USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1965 > Part 8
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103
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
Sunset Avenue-246 feet 12" R.C. pipe installed.
Pilgrim Road-42 feet 12" R.C. pipe installed. This road was re- graded, gravelled and treated with two applications of asphalt.
Longmeadow Road-24 feet 12" R.C. pipe, 24 feet plain pipe, 1 catch basin installed.
Davis Road-32 feet 30" R.C. pipe installed.
Chatham Road-68 feet 12" pipe, 36 feet 12" R.C. pipe installed.
Acton Road-150 feet 12" R.C. pipe, 1 catch basin installed.
Leon Street-42 feet 12" R.C. pipe, 1 catch basin installed.
Hornbeam Hill Road-216 feet 12" pipe, 24 feet 12" R.C. pipe, 1 catch basin installed.
Dalton Road-52 feet 12" R.C. pipe, 24 feet 15" R.C. pipe, two catch basins installed. At "Little" Dalton Road, a dangerous curve was straightened and widened. A mix-in-place was placed over the gravel foundation.
Pond Street-Street was gravelled, two applications of asphalt ap- plied over the gravel foundation.
Oak Street-Street was widened, gravelled, two applications of asphalt applied over the gravel.
Randall Street, Pineneedle Street and Edgewood Street in East Chelmsford were gravelled, two applications of asphalt applied over the gravel foundation.
Approximately 375 feet of slope curbing was installed at Barlett Park on Acton Road.
Berm was installed at Silva Park at the intersection of School Street and Old Westford Road.
A new chain link fence was installed at the Town Yard on Richard- son Road.
The Chapter 90 construction project consisted of the continuation of the reconstruction of Old Westford Road from Arbutus Avenue to Grandview Road, a distance of approximately 2500 feet. Twelve hundred forty-six feet of 12" R.C. pipe, 648 feet 15" R.C. pipe, 304 feet 18" R.C. pipe, 480 feet 8" metal culvert pipe, 11 manholes and 14 catch basins were installed. The road was excavated, 12" of gravel placed with a surface treatment over the gravel foundation. A two course bituminous concrete surface was constructed with 11/4" of top placed over a 13/4" base course. Bituminous concrete berms were installed on grades of 3% and over to control the water flow. Fine grading of the shoulders was completed with the seeding to be completed in the spring.
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
The Chapter 90, Maintenance projects included hot topping ap- proximately 1500 feet on Boston Road and approximately 800 feet on North Road.
New equipment purchased in 1965 include three dump trucks, one Tractor-Shovel (front-end loader) and one Tandem Road Roller.
A stone dust sidewalk was installed at the new Junior High School from the school entrance to Princess Avenue.
The usual oiling of streets, brush cutting, installing of street signs, painting of traffic lines, cleaning catch basins, sweeping streets, sand- ing, 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 cooperation and the Police Department for notifying the department of dangerous conditions on the roads during the winter months.
Respectfully submitted, FREDERICK R. GREENWOOD, Supt. of Streets
CHELMSFORD INDUSTRIAL AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Commissioners: Gerald J. Lannan, Albert E. Walker, Kenneth E. Koch, William P. Mahoney, Richard K. Grier, Forrest E. Dupee, and James Keskula.
The year 1965 saw an increase in the industrial picture in town. While the growth has been slow, the increase in space of the industry already located here has been rapid. During the year, Timberline Machine Co. located in town as did the Sawyer Associates. Electro Metals, Custom Materials, Vibrac and B. K. Elliott all increased the square footage of their plants almost double.
Inquiries have been received, from fifteen (15) different sources during the year, pertaining to the availability of industrial zoned land, water supply, rail facilities, tax rate and locations of industrial zoned land. All inquiries have been promptly answered and the commission offered their services to the inquiring concerns to assist in any way possible. The North section of town, where there is land zoned for heavy industry, appears to be the section most interesting to several concerns and it is being stressed by these concerns in their inquiries. 1966 may see an increase in the industrial picture for the North Section.
The move is still on to the suburbs and we feel sure now that with the co-operation of our town boards and committees the year 1966 could be the year for Chelmsford industrially.
It has been a long time coming, but the seeds may now bear fruit, of the type and size that the town has shown a desire for.
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
CONSERVATION COMMISSION Edmund Polubinski, Chairman
Mrs. Benjamin Bleckman Mrs. Margaret E. Mills Martin K. Bovey
Franklin J. Campbell Myles J. Hogan Edwin H. Warren
One of the prime resources of Chelmsford consists of the rustic beauty which is to be found in the wonders of nature. It was Clifford Pinchot, founder of the Conservation Movement who said, "Conservation is the use of natural resources for the greatest good of the greatest number for the longest time."
One of the single most important problems of the modern day is to retain the green areas and open space in our communities, compatable with sound development for people. Sound development is synonymous with proper usage of land and water areas, and is inconsistant with in- discriminate encroachment on the natural landscape of Chelmsford.
It is recognized that Chelmsford stands to lose so much by the ab- sence of sound long range area planning, and stands so much to gain by sound programming of our conservation resources, that a master plan is going to be made which we feel will be both aggressive and compre- hensive in its consideration of the total environment. It is our hope that this master plan will be completed in the very near future for your con- sideration.
After much delay, purchase of some thirty-five acres of land on Crooked Spring Road was completed. Plans call for replacing the unde- sirable growth with wild flowers and shrubs, planting trees to reclaim the denuded area caused by gravel removal, and making necessary repairs to the dam. Civic organizations and individuals have expressed a desire to be considered in helping to bring this undertaking to fruition.
Regular meetings were held monthly with many special meetings called due to the many items of business on hand. Several members at- tended regional and State meetings where leading conservation experts shared their wealth of knowledge and experience.
Appreciation is expressed to the town officials and many interested citizens for their help and cooperation.
Respectfully submitted, EDMUND POLUBINSKI, Chairman
106
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
CEMETERY COMMISSION
Arthur J. Colmer, Chairman Arne R. Olson Frank H. Hardy
The Honorable Board of Selectmen Town Hall
Chelmsford, Mass.
Dear Sirs:
This is a report of activities in the Cemetery Department for 1965.
Pine Ridge Cemetery was again the most active cemetery in lot sales, interments and projects due to donations to the town from lot owners. Another long section of wrought iron fence was donated by Mr. George Barris of North Chelmsford. Another substantial gift in shrubbery was donated by Mrs. Ruth Merrill. The will of Mrs. Valida Douglas provided funds which enabled us to proceed with an irrigation system which will be very beneficial to growing good turf. Four wells were installed cap- able of two hundred and sixty gallons per minute. The reinforced con- crete pump house, with pumps, tank, controls, etc., were installed. Part of the irrigation system is in and we hope to have it all in operation early this spring. Addition was made in 1965 to the drainage system. Another acre of woodland was developed into lots for future need. Gen- eral maintenance, top dressing areas, etc., was carried on.
In 1965 we planted twenty-four maple trees in the Fairview Ceme- tery, and carried on with landscaping, fertilizing and general main- tenance. In West Chelmsford Cemetery a new fence was installed which added much to the cemetery. Two large areas were brought up to grade and seeded. All the rear section of land was cleared and will now be developed. A long drainage system with four catch basins was installed. In the Hart Pond Cemetery, water lines were repaired, fence repaired, much pruning of trees, fertilizing and general maintenance carried on. Water lines also had to be repaired in Riverside Cemetery, dead trees removed. In Fore Fathers Cemetery, historical stones were repaired, and many straightened, dead trees removed, hedge was trimmed and general maintenance carried on.
Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000.00) was again transferred to the town from Perpetual Care interest.
One hundred interments took place as follows:
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
Pine Ridge Cemetery
62
Fairview Cemetery 14
West Chelmsford Cemetery
9
Hart Pond Cemetery
6
Riverside Cemetery
7
Fore Father's Cemetery
2
TOTAL 100
Fifty-six lots were sold as follows:
Pine Ridge Cemetery 40
Fairview Cemetery
12
West Chelmsford Cemetery
4
TOTAL
56
Total revenue in the Cemetery department from all sources during the year was Twenty Thousand Three Hundred Eighteen Dollars and Thirty-three Cents ($20,318.33).
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR J. COLMER, Chairman ARNE R. OLSEN FRANK H. HARDY
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The following is the Animal Inspector's report for the year 1965.
Number of dog bites 88
Number of dogs submitted for laboratory examination 4
Number of dogs showing signs of rabies 0
Number of premises keeping cattle
16
Number of premises keeping livestock other than cattle
36
Number of cattle and young stock 346
Number of swine 677
Number of horses
98
Number of sheep 21
Number of goats
8
Number of cattle releases from interstate shipment 15
Number of cattle slaughtered for positive reaction to tuberculosis 1
Repectfully submitted,
MARTIN A. GRUBER, D.V.M.
108
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
David P. Dutton, Chairman
PLANNING BOARD
The year 1965 was another busy year for the Planning Board with seventy-six plans being submitted. These plans contained five hundred and twenty-five building lots. Three hundred and ninety-seven of these lots were subject to subdivision control law which requires public hearings and approval of our Fire, Health and Highway Departments. One hundred and twenty-eight lots were on accepted streets, the balance of the plans brought before us were mainly lot line changes.
The stricter and more complete zoning by-law, adopted by the town in 1963 has continued to be very effective, and a major factor in our orderly if somewhat hasty growth. However, the Planning Board has continued to up-date our zoning by-laws in the form of amendments adopted by you at the 1965 Town Meeting as well as proposed amend- ments to come before you at the next annual Town Meeting in March of 1966. 1965 saw the Planning Board hire the firm of Edwards and Kelcey, Inc. as part-time professional planning consultants. At the present time, we have them working on up-dating the town zoning map by adding the numerous new streets as well as preparing recommenda- tions on a cluster zoning by-law.
PLUMBING INSPECTOR
A total of 519 applications for Permits to do plumbing were issued to master plumbers. Of this number 398 were for new construction and 43 for old buildings and 78 were for hot water tanks. It was necessary to make 912 inspections before they were approved.
GEORGE E. GAGNON Plumbing Inspector
ANIMAL DISPOSAL OFFICER
An increasing number of animals were killed on the streets and main highways of Chelmsford during 1965. Approximately 240 dogs were killed, 70 cats and a variety of other animals including 3 porcupines, 5 grey fox, 2 goats, 1 black ram, 18 raccoons, also a pony and a deer.
LESLIE L. DUKESHIRE Animal Disposal Officer
109
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
TREE DEPARTMENT
Myles J. Hogan, Tree Warden
To the Citizens of Chelmsford:
This year the tree department was kept busy supervising powerline construction for the ever increasing need for more power. The trees that are usually planted each year to fill the gaps in the street planting was kept to a minimum due to the very dry weather. This department has a credit of $700.00 with the local power company. This money will be used for the purpose of planting of trees removed this coming year, weather permitting.
All trees that were planted within the past five years were waxed to retain moisture, and were fertilized hydraulically. This practice has saved a great many young trees that would have otherwise died during this extended draught.
The emergency damage throughout the year was considerable, due to the ice storm of last winter. Many trees were split and weakened and had to be removed or pruned. The bulk of the funds was spent in a general contract that was awarded to the lowest bidder.
My thanks to the police and fire departments, for their usual co- operation with this department in regard to emergency night work.
MOTH DEPARTMENT
To the Citizens of Chelmsford:
Spraying was carried out this year under very dry conditions, and the results were excellent. The lack of rain allowed the work to continue uninterrupted and no time was spent on repeat spraying. The contractor awarded the contract was low bidder and was licensed by the state as qualified for such work.
The material used was Flowable Seven, a chemical having a low toxicity. Fertilizing was incorporated with the spraying and the results were very good, especially on young trees.
POISON IVY CONTROL
The dry weather was a big factor in the good control of this nuisance weed. The work was awarded to the low bidder, and was completed in an effective procedure.
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
DUTCH ELM CONTROL
The severe drought has aided in the destruction of this specie of tree. Many elms that survived the ravages of Dutch Elm disease could not withstand the extended weather condition. The results were prema- ture and undersized leaves. Repetition of this condition over the past four years is as much to blame for the fatalities as the disease itself.
This work was awarded to the low, qualified bidder at the average price of $44.00 per unit. Trees that were removed in certain sections and were considered hazardous were ground below grade. Elms are being replaced by other species in desired locations, as soon as possible.
Respectfully submitted, MYLES J. HOGAN
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
To the Board of Selectmen:
During 1965 your Committee has been fortunate to have available, especially during the Christmas and Easter holidays, but also on many Saturdays, four or five high school boys who enjoy working in the forests and who, under the supervision of the chairman of this com- mittee, do very good work.
We have spent most of our time on three projects: continuing to clean up the six acres of the Thanksgiving Ground forest that were burned in October 1963; thinning out-and in spots completely eliminat- ing-dense stands of young pines that threaten to overrun parts of the forest and block pleasant vistas that should be enjoyed from the trails; and cutting out two old woods roads in the Mill Road forest and cleaning up their sides to make them more attractive and also to make them serve as strips that should at least slow down a fire.
More and more persons are using the forests, especially youngsters, yet we are having very little litterbugging and practically no vandalism. Apparently those who use the areas are truly appreciative of their value.
During the year Edward B. Russell resigned from the committee. Ed Russell has been a member of the committee since it was estab- lished in 1937. The town is indebted to him not only for his service on the committee but especially for his gift of eleven acres of beautiful big pines fronting on the pond that constitute perhaps the finest area in Thanksgiving Ground forest.
The Selectmen made an excellent appointment to replace Mr. Russell in the person of Bruce Gullion, a trained forester and an important ad- ministrator in the Commonwealth's Department of Natural Resources.
Respectfully submitted, MARTIN K. BOVEY, Chairman ROBERT T. CLOUGH BRUCE S. GULLION
111
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
BUILDING INSPECTOR
David P. Dutton
The following is a report of the Building Inspector's Department for the year 1965. There were 496 applications for permits issued.
Fees received for permits . .. $7,665.50
Permits
Estimated Value
324 Dwellings
$4,471,900.00
74 Additions
236,538.00
1 Multi-purpose addition
111,000.00
24 Remodeling
74,157.00
29 Attached Garages
43,600.00
5 Unattached Garages
4,550.00
5 Industrial Buildings
115,500.00
4 Apartment Buildings
935,000.00
2 Office Buildings
21,500.00
1 Church
135,000.00
1 Police Station
134,000.00
2 Green Houses
3,100.00
2 Pumping Stations
12,000.00
1 Cemetery Chapel 100,000.00
21 Miscellaneous
33,000.00
496-Total Permits
$6,430,845.00
79 investigations were made of By-Law infractions.
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID P. DUTTON Building Inspector
112
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Edward L. Tyler, Jr., Chairman Oliver A. Reeves Byron D. Roseman, M.D.
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 Nurse
Mrs. Dorothy R. Clements, Junior School Nurse Mrs. Muriel M. Heroux, Junior School Nurse, Appointed August 23, 1965 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 Leslie L. Dukeshire, Appointed April 13, 1965 Slaughter Inspector Hubert Scoble Mosquito Control Officer Myles J. Hogan, Appointed April 22, 1965
MEDICARE
Medical care for the aged will become effective as of July, 1966. The Board of Health will play an important part in the Medicare Program. This is a new legislation and encompassing very broad services, stand- ards and activities for which no ready answers are immediately available. In order to provide the latest information to the public the State Depart- ment of Public Health is planning to prepare periodical memorandum in which a progress report will be given to local Agencies, who in turn will keep the public abreast of the latest developments.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD L. TYLER, JR., Chairman OLIVER A. REEVES BYRON D. ROSEMAN, M.D. Board of Health
113
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
SCHOOL NURSE'S REPORT
Due to the continued increase in population and the building of more schools, another nurse has been added to the school nurse personnel. There are four nurses who endeavor to maintain a healthful and safe school program. Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough clinics were held in March, April and May. Classroom children in Grade 1 and 6, with parental consent were innoculated. Small Pox vaccination clinics were conducted in May. During March school children in all grades were Heaf tested for tuberculosis and given the Sabin trivalent polio serum. The parent's signature on forms sent home is required before any child is inoculated. In October, flu serum was given by Dr. Blechman to all town employees who desired this protection. Physical examinations were conducted by the three school doctors. Two state trained technicians handle the vision and hearing testing program. The nurses do the follow-up work contact- ing parents regarding failures. Classroom discussions and individual health lectures were given. Home visits and parent conferences were held whenever necessary. Two television health programs were presented, one by a doctor and the other by a dentist.
The support of the school nurse program by parents, school person- nel, doctors, and state and local agencies is greatly appreciated.
HELEN M. JEWETT, R.N.
MOSQUITO CONTROL PROGRAM
Mr. Myles J. Hogan was appointed as the new Mosquito Control Superintendent on April 22, 1965. Mr. Donald Fenton tendered his resignation because of business commitments. During the spring of 1965 one aerial larvicidal application was applied to approximately 2000 acres of known breeding areas. The legality of aerial spraying over residential areas, in controlling adult mosquito, has been questioned. In view of this an alternate means of adult control was experimented with and found to be satisfactory. The method of application was in the form of vehicle mounted aerial fogging. Adulticide applications were limited during the summer months because of budgetary commitments whereas no purchases for equipment could be made and had to rely on an outside concern. A revised budget has been submitted to include an outlay for the purchase of equipment. All applications were under the control of State licensed supervisors and operators. All pesticides applied were the minimum recommended amounts by the State Pesticide Board.
MYLES J. HOGAN
Superintendent of Mosquito Control
114
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
PROGRESS REPORT ON MUNICIPAL SEWAGE
One of the major matters of interest during the past year to the community was future planning for Municipal Sewage Disposal' Facilities. Since the completion of the preliminary studies in June, 1964 further action was delayed pending completion of preliminary studies by Lowell and Dracut. Our engineering report on sewage disposal facilities and the 1963 Department of Public Health Merrimack River Report recom- mended a regional sewage works as the most economical means of meeting the requirements for pollution abatement of the Merrimack River. State and Federal Agencies have been concentrating on cleaning up rivers and their tributaries in recent years. Federal grants of up to 50% of the total cost will be available in the very near future. During the past year joint meetings with other town officials have taken place in which recommendations and proposals were discussed. Joint meetings will continue to be held during the coming year to seek implementation of this program. The Board recommends that the second phase or final planning be undertaken in anticipation of the construction phase.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
The Board is glad to announce that no new cases of TB have been reported and at the end of the year there were no hospitalized cases. The result of which left the Communicable Disease Account with an unexpended balance of $3183.94. A TB finding program was instituted for the school population during the past year and will continue through 1966. Results of the groups tested were gratifying and positive readings were within the average range.
There were 38 cases of dog bites reported. No animal rabies have been reported in Chelmsford. The Board is recommending an animal rabies vaccination clinic to be conducted sometime in the late spring of 1966.
The incident of childhood diseases showed no marked changes except for mumps which showed a definite increase over the previous years resulting in one complication, namely encephalitis. A poster, leaflet and news release campaign was started during the past year to indoctrinate the public on the importance of immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio. This campaign will continue through 1966.
GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
A total of 337 subsurface sewage permits were issued during the past year, 266 inspections were made on new installations. The majority of nuisance complaints were in the nature of overflowing sewage. It is expected that these problems can be resolved in the near future. Routine inspections were conducted as required by law. The new Sanitary Code Article X has been disseminated to all eating and drinking establishments and owners have been familiarized with the new state regulations. No outstanding violations were noted, and the few noted were corrected to the satisfaction of the Board.
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
RECREATION COMMISSION
James Gannon, Chairman Robert Ware, Vice-Chairman Stephen Terpak, Secretary
Richard Wells W. Parker George Richard Moschen
Harry Ayotte Haworth Neild Nicholas Mazzoni
The recreation program of this past year involved the expansion of sports activities started in previous years and an increase in the number of playgrounds staffed for the Summer Program. Volunteer workers enabled us to establish summer basketball for girls, flag football for men and a boys' Bantam Hockey Team.
As in other years, costs of the programs sponsored by the commis- sion were financed by the annual appropriation. However, expenses for some of the programs, particularly hockey and adult activities, were partially defrayed by those participating.
The baseball season started with the Boys' League playing a twelve (12) game schedule, ninety (90) boys ages 9 to 12 participated at the Jordan Road field. The Junior League, ages 13-15, played for twelve (12) weeks at the Varney Playground. The Connie Mack entry in the Greater Lowell League (ages 16-19) finished second in a field of eight (8) teams. Men's softball fielded six (6) teams at the McFarlin School field. As in other years, the Commission equipped the Little League Pee Wee teams.
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