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1634
1938
REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS OF
IPSWICH, MASS.
LA
CH
MS.
34
THE BIRTHPLACE OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1937
and the THREE HUNDRED AND FOURTH YEAR
of the
TOWN'S INCORPORATION
Chronicle Publishing Co., Printers
Ipswich, Mass.
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from
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LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS, 1937
Moderator
Walter E. Callahan
Term expires 1938
Selectmen
Brainard C. Wallace, Chairman
Frank R. Starkey Harland Burke
Term expires 1940 Term expires 1939 Term expires 1938
Town Clerk
Edward S. Cogswell Term expires 1938
Treasurer and Collector
James D. Reilly
Term expires 1939
Assessors
C. Chester Caldwell, Chairman Worthington H. Mansfield John E. Norman
Term expires 1940 Term expires 1939 Term expires 1938
Auditor
Kennard V. Damon Term expires 1938
Accountant
Kennard V. Damon
Term expires 1940
Board of Public Welfare
Walter F. Poole, Chairman Term expires 1938 Charles V. Hills Besse F. Dawson Term expires 1940 Term expires 1939
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Water and Electric Light Commissioners
James E. Cole, Jr., Chairman
Benjamin H. Davis
Charles A. Mallard
Term expires 1940 Term expires 1939 Term expires 1938
School Committee
Fred D. Harris, Chairman
Besse F. Dawson
William F. Hayes
Term expires 1940
Theodore J. Ciolek
Term expires 1939
Dr. Frank Keyes
Term expires 1938
Earl M. Ewing
Term expires 1938
Board of Health
Paul M. Jodoin, Chairman
Dr. Frank L. Collins
Lawrence M. King
Term expires 1938 Term expires 1939 Term expires 1940
Registrars of Voters
Frank H. Girard,Chairman
Peter Bonczar
Henry F. Hills
Edward S. Cogswell
Term expires 1939 Term expires 1940 Term expires 1938
Term expires 1938
Park Commissioners
C. Gardner Caverley, Chairman
Samuel C. Gordon
Henry S. Bowen
Term expires 1938 Term expires 1940 Term expires 1939
Cemetery Commissioners
Ralph K. Whittier, Chairman Benjamin W. Homans Howard Blake
Term expires 1940 Term expires 1939 Term expires 1938
Term expires 1939 Term expires 1940
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Clam Commissioners
Henry Shaw, Chairman Henry S. Bowen Thomas R. Roberts
Term expires 1938 Term expires 1940 Term expires 1939
Town Counsel
Honorable George A. Schofield Term expires 1938
Chief of Police
William E. Garrett
Engineers of Fire Department
Edward H. Smith Lionel Sheppard Samuel Atherley
Inspector of Animals
G. Loring Woodbury Term expires 1938
Sanitary Agent
Eben B. Moulton Term expires 1938
Milk Inspector
Eben B. Moulton Term expires 1938.
Inspector of Slaughtering
Eben B. Moulton Term expires 1938
Sealer of Weights and Measures
William A. Stone Term expires 1938.
Superintendent of Highways
Francis E. Wood Term expires 1938
Janitor Town Hall
Samuel H. Williams Term expires 1938
Tree Warden C. Gardner Caverly
Term expires 1938
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Superintendent of Moth
C. Gardner Caverly
Term expires 1938
Forest Warden
George W. Brown
Term expires 1938
Finance Committee
John Conley, Chairman
Term expires 1938
Bernard M. Sullivan, Secretary
Term expires 1938
Jerome Richardson
Term expires 1940
Wallace J. Lathrop
Term expires 1940
Charles M. Kelly
Term expires 1940
Austin L. Lord
Term expires 1939
Thomas A. Johnson
Term expires 1939
Russell Chapman
Term expires 1939
Edward J. Marcorelle
Term expires 1938
Kennard V. Damon (Ex-Officio)
Term expires 1940
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
SELECTMEN'S REPORT - 1937
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
Having been advised by Chairman Wallace that his report would be of such a nature that we would not sign it, we are therefore making this separate report.
It is no secret that the division of members on the Board of Selectmen this year has been over the troublesome issue of the administration of WPA. This started in March over ex- penditures during the previous month, and selection of a Chair- man. Feelings gradually increased, it became even more diffi- cult to conduct the town's business, and the Chairman finally submitted what we understood to be his resignation, and it was accepted to take affect the first of July.
During the interim the Chairman had a change of heart, and at a subsequent meeting, before the resignation had become effective, facts were presented to us to show that the resignation was not legal.
Reconciliation and promises followed, and harmony pre- vailed once more, only to last a short time due to continued un- warranted administrative expense of the WPA. This finally resulted in the removal of the Chairman of the Board of Select- men as Co-Ordinator, and the appointment of Chester J. Patch, Jr., as supervisor.
This move has resulted in a saving to the town of Ipswich of about $44.00 per week, and although the number of men on WPA has tripled, the cost of running this department has not increased as far as the town is concerned. We now have more than 100 on the payroll, and from present indications there should be no increase in the operating costs of WPA in the fu-
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
ture, as far as supervision is concerned, even if 100 more were added to the several jobs.
At the time of Mr. Patch's appointment there was but one project approved, and that was a drainage project which had been submitted for approval in 1935. This type of work is not the most desirable in the winter time if others can be selected and approved. Efforts were made at once to draw up new projects and at the present time we have enough in the making, and ap- proved, to employ all men available for sometime.
We wish to commend Mr. Patch for the fine work he has done. He has been hampered in every way, but does not com- plain, and from the experience he has acquired he will be a de- cided improvement over the previous management.
From our experience of four years it is a mistake to have a member of the Board of Selectmen to manage WPA for the fol- lowing reasons: It gives him the chance of building a political organization by hiring of trucks, purchase of materials and tools, newspaper stories crediting him with the securing of funds for the different projects, recommendations for foremen, timekeepers, etc., all of which is not consistent with efficient town government.
A most salutory move during the past year was a hearing held at the Town Hall designed to promote considerable interest in the dredging of the Ipswich River. A very enthusiastic meet- ing was held, attended by many of the townspeople, and we be- lieve much good will follow.
River Dredging
It is but fair to point out, in this respect, that we went to Salem and conferred with Congressman George Bates to see what could be done relative to a hearing by the Army Engineers on dredging the river, and were advised by Congressman Bates that a communication had been directed to the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen several weeks before which, in substance,
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
called up on the Board to get busy and plan for a hearing. This was the first intimation we had that the government was await- ing action first by Ipswich officials, as the Chairman had not called this matter to the attention of the Board.
We wish, at this time, to express our appreciation to the Little Neck Association for the interest they took in this hear- ing, and other matters relative to the development of the recre- ational industry of Ipswich.
Great Neck
During the past year Great Neck has been thrown open for development, and we feel the town should give careful consider- ation this year to ways and means of developing the natural ad- vantages of Ipswich to the end that more worthwhile residents may be attracted to this town.
Starting with 1938, control of the town's property at Great Neck will pass from the supervision of the Board of Se- lectmen, inasmuch as trustees are being elected by the people for this express purpose. The duties of these trustees will grow in- creasingly important as the years go on, and as Great Neck is de- veloped, and we feel it is a wise move to have placed in the hands of the voters the choice as to who shall manage this prop- erty.
Highway Department
With respect to the Highway Department. We feel that the Superintendent has done a good job. It was called to the attention of the voters at a town meeting, recently, that the de- partment had some unpaid bills for the year 1937. It might be advisable due to the antiquated system of bookkeeping, and the increased detail in this department, that the system be improved and that the superintendent retain a part-time bookkeeper. This should overcome the matter of unpaid bills in this department.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
It is our feeling that it would be a wise move for the Board of Selectmen, at their initial meeting after election, to assign one or more departments to each Selectman for direct supervision, i. e., one Selectman to keep in touch with the highway depart- ment, another with the police department, another with the fire department, etc. It would then be understood, in advance, which member of the Board was responsible for certain town departments, and no confusion would result at the end of the year.
Machinery Fund
During the past year there has been set up in the highway department a so-called Machinery Fund. In brief this means that for rental of the Highway Department trucks and machin- ery on Chapter 90 work the State reimburses the town, and private parties reimburse the town when Highway Department equipment is used for private work. This money goes into what is now called the Machinery Fund. This money may be used for the purchase of new equipment or repair of present equipment for the Highway Department, but only by vote of the people at a town meeting. Rental of this equipment for snow removal should be paid out of the snow removal fund.
Fire Department
We feel the Fire Department has operated in the past year in its usual efficient manner. It is our understanding the De- partment is recommending the purchase of a new piece of fast equipment, to cost no more than $2,000. Their request merits careful consideration by the voters, as it has been our experience that the Fire Department is conservative in its demands.
Police Department
With regard to the Police Department. Through the medium of WPA labor the quarters of the police have been
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
greatly improved during the past year, with the exception of the cellroom. The Board of Health, on December 10, con- demned the local lock-up, and served notice on the Board of Se- lectmen they would give us until April 20 to remedy conditions they termed "filthy and uninhabitable." To remedy condi- tions in the cellroom will require additional expenditures un- der the Town Hall budget.
At a recent meeting the Board of Selectmen voted to ap- prove the request of the Police Chief for one day off in seven for the men in his department. Last year the Legislature voted that the Board of Selectmen in a town may authorize one day off in seven for the police. We have no apologies to make to the voters for authorizing one day off in seven. We considered it for the best interests of all concerned. The voters have their opportunity to approve, or disapprove, of this action at the annual Town Meeting when the police department budget for 1938 comes before them.
Town Hall Conditions
With respect to conditions existing in the Town Hall we . feel the time has come when consideration should be given to the demand of the State that some suitable quarters be provided for the safe-keeping of the town records. If the Town Clerk feels that the large safe in the Accountant's Office would take care of this State request, at least for the time being, by the in- stallation of a fireproof door on the safe, we would recommend that such action be taken in the immediate future. The town records are extremely valuable, and cannot be replaced in the event of a disastrous fire.
Move Electric Department
In this connection it is our belief that the day has come when the Water and Light Department should be moved from the Town Hall into their own building in the rear of the Town
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Hall. If the Electric Light and Water Department were moved into their own brick building it would be possible to move the Town Accountant and Selectmen into the office vacated by the Water and Light Department, and move the Town Clerk into the office now occupied by the Town Accountant and Auditor. This would leave vacant the office now occupied by the Select- men to care for any additional offices that now lack proper quarters.
We therefore recommend that if the money is appropriated by the town for the purchase of a new fireproof door for the safe hereinbefore mentioned that these changes as recommended be made by the Board of Selectmen.
To the Town Counsel, the Honorable George A. Scho- field, we wish to extend our sincere thanks for his valued services during the past year. His advice and assistance has been inval- uable to us, and we would like to spread publicly upon the records that we are not unmindful of it.
Soldiers' Relief
We wish to make a recommendation at this time that we feel is more than due, with respect to applicants for Soldiers Re- lief. These men, and sometimes women, have heretofore come to the Town Hall on Thursday nights and lined up in the cor- ridor waiting for the Board of Selectmen to hear their pleas for financial relief. This method subjects these people to the public view of all who have occasion to come into the Town Hall Thursday night, causing considerable embarrasment to those seeking assistance under Soldiers Relief. We feel and recom- mend that in the future it would be advisable to alter this sys- tem, and have those seeking Soldiers Relief assistance to visit the office of the Town Accountant, who is the clerk of the Board, make known their request, and he in turn will place these before the Board of Selectmen at their regular weekly meetings, when they will be acted upon.
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Tax Rate
An improved condition in 1936 and 1937 permitted us to show a reduction in the tax rate for 1937. We are not so con- fident that the 1937 rate can be maintained for 1938. With woffare and relief costs soaring, every effort consistent with the economic safety of the town should be made to keep the tax rate down to its present level. Each request for an increased budget, therefore, should be closely scanned by the voters at the annual meeting.
Shellfish Industry
The shellfish industry continues to be a real asset to Ips- wich, and none can estimate what it has done to relieve the wel- fare costs during the year. It is gratifying to note that during the past year both groups-the clam dealers and the diggers- have decided to organize. We feel it is only through organiza- tion that the shellfish industry can be placed on the high and profitable scale for Ipswich that it deserves, and we earnestly ยท solicit for the industry, the understanding and cooperation of the townspeople as they appear before you from time to time for enactment of this or that ruling.
Traffic Rules
In August the Selectmen met and drew up a proposed set of rules and regulations governing traffic in Ipswich. They were submitted to the Department of Public Works and ap- proved by them, and there is but need now of an appropriation to cover the cost of putting these into effect. There is a real need for such traffic regulations.
In conclusion, we wish to extend our thanks to the other departments of the town who have cooperated with the Board
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
of Selectmen, and by so doing have made it a little easier to transact the many duties that fall to the lot of the Board.
We submit this report for your consideration and inspec- tion, trusting that this brief outline of our work during the past year will meet with your approval.
Respectfully submitted,
HARLAND BURKE FRANK R. STARKEY
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
1. This report of the activities of the Board of Selectmen for the year 1937 is submitted by the Chairman of the Board, as an individual member, believing, and having good reason to believe, that the other members of the Board would not agree to this report, and would not sign the same, and that it is their intention to file a report of their own.
2. Highways.
During the past year, the Highway Department, under the supervision of the Superintendent of Streets, has endeavored to maintain the public ways in the Town in as good a condition as possible with the funds allocated to their department. Consider- able work has been performed under Chapter 90 of the General Laws. Alterations and improvements have been made on the bridge on the Mill Road over the Ipswich River, which is a de- cided improvement. Approximately 1500 feet of Mill Road has been reconstructed with a bituminous concrete surface. I recommend an appropriation under Chapter 90 be made for the purpose of completing Mill Road to Sullivan's Corner on the Topsfield Road. A start was made on the reconstruction of Topsfield Road but due to weather conditions it was impos- sible to complete the surface. This portion of Topsfield Road will be completed as soon as weather conditions are favorable, funds being now on hand to cover this work. I recommend that a further appropriation be made under Chapter 90 for con- tinuing the work on Topsfield Road.
During the past few years the Little Neck Boulevard, so- called, has been constructed. This road has cost approximately
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
$80,000.00 and an appropriation should be made to maintain the same in proper condition. I recommend that an appropri- ation be made for necessary maintenance of the Little Neck Boulevard.
The Causeway from the foot of East Street to Eagle Hill is at present in a very dangerous condition and because of such condition and unless repairs are made thereon, may subject the Town to suits for damages. The Chairman has filed a petition with the County Commissioners for a new Lay-out and some consideration should be given this year to an appropriation to reconstruct this causeway. Unless this causeway is reconstruct- ed along more suitable lines, accidents are bound to occur, and the Chairman deems it wise to so inform the voter and taxpay- er upon whom the burden would fall if injuries were received, because of difficulties which are known to the proper authorities.
Candlewood Road is in very poor condition and some work should be done on this road this spring and the Chair- man has had an article inserted in the warrant calling for an appropriation to resurface part of this road. There is a great deal of traffic passing over this road and the Chairman has had many complaints in regard to the condition of this particular road and realizes that it is impossible to do work of the nature required on this road with the limited Highway appropriation. I firmly believe that the Highway Department should be given more money in order to properly care for the upkeep and main- tenance of its highways.
3. Police Department.
The Police Department comes directly under the jurisdic- tion of the Board of Selectmen. Since the Town adopted the Civil Service Laws governing the Chief of Police and the per- manent police force, the question of political appointments has
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
been eliminated. The Chairman desires to call attention, how- ever, that more care should be exercised by the Board in the appointment of Special Officers. It is the Chairman's belief that the Chief of Police should be consulted on all applicants for the position of special officers, he being the one who is primarily responsible for the performance of their duties. The Chairman of the Board is very well satisfied with the activities of the Police Department during the past year. Ipswich is the largest town in Essex County in area and has more than 100 miles of highways. The Police Department consists of but very few men and it is impossible for these officers to be in all parts of the town at the same time. There has been very little criticism with reference to the Police Department during the past year and this would seem to indicate that the public at large is quite well satisfied with existing conditions. Starting, January 1, 1938 the police have been granted one day off in seven, and the Chair- man believes that this is no more than fair to the officers. For many years the officers have worked 63 hours a week, working 7 days a week, 9 hours a day, while all other departments worked 51/2 days. The police budget this year requests an addi- tional amount of money. The business of the Police Depart- ment has increased to such an extent that it is necessary to have a man at the station at all times. Heretofore, there has been at the Police Station nights what has been termed a "Keeper of the Lockup." This man received $10.00 a week. It is impossible to obtain the services of a suitable person at this wage, therefore, the Chairman recommends that there be appropriated a sufficient amount of money to provide a regular officer for night duty. It must be kept in mind that the Police Department provides for the town its ambulance service and calls for the ambulance come in both day and night, and when the ambulance is called it is usually an emergency that requires immediate action, therefore, the necessity of an officer at night who will be in a position to either drive the ambulance or obtain services at once.
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4. Fire Department.
This department comes directly under the jurisdiction of the Board of Selectmen. Its affairs are directed and administered by the Board of Fire Engineers, whose report has been sub- mitted. The Chairman is very well satisfied with the conduct of this department during the past year.
5. Soldiers' Relief.
The control of the appropriation under the Soldiers' Relief is in the hands of the Board of Selectmen, the burden falling upon them to decide who are entitled to relief under this appro- priation and how much relief should be granted. Soldiers' Re- lief was originally intended to provide for ex-soldiers, sailors and marines, without stigma of pauperism. The Chairman be- lieves the Soldiers' Relief should be administered fairly. He has found that as a general rule those receiving Soldiers' Relief were always perfectly willing to work out at a fair wage such relief as was granted. The Chairman of the Board has not, however, always agreed with the other members of the Board on questions coming under Soldiers' Relief, as he believes that at times relief was granted without proper investigation. On December 20th, 1937, the Chairman called a joint meeting of the heads of all town departments and members of the Finance Committee and suggested that an appropriation be made for the purchase of ma- terials and that the recipients of Welfare and Soldiers' Relief be put to work on projects which would provide a return to the town for the expenditures under these departments. The Chair- man believed at that time, and still believes, that some method could be devised and properly administered, whereby funds spent under Welfare and Soldiers' Relief would provide a return to the town in a greater measure than now attained.
6. Sealer of Weights and Measures.
The Sealer of Weights and Measures is appointed by the
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Selectmen. A new sealer has recently been appointed. At- tention is at this time directed to the fact that there are no suit- able quarters for the Sealer of Weights and Measures in the Town Hall. This man has under his charge and control some very valuable equipment. The question of providing ample quarters will be taken up under a separate paragraph.
7. Town Hall.
Definite steps should be taken as soon as possible with re- spect to the proper allocation of quarters in the Town Hall for the various offices. At present the Town Clerk and the Town Treasurer are using the same office. The Town Clerk should have a separate office, if possible, and some provision made with respect to the public records and documents. The present vault and storage space used for this purpose is entirely inadequate not only in this department but in others. The room in the Town Hall previously occupied by the Electric Light and Water De- partment as a storeroom and work shop should be altered into offices. This will necessitate an additional appropriation, but the space in its present condition is unsuitable for any purpose. During the past year an additional room has been allocated to the Police Department, which makes a decided improvement, not only in the appearance of the police rooms, but provides a room where police matters can be discussed with witnesses and complainants privately. I wish to call attention at this time to the fact that the appropriation for the changes in the Police Department was not sufficient, and that the Chief of Police, with the help of some of the officers, in their own time, did a portion of the work. The time is fast approaching when some changes must be made in the present cell room. This mat- ter has been before the town previously, but now conditions have reached the point where further delay may cause consider- able difficulty. The Chairman recommends that this matter be given immediate attention, and that, if necessary, an appropria-
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