USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1950 > Part 10
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It is good economy to keep meters in good repair as much of the departmental income results from meter rates.
Fire Hydrants
Twelve new hydrants were installed in 1950 being, in most in- stances, placed on new main extensions. Four hydrants damaged by vehicles were repaired and returned to use.
Driven Well System
All wells in the system were thoroughly washed, cleaned and spudded 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.
One 24 inch gravel packed well was installed on Town owned land and connected to the existing suction. During 1951 two additional wells will be installed, one on Town owned land and one on privately owned land. These wells will also be connected to the existing suction mains. In addition, these wells will be equipped with self contained pumps and will also be so piped that the water may be pumped directly to the distribution system should conditions arise that would make such an action seem advisable.
Deferrization Plant
The filtration plant operated efficiently during 1950 but required considerable more attention. Both filters were raked and scraped regularly.
104
Early in 1950 all the coke was removed and new coke placed in the coke beds. Also early in 1950 all the sand in both filter beds was re- moved and new sand placed in both filters. Since the daily require- ments in 1950 exceeded the capacity of the filter beds it was necessary to prechlorinate the water to increase the capacity of the filters.
Standpipes
No major repairs were necessary on either standpipe.
A contract has been awarded for the construction of an elevated storage tank on Beacon St. abutting the present standpipe. If materials are available the construction will be completed in 1951.
Hundred Acre Pumping Station
A total of 328,962,600 gallons of water was pumped during the year. This is an increase of 4,665,700 gallons over 1949. The daily average was 900,726 gallons. The highest single day was 1,685,000 gallons. The highest week was 10,456,000 gallons.
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 1949-1950 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 allotment for this work is about the same as in prewar years, it has been necessary 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 maintenance such as, sweeping, cutting brush, street signs, installing curbs, crush- ing gravel, repairing guard rails, repairing tools, repairing equipment, etc.
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 surfaces, it is urged that more funds be allotted for this purpose.
Chapter 90 Construction
A substantial amount of preparatory 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. The section on which preparatory work was done in 1949 was surfaced in 1950.
105
Chapter 83 Construction (Street Betterments)
Six new streets were built and the construction of one was post- poned to 1951.
Granolithic Sidewalk Construction
A total of 1,413.25 sq. yds. of Granolithic Sidewalk was constructed in 1950. The number of applications now on file exceeds substantially the normal yearly quota. Hence, some applications will not be serviced until 1953. A substantial amount of maintenance was accomplished. Due to new home construction, there was a distinct increase in the num- ber of requests for this service.
Granite Curbing
1,534.30 feet of Granite Curbing was installed under voluntary ap- plications. Corner curbs were installed in many locations.
Storm Water Drains
3,445.00 feet of storm water drainage was installed plus 22 catch basins and 20 manholes.
Maintenance of Storm Drains
Because of the open winter of early 1950 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 com- plaints 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 and gravel filled.
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.
In Memorial Park the drainage ditch was relocated and partially piped. Some loam was stripped and piled. It is hoped that this work will be continued for the next few years so that a substantial acreage of low land can be reclaimed for recreation purposes.
Excess fill from various operations was used to fill low areas in sev- eral park locations.
106
SEWER DEPARTMENT Main Trunk Sewer Construction
Trunk sewers were laid in ten streets totalling 5,482.00 feet. All work was done by Town forces. These sewers will provide much needed service to many abuttors.
Sewer Maintenance
Many sewers were rodded, flushed and cleaned mechanically. One blockage occurred in main trunk sewers.
Sewer House Connections
65 new house connections were installed having a total length of 3,803 feet. In addition, several old connections were excavated and relaid.
General
1950 was the largest year, in volume, in the history of the Public Works Dept. The residential boom of the past four years continues at an increased pace. It has brought and will continue to bring many re- quests for various kinds of service. 1950 work showed the effect of this continuing boom. All divisions of the Dept. are affected. As an example of the greater volume of work the Water Dept. laid more mains and ser- vices than ever before in any one year. 216 water services were installed. This is an increase of 50% over 1949. As a comparison, in prewar years the Dept. installed about 75 services annually.
The added work was accomplished mostly by the extensive use of equipment. Manpower continues to be in short supply both quantitat- ively and qualitatively. The salary schedule as approved by the Town is evidently not attractive to the great majority of workmen. Not only does it fail to attract quality labor but it also fails, and this is most im- portant, to satisfy those already employed by the Dept. In the past few years many of our better employees have resigned to accept other jobs. This is especially true of the Engineering staff. It is utterly impossible to hire experienced technical employees for the salaries as established in the schedule. In this respect the schedule is completely unrealistic. As a result much of the work is done by outside agencies. Also many records are not kept up to date and others not kept at all. This policy is penny wise and pound foolish. A good schedule which recognized the value of trained, capable employees would be better for the Town as it would allow the Dept. to function more efficiently and more economically.
The bond issues of the Water Dept. now amount to $277,000.00. In a few years the connection with the MDC will necessitate an expendi- ture of approximately $500,000.00. Every effort should be made to estab- lish, within the next few years, a reserve for the Water Dept. which can be applied to this expenditure.
The addition of one gravel packed well in 1950 and the proposed addition of two gravel packed wells in 1951 should result in easing somewhat the critical conditions that prevailed in 1949 and 1950. It should be understood however that the total supply is limited and a combination of events might arise which would result in restrictions on the use of water.
107
Undoubtedly 1951 will be a year in which there will be some short- ages of materials. In this Dept. any shortage will probably occur in heavy items, such as, water mains, water services, castings, etc. As a result it may be necessary for the Dept. to postpone some projects which are planned for 1951.
PHILIP WELCH
Superintendent
REPORT OF THE RECREATION COMMITTEE
The increase in the town's population has meant an increase in at- tendance and activity in our summer program.
There are, however, some points for consideration which are more noticeable as the program has grown. Attendance is commensurate with activity and equipment, as evidenced by the smaller attendance at the Junior High School where there are no swings or wading pool. As soon as the Eaton School playground is ready, it is planned to discontinue Junior High and concentrate activities there which it is hoped will take place next summer.
Lack of a baseball diamond on the east side of Main Street greatly curbs the activities of teen agers in one of the most heavily populated sections of the town. Memorial Park has no suitable diamond, and there is objection to the use of the Pearl Street School grounds for such except for school purposes.
An increase in arts and crafts one of the most popular parts of our program is desirable, but more money will be needed for materials.
A swimming pool which we hope will be a reality soon would round out the program. A study of public pools reveals that a fee is charged most everywhere. If that were done here, and with playground per- sonnel to operate it, the cost of maintenance should not be too great. There are many boys who go off every day to questionable swimming spots, and there are many girls who would find an activity for them- selves if Reading had a municipal Swimming pool. Three beach trips were sponsored this year and each time several went who are not reg- ular playground participants.
Other special events were well attended, and the usual games and contests were as enthusiastically received as ever.
We have been most fortunate in having several of our experienced instructors return, and to them we owe much for an eventful summer.
The committee wishes to thank all who helped make the program a success.
Respectfully submitted,
NEWELL H. MORTON, Chairman
ROBERT E. TURNER
WILLIAM E. BILLINGHAM JAMES E. CALVIN CHARLES E. WILKINSON
CARL W. PINKHAM C. SUMNER TEEL Members Recreation Committee
108
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
- -
January 1, 1951
Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Municipal Building, Reading, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith the Annual Report of the Police Department for the year 1950.
The arrests for the year 1950 were somewhat lower in number than for 1949 due to the fact that we referred many automobile violation of- fenders to the Registry of Motor Vehicles for discipline rather than have them go through court procedure.
The total number of arrests was 242, outlined as follows:
Drunkenness
122
Insanity
6
Escapees from insane hospitals
2
Desecration of Burial Ground
1
Larceny of money
1
Drawing check without money
1
Larceny by check
2
Larceny of hens
3
Larceny of a bicycle
2
Larceny in a building
4
Breaking and entering in the day-time
2
Breaking and entering in the night-time
1
Receiving stolen property
1
Committing an unnatural act
1
Lewd and lascivious in speech and behavior
2
Runaway
1
Stubborn child
1
Neglect of a minor child
2
Non-support
2
Peeping and prowling
2
Assault and battery
8
Disturbing the peace
5
Out-of-town warrants served
4
Automobile Violations:
Operating under the influence of liquor
21
Operating without license
7
Operating without registration
2
Operating uninsured car
1
Operating unregistered car
2
Operating after revocation of license
1
109
Driving so as to endanger 3 Leaving scene after property damage 1
Speeding 26
No sticker 2
242
Cards sent to Registrar of Motor Vehicles
410
(Note: approximately 40% were taken off the road for periods ranging from 7 days to 1 yr.)
In Woburn District Court fines totalling $1,115.00 were assessed against the defendants, on which we received a return of $75.00.
Persons sent to the House of Correction 10
Persons sent to the State Farm 2
Probation given to 13
Placed on File 20
The ambulance trips for the year amounted to 251. The sum of $1,039.75 was collected in ambulance fees and turned over to the Treas- urer to our credit.
Amount of private work:
Number of patients moved privately 182
Number of patients moved to doctors - accidents 30
Number of patients moved to hospitals - accidents 30
Number of patients moved to Worcester State Hosp. 4
Number of dead persons moved 2
Attempted suicide patient taken to doctor
1
Aid given to Stoneham
5
Aid given to Wilmington
1
Aid given us by Stoneham
2
We again received $75.00 from the Town of Wilmington for radio and telephone use.
Bicycle registration fees amounted to $63.00, which amount has been turned over to the Treasurer.
121 accidents were investigated by our officers, and a total of 412 accidents was reported. We have no recorded fatalities for the year 1950.
We are very fortunate in our larceny record for this year; $800.00 being our over-all loss.
We received in 1950 over 1500 calls of different kinds from various sources and all were investigated with neatness and dispatch.
Officers were detailed to cover every alarm of fire throughout the year.
The cruiser cars were run approximately 70,000 miles; the Chief's car, 6,300 miles; and the ambulance, 5,100 miles; making a grand total of 81,400 miles.
The Reading Police Reserves have rendered great assistance to us at different times throughout the year and are a distinct asset to the Police Department.
110
I am deeply indebted to the Reading Fire Department for their co- operation at many accidents and assistance rendered in ambulance work during our period of short-handedness.
I desire at this time to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen for their assistance in formulating the policies of the Department and their close co-operation in all matters pertaining to police work.
Recommendations: That a new car be purchased; that the entire radio system be renewed, both as an asset to the department and also for our Civil Defense Program. Parts of this equipment have been in service for over twelve years.
Due to the increase of over 2,000 in population, the department is in great need of two new patrolmen, and I recommend that they be ap- pointed in the near future.
Yours very truly, .
THOMAS E. WALL,
Chief of Police
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report for the year 1950.
The building construction for the past year was as follows: 231 New one family dwellings at an estimated cost of $1,852,910.00
51 Alterations and additions to dwellings at an estimated cost of 46,170.00
16 Alterations and additions to business properties at an estimated cost of
33,650.00
1 Church addition
25 New private garages at an estimate of
17,800.00
1 Commercial garage
7,500.00
1 New Parochial School
127,000.00
1 Summer House 500.00
11 Buildings moved to new locations
17,765.00
9 Signs
1,140.00
Total estimated cost of all new and remodelled buildings for the past year $2,161,935.00
Total number of permits 343
Fees were received in the amount of $1,364.75. These have been turned over to the Town Treasurer and receipts received for same.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD B. CURRELL Inspector of Buildings
111
54,000.00
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of Reading:
This past year, in addition to our usual duties of arranging for garbage collection and disposal; supervision of contagious disease with hospitalization when necessary; arranging for the hospital care of cer- tain premature babies; inspection of food and milk offered for sale; lic- ensing and inspecting new plumbing installations; investigating and abating nuisances; supporting the dental clinic for school children; or- ganizing the rabies vaccination clinic for dogs; handling the pre-school and school diphtheria immunization clinics and co-operating with the school health department, we have planned and undertaken new health programs.
We are making a revision of the Board of Health Regulations to bring them into conformity with the latest laws; these are to be printed. Part of the past year we have had the services of a part time clerk which has made it possible to approach an efficient organization and admin- istration of this office. We hope to continue to have a clerk. We have surveyed and graded all eating places and initiated needed improve- ments. A program of rodent control has been presented to local mer- chants. Mosquito control is for the future. Certain minimum standards for human habitation are being studied with the Planning Board, these will probably be adopted. Nursing Homes are licensed by the State but inspected by us. Plans for Union Health Departments, as required by State Law, are being studied. At present your board feels that the local health needs are best served by your local board at a least cost to the taxpayer. We shall have to prove this to the State Health Department to avoid being forced into a health union with a centralized office situ- ated outside of Reading. .
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES R. BAISLEY, M.D. EDWARD M. HALLIGAN, M.D. C. F. ATKINSON
REPORT OF THE DOG OFFICER
December 31, 1950
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
I herewith submit my report as dog officer to December 31, 1950.
I have canvassed the town to see that all dogs are licensed.
Unlicensed and strayed dogs have been found and disposed of. All complaints have been investigated.
There were 77 dog bites reported.
At this time I wish to thank the Police Department and all who have helped me.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES H. MELENDY, Dog Officer
112
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
Town of Reading, Massachusetts
for the year ended December 31, 1950
RETIRED
Edward E. McBrien
Appointed 1925 Retired Dec. 22, 1950
Leander Smith
Appointed 1931
Retired June 16, 1950
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS
School Committee
Melvin S. Crosby, 50 Middlesex Avenue
Term expires 1953
Newell H. Morton, 198 Woburn Street
1953
Alexander P. Glover, 158 Prescott Street
"
1952
Gladys F. Milton, 281 Summer Avenue
1952
Robert E. Turner, 84 Cross Street
1951
John L. Griffin, 22 Bond Street
1951
School Committee Office
Joshua Eaton School 365 Summer Avenue REading 2-0180 - 2-2384 Monday through Friday 8:30 to 5:00 p.m. During school vacations 9:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Superintendent of Schools
Arthur B. Lord, Jr. Secretary to the Superintendent
39 Pine Ridge Road
Mae A. Tanner
26 Mineral Street
Clerks in School Committee Office
Irene E. Reichardt Lillian A. Lowell
90 Vine Street 5A North St., Stoneham
School Physicians
Justin L. Anderson, M.D.
Charles R. Baisley, M.D.
Edward M. Halligan, M.D.
53 Woburn Street 46 Woburn Street 37 Salem Street
Supervisor of Maintenance
Hugh S. Macfarlane
10 First St., Melrose
Robert A. Grundy
25 Lewis Street
SCHOOL SECRETARIES AND CLERKS
Senior High School Myrtle W. Tilton
Jean S. Underhill
Junior High School Maude M. Allen
Joshua Eaton School
Dorothy L. Wardrope
Highland School Clarice D. Hynes
Pearl Street School Dorothy A. Walsh
115
Attendance Officer
SCHOOL CUSTODIANS AND MATRONS
Senior High School W. Ray Yorks, Head Custodian Catherine M. Wendell
Harry M. Berry
Junior High School Frederick L. Riessle, Head Custodian Daniel J. Buckley
Andrew Lomax Agnes G. Hurley
Joshua Eaton School Robert A. Vars, Head Custodian
Stuart R. Nichols
Highland School William J. Broussard, Head Custodian Rose Harrington
Simon Castine
Lowell Street School William A. Lloyd
Pearl Street School
Edward W. McBrien, Head Custodian
All Schools William P. Muise
Edward F. Harrison
CAFETERIAS
Cafeteria Supervisor
Lois M. Connor
Senior High School
Mary A. Kingman, Manager
Ida H. Johnson
Junior High School
Elsiemae Collins, Manager
Flora M. MacPhail
Eva E. Noble
Joshua Eaton School
Edith J. French, Manager
Anna Roscoe
Obeline Arsenault
Highland School Evelyn M. Davis, Manager
Pearl Street School Evelyn Mullen, Manager
Nellie Laetsch
116
NO SCHOOL SIGNALS
Radio announcement when possible over WNAC, WEEI, WBZ and WLAW between 7:00 and 7:45 a.m. Fire alarm 2-2 repeated three times.
Since the elementary schools have two sessions, the afternoon ses- sion may be discontinued due to inclement weather. When afternoon sessions are discontinued, announcement will be made over the radio and fire alarm, as well as in the individual schools on or before 11:30 a.m.
In most cases the decision as to whether or not children should attend school rests with the parent, in view of the fact that parents are in a better position to know whether or not their children may attend school in safety without injuring their health. Because the cost of operation of a school building, particularly during the winter months, is about the same whether or not school is open, it is the policy for the schools to be open every day except under emergency conditions. Consequently, the occasion for "no school" will seldom arise.
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1951 - 1952
Schools Open
September, 5, 1951
No Sessions:
Columbus Day
October 12, 1951
Teachers' Convention
November 2, 1951
Thanksgiving Recess from noon
Christmas Vacation from noon
Nov. 21, 1951 to Nov. 26, 1951 Dec. 21, 1951 to Jan. 3, 1952 February 18, 1952
Winter Vacation, week of No School on Good Friday, from noontime
April 11, 1952
Spring Vacation, week of
April 14, 1952
No School on Memorial Day
May 30, 1952
School closes
June 18, 1952
SCHOOL CLINICS
Dental-Wednesdays and Thursdays at Eaton School, 9:00 to 1:00.
Tuberculosis Prevention-Annually by appointment.
Diphtheria Prevention-Annually by announcement.
Registration of children entering school in September is held the pre- vious March. Time announced in local paper.
117
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Reading:
The School Committee herewith submits its annual report.
The School Committee has spent a busy year getting plans ready for a new high school. Mr. Clinch, the Architect, and Dr. Homer W. Anderson, the school building consultant, together with Superintendent Lord, have perfected the plans to the final state so that the Committee is ready to present them to the Town Meeting in March. This high school is a project which has long been contemplated, as the growing need for more room has been apparent for many years. Even though the present times may pose problems for building, the Committee feels that it can not delay action any longer.
The Committee is happy to report that the course in arithmetic has been completely coordinated through the eighth grade. The new reading series stressing phonics has been in use for the past two years. The uniformity of this program in the elementary grades is now show- ing excellent results in reading and spelling.
Under advisement are new ideas for remedial and guidance work in the Junior and Senior High Schools.
Your attention is respectfully called to the report of the Superin- tendent of Schools presented herewith.
The entire Committee wishes to thank the citizens of the town who have shown an interest in the schools' work and to assure them that the Committee intends to keep the townspeople informed on all phases of school work.
Mr. Newell H. Morton was elected to the Committee this year to fill the vacancy left by Mr. Gould B. Ruggles.
The terms of Mr. Robert E. Turner and Mr. John L. Griffin expire this year.
Respectfully submitted,
Alexander P. Glover, Chairman
Gladys F. Milton
Melvin S. Crosby
Robert E. Turner
John L. Griffin
Newell H. Morton
118
READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE - 1951 Receipts not from Tax Levy - Showing Net Cest to Town January 2, 1951
Estimate 1951 Appropriation Credits $546,519.68
GENERAL ACCOUNT 1950
Total Expenditures (Less Transportation)
$487,310.79
Receipts:
State Reimbursement (Estimate)
$ 76,671.70
$ 78,751.70 29,000.00
'Tuition
29,822.52
1,400.00
Tuition - State Wards
2,835.11
109,651.70
500.00
Sundry
306.65
109,635.98
$436,867.98
Net Cost to Town
$377,674.81
VOCATIONAL TUITION
Total Expenditures (Estimate)
$ 1,152.90
Receipts:
State Reimbursement
1,643.04
Net Profit to Town
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