USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1963 > Part 10
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PLANNING BOARD . CHELMSFORD MASSACHUSETTS
128
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
TREE DEPARTMENT
Myles J. Hogan, Tree Warden
The long drought this year has had a serious effect on many of our shade trees, especially the maples. Dry weather and salt used on the roads is suspected to be the major cause of the decline in this species of tree. Many of these trees could have been saved had money been available for this work. Most of our funds were used in the removal of such trees and replacements made if a tree was desirable in that location.
A careful watch was kept to see that all complied with the town tree planting ordinance. As tree warden I have requested that all build- ing bonds be held until such time as trees are planted as the law pre- scribes and inspections are made.
Considerable time was spent this year with local utility companies, due to the growth of the town and increase in power needed. This work involves a survey of all the trees in route of proposed work, and when removal is necessitated by the utility company the abutters are notified and the situation is explained. The trees are then posted and a public hearing is held, before any work is started. Any tree considered an asset to the town is replaced by the utility company at no cost to the town. This work is supervised and carried out by the tree warden per- sonally.
DUTCH ELM AND MOTH DEPARTMENT
A large number of diseased trees were removed this year up till May 1st. As of that date the conflict of interest law took effect. This department was left with its hands tied as the break down of funds (Expense and Labor) was not set up to comply with the awarding of contracts. Much time lapsed until this situation was clarified and the work could be continued. Due to this delay there was only sufficient time left to award one contract which called for the most pressing re- movals.
In place of the customary two sprays, only one application was ap- plied to the trees this year. This was awarded to the lowest bidder and consisted of a low toxic chemical called Sevin. Contract price prohibited the application of a second spray.
Respectfully submitted,
MYLES J. HOGAN
129
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
BUILDING INSPECTOR William A. Anderson
Board of Selectmen Town of Chelmsford
Gentlemen:
As Building Inspector for the Town of Chelmsford I submit the following report of this Department records.
Dwellings
458
@ $15.00=$6,870.00
Total Value $6,870,000.00
Remodeling
14 @
5.00=
70.00
24,475.00
Attached Garages
31 @
7.00=
217.00
37,150.00
Unattached Garages
19 @
5.00=
95.00
14,885.00
Additions
64 @
7.00=
448.00
86,093.00
Industrial Bldgs.
1 @ 10.00 per sq. 1000 ft .=
15.00
15,000.00
Churches
1 @ 1.00 per $1,000.00 val .=
100.00
150,000.00
Gas Stations
3 @ 1.00 per $1,000.00 val .=
45.00
45,000.00
Apartments
3 @ 1.00 per $1,000.00 val .=
300.00
500,000.00
Stores
4 @ 1.00 per $1,000.00 val .=
70.00
65,000.00
Additions to Stores
3 @ 1.00 per $1,000.00 val .=
21.00
12,500.00
Schools
1 @ 1.00 per $1,000.00 val .=
100.00
300,000.00
Others
32 @ 1.00 per $1,000.00 val .=
454.00
193,200.00
TOTAL
634
$8,805.00
$8,313,303.00
Salary
1,500.00
Insp. Fees
3,739.50
Expenses
6.09
Total
$5,245.59
-
Respectfully Submitted,
WILLIAM A. ANDERSON
130
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Oliver A. Reeves, Chairman
Byron D. Roseman, M.D. Edward L. Tyler, Jr.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL Director of Public Health 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
Mrs. Dorothy R. Clements, Junior School Nurse
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 Donald J. Bickford
Slaughter Inspector Hubert Scoble
Mosquito Control Officer Donald T. Fenton
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
During the past year the incident rate for childhood diseases was proportional with previous years except for measles which showed a marked drop. Included in the report were two cases of spinal meningitis which were considered in the nature of sporadic occurrence. A successful Oral Polio Clinic was conducted the first part of the year and will be repeated in 1964 ..
GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION
A total of 491 sub-surface sewage permits were issued during the year. Nuisance complaints have not diminished and continue to be a time consuming factor. There was an increase in requests for bacterial analysis of private drinking water supplies. Inspections of schools, public eating and drinking establishments were routinely conducted. Markets, milk
131
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
plants, piggeries, trailer camps, day care centers for children, nursing and rest homes were also routinely inspected. A total of 168 newly in- stalled individual Sewage Systems were inspected.
PROGRESS REPORT OF THE PROPOSED STUDY OF COMPREHENSIVE PLANS FOR TOWN SEWERAGE
The request for a $22,000.00 federal loan has been approved by the Housing and Home Finance Agency and the Survey for municipal sewage is well under way. This Survey or study is to be completed on or before August 5, 1964 by the Engineering Firm and will be submitted to the Board of Health for approval.
MOSQUITO CONTROL DEPARTMENT
The Town Counsel rendered an opinion in a letter to the Selectmen in which he stated that the Board of Health has the responsibility for the Mosquito Program and for the appointment of a Superintendent in the Mosquito Control Department. On April 29, 1963 the Board of Health met with the Board of Selectmen at which time the Selectmen formally notified the Board of Health of it's new responsibilities. Mr. Donald T. Fenton was appointed a Mosquito Officer on June 11, 1963.
Mosquito Control during the past summer was carried out in a highly successful manner. Two aerial sprays were carried out during the months of July and August and many low lying and restricted areas were covered by a fogging machine. The material used for spraying was 9% DDT, 2% Lethane in Kerosene.
SCHOOL NURSE REPORT
There are three school nurses in this town. These nurses work closely with administration and all personnel for a purposeful and well rounded school health program.
Ten Sabin polio clinics were held during January, March and May. Adults, preschool and classroom children were immunized.
Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough clinics were held in March, April and May. All classroom children in grades 1 and 6, with parental consent, were inoculated. Small pox vaccination clinics were held in May.
In October, flu serum was given by Dr. Blechman to all town employ- ees who desired this protection.
Physical examinations were done by the three school doctors.
The vision and hearing program is conducted by two technicians. The nurses do the follow-up work on the results of these examinations.
Classroom discussions and individual health lectures are conducted by the nurses. Each nurse works toward improved physical and mental health and accident prevention. Home visits are made and parent con- ferences are held whenever necessary. With the ever increasing popula- tion and the modern educational advances within the school system, the nurses carry out a full program. We appreciate the cooperation of all concerned.
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
132
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
To the Board of Selectmen
Chelmsford, Mass.
The Thanksgiving Ground Forest continues to get increased usage by young and old including Boy and Girl Scouts and Brownies.
Hence, the bulk of your committee's efforts were in this forest. The thinning of young pines to prevent large areas being taken over by im- penetrable stands of pine was continued, trails were improved, and, because of a forest fire, the trail from the water hole just south of the Great Rocks to the south end of Russell Mill Pond is being widened so that fire trucks will be able to reach the pond near the Carlisle line.
In 1962 we had a small fire near the pond. This year - in early October - we had a much larger and far more serious fire that started just south of the Great Rocks and swept rapidly south and east. Only the fast and effective work of the Fire Department kept the flames from sweeping through a very substantial part of the forest's forty-six acres. As it was, all but the very largest pines were destroyed on approximately six acres inside the forest and another six immediately to the south on land belonging to Edward B. Russell.
We are already at work cutting and burning the dead pines. For- tunately the hardwoods - largely young oaks - do not appear to have been seriously injured, so a year or two hence, when the clean-up has been completed, the area should once more be attractive.
Your committee again reminds everyone that fires are allowed only in the established fireplaces at the three campsites along the pond and then only with the permission of the Fire Department.
Last spring, at the Janet Road entrance to the forest, we put in the first plants of what we hope will eventually be an attractive mass of mountain laurel.
The Thanksgiving Ground Forest playground was used a great deal by the neighborhood youngsters for informal play and also by an or- ganized play group under the supervision of the Recreation Commission.
The Annual town meeting voted to transfer the administration of that part of Old Middlesex Turnpike which lies between Mill Road and the Billerica line from the Highway Department to this committee. With the construction of Dominic Drive and Queen Street, this portion of the Turnpike is no longer needed as a thoroughfare, but is being preserved as an old New England country road- bordered by stone walls and arched by good-sized trees of various kinds. It is an attractive bit of green belt in the midst of the new Kings Grant Estates development.
Respectfully submitted,
MARTIN K. BOVEY, Chairman ROBERT T. CLOUGH EDWARD B. RUSSELL
-
133
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
RECREATION COMMISSION
Chairman-Harry J. Ayotte Mrs. Vincent Cannavo Harold Varnum
Mary Carlson Robert Ware Haworth Neild
Robert Armstrong Richard Moschen Leslie Adams
Francis Dinneen and George Hedrick were also members of the Recreation Commission at the beginning of this term, however, due to the Conflict of Interest clause, they have resigned.
During the year 1963, The Chelmsford Recreation Commission has expanded its activities in the following program areas:
A complete swimming program for school-age children was held during the summer at Baptist Pond in So. Chelmsford and at Crystal Lake in No. Chelmsford. This program was sanctioned by the American National Red Cross, with all the necessary waterfront equipment, and the instructions were given by certified Water Safety Instructors. Double Sessions were held at Crystal Lake for eight weeks. Adult classes were held in the evening.
There were four playgrounds in continuous operation throughout the summer at the following locations: The East School, The Westland School, Janet Road Playground and the Varney Playground. Each play- ground had two qualified supervisors. The children were instructed in arts and crafts, softball, flag football, volley-ball, tennis, horseshoes, games and other playground activities. Field trips were made to Ben- son's Wild Animal Farm and the Museum of Science in Boston.
The Recreation Commission supported 12 baseball teams this year. The boys' league, ages 9-12, grew to six teams this past season. Their games were played at the Highland School Playground. There were five teams in the Junior League, ages 13-15. This encompassed approximately 75 boys; their home base is Varney Playground in No. Chelmsford. This league had a very successful and productive year. There was also a team in the Greater Lowell Baseball League, sponsored by the Chelmsford Recreation Commission.
The football league was again in full swing with four fully-equipped teams participating for its third successful year.
A golf tournament was sponsored this year. at the Nabnasset Country Club with approximately 40 participants.
The Recreation Commission would like to thank all the citizens and public officials who gave their assistance to the Recreation Program this past year.
134
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
VARNEY PLAYGROUND COMMISSION and
EDWARD'S BEACH
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Citizens of Chelmsford
The year 1963 was a very busy one for the Varney Playground Com- mission. Early in the spring the commissioners organized for the year and welcomed our new member, H. Franklin Gill.
In the spring clay was spread on the baseball diamond and the field was put in shape for early use by the High School Junior Varsity base- ball team for all their home games. The playground and beach area was raked clean of the winter accumulation of debris. The usual mowing and watering of grass was carried on during the summer months.
The Chelmsford Recreation Commission requested use of the play- ground and beach for their summer program. Under their supervision a Junior Baseball League was conducted for seven weeks, from July 8 to August 23rd. This was an evening program from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The playground program was held daily from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for a period of eight weeks. The swimming program was conducted daily from July 22 to August 30, with two ses- sions daily. One was from 1:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and the other from 1:00 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The supervision of these programs was excellent and our congrat- ulations goes to the Chelmsford Recreation Commission and their super- visors for a well planned program.
The one tennis court was in constant use by both our young people and adults as well. With the help of the Selectmen and the Finance Board, we hope to have another tennis court in the near future.
After the usual clean up in the fall, fifty tons of sand was pur- chased and spread on Edward's Beach. Some damage was done by vandals which required repairing doors and locks and replacing a First Aid Kit that was stolen.
We hope in the near future to remove the old bleachers that have been in constant use since the playground was first opened and are in constant need of repairs. We do not believe that these need to be re- placed at the present time.
Edward's Beach was also used more this past year especially during the hot spell in June and July.
Most of the credit for the work done at the Varney Playground and
135
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
Edward's Beach must go to John Dixon, chairman of the Varney Play- ground Commission, who made daily visits to supervise the work done by our employees.
Our thanks go to the Board of Selectmen, The Finance Board, and our employees for their cooperation during the year 1963.
Respectfully submitted,
Varney Playground Commissioners JOHN DIXON, Chairman RUDOLPH T. HANSEN, Clerk H. FRANKLIN GILL
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' SERVICES
Terence E. O'Rourke, Agent
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Town of Chelmsford Gentlemen:
During the fiscal year 1963, monetary aid was granted to 43 cases representing 107 persons.
Your Agent continues to work in close co-operation with the Vet- erans' Administration and has assisted numerous veterans' and their dependents in obtaining benefits to which they are entitled.
Budget
Expenditures
1961
$16,700.00
$14,959.00
1962
20,000.00
19,550.00
1963
24,000.00
19,451.02
TERENCE E. O'ROURKE
Veterans' Agent
136
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
VETERANS' EMERGENCY FUND
TREASURER'S REPORT TO THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS January 1, 1963 to December 31, 1963 Balance on Hand January 1, 1963 $3,807.69
Add - Receipts :
The Central Savings Bank, Lowell, Mass. Dividends $ 41.49
First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Lowell Dividends 110.50
Total Receipts 151.99
TOTAL
3,959.68
Deduct
Disbursements:
Veterans' Assistance 100.00
Balance on Hand December 31, 1963
$3,859.68
ASSETS December 31, 1963
Town of Chelmsford - General Treasury Deposit $ 136.38
The Central Savings Bank, Lowell, Mass.
Book No. 128790
$1,068.05
Deposit in transit
55.25
1,123.30
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 $3,859.68
LIABILITIES December 31, 1963
None
Respectfully submitted, TOWN OF CHELMSFORD VETERANS' EMERGENCY FUND PERRY T. SNOW, Treasurer January 6, 1964
137
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
CHELMSFORD INDUSTRIAL AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION 1963
MEMBERS: Gerald Lannan, Chairman; Dr. Arthur Haley Jr., Vice Chairman; Albert E. Walker, Secretary; Forrest Dupee, Com- missioner; Kenneth Koch, Commissioner; Alfred Badger, Com- missioner; William Hazeltine, Consultant.
The year 1963, has been a particularly active and rewarding year for the Commission and the Town of Chelmsford.
During the past year, this commission has investigated and fol- lowed 15 prospective companies who had expressed a desire to relocate their manufacturing facilities and were considering Chelmsford along with other locations. These companies represented a cross section of industry, such as electronics, shoe, machine parts and were considered desirous for Chelmsford.
Alpha Industrial Park, established by Mr. P. Cayre, continues to grow with the addition of 3 new plants this past year. This Park is located in the "Golden Triangle" at the junction of Routes 3 and 495 has since its establishment in 1960 increased to 7 plants. The commission wishes to publicly thank Mr. Cayre for his cooperation and wish him continued success.
This past year has seen a notable change in the industrial climate of Chelmsford for the years ahead.
During the past year, this commission has worked closely with the Planning Board during the development of the Master Plan, which was adopted by the people of Chelmsford at a special town meeting in June.
Prior to its adoption Chelmsford had 4000 acres of choice land zoned for industry. This has been reduced to 1200 acres.
Our efforts were concentrated in maintaining the same amount of land for industrial growth. Unfortunately the feelings of the commission regarding Chelmsford's industrial growth potential or its need for industry was not shared by those responsible for the establishment of the Master Plan.
The members of this commission have felt that Chelmsford's indus- trial potential was about to come into its own and that the people of Chelmsford wanted industry. However the recent vote reducing the land zoned for industry limits this potential.
The area offering the greatest potential was along the inner belt road known as Route 495. This area has been rezoned to residential eliminating a potential broadening of our tax base without additional school assessments.
138
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
However, though reduced, there remains some choice sites available for new industry. We shall continue to work to develop these areas.
For the last four years, this commission has engaged the professional services of Mr. Wm. Hazeltine as our consultant. It is now felt that with the change in the climate of Chelmsford's industrial picture, his services will no longer be required, and have reduced our 1964 budget accord- ingly.
Mr. Hazeltine during his employ, has for the first time in our history completed an economic survey of Chelmsford, as well as updating zoning maps, listing and cataloguing available land. In addition he has through his contacts with realtors and industrial developers been able to place Chelmsford in contention for industrial plants.
We are grateful to him for his untiring efforts in our behalf.
Your commission still feels optimistic towards Chelmsford's in- dustrial future.
We feel from talks with business men and women that industry is not necessarily looking for give away programs. The majority are willing to pay their fair share of the tax load. A receptive attitude by the townspeople for industry to locate in town, on land already zoned for industry, in a town which has the assets of Chelmsford, meets the basic requirements of most industries.
Your commission meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at the Center Town Hall and welcomes all to attend.
A. E. Walker
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 1963.
In performing my duty, I have sealed the following:
108 Gasoline pumps
20 Kerosene, oil and grease meters
45 Scales over 100 lbs. to 5,000 lbs.
64 Scales under 100 lbs.
54 Weights
Money received from seals, the sum of $198.30 has been turned over to the Town Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted,
ANTHONY C. FERREIRA Sealer of Weights and Measures
139
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
ANNA C. MACKAY MEMORIAL LIBRARY
PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Adams Library, Chelmsford Center Anna Mackay Memorial, (branch) North Chelmsford
Trustees: Chairman, Marjorie Scoboria, Ethel Booth, Eustace Fiske, Raymond Kroll, Howard Moore, and Roger Welch.
Staff: Librarian, Edith M. Pickles. Assistant librarians: May Files, Muriel Hardy, Goldie Creamer, and Stella Donovan. Part-time aides: Linda Webb, Emma Greenwood, Maralyn Campbell and Leo Garneau. Part-time bookkeeper: Evelyn Fox.
The services and needs of your libraries continue to grow with the increasing population. The emphasis of the book purchasing this year has been on increasing and improving the reference collection. There has also been an increase in periodical subscriptions for both libraries. Adams now carry several daily newspapers. As usual the remainder of the book budget has been allocated to replace worn copies of classics and popular works and to purchase the best in current material.
We have received many gifts of books and magazines. We would like to especially acknowledge the gift of $350.00 for the purchase of chil- dren's books. This was given by the Welcome Wagon Newcomer's Club.
140
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
A generous collection of new books was also given by the Girl Scouts. This gift was made possible through a fund started many years ago by Mrs. Paul Dutton, pioneer of Girl Scouting in Chelmsford.
As in years past, the Garden Club places arrangements in both libraries each month from October through March.
The big library news this year is the addition to MacKay Library and the complete renovation of the already existing ground floor. Al- though work has necessitated closing the library for several months, the patrons of this branch should feel well repaid for their patience. The large attractive area is arranged to accommodate separate sections for children, youth, adults and reference. Several hundred new books have been added. This great improvement and expansion has been financed by the Edwards Fund. The library trustees have given unstintingly of time and thought to provide this improved facility for the people of North Chelmsford.
Story hours and book clubs have been special features enjoyed by the children of each library.
The library personnel strives to give service that will be both pleas- ing and helpful to you, the public. Special state courses in library science and service are attended whenever possible, that we may be better equipped to serve you.
Respectfully submitted,
EDITH M. PICKLES Librarian
LIBRARY
To the Board of Selectmen:
Town of Chelmsford, Massachusetts
The following is a list of the Trust Funds of the Library Department showing the interest earned and the amount of the Funds as of December 31, 1963.
ADAMS LIBRARY
12/31/62
Interest
Amos F. Adams
$12,086.60
$ 550.63
Albert H. Davis
368.90
15.81
Mary Proctor
11,675.88
493.10
12,168.98
George Memorial
2,339.69
94.50
2,434.19
George Cemetery
1,124.49
45.40
1,169.89
Joseph E. Warren
617.10
24.92
642.02
Adams Emerson
78.02
3.14
81.16
Selina Richardson
208.08
8.40
216.48
Frances Clark
565.62
24.27
589.89
$29,064.38
$1,260.17
$30,324.55
MacKAY LIBRARY
Victor E. Edwards
$ 1,115.55
$ 47.91
$ 1,163.46
Clements
8,319.42
357.32
8,676.74
N. B. Edwards
1,000.56
40.40
1,040.96
Flint
1,846.24
74.58
1,920.82
General Fund
5,024.11
215.76
5,239.87
Frederick B. Edwards
48,894.80
2,023.80
670.00
*27,667.34
861.73
23,059.53
66,200.68
2,759.77
670.00
27,667.34
861.73
41,101.38
TOTAL FUNDS
$95,265.06
$4,019.94
$670.00
$27,667.34
$861.73
$71,425.93
Respectfully Submitted,
EUSTACE B. FISKE
Treasurer of Library Trustees
141
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
*For MacKay Library Renovation
December 31, 1963
Deposit *Withdrawal Withdrew
12/31/63 $12,637.23 384.71
142
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
BOARD OF REGISTRARS
Edward T. Brick, Chairman
Dorothy Borrows
John J. Carr
Charlotte P. DeWolf, Ex-Officio
Number of
Votes Cast at Annual Town
Votes Cast at
Year
Registered Voters
Election 4144
none
At the Town Election held March 4, 1963, 4144 votes were cast, or approximately 46% of the registered voters of that date.
The voting strength of the six precincts as of October 5, 1962 after the Biennial Revision is as follows:
Precincts
Republicans
Democrats Independents
Total
1
1101
524
1302
2927
2
618
586
644
1848
3
213
149
408
770
4
168
220
184
572
5
295
130
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