USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1953 > Part 8
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Annual maintenance such as cleaning, flushing, rodding and re- pairing was accomplished.
44 new house connections were installed and several older ones dug up and replaced.
A contract was awarded for the construction of the interceptor sewer to the new high school and the work is under way. Contracts for the sewerage pumping station and for the equipment were also awarded. All work is scheduled for completion in July 1954.
Engineering Division
This division has been enlarged by the addition of four employees. This will enable the Department to function more efficiently. It will
85
result in better coordination, better integration and in lowered costs for the employment of consultants.
Board of Survey Division
A large number of plans were considered. Legally required hear- ings were held as necessary. Most plans were for individual lots with only a few proposing developments.
The General Court in 1953 passed what is commonly called a sub- division Control Law. This law gives considerable authority to the Board of Health and the Board of Survey but it substantially increases the work of each.
Problems
The problems facing the Board of Public Works are manifold. Like other Departments they are based mainly on the rapid residential growth of the Town. As has been said they are "growing pains".
Basically they can be reduced to two statements.
1. It is not possible, under the present salary schedule, for the Department to obtain and keep properly experienced employees.
2. It is not possible under present appropriations, for the Depart- ment to furnish the requested public utilities.
In case No. 1 - it should be stated that, during the past two years, a large number of our experienced employees have resigned. The De- partment has not been able to secure or retain properly qualified em- ployees to replace them. This is especially true in relation to equip- ment operators.
The result will be that work done in past years by Department em- ployees will have to be let out to contract. In many cases this will result in higher costs.
In case No. 2 - it is suggested that annual appropriations be based on a realistic evaluation of needs rather than on an average of past appropriations. This department has on hand requests for sewers, storm drains, sidewalks, etc., the total estimated cost of which, is far in ex- cess of annual appropriations. It is recommended that an integrated program be developed based on substantially larger appropriations so that the work could be accomplished over a reasonable period of years.
Genera:
The space allotted to the Department in the Town Building is woe- fully inadequate. It is recommended that immediate steps be taken to provide more space.
The equipment of the Department is in reasonably good condition, and is sufficient in quantity for present departmental needs. The planned program started several years ago has worked out well. It is, in a small way, an excellent example of effective programming.
The housing furnished for the equipment is inadequate in many ways. An addition should be built at the Department Garage. Plans are being initiated to build a small addition in 1954.
The conditions under which the employees work are, with the ex- ception of salaries and space reasonably good.
It has been our experience that other Departments, when requested, have been quite cooperative, and this Department has, within its ability, tried to cooperate with them.
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NINETY-NINTH REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT OF THE FOREST WARDEN AND THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARM
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The 1953 report of the Fire Department, Forest Warden and Super- intendent of Fire Alarm is hereby submitted.
Manual Force. The permanent force consists of twenty men includ- ing the Chief, Deputy Chief, Captain and two Lieutenants. There are 18 call firemen and a Dispatcher on call. The Auxiliary Fire Service numbers 30 men. In the last year 4 permanent men were added to the department. The hours of duty were reduced from 70 to 56 per week. Two men have graduated from the State University Extension School for Fire Department Drillmasters and two have successfully completed the Oil Burner course conducted by the Oil Heat Institute, at no cost to the town. I plan to send other men to this school in 1954. Weekly drills were held during the summer with both regular and Auxiliary men.
Apparatus. Ladder 1, a Seagrave 65 ft. Junior Aerial Ladder Truck; Engine 1, a 1000 gal. per min. Seagrave Pumping Engine; Engine 2, a 400 gal. per min. Seagrave Pumping Engine in reserve; Engine 3, a 600 gal. per min. Seagrave Pumping Engine at the Woburn St. Station; Engine 4, a 500 gal. per min. front end pumping engine and having a 100 gal. per min. portable pump, used for brush fires and placed in ser- vice this year. Engine 5, a Chevrolet with a 400 gal. per min. front end pump, manned by the Auxiliary Fire Service and located at the Woburn St. Station; Engine 6, a 750 gal. per min. Seagrave Pumping Engine; Engines 7 and 8 are auxiliary trailer pumps; Engine 9, a one ton Chevrolet utility truck ith 200 gal. per min. front end pump; and a Chevrolet Sedan Chief's Car. A new glass windshield was placed on Engine 1 and the radiator was recored. The Chief's car was repainted. The booster tank and hydraulic oil tank on Ladder 1 were replaced. Port- able 2-way radios were purchased, 1 carried on Engine 4 and the other on Engine 6.
Service Record. The department responded to 105 bell alarms, 7 of which were false; 209 telephone calls, 2 of which were false; 38 verbal alarms; 22 alarms by radio; 243 service calls; a total of 617 or 102 more than 1952. Included in the total calls are 153 for grass, brush, peat and dump fires, 16 of which were in the town dump on John Street and 21 out of town calls. The fire loss for 1953 on property endangered, valued at $297,334.45 was $24,278.68, an increase of $8,521.36 over 1952. Of the loss, $15,890.23 was covered by insurance, making the uninsured loss $8,388.45. Slight injuries were received by 16 firemen. The following equipment was used: 1 Dry Powder Extinguisher; 1 Soda-Acid Ex- tinguisher; 18 CO2 Extinguishers; 232 booster tanks of water; 40,050 ft.
87
of 4 inch booster hose; 16,200 ft. of 11/2 inch hose; 18,450 ft. of 21/2 inch hose; 1,303 ft. of ladders including the aerial 12 times; Engines pumped 13114 hrs .; 6 covers spread; 7 times used smoke ejectors; oxygen used 15 times; 6 calls for the resuscitator; Gasoline cellar pump used 10714 hours; Electric Cellar pump used 1041/2 hours; there was no loss of life from fire. Several fires were investigated by local police or officers from the State Fire Marshal's Office. Discarded refrigerators had doors removed by this department as requested. After the tornado in the Worcester District, Engine 9 with the Lighting Generator, Flood Lights, and a crew of four men was in Worcester 2 nights and in Shrewsbury 8 nights floodlighting parts of the devastated area to prevent looting and in removing obstacles as requested.
Fire Prevention. Lectures have been given in the past year in the Public and Parochial Schools in connection with a program set up by the Bay State Club dealing with Fire Prevention. Inspections of business properties, places of public assembly and the nursing homes have been made as required. 279 inspections made of Power Burner installations and storage for same; 24 inspections of Range Burners and storage for same; 37 inspections of Liquified Petroleum Gas storages; 4 inspections of oil burning water heaters and storage; 28 permits issued for blasting; 2 permits for storage of Class A fluids; numerous inspec- tions made of gasoline tank locations, fire hazards, etc., as requested or on complaint. Several buildings were destroyed by fire under the super- vision of this department, at the request of owners in connection with land clearing, or to remove hazards. Many permits were issued for fires in the open air.
Fire Stations. Both the upper and lower hall and the living quar- ters in the Central Station were repainted. New shades were provided for the bedrooms. Some window sash on the second floor were replaced and additional storm windows purchased. Four steel lockers were bought for the Central Station for the new men.
Fire Alarm. Maintenance of the outside system was carried on as necessary. The main steam valve on the fire whistle had to be re- placed. Box 342 was installed at the new high school and boxes 47, 37, and 623 were replaced with new boxes. Boxes 16, 53, and 481 were knocked from the poles by automobiles and trucks and had to be replaced. A cable was run to the new traffic control booth and a phone installed for the use of the police in that building. A spot light was installed at Main and Washington Streets for the traffic officer at that point. The fire alarm pedestal at the Fire Station was relocated after having been knocked over by an unknown party. Line wire was added to the system on Hillside Road to the new high school and to the gas plant on John Street. One pole was broken by an automobile but service on the circuit was quickly restored. Several times during storms different circuits were put out of commission by wires being broken, etc., and repaired as quickly as trouble located.
General. Several times during the year apparatus was held up at railroad crossings while answering fires west of the tracks, causing delays in responding. The Rules and Regulations of the department
88
were revised and put into effect on July 1. A floor watch in the Central Station was established. Explosives have been disposed of by the de- partment from time to time.
Recommendations. That the permanent force be increased. That 2- way radios be purchased for Engines 1, 3, 9, and Ladder 1. That the Woburn Street station be replaced and permanent men stationed there. That an addition be built on the Central Station to provide for depart- ment expansion.
Conclusion. I wish to thank your honorable board for co-operation received during the year, the members of the department and Auxiliary Fire Service for efficient performance of duty and faithful service, The Red Cross Motor Service and the Canteen and others responding to fires and calls for assistance, also other town departments and citizens who have helped our department in any way.
Respectfully submitted, HUGH L. EAMES Chief of the Fire Department, Forest Warden and Superintendent Fire Alarm
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report for the year 1953.
The building construction for the past year was as follows:
100 New one family dwellings at an estimated cost of $ 944,500.00
53 Alterations and additions to dwellings at a cost of 44,950.00
7 Alterations and additions to business properties at an estimated cost of
44,600.00
26 New private garages at an estimated cost of
18,940.00
5 Business buildings
20,200.00
1 Church alteration
15,000.00
2 Raze buildings
000.00
1 Watertower
100,000.00
1 Fire escape
400.00
1 Accessory Farm building
3,000.00
1 Move building
000.00
Total estimated cost of all new and remodeled buildings for the past year $1,194,125.00
Total number of Permits 205
Fees were received in the amount of $676.00. These have been turned over to the Town Treasurer and receipts received for same.
Respectfully submitted, HAROLD B. CURRELL Inspector of Buildings
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7 Signs
2,535.00
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Municipal Building Reading, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The report of the Police Department is hereby submitted:
From March 15, 1952 to February 22, 1953 Sergeant Thomas J. Fitz- patrick was Acting Chief and discharged his duties in a very commend- able manner. On February 22, 1953, Roland E. Ellis was appointed Chief of Police. William H. Faulkner and Edward M. Hubbard were appointed Sergeants.
On May 2, 1953, Officer John F. Beaudoin resigned from the Depart- ment to enter private employment. He had been a member of this Department since September 1, 1945. Phillip N. Cail was appointed to fill this vacancy, May 10, 1953.
Herbert G. Perry was appointed to this Department on June 28, 1953.
In June, 1953 a special examination was held by the Civil Service Department for the Reading Police Department. There were only six applicants who passed the written examination and five of these were appointed as temporary officers, July 1, 1953. There were: Evan P. Edwards, Joseph W. Cormier, Leonard P. Hoyt, Robert N. Howe, Jr., and Frederick Granelli, Jr., these officers to continue as temporary officers until such time as a Civil Service list is established.
On July 1, 1953, the Police Department went on the 5 day week schedule which was voted on at the Annual Town Meeting in March, 1953.
In October, Officer William H. Dewsnap was made a Special In- vestigations Officer. With the excellent co-operation of the uniformed department, Officer Dewsnap has cleaned up several larcenies which otherwise might have gone unsolved.
Arrests Made By This Department During 1953:
Drunkenness
120
Automobile violations
96
Operating under influence of liquor
12
Breaking and entering
3
Armed Robbery
2
Larceny
3
Receiving stolen property
2
Disturbing the Peace
1
Non-Support
4
Rape
1
Escapes from State Inst.
5
On Warrants and Capias
8
Juvenile Delinquents
8
90
Other Services Rendered By Department
Summonses delivered
170
Doors and windows secured 88
Injured animals shot 5
Lost children returned 8
Bicycles recovered 20
Automobile accidents investigated 158
General complaints investigated
448
Ambulance Trips
The Ambulance made 232 trips to various Hospital and Rest Homes ..
Fees turned over to Town Treasurer for these services amounted to $1,206.00.
Fees from Bicycle Registrations turned over to Town Treasurer amounted to $91.25.
Fees assessed by the Woburn District Court amounted to $1,315.00.
Automotive Equipment
1 Ambulance (1946 Cadillac, mileage 28,600).
1 Chief's car (1950 Chevrolet), mileage 28,000.
2 Cruisers (1953 Fords) mileage nearly 30,000 each.
In closing I wish to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen for their co-operation given to the men of this Department. Also sincere appreciation to each and every member of the Department for their good work. Thanks also to Chief Eames and Firefighters of his Depart- ment for their able assistance.
To the members of the Reading Police Reserves, thanks for their' most excellent aid given throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted, ROLAND E. ELLIS Chief of Police.
REPORT OF THE DOG OFFICER
December 31, 1953
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Reading, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report as Dog Officer for the year 1953.
I have canvassed the Town to see that all dogs have been licensed.
All complaints have been investigated.
For the year ending December 31, 1953, there were 82 unlicensed dogs caught.
50 dogs were disposed of for the County.
27 dogs were reclaimed by owners. 5 dogs were sold for the County.
Dead animals picked up off the street for the Board of Health and disposed of were 39 cats and 71 dogs.
At this time I wish to thank the Police Department and all others who gave me assistance.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM H. DEWSNAP
Dog Officer
91
REPORT OF THE RECREATION COMMITTEE
Summer recreation enjoyed another banner season in Reading. From the opening day games, sports, and special events made an interesting summer for children all over town.
The enthusiasm was evidenced in the record attendance which was maintained from the beginning through the final event, a Fair at Birch Meadow which drew nearly a thousand children and their parents.
Special events such as beach trips, movies, theatricals, play days with other towns, field days, cookouts, Wild West Show, and swimming contests supplemented the daily activities that included three baseball leagues, kickball, basketball, tennis, volley ball, softball, arts and crafts, and many other less strenuous games such as checkers, pitching horseshoes and croquet. The operation of a weekly paper plus ex- cellent front page coverage by the Reading Chronicle kept all well in- formed of the program.
Three playgrounds, Birch Meadow, Memorial Park and Washington Street, were opened daily from 9 to 5, as well as in the evenings. The Eaton School Playground was opened only mornings because there is no afternoon shade or shelter. A few well placed trees would greatly enhance both the utility and beauty of this area.
At the season's start we lost one of our experienced leaders to a more remunerative construction job. This raises a problem of adequate salaries. Working on the playgrounds can no longer compete with many other phases of summer employment and experienced leaders are necessary for the success of the program.
Another question under consideration by your committee has been the possibility of extending the program to take in other areas. Al- though a large number of children participate in the activities, it is felt that an even larger number do not visit the Playgrounds because it is too far to go. This is especially true of the younger children. Areas such as the Junior High School, Highland School, Lowell Street School and possibly some available vacant lots might be used for regularly scheduled sessions.
Lack of swimming facilities continues to present a need in any summer recreation program.
The committee wishes to thank the School Committee, Board of Public Works, and all others who helped to insure the program's success.
Respectfully submitted,
NEWELL H. MORTON, Chairman C. SUMNER TEEL HARRY R. WALKER CARL W. PINKHAM ROBERT E. TURNER JOSEPH H. GIUNTA JAMES E. CALVIN
92
REPORT OF THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE 19 EVERETT STREET, CONCORD FOR READING
The Middlesex County Extension Service is a publicly supported educational institution to serve all the towns of the county in agri- culture and home economics. In agriculture the work is developed county-wide under the direction of county councils made up of the leading farmers in each of the main commodities as vegetables, fruit, poultry, dairying, livestock, and commercial flowers. A County Bulletin is mailed monthly to all cooperating farmers and timely information sent to anyone on request.
4-H Club Work is developed under a town committee and leaders, and the home economics work is available through a town director, organized groups, or direct requests. Your town director furnishes counsel to the Extension Office on the needs of the towns, services de- sired, or leadership needed.
Information and assistance were made available on the planning and operation of a poultry farm or enterprise covering the subjects of poultry housing and equipment, ventilation and litter management, brooding and rearing, marketing, and management for egg production.
Specialized information on turkey and poultry health was made available through the 1953 Middlesex Flock Health Program.
William Johnson was a member of the 1953 Extension Poultry Ad- visory Committee and served as president of the Eastern Middlesex County Poultry Association. Mr. Johnson also was a member of the 1953 Middlesex Flock Health Program.
Of interest to vegetable growers was the vegetable pest control program that was carried on throughout the county, helping not only with individual farm visits but with sending out general information by mail or over the radio on the timely control of insects and fungus troubles.
Marketing has been a vital part of the vegetable program. Efforts were concentrated on the Boston Market and on proper packaging and grading. Consumer packaging has received a great deal of attention.
Reading was represented at the Advisory Council meetings by Mrs. Ralph Buck and Mrs. Walter Rowell. A Slip Cover program was taught and was followed by a tour. Textile Painting and "Christmas Every- where" programs were given and Reading was represented at a train- ing school on "Keeping Up with the Teen-Agers."
Miss Lois Connor has served as an active chairman in 4-H Club Work. There are six Home Economics clubs, two Agricultural clubs, and one Horse club. The two rallies were attended by more than 100 members each time. The spring and fall achievement programs were well attended and the exhibits were excellent. Food sales were spon- sored by the Town Committee as well as a card sale. The Town Com- mittee played an important part in the building of a cabin at Camp Middlesex. Mr. Allison Campbell is on the County Camping Committee. Five members of the Camp staff were from Reading.
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The County-wide Achievement Day was well represented by Reading in clothing and crafts. Two families were presented Family Certifi- cates at the Eastern Section Leaders' Organization meeting with Read- ing as host. They were the Allison Campbells and the Ernest Durbs. Club members took part in the Boston Poultry Show, Horticultural Hall Vegetable Show, County 4-H Fair, and the Eastern States Exposition. Charles Vars won County, State, and National Honors in the Poultry Demonstration. Club members were represented on two TV Shows. Seven girls and five boys attended Camp Middlesex. A County 4-H Auction was sponsored, and Reading played a most important part. The Lions Club gave $25 in awards. Wendell Nelson has done a great job with his sheep.
Respectfully submitted, WALTER S. HOPKINS, JR.,
Town Director
AGENT FOR VETERANS' BENEFITS
January 19, 1954
Board of Selectmen,
Reading, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
We respectfully report the Department of Veterans' Benefits for the year 1953.
We have assisted forty-six cases during the year, varying from an individual to a family of six.
Medical expense to dependents of veterans continues to rise and under recent acts of the legislature, it will increase in 1954.
Employment has been good in 1953 until December, then we struck an increase in aid on that account.
World War I veterans are beginning to feel the years, and we ยท have had an increase in this class in our aid, but our total cost has been kept at a minimum.
The work under the term Veterans' Services has been increased, there is a demand for this service. We have made many hundreds of photo copies for the later class of veterans (World War II and Korean). We have assisted them in their applications for all kinds of benefits. State and Federal.
Veterans' Service is very low in cost to the town, but a service of much value to all veterans and their dependents.
Yours very truly, CHARLES W. H. SMITH
Agent
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REPORT OF WELFARE AGENT
To the Board of Public Welfare:
A condensed report of the Welfare Agent and Director of Old Age Assistance is submitted herewith.
Our total handling of assistance cases during 1953 was as follows:
General Aid
46 cases
Disability Assistance 17 cases
Aid to Dependent Children 20 cases
Old Age Assistance
259 cases
With the exception of Disability Assistance and Aid to Dependent Children, these figures show a decrease from the previous year, more especially in Old Age Assistance which reflects a reduction in expendi- ture as compared with 1952 of approximately $7,000.00 Only once before has this category shown any decrease from the previous year, that being in 1944 with a decrease of $2,000 from 1943.
Two new manuals have just been issued by the State Department of Public Welfare which will impose much heavier administrative duties on all local welfare offices and will require at least one additional worker in our case.
Following our custom of the past several years we show below a schedule of costs as effecting local tax levy.
Expenditures for Assistance
General Aid
$ 21,252.32
Disability Assistance
14,114.82
Aid to Dependent Children
25,054.26
Old Age Assistance
218,419.48
$278,840.88
Total Reimbursement
237,225.73
Net Cost
$ 41,615.15
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD E. HARNDEN
Welfare Agent and Director of Old Age Assistance
95
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF WIRES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report for the year 1953.
Additions to existing wiring
199 Ranges (Electric)
95
Aid Conditioning
5
Refrigeration 5
Alterations to existing wiring
22
Repairs to old wiring 55
Barns
1 Repairs after fire damage 5
Churches (additional wiring)
10 Repairs after lightning damage
6
Compressors
3 Restaurants
1
Dishwashers
8 Services replaced
45
Dwellings (New)
93
Schools (Additional wiring)
15
Dwellings (Old)
3 Shops
12
Garages
13 Signs
6
Garbage Disposal Units
6
Stoker
1
Gasoline Pumps
3
Stores rewired
1
Gasoline Stations
1
Telephone Booths
6
Gas Heater Controls
17
Trailers
1
Greenhouses
3
Ventilator Fans
20
Clothes Dryers (Electric)
28
Washers (Automatic)
22
Kilns (Pottery)
2 Water Heaters (Electric)
38
Motors
12 Welders
1
Oil Burners
231 Wiring condemned account fire
3
Panels (Radiant)
2 Wiring addition to dwelling .... 15
Violations consisted of three improper wiring on oil burners and several failures to take out permits and eight improper wiring in build- ings and one failure to take out permit. One case now pending for wiring without a permit and by unlicensed person. It is hoped this coming year will enable me to check all public buildings in this Town in order to determine if there is a possibility of overload occurring. Considerable time has been spent at the new High School.
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