USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1956 > Part 2
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Thirty-two plans of land were certified as not requiring approval of the Board under the Subdivision Control Law.
Everyone who is interested in a piece of real estate should know the "Use" and "Area" District in which it is located. All you have to do is to reach for the telephone and call Attleboro 1-2635.
In conclusion, we wish to thank the Mayor, the Municipal Council, the City Solicitor, Board of Health, and Public Works Department and the Board of Assessors for the many courtesies extended during the year, and the press for their valuable publicity.
Respectfully submitted, ATTLEBORO PLANNING BOARD ·
Frank L. Briggs, Chairman
Robert W. Mawney, Secretary Leo F. Lyons Clifford A. Swanson
John A. Cummings J. Burleigh Moulton Harold E. Washburn
11
.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES FOR 1956
To His Honor the Mayor and Municipal Council:
The Sealer of the Weights and Measures Department during the 1956 year conducted the work of inspecting all scales, weights, measuring devices, gas tanks, fuel oil trucks, checked pedlars, issued local licenses and signed applications for special City, County and State licenses according to law.
Several farms who have installed bulk milk containers were caliberated with the assistance of Lawrence Harney, District Supervisor of the State Department of Weights and Measures.
Respectfully submitted,
Daniel Q'Connell Sealer of Weights and Measures
REPORT OF THE DOGOFFICER 1956
To the Honorable Mayor and the Municipal Council:
I herewith submit the annual report of the Dog Officer for the year 1956. Listed below as of January 1, 1956 to December 31, 1956.
Dogs Boarded (Custody) . 141
Dogs Destroyed (Statutory)
141
Dogs Killed (Highway) 101
Investigations 976
Mileage 5,787
Man Hours
1,137
Dogs Licensed April to Dec. 1956 1,677
Kennels 24
I am hoping that our city can see its way to build a dog shelter large enough to house the many stray dogs picked up in our city. There is plenty of room at the City Farm for such a shelter.
Sincerely, I remain Michael J. Quaglia Dog Officer.
12.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE STURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL 1956
To the Board of Trustees and Members of the Corporation:
Since our last report on the operation of Sturdy Memorial Hospital, work has been steadily progressing on the Harold E. Sweet Wing. As 1956 draws to a close, the entire shell of the new construction has been raised and much interior work has been done; particularly, on the first and second floors, where several interior par- titions are already erected.
In spite of the construction, normal activity of the hospital has been maintained. This reflects a great deal of credit to staff and personnel who have been obliged to readjust their routines to mesh into temporary arrangements made necessary by construction problems.
Thru the efforts of our administrator we have just made arrangements with the Society for Advancement of Management, to come into the hospital to survey our plant. This group is composed of specialists in the various fields of busi- ness; such as, finances, accounting, human relations, maintenance, purchasing, laundry, and food. Their services are donated to the hospital. Their recom- mendations are subject to acceptance by the Board of Managers. If the hospital were to engage this professional talent from a management consultant group, the cost would run into many thousands of dollars, and at this time would be too great a burden to assume. The benefits from this work should help us to inte- grate our new facilities, soon to be ready, with our existing plant, with a sub- stantial saving in operating costs.
In cooperation with the staff, the Board of Managers have arranged for a weekly visit to the hospital by Dr. Robert P. McCombs of Boston. He is a phy- sician of wide experience who consults with our staff members on specific cases and techniques. This new service should contribute much to our overall patient care.
The contribution of the City of Attleboro for the year 1956 which takes care of such items as water, electricity, and insurance was Thirty-two thousand, three hundred seventy-seven dollars and fifty cents ($32, 377. 50).
To those who have labored throughout the year in the interest of the best pos- sible care of the sick and injured in our community during 1956, I wish to express the thanks and appreciation of the Board of Managers. To our administrator, Mr. A. O. Davidsen, I wish to record thanks for his cooperation in keeping the Board abreast of new developments and requirements in the field of hospital operation.
13.
Annual Report
Report of the Sturdy Memorial Hospital continued-
Ours is a great responsibility. The community looks to us to maintain the necessary facilities that will insure them proper care in case of sickness or in- jury ; and to that end, may God give us great wisdom and courage.
Respectfully submitted, C. W. Cederberg, Chairman Board of Managers
14.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE STURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL 1956
To the Board of Trustees and Managers of the Sturdy Memorial Hospital:
You have made the past fiscal year memorable for the Sturdy Memorial Hospital and I want the entire community to know why.
This has been a year of intensive long-range planning, during which you have attempted to devise a flexible architectural plan for Sturdy's physical development over the balance of the twentieth century. It was necessary to do this now so that present construction would synchronize with future build- ings as well as with the buildings already constructed. You also kept in mind the dynamic character of medical science to leave to your successors flex- ibility to adjust to future changes which are bound to come.
The floor levels of the Harold E. Sweet Wing will be identical with those in the existing medical/surgical building. Identical floor levels, together with elevators with automatic floor-leveling devices, will do much to improve our central food service, recently instituted.
Your thoughtful planning will make it unnecessary to push our laundry through rain, sleet, or snow. The new tunnels connecting our buildings will eliminate a serious laundry problem; and, at the same time, make it much easier to move equipment and supplies from storage to patient areas; par - ticularly, as elevator service emanates at the tunnel level. All supplies and equipment must now be carried upstairs from the antiquated storage area in the basement of the nurses' home.
During 1956, you have brought two appeals for funds to a successful con- clusion -- aggregating $1, 097, 224. 92 with an infinitesimal shrinkage of an es- timated 2 1/2%.
Coming as manna from heaven, was the added Two hundred, fifty thousand dollars ($250, 000. 00) in Hill Burton Funds and the unexpected windfall of Sixty- six thousand, eight hundred dollars ($66, 800. 00) from the Ford Foundation.
Although Four hundred thousand dollars ($400, 000. 00) is still needed to com- plete and equip the Harold E. Sweet Wing and an added Four hundred thousand dol- lars ($400, 000. 00) required to build a nursing school building. I feel confident your continued spirit and energy will bring the entire program to a successful conclusion in the immediate future.
Each year there is an increasing number of patients cared for, as reflected by the accompanying statistics. The personnel and medical staff have a right to think, I believe, the increased census indicates acceptance and approval of their efforts on your behalf to serve both the present and long range community health requirements. 1
15.
Annual Report
Report of the Sturdy Memorial Hospital continued-
The Medical Staff has enthusiastically attended the medical seminars conducted weekly by the well known physician Robert P. McCombs, M. D., of Boston, Mass- achusetts. Sacrificing time that could be used for economic gain, the entire medi- cal staff is to be commended for taking the entire morning each Tuesday to attend Dr. McComb's lectures; thereby, broadening their medical knowledge and keeping up to date with the new techniques and treatments.
Arrangements have been made with an organization called "The Society for the Advancement of Management" to make an overall survey of our hospital oper- ations and to offer suggestions for improvements and effect economies wherever possible without lowering our high standards. It is a voluntary organization com- posed of specialists in various phases of industrial management. You probably read about their fine work in Middlesex Hospital, New Brunswick, New Jersey. An article concerning their efforts at Middlesex appeared in an issue of "Readers ' Digest" last summer. Their survey of our operations comes at an opportune time when we prepare to use our enlarged facilities. Were we to pay for such a survey, it would cost the hospital thousands of dollars. We are deeply indebted to this group for loaning us their time and talent. We look forward with pleasurable an- ticipation to their report. It is gratifying to know that we have the wholehearted enthusiastic support of the department heads in this new venture.
Another new venture that you have approved during the past year is a Public Relations program under the able leadership of Thomas Holton Hoare. Mr. Hoare is a human relations expert, with years of experience, specializing in hospitals and public charities. "News for You", a weekly bulletin given to patients, has stimulated considerable interest in the information furnished them through this media.
It is evident from the foregoing that the entire community served by this insti- tution should know of your conscientious efforts that brought such marked progress this past year.
To you, Board Members, and to the hosts of friends who served the hospital in some capacity or other during the past fiscal year, may I say, on behalf of the 6, 454 in-patients and 8, 814 out-patients for whom treatment was rendered, a sin- cere appreciation for a most memorable year of service.
May God continue to Bless your efforts in the years that lie ahead.
Respectfully submitted,
Albert O. Davidsen, Director Sturdy Memorial Hospital
16.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEAL 1956
To His Honor the Mayor and the Honorable Municipal Council
During the calendar year 1956 the Board of Appeal held nine regular and nine special meetings. It considered twenty-nine applications and appeals, of which fourteen were granted, in whole or in part, fourteen were denied, and one is pen- ding. Detailed statistics of the Board for the calendar year 1956 are as follows:
1954
1955
1956
Number of regular meetings
18
16
9
Number of special meetings
20
15
9
Total applications or appeals filed
62
46
29
Granted (in whole or in part)
44
36
14
Denied
12
6
14
Withdrawn (or otherwise disposed of)
2
0
0
Applications or appeals pending at end of calendar year.
4
4
1
Respectfully submitted,
Elmer E. Tufts, Jr. , Chairman
John D. Baer
Clarence D. Roberts
Associate Member
Member
Bazil B. Mulligan
Charles E. Judge
Associate Member
Member
17.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE CITY COLLECTOR 1956
To His Honor, the Mayor, and the Municipal Council:
I herewith submit the annual report of the City Collector for the year 1956.
The total amount collected and paid to the City Treasurer is $2, 854, 182. 13, divided as follows:
Real Estate Taxes
Personal Property Taxes
Poll Taxes
Motor Vehicle Excise
Betterments
Committed Interest
Water Rates
Pipe & Labor Charges
Highway
Welfare
233,441. 24
School
6,034.81
Health
1,407. 95 844.00 94.00
Fishing Permits-Orr's Pond
Trailer Rentals
5,252.00
Water Liens added to Taxes
3,345.05
Rentals
800.00
Interest on Taxes and Water
2,483.25
Costs on Taxes and Water
1,701.25
Costs on Water Liens
1.00
Following is a list of the outstanding accounts as of December 31, 1956.
Real Estate Taxes
$ 81,297.08
Personal Property Taxes
3,099.52 224.00
Motor Vehicle Excise
60,783.64
Betterments
7,059.10 47. 62
Committed Interest
Water Rates
13,268.08
Pipe & Labor Charges
3,739.05
Public Property
66.00
School
2,772.65
Highway
28. 15
Welfare
7,808.93.
Water Liens added to Taxes
25. 45
$180,219. 27
Respectfully submitted Doris L. Austin, City Collector
18.
$1,994,082. 06 143,321.60 12,858.00 194,340. 32 18,098.69 1,113.01 217,394. 78 17,544. 12 25.00
Public Property
Poll Taxes
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE WELFARE DEPARTMENT 1956
To His Honor the Mayor and the Municipal Council:
In compliance with the City Ordinance, the Annual Report for the Board of Public Welfare for the fiscal year ending December 31st, 1956 is herewith sub- mitted.
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 Welfare was $189, 292. 87 as against a gross expenditure for the entire year of $622, 290. 39.
A detailed statement of receipts and expenditures for the entire year is attached.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
-
Robert B. Pond
Patrick J. Duffy J. K. Henderson
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
APPROPRIATED.
$390, 019. 00
Additional appropriations. 34,504. 24
Refunds.
3,094.99
GRAND TOTAL.
427,618. 23
TOTAL EXPENDITURES $622,290. 39
Less Federal Funds 195,762. 81
Total expenditures from city funds.
426,527.58
BALANCE AT END OF THE YEAR. . 1,090.65
SALARIES
Appropriated. 17,266.00
TOTAL EXPENDITURES.
25,632.66
Less Federal Funds 8,366.66
Total expenditures from City Funds.
17,266.00
BALANCE AT THE END OF YEAR. 00,000.00
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
Appropriated
39,600.00
Refunds
326.20
GRAND TOTAL. ,
39,926.20
Less transfer to G. R. for 1955 bills. 486.55
GRAND TOTAL.
39,439. 65
19.
Annual Report
Report of the Public Welfare continued-
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN continued
TOTAL EXPENDITURES.
65,043. 78
Less Federal Funds.
25,825. 18
TOTAL EXPENDITURES FROM CITY FUNDS. . 39,218.60
BALANCE AT END OF THE YEAR 221.05
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
Appropriated. .
231,800.00
Additional Appropriations.
10,600.00
Refunds.
1,349. 91
TOTAL .
243,749.91
Less transfer to G. R.
2,900.00
GRAND TOTAL 240,849. 91 0
TOTAL EXPENDITURES.
387,469. 91
Less Federal Funds.
147,009.22
Total Expenditures from City Funds.
240,460.69
BALANCE AT END OF THE YEAR. 389. 22
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE
Appropriated.
16,800.00
Additional Appropriations.
9,200.00
Refunds.
200. 85
GRAND TOTAL.
26,200.85
TOTAL EXPENDITURES.
38,042.29
Less Federal Funds.
12,029.39
Total Expenditures from City Funds
26,012.90
BALANCE AT END OF THE YEAR.
187.95
OUTSIDE RELIEF
Appropriated. .
. 80,100.00
Additional appropriations. o
14,500.00
Refunds.
1,218.03
Plus transfer from OAA.
2,900.00
GRAND TOTAL
.
0 0
0
0
. TOTAL EXPENDITURES
Weekly Cash.
47,911. 79
Rent, Board and Care.
15,038.70
Clothing.
976. 12
Fuel.
845. 25
Medicine.
24,979. 99
Towns, Cities, Institutions. . . . 8,544. 97
O
·
.
.
o
O
0
0
o
o
0
.
98,718.03
o
o
.
20.
Annual Report
Report of the Welfare Department continued-
TOTAL EXPENDITURES continued Burials.
171.00
Total expenditures from City Funds.
98,467.82
BALANCE AT END OF THE YEAR.
250. 21
CITY INFIRMARY
1/1/56 to 4/30/56
Appropriated.
2,028.00
Additional appropriation
204. 24
GRAND TOTAL.
2,232. 24
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
Salary
733.00
Medical 2.96
Food Supplies 780. 27
Clothing 93.10
Fuel
429. 32
Light
96.20
Phone
55. 49
Other Building Maintenance
and operation 31. 97
Workmen's Compensation
9. 93
Total expenditures from City Money
2,232. 24
BALANCE AT END OF 4/30/56
0,000.00
ADMINISTRATION
Appropriated. 2,425.00 0 .
GRAND TOTAL 2,425.00 0 ...
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
Janitor
276. 84
Phone
587. 49
Office Supplies.
2,980. 85
Automaintenance.
507. 34
Transportation (Outside Relief)
301. 94
Seeking information.
260. 68
TOTAL EXPENDITURES.
4,915.14
Less Federal Funds. . 2,532.36 Total expenditures from City money.
2,382.78
BALANCE AT END OF THE YEAR.
42. 22
TOTAL EXPENDITURES OF CITY MONEY
$426,527. 58
Less Money Received
D. A. ADMINISTRATION 270. 95
O. A. A. STATE. 168,243. 18
A. D. C. STATE. 21,797. 74
D. A. STATE 13,820.32
G. R. STATE 19,817.55
21.
0
.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC WELFARE continued-
TOTAL EXPENDITURES OF CITY MONEY continued
G. R. & O. A. A. CITIES & TOWNS 8,282. 71
CITY INFIRMARY. 410.65 MISCELLANEOUS. 1,815.09 RECOVERIES.
2,776.52
TOTAL RECEIPTS. 237,234. 71
NET COST TO THE CITY.
189,292. 87
TOTAL EXPENDITURES. 622,290. 39
Federal
195,762. 81 31.61%
State Cities and Towns.
237,234. 71 38. 12%
CITY OF ATTLEBORO.
189,292. 87 30. 27%
GENERAL RELIEF BILLS 1955
486.55 Transferred from ADC
Expenditures
486.55
BALANCE
000. 00
22.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT 1956
Honorable Cyril K. Brennan, Mayor Members of the Municipal Council
Gentlemen:
In accordance with the requirements of the city ordinance herewith is submitted the annual report of the police department for the year ending December 31, 1956.
The department is composed of a Chief, one Lieutenant, one Inspector, 5 Serg- eants, 1 Parking Meter Supervisor, 28 Patrolmen, 1 Junior Building Custodian, 6 Reserve Patrolmen, and a Matron for women prisoners supervision when necessary.
The following equipment is owned, used and maintained by the department:
1. Four 1956 Ford Station-wagons for cruisers and emergency ambulances
2. One 1955 Ford fordor used by the Chief
3. One 1949 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle.
4. One Link radio receiver-transmitter, KCA-887 in the police station and 5 mobile units in the cruisers consisting of 3 Motorola sets and 2 General Electrics.
5. One police ambulance used formerly in emergencies which are now taken care of by the cruisers.
6. One State Police radio receiver needed for Civilian Defense purposes.
7. One Teletypewriter leased to this department by the New England Tele- phone & Telegraph Company.
8. One meter parts lubricating and washing maching.
9. Five typewriters and one Burroughs adding machine.
10. Revolvers all of the Official Police type which take the same ammunition for all|personnel, gas clubs, one gas gun, six 22 calibre target revolvers and ammunition for all.
For 1956 the police department had 464 offenders before the court for committ- ing 668 offenses, mostly misdemeanors. Of the offenses committed, 260 were for motor vehicle violations. This shows a substantial increase over a year ago when 587 offenses requiring action by the police department were recorded. In spite of our intensified program of prevention we recorded 774 automobile accidents during the year, a decline of 11 over the year previous, however. Of these accidents there was a decline of 90 accidents of the serious type and an additional 79 incurring pro- perty damage only. Of greater importance, however, we didnot have a fatal acci- dent during 1956, a feat that has not been accomplished for many years. Another fact of significance is that the nation-wide trend toward accidents and the death rate is rising greatly.
23.
Annual Report
Report of the Police Department continued-
Commendations were given to four officers during the year for their excellence in police work in the following case:
Patrolman Frank J. Poholek for capturing two armed hold-up men for the Nor- ton Police Department.
Patrolman Richard J. Barrett for crashing a plate-glass window to capture two men who had broken into a variety store.
Patrolman Robert E. Dion and Albert A. Fyfe for their intensive investigation and arrests in a contemptible morality case.
I also wish to commend one of our South Attleboro citizens, Gerard Gravel, for his alertness in giving us information which lead to the arrest of a hit-run operator who had run down a young boy and left him in the street critically injured.
There were 1328 miscellaneous complaints investigated throughout the year by members of the department not including auto accidents or cases in which arrests were made. The juvenile delinquency problem locally did not change too much com- pared with last year's' record. Many juveniles had their problems straightened out at Police Headquarters where conferences were held among the principals, their parents and members of the department under supervision of the Chief of Police. In most cases their problems were handled satisfactorily without court appearance.
A course of instruction was held during the year under the sponsorship of the Southeastern Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association. Classes were held in Taunton and included lectures on criminal law, preparation of reports and evidence, preparation of cases for court and other subjects pertinent to police work and pro- ceedure. The school enrolled police officers throughout the country and four of our members attended.
The solution to the traffic problem in this city is still in the experimental stage. Many left-handed turns are now prohibited in the center and traffic seems to be flowing with greater acceleration and with less obstruction. An ordinance passed by the Council relating to trucks double-parking has alleviated this condition, especi- ally during the traffic peak-hours. On the whole, at the present time, I would venture to say that the traffic problem has definitely improved and I am sure will eventually be conquered. I recommend, however, that in Fiske Square that traffic be operated on the "Stop and Go" signal with arrows, synchronized with the signal at Bank and Park Streets during the heavy traffic hours. Also there should be a pedestrian button installed with the system. When traffic is light a caution "flash- ing" signal could be operated which would allow cars to make left-hand turns if necessary. This would eliminate the "No left-turn" signs, the traffic box in the middle of the intersection, and the constant patrol of an officer at this corner. At the same time it would control traffic during the rush hours and during the period when traffic was light.
24.
Annual Report
Report of the Police Department continued-
In concluding I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the Mayor and Municipal Council for their continued cooperation and interest in the work of this department. For their great assistance I want to thank the State Police, the FBI, the Registry of Motor Vehicles and their staff, members of the Fourth District Court, the Justices, the Special Police Association and the police departments in near-by cities and towns who are always ready to help when needed. My most sincere appreciation goes to members of my own department who displayed great zeal and efficiency in maintaining law and order in Attleboro.
Respectfully submitted,
Peter J. Marron, Chief of Police
VIOLATIONS OF THE LAW FOR WHICH ARRESTS WERE MADE
VIOLATION
MALE
FEMALE
Accessory after the fact
1
Adultery
4
1
Assault and Battery
19
1
Assault on a Police Officer
1
Breaking, Entering and Larceny
8
Carrying revolver without a permit
1
Default warrant arrest
3
Delinquency, Juvenile
27
Disturbance of the peace
16
Drunkenness
113
Evading payment of fare (taxi)
1
Forgery
2
Fornication
5
4
Fugitive from Justice
2
Getting woman with child
3
Indecent exposure
1
Larceny (Misdemeanor)
10
Larceny (Felony)
4
Larceny from a building
4 -
Lewd and Lascivious in speech and behavior
4
Malicious injury to property
3
Neglected children
1
3
Neglect to provide
12
Operating a motor vehicle negligently
43
2
Operating a motor vehicle under influence
48
Peddling without a license
2
4 438 3 8
25.
Annual Report
Report of the Police Department continued-
Violations 1956-
VIOLATION
MALE FEMALE
Possession of a switch knife
1
Rape
4
Receiving stolen property
2
Ringing False Alarm of Fire
3
Robbery
2
Surrendered by Probation Officer
1
Tramp
5
Unnatural Act
2
1
Violation of City Ordinance
1
Violation of Probation
21
1
TOTALS
380
28
1956 MOTOR VEHICLE VIOLATIONS
VIOLATION
MALE FEMALE
Allow another person to interfere with operation of MV
9
Attaching plates assigned to another motor vehicle
3
Fail to dim lights on approaching another MV
1
Fail to have motor vehicle inspected
4
1
Fail to keep to the right
2
Fail to show license to other operator after accident
2
Fail to slow at intersection where view obstructed
1
Fail to stop for red light
6
Fail to stop for school bus
1
Fail to stop on signal of Police Officer
4
Fail to stop for "Stop Sign"
7
Giving False name'to Police Officer
1
Improper use of a spot-light
1
Leaving scene after causing property damage
9
Operating a MV without consent of the owner
3
Operating a MV without proper brakes
3
Operating a MV without a proper horn
1
Operating a MV without proper lights
2
Operating a motor vehicle without a license
20
1
Operating a MV without license in possession
6
Operating a MV without registration in possession
7
Operating a MV after revocation of license
2
Operating a MV after suspension of license Operating a MV at an unreasonable rate of speed Operating an uninsured motor vehicle
54
5
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle
10
Parking violations-violation of City Ordinance
53
4
Passing in a "No Passing" Zone
3
4
249
11
26.
Passing where the view is obstructed TOTALS
13
16
Leaving scene after causing personal injury
1
Annual Report
Report of the Police Department continued-
DISPOSITION OF TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS
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