USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Andover > Town annual report of Andover 1963-1969 > Part 24
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The school population in Andover continued to increase at about the same rate for 1965. Past figures and projections are given below :
1963
1964
1965
1966*
Elementary
2473
2580
2667
2799
Junior High School
913
1003
1081
1088
High School
790
829
861
889
Total
4176
4412
4609
4776
*Projected
Greater Lawrence Regional Vacatianal Technical High School - 1965
Architects Rendering of 1,200 Pupil - Seniar High Schaa!
LIBRARY
Personnel
Full-time 12
Part-time 8
Expenditures
$119,942.00
Monthly Cost Per Person
48 ¢
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5
Crowded but . . .
The passage of the library building article at the March Town Meeting was the single most exciting and important event in the 1965 library year.
Immediately thereafter, working drawings and bid specifications were prepared as quickly as possible so that the library could qualify for an $85,000 federal grant. Construction of the addi- tion was begun in early September and will, if all goes well, be completed by Summer or early Fall.
It became apparent that, because of con- struction, the adult library operation must be moved to the top floor. This involved many hours of planning book and furniture lay-out, and the moving and building of shelving for some 10,000 books.
Space, also, had to be found for several thousand periodicals and lesser used reference books when, in the interest of economy, the con- tractor took over the basement storeroom as an office. Thanks to the generosity of the Brooks School and Phillips Academy libraries, space has been found for this material for the duration. It is available to library users on request.
Except for a week in October when the library was closed to facilitate the move to the top floor, adult service has been carried on with- out interruption.
For the convenience of readers, a browsing collection of 2000, with books drawn from all sub- ject areas, has been introduced. Many readers are now discovering books which otherwise they might not have come upon.
With the library operations preempting all available top floor space, community groups, or- dinarily meeting at the Memorial Hall Library, have temporarily had to look elsewhere. The children's film program was moved to the Ballard Vale Branch Library. Otherwise, library activi- ties have gone on much as usual with the Child- ren's Room offering hospitality to Story Hours, Great Books and Trustees' Meetings. Only the annual open house had to be given up.
Adult circulation at the main library which showed a steady gain through September, not sur- prisingly plummeted in October, November and December so that the earlier gains were prac- tically wiped out. A few users have found the long climb to the top floor impossible: others, a de- terrent to frequent use.
Circulation as a whole, however, showed a gain. Children's Room use continues to increase ' with part of the 1965 gain due to longer hours
of opening, since, for the first time it has been possible to open the room all day on Saturdays and during school vacations.
The use of the elementary school libraries is also on the rise reflecting increased school en- rollments and stronger school library collections, but not increased hours of service due to the li- brary's continuing inability to recruit a trained full-time school librarian. The library has al- ready began recruiting for the next school year and hopefully will be successful.
4260 books were added to the library collec- tion in 1965, 22 less than in 1964, a reflection of higher book costs.
The elementary school library collections were increased by the addition of 1972 books.
4124 books, about 6% of the library's total holdings were withdrawn because of obsolescence or physical condition in a concerted effort to im- prove book collections as much as possible prior to moving into the new stack area.
2105 new borrowers were added to the li- brary's ranks; 1470 of them adults, 635 children.
Although there had to be some improvisation, 9th grade classes profited by their visits to gain practice in locating materials for school assign- ments. 23 school classes in all visited the library, ranging from pre-school through ninth grade. 27 story hours were held in 1965 and 28 meetings of the popular pre-school groups. Since October, story hours have been held on Saturday mornings in the Children's Room, not a good time as the marked drop in attendance indicates. However, when the library resumes normal operation, story hours will undoubtedly return to their usual popularity.
140 adult and children's records were pur- chased or added by gift. The Futterman Fund made a small grant of $90 to the library for re- cords in 1965. Total recordings adult and child- ren's number 1330.
"A Woman's Work . . . " Town Manager Richard J. Bowen, Architect James Clapp, Contractor Donald Manzelli, Arthur Reynolds Chairman, Library Trustees and Miriam Putnam, Librarian.
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448 framed prints were loaned for home use, a slight decrease from 1964. Usually each year a half dozen new prints are added but be- cause of space limitations, none were purchased in 1965.
93 16mm sound films were available for com- munity use during the year. 333 film showings had a total audience of 20,154 viewers. Fewer film strips and slides were borrowed than in 1964.
A specific sum of money was set aside for the first time to buy adult books for the young adult collection.
Between $500 and $600 was spent for the purchase of double starred titles on the American Association for the Advancement of Science Book List for Young Adults in an effort to improve the library's science holdings. Since science books have a high obsolescence, this must be a con- tinuous process.
1965 STATISTICS OF LIBRARY USE BOOK STOCK
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Volumes at beginning of year
50,122
18,290
68,412
Volumes added by purchase
2,942
1,098
4,040
Volumes added by gift
206
14
220
Lost of withdrawn
-2,827
-1,297
-4,124
50,443
18,105
68,548
Newspapers and magazines currently received
226
Magazines received by gift
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USE
Adult books and other materials*
98,764
Children's books and other materials* Main Library and Branch
64,216
Elementary School Libraries
58,336
122,552
Total Circulation
221,316
REGISTRATION
New Borrowers, 1965
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Total number of registered
1,470
635
2,105
borrowers
5,276
4,041
9,317
Circulation per capita (based on 1965 state census figures - 20,551)
10.8
Includes magazines, pamphlets, records, mounted pictures, film strips, slides, framed prints.
Total number of books in Library
68,548
Book Stock per capita
3.3
Total Circulation
1960
1965
170,073
221,316
Circulation per capita
(1965 state census, 20,551)
10.8
The Business Index was added this past year which does for business magazines what the Reader's Guide does for general periodicals. A book list of reent acquisitions for business men was distributed by the Junior and Senior Cham- bers of Commerce to their members.
The Library now subscribes to the New York Times Index and, hopefully, before too long, will be able to subscribe to The New York Times Mi- crofilm edition.
The book budget fell far short of providing enough funds for all the books in all the fields which the library can profitably use to meet read- ers needs. Because of the construction project and the limited adult operating space, the 1966 book budget was increased only nominally in order to meet price increases. In 1967 it must be sub- stantially raised.
Funds from the John C. Moynihan bequest and a gift from the Andover Council of Churches, noted in last year's report, enabled the library to enrich its literature, philosophy and religious collections in a way its own book funds would not have premitted.
Special areas which will receive emphasis in 1966 purchase are: reference, child care, arts and crafts and science.
Book lists since September have been pro- duced on the town multilitlı. We appreciate the cooperation.
The long overdue redecorating of the Ballard Vale Branch Library interior, using lively colors to demarcate library functions, was completed this fall. The library room should attract new users who will find there a continually improving book collection.
There have been a few staff changes. Mrs. Isabel Eldridge joined the staff in September as Library Assistant. Everett Ward, Custodian for more than ten years, retired to accept another position. William E. Arnold succeeded him as Custodian.
The professional staff has participated ac- tively in library affairs, attending the National Conference, state and local meetings and work- shops, taking part in cooperative book reviewing, serving on community committees.
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The library is grateful to members of the Department of Public Works who transported books, moved and constructed book shelves; to the volunteers of all ages who provided the hu- man chain which got the books to their new location; to the Brooks School and Phillips Acad- emy libraries for their generous offer of space in time of need.
It appreciates, too, the splendid way in which library users and staff alike took inconveniences, dust and noise, part of the price of the library building, in stride.
The Library thanks its many friends who gave time, money and books. Special thanks go to the Andover Evening Study Program for its gift of $300 whichwill be used to buy something special for the new addition.
The Library, as in other years, gratefully acknowledges the excellent press coverage given its services and activities.
Andoverians watch the progress of the li- brary addition with delight and expectation. By this time next year, these expectations should be a reality.
RECREATION
Personnel
Full-time 2
Part-time 33 $45,080.00
Expenditures Monthly Cost Per Person
18¢
The aim of the Recreation Department is "to make available areas and facilities suitable to the leisure time needs of the people of the com- munity." Because of the rapid growth of Andover, the "Challenge of Change" has been particularly applicable to the oeration of the Department during 1965. Some of the changes have been dramatic and some functional. All areas have been changed to meet the increasing need.
Andover Recreation Park is a 35-acre tract located near the geographical center of town with its entrance at 175 Abbot Street. The Andover Recreation Park Lodge received a new heating system a few short days before the start of the New Year. Between this, the location, and the grounds, it was possible to accommodate over 50 groups and several thousand individuals through all seasons.
The Community Improvement Committee of the Shawsheen Village Women's Club did much to provide changes in the Lodge. Under the lead- ership of Mrs. Richard E. Hutchinson, the Com- mittee accomplished the sewing of drapes for
the main hall windows; financing the installation of a light for outdoor steps ; purchasing a folding ping pong table; purchasing some unique games for use in the program; and compiling material for a revised Guide to Organizations and Activ- ities. These were all done through money raised from an auction held in the Area. Other changes in the building included the purchase of chairs by the Welcome Wagon Newcomers' Club; pur- chase of bridge chairs and tables by the Dupli- cate Bridge Club; completion of the paneling and staining of walls in the main hall; completion of the installation of combination storm windows in the main hall; repair of the chimney; repair and reconditioning of the main fireplace; and sealing the floor of the main hall.
The Pomps Pond Swimming Area at An- dover Recreation Park also underwent dramatic changes which included the completion of a new entrance road; installation of new swimming piers; reconditioning of the guard house; recon- ditioning of the first aid room; installation of an outdoor emergency telephone; and algae control
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treatment of the water.
The main entrance to Andover Recreation Park took on a new look with the installation of guard posts with reflectorized tape for evening use; mulching of banks with wood chips; planting of blueberry bushes by Scouts on the bankings ; start of grading for a field next to Abbot Street.
General park development included the clear- ing of brush and dead trees from wooded areas; clearing of fire lanes through the wooded areas; construction of a field hockey field for use by the High School during its construction period ; mul- ching of the sliding area to make a smoother slope; development of a half court for basket- ball; installation of a player bench and small grandstand on the softball field.
Central Playground improvements included installation of non-wrap hangers for the swings and development of a tetherball court.
The Ballardvale Playground is located on Andover Street across from the Fire Station in Ballardvale center. The ground is a little over one acre in size. Besides the supervised playground program and free play, there is a court which is used for ice skating, conditions permitting. Changes on the Ballardvale Playground included grading and seeding parts of the ground to ex- pand the play area; resurfacing the court; and painting the building. Basketball backstops have been purchased and plans have been made to prepare a full basketball court plus other courts in the Spring.
Changes on the Shawsheen Playground in- cluded cleaning and grading the ground; install- ation of a water bubbler and faucet; starting of top dressing in preparation for seeding; and in- stallation of a new slide.
General changes that apply throughout the
Town included the purchase of a small cycle bar mower that was used extensively in all areas where there was long grass or difficult mowing; installation of the microwave boxes that were donated by Western Electric in 1964 and used on all playgrounds and by ball leagues at High School, Phillips Academy and the Central Play- stead; and extended bus service during the sum- mer allowed not only additional swimming par- ticipation but also increased playground parti- cipation. This service made it possible to con- duct many more inter-playground activities than in the past.
Program changes were dramatic this year because of developments at Andover Recreation Park and the extended bus service. Relocation of the Easter Candy Hunt to Andover Recreation Park from the Park on Chestnut Street resulted in almost a tripling of participation at the new location over that at the Park. A summer pilot program of dramatics proved successful. Children from most sections of Town were able to attend because of the bus service. Go-Cart enthusiasts experimented in using the sewer easement through Andover Recreation Park as a safe area away from traffic and dangers of hitting neighbor- hood children. Soccer enjoyed increased popular- ity on most of the playgrounds. Inter-playground competition did much to help stimulate this.
Adult Education courses were held for the first time at Andover Recreation Park. These courses were sponsored in the evening by the Recreation Department and co-sponsored during the day with the Y.W.C.A. Courses included bridge, sculpturing and rug braiding. Several dances were also held in the Lodge. The most suc- cessful was a College Student Homecoming Dance during the Christmas vacation.
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WATER
Personnel
10
Expenditures
$144,806.00
Drought conditions continued to plague the Town of Andover during 1965 with the problem reaching sufficiently serious proportions such as to require the imposition of water use restrictions in the month of July. These restrictions or what more properly may be described as conservation measures continue in effect at the writing of this report and will probably remain in force well into 1966.
Total rainfall deficiency since 1963 exceeds forty (40) inches with 1965 accounting for nearly fifteen (15) inches of this figure. Rainfall records indicate the past year to have been the lowest since 1749. Haggett's Pond, the Town's major source of supply and storage area was 76.5 inches below full as of December 31, 1965. The Pond, in fact, has not been at capacity since May of 1964. The average daily consumption of 2.36 million gallons of water was met in a large part by the Abbot and Ballardvale Wells, principally the latter.
Examination of the accompanying table of "watery" facts reveals quite clearly that despite the drought and the attendant shortage of water, consumer demand continued at a high rate, although lower than that of 1964. As a conse- quence of this demand which must be met, con- struction of an additional source of supply was begun in November as authorized by the August Special Town Meeting. The Fish Brook project is proceeding satisfactorily and should be completed in time for the 1966 Spring run-off. The estimated safe daily yield of one million gallons of water should go far to restoring Haggett's Pond to full capacity within the ensuing year. Sight must not be lost of the fact that the Pond will require in excess of 500 million gallons of water in order to reach this level.
As if to compound the Town's water difficul- ties in 1965, one of the wells failed for five (5) days during the peak of the dry period. Emergency
and ultimately permanent repairs restored the well to full operation before the problem reached serious proportions.
The new chlorination control at the Prospect Hill Reservoir required by the State Department .of Health and postponed for several years was installed during the year. Installation of water mains on Dascomb Road and Cross Street as au- thorized by the 1965 Annual Town Meeting was effected with only surface restoration and repair to be completed in 1966. These projects involved some 4,661 feet of 12 inch mains with six (6) hydrants and nine (9) gates. Various subdivisions added 13,960 feet of pipe, thirty-six (36) hydrants and sixty-four (64) gates to the Town's water sys- tem.
Exploration for additional ground water also started in 1965 and will be completed by Spring of 1966. The preparation of detailed plans for the construction of an enclosed distribution reservoir to replace the Bancroft Reservoir will be com- pleted with the use of a Federal interest-free loan during the next year. This project is of high priority and is part of the Town's long-range water resource development program.
Maintenance of the water system required 205 new service connections, the installation, re- pair or removal of 97 hydrants, 88 taps in sub- divisions, addition of 12 gates, and the removal of 12 services. More than 1,500 calls were required in 1965 for special meter readings, leaks and breaks, the installation of meters and for other similar requests or requirements.
A study of the Town's water rate schedule was undertaken during the year and submitted for review and appropriate action by the Town Manager. It appears to be quite essential that rates be revised upwardly in order to realize revenue sufficient to place water operations on a self-sus- taining basis.
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A FEW WATERY FACTS
Annual Pumpage All Sources
Pipes
Meters
Year
Committments
Million Gals.
in use
in use
Hydrants
Miles of Main Pipe
1940
$ 52,241.14
414,653
2,653
2,587
728
79.89
1950
67,871.62
546,313
3,202
3,172
815
91.73
1960*
194,880.75
807,115
4,418
4,368
965
113.74
1964
237,490.36
945,501
5,116
5,072
1,084
128.05
1965
$228,025.24
861,629
5,321
5,222
1,126
131.56
Increase in Water Rates - January 2, 1959 approximately 30%
WATER PUMPING
1964
1965 119,000,000
Abbot Well
1963 72,150,000
128,810,000
Ballardvale Wells
224,210,000
201,130,000
341,690,000
Wood Hill
69,844,000
84,901,000
91,009,000
Haggett's Pond
495,560,000
530,660,000
309,930,000
Totals
864,764,000
945,501,000
861,,629,000
Service
Water
Fish Brook Dam Construction November, 1965
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HAGGETT'S POND -- 1965
37
Parking Meters
Personnel Expenditures
1
$10,457.00
The Town's parking meter system consists of some 200 on-and off-street meters. However, it is only fair to report that the devices as well as the economics of the system leave much to be desired. Parking meter revenue has dropped sharply from a high of $8,380.51 in 1963 to a low of $6,357.77 in 1965. This occured despite marked increase in the use of metered areas by the ever-increasing numbers of downtown shoppers.
In response to this situation, enforcement practices have been sharpened. The Town parking lot was marked off and has increased its capacity. A new motor scooter was acquired to permit the enforcement officer to check on meters more often. Maintenance of meters has been somewhat im- proved although the age and general condition of many meters precludes their being placed in com- pletely workable order. The Board of Selectmen directed that the Town Manager confer with several parking meter manufacturers to enlist their assistance and technical guidance in plac- ing the Town's meter operations on both physic- ally and fiscally sound bases. It is anticipated that several surveys at no cost to the Town will be completed early in 1966.
It is quite clear that one answer to the Town's parking problem can be found in improving the condition of existing parking through enforce- ment and maintenance. This can be accomplished without placing a burden upon the Town's tax- payers, inconveniencing users or penalizing busi- ness establishment. The Andover Chamber of Commerce has indicated its support to put the system on a paying basis through the above as well as an increase in meter fees. The objective of the Town administration will be to earmark all receipts for operation of the system and the ac- quisition of additional off-street parking spaces. This is a major goal for the Town and its flourish- ing economy.
ICE
Parking Meter Enforcement Improves.
SPRING GROVE CEMETERY
Personnel
Expenditures
$32,980.00
Monthly Cost Per Person
13¢ 5
During the year, 45 new lots were sold at Spring Grove Cemetery. There were also 75 in- terments which is 8 less than in 1964. A total of $6,405.00 was received from the sale of new lots, interments, vault sales, foundation installations, and from the care of lots not under prepetual care.
From the perpetual care payments and from payments made on three old lots not previously under perpetual care, a total of $6,508.00 was turned over to the Town for addition to the Per- petual Care Fund. This fund now totals $164,300.
Interest income from the Perpetual Care Fund of $6,367.42 added to the income from sales reduced the actual cost of cemetery operations to the Town by a total of $12,772.42.
Several noteworthy occurrences marked the year 1965 as a significant one. Due to rising ex- penses and as a partial step in making the ceme- tery somewhat more self-sufficient, the Cemetery Trustees revised upwardly the service charges and sale prices of lots effective June 1st. This has meant an increase in the amount being turned over to the Town as well as strengthening the Perpetual Care Fund. A major project of the year was the installation of 3,853 ft. of bitumin- ous concrete on roadways in the cemetery. This is part of a two-year rehabilitation program which should be completed in 1966. A new front- end loader with a backhoe attachment was also acquired. This unit has aided materially in devel- oping a more aggressive cemetery maintenance program. A restroom facility was added to the cemetery garage and both the interior and ex- terior of the building were painted.
Plans are presently being made for continua- tion of the maintenance program and will include the clearing of ground in newer areas of the ceme- tery property, replacement of damaged curbing, and the enrichment of soil in the older portions of the cemetery.
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UNCLASSIFIED
During calendar year 1965, the Building Committee held 37 meetings in continuing its drive to provide new secondary school facilities for the school year beginning September 1967.
No meetings were held during most of Jan- uary/February while the architects and school department personnel developed plans for the new high school, The original set of plans were not accepted by the State Building Assistance Commission and had to be re-drawn. In March the State approved preliminary drawings with final approval made in early May.
Site development was of prime importance and bids were received and awarded to Brox Brothers. Work was completed in early December, Mo-Del Company has been awarded the loaming and seeding contract. The site work has been in- spected and approved by this committee and final costs show a savings of some $60,000.00 from the estimated costs.
Working drawings for the building will be put out for bid in January and construction of the building should begin in March.
Perhaps the most important single decision involved the installation of electric heating rather than oil, to be accomplished at considerable sav- ings and convenience to the Town and school per- sonnel. We believe this is a sound decision which will be borne out in the future.
At this writing, all phases of the project are moving along smoothly and our target date of September 1967 should be met.
CENT. MER. VAL. REG. PLAN. DIST. COM
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