USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1960 > Part 9
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Bicycle plate fees turned in to Town Treasurer Permits to carry firearms fees turned in to Town Treasurer Licenses to sell firearms fees turned in to Town Treasurer Apeco auto-stat copies fees turned in to Town Treasurer
119
133
ANNUAL REPORT
Violation of Lord's Day
6
3
0
9
Violation of Drug Act
2
0
0
2
Violation of Fish and Game Laws
1
0
0
1
822
51
30
903
Conclusion
The police department consists of a Chief, Deputy Chief, two Ser- geants, eleven patrolmen, twenty-three Special Police, clerk, matron, and janitor.
The department works on three shifts, which are set up so that during peak hours of traffic and hours in which accidents are most likely to take place, officers coming on duty are able to aid men who are finishing their tour of duty. The middle shift is the weak link in the department as there are only a Sergeant on desk duty and two patrolmen on beats. If the two officers are called for an accident or other investi- gation the town is left without any protection. I have recommended that one new patrolman be appointed in 1961.
The ambulance service, which is privately owned, has been very beneficial to the department by handling the injured and removing them to the hospital, thus allowing the officers to make their investigation and to handle traffic until accident is cleaned up. The ambulance service was called by the police department ninety-two times for either accidents or emergency calls in 1960.
One hundred and fifty-six persons were injured in motor vehicle accidents which this department investigated. Twenty-eight of those in- jured were of a serious nature. Fifty-seven were injured to such extent that hospitalization was necessary. Seventy-one injured were of a minor degree and were either treated at hospital emergency ward or by a doctor. Middleboro had three fatal accidents in 1960, in which three per- sons were killed. One was a pedestrian, one an operator of motor vehicle and the other was a passenger in a motor vehicle.
One hundred and seventy-four motor vehicle accidents were investi- gated by this department, involving both personal and property damage. Three fatal accidents, eighty-seven personal injury accidents and eighty- four property damage accidents with damage over $200.00 each. One hundred and thirty-five property damage accidents, under $200.00 were investigated by police or reported by operators to the police department. Accidents which were investigated by State Police are not included in this report.
Cruiser car number 1 traveled 13,375 miles from January to May 25 when it was turned in. New cruiser car number 1 traveled 25,976 miles from May to end of year. Cruiser car number 2 traveled 11,082 miles for the year, a total mileage of 50,433 miles. This was in patrols and invest- igations. 12 persons were taken to either a doctor or emergency accident room at hospital for minor injuries not requiring regular ambulance service.
134
ANNUAL REPORT
I wish to express my thanks and appreciation to the Board of Select- men, Town Manager and his staff, the Finance Board, the School Depart- ment and teachers, the Fourth District Court and the Massachusetts State Police for the assistance and cooperation given during the year. To the officers of my department for their efforts in making the adminis- tration of this department a success. To the Civilian Defense Auxiliary Police who gave their time and effort, unpaid, to aid the regular police department by traffic duty, patrolling by car and foot patrol.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM E. GARDINER
Chief of Police
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit for your consideration and approval the thirty- ninth annual report of the Fire Department for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1960.
Apparatus
Engine #1 Dodge - 500 gal pumper
Engine #2 Maxim - 1000 gal. pumper
Engine #3 Maxim - 750 gal. pumper
Engine #4 Maxim - 500 gal. pumper Aerial Ladder - Maxim
Ladder #1 - Maxim
Dodge 1 Ton Truck
1 Trailer Unit
1 Rescue Boat, Trailer and Equipment
Purchased October 15, 1954 Purchased April 23, 1928 Purchased March 29, 1934 Purchased March 29, 1934 Purchased January 18, 1956 Purchased April 26, 1946 Purchased Sept. 8, 1956 Donated Donated
Organization
The personnel of the Fire Department as of December 31, 1960 is as follows:
1 Permanent Chief
1 Permanent Deputy Chief
1 Permanent Captain
12 Permanent Men
5 Call Captains
37 Call Men
6 Substitutes
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ANNUAL REPORT
South Middleboro Unit
Equipment
1 Call Captain
13 Call Men
1 Ford - 500 gal. pumper 1 Chevrolet - 500 gal. pumper
1 Tractor Trailer Tank Truck
Operation
Box Alarms -20
False Alarms - 16
Stills -115
Aid from Bridgewater - 2
Squads - 27
Aid from Lakeville - 2
Resuscitator - 3
Civil Defense - 1 National Guard - 2
Total Calls -203
South Middleboro Operation
Building Fires - 9
Grass and Brush - 18
Aid to Bridgewater - 1 Stills - 18
Total Calls - 46
Property Loss
Buildings
Contents
Valuation - $158,100.10
$63,200.00
Total Insurance - $152,000.00
58,800.00
Estimated Damage - - 79,221.62 36,511.00
Insurance Paid - $76,309.98
32,062.37
Loss not covered by Insurance - $2,911.64
4,448.63
The apparatus is in good condition with the exception of Engine #4, which is in very poor condition and should be replaced.
Some work should be done on the main roof of the building, some of the rooms on the second floor should be painted this coming year.
New hose should be purchased, and money has been added to the budget for this purpose.
Under fire alarm, due to the hurricane and new road construction, new wire, cables, and conduits were used to repair the damage and the system is now in good condition.
Some repairs were made to the west side whistle house.
The usual inspections were made for oil burners, bottled gas, rest homes, and the hospital.
Respectfully submitted,
BERTRAM TRIPP
Chief of Fire Department
No School -9
Aid to Bridgewater - 3 Aid to Lakeville - 3
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF FOREST WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my report for the year 1960.
Warden Calls
34
Still alarms, grass and brush
47
Town Dump
27
Total calls
108
Estimated damage
$ 120.00
Cost of Extinguishing
Wages
$1,383.85
Maintenance and Operation
432.20
Total Cost
$1,816.05
Receipts
For burning grass
$ 141.00
Respectfully submitted,
BERTRAM TRIPP
Forest Warden
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF WIRES
During 1960 I travelled 2,646 miles as your Inspector of Wires. There were 56 new inspections, 133 changing from two wire to three wire service. Eleven trailers, 14 temporary services were inspected. Also there were 49 re-inspections made, plus rough wiring on 63, making a total of 530 inspections for the year.
Respectfully yours,
E. N. NIRO, Wire Inspector
137
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE CIVIL DEFENSE DIRECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit for your consideration and approval the report of the Department of Civil Defense.
The year 1960 has again posed several reorganizational problems, due to changes in policy at the F.C.D.A. level. The Federal Civil Defense Agency is stressing the development of the Home Shelter Program. As opposed to the previous plan which included total evacuation of strategic target areas. This new policy has made it necessary to review and make changes in the evacuation plans. Contact was made with the local direct- ors in Weymouth, Whitman and Abington, who would normally evacuate to Middleborough area. A new partial evacuation plan has been established.
In the course of the 1960 operational alert both units participated. I wish to thank the citizens who were caught on Center Street during the five minute practice alert, for their prompt and cheerful compliance with order to take cover. During the visit of hurricane Donna both the Mobile Radio Unit and Mobile Feeding Unit were used to carry out their assigned duties. We received a letter of thanks from the Bell Telephone Company for assisting the operating staff at the local office.
A total of sixty-five members of the C. D. organization have taken training in various departments.
We take pleasure in welcoming Mr. Arthur E. Boardman to the staff as Radio Officer.
Mr. William A. LeWillie in charge of training the communication teams is also a welcome addition to the staff.
Captain D'Elia continues intensive training of the Auxiliary Police.
The Medical Department has acquired several new items of equip- ment, including a portable dental chair, and associated equipment. X-ray viewers for dental X-rays, cases of iodine swabs, bandages and plastics.
A new series of first aid training courses have been planned and organized.
The Supply Department has completed the new fuel survey which includes gasoline, kerosene, coal, natural and L.P. gas, and our survival capability determined.
138
ANNUAL REPORT
Engineering is a static department although the survey of all engi- neering equipment is complete and on file. This equipment is called out in the course of an emergency.
Food and Lodging had to be reorganized due to changes in evacu- ation policies.
I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the Town Officials and to all members of the Civil Defense organization, who have given their cooperation and help throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL WEAVER Director of Civil Defense
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit for your consideration and approval, the report of the Department of Weights and Measures for the year 1960.
This year a total of 681 weighing and measuring devices were tested, 77 of which were found to be in need of adjustment and 6 were con- demned. At regular intervals pre-packaged commodities offered for sale have been inspected for short weight or over-pricing.
The revenue turned in to the Town Treasurer for the year 1960, is as follows:
Sealing Fees
$393.75
Adjustment Fees 24.60
Total Fees
$418.35
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT F. COBURN
Sealer of Weights and Measures
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ANNUAL REPORT
Adjusted
Sealed
Not Sealed Condemned
SCALES AND BALANCES
Over 10,000 lbs.
4
100 to 5,000 lbs.
15
66
5
1
Under 100 lbs.
22
130
1
1
WEIGHTS
Avoirdupois
1
220
Apothecary and Troy Metric
38
28
CAPACITY MEASURES
Liquid 1 gallon or under
9
METERS
Gas Pumps
28
98
1
4
Oil and Grease
27
Vehicle tank
8
26
Bulk Storage
1
2
PUMPS
Kerosene - oil
2
14
1
MEASURING DEVICES
Cloth
2
LINEAR MEASURE
Yard Sticks
11
Total
77
675
8
6
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT F. COBURN Sealer of Weights and Measures
140
ANNUAL REPORT
Public Services
REPORT OF THE VETERANS' SERVICES DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town of Middleborough
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith for your consideration and approval the report of the Department of Veterans' Services.
This department has had a very busy year. The first thing we were confronted with was the strike at the Bethlehem Shipyard in Quincy. Eighteen veterans and their families were aided by this office, due to the ruling of eligibility by the Commissioner.
The new Pension Law P.L. 86-211 which became law on July 1, 1960 added a very heavy work load due to veterans seeking advice and coun- sel about their rights under the new law.
Our medical and hospital costs were increased by approximately $5,000.00 over 1959 due to unexpected serious sickness by veterans and their families.
Our permanent case load is about the same as 1959. We have gained some cases and lost some.
There has also been an increase in the budgets allowed by the State, and we, not having a local staffed hospital, are required to pay higher costs for hospital and medical services.
The agent's services are reimbursed in the amount of $1,550.00 by Lakeville, Carver and Rochester and I am pleased to say that my rela- tions with these towns have been wonderful.
My secretary, Mrs. Alice Smith, and myself wish to acknowledge the support and cooperation of the town departments to whom we can only say thanks.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE E. WHEELER
Veterans' Agent
141
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE
The annual report of the Department of Public Welfare for the year ending December 31, 1960 is as follows:
The over-all expenditures by this Department in 1960 were $10,904.02 less than in the year 1959 because of decreased expenditures in the cate- gories of Old Age Assistance, General Relief and the administration of all categories of public assistance.
On July 1, 1960, payments on Old Age Assistance, Aid to Dependent Children and Disability Assistance were increased 5.2%. This require- ment was brought about by an increase in the cost of living index as reported by the Division on the Necessaries of Life in accordance with Chapter 118A, Section 1.
A new program entitled MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE AGED was enacted and became effective as of October 1, 1960. This act pro- hibits the granting of Old Age Assistance in all licensed nursing homes, all licensed chronic hospitals and approved public medical institutions where the patient needs no other residence.
On the effective date of the Medical Assistance for the Aged law, thirty-seven Old Age Assistance cases were automatically transferred to this new category of assistance.
In the category of AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN, there was an increase of $5,647.36 over the expenditures in the year 1959. This was brought about by the 5.2% cost of living increase and increased medical services to eligible recipients. The average caseload was thirty-nine fam- ilies representing 139 eligible recipients per month.
An amount of $5,930.15 was received from payments made by separated parents, an increase of $618.95 over last year's receipts.
Expenditures in the category of OLD AGE ASSISTANCE were $16,096.07 less than those in 1959.
On October 1, 1960, the Federal Government increased its reim- bursement from $41.50 to $47.50 per eligible case regardless of the total amount of aid granted.
A total of $7,181.66 was recovered under the Old Age Assistance lien law (Section 4 of Chapter 118A General Laws amended).
Although there was a substantial increase in the Board and Care account under GENERAL RELIEF, the total expenditures of this pro- gram were approximately $9,115.77 less than those in the year 1959. Two
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ANNUAL REPORT
children who received treatment at the Lakeville State Sanatorium for a long period of time contributed greatly to the increase in this account. The average caseload was fourteen, seven less than in 1959.
The average caseload in the category of DISABILITY ASSISTANCE was thirty-five. An increase of $8,144.68 is noted in the expenditures for this type of assistance over 1959 because of the cost of living increase and the various types of expensive medical services which these recip- ients require.
Following is a report of the medical expenses in the categorical assistance programs:
OAA
ADC
DA
Hospitalization
$12,651.77
$2,396.50
$7,367.35
Physicians
7,036.00
1,810.00
2,130.00
Drugs and Medical Supplies
14,987.97
1,823.26
4,742.20
Nursing Home Care
75,910.66
9,341.80
Dental Care
601.00
2,604.80
532.00
Eye Care
1,053.00
576.50
198.00
Visiting Nurse
502.50
1.50
Out Patient Dept. Fees
32.50
39.00
99.00
Ancillary Services
41.00
Other Medical
1,532.91
1,086.30
751.00
Respectfully submitted,
(MRS.) BARBARA D. NORVISH Director of Public Welfare
143
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE
(PLYMOUTH COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE) By Robert B. Ewing, County Agent-Manager
The Plymouth County Extension Service (legal name - County Aid to Agriculture) is located in the Court House, Brockton. Since 1915, when it was first established, the Extension Service, in cooperation with the University of Massachusetts and the United States Department of Agriculture, has been furnishing information in three categories - Agri- culture, Home Economics and 4-H, to the citizens of Plymouth County.
The Extension Service is known as the educational arm o fthe United States Department of Agriculture. In other words, its job is to supply information to people who request it and who reside in Plymouth County. A staff of agents conduct programs (in Agriculture, Home Eco- nomics, and 4-H Club Work) by furnishing educational information through farm and home visits, letters, newspaper articles, radio talks, meetings, and office visits. Basically the job of the Extension Service has been the same since 1915, namely to supply information. The pro- grams may vary from time to time and be of a tentative nature to meet an emergency. The basic objective of the Extension Service remains the same but people and times do change.
When the Extension Service was first organized, its job in Agricul- ture was to supply information to commercial farmers. However with an increased population estimated at 30% for the past 10 years in this county the Extension Service is faced with the task of supplying inform- ation, not only to commercial farmers, but to part-time farmers, and the new home owners. The Extension Service furnishes the information, but it is up to the individual to make the decision as to how this information can be used to the best advantage.
This year, along with the normal requests for information, we had an exceedingly large number of requests pertaining to lawns and the care of lawns. This includes seeding, fertilizing and control of insects, diseases and weeds. We also had more than the usual number of requests for information on Japanese beetles, squirrels, pigeons, ants, mosquitoes, etc. It is gratifying to know that many who followed the information obtained satisfactory results.
In general, it is quite difficult to find out how much money an individual farmer saves as a result of educational information that he obtains through the Extension Service. However, this past year we were able to do this in one particular instance. Poultrymen and dairymen in Plymouth County had asked for information pertaining to the home- mixing of grain. As a result of a series of meetings set up by the Exten- sion agents, at which information on this particular subject was discus- sed, members of one cooperative in Plymouth County are now saving in the vicinity of $5 per ton of grain. At this rate it means that the dairy- men and poultrymen in this cooperative are saving over $20,000 a year in their grain costs.
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ANNUAL REPORT
A new Home Department Advisory Board was established this year to assist the agents with some phases of the Home Department programs.
The young people in Plymouth County who are in 4-H Club Work participate in one of the finest "fair programs" that is conducted in Mas- sachusetts. Plymouth County 4-H Fair, local community fairs, and other major fairs in southeastern Massachusetts provide an excellent oppor- tunity for 4-H club members to exhibit the products they have grown, produced and made as a result of their project work. When five hundred or more 4-H club members participate in a program, it gives the public an excellent opportunity to see the results of their activities. We are particularly proud of the achievements of our Plymouth County 4-H club members.
Every citizen in Plymouth County should be aware of the fact that the Extension Service is supported by the county, state and federal governments, and that a large number of Plymouth County citizens avail themselves of the opportunity to secure free help and information per- taining to the Home, Home Grounds, 4-H Club Work and Agriculture. Requests for such information should be directed to the Plymouth County Extension Service, Court House, Brockton, Mass.
Funds for the Plymouth County Extension Service are derived prin- cipally from the County. Some federal funds are also available through the University of Massachusetts. Most towns in Plymouth County make an appropriation at the town meeting which is used for the general expenditures of the Plymouth County Extension Service. Town Directors are appointed in those towns where an appropriation is made. These Town Directors are unpaid volunteer leaders who serve as the Extension Service representatives in their respective towns.
A Board of Trustees, appointed by the Plymouth County Commis- sioners, administer the Extension Service program, and is composed of the following members:
Gilbert Blackledge, Whitman, Chairman Mrs. Harold D. Bent, Brockton Lewis Billings, Plympton Mrs. Mabel Chandler, Duxbury Robert Hammond, Wareham John A. Howe, West Bridgewater John W. Little, Marshfield John Prentice, Plymouth Mrs. Herbert Wydom, Brockton
145
ANNUAL REPORT
PLYMOUTH COUNTY MOSQUITO CONTROL PROJECT
In reporting on your project's activities in 1960, our third year of operation, we are happy that many of our preliminary efforts of the first two seasons are now producing good control in many breeding wetlands.
A number of factors have contributed to this season's control; 1. The increased efficiency of the field men as a result of two or more years of training and experience. 2. In all towns, one or more of the most prolific breeding areas adjacent to population centers have been eliminated by a drainage program, effected by our power trencher. 3. While rainfall was normal during the past summer, we had lengthy periods between rains, thus giving insecticide adequate time to halt the development of mosquito larvae. 4. Little or no expenditures toward new equipment were necessary this year, this allowed additional monies toward the control work.
In the past season, we again suffered through a heavy population of the first spring brood of mosquitoes, this being a specie that produces but one brood per season. They start hatching in early May in fresh water swamps and persist as our number one pest until early June. Sur- veys indicate better than 50,000 acres of such swamps in this county and to effect adequate control, the cost of aerial spraying all such swamps would range up to $50,000.00. As this is not a disease vector mosquito and as it does not produce repeat broods, I would never recommend or consider such an expenditure.
During the winter season of safe ice conditions, our men working with knapsack dusters, treat small breeding swamps on the fringe of residential communities and in some sections this treatment may be completed by a power duster on a truck. Where this limited work is accomplished, a sharp reduction of the spring brood is possible, this phase of control will be gradually expanded.
During the summer months, the crews discontinue all drainage pro- jects and concentrate on such control of all mosquito specie as can be effected by various spray treatments, by use of aircraft, spray trucks and hand applications.
As areas are located or reported with an abundance of adult mos- quitoes, residual type spraying is completed, this effort affords tempo- rary relief in troublesome sections and the spot treatments are specific enough to eliminate the breeding entirely in contaminated waters where disease vector species are indicated.
Many breeding areas which require continuous alert control and pre-hatch treatment each week during the summer, would come under some of the following, municipal sewer beds, dumps and disposal areas used by commercial cesspool pumping concerns and in residential devel- opments where inefficient septic tanks are leaching into streams and
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ANNUAL REPORT
ponds. Storm sewer catch basins in the streets are also a continuous breeding source all season.
As all of these specific places represent breeding of both the nui- sance and vector type mosquitoes, it is the number one priority for each district foreman.
We have now had three summers with no case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis reported in horses or humans and while our present control policy is showing positive effect on this disease and overall progress on general control, it will continue to be my policy to produce the most effective control possible in that direction with the funds available.
Respectfully submitted,
WARREN G. HARDING Superintendent
147
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE GAS AND ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Middleborough, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The following is the annual report of the Gas and Electric Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1960.
GAS DIVISION
A: An Extension of 4" wrapped steel gas mains was made on Homestead Road for a distance of 609 feet to supply the new homes recently built in that area.
B: The Gas Division supervised and assisted in the laying and tying in of 720 feet of wrapped, 6 inch welded steel main on South Main Street from the R.R. bridge to the Town Line at R.I. Road. This replaced a similar unwrapped main which was abandoned because of construction of the new Route 28 Expressway. A valve was also installed in the gas main at the Town Line.
C: While North Main St. was being rebuilt, all old gas services were replaced across the road. Joints were also clamped in the main so as to provide a safe and tight system.
D: An appreciable number of leaky joints were dug up and clamp- ed on our gas mains in various locations in order to reduce the "unac- counted for" gas.
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