USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1957 > Part 30
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BUILDING DEPARTMENT - Downward trend continues in house starts because of fewer available sites. We should renew our efforts and encourage to a maximum, the construction of apart- ment houses which almost alone could alleviate considerably the tax burden on real estate.
CEMETERY DEPARTMENT - There were 356 interments in Mount Pleasant Cemetery as compared with 348 in 1956; cemetery roads were patched or resurfaced; new street signs and benches were installed. Total receipts from Sales of Lots and Graves, Per- petual Care, Income from Funds and miscellaneous sources were. $61,053.17.
CIVIL DEFENSE - Training and planning continued at a high level. Auxiliary policemen were uniformed with winter reefers. For small cost, surplus property valued at over $8,000.00 was acquired and distributed to town departments. A Civil Defense Motorcade displaying equipment available for local disasters was held on November 23rd. We await clarification from the federal govern- ment on decision to build shelters, abandoning for most part the former policy of evacuation.
394
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
DRAINAGE - Improvements continue. The M.D.C. project in- tended to reduce flooding in East Arlington not yet completed. Craddock Dam is still functioning and remains an effective barrier to the final solution of flood conditions in East Arlington, in my opinion. Larger town expenditures for drainage throughout the Town would appear desirable in the future in order to enlarge drain- age capacities for modern needs.
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT - For the first time in many years, qualified personnel became available. Over and above the normal requirements of town departments, considerable time and effort were given to the various town committees, including the Arlington Development Commission. Estimating, designing, super- vising construction, inspection, final surveys, costs and the making of record plans, all in connection with major construction projects, continue to be the major work of the department.
FIRE DEPARTMENT - Long-time deficiency in personnel of the Fire Department was corrected in part by the addition of seven fire-fighters. Because of inadequacies of the town's water distribu- tion system, made evident at the Crosby School Fire in 1954, hy- drant inspections, testing of water volume and pressure, assisting in water main cleaning were continued. "In-Service" training of all officers and fire-fighter personnel also continued. Fire prevention continues to be emphasized: in this connection, there was resum- ed, after a lapse of five years, "In-Service" inspection of approxi- mately 10,000 dwellings. All places of public assembly were periodi- cally inspected and corrective recommendations and orders were followed up. Fire drills were conducted in all public and private schools. Auxiliary Fire-fighters continued to be trained and they rendered valuable aid to the department throughout the year for which the town is grateful. The Fire Department continued to render help and assistance to all people in distress living up to the highest traditions of this blue uniformed force in all respects - they are a credit to the town. Repairs, replacements, new installa- tions of fire alarm system continued. Replacement of Park Avenue underground cable completes long-term replacement program in- augurated several years ago pursuant to faulty joints and other defects found in the original cable installation made twenty or more years ago. Based upon conclusions of the Town Committee which in- quired into the subject during the year just passed, the town's Fire Alarm Signal System should now be second to none in the Country.
FUNDS, VARIOUS - Legal stumbling blocks, as yet unresolv- ed, prevent the Trust Fund Commission from compliance with its full duties and responsibilities as specified in the Town Manager Act as amended. It is hoped that such legal impediments will be clari- fied soon. In the meantime, I extend my thanks and appreciation to all trustees of the various funds who continue to function in the town's best interests.
HEALTH, BOARD OF - Polio "Salk" Vaccine Program dating back to Spring of 1954 was completed this year. The success of this important health program was attributed to the marvelous cooperation with the Health Department of many people, including doctors and nurses, the School Department, the Parent Teachers Association, etc., who are deserving of great praise for their tre- mendous cooperation in this community endeavor which, due to their assistance, was conducted so successfully.
395
REPORT OF THE TOWN MANAGER
LEGAL - The petition for land damages resulting from emin- ent domain takings for the Thompson School was settled. This was the last of the larger land damage claims against the Town in recent years. The suit of the police and firemen against the Town to over-turn the Moderator's ruling at the 1957 Annual Town Meet- ing was heard by a Master and referred by him to the Court for further action. A Bill in Equity to enforce the zoning By-Laws brought in connection with the alleged conduct of a business in a residential zone is still pending. Substantial amounts of money recovered in connection with aid rendered by the Symmes Hospital and by the Bureau of Old Age Assistance. The Town Counsel has attended all regular and special meetings of the Board of Select- men, and has rendered opinions as requested by all authorized town officials, boards, commissions and committees.
LIBRARY - Steady gain in circulation, now the highest in history, reflects great credit on services rendered. Cooperation of responsible town agencies helped to alleviate staff shortages which is a continuing problem. The long-range program for the repair and improvement of physical facilities continued. With School Com- mittee cooperation, there was instituted a long-range program for libraries in our elementary schools from which program the Town is certain to reap benefits.
MAINTENANCE - Extensive maintenance of School Buildings continued. Maximum assistance again rendered to the various school building committees including the Supervisor's attendance at many evening meetings. Specifications prepared for all remodel- ing, reconstruction and repairs of school and all other town build- ings, and after contracts for same were awarded, the department supervised and inspected work. Cost records carefully maintained covering the smaller jobs done by the Maintenance Department involving over 2,000 separate work orders. As newly built schools became operative, the work-load of the Maintenance Department has increased proportionately; consideration must therefore be given in the near future to additional personnel in the department.
PARK AND RECREATION-Increasing demands have compell- ed continued expansion of municipal recreation, especially program- ming for all age groups. By the cooperative efforts of the Public Works Department, the Cemetery Department, and the Tree De- partment, skating facilities were readied in the shortest possible time for the literally thousands of skaters of all ages to enjoy this healthful recreation. It is our purpose to be second to none in the Commonwealth in the availability of good skating areas throughout the entire winter season, weather permitting. By mutual- ly satisfactory arrangements with the A.Y.A., who formerly con- ducted all dances for the teen-agers, the Park Department inaugur- ated Friday evening Dances for junior teen-agers which have been most successful; the A.Y.A. continues to hold dances for the senior teen-agers. It should be noted that the A.Y.A. not only defrays all costs of the Saturday evening Dances for the seniors, but contributes valuable prizes to the juniors; in addition, members of this wonderful organization attend the Junior Teen-Agers Dances in their uniforms as members of the Auxiliary Police Department where they exercise a beneficent chaperonage over the hundreds of boys and girls who are in attendance. Seven tennis courts were resurfaced this year; greater emphasis is being placed on this program. Considerable thought is being given to an enlarged physical fitness program for all boys and
396
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
girls of the town so that our youth may endeavor on a local basis to reduce the obvious margin of superiority in this respect of their counterparts in foreign lands, especially Russia and Germany. Studies are being made of the relative costs of our basketball pro- gram as compared with other cities and towns which have equally good, or better, participation, it being felt that operating costs of officials and supervisors may possibly be reduced without imparing the basketball program. Favorable comments were received regard- ing the good condition of all playgrounds, baseball diamonds, and other outdoor recreational facilities. Gratitude is expressed to all organizations, business men and citizens who assisted in so many ways in the programming of recreational activities during the past year. The Park Department stands ready at all times to render maximum assistance to youth organizations.
PLANNING BOARD - Board held eleven meetings during year; also, conducted seven public hearings for revisions in the Zoning By-Laws. With one exception involving use of signs in residential areas particularly, the Town Meetings approved the Board's recommendations. Numerous conferences were held with the various town departments, committees, boards, etc. Pursuant to the findings and recommendations of the Benjamin Report (spon- sored by the Joint Planning Committee) and the Arlington Develop- ment Commission, many changes of the Zoning By-Laws appear to be in prospect. The Planning Board is hopeful that Russell Common will be made available as quickly as possible for off-street parking which should benefit the Town and the Arlington Center business area. Pending completion, in whole or in part, of related studies being made by the Arlington Development Commission, the Plan- ning Board holds temporarily in abeyance its previous recommenda- tions that consideration be given to the acquisition of a full-time professional planner assisted by permanent clerical assistance.
POLICE DEPARTMENT - Based on belief that as crime is on wheels if you control the wheels you will keep serious crime to a minimum, continuous enforcement of motor vehicle violations was continued. Through the voluntary cooperation of storekeepers, the campaign to reduce the number of indecent books, pamphlets, etc. was reduced considerably. Juvenile situations, although higher than previous year, were still relatively low in number. Five new officers, who were authorized by the 1957 Annual Town Meeting, were added to the department. Law enforcement generally continued at maximum levels. Members of the Police Department assisted the distressed in every possible way - they are a credit to the Town.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT - This department continued to render public service of the highest degree to the residents. Only by reading the detailed report of this department elsewhere in this annual report can it possibly be appreciated how varied and multiple are the work assignments of this very busy town department. The Public Works Department appears to have the full confidence of the citizens and justifiably so, in my opinion, because over and above its stated responsibilities, it has willingly and energetically tackled every emergency situation within its physical and personal capacities and stayed with it until fully restored.
397
REPORT OF THE TOWN MANAGER
PURCHASING DEPARTMENT - Approximately 7,099 pur- chase orders, involving $1,041,973.29, processed during the year. The spirit as well as the letter of the town by-law has been com- plied with, in that competitive bidding has been enforced in practi- cally all town purchases whether or not it is required by said by- law. Obtaining bids on our annual requirements 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 re- quirements continues where price and quality are comparable, local merchants are favored.
SEWER & WATER INSTALLATIONS - Policy continues of having house developers assume major part of such costs. The re- latively small costs in both types of installations, which the Town occasionally assumes, are passed on to the benefited properties by Betterment Assessments.
SNOW REMOVAL - Better weather resulted in much lower costs as compared with the extraordinary high costs in previous year. Economies approved by the vast majority of taxpayers were put into effect in the removal of snow; for example the traditional practice of removing snow from the sidewalks of business areas has been abandoned; also, snow removal was accomplished during regular working hours instead of the former practice of continuing the operation on an overtime basis until the entire removal job was achieved. Sanding operations continue to be a major factor of cost, especially in our hilly sections where street surfaces are usually glazed almost every night during the winter. Because of the neces- sity of keeping roadways open, plowing and re-plowing must be done with an eye to the weather forecast. If, for example, a current snow storm is to be followed by another snow storm or freeze, the roadways must be plowed almost meticulously. On the other hand, if warmer weather is in prospect after a snow storm, it is not neces- sary, for obvious reasons, to follow the same procedure in plowing. Unfortunately, when re-plowing operations are engaged in, some unpleasantness arises because driveway openings that have been cleared by thrifty householders become filled in again by the plow necessitating additional work on their driveways by householders. The great patience of householders, previously extended to the Public Works Department in connection with such necessary per- sonal inconveniences caused by such re-plowing operations to assure safe roadway conditions, is again solicited.
STREET LIGHTING - Improvement of safety lighting con- tinues and more is recommended.
TREE DEPARTMENT - Number of trees affected by Dutch Elm Disease is on the increase. Fortunately, the department ac- quired a stump-cutter which reduces considerably the labor and material costs in handling the problem, which is now accelerated pursuant to action of the 1957 Legislature in authorizing and directing cities and towns to remove such trees from private pre- mises. Regular spraying schedule was continued including 931 pri- vate estates who reimburse Town for costs of same. Grounds of Town Hall and Robbins House were maintained as is customary.
398
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
VETERANS' SERVICES - Hospital and medical costs continue to rise - also living costs generally, thus increasing individual budgets of beneficiaries. Available to all inquiring veterans were advice, information and assistance as necessary for them to pro- cure the benefits to which they are entitled relative to employment, vocational opportunities, hospitalization, pensions, compensation, insurance, etc.
WATER SYSTEM - In the 1955 Annual Report, I stated as follows :-
"The Crosby School Fire in May 1954 dramatized the unsatis- factory 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 ap- proved their recommendation to spend $40,000. for the im- provement of volumes and pressures, the tying in of "dead- ends" in the circulation system, and the cleaning of water mains whose effectiveness had been seriously impaired by tuberculation growth; this would be the beginning of a pro- gram expected to be done over the next five-year period; much of this has been done this year. This program also recommend- ed inspection and repairs, where found necessary, of the ap- proximately 1200 water hydrants in the Town, which has been done during the year with the Fire Department conducting the inspections and with the Public Works Department doing the repairing and replacements as the case may be. An extreme- ly hot early Summer caused extensive water consumption dur- ing the year."
The foregoing procedures were followed again in 1956 and 1957 and will be continued in future years until our water system is en- tirely satisfactory for fire-fighting purposes.
WELFARE DEPARTMENT - Case loads, all categories, gen- erally off slightly but individual budgets were up, due to increased costs of hospitalization, medication, etc. It would not be surprising if case loads increased during coming year because of noticeable evidences of economic recession, which, if lengthy, would un- doubtedly increase our welfare rolls.
CONCLUSION :- In concluding this, my fifth annual report, may I respectfully point out that the attainment of all of the ob- jectives of businesslike management under the Town Manager form of local government will be accomplished only by continuing efforts. In my opinion, businesslike 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 maximum 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.
399
REPORT OF THE TOWN MANAGER
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.
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 the citizens of the Town.
The Town of Arlington is indeed fortunate in the number of outstanding citizens, including Town Meeting members and mem- bers of school building committees, who give of their time and effort with no compensation to the various unpaid boards and com- missions 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, 1957.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD C. MONAHAN Town Manager
INDEX A General Index
Index to
Accts. Report
Accountant Report
347
348
Animals, Inspector of, Report
164
363
Appeals, Boards of, Report
235
361
Appropriations and Expenditures
71
382
Assessors, Board of, Report
137
357
Assets and Liabilities, Statement of
348
B
Balance Sheet, December 31, 1957
348
Betterment Assessment Collections
289
354
Births Registered for the year
132
Buildings, Inspector of, Report
144
361
Buildings, Insurance Fund
314
Budget Statement, Town Accountant
382
C
Cemeteries, Commissioners of, Report
181
374-375
Charities
364-365
Civil Defense, Department of, Report
18 2
361
Clerk, Town, Report
130
358-359
Collector of Taxes, Statement of
289
357
Committees, Town, Appointed
8
Constables
6
Contributory Retirement System
286
D
Deaths by Months
134
Development Commission, Report of
179
Dog Officer, Report
184
Dogs Registered
130
E
Election, Annual Town, March 4, 1957
44
Elections and Town Meetings, Payments
359
Engineer, Town, Report of
211
358-359
Excess & Deficiency Account
348
F
Fees, Town Clerk
358
Finance Committee, Report
174
357
Fines and Forfeits
354
Fire Department, Report
149
360-361
Fire and Police Signal System
145
361
Forestry
360-361
Fund, Annie L. Hill Poor Widows' 301
Fund, Maria L. Hill Poor Widows' 301
Fund, Children's Book 297
Fund, Dexter Rawson Fay Library
2.97
Fund, Trustees of Elbridge Farmer
291
INDEX - CONTINUED
General Index
Index to Accts. Report
Fund, Louise S. Gruber Library
298
Fund, Ellen W. Hodgdon Library
296
Fund, Emma L. Sprague Library 294
Fund, Emma L. Sprague Poor Widows' 302
Fund, E. Nelson Blake Library 294
Fund, E. Nelson Blake, Jr., Memorial
310
Fund, E. S. Farmer Relief
304
Fund, Julia Fillebrown 302
296
Fund, M. M. W. Russell School
300
Fund, Martha M. W. Russell Poor Widows' 299
Fund, Mary Cutter Poor Widows' 299
Fund, Municipal Buildings Insurance
314
Fund, Nathan Pratt High School
307
Fund, Nathan Pratt Library
308
Fund, Nathan Pratt Poor Widows'
309
Fund, Perpetual Care, Cemeteries
311
Fund, Robbins Cemetery
313
Fund, Robbins House Maintenance
298
Fund, Robbins Library Art
2.9.2
Fund, Robbins Library Print
293
Fund, Robbins Scholarship 315
312
Fund, Sarah Ross Vaughn Library
295
Fund, Soldiers Monument 313
Fund, Francis E. Thompson Library 295
Fund, Francis E. Thompson Scholarship 305
Fund, Timothy Wellington Library 296
Fund, William Cutter School 300
Fund, Workmen's Compensation
314
G
General Government Receipts & Expenses 357
Grants and Gifts 354
Gypsy and Brown Tail Moth Department, Report 185 204
H
Health, Board of, Report
157 362-363
Highway Division, Board of Public Works 327 362-363
Housing Authority
171
I
Income and Corporation Taxes, State 352 Indebtedness, Municipal 374-375
Interest
374-375
Fund, E. S. Farmer Poor Widows' 303
Fund, Henry Mott Library
293
Fund, M. Helen Teele Library
Fund, Samuel C. Bucknam Cemetery
INDEX - CONTINUED
General Index
Index to Accts. Report
J
Jurors, List of 258
L
Legal Department
232
359
Librarian, Report
242
Libraries, Receipts and Payments
268-269
Library, Robbins, Report of Trustees
239
Licenses and Permits, Receipts
352
M
Maintenance, Supervisor of, Report
317
359
Manager, Report of
392
357
Marriages, Registered for the Year
133
Medical Inspector, Report of
234
Meeting, Annual Town
53
Meeting, Special Town
119
Moth Department, Report
185
360-361
Officers, Town Appointive
6
Officers, Town Elective
3
Officials Appointed by Town Manager
4
P
Park Commission, Report
167
368-369
Payments, Departmental
359
Pensions and Annuities
371
Personnel Board, Report
172
357
Physician, Town, Report
234
Planning Board, Report
164
359
Police, Chief of, Report
188
360-361
Police, Department, Officers and Men
188
Public Service Enterprises
372-373
Public Welfare, Dept. of, Report
281
364-365
Public Works, Dept. of, Report
324
359
Purchasing Dept., Report of
323
359
R
Receipts, General Revenue
352
Receipts, Taxes
352
Records of Elections and Town Meetings
11
Recreation, Receipts and Payments
368-369
Registrars of Voters, Report
135
Retirement System, Contributory
286
Robbins Library, Report of Trustees
239
INDEX - CONTINUED
General Index
Index to Accts. Report
S
Sanitary Division, Dept. of Public Works
332
362-363
School Committee, Report
247
Schools, Receipts and Payments
366-367
Schools, Superintendent of, Report
250
Sealer of Weights and Measures, Report
288
361
Selectmen, Board of, Report
236
357
Sewer Division, Dept. of Public Works
334
363
Special Agencies and Funds
376-377
Special Assessments
354
Statistics, General
2,
231
Streets, Public and Private
213
Survey, Board of
359
T
Tax Revenues, How Spent
142
Tax Rate. Recapitulation
139
Tax Receipts
352
Tax Refunds
353
Town Accountant
347
357
Town Clerk, Report
130
358-359
Town Counsel, Report
232
359
Town Hall and Grounds, Report
185
359
Town Manager, Report of
392
357
Town Meeting, Annual, March 18, 1957
53
Town Meeting, Special, Nov. 4, 1957
119
Town Officers, Appointive
6
Town Officers, Appointed by Manager
4
Town Officers, Elective
3
Town Records
11
Treasurer, Report
290
357
Tree Warden, Report
185
361
Trust Fund Commissioners
316
U
Unclassified Receipts and Payments
370-371
Unexpended Balances, Appropriation Accounts ....
378
V
Veterans' Services, Report of 177 364-365
W
Water Division, Dept. of Public Works
336
372-373
Welfare, Public, Dept. of, Report
234
364-365
Wire Department, Report
176
361
Workmen's Compensation Insurance Fund
314
ARLINGTON ADVOCATE, Inc. Arlington, Mass.
5
WELLE DIRDEBY, INC
1919
WALTHAM, MASS, 02154
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