USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Oakham > Town annual reports of the officials of the town of Oakham, Massachusetts 1963 > Part 1
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OAKHAM TOWN REPORT
1903
approx
" The Deacon Allen Place "
OAKHAM
M
TS
1762
SSACHUSE
"THE DEACON ALLEN PLACE"
Sketch by William A. Sampson
The pillared house pictured on the cover, known for many years as "The Deacon Allen Place," is one of the most historic in the village. The name refers to two prominent Oakham citizens, Deacon James Allen, and his son Jesse, both of whom gave a lifetime of service to the town.
The house, once called "Morton's Folly", was built around 1831 by Phineas Morton, who, in August of that year married Sarah Ann Fairbank. Shortly after her death in November, 1832, Galen A. Crawford, fourth son of Alexander 2d, the gunsmith, purchased the place and completed work on it. For a time it became a two- family residence when Mr. Crawford rented the ell and one upstairs room to the Leonard P. Lovell family.
In 1858, the year after the death of Galen Crawford, Deacon James Allen, who, with his family had occupied a tenament in the Fairbank house, bought it. At the time they moved into their new home Jesse was eleven years old. Following the death of James Allen in 1870, the place came into the possession of Deacon Jesse, who made it his home for the remainder of his life. It was he who planted the elm trees on the lawn, which added beauty and shade to the street and home until this past fall, when the last one, which had become diseased, was removed.
Deacon James Allen died in 1922. Two years later his daugh- ters, Miss Eva Allen, and Mrs. Alice Malcolm, sold the property to the present owner, Mrs. Gladys Spies of Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
ANNUAL REPORTS
Of The TOWN OFFICIALS Of The
Town of Oakham, Massachusetts
Year Ending December 31, 1963
Barre Gazette Barre, Mass.
In Memory of John Fitzgerald Kennedy
To the Citizens of Oakham:
It is our pleasure to submit to you, for your information and consideration, the annual reports of the various officials, committees and departments of the town for the year ending December 31, 1963.
While it will be difficult to equal the honors received by our 1962 "Bicentennial Issue" which was judged the best in its population group in both the Massachusetts Selectmen's and the New England Council for Economic Development's contests we are sure that the continued fine reports submitted by your town officials will insure a report that will be a credit to our community.
Coming after our eventful Bicentennial Anniversary cele- bration, the year 1963 seemed relatively quiet and affairs of the town were more or less routine in nature. No new pro- jects were started during the year and the progress on the pro- posed junior-senior high school for the towns of Barre, Hard- wick, Hubbardston and Oakham came to a grinding stop when Hardwick failed to approve the incurring of debt for site pur- chase and planning costs.
Now, after having taken time to reflect and to get our feet back on the ground, we feel that we are in a good position to resume the steady progress that has characterized our town during the past few years.
Again we wish to thank the people of the town for their interest and cooperation and for giving us the opportunity to serve them throughout the year.
Respectfully
JOHN P. O'DONNELL ROGER H. LONERGAN WALTER W. NELSON Board of Selectmen
3
ANNUAL REPORTS
Town Officers for 1963
THREE YEAR TERMS
Town Clerk
DOROTHY P. DAY Term expires 1964
Selectmen
JOHN P. O'DONNELL Term expires 1964
ROGER H. LONERGAN, Chairman and Clerk
Term expires 1965
WALTER W. NELSON Term expires 1966
Assessors
LUDWICK SZCZUKA Term expires 1964
W. FRANCIS BRENNAN Term expires 1965
CHESTER M. ROOD, Chairman
Term expires 1966
Board of Health and Board of Public Welfare
JOHN P. O'DONNELL Term expires 1964
ROGER H. LONERGAN,
Chairman, Board of Public Welfare
Term expires 1965
WALTER W. NELSON,
Chairman, Board of Health
Term expires 1966
School Committee
MARY H. PARSONS, Clerk Term expires 1964
FREDERICK G. STONE, Chairman
NORMAN L. DROLET
Term expires 1965 Term expires 1966
Library Trustees
DOROTHY V. LUPA, Clerk Term expires 1964
FANNIE B. M. TUCKER Term expires 1965 RONALD W. WILKINS, Chairman Term expires 1966
Cemetery Committee
NELSON E. MAYO to July 7 CALVIN C. STEWART,
Chairman and Clerk, from July 7 DONALD C. AGAR, elected March 4 to fill
Term expires 1964
unexpired term of Frederick G. Stone Term expires 1965 THEODORE F. MURPHY Term expires 1966
1
ANNUAL REPORTS
Constables
WALTER E. COLE Term expires 1965
O. HAROLD ERICKSON
Term expires 1965
LEONARD A. HARDY Term expires 1965
ROGER H. LONERGAN Term expires 1965
GEORGE H. PARKMAN, to Feb. 14 Term expires 1965
FREDERICK G. STONE Term expires 1965
FIVE YEAR TERMS Planning Board
RUSSELL E. CROMBIE Term expires 1964
W. FRANCIS BRENNAN Term expires 1965
ELOISE A. KUHNER, Chairman
Term exipres 1966
CHARLES R. DEAN, Clerk Term expires 1967
RICHARD G. RILEY
Term expires 1968
ONE YEAR TERMS
Moderator FREDERICK H. LANE
Tax Collector MAUDE M. STONE
Treasurer RICHARD G. HARDSOG
Auditor JAMES BARRINGER
Tree Warden H. ROSCOE CRAWFORD
Fence Viewers DONALD C. AGAR WALTER W. NELSON VERNO S. TUCKER
Measurers of Wood and Bark ALFRED B. MORSE CHARLES R. DEAN WALTER A. WOODIS
Measurers of Lumber ALFRED B. MORSE CHARLES R. DEAN WALTER A. WOODIS
Field Drivers WILLIAM C. DERMODY STUART T. GLENDYE JOHN L. WIDING
5
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
Departmental Reports
4.3
4.6
4.8
'61
'62
'63
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Reports of the
Town Clerk
Board of Selectmen
Tax Collector
Town Treasurer
Accounting Officer Planning Board
Bicentennial Celebration Committee
Regional School District Planning Committee
6
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
REPORT OF THE TOWN CLERK
Vital Records of 1963 Birth 1962 - Delayed Return
December
6-Cynthia Sara Spinney, daughter of Herman A. and Carol R. (Burnham) Spinney, Jr.
Births - 1963
March
13-Kelly Ann Moulton, daughter of Richard Edward and Barbara Joan (Madsen) Moulton.
29-Mary Jane Allen, daughter of Roy John and Patricia Ann (Wood) Allen, Jr.
November
11-Arthur James Bealand, son of Arthur Frederick and June (White) Bealand.
20-Michele Antoinette Fontaine, daughter of Albert Rudolph and Valena Nancy (Bechan) Fontaine
December
6-Leroy Eugene Wilson, son of Gordon Proctor and Nancy Elaine (Fales) Wilson.
Marriages - 1963
February
16-Jordan A. Dean, Oakham, and Verna A. Tucker, Oakham. April
6-James F. Zelnia, Oakham, and Connie R. Kinner, South Barre.
May
4-Kurt David Nimtz, Hardwick, and Martha Ann Bealand, Oakham.
18-Charles E. Jodray, Oakham, and Theresa (Bouchard) Magaw, Oakham.
June
8-Albert R. Fontaine, Oakham, and Valena N. Bechan, Oakham.
22-Ronald Edward Chestna, Oakham, and Sharon Louise White, Princeton.
29-Richard Paul Veaudry, Paxton, and Isabelle Mae Dupre, Paxton.
7
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
September
7-George J. Fontaine, Oakham, and Sigrid L. Zappe, Wor- cester. 7-John F. Stockenberg, Worcester, and Judith M. Wojcik, Oakham.
Deaths
January
Y
M
D
17-Henry U. Crawford
93
4
16
February
14-George H. Parkman
52
2
26
June
14-Doris (Prevost) Randleman July
58
0
20
22-Leslie C. Arms
70
4
4
October
21-Evelina (Duquette) L'Heureux
74
0
6
December
1-Mary M. (Marshalitis) Zukus
80
-
-
Non-Residents buried in Town
Date of Death
Y
M
D
February
11-David H. Robinson
81
3
1
April
26-Alice (Allen) Malcolm
79
6
13
May
24-Hazel (Stevens) Grimes
74
3
17
August
16-Mae (Ayres) Brown
83
1 10
Dog Licenses
63 Males at $2.00
$126.00
2 Males at $2.00 for 1962
4.00
24 Females at $5.00
120.00
39 Spayed Females at $2.00
78.00
128
$328.00
Fees retained, $.25 each
32.00
Net Return
$296.00
The money received for dog licenses, less the fees retained by the clerk, is sent each month to the town treasurer, who remits it twice a year to the county treasurer. The receipts
8
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
from the sixty cities and towns are placed in the County Dog Fund, a part of which is spent for such administrative expenses as the salary of the county dog officer, license books, tags, and report forms.
Another portion covers expenses relating directly to dogs, including reimbursements to owners of livestock for damage done by dogs, fees to persons appraising such damage, the destroying of unwanted stray dogs, payment for the board of lost dogs, if their owners cannot be found, and reimbursement for rabies vaccine and antirabies serum purchased by local officials.
These categories of expense use only a part of the Dog Fund. The balance is divided proportionately among the county cities and towns, where it must be used for either schools or libraries. In Oakham, the dog tax refund, which amounts to approximately $180 annually is added to the library appropriation each year.
So, when dog owners purchase licenses, they not only receive a means of identification for their pets, aid farmers who have suffered livestock damage, provide for the care of stray dogs, furnish medication for persons who have been ex- posed to rabies, but also help support an educational institu- tion - in Oakham, our Fobes Memorial Library.
Sporting Licenses
32 Fishing at $4.25
$136.00
47 Hunting at $4.25
199.75
33 Sporting at $7.25 239.25
7 Minor Fishing at $2.25 15.75
8 Female Fishing at $3.25
26.00
1 Special Non-Resident Fishing at $4.25 4.25
3 Duplicate at $.50 1.50
7 Sporting and Trapping - Free
.00
138
$622.50
Fees retained, $.25 each, except duplicate and free
32.00
Net Return
590.50
4 Archery Deer Stamps at $1.10
4.40
Fees retained at $. 10 each 40
Net Return 4.00
Total Net Return $594.50
Town clerks send the amount received for sporting licenses, less fees, to the Division of Fisheries and Game, Bos-
9
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
ton, on the first Monday of each month. The revenue is used for the enforcement of fish and game laws, the maintenance of game farms and fish hatcheries, and conservation programs of benefit not only to sportsmen, but to all who enjoy the out- of-doors.
As a result of a suggestion made by an employee of the Division, the various forms for resident and non-resident hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses have been reduced in number from 14 to 2. The change will simplify the work of clerks, and will save an estimated $10,000 annually in printing costs.
Form 34A covers 8 categories of fishing and 3 of trapping licenses; Form 34B includes 3 kinds each of sporting and hunt- ing licenses with the deer tags attached. The clerk puts an X in the space under the name of the license to be issued and rules out the others. In addition to signing the license, each purchaser writes the amount paid, a new requirement for 1964.
Before ordering the 1965 supplies, the Division plans to review the experiences of sportsmen and clerks with the new forms. Your clerk will be glad to pass on to the director any suggestions she receives concerning them.
Filed
In accordance with the Uniform Commercial Code, 43 Financing and 2 Termination Statements.
ACTION TAKEN AT TOWN MEETINGS DURING 1963
Special Meeting - February 2, 2 P.M.
Article 1
It was voted unanimously that the report of the Regional School District Panning Committee be accepted.
Article 2
The motion was made that the town accept the provisions of Sections 16 to Sixteen I, inclusive, of Chapter 71 of the General Laws, providing for the establishment of a re- gional school district, together with the towns of Barre, Hardwick, and Hubbardston, and the construction, main- tenance, and operation of a regional school by the said dis- trict in accordance with the provisions of a proposed agreement with the selectmen; also that the question be put to a vote by printed ballot, a procedure which, with the approval of the assembly, was followed.
Following a discussion and after those present had cast
10
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
their ballots, the moderator declared a recess until 4 P.M. to enable everyone to vote who wished to do so. A quo- rum was present at all times during the recess.
The results of the voting were:
Yes 130
No 26
The assembly gave the committee who had served on the Regional Committee a rising vote of thanks for their ex- cellent work on that committee and for their part in the preparation of the report. Oakham members were Max H. Kuhner, Roger H. Lonergan, and Willard C. Ruther- ford.
Special Meeting - February 11, 7:30 P.M.
Article 1
It was voted to authorize the Selectmen to purchase a new automatic sander for the Highway Department and to turn in the automatic sander now owned by the town in part payment therefor, and that the sum of $1,500 be appropriated from the Highway Machinery Fund and the sum of $1,500 be borrowed under the provisions of Chapter 44, Section 7 of the General Laws to pay the balance due, payments on the loan to be made on the notes of the town as they become due.
Voting was by show of hands, 22 being in favor, I opposed. 26 voters were present at the meeting.
ANNUAL MEETING - March 4 Polling Hours 12M to 8 P.M. Business Meeting 8 P.M.
Votes on election of officers have been omitted. For ap- propriations not included, see department reports and the list of appropriations in the financial reports. Unless otherwise stated, votes were unanimous.
Article 1
It was voted that the Annual Reports be accepted as print- ed. Voting was by show of hands, 35 being in favor, 17 opposed.
Article 2
Election of officers and committees by printed ballot.
11
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Article 3
Choosing of committees not required to be elected by ballot.
Article 4
Fixing the salaries and compensation of elective town officers. In the motion for this article, $200, an increase of $75 over last year's figure was recommended for school committee salaries. At the request of the moderator, a motion was made that Article 4 be set aside until action had been taken on Article 22, which related to an increase of school committee salaries. Voting was by voice vote, all but 2 being in favor.
A motion was made under Article 22 that the salaries of the school committee be fixed as follows: $100 each for two members and $125 for the member acting as clerk. After a discussion in which the suggestion was made that the expense account appropriation rather than the salaries be increased, the motion was withdrawn. An amendment was then offered to the motion under Article 4, that the $200 suggested for school committee salaries be reduced to last year's figure of $125. The vote was by show of hands, 47 being in favor, 39 opposed.
The original motion under Article 4, as amended, was unanimously approved, fixing the salaries and compen- sation of elective officers as follows:
Moderator
$ 20.00
Selectmen
350.00
Auditor
20.00
Treasurer
400.00
Tax Collector
400.00
Assessors
400.00
Town Clerk
150.00
School Committee 125.00
Library Trustees
45.00
Cemetery Committee
45.00
$1,955.00
Article 5
It was voted that the matter of determining what compen- sation the town will allow for men and equipment used in repairing highways and opening roads be left in the hands of the selectmen.
12
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
Article 6
Raising and appropriating, or appropriating from avail- able funds in the treasury sums of money to pay salaries, expenses, and outlays of the several town departments for the ensuing year. Action on two of the items follows. Under Public Assistance and Administration, $10,500 was recommended in the motion. That amount was re- duced by an amendment to $8,500 by a vote of 44 to 19. Under Schools, $200 was recommended for school com- mittee salaries, and $78,262.09 for school general ex- penses. An amendment, which was accepted unani- mously, reduced the amount of salaries to $125, and in- creased the amount for general expenses to $78,352.09 to allow for increased school committee expenses. Article 7
It was voted that the treasurer be authorized, with the approval of the selectmen, to borrow, during the current fiscal year, in anticipation of the revenue of said year, such sums of money as may be necessary for the current expenses of the town, giving the note or notes of the town therefor, these notes to be paid from the revenue of said fiscal year.
Article 8
That the sum of $1,100 be raised and appropriated to meet the town's share of the cost of Chapter 81 Highway Maintenance, and that the sum of $12,100 be borrowed under the provisions of Article 7 to meet the state's share of the cost of the work.
Article 9
That the sum of $2,000 be raised and appropriated to meet the town's share of the cost of Chapter 90 Highway Maintenance, and that the sum of $4,000 be borrowed under the provisions of Article 7 to meet the state's and the county's share of the cost of the work.
Article 10
That the sum of $3,000 be raised and appropriated to meet the town's share of the cost of Chapter 90 High- way Construction, and that the sum of $9,000 be bor- rowed under the provisions of Article 7 to meet the state's and county's share of the cost of the work, these funds to be used for improvements to New Braintree Road.
An amendment to the motion was made that new con-
13
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
struction under Chapter 90 be let out to competitive bid- ding and be done under bond. Vote on the amendment was by show of hands. The amendment failed to pass, 69 being opposed, 13 in favor.
The motion was then made that the vote on the original motion be by written ballot. This also failed, when, by show of hands, 21 voted no, 6 yes.
The original motion was then voted upon by a show of hands, 40 voting yes, 11 no. The moderator declared the motion carried.
Article 11
That the sum of $500 be appropriated from the Overlay Surplus for the purposes of a reserve fund.
Article 12 /'
The motion was made that the sum of $1,000 be transfer- red from the Highway Machinery Fund to the Highway Machinery Account, $250 to be used for the purchase of a brush cutter, the balance for ordinary maintenance. An amendment that $1,950.58, instead of $1,000, be transferred, was adopted by a show of hands vote, 53 be- ing in favor, 5 opposed. The original motion, as amend- ed, was accepted by a unanimous vote.
Article 13
It was voted that the Board of Assessors be authorized and instructed to appropriate the sum of $8,000 from avail- able funds in the treasury for the purpose of reducing the tax levy for the current year.
Article 14
That the trust fund of $50 received from Dr. John H. Neelley for perpetual care of the east half of Lot 38A in Pine Grove Cemetery, be accepted.
Article 15
That the report of the Bicentennial Anniversary Celebra- tion Committee as printed on pages 6 to 13 inclusive, of the Annual Reports for 1962, be accepted, and that the Committee be continued for one more year to complete any unfinished business, also that the Committee be giv- en a rising vote of thanks. The vote was followed by applause. Members of the Committee: LeRoy C. Spin- ney, Chairman; John Robinson, Treasurer; Howard S. Dean, Secretary; Willard C. Rutherford, and Robert P. Wile.
14
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
Article 16
The motion that the sum of $500 be raised and appropri- ated to oil a section of Foley Road, failed to pass.
Article 17
The article was withdrawn because the question regard- ing the acceptance of Section 111 of Chapter 41 of the General Laws, providing for vacations for certain town employees, must appear on the state election ballot.
Article 18
The motion that the town vote to raise and appropriate $340 for vacation pay for the highway employees was withdrawn, when it was explained that a by-law relating to vacations for town employees must be drawn up and acted upon before money for vacations can be voted.
Article 19
The question appeared on the printed ballot. The vote was 89 to 63 in favor of accepting Section 6C of Chapter 40 of the General Laws, which authorizes cities and towns to appropriate money for the removel of snow and ice from private ways therein open to public use. Article 20
It was voted that the town accept Section 6F of Chapter 40 of the General Laws authorizing the town to make cer- tain repairs on private ways which have been opened to the public for six years or more.
Article 21 - relating to the abolishment of the office of town auditor. The article was withdrawn after the clerk read a letter from Arthur H. Mackinnon, Director of Ac- counts, stating that under present circumstances, the office of auditor could not be abolished. Mr. Lonergan, chairman of the selectmen, explained that in order to abolish the office, the town would have to vote to have the selectmen appoint an accountant, who must be a resi- dent of the town. At present the town has no accountant but does employ an accounting officer, who does not re- side in town.
Article 22
See action under Articles 4 and 6.
Article 23
The motion was made that the town purchase Dean Reservoir together with all rights appurtenant or con- nected with the same, including the dam at said Reser- voir, and that the sum of $1,700 be raised and appropri-
15
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
ated to meet the cost of purchase and legal expenses in acquiring the same.
Following a discussion an amendment was unanimously accepted that action on the matter be postponed for 90 days.
The original motion, as finally amended, provided also that the town raise and appropriate $200 for legal fees to investigate the feasibility of buying Dean Reservoir, the dam, and water rights.
Article 24
The motion that the article be tabled was defeated by a show of hands vote of 41 to 25.
It was then voted that the selectmen be authorized to petition the Massachusetts Electric Company to install one street light on North Brookfield Road, in the vici- nity of property owned by Adam Chestna. There were 2 opposing votes.
Article 25
The motion was made that the sum of $5,123.18, or any sum less than this amount, be appropriated from available funds in the treasury, if and when such sums are received from the Commonwealth, for use to make permanent repairs to Barre Road.
An amendment was made and withdrawn that the money be spent on Rutland Road instead of Barre Road. An amendment that the article be tabled was defeated by a vote of 38 to 15.
The original motion, accepting the provisions of the arti- cle, was approved with several dissenting votes. Article 26
It was voted that the town purchase a resuscitator and that the sum of $500 be raised and appropriated to meet the cost thereof.
179 voters, 57.7% of the 310 registered, cast ballots in the election of town officers. 86 voters, 27.7% of those registered attended the business meeting.
Total amount to be raised and appropriated - $130,264.74, which is $6,227.21 more than was voted at the annual meeting of 1962.
Special Meeting - May 27, 8 P.M.
Article 1 - relating to the purchase of Dean Reservoir.
It was voted that the article be tabled. Voting was by show of hands, 47 being in favor, 12 opposed.
16
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
Article 2
That the town By-Laws be amended by adding the fol- lowing chapter and sections:
Chapter VI Vacation Rules and Regulations
SECTION 1 The vacation year of the Town shall be the period from July Ist to June 30th, inclusive. SECTION 2 All employees of the Town except emer- gency employees and persons employed by the School Department shall be credited with vacation leave, with pay, as follows:
Every employee of the Town subject to the provisions of the first paragraph of this section, who is in the employment of the Town on July Ist of any vaca- tion year and has actually worked for the Town for forty weeks in the aggregate during the twelve months preceding the first day of July in such vacation year shall be granted vacation leave of two weeks without loss of pay.
SECTION 3 Heads of the respective departments shall grant vacation leaves at such times as, in their opinions, will cause the least interference with the performance of the regular work of the Town.
SECTION 4 Heads of the respective departments shall grant vacation leaves in the vacation year in which they become due, unless, in their opinion, it is impossible or impracticable to do so because of work schedules or emergencies. In no event shall vacation credits be car- ried over for more than one vacation year.
Voting was by written ballot. 47 voted in favor; 21 were opposed.
Article 3
That the sum of $340 be appropriated from unappropri- ated available funds in the treasury to meet the cost of vacation pay for certain town employees.
Voting was by written ballot. 49 were in favor; 21 were opposed.
Article 4
That the sum of $700 be transferred from the Highway Machinery Fund to the Highway Machinery Account. The vote was unanimous.
70 voters attended the meeting.
Attorney General Edward W. Brooke approved the by-law adopted under Article 2 on June 7, 1963.
17
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Special Meeting - August 16, 8 P.M.
Article 1
The motion was made that the town purchase Dean Res- ervoir, together with all rights appurtenant or con- nected with the same including the dam at said reservoir, and that the sum fo $1,500 be appropriated from unap- propriated available funds in the treasury to meet the cost of purchase thereof.
An amendment was unanimously accepted "and that the Planning Board of the Town of Oakham is hereby re- quested to study and report with recommendations to the next annual town meeting, the desirability of creat- ing a Conservation Commission of this town to acquire and hold this and other lands and rights in perpetuity for the benefit of all citizens of the Town and their heirs." The vote on the motion as amended, was by written ballot. 47 voted in favor; 38 were opposed. The mode- rator declared that the motion failed to pass, since a two-thirds vote is necessary for the purchase of land by a town.
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