USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Palmer > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Palmer, Massachusetts 1962 > Part 5
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Address
Precinct D
Helen Pisarski
Arthur Gaudette, Jr.
John J. Shea
Stanley J. Jajuga
Lawrence J. Koslik
Charles J. Kos
Wallace B. Wile
Stanley P. Wadas
James Odell
Joseph A. O. Graveline
Walter A. Kulig
Martin E. Kapinos
John F. Swist
163 Main St. 9 Crest St. 6 State St. 145 Main St. 134 So. Main St. 9 Spring St. 6 Spring St. 131 Main St. 13 South High St. 96 State St.
69 So. Main St. 177 Main St. $7 H g : S ..
Report of Moth Department
Amount Appropriated
$1,800.00
Expenditures
1,776.63
Balance
$23.37
The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :
During the year, the Gypsy Moth presented no problem. A few minor infestations were sprayed, as were many Oak Trees.
A check of the woodlands showed the Gypsy Moth is being contained.
Poison Ivy and Dogwood Poison eradication requests were at- tended too.
Spraying of residential, marshy and wooded areas for mosquito control were carried out upon request. Due to the mounting re- quests for mosquito suppression, the department plans to do in- tensive spraying this coming year.
Respecftully submitted,
STANLEY J. STRZEMIENSKI
Moth Superintendent
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Report of the Board of Health
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Palmer, Massachusetts
The Palmer Board of Health herewith submits its Annual Re- port for the year ending December 31, 1962.
Reportable Diseases :
Chicken Pox
23
Dog Bite
16
Measles
137
Scarlet Fever
1
Tuberculosis
1
Hepatitis
3
Meningitis
2
Salmonella
1
Rabbit Bite
1
Squirrel Bite
1
Cat Bite
1
Deaths reported during year
Male
Female
Total
Stillborn
2
2
4
Under 1 year
2
2
4
1 to 5 years
1
1
5 to 10 years
1
1
10 to 20 years
2
2
20 to 30 years
2
1
3
30 to 40 years
1
1
40 to 50 years
4
5
9
50 to 60 years
13
4
17
60 to 70 years
24
7
31
70 to 80 years
12
16
28
80 to 90 years
18
7
25
90 to 100 years
3
3
81
48
129
RECEIPTS
Licenses Issued :
Ice Cream
35.00
Funeral Directors
10.00
Milk & Oleo
44.50
Tourist Cabin
.50
Trailer Park
.50
Bottling
40.00
Kindergarten - Nursery
4.00
86
Milk Pasteurization
20.00
Collection of Refuse
12.00
166.50
FINANCIAL REPORT
Appropriation
7,500.00
Expended
6,122.43
Balance
1,377.57
Respectfully submitted,
MAURICE R. LePAGE, D.S.C.
STANLEY P. BERNAT
HARRY J. ANTON, M.D.
Dutch Elm Disease
Amount Appropriated
$6,000.00
Expenditures
5,954.10
Balance
$54.90
The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :
In 1962 the Dutch Elm Disease claimed 81 trees, a decrease of 3 trees from the previous year. As in the past, the majority of the diseased trees were removed from inaccessible areas, whereas the public tree belt losses were light.
Several preventative measures were tried to control this dis- ease, however, no conclusive treatment has yet been found.
Spraying, sanitation, and removal of diseased trees shall be continued.
Respectfully submitted,
STANLEY J. STRZEMIENSKI
Moth Superintendent
87
Veteran's Service Center
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Town of Palmer, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
Submitted herewith is the annual report of the Veterans' Ser- vice Center for the year ending December 31, 1962:
Congress enacted the first legislation benefitting peacetime veterans. A vocational rehabilitation bill for peacetime vet- erans with 30 percent or more service connected disabilities was approved on October 15, 1962. Peacetime veterans with non-com- pensable service incurred disabilities now have equal hospitaliza- tion privileges with other veterans under a bill signed into law on August 14th. Up to this time, only veterans with compensable ratings of at least ten percent were eligible for this benefit. A general education bill for these veterans received only passing attention, however, some action on such a bill is expected during the current session of Congress.
All disabled veterans receiving compensation for service con- nected disabilities were awarded an increase in monthly payments under a bill as passed and approved on September 7, 1962. Pro- posals for reopening the G.I. Insurance failed to pass during the past year. A new plan of insurance for WW I veterans was also made available at lower cost and at a fixed premium rate under a modified endowment plan.
During the year, 15 servicemen reported being separated, dis- charged or retired from active duty. Death claimed 21 veterans in the same period. We assisted 20 applicants with compensation or pension claims with the VA and 15 claims were awarded rep- resenting an income of $10,910 to these claimants. Only one claim was denied; one was reinstated and four are still pending. There were 1070 personal contacts and 574 telephone calls concerning veterans affairs. Some of the services rendered were as follows:
484 Photostats
166 Letters and forms
92 Referrals to other agencies
44 Insurance matters
40 Taxes
29 Hospital & Out Patient
26 Discharges recorded
25 Employment referrals
21 Loan Certificate request
88
21 Burial benefits applications
20 Education
20 Pension & Compensation
487 Miscellaneous services
Under provisions of Chap. 115 of the General Laws as amend- ed. 41 cases were aided involving a total of 147 persons. State reimbursements have been delayed longer than usual and an es- timated $8,872 is still due the town for the past year.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Appropriation
$29,530.00
Reimbursements from State
$ 9,980.72
Refunds
117.50
Town's share of cost
14,580.41
Balance
4,851.37
29,530.00
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD J. SALAMON
Veterans' Agent
Report of Forest Fire Warden
Report of the Forest Fire Warden for the year ending December 31, 1962
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town of Palmer, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report as Forest Fire Warden of the Town of Palmer for the year of 1962.
This department responded to a total of 29 calls during the year for brush, grass, and forest fires throughout the town. One of these fires was at Stimson Rd., which turned out to be a very stubborn one to extinguish due to the dryness and peat type of soil. We were on the scene four days and nights before we finally had every spark out.
We also made five mutual aid calls for the Town of Monson. at no cost to this Town.
I would like at this time to thank your honorable board for the cooperation you have given me during the year, and also for pur- chasing a new truck for this department.
Respectfully submitted,
GUS A. THEODORE
Forest Fire Warden
89
Report of the Planning Board
Palmer, Massachusetts January 20, 1963
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen
and The Citizens of Palmer:
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1962
In response to a growing public interest and demnad, the Planning Board has indicated that a Zoning proposal is one of its primary objectives.
However, as our studies progressed during the past year, it became increasingly evident to us that a broader understanding of Palmer's composition and direction is most necessary before a workable Zoning ordinance or any element of constructive munici- pal planning can be proposed. We anticipate that in the near future Palmer must face some important challenges that cannot be readily resolved. We believe this community lacks a basic pat- tern or framework for its future growth and development.
Consequently, we have recommended that a Master Plan Study be authorized for the purpose of inventorying, analyzing, and eval- uating Palmer's assets, characteristics, and potentials. We have recommended that such a study be conducted by an impartial team of consultants, experienced in the comprehensive particulars of municipal planning. We have ascertained that, under such ar- rangement, Palmer would be eligible for a Federal Grant under Section 701, Title VII of the Housing Act of 1954, amounting to two- thirds of the cost of the study. A condition of eligibility requires that the community share, amounting to one-third of the cost, be on deposit with the Planning Division of the Massachusetts Depart- ment of Commerce before matching Federal Funds become avail- able.
The findings of the Master Plan Study would be published in book form as a Master Plan Proposal. It would include specific recommendations for coordinating and channeling all elements of Palmer's composition toward a single unified purpose; the Town's best interests for future growth and development.
We have attempted by various publicity media to overcome the misconceptions, rumors, and unjustified prejudices regarding this proposal. The Master Plan Study and the resulting Master
90
Plan would impose no legislative obligations on anyone. The Master Plan is merely a set of recommendations for which future Town Meeting action would be required to adopt any portion thereof.
Respectfully submitted,
A. ELLIS SULLIVAN, Chairman EDWARD R. LIBERA GEORGE W. DuCOMB DANIEL V. FOGARTY, Jr. JOSEPH W. DENNIS, Jr. NEIL M. McDONALD, Secretary
Palmer Planning Board
91
Report of The Tree Warden for 1962
During the year 1962, we had several bad storms that caused considerable damage to the trees. We had three heavy snow and ice storms at the beginning of the year, two severe electrical storms in the summer and wind and snow storm in December. Split trees, bent trees had to be removed and broken limbs cut off due to these storms.
We removed dead wood from trees on the main streets in the tour villages and on a number of side streets. Many requests were received to have limbs removed over houses, antenas, and drive- ways. Also requests were received to have trees removed because they interfered with driveway construction. We, also, removed many dangerous trees.
Where unsightly or dangerous stumps were left as a result of tree removal, the stumps were removed and the ground graded over.
Forty-eight trees were planted at various locations in town. Some were planted at locations to fulfill request by property own- ers, some to replace trees that were removed and the others in locations to beautify the town.
The oak trees were sprayed again this year to prevent the oak tree blight which has been affecting the oaks the past few years.
I feel that under normal conditions the present appropriation will be ample to keep the trees in town in a healthy and safe condi- tion.
Amount Appropriated
$4,100.00
Expenditures :
Labor
$2,401.90
Trucking
775.00
Planting
560.00
Stump Removal
184.00
Spraying
150.00
$4,070.90
Balance
$ 29.10
WALTER H. CAMBO
Tree Warden
92
Report of Young Men's Library Association
To: Board of Selectmen, Town of Palmer, Massachusetts Gentlemen:
Following is a report of our receipts and expenditures for 1962 (to the death of our Treasurer Dec. 28, 1962) together with a statement of our unemcumbered cash balance at 12/31/62 Balance on deposit in the Palmer National Bank
Jan. 1, 1962 18.68
Receipts 1962 :
Income from Investments
3,234.03
Appropriation, Town of Palmer
12,000.00
Fines, Books sold, record rentals
469.26
Miscellaneous
424.10
16,146.07
Expenditures 1962:
Salaries, services and rentals
11,032.73
Books, magazines and records
1,746.88
Supplies and repairs
807.90
Lighting and telephone
331.33
Insurance premiums
147.26
Fuel (entire building)
677.70
Social security taxes
222.58
Miscellaneous
62.93
15,029.31
Balance :
Undeposited receipts
218.38
Deposit in Savings Bank
874.99
On deposit in National Bank
23.39
1,116.76
Bills due for payment Dec. 31, 1962
967.97
Unencumbered balance 148.69
93
FREEMAN A. SMITH FUND
Gift for Children's Room books and improvements
1,000.00
Interest earned
13.76
1.013.76
Expenditures :
Books
332.75
Improvements
542.24
874.99
Unexpended balance December 31, 1962 restricted to Children's Room 138.77
The year of 1962 saw many changes and improvements. A fresh coat of paint throughout the front of our quarters, new drap- eries throughout the building and new lights in the Conference-work room all contribute to a brighter atmosphere.
The renovated fireplace, the new floor, a chiming clock on the wall and many new pictures and books are presents for the chil- dren to enjoy, while the new vinyl tile floor in the central area and Adult Reading Room is a most welcome gift, appreciated by all.
We have completed a physical inventory of the entire collec- tion, added many new volumes in all areas, discarded books no longer suitable for circulation, mended many more to extend the life of the books and have graded all books in the Young People's Room, arranging them on the shelves accordingly. We have re- vised our magazine and periodical list, have purchased a vertical file, and increased our Record Collection by some fifty records. National Library Week was observed by conducting classes both in the school class rooms and at the ilbrary for the benefit of over 200 pupils in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades. We hope to con- tinue this practice for preparing students in the proper use of the library, so necessary for the added reference work demanded in grade nine and up. During Children's Book Week, an exhibit was on display in our foyer of art work by pupils at Park Street School.
The attendance figures at the reading reference tables show an increase of 1,325 over last year. Circulation of books and period- icals continues to grow, although our overall total shows a loss of about 400, due to the temporary closing of the Bondsville Branch at the time of death of Michael R. Sullivan, the librarian in Bonds- ville for many years. We have since relocated at the Bondsville Dairy Bar. New registrations numbered 480 with an additional 40 new record borrowers, and ten non-resident registrations were issued. Some 15 requests were gratified through Inter-Library Loan Service as well as the borrowing of over 50 books in Italian and Polish from the Division of Library Extension in Boston for
94
the reading pleasure of patrons.
Many welcome gifts have been received from faithful patrons and readers. Some were donated in the memory of a friend or lov- ed one, and have been so labeled. In this regard, several friends of Allen F. Davis have donated funds to what is now called "the Allen F. Davis Memorial Fund of the Young Men's Library Association". In this manner, the work of the Library to which he devoted so many years will be aided. By the death of Mr. Davis, the Asso- ciation lost its Treasurer-Librarian of over twenty years of service. His enthusiasm, active participation, dedication and devotion will be greatly missed.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM R. FAULKNER, Treasurer, Protem Examined and Approved, January 16, 1963 Hitchcock and Co.
95
School Committee 1963-1964
FRANK LACHOWSKI, Chairman LEO J. SANTUCCI, Secretary
STEPHEN J. LEBIDA
Term expires 1963
EDWARD R. PROSPERI
Term expires 1963
FRANK LACHOWSKI Term expires 1964
HENRY R. TRESPAS
Resigned December 27, 1962
Regular meetings of the School Committee are held at 7 p.m. on the Monday before the fourth Friday of each school month.
All bills must be in the hands of the Superintendent on Mon- day before the above-mentioned date.
Superintendent of Schools, Leo J. Santucci
Office Hours : 8 a.m. to 12 m .; 1 to 4 p.m.
CALENDAR
1963
Wednesday, January 2, to Friday, February 15
Monday, February 25, to Thursday, April 11 Monday, April 22, to Friday, June 21 High School Graduation, June 16 Schools open Wednesday, September 4, for fall term, to December 20.
1964
Monday, December 30, to Friday, February 21
Monday, March 2, to April 24
Monday, May 4, to June 19
Schools are not in session on legal holidays, from noon of the day before Thanksgiving until the Monday following, one day for the Hampden County Teachers' Convention, and Good Friday.
96
In Memoriam
LOUIS P. FONTAINE
Teacher - Principal - Educator 1935 - 1962
In recognition of his untiring efforts and devotion to duty in the Palmer Schools
97
Annual School Report
To the School Committee of the Town of Palmer:
It is with great pleasure that I submit herewith my first annual report, the seventieth school report of the town. Administrative Changes
On October 1, 1962, Dr. Donald F. McCaffrey, superintendent of schools, left to take a similar position in the Swansea School System. It is with sincere regret that we mark his departure. His imprint on our system will be felt for many years.
Dr. Louis P. Fontaine, high school principal, passed away on November 29, 1962. His loss will be keenly felt by the school enrollment in particular and the community in general.
Personnel Changes
Palmer had a turnover of fourteen teachers during the past year. None of those who left had over four years of service; and we were able to replace them with able, conscientious people. We can hope that their sense of loyalty and dedication will enable us to carry on the high traditions of the Palmer School System.
Repairs
All major repairs have been completed in our schools. A continuation of the updating of our physical plant resulted in the following work being done:
Painting: Exterior of Thorndike Street School Park Street School Lunchroom
Exterior Trim of Quabaug School
Ceilings, Corridors, and One New Classroom at Thorndike
One New Classroom at Three Rivers
Lighting : One Room at Three Rivers
One Room and Cafeteria at Thorndike
Miscellaneous: New Stair Treads on South Stairway in High School
Electric Clocks Installed at Three Rivers and Bondsville
98
New High School Addition
The addition to the High School is proceeding on schedule. It is expected that the shop and cafeteria area will be completed by the first of March and that the complete use of facilities will be in operation by the opening of school in September.
With the cooperation of the School Committee, the following projects have been initiated and/or completed since October 1, 1962 :
1. A new cafeteria was completed at the Park Street School. We now are averaging 105 hot lunches a day with this operation.
2. The concession stand was completed at Legion Field.
3. A reorganization of bus pupil scheduling was completed.
4. A reference materials survey was conducted in the ele- mentary grades, which showed a definite weakness in this area. A large, modern, unabridged dictionary has been purchased for each school. Fifteen sets of modern reference encyclopedias have been purchased and will be distributed. A large-size atlas has been placed in each school. It is our hope to continue this project until we have modern reference materials in every class- room.
5. A Basic Course of Study Committee has been formed for each elementary grade. Their recommendations will be com- pleted by June 1, 1963.
6. A substitute-relief plan has been put into operation, where- by the elementary principals are relieved of their teaching duties two days a month. This enables them to carry on administrative duties necessary for them to maintain our high educational standards.
7. Workshops in reading and art were conducted for the teachers.
8. Salary schedules have been adopted for the custodians, cafeteria workers, clerks, administrative assistant, and the teach- ers. These schedules should solve our problems for the next few years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, may I take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to the School Committee, town officers, a loyal and helpful staff, cooperative parents and friends, community organizations, and all others who have contributed to the success of the school program.
Respectfully submitted,
LEO J. SANTUCCI
Superintendent of Schools
January 2, 1963
99
FINANCIAL STATEMENT 1962
Appropriation Expended Balance
Expenses of Instruction
$416,957.00
$416,955.00
$ 2.00
General Expenses
19,419.00
18,673.78
745.22
Expenses of Operating
51,514.00
51,487.53
26.47
Repairs
9,200.00
9,193.22
6.78
Auxiliary Agencies
61,408.00
61,398.67
9.33
Furniture and Furnishings
3,850.00
3,849.25
.75
National Defense Education
Act of 1958
6,532.00
6,526.44
5.56
Trade School Expenses
13,715.00
13,676.10
38.90
Retirement
2,177.00
725.80
1,451.20
$584,772.00 $582,485.79
$2,286.21
100
TOWN WARRANT
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Hampden, ss.
Town of Palmer
To either of the Constables of the Town of Palmer, in said County, GREETING :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to notify and warn all the inhabitants of the Town of Palmer, qualified to vote in elections of town officers, to meet at the several polling places in said Palmer, designated by the selectmen, to wit: In Precinct A, at the Thorndike Street School on Thorndike Street in the Depot Village; in Precinct B, at the Thorndike Grammar School in Thorndike; in Precinct C, at the Three Rivers Grammar School in Three Rivers, and in Precinct D, at the Bondsville Grammar School in Bondsville, on Monday, the fourth day of February, A.D. 1963, at ten o'clock in the fore- noon, then and there to give in their votes on one ballot to the Town, for the following officers: 3 Selectmen, 5 Playground and Recreation Commissioners, 3 License Commissioners, Town Treas- urer, Collector of Taxes, Tree Warden, all for the term of one year; 1 Assessor, 1 Member of Board of Public Welfare, 1 Ceme- tery Commissioner, 2 Members of School Committee, 1 Member of the Board of Health, Town Clerk, all for the term of three years; 2 Members of the School Committee for the term of two years (to fill vacancy) ; and 1 Member of the Planning Board for a term of five years.
The polls will be open at ten o'clock in the forenoon and will be closed at eight o'clock in the evening.
And you are further hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of said Palmer, qualified to vote in town affairs to meet at Palmer High School Auditorium, Converse Street, Depot Village in said Palmer, on Monday, the eleventh day of February, A.D. 1963, at seven o'clock in the evening, then and there to act on the following articles, viz:
Article 1. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meet- ing.
101
Article 2. To choose all other usual town officers.
Article 3. To act on the reports of the town officers
Article 4. To hear and act on reports of committees
Article 5. To choose committees and give them instructions.
Article 6. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the town treasurer, with the approval of the selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1963, and to issue a note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year, in accordance with Section 17 of Chapter 44 of the General Laws.
Article 7. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the treas- urer, with the approval of the selectmen, to borrow money as permitted by law to meet any appropriations made or expenses in- curred under any of the articles of the warrant.
Article 8. To raise money and make appropriations to de- fray the expenses of the Town for the ensuing year.
Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the se- lectmen to sell at public auction, after first giving notice of the time and place of sale by posting such notice of sale in some con- venient and public place in the Town, fourteen days at least be- fore the sale, property taken by the Town under tax title pro- cedure, provided that the selectmen or whomsoever they may authorize to hold such auction may reject any bid which they deem inadequate, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the selectmen to sell at public auction, after first giving notice of the time and place of sale by posting such notice of sale in some con- venient and public place in the Town fourteen days at least be- fore the sale, or at private sale, any old and obsolete equipment or personal property, provided that the selectmen or whomsoever they may authorize to hold such auction or sale may reject any hid which they deem inadequate, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 11. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate or transfer from unappropriated available funds in the treasury, a sum of money for Chapter 90 Highway Maintenance, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 12. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate or
102
transfer from the parking meter account any sum of money for (a) police enforcement; (b) constructing, reconstructing, resur- facing, operating and maintaining off-street parking areas; (c) a miscellaneous fund under the exclusive control of the selectmen to be used for purposes authorized by law; (d) contribution toward cost of snow removal.
Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to transfer any sum of money from the Overlay Reserve account to the Reserve Fund, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 14. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate any sum of money from Free Cash to reduce the 1963 tax levy, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 15. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate any sum of money for the purchase and installation of street signs in the several villages of the Town, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 16. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate any sum of money to pay overdraft on snow removal.
Article 17. To see if the Town will vote to accept the follow- ing Perpetual Care Funds which have been given to it during the year: Henry A. Johnson $20.00; Gunnar Nelson $40.00; Sadik Hassan $20.00; Harold Lawrence $20.00; Alice D. Ryan $200.00; Leslie Keith $200.00; Horace N. Richards $200.00; Robert J. Stevenson $100.00.
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