Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1954-1955, Part 1

Author: Wilmington (Mass.)
Publication date: 1954
Publisher: Town of Wilmington
Number of Pages: 210


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1954-1955 > Part 1


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1954


TOWN OF WILMINGTON Massachusetts


TOWN OF WILMINGTON


COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS


To:


HERBERT C. BARROWS


GREETINGS:


WHEREAS you have well and faithfully served the Town of Wilmington for sixty years, in which time you have never missed one town meeting, regular or special, and


VIEREAS you have since 1907 continuously served the Town of Wilmington in public office and have served as a Selectman for eight years and a member of the Finance Committee for thirty years, twenty five years as chairman, and


WHEREAS you have always freely given of your knowledge and effort, thereby greatly benefitting the Town of Wilmington.


THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That We, the Inhabitants of the Town of Wilmington, in Town Meeting assembled, on this this teenth day of March, 1954, do record our gratitude to Herbert C. Barrows in oppre- ciation of his many services.


This resolution is to be spread upon the town records and an engrossed copy sent to your family.


Henry J. Lawler


Simon Cutter


Moderator of the Town of Wilmington


Faire m. Drew 60 H. Bliss


Selectmen of the Town of Wilmington


352


132


WILMINGTON HONORS SIXTY YEARS OF SERVICE (1. to r. ) Town Moderator Simon Cutter, Representative Frank Tanner, Retired Town Acct. Harry Deming, Chairm. of the Bd. of Selectmen Henry Lawler, Finance Committee Chairman Herbert C. Barrows, and Representative Charles Wilkinson.


CLASS OF SERVICE


WESTERN UNION


1220


SYMBOLS


This is a full-rate Telegram or Cable- gram unless its de- ferred character is in- dicated by a suitable symbol above or pre- ceding the address.


DL=Day Letter


NL=Night Letter


LT=Int'l Letret Telegtam


VLT=Int'I Victory Lrr.


W P. MARSHALL PRESIDENT


The filing time shown in the date line on telegrams and day letters is STANDARD TIME at point of origin. Time of receipt is STANDARD TIME at point of destination


LD000 PD=BOSTON MASS MAR 13 1954


CHARLES H BLACK, CHAIRMAN BOARD OF SELECTMEN=


IN TOWN MEETING SATURDAY MARCH 13 J W GREER CO CAFETERIA=WILMINGTON MASS=


MAY I EXPRESS MY HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS TO HERBERT C. BARROWS. CHAIRMAN OF THE WILMINGTON FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR HIS LONG AND LOYAL SERVICE TO HIS COMMUNITY.


A RESIDENT OF WILMINGTON WHO HAS NOT MISSED A TOWN MEETING IN MORE THAN 60 YEARS AND A TOWN OFFICIAL IN MANY DIFFERENT CAPACITIES CONTINUOUSLY SINCE 1907 HE HAS DEVOTED THE GREATER PART OF HIS LIFE IN THE SERVICE OF HIS FELLOW CITIZENS. THE TRIBUTE BEING PAID HIM TODAY IS CERTAINLY WELL DESERVED. AND THE TOWN IS TO BE CONGRATULATED FOR ITS APPRECIATION OF HIS SERVICE.


WITH MY BEST WISHES TO THE CITIZENS OF WILMINGTON FOR A SUCCESSFUL TOWN MEETING AND MY WARMEST PERSONAL REGARDS=


CHRISTIAN A HERTER GOVERNOR OF THE COMMONWEALTH


In Memoriam Edwin J. Twomey 1954


1898


Edwin J. Twomey was born in Somerville, Massachusetts, on March 8, 1898 and moved to Wilmington at a very early age. Two years after graduating from Wilmington High School, he enlisted in the U. S. Army to


serve in World War I, upon completion of which he entered the employ of the steamship company with which he was associated until the time of his death.


Despite the pressure of business as District Manager of his company, he so loved Wilmington that he found time and took great pleasure in serving the Town in many non-elective capacities.


He was a charter member of American Legion Post 136, and served on the Wilmington Finance Committee for many years. He was also Chairman of the Wilmington Rationing Board during World War II, a member of the Additional School Accommodations Committee, a member of the


Wilmington Planning Board, 'and a Director of the Mechanics Savings Bank.


He served willingly and without thought of himself. His passing is a loss to the entire community.


5


WILMINGTON'S BOARD OF SELECTMEN


(1. to r. ) Chairman Joseph H. Woods, Clerk Mrs. Olive M. Sheldon, Town Manager Joseph F. Courtney, Selectmen E. Hayward Bliss, Mrs. Wavie Drew and Charles H. Black.


To the Citizens of Wilmington:


We herewith transmit the 1954 Town Report of the Town of Wilmington for your consideration.


Every effort has been made to provide a concise and readable history of your Town government for the past year. It is a larger size report than previous ones in the hope that it will be easier to read - a requirement of good reporting.


In the following pages you can review the considerable accom- plishments of a difficult twelve months marked by two hurricanes, and the successful search for a competent replacement for our first Town Manager. Despite these interruptions in the normal course of Town business, Wilmington compiled an enviable record for the year 1954 - second to no other community in the Commonwealth; - a record which firmly established a foundation for the orderly and progressive growth of our Town, and the sensible and efficient disposition of Town affairs.


Very truly yours, BOARD OF SELECTMEN


Joseph H. Woods, Chairman Charles H. Black E. Hayward Bliss Wavie M. Drew


6


table of contents


TABLE OF CONTENTS


Page


Page


Wildwood School


Cover


Police Department


24


Board of Selectmen


6


Board of Public Welfare 26


Table of Contents


7


Veterans Agent


26


Directory of Officials


8


Sealer Wts. Measures 27


1954 Accomplishments


10


Board of Assessors


28


The Job Ahead


11


Tree Warden 31


Town Manager's Report


12


Housing Authority


32


Collector of Taxes


15


Town Counsel 33


Town Clerk


16


Water Commissioners 35


Treasurer


17


Board of Health


36


National Service Officer


17


Highway Department 40


Registrar of Voters


18


Hurricane Snapshots 42


Cemetery Commissioners 18


New Industry 43


Building Inspector


19


Jury List 45


Library


20


Town Meeting Record 47


Constable


21


Warrant - Annual Mtg.


60


Fire Department


22


Town Accountant 63


Planning Board


23


Fire Call Signals


(inside) Back Cover


At Your Service


Back Cover


7


DIRECTORY OF OFFICIALS


BOARD OF SELECTMEN Joseph H. Woods, Chairman Charles H. Black E. Hayward Bliss Wavie M. Drew Henry J. Lawler (resigned)


SCHOOL COMMITTEE Arthur V. Lynch, Chairman Eleanor F. Grimes, Secretary Ernest M. Crispo Ruth M. Gratcyk John J. Hartnett Warren Willis (resigned)


TOWN MODERATOR Simon Cutter


TOWN MANAGER Joseph F. Courtney


SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS John J. Collins


BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS


APPEAL, BOARD OF Joseph A. Maynard, Chairman Winston S. Chamberlin, Member


Walter L. Hale, Jr., Member Howard Woolaver, Member Roland D. Fuller, Associate Member James B. Moore, Associate Member Russell E. Pilling, Associate Member


ASSESSORS, BOARD OF Alfred Calabrese, Chairman Louis T. Doucette Olive M. Sheldon


CARTER LECTURE FUND COM. Helen Hayward, Secretary Guy E. Nichols, Treasurer Alice M. Allen Mildred E. Neilson


CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS Guy E. Nichols, Chairman William S. Cavanaugh Joseph B. McMahon


FINANCE COMMITTEE Herbert C. Barrows, Chairman William P. Curtin, Secretary Charles Allgrove, Jr. Frank J. Hadley John G. Hayward Ralph Kelmon Frank P. Stevens William A. Stickney Stanley Webber


HEALTH, BOARD OF Francis J. Haggerty, Chairman Dr. Gaius Harmon, Secretary Vinal E. Lewis


HOUSING AUTHORITY William A. Anderson, Chairman Fred T. Corum, Vice-Chairman Ralph R. Currier, Secretary Gardner I. Ritchie, Treasurer James M. Pipes


LIBRARY TRUSTEES Philip B. Buzzell, Chairman Frankline E. Allen, Secretary May Hadley Esther C. Hall Elizabeth N. Neilson Evelyn Norton


PLANNING BOARD John A. Ritchie, Chairman Elmer H. Woller, Secretary John Robert Evans Claude Helwig William K. Irwin Robert Meserve Robert J. Robinson


REGISTRARS, BOARD OF F. Talbot Emery, Chairman Mary E. Gilligan, Clerk William I. Coffin Joseph P. Ring


TRUSTEES OF TRUST FUNDS Philip B. Buzzell, Chairman Harold E. Melzar Edward M. Neilson


WATER COMMISSIONERS Harold E. Melzar, Chairman Alden N. Eames Waldo Stevens


WELFARE, BOARD OF Florence Balkus Maurice D. O'Neil Andrew P. Ring


c


OFFICERS & DEPARTMENT HEADS


ACCOUNTANT Robert H. Peters


ANIMAL INSPECTOR Ralph B. Odiorne


BUILDING INSPECTOR Ernest B. Rice, Sr.


CEMETERY SUPERINTENDENT Ernest W. Eames


CIVIL DEFENSE DIRECTOR Thomas Lafionatis


CLERK Mary E. Gilligan


COLLECTOR Miriam H. Ware


CONSTABLE Harry J. Ainsworth


COUNSEL Philip B. Buzzell


DOG OFFICER Leo E. LeBlanc


EXTENSION SERVICE DIRECTOR John R. Evans


FIRE CHIEF Arthur J. Boudreau


HEALTH AGENT Patrick A. Thibeau


HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT James H. White


LIBRARIAN Clara Chipman


MILK INSPECTOR Patrick A. Thibeau


MOTH SUPERINTENDENT John Wm. Babine


NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICER James J. Sayre


NURSE, SCHOOL Esther Nichols, R. N.


NURSE, PUBLIC HEALTH Ann E. Butters, R. N.


PLUMBING INSPECTOR Herbert Pickering


PHYSICIAN TO BOARD OF HEALTH Gerald A. Fagan


POLICE CHIEF Paul J. Lynch


SANATARIAN Patrick A. Thibeau


SEALER WEIGHTS & MEASURES Samuel P. Pike


SLAUGHTERING INSPECTOR Herbert Thrush


TREASURER Grace Tilley


TREE WARDEN John Wm. Babine


VETERANS' AGENT Frederick Horton


WATER SUPERINTENDENT Edmund H. Sargent


WELFARE AGENT Walter G. Buckle


9


accomplishments - 1954


... new purchasing system installed.


. new accounting system installed, including pre -audit, encumbrance procedure to provide accurate financial information and control.


1954 completed without unpaid bills.


1954 completed without a deficit in any appropriation.


. new sub -division regulations adopted by the Planning Board which guarantee the installation of all improvements at cost to the developer - thereby, eliminating any cost to the taxpayer for streets, water, sidewalks, etc. in new sub-divisions.


zoning by-law amended to require larger building lots which reduces sanitation problem and preserves character of the Town.


. first detailed analytical budget prepared and submitted to the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee.


capital outlay planning program initiated.


new high school addition under construction.


. assessors' records revised and streamlined for greater accuracy and efficiency, thereby reducing the number of illegal assessments and providing improved service to taxpayers.


. industrial expansion program continued with the construction of several new and expanded industrial facilities.


. development of new well field started.


. advisory committee on juvenile problems established to explore means of antici - pating and preventing juvenile delinquency.


. over $20, 000 in interest saved by new technique of managing bond issue for construction of high school addition.


. new regulations to control the operation of sand and gravel pits adopted by the Board of Selectmen.


10


the job ahead


. employment of a full -time Town Engineer.


reappraisal of all property and the acquisition of detailed tax maps by a firm of professional appraisers.


complete rezoning of Wilmington and modernization of the zoning by-law to protect residential property and to encourage industrial development, particularly along the new Route 28.


. continue to develop a long-range capital outlay program for the systematic financing of new facilities and equipment, and the stabilization of the tax rate at a level consistent with Wilmington's ability to pay.


. employment of a special police officer to concentrate on juvenile and traffic problems in accordance with recommendations of advisory committee on juvenile problems.


develop plans for a new commercial center, new Town Hall, and railroad station.


continue to improve the purchasing system.


continue efforts to obtain State funds to dredge the Ipswich River channel and open land-locked swamp areas.


. prepare a comprehensive classification and compensation plan to cover all Town employees.


continue industrial expansion program by effectively selling the competitive advantages of Wilmington.


maximum utilization of addressograph facilities and the continued mechanization and streamlining of Town Hall office procedures for greater efficiency and economy.


establish a Well Baby Clinic to extend our preventive health program.


undertake a systematic program for the widening of narrow streets and the straightening of dangerous curves.


establish a routine highway maintenance crew to clean systematically culverts, catch basins, drainage ditches, and correct minor damage to streets.


construct a new athletic and recreational center at the rear of the High School.


. improve facilities at Silver Lake Beach.


expand the Civil Defense program to protect the Town in event of natural or military emergencies.


employ women as school traffic patrol supervisors to increase protection for school children.


. apply the Betterment Act to the acceptance and improvment of new streets.


11


town manager


,


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:


Gentlemen:


I herewith transmit the Annual Report of the Town Manager for the year 1954.


Essential to the consideration of every other item of Town business is the simple fact that barely one-third of the annual budget is subject to the effective control d the Board of Selectmen and the Town Manager.


Simultaneously we are entrusted with the broadest responsibility for managing the affairs of the Town and intelli- gently guiding its future development.


At best this is a challenge of awkward proportions - and is immeasurably complicated by the impact of the un- anticipated growth of population and the resulting demand for services far beyond the financial capacity of Wilmington. The increasing cost of government constantly tends to exceed the available supply of new revenue to meet these obligations. The school situation alone illustrates the magnitude of the problem.


From the vantage point of hindsight we can demonstrate that most of Wilmington's difficulties today are traceable directly to the lack of planning in past years - a circumstance we share in common with other suburban communities on the "fringe" of metropolitan centers. This is not to imply criticism on those who exercised responsibility in other years - at best, the gift of prophesy is a rare talent, and is difficult to apply lacking adequate funds and facilities and a desperate sense of urgency.


Nevertheless, eventually we must extricate the Town from a proliferation of two-inch water mains, from roads constructed without adequate attention to drainage, from ill-planned developments without improvements or even roads of minimum width, from a see-saw tax rate, from an obsolete zoning by-law and map which neither attracts industrial develop- ment nor adequately protects residential property, from uneconomic water main extensions that have forced the Water Dept. into a position of virtual bankruptcy, from archaic administrative, purchasing, accounting and budgeting practices which practically invited unpaid bills and appropriation deficits, from an Assessor's office crippled by inadequate records and plans The list is long, but after acknowledging these specifications, we can offer no excuse to future years for any lack of fore - sight on our part. Nor can we deny our debt to the many substantial accomplishments of recent years by those entrusted with the administration of Town government.


12


In 1954 several major problems selected for their strategic importance in the total scheme of Town government were isolated and generally resolved. Among these were: -


1. The institution of stringent purchasing controls which enabled us to end the year without unpaid bills. The present system is still unwiedly and requires further attention.


2. The installation of a pre-audit encumbrance system of accounting to match the new purchasing controls which prevents the Town from exceeding any appropriation. This, too, requires further revision and raises the question as to whether the next logical step would be the introduction of machine accounting.


3. The preparation of a budget that invites detailed analysis in the face of obstacles ranging from the lack of comparative data from past years to the absence of necessary clerical assistance. The budget forced a re-classi - fication of accounts which further refined the accounting system, and will greatly simplify the budget-making process in future years, if the 1955 accounts are maintained in accordance with the budget classifications.


4. The adoption by the Planning Board of the most comprehensive sub-division regulations in the Commonwealth which will protect the Town from specu- lative developments and guarantee that the cost of improvements in new developments will be borne by the developer rather than by the taxpayer.


5. An amendment to the Zoning By-Law that increased the minimum size of house lots - thereby limiting the maximum population density, and reducing the threat posed by the concentration of individual sanitary disposal systems in the high water table that afflicts most of Wilmington. This was a stop- gap measure and should be replaced by more flexible requirements that would result from a complete rezoning of the Town.


6. The initiation of a program for long-term financial stabilization through the appointment of an Advisory Committee on Capital Outlay Planning. This committee expects to provide the Town Manager with a preliminary six-year capital outlay program in time for inclusion in the 1956 budget.


7. The appointment of an unpublicized committee on juvenile problems, includ- ing representatives of the Wilmington clergy, to investigate the disturbing symptoms of juvenile unrest in Wilmington, and to recommend courses of preventive action against juvenile delinquency. Their preliminary recom- mendations are reflected in the 1955 budget.


8. A thorough overhauling of the records of the Board of Assessors which will insure greater accuracy and efficiency in assessment practices, but which also proved beyond doubt the dire need for the reappraisal of all taxable property, and the necessity of tax maps to insure the equitable distribution of the tax burden and the inclusion of all taxable property on the tax rolls.


-------


(continued next page)


13


Earlier in this book under the heading, "The Job Ahead" is a detailed exposition of our official program for 1955 which in turn is incorporated in the budget and warrant recommendations for the coming fiscal year.


Briefly, we may designate the principal areas of concern as:


1. Financial Stablization: Through such devices as a Capital Outlay Program, a stabilization fund, a comprehensive compensation plan and reappraisal, we are embarking on a realistic effort to master the financial troubles of the Town. We have no other choice. Wilmington cannot afford entrapment in a vicious circle of rising costs and rising taxes that discourages industrial development - the major source of new revenue to pay for the expanded services required by a growing community.


2. Industrial Development: The relocation of Route 28 into Wilmington presents a golden opportunity to Wilmington, if we are prepared to accept it. Otherwise we face communal disaster. Route 28 means either orderly, controlled growth for Wilmington and the optimum exploitation of the competitive advantage we offer to new industry, or else another cycle of mushrooming developments, sky-rocketing costs and the uneconomic dissipation of our untapped resources in vacant land. With tax stabilization, proper zoning, financial planning, and the effective pre- sentation of our competitive advantages, we can meet this challenge with confidence.


3. Planning and Zoning: While we still have time and available land, Wilmington must anticipate and plan for future requirements in schools, parks, water supply, cemeteries and other public facilities. In effect we must strive to develop a highly specific master plan to guide our day-to-day thinking on Town problems. Planning, whatever the technical definition, is largely the process of obtaining a thorough imaginative grasp of what we are about and where we are going. Zoning is the cornerstone of all planning. It is the chief tool available to us for charting the future course of Wilmington. We cannot afford to do without a modern zoning map and by-law.


4. Systematic Administration and Engineering: The greater part of Town business should and can be handled on the basis of clearly understood policies and routine matters. Perhaps thought should be given to the preparation of an administrative code and manual. There exists a fine but important distinction between red-tape and system, and on that distinction rests the difference between good and poor management.


Identical reasoning applies to our public works program. It has been hampered by the lack of engineering, ranging from the routine "housekeeping" chores of maintaining up-to-date maps and plans to the kind of engineering planning that results in accurate cost estimates and the solution of technical problems before rather than after a job is completed. For these reasons the Board of Selectmen, the Finance Committee and the Town Manager are urging approval of a Town Engineer at the Annual Town Meeting.


In conclusion, I wish to express my appreciation to my associates in the official Town family for their whole - hearted co-operation and assistance over the past year. To all the fine people of Wilmington, I extend my gratitude for the kindness and forebearance which has made my first months in Wilmington such a pleasant experience.


Respectfully submitted,


Joseph F. Courtney Town Manager


14


collector of taxes


COLLECTOR OF TAXES Mrs. Miriam Ware


The following comparison of figures between the years 1953 and 1954 will serve two purposes; first, to show the increase in commitments due to the increase in the tax rate, new buildings assessed and increase in population; second, to point out the difference in Personal Property commitments.


This large Personal Property commitment of $47, 268. 39 in 1954 as compared to $31, 247. 15 in 1953, is based upon the fact that for the first time the Assessors have assessed non-residents for furniture in their summer camps and cottages, as provided in the General Laws.


According to the following figures, 91% of all balances in 1954 have been collected.


COMMITTED IN 1953


COMMITTED IN 1954


1952 Excise in 1953


2,594.08


1953 Excise in 1954 4,379. 50


1953 Excise


50,914. 39


1954 Excise


64,937. 12


1953 Real Estate


442,867. 99


1954 Real Estate


624, 721. 13


1953 Personal Property


31,247. 15


1954 Personal Property


47,268. 39


1953 Poll


4,860.00


1954 Poll


5,108.00


Total Commitments in 1953 $ 532, 483. 61


Total Commitments in 1954


746, 414. 14


Balances Uncollected, January 1, 1954


Balances Uncollected, January 1, 1955


1950 Poll


4.00


1951 Poll


10.00


1952 Poll


16. 00


1953 Poll


86. 00


12.00


1951 Personal


1,128. 33


1952 Personal


1,417.16


1953 Personal


4,294. 80


967. 90


1953 Real Estate


31,945. 01


1951 Excise


5. 12


1952 Excise


253. 54


1953 Excise


8,527.80)


1954 Commitments


1


1953 Excise in 1954


4, 379. 50)


327. 65


1954 Poll


5,108.00


84.00


1954 Personal


47,268. 39


6,252. 32


1954 Real Estate


624, 721. 13


61,993. 28


1954 Excise


64,937. 12


5,865. 97


Total to be Collected, 1954


$ 794, 101.90


Uncollected - 1/1/55


$ 75,503. 12


15


COLLECTOR


town clerk


2


-


TOWN CLERK Mrs. Mary E. Gilligan


--


Vital Statistics: - Chapter 46, General Laws as amended.


All births, deaths and marriage records have been brought up to date, listed in the card index file and the special books which list the births, deaths and marriages alphabetically by years.


Births recorded in 1953 were 206, although the number listed in the 1953 Town Report was 194. This is due to the delay of some cities and towns in making returns.


Births recorded in 1954 were 213. This figure also will be increased when final reports are in.


Marriages recorded in 1954 were 88, two less than in 1953. Deaths recorded in 1954 were 81, eight more than in 1953.


Chapter 46, Section 15:


The Town Clerk will furnish to parents, householders, midwives and physicians applying therefor, blanks for return of births as required by law.


Six of the compiled records of Births, Deaths and Marriages from 1730 to 1898 have been sold, leaving a bal - ance on hand January 1, 1955, of sixty-six. By a vote of the Selectmen these books are on sale at $1. 00 each.


Street Records:


The plans which were brought from the Water Department have been numbered and indexing has been started, but there is still considerable work to be done.


Subdivision Control Law: - Chapter 674, Acts of 1953.


Some of the features of this law affect the Town Clerk, and file will have to be set up to take care of the plans and notices.


Town Records:


To complete our records we are still in need of Town Reports previous to the year 1891. We still need copies of Persons Listed by the Board of Registrars for the years previous to the year 1914. We also need those for the years 1916, 1917, 1918, 1924, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1940, 1941, 1942 and 1943. We would also like to get Valuation Books on Real and Personal Property for the years 1905, 1915, 1930 and 1935, and any before 1905.


16


hapter 114, Section 45.


Forty-one burial permits have been issued by the Town Clerk as Special Agent for the Board of Health.


hapter 148, Section 13.


During 1954 there were five permits issued for the storage of inflammables and thirty-two Certificates of


egistration issued. These licenses must be registered by the owner or occupant of the land, or by the holder of the cense in the Town Clerk's office on or before April 30 of each year. If not registered by April 30 as required by law e license may be revoked by the licensing authority after a public hearing.




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