USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Lincoln > Town Report on Lincoln 1951-1955 > Part 48
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Rent of Hydrants
3,195.00
Water Connections
4,200.00
Miscellaneous repairs, etc.
725.37
Insurance collection
75.00
39,373.78
45,688.10
Expenses
1954 bills $ 386.43
Salaries and Wages
8,995.97
Supplies and Maintenance
9,654.98
Meters & Operating Expense
5,661.00
Bonds and Interest .
3,178.76
Repairs to Pumping Station
1,165.00
29,042.14
December 31, 1955, Balance on Deposit
16,645.96
$45,688.10
CEMETERY INVESTMENT FUND
Cash Account
Cash balance at January 1, 1955 $ 143.00
Proceeds of sale of cemetery lots
1,105.00
Interest on savings bank deposit
299.81
Interest accumulated in John H. Wilkins Perpetual Care Fund at January 1, 1955. $93.13 1955 Interest 11.52
104.65
Cost of restoring Wilkins Lot to original
condition
76.85
Balance to Cemetery Investment Fund, by agreement
27.80
1,575.61
Savings bank interest allowed to accumu - late 299.81 John H. Wilkins Lot, repurchased at cost . 250.00 Deposited in Middlesex Inst. for Savings . 1,025.80
1,575.61
Middlesex Institution for Savings $ 10,595.30
Frederick B. Taylor, Town Treasurer
42
TREASURER
CEMETERY PERPETUAL CARE FUNDS
Deposited in Middlesex Institution for Savings
Principal
Income accumulated before 1955
1955 Income
December 31, 1955 Balance
Samuel Hartwell
$ 300.00
$ 40.54
$ 10.71
$ 351.25
Orila J. Flint
300.00
31.88
10.43
342.31
Annie A. Ray
300.00
104.95
12.74
417.69
Maria L. Thompson
500.00
133.01
19.93
652.94
John H. Pierce
500.00
34.81
16.82
551.63
George F. Harrington
100.00
11.00
3.49
114.49
Francis Flint
250.00
107.69
11.26
368.95
William W. Benjamin
500.00
184.15
21.54
705.69
Abijah Jones
300.00
27.50
10.31
337.81
Ellen F. Whitney
100.00
9.48
3.44
112.92
E. H. Rogers
250.00
27.31
8.73
286.04
Ellen T. Trask
200.00
78.40
8.75
287.15
Thomas Huddleston
200.00
16.60
6.80
223.40
Joa Pacewicz
400.00
19.65
13.20
432.85
Mary Susan Rice
87.27
18.30
3.32
108.89
Julia A. Bemis
300.00
19.86
10.06
329.92
Donald Gordon
300.00
148.88
14.12
463.00
Elizabeth G. Chapin
300.00
82.91
12.04
394.95
Sarah J. Browning
200.00
19.64
6.90
226.54
Agnes L. Brown
300.00
38.29
10.64
348.93
Lewis W. Woodworth
150.00
11.34
5.07
166.41
Robert B. Chapin
300.00
31.25
10.42
341.67
Gardner Moore
300.00
28.68
10.33
339.01
Mary James Scripture
500.00
46.49
17.19
563.68
Charles P. Farnsworth
350.00
34.13
12.08
396.21
Helen O. Storrow
2,000.00
203.31
69.38
2,272.69
Elizabeth S. Wheeler
200.00
21.40
6.96
228.36
L. B. & A. E. Thiessen
500.00
56.29
17.51
573.80
Paul Dorian
150.00
14.48
5.16
169.64
Raymond E. Hagerty
150.00
14.48
5.16
169.64
Charles O. Preble
100.00
7.83
3.38
111.21
George G. Tarbell
400.00
17.27
13.12
430.39
Eugene Sherman
200.00
-
4.77
204.77
Mildred E. Bowles
200.00
1.63
201.63
Mabel H. Todd
200.00
-
-
-
200.00
Suffolk Savings Bank
J. Waldo Smith
300.00
33.82
10.07
343.89
Charles S. Smith
300.00
37.75
10.19
347.94
Edward R. Farrar
300.00
22.39
9.74
332.13
Anne D. Pollard
300.00
22.08
9.72
331.80
$12,587.27
$1,757.84
$437.11
$14,782.22
43
REPORT OF THE COLLECTOR OF TAXES
1955
Balance 1/1/55
Committed
Refunded
Paid
Abated
Outstanding 12/31/55
Poll
$ 1,770.00
$ 2.00
$ 1,490.00
$ 254.00
$ 28.00
Personal
24,204.15
23,579.37
21.60
603.18
Real
313,474.86
734.40
303,937.24
3,761.10
6,510.92
Excise
49,876.64
1,482.36
45,560.91
2,090.92
3,707.17
1954
Personal
669.60
631.20
38.40
Real
5,926.74
96.00
4,586.34
108.00
1,328.40
Excise
8,425.61
2,144.82
281. 17
9,223.54
477.22
1,150.84
1953
Personal
404.88
383.28
16.80
4.80
Real
1,956.84
1,942.44
14.40
Excise
620.01
157.67
63.03
399.31
1952
95.73
9.72
86.01
INTEREST
1955
52.67
1954
178.24
1953
183.98
1952
1.02
41 5.91
WATER
Balance 1/1/55
Committed
Refunds
Abatements & Paid Deductions $ 30,346.29 $ 2,699.79
Outstanding 12/31/55
1955
$
$ 34,924.35
$ 37.73
$1,916.00
1954
875.83
832.12
6.71
37.00
William H. Davis, Collector of Taxes
COLLECTOR OF TAXES
44
$
Excise
ASSESSORS
ASSESSORS' REPORT
The Board of Assessors submit the following report for the year 1955:
According to law, all real estate and personal property tax abatement requests must be filed with the Board by October 1st of the year in question.
All automobile excise tax abatement requests must be filed with the Board within six months of the date of issuance of the notice of assess- ment or of the date of the sale or transfer of the vehicle, but in any event not later than January 31st of the succeeding year.
1955 Recapitulation
Total appropriations to be raised by taxation $469,723.85 Appropriations to be taken from available funds 73,958.32
$543,682.17
Hurricane Expenses
o · 13,135.36
State tax and assessments.
State Audit o
877.49
State Parks & Reservations 609.44
Gypsy & Brown Tail Moth 969.51
County tax and assessments.
2,456.44 County tax 12,015.00
T. B. Hospital Assessment 3,108.32
Underestimate in 1954 2.32
15,125.64
Overlay of Current Year 10,975.91
Gross Amount to be raised
$585,375.52
.
Estimated Receipts and Available Funds.
Income tax
28,681.08
Corporation taxes
16,795.60
Motor Vehicle & Trailer Excise 32,000.00
Old Age Assistance
15,000.00
Schools
18,000.00
Water Department
37,305.15
Interest on Taxes &
Assessments 2,600.00
State Assistance for School
Construction 5,000.00
Hurricane Reimbursement 11,821.83
All others 4,382.83
$171,586.49
Overestimates of previous year.
County tax ·
440.99
State Recreation Areas 2.71
App. voted from Available
Funds . 73,958.32 74,402.02
Total Estimated Receipts & Available Funds 245,988.51 Net amount to be raised by taxation on polls and property . . 339,387.01
$585,375.52
45
ASSESSORS
Number of polls
854 @ $2.00
1,708.00
Total valuation:
Personal property
$448,225. @ $54.00
24,204.15
Real Estate
6,253,3 15. @ $54.00
313,474.86
339,387.01
Number of Acres of Land Assessed 8755
Number of Dwelling Houses Assessed 818
Tax Rate per $1,000.00
$ 54.00
George G. Tarbell, Jr., Chairman Arthur W. Rice, Jr. Frederick H. Greene, Jr.
1
46
Protection of Persons and Property
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
I hereby submit my report for the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1955.
Arrests by Lincoln Police 64
Arrests by State Police 40
Total number of arrests 104
Arrests were made for the following offences:
Crimes against property:
Breaking and entering and larceny 10
Malicious injury to property 2
Using motor vehicle without authority .
1
Crimes against public order:
Allowing improper person to
operate motor vehicle 2
Delinquency .
7
Driving a motor vehicle to
endanger life
19
Driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated 9
Drunkenness 7
Escapee
8
Leaving scene after causing property damage 1
Motor vehicle laws, violating 34
Vagrancy . 1
Violation of game laws 2
Violation of probation 1
Violations of Motor Vehicle Laws reported to Registry of Motor Vehicles 40
Motor Vehicle accident report:
Accidents reported 87
Occupants injured 103
Occupants killed 2
The ranch wagon purchased by the Town last May, for this de- partment has proved to bbe a very valuable piece of equipment. It has been equipped with a stretcher and has been used several
47
PROTECTION
times as an ambulance for accident victims.
The installation of our own radio transmitter, coupled with the switchboard at the Town House, has made this department independent of others for communications. This has increased our operating efficiency greatly.
The personnel of the department was increased to four with the appointment of Daniel A. MacInnis as a permanent officer in April.
In April Officer James Diamond attended the Local Police Officer Training School, conducted by the State Police at Framing- ham, for four weeks. In September Officer MacInnis attended the school.
It is with sorrow that I note the passing of former Chief of Police John J. Kelliher in August. "Jerry", as he was known to all, served the Town for many years, in many ways, faithfully and completely. He is sincerely missed by all of us.
Respectfully submitted,
Leo J. Algeo
Chief of Police
REPORT OF BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEERS
During the past year the department answered 109 alarms as follows:
Woods and Brush
18
Grass
24
Buildings
8
Cars and trains 10
Dump
8
Pumping out cellars
6
Rescuing cats
6
Miscellaneous
29
Total 109
.
Total amount of property losses reported to the Fire Depart- ment were estimated at $700.00.
Respectfully submitted,
William M. Dean, Clerk Frank Gordon
Andrew J. Dougherty, Chief 48
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
The following animals have been inspected:
Cows, 2 years and over 209
Heifers, 1 - 2 years 66
Heifers, under 1 year 38
Bulls 5
Steers
10
Horses
35
Sheep
9
Swine
627
Found animals to be under the rules and regulations of the Division of Livestock Disease Control.
Have supplied the Division of Livestock with a list of the owners and the number and kinds of animals found on the premises.
Fifteen dog bites were reported. All these dogs were re- leased after fourteen days in quarantine, as they showed no signs of rabies.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrew J. Dougherty
49
PROTECTION
CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY
Until the over-all Civil Defense picture is more clearly de- fined it becomes increasingly difficult to determine the proper course to pursue. Two of the phases of Civil Defense which this agency has emphasized during the past year have been the auxiliary police and communications. Under any disaster, natural or otherwise, they play a vital part.
In accordance with the State's objective to evacuate critical areas, a canvass of the Town was made to ascertain the trans- portation requirements of the residents in the event of possible evacuation. As a result of this study, a preliminary plan has been drawn up and a map prepared indicating routes to be taken within the Town to reach evacuation routes which are presently designated by the State as 2, 2A and 117. Final release of the plan has been withheld until a more definite program has been formulated and certain procedures are established by the State.
A new transmitting and receiving radio set has been purchased to replace the former one which failed to give satisfactory per- formance. This new piece of equipment will assure more effective contact with neighboring towns and sector headquarters should telephone communications be cut off. No further capital expenditures are anticipated at this time. However, if the present fire whistle does not give adequate coverage of the Town, a more audible warning system may be an important considera- tion.
Respectfully submitted, Eveleth R. Todd Local Director of Civil Defense
50
TREE WARDEN
REPORT OF TREE WARDEN
Contrary to usual procedure the late March spray application to roadside elm trees was applied from the air by state employed helicopters. The Commissioner of Natural Resources notified the Board of Selectmen in November, 1954, that the town of Lin- coln had been designated as an area wherein serious infection from the gypsy moth had been found. Accordingly, emergency
action in the form of aerial spraying was necessary to help con- trol and prevent further spread of the gypsy moth. Before and during the actual spraying roads were marked off and litmus cards placed at strategic spots as checks of the spray efficiency. Areas showing no contact with the DDT spray emulsion were gone over a second time.
The usual control applications for Poison Ivy were conducted in late July and care was exercised to avoid unnecessary scorch- ing of unobjectionable roadside grasses wherever possible. Some difficulty was experienced due to an outmoded spray rig for which parts were needed and difficult to obtain. A second hand model of a more modern and efficient spray machine is most essential to expedite this particular phase of work for another year.
Some light brush removal was undertaken in the fall, but un- sightly limbs, rotted stumps and fallen trees bordering tne public ways received the bulk of our attention.
We were fortunate to receive an emergency appropriation from the state for the removal of dangerous trees and hanging branches resulting from the 1954 hurricanes. This enabled us to do a fair job on seven of the public thoroughfares and to considerably im- prove the appearance of the trees on these streets. The annual appropriation for the trimming of public trees was utilized by the former tree warden to thoroughly prune the trees adjacent to the Town Hall, Library and along Bedford Road.
In July, application of DDT to all roadside elms helped to re- duce the second brood of elm bark beetles. Also, and contrary to former procedure, all street trees were given an application of DDT as a safeguard and protective measure. Although it is gen- erally acknowledged that the native maples and oaks that make up our street tree population are fairly free from disease it still is advantageous to make one annual application to control leaf rollers, canker worms, aphids, ticks, caterpillars and other destructive insects.
Close observation was given to all town elms throughout the growing season in order to trace down the Dutch Elm disease.
51
PROTECTION
Sixty-three samples from what appeared to be diseased trees were taken and sent to the state university at Amherst for culture. Of these, twenty-five trees were infected and subsequently removed and burned. In addition, fifty-nine totally dead elms were taken down and burned under the annual appropriation.
In our efforts to eradicate breeding places for the bark beetles that carry the spores of Dutch Elm disease on their bodies we frequently removed dead elm trees from privately owned lands. Dead elm wood of any size with the bark still intact affords ideal breeding conditions for these beetles and periodic checks of pri- vately owned trees should be made by the owners to determine the need for further pruning and clean cultivation.
There are still present in the town considerable numbers of dead elms as a result of another disease (phloem necrosis). The dead wood resulting becomes a hazard since it invites bark beetles to breed. We are making every effort to eliminate these trees as rapidly as our limited budget allows. You can help by remov- ing dead elms on your land. In any event do notify your tree warden of their presence as quickly as they are discovered.
The responsibility for the control of Dutch Elm disease lies directly in the hands of those who will benefit, namely, the people of the community. With alert detection and, immediate removal of infected trees and judicious spraying of strategically located ones, it should be possible to limit the source of the fungus and the num- ber of insect carriers to a low level and to protect most of the elms in the community.
We are doing what we can to win the constant fight against fur- ther loss of our town elms. Records indicate that progress has been made, yet the state found it necessary to provide emergency action to further that control. We are pruning and spraying to discourage the bark beetles from our street trees but this is a ten year program under our present appropriation. In the interim, the scrub elms that exist and spring up in inland swamps and other out of the way areas are helping to prolong the fight, for they, of course, will seldom, if ever, receive any scientific attention and they will continue to breed the beetles that carry the disease.
I would like to thank those residents of the town who responded to my request by card for information regarding the presence of dead or diseased trees. Although I may not have personally con- tacted each individual, I have examined the trees designated and will take the necessary action.
It is my firm belief that a Dutch elm disease control committee of genuinely interested members is basic for community wide action and understanding.
Robert Ralston , Tree Warden & Moth Supi.
52
Health and Welfare
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
At the first meeting of the Board of Health held on March 29, 1955, Dr. Gordon A. Donaldson was elected Chairman and Mrs. Bradford Cannon was elected Secretary and Representative to the Nursing Committee. Mrs. Marion Ober was appointed Agent; Andrew Dougherty, Inspector of Animals; William H. Davis, Burial Agent; and Dr. Alden Russell, Inspector of Slaughtering. Mr. Leslie Willard continues as our Sanitation Officer.
During the year the following licences were issued: overnight cabins, 1; slaughtering, 7; poultry, 1; piggeries, 2; garbage trans- portation, 3; sale of methyl alcohol, 6; sale of oleomargarine, store, 3; sale of oleomargarine, vehicle, 3; sale of milk, store, 4; sale of milk, vehicle, 12; subdivisions, 2. The milk licenses are issued for five years and will not be reported again until 1960. 110 dogs were presented at the dog clinic on May 7, 1955, for inoculations against rabies. Dr. Alden Russell was in charge as usual. The remaining dogs in town were inoculated by private veterinarians.
The following diseases, as required by State Law, were re- ported: measles, 132; chicken pox, 55; mumps, 5; dog bite, 15; pulmonary tuberculosis, 1; polio, 7.
The Well Child Clinic continues for the eighteenth year under Dr. John Davies. 16 new babies were examined, 87 repeaters seen, and 59 pre-kindergarten children were checked during the year.
Dr. David Farrell continues as the dentist for the Dental Ser- vice. The teeth of all children are examined once a year, and, if work is necessary, a report is sent home to the parents to that effect. Treatment has been given to those children whose parents so desired, and who gave written permission. The charge for this service is $4 per half hour. The question of fluoridation of the town drinking water is still an open one with the Board. W e are following the reports from various quarters with interest. Its value in the prevention of dental decay is well established, but there are other details to be worked out, not the least of which is the opposition to the philosophy of mass medication.
The garbage collection system has proven effective. There are 246 subscribers to this service.
53
HEALTH AND WELFARE
Over the past two years a complete revision of the town Health Regulations has been studied and recently completed. These have been published in full in the Colonial, December, 1955, and have become law. Pamphlets of these Regulations are available at the Town House.
One of our chief functions over the year was the supervision of sewage and drainage problems in connection with land sub- divisions and new house construction on single lots. This con- tinues to be an extremely important job, and the procedure in- volved has been clarified in the new Regulations. Inspection of any sewage construction by the Board or its Agent is required at three points: On the initial plan before the building permit is granted, after the excavations have been completed, and finally after the construction of the sewage plant and prior to resurfacing the ground. In some developments ledge or lowland is encountered, and when any doubt exists as to the suitability of drainage, pro- fessional sanitary engineers are employed at the expense of the developer.
Poliomyelitis vaccine was administered to all children in the first and second grades, with the written permission of the parents. 134 children were vaccinated. No complications were reported.
In the near future another pulmonary tuberculosis screening clinic should be held in Lincoln. On the advice of the State De- partment of Public Health it was felt that such an effort was not worth while this year.
A survey of the Sandy Pond water-shed has been completed with the State Department of Public Health. Sandy Pond is large- ly fed by surface water. Control of the entire water-shed is im- practical, but it is the unanimous opinion of all that habitation should not be allowed in close proximity to the pond. This matter has been discussed with the Land Use Committee; and it is probable that in the immediate future the control of land to a certain elevation above the surface of the pond about its entire periphery should be acquired by the Town of Lincoln.
Respectfully submitted,
Ellen DeN. Cannon Warren Flint Gordon Donaldson, M. D., Chairman
54
NURSING COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE NURSING COMMITTEE
The Nursing Committee has had a very satisfying year. Meet- ings have been held regularly on every third Friday of the month when Mrs. Ober reports her activities and any problems that may have arisen.
The work of our Community Nurse is concerned with the schools, the Dental Service, the Well-Child Conference, and home care. She has also been caring for the children at the South School for Sudbury.
The Well-Child Conference has been running smoothly under the able supervision of Mrs. Alan McClennen and Mrs. Ober.
Mrs. Barbara Woods served the Town during Mrs. Ober's vacation in August.
The Nursing Committee assisted in the administration of the Salk Vaccine Clinic held in June at the Health Unit in the Smith School. 134 First and Second Graders were vaccinated.
The management of the Dental Service has been the subject of considerable discussion during the year. This is a service ren- dered by the Town to facilitate children's getting necessary treat- ment. It is not a free clinic. Charges are made at rates comparable to those for any good dental care.
In an effort to relieve Mrs. Ober of some administrative de- tails, the Nursing Committee is now keeping the Dental Service accounts . The following policy concerning bills has been adopted:
1. Dental care is given only to those children who have written permission from their parents or guardian. The charge is $4.00 per half hour.
2. Bills will be sent on the first of each month for services rendered during the preceding month.
3. Bills are payable upon receipt to the Town of Lincoln.
4. Anyone who does not pay his bill within three months may forfeit the privilege of using the service.
5. Anyone who desires treatment at the Dental Service but who cannot pay the charges should apply to the Nursing Committee
55
HEALTH AND WELFARE
for recommendation for Pierce Fund assistance.
6. Anyone who is unable to pay a bill on receipt may make special arrangements for installment paying by applying to the Nursing Committee.
1955 SUMMARY
Number of calls
1,023
Medical
· 376
Surgical
62
Pre-Natal
5
Post-Natal
10
Social Service
92
Child Welfare
308
Board of Health
48
Well-Child Conference & Dental Service 59
Out of Town
63
Number of patients moved away
2
Number of patients moved to hospitals
or nursing homes 4
Number of regular patients as of Dec. 31, 1955
10
Number of new patients
15
Number of patients died
3
TOTAL FEES COLLECTED
1955
Nursing calls
$ 183.25
Dental Service
1,346.10
Well-Child Conference
14.00
$1,543.35
Dog Clinic
82.50
Total
$1,625.85
Respectfully submitted,
Ellen DeN. Cannon, Chairman Elizabeth Donaldson
Louise McClennen, Secretary
56
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AGENT
Fundamentally the aim of the public assistance program is, through financial assistance and service, to meet the basic needs of those people who are unable to meet them through their own efforts or resources. Closely related to this aim is the responsi- bility to help people recognize and make full use of all their re- sources and capacities, as well as all available community re- sources, in meeting their problems and maintaining themselves in the most self-reliant way possible to them. Public assistance agencies are set up by the community as a whole to make sure that all members of the community have the means for adequate and healthy living. If the individual cannot obtain this from his own resources or through his own efforts, it is the responsibility of the public assistance agency to provide the means. The agency also has the added responsibility of helping the individual, within his abilities, to develop his resources and increase his efforts toward meeting his requirements.
Old Age Assistance.
Aid was given to 39 cases under the Old Age Assistance program during the year 1955. 13 cases were closed during the year and 3 were added. At the close of the year 26 cases were receiving assistance.
Gross Cost
$35,445.38
Receipts :
Balance from 1954 $ 21.25
U. S. Gov't. .
13,100.25
Comm. of Mass. 16,955.50 Comm. of Mass. @
Meals Tax 807.73
Other Cities & Towns
882.40
31,767.13
Cost to Town of Lincoln
0
3,678.25
$35,445.38
Aid to Dependent Children.
Aid was given to two families under the Aid to Dependent Children program during the year 1955. One case was closed and one was receiving assistance at the close of the year. Gross Cost
Receipts :
Balance from 1954 $ 465.35
U. S. Gov't.
556.50
.
Comm. of Mass. 153.72
1,175.57
Cost to Town of Lincoln
239.54
$ 1,415.11
Public Welfare
Aid granted
Respectfully submitted, $ 462.21
M. Elizabeth Causer, Agent
57
$ 1,415.11
HEALTH AND WELFARE
REPORT OF THE MOSQUITO CONTROL COMMISSIONER
Your representative on the East Middlesex Mosquito Control has been absent from Lincoln since late in August. He has, however, been able to follow the general course of events through the weekly reports of the Superintendent.
Attached hereto is a condensed report of the Superintendent, Mr. Robert L. Armstrong, to the Commissioners for 1955. The complete report may be obtained at the Town House.
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