USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Amherst > Report of the town of Amherst, Massachusetts for the period, 1960 > Part 3
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A most time consuming and one of the most responsible services rendered by the department is the regular inspection of vacant homes while the owners are on vacation or sabbatical leave for varying periods of time. During 1960, there were over 2,000 such inspections made, and this police activity is rapidly expanding to a nearly full-time job for one man. That this job is being well done by the department officers is de- monstrated by the fact that not one loss of property has been reported where the vacant home has been under this inspection surveilance of your police department.
The statistics set forth below summarize some aspects of the police work performed during the year. They are, however, only the bare bones of the matter. They give little hint of the hard work, efficient investiga- tion, techniques, skilled training, devotion to duty, performed courtesy, and high professional ethics demonstrated each day, 365 days of the year, by every officer in the department. They are all worthy of the fine community in which they live.
ARRESTS
Adultery
2
Assault & Battery
10
Assault with dangerous weapon
1
Assault (indecent)
1
A.W.O.L. (Navy)
1
Breaking, Entering & Larceny
8
Committed to State Hospital
5
Committed to Veterans Administration Hospital Leeds
2
Delinquent Child
3
Disturbing the Peace
9
Drunkenness
140
Escaped Patients returned to institutions
2
False Fire Alarms
6
Illegal Possession of Firearms
2
Illegal Possession of Explosives
1
Larceny
11
Lewd, Wanton & Lascivious Person
1
Malicious Injury to Personal Property
5
Trespassing on Improved Grounds
1
Vagrancy
4
Violation of Probation
1
Violation of Town By-Laws (Rubbish)
1
217
26
MOTOR VEHICLE VIOLATIONS
2
Attaching Registration Plates Not Assigned
1
Defective Equipment
1
Failing to Display Lights
5
Failing to Keep to the Right
2
Failing to Stop for a police officer
3
Failing to Stop for a Red Light
47
Failing to Stop for a Stop Sign
5
Giving False Name
7
Impeded Operation
6
Leaving the Scene (Accident-Property Damage)
13
No Valid Inspection Sticker
3
Operating After Suspension of License
2
Operating to Endanger
19
Operating Without Authority
7
Operating Without License in Possession
17
Operating Without Registration in Possession
11
Parked Without Lights
1
Passing on the Right
5
Passing Where View is Obstructed
96
Speeding
2
Wrong Way on a One-Way Street
280
MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITIES
168
Animals Taken to the Pound
198
Commercial Buildings found Open and Secured
2,563
Complaints Received and Investigated
24
Operators Licenses suspended at our request
1,540
Summons Obtained for local motor vehicle violations
240
Summons Served for Other Departments
249
Verbal Warnings Given for Motor Vehicle Violations
129
5,111
ACCIDENT STATISTICS FOR 1960
91 Accidents; 69 persons injured
0 Killed; 47 accidents with personal injury
27
3
Operating on the Sidewalk
12
Operating Under the Influence
7
Operating Without Insurance
1
Operating After Revocation
1
Following too Close ( Accident)
Allowing an Improper Person to Operate
1
Parking Summons for Various Violations
FOREST FIRE
Activity was about average regarding calls for grass and brush fires this year. The early spring rains and the rapid return of foliage prevented the dry conditions that usually result in many grass and brush fires.
We would like to remind you once again to observe the condition of barrels used for incinerators. They should be replaced if rusted or burned out. A suitable cover to prevent sparks from flying is also a re- quirement.
Permits for fires in the open may be given by the department if conditions are favorable. Your cooperation in this respect will be appre- ciated.
903 permits were granted for fires in the open.
Deputy Forest Wardens appointed for the year were as follows: Walter Swartz, John Swartz, Albert Brace and Herman Markert.
BUILDING INSPECTOR
A total of ninety eight building permits were issued by this Office for the year, amounting to approximately $772,600.00. Forty four per- mits for new dwellings totaled $599,200.00. This amount was about S180,000.00 less than the previous year 1959. Nineteen permits for Garages amounted to $13,800.00. Additions to dwellings amounted to $14,400.00. Alterations $19,700.00. Barns $5,500.00. Sheds $1,700.00. Workshops $7,500.00. Miscellaneous construction $5,800.00.
Major construction-One Motel $70,000.00 and One Office Building S35,000.00.
Forty four house numbers were assigned.
Seventeen elevators were inspected and certificates issued.
WIRE INSPECTOR
Three hundred and one permits were issued from this department during the past year. In addition to the regular inspections three Nurs- ing Homes were checked, and nine installations made by home owners.
28
FIRE DEPARTMENT
The fire department had 251 calls this year and the ambulance made 368 trips. Emergency ambulance calls require sending two permanent men, which reduces our manpower until substitutes that are summoned, arrive at the fire station. This situation is far from suitable, regarding fire protection for the town, by limiting the number of men responding to a fire call with equipment. It is for this reason, that I recommend one man should be added to each shift, to help correct this problem.
Additional personnel would also enable us to do some fire inspection and fire prevention work, which is so important with the growth of the Town and Colleges.
The fire alarm system has been extended on East Pleasant and Pine Streets, thereby giving protection to the homes in that area. It is pro- posed to extend the fire alarm wires to Cushman and also to South Am- herst, this coming year.
An advanced fire training course was given by the department of education in which all members of the permanent, call and University of Massachusetts auxiliaries took an active part. Certificates have been awarded to these men for their effort.
The 750 pumper specifications were prepared and bids were called for by the Town Manager's Office. The Howe Fire Apparatus Company of Anderson, Indiana was successful in meeting the requirements and the contract was signed, July 15, 1960.
In December, one of our permanent firefighters, Wilbur Hawthorne, passed away.
Plans for the future include further development of our Fire train- ing grounds at North Amherst. As the Town continues to grow, consid- eration should be given to the building of a Fire Station on this site. The Fire Department expresses its thanks and appreciation to all other Town Departments for their cooperation.
ALARMS ANSWERED
1959
1960
Telephone Alarms
213
149
Box Alarms (From Street)
46
23
Box Alarms (From Station)
23
Verbal
61
45
Radio
16
11
336
251
29
SUMMARY
Building
29
24
Chimney
17
7
Grass
50
22
Brush
12
12
Oil Burners
9
11
Automobile
26
16
Investigations
40
38
Miscellaneous
134
86
Needless
2
2
False
6
17
Mutual Aid
11
16
336
251
Assessed value of Buildings and contents involved by fire
$77,500.00
Insurance covering this amount
$57,000.00
Estimated loss on building and contents
$47,100.00
Insurance paid on this amount
$42,200.39
Department Operations
Ladders raised 1153 ft.
Hose used 29,150 ft.
Oil Burners (Permits) 100
Petroleum Gas Installations 78
Underground tanks inspected 13
Mileage of Apparatus
10,010
Department Apparatus
1957 Dodge Panel Truck
1955 Cadillac Ambulance
1954 Maxim 85' Ladder Truck
1953 Buick, Chief's Car
1950 Oren, 750 gallon Pumper
1947 Ford, 1000 gallon Tanker
1942 Ford, 500 gallon Pumper
1938 Chevrolet, 500 gallon skid Pumper
1932 Maxim, 500 gallon Pumper
30
1
FALLOUT
FAMILY FALLOUT SHELTER BOOKLET
CIVIL DEFENSE
The emphasis of Civil Defense in 1960 was on survival of the in- dividual in an atomic age. Booklets and other information on fallout shelters and the effect of radiation were made available to all at the Com- munity Fair. A display was set up showing fallout shelter construction, and the supplies needed for two weeks in the shelter. A knowledge of the alert signals, and the action which they indicate has been stressed. Infor- mation was provided to Amherst College for use in its very excellent special report on fallout shelters for the college community.
The communications division has held regular weekly drills during the year, and the staff including senior Girl Scouts for the message cen- ter participated in Operation Alert 1960, on May 3rd and 4th. This exercise and other drills have prepared the organization to act in an emergency caused by either an act of war or a natural disaster. A new two way radio communication system using a local government frequency has been approved for the town and civil defense. Matching federal funds for this project have been requested through civil defense and pro- curement is anticipated in the near future.
Alfred Tidlund who has had specialized training in Civil Defense was appointed Deputy Director in November. As a part of his duties he will give instruction in radiological monitoring and other subjects to groups of Amherst volunteers.
31
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Adjusted Sealed Not Sealed Condemned
Scales Tested
Over 10,000 lbs.
5
100-5,000 lbs.
2
25
2
1
Under 100 lbs.
2
40
Weights
104
Metric
22
Volumetric Measures
32
Liquid Under 1 Gal.
1
Farm Bulk Milk Tank
1
Automatic Liquid Measuring Devices
46
1
Oil, Grease
24
Meters 1" or More
Vehicle Tank
1
9
2
Pumps, Kerosene
3
Linear Measures
3
TOTALS
9
364
3
3
Total
Correct
Under
Over
Trial Weighings
21
19
2
Meat & Provisions
10
7
3
Approved
Condemned
Clinical Thermometers
81
78
3
Special Scales
28
25
3
BELL AT THE HOPE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
For almost fifty years the bell tower of the Hope Congregational Church on Gaylord Street was without a bell. On March 23rd, 1958, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel E. Perry of Chatham, New York, presented the Church with a small bell. This bell before the turn of the century was used by a Mission Church in the Ohio valley. The gift was made pos- sible by Mrs. Frederick G. Ruder, Sr. of Amherst, who called the at- tention of the tower without a bell to Enoch Squires, the WGY Radio Traveler who by the means of his program has assisted churches in finding bells for their towers. The bell was dedicated on Easter Sunday 1958 by Malcolm W. Turner, lay pastor of the Church.
32
Avoirdupois
49
Apothecary
Liquid Over 1 Gal.
Gasoline
4
Yardsticks
Seed
4
BOARD OF HEALTH
Many of the routine day to day activities of this department will go unrecorded but the past year saw these highlights which are noteworthy.
Early in the year a community survey of immunization against polio was completed. 4,814 answered showing that only 20% of adults under 55 had received full protection against polio compared to 45% for those 18 years or under. On this basis our local physicians volunteered to con- duct a community wide free inoculation clinic open to everyone. Some 6,000 (adults and children) were eligible but only 461 took advantage of the opportunity. We are grateful to the physicians, nurses and all others who freely gave of their time for this cause.
33
A sanitary code for the commonwealth found birth during the year. Your Agent met to discuss and advise, with representative groups, the content of the code. In September and October Articles 1, 2 and 3 be- came law in Amherst and throughout the state. These articles are con- cerned with: (a) administration of the Code; giving power and respon- sibility to local boards; (b) minimum standards for housing; (c) mini- mum standards for Farm Labor Camps. New sections are forthcoming.
Considerable time and thought were given to the establishment of permit fees for plumbing, septic tanks and swimming pools. It is felt that these will help offset the cost of inspection as well as contribute to the protection of the public health.
The Agent recommended, and upon approval, carried out a rodent control program at the Town Dump with the help of the State District Health Office and the Federal Government's Division of Rodent Control.
Attention was given to the licensing of kitchens for private organi- zations who conduct public suppers. Also, licensing of Itinerant stands at the Community Fair.
In addition to the Mantoux tuberculin test clinic the Board of health conducted Diabetes Tests for the local campaign in November.
Your Agent was asked to review and make recommendations for the new U.S. P.H. S. food service manual which is being revised for the first time since 1943.
At the years' end the department purchased an autoclave for use by the nurses as well as future laboratory needs. At the present this insures better protection against the problem of serum hepatitis in the use of needles and syringes for inoculations.
Purchase was made of the film, "A NORMAL BIRTH" for use in the Expectant Parents Classes. This will save money as rental costs are high.
Mrs. Helen Hanczaryk resigned as part time nurse and was replaced by Mrs. Ruth Gallagher, a well trained and experienced Public Health Nurse.
The Agent is serving the Waste Disposal Study Committee, appoint- ed by the Town Moderator after last year's town meeting. He also at- tended two in-service training courses conducted by the U.S.P.H. Service and the State Dept. of Public Health. Subjects were: Insect and Rodent Control and Swimming Pool Operation.
A resume of statistical data and highlights follows:
Nurses-1,490 home visits were made on behalf of Public Health nursing or bedside (visiting nurse) care. 1,089 were for bedside care.
Six Well Child Conferences were held in which 76 children were examined and followed up where necessary.
Two (2) sessions of Expectant Parents Classes were conducted with 46 new parents enrolled.
34
Communicable Diseases-383 cases reported. A 40% increase over the previous year which was very low. The 42 cases of Streptococcus in- fection (Scarlet Fever and Strept throat) were highest of many years. Dog bites went down for the first time. A single case of typhiod contact- ed elsewhere was reported.
Immunization Clinics-490 children received inoculations at 9 clin- ics against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis. 487 children and adults received polio inoculations at the pre-school and town-wide clinics.
Mantoux Tuberculin Clinic-110 Tested-6 were positive
Diabetes Tests-120 tested -- 16 Questionable-4 Positive
Dental Program-15 children had 27 teeth filled; 14 extracted, 1 treatment and 2 x-rays.
The Dental Hygienist examined 169 children in one group finding 102 apparently requiring no dental treatment at the time of examination. 292 others had their teeth thoroughly cleaned after examination and treat- ed with a topical application of sodium fluoride. Of those classified, 92 had no apparent defects and 71 had only slight defects not requiring ur- gent attention.
Three 9th grade health classes were instructed on Dental Health with a movie on the subject also shown.
Permits, Licenses, etc .- 214 licenses or permits were issued.
Death Certificates-15 burial permits, 32 removal permits and 51 death certificates were issued.
Environmental Health-443 inspections or visits were made on be- half of this aspect of health protection.
Laboratory Tests-133 tests were made on milk, water and hamburg.
Biologic Distribution-1,321 vials of toxoids, vaccines and test ma- terials were made available for local clinics and private physicians.
Premature Births-15 babies weighing 51/2 lbs. or less were report- ed with 3 weighing less than 5 lbs. given financial assistance.
International Certificates of Vaccination-were approved for 94 per- sons traveling abroad.
Rehabilitation Equipment was loaned to 26 persons.
Plumbing Inspector issued 77 permits for 441 fixtures and made the necessary inspections.
Slaughtering Inspector-examined 173 carcasses. One liver was con- demned.
Animal Inspector-inspected all barns finding all animals healthy. 32 dogs were quarantined.
35
ELM TREE CARE AND MOTH CONTROL
Elm Tree Care:
A total of 298 Dutch elm diseased trees were cut down and disposed of this year. There still remain 129 infected trees which we were unable to remove because of lack of funds. The increase in diseased elm trees over last year is approximately 20%. Because of this increase I recommend that the Elm Tree Care budget be increased from $8,410.00 to $9,800.00.
Early in April a 12% DDT dormant spray was applied with the Town mist blower to the elms along the streets for control of elm bark beetles. This is the recommended practice by the University Shade Tree Laboratories for the control of these beetles which are spreaders of Dutch Elm disease. A request for 600 gallons of 25% DDT has been made to the State Department of Natural Resources to assist the Town in com- bating the disease in 1961.
Moth Control: (Insect Pest Control )
In a survey of the town trees and woodlands no gypsy moth in- festations were found.
In June all elms along the streets and highways of the town were sprayed for control of elm leaf beetles. Patches of poison ivy along the public ways and parks were sprayed with a weed killer during the latter part of May and month of June.
WESLEY METHODIST TOWER & CHIMES
The carillonic bells of Wesley Methodist Church were dedicated to The Glory of God by Mary Adella King Thompson in loving memory of her husband Herbert Arthur Thompson, 1952.
The chimes may be operated from the organ by the organist. This is done every Sunday in the service of worship for a few n nents of meditation while they are being played.
Each day at 12:05 and 4:35 p.m. they are set to play electronically. They are then played off a paper roller similar to our old player piano rolls. This mechanism is housed in the basement of the church and the amplifiers are in the tower.
They have been used occasionally to call the people to worship, but their main purpose is for the Sunday Service Meditation and to share their tonal quality at 12:05 and 4:35 with the town.
36
TREE WARDEN
In 1960, seventeen trees were removed and thirty-five new trees were set out, (Schedler, Norway and Rock Maples). These thirty-five new trees cost $227.50.
Removal of dead and dangerous limbs were completed on many streets.
LABOR
$2,024.90
WARDEN'S SALARY
519.75
LABOR
0.8%
MISC.
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
690.00
TOOLS
3.6%
NEW TREES
227.50
TOOLS & SUPPLIES
128.57
MISCELLANEOUS
26.80
TOTAL
$3,617.52
19.1% EQUIPMENT RENTAL
6.3% NEW TREES
55.9%
14.3% WARDEN'S SALARY
TOWN HALL BELL
In 1890 when the Town Hall was completed there was neither a bell or clock in the tower. In 1894 a request was made for a fire bell. This was approved and installed that same year. This bell gave the alarm and called firefighters. In 1897 Western Union was asked to connect its time wire to strike the correct hour at noon each day.
In 1900 the town voted to accept the gift of W. N. Spear, (an illuminated dial clock) in memory of his father M. N. SPEAR. Today, the bell no longer rings for fires or in connection with Western Union. However, it has kept the time continuously for our community almost from the first day of the twentieth century.
37
Veterans' Expenditures
$ 16,000
$8,000
1956
195 7
1958
1959
19 60
Cash ; Fuel
Medical
38
VETERANS' SERVICES
For the third year assistance rendered by this Department approxi- mated $16,000. Reimbursement has been received from the State in the amount of $5,785.48, from individuals $1,639.04. Twenty nine new or re-applications were received during the year. These cases, plus the per- manent cases, represent 116 persons. Eleven veterans applied for assis- tance who were found to be ineligible because they were employed full time, had sufficient income, or were unemployed because of wilful mis- conduct. Four cases were processed for persons who had settlement in other towns and cities.
The town receives 50% reimbursement from the Commonwealth for assistance granted on cases approved by the Office of the Commission- er of Veterans Services. It is approximately one year before reimburse- ment is received. Therefore the amount reimbursed during 1960 does not equal one-half of the amount spent.
331 contacts were made in regard to veterans, their families and parents. 228 of these contacts were in behalf of recipients of Veterans' Benefits and 103 involved such matters as arranging for hospitalization in the Soldiers' Home, Veterans' Administration Hospital, assistance in applying for pensions from the Federal government, burial allowances. insurance and other benefits. There were 447 pieces of outgoing mail and 312 pieces were received.
In addition to the above contacts 80 young men registered for Se- lective Service during the year.
Two hundred and sixteen photostats of discharges were made for veterans who entered the service from Amherst, or are now making their homes here.
This department is a member of the Massachusetts Veterans' Agents' Association and Western Massachusetts Veterans' Agents' Association, of which your Agent is President. Keeping informed of the proposed laws and the change in the laws through these organizations is most benefi- cial to the veterans and to the town. Many veterans of World War I have chosen to receive their pensions under the New Law, while others have found it more beneficial to remain under the Old Law. Once a veter- an decided to choose the New Plan, the decision is final.
39
VETERANS GRAVES OFFICER
The graves of 407 Amherst Veterans of all Wars were decorated in the following cemeteries: North Amherst, South Amherst, West, Wild- wood, St. Brigids, Pelham Valley, North Hadley and Quabbin Park. It was unfortunate that the new fifty star flags purchased this year were of poor quality. By the month of August these flags were so badly faded that they no longer respectfully served their purpose and therefore were removed from the graves and burned. Satisfactory replacements could not be obtained at the time. We have been in communication with the manufacturer and distributor and an acceptable adjustment has been made. A suitable stone has been placed on the five grave lot in West Cemetery in memorium to five unknown Civil War Veterans assumed to have been buried there. All graves and headstones needing repairs or at- tention have been reported and will be taken care of. All affidavits of death and disposition received to date have been properly filed or for- warded to the place of burial.
MEMORIAL DAY COMMITTEE
The Memorial Day Committee met on April 14th and arrange- ments were made for the usual Memorial Day observance. The program was carried out successfully. However, attendance indicated public apathy. The Committee met three times for the preparation of this yearly cere- mony. The members of the Memorial Day Committee consist of Law- rence Sherman, Chairman; Stanley Kopec, Commander of the V.F.W .; Aldis Flint, Commander of 1st World War Barracks; Scott Hubbard, Commander of American Legion; Susan Heath, Secretary, and Calvin Mccullough, representing the Spanish American veterans.
BELLS OF THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
The bell which was probably the first one heard in Amherst hung in the belfry of the second meeting-house of the First Church, on Col- lege Hill. Purchased in 1792 for £ 100, it replaced the "konk" which had summoned the parish for worship in the first meeting-house. For many years it was rung at "12 of the day and 9 of the night", the hours for dining and retiring. When the third meeting-house was built, in 1828, it was transferred to the new building, College Hall of today, but was replaced by a new and larger one in 1839. At the time that the present church on Main Street was built, in 1868, the bell was sold to the First Baptist Church of Amherst, and a new one took its place.
40
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
General Maintenance:
Approximately 40 miles of the town streets were cleaned by a rented power sweeper to remove the accumulation of rubbish and sand during May. The general cleaning of the 1,500 catch basins was accomplished during the winter months by the regular crew.
New culverts were installed on Market Hill Road, North Whitney Street, Mill Lane, and East Hadley Road to alleviate drainage problems.
A complete drainage system was constructed on Frost Lane and Van Meter Drive to eliminate an undesirable nuisance that had existed for several years. A continuation of this project is planned for the coming year.
Line Painting:
Traffic lines were re-painted on 15.9 miles of road during the past year. 2.34 miles were lined for the first time.
Since the State Department of Public Works has evidently discon- tinued painting lines in this area, the department added lines to South Pleasant Street, Main Street, Pelham Road and Amity Street. This work is normally done by the state.
317 parking spaces, 34 cross-walks, 31 stop lines and 51 stop and no-parking guides were lined. 300 gallons of paint was used in the pro- cess.
Reconstruction of South East Street
41
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT EXPENDITURES
G. 4.2%
G. 4.0%
G. 9.1%
A. 34.0%
A.
A. 31.8%
31.8%
F. 31.2%
F.
35.3%
F.
31.5%
42
B.
B. 6.4%
6.1%
E. 13.0%
E. 15.6%
B. 4.3%
D. 11.3%
D. 5.7%
D. 9.9%
c. 3.8%
C. 2.4%
1960 $192,963.73
1955 $132,160.79
1950 $119,700.68
A. HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE
B. ROAD MACHINERY
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