USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1949 > Part 7
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General Laws, Chapter 111
Sections 110 and 111, require physicians, registered hospital medical officers, nurses or other attendants to report at once to the local board of health, every child one or both of whose eyes become inflamed, swollen and red and show an unnatural discharge within two weeks. after birth.
80
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
The annual report of the Board of Selectmen for the year ending December 31, 1949, follows:
At an adjourned meeting on March 3, 1949, the Board organized as follows:
Kenneth C. Latham, Chairman G. Lawrence Roberts, Secretary Charles E. Wilkinson Mildred J. Gray, Clerk
Following the usual custom, Monday evening has been the regular meeting time of the Board, with the exception of July and August when meetings were held every other week.
There has been a continuation of the policy in effect over the last three years of having those who wished to see the Board make appoint- ments with the Clerk. The object has been to save the time of those who wish to appear before the Board. The fact that we have, with few exceptions, held to scheduled appointments we believe is appreciated by those who have had business to transact with the Board.
During the year the Town by-laws have been revised and printed. Copies are now available at the Selectmen's Office. This completed the project of bringing up to date, and putting in book form, the Town By- laws, Building Laws, Zoning By-Laws, and Traffic Rules and Regula- tions, the last three named being made available to you last year.
The preliminary ground work for the possible revision of precinct boundaries caused by changes in population has been done, and it is expected that should changes be made, they will become effective be- fore the next annual town election.
Considerable time has been spent by the Board in studying details and costs in relation to the possibility of placing a swimming pool in Memorial Park by taking advantage of a bequest to the Town for that purpose. It is expected that the study will be completed and the facts made available to the annual Town Meeting upon which a decision can be reached in respect to it.
All major constructions, repairing and the purchase of major equip- ment, have been done on a bid basis, including coal and fuel oil. This is a continuation of the policy put into effect some years ago.
The policy of making the bulk purchasing power of one depart- ment available to other departments, which policy was formulated last year, has been continued in effect and will be further implemented in the year to follow.
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As in the case of previous years, many requests have been received for the erection of various traffic signs. In every case a study has been made of the area by the Board and our Police Department. Additional signs were placed where it was thought advisable to have them as a result of such study.
The temporary NO LEFT TURN onto High Street from Woburn east- bound, put in effect on a trial basis approximately February 1, was made permanent in June after a trial of approximately five months, it being the opinion of the Board that this was a definite step toward the partial elimination of the traffic congestion at that point. There are other traffic problems in the town that are being studied in co-operation with our Police Department, and the probabilities are that further re- strictions may be made effective during the coming year, on a trial basis if not permanent.
It was with considerable pride that we accepted in behalf of the Town the Citation and Plaque from the American Automobile Associa- tion for having had no automobile fatalities in the Town during 1948. It is to the credit of the Police Department that for 1949 as well there were no automobile fatalities.
In spite of the new parking lot, off-the-street parking facilities for automobiles is still a serious problem. Through the co-operation of the Municipal Light Board, their parking lot has been made available on Friday evenings and Saturdays to shoppers in the Haven Street area. The School Committee has also cooperated by making the High School yard available for Sunday parking during church hours.
We have met with the Personnel Board during the year. We appreci- ate the importance of their assignment and welcome the opportunity of cooperating with them. Our office has been made available to them for their meetings.
During the year we fully cooperated with the committee authorized by the Town Meeting to study Town Manager form of government. We likewise welcomed the opportunity of meeting with them and making available such records as they desired to examine.
We have been working with the Boston & Maine R. R. throughout the year on the Woburn Street crossing problem and other matters pertain- ing to safety precautions, particularly in the station area. It is hoped that eventually an answer to this problem can be worked out to the sat- isfaction of all concerned.
The Grouard House, long used by the School Department for their headquarters, and the Chestnut Hill School, which for approximately 100 years served the children of that area, were both turned back to the Town during the year and arrangements made to sell both properties at auction in order to be assured of the maximum return to the Town.
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During the year conduits were installed in the Town Building to al- low wires to be run from the Treasurer's and Collector's office to the Police Station. It is expected that this project will be completed shortly and those two offices provided with means of signalling the Police Department in case of emergency.
It was with regret that we accepted the resignation of
William A. Connelly, D.M.D. John L. Griffin Carl W. Pinkham
from the Finance Committee, all of whom have rendered valuable serv- ice to the Town as members of that very important committee. In their place were appointed:
Charles P. Anderson Clement T. Gleason Edward B. Halligan
It is with profound appreciation that the Board finds so many able and conscientious townspeople who are willing to serve on this time- consuming and very necessary part of our Town government. We thank all former and present members for the fine spirit of cooperation that has always existed between that committee and our Board.
We appreciate the cooperation of the Reading Police Reserve Asso- ciation and the Auxiliary Fire Service Association, both of which have so willingly given of their time and energy whenever called to duty. The Town is fortunate in having these two associations backing up the two departments with which they are affiliated.
It was with regret that we accepted the resignation of Mildred J. Gray as Clerk of the Board. She left us on July 7 after having served the Town for twenty-one years in a most efficient manner. Mr. Boyd Stewart has since taken over as Clerk of the Board, assisted by Mrs. Mil- dred J. Clark, Secretary.
The various departments under the jurisdiction of the Board have made their individual reports and they appear on other pages.
Again it is our privilege to thank the Boards and Committees of the other Town departments, also the general public, for the very much ap- preciated spirit of cooperation that was evidenced throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted,
G. LAWRENCE ROBERTS, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
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ยท
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
During the year the Board has had members present at all the hearings held by the Board of Appeal for variations of the Zoning By-Laws. The Board has opposed many of these proposals as it felt that to do so was in the best interest of the town and the upholding of the Zoning By-Laws. In a few instances the proposals have been recommended.
The Board has also attended meetings held by the Board of Survey on street betterment hearings as well as other hearings that had direct or indirect bearing on the Zoning Laws.
The Board has set up a schedule to bring the Zoning Maps up to date every two years. It is felt that this is necessary because of the rapid growth of the town with its present widespread building program. Land is continually being subdivided and new boundaries established.
The Board has gone on record, at a number of hearings before the Board of Appeal where outside interests have come into town with the idea of stripping land of loam, sand and gravel, in opposition as it did not consider this type of operation in the best interest of the town.
The Board has been interested in the improving of the appearance of the common with the idea that it should be an attractive landmark to people traveling Route 28 as well as to the townspeople of Reading.
The Board has had requests from other towns for copies of our Zoning Law Book as well as for information in the carrying out of same. The Board has obliged in all instances.
Mr. David and Mr. Wilson have served as the Board's representatives on the Capital Expenditure Planning Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE B. PEASE, Chairman CHARLES WILSON, Secretary A. LLOYD DAVID WINTHROP D. PARKER PHILIP R. WHITE
84
TWENTY - NINTH
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
for the year ended
December 31, 1949
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
To the Citizens of the Town of Reading:
The Board of Public Works submits herewith its Annual Report for the year ending December 31, 1949.
The Board organized with Mr. James E. Calvin as Chairman and Mr. Coleman Donahue as Secretary. Philip Welch was reappointed Sup- erintendent.
Regularly scheduled meetings were held during the year, as were several special meetings and conferences. Individual members were appointed to and served on special committees.
Public Hearings were advertised and held on street acceptances, sewer extensions, drain easements and pole locations. Acting as the Board of Survey, several hearings were held on proposed housing de- velopments, and for the establishment of lines and grades on existing and proposed private ways and new streets.
Petitions for sewer extensions, storm drains, water mains, grano- lithic sidewalks, granite curbing, and other services have been filed with the Board, the cost of which greatly exceeds the amount of the usual annual appropriations made for these purposes. The Board, consequent- ly, has tried to install the various utilities based on the greatest need and value to the Town and on a planned basis.
Storm water drain requests are continually being received. This presents a serious problem. A large backlog of requests now exists, the estimated cost of which is far in excess of normal yearly appropriations. A point has now been reached where a sizeable bond issue would be necessary to install storm drains as requested.
The rapid development of the Town during the past three years has created distinct problems for the Water Department both financial and physical. Development in outlying sections has necessitated the installation of water main extensions. The installation of services is far in excess of prewar levels. Coupled with the advance in prices over prewar levels, this has resulted in the expenditure of relatively large sums. It has been necessary to raise bond issues in each of the years, 1947, 1948 and 1949 to meet these demands.
The rapid development has naturally resulted in a substantial in- crease in the number of consumers. Hence, the facilities of the Depart- ment are reaching the saturation point. It is now necessary to expand the entire system to adequately supply the Town. This will mean most- ly added supply and treatment facilities but will also mean expansion of the distribution system and other minor but important parts of the Department.
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The Department has engaged consulting engineers to make a com- plete survey of the Water Department facilities. Their report is not available at this writing. It is apparent, however, that expansion of this nature will require the expenditure of relatively large sums of money.
Consequently, this Board has given much time and thought to the income and expenditures of the Water Department. As of January 1, 1949, several changes were made in the various kinds of charges made by the Water Department. As a result, the 1949 income was substan- tially greater than the 1948 income. All of these charges have been recently reviewed in detail and changes made which, it is hoped, will place the Department in a position so that bond issues will not be neces- sary except for large capital investments.
In 1949, the Water Department spent approximately $17,000 in main pipe extensions for new homes. At the existing charge of $1.00 per foot for such extensions, the income from this source only was approximately $3,400 or approximately 20 percent of the total cost. This Board feels that, for many reasons too numerous to list here, a greater part of the cost of installing water mains should be borne by the abutting proper- ties in the development. As a result, this Board has voted to raise the charge for main extensions from $1.00 per running foot to $2.50 per running foot or approximately 50 per cent of the cost.
Since the founding of the Water Department, it has been the rule of the Department that the water service on private property belongs to the owner and any repairs necessary shall be done at the expense of the owner. For many years past, this rule has not been enforced and said repairs have been made without charge to the owners. During the past few years, owners have been requesting, in increasing numbers, that the existing service be replaced with a new one. This has be- come a substantial item in the Department costs and combined with other items, presents a financial problem-to such an extent that this Board feels that it cannot any longer absorb the expense of replacing services. Regretfully, the Board has voted to establish a charge for re- placing water services. The charge is $0.50 per running foot plus a flat fee of $10.00.
The Board has endeavored to co-operate with other Town Boards and Departments during the past year and wishes to acknowledge the courtesy, help, and co-operation extended to them by other Town De- partments.
The Board wishes to extend its thanks to the employees of the De- partment for their loyalty and co-operation. Many of these employees have, in cases of emergency, worked for long hours under trying con- ditions and the Board feels that they are deserving of the thanks of the Townspeople.
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Reference is made to the report of the Superintendent, which fol- lows, for a more detailed account of the activities of the various divi- sions which comprise the Departments supervised by the Board of Public Works.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES E. CALVIN, Chairman COLEMAN J. DONAHUE, Secretary JOHN W. HARRISON HAROLD W. PUTNAM HARRY R. WALKER
DETAILED REPORT
There follows herewith a short statement of the activities of some of the subdivisions of this Department.
WATER DEPARTMENT Main Pipe Construction
As anticipated, the residential boom continued on a high level although slightly below the 1948 level. This construction required, in many cases, extensions of water mains. In addition, the program of replacing small mains with larger sized mains was continued. In five streets, 11/4 inch mains were replaced with 6 and 8 inch mains. In all cases, hydrants were installed at proper intervals. These replacements will result in a better service to consumers plus better fire protection for the entire Town.
6,771.60 feet of new mains was laid, all 6 inches or larger.
Main Pipe Maintenance
A blown plug on the end of a six inch main was the only case of trouble in the distribution system. Other routine tasks were accomplish- ed such as, raising and lowering gates, testing gates, relaying pipes to lower grades, gravel filling and patching trenches.
Service Pipe Construction and Maintenance
New water services totalled 146 in number. A total of 8,550.45 feet. A slight decrease from 1948.
In addition, 46 old services were replaced. A normal number of defective shutoffs were replaced and a normal number of leaks were repaired.
Rodding of partially clogged service pipes was continued extensive- Jy.
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Meter Maintenance
A total of 204 new meters were installed. At the end of 1948, many new homes were without meters because of supply problems. During 1949, this problem ceased to exist so that now all new homes which are occupied are equipped with meters.
Much effort was concentrated on the meter problem as a whole. In addition to meters on new services, twenty-six old meters were junked and replaced with new ones and 516 meters removed, repaired and reset.
It is good economy to keep meters in good repair as much of the departmental income results from meter rates.
Fire Hydrants
Ten new hydrants were installed in 1949 being, in most instances, placed on new main extensions. Two old hydrants were replaced with new hydrants. Five hydrants damaged by vehicles were repaired and returned to use.
Driven Well System
One new suction main with eight new wells connecting to it was installed in 1949. These wells produced a fair quantity of water of reasonably good quality.
All wells in the system were thoroughly washed, cleaned and spud- ded twice. Careful check was kept of all wells so that wells producing water of high iron content or high color could be shut off from the system.
Deferrization Plant
The filtration plant operated efficiently during 1949 but required considerable more attention. Both filters were raked and scraped regularly. Extensive repairs were made to the No. 1 subsiding basin by the so called Gunite Method.
It will be necessary in 1950 to replace all the coke in the coke beds and it may be necessary in 1950 to replace much of the sand and gravel in the filter beds.
Standpipes
The standpipe on Beacon Street was emptied, washed, sterilized and filled. No major repairs were necessary on either standpipe. The Bear Hill standpipe will be emptied and cleaned in 1950.
Hundred Acre Pumping Station
A total of 324,296,900 gallons of water was pumped during the year. This is an increase of 35,907,700 gallons over 1948. The daily average was 888,537 gallons. The highest single day was 1,530,000 gallons. The highest week was 10,194,000 gallons.
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The station operated well. Very few repairs were necessary despite a substantial increase in pumping. None of the repairs was of a serious nature.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
Snow and Ice
The winter season of 1948-1949 produced very little snow so that no particular problems developed.
General Highway Maintenance
A road maintenance program was planned early in the year and executed during the warm summer months. Since the annual allot- ment for this work is the same as in prewar years, it has been neces- sary to curtail this program.
Due to the constant opening of streets for the installation of utilities to new homes and the repair of existing utilities, it was necessary to increase substantially the use of patching materials.
In addition to major repairs, much was done on routine repairs such as, sweeping, cutting brush, street signs, installing curbs, crushing gravel, repairing guard rails, repairing tools, repairing equipment, etc.
The survey and drafting work required for current operations and future planning was more than could be accomplished by regular Town employees. It was, therefore, necessary to hire private engineers to as- sist in this work. It is urged that the Engineering Division of this Department be expanded.
Chapter 90 Maintenance
The usual work of maintenance on main roads was accomplished with Town funds plus allotments from the State and County. Much remains to be done. To prevent complete disintegration of road sur- faces, it is urged that more funds be allotted for this purpose.
Chapter 90 Construction
A new penetration surface was constructed on Lowell Street from Bancroft Avenue to Woburn Street. A substantial amount of prepara- tory work was done on Charles Street, such as, filling, gravel, storm drains, catch basins, manholes, etc. This section was widened to the full width of the layout. This section will be surfaced in 1950 and preparatory work performed on another section.
Chapter 83 Construction (Street Betterments)
Ten new streets were built. Seven of these were accepted by the Town in 1949 and three were holdovers from prior years.
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Granolithic Sidewalk Construction
A total of 1,568.30 sq. yds. of Granolithic Sidewalk was constructed in 1949. The number of applications now on file exceeds the normal yearly quota. Hence, some applications will not be serviced until 1951. A substantial amount of maintenance was accomplished. Due to new home construction, there was a distinct increase in the number of requests for this service.
Granite Curbing
1,653.38 feet of Granite Curbing was installed under voluntary ap- plications. Corner curbs were installed in many locations.
Storm Water Drains
3,031.00 feet of storm water drainage was installed plus the neces- sary catch basins and manholes.
Maintenance of Storm Drains
Because of the open winter of early 1949, much work was accom- plished in clearing open ditches. All basins were cleaned as usual, drains rodded and flushed as required and in several instances, clogged pipes dug up and replaced.
Dump
Because of the extended dry spell, more attention than usual was given to the dump. To reduce complaints and better conditions, many methods were tried. It was found that an extra caretaker reduced complaints substantially and kept the fire hazard at a minimum. Bull- dozing was done regularly. A short section of chain link fence was erected.
PARK DEPARTMENT
All Parks and Playgrounds were popular throughout the year with each showing a substantial increase in attendance.
Organized recreation programs were provided at all areas by the Recreation Committee during the summer months. For details, the reader is referred to the report of the Recreation Committee.
A substantial area in Birch Meadow was graded, gravel filled, loamed and seeded.
By agreement, this area will be expanded annually for the next four or five years. The area will then provide added park facilities and, more important, will provide a large play area for the proposed new high school.
Excess fill from various operations was used to fill low areas in several park locations.
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Mr. Allan Sturges has donated to the Town a substantial area of land adjacent to South Street and Pine Ridge Road. This area has, for several years, been leased to the Town by Mr. Sturges. It has been used mainly for skating purposes and has become a very popular winter sports area. Through the generosity of Mr. Sturges, an area containing approximately 71/2 acres has been added to the Park system.
SEWER DEPARTMENT
Main Trunk Sewer Construction
Trunk sewers were laid in ten streets totalling 4,866.15 feet. 1,791.30 feet by contract and 3,074.85 feet by Town forces. These sewers will provide much needed service to many abuttors.
Sewer Maintenance
Many sewers were rodded, flushed and cleaned mechanically. No blockages occurred in main trunk sewers.
Sewer House Connections
78 new house connections were installed having a total length of 4,233 feet. 73 were laid to existing buildings and five were laid to new buildings. In addition, several old connections were excavated and re- laid.
REPORT OF DUTCH ELM DISEASE COMMITTEE
The Dutch Elm Disease Committee met at the Town Building on Oc- tober 23, 1949. There were present Maurice H. Donegan, Tree Warden, Chairman, John F. Sawyer, secretary and Miss Marion Harrington. One case of wilt and two cases of Dutch Elm Disease were found by Mr. Donegan October 17, 1949 at the end of Longfellow Road, the trees were immediately removed and destroyed. Samples of twigs have been sent to Dr. M. A. Mackenzie, Univ. of Mass., Amherst, Mass. at various times but no disease was found.
The Town has been thoroughly inspected by Scouts from Dr. Mac- Kenzie's office and the report was very gratifying, no new cases.
JOHN F. SAWYER
Secretary
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.
REPORT OF THE PLUMBING INSPECTOR
To the Board of Health,
Gentlemen:
The annual report of the Plumbing Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1949 is as follows:
Number of permits issued
300
Number of fixtures installed
1,652
Oil Burner Storage-Hot Water Heaters
10
Gas Storage-Hot Water Heaters
60
Electric Storage-Hot Water Heaters
41
30 Gallon Water Tanks
19
Tankless Heaters
92
Water Closets
290
Lavatories
263
Bath Tubs
176
Stall Showers
28
Urinals
10
Cabinet Sinks
9
Sump Pumps
4
Flat Rim Sinks
184
Sink and Tray Combinations
44
Laundry Trays
55
Slop Sinks
6
Dental Units
3
Washing Machines
20
Dish Washing Machines
29
Garbage Disposal Units
12
Drinking Fountains
15
Gasoline Interceptor Traps
4
Floor Drains
12
Sewer Connections
54
Cesspools
200
Septic Tanks
12
Respectfully submitted,
KENNETH G. SHAW,
Inspector of Plumbing
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REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report for the year 1949.
The building construction for the past year was as follows: 135 new one family dwellings at an estimated cost of $1,011,200.00
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