USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1960 > Part 23
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SNOW STORMS
March 3 and December 12, severe snow storms occurred which necessitated that the Fire Department maintain additional manpower on duty for emergency calls since the snow assumed drifting proportions with the intense strong winds.
TORNADO ALERT
June 24 at 2:45 P.M. the State was placed on alert by Office of Civil Defense be- cause of predicted heavy thunder storms with possible damaging winds and tornado activity. This condition did not materialize. The danger being over within a few hours after sounding the alert, it was not necessary to recall added fire fighters to duty.
HURRICANE DONNA
September 12, Hurricane Donna with rain and strong high winds began in mid- afternoon reaching peak around 6:00 P.M. felling electric wires, utility lines and trees throughout the Town. Additional manpower was provided and all members of the Fire Department were placed on stand-by alert.
At Fire Headquarters and at Park Circle Station, when Edison current failed, the auxiliary electric generator units automatically took over supplying sufficient current for those stations. However, at Highland Station with no electric power, a small portable generator, makeshift, was set up to furnish lights for the operation of that station, and at best, only the apparatus floor was lighted, poorly and limited.
FIRE LOSSES
Ninety-seven losses occurred, 22 of which accounted for $122,211 of the entire loss.
The total assessed value of property endangered, insurance thereon, loss sus- tained, and the amount of insurance paid are as follows:
Assessed Value
Insurance
Damage and Insurance Paid
Buildings
$1,327,650 237,100
$2,181,900
$125,775
Contents
237,100
30,575
Total
$1,564,750
$2,419,000
$156,350
APPROPRIATION
1960 Appropriation
$ 597,455
Expended
593,242
Balance
$
4,213
CREDITS
Fees for 47 permits to blast
$ 23.50
Fees for 3 permits for flammable fluids
1.50
Fees for 11 permits for use of tar kettle
5.50
Sale of junk .
17.10
$ 47.60
236
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT PHYSICIAN
Dr. Edward W. Feeley, Department Physician, rendered the following services in 1960: Office calls 78, house calls 1, station calls 3, physical examination 6, and 25 hospital calls.
In addition, Dr. Feeley responded to many emergency calls and alarms of fire. Several conferences were held with the Chief of Department on medical matters per- taining to members of the Department.
FIRE PREVENTION
Places of business, public buildings, schools, hospitals, convalescent homes, and places of public assembly were inspected periodically by fire fighters. A record was made of existing conditions with date when corrections were made.
Recharged 365 fire extinguishers in these buildings. Conducted the "In-Service" plan of recharging these extinguishers whereby fire apparatus with fire fighters res- ponded to each building giving instructions to occupants in the operation and actual use of a fire extinguisher in case of fire, a first-hand demonstration.
In October, for the fifth year, at the request of Catholic Archbishop of Boston, the Fire Department inspected the Catholic Churches, convents, schools, and other Church property in Arlington and noted conditions found. These reports with re- commendations were forwarded to the Chancellery. All Catholic Churches in Arling- ton now are equipped with automatic fire detecting warning signal systems.
During 1960, Lieutenant Daniel J. Mahoney, Inspector of Oil Burning Installations and Flammables, inspected a total of 545 oil burners and other flammable installations and storage equipment. Three hundred and fourteen permits were issued for approved installations after inspection. It was necessary to reinspect 231 installations because of faulty equipment and failure of installers to meet all rules and regulations per- taining to oil burners and storage of flammables.
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
The week of October 9-15, was observed as Fire Prevention Week. Fire De- partment officers distributed timely and conspicuous posters marking the occasion. These were placed in public buildings and places of business throughout the Town. Practical fire prevention pamphlets and booklets for children were passed out to the schools with permission of Dr. Bert A. Roens, Superintendent of Schools. The pam- phlets were interesting and favorably received by the children.
In conjunction with Fire Prevention Week, the Public Works Department co- operated in removing accumulated rubbish set out at curbings for collection.
DWELLING INSPECTIONS
For the fourth year, conducted "In-Service Inspection" of dwellings whereby approximately 11,000 homes were inspected by Fire Fighters with apparatus. Con- tinuous contact with Fire Department Headquarters was maintained through two-way radio. Many weeks were required for the inspection of dwellings. This is a most vital phase of fire prevention for reduction of hazards in the home.
In connection with dwelling inspections, the "Clean-up, Fix-up, Paint-up" pro- gram for 1960 began on April 26 and continued through May 13. Such a home in- spection campaign makes fire prevention realistic to householders. It affords means whereby fire fighters reveal existing fire hazards and suggest ways to eliminate them. Emphasis is placed on the importance of practicing fire safety in the home and the need for constant vigilance. Without doubt, dwelling inspection is responsible for the saving of many lives and the reduction of home fires in Arlington.
During the "Clean-up" program the Public Works Department fully cooperated in the removal of accumulated debris and rubbish. Many requests were received to have rubbish carted away. Lieutenant Harold C. O'Leary directed this project for the second year.
237
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE DRILLS IN SCHOOLS
The Annual Fire Drill for the evacuation of children from school buildings under the supervision of the officers of the Fire Department was conducted in public, parochial and private schools.
A record was made of the number of classrooms, pupils, exits used and the time required to vacate each building; a copy of which was sent to the School Department.
For the sixth year, Fire Fighters with apparatus went to the schools for the holding of fire drills and at the same time through the medium of two-way radio re- mained in service for fire duty in the event of alarm of fire.
In addition to the Annual Drill, the following has been enacted:
"Chapter 148, Massachusetts General Laws, 1959, excerpts from the rules and regulations of the Board of Fire Prevention, regulations of the State Department of Public Safety:
"Rule 16, Schools, (D)
"The head of the Fire Department, or person designated by him, shall visit each school at least four times each year for the purpose of conducting fire drills and questioning the teachers and supervisors. These drills shall be conducted without advance warning to the school personnel other than the person in charge of the school at the time."
FIRE DRILLS IN NURSING HOMES
In accordance with provisions of Chapter 333, Massachusetts General Laws, Deputy Fire Chiefs made periodic inspections of Symmes Hospital and the nine Nurs- ing Homes in the town and the required fire drill was held. Reports were forwarded to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
HYDRANT INSPECTIONS
For the sixth year, the Arlington Fire Department assisted the Public Works Department with cleaning of water mains under the Volume and Pressure Program, and Fire Fighters continued the Annual "In-Service Inspection" of approximately 1296 hydrants in Arlington.
When hydrants were discovered frozen, these were immediately thawed and drained by the Fire Department and the Water Department was notified. The winter inspection of hydrants was held in November rather than in January thus correcting any defective hydrants before the freezing weather to insure continuous service during winter months.
During summer months, Water Flow Tests of each hydrant were made daily after 10:00 P.M. Records were kept of static and residual pressures by Lieutenant Harold C. O'Leary. Faulty and defective hydrants were reported to the Water De- partment for immediate repairs.
June 27 to July 1st, the Fire Department conducted pumping operations from in- termediate service main on Spring Street-Highland Avenue to high service hydrant on Eastern Avenue near Scituate Street to keep water in the Standpipe at Park Circle at safe operating level.
TRAINING OF FIRE FIGHTERS
Our training program is limited due to lack of proper facilities. However, Fire Fighters participated in frequent drills in quarters and were instructed in proper methods and the use of Fire Department equipment. Routine drills were held in pumping, drafting and life boat practice on Spy Pond and at the Heights Reservoir.
238
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Fire Fighters participated in Driver-Training Program and received instruction in the mechanical operation of fire apparatus, ladder trucks and aerial ladders under the direction of Department Mechanic Doward L. Barter.
On invitation of the Boston Fire Department, Officers of the Arlington Fire De- partment attended special classes at their Training Academy, Moon Island. These proved to be most interesting and instructive.
AUXILIARY FIRE FIGHTERS
Auxiliary Fire Fighters worked in the stations daily from 7:00 until 10:00 P.M. and rendered stand-by assistance. They responded and aided the regular Department at the multiple alarm fires and during snow storms and Hurricane Donna. Deputy Chief Irving L. Proctor is the Fire Department Coordinator for this group under the direction of Civil Defense.
DETAILS
Since 1949, Fire Fighters at Park Circle Station have been assigned during school hours for traffic duty in that section to protect school children.
Fire Fighters were detailed to stand-by duty as precautionary measure to guard against fire during welding operations or when blow torches were being used for re- pairs in school or public buildings.
In winter months, the Fire Department assisted with the flooding of playgrounds for skating rinks.
April 19, Rescue Unit participated in parade.
April 19, Engine 1 detailed to Lexington Parade.
May 7, Engine 1 in line for opening day of "Little League Baseball" ceremonies.
October 9, Engine 1 assigned to Boston Fire Prevention Parade.
October 11, Engine 1, responded to Hanscom Field, Bedford, to take part in Fire Prevention Program pertaining principally to radio-active material.
BUILDING MAINTENANCE
At Headquarters, contractor started the work of repointing and replacing flashing on the northeast side of brick tower. The other sides are to be undertaken gradually and annually because of the great expense involved.
Cut through new door between main basement and signal room.
The grass plot on Massachusetts Avenue- Franklin Street side of building was re- moved and area black-topped by Public Works Department. The available space to be used for parking of automobiles by Fire Department personnel.
Fire Fighters painted office, furniture and equipment in Chief's Office.
At Highland Station, one hose rack for storage of 2-1/2-inch and 1-1/2-inch fire hose was constructed by Fire Fighters which if purchased would be costly.
Fire Fighters at Highland Station completely redecorated and painted the interior of building; also refinished walls of lavatory with ceramic tile. Plastering of walls was undertaken by the Public Works Department.
Fire Fighters at the three fire stations merit praise for their work and efforts in maintaining so well the Fire Department buildings, a task resulting in great finan- cial saving to the Town.
239
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
During the year, the Highland Station was used for the registration of voters, and for voting purposes on the following dates: March 7, April 26, September 13 and November 8.
The Park Circle Station also was used for registering of voters, besides being the meeting place for many civic groups.
APPARATUS MAINTENANCE
The following major repairs on fire apparatus were undertaken by the Department Master Mechanic, Doward L. Barter resulting in considerable saving in labor costs:
Engine 2 - Installed new 1500 g.p.m. Water Gun on rear deck.
Engine 2 - Completely overhauled pumping system.
Engine 4 - Rear-end assembly entirely replaced.
Engine 5 - Repaired transmission assembly.
Ladder 1 - On February 4, 1960, Aerial Ladder 1 was badly damaged when it struck a tree on Medford Street while Fire Fighters were being in- structed in operation of Tiller Section of the Unit. The rear end and trailer frame sections were repaired in our own Department Repair Shop.
The employment of a Department Mechanic has been profitable not only from a monetary standpoint, but also in the matter of time element because when emergency fire apparatus and other automotive equipment is disabled, repairs are made im- mediately and equipment is returned to service with a minimum loss of time.
RECOMMENDATIONS
For the year 1961 recommend that $589,955 be appropriated to include the re- placement of Chief's Car.
CONCLUSION
I extend deep and sincerest thanks to the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Town Manager, Edward C. Monahan, for close cooperation with the Fire Department. To all Town Departments for helpfulness, my gratitude.
To my own Officers and Men for faithful and devoted performance of duty, my appreciation.
Respectfully submitted, THOMAS H. EGAN
Chief of Fire Department
240
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Report of the Fire and Police Signal System
January 1, 1961
Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Arlington, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
As Superintendent of the Fire and Police Signal System, I submit my Sixth Annual Report for the year ending December 31, 1960.
The System is maintained by Assistant Superintendent Lester W. Cameron to- gether with Signal Maintainers Nicholas J. Bucciero and Frederick J. Manning.
Fire Alarm and Police Signals
Experienced many difficulties as the result of temporary breakdown in aerial and underground lines. Storms, winds, rain, snow and lightning inflicted severe damage and circuits were grounded. September 12, Hurricane Donna, with trees blowing against lines caused brief 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 conducted tests on signal. boxes connected to sprinkler systems.
The following signal boxes were damaged when struck by automobiles:
Police Box 122 Pleasant Street-Concord Turnpike
Police Box 15 Massachusetts Avenue - Tufts Street
and Fire Box 134 (combination box)
Fire Box 351 Mystic Street - Russell Street
Fire Box 77 Lowell Street - Park Avenue
The signal desk at Police Headquarters was overhauled by the Gamewell Com- pany.
Installed new police signal box:
Box 424 Drake Road (Housing for Elderly)
Replaced outmoded type box with 5-call standard type, Police Box 412 Massachu- setts Avenue-Park Avenue.
Installed new fire alarm boxes:
Box 3112 Arlington Catholic High School-16 Medford Street
Box 3932 Winchester Road-Melvin Road
Box 3933 Morningside Drive-Greenwood Road
Box 574 Drake Road (Housing for Elderly)
Box 575 Drake Road (Housing for Elderly)
Box 6441 St. James Church-Appleton Street
Box 7161 Yerxa Road - Opposite No. 50
Box 7171 Hemlock Street-Dickson Avenue
Box 7172 Hemlock Street-Fabyan Street
Box 7182 Dickson Avenue-Wheeler Lane
Box 7191 Washington Street-Mohawk Road
The doors on the following fire alarm boxes were changed from the rattler type to quick-action style door:
241
REPORT OF THE FIRE AND POLICE SIGNAL SYSTEM
Box 354
Mystic Street-Glen Avenue
Box 641 Gray Street-Robbins Road
Box 734 Forest Street-Brand Street
Box 753 Park Avenue Extension-Branch Avenue
Box 862 Appleton Street-Rhinecliff Street
CABLE CONSTRUCTION
Because of street construction on Massachusetts Avenue-Mystic Street: Re- located test terminal, pulled in 2-conductor and 6-conductor cable, 110-foot lengths; cut in new cable in terminal post; cut over 66, 30 and 6-conductor cable in manhole. Removed old cable in old test terminal and made new line to fire and police circuits; spliced and taped cable in manhole.
On Gray Street, aerial lines were rebuilt because the Telephone Company re- constructed its lines in the area of Pleasant Street to Kenilworth Road.
On Massachusetts Avenue from Palmer Street to the Cambridge line, replaced 10-conductor cable with 6-conductor underground cable. Cut over and pulled out old cable installations at each pedestal.
On Massachusetts Avenue-Park Avenue to Lowell Street replaced 10-conductor underground cable with 6-conductor cable and cut over to signal boxes.
Taped 19-pair cable underground on Massachusetts Avenue-Hobbs Court to Forest Street.
Reran and pulled up 2-conductor aerial cable on:
Lombard Terrace Hutchinson Road
Replaced, reran and pulled up 6-conductor aerial cable on:
Appleton Street
Florence Avenue
Concord Turnpike
Rhinecliff Street
Richfield Road Eliot Road
Victoria Road
Colonial Drive
Oakland Avenue
Park Avenue
Hutchinson Road
Highland Avenue
Made 71 transfers of lines to new poles, rebuilt lines and 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.
May 3, 1960, Air Raid Sirens and whistles sounded at 2:30 P.M. as State-Wide test of warning signals.
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
242
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
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
DETAILS
Set up Public address system on many occasions for various Town departments.
Rendered assistance to departments when they requested use of winch and der- rick on fire alarm truck.
April 19, sounded 1-7-7-5 on air whistle at Fire Department Headquarters for Patriots' Day.
The Town Clock in Church Steeple, Massachusetts Avenue-Pleasant 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
1960 Appropriation $22,883
Expended 22,392
Balance $ 491
RECOMMENDATIONS
For the year 1961 recommend that $24,035 be appropriated.
The Committee studying the Town's two-way radio facilities is in the process of Submitting recommendations as contained in a directive received from the Federal Communications Commission.
CONCLUSION
To the members of the Board of Selectmen, to Town Manager, Edward C. Mona- han for kind assistance, my thanks.
To the Assistant Superintendent of the Fire and Police Signal System and his Signal Maintainers, for every-ready performance of duty, my gratitude.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS H. EGAN Superintendent, Fire and Police Signal System
243
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Report of the Board of Selectmen
With the conclusion of another busy year, the Board of Selectmen herewith sub- mits its Annual Report for the year ending December 31, 1960.
Following customary procedure the early part of the year was principally de- voted to the development of a progressive program for the year. Articles were pre- pared for insertion in the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting which, in many instances, required conferences with Town Officials, Boards and Commissions.
By virtue of the vote cast at the Annual Town Meeting Messrs. Joseph P. Greeley and Horace H. Homer were elected as Selectmen for three year terms. At a sub- sequent meeting thereafter, the Board organized and elected Mr. Daniel J. Buckley, Jr. as Chairman and Mr. John O. Parker as Vice Chairman by acclamation.
Regular meetings were held weekly throughout the year with the exception of the summer months when biweekly meetings were held in accordance with past custom. Instances arose, however, when special meetings had to be called for the purpose of conducting hearings or other matters that could not be conveniently accommodated at the regular sessions.
After a decade of immunity from major crimes violence again reared its ugly head in Arlington. On the early evening of March 21st, a group of delinquent teen- agers from a neighboring town descended upon our community to avenge an alleged loss of personal prestige at the hands of local youths. During an altercation which arose at a neighborhood variety store where this gang had gathered to seek out their supposed enemies, a fracas ensued and Franklin Theal, a young adult who attempted to intercede, was fatally stabbed. The Board was gravely concerned over this episode and although the perpetrators of this crime were speedily apprehended by the police, measures were immediately instituted to prevent any recurrence of similar disorders. With the full cooperation of the Town Manager and the Chief of Police, counter meas- ures were adopted to discourage group gatherings which could prove troublesome and all motor vehicles containing minors which were traveling the ways of the Town during evening hours were stopped, the passengers identified and information relative to their origin and destination obtained. We believe that through efficient police supervision and constant vigilance this evil has been eliminated from the ways of the Town and intend to continue a policy which will provide maximum protection to the Town's citizens.
Each year the Legislature amends present laws and enacts new legislation which must necessarily be incorporated into our administrative system. Some of this is advantageous and some is considered detrimental, but since there is no alternative we must perforce obey these mandates. Two pieces of legislation recently enacted have, however, increased the burdens of this office. The first affects us as the Re- tiring Authority for employees that qualify for non-contributory pensions and provides that employees who have been retired because of disability are prohibited from earn- ing more than the difference between their pension and the salary established for the grade from which they retired. As a result questionnaires were prepared and sent out to some thirty-eight pensioners who were required to complete them under the penalties of perjury. From replies received several had exceeded the yearly earn- ings permitted and as a result some $6,000.00, had to be returned to the Town.
A second piece of legislation became effective during the year which prohibited the counting of ballots during voting hours and thereby disrupted procedures which had been in effect for decades. Since this law affected the State Primary and the Presidential Election, an entirely new program had to be devised with dispatch. Each precinct had to be revised to include facilities for the usual voting, as well as ex- pansion for extra chairs, tables, lighting and all pertinent details which were neces- sary for the tabulators. Extra helphadto be recruited in a manner which would pro- vide equal representation from both major political parties and inexperienced personnel had to be briefed on their respective duties. The net result of this change disclosed that it was vastly inferior to the previous method in force and that in ad- dition it increased the cost of these elections by $3,400.00. Our opinions in this respect seem to be shared by practically all Town Officials in the State and an effort will be made to repeal this law at the next Legislative Session.
244
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
The renovation of Arlington Center and the relocation of Mystic Street, claimed a great deal of our attention with its attendant legal and physical problems. A sched- ule was developed containing time limitations during which each phase of the work was to be completed, but due to unanticipated complications it became impossible to adhere to this schedule. At this writing, however, the relocation of Mystic Street, has been completed and is in partial use. We anticipate that traffic signals will be installed in this area early in 1961, which should complete the program for efficient traffic movement in this area. The next phase will involve the development of the old section of Mystic Street, for metered parking as an adjunct to the Russell Com- mon Parking Area. The necessary grading and paving and other detailed installations required for this improvement will be completed by Town forces during the spring of the coming year. A further short term parking area is currently being considered on the former Railroad land in the rear of Railroad Avenue, with access from Water Street. This proposal recommended by Planning Consultants currently retained by the Town is being studied and if ultimately completed will have discharged the Town's obligations in improving the center area for efficient use as a shopping center. The final determination in this respect now rests with the businessmen in the area and we sincerely hope that they will take advantage of the improvements made with resultant prosperity to themselves and to the Town as a whole.
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