USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1945 > Part 16
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According to recognized standards the assignment for apparatus should be :
2 Engine Companies with 7 men each on duty at all times (Headquarters, Engine 1 and Engine 4 in high value district)
2 Engine Companies with 5 men each
(Engine 2 at Highland Station and Engine 3 at Park Circle Station)
2 Ladder Companies with 6 men each
Our total personnel of 54 men, exclusive of the Chief and two Deputy Chiefs, and one man assigned to the Fire and Police Signal System is fifty; 25 are on duty each day assigned as follows:
Engine 1 4 men Ladder 1 4 men
Engine 2
4 men
Ladder 2 3 men
Engine 3
3 men Special Service 2 men
Engine 4
4 men
Chief's Driver 1 man
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
ยท Assignment of additional firemen :
Engine 3 2 men (1 each day)
Ladder 2. 2 men (1 each day)
Special Service 4 men (At Head-
quarters the extra men assigned to Special Service will assist Engine 1,
Engine 4 and Ladder 1 when its special equipment is not in use)
Fire and Police
Signal System .. 2 men (1 each day))
The above assignment is not possible during period of vacations from June to November and sick leave. One man is assigned for watch desk duty each day.
Two men on our roster are assigned to the Fire and Police Signal System, one each day. If this were a separate department it would necessitate assigning four men, two each day. At present when possible other firemen are de- tailed for emergency work, a very unsatisfactory arrange- ment. One man (in charge) can do routine work only, re- construction of lines or new work requires more men.
It has been extremely difficult to keep up our twice-a- month inspection of all public and business property which is very important for prevention of fire. It is now necessary to have all inspections made by firemen on their days off. In 1945 a total of 21,453 inspections were made. These should be handled by those on duty.
A tremendous task is our annual house inspection when the cellars of approximately 8,000 houses are visited and the hazards noted.
Also of great importance is the inspection of oil burners and storage of oil in dwellings. These installations are fast increasing and the Deputy Chief and a fireman devote most of each day inspecting.
Because of these reasons more men are needed.
309
REPORT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
Additional Apparatus
I recommend that a combined ladder and pumper be purchased for the Heights section to replace Engine 3 at the Park Circle Station.
Future development is not an important factor in the need for this apparatus. The need already exists and has existed for some years. There are in this locality several hospitals, convalescent homes, a school for mentally deficient children, two public schools, Marycliff Academy, St. Anne's Episcopal Convent, both boarding schools, besides many old- type large residences.
In case of fire all of these are potential life hazards and it is therefore necessary that a mechanically operated ladder be available at all times as the small crew at the Park Circle Station cannot raise the long portable extension ladders nor move them easily and quickly around a building in case of rescue.
In the past practically all the ladder protection for this section has been furnished from the Highland Station which is more than one mile away with steep grades in every ap- proach. As a matter of fact, the aerial ladder truck from Headquarters, two and one-half miles away, responds to several boxes in this section on first alarm.
With alarms increasing rapidly, nearly 800 a year, and simultaneous alarms frequent, it is not at all certain that the ladders from the other stations can always respond to an alarm in the Heights. In that case the lives of many people depend on a single 24-foot two-story ladder.
A pumper is also a necessity as the pressure on the hill- top within a short radius of the Water Tower is only twenty- eight pounds and must be increased by a pump.
When the Park Circle Station was built twenty years ago it was considered that one piece of apparatus with help from the larger stations would be sufficient protection for this area and this has fortunately proved true over a long period. However, conditions have changed rapidly in the
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
past few years making it imperative that the equipment in the other stations be kept closer to their own localities. Con- sequently, the Heights now faces the need for a larger station capable of housing more apparatus and more men, or it must have the piece recommended which combines all the features of a pumper and a ladder truck without the increase of men.
In 1939, the Park Circle Station was enlarged to accom- modate this type of apparatus.
When this piece is installed, Engine 3 will become a spare piece. Many times when one of ours becomes disabled we have to borrow from Brookline, Belmont and Cambridge.
A survey of this section was made not long ago by the New England Fire Insurance Rating Association and this type of truck was strongly recommended, in fact, its need was declared imperative.
Budget
For the year 1946 I recommend that $172,386.25 be appropriated.
In conclusion, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to the Honorable Board of Selectmen for its never failing sup- port in all important matters concerning the Fire Depart- ment, and particularly for its advice and counsel following the tragedy of October 27; to its capable and obliging Secre- tary, James J. Golden, Jr .; to Town Engineer, James M. Keane, for much helpful assistance; to the Police Depart- ment so necessary while firemen are en route and operating at fires; to the Officers and Men of the Auxiliary Fire De- partment who on many occasions have demonstrated their ability and willingness to augment the regular Department; and to my own Officers and Men to whom must be given full credit for whatever has been accomplished by the Fire De- partment.
Respectfully submitted,
DANIEL B. TIERNEY, Chief, Fire Department.
311
FIRE AND POLICE SIGNAL SYSTEM
REPORT OF THE FIRE AND POLICE SIGNAL SYSTEM
Honorable Board of Selectmen Arlington, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I have the honor to present my Fifteenth Report as Superintendent of the Fire and Police Signal System for the year ending December 31, 1945.
The salaries of the two men assigned to maintain this System are included in the pay roll of the Fire Department.
FIRE ALARM
Five open circuits ocurred in the Fire Alarm System: Two when pedestals were struck by automobiles, two from corrosion in terminals, and one by wires contacting tree.
March 8, repaired the 8-inch steam whistle.
April 1, discontinued sounding the noon test tempo- rarily because of sick child in close proximity to steam whistle.
April 23, Fire Alarm Box 263, Herbert Road-Chandler Street, replaced by new box; damaged by automobile.
May 17, replaced damaged cable at Massachusetts Avenue- Bartlett Avenue.
July 21, resumed the noon test.
September 10, discontinued sounding steam whistle entirely because of complaints of some living in the neigh- borhood of Pumping Station. It is cut in when we know that the No School Signal is to be sounded.
1
312
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
POLICE SIGNAL SYSTEM
March 19, replaced damaged cable at Warren Peirce Playground.
April 6, ground occurred in Circuit No. 1 in duct at Massachusetts Avenue-Court Street.
June 18, ground occurred in Circuit No. 1 at Massachu- setts Avenue-Mystic Street.
August 18, Circuit No. 4 opened in underground pole at Park Avenue-Wollaston Avenue.
September 15, loop cross occurred in underground cable in Circuit No. 1 at Pleasant Street-Gray Street. -
December 27, repaired open Circuit No. 1 at Pleasant Street-Lombard Road.
RADIO
January 27, installed two-way radio in Special Service Truck.
March 17, installed 8-inch speaker in Fire Alarm Truck- for use with radio.
May 26, discontinued telephone service from Report Center at Police Station to Fire Headquarters.
June 29, disconnected air raid sirens from Edison Serv- ice.
SPECIAL CALLS
18 persons were admitted to their homes.
2 cats were rescued from trees or poles.
11 transfers were made of lines to new poles.
1 horse was rescued (cast in stall).
18 flooded cellars were pumped out.
7 special occasions required the use of the Fire Alarm
FIRE AND POLICE SIGNAL SYSTEM 313
Truck; requested by other Departments. Public address system was used on eight occasions.
1945 Appropriation $11,135.00
Expended
3,536.89
Balance
$ 7,598.11
CREDITS
Refund
$11.71
RECOMMENDATIONS
For the year 1946 I recommend an appropriation of $24,614.00 which includes installation of underground'cable and ten Fire Alarm Boxes. Two Police Boxes are requested by the Police Department.
To Lester W. Cameron, Assistant Superintendent of the Fire and Police Signal System, my sincerest thanks. Under his able direction this Division is most. efficiently maintained.
Respectfully submitted, DANIEL B. TIERNEY .
Superintendent, Fire and Police Signal System.
.
314
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS
January 15, 1946
To the
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Arlington, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report of the inspection of build- ings, plumbing and gas for the year ending December 31, 1945.
Five hundred and seventy-seven building permits were issued, compiled as follows :
Dwellings, 1-family
19
$141,700.
Dwellings, 2-family
2
12,000.
Complete 1-family dwelling
2
5,500.
Foundation for 2-family dwelling
1
500.
Garages, public
3
13,700.
Garages, private
9
3,500.
Filling Station
1
12,000.
Greenhouses
3
2,700.
Storage Building
1
200.
Henhouse
1
100.
Additions and Alterations
71
78,187.
Repair fire damage
8
17,800.
Signs
54
4,053.
Alter 2 stores into 1
2
1,025.
Alter store fronts
3
650.
Alter 1-family into 2-family
1
Temporary bleachers
2
Relocate dwelling
1
1,000.
Relocate building
1
200.
Reroof dwellings
361
88,049.
Reroof buildings
13
2,700.
Demolish dwellings
4
3,200.
Demolish buildings
14
920.
577
$389,684.
315
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS
Three hundred and two plumbing and two hundred and thirty-seven gas permits were issued.
FEES
577 Building permits $ 771.00
302 Plumbing permits 344.50
237 Gas permits 118.50
$1,234.00
The inception of the Building Department was in 1901 and since that time there has been a compilation of the per- mits each year. These records disclose the different types of proposed construction and it is necessary for the records of many of the Departments of the Town. For the know- ledge of all, it is a representation that the buildings of this Town are in accord with certain regulations which we must accept as being the best for the individual. This Town is in an enviable position and has been for many years in that the construction is practically all of the residential type and we enjoy a distinction of which we are proud.
Each construction represents certain attention before permission can be granted by virtue of the law, and during the progress of the work there are determined inspections which are tending to proper compliance of law. Excava- tions are most important for proper bearing capacities, pro- perties of lumber for loads, firestopping for safeguards against the hazard of fire and regulations for safety of life and limb.
New laws have been given to our Department for en- forcement and pertain to egresses most particularly and include all public buildings except churches, schools, theatres and assembly halls of more than 400 capacity.
During the year it has been extremely difficult to obtain some materials and certain relaxations have been granted by the Board of Appeal of substitutes which will be elimin- ated as the market improves.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
With the conclusion of War activities some work pro- gresses and as soon as materials are available it is our opinion that we will have an unprecedented rush of business.
In January, Mr. George R. Seaver was made Inspector of Plumbing and Gasfitting under provisional appointment which became permanent on November 26, 1945 in accord with the provisions of law.
He has reported to me of the activities of his depart- ment during the year and has stressed particularly the hazards that can exist. Lectures and meetings have been attended in the furtherance of the causes of poliomyelitis, the dangers of excess heating of hot water systems and of the pollution of drinking water. In connection with the construction of garages strict attention has been paid to the problems of entrance of gases and oils into our sewerage system.
A recommendation has been made to the Board of Ap- peal that a study of the laws coming under the jurisdiction of the Building Department be made. Our laws have stood the test of time and it is my belief that we have a fine set of laws, but in some portions they are becoming obsolescent. New methods have been introduced and many new materials will be presented and we should be in a position to permit the things of benefit to the Town. It is my opinion that our laws should be more comprehensive, particularly the Build- ing Code for residential construction. Because the percent- age of construction is residential it is also my belief that in addition to our basic code all laws applicable to dwellings should be printed in a separate book for the convenience of all. For the study of our laws, I believe that a committee comprising two of each of the professions to be represented will result for the benefit of everybody.
It has been a pleasure to have the cooperation of other Town Departments, for which we are duly thankful.
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL H. MOSSMAN
Inspector of Buildings
317
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEAL
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEAL
December 31, 1945
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Arlington, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The Board of Appeal respectfully submits its Seven- teenth Annual report :
During the year ending December 31, 1945, nine (9) appeals from the decision of the Inspector of Buildings have been made to the Board. Six were Zoning cases and three were Building appeals. One of the Zoning appeals was in the form of a petition.
Three Zoning appeals were granted and three were denied. One Building appeal was granted directly and two were granted with reservations.
The Board, acting under section 1-26 of the Town By- Laws, granted permission for the use of some substitute plumbing materials, for a limited period of emergency, to take the place of those items made unavailable by war shortages of critical materials.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD C. KNIGHT EARLE C. HOPKINS HERBERT J. CRONIN Board of Appeal.
318
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF WIRE DEPARTMENT
January 14, 1946.
To the Honorable Joint Board of Selectmen .
and Board of Public Works
Arlington, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I respectfully submit my sixth annual report as In- spector of Wires, for the year ending December 31, 1945.
STREET LIGHTING
Summary of street lighting in service December 31, 1945-lights burning on the 4,000 hour schedule:
800 Lumen incandescent lamps 1,463
2,500 Lumen incandescent lamps 12
4,000 Lumen incandescent lamps 2
6,000 Lumen incandescent lamps 174
10,000 Lumen incandescent lamps 97
15,000 Lumen incandescent lamps 40
ORNAMENTAL LIGHTING
60 Watt multiple lamps, burning until 2 a. m. - 19
INSPECTION OF WIRES IN BUILDINGS
Eight hundred and forty-five (845) permits for elec- trical construction were issued at fifty cents for each permit. This is an increase of four hundred and fourteen over last year.
There were nine hundred and thirty-two inspections made and four hundred and six installations approved.
319
REPORT OF WIRE DEPARTMENT
POLES AND WIRES ON STREETS
The Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company replaced sixty-three (63) poles during the year.
I wish to extend my thanks to your Honorable Board, the various Town Departments and others for their co-opera- tion during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT L. REID, Inspector of Wires.
UP 911
320
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :
I herewith respectfully submit the annual report of the services of this department for the year ending December 31, 1945.
Ad- Not
Scales
Platform over 10,000 lbs .. ...
1
5
1
Platform, 100 to 5,000 lbs.
1
8
Counter, over 100 lbs.
Counter, under 100 lbs.
12
34
Spring, over 100 lbs.
1
17
3
Spring, under 100 lbs.
21
53
4
Computing, over 100 lbs.
Computing, under 100 lbs. ....
25
97
Personal Weighing Scales (slot)
20
1
Prescription
20
Weights
Avoirdupois
88
Apothecary
224
1
Metric
97
Troy
27
Volumetric Measures
Liquid Measures under 1 gal.
114
Liquid Measures over 1 gal.
Automatic Liquid Measuring Devices
Gasoline Meter Systems 49 112
7
2
Tank Truck Meter Systems .. 9
33
Grease Measuring Devices ...
51
Linear Measures
Yard Sticks
24
119 1,028
7
12
Con- justed Sealed Sealed demned
4
321
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Trial Weighings and Measurements of. Commodities Sold or Put up for Sale.
Commodity
Tested Correct Under Over
Bread
964
719
87
158
Dry Commodities
1,069
897
49
123
Potatoes
312
281
8
23
Lard
163
151
5
7
Butter
137
112
8
17
Oleomargarine
197
168
13
16
Flour
221
189
9
23
Coal in Bags
47
35
4
8
Confectionery
83
64
7
12
Totals
3,193 2,616
190
387
A total of 1028 weighing and measuring devices were tested, adjusted and sealed. - 119 were adjusted-12 con- demned-and 7 not sealed.
There was turned over to the Treasurer $182.32, which was the amount collected as sealing fees. The Treasurer also received $75.00, the payment for Hawkers' and Ped- lers' licenses.
For the past four years there has been a gradual year- ly decrease in the number of weighing and measuring de- vices tested and sealed by this department. This year there was a decrease but negligible when compared with the pre- vious years. This is because of new business having opened up recently.
With the opening of new business establishments in the Town during the last few months of 1945, and the plans and preparations for many others now under way it can reasonably be expected that the volume of business in gen- eral, throughout the Town is going to further increase con- siderably during 1946, resulting in increased testing and inspections by this department.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
To the Town officials and others who have in various ways assisted and cooperated with me in the duties and maintenance of this department, I express my thanks and appreciation.
Respectfully submitted, HERBERT L. HUTCHINSON, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
323
VETERANS' SERVICE DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' SERVICES
Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Arlington, Mass.
Gentlemen :
This is the first annual report of the Department of Veterans' Services which was brought into being by the vote of the Town Meeting, on March 24, 1944, to accept Section 3A of Chapter 115, General Laws, Tercentenary Edition; had life breathed into it by the Town Meeting of 1945, which set up a budget under which it could operate and, actually commenced to operate on October 1, 1945, when the Director, appointed by the Board of Selectmen, assumed office in quarters in the Robbins House.
Up to October 1, 1945, Mr. Clifford W. Cook, Agent for the Department of Public Welfare, also acted as Agent for Soldiers' Relief. When the Director of the Department of Veterans' Services assumed office, the provisions of Section 3A, Chapter 115, became effective and the business of dis- bursing aid to veterans of all wars and their dependents was divorced from the Department of Public Welfare and became the duty and the responsibility of the Director. However, the Legislature of 1945, by enactment of Chapter 723, Acts of 1945, placed new duties and responsibilities on the Director, thus making him a counselor and advisor to and source of information for veterans and relatives of vet- erans in all matters affecting them and an active aid in obtaining for them any benefits to which they may be en- titled from the Federal, State or Town Governments and, by enactment of Chapter 374, Acts of 1945, removed from the . Town Clerk's office the duty of recording discharges of vet- erans and placed that duty in the hands of the Director.
From the moment the Department commenced to oper- ate, from forty to sixty service men, veterans' relatives and other persons interested in veterans, called each day to have discharges recorded, to ask advice, to have papers notarized,
324
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
to apply for work, to apply for housing and to ask for as- sistance in making application for the various benefits to which they are entitled under our laws.
On November 5, 1945, Robert E. Fitzgerald, 31 Bow- doin Street, Arlington, a disabled veteran of the present war, was appointed, provisionally, to the position of Investi- gator by the Board of Selectmen and, on the same day, re- ported for work, to serve until a regular appointment could be made from a Civil Service list to be established in 1946.
On November 14, 1945, Mrs. Mary A. Donnelly, 58 Brattle Street, Arlington, first on the Civil Service list of eligibles, who had been appointed by the Board of Select- men to the permanent position of Junior Clerk-Steno- grapher, reported for work.
On December 10, 1945, Miss Ruth McFadden, 50 Sher- born Street, Arlington, who had been appointed, provision- ally, to the position of Junior Clerk-Stenographer by the Board of Selectmen to serve six months, reported for work and completed the organization of the Department.
Due to the fact that the Director and his three assist- ants all broke in together and were compelled to learn their duties and plan a system for conducting the work of the office while there was a continuous parade of applicants through the office, it has been difficult to provide statistics on all the activities of the Department, but the following summary, it is hoped, will furnish some information. Number of discharged veterans reported by Arlington
Draft Boards Nos. 4 and 5 as of 12/31/45. - Number of discharged veterans reporting at Dept. of
1,767
Veterans' Services between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, 1945 to have discharges recorded in Town Record Book 1,050
Number of Photostatic copies of discharges and other documents made for veterans between 10/1/45 and 12/31/45 2,150
Number of discharges recorded between 10/1/45 and 12/31/45 330
Number of positions obtained for unemployed vet- erans 30
325
VETERANS' SERVICE DEPARTMENT
(Estimated, because of failure of many appli- cants to report back to Department.)
Number of applicants for housing for whom apart- ment or other living quarters have been obtained 14
VETERANS' BENEFITS
Disbursements to and on behalf of Veterans and Their Dependents and Dependents of Service Men and Women for Period Jan. 1, 1945 to Dec. 31, 1945.
Soldiers' Relief (Town burden, solely) $7,106.42
War Allowance (State burden, solely) 874.95
State Aid (State burden, solely) 470.00
Military Aid (State participates with
Town)
1,335.79
Total Disbursements
$9,787.16
Reimbursement Received from State Treasury. (Covering part of 1944 and omitting part of 1945.)
War Allowance
$1,957.00
State Aid
590.00
Military Aid
502.50
Total Reimbursement
3,049.50
Net Expenditure
$6,737.66
78 Cases were aided in the above categories.
I wish to conclude by expressing my appreciation to the members of the Board of Selectmen for their keen and sym- pathetic understanding of the problems confronting a new department and their help in getting it on its feet; to Mr. Clifford W. Cook, Agent of the Dept. of Public Welfare, who not only provided much needed advice in many matters, but who placed his office and his office staff completely at the
326
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
disposal of the Director while the work of the organization was going on; to Mr. James J. Golden, Jr., Secretary of the Board of Selectmen, for his timely and sage advice; to the Town Accountant and other Town Officials and to many individuals for their cooperation and help.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES R. ARMOUR Director
327
HONOR ROLL COMMITTEE
REPORT OF ARLINGTON HONOR ROLL COMMITTEE
Honorable Board of Selectmen Town Hall, Arlington, Mass.
Gentlemen :
Herewith is submitted the Annual Report of the Honor Roll Committee for the year ending Dec. 31, 1945.
During the past year it was necessary to make an addi- tion to the board. This was done under an appropriation made at the Annual Town Meeting in March.
At the present time the board contains 4683 names of which 125 are Gold Stars.
The following is the report of the Treasurer, Arthur W. Sampson :
Balance on Hand Dec. 31, 1944 $266.75 Expenditures :
June 25, 1945-Spaulding Moss Co. additional card stock $ 3.94
June 25, 1945-Clarence Poirier Painting 14.00
Aug. 20, 1945-R. W. Shattuck & Co., Lacquer, etc. 1.80
Oct. 29, 1945-E. J. Davis & Son Water drip 15.00
$34.74
Leaving Balance on Hand December 31, 1945
$232.01
/s/ ARTHUR W. SAMPSON
Respectfully submitted, Treasurer
TIMOTHY J. BUCKLEY
Chairman
328
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
The Board of Public Works herewith submits its an- nual report for the year ending December 31, 1945.
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