USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1962 > Part 27
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On June 4th the Library held an International Party to which new "Arlington-citizens from abroad" were invited. These new citizens, about 30 in number, were introduced to the library through talks and tours, and then enjoyed a social hour getting acquainted with each other and the trustees and staff.
The library has been host to many visitors from abroad during the past year, several of whom have given talks to the staff at staff meetings. Notable speakers were: Chinaka Esiaba, Nigerian educator and scientist, Miss Maria Villaca, professor from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Mrs. John Barry, librarian from Hounslow, Middlesex, England.
OUTSTANDING CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES
Sixty Saturday morning programs of stories, movies and special events were presented during the year. Most of these were given at the Junior Library and the Dallin Branch where excellent meeting rooms are available.
291
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
In the fall, however, story hours were resumed at the East Branch where they have been held in the corner of the library itself as there was no other acceptable area for this activity.
The Book Parade Reading Club attracted almost 1,000 children during the summer months, 331 children participated at the Main Library, 306 at Dallin, and 323 at East. This program seems to fill a need during the sum- mer months and helps to furnish a worthwhile activity for the children during the long summer days which have to be filled with some type of work or recreation.
Spring Book Festival and Book Week in November were appropriately observed by the Junior Library and the Branches with exhibits of new books, story hours, visits of the school classes to the libraries, and so forth.
SCHOOL LIBRARY PROGRAM
Two additional elementary school libraries were opened in 1962, the Peirce in March and the Stratton in the fall. All eleven elementary schools now have basic libraries with trained librarians to carry on the program of instruction and reading enrichment. According to the Branch Librarian of the Dallin Branch "the influence of school libraries has been noticed among many boys and girls (coming to the public library) to look for more books for pleasure reading as well as for school work." During the past year 80,450 books were circulated from the school libraries. The following chart will show the number borrowed from each school:
SCHOOL LIBRARY CIRCULATION - 1962
1961
1962
Gain or Loss - 1962
Bishop
6,442
8,266
+
1,824
Brackett
6,820
8,313
+ 1,493
Crosby
5,812
6,038
+ 226
Cutter
8,517
6,402
- 2,115
Dallin
7,031
8,337
+ 1,306
Hardy
8,464
10,478
+
2,014
Locke
5,858
7,532
+
1,674
Parmenter
5,029
5,739
+
710
Peirce
.....
6,330
+
6,330
Stratton
.....
3,769
+
3,769
Thompson
9,363
9,246
117
Total
63,336
80,450
+ 17,114
These school libraries are now carrying on the Certificate Reading Program which has undergone a number of changes with the emphasis on quality instead of quantity in reading. Honor Certificates have been replaced by Gold Seal Certificates to be issued after 10 Gold Star books have been read. In 1962, 1248 certificates were awarded.
YOUNG PEOPLE'S DEPARTMENT
One full year has now elapsed since a room especially for their use was made available to the Young People of High School age. During this year a noticeable change has taken place on the part of these teenagers. According to the Young People's Librarian, they "are more aware of the location of the room, how books are arranged and what service is available." This has re- sulted in increased use of their facilities. Even at best, however, this area with its twenty chairs, is much too limited for the needs of the young people who are turning to the libraries in such numbers for help in their school assignments.
292
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
MUSIC AND ART DEPARTMENT
In 1962 this department continued to be one of the most popular of the library system with a wide range of borrowers, from the child to the musi- cologist. According to the new Music Librarian who assumed her duties in November, the collection, numbering 3,326 recordings "is extremely well balanced with a definite emphasis upon the well known classical forms, jazz, folk music, and children's recordings." During the past year an extraordi- nary number of parents used this department, searching for nursery songs and poems, and untold numbers of High School students came looking for an- other Bruback disc.
The Film service, too, was used to good advantage during 1962. Church organizations, special school groups and other town societies have used the films which are secured chiefly through the Massachusetts Film Cooperative of the Department of Education, and the Canadian Travel Film Library.
OTHER DEPARTMENTS, Unsung, but not Forgotten
The "World of Books" in Arlington would not be available were it not for the efforts of the Book Committee, the Catalogers, the Processing Staff, and all the assistants who help in purchasing and preparing the books for the use of the public. Likewise, hundreds of books would not be available to the readers were it not for the efforts of library personnel to keep these books in good condition, to get them back from forgetful borrowers and in general to "guard and keep" them. A few statistics are included to illustrate the work of these people during the year just past.
Books added to the collection (3,088 of which were new titles) 8,429
Books withdrawn from the collection 5,513
Books processed for the elementary School Libraries 3,172
Books borrowed through the Inter-Library loan by special request 181 Books reserved for borrowers ยท
6,045 . . Books loaned to other agencies through Inter-Library loan 197
Notices sent for overdue books
21,840
ACTIVITIES OF THE STAFF
Several of the Staff members have served on Boards and committees of the various library associations. The Librarian and Assistant Librarian have been members of the Executive Board of the Massachusetts Library Association and have headed a number of committees.
The Supervisor of Children's Library Activities was a member of the Program Committee for the Boston Herald Traveler's Book Fair in November and she also served on the steering committee of the Eastern Massachusetts Children's Book Reviewing Club.
Various staff members have also been available for book talks before PTA groups, Church groups and other civic organizations.
Three staff members studied at the School of Library Science, Simmons College, working toward their Master's Degree in Library Science.
EXHIBITS, GIFTS and HOBBY LOANS
Many library borrowers have furnished articles for exhibits at the Main Library and at the Branches. These have been much appreciated and have caused wide attention. Other patrons have given books and periodicals to the library, and have furnished flowers for the desks. All these expressions of good will are gratefully acknowledged.
293
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
Another year has passed. The Staff of the Robbins Library looks back with a sense of satisfaction on the achievements and progress made by the Robbins Library in 1962, in its service to Arlington. The Librarian realizes this success was due to the efforts and loyalty of the Staff, to the dedicated interest of the Trustees which has been truly outstanding, to the cooperation and constant help of the Town Manager who has many times come to the li- brary's aid during the past year. The Librarian also knows that without the efficient and willing custodial staff, the library programs would have suffered immeasurably. To all, then, she herewith expresses her appreciation for services rendered during the past year, and her hope for continued coopera- tion toward increased service and usefulness in the year ahead, when ac- cording to present plans, the ongoing alteration program will be completed, and enlarged quarters available for Arlington's "World of Books."
"Books are the legacies that a great genius leaves to mankind, which are delivered down from generation to generation as presents to the posterity of those who are yet unborn."
Joseph Addison
294
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
STATISTICAL REPORT
Population served
49,953
Total Volumes in Book Collection,
December 31, 1962.
139,848
Total Circulation .
464,742
Books & Periodicals .
439,827
Main Library
Adult Dept. 143,373
Young People's Dept.
35,323
Junior Library
77,264
Dallin Branch .
74,868
East Branch
99,006
Hospital .
2,111
School & Special Deposits
7,882
Phonorecords 23,471
Pictures . 1,032
Films
412
Total Circulation - Elementary School Libraries 80,450
(not included in above figures)
APPROPRIATION
Personal Services - $204,634.90. $201,136.90
- 3,498.00 Transf. Out
Books, Periodicals and Bindery
36,500.00
Record Albums
2,000.00
All Other
24,420.00
Capital Outlay
3,491.00
Out of State Travel .
300.00
TOTAL
$267,847.90
EXPENDITURES
Personal Services
$197,129.03
Books, Periodicals and Bindery
36,620.34
Record Albums
2,221.21
All Other
23,531.36
Capital Outlay
4,246.66
Out of State Travel .
300.00
TOTAL
$264,048.60
*Balance Capital Outlay carried over from previous year.
295
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Annual Report of the Department of Public Works
Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Robbins Memorial Town Hall Arlington, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Monahan:
I herewith submit the Annual Report of the Department of Public Works for the year ending December 31, 1962.
During 1962 the Public Works Department constructed Arrowhead Lane, from end of acceptance to Windmill Lane; Browning Road, from Homer Road to Nos. 53 and 56; Dow Avenue, from Rhinecliff Street to Valentine Road; and Fairview Avenue, from Mystic Street to Mystic Bank. Homer Road, from Wadsworth Road to Browning Road; Oakland Avenue, from Claremont Avenue to Charlton Street and Pheasant Avenue, from Ronald Road to Fabyan Street were constructed by contract.
Under Article 61 of the 1962 Warrant certain Ways which had originally been constructed by Developers were completed by the Department. These streets were Campbell Road, from Dow Avenue to Wollaston Avenue; Charles Street, from Pine Street to Mead Road; Dickson Avenue, from Hemlock Street to Mountain Avenue; Lawrence Lane, from Clyde Terrace to its end; Mohawk Road, from Washington Street to Ridge Street; Morningside Drive from Melvin Road to property line near Teresa Circle; Mountain A venue from end of acceptance of Wheeler Lane to Dickson Avenue; Ridge Street, from Pamela Drive to College Avenue; Stowecroft Road, from north of Sorenson Court to south of College Avenue; Tomahawk Road, from #19 to #42; and Wollaston Avenue, from Appleton Street to Campbell Road.
Under Article 35 of the Warrant new concrete and bituminous con- crete sidewalks, drives and new curbstones were installed in various loca- tions throughout the Town. All projects ordered in by the Board of Select- men were completed within the current year.
The replacing with concrete or bituminous concrete those areas of public sidewalks which have deteriorated was continued under Article 36 of the Warrant.
Where streets were reconstructed by Contract under Chapter 90 the De- partment provided concrete drain pipe, manhole covers and frames, and catch basin frames and grates in addition to providing locations of under- ground structures.
Work continued on improvements at the New Town Yard on Grove Street. In many instances the labor was provided by Public Works personnel with materials being provided out of funds from Article 38 of the Warrant.
On Friday, October 5, 1962 a heavy rain storm known as "Daisy" hit Arlington at approximately 11 P.M. Units were immediately alerted to check flow of Mill Brook; conditions at Height's Reservoir; check conditions at catch basins throughout the Town; check sewer pump chambers and all known trouble spots.
At 7:00 A.M. Saturday, October 6, 1962 the entire department was alerted. Units were assigned for sandbagging preparation in anticipation of overflows; units were assigned to clear catch basins of known trouble spots;
296
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
a cellar pumping program was instituted in conjunction with the Fire De- partment; the height of the Reservoir was checked and sluiceway closed. Park Department and Tree Department employees were integrated into our program.
At approximately 3:00 P.M. investigation of a call that there was a water main break on Robin Hood Road revealed that the Upper Mystic Lake was overflowing onto properties abutting the Upper Mystic Lake. A road grader was immediately assigned to cut a "channel" for the overflow in order that it would be released into the Lower Mystic Lake. Sandbagging the point of overflow was started and well over 2,000 sandbags were placed along the shore line of Upper Mystic Lake. The Charlestown Navy Yard provided 1,000 filled sandbags to our trucks which was greatly appreciated. At ap- proximately 7:00 P.M. sandbags were placed on shore line of Alewife Brook at Sunnyside Avenue. During this period the cellar pumping program in- creased and many private pumps were hired to aid our townspeople.
On Sunday it became necessary to raise the heights of our sandbags at Upper Mystic Lake another two bags for a distance of over 80 feet. Through- out Sunday washouts were repaired, cellars were pumped, and constant ob- servation kept of Reservoir, Mill Brook and Upper Mystic Lake.
On Monday, a serious stoppage occurred in sewer manhole on Lowell Street just beyond Reservoir Road. Emergency pumping measures had to be taken to allow residents in the area the continued use of sinks, toilets, etc. This entire main had to be rodded out under extremely difficult conditions. At 3:00 P.M. a stem on the gate at the sluiceway to Reservoir became weak- ened necessitating immediate measures to stem the flow of water from the Reservoir. Men and equipment were assigned to all bridges and culverts along the Mill Brookfrom Park Avenue to the Mystic Lake. All business es- tablishments abutting the Mill Brook were immediately notified. The flow of water over sluiceway was brought under control at approximately 5:10 P.M. Fortunately the property damage was kept to a minimum.
Throughout this entire period of emergency our new Town-wide Motor- ola Radio Two-way System performed wonderfully. We were able to keep constant contact with all emergency equipment and personnel. It was a perfect opportunity to check the over-all efficiency of this new Radio System and I personally was greatly impressed.
I wish to publicly commend Commander Nelson of the Charlestown Navy Yard for his splendid co-operation.
Our Sewer and Water Systems were extended in various locations and in instances where work was performed by developers, inspection was provided.
We continued to improve upon the efficiency of our Water System, elim- inating in some instances dead ends and installing and repairing hydrants where necessary. The Fire Department, as before, continued through their periodic hydrant pressure tests to alert us immediately of any necessary repairs to said hydrants.
In 1962 we cleaned and flushed 163,910 feet or over 31 miles of Sewer Main throughout the Town. We also serviced continually 8 sewer pump cham- bers. These chambers must be constantly observed and of necessity imme- diately repaired when breakdown occurs. We received numerous requests to aid townspeople whose particular sewer connections had become clogged. As I have stated before this service is obviously greatly appreciated by those in distress.
Our Storm Drain System was enlarged in many locations (see Chart- Table III) and in many instances we are now installing larger frames and
297
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
grates. Mains were flushed and catch basins constantly cleaned throughout the Town.
Under the provisions of Article 67 of the Warrant, storm drain was in- stalled through private lands from Day Street northerly and northeasterly to the rear of No. 10 Day Street and No. 74 Valentine Road. Under the provi- sions of Article 68 of the Warrant, storm drain was installed through private lands from a spring or well at the rear of No. 48 Walnut Street.
Public roads and sidewalks were maintained and 62,052 square yards of roadways sealcoated. I recommend the continuance of this program and also that some thought be given to completely reconstructing some sections of our older roadways in the future.
Our rubbish is still being disposed of at the Land Reclamation Area on Summer Street east of Reed Street. We collect from all the dwellings and approximately 90% of the places of business in the Town. We also collected garbage which was effectively disposed of at the same area until a contract was entered into with Pitt Disposal Company effective June 4, 1962. It was necessary to have three distinct public openings before we were finally able to obtain bid considered reasonable. This Company purchased all new equip- ment and in my opinion are doing a satisfactory job of collecting and remov- ing the garbage from the Town. The contract was signed for a three year period which will terminate in 1965. All complaints during the transition period were handled satisfactorily.
During the Winter season every effort was expended to plow our road- ways and adequately salt and sand. The month of February provided an un- usually large amount of snow to the extent of 35.9 inches. We experimented with the use of Snow Blowers in loading snow for the first time and were impressed with the performance. Subsequent approval by the Annual Town Meeting in March has enabled us to purchase two large units which I feel will do much to enable us to clear Massachusetts Avenue and other areas rapidly this Winter season. We have signed contracts with private contract- ors for the use of additional trucks and equipment should such become neces- sary.
During 1962 we performed many services for other Departments as follows:
Park Department
Aided in the construction of a new Little League Field at Summer Street Playground; made repairs to Field House at North Union Street Playground and installed catch basin; spread loam over athletic field rear of High School.
Board of Selectmen:
Delivered, set-up and maintained voting equipment in all Precincts throughout the Town. Made repairs or changes when necessary.
Stratton School Building Committee:
Regraded around oil filler receptacles; installed walks at certain loca- tions.
Built Parking and Play Area.
Robbins Library:
Repaired stairs; refinished furniture; extensive remodeling work; built and installed bookcases; built and installed cabinets.
298
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Dallin Branch:
Extensive repairs exterior of property; rebuilt bookcases and refinished charge desk.
East Branch:
Remodeling and enlarging of bookcases and refinished furniture.
Robbins Memorial Town Hall:
Painting and redecorating of interior.
School Department:
Picked up and delivered food supplies to School Cafeterias; painted "stop" signs in connection with Safety Patrol Banners; trucked surplus mate- rials from Taunton Governmental Surplus Center.
Article 98 - New Boilers and Incinerator at Locke School
Took borings and performed excavation and backfill in conjunction with installation of fuel tanks.
General: Our Sign Paint Division installed Town Seals on all Town Vehicles when requested and made and installed many other signs when called upon.
Automotive: Our Repair Shop maintained and serviced not only all Public Works vehicles but those of all other Departments other than Fire and Police. As stated before we are almost completely mechanized in all phases of work. Most of our equipment is heavy duty and the repair work is labori- ous in nature. We have power shovels, road graders, cranes mounted on rubber, road rollers of various weights, front end loaders, tractors, com- pressors, pumps, etc. Most of our truck fleet is now 30,000 1b. G.V.W. With the present garage we are able to handle the repairs on all equipment within the building. We maintain a Stock Room and substantial savings are effected in this manner. All other Departments are allowed to draw upon this stock.
The following are the net expenditures made by the Department of Public Works:
General Administration. . $ 97,779.59
Highway, Maintenance and General, including Snow and Ice 457,255.14
Capital Outlay .
57,444.72
Maintenance of Public Sidewalks . 23,755.95
Construction of Ways (1962)
174,970.05
Construction of Ways 1962)
14,479.32
Construction of Ways (1961) 8,100.13
Construction of Ways (1961) 6,674.20
Construction of Ways 1960) 46.00
412.99
Reconstruction of Certain Streets (1961).
120,646.03
Reconstruction of Certain Streets (1960).
6,014.32
Service Roadway Spy Pond Field .
9,365.38
Storm Drains
23,774.12
Storm Drain - Day Street.
1,100.00
Storm Drain - Walnut Street.
980.00
Improvement of Drainage System
18,828.60
Sanitation .
240,282.74
Garbage Disposal
79,999.73
Sewer Extensions .
32,428.93
Sewer Maintenance
38,089.05
Construction of Ways (1960)
299
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Water Maintenance .
$170,028.89
Water-House Connections
13,691.51
Water Maintenance-Capital Outlay. 15,396.34
Water Extensions . .
28,939.47
Improvement of Volume and Pressure Water System
1,244.59
Sidewalks & Edgestones.
18,071.18
Alterations, Improvements, etc. of Buildings in New Town Yard
9,940.21
Headquarters for Arlington Post 1775 Veterans of Foreign
Wars Inc. of the United States.
355.23
Improvement of Summer Street Playground.
10,278.19
Construction of Ways - 1959.
1,353.70
$1,681,726.30
TABLE I GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
Appropriation
$95,438.00
Balance brought forward
511.80
Credit from Articles 6, 10, and 12.
3,273.75
$99,223.55
(Personal Services
$91,811.75
Expenses . .
6,600.00
Expenses Outside of Commonwealth 300.00
Capital Outlay. 511.80)
Expenditures (Including Accounts Payable)
97,779.59
Balance, December 31, 1962. .
$ 1,443.96*
Expenditure
Personal Services
$92,234.97
Credit from Town Hall Account (Partial Switchboard
Operator)
1,229.00
Expenses, Office Maintenance and Supplies
6,395.69
Accounts Payable .
198.70
Expenses Outside the Commonwealth .
179.23
$97,779.59
*$511.80 Capital Outlay carried forward
TABLE II HIGHWAY DIVISION (Maintenance of Highways and Bridges)
Appropriation
$398,904.00
Credit from Articles #6, #7, and #11 7,681.80
Transfer from Finance Committee 10,115.09
$461,700.89
(Maintenance and General Account -
Labor . $249,203.80
Expense .. 45,000.00
Snow and Ice, including Maintenance of Equipment and Supplies 167,497.09)
Expenditure (including Accounts Payable) 457,255.14
Balance, December 31, 1962. $ 4,445.75
300
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Expenditure
* Maintenance and General Accounts
$274,647.85
* Accounts Payable
** Snow and Ice .
** Accounts Payable
12,545.99
$457,255.14
* Street Cleaning and Maintenance, including Accounts Payable, $71,660.52; Maintenance and Repair of Catch Basins and Storm Drains, including Accounts Payable, $17,055.50; Maintenance and Repair of Sidewalks, $4,392.51; Automotive and Equipment Maintenance, including Accounts Payable, (Automobiles, Trucks, Compressors, Cranes, Graders, Power Shovel, Rollers, Tractors) $24,395.43; Tools and Equipment, $26,760.64; Town Yard and Buildings, including Accounts Payable, $39,469.38; Stock, including Accounts Payable, $6,392.78; Street Signs, $18,098.19; Miscella- neous, including Accounts Payable $13,618.28; Sick Leave, $17,024.30; Vacations and Holidays, $32,754.10; Storm "Daisy", $18,269.15.
Plowing Streets and Sidewalks, including Accounts Payable, $28,189.05; Removal of Snow and Ice, including Accounts Payable, $38,780.35; Sand and Salt Streets and Walks, $56,298.93; Holidays and Miscellaneous, $5,244.98; Maintenance of Snow Removal Equipment and Supplies, including Accounts Payable, $38,851.05.
Notes:
Labor
Expenses
Accounts Payable
Highway
$243,828.07
$30,819.78
$15,242.93
Snow and Ice Removal
63,066.59
55,626.39
9,820.33
Maintenance of Snow Removal
Equipment and Supplies
17,259.29
18,866.10
2,725.66
$324,153.95
$105,312.27
$27,788.92
CAPITAL OUTLAY
Appropriation
$61,150.00
Balance Brought Forward
600.00
$61,750.00
Expenditure.
57,444.72
Returned to treasury.
3,567.20
Balance, December 31, 1962.
$ 738.08
(Carried forward to 1963)
Expenditure
1 - Traxcavator .
$17,992.80
1 - 18,000 1b. Cab and Chassis
2,468.92
1 - 30,000 1b. Cab and Chassis 18 yard Packer Body. 12,256.00
1 - 30,000 1b. Cab and Chassis - Contractor's Body 7,887.00
1 - Compressor - 125 cubic feet Rotary Type 5,000.00
2 - Snow Blowers
11,840.00
$57,444.72
15,242.93
154,818.37
$ 4,305.28
301
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC SIDEWALKS (RECONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF PERMANENT SIDEWALKS AND RESETTING OF EDGESTONES UPON THE PUBLIC WAYS OF THE TOWN)
Article 36-1962
Appropriation $20,000.00
Balance Brought Forward 6,447.67
Credit from Article #6 543.00
$26,990.67
Expenditure, including accounts payable
23,755.95
Balance, December 31, 1962.
$ 3,234.72
CONSTRUCTION OF WAYS (1962) (Article 48)
Appropriation
$205,100.00
Expenditure.
174,970.05
Balance, December 31, 1962
$ 30,129.95
(Carried forward to 1963)
Expenditure
Arrowhead Lane, from end of acceptance to Windmill Lane $ 2,854.55
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