USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Berkley > Town annual report of Berkley 1963 > Part 3
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63.25
$209,207.92
Balances Outstanding December 31, 1963
Poll 1958
2.00
1959
8.00
1960
20.00
1961
28.00
1962
44.00
1963
54.00
4
50
TOWN OF BERKLEY
1963
Personal Property
1959
2.00
1960
69.08
1961
413.05
1962
814.00
1963
1,774.99
Farm Animal Excise
1963
20.30
Real Estate
1955
48.00
1959
48.73
1960
1,570.35
1961
4,758.84
1952
9,085.18
1963
35,114.62
Motor Vehicle Excise
1957
297.64
1958
250.69
1959
123.33
1960
1,101.38
1961
2,691.77
1962
3,858.88
1963
10,445.30
$72,644.13
Total Credits
$294,798.13
(3) Interests and Costs
Cash on hand for interest January 1, 1963
Levy of 1960
23.76
1961
17.33
1962
4.03
,
$45.12
Interest paid to Treasurer
Levy of 1959
.32
1960
154.92
1961
303.85
1963
ANNUAL REPORT
51
1962 1963
504.19 95.19
$1,058.47
Costs: Demand, Warrants, Levy of 1961
.85
1962
38.50
1963
58.90
$ 98.25
Fees Collected for Deputy
1962 Poll
2.00
1963 Poll
2.00
,
$ 4.00
Cash on hand December 31, 1963 for Interest, Charges and Fees
Levy of 1960
15.97
1961
49.37
1962
29.13
1963
15.61
,
$ 110.08
1963 Poll Warrant
.50
Deputy
1.00
,
$ 1.50
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES M. ASHLEY, Tax Collector
52
TOWN OF BERKLEY
1963
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 1963.
During the year of 1963 there were a total of 90 fire calls answered by the Fire Department, 38 ambulance calls, 33 trips to Morton Hospital in Taunton, 2 trips to Fall River Hospitals, 1 trip to rest home, 1 trip to a Boston hospital, 1 trip to a Provi- dence, R. I., hospital, with local residents of the town.
The Fire Extinguishers in the schools, library and churches have been inspected by a member of the Fire Department, so designated by me, during the past year; monthly fire drills are held (weather permitting) during the school season, under the supervision of the school principal, who is a qualified fireman.
To the townspeople, again I would like to call your attention to the town ambulance that is under the supervision of the Fire Department. This is your ambulance and it is for the use of all residents of the town that require ambulance service, and also your Fire Department has two (2) resuscitators-one is located in the ambulance at the main Fire Station on the Com- mon and the other one is located in the Berkley Fire Station in the Myrick district. In calling for either one or the ambulance, dial the Fire Telephone-No. 26354- and an effort will be made to assist you; every effort will be made to handle emergency cases immediately and all others on their merits.
I would like to call the townspeople's attention to the above report of 90 fire calls the Fire Department answered during the year of 1963, this is the highest number of calls that the Depart- ment has had in the 12 years I have been your Fire Chief and after a careful study of the reports from these fires, 60 of them were either set or caused by not using good judgment.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank the residents of the town for their cooperation with the Fire Department, also ex-
53
ANNUAL REPORT
1963
press my appreciation to the members of the Fire Department, Police Department and all others who have cooperated and as- sisted in carrying out the duties of this office.
Respectfully submitted,
GARLAND TEMPLETON, Chief of the Fire Dept.
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE BERKLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY
To the Officers and Townspeople of Berkley :
"There is always room for improvement." The trustees kept that in mind during the past year.
For safety and ventilation we had installed louvres in the attic.
As there were many groups using the library basement we felt it necessary to install better and more adequate lighting.
All the wooden chairs have been repaired and now provide enough seats for all. Not only for improving the warmth of the basement but benefiting the library proper we have had the heating system improved.
We wish to thank the Taxpayers' Association for the instal- lation of a telephone. It is a convenience for all who use the library but especially so for the librarian.
The area for our parking lot has been surveyed and the necessary papers filed. It is now in the hands of the State Senate.
We thank our assistant librarian, Mrs. Doris Trond, for her added help during Mrs. Helen Craven's recuperation.
54
TOWN OF BERKLEY
1963
We thank our librarian, Helen Craven, although unable to be at the library she gave us much needed help in purchasing reading material for all age groups who use the library.
With your continued confidence and support we will be able to improve your library and its services.
We mourn the loss of Mrs. Laura Swirt who for many years was our able librarian.
Respectfully submitted,
RUTH E. HOWLAND CORRINE H. MACKER WALTER CRAVEN
REPORT OF LIBRARIAN OF BERKLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY
To the Library Trustees and the Townspeople
of Berkley:
I herewith submit the annual report of the Librarian.
1963-Circulation Adult
7,609
Juvenile 7,499
Total 15,108
Adult borrowers 209; Juvenile borrowers 378. Total 587.
Volumes added-by Town purchase 223; by donation 169. Total 392.
A special purchase of fifty recommended and approved titles for the Junior High School group was made. We still need more of this type of book as well as reference and reading list books for the Senior High School pupils. We plan to make this a project of the coming year.
55
ANNUAL REPORT
1963
State reading certificates were awarded to the following people: Two, five-book certificates went to Mark French and Stephen French. One five-book certificate was awarded to each of the following: Gloria Freeman, Marjorie Gooch, Raymond Hoxie, Betty Frizado, and Margaret Fournier. Irene Caron and Ann Fournier each earned two Honor Certificates, which means that they had each read and written book reports on forty books. Congratulations one and all.
Library Aid pins were earned by Linda Stempka, Gail Ben- nett, Elizabeth Howes, and Mary Craige. Our thanks and appre- ciation go to these girls.
National Library Week was observed by sponsoring several contests at the school. The children contributed essays, posters, and poems. The following pupils were awarded books as prizes: Jeffrey Guertin, Sheilia Rose, Ann Fournier, David Stetson, and the Opportunity Class.
We have enjoyed excellent service in books from the Fall River Bookmobile, under the direction of Miss Shelia Higgins, from the State Division of Boston, and from the Taunton Public Library. These sources prove a great help to us for special request books.
We have also enjoyed the gifts of many new and outstanding books from interested townspeople, which we acknowledge with thanks. These donors include: Mrs. Nathan Rogers, Mrs. Frank Beal, Miss Ruth Howland, Mrs. Stanley Trond, Mrs. Thomas Foley, Mrs. James Babbitt, Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Briggs, Mr. Elmer Whitaker, Mrs. Edward Barrett, Mr. and Mrs. Clifton Holmes, Miss Jessie Howland, Mrs. William Mitchell, Mrs. David Craige, Girl Scout Troop No. 314, Hallmark Company, Sinclair Publishing Company, Mrs. John Farrar, and Mrs. A. Marshall Walker. Also, Kimmy Rogers, Gloria Freeman, William Pabst, Earl Wilson III, Irene, Mary Lou, and James Caron, Heather Holmes, Gail Bennett, and Vincent Rose. These books have added scope and depth to our available material and are greatly appreciated by all.
May I extend a most grateful thanks to Mrs. Stanley Trond for her whole hearted support and cooperation in the library work during my enforced absence. Under her able care things have progressed smoothly and efficiently.
56
TOWN OF BERKLEY
1963
We feel that we have made real progress in adding good material for our reading citizens by weeding out undesirable materials and rearranging what we have for more effective use, as well as by purchasing new books. This program will be con- tinued. New periodicals have been added and an attractive dis- play rack will soon be in use.
Our rules have been updated and as of January 1, 1964 the rigid enforcement of fine for overdue books will be in effect. We cannot operate properly without the cooperation of individual patrons and the lack of responsibility of returning books seems to be one of our major problems. We believe that even a small town library should and can provide the best possible material and handle it so that each patron may gain the utmost in service. WE NEED COOPERATION. Any suggestion for improved li- brary service will be welcomed and seriously considered. Thank you for your continued interest and patronage.
Respectfully submitted,
(Mrs. Walter) HELEN M. CRAVEN
REPORT OF THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
To the Board of Selectmen Town of Berkley, Mass.
At the town meeting last year a complement of ten members was authorized for the Industrial Development Commission. As a result some new members were appointed to this organization. We welcome these new members and appreciate their efforts and willingness to work for the best interest of Berkley.
The purpose and objective of the Industrial Development Commission is to attract new business and industry into our Town. Past surveys show that Berkley does have some industry and that there are well over twenty business establishments here. These establishments range from manufacturing plants to retail outlets. True, Berkley needs more industry and more business, and the Industrial Development Commission is work- ing toward this end.
57
ANNUAL REPORT
1963
It is our belief that to attract business and industry we must have something to offer. . We must have something to induce these people to start business here and to come into our town. So let us ask ourselves: "what do we have to offer and what are these inducements that might be attractive to some enterpris- ing concern; or, what do we have that would encourge an idi- vidual to re-locate or to start a new business here?"
We, of the Commission have given this considerable thought and effort. Here is our answer: We believe Berkley has many advantages. It is in an excellent location here in Southeastern Massachusetts; a good central location for distribution to sur- rounding, highly populated areas. We have good land and ex- cellent business sites right here in Berkley. We have a good source of electrical power supply; and we enjoy favorable elec- trical rates for Industry. This is important. Roads and trans- portation routes in our Town and throughout the area are more than adequate. Next, the skilled labor supply from Berkley and from the surrounding towns is excellent; and the general busi- ness climate is good. Although we have no town water supply at the present time, this should pose no real problem to any Indus- try coming into Berkley.
And so, it seems, upon careful examination that we do have considerable advantages and assets that we can talk about. All these facts and this information should be common knowledge to the citizens of Berkley. Furthermore, it is the request and the hope of the Industrial Development Commission that the re- sponsible people of Berkley will be mindful of these good features and that each person, in his own way, may speak well of these good points and help to bring industry and prosperity to our Town.
In conclusion I would like to acknowledge the older members of this Commission who have served with me for these past six years. These gentlemen, Messrs. Edmund St. Yves, Secretary; Henry F. Baacke; Ben Rose; and Warren Holmes, have given freely of their time. They have served unselfishly. They have worked in harmony toward the common objectives set forth by this Commission. I want to thank them for their sincere efforts.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK W. CARROLL, Chairman, Industrial Development Commission
58
TOWN OF BERKLEY
1963
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
There were no new subdivisions in 1963 necessitating Plan- ning Board action under the Subdivision Control Law.
We are indebted to two Board members who resigned in 1963; namely, Mr. Abilio de Oliveira Aguas and Mr. Russell Bennett. Mr. Aguas is to be commended especially for his un- tiring efforts in the development of Dighton Rock State Park. Mr. Bennett, as town delegate to the Southeastern Massachu- sets Regional Planning Board, was praised by the chairman of that organization for his regular attendance and forthright activeness.
Maps of land parcels were loaned to the Board of Assessors for their use in the current tax mapping program.
Two proposed amendments to the existing zoning by-law were drafted for insertion on the warrant of a town meeting. These were in regard to future house trailer limitation, and a minimum house size requirement. Both were designed for the improvement of the economic condition of the town.
Two of our members have served this year on the town by-law committee.
Due to current high per capita real estate taxes, and with no relief for same forthcoming from the state, the Planning Board does not believe that this is the time to ask for funds for professional services for a town master plan study leading to area zoning and land use provisions, much as such a program is needed for the future.
Respectfully submitted,
ROGER E. CHESTER,
Secretary
59
ANNUAL REPORT
1963
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Berkley, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
We herewith submit the report of the Board of Appeals for the year of 1963.
During the year we held two meetings and two public hear- ings at which one variance was granted and one denied.
We wish to thank the Board of Selectmen for their coopera- tion, the Board of Assessors for the use of the Town maps and all others who have helped us this year.
Respectively submitted,
GEORGE W. STETSON, Chairman, Board of Appeals
PUBLIC WELFARE DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR'S REPORT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
The Annual Report of the Department of Public Welfare, Town of Berkley, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1963, is herewith submitted.
The activities of the Department of Public Welfare have included the administration of the following programs:
Aid to Families with Dependent Children Disability Assistance General Relief Medical Assistance for the Aged Old Age Assistance
60
TOWN OF BERKLEY
1963
Aid to Families with Dependent Children was granted to an average twenty eligible recipients. Federal participation was the same as in the previous year.
Under the Disability Assistance program, there was one case, during the year, but was later transferred to Medical As- sistance for the Aged.
General Relief case load average about seven during the past year. Those who do not meet the requirements for cate- gorical assistance, this type of assistance is granted. Also, ef- fective January 1, 1964, with elimination of Legal Settlement, certain revisions will be required under the present procedure of claiming State reimbursement.
Medical Assistance for the Aged was granted to an average twelve persons during the year 1963. Expenditures for this category of assistance will continue to increase as those recipi- ents who received Old Age Assistance upon entering a licensed nursing home are transferred to this program.
The Old Age Assistance case load average sixteen. As of January 1, 1964, elimination of Legal Settlement will require certain revisions to the present procedure for claiming of State reimbursement.
To the members of the Board of Selectmen, I wish to express my appreciation and thanks for the cooperation they have given me.
Respectfully submitted,
(Mrs.) THERESA M. PARENT, Director of Public Welfare
61
ANNUAL REPORT
1963
REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE
To the Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
As your Chief of Police I submit the following report for the year 1963:
Arrests 4
Auto Accidents (fatal) 1
Auto Accidents (injuries) 9
Auto Acidents (property damage)
11
Breaks and Thefts Investigated
27
Stolen Cars Recovered 3
Miscellaneous Complaints Investigated
103
Car Transfers Filed 1120
Tickets issued for defective equipment 87
Pistol Permits Issued
8
Summons Served 18
Dogs Killed by Autos 3
Recommended Suspension of Licenses 11
Recommended Warnings 9
Missing Persons Located 4
We assisted the Registry on investigations, patrolled the Town on Holidays, and directed traffic during the Dog Racing Period.
We assisted the Massachusetts State Police at accidents and investigations in the Town.
We are a member of the Taunton Police Radio Network and have five two-way radios and five receivers in use.
62
TOWN OF BERKLEY
1963
I thank the Selectmen, Police Officers, Firefighters, and all others for their excellent cooperation in carrying out the duties of the department.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD G. ASHLEY, Chief of Police
CIVIL DEFENSE
To the Board of Selectmen Town of Berkley
Gentlemen:
As your Director of Civil Defense, I submit the following report for the year 1963.
The planned program for Civil Defense could not be carried out this year, due to lack of funds, and lack of cooperation. All equipment has been maintained and is ready in case of Emergency. We installed an Alternator in the Rescue Truck. A few small items were purchased for Civil Defense at the Surplus warehouse.
Three departments have purchased Surplus property through Civil Defense: The Highway Department; The Assessors, and The Public Library.
I wish to thank all who helped Civil Defense and hope more people will help in the future.
Respectfully submitted,
RUSSELL A. HASKELL, SR., Director of Civil Defense
63
ANNUAL REPORT
1963
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS AND SLAUGHTERING
To the Board of Selectmen Town of Berkley
Gentlemen:
I had five calls for dog bites. There was no slaughtering in the town during 1963. I inspected 44 barns and buildings, also 806 animals.
Respectfully submitted,
HERBERT ASPINALL, Inspector of Animals and Slaughtering
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS
To the Board of Selectmen Taxpayers of Berkley
The year 1963 has been one of progress to the Town of Berkley. Due to the Revaluation Program the assessors are now able to offer the property owner a complete record of his property. With the combined use of the Card Index System and the Aerial Survey Map, it is possible to establish the location, acreage, valuation and tax of properties, pin-pointed on the map, in a matter of minutes.
The hiring of a part time clerk, by the board, has been a convenience for the townspeople seeking information, forms, etc. during regular office hours. It has also provided the town with its first "Information Center", for all the Town Depart- ments.
The tax rate was high due to an increase in the General and School Budget of more than $61,119.95 over the previous year. With no free cash available, for the reduction of taxes, this meant that a total of $96,119.95 had to be raised over last year.
A total of 1,236 Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise was com- mitted to the Collector of Taxes.
64
TOWN OF BERKLEY
1963
Applications for Abatement
Processed
Widow Spanish American War
1
Gold Star Mothers
2
World War I Widows
5
Veterans
21
Real and Personal Property
94
Total
123
In accordance with Section 60 of Chapter 59, the General Laws, these applications so proccessed are open to public in- spection.
There has been some controversy over the use of 100% fair market value. The General Laws require all assessors to assess all property subject to local taxation at its "full and fair cash value". This is equivalent to its fair market value or the price at which a willing purchaser would buy and a willing sell- er would sell the property involved. It is evident from the number of building permits issued and the transfers received, from the Registry of Deeds, that compliance with the General Laws has in no way retarded the growth of Berkley. River-view Highlands is an example of the development now taking place in town. With the recent reorganization of the Industrial Develop- ment Commission it is possible that Berkley will attract and re- tain the type of business and industry beneficial to the residents and taxpayers of the Town of Berkley.
In conclusion, we wish to thank the Civil Defense and those townspeople who helped with the renovation of our office. With- out their generous donation of materials and effort, the job could not have been done.
Also we extend our gratitude for the cooperation and courte- sy shown us in our association with all the other departments of the town.
Respectfully submitted,
E. GEORGE HACHEY JOHN Q. DILLINGHAM DAMON E. CLEGG
1963
ANNUAL REPORT 65
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Department of Corporations and Taxation
TABLE OF AGGREGATES
of Polls, Property and Taxes As Assessed January 1, 1963
Compiled from the figures entered in the Valuation List. Not including figures relating to Exempted Property or to the Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise or to Live Stock subject to Farm Animal Excise.
Number Persons Assessed Individuals All Others* Total
On Personal Estate only 64 8 72
On Real Estate Only 689
689
On Both Personal & Real Estate 65 65
(NOT sum of Items 1 & 2)
Total Number of Persons Assessed 826
*Partnerships, Associations or Trusts, Corporations.
Number of Polls Assessed 523
Value of Assessed Personal Estate
Stock in Trade
$38,050.89
Machinery 35,400.00
Live Stock (do not include value of farm animals) 18,149.75
All other Tangible Personal Property
221,665.00
Total Value of Assessed Personal Estate
$343,265.00
Value of Assessed Real Estate
Land exclusive of Buildings
$ 627,716.00
Buildings exclusive of Land 4,320,962.00
Total Value of Assessed Real Estate
$5,291,943.64
5
65
TOWN OF BERKLEY
1963
Tax Rate per $1,000.00-$40.50.
Taxes for State, County and City or Town Purposes, including Overlay.
On Personal Estate
13,902.23
On Real Estate
200,421.46
On Polls
1,046.00
Total Taxes Assessed
$215,369.69
Number of Live Stock Estimated Under Section 35, Chapter 59
General
Farm Animals Assessed $5.00 Excise
Horses (1 year old, or over)
40
1
Neat Cattle: (1 year old, or over)
Cows (Milch)
27
89
Bulls, Oxen, Yearlings, Steers, Heifers
18
11
Swine (6 months old, or over)
78
20
Sheep (6 months old, or over)
138
8
Fowl
1,050
2,791
Number of Acres of Land Assessed
9,370 - 1,081 feet
Number of Dwelling Houses Assessed
579
It is hereby certified that the foregoing is a full and true copy of the Table of Aggregates as it appears in the Valuation List, according to our best knowledge and belief.
Subscribed this ninth day of July, 1963, under the penalties of perjury.
E. GEORGE HACHEY, Chairman JOHN Q. DILLINGHAM DAMON E. CLEGG
Board of Assessors of Berkley
67
ANNUAL REPORT
1933
BERKLEY 1963 RECAPITULATION
TOWN-Include all Appropriations Voted Since 1962 Tax Rate was fixed.
Total appropriations to be raised by
taxation
$288,582.32
Total appropriations voted to be taken from available funds:
In 1963 22,050.71 $310,633.03
Debt and Interest Charges, matured and
maturing 21,208.00
Deficits due to abatements in excess of overlay of prior years:
Of year 1960-$1.00
$ 1.00
Any other amount required to be raised:
Assessors' Ex. 3.64 Planning 64.36 68.00
STATE-Tax and Assessments-1963 Estimates:
State Parks and Reservations
$ 739.26
State System
64.36
Bristol County Project
1,491.48
Total
$2,295.10
COUNTY-Tax and Assessments:
County Tax
$5,550.19
County Hospital Assessment
1,490.06
Total $ 7,040.25
OVERLAY-Current year
6,231.02
GROSS AMT. TO BE RAISED
$347,476.40
68
TOWN OF BERKLEY
1963
ESTIMATED RECEIPTS and AVAILABLE FUNDS
Income Tax-
$ 23,502.11
Corporation Taxes 6,178.50
Reimbursement on account of publicly owned land 219.54
Old Age Tax (Meals), Chap. 64B, S 10 904.63
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise 20,750.00
Licenses
1,530.00
Fines 50.00
General Government 190.00
Protection of Persons and Property 72.00
Health and Sanitation 40.00
Charities (other than federal grants) 4,480.00
Old Age Assistance (other than federal grants) 11,897.00
Veterans' Services
3,112.00
School (Funds from Income Tax not to
be included) 24,089.00
Libraries 8.00
Interest-On Taxes and Assessments-
992.00
State Assistance for School Construction- 12,710.00
Farm Excise
114.00
Total Estimated Receipts
$110,838.78
1963
ANNUAL REPORT
69
Overestimates of previous year to be used as available funds
County Tax
$ 427.90
State Parks
72.01
Bristol County Project 93.34
Amounts voted to be taken from available funds
App. Balances, 9/24/62
$12,542.69
App. Balances 11/26/62
4,060.00
Dog Fund and Chapter 782
5,466.02
22,050.71
Total available funds
ยท $22,643.96
Total Estimated Receipts and Available Funds
$133,482.74
Net Amt. to be Raised by Taxation On Property
$213,993.66
Total
Poll Tax
1,046.00
Personal Property Tax
12,526.21
Real Estate Tax
200,421.70
Tax Rate-$40.50
Total Taxes Levied On Property $213,993.91
1963 Tax Rate fixed on April 16, 1963.
E. GEORGE HACHEY, Chairman DAMON E. CLEGG JOHN Q. DILLINGHAM
Board of Assessors, Berkley
70
TOWN OF BERKLEY
1963
TAX LIST FOR 1963
Name
Personal
Real
Tax
Adams, George E. & Alberta G.
$
$ 287.55
$ 287.55
Adams, George III & Helen
39.49
39.49
Adams, Vernon
194.40
194.40
Adams, William L. Sr.
230.85
230.85
Aguas, Maria & Joan & Antonia
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