USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1953 > Part 2
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SCHOOL MAINTENANCE: Major items of school maintenance work were channeled through this office, including contracts for floor tile installation, high school entrance
No. of Employees
1
1953 Expenditures $1,088.85
repairs, and the Shatswell School drive and parking area. Preliminary investigation and cost estimates were prepared for the 1954 school maintenance budget on over forty items.
SURVEYING AND PLANS: Field work and calculations were made for the purpose of preparing lot plans of the Town-owned property on Great Neck, sale of which was authorized by the 1953 Town Meeting.
A new master plan of the Town center district was prepared and will be available to the various departments in 1954 for use on refuse routes, the oiling program, hy- drant maintenance program, etc. Street numbering plans were prepared, and adopted for Linebrook Road, Farley Avenue, Damon Avenue, Newmarch Street, Nabby's Point Road, Arrowhead Trail, and Topsfield Road.
Street lines and grades were checked for the Public Works Department and private parties to insure that proper construction and locations are made in the building of retaining walls, fences, street work, drive- ways, sidewalks, and buildings, and to deter- mine responsibility in tree removal.
MISCELLANEOUS: Preliminary investigation, land plans and design plans of proposed Municipal Parking Lot expansion were com- pleted.
The Engineer served on a Special Ad- visory Committee, investigating the tech- nical aspects of the proposed sewerage system. Specifications and contracts for the acquisition of tax maps were drawn.
Also, the Engineer served as a dispensory of information on the Chapter 90 Argilla Road Reconstruction and all public works projects.
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PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT
Joseph R. Coupal, Jr., Personnel Director
PERSONNEL ACTIONS: During 1953, eighteen employees were appointed, and there were thirteen separations and seven transfers. Two hundred and sixty-four days of sick leave were taken by Town em- ployees. Ten paid holidays were allowed during the year, and all permanent em- ployees received two weeks of paid annual leave.
No. of Employees : Part Time 1 1953 Expenditures $113.40
CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION PLAN: The Classification and Compensation Plan was amended as of January 1, 1953 to in- clude several new positions and to reclassify four jobs. Also effective January 1, the salaries and wages schedule was increased 4 per cent, and the first cost-of-living adjustment of 4 per cent became effective on January 1, 1953.
PURCHASING DEPARTMENT
Joseph R. Coupal, Purchasing Agent
PURCHASE ORDERS: During the year 4,591 orders were sent out, of which 3,462 were field purchase orders and 1,129 were pur- chase orders.
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION: An Ad- ministrative Regulation describing the pur- chasing procedure in detail was distributed to all Department Heads.
No. of Employees : Part Time
1
1953 Expenditures $295.29
SEALED BIDS: During 1953 sixty-nine sealed bids were processed for the various depart- ments. All of these bids were advertised in the local newspaper, and a separate file was set up on each one. At the time of the bid opening, all bids were tabulated and the tabulations forwarded to the correct Department Head.
CIVIL DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Barclay Warburton III, Director
ORGANIZATION: During 1953 the Civil Defense Department has been strengthened by the addition to its Auxiliary Police Force of an Auxiliary Fire Department, a Search and Rescue Squad, and a Communication Section. These four divisions insure reason- able protection from the point of view of public safety.
However, much remains to be done in regard to welfare and emergency housing. The completion of this work will depend on volunteer aid which so far has not been
No. of Employees: Part Time
1
1953 Expenditures $380.22
forthcoming. An ample supply of first-aid equipment has been received, and is at the Fire Station, which has been designated as an emergency first-aid center.
PERSONNEL: Effective December 28, Mr. Barclay Warburton who had served as Di- rector of the Ipswich Civil Defense Depart- ment since July, 1952, found it necessary to resign because of the press of other business. An appointment to this post will be made early in 1954.
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SHELLFISH AND HARBORS DEPARTMENT
Lionel Sheppard, Sr., Director and Harbor Master
SHELLFISH PROTECTION AND PROPAGATION: Between March and October of 1953, fifty- two bushels of clams and one bushel of quohogs were planted on the flats. The natural seed clams are making a good growth and are down in the flats seven to eight inches so that the horseshoe crabs can do little damage.
The seed beds are in Third Creek, Middle Ground, and Point Peter. These flats will be closed until the clams are large enough to spawn and seed in other flats that are now barren.
Shellfish Commissioner Lionel Sheppard plants seed clams
No. of Employees : Permanent 1
Part Time Deputees 2
1953 Expenditures : Town Expenditures $3.967.11 363.99
State Aid
Nearly two thousand horseshoe crabs and sixty-five bushels of green crabs were de- stroyed during the year. The green crabs were not as thick this year as in 1952, and the horseshoe crabs did not arrive in great numbers until July and were gone by Oc- tober 1.
WHARF AND HARBOR: A request was made to the Coast Guard for a lighted buoy on North Spit, but the Coast Guard reported insufficient water to float one there.
Twenty painted buoys were put out in the Ipswich River and three in Eagle Hill River. The floats at the Wharf were re- painted and a new ramp built. Also, a temporary light was installed at the Wharf.
The mooring area has become more of a problem. There were forty-eight small out- boards from the wharf to Hovey Street during this season. It is planned to put a small float at the foot of Hovey Street with a ramp to the shore to service these boats next year.
SHELLFISH PERMITS: There were 492 resi- dent permits, 708 non-resident permits, and 16 commercial permits given out during the year.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES DEPARTMENT
Ernest Romano, Sealer
No. of Employees : Part Time
1
1953 Expenditures $35.54
DEVICES INSPECTED: The following tabula- tions represents the various devices inspected and sealed during the year. The sealing fees amounted to a total of $113.95, as compared to $94.00 in 1952.
Scales 55
Weights
34
Volumetric Measures
S
Meters, Less than 1 inch
40
Meters, More than 1 inch 17
Pumps 5
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POLICE DEPARTMENT
Stanley Surpitski, Acting Chief
PERSONNEL: Chief Byard Horsman who entered the police service in 1927 died on May 5, 1953 after a long illness. Sergeant Stanley Surpitski was appointed Acting Chief, and Patrolman Joseph Arcisz was assigned the duties of Acting Sergeant. A Civil Service Exam has been scheduled for early in 1954 to fill these permanently.
Also early in 1954, will be held a Civil Service Exam to fill the vacancies for three permanent patrolmen.
DOG OFFICER: During the year a new Division of the Police Department was established under the supervision of the Acting Chief of Police to take care of the dog problem. Mr. Joseph Leet was ap- pointed Dog Officer, and, as a result, 659 dogs have been licensed, and 10 kennel licenses issued. This new Division also provides for better care of stray dogs and relieves the regular personnel of the Police Department for more urgent duties.
No. of Employees 9 1953 Expenditures $37,589.38
ARRESTS: There were 347 arrests made by the Police Department during 1953, which is an increase of 77 over the 1952 number. These arrests are classified as follows:
Drunkness 135
Operating under influence 37
Stop sign violations 60
Excessive speeding 15
Failure to keep to right
9
Larceny 7
Operating to endanger 4
Operating without license 6
Failure to display sticker 8
Miscellaneous 66
These cases were disposed of as follows:
Fined 95
Filed
61
Released 58
Filed on costs 50
Not Guilty 12
Sentenced to House of Correction 11
Suspended Sentence 24
Miscellaneous 36
Acting Chief Stanley Surpitski (r.) and Acting Sergeant Joseph Arcisz discuss Ipswich traffic problems
16
OTHER ACTIVITIES: The Police Department investigated 1,045 complaints and found 181 business cstablishments open at night.
122 bicycle registrations were issued, and 389 parking summonses were issued. 150 ambulance calls were handled, with the ambulance traveling 1772 miles during the year.
There were 73 automobile accidents investigated, and 133 minor collisions re- ported. There were two auto fatalities in Town during 1953 which broke a record of 1571 days without a fatal auto accident.
1,097 auto transfers were handled. The cruising car traveled 31,329 miles.
Clam permits and beach parking stickers
)
Chief Samuel Atherly directs building main- tenance project at Fire Station
FIRE LOSSES: Estimated fire losses during 1953 fell to a remarkable $3,852, as com- pared to $19,000 in 1952. The total value of property threatened was $47,500. When it is considered that the Town of Ipswich has an assessed valuation in excess of $10,000,000, these figures indicate the effec- tiveness of the Town's fire prevention and fire control programs.
were issued as follows:
Resident Clam Permits 492
Non-resident clam permits 709
Resident beach stickers 1,299 Summer Resident Stickers 282
For the fouth consecutive year a plaque was awarded to the Ipswich Police Depart- ment for 1952 by the National Safety Council for having had no fatal accidents in Town during that year. Also a plaque from the A.A.A. National Pedestrian Pro- tection Contest for excellence in our pedes- trian record for 1952 was awarded.
The 1953 pedestrian record has been re- viewed and a plaque will be awarded to the Police Department in 1954 for this also.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Samuel W. Atherley, Chief
No. of Employees : Permanent 8
Call 30
1953 Expenditures: Fire Department $40,409.54
Forest Fires 414.53
FIRE CALLS: The Department answered a total of 355 calls during the year, as com- pared with 314 during 1952. Of these, however, only 4 were building fires, 7 were automobile fires, 20 were flooded oil burners, 83 grass and brush fires, and 58 ambulance assistance calls.
There were many calls to aid and assist citizens in such emergencies as flooded cellars, leaky refrigerators, and people locked out of their homes.
EQUIPMENT RUNS: Fire Department equipment during 1953 covered a total of 1,543 miles, but it is estimated that the engine mileage is about 11,000 miles. The Department laid one mile of 21/2 inch hose, and one-half mile of 11/2 inch hose. 1326 feet of ladders were raised, and 26,365 gallons of booster water was pumped.
BUILDING MAINTENANCE: Considerable building maintenance activity was carried on throughout the year. The entire interior of the building was washed and painted by men on the permanent crew, and the out- side of the building was painted with two coats and all windows reputtied under an outside contract.
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HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Ernest Romano, Health Officer
PERSONNEL: In April, Mrs. Anna Hall joined the Health Department to assume the responsibility of Tuberculosis control.
ADMINISTRATION : In keeping with the administrative policy to improve the depart- ment, changes were made to correct the record forms to suit our needs. A great deal of streamlining has been accomplished this past year and will continue in the future.
VITAL STATISTICS: During the past year we have accumulated morbidity statistics, which are statistics of disease, and mortality statistics, which are concerned with death and the causes of death.
These will not only indicate more clearly the healthfulness of our community but will also give us important clues as to the character of work required.
It is our hope that with the cooperation of the medical profession we will improve our morbidity reports.
Our reports show that the four leading causes of death are:
1. Degenerative heart disease
2. Malignant Neoplasm
3. Virus Pneumonia
4. Cerebral Vascular Lesions
SLAUGHTERING INSPECTION: Efforts conti- nue to be made to maintain sanitary condi- tions at the Slaughter House.
The following recommendations were car- ried out:
1. Installation of a hot water system
2. Screening during fly season
3. Repainting of walls
The number of animals slaughtered during the year were as follows: Horses 1,045
Calves 2
A total of $1,047 will be paid into the Town Treasury for the year in slaughtering fees.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES: It was noted that the incidence of chicken pox was greater this year than last.
No. of Employees: Board Members Permanent 1953 Expenditures
3
$7,591.52 1
The comparative number of cases reported of communicable diseases reported were as follows:
1953
1952
Measles
3
79
Mumps
4
9
Meningitis
0
2
Tuberculosis 3
3
Scarlet Fever 1
3
Chicken Pox 56
29
Whooping Cough 0
4
German Measles 3
17
Salmonellosis
1
4
Poliomyelitis
1
0
The number of dog bites investigated this year was 36 as compared with 21 for the previous year. There were no cases of Rabies.
DOG IMMUNIZATION CLINIC: This year a dog immunization clinic was inaugurated for protection against rabies, at no cost to the Town. 138 dogs were inoculated.
FOOD ESTABLISHMENT INSPECTION: The number of inspection of food establishments were as follows:
Restaurants 86
Bakeries 12
Grocery Stores 22
Drug Stores 9
Twelve swab tests were performed at local food establishments.
MILK INSPECTIONS: During the year 16 in- spections of dairy plants were made and eleven milk samples were analyzed.
ANIMAL INSPECTION: During the annual farm survey, 34 farms were inspected, and 62 ear tags were examined of animals shipped to Ipswich.
LICENSES AND PERMITS: 108 licenses and permits were issued during the year.
NUISANCE COMPLAINTS: Forty nuisance complaints were reported and all were in- vestigated and abated.
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OVERNIGHT CABINS: Ten overnight cabins and recreational camps were investigated and found to be operating properly.
DAY NURSERIES: During the year rules and regulations were drawn up by the Board governing day nurseries in order to afford greater protection to pre-school children and to assist day nursery operators in carry- ing cut the functions of these child-care centers.
TUBERCULOSIS CONTROL: On April 1, 1953, Mrs Anna Hall was assigned, upon request, to the Health Department by the Essex County Health Association, at no cost to the Town. Between April 1 and Decem- ber 29, 114 home visits were made.
As a result of the home visits, a chest x-ray clinic for tuberculosis contacts was held and 55 x-rays were taken.
It is our hope that in view of the progress made in tuberculosis control, the Town will assume the responsibility of carrying on this nursing service in the future.
SCHOOL NURSING PROGRAM: At the annual Diphtheria Clinic held last spring in the Me-
morial Building, 68 initial immunizations and 360 Booster doses were given.
Thirteen students and two adults working in the High School Cafeteria were taken to Middleton for chest x-rays to comply with the State ruling that all school personnel must have a certification card as to their freedom from Tuberculosis, on file in the Superintendent's Office.
Also, all known contact cases in the schools, both High and Elementary, are routinely taken to Middleton for a physical check-up and chest x-ray every six months.
The Well Child Clinic was held the first Wednesday of each month, with the excep- tion of August. 96 pre-school children were treated at the Clinic which is an increase of 6 over 1952. Three babies received their initial immunization against Diptheria, Tetanus, and whooping cough, and eight children were given Booster doses.
Late in 1953 the Clinic was moved to new quarters at the Municipal Health De- partment in the Town Hall. These new rooms are ideal, and 1954 should be a very successful year for the Well Child Clinic.
.
Doctor Frank Collins and Nurse Eleanor Richardson check physical condition of protesting young citizen at the well-child clinic
19
WELFARE DEPARTMENT
Walter Callahan, Welfare Director
INTRODUCTION: Almost since the beginning of time, Public Welfare, as we know it, has been in existance. It predates the early Egyptians and is with us today.
In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, there are four general categories of aid. These are Old Age Assistance, Aid to Dependent Children, Disability Assistance, and General Relief.
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE: This category of assistance is designed to aid the elderly citizen, who has reached the age of sixty- five and who is in need. Citizenship of the United States is a primary requisite and must be established by the applicant. The Community is reimbursed a major portion of the aid rendered in this category by the State and Federal Government. There is no right as such that gives people Old Age Assistance. It is unlike Federal Social Secu- rity, in that the element of need is the first essential. Unless need is established, there can be no aid.
Total expenditures for Old Age Assistance this year were $146,473.98 as compared to $142,021.12 in 1952. This total expenditure
No of Employees :
Permanent Board Member
3 3
1953 Expenditures :
Administration $ 8,171.39
General Relief 8,793.73
Old Age Assistance 146,473.98
A.D.C.
5,392 80
Disability Assistance 13,132.15
was apportioned as follows:
Federal Share
$66,185.55
State Share
59,314.21
Local Share
20,974.22
Total $146,473.98 On January 1, 1953 there were 169 active cases on the town rolls. During the year, 33 cases were closed and 24 cases were added so that as of December 31, 1953, there were 164 active cases.
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN: This cate- gory of relief deals with the families in which the wage earner has been taken by death, desertion, or sickness. These cases in the past have been visited once every three months, but starting on January 1, 1954 they must be visited every month, and one visit each quarter must be made at night. A strong family contact must be established, and every effort made to keep the religious life of the family at a high level. Schools must be contacted each month to find out how the children are standing in their
Welfare Director Walter Callahan (r.) discusses welfare case with Board Members (1. to r.) Alcide Lombard, Chairman George Hovey, and William Dunbar
20
classes. In the summer every effort is made to secure employment for these children to impress upon them the importance of help- ing in the family. The case load for 1953 averaged six families with eighteen people as recipients.
The total was apportioned as follows: Federal Share $2,173.50
State Share 1,731.56
Local Share 1,487.74
Total $5,392.80
This total expenditure of $$5,392.80 for 1953 compares with a total expenditure of $4,652.45 in 1952.
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE: This type of assis- tance cares for the permanently disabled who cannot take care of themselves. Citizen- ship is no bar in this category. A person must be 18 years of age however. This new category of assistance has decreased the General Relief rolls somewhat, in that some of the General Relief cases are now eligible for this type of relief, and the Town receives the benefit of some reimbursement from the State and Federal Governments.
As of January 1, 1953 there were 16 active cases on the rolls. During the year, 2 cases were closed and 2 new cases were added, giving us 16 cases as of January 1, 1954.
Total expenditures in 1953 were $13,- 132.15 as compared to a total of $12,845.23 in 1952. This 1953 total was apportioned as follows:
Federal Share $4,839.08
State Share 3,813.82
Town Share 4,479.25
Total $13,132.15
GENERAL RELIEF: This category of assis- tance provides for persons who are tempo- rarily unemployed or who, for one reason or another, do not qualify for any of the other categories of relief.
Total amount expended for General Relief in 1953 was $8,793.73 as compared to a total of $10,158.54 in 1952. There was an average case load in 1953 of 24 while the Department handled an average of 17 cases per month in 1952.
ADMINISTRATION: The cost of administra- tion of Public Welfare during 1953 amounted to $8,171.39, which was appor- tioned as follows:
State & Federal Shares $4,016.76
Town Share 4,154.63
Total $8,171.39
VETERANS' SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Anthony Murawski, Veterans Agent
CASE LOAD: Expenditures for veterans' benefits during 1953 amounted to $14,798.42. Out of this amount $11,678.50 was paid for cash allowances for ordinary benefits, $1,404.83 paid for medical ex- penses, and $1,715.09 for emergencies and fuel.
At the close of the year there were nine- teen active cases and four cases pending. There are many cases on file now that become active for a short period of time during the course of each year. Complete applications must be taken on all the vet-
No. of Employees 1953 Expenditures : Administration . $ 2,192.27 Aid $14,798.42
1
erans who seek benefits.
OTHER SERVICES: In addition to financial aid, other aiding services are rendered by this Department. These include hospitali- zation in V.A. Hospitals, assistance in filing for state bonuses, photostat reproduction work on discharges.
In many instances where the veteran is inquiring about schooling, insurance, on-the- job training, or other veterans' problems, he is referred to the Regional V.A. Office in Salem.
21
RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Pennell S. Eustis, Director
No. of Employees : Permanent Part Time Board Members 1953 Expenditures
$3,913.61
SUMMER PROGRAM: Two playgrounds were open, under supervision for eight weeks, and an average of 150 children a day took part in the scheduled program. Arts and crafts, sports activities, special events, dramatic ac- tivities. stunts, and games were included in the list of activities offered.
In cooperation with the Kiwanis Club and other interested citizens, a Thursday evening Block Dance was held in the Municipal Parking Lot which attracted hun- dreds of young people throughout the summer months.
The Boys' Twilight Baseball League, in- cluding sixty boys, from 12 to 16 years of age, was another seasonal program super- vised by this Department and sponsored by interested organizations that aided in giving team and group experiences to the youth. Also, facilities were provided and maintained for the Men's Softball League which in- cluded ninety men and older boys in weekly games over a three-month period.
The Red-Cross again sponsored and super- vised a summer swimming program in- volving one hundred fifty boys and girls for an eight-week period with the aid of the Recreation Department.
Action in the Summer Playground Program
1 5 5
Halloween window painting contest
FALL AND WINTER PROGRAM: By the end of September a new recreation office was made available as part of the Town Hall Improvement program. Activities planned and carried out by the Department included the following:
1. A Halloween Window Painting Con- test for Grades 3-12, in which 176 children participated.
2. Thanksgiving Store Window Guessing Contest for all grades with 150 entries.
3. Thanksgiving Editorial Contest for Grades 4-12 with a participation of 63.
4. Monday evening basketball for men at the High School with 26 enjoying this program.
5. Saturday gym program for 147 boys and girls at the High School for Grades 5-7.
6. Arts & Crafts classes in painting and rug hooking for 42 adults at the High School.
7. Bowling League for children in Grades 5-12 at the Depot Square Alleys once a week, about 115 children attended these program.
8. Supervision of the Tiger-Teen Dances run bi-monthly with an average of 175 teen-agers.
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The Recreation Department sponsored a Little Theater Group which put on two productions during the year. In July, the play "Dear Ruth", given for two consecu- tive nights to appreciative audiences, and in December the production of "You Can't Take it With You" included a cast and crew of over 40 people.
RETROSPECT: Ipswich has progressed rapid- ly during the past year recreational-wise. The advent of a full-time program has
given recreation a sense of direction and stability. Many new activities have been offered that were only plans a year ago.
Through the keen interest of the Town Administration, Recreation Committee, School Department, merchants, and citizens- groups, these opportunities have been made possible. Recreation on a community level is dependent on cooperation. This is the key to the success of any recreational program, and the people of Ipswich are giving it.
PUBLIC LIBRARY
Hester L. Mitchell, Librarian
CIRCULATION: During the year, 36,068 books were circulated, an increase of 2,120 over 1952. 1,284 volumes were added to the library shelves, of which 414 were gifts and 253 for the Rogers Room for children.
In June, the library record collection was opened to the public, and in the seven remaining months of the year, the record circulation totaled 155 albums. Record gifts have been added, and recently the Edu- cational Division of the Ipswich Women's Club presented to the library its first new
No. of Employees : 3 Full Time Part Time 1953 Expenditures $9,000.00
album, Danny Kaye's Hans Christian An- dersen, for use during story hours and for adult borrowing.
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