USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1935 > Part 7
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Publicity
From many sources come reports that this town is an ideal site for future real estate development. The Board appointed a committee of three-Logan R. Dickie, H. Raymond Johnson and W. Fletcher Twombly, to study methods of promoting the residential advantages of the town. The committee has submitted a report and results of their activity are now in progress.
Hearings
Decisions recommending future policy followed two largely at- tended public hearings regarding gasoline stations near the square.
In the first instance, the permit for a station at the corner of South Main and Washington Streets was granted. The Board felt that with two stations in the immediate vicinity, property values in a district zoned for business would not be depreciated by the addition of one more.
However, the Board feels that in areas where other business enter- prises might be encouraged, gasoline stations should not be installed. The Board is in agreement with the policy of the Board of 1931 and reiterate their opinion that gasoline stations should not be permitted near the immediate square.
Consequently, a petition for a station to be located at the junction of Ash and Main Streets at the southerly end of Post Office Square was unanimously denied.
There were also two hearings before the Board regarding the sale of liquor in Reading. As a result, one victualer's license was revoked, while in the other case, the party was allowed to retain a certificate of fitness to sell alcohol, providing no more reasons for suspicion were brought to the attention of the Board.
The Board takes the attitude that it is duty bound to take whatever action necessary to prevent the illegal sale of liquor in the town as long as the voters have so expressed it.
E. R. A. AND W. P. A.
Many special meetings were held, some in conjunction with other Boards, as the various order on government projects were thrust sud- denly upon the town.
With the splendid co-operation of all the Boards, and the prompt- ness in fulfilling Federal requirements, no delay was caused due to any laxity on the part of local administrators.
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A sum of $15,000 was appropriated in the March town meeting for materials to be used on E. R. A. and intrusted with this Board.
It was carefully apportioned, but was obviously not enough. The Board recommended and was upheld by a special town meeting to bor- row a sum of $25,000 on tax titles. This gives assurance that the pro- jects will continue without interruption as far as the town is concerned, well into 1936.
In changing from E. R. A. to W. P. A. late in the year, it meant doing away with the local E. R. A. office, making the town subject to a regional office at Lowell.
The Board, in order to maintain a closer connection with the Fed- eral agencies and the projects themselves retained the office with a sup- ervisor and secretary. This has proven very worthwhile from many angles, especially by enabling the local Boards to control the situation as much as possible.
The Board wishes to express their appreciation for the co-operation. of the other Boards and of the various officers, during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, J. WARREN KILLAM, JR. NEWELL H. MORTON ALBERT N. LEMAN
Board of Selectmen.
December 31, 1935.
REPORT OF THE LAW COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of the Town of Reading :
The duties of the Law Committee during the past year have been light, only two meetings of the committee being required to care for pending cases.
At the first meeting held on April 12, J. Warren Killam, Jr., chair- man, organized the committee. Harold W. Putnam was elected secre- tary and Samuel H. Davis was appointed town counsel.
The report of the Town Counsel covers the details of the business. transacted by the Committee and follows this report.
J. WARREN KILLAM, JR. HAROLD W. PUTNAM HENRY R. JOHNSON ARTHUR W. COOLIDGE EDGAR FROST EDWARD M. HALLIGAN, M. D.
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REPORT OF THE TOWN COUNSEL
To the Honorable, the Law Committee of the Town of Reading:
I submit my report as Town Counsel for the year ending December 31, 1935.
During the year fifteen cases were brought against the Board of Assessors before the State Board of Tax Appeals which required my attention. Pleadings in behalf of the Board of Assessors have been drafted, negotiations for settlement have been carried on with counsel representing petitioners and satisfactory adjustments have been effect- ed, disposing of six cases. Six cases were heard by the State Board of Tax Appeals and in three of the cases favorable decisions were ob- tained for the Board of Assessors and in the other cases abatements were granted the petitioners. There are pending at the present time, three undisposed of appeals in which the pleadings have been completed and which will be heard by the State Board of Tax Appeals when reach- ed on the docket.
I have filed in the Land Court twelve cases for the foreclosure of the right of redemption of tax liens. Pleading were drafted, hearings were held before the Land Court and as a result thereof five cases were disposed of by the entry of decree foreclosing the right of re- demption and declaring the title of the Town to said parcels to be absolute, and four of the cases were dismissed upon the payment to the Town of the full amount of the outstanding taxes and costs. In the four cases referred to above, the respondents have redeemed the premises under Court order by the payment to the Town of the aggre- gate sum of $3,077.67, and the three remaining cases are on the docket for disposition. Under the provisions of the statute relating to land of low value, the tax liens on our other parcels were duly foreclosed. By virtue of the proceedings under this statute, the four parcels were sold so that the same, for the year 1936, will contribute to the tax reve- nue of the Town.
During the year the accident case brought by Ida M. Smith for $5000.00 has been settled, which disposes of a case which has been pending against the Town for five years.
The usual routine matters of the Board of Public Works, relat- ing to laying out of streets, orders of taking of easements for drain- age and water main purposes and construction of granolithic sidewalks, have required my services. I have rendered assistance to the Board in the matter of the application for approval by the United States Government of the project for the construction of the filtration plant; furnished in a written opinion the legal data necessary for the approval of the Federal grant of 45% and have examined and approved the con- tract for the construction of the plant under the Government regula-
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tions. Titles have been examined in connection with the takings of land and various other activities of the Board have required my at- tention.
In the School Department charges were preferred against a school teacher for her removal, under the provisions of the law relating there- to. A private hearing was held which resulted in the dismissal of the teacher. I have examined the contract for the transportation of school children and after suggested modification have approved the same. I have also prepared a contract and bond relative to the installation of a heating system in the Grouard House.
I have rendered assistance to the Board of Public Welfare in con- nection with Probate Court proceedings relative to guardianship for minor children and domestic relation matters. I have prepared agree- ments relative to the cutting of wood upon land in the Town and have prepared Power of Attorney running from a welfare recipient, in con- nection with the management of property, and have rendered assistance in several other matters requiring my attention and advice.
I have drafted release deeds covering parcels of land sold by the Board of Selectmen and acquired by the Town by foreclosure of tax liens in the Land Court. Before proceedings were commenced in the Land Court for foreclosure of outstanding tax liens, covering property taken by the Town on December 23, 1933, I have endeavored to collect such taxes from the owners and mortgagees thereof, and through such efforts the taxes on twelve parcels of realestate have been paid and the property redeemed.
At the beginning of the year there were four suits against the Town pending in the Courts, and during the year one case previously referred to has been disposed of. During the year two suits were brought against the Town for injuries sustained as a result of alleged defects in the highway, and a petition for assessment of damages was com- menced in the Middlesex Superior Court resulting from an alleged change of grade and specific repairs on Main Street. Eight claims for damages have been made against the Town during the year, which claims have not been made the subject of suit, and two of which claims have been satisfactorily adjusted. I have handled four claims arising out of damages to Town property and have effected satisfactory settle- ments.
In the matter of suits brought against Town employees in which the Town was summoned as Trustee, I have filed in Court in behalf of the Town, the answers as required by law. I have attended hearings of the various Boards, have given advice and opinions on Town mat- ters, drafted all documents and legal instruments, prosecuted all claims brought in behalf of the Town, appeared in defense of all actions and
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suits instituted or pending against the Town, and performed every professional act required of me in the performance of the duties of my office.
Respectfully submitted, SAMUEL H. DAVIS, Town Counsel.
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen : Gentlemen :
I herewith submit the annual report of the Police Department of Town of Reading for the year ending December 31, 1935.
Arrests for the year 1935-432.
Males 422, females 10; residents, 137; non residents, 295; adults 394; minors, 38; American born, 398; foreign, 34.
Causes of Arrests
Assault with intent to murder, 1; Assault and battery 4; Larceny, 10; Warrants for out town officers, 7; Insane, 3; Drunkenness, 201; Operating under influence liquor, 38; Breaking and entering, 13; Keep- ing and exposing liquor for sale, 4; Illegitimacy, 1; Violating the auto law, 132; Non support, 5; Armed robbery, 2; Gambling, 5; Indecent assault, 1; Vagrant, 1; Capias, 1; Disturbing the peace, 2.
Disposition of cases in Court
Fined, 132; Filed, 74; Released, 160; Continued, 6; Turned over to out town officers 17; Discharged, 11; Held or Grand Jury, 2; Probation, 1; Appealed, 7; House of Correction, 9; House of Correction suspended, 13; State Hospital Danvers, 3; State farm at Bridgewater, 1; State Prison, 1; Dismissed for lack of prosecution, 2.
Amount of Fines Imposed by Court
59 at $5.00 each, $295.00; 32 at $10.00 each $320.00; 1 at $15.00 each, $15.00; 3 at $20.00 each, $60.00; 4 at $25.00 each, $100.00; 10 at $30.00 each, $300.00; 2 at $40.00 each, $80.00; 12 at $50.00 each, $600.00; 3 at $100.00 each, $300.00
Miscellaneous
Cases investigated, 370; automobile accidents, 124; guarding pay rolls, 80; guarding mail, 35; put ups, 81; building found open and se- cured, 115; dogs killed by officers, 5; special message delivered after hours, 32; children lost and found and turned over to parents, 16; windows found open and secured, 11; horse shot for the owner, 1; wires found and reported, 8; street light out, 35; old people found straying away pick up and taken home, 7; fires reported by officers, 3; defective streets and sidewalks, 6; gasoline pumps found open, 3; hens brought to the station and held for the owner, 2; dead body taken care of, 3;
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dog restraint served, 2; serious sickness signs put out, 6; other acci- dents than automobiles, 2; goods found out side stores and brought to the station, value at $150.00; property reported stolen, $874.35; pro- perty recovered, $706.00; property recovered for out town officers, $2500.00; ambulance made the following runs to hospitals : Winchester, 27; Mass. General, 14; Carney, 12; Tewksbury, 14; Middlesex County Sanitarium, 1; Danvers State Hospital, 6; Lawrence General, 2; Child- ren hospital, 4; Mass. Memorial, 5; Palmer Memorial, 1; Stoneham, 1; New England Sanatarium, 3; Boston City 2; Charlesgate, 1; Deaconess, 1; Melrose, 6; Boston Lying in Hospital, 1; Mount Auburn, 1; Osteo- pathic, 1; White Convalescent, 1; Brookline, 1; New England Hospital for women and children, 3; State Sanitarium at Rutland, 1; Chelsea Naval, 1; Robert Brigham, 1; covering 3,367 miles. Cruiser car starts out at 8 p. m., puts up 5 a. m., going all night to all parts of the Town with a radio in car, Teletype at station so that desk man can get the car in two minutes.
Conclusion
At this time I wish to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen, the Judges of our District Court, the Clerks of our Court, our Local Press, and all others who assisted in promoting the welfare of this depart- ment, also the members of the force for what they have done.
Respectfully submitted, JEREMIAH CULLINANE, Chief of Police, Reading, Mass.
REPORT OF CHIEF OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen : Gentlemen :
The annual report of the Fire Department is herewith submitted giving the report of the fires that have occurred during the year end- ing December 31st, 1935, together with such information as I think may be of interest to the town.
Finances
My financial transactions are all embodied in the report of the Town Accountant to which I would respectfully refer you for any informa- tion you may desire in that line.
Manual Force
The department consists of nine (9) permanent men (including the Chief) and twenty-one call men.
Apparatus and Equipment
The department has five pieces of motor apparatus and a sedan for the use of the chief. The Chief's car and four pieces of apparatus are at the Central Fire Station as follows: Engine 1, a Seagrave com-
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bination, equipped with a 100 gallon booster tank, of 1000 gallons per minute capacity which was purchased in 1934. Engine 3, a Seagrave combination of 600 gallons per minute capacity, equipped with an 85 gallon booster tank which was purchased in 1929. Engine 4, a Chevro- let hose truck equipped with a 65 gallon booster tank. A portable pump of 100 gallon per minute capacity is mounted on this truck and connected to the booster tank. This truck was purchased in 1932 and rebuilt in 1934. Ladder 1, a Robinson combination service ladder truck purchased in 1916 and in which a White motor was installed in 1920.
At Engine 2 Station on Woburn Street, there is a Seagrave com- bination of 400 gallons per minute capacity equipped with a 65 gallon booster tank.
Engines 1, 2, 3, and 4 are in very good condition. The ladder truck is twenty years old, it has a White G. F. motor for which the White Company no longer stock parts. It has a Cotter transmission and rear end which I was able to service from the combination that was replaced in 1926. I doubt if the Cotter Company are in business now. The three longest ladders on this truck were taken from the horse drawn truck in 1916 and are now thirty years old.
Recommendations
I would recommend the expenditure of $13,850.00 for the purchase of a ladder truck. I also recommend the purchase of 500 feet of hose and that the Model T Ford be replaced this year.
Fire Prevention
I have issued 530 permits for fires out of doors, 316 permits for the storage of inflammable liquids, 5 permits for the sale of fireworks and 3 permits to conduct blasting operations.
The W. P. A. has gone from house to house and explained the re- quirements in regard to oil storage. This has helped very much both the citizen and my department in correcting some bad fire and life hazards.
I have caused to be or have inspected myself all mercantile es- tablishments in town.
Record of Alarms
Month
Bell
Still
Total
January
7
9
16
February
4
7
11
March
8
21
29
April
9
32
41
May
9
20
29
June
3
7
10
July
6
14
20
August
7
19
26
85
Month
Bell
Stil
Total
September
10
9
19
October
22
73
95
November
6
17
23
December
14
38
52
Total
371
Miles traveled
4,678
Number feet 21/2 inch hose laid
15,800
Number feet 11/2 inch hose laid
31,350
Number feet chemical hose laid
5,400
Number feet ladders raised
664
Gallons chemical used
42
Number times booster tank used
47
Gallons of gasoline used
923
Gallons of oil used
38
Value of Property in danger
$237,135.00
Insurance thereon
$199,550.00
Loss thereto
$ 14,640.89
Insurance paid
$ 9,430.89
Conclusion
In concluding, I wish to extend to your Honorable Board, the Town Accountant, Treasurer and the Finance Committee, my thanks for the courtesies and co-operation I have received during the year. I wish to compliment the officers and members of the department on the prompt and efficient manner in which they have performed their duties. I also wish to express my thanks to the Chief of Police for the services rendered by his department at fires and to the employees of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for the prompt and effici- ent service rendered in receiving alarms by telephone.
Respectfully submitted,
ORVILLE O. ORDWAY, Chief Fire Department.
REPORT OF THE FOREST WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
The annual report of the Forest Warden is herewith submitted for the year ending December 31st, 1935.
The financial transactions of the department are embodied in the report of the Town Accountant to which I refer you for any informa- tion along this line.
The following deputies were appointed by me and approved by the
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State Forest Warden; Henry M. Donegan, 11 Federal Street., John J. O'Brien and Hugh L. Eames, Central Fire Station.
Engine 4 is used for grass and brush fires. This machine is equip- ped with 2700 feet of 11/2 inch hose as well as brooms and pump cans. A new portable pump was added to this machine this year and not only does it increase the efficiency of the machine but in the event of a large building it would make a very good spark chaser.
As in former years I have posted all woodlands and have in- vestigated and reported all fires to the State Forest Warden.
In concluding I wish to thank all who have assisted this department during the year.
Respectfully submitted ORVILLE O. ORDWAY, Forest Warden.
REPORT OF BUILDING INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1935. The building construction for the past year was as follows : 27 new one family dwellings at an estimated cost of ...... $ 121,100 11 alterations and additions to dwelling at an estimated cost of 7,035
21 new private garages at an estimated cost of $ 5,515
1 new store
2 new service stations
2 new recreation buildings
1 new barn
2 new storage buildings
7 new hen houses
1 new pigeon house
14 alterations and additions to various buildings
Estimated cost of above buildings 25,215
Total estimated cost of all new and remodelled buildings for the past year $ 158,915
Total number of permits granted, 89.
Fees received for building permits, $209.50
Respectfully submitted, A. RUSSELL BARNES, Building Inspector.
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REPORT OF READING TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
January 24, 1936.
Board of Selectmen,
Reading, Mass.
Gentlemen :
This, the fifth year of development of the Town Forest Reservation, was one of considerable activity. The largest yearly planting of new trees was made in the early spring of 1935, there being 50,000 trees in the shipment received from the State Department of Conservation. Plantings by years, as follows :
1930
20,000
1931
17,000
1932
11,000
1933
7,000
1934
20,000 (about 15,000 poor stock- winter killed.)
1935
50,000
125,000
25,000
Probable losses
Estimate
100,000
Present number, growing healthy trees
The 1935 budget appropriation was $75.00 and the full amount was not expended due to the assistance received from the Welfare and P. W. A. projects.
For fire protection three water holes were enlarged to a consider- able capacity.
We recommend that the Town of Reading purchase or otherwise obtain, adjoining properties to the Town Forest which would be bene- ficial to the proper protection of the Forest and for use in its further development.
To all those who had a part in the dedication ceremonies of 1930, and who actually planted a tree or trees, we extend a cordial invitation to visit the Town Forest and observe for their own satisfaction the sturdy growth of the little clump of "spills" they so carefully tucked away in among the roots and sods of "Hundred Acres." Some of these trees are now taller than the good citizens that gave them their start in Reading soil.
Respectfully submitted, LELAND W. KINGMAN, Chairman O. O. ORDWAY HENRY M. DONEGAN Reading Town Forest Committee.
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REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Reading, Mass., Dec. 31, 1935. Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report as Tree Warden and Moth Super- intendent for the year 1935.
I have planted about two hundred and twenty-five trees on the roadside the last year.
Some of these trees were supplied by the Gas Company to replace some of the trees that were killed by leaking gas mains.
The gypsy moth and browntail moth situation remains about the same, but the elm trees will need a lot of spraying to protect them from the elm leaf beetle this year.
Yours respectfully, HENRY M. DONEGAN Tree Warden and Moth Supt.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARM
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit the report of the Fire Alarm Department for 1935.
No additions were made to the system this year and no damage was caused by storms.
It was necessary to make many changes to replaced poles and wire was rerun on Woburn Street, Temple Street, Franklin Street and Middlesex Avenue.
The relay on the Wakefield mutual aid circuit was replaced and although repairs were made to the repeater they can only be con- sidered as temporary as this important part of the system has reached the state of unreliability and should be replaced at once.
There is great need of more fire alarm boxes to cover locations that are far from the nearest box.
I wish to thank your Honorable Board for their co-operation and all others who have assisted this department.
Respectfully submitted, HUGH L. EAMES, Superintendent of Fire Alarm.
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REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF WIRES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Gentlemen :
I herewith submit the report of the Inspector of Wires for 1935.
Number of inspections 342. Complaints received and investigated 4. Wiring condemned 1. Changes ordered made to improper or defective- wiring 12. "Complaints made against electricians to State Examiners of Electricians 2.
I wish to thank your Honorable Board for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted, HUGH L. EAMES, Inspector of Wires ..
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEAL
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Reading, Mass.
Gentlemen :
Six petitions for variation of the application of the Zoning By- Law were presented to this Board during 1935, of which two were granted, four denied.
Details as to each case may be obtained from the reports in the- files of the Town Clerk.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY Q. MILLETT, Chairman FRED L. NUTTER, Secretary BENJAMIN B. PIPER
Board of Appeal ..
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of Reading :
There were one hundred fifty-nine (159) contagious cases reported
during the year 1935.
Anterior Poliomyelitis
4
Chicken Pox
13
Dog Bite 28
German Measles
43
Measles
2
Mumps
2
90
.
Pneumonia Lobar 7
Scarlet Fever
38
Trichinosis 11
Tuberculosis
11
Number of deaths 95
Male
48
Female
47
2 were between
90 and 100
31 "
80 and 90
25
70 and 80
20 "
60 and 70
10
50 and
60
4
40 and 50
1 was
30 and 40
1
1 and 20
1 Still Birth
Respectfully submitted,
E. M. HALLIGAN, M. D. R. B. SHEPARDSON, M. D. C. F. ATKINSON
Board of Health.
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
To the Board of Health,
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report for the year ending December 31. 1935.
Number of Permits granted 122
Number of Fixtures installed 448
Bath tubs 62
Lavatories
81
Closets
97
Sinks
88
Wash trays
68
Boilers
52
I have made 247 inspections.
Respectfully submitted DAVID TAGGART Inspector of Plumbing.
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REPORT OF PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Trustees of the Public Library submit the following report for the year ended December 31, 1935.
Organization of the Board
The Board organized by the election of Mr. Barclay as Chairman and Mr. Fletcher as Secretary. Standing committees were appointed as follows :
On Accounts : The Board of Trustees.
On Books: Mrs. Lucas, Mrs. Tirrell and Mr. Lyons.
On Buildings and Grounds : Messrs. Morton, Fletcher and Barclay.
On work with the children: Mrs. Lucas, Mrs. Tirrell and Mr. Fletcher.
Expenses of the Library
The condensed financial statement is as follows :
Appropriation, direct tax, 1935 :
Salaries : Librarian, Assistants and Janitor
$ 4,800.00
Maintenance 2,800.00
$ 7,600.00
Expenses
Salaries : Librarian, Assistants and Janitor
$ 4,796.78
Books and Periodicals, including rebinding 1,822.56
Printing, Stationery and Supplies 171.00
Fuel, Light, Water and Sewer 359.42
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