USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1963 > Part 20
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children registered by other Arlington agencies (Schools, Police, Court, Social Agencies and Recreation Centers) as children manifesting behavioral problems in the community.
Case conferences have already been held on ten (10) youngsters known to several Arlington agencies as problem cases. In each case, staff mem- bers of the agencies concerned have been invited to meet together to discuss, not only the problems presented, but to jointly agree on the most appropriate plan of treatment. These conferences have facilitated the sharing of infor- mation and have defined the role each agency should play in the treatment plan, thereby eliminating the overlapping of services and the concentration of these services on a relatively small group of children. These conferences will be an ongoing service offered by the Department.
The Central Referral Unit, set up in the Department, have received telephone and personal requests for special services for children from local residents, members of the clergy, and from other agency personnel. Wher- ever possible, these requests have been referred to Arlington agencies who are prepared to offer the requested services, and in other instances, agen- cies, hospitals, etc. in Boston have been used as resources.
The most significant and important function of this Department is the direct casework service offered to problem presenting children and their families. In the relatively short period of three (3) months (October to December 1963), a total of 36 children have been referred to us for help. These referrals were made by the schools, police, probation department, clergymen and parents. In all these cases, regular appointments have been set up with the children and with their parents. For the convenience of working parents, home visits and evening appointments have been arranged. Many of these situations involve multiple-problem families who, otherwise, would not be receiving help of this nature.
The Department and the Board of Directors have been concerned with the increasing amount of vandalism to public and private property in Arling- ton. Recognizing that this is a problem involving a number of community departments and resources, one (1) meeting has already been attended by members of this Board with the Park Commissioners, the Superintendent of Parks and Recreation and the Chief of Police. The Board expects to pursue this matter with other appropriate persons and departments in an attempt to find some solution to this troublesome problem.
Respectfully submitted,
Tina G. Howell, Director Anthony J. DiNatale, Chairman Lawrence H. Anderson Reverend Robert Bullock George P. Faulkner Kevin P. Feeley Rebecca Glasmann Reverend Lewis W. Williamson
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Annual Report of the Personnel Board
January 22, 1964
To the Citizens of Arlington:
The Personnel Board herewith respectfully submits its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1963.
The membership of the Board changed with the appointment of John D. Pirelli, an employee nominee, to succeed Robert L. Johnson. Mr. Pirelli resigned because of ill health on November 5, 1963 and Walter H. O'Leary was nominated by the employees and appointed by the Moderator on Novem- ber 21, 1963. William J. Frost was re-elected Chairman for the coming year. The appointment of Paul E. Widder and Edward J. Swadkins, an em- ployee representative, will expire on March 12, 1964. William J. Frost and Kenneth R. Andrews were appointed to March 12, 1965.
The Board has held 14 meetings during the year and considered 30 re- quests of individuals, committees and appointing authorities. A request from the various employee organizations for a general flat increase, re- duction in the required service for 3 and 4 weeks vacation, 10 guaranteed holidays with another day off when holidays fall on Saturday, and paid time off to attend conventions of employee organizations was considered. A com- mittee of Police and Fire personnel and the Library Trustees requested separate increases for those departments. 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 our employees. The Classifi- cation and Pay Plan has been in effect and administered by the Personnel Board since 1949 and it is the belief of the Board that a comprehensive review or survey by an outside agency is in order. We are, therefore, sub- mitting an Article recommending such a study.
In addition to the meetings, we have had frequent contact with the Exe- cutive 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 Pay Plan and the Leave Regulations. The following are some of the personnel procedures handled by the department this year:
Civil Service requisitions . 104
Emergency appointments 49
Appointments, temporary, provisional, renewals. 219
Permanent appointments.
39
Promotions - permanent and temporary
32
Termination of temporary employment
182
Termination of permanent employment
33
Permanent and temporary transfers.
8
Loyalty Oaths
124
Group Insurance
29
There are at present 559 permanent full-time, 23 permanent part-time, 9 temporary full-time, 46 temporary part-time, and 40 seasonal part-time classified employees in the service of the Town. The peak employment period is during the summer months with a total of 793. 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,
209
REPORT OF THE PURCHASING DEPARTMENT
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 Executive Secretary and for the clerical work performed by Mrs. Helen Mc Cluskey.
Respectfully submitted,
Edward J. Swadkins
Paul E. Widder Kenneth R. Andrews Walter H. O'Leary William J. Frost, Chairman
Report of the Purchasing Department
January 22, 1964
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, 1963.
The year 1963 saw a slight rise in the cost of some services and ma- terials necessary for the proper functioning of the various departments of the Town. It is my considered opinion that this department has done much to keep such increases to a minimum. Vendors and contractors find that doing business with a Town such as Arlington enhances the reputation of their company. They are able to mention this fact in soliciting or bidding on work or materials in surrounding communities. They learn that while our specifications are rigid, though fair, that on the completion of the work that sums are available for prompt payment.
Our encumbrance system whereby the amounts of all materials and services must first be approved by the Purchasing Agent and the Town Accountant insures their being sufficient funds in the Account prior to the materials being ordered or services performed.
Major items such as Gasoline; No. 2 and No. 5 Fuel Oil; Bituminous Coal; Tires; Incandescent and Fluorescent Lamps; Fine Sand, Coarse Sand; Gravel; and Bituminous Products, to mention a few, were all purchased on a yearly contract basis with excellent discounts. On the date of the writing of this Report we are paying .1679 per gallon for gasoline and .1079 per gallon for No. 2 Fuel Oil.
As before, all Bids are sought in compliance with the By-laws govern- ing Purchasing for the Town.
Specifications for formal bids are carefully prepared in order that prospective bidders may have available all information necessary to pre- pare an intelligent and competitive bid. All bids are carefully analyzed prior to their award. Thorough investigation is made of the financial and physical responsibility of bidders unfamiliar to the Town of Arlington so
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
that we may determine their competency to provide the material or service bid upon. When necessary, Performance Bonds and Insurance Certificates are requested. This policy protects the Town against inadequate perform- ance or loss from suits.
The continuing responsibility of the Purchasing Department is to obtain keen competition for materials, goods, supplies and services necessary for the various departments of the Town. There is no question that competitive bidding without sacrificing quality is a sound practice.
I wish to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to the Town Manager, Board of Selectmen, various boards, Commissioners, Trustees, Town Officials, Committees, Department Heads, and my staff for their co-operation throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted, Warren E. O'Leary Assistant Purchasing Agent
Annual Report of the Fire Department
January 1, 1964
Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Arlington, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I submit my First Report as Chief of the Arlington Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1963.
PERSONNEL
The uniformed force consists of 99 men: The Chief of Department, 5 Deputy Chiefs, 7 Captains, 19 Lieutenants and 67 Fire Fighters. The De- partment has a Master Mechanic, Doward L. Barter; a Physician, Dr. Ed- ward W. Feeley, and a Clerk, Anna B. Hurley.
RETIREMENTS
January 13 1963, Thomas H. Egan was retired as Chief of Department on disability pension, Chief Egan was appointed a Call-man in 1918, per- manent Fire Fighter in 1922, Lieutenant in 1930, Captain in 1943, Deputy Chief in 1948 and Chief of Department in 1955. Through those years he gave his best efforts to the Fire Service, being a willing worker and a loyal Fire Fighter.
Also retired on disability pension after years of faithful performance of duty were Fire Fighters:
July 13, John P. Mahoney, Sr; appointed 1934. October 19, William A. Libby, Sr .; appointed 1926. December 14, John D. Pirelli; appointed 1948.
211
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
The four retirements in 1963 show that a total of some 126 years of service was contributed by these men to the Town of Arlington.
PROMOTIONS
January 13, 1963, Deputy Chief John E. Canniff was appointed Chief of Department to succeed Chief Thomas H. Egan who retired January 13. Chief Canniff became a Fire Fighter in 1929, was advanced to Captain in 1947 and to Deputy Chief in 1961.
January 20, the following were advanced in rank:
Robert C. Blomquist from Captain to Deputy Chief (replacement for Deputy Chief Canniff).
William A. Mills from Lieutenant to Captain (replacement for Captain Blomquist).
Thomas D. Molloy from Fire Fighter to Lieutenant (replacement for Lieutenant Mills).
APPOINTMENTS
Appointed permanent Fire Fighters were:
January 27, 1963, Clyde F. Coscia, 42 Yerxa Road (replacing Lieutenant Molloy).
August 11, Thomas E. Turnbull, 11 Fremont Court (replacing John P. Mahoney, Sr.).
December 8, Anthony J. Bonhomme, 14 Brattle Terrace (replacing William A. Libby, Sr.).
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 (1963-Ford) 1-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
212
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
APPARATUS AT PARK CIRCLE STATION
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 its age.
RESPONSE
The Department responded to 1661 calls of which 543 were Box Alarms, 994 Still Alarms and 124 Mutual Aid (out-of-town) calls; of the 1183 telephone calls received, 189 were Box Alarms.
This 1963 total is the greatest in the history of the Fire Department, the previous high being in 1960 when there were 1250 alarms.
A summary of alarms revealed that the most number of such calls occurred in the month of April; that more occurred on Monday 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 4:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M.
One hundred and seventy-eight false alarms were sounded as compared to 150 in 1962.
Rescue Unit #1 responded to 150 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 11 calls for use of Department Life Boat.
Causes of Alarms in 1963
Accidents.
15
Grease 14
Automobiles.
81
Heaters. 15
Blow Torch
1
Incinerators. 10
Boat .
1
Investigating 14
Bomb Scares 4
Locked Out. 124
Candle. . 1
Lightning . 6
Careless Smoking .
41
Malicious Mischief 1
Children and Matches.
62
Miscellaneous. 35
Chimneys.
6
Needless 35
21
Electrical Devices.
23
Oil Tank Leaks
9
Electrical Portable Equipment 13
Refrigerator Leaks
7
False Alarms. 178
Rubbish. 66
False Telephone Calls
18
Sprinkler Systems .
6
Fireplaces.
2
Television 14
First Aid.
150
Unknown
4
Gas Leaks 16
Utility Wires
26
Gasoline
19
Water Department Details 5
Grass
470
Water Leaks. 19
Dump .
5
Oil Burners .
Out-of -Town .. 124
213
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL SUMMARY OF EQUIPMENT USED AT FIRES
Ladders Raised
5850 feet
Hose Used .
108425 feet
Water from Booster Tanks 58425 gallons
Pumping Operations.
630 for 95 hours
Miles Traveled .
7750 miles
Service Time
4200 hours
MULTIPLE ALARMS
January 2, 1963, Box 8461 at 12:44 P.M. house fire at 79 Hibbert Street.
January 28, Box 42 at 7:15 P.M. vacant building at 9 Swan Place. Ex- tended to two adjacent buildings.
March 11, Box 486 at 9:01 A.M. house at 76 Gloucester Street.
April 6, Box 7321 at 2:08 P.M. brush fire extended to 38 and 50 Wash- ington Street.
August 3, Box 372 at 10:52 P.M. vacant building at 77 Summer Street. October 16, Box 176 at 2:49 P.M. house at 12 Cornell Street.
WEATHER DATA
January 1, 1963, had severe cold wave with continuous zero tempera- tures and full gale winds during which time the Fire Department received calls for assistance because of frozen or broken water pipes.
March 6, due to numerous calls to help remove water from flooded basements, the Fire Department and the Public Works Department worked together to eliminate conditions.
In April because of the prolonged period of dry weather, the Fire De- partment answered 256 alarms, the most ever recorded in a single month. April 16, His Excellency, the Governor of Massachusetts issued order pro- hibiting outside burning; also on October 14.
October 3, the Director of Civil Defense alerted the Fire Department because of threatening high winds and thunder storms; did not develop.
October 1963 experienced unusual dry month with no appreciable rain for 29 days, resulting in an increase in response of apparatus to alarms.
October 28, the Weather Bureau at Boston placed a "Hurricane Watch" for "Ginny"; did not materialize. However, the Fire Department made preparations to cope with approaching storm by checking its portable light- ing and pumping equipment and emergency supplies.
FIRE LOSSES
Eighty-six losses occurred, 18 of which accounted for $76,113 of the entire yearly loss.
The total assessed value of property endangered, insurance thereon, loss sustained, and amount of insurance paid are as follows:
Assessed Value
Insurance
Damage and Insurance Paid
Buildings
$ 786,400
$1,718,350
$ 70,783
Contents
453,550
453,550
30,255
Total
$1,239,950
$2,171,900
$101,038
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
APPROPRIATION
1963 Appropriation $664,691
Expended.
662,007
Balance
$ 2,684
CREDITS
Fees for 32 permits to blast $ 16.00
Fees for 5 permits for flammable fluids 2.50
Fees for 5 permits to use tar kettles. 2.50
157.70
Sale of junk .
$178.70
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT PHYSICIAN
Dr. Edward W. Feeley, Department Physician, rendered the following services in 1963: office calls 94, station calls 10, hospital calls 10, physical examinations 4, house calls 1. Furthermore, Dr. Feeley respondedto emer- gency calls and alarms of fire. Several conferences were held with the Fire Chief on medical matters pertaining to the Department.
FIRE PREVENTION
Assigned to the following phases of fire prevention were:
Deputy Chief Charles J. Doherty - Lodging and Rooming Houses
Deputy Chief Francis M. Doherty - Mercantile Inspections
Deputy Chief Irving L. Proctor - Quarterly inspections of Nursing Homes, Hospitals and Theatres.
The Deputy Chiefs conducted quarterly inspections of Town-owned buildings in conjunction with the Insurance Program.
Fire Fighters made periodic inspections in places of business, public buildings, schools, hospitals, convalescent homes and places of public as- sembly. Records of existing conditions with date of corrections were kept.
For the fourth year, the recharging of fire extinguishers was carried out by the "In-Service" Plan whereby the Fire Fighters responded with apparatus to each public building, instructing occupants in the operation and actual use of a. fire extinguisher in case of fire. A total of 445 fire extin- guishers were recharged.
For the eighth 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. Reports with recommendations were forwarded to the Chancellery.
During 1963, Lieutenant Daniel J. Mahoney, Inspector of Oil Burning Installations and Flammables, inspected 285 oil burners in addition to flam- mable installations and storage equipment. Two hundred permits were issued for approved installations after inspections. It was necessary to re- inspect 85 installations because of faulty equipment and failure of installers to meet all rules and regulations.
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
October 6-12th was observed as Fire Prevention Week. Timely and conspicuous posters were distributed and placed in public buildings and stores throughout the Town. Booklets and pamphlets for children were
215
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
passed out to schools with permission of Dr. Bert A. Roens, Superintendent of Schools. These were taken home by the children.
During Fire Prevention Week activities, the Public Works Department cooperated and removed from sidewalks the accumulated debris and rubbish set out at curbings by householders. Disposal of such excess rubbish has definitely reduced the number of cellar fires in dwellings.
DWELLING INSPECTIONS
For the seventh year, the "In-Service" inspection of dwellings by Fire Fighters was conducted, approximately 11,300 homes being inspected.
The annual "Clean-Up, Fix-Up, Paint-Up" Program began on April 1st and continued until May 15th. Common hazards were pointed out to occu- pants and emphasis was placed on the importance of all practicing fire safety in the home.
Again during the "Clean-Up" period, the Public Works Department cooperated fully in picking up debris and rubbish - an amazing amount - which was placed at the curbings. Lieutenant Harold C. O'Leary directed that program.
FIRE DRILLS IN SCHOOLS
In compliance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 148, four fire exit drills were conducted in public, parochial and private schools, under the supervision of Officers of the Arlington Fire Department.
A record was made of the number of classrooms, pupils, exits used and the time required to evacuate each building, a copy of which report was sent to the School Department.
For the ninth year, the "In-Service" method was employed whereby apparatus is available for response to an alarm of fire through the medium of two-way radio.
FIRE DRILLS IN NURSING HOMES
Deputy Chief Irving L. Proctor made periodic inspections and held re- quired fire drills at Symmes Hospital and the nine nursing homes in Arlington in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 333, Massachusetts General Laws. Reports were forwarded to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
HYDRANT INSPECTIONS
For the ninth year, under the direction of Lieutenant Harold C. O'Leary, the semi-annual "In-Service" inspection of 1323 hydrants in Arlington was continued.
Water flow tests were made of each hydrant during the summer test, and the static and residual pressures were recorded on permanent records. The winter inspection was conducted in November for frozen and defective hydrants. Frozen hydrants were thawed and pumped dry. When water was found in barrel of hydrant, it was pumped out by testing crew of Fire Fighters, thus eliminating the possibility of freezing.
During tests, close cooperation with the Water Department was main- tained, and faulty or defective hydrants were restored to service as soon as possible. Permanent records are kept by the Fire Department of each hydrant, noting repairs.
216
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
TRAINING OF FIRE FIGHTERS
April 1, 1963, Deputy Chief Robert C. Blomquist, Officer in Charge of Training, and three new Fire Fighters attended a three-week training course at the Brookline Fire Department Drill School.
September 30, Deputy Chief Blomquist directed a four-week training course for members of the Arlington Fire Department. Drilling was held at the rear of the Highland Fire Station. Program covered fire fighting pro- cedures including the laying of hose lines, pump operations and use of all types of ladders.
Drills were conducted in pumping methods and life boat practice at Spy Pond and at Heights Reservoir. Had frequent drills at the stations re- garding forcible entry tools, first-aid, gas masks and resuscitator units.
That the Arlington Fire Department may be kept informed as to latest techniques of scientific fire fighting evolutions, its Drill Instructor has joined the Massachusetts Drill Masters Association.
AUXILIARY FIRE FIGHTERS
The members of the Auxiliary Fire Department deserve much praise for assistance rendered at fires and emergencies. Their continued working schedule of responding with the apparatus daily from 7:00 P.M. until 10:00 P.M. is of great value to the regular Department.
Deputy Chief Irving L. Proctor, Fire Department Coordinator for this group under the direction of Civil Defense, conducted a standard training program for five auxiliary members.
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, Engine #1 participated in Patriots' Day Parade in Arlington and again in Lexington.
May 30th, Rescue Unit #1 in line for Memorial Day Parade.
October 6th, Engine #1 detailed to Boston Fire Department Parade for observance of Fire Prevention Week.
In 1963, the Highland Fire Station was utilizedfor 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 14, 1963, a "Quick-Call" Radio System was placed in service for use by the Fire Department, further supplementing new "Local Govern- ment Radio System" which was installed November 23, 1962 in compliance with Directive of the Federal Communications Commission.
BUILDING MAINTENANCE
At Headquarters, it was necessary to postpone plans to complete re- pairing fourth side of the 80-foot tower because of emergency repairs needed at Park Circle Station. Due to moving Watch-Room from the first
217
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
floor to second floor at headquarters, an auxiliary heating system was in- stalled in new fire alarm room. It was a recommendation of the National Board of Fire Underwriters that this signal room be relocated for which Article #82 was voted at 1963 Annual Town Meeting.
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