USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Palmer > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Palmer, Massachusetts 1949 > Part 4
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Teacher's Retirement Fund
42.75
42.75
Street, Lighting
12,537.75
12,621.60
66.15
Purchase of Building, Bridge St.
750.00
750.00
Committee Exp., Town Reports
25.00
25.00
Exp., Garbage Disposal
25.00
10.30
14.70
Exp., Fire & Water Dist.
500.00
500.00
General Insurance
4,627.00
4,623.89
3.11
Traffic Signs and Devices
500.00
288.92
211.08
Erosion Control, Round Pond
5,000.00
5,000.00
Parks and Playgrounds
6,000.00
5,848.43
151.57
Memorial Approaches
1,500.00
1,485.20
14.80
Portable Bleachers, Legion Field 5,000.00
4,987.45
12.55
Memorial Day
575.00
511.73
63.27
Planning Board
-
300.00
55.70
244.30
Town Engineers
75.00
75.00
Town Reports
1,299.60
1,299.60
Wing Mem. Hospital Fund
:500.00
500.00
i
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Balances Appropriations Transfers Refunds
Account
Expended
Balance
Base Map & Zoning By-law
400.00
400.00
V. F. W. Quarters
460.00
438.13
21.87
County Retirement System
3,421.45
3,421.45
Bicycle Registrations
25.00
25.00
Reserve Fund
17,000.00
17,000.00
Cemeteries
10,000.00
9,895.29
104.71
Care of Neglected Graves
350.00
329.00
21.00
O. D.
Trial Balance
DR.
CR.
Cash
$ 515,943.32
Taxes, 1948
368.20
Taxes, 1949
24,761.79
M. V. Excise Tax, 1948
256.95
M. V. Excise Tax, 1949
3,037.79
Tax Titles
43,234.39
Tax Possessions
951.24
Sidewalk and Curbing assess.
97.74
Overlay, 1947
156.00
Overlay, 1948
745.50
Overlay, 1949
16,284.53
Overlay Reserve
35,161.62
Accounts Receivable:
Forest Fires
33.00
Highways
59.84
Public Welfare
298.55
Aid to Dependent Children
1,406.91
Old Age Assistance
492.47
Veterans' Benefits
3,933.75
Schools
558.95
State Aid to Highway Const.
24,559.45
County Aid to Highway Const.
11,004.71
State Aid to Highway Maint.
1,500.00
County Aid to Highway Maint.
1,500.00
Withholding Tax Deductions
2,734.80
County Retirement Deductions
594.66
Blue Cross and Shield Deductions
117.95
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Parking Meters
4,398.41
County Tax
4,095.54
County Tuber. Hospital Assess.
36.22
State Parks and Reservations
290.23
State Audit
17.24
Dog Licenses
7.20
Sale of Land Accounts
8,730.00
Plan Preparation
73.50
Motor Vehicle Ex. Tax Revenue
3,294.74
Tax Title Revenue-Town
42,421.75
Tax Title Revenue-District
1,763.88
Due Treasurer Fire District No. 1
28.63
Due Treasurer Fire District No. 3
5.40
Departmental Revenue
6,783.47
State and County Highway Revenue
38,564.16
Sidewalk and Curbing Assessment Rev.
97.74
Excess and Deficiency
439,698.50
Auditing
90.00
Town Clerk's Office Equipment
56.85
Collector's Salary, 1949
280.00
Collector's Salary, Previous yrs.
260.00
Collector's Office Equipment
178.00
Sewer-LaRivierre Street C
590.00
Chapter 90 Bridge C
24,981.56
Chapter 90 Palmer Road C
3,043.63
Snow Removal
2,699.46
Old Age Assist., Federal Grants
2,877.47
Aid to Dep. Children, Federal Grants
1,704.67
Smith-Hughes Fund
13.61
Elimination of Fire Hazards
402.99
Committee Expenses-Town Reports
25.00
Traffic Signs and Devices
211.08
Erosion Control-Round Pond
5,000.00
$641,257.52 $641,257.52
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCIS J. LYNCH
Bookkeeper
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Report of Chief of Police
January 10, 1950
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Palmer
Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I submit the annual police report for the year 1949, which also incorporates the activities of the police department under Chief Timothy J. Crimmins up to July 1, 1949.
During 1949 the department prosecuted 408 complaints in the Eastern Hampden District Court against 331 males and 13 fe- males. These 344 persons 162 were' residents of Palmer and 182 were non-residents. Complaints were also made against 13 delin- quents.
Our department lost by retirement two valuable members, namely Chief Timothy J. Crimmins and Patrolman James H. Car- ter. Both retired as of July 1, 1949, and on the same date James F. Donahue was appointed as Acting Chief of Police. On Novem- ber 23, 1949, James F. Donahue was appointed as Chief of Po- lice. There was no other change in the permanent personnel of the department during 1949.
Patrolman James H. Carter was appointed March 1, 1929. For many years he was assigned to the Bondsville area and was acting in that capacity when he retired. He was a dependable public servant and a good officer. The members of the depart- ment join me in wishing him a long and happy future.
Parking meters were installed in the Depot Village to re- lieve the parking situation. We have made a diligent effort to enforce the meter regulations, for without proper enforce- ment the purpose for which the meters were installed will be defeated. We, also are responsible for the repairs to the meters, so it is only proper that a substantial sum from the me- ter fund be allocated for use of the police department. The aver- age weekly take from the meters is about $200.
The department recently acquired a Ford cruiser which is well equipped but lacks a communication system. So we may get maximum service and efficiency from using this car, it is essen- tial that a communication system be installed at once. We need
69
a system which will be practical for use here. Even if a system costs a sizable amount, if it is efficient it is the cheapest in the end.
recommend a survey be conducted to determine the I practicability of installing traffic lights on Park St; at the cor- ner of Thorndike and Main Sts; and possibly at the intersection of Rte. 20 and Rte. 181 at Shearer's Corner. Pedestrains crossing the heavily travelled route on Park St. find it difficult; install- ation of traffic lights would eliminate this hazard as well as re- gulate smoothly the flow of traffic.
We need an additional patrolman so that our newly acquired cruiser may be used to advantage in affording additional pro- tection throughout the villages during the early morning hours. All of the regular officers have been generous with their time, but we are under-manned. I respectfully request this recommend- ation be given favorable consideration.
I wish to thank your honorable board for the fine coopera- tion given to me at all times. It is my desire to also express my appreciation to the members of the department for their at- tention to their duties, our special police officers have always been ready to assist and are especially helpful at fires, parades, etc., enabling us to move traffic smoothly and quickly. Their kind as- sistance is appreciated. To everyone who has been helpful to the department in any way we are very grateful and hope to merit their aid in the future.
Respectfully submitted, JAMES F. DONAHUE
Chief of Police
List of Offenses Prosecuted in Palmer during 1949.
Accessory after the fact to larcency
1
Adultery
2
Assault and Battery
15
Assault with dangerous weapon
1
Assault with intent to rob
3
Breaking Glass in Highway
1
Carrying a loaded revolver without a permit
4
Delinquency
13
Desertion and Non Support
8
Disturbing the Peace
7
Driving to endanger lives and safety of the public 7
70
Driving while under the influence of liquor Drunkenness
28 99 5
Fire Laws
Fish and Game Laws
1
Fugitives from Justice
9
Illegitimacy
2
Larceny
31
Lewdness
2 1
Liquor Laws
Allowing improper person to operate motor vehicle 2
Giving false name to a police officer
1
Leaving scene of accident after property damage
9
Operating a motor vehicle after revocation of license 7
Operating a motor vehicle without a license
12
Operating a motor vehicle without proper registration 1
Operating a motor vehicle without Inspection Sticker
32
Operating a motor vehicle without proper lights 1
Operating a motor vehicle at greater than reasonable speed 39
Using a motor vehicle without authority
2
Violation of Probation
4
Violation of Road Laws
38
Violation of Traffic Rules, Ordinances,
182
Parking regulations
Weights and Measures Laws
1
Grand Total 571
71
Tree Warden's Report - 1949
Amount Appropriated
$1,500.00
Amount Spent 1,481.76
Balance
$ 18.24
The year 1949 saw an unusually quiet year as far as storm damage was concerned. We had one ice storm in late February which did some damage in Bondsville and Thorndike and three thunderstorms in July that caused some damage due to broken limbs and small fallen trees on country roads.
Due to lack of storm damage we were able to plant twenty trees with the surplus money. These trees were planted in various places in the four villages where new homes were erected and at places where other trees had been taken down. We took down twelve trees on town streets. These trees were dangerous to public safety. We removed five stumps so that lawns might be made and graded. We trimmed dangerous dead wood out of several hundred street trees.
The most important problem the tree department has is combating the Dutch Elm Disease, which has done great damage in the surrounding cities and towns, and has made inroads in our own community. We have had twenty six trees condemned for having this disease. These trees were removed. Fortunately only two of these trees were on our streets, the rest of them were on country roads; or private places. It is planned and hoped that the state will contribute a share of the cost of re- moving trees condemned on private places. We will work to- wards obtaining our share for the Town of Palmer. The Central Mass. Electric Co., the New England Tel. and Tel. Co. and the Moth and Highway Department have cooperated greatly in helping to remove dangerous trees, clean up storm damage and keep our trees in good condition.
WALTER H. CAMBO, Tree Warden
72
Report of Moth Department
Amount Appropriated
$1,500.00
Expenditures
1,496.00
Balance
$3.94
Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The Gypsy Moth pest is well under control. No major in- festations were found, and stripping was held to a minimum with well over 1200 egg clusters destroyed.
A check last fall did reveal quite a number of egg clusters, because of a very favorable breeding season, however, no major infestations are anticipated.
What about our Elm Trees ?
This perhaps is the main concern of all tree lovers. It would be tragic to see them destroyed. With the loss of our beloved Chestnut Trees, still fresh in our minds the Dutch Elm Disease threat presents quite a problem. Over 5,000 Elm Trees have al- ready been destroyed in Massachusetts alone. Our latest con- firmation in Palmer shows we have 18 infected Elm Trees, that are dead or partially dead and must be destroyed.
Dutch Elm Disease cannot be eradicated, but it can be con- trolled. Trees may be saved by a sanitation program, proper feeding, spraying and pruning. An effective spraying and prun- ing program must be carried on; if we are to have these majestic Elm Trees, to beautify our landscape and roadsides.
Respectfully submitted,
STANLEY J. STRZEMIENSKI
Moth Supt.
73
Report of Park Commissioners
To the Selectmen and Citizens of Palmer:
The Park Commissioners herewith present their annual re- port for the year 1949:
During the year the recreational facilities of the town have been fully maintained and increased wherever possible. The at- tendance at Eager Playground, Burleigh Park and Legion Field has continued to indicate an increasing appreciation of these areas by the people of our town.
The new bleachers erected, after careful selection, at Legion Field, will safely seat 1000 persons, and should last for. many years.
The swimming pool at Burleigh Park has been cleaned and enlarged and again proved very popular with people from all the four precincts.
A clay tennis court has been laid at the Three Rivers Com- mon, and used to some extent during the winter as a skating rink, but due to weather conditions. it has not been possible to keep a good ice surface. It is expected that the court will be finished in time for use in the early summer, and if weather permits, will provide an excellent and safe skating surface next winter.
The cooperation of the various town departments, and the people of Palmer, as well as the excellent service of our care- taker is greatly appreciated.
LEGION FIELD, EAGER PLAYGROUND & BURLEIGH PARK Appropriation, $6,000.00
Expenditures
Legion Field & Eager Playground:
Labor,
$2,682.56
Truck & Equipment Rentals,
311.75
Equipment & Supplies, 1,842.85
74
Burleigh Park:
Labor,
819.53
Truck Rental, Equipment & Supplies,
146.74
$5,848.43
Balance,
$ 151.57
Memorial Plots
Appropriation,
$1,500.00
Expenditures
Labor,
$940.50
Truck & Equipment Rental,
412.00
Equipment & Supplies,
132.70
$1,485.20
Balance,
$ 14.80
New Bleachers-Legion Field
Appropriation
$5,000.00
Expenditures
New Bleachers, erected on field, $4,987.45
Balance,
$ 12.55
Respectfully submitted,
ALLEN F. DAVIS
JAMES J. KANE
LADISLAS LAVIOLETTE
STANLEY G. WILK
Park Commissioners
45.00
75
Report of Forest Fire Warden
December 31, 1949
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my report of the Forest Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1949.
During this year our Forest Fire Department responded to alarms for forty-eight forest, brush and/or grass fires, an in- crease over our previous worst year. Of these fires ten calls were for the Town Dump which has been a serious threat from fire. At times it was necessary to station men to patrol the dump to prevent fires from starting in adjacent land.
Considering the dry conditions of this past year and lack of water in natural places under normal conditions, it speaks well for the splendid work of the men under me in this department that no fire reached conflagration proportions and all were brought under control before they became too large for our de- partment to handle.
Our two-way radio has proven to be a most valuable asset to our department enabling us to keep in constant communication with headquarters and advised of other fires occurring while we were occupied at a previous one.
I would recommend that serious consideration be given to the addition of one portable radio and the purchase of a tank trailer truck for this department.
Respectfully submitted,
VICTOR M. FRENCH
Forest Warden
76
Report of Young Men's Library Association
Circulation for the year 1949:
Main Library, Palmer
21,223
Branch Library, Thorndike
5,330
Branch Library, Three Rivers
4,903
Branch Library, Bondsville
8,900
Total
40,356
The Library now owns 17,163 volumes, of which 6,916 are non-fiction and reference books. The number of our borrowers is at present 3,109, of whom 2,700 have been users of the refer- ence and reading rooms during the year.
In December the location of our Branch at Three Rivers was changed from the Grammar School Building to Potvin's furniture store on Main Street, where it will be open to our borrowers dur- ing all of the store hours. We trust the new location and the ad- ditional hours will prove more satisfactory to our borrowers and that our circulation will be increased. .
We have had another gift of $2500 by Andrew B. Rathbone, to be added to the A. B. Rathbone Fund which he established for the Library several years ago and which now amounts to $10,000. These trust funds are perpetual and only the income received from them can be used for Library purposes. We trust the peo- ple of Palmer appreciate Mr. Rathbone's generous gifts and rea- lize that these, with other gifts we hope to receive, will in- crease the Library facilities and thereby prove more beneficial to all our patrons.
We have also received gifts of 20 books, including one from Palmer Grange, and three from the American Legion Auxiliary in memory of deceased members.
The association sincerely regrets the loss by death of two of its. most active and efficient officers, Robert E. Faulkner, clerk of the corporation and the board of directors, and Charles L. Waid, Librarian. Their services and influence for the better- ment of the Library will be greatly missed.
FREEMAN A. SMITH,
President
77
Receipts :
Balance, January 1, 1949
$ .40
Town of Palmer, Appropriation
5,000.00
Income from Invested Funds
1,637.39
Fines and Miscellaneous
213.45
$6,851.24
Disbursements:
Books and Magazines
1,445.79
Salaries and Services
4,715.92
Light, Heat and Telephone
433.93
Supplies and Repairs
169.79
All other expense
85.16
Balance, Dec. 31, 1949
.65
$6,851.24
Respectfully submitted,
ALLEN F. DAVIS
Treasurer
Audited and approved January 18, 1950,
STANLEY W. WISNEWSKI
Auditor
Annual Report
OF THE
School Committee
OF THE
TOWN of PALMER
For the fiscal year ending December 31, 1949
80
School Committee 1950-1951
STANLEY W. WISNEWSKI, Chairman
CLIFTON H. HOBSON, Secretary
DAVITT M. ROONEY Term expires 1952
GARRETT P. T. CAVANAUGH
Term expires 1951
STANLEY W. WISNEWSKI
Term expires 1951
Term expires 1950
JOSEPH S. GILL PAUL HEINE, JR.
Term expires 1950
Regular meetings of the School Committee are held at 7 p.m. on the Tuesday before the last Friday of each school month.
All bills must be in the hands of the Superintendent on the Monday before the above date.
Superintendent of Schools, Clifton H. Hobson.
Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 12 m .; 1 to 5 p.m.
CALENDAR
Winter Term:
Begins January 3, 1950; ends February 24, 195) Spring Term:
Begins March 6, 1950; ends April 28, 1950 Summer Term: Grades Begins May 8, 1950; ends June 16, 1950 High
Begins May 8, 1950; ends June 30, 1950 Fall Term:
Begins September 5, 1950; ends December 22, 1950
Winter Term:
Begins January 2, 1951; ends February 23, 1951 Spring Term:
Begins March 5, 1951; ends April 27, 1951 ยท Summer Term:
Grades Begins May 7, 1951; ends June 15, 1951 High Fegins May 7, 1951; ends June 29, 1951
81
VACATIONS
Winter:
February 25, 1950, to March 5, 1950
Spring:
April 29, 1950, to May 7, 1950
Summer:
Grades
June 17, 1950, to September 4, 1950
High
July 1, 1950, to September 4, 1950 Fall:
December 23, 1950, to January 1, 1951 Winter:
February 24, 1951, to March 4, 1951
Spring:
April 28, 1951. to May 6, 1951
Summer:
Grades
June 16, 1951, to September 4, 1951
High
June 30, 1951, to September 4, 1951
Report of Superintendent of Schools
To the School Committee of the Town of Palmier:
I herewith present my thirty-ninth report as Superintendent of Schools in Palmer. This is the fifty-seventh in the series of reports issued by the superintendents of the Town.
INTRODUCTION
Recently, a special committee, appointed by the Moderator as a result of action at the last Annual Town Meeting, to con- sider the Annual Town Report, has reported to the Selectmen, who have accepted the report and approved the recommenda- tions contained therein.
The recommendations include these major items: A commit- tee to receive reports of various Town Departments; to establish length of such reports; to decide upon general make-up of Town Report.
Whereas the School Committee is desirous of cooperating to its fullest possible extent, it is only fair to state its duty as laid down in Section 4, Chapter 72, General Laws, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as follows:
"Report of School Committee. The committee shall annually make a detailed report of the condition of the public schools,
82
containing such statements or suggestions relative thereto as it considers necessary or proper. It shall cause said report to be printed, for the use of the inhabitants, in octavo, pamphlet form, of the size of the annual reports of the department. The super- intendent of schools shall transmit two copies thereof to the commissioner (of education) on or before April thirtieth, and shall deposit one copy in the office of the town clerk."
Sections 5, 6, and 7 deal with failure to file, forfeitures by towns for such failure, and penalty on committee.
The school report serves two very essential and valuable purposes :- (1) It serves as a repository for facts, statistics, trends, history, etc., of the schools over a long, continuous period of time. It has a real historical value. We have them bound extending as far back as 1856, with a few missing reports. The local library, I believe, has them without break back to 1852. Any school department without such historical material has failed to function properly. (2) It is the best medium for keeping the citizens informed on the aims, objectives, and prog- ress of the schools.
Both of these are "musts".
We shall show our cooperation by extreme brevity.
HIGH SCHOOL
Standing. All reports to the contrary, the scholastic record of Palmer High School is high, and always has been. I speak from a personal knowledge of over fifty years. Failures to make good in college have been extremely few. Causes were failure to orientate, to apply self, and to concentrate on right objectives. To succeed in college, a pupil needs good ability, willingness to work, and proper perspective.
A composite school has a hard task :- (1) To fit for college (less than ten per cent (10%) go); (2) to fit for living; (3) to fit for vocations. Over ninety per cent (90%) are included in (2) and (3) A public school must take "all comers"; a private school can be selective and its main function is fitting for college. 100th Anniversary. 1951 marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of Palmer High School. Plans are in the offing to make it a memorable year!
Addition. This is not being "lost sight of". Consult last year's report.
Financial. 1). Palmer High School Accounts: - Balance on hand, September 1, 1948, $3,135.13; Receipts for the year, $12,173.01; Total Receipts, $15,408.14; Expenditures, $13 .- 248.92; Balance on hand, July 1, 1949, $2,159.22.
2). Lunchroom: - Balance on hand, September 1, 1948, $563.36; Receipts, $5,644.13; Total Receipts, $6,207.49; To-
83
tal Payments, $5,821.05; Balance, July 1, 1949, $386.44.
3). Band: - Balance, September 7, 1948, $206.56; Receipts, $632.00; Total Receipts, $838.56; Total Payments, $835.74; Balance on hand, June 30, 1949, $2.82.
4). Athletic Association: - Balance on hand, Sep- 1ember 7, 1948, $1,076.92; Receipts, $4.769.98; Total Receipts, $5.846.90; Expenditures $5,561.23; Balance on hand, September 6, 1949, $285.67.
Driver Education. Through the courtesy and generosity of the A. G. LaMontagne, Inc., we acquired last spring a Driver Education car, with dual controls.
The instructor, Louis P. Fontaine, reported in October as follows:
"Licenses were issued to twelve pupils in June, 1949.
"During the latter part of the summer, six pupils finished the practical part of the course with the driver education car and have obtained their licenses. Others have since finished the course using the family car. Of this number, approximately seven have obtained their licenses.
"There were forty-nine pupils who received certificates last June. The holders of these certificates, when applying for a license, are not required to take the oral part of the State exam- ination. From this large group that have completed the theory part of the course, to have such a seemingly small group receive licenses, might convey a wrong impression; however, when the primary aim of the course - that of making good drivers and not a production line method of turning out licenses -is taken into consideration, it changes the picture.
"This year there are fifty-nine Seniors taking the course. Ten of these students have licenses. At present, we are meeting one period per week for the theory part of the course, and, every day for two periods for the practical part of the course. Later in the year, it will be necessary to have afternoon sessions from. 2:30 to 5:30, as we did in May and June, so that by June, 1950, all those Seniors who have permission from home will have an opportunity to complete both parts of the course.
"Many of the students have been observed taking more care when crossing streets and before entering an intersection on a bicycle. They now recognize and appreciate the position of the driver. They have also come to recognize the difference between good driving, the "showoff", the ignorant, and the hypocrite".
PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATIONS
Five associations have been organized: - Park Street, Qua-
84
baug, Three Rivers, Thorndike, and Bondsville. One in Palmer High School is aborning.
A Council, made up of all the associations, has been formed.
Each association is keenly interested in its school and all the schools.
They have rendered valuable service and will continue to over the years. We welcome them!
SOME MAJOR PROJECTS
The plan for rehabilitation of each school has been in oper- ation the past two years. Park Street and Bondsville have been greatly improved physically.
This year, it is planned to do the following:
Quabaug School
1. Redecoration
2. Yard
3. Fence
4. Insulation-Smoke Pipe Three Rivers School
1. Redecoration Thorndike School
1. Redecoration
2. Boiler-New Section, Re-nipple Bondsville School
1. Elimination Fire Hazard
The total estimated cost of these special repairs is $13,600.00.
QUABAUG CAFETERIA
An excellent room for a cafeteria was built last summer. It is not as commodious as we would like; yet, it is well-equipped, attractive, and fulfills its purpose well. Some one hundred thirty meals are served daily. It was a "must".
STATE AID
Remember the "pro and con" arguments about the new method of distribution of Income Taxes. Commissioner Long said there was not a new red cent. We said there was for Pal- mer. If the income tax proceeds were the same in 1949 as 1948, the increase-new money-would be $24,774.
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