USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1956 > Part 18
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Fire Alarm. The fire alarm shop was painted this year. New fire alarm box was installed at the Addison-Wesley Publishing Co. on Route 128. Tree trimming along all circuits was carried on through the year. All fire alarm equipment, including the tower bell was removed from the Woburn Street Station, before it was demolished. A Mutual Aid Circuit has been run from the Central Station direct to the North Read- ing Line, and is now connected, giving direct automatic mutual assist- ance to both towns if necessary. Routine replacements and repairs were made to the system and new wire run for future extensions.
Recommendations. It is recommended that a base radio transmit- ting station be purchased for the use of the Fire Department and that two-way radios be purchased for the apparatus until all units are so equipped. Many times confusion exists when both fire and police de- partments are attempting to use the radio at the same time for im- portant messages. It is recommended that a gasoline driven electrical generator be installed to supply fire and police stations during failure of electric current. Electric motors to open and close the Central Station doors should be installed as these doors are very heavy and difficult to open by hand and do remain open for very long periods of time when the apparatus is out to a fire.
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. I wish also to thank the local telephone operators for efficiently passing the emergency messages, the Red Cross Motor Service and canteen, and other town departments and citizens who have assisted this department in any way.
Respectfully submitted,
HUGH L. EAMES,
Chief of the Fire Department Forest Warden and Superintendent of Fire Alarm
207
REPORT OF THE PLUMBING INSPECTOR
To the Board of Health
Gentlemen:
The annual report of the plumbing inspector for the year ending December 31, 1956 is as follows:
Number of permits issued
376
Number of fixtures installed
1,938
Gas Storage - Hot Water Heaters 40
Electric Storage - Hot Water Heaters 104
Hot Water Tanks 19
Tankless Heaters
103
Water Closets
365
Lavatories
357
Bath Tubs
250
Showers
28
Bradley Shower
1
Urinals
12
Sinks
269
Laundry Trays
53
Disposals
2
Dish Washing Machines
13
Washing Machines
62
Trap
1
Repiping
5
Drains
13
Extractor
1
Wash Fountain
1
Sewer Connections
116
Cesspools
Fees for Permits
123 $ 1,484.50
Respectfully submitted,
KENNETH G. SHAW,
Inspector of Plumbing
208
BOARD OF CEMETERY TRUSTEES
Edouard N. Dube, Chairman
Term expires 1957
" 1959
M. Russell Meikle, Secretary
William P. Pierpont
"
1957
Ernest E. Brown
Stanley F. Maxwell
1958
Lawrence A. Partelow
",
1959
Superintendent HAROLD F. DAVIS
Office Room 5, Municipal Building
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
To The Board of Cemetery Trustees,
Town of Reading, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The Superintendent's Report on the operation of the two Town Cemeteries, Laurel Hill and Forest Glen, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1956, and the Department's 219th year of operation, (first burial Dec. 7, 1737), is herewiwth submitted.
Our records show 103 interments and 2 disinterments for the year. The statistics for the calendar year 1956 are as follows:
Laurel Hill Forest Glen Total
Interments
44
50
94
Cremation Interments
5
4
9
Disinterments
2
0
2
Foundations:
Monuments
1
25
26
Markers
24
4
28
Graves Repaired
72
0
72
Lots Sold:
5 Grave
0
1
1
4 Grave
0
5
5
3 Grave
0
4
4
2 Grave
0
20
20
Single Graves
0
4
4
Baby Graves
0
7
7
Veteran Graves gratis
0
4
4
1958
Twelve old lots in Laurel Hill Cemetery had perpetual care put on them and two old lots had additional care put on during 1956.
209
The total number of lots and graves sold and interments made to date are as follows:
Cemetery
Lots Single Graves Interments
Laurel Hill
1415
1142
7006
Forest Glen
401
123
538
Total
1816
1265
7544
At Laurel Hill, Hazel, Iris and Jasmine Paths were filled in and turfed. The Service Building and the wrought iron gates at the High- land and Lowell Street entrances were painted. A catch basin was constructed on Walnut Avenue.
At Forest Glen, 138 new lots, varying in sizes from two to six graves each, were layed out. The Forest Glen Road entrance was widened eight feet, and a new water meter manhole was constructed on Cemetery property, replacing a similar installation formerly located at the Forest Glen entrance.
At this time appreciation is expressed to the other Departments of the Town for their cooperation.
The financial statement will appear in the report of the Town Accountant.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD F. DAVIS,
Superintendent
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF CEMETERY TRUSTEES
The Report of the Superintendent as submitted by him is hereby approved by the Board of Cemetery Trustees and constitutes its Report to the Town.
EDOUARD N. DUBE, Chairman M. RUSSELL MEIKLE, Secretary WILLIAM P. PIERPONT ERNEST E. BROWN STANLEY F. MAXWELL
LAWRENCE A. PARTELOW
Board of Cemetery Trustees
210
REPORT OF CUSTODIAN OF SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' GRAVES
January 2, 1957
To The Board of Selectmen,
Town of Reading, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Custodian of Soldiers' and Sailors' Graves for the year ending December 31, 1956. This report is predicated upon the requirements of Sec. 9, Chapter 115 of the General Laws of Massachusetts.
Where Veterans of the armed services have served in more than one war, insurrection or conflict, the following listing gives the Veteran credit for only one:
Veterans
Credited Service
41
Revolutionary War
12
War of 1812
2
Mexican War
291
Civil War
1
Indian War
26
Spanish War
116
World War I
27
Mass. State Guard Service in W. W. I.
37
World War II
4
Korean Conflict
1
U. S. Air Force
Total
558
Appropriation for 1956
$ 1,200.00
Pay Roll
$ 1,148.55
Repairs on Veteran Grave
3.45
Veteran Flag Holders
48.00
$ 1,200.00 $ 1,200.00
There were thirteen Veterans interred during 1956 in the Town Cemeteries as follows:
Spanish War
Daniel R. Chamberlain, Lot. No. 400, Forest Glen, died May 15, 1956, buried May 18, 1956.
World War I
Raymond J. Donoghue, Lot No. 353, Forest Glen, died Feb. 5, 1956, buried Feb. 8, 1956.
Arthur W. Gould, Lot No. 459, Forest Glen, died Mar. 20, 1956, buried Mar. 23, 1956.
Horace W. Fellows, Lot No. 1115, Laurel Hill, died Sept. 26, 1956, buried Sept. 29, 1956.
211
World War II
Clarence E. Hall, Lot No. 11, Laurel Hill, died in Morocco Dec. 11, 1955, buried Jan. 28, 1956.
Stephen K. Heselton, Grave No. 51, Veteran Plot, Forest Glen, died Feb. 6, 1956, buried Feb. 9, 1956.
Norman S. Holland, Grave No. 54, Veteran Plot, Forest Glen, died Mar. 17, 1956, buried Mar. 24, 1956.
Leo James Barry, Lot No. 170, Forest Glen, died Oct. 3, 1956, buried Oct. 6, 1956.
George V. Mccullough, Lot No. 640, Forest Glen, died Oct. 20, 1956, buried Oct. 23, 1956.
Korean Conflict
Paul H. Robbins, Grave No. 50, Veteran Plot, Forest Glen, died May 18, 1956, buried May 24, 1956.
Thomas LeFave, Grave No. 88, Veteran Plot, Forest Glen, died Aug. 25, 1956, buried Aug. 28, 1956.
Mass. State Guard
Henry Harvey Quigley, Lot No. 591, Laurel Hill, died May 15, 1956, buried May 18, 1956.
U. S. Air Force
Frederick W. Merritt, Jr., Lot No. 113A, Forest Glen, died June 27, 1956, buried July 2, 1956.
Respectfully submitted, HAROLD F. DAVIS, Custodian of Soldiers' and Sailors' Graves
AGENT OF VETERANS' BENEFITS
January 2, 1957
Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town of Reading, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report as Agent of Veterans' Benefits and Director of Veterans' Services for the year 1956.
Our case load seems to follow that of 1955. Employment has been good but the medical expense of dependents of veterans has increased.
We have had many applications for help financially that we had to deny for one reason or another.
The increase in our population has brought many new veterans to our town. What the future will be is unpredictable. Much depends on their acquiring a settlement in Reading and condition of affairs when they do.
We do at present refer them to their place of settlement if they need financial help or assist them to obtain any other benefits they seek and are entitled to.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES W. H. SMITH, Agent
212
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report for the year 1956.
The building construction for the past year was as follows:
222 New one family dwellings at an estimated cost of $2,500,100.00
64 Alterations and additions to dwellings at a cost of 99,285.00
2 Alterations and additions to business properties at an estimated cost of 6,000.00
38 New private garages at an estimated cost of
34,450.00
5 Signs 1,470.00
3 Business Buildings 305,775.00
1 Fire Station 140,000.00
1 School 697,627.00
6 Raze Buildings
Total estimated cost of all new and remodeled buildings
for the past year $3,784,707.00
Total Number of Permits 342
Fees were received in the amount of $2,321.50. These have been turned over to the Town Treasurer and receipts received for same.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD B. CURRELL
Inspector of Buildings
213
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF WIRES
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report for the year 1956.
Permits were issued and inspections made on the following:
Additions to existing wiring 225 Nursing homes 3
Air conditioners
12
Oil burners
248
Blowers
1
Ranges
197
Churches (additions)
3
Rewire
28
Dishwashers
9
Rewire after fire
3
Disposals
10
Schools 9
Dryers
47 Services (changeover) 68
1
Services (permanent)
166
Emergency generators
Filling stations
6
Services (temporary)
29
Freezers
7 Stores 16
Garages
4 Vent fans 104
Gas furnace controls
13
Violations
1
Manufacturing plants
2 Water heaters 152
Motors
6
Water heater time clocks
827
New buildings
171
Water pumps
1
Fees for permits $602.95
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES F. O'DOWD,
Inspector of Wires
$495.00 of the total was turned in to the Treasurer after Dec. 31, 1956.
214
REPORT OF WELFARE AGENT
To the members of the Board of Public Welfare, Bureau of Old Age Assistance and Citizens of the Town of Reading, the following report of activities, expenditures and reimbursements for the year ending December 31, 1956 is respectfully submitted.
Members of the Board of Public Welfare and Bureau of Old Age Assistance:
Newell H. Morton, Chairman Daniel L. Chamberlain Donald C. McKie
Staff Members of the Welfare Office:
Quincy B. Park, Agent
Gladys M. Wilson, Social Worker
Virginia C. Smith, Social Worker
Anne A. Bleau, Sr. Clerk-Typist Elsie M. Kriehm, Clerk-Typist
Members of the Board of Public Welfare and Bureau of Old Age Assistance have met weekly throughout the past year to approve ad- ministrative and assistance payrolls. They have also attended a total of sixteen meetings in which new applications for assistance in various categories were reviewed for approval or denial. Existing cases have had budgetary changes reviewed and decisions made in administrative procedures and policies.
During the past year seventy-three applications for various catego- ries of assistance as administered by the Welfare Office were received. Sixty-nine were approved, two were voluntarily withdrawn and two were denied. A more detailed report is furnished under appropriate categorical heading.
Old Age Assistance
1955
1956
Case load (monthly average)
199.9
185.3
Expended
Cash Grants
$119,064.08
$112,960.48
Material Grants (Medical)
81,383.75
80,923.36
Payments to Other Cities and Towns
3,743.08
4,511.29
Total
$204,190.91 $198,395.13
Comparison of above figures for years 1955-1956 shows a reduction in average monthly case load of 14.6 and a reduction in expenditures of $5,795.78.
In estimating our financial needs to meet the expenses for this category of assistance for 1957, we have requested an appropriation of $125,500.00 which is $5,500.00 less than was appropriated in 1956.
Aid to Dependent Children
Case load for 1955 (monthly average)
14.9 for 43 persons
Case load for 1956 (monthly average)
18 for 62 persons
215
Expended
Cash Payments
Material grants
1955 $ 20,171.10 1,643.80
1956 $ 23,611.88 2,362.57
Total
$ 21,814.90
$ 25,974.45
During the past year nine applications for this category of assist- ance were received. After careful investigation seven cases were recom- mended for approval, two were recommended to be denied and one voluntarily withdrawn. Several cases previously aided were closed due to ineligibility. However, monthly average of cases aided increased 3.1 and total persons aided based on monthly average increased from 43 to 62.
Due to increase in number of cases and resultant number of persons aided an increase in expenditures of $4,159.55 over what was expended in 1955 appears consistent. We are requesting the 1956 appropriation of $15,500.00 to be increased to $17,000.00 in consideration of the greater number of persons who require aid from this category of assistance.
Disability Assistance
Case load (monthly average) 1955
13
cases
Case load (monthly average) 1956
12.8 cases
Expended
1955
1956
Cash grants
$ 9,217.95
$ 9,513.27
Material grants (medical)
2,493.07
2,080.03
Board (including payments to Nursing Homes)
1,143.00
1,694.00
Board, room and care in State Institutions
840.22
2,647.60
Total
$ 13,694.24 $ 15,934.90
Four cases were transferred from this category of assistance to Old Age Assistance as of January 1, 1957. This was possible as Old Age As- sistance law was changed to allow aliens to become eligible at age 65 provided they had twenty years continuous residence in the Common- wealth. Our case load in this category is reduced from 14 to 10 as of January 1, 1957. However, due to the fact that all cases aided under Disability Assistance are adjudged to be either totally or partially dis- abled, considerable medical expense is to be expected. Our budget contains a request for $2,000.00 more than was requested for 1956 to pro- vide for any new applications which are approved and medical expenses necessary.
General Relief
Case load for 1955 (monthly average)
35 for 87 persons
Case load for 1956 (monthly average) 10 for 16 persons
216
Expended
Cash payments
1955 $ 10,867.85
$ 8,153.40
Material grants and burials
1,691.35
1,025.83
Nursing Homes
780.00
882.45
State Institutions
883.83
596.83
Payments to other cities and towns
6,386.10
3,330.03
$ 20,609.13
$ 13,988.54
The above comparison of figures indicate a substantial decrease in average monthly case load, persons needing assistance and expendi- tures. The same trend is apparent in payments to other cities and towns who bill this Town for Aid given to persons with a Reading settlement. Payments amounted to $3,056.07 less than was paid in 1955.
We are requesting an appropriation of $16,000.00 for 1957. This amount is a reduction of $7,000.00 less than was appropriated in 1956.
Reimbursements to Town Treasurer Old Age Assistance
Source
Amount
Account Credited
State Reimbursement
$ 92,364.10
Estimated Receipts
Other cities and towns
3,700.84
Estimated Receipts Aid Account
Aid to Dependent Children
Source
Amount
Account Credited
State Reimbursement
$ 5,635.06
Federal Grants
10,881.15
Estimated Receipts Aid Account
Disability Assistance
Source
Amount
Account Credited
State Reimbursement
$ 5,895.98
Federal Grants
5,686.17
Estimated Receipts Aid Account
General Relief
Source
Amount
Account Credited
State (unsettled cases)
$ 2,877.60
Estimated Receipts
Other cities and towns
1,502.62
Estimated Receipts
Summary
State reimbursement for all Categories of assistance credited to Surplus Revenue Account
$106,772.74
Reimbursements from other cities and towns credited to Surplus Revenue Ac- count
5,203.46
Total
$111,976.20
Federal Reimbursement credited to Assistance Account
.... $ 89,817.81
Respectfully submitted,
QUINCY B. PARK, Welfare Agent and Director of Old Age Assistance
217
Federal Grants
73,250.49
1956
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Reading, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report as Inspector of Animals for the year January 1, 1956 to January 1, 1957.
Forty-seven dogs were quarantined for biting or scratching people; two dogs still remaining in quarantine, whereas their restraining period has not expired. This is a decline of approximately 20% over last year and about one half of the number of dogs quarantined in 1954.
The annual inspection of all barns housing livestock, and the live- stock in the town was conducted under the provisions set up by the Division of Livestock Disease Control, disclosing there to be in the town, 44 neat cattle, 12 pigs, 21 horses, 76 sheep and 7 goats. No con- tagious infectious diseases were noted.
One need not look very far to see that Reading is rapidly declining as a farming community. This same picture prevails in a great many other communities in the state.
Very truly yours, GARDINER A. LESTER, D.V.M., Inspector of Animals
REPORT OF THE DOG OFFICER
December 31, 1956
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my report as dog officer to December 31, 1956.
I have canvassed the Town to see that all dogs have been licensed.
All complaints have been investigated.
For the year ending December 31, 1956, there were 40 unlicensed dogs caught.
30 dogs were disposed for the county.
6 dogs were reclaimed by the owners.
4 dogs were sold for the county.
114 dogs were reported lost during the year.
5 dog hearings were attended, and investigated.
53 letters were sent to owner's of dogs, which were not licensed.
6 summons were issued to dog owners, who failed to license their dogs for 1956.
Dead animals picked up off the street for the Board of Health, and disposed of were 70.
At this time I wish to thank the Police Department and all others who have helped me.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM H. DEWSNAP, Dog Officer
218
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
Board of Selectmen,
Reading, Mass. Gentlemen:
In 1956 this Department has carried out its usual programs as follows:
1. Administrative; in the statistical recording of births, deaths and communicable diseases; investigation and abatement of nuisances, licensing and supervision of live stock owners; investigation and li- censing of private schools and nursing homes; instruction and super- vision of food handlers and vendors.
2. Sanitation: licensing, inspecting of plumbing, drainage and sewage disposal in old and new construction; contracting for garbage disposal; testing of milk and water supplies.
3. Prevention; follow-up of tuberculosis cases and contacts; care of premature infants; well baby clinics; dental clinics; Rabies vaccine clinics and Diphtheria, Whooping cough, Lockjaw immunization pro- grams.
Our major work in 1956 was in organizing and implementing a program of immunizing against Poliomyelitis, with Salk vaccine, most of our population up to the age of 20, and a great many young adults; and in conjunction with the Board of Public Works arranging for the fluoridation of our water supplies. These latter programs will have far- reaching benefits for yet unborn citizens.
C. R. BAISLEY, M.D. E. M. HALLIGAN, M.D.
C. F. ATKINSON
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
I submit my report as Tree Warden for 1956.
The shade tree planting consisted of one hundred and fifty-nine sugar maples, six Norway maples and two red oaks. Most of these trees were planted on private property adjacent to the sidewalk.
Twenty-eight trees were removed from the roadside, two after hear- ings and ten were destroyed by gas. The remaining sixteen were either dead or dangerous. Twenty-four diseased elms were also removed from the roadside by the Moth Department under the Dutch Elm Disease program.
The men also removed the dead wood, low branches, and cleared the wires on twenty-four streets. The expense of clearing the wires was paid by the Electric Light Department.
I take this opportunity to thank all the town departments who have assisted me during the past year. I also wish to thank the men of this department for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
MAURICE H. DONEGAN,
Tree Warden
219
REPORT OF THE TOWN COUNSEL
February 14, 1957
To the Law Committee of the Town of Reading:
I submit my report as Town Counsel for the year 1956 as follows:
During the year the Town acquired title to the following land:
1. The land off West Street formerly owned by Realty Construction of New England, Inc. This property was acquired for school purposes. Pursuant to the vote of the Town Meeting, negotiations were completed with the owner, the Order of Taking was prepared and recorded, a con- firmatory deed was prepared and recorded, and contracts were executed for the installation of services to this land by the former owner.
2. The land between Haverhill and Charles Streets formerly owned by Zagorski. This property was acquired for school purposes. Nego- tiations were conducted with the former owner; conferences were held with the School and Recreation Site Committee, Finance Committee, School Committee, and real estate experts; title was examined; and the Order of Taking and confirmatory deed were prepared and executed.
3. Land in Lynnfield formerly owned by Trainor. This property was acquired for the installation of a substation by the Municipal Light Department. Title was examined; conferences held with the Lynnfield Planning Board and the former owners; and a quitclaim deed prepared and recorded.
4. Jacob Way. The land for this street was acquired in order to provide a public way to the Business-zoned area south of South Street. Extensive negotiations were conducted with the owners of the land; numerous conferences were held with the Board of Public Works, Board of Selectmen, and the real estate expert; titles were examined; the Order of Taking was prepared and recorded; and confirmatory deeds for four of the six parcels of land have been recorded. The remaining two confirmatory deeds are expected to be recorded within the next month.
The Town sold two parcels of tax title land, and the deeds for those conveyances were prepared and recorded. The deed for the conveyance of title of the Center School property to the Methodist Church has been prepared.
Meetings were held with the Forest Street School Building Commit- tee and the architect in connection with the contracts and bid forms to be used for the construction of the new Elementary School; opinions were given concerning the bids received and procedures to be followed; and conferences were held with the contractor.
The contract for the installation of a new heating system in the Old High School Building was prepared and signed. In this connection it was necessary to examine and partially prepare specifications; prepare
220
notices to bidders, bid forms, and contracts; confer with the Board of Selectmen and render opinions; confer with the Massachusetts Depart- ment of Labor and Industries and secure minimum wage rates; and at- tend to execution of contracts:
The contract for the construction of a new Fire Station on Woburn Street was also prepared and signed. Conferences were held with the Board of Selectmen; specifications were examined; conferences were held with the architect; advertisements for bids, bid forms, and con- tracts were prepared; the contract with the architect was negotiated and signed; and opinions were given to the Board of Selectmen relating to bids and procedures to be followed.
In September the Municipal Light Department was notified by the Department of Public Utilities that a complaint had been filed by the Town of Lynnfield against the approval by that Department of the in- crease of electricity rates, effective on September 1st. On the basis of this complaint and also on the motion of the Department of Public Utilities, a hearing was scheduled to determine the propriety of the new rates. In preparation for this hearing it was necessary to confer with the Municipal Light Board; make a thorough examination of all statutes relating to changes in electricity rates; confer frequently with the Manager of the Municipal Light Department and the rate expert retained by the Board; and become familiar with the studies made of this Department and bases for the rate increases. The hearing, which extended over a period of three non-consecutive days, has now concluded. A brief has been filed in opposition to the motions of the Towns of Wil- mington and Lynnfield to vacate the order allowing the rate increases on September 1st.
Two lawsuits brought against the Town for personal injuries were settled and agreements and releases have been prepared and signed. Negotiations for the settlement of a third suit have been completed sub- ject to the approval of the next Town Meeting.
Two appeals from the Board of Assessors to the Appellate Tax Board were disposed of, one by settlement and the other by a decision in favor of the Town after a trial.
The litigation involving the property occupied by Mr. Roberts at the corner of Main and Hopkins Streets was concluded by the removal of parts of the building in compliance with the order of the Court.
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