USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1956 > Part 4
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163
219
FEBRUARY
144
56
200
267
MARCH
116
44
160
214
APRIL
121
30
151
202
MAY
267
81
348
464
JUNE
81
30
101
135
JULY
69
33
102
136
AUGUST
62
27
89
119
SEPTEMBER
85
34
119
149
OCTOBER
114
35
149
199
NOVEMBER
119
46
165
220
DECEMBER
61
31
92
123
1,342
503
1,849
2,447
From July 1st, 1955 to July 1st, 1956 the Attleboro Electric Company con- tributed toward the cost of installation of 100 ampere services both in old and new residences and by so doing went a long way toward cleaning up a vast numb ber of ald overloaded and unsafe service entrances. As of July 1st, 1956, this department requires that 100 ampere services be installed in all new residences and equal services in old and multiple dwellings. This type of work is nation wide and is done to properly feed the electrical equipment and do away with overloaded i. and unsafe services.
In order to correct a low voltage condition in the town of Rehoboth, the Attleboro Electric Company is contemplating increasing the voltage of their primary feeders along Park Street from the existing 4150 volts to 13, 500 volts. This is an extremely high voltage to be allowed on a public highway in regard to the safety of the travel- ing public. To correct this type of construction on our public highways I again make the suggestion that an ordinance be enacted making it mandatory for the utilities to place a certain portion of their overhead lines underground. This is costly but has been done and is being done by many Massachusetts towns and cities. A determined percentage of the overhead lines are placed underground each year in a plan of this nature.
At this time I wish to extend my thanks to His Honor, the Mayor, the Municipal Council and all who in any way contributed toward to operation of this department for the year 1956.
William S. King, Electrical Inspector
43.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS 1956
To His Honor, the Mayor and Municipal Council:
I herewith submit my third annual report of the Building Inspector for the year 1956.
The total number of permits issued 570
A difference over 1954 of 24
The estimated value of permits $3,519,739. 15
An increase in value over 1954 of $1,692,140. 15
Part of this increase was due to the addition
to the Sturdy Memorial Hospital of - $1,159,000. 00 And for St. Theresa's Church, Washington St. ,
South Attleboro of $ 195,000.00
The amount paid to the City Treasurer $ 2,483.00
An increase in fees paid of $ 535.00
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. I again want to bring to your attention that the Building Laws, as printed, should be amended and brought up to date with present day construction. Many changes can be made for improvements.
2. Some of the things that in my opinion should be changed are:
Ordinance of fences, especially chain link fences. Size of floor timbers.
Boarding in of buf Idings. Some plywood should be prohibited or not used at all. If used, some regulation should be made on size of thickness.
Fee charged for building permits for houses should be $10. 00 flat. Applications are made for permits for $5, 000. 00 to $10, 000. 00, houses that cost much more.
3. I recommend that the Expense Account of the Building Inspector be increased to at least $175. 00 We need more files at once.
4. I recommend that the salary of the Building Inspector be increased to at least $1, 200. 00 with the great amount of work that has to be done.
5. I recommend that the salary of the part time clerk be increased to at least $1,600. 00. She is required to put in extra hours many weeks, due to the increased amount of work to be done.
44.
6. I recommend that something be done to separate the Building Inspector from the Fire Chief's position. I find that there is too much work in the Building Inspector Department to carry on the Fire Chief's position as it should be, in conjunction with the Building Inspectors work, without some help.
7. I recommend that arrangements be made for the inspection of elevators, by appointing some one to do this work. It is impossible for me to make these inspections any longer. Along with this recommendation, an ordinance should be adopted for a fee for these inspections. Other permits issued are covered by a set up fee. Most all cities that I know about, charge so much for each inspec- tion. The state law requires that elevators be inspected at least once a year.
At this time, I wish to express my appreciation for the assistance given me by the Mayor, City Council and for the advise given me by the City Solicitor; the coop- eration of the Planning Board and the Board of Appeal; the Zoning Board, Wire In- spector who have all assisted me on numerous occasions. I also want to thank the Deputy Chiefs and anyone who has assisted me in any way .
Respectfully submitted,
Hiram R. Packard Building Inspector
45.
REPORT OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR - 1956
Per= Month mits Shingle
Dwelling
Business
Dwellings
Alterations
Business
Garages
Misc.
Raze
Total
Jan.
25
5- 4,210 2-
3,900 7- 48,000
2- 3,050
7- 185, 000
1- 500
|1- 50
$ 244,710. 00
Feb.
22
4- 962
0 1 2,700
8- 64,000
6-109,850
¥2-
1,800
1
179,312. 00
Mar.
31
3- 1,850
19-150,500 5- 8,150
1 - 400
2 .
300
-
169,200. 00
April
71
14-6,450
10-11,600
(1 Chapel-8, 000) 26-184,439 3-19, 445
1 -
8,000 J4-4, 500 |81
2,012
3
1,590,446.00
May
59
17-10,125
11- 84,500 3- 5,300
1-
3,000
16-5,850
14- 3,910
7
112,685. 00
June
60
10-5,450
5- 3,400
24-176,900
4-30, 740
1
2-1,300
14-
2,937
1
220,727.00
July
62
9- 2,775
9- 8,475
15-111,800
2-35,800
3-2, 200
14- 2,550
163,600.00
Aug.
60
13-6,150
6,850
14-133,000 3- 8,175
3 53,000
2-5,500
15- 5,625
4
227,300. 00
Sept.
77
16-6,190
9-9, 335. 15 21-145, 325| 4- 8, 567
5- 38,500
5-4, 400
11-110,090
6
222,457. 15
Oct.
45
8- 4,770
10 8,300
7-
44,000 4-64,300
1- 3,400
6-6,800
7- 10,950
1-
158,770.00
Nov.
50
9- 3,910
co
1,800
12- 85,500 1- 1,500
1-
5,000 6-7,990
13-
6,335
4
177,035.00
(1 Add. Factory-Metals & Controls 65, 000
Dec.
18
3- 2,247 2- 2,600
3- 20,000, 3-27,000
1 - 950
3- 700
3
53,497,00
$3,519, 739. 15
570
Alterations
46.
5-
0
(1 Music Shell 16, 250)
(1 New Dwelling Renewal-9, 000) 5
(1 Sturdy Hospital. - 1, 159, 000 & 1 Church-195, 000
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE PARK DEPARTMENT 1956
To the Park Commissioners Attleboro, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I present herewith my eleventh annual report as Superintendent of Parks.
The year 1956 was one of very erratic weather. The winter was cold with late snows. The Spring was cold and wet and then summer was short and dry. Fall seemed very short and then we were into winter again. All in all 1956 seemed like a very short year.
The attendance at the Park was exceptionally good and we are attracting more people every year. We have added thirteen acres in the past three years but in spite of this our facilities are inadequate to handle the crowds.
The year was high lighted by the erection of a bear house and yard and the acquisition of Frosty who was the gift of Harry London, William F. Walton, Pierre Lonsbury, Edwin F. Leach and Philip Leach. I wish at this time to extend my sincere thanks to these gentlemen. Frosty has taken over as the number one attraction at the Park.
Mr. Alfred Morse donated four beautiful macaws to the Park and they make a most colorful addition to our bird collection.
Mr. William Green of Fairlee, Vermont gave us four flamingoes, 2 ibis, and 2 screamers.
These birds all help to make our zoo one of the best small ones around.
The maintenance of our grounds and flower beds brought many favorable com- ments from visitors to the Park.
We have almost completed the trimming of the trees damaged in the 1954 hur- ricane. The loss of trees by the lag of two years in doing this work out of our current appropriations cannot be measured in dollars and cents.
The lack of water for irrigating our lawns, trees, flowers and shrubs is our most serious handicap. It is not only the fact that during the dry summer months our lawns are an unsightly brown but every year we lose trees and shrubs due to a lack of water. There are three solutions to this problem:
1. City water could be piped into an irrigation system if we had sufficient water, however at this time there is not enough water available.
47.
Annual Report
Report of the Park Department continued-
2. We could drive our own wells and put in pumps. Two locations have been spotted in the Park where this could be done.
3. It has been suggested by the Mayor that a pump could be put on the well at Third and Mechanic Street. This would mean laying 4" or 6" pipe from the well to the Park but it is a solution.
No matter how we get the water or from whatever source, this situation should be taken care of. I believe that a fair estimate of the loss of shrubbery, trees and lawns in the Park since we have started asking that something be done about water would be close to $12, 000. This is a staggering figure and would more than pay the cost of providing water for irrigating purposes.
Figures covering the cost of operating this department are included in the Au- ditor's report and I see no reason for duplicating them in this report.
I wish to publicly thank the other departments of the City that have assisted the Park Department during the past year. Without their co-operation many projects would have had to wait.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert W. Sharkey, Jr. Superintendent
48.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE ATTLEBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY 1956
To the Mayor, Cyril K. Brennan and the City Council of the City of Attleboro, Mass.
Gentlemen:
Great interest during the year 1956 was shown in the Library.
One thousand and fifty four new borrowers were registered in the year, which attest to the need and interest which the people of the city have for a library. The reading habits are worth note; children want books on science, technology, history, and travel. Adults noted a gain in the social services, technology, handicrafts, biography, and in the periodicals. The music room shows a circulation of about twice that of the previous year. The trend as you will note, even with the children is toward more serious reading, or for learning. College students come to the library for study and research and where the atmosphere lends for helpfulness.
Last summer in order that a complete inventory could be taken, the library was closed for two weeks. Out of the 75, 000 volumes listed, it was found that 1300 adult books and 335 children's books could not be accounted for. While these are many, the percentage was lower than usually turns up in other communities.
Library hours were curtailed for lack of funds in our appropriation and a good deal of part time help had to be employed, which was much less efficient than a train- ed staff. The increasing number of persons taking special courses requires a train- ed staff with the knowledge of handling and selecting this special material. Service to industry calls for many hoursof searching and an understanding of material avail-"> able in the files.
For some time your Trustees have been studying ways to increase space for the shelving of books, as the building was built to accomodate 25, 000 volumes and is now holding 75, 000, besides magazines, pamphlets and periodicals, all of which must be kept for reference work. Our progress is slow due to the cost of remodelling or ad- ding on to the main structure. However, we are still trying to find some way to gain some space as we are bursting at the seams.
Mrs. Cavender, our Librarian, who had been with us for 29 years, felt the need for a well earned rest, and we regretfully accepted her resignation. Under her ad- ministration the library had a steady and healthy growth. Her ability and pleasing personality will be hard to replace and we who have worked with her and those who have benefited from her services, wish her well.
The services of Mr. Rowell L. Waller were secured as Librarian to fill the vacancy of Librarian and comes to us from Providence Library with a background of experience which we feel will be most useful in this new assignment.
To our staff who have so loyally supported all our endeavors and who have so graciously adjusted themselves to the new set up, we express our deep appreciation.
49.
Annual Report
Report of the Attleboro Public Library continued-
We wish to express our thanks to Radio Station WARA of Attleboro for their most generous gift of 800 recordings for 78 rpm. This has been a most welcome addition to our music collection and is being processed as rapidly as possible. To all who have made gifts of books, magazines, services and moral support, we say thank you very, very much.
+
1.
-
Respectfully submitted, Trustees of the Attleboro Public Library J'oseph L. Sweet, Memorial Ethel H. Barden, Secretary
To the Trustees of the Attleboro Public Library:
To view the year 1956 in retrospect is in many ways like trying to explain a paradox. The work of the library was greatly accelerated. Reference questions were not only more numerous, but demanded more intensive as well as extensive staff knowledge. (Science fair projects in nuclear physics, suspended animation, etc., etc., cannot be tossed off by pointing to a shelf of encyclopedias. )
The increasing number of persons taking special courses on subjects that range from the proverbial A -- Z requires a staff skilled in the use of bibliographic tools.
At the same time the routines of selecting, cataloging and processing new titles, and the shelving. the clerical routines, and the repair of many hundreds of books must be carried c . continuously.
.All these processes and the attendant services were interrupted during the summer by the taking of a complete inventory of the entire book collection of some 75, 000 volumes. This necessitated the closing of the library for two weeks during which no services were available to the public. It was hoped that the inventory might bring to light some of the volumes previously noted as absent-without-leave, or listed as overdue from too casual borrowers. The hopes were not substantiated however, for at the latest check there still remain over 1300 adult books and 335 children's books that are missing from the library collection.
The inventory task was considerable and required additional personnel. Since the oft-requested position of a full time staff secretary had not been granted in the appropriation, more part time help was required, although this is less eco- nomical from the administrative point of view. In order to conserve the dwindling part time account for the balance of the year, it was necessary to make a readjust- ment of hours of service. Wednesday evening openings were eliminated and the main library was closed all day Tuesday, in order that the once-a-week service could be maintained at the several branches. Full time staff members who were not branch librarians worked at routine tasks, but no public services could be given because there were not enough persons to staff the circulation desks
50.1
Annual Report
Report of the Attleboro Public Library continued-
This lessening of hours of service (9 hours on Tuesday, 3 hours on Wednesday) has of course resulted in a drop in total circulation of books -- 119, 954 volumes loaned in 1956 vs. 122, 632 in 1955. In all there were 29 fewer days in which the library was open in 1956. However, the average daily circulation (248. 9 books at central) was higher. Although 2, 678 fewer volumes were loaned in 1956, that number would have been accounted for in 10 out of the additional 29 days that the library was closed. Adult circulation gains were especially noted in the social services, in the field of technology and handicrafts, in biography, and in the circulation of periodicals. Children read particularly in science, technology, history and travel. The music room reports the circulation of re- cordings as nearly twice that of 1955 as well as books about music and biogra- phies of musicians.
The library was the fortunate recipient of a collection of approximately 800 recordings for 78 rpm. as a gift from the local radio station WARA. These have been sorted and listed and although the cataloging has been delayed by staff short - ages, over 200 are now available for borrowing. For these and other gifts of books, periodicals, and recordings, and books given In Memoriam, the library expresses thankful appreciation. The physical needs of the building were given little but emer- gency attention this year, in view of the prospective stack addition. The imperative need for additional space cannot be too strongly emphasized, as years of overcrow- ding not only damages valuable books, but gravely interferes with the service given to library users.
The reports of the branch librarians call attention to needed repairs, and be- speak the consideration of some sort of mobile service as a solution to the handi- caps of tottering buildings and insufficient staffing. Fluctuating school registra- tions and programs react on the circulation at branches where the use is chiefly by children. Each branch librarian is making an effort to overcome the "school building hoodoo" that seems to scare adults away from branches located on school property. Apparently many adults do not realize that branches are library en- tities, planned for grown-ups as well as children.
There are many avenues for better library service; there are new developments in equipment and techniques. The city of Attleboro will not be content to be served less ably than its considered resources will permit, for a well stocked, well staff- ed library is a financial as well as cultural asset to any community, (one thousand and fifty-four new registrants in 1956 attest to the need and interest that the people of Attleboro have for a library). It is with anticipation of many interesting and stimulating developments in the field of library service, that I relinquish my duties as librarian since 1928. My successor, Rowell L. Waller, Jr. , will, I am sure, inherit the loyalty and devoted efforts of the staff and the counsel and cooperation of the board of trustees which have been given so generously over the years. For the 29 years in which it has been my privilege as well as duty, to try to make the Attleboro Public Library truly a source of information, recreation, and inspiration for the community, I express my deep appreciation and every good wish for the years to come.
Respectfully submitted, Lucile P. Cavender Librarian
51
Annual Report
Report of the Attleboro Public Library continued-
COST OF OPERATIONS -1956
City appropriation 1956
Receipts
Disbursements
Salaries:
$34,400
$33,959. 41
Building Staff
3,100
3,100.00
Books and Bindery
7,400
7,827.69
Micro Film
850
864.57
Maintenance (Fuel, light and phone)
2,225
2,352.57
Building repairs®
2,100
1,736.67
Supplies and Equipment
1,500
1,631.38
Branches:
Hebronville
400
336.60
South Attleboro Village
250
229.80
Tiffany
125
108. 04
Washington
300
285. 53
Other Operating Costs
635
412. 19
$53,285. 00
$52,844. 39
Disbursements from Special Trust Funds in custody of Trustees Total Operating Costs
$56,075. 23
ADDITIONS TO COLLECTION
BOOKS
Adult
Juvenile
BOOKS
Adult
Juvenile
By Purchase
1,262
792
By Type:
Religion and Philosophy 56
7
Total
2,448
and Government
139
35
Pamphlets
1,128
Applied
193
100
Pictures and Post
Literature, Music
Cards
6,081
Art
285
32
Phono Records 229
History, Travel,
Sheet Music 58
Biography
274
83
Micro film
43
Fiction
443
571
Others
204
26
1,594
854
Total
2,448
By Gift
332
62
1,594
854
Sociology, Education,
Sciences, Pure and
3,230.84
Library Staff
, Estimated number of pictures December 31, 1956 184,441
52.
Annual Report
Report of the Public Library continued-
USE OF COLLECTION
BOOKS LOANED:
Central
Branches
Hebronville
702
13,924
Science, Pure & Applied 3,425 8,401
South Attle. Village
2,499
8,999
Lit., Music, Art 4,749 2,688
Tiffany
266
12,073
History, Travel, Biography 4, 079
7,805
Washington
1.252
11,393
Fiction
16,258 53,829
Hospital
3,242
387
Others
7,589 4,479
38,545
81,409
Grand Total
119,954
Grand Total
38,545 81,409 119,954
Central Adult Fiction
39%
Maps
72
Central Adult non-Fiction
61%
Pictures 4,551
Phono Records 538
THE TRUSTEES
Edwin F. Leach, President
Mrs. Winthrop Barden, Secretary
Raymond F Horton, Treasurer
Mrs. Lewis Chilson
Mrs. Arthur Conro
THE STAFF
Lucile P. Cavender, Librarian
Phyllis Berdos, Junior Assistant
Bertha C. Bigney, Junior Assistant
Edna Guillette, Children's Librarian
Phyllis Thomsen, Loan & Stack Supervisor
Marion B. Moore, Senior Assistant
SPECIAL PART TIME ASSISTANTS AND PAGES As of November 1956
Frances Boeker Virginia Bonner Bette Chase
Mary Lou Newton Dorothy Robinson Caroline Rowell Sandra Sauer
Suzanne Gagner
Patricia Hutchinson
Eleanor Scott
E. Patricia McCoart Patricia McIntyre
Janet Whitfield Patricia Whiting
SENIOR BUILDING CUSTODIAN
. Herman P. Isele
Adult 30,584
Juvenile 34,633
BOOKS LOANED BY TYPE:
Religion & Philosophy 1,121 692
Sociology, Education, Gov. 1, 324
3,515
Mrs. William Gregory Frederick V. Murphy, Jr.
George Nerney Leland H. Smith
Dorothy I. Hannaford, Assistant Librarian and Cataloger
Alice M. Hoyle, Junior Assistant Alice I. Kingman, Senior Assistant
53.
Annual Report
TREASURER'S REPORT 1956
To the Honorable Cyril K. Brennan, Mayor Members of the Municipal Council:
Receipts totaling slightly more than $5, 000, 000. 00 and disbursements in ex- cess of $5, 000, 000. 00 were processed by the personnel of the City Treasurer's Office. This is approximately $900, 000. 00 more than was handled by this office two years ago in 1954. Salaries and wages amounted to $1, 884, 942. 19 and taxes withheld were $200, 861 70. The residue of payments consisted of Accounts Pay- , able.
In view of the fact that the number of employees has increased over a period of years, I believe that the Treasurer's Office should be provided with a payroll machine in order to speed up and increase the efficiency of our disbursement record system. This would also enable the staff of this office to give more time and effort . to Tax Title Redemptions, Tax Possessions and Bond issues of the City.
It is hoped that future plans of the City call for separate offices for the City Clerk and Treasurer. Under the present crowded working and storage conditions the efficiency of each department is impaired.
Enclosed is a report in detail of City Finances for the year ending December 31, 1956.
Very truly yours,
Edward J. Healey City Treasurer
TREASURER'S ANNUAL REPORT as of December 31, 1956
CASH ON HAND -December 31, 1956 $ 403,853. 27
RECEIPTS FOR THE YEAR OF 1956
TAXES: Levy of 1956
Poll
$ 12,758.00
Personal
141,863. 56
Real Estate
1,936.629. 28
Motor Vehicle Excise
179,804. 09
Levy of 1953-1954-1955
Poll 100. 00
Personal
1,458.04
Real Estate
57,452. 78
Motor Vehicle Excise
14,536.23
2,344,601.98
54.
Annual Report
Report of the Treasurer continued-
TAX TITLE REDEMPTIONS:
Titles
Interest
$ 11,720. 19 742. 96 66.00
Deeds
Land Court Examiner's Fee
36.00
Recording
88. 50
$ 12,653.65
TAX POSSESSIONS:
Titles
2,950.00
Tax
54.12
Deeds
42.50
Recording
39.25
3,085.87
COURT FINES:
273.79
273. 79
FROM THE STATE:
School Aid Chapter 70
139,900.00
School Aid-Chapter 645
26,312. 97
Income Tax
82,768. 03
Corp Tax
209,855. 38
Meal Tax
8,907. 44
Smith Hughes-Geo. Barden Acct.
1,269.00
To Cities and Towns for Loss of
Taxes
216. 07
Abatement to Para. Vets
165. 92
Reimbursement to Cities and Towns by F. C. D. A.
879. 97
Acct. of Vocational Education
12,610. 78
Acct. of Dept. of Education Transportation
9,530. 22
From Director of Standards
350.00
492,765. 78
LICENSES:
Dog
3,857.00
Liquor
14,620.00
All other
1,989. 40
20,466.40
PERMITS:
Marriages
440. 00
Trailer Rentals
5,252.00
All Other
4,021. 15
9,713.15
FEES:
3,473.85
3,473.85
4 .
55.
Annual Report
Report of the Treasurer continued-
MISCELLANEOUS:
From Board of Registrars
$ 17. 00
$ 17.00
ALL OTHER GENERAL REVENUE:
Public Property Gift to City from Dodgeville
844.00
Neighborhood Association Sale of trucks, etc.
748.53
1,018.56
2,611.09
GRANTS AND GIFTS-FEDERAL:
Old Age Assistance
144,757. 64
Old Age Assistance Administration
6,560. 65
Aid to Dependent Children
28,053.86
Aid to Dependent Children Admin.
3,687.82
Disability Assistance
9,648.03
Disability Assistance Administration
541. 98
193,249. 98
SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS:
Sewer
4,689. 34
Curbing
7,050.76
Sidewalk
5,891. 48
18,098. 69
GENERAL GOVERNMENT: Collector
Cost on Taxes
1,450. 25
Cost on Water
251.00
1,701. 25
PARKING METER RECEIPTS:
Street Parking
14,524. 93
Off-street Parking
730. 31
15,255. 24
PROTECTION OF PERSONS & PROPERTY:
Sealer Weights & Measures Sealing Fees
290. 80
Police Dept. - Bicycle Registrations
78. 75
369. 55
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Dental Clinic Fees
160. 65
Licenses
363. 50
From the State
2,343. 92
All other
3 35. 45
3,203.52
CHARITIES:
General Relief
Individual Board & Care
1,027. 45
From Cities & Towns
7,103. 94
From the State
19,817. 55
56.
Annual Report
Report of the Treasurer continued-
Old Age Assistance
From Cities and Towns
2,394. 26 168,243. 18
From the State
Aid to Dependent Children
From the State
21,563.72
Disability Assistance
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