USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1951 > Part 7
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Within sixty days after the date of the birth of any child born in the commonwealth with visible congenital deformities, or any condition apparently acquired at birth which may lead to crippling, the physician in attendance upon said births shall prepare upon a form provided by the state department of public health and file with the clerk of the town where such births occurred a report setting forth such visible congenital deformity, or any condition apparently acquired at birth which may lead to crippling.
Said clerk shall transmit forthwith to said department such supple- mentary report of such birth. The contents of such report shall be
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solely for the use of said department in connection with its functions relative to crippled children, and such report shall not be open to public inspection or constitute a public record.
General Laws, Chap. 46, Sec. 6
Parents within forty days after the birth of a child, and every householder, within forty days after a birth in his home, shall cause notice thereof to be given to the clerk of the town where such child is born.
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.
78
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
The annual report of the Board of Selectmen for the year ending December 31, 1951, follows.
At an adjourned meeting on March 5, the Board organized as fol- lows:
Charles E. Wilkinson, Chairman
G. Lawrence Roberts, Secretary Kenneth C. Latham
As has been the custom, Monday evening has been the regular public meeting night of the Board, with the exception of the summer months, during which public meetings were held every other week, ex- cept when called together for some special reason.
We are still following the procedure of having citizens who wish to see the Board make appointments with the Clerk of the Board in order to conserve the time of all concerned.
A condensed agenda of our meetings has been printed in the Chronicle each week, as has been customary.
The various departments under the jurisdiction of the Board have made their reports which appear on other pages.
Your Board has received many complaints relative to the personal property tax, not only this year but in prior years as well. While under the law this assessment was mandatory, many towns in the Common- wealth apparently disregarded it. This brought about a situation that was grossly unfair. After two attempts, we were finally successful in having the last session of the Legislature raise the exemption on house- hold furnishings and effects from $1000 to $5000. We now have pend- ing for consideration at the current session the abolishment of this per- sonal property tax insofar at it applies to household furnishings and effects.
During the year, in order to decrease the traffic hazards at the Wo- burn Street R. R. Crossing, we eliminated left turns from Woburn Street into Lincoln Street and Arlington Street in accordance with agreement made with the Boston & Maine R. R. and referred to in our report of last year.
It is expected that during the coming year further changes will be made in the direction of traffic flow after the study now being made is completed.
During the year the Mill Street property, previously occupied by the former Pumping Station Engineer of the Water Department, was sold to the highest bidder.
Approximately $20,000 was received during the year through the sale of this property plus tax title property in various parts of the town. What is of most importance in connection with these transactions is that a substantial amount of town owned property has been made sub- ject to taxation.
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There were two major construction projects under way in the Town during the year. The first was the construction which led to completion of Route 128. This brought a heavy concentration of trucks on some of our residential streets and business sections, causing innumerable complaints. In addition, many of our townspeople were disturbed by the amount of blasting made necessary in the construction, which we limited to the daylight hours when it became known to us that it was being carried on after dark.
The second project was the construction of the natural gas line through the Town, which eventually will bring natural gas to us, and we have been told at lower rates than now prevail.
All of our dealings with the Taurasi Company, contractors on Route 128, the Malden & Melrose Gas Light Co., and the Northeastern Gas Line Co., were harmonious, all three cooperating with us at all times.
As a result of our deliberations with the Malden & Melrose Gas Light Co., there will be in the Town, probably in the coming year, stor- age facilities for liquified petroleum having an estimated valuation of not less than $250,000.
At the request of the School Committee, we took by right of emi- nent domain land east of Longfellow Road and north of Tower Road, estimated 25.3 acres.
We retired, at their request, Deputy Chief of the Fire Dept. Charles H. Heselton and Police Officer Timothy J. Cullinane. Both of these men have served the Town long and faithfully, and we wish them every joy in their retirement. Lieut. James S. Perry was appointed Deputy Chief by the Chief of the Fire Department, and the following two were appointed Police Officers by this Board: Frederick J. Keefe and John L. Power, to replace Officer Cullinane and one other man whom we found it necessary to remove from the force.
W. Gardner Long, a valued member of the Finance Committee for many years, requested that he not be reappointed when his term ex- pired. We reluctantly acceded to this request, and appointed Carl H. Amon, Jr. to fill the vacancy.
Dog Officer Charles Melendy, who served the Town for many years as Dog Officer, died during the year, and William H. Dewsnap was ap- pointed to fill the vacancy.
The St. Agnes Parish returned to the Town the Prospect Street School on completion of their new parochial school. We were very happy to have been in a position to make this building available to them.
We have met with the Stoneham Selectmen and our respective planning boards to discuss the possibility of changing the Town bound- aries because of the construction of Route 128. The matter is still pend- ing.
We suggested to our Planning Board that an off-street parking area should be provided for the Haven Street area. Later, we obtained an option on the necessary land and expect to have ready for the considera- tion of the Annual Town Meeting further action in this direction.
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We pursued our policy of asking for prices on the major items used by various Town departments and awarding contracts to the lowest bidder. Most notable effect of this policy was a contract for fuel oil at 2 cents under the tank wagon price. This will result in a substan- tial saving.
Due to the growth of the Town, particularly in the outlying areas, serious consideration must soon be given to an increase in the manpower of our Police and Fire Departments.
We would be amiss in our duty if we did not express our apprecia- tion for the cooperation received from the Police Reserve Association and the Auxiliary Fire Force for the help they have rendered to the departments with which they are associated. These two units are of great value to the Town, giving of their time and energy many times under most adverse conditions.
We also appreciate the cooperation received from the Finance Com- mittee and all other departments of the Town with whom we have worked through the year.
Respectfully submitted, ยท G. LAWRENCE ROBERTS,
Secretary
REPORT OF THE DOG OFFICER
December 31, 1951
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my report as dog officer to December 31, 1951.
I have canvassed the Town to see that all dogs have been licensed. Unlicensed and strayed dogs have been picked up and disposed of. All complaints have been investigated.
There were eighty-one dog bites reported.
At this time I wish to thank the Police Department and all others who have helped me.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM H. DEWSNAP,
Dog Officer
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REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
Two proposals of the board to amend the zoning by-law were adopted by vote of the town meeting as follows:
Creation of a new Business 'C" District on South Main Street adja- cent to the new Route 128 which provides for a fifty-foot set back, an overall of 200 feet and prohibits residential uses.
Zoning for residential purposes of the area acquired from the town of Lynnfield as a result of the recent change of the town boundary line.
The town also voted to extend the Industrial District to include the area lying between John Street, the B. & M. Railroad and the Wakefield town boundary. This change was requested by the Board of Selectmen and recommended by the Planning Board.
The board initiated action for the creation of a new public parking area in the rear of the stores on Haven Street, near the railroad station. The Selectmen have indicated that an article will be placed before the next town meeting for action on the matter.
At the request of this board, a joint meeting of the Boards of Select- men and the Planning Boards of the towns of Stoneham and Reading was held to discuss the possible advantages of relocating the town boundary between said towns to parallel the new Route 128. The propo- sition is still under consideration.
The board has been represented at hearings of the Board of Appeals on requested variations of the zoning by-laws and/or building code and hearings of the Board of Survey on petitions for approval of new sub- divisions.
Much time and effort was expended in the study of the present zoning by-laws and building code, in compliance with the vote of the town meeting requesting the board to conduct such a study. On com- pletion of the study a number of amendments will be proposed.
Respectfully submitted.
CHARLES WILSON, Chairman PHILIP R. WHITE, Secretary A. LLOYD DAVID WINTHROP D. PARKER GEORGE B. PEASE
82
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
January 7, 1952
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Municipal Building Reading, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit to you my report of the events and activities of the Police Department for the year 1951.
On September 15, 1951, John R. Condon, a regular member of the department since 1941, was suspended for larcenies from various stores in the town and also from the A. V. Taurasi Co., Inc. He was granted two hearings by your Honorable Board, being represented by counsel at the latter one, and, as a result of being found guilty of the charges pre- ferred, was discharged from the department on October 10, 1951.
On September 30, 1951, Timothy J. Cullinane, a member of this de- partment and the Fire Department for over forty years, was retired at half-pay on account of ill-health.
On July 1, 1951, Frederick J. Keefe was employed on a temporary basis for the balance of the year.
On October 19, 1951, John L. Power was employed on a temporary basis to take Timothy J. Cullinane's place.
I ask you to please note the number of arrests this year - 214, which is the smallest amount since I have been your Chief. This is not due to laxity on the part of the officers but to their increased activity to prevent crime rather than arrest after it has occurred. We have been remarkably free from the commission of major crimes and this is, in a sense, due to our efficient department.
The activities of the department follow in detail.
Arrests: (202 Males, 12 Females)
Drunkenness
125
Assault and Battery
3
Larceny of various articles
8
Non-support
3
Out-of-town-warrants served
6
Fugitive warrant served
1
Violation of the gaming laws
1
Vagrancy
1
Illegitimacy
1
Stubborn child
2
Rape
1
Carrying gun without permit
1
Adultery
2
Lewd and Lascivious in speech and behavior
1
Insanity
7
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Automobile Violations:
Speeding
18
Driving so as to endanger 3
Operating under the influence of liquor 16
Operating without license
3
Operating uninsured and unregistered cars
5
Taking car without authority
1
Leaving scene after property damage
2
No sticker
1
Faulty equipment
1
Failure to stop for officer
1
Disposition:
Drunkenness:
House of Correction - various sentences
11
State Farm
2
Fined $35
1
Fined $15
1
Fined $5
1
Probation
4
Released
74
On File
31
Assault and battery:
House of Correction, 1 month, suspended
1
On File
2
Larceny of various articles:
House of Correction, 18 months
1
House of Correction, 1 year, suspended
1
House of Correction, 3 months, suspended 2
House of Correction, 2 months
1
Fined $25
1
Probation - Restitution
2
Violation of gaming laws:
Fined $500
1
Automobile Violations:
Speeding:
Fined $25
3
Fined $10
6
Fined $5
3
On File
4
Not guilty
2
Driving so as to endanger:
House of Correction, 1 month, suspended
1
Fined $25
1
Probation
1
214
84
Operating under the influence of liquor:
Fined $50 5
Fined $35 3
House of Correction, 2 months 1
House of Correction, 1 month 1
Turned over to other Police Departments
6
Operating without license:
Fined $5
1
On File
2
Operating uninsured and unregistered cars:
Fined $100
1
House of Correction, suspended
4
Taking car without authority:
Probation
1
Leaving scene after property damage:
Probation
2
No sticker:
Fined $5
1
Faulty equipment:
Fined $5
1
Failure to stop for officer:
Fined $25 1
General Procedure:
School Traffic (4 schools) 552
Traffic Details - other than schools 241
Stray dogs picked up, dead and alive 21
Summons delivered 161
Windows found open 24
Complaints investigated - various 150
Doctors called for prisoners
6
Assisted out-of-town Police Departments
38
Guards furnished to protect money - to and from bank 71
Reports to Board of Public Works 27
Reports to Electric Light Dept. (wires, etc.)
50
Notifications to other Police Departments
30
Messages delivered (personal, etc.) 80
Lost property brought to station (various articles) 20
Stolen cars recovered 4
Doors found open 92
Serious sickness signs put out
6
Officers injured on duty
5
Persons aided to enter locked homes 6
Lost children returned to parents
20
85
Fires covered
22
Fires discovered
15
Persons bitten by dogs
4
Put up for night
27
Persons assisted at their homes (sick, etc.)
15
Dead bodies taken care of
8
Runaways picked up
7
Accidents covered
127
Ambulance Trips:
Winchester Hospital
58
Choate Memorial Hospital, Woburn
27
Melrose Hospital
23
Malden Hospital
7
N.E. Sanitarium and Hospital
24
Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
15
Massachusetts Memorial Hospitals, Boston
2
Local trips in town
26
Worcester State Hospital
7
Veterans' Hospital, West Roxbury
3
St. Joseph's Hospital, Lowell
1
St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Boston
10
Symmes Hospital, Arlington
1
St. John's Hospital, Lowell
3
Baker Memorial Hospital, Boston
1
Chelsea Naval Hospital
2
Pratt Diagnostic Hospital, Boston
1
Haverhill Nursing Home
1
Carney Hospital, Boston
5
Lynn General Hospital
1
Children's Hospital, Boston
2
Deaconness Hospital, Boston
1
Cushing General Hospital, Framingham
2
Waltham Hospital
2
Boston City Hospital
3
West Medford Hospital
2
Lawrence General Hospital
2
State Hospital, Tewksbury
1
North Reading Sanitarium
1
Phillips House, Boston
1
Wakefield Nursing Home
1
Woburn Nursing Home
1
Everett Nursing Home
1
Trips to accidents where it was not needed
10
248
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Summarization of Police Department Receipts:
Ambulance Fees
1,236.10 $
Bicycle Registrations
100.75
Town of Wilmington - for radio and telephone use
75.00
Settled two automobile cases
31.00
Woburn District Court
520.00
Total
$ 1,962.85
Value of property reported stolen
$ 5,001.94
Value of property recovered
4,263.00
Net Loss
$ 738.94
Amount of fines assessed in Woburn District Court
$ 1,250.00
Two automobile fatalities, both residents of North Reading, have occurred in a period of four years and one month's time.
The cruiser cars were run approximately 45,000 miles from April 1st to December 31st; the Chief's car, 5,200 miles for the year and the ambulance, 3,800 miles for the year.
In making a comparison of the figures compiled in the last census with those in the one taken previously, I find that our population has increased slightly over 2000. To maintain the ratio of one officer for every 600 people, we would need three men to complete the department. I recommend that the department be increased by that number.
I recommend strongly that our present radio equipment be renewed this year. Some of the transmitters and receivers have been in service nearly fifteen years and it is almost impossible to get parts to repair them.
For your consideration I place before you the changing of the boiler in the station to operate by oil rather than by soft coal as at present. We are spending $600, or more, per year for coal, and, while it is my impression that it may not be much cheaper, it certainly would be much cleaner, there would be no ashes, and the bin could be used as a battery room or for storage.
May I thank your Honorable Board for the splendid co-operation and amiable conditions that exist. I also wish to thank the members of the department, the members of the Fire Department and all others who in any way aided us in the suppression of crime.
I certainly would be amiss if I did not speak a word of appreciation for the splendid work performed by the Reading Police Reserves, whose members are deserving of much praise for their co-operation under difficult conditions at times. They are a distinct asset to the town.
Yours truly,
THOMAS E. WALL,
Chief of Police
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NINETY-SEVENTH REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTS OF THE FOREST WARDEN AND SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARM
January 20, 1952
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen,
The 1951 report of the Fire Department, Forest Warden and Super- intendent of Fire Alarm is hereby submitted.
Manual Force. The permanent force consists of fifteen men includ- ing the Chief, Deputy Chief, Captain and Lieutenant. There are 171/2 call firemen and a Dispatcher on call. The Auxiliary Fire Service num- bers thirty men. Deputy Chief Charles H. Heselton retired on October 31 after 48 years of service in the department. James S. Perry was appointed Deputy Chief on November 1st.
IN MEMORIAM
CALL FIREMAN GEORGE F. BAXTER
Died March 8, 1951
49 Years a Member of the Reading Fire Department
CALL FIREMAN JOHN J. CARNEY
Died May 8, 1951
14 Years a Member of the Reading Fire Department
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Apparatus. A 65 ft. Junior Aerial Ladder truck, five pumping en- gines, two trailer pumps, one hose trailer, one 1 ton Utility truck with pump, and a Chevrolet Sedan Chief's Car. A two-way radio was pur- chased this year and placed in the Utility truck. The 750 gal. pumping engine authorized earlier this year should be received in January 1952. This engine will replace Engine 3 in the Central Station and Engine 3 will replace Engine 2 in the Woburn Street Station. Engine 2, pur- chased in 1926 will be placed in reserve. A new 55 ft. wooden extension ladder has been purchased to replace the present 55 ft. extension ladder as it is considered unsafe for further use. A new smoke ejector has also been purchased and will be placed on the new engine.
Service Record. The department has responded to 79 bell alarms, 9 of which were false; 170 still alarms; and 107 service calls. A total of 356 or 184 less than 1950. Included in the total calls were 73 for grass, brush and dump fires, 18 of which were in the Town Dump. The fire loss for the year on property endangered valued at $256,035.00 was $16,- 473.61 or a decrease of $16,016.39 under 1950. 8 Firemen and 5 civilians received minor injuries at fires. The following equipment was used: 135 booster tanks; 13,550 ft. 34 in. booster hose; 3,000 ft. 11/s in. forestry hose; 21,050 ft. 11/2 in. hose; 20,500 ft. 21/2 in. hose; engines pumped 551/4 hours; 1117 ft. ladders raised including 10 times the aerial ladder raised. 31 fire extinguishers of different types were used. 3 fires were investi- gated by inspectors from the State Fire Marshal's Office. A fire at the town forest, which was of incendiary origin, on May 15 did considerable damage to privately owned woodland as well as some of the Town Forest trees. Four outbuildings were lost and the fire covered approxi- mately 150 acres before being subdued. At times, buildings in the vicinity of Dividence Road and Sanborn Lane were in grave danger, but none of these were damaged. Assistance was called from 13 cities and towns as well as the State Forestry Service to aid in extinguishing this fire. All equipment functioned well, and little damage or loss was suffered to equipment except a number of lengths of hose were burned. The Tree and Moth Department of this town were pressed into service quickly and their efficient service was invaluable. Men worked in the woods three or four days after this fire, wetting down hot spots to pre- vent rekindling. All out of town departments responded readily to our call and did their work effectively. 25,300 ft. of hose was used at this fire.
Fire Prevention. Lectures have been given in the schools and to outside organizations when possible. Inspections of business property, schools, places of public assembly, and nursing homes have been made as far as the limited personnel available will allow. 336 inspections have been made and permits issued for power oil burners and storage facilities for same. 51 inspections made and permits issued for range oil burner installations and storage. 57 inspections made and permits issued for Liquified Petroleum Gas storage installations. 21 inspections made and permits issued for oil burning water heaters and storage. Permits were also issued for the following :- Blasting 37, store inflam- mable fluids 1, operate a tar kettle 1, remove gasoline tanks 4. Many permits have also been issued for fires in the outdoors.
Fire Stations. The hose tower of the Central Station was reshingled this year and slate which had been blown off the roof was replaced.
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Snow guards on two sides of the roof were installed to prevent heavy snow from sliding off and possibly injuring people passing on the Pleasant Street side. The heater room with metal clad door has been completed. At the Engine 2 Station the roof on the west side was reshingled. New copper water pipes were run to the outside silcock and to the first floor sink.
Fire Alarm. Routine maintenance of the outside system has been carried on and new wire had to be re-run in several places due to pole lines being changed, streets straightened, etc. A box pedestal was installed at Temple and Woburn Streets, front of the Saint Agnes Pa- rochial School. Fire Alarm Box 452 at Salem Street and Libby Avenue was hit by a truck and demolished. A new box has been put in its place. Underground conduit was placed on Main Street under route 128 to be used in connection with the Stoneham Mutual Aid Circuit. This meant that overhead wires already placed on Main Street had to be taken down from the corner of South Street to the Stoneham Town Line as route 28 was relocated and therefore the pole line was changed. The Air Raid Siren was re-installed at the Sanford Mills.
Recommendations. That the permanent force be increased. That the present Engine 4, a 1932 Chevrolet chassis be replaced and the exist- ing hose body be installed on a new chassis. That the portable pump on this engine, which has outlived its usefulness, be replaced. That new hose be purchased to give a more complete change for each engine. That the Engine 2 Station be painted one coat on the outside. Consideration should be given in the near future to replace this station, also the placing of permanent men to give the west side of town 24 hour immediate coverage. It is also recommended that the apparatus doors on the Central Station be repaired to operate more efficiently. That a radio be installed on the new engine and a Leece-Neville Generator with Transformer be installed in Engine 9.
Conclusion. In conclusion I wish to thank your Honorable Board for the co-operation received, the members of the department and the Auxiliary Fire Service for efficient performance of duty, the Red Cross for response to fires and assistance, and other town departments and citizens who have assisted and co-operated with this department in any way.
Respectfully submitted,
HUGH L. EAMES,
Chief of the Fire Department, Forest Warden and Superintendent of Fire Alarm
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS FOR THE YEAR 1951
.
To the Board of Selectmen:
During the year the Board heard and decided fifteen cases, of which number three were cases dealing with requests for permits to remove sand and gravel, seven had to do with petitions for an alteration or extension of a non-conforming use, and five were concerned with miscellaneous other requests for variations from the Zoning By-Law where petitioners alleged hardship in the operation of the By-Law in their cases.
All three petitions for the removal of sand and gravel were granted; subject to certain uniform restrictions as to the times of operation, the quantity of vehicles permitted to be used, the duration of pit operations and the cleaning up of the property upon conclusion of operations.
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