USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Andover > Town annual report of Andover 1963-1969 > Part 5
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The net cost of Public Assistance to the Town, therefore, was $29, 926.
The Board of Public Assistance welcomed Mr. George Hill, 234 Andover Street, Ballardvale, to the Board vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Joseph Serio. Mr. Hill was appointed by Town Manager Thomas E. Duff on April 1, 1963.
No new assistance programs were initiated during the year, although several changes in the existing programs were integrated into Department activities. The State Legislature repealed the Settlement Law, effective December 31, 1963. This means that the Town will be responsible for all need cases within its jurisdiction from January 1, 1964, regardless of length of residence. (Like - wise, the Town of Andover has no future responsibility for former residents given aid and relief in other towns and cities of the Commonwealth. )
47
Increased expenses were primarily due to an increase in the total case count of the more expensive types of service offered.
Medical expenses increased drastically during the year with the concomitant increase in both Medical Assistance for the Aged and Disability Assistance.
The general decrease in the average cost per case reflects the Federal and State Governments change of emphasis from merely handing out money to giving services in whatever capacity is needed and useful to restoring people to full citizenship status. This means more personal work by the staff.
Benefits have also increased inasmuch as a travel and recreation allowance for Old Age Assistance was increased, as well as a general 5% across-the-board increase due to a cost of living index rise, plus an increase in legally liable relatives' exemptions, thus decreasing contributions.
General Relief costs increased due to increased medical costs, and increased needs during the year.
All moneys expended by the Department are under the audit supervision of both State and Federal Governments.
THAYER S. WARSHAW, Chairman Mrs. B. Allen Rowland George E. Hill
48
The Andover Housing Authority
The year Nineteen Hundred and Sixty-Three was the thirteenth year of occupancy of the Veterans' Housing Project Andover 200-1 and the fourth full year of occupancy of the Housing for the Elderly Project Andover 667-1.
During January and February the Authority was extremely busy completing plans for presen- tation of Urban Renewal Project Mass. R-22 to the registered voters of the town. At the Annual Town Meeting, held on March 9, 1963, this program was defeated by a vote of 254 for and 903 against. On May 10, 1963 the Urban Renewal Office, located at 66 Main Street, was closed.
One new member, Winston A. Blake, was elected by the townspeople this year for a term of five years. George A. Noury left the Authority after serving on the Board for ten years.
VETERANS PROJECT
This project had a number of maintenance items completed on contract, such as: Painting of exterior trim, $4, 250; Repairs to concrete steps and one new sidewalk, $715; Hot water tank, installed, $767; Replacement electric ranges, $416.94; Replacement lock sets, $275. Other main- tenance problems were repairs to the heating system, repairs and replacement of storm doors and interior painting.
Anticipated problems for the coming year include replacing worn-out linoleum floor cover- ings in a number of kitchens and bathrooms, one new sidewalk, and continued maintenance of steps, sidewalks and the heating system.
Payment to the Town of Andover in lieu of taxes, for the year 1963, was $1, 876.00.
The Commonwealth Contribution for the current fiscal year was $8, 650. 00.
There are 56 units in this project, presently housing 243 persons -- 108 adults and 135 child- The average monthly rental is $53. 08, plus an average monthly utility charge of $18. 68.
ren.
The established annual income limit, regulated by the State Housing Board, is: for families with one or less minor dependent, $4, 500; two minor dependents, $4, 700; three or more minor dependents, $4, 900.
Income allowed for continued occupancy: for families with one or less minor dependents, $5, 000; two minor dependents, $5, 200; three or more minor dependents, $5, 400.
Shelter rent is based on total family income. Families with one child, 18%; two children 16%; three children 14%; for each dependent child in excess of three, $200 is deducted from total family income.
Sixteen new families have moved into the project and nine families have moved within the project during the year. Since the project's opening, in 1950, a total of 224 vacancies have been filled. The majority of families, moving from the project, have either bought houses or moved out of the town.
49
HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY
Maintenance work completed under contract, for this project, was concrete repairs, $225 and a prime coat of paint on shingles, $1, 000.
Anticipated maintenance problems for the coming year are exterior painting and continued maintenance of steps and platforms.
The Commonwealth Contribution for the year 1963 was $12, 625.00.
This project is comprised of 40 dwelling units, a recreation hall and 2 laundry rooms, and is presently housing 48 persons. The average monthly rental, including all utilities, is $50.
The yearly income limits for admission are: for one person, 65 years of age or older, $2, 500; two persons, 65 years of age or older, $3, 000.
The yearly income limits for continued occupancy are: for one person, $3, 125; two persons, $3,750.
No vacancies have occured in the project this year.
The members of the Andover Housing Authority, as of December 31, 1963, are as follows:
David MacDonald, Jr., Chairman
Harold E. Coleman, Vice Chairman
Thomas R. Wallace, Treasurer
Winston A. Blake, Assistant Treasurer
Thomas P. Eldred, Assistant Secretary
James E. Manning, Secretary and Executive Director
Balance sheets reporting the assets and liabilities of Projects 200-1 and 667-1, for the period ending December 31, 1963, follow.
JAMES E. MANNING Executive Director
ANDOVER HOUSING AUTHORITY PROJECT 200-1
BALANCE SHEET - DECEMBER 31, 1963
Assets
Cash - Andover Savings Bank
$ 40,226.98
Cash - Essex Savings Bank
2,518.66
Cash - Administration Fund
6,422.80
Cash - Petty Cash
25.00
$ 49,193.44
Accounts Receivable - Tenants
643.00
Debt Service Fund
3,377.41
Investments - U. S. Treasury Bonds @ 3 3/4%
15,000.00
Investments - Debt Service Trust Fund @ 3-5/8%
1,000.00
Debt Service Trust Fund
398.55
Prepaid Insurance
2,126.17
Development Cost
626,000.00
Less Development Cost Liquidation
123,000.00
503,000.00
Total Assests
$574, 738.57
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Liabilities, Reserves & Surplus
Liabilities
Matured Interest & Principal
$ 12,419.86
State Aid Unapplied
2,162.50
Tenants' Security Deposits
1,020.00
Prepaid Rents
145.50
$ 15,747.86
Bonds Authorized
626,000.00
Less Bonds Retired
123,000.00
503,000.00
Reserves
Debt service Reserve
23,393.89
Unamortized Bond Premium
1,398.55
Reduction of Annual Contribution
1,750.00
Operating Reserves
20,587.82
47,130.26
Surplus
8,860.45
Total Liabilities, Reserves & Surplus
$574, 738. 57
ANDOVER HOUSING AUTHORITY PROJECT 667-1 BALANCE SHEET - DECEMBER 31, 1963
Assets
Cash - Andover Savings Bank
$ 8,053.33
Cash - Administration Fund
2,354.61
$ 10,407.94
Prepaid Insurance
2,579.93
Development Cost
505,000.00
Less Development Cost Liquidation
20,000.00
485,000.00
Matured Interest and Principal
12. 31
Total Assets
$498, 000. 18
Liabilities, Reserves & Surplus
Liabilities
Notes Authorized
$505,000.00
Less Notes Retired
20,000.00
$485,000. 00
Prepaid Rents
165.50
Reserves
Debt Service Reserve
3,366.00
Operating Reserve
6,987.39
Surplus
2,481.29
Total Liabilities, Reserves & Surplus
$498,000. 18
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Board Of Health Nurse And Agent
We submit herewith a brief resume of the activities of the Board of Health for the year 1963:
The following contagious diseases were reported to this office:
1963
1962
1961
Dog Bites
64
62
41
Maintenance of Piggeries
10
Tuberculosis
4
2
2
Scarlet Fever
30
22
8
Chicken Pox
37
304
64
6
Whooping Cough
1
1
11
84
Measles
5
183
284
Oleo
34
Mumps
98
6
13
Pasteurization of Milk
4
Syphilis
0
0
4
Camps
1
Infectious Hepatitis
5
3
4
Garbage & Refuse
24
Meningitis Influenzal
0
1
1
Swimming Pool
8
Meningitis Aseptic
0
0
1
Motel
1
Meningitis Meningoccocal
1
0
0
Massage
4
German Measles
32
38
19
Funeral Director
7
Gonorrhea
0
1
1
Farm Labor Camps
5
Rabbit Bite
1
0
0
Plumbing Permits
253
Gas Permits
69
An X-ray Mobile Unit, sponsored by Essex County TB Association, was stationed at the Square and Compass Club and free chest X-rays were available to the public. Approximately 1000 individuals were x-rayed, representing an average of 131 x-rays per hour, which established a new record in community programs.
In 1963 there were 5 patients from Andover admitted to the TB Hospital. This represents the highest incidence of admissions during the past 6 years.
Over 4000 children under 18 years of age received Type I, II, and III Sabin oral polio vaccine at Public Clinics held in Central School Gym in January, March and May. The local Board received the vaccine from the State Department of Health and the program was carried out with the assistance of many volunteers.
11
HOY to X-RAY->
Organizing for the Chest X-Ray Mobile Unit
Each year, a greater number of new homes requiring individual sewage facilities are being constructed. All these systems are care- fully reviewed and inspected by a representative of the Health Department before a permit for use is issued. With the adoption of the State Sanita- ry Code, the requirements are becoming more uniform for both individual systems and subdi- vision acceptance.
New laws relative to Health requirements under the Sanitary Code are received periodi- cally during the year.
52
The following licenses were granted and a total of $3444. 50 in receipts for the same has been turned over to the Town Treasurer.
Septic Tank Permits 156
Agencies Giving Day Care to Children Under Seven
4
Mfg. of Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts Milk
Other inspectional programs covering food establishments, milk plants, dairy barns, milk trucks, bathing water, Scout Camps, piggeries, housing for transient laborers, nursing homes, rest homes, and Day Nurseries, have continued without change. All complaints were investigated and processed.
Field visits, including case findings were made on all patients and contacts of communicable diseases. Premature Babies and Crippled Children program was carried on as usual.
The annual rabies clinic was held on two successive Saturdays in April and a total of 475 dogs were inoculated.
ELIZABETH NADEAU, R. N. Health Agent
53
Animal Inspector
The following report is submitted by the Animal Inspector for the year ending December 31,
Number of cattle inspected:
Registered 92
Grade 90 182
Number of sheep inspected 19
Number of horses inspected 74
Number of goats inspected 3
Number of swine inspected 993
Number of barns inspected (dairy) 12
Number of dogs quarantined 51
Number of dogs with Rabies 0
WORRIED LASS - Gayle Rama halds her pet, Taffy, while Dr. Richard Lindsay gives him a shat af anti-rabies serum, during the clinic. Gayle was mare visibly upset than was her faur-faated friend, at the thaught af haw it might hurt.
RICHARD D. LINDSAY, D. V. M. Animal Inspector
Dog Officer
Complaints investigated
11
Dogs reported missing
75
Strays cared for 23
Dogs turned over to Havard Medical School Animal Research Center 16
Lost dogs returned to owners 7
Dead dogs disposed of
12
MARTIN T. CAUGHEY, Jr.
54
Office Of Veteran's Service
Under Chapter 115, General Laws of Massachusetts, we are assisting, financially, a num- ber of dependent parents, widows of veterans and, when necessary, veterans who are in need because of old age, sickness or unemployment.
An ever increasing number of insurance, pension, compensation and hospitalization claims are being processed because of the closing of the Lawrence Veterans Administration Office. The other varied services of this Department are enumerated below.
Allotments and Allowances
178
Burials
28
Civil Service
21
Compensation
20
Education
31
Employment
46
Home Loans
25
Housing
40
Hospital Care
90
Insurance
52
Legal
14
Medical and Dental
67
Miscellaneous Categories
713
Pensions
91
Photostats of Discharges,
737
Statistics and Records
Social Security
42
Taxes
60
VA Financial Statements
95
Veterans' Benefits
54
Vital Statistics
154
*
1963 Municipal Employee of the Year Award to Frank Markey - Vets. Service Agent
Veterans deaths during the year totaled 28 as listed below.
World War One 18 World War Two 9 Korean Conflict 1
As newly appointed Veterans' Agent for the Town, I would like to express my appreciation for the gracious manner in which all of the officials and employees of the town hall assisted in the orderly transition of this Department from the capable hands of Mr. Francis P. Markey to my own. The unstinting cooperation of Mr. Markey has resulted in a continuation of the policies of my pre- decessor of complete service to the veterans and servicemen of Andover, their widows, orphans and dependent parents.
Sincere thanks to the local Veterans Organizations, Andover Red Cross, Police Department, Fire Department, Church and Charitable Groups, the Selectmen and the Town Manager for their assistance and cooperation.
ELMER S. OBER, Agent Veterans' Service Office
55
Recreation Department
The Andover Recreation Department submits the following report for the first full year of operation ending December 31, 1963.
GENERAL AIM: In accordance with accepted Recreation practices, the primary aim of the Recrea - tion Department is "to make available, areas and facilities suitable to the leisure time needs of the people of the Community. These areas and facilities to be developed and maintained in an efficient and economical manner in order that local groups and individuals may use them to develop their own activities through guidance by the Recreation Department. "
ANDOVER RECREATION PARK:
POMP'S SWIMMING AREA:
DEVELOPMENT: The swimming area underwent major improvements. The beach was extended for swimming and sun bathing. Supervision of the sun- bathing and non-swimmer areas were made considerably more effective because of this. Expansion was made possible through purchase of the adjoining Manning Pro- perty. The Bath House was remodeled; the bath house, guard house and concession stand painted. An enlarged parking area made it possible to accommodate parking at all times with the exception of one Sunday. Lockers were also installed for the convenience of bathers.
- Central Playground -
A Pie Eating Contest Brings Lots of Smiles
TRAINING: Mr. Wilbur Hixon took charge of the swim - ming area for the first time this year. Special emphasis was put on preventive safety because of the imminent danger of retrieving a victim from the water which is not clear. All lifeguards were trained in water safety and swimming and diving, by our staff or by an accredited aquatic school. This year, three guards were sent to the Red Cross Aquatic School.
PROGRAM: A well-rounded program of swimming and diving instruction, lifesaving, general swimming and special events helped maintain good attendance during the Season.
HIGHLIGHTS: Andover played host to North Andover and Methuen this year for the " Little Three Swim Meet". Band Concerts, the Playground Swim Meet and outings stimulated much interest throughout the Summer.
PICNIC AREA:
DEVELOPMENT: Acquisition of Camp Sargent or Camp Olympia made it possible to expand our Recreation Facilities. In late April two high school boys were hired to start cleaning the area. Two small buildings, badly in need of repair, were removed along with a considerable amount of other debris. An outing area was then developed with a barbeque pit and eight Picnic Tables. Be- cause of an insufficient maintenance staff and a busy schedule, there was no further development during the summer.
56
In September the Junior Chamber of Commerce had a work bee, cleaning the dining hall. Shortly after this, a part-time maintenance man was hired. With his assistance, several additional work bees were organized. By the end of the year, an equivalent of $2, 000 worth of labor and ma- terials had been donated through private sources. This included cleaning, painting, repairing and rewiring of the building. It also included partial development of a sliding and ice skating area.
A plan for development of the entire area was drawn up by the Director of Recreation and is on file in his office. This plan is projected over a ten to fifteen year period. Estimate of the im- mediate needs has been made and distributed to those groups and individuals showing an interest in the project.
PROGRAM: Although no formal program was developed for the area, many organizations used the facilities for meetings and outings. These included Church groups, clubs and youth groups. High- lighting the season was a Boy Scout Camporee in which all Andover and North Andover units partici- pated.
PLAYGROUNDS:
DEVELOPMENT: A concerted effort was made this year to maintain and improve all playgrounds. The part-time maintenance crew did much to achieve this end. Most of the maintenance program consisted of repair and painting of existing equipment and facilities. In addition, Basketball and Tennis Courts were set up at Central.
TRAINING: Supervisors were again sent to a state-wide training conference at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. This and additional information was then used as a basis for a week- long training program for the entire staff. This approach showed dividends by developing partici- pant interest earlier in the season and maintaining a higher interest throughout the summer.
PROGRAM: A balance in programming was achieved by planning and developing activities aimed at varied interests. These included arts and crafts, Special Events and Tournaments, Active games and Sports and Music.
HIGHLIGHTS: Interest was maintained throughout the season by developing special events related to weekly " Themes". These themes included hobbys, sports, dolls, crafts, parades and a circus. There were also weekly tournaments, a playground swim meet, field day, picnics and the traditional outing to Canobie Lake Park.
ICE RINKS: Because of the development of a maintenance program, it was possible to put more em- phasis on maintaining the ice rink at the Central Playstead and in Ballardvale. A start was also made toward developing additional rinks in the newly acquired park.
COORDINATED PROGRAM: In conjunction with the Recreation Program a Community Council for Recreation was established. Headed by Mr. Robert McIntyre, Mrs. Thomas Dye, Dr. Douglas Dunbar and Mr. Richard Neal, the Council worked toward coordinating all related recreation activities. During November they released a Directory-Calendar in which most of the Town's Clubs and Organi- zations were listed. This booklet was distributed through the Banks and the Library. Publishing of the book was done in cooperation with the Andover Board of Trade. Based upon the Directory, the Recreation Department was able to submit a weekly calendar to the newspaper. It also served as a guide to help eliminate duplication of activities for any organizations wishing to avail itself of the service.
Many organizations requested assistance of the Recreation Department. Traditionally, equipment has been loaned to them in consideration that they are supplying supervision that would normally be charged to the Town. The various sports leagues and youth service organizations are therefore to be commended for their interest and assistance to the Town. It would be impossible to note every volunteer and organization that donated supervision for the tens of thousand of partici- pant hours of programs enjoyed bv the townspeople.
57
FUTURE PLANS: Toward the end of the year, plans were formulated to initiate a self-sustaining Adult Education program. This program is to begin toward the middle of January 1964.
Many people are becoming increasingly concerned about the shortage of meeting halls, ball diamonds, ice skating rinks, off-street sliding areas and equipped playgrounds. In view of this, work has been started to develop the newly acquired Recreation Park into a " Family Recreation Area". Although plans have been drawn up and some work done, the Recreation Department must solicit private groups to establish basic necessities in the area. This includes winterizing the ex- isting building and installing sanitary facilities. It also means developing a parking lot and recrea - tion areas that can be used for the entire year. Without help from private clubs, groups and indivi- duals, development of these needs must be postponed until sufficient funds can be made available through the budget.
With the increase of Recreation areas, Facilities and Equipment, there is an increased need for a full-time maintenance program. Much must be done to improve and develop all areas. Be- cause of this, plans are now under way to provide the necessary equipment and manpower for the program. This will assure those persons who help in the development, that their contributions will be preserved. It will also assure the public of facilities which they can use with pride. Several groups and individuals have already contributed toward the development of the Recreation Park. They include the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Andover Board of Trade, Teen Center Boards, Groups from Phillips and Abbot Academies, the Electric and Telephone Companies, C. Lincoln Giles, Charles Hill and David Coffman. Town Departments have also helped and encouraged the develop- ment.
LESLIE BARTOW, Director
58
Police Department
The Andover Police Department hereby submits a summary of activities for the year ending December 31, 1963.
Miscellaneous complaints received and investigated
1908
Summons served for out-of-town police
157
Automobiles stolen in Andover
9
Automobiles recovered in Andover
11
Bicycles stolen in Andover
21
Bicycles recovered in Andover
19
Breaks in camps and dwellings
30
Breaks in business establishments
13
Doors in business establishments found open and secured
40
Lost children located
25
Runaway children returned to parents and institutions
6
Dogs killed by automobiles
22
Dogs injured by automobiles
54
Street lights reported out
213
Dwellings inspected while owners away
623
Lost articles returned to owners
27
Summons served
101
Street conditions reported to Highway Department
65
Persons taken to Danvers State Hospital
7
Persons taken to hospital in police cruisers
75
Arrests made for out-of-town police
8
Suicides
3
Attempted suicide
1
Dog bites
47
ARRESTS AND CHARGES
Drunkenness
59
Operating under the influence of liquor
8
Operating to endanger
3
Leaving scene after injury to person
1
Operating without license
1
Operating after revocation of license
1
Operating after suspension of license
5
First Aid Training - All officers are required to maintain up-tp-date Auxiliary Police gather at Sportsman's Club for target practice , Red Cross Certificates in such training.
59
Stop sign violations
19
Speeding
Operating unregistered motor vehicle
2
Operating uninsured motor vehicle
2
Failure to stop for traffic signal
2
No inspection sticker
2
Passing over solid line
1
Operating of motor vehicle giving false name
1
Parking violations
71
Assault and battery
1
Breaking and entering
7
Delinquent child
17
Stubborn child
1
Larceny
18
Morals charge
5
Non-support
1
Procuring liquor for minor
1
Auto theft
1
Unlawful use of motor vehicles
1
Truancy
2
Bomb hoax
1
Disturbing the peace
28
Not restraining dog
1
Armed robbery
1
Malicious damage to property
3
Unlawful possession of firearms
1
Hunting without license
2
Chief Nicoll and Officer Howard, with canine being trained to serve with Andover's Police Force.
DISPOSITION OF CASES
Convictions in District Court
188
Adjudications in Juvenile Court
12
Placed on file
13
Probation
8
Released by Probation Officer
43
Dismissed
19
Sentenced to House of Correction
14
Sentenced to Concord Reformatory
1
Committed to Youth Service Board
11
Sentenced to Bridgewater Correctional Institute
1
Held for Grand Jury
1
Continued for disposition
3
Sentenced to Women's Reformatory
1
Appealed
1
Amount of fines paid
$2375. 00
In 1963 there were 332 reportable accidents in Andover. This is a decrease of 3 over 1962. The accidents were as follows:
Fatal 0 Personal Injury 146
Property damage 173 Bicycle - Auto 5
Pedestrian 8
During the year 1963, there were 430 motor vehicle violations reported to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, and 5, 796 parking violation tags were issued.
The police cards travelled 217, 489 miles in 1963.
DAVID L. NICOLL Chief of Police
60
30
F
Fire Department
The 1963 report of the Fire Department is submitted herewith.
SERVICE: 1,868 calls for service were answered during 1963. We had 8 false alarms which were sounded due to honest mistakes and a few caused by suspected mischievousness. Mutual aid responses to neighboring communities were made 9 times.
The estimated loss from fire of all types amounted to approximately $160, 240, 21, represen- ting for the most part the actual loss settlement on property involved in fires which were reported to the Fire Department. The assessed valuation of proper- ties involved was approximately $2, 332, 695. 00.
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