USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1961 > Part 14
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Old Age Assistance has been furnished by the Town to the late Simon Castine. A lien for that assistance had been placed on the real estate, and after various conferences and correspondence, the matter was finally resolved with full reimbursement in the amount of $8,006.37 to the Town.
On the matter of Old Age Assistance rendered to the late Herbert Henderson, this estate is now in the process of probate and it is anticipated that this matter will also result in full reimbursement to the Town.
There are several Old Age Assistance matters now pending with regard to the care of parents for whose support the children are responsible under the statute, and there are a great many who, after correspondence from the Welfare Department and from your Town Counsel, are presently contributing to that support and relieving the Town of that obligation.
It is the practice in some communities to have a police officer, ordinarily with the rank of Sergeant, assigned to the Welfare Depart- ment whose duties are, in conjunction with the regular social workers and investigators of the Welfare Department, to investigate and locate recalcitrant husbands and fathers, obtain criminal complaints from the local district court, and make arrests if necessary. It has been the experience of these communities that the recoveries obtained in be- half of the community from these recalcitrant husbands and fathers has far exceeded the expense of the police officer. I recommend that the Law Committee suggest to the Welfare Department that they investigate the situation to determine its feasibility as applied to the Town of Reading.
The action by George Brox, Inc., against the Town of Reading now pending in the Superior Court at this time apparently cannot be the subject of negotiation and will probably be tried during the year of 1962.
On the matter of the sewer contract between the Town and George M. Bryne Co., Inc., a final check in the amount of $341.00 sent by the
160
Town to the contractor was refused by the contractor and returned to the Town at which time their attorney brought a claim for additional and extra work performed in connection with the sewer construction in the total amount of $17,231.13. This claim presently appears to the Public Works Department to be absolutely unreasonable, and although still subject to negotiation, will in all probability finally end in litigation.
There have been a great many defective highway and sidewalk claims this year, some of which in the opinion of your Town Counsel have been justified. In those cases which were justified and the claim for damages has not been unreasonable, a recommendation has been made to the Committee that they be settled, and for the most part, they have been settled. There are, however, some which the Town Counsel feels that no defect can be established, or feels that if a defect might be established, that the demand in the nature of damages was highly excessive. These have not been settled and are now pend- ing, some in litigation and some still in the negotiation stage. It is, of course, impossible for the Board of Public Works, without greatly expanding its force, to minutely check all its highways and sidewalks for possible defects. However, it is recommended that the Law Com- mittee suggest to the Board of Public Works that as these potential defects are observed, that a system be inaugurated whereby it is called to the attention of the Superintendent of Public Works and the Board, so that some preventive repair may be taken, and eliminate some of the sources of these defective highway claims.
Brissenden vs. the Town of Reading, involving an injury sustained in a fall on Gardner Road, was settled for $200.00.
Morse vs. the Town of Reading, involving damage to an automobile as a result of driving a car into a substantial depression occasioned by the bursting of a water main, was settled in the amount of $64.22.
Various other damage claims involving so-called defect in the highway during the construction of a sewer resulting in a suit against the Town, as well as a suit against the sewer contractor, are being de- fended and the subject matter is referred to the insurance company pro- tecting the sewer contractor.
Hearings were held before the Department of Public Utilities wherein the Boston & Maine Railroad sought to remove certain Reading trains from its schedule. After a full hearing, the petition was with- drawn, and the trains still remain in service. Another hearing before the Department of Public Uitilities involving the Boston & Maine Railroad, whereby the railroad sought to replace the manual operation of gates at Ash Street, Main Street and Washington Street crossings, and substitute therefor so-called "automatic protection" was pursued at length. A full hearing was given before an examining officer of the Department. It was well attended by the Selectmen, the representa- tive to the General Court from Reading, Representative Frank Tanner, and a complete hearing was had. The railroad sought to have flash- ing lights on Ash Street, flashing lights on half-gates on Main Street, and flashing lights on Washington Street. The evidence submitted
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by the railroad indicated a traffic count and indicated the number of school children crossing these various crossings. It is interesting to note that the traffic counts were taken at a time when the schools were not in session, and it is difficult of understanding how the count could have been obtained. This was called to the attention of the hearings officer and the Department of Public Utilities by the Board of Selectmen, as was the original agreement for protection at the time of the original agreement, when the Town purchased the station, the surrounding areas and the freight house. The argument, however, had very little effect apparently with the hearing officer, as the final decision of the commission was to grant entirely the request of the railroad. These changes presumably will take effect in the year of 1962.
There has been considerable activity in the Municipal Light Department this year, occasioned in part by the increased loads on its facilities by virtue of the new electronic and other manufacturing corporations which have been added to its lines. Mr. Gilbert Sanford, Manager of the Light Department, submitted his resignation effective August 1, 1961, and it was accepted by the Municipal Light Board. At the time, several interested citizens requested the Finance Com- mittee, under Article VII Sec. 7 of the Town By-Laws, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the resignation of the plant manager. The Town Counsel ruled that the investigation requested was not within the authority of the Finance Committee under the by-law. The petition was again filed in practically the same form, addressed to the Board of Selectmen under their authority of General Laws Tercenten- ary Edition as inserted by Acts of 1959 and presently Sec. 23-B of Chapter 41 of the General Laws, whereby the Selectmen have authority as follows: "The Selectmen of any town may make an investigation into the conduct and operation of any department. Upon completion of such investigation a report shall be submitted to the Town Clerk. Such report shall be printed in the Annual Town Report." This statute is permissive in granting the authority, and in accordance with that statute, the Selectmen met in joint session with the Municipal Light Department on a preliminary basis. As a result of that meeting, the Selectmen determined that no investigation was warranted.
A petition was filed by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers AFL-CIO with the Labor Relations Commission to hold an election in the Town of Reading to determine whether or not the workers in the Municipal Light Department desired to be represented by the Union. Special labor counsel, one Thomas McArdle, Esq., handled the hearing for the Municipal Light Department of the Town of Reading. It was determined at that hearing that the Labor Relations Commission had no authority to compel an election of the Town of Reading, but did offer its facilities to the Town of Reading and to the Union for that determination, and it was determined to use the facilities of the Labor Relations Commission, and a date for the elec- tion was set at September 6, 1961. The election was held on September 6, total number of ballots cast 30, ballots in favor of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers AFL-CIO 16, cast against Interna-
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tional Brotherhood of Electrical Workers AFL-CIO 14, as a result of which election, the Municipal Light Board will discuss certain matters with the representatives of the Union. Under present legislation, a municipality cannot enter into bargaining agreement with the Union, except by special authority and granted specially by a Town Meeting.
A new by-law has been set up creating a "Gas Inspector" as adopted by the Town Meeting, and the fees and regulations have been set up to implement this inspection.
A new by-law has been prepared, and adopted by the Town Meet- ing, for the operation and control of the Dump with authority in the Board of Selectmen to set up fees, rules and regulations for its usage.
The tenants of the old freight house have been removed. The metal building at the end of the freight house was donated to the Town by the Melrose Grain Company and accepted by a Town Meeting, and both buildings have been removed from the premises.
I have prepared leases for the tenants at the Community Center, and those leases have been executed.
There have been two automobile accidents involving fire alarm boxes. One has been settled for the full amount of the cost, and one is now pending. I have prepared releases and agreements between the Town and the heirs of the property at 16 Sanborn Lane, whereby the Fire Department could burn dilapidated buildings upon the pro- perty, and the demolition has now been completed.
The restraining order against the Chief of Police from further prosecuting John W. Rohner, d-b-a Rohnette Coin-Operated Laundry, of the Sunday business laws, namely General Laws Ch. 136 Sec. 5, has as a result of the Supreme Court of the U.S. decision been dis- missed, and the Police Department is now enforcing the regulations.
The contract for the re-roofing of the Junior High School was pre- pared, executed, and the construction completed, and the School De- partment is presently awaiting a proper guarantee of the roof. Upon that being filed, this controversy will have been completed.
On the matter of the Arthur W. Coolidge Junior High School con- struction, D. Guschov & Co., and the Committee have, to all practical purposes, arrived at a conclusion. There is, however, one sub-con- tractor who has filed claim, under which claim litigation is now pending. The Town of Reading is not a party to the litigation, except insofar as they are holding moneys due either to the general con- tractor or to the sub-contractor. When that litigation is finally deter- mined the Arthur W. Coolidge Junior High School contract and the work of the committee will have been completed.
There have been a great many redemptions of tax takings, some foreclosure proceedings on unpaid taxes and several deeds have been prepared, delivered and recorded for purchase from the Town of land taken for delinquent taxes.
The Conservation Commission has been very active notably in the Town Forest Area and are presently seeking to acquire several parcels of land to protect the natural resources of the Town. Form options
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have been prepared for their use and will undoubtedly be submitted to a Town Meeting at a later date.
The Swimming Pool Committee has been very active in their effort to determine the desires of the Town with regard to a swimming pool. Il has now been determined by the Division of Accounts who passes on the legality of municipal bonds that the construction of a building may be bonded for municipal purposes and further that recreational facilities namely a swimming pool may also be bonded whether it is indoor or outdoor.
The Planning Board is to be particularly commended for the tre- mendous amount of time it has expended in preparing a brochure for the master plan of the Town of Reading. The Board has already held hearings on some phases of that master plan preparatory to submission of the subject matter to a Town Meeting for adoption.
I have attended the regular Monday evening meetings of the Board of Selectmen and have been available to other boards within the Town on Monday evenings throughout the year. I have attended a good many special meetings of other boards held at other times. I have performed all professional acts required of me in the perform- ance of the duty of my office. I am particularly appreciative of the factual assistance furnished me by the various boards and other Town Officers.
Respectfully submitted,
J. WARREN KILLAM, Jr.
Town Counsel
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEAL
To The Board of Selectmen:
The undersigned submit their report for the Board of Appeal of the Town for the year 1961.
The Board heard 28 cases on 15 hearing days. Twenty-four were for variations of the Zoning by-Laws and four involved permits. Of the total, 17 were granted, 8 were denied and 3 were withdrawn. At the close of the year, all petitions brought forth before the Board in time for publication, had been heard, and decisions rendered.
One case is still being continued from December 1959 and sched- uled for a new hearing in January 1962.
GERALD E. FOSBROKE, Chairman PHILIP R. WHITE, JR., Secretary THOMAS A. PERKINS
Board of Appeal
170
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
December 31, 1961
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Municipal Building Reading, Mass.
Gentlement:
Herewith is my report of the Police Department for the year 1961.
At this time the Personnel consists of twenty nine regular men and one provisional patrolman.
In June of 1961 we added two patrolmen to the regular force. In November we had one retirement for disability. Augmenting this we have a reserve force of forty trained and uniformed men who assist us at all special occasions which require police protection other than the regular department can provide. These men are all public spirited citizens of our Town who serve without compensation, thereby saving the taxpayers extra expense.
School traffic posts are covered in most instances by retired gentle- men who like children and like to have something to do. We have ten such men and they work only on days school is in session. This also has proved to be practical and economical.
During the year we appointed a Safety Officer who devotes a great deal of time to the schools, teaching and preaching safety. I believe this will, in a few short years, show results in lower insur- ance rates for Reading car owners. The Safety car is donated by a local dealer.
During the year we installed a complete new radio system which is the latest in Transistorized mobile communications.
ARRESTS AND OTHER SERVICES PERFORMED
Arrests 93
Motor Vehicle Violations 445
Juvenile cases investigated
39
Juvenile cases in Court
14
Special Investigations
109
Ambulance trips
327
Automobile Accidents
128
Teletype messages sent
304
FEES COLLECTED
Ambulance Fees
$1,519.95
Bicycle Plates
177.00
Revolver Permits
158.00
Total
$1,854.95
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Motorized (Radio Equipped) Equipment
1 1956 Cadillac Ambulance
1 1957 Plymouth sedan
1 1961 Chevrolet (Chief's Car)
2 1961 Chevrolet (Cruisers)
1 1961 Ford (Safety Car)
Recommendations
(1) I still recommend that plans should be started to enlarge the Police Station. The Police Station is the same size as in 1930 when the Department consisted of fourteen men and two cars.
(2) That two more regular appointments be made by June 1, 1962.
(3) That we employ a full time custodian.
In conclusion I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen for their continued co-operation and efforts in our behalf. Thanks also to all the men of this Department for their continued efforts to make Read- ing a peaceful community.
Respectfully submitted
ROLAND E. ELLIS Chief of Police
REPORT OF VETERANS' AGENT
Board of Selectmen
Reading, Massachusetts Gentlemen:
I respectfully submit my annual report as Veterans' Agent and Director of Veterans' Service for the year 1961.
During the past year we have aided fifty-six cases; at the present time forty remain as a monthly case load.
Due to the heavy increase of cases the majority of which were medical, it became necessary to transfer additional funds to the budget to meet these expenses; under Chap. 115, General Laws as amended, the Town of Reading is reimbursed one-half of all monies spent, pro- vided that proper authorization from the State as to settlement, de- pendency and need is shown.
The demand for Veterans' Service, that which gives advice, refer- ence and contacts without financial aid continues to be of great help to veterans and their dependents along with making photostatic copies of papers for those seeking benefits due from the Federal Government, this of course without expense to the Veteran.
Respectfully submitted, DONALD T. TAYLOR, Veterans' Agent Veterans' Service Director
172
ONE HUNDRED SEVENTH REPORT OF THE FIRE CHIEF REPORT OF THE FOREST WARDEN AND THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FIRE ALARM
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Gentlemen:
The report of the Fire Chief, Forest Warden and Superintendent of Fire Alarm for the year of 1961 is herewith submitted.
MANUAL FORCE. The Permanent Force consists of Chief, Deputy Chief, 3 Captains, 2 Lieutenants, 28 Privates and a Clerk. There Are 15 Call Firefighters and a Call Dispatcher. The Auxiliary Fire Service consists of 25 active men. One Permanent Man is on military leave.
APPARATUS. Located at the Central Station are: Ladder 1, a 65 Ft. Jr. Aerial Ladder Truck; Engine 3, a 1,000 gal. per min. Pumping Engine; Engine 2, a 1000 gal. Pumping Engine; Engine 9, a one ton panel body truck, and the Chief's and Duputy's cars.
At Station 2, Woburn Street: Engine 1, a 1,000 gal. Pumping Engine in reserve; Engine 4, a 500 gal. per min. Pump; Engine 5, a 400 gal. Engine, manned by the Auxiliary Fire Service; Engine 6, a 750 gal. Engine; Engine 8, a 500 gal. trailer pump; and the Civil Defense Rescue Truck.
SERVICE RECORD. During the year the department responded to 101 bell alarms, 19 of which were false. There were: 264 Still and Tele- phone alarms; 227 Service calls. Reading apparatus responded to other communities 28 times. Calls to Fires in Dwellings 24, Grass and Brush 104, Dumps, 40; Automobiles, 41; 30 calls for resuscitator and oxygen use. Tests made for gas, 4. Assisting persons locked out, or in, 28. Assistance rendered to Police, 47.
Permits issued: Power burner and Oil storage, 177; L. P. Gas stor- age, 10, Blasting, 63, Special permits, 1. Many permits issued for fire in the open air.
The fire loss for 1961 as reported to date on property endangered (valuation $89,415.77) is $9,781.77, a decrease of $14,350.23 from 1960. Insurance paid for fire loss $9,240.77, leaving an uninsured loss of $541.
FIRE PREVENTION. The program of fire prevention is being con- tinued with good results, and at present there are 409 properties being covered by these inspections including places of assembly, business houses, manufacturing concerns, schools, nursing and rest homes, kin- dergartens and churches. Extra inspections were made of stores and the business district over the Christmas holidays.
TRAINING. Drills have been held for all personnel, and several more men have attended the Civil Defense Rescue School at Topsfield Oil Burner School, The Fire Department Drill Masters Association, The Fire Department Mechanics Association and the Municipal Signal En- gineers Association.
173
FIRE ALARM. The replacement of old and obsolete equipment has been continued with the replacement of eight old boxes and several sections of cable. A master box has been installed at the Community Center and the installation of a fire detecting system in the building has been started.
RECOMMENDATIONS. That the replacement of old and obsolete Fire Alarm equipment be continued and that a new fire alarm truck equipped with a mechanical or hydraulic ladder be purchased for the Department.
In closing I wish to express my appreciation to The Board of Select- men and other Town officers and Departments for their assistance and co-operation during the year. Also to the officers and men of the De- partment for their co-operation in carrying out the training and in- spection programs. I further wish to thank them for their help and assistance in making alterations and repairs to the Fire Stations-and to the Auxiliary for providing coverage and assistance during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES S. PERRY Chief of the Fire Department Forest Warden and Superintendent of Fire Alarm
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Reading
Gentlemen:
The following is my report of work completed for the Town of Reading as Sealer of Weights & Measures for the year 1961.
Adjusted
Sealed
Condemned
Scales, over 10,000 lbs.
2
2
Scales, 100 to 5,000 lbs.
5
5
1
Scales, under 100 1bs.
8
38
2
Weights
80
Gasoline Pumps, inlet one inch
10
64
Vehicle Tanks, 100 gals or over
4
-
-
-
25
193
3
Respectfully submitted,
CARL M. SMITH
174
BOARD OF CEMETERY TRUSTEES 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 and the third located on Charles Street, now in its early stage of development, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1961 and the Department's 224th year of operations, (first burial December 7, 1737), is herewith submitted.
Our records show 86 interments for the year. The statistics for the calendar year 1961 are as follows:
Laurel Hill Forest Glen Total
Interments
36
43
79
Cremation Interments
2
5
7
Lots & Graves Sold
7 Graves
0
1
1
5 Graves
0
1
1
4 Graves
0
2
2
3 Graves
0
6
6
2 Graves
0
15
15
Single Graves
0
10
10
Baby Graves
0
4
4
Veteran Graves gratis
0
2
2.
Seven old lots in Laurel Hill Cemetery had perpetual care put on them during 1961.
The total number of lots and graves sold and interments made to date are as follows:
Cemetery
Lots
Single Graves Interments
Laurel Hill
1416
1142
7222
Forest Glen
555
187
802
Total
1971
1329
8024
At Laurel Hill, 510 lin. ft. of two layer Bituminous Concrete Surface treatment was applied to portions of Locust and Walnut Avenues. Also three gravel paths filled in and turfed.
At Forest Glen Cemetery this year's development consisted of the following:
Site preparation; removal of 42 large trees including stumps.
Field Stone wall completed on the Forest Glen Road frontage.
Roads; 1203 lin. ft. fine graded, penetrated with T-3 Tar and sealed with R. C. 2 Asphalt. The construction of 4 Catch Basins and 1 Man- hole, all pipe connections made with 12" R. C. pipe. On four Rounded Corners 234 lin. ft. of Type A Granite curbing was set.
175
Water System extension; the 1960 construction of 4" pipe was con- nected to an 8" Main on Pearl Street and 200 lin. ft. of 2" pipe added to the present system.
At the Charles Street location an additional area was cleared and filling accomplished.
Sufficient funds must be provided yearly to further this develop- ment.
At this time appreciation is expressed to the other Departments of the Town for their co-operation.
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 ERNEST E. BROWN STANLEY F. MAXWELL
LAWRENCE A. PARTELOW
CHARLES E. ELLIS, JR. Board of Cemetery Trustees
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF MILK AND FOOD
Reading, Mass. January 12, 1962
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 1961.
There were 124 samples of milk and cream collected and analyzed for their butter-fat, solids and bacteria content. There were only four samples found questionable and upon recommendation these were rectified.
There were 39 licenses issued to sell milk and cream.
Respectfully submitted, CARL M. SMITH Inspector Milk & Food
176
REPORT OF THE CUSTODIAN OF SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' GRAVES
January 2, 1962
To The Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Custodian of Soldiers' and Sailors' Graves for the year ending December 31, 1961. 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
Civil War
291 1
Indian War
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