USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1961 > Part 6
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As in prior years I recommend that an office and library be set up in the City Hall for the City Solicitor, possibly the newly renovated conference room might be used for this purpose.
The work of the City Solicitor is demanding more time each year, and is reaching a point where it can no longer be considered a part-time job.
I wish to thank all who helped or assisted in any way during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
Franklin R. Mckay City Solicitor
74.
anual Repor
REPORT OF THE PARK DEPARTMENT 1961
To the Board of Park Commissioners Attleboro, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my sixteenth report as Superintendent of Capron Park for the year 1961.
It is not necessary to tell you the importance of Capron Park to Attleboro or to point out that this importance will continue in the years ahead.
The budget has shown a steady increase each year due to the increased costs of labor and materials needed for progress. This increase will continue as long as we continue to keep our sights aimed high,
The zoo received a real shot in the arm during the year with the gift of one wooly monkey, Mitzie, from Mr. and Mrs. Martin Noonan of Providence; a pair of Sikas and DeBrazza monkeys from Professor John Buettner-janusch of Yale University; a pair of white-handed Gibbons from an anonymous donor; and one white-handed Gibbon from Mr. James V. Conlon. We received one Canadian Lynx and a pair of Fennec Foxes from the Stone family in memory of Mr. S. M. Stone. We also received three mountain lion kittens from the Iota Phi Chapter of Sigma Phi Gamma International Sorority. In addition there were numerous gifts of rabbits, ducks, canaries and parakeets from many friends of the Park. We are extremely grateful to all these folks for their kindness to the Park.
We purchased three black bear cubs and a pair of mouflan sheep with the funds allotted by the City of this purpose.
The building which houses the Gibbons is a gift of the Attleboro Rotary Club. The Rotary Club is also donating the yard for the Gibbons and this will be installed next Spring.
The interest created by the animals and the enjoyment they give to young and old more than warrants the enlargement and care of a bigger and better zoo.
The lawns received an application of lime at 2-tons per acre and a 12-5-5 fertilizer at 1, 000 pounds per acre. The grass showed the effects of this treat- ment and was beautiful until the drought in August and September. We still need irrigation to obtain the best results for grass, trees and shrubbery.
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Annual Report
Report of the Park Department continued-
The playground receives the hardest use of our facilities. The equipment used has always been the best obtainable and has proved the cheapest over the years. A few pieces are wearing out from use and age and these will be re- placed with new since our experience has proved it is more costly to repair than to buy new. .
The gardens, from the first flower - the February Daphne - to the last rose, are another attraction that is very popular. Many new varieties are introduced each year. Some live up to their publicity and others are a great disappointment. This is especially true of the roses. Present conditions do not allow too much of this experimentation.
The Frank R. Sweet Memorial Forest is fast becoming a favorite picnic ground. The grading and drainage work that has been done will make more land available for tables and fireplaces and with America on wheels and the population increase, I predict that in a few years we will have to have a system for assigning tables in advance.
The loss of trees each year by Dutch Elm disease and damage caused by hurricanes is becoming serious. Our re-planting program will require some years to replace the shade trees we have lost. The planting of larger trees should be included in our program. The Common, at the present time, is an example of the bare look. Replanting will be done as early as possible in the Spring.
The band concerts were better attended than ever before and were well received by the audiences. The addition of several more musicians gave the band the depth it has been lacking for several years. We should be proud of the Attleboro Concert Band.
The summer playground and wading pool were very poorly attended this year. Bad weather and a changing society as well as a change in the likes and dislikes of the children need some study. For example, there are many men in Attleboro today who, as boys, walked several miles to play ball in the Park League in games that started at 9:00 A. M. There were always extra players in these games. The last league that played at the Park started at 10:00 A. M. when the 18th boy arrived, and the league did not finish the season because of lack of interest among the players. There has not been a league at the Park for the past two years because of a lack of players. This may be a cycle and we must be ready for any changes in the future.
There were 22 days of skating in 1961, however, the attendance at the pond was limited for a few of these days and nights because of the severe cold. How- ever, when the weather and ice are compatible, the attendance is good. The question arises as to whether or not we are in need of an artificial rink which could be used as a tennis court or roller skating rink in the summer. I do not feel that we should try to have everything but I do feel that we should try to have the facilities that give the greatest pleasure to the greatest number. We
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Annual Report
Report of the Park Department continued-
need an irrigation system to prevent the losses that occur each year and to keep the Park attractive in appearance. We also need a program of tree removal and planting. We need a new pool for the children of the City with better and safer maintenance. This is one of our greatest { needs. We need to seal the roads with asphalt since it is several years since this was done and the roads show the need of it. We also need several pieces of new equipment that have already been recommended for purchase.
In concluding, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Russell Tennant and the men of the Public Works Department, to Chief Packard and Chief Marron and the men of their respective departments, to William S. King , and Harold Wellman of the Electrical Branch and to the other departments of the City that have co-operated in many projects of the Park Department. Without the aid of these men, which is always given cheerfully and wholeheartedly, many of our activities at Capron Park would have to be curtailed or forgotten.
I would also like to acknowledge and thank the Mayor and Municipal Council for their interest and help, and last but not least, I sincerely thank the members of the Park Commission. Their interest and support are invaluable.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT W. SHARKEY, Superintendent.
77.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE ATTLEBORO HOUSING AUTHORITY 1961
Honorable Mayor and Municipal Council City Hall Park Street Attleboro, Massachusetts
Sirs:
The Attleboro Housing Authority held twelve regular meetings and several special meetings during the year 1961.
The 200-1 Development has remained fully occupied and is now in the tenth year of occupancy.
The Authority, under the Chairman John E. Turner, selected as a site for the 667-1 Program for the elderly,, the land on the north side of South Avenue and Thacher Street, opposite the existing development.
Plans were drawn and approved by all departments of the City of Attleboro. The plans then were submitted to the State Housing Board for approval. Many changes were made in the plans for this development for the elderly before the final acceptance by the Authority and State Housing Board.
The Authority invited bids for the development in the early part of the year. The bids were inspected and found to be faulty. The Authority then refused all bids and invited bids to be re-submitted. The bids, on submission, were found to be in order, and the low bidder, in the amount of $704, 000. 00, was the A. F. Smiley Construction Company, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The Authority sub- mitted the low bid to the State Housing Board and, upon their approval, awarded the contract to the A. F. Smiley Construction Company, with the order to pro- ceed on May 23, 1961 with a calendar date of 365 days to completion.
The A. F. Smiley Construction Company did proceed on May 23, 1961 and continued construction through the winter months. The development at this time is about two months ahead of schedule and occupancy is expected by March, 1962.
The Authority invited applications for occupancy from the public on the basis that those qualified would be admitted in accordance with the time the application was made. The process of investigation of these applications started during this present year.
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Annual Report
Report of the Attleboro Housing Authority continued-
The Authority, upon the inspection of the applications, has determined that the seventy-two units under construction will not be sufficient to accom- modate the demand and the Authority is now looking into the prospect of adding to the number of allotted units.
The Authority held the annual meeting in June 1961 and the following officers were elected for the year:
John E. Turner
Chairman
Leland B, Smith Vice Chairman
Leonard I. Lamb Treasurer William F. Walton Assistant Treasurer
The Authority would recommend to the City the building of many more units of this type to meet the demand.
The Authority wishes to thank each department of this City for the help and guidance given during the construction period of the Oakhurst Apartments.
Respectfully submitted,
John E. Turner Chairman
Leland B. Smith Vice Chairman
Leonard I. Lamb Treasurer
William F. Walton
Assistant Treasurer
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Annual Report
REPORT OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION 1961
To His Honor the Mayor and Members of the Municipal Council:
Gentlemen:
During the year 1961 the Development and Industrial Commission has continued to carry out its original objectives of (1) being of service to local industries, and (2) striving to interest suitable outside manufacturing concerns to locate in Attleboro.
The Commission has co-operated with other city agencies in improving the in- dustrial climate in Attleboro and in sponsoring the installation of utilities in city owned industrial parks, so that attractive sites will be available to industries de- siring to relocate particularly when Route 95 is completed in this area.
In 1961 the Commission continued its interest in regional industrial matters and worked closely with Federal and State Agencies and, also, with the Route 95 Association for the development of the area from the Rhode Island line to Route128.
A comprehensive study was made by the Commission as to the future require- ments for industrially zoned land in Attleboro. Recommendations that were made to the Planning Board regarding the rezoning of over 600 acres in the southerly section of the city were later included in the report submitted by Blair Associates.
Representatives of the Commission attended a hearing held by the Massachusetts Department of Public Works and urged the extension of Route 195 from Route 95 to Route 123, which would not only improve local industrial traffic conditions but would also benefit the city as a whole.
Since Attleboro is classified under the provisions of Federal Laws as included in a surplus labor market, representatives of the Commission conferred with a representative of the Federal Department of Commerce to determine the benefits that could be made available to the city and to local industry.
Representatives of the Commission attended, and urged local manufacturers to attend, a seminar held at Dean Junior College in Franklin regarding the procurement of government contracts from the Army, Navy, and other governmental agencies.
We believe that there will be a greater demand for industrial sites in the area in the future, and consider that Attleboro is now in a favorable competitive position with other communities throughout the state,
It is highly recommended that consideration be given to the establishment of a Financial Foundation in the city of Attleboro, or that some other plan of rendering financial assistance be created, that would supplement the work of the Development and Industrial Commission, by making funds available to local and new industries interested in building modern industrial plants.
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Annual Report
Report of the Development and Industrial Commission continued-
In concluding this report, we wish to express our thanks for the co-operation and assistance of the Mayor, Members of the Municipal Council, City, State, and Federal Agencies, and the Chamber of Commerce of the Attleboros.
Respectfully submitted, Russell E. Brennan, Co-Chairman.
81.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION 1961
The Mayor and Municipal Council 29 Park Street Attleboro, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
It is with pleasure that I submit the Second Annual report of the Building Code Commission.
The Commission has held, on each second Thursday of each month, a meeting to either act upon current material, submitted by the Building Inspector or dis- cuss areas of the existing Municipal Building Code for the purpose of moderni- zation.
During the year, several applications were received and after due deliberation the Building Code Commission submitted to the Building Inspector its decision applicable to the Municipal Building Code.
Because of no excessive expenses, the Commission did not spend its full appropriation; . It is hoped, however, that during the year 1961 a file cabinet and certain other minor office costs might be incorporated into the budget.
Respectfully submitted
Building Code Commission Kenneth E. Palmer, Chairman Clifford A. Swanson August H. Schaefer William B, Pitas Guistino T. Marsella.
82.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE MUNICIPAL CONTRIBUTORY RETIREMENT BOARD - 1961
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, 1961.
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, 1963
Frank E. Streeter, Jr. , Secretary Term expires December, 1962
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 1961 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 $132, 030. 70. This figure represents the cost to the system of securities purchased. Bonds maturing during the year amounted to $70, 291. 69, leaving a net addition to the investment account of $61, 739. 01. There was a surplus of $7, 530. 21 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:
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Annual Report
Report of the Municipal Contributory Retirement Board-
U. S. Savings Bonds
U. S. Treasury Coupon Bonds
Utility Bonds
$ 153,000 00 104,462.05 173,340. 85 56,295.07
Railroad and railroad equipment Bonds
Industrials 28,173.52 Bank Stocks 92,001. 00 64,000. 00
Co-operative Bank Stocks
Federal Savings & Loan Shares Savings account
Checking account
10,000. 00 28,195. 84 1,576.70 $711,045. 03
MEMBERSHIP
During the year 1961 fifteen new members were enrolled in the system, six persons were retired, nine 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 371. With ten beneficiaries of members re- ceiving benefits, this brings the total membership to 381.
INCOME AND PAYMENTS
Contributions from the City for the year 1961 amounted to $66, 629. 00 which is distributed as follows:
Pension Fund Expense Fund
$ 64,129.00 2,500.00
Contributions from members for the year 1961 amounted to $59, 375. 69 which is credited to the Annuity Savings Fund.
Pension and annuity payments for the year 1961 amounted to $89, 993. 46.
BALANCE SHEET
MUNICIPAL CONTRIBUTORY RETIREMENT FUNDS
December 31, 1961
CASH
$ 1,576. 70
INVESTMENTS:
Stocks and bonds
607,272. 49
Co-operative Bank shares
64,000.00
Federal Savings & Loan Shares 10,000. 00
Savings bank deposits 28,195. 84
INTEREST RECEIVABLE: Due and accrued December 31, 1961 3,932. 03 714,977.06
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Annual Report
Report of the Municipal Retirement- Board continued-
LIABILITIES
FUND BALANCES:
Annuity Savings Fund
511,129, 23
Annuity Reserve Fund
78,530. 51 2,296.65
Special Fund for Military Service Pension Fund
122,119. 24
Expense Fund
901. 43 714,977.06
SUMMARY
In July, 1961 the Contributory Retirement Board became the authority on non- contributory pensions. This means a considerable increase in the detail handled "already by your Board. As you can see from the preceding statistical data, the membership of the system has increased from 280 in 1951 to 381 in 1961. In the past ten years the assets have increased from $286, 089. 78 to $711, 045. 03. At the end of 1961 there were 49 persons receiving non-contributory pensions at a cost of $80, 787. 15 to the City. There were 58 persons receiving pensions and survivor- ship allowances under the contributory retirement system and these persons were paid a total of $89, 993. 46.
Once again the Board wishes to call your attention to the need for suitable office space.
Respectfully submitted,
Ismay Sharkey, Chairman Frank E. Streeter, Jr. Earl P. Cooper
85.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE RECREATION COMMISSION 1961
To His Honor the Mayor and the Honorable Municipal Council:
During the year 1961 all the athletic fields and playgrounds in charge of the Recreation Commission were maintained in the usual manner and the ordinary work of the department was carried out.
Hayward Field was in good condition for the High School activities during the year and was again used for graduation exercises. The Recreation Department won praise from the High School Faculty for its excellent cooperation during the school months. Work was finished on the roof of the grandstand in the spring of 1961.
Horton Field was used by the grade schoolsand again for softball by the Industrial League.
Finberg Park, Hebronville, Dodgeville, and South Attleboro were used largely for Little League. Their games received favorable comment from their sponsors and supporters.
Briggs Playground activities were handled in the usual manner under the leader - ship of Howard Rounseville, Ann McKenna and Louis Balser.
Mr. Cooney conducted classes for swimming instruction. These classes were sponsored as usual by the Red Cross. These classes were highly attended.
In South Attleboro during June and July a swimming pool was built at the Veterans Memorial Playground) A special committee was chosen to raise funds for shower rooms and fence for this swimming pool. Approriate dedication exercises were held on the grounds in August. The exercises were attended by several hundred local citizens and guests. For the remainder of the season activities were handled under the supervisions of Marsha Hull, Barbara Bleas- dale and Gerard Gravel.
The fields were maintained by William Corrigan and William Guilbeault.
Respectfully submitted,
William Liddell, Jr., Chairman Russell G. Marsden Thomas Dube Walter White
86.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE STURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL -
1961
To the Board of Trustees and Members of the Corporation:
Today the whole world is conscious of the great need for adequate hospital facilities. Even in those countries we don't usually associate with progress, we find as in Singapore a modern hospital building; in Benares on the banks of the Ganges in India a new hospital being erected, and in Bilbao, Spain we see a huge modern hospital with about 1500 beds. How do they staff these new facilities? Frankly, they have real problems, so severe in many places that only part of the facilities can be utilized in spite of great and urgent need.
At Sturdy we are fortunate indeed to have adequate facilities, well staffed, and a group of doctors who are both conscientious and capable, True, we haven't arrived at the point beyond which there is no improvement, but we are striving to better our service to patients constantly.
Since our last report, we have adopted revised by-laws for both the hospital corporation as well as for the medical staff. Our aim is to achieve complete har- mony between administration and staff and to promote better patient care through a planned program of education.
What about our hospital in the future? Since we possess no crystal ball, we are taking steps to insure the future of the hospital through a systematic program of planning. To this end we are engaging a firm of hospital architects to assist us in developing a master plan, based on what we can see in population growth of the area we serve; probable trends in medical care; the effect of government partici- pation in care of the aged; and many other details that can effect our hospital oper- ations years hence.
Mr. Henry Veldman has at this writing completed a full year of service as our administrator. He has had much to learn about Sturdy and has become inte- grated into the hospital family in a way that has resulted in a very smooth transition from the work done by our former director. We look to our administrator to keep abreast of what is new and good in hospital work and to keep the Board of Managers alerted to progress in the field at all times.
During the year we have had the opportunity to welcome these new people to our Board of Trustees:
Philip M. Engel Harry L. London Mrs. Laurette Lonsbury
Gerald E. Riley Preston B. Stevenson John P. Creed
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Annual Report
Report of the Sturdy Memorial Hospital continued-
Also, as of this writing we have appointed the following new doctors to our staff:
Francis Curran, M. D. , To TheActive Staff In Anesthesiology Nason Burden, M. D., Consultant In Orthopedic Surgery
John Reinert, M. D. , Consultant In Neurosurgery
Francis DeStefano, M. D. , To The Associate Staff In General Practice Kenneth Atwill, D. D. S. , To The Dental Courtesy Staff In General Practice
Donald Rae, D. D. S., To The Active Dental Staff In Dental Surgery Gerald P. Rosenthal, D. D. S., To The Dental Courtesy Staff in General Dentistry
Melvin J. King, M. D., To The Courtesy Staff In Internal Medicine Charles P. Emerson, M. D. , Consultant In Hematology
To all who have in any way contributed to the betterment of our hospital service to the area during the past year, we express our appreciation and pray that we may all be given wisdom in our work in and for the future.
Respectfully submitted, C. W. Cederberg, Chairman Board of Managers
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Annual Report
REPORT OF THE STURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL 1961
To the Board of Trustees and Mangers of the Sturdy Memorial Hospital
The Hospital Story can be told in many ways. One of these ways is in the form of a report to the community. We hope it will help bring you up to date as to where the hospital stands today and that you will be proud of its growth and re- cord of excellence.
Its record of quality can hardly be demonstrated by a tabulation of last year's statistics. More than that, it represents the leadership and teamwork of a great many people: Board members, trustees, doctors, nurses, employees, volunteers, and last but not least many other people inthe hospital service area. Without this cooperative teamwork and support Sturdy could not possibly be what it is today.
The past year saw an increase in total patients admitted, as well as an increase in all other services provided by the hospital. This is due mainly to an increase in population as well as the fact that more conditions are now being treated at the hos- pital.
Several highlights of the past year deserve mention. First of all, in May 1961 Sturdy Hospital pioneered in organizing an all-day Industrial Seminar. This meeting which brought well over 100 local industrialists together was organized by the Public Relations Committee under the able chairmanship of Mr. Leland B. Smith, Mr. Ray- mond P. Sloan, a nationally known hospital leader and consultant led the discussions, exploring the ways in which the hospital and local industry have a responsibility to each other.
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