USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1958 > Part 6
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The percentage showing prevalence of dental decay is high but not unusual. This is typical of the situation in Massachusetts school-age children who have had no specific preventive measures applied.
Services of the Dental Clinic were placed at the disposal of the Tufts University Dental Health Study which is being conducted among local school
67.
Annual Report
Report of the Health Department continued-
children. This study will be carried on for a minimum of two years.
Respectfully submitted, Lino Tiberi, D. D. S. Ruth C. Merriss, D. H.
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING
Dr. F. L. Girouard, Health Officer
Heath Department, City Hall
Attleboro, Massachusetts
Dear Dr. Girouard:
During the year 1958, 909 inspections were made by the Plumbing Inspec - tors, 723 by Allan A. Gross and 186 by Constant Poholek. These included rough plumbing and finish inspections and were as follows:
202 New houses 75 Electric water heaters
54 Gas water heaters 5 Oil water heaters
4 Storage tanks
38 Tankless heaters
128 Washing machine connections 3 Laundry trays
98 Replacements of fixtures
60 Replacements of lead work
33 Replacements of sink traps
5 Installations of drinking fountains
42 Replacements of old soil pipe
44 Replacements of kitchen sinks
27 Replacements of water closets
22 Water pipings
1 Safety connection between city and well water system.
6 Cast iron sewer connections
15 Dishwashers
5 Health inspections
42 Cesspools and septic tanks
During the past year we ran into several difficult sewer problems because tile pipe is allowed in the city and some people cannot afford installation of cast iron soil, which is permanent. I recommend that we adopt the use of asbestos
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Annual Report
Report of the Health Department continued-
transite pipe for sewer connections as an economical way to combat the root prob- lem.
I also recommend as a saving to the homeowner that 3" stacks be allowed.
I further recommend that only extra heavy soil pipe be allowed in the plum- bing system, because the medium pipe wears out before the life of the building.
Respectfully submitted, Allan A. Gross Plumbing Inspector
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS AND INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
Dr. F. L. Girouard Health Officer Attleboro, Massachusetts
Dear Dr. Girouard:
I herewith submit my report as Inspector of Animals and Inspector of Slaugh- tering for 1958.
Number of animals examined and quarantined to determine whether or not they had rabies-
-66
Number of premises inspected- 50
Number of animals inspected at these premises:
Cattle
448
Heifers
34
Calves 1 1 1
36
Bulls 0
I
I
1
1
1 1
8
Steer 1
2
Horses 1
33
Goats
7
Sheep
€
C
I
1
1
1
0
I
0
- 31
Swine
1 I I
I
I
B
1
Number of barns inspected for disinfection following removal of Brucellosis Reactors -- 11
Number of interstate permits received and checked-
14 Number of cattle checked on permits- 40
Respectfully submitted,
James C. DeWitt, D. V. M.
69.
0
0
1
1
1 0
1
1
1
1
C
B
I
1
477
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Annual Report
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS 1958
To His Honor the Mayor and the Municipal Council:
Gentlemen:
We submit herewith our annual report for the year 1958.
TABLE OF AGGREGATES
Number of Persons Assessed on Real and Personal Property
10,968
Number of Polls Assessed 7,641
Number of Houses Assessed
5,612
Number of Acres of Land Assessed
15,000
Valuation of Taxable Real Estate
$ 45,306,700
Valuation of Taxable Personal Property
$ 2,900,705
TAXES LEVIED
Real Estate Tax
$2,346,887. 06
Personal Property Tax
150,256.52
Poll Tax
15,282. 00
Total
$2,512,425. 58
MOTOR EXCISE TAX
Number of Cars Assessed
11,885
Total Valuation
$5,919,530.00 $ 307,811. 23
Total Tax Levied
Average Value
$ 498. 07
Average Tax
$ 25. 90
Number of Adjustments on Motor Excise due to re-issues
1,643
Total Amount of Adjustments
$ 17,482. 74
TOTAL VALUATIONS
Valuation of Taxable Real Estate
$45,306,700. 00
Valuation of Taxable Personal Property
$ 2,900,705. 00
Valuation of Non-Taxable Real Estate
$ 7,990,255. 00
Valuation of Non-Taxable Personal Property Tax Title Deeds to City
$ 70,650. 00
Land of Low Value
$ 445. 00
Total Valuation - Taxable and Non-Taxable
$ 2,291,300. 00
$58,560,055. 00
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Report of the Board of Assessors continued-
ESTIMATED EXPENDITURES
1958 Budget and Appropriations 1958 Amount Raised for State and County Taxes
$3,663,261. 58 $ 218,825. 90
1958 Overlay Account
$ 32,888. 32
Total Amount to be Raised $3,914,975. 80
Less Estimated Receipts
$1,402,653. 82
Amount to be Raised on Real Estate, Personal Property and Polls
$2,512,321. 98
Less Amount Raised on Polls
$ 15,282.00
Net Amount to be Raised by Taxation on Real Estate and Personal Property $2,497,039. 98
Total Taxable Valuation $48, 205, 405 x $51. 80 (Tax Rate per Thousand) will raised $2,497,039. 98
The office has acquired eight new plats during 1958. Five of these have been made by the Assessors from prints received from surveyors which were not to the scale required and which we had to reduce. These were made at no extra expense to the city. Three plats were made from prints by an engineering con- cern at a cost of two hundred and twenty five dollars.
Our clerks have been most helpful in taking care of the many changes entailed in our records.
Respectfully submitted,
Board of Assessors.
Patrick J. Byrnes , Chairman Eloise M. Phelan Carl A. Nelson
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Annual Report
REPORT OF VETERANS REHABILITATION AND REEMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE 1958
To His Honor the Mayor and Members of the Municipal Council
Gentlemen:
The Servicemen's Rehabilitation and Reemployment Center continues to be of valuable assistance to Veterans and their families.
There are approximately 365 Attleboro men and women serving in the armed forces at the present time. Their records are on file in this office and are kept up to date.
The Veteran, when discharged reports to this office to have his separation papers and discharges recorded and photostated. These records are kept on file permanently in this office, and are available to the Veteran in case of lost papers or when he needs copies to accompany applications for Veterans Benefits.
This Department has available 44 Veterans Administration Forms, including such benefits as pensions for widows, children and disabled Veterans, disability compensations, hospitalization, insurance, etc. Assistance is given in filling out and filing these forms, not only to Veterans, but also to wives, widows, dependent parents, etc.
This office supplied the service addresses of approximately 320 servicemen, typed the address cards and envelopes. Secured the money orders for the Boys in Service Christmas Fund Committee.
The Director has transported Veterans to various V. A. Hospitals, such as Davis Park, Hope Street Medical Center, Boston, Chelsea and Brockton through- out the year.
Veterans have been assisted during the past year in securing On-The-Job- Training benefits in various business establishments throughout the City.
The Service Center appreciates the cooperation of the Selective Service Board, the executives and Doctors of the various Veterans Hospital, also local Doctors, who throughout the year assisted this office in many ways, also Mr. Blandin, the City Clerk and his Secretary for the courteous assistance in supplying Birth Rec- ords, Marriage Certificates etc.
Respectfully submitted,
Joseph A. McGee, Director Veterans Service Center
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REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' BENEFITS 1958
To His Honor the Mayor and the Municipal Council:
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith the report for the year ending December 31, 1958.
VETERANS' BENEFITS
Benefits paid to Veterans and Dependents 0
$ 60,058. 61 Burials
none
Refunds returned to appropriation 1,478. 95 1 1
Refunds returned to E&D Account 9
1 0 1 886.00
ADMINSTRATION
Salaries and Wages
Administration Expenses
6,579.00 1,657. 40
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1 !
In the year 1958 we received over twice as many applications in comparison with the previous year. This large increase was due mostly to the great amount of unemployment in our city. The extra Unemployment Compensation that started in the first part of 1958 and terminates March 31, 1959 saved us from having many more applicants. Many that applied were not eligible to receive aid from this Department.
After investigation we did give assistance to 305 veterans or their dependents.
As of December 31, 1958 we had 137 cases on our books, and there would have been many more, without investigation and strict compliance to regulations.
During the year we had one death and four persons in Nursing Homes.
Respectfully submitted,
Christopher W McNary Agent.
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE 1958
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Term Expires January
Royal P. Baker, 60 Ridgewood Road
1960
Eva Pond, (Mrs. ), 543 Newport Ave. , South Attleboro
1960
Katherine Scott, (Mrs. ), 8 Forest Street
1960
A. Irvin Studley, 26 West Street
1960
Donald Antaya, 133 Union Street
1962
Philip Athanas, 30 Patterson Street
1962
Ernest A. Bragg, Jr. , M. D., Melby Road
1962
John P. Lee, Mayhew Road
1962
Mary E. Tyson, (Mrs. ), Melby Road
1962
ORGANIZATION
Royal P. Baker John P. Lee
Chairman Vice- Chairman Secretary
Katherine Scott
Royal P. Baker and John P. Lee - Representatives before Municipal Council
STANDING COMMITTEES
Teachers and Courses of Study
Mrs. Mary E. Tyson, Chairman
Mrs. Katherine Scott
Mr. Donald Antaya
Buildings Dr. Ernest Bragg, Chairman Mr. John P. Lee Mrs. Mary E. Tyson
Finance
Mr. John P. Lee, Chairman Dr. Ernest Bragg Mrs. Mary Tyson
Athletic Committee Mr. Philip Athanas, Chairman Mr. John P. Lee Mrs. Katherine Scott
Trade High School Mr. Donald Antaya, Chairman Dr. Ernest Bragg Mr. A. Irvin Studley
Cafeteria Mrs. Katherine Scott, Chairman Mrs. Eva Pond Mr. Philip Athanas
Transportation Mr. A. Irvin Studley, Chairman Mrs. Mary Tyson Mrs. Katherine Scott
Regular meetings, first and third Mondays of each month at 7:45 p. m. All bills to be acted on must be submitted in duplicate and be in the hands of the Clerk of the Committee, Superintendent's Office, before the third of each month 1
in order to be paid on the fifteenth of that month.
74.
Textbooks and Supplies
Mrs. Eva Pond, Chairman Mr. A. Irvin Studley Mr. Philip Athanas
Annual Report
Report of the School Committee continued-
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Mr. Ralph C. Sturke
Office, Sanford Street Telephone 1-0012 and 1-0042
Residence: 42 Third Street
The Superintendent's Office is open on school days from 8:30 to 5:00.
OFFICE PERSONNEL
Jessie C. Ford, Secretary to the Superintendent 145 County Street Hilda R. LaPalme, Principal Clerk 61 Hebron Avenue 1503 Park Street
Mabel A. Boucher, (Mrs. ), Payroll Clerk
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Dr. Simon Coren
134 Pleasant Street
SCHOOLNURSES
Dorothy B. Wendell, R. N. (Mrs. )
90 Locust Street
Telephones: Office 1-0042 -- Residence 1-0940-W Barbara O'Keefe, R. N.
11 1/2 Park Ave.
Office Hours: Superintendent's Office Building-8:00-9:00 on School Days
SCHOOL DENTIST
59 Park Street
Ruth Merris, (Mrs. ) School Dental Clinic
SUPERVISOR OF CAFETERIAS
Pearl Fine, (Mrs. )
Office: Superintendent's Office Building
Smith Street Telephone 1-2368
SCHOOL CALENDAR
First Term: Wednesday, September 3, to Friday, December 19, 1958 Second Term: Monday, January 5, 1959 to Friday, February 20, 1959. Third Term: Monday, March 13, 1959 to Friday, April 17, 1959.
Fourth Term: Monday, April 27, 1959 to Friday, June 19, 1959.
SCHOOL SESSIONS
High School-One session, from 8:00 to 2:00, with a lunch period of 20 minutes. Thacher Jr. High School-One session, from 8:23 to 2:27, with a lunch period of 20 minutes .
South Attleboro Jr. High Sch. - One session from 8:23 to 2:30, with a lunch period of 20 minutes.
Bliss -Grade 1: 9:00 to 11:30 and 12:30 to 2:45; Grades II to V1: 9:00 to 11:45 and 12:30 to 3:00.
Briggs Corner-8:45 to 11:45 and 12:30 to 2:30. Farmers-9:00 to 11:45 and 1:00 to 3:00.
75.
Dr. Lino Tiberi SCHOOL DENTAL HYGIENIST 18 West Street Telephone 1-4035
Annual Report
Report of the SChool Committee continued-
SESSIONS continued-
Finberg-Grade I: 8:45 to 11:45 and 1:00 to 2:45; Grades 11 to VI; 9': to 12:00 and 1:00 to 3:00.
Lincoln-Grade 1: 8:45 to 11:45 and 12:45 to 2:30; Grades II to VI: 8:45 to 11:45 and 12:45 to 2:45.
Richardson-Grades 1FIV: 9:00 to 11:30 and 12:30 to 3:00; Grades V-VII: 9:00 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 3:00.
Tiffany-9:00 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 3:00.
Washington-Grade 1: 8:45 to 11:30 and 1:00 to 2:45; Grades II to V: 8:45 to 11:45 and 1:00 to 3:00.
Willett-Grades I-IV: 9:00 to 11:45 and 12:45 to 3:00, Grades V-VII: 8:55 to 12:05 and 1:05 to 3:00.
NO-SCHOOL SIGNALS
Four double strokes of fire alarm 2-2-2-2.
7:15 A. M. No school for High School.
7:45 A. M. No morning session for grades below Senior High School.
These signals will be given at 71. 15 A. M. and 7:45 A. M. in stormy weather. WARA and WPRO will broadcast No-School announcements beginning at 7:15 A. M. and 7:45A. M. .
No signals will be given at noon.
COST OF INSTRUCTION - 1958
Valuation of Attleboro, 1958
Tax Rate per $1000, 1958
Expended for support of schools
$48,207,405. 00 $51. 80 $1,156,652. 34 4356
Average membership, September 1957-June 1958
Expended per pupil based on average membership $ 265. 53
Cost of books and supplies per pupil $ 11. 36
Senior High School
Total expended including High School share of general expenses $248,514. 00 693
Average membership, September1957-June1958
Cost per pupil
$ 358. 61
Cost of books and supplies per pupil
$ 22.08
Junior High Schools
Total expended including Junior High Schools' share of $ 232,744. 15 general expenses
1063
Average membership, September 1957-June 1958 Cost per pupil
$ 218. 95 $ 16.75
Cost of books and supplies per pupil
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Annual Report
Report of the School Committee continued
COST OF INSTRUCTION continued-
Elementary Schools
Total expended including elementary schools' share of general expenses $ 675, 394. 18 Average membership, September 1957-June 1958 2600 Cost per pupil
Cost of books and supplies per pupil
$ 259. 77 10. 39
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Annual Report
REPORT of the MUNICIPAL CONTRIBUTORY RETIREMENT BOARD
Honorable Cyril K. Brennan, Mayor, and the Honorable Municipal Council,
Gentlemen:
The Retirement Board respectfully submits its annual report containing financial statements covering the transactions of the system for the year ended December 31, 1958 .
ADMINISTRATION
The system is administered by a Board comprised of three members, namely, the City Auditor, ex-officio, a member elected by the members from their number for a term of three years, and a third member who is appointed by the Mayor from outside the system. At the present time the members are:
Ismay Sharkey, Chairman- Term expires February, 1960 Doris L. Austin, Secretary- -Term expires March, 1961 Earl P. Cooper -Term expires July, 1961
It is with considerable pleasure that the Retirement Board is able to report that an audit of the funds in 1958 by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Division of Insurance covering a three-year period did not disclose a single error in the books of the system, and not a single recommendation was made for improving the manner in which the Board is administering the funds and the system.
INVESTMENTS AND INVESTMENT EARNINGS
New investments acquired during the year amounted to $79,322.94. This figure represents the cost to the system of securities purchased. Bonds maturing during the year amounted to $22,000.00 leaving a net addition to the investment account of $54,322.94. There was a surplus of $4,791.54 in the earnings of investments over the amounts needed for crediting interest to the funds of the system. This amount is transferred to the Pension Fund thus reducing the appropriation required from the City.
The funds of the system are invested by vote of the Board as follows:
U. S. Savings Bonds U. S. Treasury Coupon Bonds 49,478.40
$233,000.00
Utility Bonds 59,973.32 Railroad and railroad equipment Bonds 50,370.98 Bank Stocks 58,752.00
Co-operative Bank Stocks 40,000.00 Savings account 44,483.08 Checking account 1,011.17 $537,068.95
MEMBERSHIP
During the year 1958 thirty new members were enrolled in the system, five persons were retired, twenty-one persons left the service of the City and withdrew their accumulated deductions, one member in service died, three retired members died, leaving the total active and inactive membership 355. With six beneficiaries of members receiving benefits this brings the total membership to 361.
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Annual Report
INCOME AND PAYMENTS
Contributions from the City for the year 1958 amounted to $58,611.00 which is distributed as follows:
Pension Fund Expense Fund
$57,411.00 1,200.00
Contributions from members for the year 1958 amounted to $50,364.90 which is credited to the Annuity Savings Fund.
Pension and Annuity payments for the year 1958 amounted to $69,043.42.
BALANCE SHEET
MUNICIPAL CONTRIBUTORY RETIREMENT FUNDS December 31, 1958
CASH
$1,011.17
INVESTMENTS:
Stocks and Bonds
451,574.70
Co-operative Bank shares
40,000.00
Savings bank deposits
44,483.08
INTEREST RECEIVABLE:
Due and accrued December 31, 1958
3,032.06
$540,101.01
LIABILITIES
FUND BALANCES:
Annuity Savings Fund
$375,952.22
Annuity Reserve Fund
60,501.22
Special Fund for Military Service
2,903.98
Pension Fund
100,121.39
Expense Fund
622.20
$540,101.01
SUMMARY
The business of pensions and retirement allowances is becoming an extremely impor- tant part of government today. All Retirement Boards have the double responsi- bility of protecting the interests of the members of the system, their benefici- aries and heirs, and also maintaining a watch over the interest of the taxpayers. New legislation is constantly before the General Court. . Some of this legislation, if passed, could have a crippling effect on the financial structure of cities and towns. . The Retirement Boards of the State have an organization of which your local Board is a member. This organization has a legislative committee which sits in at sessions involving new legislation and passes along information to the local Boards regarding these bills.
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Annual Report
During the year 1958 an important change in law was made by submitting a referendum to the people regarding disability pensions. This law as it now stands requires all persons retired for disability to submit a report before January 31st of each year of their earnings to the Retirement Board. In the event that the sum of such earnings and the pension received exceed the present salary of the position from which the person was retired, the excess must be refunded to the City or Town.
The Retirement Board recommends that consideration be given to the necessity of providing some space that could serve as a Retirement Board office. The need of such an office becomes more apparent each month.
Respectfully submitted,
Ismay Sharkey, Chairman Doris L. Austin, Earl P. Cooper
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Annual Report
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1958
To His Honor, the Mayor, and the Municipal Council
Gentlemen;
This Department has accomplished much varied work required by routine operation for the year 1958 which is tabulated herewith with a description of the more interesting activities.
Resurfacing work by the Highway Department included several streets that were opened for water main and sewer installations. Many more were replaced because of old surface failure due to increased traffic and inadequate construction design originally. The streets are listed under appropriate heading.
Again to bear increased traffic the Pine and Dunham Streets intersection and at Bank and Dean Streets a Type I surfacing over the old surface was laid. On North Main Street between Sanford and Peck Streets two course Type I hot mixed pavement was placed by a private contractor over the old water bound macadam base which resulted in a very smooth riding and durable pavement.
On several streets in the County Heights area as listed, a two inch top was placed by the City's Motor Paver and city forces. The streets were excavated to a depth of from 18 to 24 inches and refilled with good gravel to within two inches of the finished grade and penetrated by asphalts making a very substantial base for the mixed top. The cobble gutter was removed in all cases making curb to curb use of the street surface possible. All of these streets were sealed by the conventional asphalt and sand method.
A major drainage project was started in the late fall beginning on Hudson Street and running northerly to Clayton Street. This installation of 30 inch con- cretepipe was required to accept the surface runoff from a large area between Robinson Avenue, Highland Avenue and Washington Street. The natural water course is under Washington Street north of Carleton Street, thence across private land south of the Almac Super Market to the entrance of said 30 inch pipe at Carle- ton Street. This pipe line removed a tremendous flow of water from Carleton St- reet and the Newport Avenue intersection allowing the construction of Carleton Street to be started. The drain line and catch basins will be completed in 1959.
Other small drain jobs are tabulated.
A sewer extension on Bushee Street and Globe Street remedied a serious health problem due to impervious soil in that area.
Surface drainage with necessary catch basins was installed as listed.
Annual Report
Report of the Public Works Department continued-
Water main extensions and services were placed as required by the several plat developers building new homes in various areas.
Work on the new Highway Department Garage was carried on without delay with the exception of a few days bad weather so that equipment was moved directly behind the contractor and at the year's end the Department was well established particularly in the repair division. It was a welcome relief to be able to attach snow plows on trucks under cover. Obviously much time was saved and the men started plowing in dry clothing adding greatly to their morale.
An old Dodge pickup truck for the Repair Division use was replaced by a similar used unit.
A power sewer main cleaning machine was purchased and has proven to be a most efficient and safe unit for a very unpleasant maintenance job.
The addition of the Bank Street well for water supply with the pump and treatment installation plus the routine inspection of Wading River Station make it imperative that another man be assigned to the West Street Station as a spare operator to allow the chief operator more opportunity to visit the seven wells, Luther Dam, Wading River Station, Hoppin Hill Reservoir and within a year the Manchester Dam, for a visual check on condition and operation of this most vital point of the Public Works operation, the City water system.
A motor generator welding unit for the repair shop was purchased, also a four ton hydraulic Austin-Wester government surplus crane which is used nearly every day in routine sewer and particularly for handling water pipe and fittings and setting hydrants.
Two two-yard dump trucks are required, six sidewalk snow plowing trac- tors and a hydraulic truck mounted catch basin cleaner similar to that used by the State is recommended.
At least two of the five yard trucks should be replaced because of age and while some trade in value still remains.
It is recommended that sufficient Highway personnel be hired to carry out the following maintenance plan. The City could be divided into five districts, to be maintained by a subforeman and probably four men. His duty would be to keep his district clean, street and sidewalk surfaces in repair and in general to see and anticipate the many small annoying jobs that escape the notice of the general foreman because of the City wide area to supervise. Any major construction, street surfacing etc. would be by another work unit.
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Annual Report
Report of the Public Works Department continued-
The subforemans duty would be to report at once to the general foreman any work or maintenance required that would be beyond the scope of his crew. By this plan it is believed that a better coverage of routine work could be accomplished because one man would be wholly responsible for a smaller area and could observe conditions and make any correction necessary at once.
To all persons who by their act, suggestions and cooperation have aided this Department in any way I extend my sincere appreciation.
Respectfully submitted, Russell F. Tennant Superintendent of Public Works
1958 STREETS RESURFACED
Slater Street Wilmarth Street
Murray Church Parking Lot Garfield Avenue Parking Lot - North Main Street
School Street James Street
Bushee Street
Gardner Street
Thacher Street near River Bridge Carpenter Street between Pine and Parker Streets. Westminister Avenue at First National Store
1958 STREETS APPLIED WITH HOT MIX
Pine and Dunham Streets intersection Bank and Dean Streets
North Main Street between Sanford and Peck Streets.
1958 STREET EXCAVATED, GRAVELED, OILED AND SEALED
Fourth Street between County and Jefferson Streets Prospect Street from Second Street to High School Grove Street from First to Second Streets Second Street between County and Cliff Streets Dean Street between North Main Street and Stone's Perrin Street from Peck Street to end Hope Street between Peck Street and Oak Street Horton Street from Forest Street to end Carpenter Street between Pine and Parker Streets
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