USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1959 > Part 22
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A treatise was issued to each member of the Department regard- ing "Radiation Hazards in Fire Fighting" prepared by Deputy Chief Albert G. Lennon after he completed such a course conducted at Hanscom Air Base, U.S.A.F.
252
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
In January, Deputy Chief Bartholomew J. McGreevy and Lieuten- ant Daniel J. Mahoney attended Oil Burner School sponsored by Oil Institute.
AUXILIARY FIRE FIGHTERS
Instructions in evolutions of Fire-Fighting were given to mem- bers of the Auxiliary Fire Department by Deputy Chief Irving L. Proctor, Fire Department Coordinator with Civil Defense. Auxiliary Fire Fighters worked in the stations daily from 7 P.M. to 10 P.M. rendering stand-by assistance beside receiving Fire Fighting training. They responded and assisted the regular Department at multiple alarm fires on April 7 and October 21.
April 17, 1959, Air Raid Alert sounded at 11:30 A.M.
DETAILS
Fire Fighters at Park Circle Station since 1949 have been assigned during school hours for traffic duty in that section to pro- tect school children.
During welding operations or when blow torches were used for repairs in school or public buildings, a Fire Fighter was detailed to stand-by duty as precautionary measure to guard against fire.
In winter months, the Fire Department assisted the Park Depart- ment with flooding of playgrounds for skating rinks.
Rescue Unit No. 1 participated in parade, April 19 and May 30.
Engine 1 detailed to Lexington parade, April 19.
Engine 1 took part in Belmont centennial parade, June 17.
Engine 4 and Deputy's Car assigned to Boston Fire Prevention parade, October 4.
Captain John E. Canniff was detailed to Hanscom Air Base to inaugurate inspection schedule for dwellings at request of fire chief at the base, September 28.
BUILDING MAINTENANCE
At Headquarters, two hose racks for storage of 21/2-inch and 11/2-inch fire hose were constructed by department personnel.
At Highland Station, installed chain link fence to keep children from running in front of apparatus leaving station to respond to alarms. Began the project of renewing pipes throughout the building, and Fire Fighters refinished walls with ceramic tile at a considerable saving to the Town.
At Park Circle Station, installed a 10-KW gasoline-driven gen- erator to supply auxiliary power in the event electric (Edison) current failed since that station is designated as radio communica- tions center for Civil Defense.
253:
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Fighters at the three fire stations merit praise for their work and efforts in maintaining so well the Fire Department build- ings, a task resulting in great financial saving to the Town.
RECOMMENDATIONS
For the year 1960 recommend that $577,466 be appropriated to. include the replacement of tractor-section of Aerial Ladder No. 1.
CONCLUSION
I thank Town Manager, Edward C. Monahan, and all branches. of our Town Government for sincere cooperation given the Fire Department during 1959.
To the members of the Fire Department my gratitude for notable. performance of duty so often attested to by many letters of commen- dation and appreciation received from citizens for exceptional services. rendered by the Arlington Fire Department.
Respectfully submitted, THOMAS H. EGAN Chief of Fire Department
254
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Report of the Fire and Police Signal System
January 1, 1960
Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Arlington, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
As Superintendent of the Fire and Police Signal System, I sub- mit my Fifth Annual Report for the year ending December 31, 1959.
The System is maintained by Assistant Superintendent Lester W. Cameron together with Signal Maintainers Nicholas J. Bucciero and Frederick J. Manning.
FIRE ALARM AND POLICE SIGNALS
Many difficulties were experienced as the result of temporary breakdown in aerial and underground lines. Storms, winds, rain, snow and lightning inflicted severe damage and circuits were grounded. Trees blowing against lines caused interruption of service. When found out of order, circuits were restored to immediate service.
Routine repairs were made. Wound and tested fire alarm boxes, police signal boxes, police signal desk and signal registers; also checked air whistle and master clock. Painted all signal boxes throughout the town, and on fire alarm boxes, placed decal "Fire".
The following signal boxes were damaged when struck by automobiles :
Police Box 213 Mystic Street - Winchester Line
Police Box 433 Summer Street - Franklin Avenue
Police Box 461 Wachussett Avenue - Florence Avenue
Fire Box 156 Massachusetts Avenue - Teel Street
Fire Box 359 Mystic Street - Winchester Line
Fire Box 77 Lowell Street - Park Avenue
NEW POLICE SIGNAL BOXES
Installing:
Box 341 Hemlock Street - Dickson Avenue
Installed:
Box 443 Hobbs Court
NEW FIRE ALARM BOXES
Box 4651 Jason Street - Spring Street
Box 5513 Brattle Terrace
Box 737 Clyde Terrace
Box 8251 Park Circle Fire Station
Box 8634 Browning Road
255
REPORT OF THE FIRE AND POLICE SIGNAL SYSTEM
The following fire alarm boxes were changed from outmoded Gardner type to Peerless Succession Signal Box:
Box 289 Colonial Drive - Cheswick Road
Box 372 Summer Street - Mill Street
Box 465 Jason Street - Opposite No. 179 (Relocated from No. 193 Jason Street )
Fire Box 642, Gray Street - Oakland Avenue, raised nine inches on pole because of street construction.
Fire Box 8651, Concord Turnpike - St. Camillus Church, removed from ground pedestal and installed on telephone pole.
Fire Box 8454, State Department of Public Works Building, Appleton Street, connected to Sprinkler System.
Fire Box 7121, Symmes Hospital, inside Auxiliary Box 42 in- stalled and connected to dry Sprinkler System.
SCHOOL FIRE ALARM BOXES
In accordance with provisions of Article 69 of the Annual Town Meeting of 1959, the following school interior Fire-Alarm Systems were connected by Master Boxes to tlie Municipal Fire Alarm System providing immediate signalling with the Fire Department:
Box 1333 Junior High School East
1391 Crosby School
2631 Hardy School
4412 Junior High Industrial Arts
4421 Parmenter School
6412 Cutter School
6431 Junior High School West
7521 Peirce School
8212 Locke School
865 Brackett School
It was necessary to install in the office of the principals, super- visory and key shunt panels to permit the sounding of practice drills by authorized school department personnel. Installation of excess water pump on present sprinkler system was made at the Industrial Arts and Cutter Schools.
July 15, Master Box 5313 was installed in the new building of the Senior High School. All Auxiliary boxes in the building are connected into this Master Box.
CABLE CONSTRUCTION
Because of reconstruction of Pleasant Street it was necessary to reset pedestal 421, Lombard Road, and pedestal 422, Addison Street, twelve feet to new curb line. Transferred and installed 6- conductor underground cable to new underground poles on Swan Street and Addison Street.
On Jason Street because of construction work by the Edison Company, it was necessary to rebulid fire and police signal lines. Aerial lines were replaced by 6-conductor cable on Jason Street, Brantwood Road, Spring Street and Bellevue Road.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Pulled in 6-conductor underground cable from Box 552, Massa- chusetts Avenue - Hobbs Court to underground pole on Hobbs Court. Pulled out old underground cable on Mystic Street - Summer Street to Victoria Road; on Massachusetts Avenue, Walnut Street to Park Avenue, and on Park Avenue - Massachusetts Avenue to Prospect Avenue.
Ran in 2-conductor aerial cable on:
Dickson Avenue - Washington Street Clyde Terrace - Lawrence Lane Browning Road - Wright Street Revere Street - Albermarle Street Mt. Vernon Street - Moulton Road
Replaced 6-conductor aerial lines on:
Wachusett Avenue - Park Avenue Hillside Avenue - Walnut Street Gray Street - Pine Ridge Road Cypress Road - Spring Avenue Winchester Road - Hobbs Court Crosby Street - Yerxa Road
Made 55 transfers of lines to new poles, rebuilt lines, pulled up slack on aerial lines.
Throughout the Fire and Police Signal System, removed and trimmed trees and branches from aerial lines and installed wood mold where wires came in contact with trees.
AIR RAID SIGNALS
Tested sirens on the first and third Friday of each month.
April 17, 1959, Air Raid Alert sounded at 11:30 A.M.
Routine inspection was made of the following Air Raid sirens throughout the Town:
Massachusetts Avenue - Teel Street
Massachusetts Avenue - Winter Street
Massachusetts Avenue - Tufts Street
Massachusetts Avenue - Mill Street
Massachusetts Avenue - Brattle Street
Massachusetts Avenue - Forest Street
Massachusetts Avenue - Park Avenue
Florence Avenue - George Street Summer Street - Mill Street
Summer Street - Park Avenue Extension
Broadway - Everett Street Lake Street - Margaret Street Highland Avenue - Ottawa Road Mystic Street - College Avenue Medford Street - Sherborn Street Pleasant Street - Gould Road Lowell Street -Park Avenue Extension Trowbridge Street - Waldo Road
257
REPORT OF THE FIRE AND POLICE SIGNAL SYSTEM
DETAILS
At Park Circle Station set up and installed auxiliary power generator to provide current in the event of electric (Edison) failure.
Installed floodlights in yard at Highland Fire Station needed for the safety of voters using that Station at time of elections.
Set up public address system on many occasions for various departments.
Rendered assistance to other departments when they requested use of winch and derrick on fire alarm truck.
The Town Clock in Church Steeple, Massachusetts Avenue - Pleas- ant Street, wound weekly on Fridays.
Arranged Christmas lighting and decorations at the Town Hall, Library, Police Headquarters, on tree and crib at Monument Park, at Fire Department Headquarters and at the Highland Fire Station.
APPROPRIATION
1959 Appropriation
$22,039
Expended 21,744
Balance $ 295
RECOMMENDATIONS
For the year 1960 recommend that $22,317 be appropriated.
CONCLUSION
I thank Town Manager, Edward C. Monahan and all Departments for their fine cooperation given during 1959.
I am grateful to the Signal Men for their devotion to this im- portant branch of public service who in storms and on many occa- sions when failures occurred in the Signal System, worked day and night to perform dangerous duties of climbing poles to remove or sever high tension electric wires thus making every effort to efficiently maintain the Signal System of both the Fire and the Police Departments.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS H. EGAN
Superintendent,
Fire and Police Signal System
258
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Report of the Board of Selectmen
Your Board of Selectmen herewith presents its Annual Report to the Town for the current year.
Since the redevelopment of Arlington Center has been and is at the moment of paramount importance, the early part of the year was principally devoted to the discussion of various proposals in connec- tion with this project. Conferences were held with the Planning Board, the Arlington Development Commission, the Chamber of Commerce, the Finance Committee and property owners, which resulted in the preparation of various articles in the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting which would provide the appropriations and the authorization necessary to permit this project to be brought to its proper completion. The relocation of Mystic Street, however, was principally hampered because the Legislature had decreased the appropriations which are normally allotted to Cities and Towns under the Chapter 90 program and, as a result, additional funds required for this work were not obtained until the latter part of July. Delays were also experienced as a result of approvals which must be received from the County Commissioners and the Department of Public Utilities for the establishment of such a roadway at grade with the Railroad tracks.
At the Annual Town Election in March, Mr. John O. Parker was elected to office for a three year term. On the first Monday thereafter the Board organized by unanimously electing Mr. Arthur D. Saul, Jr., as Chairman and Mr. Thomas R. Rawson as Vice- Chairman.
With the completion of six years under the Town Manager form of government the Board reappointed Mr. Edward C. Monahan as Town Manager, for a successive three year term, beginning May 1, 1959, as one of its first official acts after organizing.
Upon the conclusion of the Town Meeting, we resumed our deliberations on the Arlington Center program and immediately in- stituted action for various takings which were required before actual construction could begin. Despite legal technicalities which prevented the construction of an entrance from Medford Street, work was begun to convert Russell Common to a metered off-street parking area with the use of Public Works personnel. This was completed the latter part of August to accommodate 170 vehicles and was formally dedicated on September 18, 1959. Negotiations have been in progress with owners of property which was authorized to be taken for use in the relocation of Mystic Street. Our efforts have been successful in purchasing the residential properties at a reason- able price. This eliminates any chance of litigation with its attendant possibility of the award of excessive amounts in the form of monetary damages. At this writing all details pertaining to the reconstruction of Mystic Street have either been resolved or are in the process of being approved and we anticipate no problems to prevent the reconstruction of this traffic artery during the coming year.
Regular weekly meetings have been held throughout the year with special meetings being called when such procedure was
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
advisable. During the summer months, however, we followed the existing custom of holding bi-weekly meetings and discontinued all hearings.
Traffic regulation continues to be one of our major problems. Our citizens find it difficult to accept the fact that we are no longer ยท a small suburban community, but have reached the urban stage and must necessarily accept the responsibilities which accompany densely populated areas. In this respect the number of motor vehicles which are garaged in the Town, coupled with transient pleasure and com- mercial vehicles which traverse our highways, present problems which cannot be eliminated but only regulated within certain limits. Speed and hazardous driving can, however, be controlled and in this respect a police detail has been assigned to patrol various areas daily throughout the past year and has administered varied action, from warnings to prosecutions, to violators who have been appre- hended. We hope that by continuing this program we will establish the reputation that nothing short of safe and sane driving within the Town limits will be tolerated and, in this manner, give the citizens the maximum protection that can be obtained in this day and age when steadily increasing speed seems to be our ultimate goal.
Routine matters that cannot be legally delegated consume a great deal of our time which could easily be devoted to more important affairs. In this connection we grant all types of licenses, appoint jurors, election officers and other Board members and employees under our control, handle innumerable complaints and perform countless other details of the office. We are ever watchful of State legislation by scanning various bills which may affect the Town's welfare, and attend hearings relative to such legislation when such action is indicated. In any event, we make our wishes known in this respect and solicit the aid of our Representatives and Senator in the General Court to support our stand.
Although very little vacant land is left for development, applica- tions are still being processed for small and a few sizable housing developments by us as a Board of Survey. These are approved in accordance with stringent regulations which require the developer to assume the entire cost of installing all underground facilities, as well as a suitable roadway, all in accordance with Town specifica- tions. In this manner we can continue a program which was adopted last year to accept such developer built streets as public ways and thus, in a measure, reduce the ultimate cost of our street construc- tion program. Our regular street program, for which betterments are assessed, was continued and a total of twenty-two streets were recommended for acceptance at a total estimated cost of $291,938.00. Despite the magnitude of this appropriation, which has averaged this amount for the past ten years, we can foresee no relief in this respect for a great many years. At present we have some thirty-six miles of private ways in the Town and, with a fraction of a mile being constructed each year, it can readily be seen that this program will continue for decades.
Under the Chapter 90 program, where the State contributes one- half the cost and the County and the Town match funds for the other half, we completed the widening of Pleasant Street, from Massachu- setts Avenue to Peabody Road. This will tie in with Mystic Street, as
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
relocated, to eliminate the rotary traffic through Medford Street and Chestnut Street, and will channel this traffic directly across Massa- chusetts Avenue. It is believed that this will provide a great deal of relief from the congestion that is now experienced in Arlington Center. Request has also been made under this program for the widening of Massachusetts Avenue on the northerly side, from Mill Street to Schouler Court, the reconstruction of River Street for its entire length and for a portion of Park Avenue, between Wachusett Avenue and Cedar Avenue, which, if approved, will be incorporated in the 1960 program. The sidewalk and edgestone program is being continued in accordance with annual custom. The backlog of applica- tions under this program have now been processed and the appropri- ation for this type of work was, therefore, reduced from $25,000.00 to $20,000.00, which proved to be ample to take care of current requests for such installations.
Although the relocation of Route 3 has remained dormant for several years, its imminence was brought sharply to the forefront during the last days of the year. On December 29, 1959, the firm of Hayden, Harding and Buchanan, Inc., Consultants for the State De- partment of Public Works, conducted a hearing on its proposal for the location of the Inner Beltway and the radial routes which would be necessary for its connection with Route 128. Four alternate routes were shown for the relocation of Route 3, all of which had been under consideration at some time or other, since the original proposal for such an extension was made by the State. The consul- tants requested municipalities affected by such routes to submit their choice of location after which the consultants would, in turn, submit their recommendation to the State Department. At this writing the Board, with the unanimous consent of the Planning Board and the Development Commission, has recommended that this route be extended from Route 128 in such a manner as to be located primarily through virgin territory and, ultimately, by passing through the Great Meadows, is terminated at Route 2 in the vicinity of the Lexington Town line.
Several years ago our water system was found to be woefully inadequate in certain portions of the Town and through long range planning the volumes and pressures of the entire system have been subjected to corrective measures designed to modernize this public facility. This program is now reaching its conclusion and we, in our capacity as a Board of Public Works, are currently faced with the creation of a similar program to improve and modernize the drainage system. For some time now there has been an increased demand from citizens in various sections of the Town for drainage facilities, particularly in low areas on private property. These conditions are difficult to resolve because of legal restrictions yet some relief must be provided, especially where damage occurs periodically from heavy rains or melting snow. In many of these cases we recommend that the persons affected seek an appropriation from the Town Meeting to alleviate their difficulties by drainage installations authorized in this manner. Other cases which confront us seem to defy an adequate solution. It is, therefore, anticipated that this type of program will be instituted within the next year or two and will ultimately be completed as a modern and efficient means of disposal for storm waters. In our routine assignments on Public Works mat- ters we adopt orders of taking for underground structures, levy
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
assessments for sewer and water installations and grant abatements when such procedure is justified. From time to time various problems arise which demand the amendment of or a change in policy but these matters are taken in stride and a solution is adopted which, in our estimation, serves the best interests of the Town.
In conclusion we would like to extend our appreciation to all Town Officials, Boards and Commissions, as well as private organiza- tions, who have cooperated with us throughout the year. We should also like to commend our Executive Secretary and our Office Staff for the proficient and exemplary manner in which they have per- formed their exacting duties in administrating the Board's affairs.
ARTHUR D. SAUL, JR. THOMAS R. RAWSON JOSEPH P. GREELEY DANIEL J. BUCKLEY, JR. JOHN O. PARKER
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
262
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Report of the Board of Health
Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Arlington, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Monahan:
We submit the following summary of the activities of the Board of Health for the year 1959, which reports the services rendered by the Department, together with the financial and vital statistics reports.
Respectfully submitted, PAUL F. BURKE, D.M.D., Chairman CARL E. BARSTOW, M.D. RALPH L. LAVALLE ARLINGTON BOARD OF HEALTH
Personnel of the Department
J. Philip Bower, Agent and Clerk
Margaret H. Wheatley, Principal Clerk
Mary G. Stone, Public Health Nurse Justin E. Comeau, Milk and Sanitation Inspector Lawrence S. Fagan, D.M.D., Dentist
Catherine E. Yates, Dental Assistant
L. Curtis Foye, M.D., Bacteriologist and Physician Samuel Femia, Dog Officer
1959 FINANCIAL REPORT
APPROPRIATION
Personal Services
$ 26,536.96
General Expense
2,555.00
Garbage Disposal
86,998.00
Communicable Diseases
7,500.00
Mosquito Control
2,000.00
Premature Baby Care 2,500.00
Capital Outlay
2,200.00
Transfer from Reserve Fund
630.00
$130,919.96
263
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
EXPENDITURES
Personal Services
$ 26,327.68
Collection of Garbage
84,434.00
Mosquito Control
2,630.00
Premature Baby Care
1,088.00
Capital Outlay
1,832.53
Communicable Diseases:
Hospitalization for Tuberculosis
Middlesex County Sanatorium
$1,944.00
Massachusetts General Hospital
537.38
Lemuel Shattuck Hospital
36.00
Boston City Hospital ..
143.43
North Reading State Sanatorium
432.00
Ambulance Service
28.00
$3,120.81
Hospitalization for Meningitis
Boston Floating Hospital
132.48
Antirabic Clincs
Vaccine
$293.12
Expense
315.05
608.17
Miscellaneous Expense
88.47
Total for Communicable Diseases
3,949.93
General Expenses:
Maintenance of office
493.22
Dental Clinic Supplies
233.23
Telephone
330.04
Milk Inspection
295.00
Car Rental
340.64
Maintenance of Auto
75.58
Miscellaneous
178.07
1,945.78
Total Expenditures
$122,207.92
RECEIPTS
Licenses Issued :
Manufacture of Frozen Desserts (retail)
$ 20.00
Manufacture of Frozen Desserts (wholesale)
150.00
Massage and Vapor Baths
3.00
Massage and Vapor Baths (establishments)
4.00
Collection of Meat Trimmings
8.00
Sale of Oleomargarine
30.50
Sale of Milk
67.00
To operate Pasteurizing Plants
20.00
Cesspools and Septic Tanks
8.00
Day Nursery Schools
5.00
Collection of Garbage
. ... 2.00 .
. .
.
..
.
..
264
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Receipts from licenses
$ 317.50
Receipts from Dental Clinic
890.50
Receipts from Communicable Diseases 1,881.67
TOTAL RECEIPTS
$ 3,089.67
Total Expenditures
$122,207.92
Total Receipts
3,089.67
Net cost to operate
$119,118.25
Cost per Capita
2.53
Including debt and maintenance of Middlesex County Sanatorium
$ 57,552.07
Net cost to operate
119,118.25
$176,670.32
Cost per Capita 3.76
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
Cases reported during the year 1959
Cat Bite
9
Chicken Pox
208
Dog Bite
182
Dysentery
3
Encephalitis
1
Gonnorrhea
1
Hepatitis (Infectious)
4
Measles
35
Measles (German) 28
2
Mumps
62
Salmonellosis
4
Scarlet Fever (including "Strep" Throat) 61
Tuberculosis (Pumonary )
14
Whooping Cougli
6
Syphilis
6
Total 626
TUBERCULOSIS REPORT
Total number of cases as of December 31, 1959 107
Deaths during the year 1959 4
Case removals during 1959 2
New Cases reported in 1959 14
Contacts X-Rayed during the year 1959 37
Persons residing in Arlington and having a legal settlement in Arlington were hospitalized as follows:
Mass General Hospital 1
Middlesex County Sanatorium
7
Rutland State Sanatorium 2
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