USA > Massachusetts > Franklin County > Leverett > Record of Town Meetings and Elections, 1936-1955 > Part 11
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In an earlier report of the Investigating Committee, it was stated that eleven outstanding schools had been visited and one, a school in Hubbardston, (costing $55,000 in 1938 or 1939 ) seemed to be nearest the type of school needed in Leverett. Mr. Dirks drew a set of plans incorporating the fundamental charac- teristics of the Hubbardston school. A model and plans of the school were subse- quently shown at the special town meeting held June 17, 1947.
The exhibited model and school plans were well received and requested criticisms, if any, did not occur.
Subsequently, the committee accepted these plans and instructed Mr. Dirks to complete the detailing of them. This was done, except for the auditorium which we originally had hoped to include.
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Based on the cost of the Hubbardston school and a nominal increase in the cost of construction, the committee had originally proposed the financing of construction as follows :
$20,200 from free cash
14,800 from sale of U. S. Bonds in treasury
24,000 from allowable borrowing means, within the 5% law
16,000 from legislation approval
$75,000 Total for construction
As time went on the committee became alarmed as the cost of construction continued to soar, and in 1947 it became apparent that the cost of the school, as planned, would be greater than the financial ability of the tom to build.
The State Legislature came to realize the difficulty some towns and cities were having in financing their school building program. Recognizing that certain buildings in the Commonwealth were obsolete and condemned and that these towns and cities must have assistance to replace the condemned buildings, a Recess Committee was appointed to study the situation.
Through the study of this committee and its recommendations to the legis- lature, a bill was presented and passed by the General Court and signed into law by the Governor, as Chapter 645 Acts of 1948, the title of this act being "An Act to Encourage the Establishment of Regional and Consolidated Public Schools and to Provide Financial Assistance to Cities and Towns in the Construction of School Buildings."
In this law a formula for determining the amount of assistance due any city or town was set up, based upon the comparison between the State valuation per pupil, on a state-wide basis, and the valuation per pupil, on a city or town basis. Using this formula, it was determined that Leverett was entitled to the maximum amount possible under the act, or 50% of the cost of a new building.
Recognizant of the pending legislation, the committee had acquired the services of Mr. Charles F. Dingman, Engineer, of Palmer, Mass., and a professional estimator, to go over the plans and specifications and to give an estimate of their cost.
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In view of the assistance obtainable from the State, Mr. Dirks was asked to make an estimate of the cost of such items omitted from Mr. Dingman's report and the cost of an auditorium. Following is a summation of Mr. Dingman's and Mr. Dirk's estimate of the cost of the Leverett Consolidated School, with possible de- ductions through elimination or substitutions of materials:
Charles F. Dingman's estimate (without auditorium) $164,000.
Bernhard Dirk's estimate on items omitted in the Dingman report and for completing the auditorium:
Architect's fee 9,840.
Engineer's fee 1,000.
Leach pool or tile bed 500.
Water system 2,000.
Equipment - Cafeteria equipment & window shades 3,000.
Borings 300.
Seeding law 200.
Shrubs 500.
Sidewalks
500.
Rockdust on gravel for driveway and parkway 500.
$182,340.
Auditorium, including fees 40,000.
Contingency 5,000.
$227,340.
Possible deductions 8,800.
Cost of School with Auditorium
$218,540.
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Cost of School with Auditorium
Cost to Leverett (1/2 of total) $109,270.
State Aid Grant
109,270.
$218,540.
In order to determine the town's ability to finance its share of the cost of any school construction, it was necessary for us to know the following
facts:
Ist, the amount of free cash in surplus funds that could be used for this purpose.
2nd, the amount of money we could borrow legally.
3rd, other approved methods for borrowing money for this purpose.
We were certain of two of these factors. The unknown factor was the amount of money from free cash that might be used for this purpose. The State
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السعر
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Commissioner of Corporations and Taxation, Mr. Henry F. Long, has certain author- ity to approve or disapprove of the use of surplus funds. It was suggested that a committee arrange an appointment with Mr. Long. Friday, July 9, 1948, Messrs. George Waterhouse, Chester Woodard, and F. Donald Ashley met with him and dis- cussed the financial problems connected with the proposed school construction. He was presented with an estimate of the cost for a school, with auditorium, amount- ing to $218,540.
Knowing the formula for State aid assistance under Chapter 645 Acts of 1948 would provide Leverett State aid to the extent of one half of the cost of any building approved by a special committee appointed to administer grants under this act, the following method of financing Leverett's portion was discussed with Mr. Long :
Borrow inside limit . $27,467.
Authorized outside limit 16,000.
Sale of Bonds
14,800. From free cash ($52,315. )
51,003.
$109,270.
Mr. Long approved of this method of financing, except for the verifica- tion of our free cash statement. He suggested that a State audit of the treasur- er's accounts be made to verify this amount. He stated that a State audit of the books was due and that they would endeavor to make such an audit as soon as pos- sible
Whereas, it seemed apparent that the town could finance one half the cost of a school building at this time, the provisions in Chapter 645 Acts of 1948, in its present form, stipulate that the towns and cities must appropriate the full cost of the building project, including any construction grant anticipated under this chapter. This means that the Town of Leverett would have to appropriate the sum of #218,540, representing the total estimated cost of the construction of the school. Obviously, this stipulation would prevent the immediate financing of a school building from finances available.
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السوء
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Section 7 of Chapter 645 Acts of 1948 stipulates that any city or town desiring aid should apply on a prescribed form to the commission administering the State funds. Such application should be accompanied by drawings, plans, estimate of cost, and proposals for defraying such cost, as the commission may require.
Section 8 of this same act stipulates that the commission must, within not more than 90 days, notify any town or city of its approval or rejection of the proposed plans and estimate of cost.
It would appear that the following procedure should be followed :
1st, determine if the "Town Meeting" members desire that a school should be built according to the specifications and plans as drawn. If this be in the affirmative,
2nd, that we do make application to the commission (known as the School Building Assistance Commission, provided for under Section 1 of this act) for approval of the school plans.
3rd, that the State audit be checked to determine whether $51,000 is available in free cash, as proposed in the method of fin- ancing.
4th, instruct the Selectmen that if it is still apparent that the town is in a position to finance one half the cost of the pro- posed school, the Selectmen, with the aid of Senator Ralph Mahar, should prepare a bill petitioning the legislature to amend or increase the existing enabling act for $16,000 by $109,270, representing the anticipated State aid. This makes a total of $125,270.
It is necessary that the bill for the amendment be filed by Senator Ralph Mahar as early as possible, or not later than December 1, 1948, in order to obtain early action by the 1949 session of the General Court.
An amendment to the present law will be proposed in 1949 to make it un- necessary to include the construction grant in the local appropriation, or to permit a town or city to exceed its debit limit by the amount of a construction grant without petitioning legislature. If this proposed legislation should have an early hearing and be enacted into law, our bill petitioning the General Court for authority to borrow additional funds can be withdrawn.
While the estimated cost of $109,270 to Leverett is a large increase
السعادة
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over the original estimate of $75,000, the improved financial condition of the town now, as against the time of the early estimate, would make it necessary to borrow only approximately $3,500 more than originally intended, or a total of $43, 467 instead of $40,000.
Assuming that this amount were to be amortized over a period of 20 years, the yearly payments would amount to $2,171 on the principal amount and interest payments would graduate from eight or nine hundred dollars the first year to about sixty-five or seventy dollars the last year. This is based on the prevailing rate of approximately 2% for this type of loan.
Bearing in mind that the town has been accumulating in surplus each year an amount greatly in excess of this sum, an amount necessary to cover this expense could be transferred by vote each year from surplus without increasing the tax rate.
It might be well for the Town Meeting members to consider some of the factors that bear upon this subject:
1. Our schools are condemned. As of last February, the Department of Public Safety refused to issue temporary permits to the Town of Leverett to operate its schools.
In view of the school building program in progress, we have been permitted to operate at our own risk. Because of this situation, the Superin- tendent of Schools has notified the School Committee and the School Committee has notified the Selectmen that they can no longer be responsible for the safety of the school children in Leverett.
If they did not so disclaim responsibility they would be criminally liable under the law, collectively and individually, in case of serious accident by fire or other causes such as epidemics caused by unsanitary conditions.
2. Would money invested in the school as designed be a waste of money
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السلام
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or would it be an attraction and inducement for people to settle in Leverett, and thus become an asset to the town?
3. The committee does not claim that the plans are for the cheapest building that could be built. In its talks with our architect it was stressed, first, that a building should be designed with the latest proven features to make it possible to use the most modern teaching methods; second, that good sound con- struction with quality materials be used and that safety standards be of major consideration; third, that the exterior appearance be in harmony with the village architecture and the landscape surroundings.
Can it not well be stated that these stipulations have been met? Will it not put Leverett as far ahead of most communities of its size as it is behind at present?
We are sure that we can be proud of our school and that it will attract state-wide attention. 1
4. Does not this building with its auditorium solve the problem of a good central community meeting place where not only school work may be carried on but community activities, with the added advantage of clean sanitary kitchen and dining facilities?
5. The Act giving State aid to cities and towns for construction of schools will terminate June 30, 1951. Therefore, any contemplated building must be started before then to receive State aid for half the cost. After this date anything the town builds or adds must be paid for in full by the town.
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In the report just read, we have tried to summarize the work of your committee and give you the facts as we see them.
We feel that with the information we have been able to assemble that it is now time to let the meeting take such action as it, in its wisdom, sees fit. In accordance, the committee respectfully submit this report for your con- sideration and suggest that some action be taken at this time on the section con- cerning procedure.
Edwin S. Cox Edward Emerson Clifford Graves Sam Graves Wayne Howard Clarissa LaClaire George Waterhouse William Williams Chester Woodard F. Donald Ashley, Chairman
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Commonwealth of massachusetts Franklin SS. To one of the bonotables of the Town of Leverett, greeting.
In the name of the Commonwealth you are hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Leverett, qualified to vote in Town affairs, to meet in the Town Hall at said heverte on Monday the seventhe day of February next, at ter and one half o'clock in the forenson, then and there to act on the following articles namely:
article1. To choose all necessary town officers to serve for periods prescribed by law or Jown custom,
article 2. To act on the report of the auditor, Selectinen, School Committee, and Library Justes. article3. To see if the Town will vote to accept the list of Jurors as prepared by the Selectmen. article 4, To see if the Jocon will vote to fix the
salaries of elected and appointed officers town officers for the ensuing year as follows from January 1, 1949 and raise and appropriate a sum of money there for.
Elected Offices
present
proposed
moderator 10.00
20.00
Town Gelekt Treasurer
500.00
600.00
Chairman Selectmere 125,00
250,00
Selectmen (2)
100.00 200.00
Chairman assurons
250.00
250.00
assessors (2)
100.00
100.00
Chairman School Room. 65.00
125.00
60.00
100.00
School Committee (2) Jax Collector
250.00
250. 00
auditor 15.00
15,00
Constables (3)
25.00
25.00
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True Warden 10.00 25,00
appointed Officers
Werk of Boardof Selectmen 100.00 100.00
Forest Fire Warden 35.00 35,00
Inspector of animals 50.00 50,00
assistant moderator
10,00
article 5. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the case of cemeteries in Town, and for the observance of memorial Day , or act anything thereon. article 6. To see if the Town will vote to raise. and appropriate money for the Jour Library or act anything thereon.
article 7. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for highways, bridges, railings, snow removal and sanding, or take any action in relation stretto.
articles ! To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, or transfer from unappropriated available funds in the treasury, a sum of money for Chapter 81, or take any action in relation" thereto.
article 9. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, or transfer from unappropriated available funds now in the treasury a Rum of money for Chapter go maintenau, or take any action in relation there to, article 10. To see if the Town will vote to fraise and appropriate or transfer from unappropriated available funds in the treasury a sum of money for Chapter go Construction, or take any action in relation there to.
article 11. To see if the Town will authorize the Jawou Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue
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of the financial eau beginning Samary1, 1949, and to issue a note on notes therefor, payable within one year, and to renew any noter as may be given for a period of less than one year, in accordance with Section 17, Chapter 4+4. of the general Laws.
article 12. To see if the Town will vote to pay a fifty cent bounty to residents of this town on hedgehogs killed in this Town or act anything thereon,
article 13. To see if the Town will voto to transfer a sum of money, $713.58, from the road machinery fuuld to the road machinery account, or act anything thereon. article 14. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate $200. for payment of land damage claim submitted by Julian W. Rice, or act anything therow. article 15. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of $300. for purchase of a snow Flow Grow m.m. glazier. article 16. To see if the Joure will adopt the following by law; No person shall affer any poster or sign on any public utility poles or structure, article 17. To see if the Jacowe will vote to instruct the moderator to appoint a committee to arrange aw appropriate program for the special Old Home Day Celebration. article 18. To see if the Town well appropriate a sume of money for use in connection with a Special Old Home Day Celebration in commutation of the 175 th anniversary of the Incorporation of Leverett, or act anything thereon. article 19. To see if the Town will vote to accept the Town garage Road.
article 20. To see if the Tour will vote to instruct the moderator to appoint a committee to investigate methods of continuation of nursing services now handled by The Red le ross.
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Such Committee to be authorized to make tentative commitments obligating the Town for euch co-operation with other towns as may be necessary; committee to submit report at the next town meeting or act anything thereon.
article 21 (a) To see if the Toron will vote to authorize the Selectmen to employ a man on a full time basis to drive the town truck and perform other town work as directed by the Selectmen, or act anything thereow! (b) To see if the Town will vote to appropriate money for payment of a full time employee For the above purpose, or act anything thereow. article 22. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to provide and spread grass aced for the veterans memorial Field, or act anything thereon,
article 23. To see if the Town will vote to instruct the moderator to appoint a committe to investigate possible advantages of Town owned evet water fire fighting Equipment. Committee to report at the most town meeting, or act anything Thereou. article 24 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate suche sums of money as shall be necessary to mut Town expenses, oract anything thereon. article 25. To see if the town will vote to change the hours of the annual Town meeting grove the present day session to two consecutive evening periods. It would be intended that election Town Officers take place at the first evening meeting, and that action on all appropriations be submitted to Town vote at the second meeting, or act anything thereon, article 26.(a) To see if the Town will vote to instruct the moderator to appoint a committee of three members to investigate and report
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on prospective home building sites, recommend assessed valuations thereof, and the relationship to present town property valuations, or act anything thereon.
(b) To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for expenses incurred in the execution of this work or act anything thereon, and you are directed to see this warrant. by posting up attested copies there of on the store and the Congregational blundle at hevert and the Baptist blunde at north Leveret and the store at Inoover bomer, seven days at least before the day of Raid meeting. Here of fail not and make return of this warrant with your doings thereon to the Jown Check before the time of holding said meeting.
given under our hands this 24 th day of January, a. D. 1949.
George & Waterhouse Selective Edward D. Emerson Hayne a. Howard) Liverett
I have sewed this waraut as directed therein
theater & Hoodard Constable
Truc copy attest; 7. 3. Taylor Jacon Clerk,
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Record of the annual Town Meeting held February 7, 1949 article1. Julian W. Rice was chosen moderator The following list of officers was chosen . Townllerk + Treasurer 1 year Selectman 3 years assessor 3 Library Trustee 3 years Tax Collector 1 year Constable 1 year
7.If. Taylor georges. Waterhouse Stetson K. adams Ettel H. Woodard Varnum f. abbott Sr. Richard Lovely Chester Woodard Clifford 7, La Claire Paul Woodard Winfield Laurence Paul Woodard Wilton Stone glow K. Nation William Williams Leon Stowell
Paund Keeper 1 year Field Driver 1 year
Freld Driver 1 year
Field Driver 1 year
Surveyou of wood and lumber and measures of wood cool and back
Fence Viervers Jue Warden
The Selectionen
Stetson n. adams
auditor
Frank a. glazier
article 2. voted to accept the auditor's, Selectmen's School Committee's + Library Juste's Report as printed.
article 3. Voted to accept the list of jurors as prepared by the Selectmen. article 4- Voted to leave the Officers Salaries as they were last year and $2005,00 was appropriated for sale. article 5 voted to raise and appropriate $415,00 for the case of lenteries and observance of Memorial Day to be divided as follows: Long Plain Cemetery fence $200.00
no Lewith Cemetery association. 100.00
Leverett bewetery association 100.00 Observance of Memorial Day 15,00
$ 415.00
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article 6. voted to raise and appropriate $300, and the dog fund and fines for maintenance of the library
article 7- Dated to raise and appropriate 2500. for highways , bridges , railings , snow removal and Landing .
article 8. voted that the sum of $1360.00 be raised and appropriated to meet the Town's share of the cost of Chapter 81, and that, in addition, the sum of $7650.00 be transferred from unappropriated available funds in the treasury to meet the State's and County's shares of the cost of the work, the reimbursemuts from state and learnity to be restored, upon their receipt to unappropirated available funds in the treasury.
article 9- V ated that the sum of 500, be raised and appropriated to mut the Town's share of the cost of Chapter 90 maintenance, and that, in addition, the sum of $1000. be transferred from inappropriated available funds in the treasury to meet the States and beauty's shows of the cost of the work, the reimbursements from State aux bounty to be restoud, upon their receipt to unappropriated available funds in the treasury.
article 10 vated that the sum of $2000, be raised and appropriated to mut the Iron's share of the cost of chapter 90 Construction, and that in addition, the sum of $6000. be transferred from unappropirated available funds in the treasury to meet the States and lowerty's shares of the cost of the work, the reimbursements from state and learnity to be restored, upon their receipt to unappropriated available funds in the treasury.
article 11 vated that the Town authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selection, to borrow money from time to time
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in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year, beginning, January, 1, 1949, and to resul a note on notes therefor, payable within one year, and to renew any noter as may be given for a period of less than One year, in accordance with Section 17 chapter 44 f The general Laws.
article 12. Voted to pay a 504 bounty on allhedgehogs killed in this todon to residents of this town. article 13, voted to transfer $713,58 from the road machenery found to the road machinery account.
article 14- Voted to raise and appropriate $200, to pay claim submitted by Julian W. Rice for land damage Cuticle 15 voted not to buy the snow plow from m.m. glazier. article 16 voted to adopt the by law; "no person shall affix any poster or sign on any public utility poles or structure."
article 17- Vated to instruct the moderator to appoint a committee to arrange an appropriate program for the Special Old Home Day Celebration article 18- vated to raise and appropriate $500. for the use of the Committee in arranging a Special Old Home Day Celebration in commutation of the 175 the anniversary of the incorporation of Everett.
article 19- Voted to accept the Town garage Road article 20. Voted to instruct the moderator to appoint a committee to investigate methods of continuation of nursing services now handled by The Red Cross and authorize said committee to make tentative commitments obligating the Town for suche co-operation with other towns as may be necessary and to submit their report at the next town meeting article 21 (a) vated to authorize the Selectmen to employ a man on full time basis to drive the towne truck and perform other work as
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directed by the selectimes. article 2 (b) voted to raise and appropriate Alle Rum of $1500, for payment of a full time employee under section a of this article.
article 22. Voted to raise and appropriate $200. For seed and Reading on the Veteran' memorial Field.
article 23 voted to instruct the moderator to appoint a committee to investigate the advantages of town owned wit waters fire fighting equipment.
article 24 bated to raise and appropriate the following sums of money to meet tour expenses: Schools $ 27000.00
Street Lights
500.00
Tools - repairs + replacements 200.00
Welfare (general relief) 2500.00
Old age assistance 8000,00
aid to Dependent Children 2000,00
Welfare (administration) 500,00
Veterans Benefits 700,00
Health and Sanitation 500.00
The trimming removal, ivy spraying 400.00 mothwork 225.00
Fires, fire fighting 1948 deficit 109.80
Labor Fue Figliting 300.00
ambient Firemens Relief assi 50,00
Fire fighting equipment (Indian Pumps) 125,00
manutenance of Jour Buildings 1000,00
Jool slied and garage floor- wiring etc. 500,00 Officers Expenses 600.00
Officers Bouda 100.00
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