USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Williamsburg > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Williamsburg 1962 > Part 4
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
We wish at this time to submit our budget and recom- mendations which are printed elsewhere in the Town Report. We have given careful consideration to all items, attempting to keep in mind the financial struc- ture of the town.
Williamsburg continues to request services which call for considerable outlays and your Finance Committee finds it increasingly difficult to discover ways and means to provide these services and at the same time to keep expenses down.
The duties and responsibilities of our town officers are ever-increasing; yet we did not feel justified in recommending an increase in salaries, except for the Town Clerk.
The increase in the School Budget represents mainly an increase in the salaries of the teachers and includes
92
the hiring of new teachers. Chapter 71 of the General Laws, which governs teachers' salaries was amended in 1962, establishing the minimum for teachers' salaries at $4500. In accordance with this minimum, the School Committee has considered it necessary not only to raise the salaries of the teachers who were receiving compen- sation below this minimum but also to present a re- vised salary schedule which increases the salary of all teachers, and to increase the salaries of other personnel in its employ.
The Board of Assessors is sponsoring an article re- questing the installation of the State Assessment System as provided in Section 7A of Chapter 38 of the General Laws. There was not sufficient time to make a thorough study of this request prior to the publication of the Town Report; therefore, no action was taken on this Article. It is hoped that sufficient information will be available to the voters of Williamsburg either prior to, or at the Town Meeting.
The Finance Committee wishes to thank all town of- ficers for their cooperation and to commend them for holding down overdrafts and requests for transfers.
Respectfully submitted,
HILARIONE D. WILLISTON, Chairman MARGARET POMEROY.Clerk RUTH MONGEAU PETER GROMELSKI
GILBERT HANSON
ROBERT MERRITT
ROBERT MYERS
CARL NEWMAN
ELMER NUTTING
93
Assessors' Report
Population U. S. Census 1960
2,186
Registered Voters 1960
1,193
Acres of land assessed
14,688.23
Number of dwellings assessed
614
Number of live stock assessed
Neat Cattle
Horses
30
Cows
477
Bulls
20
Oxen
10
Steers
20
Heifers
189
Swine
2
Sheep
125
Fowl
2,345
All other
29
The method and entries used in computing the tax rate for the year 1962 is as follows :
Appropriations voted to be raised
by taxation
$435,025.84
Voted from available funds
122,059.98
State Parks and Reservations
1,139.67
County Tax
11,660.09
State Audit for
Municipal Accounts
18.22
Tuberculosis Hospital
Assessment
8,710.70
Overlay for current year
10,321.80
Gross amount to be raised
$588,936.30
94
Estimated Receipts and Available Funds
Corporation Taxes
8,430.47
Income Tax
44,636.38
Reimbursement of
Publicly owned land
148.09
Old Age Tax
947.76
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
32,000.00
Licenses
4,800.00
Fines
75.00
General Government
75.00
Protection of Persons
and Property
100.00
Charities
9,500.00
Old Age Assistance
12,500.00
Veterans' Services
2,500.00
Schools
61,700.00
Public Service Enterprises
13,000.00
Interest on Taxes,
Assessments and Deposits
2,500.00
State Assistance for
School Construction
17,400.00
Farm Animal Excise
350.00
Reimbursement
Paraphlegic Veterans
500.00
Total Estimated Receipts
$211,162.70
Overestimates of previous year to be used as available
funds :
County Tax
$369.53
State Parks and Reservations 88.11
Amounts voted to be taken from available funds 1961 & '62 122,059.98
Total Estimated Receipts and available funds 333,680.32
Net amount to be raised by Taxation
on Polls and Property
255,255.98
95
Polls, 664 @ $2.00 1,328.00 Total Value Personal
Property @ $59.00
10,246.18
Total Value
Real Estate @ $59.00
243,681.80
Total Taxes Levied on Polls and Property $255,255.98 Total Amount of 1962 Taxes on Polls and
Property as committed to the collector $255,255.98
COMPUTATION OF TAX RATE
Total amount to be raised by taxation $255,255.98
Less amount available from
664 Polls @ $2.00 1,328.00
Amount to be raised on Personal
and Real Estate $253,927.98
Value of Personal Property $173,664.00
Value of Real Estate 4,130,200.00
Total Property Value $4,303,864.00 $253,927.98 = $59.00 per $1,000 valuation
4,303.864
Messrs Damon and Clarke regret that Mr. Brecken- ridge finds it necessary to resign as of March 1, 1963 due to additional duties in conection with his regular employ- ment. He has served on the Board of Assessors for a peri- od of eleven years, seven as chairman.
Mr. Damon attended the State Assessors' School at the University of Massachusetts, Aug. 21, 22, 23 and 24, 1962, also the Hampshire-Hampden Conference at Springfield.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES M. DAMON, SR. Chairman BERTRAM W. CLARKE EDWIN C. BRECKENRIDGE
96
Report of Water Commissioners
It was with regret that we accepted the resignation of Mr. Charles M. Damon, Jr., former chairman of the Water Board. We wish to express publicly our apprecia- tion for his many years of devoted service.
During 1962 work was continued replacing old services on Route 9 in anticipation of resurfacing the highway. This project is virtually completed except for the replace- ment of three hydrants. Including Route 9, 34 services were renewed and three hydrants were replaced. Three unused services were disconnected. During the year four new services and 25 meters were installed.
18,000 feet of timber on the watershed was marked for cutting by Mr. Charles Orsi, county forester. This was cut and sold to Mr. William Lashway. There is approximately 10,000 feet more to be marked and cut in 1963.
During the latter part of September and the early part of October it was necessary to pump from the gravel packed well due to the shortage of water in the storage reservoir. Total annual usage from both sources was nor- mal at approximately 50,000,000 gallons.
We wish to thank other town departments, particularly the highway department and the fire department, for their co-operation during the year.
97
Report of Tree Warden and Moth Superintendent
This past year we did for the most part sanitation work on maple trees, that is cutting out of dead wood and interfering branches. Now that our elms are going so fast I feel that it is imperative to keep our maples healthy as they are the only street shade trees that remain. I have asked for additional funds in this account for next year as I would very much like to start a replanting program of shade trees to replace old street elms that have had to be cut down.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY W. WARNER, JR.
With this account we sprayed all street shade trees for foliage eating insects and mosquito control. Also much roadside spraying for brush and weed control was done. This past fall, as many residents may have noticed, there were many moths clustered around outside lights. These moths are known as the Linden Looper Moths and, like Gypsy Moths, feed on foliage. This and heavy concentra- tion of Gypsy Moth cocoons in southern sections of town have made us eligible for state aerial spraying in these sections. This spraying is done at no cost to the town with the exception of some preliminary surveying of spots where this spraying cannot be done for reasons of livestock, fish ponds, etc. This spraying will be 6%
98
DDT spray and although strong enough to take care of the moths will be otherwise relatively safe. I am glad to report fine co-operation from the Department of Natural Resources in this situation.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY W. WARNER, JR.
REPORT OF DUTCH ELM DISEASE
This past year all questionable street trees were sam- pled and 24 trees found afflicted and removed. In 1962 we spent enough over our liability so that we are eligible for 13 days state assistance. This is computed at $100 per day. This assistance is in the form of a falling crew com- ing into town for the State and felling and cutting up trees. The local superintendent is required to handle re- moval and disposal of trees. With this assistance I feel that we can cut many of the dead and dying elms in both villages along Mill River. These trees are on private prop- erty but I feel that they are just as much of a menace to our citizens as those along public ways. If landowners will sign a release absolving state or town of any liability while on their land many of these dangerous trees can be removed and disposed of. If we are to control this disease at all these trees must be disposed of as well as trees on public ways.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY W. WARNER, JR. Dutch Elm Disease Superintendent
99
Report of Veterans' Agent and District Director of Veterans' Services for 1962
To the Board of Selectmen :
Mr. Herbert N. Haskell, who has been the District Di- rector for the past eight years resigned October 15, 1962. He was replaced by Dr. Kenneth A. MacArthur, who sub- mitted his resignation on November 15, 1962, at which time I took over as District Director. Since that date, I have taken 5 applications for benefits, 2 headstone appli- cations for graves of deceased veterans, have received about 30 telephone calls and 23 office calls pertaining to various services for veterans.
On the yearly basis, our records show that veterans and their families of this district have been paid $21,- 535.00 for various types of aid. This compares with $16,- 785.00 spent in the year of 1961.
My office is always open and if I can be of assistance to any veteran, please feel free to call me at MOrris 7-9401. I have many types of applications for all types of needs and a photocopy machine for discharges, etc.
I have found the Selectmen and everyone connected with this district to be very cooperative and wish to ex- press my sincere thanks.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD H. SCHOTT
100
Report of the Building Committee for Haydenville Fire Station
A Special Town Meeting was held June 27, 1960. Upon motion made and seconded, it was voted that the sum of $12,000.00 be appropriated from the Overlay Reserve Fund for the purpose of razing a portion of the town building (former Haydenville Savings Bank Building) and for grading the lot and constructing a new addition for the housing of the Haydenville Fire Department in ac- cordance with plans and specifications recommended by the special committee.
Architect-John Francis Beduarski
Contractor-Siegfried Harrmann
Total Contract
$9,663.00
Add for Steel Structure
124.00
Add for Enlarged footings
40.00
Add for Advertising bids
8.33
Add for New Clapboards (main building, northside)
83.00
Add for Repair Foundation (main building)
30.00
Add for Woodeave trough (main building)
69.50
Add for Insulate radiator pipe
20.00
Add for Moving wiring and insulating siren
185.00
Add for Copper flashing (main building)
21.50
Add for Angle iron for doors
20.00
Add for Sealing floors 40.00
Add for Letters (22 @ $1.85)
40.70
Add for Fees for change of roof plan
25.00
Add for Repair Siren motor
25.46
101
Add for Wiring alarm box 14.63
Add for Wiring water heater and one light
18.27
Add for Installing water heater and new pipes 133.64
Add for Water Department (new service from street) 99.50
Add for Water Heater (electric)
59.95
Add for Three Faucets and Toilet Seat
26.20
Add for Installing Sink and Copper Tubing
178.61
Add for Repairing Boiler (labor & material)
235.30
Add for One Hose Dryer
737.00
$11,898.59
Balance
101.41
$12,000.00
BUILDING COMMITTEE
Merton Bickford
Martin J. Dunphy
George M. Childs
R. Minor Frost
Bertram W. Clarke
Patrick Larkin
Charles M. Damon, Jr.
Harold C. Smart
Leonard L. Walpole, Chairman
102
Report of the Director of Welfare
Board of Selectmen, Williamsburg, Mass.
Gentlemen :
The following is the report of the number of cases on the several divisions of the welfare of the Town of Wil- liamsburg for the year ending December 31, 1962.
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
Jan. 1, 1962 Balance 19
Added 2
Closed 5
Dec. 31, 1962 Balance 16
Medical Aid to Aged
3
2
2
3
Aid to Dependent Children
3
0
0
3
Disability Assistance
5
0
1
4
General Relief
1
3
3
1
Respectfully submitted,
R. W. WELLS Director
103
104
Tax Collector's Report
Year
Out- standing Jan. 1 1962
Com- mitm'ts
Refunds
Payments to Treasurer
Abatements Outstand- ing Dec. 31, 1962 $162.00
Real Estate
1956
$162.00
Personal Property
1957
76.50
76.50
Real Estate
1957
935.00
935.00
Personal Property
1958
44.00
44.00
Real Estate
1958
298.68
83.96
214.72
Personal Property
1959
963.09
174.19
164.15
624.75
Real Estate
1959
2,855.23
962.76
1,892.47
Motor Vehicle Excise
1959
576.69
15.63
155.52
125.88
310.92
Poll Tax
1960
20.00
4.00
4.00
12.00
Personal Property
1960
736.00
123.25
612.75
Real Estate
1960
10,583.42
7,146.94
3,436.48
Motor Vehicle Excise
1960
1,316.47
607.30
104.62
604.55
Poll Tax
1961
160.00
4.00
26.00
138.00
Personal Property
1961
1,149.86
307.14
842.72
Real Estate
1961
52,539.51
8.54
35,360.94
130.54
17,056.57
Motor Vehicle Excise
1961
10,153.00
582.71
672.58
8,621.54
814.34
1,972.41
Farm Animal Excise
1961
188.36
63.19
125.17
Poll Tax
1962
1,328.00
4.00
888.00
232.00
212.00
Personal Property
1962
10,246.18
9,168.26
1,077.92
Real Estate
1962
243,681.80
290.28
186,362.79
5,595.56
52,013.73
Motor Vehicle Excise
1962
33,438.28
988.41
21,364.01
2,891.21
10,171.47
Farm Animal Excise
1962
462.43
227.48
234.95
$82,757.81 $289,739.40
$1,983.44
$271,647.27
$10,062.30
$92,771.08
Respectfully submitted
BARBARA SWANDA Tax Collector
Report of the Town Hall Committee
The Town Hall Committee appointed by the Moderator according to the instructions of the last Town Meeting in 1962 makes the following report :
In 1962, the town voted $5,050 to install adequate heat, plumbing, electricity and insulation to modernize the town hall so that it might be comfortable for the citizens of our town as a Community Center.
Since then careful inspection by competent and trained persons, has shown that the foundation was not as sound as supposed. Before modernizing the heating, plumbing, electricity and insulation, a number of the stones in the underpinning should be raised, reset and pointed. Also the renewal of several posts with new concrete footings and the placing of three new 8x10 girders under the three bays in the big hall would be necessary. This would make the foundation safe and sound for the addition of the re- quired conveniences.
Also in order to install a septic tank in compliance with health regulations of the town, and to get proper drain- age for sewage disposal, more money is required.
With these two major needs unprovided for, the com- mittee decided to delay action on this project and come before the Town Meeting to request an additional amount of $4,948 to accomplish the complete assignment given to us at the previous meeting.
The new estimates follow :
$2,100 New heating system
105
800 New plumbing
800 Drainage and installation of sewage disposal
100 Inspecting & replacing electrical work
300 Insulation above ceiling
3,115 Underpinning repair
2,158
Construction and repair of new toilet rooms
400 Removal and conditioning of old toilet rooms
225 Repair rotted beam in tower
$9,998
$5,050
Appropriated in 1962
$4,948
Respectfully submitted,
NORMAN GRAVES, Chairman CARL HEMENWAY
ROLLO PURRINGTON
DOROTHY SHERK
VIVIAN BLACK, Secretary
106
Haydenville Library Report
During the past year an agreement was signed to par- ticipate in the Western Regional Public Library System with Forbes Library as our regional center. This means that reference research and interlibrary loan service will be available through Forbes Library. We will still receive books periodically from the Greenfield Library which also brings books twice a year to the school rooms of the vil- lage:
Mrs. Richard Watling's resignation to take effect Jan- uary 1, was received with regret. Mrs. Edward Ames is now our librarian.
The Friday afternoon Story Hour with Mrs. Harry Pomeroy is continuing.
Circulation
3,656
Books added
64
Bookmobile loans
1,108
Fines collected
$25.59
107
Report of Board of Health
The Board of Health submits the following report for the year ending Dec. 31, 1962 :
Seven eating establishments and two clubs were in- spected and issued certificates stating that they were in satisfactory condition.
Milk dealers' licenses and licenses to sell milk in stores were issued.
The garbage and rubbish collections were carried out according to contracts. Permission was given to Mr. Zononi, garbage collector, to establish a piggery, limited in size, and sufficient distance from a nearby stream, to avoid pollution of said stream.
Mr. Harold Smart, inspector of annimals and slaugh- ter, reports that 42 places were inspected. He also in- spected any shipments of animals from out of state.
Nine septic tank permits were issued. Letters were sent to summer residents along the Ashfield, asking them to comply with the state sanitary code regarding sewerage.
A well-child conference was held at the school in the summer. Mrs. Shumway obtained a pediatrician and 111 pre-school children were examined.
The T.B. Mantour clinic was held at each school, also three polio clinics. The Board wishes to thank Mrs. Madi- son and the school for their co-operation.
Seven premature births were reported to the Board, also several cases of measles, chicken pox and dog bites.
In June the Board of Health, Selectmen and the Finance Committee met with Mr. Iantosca, district engineer of
108
the State Department of Public Health, and with George H. McDonnell of Tighe & Bond, to discuss sewerage prob- lems in Williamsburg. This meeting was the direct result of a mandatory letter from the State asking us to take ac- tion on the pollution of Mill River. It was decided that the selectmen should file application with the Federal Govern- ment for funds for preliminary planning of the project pending future action by the Town or State. The Board of Health agreed to enforce the State sanitary code, allow- ing no increase in the present pollution of Mill River.
The Board has also endeavored to enforce the sanitary code in regard to minimum standards of living. We need the co-operation of all in this effort.
We were saddened in the summer by the untimely death of our chairman, Bernard Reardon. In September, Mr. Edgar Hutchins was appointed our third member.
Respectfully submitted,
MARCIA H. GRAVES, Chairman DR. J. R. HOBBS MR. EDGAR HUTCHINS
109
Report of the Police Department
The streets were patrolled week-ends and holidays and late nights when traffic was heavy. The police worked a total of 886 hours and 4891/2 miles travelled.
The police department participated in one night watch during 1962.
School crossing officers worked a total of 905 hours.
Four patients were transported to the Cooley Dickin- son Hospital. Two were fire victims, one was motor vehi- cle accident, one was for dog bite, two patients were re- turned to the Veterans' Hospital, by the department.
Forty-five motor vehicle accidents were reported to the local and State Police, thirty to local police and fifteen to State Police. Nineteen of the accidents reported to the lo- cal department were investigated, eleven were not; four- teen were two car accidents, sixteen were one car acci- dents. Two of the one-car accidents involved three pedes- trians, which was fatal to one. Twenty-one persons claimed injuries in the accidents reported to the local police.
Two cars were reported stolen, one located in town, the other was located near Boston. One car abandoned here was stolen near Boston.
One complaint of larceny was reported, two complaints of breaking and entering, nothing taken; three com- plaints of breaking, entering and larceny; one of these has been solved. Total of seventy-three complaints were recorded by police, many others of a minor nature were not.
110
Seven stray dogs were taken to the S.P.C.A. shelter. Four dogs were killed by cars, reported by owners, two dogs (strays) hit by cars, were destroyed by Police; five dogs hit by cars (reported by operators) were not found. They either weren't hurt much or crawled off and died.
Eleven persons claimed dog bites.
The department has had numerous complaints on dogs being a nuisance on the streets and especially at the school. I think the dog owners could do something about this situation by keeping their dogs home while the chil- dren are on their way to and from school and during re- cess time.
The department received one complaint during nine- teen sixty-two on damage done by dogs to live stock and fowl, that was to one duck. In the few years past this had been quite a problem.
Twenty-one pistol licenses were issued, two dealers in firearms, rifles and shot guns, one dealer in rifles and shotguns, three gunsmith licenses. A total of sixty-one dollars was collected and paid to the town treasurer.
Sixty-one complaints were brought before the District Court by local and State Police as follows :
Delinquency
9
Endangering
7
Driving under influence
2
Drunkenness
11
M. V. Violation
20
Sodomy
1
Escaped patients
2
Vagrant
1
Assault
1
Breaking, Entering and Larceny
4
Larceny
1
Malicious mischief
2
Fifty-six males; five females
111
Forty-one of these complaints were brought by the State Police and twenty by local police.
The State Police were called to help on many occasions. They investigated all the breaking, entering and larceny cases. Their promptness and efficiency was much appre- ciated.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES H. CROSS Chief of Police
112
Report of Fire Department
This past year fire losses have been much greater than they have been in many years. A total of 53 calls were answered : 4 house, 6 chimney, 14 grass and woodland, 6 barns and small buildings, 13 Haydenville dump, 2 car, 4 miscellaneous small fires, 1 false, and 3 resuscitator. Un- der the County mutual aid system we answered 1 call to Northampton and 1 to Goshen, and in return Northamp- ton came to our aid twice and Goshen once.
Some fire causes are children playing with matches, careless disposal of smoking materials, spontaneous com- bustion, electricity, burning rubbish, careless use of gaso- line or combustible fluids, oil burners, gas appliances, fireplaces, etc. A reliable person should check your heat- ing system at least once a year. Be sure your electric wir- ing and appliances are kept in good condition. Keep matches out of reach of children. Do not let materials col- lect that might cause spontaneous combustion. From time to time have clean-up day and remove all things that could cause trouble. There are also many more ways fire could start, be on the lookout for them and take preventive mea- sures.
Know your Fire Department Phone numbers and have them posted near your phone. WMSB. CO 8-7222; HAY. CO 8-7233.
The town dump is a bad fire hazard at times as it is sur- rounded by woodland. It is recommended by this Depart- ment that a water line be laid to this area with a hydrant near the dump. At present most of the water used has to be carried in with tank trucks as the water hole near the dump is only good at certain times of the year. If fire
113
from this dump should spread to property of others the town would be liable and this could cost us more than a water main to this area. Also no one is allowed to start a fire at the dump without permission from this depart- ment.
Fire Department members inspected the three schools and the buildings were found in good condition with no apparent fire hazards. All of the buidings were cleared of personnel in less than one minute, this is much better than in years past.
Our 21/2" hose on the trucks is not in good condition, al- though we purchase a few lengths from time to time, our our budget does not allow us to keep up with this item as fast as it wears out, also we do not have enough to com- pletely fill the body on the new truck. When we return from a bad fire we have to clean and dry this item and this leaves us at times for many hours with little or no hose for another call. So we are asking for 2000 feet in a special article at town meeting, this will fill our trucks and give up hose for other emergencies.
I would like to express my appreciation to the men in. this Department for their co-operation during the year. They have spent many hours in taking care of and repair- ing equipment along with training and answering fire calls at any time during the day and night.
HOWARD SANDERSON
Chief
114
Report of Visiting Nurse
JANUARY 1 - DECEMBER 31, 1962
RECEIPTS :
Nurse's Collections
$467.00
EXPENDITURES :
Nurse's Salary
$1,250.00
Less taxes withheld
154.70
1,095.30
Taxes forwarded to Government
169.72
4
1,265.02
Less Town appropriation
1,000.00
265.02
F.I.C.A. Tax paid for nurse
41.02
Upkeep and gas for nurse's car
191.60
New mattress
39.50
537.14
Excess of expenses over receipts
$70.14
115
Jury List
JULY, 1962
Albert R. Adams
William H. Beattie, Sr.
Lewis H. Black Fred E. Blobel
Leroy A. Dansereau
Leo M. Duval
Alice A. Golash
Esther A. Golash
Barbara R. Hathaway
Helen S. Kellogg
Joseph A. Kostek
Warren O. McAvoy
Helen C. McAllister
Harold Madison
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.