USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1951 > Part 8
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It is most gratifying to report that the department has received over $3,500.00 for services rendered. The money went back to your Town Treasurer for funds advanced last year on our budget.
We wish to thank the Town Treasurer and his office staff for their most efficient work in keeping our records. We are estimating receipts next year for the department of approximately $5,000.00. This estimate is based on the same charges as last year.
We also received $855.75 for Perpetual Care Lots. This money is kept separately and only the interest is spent.
We received $665.00 for the sale of lots. This money can only · be used for the upkeep of the cemeteries as a whole.
Your Commissioners have given considerable time this year in- vestigating, revising rules and regulations, checking maps and lots, answering complaints, etc. We have met officially fourteen times during the year 1951.
We wish to thank many of our town officials who have given us time and counsel when needed. We have in mind particularly the Chairman of the Finance Board, the Town Treasurer and the Town Auditor.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK H. HARDY, Chairman ARTHUR J. COLMER, Clerk ARNE R. OLSEN
108
REPORT OF SECRETARY OF VETERANS' COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE VETERANS EMERGENCY FUND COMMITTEE
The Honorable Board of Selectmen Town of Chelmsford
Gentlemen:
The Veterans' Emergency Fund Committee wish to submit their annual report to you and to the townspeople of Chelmsford. The year 1951 was a very quiet one in respect to the use of the funds at our disposal and the need for meetings. As there were no cases needing assistance during 1951 which were brought to the Committee's atten- tion, no business was conducted. The funds remain on deposit in various banking institutions in Lowell and a fair return in the form of interest has been credited to the passbooks. The Treasurer's report shows in detail the amount of money on hand. With the added interest it is now felt that greater aid may be able to be granted in the future if and when the occasion arises and application is made to the Com- mittee through its members or through the Veterans' Benefits Agent, Mr. Gordon P. DeWolf.
The Committee by precincts is listed once again and applicants desiring assistance should contact their precinct representative.
Precinct 1
George Archer
Precinct 2 Joseph Sadowski
Precinct 3 Perry T. Snow
Precinct 4 Edward G. Krasnecki
Precinct 5
George Waite
Precinct 6
Alfred H. Coburn
Respectfully submitted,
ALFRED H. COBURN,
Secretary.
109
REPORT OF TREASURER OF VETERANS' COMMITTEE
VETERANS' EMERGENCY FUND TREASURER'S REPORT TO THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Receipts and Disbursements January 1, 1951 to December 31, 1951
Balance on Hand January 1, 1951 $3,012.57 Add - Receipts:
The Central Savings Bank, Lowell, Mass .- Dividends $ 9.96
Middlesex Co-operative Bank, Lowell, Mass. - Dividends 48.75
First Federal Savings and Loan Association
of Lowell - Dividends 21.67
Total Receipts 80.38
Total
$3,092.95
Deduct - Disbursements :
Fred C. Church & Co.
Premium on Treasurer's Bond $ 15.00
Total Disbursements
15.00
Balance on Hand December 31, 1951
$3,077.95
ASSETS
Town of Chelmsford - General Treasury: Deposit $ 47.50
The Central Savings Bank, Lowell, Mass .: Book No. 128790 430.45
First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Lowell,
Formerly Middlesex Co-operative Bank, Lowell, Mass .: 10 Paid Up Shares, Certificate No. 3025 $2,000.00 3 Matured Shares, Certificate No. 2380 600.00 2,600.00
TOTAL ASSETS $3,077.95
Respectfully submitted, TOWN OF CHELMSFORD VETERANS' EMERGENCY FUND By PERRY T. SNOW, Treasurer.
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110
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
To the Citizens of Chelmsford:
Thirteen meetings were held in 1951 by the board. Five petitions for land sub-divisions were received and passed. Two zoning changes were presented to the board and as a result of the above, seven public hearings were held.
One of the zoning changes presented was with regard to a re- hearing by the Board of Appeals upon a refusal by them to grant a permit to allow a trailer camp in a residential district. We upheld their decision.
In Town Warrants, six articles were sponsored by the Board with regard to zoning law changes. They were changes from residential zones to business zones on both sides of Tyngsboro Road and on both sides of Littleton Road. Also from residential zone to industrial zone that area on both sides of the B. & M. R. R. tracks near the Southwell Combing Mill. We take this opportunity to thank the citizens for their foresightedness in realizing this need as we do. All six Articles were voted.
Two street re-locations were approved during the year.
Rules governing the gravelling and drainage of new streets were adopted after several conferences with the Honorable Board of Se- lectmen.
Finally, much work has been started on a new topographical map of the Town, so that in the future there will be some semblance of planning for the tieing in of street lines and drainage in nearby but separate sub-divisions. This will enable the Board to plan for an eco- nomical and proper sewage system if and when the Town ever votes for such. This map should be completed and in use early in 1952.
Respectfully submitted,
CHELMSFORD PLANNING BOARD
JOHN L. DUSSEAULT, Chairman. ARNOLD C. PERHAM, Secretary. JOHN J. MEAGHER RICHARD L. MONAHAN WILLIAM M. BURNS SIDNEY E. DUPEE CLIFFORD M. BABSON, JR.
111
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The following is a report of the Highway Department for 1951. Under "Resurfacing" the following Streets were treated with bituminous materials:
Name of Street Lin. Ft.
Name of Street
Lin. Ft.
Marion Street
270
Westford St.
800
Tuttle Road 925
Seneca Avenue
395
Tadmuck Road
900
Sunset Ave. 568
Bartlett Street
600
Subway Ave. 239
Parkerville Road 1600
Subway Ave. Ext. 1100
Maple Street
883
Sylvan Ave.
737
Garrison Road
874
Westford St.
800
Total gals. used under "Resurfacing"-10,798.
Under Special Appropriations the following work was done: Lynn Ave .- Gravel, Tar.
Clear Street-Surface Treatment.
Swain Road-Surface Treatment.
Priscilla Ave .- Graveled, Oiled.
Flint Street-40 Feet pipe relaid, 1 Catch Basin rebuilt, Grav- eled, Tarred.
Linwood Street-435 Feet pipe, 2 Catch Basins, Graveled, Tarred.
CONSTRUCTION AND RECONSTRUCTION
Hornbeam Hill Road-500 Ft. was excavated, regraded, grav- eled and tarred.
Plum Street-Regraded, Tarred.
Bartlett Street-300 Ft. regraded, graveled, tarred, I Catch Basin rebuilt.
Warren Ave .- Graveled, Oiled.
Adams Street-340 Feet curbing.
Bartlett Street-187 Feet curbing.
Under "Bridges" Central Square Bridge was rebuilt, Twiss Road and Mill Road Bridges were replanked.
Under "Drainage" 141 Feet 10" pipe laid on Montview Road, 1 Catch Basin built.
Byam Road-114 Feet 8" pipe. Westford Street-84 Feet 10" pipe.
Middlesex Street-40 Feet 10" pipe. North Road-189 Feet 10" pipe.
Beech Street-1 Catch Basin.
112
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Chapter 90, Maintenance ---
Boston Road
1000 Ft.
Acton Road 2700 Ft .:
North Road 1200 Ft.
Old Westford Road 2000 Ft.
Chelmsford Street
200 Ft.
Chapter 90, Construction-
Groton Road-1700 Ft. of Bituminous Concrete, 1 Catch Basin rebuilt, 30 feet pipe, 338 feet curbing.
Concord Road-900 Ft. of Bituminous Concrete, 36 feet pipe, 1 Catch Basin, wheel guard.
The customary patching of town roads was done and considerable cutting of brush was accomplished in various parts of the town.
Catch basins were cleaned at various times during the year.
At this time I would like to thank the townspeople for their kind consideration and co-operation and the Police Department for notify- ing the department of dangerous conditions on the roads during the winter months.
Respectfully submitted,
FRITZ H. PEARSON, Acting Supt. of Streets.
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I wish to submit the report of the Sealer of Weights and Measures for 1951. In the performance of my duties I have sealed or condemned as follows:
28 Scales over 100 lbs. 40 Scales under 100 lbs.
52 Gasoline Meters 48 Apothecary Weights 10 Kerosene and Grease Pumps
Money received from fees for same has been turned over to the Town Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN P. QUINN, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT · 113
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Chelmsford, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
9
I hereby respectfully submit my report of the Police Department and Roster for the year 1951.
CHIEF OF POLICE Ralph J. Hulslander
PATROLMEN
Allan H. Adams Winslow P. George Basil J. Larkin
Raymond E. Harmon
INTERMITTENT PATROLMEN
Leo A. Boucher Edward F. Miner Lawrence W. Chute
Leslie H. Adams, Jr.
Fritz Pearson Arthur L. Smith
George W. Marinel John B. Wrigley Richard F. Campbell
INTERMITTENT POLICEWOMAN Christina N. Park
SPECIAL POLICE FOR OTHER ACTIVITIES
Leslie Adams, Sr. . William Warley William F. Connor
John Carruthers George R. Dixon Robert F. McAndrew
ARRESTS FOR 1951
CRIMES AGAINST PERSON
Assault and Battery
4
Breaking and entering in night time
3
Unnatural act
2
Robbery
1
CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY
Larceny
3
CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER
Capias from Out of Town Police
1
Drunkenness
43
Driving under the influence of liquor
9
Escaped
1
Insane
4
Motor Vehicle Laws Prosecuted
27
Night's Lodging
2
Non-support
3
Stubborn Child
1
Total 104
114
REPORT OF THE DOG OFFICER
DISPOSITION OF PERSONS ARRESTED
Vagrancy-Returned to Met. State Hospital for Insane 1
Fined 33
Probation 18
Released 26
House of Correction
1
Insane-Worcester State Hospital
5
Warrants .: in 6
Filed 10
2
Not Guilty
1
Charlestown State Prison
Violation of Parole-Returned to Bridgewater
1
Total 104
During the past year additional service was rendered by having two traffic officers on duty week-ends in Vinal Square and Central Square.
We hope this year additional men will be provided so that we will be able to take care of the increased traffic problems on our highways.
Hallowe'en parties were again sponsored by various organizations in the town to provide an evening of fun for children in all age groups. These parties were largely attended and were very successful. I wish at this time to express my sincere appreciation to all organizations for their untiring efforts, and their cooperation with my Department at this annual event.
I wish to thank The Board of Selectmen, my entire roster, and all the Townspeople for their cooperation during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH J. HULSLANDER, Chief of Police, Chelmsford, Massachusetts.
REPORT OF THE DOG OFFICER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The following is a report of my services as Dog Officer for the year 1951:
Dogs picked up 45
Dogs disposed of 45
Lost dogs located and returned to owners 17
Complaints investigated and miscellaneous calls 137
In addition to the above, I disposed of 48 dead dogs, 75 dead cats and 10 miscellaneous dead animals picked up on the streets. Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES G. FULLER,
Dog Officer.
115
REPORT OF THE CIVILIAN DEFENSE COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE CIVILIAN DEFENSE COMMITTEE
Chelmsford, Massachusetts January 11, 1952
Honorable Board of Selectmen Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The Civilian Defense Committee herewith submits its Report of Progress for the Year 1951.
The following is a list of appropriations made at the last Annual Town Meeting together with the amounts expended under each item:
Item Appropriation
Expended Balance
New Fire Hose $1,600.00
$1,600.00
Fire Alarm System 3,200.00
3,058.00
$ 142.00
General Expense
2,000.00
243.49
1,756.51
Supplementing the Report of a year ago, the Committee has made the following additions:
Medical and Health
We have been very fortunate in obtaining the services of Dr. David A. Latham to direct the activities of this unit.
Chelmsford was the first community to obtain a full list of Regis- tered Nurses from the Division of Registration at the State House: According to this list, there are 104 Registered Nurses in our Town.
No doubt, there are other graduate nurses who reside in Town who are no longer registered. We would welcome the names of any such persons who might be available if an emergency arose.
Emergency Shelters
A survey has been completed of available spaces in publicly and privately owned buildings which could be used in case of emergencies as First Aid Stations, Bomb Shelters, Evacuation Shelters, etc.
Transportation
Through the cooperation and courtesy of the Assessor's Office, a complete list of motor vehicles has been assembled. Such a list would be used to provide emergency transportation. These vehicles have been grouped in accordance with the various Sections of the Town and according to type.
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116
REPORT OF THE CIVILIAN DEFENSE COMMITTEE
Water Supply
Realizing the vital importance of a sufficient water supply, the Committee is preparing a list showing the locations of privately owned wells which could be used in an emergency. We would welcome the names of all private owners who would care to place such facilities at our disposal.
Emergency Housing and Feeding
Whereas we intend to make use of the facilities of public build- ings, school buildings and others which may be made available, we realize that an all-out emergency might require the use of private homes for 24 to 48 hours. These accommodations would be much more accessible for immediate use. We would be very glad to have private owners communicate with us indicating the extent to which facilities might be available.
First Aid Courses
Realizing the great importance of such training, we intend to institute a program, in cooperation with our Teaching Staff, which will make these services available to all who desire them.
It is rather difficult to gauge the progress of the Civil Defnese Program in our Town as compared to that of apparently similar com- munities. We feel that our progress is not only measured by positive accomplishments, but, in addition, by the number of instances where we have not acquiesced to expensive installations which might accom- plish a doubtful purpose.
As in other communities, the Committee has been subject to constant pressure to make expensive installations and establish programs which require large sums of money. It has been our con- viction that provisions should be made for basic fundamentals but that there was danger of setting up a top heavy organization which could collapse of its own weight and inertia.
The Committee has felt that no money should be expended on projects which would not make a direct contribution to the community in times of peace. In other words, we do not intend to measure the value of our progress solely in terms of tax dollars expended.
The Committee views with apprehension the state-wide and federal efforts which are being made to enlist the cooperation of citizens in the high-pressuring of our U. S. Senators and Congressmen to support a huge budget for national civilian defense; with a similar tendency in the case of the state budgetary requests.
Whereas we believe that reasonable expenses will be incurred, we would urge that a sane approach be made to the whole program because the taxpayers are now being overwhelmed from all directions and should be given relief wherever possible.
117
REPORT OF THE VETERANS' BENEFITS DIRECTOR
We must not become so obsessed with the threat of emergencies of all sorts that we will lose sight of the fact that military and civilian defenses are only possible if we remain economically strong.
The Committee recommends the following appropriations for the coming year:
Radio Receiver for North Chelmsford Fire Station $ 260.00 Auxiliary Portable Power Unit-N. C. Fire Station 600.00
Rental Installation of Teletype Machine at Police Headquarters 300.00
General Appropriation 1,000.00
$2,160.00
In closing, we wish to express our appreciation to your Board and to all other Town Officials and Employees for the remarkable 'co- operation which we have received. We also wish to take this oppor- tunity to thank the countless number of citizens who have offered their services in whatever capacity they might be required.
Respectfully submitted, CIVILIAN DEFENSE COMMITTEE, Chelmsford, Massachusetts
THOMAS J. CAMPBELL, GARFIELD A. DAVIS, U. J. LUPIEN
VETERANS' BENEFITS DIRECTOR
To the Board of Selectmen:
During 1951 the Veterans' Benefits Department aided twenty-six cases and expended $10,665.87. This is a decrease of $4,334.13 from the amount expended in 1950.
Of the twenty-six cases, eight are classed as permanent cases and eighteen as temporary, Temporary cases are those which are aided from one to four months.
Two of the permanent cases were transferred during the year to other towns, the applicants having acquired settlements in other towns having lived there for five continuous years.
Respectfully submitted, GORDON P. DE WOLF Veterans' Agent
118
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
... .
:
To the Citizens of the Town of Chelmsford:
The Park Commission organized for the year with Gilbert H. Perham as Chairman, Robert C. Spaulding as Secretary and William W. Edge as the third Member.
Many improvements have been made in the past year. The North Common was improved so that now it is one of the best in the town. Approximately a ton and a half of lime and several hundred pounds of fertilizer were spread to improve the existing turf and grass seed was sown to fill in many bare spots. Through the cooperation of the members of the Board of Selectmen, the sidewalks around the North Common were hot-topped. These improvements will add much to this beauty spot in Vinal Square.
Work on the other parks was mostly the usual maintenance. An over-abundant rainfall made it necessary to continuously mow grass; thus some improvements planned were abandoned as the department was limited on funds. Several dead trees were removed. Flag poles were painted and re-roped where necessary. A near-hurricane in the month of March blew down two large spruce trees which were straightened up and given extra care throughout the season.
Through the continued cooperation of the townspeople, by grant- ing more funds, a program to develop floral plots in our parks to further beautify them, should be well worth considering.
Respectfully submitted,
GILBERT H. PERHAM, ROBERT C. SPAULDING, WILLIAM W. EDGE
REPORT OF BUILDING INSPECTOR
Board of Selectmen Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I wish to submit the following report of the Building Department. In the year 1951, 199 Permits were issued for new building and general repairs.
127 of these permits were for new dwellings.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR J. GAUTHIER, Building Inspector.
119
REPORT OF THE FOREST WARDEN ..
REPORT OF FOREST WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The grass and brush fire record for 1951 in our town is an en- viable one. There were one hundred and twenty-three calls for the services of your Forest Warden against one hundred and seventy-one the previous year. I think this can be accounted for by the fact more people are becoming familiar with the laws regarding the securing of a permit before starting a fire in the open.
The only major fire we experienced occurred on May 2nd in the Groton Road section. The source of the fire was the public dump off Swain Road. Many homes were endangered and all fire fighting re- sources of this town as well as aid from Lowell, Tewksbury and Con- cord were brought into play before the fire was brought under control.
Over two thousand permits for fires in the open were issued by the Forest Warden.
In closing I will remind our citizens that the law states: "That a permit shall be received at all times from the Forest Warden before any fire is started in the out-of-doors."
Respectfully submitted,
ALLAN KIDDER, :. Forest Warden.
REPORT OF THE CONSTABLE
January 10, 1952.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
As Constable of the town of Chelmsford, I wish to submit the following report:
Posting of warrants for town Election and Meeting;
Posting of warrants for five special town meetings;
Posting of warrants for the Center Water District; Posting of warrants for the East Water District.
Drawing and serving of Jurors: Feb. 3; March 3; April 1; June 4; October 3; November 3; December 3.
LAWRENCE W. CHUTE, Constable of Chelmsford.
120
REPORT OF SINKING FUND COMMISSIONERS
REPORT OF THE SINKING FUND COMMISSIONERS
/ FOR THE YEAR 1951
AS OF JANUARY 1, 1952 FUNDS AVAILABLE ARE AS FOLLOWS
Bank
Book No.
78370 Central Savings Bank, Lowell $ 5,047.01
99250 City Institution for Savings, Lowell 1,219.17
105588 Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank, Lowell 6,453.44
131298 Lowell Institution for Savings, Lowell 3,405.27
63051 Merrimack River Savings Bank, Lowell 4,915.19
16610 Merrimack River Savings Bank, Lowell
4,046.14
Total Savings Bank Deposits $ 25,086.22
Series F. United States Savings Bonds Serial Num- bers V190707F; V190708F; M818905F; M840093F; M840094F; M840095F; M840096F; Present Re-
demption Value $ 12,915.00
TOTAL FUND $ 38,001.22
Respectfully submitted,
FRITZ H. PEARSON, Chairman EDWARD T. BRICK, Secretary SIDNEY C. PERHAM, Treasurer
Sinking Fund Commissioners Town of Chelmsford, Mass. Reported January 14, 1952.
121
REPORT OF THE TOWN ACCOUNTANT
REPORT OF A STATE AUDIT OF THE ACCOUNTS OF THE TOWN OF CHELMSFORD FOR THE PERIOD FROM OCT. 20, 1949 TO JUNE 27, 1951
Made in Accordance with the Provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws November 2, 1952
November 2, 1952
To the Board of Selectmen, Mr. Arnaud R. Blackadar, Chairman Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my report of an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Chelmsford for the period from October 20, 1949 to June 27, 1951, made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws. This is in the form of a report made to me by Mr. Herman B. Dine, Assistant Director of Accounts.
Very truly yours,
FRANCIS X. LANG,
Director of Accounts.
Mr. Francis X. Lang Director of Accounts Department of Corporations and Taxation State House, Boston
Sir:
In accordance with your instructions, I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Chelmsford for the period from October 20, 1949, the date of the previous audit, to June 27, 1951, and submit the following report thereon:
An examination and verification was made of the recorded finan- cial transactions of the town as shown on the books of the depart- ments receiving or disbursing money or committing bills for collection.
122
REPORT OF THE TOWN ACCOUNTANT
The books and accounts of the town accountant were examined and checked in detail. The recorded receipts were compared with the departmental records of payments to the treasurer and with the treasurer's record of receipts, while the recorded payments were checked with the treasury warrants and with the treasurer's records of disbursements.
The appropriations and transfers as shown on the ledger were compared with the town clerk's record of financial votes passed at town meetings and with the records of the finance committee.
The ledger was analyzed, a trial balance was drawn off proving the ledger to be in balance, and a balance sheet showing the financial condition of the town on June 27, 1951 was prepared and is appended to this report.
The books and accounts in the town treasurer's office were ex- amined and checked. The cash book was footed throughout, the re- ceipts being analyzed and compared with the departmental records of payments to the treasurer, with other sources from which the town received money, and with the town accountant's books. The recorded payments were checked with the selectmen's warrants authorizing the disbursement of town funds.
The cash balance on June 27, 1951 was verified by reconciliation of the bank balances with statements furnished by the banks in which money is deposited and by actual count of the cash in the office.
The transactions of the several trust and investment funds in the custody of the town treasurer, the selectmen, the treasurer of the library trustees, the insurance fund committee, and the veterans' emergency fund committee were verified, and the securities and savings bank books representing the investment of these funds were examined and listed.
The tax titles and tax possessions held by the town were listed from the records kept by the treasurer and all transactions pertaining thereto were verified and checked with the records at the Registry of Deeds.
The records of deductions from employees' salaries for federal taxes and the retirement fund were examined and checked. The pay- ments to the Collector of Internal Revenue and the county retirement system were verified.
The books and accounts in the collector's office were examined and checked. The taxes and motor vehicle and trailer excise outstand- ing at the time of the previous audit and all subsequent commitments were audited and compared with the assessors' warrants. The cash receipts as posted in the commitment books were compared with the cash book record of collections, the abatements were compared with
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