USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1935 > Part 11
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The Fire Department of Arlington is a source of pride not alone to the Board having immediate supervision but to the many citizens of the Town familiar with its operation. The spirit of wholehearted cooperation which is plainly evident, the extra effort put forth by the De- partment in conducting semi-annual dwelling inspections on days off is insurance of protection of persons and property above the ordinary.
The school for the training of firemen has been success- fully continued throughout 1935 with the cooperation of the State and adjacent Towns.
224
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
The detailed report of the Chief will be found elsewhere in this report.
ITEMS OF INTEREST
It became necessary to revise the number of Town Meeting Members from each precinct as a result of the adoption of Chapter 43A of the General Laws at the Annual Election of March 4, 1935, so that each precinct will be represented in the Town Meeting by an equal per- centage of its registered voters. The number of Town Meeting Members from each precinct was determined to be as follows:
Precinct
Town Meeting Members
1
15
2
21
3
12
4
18
5
15
6
18
7
18
8
18
9
15
10
18
11
18
12
21
13
18
14
18
On March 9, 1935, the position of Insurance Counsel, occupied by Luke A. Manning, was abolished and Arthur P. Wyman appointed administrator of the Town's insur- ance, and a plan devised whereby insurance agents of the Town may participate.
Paul H. Mossman was appointed Acting Inspector of of Buildings without increase in salary in place of William
225
REPORT OF SELECTMEN
E. Mason, not reappointed who held the position of In- spector of Buildings at an annual salary of six hundred (600) dollars during 1934.
Patriots' Day, April 19th was observed by appropriate exercises. The Board of Selectmen were aided in arrang- ing the program by the local patriotic and veterans' orga- nizations in cooperation with the General Committee of Boston. Paul Revere, William Dawes and their escorts were received and entertained for a brief respite from their long ride at the Town Hall.
By authority of the Annual Town Meeting, permission was given the Board to provide permanent quarters for the Corporal William P. Kenibbs Camp No. 66 of the United Spanish War Veterans in some building owned by the Town. After considerable investigation it was found that, by a rearrangement of the present occupants of Menotomy Hall it was possible to arrange suitable head- quarters on the first floor. Necessary renovations are now in process as a W. P. A. project and will be occupied early in the year 1936.
During the month of May, 1935, the Federal Govern- ment revised the requirements for Federal Aid offered under P. W. A. regulations so that the Federal Aid was increased to 45% of the total cost of such projects. The Board would have felt remiss in its duty if no opportun- ity was afforded the Town to take advantage of these grants. The Board, therefore, filed three projects, viz: construction of a branch library at Arlington Heights, construction of a new building at the Town Yard and the completion of and addition to the High School. One of these projects, namely the proposed work at the High School was approved by the Federal authorities and sub- mitted to a Special Town Meeting held October 24th for permission to borrow the Town's share, necessary to pro- ceed with the project. The Town Meeting voted ad-
226
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
versely on the proposal and the Federal grant which had been authorized was, therefore, returned to the proper authorities. The Board wishes to publicly thank those architects who gave so generously of their own time and that of their staffs without compensation from the Town.
A vacancy in the Planning Board, due to the resigna- tion of Edward L. Shinn, was filled at a joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen and Planning Board on Novem- ber 4, 1935, by S. P. Basmajian of 82 Winter Street.
The use of Menotomy Hall for the clerical staff of the Works Progress Administration, the auditorium for the E. R. A. sewing project, etc. is continued. Office space is provided for the National Reemployment Agency, the Welfare Council, the Girl Scouts and the Boy Scouts. Several veterans' organizations assemble here for their periodic meetings. The stores on the first floor have been occupied at a satisfactory rental.
The Robbins House is occupied for the offices and activ- ities of the Welfare Department on the first floor. The second floor has been occupied during the year by various "'white collar" projects of the E. R.A. and W. P.A. such as the Federal Housing Administration solicitation of repairs to properties in the Town, several projects of classification such as classification of veterans, etc. As a project under E. R. A. the building was refinished throughout during the year and under W. P. A. a new heating plant is being installed to replace the entirely inadequate system previously employed.
The E. R. A was discontinued during the month of November and the W. P. A. substituted. Under W. P. A. regulations it becomes necessary for the Town to provide sufficient funds for the administration of the projects. The Board has set up, under the direction of Neil S. Peters, a staff which will economically provide sufficient supervision so that the funds provided by the Town for
227
REPORT OF SELECTMEN
materials, etc., may be judiciously expended. It becomes increasingly difficult to obtain projects with a small ratio of materials to the amount of labor. However, projects completed during 1935 include the painting of Town buildings, the construction of new streets, and other pro- jects of immediate and permanent value to the Town, representing also the elimination of major expenditures in the budgets of many of the Town departments.
The members of the Board realize that their responsi- bility in these matters is to the citizens of Arlington and have endeavored to discharge this responsibility to the best interest of the Town by giving to each subject before them the amount of time and study necessary for the solution of every problem.
The members of the Board wish to express their appre- ciation to the individuals, committees and delegations with whom they have had contact during the year, for their cooperation in the performance of the duties of this office.
It is the pleasant duty of the Board to commend the clerks, employees, heads of departments and their secre- tary, James J. Golden, Jr., for their active cooperation during the year, necessitating, many times, extra hours of work in order that, during these difficult times details may be properly presented to the Board.
GEORGE H. LOWE, JR. ERNEST W. DAVIS, HAROLD M. ESTABROOK, Selectmen of the Town of Arlington.
228
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
January 1, 1936
Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town Hall, Arlington, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report for the Welfare and Sol- diers' Relief departments for the year ending December 31, 1935.
This year, during which our case load for all charities reached a new peak of 803 cases, has placed an unpre- cedented burden upon this department. The Board of Public Welfare has, at all times, made every effort to pro- vide necessities for families in distress because of unemploy- ment or other reasons by furnishing adequate assistance in accordance with accepted budgetary standards.
It is of sufficient interest to note that 455 of the above mentioned families, representing 1,714 persons, were em- ployed on Federal Relief Projects, and only supplemen- tary relief was granted by this department in these cases. The direct benefit of the Federal Employment Relief program is further evidenced by the fact that in the year 1933, prior to the beginning of this program, our cost per case was approximately 30 per cent higher than during the past year.
Investigations of all applicants and recipients of relief by our Visitors, and the Police Department, have been made in order to determine eligibility for relief, and to
229
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
prevent fraudulent abuse of welfare privileges. The Police Department has also been of invaluable assistance in handling our non-support and desertion cases.
A great deal of work has been done in the past few years toward the collection of overdue accounts from Cities and Towns, for aid rendered by this department to cases with settlements elsewhere. Necessary legal action has been taken against delinquent municipalities. As a result of this procedure, and our practice of utilizing every method in establishing and proving settlements, our reimburse- ments during the year were greatly in excess of any previous year. Further details appear in this report under expenditures and reimbursements.
The department enrolled 83 young men between the ages of 18 and 26 in the Civilian Conservation Corps. Families of these young men benefited to the extent of $25 monthly during their period of enrollment.
Our policy of employable persons working in return for aid rendered was continued throughout the year. These men were assigned to the Park Department, and that department benefited to the extent of 2,255 man days' labor.
The following Federal Commodities were distributed through this department to Welfare and Soldiers' Relief families, and those employed on Federal Relief projects, in accordance with Federal regulations:
2,135 pounds Beef Stew (Cans) 2,016 Butter
10,098 66 Roast Beef (Cans)
720 66 Cheese
13,085
66 Hamburg (Cans)
1,008 66 Mutton (Cans)
4,051
Prunes
ยท
230
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
2,332 pounds Rice
4,213 66 Veal (Cans) 800 66 Cabbage
31,975 66 Potatoes
3,840 Cans Evaporated Milk
2,941 Units Clothing
Welfare Aid was granted to 526 families and partici- pated in by 2,024 persons; 336 cases were Arlington settled, 122 cases unsettled, and State responsibilities, and 68 were settled in other cities and towns in the Common- wealth.
Mothers' Aid was rendered to 20 dependent mothers with minor children. There were 11 cases with Arlington settle- ments, 4 cases settled elsewhere, and 5 State cases.
Old Age Assistance was provided for 110 aged citizens, 35 cases being added during the year, and 12 discontinued. 74 cases were Arlington settled, 28 with settlements in other cities and towns, and 5 unsettled cases.
Soldiers' Relief was granted to 126 Veterans and their families.
State and Military Aid was allowed to 21 disabled Veterans and their dependents.
Total Expenditures for Welfare Aid . *$144,831.73 Less reimbursements from State, Munici- palities and Individuals. 51,317.01
Net Expense . $93,514.72 *$20,659.67 paid to other Cities and Towns included in this amount.
Total Expenditures for Mothers' Aid. $15,703.74
1
231
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
Less reimbursement from State and Munici- palities . 9,447.84
Net Expense $6,255.90
Total Expenditures for Old Age Assistance. . $30,139.41
Less reimbursements from State and Munici-
palities.
11,262.10
Net Expense . $18,877.31
Total Expenditures for Soldiers' Relief State and Military Aid .
$28,989.71
Less Reimbursements
1,031.70
Net Expense . $27,958.01
This department wishes to express its appreciation to private relief agencies, town departments and officials, civic organizations, churches and individuals whose co- operation has been of great assistance during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
CLIFFORD W. COOK, Agent.
232
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Town of Arlington, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Inspector of Animals for the Town of Arlington for the year ending December 31st, 1935.
The following table will show at a glance the char- acter of the work of my department and a comparison with the year 1934 shows a large increase in the amount of actual work of the department.
Increased number of calls quarantining animals means an increase in the correspondence with the Divi- sion of Live Stock Disease Control, as each bite or qua- rantine case has to be reported to the Division and again reported when animal is released from quarantine or dis- posed of, if ordered destroyed. If my memory serves me right this year 1935 has been my busiest year as Inspector of Animals.
Number of premises visited inspecting cattle . . . 9
Number of cattle inspected . 14
Number of goats inspected 5
The inspection of farm animals shows practically no change over last year, one less cow examined, and one more premise inspected where cattle were found.
The real work of this department lies in the quaran-
233
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
tining of dogs for biting people and the following up of the rabies cases and contacts.
Number of dogs quarantined for biting people .. 163 Number of dogs quarantined for contact with rabid dogs 12
Number of cats quarantined for bites. 2
Number of dogs heads sent to Laboratory 7
Number of dogs heads proven positive. 6
Number of dogs heads proven negative 1
Total number of proven rabies cases. 15
Total number of calls on dogs and cats 430
Total number of dogs, cats and cattle . 439
Comparison with 1934 shows an increase of 139 calls made in 1935.
From January 1st, 1935 to May 1st, 1935, we had nine positive rabies cases among the dogs and this alarm- ing situation was no doubt responsible for the inaugura- tion of our first Rabies Clinic, commencing May 2nd and lasting four days, during which time we applied rabies vaccination free to approximately 750 dogs.
I believe that, counting dogs vaccinated privately by other practitioners and myself, we had between 900 and 1000 dogs vaccinated in the Town of Arlington in the year 1935.
Considering the favorable comment which I have heard from State Officials and from owners of dogs vacci- nated, I believe the Arlington Board of Health is to be congratulated upon the character of the Rabies Clinic which it sponsored and carried out.
The records of the Board of Health will show a large increase in the number of persons who were given preven- titive Rabies vaccination because of exposure to rabid
234
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
dogs, therefore, I firmly believe that the town should repeat the Rabies Clinic early in the spring of 1936, in order that we may keep up the resistance to rabies which has been built up in the dog population of the town and thereby continue to protect the people of Arlington from rabies infection which is caused principally by exposure to the bites and scratches of rabid dogs.
I wish to express my thanks to the Board of Health and its office personnel and to the Police Department for their courtesy and help at all times.
Respectfully submitted,
CHESTER L. BLAKELY, M.D.V. Inspector of Animals.
235
BOARD OF APPEAL
BOARD OF APPEAL
January 21, 1936.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Arlington, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen :--
The Board of Appeal respectfully submits the seventh Annual Report.
During the year ending December 31, 1935 six appeals were made to the Board from the decision of the Inspector of Buildings.
In five of the appeals the decision of the Inspector of Buildings was reversed and in one case his decision was upheld.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERIC F. LOW, ALTON F. TUPPER, THOMAS J. DONNELLY, Board of Appeal.
236
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
Arlington, Mass., January 13, 1936.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report of the inspection of build- ings, plumbing and gas for the year ending December 31, 1935.
Two hundred and ninety-four building permits were issued, compiled as follows:
Dwellings, 1 family
67
$373,700.00
Dwellings, 2 family
1
9,000.00
Banks .
2
84,000.00
Filling Stations
3
15,500.00
Garages.
48
18,002.00
Garage, 16 car
1
7,000.00
Garage, 3 car
1
400.00
Store.
1
1,200.00
Plumbing shop
1
800.00
Sand storage bin
1 800.00
Summer house .
1 150.00
Foundation for 1 family
1
260.00
Additions and Alterations
56
90,200.00
Alter shop into 1 family
1
1,700.00
Alter 1 family into 2.
3
5,300.00
Piazzas
12
2,730.00
Piazza roofs
12
1,270.00
Sun porch
4
2,625.00
Dormers .
4
565.00
Repair fire damage.
9
5,800.00
Fire Escapes .
3
600.00
237
INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS
Relocate 1 family
1
500.00
Sheds .
3
375.00
Chimneys
3
1,000.00
Elevators .
2
420.00
Alter store fronts.
3
1,540.00
Alter 2 stores into 1.
7
2,400.00
Alter garage.
2
630.00
Alter 1 car garage into 2.
1
150.00
Alter barn into 2 car garage
1
300.00
Foundation for garage
2
40.00
Move garage.
2
25.00
Foundation under barn
1
60.00
Roof over foundation
1
50.00
Demolish dwellings
2
450.00
Demolish buildings
31
3,370.00
294
$632,912.00
Fees collected for the year were as follows:
294 Building permits.
$796.00
703 Plumbing permits .
935.25
558 Gas permits .
278.00
$2,009.25
A perusal of the compilation of permits and valuations shows an increase over that of the previous year, which is normal all over the country. Stabilization of mortgage loans on a more sound basis, maintenance of present prices of building materials and the need for more houses will stimulate building of homes, I believe, for a few years to come, but not as a boom.
It was necessary in a few cases to resort to court pro- cedure because of the gravity of the violation, but as a whole the violations are taken care of in a helpful spirit.
Recommendations have been made to the committee
238
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
on change of By-Laws for certain changes we believe will be of benefit. Our present Code is standing the test of time and is attested to by the fact that a total of 23 ap- peals to the Board of Appeal have been made in seven years, six of which we had this year.
In our enforcement of the Code we must of necessity contact other departments and it is a pleasure to have their cooperation, which is given good-heartedly and in the spirit of helpfulness.
Respectfully submitted, PAUL H. MOSSMAN, Acting Inspector of Buildings.
-
239
FIRE AND POLICE SIGNAL SYSTEM
FIRE AND POLICE SIGNAL SYSTEM
Arlington, Mass., January, 1936
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Arlington, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
I have the honor to present my fifth report as Super- intendent of the Fire and Police Signal System for the year ending December 31, 1935.
This System was transferred to the Chief of the Fire Department on May 1, 1930. It was formerly in charge of Superintendent William E. Mason. On July 1, 1933, it was separated from the Fire Department and placed in charge of Lester W. Cameron, then on September 25, 1934, it was again made a part of the Fire Department.
FIRE ALARM
January 7th. E.R.A. workers installed new base for Crosby Tower bell.
February 28th. Fire Box 464 moved from Kensington Park near Kensington Road to Brantwood Road-Ken- sington Road.
March 7th. A six-inch tapper installed in the home of Lieutenant Daniel J. Mahoney, 61 Magnolia Street.
April 27th. New Fire Box 374 installed at Richfield Road-Mill Street.
240
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
July 29th. Fire Box 8212 replaced by Master Box of same number and connected to the sprinkler system in the Locke School.
August 1st. Old Fire Box 8212 renumbered No. 551 and installed on Brattle Street opposite Dudley Street.
August 13th. Fire Box 532 moved from Dudley Street -Dudley Court to Grove Street-Dudley Street.
August 19th. Fire Box 712 moved from Brattle Street near Railroad to Brattle Street-Brattle Place.
POLICE SIGNAL
January 11th. Police Box Movements No. 211 moved to Pleasant Street-Concord Turnpike replacing Box 122 which replaced Box 211 at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. The numbers, however, were not transferred from old locations.
April 23d. Police Box 141 moved from Massachusetts Avenue at the Monument to Broadway-Medford Street.
September 12th. Bank Alarm 666 for the Arlington National Bank, 633 Massachusetts Avenue, connected to Police Circuit 1.
November 25th. Bank Alarm 444 moved from old loca- tion of Arlington Cooperative Bank, Massachusetts Avenue-Pleasant Street to new Bank building, 699 Massachusetts Avenue and reconnected to Police Circuit 1.
RECONSTRUCTION
June 8th. The overhead construction at the railroad bridge on Pond Lane changed to underground construc- tion.
241
EIRE AND POLICE SIGNAL SYSTEM
September 26th. During reconstruction of Court Street, the banjo pedestal at Massachusetts Avenue-Court Street was removed and the cables were spliced in the manhole.
There were four open circuits in the Fire Alarm System caused by an automobile breaking pedestal at Massa- chusetts Avenue-Lancaster Road; broken cable at Massa- chusetts Avenue Court Street; broken wire 'n cable underground between Everett Street and Winter Street on Massachusetts Avenue; and defective bell magnet in fire box 86 at Park Avenue Appleton Street.
Police Circuit 4 opened by automobile breaking pedestal at Massachusetts Avenue Lancaster Road.
Number of persons admitted to their homes 18
Number of pole transfers. 39
Number of radio calls . 32
Number of cats removed from poles or trees. 9
I recommend an appropriation of $2,236.00 for the year 1936.
This amount includes $170-cost of moving Police Box from present location Appleton Street-Claremont Avenue to Appleton Street-Concord Turnpike request of Chief Bullock; also $651-for Police Box in Menotomy Rocks Park-request of Park Commissioners.
The salaries of the two men assigned to maintain the Fire and Police Signal System are included in the payroll of the Fire Department.
DANIEL B. TIERNEY, Superintendent Fire and Police Signal System.
242
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
Arlington, Mass., January 1936.
Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Arlington, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen :
I have the honor to present my thirteenth annual report as Chief of the Arlington Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1935.
FORCE
The manual force consists of fifty men, including the Chief, two Deputies, five Captains, one Inspector-fireman assigned to the Fire and Police Signal System, six Lieu- tenants, thirty-five Privates, one of whom is assigned to the Fire and Police Signal System; also a Department Surgeon, Dr. Winslow M. Kingman and a Department Clerk, Anna B. Hurley.
The first appointments under Civil Service were made to fill vacancies caused by three deaths and one retirement.
The four men with the highest rating on the Civil Ser- vice list were appointed.
Francis M. Doherty, appointed April 28, 1935.
Henry T. Scannell, appointed April 28, 1935.
Francis R. Donahue, appointed April 28, 1935. Leslie W. Crowson, appointed May 12, 1935.
243
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL MATTERS
Two ladder trucks, four pumping units and a Special Service Unit are in active service.
A Knox Combination purchased in 1913 is in reserve. A 1000-gallon capacity monitor nozzle is mounted on the deck for use at large fires.
A Knox Combination, 1911, is in use as a supply truck.
The Department responded to 147 Box Alarms, 269 Still (telephone calls), 92 Mutual Aid Calls (out of town), a total of 508-40 more than in 1934.
Sixteen False Alarms were sounded-as compared with 14 in 1934 and 21 in 1933.
REPORT OF DR. KINGMAN
Twenty-six injuries were received by firemen in per- formance of duty. Firemen treated: office visits, 85; house visits, 22; fire stations, 21; at fire, 7.
Others treated: automobile accident, 1; carbon monox- ide, 1; false drowning call, 1; poison by cyanide gas, 1; victims at fires, 2.
The response of Dr. Kingman to fires is on file at Head- quarters.
FIRE LOSSES
The total value of property endangered, the insurance thereon, the loss sustained and the insurance paid is as follows:
244
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Value
Insurance Damage Ins. Paid
Buildings $650,000.00 $759,700.00 $24,959.05 $24,909.05
Contents 70,200.00 59,600.00 13,231.55 13,156.55
Total
$720,200.00 $819,300.00 $38,190.60 $38,065.60
LOSSES BY FIRE FOR FIVE YEARS
1931. 1932 1933 1934 1935
$58,326.73 $60,206.96 $37,141.01 $67,531.05 $38,190.60
FIRES THAT CAUSED LOSS OF MORE THAN $5,000
February 12th, Felix Scanlon, 914-916 Massa- chusetts Avenue $8,308.00
May 27th, William A. Sharkey, 84 Hillside Avenue 5,116.00
FIRES THAT CAUSED LOSS OF MORE THAN $1,000
January 6th, Adams Investment Trust, 303A Broadway $1,900.00
March 9th, Tilden H. Snow, 27 Acton Street 2,251.23 March 15th, Alex Ignatowitz, 90-92 Thorndike Street 1,930.00
March 17th, Geo. & Jos. Mazmanian, 1077 Mas- sachusetts Avenue 2,332.00
May 21st, Mary Byrne, 51-53 Mystic Street 1,342.00
July 1st, Andrew Panis, 1322-1324 Massachu- setts Avenue 2,844.17
July 20th, Locatelli Trust, 206 Massachusetts Avenue 1,040.00
December 26th, Emma Dannemeyer, 76 Hen- derson Street 1,719.00
245
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
APPROPRIATION
Appropriation $115,208.50
Expended . 114,553.45
Balance .
$655.05
CREDITS
Fees for 4 permits for alcohol $2.00
Fees for 40 permits to blast. 20.00
Fees for 5 permits for inflammables 5.00
Fees for 12 permits for sale of fireworks 6.00
Sale of junk 1.60
$34.60
FIRE PREVENTION
The Department made 17,940 twice-a-month inspec- tions of all business places and public buildings through- out the Town, in which only 7 fires occurred, 4 of which were investigated by the State Fire Inspector.
Record of previous years: 4 in 1934; 3 in 1933; 6 in 1932; 3 in 1931 and 3 in 1930.
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