USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1928 > Part 2
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1,200.00
HEALTH AND SANITATION:
Board of Health, Salaries
$ 650.00
Board of Health, Transportation
200.00
Board of Health, Agent's Salary 150.00
Board of Health, Agent's Transportation
150.00
Board of Health Aid
750.00
Board of Health Maintenance
200.00
Board of Health, Meat Inspectors' Salary 600.00
Board of Health, Milk Inspector's Salary
350.00
Animal Inspector's Salary
200.00
Warren Avenue Dump
150.00
$3,400.00
HIGHWAYS:
Supt. Salary
$ 2,500.00
General Highway
20,000.00
Truck Maintenance
3,000.00
Oil-(Road Binder)
8,000.00
Cutting Brush 600.00
Street Lighting
15,219.00
Street Signs
150.00
$49,469.00
PUBLIC WELFARE
Board of Public Welfare Salaries
$ 225.00
Board of Public Welfare Maintenance
20.00
Outside Poor
8,000.00
Infirmary Supt. Salary
900.00
Infirmary Expenses
2,100.00
Infirmary Repairs
500.00
Soldiers Relief
500.00
12,245.00
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT:
General Control
$ 4,200.00
New Equipment
1,500.00
Instruction
65,500.00
Operation & Maintenance
17,500.00
Fire Department, Fuel, Light, Water
Tree Warden
$17,860.00
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Auxiliary Agencies
11,175.00
Vocational School Plus Dog Tax
1,800.00
$101,675.00
LIBRARIES:
Adams Library
$ 2,000.00
North Chelmsford Library
1,200.00
$3,200.00
RECREATION AND UNCLASSIFIED:
Parks
$ 700.00
Memorial Day
200.00
Town Clock
30.00
Insurance on Public Buildings
540.00
Band Concerts
400.00
$1870.00
Town Report
748.44
CEMETERIES:
Commissioners Salaries
105.00
Forefathers Cemetery
450.00
Hart Pond Cemetery
450.00
Pine Ridge Cemetery
450.00
Riverside Cemetery
450.00
Fairview Cemetery
250.00
$2705.00
Insurance Sinking Fund
$ 3500.00
Under Article 3. It was voted to authorize the Selectmen to act as its agent in any suit or suits which may arise during the current year; also in such other matters as may arise requiring in their judge- ment the action of such agent, and to employ counsel therefor.
Under Article 4. It was voted that the Treasurer be and be hereby in authorized and empowered to borrow money with the approval of the Board of Selectmen from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1928 and to issue a note or notes therefor payable within one year, any debt or debts incurred under this vote to be paid from revenue of such financial year.
Under Article 5. It was voted to appropriate from money already in the hands of the Treasurer the sum of $2,000.00 to be used as a Re- serve Fund at the discretion of the Finance Committee, as provided in General Laws, Chapter 40,Section 6.
Under Article 6. It was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $400.00 for State Aid.
Under Article 7. It was voted to appropriate from money already in the hands of the Treasurer the sum of $681.96 with which to pay unpaid bills of 1927.
Under Article 8. It was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of one hundred and five dollars ($105.00) to provide for five additional street lights to be installed at locations to be designated by the Selectmen.
Under Article 9. In regards to accepting Manning Road, it was voted to dismiss this Article.
Under Article 10. In regards to the relocation of High Street, it was voted to dismiss this article.
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Under Article 11. In regards to Manahan Street, it was voted to dismiss this article.
Under Article 12. In regards to Warren Avenue, it was voted to dismiss this article.
Under Article 13. In regards to Ledge Road, it was voted to dis- mis this article.
Under Article 14. It was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $5,000.00 for the purpose of completing construction of the. Acton Road so-called two-thirds of the expense to be borne equally by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the County of Middlesex, namely $5,000.00 from the Commonwealth and $5,000.00 from the County of Middlesex.
Under Article 15. It was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $1000.00 for the purpose of gravelling and oiling part of the Old Westford Road so-called, two-thirds of the expense to be borne equally by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the County of Middlesex, namely $1000.00 each.
At this time Moderator Walter Perham annuonced that he was forced to leave the chair owing to the fact that he had an important engagement at a Senate meeting at the State House, Moderator Perham therefore called on Captain John J. Monahan to act as Moderator Pro Tem. Captain Monahan after qualifying proceeded with the next Article in order.
Under Article 16. In regards to reconstructing Newfield Street, it was voted to dismiss this article.
Under Article 17. By a vote of 110 to 0 it was voted to lay this Article on the table until after Article 35 is acted upon. Karl Perham and George Gagnon acted as tellers.
Under Article 18. It was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $150.00 for the purpose of purchasing a plan cabinet for the Town Clerk's office.
Under Article 19. It was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $1000.00 for the purpose of grading a portion of the grounds of the Westlands School situated on the Dalton Road, the same to be ex- pended under the supervision of the Board of Selectmen.
At this time it was voted to hold a noon recess, 11.40 a. m. and to resume at 1.00 p. m.
Under Article 20. It was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $500.00 for the purpose of constructing a well and equipping the same, the well to be located by the Board of Health in the Village of South Chelmsford. The money to be expended by a committee consisting of Wilbur E. Lapham, Archie Cooke and Herbert C. Sweetser. . Under Article 21. In regards to accepting Section 97 of Chapter 41 of the General Laws relating to deputy Assessors, it was voted to dismiss this Article.
At this time Karl M. Perham asked for personal privilege which was gratned. Mr. Perham said, "We have with us today a Town Officlial who has just rounded out serving his 20th year as Assessor in this Town, namely Herbert C. Sweetser, he and I have not always agreed on Town matters as you will have just noticed, nevertheless Mr. Sweetser I know has always acted in his capacity as Assessor hon- estly and impartially and his official career has been a credit to him as well as the Town, andtherefore I say that the Town should be proud to have as one of its officers a man of this calibre. Mr. Moderator I
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move that the Town give Mr. Sweetser a rising vote of appreciation for the services rendered." And it was so voted. Mr. Sweetser in his usual modest way thanked the Town for this expression.
Under Article 22. On a motion made by Arnold C. Perham and amended by Representative Edward J Robbins, it was voted to dis- pose of the Howe Fire Engine to the Boy Scouts of Chelmsford by sale for fifty cents, and the use of same to be under the directions of the various troop masters in Town.
Under Article 23. It was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $300.00 and elect a Director the money to be expended by, and the Director to serve in co-operation with, the Middlesex County Trustees for County Aid to Agriculture in the work of the Middlesex County Extension Service, under the provisions of Sections 40 to 45. Chapter 128 General Laws of Massachusetts, and Perley W. Kimball was elected Director.
Under Article 24. It was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $150.00 for the purpose of procuring plans and estimates for the purpose of grading, grassing and improving the Common at Chelmsford Centre, the money to be expended by the following conunittee, the Park Commissioners, Edwin R. Clark, Miss Carrie Richardson, President of Chelmsford Garden Club and Roy Clough, the Committee to report at a future meeting.
Under Article 25. In regards to removing the fence around the Common at Chelmsford Centre, this Article was dismissed.
Under Article 26. It was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $50.00 for the purpose of purchasing a flag for the Centre Village.
Under Article 27. It was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $1265.00 with which to purchase a lot of land from James Wotton comprising of 1658 sq. ft. and a lot of land from S. E. Rostler com- prising of 22 sq. ft. more or less and also to pay legal and engincer- ing expense in connection therewith, lots to be in accordance with a plan marked 'Proposed new street line, Vinal Square, North Chelmsford, surveyed by J. C. & W. T. Monahan, C. E., September, 1927. The money to be expended by the Selectmen. $1000.00 for Wotton land, $200.00 for Rostler land, and $65.00 for Engineering and Counsel Fees.
Previous to the above action the following report was made by George W. Day.
February 13, 1928.
To the Voters of the Town of Chelmsford. The Committee appointed under Article 23 at the Annual Town Meeting, February 14, 1927, report as follows:
The traffic congestion in Vinal Square is serious, the traffic comes into the square from five directions and is most dangerous, first on ac- count of the narrowness of the roadway at the junction point, and sec- ond because of the obstruction of the automobile view coming down the Groton Road or Dunstable Road cannot see traffic proceeding toward Lowell or Princeton Street, with the result that cars and trucks coming from various directions arrive at the narrow junction point at the same time, with the always present danger of serous acci- dent.
In order to remedy the situation, the committee recommended as follows:
That the Town purchase land from S. E. Rostler and James Wot- ton, as shown on layout plan, and that the roadway be widened ap- proximately ten feet.
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That certain land and buildings on the location where the Elsie Smith store so-called stands be purchased, and that the street grade be sloped from the Dunstable Road to Princeton Street.
It was the original intention of your committee to recommend these purchases and expenditures this year, but having in mind the uncer- tain financial situation and the request of the Finance Committee to ask for only urgenly needed appropriations at this time, the committee recommends that the sum of $1265.00 be appropriated to purchase land of James S. Wotton and S. E. Rostler on the South side of the square and that the committae be continued in office, with instructions to report on future improvements at the next Annual Town Meeting.
A copy of the survey showing proposed new street line in ac- cordance with the above recommendations is attached hereto and forms part of this report
J. C. MONAHAN, FRED E. VARNEY, GEORGE W DAY.
Under Article 28. Voted to dismiss this Article.
Under Article 29. Report of committee on additional playground at East Chlemsford School.
To the Citizens of Chelmsford:
At the Annual Town Meeting held on Monday, February 14, 1927, a committee of three consisting of Frederick Moseley, James Hill and Frank J. Lupien were chosen to investigate the school playground situation at East Chelmsford, said committee to report at a subsequent Town Meeting, as to the possibility and advisability of procuring addi- tional land to be used by the town for school purposes.
The committee met and organized with Frank J. Lupien, Chair- man.
The general playground situation was looked over and discussed thoroughly. The matter of school enrolment was discussed and upon investigating it was found that for the last three years, since the new addition on the East Chelmsford School was made the enrolment had increased from 80 to 124, or 64 per cent.
Three years ago before the addition was made the building consist- ed of two rooms. Since then two more rooms have been added so that today we have four rooms, and all on one floor.
One can readily see that in building two more rooms so as to make it a four rooom building all on one floor, that it greatly reduced the school yard room, so that today the 124 children are confined to a very small area in the rear of the building. The outlet for the children who cannot play in the rear because of the lack of room is in the street, a most undesirable situation, and one that should not be tol- erated because of the extreme danger of passing automobiles. Your committee in viewing the situation could arrive at no other conclusion, than to recommend that the Town acquire more land to be used for school purposes, so as to relieve the playground congestion.
The East Village is rapidly growing. Several new houses have been built the last three years, and more are now under construction so, that it is only a question of time when the Town will have to acquire more land for school purposes in the East Village.
In viewing the land around the school property, your committee arrived at the conclusion that the only logical land to acquire was the land that adjoins the present school land, said land being owned by Mr. William Shedd. This land is in two parcels, and consists of about 21/2 acres more or less.
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Your committee interviewed Mr. Shedd relative to his selling the land. Mr. Shedd and your committee looked over the land, and he said that he would sell it.
Your committee inquired of Mr. Shedd in regard to his selling price, Mr. Shedd after considering the matter informed your committee that his selling price would be $2600.00.
1
Your committee sincerely believes that the town should acquire the Shedd property as it already adjoins the prseent school property, and we sincerely hope that the town will take favorable action on this matter, as the time is now at hand when land should be acquired to provide more room for expansion at the East School.
Mr. Frank J. Lupien made this report for the committee.
Under this Article it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $2600.00 for the purpose of purchasing 21/2 acres of land for school pur- poses from William Shedd said land adjoining the school grounds at East Chelmsford. The money to be expended by the same committee as making report under the Article namely, Frank J. Lupien, Frederick Moseley and James Hill.
Under Article 30. Voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $1500.00 for the purpose of installing a flush toilet system at the South Chelms- ford School House, so-called, the money to be expended under the sul- pervision of the School Committee.
At this time on a motion made by George E. Gagnon, it was voted 108 in the affirmative and 34 in the negative to reconsider Article 2, on a motion made by Selectman Robert W. Barris, it was voted to increase the item under Protection of Persons and Property, namely Police from $5000.00 to $6335, making the total for Protecion of Persons and Prop- erty $19,195.00.
Under Article 31. Under this Article, it was voted to accept Sec- tion 97 of Chapter 41 of the General Laws, with amendments thereto which reads as follows:
"In towns which accept the section or have accepted correspond- ing provisions of earlier laws there shall be a police deparment estab- lished under the direction of the Selectmen, who shall appont a chief of police and such other police officers as they deem necessary, and fix their compensation in an amount not in the aggregate exceeding the annual appropriation, therefor. The Selectmen may make suitable regu- lations governing the police department and the officers thereof, and in towns which are not subject to provisions of Chapter thiry-one to the contrary may remove the chief and other officers at pleasure. The chief of police shall be in immediate control of all town property used by the department, and the police officers, who shall obey his orders."
Under Article 32 In regards to locating a light at Brick Kiln Road and Gorham Street, it was voted to dismiss this Article.
Under Article 33. It was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of One Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($150.00) for the purpose of re- pairing the flag pole at the Centre Village.
Under Article 34. On a motion made by Town Clerk Harold C. Petterson it was voted that a committee of three be appointed by the Moderator to investigate the advisability of accepting the lot of land offered by Dr. F. E. Varney at North Chelmsford for playground or recreational purposes, this committee to report its recommendations at the next Annual Town Meeting. Committee appointed by Moder- ator. Stewart Mackay, John J. Monahan, James A. Grant.
Under Article 35 It was voted to appoint a committee of three to
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investigate the advisability as to the use or disposal of the Old Gram- mar School building situated on the easterly side of the North Road, in the Center Village, and to report its recommendations at the next Town Meeting. Committee appointed by Moderator, Edward B. Russell, George W. Day and Luther W. Faulkner.
At this time Article 17 was taken from the table.
Under Article 17. In regards to building a shed in the rear of the Town Hall at Chelmsford Centre for the use of the highway depart- ment, it was voted to dismiss this Article.
Under Article 36. It was voted to appoint the Selectmen and the Moderator appoined three, making a committee of six to report at the next Annual Town Meeting the advisability of relocating Central Square in the Centre Village. If said report recommends a change the com- mittee is instructed to formulate a plan or scheme which they are to present at said Annual Town Meeting. Committee appointnd by Mod- erator, C. George Armstrong, Perley W Kimball, and Dr. Herbert E. Davis.
At this time Robert W. Barris reported for the Selectmen on the survey on Street Lights, as follows:
This is a larger task than the Selectmen anticipated. We were un- able to bring in a complete survey and report at this time as this would have involved an expense in excess of the Selectmen's expense appropriation. The Selectmen ask for further time, in order to com- plete the report we would recommend a sufficient amount to be set aside to cover the expense involved.
ROBERT W. BARRIS, RALPH P. ADAMS, GEORGE RIGBY.
It was voted to receive the report and place same on file and com- mittee to continue in office.
The Committee on School House conditions at North Chelmsford reported as follows:
Last year your attention was called to the congested conditions in all our schools, especially at the North Village. A special committee consisting of Dr. F. E. Varney, Mr Royal Shawcross and the personnel of your School Committee was appointed at the last regular Town Meet- ing to study the general school housing conditions of the Town with spe- cial reference to the school housing conditions at North Chelmsford and the possible erection of a new grade school at North Chelmsford.
This committee has given the matter much thought and have vis- ited several proposed sites. Last summer Mr. Morse. State Supervisor of Secondary Education in this state visited Chelmsford and made a very careful survey of our School Housing conditions. At that time Mr. Morse promised to present us a report of his survey together with any recommendations which he felt would be helpful. As yet however, this report has not been received by our committee. In view of the unsettled economic conditions in our Town it is very difficult to forecast what our school population will be in the future, of the sites visited there is one which we believe should receive careful consideration in event it was deemed necessary to build a new school at North Chelmsford-that site is the land known as the "Varney Playground."
was voted that the committee be retained and to report at the next Annual Town Meeting.
Mr. Robert W. Barris reported for the committee appointed to in- vestigate on sidewalks, he reported as follows:
Pursuant to Article 33 voted at the Annual Town Meeting held
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Feb. 14, 1927, on a motion carried that a committee appointed by the Moderator, namely R. W. Barris, James A. Grant, and Patrick S. Ward; to consider thte advisability of constructing a sidewalk on Gorham Street, Tyngsboro Road, and Chelmfsord Street. Your committee met and organized. In the early period of its functioning Mr. Patrick Ward was taken by death. It was then necessary that the Selectmen and committee appoint to fill the vacancy, Edward M. Riney being chosen.
After carefully investigating the statutes, your committee found that the laying out, constructing and maintaining of sidewalks was given unto the Board of Selectmen as provided by Chapter 83, Section 25 of the General Laws, to wit: --
"The aldermen of a city or the Selectmen or road Commissioners of a town may, if in their judgment the public convenience so require, establish sidewalks in the public ways thereof and determine the grade of each such sidewalk and the material with which it shall be con- structed, and may order the reconstruction of existing sidewalks. No such sidewalks shall be dug up or obstructed without the consent of the board or officer having charge of the maintenance and repair of public ways in a city, or the Selectmen or road commissioners in a town." It is clearly stated in these statutes that the Selectmen can lay out, con- struct and maintain, they may also make by-laws for assessments, and snow removal, which the town may adopt if public convenience demands such.
As to the advisability of constructing sidewalks on Gorham Street, Tyngsboro Road and Chelmsford Street, the committee find the streets, especially Gorham Street and Tyngsboro Road are very dangerous places for the pedestrians to travel, there being no available place for such persons to travel, they must then resort to the highway. Both the above roads are heavily travelled by automobiles, which take the ad- vantage of travelling a high rate of speed over a fine highway provided for them. These being the facts with no provisions made for the pedestrian, that many persons are being injured by these fast traveling autoists. Therefore to prevent any further injuries along these ways, your committee recommends the Town to instruct the Selectmen to study the statutes of the General Laws, Chapter 83, Section 25 which makes provisions that they can lay out, construct sidewalks, and they draft a set of. by-laws for assessments and snow removal, and that they make a survey as to the cost of sidewalks on the above named streets and that they make a complete report at a future Town Meeting an- nual or otherwise.
Your committee considers that this matter is entirely at the discre- tion of the Selectmen and feel that this should be left entirely to that Board. For these reasons, we do not give you a complete report, but for your information we find that by a basis of rough estimating, the cost of a cinder sidewalk on Gorham Street on a present lay out on grounds now provided that the same would be approximately $13,335.00 from the Lowell line to Billerica line. On Tyngsboro Road a cinder sidewalk on the westerly side for a distance of one and one-half miles the cost would be approximately $2500 and $1000 on Chelmfsord Street.
While these costs seem high to some we do not see how the Town can escape the burden. It is necesary that public on the higway, the autoist as well as the pedestrian, be given protection by removing the pedestrian from the center of the heavily speeded highways to a place where they will both enjoy the convenience, or to supplement public safety on the highways.
ROBERT W. BARRIS. M. EDWARD RINEY.
This report was accepted and the committee discharged.
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Under Article 37 Voted to instruct the Selectmen to negotiate with the Massachusetts Department of Public Works for the purpose of having the said state take over and assume control of the following ways: Boston Road from Billerica line to Hull Road, North Road from Princeton Street to Dalton Road.
Under Article 38. In regards to authorizing the Selectmen to negotiate with the Lowell Electric Light Corp. with reference to the abandonment of certain lights, it was voted to dismiss this Article.
Under Article 39. It was voted to accept from the Standard Oil Company of New York the gift of a certain lot of land situated on the westerly side of Boston Road and Acton Road and those particularly described on a plan of land recorded with the Middlesex North District Registry of Deeds Plan Book 50, Plan 19. Subject to the expressed condition that the said Town of Chelmsford shall lay out and con- struct a highway upon the described premises and shall cover the said highway with a hard finished surface within one year from date hereof, and upon the further expressed condtion that if the said Town shall at any time fail to maintain or keep in repair after the said one year from date of deed the said premises, or the part not maintained or kept in repair shall revert to and become the property of the grantor free and discharged from the easement herein granted. Reserving the fee of the said property and the right to use the same for all pur- poses which do not interfere with the use of said easement for street or highway purposes.
It was voted to appropriate from the excess and deficiency ac- count the sum of $5906.10 to be applied to appropriations made in 1928, to be used by the Assessors as free cash.
Voted to adjuorn this meeting at 4.40 p. m.
WALTER PERHAM, Moderator. JOHN J MONAHAN, Moderator Pro-Tem.
HAROLD PETTERSON, Clerk.
WARRRANT FOR PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY
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