USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Berkley > Town annual report of Berkley 1955 > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6
Cornelia Knowles Clinton E. Macomber
Howard S. Miller
* Arthur Peirce Anthony Sylvia Garland Templeton Jeannette M. S. Ward
2 Transfers, Males
Charles E. Harrison Gilbert Rose
* A word must be said about dog licenses. Here is an item on which prices have not increased in the memory of the oldest inhabitant; $2 for a male, $5 for a female unless a veterinarian's certificate is presented saying that a spaying operation has been performed, in which case the female is $2. And yet there seems to be an increasing number of dog owners who actually wait until the dog officer comes knocking at their door following the obligations of his warrant, before they pay their licenses. Perhaps if the state hears enough of this diffi- culty the fees will be increased. To show the very small number of people who licensed their dogs on or before the 1955 due
Gladys Oakes Richard Oakes Joseph R. Ouellette
22
ANNUAL REPORT
date, April 1, 1955, I have placed a * against their names. There are 26 of these. About an equal number of people obtained their licenses shortly after this date, and with that there can be no quarrel. This means that about three-fourths of the dog owners delay too long in obtaining licenses, and this is a situation which should be corrected.
TOWN CLERK'S CASH
1. Dog Licenses
Receipts for licenses in 1955
$ 696.00
Fees retained
$ 48.60
Payments to town treasurer
472.40
Cash on hand Decmber 31, 1955
175.00 $ 696.00
2. Sporting Licenses
Licenses issued in 1955:
Series 1 fishing 60 @ $ 3.25 $ 195.00
Series 2 hunting 211 @ $ 3.25 685.75
Series 3 sporting 32 @ $ 5.25 168.00
Series 4 fishing 18 @ $ 1.25 22.50
Series 4A fishing 12 @ $ 2.25 27.00
Series 5 trapping 3 @ $ 2.25 6.75
Series 6 trapping 2 @ $ 7.75 15.50
Series 10 hunting 7 @ $15.25 106.75
Series 12 duplicate 4 @ $ .50 2.00
Series 15 sporting 7 free to resident citizens who have reached the age of 70.
Totals 356 licenses $ 1,229.25
Payments to State Division of Fisheries and Game per receipted lists $ 1,143.00
Fees retained, 345 @ 25c (no fees on
duplicates and free licenses )
86.25
$ 1,229.25
3. Miscellaneous Licenses
Gasoline, explosives, etc., registrations:
Barboza's Package Store and Filling Station
Kenneth H. Combs
Robert C. Flint
Manuel A. Mello
Benjamin F. Rose
St. Yves Motor Sales
23
ANNUAL REPORT
Abraham J. Sarkes Clarence C. Trenouth Harold W. Ward 9 @ $2.00 $ 18.00
Oleo registrations : Kenneth H. Combs Manuel A. Mello 2 @ $.50
1.00
$ 19.00
Payments to town treasurer
$ 19.00
STATE AUDIT REPORT
Summary of Essential Features, Published by Town Clerk, in Accordance with the Requirements of Section 40, Chapter 44, General Laws.
Mr. Herman B. Dine, Director of Accounts Department of Corporations and Taxation State House, Boston, Massachusetts Sir:
In accordance with your instructions, I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Berkley for the period from October 18, 1953, the date of the previous examination, to March 26, 1955, and submit the following report thereon:
The financial transactions, as entered on the books and records of the several departments receiving or disbursing town funds or sending out bills for collection, were examined, checked, and verified.
General ledger accounts were compiled, the charges against appropriations were checked, the appropriation ac- counts were compared with the town clerk's records of town meetings, and a balance sheet showing the financial condition of the town on March 26, 1955 was prepared and is appended to this report.
As may be seen from the appended balance sheet, there are several appropriations which have been overdrawn in 1953
24
ANNUAL REPORT
and 1954, contrary to the provisions of Section 31, Chapter 44, General Laws, as amended, and it is recommended that pro- vision be made for these accounts.
The surety bonds of the officials required to furnish them for the faithful performance of their duties were examined and found to be in proper form.
The books and accounts of the treasurer were examined and checked in detail. The receipts, as recorded, were analyzed and compared with the departmental payments to the treasurer and with other sources from which money was paid into the town treasury. The payments were checked with the selectmen's warrants, the cash book footings were verified, and the cash balance on March 26, 1955 was proved by recon- ciliation of the bank balances with statements received from the banks of deposit, and by actual count of the cash in the office.
The savings bank books and securities representing the investment of the trust and investment funds in the custody of the town treasurer were examined and listed, the income and transfers to the town being verified.
The records of tax titles and tax possessions held by the town were examined, the taxes transferred to the tax title account were compared with the collector's records, the re- ported redemptions and sales of tax possessions were checked with the treasurer's cash book, the foreclosures were verified, and the tax titles and tax possessions on hand were listed and compared with the records at the Registry of Deeds.
The books and accounts of the collector of taxes were exam- ined and checked in detail. The tax and motor vehicle and trailer excise accounts outstanding according to the previous examination, as well as all subsequent commitment lists, were audited and reconciled with the assessors' warrants. The collections as recorded were checked, the payments to the treasurer were verified, the recorded abatements were com- pared with the assessors' abatement records, the transfers to the tax title account were verified, and the outstanding ac- counts were listed and proved.
The outstanding accounts were further verified by mail- ing notices to a number of persons whose names appeared on the books as owing money to the town, and from the replies received it appears that the accounts, as listed, are correct.
.
25
ANNUAL REPORT
It is recommended that action be taken to secure a prompt settlement of the delinquent taxes and motor vehicle and trailer excise, which date back to 1950, as there are sufficient remedies under the tax laws by which a collector of taxes may clear the warrants committing taxes and excise for col- lection.
The records of licenses and permits issued by the select- men and the town clerk, as well as by the police and fire de- partments, were examined and checked, the payments to the State and to the town treasurer being verified.
In addition to the departments mentioned, the records of all other departments collecting money for the town or com- mitting bills for collection were examined and checked, the payments to the town treasurer being verified.
It is urged that the amounts expended by the town for veterans' services be certified to the State promptly as required by Section 6, Chapter 115, General Laws, as amended, in order that the town may receive the reimbursements to which it is entitled.
There are appended to this report, in addition to the bal- ance sheet, tables showing a reconciliation of the treasurer's cash, summaries of the tax, motor vehicle and trailer excise, tax title, tax possession and departmental accounts, together with tables showing the condition and transactions of the trust and investment funds.
For the cooperation extended by the town officials during the progress of the audit, I wish, on behalf of my assistants and for myself, to express appreciation.
Respectfully submitted, (Signed) WILLIAM SCHWARTZ, Assistant Director of Accounts
Attest: FRANCIS F. G. ANDREWS, Town Clerk
26
ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN MEETINGS 1955
In 1955 there were four town meetings: the annual town meeting March 14, annual town election March 21, and special town meetings September 19 and September 29, Vari- ous actions taken at these meetings are summarized as follows:
1. ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
List of appropriations voted:
Taxation
Available Funds
Library
$ 734.46 $
465.54*
Library Basement
75.00
Moth Department
425.20
Dutch Elm Disease Control
212.60
Care of Veterans' Graves
50.00
Cemetery ( Berkley Common)
200.00
Chapter 81 Highway Maintenance
3,075.00
Chapter 90 Highway Maintenance
1,500.00
Chapter 90 Bridge Repairs
120.00
Moderator's Salary
20.00
Selectmen's Salaries
250.00
Treasurer's Salary
600.00
Collector's Salary
600.00
Town Clerk's Salary
150.00
Town Clerk's Fees
80.00
Assessors' Salaries
1,200.00
Auditor's Salary
55.00
School Committee Salaries
160.00
Welfare Board Salaries
300.00
Selectmen's Expense
100.00
Treasurer's Expense
1,525.00
Collector's Expense
475.00
Town Clerk's Expense
448.50
Assessors' Expense
250.00
Auditor's Expense
20.00
Planning Board Expense
50.00
Public Welfare (General Relief )
3,000.00
Old Age Assistance
19,000.00
Aid to Dependent Children
10.000.00
Disability Assistance
1,000.00
Veterans' Services
2,500.00
Board of Health
500.00
27
ANNUAL REPORT
Welfare Administration
1,100.00
County Retirement Assessments
469.80
Fire Department
2,500.00
Dog Officer
150.00
Sealer of Weights and Measures
60.00
Tax Title Expense
455.00
Police Department
500.00
Road Machinery Account
275.00
Elections
190.00
Registrations
400.00
Memorial Day
70.00
Tree Warden's Account
300.00
Town Reports
510.00
Town Counsel
100.00
Interest
500.00
Care of Common
60.00
Myricks School Building
200.00
Water
100.00
Berkley-Dighton Bridge Expense
450.00
Town Hall Expense
1,200.00
Reserve Account
1,500.00
Workmen's Compensation Insurance
500.00
School Department
61,293.04
Street Lights
126.00
Snow Removal, Sanding, Snow Fence
500.00
Unpaid Bills of 1954
422.71
Dental Clinic
300.00
Grinnell Street
1,000.00
Land for Town Dump
1,000.00
Grammar School Building Committee Expense
1,000.00
In addition to the usual votes accepting reports of town officials, authorizing borrowing in anticipation of revenue, setting salaries of elected town officials, and authorizing the selectmen to enter into certain contracts with regard to high- ways, the town voted special items as follows: To accept the report of the School Building Needs Committee, and to set up a new Grammar School Building Committee; and to create a new Regional School District Planning Committee in accord- ance with the provisions of Section 14 of Chapter 71 of the General Laws; as provided in this law, the committee to con- sist of three members, one of whom is to be selected from the membership of the School Committee.
28
ANNUAL REPORT
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, SEPTEMBER 19, 1955
At this meeting, the following amounts were voted, all from the available funds in the surplus revenue otherwise known as the excess and deficiency account.
To reduce tax rate $ 8,000.00 750.00
Department of Veterans' Services
As recommended in the state audit report:
Disability Assistance 1953 270.11
Public Welfare 1953 216.49
School Department 1954 22.94
School Heating System 3.87
It was voted to close out the following special appropria- tion accounts by transferring the balances to the excess and deficiency account:
Office for Assessors and Others $ 2.60
Welfare Office 20.57
Repair Cemetery Wall 11.30
Also voted was authorization to the collector of taxes to engage special counsel for the collection of certain unpaid taxes.
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, SEPTEMBER 29, 1955
No appropriations were voted at this meeting, and not as many voters attended it, coming as it did closely following the meeting of September 19; however, a very important action was vcted by the town, in accepting the provisions of law relative to the subdivision control law, to be administered by the Planning Board.
Also voted at this meeting was an extension of time to the Grammar School Building Committee in which to make a re- port; they were given until the annual town meeting in 1956, a partial report being read at this meeting.
The town has indeed been fortunate that no legal actions have taken place as a result of some of the votes passed at town metings. Too many motions are loosely worded when offered. Such motions as "to accept the article" or "to vote in favor of the article" do not mean much when they are seri-
29
ANNUAL REPORT
ously considered. In these cases it has been assumed that the maker of the motion means that he is in favor of doing what- ever the article proposes, as the article itself was accepted by the selectmen and placed on the warrant, otherwise no action would be taken on it. A motion should state plainly what the maker of the motion proposes to be done, based on the con- tents of the article in the warrant. Also to be remembered is that salaries voted at any annual town meeting are effective as of that date, unless the vote specifically states that any increases given are retroactive; they may be made retroactive to January 1 of the year in which the vote is passed, as pro- vided in Section 108 of Chapter 41 of the General Laws, which includes the following words: "The salary and compensation of all elected officers of a town shall be fixed annually by vote of the town except as otherwise provided by law and may be made effective from January first if the town so votes."
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCIS F. G. ANDREWS,
Town Clerk
BOARD OF REGISTRARS OF VOTERS
As ordered by the Board of Selectmen, the Registrars of Voters took the state census in addition to their regular street listing in 1955.
The net census count when returned corrected to the town clerk's office shows a total of 1,372 population of Berkley as of January 1, 1955.
This is a gain of 88 over the 1950 census total of 1,284, and represents a 7% increase in population in a five year period; the rate for the state as a whole is a little over 3% in the same time.
In addition to the annual street listing, and the state census in 1955, the Registrars also had the task of listing dog owners.
MARION I. NEEDHAM, Chairman JOSEPH D. ROSE MERLE J. E. STETSON By FRANCIS F. G. ANDREWS, Clerk
30
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE
To the Board of Selectmen
Town of Berkley
Gentlemen:
As your Chief of Police I submit the following report for the year of 1955:
Arrests
44
Summoned to Court for Motor Vehicle Violations
8
Auto Accidents (injuries )
10
Auto Accidents (property damage )
21
Breaks and Thefts investigated
8
Stolen Cars recovered
1
Miscellaneous complaints investigated
42
Car transfers filed
1213
Tickets issued for defective equipment
103
Pistol Permits issued
17
Summons Served
5
Dogs Killed by Autos
1
Recommended Suspension of Licenses
22
Recommended Warnings
11
We have assisted the Registry on periodic checkups and have patrolled the Town on the Holidays. The Police Officers directed traffic during the Dog Racing period.
I thank you and the Police Officers for your excellent cooperation in carrying out the duties of the department.
Respectfully submitted, HAROLD G. ASHLEY,
Chief of Police
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Board of Selectmen
Town of Berkley
Gentlemen:
As your Chief of the Fire Department, I submit the follow- ing report for the year of 1955;
31
ANNUAL REPORT
During the year of 1955 another Tank Fire Truck was added to the Berkley Fire Department, this addition is a 1947 two-ton Chevrolet equipped with a 600 gallon water tank and a new Wisconsin Portable Pumper mounted on a rear platform.
The fire extinguishers in the school and the Berkley church were inspected during the past year.
During the year of 1955 there were a total of 31 fire calls answered by the Fire Department; 14 brush and grass fires, 17 building (including chimney fires) and 2 calls for help outside the town.
The Fire Department was called upon to pump out 8 cellers and 3 wells last fall after the hard rains and high winds.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank the residents of the town for their prompt action and cooperation with the Fire Department and also call their attention to the RED NET FIRE CALL NUMBER 2-5354-have that number close to your telephone.
I wish to express my appreciation to the members of the Fire Department, Police Department, and all others who have cooperated in carrying out the duties of this office.
Respectfully submitted, GARLAND TEMPLETON, Chief of the Fire Department.
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS AND SLAUGHTERING
To the Board of Selectmen Town of Berkley
Gentlemen:
I had three calls for dog bites which I attended to.
There was no slaughtering in the town during 1955.
I inspected 56 barns and buildings and also 397 animals.
HERBERT ASPINALL,
Inspector of Animals and Slaughtering
32
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE FIRE COMMITTEE
The Berkley Fire Committee was formed in 1953 for the purpose of building a new fire station and purchasing a suit- able piece of fire apparatus. This has been accomplished, and the Fire Department, under Chief Templeton, has been revital- ized, and now has an active and efficient force, probably the best in the history of the town.
The new fire truck seems to be very satisfactory. The fire station has proven to be adequate, economical to maintain, and has many conveniences. The water supply is piped in from the gravel-packed well on the common.
The Committee, feeling its mission accomplished, wishes to disband at this time. The balance in the Fire Apparatus account, $26.43 will return to the Excess and Deficiency Account, if so voted by the Town. The balance in the Fire Station Account, $258.48, being borrowed money, cannot go to the Excess and Deficiency Account until the loan is paid off by the town. It can be transferred to an account for a similar purpose by a vote of the town if the need arises.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD PERRY, Chairman WILLIAM V. HOGAN, Clerk FRANCIS ANDREWS HAROLD ASHLEY GILBERT RAPOZA ARNOLD SILVAN GARLAND TEMPLETON
33
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
As your Town Sealer I wish to submit my report to you for work done in the year of 1955.
Scales 7
Gas Pumps 16
Liquid Measures 7
Grease 4
Units Not Sealed 7
I wish to thank everyone with whom I worked for helping me get this work done.
Thanking you,
WILLIAM MITCHELL,
Your Sealer.
REPORT OF THE LIBRARY COMMITTEE
To the Board of Selectmen Town of Berkley
A breakdown of the expenditures for the Library and Memorial Hall indicates that 25% of the available funds was used for books during 1955. This was possible as no major repairs were needed during the year; 49% of the funds was used for maintenance of the building, 21% for administrative services.
With the increased amount available for books, the refer- ence library for elementary and secondary school students was augmented.
Water from the town supply in the building enabled the committee to have a line run into the pantry so that there is water available for the first time in many years. Increased facilities will be added as available monies allow.
Respectfully submitted, MARIA E. D. AGUAS VIOLA E. HOLMES FLORENCE M. MACOMBER
34
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE BERKLEY PLANNING BOARD
December 12, 1955
The Berkley Planning Board organized itself as follows:
Mrs. Effie Robbins, Chairman Mr. Elwell H. Perry, Secretary
Meetings have been held approximately once a month with special meetings and extra get-togethers and trips.
The board has studied the coordination of its regular operation with the joint effort of District planning and decided against joining the Regional Board at this time.
The Board studied extensively and then recommended to the Town Meeting, the adoption of Sub-Division control after discussing it with townspeople to see what they wanted.
After the adoption of Sub-Division control by the Town, the Board studied Rules and Regulations for the governing of subdivision of land, as suggested by the State, and after some changes, and a public hearing on same, adopted the Rules and Regulations as revised and registered them for the Control of Sub Division of land in Berkley.
Mrs. Robbins, Chairman, attended District (or Regional) planning seminars and meetings to assist the local Board to be up to date with the surrounding areas in development.
The Board supported legislation by all means of com- munication with officials and members attended meetings at the State House, culminated in the law introduced by Senator Dinis which created Dighton Rock State Park in Berkley and protection for Dighton Rock Monument. At the present the Board is working with Legislators to introduce new legislation by other Senators to extend the park and its facilities.
A close connection was kept with both the Berkley Gram- mar School Building Committee and the Regional High School Building Committee to be of assistance in planning as much as possible. It is the opinion of this Board that the Berkley Grammar School needs more classrooms.
Extensive work progressed on the Town Base map which already shows a substantial increase in the line of new con-
35
ANNUAL REPORT
struction of residences in Berkley. This map, we feel, will be of great help in the future to many agencies of the Town.
It is the considered opinion of the Planning Board that Berkley should adopt local ordinances governing the width of all roads in the Town of Berkley and that all roads should be fifty feet wide-(laid out fifty feet wide).
Further that the Town should survey the roads, one at a time, for the purpose of recording the roadways and lands of Berkley.
The Board feels that its operation has been somewhat hampered by the lack of an adequate meeting place and requests that proper permanent space be provided.
Respectfully submitted,
ELWELL H. PERRY, Secretary ALFRED T. HOWLAND WARREN C. PILLING OLIVEIRA A. de AGUAS
EFFIE W. ROBBINS, Chairman
REPORT OF THE AUDITOR
During the past year I have checked all cash receipts of the Treasurer against the statements I received from the State.
The commitment books and accounts of the Collector and Treasurer of the Town of Berkley for the year ending 31 December 1955, were examined, and I hereby certify that they are correct and agree with the reports submitted by Francis F. G. Andrews, said Collector and Treasurer.
Outstanding accounts were verified by mailing notices to persons whose names appeared on the books as owing money to the Town.
Respectfully submitted,
HILDA P. DAGENAIS,
Auditor.
36
ANNUAL REPORT
TREASURER'S REPORT
Cash on hand Jan. 1, 1955
Cash received in 1955
$ 47,729.52 185,843.97
$233,573.49
Cash paid out in 1955
Cash on hand Dec. 31, 1955
$174,808.71 58,764.78
$233,573.49
Classified Cash Receipts 1. TAXES
Taxes 1955 from Collector:
Property:
Personal
Real Estate
$ 6,424.50 42,703.69
-$ 49,128.19 726.00 5.34
Poll Loss of taxes, from State
Taxes, previous years, from Collector:
Property: Personal
563.89
Real Estate
8,821.85
9,385.74
Poll
70.00
Taxes from State:
Corporation
3,479.44
Income
2,037.91
5,517.35
Total, Taxes $ 64,832.62
2. LICENSES AND PERMITS
From Selectmen, Liquor: All Alcoholic, Common Victualler: Golden Pheasant, 1956 $ 500.00
All Alcoholic, Club, Cavalier, 1956 200.00
All Alcoholic, Package Store: Barboza Pkg. Store, 1956 $ 200.00 Berkley Pkg. Store, 1956 200.00
400.00
1
37
ANNUAL REPORT
Beer-Wine Pkg. Store, Blanchette, 1956
150.00 40.00
20 1-day Beer Permits
1,290.00
Other Licenses from Selectmen:
2 Milk pasteurization, Roman, Townley
20.00
7 Sunday licenses
7.00
1 Sunday concert
5.20
4 Auto Dealers $20.00
80.00
1 Junk Collectors
2.00
3 Common victuallers
7.50
1 Explosives license
1.00
122.70
Chief of Police, Pistol Permits
8.50
Fire Department Permits
25.50
Town Clerk, miscellaneous licenses
19.00
Peddlers, from State
12.00
Total, Licenses and Permits $ 1,477.70
3. FINES
Court Fines
$ 10.00
4. GRANTS AND GIFTS
Grants from Federal Government:
Old Age Assistance: Administration
$ 985.64
Aid
11,327.81
Aid to Dependent Children:
Administration Aid
6,687.33
Disability Assistance:
Administration
40.33
Aid
412.85
$ 19,992.52
School Milk Subsidy
528.55 6,459.04
Hurricane Damage Reimbursement
Grants from State:
School Aid, Income Tax, Ch. 70 14,238.51
Vocational Education and Trans. 1,019.26
538.66
38
ANNUAL REPORT
Transportation Superintendent of Schools Chapter 81 Highways Inspector of Animals Meals Tax
11,451.66
368.54
10,843.10
30.00
656.25
38,607.32
Grants from County, Dog Fund
465.54
Total, Grants and Gifts $ 66,052.97
5. ALL OTHER GENERAL REVENUE No Tax Possessions sold or leased in 1955.
6. SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS
No Special Assessments in 1955.
7. PRIVILEGES
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise, from Collector $ 10,426.96
8. DEPARTMENTAL
General Government: Selectmen:
Reimbursements, Advertising Costs $ 20.16
Collector, Charges and Fees 51.55
Town Clerk, Voting Lists 3.00
$ 74.71
Protection of Persons and Property:
Sealer's Fees
20.40
Board and Kill Dogs, from County
175.50
195.90
Health and Sanitation:
Tuberculosis Subsidy, from State
260.71
Dental Clinic Collections
97.50
358.21
Highways:
Chapter 90 Maintenance:
State for 1954
936.27
County for 1954
936.27
1,872.54
-
39
ANNUAL REPORT
Road Machinery Fund, scraper
9.40
Charities:
Reimbursements, General Relief:
City of Taunton
State
$1,310.07 150.00
1,460.07
Reimbursements, Disability Assistance: State:
Administration
20.17
Aid
73.51
93.68
Reimbursements, Aid to Dependent Children: State 4,960.20
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.