USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Dighton > Town annual report of the offices of the town of Dighton 1955 > Part 1
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4.4 IN EC 31
ANNUAL REPORT
of the
TOWN OFFICERS
Of the Town of
DIGHTON
2
Year Ending December 31, 1955
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DIGHTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 3575 00042 5134
ANNUAL REPORT
of the
TOWN OFFICERS
Of the Town of
DIGHTON
SS
Year Ending December 31, 1955
TAUNTON PRINTING CO .. 93 WEIR ST., TAUNTON, MASS.
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ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN OFFICERS FOR 1955
Selectmen, Board of Welfare and Board of Health
WILLIAM F. BENEVIDES, Chairman Board of Selectmen P. O. Dighton, Mass .- Telephone Dighton 3021
EARLE M. SMITH, Chairman Board of Health P. O. North Dighton, Mass .- Telephone Taunton 2-4922 CLAYTON H. ATWOOD, Chairman Board of Public Welfare P. O. Segreganset, Mass .- Telephone Dighton 4271
Town Clerk, Treasurer, Town Collector and Agent of Board of Health
PERCY B. SIMMONS, P. O. North Dighton, Mass. Telephone Dighton 4241 (Residence Taunton 4-6465)
Auditor, Moderator
STAFFORD H. HAMBLY, P. O. North Dighton Telephone Taunton 2-1503
Assessors
HAROLD M. MENDOZA, Chairman, P. O. Dighton Telephone Dighton 4861
RAYMOND A. HORTON, P. O. North Dighton Telephone Dighton 2158
WILLIS BARLOW, P. O. Dighton (Deceased) January 1, 1955-October 26, 1955
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3 3575 00042 5134
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ANNUAL REPORT
ROY F. WALKER, P. O. North Dighton (Successor) Appointed December 1, 1955 Telephone Taunton 4-8122
Superintendent of Streets and Tree Warden HENRY P. GOFF, P. O. North Dighton Telephone Taunton 2-3583
Forest Fire Warden, Sealer of Weights and Measures and Chief of Fire Department DONALD B. HATHAWAY, P. O. Segreganset Telephone Dighton 3791
Finance Committee CHARLES W. HARRIS, Chairman LOUIS CONSTANTINE, JR., Clerk ELLIOTT D. COLE WILLIAM MARSDEN, JR.
WILLIAM HATHAWAY MILTON HORTON CARL P. GORDEN
School Committee
HERBERT HOLT, Chairman P. O. North Dighton CATHERINE CARR, Secretary P. O. North Dighton
PETER R. TUTTLE, Financial Secretary P. O. North Dighton
JOHN GRAY, P. O. North Dighton WYMAN E. HAWKES, P. O. Segreganset LAURENCE MENDOZA, P. O. Dighton
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ANNUAL REPORT
Superintendent of Schools ROBERT T. ROY, P. O. Segreganset Telephone Dighton 3912
Town Nurse MRS. ESTHER BOWDEN, R. N., P. O. Dighton Telephone Dighton 2141
Moth Superintendent GEORGE W. ROSE, P. O. Dighton Telephone Dighton 2941
Chief of Police
CHARLES A. CARLSTROM, P. O. No. Dighton Telephone Taunton 4-4411
Planning Board HAMILTON SWEET, Chairman P. O. Segreganset
GEORGE L. PHILLIPS, Clerk P. O. North Dighton
LESTER M. BRIGGS, P. O. Dighton
ERNEST H. ATWOOD, P. O. Segreganset WILFRED A. HATHAWAY, P. O. Segreganset
Trustees of Dighton Public Library LOIS L. STAPLES, P. O. Segreganset EDWARD GREENLAW, P. O. Segreganset JEROME GREER, P. O. Dighton
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ANNUAL REPORT
ACCOUNT OF AUDIT
Mr. Herman B. Dine, Director of Accounts, Department of Corporations & Taxation, State House, Boston
Sir:
As directed by you, I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the Town of Dighton for the period from March 15, 1953, the date of the previous examination, to Feb- ruary 19, 1955, the following report being submitted there- on :
The financial transactions as recorded on the books of the several departments receiving or disbursing money for the town or committing bills for collection were examined, checked, and verified by comparison with the records in the offices of the town treasurer and the town auditor.
The books and accounts kept by the town auditor were examined and checked. The receipts as recorded were checked with the departmental records and with the treas- urer's books, while the payments were compared with the treasury warrants authorizing the disbursement of town funds. The ledger accounts were analyzed, the appropria- tions as recorded on the ledgers were checked with the amounts voted by the town as shown on the town clerk's record of town meetings, the transfers from the reserve fund were compared with the amounts authorized by the finance committee, and a balance sheet, which is appended to this report, was prepared showing the financial condition of the town on December 31, 1954.
The books and accounts of the town treasurer were ex- amined and checked. The receipts as recorded were ana- lyzed and compared with the town auditor's books, with the records in the several departments in which money was col-
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ANNUAL REPORT
lected for the town, and with other sources from which money was paid into the town treasury, while the payments were checked with the approved warrants authorizing the treasurer to disburse town funds. The cash book footings were verified, and the cash balance on February 19, 1955 was proved by verification of the cash in the office and by reconciliation of the bank balances with statements fur- nished by the banks in which town funds were deposited.
The payments of maturing debt and interest, as re- corded, were checked with the amounts falling due and with the cancelled securities and coupons on file. The outstand- ing coupons were listed and reconciled with the balance as shown by a statement received from the bank of deposit.
The records of employees' payroll deductions on ac- count of Federal taxes and the county retirement system were examined and reconciled with the town auditor's led- ger controls.
The savings bank books representing the investment of the trust funds in the custody of the town treasurer were ex- amined and listed. The income was proved and the trans- fers to the town were checked with the treasurer's recorded receipts.
The records of tax titles and tax possessions were ex- amined and checked. The transfers to the tax title account were checked with the tax books, the redemptions of tax titles were verified, and the tax titles and tax possessions on hand were listed, reconciled with the town auditor's ledger, and compared with the records at the Registry of Deeds.
The books and accounts of the tax collector were ex- amined and checked. The town and district taxes and the motor vehicle and trailer excise outstanding at the time of the previous examination, as well as all subsequent com- mitments, were audited and proved with the warrants issued for their collection. The reported payments to the town and district treasurers were compared with the treasurers' cash
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ANNUAL REPORT
books, the recorded abatements were proved with the as- sessors' records of abatements granted, the transfers to the tax title account were checked with the treasurer's records of tax titles held by the town, and the outstanding accounts were listed and reconciled with the controlling accounts in the town auditor's ledger.
The outstanding tax and motor vehicle and trailer ex- cise accounts were verified by mailing notices to a number of persons whose names appeared on the books as owing money to the town and the districts, the replies received thereto indicating that the accounts, as listed, are correct.
The commitments of departmental accounts receivable were examined and checked. The receipts as recorded were checked with the payments to the treasurer, and the out- standing accounts were listed and proved with the town auditor's ledger controls.
The financial accounts of the town clerk pertaining to dog and sporting licenses issued were examined and check- ed, the payments to the State and to the town treasurer be- ing verified.
The surety bonds of the town officials required to fur- nish them for the faithful performance of their duties were examined and found to be in proper form.
The records of receipts of the selectmen, of the sealer of weights and measures, and of the police, school, and li- brary departments, as well as of all other departments col- lecting money for the town or committing bills for collection, were examined and checked with the treasurer's recorded receipts and with the town auditor's books.
There are appended to this report, in addition to the balance sheet, tables showing a reconciliation of the treas- urer's cash, summaries of the tax, motor vehicle and trailer excise, tax title, and departmental accounts, together with schedules showing the condition and transactions of the trust funds.
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ANNUAL REPORT
While engaged in making the audit, cooperation was received from all town officials, for which, on behalf of my assistants and for myself, I wish to express appreciation.
Respectfully submitted, (Signed) WILLIAM SCHWARTZ, Assistant Director of Accounts.
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Finance Committee conducted four meetings with the Selectmen and Department heads in preparation of the 1955 Budget. Three subsequent meetings were held to dis- cuss use of appropriations, appropriation balances and to give permission to draw upon the Appropriated Reserve Ac- count.
It should be clearly understood that the Finance Com- mittee is strictly advisory in the establishment of the Town Budget and that the Town Meeting has the final decision. The Finance Committee is not responsible for the setting of the tax rate.
We emphasize the need of an overall committee to study the future growth of the Town and Town Depart- ments. We believe a thorough study should be made of the future growth of the Highway, Police, Fire, and School De- partments considering personnel, buildings, equipment and the money needs; as well as, all departments under elected Town Officials. Such a study should also take into consid- eration the Recreation needs of the Town and indicate a plan of development for it.
The Finance Committee is pleased to have been of serv- ice to the Town.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES W. HARRIS, Chairman, LOUIS CONSTANTINE, JR., Sec. ELLIOTT D. COLE, WILLIAM HATHAWAY, WILLIAM MARSDEN, JR., MILTON HORTON, CARL P. GORDEN.
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ANNUAL REPORT
SELECTMEN'S REPORT
To the Citizens and Taxpayers of Dighton :
Following the 1955 annual Town Meeting and election of officers, the Board of Selectmen, at an organizational meeting, voted to divide the chairmanships of the three boards for the best interest and purpose of efficiency and ex- pediency of Town matters and business. Mr. Benevides was chosen as Chairman of Selectmen, Mr. Smith for the Board of Health and Mr. Atwood for Public Welfare and Clerk of the Boards.
Mrs. Isabel Burgmann requested and was granted a tem- porary leave of absence, and Miss Elizabeth Rose was ap- pointed Temporary Town Office Clerk. On September 14, Mrs. Burgmann resigned and Miss Rose was appointed to fill the vacancy. However, Mrs. Burgmann is presently serving the Town Offices on a part time basis, and the arrangement is satisfactory under the present circumstances.
The Board held fifty-two weekly and twenty-seven spe- cial meetings. Save for vacation leave, attendance has been excellent. In May the Selectmen invited all Town Officials to a joint meeting for the purpose of discussing Town prob- lems of mutual interest. All departments were represented and much good was gained. Two subsequent meetings were held, the last on November 2, 1955. These meetings allow Town officials to obtain first hand information and knowl- edge relative to Town business and needs. They have proven to be of great value to the Town in planning and maintaining public services.
Within the year the Board, in conjunction with Select- men and Officials of adjacent towns, perambulated the com- mon bounds as required by law every five years. The proper affidavits and necessary records have been filed and are in lawful order.
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ANNUAL REPORT
On July 21, employees of the General Bronze Company of North Dighton left their jobs on strike and thus began a conflict of two labor unions, C. I. O. and A. F. of L. and the management over policies which was to continue for seven weeks' duration. The Town, with no statutory power or authority to arbitrate or settle labor problems or disputes, adopted a neutral and hands-off policy. Every action possi- ble was taken to peacefully settle the differences by an elec- tion. The Town was required to police the area in order to prevent threatened violence, quell disorder, and maintain peaceful picketing. This was done without incident of any serious degree or magnitude. The Reserve Police and Spe- cial Officer details, under the supervision of the Chief of Police, kept the peace and the Town is grateful for conscien- tious performance of duties of these police officers under those conditions as existed. Finally after six weeks of pick- eting and many attempts to settle differences, the National Labor Relations Board ordered an election to determine which union would be recognized by the employees and thus ended another labor dispute in the North Dighton industrial area.
On two occasions during the year, following receipt of hurricane warnings, the Board alerted all agencies for stand- by duty. After escaping any serious effects from "Connie" of August 13 and 14, "Dianne" drenched the area on August . 19 and 20 with 101%" of rainfall within a thirty-two hour period. Roads and culverts and two bridges suffered serious damage from flooded streams and rivers. All agencies re- sponded promptly and efficiently. The Street Department, with its men and equipment overtaxed, did an excellent job under Superintendent of Streets, Mr. Henry P. Goff. Many roads were closed. However, only Spring Street Bridge was closed for any extended time. Members of both the volun- teer Fire Departments and the Reserve Police Officers com- manded all available pumps and equipment in an attempt to protect lives and property. Town officials, Town employ- ees, firemen, policemen, street department personnel, and
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ANNUAL REPORT
other citizens who participated in the various operations up to and after the crisis are deserving of public recognition and commendation. Many words and letters of gratitude were received expressing to the Town and its citizens thanks for the wonderful services rendered during and after the flood period. Fortunately, the dam in Norton held, which, had it failed, would have brought havoc and destruction of everything in its seaward course.
As an outcome of the flood, the Town, working with the U. S. Army engineers, County and State agencies and local area business interests, has filed with the State and Federal authorities requests for assistance in overcoming obstacles and improving the Three Mile River area, a detailed report of which is on record in the Town Office.
Requests were made to the State for emergency flood funds to repair the Spring and Elm Street bridges, which were damaged beyond our ability to repair. Public Works consulting engineers have surveyed and made plans for re- placements, and bids and contracts for construction are in process.
The Town, through the Selectmen, filed a request with the Public Works Waterway Division for a survey of a pro- posed tide water gate at Muddy Cove. This gate would offer protection against the water flooding the area west of the railroad trestle. The Arnold Hoffman Co. and other busi- ness interests in the area supported the request by petition. State and Federal engineers are presently surveying the pro- posal and it is hoped that it may become a reality in the near future.
The Town, also through the Selectmen, filed and pre- sented a request for a survey of the Harbor and Anchorage. The anchorage is not adequate and does not have suitable facilities to meet the demand, particularly during hurricane alerts when there are many craft to seaward of us desiring to take haven in our harbor. The Taunton Yacht Club, the Taunton River Power Squadron, The Taunton Association
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ANNUAL REPORT
of Commerce, local area yachtsmen and boating interests supported the Town petition for State and Federal assist- ance for this harbor and river improvement project.
Following the alert for hurricanes "Connie" and "Di- anne", the Board directed the removal of the electric motor at the Dighton and Berkley Bridge as a safety precaution. This operation proved to be a costly and inconvenient one. As a solution to the situation, Dighton and Berkley select- men petitioned the Bridge Division of the Department of Public Works for a survey. Funds to elevate the motor above the flood water level have been approved by the State and County under a Chapter 90 Maintenance project. The Town will determine whether it will provide its share at the 1956 annual meeting.
The Town is faced with many critical drainage prob- lems at various locations. The abnormal rainfall and subse- quent floods within the year have overtaxed the drainage facilities and alerted us to the need of further drainage cor- rections. Therefore, the Selectmen, together with the Pub- lic Works engineers have programed a schedule for future drainage installations. The proposd drainage plan at Cen- ter Street near the railroad bridge was not started due to legal technicalities involving the New Haven Railroad. How- ever, it has priority over other projects and should be at- tempted in the spring after proper easements are obtained. In order to better maintain the present drainage facilities, the Selectmen approve of the purchase of mechanical equip- ment for the highway department and will so recommend at the annual Town meeting.
The Town voted funds for a new tractor-loader and this has been purchased. The Board solicited proposals and after attending the demonstrations of various types and models, purchased a Ford diesel front end loader from the Baker Tractor Company in the amount of $2995. This equipment enabled the department to better handle many highway op- erations.
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ANNUAL REPORT
The South School dismantling project was completed and the area filled and graded. Local citizens and youth leaders have organized a group to offer recreational and athletic facilities for the area youth. The Selectmen are in accord with this movement and are enabling the Town to vote on an article to see if the location will be established as a public playground. The boundary fence along the south and east bounds has been partially rebuilt as it was a men- ace and danger to the safety and well being of those using the area. Additional funds will be requested to complete the repairing and rebuilding.
The South Dighton fire station was reroofed, repainted both interior and exterior, and general repairs made with funds appropriated by the Town. Specifications were pre- pared, bids called for, and a contract written with Mr. Char- les Gilbert, a local jobber who was the lowest bidder. The work has been satisfactorily completed and the station is now in good order and condition.
The purchase of radio apparatus for the use of the fire department has been completed and is in full operation. Processing is now underway for the purchase of duplicating equipment with the Civilian Defense agenty matching funds program. This installation will provide the department with full radio communication facilities and greatly improve the efficiency of the fire department's operation and service.
The schedules of highway work under the 1955 pro- gram were not fulfilled because of emergencies and weather conditions. However, those projects planned and approved will be carried over into 1956 schedules. To meet and ful- fill demands and requirements of the Town's program, addi- tional personnel and equipment should be provided. The Board has prepared and will submit a request to the Town for consideration of appropriations to accomplish these high- way needs of surfacing, drainage and general maintenance.
The Williams Street extension has been started. The contract for the job was awarded to the Ralph Vickery Co.
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ANNUAL REPORT
of Attleboro. Unfavorable weather conditions have necessi- tated the postponement of this and all other scheduled con- struction projects in the area.
The Town voted authority to the Selectmen at the 1955 Town meeting to take such legal action necessary to make Muddy Cove crossing a public way. The New Haven Rail- road authorities closed the crossing on May 23, 1955 with- out warning or notice, with "economy" as the reason pre- sented. The Selectmen, on behalf of the Town and peti- tioners, immediately took steps to have the crossing reop- ened as a public convenience and necessity. A layout of the extension and crossing has been made. the County Commis- sioners petitioned to lay out the crossing in accordance with statutory provisions, and the question goes to hearing on February 21, 1956 at the County Court House in Taunton, Mass.
The Board has within the year prepared and enacted rules and regulations for enforcement of the Soil Conserva- tion By-Law as accepted by the Town. These may be ob- tained from the Town office.
The Town's Traffic Rules and Orders have been revised to meet the changing conditions within the Town. Publica- tion of the revisions will be forthcoming, pending approval of the director of Traffic Control of the Department of Pub- lic Works.
The structure of the Police Department was completely reorganized to conform with the authority voted to the Se- lectmen by the Town in accepting Section 97 of Chapter 41. Suitable rules and regulations have been adopted and wage rates and schedules established as provided under the Stat- ute.
Two of Dighton's outstanding citizens and Town offi- cials departed from us within the year. On May 31, 1955, death took Mr. Frank Torres who had served the Town as registrar of voters and dog officer for many years. His pass-
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ANNUAL REPORT
ing was a decided loss to the Town, as he had participated in many civic activities and organizations. Mr. Eugene Perry was appointed by the Board to fill the vacancy on the Board of Registrars caused by Mr. Torres's death.
On October 26, 1955, Mr. Willis F. T. Barlow, a mem- ber of the Board of Assessors, Police Officer and Deputy Fire Chief of the South Dighton Fire Department, passed away suddenly. Mr. Barlow had served the Town faithfully for many years and his sudden passing was a shock to the com- munity. The Board of Assessors and Selectmen in joint ses- sion chose Mr. Roy F. Walker as Mr. Barlow's successor until another may be elected.
Town officials are aware of the transformation of in- dustry within the Town and the consequential effect upon the Town, its citizens and the public services. The pattern in Dighton is changing. There has been and are ever-in- creasing transfers of property, building and population. However, this increase is fortunately gradual and the es- tablishment of proper controls and planning will allow or- derly and efficient public services and agencies to exist and change with the demands. Only by cooperation and coordi- nation of all Town agencies will Dighton be able to provide those servies needed, for a cost within our ability to meet and fulfill.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM F. BENEVIDES, Chairman,
EARLE M. SMITH, CLAYTON H. ATWOOD,
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ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT
The regular annual Town Meeting for the Election of Officers for the Town of Dighton was held on March 7, 1955. The meeting was called to order at 12 Noon by Elaine Var- ley, who had been appointed as acting moderator and sworn in by Percy B. Simmons, Town Clerk.
The balloting was under the supervision of the follow- ing Election Officers: Catherine Sherman, Elaine Varley, Selma Wall, Caroline Tripp, Hazel Reed, Idola Boucher, Lil- lian Deslauriers, Bernice Darling, George Rose, and James Bacon. The polls were closed at 8:04 P. M. Total number of votes was 1,075. The ballot having been assorted and counted, the result was declared as follows :
Moderator for one year-Stafford H. Hambly.
Selectman for three years-Clayton H. Atwood.
Board of Public Welfare for three years-Clayton H. Atwood.
Auditor for one year-Stafford H. Hambly.
Town Treasurer for one year-Percy B. Simmons.
Assessor for three years-Harold M. Mendoza.
Tree Warden for one year-Henry P. Goff.
School Committee for three years-Catherine C. Carr and Wyman E. Hawkes.
Trustee of Public Library for three years-Lois L. Sta- ples.
Planning Board for five years-Lester M. Briggs.
Planning Board for four years-Ernest H. Atwood.
Planning Board for three years-Wilfred A. Hatha- way.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Planning Board for two years-George L. Phillips.
Planning Board for one year-Hamilton Sweet.
The regular annual town meeting was held in the Town Hall on March 14, 1955. Moderator, Stafford H. Hambly called the meeting to order at 7:30 P. M.
VOTED: On motion of Clayton Atwood to dispense with the reading of the warrant.
VOTED: On motion of Clayton Atwood that at 10:30 we may consider adjournment to a future date.
VOTED: On motion of Charles Harris the reports of the Town Officers as printed and published in the 1954 An- nual Town Report be accepted.
VOTED : On motion of Louis Constantine that the Board of Selectmen be authorized to appoint all necessary Town Officers and Committees not otherwise provided for by stat- ute.
VOTED: On motion of William Benevides that the Town Treasurer be bonded in the amount of $26,800 and the Town Collector be bonded in the amount of $33,500 to satisfy the provisions of Section 13 of Chapter 60 of the General Laws.
VOTED : On motion of Clayton Atwood that Article 5 be acted upon in conjunction with Article 6.
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