USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1962 > Part 8
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Department, Hospital, Motor Vehicle Ex- cise, Etc.) $ 299,000.00
Income Tax (Collected by State and Returned to Town)
206,173.00
Corporation Tax (Collected by State, Etc.)
59,351.96
Meal Tax (Collected by State, Etc.) 7,851.92
$ 572,376.88
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
Available Funds (From Excess and Deficiency Account: Unexpended balance from Pre- vious Years) $ 528,990.98
Total
Estimated Receipts and Available
Funds $1,101,367.86
Total to be Raised by Taxation $2,356,436.74 $2,356,436.74 To Be Raised on Poll, Personal and Real Estate Taxes (Levied and Collected by the Town.)
WIRE INSPECTOR Harold Tucke, Jr.
The following is a report of the Wire Inspection Department for the year 1962.
There were 685 applications for inspection issued. Thirty of these were in the commercial, industrial category, 395 for new homes or old homes rewired. The remaining 260 were issued for minor installations, dryers, oil burners, service changes, etc.
Total collected for year was $2,860.00.
DOG OFFICER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Town of Chelmsford Gentlemen:
The following is a report of my services as Dog Officer for the year of 1962.
Dogs sold to individuals 52
Dogs sold to Medical School 30
Dogs disposed of 8
Total dogs picked up 90
Lost dogs picked up and returned to owners 34
Complaints and misc. calls investigated 204
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK WOJTAS Dog Officer
WELFARE DEPARTMENT
Arthur Cooke, Director Raymond Greenwood, Chairman Robert F. McAndrew Howard E. Humphrey
In 1962 the cost of Welfare was $289,258.70 as compared to $315,944.67 in 1961. The Town was reimbursed from Federal, State and other sources in the amount of $235,255.81. There were 95 new cases, 2 denied, and three withdrawn.
Total Spent
Cost to Chelmsford
Ret. to Town U.S. Grants
State
Other Cities and Towns
Old Age Assistance and Medical
Aid to Aged
$196,531.90
$ 25,891.59
$109,141.23
$ 59,248.75
$ 2,250.33
General Relief
8,256.38
7,186.45
566.03
503.90
Aid to Dependent Children
38,545.17
9,428.03
16,285.15
12,831.99
Disability Assistance
21,729.94
5,428.86
9,087.40
7,213.68
Administration Expenses
24,195.31
6,067.96
12,066.10
6,061.25
Recoveries on Liens
$ 26,436.26
TOTALS
$289,258.70
$ 54,002.89
$146,579.88 $ 85,921.70 $ 2,754.23
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
103
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
PARK COMMISSIONERS Arthur L. Bennett, Chairman
Ralph E. House David P. Ramsay
To The Board of Selectmen
Chelmsford, Mass.
In the spring the Park Commissioners organized for 1962. Members David P. Ramsay and Ralph E. House elected Arthur L. Bennett as Chairman. Harold E. Eriksen was appointed as superintendent.
In the spring the parks were raked clean of the winter accumulation of debris. Loam, fertilizer and grass seed were spread where needed and many flowering plants were set out. The usual mowing and watering of the lawns was carried out during the summer.
In accordance with our plan to replace one major piece of equipment each year, a new power mower was purchased, along with some small tools and additional hoses.
The flagpole in the North Common underwent some major repairs this spring.
The Kiwanis Club project of placing Flags in Central Square in the Center and Vinal Square in North was taken over by the Park Dept. and flags have been raised on all major Holidays.
The Commissioners wish to express their thanks to our Superin- tendent Harold Eriksen for the fine job of taking care of the parks this year.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR L. BENNETT RALPH E. HOUSE DAVID P. RAMSAY
104
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
Frederick R. Greenwood, Supt. of Streets
To the honorable Board of Selectmen:
Year
No. of Highway Employees
1945
10
1950
16
1955
21
1960
22
1962
24
The above figures do not include waste collection employees. The following is a breakdown for waste collections.
Year
No. of Waste Col. Employees
Labor Expended
1954
3
$ 8,104.30
1957
5
19,955.78
1960
10
32,556.77
1962
12
48,899.38
This year, thirty-four new streets or 6.61 miles of road were accepted.
The installation of drainage pipe was completed on Middlesex Street which has alleviated a serious flooding condition that has existed for many years. A metal steel pipe, 90 feet long, 1/2" in thickness, and 30" in diameter was placed under the Boston and Maine Railroad tracks by the boring method. Three catch basins and a pipe arch, 13" x 22"- 52 feet long were also installed. The installation of this pipe has worked very satisfactorily and the drainage situation has been greatly improved.
Other drainage projects completed are as follows:
Aberdeen Road-200 feet metal pipe, 236 feet 18" R.C. pipe, 34 feet 13" x 22" pipe arch installed
Walnut Road-80 feet 18" R.C. pipe installed.
Graniteville Road-80 feet 12" pipe replaced, 200 12" pipe, 1 catch basin installed.
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
Riverneck Road, at Forrest St .- 270 feet 12" pipe, 4 catch basins installed.
Mill Road, at Vincent Street-348 feet 12" R.C. pipe, 2 catch basins installed.
Mill Road, at Boston Road-1356 feet 12" plain pipe, 60 feet 12" R.C. pipe, 5 catch basins, 1 manhole installed.
Priscilla Avenue-400 feet 10" pipe, 1 catch basin installed.
Robin Hill Road-40 feet 12" metal pipe, 42 feet 40" x 65" pipe arch installed.
Proctor Road-30 feet 12" metal pipe installed.
Acton Road-136 feet 15" concrete pipe installed.
Other construction projects included hot topping of 2500 feet on North Road from Town Way to Claude Road; excavate, reshape and hot top intersection of Graniteville Road and Richardson Road; 200 feet of Class I bituminous concrete on Graniteville Road.
Twenty-five hundred feet of Class I bituminous concrete was laid on Middlesex Street and Acton Road as the Chapter 90 Maintenance project. The Chapter 90 Construction project proceeded on schedule with the complete installation of the drainage system. Twenty-one hundred feet 12" R.C. pipe, 1000 feet 15" R.C. pipe, 260 feet 24" R.C. pipe and 23 catch basins and 13 manholes were installed. A new culvert was installed across Old Westford Road at School Street. Miscellaneous work included the removal of 30 trees, removing and resetting 500 lineal feet of stone wall. In the spring of 1963 this section will be excavated and realigned to reduce the severe curves and improve sight distances. A new gravel foundation will be placed and a Class I bituminous concrete pavement will be placed over the gravel surface.
New equipment purchased this year include 1 waste collection truck, 2 tractors, one 2 ton dump truck and one catch basin cleaner.
The usual oiling of streets, brush cutting, installing of street signs, sanding, snow plowing and snow removal, drainage and general maintenance was performed throughout the year.
I wish to thank the townspeople for their kind consideration and co-operation and the Police Department for notifying the department of dangerous conditions on the roads during the winter months.
FREDERICK R. GREENWOOD, Supt. of Streets
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Clifford J. Holmes, Chairman
Martin K. Bovey Peter F. Curran Charles A. House
Margaret R. Mills
Edmund Polubinski Edwin H. Warren
To the Citizens of Chelmsford:
Three major projects have occupied the time and energy of the Conservation Commission during 1962. Our efforts to secure land for conservation purposes have continued; our conservation education pro- gram has been advanced, and a considerable amount of work has been done in cooperation with the Planning Board and the master planner on preparation of certain parts of the new master plan for Chelmsford.
The Conservation Commission was established primarily to acquire land for conservation purposes, either by purchase of the land or by donation from any individual. Three major parcels were considered for purchase in 1962. One property, in West Chelmsford, was finally disap- proved because it would have been too expensive to develop as a recreation area. Two properties in the Center section were investigated, but no agreement could be reached with the owners.
Our educational program was continued, featuring articles in the local newspaper and a special program. It is the intention of the Com- mission to have articles on conservation appear in the local press throughout the year. On April 27 our first Conservation Night was presented. Two outstanding conservation films were shown, and Mr. Egbert Hans gave a truly inspiring address on the importance of adequate water conservation practices in today's growing communities. Unfortunately attendance at the Conservation Night was disappoint- ingly small.
The Conservation Commission was asked for information and its desires concerning some aspects of the new master plan for the Town. We made every effort to supply all the data at our disposal.
The Conservation Commission earnestly requests the assistance of the townspeople in learning of land that may be acquired for conserva- tion usage. We sincerely hope that we shall again be supported in our request for an appropriation for the Conservation Fund. We invite the general public to attend our meetings and to cooperate with our programs.
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
CEMETERY COMMISSION Arthur J. Colmer, Chairman
Honorable Board of Selectment
Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The Cemetery Commissioners submit the following report for the year 1962.
The past year was the busiest ever from a standpoint of accomplish- ments, lot sales and interments.
The erecting of the Douglas Memorial Gateway (at no cost to the town) at Pine Ridge Cemetery was a major factor in the beautification of this cemetery.
The $1,000 gift from Mr. George Barris purchased wrought iron fencing which tied into the Douglas Gateway.
The drainage system with four catch basins was installed and the new road was opened to traffic for Memorial Day. Road edges were graded and seeded. The large section on the left of the new road was filled in and a large triangle at the fork of the road was graded and seeded, awaiting the erection of a flagpole this spring. This flagpole is a gift to the town by the Chelmsford Box 7 Association. A large new four grave section was developed.
In the Hart Pond Cemetery many trees were removed and four of these large hemlocks were transplanted into Fairview Cemetery.
A new water system was installed in Riverside Cemetery.
A continuous program of general improvements to roads, buildings and turf was carried out in all town cemeteries.
A total of 93 interments were made, as follows:
Pine Ridge Cemetery 51 Forefathers Cemetery 7
West Cemetery 14 Hart Pond Cemetery 5
Fairview Cemetery 11 Riverside Cemetery 5
During the past year we sold a total of 47 lots, as follows:
Pine Ridge Cemetery 31 Fairview Cemetery 11
West Cemetery 5
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
PINE RIDGE CLALILNY
A transfer of $4,000.00 from the perpetual care interest account was made to the town general fund.
The purchase of a new tractor last year enabled this department to accomplish more work than was ever anticipated.
The 1962 cemetery department budget was $19,740.00. The total income from all sources was $12,100.51.
Supt. A. R. Jordan and the Cemetery Commissioners wish to thank Mr. Fred Greenwood of the Highway Department and Mr. George Stewart of the Water Department and members of all other departments who have been helpful during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
Cemetery Commissioners ARTHUR J. COLMER, Chairman FRANK H. HARDY ARNE E. OLSEN
109
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
PLANNING BOARD
Bradford O. Emerson, Chairman
Thomas A. St. Germain, Clerk
George R. Dupee
Myles J. Hogan
Louis L. Anthony David P. Dutton Robert A. McKittrick
Year 1962 was a busy one for the Chelmsford Planning Board. A great many definitive plans were submitted for final subdivision approval pursuant to law. These followed preliminary plans first submitted prior to the Town Meeting March 20, 1961 adopting the Acre Zoning By-Law. By submitting their preliminary plans prior to that meeting they pro- tected their rights as subdividers to the smaller size lots then required. It has taken all this time to finally resolve all these plans but it is now about completely done.
The Town Engineer position recently created has proven of great benefit to the Board in both supervision and control of subdivision layout as well as follow-up on contractors in their performance.
At the Annual Town Meeting March 12, 1962, under Article 34, the Town voted to become a member of the Lowell Regional Planning District. The committee serving this district which constitutes delegates from each member community has been appointed and Chelmsford has assigned its representative. The first organizational meeting has been held and the overall effects of the committee to coordinate the planning of the various communities in the region is about to get moving.
Perhaps most important of all the work the Chelmsford Planning Board has done in the past year is that on the Master Plan. Our pro- fessional consultants, The Economic Development Associates, Inc. of Boston, were hired on November 21, 1961 and their contract runs for a period of twenty months thru July 20, 1963. However, most of the work has been done this past year in preparation for our intended presentation and proposal at the Annual Town Meeting in March of 1963.
On January 22, 1962, the Planning Board adopted a new set of subdivision rules and regulations. These rules set forth clearly the procedure in subdivision of land as well as setting standards for physical layout and construction of municipal services. It defines the responsibility of subdividers and standardizes the legal forms attendant to subdividing.
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
On August 27, 1962, during a regular Planning Board Meeting, the Board voted to further augment these rules and regulations by requiring all plans to show in full the adjacent or abutting land under the same ownership, thus allowing all subdividing to be seen in overall perspective.
In addition to our new rules and regulations, to date we have com- pleted our new base map, topographical map, existing land use map, neighborhood analysis study, population study, recreation and conserva- tion study, vacant land analysis, sewerage study, drainage and run-off study, and future land use study. Throughout the fall we have been working steadily on our proposed new zoning map and zoning by-law. In September, the League of Women Voters cooperated with the Planning Board and ran a public opinion survey sampling approximately five hundred households throughout Chelmsford. This was done to determine how the Town felt about our growth, zoning, municipal services, needs, and problems so that we might incorporate them as far as possible into our new zoning proposals.
Preliminary conferences with the various agencies and Boards in the Town have been held relative to our new plan and after the first of the year and prior to our March 1963 Annual Meeting, formal hearings will be held with these same groups as well as in the various precincts of the Town so that everyone might become thoroughly acquainted with our plans.
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
As Sealer of Weights and Measures, I wish to submit my report for the year 1962.
In performing my duty I have sealed the following:
79 Gasoline pumps
22 Kerosene, oil and grease meters
56 Scales over 100 lbs. to 5,000 lbs.
76 Scales under 100 lbs.
73 Weights
Money received from seals, the sum of $190.55, has been turned over to the Town Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted, ANTHONY C. FERREIRA Sealer of Weights and Measures
111
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
TREE DEPARTMENT Myles J. Hogan
Tree planting consisted of 128 new trees. Some replacements for previous removals and others where most needed. In addition to these purchasd by the town, a mutual agreement between this department and our local electric power company was made. Due to the necessary removal of trees for construction of new power lines the town was compensated by this company at a rate of $20 per tree. This money made possible the purchase and planting of another 54 trees this year.
In addition to the regular pruning, removing, and maintenance of trees, this year we have provided a new service. Roots of trees removed are ground out, ten inches below grade in areas abutting public walks, parks and where unsightly or dangerous. At the end of this year over 100 roots of various sizes were removed.
I wish to extend my thanks to the Police and Fire Departments for their usual co-operation with this department in regard to emergency night work.
I wish at this time also to acknowledge and thank Mr. R. W. Barris of East Chelmsford for the beautiful 30 ft. spruce tree, given by him to this department for planting at the North Chelmsford Fire House to serve as a permanent community Christmas tree for that section of town.
Respectfully submitted,
MYLES J. HOGAN Tree Warden
DUTCH ELM
The continued spread of Dutch Elm disease remains our prevailing tree problem. While spraying and removing of diseased elms retards the infestation of healthy trees, we still lose many of our beautiful landmarks each year.
This year one of the oldest trees in town, (about 300 yrs.) located on North and Dalton Rds. disappeared from our landscape. While loss of these majestic trees are sadly noticed and missed by people passing, hundreds of other elms, smaller in stature and standing with less prom- inence disappear also each year.
Continued procedure of removing and burning of all debris remains our only defense.
Respectfully submitted,
MYLES J. HOGAN Moth Supt.
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
POISON IVY
Control of this nuisance plant this year was confined to schoolbus stops, playgrounds and public ways where children tend to play or walk.
Many new areas in town under development have this problem to contend with. Several requests for information to cope with this prob- lem on private property were received and acknowledged.
Respectfully submitted,
MYLES J. HOGAN Tree Warden
MOTH DEPARTMENT
Due to the current concern of the effects of insecticide spraying, no D.D.T. was used this year. A substitute, Flowable Sevin was used. This chemical while known to be less toxic to fish and wild life is just as effective in controlling insects that plague the general shade trees.
Two foliage sprays were applied including a liquid fertilizer. Respectfully submitted,
MYLES J. HOGAN Moth Supt.
MOSQUITO CONTROL
1962 marks the sixth year of this public service to our town. Whereas the people each year endorse this service almost unanimously, the con- troversial aspects remain. Committees have been formed, and procedures endorsed used, however, new public opinions and questions arise.
The efficiency of this program, to a great extent is based on weather conditions. Emphasis was put on caution this year as a heli- copter was used in preference to a fixed wing plane, for application. This allows less drift and better control. Ground application consisted of dusting low, swampy areas and applied chemicals to catch basins.
Respectfully submitted,
MYLES J. HOGAN
Control Officer
VETERANS' SERVICES Terence E. O'Rourke, Veterans' Agent
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen: Town of Chelmsford
Gentlemen:
During the fiscal year 1962, monetary aid was granted to 37 cases representing 88 persons.
Your Agent, working in co-operation with the Veterans Administra- tion has assisted numerous veterans in need of medical care or hospitali- zation.
This department has also assisted veterans in attaining pensions, tax abatements and other benefits to which they were entitled.
Budget
Expenditures
1960
$15,100.00
$12,044.00
1961
16,700.00
14,959.00
1962
20,000.00
19,550.00
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
REPORT OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR William A. Anderson
Board of Selectmen Town of Chelmsford, Chelmsford, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The year 1962 was another busy year. Not as many building permits were issued as the previous year. However, permits for over 200 houses that were issued in 1961 were later built in 1962. There also was a great amount of work involving zoning complaints. This involves considerable time in investigations and court appearances.
The time is approaching rapidly when the position of Building In- spector should become full time. The following permits were issued:
Dwellings
158 @
$15.00 = $2,370.00
Total Value $2,110,324.00
Remodeling
7 @
5.00 =
35.00
Attached Garages
22
@ 7.00 =
154.00
6,400.00 44,150.00
Unattached Garages
11
@ 5.00 =
55.00
8,900.00
Industrial Bldgs. 2 @ $10.00 per $1,000.00 val. =
91.00
91,000.00
Gasoline Stations 2 @ $10.00 per $1,000.00 val.
45.00
45,000.00
Churches
2 @ $10.00 per $1,000.00 val. =
200.00
435,000.00
Stores
12 @ $10.00 per $1,000.00 val. =
415.00
144,500.00
Schools
1 @ $10.00 per $1,000.00 val. =
100.00
400,000.00
Medical Center
1 @ $10.00 per $1,000.00 val. =
100.00
100,000.00
Apartments
1 @ $10.00 per $1,000.00 val. =
40.00
40,000.00
Additions
49 @ $10.00 per $1,000.00 val. =
336.00
70,605.00
Others
18 @ $10.00 per $1,000.00 val. =
284.00
20,000.00
Total
286
$4,225.00
$4,816,379.00
Salary
$ 500.00
Inspection Fees
3,790.00
Expenses
187.38
Total
$4,477.38
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM A. ANDERSON, Building Inspector.
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Edward L. Tyler, Jr., Chairman
Oliver A. Reeves Byron D. Roseman, M.D.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL
Health Agent Peter J. Saulis, R.S.
Senior Clerk and Laboratory Assistant Mrs. Florence M. Dutton
School Nurses Mrs. Helen M. Jewett, Senior School Nurse Mrs. Marie C. Warren, Junior School Nurse Mrs. Dorothy R. Clements, Junior School Appointed April 23, 1962
Board of Health Physicians Dr. Benjamin Blechman Dr. John J. Barry
Plumbing Inspector George E. Gagnon
Permanent Intermittent Plumbing Inspector William H. Shedd
Animal Disposal Officer John Carruthers
Slaughter Inspector Hubert Scoble
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
During the past year there was a marked increase in the number of measles among children and a noticeable increase in the number of Infectious Hepatitis cases. There was the usual number of other childhood diseases consistent with the previous years. Two Tuberculosis patients were admitted to the Sanatorium during 1962. There were numerous dog bites and one bat bite, none of which indicated rabies infection.
GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION
During the past twelve months a total of 186 permits for sub-surface sewage systems were issued by this Department. Final inspections were made on the newly installed sewage disposal systems. Numerous nuisance complaints were investigated by the Health Agent. These complaints are
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
increasing in proportion to the population increase. Bacteriological analy- sis of water samples (potable and bathing areas) were performed routinely. Pasteurization plants, restaurants, trailer camps, nursery school and grade schools were inspected.
PROPOSED STUDY OF COMPREHENSIVE PLANS FOR TOWN SEWERAGE
At the annual March Town Meeting the Board of Health is recom- mending that the article on comprehensive plans for the study of Town Sewerage be adopted. The Survey or comprehensive plans would not cost the Town money until such time as the actual construction of a Sewerage System is begun. The Federal loan for this study would be interest free. The total cost for the construction of the Sewerage System can only be determined after the completion of the study. The Sewerage problem is of great concern to the Town and has been for some time. Now, with the polution's abatement in general, a matter of local interest as demon- strated by the Merrimack River Valley Pollution Abatement Commission, this matter should come before the people at the Annual Town Meeting.
SCHOOL NURSE'S REPORT
Our town, due to the increased population and opening of new schools, now has three school nurses. Even with three nurses it is difficult to carry on a complete health program at any school, because the total number of pupils per nurse is still very high. Each nurse is to visit at least two buildings daily.
We now have three school physicians, and will be able to complete our physical examinations earlier in the school year, which will allow for more time in the follow-up work.
Diptheria, Tetanus and Whooping Cough Clinics were held in March, April and May, and also a Smallpox Vaccination Clinic in May. X-Ray Clinics were held during 1962 with 400 participating.
Last May and June we started our Polio Sabine Oral Vaccine Pro- gram for pre-school and grade children. A Salk Vaccination Clinic was conducted in June for adults and children beyond the first grade. In November Flu Serum was given by Dr. Benjamin Blechman to all Town employees who desired this protection.
Our Vision and Hearing Program is a full time job with a technician for both tests. The nurses do the follow-up work on the results of these examinations.
We are now planning our Sabine Vaccination of all the population. All school children will be given the vaccine in the classrooms, and a clinic will be held in January, February, and March for everyone nineteen years or over. We hope that everyone in town will take advantage of this opportunity by taking the three doses, which will provide life time immunity.
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