USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Amherst > Report of the town of Amherst, Massachusetts for the period, 1960 > Part 2
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ARTICLE 5. Defeated. Paid holidays for firemen. YES, 69. NO, 111. A motion to reconsider Article 5 also lost. YES, 83. NO, 84. A second motion to reconsider also lost. YES, 77. NO, 97.
ARTICLE 6. Voted that the town accept Section 17A of Chapter 147 of the General Laws relating to additional days pay or an additional day off for members of the police department for certain holidays. YES, 95. NO, 71.
ARTICLE 7. General Government. Voted that the town raise and appropriate $73,367 for General Government; that the salary of the Moderator be fixed at $10 and that the Elector under Oliver Smith Will at $20; that of the appropriation for Selectmen $100, for the Town Manager $300, and for the Planning Board $150, be available for out- of-state travel; and that the appropriations for the separate items be fixed as recommended by the Finance Committee.
Public Safety. Voted that the town appropriate $175,786 for Pub- lic Safety, and that the appropriations for the separate items be fixed as recommended by the Finance Committee except that the appropriation for police shall be $58,468; that as part of the appropriation for the Police Department $7,000 be appropriated and transferred from the Parking Meter Reserve; that for the Ambulance Maintenance Budget $3,400 be appropriated and transferred from Ambulance Reserve; and that the balance of $165,386 be raised by taxation; and further that of the ap- propriation for the Police Department $100, and for the Fire Department $100. and for the Civil Defense budget $50, be available for out-of-state travel.
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Health and Sanitation. Voted that the town appropriate $49,915 for Health and Sanitation, and that the appropriaions for the separate items be fixed as recommended by the Finance Committee except that for the item Garbage Collection, the appropriation shall be $100; that for the appropriation for the Sewage Treatment Plant and Pumping Station $15,786, and for the appropriation for Sewage System Maintenance $6,000 be appropriated and transferred from Sewer Reserve; that the balance of $28,129 be raised by taxation; and further that of the appro- priation for Health Department $125, and for Sewage Treatment Plant and Pumping Station $50, be available for out-of-state travel.
Highways. Voted that the town appropriate $124,775 for Highways, and that the appropriations for the separate items be fixed as recom- mended by the Finance Committee; that for the appropriations for Park- ing Meter Maintenance $1,400 shall be appropriated and transferred from Parking Meter Reserve, and the balance $123,375 be raised by taxation; and further that of the appropriation for Highway Maintenance $75 be available for out-of-state travel.
Public Welfare and Veterans' Services. Voted that the town raise and appropriate $132,345 for Public Welfare and Veterans Services, and that the appropriations for the separate items be fixed as recommended by the Finance Committee.
Libraries. Voted that the town raise and appropriate $12,850 for Libraries, and that the appropriations for the separate items be fixed as recommended by the Finance Committee.
Parks and Recreation. Voted that the town raise and appropriate $21,925 for Parks and Recreation, and that the appropriations for the separate items be fixed as recommended by the Finance Committee; and that of the appropriation for Recreation Commission $75. be available for out-of-state travel.
Enterprises and Cemeteries. Voted that the town raise and appro- priate $72,340 for Enterprises and Cemeteries; and that the appropriations for the separate items be fixed as recommended by the Finance Committee; and that of the appropriation for the Water Department $75 be available for out-of-state travel.
Unclassified. Voted that the town raise and appropriate $36,169.39 for Unclassified, and that the appropriations for the separate items be fixed as recommended by the Finance Committee except that the item, Contributory Pension Fund, be fixed at $21,478.39.
Indebtedness. Voted that the town raise and appropriate $30,000 for payment of the General Debt, $40,000 for payment of the Water Debt, and that $10,000 be appropriated and transferred from the Pro- ceeds of Sale of Veterans' Housing Property for payment of the Veterans' Housing Debt.
Interest. Voted that the town raise and appropriate $2,478.75 for interest on the General Debt, $8,625 for interest on the Water Debt; that $4,451.25 be appropriated and transferred from Sewer Reserve for
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interest on the Sewer Debt; that $1,125 be appropriated and transferred from Proceeds of Sale of Veterans' Housing Property for payment of interest on the Veterans' Housing Debt.
Schools (Not Including Region). Voted that the town raise and appropriate $356,694 for Schools, and that the appropriations for the separate items be fixed as recommended by the Finance Committee; and that of the appropriations for General Control $300, and for Instruction $600 be available for out-of-state travel.
Regional School District. Voted that the town raise and appropriate $478,589.94 for its proportionate share of the 1960 capital and operating costs of the Amherst Pelham Regional School District.
ARTICLE 8. Voted that $17,500 be appropriated and transferred from Overlay Surplus Reserve to Reserve.
ARTICLE 9. Voted that $6,000 be appropriated to replace the water main in Potwine Lane and to extend the water main in Bay Road, and to meet said appropriation that $4,800 be raised and appropriated from water department revenues of the current year and that $1,200 be ap- propriated and transferred from water available surplus.
ARTICLE 10. Voted that $9,000 be appropriated for the mainte- nance of certain roads in town under provisions of Chapter 90, and to meet said appropriation that $3,000 be raised by taxation, and that the balance be borrowed under Chapter 44, Section 6A of the General Laws pending reimbursement from the County and State in the sum of $3,000 each.
ARTICLE 11. Voted that $28,000 be appropriated to construct or reconstruct a Chapter 90 road on South Pleasant Street, and to meet said appropriation that $668.22 be appropriated and transferred from the balance under Article 15 of the 1958 annual town meeting, $3,986.34 be appropriated and transferred from the balance under Article 15 of the 1959 annual town meeting, that $2,345.44 be raised by taxation, and that the balance of $21,000 be borrowed under Chapter 44, Section 6A of the General Laws pending reimbursement from the state of $14,000 and from the County of $7,000. Recommended by Finance Committee.
ARTICLE 12. Voted that $22,000 be appropriated and transferred from Surplus Revenue Account to drain and reconstruct a portion of South East and North East Street, and install a hard-surfaced sidewalk thereon.
Article 13. Voted that $16,000 be appropriated and transferred from Surplus Revenue Account to drain and reconstruct Meadow Street between North Pleasant Street and the Route 116 By-Pass.
ARTICLE 14. Defeated. Kellogg Ave.
ARTICLE 15. Voted that $10,000 be raised and appropriated for hard-surfacing certain gravel roads.
ARTICLE 16. Defeated. Wildwood Lane.
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ARTICLE 17. Voted that $2,500 be raised and appropriated to con- struct a sidewalk along a portion of Chestnut Street.
ARTICLE 18. Voted that $15,000 be appropriated for the purchase of a new pumper for the Fire Department and that the Chevrolet pumper may be turned in as part payment; and that to meet said appropriation $7,500 be appropriated and transferred from Overlay Surplus Revenue and that the treasurer, with the approval of the selectmen, be and hereby is authorized to borrow $7,500 and to issue a note or notes therefor pay- able in not more than one year YES, 177. NO, 4.
ARTICLE 19. Voted that $1,800 be appropriated and transferred from Parking Meter Reserve to purchase a new car for the Police De- partment, and that the Buick be turned in as part payment.
ARTICLE 20. Voted to dismiss. Dump truck.
ARTICLE 21. Voted that $4,500 be appropriated and transferred from Sewer Reserve to purchase a sewer rodding machine.
ARTICLE 22. Voted that $1,500 be raised and appropriated to be used, with matching funds if available, for the purchase of radio com- munications equipment for various departments.
ARTICLE 23. Voted that $1,000 be raised and appropriated to pur- chase a postage metering machine.
ARTICLE 24. Voted that $1,500 be raised and appropriated for redecorating and relighting the auditorium of the Munson Memorial Library Building.
ARTICLE 25. Voted that the selectmen be instructed to continue the study of architectural changes within the town hall, and to report with recommendations at the 1961 annual town meeting.
ARTICLE 26. Voted that the moderator be instructed to appoint a committee of five or more to study the advisability of town-wide garbage and rubbish collection and report thereon with recommendations at the 1961 annual town meeting. YES, 119. NO, 46.
ARTICLE 27. Voted that Section 8A of Chapter 40 of the General Laws, as most recently amended, be accepted, that a devolpment and in- dustrial commission of nine members be established thereunder, and that $200 be raised and appropriated for its use. A substitute motion, to establish a committee to study the need for a commission, was defeated.
ARTICLE 28. Voted that, effective beginning with the 1961 annual town election, the town by-laws designated as Sections 11a, 11b, and 11c, under Article 1, be repealed, and in place thereof the following new by- law be inserted:
11a. The town manager, the secretary of the finance committee, the chairman of the board of health, the chairman of the planning board, the chairman of the board of assessors, the chairman of the personnel board, the chairman of the development and industrial commission, and the chairman of the housing au- thority shall be town meeting members at large.
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ARTICLE 29. Voted that the town amend the Town of Amherst Zoning By-law by enlarging the Business District as shown on the Official Zoning Map to include the entire premises at No. 90, 92, 96, 98, 100, 106 and 108 North Pleasant Street (Sheet 14A, Lot 43 on Assessor's Plan) and all that portion of the premises at No. 33 North Prospect Street (Sheet 14A, Lot 33 on Assessor's Plan) as lies easterly on a line drawn parallel to and fifty (50) feet easterly from the easterly line of said North Prospect Street. YES, 166. NO. 5.
Article 30. Voted that effective beginning April 1, 1960, the so- called Bicentennial Seal, without copyright symbol, that was designed by Frank A. Trapp and copyrighted 1959, Gu 30396, be established as the official seal of the town, and that as of that date the present seal be dis- continued. YES, 103. NO. 49.
ARTICLE 31. Voted that the town raise and appropriate $1,439.32 to pay unpaid bills of 1959. Unanimous.
ARTICLE 32. Voted to dismiss. Use of surplus to reduce taxes.
It was voted to adjourn at 10:56 P.M. o'clock.
There were 187 town meeting members in attendance at the close of the meeting.
TOWN CAUCUS (for Selectman) September 23, 1960
In accordance with the town warrant, the polls opened at 12:30 P.M. in the Court Room of the Town Hall. There were 502 ballots cast out of 4,602 registered voters. The results were as follows:
Horace W. Hewlett 250
Walter C. Markert 145
Robert R. Ruder 69
Blanks 38
502
The results were announced at 8:00 P.M.
SPECIAL TOWN ELECTION
October 24, 1960
In accordance with the warrant, the voters met in their respective precincts. The polls opened at 12:30 P.M. and closed at 7:00 P.M. There were 1220 votes cast out of 4942 registered voters and resulted in Horace W. Hewlett, 511; Walter C. Markert, 700. The returns were completed and announced at 8:00 P.M.
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PLANNING BOARD
The Planning Board held 13 regular meetings during 1960. In January, the Board gave final approval to the Stanne subdivision located between Chestnut and Gray Streets. A public hearing was held in March to consider an amendment to the Zoning By-Law for an extension of the Business District to allow provision for an additional 75 parking spaces north-west of Louis' Supermarket. This amendment was subsequently passed at the annual Town Meeting. In October a public hearing was held to discuss a subdivision plan proposed by Mr. Wesley J. Wentworth.
The Planning Board has been concerned with several major issues in 1960. Since the Town in 1958 rejected by referendum a complete re- vision of the Zoning By-Law, the Board has spent many hours consider- ing both limited and major changes in the existing by-law. A sub-com- mittee has worked on the details of several proposals which have been presented to the whole Board. Although we believe that Amherst must ultimately adopt a thorough-going revision of its present zoning, we feel that some of the difficulties in the present by-law can be made less trouble- some by rewording certain sections. A number of proposals will be pre- sented to the 1961 Town Meeting.
These changes will be designed to improve the administration of zoning by the Building Inspector and to clarify some statements which have caused great difficulty for the Board of Appeals. It is also hoped that these proposed zoning amendments will clear up some of the sec- tions which have caused misunderstanding or hardship for some towns- people who have wished to erect new buildings or alter existing structures.
In addition to the changes mentioned, the Planning Board has dis- cussed various proposals for a new zoning district in which light indus- trial and research activities would be allowed. It is expected that the Town Meeting will be asked to amend the present zoning to create such a district. The Board has also studied the problems relating to earth re- moval (loam, sand, gravel, etc.) and we hope to present to the Town Meeting a new by-law designed to allow the community to protect and guide the use of these resources. Work has continued on a complete re- vision of the Subdivision Regulations. These new regulations will be pre- sented to the Town at a public hearing during 1961.
As usual-the Planning Board has spent too much of its time on housekeeping tasks which help to preserve the best aspects of the present community and not enough time has been put on planning for the future. One hopeful sign, however, is the initiation of closer ties with officials at the University of Massachusetts so that our joint efforts will be directed toward solving the common problems which will arise as both the town and the University grow.
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ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
The Board of Appeals met eleven times to hear thirteen petitions. A fourteenth was withdrawn prior to a hearing. Permits were granted for a trailer, a gravel plant, a gift-shop, beauty shop, furniture store, welding shop, expansion of a plumbing shop, a boarding kennel, and an office building. Denial of a building permit by the Building Inspector was reversed, and requests for a sorority and two trailers were denied. One case was appealed to the Superior Court and is still pending.
The Board continues to function under a zoning by-law that is long since outdated and sorely in need of revision. It is to be hoped that ac- tion by the Town to correct this situation will be taken in the near future.
BAPTIST CHURCH BELL
Probably one of the oldest bells in the town of Amherst is the bell of the First Baptist Church. We find written in the Chronicles of the First Baptist Church by Angie F. Fish the following report:
"In 1868 the people gathered a sum of money ($240) and were presented an additional amount by interested citizens of the town with which they secured the bell of the sister church on College Hill (First Congregational), which had been forged in the foundry of Paul Revere of historic fame. 'Only about sixty of these bells were ever forged and these mostly being found in New England Towns.' And for the assistance given by the citizens toward its purchase the town was granted its use in times of conflagration."
Thus it was that in the early days the historic Paul Revere bell in the belfry of the church was used as a fire alarm for the town.
SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH BELL
The original church built in 1784, was replaced with the present structure in 1839. Apparently the bell which was in the old church was placed in the new tower. In 1879, the old bell was broken and a new one purchased which is still in use. The hand operated bell rings to summon worshippers to services.
BELL AT THE SOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Since no records indicating the original date of this bell are avail- able, it is presumed that it was purchased and installed when the church was built in 1824. It is reputed to be a Paul Revere bell. This bell can be tolled as well as rung. Residents of South Amherst recall that the bell was tolled at the close of World War I. The bell was rung as a fire alarm before the installation of the present fire alarm system.
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DEVELOPMENT AND INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION
Acting under enabling legislation passed by the General Court, The Industrial and Development Commission was established by the Town meeting of Amherst in 1960. The following members were selected by Town Manager Mr. Allen L. Torrey:
Mr. Clement Brown
Mr. George May
Mrs. George Cramer
Mr. William O'Donnell
Mr. Hubert Elder
Mr. George Richason
Mr. Francis Goodnow
(replacing Mr. Goodnow)
(resigned June 28, 1960)
Mr. Herbert Wilkinson
Mr. Himy B. Kirshen
Mr. Clifton Winn
At the Commission's first meeting Mr. Kirshen was elected Chair- man, Mr. Elder, Vice Chairman and Mrs. Cramer, Secretary.
The purpose of the Amherst Industrial and Development Commis- sion was defined:
"To concern itself with the development and promotion of all economic resources of the town. It is to promote already exist- ing enterprises and to supplement these by the attraction of other suitable businesses which will strengthen and diversify the ecnomic base of the community."
The members of the Commission considered it the first order of business to familiarize itself with the work of other commissions and to study and analyze the existing and potential resources of Amherst. It in- vited a number of persons to discuss various problems before the com- mission. Mr. Bacon pointed out possible areas considered by the Plan- ning Board as industrial sites. Mr. Turnbull, of the Western Massachu- setts Electric Company, surveyed the whole problem of Industrial Com- missions and the search for industry and appropriate businesses, emphasiz- ing the need for cooperation among the citizens of the Town, the Cham- ber of Commerce, Planning Board, Selectmen, School Committee and other organizations.
It was agreed that certain types of information should be made avail- able, collected and analyzed such as tax receipts, government expenditures, per capita income, retail sales, population trends, public services, educa- tional facilities, weather data, highways, recreation, type of town govern- ment, banking services and composition of the labor force. During the summer of 1960 a graduate student, Donald Savage, from the Univer- sity, working with Mrs. Betty Cramer, collected and aided in the tabula- tion of an occupational survey.
Generally a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the League of Women Voters and the local newspaper, was present at the meetings.
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The Amherst Environment
The establishment of an Industrial and Development Commission was not the result of a declining industry, nor of excessive unemployment nor of industry moving from the area. Generally these are the basic reasons behind a search for economic development. The motivation here reflects a search for a broader tax base in a community that is expanding because of an expanding University. Per capita income in Amherst is re- latively high due to the professional personnel and supporting services associated with Amherst College and the University of Massachusetts. Unlike industrial cities like Detroit or Gary, Indiana, there are no serious cycles of unemployment. Stability, in an economic sense, is the rule rather than an exception. In such communities there is likely to be great pres- sure for public services that coincide with the cultural advantages of the residents. Obviously these services cost money and require taxes from state and local government. It is the nature of a university and college community to be very circumspect and selective in its quest for business and industry. Such a community wishes industry with professional per- sonnel or well paid personnel. Such industries would be relatively wealthy and capable of paying a tax contribution that covered public services with- out requiring a subsidy, either direct or indirect.
This is the background of the commission's work: that the resources of Amherst should attract the kind of industry in which educational faci- lities play a large part. It is our hope, therefore, that although educational institutions are tax exempt, there is the possibility that certain industries would come to Amherst precisely because of the educational advantages. The Commission considers itself in the initial stages of its work and is more prepared to make tentative recommendations than it is prepared to offer a specific guide on how to bring industry of a desirable sort into Amherst to the delight of all citizens.
Recommendations
1. The Commission has asked the Planning Board to define Com- mercial and Industrial zoning. This is essential for any further thinking about new industry or economic development.
2. Extension of parking areas is necessary, if we are to attract purchasers to the Amherst area as well as protect existing establishments.
3. The Commission working with the Planning Board needs, in 1961, to select particular sites. This is related to the problem of zoning. The need for flexibility here is assumed.
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POLICE DEPARTMENT
The constantly increasing number of automobiles on our highways, the wide range of crimes being committed, and the increased mobility of the malfactors committing them, all unite to require the present day police officer to be a person with specialized, professional training in all phases of police work, if he is to do his job successfully. It is, therefore, a great source of satisfaction and community pride to be able to announce that, with the recent graduation of Officers Clarence R. Babb and Wil- liam H. Ashby, every member of the Amherst Police Department has now graduated from the Massachusetts State Police Academy, at Fra- mingham, one of the most highly regarded schools of its kind in the United States. We are highly pleased also at the very creditable records made there by Officers Babb and Ashby and feel that the townspeople will receive better police service because of these educational accomplish- ments.
The importance of the automobile in all of police work continues to grow larger and larger each year as their numbers continue to increase. Over 1,633,000 have been registered already in 1961 in Massachusetts; an increase of 123,000 in the past two years. Despite this increase of over 1,000 cars each week in this Commonwealth alone, with the result- ing impact on Amherst due to our two institutions of higher learning, automobiles are being operated percentage wise more carefully in Am- herst and we had three less automobile accidents this year than in 1959. Regrettably, however, the number of accidents with personal injury in- creased from 31 to 47 and the number of persons injured from 31 to 60. Again, we had no fatal accidents.
The automobile police formula is a simple one: more automobiles- more traffic-more responsibility and work for your police department.
The increasing traffic at two locations reached a point where some- thing had to be done for minimum safety standards:
At the request of the Reverend William G. Lorimer, of the North Congregational Church, a traffic officer was assigned to North Amherst Center on Sunday mornings and for a short period in the summer vaca- tion during religious education classes at the North Parish House. Also at the request of parents of children at the East Street School, a traffic officer has been assigned to the East Street School crossing on Main Street. Town Manager Allen L. Torrey has authorized the assignment of special police officers at these two locations and we are indeed fortunate to have obtained the services of James R. Alcock for this work in North Amherst and of Harold A. Magrath at the East Street School, two excel- lent men who are dedicated to their work.
Our school traffic safety educational program continues in full oper- ation under the direction of the department safety officer Donald N. Maia. This program was given increased impetus and efficiency this year
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by the gift of a safety patrol automobile through the generosity of Mr. Edward Mraz, of the Mraz Ford, Inc. of North Amherst. This is the first time the Police Department has had such an automobile and the only expense is for the gasoline and oil to operate it. The car is avail- able not only for the safety education program in the public schools, but also for safety programs and lectures to various interested organizations.
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