USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1939 > Part 2
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21 cases for the police in Ipswich Dist. Court
@ $15.00 each $ 315.00
Hearings at Boston, 4 cases @ $15.00 each 60.00
23
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Written opinions for various Boards, 9, to- tal payment Gauthier case in Superior Court 15.00
61.00
All other cases, including drafting papers and investigations
62.00
Total
$ 513.00
Under the By-laws, the various Boards and Committees of the Town have the right to call on the Town Counsel for advice and for an opinion. In many of these cases it is necessary to make an investigation as to the meaning of the laws before an attorney would feel competent to give opinions. In such cases as these, written opinions have been furnished as a matter of record. In addition to these, there are many requests for opinions which are of minor importance, where some Town Board or official asks for information. In such cases where the Town Counsel feels competent to answer the question without research and investigation, verbal opinions have been given. There are many such cases. No account is kept of those cases as no charge for an opinion has been made by me unless I give written opinions.
In the course of my work during the year it is often neces- sary to confer with the members and at times to attend the meet- ings of the Boards. I have never made any charge for attending the meetings of the Boards.
I am pleased to say that I have found the various Boards and officials willing to cooperate with me at all times in furnish- ing information to help me form an opinion and I desire to thank them all for the many courtesies shown me during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE A. SCHOFIELD,
Town Counsel
Ipswich, Mass., January 31, 1940
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Assessors' Report
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
In making this, the annual report of the Board of Asses- sors, there has been included the work sheet that is used in com- puting the tax rate, and tables of aggregates covering the work of this department.
In making up the estimated receipts, the Board used all that the law allows, namely an amount equal to the receipts of the previous year.
The results show we were justified in using this amount as receipts were larger than the amount estimated.
With an overlay large enough to take care of all abatements, this shows a true tax rate.
At this time we are unable to get a statement of amount of income we are to receive from State, but do know that State Tax will be levied on sixteen million dollars instead of eighteen mil- lion as in 1939.
As we have no deficit in State Tax as in 1939 as was the case in 1938 of an amount of $9,900.00 raised in 1939 there should be a saving of about $12,000.00.
Last year we pointed out that if appropriations in 1939 were as in 1938 we would be faced with a $50.00 tax rate.
In 1938 we raised $308,859.74 and in 1939 $266,438.78 a reduction of $42,240.96, thus the reduction of $6.60 in the tax rate.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
We point out this fact to again place before you that your tax rate depends to a large extent on appropriations made in Town Meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
C. CHESTER CALDWELL, JOHN E. NORMAN, WORTHINGTON H. MANSFIELD,
Assessors of Ipswich.
1939 Recapitulation
Town Appropriations
$ 365,938.89
Deficit in 1932 Overlay
27.37
Deficit in 1934 Overlay
155.05
Deficit in 1935 Overlay
281.87
Deficit in 1933 Old Age Assistance Tax
174.00
State Tax 1939
19,980.00
State Tax underestimated 1939
9,990.00
Auditing Municipal Accounts
2,432.89
State Parks & Reservations
362.30
State Parks & Reservations underestimated in 1938
21.99
Veterans Exemptions
15.25
County Tax 1939
10,160.70
Tuberculosis Hospital
2,961.00
Overlay 1939
9,283.25
$ 421,784.56
Estimated Receipts and Available Funds
Income Tax Corporation Taxes
$ 26,588.17 4,519.60
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Reimbursement on account State owned Land
1,817.44
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax 11,594.26
Licenses
5,024.00
Fines
106.65
Special Assessments
2,472.00
General Government
682.75
Protection of Persons & Property
611.60
Health & Sanitation
500.00
Highways
194.48
Charities
9,408.15
Old Age Assistance
9,780.93
Soldiers Benefits
442.00
Schools
4,225.41
Public Service Enterprises (Water Department)
21,500.00
Cemeteries
781.00
Interest on Taxes & Assessments
4,369.87
Chapter 504 Acts 1939
12,579.28
$ 117,197.59
Overestimates of Previous Year
County Tax
$ 17.27
Veterans Exemptions
1.05
Available Funds Voted by Town Meeting
38,130.07
$ 155,345.98
Net amount to be raised by Taxation on Polls & Property
$ 266,438.58 4,032.00
Poll Tax
Personal Property Valuation (510185) Tax
19,485.45
Real Estate Valuation (6359170) Tax
242,920.29
Gain in fractions
.84
Rate $ 38.20
$ 266,438.58
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Moth Assessment Water Liens
$ 1,482.17 1,352.13
Total amount of all Taxes & Assessments Committed to Collector in 1939 $ 269,272.88
Table of Aggregates
Number of Persons Assessed:
On Personal Estate only 165
On Real Estate only 1,260
On both Personal & Real 186
Total of Persons Assessed
1,611
Number of Polls Assessed
2,016
Value of Assessed Personal Estate:
Stock in Trade
$ 132,575.00
Machinery 35,600.00
Live Stock 46,985.00
All other Tangible Personal Estate 294,925.00
Total value of Assessed Personal Estate
$ 510,085.00
Value of Assessed Real Estate:
Buildings exclusive of Land $ 4,728,835.00
Land exclusive of Buildings 1,630,845.00
Total value of Assessed Real Estate $ 6,359,170.00
Tax Rate per thousand $ 38.20
Total value of Assessed Estate 6,869,255.00
Taxes for State, County and Town Purposes including Overlay On Personal Estate On Real Estate On Polls
$ 19,485.45 242,920.29 4,032.00
$ 266,437.74
28
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Number of Live Stock Assessed:
Horses
105
Cows
547
1 Year old or over
110
Swine
15
Sheep
4
Fowl
4,472
All other
18
Number of Dwellings Assessed
1,610
Number of Acres of Land Asssessed
17,730
29
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Police Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I respectfully submit the following report which covers the activities of the Police Department for the year ending December 31st, 1939, and I am attaching hereto the usual tables covering cases handled, disposition and miscellaneous com- plaints, together with an inventory of public property now in the custody of the Police Department.
During the past year the Police Department has carried out its usual and ordinary activities in accordance with the statute, and such rules and regulations as from time to time have been promulgated by your board.
The question of traffic is still a major matter and at times calls for extraordinary work, particularly on Saturdays and Sundays. This is attributed in part to the popularity of the local Motion Picture Theatre and to the exceptional opportuni- ties for trading in the local stores by the residents of nearby com- munities. The police have endeavored at all times to regulate traffic so as to cause the least possible inconvenience to local merchants and the traveling public and at the same time to provide for adequate parking. This has not been an easy prob- lem in view of the narrow streets and the lack of an adequate public parking space.
Not much can be said as to the question of crime. It is something that always has existed to a greater or lesser degree and will probably so continue. It is the duty of the police to prevent the commission of crime in as far as possible, but when crime has been committed it becomes the duty of the police to present the facts to the court and abide by the decision of the court with good grace.
30
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
I would recommend that some change be made with refer- ence to the status of the Keeper of the Lockup. I believe that the person holding this position should be a regular officer and properly compensated for his services.
I wish at this time to express my appreciation to all who have assisted the department during the past year and to pay special tribute to the members of the Fire Department and the Boy Scouts who so ably cooperated with the department at various times when their services were needed.
Respectfully submitted,
E. EDWARD BLAUVELT,
Acting Chief of Police.
Total number of arrests:
January
12
February
28
March
21
April
28
May
26
June
30
July
28
August
36
September
26
October
31
November
22
December
27
Total Arrests
315
Classification of Crime :
Accosting and annoying persons 1 Assault 7
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
31
Allowing improper person to operate Bastardy
2
Breaking and entering
3
Children before Juvenile Court
11
Default
5
Disorderly conduct
1
Disturbance of peace
1 158
Drunkenness
Failing to slow down at intersection
1
Gaming machines forfeited
3
Indecent exposure
1
Interfering with police officer
4
Buying junk without license
2
Larceny
7
Leaving scene of accident not making self known
1
Loitering
2
Malicious mischief
4
Maintaining gambling nuisance
1
Misappropriation of Automobile
2
Operating uninsured car
2
Operating under influence of liquor
36
Operating unregistered car
2
Operating to endanger
7
Operating without license
11
Personating Police Officer
1
Speeding
5
Trespassing
5
Using profane language
1
Violation Clam Law
17
Violation of the Weight and Measure Law
1
Vagrants
10
Total 315
Disposition of cases:
2
Appealed
8
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Committed
14
Dismissed
8
Discharged
25
Filed
110
Fined
74
Forfeited
3
Probation
29
Pending
2
Released
18
Sentenced - Suspended
21
Turned over to outside police
3
Total 315
Miscellaneous
Assistance rendered to persons in distress
12
Automobiles reported stolen
6
Automobile accidents investigated by police
58
Automobile licenses suspended - revoked
64
Automobile registrations revoked
18
Automobiles transferred
1435
Animals struck by automobiles
21
Ambulance calls
79
Buildings reported entered
35
Buildings found open and secured
52
Complaints investigated by police
2194
Children before Juvenile Court
11
Children lost and returned to parents
7
Committed to Danvers State Hospital
8
Dogs and cats - gassed or shot
52
Fire alarms answered
20
Hours special police duty
1887
Miles patroled by cruising car (police car)
17850
Miles covered by ambulance (police ambulance)
893
Persons struck by automobiles 13
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
33
Persons reported injured
63
Persons reported missing
15
Persons reported bitten by dogs
6
Stolen automobiles recovered
6
Street lights reported out
17 110
Summons served by police
Telephone calls in
4452
Telephone calls out
1785
Telephone calls local
3186
Telephone Complaints
503
Telephone calls from outside police
315
Telephone calls to outside police
288
Telephone calls from out of town
478
Warrants served by police
13
Inventory of Police Department:
Automobile
1
Badges
18
Dragiron sets
1
Flashlights
10
Gas clubs
1
Gas guns
1
Hand cuffs
9
Pistols
8
Police ambulance
1
Riot guns
1
Search lights
1
34
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Fire Department
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :
Following is the report of the Board of Engineers of the Fire Department for the year 1939.
There were:
36 Bell Alarms 118 Still Alarms
Total 154
Divided as follows:
23 Building Fires
68 Wood and Grass Fires
3 Oil Burners
21 Dump Fires
6 Automobile Fires
2 False Alarms
7 Chimney Fires
3 Calls for Inhalator
2 Calls for Lost Persons
2 Drowning Accidents
17 Other Calls
Total mileage by Apparatus 484.5
Engine 1 made 10 runs
Engine 2 made 33 runs Engine 3 made 117 runs
Ladder Truck 37 runs
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
There were:
19,000 Feet of 21/2 inch Hose laid
2,950 Feet of 11/2 inch Hose laid 404 Feet of Ladders used 85 Gallons of soda and Acid Chemical 21/2 Gallons of Foamite Chemical
14,185 Gallons of Water from the Booster tanks
The forty (40) gallon chemical tank kept at Little Neck proved its worth this year, as it was used twice by some of the people there to hold in check two fires, one which had started inside one of the cottages, and a dump fire, until the apparatus had arrived from Town, there-by preventing a greater loss.
Dump fires at the High School grounds have caused the department considerable work and expense, as nearly all of the 21 dump fire calls were for fires there.
At the present time we have the following :
Engine 1 White Triple Combination 500 gal. cap. pump Engine 2 Seagrave Triple Combination 1000 gal. cap. pump Engine 3 Ford Triple Combination 150 gal. cap. pump Ladder 1 Sanford with 150 gal. booster tank
300 feet of Ladders
75 gallon Pump
Other necessary equipment:
Two Wheel chemical tank at Little Neck
4,500 feet of 21/2 inch hose
500 feet of 11/2 inch hose
900 feet of 34 inch hose used in connection with the booster tanks.
The apparatus and equipment is in first class condition and we plan to replace some tires this year and we also recommend the purchase of additional hose.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
The loss by fire this year was larger than it has been for some years back, owing to the large loss at the Thayer fire on April 20. Other fires where the loss was $1,000 or more were the Daniel Wilcomb, Rogers cottage at Little Neck, and the road side stand belonging to Benjamin Currier on the Rowley Road.
The property loss by fire was $34,092.50
The amount of insurance paid was $33,367.50
We had at the end of the year enough money left from our appropriation to replace one of the large doors in the apparatus room, and we used it for that purpose by installing an over- head door which we believe is the most practical for a place such as this as it fits tight and takes up less room. We hope to replace the other two doors this year, and we feel that we can if we are allowed the appropriation that we are asking for.
We also recommend the installation of an automatic coal stoker to replace the present oil burner as we believe that a con- siderable saving in the fuel bill will result.
Very truly yours,
EDWARD H. SMITH LIONEL SHEPPARD SAMUEL W. ATHERLEY
Board of Engineers.
37
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Forest Warden
To the Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
I submit herewith the report of the Forest Warden for the year ending December 31, 1939:
Woods, Grass and Brush Fires 68
Supplies now on hand:
Pump Cans 12
Fiber Brooms 36
Shovels 10
During the year we had 68 woods, grass and brush fires. We were fortunate in not having any bad woods fires as the hurricane of September 21 left many tree and limbs scattered throughout the woods.
I wish at this time to thank all persons who have helped in this work during the past year.
Sincerely,
GEORGE W. BROWN,
Forest Warden.
38
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Tree Warden
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
I herewith submit my sixth annual report as Tree War- den.
The appropriation last year was used almost wholly on repairing some of our shade trees that survived the Hurricane of September, 1938. Many complaints were received by the Department concerning large trees whose branches had sudden- ly become weakened and cracked by storms. Upon close exam- ination it was found that a large number of these injuries were of recent origin. This certainly indicates that the Hurricane had considerable to do with their present condition.
The amount of money available last year did not begin to cover all the necessary repairs that should have been made dur- ing the year. The result is, we still have quite a number of large trees needing a considerable amount of attention.
It was necessary to remove several trees from the highway last year. A Silver Maple on Broadway Extension was removed by petition. A Horse Chestnut on Summer Street, and three Wil- lows on Topsfield Road were removed because of their dying condition.
During the year a W. P. A. tree pruning project was in operation for a period of several months. A large amount of dead wood was removed from the shade trees along the public highways. Approximately thirty-five miles of our highways were covered by this project. It is doubtful if any such amount of pruning work has ever been accomplished before in one single year.
The credit for getting this project approved by the Fed- eral Government should go to our Co-ordinator, Mr. Wallace. Twice the project was rejected, but through his persistent efforts, it was finally approved.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
A program sponsored by the Ipswich Conservation Coun- cil, and subscribed to by all of the civic organizations of the town last April, replaced a number of the shade trees lost dur- ing the Hurricane.
It is with a great deal of appreciation that I extend thanks to these organizations for the interest and support they have shown. It indicates that the citizens of Ipswich are fully aware of the value trees have in our every day life and in the beauti- fication of the town.
Respectfully submitted,
C. GARDNER CAVERLY, Tree Warden of Ipswich.
Report of Moth Superintendent
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my sixth annual report as Moth Super- intendent.
There was little change in the Gypsy and Browntail moth situation in 1939, as compared with the situation in 1938.
The Gypsy moth continued to be quite a serious pest throughout the same sections of the town as it was last year. Certain privately owned woodland areas on Topsfield Road, Pine Swamp Road, Linebrook Road and various other roads were quite badly infested with this pest. As usual, the westerly and northwesterly parts of the town were most seriously affect- ed.
40
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
The Browntail moth decreased perhaps slightly in num- bers over last year, but generally speaking, it can be said that an aggressive campaign must be carried on each year in order to reduce its number to a minimum.
Again this year, through the efforts of the Co-ordinator, Mr. Wallace, a W. P. A. Project was put into effect during the late fall and winter months. This project, as usual, consisted of painting the Gypsy egg clusters with creosote and cutting the webs of the browntail. A great deal of benefit has been derived from these projects during the past few years due to the fact that they have protected our highway trees as well as those of property owners from severe defoliation.
As predicted in last year's report, the Elm Leaf Beetle in- creased rapidly over the previous year. Although an early spray on the Elms about the middle of May, followed by the usual June spray would have helped greatly in reducing the number of adult beetles, it was quite impossible to accomplish due to a reduction made in the budget at the annual town meeting. It was therefore necessary to omit the early spray.
The Satin Moth, Tent Caterpillar, Willow Beetle and Tussock Moth have been, on the whole very scarce this year in Ipswich. A few outbreaks of the Tent Caterpillar were found during May, but not to an alarming extent.
Respectfully submitted,
C. GARDNER CAVERLY,
Moth Superintendent.
41,
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Park Commissioners
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
The Board of Park Commissioners herewith submit their annual report.
The dry spell encountered last summer caused a consider- able amount of injury to the lawn areas in the town.
For a period of several weeks no mowing was necessary due to the shortage of moisture in the soil.
This condition is bound to have an undesirable effect on the grass in the coming year, as weeds are sure to make heavy inroads on lawns that suffer from lack of water for any length of time.
At the Giles Firmin Garden on County Road, a planting of rhododendrons was made in October. The shrubs were placed on both sides of the entrance drive as a border planting. Money drawn from the Martha I. Savory Fund was used for their purchase.
The usual tulip planting program has been carried on at the South Common, Giles Firmin Garden, Market Square and the Memorial Plot.
The Commissioners are planning a simple planting of shrubs of a low growing nature at the base of the monument on the Memorial Plot this coming year. We are likewise plan- ning definitely to hard surface the main walk leading to the North Church, as it has been in bad condition for several years.
Respectfully submitted,
S. C. GORDON,
ROBERT D. LORD,
C. GARDNER CAVERLY, Chairman
Park Commissioners.
42
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Clam Commissioner
To the Citizens of Ipswich, Mass.
The clam industry has been the most enduring and most consistently large source of income to the town of Ipswich. This report is written from the point of view that its possibili- ties deserve profound and constructive thought.
The seeding of clams in our barren flats is vital to the in- dustry for continuous and increasing productivity. This cannot be left to the laws of nature, otherwise financially depressing periods of clam scarcity inevitably arise. Such a period will affect the work or part-time work of some 400 people. Under a W. P. A. project there were planted about 1425 bushels of seed from April 12 to July 14. These clams when planted were approximately one inch long, and when the flats were opened in December were two inches or over in length. A clam of one inch after it has grown to two inches has increased its original volume by at least seven times; this in a period of seven months. This means that the spring seeding, allowing a 15 per cent loss by crabs, cockles and other forces, will yield 8450 bushels of salable clams. In addition, the flats from which the seed was taken have been improved. The seed taken from these too thickly bedded areas has made it possible for the remaining clams to grow to legal size.
Late in November, I dug an area of 25 square feet which in the spring had been barren and had been planted the latter part of April. It yielded two pecks. There are 43,560 square feet in an acre. An acre planted as well as this 25 square feet would produce 3484 pecks, which is 1161 tubs, worth one dollar per tub. Granted that this was a chosen 25 square feet, still it proves that an investment by the town would produce a yield of about 700 per cent, for the reason that seed could be bought for 75 cents a bushel and planted for a price of be-
43
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
tween 25 cents and 30 cents. The town now possesses 300 or more acres of barren, or nearly barren, flats. There is no doubt whatsoever that here is a financially fertile field for the consideration of every citizen.
Computation from the reports of the W. P. A. project during the months when the major part of the time was spent in seeding, show that each man dug and planted an average of 1.2 bushels of clams per day.
The same W. P. A. project has worked on the extermina- tion of green crabs, which are a real menace to any constructive clam program. From April 12 through October 25, about 2550 bushels of green crabs were caught and destroyed. These marine pests eat newly-thrown seed, and all clams left on or near the surface of the flats in any area where a clammer has dug; hence they are both destroying the old beds of clams, and eliminating much of the possibility for new beds. Their po- tential powers of destruction are tremendous. Unless they are either eradicated or definitely checked, they will prove disastrous.
During six consecutive days in August, chosen at random from the reports of the project, when only crabs were caught, each man averaged 1.17 bushels per day. Also six consecutive days in September selected by chance, show that each man aver- aged 1.76 bushels per day. It is my belief that the crabs will be most effectively and quickly destroyed by a bounty of a given sum, between 25 cents and 50 cents per bushel. Through questioning I know that there are many who would be glad for the introduction of such a system and who would utilize its possibilities. It would be a fair and efficient method.
Through the State Bureau of Marine Fisheries I secured 27 bushels of seed quahaugs which have been planted below low water mark in a number of areas about Eagle Hill. Perhaps 60 per cent of them are now growing and are in good condi- tion. Because every empty shell which I have found has a hole drilled by a cockle, it is apparent that the only destructive force is supplied by these snails. This would indicate that quahaugs
44
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
could be planted and grown in Ipswich if the cockles were ex- terminated by the same bounty system.
Through the same Bureau 1200 pounds of "seeder" lob- sters,-that is lobsters covered with seed,-were sent to Ipswich. They were thrown overboard in the area of Third Creek in Plum Island River.
Up to the present, January 16, there have been issued 290 permits for which there was no charge. The proper culti- vation and protection of our flats would seem to demand a definite assessment for all permits. It is a policy which I heart- ily recommend. On the basis that all money spent on the clam flats should be used profitably and without waste, it is my opinion that there is a majority who would gladly support this idea.
The general policing of all the flats from Safford's in Row- ley River to the boundary of the "Spit" at the West Gloucester line is a task which one man devoting all his time to that alone could not do thoroughly. Without lingering long in any given area ten hours are required to accomplish the trip. To do this work reasonably well two men must work seven days a week, particularly during the time when the winter flats are closed. My objective has been to enforce the laws as well as possible, while trying to bear in mind at the same time that each of us must earn his living. Because of those who dig illegally with lights, I have spent approximately fifty nights sleeping in the dunes or at some point near the flats. To date I have been at some clam area either one or two tides a day for all but fifteen days since taking office. This is a laborious, time-consuming phase of the job which produces its best dividends only with the co- operation of all concerned.
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