Town annual report of the officers of Burlington, Massachusetts year ending 1914, Part 1

Author: Burlington (Mass.)
Publication date: 1914
Publisher: [Burlington, Mass. : Town of Burlington]
Number of Pages: 122


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Burlington > Town annual report of the officers of Burlington, Massachusetts year ending 1914 > Part 1


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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01861 6943


GC 974.402 B925AR, 1914


ANNUAL REPORTS


OF THE


TOWN OFFICERS


OF


BURLINGTON, MASS.


JR


642 . WO


PA


WOBURN.1


B


INC


SEWALL HOUSS


PORA


FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,


1914


--


Also Abstracts From All Town Meetings During the Year


6 .


جـ


ANNUAL REPORTS


OF THE


TOWN OFFICERS


OF


BURLINGTON, MASS.


1642 . WOBURN PREC


WOBURN.


INCOR


9


SEWALL HOUS!


POR


FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,


1914


Also Abstracts From All Town Meetings During the Year


1915 THE WINCHESTER STAR PRINT Winchester, Mass.


TOWN OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR 1914


Town Clerk Selwyn H. Graham.


Selectmen


Thomas W. Pollock. James McLaughlin. George McIntire.


Assessors


Thomas W. Pollock, 3 years. George McIntire, 2 years. Hugh McCafferty, 1 year.


Overseers of Poor


Thomas W. Pollock. James McLaughlin. George McIntire.


Treasurer Walter S. McIntire.


School Committee


Joseph M. Howe, 3 years. Walter W. Skelton, 2 years. James McLaughlin, 1 year.


Library Trustees


William Graham, 3 years. Walter S. McIntire, 2 years. Lester B. Skelton, 1 year.


Park Commissioners


Melville H. C. Nichols, 3 years. William Graham, 2 years. Lester B. Skelton, 1 year.


Auditors :


Henry A. Foster. Orray S. Skelton.


3


Highway Surveyor George W. Bustead.


Cemetery Commissioners. George D. Getchell, 3 years. Walter W. Skelton, 2 years. William Graham, 1 year.


Collector of Taxes Charles T. Boston.


Board of Health.


George McIntire. James McLaughlin.


Thomas W. Pollock.


Constables


Chester H. Graham. Frank C. Pearsons.


Forest Tree Warden. Walter W. Skelton.


1


Sealer of Weights and Measures Frank C. Pearsons.


Public Weigher Solon Johnson. 4


Measurer of Lumber. Horace B. Skelton.


Inspector of Animals 5


Thomas W. Pollock.


Special Police.


Orray S. Skelton. Joseph M. Howe.


Burial Agent for Deceased Soldiers and Sailors. Walter W. Skelton.


4


Report of the Town Clerk.


To the Selectmen and Citizens of Burlington:


Gentlemen :- I herewith submit my report of the records of this office for the year 1914.


Annual Town Meeting, March 2, 1914 TOWN WARRANT


Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Middlesex, ss.


To Either of the Constables of the Town of Burlington, in said County:


GREETING :-


In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby directed to notify the inhabitants of the Town of Burlington, qualified to vote in elections and town affairs to meet in the School House in said Town on Monday, the second day of March, A. D. 1914, at six o'clock in the forenoon, there to act on the following articles :


Article 1. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meet- ing.


Article 2. To choose all necessary Town Officers, namely : a Town Clerk, for three years, three Selectmen, three Over- seers of the Poor, one Assessor for three years, one member of the School Committee for three years, one Cemetery Com- missioner for three years, one Park Commissioner, for three years, one Library Trustee for three years, Treasurer, Col- lector of Taxes, two Auditors, Tree Warden, Highway Sur- veyor, and two Constables.


Also to bring in your ballots, yes or no, in answer to the following question :--


"Shall licenses be granted for the sale of intoxicating liquors in this Town?"


5


To vote yes, or no, on the following question :-


"Shall Chapter 807 of the Acts of 1913, being an act to provide for compensating laborers, workmen and mechanics for injuries sustained in public employment, and to exempt from legal liability, counties and municipal corporations, which pay such compensation, be accepted by the inhabitants of this Town?"


To vote yes, or no, on the following question :-


"Shall this Town accept the provisions of Section 42, of Chapter 514, of the Acts of the year 1909, as affected by Chapter 494, of the Acts of the year 1911, which provides that eight hours shall constitute a day's work for city or Town employees?"


Article 3. To act on the report of the Auditors, Select- men, Overseers of the Poor, Treasurer, Collector, Assessors, Cemetery Commissioners, Park Commissioners, Library Trustees, and Highway Surveyor.


Article 4. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen to borrow money in anticipation of the revenue of the current financial year.


Article 5. To see if the Town will petition the Director of the Bureau of Statistics, for an audit of its accounts, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 598, Acts of 1910, and amendments thereof.


Article 6. To see what time the Town will have the taxes collected and paid into the Treasury.


Article 7. To raise and appropriate money to defray the expenses of the Town for the current financial year and determine through whom same shall be expended :


Schools, Transportation, Highways and Bridges, Removal of Snow,


Poor, Library, Cemeteries, Street Lights,


6


Memorial Day, Health,


Assessors' Department,


Auditors' Department,


Collector's Department,


Elections and Registrations,


Inspection of Animals,


Sealer of Weights and Measures,


Selectmen's Department,


Town Clerk's Department,


Treasurer's Department,


State Aid,


Legal Department,


Moth Department, Tree Warden,


Industrial Education,


Insurance.


Article 8. To see what disposition the Town will make of the street railway, excise, corporation and bank taxes.


Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to increase the number of street lights, determine where they shall be placed, and raise and appropriate a sum of money to pay for the same.


Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to pay the taxes on the parsonage.


Article 11. To see what disposition the Town will make of the income from Simonds Park for 1913.


Article 12. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money to employ a school physician.


Article 13. To see if the Town will authorize the Select- men to appear and defend all suits and actions at law that have or may be brought against the Town and to employ counsel therefor.


Article 14. To see if the Town will vote to give the Selectmen authority to prosecute or bring action at law in behalf of the Town and to employ counsel therefor.


Article 15. To see if the Town will vote to instruct its


7


Selectmen to deed in behalf of the Town to Graham Bros., a strip of land on the easterly side of South Bedford Street.


Article 16. To see what action the Town will take in regard to the money received from Town Hall insurance and sale of the Poor Farm.


Article 17. To hear and act on the report of the Select- men in regard to the Town Hall location and to take any further action in regard to location and Town Hall that the Town may determine.


Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money to improve the school yard.


Article 19. To see if the Town will vote to buy a snow plow and raise and appropriate a sum of money to pay for the same.


Article 20. To see if the Town will appropriate by transfer or otherwise a sum of money for repairs on Winn Street.


The polls will open at 6.10 in the forenoon and close at 4.30 in the afternoon.


And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting up attested copies thereof, one at the School House, one at the store of W. G. Fuller, and one on the billboard corner Bedford Street and State Road.


Hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant with your doings thereon to the Town Clerk at the time and place of said meeting as aforesaid.


Given under our hands this twentieth day of February, in the year one thousand nine hundred and fourteen.


THOMAS W. POLLOCK GEORGE McINTIRE JAMES McLAUGHLIN Selectmen of Burlington.


Attested Copy :


CHESTER H. GRAHAM, Constable.


8


Proceedings at Annual Town Meeting, March 2, 1914


Meeting called to order by the Town Clerk at 6.05 a. m. and warrant read to Article 3. It was then voted to dispense with the reading of the remainder of the warrant.


Article 1. Moderator elected by ballot. Whole number of ballots, 5. David E. Barnum had 5 votes and was declared elected and sworn.


Article 2. Election officers - Lester B. Skelton, Frank C. Pearsons and Guy E. Reed. Sworn.


Package said to contain 190 regular ballots and 50 special ballots (for school committee only) delivered to the Election Officers and receipt taken therefor.


Ballot Box examined and found empty.


Register at 000. Ballot Box locked and keys delivered to the Constable.


Polls declared open at 6.17 a. m.


Henry A. Foster was sworn and took up his duties as Election Officer. It was then voted that when the meeting adjourned it be adjourned to Monday, March 9, 1914, at 7.30 o'clock p. m.


Polls closed at 4.30 p. m.


Register at 117. Check lists were counted showing 116 names of men and 2 women checked.


Ballots taken from the Ballot Box and counted, showing 116 regular ballots and 2 special ballots, the Ballot Box register having skipped one in receiving.


Ballots were canvassed and counted and record made therefor, and the ballots and check lists were sealed as re- quired.


The result of the vote as determined by the Moderator is as follows :


Town Clerk, 3 years, whole number of ballots, 116.


*Selwyn H. Graham 97


Blanks 19


9


Selectmen, 1 year, whole number of ballots, 116.


*George McIntire 100


*Thomas W. Pollock 79


*James McLaughlin


83


Frederick W. Richardson 49


Blanks 37


Assessor, 3 years, whole number of ballots, 116. *Thomas W. Pollock 87


Blanks


29


Overseer of Poor, 1 year, whole number of ballots, 116.


*George McIntire


102


*James McLaughlin 96


*Thomas W. Pollock


91


Blanks


51


Treasurer, 1 year, whole number of ballots, 116.


*Walter S. McIntire


102


Melville H. C. Nichols 1


Blanks


13


Auditors, 1 year, whole number of ballots, 116.


*Henry A. Foster


92


*Orray S. Skelton 91


Blanks


49


Tax Collector, 1 year, whole number of ballots, 11€


*Charles T. Boston 97


Blanks


19


First Constable, 1 year, whole number of ballots, 116.


*Chester H. Graham 98


Blanks


18


Park Commissioner, 3 years, whole number of ballots, 116. Melville H. C. Nichols 46


Guy E. Reed 46


Frank C. Pearsons


1


George Getchell 1


Blanks


22


Cemetery Commissioner, 3 years, whole number of ballots, 116.


*George D. Getchell 66


Melville H. C. Nichols 34


Guy E. Reed 2 Blanks 14


10


Tree Warden, 1 year, whole number of ballots, 116.


*Walter W. Skelton 88


Blanks 28


Second Constable, 1 year, whole number of ballots, 116.


*Frank C. Pearsons 49


Melville H. C. Nichols 44


Guy E. Reed 2


Blanks 21


Highway Surveyor, 1 year, whole number of ballots, 116. *George W. Bustead 58


Joseph L. Foster 51


Blanks


6


School Committee, 3 years, whole number of ballots, 118.


*Joseph M. Howe 64


Joseph H. Butters 49


Blanks 5


Library Trustee, 3 years, whole number of ballots, 116.


*William Graham 98


Blanks 18


Shall license be granted for the sale of intoxicating liquors in this Town?


Yes 37


No 55


Blanks 24


"Shall Chapter 807 of the Acts of 1913, being an act to provide for compensating laborers, workmen and mechanics for injuries sustained in public employment, and to exempt from legal liability counties and municipal corporations which pay such compensation, be accepted by the inhabitants of this Town?"


Yes 34


No 32


Blanks 50


"Shall this Town accept the provisions of Section 42 of Chapter 514 of the Acts of the year 1909, as affected by Chapter 494 of the Acts of the year 1911, which provides that 8 hours shall constitute a day's work for city or town employees ?"


Yes 37


11


No 34


Blanks 45


*Elected and sworn.


Recount of Ballots for Park Commissioner and Second Constable, March 7, 1914


On a petition presented by Melville H. C. Nichols and signed by ten (10) or more qualified voters of the Town, the ballots for the offices of Park Commissioner and Second Con- stable were recounted at the Selectmen's Room, March 7, 1914, at 5 o'clock p. m., and the result obtained as follows :-


Park Commissioner


Melville H. C. Nichols 46


Guy E. Reed 45


Guy Reed


1


George D. Getchell


1


Frank C. Pearsons 1


Blanks 22


Second Constable


Frank C. Pearsons 48


Melville H. C. Nichols


44


Guy Reed 2


Frank C. Pearsons 1


Blanks 21


Proceedings at Adjourned Town Meeting March 9, 1914


Meeting called to order at 7.30 p. m. by the Moderator and a recess of 15 minutes declared.


12


Meeting again called to order at 7.50 p. m.


Town Officers for the ensuing year were sworn by the Moderator, with the exception of the Auditors and Park Commissioner for three years.


Article ?. It was voted that all petty officers be appointed by the Selectmen.


Article 3. Voted that the report of the Auditors be ac- cepted.


Voted that the report of the Selectmen be accepted.


Voted that the report of the Overseers of Poor be ac- cepted.


Voted that the report of the Treasurer be accepted.


Voted that the report of the Tax Collector be accepted.


Voted that the report of the Assessors be accepted.


Voted that the report of the Cemetery Commissioners . be accepted.


Voted that the report of the Park Commissioners be accepted.


Voted that the report of the Library Trustees be accepted.


Voted that the report of the Highway Surveyor be ac- cepted.


Article 4. Voted that Article 4 be laid on the table.


Article 5. A motion was made that the Selectmen be authorized to petition the Director of the Bureau of Statistics for an audit of the Town's Accounts, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 598, Acts of 1910, and amendments thereof. Not carried. 38 against and none in favor.


Article 6. Voted that all taxes for the present year shall become due and payable on the 15th of November, 1914. 25 in favor and none opposed.


It was also voted that interest be charged at the rate of 6 per cent per annum on all taxes collected after the 15th of November.


Article 7. Schools. Voted that $717.50, the re-imburse- ment for high school tuition, $998.01 from the Massachusetts School Fund, $187.50 from the Superintendent's Fund, and


13


$2,000.00 to be raised by taxation, amounting to $3,803.01, be appropriated for the maintenance of the schools, to be ex- pended under the direction of the School Committee. 35 in favor and none opposed.


Transportation. Voted that $649.69 be transferred from the interest account and $251.55 be transferred from the income from Simonds Park for 1913, and the sum, $901.24, be appropriated for transportation of school children, to be ex- pended under the direction of the School Committee.


Highways and Bridges. Voted that the sum of $2,000.00 be raised and appropriated for the maintenance of highways and bridges, to be expended under the direction of the High- way Surveyor. 45 in favor and none opposed.


It was also voted that the excess bills of 1913 on Sears Street, Mill Street, and the general appropriation be charged to the above appropriation.


Voted that the Treasurer be authorized under the direction " of the Selectmen, to hire the sum of $2,000.00 at a rate of interest not to exceed 4 per cent, and give a note therefor to be paid within one year from date; the money to be appro- priated for the completion of South Bedford Street. 28 in favor and none opposed.


Removal of Snow. Voted that $100 be raised by taxation and this amount with the unexpended balance of $200 be appropriated for the removal of snow, to be expended under the direction of the Highway Surveyor.


Poor. Voted that $337.50 be raised by taxation and appro- priated for the Poor Department as follows :-


Salaries of Overseers of Poor $37.50


Care of Poor 300.00


This amount, with the unexpended balance. of last year to be expended under the direction of the Overseers of the Poor.


Library. Voted that we raise and appropriate the sum of $200.00 for the support of the Library, for the ensuing ten (10) months.


Cemeteries. Voted that the sum of $400.00 be raised and


14


appropriated for the care of cemeteries.


Voted that the unexpended balance of last year be appro- priated in connection with the amount to be raised.


Street Lights. Voted that the sum of $200.00 be raised by taxation and that the unexpended balance be appropriated for the maintenance of street lights.


Memorial Day. Voted that the sum of $75.00 be raised by taxation and appropriated for the Observance of Memorial Day, to be expended under the direction of Walter W. Skelton.


Health. Voted that the sum of $30.00 be raised by taxation and appropriated, to be expended under the direction of the Board of Health as follows :-


Salary $25.00


Expenses 5.00


Assessors' Department. Voted that $196.64 be raised and appropriated for the Assessors' Department, to be expended under the direction of the Board of Assessors as follows :-


Salaries $124.98


Clerk Hire


41.66


Expenses 30.00


Auditors' Department. Voted that this subject be dis- missed.


Collector's Department. Motion made that $217 be raised by taxation and appropriated to be expended in the Collector's Department as follows :--


Salary $167.00


Bond 25.00


Expenses 25.00


Not carried.


Motion made that the Collector be paid 2 per cent on all . taxes paid into the Treasury. Not carried. 18 in favor and 25 opposed.


Motion made that $217 be raised and appropriated for the Collector's Department to be expended as follows :-


Salary $167.00


Bond 25.00


Expenses


25.00


15


And it was so voted. 30 in favor and 6 opposed.


Elections and Registrations. Voted that $116.50 be raised by taxation and appropriated for elections and registration expenses to be expended under the direction of the Selectmen as follows :-


Salaries $42.50


Other expenses 74.00


Inspection of Animals. Votd that we raise and appro- priate the sum of $125 for the salary of Inspector of Animals, to be expended under the direction of the Selectmen. 34 in favor and 5 opposed.


After some discussion a motion was made that we re- consider the previous motion and it was so voted. Action was then taken on the original motion and the motion was lost.


A motion was made that we raise and appropriate $218.75 to compensate the Inspector of Animals for the balance due him for the past year, which ends April 1, 1914, and for his salary for the next 9 months, ending January 1, 1915, and it was so voted. 40 in favor and none opposed.


Sealer of Weights and Measures. Voted that $97.50 be raised by taxation and appropriated for the Sealer of Weights and Measures Department, to be expended under the direction of the Selectmen as follows :


Salary $12.50


Other expenses 85.00


22 in favor and none opposed.


Selectmen's Department. Voted that $375.00 be raised by taxation and appropriated for the Selectmen's Department to be expended by the Selectmen as follows :


Salaries


$125.00


Other expenses


250.00


Town Clerk's Department. Voted that $150 be raised by taxation and appropriated for the Town Clerk's Department to be expended under the direction of the Town Clerk.


Salary $125.00 Other expenses 25.00


All fees of the office to be returned to the Town.


16


Treasurer's Department. Voted that $113.34 be raised by taxation and appropriated for the Treasurer's Department to be expended by the Treasurer as follows :-


Salary $83.34


Bond 25.00


Other expenses 5.00


State Aid. Voted that $100.00 is hereby appropriated from any unappropriated money that may be in the Treasury, and this, together with the balance from last year, be expended under the direction of the Selectmen for State Aid.


Legal. Voted that $150 be raised by taxation and appro- priated for the Legal Department, to be expended under the direction of the Selectmen.


Moth Department. Voted that $310.72 be raised by taxa- tion and this with the balance of $14.28 be appropriated for the suppression of gypsy and brown tail moths, to be expended under the direction of the Selectmen.


Tree Warden. Voted that $98.50 be raised by taxation and this with the balance of $1.50 be appropriated and ex- pended under the direction of the Tree Warden.


Industrial Education. Voted that $59 be transferred from the miscellaneous account, and $141 be raised by taxation ; the sum of these, $200, to be appropriated for Industrial Education, to be expended under the direction of the School Committee.


Insurance. Voted that $22.40 be raised by taxation and appropriated for insurance to be expended under the direction of the Selectmen.


Article 8. Voted that $185.25 be transferred to Kent Bridge Account and the remainder of the Street Railway, Excise, Corporation and Bank taxes amounting to $2,184.09, be appropriated for the completion of the construction of South Bedford Street. 23 in favor and none opposed.


Article 9. Motion to dismiss the Article. Not carried. After some discussion a motion was made that 12 lights be installed from the church to Keating's Corner (so called). Not carried.


17


Motion that the Selectmen be authorized to enter into a contract with the Edison Electric Illuminating Company for the installation of 25 lights to be placed in positions according to their discretion. Motion was lost by a vote of 22 to 24.


A motion was made that the Selectmen be authorized to enter into a contract with the Edison Electric Illuminating Company for the installation of 15 lights. Not carried. 16 in favor and 23 opposed.


Motion was made to dismiss the Article and it was so voted. 27 in favor and 6 opposed.


Voted that the meeting be adjourned to Monday, March 16, 1914, at 7.30 p. m. So voted.


Meeting adjourned at 10.55 p. m.


-


Proceedings at Adjourned Town Meeting Monday, March 16, 1914


Meeting called to order by Moderator at 7.30 p. m. After a short recess a motion was made to adjourn the meeting until Monday, March 23, at 7.30 p. m., and the following resolutions were submitted and adopted.


IN MEMORIAM.


Mrs. Almira (Shedd) Skelton, 1841-1914.


In the death of Mrs. Skelton, the Town of Burlington has lost a noble character who has worthily filled the role of woman, wife and mother. Ever ready to respond to the call for service, her broad sympathies found expression in many channels of helpfulness among her kinsfolk, her neighbors, the community at large, and the church in the activities of which she was for many years a faithful worker.


Springing from sturdy New England stock, she inherited its virtues and transmitted them, in a large degree, to her children, several of whom have proved their worth in official station.


18


Her life was a benediction and her memory will be cherished by old and young alike, as that of a true woman, and kind friend whose heart was ever open to appeal and whose hands never tired in doing for others.


As a mark of respect to her memory we, the citizens of the Town of Burlington, hereby order that this formal ex- pression of our regret, and of our neighborly and sincere sympathy with the bereaved family, be spread upon the records of this meeting and that the Town Clerk be instructed to forward to the family a copy of this resolution and as a further mark of kindly remembrance this meeting be adjourned for one week.


It was then voted that the meeting be adjourned. Meet- ing adjourned at 7.50 p. m.


Proceedings at Adjourned Town Meeting March 23, 1914


Meeting called to order by Moderator at 7.30 p. m. and a recess of 15 minutes declared. Meeting called to order at 7.45 p. m.


Article 4. Motion was made to take up Article 4 and it was so voted. It was voted that the Town Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen, be and hereby is authorized to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year, beginning January 1, 1914, and to issue a note, or notes, therefor, payable within one year. Any debt or debts incurred under this vote to be paid from the revenue of the said financial year. 17 in favor and 4 opposed.


Article 7. Voted to take up Article 7. Voted that $2,000 be raised by taxation and appropriated to re-imburse the Treasury for money spent in the construction of South Bedford Street. 12 in favor and none opposed.


Voted that $81.16 of the funds for the suppression of liquor, and the balance remaining from the Kaufman Hill account be transferred to the Selectmen's account.


19


Voted, that $65 of the funds for the suppression of liquor be transferred to the account for the removal of snow.


Voted that $41.67 be raised and appropriated for the salaries of Town Auditors for the remaining ten (10) months of this year.


Voted that the Town draw from the Treasury and pay the taxes on the parsonage.


Article 11. Voted to dismiss the Article.


Article 12. Voted that the sum of $20 be set aside from the school appropriation to pay a school physician.


Article 13. Voted that the Selectmen be authorized to appear and defend all suits and actions at law, that have, or may be brought against the Town, and employ counsel therefor.


Article 14. Voted that the Selectmen be authorized in accordance with the Article.


Article 15. Voted that the Selectmen be authorized to deed to William J. and Chester H. Graham a parcel of land on the northeasterly side of South Bedford Street, not to exceed 4,000 feet, for the consideration of $1.00. 25 in favor and none opposed.


Article 16. Voted that the money received by the Town from the sale of the Town Farm and insurance on the Town Hall be used in anticipation of revenue.


Article 17. Committee reported as per letter of Attorney Johnson below, and the report accepted. After some con- sideration is was voted to lay the Article on the table until some adjourned meeting to be decided later. 18 in favor and 12 opposed.




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