USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Andover > Town annual report of Andover 1963-1969 > Part 33
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Industrial
Development Commission
Expenditures Monthly Cost Per Person
$375 $.0015
The Development and Industrial Commission is charged with the responsibility of encouraging suitable industry to locate in the Town of And- over. Its eight members serve without compen- sation for four-year terms.
During 1966, the Development and Industrial Commission continued its program of sending promotional material to key executives in major corporations throughout the country. This was supplemented by letters and brochures mailed to a selected list of industrial and realty companies along the Atlantic seaboard.
Industrial Landowners Confer
Exploratory meetings and discussions were held during the year with the principal industrial landowners in the West Andover area. Among the items covered were the Town's plans for improv- ing services in these areas, proposals for locations of access roads, and establishment of rapport among the property owners conducive to coopera- tion in the sale of multi-owner parcels of land. It was the consensus of those involved that these discussions served a most useful purpose. Allied Chemical Opens
With the completion of the Allied-Chemical plant, Valle's restaurant and the imminent occu- pancy of the Internal Revenue Service building, the West Andover industrial area is apparently at- tracting the attention of other commercial and industrial organizations. During the latter half of 1966, there was an increase in the number of requests for information and assistance on the part of industrial realtors and representatives of individual companies. The Commission currently is engaged in following up on several of these prospects. As in the past, these and all other ap- propriate leads brought to the Commission's at- tention will be followed to conclusion through letters, promotional material, telephone calls and personal visits.
WELCOME TO ANDOVER - ALLIED CHEMICAL
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Board of Appeals
Council on Aging
Personnel Expenditures Monthly Cost Per Person
Part-time 1 $1,324
1/2 ¢
The Board of Appeals is a three-member unpaid quasi-judicial body appointed by the Board of Selectmen for three-year terms. It acts under the provisions of Chapter 40A and the Town's Zoning By-Law. The Zoning Enabling Act establishes and sets forth the powers of the Board of Appeals. The Board may grant an ex- ception or special permit as authorized under Section 4 of Chapter 40A of the General Laws. An exception or special permit is for a use per- mitted by the Zoning By-Law but which also re- quires approval of the Board of Appeals.
Section 15 of the General Laws authorizes upon appeal, or upon petition, the granting of a variance from the terms of the applicable zoning ordinance or by-law where: 1) owing to conditions especially affecting a parcel or building but not affecting generally the zoning district in which it is located, literal enforcement of the provisions of the ordinance or by-law would involve sub- stantial hardship, financial or otherwise, to the appellant; and 2) where desirable relief may be granted without substantial detriment to the pub- lic good and without nullifying or substantially derogating from the intent or purpose of such ordinance or by-law, but not otherwise.
In exercising the powers as described above, the Board may impose limitations both of time and use, and a continuation of the use permitted may be conditioned upon compliance with reg- ulations to be made and amended from time to time thereafter.
Its decisions must be unanimous.
As provided by Section 14, Chapter 40A of the General Laws, the Board of Appeals during the year heard 52 cases which were disposed of as follows :
36 petitions granted
12 petitions denied
1 petition withdrawn
3 pending.
A total of $720.00 for advertising fees was collected and turned over to the Town Treasurer.
Local Councils on Aging are provided for under General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts whereby a city or town is per- mitted to establish such councils for the purpose of coordinating and/or conducting programs dealing with the circumstances of the aging. By aging, it is meant those citizens who are 60 years of age or older. The Andover Council on Aging was organized this year and consists of seven members. In accordance with the provisions of the statute, the Chairman and three members were appointed by the Town Manager with the remaining members being designated by the Chairman. The Council is responsible to the Town Manager and serves without compensation.
The first organizational meeting of the Andover Council on Aging was held in Septem- ber. During the balance of the year, three addi- tional meetings were held - in October, Novem- ber and December respectively.
Oldest Citizen 104
One of the Council's first considerations was to determine the number of citizens who were sixty years of age or older. The results of the survey indicated that there were 1957 citizens 65 years of age or older and 863 citizens in the age group of 60-64 inclusive. There was one citizen 99 years of age. The oldest citizen was 104 years. The citizens 60 years or older comprise about 10 percent. The survey was tabulated ona precinct basis which indicated the greatest concentration near the center of town.
1967 Plans
The work of the Council to date and the plans for the coming year include the following :
1. Continuing the survey of the number, in- terests, desires, and needs of the aging in Andover.
2. Preparing and distributing an informa- tion folder on the services and opportuni- ties available to the aging.
3. Organizing regular social functions begin- ning early this coming year.
4. Investigating further the possible facili- ties for a "Drop In" Center.
5. Setting up programs relative to #1 above.
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ANDOVER
ENGINE NO 2
MENDOVEF
F
D.
LAFRANCE
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01:1001
4513
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NEW 1,000 GALLON PER MINUTE DIESEL PUMPER DELIVERED IN 1966
Public Safety
"252, THIS IS 16. LOCATION 73 SECURE." MODERN WALKIE-TALKIE RADIO UNIT AIDS IN PROTECTION OF ANDOVER PROPERTY.
HILCO
catener
PORTABLE TV
Police Department
Personnel
41
(Including School Crossing Guards)
Expenditures
$256,157
Monthly Cost Per Person
99¢
Police services are provided by a twenty- eight-member uniformed police force including the Chief. Two civilians perform maintenance and clerical tasks and ten school crossing guards protect school children at various crossings within the town. The department operates four patrol cars, three of which are equipped for use as am- bulances, carrying stretchers, first aid equip- ment, and respirators. An unmarked sedan and a compact vehicle used by the Sergeant Inspector make up the balance of the department's vehicles. Police headquarters are located in the rear of the Town Hall with the entrance located on Bar- nard Street.
During the year 1966 there was one change with regard to the personnel of the Police Depart- ment. One officer resigned to take other employ- ment, and one of the reserves was appointed in his place. The department now consists of a Chief, five (5) sergeants, twenty-two (22) regular pa- trolmen, three (3) reserve officers, one (1) clerk, one (1) maintenance man, ten (10) women traffic supervisors, and one (1) dog.
Motor Vehicle Violations Increase
During 1966 there were 3,273 miscellaneous complaints received. This is an increase of 130 over 1965. During the year 550 persons were taken to court, an increase of 276 over 1965. Of the 550 persons who were taken into court, 425 were taken in for motor vehicle violations. This represents an increase of 293 over last year. In 1966 there were 61 arrests for drunkenness. There were also 21 juveniles brought into court, 10 of whom were taken in for motor vehicle violations. The Police Department issued 3,678 parking tags in 1966, an increase of 470 over
1965. Also 407 motor vehicles violation notices were sent to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, a decrease of 92 over 1965.
During the year 1966 there were 441 motor vehicle accidents, which represents an increase of 52 over 1965. The 1966 accidents included 3 fatal accidents (4 persons killed), 200 personal injury accidents, and 238 property damage acci- dents.
During 1966 the police vehicles traveled 288,082 miles, an increase of 3,416 miles over 1965.
Breaking and Enterings Up
The year 1966 was the worst year as far as the crimes of breaking and entering and larceny were concerned. There were 104 cases of breaking and entering as compared to 79 in the previous year. As far as the crime of larceny is concerned, there were 74 cases of larceny over $50.00 report- ed, an increase of 2 over 1965. However, in the case of larceny under $50.00, there were 190 cases reported as against 84 for 1965, an increase of 106. There were also 21 cars stolen as against 19 in 1965. Because of the increase in these types of crimes a request for additional men and an addi- tional cruiser is being made for the year 1967. With the rapic growth of dwelling houses in the outlying sections of the Town, protection would be increased by the addition of a police car man- ned by two men which could be used for patrol purposes during the early evening and early morning shifts.
A concentrated effort was made by the Po- lice Department in regard to motor vehicle viola- tions. This resulted in 293 more persons being brought in for motor vehicle offenses over the year 1965. Even though such an increase was re- corded, the number of accidents increased by 52. However, many of our accidents occur on Routes 93 and 495 -which are not patrolled by the local Police Department.
POLICE STATISTICS
1966
1965
1964
1963
1962
Breaking and Entering
104
79
87
43
27
Larceny:
Over $50.00
74
72
85
48
35
Under $50.00
190
84
97
67
52
Stolen Cars
21
19
17
9
3
Motor Vehicle Violations
425
132
345
430
655
Motor Vehicle Accidents
441
389
397
336
318
Motor Vehicle Injuries
200
189
192
162
160
Motor Vehicle Deaths
4
2
4
0
5
1
!
28
Speed Kills
SLOW DOWN AND ENJOY LIFE
726872
29
Fire Department
Personnel
50
Expenditures Monthly Cost Per Person
(Plus 3 Call Men) $358,387
$1.42
The Fire Department is maintained to pro- tect the citizen against the loss of life and prop- erty by fire. Objectives of fire protection are to prevent fire from starting; to prevent loss of life and property in case fire does start; to con- fine fire to the place of origin; and to extinguish fire.
From the point of view of the Town Gov- ernment, this involves the services of fire pre- vention and fire fighting. Fire fighting, because it requires positive and dramatic action, has a far greater appeal for people than do fire pre- vention measures which involve restrictions, pro- hibitions and administrative interference with what are termed "individual rights."
The Fire Department installs, repairs and maintains a coded fire alarm system comprising some three million feet (3,000,000) of wiring, both aerial and underground, and associated street boxes and station equipment for controlling this system.
Ambulance service is also provided by the department for both emergency and medical sit- uations requiring the need of this service.
The Department operates from three sta- tion localities - Andover Center, Ballardvale, West Andover. Its fifty (50) men use (6) pieces of firefighting equipment, including a recently ac- quired 1,000 gallon-per-minute diesel powered pumper.
Andover's fire insurance rating is B-4.
The highpoint of 1966 was the opening and manning of the new fire station at the corner of Greenwood and Chandler Roads (West Station) on December 1, 1966, with Engine #1 assigned to these quarters. Dedication ceremonies were conducted on December 4, 1966. An engine com- pany comprising a Lieutenant and two Firefight- ers is assigned to duty. This on-duty manpower covers any given time of the day or night.
Quarterly inspections of nursing homes hos- pitals and inns, as required by State statutes, were conducted and the necessary reports filed with the proper authorities. Public and private school fire drills and inspections required by State statutes were conducted. Mercantile, indus- trial, church, garage and service station buildings were inspected and reports filed. Appropriate re- commendations were sent to owners and/or occu- pants. Dwelling houses of three or more apart- ments were inspected for fire prevention and re- commendations and suggestions made to owners and/or occupants where it was deemed advisable.
In-service inspections were conducted from both the Central and Ballardvale stations. Using a radio-controlled fire truck and full complement of firefighter, not only was fire prevention fur- thered but firefighters were able to become fami- liar with existing conditions and building layouts. In the event of a fire call, men and equipment are able to report immediately. Next year, the West Station will also participate in the program in that area.
Again, this year, the major cause of fires was carelessness, the use of smoking materials, children with matches, and defective electrical equipment.
Personnel as of this dato numbers fifty (50), including the Chief of the Department. A full complement stands at fifty-one (51), but until an eligible list from Civil Service is received, no appointment will be made to fill the remaining vacancy.
"PUFF", THE MAGIC DRAGON AT ANNUAL FIRE DEPARTMENT CHRISTMAS PARADE, 1966. SANTA CLAUS IS AT LOWER RIGHT.
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THE WEST ANDOVER STATION
ANDOVER
1
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FIRE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITY
Year
1966
1965
1964
1963
1962
Service calls
1806
1916
1879
1868
1482
Fires
420
448
466
464
317
False Alarms
21
17
6
8
12
Mutual Aid Calls
7
18
8
9
9
Approx. assessed value of buildings where
fire occurred
$2,008,815.
$2,208,931.
$2,902,075.
$2,332,695.
$4,901.455.
Approx. loss from
$ 91,344.
$ 155,800.
$ 180,650.
$ 160,240.
$ 110,636.
Ambulance calls
740
725
725
797
597
Non-residents
99
85
80
81
80
Open air fire
permits issued.
2775
2506
2800
4700
5000
Open air fire
violations.
40
66
33
68
44
Fuel Oil storage
153
144
146
257
195
Permits for use
19
40
38
44
18
Building
inspections
1257
1183
714
476
300
Fire Drills
conducted.
118
120
92
88
-
Fatalities due
to fire.
0
2
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Civil Defense
Personnel
Part-time 1 Many Volunteers $1,099
Expenditures
Monthly Cost Per Person
$.004
Organized for the purpose of developing plans, programs and facilities for meeting nat- ural or military disasters, the Andover Civil Defense organization is composed almost entirely of volunteers. The Director appointed by the Town Manager is paid a token sum in recognition of the requirements of his office and does not reflect the time devoted to the discharge of his duties and responsibilities. The Town has established and maintains a shelter program which is fully stock- ed and equipped. The most active elements of the Civil Defense organization are Auxiliary Police and Communications.
Civil Defense on the Federal and Town levels as in the past years, concentrated on the Shelter Program.
40,000 Spaces
In the Town, the Federal Government has re-evaluated shelter spaces. This is turn has in- creased the capacity of the present shelters from 29,000 to approximately 40,000 spaces. The big problem, however, as in the past, has been storage space for supplies. All shelters are in privately- owned buildings. However, in the past year stock-
ed spaces increased by about 3,350, making a total of approximately 23,350. This stocking also in- volves the problem of shelter use. The plan for this is in the process of development.
Along with the Shelter Program, the Town has bought twelve generator sets, twelve anten- nas and all the wire and fittings needed to guar- antee power for the communication units as- signed to the shelters. These units will be install- ed in the next few months.
The Auxiliary Police, as in the past, met monthly.
The Communications Group still meets week- ly, as Channel 2 viewers may have noticed. 3,300 Hours
The above two groups have in the past year put in approximately 3,300 hours in training and use.
The Sector communications unit is now un- der the supervision of one of our townspeople, Father Robert Gardiner.
Several meetings were attended by the Di- rector on Sector and Area levels. There is an ever increasing number of programs available to the townspeople. One of these is the Medical Self- Help Program. The state is striving to have one in every four people take this course. Plans for 1967 will emphasize this worthwhile program.
Should anyone be interested in any of the programs, please contact the Civil Defense Direc- tor.
32
1
fires reported.
billed for service.
permits.
of explosives.
Animal Control
Weights and Measures
Personnel Expenditures Monthly Cost Per Person
Part-time 1 $987 $.0038
Personnel
Expenditures Monthly Cost Per Person
Part-time 1 $2,108
.8¢
There is no report of the Dog Officer for 1966. The Town found it increasingly difficult to retain the services of a qualified Dog Officer for any extent of time. In fact, no less than three men were hired and served for varying lengths of time during the past year. Suffice to say, the control of animals, particularly dogs, continued to present problems during the past year. If the Town is to obtain the services of a suitable Dog Officer, additional funds must be appropriated for his salary and expenses. Such requests will be made in the 1967 budget.
Electrical Inspection
Personnel
Expenditures
Monthly Cost Per Person
Part-time $4,258 1 1/2 ¢
The inspection of all electrical installations is the responsibility of the Electrical Inspector. Appointed by the Town Manager, he issues per- mits for electrical work and conducts inspections as required.
During the year 1966, there were 530 electrical permits issued and categorized as fol- lows :
New Structures
181
Additions & Alterations 305
Oil Burners 41
Void
2
Re-inspection
1
530
Fees totaling $1,946.00 were turned over to the Town Treasurer.
The "Third Man"
When you make a purchase at the food store, fill your tank with gasoline at the service station, have a prescription filled at the local pharmacy, read a clinical thermometer at time of illness, purchase clothing material at fabric shops, pay a taxi-meter charge, purchase fuel oil for home heating, or buy any other merchandise by weight or by measurement, you think the transaction is only between you and the vendor. It may be a surprise to know that every such transaction is participated in by a third man even though he is not present in person.
The "third man" is the Weights and Mea- sures Official who checks all weighing and vo- lume measuring devices used in sales made to the public. This "third man" is always present in spirit protecting both buyer and seller. He is a de- dicated man working quietly and tirelessly to save customers' money ... and to safeguard vendor's businesses. Errors in either direction, over or un- der, will cause someone to suffer. This "third man" is constantly policing sales and business transactions to be certain that equity prevails. A total of 11,599 packages of prepacked food items were checked for proper weight content and pack- age pricing in an effort to safeguard both the consumer and the businessman at the market- place.
Every scale in commercial use is a money machine, and if inaccurate, is either taking mo- ney away from the customer or giving away pro- fits of the businessman. The cost of a weighing error in a packing plant or store is multiplied by the number of times the scale is used. 1/3 Ounce - $1,250
A one-third ounce error (2% of a pound) on a scale making 200 weighings a day, 300 days in a year, @ $1.00 per pound, multiplies out to an error of $1,250.00 in a year. Scales in local modern supermarkets will perform thousands of weighings weekly.
Analysis of local figures indicates that ap- proximately $366.00 per person is the annual food bill in Andover, or a total of $7,320.000.00. A 2%
33
error on such amount would involve a loss of $146,000.00.
Although the "third man" works alone and unaided in the local Weights and Measures De- partment, the function of Weights and Measures officialdom is properly ranked among the most important in government. Local, State, and Fe- deral Weights and Measures personnel are the watchdogs who guard the pocketbooks of the pub- lic and, to a considerable extent, the economy of the nation. In such work the understanding and cooperation of both vendors and vendees are es- sential for the best results.
A total of 413 weighing and measuring de- vices were tested for compliance and accuracy. Sealing fees amounted to $355.60. Receipts amounting to $383.60 were turned over to the Town Treasurer.
Favorable Town Meeting action on the Build- ing Code amendments, which increased building permits fees brought the Department closer to its goal to be self-sustaining. The same Town Meet- ing also voted to approve other Building Code changes, which spelled out material requirements more clearly.
Thirteen (13) gravel pits were carefully supervised and detailed reports provided the Board of Selectmen. The office continued to check and process all Board of Appeals' applications prior to advertising and public hearings. Electric- al permits were issued by the Building Depart- ment office upon approval of the Electrical In- spector. Related records, fees, and reports are also maintained by the Building Department. Zoning and building violations were investigated and corrected without indident.
525 = $8.2 M
A total of 525 building permits were issued during the year 1966, categorized as follows :
Building Inspection
Personnel
1
Expenditures
$12,449
Monthly Cost Per Person
5¢
Enforcement of the provisions of the Town Building and Fire Prevention codes or by-laws is the responsibility of the Town Building Inspector. He is also the enforcement officer for the Town Zoning By-Law with his rulings on the by-laws subject to appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Building permits are required for virtually all new/construction as well as for most additions or alterations to existing structures. New buildings also require occupancy permits which are evidence that a building meets the requirements of the several Town by-laws and is suitable for human occupancy and use. The Schedule of fees for build- ing permits has been established so as to make the Department self-supporting. The Bulding In- spector is appointed by the Town Manager for an indefinite term of office.
Animal Inspection
Personnel
Part-time 1
Expenditures
$300
Monthly Cost Per Person
$.0012
Appointed for an indefinite term of office by the Town Manager, the Animal Inspector is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. He is paid a fixed salary. He is responsible for the inspection of all sheep, horses, goats, swine and dairy products to insure compliance with State Health Regula- tions. He is also responsible for the quarantining of dogs suspected of being infested with rabies. Number of Cattle inspected
2 Registered Grade 92
Number of sheep inspected
21
Number of horses inspected
84
Number of goats inspected
1
Number of swine inspected 1,046
Numbers of barns inspected (dairy) 7
Number of dogs quarantined 0
Number of dogs with Rabies 0
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Public Works
DASCOMB ROAD AND ANDOVER ST.
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BEFORE
Personnel
Full-time 1
Part-time 2
Expenditures
$16,418
Monthly Cost Per Person
6 1/2 ¢
Highways
Personnel
18
Expenditures
$141,907
Monthly Cost Per Person
56 ¢
The Highway Department is responsible for the maintenance of approximately 160 miles of Town roadways, all public drains, bridges and sidewalks. A crew is also assigned at the appro- priate season to the maintenance of certain Town park areas. A vehicle maintenance facility is maintained at the Town Yard located on Lewis Street.
The year began with a snow accumulation in the months of January, February, and March of approximately forty-three inches with some 34.76 inches falling in the month of January. One particular storm in January posed real problems because of its intensity and the weight of the snow. Clearing of sidewalks was extremely diffi- cult. The Town snow loader broke down and was found to be impossible to repair. Funds were requested at the 1966 Town Meeting for the pur- chase of a snow blower attachment for a Town- owned front-end loader. It was purchased at a cost of approximately $6,500.00 and though put to limited use in 1966 has proven itself to. be a worthwhile addition to the Town's snow fighting forces.
43 Miles Treated
Approximately 100,000 gallons of asphalt were applied to some forty-three miles of Town roadways. This is considered a part of routine maintenance with approximately one-quarter to one-third of the Town's one hundred sixty miles of roadway treated each year. In addition, the following streets were resurfaced with two layers of bituminous concrete :
Beacon Street from Lowell Street to Chand- ler Road
Central Street from Cental Lane to Phillips Street
Carisbrooke Street - entire length
Argyle Street - entire lenght
Haverhill Street from High Street to North Andover line
State funds were used for this work. The ap- plication of bituminous concrete reduces main- tenance work to a minimum and over a long run on more heavily travelled highways saves money for the Town.
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