USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1959 > Part 15
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The following consists of some of the various types of projects completed by Contractors and the Building Maintenance Department during the past year:
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Repaired leaks in roof areas over rooms #18 and #81.
In the "A" section of the building alterations were made to tlie large heating fan #1 in the stack room. The controls for this fan were also overhauled and replacements made where needed.
Converted Room #75 into two classrooms, now known as Rooms #88 and #89. The work included adding additional Fluorescent Light Fixtures, the installation of a partition and painting the entire areas; also, the resurfacing of the maple floors in both rooms. Con- verted the previous Guidance Office into a classroom. The work in- cluded the removing of a partition, installation of additional light fixtures, chalk and bulletin boards, repairing of the floor and painting the entire area. Part of this work was done by the Building Main- tenance Department.
Reconditioned the entire Room #29. Work included the installa- tion of slate chalk boards, the reconstruction of a large platform, reparing the tile floor and painting the entire area. This work was done by the Building Maintenance Department.
Remodeled Chemistry Laboratory Room #33. The work included new plumbing, new electrical work, painting the entire area, repair- ing the asphalt tile flooring, new slate chalk boards and the installa- tion of new modern Laboratory table units. Part of this work was done by the Building Maintenance Department.
Converted the basement room in the "A" section of the building previously used as a Machine Shop into a Gym Locker Room for Girls. The work included rewiring, repairing of the floor and painting the entire area; repaired and installed lockers in the same area. Painting, etc. done by the Building Maintenance Department.
Installed Formica tops on (17) tables for the Home Economics Rooms.
166
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Converted office area Room #54, used by the Home Economics Supervisor, into a classroom. Work included the removing of a partition, installation of additional lighting and painting the areas.
Replaced cracked and loose asphalt floor tile in various sections of the "A" building.
Converted the former Radio Shop into a General Work Shop. Work included rewiring the area for equipment, installing additional lighting, installation of controls on the heating system, installation of a vent fan, repairing the tile floor where equipment was removed and painting the entire area. Painting, etc. was done by the Building Maintenance Department.
Removed and replaced loose plaster in various sections of the "A" Building.
Replaced convector unit in unit heater in Room #57.
Overhauled and made replacements to the large sump pump in the Auto Shop.
Replaced (24) window shades throughout the building.
Repainted Room #58 and resurfaced maple floor in this room.
Installed 25 Lin. ft. of slate chalk board in Room #68.
JUNIOR HIGH EAST
Located and repaired leaks in the roof area over the Auditorium and Gymnasium. Repointed and waterproofed sections of the masonry at the front entrance to the Auditorium.
Reconditioned large vent fan motor for the Boys' Sanitaries.
Replaced (2) awnings on windows of the Office area.
JUNIOR HIGH WEST SCHOOL
Removed and replaced approximately 490 sq. ft. of ceramic tile wall area that became loose and dangerous in the Boys' Locker Room.
Installed Fluorescent Light Fixtures in Rooms #22-23-25-28 and 30.
Installed acoustical tile ceilings in Rooms #30-31-22-23-29 and repainted the rooms.
Made repairs to the chain link fence surrounding the playground and painted the entire fence.
Installed new potato-peeling machine in the kitchen : the Cafeteria.
Installed a new electric range in the cooking room.
Repointed and waterproofed sections of the exterior walls.
167
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MAINTENANCE
JUNIOR HIGH INDUSTRIAL ARTS SCHOOL
Made repairs to the exterior wood trim and painted the entire exterior of the building.
Wired and installed a new kiln in Room #11.
Installed weather stripping on windows in second floor office and Room #6.
Installed a large metal sign with the School name over the front entrance door.
Made repairs and replacements to wood-trim finish and windows and painted the entire exterior of the building.
CUTTER SCHOOL
Remodeled basement room B-17 to be used for kindergarten classes. The work included rewiring and the installation of Fluores- cent Light Fixtures, new chalk and bulletin boards, construction of cabinets, new asphalt tile flooring over underlayment, installation of a unit heater, and painting the entire area. A great amount of this work was done by the Building Maintenance Department.
Made general repairs and replacements to the Intercome System.
Installed an acoustical ceiling in Room B-18.
LOCKE SCHOOL
Made general repairs to both steam boilers and replaced 31/2" relief valve on Boiler #1. Made repairs and replacements to vent fan for sanitaries.
Repaired leaks in the roof area over the Office and installed a new section of a copper valley.
HARDY SCHOOL
Replaced bearings in oil burner on Boiler #1 and control panel on Boiler #2.
Converted basement room into a classroom. Work included wiring and installation of Fluorescent Light Fixtures, installation of unit heater and vent fan unit, installation of pneumatic controls for heat and vent units, new chalk and bulletin boards, and painting the entire area. Part of this work was done by the Building Maintenance Department.
Installed wire grilles on two windows in Room B-1.
Repointed and waterproofed sections of the exterior masonry on the building.
168
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
THOMPSON SCHOOL
Removed and reset loose brickwork at the corners of the build- ing and repaired leaks in the roof area of the connecting unit.
Replaced filters in all unit heaters throughout the building.
Repaired leaks in (37) lock nut nipples on drums on the Steani Boilers #1 and #2.
Covered the (2) Steam Boilers and breeching with 8-oz. canvas and painted the same after installation of the canvas.
BISHOP SCHOOL
Repaired leaks in the gutters on the Crosby Street side of the building.
Made repairs and replacements to the Intercome System Console.
Replaced filters on all Unit Heaters.
PEIRCE SCHOOL
Installed a complete Centralized Sound System throughout the entire building.
BRACKETT SCHOOOL
Painted the entire interior of the Auditorium, Rooms #25, #26, Boys' and Girls' Sanitaries, Office and toilet room and the 2nd floor corridor. Work done by the Building Maintenance Department.
Installed additional Emergency Lighting for the Auditorium Exits.
Replaced (4) large window shades in the Auditorium and repaired (10) others in same area.
PARMENTER SCHOOL
Converted Multipurpose Room into two classrooms. Work in- cluded alterations to the heating system, installation of additional Fluorescent Lighting, construction of a new partition, installation of additional chalk and bulletin boards and shelving, and painting the entire area.
Cleaned and repaired gutters, replaced missing slate and repaired gravel roof deck.
Rebuilt vent fan motor for sanitaries.
23 MAPLE STREET
The Building Maintenance Department prepared the exterior of the building for painting. The work included a new rear porch floor, repaired the front porch floor, replaced clapboards in various sections of the building, replaced conductor pipes and removed a section of the brick chimney. The entire exterior of the building was painted by contract after the above work was completed.
169
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MAINTENANCE
Reconditioned the Superintendent of Schools Office. Work included the installation of an acoustical tile ceiling, wiring and installing new Fluorescent Light Fixtures, cutting new entrance door through closet and other related work, and repainted the entire room. Painting and carpenter work was done by the Building Main- tenance Department.
Reconditioned Clerks' Office on the first floor. Work included rewiring and installing new Fluorescent Light Fixtures, installation of an acoustical ceiling and repainting the entire area. Painting of this area and the Assistant Superintendent of Schools Office was done by the Building Maintenance Department.
ROBBINS TOWN HALL
During the year made various types of repairs to the roof areas: such as replacing cracked slate. installation of new copper crickets. repairing skylights and clearing stoppages in conductors.
Relocated partition in Public Works Office to provide more space for Clerks' work area.
Installed (2) new Steam Boilers in the Boiler Room and did other related work to the heating system.
Replaced worn hot water tank with tankless hot water heaters on both Boilers.
Replaced an 18' section of the boiler flue stack which was badly corroded.
Repaired and recaned 132 Auditorium chair seats and backs. The removing and replacing of the seats and backs was done by the: Building Maintenance Department.
The previous Sealer of Weights Office was renovated by the Public Works Department employees. The work included carpenter work and the painting of the entire area, including the stairway entrance to the room.
Installed new angle iron supports on steam return trench covers in the Boiler Room.
Installed new galvanized sink and a 30" x 17" vent duct in the Boiler Room.
Replaced leaking radiator in the front lobby.
Installed additional lighting and recepticals in the Boiler Room.
ROBBINS COTTAGE, GARAGE & HOUSE
Made general repairs and replacements to the exterior of the cottage and garage and painted the entire areas. The Building Main- tenance Department did all carpenter work and the painting was- done by contract.
Replaced the indirect hot water heater on the Steam Boiler.
170
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Replaced (17) window shades and several screens throughout the cottage.
Replaced worn bulkhead at the rear of the Robbins House. Work done by the Building Maintenance Department.
MENOTOMY HALL
Made repairs and replacements to the Steam Boiler.
D.A.V. HEADQUARTERS
Made repairs to the parapet wall and repointed and waterproofed the masonry where necessary.
ROBBINS LIBRARY
Rewired and installed new Fluorescent Light Fixtures in the Children's Library area.
Installed new circuit blocks on main control panel for Children's Library lighting circuits.
Corrected a Termite condition that developed in the basement area of the Library addition. This work required the replacement of several sections of the wood finish which was done by the Building Maintenance Department.
ARLINGTON POLICE STATION
Installed new tile flooring in various areas on the first floor.
VARIOUS SCHOOLS, ETC.
Repaired and painted (13) exterior flag poles.
Converted the existing manual interior fire alarm systems to an automatic call system in various schools not previously connected with the Fire Department in order to provide immediate contact with the Fire Department when an inside fire alarm station is activated.
During the year, 959 lights of glass were replaced by the Build- ing Maintenance Department in the windows of the various schools and three other Town Owned Buildings at a cost of $3,359.51.
All heating boilers, hot water tanks and air compressors in Town Owned Buildings were inspected by the Insurance Inspectors and all repairs and replacements were made according to their requests. Certificates of approval were issued for each unit in each building for a period of one year.
171
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
In addition to the above work several hundred work and repair orders were issued to the Building Maintenance Department workers and contractors for various types of work such as, plumbing, heating, painting, electrical work, roof work, boiler repairs, carpenter work, furniture repairs, window shades and venetian blind repairs and replacements, glass replacement, etc. The cost of these jobs varied from $3.00 and $180.00 each.
I wish to express my appreciation to you and to the officials and employees of this Department and all other Town Departments and Town Officials for their cooperation during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE H. GREIM Supervisor of Custodians Maintenance
Annual Report of Inspector of Animals
January 4, 1960
Subject : Annual Report of Inspector of Animals
To: Town Manager
1. A total of 181 animals in Arlington were examined and quarantined for biting persons during the past year.
2. There were no cases of rabies in Arlington in 1959.
3. The heads of two cats were sent to the Wasserman Labora- tory to be examined for rabies.
4. The Inspector of Animals wishes to express his appreciation to the Police Department and the Board of Health for their coopera- tion.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN J. MURPHY, JR., D.V.M.
172
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Report of the Arlington Development Commission
Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Town Hall Arlington, Massachusetts
January 15, 1960
Dear Mr. Monahan:
During the first three months of 1959, the Development Commis- sion was busy working on proposed plans for the redevelopment of Arlington Center. The Commission worked with the consulting engin- eers in developing plans and cost estimates which were presented to and approved by the 1959 Annual Town Meeting.
During the month preceding the Town Meeting, the Development Commission conducted a series of briefing sessions for Town Meeting Members so that they would have an opportunity to become acquainted with the details of the project in small and informal groups and have a chance to ask questions of Town officials and the engineering consultants.
Since March we have maintained our interest in the Center project which, of course, is the primary responsibility of the Board of Selectmen. We have met with certain of the property owners and with representatives of the Chamber of Commerce in the hope that business activity in the Center would be stimulated at the earliest possible time. Because of the disruption in traffic which results when a street is relocated, property owners and prospective tenants are apparently reluctant to commit themselves to substantial investments until the work is actually underway and a completion date is known. Since you have informed us that it is your estimate that the reloca- tion of Mystic Street will be accomplished in the late summer or fall of 1960, we do not feel that it is realistic to expect any sub- stantial changes in the business district until that time.
We wish to officially point out to you two developments which we consider extremely promising. The opening of Mason's Department Store in August 1959 was a welcome addition to the business center and should serve to encourage other new investment in the area. The Chamber of Commerce has taken definite steps to provide leadership for the business interests in the Town. They have had the services of a professional consultant in developing a new program which has already more than doubled their membership and has increased their budget many, many times what it has been in the past. At the present time they are seeking an Executive Secretary.
Since the formation of the Development Commission in 1957 we have from time to time been in contact with the Star Market Company with regard to their property on Route 2. Until about a year ago the Company has maintained that it could not proceed with its shopping center until the exact location of a widened Route 2 was known. In February of 1959 we were informed that they planned to
173
REPORT OF THE DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
proceed with the shopping center without waiting for a decision on Route 2. However, there was no activity on the development of the area until the last few weeks. There appear to be many problems in- volved, including a possible M.T.A. extension into the general area where the Star Market property is located, a possible widening of Route 2 and the construction of access roads to it. The company has also informed us that a drainage problem has to be solved before the area can be used at its maximum potential.
Engineering plans and cost estimates for the Center project were prepared by Bruce Campbell & Associates for an agreed fee of $5,000 of which $2,000 was paid in 1958 and the balance of $3,000 in 1959. These funds were appropriated by the Special Town Meeting in November of 1957 to be expended under the direction of the Develop- ment Commission and the Town Manager.
Disbursements for operating expenses of the Development Com- mission during 1959 amounted to $168.29, leaving an unexpended balance of $371.90 from the original appropriation of $1,000 which was voted by the 1957 Annual Town Meeting at the time the Com- mission was created. The 1959 expenditures are as follows:
Stenographic work and postage
$48.75
Reports to Town Meeting Members
55.78
Traffic count in Arlington Center
47.76
Post Office Box Rental
12.00
Janitor Service
4.00
$168.29
The Development Commission will continue its interest in Arling- ton Center and the Star Market property as well as other areas where we can be of assistance in promoting and stimulating business development and improvement in the Town.
Respectfully submitted,
Arlington Development Commission
WARREN BERG
JOHN B. FOX
ALLEN B. IGO
JOHN MIRAK
FRANCIS O'HEARN
KARL E. WEISS
WILLIAM A. McMAHON, Chairman
174
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Annual Report of the Department of Civil Defense
January 12,1960
Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Arlington 74, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Monahan:
In accordance with the By-Laws of the Town, I submit herewith the tenth annual report of the Department of Civil Defense.
The Office of Civil Defense was moved from the Old Town Hall and the Police Station to the basement of the Robbins Memorial Town Hall in order to have a more efficient working unit in a time of emergency. The majority of departments have their offices in the Town Hall so it seems that this is the logical place for a Control Center. This will eliminate duplication of manpower in case of an emergency.
AUXILIARY FIRE DEPT.
Arlington Auxiliary Firefighters were on duty during some part of the day, on 312 days, for a total of some 3300 man hours. Men on regular duty nights or other assignments have responded to alarms with the members of the regular department on 48 occasions. On at least 50 other occasions Auxiliary have responded voluntarily to alarms. A drill school conducted from April 21st through June 23rd on Tuesday nights trained 8 men for the department. This course was taught by Deputy Proctor, the Fire Coordinator. At the present time there are 41 active and 13 inactive Auxiliary Firefighters.
AUXILIARY POLICE DEPT.
The Auxiliary Police spent 2609 man hours on duty. They were as follows:
School Guard Duty
528 hours
Friday Night Dance Duty
325 hours
Friday Night Traffic Duty
212 hours
Sunday Traffic Duty
1200 hours
Duty at A.Y.A. Baseball Games
75 hours
Patriots Day Duty
45 hours
Memorial Day Street Duty
45 hours
March of Dimes Duty
40 hours
Jimmy Fund Campaign Duty
27 hours
Police Duty during Regular
Police Banquet
12 hours
Halloween Duty
100 hours
TOTAL
2609 hours
This does not include time spent attending meetings, time spent on paper work or supervision.
175
REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL DEFENSE
RADIOLOGICAL
A ten weeks course of three hours a week was offered by the Massachusetts Civil Defense Agency. This course was held at Newton Civil Defense Headquarters. Six Arlington science teachers com- pleted the course and received their certificates as qualified radio- logical instructors. As a result Arlington is fortunate to have six qualified men to form a radiological team to monitor any type of radiation.
COMMUNICATIONS
Radio civil defense volunteers who are amateur operators with mobile radio transmitters and receivers in their automobiles have responded to every request of the Civil Defense Director. Monthly Sector meetings are held and on Halloween operators were on duty throughout the evening.
SURPLUS. PROPERTY
During the year the following amount of surplus property was purchased.
Our Cost $660.81
Government Cost
$15,568.25
MATCHING FUNDS
Two Gonset Communicators, combined transmitters and receivers, were purchased under the matching funds program.
Total Cost $659.00
Government Payed $329.50
Cost to Town $329.50
To all volunteers in Civil Defense without whose assistance the job would be impossible, please except my sincere thanks. To the Town Manager and all Departments of the Town for their coopera- tion throughout the year I am deeply grateful.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN P. DEMPSEY
Director of Civil Defense
176
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Report of the Inspector of Buildings
January 7, 1960
Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Arlington, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit Annual Report of the Inspection of Building, Plumbing and Gas for the year ending December 31, 1959.
1-Family Dwelling
227
$3,004,600
2-Family Dwelling
2
29,000
5-Apt. Dwelling
1
30,000
* 8-Apt. Dwelling
7
$525,000
11-Apt. Dwelling
1
55,000
22-Apt. Dwelling
1
150,000
26-Apt. Dwelling
1
250,000
* Utility Building
1
60,000
* Additions & Alter.
118
142,260
15,000
Demolish Bldg.
17
913
Signs
30
14,520
Garages
12
14,650
Reroof Dwelling
21
14,284
Buildings
5
18,500
Foundation
3
20,215
Repair Fire Damage
2
6,500
Tool House
1
500
Move Building
2
600
Alum. Siding
2
2,800
Carport
1
600
TOTAL
455
$3,754,942
$600,000 *
455 Building Permits issued - Fees Collected
$1,709.00
715 Plumbing Permits issued - Fees Collected
1,455.00
647 Gas Permits issued - Fees Collected
327.00
TOTAL
$3,491.00
NON - TAXABLE PROPERTY
St. Anne's Convent (Addition)
$ 15,000
7-8-Apt. Dwellings
525,000
1-Utility Building
60,000
TOTAL
$600,000
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES C. MCCABE
Inspector of Buildings
177
REPORT OF THE WIRE DEPARTMENT
Report of the Wire Department
January 13, 1960
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, 1959.
Permits Issued 1703
Fees Collected
$ 851.50
Inspections 3008
Poles Replaced
244
Poles Removed
66
STREET LIGHTING
Streeting Lighting in service as of December 31, 1959
1000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 1804
2500 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 169
4000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps
151
6000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps
172
10000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps
80
15000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps
1
15000 Lumen Mercury Vapor Lamps
20
20000 Lumen Mercury Vapor Lamps
177
STREET LIGHTING ADDED DURING 1959
1000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 42
2500 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 4
6000 Lumen Incandescent Lamps 2*
20000 Lumen Mercury Vapor Lamps
177
* On Order
I wish to express my thanks to you and the various depart- ments of the Town for the cooperation and courtesy extended to me during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
R. L. REID
Inspector of Wires
178
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Annual Report of the Department of Veterans' Services
The Honorable Town Manager
Robbins Town Hall
Arlington, Mass.
Dear Sir :-
Submitted herewith is the fifteenth annual report of the Depart- ment of Veterans' Services covering the calendar year 1959. Massa- chusetts laws make it mandatory that financial aid be furnished to needy veterans and their dependents in a special way apart from other public aid programs and that there be made available to all veterans and their kin such advice, information and assistance as may be necessary to enable them to procure the benefits to which they 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 privi- leges of war veterans provided by Federal and State laws. The first section of this report deals with the services provided and the sec- ond section with the financial aid disbursed to needy veterans and their dependents.
VETERANS' SERVICES
Photocopies made 2723
Documents notarized 94
Discharges recorded in the Town archives 5
Contacts made in furnishing counsel, informa- tion and assistance in prosecuting claims of veterans and their dependents and survivors and processing applications for all types of benefits 1562
Visits to hospitals, homes and other places 671
Letters, history entries and records 1492
Veterans Administration forms completed 447
Veterans administration claims handled 112
Total for year 1959 7106
Total of cash benefits accruing to Arlington claimants from the Veterans Administration through the efforts of this department
Estimated total of money saved the Town by reason of successful prosecution at the Vete- ans Administration of claims of persons who had applied for financial aid 8,341.70
$21,531.64
REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' SERVICES 179
VETERANS' BENEFITS AND BURIAL AID
A tabulation of the administrative work connected with the disbursement of financial aid to needy veterans and their dependents follows :--
Contacts (Visits, interviews, etc.) 1820
Applications, history entries, records and letters 2046
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