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ANNUAL REPORTS
TOWN OF ACTON
1961
WITH A SPECIAL REPORT CONCERNING 1
MPREHENSIVE PLAN 1
Act
Geneal Coll 974.44 A188
n
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acton, Town - Population 40,000
2
SECTION A
In Appreciation
3
Selectmen's Report
4
Summary of the Comprehensive Town Plan Report
6
SECTION B
Town Clerk's Report
25
SECTION C
Acton School Department Report and
Acton-Boxborough Regional High School Report
71
SECTION D
Archives Committee
109
Board of Appeals
110
Building Committee
110
Building Inspector
111
Cemetery Commissioners
112
Conservation Commission
114
Civil Defense Agency
113
Dog Officer
115
Elizabeth White Fund
115
Engineering Department
116
Fire Department
117
Goodnow Fund
119
Health
120
Industrial Development Commission
125
Inspector of Animals
126
Inspector of Wires
127
Insurance Committee
127
Library
128
Moth Superintendent
130
Personnel Board
130
Planning Board
131
Police Department
133
Recreation Commission
137
Sealer of Weights and Measures
139
Street Light Committee
139
Superintendent of Streets
140
Town Forest Committee
141
Tree Warden
142
Veterans' Services
142
Welfare
143
Workmen's Compensation Agent
144
SECTION E
Accountant
145
Assessors
164
Collector
165
State Auditor's Report
170
Treasurer
182
SECTION F
Town Officers and Appointments
199
Jury List
207
Federal and State Officers
209
ACTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY
3 2211 00099 2425
ANNUAL REPORTS
RATED
OONI
1735.
ACTON
Genza call 974.44
A 181
TOWN OF ACTON MASSACHUSETTS
FOR ITS TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SIXTH MUNICIPAL YEAR
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER THIRTY-FIRST
1961
MURPHY & SNYDER, INC.
MAYNARD, MASS.
2
226th ANNUAL REPORT OF
ACTON, TOWN - POPULATION 40,000
Can you imagine the Town of Acton with a population of 40,000 people? According to the recently completed Comprehensive Town Plan Report, it will be possible for Acton to grow to a town of this size if the present half-acre residential laws remain in effect. In the event that Acton reaches such a population, will your present water supply still be as pure and useable as it is today? Will you have enough water, if 39,000 other people need water too? What will you do with waste water? Will your drainage system be too close to your neighbor's yard?
40,000 people would own a considerable number of cars. Would half of these cars be using the street in front of your house both morning and evening? What would happen to the value of your property, if the street is widened or rerouted?
An estimate of 9,300 school children has been made according to present trends in a total population of 40,000. Would these children be transported morning and afternoon by school bus service? Where will this number of children go to school?
Will Acton be a town consisting of house after house with no fields, woods, or green areas? Where will you go for a family picnic, a ball game, or a swim on a hot afternoon?
A town of 40,000 people would require an adequate police force, a full time fire department, garbage and waste disposal services. What would these services do to your tax rate?
In 1959, the Town of Acton voted $8,000.00 to pay a consulting firm to study growth problems in the town. If we are to receive a fair return for the money spent on this study, you, the taxpayer, should know as much as possible about the proposed plans for Acton's future growth. Extra copies of the complete Comprehensive Plan have been made and are available at the Town Hall for a nominal fee. The better informed all the residents of the Town are concerning the report, the better we can carry out the recommendations of the Plan as they best suit the welfare of each citizen and the town as a whole. Where changes or restudy of the Plan are indicated, they can best be accomplished by an informed public opinion.
Featured in this Annual Report is a summary of the complete Com- prehensive Plan Report. It is fitting to emphasize here that the Compre- hensive Plan is not a law or a prediction of what must happen in Acton. It is a study with recommendations based on a thorough analysis of the town and on many meetings with citizens at large and with town officials. We urge each taxpayer to read the plans for the future growth of Acton.
Read the Comprehensive Plan so that when articles come before you at Town Meeting about zoning, a town water supply, a town sewerage plant, new roads, new schools, conservation and recreation, you will know the reasons behind the articles. Read the Comprehensive Plan so that you may vote wisely for the best interests of the Town and for yourselves.
SECTION A
In Appreciation 3
Selectmen's Report 4
Summary of the Comprehensive Town Plan Report 6
3
THE TOWN OF ACTON
IN APPRECIATION OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Actonians will miss the familiar sight of Mr. Durkee behind his desk at Town Hall when he retires from public service in March 1962. First employed by the Town in March 1919, Mr. Durkee served on the Board of Assessors for 39 years, 30 years as Chairman. He presided as Moderator at Town Meeting for 25 years from 1933 to 1957, inclusive.
We who know Mr. Durkee personally or by reputation must admire his loyal and conscientious performance requiring much time and effort over the years and given so willingly to his native town. His extensive knowledge of Acton and devotion to her indeed will be difficult to replace.
4
226th ANNUAL REPORT OF
SELECTMEN'S REPORT
TO THE CITIZENS OF THE TOWN OF ACTON:
We hereby submit reports of the several departments under the supervision of the Board of Selectmen.
During the year 1961, the Board held fifty-two regular meetings and twenty-nine special meetings. In addition to these, the Board attended several meetings of the Middlesex County Selectmen's Association and several Hearings at the State House ..
During the year, an Assistant Town Engineer was secured to better enable the Engineering Department to handle the work which is being required of it.
Layouts of eleven streets were completed and after necessary hear- ings, were presented to the Town at a Special Town Meeting on Decem- ber 18, 1961 and were approved. However, there are many more layouts which need to be made of the streets in Acton.
Upon the recommendation of the Personnel Board and the Town's approval of Article 13 of the 1961 Annual Meeting, an outside consulting firm has submitted a very complete report of job descriptions and salary and wage schedules of all appointed full time and part-time employees which should be of great value to the Town. Article 4 of the warrant for the 1962 Annual Town Meeting presents the Personnel By-Law for the Town's approval and favorable action is strongly recommended.
In observing the rapid growth of any community and especially that of Acton, there are certain needs or positions which appear to be quite necessary in order that the Town efficiently control this fast expansion. The Board of Selectmen has recommended to the Board of Health that favorable consideration be given to the securing of a Sanitary Engineer, at least on a part-time basis, to guide us in the immediate future.
As many steps have been taken during the past several years to meet the demands made on town officials, once again plans are being made to aid in the expansion program. This program not only pertains to per- sonnel, but to office space as well. In 1962 it is proposed to increase the Clerical Staff of the Selectmen so that full time clerical assistance can be provided for the Board of Assessors, and for the offices of Treasurer and Town Collector. This in turn will require changes in the present arrange- ments, the cost of which is being covered in a special article.
Favorable action is requested on an article for the purchase of a new shovel loader and the turning in of the present one. This piece of equip- ment seems to be the work horse of the Highway Department and it is advisable to make a change before maintenance costs become too great.
5
THE TOWN OF ACTON
For several years now, mention has been made of the necessity of a new Police Station. This has been delayed, we believe, due to the fact that it was desirable to complete the program of replacing the old fire houses first. Now that this program has been completed, an article has been inserted in the warrant for an appropriation to enable the Building Committee to obtain plans and construction costs for the new proposed Police Station. Favorable action is requested on this article.
One of the many duties required of the Board of Selectmen either by statutes, by-laws, or otherwise, is the enforcing of the Town Zoning By-Laws and Earth Removal By-Law. These duties, along with many others are demanding more time than the Board feels it can give. The new duties of the Building Inspector, as covered in the Personnel By-Law, cover not only the duties as heretofore assigned, but also the enforcement of the Zoning By-Law and Earth Removal By-Law. For this reason it is recommended that the Building Inspector be a full time employee. Budget figures and articles have been prepared to provide for this change.
Our report would be quite incomplete if we did not at this time make mention of the many, many years of faithful service that Mr. Albert Durkee has rendered to the Town of Acton. He like many others has been interested in his town, has served his town, and now the time has come when he feels someone else should carry on. We all wish him good health and happiness in the years ahead.
To fulfill the duties required of a Board of Selectmen would be almost impossible if it were not for the full co-operation of the many departments, employees, boards, and committees. At this time we express our sincere appreciation to each and every employee as well as to the Citizens of Acton for their understanding and fine co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR W. LEE, CHARLES D. MACPHERSON, LAWRENCE DONNELLY, Board of Selectmen.
6
226th ANNUAL REPORT OF
A SUMMARY OF THE COMPREHENSIVE TOWN PLAN REPORT*
Are you interested in your future tax rate? Do you worry about how the vacant land in your neighborhood will be used? These and other questions are answered in a report prepared by a Community and Regional Planning Consultant under the direction of the Town Planning Board. The report contains projections of future growth and recom- mendations for solutions to the problems which growth will bring.
The general trend of population movement to the suburbs makes growth in Acton inevitable! The upward trend of population will probably continue for at least the next decade. There are several causes for this predicted growth.
1. Large amounts of suitable vacant land.
2. Geographical position of the Town in relation to the state highway system.
3 . Economic growth of Boston.
4. High quality of community services available at reasonable cost.
Material for this Summary of the Comprehensive Town Plan Report consists of quotations and parts of quotations from The Master Plan Report . .. Planning Board ... Acton, Massachusetts, September 1961 submitted by Charles E. Downe, Planning Consultant. Copies are available at the Town Hall.
7
THE TOWN OF ACTON
1C
e
-
7
6
5
in 10,000's
4
3
2
Target:
POPULATION AND EMPLOYMENT
1
1
8
In Subregion
Target
5
in 1000's
4
Acton
3
-
2
7
6
5
in 100's
4
POPULATION AND EMPLOYMENT TRENDS AND PROJECTIONS
3
FOR ACTON AND SUBREGIONAL AREA OF: INFLUENCE
2
PLANNING BOARD - ACTON, MASS. Charles E. Downe, Planning Consultant September 1960
1945
50
55 57
60
65 67
70
75
1980
6
Covered Employment
Population
Covered Employment in Acton
8
226th ANNUAL REPORT OF
When a town grows, it usually becomes more prosperous, but with added size, there are added responsibilities for a community to its citizens. A well planned program for expansion will ease the expenses and problems of a growing community. Without future planning, the Town may grow in a jumbled fashion, a process which is expensive in the long run and difficult to repair after the fact.
The Comprehensive Town Plan is a recommended plan for orderly growth in Acton. Among the subjects included in the report are Com- munity Facilities, Future Land Use, and Implementation (funding and town by-law changes).
Six areas of the Community's responsibility to its citizens have been studied, namely, circulation (streets and roads), drainage, sewerage, edu- cation, recreation, and conservation.
CIRCULATION
The circulation system of Acton is very much like the circulation system of the human body. Life depends on it. The activities of all residents of the town are closely related to each other since they are all tied together by a single network of roads, streets and walks.
The present system of roads in Acton is a charming but obsolete antique. The problems involved are compounded by the number of people whose only interest is to get through the town in the shortest time possible. The improvements in our street system recommended by the Comprehensive Plan are most urgent. They are urgent because all the other recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan are dependent upon a firm and efficient road plan.
The changes are easy to accomplish because of public awareness and available help from larger governments, and from the subdivider. The present program of improvements have not and will not keep up with the demands. An accelerated and a different kind of a program is needed.
There are various tools available to provide the means for implement- ing a good road and street plan.
1. Adoption of an official map showing existing and proposed streets. No one may build except on streets shown on the official map of a community or on streets in accepted sub- divisions.
2. Subdivision controls can require the subdivider to construct streets, walkways and parking areas to the specifications of the community.
3. Purchase and construction by the town of streets with or with- out eminent domain.
9
THE TOWN OF ACTON
4. Grants-in-aid are available in Chapters 80 and 90 of the Gen- eral Laws. These programs can solve many of the present problem spots such as intersections, street extensions, improve- ment of pavement widths and repaving.
5. State highway construction can solve some of the problems such as parallel roads along Route 2.
6. Urban renewal funds are available.
7. Capital programming can plan and schedule improvements five or more years ahead.
8. Traffic and engineering studies are essential to specific problems in any program.
9. Betterment assessments for improvements and walkways are an accepted tool.
10. Parking meter fees.
11. Provide building set back lines on all existing ways for sight distance, future walks, and ultimate widening.
A few of the most urgent improvements to the Town circulation system are listed below.
.. There are twenty-five intersections in Acton that need improve- ment to relieve the bottle-necks of traffic.
2. Route 2 needs a bridge at School Street, a cloverleaf at Hosmer, dead ends at Piper and Taylor Streets, parallel streets and improvements at the intersection with Route 111.
For further recommendations which are considered urgent and essential to the community circulation program, please refer to the complete report.
DRAINAGE AND SEWERAGE
The problem of drainage and sewerage is another community responsibility to its citizens studied and reported in the Comprehensive Town Plan. The present inadequacy of many existing surface drainage facilities is a problem of which many citizens are aware from personal experience. The relationship of the high water table at certain locations may be affecting the operation of cesspools and septic tanks and empha- sizes the importance of drainage in connection with the sewerage problem.
The Fort Pond Brook drainage area (South and West Acton) is in the highest priority as far as solutions to the problem are concerned. The construction of town sewerage in this area might be put off for some time by a sound drainage program and strong, reasonable controls over land use, cesspools, septic tanks and new subdivisions.
10
226th ANNUAL REPORT OF
The Nashoba Brook drainage area (North Acton) has no sanitary sewerage problem at the present. This situation could remain indefinitely if future growth is properly handled and controlled.
Recommendations in the Comprehensive Town Plan for solutions to Acton's drainage and sewerage problem are listed below.
Sewerage
1. Compile and analyze specific data for each mal-functioning cess- pool or septic tank as reported to the Board of Health.
2. Initiate a hard-headed building code enforcement program to bring substandard facilities in line with prevailing standards.
3. Analyze and design each new subdivision with respect to a potential future sewer layout to serve all lots in the subdivision.
4. Make application for a temporary Federal loan for general design of sewage treatment facilities for the Fort Pond Brook drainage area only.
Drainage
1. Continue the drainage surveys, studies and plans on an expanded basis and at an accelerated rate.
2. Prepare a detailed study of conditions along Fort Pond Brook and its tributaries and outline a scheduled program for neces- sary improvements in drainage.
3. Require a complete drainage study including grading of lots for each subdivision - with necessary improvements in subdivision to be done by developer.
4. Develop a capital budget program and schedule for drainage studies and improvement program.
EDUCATION
The amount of money spent by a community for educational facilities is often more than is spent on all other community facilities. This being true, it is in the area of educational facilities that a well planned program is most essential. The Comprehensive Town Plan has studied the present facilities for education in Acton and found that they are adequate at this time, but they will not serve the needs of the community in the future.
Two programs have been recommended for the Town to consider in planning for future school needs. The first program has a target date of 1970. The second program has no definite date, but provides for the number of children estimated in the possible population growth in Acton to 40,000. It is predicted that the number of school children in a town
THE TOWN OF ACTON
11
EDUCATION
PROJECTED ENROLLMENTS & FACILITIES PROGRAM
GRADES 1-6
2200-
1
1
2000
1800
1600
FACILITY ACCOMODATION
NUMBER OF PUPILS
1400
31.5 PUPILS / ROOM
27.5 PUPILS/ ROOM_L
1200
1000
PUPILSZ,
800
600
400
200
0
1950
1955
19 60
1965
1970
197X
1965 NEW FACILITY - 12 ROOMS
1970 ADDITION - 4 ROOMS
197X NEW FACILITY -12 ROOMS
ACTON, MASS.
12
226th ANNUAL REPORT OF
EDUCATION
PROJECTED ENROLLMENTS & FACILITIES PROGRAM GRADES 7-12
2200
2000
1800
FACILITY ACCOMODATIONS
r-
7
27 PUPILS / ROOM
24 PUPILS / ROOM
1400
1200
1000
PUPILS7
800
r
600
400
-
200
0
1950
1955
1960
1965
1970
197X
1965 HIGH SCHOOL ADDITION - 13 ROOMS 1970 JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL - 18 ROOMS
ACTON, MASS
NUMBER OF PUPILS
L i
1600
13
THE TOWN OF ACTON
of this size would be approximately 9,300. For the purpose of this summary, only the 1970 target date has been considered. Further details may be found in the complete report.
The projected population figure for the Town of Acton in 1970 is approximately 11,500. An estimated 3,200 children will be in grades from 1-12. While the recent centralization of the schools has resulted in improved quality of education, continued growth in population and inade- quate acreage at the present site for ultimate growth will make centrali- zation impractical as a continued program.
The proposed school program is based on the concept that when 300 or more children live within a one mile walking distance of a good school site, a school should be built there if it fits into the overall town demands. A school so located serves its pupils and neighborhood all day 52 weeks of the year. While there is no lack of good buildable land in Acton, land for schools must be of a particular type. The sites must be large (8 acres or more) to allow for level play fields. They must be located to serve safely and efficiently the homes and neighborhoods where the pupils live. Good school sites in a rapidly growing town must be found far in advance of the actual school need. There is already, in Acton, a scarcity of good school sites in the more populous sections of the town. There is an immediate need to buy sufficient sites for anticipated growth for at least the 1970 target date. Between the time when land is bought and the time when it is used for a school, it can be leased on short term basis or used for recreation.
The Planning Board is firmly convinced that now is the time to begin action on the plans for future educational needs. The 1970 pro- posal, coordinated with the present expansion program as outlined by the School Superintendent, is the first stage of a plan for the future.
The facilities plan calls for a twelve room elementary school near the junction of Summer and Willow Streets, a four room addition to the McCarthy School, and an eighteen room Junior High School adjacent to the present Regional High School.
In April 1961, 270 pupils in grades 1 to 6 could have attended a school at the Summer-Willow Street site from the area within a one-mile walking distance. In 1965, the projected number of pupils in this area is about 350. In September 1970, the estimates indicate about 420 pupils in grades 1 to 6 in this area. The preliminary procedures for the four room addition to the Julia McCarthy School have already been started.
According to the study of educational facilities, the present Regional High School will be operating in excess of its designed capacity in 1965. At about this time, additional secondary facilities will be needed. In 1970, there will be a demand for about 400 more seats. It is recom-
14
226th ANNUAL REPORT OF
mended that a Junior High School of this size be built between 1965 and 1970 adjacent to the present Regional High School. The Junior High School should be placed so that it will not interfere with future High School expansion. It must be recognized that the present High School will not be adequate for the future needs of the town.
Although it is not properly within the ten-year program, another elementary school will be needed so shortly after 1970 that it has been included in this part of the program. The recommended site is at the junction of Hosmer and Forest Roads. In 1960, there were 105 pupils in grades 1 to 6 within the one-mile walking distance area. By 1970, approximately 400 pupils are anticipated in this area.
The first step toward an expanded school system is the acquisition of good school sites. It is the opinion of the Planning Board that land for schools should have the highest priority of any town action. It is recommended that immediate action be initiated to acquire the following sites :
Elementary site A Jct. Willow and Summer 10-20 acres
Elementary site B
Jct. Forest and Hosmer 10-20 acres
Elementary site C
Jct. Arlington and Charter 10-20 acres
Elementary site D
Between High and Main 10-20 acres
Secondary site I Jct. Charter and Hayward 50-75 acres
Secondary site II
Jct. Brook and Main 25-50 acres
RECREATION AND CONSERVATION
While acquiring land which can be used temporarily for recreation purposes, the Town must at the same time consider land to be used for permanent recreation and conservation. As the Town becomes more densely settled, parks, playgrounds and open space become an absolute necessity, not only to provide the amenities desired but in maintaining the property values. It is of the utmost importance that the Town acquire open space for recreation and conservation as rapidly as the financial resources of the Town and private citizens will permit. Development of these areas can be carried out gradually. There is no intent in the Compre- hensive Plan to place all the responsibility for recreation and conservation upon local government. The policy of government which accepts responsi- bility only for those programs and services that cannot be adequately handled by private citizens and organizations is to be continued. There- fore, within the areas of recreation and conservation, the closest coopera- tion between private citizen, private organizations, local government and greater governments must be a primary requirement.
Whether you are a native of Acton or a new resident, one of the rea- sons you live here may be because of the open spaces, fields, and woods,
15
THE TOWN OF ACTON
With the inevitable population growth, Acton is in danger of losing its rural character. In terms of needs, this means that the opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, riding, and communing with nature are fast disappearing. The maintenance and improvement of these opportunities are basic needs for the Town.
At the present time, the recreation facilities do not appear to be sufficient to serve our basic needs. For example, Acton does not have any recreation facilities for adults. Adults may use facilities provided for the children when not in use. There are no facilities for family recreation and there are no parks. The single greatest need in Acton is provision for water recreation: swimming, fishing or boating. If Acton is to provide a well balanced community, land for recreation and conservation must be set aside well ahead of subdivision development or any other type of development.
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