USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Andover > Town annual report of Andover 1955-1959 > Part 61
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The Planning Board has also proposed in the 1960 Warrant the creation of a large new residential district, in the outlying portions of the town, in which lot areas of two acres would be required. This change was recommended by the 1956 Master Plan.
A thorough revision of the Planning Board's Rules and Regulations for the subdivision of land was undertaken in 1959. Mr. Harold King was the member responsible for much of the revision, to- gether with the Board's engineer, Mr. R. Preble.
At the request of the By-Law Revision Committee, the Planning Board made a detailed study of the present Zoning By-Law and submitted a long list of recommended changes.
The Planning Board has met with the School Committee to discuss sites for future elementary schools in West Andover, and during 1960 will study elementary school needs for the next two decades, with an eye to recommending specific sites to be acquired in the near future.
The persistant problem of the disposal of surface water which is a factor in the planning of every new subdivision has en- gaged the attention of the Planning Board, Town Manager, Dept. of Public Works and the Selectmen during 1959. The Planning Board has gone on record emphatically in favor of a town-wide drainage survey and eventual master plan for storm drainage.
The need for expansion of present inadequate public recrea- tional facilities in Andover was underscored by a meeting of the Recreation Committee of the League of Women Voters with the Pianning Board, followed by other meetings of this same League Committee with other town officials. In response to this public interest and support, the Planning Board has provided $500.00 in its 1960 budget, and has directed its consultant to study the town's recreational facilities, its recreational wants and needs, and to recommend possible improvements.
By vote of Town Meeting in 1959 (Art. 39), on a proposal recommend- ed at that time by the Planning Board, Andover joined the three other Greater Lawrence Communities in a new regional planning district, subsequently named the Central Merrimack Valley Plann- ing District, the second such group to be established under 1955 state enabling legislation. Mrs. Hammond was appointed and acts as delegate from Andover. The plans and recommendations of this Commission are to be advisory only. Several consultants were interviewed, and Planning, & Renewal Associates was finally chosen to aid the Commission in its work. The program will be underway during 1960, with early application to the federal government for funds to match the district's available funds, about $10,000.00. The ultimate goals of this program are the preparation of an integrated plan for regional development and
88
the eventual establishment of a central office for regional planning and development activities, manned by a qualified planning staff.
The administration of the Subdivision Control Law occupied a large proportion of the Planning Board's time, as usual. During 1959, the Board approved six new subdivisions with new building lots totaling 100. Four preliminary plans of subdivision were also submitted to the Board, with a total of 284 additional new lots. Of these four preliminary plans, one has been with- drawn and three are still pending. An additional 107 lots were created by plans reviewed by the Planning Board but not requiring Planning Board approval under Subdivision Control.
The Board held seven public hearings; six for subdivision and one for zoning changes.
Respectfully submitted,
Donald G. Thompson, Chairman Virginia H. Hammond, Secretary John N. Cole, 2nd. James H. Eaton, III. Harold T. King
Board of Appeals Report
To the Town Manager:
The Board of Appeals, under the Zoning, By-Law of the Town of Andover, as reorganized due to the adoption of the Town Manager form of government, has the following members: Alfred W. Fuller, Chairman, term expiring May 1, 1962; Edmond E. Hammond, Secretary, term expiring May 1, 1960; and Joseph F. Bacigalupo, term expiring May 1, 1961; and three associate members, Robert S. Zollner, term expiring May 1, 1962; Harold Rutter, Jr., term expiring May 1, 1961; and Harry Sellars, term expiring May 1, 1960.
During the year 1959, the twenty-fourth year of the Zoning By- Law, the Board heard 54 cases which were disposed of as follows:
27 petitions granted
16 petitions denied
2 petitions were determined not to require decisions by the Board
3 petitions withdrawn
6 petitions pending as of December 31, 1959.
Respectfully submitted,
Alfred W. Fuller, Chairman Edmond E. Hammond, Secretary Joseph F. Pacigalupo
89
Report of Recreation Committee
PLAYGROUNDS
The registration on our five playgrounds, Central, Bal- lardvale, Shawsheen, Indian Ridge and West Center was 2337 for the season. An extensive program of playground activities included arts and crafts, baseball, softball, volleyball, tournaments in chess, checkers, ping-pong, dominoes, sandbuilding, badminton and bean bag. Each week a special event was held on all playgrounds such as doll, costume, hat, hobby, pet and baby shows, also a parade on wheels, doughnut eating, bubble gum and boxing contests. The Annual Picnic was held at Canobie Lake on July 22nd with over 500 youngsters attending. Milk, ice cream, candy bars and free rides on some of the conces- sions were furnished by our committee. A field day and general play program was carried out at the Canobie Lake Park. The Annual Field Day was held on August 14th and inter-playground contests took place on the playstead. Gold ribbons were awarded to the winners in the various events. Arts and crafts classes were well attended, and an excellent display of the work of the youngsters was exhibited in two Main Street store windows. The Twilight Baseball League played 25 games with 60 boys and young men, from 14 to 30 years of age, thoroughly enjoying the close and exciting contests. The winners, The Tigers, were awarded appropriate trophies. The playground staff of sixteen instructors were most talented, energetic and cooperative, and it was a pleasure to work with them.
POMPS POND
Pomps Pond enjoyed its most successful season since the water front program started. The registration in six classes of water safety, ranging from beginners and in- termediates to senior life saving, was 617, of which 234 passed the American Red Cross tests. The largest atten- dance on one day was 4675. This was on Sunday, June 5th. The biggest week was July 28th to August 5th, when 29,270 visited this popular recreation area. The total atten- dance for the season last year was 64,000, and the total attendance for this year was 134,107. These figures speak for themselves, and really show the great demands being made on our present facilities and personnel. The Recreation Committee has recommended to the Town Manager and the Board of Selectmen that as much additional land
90
as possible be purchased at Pomps Pond adjacent to our present swimming area for immediate development. There are acres of wooded sections, where ideal picnic grounds can be developed and more play areas added. Our commit- tee's long range planning could make this section of Andover a most beautiful and enjoyable recreation area, if we had the necessary land. The League of Women Voters has taken a real interest in recreation in our town. The members of this organization have made a survey of the problem, and passed on several very worthwhile recommen- dations to our committee. This support of the ladies of The League of Women Voters is deeply appreciated. Besides water safety and swimming instructions, we offer instructions in boating and have fireplaces and picnic tables for family gatherings, a varied assortment of playground apparatus and beautiful picnic groves. We have the potential of making this area one of the finest recre- ation spots in the state.
The traditional Easter Candy Hunt was held in the Park on Easter Saturday, and attracted a large number of young- sters and adults. Only three Halloween Parties were held this year. One was held at the Central for the Junior High School students which was very successful. Others were held at North District and Ballardvale. Various sec- tions of town preferred street or home parties, and this tendency for individual observance of the night seems to be on the increase. The only sponsored skating area is in Ballardvale. There were only a few days when the weather permitted this phase of recreation.
We extend our grateful thanks to the Youth Center for the generous contribution to the Halloween Parties, and to the Police Department for services on that evening. We also owe a great debt to this Department for the dis- tribution of the stickers for Pomps Pond. Our sincere appreciation, too, for the cooperation of the Fire Depart- ment, Board of Public Works, Board of Selectmen and the Town Manager. The Departments mentioned with our Pomps Pond and Playground Staff working together, made the year a very enjoyable one for all participating in the recre- ational program offered by our town.
Respectfully submitted,
James D. Doherty, Chairman Durwood W. Moody Walter Pearson Stephen S. Sorota Francis P. Markey, Secretary
91
COMMITTEE TO STUDY THE NEED FOR A FIRE STATION IN WEST ANDOVER, MASS.
To Thomas E. Duff, Town Manager
This committee appointed by the Moderator recommends an additional Fire Station in the West Andover area near the intersection of Lowell Street, Route #133 and the new Route #93, commonly referred to as the new Route #28.This location is the result of our study and recommendation of the Planning Board.
There is a definite need for this station because of:
a. ) Present growth and potential growth
b.) West Andover Industrial Zone
c.) 5 minute run from Central Fire Station to proposed new station
d.) 12 miles maximum from station to well developed Residential Area per National Board of Fire Underwriters and New England Fire Insurance Rating Association.
The estimated cost is broken down as follows:
1. Building
$25,000.
2. Land 5,000.
3. 3 Men - 3 Shifts 43,000.
4. 1 Fire Truck 22,000.
5. Furniture, Hose, Alarm, Misc. 15,000.
$110,000.
Respectfully submitted,
Douglas N. Howe, Chairman
Cyrus F. Springall
James D. Hamilton
John J. Hewitt
Henry L. Hilton, Fire Chief
92
Fire Department
To the Town Manager:
The 1959 report of the Fire Department is hereby submitted.
Service Record: A total of 1611 calls for assistance were answered. Seven false alarms were sounded, most of which were honest mistakes or the result of curiosity of youngsters. Mutual aid assistance to out-of-town departments was given to Lawrence 1, Tewksbury 2, North Andover 1, Melrose 1, and North Reading 2. We received aid from Lawrence 1, Worth Reading 3, Tewksbury 6, North Andover 3, and Wilmington 2.
The estimated loss from fires of all types amounted to approximately $190,000.00. This figure represents for the most part the actual insurance settlement for losses of which we were notified. The assessed valuation of buildings wherein fire occurred amounted to approximately $1,203,100.00.
Ambulance calls amounted to a total of 706, of this number 75 were for use of this service by non-residents who were billed as follows: 71 at $10.00 and 4 at $25.00 for a total billing of $810.00 to be payable to the Town Treasurer. Ambulance aid, out-of-town, was given to Lawrence 5, North Andover 3, and North Reading 2. We received aid from North Andover 4.
Fire Prevention: Permits for the installation of fuel oil burning equipment and the necessary inspection of the installation and facilities for storage of oil amounted to 197. A fee of $.50 is charged for all oil storage permits and this money is turned in monthly to the Town Treasurer. A total of 39 Liquified Petroleum Gas systems were inspected. Seventeen permits for the use of dynamite for blasting purposes were is- sued. Twenty-five hundred (2500) permits for open air fires were issued as weather conditions warranted.
Inspections of all school buildings, public and pri- vate, all mercantile and industrial buildings and buildings of three or more apartments have been or will be inspected. The basement areas of these buildings are diagramed and filed with the inspection reports at the Central Station. These reports and information we gather are used in training classes which are conducted on a year-around basis as activities will allow. Recommendations, notices of violations or suggested actions are filed and/or referred to the proper authorities or persons responsible for further action. Fire Prevention inspections are a day to day, year to year activity due to the mounting requirements of state statues, and the rules and regulations of the Board of Fire Prevention under the provisions of Gen- eral Laws Chapter 148, Section 10.
93
Inspection of all buildings on the property of Saint Augustine's Parish was carried out on the request of the local Pastor.
Manpower: The permanent force consists of twenty- nine men including the Chief. At present there are eighteen callmen of a normal compliment of twenty-five. Four permanent firemen are working on the day shift only so that we now have added daytime coverage when callmen are at a minimum due to busi- ness or occupational duty.
Apparatus : Located at the Central Station is Ladder 1, a 1941 American LaFrance 65 foot Aerial. Engine 1, a 1937 Ameri- can LaFrance 500 g.p.m. pumper, Engine 3, a 1952 American La- France 1000 g.p.m. pumper, a 1957 Willy-Jeep 3/4 Ton Utility truck, a 1955 Desoto-Chief's car, a 1956 Cadillac Ambulance and a 1950 Ford Forest Fire truck. A rescue boat and trailer and a fire alarm maintenance trailer are also housed at the Central Station.
At the Ballardvale Station is a 1945 Mack 500 g.p.m. pumper and a rescue boat and trailer.
Fire Alarm: Repair and maintenance of present equip- ment is done by off-duty personnel qualified for such work. The grounding of all equipment exposed to public use will be completed in 1960 and the program of replacing old street boxes with newer type will progress as planned on a spaced, uniform, year to year basis. Considerable unforeseen work again has ne- cessitated the delay of some planned extensions, due to the re- quired work of rewiring and change-over from old poles to new as the power company installed higher voltage lines and poles in the Ballardvale and South Main Street areas of Town.
Buildings: The on-duty firemen installed a 27,000 watt, 4 wire, three phase A.C. electric generating plant in the basement of the Central Station. This unit, acquired through Andover Civil Defense, is wired to allow immediate transfer from Merrimack-Essex Electric Company power to local auxiliary power for the complete electrical needs of the Central Fire Station. The unit has the capacity to supply the emergency needs of the Town Hall also. An underground duct was placed beneath the road between the Central Station and the Town Hall by the firemen and a supply cable was run into the basement of the Town Hall, adja- cent to the power service, for the tie-in of their system when the necessary transfer switches for such service are provided at this site.
Another Civil Defense auxiliary generator with a capa- city of 5000 watts was installed for emergency power in the base-
94
ment of the Ballardvale Station by the men of the Department.
The apparatus floor, walls and ceilings of the Cen- tral Station were repaired and painted and a watch desk and station constructed by the men. Old lighting fixtures removed from the Town Hall renovation project were used to good advan- tage in several locations of the station. All outside windows were glazed as nmeded and window and door frames caulked against the elements.
All minor and most major repairs to buildings and equipment is directly done by the on-duty members of the de- partment.
Recommendations: The present 1937 American LaFrance 500 g.p.m. pumper should be replaced with a new 750 g.p.m. pumper as this truck is twenty-three years old and the factor of dependability is being stretched each day it is running as a major piece of firefighting equipment. I have repeatedly rec- ommended this action since 1957 and still believe a policy of a Capital Outlay Plan be adopted where a planned turn-over of major equipment is on a definite schedule so that the problem of facing the replacing of several major items at one time is eliminated. Also the 1955 Desoto Chief's car should be turned in this year. From a financial point of view this procedure should be practiced every three years.
Conclusion: I wish to thank the Town Manager for his cooperation; the members of the Department for their efficient and faithful performance of duty, and the telephone operators of the Lawrence Office who have intelligently and calmly passed along many messages of emergency.
Respectfully submitted,
Henry L. Hilton, Chief
95
Police Department
The Andover Police Department submits a summary of activities for the year ending December 31,1959.
Miscellaneous Complaints Received and Investigated 1725 247
Summons Served For Out Of Town Police
14
Automobiles Recovered in Andover
10
Bicycles Stolen in Andover
16
Bicycles Recovered in Andover
13
Breaks in Camps and Dwellings
14
Doors in Business District Found Open and Secured
119
Lost Children Returned to Parents-Institutions
11
Missing Persons Found and Returned
4
Runaway Children Returned to Parents-Institutions
12
Dogs Killed By Automobiles
27
Dogs Injured By Automobiles
41
Street Lights Reported Out to Lawrence Electric Co.
440
Dead Bodies Cared For By Police
2
Persons Notified For Out Of Town Police
17
Dwellings Inspected While Owners Away
561
Articles Found And Returned To Owners
27
Summons Served On Local Complaints In Andover
19
Highway Conditions Reported to B. P.W.
65
Persons Taken To Danvers State Hospital Persons Taken To Hospital In Cruiser
24
Bell Alarms Covered By Police
129
Arrests Made For Out Of Town Police
2
Breaks In Business Establishments
5
Breaks In Dwellings
14
Suicide
1
Arrests and Charges
Drunkenness
47
Operating Under The Influence Of Liquor
15
Operating To Endanger
6
Leaving Scene After Doing Damage To Property
4
Operating Without License
3
Operating Unregistered Automobile
Operating Uninsured Automobile
Unlawful Use Of Automobile
Using Motor Vehicle Without Authority
Attaching Wrong Registration Plates
Parking Violations
85
Stop Sign Violation
2
No Inspection Sticker
2
School Bus Violation
6
Speeding
30
Assault and Battery
5
Breaking and Entering
96
6
5 3 2
Automobiles Stolen in Andover
Delinquent Child Violation Of Probation Vagrancy
Rape
Non Support
1
Neglect of Children
1
Burglarious Tools in Possession
3
Firearm Violations
2
Fugitive Warrant
2
Disturbing Peace
1
Failure To Stop For Police Officer
1
Disposition of Cases
Convictions in District Court
192
Convictions in Juvenile Court
6
Placed On File
19
Probation
9
Released By Probation Officer
31
Dismissed
4
Turned Over To Out Of Town Police
4
Sentenced To House Of Correction
9
Appealed To Superior Court
Sentenced To Concord Reformatory
Sentenced To State Prison
2
Sentenced To Youth Service Board
6
Sentenced To Bridgewater
1
Without Finding
1
Defaulted
2
Held For Grand Jury
3
No Bill
2
Fines Paid
$2710.00
In 1959 there were 259 reportable accidents in
Andover. This is an increase of 52 over the year 1958. The accidents were as follows:
Fatal 1
Personal injury 141
Property damage 104
Pedestrian 10
Bicycle-motor vehicle 3
In 1959, 341 motor vehicle violation notices were issued, and 3122 parking violation notices were sent out. The police cars travelled a total of 222,676 miles during the year 1959.
Respectfully submitted,
David L. Nicoll Chief of Police
97
2
Larceny
13
DOG OFFICER
I
To the Town Manager Andover, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I hereby submit my report as Dog Officer for the months of January, February and March, 1959 :
Complaints received and investigated
20
Dogs struck and injured by autos 23
Dogs struck and killed by autos 13
Number of dogs reported lost or missing 25
Stray dogs reported and cared for 20
Homes found for stray dogs 8
Dogs turned over to S.P.C.A.
12
Lost dogs returned to owners 18
Total number of dog bites received and investigated . 18
Dog bites reported to Board of Health 18
Rabbits reported killed by dogs and investigated 2
Dogs shot by police
2
Respectfully submitted,
William R. Hickey Dog Officer for Jan-Feb .- Mar., 1959
98
DOG OFFICER
January 25, 1960
Town Manager Andover, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I hereby submit my Annual Report as Dog Officer from April 1, 1959, the date of my appointment, to December 31, 1959.
Total number of dogs licenses in Andover to date .. 1,503 Number of Kennel licenses in Andover 15
Complaints received and investigated .. 40 Total number of dog bites received and investigated 51 Number of dog bites reported to Board of Health ... 51 Owners notified to restrain dogs as a result of said bites. 51
Stray dogs cared for (10 days each at kennel). 28
Owners of stray dogs located and notified. 19
Total number of dogs reported lost or missing
Dogs reported lost and returned to owners
Dogs turned over to S.P.C.A.
Homes found for stray dogs.
Number of dogs destroyed by police
Number of dogs destroyed by owners of livestock.
Dogs reported lost by out-of-town owners
Dogs struck and injured by autos
Dogs struck and killed by autos
Dogs struck and killed by trains
Dead dogs removed from the highways
Hens killed by dogs
Rabbits killed by dogs.
Sheep killed by dogs.
Pheasants killed by dogs
Ducks killed by dogs.
Turkeys killed by dogs.
Hogs killed by dogs.
Number of racoons buried
Number of cats buried. 8
Fox buried. 1
Respectfully submitted
Raymond A. Hoyer Dog Officer of Andover
90 22 28
0
0
0
3 8
18 0 18 5 0 0 0 5 0 7
99
Board of Health Nurse and Agent
To The Townspeople of Andover:
We submit herewith a brief resume' of the activities of the Board of Health for the year 1959:
The following contagious diseases were reported to this office:
1959
1958
1957
Dog Bites
71
53
65
Tuberculosis
4
3
4
Scarlet Fever
4
6
8
Chicken Pox
172
69
26
Whooping Cough
1
3
0
Measles
2
438
4
Mumps
107
16
105
Syphilis
1
2
0
Infectious Hepatitis
0
9
1
Meningitis, Influenzal
0
1
0
Anterior Poliomyelitis
0
0
0
Diphtheria
0
0
0
German Measles
15
202
20
Mononucleosis
0
0
0
Encephalitis (Eastern Equine)
0
0
0
Meningitis, pneumonia
0
Q
0
Salmonellosis
0
1
0
Gonorrhea
1
1
1
Scarlatina
0
1
0
Meningitis, meningococcal
1
0
0
DEATHS FROM CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
0
0
1
Meningitis
1
0
0
Poliomyelitis
0
0
0
The following licenses were granted and the fees for the same have been turned over to the Town Treasurer:
Septic Tank Permits
129
Maintenance of Piggeries
10
Poultry Slaughtering 2
Agencies Giving Day Care to
Children Under Seven
6
Mfg. Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts Milk
3
73
Oleo
33
100
Pasteurization of Milk
2 1 5 Camps Garbage & Refuse Swimming Pool
20
Inspections were made of restaurants, water supplies dairy barns, plants, milk trucks, Boy Scout Camps, Girl Scout Camps and piggeries. Milk samples were obtained and examined periodically throughout the year. Many sewage and nuisance complaints were investigated.
Field visits, including case findings and patch testing were made on all patients and contacts of communicable diseases. Contacts of all Positive Patch Test Re-actors found in the School Fatch Test Frogram were x-rayed or given a Tuberculin test.
The licensing program of Day Nurseries and Kindergarten was carried out and visits were also made to crippled children, rheumatic fever patients, premature infants, Nursing Homes, and Rest Homes and Infirmaries.
Biologic supplies are available to doctors on a twenty- four hour basis.
Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Nadeau, R. N. Agent
Town Manager Report of Wire Inspector
Andover, Massachusetts
Dear Sir: I hereby submit my report for wiring inspections for the year 1959.
529 permits issued for the year 1959.
$1,140.00 paid to Town Treasurer for year 1959. Respectfully submitted, Alex Ritchie, Jr. Wiring Inspector
101
Report of Building Inspector
January 11, 1960
Thomas E. Duff, Town Manager Andover, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Duff:
I submit the following as the report of the Building In- spector for the year 1959.
There were 138 permits issued for new dwellings at a value of $2,454,980 .; other buildings, 40 permits at a value of $2,585,075 .; additions and alterations, 120 permits at a value of $611,713 .; 4 elevator permits at a value of $19,134 .; with a total of $5,670,902. for all permits. There were 4 renewal permits, 4 building moving permits, 18 Elevator Operators' Licenses, 27 raze per- mits, and 5 sign permits, making a total of 360 permits issued.
The sum of $6,810.50 was turned over to the Town Trea- surer for fees from all permits.
It is noted that the breakdown for the 40 permits for other buildings at a value of $2,585,074. shows that $2,040,000. of this amount was for the following: 2 stu- dent dormitories at Phillips Academy $1,000,000., stu- dent dormitory at Merrimack College $400,000., and a convent on River Road $640,000.
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