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.
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(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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