USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Andover > Town annual report of Andover 1963-1969 > Part 73
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Two members of the Commission planned and participated in a conservation course in the Adult Evening Study Program of Phillips Academy.
Andover was represented at both meetings of the state organization, the Massachusetts As- sociation of Conservation Commissions. Several members attended various legislative hearings at the State House on matters of interest to con- servationists. Conferences, field trips, seminars and lectures sponsored by a variety of conserva- tion organizations were attended by various members.
A total of 16 regularly scheduled meetings was held during 1969, which represents but a small portion of the time and effort expended on behalf of the Town by the members of the Com- mission.
AVIS
Andover Village Improvement Society has, as always, welcomed the public to its many res- ervations. This year it has become very evident that an increased number of our citizens has vis- ited AVIS properties, and that many groups have also been attracted. Walking and canoeing have been popular. Boy and Girl Scouts have camped and had nature trips; the Merrimack Bird Club had spring walks; the American Youth Hostel's hike on Deer Jump Reservation was accompanied by a talk on the history and botany of the region; and the Newcomers Club was given a guided tour stressing the conservation objectives of AVIS.
A 6 acre parcel of land has been purchased which provides a convenient new access to Baker's Meadow from an entrance at #33 Ar- gilla Road. The Meadow is available for hiking
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1
and bird watching in the summer, and for skat- ing in the winter. A triangular section of land of 6,000 square feet has been acquired at the Deer Jump Reservation about 1/3 mile upstream from the pumping station, which improves a former steep downhill grade on the trail. Hikers now meet horseback riders on parts of the Deer Jump trail. And Mr. and Mrs. John C. Fisher have gen- erously presented AVIS with a 30,000 square foot lot at the northwest corner of Lupine Road and Central Street, bordering on the Shawsheen River which now allows public access to the river at that point.
A new map, based on the recently published revision of the Town map, has been prepared, giving information on AVIS, with its reserva- tions printed in red for ease of location. It is available by writing to AVIS, at P.O. Box 90, Andover. AVIS gave two free film programs, both to a crowded auditorium at the West Junior High School. The subjects included "Nature's Half Acre", "Wildlife Adventure" and "Grand Canyon". AVIS also participated in Conservation Day, held in May at Andover Recreation Park. Campfire Girls and Boy Scouts showed typical encampments; an archery exhibition was given; the 4H Club put on a horse show ; a free bus tour of AVIS reservations was featured; and the Four Seasons Garden Club sold tree seedlings.
The AVIS Annual Meeting was attended by 125 persons. The dinner was followed by a slide lecture by Mr. and Mrs. Fred Stott, entitled "Ev- erest, a View from the Base". AVIS gratefully acknowledges the help of numerous volunteers in maintaining its properties. Boy Scouts, Philips Academy students, and many conservation mind- ed citizens cut trails, built bridges, cleaned the woods, and removed fallen trees from the Shaw- sheen River. Such help is always needed and is sincerely appreciated.
Development and Industrial Commission
In the past year, the Development and In- dustrial Commission collaborated closely with the Planning Board in a thorough-going review of the industrial regulations of the Zoning Bylaw.
The refinements resulting therefrom and adopted in the March and October Town Meetings accom- plish essentially the following :
require landscape screening next to homes and highways,
require setbacks for outdoor operations next to homes,
strengthen controls over pollution and other offensive practices,
prohibit future home building in industrial districts, except in the General Industrial Zone,
reduce variety of industrial zones from 5 to 3, and descriptions of permitted indus- trial uses from 3 to 2.
It was a good year for industrial develop- ment :
Raytheon settled with the abutters out of court early in the year. Ground was broken in March; erection of steel began in June; the manu- facturing and office buildings are nearing com- pletion. Occupancy is forecast for spring and summer of 1970. The Town has installed water and sewer lines and the access road from Das- comb Road. The Commonwealth is getting ready to add ramps to the southwest and northeast corners of the Route 93/133 interchange.
Gillette finished its manufacturing building in May; production was begun in June. An of- ficial opening, including occupancy of the office building, took place in September.
Brockway-Smith started construction in Feb- ruary. The buildings, consisting of office, shop, warehouse and garage, were finished in fall and are now fully occupied.
Smaller plants erected in 1969 include shop buildings for the Andover Electrical Contracting Company on Andover Street and for the Pre- cision Electronics Company on Chandler Road, an office building for New England Milk Pro- ducers Associates on Haverhill Street and addi- tions to the Shawsheen Rubber Company in Ballardvale and the Mystic Warehouse Company in Lowell Junction.
The Gillette plant, nearing completion in 1968 and assessed at $5,657,900 as of 1/1/69, with a 1969 tax bill of $220,568, has noticeably increased the share which industry contributes to the Andover tax revenue. The following table shows what is happening :
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1
Year
Total taxable assessment
Industrial assessment
% of industry in total
Jan. 1 1967
$158,258,200
$9,749,000
6.15%
Growth 1967
1 5,165,100
+ 79,000
Jan. 1 1968
163,423,300
9,828,000
6.00
Growth 1968
+ 12,132,700
+ 6,024,100
Jan. 1 1969
175,556,000
15,852,100
9.03
As the plants which have been built in 1969 go on the tax roll in 1970, industry will assume an even greater share of our tax burden.
The tax receipts are to some degree offset by the expenditures which the Town makes for
the benefit of industry. For the greater part, these expenditures are bonded. The following table shows the 1969 payments on principal and interest for such bonds :
West Andover Water Loop
(Art. 14, March 1966)
$ 28,584
Gillette Sewer
(Art. 4, August 1967)
49,527
Gillette Road
(Art. 4, August 1967)
47,825
Gillette Water
(Art. 4, August 1967) 25,327
151,263
In reality, only a portion of these sewer and water bonds should be assessed against industry since the installations paid for thereby aid resi- dential development also and in any event would be made sooner or later in accordance with ap- plicable master plans. Other expenditures which the Town makes for the benefit of industry are either appropriated in special articles to be raised by taxation, or are incurred as part of its general administrative expense. It is estimated that in- dustry cost the Town less than $200,000 total in 1969 while it returned over $600,000 in taxes.
The Commission regrets the relocation of the P. W. Moody Company from Ballardvale to Bel- gium and hopes that another operation will soon occupy the Moody plant.
Board of Appeals
As provided by Section 14, Chapter 40A of the General Laws, the Board of Appeals during the year 1969 heard 38 petitions which were dis- posed of as follows :
21 petitions granted
7 petitions denied
2 petitions withdrawn
8 petitions pending
A total of $570 for advertising fees was collected and turned over to the Town Treasurer.
Council on Aging
The prime activity of the Council on Aging during 1969 has been the implementation and development of The Andover Haven, a drop-in center for all of Andover's "over-60" age group. The Haven at 15 Barnard Street is open every weekday from ten in the morning until four in the afternoon. An outgrowth of the Council on Aging's activities at The Andover Haven has been the organization of The Andover Haven As- sociates. The membership of The Andover Haven Associates is for those people who are 60 years of age or over and who are residents of Andover. They plan the special activities offered by The Haven. The overall operation is directed by Mrs. Natalie Stokham, hired as part-time director and coordinator, but who gives of her time, energy and thoughtfulness, full-time. Regular classes in oil painting, crewel embroidery, bridge, and Christmas decorations have been held. The paint- ing class has held an exhibit of its work at an open house at The Haven. The Friday afternoon "Men's Day" is a regular feature of the center. Once a month a field representative of the Social Security Administration Office in Lawrence is on hand at The Haven to answer questions and as- sist and advise relative to individual social sec- urity problems.
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Sponsored by the Council regular monthly luncheons are held at the Greater Lawrence Vocational and Technical High School, where a good hot meal with pleasant eating companions is available at a very small fee. Usually some form of brief entertainment of interest is presented immediately after the luncheon. This is also the time that the Haven Associates hold their business meetings since all of Andover's "over- 60" age group is included in the Associates mem- bership.
A weekly bowling group holds its sessions at a local bowling alley every Wednesday. Theater parties, trips to view the fall foliage, and shop- ping trips are also planned, the cost paid for by those making use of the activity.
Many local organizations have been most generous in their support of The Haven, and to them, as well as to the individual citizens who have given so generously of their time and money, the Council is most grateful. The over- whelming support of the townspeople in the work of the council has been most heartening.
In addition to the work of The Andover Haven, the Council continues to explore those ways in which the lives of our older citizens can be made easier, more comfortable and richer. One specific program which the Council has been try- ing to implement and for which we believe there is much need is a Tele-Check program whereby anyone who lives alone, although not necessarily housebound, would receive a telephone call daily at a prearranged time to assure that all is well. Although we know there are many senior citi- zens who are in this category, we have not been successful in getting them to request this free service. We feel that any kind of imposition of such a service would be improper and that the recipient or his family must request it so that it is not an infringement of privacy. Other pro- grams under consideration by the Council on Aging will be announced as they are put into effect.
Police Department
With only one exception, there was no change in the number of personnel in the police department in 1969. The exception was the ad- dition of a spare crossing guard. As of the end
STOP.
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of the year, the police force consisted of 49 employees, Chief, Lieutenant, 4 Sergeants, 28 Patrolmen, 2 Reserve Patrolmen, 2 civilian em- ployees, and 11 Crossing guards.
In 1969 the police department received 4481 miscellaneous complaints or requests for service requiring police action. During the year there were 549 arrests or court appearances, of which 276 were for motor vehicle violations. Of the 276 motor vehicle violations prosecuted in court, 113 were for speeding. Other arrests included 95 for drunkenness, 33 for breaking and enter- ing, 40 for drug violations, and 55 juvenile cases were prosecuted.
During 1969, 155 breaking and entering cases were investigated by the police depart- ment along with 33 attempted breaks. There were 135 larcenies reported involving property valued over $50.00, and 189 larcenies reported having property value under $50.00. During the year 76 motor vehicles were reported stolen. In the year 1969 there were 614 accidents reported in Andover, including 6 fatal accidents (7 deaths), 226 personnel injury accidents, and 382 property damage accidents. Of the 6 fatal acci- dents, 2 occurred in town streets, 2 on Route 93 and 2 on Routh 495. During the year 212 motor vehicle violation warnings were sent to the Registry of Motor Vehicles and 2477 parking tags were issued by the police department. In 1969 the police department vehicles travelled a distance of 328,089 miles. During the year there were 2 cases of robbery, 2 cases of rape, and 17 cases of assault reported to the police depart- ment.
Fire Department
The Fire Department is established and main- tained by the municipality to provide protection to the public against injury, loss of life or pro- perty by fire, explosion or other causes. Because of the importance and the hazardous nature of this work, the firefighter engaged in it must pos- sess stamina and courage of the highest order. In addition, however, he must possess certain specific knowledge concerning his work if he is to perform his duties efficiently and with mini- mum risk to himself and to his fellow firefighters. He should have detailed knowledge of the dan- gers arising from heat, smoke, explosions, etc.,
caused by fire; of the hazards presented by new industries, processes and materials developed by science; of the construction of buildings and the hazards involved in the materials used or stored in them; and of the dangers inherent in the use of water at high pressures.
Objectives of fire protection are to prevent fires from starting, to prevent loss of life and property in case fire starts, to confine fire to the place of origin and to extinguish it.
From the point of view of Town Govern- ment, this involves the services of fire preven- tions and fire fighting. Fire fighting, because it requires positive and dramatic action, has a far greater appeal for people than have fire preven- tion measures which involve restrictions, prohi- bitions 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 of wiring, both aerial and underground, and associated street boxes and station equipment for controlling the system. The Department operates from three stations - Cen- tral, Ballardvale and West Andover. Its fifty-one men use six pieces of firefighting equipment.
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 law were conducted. Mercantile, industrial, church, garage, and service stations were inspected and reports filed. Findings and recommendations were sent to owners and/or occupants of dwelling houses of three or more apartments. In-service inspections were conducted from all stations us- ing radio-controlled fire trucks with a full com- plement of firefighters.
As in past years, the major causes of fire were carelessness, the use of smoking materials, children and matches, and faulty electrical appli- ances and wiring.
FIRE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES
Service Calls 2402
Fires 493
False Alarms 22
Mutual Aid Calls 16
Approximate value of buildings
where fire occured $25,630,986.00
Approximate loss from fire $84,510.96
Ambulance Calls
591
16
Non-Residents billed for
ambulance service
179
Open Air fire Permits issued 2,265
Open Air burning violations
113
Fuel Oil Heat installation
permits issued 78
Explosive use permits issued 32
Building Inspections Conducted 907
Fire Drills 97
Fatalities from fire 0
Flammable liquids and/or
Explosive storage permits issued 12
Welding and Cutting operations
permits issued 14
Civil Defense
During 1969, emphasis on shelter programs and shelter stocking still held top priority on the State and Federal level. On the State level, we had a meeting concerning the change of the local frequency for our R.A.C.E.S. group. The change, when made, will help to eliminate an overlap of communities assigned the same frequency. We also had a meeting on how to form a plan for use of our shelters. This was supposed to be done with Federal assistance; but due to the lack of funding, each community must try to form their own. On the Sector level, we had a meeting on how to form a plan for use of the Town com- munications during an emergency.
During the Spring of 1969, we had a few anxious moments as the Shawsheen River nearly reached flood level. During this period, the State watched with us and was ready to offer any as- sisitance that might be needed.
The town duck was put out of action by vandals. It has since been repaired.
The new Public Safety Center was started with a sizeable space allocated for Civil Defense. This will be very much appreciated. It should help to increase the interest in Civil Defense.
The Auxiliary Police Group held their regu- lar meetings and when called on, were able to aid the Town.
The communications Group held their regu- lar Monday night drills. They, also, were able to help the Town when they were called on.
The Raytheon Co. has a new liaison officer. His name is Phil Shine. They have been very co- operative in anything they have been asked to help us with.
The school children seem to have a great deal of interest in Civil Defense this year as compared with past years. I received a great many phone calls at my home, from them, con- cerning Civil Defense. This past Spring, I was able to give three lectures at the East Junior High School on Civil Defense.
I would like to mention that there are sev- eral courses available for groups or individuals on Civil Defense and related subjects. If anyone desires assistance along these lines, please con- tact me.
I want to thank all persons who have made my job easier this past year.
Animal Inspection
Number of Cattle Inspected :
Registered
3
Grade
78
Number of Sheep Inspected
1
Number of Horses Inspected 83 22 Number of Ponies Inspected
Number of Goats Inspected 1
Number of Swine Inspected 1,176
Number of Barns (Dairy) Inspected 3 Number of Dogs Quarantined 50
Number of Dogs with Rabies 0
Electrical Inspection
During the year 1969 there were 435 Elec- trical Permits issued and categorized as follows :
135 New Structures
150 Oil Burners 100 Temporary Services 50 Remodelling
Total fees turned over to the Town Trea- surer were $2,236.00 for 1969.
Weights and Measures
A total of 12,194 items were inspected for proper labeling, weight, count and volume con- tent. 6,934 items were found to be correct, while 2,163 items were found to be deficient in either weight or volume. 3,097 items inspected for weight and volume content were found to con-
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tain an amount in excess of declared quantity.
The Department sealed 205 weighing and measuring devices, adjusted 9 and attached NOT SEALED labels on 7 units.
Sealing fees for 1969 amounted to $322.10. Fees collected through December 31, 1969, amounted to $315.60 which have been paid to the Town Treasurer.
Dog Officer
Lost Dogs 57
Dogs picked up 41
Dogs Returned to Owners 20
Dogs Ordered Restrained 28
Dogs Disposed of 4
Dog Complaints
170
Dogs Sold
11
Dogs Sent to Harvard Medical School 6
Dead Dogs Removed
15
Money Received for Dogs Sold
$33.00
Owners Contacted for Unlicensed
Dogs 375
Owners Contacted to Confine Horses 4
Several calls to pick up cats, Raccoons and other small animals were received.
Building Inspection
The purpose and scope of the Andover Building Code is to provide for safety, health, and public welfare through structural strength and stability, adequate egress, proper light and ventilation, and protection of life and property from fire hazards incident to design.
Enforcement of the Town Building Code is the responsibility of the Building Inspector. He is also the enforcing officer for the Town Zon- ing By Laws, with his rulings subject to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
All Board of Appeals applications are re- viewed and processed through this office, and in addition copies of its definitive action on all petitions are kept for the convenience of the general public.
Electrical Permits are also issued by this Department with the approval of the Electrical Inspector. Related records, fees and reports are also maintained by the Building Inspector's De-
partment.
Thirteen (13) Gravel Pits were carefully supervised and detailed reports were filed with the Board of Selectmen. Six (6) of these were completed and bonds released. Two (2) have been inactive and did not file for renewal. This Department in conjunction with the Town En- gineer and Chairman of the Board of Selectmen. was responsible for the issuance of several other soil removal permits in the amounts of 500 and 2000 cubic yards as allowed under Article VIII, Section VI, Earth Removal of the Town By Laws.
Numerous Building and Zoning violations were investigated and corrected without inci- dent.
A total of 466 Building Permits were issued during the year 1969.
The following is a tabulation of the Build- ing Permits for the years 1965 through 1969.
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155
28 269 106
1965 Dwelling & Garages Other Buildings Additions & Alterations Others (raze, sign, swimming pools, etc.)
$ 3,181,168.00 3,831,323.00 891,062.00 97,634.00
558
$ 8,001,187.00
$ 9,098.00
1966
150
Dwellings & Garages
$ 2,871,500.00
15
Other Buildings
4,709,000.00
267
Additions & Alterations
533,797.00
92
Others (raze, sign, swimming pools, etc.)
127,397.00
524
$ 8,270,594.00
$ 8,051.00
1967
144
Dwelling & Garages
$ 3,299,350.00
10
Other Buildings
6,472,850.00
273
Additions & Alterations
666,249.00
85
Others (raze, sign, swimming pools, etc.)
127,875.00
512
$10,566,504.00
$28,903.00
1968
148
Dwelling & Garages
$ 3,748,028.00
$
27
Other Buildings
5,768,530.00
251
Additions & Alterations
802,590.00
87
Others (raze, sign, swimming pools, etc.)
295,425.00
513
$10,614,753.00
$24,372.00
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Soil Removal
39.00
526
$24,411.00
1969
131
Dwelling & Garages
$ 3,509,700.00
$ 9,101.00
28
Other Buildings
11,833,200.00
34,774.00
200
Additions & Alterations
471,655.00
1,331.00
107
Others (raze, sign, swimming pools, etc.)
129,159.00
$ 625.00
466
1
Soil Removal
12.00
467
GRAND TOTAL - 1969 -
$15,943,714.00
$45,843.00
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Highways
During the year 1969, some forty miles of roads were treated with MC3 Asphalt and sand as well as being honed. Main Street from the square to the Shawsheen River was resurfaced with two layers of bituminous concrete. After a heater planer worked for three weeks removing the old material, it was transported and placed on two old gravel roads-Spring Grove Road and High Plain Road. Sweepings from the streets were taken to the dump to be used in the sanitary landfill program. This method has made it pos- sible to eliminate fires at the town dump.
Some 1200' of Lowell Street was resurfaced with a layer of bituminous concrete and a small section of road between North Street and River Road was also resurfaced. All catch basins and grates were raised to the proper heights during the past year. Some 21 catch basins were repair- ed. Sidewalks were constructed of type D-13 and type I bituminous material on the following streets : Chestnut from Whittier to Avon; Essex from Baker Lane to the Shawsheen River; Tewksbury Street from Andover Street to Center Street; Center Street from Tewksbury Street to Andover Street. Concrete posts were used to re- place many broken ones and all-steel guardrails were painted.
The Highway Department works with the Engineering Department on the inspection of the condition of streets before they are accepted as public ways by Town Meeting. The Highway Department also provides men and equipment for all other departments when needed.
Snow removal and sanding were in charge of the Highway Department. This department had one new truck and one new sidewalk plow in 1969. The snowfall for the year 1969 was as follows :
January .49"
February 47.31"
March 6.25""
April 0"
Many culverts failed or were otherwise trouble- some during the year 1969, mainly because of many heavy rainstorms.
North Street was resurfaced with two lay- ers of course type I bituminous concrete from River Road to Chandler Road under Chapter 90 State Supervision. The sanitary landfill is main- tained and operated by the Highway Department.
A permit is required in order to gain admission to the facility. The Highway Department hauls many tons of sand, etc. to the landfill area. HIGHWAY BRIDGES
Bridges under the control of the Highway Department were inspected many times during the year-one on Stevens Street, one on Central Street and one on Andover Street in Ballardvale. Some minor work was done on these bridges dur- ing the past year.
Parks
The Park Department during the early Spring made repairs on all the baseball diamonds both on the regular and Little League fields plus taking care of the backstops. During the season, the Park Department maintained eight Little League fields and four regular diamonds which are rolled, raked and marked for each game.
Fifteen grassed areas within the town were cut plus some 28 acres at the new high school, park and playstead. The grassed areas in the park, playstead and new high school were fertili- zed and seeded in the Spring. The football field was fertilized twice during the summer months.
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