USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1955-1959 > Part 20
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
rigid investigation by State Department Field Agent of all cases. All veteran's benefits cases were approved in 1956 by the State Department and the Town of Randolph will receive 50% reimbursement of all monies expended, plus $1,237.00 refunded under Chapter 493.
DUTIES: As Veterans' Agent he takes applications for Veterans Benefits, under Chapter 115 as amended for those veterans or dependents of veteran that qualify under said Laws. Upon taking an application for Vet- erans' Benefits the following processing is involved: The actual application interview of applicant at office obtain- ing vital statistics such as: Discharge papers, birth certifi- cates, death certificates, marriage certificates, wage re- ports, court records, divorce records, dependency state- ments and bank letters. This involves writing to remote as well as local towns for this data. The next step is a home investigation by this agent to the home of the veteran and/or applicant to verify the circumstances as accurately given on the application and to better understand the family and home life of recipients. There is no actual method of determining the length of time involved in each new application, each particular case being of a separate category. Upon completion of a satisfied decision by this agent a duplicate application attached to special Form VS21 with full particulars of the case is then submitted to the State Department of Veterans' Services with recom- mendation to allow or disallow veteran's benefits.
Prior to receiving authorization from the State De- partment an additional investigation is made by their office to satisy their 50% participation in this case. When their investigator has stamped his approval on the case the Town of Randolph is then eligible to be reimbursed 50% of benefits authorized by the State Department. The total of all benefits paid each month are entered on Monthly Return Forms notarized by the Agent and veri-
100
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
fied by the Town Treasurer, and submitted to the State Department prior to the 10th of the month following the month benefits are paid. If the applicant is employable although temoprarily unemployed and eligible for Vet- erans' Benefits, this office is not satisfied with merely accepting the case and filing it until the applicant notifies the agent that he has returned to work. Every effort is made through local and adjacent employers to return the applicant to gainful employment.
1. As Director of Veterans' Services, it is the duty of the director to service the veteran and his dependents in all phases of Federal and State Laws, that may pertain to his or her benefits. It would be practically impossible to estimate the time spent on each case, as there are not two cases alike, average time in developing each case would be two hours, each service case is active for two months, as it is processed through so many channels before a decision is rendered from the Veterans' Admini- stration. Through the efforts of this office retroactive pay to the veteran and his dependents on disability and pension claims in 1956 amounted to $13,465.00.
2. Secretary to the above mentioned, duties require her to type all applications, write for documentary proof each case requires, file duplicate copies, prepare monthly report to State Department of Veterans' Services by this Department, interview veterans and dependents in the absence of Department Head, prepare payroll for re- cipients of veterans benefits, prepare monthly medical and hospital bills for payment by the Town Accountant and State Department of Veterans' Services for authorization.
Scope and Effect of Work: Each case for veterans benefits has to be rigidly investigated before requesting recommendation for authorization by the local agent to the State Department of Veterans' Services if case does
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIRST' ANNUAL REPORT
not qualify according to laws as set up by the Common- wealth, the town would not receive the 50% reimburse- ment, which would effect the tax rate of town. All claims under Federal Laws have to be developed thoroughly be- fore they are submitted to the Veterans' Administration for their decision, if not, veteran would receive an un- favorable decision, which would effect the economy of the town.
Supervision and Guidance Received : The local agent is responsible for all decisions made, which involve many thousands of dollars of town funds. My cases are re- viewed by the State Department of Veterans' Services Field Investigator.
Mental Demands: To negotiate a transfer of mental patient from a State Institution to V.A.N.P. Hospital, and to have a veteran admitted to V.A. Hospital for medical or surgery. Contacting banks who are about to foreclose on veteran's home, arranging for smaller payments over a period of time, so that they will not lose home through foreclosure. Arranging for employment for the handi- capped veteran. Above are daily problems of this depart- ment. These problems are worked out by knowing laws pertaining to facts of each case and connections through years of this type of work. Processing and developing claims for War Service Connected Disabilities, Education, Insurance, Dental, Out-Patient Treatment, Loans under G. I. Bill for real estate and business. Widow's and De- pendent Parent's Pension, Part III Benefits for W.W. I, W.W. II and Korean Wars. To administer above laws and problems, agent has to be trained and qualified to perform these duties. All these duties require the Agent to learn and retain facts and details of the different laws so that they may be administered properly.
Personal Work Contacts: Employers, Probation Of- ficers, Clerk of Courts, Admitting Officers in all V. A.
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TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
Hospitals and private hospitals, local doctors and dentists, heads of all departments at the Veterans' Administration and several State Department, Unemployment Compensa- tion and Social Security Division, Local Banks. All these are daily contacts pertaining to processing claims for both veterans benefits and veterans services.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM S. COLE, Director.
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Board of Public Welfare
TO: Mr. Charles R. Iovino, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Annual Report of Board of Public Welfare
The four categories of public assistance administered by this department, in accordance with the General Laws of Massachusetts, consists of Old Age Assistance (Ch. 118A), Aid to Dependent Children (Ch. 118), Disability Assistance (Ch. 118D), and General Relief (Ch. 117).
For detailed statistics concerning expenditures and reimbursements by and to this department, reference is made to the report of the Town Accountant.
As was true on a State wide basis, so it was in Ran- dolph during 1956-increased payments to a decreasing case load. In October, 1955, 88,163 Old Age Recipients in this Commonwealth received $6,850,708. In October, 1956, 85,099 OAA recipients received $7,130,760. The average payment to an OAA recipient in October, 1955 was $77.71 per month; in October, 1956 it averaged $83.79 per month. It is interesting to note that the average payment to an OAA recipient of Florida was $47.00 in October, 1956.
The basic reasons for this trend of spiralling costs in the field of Public Welfare in this Commonwealth are as follows:
(1) Chapter 728 of the Acts of 1955 authorized a new budgetary item for Old Age Assistance known as Transportation Allowance. Effective January 1. 1956, every OAA recipient's budget, with the exception of those persons in a nursing home or institution, was increased
104
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
by $2.50 per month. As of January, 1956, Randolph aided 165 OAA recipients. As of December, 1956, 163 were aided.
(2) Effective July 1, 1956, payments to recipients in all categories of public welfare were increased by 5.08% or a total cost of living adjustment of 20% to the State Standard figures that comprise an individuals budget. Prior to this date the total adjustment figure was 14.2%. This State requirement is brought about by an increase in the costs of living index as reported by the Division on the Necessaries of Life to the State Depart- ment of Public Welfare in accordance with paragraph two of section one of Chapter 118A.
(3) Chapter 653 of the Acts of 1956 amended section one of Chapter 118A, and as of November 7, 1956, ex- tended the benefits of Old Age Assistance to non-citizens who have resided in the United States for twenty years or longer. Consequently, for the first time in Massachusetts, aliens who meet this requirement and the needs test are now eligible for OAA. Already this Act has increased the OAA case load.
(4) Increased medical costs. Much could be written in this area but space does not permit. Effective January 1, 1957, most hospital per diem rates advanced to an all time high for Public Welfare recipients. The larger hospitals of Boston, as of said date, charge Boards of Public Welfare $22.85 per day. This is an all-inclusive rate including extra services such as x-ray, laboratory tests, operations, etc. In 1948 the maximum per diem rate was $8.00. The Brockton City Hospital will now charge $19.42 per day for our recipients.
As of December, 1956, there were six more OAA re- cipients in licensed nursing homes than there were in January, 1956. When this happens, the individual cost doubles and sometimes triples. Dental fees, drugs and
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
medical items have all increased with the inflationary rise. The social workers, Agent, and staff do all in their power to think of the taxpayer, but against such factors as enumerated, effort is nullified in many instances. Staff members are hired to carry out the Welfare laws, not to ignore or counteract them.
Miss Jeanne Hinckley resigned as Social Worker in August, 1956 to accept private case work in Boston. The Board was very fortunate to be able to recommend to the Town Manager the name of Mrs. Alice E. Zaccaro of Brockton as Social Worker. We hope to fill the second Social Worker position as soon as candidates are certified by Civil Service.
COL. RALPH E. MACLEOD, Chairman MRS. LOYAL R. SAFFORD, Clerk MR. WILLIAM J. LEAHY, Member
Report of Inspector of Wires
TO: Mr. Charles R. Iovino, Town Manager Randolph, Mass.
I hereby submit my report for the year 1956 as Inspector of Wires.
A total of 594 permits were issued and the sum of $1,761.50 deposited with the Town Treasurer.
Permits issued 594
New Homes inspected 378
Remodel work 96
Oil Burner 395
Electric Range 369
106
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
Electric Water Heater
36
Electric Dryer
25
Disposals
33
Dishwashers
35
Services
34
Woodworking Shop
1
Club
1
Animal Hospital
1
Banks
4
Cleansers Shop
2
Restaurant
4
Fire Station
1
Super Markets
2
Motors
25
Insurance Office
1
Lumber Office
1
Town Hall
2
Gas Heaters
24
Gas Station
4
Telephone Booths
8
Respectfully submitted,
ALTON F. LABRECQUE,
Inspector of Wires.
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
Report of The Town Counsel
Mr. Charles R. Iovino Town Manager Randolph, Mass.
Matters coming to the attention of the Town Counsel have been many and varied during the past year.
Since the Town has been operating only for about a year and a half under the Selectmen Town Manager Char- ter, and like all new legislation the Charter requires con- stant interpretation for various departments. It has been necessary to read the Charter in the light of existing Gen- eral Laws, by-laws of the Town, and rules and regulations of various departments.
Monday nights throughout the year are devoted to attendance at the Selectmen's meeting where any number of legal questions may arise during the course of the even- ing. Such questions touch on the issuance of licenses of various natures, division of betterments, restraint of dogs, election laws, appropriations, powers, duties and authori- ties of Selectmen, Town Manager and other departments.
From time to time Tuesday nights are devoted to the Planning Board and their problems involving interpreta- tion of the subdivision control legislation. Since said legis- lation is relatively new, many close legal questions arise thereunder which have not as yet been determined by the' Courts.
During the year I have attended the School Planning and Building Committee meetings which usually fall on Wednesday or Thursday evening.
108
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
Many Saturdays have been devoted to bringing up to date the by-laws of the Town in the hope that some day funds may be available for compiling and printing all town laws under one cover.
During the week there may be consultations with the Town Clerk's Office, building inspector, assessors' office, highway engineer, welfare department, superintendent of schools and school committee and possibly fire and police departments.
It would be impossible in a report of this nature to touch on each and every piece of litigation and opinion that the Town Counsel might be called upon for during the course of the year. However, a brief sampling might be as follows: Reading and drafting of contracts, consulta- tions with architects and engineers, filing answers and appearances in court on appeals from decisions of the Planning Board, land damage matters concerning takings, consultations with Board of Health concerning such mat- ters as garbage, refuse, dump contracts and piggeries. Questions arise concerning the powers of Trustees of the Turner Free Library, powers of trustees of Stetson School Fund, legal title of Town Hall, legal title of Belcher Park, transfer of Corkin Medical Center and appearances must be filed in the Probate Court in matters of devises to the Town. There may be litigation involving tax collection and Appellate Tax Board matters, and conferences with coun- sel representing people and corporations who have either business with the Town or are involved in a legal case with the Town.
There are also questions on zoning, bids, suits involv- ing bonds filed by contractors, Chapter 386 matters, con- sultation and suits by Welfare Department, answers filed in court in bankruptcy matters, and problems involving civil service. Requests for legal opinions cut across almost every conceivable matter involving town affairs. Some
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
times what appears at first blush to be the simplest ques- tion results in many hours of research.
I find that a great solace to any Town Counsel is the monthly meetings of the State-wide Town Counsel and City Solicitors' Association where problems and ideas can be exchanged and counsel serving the various municipali- ties can commiserate with each other. However, all Town Counsel are fully aware of the fact that the greatest satis- faction from their work is the rendition of a service to the community.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM J. CARR, Town Counsel
110
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
Report of The Board of Assessors
Charles R. Iovino, Town Manager Town of Randolph
Dear Sir:
We herewith submit the report of this department for the year 1956.
The tax rate for the year was computed on the fol- lowing basis of expenses and receipts :
EXPENSES
Town Appropriations :
Annual Town Meeting
$1,809,813.69
From Available Funds
96,345.00
1,000.00
Diane Flood Deficit
15,150.85
1
State Parks and
Reservations
1,494.04
State Audit of Municipal Accounts
3,188.97
County Tax
16,558.93
Tuberculosis Hospital Assessment
12,387.27
Underestimate of County
Tax
1,445.90
Overlay of current year
67,635.21
$2,025,019.86
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
ESTIMATED RECEIPTS AND AVAILABLE FUNDS
Income Tax
$133,484.11
Corporation Taxes
29,493.14
Old Age Tax (Meals)
3,331.04
Motor Vehicle and Trailer
Excise
125,486.77
Licenses
9,570.00
Fines
363.00
General Government
9,579.00
Charities
11,655.00
Old Age Assistance
73,505.00
Veterans' Services
14,231.00
Schools
46,365.48
Public Service Enterprises
( Water Dept.)
77,967.00
Interest on Taxes and Assessments
3,937.00
State Assistance for
School Construction
46,483.61
90% Est. Flood Relief
7,575.00
Tuberculosis Hospital Overestimate
2,154.29
State Recreation Area Outside
Met. Parks Dist. Overestimate 196.26
Total Available Funds
96,345.00
691,721.70 $
$1,333,298.16
TO BE RAISED BY TAXATION
Poll Tax
$ 8,316.00 80,820.10
Personal Property
Real Estate
1,244,162.06
$1,333,298.16
112
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
TOTAL VALUATION
Real Estate Buildings
Real Estate Land
Personal
$15,892,925.00 4,174,205.00 1,303,550.00
$21,370,680.00
Total valuation computed at
tax rate of $62.00
$1,324,982.16
Plus Poll Tax
8,316.00
$ 1,333,298.16
INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE TABLE OF AGGREGATES
Number of persons assessed :
On Personal Estate Only
129
On Real Estate Only
5,290
On Both Personal and Real Estate
149
Total number of persons assessed :
5,568
Number of Polls Assessed
4,158
Value of Assessed Personal Estate :
Stock in trade $1,019,350.00
Machinery
272,450.00
All Other Tangible Property 4,350.00
Live Stock 7,400.00
Total Value of Assessed
Personal Property $ 1,303,550.00
Number of Live Stock Assessed:
Horses
6
Cows
53
Swine
125
Fowl
4,900
All Other
1
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
Number of Dwelling Houses Assessed 4,226
Number of Acres of Land Assessed 6,163
Number of Automobiles Assessed 5,918
AMOUNTS COMMITTED TO TAX COLLECTOR
1956 Levies
Real and Personal Estate
$1,324,982.16
Poll Tax
8,316.00
Street Betterments
1,833.06
Apportioned Street Betterments Paid in Advance
2,975.97
Water Liens
4,870.07
1956 December Levy
Real and Personal Estate
2,985.30
Poll Tax
60.00
$1,346,022.56
Motor Vehicle Excise 1955 Levies
Seventh Commitment
$ 1,358.95
Eighth Commitment 374.11
1956 Levies
First Commitment
49,769.35
Second Commitment
28,972.36
Third Commitment
14,854.45
Fourth Commitment
27,087.44
Fifth Commitment
16,461.65
Sixth Commitment
10,654.14
Seventh Commitment
2,500.00
$ 152,032.45
$1,498,055.01 5,680
Number of Parcels Assessed
114
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
Number of Veterans Exemptions and Assessment Appeals Processed 629
Number of Auto Excise Applications Processed 1,079
Respectfully submitted, FRANK F. TEED
EDWARD J. ROYCROFT
GEORGE E. BONNEY Board of Assessors.
Report of The Building Inspector
Mr. Charles R. Iovino,
Town Manager,
Town of Randolph,
Randolph, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit my report as Building Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1956 :
New Residences
412
Garages
46
Additions
33
Stores
2
Office Building
1
Restaurant
1
Greenhouse
1
Total
496
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK F. TEED Building Inspector.
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Sealer of Weights & Measures
Charles R. Iovino, Town Manager
Town of Randolph
Randolph, Mass.
Gentlemen :
During the year 1956 I have sealed :
Scales
146
Weights
110
Gasoline Meters
52
Oil Meters
29
Vehicle Tanks
10
Yard Sticks
15
Tapes
2
Meters (inlet more than one inch)
2
Liquid Measures
22
Inspections made :
Pedlars Licenses
12
Pedlars Scales
6
Borrowed a 100 gallon tank trailer from the city of
Brockton for testing Oil truck meters.
Fees collected and turned over to the Town
Treasurer $220.00
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT C. JOPE, Sealer of Weights and Measures
116
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
Report of The Planning Board
The Planning Board submits herewith the annual report for the year 1956.
It is with deep regret that the Planning Board re- ceived the resignation of its Chairman, Mr. Paul Peterson, on June 1, 1956. Mr. Peterson in his term as Chairman worked long and hard to organize the Board on a work- manlike basis and spent innumberable hours of his time in correcting records and bringing them up to date. His handling of many vexing problems were a credit to the Town and to the Board which he served as Chairman.
Applications and approvals of new subdivisions ex- ceeded the record year of 1955. Each subdivision bring- ing greater increases in Public Hearings, paper work and inspections.
In early September the joint Water Board of Ran- dolph and Holbrook informed the Planning Board that a serious water problem had developed. On September 15, 1956 the Water Commissioners of Randolph informed this Board that they would not extend the present water mains until an engineering study was made for increased water sources and supply. (Now in progress.) In essence the present water problem can be divided into three parts:
1. The demand for water by Holbrook, Randolph and Braintree exceeds the safe supply of Great Pond by 400,000 gallons daily throughout the year and approxi- mately two million gallons in the summer months.
2. The Pumping Station and Purifying beds are at present operating well above their rated capacity.
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
3. The present main supply system can not carry the demand for water for domestic and fire use. Causing low pressures with their consequent dangers in case of fire and serious water shortages.
With the above problem in mind, the Planning Board ruled in conformance with the Subdivision Control Law, that they would not approve further development until a solution was found to the above water problems.
The Board has also recommended that the minimum lot areas in new subdivisions be increased to 20,000 feet. As many townspeople are aware, the proposed sewerage system has been turned down by the State Legislature. With our present sewerage disposal problems, we feel that lot areas should be larger to compensate for the loss of the proposed sewer system. In addition we believe that the growth of the Community should be slowed to a rate where we can supply schooling, utilities and service water drainage to our present townspeople. Planned growth is healthy for a community but the largely un- planned growth in Randolph over the last few years has led us to the brink of economic chaos.
In closing may we state that the Board's action on the water problem and recommendation for larger lot areas are based on solid fact and substance. The whispering campaign, the unsigned letter and half-truth newspaper reports directed against this Board's actions will not sway them in the least.
We believe that the Board's actions should be for the best interests of the Town and not for the selfish interests of a small minority.
The following article from the Boston Globe is in- serted by the Board in the hope that it will be given serious consideration by all residents of the Town.
118
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS. Reprint from the Boston Globe November 18, 1956
Ten Reasons Why-
Chances Are Your Neighborhood
May Turn Into a Slum Area IF
What turns a neighborhood of new houses into a slum area? Some of the nation's top housing authorities were asked that question recently, and here's the way they start:
"Slums develop," the experts agreed, "when a lot of people in one area get dissatisfied with their homes, let them run down and move on to other areas.
"This rapid turnover is bad because each successive owner may have less pride in his home than the original owner."
Thus, owner dissatisfaction could be called the biggest single factor in the formation of slums, it was declared.
But what are the existing conditions that cause this dissatisfaction in the first place ? Here they are :
POORLY PLANNED HOMES - These houses are often too small, too cheap and regarded by families as only a temporary home. They offer little chance for family expansion. They have too few closets, bathrooms, win- dows. They lack a family room, television room or some other kind of a second living room.
POOR CONSTRUCTION - Houses with poor con- struction become shabby fast. Families let them run down. Pride of ownership disappears fast and families want to move on to avoid high maintenance costs. Look for inade- quate wiring, improper sewage systems, water pipes too small to carry increased loads, or wells that are apt to be out of date soon. One of the worst features is a septic tank
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ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
on a crowded lot where a failure is almost sure to occur in a few years.
MONOTONOUS DESIGN-Watch out for an entire neighborhood composed of similar houses. Such a neigh- borhood is almost certain to cause dissatisfaction in the future. Buyers want individuality and when they don't get it, they'll move to a better area.
NARROW LOTS-Houses crowded close together are one of the most important factors that can lead to slums. No one wants to live in a house where he can hear the neighbor's toilet flush.
LACK OF TREES-Beware of the project where all the trees have been bulldozed and destroyed. In areas where ther are no trees, new ones should be planted as part of the house cost.
FLOOD CONDITIONS-Areas that flood easily are always in danger of becoming rundown neighborhoods. No one wants to be flooded out and after an owner has had water around his house a couple of times he wants to move out.
ZONING CONTROLS-Because neighborhoods can deteriorate faster than an individual house, homes built in an area where there are little or no controls for future zoning should be avoided. Proper controls to prevent stores, factories, gas stations and other commercial build- ings in a residential area are needed.
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