USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1955 > Part 27
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Planning Board :- During the year the Town Meeting concurred with the board on four amendments to the zoning by-laws recom- mended after the usual public hearings. Participated in ten meet- ings with the Joint Planning Committee of which the Panning Board is an integral part. A complete report of the Joint Planning Com- mittee regarding Arlington Center business area will be available for the 1956 Town Meeting. Revision of the zoning by-laws has been de- ferred until after the latter report has been analyzed. With members of the Joint Planning Committee, the Planning Board intends to continue the studies of business zoning, parking, land use, and related subjects in the Arlington Heights and East Arlington districts.
Police Department :- Two Captains established during year. Con- tinuous enforcement of automobile violations based on belief that as crime is on wheels, control the wheels and you more effectively control criminal acts in all aspects. Conducted 1,157 investigations during year. 11,252 messages were broadcasted to our radio and
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TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT
patrol cars; 157,895 Duty Calls were rung in from signal boxes throughout the Town. Installed 69 new traffic signs, replaced 1,613 road and curb markings; repainted 360 parking meters, traffic lights, etc. Constantly alert to dangers of indecent literature, and crime generally. Welfare of children and environmental conditions which retard their normal growth as future citizens of the town are of paramount importance to all members of the Police Department; our juvenile record is good; it can be kept that way with the coopera- tion of parents, the churches, recreational organizations, schools, and all others interested in our future citizens. Women School Traffic Supervisors did good work during the year. Law enforcement at maximum levels during the year.
Public Works Department :- Several streets were constructed dur- ing the year, also sidewalks; sewer mains, water mains and storm drain mains were installed in various locations as needed. All under- ground structures were maintained and in many places, cleaned. Sanitary land fill operations continued in rubbish disposal. With the cooperation of owners and neighbors, several areas could be used for purpose and thus delay for years the inevitable construc- tion of a costly incinerator. Public roadways and sidewalks were maintained throughout the year; during the winter months, snow and ice were removed and roadways sanded with emphasis on ser- vice to the public. About seven miles of water mains cleaned pur- suant to improvement of water volumes and pressures; also some mains were relaid and dead-ends tied in to improve circulation for fire fighting purposes. Hydrants repaired and replaced pursuant to inspections of Fire Department personnel who inspected all town water hydrants (over 1,200) throughout the town. Water damages substantial during and after Flood "Diane". Reservoir had to be sandbagged; Mill Lane and Frazer Road area had also to be sand- bagged; with Fire Department pumped out 1185 flooded cellars; participated in de-contamination program to
safeguard public health; made temporary repairs of roadways for public travel; The department continued to garage, service and repair all town vehicles excepting Fire apparatus. It is virtually impossible in this summary to portray the work of the Public Works Department; one must look to the detailed departmental report to understand the tre- mendous responsibilities of this agency of town government and how they are being carried out by the relatively few personnel employed to perform the multiple duties of the department.
Purchasing Department :- Approximately 7,500 purchase orders processed during the year. The spirit as well as the letter of the town by-law has been complied with, in that competitive bidding has been enforced in practically all town purchases whether or not it is required by said by-law. Obtaining bids on our annual require- ments for materials to be delivered as needed throughout the entire year has resulted in substantial savings in view of the rising price tendency throughout the year in practically all materials needed by the Town. The policy of soliciting the interest of local vendors in the Town's purchase requirements continues; where price and quality are comparable, local merchants are favored.
Recreation - See "Park and Recreation"
Route 2 and Route 3 :- Several conferences with State D.P.W. offi- cials with nothing definitely resolved. Comissioner expects to get funds for both purposes in the next or succeeding Legislatures, after which both roadways will become matters of contention again.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Sewer and Water Installations :- Consistent with the high level of building operations, sewer and water mains were extended to ser- vice new homes, with the major part of their installation costs being defrayed by developers pursuant to policies inaugurated two years ago. Some sewer extensions were made under the Betterment Act; and some water mains were extended under guaranty conditions assuring the town a reasonable return on its investment.
Snow Removal :- In view of the relatively few snow storms ex- perienced in 1955, sanding and salting assumed a much greater importance than plowing and removal of snow. Typical of the year's operations in this respect was the month of January when there was but one snow storm of any importance, but frigid temperatures compelled sanding operations almost every night and sometimes twice a night. In process of acquisition at year end were two Wal- ters Snow Fighters, ideal for sanding purposes as well as other related uses, from the M.T.A. at purchase prices that make them most advantageous to the town. Studies are being made of the entire sanding operation to the end that the whole town may be serviced in the shortest possible time rather than over an extended period as in vogue heretofore because of emphasis on snow plowing and removal, which study appears most pertinent in view of the changed character of our winter weather.
Street Lighting :- Program of improved street lighting continues. A substantial improvement is contemplated in 1956 in the lighting of side streets throughout the town; also, greately improved light- ing is being proposed for Massachusetts Avenue from Franklin Street to Arlington Heights.
Town Hall Addition :- Construction completed in all major respects in Fall of year; occupied in November. Question arises regarding ability of very old boilers to carry the heating load of the expanded structure; engineering studies are in process with realization that the situation must be watched constantly.
Transportation :- Year-long conferences of Board of Selectmen with M.T.A. officials and Cambridge City Councillors regarding the elimin- ation of street cars on the Mass. Avenue line from Arlington Heights to Harvard Square were concluded successfully and buses were substituted in November 1955. Chapter 90 funds of $96,000 are being recommended to cover rails with bituminous concrete the en- tire length of Mass. Avenue in Arlington.
Tree Department :- 300 trees planted during the year, many rep- resenting replacements of those lost in the 1954 hurricanes. Tree trimming program continued. Gave maximum cooperation to the Public Works Department, Civil Defense, and the Board of Health during and after flood "Diane" in the pumping out of cellars, pull- ing out stumps and debris from Mill Brook, spraying thirty five stagnant water areas to safeguard public health, etc. New Brush clipper proved its great worth in time and labor-saving during the year, especially in the removal of Christmas trees after the holiday which alleviated greatly the rubbish collection work of the P.W.D. Trees were trimmed, pruned and removed for the Cemetery, School, Park and Highway Departments. Regular spraying schedule carried out. Dutch Elm Disease while not relatively prevalent as compared
369
TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT
with condition in other communities needs to be watched constantly. 920 private estates sprayed who defrayed costs of same. The Town Hall Grounds were constantly maintained in a manner consistent with their always beautiful appearance.
Veterans' Services :- Services to veterans not directly connected to financial assistance totaled 13,171 during the year including 3,804 photostatic copies of discharges and other valuable documents and 6,814 contacts made in the processing of various kinds of benefits.
Water System :- The Crosby School Fire in May 1954 dramatized the unsatisfactory condition of the Town's water distribution system for fire-fighting purposes. Pursuant to a comprehensive study made under the joint direction and supervision of the Supt. of Public Works and the Fire Chief, the 1955 Annual Town Meeting approved their recommendation to spend $40,000 for the improvement of volumes and pressures, the tying in of "dead-ends" in the circula- tion system, and the cleaning of water mains whose effectiveness had been seriously impaired by tuberculation growth; this would be the beginning of a program expected to be done over the next five-year period; much of this has been done this year. This program also recommended inspection and repairs, where found necessary, of the approximately 1200 water hydrants in the Town, which has been done during the year with the Fire Department conducting the inspections and with the P.W.D. doing the repairing and replace- ments as the case may be. An extremely hot early Summer caused extensive water consumption during the year.
Welfare Department :- Although the case loads are down, expendi- tures continue to rise because of higher costs of hospitalization in all aspects. No lessening of expenditures indicated in 1956; new "Transportation Allowance" effective January 1, 1956, authorized by legislation (enacted in 1955) reflects additional expenditures of $13,800 in 1956, and hospital rates are constantly being adjusted upwards.
In concluding this, my third annual report, may I respectfully point out that the attainment of all of the objectives of businesslike nianagement under the Town Manager form of local government will be accomplished only by continuous efforts. In my opinion busi- nesslike municipal government reflects arduous efforts rather than genius-the Town Manager must apply himself constantly to the task and in this respect he must elicit the full cooperation of the employees who work under his supervision and direction as well as all other associated employees and officials of the town. It is my humble observation that the Town Manager form of government has already shown satisfactory results. I feel very strongly that a maxi- mum of value has been furnished the citizens for every tax dollar spent; I sincerely believe that the records will substantiate my conclusions in this respect.
For their cooperation during the year. I wish to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen, the Finance Committee, the Per- sonnel Board, the School Committee, the Board of Assessors, and all town departments, boards and commissions.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
My thanks are extended to the employees of all departments under my supervision and control who are especially deserving of my gratitude for their fine team-work during the year. Considering the number of complaints and the enormity of the task, faults have apparently been relatively few in the rendering of public service to th citizens of the town.
The Town of Arlington is indeed fortunate in the number of outstanding citizens, including Town Meeting members and members of school building committees, who give of their time and effort with no compensation to the various unpaid boards and commissions of the town government. Sincere thanks is expressed to them for their truly tremendous services to the town during the year just closed.
To the citizens of the town, my sincere thanks are extended for their continued cooperation, confidence and encouragement which makes worthwhile every effort expended in their behalf by their town employees, including the Town Manager.
Reference is made to other sections of this annual report for information, statistics and data of the various Town Departments for the year ending December 31, 1955.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD C. MONAHAN Town Manager
INDEX
A
General Index
Index to Accts. Report
Accountant Report
315
316
Animals, Inspector of, Reports
150
335
Appeals, Boards of, Report
213
326
Appropriations and Expenditures
68
354
Assessors, Board of, Report
125
325
Assets and Liabilities, Statement of
316
B
Balance Sheet. December 31, 1955
316
Betterment Assessment Collections
284
322
Births Registered for the year
122
Buildings, Inspector of, Report
161
331
Buildings, Insurance Fund
311
C
Cemeteries, Commissioners of, Report 160
346-347
Charities
336-337
Civil Defense, Department of, Report
158
333
Clerk, Town, Report
120
326-327
Collector of Taxes, Statement of
284
Committees, Town, Appointed
8
Constables
7
Contributory Retirement System
216
D
Deaths by Months
124
Dog Officer, Report
162
Dogs Registered
120
E
Election, Annual Town, March 7, 1955
44
Elections and Town Meetings, Payments
329
Engineer, Town Report 174
326-327
F
Finance Committee, Report.
134
325
Fines and Forfeits
322
Fire Department, Report
151
330-331
Fire and Police Signal System
140
331
INDEX - CONTINUED
General Index
Index to Accts. Report
Fund, Annie L. Hill Poor Widows'
298
Fund, Maria L. Hill Poor Widows'
298
Fund, Children's Book 293
Fund, Dexter Rawson Fay Library 294
Fund, Trustees of Elbridge Farmer 295
Fund, Louise S. Gruber Library 294
Fund, Ellen W. Hodgdon Library 293
Fund, Emma L. Sprague Library 290
Fund, Emma L. Sprague Poor Widows'
300
Fund, E. Nelson Blake Library 290
Fund, E. Nelson Blake, Jr., Memorial 306
Fund, E. S. Farmer Poor Widows' 301
Fund, E. S. Farmer Relief
301
Fund, Henry Mott Library
289
Fund, Julia Fillebrown
300
Fund, M. Helen Teele Library
292
Fund, Martha M. W. Russell School
299
Fund, Martha M. W. Russell Poor Widows'
297
Fund, Mary Cutter Poor Widows' 297
Fund, Municipal Buildings Insurance 311
Fund, Nathan Pratt High School 304
Fund, Nathan Pratt Library
305
Fund, Nathan Pratt Poor Widows' 306
Fund, Perpetual Care, Cemeteries
308
Fund, Robbins Cemetery
310
Fund, Robbins House Maintenance
296
Fund, Robbins Library Art
288
Fund, Robbins Library Print
289
Fund, Robbins Scholarship
313
Fund, Sarah Ross Vaughn Library
291
Fund, Soldiers Monument 310
Fund, Francis E. Thompson Library 291
Fund, Francis E. Thompson Scholarship 303
Fund, Timothy Wellington Library 292
Fund, William Cutter School 299
Fund, Workmen's Compensation 311
G
General Government Expenditures
325
Grants and Gifts
322
Gypsy and Brown Tail Moth Department, Report 146 333
H
Health, Board of, Report
194
335
Highway Division, Board of Public Works 261
334-335
Housing Authority
137
Fund, Samuel C. Bucknam Cemetery 309
INDEX - CONTINUED
General Index
Index to Accts. Report
I
Income and Corporation Taxes, State
320
Indebtedness, Municipal
346-347
Insurance, Payments
343
Interest
346-347
J
Jurors, List of
234
L
Librarian, Report 170
Libraries, Receipts and Payments
340-341
Library, Robbins, Report of Trustees
167
Licenses and Permits, Receipts
320
M
Maintenance, Supervisor of, Report
250
327
Manager, Report of
362
325
Marriages, Registered for the Year
123
Medical Inspector, Report of
163
Meeting, Annual Town
11
Milk, Inspector of, Report
198
Moth Department, Report
146
333
O
Officers, Town Appointive
7
Officers, Town Elective
5
Officials Appointed by Town Manager
6
P
Park Commission, Report
164
340-341
Payments, Departmental
325
Pensions and Annuities
343
Personnel Board, Report
138
325
Physician, Town, Report
163
Planning Board, Report
214
327
Police, Chief of, Report
218
330-331
Police, Department, Officers and Men
218
Public Service Enterprises
344-345
Public Welfare, Dept. of, Report
163
336-337
Public Works, Dept. of, Report
259
327
Purchasing Dept., Report of
173
327
INDEX - CONTINUED R General Index
Index to Accts. Report
Receipts, General Revenue
320
Receipts, Taxes
320
Records of Elections and Town Meetings
11
Recreation, Receipts and Payments
340-341
Registrars of Voters, Report
132
Retirement System, Contributory
216
Robbins Library, Report of Trustees
167
S
Sanitary Division, Dept. of Public Works
265
334-335
School Committee, Report
200
Schools, Receipts and Payments
338-339
Schools, Superintendent of, Report
203
Sealer of Weights and Measures, Report
215
331
Selectmen, Board of Report
285
325
Sewer Division, Dept, of Public Works
266
335
Special Assessments
322
Statistics, General
4, 128,
193
Streets, Public and Private
175
Survey, Board of
327
T
Tax Rate How Spent
130
Tax Rate, Recapitulation
127
Taxes
320
Town Clerk, Report
120
326-327
Town Counsel, Report
282
327
Town Hall and Grounds, Report
147
329
Town Manager, Report of
362
325
Town Officers, Appointive
7
Town Officers, Appointed by Manager
6
Town Officers, Elective
5
Town Records
11
Treasurer, Report
133 & 314
324-325
Tree Warden, Report
145
333
U
Unexpended Balances, Appropriation Accounts ....
350-352
V
Veterans' Services, Report of
148
336-337
W
Water Division, Dept, of Public Works
269
344-345
Welfare, Public, Dept. of, Report
255
336-337
Wire Department, Report
144
331
Workmen's Compensation Insurance Fund
311
ARLINGTON ADVOCATE, Inc. Arlington, Mass.
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