USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Andover > Town annual report of Andover 1963-1969 > Part 74
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Portable bleachers were erected at the Cen- tral Little League field. From August to Novem- ber, all football fields, soccer fields and hockey fields are marked and the bleachers painted and repaired.
The Park Department removes rubbish three times each week from all the containers on the streets around town and also from the play- grounds throughout the entire summer.
In December the Park men return to the Highway Department for the winter months.
Trees
Responsibility for planting, maintaining, preserving and removing public shade trees which lend character and beauty to the town rests with the Tree Department. Other assigned duties include roadside grass and brush cutting, poison ivy control and insect pest suppression, Dutch Elm disease work and supervision of utility wire clearance through trees. Routine duties include budget preparation, work schedu-
ling and supervision, supply and equipment pur- chasing and maintaining records and reports.
A diversified shade tree planting program was carried on in 1969 with 150 ornamental and shade trees being set out and cared for. Several varities of maples were used, also lindens, syca- mores, flowering cherries, flowering crabapples and Buisman elms which are highly resistant to Dutch Elm disease. All newly planted trees were fertilized, mulched and watered during the grow- ing season.
Dutch Elm disease appeared in 52 public trees this year. These infected trees were cut down and disposed of at Andover's landfill site. Assistance was received including men and equipment from Mass. Dept of Natural Re- sources in locating, sampling and removing dis- eased trees. A number of dead and dangerous trees over utility wires were removed by joint effort of the New England Tel. and Tel. Co., the Mass. Elec. Co. and the Andover Tree Depart- ment. Approximately 65 stumps were chipped out with the town's stump chipper.
Routine work consisted of low limb re- moval, pruning, cabling, dead and dangerous tree removal, bark tracing and brush cutting. Chemical control of poison ivy and roadside brush was continued along streets and at play- ground and recreation areas. Tree removal hear- ings were held, supervision and inspection of wire clearing crews was performed and new wire and pole construction gone over in detail with utility company engineers and arborists. Wire clearance is becoming increasingly import- ant due to heavier demands for electric and tele- phone service and the necessary maintenance and preservation of shade trees. Installation of underground utilities presents problems to the utility company and the Tree Department since excessive cutting of roots to lay wires damages trees permanently and renders them unsafe in windstorms. Hence, heavy root cutting cannot be allowed. Tunneling or relocating installations away from trees are alternate methods used. Electric and Telephone Companies have been co- operative in placing underground wires with minimum damage to trees.
The annual spray program to protect shade trees from destructive insects and diseases was continued. There was some damage to elm foil- age by elm leaf beetles and moderate to severe destruction of oak leaves by oak skeletonizers. The skeletonizers are cyclic and last appeared in
this area in large numbers in 1961. They may be controlled by timely spraying. State and Federal approved pesticides and application methods were used.
Continuing ground and air pollution is ad- versely affecting many roadside trees. Approxi- mately 10 pines and over 60 sugar maples died and were removed during the year. Dead tops and branches, wilting and premature leaf drop- ping are signs of deteriorating growth condi- tions which very often lead to death of trees within a year or two. This damage will persist as long as excessive amounts of pollutants are allowed to enter the ground and atmosphere.
Tree Department personnel worked during all snow storms operating trucks and sidewalk plows.
Sewers
Sewer operations in 1969 were principally in maintenance and supervision of construction in subdivisions. The much needed sewer line on Stratford Road and Summer Street was voted down in the March Town Meeting. With the same article re-submitted in the Special Town Meeting in the fall, authorization for construction was given. Engineering layout and dssign have been completed with contracts to be signed and work will start as soon as weather conditions permit in 1970.
Negotiations were made with the City of Lawrence. A small portion of West Andover is now connected to the Lawrence system on a re- ciprocal use basis. Lawrence already has a num- ber of connections to the Andover system
At a Special Town Meeting held in August 1968, funds were appropriated for a sewer force main to extend beyond the system into West And- over to serve the new proposed Raytheon Plant. Negotiations were started with the State High- way Department in September of 1968. Due to State landtaking problems, permits were not re- ceived until December 1969. Construction was very nearly completed by the end of the year.
The Greater Lawrence Sanitary District Commission was formed and has been active throughout the entire year. Procedures have been started for the necessary land acquisition including land surveys, title searching, and ap- praisal work. Problems with the original law that were very minor but needed correction for
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bonding purposes have been resolved through the services of Bond Counsel. The amendments will be submitted to the General Legislature early in 1970. An implementation schedule has been set by Water Pollution Control and has been for- warded to the Federal Government.
Additions of pipe lines will be entered in 1970 following acceptance of streets where lines were constructed. Sixty individual services were added to the system during the year. Sewer blocks and heavy flows at flood times added con- siderably to the required overtime for mainten- ance.
A new surface was put on Haverhill Street between Enmore and Sterling to correct a con- dition created by several sewer main repairs.
Waste
The Solid Waste Disposal Study Committee, appointed in late 1968, submitted an interim re- port Januray 20, 1969 and its final report Jan- uary 12, 1970. The committee critically examined present practices and recommended an effective solid waste management program.
The public must be made aware of :
1. The increase in population ;
2. The increase in solid waste production per capita ;
3. The life of the present dump is very limited.
The town is cooperating in a regional study of this subject looking toward a regional solid waste disposal site. It is hopeful that this end will be accomplished in the next five years. In the mean- time, something must be done locally.
The following recommendations were made:
1. Solid waste management to be the direct responsibility of the Town Manager with the advice of the Board of Health;
2. Operate the dump as a Sanitary Land- fill;
3. Assure an ample supply of cover material;
4. Purchase the farmland adjacent to the dump (Park's) ;
5. Fence the dump adjacent to town roads ;
6. Locate the exit and extrance gates to- gether ;
7. Only Andover generated solid wastes will be allowed on the dump;
8. Restrict the number of dump gate keys to the dump foreman, the Fire Depart- ment and the Town Manager;
9. Provide the necessary facilities at the dump-roadways, gate house, shed and office and locker room facilities ;
10. Restrict salvaging to the dump fore- man's responsibility ;
11. Investigate other areas within the town for dumping purposes ;
12. Collections by private contractors-the contractors to use Board of Health ap- proved equipment and methods. Con- tractors' equipment to be garaged within town limits and to pay a dumping charge;
13. Weekly collections ;
14. Curb pick-up;
15. Homeowners to use multi-ply high wet strength bags for storage. The commer- cial houses to use same type bag as far as practical;
16. The town to sell the bags ;
17. A service charge to be paid to the town by all commercial houses, industrial and dump contractors ;
18. Continue cooperation with Greater Law- rence Study Committee.
Implementation of these recommendations will require a considerable amount of work. How- ever, the following recommendations should re- ceive immediate attention :
1. Town Manager to proper effect responsibility ;
2. Operate present dump as a true sani- tary landfill;
3. Provide adequate amounts of good cover material;
4. Fence the present dump adjacent to town roads ;
5. Acquire additional acreage for sani- tary landfill purposes.
Board of Health
The picture of communicable diseases has changed considerably this past year. The most notable is the drop in animal bites and the drop in the number of cases of mumps. The modified leash law may have helped in reducing the num- ber of dog bites and the mumps clinic held in the
23
Fall of 1968 was undoubtedly an important factor in causing nearly a 50% reduction in the amount of reported cases of mumps. However, there was an increase in the number of venereal diseases, salmonellosis, and hepatitis cases reported in 1969.
671 International Vaccinnation certificates were authenticated.
The Board of Health issued 968 permits and licenses during the past year. Among the largest number were 70 spetic tank permits (30 less than the previous year), 70 milk licenses, 29 oleo lic- enses, 55 swimming pool licenses, 75 food service establishment licenses, 79 burial permits, 213 gas permits, 191 plumbing permits, 88 disposal works installation and repair permits.
A total of 82 miscellaneous complaints was processed and investigated.
The 472 health inspections and tests made during the past year include inspections of restaurants, markets, bars, lunch rooms, farm labor camps, piggeries, swimming pools. Analysis was made of milk, cream and ice cream samples, water samples and swab tests. Public Health Nursing
Premature Babies and Tuberculosis - For the third consecutive year there has been no An- dover resident hospitalized for tuberculosis. Drug chemotherapy has contributed greatly to the de- cline in the number of T.B. patients and any contact or positive reactor to T.B. tests can re- ceive drugs free of charge through the Board of Health. There were 11 premature babies born during this past year but this did not impose any financial burden on the Health Dept. as hospital- ization of premature babies is now the respon- sibility of the Welfare Department.
The Public Health nurse made a total of 170 field visits and 439 office visits. The health pro- gram at St. Augustine's school was carried out as usual by volunteer nurses under the super- vision and direction of our Public Health Nurse.
Two new Day Care Services for children have been licensed in Andover making a total of 6 nursery schools which are not operated as part of an organized educational system.
Clinics Sponsored
The following clinics were sponsored by the Board of Health in 1969:
Rubella Vaccine Clinics held in Andover schools for children in kindergarten through grade III where 1813 pupils received the vaccine.
Vision Screening, successfully carried out on
243 pre-kindergarten children, by the Andona Society.
Rabies Clinic, conducted by Dr. Lindsay, at which 818 dogs were inoculated.
New Regulations
New Regulations regarding the stabling of horses became effective in November of this year. Andover is endeavoring to avoid problems other communities have encountered by the rapid in- crease in the number of horses coupled with the lack of sanitary regulations regarding the stab- ling of these animals.
Biological Products Dispensed During 1969
Number of Doses
Diptheria & Tetanus Toxoids
1230
Diptheria,, Tetanus & Pertussis
2892
Measles Vaccine
810
Mumps Vaccine
24
Rubella Vaccine
1813
Schick Outfits
2
Smallpox Vaccine
1969
Tetanus Immune Globulin (units) 2250
Tetanus & Diptheria Toxoids (Adult)
1360
Tetanus Toxoid 1340
Tuberculin, Old
680
P.P.D. 500
Typhoid Vaccine
200
Polio Vaccine
3840
Vaccination Needles
1500
Immune Serum Globulin
992
Diagnostic Test Outfits Dispensed
Number of Outfits
Tine Tests
1700
Throat Cultures
720
T.B. Cultures
6
Wassermann 924
Enteric 12
Engineering
Roadway construction in the Lowell Junc- tion and Frontage Road areas including the sur- vey, street layout, plans, bidding and the actual construction made up the largest single undertak- ing of the year. Over 5,000 feet of sidewalk were constructed in the Bancroft School area and sup- ervision and field layout were provided for the fencing of the Town Yard, repairs to the coping of the North Main Street Railroad bridge, instal- lation of fire alarm ductwork for the new Public Safety Center and the surface water drainage
24
installed by the Town. A great many drainage problems throughout the town were investigated with possible solutions recommended.
Plans for 11 new subdivisions of land, 6 in preliminary form and 5 in definitive form, with a total of 295 lot were reviewed for the Planning Board for conformance with its Rules and Regu- lations and for the adequacy of the proposed util- ities. During the year the roadways and utilities under construction in 12 different subdivisions were inspected for the Planning Board.
The Town was represented in engineering matters with the County and State governments, principally concerning Chapter 90 reconstruction and State Highway layouts. A large number of plans, drawings and sketches were prepared for the Selectmen, Town Manager and the various town departments and boards. Many individuals were assisted in securing information on sites, existing utilities, street layouts and the like for proposed projects. The engineering records of the Town were maintained and other town de- partments and boards requiring engineering in- formation and services were aided.
Veterans' Services
The Office of Veterans' Services, has com- pleted another year of service to the Veteran pop- ulation of the Town of Andover. More than (2200) individuals were interviewed during the year and a multiplicity of services were provided to them. The ever increasing number of service- men, returning to civilian life, some of them dis- abled in mind or body from their experiences in combat areas, have been assisted in obtaining many benefits available to them, such as hospital- ization, compensation, work opportunities, reha- bilitation under Veterans Administration, and schooling. A total of (217) applications for edu- cational assistance were filed through this office, indicating that a large proportion of our local veterans will enter College or other institution of higher learning. Others, who are handicapped by loss of limb, or other crippling wounds, will re- quire many years of help and understanding, before they can be returned to a position of self sufficency. It is a tragedy of war, that only the finest of young men are called to serve their Country, and a great tribute to their stamina
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*
IN MEMORIAM
FOR GOD AND COUNTRY
and manhood, that in most instances they are able to overcome their service incurred disabili- ties, and once again take their rightful place of leadership in our Community.
The Town of Andover suffered it's sixth casualty in the Vietnam Conflict in the person of Warren C. Deyermond, who was killed in action on July 14, 1969, while serving with the Army's Fifth Infantry Division.
During the past year, (36) Andover veter- ans died who had served their Nation in the fol- lowing Wars: (13) World War One, (20) World War Two, (1) Korean, and (1) Vietnam. In all of these deaths, their dependents and survivors were contacted by this Department, to assist in making application for any benefits to which they were entitled.
A total of (550) applications were filed with the. Veterans Administration by this Office in 1969, for various benefits, such as hospitalization, schooling, pension, compensation, etc., resulting in new cash awards to applicants, in excess of $44,000, projected for a (12) month period.
Under Chapter 115. of the General Laws of the Commonwealth, financial assistance was pro- vided to approximately (90) individuals during the past year, (31) of these on a permanent ba- sis, because of sickness, hospitalization, and old age and it's accompanying infirmities. Nursing Home care was necessary for (8) of our perma- nent recipients, as well as hospitalization on (13) different occasions. During 1969, a total of (7) recipients of benefits from this Department, pass- ed away.
Schools
During the first few months in my adminis- tration, my family and I were warmly welcomed by the Andover community.
As a new administrator I have attempted to open up lines of communication with public and private organizations. The purpose for this pro- cedure was to ascertain the strengths and weak- nesses in the Andover School System. Although there were some negative comments, I have found the community generally quite pleased with what is happening in our schools.
During this school year the faculty is meeting to determine an instructional course of action for future years. As of this writing, they have worked
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26
conscientiously and critically. I am sure the re- sults will be most satisfactory with the commu- nity.
To teach large numbers of children, with all their infinite variations, schools need all the in- genuity and inventiveness they can command in the areas of organization, curriculum program, and professional techniques. There must be bold, continuing experimentation with many forms of organization and many ways of teaching with an unflinching honesty and evaluation of the results. It must always be remembered, however, that no mechanical system will accomplish what is needed. The most important thing of all may be some subtle combination of attitudes and purposes that stimulates everybody's growth. To this end, the best word may simply be, "climate". The young- ster's school environment on a day-to-day basis is his climate for growing. I consider this to be my major administrative objective in the years ahead.
DR. KENNETH R. SEIFERT Superintendent of Schools
Greater Lawrence Regional Vocational Technical School
Interest in our day school, industrial entry program, shared-time program and the prepara- tory, apprentice and trade extension schools has been most gratifying in terms of enrollment and the satisfaction that the people of this region have the depth of reasoning sufficient to care and provide for a new way of life, industrial and technical pursuits. The thinking people evidently realize that, not always does one care to go to college, nor is college the answer to all ills let alone the false illusion that college is the only route to a happy and resourceful life.
Based on our applicants by initial choice and those applicants who have been shunted into other paths because of racial prejudices and who have detected these prejudices, we are only able to accommodate 50% of those screened, notwith- standing their chances of success in a vocational technical field.
As indicated in the statistical evidence throughout the report one realizes nothing but progress and success.
Who is responsible for this? Parents, edu- cators, industrialists and last but not least thinking young men have an awareness of well being and the realistic approach to life and its responsibilities. Life has its building blocks or plateaus. This school offers the blueprint to suc- cess for those who have the talent and desire to achieve an objective that is not necessarily terminal, (depending upon the individual) be- cause industry holds the door wide open for the talented and ambitious.
Due to complications, the educational specifi- cations for expansion have been revised to ac- commodate the eliminition of an auditorium. However, through innovation and revision it is hoped that the core educational offerings will not be affected by an attempt to provide large group assemblies in instructional areas.
It is hoped that the classes will start September of 1971.
Statistical Report
The shared program which was designed to provide instruction in a skilled trade for 11th and 12th grade students from the various mem- ber communities commenced November 14, 1969. Although number of applicants is small, it is noteworthy that the enthusiasm of these young people is excellent.
Municipality No. of Students
Andover 0
Lawrence 4
Methuen 10
North Andover 13
Total 27
It is expected that from this small beginning, a pattern may be developed to serve others in the 11th and 12th grades, who were not prepared to enter from the 8th grade due to one reason or another.
Statistical Report
Guidance Services :
1. Admissions :
a. 8th grade students contacted 1200
b. 8th grade students tested 313
c. Enrolled for 9th grade 173
2. Testing :
D.A.T. 364
Otis 173
S.R.A. Diagnostic Arithmetic Test 173
Kuder Vocational Preference Inventory .. 173
27
1
3. Counselling :
Educational Counselling 200
Vocational Counselling 200
Personal Counselling 400
Parental Conferences 35
Schools and Programs :
a. Part-time Cooperative School:
Cooperating agencies 58
Cooperative students 126
Average salary $2.00 per hour, salary range $1.60 - 2.50 per hour.
b. Day School :
Enrollment October 1, 1969 674
c. Industrial Entry Program :
Enrollment 1969-70 school year 72
d. Evening School: Enrollment 1969-70 school year 842
e. Summer School Activity, 1969 :
Algebra I (2 groups) 49
Reading (2 groups) 40
Automotive 25
Chemistry 9
Culinary Art 13
Electronics 13
149
Instructors 7
Supervisor - . 1
Enrollment records as of October 1, 1969 indicate : Total Regular Day Student Enrollment by Grade and Community:
Grade
Municipality
9
10
11
12 13
14 PG
PG2 Total
Andover
13
10
8
8
2
3
46
Lawrence
94
91
77 88
12
3
7
374
Methuen
56
52
41
45
4
3
1
1
203
Noith Andover 10
10
12
12
2
0
5
(
51
173 163 138 153 20
8 16
674
Personnel Statistics
Administration :
Superintendent of District
Director of School
1
Assistant Director
1
Guidance Counselors 2
Grade Grade Graduates
Number graduated
136
6
6
Number placed
128
4
6
Average Salary
2.18 hr. 2.50 hr. 3.37 hr.
Armed Services 4
1
0
Junior Clerks
2 School 4
1
Evening School Enrollment as of October 1,
1969 indicates :
Municipality No. of Students 97
Andover
Lawrence
331
Methuen
168
Non-Instructional :-
Nurse
Audio-Visual Aide
Cafeteria :
Manager
1
Full-time workers 1
Part-time workers 4
Custodial and Bus Driving :- Senior Custodian 1
Custodians 11
Transportation :-
Part-time bus drivers 10
Buses
9
Evening Schools :-
Supervision 2
Instructors 43
Students 842
Industrial Entry (High school students) :-
Supervision
1
Instructors 5
Students 72
School Lunch Participation :-
September 1966 65%
October 1967 75%
December 1967 91%
December 1968 87%
December 1969
105%
Atheletics :-
Sport
Coaches
Basketball
3
Baseball
3
Football
5
Track
3
Cross Country
1
Wrestling
1
Indoor Track
1
Hockey
1
Vocational Coordinator
1
Clerical :
Principal Clerks
2
Senior Clerk
1
Part-time Clerks
2 Instructional :-
Academic Instructors 15
Related Technology Instructors
11
Shop and Laboratory Instructors 32
Librarian 1
North Andover 43
1 Non-residents 203
1 Total
842
28
Report on Graduates :
12th 14th Post
Grades
Students Separated:
9th 10th 11th 12th
PG1 PG2 Transfer 7
Employment 3
4 3 1
5
3
Armed Services 1 1 Moved out-of-state 2
2
1
Mr. John F. Lynch, of 19 Russ Street, Meth- uen, was appointed on April 14, 1969 to fill the remainder of Mr. Joseph A. Buckley's term of office whose untimely death March 19, 1969 created a vacancy on the Regional School District Committee.
The City of Lawrence and the Towns of An- dover, North Andover, and Methuen voted to authorize the District to incur debt in the sum of 3.8 million dollars in its expansion program.
The program will serve over 600 more young people in the District, including boys and girls.
The additional courses will be designed to pre- pare for employment in Distributive Occupations, Practical Arts and Health Occupations.
Recreation
THE FIRST AIM was to make available suitable areas and facilities, in Andover, for the leisure time needs of the people of Andover.
THE SECOND AIM was to assist the peo- ple in taking full advantage of the areas and facilities provided. Physical Properties :
BUILDINGS-There are three heated build - ings that are specifically used for recreational purposes. One is located on Center Street in Bal- lardvale. Another is located on Iceland Road in Shawsheen. The third is located in the Andover Recreation Park on Abbot Street. In addition, there are seven other buildings that are used sea- sonally.
AREAS-There are some fifty acres of land that are specifically used for recreation. It in- cludes four playgrounds and two softball dia- monds. There are two picnic areas, a sliding-coast- ing area and two court areas used for multi pur- poses. Much of the land is wooded.
WATER-Pomps Pond is located near the geographical center of Town and is sixteen acres in size. The primary use is for municipal swim- ming.
ADDITIONAL FACILITIES-In order to comply with public demand, use was made of buildings and grounds of public, semi-public and
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