USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1960 > Part 13
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152
SALARIES Appropriation from the Town Transfer by Finance Comm. ....
$ 33,000.00 1,595.70
Total Salaries
$ 34,595.70
EXPENDED
Full-Time Personnel
$ 25,516.29
Part-Time Personnel
5,788.30
Custodian
3,272.80
Total Expended
$ 34,577.39
Balance Returned to the Town MAINTENANCE
18.31
Appropriation from the Town
$ 19,480.00
Trust Fund Income
1,000.00
Transfer by Finance Comm.
300.00
Total Maintenance EXPENDED
$ 20,780.00
Books, Periodicals, Etc.
$ 10,186.49
Binding
1,195.18
Printing and Supplies
1,427.46
Expense Account
225.93
Fuel and Utilities
2,218.93
Building and Grounds
2,365.21
Capital Expenditures
3,160.03
Total Expended
$ 20,779.23
Balance Returned to the Town
.77
Total Expenditures
$ 55,356.62
Total Balance Returned to Town ....
19.08
CIRCULATION DESK RECEIPTS TURNED IN TO THE TOWN TREASURER
FINES AND CHARGES
Adult Department $ 2,828.75
Children's Room
668.54
Total Receipts
$ 3,497.29
LIBRARY STATISTICS FOR 1960
Circulation
Adult Department
Fiction
62,376
Non-Fiction
44,172
Periodicals
7,421
153
Phonorecords
4,031
Films
29
Total Adult Department .... 118,029
Children's Room
Fiction
53,032
Non-Fiction
13,763
Periodicals
660
Classroom Deposits
1,906
Total Children's Room
69,361
Inter-Library Loan 69
187,459
Total Library Circulation ... Increase in Circulation Over 1959
Adult Department
12,964 (12.34%)
Children's Room 7 (.0001%)
Total Increase Over 1959
12,971 (7.45%)
Average Daily Circulation
Adult Department 401.46
Children's Room
235.92
Total Daily Average Circulation 637.38
Per Capita Reading Index
9.7
Registered Borrowers
Adult
3,601
Young Adult
2,218
Children
2,557
Non-Resident
19
Total Reg. Borrowers 8,395
Per Cent of Townspeople Having Library Cards 43.49
Number of Hours Library Open Each Week Normal Schedule
Adult Department ...
63
Children's Room
48
Summer Schedule
Adult Department
55
Children's Room
40
Volumes in Library, Dec. 31, 1959 39,280
Books Added
Adult Department
Fiction
871
Non-Fiction
1,358
Reference
45
Total Adult Department 2,274
154
Children's Room
Fiction
948
Non-Fiction
521
Reference
17
Total Children's Room
1,486
Total Books Added
3,760
Gifts (Included Above) :
71
Books Withdrawn or Missing
Adult Department
221
Children's Room
346
Total Withdrawn or Missing 567
Increase in Number of Volumes
3,193
Volumes in Library, Dec. 31, 1960
42,473
Repairs to Books
Rebound
131
Repaired at Library
2,076
Total Repaired
2,207
FULL TIME STAFF
JOSEPH J. SCHMUCH, M.A., M.S.
Librarian
RUTH W. CURRIER
Assistant Librarian
BRIJ M. KAPOOR, B.S., M.A.
LOIS LEE
Readers Services Librarian Circulation Librarian Circulation Assistant
SONJA K. BECKERT
GEORGIANNA C. MERRILL, LLB.
Children's Librarian
GUSTA E. LODI
Children's Assistant
PART TIME STAFF
MARJORIE O. LITTLEFIELD
ELINORE M. PINTO
DORIS H. TAYLOR
RUTH K. MURRAY
ELIZABETH M. RISING ELEANOR R. HARDY JANICE G. CARTER JAN G. MERRILL
CUSTODIAN
LOUIS B. BACIGALUPO
155
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF MILK AND FOOD
To the Honorable Board of Health
Town of Reading
Gentlemen:
The following is my report of the work completed as Inspector of Milk and Food for the year 1960.
There were 148 samples of milk and cream collected and analyzed for their cleanliness and butter-fat and solids content. There were only six samples found questionable.
Three inspections were made of sanitary conditions in food estab- ishments. They were all satisfactorily remedied.
There were 35 licenses issued to sell milk and cream. Total receipts for same were $17.50.
Respectfully submitted,
CARL M. SMITH Inspector of Milk & Food
REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Reading
Gentlemen:
The following is my report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the Town of Reading for the year 1960:
Adjusted Sealed Cond.
Scales, over 10,000 lbs.
1
Scales, 100 to 5,000 lbs.
1
3
Scales, under 100 lbs.
15
52
2
Weights
33
Linear Measure
10
Gasoline Pump, inlet one inch
10
81
Vehicle Tanks, 100 gals.
4
-
-
26
184
2
$ 118.80
Total Sealing Fees Collected
Respectfully submitted,
CARL M. SMITH, Sealer
156
ANNUAL REPORT of THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS of The Town of Reading, Massachusetts for the year ended December 31, 1960
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
To the Citizens of Reading:
The Board of Public Works herewith submits its annual report for 1960.
On March 21, 1960, the Board organized with Donald Florence as Chairman and Lloyd Harrison as Secretary.
Regular Board meetings were held on Monday evenings throughout the year plus a few special meetings.
Acting as the Board of Survey, several hearings were held to con- sider proposed lines and grades for proposed new streets. As a result of the hearings, and the operation of developers in various develop- ments, new rules and regulations have been invoked, which it is felt, will work to the advantage of the Town, the Developer and the future home owner.
In an effort to eliminate much misunderstanding and to give fair and careful attention to abutting property owners, the Board has in- stituted a program within which streets in developments will be ac- cepted as Public Ways as soon as is practicable after the bonded work in a development has been completed.
During the year the following members served on the following Special Committees:
Law Committee Donald E. Florence
Recreation Committee Lawrence Leonard
Sydney H. Hodson, Jr. Willard C. Ames
Junior High School Building Committee Lloyd Harrison A substantial amount of work was accomplished by Town forces and by contractors in the several divisions of the Department.
Sewer construction was continued according to the published pro- gram. Continued steady appropriations will enable the Department to make needed expansions in the sewer system.
Much attention has been given to the program of expansion in the water division. Progress has been steady based on careful analysis.
Generally speaking, all sections of the Department are now func- tioning on a programmed basis. With the necessarily large and in- creasing appropriations, programming is a necessary approach to all problems.
Residential construction in 1960 was somewhat less than the prior few years bringing with it the varied problems that required the atten- tion of the Board for possible action.
Our main problem continues to be our inability to obtain and keep competent employees. The present Town salary schedule is, in our opinion, inadequate and unrealistic. The Board in early 1961 will make definite suggestions designed to ease the present condition.
During the year individual members of the Board have studied various functions of the Department and made reports thereon with the intent of increasing the efficiency of the Department.
158
Again, it is our privilege to thank Boards and Committees of other Town Departments, and the general public, for the cooperation extended during the year.
The Board also wishes to extend its thanks to the employees for their continued loyalty and cooperation, especially in cases of emer- gency when it has been necessary for them to work long hours under trying conditions.
Reference is made to the report of the Superintendent for a more detailed account of the activities of the various divisions of the Board of Public Works.
Respectfully submitted
DONALD E. FLORENCE, Chairman LLOYD W. HARRISON, Secretary WILLARD C. AME'S SYDNEY M. HODSON, JR. LAWRENCE W. LEONARD
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
To the Board of Public Works
Gentlemen:
As required by Section 4, Chapter 118 of the Acts authorizing the Town of Reading to establish a Board of Public Works, I respectfully submit for your consideration the fortieth annual report of the Depart- ment of Public Works and a short resume of the work performed during the year 1960 with recommendations for the future.
General
Residential construction in 1960 was slightly less than in 1959 with a resulting continued demand for various type services. Construction of Interstate Routes 93 and 128 brought additional problems and added to the work load but not severely. Better than normal rainfall in 1960 eased the problem in the Water Division. Progress on expanding the present water system has been steady.
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 hear- ings 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.
Estimates were prepared and performance bonds secured for proper construction as required.
A large number of proposed lot plans were examined and endorsed for recording. In many cases, for various reasons it was not possible to endorse the proposals.
159
Engineering Division
During the year the Department was able to fill all positions. This division is operating now reasonably well. Providing the Town main tains realistic salary schedules and expands the Division somewhat, it can operate efficiently for the benefit not only of the Public Works Department but for other Town Departments.
Water Division
The major item in this division in 1960 was the continued expansion of existing facilities. A submersible pump was installed in Revay Meadow. Plans were drawn for remodelling and enlarging the present treatment plant. It is expected that construction will start in early 1961. Many related problems arose and were resolved.
Residential construction remained at about a normal level. A total of 7,204 lineal feet of water main was installed. A total of 116 new water services were installed and 29 old services were replaced. Five new 6" sprinkler systems were installed to business establishments. One and one-quarter inch mains in Ellis Avenue, Elm Street and Walnut Street were replaced with 6-inch mains. All work was done by Depart- ment employees.
New water meters were installed in 133 locations, 699 meters were removed, tested and reset, or if required, junked and new meters set.
Pumping Stations and Filter Plant
Rainfall in 1960 was near normal, with the exception of late Spring, and problems of water supply were not serious during the year.
The water adequacy program was continued, and Revay Pumping Station No. 2, consisting of a reinforced concrete pump chamber and a submersible pump rated at 250 GPM, was constructed over an existing gravel packed well, and put in service early in July.
At Hundred Acre Pumping Station, portions of two existing suction mains were relocated by Water Department personnel as a necessary preliminary to construction of the proposed new Water Purification Plant, which will be advertised for bids early in 1961.
A total of 524,579,100 gallons of water was delivered to the distri- bution system in 1960. The average daily consumption was 1,443,276 gallons. The highest single daily consumption was 3,100,100 gallons on Tuesday, June 28, 1960. The highest seven-day consumption for the period June 25 to July 1, 1960 was 16,376,700 gallons.
Mechanical failures at all five water pumping stations were of a minor nature. Several power failures were experienced during incle- ment weather from ice storms and lightning storms.
Each slow sand filter was scraped eleven times during the year.
The raw water at Hundred Acre well field continues to have a low pH value and a somewhat objectionable mineral content resulting in a final effluent which is slightly corrosive. Construction of the pro- posed Water Purification Plant should eliminate this condition.
160
Well Fields
Adequate rainfall and normal daily pumpage at Hundred Acre well field was experienced in 1960.
The tubular wells were cleaned, inspected and repaired in the early summer months, and wells showing high mineral content were shut off.
At Revay Pumping Stations, an extension of Beverly (Private) Road was constructed of oiled gravel; a parking area was also constructed of oiled gravel; a gravel roadway was constructed from Station No. 1 to Station No. 2; lawned areas were graded and seeded, and trees and brush were cut in the wooded area for landscaping purposes.
Statistics for the Year Ended December 31, 1960
General
Population - United States Census of 1960 - 19,259
Date of Construction of Pumping Stations - 1931, 1953, 1958, 1959, 1960
Source of Supply: Tubular (Driven) Wells, Gravel Walled Wells
Cost of Pumping per Million Gallons - Power Only - $30.13
Cost of Pumping per Million Gallons based on total Pumping Sta- tion Expenses - $40.87
Cost of Filtration per Million Gallons based on Cost of Plant Opera- tion - $7.85
Cost of Water Supplied (per Million Gallons Pumped) based on Cost of Maintenance, plus Interest on Bonds - $261.05
YEARLY RECORD OF PUMPING STATIONS COMBINED PUMPAGE - 100 ACRES & REVAY BROOK January 1, 1960 through December 31, 1960
Month
Days
Total 100 Acres Revay Brook
Total
Total Pumpage
Average Daily
January
31
31,411,900
7,826,000
39,237,900
1,265,739
February
29
30,686,700
4,762,000
35,448,700
1,222,370
March
31
33,515,500
4,800,000
38,315,500
1,235,984
April
30
32,008,800
6,761,000
38,769,800
1,258,993
May
31
33,373,200
9,558,000
42,931,200
1,384,877
June
30
37,753,000
16,613,000
54,366,000
1,478,867
July
31
40,381,800
14,075,000
54,456,800
1,756,671
August
31
35,175,200
15,266,000
50,441,200
1,627,136
September
30
32,363,000
9,415,000
41,778,000
1,392,600
October
31
32,536,400
9,446,000
41,982,400
1,347,819
November
30
33,098,100
9,833,000
42,931,100
1,431,037
December
31
32,552,500
11,368,000
43,920,500
1,416,790
TOTALS
366
404,856,100
119,723,000
524,579,100
1,433,276
161
COMPARATIVE TOTAL PUMPAGE OF WATER FOR PAST 10 YEARS
Year
Total Pumpage (Gallons)
Increase or Decrease
Average Daily Pumping
Increase or Decrease
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 )
1960
524,579,100
21,552,900 (I )
1,433,276
55,123 (I )
RAINFALL AT HUNDRED ACRES PUMPING STATION 1960
Month
Normal Rainfall
1960 Rainfall
Excess or Deficiency 1960
January
3.55
3.13
0.42 (D)
February
3.15
4.67
1.52 (I)
March
3.79
3.28
0.51 (D)
April
3.81
3.20
0.61 (D)
May
3.11
3.09
0.02 (D)
June
3.38
1.99
1.39 (D)
July
3.30
4.39
1.09 (I)
August
3.43
.98
2.45 (D)
September
3.46
7.39
3.93 (I)
October
3.10
2.69
0.41 (D)
November
3.64
2.79
0.85 (D)
December
3.51
3.57
0.06 (I )
TOTALS
41.23
41.17
0.06 (D)
162
Highway Division
Chapter 90 Construction
Reconstruction of West Street from Selfridge Road to the Wilming- ton Town Line was completed in 1960.
Street Betterments
Four streets were accepted as public ways. All construction work was done by Town employees. The streets are:
Linnea Lane Laurel Lane Tanglewood Circle Mark Avenue
Bituminous Concrete Pavement
Portions of the following streets were recovered with bituminous concrete:
West Street Haverhill Street Lowell Street High Street Salem 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 installation 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 Charles Street and Summer Avenue. Short sections were constructed on High Street and Woburn Street. Due primarily to economic reasons, all sidewalks were constructed of bituminous concrete.
Maintenance as usual was accomplished 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. These requests have been resolved into a program which will result in the most benefit to the Town and the abutters.
163
Maintenance of Storm Drains
Several culverts were cleared, long lengths of ditches cleaned, and all catch basins cleaned with a mechanical cleaning machine. A por- tion 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 easily combustible materials. Excess fill from various jobs was spread over each layer.
Park and Playground Division
In 1960 this section of the Department was placed on a divisional basis with a working foreman in charge and an enlarged labor force assigned regularly. The result has been gratifying.
Extensive maintentance was accomplished on all areas. Debris was removed, beds and walks edged, fertilizer applied, grass cut, loam and seed spread, play equipment repaired, bleachers repaired, fences repaired, brush cut and removed, grass cut regularly, ball fields main- tained, tennis courts maintained 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 carried out efficiently.
Sewer Division
Sewer Construction in 1960 followed the program as printed in the 1959 Annual Report.
Sewers were installed in eight streets, all 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 43,123,290 gallons compared to 44,697,400 gallons in 1959.
There follows herewith a tentative sewer program for the seven years 1961 to 1967. It is anticipated that, generally speaking, this De- partment will follow the program outlined. However, it is to be under- stood that conditions may arise which will make it necessary to alter the program.
164
SEWER PROGRAM - 1961 TO 1967 1961
Street
Section
Length
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 Circle 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
Interceptor
Bancroft Ave. to Longfellow Rd.
500
Longfellow Rd. Birch Meadow Dr. to dead end
1200
Total
8620
1962
Street
Section
Length
Hanscom Ave. Near Lowell to Near No. 60
900
John Carver Rd. Hartshorn to Near Priscilla Rd.
900
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
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
Total
8850
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.
Hartshorn St. to Near #60
800
Winthrop Ave.
Hartshorn St. to Lowell St.
1500
John St.
Union St. to Pleasant St.
350
Union St.
John St. to #29
200
Total
8850
165
1964
Street
Section
Length
Auburn St.
Highland St. to Beacon St.
950
Ash St. Cross St. to Shackford Rd.
300
Shackford Rd.
Ash St. 400' Westerly
400
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
8850
1965
Street
Section
Length
Summer Ave.
Bear Hill Rd. to Main St.
950
Main St.
Summer Ave. to South St. 2000
Hopkins St.
Main St. to Nike Site
1200
Fairmount Rd.
Hopkins St. to Kenneth Rd.
600
Cedar St.
Hopkins St. to Bear Hill Rd.
100
Kenneth Rd.
Fairmount Rd. to Near Bear Hill Rd.
300
Wentworth Rd.
West St. to Lewis St.
300
Locust St.
Highland St. to Beacon St.
900
Beacon St.
Locust St. to Auburn St.
250
Parkview Rd.
Auburn St. to Weston Rd.
400
Grove St.
Intervale Terr. to Near Mark Ave.
800
Total
7800
1966
Enlarging main outfall sewer from John St. to M.D.C. Pumping Sta- tion. This will require a bond issue. Normal annual appropriation to be applied to financing.
1967
Street
Section
Length
Main St.
Near Minot St to Near Summer Ave.
2500
Avon St.
Main St. to Near Ash St.
750
Percy Ave.
Main St. to Dead End
450
Pinevale Ave.
Main St. to Dead End
900
Knollwood Rd. Main St. to Summer Ave.
1000
Summer Ave.
Main St. to Hopkins St.
600
Hopkins St.
Summer Ave. to Near #45
500
Walnut St.
Summer Ave. to Near #50
500
South St.
Main St. to Wakefield Town Line
900
South St.
Main St Westerly
500
Total
8600
166
MAIN TRUNK SEWER EXTENSIONS - 1960 (Size & Length of Pipe)
Street
Location
6"A.C.
8"A.C.
.10"A.C. Tees M/H's Total
Poss.
Length
Conn.
Main St.
Hillside Rd. Southerly
906.00
819.00
8
8
1725.00
16
Lawrence Rd. Easement Main St. to Lawrence Rd
461.60
0
2
461.60
1
Main St. Easement
No. 899 to No. 855 Main St.
910.00
1
6
910.00
9
Main St.
Lawrence Rd. Easement to
Hampshire Rd.
760.00
1
5
760.00
4
Lawrence Rd
No. 19 to Lawrence Rd. Easement
1085.00
0
6
1085.00
16
Hampshire Rd.
Lawrence Rd to No. 22
420.00
0
2
420.00
9
Hampshire Rd.
Main St. to No. 13
200.00
0
2
200.00
3
Main St.
No. 958 to No. 1012 (West Side)
288.00
670 00
0
5
958.00
7
Main St.
Putnam Rd. to Forest Glen Rd.
58.00
1158.00
1
6
1216.00
10
Main St.
Lawrence Rd. to Putnam Rd.
(East Side)
300.00
10
2
300.00
4
Forest St.
Main St. to Wadsworth Rd.
430.00
0
3
430.00
8
Easement
Munroe Ave. to Winslow Rd.
524.00
0
3
524.00
4
Winslow Rd.
West St. to Easement
726.00
9
3
726.00
16
Weston Rd.
Bancroft Ave. to Hanscom Ave.
272.00
1
1
272.00
3
Tower Rd.
Bancroft Ave. to Winthrop Ave.
467.00
4
2
467.00
6
Total
2404.00
6222.60
1828.00
35
56
10454.60
116
...
-
General Resume' and Recommendations
As is apparent, the major problem of the Board of Public Works is keeping up services in a rapidly expanding Town.
The Board receives requests for services continuously. Obviously it is not financially possible to service all the requests in a short period. The Board therefor attempts to prepare and follow inclusive programs with the intent and hope that, in time, the various problems will be fairly resolved.
Speaking more specifically, our most serious problem at present is our inability to obtain competent employees, especially in the labor force. Efforts are being made to place the Department in a more competitive position in the labor market by suggesting changes in classification and procedure. It is hoped that these changes will enable the Department to attract an increased number of competent employees.
With due care being exercised in the handling of available funds, steady progress is being made in expanding the facilities of the Water Department. A new submersible pump was installed in Revay Meadow. Plans for a new type treatment plant in Hundred Acre Meadow are nearing completion. Bids will be taken and construction started in early 1961. Funds for this construction have been voted by the Town.
Considerable time has been spent, both by Department personnel and by individual Board Members, in making studies of many of the functions of the Department. As a result slow but steady progress is being made in reorganizing various sections of the Department.
In closing, the Superintendent wishes to express his appreciation to the Members of the Board for their many kindnesses. Also to the several Town Department heads for their interest and cooperation. Finally to thank those employees who have continued to give their best efforts to the work of the Department and to assure them of his continued active interest in their welfare.
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