USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1950 > Part 6
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Equipment used as follows:
21%" Hose
8,800 feet
1%" Hose 3,050 feet
1 1/8 (State Hose)
4,000 feet
Ladders Raised
1,004 feet
Water from Booster Tanks
24,105 feet
Portable Pump
172 hours
Inhalator Used
1 time
C.O.2 Extinguisher Used
24 times
4 times
Du Gas Extinguisher Used Water Cans
19 times
Total value of property threatened
$108,200.00
Insurance carried on buildings
125,150.00
Estimated loss on buildings
9,143.69
Insurance paid on buildings
8,828.69
Value of contents
32,250.00
Insurance carried on contents
17,500.00
Estimated loss on contents
3,249.12
Insurance paid on contents
2,924.12
Total estimated loss on buildings and contents
12,392.81
Total insurance paid on buildings and contents
11,752.81
157
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
The year of 1950 has been a busy one for the Ipswich Fire Department. In spite of the fact we had 15 less calls than the year of 1949 our fire loss increased by $3,096.83.
Over a period of years we have been rebuilding the Fire Alarm System on the outside and we are now happy to report that it has been completed. There is a small amount of repair work to be made this year on the Little Neck Extension. In view of our efforts we have been able to cut our budget item on Fire Alarm for this year.
We have been favored with the delivery of a new 750 G.P.M. Seagrave pumping engine which has replaced Engine 1 (White) that was 30 years old.
We do not hesitate to say that the Town of Ipswich has equipment of the finest and will, barring any accidents, serve the townspeople for a long time to come.
In closing we extend our thanks to all Town Departments for their co-operation and to the Board of Selectmen for the courtesies extended to us.
Respectfully submitted, SAMUEL W. ATHERLEY, LIONEL SHEPPARD, ROBERT D. HILLS,
Board of Engineers
158
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 31, 1950.
Total Number of Arrests:
January
17
February
24
March
18
April
34
May
41
June
35
July
30
August
33
September
19
October
21
November
22
December
37
Total Arrests 331
159
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Classification of Crime:
Arson 2
Accessory before the fact to B. & E. N. T.
1
Assault on Police Officer
1
Assault
4
Allowing improper person to operate motor vehicle
1
Attaching plates
1
Breaking and entering
6
Carrying a dirk knife
1
Carrying revolver without a permit
2
Default warrant
1
Drunkenness
112
Delinquents
9
Disorderly conduct
1
Failing to slow down at intersection
1
Illegal use of firecrackers
1
Illegitimacy
1 17
Larceny
Larceny from a building
3
Leaving scene after causing property damage
7
Leaving scene after causing personal injuries
1
Laws of the road
1
Neglected children
1
Neglect of minor children
1
Non-support
6
Operating under influence of liquor
33
Operating without registration certificate in possession
1
Operating without a license
4
Operating after right to operate suspended
1
Operating after revocation
1
160
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IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Operating so as to endanger
5
Operating with defective equipment 1
Operating unregistered car
1
Operating uninsured car
1
Selling mortgaged property
1
Setting up and promoting lottery
5
Speeding
8
Trespassing
Violation Fish and Game laws
1
Violation Town By-laws (Beacon)
1
Violation Town By-laws (Disorderly conduct)
8
Violation Inspection Sticker law
5
Violation Town By-laws (Stop sign) 35
Vagrancy 4
331
Disposition of Cases:
Appealed
10
Continued Generally
1
Discharged
32
Dismissed for want of prosecution
13
Defaulted
3
Filed
46
Fined
115
Held for Grand Jury
6
Probation
9
Released
51
Suspended sentence
10
Sentenced to House of Correction 22
1 29
Violation of Probation
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
161
Committed to State Dept. Public Welfare 1 Pending 12
Total
331
Miscellaneous:
Automobiles reported stolen 3
Automobiles recovered 5
Automobile licenses suspended or revoked
67
Automobiles transferred
748
Ambulance runs
101
Ambulance runs out of town
21
Assistance rendered to persons in distress
12
Airplane accidents
1
Automobile accidents reported
33
Automobile accidents investigated 26
Automobile collisions reported
76
Automobile collisions investigated
23
Articles reported lost
77
Articles reported found
60
Animals disposed of
87
Animals injured by automobiles
41
Animals killed by automobiles
40
Attempts to enter buildings
5
Bicycles registered 1950
105
Buildings found open and secured
120
Buildings reported entered
20
Children located and returned to parents
8
Fingerprints taken
15
Miles covered by ambulance
1351
Miles covered by cruiser
26,164
Persons reported injured
48
Persons committed to Psychopathic Hospital
9
162
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Persons bitten by dogs
27
Poultry killed by dogs 10
Parking summons issued 80
Remanded to House of Correction pending trial 4
Summons served 175
Summons served for outside departments .: 60
Total bicycle registration 1,314
Turned over to outside departments .6
Warrants served 21
Warrants served for outside departments
7
Inventory of Police Departments:
Automobile
1
Ambulance 1
Dragiron set
1
Radio equipment for cruiser and station
1
Flashlights
7
Handcuffs
5
Iron Claws
8
Revolvers
9
Riot Gun
1
Rifle 1
Fingerprint outfit
1
The year 1950 has been a particularly active one insofar as the Police Department is concerned. We have attempted to keep abreast of developments as they arise and to keep crime at a minimum.
Never are the police so thoroughly appreciated as when they are needed, especially when some emergency arises and without delay and with the greatest efficiency take over the task of promptly handling the situation. The degree of effec- tiveness of police service lies largely in the number of trained
163
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
men, the type of training they receive, and the morale of the department. Willingness, intelligence, heroism and self sacri- fices are the banners of success in any department. During the past year several officers in the department were com- mended for outstanding police work which reflects a credit on the individual and the department.
The problem of the automobile and the parking and traf- fic situation especially during the summer months is acute and much remains to be done to make our town safer. One must realize that with two main trunk lines, Route 1A-12, running through our town and with the ever increasing volume of automobile traffic the problem of controling this situation has created a serious problem to the police department.
Again I am calling your attention regarding the trend toward the 40 hour work week in police departments has been gaining strength. Hundreds of towns and cities throughout the State have cut the work week of employees. The 40 hour week is the accepted basic work week and I think its benefits should be extended to the Ipswich Police Department. The police officers should enjoy the same work week standard that is now enjoyed by the vast majority of those whose lives and property they protect. The police officers need as much as does anyone else the time to rest and engage in leisure pursuits for himself and his family. I don't like to see Ipswich lag behind other towns and cities in establishing a fair and reason- able work week standard for members of its police force, and I sincerely trust that the five day week will soon become a reality for the police force.
164
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
The question of an increase in wages by members of the department and the amount agreed upon have been discussed at length by the officers and it was their opinion that they should be granted a permanent increase and that the prevail- ing scale should be as listed in the budget for 1951.
Because of the acute war conditions, the Auxiliary Police which were so active during the last war, were reorganized and again will be headed by George Hovey and an able staff. In line with civilian defense they will work in co-operation with other units.
In conclusion, I wish to express my appreciation for the co-operation and assistance extended to me by the Honorable Board of Selectmen and other town departments who have assisted me during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
BYARD W. HORSMAN,
Chief of Police
165
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Board of Public Welfare
To the Citizens of the Town of Ipswich:
Herewith is the annual report of your Board of Public Welfare for the year ending December 31, 1950:
General Relief
During the winter months, this category increases due to seasonal occupations. During the past spring, recipients able to work worked out their order cleaning the Town Hall until they could find outside work. Most of the people aided in this category are unskilled or untrained labor. Industry itself has not, at this time, expanded to such an extent that the slack of unemployment can be entirely taken up.
Others in this category are the aged and infirm non-citizens who cannot be aided by any other category.
Food and clothing have increased considerably and the increased cost is felt by this department.
Old Age Assistance
The Old Age Assistance budget increases every year, due to the fact that more people are coming of age all the time. Constant changes in the family, or of a person's living arrange- ments, mean changes in their budgets. This year, our rolls carried quite a number of hospital cases, which hit this de- partment very hard. As people get older, more medical and hospitalization are necessary for their care.
The State sets up a standard budget by which Old Age recipients' grants are established. I refer you to last year's Town Report wherein I gave the budgetary figures which govern
166
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
these grants. In December of last year, $4.00 was added to each case and was labeled for "Leisure Time Activity."
This last year the Federal Government increased its Old Age Survivor's Insurance to those people who were under Social Security. As these amounts are considered a resource to the person, they had to be deducted from the budget figure.
We can't say anything about the referendum on Old Age Assistance passed in November, because at this time there has been no ruling as to the legality of that vote. If it is legal, no one can say what it will cost the Town of Ipswich.
The following is a recap of the number of Old Age Assis- tance cases for the year 1950.
Recipients aided January 1, 1950
167
Applications pending January 1, 1950 3
Applications received during 1950 43
46
Approved
33
200
Not Approved 12
Pending December 31, 1950
1
13
Closed during 1950 21
Total Cases as of December 31, 1950 179
167
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Aid to Dependent Children
This particular category, for the care of children whose home life has been disrupted by sickness, death or desertion of the breadwinner in the family, has changed very little during the last two years. It is, however, necessary to carry a surplus in this account to care for any case that might be added. Like Old Age Assistance, it is a factor over which we have no control. The budgets for this category are similar to those for Old Age Assistance, as they are both set up by the State Department of Public Welfare and sanctioned by the Federal Government.
Cases Children
Total A.D.C. cases as of January, 1950
8
12
New cases during 1950
0
0
Cases closed during 1950
1
2
Cases aided December 31, 1950
7
10
Our contributions from the Federal and State Governments have kept the cost of running these departments down con- siderably, as witness the following figures:
Old Age Assistance
Expended
Reimbursement
$135,048.06
Federal
$ 58,882.02
State
52,774.73
Other cities
1,526.07
$113,182.82
Expended
$135,048.06
Reimbursements
113,182.82
Cost to Town
$21,865.24
168
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Aid to Dependent Children
Expended $ 8,019.85
Reimbursement
Federal
$ 2,559.25
State
2,723.65
$ 5,282.90
Expended
$ 8,019.85
Reimbursements
5,282.90
Cost to Town
$2,736.95
We wish to thank all departments for their co-operation this year. We wish especially to thank John F. Dolan, our Town Clerk, and Lucy Dolan, Acting Town Clerk, for their very valuable aid in securing vital statistics so necessary in determining eligibility of various categories of relief.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE R. HOVEY, Chairman
WILLIAM T. DUNBAR J. ALCIDE LOMBARD
Walter E. Callahan, Agent
Hildred D. Kelleher, Clerk
169
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Assessor's Report
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
In making this, the annual report of the Board of Assessors, 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.
The assessed valuation of Real and Personal property in 1949 was $8,914,015.00; in 1950 it was $9,119,855.00. The ap- propriations in 1949 were $588,349.14 and in 1950 were $702,- 041.51. The available funds in 1949 were $42,244.17 and in 1950 were $126,057.92.
In spite of larger appropriations in 1950 over 1949, with the increased valuations and available funds, we were able to make a tax rate of $42.00 per thousand. That is $1.00 less than in 1949.
In using a conservative amount for local receipts, a deficit in amount estimated by Tax Commissioner of about $20,000 was covered, so no money to cover this estimate will have to be raised in 1951.
Respectfully submitted,
C. CHESTER CALDWELL JOHN E. NORMAN JOHN A. SINGER
Board of Assessors, Ipswich
170
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
1950 RECAPITULATION
Total Appropriations $702,041.51
State Parks and Reservations
899.54
State Audit of Municipal Accounts
1,789.98
County Tax
26,246.60
Tuberculosis Hospital Assessment
13,515.32
Overlay of Current Year
21,698.36
Gross Amount to be Raised
766,191.31
Estimated Receipts and Available Funds
Income Tax
48,421.38
Corporation Taxes
35,652.06
Reimbursement on Account of
Publicly Owned Land
4,901.42
Old Age Tax (Meals), Chapter 64B, S 10
2,461.19
Gas Franchise Tax
29.32
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
30,000.00
Licenses
10,500.00
Fines
225.00
Protection of Persons and Property
400.00
Health and Sanitation
3,900.00
Charities (other than Federal Grants for Aid to Dependent Children) 7,473.93
171
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Old Age Assistance (other than Federal Grants )
41,000.00
Veterans' Benefits 5,800.00
Schools (Funds from Income Tax not to be included ) 9,000.00
Public Service Enterprises (such as Water Department, etc. ) 40,000.00
Cemeteries (other than Trust Funds and Sale of Lots ) 3,400.00
Interest: On Taxes and Assessments
1,100.00
School Transportation Reimbursement
8,173.15
Total Estimated Receipts
252,437.45
Auditing Municipal Accounts 769.23
Additional Amount Approved by Commissioner 125,288.72
Total Estimated Receipts and Available Funds 378,495.40
Net Amount to be Raised by Taxation on Polls and Property
387,695.91
Number of Polls-2331
4,662.00
Personal Property Tax
28,791.42
Valuation: Personal Property-$685,510
Valuation: Real Estate-$8,434,345
Tax on Real Estate
354,242.49
Total Taxes Levied on Polls and Property 387,695.91
172
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
TABLE OF AGGREGATES
Number of Persons Assessed:
On Personal Property Only
793
On Real Estate Only
1,749
On Both Personal and Real Estate
394
Number of Persons Assessed 2,936
Number of Polls Assessed
2,331
Value of Assessed Personal Estate:
Stock in Trade
$177,285.00
Machinery
110,715.00
Live Stock
45,185.00
All Other Tangible Personal Property
352,325.00
Total Value of Assessed Personal Estate
$685,510.00
Value of Assessed Real Estate:
Land Exclusive of Buildings
$1,800,845.00
Buildings Exclusive of Land
6,633,500.00
Total Value of Assessed Real Estate
$8,434,345.00
Total Valuation of Assessed Estate
$9,119,855.00
Taxes for State, County and City or Town Purposes
Including Overlay:
On Personal Estate
$ 28,791.42
On Real Estate
354,242.49
On Polls
4,662.00
Total Taxes Assessed
$387,695.91
173
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Number of Live Stock Assessed:
Horses
66
Cows (Milch)
571
Bulls, 14; Steers, 14; Heifers, 1
29
Swine
6
Sheep
60
Fowl
5,689
All Other
95
Number of Acres of Land Assessed
17,730
Number of Dwelling Houses Assessed
2,029
MOTOR VEHICLE AND TRAILER EXCISE
Number of Vehicles
2,992
Value of Vehicles
$1,345,190.00
Excise Tax
$43,756.90
174
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of the Ipswich Housing Authority
Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town Hall, Ipswich, Mass.,
Gentlemen:
We enclose herewith the Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1950, for your Title V Project 19-123.
You will note therein that, in accordance with State Hous- ing Board requirements, we have provided reserves for vacancy and collection losses, repairs, maintenance and replacements, and for tenants' accounts receivable.
With these reserves set up, there is a net income due the Town of Ipswich in the amount of $1,585.95. This covers the operation of the Project for the period when the Project was turned over to your Authority, June 1, 1950, through Decem- ber 31, 1950.
Respectfully submitted,
For the Authority,
WILLIAM J. H. EWING,
Executive Director
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT 175
Ipswich Housing Authority Title V Project Balance Sheet, December 31, 1950
ASSETS
Cash
$ 2,301.10
Tenants' Accounts Receivable
196.00
Total Assets
$ 2,497.10
LIABILITIES
Ground Rent Accrued
262.50 $
Accounts Payable
80.50
Reserves for V & C
$ 85.88
R. M. & R.
286.27
Tenants' Accts. Rec.
196.00
568.15
Dwelling Rent Income
$2,862.68
Less-Vacancy Loss
85.88
2,776.80
Less-Expenses
1,190.85
Net Income Due Town
1,585.95
Total Liabilities
$ 2,497.10
176
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen:
This year we submit for your information and approval a detailed report for Title V (temporary units), and the newly- completed State-aided Veterans' Housing Project known as Ipswich No. 200-1.
In the temporary units we have fifteen (15) apartments, with a rental of $28.00 monthly for each unit. All apartments are the same in size.
On the first of June 1950, the Federal Government relin- quished all interests and rights to the Ipswich Housing Au- thority, as agents for the Town of Ipswich. The operation sheet of this Project from June 1st, 1950, through December 31, 1950, is contained in this report for your inspection. You will note that, in accordance with State Housing Board require- ments, we have provided for vacancy and collection losses, repairs, maintenance and replacements, and for tenants' accounts receivable. This leaves a balance as of December 31, 1950, in the amount of $1,585.95, which was paid to the Town of Ipswich.
At the present time, these units are in need of minor re- pairs. It must be understood that these buildings were of a temporary nature, to be used for a period of five years. The five years have passed, and since the Federal Government has declared an emergency, the buildings are to stand for an in- definite period. Fortunately, no bad freeze-ups have occurred. It must be remembered that no cellars are under these buildings and that all galvanizd piping was used underground. The so- called "piping" is beginning to fill rapidly with rust. We most sincerely hope that no major repairs will be needed for some time.
177
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
The Authority has a waiting list for these apartments.
The newly-completed State-aided Veterans' Housing Project known as Ipswich No. 200-1, contains twenty-four (24) apart- ments housed in seven (7) buildings. They vary in size, rang- ing from two, three and four bedrooms per unit. Some of the buildings house two families, others three, while still others house four families.
Rents vary according to size of family and amount of in- come. At the present time, rents range from $23.50 to $45.00 per month. Average rents are $36.02, which is somewhat be- low the amount set by the State Housing Board.
All occupants of apartments must be honorably discharged veterans of United States military service; they must have chil- dren. All applicants, upon seeking an apartment, must show their income for the previous year and their qualifications are based on size of family and the amount of income (the income varies from $3250.00 to $3500.00, and continued occupancy from $3750.00 to $4000.00). The twenty-four apartments now house fifty-one (51) children.
Having over one hundred applications for apartments pre- sented a difficult problem for the Authority, however, fifty per- cent were eliminated because of being in the excess income bracket, or not possessing any children.
The Project was accepted for occupancy on July 27, 1950, and all selected families were notified to move in by August 1, 1950. Twenty-three accepted and moved in by that time, and, the twenty-fourth was filled and occupied on August 8, 1950.
We have a few problems at present that the Authority is endeavoring to straighten out, such as water seeping into several cellars, drafts around some doors and windows, etc. The hot water and heating units presented some difficulties, but at present this problem is practically solved. The heavy wind storm did considerable damage to outside doors, shingles, trees and shrubs. But in spite of all such damage, the Project stands as one of the best in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
178
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
The State Board of Health condemned our sewerage system as it was originally set forth. This meant re-opening of bids and a greater initial cost of the Project.
Mr. Thomas H. Reedy was our clerk of the works during the construction period; he represented the Authority on all minor change orders and he did a commendable job. The Authority welcomed the opportunity to assist in the election of Mr. Reedy as a member of the Ipswich Housing Authority to fill the vacany caused by the resignation of Mr. William J. H. Ewing, an Authority member since its inception. Mr. Ewing was subsequently appointed executive director of the Authority.
We regretted the resignation of Mr. Sidney N. Shurcliff, a stalwart member of the Authority since its beginning; it has been a privilege to work with a man of Mr. Shurcliff's ability and character.
It is impossible for us to close our report without extend- ing our thanks to all the department heads who have helped us in many ways. Mr. Francis E. Wood, superintendent of highways, rendered special assistance, and we wish to express our sympathy to Mrs. Wood and family on his demise. The Honorable Board of Selectmen, Mr. Charles A. Mallard, and Superintendent of Schools Mr. Harry S. Merson also rendered other assistance for which we are thankful.
Respectfully submitted,
JUDGE THOMAS A. JOHNSON (Term expires 1953)
FRED G. WHITTIER, SR. (Term expires 1952)
IRAD S. MULLEN (Term expires 1955)
THOMAS H. REEDY (Term expires 1951) WILLIAM J. H. EWING,
Executive Director
179
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Trustees of the Great Neck Property
April 13, 1951
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
The Board of Trustees of Great Neck Property hereby submit this report for the year 1950. The number of leases to date are two (2) commercial lots at $100.00 each per year, and forty-eight (48) dwelling lots at $35.00 each. By the con- struction of the new road last year, we were able to lease thirty- two (32) new lots. Also, by the construction of the road to be built this year, it will open up twenty-three (23) new lots.
The Hill Top Road was not completed due to the fact that the Water Department was unable to obtain the pipe. How- ever, this pipe has arrived and will be laid at an early date.
Your committee throughout the year has held many meet- ings to discuss the development of the property for the best interest of the people, and, in closing, we wish to extend our sincere thanks for your trust and confidence in the management of this property.
HORACE L. DUNBAR, Chairman F. SIGOURNEY TODD HAROLD D. BOWEN
181
IPSWICH TOWN REPORT
Report of Committee
Appointed under Article 49 of the Annual Town Meeting March, 1950
To Study the Question of a New Town Hall and Office Building
To the Citizens of Ipswich:
Your Committee has held regular meetings since early last fall, making a complete and careful study of our present build- ing, its condition and usefulness with regard to the foreseeable future requirements of our Town.
We are unanimous in the opinion that the inadequate facilities of the present building have long outlived their use- fulness, and that the time has come when the Town must plan for a new and modern Town Hall. The deplorable condition of our present building makes us strongly recommend no fur- ther alterations or expenditures of money to maintain it, except- ing for such minor repairs as will make it useful until replaced.
Several sites have been considered, most of which would require the acquisition of some property by the Town. Fur- ther study is needed, but we do strongly recommend that steps be taken this year to purchase or otherwise acquire such land, this being the first move toward the solution of our problem. Many years ago the Town acquired land adjoining the present building with such a site in mind. There are, however, two remaining parcels: one immediately adjoining the present build- ing and the other at the corner of Elm and County Streets that
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