USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1931 > Part 18
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RECOMMENDATIONS
I recommend that the Metropolitan District Water Commission be asked to erect a storage tank on Turkey Hill to furnish additional and adequate water supply for the northerly section of the Town.
On many occasions recently it has been clearly demonstrated that the present system of distribution- long feeders of insufficient capacity, with constantly in- creasing domestic consumption-was inadequate to prop- erly protect this rapidly growing section. Thirty miles of main have been added to the system during the past six years. A break in a water main, liable to occur at any time, would cut off the entire supply during the period of repair.
This site, twelve acres, taken by the Town in 1913
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REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
for "park and water purposes" is a location from which abundant water supply could be furnished for its own section with the assurance of a reserve for emergencies. It is only seven inches less in height than Park Circle.
When this storage is provided, Arlington will be en- titled to lowest cost insurance (Class A), which will be a tremendous saving to the property owners.
The assessed value of insurable property in 1931 was $52,399,650 (not including contents of dwellings). One and two family dwellings would be reduced 10% and sub- stantial reductions on all other types of buildings and contents.
I recommend that $118,262.25 be appropriated for the ensuing year.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen for its courteous treatment in all matters pertaining to the welfare of this Department; the Board of Public Works for its keen interest in providing additional water supply; the Police Department for its never failing service when the De- partment is en route to or at a fire; the many friends who have made donations to the stations; and my own officers and men, through whose loyalty and devotion to duty the success of this Department is due, I wish to express sincerest thanks.
DANIEL B. TIERNEY, Chief of Department.
FIRE AND 'POLICE SIGNAL SYSTEM
January 1, 1932.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Arlington, Massachusetts,
Gentlemen:
I have the honor to present my second report as Superintendent of the Fire and Police Signal System for the year ending December 31, 1931.
Three fire alarm boxes were installed at these loca- tions: Box 92, Hawthorne Ave., corner of Kenilworth Road; Box 523, Crescent Hill Ave. near Montague Street; Box 623, Florence Ave., corner of George Street; Box 12 renumbered 123; Box 611 renumbered 614; Box 652 renumberd 842; Box 731 renumbered 632.
There were six open circuits on the fire alarm system, four of them caused by automobiles knocking over pedestals, one caused by wind storm and the other by workmen in a manhole.
A new auxiliary motor and generator set with switch- board for operating was installed for charging fire alarm batteries. It was put in service January 14th, in com- pliance with requirements of the New England Insurance Exchange.
Telephone communication over the fire alarm wires was established with the Medford Department, April 28th. Connection with the Somerville Department in the same manner was made September 21, 1930. These lines are tested every morning, and are in frequent use
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FIRE AND POLICE SIGNAL SYSTEM
for transmitting messages to and from these places which otherwise would necessitate the use of the regular tele- phone.
A register was installed in Chief's residence for re- cording alarms.
An auxiliary air compressor was installed July 2nd for the whistle plant.
All fire and police boxes were painted.
197 bulbs replaced in traffic lights.
179 bulbs replaced in ornamental lights.
POLICE SYSTEM
Three receiving sets furnished the Police Depart- ment for the State broadcasts and for use in connection with their own experimental broadcasting station, and salary of the operator of station for the month of Decem- ber. A temporary telephone was installed from broad- casting room in Police Headquarters to Police Signal Desk for transmitting messages to the broadcaster.
Three new police boxes were located as follows:
Box 42, Mass. Ave. at Lexington Line; Box 124, Academy St. near Irving St .; Box 415, Cliff St. opposite Linden St .; Box 412 moved from Mass. Ave. and Park Ave. to the opposite side of Mass. Ave .; Box 212 moved from Palmer and Exeter Sts. to Wyman and Warren Sts.
RECALL LIGHTS
A Cole transmitter was installed on Police Signal Desk for sending out the code signals on the recall lights. The recall light at Mass. Ave. and Schouler Ct. was trans- ferred to the flagpole on roof of Symmes Hospital, from where it is visable over a large section of the town. Four
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
recall lights were placed in tower of Fire Headquarters, replacing a single light that was unsatisfactory.
Telephone service (private) established between Selectmen's office and Police Station and another from basement of Town Hall to the Police Station for use of the policemen who are on duty at Town Hall.
New plates were installed in all police boxes. Here- tofore when the pointer was set at the officer's number for duty call, the number recorded on register at Police Signal Desk was the next higher number. This caused confusion for the new men and the change was made to have the number on the plate correspond with that re- corded on register.
The generator for charging Police signal batteries was overhauled.
RECONSTRUCTED LINES
Replaced 1500 feet of No. 9 iron wire on No. Union St. from underground pole to fire box No. 21.
Replaced 320 feet No. 9 iron wire on Lowell St. from Elder Terrace to Westmoreland St. Caused by wind storm in which four poles were blown down.
I recommend an appropriation of $7,306.00 for en- suing year.
DANIEL B. TIERNEY, Supt. F. and P. Signal System.
1
REPORT OF THE GYPSY AND BROWN TAIL MOTH DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Dear Sirs:
I herewith submit my report as Superintendent of Moth Department, for year ending December 31, 1931.
The general condition of the public shade trees in our Town as far as the Gypsy Moth is concerned is better than it has been for years. The number of nests found on street trees were very few and scattered. All private estates in the Town have been examined, and where nests have been found were treated with creosote. In over five hundred estates nests have been found, averaging from two to ten nests on each estate. This is due to the fact that fruit and certain ornamental trees are favored species for the Gypsy Moth.
During the year 282 private places were sprayed, and for this work, and treating nests where found on private estates, the Town will be reimbursed about $1,000.
There was a heavy infestation of the Web Worm this year, and many residents confused this pest with the Brown Tail Moth, which is now almost extinct. Wherever this pest was severe and in close proximity to residences, I removed the nests, as they were a nuisance, in some cases actually getting inside the house. This year we should spray the heaviest infestations, and where that is impossible or too expensive, we should remove nests and burn them.
There was a slight infestation of the Oriental Hag Moth discovered in Cambridge this year, and it is neces- sary that we keep a constant watch for this pest. It is a
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
very destructive pest to the Norway maples. It is a ravenous eater and can completely defoliate a tree in a single night. To predict the ultimate destruction of this new pest is rather hazarduous. If the feeding is confined to the hard maples, the damage will be greatly restricted, but should this pest change its menu to our elms and oaks and other ornamental trees, the problem of combating this insect will be greatly enlarged. In the meantime. it is our duty to keep a close watch for its invasion.
Respectfully submitted,
DANIEL M. DALEY, Superintendent.
DEPARTMENT OF POLICE
Arlington, Massachusetts, January 1, 1932.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I have the honor of rendering you my second annual report of the doings of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1931.
The Police Department consists of a Chief, seven sergeants, thirty-four patrolmen and six reserve police officers, a stenographer, one janitress and matron, and a mechanician.
During the year 2677 complaints were brought to the attention of the courts: 2463 were males; 214 were females, 88 of which were juveniles or persons under 17 years of age. $5,299.00 was imposed as fines and costs. Total imprisonment imposed was 96 years, 11 months and 28 days, 1279 of which were residents and 1371 were non-residents.
In addition to the number of complaints made in court, 1557 persons were booked for violation of the automobile laws and traffic rules, and the cards filed as a warning in my office.
POLICE SIGNAL SYSTEM
During the year 131,239 duty calls were received and 332 telephone calls from officers on street duty; 134 wagon calls; 72 ambulance calls have been responded to and the patrol and ambulance have run 4378 miles.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
THE AUTOMOBILE AND THE POLICE
During the year 10,645 automobiles were reported to us as stolen in the Metropolitan District.
We had 45 reported to us as stolen in Arlington; all but one have been recovered. We also recovered 43 cars for other police departments.
494 permits to sell cars in Arlington were granted to private owners, and 2389 used cars were reported as taken in trade by Arlington dealers.
46 licenses to operate automobiles were revoked for violations of law, 108 licenses to operate were suspended, and 17 registrations were revoked.
AUTOMOBILE FATALITIES
This year four persons have been killed in Arlington by motor vehicles. Two of the four were attempting to escape from the police.
The change in the traffic light system which has been made in the Centre has proven a great benefit to the Town as a whole. By moving the car stops to the area near the Monument the congestion between Medford Street and Mystic Street has been eliminated. With the removal of the street cars from Medford Street and Mystic Street, these streets were designated for one-way traffic, which allows the vehicular traffic to move through the Centre at almost a continuous flow. The change in system also provides a pedestrian period which allows ample time for pedestrians to cross the Avenue.
The cutting off of seven feet of the southerly sidewalk on Massachusetts Avenue, from Pleasant Street to the end of the Wyman Restaurant, has provided space for at least twenty more cars to park in addition to facilitating the movement of traffic.
329
DEPARTMENT OF POLICE
The installation of the lights at Massachusetts Avenue and Franklin Street has proven a great help in handling the traffic going westbound through the Centre.
In order to handle traffic properly on Massachusetts Avenue it will be necessary to install lights at four addi- tional points on Massachusetts Avenue below the Centre, namely, at Wyman Street and Massachusetts Avenue; Tufts Street and Massachusetts Avenue; Marathon Street and Massachusetts, and Teel Street and Massa- chusetts Avenue.
All of these lights to be timed progressively and con- nected with the lights in the Centre, so that when a ma- chine starts on the green light at Teel Street, it will be able to go clear through the Centre without a stop if traveling at a rate of speed of twenty-five miles per hour. When these lights turn red on Massachusetts Avenue it will keep the traffic on the Avenue separated and not, allow it to bunch up in front of one light as it does now at Lake Street and again at Franklin Street.
These installations are not being asked for this year, but they should be installed as soon as conditions warrant.
Traffic lights are being installed all over the country on main arteries to hold the traffic down to a certain rate of speed which prevents accidents.
An appropriation is asked to install a permanent safety zone at Medford Street and Massachusetts Avenue. This to be of the same type as that at Lake Street. The Lake Street zone has already probably saved the life of one woman who was standing on the platform when a drunken driver hit the bumper and caromed to one side.
An appropriation is asked for sign replacements. Some of the signs throughout the town are in very bad condition and should be replaced at once.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
An appropriation is asked to purchase a line marker, which is used by the State and most of the cities and towns, to paint lines on street to control traffic. During 1931 a great deal more of this painting was done than in previous years, and I think it has shown results in cutting down the number of fatal accidents during the year, which have been reduced from eight to four. I was able to have this painting done this year because of saving about $900.00 from the amount appropriated for chang- ing traffic signals at Arlington Centre.
RADIO
I am asking for an appropriation this year for radio equipment which I believe is absolutely necessary for the proper protection of the lives and property of the citizens of the Town. With the great amount of crime being committed in the metropolitan area today, and ninety percent of the criminals using automobiles, the police must also be equipped with the automobile in order to properly protect the lives and property of the citizens.
The use of radio for police emergency work has been in use for about eight years in a great many of the cities and towns throughout the west. The Massachusetts State Police have been using radio for the past three years and are at present building a modern station at Holden, Massachusetts.
I have sent questionnaires to every city and town in the country equipped with radio, and they all report it has proven a great asset in the prevention of crime and the apprehension of criminals. It has also proven a great money saver, in that it does away with the con- tinual increase in the man power of the police depart- ments. One car with two men in it, equipped with radio, is said to equal twelve men on foot.
With a radio transmitter located in police head-
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DEPARTMENT OF POLICE
quarters and radio equipped cars continually cruising over the residential districts of the town, the lives and property of our citizens will be one hundred percent better protected than at present.
Practically every home today is equipped with tele- phone. If a suspicious person is seen in the vicinity the home owner has only to call police headquarters, giving the information. A radio broadcast is then sent out and is received by the radio car in that district, and a car with two officers is at your door within two minutes.
In 1930 the Town of Arlington paid seventy-nine thousand dollars in taxes as her share of the expenses in Middlesex County. These expenses are for the building and maintaining of courts, jails and houses of correction, judges' salaries, court officers, the apprehending, prose- cuting and maintaining criminals, etc.
It has been proven that the criminal will keep away from the city or town equipped with radio, as he knows that once the police are notified of a crime he has, at most, a minute to get away, and in a great many cases the criminal has been apprehended while in the actual commission of the crime.
With radio, the man in charge at headquarters has men at his finger tips available for any emergency at all times.
Arlington is regarded throughout the Metropolitan area as a law-abiding community. It also has a repu- tation among the criminal element as a good place to steer clear of. This is due to the continued efforts in the enforcement of the law and the preservation of the peace by every member of your police department.
For this excellent record, I wish to thank every
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
member of the police department, the Honorable Board of Selectmen, and all others who have in any way as- sisted the department.
With the continued co-operation of your Honorable Board, and with the support of the citizens of the Town, it will be my purpose to maintain the high efficiency of the department.
I thank your Honorable Board for the confidence you have shown in me during the past year, and again pledge my earnest efforts to promote the efficiency of the department for the welfare of the Town.
Respectfully submitted,
ARCHIBALD F. BULLOCK, Chief of Police.
REGISTRARS OF VOTERS
Arlington, Mass., December 31, 1931.
The Registrars of Voters herewith submit the follow- ing table showing the number of registered voters in the seven precincts in December, 1930, and in the fourteen precincts of 1931:
December 31
1930
1931
Precinct
1
1,642
1,119
Precinct
2
2,477
1,366
Precinct
3
2,753
1,080
Precinct
4.
1,207
1,125
Precinct
5.
1,769
1,076
Precinct
6.
2,862
1,221
Precinct 7
2,629
1,321
Precinct 8.
1,136
Precinct 9.
1,017
Precinct 10
1,225
Precinct 11
1,112
Precinct 12.
1,331
Precinct 13
1,081
Precinct 14.
1,033
15,339
16,243
EBEN F. DEWING, Chairman, LEONARD COLLINS, JAMES J. GOLDEN, JR.,
E. CAROLINE PIERCE, Clerk,
Registrars of Voters.
333
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Arlington, Mass., December 31, 1931.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :
I herewith respectfully submit my annual report of the services of this Department for the year ending December 31, 1931.
Ad- Not Con- justed Sealed Sealed demned
Scales
Platform over 5,000 lbs.
5
5
Platform 100 to 5,000 lbs.
25
36
2
Counter 100 lbs. or over
1
2
Counter under 100 lbs. .
21
51
2
Beam under 100 lbs .. . .
1
5
Spring 100 lbs. or over.
2
58
9
Spring under 100 lbs . . .
107
168
17
Computing 100 lbs. or over
4
Computing under 100 lbs.
69
153
1
11
Personal weighing scales
35
13
Prescription .
4
19
1
Total
235
536
1 55
Weights
Avoirdupois.
1
298
3
Apothecary
55
250
19
Metric
13
95
1
Troy
1
3
Total.
70
646
23
334
335
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Volumetric Measures
Liquid.
111
3
Oil Jars .
296
1
Total
407
4
Automatic Liquid Measuring Devices
Gasoline Pumps.
20
71
2
7
Gasoline Meters
49
60
13
Oil Pumps. .
20
100
1
Quantity Measures on Pump.
112
629
Greasing Devices
16
2
Total
201
876
2
23
Linear Measures
Yard Sticks .
39
Taxi Meters
19
7
Total .
49
7
Three thousand two hundred and forty-four (3,244) weights and measures were inspected, sealed or condemned at my office or at the several places of business and statu- tory fees amounting to the sum of $236.33 were received and paid to the Tax Collector.
During the year at various times I made inspections and reweighings of scales, weights, measures, and food commodities. The result of reweighing these commodities put up for sale or sold is as follows:
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Total Number Incorrect Number Tested Correct Under Over
Bread
7
6
1
Butter .
4
4
Coal (in transit)
10
2
3
5
Candy .
8
6
2
Dry Commodities .
17
10
2
5
Fruits and Vegetables
20
16
2
2
Meat
3
3
Ice .
7
4
3
Sugar
18
11
7
Cord Wood
1
1
95
59
22
14
Through my activities in the inspection of hawkers and peddlers and transient vendors the Town Treasurer has received the following sums:
Hawkers' and Peddlers' Licenses. $475.00
Transient Vendors' Fees . 334.98
$809.98
As a result of inspections I found it necessary to prosecute 16 cases (21 complaints). All were found guilty and fines amounting to $450.00 were imposed by the Court. The Town of Arlington received 50% of this amount.
In addition to my regular duties, reweighings were made of coal for the School Department of the Town of Arlington amounting to 49,470 pounds.
Respectfully submitted,
ALLAN E. COWIE, Sealer.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
The Board of Public Works herewith submits its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1931.
At the Town Meeting held on March 2, 1931, Ed- ward T. Ryan was elected member of the Board for the term of three years. The Board organized on March 9 with the choice of F. Leo Dalton as chairman.
APPOINTMENTS
At a meeting held March 30, S. Alfred Benson was appointed Clerk of the Board, Water Registrar and Purchasing Agent for the year ending April 1, 1932, William J. Toomey was appointed Superintendent of the Highway Division and Edward O'Brien was appointed Superintendent of the Sewer and Water Division for the year ending April 1, 1932.
MEETINGS
The meetings are held Monday evenings. During the year the Board held fifty-two regular and fourteen special meetings.
The following are the net expenditures made under the direction of the Board:
*Highway Division . $150,140.44
Sewer Extensions.
83,093.09
Sewer Maintenance 4,833.52
Water Extensions . 96,236.15
Water Maintenance 55,714.60
*$8,975.63 due J. P. McCabe, Inc., on contract for Park Avenue Reconstruction not included in this amount.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Snow and Ice.
26,307.51
** Sanitary Division 83,589.11
Storm Drains . 18,336.40
Construction of Aerial Street 14,894.37
Construction of Field Road .
4,072.98
Construction of Herbert Road .
16,478.23
Construction of Lockeland Avenue
19,484.57
Construction of Quincy Street.
29,267.15
Construction of School Street. .
22,339.41
Construction of Varnum Street .
11,697.59
Construction of Washington Street
37,477.27
General Administration Account .
12,197.00
1930 Street Construction .
20,233.31
1929 Street Construction .
1,306.02
Alteration of Ways-Franklin Street and Lewis Avenue . 50.00
Street Construction, Old Mystic Street
$000,000.00
Street Construction, Schouler Court.
000,000.00
Alteration of Way, Franklin Street at Broadway . 68.61
1930 Sewer Extension .
000,000.00
Alteration of Mill and Summer Streets.
572.95
Sidewalks, Summer Street Boulevard
000.000.00
Alteration of Mill Street and Mass. Avenue
000,000.00
1931 Easement of Land .
000,000.00
1930 Easement of Land .
000,000.00
Massachusetts Avenue Widening
2,944.52
Disposal of Town Barn.
970.49
Sewer Extension Appleton Street et al
25,840.30
Storm Drain Florence and Wachusett Ave.
3,000.00
Arlmont Street; Sewer, Water and Storm Drain .
24,622.62
1929 and 1930 Storm Drain
1,736.33
1930 Water Extensions
6,675.47
Total .
$774,180.01
** Accounts payable, $2,113.75, not included in this amount.
-
339
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
HIGHWAY DIVISION
During the year, sections of Park Avenue and High- land Avenue were reconstructed at a total cost of $51,- 501.79. Park Avenue from Paul Revere Road to Oak- land Avenue a distance of 2,215 feet, 50 feet in width, was reconstructed with the Warren Brothers Penolithic pene- trated macadam process, by Joseph P. McCabe, Inc., at a net cost of $33,210.17 for Roadway Construction, $2,- 187.10 for Curb Installation, $4,402.07 for Storm Drain, $3,451.95 for Removing Trees, Patching and Repairing Sidewalks, Loam Strips and Gutters, and $1,037.03 for Renewing Sewer and Water Services. Highland Avenue from Gray Street to a point approximately one hundred feet north of Ottawa Road, a distance of 1,101.5 feet, 33 feet in width, was reconstructed with the Warren Brothers' Penolithic penetrated macadam process, by the Highway Department at a net cost of $7,213.47.
The maintenance division of the Highway Depart- ment this year, in addition to the regular maintenance and cleaning work, have resurfaced Eastern Avenue its full width 32.5 feet from Highland Avenue to a point opposite the new Brackett School with a penetrated macadam surface at a cost of $6,185.79.
This year $12,880.71 was spent on the cleaning of streets; $8,893.01 on maintenance and repairs to street surfaces; $1,117.98 on repairs to Massachusetts Avenue and $13,291.06 for surface treating public streets with asphalt, both hot and cold application, crushed stone and sand.
Four thousand seven hundred thirty-eight dollars and ninety-eight cents was expended on the Care and Repair of Storm Drains and Catch Basins.
Eight thousand, one hundred seventy-three dollars and eighty-one cents was expended on the Maintenance of Gravel Sidewalks and one thousand, four hundred twenty-three dollars and eighty-seven cents on the care and repair of permanent sidewalks.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
TABLE 1 HIGHWAY DIVISION
Appropriation
Expended
Balance Jan. 1, 1932
Appropriation
$163,820.00
Maintenance of highways .
108,820.00
$55,358.29
*General account
52,255.99
Reconstruction
55,000.00
42,526.16
Totals
$163,820.00
$150,140.44
$13,679.56
*Stock, $5,825.62; automobile, $8,935.18; teaming, $4,913.44; Town yards and buildings' $6,572.59; compressor, tools, etc., $288.21; tools and equipment, $3,898.46; street signs, $3,417.55; miscellaneous, $620.78; engineering, $170.35; Saturday afternoons, $5,738.87; vacations, $3,343.91; holidays, $1,933.72; supervision, time and stockkeeper, $8,168.83; credit for use of tractor, $725.05; credit for use of roller, $846.47.
Note: Out of $13,679.56 balance on hand January 1, 1932, $8,975.63 is due J. P. McCabe, Inc., on contract for Park Avenue reconstruction. To be paid in 1932 from carried over balance of 1931.
TABLE 2
SNOW AND ICE
Appropriation for 1931.
$26,500.00
Expenditure
26,307.51
Balance, Jan. 1, 1932.
$192.49
STREET CONSTRUCTION
Appropriation for 1931.
$165,082.47
Expenditure
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