USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1948 > Part 14
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6,000.00
Accounts Payable 30,134.78
Consumers' Deposits
23,648.00
Town Treas. Petty Cash Fund
300.00
Interest Accrued
189.37
Loans Repayment
624,578.26
TOTAL LIABILITIES
$705,850.41
PROFIT AND LOSS:
Balance December 31, 1948
$317,974.23
TOTALS
$1,023,824.64
Note: A contingent liability in the amount of $8,713.72 existed at December 31, 1948 on account of leases received from installment sales of electrical appliances and which were discounted with the Middlesex County National Bank of Reading.
PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
as of December 31, 1948
Balance December 31, 1947
$303,468.89
Income-Balance from Operating Account
80,038.24
TOTAL CREDITS
$383,507.13
Bonds and Notes Paid
10,000.00
Transferred to General Funds of the Town
54,000.00
Adjustment-Unfinished Construction Account
1,532.90
TOTAL DEBITS
$ 65,532.90
Balance December 31, 1948
$317,974.23
190
TOWN OF READING MUNICIPAL LIGHT DEPARTMENT
Accounts Payable December 31, 1948
Allis-Chalmers Co.
$ 47.95
Estate-Heatrola Corp.
.05
The Lowell Electric Light Corp.
.04
The Eastern Company
4.90
Grainger-Rush Company
370.00
Dyer Clark Company
51.60
Addressograph-Multi. Corp.
2.97
Boston Edison Company
29,958.37
Credit Bureau of Boston
5.00
Billerica News
15.00
Paul W. Dayton
6.00
Francis Bros.
5.01
G. E. Supply Corp.
94.50
G. E. Appliances Inc.
187.68
Graybar Electric Co.
22.15
Johnson Farm Supply Co.
1.95
Landers, Frary & Clark Co.
7.34
L. E. Muran
24.55
N. E. Tel. & Tel. Co.
478.96
Reading Auto Parts
26.48
Reading Square Market
11.60
Simplex Wire & Cable
56.60
Fred F. Smith Inc.
43.04
Wagner Electric Corp.
14.43
Waverly Heating Supply Co.
3.49
Westinghouse Elec. Supply
9.68
Total
$ 30,134.78
191
REPORT OF THE RECREATION COMMITTEE
The continual expansion of program and increased interest and par- ticipation has reached a point where the question might be asked as to, 'How did we ever get along without such a program?'
John B. Pacino, instructor at the Junior High School, was again our director and we were most fortunate in having so many of our ex- perienced supervisors return. Therefore the activities not only began where they left off the year before, but also was greatly extended.
Keen competition is provided by many sports, but baseball con- tinues to feature with three leagues operated for the different age groups. Softball for the younger boys was introduced this year, as was a girls softball team that won four and lost one against out of town competition.
Outdoor basketball has continued to grow, and a successful jam- boree at Washington St. Park concluded a fine season.
With limited facilities' provided by the two wading pools, many youngsters are learning to swim, and activity here is continued after the regular program to insure a chance to cool off on very warm days.
Interest continues to grow in arts and crafts, and many wait the 'special' day at their park when Mrs. Gordon arrives to instruct in the making of many beautiful articles that can always be seen at the final day when they are on exhibition.
These activities are only a part of the daily program that also in- cludes tennis, volley ball, horseshoes, and table games. A weekly newspaper helps to keep interest at a high pitch with its up to date reports on all contests and activities.
The program is rounded out by special events on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings which include movies, father and son outing, treasure hunts, pet show, dances, and two field days.
The members of the committee and playground staff are constantly on the watch for new activities that will interest and welcome sugges- tions at all times.
The committee wishes to thank the various town Boards, Organiza- tions and individuals who helped to make the program such a success this year.
A longer and more detailed report is on file and may be obtained on request.
NEWELL H. MORTON, Chairman C. SUMNER TEEL HAROLD W. PUTNAM WM. E. BILLINGHAM CARL W. PINKHAM ROBERT E. TURNER
G. LAWRENCE ROBERTS
192
NINETY-FOURTH REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTS OF THE FOREST WARDEN AND SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARMS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen:
The 1948 report of the Fire Department, Forest Warden and Superin- tendent of Fire Alarm is hereby submitted:
Manual Force The permanent force consists of thirteen men in- cluding the Chief, Deputy Chief, Captain, Lieutenant and Mechanic. The call force is twenty men. Also there are thirty members of the Auxiliary Fire Service.
Apparatus Chief's Car, a 65 ft. Jr. Aerial Ladder truck, five pumping engines, two trailer pumps and one hose trailer.
Service Record The department has responded to 100 bell alarms, 7 of which were false, 187 still alarms and 210 service calls. A total of 498. The fire loss for the year was $100,587.23. Included in the total calls were 98 for grass, brush and dump fires, 34 of which were in the town dump on John Street. Eleven firemen and one civilian received minor injuries. Eighteen fires were investigated by inspectors from the State Fire Marshal's Office. Routine inspections of business property and nursing homes have been made as far as possible. 270 oil storage facili- ties have been inspected and permits issued, 137 oil burner installations, have been inspected and 33 blasting permits have been issued.
Presentations The department has been very fortunate to have received the gift of an Emerson resuscitator in Memory of Lester D. Riley; A Scott Air-Pak from the Neighborhood Betterment Association; a smoke ejector from Frank J. Torre. These are all valuable additions to the equipment of the department and the thoughtfulness of the donors is appreciated.
Fire Stations At the Central Station the bathroom has been modernized and a kitchenette installed with asphalt tile floors. Much of this work has been done by the permanent men. The Engine 2 Station has had the second floor walls and ceiling painted and a new heating boiler has been installed with the men of the Auxiliary Force giving much assistance.
Fire Alarm The usual program of tree trimming and placing in- sulators in trees has been carried out with underground conduits laid in Lowell, Hanscom and Temple Streets, also Bancroft Avenue. A pedestal
193
has been set at Lowell and Hanscom. The two-way communication be- tween the chief's car and police station continues to be a valuable asset and the extension from police to fire stations provides direct contact via radio with the chief's car at all times.
Recommendations That the permanent force be increased to pro- vide better coverage of apparatus at all times and to allow the required inspections to be made. That the present Fire Alarm Truck, a 1936 Chevrolet be replaced.
That a Fire Alarm mutual aid connection be made with the Stone- ham Fire Department.
Conclusion In conclusion I wish to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen for their cooperation, the members of the department and the Auxiliary Fire Service for their efficient work, and other town depart- ments and citizens who have cooperated with and assisted this depart- ment.
Respectfully submitted, HUGH L. EAMES
Chief of the Fire Department, Forest Warden, and Superintendent of Fire Alarm
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
During the year the Board has considered several proposals for rezoning areas of the town. A public hearing was held on the applica- tion of a Pearl Street resident for the rezoning to business of a small residential area so that a Community Store might be established. After hearing arguments on both sides of the case the Board recommended that the proposed change not be made. The Town Meeting followed the recommendation of the Board and rejected the proposed change.
Members of the Board have attended numerous hearings held by the Board of Appeal for variations of the Zoning By-laws. The Board has opposed many of these proposals as it has felt they violated the letter and spirit of the Zoning By-laws. In a few instances the pro- posals have been recommended.
The Board has been interested in the location of state Route 128 as it affects Reading. This state highway will ultimately cross the town near its southern boundary. A hearing held by the Commissioner of Public Works at Boston relative to certain details of the location of this
194
highway was attended by a representative of this Board. A joint hear- ing with other interested Boards was held with our own Public Works Department relative to the crossing of certain streets and the closing of one of them.
Several hearings on street betterment have been attended by the Board. We have also made it a policy to attend all Board of Survey hearings.
One of the major projects for the year was the revision of the town map. This map had not been revised since August 1941 and several hundred new lot and house locations had to be added to the map. This was completed in December and reproduction have been made in small size for use of the citizens and in a larger size for use of the Board.
For some time the Planning Board has been interested in approving the appearance of our Common. The services of a leading landscape architect were secured and planting plans have been prepared. The application of these plans await a favorable opportunity to present to the Town. This Board feels that our Common and Municipal buildings, together with the Old South Church, is a valuable asset to the town. It believes that small annual appropriations for the improvement and maintenance of the Common will net a good return in the form of favorable opinion of our community by those who drive through or visit with us.
Mr. Pease and Mr. Wilson have served as the Board's representa- tives on the Capital Expenditure Planning Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER D. BERRY, Chairman CHARLES WILSON, Secretary WINTHROP D. PARKER GEORGE B. PEASE PHILLIP R. WHITE
195
REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
This year we are dispensing with the elaborate reports of the past and are condensing our report.
The Ambulance responded to 232 calls during the year 1948. This was in excess of the 1947 requests. The Ambulance is a public necessity and is at the service of all citizens, provided a doctor calls requesting the service. A small fee is charged.
There was a slight decrease in arrests for 1948. This, no doubt, was caused by sending more violation slips to the Registry of Motor Vehicles. We were remarkably free from serious crimes due to the constant pa- trolling of the Town, night and day, by the cruisers.
There was a drop of 50 accidents over 1947. This was due to the continued reminders given the public from time to time. I am glad to state there were no fatal accidents in Reading throughout the year.
Reading, even with its lack of proper recreational places has no real juvenile problems. There has been some malicious mischief, such as bicycle taking, window breaking and the like. This has been taken care of by restitution and talks to the children and parents. Only six boys were taken to Court during 1948. This is a good record in comparison to other towns and cities.
No new men were added to the Department during 1948, but as our Town grows the Police Department must expand to meet the new prob- lems that arise. Many problems that nobody else cares to handle are given to the Police Department, and this means extra work.
it has pleased the Board of Selectmen and myself to publicly com- mend (5) five men in the Department for outstanding work during 1948.
The Reading Police Reserves, a successor to the old Auxiliary Police, served faithfully throughout the year at different times. I feel they are a distinct asset to the Department.
In the years ahead to operate efficiently, we must renew our Game- well System which records and operates the boxes used by the Officers on foot. This system has been in the service since 1926. The two-way radio operating for (11) eleven years must be taken care of in the future. For this year I recommend a new cruiser.
It is a pleasure to thank all who have contributed to the success of the Department.
THOMAS E. WALL
Chief of Police
196
REPORT OF WELFARE AGENT
To the Board of Public Welfare:
I submit the following condensed factual report as Welfare Agent and Director of Old Age Assistance:
General Aid
Total cases, 43 - including 121 persons.
Reading - settled cases, 28 - no reimbursement.
Settlements other towns, 3 - full reimbursement.
No legal settlement, 12 - full reimbursement from state.
Aid to Dependent Children
Total cases, 22 - including 85 persons, of whom 54 were "eligible" chil- dren, that is, children where federal funds participate.
Number of applications, 7, all approved.
Cases closed, 4 - reason: resources, 1; remarriage, 2; employment, 1.
Old Age Assistance
Total cases during year, 270.
Applications, 58. Disposition, 43 approved; 15 ineligible.
Cases closed, 57 - reason, death, 29; removal from town, 8; increase in personal resources, 15; placement in institutions, 4; full support taken over by relative, 1.
The Board of Public Welfare, including sessions of the Bureau of Old Age Assistance, has taken 513 recorded actions during the year, of which 45 were case reviews in Aid to Dependent Children, 303 reviews of a similar nature in Old Age Assistance, and 39 decisions in matters of policy.
Costs, as applying to local tax levy:
Expended, including administrative costs
General Aid
$ 25,245.63
Aid to Dependent Children
24,466.68
Old Age Assistance
162,108.35
Total expended
211,820.66
Welfare departmental receipts from all sources 148,068.95
Net cost on local tax levy ....... $ 63,751.71
Respectfully submitted EDWARD E. HARNDEN Welfare Agent and Director of O.A.A.
197
AGENT FOR VETERANS' BENEFITS AND
DIRECTOR OF VETERANS' SERVICES
January 3, 1949
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town of Reading, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
As your Agent for Veterans' Benefits and Director of Veterans' Ser- vices, I submit my annual report for this department.
Due probably to good employment and Federal benefits, our case load for financial aid has run slightly below last year.
The work of Veterans' Services which consists of advice and refer- ence, continues to keep its level of former years. The frequent changes in regulations and directives means a constant study to keep up to date on the many services and benefits to veterans and their dependents.
We have had the cooperation of the other departments of the town whenever we have had occasion to contact them, especially the Depart- ment of Public Welfare, we take pleasure in thanking them for their assistance.
We can make no predictions for the coming year, it all depends on conditions of employment and those of health and accident.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES W. H. SMITH
Agent
198
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
To the Citizens of Reading:
I submit my report as Tree Warden for the year 1948.
It was necessary to remove forty-six trees from the roadside, of these eight were destroyed by gas, nine were ordered removed after hearings and twenty-nine were either dead or in a dangerous condition.
The dormant spraying for the control of Pear Psylla, Scale and Spruce Gall remains about the same each year.
Ninety-six trees were planted on the roadside.
The usual spring trimming of low branches was about double that of a normal year. The foliage was unusually heavy due to the extreme- ly wet weather.
The spraying with 2, 4-D solution for the eradication of Poison Ivy was continued. This solution, which works slower than some other pre- parations, is the most satisfactory from a safety angle. It requires two or three sprayings to completely destroy this weed. Most of the roadside has been sprayed at least once.
During the past year most of the elms on the roadside and other town property were sprayed twice. We are now trimming these trees removing all the dead and dying branches. These are the best known methods to control the Dutch Elm Disease.
During late July and August the roadside trees and brush were sprayed again to control the Fall Web Worm.
I take this opportunity to thank the men of this department and all others who have assisted me in the past year.
MAURICE H. DONEGAN
Tree Warden
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of Reading,
There were two hundred ninety-five cases of contagious diseases reported during the year 1948.
Chicken Pox
8
Dog Bites
60
Influenza Meningitis
1
Malaria
1
Mumps
44
Measles
174
Scarlet Fever
4
Tuberculosis
3
Respectfully submitted,
E. M. HALLIGAN, M.D.
C. R. BAISLEY, M.D.
C. F. ATKINSON
199
REPORT OF THE TOWN COUNSEL
January 3, 1949
To the Law Committee of the Town of Reading:
I submit my report as Town Counsel for the year 1948 as follows:
Contract for the construction of the new Elementary School on Summer Avenue and Oak Street together with contract for the grading of the school grounds were prepared and executed during the year; tax titles have been foreclosed in the Land Court; assistance has been rend- ered the Wage and Hour Classification Committee on the By-Law, Schedule and Regulations, and various opinions rendered to officials and Departments of the Town.
Court actions, petition for assessment of damages for taking of land by right of eminent domain and Tax Appellate Board Appeals have been defended by me in Court. Several claims have been made for damages as the result of accidents on the highways and these claims have been investigated for the protection of the Town. There are still pending four cases in the Court.
As provided by the regulations of the Town I have performed every professional act required by me in the performance of the duties of my office including in part appearances in Court and hearings before Boards or Commissions, prosecution of claims in behalf of the Town, opinions to all Town Boards, investigation of claims against the Town, drafting release and redemption deeds, licenses for transportation of passengers for hire, amendments to traffic regulations, protest of adver- tising signs, discharge of Old Age Assistance bonds and mortgages, licenses, permits, by-laws, articles and motions for Town Meetings and such other legal documents and matters referred to me for attention.
Respectfully submitted
SAMUEL H. DAVIS
Town Counsel
200
REPORT OF THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE FOR THE TOWN OF READING, 1948
The Middlesex County Extension Service is a county organization maintained to serve the various towns of the county especially in the field of agriculture and home economics.
The agricultural work in the town this year was largely with the poultrymen. Many individual farm visits were made upon request to assist largely in flock management and disease control. Much of the organized project work was developed by the Eastern Middlesex County Poultry Association which includes Reading and surrounding towns.
Of interest to homemakers monthly service letters were sent into many homes upon request.
There were six boys and girls 4-H clubs carrying on projects in knitting, clothing, crafts, and agriculture. These clubs were under the leadership of Miss Lois Connor, who is also the Chairman of the Town Committee and President of the 4-H Leaders' Organization, Mrs. Walter Connor, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Crowe, and Mrs. John O'Brien.
For the third year club members had an outing at Camp Middlesex. Several of the Reading girls participated in a style show before an audience of over 100 club members and leaders from surrounding towns. The Town Committee served the dinner at the annual meeting of the 4-H leaders. A County medal was awarded to Wendel Nelson in the National Livestock Contest. Jean Symons was awarded First in canning and Second on eggs at the County Fair. Kenneth Hickman and Ernest Durb represented the County in the State Poultry Judging Contest at the Boston Poultry Show. Ernest also represented the County in the Eastern States Poultry Judging Contest and at State Boys' Day at the University of Massachusetts. He also exhibited his birds at both Boston and Eastern States, winning two Firsts, a Second, two Thirds, and two Fifths. Others who did fine work were Donald Martin and Dulena Crowe.
201
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town of Reading, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report as Inspector of Animals for the year January 1, 1948 to January 1, 1949.
Fifty-one dogs were quarantined for inflicting personal injuries, and the same number released after the period of quarantine had expired. One rabbit was quarantined by inflicting a scratch wound. However, upon expiration of the quarantine, said rabbit was in perfect health.
One other dog which was to be quarantined, was quickly disposed of before the quarantine could be executed. If at any time a dog or cat bites or scratches an individual, do not destroy the animal in a moment of anger. Destruction at this time makes a laboratory examination of the animals brain, for the detection of Rabies, very inaccurate. Protect yourself as well as others. Wait until the animal has been examined, professional advice given, and quarantine expired.
Two other dogs were quarantined for 21 to 90 days for illegal entry into Massachusetts, in the absence of a health certificate. One dog has been released; the other still remains in quarantine.
The annual inspection of all livestock in the town, carried on through the authorization by the Division of Livestock Disease Control in Boston, showed an over all decrease over 1947. There are at present, 137 neat cattle, 106 swine, 40 sheep, 20 goats, and 35 horses.
No Contagious Infectious Diseases were noted, however, a great many barns could stand cleaning and renovating.
Respectfully submitted,
GARDINER A. LESTER, D.V.M.
Inspector of Animals
202
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF WIRES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The report of the Inspector of Wires is hereby submitted:
Permits have been issued and the electrical work performed on the following:
Additions to existing wiring .... 117 Laundry machines and dryer 2
Alterations to existing wiring 31
Motors
23
Barns wired 3
Offices
2
Corrections made to wiring 26
Oil burners (power) 149
Dishwashers
2
Ranges 79
Dwellings (new)
147
Repairs to old wiring
2
Dwellings (old rewired)
4
Repairs after fire damage
2
Freezing units
2 Services (replaced) 12
Garages
6 Services (temporary)
7
Garbage disposal units
1 Shops
4
Gasoline pumps
8 Signs 5
Greenhouses
1 Stokers
1
Gas heater controls
19 Unit Heaters
3
Heat regulators
5 Ventilating fans 1
Henhouses
2 Water heaters 20
Wiring installations of long standing were condemned in three resi- dences and one store because of worn out and faulty wiring. Issued new regulations on power oil burner installations making it mandatory to install an emergency switch outside of the room containing the burner said switch to be plainly marked.
The electricians as a whole have been cooperative which is greatly appreciated.
Respectfully submitted
GEORGE F. FOGG
Inspector of Wires
203
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS
For the Year 1948
Valuation of Taxable Property
Buildings, exclusive of land
$16,407,205
Land, exclusive of buildings
3,780,140
Personal Estate
1,440,247
Total Taxable Valuation
$21,627,592
Amount Appropriated for Town Purposes $1,669,950.97
Amount to be Paid for State and County Taxes
63,625.18
Amount of Overlay
24,504.31
$1,758,080.46
Less Estimated Receipts
$423,669.92
Excise Tax
16,950.00
Over Estimated 1947
4,796.92
Available Funds
374,534.15
819,950.99
Net Amount to be raised on Polls and Property
$938,129.47
Tax Rate 1948 - $43.00
Real Estate Tax
$868,065.62
Personal Tax
61,933.09
Poll Tax
8,302.00
Excise
44,646.02
Moth
855.50
Curbing & Sidewalk
1,333.16
Sewer
686.15
House Connection
719.67
Highway
1,266.15
Water Liens
137.65
$987,945.01
HAROLD B. CURRELL RALPH T. HORN LEON G. BENT
Board of Assessors
204
REPORT OF COLLECTOR OF TAXES
For the Year Ended December 31, 1948 Taxes and Assessments 1946
Uncollected December 31, 1947
$ 7,002.52
Interest and Costs Collected
467.31
Refunds
4.15
Paid Treasurer
$ 7,177.53
Abatements
73.49
Tax Takings
222.96
Uncollected December 31, 1948
.00
$ 7,473.98 $ 7,473.98
Taxes and Assessments 1947
Uncollected December 31, 1947
$ 49,043.04
Committed 1948
706.64
Interest and Costs Collected
1,062.68
Refunds
116.17
Paid Treasurer
$ 43,381.70
Abatements
610.52
Tax Takings
285.97
Uncollected December 31, 1948
6,650.34
$ 50,928.53
$ 50,928.53
Taxes and Assessments 1948
General Tax Warrant
$987,945.01 573.67
Interest and Costs Collected
Refunds
4,484.88
Paid Treasurer
$919,990.42
Abatements
19,663.61
Tax Takings
503.28
Uncollected December 31, 1948
52,846.25
$993,003.56
$993,003.56
Sewer Rentals
Uncollected December 31, 1947
$
1,353.95
Committed 1948
13,484.42
Refunds
14.81
205
Interest and Costs Collected Paid Treasurer Abatements Uncollected December 31, 1948
156.63
$ 13,810.78 18.67 1,180.36
$ 15,009.81
$ 15,009.81
Highway Betterment
Uncollected December 31, 1947
$ 817.97
Committed 1948
15,803.81
Paid Treasurer
$ 87.69
Betterment Apportioned
730.28
Uncollected December 31, 1948
15,803.81
$ 16,621.78
$ 16,621.78
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