USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1962 > Part 3
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August 24
A new Master Fire Alarm Box was installed at the Farmers! School to replace the one burned out on June 26th. This box is numbered #3513.
September 9
The entire Fire Alarm overhead line across Route 95 at Deanville Road was removed. This line formerly fed Box 323 which is now serviced via Clifton Street fron West Street.
18. Old Box 613 at the corner of Brook and Emory Streets was removed and a new modern box of the same number was in- stalled.
24 New overhead fire alarm circuits were constructed from Lindsey Street through both Karen Street and Gerri Drive.
October 11 Two new street boxes installed, Box 7213 on Karen Street and Box 7214 on Gerri Drive.
October 22
One inch conduit installed over the new Holden Street-Sharkey Avenue bridge. Two manholes, one on each side of the bridge were built and underground cable installed. Over- head wire was removed from poles.
November December
Overhaul line, change cross arms and trimming trees.
RECOMMENDATIONS
In the course of a year, many requests are received by the city by the promoters of plats and other areas for the installation of Fire Alarm Boxes. We have maintained that these installations should be taken care of by the promoters themselves before the streets are accepted by the city. This has been brought to the attention of the members of the Municipal Council for many years by this department. Many cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth have ordinances of this type and is of no greater expense to them than bringing the streets up to grade and installing sewers, utilities and other necessities.
27
Annual Report
Report of the Superintendent of Fire Alarm continued-
The station wagon in daily use by the Assistant Fire Alarm Electrician has been replaced with a 1962 model Chevrolet by the low bidder, Buster Crafford, Inc.
We are in real need of the replacement of our present truck and aerial ladder. The present truck, body and ladder are not in safe condition and are a real danger to the men who have to operate them in the course of their daily work. The unit should be brought up to modern day standards with the purchase of a new line truck equipped with a standard line con- struction body and a power boom with working bucket attached. I am sorry to call it to the attention of the Mayor and the Council that this equipment is all ready responsible for the loss of one of our men a few years ago. How strong must my wording be to impress upon you the need of replac- ing this unit ? Our work must be done in all kinds of weather safely and quickly with a minimum of danger to the men performing the work. Please give the matter some serious thought.
Some program of replacing our old and unsafe cable a little at a time each year must be organized. This I have requested many times in past years and no results are forthcoming/. There is a total of over one million dollars invested in our Fire Alarm System and also many privately owned equipment which in no case is of any reliability unless the cables are taken care of and replaced.
In concluding this report, I wish to extend my sincere thanks to His Honor, the Mayor, the Municipal Council, the Board of Fire Engineers, and all city departments who in any manner have contributed their val- uable assistance to this department in making our operation for the year a success.
Respectfully submitted, William S. King, Sr. Superintendent of Fire Alarm
28.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE WELFARE DEPARTMENT 1962
To His Honor the Mayor and the Municipal Council:
The following annual report is submitted in accordance with city ordinance.
Total expenditures show an increase over 1961; however, in the categories of Old Age Assistance and General Relief there were sizeable decreases over former expenditures.
The primary singular item contributing to overall increases are the medical ser- vices. Thirty-eight per cent of total expenditures have been for medical ser- vices in this past year.
After deducting reimbursements from Federal, State, Cities and Towns, the net cost to the City of Attleboro was $98, 406. 28, as compared to a total expenditure of $749,365. 04.
A detailed statement of receipts and expenditures for 1962 follows:
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
Appropriated
Refunds
$338, 716. 87 10,120.03
Total
348,836.90
Minus Transfer
4,167. 00
TOTAL
344,669. 90
Expenditures $ 749,365. 04
Less Federal
413,400. 81
Expenditures from City Funds-
335,964. 23
BALANCE
$ 8,705.67
SALARIES
Appropriated
$ 22,720. 00 Additional appropriation
662. 20
TOTAL
23,382. 20
Expenditures $ 45,084.55
Less Federal 21,702.35
Expenditures from City Funds
23,382.20
BALANCE
00,000.00
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29.
Annual Report
Report of the Welfare Department continued-
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
Appropriated
Refunds Transfer
$ 49,142. 95 4,784. 91 5,000.00
TOTAL
58,927. 86
Expenditures I I $ 121,064. 01 Less Federal 64,651. 43
Expenditures from City Funds
56,412. 58
BALANCE
$ 2,515. 28
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE
Appropriated
Refunds
$ 19,920. 95 308. 49
TOTAL
20,229. 44
Expenditures B I
$ 49,001.18
Less Federal
28,856.80
Expenditures from City Funds
20,144. 38
BALANCE
$ 85.06
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
Appropriated
$ 117,710. 99
Refunds
2,787. 27
Less Transfer
1,750.00
TOTAL
$ 118, 748. 26
I Expenditures $ 296,737. 19 1
Less Federal 179,367. 46
Expenditures from City Funds-
BALANCE
117,369. 73 $ 1,378.53
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE AGED
Appropriated
$ 57,924.83
Refunds
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183.10
TOTAL
$ 58,107. 93
Expenditures $ 169,217. 75
Less Federal 113,519.37
Expenditures from City Funds
55,698.38
BALANCE
$ 2,409. 55
1961 Bills
Appropriated
$ 586.52
TOTAL
586.52
BALANCE
000. 00
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30.
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Annual Report
Report of theWelfare Department continued
ADMINISTRATION
Appropriated
$ 542. 83
Expenditures
Telephone 1,026.95
Office Supplies
1,545.78
Auto Maintenance 1
486. 55
Transportation O. R. 1
0.00
Janitor Service
420.00
Seeking Information-
590. 48
Miscellaneous
4.50
Medical Consultant
600.00
Postage-
851. 92
Service Office Machines
317. 87
TOTAL
5,844.05
Less Federal
5,303.40
Expenditures from City Funds
540.65
BALANCE
$ 2.18
GENERAL RELIEF
Appropriated
$ 70,167. 80
Refunds
2,056.26
Minus Transfers (Other City Depts. )
8,079. 20
BALANCE
Expenditures
Weekly Cash
23,234. 73
Rent, Board and Care
15,353. 71
Clothing
465. 33
Fuel
823. 56
Medical
14,722. 03
Towns, Cities and Inst .- 2,026.18
Transportation
100. 25
Miscellaneous
4. 00
Burial
100.00
TOTAL
61,829. 79
BALANCE
2,315.07
TOTAL EXPENDITURES (CITY) $ 335, 964.23
Less Money Received (State)
Old Age Assistance
$ 86,361. 95
Old Age Assistance Admin. 6,119. 91
Medical Assistance -
56,480. 53
Medical Assistance Admin .- 2,043.34
Aid to Dependent Children 37,581.63
Aid to Dependent Children Admin. 2,671.54
Disability Assistance - 16,381. 98
Disability Assistance Admin 881. 45
General Relief (State)
20,040. 44
General Relief, Cities & Towns - 8,995. 18
TOTAL
NET COST TO CITY Jsemh 1. 5 31.
237,557. 95
98,406. 28
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64,144. 86
Annual Report
Report of the Welfare Department continued-
TOTAL EXPENDITURES FEDERAL
$ 749,365.04 413,400. 81
STATE, CITIES AND TOWNS
CITY OF ATTLEBORO
237,557. 95 98,406.28
COMPARISON OF
1960
1961
1962
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
$ 693, 953. 27
$ 726,460. 51
$ 749,365. 04
FEDERAL
233,952. 26
266,141.34
413,400. 81
(34%)
(37%)
(55%)
STATE, CITIES AND TOWNS
260,331.02 (38%)
(28%)
(32%)
CITY OF ATTLEBORO
199,669. 99 (28%)
259,260. 71
98,406.28
(35%)
(13%)
Very truly yours,
John K. Henderson
Chairman, Board of Public Welfare
32.
201,058.46
237,557. 95
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS 1962
To His Honor the Mayor and the Municipal Council:
Gentlemen:
We submit herewith our annual report for the year 1962.
TABLE OF AGGREGATES
Number of persons assessed on Real and Personal Property 11,816
Number of Polls assessed
7,865
Number of Houses assessed
1 6,174
Number of Acres of Land assessed
15,000
Valuation of Taxable Real Estate - $ 50,670,100 1 I F
Valuation of Taxable Personal Property ?-
1 $ 3,233,130
TAXES LEVIED
Real Estate Tax
$ 3,222,618. 36
Personal Property Tax
205,627. 07
Poll Tax
15,730.00
$ 3,443,975. 43
MOTOR EXCISE TAX
Number of Cars assessed
15,635
Total Valuation-
$9,352,405. 00
Total Tax Levied
$ 494,277. 95
Number of Adjustments on Motor Excise
2672
Total amount of Adjustments
$ 45,307. 02
TOTAL VALUATIONS
Valuation of Taxable Real Estate -
$ 50,670,100. 00
Valuation of Taxable Personal Property
3,233,130.00
Valuation of Non-Taxable Real Estate
12,946,300.00
Valuation of Non-Taxable Personal Property
2,395,800.00
Tax Title Deeds to City
53,025.00
Land of Low Value
445.00
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Total Valuation-Taxable and Non-Taxable
I $ 69,298,800. 00
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33.
Annual Report
Report of the Board of Assessors
ESTIMATED EXPENDITURES
1962 Budget and Appropriations 1962 Amount Raised for State and County Taxes
1962 Overlay Account
$ 5,085,640.45 300,203. 31 39,789. 59
Total Amount to be Raised
$ 5,425,633.35
Less Estimated Receipts
$ 1,981,657.92
Amount to be raised on Real Estate, Personal Property and Polls $ 3,443,975. 43
Less Amount raised on Polls
15,730.00
Net amount to be raised by Taxation on Real Estate and Personal Property $ 3,428,245.43
Total Taxable Valuation $53, 903, 230. 00 x $63. 60 (Tax Rate per thousand) will raise $ 3,428,245. 43
Five new plats were made by this office at no extra expense to the city. It is unfortunate that due to the ever increasing work load and the shortness of help, some of those cannot be used for the records in 1963. We are trusting that our request for an additional clerk will be granted in 1963.
Respectfully submitted,
BOARD OF ASSESSORS
Patrick J. Byrnes, Chairman Eloise M. Phelan Carl A. Nelson
34.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY 1962
To the Trustees of the Attleboro Library:
The 1962 Annual Report of the Attleboro Public Library, Joseph L. Sweet Memorial.
GROWTH
Growth is the first word that comes to mind on writing this report. Growth in the building plant, growth in circulation, growth in the Library budget and growth in the book collection. The following figures over a ten year period illustrate this:
1953 Building. Same since 1907
1962 An Annex enlarging the building approximately 30% $71,903. 19
Budget $51, 587. 62
Circulation 115, 354 books Book Collection 72, 037 volumes
196,132
79,262
Library growth is not unique to Attleboro, but is prevalent in statistics in the Commonwealth and throughout the nation. Such figures reflect a larger reading public, an enlightened citizenry, an awareness of city councils and town finance committees to increasing library needs; and also an evaluation by libraries of their community needs and resources. Public support has been favorable and enthusiastic in recent years.
GROWTH - LIBRARY ADDITION
Work on the new building moved vigorously ahead once the actual con- struction began, with only minor delays. The opening of the first construction bids in May revealed that the Library was $25, 000. 00 short of funds available. This necessitated discarding these bids and starting over, making as many cuts in the plans as was feasible. The second set of bids showed that the amount of money available ( $140, 000. 00) was still not enough. The Mayor and City Council then in a rapid move enacted a transfer of $16, 000. 00 to the building account which provided enough to cover the construction cost, $141, 254, plus architect- ural fees of 10%. The final cost including equipment, landscaping and other items not in the original bid, will run about $160, 000. 00.
Two details included in the revised estimates were the complete rewiring of the old building and an electrically operated book lift from the first to the third stack level. Other features included in the original plans were a four passenger elevator, three new offices and bookstacks for 50, 000 additional books. Com- pletion of the overall project will be about March 1, 1963.
35.
Annual Report
Report of the Public Library continued-
GROWTH - BUDGET
The Library budget has increased on an average of $2000. 00 annually over the past ten years. This is not spectacular, since the budget has not kept up with rising costs in several instances, i. e. books, library supplies and sal- aries. The American Library Association recommends that for adequate library service a community should spend at least $3. 00 per capita. Attleboro spent $2. 65 in 1962. The Librarian in his 1963 budget takes these facts into consideration as well as the costs inherent in building a new addition.
GROWTH - CIRCULATION
The most noticeable growth has been in circulation, the actual number of books borrowed and taken from the library, with an increase of 80, 778 over the ten year period. The rise of 19, 118 over the 1961 book circulation alone is very fine, 10% plus. The greatest increases have been in the subjects of science, the humanities and social sciences.
The gradual climb in circulation of phonographs records is equally im- pressive, from 74 in 1954 to 2561 in 1962.
GROWTH - BOOK COLLECTION
The comparison of these two figures (72, 037 books in 1953 and 79, 262 books in 1962) reveals only a moderate rise and can be explained briefly by saying that in early 1957 when the total volume count was over 75, 000 there was little room for new books except in the old second floor halls. A large conversion job was the answer and the shelves built here provided space for several thousand books shifted from the cramped stacks. A vigorous discarding period followed. In the past six years 12, 525 volumes have been discarded while 13, 232 books were added to the collection by purchase or gift. The results of the overcrowded conditions meant that the Library had to discard virtually one book for every new one added. This was good be- cause it brought the collection up-to-date.
In summary then the number of books has increased only moderately in the last ten years but the quality of the collection has shown a high rate of growth over this period.
WORK WITH CHILDREN
A substantial increase in service to children is to be noted throughout 1962. The gain in circulation of 9054 is 13% over 1961. Most of this gain was in daily circulation to children as teacher's collections registered 21, 149 as compared with 20, 569 last year. The circulation of pictures is down from recent years as most of this material is now given directly to teachers for their own displays.
36.
Annual Report
Report of the Public Library continued-
During 1962 twenty-three classes from both public and parochial schools as well as kindergarten classes visited the Library, giving them a chance to learn about Library services first hand.
There were many special events held during the year beginning with a story hour on April 8 and a film program for 155 children on April 14 (National Library Week.)
Both reading clubs and story hours were projects undertaken during the summer vacation. Four story hours and one film program brought attend- ance of 336. The Book Parade Summer Reading Club for grades 1-3 had a total active membership of 130 of which 85 boys and girls completed the ten books required and received their diplomas. Members of grades 4-8 totalling 89 joined the Civil War Reading Club and of these 35 read the re- quired 18 books on American history and received diplomas at the special awards program held on August 30. This starred Richard Mis, South Attle- boro magician.
There was a UNICEF display for the week before Halloween for children. The Library purchased special records and pamphlets for this occasion.
Children's Book Week observance November 13-20 drew many more school classes and hundreds of children (491 from classes alone). Mrs. Lachlan Blair was the story teller in the children's hour of November 14.
BRANCH NOTES
This was the first year of full operation that Hebronville Branch has had since 1960 because there was major renovation of this old mill house in 1961. The circulation for 1962 was 15, 489 which shows the considerable service that this branch does for the visiting classes of Joseph Finberg School. The renew- al of the house continued this year with the installation of green shutters on all windows. Other projects and improvements such as painting of the exter- ior are planned for 1963. The branch is open to the public one morning and one afternoon a week.
Tiffany School Branch continues its useful service to the children of that school. There was no longer a sixth grade this year but several lower grades necessitated the addition of many new easy-reading books for the younger children.
The South Attleboro Branch Library showed a circulation of 30, 361, the highest in the branch's history. There was much interest in this little library on the corner of Angeline Street and Newport Avenue. The summer reading clubs had an unprecedented number of participants this year and 62 finished their reading club requirements.
Patients at Sturdy Hospital received twice-a-week visits from our hospital librarian. We are appreciative of the many friendly comments from patients every year.
37.
Annual Report
Report of the Public Library continued-
BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT
Little renovation of the old building has been done this year since all money and resources have been poured into the new building annex. The back staircase was painted and the old heating ducts were removed from this area and new florescent lights installed.
The florescent lights for the second floor north hall have arrived and will be installed on next year's budget. There are plans to begin renovation of the walls and ceiling of the North Hall if money is made available next year.
Two desks, two office chairs, a catalog stool and a file cabinet for the addition were purchased.
LIBRARY ACTIVITIES
National Library Week activities included: attractive displays of books and records in eight downtown bank windows; an interview on radio station WARA featuring Mrs. Ethel Barden, John Mac Donald, Trustees and the Librarian; a special story hour held by Miss Edna Guillette, Children's Librarian; a movie festival for youngsters grade 1-6 featuring three children's classics; an open house at South Attleboro Branch Library. Dozens of business leaders in the community were sent a new bibliography,
BOOKS FOR THE BUSINESS EXECUTIVE, especially prepared by the library staff. The Attleboro Sun graciously ran a full page of candid pictures taken dur- ing busy hours of the Library, plus an editorial.
Other events were somewhat curtailed because of the problem of the building construction. However, a fine exhibit of the Currier and Ives prints, drew con- siderable attention both from the public and the Attleboro Sun.
For the second year the Library sponsored with the A. A. U. W. a children's book fair in May. Several hundred new spring books were on display. Many more teachers, parents and children came this year than last.
PERSONNEL
There were several changes in the staff during the year. Mrs. Frances Horton, Loan and Stack Supervisor, resigned to accept a teaching position at the House in the Pines and also to become the Librarian of the Norton Pub- lic Library on a part-time basis. Mrs. Patricia St. George resigned her position as Junior Assistant D to become Librarian of the Wrentham Public Library.
The slow drain of experience and talent from the Library in the past few years is a chronic sympton of underpaid library staffs. The raises in 1962 were very welcome but will have to be increased again to keep up with better- paying libraries even in our own Bristol County.
Mrs. Eleanor Stewart was promoted from Junior Assistant A to Loan and Stack Supervisor. New staff members include Mrs. Greta Dow as Junior Assistant A and Mrs. Leona Vandenkerckhoven as Junior Assistant D. Also we welcome back on a part-time basis, Mrs. Jean Archard.
38.
Annual Report
Report of the Public Library continued-
Staff members have been busy taking extension and correspondence courses during the year. Mrs. Thelma Lantz and Mrs. Eleanor Stewart are taking courses in cataloging techniques; Mrs. Leeburn, a course on reference books; Miss Arline Barthlein attended the course on reference and bibliography at Simmons College last spring. Miss Barthlein and Mrs. St. George attended the three weeks session at the University of New Hampshire in library tech- niques last summer.
Other staff members participated in the various professional organizations. Mrs. Lantz is Secretary of the Old Dartmouth Library Club and the Librarian is Treasurer of the Massachusetts Library Association for a two year term.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Trustees and staff were saddened late in the year at the deaths of Mr. and Mrs. Harold E. Sweet. They had shown their interest in the Library many times through the years in their contributions and their many kindnesses.
The Library received one of its handsomest gifts in many years in November when representatives of Iota Chapter of Sigma Phi Gamma Sorority, presented the Library with a Bell and Howell 16mm automatic sound projector. The gift was purchased with almost $600. 00 raised by the chapter. We extend our sin- cere thanks for this important gift. There are plans for film showings for all age groups in mid 1963 when the building is complete.
There have been several memorial gifts this year as in years past. We feel such gifts are very meaningful bringing deep satisfaction both to the lib- rary and to the donor. We are most careful to make appropriate selections as memorials.
Hundreds of books have been donated to the Library this year. Local firms again gave 30 magazine subscriptions to the Sturdy Hospital in the name of the Library.
The Attleboro Sun and Pawtucket Times covered Library activities with accuracy and preception. Radio Station WARA gave its usual fine support to Library news items.
The Mayor, City Council, the Trustees and the staff have all contributed to this successful year in Attleboro Public Library history. I am exceedingly grateful to them all.
The year 1963 will see the completion of the annex. This will be the end of phase two in total renovation of the Library. The first phase began in 1957 with the installation of rest rooms and renovation of the lower hallway. Its progress continued with the installation of florescent lights for most of the building, int- erior and exterior painting and the installation of the Localarm fire protection throughout the building. Phase two will be finished when the new wing is in op- eration.
There is much to keep the staff busy once the wing is complete, the trans- ferring of some 50, 000 books to new quarters, the reshuffling of offices, supply and storage materials and the shifting of the entire magazine collection. The old building needs to be scrubbed down. I am certain this will be done cheerfully and with considerable amount of pride.
39.
Annual Report
Report of the Public Library continued-
And what of 1964 and after ? There will still be projects such as redesigning and remodelling the Children's Room into larger facilities and the complete repainting of the interior of the building.
We therefore give thanks for what has been accomplished and what will be done in the future. We point with satisfaction to our service to the community in the last decade. It has been given with care and resolution. Our course is plotted ahead and our aim is excellence. We go into the new year with hope and strength.
Respectfully submitted
Rowell L. Waller
To: Honorable Cyril K. Brennan, and Council of the City of Attleboro.
Gentlemen:
The year 1962 saw the completion of our long desired plans and start of the much needed addition to the Main Library. With this additional space, room 1 for about 50, 000 more books can be accommodated, together with extra office and work room facilities. A four passenger elevator to all floors and an elect- rically operated book lift serving the stack rooms. It is hoped that the work will be finished and ready for use about the first of March.
The increased use of the Library is reflected in the figures showing the large percentage of circulation. However, circulation is not the whole story as a large number of students use the reading rooms for study and reference work. The part that libraries play in the educational growth of communities is recog- nized both locally and nationally and must keep pace with the schools and coll- eges. Along with this growth also goes budget increases both in salaries and expenses and we are hopeful that our salary scale may be brought up to the level of the state recommendations and thereby reduce the turnover in our staff.
The circulation in all the Branches showed a marked increase and demonstrated the value and appreciation of the localities which they served.
While one often thinks of the Library as catering to adults, a look at the child- ren's circulation and the work which is done for them is surprising and most gratifying.
Statistics have been most ably handled in the Librarian's report and to avoid repetition, will dispense with them here.
We are most fortunate in having such an able and cooperative staff and we wish to extend to them our deep appreciation.
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