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TOWN OF IPSWICH
MASSACHUSETTS
1955
ICH
MASS . U
IPSWICH
.S
A
1634
THE BIRTHPLACE OF AMERICAN / INDEPENDENCE
1687
ANNUAL REPORT
"The end of all good government is to cultivate humanity and promote the happiness of all, and the good of every man in all his rights, his life, liberty, estate, honor and so forth, without injury or abuse to any."
JOHN WISE Minister of Chabaco Leader of Revolution
COVER PICTURE "COUNTRY STREET BRIDGE" From a Water Color by Howard Von Suck
AS
TMS
THE BIRTHPLACE OF AMERICAN / INDEPENDENCE 1687
1634
ANNUAL REPORT
For the Year Ending December 31, 1955
The 322nd of the Town's Incorporation
Area of Town, 33 square miles
Population 7841 (as of 1955).
Photos by Zaharis Studio.
IPSWICH CHRONICLE PUBLISHING CO., PRINTERS IPSWICH, MASS.
In Memoriam
WALTER E. HAYWARD June 20, 1955 Trustee of Memorial Bldg.
EDWARD R. CARR September 4, 1955 Auxiliary Policeman
ARTHUR HURD WALTON October 31, 1955 Chief - Fire Department Water & Light Commissioner Manager of Plant
CLARA CHASE Died September 25, 1955 Age 102 Years Old Inhabitant
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
During the year the Board of Selectmen put the provisions of the Selectmen-Execu- tive Secretary form of Government into effect. After an exhaustive study of applications the Board hired an Executive Secretary to carry out the policies determined by the Board of Selectmen. It would appear from the interest that has been evident in other towns that this new charter will serve as a model in the establishment of Selectmen- Manager communities throughout the Commonwealth.
The outstanding development in the past year has been the unprecedented growth of the community. With this growth has come a multitude of problems that will tax the resources of the community to solve. Water, schools, sewerage, zoning, and electricity generation and distribution are areas where difficult decisions have been and are being made. Fortunately balancing these problems we have a sound financial structure and competent people to solve these problems and create new areas of strength for the Town of Ipswich. The solution of the problems of today will create for tomorrow a finer com- munity in which to live.
1
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Nathaniel M. Quint, Chairman
John F. Conley Harry E. Munro Frank J. O'Malley Arthur H. Steele
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11 111
WW
Board of Selectmen, left to right, standing: Arthur Steele, Frank O Malley; Seated: Harry E. Munro, Nathaniel Quint, Chairman; John F. Conley.
Executive Secretary Norris W. Stilphen
4
REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
It is a pleasure indeed to submit to you your 1955 Town Report covering the first vear of the Selectmen-Executive Secretary form of government. This has been a year of trial for the form of government, the people of Ipswich, the Board of Selectmen, and myself as your first Executive Secretary. I believe, despite the fact that I may be biased, that we have all bourne up very well.
The financial position of Ipswich is good with a balance of $129,204.21 in surplus revenue as compared with $112,515.05 at the end of 1954. The assessed valuation of the Town as of January 1, 1956 is $11,251,525 which is an increase of $350,000 over that of last year. Outstanding debt is $635,000.00 due to the construction of the New Winthrop School, however 37.6% of this amount will be amortized over the years by the State.
The year 1955 was one of unprecedented building activity in Ipswich with nearly twice as many homes and other buildings being built than in the previous year. With this building boom came problems in many areas of Town services. The electric and water systems were taxed as never before to meet the demand. The need for improve- ments became evident, and unless these are made shortly the excellent service of the past will be very difficult to maintain. The schools were filled with children to the point where two platooning became necessary. The problem of sewage disposal was brought to the fore by action by the State to compel the community to install a sys- tem. Proposed developments in rural areas created a demand for planning and zoning to control community growth. The solution to these problems can and will be ac- complished through decisive steps, many already taken, by the citizens and Town offi- cials. Careful planning will be necessary by all concerned if the debt of the town is to be kept from rising. to unhealthy proportions.
Continued improvement of the highway system was continued with the comple- tion of another section of Chapter 90 construction on Argilla Road. Traffic bottle- necks were eliminated by road widening at the Central and Hammatt Street inter- section, culvert extension on Water Street, greater depth for parking in Depot Square, and a sharp curve elimination on Linebrook Road. Drainage improvements were com- pleted on Pearly North, Arrowhead Trail, Kimble Avenue, and Wiles Court. The program of Street sign installation was continued throughout the Town and the Green Street bridge was improved by the erection of new chain link fencing on both sides. Highways were resurfaced which were in need of maintenance and the Parking Lot and Town Wharf were hard surfaced for the first time.
The New Browns Well was placed in service in time for the heavy summer de- mand for water, and the pump vault was covered with fill obtained at no cost from the excavation work done for the New Winthrop School foundation.
New equipment purchased during the year consisted of the following items.
Pickup truck for the Highway Department.
Hydraulic Catch Basin Cleaner for the Highway Department.
Both items were purchased by bid proceedure from the lowest responsible bidder.
It has been a pleasure to serve as your Executive Secretary during the past year. I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen for their faith, advice and encouragement, the town employees for their loyalty and high standard of job performance, and the townspeople for their friendly welcome to my family and myself.
5
Accounting and Billing Department Personnel, left to right: Bernardine Goot, Helen Horsman, Wayne Briggs, and Marjorie Horsman.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
ACCOUNTING DIVISION: The Town's general financial records as well as the books of accounts for the Water and Light departments are maintained in the Accounting Office. Water and Light billing is also done in this office.
Monthly activity statements were pre- pared and released to all department heads, and to other interested persons. These state- ments show the amount spent in the various categories and also show the unexpended
balance of each departmental appropriation.
All purchases were post audited before being released for payment. Balance sheets were also prepared monthly for the Water and Light departments. The 1955 Budgets. both preliminary and actual were prepared and distributed.
*Complete financial detail will be found in the financial section of the report.
*Total monies reimbursed to the Town for Hurricane Relief total $81,326.68.
VETERANS' SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Anthony A. Murawski, Director
Expenditures for Veterans' Benefits dur- ing 1955 amounted to $13,743.54.
Out of this amount $10,817.60 was paid for Cash Allowances for Ordinary Benefits, $1,666.19 was paid for Medical Expenses and $1,259.75 for Fuel and Emergencies.
At the close of the year, there were six- teen active cases and two cases pending.
Total cases aided during the year was 37.
Active cases have to be renewed every three or four months and forms must be sent to the Commissioner's office for au- thorization on these cases.
6
LEGAL DEPARTMENT i .
William F. Hayes, Town Counsel
The activities and projects which required the attention of the Law Department during the past year were numerous and at times involved. Fortunately the Town has not been engaged in any Court litigation as various subjects have been resolved by con- ferences or acquiescence to legal rulings.
There were more conference with De- partments and Committees than usual and it has been necessary to confer with
Public Officials in the State House. These conferences have been prompted by prob- lems of school buildings, sewage, zoning and town planning. The Town has also been involved in land takings for public uses.
It is pleasing to observe that the con- ferences were all conducted by the various Town officials to the end that the public welfare would benefit by a termination of the subject matter.
Assessing Department, left to right: Lillian Horsman, David Claxton, Seward Tyler, Stephen Prescott.
ASSESSOR'S DEPARTMENT
Seward S. Tyler, Chief Assessor
ASSESSMENTS: Assessed Valuation on Real and Personal Property in 1955 was $10,901,525.00. This was an increase of $239,412.00 or 2.24% over the 1954 valu- ation. The Town has shown consistent growth over the past few years.
During the year, there were seven tax commitments with a total of 3740 cards for Motor Vehicles, an increase of 5.35%.
The total valuation was $2,069,920.00 and the total excise tax was $89,940.12 an in- crease of 23.47%.
In January, Henry Plander resigned and David B. Claxton was appointed to fill the vacancy.
PERSONNEL: Seward S. Tyler, Chairman David B. Claxton Stephen L. Prescott
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RECORDS DEPARTMENT
Anthony A. Murawski, Town Clerk
VITAL STATISTICS: Comparative vital sta- tistics recorded for 1955 were as follows:
1954 1955
Births 269 278
Marriages 78 78
Deaths 100 117
Of the total number of births recorded, 169 were to Ipswich residents, which in- cluded two sets of twins and four Stillborn.
Of the total number of deaths recorded, 91 were Ipswich residents which also in- cludes nine children under the age of one month.
The oldest resident who died during the year was 102 years and three months of age.
REVENUES: Receipts in the Town Clerk's Office for 1955 totaled $4,690.83 classified as follows:
Marriage Permits $ 148.00
Certified Copies
134.75
Recordings 643.93
Gas Permits 8.50
Dog Licenses 1,859.20
Dog Fees 154.95
Sporting Licenses 1,615.00
Sporting Fees 126.50
Disposition of these receipts was as fol- lows:
Payment to State for Sporting Licenses $1,615.00
Turned over to Town Treas- urer 3,075.83
(This figure includes $1,859.20 for Dog Licenses which are eventually turned over to the County Treasurer.
LICENSES: Comparative statistics on Li- censes issued during 1954 and 1955 are as follows:
1954
1955
Dog Licenses
737 736
Sporting Licenses 540 546
Kennels not included in dog licenses re- main the same (twenty) as for 1954 and 1955.
TOWN MEETINGS AND ELECTIONS
There were six Town Meetings held on the following dates:
February 1-Special Town Meeting which appropriated $647,000.00 for a New Elementary School.
March 7-Annual Town Meeting.
March 7-Special Town Meeting within the Annual Town Meeting.
August 8-Special Town Meeting addition- al appropriation of $40,000.00 for the New Elementary School.
September 12-Special Town Meeting ad- journed because of lack of quorum.
December 12-Special Town Meeting which appropriated $230,000.00 for new construction and improvement of the Water Department. Also Appropri- ated $7,000.00 for a Zoning By-Law Plan and a Master Plan.
Annual Town Elections were held on March 14 and 2,960 votes were cast. A re- count was held on March 29 for the office of Selectman, two year term.
The total number of registered voters as of December 31, 1955 was 4,151.
SANITATION DEPARTMENT
The garbage truck travelled 5576 miles and picked up 662 yards of garbage and the refuse truck went 9593 miles and collected 7692 yards of rubbish.
At the end of September when the sum- mer residents had gone and the work load
lightened, the collection of garbage and refuse was combined. This made it possible to reduce the crew required by one man, who was assigned to another department, and to make the collections for the balance of the year with only one truck.
8
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Chester J. Patch, Jr., Chairman
The Ipswich Planning Board came into being in the year 1951, since which time it has met regularly on Tuesday evenings for the conduct of business. Chester J. Patch. Jr., Chairman, the Rev. C. Daniel Boone, and Bernard M. Sullivan have been members during this entire period. The other two members, Richard R. Mansfield and Donald F. Whiston, have been members for over a year. In May, 1955, Mrs. Isobel Coulombe joined the Board as permanent Secretary.
The records will probably indicate that the past year has been the most active period in the Board's history. Rules & Regulations for subdivisions have been brought to com- pletion. In November the services of Mr. Nord W. Davis, Planning Consultant, were consummated and the Board is now in the process of completing the Zoning By-Law and Plan which was ordered by Town Meet- ing and is to be presented at the Annual Town Meeting on March 5, 1956. As matters are now progressing, it should be possible for the Board to submit its Master Plan a year hence, which is in keeping with
the laws of the Commonwealth pertaining to the work of a Planning Board.
This year has been by far the busiest for the Board in terms of applications on the part of subdividers and it has been estimated that approximately 1200 new homes are in the process of development or at least being considered by various builders. Should this contemplated expansion materialize in the near future, it is quite easy to under- stand the gigantic problems which face the Board and the Town in terms of anticipat- ing what this expansion means in the way of increased municipal facilities involving such matters as schools, water, electric power, sewage, police and fire protection, and also adequate provision for parks and recreation areas.
The Board has been greatly encouraged by the fine support it has received from the people of our town and is appreciative of their interest in a Zoning By-Law that will make it possible to both preserve the natural advantages we now possess and at the same time, protect and foster the right kind of future growth that will be a credit to the traditions of our community.
PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT
During 1955 twelve employees were ap- pointed, and there were nine separations and three transfers. Two hundred and eighty-four days of sick leave were used up, and eighty-three employees took vacations.
Ten paid holidays were allowed during the year. All increases in 1955 for employees were retroactive from March. The 4 per cent cost-of-living was paid quarterly dur- ing the year.
PURCHASING DEPARTMENT
During 1955 approximately 7,942 orders were sent out, of which 6,612 were field purchase orders and 1,330 were purchase orders.
During the year thirty-two sealed bids were processed for the various departments. All of these bids were advertised in the
local newspaper, and a separate file set up for each one. At the time of opening, all bids were tabulated and the tabulations for- warded to the correct department. Numer- ous telephone quotations and price quota- tions were obtained for purchases of a smaller nature.
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ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Paul A. Polisson, Town Engineer:
The work of the Engineering Department is both that of a service department and an administrative department. It supervises work of the Public Works Organization and serves as advisory branch to the ad- ministrative and policy making officials of the Town. Much of its work with other departments of the Town becomes so mingled and assimilated that the identity is lost in the operation. Mr. Ralph Preble, the Town Engineer, resigned during the summer and Mr. Paul A. Polisson was ap- pointed Town Engineer as of September 12, 1955, by the Executive Secretary.
EQUIPMENT PROCUREMENT: This office ar- ranged demonstrations and prepared speci- fications for the purchase of major equip- ment. Advertisement for bids written, bids analyzed, and recommendations made. For the relocation of Fire alarm system for Lit- tle Neck, advertisement for bids prepared specifications written and recommendations of award made.
SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTE- NANCE: The department prepared plans for the School Building Committee of two pro- posed school sites. Roof repairs to several school buildings were completed with the writing of specifications, awarding of bids, and supervision of work. Walks and play areas were laid out, estimates prepared and construction accomplished. An engineering survey and investigation was made regarding the High School Sewage Disposal System. The septic tank and leeching tank were located and uncovered, septic tank pumped out, repairs made to both septic tank and leeching tank. An engineering survey and study was made on the traffic congestion and parking in the vicinity of the high school and on Green Street. A plan prepared for widening of Green Street and for in- creased parking at the school.
PUBLIC WORKS CONSTRUCTION: Plans, specifications, and supervision were provided on a wide variety as projects. Numerous plans of lots of Town owned land at Great Neck were prepared. Drainage plans and
Town Engineer Paul Polisson in his office
layouts were prepared for Upper River Road, Beechwood Road, Arrowhead Trail, Kimball Avenue, and Broadway Avenue. Assistance was given to the widening of Central Street and Brown Square, and the construction of a section of North Perley Avenue. Aid was given to both State and County Engineer on the Argilla Road, Chapter 90 Construction, and complaints and information regarding this work was gone over with interested residents of this area.
MISCELLANEOUS: General work on the 1956 budgets, including estimates of proposed work, preparation of individual public works departmental budgets and final com- pilation was done. Many conferences with consulting engineers were held and a great deal of data was gone over connected with proposed sewerage for the Town and in a study of current water system. Hearings were attended in Boston and petitions filed with the Division of Waterways on the dredging of the Ipswich River and for the erosion of land at Little Neck. Petition was prepared and filed with County Commis- sioners for a County layout of a section of Linebrook Road. The following recommen- dation is made for consideration in the near future:
1. That a permanent engineering aid be added to the Engineering Department and the employment of the cooperative student be continued.
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Town Clerk Tony Murawski administers oath of office to new Fire Chief Scahill
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Russell L. Scahill, Chief
Following is the report of the Fire De- partment for the year 1955. The Depart- ment answered 379 calls during 1955 as compared to 364 in 1954. There were 79 Bell Alarms, 243 Still Alarms and 57 Am- bulance Calls.
In the main there were 26 Buildings, 22 Flooded Oil Burners, 64 Grass and Brush Fires, 15 Automobile, 5 Inhalator calls, 36 Cellars pumped out, and a variety of other calls, such as Leaking Refrigerators, People locked out, Flagpole Halyards in- stalled, and many others.
Samuel W. Atherley retired as Chief of the Department on October 31, and Rus- sell L. Scahill, a former driver, took over the Chief's position on November 1.
Fire Department equipment during 1955 covered a total mileage of 10,664 Road miles and 44,543 Engine miles.
10,550 feet of 21/2 inch and 5,450 feet of 11/2 inch hose was laid, 1184 feet of
ladders raised, and 28,295 gallons of water was pumped from the Booster Tanks.
Property threatened by Fire $118,300.00
Insurance Carried on Property 261,100.00
Estimated Loss 23.964.44
Insurance Paid on Loss 19,799.89
Contents threatened by Fire 76,500.00
Insurance on Contents 68,500.00
Estimated Loss on Contents 10,581.30
Insurance Paid on Loss
7,576.71
The maintenance of the Fire Apparatus and the Fire Station has been kept up at all times, as well as the Police Ambulance, which is under our care. A Traffic Officer has been supplied for the Winthrop School during the School Year, by the permanent Personnel of the Department.
In closing I wish to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen and the Executive Sec- retary for their cooperative spirit during the year 1955.
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Chief Surpitski receives award for the excellent Safety Record of Ipswich.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Stanley J. Surpitski, Chief of Police
PERSONNEL: Roster of the Ipswich Police Department: Sergeant, Boley Radzinski; Patrolmen, Joseph Arcisz, Robert Comeau, William Matous, William Alexopoulos, Armand R. Brouillette, Frank W. Geist, Jr .; Temporary patrolman, Richard West- lake; Special Officers, John Michon, Fred Ostrega, Martin Quinn.
Patrolman Gordon Ewing at present, is on sick leave and his temporary vacancy is filled by a provisional appointee Officer Richard Westlake.
Patrolman William Alexopoulos and Armand R. Brouillette graduated this year from the State Police Training School for Police Officers, held at the State Police Headquarters in Framingham, Massachu- setts.
ARRESTS: There were two-hundred and
five arrests made during the year of 1955, and are classified as follows:
Allowing an improper person to operate 3
Breaking and entering 9
Delinquents 3
Drunk 90
Excessive speed 4
Larceny
4
Misappropriation of a motor vehicle 1
Non-support 4
Operating under influence of liquor 21
Operating so as to endanger 3
Operating after suspension of license 2
Operating without a license 7
No inspections stickers 18
Vagrancy
3
12
Violation fish and game laws 9
Having in possession a
dangerous weapon 2
Miscellaneous 22
These cases were disposed of as follows:
Appealed to Superior Court 2
Discharged
10
Filed 14
Filed on cost of Court 10
Fined 77
Held for Grand Jury 13
Restitution 2
Released 52
Suspended Sentence 10
Sentenced and Committed to House of Correction 12
Turned over to other Police departments 3
OTHER ACTIVITIES: The Ipswich Police Department received two safety awards for the year 1954, from the Registry of Mo- tor Vehicles and the American Automobile Association, for Excellence of Pedestrian Record and for no Automobile Fatalities on the Highways in the Town of Ipswich.
There were no pedestrian or automobile fatalities in the year of 1955 and the Ipswich Police Department, in behalf of the Town will again receive safety awards for 1955.
The Police Department to date has re- ceived safety awards for the following years for no fatal pedestrian or automobile accidents on the highways of Ipswich, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952 and 1954, and will receive safety awards for 1955. There were two automobile fatalities in 1953. Although the department did receive an Excellent pedestrian record award for 1953.
The Police cruiser travelled 30,550 miles, and the ambulance 2,798 miles in 1955.
Automobile recovered (stolen) 1
Ambulance runs 194
Automobile accidents re-
ported 151
Automobile accidents inves-
tigated at scene 77
Automobiles transfered 1098 Automobile violation notices
sent to Registry for action (demerit system) 94
Animals reported injured 45
Animals reported killed 56
Animals disposed 36
Animals found
40
Animals reported lost
56
Bicycles registered
232
Business establishments found
open at night and secured 203
Clam permits issued non- resident 748
Clam permits issued resident 497
Complaints investigated 1223
Criminal summons served 67
Persons bitten by dogs 50
Persons reported injured
52
Persons committed to Danvers State Hospital 7
Parking summons issued 402
Resident beach sticker issued 1660
Summer resident beach permits issued 324
POLICE PROBLEMS: With the increase of our permanent and Summer population, the Police department at times is taxed to its utmost, and in the very near future the Police department should have two addi- tional Patrolmen and one more cruiser.
Traffic and parking problems are in- creasing each year. Parking in the business area is still one of our biggest problems. and the municipal parking space should be enlarged.
The Police department and the school authorities are concerned with the increare of traffic in the school areas, and for the safety of school children. Part time Police- women should be stationed in the school areas to handle traffic and protect school children from accidents on crosswalks.
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HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Ernest F. Romano, Director
PERSONNEL: No changes in personnel were made during the year. Mrs. Anna Hall, who was assigned to the board of health to do tuberculosis work by the Essex County Health Association, with no cost to the town, continued on in that capacity.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES: The following communicable diseases were reported during the year:
Measles 66
German Measles 95
Chicken Pox 6
Scarlet Fever
1
Mumps 8
Whooping Cough 4
Poliomyelitis
3
Tuberculosis 1
Dog Bites 35
One death occurred as a result of polio- myelitis. All dog bite cases were inves- tigated and those known dogs were quaran- tined.
DOG IMMUNIZATION CLINIC: At the an- nual dog immunization clinic 146 dogs were innoculated with rabies vaccine as compared with 128 for the previous year.
TUBERCULOSIS CONTROL: Home visits made by nurse Anna Hall totaled 68. This year one x-ray clinic for contact cases was held.
Three of the four patients who were in the Essex Sanatorium have been dis- charged. Home treatment of those patients who are well enough to be discharged con- tinues to be administered.
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