Town of Arlington annual report 1960, Part 22

Author: Arlington (Mass.)
Publication date: 1960
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 394


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The Guidance Department at Arlington High School conducted its seventeenth annual survey of the previous June (1960) graduating class. This annual survey is done so that the staff may examine, evaluate and validate the effectiveness of its techniques. It is gratifying to learn that this year, despite the very tight admission policy of the nations' colleges more members of the class of 1960, on a percentage basis, have gone on for higher education than any other graduating class in the history of the school. This year 59.9% of the graduating seniors are enrolled in full-time advanced education. This compares with last years figure of 57.4%.


Boston University has enrolled 35 members of the class, with Northeastern and the University of Massachusetts each accepting 10. Boston State has 9, Tufts 8, Simmons 5, and Boston College 4. Other prominent colleges which have represent- atives of the class are: Harvard 2, Mount Holyoke 2, Vassar, Wellesley, M.I.T., Cornell, Bates, Bowdoin, Syracuse, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.


In addition to those engaged in advanced study, 33.2% are employed, and 6% are in the Armed Forces. A large proportion of the girls who have gone to work have found openings as trained workers, such as business machine operators, stenograph- ers, and bookkeepers. Most of the boys who are working have semi-skilled jobs al- though there is one who is a disc jockey and one a cabinet maker. In addition to the full-time students, others who are working, 11.8% of them, are doint part-time study, making a total of 63.8% of the class who are furthering their education.


The class of 1960 received scholarships to the amount of $46,350 exclusive of those granted by our own Thompson Fund, Arlington Woman's Club, Gordon Memorial Fund, and the Ida B. Robbins Fund. Scholarships were won at many of our leading colleges such as Harvard, M.I.T., Boston University, Smith, Regis, Simmons, Tufts, Northeastern and others.


224


ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT


Testing is a vital part of the instructional and guidance programs. The basic purpose of all such tests is to provide important clues about the ability and the achievement of the individual student so that teachers will be stimulated to find out more about the student by referring to the cumulative folder and consulting the coun- selors. This information alerts teachers against arriving at judgments of pupils on the basis of one test score or placing individual students in certain categories on the basis of the results of even several mental ability and achievement tests alone. Teachers are urged to bear in mind that these tests do not measure such things that are important for success in school and life as:


1. Ability to get along with others


2. Ambition or motivitation


3. Emotional stability


4. Special talents


5. Ability to succeed


The information obtained from tests can result in more individualized instruction and revision of the course of study and methods of presentation to meet more ade- quately the needs of the individual pupil. Thus the teacher accepts the student at his present stage of development and guides him to successful achievement at the pace at which the student is seemingly capable. Adequate counseling, as well as good teaching, functions on the basic principle that an analysis of an individual is never based on a single criterion. It requires the accumulation of objective evidence pro- vided by mental ability tests, achievement tests, and past performance. In addition, it includes information about family background, physical condition, special talents, hobbies, interests, and out-of-school experiences. The professional interpretation of such criteria places the teacher in a better position to help the student to help him- self in the solution of his problems.


CONCLUSION


No report would be complete without a word of recognition to those who made it possible - The Arlington School Committee. It is a rewarding experience as a School Administrator to work with such a dedicated group of men and women. The School Committee members have given unsparingly of themselves and their time for the purpose of providing good education for the pupils of the Town of Arlington. As a Committee is has always been keenly interested in establishing policies that reflect the best possible educational climate.


To the professional staff I express my appreciation for their devoted service and support. To the clerical staff and to the custodial staff I wish to express my thanks for their fine services.


We of the School staff are most appreciate of the gracious assistance afforded us whenever we have called upon the Town Manager, the Superintendent of Public Works, the Fire Chief, the Chief of Police, the Supervisor of Maintenance and the Supervisor of the Custodians.


To all concerned, I extend my appreciation and gratitude.


Respectfully submitted,


(Signed) Bert A. Roens Superintendent of Schools


225


REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD


Report of The Planning Board


January 11, 1961


Mr. Edward C. Monahan, Town Manager Robbins Town Hall Arlington, Massachusetts


Dear Mr. Monahan:


In accordance with Section 49 of Chapter 40 and Section 71 of Chapter 41 of the General Laws, the Planning Board submits its report for the year ending December 31, 1960.


During the year 1960 the Planning Board was able to extend its program in a most important area by securing funds for the preparation of a master plan. Late in 1959 the Board applied for a Federal planning grant of $10,000 to be matched by town funds which would be used to prepare a plan for the development of Arlington. Since various existing planning studies could be updated and integrated in this plan, it was estimated that it could be prepared in twenty-four months at a cost of $20,000. The 1960 Town Meeting by unanimous consent approved the Board's request for an ap- propriation of $18,000 to prepare a master plan and to do related planning studies, with the understanding that if Federal funds were received, a portion of the above ap- propriation would be returned to the Town. In August, 1960 a Federal grant of $10,000 was awarded by the U. S. Housing and Home Finance Agency for the pre- paration of the development plan, thus making Arlington the first community in Mas- sachusetts to benefit from the expansion of the Federal local planning assistance program, which until 1959 had limited participation to communities under 25,000 popu- lation.


The Planning Board engaged Planning and Renewal Associates of Cambridge as the consultants on this project and work began in September. Since that time three planners from this firm, including Mr. Robert F. Rowland, the consultant in charge, have worked with the Board at all meetings. Even in this short period their pro- fessional counsel and technical assistance have proved invaluable in dealing with cur- rent problems as they relate to community development. In the coming months studies will be completed on land use, circulation, public uilities, and public facilities. Since a master plan is intended to serve as a guide to the community's many boards and agencies, it will be thoroughly discussed with them during its preparation.


The membership of the Board changed during the year. In March, 1960 John B. Byrne, Jr. resigned after ably serving the Board for nine years, the last five of which he was chairman. The Town Manager filled his unexpired term by the appointment of George M. Herlihy. The Board elected Miss Murdena A. Campbell chairman and Mr. Herlihy secretary. Milton H. Anderson resigned in May after serving two years and David J. Ashton was appointed to fill this vacancy. Fozi M. Cahaly resigned in October having served four years and his unexpired term was filled by the appointment of Clair E. Turner. The Board expresses its thanks to these former members for their conscientious and valuable service.


During the year the Board held fifteen meetings and participated in seven meet- ings with the Board of Selectmen, Development Commission, School Committee, Arlington Housing Authority, and civic groups, and also in numerous conferences with town officials. Two members represented the Board at Governor Furcolo's con- ference on urban renewal held at the State House on January 28. Three members attended the organization meeting of Region 5B of the Massachusetts Federation of Planning Boards held in Lincoln on September 28 and all members attended the Fall Conference of the Federation held in Boston on October 28-29.


Eleven public hearings were conducted for revisions in the Zoning By-Law and changes in the Zoning Map. All but one of the recommendations of the Board re- garding these revisions were upheld by the Town Meeting.


226


ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT


In January the Planning Board met with the Board of Selectmen and Development Commission to discuss the choice of Route 3 alternates presented to the Town by the Department of Public Works.


In November the Board of Selectmen invited the Planning Board to make re- commendations regarding a proposed warrant article for the extension of Railroad Avenue based on the Joint Planning Committee's recommendations of 1956. The Planning Board instructed Planning and Renewal Associates to undertake a study of this proposal. Their report was presented at a meeting with the Board of Selectmen and Development Commission and subsequently was formally recommended by the Planning Board. This alternate proposal recommends that the area be developed for short-term metered municipal offstreet parking with space for 145 vehicles and that existing congestion be eliminated by providing access to Water Street and by re- moving unnecessary conflicts in traffic movements. The Board believes this plan is a highly desirable alternative and that it would develop efficient parking in a vital area of the Center.


As the year ended, the relocation of Mystic Street from Chestnut Street to Massachusetts Avenue opposite Pleasant Street neared completion. This street re- location recommended by the Planning Board is designed primarily to facilitate the movement of local traffic and to open up the business district in Arlington Center.


The Board extends its deep appreciation to the Town Manager, especially for his assistance in securing the planning grant, and to the various boards and department members for their cooperation throughout the year.


Respectfully submitted,


MURDENA A. CAMPBELL, Chairman DAVID J. ASHTON GEORGE M. HERLIHY THOMAS D. KENNA JR. CLAIR E. TURNER


REPORT OF THE PUBLIC WELFARE DEPARTMENT


227


Report of the Public Welfare Department


January 6, 1961


Edward C. Monahan, Town Manager Town Hall


Arlington, Massachusetts


Dear Sir:


I have the honor to submit the report of the Medical Inspector of the Department of Public Welfare for the year ending December 31, 1960.


House Calls


Clinic Calls


Total


Old Age Assistance


276


150


426


Medical Assistance to the aged


19


19


Aid to Dependent Children


17


92


109


Disability Assistance


29


18


47


General Relief


16


89


105


Veterans Services


12


44


56


369


393


762


The total number of visits made to the Clinic for Dental Care 156.


Respectfully submitted


EDWARD W. FEELEY, M.D.


Medical Inspector Department of Public Welfare


228


ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT


Annual Report of the Personnel Board


January 13, 1961


To the Citizens of Arlington:


The Personnel Board herewith respectfully submits its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1960.


The membership of the Board changed with the appointment of Robert L. Johnson, an employee nominee, to succeed John J. Kelliher. F. Lawrence Doherty was elected Chairman for the coming year. The appointments of Paul E. Widder and Warren E. O'Leary, an employee representative, will expire on March 12, 1961. F. Lawrence Doherty and William J. Frost were appointed to March 12, 1962.


The Board attended the fourth annual June conference of the Massachusetts Municipal Personnel Boards Association at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and the fifth annual October meeting in Framingham. The main topic of discussion was Chapter 561 of the Acts of 1960 which allows cities and towns to enter collective bargaining agreements. Lee Morris was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors for the year 1960-1961. Personnel administration in municipalities continues to grow with 82 personnel boards or directors in the State at the present time.


The Board has held 15 meetings during the year and considered 22 requests of individuals, committees and appointing authorities. A request from the various employee organizations for a general flat increase for all employees and a reduction in service for the third and fourth week of vacation was considered. Since the cost of living continues to rise and the salary rates in comparable communities has increased, the Board is again considering a recommendation of another general increase in order to maintain a median comparison and a fair standard of living for the employees of the Town. In addition to the meetings, we have had frequent contact with the Executive Secretary on various personnel matters that have arisen between meetings. The Executive Secretary has had numerous conferences with the Town Manager, department heads, employees and the Division of Civil Service on matters pertaining to Civil Service procedure, the operation of the Classification and the Pay Plan and the Leave Regulations. The following are some of the routine personnel procedures handled by the department this year:


Emergency appointments


38


Appointments, temporary, provisional, renewals


197


Permanent appointments


42


Promotions - Permanent and temporary


24


Termination of temporary employment


153


Termination of permanent employment


38


Permanent and temporary transfers


13


Loyalty Oaths


88


Group Insurance


31


In order to make November 1 effective as the closing date for requests received by the Board on matters that require Town Meeting action, we are recommending an amendment to Section 3 of Article 7C of the By-Laws. This action is necessary to prevent last minute requests and to provide reasonable time for proper consideration of requests before the closing of the Warrant.


There are at present 555 permanent full-time, 22 permanent part-time, 13 tem- porary full-time, 49 temporary part-time, and 41 seasonal part-time classified em- ployees in the service of the Town. The peak employment period is during the summer months with a total of 731. These figures do not include the personnel under the School Committee.


REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL BOARD


229


The Board appreciates the cooperation and assistance given by the Board of Selectmen, Town Manager, Finance Committee, officials, boards, Town Counsel and employees in our effort to administer the duties and responsibilities involved. We also wish to express our sincere appreciation for the capable services of our Execu- tive Secretary and for the clerical work performed by Mrs. Helen Mccluskey.


Respectfully submitted,


Paul E. Widder Warren E. O'Leary William J. Frost Robert L. Johnson F. Lawrence Doherty, Chairman


230


ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT


Report of the Purchasing Department


February 6, 1961


Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Town Hall Arlington 74, Massachusetts


Dear Mr. Monahan:


I herewith submit my report as Assistant Purchasing Agent for the year ending December 31, 1960.


The year 1960 saw a continued rise in the inflationary spiral which for the Town as well as householders meant increases in the cost of materials, supplies, and serv- ices. Despite this inflationary rise, in many instances the Town was able to obtain better prices on some items due to the increased competition by vendors for our requirements.


The Purchasing Department sought this increased competition by expansion of our lists of prospective suppliers, by providing complete specifications of our needs to the vendors, and by constantly investigating new or better methods of obtaining goods, materials, equipment or services at the lowest possible cost to the Town.


Examples of instances of these savings in our long term contracts are as follows:


Gasoline - The gasoline price discount was increased from $.0456 per gallon to $.0469 per gallon on the 1960 contract. At the time of the opening of the bids, this differential was the highest allowed to any community in the Commonwealth. Our annual consump- tion of gasoline for all Town Departments approximates 160,000 gallons so that the resultant savings as a result of the differential are substantial.


Motor Oil - Our specifications for Motor Oil call for the supplier to provide us with oil that meets the Federal Military Specification MIL 2104A at the Supplement 1 level. This oil is a premium oil and this year we were able to reduce the cost from $.53 a gallon to $.50 a gallon without changing the quality of the oil used.


Fuel Oil - On #2 Fuel Oil the premium was reduced from $.0021 to $.0016 in 1960, thus additional savings were made on this item over 1959. In 1959 for #5 Fuel Oil the town paid the Tank Wagon price less $.169 per barrel. In 1960, for the same fuel oil the Town paid the Tank Wagon price less $.29 per barrel. Our use of #5 Fuel Oil approximates 12,000 barrels and thus the resultant savings over the previous year's contract amounted to approximately $1,452 on this item alone.


Term Contracts - Major items of continuing use throughout the year are placed on bid, and the contracts are awarded to the lowest responsible bidder in every instance. Under the provisions of Article 7A of the By-Laws of the Town purchases of $400.00 or more for materials, supplies, equipment or services must be set up for public bidding through newspaper advertising or circular letter with bids being formally opened and read at a specified place, hour, and date. Not only is the letter of the law observed, but the spirit of the law is strictly enforced so that whenever possible, purchases are combined so that formal bids may be sought from prospective bidders.


The spirit of competitive purchasing is carried over into our day to day operation and telephone quotations are received from at least three vendors wherever possible and practical. This results in the Town being able to buy the products needed at sub- stantial savings as the vendors realize they are in competition and know that the awards are made to the lowest bidder, price, delivery, and quality factors being reasonably comparable.


231


REPORT OF THE PURCHASING DEPARTMENT


The past year has been a busy one, and I would like to express my sincere appre- ciation to the Town Manager, Board of Selectmen, various Boards, Commissions, Trustees, Town Officials, Committees, Department Heads, and my staff for the fine spirit of cooperation received throughout the year.


Respectfully submitted,


James L. Sullivan Assistant Purchasing Agent


JLS/ead


232


ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT


Report of the Fire Department


January 1, 1961


Mr. Edward C. Monahan


Town Manager Arlington, Massachusetts


Dear Sir:


I submit my Sixth Annual Report as Chief of the Arlington Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1960.


PERSONNEL


The uniformed force consists of 99 men: the Chief of Department, 5 Deputy Chiefs, 7 Captains, 19 Lieutenants and 67 Fire Fighters: The Department has a Master Mechanic, Doward L. Barter; a physician, Dr. Edward W. Feeley, and a Clerk, Anna D. Hurley.


CAPTAIN JAMES A. DOHERTY


On May 13, 1960, Captain James A. Doherty died. He was appointed to the De- partment in 1930.


FRANCIS J. NEVILLE


On September 22, 1960, Fire Fighter Francis J. Neville, a member of the De- partment since 1931 died.


Through the years, the devotion to duty by both men was outstanding and they were most faithful and loyal to the Fire Department.


RETIREMENT


Fire Fighter William H. Madden, a member since 1927 retired on disability pension, October 19. Over the years he gave his best efforts to the fire service being a devoted and dedicated worker.


RESIGNATION


Daniel J. Devlin, a Fire Fighter since 1952 resigned February 13.


PROMOTIONS


June 5, Lieutenant Charles J. Doherty was advanced to the rank of Captain filling vacancy created by death of Captain James A. Doherty.


June 5, Fire Fighter Thomas F. Bondi was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant filling vacancy caused by advancement of Lieutenant Charles J. Doherty to Captaincy.


APPOINTMENTS


The following men were appointed permanent Fire Fighters (all replacements):


March 6, Peter J. Gimblett, 51 Fremont Court (for Daniel Devlin)


June 8, John J. Keenan, 48 Milton Street (for Thomas Bondi)


October 30, John J. McGurl, 19 Central Street (for Francis Neville)


December 11, John J. Ault, 16 Fremont Street (for William Madden)


ASSIGNMENTS


From October 17 to December 10, 1960, Lieutenant James J. Kelly, Jr., was de- tailed to the Water Volume and Pressure Program of the Public Works Department for the year 1960.


233


REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT


DEPARTMENT CHAPLAINS


Reverend Father Charles A. McCarthy, Curate at St. James Church; and Rever- end William W. Lewis of the First Unitarian Church, serve as Department Chaplains.


APPARATUS AT HEADQUARTERS


Engine 1 (1954-Mack), 1000-gallon pumping unit


Engine 4 (1954-Mack), 1000-gallon pumping unit


Ladder 1 (1937-Seagrave), Tractor-drawn 85-foot aerial ladder truck. The trailer section is undergoing conversion to be attached to new tractor at cost of $16,000 including installation of air brakes.


Rescue 1 (1958-Mack) is equipped for emergency calls and floodlighting oper- ations.


Life Boat 14-foot metal boat with outboard motor and life-saving equipment, purchased in 1952.


Chief's Car (1957-Pontiac)


Deputy's Car (1959-Ford)


Fire Prevention Car (1956-Ford)


Utility Pick-up Truck (1952-Chevrolet), 1-1/2-ton capacity.


Heavy-Duty Maintenance Truck (Rebuilt from 1945 Mack Chassis) carries 5000- watt generator unit supplying power for six floodlights which were procured from Civil Defense surplus stock. The truck is equipped with snow plow and is available to other departments for snow plow- ing.


APPARATUS AT HIGHLAND STATION


Engine 2 (1952-Seagrave), 1000-gallon pumping unit


Ladder 2 (1952-Seagrave), non-tractor-drawn 65-foot aerial ladder truck


Two 500-gallon Auxiliary Fire Pumps (1941-Buffalo) numbered Engine 15 and Engine 16.


APPARATUS AT PARK CIRCLE STATION


Aerial Ladder 3 (1949-Seagrave), a Quintuplet Unit comprising 750-gallon centri- fugal pumper, non-tractor drawn 65-foot aerial ladder, booster pump with attachment, carrier for 1000 feet of 2-1/2-inch hose and 500 feet of 1-1/2-inch hose, and a complement of ground ladders.


234


ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT


IN ACTIVE RESERVE


Engine 5 (1929-Seagrave), a 750-gallon pumper, is ready to replace disabled pumping units for a limited time only due to its age.


RESPONSE


The Department responded to 1250 calls of which 355 were Box Alarms, 819 Still Alarms and 76 Mutual Aid (Out-of-Town) calls; of the 908 telephone calls received, 148 were Box Alarms and 760 were Still Alarms.


In 1959 there was a total of 988 calls.


A summary of alarms revealed that the greatest number of such calls occurred in the month of November ; that more occurred on Wednesday than any other day of the week, and also that of these calls the largest number were between the hours of 11:00 A.M. and 12 noon; and between 3:00 P.M. and 4:00 P. M.


Eighty-seven false alarms were sounded as compared with 112 in 1959.


The Rescue Unit responded to 108 First Aid emergency calls where the Resusci- tator and Inhalator were requested for administration of oxygen. The rescue equip- ment on this Unit was used on several occasions to release persons trapped when in- volved in automobile accidents; also on many calls to homes where accidents occurred through the misuse and faulty operation of home appliances.


Received 9 calls for use of Department Life Boat.


CAUSES OF ALARMS IN 1960


Accidents .


24


Locked out 80


Acetylene Torch.


1


Miscellaneous


35


Automobiles 53


Needless. 23


Candle 1


Oil Burners.


36


Careless Smoking.


47


Oil Tank Leaks


13


Children and Matches 35


Out-of-Town


76


Chimneys


3


Paint Remover.


1


Dump.


8


Refrigerator Leaks.


12


False Alarms


87


Rubbish


39


First Aid


108


Spontaneous Ignition


7


Gas Leaks.


12


Sprinkler Systems


7


Gasoline 15


Televisions . 5


Grass. 348


Unknown . 1


Grease


14


Water Department Details . 27


Heaters.


12


Water Leaks


22


Incinerators


6


Wiring-Inside 32


Investigating


10


Wiring-Outside


38


Lightning


12


GENERAL SUMMARY OF EQUIPMENT USED AT FIRES


Ladders raised


5290 feet


Hose used


74200 feet


Water from booster tanks


39100 gallons


Pumping operations


410 for 100 hours


Miles travelled


5550 miles


Service time


3400 hours


MULTIPLE ALARMS


Dwellings: March 2, Box 73, 18 Brattle Terrace May 16, Box 356, 7 Draper Avenue August 10, Box 3941, 40 Hutchinson Road November 24, Box 753, 47 Park Avenue Extension December 21, Box 62, 26 Moulton Road


Railroad Bridge:


October 8, Box 82, Park Avenue


235


REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT


FATALITIES


June 20, John Clark, 9 Wall Street, died when fire occurred in his home.


December 22, Mrs. Jessie Daley, 98 years old, died as the result of fire in her home, 22 Moore Place.




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