USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Andover > Town annual report of Andover 1930-1934 > Part 40
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ing Section 30 of Chapter 269 of the Acts of 1933; to assume the duties and powers given to said Board hereinbefore stated particu- 'larly with reference to the following :
1. To adapt the requirements of this By-Law to irregular, narrow, or shallow lots or those unusual either in shape or topography, provided that the spirit and intent of this By- Law with regard to open spaces is preserved.
2. To permit a substitution for or an extension or alteration to an existing building whether conforming or non-con- forming in accordance with provisions on use.
3. To grant temporary and conditional permits of limited duration for non-conforming uses and buildings incidental to development operations.
4. Permit conversion of a one-family house existing at the time this By-Law is adopted into a two-family or apart- ment house.
5. The Board of Appeals may grant no variation which would amount to an amendment of this By-Law, all such amend- ments to be made as provided in General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 30, and additions or amendments thereto.
SECTION XIII
PERMITS OF BOARD OF APPEALS REQUIRED. The Board of Ap- peals may under restrictions which will carry out the provisions of this By-Law and tend to protect and improve the neighborhood issue the following permits:
1. A roadside stand for the sale of the produce of the land of the owners, and of other land within the Town, or adjoining towns, provided that the front yard regulations, and all other conditions imposed by the Board of Appeals, are complied with.
2. The removal of loam, sand, etc., as set forth in SECTION X, Article 2.
3. Boarding or lodging houses, tea rooms, clubs or hotels, in a Single Residence or Educational District, or for a cemetery, hospital, sanitarium, or philanthropic institu-
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tion, airport, or for a filling station, or a place of business of any blacksmith, baker, builder, carpenter, contractor, upholsterer, and subject to existing laws already in force.
4. Where special permits by the Board of Appeals are required under this Section, the Building Inspector shall issue no permit until so directed in writing by the Board of Appeals. Upon application for such a permit the Board shall give not less than seven, (7) days' public notice by publication in a newspaper and by mail to the applicant and to the owners of all property deemed by the Board as affected by such a permit, and shall hold a hearing and render a decis- ion. The applicant shall show to the satisfaction of the Board that the use of the permises for which application is made shall not constitute a nuisance because of noise, vi- bration, smoke, gas, fumes, odor, dust or other objection- able features, and that such use shall not otherwise be in- jurious to the inhabitants of their property, or dangerous to the public health or safety. When not so satisfied the Board shall refuse a permit. When, in the opinion of the Board such a permit may be granted if accompanied by conditions specially designed to safeguard the district and the Town, it shall impose such conditions and make them a part of the decision, and they shall be made a part of the permit issued by the Building Inspector.
SECTION XIV
LOCATION OF AUTOMOBILE SERVICES. No portion of the front or side lines of a public garage, automobile repair shop, greasing station, storage battery service station, or gasoline filling station, or any of their appurt- enances or accessory uses, shall hereafter be placed within 50 feet of any residence district. No such premises shall have any drive- way entrance or exit for motor vehicles within 300 feet of the property used by any public or private school, public library, church, playground or institution for the aged, sick or dependent, or for children under 16 years of age. Every filling station in a Business District shall hereafter be located not less than 15 feet inside the building line.
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SECTION XV
ENFORCEMENT. This By-Law shall be administered by the Build- ing Inspector.
He shall approve no application of any kind, plans and speci- fications and intended use, which are not in all respects in con- formity with this By-Law.
Applications for building permits shall be accompanied by a plot of the lot in duplicate, drawn to scale, showing the actual dimensions of the lot and the exact location and size of the build- ings already upon the lot, and of the building or structure to be erected, together with the streets and alleys on and adjacent to the lot. A record of such applications and plats shall be kept on file in the office of the Building Inspector.
SECTION XVI
CONFLICT OF LAWS. In general this By-Law is supplementary to other By-Laws affecting the use, height, area and location of buildings and structures and the use of premises. Where this By-Law imposes a greater restriction upon the use, height, area and location of buildings and structures or the use of premises than is imposed by other By-Laws, the pro- visions of this By-Law shall control.
SECTION XVII
APPEALS. Any person aggrieved by the action of the Building Inspector, or by a decision of the Board of Appeals, may appeal under the provisions of Section 27 and 27A, Chapter 40, of the General Laws, and amendments and additions thereto.
SECTION XVIII
AMENDMENT. This By-Law may be amended from time to time as provided by Law.
SECTION XIX
This By-Law shall take effect as provided by law.
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Board of Public Welfare
The expenditures for Outside Relief, Mothers' Aid and Soldiers' Relief were much less than in 1933. The men and women, who qualified, were employed on Emergency Relief Administration projects.
The greater part of our welfare expenses was due to accounts payable to other cities and towns for cases who still have a legal settlement in Andover, to the state and to hospitals for surgical care, and for the care of crippled children.
The generous cooperation of the various charitable organiza- tions and individuals was most helpful and greatly appreciated by the board, as well as by the many needy families.
Federal commodities and clothing have been given to the needy, through the Welfare Department, in great quantities.
The town appropriations for use in conjunction with E.R.A. were expended for truck hire, tools and materials on the following projects :
Bellevue Road-Gravel Road
Carmel Woods, Haggetts Pond-Cutting Brush
North Street-Gravel Road
Chandler Road-Gravel Road Haggetts Pond Road-Gravel Road
River Street-Gravel Road Assessors Records-Town Hall
Police Station-Painting
Punchard High School-Painting
Bradlee School-Painting River Road-Water Extension
Survey-Measuring and obtaining description of buildings Lovejoy Road-Water Extension
Rattlesnake Hill Road-Water Extension and Gravel Road Beacon Street-Gravel Road Andover Fire Station-Re-wiring Main Floor
Town Infirmary-Painting Hidden Road, Sunset Rock Road-Gravel Road Bradlee School-Dry Wells
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Corbett Street-Sewer
High Plain Road-Water Extension
Vine Street-Water Extension
Carmel Road-Sewer
Lowell Junction Road-Water Extension, Rebuilding Road Porter Road-Sewer
Rogers Brook-Cleaning out and widening
River Road-3 foot drain from River Road to Merrimack River Haggetts Pond-Cleaning
Spring Grove Cemetery-Improvements
Avon Street-Trench for drain
Lowell Road-Drain from Lowell Street through field to Green- wood Road
Traffic Survey (Elimination of accidents)-Checking traffic con- ditions in Town to report to proper authority
Water Holes-High Plain Road, Wood Hill Road
Eradication of Brown Tail Moths-Town
Cutting Wood-Board of Public Welfare
Salem Street-Drain
Wildwood Road-Gravel Road
C.C.C .- Portable School Building
Gould Road-Water Extension, Gravel
Tennis Court-Ballardvale Playstead
Soccer Field-Andover Playstead
Ballardvale Playstead-Grading
Respectfully submitted,
JEREMIAH J. DALY, Chairman FRANK H. HARDY HOWELL F. SHEPARD Board of Public Welfare
122
Fire Department
To the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Andover:
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit the report of the Andover Fire Department from January 1, 1934 to January 1935.
During this time the department has answered 135 bell and 112 still alarms.
We have laid 7000 feet of 21/2 inch hose using 900 gallons of chemical and 325 feet of ladders.
Value of buildings where fires have occurred $220,625.00; losson buildings $22,410.00 mostly covered by insurance.
The equipment consists of one hose and chemical year 1912, one 750 gallon pump, hose and chemical year 1914, one 1000 gallon pump, hose and booster year 1928, one ladder truck year 1923, one ambulance year 1926.
We have 6200 feet of 21/2 inch hose, 900 feet 11/2 inch hose, 1500 feet inch hose and one inhalator.
During the year the ambulance has answered 259 calls to take sick or injured persons to hospitals or homes.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES F. EMERSON, Chief, Fire Department
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Police Department
January, 1935
To the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Andover:
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit the report of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1934.
COMPLAINTS RECEIVED AND INVESTIGATED
Complaints received and investigated
848
Automobile accidents investigated 116
Ambulance calls covered by Police
29
Summons served for out of town Police
60
Automobiles stolen
8
Automobiles recovered
19
Bicycles stolen
13
Bicycles recovered
11
Breaks in camps and dwelling houses
40
Investigated
40
Doors found open and secured
210
Children found and returned to parents
20
Dogs killed by automobiles
13
Tel. and Tel. poles down and guarded
2
Street lights reported out
301
Suicides reported
2
Fires covered by police
27
Dogs reported lost
44
Persons notified for out of town departments
52
Dogs killing hens
19
Trees blown down
8
False fire alarms
14
Dead bodies cared for
9
Lights in dangerous places
11
Live wires down and guarded
5
Dogs killing pigs
2
Stray dogs picked up
42
Stolen Property-value
$4140.40
Stolen Property -. recovered
7510.15
(Part of property recovered stolen out of town)
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DISPOSITION OF CASES
On file 26
Arrested for out of town officers
3
Released
28
Paid fines
88
Not guilty
16
Committed to State Hospital Danvers
3
Committed to State Hospital Tewksbury
2
Committed to House of Correction
8
Committed to Bridgewater
4
Suspended sentence to Bridgewater
2
Suspended sentence to Shirley
4
Suspended sentence to House of Correction
4
Suspended sentence to Lyman School
1
Held for the Grand Jury
9
Placed on Probation
20
Continued
6
Appealed to Superior Court
19
Fines in lower court
$2320.00
Fines in Superior court
465.00
Total number of arrests
243
Males
240
Females
3
Number arrested for Auto Violations
117
This includes operating under the influence of liquor 24
Arrested for simple drunk
42
POLICE DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT
One 1934 Ford Sedan
Two Large Search Lights
Three H. D. Motor Cycles
Three Small Search Lights
Two Gas Guns
One Target Pistol
Two Riot Guns
One Camera
Two Radios
Two Bullet Proof Vests
Twelve Revolvers
Two Gas Billies
Twelve Riot Sticks
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE A. DANE, Chief of Police
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Report of Investigation of Police Department
MR. FREDERICK BUTLER, Moderator
February 5, 1935 Sir :
Whereas at a Special Town Meeting held in Andover on Octo- ber 1, 1934, the following vote was passed under Article 8:
"That a committee of three or five be appointed by the Mod- erator to investigate the Police Department with the idea of a reorganization along more efficient lines. Said committee to make their report at the regular March meeting."
In accordance with your appointment of the following citizens of the town to form this committee as follows:
Valentine M. FitzHugh, 15 Morton Street
William A. Trow, 31 Lowell Street
William F. Barron, Haggetts Pond Road
Edward P. Hall, Dascomb Road
Edmond E. Hammond, Porter Road
we herewith present our report together with recommendations.
On November 2 we caused the following notice to appear in The Andover Townsman and the Lawrence Tribune:
"At a meeting of the committee appointed by the Moderator to investigate the Police Department of the Town of Andover, Col. Valentine M. FitzHugh was elected Chairman, Mr. William A. Trow, Secretary.
"It is desired by the committee that anyone with constructive criticism shall appear with their complaint or submit it in writing to the Chairman, Secretary or any other member of the commit- tee.
"The committee desire to obtain the fullest expression of opin- ion on the part of the public."
On January 11, a second notice was published in The Andover Townsman and given to the Lawrence papers as follows:
"The committee for the Investigation of the Andover Police Department will meet on Monday next, January 14. If any Townsman has some constructive suggestion to make to the
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committee he will please do so, as soon as possible, addressing any member of the committee. These suggestions should be put in writing, if possible, and signed. A request to appear before the committee will be in order and arrangements be made according- ly."
Signed : V. M. FITZHUGH, Chairman
The first meeting of the committee was held on October 29 and they have been continued weekly whenever possible.
Your committee wish to express their appreciation for the spirit of cooperation shown both by the Board of Selectmen and the Chief of Police in connection with the investigation. Certain recommendations made by the committee were readily adopted, and all information which was sought from time to time was readily given.
The report is classified under the following headings: Personnel, Discipline, Training, Equipment, Traffic, Organization, Civil Service.
PERSONNEL
The personnel of the regular force consists of a Chief of Police, a Sergeant and nine regular officers. A number of these men ap- pear to be qualified to perform the duties of a Police Officer in a satisfactory manner but we feel that a higher degree of efficiency might be obtained by the force as a whole if a more rigid system of discipline and supervision were established.
A certain high standard of efficiency should be set up and any departure from this should be handled with a firm hand by the Board of Selectmen and the Chief of Police. It is considered that a considerable improvement might be attained in this respect.
NUMBERS-It is considered that if the recommendation for the purchase of another car in accordance with Article 10 of the Town Warrant and Traffic lights are placed in Shawsheen Square in accordance with Article 11 of the Town Warrant, that the present number of regular officers should be sufficient to cover the town. There are uniformed reserve officers to the number sixteen and the two police-women of whom only a comparatively small number are regularly used, for active police work. These should, if properly used be more than sufficient.
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DISCIPLINE
It is recommended that a definite set of rules of conduct be drawn up for the guidance of officers at all times and a draft suggested as being suitable for this purpose is being submitted by your Committee to the Board of Selectmen. A publication entitled A Manual for the Instruction of Applicants for the Police Service, prepared by the Civil Service Commissioners, appears to be excellent and, we understand, has been issed to all regular officers since your committee began their investigation.
GRATUITIES-Any taking of gratuities by police officers for exercising leniency in connection with any offense against the law (page 5 Manual for Instruction-Extortion) should be con- sidered as a very serious matter and the public are earnestly requested to report any such matter that may come to their knowledge immediately to the Chief of Police and the Board of Selectmen.
RECORDS-It is recommended that a careful record be kept in connection with the conduct of all police officers and that entries should be made of all outstanding incidents of their career. These should include all acts of special merit and also all derelictions of duty, however trivial.
These records should be studied from time to time and would help the Chief of Police and the Board of Selectmen to judge as to where an officer might require advice or warning on one hand and would help in recommendations for promotion on the other.
OTHER OCCUPATIONS-No regular police officer should be per- mitted to have any other occupation from which he would receive remuneration or profit outside of his position on the force without divulging this to the Chief of Police who would bring such a matter before the Board of Selectmen who, would in turn decide if the proposed occupation were of a nature to conflict with the duties of a Police Officer.
TRAINING
It appears that training in the use of arms is carried on as well as possible by the Chief of Police with the time and means that he has at his disposal.
This appears, however, to apply to regular officers only and it
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is suggested that the special uniformed officers should receive the same training.
Serious consideration might be given to the organization of special classes in first aid work.
ยท
EQUIPMENT
The equipment of arms of the Regular Police Force has been checked with the Chief of Police and your committee is satisfied that these are sufficient in number and properly cared for.
We find however, that the revolvers held by the special officers are owned by the Andover Police Relief Association and suggest that steps should be taken to have these as the property of the town.
MOTOR BICYCLES-The town has three of these, in good condi- tion, but it appears that they are only of use for patrolling the main highways, supervision of traffic or for emergency calls. These are not considered to be of use for covering a district in a general way as the noise advertises the approach of an officer and as a rule, they only carry one officer, where two may be needed.
MOTOR CARS-The town has already one motor car equipped with one way radio which is used for general work and to answer emergency calls. It is recommended that another car be pur- chased, also so equipped, so that one can be used as a cruising car, thereby increasing the mobility of the present police force. When this car is used in this way for cruising and covering the district it should, whenever possible, have two men in it. The officers in this car should report back to the station from certain specified points on their route.
TRAFFIC-ANDOVER SQUARE
It is recommended
1: That the officer stationed here should be moved to a position nearer the centre of the square and be so placed that he can see and control traffic from all entering streets.
2. That signs should be placed on all streets entering Andover Square, at a distance of about twenty (20) yards before entering the square, raised well off the ground, and with large lettering and a clear inscription such as "ANDOVER SQUARE-GO SLOW."
These should be legible at night.
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SHAWSHEEN SQUARE
It is recommended that the blinker should be removed and traffic lights installed.
MAIN STREET
It is suggested
1. That the grass plot on the east side of Main Street, opposite Phillips Academy, be abolished and a two-way street fifty-eight (58) feet broad be constructed from a point opposite James C. Sawyer's residence to Chapel Avenue, and that the street lights be placed on an island in the centre of the street. Said island to be fourteen (14) feet broad in accordance with plans in possession of the Board of Public Works.
(See Town Warrant 1933 p. 19-Article 22)
2. That double parking on Main Street and in Andover Square be absolutely prohibited and the rule enforced by patrolling the street, as it is manifestly impossible for the officer on duty in the square to supervise this. This should improve traffic conditions on this part of Main Street.
3. That the one hour rule for parking in the square be strictly enforced, which is not the case at present.
ESSEX STREET
It is recommended that the parking on Essex Street be re- stricted to one side, namely the north side from 6.00 P.M. to 7.00 A.M. and the south side from 7.00 A.M. to 6.00 P.M. In this connection it is suggested that as parking on both sides leaves room for only one car to pass with any degree of safety, this con- stitutes a serious hazard not only for ordinary traffic but espec- ially for the equipment of the Fire Department.
HITCH-HIKING
This reprehensible habit has developed to such a degree that it has become a public nuisance and a serious traffic hazard, both to the drivers of automobiles as well as to the hitch-hiker himself.
It is recommended that Section 10 of Rules and Orders Regu- lating Traffic of the Town of Andover be rigorously enforced.
ORGANIZATION
Information has been procured from a number of towns in
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Massachusetts of similar area and population to Andover in regard to salaries, number of personnel of the police force, equip- ment, etc., and it transpires that the Town of Andover compares favourably in such matters with these towns, with the exception that the majority of these towns are under civil service.
The present organization appears to center principally on a system of fixed posts and the maintenance of these entails the use of the entire personnel of the force; in fact with the present force it is not possible to cover all these fixed posts in an efficient man- ner. From the investigation of other police departments it seems that there is a very definite trend toward increased mobility, especially in districts that have a very large area in comparison with the population, and it is with this in view that your com- mittee has recommended the purchase of another motor-car so as to make possible a regular cruising service at night and when necessary, part of the day with the idea of covering the entire district.
It should be realized that with an area of 32 square miles, no such coverage can be obtained with our present police force on fixed posts owing to their limited numbers.
It is suggested that the entire district be patrolled by two offic- ers in a police car every night from 6.00 P.M. to 8.00 A.M.
The men for this purpose should be made available by the installation of traffic lights in Shawsheen Square and the with- drawal of the traffic control officers from that fixed post.
CIVIL SERVICE
The question of recommending that the Police Force of An- dover be placed under Civil Service has been discussed by your Committee and as thorough an investigation as possible has been conducted along these lines. Your Committee though recognizing the merits of Civil Service do not feel that they should recom- mend that this should be done at the present time and with the force as at present constituted.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATION
It appears to your Committee that a real state of efficiency in the police force can only be attained by the creation of a complete
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and loyal spirit of cooperation between the citizens of the town, the Board of Selectmen and the members of the police force.
If all citizens will make a firm resolve to do their part in this to the fullest extent, the work of the police should be made easier and a more pronounced state of efficiency result.
It is recommended that all townspeople communicate to the police immediately any irregularities that may come to their attention at any time so as to give the police an opportunity to investigate at once, leaving it to them to follow whatever pro- cedure is indicated either by law or expediency.
It is earnestly recommended that everyone should avoid ad- verse criticism and especially the promulgation of any story to the detriment of anyone occupying an official position unless they are prepared to make a definite accusation backed up by evidence.
Remember that this Police Force is your Police Force and are here to serve the town and every man, woman and child in it.
It is up to you to help them to attain that goal.
SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Installation of Traffic lights in Shawsheen Square at the corner of Lowell and North Main Streets to relieve the officers now on fixed post here for general duty. (See Article 11-Town Warrant)
2. The purchase of another motor car to be used as a cruising car in accordance with program as designated under heading, "Organization." (See Article 10-Town Warrant)
3. That the revolvers now in use by the uniformed reserve officers should become the property of the town. (Note-to be included in the budget of the Police Department)
Respectfully submitted,
VALENTINE M. FITZHUGH, Chairman WILLIAM A. TROW, Secretary EDWARD P. HALL EDMOND E. HAMMOND *WILLIAM F. BARRON
*Mr. Barron signed the report with the following exception to the Civil Service section : "I believe that the Department should be placed under Civil Service rules now. (Signed) W. F. B."
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Board of Health Nurse and Agent
To the Board of Health:
As Board of Health Nurse and Agent it is my duty and pleasure to submit the following report to the Board of Health and towns- people of Andover.
1934
1933
1932
Septic Sore Throat
0
0
1
Dog Bite
34
8
4
Amoebic Dysentery
0
0
1
Tuberculosis
6
4
3
Typhoid Fever
0
0
1
Scarlet Fever
25
13
16
Chicken Pox
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