USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1957 > Part 15
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Emergency appointments 42
Appointments - temporary, provisional, renewals 177
Permanent appointments 45
Promotions - permanent and temporary renewals 56
Loyalty Oaths 106
173
REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL BOARD
Termination of temporary and permanent employment Group insurance 26
177
Permanent transfers 3
In order that employees or appointing authorities shall have reasonable opportunity to be heard, as required by Article 7C of the By-Laws, we urge that all requests be brought to the Board before November of each year. It is impossible to give proper consideration to last minute requests received just prior to the closing of the Warrant.
There are at present 531 permanent full-time, 22 permanent part-time, 19 temporary full-time, 40 temporary part-time and 30 seasonal part-time classified employees in the service of the Town. These figures do not include personnel under the direction of the School Committee.
The Board appreciates the cooperation and assistance given by the Town Manager, Finance Committee, officials, boards, Town Counsel and employees in our effort to fairly administer the duties and responsibilities involved. We also wish to express our sincere appreciation for the capable services of our efficient Executive Secretary, Lee Morris and for the clerical work performed by Mrs. Helen Mccluskey.
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL E. WIDDER WARREN E. O'LEARY WILLIAM J. FALLON JOHN J. KELLIHER WILLIAM J. FROST, Chairman
174
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Report of the Finance Committee
The Committee is presently constituted as follows:
Arthur D. Saul Jr. Chairman William F. Farrow
Kermit C. Streng Vice Chairman Executive Secretary
P. E. Richardson Secretary
198 Highland Ave.
Duly appointed members.
Precinct
1 Edwin A. Barnard
61 Cleveland St.
10 Varnum St.
268 Broadway
18 Sheraton Park
17 Beacon St.
6 Arthur D Saul Jr.
7 Joseph A. Keefe
8 T. Richard Guinan
15 Wildwood Ave.
11 Upland Road
39 Highland Ave.
8 Candia St.
23 Hawthorne Ave.
137 Newland Rd.
67 Claremont Ave.
Member at Large
J. Howard Hayes
115 Claremont Ave.
There were three new members appointed to Finance Commit- tee in this year.
Precinct 3. Daniel M. Hooley
Precinct 9. John L. Murphy
Precinct 12. Russell T. Eckel
The Committee organized and reelected as Chairman Arthur D. Saul Jr. Vice Chairman Kermit C. Streng. Secretary Percival E. Richardson.
Chairman Saul appointed sub-Committees as follows;
Committee A. Budgets 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 30, 35, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, & 47.
Chairman Donald O. Johnston William H. Dunn
Paul E. LaJoie
Committee B. Budgets 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 24, 28, 29, 34, 39, 40, 41,50 & 51.
Chairman Joseph A. Keefe Edwin A. Barnard John L. Murphy
Committee C. Budgets 12, 31, 32, 33, 33A, 49, Extension of Water Mains, Extension of Sewers and Storm Drains. Chairman T. Richard Guinan Daniel M. Hooley Percival E. Richardson J. Howard Hayes
2 William H. Dunn
3 Daniel M. Hooley
4 Paul E. LaJoie
5 Phillip D. Ahern
24 Gray St. 6 Mystic Lake Drive
9 John L. Murphy
10 Robert G. Sisson
11 Donald O. Johnston
12 Russell T. Eckel
13 P. E. Richardson
14 Kermit C. Streng
175
REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
Committee D. Budgets 5, 17, 36, 37, 38 & 48.
Chairman Phillip D. Ahern Russell T. Eckel Robert G. Sisson Kermit C. Streng
Personnel Committee.
Chairman
Percival E. Richardson
J. Howard Hayes
Russell T. Eckel
Policy Committee.
Chairman Kermit C. Streng T. Richard Guinan
Percival E. Richardson
Joseph A. Keefe
Donald O. Johnston Phillip D. Ahern
The Chairman of the Finance Committee is a member (ex- officio) of all sub-committees.
The status of the Reserve Fund Budget 47 as appropriated at Annual Town Meeting of 1957, after authorized transfers is as follows:
Appropriation $85,000.00
Tranfers.
September 9, 1957 to Budget 44.
Memorial Day $ 25.00
October 16, 1957 to Budget 17.
750.00
Capital outlay
October 16, 1957 to Budget 36
Old Age Assistance 10,000.00
October 21, 1957 to Budget 32
Sanitation 7,500.00
October 21, 1957 to Budget 49 Water Department 2,775.00
November 4, 1957 to Budget 36
Aid to Dependent Children 1,600.00
December 2, 1957 to Budget 2
Selectmens Entertainment expense 125.00
December 2, 1957 to Budget 8 Bond Expense 818.42
December 9, 1957 to Budget 32 Sanitation 8,800.00
December 30, 1957 to Budget 38 School athletic fund 1,525.00
December 30, 1957 to Budget 38 Vocational training 500.00
December 30, 1957 to Budget 37 Aid and assistance
450.00
December 30, 1957 to Budget 32 Sanitation 1,091.00
176
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
December 30, 1957 to Budget 46
Hospital & Surgical Insurance 1,419.07
December 30, 1957 to Article 86
6,000.00
Committee Total transfers 43,378.49 43,378.49
Balance of Reserve Fund to be
returned to Town 41,621.51
The Finance Committee held a total of 28 meetings in 1957, with an average attendance of 12 plus, and the sub-committees 36 meetings.
Respectfully submitted PERCIVAL E. RICHARDSON Secretary, Finance Committee
Report of the Wire Department
January 8, 1958
Mr. Edward C. Monahan
Town Manager
Arlington, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit the Annual Report of the Wire Department for the year ending December 31, 1957.
Permits issued 1802
Fees collected $901.00
Poles replaced 194
STREET LIGHTING
Street lighting in service as of December 31, 1957
1,000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 1775
2,500 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 52
4,000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 64
6,000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 374
10,000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 40
15,000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 2
15,000 Lumen mercury Vapor Lamps 86
STREET LIGHTING ORDERED
1,000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 51
2,500 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 24
4,000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 3
I wish to express my thanks to you and the various departments of the Town for the cooperation and courtesy extended to me dur- ing the year.
Respectfully submitted,
R. L. REID Inspector of Wires
177
REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' SERVICES
Annual Report of the Department of Veterans' Service
The Honorable Town Manager Robbins Town Hall
Arlington, Mass.
Dear Sir:
Submitted herewith is the thirteenth annual report of the De- partment of Veterans' Services covering the calendar year 1957. Massachusetts laws make it mandatory that financial aid be furn- ished to needy veterans and their dependents who qualify for such aid and that there be made available to all veterans and their kin such advice, information and assistance as may be necessary to en- able them to procure the benefits to which they are or may be entitled relative to employment, vocational or other opportunities, hospitalization, medical care, pensions, compensation, insurance and other benefits and must keep on hand current booklets and other printed matter pertaining to the statutory rights and privileges of war veterans provided by Federal and State laws. The first section of this report deals with the services provided and the second part with the financial aid disbursed to needy veterans and their depend- ents.
VETERANS' SERVICES
Photostatic copies made 4,607
Documents notarized 18
Discharges recorded in the Town archives 153
Contacts made in furnishing counsel, information and assistance in prosecuting claims of veterans and their survivors and dependents and processing applications for all types of benefits 6,630
Visits to hospitals, homes and other places 644
Letters, history entries and records 1,630
Veterans Administration forms completed 156
Veterans Administration claims handled as agent for claimants 63
Total for the year 1957 13,901
Total of cash benefits, accruing to Arlington claim- ants, from Veterans Administration through the efforts of this department $7,855.70
Estimated total of money saved the Town by reason of successful prosecution at the Veterans Admin- istration of claims of persons who had applied for financial aid 1,500.00
VETERANS' BENEFITS, WAR ALLOWANCE AND BURIAL AID A tabulation of the administrative work connected with the disbursement of financial aid to needy veterans follows:
Contacts (Visits, interviews, etc.) 3,269
Applications copied, histories, records and letters 2,797 Cases on rolls:
(a) Settled in Arlington 115
(b) Settled in another community 1
(c) State settled 0
Applications and re-applications for aid received .. 86
Applications and re-applications accepted 53
Applications and re-applications rejected 21
178
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Applications and re-applications referred to other communities 11 Applications and re-applications pending 4 Refund cases 16 A tabulation of actual disbursements made to needy applicants for aid during the year 1957 follows:
VETERANS' BENEFITS
State participation 50% of all authorized payments $45,210.78
WAR ALLOWANCE
Full reimbursement by State. The War Allowance Act expired on Jan. 1, 1957. There were no applications and no disbursements. 0.00
BURIAL AID
Chapter 115, General Laws of Mass. (Needy cases) State participation 50% in all Arlington settled cases and 100% in all others 250.00
Chapter 573, Acts of 1946 as amended. (Reimbursement of recognized organizations of veterans for author- ized expenses incurred in providing military honors at the funerals of veterans of World War Two and the Korean War who died overseas and whose bodies were repatriated.) State participation 100 % 0.00
TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS $45,460.78
REIMBURSEMENTS AND REFUNDS Reimbursement by State is usually eight to eleven months in arrears. The Town Collector and Treas- urer received from the State Treasurer in 1957 amounts due for the months of April through Decem- ber, 1956 and, also, the amounts due for the months January, February and March, 1957, to a total of $19,381.75
Received from other municipalities 15.00
Refunds received from beneficiaries and
returned checks 3,492.22
Total returned to the Town Treasury 22,888.97 Net Town expenditure for aid to needy veterans and their dependents
$22,571.81
The past year was remarkable for the fact that there were very few layoffs or labor disturbances affecting Arlington people. Hospital and medical costs continued to advance and present a grave problem in budgeting for the needy. The steady increase in the cost of living has caused some budget adjustments and more are to come. Despite the fact that the war periods are fading into the distance there are still many calls from veterans and their de- pendents for help in meeting the problems of housing, schooling, employment and rehabilitation.
In conclusion we wish to gratefully acknowledge the help and cooperation given us by the Town Manager and his staff, the mem- bers of the Board of Selectmen and the Personnel Board and their staffs and the service of the employees of the department.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES R. ARMOUR Director
179
REPORT OF THE DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Report of the Arlington Development Commision
January 9, 1958
Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Arlington 74, Massachusetts
Re: Report of the Arlington Development Commission
Dear Mr. Monahan:
At the Special Town Meeting held on November 4, 1957, the Arlington Development Commission made a Report of Progress cover- ing the first six months of its existence. This report told of the Commission's efforts to learn about the problems connected with business growth in the Town so that it could best fulfill its purpose: "To promote, co-ordinate, and otherwise assist in the development of the industrial resources of the Town".
It was our hope that our first objective could be to place into pro- ductive use those few plots of vacant land whose size and locations make them good possibilities for business development. However, it was not possible to devote our full attention to this project because it became necessary to concentrate our activities on Arlingtoon Cen- ter, the heart of business activity in the Town.
Since the Special Town Meeting, we have been studying the traffic and parking conditions in the Center in an effort to develop an over-all plan to increase the business activity there, which, in turn, would bring more revenue from this area to the Town.
As you know, we have met with you and other town officials in this regard. We have also met with representatives of a consulting engineering firm. We are making every effort to have ready construc- tive recommendations for the 1958 Annual Town Meeting. However, it may not be possible to do so in the limited time available.
Although we are concentrating on Arlington Center, efforts are still being made to find productive uses for the vacant land referred to above. We recognize that the townspeople would not want heavy industry or firms with objectionable elements, such as noise, smoke, etc., brought into our community. We are, therefore, seeking firms which will be a credit to the Town and require a minimum of ser- vice. In this regard we have been in contact with the newly formed Arlington Development Corporation, the Arlington Chamber of Com- merce, the Massachusetts Department of Commerce, and industrial real estate brokers.
One of the problems involved in placing this land into productive use is the question of zoning. Most of the sites under consideration are not now zoned for business, and it is a fact that sought-after firms will avoid a community where the land must be rezoned if they can find equally attractive locations elsewhere. For this reason, we have under consideration, the possibility of asking the Town to rezone certain pieces of land.
180
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
It is hard to conceive of any substantial revitalization of the Center without the Russell Common being made available for parking. Whether it is adaptable for two level parking and whether it should be leased for private operation are questions to be answered. Its ultimate use, particularly with regard to the entrances to it will depend to some extent upon the changes, if any, made in the streets surrounding it.
With regard to disbursements by the Commission, $254.23 has been expended to date, leaving a balance of $745.77 from the original $1,000.00 appropriation made at the time of the creation of the Commission. A breakdown of the disbursements is set forth below. There have been no disbursements made against the $5,000.00 appro- priation made under Article 10 at the Special Town Meeting held in November, 1957.
Disbursements
Stenographic work and postage $63.67
Stationery & Meeting Notice Postcards $37.20
Printing and mailing of Report of Progress for Special Town Meeting. $18.36 Allen Benjamin - consultation. .$50.00
Color slides for Special Town Meeting. $85.00
$254.23
As stated in the vote of the 1957 Annual Town Meeting, the purpose of the Arlington Development Commission is to co-ordinate the efforts of others and to do whatever the Commission can do to assist in the development of the business resources of the Town. We assure you that we are trying to accomplish this objective. However, it is obvious to us that nothing will be accomplished unless the town officials in particular and the citizens of Arlington in general are willing to join in the effort. Some people have already predicted that nothing can be accomplished. If this is so, it is a serious blow to Arlington, the effects of which will be felt to an in- creasing degree in our tax rate during the years ahead. We believe that something can be done and are willing to make the effort. We sincerely hope that the town as a whole will support the efforts not only of our Commission, but also of others, who are striving to improve the economic health of our business community and increase the revenue from it.
Respectfully submitted,
Arlington Development Commission
Harold E. Magnuson, Chairman Warren S. Berg John B. Fox Edwin R. Gilliland William A. McMahon John Mirak Francis A. O'Hearn
181
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY DEPARTMENT
Report of the Cemetery Department
January 10, 1958
Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager
Arlington 74, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
The following is a report of the Cemetery Commissioners for the year ending December 31, 1957.
The Board organized with Wathen B. Henderson as Chairman, Mrs. Claire M. Murray, Clerk, and Mr. Edward C. Preston in Charge of Grounds.
The resignation of Mr. Ralph L. LaValle in May 1957 brought about the appointment of Mr. John H. Callahan on June 4, 1957.
The unexpected death of Chairman Wathen B. Henderson on September 12, 1957 came as a shock to the members of the cemetery board and to all of the cemetery employees.
Wathen Henderson was one of the best qualified cemetery exec- utives in the state and was particularly well thought of by all of the town residents who had occasion to do business with him. The task of maintaining the high standards set by Mr. Henderson will present a challenge to all succeeding members of the cemetery commission.
On October 28, 1957 Town Manager Monahan notified the com- missioners of the appointment of Mr. Arthur L. McAvoy to succeed Mr. Wathen B. Henderson.
The Board re-organized on November 13, 1957 naming Mr. John R. Keefe as Commission Chairman.
Town Manager Monahan appointed Mr. Edward C. Preston Super- intendent of the Cemetery on November 21, 1957.
There were 356 interments in Mount Pleasant Cemetery during the year and none in the Pleasant Street Cemetery.
During the past year most cemetery roads were patched or re- surfaced. New street signs and benches were installed.
The use of equipment property of Pubilc Works, Park and Tree Departments has been very helpful to this department and to the Heads of these departments we are extremely grateful.
The following are the receipts of the Cemetery Department for the year 1957:
Sale of Lots and Graves
$13,727.00
Annual Care
2,147.50
Foundations
2,380.80
Opening Graves
9,305.00
Miscellaneous
3,386.00
Perpetual Care
18,390.00
Income from Funds
11,716.87
Repectfully submitted,
John R. Keefe
John H. Callahan Arthur L. McAvoy
Board of Cemetery Commissioners.
182
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Annual Report of the Department of Civil Defense
Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager
January 3, 1958
Arlington 74, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
In accordance with the By-Laws of the Town, I submit herewith the Eighth Annual Report of the Department of Civil Defense.
Training and planning in Civil Defense functions continued at a high level.
Auxiliary Police: One hundred auxiliary policemen were uni- formed with winter reefers, trousers and police hats. Under the leadership of Chief Albert E. Ryan, a new training program was inaugurated. The present program stresses traffic control, pedestrian and vehicular, and crowd control. Forty-six men receive weekly training.
This training has also aided the regular department in its weekly burden of assignments at church services throughout our town. Ten auxiliaries are assigned each Sunday thus relieving regular men for other police duties. Chief Ryan is to be commended for this fine program.
Surplus Property: During the past year the Federal Government by legislation released quantities of property to Civil Defense. Arl- ington received over $8000 worth of new items for a small cost. These items were distributed to the following departments. Fire, Police, Park, Tree, Cemetery and Public Works, thus saving each department from ordinary purchases.
Matching Funds: The Matching Fund Program again allowed the town to save by making purchases through Civil Defense. Auxil- iary Police Uniforms and Air Raid Sirens were purchased during the year. A project application for the purchase of five two-way radios is still pending.
Shelter Signs: Sixty shelter signs were renewed during the year. Shelter signs now are made luminous at night by the use of Scotch-lite sheeting and are far more effective.
Red Cross Courses: Red Cross and Civil Defense continued courses in First-Aid, Home Nursing and Mother and Baby Care.
Civil Defense "Motorcade": The most co-operative and attractive program of the year was on November 23rd. The greatest display of man power and equipment in Civil Defense was introduced to the townspeople. Police, Fire, Public Works, Tree, Park, Cemetery, Aux- iliary Fire, Auxiliary Police, Radio Hams, Rescue, Medical Health Units, Mutual Aid Teams and Red Cross displayed units and equip- ment by a motorcade over a route which covered about three fifths of the town.
183
REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL DEFENSE
A demonstration at the rear of the Senior High School completed a most spectacular day.
Auxiliary Fire Department: Ten volunteers were accepted into the Auxiliary Fire Department. All were trained in Civil Defense Fire Fighting. The Auxiliary Fire Department now is comprised of forty-nine trained and active men. Chief Thomas H. Egan each year has recruited and trained at least ten men, setting a fine record.
It is not possible at this time to enumerate all activities. To all volunteers, may we express our grateful appreciation. We are es- pecially indebted to the Police and Fire Departments, Public Works Department, School Department, the Town Manager and the Board of Selectmen for their cooperation throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted
Philip A. Sweeney
Director Civil Defense
184
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Report of Dog Officer
Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Arlington, Massachusetts
January 6, 1958
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit my report as Dog Officer for the Town of Arlington for the year ending December 31, 1957, in accordance with Section #3 of Article #3 of the Town By-laws.
Complaints registered with me are as follows:
Dogs impounded 355
Unlicensed dogs impounded and delivered to owners 57
Licensed dogs returned via telephone 250
Licensed dogs delivered by car 31
Unlicensed dogs impounded and turned over to the Animal Rescue League when owner could not be located 277
Dogs destroyed at pound 21
Dog owners contacted on Warrant 1163
Dogs caused to be licensed 1100
Dogs licensed 2157
Complaints received at my office and investigated
36
Complaints registered with me to remove dead or mutilated animals from highways are as follows:
Dogs
91
Woodchuck 1
Cats
207
Ducks
5
Skunks 46
Rats 12
Squirrels
85
Rabbits
8
Pigeons
44
Turtles 2
Raccoons
4 Bat 1
At this time, I wish to express my thanks to you and the Board of Selectmen for the advice and assistance given me in the settlement of the many controversies arising between the Dog Owners and the complainants.
I also wish to thank Police Chief Ryan and his department for the splendid cooperation given me through the year.
I also wish to thank Town Clerk, Mr. Golden, and his staff for their cooperation.
In conclusion, I gratefully acknowledge the prompt attention given by the Dog Owners of Arlington to the licensing of their dogs this year.
Respectfully submitted, Samuel F. Femia Dog Officer - Town of Arlington
185
TREE WARDEN, MOTH AND TOWN HOUSE GROUNDS
Report of the Tree Warden and Superintendent of the Moth and Town House Grounds Department
Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Arlington, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit my report as Tree Warden and Superintend- ent of the Moth and Town House Grounds Departments for the year ending December 31, 1957.
TREE DEPARTMENT
During the year 208 trees were planted on new streets con- structed by the Public Works Department and private contractors, also in various sections of the town when requested by private individuals.
One public hearing was held for the removal of a tree and as there were no objections the tree was removed at the expense of the petitioner.
Seven trees were ordered removed by the Board of Selectmen for the construction of streets or for other reasons.
We still receive many requests at the office during the year for trimming trees that are growing close to houses and overhang- ing roofs. A continuation of our program of raising up and trim- ming of trees to alleviate obstruction from high delivery trucks and buses traveling along our highways was continued.
Trees were pruned and removed by this Department for the Park, Cemetery, School, Police, and Public Works Departments at the request of the respective department heads.
The Thompson School was landscaped in the Spring by this Department.
Christmas trees in all sections of the town were disposed of by this Department with a Brush Chipper, thereby saving a con- siderable amount of money in extra truck hire.
Cleared foliage from trees at 51 different locations for better street lighting at request of the Wire Inspector.
Two Dogwood trees were planted at the Dallin and Thompson Schools in commemoration of Arbor Day.
A Dogwood tree was planted for the Cub Scouts at the Thomp- son School which they presented to the School.
A new Stump Cutter was purchased by the Department this year and it has proved its worth over and over again.
186
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Due to the exceptional dry summer the trees that were planted in the Spring of the year had to be watered on three different occasions.
The Department was represented in the Civil Defense Motor- cade with various pieces of equipment.
A new 21/2 ton Ford truck was purchased to replace a 1951 Dodge truck, also a new Chevrolet sedan to replace a 1951 sedan and a 34 ton Chevrolet pick-up truck.
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