USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1952 > Part 10
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Balance on Hand January 1, 1952 $ 3,077.95 Add-Receipts:
The Central Savings Bank, Lowell, Mass .-
Dividends 13.03
First Federal Savings and Loan Association
of Lowell-Dividends 71.50
Total Receipts $ 84.53
Total
$ 3,162.48
Deduct-Disbursements
None
Balance on Hand December 31, 1952 ..... $ 3,162.48
ASSETS
Town of Chelmsford-General Treasury: Deposit $ 47.50
The Central Savings Bank, Lowell, Mass .: Book No. 128790
514.98
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 3,162.48 $
TOWN OF CHELMSFORD VETERANS' EMERGENCY FUND
Respectfully submitted,
By PERRY T. SNOW,
Treasurer.
156
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Planning Board had a decided turnover of personnel in 1952. At the Annual Meeting the citizens of the Town elected two new mem- bers to our midst, namely, George S. Archer and Harold J. Pearson. Re-elected was John L. Dusseault. All three were elected for a term of five years. In May the Board regretfully accepted the resignation of Richard L. Monahan and on June 2nd, in conjunction with the Board of Selectmen, appointed Harold E. Clayton, Jr., in his place. Let it suffice to say that the Planning Board has missed his valuable and Professional advice as a civil engineer. Our regret at his leaving is only surpassed by the pressure of his own personal business affairs. It will be many a year before the Town will be fortunate enough to replace such a valuable asset to our Department.
During the past year the Board held fourteen meetings, five public hearings on sub-divisions, and two meetings with the Board of Selectmen on unaccepted streets.
Effective March 7th, 1952, the State Court passed a law requiring the Board of Health to advise the Planning Board as to the proposed method of providing for sanitary water supply, sewage disposal, and drainage on new sub-divisions.
There have been several demands for increasing the business areas in Town. In an effort to meet these demands, the Board approved a proposed increase in the business area on Boston Road, and advertised for a public hearing to be held in January 1953, for a business area on Chelmsford Street near the Lowell Turnpike overpass.
Late in the year, the Board met with the Town Counsel regarding our powers to enforce Sections 81a through Sly of Chap. 41 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth. His advice was that all that apply are in order and should be enforced by the Building Inspector. This is for the protection of purchasers of real estate that has not been registered at the Registry of Deeds. Far too many have spent their life savings building the cellar foundation and framework of their house to find to their amazement that the sub-division was never registered. This prevents any bank from granting a mortgage for the balance of the construction needed by the owner. Only too often in the past few years of sub-division booms, have unethical or honestly
.
157
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS & MEASURES
ignorant land owners sub-divided their land and sold lots without first appearing before the proper authorities. We are striving desperately to prevent any further misfortunes of this type.
Some work has been done on a master plan of all streets and roads, old and new, in the Town, but more funds will be needed to finish this most important work. With the appropriation asked for in the Town budget, we hope to tie in all future streets in a more orderly and efficient manner so that if a public sewage system is ever voted it will find an effective and practical base to start from, rather thau the hit or miss sub-dividing that has transpired since 1655. We solicit your support and promise our unbiased efforts for the good of Chelmsford in 1953.
Respectfully submitted,
CHELMSFORD PLANNING BOARD
JOHN L. DUSSEAULT, Chairman. ARNOLD C. PERHAM, Secretary. WILLIAM M. BURNS CLIFFORD M. BABSON, Jr. GEORGE S. ARCHER
HAROLD J. PEARSON HAROLD E. CLAYTON, Jr.
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 1952. In the performance of my duties I have sealed or condemned as follows:
42 Gasoline Meters
2 Kerosene Pumps 37 Scales under 100 lbs. 23 Scales over 100 lbs. 30 Weights
Money received for fees for same has been turned over to the Town Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN P. QUINN, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
158
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I hereby respectfully submit my report of the Police Department and Roster for the year ending December 31, 1952.
CHIEF OF POLICE Ralph J. Hulslander
PATROLMEN
Allan H. Adams
Winslow P. George Basil J. Larkin
Raymond E. Harmon Lawrence W. Chute Appointed May 1, 1952
INTERMITTENT PATROLMEN
Leo A. Boucher. Edward F. Miner Arthur L. Smith
Leslie Adams, Jr. Richard F. Campbell George W. Marinel
John B. Wrigley
Lawrence W. Chute .From January 1, 1952 to April 30, 1952
Fritz Pearson Deceased-March 18, 1952
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 AND DISPOSITIONS OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR THE YEAR 1952
CRIMES AGAINST PERSON
Assault and Battery
6
Armed Robbery
3
Breaking and Entering in Night Time 8
Exposure of the person
1
Employing a Minor under 18 years
1
Kidnapping to extort money
1
Neglect · of Children
5
Unnatural Act
CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY
3
Larceny
Receiving stolen property
2
159
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER
A. W. O. L.
3
Drunkenness
28
Driving under the influence of liquor
5
Escaped
2
Insane
5
Motor Vehicle laws prosecuted
30
Nights Lodging
1
Safe Keeping
1
Non-Support
1
Truant
5
Total
113
DISPOSITION OF PERSONS ARRESTED
Cases pending
3
Fined
36
Filed
13
House of Correction
3
Worcester State Hospital
5
Lyman School
5
Met. Police Dept. Boston, Mass.
1
Middlesex Training School
1
Navy Shore Patrol
1
Probation
22
Provost Marshall
2
Released
14
Youth Service Board
6
Shirley Boys School
1
Total 113
At the outset, I wish to extend my thanks to the Board of Select- men and to other town officials and departments for the whole-hearted co-operation which has been given to the Police department during the year, and to the people of the town for their support of the de- partment and its activities.
I wish also to extend my thanks to the Civil Defense committee for its co-operation, for it was through this committee that the de- partment was able to secure teletype service which links the depart- ment with all other major police departments and the state police headquarters throughout the state. This service has been used to great advantage during the year and I hope that it will become a permanent fixture. Crime today, due to the use of automobiles by criminals, knows no town lines and the teletype provides a means of instant notification
160
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
to all police departments when a crime is committed and permits an efficient method of warning when criminals are active, so that all police throughout the state may be on the lookout for the criminals and their capture may be expedited.
The department is particularly proud that in 1952 it received, for the first time, the Pedestrian Safety award issued by the National Safety Council. In this connection it should be noted that a great deal of time is given by the police in safeguarding the highways of the town and it is a pleasure to report that the results of this work have received state-wide recognition.
A great deal of time was spent by Police checking on property left vacant during the vacation season. This work has been extremely ef- fective but, to be most useful, the co-operation of the citizens is re- quired in that the police must be notified of vacancies whenever homes are to be left unoccupied because of vacations or for other reasons.
Late in 1952, three members of the regular police force passed a Civil Service test for the position of sergeant. The need for such a position in the department is great. At present there is no one in a position of authority to take charge in the absence of the chief be- cause of vacation, illness or other reasons. With a sergeant in the department, there would be an officer in charge at all times and this would greatly increase the efficiency of the department.
In accordance with a custom originated by this department, Hallowe'en parties were held in 1952 in all sections of the town, with the co-operation of many local organizations. These parties serve the dual purpose of giving the children a place to have fun and to keep them from mischief on the streets. The parties were largely at- tended and I wish to express my sincere appreciation to all for their untiring co-operation with the department at this annual event.
The continued growth of the town, with an annual increase of more than 100 homes and entirely new developments being opened up for occupation, places a heavy burden on this department and, in the interest of public safety, thought must be given to this problem. The police department is giving the maximum protection possible under the existing set-up, but every year adds problems and in the not too distant future it will have to be enlarged if the same protection is to be continued.
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH J. HULSLANDER, Chief of Police, Chelmsford, Massachusetts
161
REPORT OF CIVILIAN DEFENSE COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE CIVILIAN DEFENSE COMMITTEE
Chelmsford, Massachusetts January 2, 1953
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Town of Chelmsford
Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Dear Sirs:
The Civilian Defense Committee of the Town of Chelmsford sub- mits the following report for the year ending December 31, 1952: Balance in Account January 1, 1952 $ 1,756.51
Appropriation at 1952 Annual Town Meeting 560.00
Total
$ 2,316.51
Purchase and installation of Receiver set for No. Chelmsford Fire House $ 304.25 Portable Auxiliary Power Unit at No. Chelms- ford Fire House 563.75
Installation and Rental Teletype Set- Police Department 324.26
New Oxygen Tank for Fire Department 37.50
Miscellaneous Exp .- Stationery, Postage, etc. 44.25
Total
$ 1,274.01
Balance on Hand Dec. 31, 1952 $ 1,042.50
As in the preceding years, our policy has been to restrict expen- ditures to those items which would be necessary and useful iu main- taining reasonable public health and safety standards. Whereas we are aware of the need for providing a reasonable program for Civilian Defense, it has never been our opinion that we were warranted in expending large sums of the taxpayers money in so doing.
We hope that whatever small contribution we have made to this worthy cause will be measured in terms of:
(1) What has been actually accomplished.
(2) Those features advocated at the state and federal levels and which the Committee has seen fit to eliminate as unnecessary expense.
Through the excellent cooperation received from the School Au-
162
REPORT OF CIVILIAN DEFENSE COMMITTEE
thorities and our residents, there were 762 who availed themselves of the blood typing program made possible by the State Dept. of Public Health. We consider such a program as essential and hope that more of our Town's people may avail themselves of this opportunity in the future.
The First Aid Courses offered by the Red Cross should be made available during the coming year and it is hoped that a large number will become enrolled in this worthwhile program.
The Members of the Civilian Defense Committee each wish to express their sincere appreciation for the splendid cooperation re- ceived from the Board of Selectmen, the School Authorities and all other officials and town employees. This fine spirit has made our work much more pleasant and lighter.
Due to the pressure of other duties, we wish to take this occasion to tender our resignations and to extend to whomsoever succeeds us our best wishes and offer of assistance wherever necessary and possible.
Respectfully submitted, CIVILIAN DEFENSE COMMITTEE, U. J. LUPIEN, Chairman THOMAS J. CAMPBELL, GARFIELD A. DAVIS
163
REPORT OF BUILDING DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT
Board of Selectmen Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I wish to submit the following report of the Building Department.
In the year 1952, 201 Permits were issued for new building and general repairs.
115 of these permits were for new dwellings.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR J. GAUTHIER, Building Inspector.
REPORT OF THE CONSTABLE
January 15, 1953.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
As Constable of the Town of Chelmsford. I wish to submit the following report.
Drawing and serving of Jurors: March 20; April 15; May 15; Sep- tember 22: October 15; and November 17.
Posting of warrants for town election and meeting.
Posting of warrants for four special town meetings.
Posting of warrants for the Center Water District.
ROBERT F. McANDREW, Constable of Chelmsford.
164
REPORT OF THE FOREST WARDEN
REPORT OF FOREST WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
The Forest Fire record for the year ending, Dec. 31, 1952 shows an increase over the previous year.
The record
1950
171 calls answered
1951 123 calls answered
1952 162 calls answered
The request for permits for fires in the open was greater than the previous year.
This was due somewhat to the system the State Dept. of Con- servation has initiated in establishing a so-called, burning index, which guides persons in knowing when it is safe to burn in the open.
Considerable forestry hose became unfit for use during the year, due to age and normal wear.
The need for a tank truck for this department became more ap- parent this season.
Appreciation from the forest warden is extended to all companies of the Fire Dept. and all others who in any way assisted this Dept. in the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
ALLAN KIDDER,
Forest Warden
165
REPORT OF SINKING FUND COMMISSIONERS
REPORT OF THE SINKING FUND COMMISSIONERS
FOR THE YEAR 1952
AS OF JANUARY 1, 1953 FUNDS AVAILABLE ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Bank Book No.
78370 Central Savings Bank, Lowell $ 5,199.55
99250 City Institution for Savings, Lowell 1,243.67
105588 Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank, Lowell 6,681.92
131298 Lowell Institution for Savings, Lowell
3,473.71
63051 Merrimack River Savings Bank, Lowell 5,026.39
16610 Merrimack River Savings Bank, Lowell 4,137.67
Total Savings Bank Deposits $ 25,762.91
Series F. United States Savings Bonds Serial Num-
bers V190707F; V190708F; M818905F: M840093F;
M84009F; M840095F; M840096F. Present Re-
demption Value $ 13,305.00
TOTAL FUND $ 39,067.91
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD T. BRICK, Chairman
DANIEL E. WALKER, Secretary
SIDNEY C. PERHAM, Treasurer Sinking Fund Commissioners
Town of Chelmsford, Mass.
Reported January 10, 1953.
166
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of the Town of Chelmsford:
The Park Commission met April 7, 1952 and organized for the year. Ralph P. Adams as Chairman, William W. Edge as Secretary and Gilbert H. Perham as the third member.
A general program for the care and maintenance of the parks was set up. During the early part of the year a great deal of time was spent in building up and improving the existing turf. In order to do this, we continued our program of spreading lime and fertilizer on all the main parks. Loam and grass seed was sown in order to fill many bare spots. Work on the smaller parks was mostly the usual mainte- nance.
Flag poles were painted, re-roped and flags replaced where neces- sary. The pole on the Center common was straightened and the top masts of the poles on both the North and Center poles were inspected by steeple jacks.
Gilbert H. Perham resigned October fifteenth and Bradford O. Emerson was appointed to fill the unexpired term.
Through the continued cooperation of the townspeople, a program to develop floral plots and plant trees to further beautify our parks is being considered.
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH P. ADAMS
WILLIAM W. EDGE
BRADFORD O. EMERSON
167
REPORT OF THE STATE AUDITOR
REPORT OF A STATE AUDIT OF THE ACCOUNTS OF THE TOWN OF CHELMSFORD FOR THE PERIOD FROM JUNE 28, 1951 TO NOVEMBER 14, 1952
Made in Accordance with the Provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws January 22, 1953
January 22, 1953
To the Board of Selectmen Mr. Theodore W. Emerson, 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 June 28, 1951 to Novem- ber 14, 1952, 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:
As directed by you, I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Chelmsford for the period from June 28, 1951, the date of the previous audit, to November 14, 1952, the following report being submitted thereon:
The financial transactions, as recorded on the books of the sev- eral departments receiving or disbursing money for the town or com- mitting bills for collection, were examined, checked, and verified by comparison with the books of the town accountant and the treasurer.
168
REPORT OF THE STATE AUDITOR
The books and accounts in the town accountant's office were examined and checked in detail. The recorded receipts were checked with the treasurer's cash book and with the records of departmental payments to the treasurer, while the recorded disbursements were checked with the treasury warrants and with the record of payments by the treasurer.
The appropriations, transfers, and loan authorizations, as listed from the town clerk's record of town meeting proceedings, were checked to the appropriation accounts and loan authorizations in the accountant's ledger.
An analysis was made of the ledger accounts, the necessary ad- justing entries resulting from the audit were made, a trial balance was drawn off proving the accounts to be in balance, and a balance sheet, which is appended to this report, was prepared showing the financial condition of the town on November 14, 1952.
The entries in the classification book were examined and com- pared with the approved vouchers and payrolls on file.
The books and accounts of the town treasurer were examined and checked. The receipts, as recorded, were analyzed and compared with the records of payments to the treasurer by the several depart- ments and with the other sources from which the town received money, while the recorded payments were compared with the selectmen's war- rants and with the accountant's books.
The cash book was footed throughout for the period of the audit, and the cash balance on November 14, 1952 was verified by recon- ciliation of the bank balances with statements furnished by the banks of deposit, by examination of the savings bank books and securities, and by actual count of the cash in the office.
The payments on account of maturing debt and interest were verified by comparison with the amounts falling due and with the cancelled securities and coupons on file.
The tax titles and tax possessions held by the town were listed from the records of the treasurer and all transactions pertaining thereto were verified, including a comparison with the records at the Registry of Deeds.
The securities and savings bank books representing the invest- mient 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 commissioners, and the veterans' emergency fund committee were examined and listed. The transfers to the town were verified and the income of the several funds was proved.
169
REPORT OF THE STATE AUDITOR
The books and accounts of the town collector were examined and checked. The taxes, motor vehicle and trailer excise, and departmental accounts receivable outstanding according to the previous examina- tion were audited, and all subsequent commitment lists were added and reconciled with the warrants for their collection.
The recorded receipts were checked with the payments to the treasurer and with the accountant's books, the abatements as re- corded were compared with the departmental records of abatements granted, and the outstanding accounts were listed and reconciled.
Verification notices were mailed to a number of persons whose names appeared on the books as owing money to the town, the replies received thereto indicating that the outstanding accounts, as listed, are correct.
The records of dog, sporting, and town licenses issued by the town clerk were examined and checked, the payments to the State and to the town treasurer being verified.
The surety bonds of the financial officials bonded for the faithful performance of their duties were examined and found to be in proper form.
The accounts of the sealer of weights and measures and of the inspector of buildings, as well as of the police, fire, health, school, library, and cemetery departments, and of all other departments re- ceiving money for the town, were examined and checked, the payments to the treasurer and the cash on hand being verified.
It was noted that the sealer of weights and measures, the inspector of buildings, and the police department made payments of their re- ceipts to the town treasurer only at very infrequent intervals, and it is recommended that these receipts be paid to the town treasurer at least as often as once each month.
In addition to the balance sheet referred to, there are appended to this report tables showing a reconciliation of the treasurer's and the town clerk's cash, summaries of the tax, tax title, tax possession, and departmental accounts, as well as tables showing the condition and transactions of the trust and investment funds.
While engaged in making the audit, cooperation was received from the officials of the town, for which, on behalf of my assistants and of myself, I wish to express appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
HERMAN B. DINE,
Assistant Director of Accounts.
TOWN OF CHELMSFORD Balance Sheet-November 14, 1952 GENERAL ACCOUNTS
Assets
Liabilities and Reserves
Cash :
General
$843,248.74
Advances for Petty:
Treasurer
$
50.00
Collector ·50.00
$225,000.00
State Assessments 1952:
Audit of Municipal Accounts
..
$
910.86
Parks and Reservations
1,326.98
Accounts Receivable:
Taxes
Levy of 1952:
Personal Property
$
1,415.58
Real Estate 28,113.75
Employees' Payroll Deductions:
Federal Taxes
$
5,715.38
County Retirement System 255.96
Blue Cross and Blue Shield ..
13.80
29,529.33
Timber Salvage Taxes:
Levy of 1941 $ 240.08
Levy of 1942 165.00
Overpayments-to be Refunded: Taxes of 1950: Poll
$
2.00
Real Estate 21.78
Taxes of 1951-Poll 2.00
Taxes of 1952-Poll
8.00
170
2,237.84
5,985.14
405.08
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise: Levy of 1952 4.719.20
Temporary Loans:
In Anticipation of Revenue-1952 $200,000.00
In Anticipation of Reimbursement
25,000.00
100.00
Tax Titles and Possessions:
Tax Titles $ 56.75
Tax Possessions
296.41
353.16
Departmental:
Selectmen
$ 146.00
Town Buildings 20.50
Health
398.50
Highway
163.13
General Relief
3,548.90
Aid to Dependent Children
2,768.72
Old Age Assistance
8,655.05
Gifts and Bequests :
School
$
100.00
Cemetery
2,200.00
School
327.31
Cemetery
245.60
2,300.00
Premium on Loans: School Construction
2,436.00
Aid to Highways:
State $ 16,000.00
County
9,000.00
25,000.00
Estimated Receipts-to be Collected ... 36,797.75
Assistance
938.69
171
-
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise: Levy of 1951 56.23
90.01
Guarantee Deposits : Contract Bids
550.00
Agency:
County-Dog Licenses
256.60
Tailings:
Unclaimed Checks, etc., $ 276.90
Cashiers' Overs .93
277.83
Veterans' Services
668.75
16,942.46
Recoveries :
Old Age Assistance
628.50
Federal Grants:
Disability Assistance :
Administration
$
315.82
Loan Authorized : Fire Station Construction
Overlay Deficit: Levy of 1952
680.29
Aid to Dependent Children: Administration 2,709.69 Aid
1,705.92
Old Age Assistance:
Administraiton 1,512.84
Assistance
10,322.34
17,505.30
Revolving Funds:
School Lunch $ 414.90
School Athletics
323.78
738.68
Appropriation Balances:
Revenue :
General $239,145.95
Non-Revenne:
School Construction
251,993.58
491,139.53
Loans Authorized and Unissued (In Transit)
60,000.00
Overestimates 1952: County:
Tax
$ 3,545.51
Hospital
Assessment
2,494.04
6,039.55
172
...
60,000.00
Sale of Real Estate Fund 3,162.62
Sale of Cemetery Lots Fund 3,021.50
Receipts Reserved for Appropriations: Road Machinery $ 12,966.97
Reserve Fund-Overlay Surplus 2,685.00
Revenue Reserved Until Collected : Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise $ 4,719.20
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