open from that point to Mystic River. The locks at Craddock Bridge, Medford, are in operation and the effect and value of this splendid undertaking are apparent to all.
220
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Within a few months the canal will be extended across Lake Street to Spy Pond, and I trust the present year will see the drainage scheme and the work on the shores of Spy Pond com- pleted.
Underground conduits for telephone and fire alarm wires have been laid on Water Street from Massachusetts Avenue to the railroad, and on Medford Street from Warren Street to Mystic River. Also the underground conduit on Broadway for electric. wires has been extended to Alewife Brook. There are now six and one-half miles of underground conduits for wires in the Town.
One hundred and twenty-eight permits for street openings were granted. Of these. a large number were for gas services and the extension of gas mains. Included in these was the permit for a high pressure gas main from the works to the Lexing- ton line through Summer, Grove, Dudley and Brattle Streets and Massachusetts Avenue. The construction of this line assures ample supply over the territory adjacent to these streets.
5
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT W. POND, Town Engineer and Superintendent of Streets and Sewers.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF WIRES
January 23, 1911.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Board of Public Works.
Gentlemen: I respectfully submit my eleventh annual report as Superintendent of Wires for the year ending December 31, 1910.
STREET LIGHTING.
The Street Lighting System as furnished by the Edison Electric Illuminating Company, of Boston, has been satisfactory during the past year. Very few interruptions of this service have taken place, and in all cases of this kind service was restored in as prompt manner as was possible to make repairs. Current tests made on instruments at office in Town Hall have always shown the service to be up to contract requirements.
NEW STREET LIGHTS INSTALLED.
Date of
Street.
Location.
Pole No.
Inc. Arc. Installation.
Robbins Rd.
Near Mass. Ave.
867-3 1-40 c. p. Jan. 4, 1910
Teel St.
Near Mass. Ave.
875-4 1-40 c. p. July 6,1910
Wachusett Ave.
Between Appleton St. & Wollaston Ave. 878-3 1-40 c. p. July 6, 1910
Whittemore St.
Near B. & M. R. R.
900-5-6 2-80 c. p. Aug. 8, 1910
Draper Ave.
Near Orient Ave., N. E. T. & T. Co. Between Magnolia & Marathon Sts.
847-18
1 Jan. 25, 1910
Mass. Ave.
Near Cambridge line
847-8
1 Nov. 12, 1910
- -
Totals
6 2
STREET LIGHTS REMOVED DURING 1910.
Street.
Location.
Pole No.
Inc. Arc. Date Removed·
Whittemore St.
Near B. & M. R. R .. Near Cambridge line
900-5
1 Aug. 25, 1910
Mass. Ave.
S47-8 1-40 c. p. Nov. 12, 1910
-
Totals
1 1
7-7 1-40 c. p. Deć. 3, 1910
Mass. Ave.
.
222
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
STREET LIGHTS CHANGED TO NEW LOCATIONS DURING 1910.
Date of Change
Old Location. Pole No. New Location. Pole No. Inc. Arc. in Location.
Mass. Ave. near
Mass. Ave. near
Magnolia St. 847-17 Magnolia St. 847-15 1 Jan. 25, 1910
Westminster Ave. 883-11
Westminster Ave. 883-10
1-40 c. p. Mar. 10, 1910
Teel St. between
Mass. Ave. and
Teel St. between Mass. Ave. and
Sawin St. 875-3 Sawin St. 875-2 1-40 c. p. July 6, 1910
Paul Revere Rd. near Suther-
land Rd. 877-3
Mass. Ave. near
Paul Revere Rd. near Suther-
Paul Revere
Rd. 847-160
land Rd. 877-3 1-40 c. p. July 6, 1910
-
Totals
3 2
SUMMARY OF STREET LIGHTS, DECEMBER 31, 1910.
Incandescent lights, 40 candle power
249
Incandescent lights, 80 candle power
4
Arc lights, 1200 candle power Total lights in use
85
338
LIGHTING SCHEDULE.
All street lights of the Town of Arlington, with one exception, are burned every night in the year from forty minutes after sunset to one o'clock A.M. One eighty-candlepower light, located at corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Pleasant Street, opposite the Town Hall, is burned all night; this light being turned on and off by the Police Department.
RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS IN STREET LIGHTING.
The petition of the Arlington Business Men's Association for better street lighting in the centre of the Town, which was referred to this department, and for which estimates will be submitted at the annual Town Meeting, should receive the support of the citizens. The question of better street lighting for the business centre of the Town has been under consideration by your Superintendent for some time, and a careful study has been made of lighting systems in many towns and cities throughout New England and elsewhere. I would recommend the removal of all arc lights on Massachusetts Avenue between Water Street and junction of Massachusetts
Mass. Ave. near Paul Revere Rd. 847-160 1 July 6, 1910
223
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF WIRES
Avenue and Broadway, and the installing of incandescent lights of from 60 to 100-candlepower on all poles on both sides of Massa- chusetts Avenue between the above specified points. With such a system of illumination the light will be equally distributed from both sides of this avenue, and dark spots that now exist will be eliminated. In the installation of proposed new system of lighting would recommend that at least six incandescent lights of 100- candlepower be burned all night; these lights to be located at junctions of intersecting streets, and to be on a special circuit. With these high candle-power lights located as recommended much assistance will be given the Fire and Police Departments after the regular street lighting circuits have been extinguished at 1 A.M. A liberal appropriation should be made during the com- ing year for additional street lights, as there are many places in the Town that should be better lighted, and new streets that are being built and which may be accepted during the year should be considered for additional lights which will have to be installed.
POLES AND WIRES.
Twelve permits were issued for the setting and removal of poles in accordance with petitions granted by the Joint Board of Select- men and Board of Public Works as follows:
Petitioner Company.
Street. Westminster Ave.
Poles.
Date Plan.
Date Granted.
Set 3
Remove 2 Nov. 1, 1909 Nov. 13, 1909
Edison Co.
Teel St.
Set 5
Remove 4 Nov. 1, 1909 Nov. 13, 1909
Edison Co.
Devereaux St.
Set 4
Remove 1 Apr. 14, 1910 May 14, 1910
Edison Co.
Lowell St. cor.
Park Ave. Relocate 1 May 25, 1910 June 1, 1910
Edison Co.
Lowell St. cor.
Westminster Ave. Remove 1
June 8, 1910 July 9,1910
Edison Co.
Whittemore St.
Relocate 2
July 8, 1910 July
9,1910
Edison Co.
Warren St.
Relocate 1
July 8, 1910 July 9,1910
Edison Co.
Bow St.
Set 1
June 15, 1910 Sept. 10, 1910
Edison Co.
Linden St.
Set 2 Sept. 3, 1910 Sept. 26, 1910
Edison Co.
Marathon St.
Set 1 Sept. 3, 1910 Sept. 26, 1910
N.E. T. & T. Co. Mass. Ave. near
Marion Rd.
Relocate 1 May 25, 1910 June 25, 1910
N. E. T. & T. Co. Draper Ave. near
Orient Ave. Set 2 Feb. 26, 1910 Mar. 26, 1910
:
Edison Co.,
224
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Thirty-three poles were replaced during the year; nine poles being replaced by the Edison Electric Illuminating Company and twenty-four by the New England Telephone and Telegraph Com- pany, the records of poles replaced with locations being on file with the Wire Department.
UNDERGROUND CONDUITS AND WIRES.
The New England Telephone and Telegraph Company and the Edison Electric Illuminating Company have placed underground conduits in the following streets during the year :
Company. Street.
Feet No. Conduit. Ducts.
Kind of Pipe.
Date Granted.
N. E. T. & T. Co. Water St. from Mass. Ave. to B. & M. R. R.
Creosoted
417.
2
Wood
Dec. 27, 1909
N. E. T. & T. Co. Medford St. from Warren St. to Medford line
Creosoted
2164.4 4
Wood
June 11, 1910
Edison E. I. Co. Broadway, Somer- ville line to op- posite Warren St. 2466. 8
Hollow
Brick
July 9, 1910
Edison E. I. Co. Broadway, near
Warren St. to Warren St. 2 Brick
Hollow
135.
July 9, 1910
The Edison Electric Illuminating Company installed 5310 feet of No. 1-0, three conductor, lead-encased cables in conduits on Broadway from the Somerville line to Warren Street, connecting. with underground wires at this point. This completes the under- ground high-tension system of the Edison Company from the Somerville line to corner of Mystic and Russell Streets. This underground system of conduits and wires is to be eventually ex- tended through Mystic Street to the Winchester Town line in accordance with requirements of the Town granted in 1907.
INSPECTION OF ELECTRICAL WIRING IN BUILDINGS.
This branch of the Wire Department has had careful attention during the year. All new work is inspected with the view of keep- ing this construction strictly up to requirements. Minor addi- tions to existing installations are inspected as time will permit. The reinspection of old work is given consideration as often as
225
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF WIRES
possible, and many defects have been found which were remedied in accordance with requirements. Conservative rulings have been made on all old systems reinspected, and materials were not condemned that were considered safe and in good condition even though they did not conform to requirements. The object of reinspection is not to cause all wiring and fittings to be brought up to present requirements, the cost to do this in many cases being prohibitive, but existing systems must be maintained with the view of being safe from a "Life and Fire" standpoint. In- stallations that are disconnected cannot be reconnected until defects are remedied and a permit issued for a new service. All contractors are required to furnish notice of any work done and no permit will be issued for new work, additions or the use of new fixtures until such notice has been received and an inspection made.
TABULATION OF INSPECTIONS OF INTERIOR WIRING, 1910.
Contractors' applications received .
340
Number of inspections made 391
Incandescent lights wired for 3397
Motors wired for, 1-15 to 10-horse power
6
Total horse power of motors wired for
16 2-3
Mercury arc rectifier installed
1-40 Ampere
Stereopticon arc light installed
1-20 Ampere
Permits issued for light and power
395
Incandescent lights supplied with service
4817
Horse power of motors supplied with service
6 2-3
Mercury arc rectifier supplied with service
1-40 Ampere
Arc light (Stereopticon) supplied with service
1-20 Ampere
FIRE ALARMS.
This system has given good service during the year and very little trouble has been experienced from broken wires, etc. On June 18 the system was damaged by lightning, the underground wires of Circuit No. 2 being burned off in conduits on Massachusetts Avenue at Jason and Academy Streets; also Box 38 on Academy Street was slightly damaged. While repairs were being made to these breaks an alarm was received from Box 15 which was cor- rectly transmitted to all fire stations without any delay. On
226
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
October 24 Circuit No. 1 opened by a broken wire on Forest Street. This break was quickly repaired. Repairs were made to the whistle machine in tower of Town Hall as this machine was thrown out of adjustment several times early in the year on account of the settling of new timber supports placed in this tower when re- pairs were made to strengthen same. The bell striker at Hose 3 was provided with a new foundation for hammer as the old founda- tion had become decayed, and prevented this striker from properly operating. A new steam heating system was installed for air whistle in tower of Town Hall, as the old system was not sufficient to properly do the work owing to the reducing of steam pressure of the Town Hall boiler in accordance with the requirements of the Massachusetts District Police. Box 46 on Brattle Street was placed on a new pole, and the wire construction at this point overhauled.
FIRE ALARM NEW CONSTRUCTION, ETC.
The Central Fire Station on Broadway was connected by new lead cables placed underground direct from conduits on Massa- chusetts Avenue on May 11, and all aerial wires were removed. These wires enter basement of this building direct from conduits on Franklin Street and are connected to switchboard in this station from a slate terminal board which is enclosed in a fire-proof cabinet. A new Signal Box No. 212, located at corner of Broadway and Gardner Street, was placed in commission May 25; 1300 feet of No. 10 insulated iron wire and seven four-pin cross arms were used to install this box; 1752 feet of old bare iron wire was replaced on Broadway from Box 23 to North Union Street with new No. 10 insulated iron wire; 3390 feet of old iron wire was replaced on Summer Street from Box No. 27 to Box No. 46 with new insulated iron wire; also 31 two-pin cross arms were replaced with new; 3726 feet of old iron wire was removed on Massachusetts Avenue from Lake Street to Teel Street. This wire was replaced by 1772 feet of two-conductor lead cable being placed underground between these points. This completes the underground wire sys- tem of the fire alarm from Town Hall to the Cambridge line. Two iron posts were set for fire alarm boxes, one located at corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Winter Street for Box 15, and one at corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Teel Street for Box 14.
227
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF WIRES
The lead cables of both the Fire and Police Systems enter these post boxes from underground conduits, and are connected to test- ing terminals the same as all other iron posts used in the Fire and Police Signal Systems. One hundred six feet of one-inch, six and one-half feet of two-inch and fifty-five feet of three-inch iron con- duits were placed underground for connecting iron post boxes to the underground conduits.
Forty-seven storage battery plates were replaced at the Fire Alarm office with new elements.
POLICE SIGNAL SYSTEM.
This system has continued to give the best of service, and very few interruptions have been experienced. No additional boxes were installed on this system during the year. All line wires were repaired during the past summer as needed to strengthen the system; 1772 feet of two-conductor lead cable was placed underground for this system on Massachusetts Avenue, between Lake and Teel Streets, which completes the underground wires of this system from the Police Station in Town Hall to the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Teel Street; 1860 feet of two-con- ductor rubber-covered copper wire were removed from poles on the installing of the underground system between the above specified points.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
I would respectfully recommend that attention be given the question of installing additional fire alarm boxes as there are many places in the Town that should be protected by new signal stations. A liberal appropriation should be made to continue the installation of the underground wires of both the Fire and Police Signal Sys- tems. I would recommend that an appropriation be made this year for connecting the Fire Alarm Systems of the Town of Arlington and the City of Somerville to the end that the proposed system of Mutual Aid, which is rapidly being completed between all cities and towns in the Metropolitan District, may become operative between Arlington and Somerville. The City of Somer- ville has installed underground wires to the Arlington line for con- nection to the Arlington System, and as soon as these systems are connected a much improved fire department service will be given both communities.
228
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
CONCLUSION.
In closing my report I wish to thank your honorable Board for the courteous manner in which you have received me in the dis- charge of my official duties. To all other Town officers who have assisted me in many ways I wish to tender my thanks.
Respectfully submitted, · REUBEN W. LE BARON, Superintendent of Wires.
1
REPORT OF TREE WARDEN
To the Town of Arlington:
I herewith respectfully submit my annual report as Tree Warden for the year ending December 31, 1910.
In last year's report particular attention was called to the many adverse conditions to which trees, especially those on the highways, are subjected in order to live. The different insect pests and their method of attack were fully explained as were also the various other causes that exist, and which go to make, with any degree of success, the growing of shade trees a difficult problem. This department has removed twenty-five dead or partly dead elm trees from the highways the past year, and owing to the advanced age and the unfavorable conditions which prevail it would seem only a question of a short time when the greater part of those re- maining of this species of tree will have to be treated likewise. In years past, judging from appearances, the elm was planted in preference to the many other varieties. Conditions have changed, however, to such an extent that it would appear inadvisable to continue the planting of this particular tree, for the following rea- sons; first, it is subject to and suffers much from the attacks of different insects, making it a most expensive tree to maintain, and secondly, it requires a fairly good soil, an abundance of moisture and unrestrictive air space in order to attain its full development: conditions which are unattainable on the highways. After careful investigation the rock maple, which requires less space, less mois- ture and would stand more abuse than many of the other varieties, was selected as the tree best adapted for existing conditions. Therefore one hundred ten-foot trees of this species were planted the past season at an average cost, including labor of planting, teaming and equipping with a galvanized wire guard, of about $3 per tree. In planting young trees this department has pursued the policy of filling in the many vacant spaces which exist in the more frequently traversed public thoroughfares. Owners of prop- erty desiring shade trees planted on the public highways adjoin- ing their property should make known their wants to the Tree War-
230
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
den as early as possible. All applications are placed on file and considered in the order received in so far as funds will allow. Last year $500 was appropriated for this department. Of this amount $300 was used in planting young trees and the remaining $200, with $250 which was available of the $750 appropriated for insect pests other than gypsy and brown-tail moths, was used in pruning and removing dead trees. As previously intimated, the removal of a number of dead trees will be an annual occurrence for some years to come, and when it is considered that the cost of removing a single tree will vary from $10 to $50, the cost and planting of a single tree will amount to at least $3, and in addi- tion the necessary pruning which must be done for the public safety, it will readily be seen that with a small appropriation thor- ough care cannot be given to each individual tree of which there are more than 3000 on the public highways at present. The State Forester, while he urgently advised spraying, felt that owing to the slight infestation of gypsy and brown-tail moths on the street trees the past year the entire cost should not be charged to the Gypsy and Brown-Tail Moth Department; hence the appropriation of $750 which was passed at the March meeting for the suppression of insect pests other than gypsy and brown-tail moths, and satisfac- tory arrangements made with the State Forester whereby the trees were sprayed. For details see Selectmen's Report.
Conditions in regard to the street trees are practically the same as last year. The infestation of the leopard moth and elm leaf beetle is serious, while the infestation of the gypsy and brown-tail moth is very slight. In view of the above the State Forester will undoubtedly insist upon the Town bearing the greater portion of the cost of spraying the coming year; independent of the gypsy and brown-tail moth appropriation. I would recommend the sum of $750 be appropriated for this department for the ensuing year. I would also respectfully request that beginning January 1, 1911, the salary of Tree Warden be increased to $300 per year. For receipts and disbursements see Auditor's Report.
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