USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1953 > Part 2
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AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE.
Eight public hearings were held and one was pending at the close of the year. The Board approved six of the petitions heard, disapproved two, and so recom- mended to the Honorable Mayor and Municipal Council. They were as follows:
1. To change from General Residence to Business "Use" à certain area of land situated on the westerly side of Washington Street, southerly side of Bacon Street, easterly side of Westminster Street, as shown on New Plat #3 as Lots 16, 17, 59, 60. Recommended®
2. To change from General Residence to Business "Use" land situated on the north- erly and southerly side of Sanford Street, and on the westerly and easterly side of Bank Street as shown on New Plat #31 as Lots 7, 8, 9, 10, part of Lot 11, Lots 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, and part of Lot #33 and shown on New Plat #28 as Lots 28, 29 Recommended.
3. To change from General Residence to Business "Use" land on westerly side pf Buffington Street (so-called) between Orr Street and Owen Street, (so-called). Shown on New Plat #19 as Lots 214 to 235 inclusive. Recommended.
4 To change from Single Residence to Business "Use" the area of land on the northerly side of Pleasant Street beginning at the Caruso land and running east- erly to the westerly line of Biltmore Street, three hundred feet deep. Not re- commended
5. To add to the permitted "Uses" in the General Residence Districts, Section 3, Subdivision B, that of an "office of a professional man or woman". Recommended.
8
Annual Report
Report of the Planning Board continued-
6 To change the wording of Section 14 Yard Regulation, Subdivision A, by strik- ing out the words "business or industrial", and substituting therefor, the word "any" so as to make it read: 14 - A. "There shall be provided for each dwell- ing house (including apartment house and apartment hotel) hereafter constructed, reconstructed, altered or placed upon any lot in any district, a lot containing not less that fifteen hundred (1500) square feet for each family for whose habitation such building is adapted". Recommended. Not adopted by City Council.
7 To change from Single Residence to Industrial Use land of the Attleboro Steam & Electric Company on the northwesterly side of West Street and shown on New Plat #51 as part of Lot 7 and all of Lots 8, 9, 10B, 53. Extending the Industrial District thirty feet on West Street and one hundred seventy-eight feet along the shore of Farmers Pond. Recommended.
8. To change the minimum lot size area from 12, 000 square feet to 8, 000 square feet of the Davidson land situated on the easterly side of Newport Avenue as shown on New Plat #27 and #75 as Lots 335 to 358 inclusive, Lots 475 to 520 inclusive and Lots 74B, 77, 82, 330. Not recommended and not approved by the Depart- ment of Health.
PENDING AT THE CLOSE OF THE YEAR.
To change from General Residence to Industrial Use land of the City of Attleboro situated as follows: Beginning at a point in the boundary line of the land of Bertrand Lambert and the City of Attleboro, one hundred and forty (140) feet westeriy of the present line of North Main Street running in a northerly direc --- tion parallel to the present line of North Main Street for a distance of 201. 861 feet; thence turning at an angle of 92048" and running in a westerly direction for a distance of 182. 22 feet to a bound in a cement wall on the bank of the Ten Mile River; thence turning at an angle and running southerly along the bank of the river for a distance of 210 feet more or less to a point in the boundary line between the land of the L. G. Balfour Company and the City of Attleboro, thence turning at an angle and running easterly along this boundary line to the point of beginning, and further described as parts of Lots 167, 168, 169, and all of Lot # 179 as shown on New Plat #31.
SUNDIVISIONS.
Four public hearings on New Plats were held as follows:
1. Oakland Plat, the property of Willis H White & Sons Company located souther- Ly of Mendon Raad between Allen Avenue and Evergreen Street (so-called), and shown on New Plat #3 as Lots 1 -140 inclusive. As no lots had been sold this old plat came under the Subdivision Control Law and the Plat Rules and Regulations of the Board. Lots were rearranged to conform to the Zoning Area. The approv- al of this plat was held up by the Board when it received word that the owners had decided to wait a while before proceeding further.
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Annual Report
Report of the Planning Board continued-
2. Dewey Plat, Part 2, the property of A. Irvin Studley, an extension of Dewey Plat situated on Dewey Avenue westerly from North Main Street, Approved 2/2/53.
3. Edgewood Park Plat Section H, the property of Ralph Vickery, an extension of Edgewood Park Plat northerly of Starr Lane, Tentatively approved 12/7/53.
4. Snow Crest Plat, the property of Willard W. and Ruth M. Snow, situated westerly of North Avenue and southerly of the North Attleboro Town Line. Approved November 16, 1953.
Six plans of land were endorsed as not requiring the approval of the Planning Board under the Subdivision Control Law in accordance with Chapter 41 of the General Laws, Section 81 -P.
We cordially invite everyone who is interested in buying a piece of land to check with our office as to its status under the new Subdivision Control Law and the Zoning Ordinance.
We extend our thanks to the Public Works Department, the Board of Assessors, the Health Department, the City Solicitor and to the many people who have cooper- ated with us in the year's work.
Respectfully submitted,
ATTLEBORO PLANNING BOARD
Frank L. Briggs, Chairman
Harold E. Washburn
J. Burleigh Moulton
Leo F. Lyons
Robert W. Mawney, Secretary John A. Cummings Clifford A Swanson
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES FOR 1953
To His Honor the Mayor and Municipal Council:
The work of the department required by state and local laws was carried out and all stores, gas stations, fuel oil dealers, pedlars, scales and equipment were inspected and the required seals attached to correct findings.
Several local licenses were issued and applications for County State and spec- ial licenses were made out for the applicant and mailed to Bureau of Standards in Boston for verification and completion.
Respectfully submitted Daniel O'Connell
Sealer of Weights and Measures
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Annual Report
REPORT OF THE STURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL 1953
To the Board of Trustees and Managers of the Sturdy Memorial Hospital:
This marks the forty-first (41) year of service to this community by the Sturdy Memorial Hospital. It has been a very busy year both from the standpoint of service to patients, as well as in activity within the administration and out in the community.
First let us evaluate the services to our patients:
Calendar Year
1953
1952
Number of In-Patients
5,885
5,930
Number of Out-Patients
2,193
1,999
Total Patient Days
40,299
42,465
Daily average
111. 8
116.3
Babies born
1,183
1,163
Problems that confront executives in business are also ever present in a hospital. The Board of Managers rely upon the Administrator to keep them posted on conditions within our own hospital and informed of new advances and policies in the hospital field generally.
This year our financial report covers a period of only nine months, since our fiscal year has been changed from the calendar year to October first through September thirtieth. This was necessitated by reason of a uniform accounting system requested both by State authorities and Blue Cross.
Total Income from all sources . $ 648, 608. 13
Total expenditures. 663,567. 12
During the year it was found expedient to formulate a pension plan to cover those who faithfully serve the hospital over a long period of time. In the past the Board has dealt with each retirement on an individual basis: now an overall policy has been established.
To bring our hospital into conformity with industry generally, we have es- tablished a forty-hour work week.
It was a pleasure for all of us connected with the hospital to recognize 35 years of service to the hospital by Miss Helen Webb, R. N. April 21st was the day, and the "family" made it a gala occasion.
11
Annual Report
Report of the Sturdy Hospital continued-
Mr. William Marshall, who for many years served as city treasurer and also as a member of our Board of Managers, passed to his reward during the year. Always faithful in attendance and thoughtful in his advice, he contributed much to our efforts.
The Sturdy Memorial Hospital Aid Association has instituted a plan for Memorial Gifts during the year. This should assist greatly in the future to provide fac - ilities and services for the benefit of our patients.
Our Expansion-Fund Appeal has brought us into much more active contact with our entire service area. The importance of our hospital to all the communities served becomes more apparent as we consider the following:
Attleboro
2,220
South Attleboro
264
Hebronville
52
Dodgeville
34
2,570
North Attleboro
893
Attleboro Falls
101
994
Plainville
201
Wrentham
99
Norton
305
Chartley
122
Mansfield
670
Foxboro
228
Seekonk
87
Rehoboth
125
Franklin
13
1,850
Other cities and towns
471
471
Total for Calendar year 1953
5,885
The following is a report of the amounts expended from City appropriations during 1953 and the estimates of requirements for 1954:
Appropriated
Expended
Requested
1953
1953
1954
Water
$1,650. 00
$1,634. 15
$1,650. 00
Insurance
5,057.55
4,506.87
5,200.00
Hydrants
60. 00
60. 00
60. 00
Heating
10,000.00
9,733. 46
10,000.00
Light and Power
5,000.00
5,211. 73
5,250.00
Treasury Bond
62.50
62.50
62. 50
21,830. 05
21,208. 71
22,222.50
Unexpended
621. 34
21,830.05
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Annual Report
Report of the Sturdy Hospital continued-
During a year so filled with unusual activity, brought about by a Fund-Raising Campaign, architects plans, contract awards, we have needed more than ever, whole -hearted cooperation of staff, supervisors, educators, nurses and workers throughout the plant. The patience and consideration of all concerned has been appreciated. Our administrator Mr. Albert O. Davidsen, has been most coop- erative and we thank him for his interest in the betterment of our hospital.
To the press and radio. who have cooperated throughout the year, we extend also our thanks .. Many organizations and individuals have also given a great amount of help in many ways. To them also sincere thanks.
Dur job at the hospital is a continuing one, therefore, we ask that your support continue into the future, to the end that our service be always better, and when we have completed our part of the work, it may be said by Him, "WELL DONE , GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT".
Respectfully submitted: C. W. Cederberg, Chairman Board of Managers
To the Board of Trustees and Managers of the Sturdy Memorial Hospital:
This is the forty-first (41) year of service that the Sturdy Memorial Hospital as rendered to the community. During this period, the hospital has kept pace with changing techniques and equipment. In line with this policy, a master plan vas formulated in nineteen fifty-two (1952) to expand facilities. A building-fund campaign was instituted last year and will continue through February eighth of his year.
The approximate sum of nine-hundred thousand ($900, 000) dollars has been ledged to date. Several firms and employee groups are yet to be heard from. General solicitations will be made at the end of this month. Hence, our final otal should be increased appreciably before our campaign closes.
A portion of our master plan has been started. When construction has been completed it will contain a modern kitchen and a spacious dining room. In .ddition, it will contain much needed locker space for employees and a base- nent for storage.
t is reasonable to expect sufficient funds will be pledged to break ground this ummer for the new hospital wing in which there will be additional patient beds nd ancillary services. By this summer definite word should be received rela- ive to Hill-Burton Funds.
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Annual Report
Report of the Sturdy Hospital continued-
That the Nursing School building must be deferred is most regretable. Hospi- tals are more than brick and mortar; more than equipment and supplies. Pri- marily, hospitals are people -- loyal, faithful people who are specialists in their field. For this reason, it is imperative that, as we expand our patient facilities, we broaden our teaching program also. Maintaining a staff of trained people to meet the needs of our patients is essential!
Nursing personnel is not the only specialty help required. Technicians are also needed, particularly in our laboratory. It is hoped that with our acquision of a full-time Pathologist, we may plan for an approved school for laboratory tech- nicians in the future.
The duties of the Accounting Department have multiplied due to the requirements of third-party agencies. In order to obtain statistical data for proper allocation of departmental costs, the McBee System has been installed.
The artist, Mr. Wilfred I. Duphine, has painted a portrait of the late Mrs. Florence Sweet. This portrait now appears on the main floor of the maternity pavilion which is named "The Florence Sweet Memorial" in her memory.
Finally, I cannot close this report without extending my thanks to the members of the Board of Managers, particularly Mr. C. W. Cederberg, the many organ- izations, and volunteers who have given generously of their time to the patients in the hospital. Also, I wish to thank the Medical Staff members and employees who have served our patients in their various capacities, the executive heads of the many departments and the Assistant Director for their loyal and faithful efforts on behalf of the patients.
May God continue to give us guidance for future planning and service.
Respectfully submitted, A. O. Davidsen, Director
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Annual Report
REPORT OF THE ZONING BOARD 1953
To His Honor the Mayor and the Honorable Municipal Council of the City of Attleboro:
During the calendar year of 1953 the Board of Appeal held thirteen regular and sixteen special meetings. It considered thirty-six applications and appeals, of which twenty-seven were granted, in whole or in part, seven were denied and two are pending, Detailed statistics of the Board for the calendar year 1953 are as follows:
1951
1952
1953
Number of regular meetings
16
15
13
Number of special meetings
17
17
16
Total applications or appeals filed
48
27
36
Granted (in whole or in part)
35
22
27
Denied
10
4
7
Withdrawn (or otherwise disposed of)
0
0
0
Applications or appeals pending at end of calendar year
3
1
2
Respectfully submitted,
Elmer E. Tufts, Jr.
Chairman
Charles E. Judge Member
Clarence D. Roberts
Member
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Annual Report
REPORT OF THE CITY COLLECTOR 1953
To His Honor, the Mayor, and the Municipal Council:
I herewith submit the annual report of the City Collector for the year 1953.
The total amount collected and paid to the City Treasurer is $2, 355, 569. 89, divided as follows:
Real Estate Taxes
$1,624, 165. 13
Personal Property Taxes
121,112. 57 13,000. 00
Poll Taxes
Motor Vehicle Excise
188,794. 26
Betterments
9,431. 20
Water Rates
180,759. 27
Pipe & Labor Charges
10,030.76
Highway
64. 69
Welfare
190,500. 77
Veterans' Benefits
44. 47
School
6,967. 65
Health
2,664.29
Public Property
705. 00
Fishing Permits-Orr's Pond
50. 00
Water Liens added to taxes
2,130. 87
Costs on Water Liens
2.00
Interest on Taxes and Water
2,674. 42
Costs on Taxes and Water
1,781. 53
Committed Interest
691. 01
Following is a list of the outstanding accounts as of December 31, 1953:
Real Estate Taxes
$64,470. 48
Personal Property Taxes
2,867. 19
Poll Taxes
200.00
Motor Vehicle Excise
19,951. 60
Betterments
4,969. 61
Committed Interest
99. 44
Water Rates
4,681. 10
Pipe & Labor Charges
5,306.85
Highway
74.94
Public Property
220.00
School
589.00
Welfare
7,859.66
Water Liens added to Taxes
324. 85
Water Lien Costs
8. 00
$ 111,622. 72
Respectfully submitted,
Doris L. Austin, City Collector
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Annual Report
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE 1953
To His Honor the Mayor and the Municipal Council, Attleboro, Massachusetts.
Honorable Sir and Gentlemen:
In compliance with the City Ordinance, the Annual Report for the Board of Public Welfare for the fiscal year ending December 31st, 1953 is herewith submitted.
Your attention is invited to the fact that after deducting amounts received from the Federal Government and Cities, Towns and State that the net cost to the City of Attleboro, Mass. for the Department of Public Wel- fare was $140, 854. 69 as against a gross expenditure for the entire year of $544, 774. 53.
A detailed statement of receipts and expenditures for the entire year is attached.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
J. K. Henderson John J. Maynard Patrick J. Duffy
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE-1953
APPROPRIATED
Plus additional appropriation Plus refunds
1,482. 77
GRAND TOTAL $ 351,057. 46
Total expenditures
Less Federal funds
$ 544,774. 53 211, 942. 16
Total expenditures from city appropriation
332,832. 37
Balance at end of the year
18,225. 09
SALARIES:
$
12,750. 00
Appropriated Plus additional appropriation
26. 80
GRAND TOTAL
$ 12,776.80
Total expenditures $ 20,277. 30
Less Federal funds 7,500.50
Total expenditures from city appropriation
12,776. 80
Balance at end of the year
$ 00,000. 00
17
F
$ 349,547. 89 26.80
Annual Report
Report of Board of Public Welfare continued-
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN:
Appropriated Plus transfer from General Relief Plus refunds
$33,600. 00 4,500 00
207. 12
GRAND TOTAL
$38,307. 12
Total expenditures $67,292. 41
Less Federal funds 29,798. 57
Total expenditures from city appropriation
37,493. 84 $ 813. 28
BALANCE at end of the year
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE: Appropriated Plus refunds
$194,320. 00
763. 33
GRAND TOTAL
$195, 083. 33
Total expenditures $350, 796. 21
Less Federal funds 155,734. 96
Total expenditures from City appropriation 195,061. 25
BALANCE at end of the year
$ 22.08
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE:
Appropriated Plus refunds
243. 35
GRAND TOTAL
$ 19,483. 35
Total expenditures
$36,254. 93
Less Federal funds 16,922.78
19,332. 15
BALANCE at end of the year
OUTSIDE RELIEF:
Appropriated Plus refunds
268. 97
GRAND TOTAL
Less transfer to Aid to Dependent Children
4,500.00
$74,268. 97
Total expenditures:
Weekly cash
$21,185. 29
Rent, Board and Care
15,192. 64
Clothing
816. 84
$19,240. 00
Total expenditures from city appropriation $ 151. 20
$78,500. 00
$78,768. 97
18
Annual Report
Report of Board of Public Welfare continued-
Total expenditures-Outside Relief
Fuel
$ 957. 56
Medicine
9,449. 12
Towns, Cities and Inst.
9,664.77
Burials 244. 67
Total expenditures from city appropriation 57,510.89
BALANCE at end of the year
$16,758. 08
CITY INFIRMARY Appropriated
GRAND TOTAL
$ 9,760. 15 $ 9,760. 15
Total expenditures
Salaries
$1,958. 32
Medical
231.08
Food Supplies
4,814. 70
Clothing
173. 73
Fuel
886. 85
Light
139.18
Phone
74.36
Other Bldg. Maint. & Operation
933. 74
Seeds and Fertilizer
22. 25
Workmen's Compensation
45.49
Total expenditures from city appropriation
9,279. 70
BALANCE at end of the year
$ 480. 45
WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION for 1952
COST OF LIVING BONUS:
Appropriated (1 @ $100. 00)
$ 5.74
Total expenditure
5.74
BALANCE at end of the year
$ 000.00
ADMINISTRATION:
Appropriated
$ 1,372. 00
Total expenditures
Janitor
$ 268. 44
Phone
471. 98
Office Supplies
1,999.23
Auto Maintenance
330 31
Transportation (Outside Relief)
107. 64
Seeking Information
179. 75
19
ATTLEBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY JOSEPH L. SWEET MEMORIAL
Annual Report
Report of Board of Public Welfare continued-
Total expenditures-Administration
Total expenditures
$ 3,357.35
Less Federal funds 1,985.35
Total expenditures from city appropriation $ 1,372.00
BALANCE at end of the year
0,000.00
Total expenditures of city money
$332,832. 37
Less Money Received:
D. A. Adm.
$ 429.90
O. A. A. State
133,956.15
A. D. C. State
21,766.51
D. A. State
11,391.90
G. R. State
12,001.89
G. R. and O. A. A. Cities, Towns 8,572. 52
City Infirmary 1,570.00
Miscellaneous
2,288.81
Total Receipts
$191, 977. 68
Net Cost to the City
140,854.69
Total expenditures
$544,774. 53
FEDERAL
$211, 942. 16
39%
State, Cities & Towns
191,977. 68
35%
City of Attleboro
140,854. 69
26%
$544, 774. 53
100%
20
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT 1953
Honorable Cyril K. Brennan, Mayor Members of the Municipal Council
Gentlemen:
I herewith , in compliance with the City Ordinance, submit the annual report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1953.
The complement of the police department consists of: one chief, one police lieutenant, one lieutenant inspector, five sergeants, one meter super- visor, twenty-six patrolman, three of whom are in the armed services, two reserve patrolmen, and five temporary appointees.
The following equipment is owned and has been used by the depart - ment during the year just ended:
1. One 1953 Ford 4-door sedan, used by the chief.
2. Four 1953 Ford 2-door sedans, used as cruisers.
3. Two 1948 Harley Davidson motorcycles.
4. One 1949 Harley Davidson motorcycles
5. One Link radio receiver-transmitter, KCA-887, in the police station and 5 receiver-transmitter mobile units in the cars.
6. One patrol wagon used for traffic work
7. One police ambulance used for emergencies or when the municipal ambulance is unavailable.
8. One State Police Radio Receiver needed for Civilian Defense.
For 1953, this department made 340 arrests for crimes, most of which, fortunately, were misdemeanors. There were also 206 summonees answered by motorists in the Fourth District Court for violations of the motor vehicles laws. There were 249 serious motor vehicle accidents in- vestigated by this department in which there were 204 people injured, re- quiring treatment of some kind. Minor accidents involving small property damage claims numbered 369. One very unfortunate accident ended fatally for a South Attleboro girl who was operating a bicycle on the sidewalk on Washington Street.
Officers investigated 1490 complaints of all kinds. Many of these were needless but yet had to be investigated. Many juvenile investigations were taken care of in the police station by the Inspector's department to the satisfaction of all parties concerned whereby no court action resulted.
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Annual Report
Report of the Police Department continued-
One major crime was committed in December when a watchman in a South Attleboro factory was shot early in the morning by an unknown robber. After several days of intensive investigating by this department, state detectives, Pawtucket and Providence police, the assailant was app- rehended and through questioning admitted guilt to several other crimes as well.
Our finger-print expert, Patrolman Robert L. McCracken, was graduated from the State Police Training School in Framingham after a four week's intensive study program. Fourteen other members of this department completed a course in police work which was sponsored by the Bristol County Police Training School. Patrolman Charles E. Brown, of this department, was one who worked hard to organize this school and is on the Board of Directors. Sergeant Raymond Gazzola, a member of the faculty of the Bristol County school, worked zealously to prepare a com- pendium on the laws of arrest for use by the school members, copies of which were distributed to each officer enrolled.
A major traffic problem arose late in the year when the LaSalette Seminary on Park Street opened its religious program. This department was aware that heavy traffic would result from this enterprise but it is extremely difficult to anticipate the degree or seriousness of the traffic problem which was due to arise until it actually happened, Park Street must be used, in one way or another, for those who visit this Shrine and it seems that one or more outlets should be constructed to alleviate this traffic condition. This Shrine, I am sure, will attract even more people in the future, so the need for favorable action regarding this problem is evident.
I recommend that the following wage increases be effected: Ten dollars ($10. 00) per week for patrolman and fifteen ($15. 00) per week for superior officers and the Chief. You and I are aware that if a norm- al living wage is provided then and only then, will we attract suitable candidates for these positions in the police department. I also recommend that the radio equipment in the station and the cars be replaced entirely. This equipment is now obsolete and it becomes very difficult to replace parts as they are needed All new cruisers should be purchased annually as it has been shown that this is the most economical method of operation.
In concluding, may I express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the Mayor and Council for their cooperation during the past year. My hearty thanks also go to the State Police, Registry of Motor Vehicles and its employees, members of the Fourth District Court staff and the Judi- ciary, members of the Special Police Association who aided immeasurably during the year, the members of the Police Commission, and to members
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