USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1920 > Part 5
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At the Annual Town Meeting, the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board were appointed a joint committee to consider the matter of paving Reading Square. A careful and exhaustive study was made by the Joint Committee, covering a period of several months. As the cost of putting in a suitable paving, under present conditions, is very great, no definite action was taken by the Com- mittee.
Mr. Raymond B. Temple resigned as a member of the Board in October, and the vacancy was filled by the election of Mr. Amos M. McLean.
Having in mind the greatly increased automobile traffic during the past few years and the consequent congestion and danger caused by narrow streets and blind corners, and also with a view of ultimate- ly increasing the attractiveness in the appearance of our town, which should be one of the most desirable places of residence in eastern Massachusetts, the Board recommends that at the coming Town Meeting the Town accept the Act Relating to the Establishment of a Building Line.
Respectfully submitted.
CHESTER J. WALLACE, Ch'm'n HENRY Q. MILLETT, Sec'y CLARENCE C. WHITE AMOS M. McLEAN LEONE F. QUIMBY
59
REPORT OF COLLECTOR OF TAXES
Reading, Mass., Jan. 14, 1921.
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN, READING, MASS.
DEAR SIRS :
Attached I hand you my report for the year 1920. In connec- tion, I desire to say, that since closing the books for the year, the amount shown as outstanding on the 1917 warrant has been paid and the account settled in full.
The amount shown as outstanding on the 1918 warrant, viz .: $700.06, has been reduced to $181.26.
The 1919 and 1920 general warrants show just about the usual percentage outstanding.
The special Poll Tax warrant, amounting to a total of $9,545.00, shows an uncollected amount of $225.00, of which, $45.00 has been allowed to Spanish War Veterans, to be refunded by the State when the proper legislation has been enacted, $110.00 to be abated by As- sessors, on account of errors and exemptions, leaving actual net amount uncollected, as $70.00 or less than one per cent.
Yours very truly,
H. M. VIALL, Collector of Taxes.
60
H. M. VIALL, COLLECTOR
Dr.
Amount uncollected, Dec. 31, 1919, account 1917 Tax $ 626.78
Interest collected, 1919, account 1918 Tax 18.68
uncollected, Dec. 31, 1919, account 1918 Taxes .
18,290.08
interest collected
1,719.14
uncollected, Dec. 31, 1919, account 1919 Tax
79,745.30
interest collected
1,805.88
Poll tax warrant, June 14, 1920
9,505.00
66 Poll tax warrant, Dec. 20, 1920
40.00
General tax warrant, Aug. 31, 1920
284,533.21
66 General tax warrant, Dec. 20, 1920
580.58
interest collected
178.35
costs and charges
483.25
account sale of unredeemed property
182.37
66 received account redemption of property
59.58
received account property taken in error 10.10
received account paid after abatement
2.21
tax certificates
2.00
$397,782.51
61
IN ACCOUNT WITH TOWN OF READING
1
Cr.
Amount paid Treasurer, account 1917 Tax
$ 178.69
abated, account 1917 Tax
256.77
uncollected, account 1917 Tax
210.00
paid Treasurer, account 1918 Tax
18,886.06
abated, account 1918 Tax
423.10
66 uncollected, account 1918 Taxes
700.06
paid Treasurer, account 1919 Taxes
62,268.09
abated, account 1919 Tax
414.67
uncollected, account 1919 Tax paid Treasurer, account 1920 Tax
210,885.43
abated, account 1920 Tax
665.09
uncollected, account 1919 Tax
83,296.62
paid Treasurer, account costs and charges. ... 483.25
of unredeemed
paid Treasurer, account sale property 182.37
66 paid Treasurer, account redemption of property
59.58
paid Treasurer, account refund, property taken in error
10.10
paid Treasurer, account paid after abatement 2.21
paid Treasurer, account tax certificates
2.00
$397,782.51
H. M. VIALL, Collector of Taxes.
Reading, Mass., Dec. 31, 1920.
Approved: H. E. PRYOR, Examiner.
18,868.42
62
REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN:
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit to your Honorable Board the report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1920.
ARRESTS FOR YEAR 1920
Total number of arrests
129
Males
124
Females
5
Residents
42
Non-Residents
87
American born
99
Foreign born
30
Adults
110
Minors
19
CAUSES OF ARREST
Suspicious Persons
5
Assaults
9
Drunks
21
Non-support
3
Violating Auto Law
48
Disturbing Peace
5
Larceny
1
Escaped from institutions
2
Breaking and entering
2
Arrests for out-of-town officers
4
Violating Town By-Law
1
Delinquent children
1
Tramps
2
Capias
1
Driving auto while under influence of liquor
8
Forgery
1
Insane
4
Stubborn child
1
Abduction minor children
1
Reckless driving
1
Deserter Army
1
Arson
1
129
63
DISPOSITION OF CASES IN COURT
Fined 59
Released
3
Turned over to out-of-town officers
10
Placed on file
21
Probation
1
Cases continued
15
Insane Hospital, Danvers
5
House of Correction
2
State Hospital Tewksbury
2
Appealed cases
1
Suspended
1
Held for Grand Jury
2
Dismissed for want of prosecution
1
Discharged
3
School for Girls at Lancaster
1
State Farm
1
Fines suspended
1
Total 129
AMOUNT OF FINES IMPOSED BY THE COURT
23 at $5.00 each
$115.00
22 at 10.00 each 220.00
3 at 15.00 each 45.00
1 at 20.00 each
20.00
3 at 25.00 each 75.00
2 at 30.00 each
60.00
4 at 50.00 each
200.00
1 at100.00 each
100.00
Total
$835.00
MISCELLANEOUS
Cases investigated 157
Disturbances quelled
5
Buildings found open and secured
67
Children lost and taken home
5
Dead bodies taken care of
3
Windows found unlocked
3
Dogs killed
22
Wires found down and reported
3
Accidents reported and investigated
98
Lanterns in dangerous places 3
Defective sidewalks and streets reported
6
64
Residences temporarily vacated and police protection requested Search warrants served
13
2 Electric Street Lights out and reported 10
Fire alarms given by police 1
Gas tanks found open
1
DAMAGE TO PROPERTY AND RESTITUTION MADE WITH- OUT COURT PROCEEDINGS
Collected by Chief of Police
$110.90
Paid over to owners whose property was damaged $110.90
(Receipts for same in my possession)
I would at this time recommend a larger automobile as the Ford car is too small when there is hospital work to be done, as we have taken seventeen (17) cases this year to Melrose and Winchester Hospitals and taken injured people to Doctors' offices; there having been ninety-eight (98) accidents this year, which seems too many for our Town.
The Department installed two (2) additional police boxes: one corner of Woburn and Summer Avenue and the other at the Play- ground, Salem Street.
Special Officer Patrick J. Long has been put on the Regular Force.
ROSTER CHIEF Jeremiah Cullinane
PATROLMEN
Oscar H. Low
Timothy J. Cullinane
William F. O'Brien Francis T. Slack
Patrick J. Long
SPECIAL OFFICERS
William H. Manning
William Pierpont Clement Gleason
Joseph Shaw
Morton Skidmore William Killam Frank F. Strout
James C. Nichols
CONCLUSION
I desire at this time to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen, the Judges and Clerks of our Court, our Local Press, and all others who assisted in any way in promoting the welfare of this department; also all members of the force for what they have done.
Respectfully yours, JEREMIAH CULLINANE, Chief of Police.
Reading, January 1, 1921.
65
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF WIRES
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :
GENTLEMEN :
I respectfully submit herewith my report as Inspector of Wires for the year ending December 31, 1920.
INTERIOR WIRING FOR LIGHT AND POWER
Number of new buildings wired 17
Number of old buildings wired 98
Number of buildings re-wired, or in which additional wiring has been installed 71
Number of inspection notices received
167
Number of inspections made
Of the new buildings wired, 12 were dwellings and 5 garages
311
Number of lamp sockets connected to new wiring 1935
Number of ranges 21
Number of motors 20
H. P. of motors 2471%
In connection with a request for a lower rate for fire insurance, the New England Insurance Exchange sent their inspector, Mr. Jo- seph Couilliard, to inspect the electric wiring in the business section of the Town and report any defects which needed attention.
At his request I accompanied him and noted the changes and re- pairs which he reported to the Exchange. I have written to each of the property owners advising them of the changes to be made in order that the wiring may meet with insurance requirements.
The 1920 edition of the National Electrical Code contains many changes in the rules governing the installation of electric wiring, and these changes were explained in detail at a meeting of the Eastern Massachusetts Section, National Association of Municipal Inspectors which was held in Boston on December first. One of the most im- portant changes in the code is that governing the installation of the service switch and service fuses. In all new installations both must be enclosed in an approved box or cabinet.
I also wish to call attention to the fact that all Radio Signalling apparatus should be inspected before being connected to the source of current supply, as there are special rules governing this apparatus.
Garages also are covered by a special rule, and switches and cutouts must be enclosed in an approved cabinet. The Inspector will be glad to advise anyone in regard to the insurance requirements.
!
66
OVERHEAD WIRES IN THE PUBLIC STREETS
During the past year defective poles have been replaced by the Municipal Light Department on the following streets: Ash, Barrett, Charles, Eaton, Green, Haven, High, Hopkins, Haverhill, Linden, Locust, Mill, Main, Oak, Prospect, Summer Ave., Washington, Wal- nut, West and Woburn Streets.
Some defective wire has also been renewed.
The poles, feeders and trolley wires of the Street Railway Com- pany, on the streets or parts of streets where the service has been dis- continued, should be removed, provided they are not needed in connec- tion with the operation of the system now in use, and service on these streets is not to be restored in the near future.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR G. SIAS, Inspector of Wires.
Reading, Mass., Jan. 10, 1921.
-
67
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith present my annual report for the year 1920.
The close of this year finds all of the scales, weights and meas- ures used in Trade in the Town of Reading either sealed or con- demned as required by the statutes of the Commonwealth of Massa- chusetts.
The number of the same sealed has shown an increase over that of last year, due to the establishment of several new stores in town and also to the installation of several new gasoline-pumps. These same pumps have required a great amount of extra time and labor that they might be kept within the requirements of the law.
The matter of inspecting and reweighing such household com- modities as flour, sugar, bread, meats, fruits and vegetables as put in the stores for sale was given considerable attention. In very few cases were the weights found to be incorrect.
Several loads of coal in transit and also in paper bags were re- weighed and found to be correct. Ice, which is always the object of considerable criticism was also given its share of attention.
In summing up the total amount of work completed for the year, I can report a most satisfactory year for this department, both from the work completed and conditions as they were found in the var- ious stores.
The receipts for the department were $65.57 for sealing fees and $5.80 for adjusting-fees; making a total of $71.37 for the year.
CARL MANNING SMITH,
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
SCALES, WEIGHTS AND MEASURES, SEALED, ADJUSTED OR CONDEMNED Dec. 1, 1919 to Nov. 30, 1920, inclusive
Sealed
Adjusted Condemned
1. Scales :-
Capacity over 5,000 lbs.
3
1
Capacity 100 to 5,000 lbs.
53
34
2
Counter
42
20
1
Spring
31
4
1
Computing
32
22
2
Dry
4
68
Personal Weighing
3
Prescription
2
1
2.
Weights :- Avoirdupois
363
8
8
Apothecary 47
3. Automatic Liquid Measuring De- vices :-
Gasoline
22
10
4
4. Capacity Measures :
Liquid
89
2
5. Linear Measures :-
Yard Stick
14
6. Baskets :- -
12
Total
717
100
20
TRIAL WEIGHINGS AND MEASUREMENTS OF COMMODITIES Sold or Put up for Sale
Total No. Tested
No. Incorrect Correct Under Over
Commodity :---
Coal (in transit)
5
4
1
Wood (cords)
1
1
Grains and Feed
12
12
Flour
19
12
6
1
Butter
56
53
1
2
Dry Commodities
125
107
9
9
Liquid Commodities
8
8
Fruits and Vegetables
57
38
3
16
Meats and Provisions
23
22
1
Bread
23
12
9
2
Gasoline
33
9
9
15
Total
362
277
39
46
REWEIGHINGS OF COAL IN TRANSIT
No. lbs. in load as
No. lbs. in load as shown by sealers
Over
Under Lbs.
ing certificates
weighing
2050
2050
1875
1875
2000
2000
1500
1505
5
-
shown by weigh-
Lbs.
Fruit
69
REPORT OF VISITOR
To the Overseers of the Poor, I hereby submit the following re- port :
The work of the visitor began June 21, 1920. Calls were made on 27 families, practical assistance given when possible, and grocery orders approved. About 160 calls were made during the past six months, not including calls made for special reasons, such as inves- tigation as to a suitable home for children from the Children's Mis- sion, Boston, and an inquiry from the Boston American as to aid of a family. Last summer children were taken to the Forsythe Dental Infirmary, and Boston Dispensary for treatment, and later the notice of the school nurse was called to children needing attention. In a few cases clothing was found for children so that they were able to attend school. The relatives of families were interviewed and investi- gation made so that town aid should not be given unless necessary. Quarterly reports of Mother's Aid cases were sent to the State House and a report given to the Department of Education with the address- es of the blind people in Reading. Letters were written to outside organizations, such as the Federated Jewish Charities, in regard to the welfare of families under State care.
The State Visitor and Directors of the Department of Public Welfare in the State House have given advice, and the Visitor appre- ciates the help and encouragement which the Overseers of Reading have always most kindly given.
Respectfully submitted,
HELEN A. BROWN, Visitor.
70
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
Reading, Mass., Jan. 1, 1921.
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit to you my annual report of the Highway De- partment for the year ending December 31, 1920.
As soon as the snow and ice was gone our catch basins were cleaned out, outlets opened and the general routine work attended to. The scarifier was put to work and the whole or part of the following streets were scarified, reshaped with the road machine and rolled:
Grove, Willow, West, Berkeley, King, Fremont, Summer Ave., Hopkins, Walnut, Prescott, Oak, Hill Crest Road, Scotland Rd., Howard, Minot, Linden, Sanborn, Woburn, Reading Sq., Washington, Green, Highland, Hartshorn, Franklin, Mill, Pearl, Haverhill, Pine, Charles, Spring, Pierce, Orange, Belmont, Winter, Manning, Union, and Ash Streets.
We went over approximately two hundred fifty-three thousand six hundred (253,600) square yards of road surface, which is equal to about twenty-four (24) miles of road eighteen (18) feet wide. As this work is only temporary, I would recommend more work of a per- manent nature be done, which would require a larger appropriation. This work required until the last of July for its completion.
On August 1st permanent work was started. Sixteen hundred (1600) yards of tar penetration was built on West Street, completing it to the Woburn line, at a cost of $3,136.41; the State, County and Town paying one third each. Six thousand twelve (6012) square yards of tar macadam was built on High Street at a cost of $4,681.74; nine hundred (900) square yards of tar macadam on Washington Street costing $659.57; nine hundred (900) square yards on Ash Street costing $591.55. The west side of Main Street from the State Road to the Square has been resurfaced-Tarvia was used for a bind- er. Bancroft Avenue from Lowell Street to Middlesex Avenue has been graded with gravel-all the teaming having been done with our two trucks which are giving excellent results.
Our trucks traveled a distance of ten thousand five hundred fifty-two miles the past year at an operating cost of $1,488.20 (ex- clusive of driver).
No. 1 truck, which was used in hauling the road machine, cov- ered a distance of one hundred forty four (144) miles in low gear.
71
This truck has been in use twenty (20) months. The cost for oper- ating has been as follows:
Gasoline and oil
$ 954.72
Tires 522.50
Auto Car Co. (overhauling)
69.87
New parts
117.37
Total operating cost $1,664.46
(Exclusive of driver, insurance and depreciation)
Number of days worked, 420, cost per day $3.96
Adding insurance and depreciation per day 1.00
5.00
Driver per day
The approximate cost per day $9.96
Truck No. 2 has been in use eight (8) months, having during that time been used one hundred sixty two (162) days and traveled three thousand nine hundred fifty nine (3959) miles or an average of 24.1 miles per day.
Operating Cost :- Gasoline, Oil and Tires $510.43
Cost per day
$3.17
Insurance and depreciation 1.00
Driver per day
5.00
Total approximate cost (per day as there have been no repairs on this truck) $9.17
One hundred forty-eight (148) cubic yards of ashes have been taken from the school houses and used in various places.
Fifty-seven (57) ton of coal have been hauled to the Municipal Building and Public Library.
Twelve hundred fifty (1250) ton of stone were crushed at our own crusher and eleven hundred (1100) ton of trap rock was brought from the General Crushed Stone Co.
A new pipe guard rail fence has been built on Woburn Street from Odd Fellows Building to the corner of Sanborn Street. The guard rails on Grove Street and on Middlesex Avenue have been re- paired.
Twelve hundred seventy-eight (1278) square yards of old tar concrete sidewalks have been repaired and top-dressed.
72
DRAINAGE .
Fourteen (14) new catch basins and eight hundred ninety-eight (898) feet of outlet pipe were added this year, viz .:
1 on Grove Street.
1 on Lowell Street.
2 on John Street.
3 on High Street.
2 on Howard Street.
2 on Hill Crest Road.
2 on Summer Avenue.
1 on North Main Street.
14
After completion of the above, we have a total of one hundred seventy (170) basins and approximately sixteen thousand three hun- dred (16,300) feet of outlet pipe. In addition to which we also have to maintain and keep in repair about twenty-six thousand (26,000) feet of open ditches and six thousand (6,000) feet of covered drain and sixty-five (65) culverts. Six thousand thirty-two (6032) feet of open ditches were cleaned out this year. All catch basins were cleaned at least once and some of them four and five times.
We have had a lot of trouble lately with some of the old stone culverts and I would recommend that they be replaced as fast as possible with more modern ones.
SNOW AND ICE
The heavy snow-fall of the past winter, together with rain and extreme cold made traffic almost impossible, causing a lot of incon- venience, but no serious damage, the expense of handling the same was the largest in the history of this department.
DUST NUISANCE
Owing to shortage, price and transportation, it was almost im- possible to procure cil for dust-laying. An order was placed for two cars; after much delay one car was received, but the quality was so unsatisfactory that the order for the other car was cancelled.
NEW EQUIPMENT
No new equipment, excepting a two-ton auto car dump truck, has been purchased this year. All equipment has been overhauled, repaired and is, therefore, now in first-class condition.
73
FINANCES
General Maintenance Expenses :-
Appropriations and receipts
$15,855.26
Pay Roll (including drivers)
$ 8,634.15
Power and Coal
400.71
Freight and Express
19.77
Maintenance (2 Auto-Cars)
1,488.20
Maintenance (Ford Truck)
. .
324.09
Telephones
57.31
Supplies
640.88
Insurance
682.50
Kerosene Oil
87.36
Miscellaneous
564.72
Repairs (Motor Crusher)
156.36
Tarvia B
319.73
Lumber and Pipe
398.21
A. Cefalo (contract)
1,500.00
All other expenses
474.23
Total Expenditures
$15,748.22
Balance on hand
107.04
$15,855.26
For other financial details I would refer you to the Town Ac- countant's report.
I wish to again express my appreciation for the help rendered by your Honorable Board and also to the several employees of the Department, all of whom have been with us the past year. They all have shown a very good spirit of cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
E. H. CROWE,
Superintendent of Streets.
74
REPORT OF TOWN COUNSEL
LAW COMMITTEE, READING, MASS.
GENTLEMEN :
I submit herewith my report as Town Counsel for the year 1920.
I have prepared and submitted the usual number of opinions and points of law for all Departments of the Town. This is a matter which would be generally assumed, and perhaps should not be spe- cifically referred to in my annual report.
IN RE: LOWEL STREET BRIDGE
This matter will undoubtedly be fully set forth in the Select- men's report, including the steps which they have taken to bring pending matters to a head, and their reasons for closing Lowell Street to public travel. In order to avoid repetition, and in the interest of economy, I will make no further reference to this situation except with regard to litigation.
The public is well informed that the decree of the County Com- missioners, ordering repairs at this bridge, has been vacated pend- ing a petition by the railroad to have it set aside. Recent accidents on the bridge and the closing of Lowell St. have resulted in stimu- lating counsel for the County Commissioners to bring the matter to a head. One hearing has been held already, and a final hearing be- fore a single Justice will undoubtedly be held within a month, and the matter finally disposed of by the Full Bench of the Supreme Court in March. If, for any reason, the matter is not disposed of in March it will have to go over until next Fall.
Two suits, one for personal and one for property damage suf- fered at the last accident at the bridge, have been brought. There is a chance that these matters can be disposed of favorably by the Town on points of law, but I fear that they will reach a jury with the possibility that a fairly large verdict may be rendered against the town. This undoubtedly will not take place if at all, until some time in 1922.
OTHER CASES
The Batchelder case for injuries due to alleged negligence of the Moth Department, was settled during the year, by vote of the town.
There is outstanding now against the town 'a claim of one Carter, for injuries resulting in his death by slipping on the ice on the side- walk on Main Street in the Square.
75
The claim of one King for injuries due to falling on the side- walk on South Main St. was settled by authority from the Law Com- mittee for $50.00.
Other matters pending are old claims arising out of the failure of the contractor who is constructing the Library, and I expect at any time that these matters may be brought up and this may result in additional expense to the town.
CONSOLIDATION OF TOWN DEPARTMENTS
Meetings of the Committee in the above matter were held during the year, and in its behalf I drafted a proposed Act to perfect the purpose authorized at the annual town meeting, and this has been filed in the Legislature and will undoubtedly come up for hearing in the near future.
The other matters with which I have been concerned during the past year, although taking up considerable time, it seems to me have no particular public interest.
Respectfully submitted,
JESSE W. MORTON, Town Counsel.
76
REPORT OF SEWER COMMISSIONERS
Reading, Mass., January 3, 1921.
TO THE CITIZENS OF THE TOWN OF READING:
The Board of Sewer Commissioners submit the following report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1920.
By vote of the Town at the March meeting the Board was author- ized to construct additional sewers in certain streets of the Town and the sum of $60,000 was appropriated to pay cost of constructing a part of such additional sewers.
Bids were advertised calling for the furnishing and delivering of the necessary sewer pipe, manhole covers and frames and the con- struction work and the contracts were awarded in every case to the lowest bidders. The contract for sewer pipe being awarded to P. N. Sweetser of Reading, that for manhole covers and frames to C. M. White Co., of Boston.
The territory to be sewered this year was divided into two sec- tions, designated as Sections No. 3 and No. 4. The contract for con- structing Section No. 3 was awarded to Antony Cefalo, Roslindale, Mass., at unit prices amounting to $35,442:30. All bids for con- structing Section No. 4 were rejected, the Commissioners feeling that prices were higher than the conditions justified. Section No. 4 was re-advertised and contract awarded to Antony Cefalo to the amount of $30,004.44 which was $2,512.96 below previous bids for this section.
Sewers to the amount of 15,100 lin. ft. or 2.86 miles were con- structed under these two contracts, making a total length of trunk lines and laterals constructed to date of 7.71 miles. In order to keep ahead of the Highway Department with its program for permanent street construction house sewer connections from the centre of streets to sidewalk line were constructed in several streets, a part of this work being done by employees of the Water Department under the supervision of the Sewer Department and the balance done under a contract by Antony Cefalo. House connections to the length of 2,600 feet being so installed.
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