USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1954 > Part 25
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The financial costs to the Town of this catastrophe were alleviated
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substantially by the Insurance Fund available for the purpose. The town's policy in former years of building up a fund to absorb in part the loss to the town by a fire, where the town would be determined to be a large co-insurer, proved wise and prudent. The Selectmen have included in their 1955 recommendations an appropriation, which, if continued in a similar or larger amounts in the years ahead, will restore the Insurance Fund to an amount sufficient for the purpose of again lessening the full blow to the town in case of another fire which we all hope will never happen again.
The inconvenience caused children and parents alike by the loss of the Crosby School was very great, it being necessary for the young- sters to attend the Hardy School, much farther away, for an indefinite period while the Crosby School is being reconstructed. Such great inconvenience was chain-like in its effects because the attendance of inconvenience to the youngsters at the latter school who had to go on shortened sessions so that the Crosby School children could be accommodated.
The Board of Selectmen feels that the children, parents and teachers of both schools are to be commended for their very great patience and neighborliness in a trying and difficult situation.
Hurricanes "Carol" and "Edna" struck the town two successive devastating blows in the late Summer and Fall of the year. The damages were extremely great. In both catastrophes it was necessary for the Board of Selectmen to make declarations of extreme emergency so that the Town Manager could proceed immediately to the tremen- dous task of restoring the town to normalcy which was done promptly but at high costs to the town.
Your Board of Selectmen cooperated to the fullest extent with the Town Manager during and after each hurricane in the work of re- habilitation.
It is undoubtedly true that our town recovered from both hurri- canes faster than did surrounding communities, and the Town Manager and all of the town employees who worked under his supervision and direction are to be commended for the truly magnificent recovery job done to restore the town during and after Hurricanes "Carol" and "Edna". The Selectmen commend also the high school boys of the town, and all others who helped out, for pitching in and by their energy, stamina, and cooperative attitude made it possible for the town to recover in the quickest possible time.
Although the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has been authorized and directed to reimburse cities and towns for damages to public facilities caused by Hurricane "Carol", the great losses suffered by the town are not expected to be wholly covered by such reimbursement, claims for which are now in process.
The town's losses in Hurricane "Edna" are not presently recover- able from the State, however, the 1955 Legislature is expected to enact legislation to reimburse cities and towns for such losses as it did in connection with Hurricane "Carol" damages. But, it should be
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emphasized that the town will suffer a considerable net loss even with State reimbursements because it has already been demonstrated that the Hurricane Relief Board, in charge of reimbursements, is extremely technical in its interpretations of legislative intentions with respect to reimbursements to cities and towns; for example, necessary capital outlays for generators, saws, etc., are recoverable only in small propor- tion to their cost, and administrative expenditures made necessary by both hurricanes are not reimbursable even in part.
So it can be seen that the town itself may defray a substantial loss pursuant to both hurricanes which, although relatively small as compared to the amount expected to be recovered, is still large from the standpoint of the town's taxpayers.
The Board of Selectmen in the early part of the year spearheaded the drive of the citizens to prevent Route 3 from being extended through the Morningside section of the town, culminated by a Mass Meeting of Protest at the Town Hall on March 27th which apparently was effective in causing the State Department of Public Works to change its plans for the re-location of Route 3.
The Board of Selectmen, early in the year, focussed public atten- tion on the stream of indecent literature, comics, pulp magazines and the like, that have been inundating our community to the detriment of our youth. Some success has been attained in combatting the effects of this moral cancer, but the fight is not over yet as we intend to continue our efforts in this respect until the evil is reduced to a possible minimum, even if it takes a long time to do it. The greatest difficulty to this end is the lack of teeth in present laws, but with the cooperation of church and civic organizations who are becoming increasingly alert in this matter, some degree of success should be possible in the overcoming of legal technicalities which have hereto- fore neutralized previous attempts to curb the distribution of indecent literature in any form.
The Board of Selectmen has been quite active during the year in the improvement of traffic conditions in Arlington Center and else- where throughout the town keeping in mind the safety of pedestrians, the convenience of automobilists and the interests of our business areas. We have been keenly sensitive and alert to the demands of the citizens in this regard.
On January 25, 1954, the Selectmen voted to abandon the rotary traffic in Arlington Center, which action has proved to be beneficial. On April 21 and May 10, the Board authorized lighting of the Munici- pal Parking Lot and directional signs posted throughout the town leading to this parking lot, which action has increased the use of this parking facility.
The Board of Selectmen has likewise been alert to the desire of the citizens for improvement of recreational areas for all kinds of recreation for young and old alike, and at this time commends all organizations in the town for their continuing activities for the youth of the town. There can be no doubt of the effectiveness of cooperative effort by all those interested in the good of our town in maintaining our very favorable juvenile delinquency record which is said by
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authoritative police officials to be very low as compared with com- parable cities and towns throughout the country. The lighting of Reservoir Field for night baseball games opened up a new era of evening recreation for many to enjoy. Recommendations are being made to the 1955 Annual Town Meeting for an appropriation to provide an overpass to this area.
We note with regret the untimely passing, during the year just ended, of so many fine citizens of the town including former town employees and former public officials who gave years of faithful service to the people of the town.
We extend our felicitations and best wishes, also to the town employees who have been honorably retired during the past year after a lifetime of devoted public service.
The Board on March 29, 1954, began a long and continuing series of negotiations with Metropolitan Transit Authority officials for the improvement of long-unsatisfactory transportation facilities in the town especially on Massachusetts Avenue to and from Harvard Square. The elimination of street cars on this line has been sought and the substitution of trackless trolleys, and more recently buses. We are hopeful that the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities will approve bus stops in Harvard Square, Cambridge, for Arlington buses which we believe Metropolitan Transit Authority officials are on the point of asking for, and in this connection, we are hopeful that test runs of such buses will overcome objections of Cambridge officials who presently oppose such stops-if Cambridge officials desist from their opposition, better transportation of Arlington commuters to and from Harvard Square is assured.
Even if Cambridge officials remain adamant, there still remains some slight hope of substituting buses for street cars on the Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington line of the Metropolitan Transit Authority.
On May 10, 1954, the Board took preliminary action to revise the Rules and Regulations for the operation of Hackney Carriages, in view of the increased number of taxi-cabs now operating. This study is now in process.
On June 10, 1954, the Selectmen, after extended discussion with the Town Manager, agreed that the Town Hall Addition should be built forthwith in view of the Town Manager's declaration that the success of the Evening Adult Education Program of the School Depart- ment had effectively prevented any previously contemplated expansion of town offices into that old school building and had made necessary the construction of the Town Hall Addition for the space needs of vital town departments.
There followed discussions with the architect, advertising for bids and the awarding of the construction contract at about year end. The addition is expected to be ready for occupancy on or about September 1st of the coming year.
On June 28, 1954, the Selectmen approved and signed School Con- struction Bonds in the total amount of $225,000.00 for the construction
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of additions to the Bishop and Parmenter Schools previously authorized by the Annual Town Meeting, and $200,000.00 for the construction of streets.
In mid-year, negotiations were initiated by the Board with rail- road officials for the acquisition of land in Arlington Center which culminated successfully and will be the subject of 1955 Annual Town Meeting Action.
During the year, preliminary action was started to get the Metro- politan District Commission to construct a swimming pool in Arlington which subsequently was the subject of a petition to the 1955 State Legislature.
The Selectmen have been extremely concerned about flooding in East Arlington in the Spring of the year and during periods of flash rains, due to overflowing of Alewife Brook and adjacent water areas under control of the Metropolitan District Commission. We have constantly sought the aid of the Metropolitan District Commission in permanently correcting the situation. We strongly feel that the Metropolitan District Commission should do something about it-even though it can conceivably cost a great deal to coordinate the Upper and Lower Mystic Lakes, Alewife Brook, and the Mystic River, which water bodies are the cause of flooding conditions in East Arlington. We will continue to press for a permanent solution and correction of this nuisance to our residents in East Arlington.
The Board of Selectmen noted with gratification during the early summer, the completion by the Metropolitan District Commission of the construction of a fence along both sides of Alewife Brook in the town, which safety measure was sponsored by the Selectmen.
In the Fall of the year, the Selectmen met with the Personnel Board to discuss salary inequities at various levels which appeared to be needful of adjustments.
Beginning shortly after November 1st, the Board held many Special Meetings to consider the recommendations of the Town Man- ager for budget appropriations for the coming year. This, as expected since the Town Manager form of local government was adopted two years ago, is a tremendous task; nevertheless, all budgets were scrutinized carefully, and the Selectmen's recommendations were sub- mitted to the Finance Committee well in advance of the date (Decem- ber 21, 1954) provided by the Town Manager Act.
On December 6, 1954, Precinct Boundaries were reviewed and changes authorized in accordance with population changes since last reviewed as required by law.
During the year, the Board took appropriate action in connection with the granting of licenses, amendments to traffic rules and orders, adoption of general policies, and appointments under Board of Select- men jurisdiction, and approval of appointments by the Town Manager to various commissions and boards.
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The Board of Selectmen have had a very busy year in the one just closed. Conscientious efforts have been made at all times to render the kind of service to the citizens that we know they want.
It is virtually impossible to present in these few pages the tremendous number of actions taken by your Selectmen during the past year. It is not our intention by this statement to appear in guise of self-praise or in the seeking of your commendation-rather is the statement made to express the exact truth which is reasonably capable of verification.
Elsewhere in this Annual Report will be found the reports of all town departments which will be found to be most interesting to those who would like detailed statistics and information about their town departments.
The year 1954 was a most exciting year, normal in some respects, but extraordinary in that from May to December, the town experienced three successive emergencies-the Crosby School Fire, Hurricane "Carol" and Hurricane "Edna", which resulted in extraordinary time and effort by your Selectmen, your Town Manager, and all other affected Town employees.
We present below a summary of activity and action of your Selectmen in their three-fold capacity of Board of Selectmen, Board of Survey, and Board of Public Works:
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
For the first time in the Town's history entertained the Middlesex County Selectmen's Association at its Winter Meeting in the Robbins Memorial Town Hall.
Settled various legal claims against the Town as recommended and approved by the Town Manager.
Attended Metropolitan Transit Authority Advisory Board meetings and many legislative hearings in the interests of the Town.
Has recommended and requested an appropriation to improve the conditions of the polls at the Junior High School East serving Pre- cincts 3 and 5.
Has issued a directive to control the level of Hill's Pond to insure safe conditions at all times.
BOARD OF SURVEY
The annual street construction program was again sponsored with eleven streets being accepted at Town Meeting.
Contracts were awarded for the repair and reconstruction of por- tions of Appleton Street and Forest Street, under the provisions of Chapter 90 of the General Laws, with the State and County sharing in the cost of these improvements.
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Request has been made of the State and County for further allotments in 1955, for the following locations:
Paul Revere Rd., from Park Ave. to Massachusetts Ave. $28,350.00 Forest Street, from Summer Street to Heard Road 25,375.00 Widening westerly side Mystic St. at Massachusetts Ave. 6,000.00
An appropriation of $20,000.00, was again made available for the construction of permanent sidewalks and granite edgestones under the provisions of law authorizing the assessment of betterment assess- ments. A program was adopted and the Town Manager authorized to proceed with such installations.
BOARD OF SURVEY PLANS
The Board, in its capacity as a Board of Survey, held public hearings and approved the following plans in accordance with the provisions of law:
LAYOUTS ACCEPTED
Appleton Place, from Burton Street to Quincy Street Lawrence Lane, from Clyde Terrace to its end
Acorn Park, from Concord Highway to the Cambridge line Sky Line Drive, from Philemon Street to Steeprock Road Lantern Lane, from south of Hutchinson Road to Ridge Street Country Club Drive, from Oldham Road to Apache Trall
Osceola Path, from Ridge Street to its end
Apache Trail, from Lantern Lane to its end
Pawnee Drive, from Country Club Drive to Ridge Street
CHANGE OF GRADE
Brewster Road, from Station 1+61.59 to Station 5+18.1
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
Established an equitable policy for the re-negotiation of the gar- bage contract to provide for the cooking factor established by State legislation.
Adopted orders for the installation of sewer and water mains and storm drains.
Approved partial and final payments on contractural obligations.
Adopted policy in permitting the Town of Winchester to connect with the Town's sewer system.
Adopted policies in protecting public ways from storm water damage accruing from surrounding territory.
Settled various complaints allegedly resulting to private property from the Town's drainage system which was aggravated by the exces- sive rains accompanying the hurricanes.
We wish to extend our thanks and appreciation to all employees of the town in all departments, Boards, Commissions, and the citizens, themselves, for their very fine cooperation with the Board of Select- men at all times during the year of 1954.
GEORGE A. HARRIS MARCUS L. SORENSEN FRANKLIN W. HURD JOSEPH P. GREELEY THOMAS R. RAWSON
Selectmen of the Town of Arlington
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Report of the Town Manager
February 23, 1955
Honorable Board of Selectmen Town Hall Arlington, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
Herewith is submitted my Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1954. Supplemental detailed reports of the depart- ments under the administrative control of the Town Manager are also herewith submitted.
In this, my second annual report, I shall endeavor to sum- marize the important activities of the various departments under my control during the year just closed; also, I shall refer briefly to other important factors that affect the financial condition and gen- eral welfare of the town as a whole.
The year 1954 was noteworthy in that there was a reduction in the tax rate of $3.20 over the previous year, only to be followed later by large emergency expenditures pursuant to a serious fire at the Crosby School in May and Hurricanes "Carol" and "Edna" which struck the town with devastating results in August and September, respectively.
The year of 1954 was further noteworthy in that it marked the beginning of tremendous expenditures for additional school building facilities for the constantly increasing number of school children who require additional classrooms for their accommoda- tion in accordance with modern progressive educational standards.
Reference is made to the report of the School Department for information regarding school construction initiated in 1954 and contemplated in 1955.
Because of the losses sustained by the town pursuant to the Crosby School Fire, Hurricanes "Carol" and "Edna", and the need for additional school facilities, all of which will be reflected in town expenditures in the coming year, there will be a relatively higher tax rate for 1955.
From a tax rate standpoint, the construction of additional schools necessarily results in higher operating costs of the School Department for additional teachers, custodians and maintenance, as well as debt service charges, which greatly increased costs will cause drastically higher tax rates over an indefinite period in the future which cannot be offset, except in part, by sound administra- tive policies and actions of other town departments. The town must provide adequate school facilities for our ever-increasing num- ber of children, but the citizens of the town must be prepared to
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absorb the very much higher direct and indirect operating costs for many years in the future in connection with the additional school facilities to be provided.
Barring the unusual, the costs of Hurricanes "Carol" and "Edna" (over and above the amount reimbursed by the Common- wealth of Mass. ) which will be included in the 1955 tax rate, should be non-recurring. But, the increased operating costs of the School Department pursuant to the large building construction program now in process, will be more or less fixed in their serious effect on the town's tax rate in future years.
The year 1954, with special reference to the two hurricanes that struck the town, emphasized the ability of all affected town departments to cooperate with each other in a common purpose to a maximum degree. In the clearing of hurricane debris and re- lated problems, it was generally agreed by all that town employees did a wonderful job.
The Crosby School Fire emphasized the need of more adequate fire insurance coverage which is to be provided for in the 1955 budget for the purpose.
The Crosby School Fire also emphasized certain inadequacies in water volumes and pressures throughout the town which will necessitate a long-term program of cleaning, enlarging and con- structing new water mains, part of which is included in my 1955 recommendations.
In alphabetical order are now presented the highlights of the various town departments under my supervision during the year just closed.
Building Department - Building permits for new houses is- sued continued at high level, including wiring, plumbing, etc.
Cemetery Department - Interment areas moderately enlarged. Hurricane damage extensive.
Civil Defense - Justified its value to the town during and after hurricanes. Auxiliary police and firefighters, radio "hams", and all other volunteer personnel were highly commended for their services in these and other emergencies during year. Now giving study to evacuation, radiological "fall-out" and similar problems pursuant to atom bombs of an enemy country.
Contributory Retirement System - Due to increasing number of retirements, especially for disability, there continues to be dras- tically increased costs to the town.
Engineering Department - Expanded street and sidewalk con- struction program emphasizes need of qualified engineers at higher grades for cost estimating, preparation of specifications, policing specifications, etc.
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Fire Department - Two (2) 1000 gallon Pumpers acquired during year, one of which was attributable to the appropriation of the previous year but which was not received until 1954. This completes new apparatus replacement program started few years ago. Signal system continues to be a serious maintenance pro- gram.
Funds, Various - Question remains unresolved regarding ap- pointment of Trust Fund Commission as provided by Town Man- ager Act. Practical effect, however, is negligible because trustees of all various funds continue to function satisfactorily.
Health, Board of - Undertook successfully tremendous "Polio" vaccine program among school children. Continued health services to parochial and other private schools. Garbage collection con- tract negotiated for increase in contract price pursuant to "cooking" factor-authorized by 1954 Annual Town Meeting.
Insurance - Crosby School Fire loss settled; town determined to be a large co-insurer in loss, emphasizing need of additional fire insurance coverage for practically all public buildings, which is included in Town Manager's 1955 budget recommendations.
Library - Circulation continues to increase.
Maintenance Department - Extensive school maintenance pro- gram continued. Conversion from coal to oil heating worthy of study. Russell School in bad condition; however, it would appear unwise to make any major repairs because of its possible aban- donment.
Municipal Parking Lot Arlington Center - Was lighted dur- ing year thus making it more satisfactory for night parking-to the benefit of the shopping area.
Park and Recreation Department - Improvement of physical facilities and recreational programs continues. More emphasis placed on a program for girls. Expansion of Warren A. Peirce Field to be completed in 1955. Golden Age Club still remains a source of inspiration to older citizens of the town.
Planning Board - Much emphasis on business areas. Plan- ning consultant's services engaged for purpose. Relocation of Route 3 through Morningside abandoned by State Department of Public Works.
Police Department - Constantly alert to dangers of indecent literature, welfare of children and crime generally. Women police doing excellent work at school crossings. During year, Chief Bullock was retired on account of ill health and service-connected disability. Efforts to curb crime in all its aspects continue.
Public Works Department - Expanded services in street sweeping put into effect. Cleaning of hurricane debris was a tre- mendous job; also, repair of washed-out roads.
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The collection of rubbish becomes more costly because of limited dumping area now available. Present lack of depth at dump causes additional costs in connection with operation of sani- tary fill method of operating town dump. Yardage continues to grow because of larger number of homes built each year.
Multiple various services rendered to various town depart- ments.
Volume and pressure study in process as result of water short- age at Crosby School Fire, a long-term program.
Inventory control system inaugurated at town yard; to be per- fected in 1955.
Because of hurricane work, sealing of streets, sidewalk con- struction, and Chapter 90 construction had to be postponed to 1955.
Superintendent William J. Toomey took ill in early September and Francis N. O'Hara was appointed Acting Superintendent.
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