USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1962 > Part 15
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187
Bituminous Concrete Pavement
Portions of the following streets were recovered with bituminous concrete:
Linden Street Lowell Street Salem Street
Sanborn Street Woburn Street
Forest Glen Road
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 plus increased traffic, 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 Prescott Street, Middlesex Avenue and Temple Street. Due primarily to economic reasons, most sidewalks were constructed of bituminous concrete.
Maintenance as usual was accomplished during the year. Gravel and stonedust were 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 re- sult in the most benefit to the Town and the abutters.
Maintenance of Storm Drains
Under an expanded program several culverts were cleared, long lengths of ditches cleaned, and all catch basins cleaned with a mech- anical 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 em- ployed as required. Every reasonable effort was made to plow and re- move snow and return the Town to normal conditions in each instance.
John Street Dump
The dump was operated in a sanitary fill manner. Broadly speaking, the operation was reasonably successful. Some problems arose which will be given special attention. A surfaced roadway was built from John Street to the dump face. The fence was extended and trees planted. More cover was placed on the side facing Route 128. All possible brush, boards, limbs, etc. were processed through a chipper. During 1962 al- most 2 acres of land was filled.
188
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 was gratifying and the method was con- tinued in 1962.
Extensive maintenance 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 re- paired, 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.
Based on a prepared program there was considerable replacement of worn, antiquated facilities and extensions were started in two areas.
Sewer Division
Sewer Construction followed the program as printed in the Annual Report.
Sewers were installed in several streets, with all work being done by contract.
Sewer house connections were installed to 137 homes.
Maintenance of main sanitary sewer was accomplished using power operated cleaning machines.
The Willow Street Sewage Pumping Station operated efficiently with no major problems except during heavy rains when homeowners released flooded cellars into the sewers and the station was inundated. Pumping totaled 27,111,370 gallons compared to 44,132,800 gallons in 1961.
SEWER PROGRAM - 1963 through 1968
NOTE- It should be understood that this program is tentative and not to be considered a specific and fully definite one, and further, that it may be necessary to make changes in the program as changing con- ditions require. In other words, the program is intended to be indicative but elastic. It is further based on an annual appropriation of $100,000.00.
1963
Street
Section
Length
Ide Street
Wilson St. to near No. 8
150
Ridge Road
Waverly Rd. to Dead End
400
Pearl Street
Willard Rd. Northerly
300
Bear Hill Road
Summer Ave. to Cedar St.
1,200
Interceptor
High School Sewer to Lee St.
900
Interceptor
Lee St. to Hunt St.
250
Lee Street
Dead End to Vine St.
400
Hunt Street
Dead End to Vine St.
400
Winthrop Avenue
Hartshorn St. to Lowell St.
1,500
Wentworth Road
Lewis St. to West St.
450
County Road
West St. to Lewis St.
600
Summer Avenue
West St. to Woodbine St.
1,200
7,750
189
1364
Street
Section
Length
Hanscom Avenue
Hartshorn St. to near No. 60
900
Prospect Street
Summer Ave. to Longview Road 900
Summer Avenue
Woodbine St. to Mineral St.
700
John Street
Union St. to Pleasant St.
350
Auburn Street
Highland St. to Beacon St. 950
Locust Street
Highland St. to Beacon St. 950
Beacon Street
Locust St. to Auburn St.
250
Ellis Avenue
Summer Ave. to Hillcrest Rd.
250
Hillcrest Road
Oak St. to Ellis Ave.
300
Charles Street
Near No. 24 to Main St.
400
Main Street
Charles St. to Federal St.
800
Federal Street
Main St. to Highland St.
1,100
7,850
1965
Street
Section
Length
Vine Street
High St. to Mineral St.
1,500
Mineral Street
Vine St. to High St.
450
Middlesex Avenue
Vine St. to High St.
400
Woodbine Street
Hancock St. to Summer Ave.
400
Summer Avenue
Bear Hill Rd. to Main St.
900
Main Street
Summer Ave. to South St.
2,000
Ash Street
Cross St. to Shackford Rd.
300
Shackford Road
Ash St. Westerly
400
Summer Avenue
Main St. to Walnut St.
400
Walnut Street
Summer Ave. to near No. 56
500
Hopkins Street
Walnut St. to near No. 45
400
Milton Road
Howard St. to Dead End
400
8,050
Street
1966 Section
Length
Grant Street
Summer Ave. to Dead End
300
Hopkins Street
Main St. to near Town Line
1,200
Fairmount Road
Hopkins St. to Kenneth Rd.
600
Kenneth Road
Fairmount Rd. to Dead End
300
Cedar Street
Hopkins St. to Bear Hill Rd.
100
South Street
Main St. Westerly
500
Main Street
Park Ave. to near Avon St.
800
Avon Street
Main St. to near Ash St.
700
West Hill Circle
West St. to West St.
600
Selfridge Road
West St. to near Cottage Park
600
Grove Street
Lowell St. to near Henzie St.
900
Ash Street
Main St. to near Avon St.
1,200
7,800
190
1967
Street
Section
Length
Mark Avenue
Grove St. to near Henzie St.
300
South Street
Main St. to Wakefield Line 900
Bolton Street
Ash St. to Dead End
800
Hillside Road
Main St. to near Oakland Rd.
500
Longview Road
Palmer Hill Ave. to Laneton Way
500
Longwood Road
West St. Westerly
800
Interceptor
Brook St. to Cross St.
1,600
Cross Street
Near Ash St. to near Main St. 1,300
Ash Street
Near Avon to near Shackford Rd.
800
Woodland Street
John Carver Rd. Northerly
400
7,900
Street
1968 Section
Length
Shackford Road
Cross St. Northerly
600
Interceptor
Cross St. to Main St. 1,000
Main Street
Near Avon St. to near Summer Ave.
1,800
Percy Avenue
Main St. Westerly
400
Pinevale Avenue
Main St. to Dead End
800
Knollwood Road
Main St. to Summer Ave.
900
5,500
In 1968 start extensions outside the area that can presently be sewered without pumping stations.
191
MAIN TRUNK SEWER EXTENSION - 1962 (Size & Length of Pipe)
6"A.C.
8"A.C. M/H's Length
Total
Conn. Poss.
Street
Location
Lowell St.
Grand St. to Deering
745
3
745
19
Harvard St.
Lowell St. to John Carver Rd.
227
663
5
890
19
Interceptor
Harvard St. to Puritan Rd.
340
4
340
3
Puritan Rd.
John Carver Rd. to Lowell St.
250
230
5
480
9
Priscilla Rd.
Puritan Rd. to House No. 31
543
5
543
11
John Carver Rd.
Hartshorn St. to Priscilla Rd.
347
493
6
840
15
Weston Rd.
Hanscom Ave. to Winthrop Ave.
209
1
209
4
Essex St.
Hartshorn St. to House No. 9
150
1
150
3
Hanscom Ave.
Lowell St. to House No. 55
910
5
910
16
Oak St.
Pine Ridge Rd. to West St.
1133
6
1133
21
West St.
Oak St. to County Rd.
840
5
840
15
Summer Ave.
Brook St. to Bear Hill Rd.
1090
7
1090
15
Sunnyside Ave.
Melbourne Ave. to Fairview Ave.
463
3
463
10
Melbourne Ave.
Easement to Cumberland Rd.
917
4
917
17
Victoria Ave.
Cumberland Rd. to Kensington Ave
625
5
625
14
Cumberland Rd.
Victoria Ave. to Melbourne Ave.
365
3
365
6
Kensington Ave.
Victoria Ave. to Melbourne Ave.
..
468
1
468
4
Easement
Park Ave. to Melbourne Ave.
577
2
577
1
Ridge Rd.
Main St. to Waverly Rd.
280
1
280
6
2262
9603
72
11865
208
General Resume and Recommendations
During 1962 the Water Treatment Plant was remodelled by using some of the present facilities and by building additional facilities. Con- struction progress has been slow and disappointing. Although the plant is not yet fully completed, it has been placed in partial operation. Re- sults have been practically as expected and a good quality water is being produced. It, however, reacts on the "environment" of the water mains. This reaction will, for a limited time, affect the water so that it will have a slight taste and odor.
During 1962 the Engineers of the Department completed a thorough study of the water distribution system. Much of the work was done on the McIlroy Analyzer at Tufts College. However, much field work and office work was also done and results compared. The study shows that many improvements must be made to the system, - such as increased main capacity, increased pump capacity, increased storage capacity and related minor work. Obviously all this will require substantial funds. A ten-year program has been tentatively approved which is based on an increase in water rates. The opening elements of the pro- gram will be proposed to the Town in 1963 for its consideration.
Department Engineers are now engaged in a thorough study of a system of automatic supervision and control of the many elements in the water and sewer systems. A central alarm and control panel will be established with connections to the elements in the present system and with allowance for future expansion. It is proposed that all opera- tions possible will be placed on automatic controls.
This Department in 1963 will propose to the Town that a study be made, by consultants, of the major outfall sewer of the Town, the capacity of the MDC pumping station, plus designs for major sewers to areas of the Town not now sewered. The Department feels such a study should be made so that proper plans for sewer extensions can be made and Town development anticipated. It is hoped that the cost of the study will be approved.
This Department in 1963 will propose to the Town that a study be made, by consultants, of the advisability of building an incinerator. It will be proposed that the study include possible locations, size, esti -. mates of cost, rental of excess capacity, cooperative effort with other Towns, etc. This Department feels this problem should be thoroughly studied and proper plans made for future action.
Much progress has been made in placing the office work of the Department on a machine basis. Studies will be made of further possible improvements, plus improved use of existing equipment.
193
One of the most vexing problems of the Department is our inability to attract satisfactory employees in sufficient quantity to properly man the Department. Salary limits lag behind competitive industrial limits, and as a result, few people apply for work. This condition can only result in costly inefficiency.
The merit system installed in 1962 is basically sound. It is bene- ficial to those employees who give good, efficient service to the Town. They will find themselves elevated to top salaries somewhat faster than was heretofore true. Several of our employees are of this type and they will be the ones to benefit by the new system.
A Public Works Department naturally receives many requests for various types of services. Most requests are reasonable and the De- partment would like nothing better than to be able to accomplish the requested work quickly. However, the costs of the requests are far in excess of annual appropriations. As a result, much thought goes into the preparation of programs which, over a period of years, would in- clude all the work involved by the requests. Such programs are often reviewed to see if they are inclusive and practical.
Respectfully submitted,
PHILIP WELCH, Superintendent
194
RECREATION COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of the Town of Reading
A report of your Recreation Committee is hereby submitted for your approval.
The Recreation Committee was again able to obtain an excellent staff of personnel to work with and supervise the young people of our community. Under the direction of our Superintendent, Mr. John Pacino, a diverse and exciting program was carried out at all six re- creational areas.
The season opened June 25 with a week dedicated to Safety and Physical Fitness projects. The Fourth of July was observed with a traditional field day and an outdoor movie.
There followed a Doll and Pet Show, a Nature Walk, and Indian Costumes Parades by each park. Successful day trips were arranged to Wingaersheek Beach and Pleasure Island. Teenage dances were held in the Birch Meadow tennis courts at regular intervals.
The Boston Children's Theatre Stagemobile was the occasion for the annual family picnic and festivities. Track meets were held at every park in preparation for a town wide Track Meet held at the end of Olympic week. A Baby Show and a Water Festival were held.
A new event was staged this year in the Craft-O-Rama. Play- grounds chose South American countries to study as to customs, econom- ic products and activities of the youngsters. After reasonable re- search, the playgrounds convened to demonstrate what they had dis- covered presenting a dramatic fiesta program and handicraft display.
There were drama programs as well as baseball, basketball, croquet, badminton, tetherball, horseshoes, tennis, touch football, volley- ball, soccer, kickball, softball, archery, checkers, table tennis, jump rope, water games and pool contests.
There were arts and crafts projects in mosaic tiles, gimp, stained glass objects d'art, plaster of paris creations, texstone templates, leatherwork, painting, and the construction of tie racks, napkin rings, note holders, egg timers, as well as drawing lessons, basket weaving, finger painting and copper work.
The Recreation Committee wishes to thank those who co-operated so willingly to make our program a continued success, namely, Superin- tendent Robert F. Perry and the School Committee; Mr. Philip Welch, Mr. John Famolare, and the Board of Public Works; the Reading Muni- cipal Light Department and the Reading Chronicle for outstanding coverage of our program, as always.
Respectfully Submitted,
ALBERT J. CHISHOLM, Chairman PHILIP ALTHOFF
HERBERT RIXON
NEWELL MORTON
H. LEE DONLEY GUY RENNISON EDWARD PALMER
WILLIAM WATT WILLIAM H. WILLSON, JR.
195
REPORT OF CUSTODIAN OF SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' GRAVES
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, 1962. 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
27
Spanish War
151
World War I
28
Mass. State Guard Service in W.W.I.
50
World War II
4
Korean Conflict
3
U. S. Air Force
610
There were thirteen Veterans interred during 1962 in the Town Cemeteries as follows:
World War I
Ralph B. Comins, Lot No. 1073, Laurel Hill, died April 12, 1962, buried April 16, 1962.
Melvin A. White, V. G. No. 131, Forest Glen, died May 31, 1962, buried June 4, 1962.
Richard K. Hallock, Lot No. 253, Forest Glen, died August 10, 1962, buried August 13, 1962.
Malcolm L. Staples, Lot No. 696A, Forest Glen, died October 5, 1962, buried October 10, 1962.
Foster Poland, Lot No. 981, Laurel Hill, died October 25, 1962, buried October 29, 1962.
Edward P. Kern, Lot No. 145, Forest Glen, died November 13, 1962, buried November 17, 1962.
Warren F. Charles, Lot No. 1072, Laurel Hill, died December 19, 1962, buried December 22, 1962.
196
World War II
William K. Dunn, Lot No. 779A, Forest Glen, died December 31, 1961, buried January 3, 1962.
Thomas W. Jackson, Lot No. 514, Forest Glen, died January 18, 1962, buried January 23, 1962.
William M. Warren, Lot No. 778A, Forest Glen, died March 19, 1962, buried March 22, 1962.
George V. Hermann, Lot No. 689, Forest Glen, died April 25, 1962, buried April 28, 1962.
Ludwig Nelson, V.G. No. 130, Forest Glen, died August 26, 1962, buried August 29, 1962.
William J. Rushworth, V. G. No. 70, Forest Glen, died December 21, 1962, buried December 26,1962.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD F. DAVIS,
Custodian of Soldiers' and Sailors' Graves
REPORT OF VETERANS' AGENT
Board of Selectmen
Reading, Massachusetts Gentlemen:
I respectfully submit my annual report as Veterans' Agent and Director of Veterans' Services for the year 1962.
Under Chapter 115, General Laws as amended, the Town of Read- ing is reimbursed one-half of all monies spent, provided that proper au- thorization is shown from the State as to settlement, dependency and need.
During the past year we aided sixty-four cases. Regarding these cases, fuel, food orders and miscellaneous expenses absorbed ten per cent of the total expenditures. Medical expenses were high and ab- sorbed twenty-five per cent of the total expenditures and cash aid ab- sorbed sixty-five per cent of the total expenditures. At the present time we carry a case load of forty recipients.
In the past year there has been an even greater demand for Veter- ans' Services, which consists of giving advice, references and contacts to veterans on pensions, mortgages, schooling, insurance and other bene- fits. This service is of great help to veterans and their dependents seek- ing benefits due from the Federal Government. Financial aid is not . given to the veteran seeking this service, this being given without ex- pense to the veteran.
Respectfully submitted, DONALD T. TAYLOR Veterans' Agent Veterans' Service Director
197
REPORT OF THE PLUMBING INSPECTOR
To the Board of Health
Gentlemen:
The annual report of the Plumbing Inspector for the year ending
December 31, 1962 is as follows:
Number of Permits issued
241
Number of Fixtures installed
1,206
Gas storage-hot water heaters
9
Electric storage-hot water heaters
13
Oil storage-hot water heaters
4
Hot water tanks
2
Tankless heaters
67
Water closets
277
Lavatories
286
Bath tubs
133
Showers
22
Urinals
53
Sinks
143
Laundry trays
10
Dish Washers
13
Disposals
5
Washing Machines
55
Drinking Fountains
20
Dental Chairs
1
Drains
3
Traps
1
Sewer Connections
82
Cesspools
7
Fees for permits
$
1,035.00
Respectfully submitted,
KENNETH G. SHAW,
Inspector of Plumbing
REPORT OF GAS INSPECTOR
January 4, 1963
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen
Municipal Building
Reading, Massachusetts
I submit herewith my report for the past year covering gas-inspec- tion activities throughout the town.
It may not be commonly known but, in 1962 chapter 623 of the Gen- eral Laws was enacted by the Massachusetts Senate and the House of
198
Representatives in General Court relative to the powers and duties of the Gas Regulatory Board to regulate gas fitting in buildings through- out the Commonwealth.
Information on these changes may be obtained from the Board or the Gas Inspector's office.
The following is a list of gas installations, alterations or fits for which permits were issued in 1962:
Boiler conversions 17
Industrial hot water heaters
2
Domestic hot water heaters
30
Gas fired generators
2
Combination gas ranges
20
Space heaters
7
OH Space heaters
1
Gas dryers 20
Gas hot air furnaces
6
Gas refrigerators
3
Laboratory installations
2
Bottled gas or L.P. installations
4
Incinerators
3
Total 117
Respectfully Submitted, FREDERICK J. MONTGOMERY,
Gas Inspector Town of Reading
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 1962.
The Board heard 19 cases on 12 hearing days. Fifteen were for variations of the Zoning By-Laws and four involved permits. Of the total, ten were granted, seven were denied and two 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.
GERALD E. FOSBROKE, Chairman PHILIP R. WHITE, JR., Secretary THOMAS A. PERKINS
Board of Appeal
199
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report for the year 1962.
56 New one family dwellings at an estimated cost of $ 825,900.00
16 New private garages at an estimated cost of 16,700.00
1 Gas Station at an estimated cost of 17,000.00
1 Addition to gas station 5,500.00
6 Business buildings at an estimated cost of 118,000.00
9 Alterations or additions to business properties 978,300.00
2 Swimming Pools 2,700.00
1 New Parochial School
5 Signs
3,500.000.00 2,400.00
88 Alterations or additions to dwellings
143,150.00
1 Radio Tower
350.00
9 Raze buildings
00.00
Total estimated cost of all new and remodeled buildings for the past year $5,610,000.00
Total number of permits 195
Fees were received in the amount of $1,074.50. These have been turned over to the Town Treasurer and receipts received for same.
Respectfully Submitted, HAROLD B. CURRELL,
Inspector of Buildings
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
The Board of Selectmen
Reading, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
Herein is the report of the Sealer of Weights & Measures for 1962.
At the outset, I should like to draw attention to the tenure of my predecessor, Mr. Carl M. Smith. Mr. Smith served the Town well from the year 1917 until 1962; when he was retired, as required by law. May I speak for you and all the townspeople when I say: "Thanks Carl, for a job well done all these years."
In the Town, 154 devices were inspected and sealed in 1962. The return to the Town in fees was $123.55, which sum was turned over to the Town Treasurer. In December an order was placed with Tech-Weld of Burlington for a device to measure the meters on home oil delivery trucks of the town. This is a very necessary device. A special transfer of the sum of $500.00 was made to cover this purchase.
200
A program has been started to re-inspect commodities offered for sale in packages. This program is for the protection of the consumers of Reading. Also, a program of inspection of some commodities de- livered to the Town is being instituted. This program will afford pro- tection for the Town Departments.
I wish to thank Mr. Carl M. Smith, the Honorable Board of Select- men, Mr. Preston Nichols, Town Treasurer, and others for co-operating with me in the past year.
ROBERT M. GRAHAM, Sealer
REPORT OF THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The report of the Conservation Commission is herewith submitted.
The Conservation Commission this year has been successful in ad- ding certain abutting lands to the Town Forest. At the Annual Town Meeting, the Town voted to add the Loring land and the Ordway pit, land formerly owned by the Town, to the Town Forest. Also, at the Annual Town Meeting, the Town accepted a gift of land from Miss Lena B. Nichols to be added to the Town Forest. In October, at the Special Town Meeting, the Town voted to purchase a plot of land from Chester A. Ellison, further filling in the Town Forest bounds.
The Conservation Commission has also had Mr. Abbott prepare a rough survey of the Cedar Swamp area and has succeeded in finding several parcels of Town owned land in this area. The Town Forest area has been surveyed and we have found the bounds of several pieces of Town owned land.
The Commission has recommended that we look in to the desir- ability of taking by eminent domain lands, in and bounded, by the Town Forest.
The Conservation Commission feels it has accomplished part of its program in acquiring lands for the Town Forest. We feel there are several parcels which should be acquired if we are to conserve and protect our water shed and future park and recreational areas.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES S. PERRY, Chairman LOUISE M. RICHARDSON J. ALDEN LORING EDMUND M. COLLINS W. FRANKLIN BURNHAM RUDOLF SUSSMANN LINDA T. BISHOP
201
PLANNING BOARD REPORT
Throughout 1962 your Board held its usual weekly Monday evening meetings, as well as special sessions in Room 17 of the Municipal Building.
a. Discussed with many interested townspeople, as well as others, general problems in planning and areas of personal interest.
b. Held joint sessions with other town boards in order to discuss areas of mutual concern, in order to provide greater insight in plan- ning for the needs of Reading.
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