USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1963 > Part 7
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9
1,100.00
$ 17,355.00
Several other lots were wanted but individuals did not make reasonable offers and were not accepted.
Respectfully submitted Henry Rotenberg Custodian of City Property
84.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE STURDY HOSPITAL 1963
To the Corporation Members, Trustees and the People of the Hospital Service Area:
When the Harold E. Sweet wing was dedicated in May of 1957 the Board of Managers breathed a sigh of relief. A job had been completed that they thought would not have to be tackled again until the next generation held the reins of responsibility.
However, in 1963 we found that progress had advanced so rapidly since the start of our last campaign that after a ten year period we were again facing the need for greatly enlarged facilities. There was no alternative to rolling up our sleeves and asking the communities of our area to respond to another building fund appeal/
The response has been heartening and reflects the high esteem in which the people of the area hold Sturdy Hospital. I can say from long experience that the Board of Trustees and the Board of Managers have exerted much thought and action to have achieved this fine reputation. However, our work is not "over the hill" at this writing. We have a long way to go, but we have a conscientious group working to attain our goals.
Throughout the year our staff has given much thought and many suggestions to our Planning Committee, headed by Mr. Peirce B. Smith. This group is responsible for the plans that are nearing the working-drawing stage. Many meetings with our architects and consultants have been time-consuming but fruitful of good results.
Our Development group, under Mr. Leland B. Smith's capable guidance, has carried the burden of correlating the many phases of our fund raising cam- paign. The Haney Associates, who are responsible for the active direction of the campaign, have conducted themselves in a manner that has brought commen- dation from all who have worked in the campaign.
The record of our achievements in the day-to-day operation of the hospital will come to you through the report of ourAdministrator, Mr. Henry Veldman. Our financial condition will be reflected in the report of our Treasurer, Mr. Fred Wetherell. Dr. Allen Bryer will report on the Medical Staff.
We welcome to the Medical Staff the following new members:
Harvey Liberman, M. D. Martin L. Sorger, M. D. Mario S. K. Palmer, M. D. John W. Lockwood, D. M. D. to our Dental Staff
Arthur W. Volpe, Jr., D. M. D.
to our Surgical Department to our Courtesy Staff in Medicine and Surger to our Courtesy Staff in Medicine and Surger
to our Dental Staff
85.
Annual Report
Report of the Sturdy Hospital continued-
Let me close my report with a sincere expression of appreciation to all who have given so generously of their time, during the year just closed, to make this hospital an outstanding haven of healing.
Without the cooperation of our staff, and particularly those men who serve on the various committees that are so vital to progress and good public relations, we could not hope to render excellent patient care. We acknowledge our appreciation to them.
To the employees, both professional and lay, we express our thanks for work well done.
May the good Lord, in His infinite wisdom, guide the destinies of Sturdy Memorial Hospital through the years ahead as we grow, both in size and effective- ness.
Respectfully submitted, C. W. Cederberg Chairman, Board of Managers.
Dear Trustees and Members of the Corporation:
It is a privilege to report to you on the 50th year of continuous hospital service to the Attleboro area. It is most fitting that you, the members of the Corporation hear reports which attempt to reflect the work accomplished during the past year. It is a pity that an annual report can only reflect totals and im- portant highlights. In addition to daily problems we have daily accomplishments, the details of which would be most heartwarming and gratifying.
1. STATISTICS
The volume of work as reflected in the statistics indicate a continuing growth of service. As we are on the threshold of a new half century it is ob- vious that what was once the Attleboro hospital has now become an area hospi- tal. It is also obvious that the growth of our service is exceeding the rate in population growth. This means that some people who went to other hospitals in the past are now using Sturdy Memorial Hospital. Fortunately, our planned expansion will provide us with additional beds and increased ancillary services.
2. STANDARDS
The quality of care at the hospital is under constant scrutiny. Sad would be the day when a person or group of persons associated with the hospital would feel that the quality of care needs no further improvement. You can be assured that we take the opposite view. Many hours are spent by doctors and nurses and administrative personnel reviewing ways in which the care of the patient could be improved.
This effort was officially recognized when the hospital again received its full accreditation status by the Joint Commission on Accreditation in Chicago.
3. PHYSICAL IMPROVEMENTS
In its program of repairs and modernization the hospital accomplished two major objectives. The modernization of the Labor and Delivery Suite is practically completed. Also, the existing roofs on our two oldest buildings, the Sturdy wing and the Maternity wing, were replaced to bring them up to the latest standards of building code and fire safety.
86.
Annual Report
Report of the Sturdy Hospital continued-
4. PERSONNEL
From time to time shortages exist in the Department of Nursing. We are fortunate indeed to have a School of Nursing, many graduates of which remain with us as staff nurses. National surveys show that the demand for nurses is greater, and will continue to be greater, than the supply. To most patients, hospital service is synonymous with nursing service and the hospital can be justly proud of the devotion and loyalty of our nurses. In spite of shortages the response of patients to the quality of nursing care is overwhelming.
Our Dietary Department is now operated solely by the hospital itself. We decided to discontinue the food management concern previously employed, and from all indications we are maintaining good quality at a savings.
The morale and loyalty of all hospital personnel was demonstrated recently in a very real way. The employees set themselves a goal of $30, 000. to support the Building Fund campaign, which was oversubscribed by $4, 000.
5. SCHOOL OF NURSING
All the 14 graduates stayed on as staff nurses upon graduation this year. So far, 14 students for the new class in September have been accepted out of a total of 93 applicants. It is expected that a total of 30 new students will enter the School, which then will fill the Dormitory to capacity.
6. VOLUNTEERS
Our Volunteer corps is being strengthened and is constantly growing These dedicated women contributed a total of 8, 536 hours as compared to 6, 264 1. . ^s in 1962. This is a most telling vote of confidence in our hospital.
My report is necessarily most incomplete. Credit should be given to in- numerable people who contributed valuable time to the betterment of hospital service during our 50th year. We are all fortunate to have a Medical Staff whose devotion is demonstrated daily. The many hours spent helping us improve the hos- pital where possible, and in studying our building plans, are deeply appreciated. To the Aid Association and its Volunteers, for the many projects which complement our regular service, go our deepest thanks. Last but not least, we express our gratitude to the Board of Managers, whose wisdom and vision are ultimately re- sponsible for this, your hospital, and the unfailing support and leadership by your President, Mr. Cederberg.
Respectfully submitted,
Henry Veldman , Director.
87.
Annual Report
Report of the Sturdy Hospital continued-
STURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL COMPARATIVE BALANCE SHEET
September 30, 1963
September 30, 1962
Assets
Cash
$128,702.60
$80,518.91 1
Accounts Receivable-Patients
(Net of Reserve for Uncollectable Accounts)
493,646. 35
431,368.57
Accounts Receivable-Others
1,343. 71
2,340. 24
Investments
1,960,622. 63
1,860,592.65
Inventory of Drugs and Supplies
75,538.07
76,385. 41
Prepaid Expenses
1,432.96
970,12
Plant and Equipment (Net of Depreciation)
2,545,061. 98
2,592,612.29
Total Assets
$ 5,206,348. 30
$ 5,044,788. 19
Liabilities and Capital
Accounts Payable
93,878.54
79,195.05
Withholding and Social Security Taxes Payable
30,280.96
32,896.84
Notes and Bonds Payable
298,683.60
323,357. 48
Accrued Expenses
23,563. 37
19,419.60
Total Liabilities
446,406.47
454,868. 97
Investment in Plant
$2,788,948. 20
$2, 700,225. 51
Endowment Fund
Principal
1,970,993.63
1,889,693,71
Total Capital Accounts
4,759,941.83
4,589,919. 22
Total Liabilities and Capital
$ 5,206,348.30
$ 5,044,788. 29
88.
Annual Report
Report of the Sturdy Hospital continued-
STURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL A STORY OF GROWTH AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
1953
1963
Percent Increase
Patients Admitted From:
Attleboro, So. Attleboro, Dodgeville, Hebronville 2570
3492
36
North Attleboro, Attleboro Falls
994
1743
75
Mansfield
670
930
39
Norton, Chartiey, Barrowsville
427
707
66
Foxboro
228
410
80
Plainville
201
496
147
Seekonk
87
221
154
Rehoboth
125
174
39
Wrentham
99
330
233
All Others
484
862
78
Total Admissions
5885
9365
59
Births
1183
1449
22
Patients Days of Care
Adults and Children
34,062
50,361
48
Newborn
6,237
6,620
6
Total
40,299
56,9:1
41
Daily Average C 1913
110. 41
156. 11
Emergency Room Visits
3030
10,220 237
Laboratory Tests
37,505
89,448 138
X-Ray Examinations
6,336
16,138 155
89
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE BUILDING CODE COMMISSION 1963
To His Honor, the Mayor, and the Municipal Council Attleboro, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
It is with pleasure that we submit the fourth annual report of the Building Code Commission.
The Commission held meetings on the second Thursday of the month throughout the year when business warranted.
Three hearings were held during the year, and several meetings were contributed to discussion of proposed adoption of a national building code . It is the opinion of the Commission that adoption of a new building code, similar to a national standard type code, is definitely needed for the City of Attleboro.
The Secretary, Guistino Marsella, resigned during the year, so that the Commission acted with only foun members for a portion of the year.
Respectfully submitted,
BUILDING CODE COMMISSION
Kenneth E. Palmer, Chairman August H. Schaefer, Secretary Clifford A. Swanson William B. Pitas
90.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE FORESTRY DEPARTMENT 1963
To the Mayor and the Municipal Council:
Herewith submitted is the annual report of the Forestry Department for the year 1963.
The department has had a busy year. There has been much brush cutting, a great deal of spraying to protect our trees from moths, and a close check has been kept on the condition of trees along the roadside and all dangerous and decayed limbs have been removed. The checking of these trees is very important especially if there has been a snow, wind, or rain storm. Poison ivy is removed and has been pretty much under control. Several calls have been answered regarding bees and hornets nests.
We are making some progress in our battle against the Dutch elm disease by taking down the dead trees and cutting the bad limbs off of those which can be saved. These trees are taken care of whether on city or private property. Homeowners have cooperated by notifying us of any dead elms on their property. Sugar maples, noted for their durability and beautiful fall colorings, are being used in a replacement program. Homeowners may obtain these trees by placing their names on a list with the Forestry Department. When the trees are ready for delivery they are divided among the persons on the list. This department plants and fertilizes the trees so that they will have a proper start. The home- owners then keep them watered to insure their growth. In 1963, 98 of these trees were set out and only two of these were lost.
The Forestry Department will continue to do its best in the future as has been done in the past.
Very truly yours,
George Paul, Acting City Forester.
91.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION 1963
To the Honorable Municipal Council:
Herewith submitted is the first annual report of the Conservation Commission, which was established in Attleboro in December, 1962.
The Commission held regular monthly meetings on the last Friday of each month during the year and were well attended.
The Commission investigated two requests by the city, (1) request of John Blottman to purchase land from the City of Attleboro, (2) request of Morse Sand & Gravel Co. to remove gravel from Oak Hill.
The Commission investigated the Crocker Pond area and found the abuttors and outside businesses were polluting this water supply, and the condition has been corrected.
The Commission recommends that the city purchase land around the outlying water reservoirs such as, Crocker Pond, Wading River, and Lake Mirimichi for the purpose of stopping the pollution of these water supplies.
The Commission recommends the city buy land along the Bungay River. This is the last clean river in Attleboro, and should be kept this way for recreation pur- poses.
The Commission recommends that the city take the necessary steps to have the pollution condition of the Ten Mile River corrected. Someday this water may be vital to the City of Attleboro.
We wish at this time to express our appreciation to all who have aided and assisted us during the past year.
Respectfully submitted:
Raymond Moreau, Chairman Robert A. Anderson, Secretary William O. Sweet Earl G. Niquette, Jr. Russell F. Tennant George Brillon
92.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE MUNICIPAL CONTRIBUTORY RETIREMENT BOARD
1963
Honorable Cyril K. Brennan, Mayor and the Honorable Municipal Council
Gentlemen:
The Retirement Board respectfully submits its annual report containing financial state- ments covering the transactions of the system for the year ended December 31, 1963.
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:
1. Ismay Sharkey, Chairman Term expires February, 1966
2. Earl P. Cooper, Secretary Term expires July, 1961
3. Philippe L. Proulx Term expires December, 1965
INVESTMENTS AND INVESTMENT EARNINGS
New investments acquired during the year amounted to $ 95,968.75. This figure represents the cost to the system of securities purchased. Bonds maturing during the year amounted to # 21,955.36, leaving net addition to the investment account of $ 74,013.39. There was a surplus of $ 8,420.58 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
$ 138,000.00
144,817.74
Utility Bonds 272,855.05 Railroad and railroad equipment Industrials Bank Stocks 83,736.00 Co-operative Bank Stocks
51,615.62 33,566.66
64,000.00
10,000.00
Checking account
Federal Savings & Loan Shares Savings account 24,534.87 3,035.97 $ 826,161.91
During the year 1963 thirty-six new members were enrolled in the system, nine persons were retired, thirteen persons left the service of the City and withdrew their accumu- lated deductions, one member in service died, nine retired members died, leaving the total active and inactive membership 395. With eleven beneficiaries of members re- ceiving benefits, this brings the total membership to 406.
93.
Annual Report
Report of the Contributory Retirement Board continued-
INCOME AND PAYMENTS
Contributions from the City for the year 1963 amounted to $ 75,463.00 which is distributed as follows:
Pension Fund Expense Fund
$ 71,963.00 3,500.00
Contributions from members for the year 1963 amounted to $ 68,112.24 which is credited to the Annuity Savings Fund.
Pension and annuity payments for the year 1963 amounted to $ 92,563.73.
BALANCE SHEET
MUNICIPAL CONTRIBUTORY RETIREMENT FUNDS
December 31, 1963
CASH
CASH
$ 3,035.97
INVESTMENTS:
Stocks and Bonds
724,591.07
ยท
Co-operative Bank shares
64,000.00
Federal Savings & Loan shares
10,000.00
Savings bank deposits
24,534.87
INTEREST RECEIVABLE:
Due and accrued December 31, 1963
5,689.55
$ 831,851.46
LIABILITIES
FUND BALANCES:
Annuity Savings Fund
616,571.26
Annuity Reserve Fund
103,837.47
Special Fund for Military Service
2,733.75
Pension Fund
107,557.03
Expense Fund
1,151.95
$ 831,851.46
94.
SUMMARY
As you can see from the statistical portion of this report the Contributory Retirement Funds are growing every year. This means that the work involved in keeping records is increasing. In addition, since 1961 the Retirement Board has had the responsibility of non-contributory pensions placed in its hands.
We are greatly handicapped by the lack of adequate office space. Every year the Board has recommended that office space be provided, but we are still using the Auditor's office which is too small for even that department. Members reaching retirement age or even contemplating retirement are in many instances reluctant to discuss the matter in the presence of other people.
95.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS BENEFITS 1963
To His Honor the Mayor and the Municipal Council:
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith the report for the year ending December 31, 1963.
VETERANS' BENEFITS
Benefits paid to Veterans and Dependents 61,592. 21
Refunds returned to appropriation 796.00
Refunds returned to E and D Account 497. 07
ADMINISTRATION
Salaries and Wages Agent
5,441.00
Clerk
3,078.35
Janitor 240.00
Administration Expenses
1,371.47
In the year 1963 we gave assistance to 326 Veterans and their dependents.
During the year we had 7 people in Nursing Homes -- 2 Veterans and 6 dependents of veterans died.
We have had a child with an incurable disease in the Children's Hospital for half of the year.
As of December 31, 1963 we had 43 permanent cases on our books.
Respectfully submitted,
Christopher W. McNary Agent
Department of Veterans' Benefits.
96.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE VETERANS REHABILITATION AND REEMPLOYMENT AGENT 1963
To His Honor the Mayor and Municipal Council:
The Veterans Rehabilitation and Reemployment Center continues to be of great service to veterans and their families. Many seek information and need assistance when filing pension applications.
The director has transported many veterans to the Medical Center in Providence, Rhode Island, and to the various hospitals in Boston, Brockton, and Providence. He also has delivered many veterans' widows to the Providence Veterans Administration to have pensions provided and adjusted.
Many veterans have also been assisted in securing On-the-Job-Training benefits with the various business establishments throughout the city.
There are approximately 325 Attleboro men in the armed forces. These records are on file and kept up to date in this office. Two hundred and thirty-two service men received money order checks provided by "The Boy's in Service Fund". All address cards, money orders, and envelopes were typed and mailed from this office.
This department has 44 veterans administration forms, including such benefits as veterans' pensions, widows' pensions, disability compensations, and children's pensions. Assistance is given to all that apply including dependent parents.
The Service Center appreciates the cooperation of the executives and doctors of the various veterans hospitals and the local doctors, who through- out the year, assisted this office in many ways. Also we thank City Clerk Gladys Hinds and the office clerks for their help and cooperation in supplying birth and death records, marriage certificates, etc.
Respectfully submitted,
Joseph A McGee, Director.
97.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 1963
To His Honor the Mayor and the Municipal Council:
Herewith submitted is the annual report of the Sealer of Weights and measures for the year 1963.
The work of this Department has been carried out in full as required by state and local laws. All stores, gas stations, fuel oil dealers, scales and equipment have been inspected and the required seals attached to correct findings.
Local licenses were issued and applications for county, state, and special licenses were filled out for applicants and mailed to the Bureau of Standards in Boston for verification and completion.
Respectfully submitted
Joseph A. McGee Sealer
96.
Annual Report
REPORT OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION 1963
To His Honor, Mayor Cyril K. Brennan, and members of The Municipal Council:
Herewith submitted is the annual report for the year 1963:
Nineteen (19) meetings of the Development and Industrial Commission were held during 1963. Twelve (12) of these were regularly scheduled, and seven (7) were special meetings.
During 1963 much of the Commission's efforts was directed to the further development of the city-owned North Avenue area Industrial Park. One of the significant projects undertaken was the reclaiming of a sizeable swamp by drainage and grading into an excellent gravel base industrial area; adding approximately 2 1/2 acres of usable land to this centrally located Industrial Park. In the course of the year 1963, the Commission arranged for the sale of industrial building sites in this Park to HOWARD H. SWEET CO. , INC. , ATTLEBORO ELECTROPLATING CO. , AND PRECIOUS METALS, INC.
At the close of 1963, two buildings were completed and occupied and a third building was in process of construction. There remains unsold only one building site of approximately 3/4 of an acre.
Through the co-operation of Mayor Brennan and the members of the Munici- pal Council, the entire Park Area is now served by enlarged water mains and sanitary sewer lines. Storm drains have been installed in the developed areas and there are gas and electric services on the site.
Seventeen (17) solicitations have been made with out-of-town prospects during 1963. By year's end, two of these concerns had completed plans for moving to Attleboro.
On the basis of surveys and research started by the Development and Industrial Commission late in 1962, your Commission was advised in April of 1963 that our petition to the Area Redevelopment Administration had re- ceived the approval of the appropriate State Agencies and of the Area Re- development Agency. This approval paves the way for participation in Federal ARA Programs.
The frequent opportunities for service and co-operation with our city's existing industries constitutes an important area of this Commission's pro- gram. Practically all of these contacts are on sensitive and confidential matters and must remain confidential; but, it is gratifying to report that in this connection the Commission's efforts have earned expressions of appre- ciation on a number of occasions.
In addition to the North Avenue Area Park (subsequently named "The Northwest Industrial Park)' your Commission has also been connected with the development of the large tract on County Street. Since only one small site remains available in the Northwest Park, it becomes increasingly important that matters affecting the County Street Area be undertaken. In this connection,
99.
Annual Report
Report of the Development and Industrial Commission continued-
the chief items are the extension of sewer service to serve this area and the Chapter 90 construction on County Street. It is hoped that during 1964 both of these matters: will be resolved.
The Commission voted at the December meeting to recommend that consider- ation be given to the establishment of a new street running from Maple Street near Thacher Brook to South Main Street near Thacher Street. This recommenda- tion was forwarded to the Planning Board for their consideration.
We wish to acknowledge, with thanks, the effective co-operation of Mayor Brennan, all members of the Municipal Council, Superintendent Tennant, and the staff of the Public Works Department, Fire Chief and Building Inspector Merton Churchill, City Solicitor Franklin Mckay, Health Inspector John Harvey, Chairman Patrick Byrnes and the staff of the Assessor's Department, City Treasurer Edward Healey, and all others who have helped in our work.
Respectfully submitted, Development and Industrial Commission Howard S. Ireland, Chairman William N. Ward, Clerk
100.
REPORT OF THE CITY AUDITOR
To His Honor the Mayor, and the Honorable Municipal Council:
I submit herewith the Annual Report of the Auditing Department.
During the year ending December 31, 1963, the Auditing Department has audited all bills and payrolls presented for payment.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.