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AUTUN MEMUNIAL LIDNANT
Acton Mer
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C
For Reference
Not to be taken from this room
REFERENCE BOOK ACTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY ACTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01720
Acton Memorial Library Main Street Acton, Massachusetts 01720 263-2232
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ACTON TOWN HALL
1951 ANNUAL REPORTS of the Several Official Boards For the Year Ending December Thirty-First Town of Acton, Massachusetts
1951 ANNUAL REPORTS
of the Several Official Boards
For the Year Ending December Thirty-First
ŁATED
1735.
5
ACTON.
Geneal Coll 974.44 A 188 C.2
Town of Acton, Massachusetts
Printed at the
Concord Press, West Concord, Mass.
REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
It should be obvious to all voters of the Town of Acton that the inflationary trend of the past few years is still present. While this situation exists the purchasing power of our tax dollar is markedly reduced and we necessarily must spend more money to obtain former equivalent values. This, coupled with the immediate necessity for additional school facilities, leads your Finance Committee to the con- clusion that this is not a year for the voting of so-called luxury items.
We believe the several Boards and Committees have ap- preciated the foregoing and have endeavored to hold their requirements to a minimum. In 1952, the cost of Education will increase by approximately $17,000. The budget for the Police Department-due largely to the addition of another patrolman-shows an increase of 24% over that of 1951. Barring an unforseen growth of the Town, it would seem that this Police Department budget might be considered ade- quate for the next few years.
On the other hand, if the Town chooses to become a part of a Welfare District, costs for this work should show a de- crease of about $900.00 in 1952.
The problem of providing adequate educational facilities is of immediate and primary interest. At the present writing, no new facilities have been voted but estimates based on various solutions to the educational building problem could result in a substantial increase in the annual tax rate. It should be noted that the Acton Center Fire House is now completely paid for so that this item will no longer be reflected in the tax structure.
Recognizing that the Surplus Revenue balance this year is less than in 1951, and believing that the Surplus Revenue Account of the Town should be kept as a cushion, your Com-
2
mittee has this year reduced the amounts to be withdrawn from this Fund.
Your Finance Committee again feels that those respon- sible for spending Town funds should be reminded that lia- bilities incurred in excess of appropriations and without Finance Committee approval in advance are illegal.
We wish to thank the several Boards and Committees for their cooperation during the past year.
1
ROBERT F. CHARLES
ALBERT S. COOK
NORMAN McINTOSH HERBERT W. MERRIAM
PRENTICE W. BLOOD, Chairman JOHN M. WHITTIER, Clerk
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TOWN WARRANT
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss
To either of the Constables of the Town of Acton, in said County, Greetings :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby directed to notify the legal voters of said Town of Acton, qualified to vote at town meetings for the transaction of town affairs, to meet in their respective pre- cincts, to wit :
Precinct 1-Town Hall, Acton Center
Precinct 2-Congregational Church, South Acton Precinct 3-Woman's Club House, West Acton
at 12 o'clock noon, Monday, the third day of March, 1952, by posting a copy of this warrant, by you attested, at each of the places as directed by vote of the town, seven days at least before the third day of March.
To bring in their votes on one ballot for the following town officers : Moderator, town clerk, town treasurer, collector of taxes, one selectman for three years; one assessor for three years; one member of the board of public welfare for three years; four constables for one year; one cemetery commissioner for three years; two members of the school committee for three years; one member of the school commit- tee for one year (to fill vacancy) ; one member of the board of health for three years; one trustee Memorial Library for three years; and a tree warden.
The polls will be open at 12 o'clock noon, and close at 8 o'clock P.M.
You are further requested in the name of the Common- wealth to notify the legal voters of said Town of Acton as aforesaid, to meet at the TOWN HALL, in said Acton on Monday, March 10, 1952, at 7:30 o'clock P.M.
Then and there to act on the following articles :
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Article 1. To choose all necessary town officers and committees and fix the salary and compensation of all the elective officers of the town.
Article 2. To see if the town will vote to accept the several reports of the town officers and boards, or act any- thing thereon.
Article 3. To hear and act upon the reports of any com- mittees chosen at any previous meeting that have not already reported.
Article 4. To see if the town will vote to form a Public Welfare District together with the towns of Bedford and Carlisle, or either of them, under the provisions of Chapter 117 or Chapter 118(b) of the General Laws, said District to become effective April 1, 1952, and to continue until such time as the town may, subject to one year's notification, decide to withdraw, or act anything thereon.
Inasmuch as it becomes mandatory on July 1 that the Agent of the Welfare Department be under civil service and membership in a Welfare District becomes a requirement for State assistance, the adoption of this article is recom- mended.
Article 5. To see if the town will vote to raise and ap- propriate the sum of $2,800.00 to defray the cost of adminis- tration and salaries of personnel for the administration of a public welfare district, or act anything thereon.
The Town will be reimbursed with State and Federal funds for about 82% of the expenditure under this article and the administrative cost to Acton will be reduced by approximately $900. annually under our present expense. It is therefore recommended that the sum of $2800. be raised and appropriated.
Article 6. To see what sum of money the town will vote to raise and appropriate to defray the necessary expenses of the several departments of the town and determine how the same shall be raised.
5
It is recommended that the following sums of money be raised and appropriated for the several purposes herein- after designated and that the same be expended only for the purposes under the direction of the respective boards, committees, or officers of the town as follows:
Item
Recommended Expended 1952
1951
General Government 4.5% of Total
1 Moderator
$ 35.00
$ 15.00
2 Finance Committee Expense
75.00
33.00
3 Selectmeen's Dept. Salaries and
Wages
2,975.00
2,498.40
5
Town Accountant Salary and Wages
1,000.00
919.59
6 Expenses
175.00
63.19
Treasurer Salary and Wages Expenses
350.00
320.83
Collector Salary and Wages Expenses
300.00
282.16
Assessors Salaries and Wages
2,850.00
2,242.25
Expenses
400.00
267.33
Town Clerk Salary and Fees Expenses
550.00
642.33
200.00
95.83
Elections & Registrations, Sal. & Wages
1,351.00
630.00
16 Expenses
675.00
339.15
17 Total General Government $14,436.00 $11,286.11
Buildings and Grounds 2.2% of Total
18 Bldgs & Grounds Sal. & Wages . . $ 3,200.00
$2,370.53
19 Expenses 3,900.00
3,818.66
20 Total Buildings and Grounds .. $ 7,100.00
$6,189.19
4 Expenses
700.00
137.05
7 8 9 10
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,800.00
1,800.00
11 12 13 14 15
6
Protection of Persons and Property 11.6% of Total
Police Salaries and Wages
$ 11,230.00
$8,782.10
Expenses, including Cruiser and uniforms .
2,250.00
2,073.30
Fire Dept. Salaries and Wages Expenses
3,060.00
2,772.25
Fire Alarm System Labor
2,700.00
458.67
Expenses
600.00
156.04
Fire Hydrant Rental
4,700.00
4,505.00
Forest Fires
2,000.00
987.80
Wages
250.00
225.00
Expenses
50.00
8.77
Moth Dept. Salary and Wages Expenses
1,200.00
1,195.48
Tree Warden Salary and Wages ..
1,750.00
1,748.15
Expenses
750.00
749.43
Wire Inspector, Salary & Travel Expenses
50.00
49.90
Dog Officer
450.00
450.00
Total Protection $37,120.00 $29,287.34
Health and Sanitation 3% of Total
39 40 41 42 43
Board of Health Salary and Wages Expenses
$4,614.00
$5,656.52
2,446.00
1,874.34
Garbage Collection
2,300.00
1,926.50
Inspection of Animals
150.00
150.00
Expenses
25.00
8.04
44 Total Health and Sanitation
$9,535.00
$9,615.40
Highways 10.2% of Total 45 Village Highways $3,000.00
$2,997.87
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21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38
4,030.00
3,094.10
Sealer Wgts & Measures Sal &
1,500.00
1,481.35
550.00
550.00
46 Chapt. 81 Highways
8,550.00
8,550.00
47 Chapt. 90 Highways
3,000.00
1,200.00
48 Snow Removal
12,000.00
10,999.05
49 Street Lighting
6,000.00
4,992.52
50 Traffic Signs and Lines .
500.00
384.42
51 Total Highways $33,050.00 $29,123.86
Charities 16.6% of Total
52 Welfare Dept. Adm.
$ 450.00 $ 1,775.11
53 Expenditures (Temporary Aid)
4,500.00
4,314.29
54 Old Age Expenditure
41,000.00
35,000.00
55 Aid Dep. Children Expenditure
6,000.00
8,535.68
55A Disabled Allowance
1,500.00
56 Total Charities $53,450.00 $49,625.08
Veterans Aid 2% of Total
57
Veterans Benefits Salary & Wages $ 150.00
150.00
58
Expenses
150.00
175.35
59
Expenditure
5,000.00
3,244.25
60
Veterans Service Salary & Wages
1,050.00
789.75
61 Expenses
50.00
-
62 Total Veterans Aid
$6,400.00
$4,359.35
Education 42.7% of Total
63
Schools, Salary & Wages
$110,000.00 $95,689.35
64 Fuel
4,500.00
3,824.39
65 Books and Supplies
5,800.00
3,851.11
66 Transportation
8,500.00
8,360.00
67 Tuition
-
-
68 Supplies, Power, Rent, Repairs,
Misc.
7,100.00
7,058.07
8
69 Outlay
1,200.00
835.30
70 Library
100.00
96.25
71 Health
500.00
290.90
72 Expenses
-
-
73 Total Education $137,700.00 $120,005.37
Libraries .9% of Total
74
Libraries Salaries & Wages
$ 1,500.00 $ 1,314.29
75 Expenses
1,030.00
968.18
76 Books
400.00
300.00
77 Total Libraries
$2,930.00
$2,582.47
Recreation .7% of Total
78 Playgrounds $2,200.00
$1,137.82
Unclassified 2.3% of Total
79
Misc. Expenses, High School Ins.
$1,600.00
$1,357.70
80 Town Reports
1,000.00
944.50
81 Workmen's Compensation
1,750.00
1,546.63
82 Surety Bonds
600.00
433.50
83 Pension Fund
1,689.00
1,410.00
84 Expense Fund
153.00
145.00
84A Military Service Fund
33.00
-
85 Memorial Day
500.00
486.26
86 Total Unclassified
$7,325.00
$6,433.59
Cemeteries 2.9% of Total
87 Cemeteries Salary & Wages
$7,300.00
$5,383.05
88 Expenses
2,100.00
1,899.30
89 Total Cemeteries
$9,400.00
$7,282.35
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Maturing Debt & Interest .4% of Total
90 Maturing Debt.
$1,000.00 $16,000.00
91 Interest
225.00
232.08
92 Total Debt & Interest $1,225.00 $16,232.08
93 Total Budget .$321,871.00
Article 7. To see if the town will vote to raise and ap- propriate a sum of money for the purpose of acquiring by purchase or by right of eminent domain the following described parcels of land for school purposes :
Parcel 1. Containing 0.8 of an acre belonging to Helen A. Knowlton, Jessie L. Knowlton and Evelyn A. Knowlton is bounded North asterly by land of Warner 406.3 feet, Southerly by land of Warner 338.75 feet and Northwesterly by other land of said Knowltons 297.7 feet.
Parcel 2. Containing 2.8 acres now or formerly belonging to Harry F. Warner is bounded North- erly by Parcel 1 being land of Helen A. Knowlton et. al. 338.75 feet, Lasterly by other land of Warner 490.0 feet, Southerly by land of Josephine E. Sebas- tian 520.18 feet and Westerly by land of Warner 294.3 feet.
Parcel 3. Containingn 16.7 acres belonging to Harry F. Warner is bounded Northerly by land of Helen A. Knowlton et. al. 324 feet, Northerly by land of Heirs of Grace Hall and William C. Kazokas et ux. 688.7 feet, Easterly by said Kazokas land 364 feet, North- erly again by said Kazokas land 65 feet, Easterly by Charter Road 522 feet, Southerly by land of Josephine E. Sebastian 760.8 feet and Westerly by Parcel 2, land of Warner 490 feet, Westerly by Parcel 1, land of Helen A. Knowlton et. al. 406.3 feet.
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Parcel 4. Containing 0.7 of an acre belonging to William C. Kazokas and Jennie A. Kazokas is bounded Northerly by said Kazokas land 102 feet, Easterly by Charter Road 384 feet, Southerly by Parcel 3, land of Warner 65 feet and Westerly by Parcel 3, land of Warner 364 feet.
Parcel 5. Containing 1.2 acres belonging to James W. Baker and Marian B. Baker is bounded Easterly by Charter Road 400 feet, Southerly by Massachu- setts Avenue 270 feet, Northwesterly by Parcel 6, land of Josephine Sebastian 410 feet.
Parcel 6. Containing 4.6 acres belonging to Josephine E. Sebastian is bounded Northerly by Parcel 3, land of Warner 550.81 feet, Easterly by Charter Road 80 feet, Southeasterly by Parcel 5, land of James W. Baker et. ux. 410 feet, Southerly by Massachusetts Avenue 405.86 feet and Westerly by land of Josephine E. Sebastian 315 feet.
Parcel 7. Said parcel belongs to Josephine E. Sebastian and is bounded Northerly by land of Harry F. Warner 210 feet, Easterly by other land of said Sebastian 315 feet, Southerly by Massachusetts Avenue 156 feet, Westerly by other land of said Sebastian 315 feet, Southerly by Massachusetts Sebastian 194.5 feet and Southerly again by other land of said Sebastian 63 feet, containing 0.9 of an acre.
and to construct and originally equip and furnish an ele- mentary school building; determine whether the money shall be provided for by taxation, by appropriation from available funds in the treasury, and by borrowing under authority of Chapter 44 of the General Laws and Chapter 645 of the Acts of 1948 as last amended by Chapter 447 of the Acts of 1951, or take any action in relation thereto.
The Finance Committee favors an appropriation of not more than $350,000. under this Article for the construction and furnishing of elementary school facilities, purchase of
11
necessary land, and minor changes to the present High School. This amount represents a financial burden which the Town can reasonably carry during the next few years and reflects the future need for additional space for high school purposes which will incur further expense to the Town.
In order to determine whether satisfactory facilities can be secured for such an amount, the Finance Committee referred to the Report prepared for the Special School Build- ing Committee of Acton by the Educational Service Associates at a cost of $2000. On page 55 of the Report is the following statement:
"If unit costs do not materially increase, it may be pos- sible to obtain this unit for a figure between $250,000. and $300,000.".
On the final page (69) of this report is the following important conclusion :
"On the basis of these facts and conclusions it is recom- mended that:
1. Acton build an eight-room unit adjacent to or integrated with the present high school building and use it to house elementary grades.
2. The site of this centralized school be increased in size by adding land to the north (or northeast) and/or to the west to make a total acreage of at least 25 acres. It seems best to relocate the exit of Charter Road upon Massachusetts Avenue.
3. Acton participate in the development of a regional high school district with neighboring communities.
4. Acton abandon its old elementary buildings and establish a centralized elementary school when the regional high school is opened."
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This program recommended by The Report indicates that Acton's over-all school requirements,-both Elementary and High,-can be satisfied by a net expenditure of approxi- mately one half the money which would be required under other programs which have been suggested.
The fact remains that Acton has neither the resources or borrowing capacity to finance a sound school program under present-day costs except with the fullest measure of State aid attainable through association in a regional school district with at least one neighboring communnity of sufficient size.
In view of the fact that The Report was prepared by highly qualified professional people of recognized competence, the Finance Committee believes that their unbiased conclu- sions should be respected. The following estimates represent the financial considerations affecting the construction of an eight-room elementary school:
Estimated Cost of Program
New elementary facilities $300,000.00
Changes to present High School 30,000.00
Additional land 20,000.00
Total Cost
$350,000.00
Source of Funds
State Assistance (35% of $300,000) $105,000.00
Acton's share of 20-year bonds. 215,000.00
($195,000 new bldg. plus possible $20,000 High School renovation) 1952 Tax Levy 15,000.00
Surplus revenue (1952 transfer) 15,000.00
$350,000.00
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Average Annual Charges After 195?
Annual Bond Amortization (Principal $215,000) $10,750.00
Interest @ 2% (av. of 1% over 20 yrs.) 3,200.00
($215,000 plus $105,000 x 1%)
$13,950.00
Estimated Affect on Tax Rate
$1000
Year.
Amount
Assessment
Year
Amount
$1000 Assessment
1952
$15,000.00
3.75
1963
$13,950.00
3.48
1953
17,150.00
4.28
1964
13,630.00
3.40
1954
16,830.00
4.20
1965
13,310.00
3.32
1955
16,510.00
4.12
1966
12,990.00
3.24
1956
16,190.00
4.04
1967
12,670.00
3.16
1957
15,870.00
3.96
1968
12,350.00
3.08
1958
15,550.00
3.88
1969
12,030.00
3.00
1959
15,230.00
3.80
1970
11,710.00
2.92
1960
14,910.00
3.72
1971
11,390.00
2.84
1961
14,590.00
3.64
1972
11,070.00
2.76
1962
14,270.00
3.56
1973
10,750.00
2.68
In respect to the acquisition of land under this article, the Finance Committee believes that every reasonable effort should be made to secure satisfactory land east of Charter Road, and to the extent that other land is required it be limited to the land represented by Parcels 3, 5, and 6 (total 22.5 acres) as set forth under this article.
Article 8. To see if the town will vote to provide that the committee appointed under Article 37 of the warrant for the town meeting held March 13, 1950, with two additional mem- bers to be appointed by the moderator, be designated a school building committee with full authority to enter into all contracts and agreements necessary to construct, equip and furnish the elementary school building.
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It is recommended that a new committee, composed of seven members, including persons of recognized competence in the planning and construction of a building of the magni- tude contemplated, be appointed for the purpose stated in this article. It is important that such committee enter into no agreements for the design or construction of a new build- ing unless all types of school house construction approved by the State School Building Assistance Commission, and sub- ject to present or impending approval under the Common- wealth's building code, have been carefully examined and efforts made to construct a suitable structure at the lowest reasonable price.
In order to carry out the recommendations of the Educa- tional Service Associates, the Moderator should be authorized to appoint a committee of three persons, the specific duty of which would be to represent Acton in the development of a regional high school district with one or more of appropriate neighboring communities.
Article 9. To see if the town will vote to raise and ap- propriate the sum of $2,000.00 or any other sum, to be ex- pended under the direction of the Special School Building Committee, for employing a competent person or persons for the sole purpose of drawing plans, specifications and esti- mated costs for enlargements or additions to the Acton Center School, the South Acton School, and the West Acton School, said enlargements or additions to become a part of each school. (Inserted in warrant on petition bearing (12) signatures.)
Additions to the village schools do not appear to offer a satisfactory solution to present problems. The recommen- dations of the Finance Committee have been adequately presented under Article 7.
Article 10. To see if the town will vote to raise and ap- propriate the sum of $2,000.00, or any other sum, to be ex- pended under the direction of the Special School Building Committee, for employing a competent person or persons for the sole purpose of drawing plans, specifications and esti-
15
mated costs for enlargements or additions to the present Ac- ton High School, said enlargements or additions to become a part of the High School itself. (Inserted in warrant on petition bearing twelve (12) signatures.)
It is recommended that no money be appropriated under this Article. Additions to the present high school are covered under Article 7.
Article 11. To see if the town will vote to raise and ap- propriate the sum of $2,000.00 for the payment of vocational tuition and transportation according to the provisions of Chapter 74 of the General Laws, or take any action thereon.
It is recommended that $2,000.00 be raised and appro- priated under this article.
Article 12. To see if the town will vote to raise and ap- propriate the sum of $500.00 for the conduct of physical edu- cation and athletics by the School Department, according to the provisions of Chapter 71 of the General Laws, or take any action thereon.
This is the same amount approved by the Town last year and it is recommended that $500 be approved under this article.
Article 13. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,000.00 for the conduct of physical education and athletics by the School Department, according to the provisions of Chapter 658 of the Acts of 1950, or act anything thereon. (Inserted in warrant on petition bearing thirteen (13) signatures.)
It is recommended that no money be appropriated under this article. The appropriation of $500. under Article 10 is adequate.
Article 14. To see if the town will vote to raise and ap- propriate the sum of $200.00 to continue the special School Lunch account, according to the provisions of Chapter 417
16
of the Acts of 1950, or take any action thereon.
The amount requested is double last year's appropriation. Nevertheless, the Finance Committee recommends approval of the $200. requested, but urges that efforts be made to pre- vent further increase in this expense.
Article 15. To see if the town will vote to transfer the sum of $2,500.00 from the Machinery Fund to the Machinery Account, or act anything thereon.
This is a routine bookeeping transfer and should be ap- proved.
Article 16. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $250.00 for the Tree Department for the replacement of shade trees, or act anything thereon.
It is recommended that $250. for this continuing pro- gram be approved.
Article 17 To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $4,500.00 for new construction of Main Street from the Carlisle line to the State Road in North Acton; said money to be used in conjunction with $4,500.00 to be allotted by the County and $9,000.00 to be allotted by the State, or act anything thereon.
The Finance Committee recommends that $4500. be raised and appropriated for the designated purpose.
Article 18. To see if the town will vote to appropriate from the Surplus Revenue Account the sum of $500. or any other sum for the purchase of a new cruiser for the Police Department and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to trade in or sell the old cruiser, or act anything thereon.
This continuing policy of cruiser replacement is approved by the Finance Committee which recommends that $500. be raised and appropriated.
17
Article 19. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $200.00 for the purchase of snow fences, or act anything thereon.
It is recommended that $200. be approved as requested. This expenditure will complete the present program of snow fence addition.
Article 20. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,000.00 or any other sum for the Tree Department for the eradication of poison ivy on the high- ways, streets and school grounds, or act anything thereon.
The amount requested is the same as last year and ap- proval of this article is recommended.
Article 21. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,000.00 for the control of Dutch Elm Disease in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 761 of the Acts of 1949, or act anything thereon.
It is recommended that the sum of $1000 be raised and appropriated for control work. This is the amount recom- mended by the Mass. Dept. of Conservation in conformance with Section 13, Chapt. 761, Acts of 1949, for the removal and destruction of dead and dying elm trees and is consistent with the expected volume of work during the year.
Article 22. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $250.00 for the cutting of fire lanes and other work in the Town Forest, or act anything thereon.
Recommended, subject to expenditure under the direc- tion of the Town Forest Committee. The sum requested completes a two-year program.
Article 23. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $500.00 to purchase a 16 m.m. sound motion picture projector and screen to be kept in the custody
18
of the school authorities and to be available for the use of the School, Fire and other Town Departments and local Civil Defense, Veterans, Church, Scout, and other civic organi- zations, or take any action thereon.
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