USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Andover > Town annual report of Andover 1963-1969 > Part 61
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Added by Contract :
13,386 feet 24"
735 feet 18"
Added by Subdividers :
1,615 feet 8"
Landfill
Operation of the town landfill poses several problems during 1968.
A sanitary landfill or "towne dumpe" is maintained and operated by the Town of Andover. It is located in West Andover at the intersection of Chandler and Ledge Roads. A per- mit is required in order to gain admission to the facility and may be obtained at the Andover Police Station. The depositing of organic material including household garbage is prohibited.
Operation of the town landfill posed several problems during 1968, primarily involving unau- thorized use of the landfill by outside collectors as well as residents of other communities. This will continue to be a problem so long as the land- fill is operated with the complement of personnel at the present time; that is to say, by an equip- ment operator and a helper. The shortage of ade- quate quantities and suitable cover material also created some difficulties. It is anticipated that with the reconstruction of North Street some 10,000 cubic yards of excess material will be de-
26
posited at the landfill for use as cover material. This will not occur until the Spring of 1969 but will solve the problem for the ensuing year.
A major undertaking in 1968 was the ap- pointment by the Town Manager and confirma- tion by the Board of Selectmen of a Solid Waste Disposal Task Force. At this writing, the Task Force has not completed its work and has been able to submit only a preliminary report on its findings, conclusions and recommendations. One recommendation that is available is that an addi- tional attendant be employed at the landfill. The primary responsibility of this position will be to check all vehicles seeking entrance to the landfill and thus to eliminate unauthorized use. It is an- ticipated that the expense of this additional posi- tion will be more than offset by the space that will be saved at the site for use by town residents and taxpayers.
Some consideration was being given by the end of 1968 for the development of a regional plan for solid waste disposal revolving around the con- struction of a large incinerator. This particular endeavor is precipitated by the City of Lawrence having very obvious and very serious problems with the operation of its incinerator as well as the disposal of residue from the facility. There is little question that a very broad approach to the problem of solid waste disposal must be made. A regional plan would be both practical and econo- mical. It remains to be seen, however, whether or not the region should include only the Greater Lawrence municipalities or a larger district, per- haps encompassing the entire northeast region of the Commonwealth. The fact still remains the problem is with us, that it is serious, that we dare not ignore it at peril of literally being buried in our own garbage.
Garbage Collection
New homeowners should call the Board of Health to arrange for collection.
A new 3-year garbage collection contract was authorized by the Board of Selectmen in 1968 on the strength of open competitive bidding. The contract price for each of the next three years is $40,000., an increase of $10,000. per year over the previous 3-year contract price of $30,000. per year. The previous contractor continues to
provide this important service to the Town's tax- payers.
The contract calls for weekly collection dur- ing all but the Summer months when the col- lector will collect twice each week if necessary. Supervision of the contractor is the responsibility of the Board of Health. All complaints on service should be directed to this agency or to the collec- tor himself. His phone number will be found among the numbers of the telephone directory listed on the inside of the back cover of this re- port.
It is required that householders maintain the garbage receptacle in a location which is imme- diately accessible to the collector at all times. This includes the Winter months when it may be necessary that a pathway be cleared to the loca- tion. The container must be free of ice. If these requirements are not followed, the contractor is under no obligation to collect the garbage.
The Winter season frequently poses trouble- some problems for the collector. Should snow or ice conditions cause delays in collection or dis- ruption in his normal schedule, homeowners should bear with the inconvenience and give him a reasonable opportunity to make up lost time.
New homeowners should call the Board of Health to arrange for collection. Garbage is meant to include food principally and not rubbish - bot- tles, cans or paper.
Street Lighting
Requests must be made in writ- ing.
Street lights in the Town of Andover are provided under contract with the Massachusetts Electric Company. Forty-eight (48) new lights were added to the Town's lighting system dur- ing the past year. In addition, sixty-nine (69) existing lights were changed to larger and im- proved fixtures. Some 1,394 lights make up the system.
The procedure for obtaining a street light is a relatively simple one although of necessity be- cause of the limitations of funds, a prolonged one. Requests must be made IN WRITING to the Town Manager. He, in turn, requests a survey of the request and recommendation by the electric com- pany. After receipt and review of this report, appropriate action is taken. Lights may be in- stalled only on ACCEPTED Town streets.
27
Board of Health
42 swimming pool permits.
Health Department Statistics
Again this year the highest incidence of re- portable communicable diseases was animal bites. The number of cases of mumps remained unchanged but chickenpox cases increased slight- ly.
The Board of Health issued 1057 permits and licenses during 1968. The greatest number of these consisted of 99 septic tank permits, 73 milk licenses, 65 food service establishment permits, 42 swimming pool permits, 120 disposal works installations and repairs permits, 211 gas per- mits and 243 plumbing permits.
Tuberculosis and Premature Babies Program
For the second consecutive year there has been no Andover resident hospitalized for Tuber- culosis. This marks the longest period on record in which the town did not incur any debts for the care of tubercular patients. There were 11 premature babies born during the past year and 3 of these required financial assistance at a total cost to the town of $1600. Under recent legisla- tion the applicant requesting financial assistance for premature babies will be referred to Medicaid in the future.
Clinics Sponsored
The following clinics were sponsored by the Board of Health in 1968:
1964
1968 $24,819
Amount of, Personnel Expense
$13,527
$20,532
No. of employees (full time)
2
2
(part time)
3
4
Money received from permits $ 3,866
$ 6,040
No. of permits issued
766
1,057
No. of various inspections
1,300
1,431
Number of Communicable
Diseases Reported 1,695
276
No. of nursing field visits
104
151
No. of nursing office visits
204
329
No. of T.B. patients hospitalized 3 Cost to Town $ 2,447
0
No. of Premature Babies Born
17
11
New Nursery School
A new nursery school has been licensed in Andover making a total of 4 children's day care services which are not operated as part of an or- ganized educational system.
New Regulation
A new regulation, requiring that additional area be reserved for expansion of the sewage dis- posal field in an amount at least equal to the area of the disposal field, became effective October 3, 1968.
Biological Products Dispensed during 1968
Number of Doses
Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis 3345
Diptheria and Tetanus 1260
Diptheria and Tetanus (Adult)
840
Diptheria and Tetanus for Booster 900
Diptheria Antitoxin
(units) 2000
Immune Serum Globulin (cc) 465
940
Mumps
640
Poliomyelitis Vaccine (Sabin)
4120
Smallpox 1818
Tuberculin, Old
320
Tetanus Toxoid
330
Typhoid - paratyphoid
469
Tetanus Immune Globulin
(units) 1000
Vaccine needles
1180
Diagnostic test outfits dispensed no. of outfits
Tine Tests
1700
Throat Cultures
576
Wasserman
216
Enteric Cultures 12
T. B. Sputum
12
A comparison of expenses and statistics of the Board of Health office between 1964 and 1968 is as follows :
Total Expenses
$23,083
Mumps Vaccine Clinic held in the East and West Junior High Schools in November for chil- dren in the 7th, 8th, and 9th grades where 562 pupils from Public and Parochial Schools re- ceived the vaccine.
Vision Screening program for children un- der 5 years of age, conducted by volunteers from the Andona Society. 263 children were screened.
Glaucoma Clinic, conducted by the Lions Club, screened 85 adults and found 1 positive case of glaucoma.
Rabies Clinic, conducted by Dr. Lindsay, was held on 2 successive Saturdays in April. 735 dogs were innoculated against rabies.
0
3 No. Given Financial Aid Cost to Town $ 780
3
$ 1,600
Total income for this project was $25,477.20. With the Commonwealth Contribution of $17,625.00 and $2,000.00 from last year's surplus, this project showed a surplus of $2,470.96 for the year.
28
1
Measles
Engineering
15 different subdivisions were inspected for the Planning Board.
ENGINEERING BUREAU OF PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
The Engineering Bureau directed the road- way reconstruction in the Lowell Junction area including the survey, street layout, plans, bidding and the actual construction. Bids were taken and 2500 feet of sewer line were installed to serve the Bancroft School. Field engineering was provided for the surface water drainage lines installed by the Public Works Department in various parts of town. Many drainage problems throughout town were investigated with possible solutions recom- mended.
Survey plans were prepared for the Select- men, Conservation Commission, School Building Committees, as well as other drawings for the Industrial and Development Commission, Police Department and Town Manager.
Plans for 12 new subdivisions of land, 3 in preliminary form and 9 in definitive form, with a total of 393 lots were reviewed for the Planning Board for conformance with its Rules and Regu- lations and for the adequacy of the proposed uti- lities. During the year the roadways and utilities under construction in 15 different subdivisions were inspected for the Planning Board.
The Engineering Bureau represented the Town in engineering matters with the State dur- ing Rogers Brook construction and the start of North Street Chapter 90 reconstruction. Many individuals were assisted in securing information in sites, existing utilities, street layouts and the like for projects now completed or contemplated. It maintained the engineering records of the Town and worked in cooperation with other town departments and boards requiring engineering information and services.
Veterans Services
Financial assistance was pro- vided to 101 persons during the
year.
Once again, as in all previous years since the inception of the Department of Veterans' Ser- vices, an expanding work load reflects the ever increasing veteran population in Andover, and its accompanying demands for more services. More than 2800 individuals were interviewed in this office in the current year, an increase of 25% over the previous year. This was an anticipated growth of the functions of this Department un- der the provisions of Chapter 115 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth.
Financial assistance was provided to 101 persons during the year, 31 of whom are perman- ent recipients because of old age and infirmity, and 70, who were in temporary need because of sickness, hospitalization or the death of the head of the family. Despite the death of four perman- ent recipients during the year, our permanent case load remains substantially the same, as new applicants have taken their places on our rolls. Expenditures compare favorably with the pre- ceding year, despite the increased costs of all areas of medical care and subsistance allowances to families.
Pension and compensation applications to the Veterans Administration in 1968, processed by this office for Andover residents, resulted in monthly cash awards in excess of $39,000. when projected for a twelve month period. Prompt ac- tion in seeking these benefits, as well as benefits from the Social Security Administration, continue to have a favorable effect on the yearly expenditures of this Department.
Several hundred applications for State and Federal benefits for Vietnam veterans were pro- cessed this year: 149 for educational assistance, which is an increase of 50% over 1967, and over 800 for State Bonus Gratuities, 674 of which were filed by Andover residents. In addition, many of the returning veterans were assisted in obtaining treatment for service connected ill- nesses and injuries, as a first step towards their rehabilitation and return to civilian responsibili- ties.
A total of 35 veterans died in 1968, one of these a victim of combat duty in Vietnam, An- dover's fifth casualty in this conflict.
29
Schools
The announcement by Edward I. Erickson, Superintendent of Schools, of his retirement
The year 1968 was one of continued prob- lems, changes, and accomplishments for the pub- lic school system. Because of its continued rapid growth the Town of Andover continues to face all the problems and overwhelming financial obligations which are at present besetting the communities of the Commonwealth. The explo- sive growth in population which comes along with increased residential construction in the Town has brought rapid expansion of the school population. The continuing evolution and devel- opment of the school curriculum have required new teaching techniques, new material and in many cases, re-education of the teaching staff. Most significantly, and perhaps least well under- stood by the citizenry, is the development of yearly negotiations concerning salary and work- ing conditions between school committee and re- presentatives of the teachers, administrators, and
custodians. In addition, the announcement by Edward I. Erickson, Superintendent of Schools, of his retirement will bring to an end the guid- ance and supervision of this educator who has overseen the growth of our system from that of fourteen hundred pupils to the present one four times that size.
The Townspeople certainly need no reminder of the problems incurred by the rapid growth of school population. This growth which has aver- aged some seven percent per year in recent years has meant the rapid construction of many school buildings. The end of such construction, unfor- tunately, is nowhere in sight. In 1968, the new senior high school was opened and is already near capacity. The Bancroft Elementary School is ap- proaching completion, but before it is ready an addition to the West Elementary School, in itself the size of a traditional elementary school, has already begun. A second junior high school was opened in the former senior high school and yet
an addition for this building is already being planned. By 1971 additional elementary and high school classrooms must also be added to the sys- tem. In addition, the increase in population has meant that the number of teachers had had to be increased as well. Over the past three years between forty and fifty new positions have been added each year. So long as the growth of the community continues the population problem will remain a serious one for the School Com- mittee and for the Town. The financial outlay necessary for new buildings and additional tea- chers is indeed a heavy burden.
The most significant change in recent years in the Andover Schools, as in schools everywhere has come about by the law which gives teachers and other groups the right to bargain collec- tively. As a consequence of this law the salary of the average teacher in Andover has increased ap- proximately thirty per cent in the past two years. This, together with the additional number of teachers which has been necessary and the proportional increase in administrators' salaries, has increased the salary portion of the school budget some sixty per cent in only two years. This represents approximately one and one-half million dollars difference in the yearly budgets for these two years. Each community in the state must remain competitive in salaries in order to attract desirable teachers. Until the law is al- tered or School Committees band together in a strong, communicative bargaining organization the salary spiral seems to be headed indefinitely upward. It is reasonable to wonder how long communities can shoulder such a tax burden.
Despite the problem involved with popula- tion growth and salary increases there are plea- sant aspects of the school program to report as well. During the past year the continual pro- gress or "non-graded" elementary program con- tinued to be developed and certainly should prove to be an exciting program which will benefit all of our students. The policy of the School Com- mittee is that this program shall continue into the secondary schools. New reading and mathe- matics programs have been developed in summer workshops and these programs will slowly spread to all the elementary schools. The remedial read- ing program has been greatly expanded and im- proved with the addition of trained volunteer tu- tors for those children who have special reading problems. With the addition of specialists, the guidance, speech and hearing, arts and music
30
programs also continue to be expanded.
At the secondary level 1968 brought adequ- ate space for junior and senior high schools for the first time, however temporary it may be. As a result homogeneous grouping, expansion of the program, and more ideal pupil to teacher ratios have been accomplished. In the high school new electives were offered for the first time. The library programs at all levels have been expand- ed and are continuing to grow in order that they approach the ideal for a modern school system.
A group of interested citizens from the com- munity together with representatives of the school department have developed and suggested a program of family living and sex education. This program will probably be instituted during the 1969-70 school year. A pilot swimming pro- gram was successful and has been expanded to cover the entire school system at the fourth grade level.
The announcement by Edward I. Erickson of his approaching retirement at the end of present school year saddened the entire School Department. For nineteen of the past twenty-five years Mr. Erickson has ably guided and controlled the growth of the Andover School System from a relatively simple one to the large and complex system it is today. During this period the school population has quadrupled, the numbers of tea- chers and administrators have increased fivefold and the budget has increased proportionally even more. Despite all the problems involved in the management of such rapid and continual growth his wise direction assured a constant increase in the quality of Andover education. The legacy of the tenure of the Superintendent will be found in the thousands of its residents who have been fortunate to receive their education during this period. The superiority of the Andover School System is testimony to his administrative suc- cess. Though we wish him well in retirement Mr. Erickson will be sorely missed by the School Department and the Town of Andover.
The management of the Andover School Sys- tem is a difficult, complicated and expensive job. Only through the continued support and loyalty of their fellow citizens for the School Committee can it be hoped that all the problems approach- ing in the near future will be solved successfully.
Greater Lawrence Regional Vocational Technical High School
The "Industrial Entry" program
Despite the increase in students, personnel and material costs it is significant to note that the district operated on a budget substantially reduced below the year 1967 by $198,427.00 and showing a balance of $726.00 for the calendar year 1968.
Perhaps outstanding of the many experi- ences and activities for the year was recommen- dation by the evaluating committee of the New England Schools and Colleges Regional Accredit- ing Board.
Productivity for the several departments has virtually doubled due to the increase background of the students.
Agencies and student participation is more than doubled this year in our Cooperative Pro- gram with industry.
Evening classes for adults maintain a strong enrollment in upgrading, preparatory and novice courses and satisfaction has been evidenced by the comments of the students and employers.
The "Industrial Entry" program designed for High School students from the four coinmuni- ties and meeting two afternoons each week from 4:15 - 6:15 p.m. is consistent with an enroll- ment of 102 boys and girls.
Hockey has been added to our sports pro- gram and has been received with a great deal of enthusiasm. Mr. John Deacon is coaching the team and has evidenced satisfaction with the program despite the trials involved with inexperi- enced players faced with varsity competition.
The district invited the four community municipal leaders to meetings for the purpose of relating plans and statistics for expansion. In each case the general consensus was favorable as to need and desirability of additional facilities but that realization depended on the costs reflect- ed in the tax structure.
31
Based on 40% State-aid for construction and 10 - 15% State-aid for membership in the region plus 50% State-aid for the operation and main- tenance it was pointed out by the Committee that the project is not only feasible but that it would be difficult to forego in terms of finance. An in- vitation to call upon the Committee for further explanation has been extended in the interest of complete communication as we endeavor to meet not only the needs of all our people but also the needs of industry, hospitals, rest homes, doctors, dentists and commercial establishments. Guidance Services :
1. Admissions :
a. 8th grade students contacted 1200
b. 8th grade students tested 350
c. Enrolled for 9th grade 165
2. Testing :
D.A.T. 350
Otis 135
S.R.A. Diagnostic Arithmetic Test
Kuder Vocational Preference Inventory .. 135
3. Counselling :
Educational counselling 400
Vocational counselling 200
Personal counselling 300
Parental conferences 40
Schools and Programs :
a. Part-time Cooperative School :
Cooperative agencies 47
Coperative students 81
Average salary $2.00 per hour; salary range $1.60 - $2.50 per hour.
b. Day School :
Enrollment October 1, 1968 641
c. Industrial Entry Program : Enrollment 1968-69 schol year 102
d. Evening School: Enrollment 1968-69 school year 724
e. Summer School Activity, 1968 :
Algebra I, Trigonometry and Electronics 40
Enrollment records as of October 1, 1968 indicate
Municipality
Day
Evening
School School
Andover
46
75
Basketball
3
Lawrence
371
278
Baseball
3
Methuen
177
149
Football
5
North Andover
47
39
Track
3
Cross Country
1
Non-residents*
0
183
641
724
*Tuition students not included.
Administration :
Superintendent of District
1
Director of School 1
Assistant Director 1
Guidance Counselors 2
Vocational Coordinator 1
Clerical :
Principal Clerks 2
Senior Clerk 1
Junior Clerks 2
Part-time Clerks 2
Instructional :
Academic Instructors 16
Related Technology Instructors 11
Shop & Laboratory Instructors 30
Librarian 1
Audio-Visual Aide 1
Non-Instructional :
Nurse
1
Cafeteria :
Manager
1
Full-time workers 1
Part-time workers 7
Custodial and Bus Driving :
Senior Custodian 1
Custodians 10
Evening Schools :
Supervision 2
Instructor 47
Students
724
Industrial Entry (High school students) :
Supervision
1
Instructors 8
Students 130
Transportation :
9 part-time bus drivers
8 buses
School lunch participation :
September 1966 67%
October 1967 75%,
December 1968 91%
December 1968 87%
Athletics :
Sport Coaches
641
541
Wrestling
1
32
Report on Graduates :
12th 14th
Post
Grade Grade Graduates
Number graduated
51
8 14
Number placed
51
8
14
Average Salary
2.12 hr. 2.44 hr. 2.60 hr.
Armed Services 2
1
2
Students Separated :
9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th PG1 PG2
Transfer
10 3
2
0
0
()
0 ()
Employment
0
2
3
0
1
1
2
7.64
$ 71,448.64
Lawrence
57.42 $536,912.89
Methuen
27.60 $258,157.10
Moved out of state 1
()
()
0
0
0
0 0
Accident at home 0
()
()
0
1
0
0
0
Manpower Development and Training Programs :
Students
Students
Program
Started
Finished
George Barden Funds
166,150.00
Cook-Aprentice
20
17
OJT Machine Apprentice
20
16
Reimbursement from transportation 28,600.00
General Funds
28,600.00
Grand Total
$1,331,020.00 $1,330,293.88
1,331,020.00 total cash available
1,330,293.88 total expenditures
726.12
unexpended balance
359.10 plus sales tax paid from General Funds
to Operating Account
1,085.22
overage 1968 Budget to General Fund
Alocated
Allowed Incldg. Transfers
Expended
Balance
General Control $ 31,250.00
$ 28,130.5.1
$ 28,130.51
Expense of Instruction 684,110.00
723,930.65
723,204.53
$726.12
Auxiliary Agencies
69,780.00
56,655.81
56,655.81
Cost of transportation
28,000.00
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