USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1948 > Part 10
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150 REPORT OF THE NORTH CHELMSFORD LIBRARY CORP.
The Trustees feel that they have made satisfactory progress during the year and look forward to continuing the repairs and im- provements of the physical condition of the library, and attracting more people to use the existing facilities during 1949.
Respectfully submitted,
MARJORIE B. SCOBORIA
Secretary
NORTH CHELMSFORD LIBRARY CORPORATION
Librarian's Report
Sessions
148
Circulation
6,598
New Books Added
250
Respectfully submitted, BERTHA M. WHITWORTH
Librarian
NORTH CHELMSFORD LIBRARY CORPORATION TREASURER'S REPORT
RECEIPTS
EXPENDITURES
Balance on hand Jan. 1,
1948 $ 46.00
Town Appropriation
1,200.00
Librarian $ 390.00
Assistant Librarian 105.80
Books 482.44
Magazines
42.00
Lowell Gas Company
55.07
Lowell Electric Light
Corp. 13.36
Chester Flavell (Labor) ..
13.12
Snow Shovelling (Labor)
10.00
Lowell Sun
Advertisement
6.76
Bank Service Charges
9.47
Miscellaneous
29.90
1,157.92
Balance on hand
January 1, 1949 88.08
$1,246.00
$1,246.00
Respectfully submitted,
NELLIE L. SHAWCROSS,
Treasurer.
151
REPORT OF THE CHELMSFORD PLANNING BOARD
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The Planning Board held sixteen meetings during the past year. The increased number being largely due to sub-division work. There were eight new sub-divisions which required a public hearing for each one. In each case an approval was given in part up to the extent to which the subdivider has complied with the sub-division requirements. The extension of two of the older sub-divisions was approved; one in the Westlands and the other in the North Chelmsford section.
Most of the houses built in these sub-division developments are of a type and variety which will be a great asset to the town in future years as a source of tax revenue. There are three sub-divisions in the Westlands section where houses are being built at the present time, and one house has been built in another new sub-division in this section. In the Center section there are four sub-divisions where houses are now being built with some completed and occupied. There are three active sub-divisions in the North section, and one of these three was started a number of years ago. There are many attractive houses now located in this community. A number of good homes have been built on another sub-division in this same section during the past year, and what used to be a most unattractive spot has been developed into what will become a pleasant section in which to live. Also there are many single homes which have been built during the past year and these are distributed over many parts of the town.
There is a great need for a new set of building laws which are for the protection of the home buyer. The buyer of a new home has much with which to contend at the present time. The greatest diffi- culty being the extreme cost of everything which enters into the construction of a home. Also the present difficulty in procuring properly seasoned lumber (which is a factor responsible for the rapid depreciation in the value of some of the newly built houses) and the fact that some do not have proper foundation support. Many other short cuts are taken to attempt to reduce costs or to make a little more profit.
We can see no reason why a reputable builder should ever object to building law requirements. These laws are just giving the buyer of the new house the things that he has every right to expect. The Planning Board and the Board of Appeals have held a joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen in connection with the subject of new
152
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMISSIONER
building laws. As a result of this meeting, a committee was selected to draw up a new building code. This committee was composed of members from both the Board of Appeals and the Planning Board. The Committee attended to its duties and drew up what is believed to be an up-to-date building code. No further progress, however, could be made as there were no funds available for publication of the pro- posed building code. It is hoped that funds will be voted for this purpose at the coming town meeting and the new code will be adopted in the not too distant future.
It has been suggested by a few that the town should have more business zones but a casual survey by members of the Planning Board did not find much support for such a change. Business zones, to be practical, must be very close to the present sections so zoned. In the Center section there are only two vacant pieces of land which are located near enough for this purpose, and one of these vacant spots is very swampy and most of it would require a great deal of filling before a building could be placed on any part of it. The other vacant land has some very fine residences nearby and much objection to the infiltration of business would be raised by all who wish and believe that the home is a place for rest and quiet and some degree of privacy.
Respectfully submitted,
ARNOLD C. PERHAM, HOWARD D. SMITH,
Secretary. Chairman.
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Chelmsford, Mass. Gentlemen:
The Cemetery Commissioners wish to submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1948.
The general condition of the cemeteries, as a whole, has been better this past year than for many years; although work came to an early stop due to lack of funds. The new procedure for payments of burials and grading of lots now required to be paid to the Treasurer of the Town, has caused much confusion to our depart- ment, as no fund had been established to take these payments in consideration.
The Commissioners extend their thanks to all lot owners for their interest and cooperation.
Respectfully submitted BAYARD C. DEAN ARNE OLSEN ARTHUR W. HOUSE Cemetery Commissioners
153
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The Board of Appeals submits the following report for the year 1948:
The Board organized May 21, 1948 with Clifford M. Babson, Jr., as Chairman and Everett T. Reed as Secretary.
The Board has held thirteen meetings and had twenty applica- tions; two of which were withdrawn.
A Committee from the Planning Board and Board of Appeals submitted a proposal for a revision of the Building and Zoning Laws early in 1948 on which no action has been taken. We feel that this revision is important due to the growth of the town and changes in building methods and urge that it be given consideration in 1949.
Respectfully submitted,
CLIFFORD M. BABSON, JR. CLIFFORD HARTLEY
EDWARD V. WHALEN WILLIAM MOCHRIE FREDERICK BURNE EVERETT T. REED Board of Appeals.
REPORT OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR
Board of Selectmen, Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I wish to submit the following report of the Building Department ..
In the year 1948, 190 permits were issued for New Buildings and General Repairs. 119 of these permits were for new dwellings.
Respectfully submitted
ARTHUR J. GAUTHIER Building Inspector
154 REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I wish to submit the report of Sealer of Weights and Measures for 1948. In the performance of my duties I have sealed or condemned as follows:
5 Platform Scales over 10.000 1bs.
26 Platform Scales 100 to 5.000 1bs.
25 Counter Scales 100 lbs. or over
Counter Scales under 100 1bs.
19 Beam Scales 100 lbs. or over
1 Beam Scale under 100 lbs.
41 Spring Scales under 100 1bs.
Computing Scales under 100 lbs.
Personal Weighing Scales
2 Prescription Scales
27 Apothecary Weights
19 Metric Weights
54 Gasoline Measuring Pumps
20 Oil Measuring Pumps
Grease Measuring Pumps
2 Egg Scales
Kerosene Measuring Pumps
1 Meter 1 in. inlet
Money received from fees for same has been turned over to the Town Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted
NORMAN E. MOCHRIE Sealer of Weights and Measures
REPORT OF THE DOG OFFICER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The following is a report of my services as Dog Officer for the Fear 1948:
.
Dogs picked up 117
Dogs disposed of 92
Dogs called for by owners 25
In addition to the above, I disposed of eleven dead dogs and forty dead cats picked up on the streets.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES E. BELLEVILLE,
Dog Officer.
155
REPORT OF THE SINKING FUND COMMISSIONERS
REPORT OF THE SINKING FUND COMMISSIONERS Insurance Sinking Fund
Book No.
Amount
78370 Central Savings Bank, Lowell, Mass. $ 4,696.11
99250 City Institution for Savings, Lowell, Mass. 8,101.18
105588 Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank, Lowell, Mass. 8,286.06
131298 Lowell Institution for Savings, Lowell, Mass.
3,231.88
16610 Merrimack River Savings Bank, Lowell, Mass. 3,840.11
63051 Merrimack River Savings Bank, Lowell, Mass. 4,664.92
$32,820.26
Series F United States War Savings Bonds Serial
Numbers V190707, V190708, M818905, M840093,
M840094, M840095, M840096. Present redemption value 11,955.00
Total $44,775.26
Paid to Town of Chelmsford for 1948
insurance premiums $4,230.00
Respectfully submitted,
FRITZ H. PEARSON, Chairman GEORGE C. HOOD, Jr., Secretary WALTER PERHAM, Treasurer Sinking Fund Commissioners
REPORT OF THE MILK INSPECTOR
To The Honorable Board of Health: Gentlemen:
The following report is submitted for the Milk Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1948.
Store Licenses 38
Vehicle Licenses 27
Pasteurization Licenses
3
Oleomargarine Licenses
17
Total Licenses Granted 85
Samples from all dealers were collected several times during the year and were analyzed at the Howard Laboratories at Amherst, Mass., and all were above the legal standard.
Several samples of water were also collected and analyzed.
Milk and pasteurization plants were inspected several times during the year and found satisfactory.
Respectfully submitted,
Signed: DANIEL E. HALEY, Milk Inspector.
156
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
December 31, 1948
Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen:
As required by Section 19, Chapter 129 of the General Laws, a complete survey of all neat cattle, sheep, swine etc. was ordered by the Division of Livestock Disease Control of the State Dept. of Agriculture, in November.
This survey has been completed. A tabulation of the animals found in 149 stables follows: COWS 605, HEIFERS 73, CALVES 110, BULLS 28, STEERS 2, GOATS 52, SHEEP 14, SWINE 596, and HORSES 84.
Recent tests for tuberculosis have been applied to all cattle in town and two reactors were found in one herd, the first cases of tuberculosis in town for several years. After these infected cows were slaughtered the stable was thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
Thirty-one dogs that had bitten humans were quarantined, as required by law for a two week observation period and then released as no rabies had developed. Ten other dog bite cases were also in- vestigated. Warning: Do not kill any dog that has bitten a person until you confer with your Inspector of Animals.
Five animals came into this town from outside the State, on permits, for Dairy purposes. These were checked and all were released as they were accompanied by proper health certificates.
All reports have been submitted to the Division of Livestock Disease Control.
Signed: ARNOLD C. PERHAM
Inspector
157
REPORT OF THE CONSTABLE
REPORT OF THE CONSTABLE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
As Constable of the Town of Chelmsford, I wish to submit the following report:
Posting of Warrants in the six precincts for town election and town meeting.
Posting of warrants in the six precincts for four special town meetings.
Posting of nine warrants for Center Water District in three precincts.
Posting of two warrants for East Chelmsford Water District.
Drawing and serving notices to fourteen jurors for civil duty.
Drawing and serving notice to one grand juror.
Respectfully Submitted,
Signed: LAWRENCE W. CHUTE, Constable of Chelmsford.
REPORT OF THE FOREST WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Taxpayers of the town of Chelmsford:
The year 1948 turned out to be a very mild year in regard to forest and grass fires. The department answered 164 calls-one less than the previous year. There were 1624 permits issued for fires in the open; this being a greater number than the year previous. It is the wish of the Forest Warden that more people would become familiar with the laws governing fires in the open, for it is necessary to receive a permit for any fire in the open unless the ground is completely covered with snow.
A radio was voted for the department at the annual town meeting and this piece of equipment has helped to control fire loss and was instrumental in the department being able to refund a balance in the "Labor at Fires" appropriation.
On September 29, 1948, the pump used on the Forest Fire Truck . became useless and had to be replaced. The portable pump, out of order for sometime, was also replaced at this time.
The department's equipment, excluding the truck, is in very good condition. There is more one and one-eigth Forestry hose needed as well as Booster hose. These items are being included in the 1949 budget.
It was necessary to call on the Fire Department for help this past year, but in return the services of the Forest Fire Truck and equipment are made available to the Fire Department at all times.
Respectfully submitted
Signed: ALLAN KIDDER Forest Warden
158
REPORT OF THE PLUMBING INSPECTOR
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PLUMBING INSPECTOR
Board of Health
Town Hall
Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The following is a report of the plumbing work done for the year ending December 31, 1948.
Number of applications submitted for permits to do plumbing: Old Houses 49
New Houses
89
Total
138
Tests
125
Inspections
138
Total 263
The following is a list of various plumbing fixtures installed :
Water Closets
151
Sinks
105
Lavatories 148
Bath Tubs
124
Wash Trays
25
Showers
8
Comb. Sink and Tray
34
Dish Washer
7
Clothes Washer
4
Tankless Heater
1
Urinals
2
Double Sink
10
Potato Peeler
1
Soil Pipe
2
Sink Waste
1
Bar Sink
1
Soda Fountain
2
Refrigerator
1
Scoop Washer
1
Trap
1
Sink Line
1
Total
630
Respectfully submitted,
Signed: GEORGE E. GAGNON, Inspector of Plumbing.
159
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of Chelmsford:
The Board of Health organized for the year 1948 as follows: Leonard S. MacElroy, Chairman Edmund J. Welch, Secretary Dr. Charles C. Farrington, Board Member
Appointments under the jurisdiction of the Board that were made during the past year are:
Mrs. Christina S. Park, Board of Health Agent and School Nurse.
Mr. Daniel E. Haley, Milk Inspector.
Mr. Patrick H. Haley, Inspector of Meat.
Mr. Asa L. Lovering, Assistant Meat Inspector.
Mr. Valmar J. Gladu, Assistant Meat Inspector.
Mr. Spencer W. Chamberlin, Assistant Meat Inspector.
Mr. George E. Gagnon, Plumbing Inspector (Term: 3 years)
Dr. Benjamin Blechman, Board of Health Physician.
Dr. George E. Carriel, Board of Health Physician.
The contract for collection of garbage was awarded to the lowest bidder at $2,950.00 per year for a term of two years and eight months. This long-term contract was agreed on by the Board only after its validity was upheld by the Town Counsel. The Board of Health points with pride to the fact that in a period of three years, the garbage contract has been reduced from $5,600.00 to $2,950.00 per year; a saving of $2,650.00 and at no sacrifice in service to the townspeople.
The Board adopted a law making it illegal to sell milk other than pasteurized or certified within the limits of the town. It became effec- tive July 1, 1948. We sincerely believe our action was for the best health interest of our inhabitants.
The diphtheria immunization and booster clinic was made avail- able to all parents who wished to take advantage of this health meas- ure. The recent purchase of a Vim-Forsbeck syringe by the Board greatly lessened the time needed by the physicians in administering the innoculations.
Several consultations were held between the Board and District Officer of the State Department of Public Health. We appreciate the cooperation extended by the State Department of Health.
1
160
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
During the past year the full Board accompanied by a Health Physician made two inspections of public eating establishments within the town. We are soon instituting a regular examination of all food handlers serving the public. Chelmsford has many public eating places and we feel this protection is needed now.
The situation involving both Town Dumps became so acute dur- ing the past summer, the Board of Health was forced to make radi- cal changes in caring for both places. As a result two new caretakers were employed on a full-time daily basis. The dump located in the Westlands has been equipped with a reduced take-off at the fire hydrant and a high pressure hose line adequate to cover the whole area is ready for instant requirement. Similarly, at the dump off Swain Road, North Chelmsford, extensive reconstruction and grading was necessary after which a regular caretaker was employed. We are pleased to report a great improvement in both locations involving a very moderate upkeep expense.
At this time may we call to the attention of our citizens that the responsibilities of your Town Board of Health are so numerous and exacting that the time is rapidly approaching when it will be impos- sible for elective members who are regularly employed elsewhere to cope with it. The overall function of an efficient Board of Health demands many field inspections of diversified nature along with rou- tine investigations and office administration. The average citizen is probably more conscious of Public Health needs and abuses than any other service which is tax supported. Stricter laws and mandatory regulations are exerting extra pressure on the Board. The inevitable answer must be efficient overhauling to meet those demands. We feel that within a very short time your Board of Health will need field and . office assistance.
We extend thanks to other departments and to residents of the town for fine cooperation during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, Signed :
LEONARD S. MacELROY, Chairman DR. CHARLES C. FARRINGTON. EDMUND J. WELCH, Secretary.
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161
REPORT OF THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT AGENT
REPORT OF THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT AGENT
Mr. Leonard S. MacElroy, Chairman Board of Health
Dear Sir:
Following is a list of diagnosed contagious diseases as reported by the doctors and hospitals for the year 1948:
Chicken Pox 10
Pneumonia, Lobar
3
Dog Bite 11
Scarlet Fever 5
Whooping Cough
2
German Measles
1
Measles 36
Mumps
8
Tuberculosis (Pulmonary)
1
Typhoid Fever
1
Cat Bite
1
Cooperation of both the doctors and townspeople is asked for, in order that all contagious diseases may be reported promptly. Number X-rayed at Waltham 45
Number transported to Waltham 30
I have been working on a Tuberculosis Re-Classification clinic visiting cases who have been on the records for a long time.
We have been getting things ready for a diphtheria Clinic to be held in the near future. The Board of Health has purchased a Vim-Forsbeck syringe for use in mass innoculations of any kind and we expect to use it as soon as attendance at the various schools improves.
We need a clerk for answering the telephone and doing other clerical work.
The Board has ordered biologicals such as immune globulin, tetanus antitoxin, diphtheria antitoxin and others, to have on hand for the convenience of the local doctors at Page's Drug Store.
Let me add that I hope in the future, people will continue to refer their problems in public health to me as they have in the past. Thank- ing the Board of Health for their kind assistance and advice during 1948.
Respectfully submitted, Signed:
CHRISTINA S. PARK, R. N. Board of Health, Agent.
162 REPORT OF THE VARNEY PLAYGROUND COMMISSION
REPORT OF VARNEY PLAYGROUND COMMISSION
To the Citizens of Chelmsford:
We submit the following report on the activities of this Com- mission carried on during the year 1948.
We have done our utmost to keep the expense of this, your property, down as low as possible.
We know that the property under our jurisdiction is used by more people than any other parcel in town. Crowds of 1500 people use our bathing beach and bath house every hot Sunday, and an average of 500 each week day.
Our attendant at this place does a very good job, and has often been commended, to us on his work, We are very fortunate to have such a man in our department. The work here is tremendous and during the past year we granted a small tonic concession to a person who in turn helps our attendant in keeping the place respectable and clean.
The Baseball Field is also quite a problem. There is a league or scrub game going on here every playable day of the summer season, and it requires a lot of work to keep this field in playing condition.
As no major repairs have been done on this field since its construction 15 years ago, it has deteriorated, so your Finance board, realizing this, granted us an extra $250 to repair a portion of this during the past year, and we used same to a great advantage.
We feel if the same can be done for a few years it will save a major cost of 7 to 9 thousand dollars for complete repairs in the future.
There has been and still is a bad condition of Highway wash at the field, which we have tried to have corrected for the past 5 years. We have been promised several times that this matter would be taken care of, but as yet only a slight improvement has been shown by the Highway department.
The above mentioned condition costs you extra money each year which in our opinion is a waste of your money.
We feel also that small childrens playground equipment should be installed on the property. Many requests for repairs on the tennis courts have been received by us, but our courts are of clay construction, and it would require hours of daily labor to keep them in repair, and properly supervised, the cost is too great for us to assume.
Many complaints also have been received on the stumps in the water near our beach. We have no way of removing these, but would gladly assist any person or persons that would undertake this project.
We would like to stress once more, the fact that no other facility in the town receives as much use by so large a number of people as the Edwards Memorial Beach and Varney Playground.
REPORT OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERV. 163
Your Commission feels that much could be done to improve and expand the possibilities of this area but must await concerted effort on the part of the townspeople in fostering such improvement. Our appropriation only covers the maintenance of the property.
LESLIE A. ADAMS, Sr., Chairman CLIFFORD HARTLEY ARNAUD R. BLACKADAR Varney Playground Commission
REPORT OF THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE FOR THE TOWN OF CHELMSFORD, 1948
The Middlesex County Extension Service is a county organization maintained to serve the various towns of the county especially in the field of agriculture and home economics.
During the past year three dairy farmers have been enrolled in the Dairy Herd Improvement Association in the Town of Chelmsford. Also, two progressive dairy farmers were cooperators in the 1948 "Green Pastures" Contest. Many farmers in the town were enrolled in the Middlesex County Selective Breeding Association, which has as its main purpose the making available to dairy farmers the service of superior sires.
Chelmsford is one of the largest poultry farms of the county and the poultrymen have taken an active part in all of the meetings held throughout the county. Walter F. Lewis is one of the outstanding winners in the "Chicken of Tomorrow" Contest with a white American breed. Many local poultrymen have availed themselves of the services of the county in meeting individual problems especially in flock management and disease control.
The homemakers of the town took an active interest in the Christmas Kit furnished by the Extension Service showing simple ways of making home-made gifts. Several meetings were held within the town on subjects such as "Color and How To Use It in the Home," kitchen arrangement, and clothing construction.
Of interest to 4-H boys and girls activities were carried on in clothing, canning, and agriculture under the leadership of Mrs. Carl Stanton, Mrs. Laura Marchildon, Catherine Vennard, Mrs. Gardner Spaulding, and Mrs. Percy Beardsley. Gail Pearson exhibited her dairy animals at the County Dairy Show and the County Fair, win- ning a First, Second, Fifth and Sixth
164
REPORT OF THE VETERANS' EMERGENCY FUND
VETERANS' EMERGENCY FUND Report of the Secretary
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and to Citizens of the Town of Chelmsford:
The Officers and Committee of the Veterans' Emergency Fund have had fewer meetings, during the year of 1948 than the first year of operation of 1947. This has been due to the small number of cases which have been called to our attention and may be attributed to the economic conditions which have prevailed for the past twelve-month period.
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