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TOWN OF IPSWICH
MASSACHUSETTS
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195J
LAS
PSW
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THE BIRTHPLACE OF AMERICAN / INDEPENDENCE 687
ANNUAL REPORT
"Those who bear equally the burdens of government should equally participate in its benefits. "
Thomas Jefferson
COVER PICTURE
Summer Time on Ipswich Bay
IMS
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THE BIRTHPLACE OF AMERICAN / INDEPENDENCE 1687
ANNUAL REPORT
For the Year Ending December 31, 1957
The 324th of the Town's Incorporation
Area of Town, 33 square miles
Population 7841 (as of 1955)
PRINTED IN U.S.A. BY BRADFORD & BIGELOW IPSWICH, MASSACHUSETTS
IN MEMORIAM
C. Daniel Boone Planning Board July 25, 1957
Joseph N. Phaneuf Former Town Employ e e October 17, 1957
Roland L. Singer Selectman - Playground Committee February 6, 1957
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
Your Board of Selectmen wish to take this opportunity to report briefly to you on the Town's affairs for the year 1957. It has been said by experts in government that our New England form of town government has been uniquely successful because throughout the three centuries of its existance, it has been able to make itself adaptable to changing conditions and to growing populations. This analysis seems particularly pertinent when we consider that our town is on the way to completing its third year of operation under the Executive Secretary Charter and its seventh year since the process of modernization and adaptation began with the first Town Manager Charter .
How much has been accomplished since those first troubled days of 1950! The goal has always been to make our municipal administration a flexible efficient instrument of government that would economically provide the citizens with the increased services which our complex living demands.
This process of modernization has been continued in the past year in several important directions. The half million gallon water tank on Great Neck, the auxiliary pumping station on Jeffrey's Neck Road, and the new 14 inch pipeline to the Reservoir were placed in operation and almost immediately proved their worth during the period of heavy demand that coincided with the acute water short- age which occurred during the summer and fall.
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A second accomplishment was the completion of the Chapter 90 work on Argilla and North Gate Roads which provided us with an improved road between the new Route 121 and the beach.
On two great problems - Sewerage and Zoning - which confronted the Town at the beginning of the year, our citizens made two far-reaching decisions. The Sewerage Plan, as presented by the Sewerage Committee was accepted on a ballot day in June, and the Zoning plan, as presented by the Planning Board, was accepted at a Town Meeting in November. The Selectmen unanimously supported both of these projects because we felt that they were vital to the continued healthy and orderly growth 'and development of the town. Both of these decisions will be implemented in the coming year. Construction of the first stage of the Sewerage system will be begun after the engineering work has been completed. The Zoning By- Law will become operating January 24 and a Board of Appeals will be appointed soon thereafter.
In conclusion, we wish to express our gratitude to the town officials and emp- loyees who have performed their duties in a most satisfactory manner. We wish especially to express our appreciation to Mr. Stilphen for the tireless devotion and the high degree of ability which he has brought to the performance of his duties.
And finally, may we express our deep appreciation to the citizens of Ipswich for the privilege of serving them. It has been an especially satifying experience because there has been an increasing number of alert and informed citizens who have studied the issues and who have understood what we were trying to accomplish for the good of the Town. Their support and encouragement have been an inspira- tion to us, and we trust that we have been able in some small way to measure up to the high standards that they have set for us.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN John F. Conley, Chairman Nathaniel M. Quint Frank J. O'Malley John A. Pechilis Walter J. Dziadul
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REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
It is a pleasure indeed to submit the 1957 Town Report covering the activities of all your Town Departments.
We all take pride in the fact that the tax rate remained unchanged from last year. Unchanged in a year when the average tax rate increase in communities of the Commonwealth was $7. 12. Collections are current in all revenue producing depart - ments, and the sum of $130, 956. 39 has been certified by the Director of Accounts as the surplus revenue balance. The total bonded debt of the Town is $1,072,400.00 with $82,600. 00 being retired in the past year. The borrowing capacity remaining within the statutory debt limit is $261,213.00.
Ipswich is on the move toward great civic improvement. The sewerage system is well along toward the letting of contracts for construction, dredging and erosion control work has been completed at the mouth of the Ipswich River, and the elevated storage tank and pumping station have been put in operation with great success. Several stores and commercial enterprises have remodeled and beautified their places of business with one completely new and modern chain store constructed complete with off street parking provided for their customers. Zoning regulations have been adopted by the town to assure that the changes that are inevitable will be for the better throughout the community.
While we can look back with considerable satisfaction on the gains that have been made in the past year, it is of vital importance that we accept the many challenges that face us now. The electric system must be further strengthened by improve - ments in the distribution system and by the installation of the two diesels that we were sofortunate to obtain through Civil Defense channels. The parking situation in town is such that additional off-street parking should be added if our present business district is to grow and prosper. Shopping center competition is going to cause business districts in many communities to go into a decline. We must have the foresight through cooperation between the merchants and the town to assure that our business district will indeed become a shopping center complete with adequate well lighted parking areas. When business is good stores expand into new quarters or renovate their old stand, thus adding taxable valuation to ease the burden on the residential property owner. A sick, declining business district will be felt by every resident and property owner in the town. We cannot, indeed we must not, allow this to happen in Ipswich. The town garage is inadequate to meet the needs of town departments. Aside from being something of an eyesore, it is poorly located in a very busy section of the town, and worst of all, is next to an elementary school. Studies indicate that a new town garage can be constructed on land presently owned by the town at a cost that will have little effect on the tax rate. More efficient storage and maintenance of town vehicles will be realized through the errection of such a structure. The manner in which we face these challenges today will determine the type of community we will live in in the years to come.
Serving as your Executive Secretary in the past year has been a distinct pleasure because of the excellent team relationship that exists between the Board of Select- men and myself. My heartfelt thanks go to the Board of Selectmen for their guidance and direction. I greatly appreciate the manner in which the department heads and town employees have performed their many tasks with efficiency and dispatch, and congratulate them on a job well done. The thanks of all of us in the municipal family go to the Townspeople for their faith and support.
Respectfully submitted,
Norris W. Stilphen
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FINANCE DEPARTMENT
ACCOUNTING DIVISION: The generalfinancial records of the Town are maintained in this office, as well as the books of accounts for the Water and Light Departments. Municipal activity reports were prepared monthly for all departments and for other interested persons. The annual budgets, both preliminary and actual, were pre- pared and distributed. The Town's cash balance was verified with the Treasurer's Office each month. All purchases were post audited by this department before being released for payment. Complete financial detail will be found in the text.
COLLECTION DIVISION: Bills committed for collection during 1957 amounted to $1, 589, 094. 96. Atotal of $1,539, 411. 97 was collected. The sources of these collec- tions were as follows:
Taxes
Water Liens added to Taxes
Motor Vehicle and Farm Animal Excise Electric Light
$ 790, 710.97 3,730.50 107, 968.49 431,801. 33 87, 411. 55
Water
Departmental Accounts Receivable
Interest and Costs Miscellaneous
11 4, 583.62 3, 070.51 135.00
A detailed statement of taxes and departmental accounts receivable is shown in the financial section. Approximately ninety-three per cent of 1957 Real Estate taxes has been collected.
Four new Tax Titles were taken. Two Titles were redeemed. There are now twelve Titles on hand, amounting to $2, 363.25.
The bonded debt was reduced in the amount of $82, 600.00. No new debt was bonded. A statement of the municipal debt will be found in the financial section.
Cash Balance, January 1, 1957 Receipts
$ 279,079.99 2, 453, 076.29 2, 732, 156.28 2, 334, 305.13
Expenditures
Cash Balance, December 31, 1957
$ 397, 851.15
ASSESSING DEPARTMENT
ASSESSMENTS: Assessed valuations on Real and Personal property in 1957 was $12, 256, 806. 00. This was an increase over 1956 valuations of $478, 055.00 or 4%. There were 69 new homes built in Ipswich last year. In 1957 there were 13 Motor Vehicle commitments with a total of 4, 099 cards. The total valuation was $2, 124, 024 and a total excise was $114, 051. 48.
LEGAL DEPARTMENT
The Law Department has been occupied during the year principally in an advisory capacity. The increased functions and the expanding municipal services of the Town have created new and differing legal problems requiring close study to determine a pattern as a guide for future activities in conforming to law. The departments which required particular attention involving conference, requests and interviews at the State House and meetings were: The Sewerage Committee, the Regional School Committee and the Planning Board. The various other Departments sub- mitted the usual problems relating to their departments. The various Town Officers have been most diligent in performing their duties and cautious to perform them within the limits of general law and the Town By-Laws, which has resulted in a minimum of controversies and litigation.
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HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Health Services are divided into programs as follows:
Environmental Health
Food Inspection
Communicable Disease Control
Dental Health
School Health
Maternal and Child Health
Chronic Illness Control
Mental Hygiene
Laboratory Services
Ordering, Issuing, & Maintaining Biologics for Physicians and Hospitals Inspection of Live Stock and Post Mortem Inspection of Meat Animals Issuing of Licenses for Various Professions, Businesses, and Trades Preparation of Statistics for Board of Health & Mass. Department of Health
With reference to the Town Health Code governing the above, many added regu- lations were necessary and have been added for the protection and health of the Town population as well as summer visitors. Considerable time and effort was spent by your Health Officer in supervising the renovations at the slaughter house to bring this establishment up to the necessary sanitary requirements for processing meats for human consumption. The establishment is now in operation and your Health Officer is acting in the capacity of slaughter inspector until we are able to obtain an inspector to supervise this work. $1, 800 was received and transferred to the Town Treasurer for the issuance of licenses and permits by the Department.
Checking the Vaccine
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Your Health Officer, in addition to his duties above described, also acts as Inspector of Animals under the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture, Division of Livestock Disease Control and in this capacity inspects all livestock within the Town to determine if they are healthy and well cared for and that the barns housing the herds are kept in a sanitary manner. All animals imported into Ipswich from any state other than Massachusetts are inspected to determine if they are healthy. After such inspection, a written report is forwarded to the Massachusetts Depart- ment of Agriculture stating all facts relating to such animals and the condition of their health.
In addition to all of the above duties, your Health Officer also acts in the capacity of Sealer of Weights and Measures. The duties of this position consist of the inspection of all scales and weights, yard sticks, tapes, measures of all descrip- tions, liquid measures, gasoline tanks and trucks, oil tanks and trucks, automatic measuring devices, the collection of fees to be turned over to the Town Treasurer.
NURSING PROGRAM: During 1957 the following program has been carried on under the sponsorship of the Ipswich Board of Health: The annual diphtheria immunization clinic was held throughout the public schools and the parochial school. Any child who had not receiveda "booster dose" within four years was eligible and treated if they presented a slip signed by the parent or guardian. A total of 217 children received a "booster dose". The reported incidence of diphtheria is more than what it was for the corresponding period last year. Such a state of affairs is a reminder that continued immunization against this disease through inoculations is imperative.
The Well Child Clinic was held the first Wednesday of each month throughout the year, in the Health Room at the Winthrop School. A total of 221 babies were seen at the clinic. The children are weighed, measured, examined and immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio.
The administration of the Salk Vaccine continued throughout the year until November at which time the program ceased. A total of twelve clinics were held at the Memorial Building, in which 3, 146 persons received polio vaccine. Out of this total 1, 367 were adults. This was very satisfying to see the curve peak sharply in the adult age group. The children were thoroughly vaccinated in school clinics sponsored by the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis during 1955 and 1956.
All new teachers, custodians and any personnel who had not had an X-Ray for the past three years were sent to Middleton for a chest X-Ray. This complie s with the state ruling that all school personnel must have a chest X-Ray and certi- fication card showing they are free from tuberculosis on file in the office of the Superintendent.
In November Asian Flue Vaccine was made available to all Town Employ ees. PURCHASING DEPARTMENT
During the year 8, 710 orders were sent out, of which 600 were field purchase orders and 8,110 were purchase orders. During 1957 thirty- seven sealed bids were processed for the various departments. All of these bids were advertised in the local newspaper, and a separate file was set up on each one. At the time of the bid opening, all bids were tabulated and the tabulations were forwarded to the correct Department Head. On many occasions telephone quotations were obtained on smaller items that were needed quickly. In some instances where the price on specialized items differ very slightly, requests were sent out for quota- tions in order to speed up the process. All items over $100.00 were either sent out on sealed bids, request for quotations, or telephone quotations.
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PLANNING DEPARTMENT
The Planning Board is made up of five members appointed by the Executive Secretary with the approval of the Board of Selectmen. The members presently consist of Chester J. Patch, Jr., Donald F. Whiston, Richard R. Mansfield, John G. Markos and Charles W. Herrick, with Mrs. Isobel Coulombe as permanent Secretary. In July the Board was saddened by the death of the Rev. C. Daniel Boone, who was a member of the Board from the time of its inception in 1951. His loss is greatly felt by the Board and by the Town as a whole because of his love for his fellow beings and for the Town.
The Board meets regularly every other Tuesday at 8 p. m. in the Courtroom of the Town Hall for the conduct of business. Meetings and hearings have been held with subdividers as required and with residents of two subdivisions who were dis satisfied with conditions within their developments.
During the year 1957 a Zoning By-Law was prepared, hearings were held, and it was submitted to a Special Town Meeting on November 4th. This by-law was accepted by a vote of 365-37 and has been submitted to the Attorney General for his approval.
The Board held an open meeting with representatives of New England Power Company and the Board of Selectmen on their proposed plan of running high tension lines through Ipswich. After the meeting the Company agreed to eliminate, for the present, its plan to run a line across the marshes. Nord W. Davis, Planning Con- sultant, has continued his work on Master Planning and other allied planning pro- jects for the Town as well as assisting in the preparation of the revised Zoning By-Law.
The Board applied for, and received approval of a Federal Urban Planning Assistance program in the amount of $40, 000, half the cost of which will be paid by the Federal Government. Contracts have been drawn up, signed, etc. with the program initiated with the with $3, 000 voted to the Planning Board at the Annual Town Meeting in March. We feel this is a wonderful opportunity for the Town to take advantage of this Federal assistance in the planning for the future of Ipswich in our efforts to develop what the "Future Ipswich" will be.
RECORDS DEPARTMENT
VITAL STATISTICS: Comparative vital statistics recorded during 1957 (through) January 15, 1958, were as follows:
1956
1957
Births
335
306
Deaths
116
117
Marriages
74
66
Of the total number of births recorded, 181 were to Ipswich residents, which included 3 sets of twins. Of the total number of deaths recorded, 83 were of Ipswich residents, which included 5 children under the age of five. The oldest Ipswich resident who died during the year was 95 years, 4 months and 5 days of age.
REVENUES: Disposition of receipts received in this office was as follows:
Payments to Department of Conservation for all:
Sporting Licenses. $1, 616.50
Payments to Town Treasurer. .$2,835.20
(This includes $1, 886. 70 for Dog Licenses which are paid to the County Treasurer by the Town. )
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LICENSES: The following licenses were issued during the year:
Gas Renewals 15
Marriage Licenses 65
Dog Licenses 824
Sporting Licenses 530
The following papers were also recorded in this office:
Pole Petitions 25
Chattel Mortgages 1 44
Personal Property Mort. 31
Business Certificates
6
Indentures
2
Federal Tax Liens
2
Bill of Sales
29
Conditional Sales
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TOWN MEETINGS AND ELECTIONS:
January 7 Special Town Meeting, adjourned on account of snow storm to January 14th. Voters present 7.
January 14
Adjourned Special Town Meeting adjourned again until night of Annual Town Meeting, March 4. Voters present 178.
March 4
Annual Town Meeting and also adjourned Special Town Meeting of January 7 and 14. Voters present 178.
June 1
Special Town Meeting. Voters present 470.
November 4
Special Town Meeting. Voters present 610. Zoning By-Law and Zoning District Map were accepted by the voters. Approval given by the Attorney General, December 24.
March 11
Annual Town Elections. Votes cast 2, 675.
March 14
Special Election in accordance with Town By- Law on all approp- riations over $50, 000.00. To vote on Sewerage. Votes cast, 1, 541. Yes, 1, 004, No, 537. Vote did not carry since a 2/ 3 vote or 1, 028 was necessary.
June 11
Special election again on sewerage. Votes cast 1, 516: Yes
1, 206, No 309, Blanks 1. Sewerage passed.
The number of registered voters as of December 31 was 4, 374.
VETERANS' SERVICES DEPARTMENT
The purpose of this department is to be of help to veterans, their dependents, and their parents. Helpisgiven either as information to the many numerous ques- tions, or as financial help. Information given to veterans runs from schooling. bonuses. pensions, labor problems. to information concerning VA forms. Photo- stat work is also done for veterans in regard to their discharges, and other num- erous forms and papers required by the VA. Applications are also filled out for pensions by the VA which are of no expense to the Town. Questions are also answered in connection with Social Security benefits for veterans or their dependent s.
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RECREATION DEPARTMENT
The year 1957 brought about many changes in the Recreation and Parks Depart- ment. In April bids were sent out for the construction of a basketball court at Linebrook Playground. This court was completed by the first week in May, and was immediately put to use by the Town populace. This was an attractive addition to the playground.
Many improvements were made at the Lighthouse property. Among these, a large sign was displayed prohibiting out of towners to park there without special permission from this department. An unprecedented busy schedule highlighted the usage of this property. Travelers from as far as Switzerland put the property to good use. Many articles of furniture and appliances were donated for usage in the building. Picnic benches were purchased by this department and were put to use by citizen "picnicers" at the Town Beach.
Many new programs were initiated on all age levels during the course of the year most of them meeting with success. Among the new programs was an appointed Junior Recreation Committee, coming from the ranks of the High School students. This Committee, composed of a boy and a girl from each of the four High School grades, meet regularly and they plan, promote, and organize activities for the teen agers of the Town. They have met with tremendous success. They are pla nn- ing many programs that should prove attractive to the High School population.
A completely new Playground program met with unprecedented success this past summer. Many scheduled special events met with the overwhelming approval of the youngsters. This program was highlighted by a Junior Olympics. The trium- phant champion journeyed to Boston to participate in "Playground Day, U.S. A." at the Boston Commons.
Comparative attendance figures show that the program has increased in its appeal to the youngsters, In 1957 there was a total attendance of 13, 900 compar ed to 7,766 in 1956. The 1957 attendance represents a total increase of 79% in compa ri- son to the 1956 figures. The average daily attendance was 386 in 1957 compared to 214 in 1956. These figures show the growing appeal these programs have to town children, as well as adults. The swimming program also met with a great deal of success. The 3rd and 4th grades were added, and the program was extended to 15 weeks. The average daily attendance was 251 with the total registration of 371 child- renfrom grades 3 through 8. This program continues to be one of the most popular with the children. The baseball diamond at Linebrook Playground under went a face lifting that should prove to be advantageous to the baseball players of Ipswich. The often criticized right field foul line has been lengthened by more than 50 feet. This was done by "pivoting" the diamond to its left, now using the pole in left field as the foul line. Along with the "pivoting" a new contour was layed out and the in- field filled with clay. This project will be completed next spring .
Changes were not only prevolent in the "program and administrative policies" of this department, but also in its Recreation Committee. Committee changes during the year saw Mr. Robert Mansfield, Chairman John Bialek, and Superin- tendent Robert O'Kane resign. These gentlemen were replaced by appointments of the Executive Secretary. Mr. Stanley Eustace, Mr. James Daly, and Junior High School Principal Joseph Rogers are the newly appointed members. Mrs. Barbara Cole was unanimously elected new chairman. Mrs. Louise Hodgkins relinquish ed her duties as secretary, after having served in that capacity for many years; Mr. Daly was elected new secretary .
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H PY
Playground Birthday Party
The Pretty Little Winners of the Doll Carriage Parade, Held as a Part of the Playday Program
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WELFARE DEPARTMENT
Your Welfare Department handles all cases where need is estab- lished within your town, with the exception of those cases involving veterans in good standing. Its workis primarily with the aged, the disabled, the dependent child and its family, and those who cannot provide for themselves due to lack of employment of a substantial layoff where there is no unemployment insurance to aid them until their job reopens or new work is found. These latter cases come under the category of General Relief. This is an all out expenditure of the town. There is no reimbursement .. from either the State or Federal Governments here. In most of these cases relief is of a temporary nature. These people are encouraged to find new employ- ment . The monies that are allocated for General Relief are handled by this department and the State Standard Budget is used for a guide in determining the amount of relief granted. The cost of General Relief this year has been a little lower due to fair working conditions. During the winter months we do experience a slight lay off due to weather in some lines of employment.
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