USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1949 > Part 7
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The first thing which takes place is the submitting of an application by the recipient for some particular class of aid. In talking with the individual we can determine from the facts which category he or she belongs in.
The person's name, date of birth and residence are first determined, whether single or married and the number of chil- dren, if any, in the family. If this particular case is one which comes into the Old Age Assistance or Aid to Dependent Chil- dren categories, what is the possibility of contributions from the children. This factor is established by sending out Rela- tive's Reports calling upon these people to give their net incomes so that we may establish their contributions. These reports must be returned to this office before a person is eligible to receive aid. A married child is allowed an exemption of $2750.00 before any contribution is required and an extra allowance of $500.00 for each dependent minor child is added. A single child has an exemption of $1500.00 per year before a contribution is demanded. These exemptions are set up by the State Legis- lature.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Real property is considered an asset of the estate, if there is an equity over $3000.00. If there is an equity over $3,000.00, there must be a mortgage form filed for the benefit of the Town of Ipswich. Any rents from the property are considered as resources and taken out of the budgeted figures.
Insurance policies are examined to establish the amounts of insurance carried and the cash surrender value of the policies because if the cash surrender value exceeds $1,000, the people are told to take a loan for that amount and live on it before applying for aid. These policies are checked once every six months to see that this point is always covered.
Banks in Ipswich and in surrounding towns, if necessary, are contacted to establish the savings of recipients of welfare. People on Aid to Dependent Children and Old Age Assistance are allowed to have single accounts up to $500.00 and joint accounts of $1,000.00. If the amount of money in the banks exceed these sums, the people are told to live on the excess before applying and the withdrawals are checked to see that the excesses are not abused.
Resources of all nature are checked with the person in determining their budgets. Old Age Survivors Insurance, under the Social Security Act are checked with the Salem Social Security Office and if there is a grant, this amount is taken out of the budget as a resource. Annuities and contributions are carefully gone over and determined to see if there is some form ยท of resource here and again a check is made on contributions from children.
The general health of the person is checked and the ques- tion of whether or not medical attention and medicine is going to be a special need.
Living conditions are checked to see what the price of the rent is to be, the number of rooms, whether or not they are living with their children or living alone and the type of fuel being used.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
These factors are checked every six months in Old Age Assistance cases and every three months in Aid to Dependent Children cases. In General Relief we are in constant contact with the recipients because with very few exceptions they appear before the Board each week.
After these facts are established and all papers have been returned, a budget of the needs of these people is established in accord with a State Standard Budget supplied for this pur- pose. In October, 1948, the State increased this budget 8.3% because of the cost of living. In December of 1949 every case on Old Age Assistance was increased $4.00 per month by the State Legislature.
In our report on the various categories, you will find what the State and Federal Governments reimburse the Town of Ipswich on these cases and though, at times, it appears that the cost of welfare in the Town of Ipswich is very high, these reimbursements reduce the actual cost to the town by quite a figure.
GENERAL RELIEF
There has been a great deal of unemployment this year as the Unemployment Insurance group at the Town Hall every Wednesday shows. Our one industry, in a period of re-organ- ization, was not hiring people in any great numbers. Industries outside the town were also more or less entrenched. We kept close touch with the Unemployment group that visited Ipswich with the hope that we might place some of these people, but without any great success. A great part of the load again came from other cities and towns, where people were living who had Ipswich settlements. These people received aid there which is chargeable to the Town of Ipswich.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
This group, General Relief, is made up of those people out of work and who have run out of unemployment insurance. These people, unable to help themselves, the unemployables, who are not eligible for one of the other categories, i.e., Old Age Assistance or Aid to Dependent Children. This type of person generally has no one to care for or support them or are aliens who do not meet the requirements for other aid. Unlike the eligible citizen, who on reaching 65 years of age and is in need can apply for Old Age Assistance, these people must depend entirely upon General Relief. The sick person who, because of his or her illness has had to stop working cannot collect unemployment insurance because they left work volun- tarily. They, too, become recipients of General Relief. The monies allocated for this category are an outright expense to the town. There is no reimbursement here.
Everything in this category depends upon placing the per- son in some occupation where they can care for themselves. During years where we had some snow removal work, we have been able to place a few.
We have heard of instances in this town where displaced persons have been given the jobs held by our own people, forcing them on relief and this in times when we can't find work for our own.
Here is a sample of the State Standard Budget by which we are governed in making our payments in these different categories:
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Budget Item Costs Schedule-Weekly
Male
Female
Personal
Food Clothing
Care
Personal Food Clothing Care
4.15
1.15
.50 Elderly
3.85
1.60
.40
Light Wk.
3.85
2.05
.40
Mod. Wk.
4.05
2.05
.40
Hard Wk.
4.65
2.05
.40
Children
2.25
.80
.20
Under 1
2.25
.80
.20
2.40
.80
.20
1-3
2.40
.80
.20
2.95
1.00
.20
4 - 6
2.95
1.00
.20
3.60
1.35
.25
7-9
3.60
1.20
.25
4.25
1.70
.25
10 - 12
4.25
1.50
.25
4.85
1.75
.25
13 - 15
4.50
1.55
.25
5.30
1.75
.35
16 - 20
4.20
1.55
.30
Modifications:
a. Person alone -- Increase 50%
b. Family of two - Increase 25%
c. Family of three - Increase 10%
d. Family of eight - Decrease 5%
Restaurant Meals:
Male
Female
1. 3 meals out
9.70
9.70
2. 2 meals out
8.65
8.60
3. 1 meal out
7.20
7.00
On all these cases the State allows 8.3% Cost of Living Increase. In Old Age Assistance and Aid to Dependent Chil- dren, the State checks these cases to see that the budgets are complied with.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
This category deals with citizens over 65 years of age and in need. The size of the group depends upon the number of persons reaching this age and filling the requirements each year. This is a figure that cannot be reached mathematically because we have no measuring stick to go by. No one can possibly tell how many people are going to come into or go out of this category, in any one year.
Since the Old Age Assistance law was enacted in 1931, many amendments have been enacted by the Legislature bear- ing upon the amount of assistance and contributions by chil- dren. In October of 1948 there was an increase in all cases of 8.3%. This meant that immediately all budgets were adjusted upon this new scale. In December of this year, the Legislature gave to each person under Old Age Assistance a Leisure Time grant of $4.00 per month.
An application is taken from these people and a check made to determine their eligibility. Some of the factors checked are as follows: Birth date and place of birth, residence over a period of five years prior to application, the number of children in the family and their contribution if any, bank accounts, and all types of savings, ownership in real estate and their equity therein, insurance factors including value of policy, the premiums, cash surrender value and whether or not there are outstanding loans or assignments against the policy, the present health and medical treatment of the applicant and finally the living arrange- ments of the applicant.
Every six months these factors are again checked with the exception of reports sent to the children which go out of this office at least once a year or more often if we consider it neces- sary.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
The budgets on these cases are taken directly as they apply from the State Standard Budget set up for the category and 8.3% is then added. If there are resources or contributions made to these people, that amount is taken off the budgetary figure as a resource and Old Age Assistance supplies the difference.
The Federal Government reimburses the town at the rate of 22 up to $50.00 plus $5.00 a case and the State reimburses 2/3 of the remainder.
This year our expenditures were $120,380.34. Our reim- bursements were $96,832.56, making the cost to the town of $23,547.78. The monies reimbursed by the State go into the reserve fund and cannot be used by this department but the Federal share of $52,828.10 comes back into this department and is used on Old Age Assistance. Each year we have to guess what the Federal Government is going to reimburse us because what we ask for in our budget is the State and Town share.
This year our rolls went from 150 cases as of the first of January to 167 for December 31st.
Recipients aided January 1, 1948
150
Applications received during year 46
Approved
42
192
Not Approved 2
Pending
2
Closed during year 25
Total cases as of December 31, 1949
167
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
This particular category has held fairly steady during the past year but like any other, it can jump overnight. This category deals with the family in which the bread winner has died or deserted, or has been incapacitated by sickness and has minor children to be cared for by another parent or a grantee relative. These children, who are too young to work or care for themselves, must be cared for until such time as they can care for themselves.
Citizenship and settlement are not determining factors in this category. Only the fact that there are minor children in need and a family to be held together can be considered.
This group is also governed by the Standard Budget set up by the State Department of Public Welfare and the cases are visited once every three months to establish the fact that there is a continuing eligibility for this aid. The schools are checked at the same time to see that the children are receiving proper training.
Strict medical attention is given in the school system and care is granted where it is necessary.
This year hospitalization has increased from $8.00 per day to $10.00 per day and a single case which needs hospitalization runs into $70.00 per week over a period of time. This can be quite a burden and it is impossible to tell at the beginning of the year what our hospital bills will be.
This year we know that we will have one more family added to our rolls.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Total cases as of December 31, 1948 Recipients being aided January 1, 1948 New cases
13
1
1
14
8
Cases closed during year
0
Persons aided December 31, 1949
14
8
We wish to thank all departments for their co-operation this year. We wish especially to thank John F. Dolan, our Town Clerk, for his very valuable aid in securing vital statistics so necessary in determining eligibility of various categories of relief.
Respectfully submitted,
1
WILLIAM T. DUNBAR, Chairman
GEORGE R. HOVEY J. ALCIDE LOMBARD
WALTER E. CALLAHAN, Agent
1
7
:
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Veterans Service
To the Citizens of the Town of Ipswich:
At present there are 71 cases on file; 23 are active with the rest either in the inactive file or becoming active again as the time goes on.
We have been very fortunate in being able in the past to put unemployed Veterans to work, but now the point has been reached where we are not able to do so. It appears at present that the cost of Veterans Benefits will continue to rise ( which is the situation throughout the State) until direct remedies are considered, such as the creation of employment through various public projects. In most cases the veterans would rather have some job by which to earn the benefits which are ordinarily handed to them. Just what future remedies will be, is too great an answer to obtain at this time, but we can imagine that changes will come about similar to pre-war conditions. It may not bring another WPA but something similar in many respects. In the meantime your local agent would appreciate it if anybody has any work to be performed, and desires to hire a veteran, if they would contact him at the Town Hall.
In addition to the Veterans Benefits, the local Agent has performed the following services for the Veterans and their dependents:
Re-enstated Gov't Insurance-9 cases; Installed On-the-Job Training-6 cases; Widows' Pensions-3 cases; Helped change Bad Conduct Discharges to Discharge under Honorable Condi- tions-2 cases; Schooling-6 cases; Procured beds in VA Hos- pitals-12 cases; Dental-12 cases; Appeared before Rating
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Board for Increase in Compensation-3 cases; Procured Non- Service Connected Disabilities-7 cases; Aided in filling out Insurance Dividend Forms-42 cases; Burial Allowance-6 cases; Tomb Stones-2 cases.
In addition to the above the agent also photostats dis- charges and other allied papers needed for the individual cases; and in conjunction the agent also requests all veterans to bring in their Original Discharges so that a photostat copy can be made and placed in a file in this office which is kept in the event the Original is ever lost.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES T. PASSALES, Veterans Agent
Report of the Trustees of the Memorial Building
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
The Trustees of the Memorial Building hereby submit a report of their work for the year 1949.
The building has continued to serve the purpose for which it was built. The patriotic organizations in the building have all carried on their many activities and some of the organiza- tions have sponsored activities for groups not tenants of the building giving more people an opportunity to use the building.
During the year the trustees have continued the work of repairing the building. The auditorium has been completely refinished, plaster walls have been painted, woodwork re- finished and varnished, and the floor has been refinished. A stainless steel sink with cabinet has replaced the sink in the kitchen worn out by nearly thirty years of use.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Many small jobs have been done, as replacing window shades in one room, varnishing a floor, and repairing of toilets.
Although the building is in excellent condition at present, there are yet certain things that should be done to prevent more expensive repair work in the near future. The front steps should be repaired before frost causes a serious condition.
The financial statement will be found in the report of the Town Accountant and we are pleased to have an unexpended balance in the repair item.
The trustees have had a pleasant year with hearty co- operation of the organizations, with a pleasing response in bids for work to be done and a prompt and pleasing completion of the work.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN F. CONLEY
EDWIN H. DAMON
THOMAS H. REEDY RALPH C. WHIPPLE JAMES P. O'BRIEN NATHANIEL M. QUINT
Trustees
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of the Ipswich Housing Authority
In this, our first annual report of the Ipswich Housing Authority to the Town of Ipswich, we fully appreciate and realize that several pages would be necessary to cover the progress made by the Authority since its inception; however we do feel that the major transactions should be included in this report.
The Honorable Board of Selectmen on April 15, 1948, made the following appointments, to be known as the Ipswich Hous- ing Authority, namely, Judge Thomas A. Johnson, Sidney N. Shurcliff, David B. Claxton, and William J. H. Ewing. These appointments would expire at the first annual Town Meeting, when all members would be subject to election, and length of terms would be determined by popular vote. Mr. Frederick G. Whittier, Sr., completed the five-man board by his appoint- ment from the Chairman of the State Housing Board, with term of office to be three years, at which time he would be subject to reappointment by the same office.
The Authority organized on April 27, 1948, and was duly sworn into office. The following officers were elected: Judge Thomas A. Johnson, Chairman; Frederick G. Whittier, Sr., as Vice-Chairman; William J. H. Ewing, as Treasurer and Clerk; Sidney N. Shurcliff, as Assistant Treasurer; and David B. Clax- ton as member.
A series of meetings were held, comprising long drawn-out evenings. Several decisions had to be made promptly. In order for the Town of Ipswich to receive help from the State-Aided Housing Program it was absolutely necessary for the Authority
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
to establish a need for housing. A date was set for registration of all needy Veterans' families, aided by a questionnaire of suggested form from the State Housing Board. Sufficient evi- denco was found that a need for Housing existed in Ipswich. This information was presented to the State Housing Board, with a request for fifty single units. Quickly, we found out that no funds were available under Chapter No. 200, for this purpose; and furthermore all buildings must be of duplex type or larger, with emphasis on larger units. It was finally agreed that the Town of Ipswich would be allocated the sum of $270,- 000.00, and in that estimate it would include 24 apartments housed in seven buildings.
The architectural firm of Adden, Parker, Clinch & Crimp was contacted, and two representatives of that firm attended several meetings of the Authority. Discussions took place as to what type of housing was best, the kind of construction, number of bedrooms as based on information from our regis- tration forms. Needless to say, this problem presented a diffi- cult situation.
A complete study of plans and specifications were made by the architectural firm of Adden, Parker, Clinch & Crimp, who were now in our employ. Plans and specifications were submitted to the Authority for their approval. After approval by the Ipswich Housing Authority they had to be sent to the State Housing Board for their approval. It must be stated here that unless we got approval by the State Housing Board we were only wasting our time. Three complete sets of plans and specifications were submitted to the State Housing Board before we got final approval, and then several minor changes were recommended.
Numerous forms had to be filled out in compliance with the requests of the State Housing Board. Then the matter of financing the project arose, more forms and bidding on bond issue came about. Exacting and detailed work produced fur-
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
ther delays, to say nothing of the constantly changing attitude and decisions of the State Housing Board.
By this time Town Meeting rolled around and after the tabulation of votes, Mr. Sidney N. Shurcliff was elected for a term of five years; Judge Thomas A. Johnson, elected to a term of four years; William J. H. Ewing, elected to a term of two years, and Edmund P. Gillis elected to a one year term. Mr. David B. Claxton did not seek election, and the Authority lost a good worker and member. May we at this time express our appreciation to Mr. Claxton for his untiring efforts in our behalf and the Town of Ipswich.
The Authority reorganized on March 28, 1949, all members were duly sworn into office. Officers were elected to the same office they had previously held, with Mr. Gillis taking the place of Mr. Claxton.
Chambers and Moriece, of Cambridge, Mass., were em- ployed as landscape architects, and along with the architectural firm of Adden, Parker, Clinch & Crimp, we were ready to pro- ceed and call for bids.
Bids were publicly advertised in several papers, and asked for with the deadline at 12 o'clock noon on July 15, 1949. The opening of all general contractors and sub-bidders to be held as advertised in Court room, Town Hall, Ipswich, Mass., on July 15, 1949, there and then all bids to be read aloud. The lowest bidder being the George Fichera Construction Co. of Lawrence, Mass., his being $226,478.00, and was tentatively awarded the contract subject to approval of the State Housing Board. Final approval to start construction did not come until the date of September 24, 1949.
On August 8, 1949, Mr. Edmund P. Gillis resigned as a member of the Authority, said resignation to take place im- mediately. The Town Clerk also received a copy of resignation.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
His resignation was accepted with regret, as Mr. Gillis, although not a member for any great length of time, was an efficient member, attending all meetings and always willing to do his share of the work. According to the by-laws, no vacany could be filled until the Board of Selectmen were notified of such vacancy, and a joint meeting held to determine his successor. This was done and Mr. Irad S. Mullen was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Gillis.
Mr. Thomas H. Reedy was appointed and elected to the position of Clerk of the Works, or supervisor of construction. He was also to represent the Authority on all minor changes that did not involve an expenditure of money. The selection of Mr. Reedy has been commended by the architects, and the State Housing Board inspector. He has strictly adhered to the policies of the Ipswich Housing Authority, and he has proven himself to be a very efficient supervisor. Any citizen making an inspection of the project on County Road will share the feelings of the Ipswich Housing Authority.
As this report goes to press, we hope that some apartments have been occupied. Your Authority has worked hard to see that the Town of Ipswich will receive one dollar value for every dollar spent, and it is our hope that the townspeople will feel likewise. The Ipswich Housing Authority has made every effort to see to it that as much project money be left in Ipswich as possible.
We fully appreciate the task of awarding the apartments, with 24 units and over eighty applications you can readily see that another problem arises; however, you can be assured of all fairness in the distribution of apartments.
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
We have worked hard to bring about the completion of this State-Aided Veterans' Housing Project No. 200-1, with credit to the Town of Ipswich. We wish to thank all town officials and citizens who in any way assisted in giving us a helping hand.
Respectfully submitted,
SIDNEY N. SHURCLIFF Term expires 1954
THOMAS A. JOHNSON Term expires 1953
FREDERICK G. WHITTIER, SR., Term expires 1952
WILLIAM J. H. EWING Term expires 1951
IRAD S. MULLEN Term expires 1950
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Trustees of the Great Neck Property For the Town of Ipswich, Mass.
The Committee has leased twenty-three lots in this area at twenty-five dollars each for one year and two commercial lots.
I suggest a road program be adopted if new lots are to be leased. Both Mr. Bowen and Mr. Dunbar have given a great deal of their time and effort in the development of this area.
SIGOURNEY TODD, Chairman HAROLD D. BOWEN HORACE L. DUNBAR
Report of the Cemetery Commissioners
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
We submit herewith the report of the Cemetery Commis- sioners for the year ending December 31, 1949.
The work done by this department has been much the same as last year. Tulips were again planted last fall, as we had many compliments from the public on our spring display.
We have included in our budget for the year 1950, a sum of money to finish the Waters plot in the South Cemetery. The Massachusetts Department of Public Works completed its work last fall, and the remainder of the work is to be done by this department.
The Boys in the Service Committee donated $2500.00 for the purpose of beautifying the Cowles Memorial Cemetery. Out of this money two memorials were erected, one in memory of World War I veterans, and the other for World War II. A
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
flagpole was erected in the center of the location, and on each side were placed two flower beds. Beyond these are the two monuments, one on each side. Outside this circle were planted 72 Hatfield yews. In 1950 these plants must be replaced by the Cemetery Department.
As there is no water in this section of the hill it takes quite a bit of the department's time carrying water to use on the flower beds and shrubs. Because of this fact, we are inserting an article in the warrant this year to improve the water situa- tion in the Cowles Memorial and Highland Cemeteries. As our cemeteries are growing larger this lack of water is becoming a problem. The Water Department has co-operated with us on this project and we are in hopes of eliminating the present situation.
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