Town of Arlington annual report 1962, Part 24

Author: Arlington (Mass.)
Publication date: 1962
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 426


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The President's Committee on Juvenile Delinquency and Youth Crime The U.S. Children's Bureau and the National Institutes of Health of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare


Personal and written contacts have also been made with Dean Charles Schottland of Brandeis University and Dr. Katherine Spencer, Associate Professor of Research at Boston University. Exploration was made, too, with the Massachusetts Department of Public Welfare through its Division of Child Guardianship for possible funds through that source.


We met also with Dr. Reginald Robinson, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Committee on Children and Youth requesting that Arlington be selected as one of the two communities in the State to be used in a study by that committee. We were told that much of what their committee planned to study and evaluate had already been done in Arlington and that in effect, we were ready to demonstrate some of our proposals.


258


ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT


Continued negotiations have been carried on by this Department and the New England Regional Office of the Children's Bureau who appeared most responsive to our proposal. These negotiations pointed up the need for fur- ther involvement by this Department in carrying out a number of basic pre- requisites in order that any proposed projects be meaningful, a value to the community, and of interest in a researchable demonstration to the granting agency.


In order to institute these basic pre-requisites through this Department, the Board of Directors of the Department of Youth Services entered into negotiations with United Community Services of Boston for a grant. That request was honored by United Community Services with a grant of $10,000. for the year 1963 with the assignment of the undersigned as the Director on a full-time basis as of January 1, 1963.


With the services of a full-time Director, the Department is prepared at this time to offer the following services to the Town:


A. The establishment of a Central Registration and Clearance Bureau on all youth problem cases in the Town.


B. The calling of case conferences around an individual or group problem to better focus the responsibility and function of each agency in- volved.


C. To act as a Central Referral Unit for the Town on youth problem cases.


D. To render appropriate consultation, when requested, to persons in the community working with youngsters.


E. To serve as a Resource Bureau on activities and programs for young- sters in Arlington.


Respectfully submitted,


TGH:mwd


TINA G. HOWELL Director


259


REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL BOARD


Annual Report of the Personnel Board


January 21, 1963


To the Citizens of Arlington:


The Personnel Board herewith respectfully submits its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1962.


The membership of the Board changed with the appointment of Kenneth R. Andrews to replace F. Lawrence Doherty. William J. Frost was reap- pointed and elected Chairman for the coming year. The appointment of Robert L. Johnson, an employee representative, will expire on March 12, 1963. Paul E. Widder and Edward J. Swadkins, an employee representative, were appointed to March 12, 1964.


The Board has held 15 meetings during the year and considered 27 re- quests of individuals, committees and appointing authorities. A request from the various employee organizations for a general flat increase for all employees, a reduction in service for three weeks vacation, and vacation and sick leave credit while on service connected injury leave was consid- ered. Since the cost of living continues to rise and the salary rates in com- parable communities have 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 withthe Town Man- ager, department heads, employees and the Division of Civil Service on matters pertaining to Civil Service procedure, the operation of the Classifi- cation and Pay Plan and the Leave Regulations. The following are some of the personnel procedures handled by the department this year:


Civil Service requisitions


102


Emergency appointments


81


Appointments, temporary, provisional, renewals


235


Permanent appointments


40


Promotions - permanent and temporary


25


Termination of temporary employment


197


Termination of permanent employment


27


Permanent and temporary transfers Loyalty Oaths Group Insurance


13


110


22


There are at present 562 permanent full-time, 21 permanent part-time, 6 temporary full-time, 45 temporary part-time, and 36 seasonal part-time classified employees in the service of the Town. The peak employment period is during the summer months with a total of 798. These figures do not include the personnel under the School Committee.


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 responsi- bilities involved. We also wish to express our sincere appreciation for the capable services of our Executive Secretary and for the clerical work per- formed by Mrs. Helen Mc Cluskey.


Respectfully submitted,


Robert L. Johnson Edward J. Swadkins Paul E. Widder


Kenneth R. Andrews William J. Frost, Chairman


260


ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT


Report of the Purchasing Department


Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Arlington, Massachusetts


Dear Mr. Monahan:


I herewith submit my report as Assistant Purchasing Agent for the year ending December 31, 1962.


My predecessor, James L. Sullivan, Administrative Assistant to the Town Manager, served until February 9, 1962. Iwas appointed by the Town Manager effective February 12, 1962.


The year 1962 saw a continued rise in the cost of materials, supplies, and services which are necessary in order that the various Departments may function in an efficient manner. This rise was offset to some degree by our obtaining better competition from an increased list of Vendors.


The Department expanded its lists of prospective suppliers and provided complete specifications to the Vendors.


In 1962 we were able to obtain a price discount on Gasoline of .0559 which compares very favorably with discount of .0520 obtained in 1961. Investi- gation of discounts received by other Towns and Cities of comparable size reveals that we are purchasing Gasoline at an excellent price. When it is considered that we use approximately 160,000 gallons per year the resulting savings are substantial.


The preparation of Specifications for the numerous items for which Bids were sought during the year required much effort in order that every Bidder clearly understand what was expected of him. Some idea of the scope of this work may be deducted when it is considered that each year we must seek Bids on all Capital Outlay expenditures for all Departments with the exception of the School Department for educational needs.


In addition to these, are the numerous requirements for the normal operation of the various Departments. To cite a few, we called for Bids on Gasoline for all Motor Vehicles owned by the Town; Fuel Oil and Coal for all of the Schools and other Public Buildings; Tires; Motor Oils; Greases; Stor- age Batteries; Incandescent and Fluorescent lamps; Police and Fire Depart- ment Uniforms, etc.


All of the items which were required continually during the year were covered by a Contract for one year with accompanying Performance Bonds and in some instances Insurance Certificates. All Bids were carefully analyzed prior to award and thorough investigation made as to the responsi- bility of those Bidders with whom the Town was unfamiliar.


In the case of smaller requirements quotations were sought from three or more Vendors by telephone, and in those instances where the requirement ranged from $400.00 to $1,000.00 bids were sought by letters to three or more Vendors with public opening.


The continuing responsibility of the Purchasing Department is to obtain competition for materials, supplies and services needed by the Town in order that we may be able to purchase such requirements at the lowest possible prices in a competitive market.


I wish to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to the Town Manager, Board of Selectmen, various Boards, Trustees, Town Offi- cials, Department Heads and to my Staff for their co-operation throughout the year.


Respectfully submitted, Warren E. O'Leary


Assistant Purchasing Agent


261


REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT


Annual Report of the Fire Department


January 1, 1963


Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager


Arlington, Massachusetts


Dear Sir:


I submit my Eighth Annual Report as Chief of the Arlington Fire De- partment for the year ending December 31, 1962.


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 B. Hurley.


RETIREMENTS


August 8, 1962, Deputy Chief Bartholomew J. McGreevy, a member of the Department since 1925, retired on disability pension.


December 9, 1962, Captain George J. W. Kenney, was pensioned upon reaching compulsory retirement age. He was appointed in 1923.


Through the years, devotion to duty by both men was outstanding. Will- ing and loyal; these Fire Fighters gave their best efforts to the fire service.


PROMOTIONS


The following were advanced in rank:


May 27, 1962, Charles J. McCue from Lieutenant to Captain (Replace- ment for Captain Charles Doherty).


September 9, 1962, Fire Fighter John F. Hughes to Lieutenant (Re- placement for Lieutenant McCue).


December 2, 1962, Charles J. Doherty from Captain to Deputy Chief (Replacement for Deputy McGreevy).


December 30, 1962, Robert E. Kelly from Lieutenant to Captain (Re- placement for Captain Kenney).


December 30, 1962, Fire Fighter Daniel J. Campobasso to Lieutenant (Filling vacancy caused by advancement of Lieutenant Robert Kelly).


July 1, 1962 to November 27, 1962, Captain Charles J. O'Neil acted as Temporary Deputy Chief.


Appointments


Appointed permanent Fire Fighters were:


September 16, 1962, Joseph P. Zavaglia, 50 Mystic Valley Parkway, (Replacing John Hughes).


December 30, 1962, Leonard E. LaRue, 14 Fremont Street, (Replacing Daniel Campobasso).


262


ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT


DEPARTMENT CHAPLAINS


Reverend Father Charles A. McCarthy, curate at St. James Church; and Reverend 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 (1961-Mack tractor attached to 1937 Seagrave (trailer), 85- foot aerial ladder truck


Rescue 1 (1958-Mack), equipped for emergency calls and floodlighting operations


Life Boat (1952), 14-foot metal boat with outboard motor and life-saving equipment


Chief's Car (1961-Pontiac)


Deputy's Car (1962-Chevrolet)


Fire Prevention Car (1959-Ford)


Utility Pick-up Truck (1952), 3/4-ton capacity


APPARATUS AT HIGHLAND STATION


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


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


Heavy-duty Maintenance Truck (rebuilt 1945 Mack chassis) carries 5000-watt Generator Unit supplying power for six floodlights.


APPARATUS AT PARK CIRCLE STATION


Aerial Ladder 3 (1949-Seagrave), a Quintuplet Unit comprising 750- gallon centrifugal 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.


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


IN ACTIVE RESERVE


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


RESPONSE


The Department responded to 1194 calls of which 383 were Box Alarms, 730 Still Alarms and 81 Mutual Aid (Out-of-town) calls; of the 838 telephone calls received, 128 were Box Alarms and 710 were Still Alarms.


In 1961 there was a total of 1065 calls.


A summary of alarms revealed that the greatest number of such calls occurred in the month of May; that more occurred on Saturday than any other day of the week, and also that of these calls, the largest number were be- tween the hours of 11:00 A.M. and 12 Noon; and between 4:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M.


One hundred and fifty false alarms were sounded as compared to 128 in 1961


263


REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT


Rescue Unit #1 responded to 122 First Aid Emergency calls where the Resuscitator and Inhalator were requested for administration of oxygen. Rescue equipment on this Unit was used on several occasions to release persons trapped when involved in automobile accidents; also on calls to homes where accidents occurred through the misuse and faulty operation of home appliances.


Received 7 calls for use of Department Life Boat.


CAUSES OF ALARMS IN 1962


Accidents


10


Lightning.


4


Automobiles


75


Locked Out


104


Blow Torch


1


Miscellaneous


36


Careless Smoking


46


Needless .


28


Children and Matches


18


Oil Burners


28


Chimneys


4


Oil Tank Leaks


9


Drownings


2


Out-of-town


81


Dump


8


Paint Remover


1


False Alarms


.150


Refrigerators


8


Fireplaces


2


Rubbish


27


First Aid


122


Spontaneous Ignition . 5


9


Gasoline .


24


Televisions


4


Grass


229


Unknown .


2


Grease


9


Water Department Details


5


Heaters


16


Water Leaks .


19


Incinerators


5


Wiring (Inside)


55


Investigating .


14


Wiring (Outside).


24


GENERAL SUMMARY OF EQUIPMENT USED AT FIRES


Ladders Raised


5215 feet


Hose Used .


50400 feet


Water from Booster Tanks


26850 gallons


Pumping Operations


350 for 55 hours


Miles Travelled


5640 miles


Service Time


2825 hours


MULTIPLE ALARMS


April 6, 1962, 2nd alarm sounded, Box 823 at 9:46 P.M. for house fire at 16 Florence Avenue with resulting loss of $1900.


July 29, 1962, 2nd alarm sounded, Box 3531 at 5:16 P.M. for fire in warehouse at 40 Water Street with a loss of $6439.


FATALITIES


June 29, 1962, Raymond Barato, 12 years old, 47 Bayard Street, Allston, drowned in Spy Pond.


August 23, 1962, Peter Griffith, age 2 1/2 years, 39 Lafayette Street, drowned in Alewife Brook.


September 29, 1962, Susan Donaldson, 4 Marion Circle, died from smoke inhalation.


WEATHER DATA


May 31, 1962, a severe electrical storm caused heavy flooding through- out the town.


Gas Leaks


10


Sprinkler Systems .


264


ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT


June 19, 1962, tornado conditions were threatening and the Fire De- partment was alerted. However, tornado did not develop.


October 6-8, 1962, Hurricane Daisy. Rain deposited from northeast storm, with hurricane force, resulted in abnormal flooding in various sec- tions of the Town. The Fire Department was deluged with calls for assist- ance from property owners to remove water from cellars and basements of buildings. During the year, also after other minor storms, numerous calls were received to pump water from flooded cellars.


December 30, 1962, experienced cold wave with continuous zero temper- atures and full gale winds during which time, the Fire Department had many requests to help in cases where frozen or broken water pipes occurred in dwellings and business establishments. Several sprinkler systems were rendered inoperative because of zero weather.


FIRE LOSSES


Ninety-two losses occurred, 24 of which accounted for $85,475 of the entire yearly loss.


The total assessed value of property endangered, insurance thereon, loss sustained, and the amount of insurance paid are as follows:


Assessed Value


Insurance


Damage and Insurance Paid


Buildings


$1,233,650


$2,724,750


$ 72,167


Contents


258,350


258,350


31,079


Total


$1,492,000


$2,983,100


$103,246


APPROPRIATION


1962 Appropriation


$641,037


Expended


638,951


Balance


$


2,086


CREDITS


Fees for 38 permits to Blast .


$19.00


Fees for 6 permits for Flammable Fluids


3.00


Fees for 15 permits to use Tar Kettles


7.50


Sale of Junk .


25.58


$55.08


REPORT OF DEPARTMENT PHYSICIAN


Dr. Edward W. Feeley, Department Physician, rendered the following services in 1962: Office Calls 63, Station Calls 1, Hospital Calls 4, Physical Examinations 2. Furthermore, Dr. Feeley responded to emergency calls and alarms of fire. Several conferences were held with the Fire Chief on medi- cal matters pertaining to the Department. December 28th, Dr. Feeley in- oculated the Members of Department for prevention of Asian Flu.


FIRE PREVENTION


Periodic inspections were made by Fire Fighters inplaces of business, public buildings, schools, hospitals, convalescent homes and places of public assembly. A record was kept of existing conditions with date when correc- tions were made. The Deputy Chiefs conducted quarterly inspections of Town-owned buildings in conjunction with insurance program.


265


REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT


Recharged 313 fire extinguishers in these buildings. For the third year, carried out the "In-Service" Plan of recharging extinguishers in public buildings whereby fire apparatus with Fire Fighters responded to each build- ing, instructing occupants in the operation and actual use of a fire extinguish- er in case of fire.


For the seventh year, in October, at the request of Catholic Archbishop of Boston, the Fire Department inspected Catholic Churches, convents, schools and other church property in Arlington, noting conditions found. These reports with recommendations were forwarded to the Chancellery.


During 1962, Lieutenant Daniel J. Mahoney, Inspector of Oil Burning Installations and Flammables, inspected 340 oil burners in addition to flam- mable installations and storage equipment. Two hundred and twenty permits were issued for approved installations after inspection. It was necessary to reinspect 120 installations because of faulty equipment and failure of in- stallers to meet all rules and regulations pertaining to oil burners and stor- age of flammables. Extensive and prolonged investigations also were conducted for removal of petroleum products from old and defective under- ground storage.


FIRE PREVENTION WEEK


October 7-13th was observed as Fire Prevention Week. Fire Depart- ment Officers distributed timely and conspicuous posters marking this oc- casion which were placed in public buildings in the Town. Practical Fire Prevention pamphlets and booklets for children were passed out to schools with permission of Dr. Bert A. Roens, Superintendent of Schools. These pamphlets were interesting and favorably received by the children.


During Fire Prevention Week activities, the Public Works Department cooperated in removing accumulated rubbish set out at curbings by occu- pants for collection.


DWELLING INSPECTIONS


For the sixth year, conducted "In-Service" Inspection of Dwellings whereby approximately 11,200 homes were inspected by Fire Fighters with apparatus. Continuous contact with Fire Department Headquarters was maintained through the medium of two-way radio. Many weeks were re- quired for Dwelling Inspections - a most vital phase of fire prevention for reducing hazards in the home.


In conjunction with this Inspection, the "Clean-Up, Fix-up, Paint-up" Program for 1962 began on April 16th and continued until May 26th. Such a home inspection campaign makes fire prevention realistic to all. It pre- sents an opportunity whereby Fire Fighters reveal existing fire hazards, suggesting ways for their elimination. Emphasis is givento the importance of practicing fire safety in the home and stressing the need for constant vigilance.


During this "Clean-up" period, the Public Works Department fully co- operated in removing rubbish and debris which was placed on sidewalks for pick-up - an opportunity afforded twice a year, in the Spring and the Fall. Lieutenant Harold C. O'Leary directed that program for the fourth year.


FIRE DRILLS IN SCHOOLS


The Annual Fire Drill for evacuation of children from school buildings under the supervision of Officers of the Arlington Fire Department was conducted in public, parochial and private schools.


266


ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT


A record was made of the number of classrooms, pupils, exits used and the time required to evacuate each building, a copy of which was sent to the School Department.


For the eighth year, our "In-Service" method was employed whereby Fire Fighters with apparatus went to schools for the holding of fire drills and at the same time through means of two-way radio remained in service for fire duty in the event of alarm of fire. Complying with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 148, four such drills are given during a school year by the Fire Department.


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 Nursing Homes in Arlington, and the required fire drill was held. Reports were forwarded to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.


HYDRANT INSPECTIONS


For the eighth year, Fire Fighters continued the semi-annual "In-Serv- ice" Inspection of approximately 1320 hydrants in Arlington under the di- rection of Lieutenant Harold C. O'Leary.


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. Faulty and defective hydrants were reported to the Water Department for repairs.


The winter inspection for frozen and defective hydrants started Novem- ber 5th. Tests were made during the daytime. If water was present in barrel of hydrant it was pumped out by testing crew of Fire Fighters. Hy- drants found frozen were thawed immediately by the Fire Department and the Water Department was notified.


TRAINING OF FIRE FIGHTERS


Fire Fighters participated in frequent drills in their stations and were instructed in proper methods and use of Fire Department Equipment. Rou- tine drills were held in pumping, drafting and life boat practice on Spy Pond and at the Heights Reservoir. Under the direction of Department Mechanic, Doward L. Barter, and Company Officers, conducted driver-training pro- gram, and Fire Fighters received instruction in the mechanical operation of fire apparatus, ladder trucks and aerial ladders.


On invitation, Officers of the Arlington Fire Department attended classes at the Boston Fire Department Training Academy, Moon Island; and also at Hanscom Air Base, U.S.A.F., Bedford. Witnessed demonstration of patient evacuation from hospitals, conducted at McLean Hospital, Waverly. A lecture on detection of natural and other explosive gases was given by pro- fessional registered engineer, Edson White at Fire Department Headquarters.


AUXILIARY FIRE FIGHTERS


Much praise is due our Auxiliary Fire Fighters for their ever-ready assistance. They gave time daily by "covering in" at the stations from 7:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.


Deputy Chief Irving L. Proctor is Fire Department Coordinator for this group under the direction of Civil Defense.


267


REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT


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 repairs in school or public buildings.


April 19th, Rescue Unit #1 participated in Patriots' Day Parade in Arlington and also in Lexington.


May 5th, Engine #1 with Crew took part in "Little League Baseball" Parade.


May 30th, Arlington Fire Fighters marched in Memorial Day Parade.


October 14th, Engine #1 detailed to Boston Fire Department Parade for observance of Fire Prevention Week.


During 1962, the Highland Fire Station was utilized for registration of voters and voting purposes by the Town of Arlington. Park Circle Station also was used for voter registration besides being a meeting place for many civic groups.


RADIO SYSTEM


November 23, 1962, the new "Local Government Radio System" for use by the Town of Arlington, was placed in commission in compliance with a Directive from the Federal Communications Commission. The Fire De- partment is assigned code "Number Five", operating "KBC 888" with 158.760 MC frequency.


BUILDING MAINTENANCE


At Headquarters, the contractor continued work of repointing and re- placing flashing on brick tower. One side of tower now remains to be re- pointed. This work is undertaken gradually and annually because of the great expense involved. With completion of work on tower, all brick con- struction on upper section of building will have been repointed - a project in progress since 1956.


Fire Fighters at the three fire stations deserve credit for their work and efforts in maintaining so well these buildings, a task resulting in con- siderable financial saving to the Town.


RECOMMENDATIONS


For the year 1963 recommend that $647,119 be appropriated.




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