Town annual report of Chelmsford 1955, Part 10

Author:
Publication date: 1955
Publisher: Town of Chelmsford
Number of Pages: 302


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For the Board of Appeals,


ALFRED H. COBURN Clerk


144


ANNUAL TOWN REPORT


REPORT OF THE CONSTABLE


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:


Gentlemen:


As Constable of the Town of Chelmsford, I wish to submit the following report.


Posted six warrants, May 10, 1955 for special Town Meeting on May 18, 1955.


Posted six warrants, December 21, 1955 for special Town Meeting December 29, 1955.


WILLIAM G. JONES Constable


DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS SERVICE


-


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen


Gentlemen:


During the eleven months since my reappointment as Veterans' Agent I have taken 22 applications for veterans' Benefits of which 15 were approved and 7 disapproved.


As of February 1, 1955 there were 15 active cases and as of December 31, 1955 there were 19, a gain of 4. Of this number 12 cases are classed as permanent and seven will probably be closed out between now and the end of the year.


A total of $16,139.50 was paid out in Veterans' Benefits of which approximately 50% will be returned to the Town by the State Com- missioner. Under the Veterans' Benefits law he will pay back to the Town one half of all payments approved by him.


Other services provided by this department during the year were aiding veterans to fill out various forms, notarizing documents where necessary, furnishing information as to services provided by other agencies, advising as to job opportunities in the area and help- ing them get jobs.


Yours truly, GORDON P. DeWOLF Veterans' Agent


-


145


ANNUAL TOWN REPORT


REPORT OF HONOR ROLL COMMITTEE


- -


To the Honorable Selectmen:


We would like at this time to submit our report for the year of 1955. We have had several meetings of our committee and have also met with the Selectmen and Park Department in regards to the location of our new stone monument. This stone was erected on the center common opposite the new firehouse. Dedicating cere- monies were held on the common on Memorial Day and were largely attended. The stone still shows some scars from the fire which was set on it and it is impossible to remove any more as it has got into the grain and cannot be removed.


We have not as yet taken the old honor roll down as we thought that it would be nice to leave it up during the 300th celebration. We do have in mind the making of permanent records of this honor roll. This will be done in five copies, one to the Town Clerk and one to each of the libraries along with one to the Veterans' Agent. This item would cost approximately one hundred dollars. This should be the last cost to the town for the honor roll.


Respectfully submitted, GEORGE DIXON ROBERT HOOD THOMAS FIRTH


146


ANNUAL TOWN REPORT


REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:


Town of Chelmsford


Gentlemen:


As Sealer of Weights and Measures, I wish to submit my report for the year 1955.


In performance of my duty I have sealed:


52 Gasoline pumps and meters


36 Kerosene and grease pumps


62 Scales under 5,000 lbs.


39 Scales under 100 lbs.


48 Weights


11 Scales adjusted


Money received from seals, the sum of $160.30, has been turned over to the Town Treasurer.


Respectfully submitted, ANTHONEY C. FERREIRA 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 year 1955:


Dogs picked up and kept 6 days 96


Dogs disposed of 96


Lost dogs located & returned to owners 26


Complaints investigated & misc. calls 87


In addition to the above, I disposed of 80 dead cats, 51 dead dogs and 18 miscellaneous dead animals picked up on the streets.


Respectfully submitted, CHARLES G. FULLER Dog Officer


147


ANNUAL TOWN REPORT


REPORT OF THE CEMETERY DEPARTMENT


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen


Chelmsford, Mass.


Gentlemen:


It is with great pleasure that the Cemetery Commissioners report progress in the development and caring of the cemeteries.


During the past year, the area at the entrance to Pine Ridge Ceme- tery was raised and regraded with over 2,500 yards of fill required.


The Fairview Cemetery was regraded to a rather large scale with over 1,000 yards of fill required to bring up the grade.


In the West Chelmsford Cemetery, considerable work was done on the widening and regrading of the roads and painting of the fence.


The roads were oiled in Fairview, West and Pine Ridge cemeteries.


It is the earnest hope of the Commissioners that the Heart's Pond Cemetery in South Chelmsford will be developed and beautified during the coming year.


As the town grows each year, so do the cemeteries. This growth includes the number of interments, the perpetual care interest, and sale of lots to a new high.


It also might be pointed out that the spread between receipts and expenditures is lessening year by year. In the year 1952 our total re- ceipts for the year were $3,288.10. This has grown to $6,297.34 during 1955. It also might be pointed out that in 1951 the sum of $1,265.00 was taken in for the Perpetual Care Fund, during 1955 this amount was raised to $4,200.00.


The Commissioners wish to thank the Board of Selectmen, all town officials and especially the superintendent of the Highway De- partment, Mr. Fred Greenwood, for their co-operation during the past year.


Respectfully submitted,


1. Frank H. Hardy, Chairman


2. Arne Olsen, Clerk


3. Arthur Colmer


148


ANNUAL TOWN REPORT


REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH


-


To the citizens of Chelmsford:


Board of Health


Dr. Charles C. Farrington


Mr. Edmund J. Welch Mr. Oliver A. Reeves


Health Department Personnel Health Agent Edward L. Tyler, Jr.


Clerk and Laboratory Assistant Mrs. Florence M. Dutton


School Nurse Mrs. Helen M. Jewett


Board of Health Physicians Dr. Benjamin Blechman Dr. Raymond A. Horan


Plumbing Inspector Mr. George E. Gagnon Slaughtering Inspector Mr. Spencer W. Chamberlin


Animal Disposal Officer Mr. Charles G. Fuller Rubbish Collection Mr. Harold F. Stott, Jr., Foreman Mr. Martin H. Maguire


The reports of the School Nurse, the Plumbing Inspector and the Animal Disposal Officer are contained elsewhere in the Annual Town Report.


COMMUNICABLE DISEASES


In 1955 the reported communicable diseases showed that measles in the first three months was above the yearly medium. Infectious Hepatitis also was above the medium.


There was only one poliomyelitis case in 1955 which was unusual, considering the fact that Massachusetts had an epidemic. The public polio vaccination program for the school children will continue in 1956 pending the approval of the polio vaccine by the Massachusetts Polio Advisory Committee.


149


ANNUAL TOWN REPORT


The following is a summary of communicable diseases reported in 1952, 1953, 1954 and 1955:


1952


1953


1954


1955


Chicken Pox


113


64


5


4


Dog Bite


25


22


41


28


Dysentery, Amebic


2


0


0


0


Encephalitis


1


0


0


0


German Measles


0


0


2


0


Hepatitis, Infectious


0


0


G


4.


Measles


143


2


15


42


Meningitis


2


1


1


0


Mononucleosis,


Infectious


0


1


0


0


Mumps


10


2


52


12


Poliomyelitis


1


0


4


1


Rabies


1


0


0


0


Scarlet Fever


2


3


3


2


Tetanus


1


0


0


0


Tuberculosis


0


1


2


1


Whooping Cough


0


0


2


4


SANITARY INSPECTIONS


Food Establishments


A summary of inspections in those establishments offering food and/or drink for public consumption is as follows:


Eating and/or drinking Establishments


65


Grocery Stores


25


Bakeries


5


School Cafeterias


20


Soft Drink Plants


2


Tercentenary Eating Establishments


Special Temporary Permits issued


10


Visits and Inspections


28


It was necessary for the Tercentenial celebration to issue Tem- porary permits for the food Establishments, to make educational and set-up visits, and inspections of the establishments.


The school cafeterias and lunch rooms were shown to be in good order. The inspections were made without notice, as all food inspections are made. The school food handlers have shown much interest in doing good sanitary work.


SEWAGE DISPOSAL


In 1955, 234 sewage system permits were issued. The greatest part of these permits were for the construction and installation of sewage systems for new homes. By the end of December 1955, 151 sewage systems had been approved.


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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT


The sewage systems are designed for the type of soil in which they are used. The rate of water seepage through the soil is de- termined by the Percolation Test. The size of the disposal field or seepage pit is then designed from the results of the percolation test.


Subdivision or multiple house lot plans must be approved by the Board of Health. Through percolation tests and field survey the proposed subdivisions are approved.


Sewage Disposal Inspections


Sewage Systems


including lot inspections for permits 326


Sewage Systems Approved 151


Subdivisions Approved, New


9


Extensions 6


Inspections 21


Other Sanitary Inspections and Visits


School Inspections 20


Bathing Beach Inspections 8


Nuisance Visits and Inspections 25


Cabins and Trailer Parks 11


Kindergartens 8


Nursing Homes 3


Board of Health Laboratory


The following are tests and sampling made in the Board of Health Laboratory in 1955:


Private Well Water Tests 21


Milk Supply Tests 289


Beach Water Tests 20


Swab Tests at food Establishments 121


Tests for Dracut Board of Health 46


A source of income for the Town is the testing done for the Dracut Board of Health and the use of the Laboratory by the Wilm- ington Board of Health.


The testing of the private well waters, is called to the attention of the citizens. The tests are at no charge to the town residents.


The tests on Community's milk supply has shown that the quality is consistantly good. Samples are taken from each processing dairy at least every 11% months.


The Beach water samples tested well within the allowable con- tamination count. The beaches were heavily used by swimmers until the latter half of the summer season.


151


ANNUAL TOWN REPORT


Estimated Income for 1956


The following is the estimated income for the Board of Health for 1956:


Plumbing Inspection Fees $ 1,900


Wood Alcohol Licenses 25


Milk Licenses 60


Bottling Plant License 10


Sewage System Permits 500


Laboratory Renting & Testing 400


State Subsity for T. B. Patients


500


Miscellaneous Permits


20


Rubbish Collection


In 1955 the Rubbish Collection picked up an estimated 14,500 yards of compressed refuse. The equipment used was one 16 yd. compression truck, staffed by three men.


The growth of the town-additional number of stops (575) and additional mileage-since the establishment of the rubbish collection in 1953, has necessitated the use of the truck to full capacity. Caused by breakdowns of the truck and heavy loads during cleanout periods, the rubbish collections, at times have been later than scheduled. This was unavoidable in as much as there is only one rubbish truck and no money was appropriated for overtime labor.


January 1, 1955 to December 31, 1955 Weekly Collection


52 Weeks 3.5 Loads per day average


Total 14,500 yards compressed


Town Dump


The Board of Health, in 1955 continued to raise the level of the dump. This was done by burning the rubbish and compacting by the bulldozer. The raised areas were then covered by sand. This method will lengthen the period that the dump can be used and has lower expenses of upkeep.


Also part of the dump maintenance includes the lower rear area which is set aside for the dumping of brush, tree limbs and trunks.


In Conclusion


The Board of Health hopes to have served well the citizens of Chelmsford in 1955. The success of any present, or future health program is due in part, to the cooperation and support of the towns- people.


152


ANNUAL TOWN REPORT


The Board wishes to thank the Town Officials for their assistance throughout the past year.


Respectfully submitted, DR. CHARLES C. FARRINGTON, Chairman EDMUND J. WELCH OLIVER. A. REEVES


REPORT OF THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,


Town of Chelmsford


Gentlemen:


I wish to submit the following report of the Building Department.


In the year 1955, 359 Permits were issued for new buildings and general repairs.


New Dwellings-222 Estimated Value $2,310,400


Alterations-137


Estimated Value. 193,620


Business Establishments Estimated. Value 47,000


Estimated Total Value $2,551.020


Respectfully submitted, RALPH R. COLE Building Inspector


153


ANNUAL TOWN REPORT


REPORT OF THE PLUMBING INSPECTOR


Board of Health


Chelmsford, Mass.


Gentlemen:


Following is my report as Plumbing Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1955.


A total of 296 "Applications For Permits To Do Plumbing" were issued to licensed master plumbers. Of this number 204 were for new construction and 42 for old buildings. It was necessary to make 236 tests and 626 inspections before they were approved.


The list of plumbing fixtures installed follows:


Bathtubs


213


Lavatories 298


Water Closets 312


Showers 12


Kitchen Sinks


163


Sink & Trays Comb.


37


Double Sinks


54


Service Sinks


06


Sinks, Veg., Meat, Etc.


07


Laundry Trays


48


Clothes Washer Outlets


62


Dental Chairs


02


Dish Washers


06


Hot Water Tanks


106


Tankless Water Heaters


63


Urinals


25


Drinking Fountains


01


Bubblers


24


Traps (Grease)


07


Floor Drains


04


Roof Drains


02


Total. 1445


Respectfully submitted,


GEORGE E. GAGNON


Inspector of Plumbing


154


ANNUAL TOWN REPORT


REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:


The following is a report of the work accomplished by the High- way Department for the year 1955.


A total of 108,163 gallons of asphalt were used on various town roads (construction and maintenance) with an additional 18,795 gallons for Chapter 90, Maintenance. A total of 22,091 yards of gravel were used.


Considerable time was spent on the construction of newly accepted streets, some of which required drainage. The following newly accepted streets were graveled and oiled with two applications of asphalt.


Allen Street


Bradford Road


Linwood Street


Rainbow Avenue


Brian Road


Carolyn Avenue


Eugenie Terrace


Roosevelt Street


Northgate Road


Birch Street


Miland Avenue


St. Nicholas Ave.


Edgelawn Avenue


Housatonic Avenue


Woodlawn Avenue


Pleasant Avenue


Warren Avenue, Ext.


Pearson Street


McFarlin Road


Pleasant Street-Graveled, one application of oil.


Old Middlesex Turnpike-Graveled, one application of oil.


Construction and Drainage:


Westford Street-This street was completely rebuilt from Pine Hill Road for a distance of 3,960 feet. The shovel was used to dig down to hard pan and was refilled with 7,982 yards of gravel, widened to 30' and oiled with two applications of asphalt. 1924' of 12" pipe installed, 11 catch basins built.


Wotton Road-This street was graveled with 479 yards of gravel and built up at the approach to railroad crossing. Two applica- tions of oil applied. Guard rail installed.


Proctor Road-This street was widened, graveled with 2,436 yards of gravel and oiled. Work started from the Carlisle line


to Park Road, a distance of 5280 feet.


Fletcher Street-Widened, graveled, two applications of oil. Twiss Road-Widened, graveled with 807 yards of gravel, two


155


ANNUAL TOWN REPORT


applications of oil.


Turnpike Road -- Portion of street widened, graveled with 1321 yards of gravel.


Parker Road-This street widened and graveled from Concord Road to Fay Street, 1080 yards of gravel used.


Carlisle Street -- Widened, graveled with 6631/2 yards of gravel. Ledge Road-Widened, graveled with 807 yards of gravel, two applications of oil.


Hunt Road-Widened, graveled with 775 yards of gravel. Jordan Road-Widened, graveled, two applications of oil.


Emerson Avenue-Widened, graveled and olled.


Sleeper Street-Widened, graveled, two applications of oil. Harding Street-Widened, graveled, two applications of oil. Field Street-Widened, graveled, two applications of oil. Tadmuck Road-Scarified, two applications of oil.


Old Stage Road-Scarified, widened, oiled. Tuttle Road-Widened, oiled. Mill Road-Honed. Davis Road-Honed. Locke Road-Honed.


Smith Street-Honed. Adams Avenue-Honed.


Linwood Street-Portion of street honed. Graniteville Road -- Honed. Woodlawn Avenue-600 ft. of 8" pipe installed.


Boston Road-200' of 12" pipe installed, 1 catch basin built. Stedman Street-1 catch basin built. Byam Road-220' of 8" pipe installed, 1 catch basin built. Oak Knoll Road-Old culvert replaced with 21" reinforced con- crete pipe.


Twiss Road Bridge-Replaced with new planks and new cement headers built.


Other streets treated with bituminous materials are as follows:


Bridge Street


Waverly Avenue School Street Main Street Clear Street James Street John Street


Elm Street


Cushing Place Robin Hill Road


Hilltop Terrace.


Crosby Lane


Larkin Street


Warren Avenue


156


ANNUAL TOWN REPORT


Chapter 90, Maintenance:


Boston Road


800' Mix-in-place


Middlesex Street 600' Mix-in-place


Acton Road 3000' Mix-in-place


Groton Road 2400' Mix-in-place


Old Westford Road 10700' Mix-in-place


A power sweeper broom was hired from spring to the first of the year and all streets were swept.


Considerable time was spent on cleaning catch basins, patching roads and cutting brush.


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,


Frederick R. Greenwood


Supt. of Streets


157


ANNUAL TOWN REPORT


REPORT OF THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE


by J. T. Brown, Director


The County Extension Service is a part of the Land Grant College System and is associated with the University of Massachusetts and the United States Department of Agriculture. Other phases of this system include the Experiment Stations, the Regulatory Control Services and Resident Instruction.


The Extension Service is under the direction of the Board of Trustees and the Middlesex County Commissioners. The objective of the Extension Service is to bring to the residents of Middlesex County the results of research, enabling producers and consumers to put into practice efficient production and utilization practices. The effects of this program result in lower unit cost and a savings for the consuming public.


The three departments of the County Extension Service are Agri- cultural, Home Economics and 4-H Club Work.


In the Agricultural Department, formal programs are conducted in poultry, turkey, dairy, general livestock, fruit, vegetables, flowers, forestry, home gardening and landscape care. The agricultural program is conducted on a regional basis with many towns participating in the numerous meetings and other events. In the past, greater em- phasis has been placed on production problems and in assisting farmers to use efficient methods that they might compete with other areas.


A surplus of agricultural products makes it necessary for agricul- tural agents to do more in the marketing of these crops. In the future, more attention will be given to better market facilities, more efficient distribution and maintenance of high quality. This will require ex- panding the services to producers, wholesalers, jobbers, retailers and consumers.


The Home Economics Department program is designed to help the busy homemaker in her search for information regarding problems of home and family life. Subjects covered are foods and nutrition, clothing, home furnishing and management, family economics, child development and recreation. A Women's Advisory Council helps select


158


ANNUAL TOWN REPORT


and promote programs in the different towns. Meetings are held in local communities, or on a regional or county-wide basis depending on the subject.


4-H clubs offer opportunities to young people to learn more about all phases of Agriculture and Home Economics. In 1955, there were 4-H clubs in 46 towns of Middlesex County with an enrollment of over 2400 members. The success of 4-H club work depends entirely on the 206 volunteer local leaders who freely give many hours teaching the projects carried on by the clubs. The excellent work done by these youngsters was exhibited at the 4-H Achievement day in May and the Middlesex County 4-H Fair in August. A 4-H camp at Ashby is operated for weeks each summer and provides nature study, crafts, swimming and healthful living for the 4-H'ers of Middlesex County. The Extension Service is especially proud of the five 4-H'ers of Middlesex County who became state winners in Citizenship, Health, Home Improvement, Rural Arts, and Recreation and National Poultry Winner.


New programs of the Extension Service broaden the scope of the work. Special emphasis on marketing and consumer information, urban problems, farm and home counseling and public affairs are being undertaken in the year ahead.


The brevity of this report requires generalization. The motto of the Extension Service, "To Help Those Who Help Themselves", ex- presses the primary goal of this organization.


STATISTICAL RECORD OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE


November 1954 - October 1955


Agr.


Home


4-H Club


Total


No. of days Worked in Each Depart- ment


1042


468


1167


2677


No. of Farm and Home Visits Made in Furtherance of Work


3257


233


2194


5684


No. of Office Interviews


1519


89


923


2531


No. of Telephone Calls


4374


867


2357


7598


No. of Educational News Articles Written


377


179


346


902


No. of Broadcasts Made or Prepared Radio


191


3


26


220


Television


17


20


37


159


ANNUAL TOWN REPORT


No. of Bulletins Distributed


8029


3547


11,754


23,330


No. of Circular Letters


300


22


149


471


No. of Copies Distributed


103,776


18,364


15,621


137,761


Program Planning and Leader Train --


ing Meetings


Number


53


53


45


151


Attendance


571


735


919


2225


Council and Other Committee Meet-


ings


Number


87


15


29


131


Attendance


935


231


801


1967


All Other Meetings Held or Partici-


pated In


Number


306


88


526


920


Atendance


9499


1883


15,675


27,057


Meetings Held or Conducted by Local


Leaders


Number


13


211


2967


3191


Attendance


1313


1150


24,595


27,058


No. of Leaders and Committeemen


Assisting


100


384


603


1087


In addition, 60,000 copies of the MIDDLESEX COUNTY BULLETIN were distributed.


160


ANNUAL TOWN REPORT


REPORT OF THE ANIMAL INSPECTOR


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen


Chelmsford, Massachusetts.


Gentlemen:


The following is the report for the year 1955 as Inspector of Animals.


Number of dog bites reported 36


Number of dogs showing physical signs of rabies 0


Number of dogs submitted to laboratory examination 0 Number of premises keeping domestic animals 62


Number of cattle 775


Number of swine


720


Number of horses 32


Number of sheep 27


Number of cows released from interstate shipment 9


Vesicular Exanthemia (VE) Regulations Modified


The U. S. Department of Agriculture has announced that after July 1, 1956, swine that have been fed raw garbage at any time, and swine products derived from them will not be permitted to move interstate except for special processing. In some cases the value of hogs is re- duced as much as 50 percent by special processing. These modified regulations have been brought about by the satisfactory equipment for cooking garbage now available.


Dairyman's Interest


In order that a dairyman may not have the experience of purchasing an improper addition to his herd, he should insist that his dealer or seller give him a health chart on delivery, or contact the Division of Livestock Disease Control-41 Tremont St .- Boston 8, Mass. for approval. The state is now doing all calfhood vaccination and all calves must be vaccinated between the ages of 4 through 8 months. Reduced funds, state and federal, has curtailed for the present only, the work of blood testing in Massachusetts. The sentiment in the state is for a law, Bangs free by 1960


Respectfully,


W. E. MERRIL VMD


161


ANNUAL TOWN REPORT


REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE VETERANS EMERGENCY FUND COMMITTEE


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen


Town of Chelmsford


Gentlemen:


The members of the Veterans' Emergency Fund Committee wish to submit their annual report to you and to the townspeople of Chelms- ford.


The year 1955 was a most quiet one for the committee. One request for assistance to a veteran was received and unlike other requests in the past, the most recent one was for a loan to be repaid within a few months.


The members voted to approve the loan but shortly thereafter the veteran was able to make his own financial arrangements, thus no payments were made from the fund for assistance.


The Treasurer of the Committee has reported a substantial amount of money received as interest on funds invested. Thus the principal has been allowed to increase during 1955.


The committee members once again are listed by precincts and any veterans desiring financial assistance should consult their precinct rep- resentative.


Center


George Archer


North


Joseph Sadowski


West Perry T. Snow


East Edward G. Krasnecki


South George Waite


Westlands Alfred H. Coburn


Respectfully submitted,


ALFRED H. COBURN Secretary


162


ANNUAL TOWN REPORT


VETERANS' EMERGENCY FUND TREASURER'S REPORT TO THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN


RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS


January 1, 1955 to December 31, 1955


Balance on Hand January 1, 1955 $ 3,142.24


Add-Receipts


The Central Savings Bank, Lowell, Mass .-


Dividends


13.71


First Federal Savings and Loan Association


78.00


of Lowell-Dividends


Total Receipts 91.71


TOTAL


3,233.95


Deduct-Disbursements


None




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