USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Williamsburg > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Williamsburg 1963 > Part 3
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One car was abandoned and set on fire on Old Goshen Road. A person was arrested and committed.
Twenty persons lost their right to operate for various periods of time, three of these requested by the chief.
Three complaints of breaking, entering and larceny were reported to the department, two in business places and one in a home. One of the breaks in a business place has been solved.
44
Sixty-four complaints were recorded by the department, many of a minor nature were not.
One deer was reported hit and killed by an auto. It was turned over to the game warden. Four dogs were reported by owners killed by cars. Two dogs reported by owners as being hit and injured by cars. Three dogs hit by cars, destroyed by police requested by owners. Eleven stray dogs were taken to the S. P. C. A. Nine persons complained that they were bitten by dogs.
Four sheep were killed by dogs and twenty-four were injured or damaged by dogs. This happened on two sep- arate occasions and one dog was shot in the act.
Forty-six summons and one warrant were served for outside departments.
Eighteen pistol licenses were issued, two dealers in firearms, shotguns and rifles; one dealer, shot gun and rifles ; three gunsmiths. A total of sixty-one dollars was paid to the town treasurer.
Forty-seven complaints were brought before the Dis- trict Court by local police as follows :
Speeding
18
Endangering
4
Following to close
1
Sticker violation
6
Passing school bus
2
Stop sign violation
4
No license 2
Driving under the influence
1
Drunkenness
2
Passing in no passing zone
7
Thirty-nine males ; eight females
Forty-three pleaded or were found guilty; one found not guilty; three dismissed requested by the Common- wealth.
45
The State Police report shows that their department made twenty-eight on the spot arrests in 1963. However this does not include any traffic or road law violations. These were not readily available, so I could not get them where summonses were issued.
Drunkenness
2
Using M. V. without authority
2
Alcoholic beverage in car operated by minor
1
Furnishing liquor to minor
2.
Delinquent child
2
Neglect of wife and minor children
1
Contributing to delinquency of minor
3
Assault & Battery
3
Lewd & lascivious person in speech and behavior
1
Non-support
2
Escaped patient
1
Breaking, entering, larceny
2
Having loaded rifle in M. V.
1
Burning insured property
1
Desertion
1
Unregistered M. V.
1
Uninsured M. V.
1
No M. V. license
1
The State Police investigated both of the breaking, en- tering and larceny in business places, which one was solved, and were called for assistance in many other cases. Their promptness and efficiency were much appreciated.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES H. CROSS Chief of Police
46
Assessors' Report
Population (1960 U. S. Census)
2,186
Registered voters 1963 1,136
Acres of land assessed
15,198.14
Number of dwellings assessed
624
Number of live stock assessed
Horses
34
Neat Cattle
664
Swine
13
Fowl
2,785
Apppropriations voted to be raised by
taxation and from
available funds
$546,986.54
State & County Taxes
35,516.17
Estimated overlay for
current year
10,298.02
Gross amount to be raised $592,800.73
Estimated Receipts and available funds $286,586.96
Net amount to be raised by taxation $306,213.77
The 1963 tax rate was approved and set on April 16, 1963 at $70.00 per $1000 valuation on Personal and Real property.
Distribution of Tax load.
Polls 657 at $2 .. 00
$
1,314.00
Personal Property 184,776
value @ $70
12,934.32
Real Estate
4,170,935
value @ $70
291,965.45
Total 4,355,711
Total taxes assessed on Polls and property
$306,213.77
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In order to meet the requirements of the State constitu- tion and the decision of the State Supreme Court as to taxation of property at its "Full and Fair Cash Value" the valuation of property in the Town of Williamsburg as of January 1, 1964 will be adjusted to meet legal require- ments.
By Massachusetts State Legislation in 1963 the assess- ment of Poll taxes was abolished effective January 1, 1964.
As a result of the adjustment of valuations on Personal and Real Property for the 1964, the tax rate will be lower than that of 1963. The tax load will always be determined by the appropriations voted at our Annual Town Meeting in March 1964.
The formula for determining the tax rate is as follows.
Net amount to be raised on Property = Tax rate. Total Property valuation.
The 1963 tax rate was determined in this manner as follows.
$306,213.77 =$70. per $1,000 valuation
4,355,711
As the only item which the assessors can determine previous to Town Meeting is the valuation of Property it is quite evident that the tax rate and the tax bill which the property owners receive are controlled by the total ap- propriations as voted by the citizens of the town at the Annual Town meeting. It is therefore essential that every registered voter make special effort to attend the Annual Town meeting and vote.
It is the vote of the citizens of the town which deter- mines the amount of our tax bills.
Mr. Damon, chairman, attended the annual assessors'
48
school at the U. of Mass. in August, also assessor's con- ferences held at Worcester, Westfield and Agawam.
The attention of citizens of the town of Williamsburg is called to Chap. 808 of the Acts of 1963, effective as of Jan. 1, 1964 which grants a limited exemption to quali- fying elderly persons as follows :
Forty-first, Real property to the amount of four thou- sand dollars, of a person seventy years of age or over and occupied by him as his domicile, or of a person who owns the same jointly with his spouse, either of whom is seventy years of age or over, and occupied by them as their domi- cile or of a person seventy years of age or over who owns the same jointly or as tenant in common with a person not his spouse and occupied by him as his domicile ; provided (A) that such person (1) has been domiciled in the com- monwealth for the preceding ten years, (2) has owned such real property either individually, jointly, or as a tenant in common, for the preceding five years, and (3) had, in the preceding year, a net income from all sources both taxable and non-taxable of less than four thousand dollars or, if married, a combined net income from all sources both taxable and non-taxable with his spouse of less than five thousand dollars, (B) that the total assessed value of all real property owned by such persons or his spouse, or by them jointly does not exceed fourteen thou- sand dollars and (C) that, in the case of real estate owned by a person jointly or as a tenant in common with a per- son not his spouse, the amount of his exemption under this clause shall be that proportion of four thousand dol- lars which the amount of his interest in such property bears to the whole value thereof, provided no exemption shall be granted to any joint tenant or tenant in common unless the combined net income from all sources both taxable and non-taxable of such joint tenants or tenants in common and their respective spouse is less than five thousand dollars.
49
Section 2. This act shall apply to taxes assessed for the year nineteen hundred and sixty-four and subsequent years.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES M. DAMON, SR. Chairman BERTRAM W. CLARKE ROBERT CHRISTENSEN
50
REPORT OF TOWN GARAGE BUILDING COMMITTEE
A special Town meeting was held June 4, 1962. It was voted that $30,000.00 be appropriated for the purpose of constructing a new Town garage and the razing of old Town sheds. The moderator was instructed to appoint a committee of five to do this. Following is an account of expenditures.
Appropriation
$ 30,000.00
Expenditures :
General Contract
$ 26,129.00
Architect Fee
783.87
Legal Fees
635.55
Town Equipment
219.00
Private Equipment
328.00
Gravel Fill
229.00
Electric Service
82.57
Water Service
301.22
Insurance
57.35
Fuel
265.13
Fire Extinguishers
271.09
Office Equipment
198.00
Toilet Supplies
76.22
Extra Painting
325.00
Extra Electric Service
69.38
Town Labor
28.89
$ 29,999.97
Balance
.03
$ 30,000.00
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Garage Building Committee
HARRY WARNER, JR. RICHARD GRAVES GILBERT HANSON RICHARD HALE *LESLIE CURTIS DONALD BICKFORD
*Forced to resign because of health.
52
Report of Board of Health
The Board of Health issues the following report for the year ending Dec. 31, 1963 :
All eating places and clubs were inspected and found in satisfactory condition. Milk dealers' licenses, and licenses to all milk in stores were issued.
The garbage and rubbish collections were carried out according to contract.
Mr. Harold Smart, inspector of animals and slaughter, reports 47 places were inspected. His duties include in- spections of shipments of animals from out of state.
Septic tank permits were issued to those installing new tanks or replacing old ones. The Board asks that anyone remodelling or building, contact the Board of Health for information regarding sanitation.
A well child conference was held at the school again this year. Mrs. Shumway obtained the services of a pedia- trician. One hundred twenty-two children of pre-school age were examined.
A D.P.T. booster clinic was conducted for children, age 3 months through 12 years. Dr. Hobbs, Dr. Hemenway and Mrs. Madison conducted the clinic, vaccinating 330 children.
Polio clinics were conducted in January, Type I, March, Type II with 108 adults receiving vaccine and in May, Type III. The board thanks Mrs. Madison for her assist- ance in these clinics and for her help to the board in numerous ways.
53
There were two premature births reported and many measles, mumps, chicken pox and dog bites.
The Board agrees that it will welcome a building code in our town. Although we have the State Sanitary code to back our policies, our work would be simplified by a gen- eral Building Code.
Respectfully submitted,
MARCIA H. GRAVES, Chairman DR. JOSEPH R. HOBBS EDGAR S. HUTCHINS
54
Report of Fire Department
This year we answered 44 calls : 5 chimney, 3 oil burner, 6 houses, 1 vehicle, 15 grass or woodland, 7 dump, 1 false, 3 misc. and three out of town. This is a reduction of 9 from last year, which was one of the worst in the town's history.
During the months of October & November we exper- ienced a severe drought, and woodlands were very dry. But due to the cooperation of everyone our fire losses at that time were very low. This shows that when everyone cooperates valuable property is not destroyed.
Everyone should know their FIRE DEPT. PHONE number. It is inside the front cover of the new phone books, under fire dept. in the alphabetical listing, and un- der WILLIAMSBURG, town of.
Our town dump is still a fire hazard, and this depart- ment as in the past, recommends "that a water line be laid to this area with a hydrant located at the dump."
Schools were inspected as usual, and although they are kept clean and neat, sprinkler systems should be installed in all three buildings. They would give excellent fire pro- tection, and without a doubt a reduction in insurance rates in the schools.
From the $4,000.00 appropriated at the last town meeting for fire hose, we purchased 2000 ft. of 21/2 inch and 500 ft. of 11/2 inch. This allows us to carry 1200 ft. on engine Two in Haydenville and 2000 ft. on Eng. One in Williamsburg. Half of the new hose was put on each one of these engines. All of the old hose was tested to at least 400 P.S.I. and numerous lengths had to be taken out of service.
55
A two-way radio on the county frequency, and a new fog and straight stream nozzle were added to Engine 2 in Haydenville.
Our fire protection has been greatly increased in the last few years, and some of the reasons are that we now have enough hose to keep one truck loaded with dry fire hose at all times. This we did not have before.
Our new engine is capable of carrying more equipment, and has a larger, higher pressure pump than we ever had before. We now have a pumping capacity of 1750 G.P.M. Also the muster truck is available with a 1000 G.P.M. making a total of 2750. Less than three year's ago we had only a capacity of 1000. Also with the tanker and the three pumpers we have 2100 gallons of water in the vehicles for areas where there is little or no water.
Our Dept. operates with two fire companies, one in Williamsburg and one in Haydenville, with 15 men in each company.
The townspeople must realize that Eng. 2 in Hayden- ville, will be twenty years' old in 1965, and this depart- ment will have to request a new one.
In conclusion, I would like to express my appreciation to the town officials, and other departments for their co- operation during the year, and especially to the men on this department who have spent many hours in keeping equipment in repair and answering calls day or night in any kind of weather.
Respectfully submitted,
HOWARD SANDERSON Fire Chief
56
Haydenville Library Report
Mrs. Mary Ames has served as our librarian through the year with Robin Frost as her substitute. Mrs. Harry Pomeroy has continued her story-telling hour on Fridays during the school sessions. We are still receiving regular exchange of books from the Greenfield Bookmobile and an occasional loan from Meekins Library. Any requests for books should be made to Mrs. Ames.
To comply with insurance regulations we have had plastering replaced and such repairs made as necessary in the back room. We are looking forward to possible work on the wiring.
Circulation
2,979
Books added
47
Books withdrawn
2
Bookmobile loans
1,108
Fines collected
$14.42
Books on hand
3,360
Respectfully submitted,
SALLY O'BRIEN
VIOLA FRASER
LULA SMITH
57
Report of Recreation Committee
ATHLETIC FIELD
Grounds care
$ 179.25
Fertlizer
16.80
Labor
107.00
Fence
88.95
Repairs
32.59
Total spent
$
424.59
RECREATION
Coaches
$ 100.00
Trout (180) (6" -7")
48.60
Baseball equipment
151.35
Hallowe'en Party
50.00
Total spent
$
349.95
Respectfully submitted,
PETER B. SHUMWAY, Chairman
EDWARD LLOYD
RICHARD CHILDS
58
Report of Veterans' Agent and District Director of Veterans" Services for 1963
During the year of 1963, a total of $21,654.78 was spent on Veterans' Benefits on veterans and their depen- dents who were in need of financial help, had sickness or were on strike.
We took 40 applications for Veterans' Benefits, applied for 10 Pension Claims, sent for 2 Certificates in Lieu of Lost Discharge, applied for 3 Aid to Dependent Children of Deceased Veteran Pension and helped make arrange- ments for 1 Military Funeral.
We find that our work is definitely increasing and does require our full time. As we have stated in the past, our office has all facilities for Veterans Benefits and all forms for any VA requirement. Our photo-copy machine is used with every case and is availalbe to anyone.
We again wish to extend our sincere thanks for their cooperation to the Selectmen, Town Clerks and to the Town Accountants, with whom we work very closely, and everyone connected with Berkshire-Hampshire Veterans' District.
Our office is open week days from 9-5 and calls can be made to Huntington MOrris 7-9401.
15 Principles
27 Dependent
42 Persons Aided
Amount $13,999.16
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD H. SCHOTT Veterans' Agent
59
1963 EXPENDITURES AND 1964 REQUESTED BUDGET
Item
Budget Expended Requested
1963
1963
1964
Director's Salary
$2,100.00
$2,100.00
$2,10000
Treasurer's Salary
125.00
125.00
125.00
Telephone
275.00
415.34
430.00
Lights
None
None
None
Heat
None
None
None
Insurance
15.00
10.00
10.00
Office Supplies
160.00
56.50
60.00
Equipment
30.00
None
30.00
Postage
55.00
41.00
50.00
Dues
15.00
20.00
20.00
Cty. Retirement
None
None
None
Misc.
None
None
None
Travel
30.00
32.40
50.00
Rent
180.00
180.00
180.00
Totals
$2,985.00
$2,980.24
$3,055.00
APPORTIONMENT OF DISTRICT EXPENSES PER TOWN FOR 1964
Based on latest Valuation of Towns and Requested Budget of $3,055.00
Town
Valuation
%
Chester
$1,636.170
12.65461
Amount $ 386.60
Chesterfield
1,033.922
7.99665
244.30
Cummington
985,680
7.62354
232.90
Huntington
1,766.675
13.66398
417.43
Middlefield
1,388,318
10.73765
328.04
Plainfield
560,155
4.33240
132.35
Williamsburg
4,303,864
33.28733
1,016.93
Worthington
1,254,652
9.70384
296.45
$12,929,436
100.00000
$3,055.00
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD H. SCHOTT
Veterans' Agent
60
Report of the Town Hall Committee
The Committee held twenty meetings during the sum- mer and late fall and made a very thorough survey of the most essential needs for the restoration of the building. We secured the services of the M. I. O'Connor Co., to draw up specifications for renovating and advertised for bids. We received several but all were in the vicinity of $15,000. 00 which made it impossible for the committee to accept as our budget was $10,000.00. This made it necessary for us to revise the specifications and limit our requirements to repair the hall. We again advertised for bids and the lowest bid was received from Siegfried Herrmann, Inc., Hatfield, Mass., which was accepted.
A great deal has been done to strengthen the founda- tions with girders and underpinnings and create a better level of the floors. New lavatories have been built for both men and women in the front part of the hall. New walls and floors built and lighting fixtures were installed. The old selectmen's office has been restored to the extent of new flooring. A new heating system has been installed with a one thousand gallon oil tank underground. The tower has been repaired and strengthened by new beams for support.
Much more should be done to make the hall available such as installing a septic tank and outlets of dry wells, also the former office in front should be finished with new walls and painted for the use of town officers, as needed. The hall itself needs to be painted inside and outside, the
61
roof repaired, stage restored, and adjoining room re- novated for kitchen needs and dressing room. We are placing an article in the warrant for a new budget to con- tinue the restoration of the Williamsburg Town Hall.
I want to sincerely express my deep appreciation to each member of this committee for the devotion shown in carrying on this projet.
RODERICK A. MacLEOD, Chairman MRS. VIVIAN BLACK, Secretary MRS. DOROTHY SHERK DONALD BICKFORD CARL HEMENWAY
February 2, 1964
62
Report of Water Commissioners
All work resulting from the resurfacing of Route 9 was completed in 1963 including the replacement of three hydrants, two on Williams Street and one on Main Street.
It was necessary to replace the two inch main on Hos- ford Road with 504 feet of six inch cement lined pipe. At the same time the hydrant near Hosford Road on Route 9 was replaced and a new hydrant added at the end of the Hosford Road main.
438 feet of six inch main was added on Kingsley Avenue to service a new home. A hydrant was added to this exten- sion.
During the year five three-quarter inch services and two one-inch services were renewed. One new quarter inch and two new two-inch services were added. 7 meters were installed.
The chlorinating equipment was completely overhauled during 1963. The department also has installed emer- gency equipment to run the chlorinator in case of power failure.
Legal arrangements have been completed with the American Telephone and Telgraph Company for their easement over Water Department property as voted in Art. #39 at the 1963 Annual Town Meeting. For the right of way and timber rights they paid $2,485.00.
During the months of August, September, October and November it was necessary intermittently to pump water from the Gravel Packed well due to the shortage in the storage reservoir. The reservoir was replenished in Dec- ember. Total annual usage from both sources was approx- imately 50,000,000 which has been normal for several years.
ROBERT C. MCCUTCHEON, Chairman GABRIEL MONGEAU ROBERT DAVIDSON
Board of Water Commissioners
63
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT Town of Williamsburg School Organization
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Mr. Kenneth Sherk, Chairman
1965
Mrs. Mary Kellogg, Secretary
1964
Mr. George Childs 1966
Mr. Robert Mccutcheon 1966
Mr. Richard Warren 1964
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Mr. Francis P. Reddington Office - Anne T. Dunphy School
SCHOOL PHYSICIANS
Dr. Joseph Hobbs, Williamsburg Dr. Ruth Hemenway, Williamsburg
SUPERVISORS OF ATTENDANCE
H. Merrill Bisbee, Williamsburg Walter Bachand, Haydenville
SUPERVISORS AND SPECIAL TEACHERS
Mrs. Elizabeth B. Ferrante, Florence Miss Olive Healy, West Chesterfield Mrs. Evelyn Kmit, Williamsburg Mrs. Jean Snow, Williamsburg
Art
Music
Physical Education Reading
64
MEETING OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Last Wednesday of each month
HELEN E. JAMES SCHOOL
Principal, Mr. Donald J. Buss 74 Northampton St., Easthampton
Mr. Earl F. Tonet, Asst. Prin., Social Studies, Coach 387 Florence Rd., Florence
Mrs. Eleanor Bart, Commercial Subjects, Social Studies 41 Conz St., Northampton
Mr. Joseph Bart, Science 41 Conz St., Northampton
Mr. Robert M. Branch, Mathematics 61 Meadow St., Florence
Mrs. Anna B. Curtis, Jr. High English Chesterfield
Miss Martha L. Dickerman, Jr. High Social Studies Williamsburg
Hilda D. DeNood, French Haydenville
George C. Feiker, Guidance Director Williamsburg
Ulrich Fontaine, German 103 Crescent St., Northampton
David R. Grills, Physical Education 716 Bridge Rd., Northampton
65
Francis M. Grinnell, Commercial Subjects 32 Conz St., Northampton
Jean K. Gromacki, Jr. High Math. 138 Sugarloaf St., S. Deerfield
Margaret B. Halberstadt, English, Librarian Williamsburg
Basilio Henriques, Jr. High Science 5 Columbus Ave., Northampton
Evelyn R. Kmit, Social Studies, Phys. Ed. Williamsburg
Paul R. Knight, Math., Science 867 Roosevelt Ave., Springfield
Marjorie P. McKusick, Latin, Social Studies Haydenville
George W. Mercer, Science 12 Bedford Terrace, Northampton
Herbert B. Montebello, Social Studies 137 Crescent St .. , Northampton
Gloria D. Narbin, English 504 N. King St., Northampton
Marie S. Packard, English Goshen
Ann Graves, Secretary Haydenville
H. Merrill Bisbee, Custodian Williamsburg
66
ANNE T. DUNPHY SCHOOL
Principal, Mrs. Edith D. Foster, Williamsburg-grade 6 Mrs. Margaret Breckenridge, Williamsburg-grade 5 Miss Eleanor F. Mansfield, Haydenville-grade 4 Miss Maureen Malone, Amherst-grade 3 Mrs. Mary Breguet, Haydenville-grade 2 Mrs. Jeanne Pichett, Ashfield-grade 1 Mr. Frank Vayda, Williamsburg-custodian
HAYDENVILLE CENTER SCHOOL
Principal, Mrs. Margaret Heafey, Haydenville-grade 6 Mrs. Marion Hickey, Haydenville-grade 5 Mrs. Priscilla Kostek, Haydenville-grade 4 Mrs. Ruth Nash, Williamsburg-grade 3 Mrs. Doris Tilley, Williamsburg-grade 2 Miss Mary Crampton, Haydenville-grade 1
SCHOOL ADJUSTMENT COUNSELOR
Mrs. Jane Marx
Haydenville Center School-COlony 8-7534
SCHOOL CENSUS - OCTOBER 1, 1963
5-7
7-16
16 or over
Boys
49
227
37
Girls
41
210
35
Total
90
437
72
-
-
67
Report of School Committee
To the Townspeople of Williamsburg :
Greetings :
The Williamsburg School Committee, comprising Mrs. Charles Kellogg and Messrs. George Childs, Robert Mc- Cutcheon, Richard Warren and Kenneth Sherk, organized with Mrs. Kellogg as Secretary and Kenneth Sherk as Chairman. The Committee met regularly on the last Wed- nesday evening of each month.
From the standpoint of staff, the year has been excep- tionally stable. A few replacements were made due to changes of residence and leave of absence for advanced study.
Fairly extensive repairs were made on the roof and in the boys' locker room at the Anne T. Dunphy School. Another new floor and improvements in the plumbing at the Haydenville building have eased the work of the cust- odian. Replacements of school equipment and supplies, minor repairs and regular maintenance have been carried out in the usual way.
The School Department finished the fiscal year "in the black". Although the school budget represents a large portion of the annual appropriation at the Town Meeting, the Committee wishes to point out that the expenditures in support of schools in Williamsburg come approximately 60% from local taxation, 20% from State reimbursements and 20% from tuition charged to out of town students.
68
Tuition fees for 1962-63 were $400.00 for the Junior High School and $450.00 for the High School. They will be $50. 00 higher for the 1963-64 school year. Salary increases were made in accordance with the schedule adopted in 1962.
The meetings of the School Committee are open to the public and any citizen who wishes to visit or attend will be welcome. The Committee takes this opportunity to express its appreciation to those individuals and organ- izations who have furnished scholarships and other awards for scholastic achievements of our students.
Sincerely, KENNETH W. SHERK For the School Committee
69
NET COST FOR SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS 1963
School Dept. Expenditures P. L. 874 funds used to reduce budget
$295,751.38
11,182.00
$284,569.38
Reimbursements
Chapter 70
$41,900.78
Vocational
2,388.76
Superintendent
1,400.00
Special Education
1,762.87
State Wards
373.48
Tuition
59,639.87
Youth Service Board
3,600.00
Misc.
9.22
Gym Rent
323.70
Telephone & Office
225.00
Transportation
18,613.00
$130,236.68
Net Expenditures from Local Taxation
$154,332.70
70
Superintendent's Report
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