Town of Arlington annual report 1952, Part 19

Author: Arlington (Mass.)
Publication date: 1952
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 394


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In our relationship with Dr. Brooks we have always found him to be cooperative, fair and unbiased in his judgments, true to the Vermont tradition, that problems be settled rationally, economically and quick- ly-always tempered, however, with prime consideration for the indi- vidual, the family and the Town. At no time were his acts motivated by any selfish interest.


As Dr. Brooks retires from active participation in public office, we his co-workers wish him continued health and retention of interest in the affairs of the Town of Arlington that he loves so well.


FINANCIAL REPORT Appropriation


Personal Services


$13,883.00


General Expense


2,350.00


Communicable Diseases


7,250.00


Mosquito Control Project


1,500.00


Premature Baby Care


2,000.00


Total


$26,983.00


Expenses


Personal Services


$13,835.75


Hospitalization for Tuberculosis:


Middlesex County Sanatorium


$4,634.20


Lakeville State Sanatorium


1,395.00


Rutland Training Center


597.87


Ambulance Service


10.00


$6,637.07


276


ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT


Other Communicable Diseases:


Antirabic Clinic, Vaccine


181.10


Antirabic Clinic, Expense


288.29


469.39


Miscellaneous Expense


127.69


Total-Communicable Diseases 7,234.15


Mosquito Control Project


1,500.00


Premature Baby Care


1,141.50


General Expense


Maintenance of office


$ 226.34


Maintenance of auto


400.73


Dental Clinic Supplies


330.62


Telephone


214.08


Laboratory


14.90


Milk Inspection


339.00


1,525.67


Total Expenditures 25,237.07


Receipts


Licenses Issued :


Sale of Alcohol $ 1.00


Manufacture of Frozen Desserts or Ice Cream


Mix (Retail) ยท .


30.00


Manufacture of Frozen Desserts or Ice Cream Mix (Wholesale) 100.00


Practice of Massage and giving of Vapor Baths 3.00


Practice of Massage and giving of Vapor Baths (Establishment Owners)


4.00


Collection of Meat Trimmings .


8.00


Sale of Oleomargarine


28.00


Sale of Milk from stores


54.50


Sale of Milk from vehicles


17.00


Operating Pasteurizing Plants


20.00


Constructing Cesspools


35.00


To pick up Garbage


8.00


Day Nurseries


3.00


Total Receipts from licenses issued $ 311.50


Receipts from Communicable Diseases


Tuberculosis


4,090.87


Receipts from Dental Clinic


1,092.15


Receipts from Premature Baby a/c


22.60


Total Receipts $ 5,517.12


277


REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH


Total Expenditures


$ 25,237.07


Total Receipts


5,517.12


Net cost to operate


$ 19,719.95


Cost per Capita .44


Including debt and maintenance of Middlesex County Sanatorium $ 41,749.47


Net Cost to operate


19,719.95


$ 61,469.42


Cost per Capita 1.38


REPORT OF AGENT AND CLERK


Licenses Issued


To sell alcohol


1


To practice massage


5


To collect meat trimmings 4


To act as Funeral Directors 15


To conduct day nurseries


3


Permits Issued


To construct cesspools or septic tanks 35


To keep poultry


12


To hold rummage sales 30


To haul offal


7


To pick up garbage


4


Burial permits issued


351


Inspections


Food and other establishments which serve the


public


340


Complaints


Investigated and settled


65


Legal Settlements


Investigated and determined


14


278


ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT


REPORT OF THE MILK INSPECTOR


Licenses Issued


For the sale of milk from stores


109


For the sale of milk from vehicles


34


For the sale of oleomargarine 56


To manufacture ice cream mix


7


To operate pasteurizing plants


2


Milk analyses made


113


Average for the year as follows:


Fats


Solids


Bacteria


*Grade "A"


4.35


13.34


545


* Regular


3.98


12.80


3,136


* School


3.85


12.59


6,468


*Negative Phosphatase


Per Capita Consumption


0.4 qts.


Inspections


Pasteurizing Plants


6


REPORT OF SLAUGHTERING INSPECTOR


There was no slaughtering in the Town of Arlington during the year ending December 31, 1952.


REPORT OF CLINICS CONDUCTED BY BOARD OF HEALTH DIPTHERIA PREVENTION BY IMMUNIZATION


Year


Number of Children Immunized


Percentage below Age 5 of those Immunized


Percentage Between Ages 5-10 of those Immunized


cases


Deaths


1946


91


73


27


3


0


1947


82


67


33


0


0


1948


46


69


31


13


1


1949


37


68


32


2


0


*1950


12


75


25


2


0


*1951


21


87


13


1


0


*1952


37


92


8


0


0


*Triple Antigen used in place of Diptheria Toxoid


DENTAL CLINIC


Statistical Report On Work Performed during 1952


Total Number of Patients


822


Total Number of Hours


519


Total Number of Sittings


2203


Total Number of Operations


3573


Extractions Permanent


0


Deciduous


40


Fillings Permanent


409


Deciduous


1785


Treatments Silver Nitrate


222


Prophylactic


1117


Total number of Dismissals


1336


CLINIC FOR VACCINATION OF DOGS AGAINST RABIES Clinics were held April 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 Number of Dogs Vaccinated 923


Diptheria


279


REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH


COMMUNICABLE DISEASES


Cases reported during the year 1952


Infantile


Paralysis 2


Cat-bites


2


Chicken


Pox


174


Dog-bites


129


German Measles


334


Gonorrhea


6


Measles


514


Mumps


83


Scarlet Fever


28


Syphilis


9


Tuberculosis (Pulmonary)


12


Tuberculosis (Other forms)


4


Whooping Cough


43


Total


1340


Tuberculosis Report:


Total number of cases as of December 31, 1952 . 205


Deaths during year


4


Case removals during year


9


New Cases reported during year


16


Contacts X-rayed


57


Persons having a legal settlement in Arlington were hospitalized in Tuberculosis Sanatoria as follows:


Middlesex County Sanatorium 20


Lakeville State Sanatorium


3


Rutland Training Center


1


Persons without a legal settlement in Arlington were hospitalized through this Board as follows:


Middlesex County Sanatorium


3


BIRTHS AND DEATHS OF ARLINGTON RESIDENTS DURING 1952


Total number of deaths 419


Death rate per 1,000 population 9.4


Age of oldest persons dying in Arlington (1952) Female-95 years 6 months 15 days Male-94 years


Total number of births 1090


Birth rate per 1,000 population 24.5


280


ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT


.


SHOWING THE FIVE PRINCIPAL CAUSES OF DEATH IN ARLINGTON DURING 1952


Number of Deaths


Number per 1,000 of Population


Heart Disease (All forms)


131


2.9


Cancer


58


1.3


Cerebral Hemorrhage


49


1.1


Accidents


20


.45


Cerebral Embolism


16


.35


Respectfully submitted,


JOHN S. CROSBY, Chairman ERNEST R. BROOKS, D.M.D. CARL E. BARSTOW, M. D. ARLINGTON BOARD OF HEALTH


281


REPORT OF THE CEMETERY DEPARTMENT


Report of the Cemetery Department


Hon. Board of Selectmen,


Arlington, Massachusetts


January 12, 1953


The report of the Cemetery Commissioners for the year ending December 31, 1952 is herewith submitted.


The Board organized March 12, 1952 with Arthur R. Kimball, chair- man, and Mrs. Mabel G. Robinson, clerk.


During the year 1952 considerable progress was made in the devel- opment of the property on the westerly side of Mill Brook. Several sections of future burial plots were graded, loamed and seeded, and are now considered to be ready for cemetery use. It is our intention to continue work on this property until such time as the entire section has been completed.


Once again we wish to express our appreciation and sincere thanks to the Board of Public Works, Park Commissioners and the Tree Warden for their assistance at various times during the year. With- out their cooperation and the use of some of their equipment the cost of developing this property would have been considerably more.


During the year of 1952 Mr. Henry J. Smith, who has been with the Cemetery Commission since 1918, retired. The Cemetery Commis- sioners would like at this time to express their appreciation to Mr. Smith for his long and faithful services in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.


There were 324 bodies interred in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery during 1952.


Following are the amounts received by the Board of Cemetery Commissioners :


Sale of Lots and Graves


$ 9,959.00


Annual Care


2,119.50


Foundations


1,533.41


Opening Graves


6,835.00


Miscellaneous


2,288.00


Perpetual Care


12,355.00


Income from Funds


8,240.92


ARTHUR R. KIMBALL, WATHEN B. HENDERSON NILS G. ANDERSON


Board of Cemetery Commissioners


282


ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT


Report of the Planning Board


The Planning Board submits herewith its report for the year end- ing December 31, 1952.


At the town election of March, 1952, Mr. William R. Dunn and Mr. Hallam T. Ring were elected for three-year terms. The Board organ- ized, and Mr. John O. Parker was elected Chairman, and Harvey C. Abbott was elected Secretary of the Board on March 10, 1952.


Mr. Herbert M. Dutcher, upon completion of his current term in March, 1952, retired from the Board, after having served continuously as a member of the Board from March, 1923 to March of 1952. His long creditable service to the Board and to the town was recognized by an appropriate resolution which was adopted unanimously by the annual Town Meeting.


The Planning Board continued its representation on the Advanced Programing and Budgeting Committee, and Mr. Ring was the Planning Board representative on this Committee.


The Board continued to cooperate and confer with the Joint Board of Selectmen and Public Works concerning proposed street changes at Arlington Center.


The Board continued studies as to potential sites for off-street parking, particularly in the Arlington Heights area, conferred on sev- eral occasions with the Board of Selectmen concerning this matter and made definite recommendations to the Selectmen in connection with its studies.


The Board also conferred with representatives of the School De- partment in connection with potential new school sites for the town.


The Board has been consulted in regard to miscellaneous matters of a local or neighborhood nature and has met on several occasions with representatives of business and light industry concerning poten- tial development in the Town.


The Board has met on several occasions with the Chief of Police of the Town in regard to planning matters.


The Board is currently having studies made by a professional planning consultant in regard to the best land uses for certain areas and neighborhoods in the Town.


The Board has furnished information to and cooperated with en- gineers of the Metropolitan Transit Authority in connection with ex- tensive studies now being made by that Authority concerning the Town.


283


REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD


The Board again considered proposed restrictive legislation as to land use on the Concord Turnpike, and re-affirmed the position taken by the Town Meeting at the annual meeting that the zoning power should be retained by the Town Meeting and not delegated to the Legislature.


The Board remains a member of the State Federation of Planning Boards, and has maintained its contact with the State Planning Board.


Regular meetings of the Board have been held throughout the year.


The Planning Board wishes to express its appreciation to all of the other Town Board and Department Heads who have rendered as- sistance to it during the year.


Respectfully submitted,


JOHN O. PARKER HARVEY C. ABBOTT JOHN B. BYRNES, JR. HALLAM T. RING WILLIAM R. DUNN


284


ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT


Annual Report of the Park Commission


The Board of Park Commissioners herewith submits its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1952.


At the Annual Town Election held on Monday, March 3, 1952, Edward D. Buckley was re-elected a member of the Board for a term of three years. Regular meetings were held on Monday evenings at the Park Department office in the Town Hall.


Pursuant to the action of our Town Meeting, under Article #50 of the Warrant for our 1952 Annual Town Meeting, about three and one- half acres of land located adjacent to the Bishop School were taken by eminent domain on September 29, 1952 for the purpose of a play- ground or recreation center. Pending its final development since new grades for the area must be established, this parcel of land was seeded this fall so that it can be used as a play area next spring.


Permission was received from the Board of Selectmen to use a portion of Town owned land at Pheasant Avenue for a small children's play area. About one acre was graded and seeded this fall and, with the installation of playground equipment next spring, a much needed children's area in a fast growing section of town will be available.


Asphalt surfaced multi-use areas were installed at Medford and Robbins Playgrounds. These areas offer a suitable surface for basket- ball and other court games, in addition to a sprinkler system during hot weather and ice skating in the winter. The wading pool at North Union Playground was also resurfaced.


A small children's area was established adjacent to the picnic area at Menotomy Rocks Park affording the residents in the vicinity of the Park playground facilities reasonably close to their homes. The children's area at Robbins Playground was relocated in the recently developed lower portion of the playground.


Work continued on Summer Playground with sufficient fill re- ceived from street construction to loam and seed about two acres of the undeveloped part of this playground so that a children's area can be established next spring .


In accordance with a directive received from the Department of Public Safety, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, one-third of the foot and seat boards in the Wayne grandstand adjacent to the railroad at Warren A. Pierce Field were replaced and the entire wooded portion of all grandstands in this area was given two coats of paint.


A new baseball diamond was constructed at Thorndike Playground with new chain link backstops erected at this area and at Summer Street.


285


REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSION


Playground equipment at Crosby Playground was relocated and new equipment added to prevent the playing of baseball which had been prohibited for this area. The new layout proves attractive as indicated by the increased use of equipment.


Large ice skating areas were daily attended in season at Meadow- brook and Menotomy Rocks Park. Evening skating under floodlights continued to be available at both areas and proves most popular. Small areas for ice skating were maintained for the younger children on the asphalt surfaces at Robbins, Medford and North Union Playgrounds.


Additional playground equipment and park benches were installed during the year in many areas. Trees were planted at Medford, Lin- wood and Robbins Playgrounds. These include white pines, hawthornes and silver maples. Flower plots were maintained with seasonal flow- ers throughout the Town.


All areas were maintained as required in season with special em- phasis placed on the preparation of areas to be used during particular periods by the many groups and organizations of the community. Special preparation for daily athletic activity by the many baseball and softball leagues during the spring and summer months has become a major factor in our maintenance of outdoor facilities. Organizations staging special events especially at Warren A. Pierce Field have re- ceived the full cooperation and assistance of this Board in the pre- paration of plans and in the installation of special facilities for their events.


Precinct boxes throughout the town were maintained by the de- partment for the Board of Selectmen. In addition six new precinct boxes were constructed and erected for the new subprecincts. Also constructed were the indoor voting facilities necessary for the estab- lishment of these subprecincts in the Brackett School. The Honor Roll located at Monument Park in Arlington Centre was also main- tained by the department through year.


The facilities of the Park Department at 33 Ryder Street were made available for the administration of Civil Defense and for the es- tablishment of a radio control centre. This building was used through- out the year as a place of meeting for the various phases in the Civil Defense program.


It is especially interesting to note the increasing popularity of Men- otomy Rocks Park as a picnic area for both adults and children. In a period of six weeks from May 15th through June 30th, the picnic area was reserved almost daily.


Our Summer Playground Program was again conducted on sixteen playground areas for an eight week period beginning June 30, 1952. Programs were established for the first time at Menotomy Rocks Park, the Locke and Bishop schools. These areas will be continued in the summer of 1953.


A total of 1,363 children registered on the playgrounds during the


286


ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT


first week of the program with a total playground attendance of 49,269. Four days were lost during this period because of inclement or very warm weather.


Our program offered a variety of games, sports, crafts, trips, pic- nics and special events. Highlight of the season was again our Annual Children's Parade and Festival held on August 20, 1952. Approximately three thousand adults and children were in attendance at Warren A. Pierce Field for the field events following a most colorful parade of the children, with costume and playground floats from Robbins Library. Prizes, candy and ice cream were distributed to the children.


A new feature of our program this year was our first weenie roast for all playgrounds at the picnic area in Menotomy Rocks Park. Over 1,000 adults and children were present for hot dogs and tonic, following a community sing fest and amateur show.


Reservor Beach was opened for supervised bathing on June 15, 1952 and, weather permitting, was open daily through Labor Day. Swimming instruction was offered daily by our lifeguards and special classes were arranged for groups of Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts.


Other activities conducted by the department during the year in- cluded playground baseball leagues, a softball league, two bowling leagues, basketball leagues, Little League, badminton, golf and indoor swimming instruction.


In conclusion, may we express our grateful appreciation for the continued support by the many individuals, merchants and organiza- tions in providing the children of Arlington with awards, prizes and refreshments in connection with our recreation program.


We also wish to acknowledge the fine cooperation of other Town Boards, department heads and their employees. To those in our em- ploy either on a full or part time basis during the past year, we ex- press our sincere thanks for their loyalty, and conscientious effort.


Respectfully submitted,


EDWARD D. BUCKLEY EVERETT J. HENDERSON FRANKLIN W. HURD, Chairman


287


REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL BOARD


Annual Report of the Personnel Board


January 12, 1953


Honorable Board of Selectmen


Robbins Memoiral Town Hall Arlington, Massachusetts


Gentlemen :


The Personnel Board herewith presents to the citizens of Arlington its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1952.


The membership of the Board which was reorganized in May 1952, is as follows:


M. Norcross Stratton, Chairman, Arthur J. Mansfield and Warren E. O'Leary.


M. Norcross Stratton was reappointed for a one year term May 1, 1952.


Arthur J. Mansfield was reappointed for three years May 1, 1952.


Warren E. O'Leary was nominated by the Town employees for a three year term May 1, 1952, to succeed James J. Flynn.


Mr. Flynn had served conscientiously and faithfully for three years giving of his time and energy to the many problems presented to the Board.


The Executive Secretary served as a provisional appointee of the Board until, as a result of a competitive Civil Service examination, A. Lee Morris was permanently appointed April 30, 1952.


The study of vacation leave, sick leave and lunch periods as prac- ticed in various town departments has continued. The Personnel Board will present an article for consideration at the Town Meeting which will, if accepted, bring about a more equitable and uniform method of administering these matters.


It should be noted that the Cost of Living Index has resulted in two salary adjustments of approximately 3% for all Town employees.


Under the plan the index figure of 167.1 was established as the base in July 1951; a rise to 172.1 resulted in the first increase. On July 31, 1952 the index figure was 177.1 which resulted in the second increase.


A $208.00 permanent salary increase was voted to all classified full- time Town employees at the 1952 Town Meeting.


On January 1, 1953 the index figure was 176.8.


No classification plan can ever be static. Changes in duties, in- creased responsibility and changes in classifications mean adjustments. When such adjustments become necessary, other grades must be ad- justed also if the plan is to be equitable. Those factors mean contin-


288


ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT


uous study and re-evaluation of the schedules which have, in the opinion of the Board, justified the additional changes presented in this year's warrant.


Consideration of salary adjustments is by no means the only function of your Personnel Board. The following activities are listed for your interest.


Approximately 500 Civil Service cases processed.


Innumerable communications from Department Heads and indi- viduals received and acted upon.


Compilations of salaries and wages paid in other communities.


Compilations of job analyses for all payroll jobs in Arlington have been made.


Conferences with the Director of Civil Service 3; Labor Division 13; Certification Division 38; and Classification Division 45.


The Board has held twenty meetings and has had hearings with eighteen individuals, eleven committees and three boards this year. The Executive Secretary has had numerous conferences with Department Heads and employees on matters pertaining to Civil Service and on the operation of the Classification and Pay Plan.


For your interest there are at present 528 full-time, 17 part-time, 35 temporary, and 11 seasonal temporary employees in Arlington. These figures do not include school teachers or elected officials.


The Board appreciates the continued cooperation and assistance given by officials, boards, the Town Counsel and employees in our effort to fairly administer its duties and responsibilities.


Respectfully submitted,


WARREN E. O'LEARY ARTHUR J. MANSFIELD M. NORCROSS STRATTON, Chairman


289


REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE


Annual Report of the School Department


REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR THE YEAR 1952


To the Citizens of Arlington:


The inflationary forces in the United States, prevalent since the end of World War II, continued to reflect increased costs of equipment, supplies and labor in the School budget for the past year. Most seri- ous thought has been given to this matter by your Committee. Econo- mies have been made wherever possible, commensurate with good man- agement, but not so as to endanger the educational opportunities or to jeopardize the high professional standards our citizens expect of our School System.


The increase in elementary population, as more fully expressed in the report of the Superintendent of Schools, will provoke problems in Buildings and Plant in the immediate future years.


In accordance with our Modernization Program, during this year the second floor of Crosby School was remodeled. This included in- stallation of tile floors, acoustical ceilings, restful wall colors and ade- quate fluorescent lighting. In 1953 the remainder of Crosby is ex- pected to be completed, followed by the Locke and Cutter Schools.


Our lighting program provides for approximately 25 foot candles in the classrooms to replace hazardous conditions where as low as 5 foot candles existed. A positive step to better sight through better light.


An important change will take place in 1953 with the advent of the Town Manager Form of Government whereby the future mainten- ance of School buildings will be removed from the jurisdiction of the School Committee and placed by law under the Town Manager. It is our sincere hope that the Modernization Program, now over 50% completed, will be continued by the incoming Town Manager as a nec- essary investment in the health of the pupils and a preventive of obsolescence in school facilities. It would be false economy otherwise.


During the year the following teachers, having reached retirement, age, after long devotion to duty were retired:


Mildred Emerson, Teacher of Music, Jr. High West, 1926-1952 in Arl- ington


Dorothy Evans, Teacher of Music, Jr. High East, 1934-1952 in Arlington Agnes Sweeney, Teacher at Jr. High West. 1942-1952 in Arlington


The following resignations from the staff were reluctantly accepted: Barbara Farnum, Teacher at Bishop School Betty Jane Jalley, Teacher at Crosby School Carolyn Livingston, Teacher at Cutter School Joyce Tyler, Teacher at Hardy School Jacqueline Miller, Teacher at Parmenter School Norma Hartman, Teacher at Russell School Alice Vartabedian, Teacher at Jr. High School West Ann Horrigan, Teacher at Senior High School


290


ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT


At the close of the year the Department lost a faithful and con- scientious worker in the sudden passing of Michael Reddan, senior custodian at the High School. Mr. Reddan served the Department for thirty-four years.


It should be noted that certain items in the School Budget are in part reimbursed by the State although such reimbursements do not reflect as credits in the School Budget but rather become General Funds of the Town.


The following schedule reflects receipt of funds from the Common- wealth of Massachusetts:


Item


Receipts for 1952


Estimated Receipts for 1953 $171,416.


State Aid of Public Schools


$168,882.


Arlington Vocational School


13,500.


22,725.


Arlington Evening Trade School


460.


1,581.




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