USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1959 > Part 13
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To the Board of Public Works Gentlemen:
As required by Section 4, Chapter 118 of the Act authorizing the Town of Reading to establish a Board of Public Works, I respectfully submit for your consideration the thirty-ninth annual report of the Department of Public Works and a short resume of the work performed during the year 1959 with recommendations for the future.
General
Residential construction in 1959 was approximately the same as in 1958 with a resulting continued demand for various type services. Construction of Interstate Route 93 brought additional problems and added to the work load but not severely. Better than normal rainfall in 1959 eased the problem in the Water Division. Progress on expand- ing the present water system has been steady and much has been ac- complished.
Demand continues for facilities such as storm drains, sidewalks, street acceptances, sewers, house connections, etc. During the year much work was done by contract and much done by Department em- ployees of these items.
Board of Survey
The members of the Board of Public Works are ex-officio members of the Board of Survey. Acting as the Board of Survey, several hearings were held for the consideration of individual street layouts and for developments including several streets. Conferences were held with developers, contractors and affected property owners.
Estimate was prepared and performance bond secured for proper construction of Avalon Road.
A large number of proposed lot plans were examined and en- dorsed for recording. In many cases, for various reasons ,it was not possible to endorse the proposals.
145
Engineering Division
During the year the Department was able, with one exception, to fill all positions. This division is operating now reasonably well. Pro- viding the Town maintains realistic salary schedules and expands the Division somewhat, it can operate efficiently for the benefit of the Public Works Department and other Town Departments.
Water Division
The major item in this division in 1959 was the continued ex- pansion of existing facilities. A pumping station in Revay Meadow was completed, a second gravel walled well completed and a contract let for a sumersible pump. A booster station on Lothrop Road was com- pleted, tested and used as required. A loop main of 10-inch and 12-inch pipe was laid from the the northerly end of Town through the westerly section of the Town to the southerly end of Town. Plans were drawn for remodelling and enlarging the present treatment plant and funds will be requested for construction in 1960. Many related problems arose and were resolved.
Residential construction remained at about a normal level. A total of 8,290 lineal feet of water main was installed. A total of 128 new water services were installed and 21 old services were replaced. A 6-inch main on Lowell Street was relocated. One and one-quarter inch mains in Echo Avenue and Vista Avenue were replaced with 8-inch mains. All work was done by Department employees.
New water meters were installed in 139 locations. 799 meters were removed, tested and reset, or if required, junked and new meters set.
Pumping Stations and Filter Plant
Rainfall was sufficient in 1959 to eliminate any major supply prob- lem. Many problems still remain. Most are technical problems and will not be fully solved until a new filter plant is built. It is expected construction will be started in 1960.
A total of 503,026,200 gallons of water was delivered to the mains in 1959. The average daily consumption was 1,378,153 gallons. The highest single daily consumption was 2,374,200 gallons on June 29, 1959. The highest seven day consumption for the period June 25, 1959 to June 31, 1959 was 14,058,200 gallons.
Fluoridation continued for part of the year. A Town referendum voted to eliminate this treatment.
Mechanical failures were negligible.
Filters were scraped as required.
The raw water continues to have a low pH value and a somewhat bothersome mineral content resulting in a final effluent which is slightly corrosive. Proposed filter plant changes should eliminate this prob- lem.
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Well Fields
Draft on the Hundred Acre well field was below normal so that no major problems occurred.
The driven wells were cleaned in early summer. Wells showing high mineral content were shut off. Repairs to wells. mains, gate valves, etc. were made as required.
Considerable clearing of trees and brush was done in Revay Meadow. Also areas were cleared and gravel filled so that contract work on wells and pumping stations could proceed.
Statistics for the Year Ended December 31, 1959 General
Population 1959 estimated 18,000 .-
Date of Construction of Pumping Stations - 1931, 1953, 1958.
Source of Supply: Driven wells, gravel walled wells.
Cost of pumping per million gallons-power only $30.41.
Cost of pumping per million gallons based on total pumping station expenses $46.27.
Cost of filtration per million gallons based on cost of plant opera- tion $26.41. (Includes cost of sand and coke replacement.)
Cost of water supplied (per million gallons pumped) based on cost of maintenance, plus interest on bonds $263.24.
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YEARLY RECORD OF PUMPING STATIONS January 1, 1959 through December 31, 1959
Month
No. Days
Station
Gallons Station 2 & 3
Revay Brook Station
Total Pumpage
Rain
Avg. Daily Gals. Pumped
January
31
31,890,600
3,990,000
35,880,600
2.44
1,157,439
February
28
40,390,900
4,180,000
44,570,900
2.81
1,591,818
March
31
30,003,600
6,675,000
36,678,600
4.92
1,183,180
April
30
32,073,900
5,034,000
37,107,900
3.35
1,236,930
May
31
35,551,000
12,999,000
984,000
49,534,000
.82
1,597,871
June
30
33,752,200
5,240,000
4,113,000
43,105,200
5.99
1,436,840
July
31
32,652,000
6,897,000
6,276,000
45,825,000
5.49
1,478,226
August
31
32,459,700
10,161,000
8,518,000
51,138,700
2.48
1,648,835
September
30
29,286,200
521,000
13,282,000
43,089,200
1.63
1,437,640
October
31
32,012,100
7,010,000
39,022,100
5.91
1,258,777
November
31
29,556,700
7,616,000
37,172,700
4.31
1,199,119
December
31
30,359,300
9,542,000
39,901,300
4.32
1,287,135
-
TOTALS .. 365
389,988,200
55,697,000
57,341,000
503,026,200
44.47
1,378,153
..
..
.
..
..
..
..
HUNDRED ACRE PUMPING STATION COMPARATIVE TOTAL PUMPAGE OF WATER-FOR PAST 10 YEARS
Year
Total Pumpage (Gallons)
Increase or Average Daily Decrease
Pumping
Increase or Increase
1950
328,962,800
4,565,900 (I )
901,268
12,509 (I )
1951
324,343,400
4,619,400 (D)
888,612
12,656 (D)
1952
352,404,400
28,061,000 (I )
965,492
76,880 (I )
1953
405,580,000
53,175,600 (I )
1,111,178
145,686 (I )
1954
374,804,000
30,776,000 (D)
1,026,860
84,318 (D)
1955
412,582,400
37,778,400 (I )
1,130,363
103,503 (I )
1956
430,214,900
17,632,500 (I )
1,178,691
48,308 (I)
1957
471,102,600
40,887,700 (I)
1,290,692
112,021 (I )
1958
454,355,200
16,747,400 (D)
1,244,809
45,883 (D)
1959
503,026,200
48,671,000 (I )
1,378,153
133,344 (I )
RAINFALL AT HUNDRED ACRE PUMPING STATION 1959
Month
Normal Rainfall
1959 Rainfall
Excess or Deficiency 1995
January
3.57
2.44
1.13 (D)
February
3.16
2.81
.35 (D)
March
3.77
4.92
1.15 (I)
April
3.82
3.35
.47 (D)
May
3.15
.82
2.33 (D)
June
3.34
5.99
2.65 (I)
July
3.26
5.49
2.23 (I )
August
3.45
2.48
.97 (D)
September
3.49
1.63
1.86 (D)
October
3.05
5.91
2.86 (I)
November
363
4.31
.68 (I)
December
3.50
4.32
.82 (I)
41.19
44.47
3.28 (I)
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Highway Division
Chapter 90 Construction
Reconstruction of West Street from Longwood Road to Selfridge Road was started and will be completed in 1960.
Street Betterments
Four streets were accepted as public ways. All construction work was done by Town employees. The streets are:
North Street Winthrop Avenue Condor Road Cape Cod Avenue
Bituminous Concrete Pavement
Portions of the four following streets were recovered with bituminous concrete:
High Street Washington Street Willow Street Haverhill Street
General Highway Maintenance
Normal maintenance operations took place during the year. Streets were swept, basins cleaned, storm drains cleared, tree lawns repaired, curbing set and reset, plus many other items. With the substantial in- stallation of new public utilities it has become increasingly difficult to maintain street surfaces. Large amounts of patching materials are used annually. A substantial amount of various types of road oil was used. Several methods of treatment were used in an attempt to cover the scars of utility installations and to maintain reasonably smooth riding surfaces.
Sidewalk Construction and Maintenance
Long sections of sidewalk were constructed on Lowell Street, Charles Street and Salem Street. Short sections were constructed on Main Street, Salem Street and High Street. Due primarily to economic reasons, all sidewalks were constructed of bituminous concrete.
Maintenance as usual was occomplished during the year. Gravel and stonedust was spread, tree lawns loamed and seeded and repairs made to granolithic and bituminous sidewalks.
Storm Water Drains
This item continues to be a source of constant requests for facilities. Storm drains were installed in five locations by Department em- ployees and in two locations by contract.
150
Following is a list of Storm Drain Projects for 1959:
By Town Forces
Hopkins Street-Main Street to Bear Hill Road Bear Hill Road-Hopkins Street northerly Joseph Way-Through Easement to Franklin Street Sanborn Street-Woburn Street to Community Center Cape Cod Avenue-Easterly through Easement Also, several isolated catch basins and connections.
By Contract
Cross Street-Southerly through Easement Pleasant Street-Culvert near Wilson Street
The State Department of Public Works, Waterways Division, is pre- paring a design and plans for a portion of the Aberjona River between Lowell Street and West Street. When completed, this will be the final link in the Aberjona tributary.
Maintenance of Storm Drains
Several culverts were cleared, long lengths of ditches cleaned, and all catch basins cleaned twice with mechanical cleaning machine. A portion of the Quannapowitt Drain was cleaned with a hired crane.
Snow and Ice
Several plowable snow storms occurred. Also, several that required sanding only. Additional equipment was hired and extra personnel employed as required. Every reasonable effort was made to plow and remove snow and return the Town to normal conditions in each instance.
John Street Dump
The dump area at John Street was maintained as usual. Excavated top soil was piled in embankments. The resultant hole was filled in layers with the rubbish after controlled burning had eliminated the burnable bulk. Excess fill from various jobs was spread thinly over each layer.
All brush, stumps, etc. were deposited in the old dump area and burned when conditions permitted it to be done with the least, chance of fire spreading into the meadow areas.
Park and Playground Division
Extensive maintenance was accomplished on all areas. Debris was removed, beds and walks edged, fertilizer applied, grass cut, loam and seed spread, bleachers repaired, fences repaired, brush cut and re- moved, grass cut regularly, ball fields maintained, tennis courts main- tained plus many other related items of work.
Men and equipment were placed at the disposal of the Recreation Committee and work done which would allow their program to be car- ried out efficiently.
151
Sewer Division
Sewer Construction in 1959 followed the program as printed in the 1958 Annual Report. In addition two short lengths of sewer were in- stalled in Ash Street and Mt. Vernon Street.
Sewers were installed in three locations by Town employees with the balance of the work being done by contract.
Sewer house connections were installed to 155 homes.
Maintenance of main sanitary sewer was accomplished using the power operated sewer cleaning machine.
The Willow Street Sewage Pumping Station operated efficiently with no major problems. Pumping totaled 44,697,400 gallons compared to 66,997,000 gallons in 1958.
There follows herewith a tentative sewer program for the five years 1960 to 1964. It is anticipated that, generall speaking. this De- partment will follow the program as outlined. However, it is to be un- derstood that conditions may arise which will make it necessary to alter the program.
SEWER PROGRAM - 1960 TO 1964
1960
Street
Section
Length
Woodland Rd. John Carver to Dead End
250
Hampshire Rd. Main St. to Lawrence Rd.
700
Lawrence Rd.
Crest of Hill to Dead End 1100
Interceptor
Lawrence Rd. to Main St.
500
Main St|
Forest St. to Near Locust St. 3100
Forest St.
Wadsworth Rd. to Main St.
350
Winslow Rd.
Monroe Ave. to West St.
1400
Weston Rd.
Hanscom Ave. to Bancroft Ave.
300
Tower Rd.
Winthrop Ave. to Bancroft Ave. 500
Totals
8200
Street
Section
Length
Hanscom Ave. Hartshorn St. to Near Priscilla Rd.
900
John Carver Rd. Near Lowell to Near #60
900
Main St. Forest St. to Willard Rd.
600
Forest Glen Rd. Main St. to Near Pearl St.
600
Wells Rd.
Irving St. to Forest Glen Rd.
300
Irving St.
Main St. to Pearl St.
600
Willard Rd.
Main St. to Pearl St.
600
Glenmere Cir.
Winslow Rd. to Winslow Rd.
1600
Hartshorn St.
Lowell St. to Bancroft Ave.
1800
Interceptor
Hartshorn St. to Harvard St.
350
Palmer Hill Ave. West St. to Longview Rd.
370
Salem St.
Pearl St. to Wilson St.
100
Totals
1961
8720
152
1962
Street
Section
Length
Weston Rd.
Hanscom Ave. to Winthrop Ave.
250
Harvard St.
Lowell St. to John Carver Rd. 800
Interceptor
Harvard St. to Puritan Rd.
350
Puritan Rd.
Lowell St. to John Carver Rd.
700
Priscilla Rd.
Puritan Rd. to Dead End
600
Highland St.
Bancroft Ave. to Near Lowell St.
1400
Weston Rd.
Bancroft Ave. to Parkview Rd.
500
Interceptor
Bancroft Ave. to Longfellow Rd.
500
Longfellow Rd. Birch Meadow to Dead End
1200
Ridge Rd.
Main St. to Dead End
600
Summer Ave.
Brook St. to Bear Hill Rd.
1000
Lowell St.
Grand St. to Deering St.
850
Totals
8750
Street
Section
Length
1963
Street
Section
Length
Bear Hill Rd.
Summer Ave. to Cedar St.
1200
Interceptor
High School Sewer to Lee St.
900
Lee St.
Dead End to Vine St.
350
Hunt St.
Dead End to Vine St.
350
Summer Ave.
West St. to Mineral St.
2100
Prospect St.
Summer Ave. to Longview Rd.
800
Hanscom Ave.
John Carver Rd. to Near #60
800
Winthrop Ave.
John Carver Rd. to Lowell St.
1500
John St.
Union St. to Pleasant St.
350
Union St.
John St. to #29
200
Total
8550
Street
Section
Length 950
Ash St. and
Shackford Rd.
500
Selfridge Rd.
West St. Northeasterly
400
Oak St.
Pine Ridge Rd. to West St.
1400
West St.
Oak St. to County Rd.
900
County Rd.
West St. to Lewis St.
600
Ellis Ave.
Summer Ave. to Hillcrest Rd.
250
Hillcrest Rd.
Oak St. to Ellis Ave.
300
Vine St.
High St. to Mineral St.
1500
Mineral St.
Vine St. to High St.
450
Middlesex Ave.
Vine St. to High St.
400
Woodbine St.
Hancock St. to Summer Ave.
400
Grant St.
Summer Ave to Dead End
300
Total
1964
Auburn St.
Highland St. to Beacon St.
8350
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MAIN TRUNK SEWER EXTENSIONS - 1959 (Size & Length of Pipe
Total Conn
Street
Location
8" V.C.
8" A.C. 10" A.C.
Tees M/H Y's Length Conn.
Randall Rd.
West St. to Coolidge Rd.
321.37
2
3
321.37
5
Coolidge Rd.
Randall Rd. to Wescroft Rd.
558.96
3
4
1
558.96
4
King St.
West St. Easterly
250.00
1
3
250.00
3
Pleasant St. Ext.
Manning St. Easterly
150.00
2
2
150.00
2
Virginia Rd.
Indiana Ave. to Pennsylvania Ave.
450.00
2
8
450.00
8
Virginia Circle
Summer Ave. Westerly .
365.10
2
4
365.10
4
Tennyson Rd.
No. 56 Wadsworth Rd.
946.00
10
6
14
946.00
23
Waverly & Hillside Rd.
High School Sewer to Main St.
1000.50
4
4
5
1000.50
5
Main St.
Hillside Rd. to Lawrence Rd.
259.50
-
1
2
259.50
2
Lawrence Rd.
Main St. Easterly
250.00
2
3
4
250.00
7
Bancroft Ave.
Lowell St. to High School Sewer
2908.00
11
16
35
2908.00
41
Lowell St.
Highland St. to Bancroft Ave.
711.00
6
6
711.00
14
Wescroft Rd.
No. 10 to No. 18
189.90
-
1
4
189.90
5
Mt. Vernon St.
Chute St. to No. 37
100.00
-
1
2
100.00
2
Intervale Ter.
Lowell St. to Essex St.
4
5
15
926.00
19
Ash St.
Near Brook St. to Cross St.
740.30
2
6
10
740.30
12
-
-
Total
1430.20
7695.93
1000.50
42
62
119
10126.63
156
-
-
926.00
General Resume' and Recommendations
The basic problem facing the Board of Public Works is that of Pro- viding services to a rapidly expanding population. To do this, with rea- sonable efficiency and economy, seems to result in only one choice. That is planned programming in all public works phases. Such programs obviously must be based on a broad viewpoint over a long term as many Town-wide problems also are involved. Hence, in considering and pre- paring such programs, it is necessary to apply careful appraisal, thought- ful consideration, general flexibility and calm judgment. Programs must be well-planned, properly inclusive, thoughtfully coordinated and patiently executed.
The steady progress made during the past few years on sewer ex- tensions, based on a planned program, is excellent proof of the value of such programming and is convincing evidence that many Town problems could be similarly solved.
More specifically, the most pressing problems of the Board of Pub- lic Works are as follows :-
A. Development of Water Supply and Distribution
B. Establish a realistic salary schedule, particularly for the labor force
C. Build a capable, efficient labor force
D. Remodel and mechanize office procedures
Steady progress continues on Item A above. During 1959 a booster station was completed on County Road and a large loop main installed through the entire westerly side of the Town. A pumping station was completed in Revay Meadow and contracts let for a submersible pump in the same area. Design plans for remodelling and enlarging the Water Treatment Plant were practically completed.
A new Treatment Plant will be proposed to the Town in 1960 and it is hoped funds will be provided.
Attention is again called to the financial condition of the Water Department. An ambitious program has been outlined and initiated. Steady progress is being made. All this is costly. Therefore, it will be necessary for the next few years to exercise extreme caution in handling Water Department funds.
With reference to Item B above, a revised schedule of salaries has been submitted to and approved by the Personnel Board. It is hoped that the Town Meeting also will approve the schedule. The Department has now in its labor force. several good employees but they are insuf- ficient in number. It is expected that the new schedule will attract more and better employees, particularly in the labor force.
With reference to Item C above, it is felt that a realistic salary schedule will enable the Department to obtain and keep qualified em- ployees. This combined with "in service" training should result in a bet- ter trained and more efficient group of employees.
155
With reference to Item D above, some basic work has been done. With proper advice from experienced sources, it is hoped that, in time, the Department will be able to reorganize office procedures and proper- ly equip the office with modern machines so that work will be done fast- er and better and thus eliminate any increase in the clerical force.
In closing, the Superintendent wishes to express his appreciation to the Members of the Board for their kindnesses. Also, to the several Town Department heads for their interest and cooperation. Finally, to congratulate those employees who have given their continued best efforts for the betterment of the Department and to assure them of his continued interest in their welfare.
Respectfully Submitted,
PHILIP WELCH Superintendent
156
SIXTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT of
THE MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD
for the year ended. December 31, 1959
MANAGER'S REPORT
To the Municipal Light Board
Gentlemen:
Reflecting a new phase of improved operational efficiency, 1959 marked another year of highly successful operations for the Reading Municipal Light Department.
The steady efforts to cut costs and improve operations have certainly made their mark. Total kilowatt hour consumption rose to a new high of 88,322,112 kwh, an increase of 30.4% over 1958. It is interesting to note that this new total kwh consumption figure is 100.2% higher than our 1955 total kwh consumption. Gross revenue also advanced to another new high of $2,344,039, a gain of 20.4% over the previous year. Again it is interesting to note that this new gross revenue figure is 80% over that of 1955.
An important feature of our 1959 operations is the improvement in our load factor (average hourly usage of our facilities) to a new peak of 58%. In addition to the growing diversification of our load character- istics, this reflects the entire Department's efforts in improving our oper- ating position to a goal set in 1955.
Our net earnings increased for the year 70.8% over 1958 to another all time high of $360,744. This was after providing for depreciation of our facilities of $190,111 and the payment of debt in the amount of $69,000.
The continued growth coupled with increased net earnings will be reflected in another substantial increase in our payment to the town in lieu of taxes. The 1960 payment will amount to $138,525, an increase of $20,677 over the 1959 payment.
The improved operating position of our plant from 1955 thru 1960 is reflected in our payment to the town: i.e. a 1955 payment of $75,066 and the 1960 payment of $138,525, an increase of 84.5%.
Our average residential customer's kwh consumption is as follows:
Reading 3662
Lynnfield 4621
North Reading 3575
Wilmington
2985
System 3593
This compares favorably with the national average of 3550 kwh.
An overhead 15 KV feeder circuit from the Boston Edison System into our system at the Wilmington-Woburn line was installed and ener- gized last fall before the heavy load period. This new feeder leads into our new open-type switching station on Woburn Street, Wilmington, from which 5500 feet of 350,000 CM 3 conductor 15 KV aerial cable feeds along Woburn Street to an underground manhole at the junction of Woburn and Lowell Streets, Wilmington. There it is interconnected with
158
our existing 15 KV system. This adds a potential 12,000 KVA block of. power we may draw on. This new current is telemetered (combined metering) with our existing feeders at the Ash Street Station, another step in improving our operating efficiencies.
The continued construction of Route 93 in Wilmington caused us to make many changes in our system in that area. All the necessary steps were taken to minimize the inconvenience to our customers. I am happy to report, however, that our service interruptions due to this work were negligible. In addition to the work required by the re-routing of Route 28 (new Route 93) in Wilmington, this department was involved in installing two new cable sections to our two Lynnfield cables at Bay State Road and Haverhill Streets in Reading in connection with the widening of Route 128 at this point. Also at the Main Street, Lynnfield, Route 128 Bridge, a relocation of our facilities along Main Street, Lynn- field, was completed in the fall. All of this State road work was done on a reimbursement schedule with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Public Works Department. As a result of these relocation projects we have strengthened our system considerably.
The installation of new mercury street lights along North Main Street, Haverhill Street, Woburn Street, Lowell Street, Summer Avenue and part of West Street, as well as at many intersections throughout the town, has improved the lighting standards to a high degree. Additional lights will be installed in the coming year as the situations are studied. Skating areas at Memorial Park, Sturges Pond and Birch Meadow areas were also lighted to bring up to date our recreational facilities, as far as lighting is concerned.
Aerial cables, 5 KV spun type, were installed on Main Street and along Wildwood and Church Streets to Main Street, Wilmington, which improved our service in that area considerably. Two more such circuits were installed in Lynnfield, along Summer Street to Walnut Street and along Main Street, from Lowell to the Golf Club. Another such cable job was started in North Reading, along Haverhill Street to Park Street. These particular circuits are so constructed that they offer as little as possible exposure to storms, etc. This type of construction utilizes the maximum strength of our poles because it is positioned close to the pole, thus the cantilever pull or strain is reduced. It is contemplated that all our future circuits will be utilizing this type of construction.
Our continued tree trimming program, coupled with our new, stronger line construction has cut our service interruptions 75%. The toughest type of line wire, the best types of construction materials and the best methods of construction have played a master role in our service to customers and have contributed to our improved load factor and fewer power outages.
Today, service to electric customers is not a simple matter of putting up a few poles, arms and transformers. The important place continuous, well-regulated electric service plays in our every-day life adds the ele- ment of "Quality" to the service we render.
159
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