USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1940 > Part 3
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1940 Apportioned Gran. Walk
1,001.70
1,001.70
701.67
11.43
1,001.70
288.60
1940 Sewer.
4,050.90
4,050.90
1,086.47
*925.48
4,050.90
2,038.95
1939 Apportioned Sewer
172.47
172.47
146.68
5.33
20.46
172.47
1940 Apportioned Sewer.
418.96
418.96
255.85
5.33
5.83
418.96
151.95
1939 Committed Interest.
195.91
195.91
179.53
2.08
14.30
195.91
1940 Committed Interest.
697.64
697.64
461.49
1.60
24.62
697.64
209.93
Apportioned Betterments-
Paid in Advance
1,021.43
1,021.43
1,021.43
1,021.43
Interest.
4,290.11
4,290.11
Costs. .
1,849.34
1,849.34
Dept. of Public Welfare.
18,126.03
99,670.83
117,796.86
99,911.81
6,886.50
117,796.86
10,998.55
Fishing Permits-Orr's Pond
36.00
36.00
36.00
36.00
Health.
611.33
1,610.02
2,221.35
1,520.17
2,221.35
701.18
Highway
32.16
47.78
79.94
35.35
79.94
44.59
Public Property
1,866.40
1,227.50
3,093.90
1,236.00
1,147.40
3,093.90
710.50
School .
660.56
2,946.27
3,606.83
3,250.48
. 18
$15.33
3,606.83
340.84
Pipe and Labor-1930
78.27
78.27
78.27
78.27
1931
7.15
7.15
7.15
7.15
1932
56.91
56.91
. 50
56.91
56.41
1933
45.65
45.65
45.65
45.65
1934
36.84
36.84
3.17
36.84
33.67
1935
41.98
41.98
10.30
41.98
31.68
1936
44.79
44.79
44.79
44.79
1937
67.38
67.38
67.38
67.38
1938.
7.70
7.70
4.01
7.70
3.69
1939
381.45
381.45
302.95
$6.01
381.45
72.49
1940
2,678.36
.50
2,678.86
3.73
4.27
2,678.86
446.34
Water Rates-1932
38.02
38.02
10.09
38.02
27.93
1934
87.17
87.17
27.22
87.17
59.95
1935
109.89
109.89
41.98
1936
158.82
158.82
16.00
8.00
1937
20.83
20.83
7.83
13.00
20.83
1938.
90.53
90.53
90.53
90.53
1939
4,479.44
7.39
4,486.83
4,377.69
19.32
35.27
4,486.83
54.55
118,487.92
93.81
118,581.73
113,524.77
138.78
263.14
118,581.73
4,655.04
Water Liens add. 1939 Tax
40.19
40.19
26.64
13.55
40.19
Water Liens add. 1940 Tax.
703.37
703.37
124.10
6.14
374.24
703.37
198.89
Totals
$205,549.95 $1,162,303.81 $759.79 $106.90 $1,368,720.45 $1,165,102.13 $20,685.60 $25,164.25
$7,598.48
$308.69
$1,374,859.90
$156,000.75
Water Liens.
740.04
336.77
1,076.81
82.71
** 703.37
1,076.81
290.73
1933.
41.69
41.69
41.69
41.69
109.89
67.91
158.82
134.82
1940
*Apportioned. tRecommitted. #Paid direct to Treasurer.
** Transferred to Water Lien add. 1940 Tax.
Doris L. Austin, City Collector.
Abated
Misc.
1940 Polls, Personal, Real.
+55.00
+17.54
2,224.52
37
ANNUAL REPORT
Board of Assessors
John J. Hodge
Patrick J. Byrnes Chairman
Lamont M. Clark
Annual Report
To His Honor the Mayor and the Municipal Council: Gentlemen:
The Board of Assessors respectfully submit the report of the Assessing Department for the year 1940:
TABLE OF AGGREGATES
Number of Persons assessed on Real Estate.
5,938
Number of Persons assessed on Personal Property
546
Number of Polls assessed 7,483
Value of Stock in Trade.
$ 578,395.00
Value of Machinery
525,030.00
Value of Live Stock . 81,590.00
Value of Other Tangible Property .
1,092,610.00
Total value of Personal Property .
2,277,625.00
Total value of Buildings
16,124,450.00
Total value of Land. .
6,150,220.00
Total value of Real Estate.
22,274,670.00
Total value of Real and Personal Property
24,552,295.00
Tax Assessed on Real Estate .
772,931.05
Tax assessed on Personal Estate
79,033.58
Tax assessed on Polls.
14,966.00
Total tax on all estates.
866,930.63
1940 Tax rate per thousand
$34.70
Horses assessed
91
Cows assessed .
768
Yearlings, bulls, heifers assessed.
146
Swine assessed.
371 24
Fowl assessed
27,172
All other. .
117
Houses assessed.
4,095
Number of acres assessed.
15,000
RECAPITULATION
1940 Budget appropriations.
$1,219,681.75
1940 Appropriations previous to Budget
32,641.42
Appropriations voted since 1939 tax rate. 109,879.18
1940 State Tax. .
65,760.00
Hospital and Home Care of Veterans. 300.00
State Parks and Reservations.
955.95
Sheep assessed
38
ANNUAL REPORT
County Tax.
38,784.43
Tuberculosis Hospital.
18,771.78
1940 Overlay .
13,011.00
1937, 1938 and 1939 Deficit Overlay
3,326.43
Total
$1,503,111.94
ESTIMATED RECEIPTS
Income Tax .
$ 74,461.17
Corporation Tax
83,478.51
State Owned Land
7.28
Veterans' Exemptions.
235.16
Regular Licenses.
5,800.00
Liquor Licenses.
10,785.00
Court Fines
500.00
Library Fines
600.00
Special Assessments .
12,500.00
General Government
1,235.00
Health and Sanitation
2,000.00
Welfare.
105,000.00
Soldiers' Benefits.
2,000.00
Interest on Water and Taxes
3,900.00
Costs on Water and Taxes
1,800.00
Water Revenue.
111,900.00
Education
8,800.00
Excise Tax
41,500.00
Interest on Soldiers' Bonus
301.00
Chapter 504, Gas Tax
39,763.83
State Parks Refund.
135.18
E. & D. to reduce 1940 tax rate.
19,600.00
Total Estimated Receipts .
$ 526,302.13
City, State and County appropriations. $1,393,232.76
Estimated Receipts. 526,302.13
Net amount to be raised on Polls and Property
$ 866,930.63
Above amount raised as follows:
7,483 Polls @, $2.00
14,966.00
Valuation $24,552,295 @ $34.70 per M
851,964.63 $ 866,930.63
BETTERMENT TAXES:
Sewer
418.96
Curbing
1,254.09
Sidewalks
1,001.70
Unapportioned Curbing
55.00
Interest on above
697.64
Water Liens.
703.37
Unapportioned Walks
17.54
$ 4,148.30
MOTOR EXCISE
Number of Cars assessed.
7,516
Valuation of same
$1,725,065.00
Tax on same.
51,155.29
Average Valuation.
230.00
Average tax.
6.80
There were 414 more cars registered than in 1939.
39
ANNUAL REPORT
TREASURER'S DEEDS TO CITY OF ATTLEBORO
Number of Parcels.
454
Number of Owners 248
Valuation of above parcels $ 63,175.00
Tax on same for 1940
2,192.17
Taxable Real Estate valuation $22,274,670.00
Taxable Personal valuation
2,277,625.00
Non-taxable Real Estate valuation
4,348,650.00
Non-taxable Personal.
1,848,365.00
Treasurer's Deeds to city
63,175.00
Land of Small Value.
495.00
City's total valuation $30,812,980.00
Building permits handled for 1940 valuation.
.264
Changes made by building permits for 1940: Center of city-210 permits. $206,270.00
South Attleboro-54 permits
27,830.00
Valuation gain by permits-entire city $234,100.00
Number of transfers of property handled during 1940 for 1941 valuation . .706
We still have only 83 new plats of the city, no new plats have been received since 1938. Much new valuation might be had if more new plats could be fur- nished this department.
1940 Valuation
$24,552,295.00
1939 Valuation
24,256,005.00
Gain over 1939
$
296,290.00
During 1940 we handled 230 Plumbing Permits and 314 Building Permits which will show in 1941 valuation.
Land values on ten streets were equalized in 1940.
Respectfully submitted, Patrick J. Byrnes, John J. Hodge, Board of Assessors.
January 8, 1941.
* *
The following is offered for your consideration:
1. As the attached report indicates, there are only 83 plats of the City. Information received by this office some time ago stipulated a total of 125 plats as being necessary to properly list all of the land in the City of Attleboro. It is our opinion that, if such plats could be procured, it would greatly increase the value of the records of this office.
2. In order for the Assessors to survey all of the properties throughout the city, a great deal more travel expense would be entailed. Could this be provided for, we believe it would inure to the benefit of taxpayers and the city as a whole.
3. Several conferences are called by the Commissioners of Corporations and Taxation in each year for the benefit of Assessors and to keep them apprised on the several problems of taxation and the laws pertaining thereto. Many times they are unable to attend those conferences due to lack of funds being provided for securing such information.
4. The amounts which have been heretofore allowed for office equipment and repairs have been the minimum.
If these matters would receive your favorable consideration the results should be gratifying to all concerned.
Board of Assessors.
P. J. Byrnes, Chairman.
10
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of the Planning Board
Joseph Finberg Chairman
Robert W. Mawney Secretary
Walter A. Cunningham
C. W. Cederberg
Louis M. Currie
J. Burleigh Moulton
1
Rev. Frank L. Briggs
41
ANNUAL REPORT
To His Honor the Mayor and the Honorable Municipal Council,
Gentlemen:
The Planning Board herewith submits its annual report for the fiscal year of 1940. Twelve regular meetings have been held this year, together with at- tendance at the Bristol County Regional Conference at Taunton in February, and a meeting of the State Planning Board and all of the Bristol County Planning Boards in Attleboro, in October. One hearing for a plat development has been held. The launching of actual work for a Zoning Ordinance is the outstanding feature of the entire year and culmination of many years of agitation for this work.
Mr. Harold Richardson, much to our regret, thought it advisable to withdraw from our board, and in his place the Mayor appointed Mr. Louis M. Currie, a contractor and developer. On November 10th, Attleboro was shocked at the news of Mr. Currie's death. We of the Planning Board keenly feel his loss. He was an outstanding citizen and certain parts of Attleboro stand as a memory to his skill in development. Mr. C. Wallace Cederberg was reappointed for a term of five years.
Following a request of the Planning Board to the Council, the entire Planning Board Ordinance as provided in Chapter 211. Section 81, was adopted by that body.
The main topics for consideration and action during the year are briefly mentioned in the following paragraphs:
Parking Sites: We note with appreciation the full development of the North Main Street Parking Area. This is a fine achievement. It does point the way for a street development extending from North Main Street, crossing the river, and connecting with County Street on the south, and Cliff and Mechanic Streets on the north. This is a Planning Board recommendation of many years ago.
Plat Layouts: We were in conference at some length with the owners of Lake Como Plat through their request to relinquish rights on areas designated as "Reserved", but no action was taken on this. The areas in question borders on the lake front and were reserved for public use by agreement of the owners and the Planning Board when the plat was approved.
After several preliminary conferences with the Board the owners of a plat known as "Leach Development" were granted a hearing on November 12, 1940, and on the same evening the Board granted approval. The plat is situated south- erly of South Main Street and westerly of Locust Street and it is our opinion that it will prove to be a real asset to the city.
- New School on Watson Avenue: The Board's interest in this fine develop- ment was to point out the fact that a road following the Ten Mile River was in part the recommendation of the Board of several years back. This is mentioned in a preceding paragraph under "Parking Sites." The purchase of the school property would allow the development of this roadway, and we are pleased that this will become a reality.
Requests from City Council: Several requests for consideration have been submitted by the City Council to our Board, mostly pertaining to the waiving of the Zoning laws to allow for different use than that interpreted by the Building Inspector. All such requests have been met by inspection of the location con- cerned, followed by written recommendations.
Zoning Work: The outstanding work of the year is launching of the program preparatory to a Zoning Ordinance and the good progress made on same. Follow- ing is a detail summary of the work dore thus far:
In May 1940, a Zoning Study of the city was begun under the supervision of Angus J. MacNeil, Constultant, and J. T. C. Waram, Associate. The first step involved the making of a base-map showing all the property lines. Since this map had to be very accurate, it was found necessary to build up a new map based on the City Survey completed by the Public Works Department. . Property
42
ANNUAL REPORT
lines were later inserted. Sources of information included the City Assessors' Department, the Public Works Department and the Pristol County Registry of Deeds in Taunton.
Following the completion of this map, work was started on the Land Use Survey. Work done to date on this phase includes:
(1) Complete listing from Assessors' valuation books of all residences and other buildings in the city. A separate card was made out for each residence and data included: house and street numbers, size of lot, plat and lot numbers, ownership, valuation of land and improvements, etc.
(2) Checking of each card against Real Property Inventory completed by a W. P. A. project in 1938. The use of each property was indicated on the card and spotted on a work map.
(3) A field survey was then made of the entire city checking the information of the work map on the ground. Any changes or additions since the W. P. A. project of 1938 were noted and brought up to date.
(4) A separate study was made of tax-delinquent land.
(5) The final Land-Use map was started. This map shows by different colors and symbols the use of each property in the city.
Upon completion of this map work will be started on the Zoning Map. A tentative Zoning Map will first be made with accompanying lot-size, land valuation and zone studies. This will be followed by a final Zoning Map based on these studies.
During the period of making the tentative and final zoning map, work will be progressing on writing the Zoning Ordinance which, when done, will be followed by conferences with Council members and the public. The work should be completed in a few months and ready for governmental action.
Recommendations:
An appropriation of $50.00 for Board Expenses.
Again we urge the consideration of a new street in the rear of the Post Office, the need for which grows more acute as the years pass. The need is apparent to anyone watching the traffic congestion at this particular place, especially during the rush hours, and at present we know of no better method of relieving this congestion than this proposed street.
Assessors' Maps-The zoning work has brought to our attention the great value of Assessors' Maps. We recommend that this work should continue until the city is entirely covered.
Street Signs-From the appropriations made for street signs, 743 have been purchased and placed to date. Residential streets have received the attention thus far. We now recommend that better signs for the principal thoroughfares be given study.
The Board advises the establishment of a Building Line on Pank Street with a width, if possible, of 50 feet connecting with the present 50 foot layout extending from Claflin Street to the "Gee Whiz" layout, so-called.
In conclusion we wish to thank the Mayor and the Municipal Council for the many courtesies and help extended during the year; also, the Public Works De- partment for the use of their office and draughting room; and the press for their valuable publicity.
Respectfully submitted,
Joseph Finberg, Chairman Robert W. Mawney, Secretary Walter A. Cunningham C. W. Cederberg J. Burleigh Moulton Rev. Fred L. Briggs
43
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of the Dog Officer
Thomas F. Robinson Dog Officer
To His Honor, the Mayor, and the Municipal Council,
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit a report of the activities of the Dog Officer for the year 1940:
Investigations of Complaints of Unlicensed Dogs 165
Statutory Killings 83
Stray Dogs Boarded. 85
Removal of Dead Dogs 42
Killings other than Statutory. 15 Miles Traveled. 3037
There are 1663 dogs licensed in the city at the present time. It was not necessary to prosecute any individuals for failure to pay license fee in 1940.
I wish to thank Chief Ernest W. Holt, the Police Department, and Mr. Charles Brown, agent for the Mass. Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for their helpful cooperation in this work.
Very truly yours,
Thomas F. Robinson, Dog Officer.
44
ANNUAL REPORT
Police Department
Board of Police Commissioners
Everett H. Lundsten
Curtis Witham
John E. Turner Clerk
Raymond F. Brennan Chairman
Report of the Police Department
Ernest W. Holt Chief
15
ANNUAL REPORT
January 9, 1940 Gentlemen:
To His Honor, the Mayor, and the Municipal Council:
I hereby respectfully submit the annual report of the Police Department of the City of Attleboro, Massachusetts, for the year ending December 31, 1940.
Crime Conditions
There were only three crimes of major importance committed in Attleboro in 1940. The first was the shooting at the home of Dr. J. Robert Allen on Upland Road on the night of February 4, 1940, when a gunman fired a shot through the door, narrowly missing Dr. Allen. As a result of fine police work, two offenders have been apprehended; one is serving a sentence in the Pennsylvania State prison for a crime committed in that state and, eventually, will be brought back here to stand trial for the offense committed here. Another man is awaiting trial in Rhode Island and, like his partner, will be brought back here when the Rhode Island authorities have finished with him.
The second crime was the looting of the office and safe of Arthur Houle, jeweler, in the Carnes Building on the night of September 3, 1940, and valuable watches and diamond rings, to the value of $4,590 were stolen. At the present time, the offenders have not been apprehended, but the case is still being in- vestigated. Circulars with descriptions of articles stolen were sent to every major police department in the United States and Canada, as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and State Police departments throughout the country.
The third was the breaking and entering on the night of October 20, 1940 at the A. T. Gunner Mfg. Co. on Forest Street, where sterling silver, both finished and unfinished was stolen, the value of which was $566.04. This case is still open, and we were helped in this investigation by police of other cities, and circu- lars were also sent out with description of articles stolen to other departments throughout the country.
Aside from these three cases, crime was at a minimum; mostly petty lar- cenies, some of which were committed by juveniles.
Welfare
Numerous juvenile offenders have come to the attention of the police in the past year, and, unless the offense was of serious nature, we have not taken court action against them. In some cases, the juveniles were made to report to the Chief of Police once a week for a certain length of time and were lectured by him as to the seriousness of committing petty offenses; this method has worked out satisfactorily. The department has worked with Miss Olive Mackinnon of the M. S. P. C. C. in regards to neglected children and domestic family troubles and has been successful in adjusting some of these cases without court action.
Station
The police station is in very good condition, but some changes should be made, such as lowering the ceiling and bricking up the large glass windows and installing regular size windows. I believe this would tend to reduce the heating costs a considerable amount. We have to depend on welfare help for our janitor work at the present time, and I believe that a permanent janitor should be at the station at all times.
Due to two unfortunate incidents that happened in the past year, two cells are to be fixed at once to make them as safe as possible.
Traffic
There were more motor vehicle accidents in the past year than in the previous year, with 160 accidents of various types; but there were less persons injured and one less fatality. Like all other cities and towns in the country, Attleboro has its traffic problems, and we are endeavoring to find a solution for them.
16
ANNUAL REPORT
At the present time, we are covering eight of our largest schools with a police officer on duty to protect the children going to and from school. Practically all of our day force is used for a certain amount of time in covering these schools.
More traffic lines were painted this year than at any other time in the city, and it is hoped that enough money will be allowed in 1941 to extend this work.
Automotive Equipment
At the present time, the department has two Ford Tudor 95 H. P. auto- mobiles, made especially for law enforcement agencies, which were purchased in 1940, equipped with radio. 1 1939 Ford 85 H. P. equipped with radio, 1 1936 Buick coach, and 1 Ford patrol wagon purchased in 1934 which is still in very good condition. There are also three Indian Chief motorcycles purchased in 1940, and these are in very good condition. Unless something unforseen happens, the department will not need any new motorcycles in 1941. The three Fords and one Buick should be replaced in 1941 for new equipment.
Complaints, Investigations, Arrests and Summons
During the year 1940, the department received a total of 396 major reports to investigate, some of which resulted in arrests. The total amount of articles reported lost or stolen in 1940 was $19,003.09, of which the total value recovered was $11,189.69, leaving a total valuation still not recovered $8,212.12. The department made a total of 470 arrests for various offenses.
There were 345 persons summonsed to court for motor vehicle violations, eight for contribution to delinquency, one for plumbing without license, and seventeen for delinquency, making a total of 371 summonsed into court.
Recommendations
1. I recommend that we increase the personnel of the department by five regular patrolmen.
2. That all regular patrolmen be put on a yearly salary basis of pay, with one day off in six.
3. The installation of two-way radio, which I believe is very essential at the present time; also the installation of the teletype system, for, at the present time, our only means of communication is by telephone.
4. There is a great amount of paper work, such as communications with other departments, preparing cases for Grand Jury and superior courts, reports to F. B. I. and district attorney, also filling out of motor vehicle accident reports, and our arrest filing system; and I recommend that a full-time clerk be hired for this type of work.
4. Our station must be kept clean, and inspections are made periodically by a state inspector. Cells are washed and disinfected after being occupied be- fore anyone else occupied the same cell. Cleaning must be done in every room in the building, and I recommend that a full-time janitor be hired for this work.
In Conclusion
I now wish to express my gratitude to Mayor John W. MeIntyre and the members of the Municipal Council for the interest and consideration shown to the department, also to Judge Ralph C. Estes and his associates of the Fourth District Court, to the Clerk of Courts, Edwin F. Thayer, and his staff, to In- spectors Edmund H. Gingras and Thomas Gilroy of the motor vehicle depart- ment, and to all who have been ready and willing to cooperate with the depart- ment.
Respectfully submitted,
Ernest W. Holt, Chief of Police.
17
ANNUAL REPORT
ARRESTS FOR YEAR 1940
Male
Female
Total
Abandonment of family.
3
0
3
Accosting persons of the opposite sex
4
0
4
Assault and Battery
24
1
25
Assault with intend to commit rape
2
0
2
Breaking, entering and larceny
5
0
5
City Ordinance, Violation of.
5
0)
5
Disturbance of the peace. .
22
0
22
Discharging shot gun on Lord's day
1
0
1
Driving M. V. to endanger
18
1
49
Driving M. V. drunk
56
1
57
Drunkenness.
162
1
163
Employment of minor
1
0
1
Fishing without a license.
2
2
2
Gaming nuisance, Maintaining
1
1
Gaming, Present at
9
0
9
Illigitimate child act, Viol. of .
1
0
1
Keeping store for registering bets.
1
0
1
Larceny .
29
0
29
Larceny of auto
3
0
3
Lewd and Lascivious in Speech and Behavior
5
1
6
Malicious injury to property.
4
0
4
Neglect to provide for family .
12
0
12
Neglected children. .
9
0
9
Neglect of minor children
1
2
1
Rape
3
0)
3
Registering horse bets
1
()
1
Robbery .
5
0)
5
Receiving stolen property
3
0
3
Runaway boys ..
5
0
5
Tramps and Vagabonds.
14
0
14
Unlawful practice of medicine.
1
0
1
Violation of probation .
10
0
10
462
8
470
SUMMONS FOR M. V. VIOLATIONS 1940
Allowing Unregistered M. V. to be operated.
1
C
1
Allowing improper person to operate.
3
0
3
Attaching plates to another Auto.
4
0
1
Failing to keep right.
3
0
3
Failing to stop at red light .
30
1
31
Failing to slow at intersection.
24
1
25
Failing to stop on signal of an officer
2
0
2
Failing to stop at stop signs .
1
0
4
Leaving the scene of accident P. D.
9
0
9
Operating after license is suspended
7
0
7
Operating without a license
29
1
30
Operating with defective brakes
4
0
1
Operating after license is revoked.
2
1
3
Operating unregistered M. V.
14
1
15
Operating uninsured M. V.
11
0
11
Permitting improper person to operate M. V.
1
0
1
Speeding. .
186
6
192
Total
334
11
345
Contributing to delinquency
8
0
8
Plumbing without a license.
1
0
1
Delinquency .
16
1
17
Total
359
12
371
1
1
Out of City Police.
Peddling without a license
1
Fugitive from justice.
3
Attempted breaking and entering
18
ANNUAL REPORT
Motor Vehicle Buff Cards for 1940 divided as follows:
Arrest .
13
Summons 240
Registry action
208
Accidents 208
849
Total 1548
No-Fix Tickets Issued 1940-divided as follows:
Violation Emergency rule
7
Double parking .
15
Overtime parking
12
Restricted place. 94
3
Vehicle on crosswalk
1
Wrong side of Street.
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