Meeting Regular meeting of Board of Selectmen was held on Tuesday, October 8, 1957 at 7:00 P.M. in the Selectmen’s Room, Municipal Building.
Present Chairman Charles L. Rich, Harry B. Butters, James J. Drummey, John A. Abdallah and Walter J. Dempsey.
Minutes: On motion of Selectman Drummey, seconded by Selectman Butters, It was voted to accept the minutes of October 1, 1957 as written.
1:00 P.M.—PUBLIC HEARING ON APPLICATION OF ARNOLD E. SCHAIER FOR STORAGE OF V.I.F.
Chairman Rich declared hearing open on application of Arnold E. Schaier to store 8,000 gallons of motor oil aboveground and 20,000 gallons underground.
Arnold E. Schaier and two officers of the Bardahl Company appeared in favor of the application and described the canning process used by the Bardahl Co. in which they take regular motor oil and add an additive which does not burn, mixing it and then draw it out of the tanks and put into smaller cans. He stated that there is no smoke or odor and very little noise.
The building is to be 12,660’ in ‘area and will be valued at about 5100,000 and employ from 10 to 12 people. The two tanks outside will underground.
Letter from Fire Chief approving the location was read by the Chairman.
Letter received from Abraham Shagoury wishing to be recorded in favor of the contemplated industry.
Thomas U. Mahoney was present and wanted to be recorded in favor of the license.
Letter from Brook Molding requesting that they be recorded in favor of the granting of the license.
Mr. Schaier presented a drawing of the building and same was viewed by those present. Upon being asked whether any additional storage may be required In the near future, Mr. Schaier and the gentlemen from Bardahl stated that there is tile possibility depending upon their business volume and it was stated that there would not be any tanks above ground.
Thore being no further discussion, the Selectmen voted to close the hearing.
The Selectmen voted to grant Mr. Schaier a license to store 8,000 gallons of motor oil above-ground and 20,000 gallons of motor oil underground.
HEARING ON COMPLAINT OF BARKING DOGS
Chairman Rich declared the hearing open and administered the oath to all those present who would be testifying.
Chairman Rich read complaint dated Sept. 23, 1957 addressed to the Selectmen and signed by seven neighbors and stated that because of the letter of complaint, the law requires than an investigation be made after which a hearing is to be called with all interested parties being present.
Chairman Rich requested Meyer Doctorman, the Dog Officer, to make his report:
Myer Doctorman There was the report I gave you last week. WeD, the following day Mr. Masino complained of the barking and 1 went down and they were barking that morning. Then, I went over the next day and a dog was barking and it was a white boxer that belonged on Park St. The Chief of Police sent down a couple of men and said he would make a report.
Chairman Rich read report of Chief Folan which stated that on Sept. 26 an officer was detailed on complaint received from Michael Masino and reported that he went to the area twice and did not hear any dogs barking. The report stated further that on Sept. 27, on complaint of Miss Cole an officer was detailed and reported he went to the area and the dogs were not barking. However, the officer later went around the corner on to Park St., Investigating a complaint of another nature and at that time heard the dogs barking.
The following testimony was given:
Minnie Cole, 15 Park St.—I can give a statement of the dogs barking as I am home a great deal and it has been going on over quite a period. They never bark when Mr. Fish is home. When he is away they have been known to bark and I have timed them and they have been known to bark an hour or longer. Then they will stop and go into the cellar and I have no complaint about that. Then they come out again and begin and bark and that is the way itis most of the day. Sometimes it is a little longer but there is a great deal of barking. I am very much concerned because It gets me all tense that I cannot sleep. It is very serious and if it continues, I will have to move and it means much to me to be able to stay in Norwood, but if it continues, I will have to move. I can’t read and I can’t write letters because I am disturbed. That one dog, I think It’s called “Jennie” barks continually over long periods and it has been going on for long time. Perhaps I am more concerned this year because I have been home all summer and other years I have been away. It is just one dog who does the barking continually and is very hard to take. Jennie is a boxer and seems to bark at nothing. Maybe it is because she is confined. It is getting to be unbearable and I would appreciate it if you men could see my point of view and help me out.
Alice Lemaire, 16 Bay St. — 1 would just like to repeat what Miss Cole has said and the nervous tension is hard to take for elderly people who have to stay in.
Mrs. Ross, 16 Park St. — I am handicapped and am in a lot of the time and the dogs certainly are a nuisance and I agree with everything Miss Cole says and it or she barks an awful lot.
Michael Masino, 10 Park St.—I agree with everything Miss Cole said.
Gertrude Ballou, 15 Park St.—I agree with them all and it seems to me just one dog who barks and barks and barks. It barks for hours at a time and It will stop for a while.
Robert Ross, 16 Park St.—I am not around all the time but my wife is handicapped and really is troubled. She likes to sit on the porch and this one dog keeps right on barking and I do not know what is wrong with him. He just keeps barking right straight on. So, I don’t know, something has to be done.
William Fish, 89 Broadway — I have had people sign who said the dogs do not bother them. Some people say they bark, others say they don’t hear them. I don’t know, the only thing I can say is to keep them shut up. Yesterday morning when the rubbish man came, he started to bark and barked for about 15 minutes. When they went away, she stopped and didn’t bark anymore. I have been home all day today and yesterday and Sunday and haven’t heard the dogs only yesterday. To my knowledge, they haven*t barked. I was in the house all day. Yesterday she did bark for 15 minutes. When the men at Atlantic Insti-ument play ball across the street, the dog starts to bark. I don’t know what I can do other than keep her shut up.
Selectman Abdallah: Do you raise dogs?
Mr. Fish. That’s what I intended to do but with this I can’t.
Selectman Abdallah: Do you think 4 dogs is an excessive number?
Mr. Fish: Only two are in the yard.
Selectman Rich: Is this yard fenced in?
Mr. Fish: They never go on the street, they are fenced in.
Selectman Rich: Do you want to add anything, further?
Mr. Fish: They have been there since 1951.
Selectman Dempsey: How long have you had Jennie?
Mr. Fish: Three years.
Selectman Rich: Has this dog been barking over that length of time?
Miss Cole: Yes, 3 years.
Selectman Butters: do Sei. Rich) Would you read the law?
Chairman Rich read law to people present
Selectman Butters: Mr. Fish, the problem that we deal with is one of where a dog annoys these people. It is true we have a communication from some of your neighbors whom the dogs do not disturb, but these people come here and it is evidently a disturbing factor to them. Is there anything you can suggest to abate this? They have said that when you are around the dogs do not bark.
Could be that by Instinct they know when you are away. Is there anything you can do with the female dog?
Mr. Fish: The only thing would be to keep them shut up until I get home.
Selectman Butters: You have heard one of the ladles say that when the dogs are in the cellar and bark It is muffled and does not disturb them.
Mr. Fish: My dogs are not the only dogs barking in the neighborhood.
Selectman Rich: Do you want to add anything or does the Board have any questions?
Selectman Dempsey. Is it satisfactory to the people?
Miss Cole: I don’t mind if it is muffled.
Selectman Rich inquired of the others if they were bothered when the dogs were shut up and they replied that they didn’t.
Selectman Dempsey: In my opinion the neighbors have been very friendly. They don’t seem to be after your scalp but just after this one dog and if this dog is in the cellar, they do not seem to complain. You agree that the dogs do bark and it is imperative upon us to isuue some sort of restriction. What about a muzzle?
M. Doctorman. — A muzzle will not stop any dog from barking.
Selectman Dempsey: How about this one dog. Can he be eliminated or can we keep her in the cellar?
Mr. Fish. If I have to get rid of that dog, I might as well get rid of the rest of them.
Selectman Dempsey: We will have to Insist that this fellow be kept inside when you’re not home.
Mr. Fish: The only thing I can do is keep them in the cellar or get rid of them.
Selectman Drummey: Is there any particular value to this dog like a pedigree?
Mr. Fish: He has no particular value to anyone but me.
Selectman Dempsey. Do you have any suggestions Mr. Doctorman?
M. Doctorman If Mr. Fish can keep the dog in when he is not home. Give it a trial and see how it will work out.
Selectman Dempsey: Try it on a trial basis for a month with the । Dog Officer and Police submitting a report after a month.
The hearing was closed with the decision that the dog known as “Jennie” be kept in the cellar while the owner. Mr. Fish, is away and the Dog Officer and Police Dept keep a check on same and submit a report in a month.
Hearing declared closed by Chairman.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
Joseph Breen, Leslie Latham of the Norwood Welfare Board appeared together with Mr. Clancy of the State Welfare Board to discuss their request for an additional junior clerk and typist in the Welfare Dept.
Mr. Clancy stated he was requested by Mr. Latham to appear at the meeting and lend his support to their request tor another clerk. He stated that according to the standards under which the welfare board functions, Norwood should have another clerk and that social workers should not have to type out their own reports but should be working out in the field. He stated that only No. 366 is needed for the remainder of this year and that 44% is refundable through federal and state agencies. Mr, Clancy strongly recommended that the Selectmen grant the request of the Welfare Board for an additional clerk in their office.
Later in the evening the matter was discussed further and a motion was made to grant the request of the Welfare Board for the hiring of an additional clerk. It was stated that an additional clerk is not necessary. It was also stated that the work load has not increased. Motion seconded.
Voting in favor, 3 Selectmen. Opposed 2 Selectmen. Motion declared carried.
ARTHUR P. ALLEN KIWANIS CLUB
Mr. Allen appeared representing the Kiwanis Club and presented a letter informing the Selectmen of the Aunt Jemima Pancake Festival to be held in the Armory on Oct. 23 and 24.
The Kiwanis Club requested permission to string banners across Washington St. at Walpole St., Railroad Avenue and Dean Street. A motion was offered that permission be granted for the stringing of said banners provided the required bond protecting the Town is filed and provided the banners are erected by the Light Dept workers as designated by Supt. Kates. A selectman stated he was opposed to banners because it would establish a precedent. After further discussion, Mr. Allen stated that In view of the possible establishment of a precedent, he will withdraw the request for the banners. Motion was not seconded and declared lost.
The Kiwanis Club requested a permit to land a helicopter in Elliot Park in South Norwood on Oct. 23rd. It was voted to approve the request and that the General Manager confer with the Police Chief to see that adequate police protection is provided when the helicopter lands.
The Kiwanis Club also requested a permit for a parade on October 23 at 3:30 P.M., said parade route to be from Elliot Park along Washington St. to the Municipal Building in Norwood Square The Selectmen voted to grant the parade permit and also have the Manager confer with the Police Dept, few adequate police protection. The Kiwanis Club requested the Chairman of the Selectmen to present the key of the Town (to be furnished by Kiwanis) to Aunt Jemima. The Selectmen so voted.
COUNTY OF NORFOLK
The following were selected by the Board of Selectmen as jurors:
Civil Court —
Charles S. Cushing, 46 Irving St., Statistician.
Criminal Court —
Florence R. Hochheim, 131 Neponset St. Housewife.
Harry E. Fraser, 505 Sumner St., Director
George W. Clark, Jr., 50 Longfellow Rd., Store Mgr
Thomas E. Duffy, 43 Forrest Ave., Solicitor
Donald R. Reynolds, 18 Avon Rd., Ind., Engineer
Emma C. Sansone. 11 Walters Rd., Housewife
William E. Laverick, 1 Beech St., Adv. Sales.
AMERICAN LEGION — POST 70
Request for one day license for sale of malt beverages on Oct. 11, 1957. Representative of the Legion was present and stated that they would need about 15 cases and that approximately 150 persons would be present.
The Selectmen toted to grant the one day wine and malt beverage license.
REQUEST FOR RECORD HOP
Request of “Three D’s’ for permission to conduct a record hop at the Norwood Armory on Mon day, Nov. 11th from 8 00 to 11 00 p.m.
A selectman stated that he was opposed not because of the local people but at the possible influx of outsiders who attend record hops.
The Selectmen voted to deny the request for the record hop.
NORFOLK COUNTY AMVETS NORWOOD AMVETS No. 153
Invitation to attend joint installation of officers Sunday, Oct. 13, 1957 at Workman’s Hall.
The Selectmen voted that as many of the Selectmen as possible will attend.
BOARD OP APPEAL
Notice of public hearing to be held Oct. 14, 1957 at 7:00 P.M on appeal of First Congregational Church for variance of zoning laws.
The Selectmen voted that the Manager appear at the hearing
on behalf of the Selectmen and express the approval of the Selectmen on the requested variance.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES
Submitting signed copy of agreement between State and Town of Norwood relative to lowering of water main in Plantingfield Brook.
Communication placed on file.
Letter from Dept, of Public Works regarding snow removal assistance requested for Route 1A State Highway, northerly of Washington St.
The Selectmen voted to refer said letter to the Manager
DEPT. OF PUBLIC UTILITIES
Notice of public hearing to be held Wednesday, Nov. 6, 1957 at 10:00 a.m.. Rm. 166, State House on properity of the rates and charges by the New York, New Haven & H. Railroad.
The Selectmen voted to place the letter on file.
BUILDING INSPECTOR
Letter informing the Selectmen of Building Inspector’s refusal of building permit to V.F.W. Post No. 2452. The Selectmen voted to place the communication on file.
The Selectmen voted to send Mr. Cronan a letter directing him to see that the remains of the old V.F W. building is cleaned up as it creates a dangerous condition
NORWOOD SCHOOL DEPT.
Letter thanking Selectmen cooperation in making bleachers available.
Communication placed on file.
RESIDENTS OF ALANDALE PARKWAY
Letter of complaint received regarding smoke nuisance at Forte Fairbairn lnc„ Atlantic Properties Inc and Zimble Junk Dealers.
The Selectmen voted that the Fire Chief be appointed Smoke Inspector and the letter be referred to him for action.
The Selectmen voted that the clerk check the records for the status of the license granted to Zimble.
LICENSES TO PEDDLE
Selectmen signed renewals of peddlers licenses to Anthony Gulla, 150 Roosevelt Ave. and Walter V. Snow, 71 Hawthorne St.
EDMUND F. SULLIVAN
Upon returning from his vacation, Mr. Sullivan inquired relative to an appointment with the Selectmen as voted by the Board
September 17, 1957 In connection with money due from the Norwood Airport.
A motion was offered that Mr. Sullivan be requested to collect the money due on the airport. Motion seconded. Voting In favor, two Selectmen. Opposed, three Selectmen. Motion declared lost.
It was stated that there must be some reason for the Airport holding up 5500. per year and before the Town Collector is requested to collect same, the details of the situation should be determined an d that the Board invite Mr Shaw to discuss same.
On motion made and seconded, it was voted that Mr. Shaw be invited to attend the next meeting of the Selectmen to explain in detail the problem will) respect to the rental fee for the use of the airpert.
GEORGE SAAD
A Selectman requested that the matter of land damages to George Saad for Dean and Washington Street be placet, on the agenda.
After discussion, on motion made and seconded, it was voted that the engineer be instructed to draw the necessary land taking plan.
BUILDING INSPECTOR
Henry Cronan submitted proposed amendment to the building code relative to plot plans which article was drawn in conjunction with Town Counsel. Said amendment requested a certified plot plan after a foundation is installed.
One Selectman was of the opinion that the plot plan should be submitted before a foundation is erected as is done in Needham and discussed same with the Selectmen.
A motion was made that an article be inserted in the next town meeting warrant on the amendment as presented by the Building Inspector stating that if the plan Is presented before the foundation, it is up to the builder to see that it Is constructed properly.
Discussion followed on the possibility of submitting a plan before the foundation is constructed and a certificate after the foundation is constructed stating that the location is according to plan.
It was suggested that the Building Inspector be invited in to dis-
cuss same.
On motion made and seconded, it was voted to invite the Building Inspector to the next meeting for a discussion of the plot plan amendment which he submitted plus the points which were raised with respect to a plan being submitted before the foundation is poured.
Copies of letters sent to the violators on Route 1 were presented and placed on file.
GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT
Acting General Manager John J McAuliffe submitted report of Oct. 8, 1957
- Dept, of Public Safety
Letter stating they will patrol Route 1A, Wilson St. to the Walpole Line.
Letter placed on file.
- Police Reports
a Report on Hill Street – Go Slow Children Signs.
1 Chief recommends that sign on westerly side of Washington St. be moved 100 ft. south to Hill St.
The Selectmen voted to follow the recommendation of the Chief
- Erection of “Go Slow Children” signs on westerly side of Hill Street near 190 Hill St , 200 ft. north of Roosevelt Ave. on tile westerly side of Hill St. and on the northerly side of Hill St. below 145 Hill St.
The Selectmen voted to approve the recommendation of the Chief
b Report on Barking dogs read during hearing.
c Manager read report of Chief in connection with damaged police box at Chap-el St. and Savin Ave.
d Chief submitted police report for month of September
- Request for “Go Slow Children” Signs
Request received from Mrs. Edward P Morse, 6 Laurel Road for Go Slow Children signs for Laurel Rd
On motion made and seconded, it was voted to turn the matter over to the Police for report and investigation.
cuss same.
On motion made and seconded, it was voted to invite the Building Inspector to the next meeting for a discussion of the plot plan amendment which he submitted plus the points which were raised with respect to a plan being submitted before the foundation is poured.
Copies of letters sent to the violators on Route 1 were presented and placed on file.
GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT
Acting General Manager John J McAuliffe submitted report of Oct. 8, 1957
- Dept, of Public Safety
Letter stating they will patrol Route 1A, Wilson St. to the Walpole Line.
Letter placed on file.
- Police Reports
a Report on Hill Street – Go Slow Children Signs.
1 Chief recommends that sign on westerly side of Washington St. be moved 100 ft. south to Hill St.
The Selectmen voted to follow the recommendation of the Chief
- Erection of “Go Slow Children” signs on westerly side of Hill Street near 190 Hill St , 200 ft. north of Roosevelt Ave. on tile westerly side of Hill St. and on the northerly side of Hill St. below 145 Hill St.
The Selectmen voted to approve the recommendation of the Chief
b Report on Barking dogs read during hearing.
c Manager read report of Chief in connection with damaged police box at Chap-el St. and Savin Ave.
d Chief submitted police report for month of September
- Request for “Go Slow Children” Signs
Request received from Mrs. Edward P Morse, 6 Laurel Road for Go Slow Children signs for Laurel Rd
On motion made and seconded, it was voted to turn the matter over to the Police for report and investigation.
B. Dept, of Public Works
Letter from District Highway
Engineers Chase stating that a request has been forwarded be the Boston office recommeding approval for the erection of an overhead sign on Route 1 in advance of Dean St.
- Water Connection — Dave Maier
Acting Manager McAuliffe reported that he had talked to Mr. Newman of the Dedham Water Co. who stated that they are not in a position to furnish water to Mr. Maier and if he wanted same, he would have to make his own connection which would be about 2000 feet. Town Engineer Thompson has stated that if the Board grants Mr. Maier’s request, the line should be installed by a private contractor and according to the specifications of the Town Engineers and under the supervision of the Town Engineer ft was brought out that the Une would be below the frost line and thereby a permanent line.
After discussion on motion made and seconded, it was voted to accept the engineer’s recommendation that the 2” line be installed at Mr Maier’s own expense by a contractor, under the supervision of the Engineering Dept, and further that the Engineer will include In the specifications that the Town is to be protected for all damages.
- Fulton St.
Acting Manager McAuliffe read report from Town Engineer Thompson on his conference with Mr Lorusso. Mr Lorusso has agreed to make the corrections including patching the street and seal coating with the exception of the following
On motion made and seconded, it was voted to accept the Town Engineer’s recommendation.
Opposed, two Selectmen. Motion declared carried.
- Gutter Washouts
On the steep grades he is willing to carry the bituminous concrete from the gutter to meet ths present bituminous concrete sidewalk leaving out the loam strip. I have no objection to this.
The Selectmen voted to accept the Town Engineer’s recommendation.
- Trees –
Lorusso would have put in these trees at the time of construction but instead placed shrubs around the house and if he goes in there now he will run Into all kinds of trouble from the present owners of the property. He has offered to furnish the trees if the Town will put them In and bill Jim for the cost of putting them in’. I would be inclined to go along with him because at the present time I doubt whether the present owners ; would let him put his foot on ; their property.
The Selectmen voted that Mr Lorusso furnish the trees immediately and that he be billed for the cost of planting same.
- Water Elevation
The water elevation on Oct 8. 1937 was – Buckminster Pond 177.4 and Forrest Pit 177.3.
Water Situation
Acting Manager McAuliffe reported that with regard to Hollingsworth & Vose Co., the water was turned on last Friday at noon and thru today at 2.30 PM., 1,052,500 gallons of water has been 1 consumed. The standpipe maintained full and maximum pressure both Monday and Tuesday.
SELECTMAN ABDALLAH
Selectman Abdallah discussed with Manager and Selectmen the following
- On motion made and second ed it was voted that the Man ager investigate possibility of installing street lights on New Morse St.
- On motion made and seconded It was voted that the Man ager investigate and make a recommendation on the number of street signs needed designating Washington St.
SELECTMAN DEMPSEY
Selectman Dempsey discussed with Manager and Selectmen the following
1 . The two “Police” signs in the square need to be repaired.
Acting Manager stated that this work Is being done now
2 Inquired regarding what action Selectmen wish to lake on street specification submitted by Planning Board
It was agreed that this will be put on the agenda to be discussed at the next meeting The clerk is to obtain copies of the Planning Board rules and regulations for the Selectmen.
3 . Inquired regarding status of meeting in connection with Old Age Housing. Chairman Rich stated that he will take care of same.
- Inquired egarding odors on Hill St and Roosevelt Ave. Manager Is to check on same, make a report.
- Route 1 Double Barrelling Reported that a meeting was held on Monday at which were present Senators from the districts and they are to present a bill requesting money to make certain corrections and also are asking for an appointment to meet with the new Commissioner of Public Works.
(All articles originally published in the Norwood Messenger)