USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1961 > Part 7
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Increase for the year Total K. W.H. for East Grove St.
LLOYD E. BANKS Chief Engineer
100
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Town of Middleborough Town Hall Middleborough, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
1961 - a year without significant health problems, but a year with many changes, not only in the personnel involved with the Town and its Health Program, but also with new and continuing emphasis in the many different phases of public health.
The day-to-day experiences of the Townspeople were not seriously affected by these changes during the past year, but as time progresses the personnel changes and the changes in emphasis will affect each and every citizen.
Let us take some of those changes separately and briefly explain them:
First, Dr. Grace E. Lutman, District Health Officer for the Common- wealth's Southeastern District, died in November. She served the State Department of Public Health faithfully for many years and was of great assistance to the writer in working out difficult situations.
Second, Mrs. Marguerite Mclaughlin, our own Public Health Nurse, resigned in June and Mrs. Mary Korpinen was appointed in her place effective June 19th. Mrs. McLaughlin was appointed to the position of Public Health Nurse several years ago on the resignation of Mrs. Mary Edgerly, who is now our Public School Nurse. During Mrs. McLaughlin's association with us, she showed tireless energy and devotion to her nursing responsibilities, as well as her routine duties.
Third, John Rebell, the Town's Milk and Animal Inspector, reached the mandatory retirement age for State and County employees and form- ally retired from Town Service during December. Joseph B. Ortelt was appointed by you, the Board of Health, as Mr. Rebell's successor.
Fourth, legislation passed by the General Court concerning the timely inspection of gas facilities has been more stringently enforced. Thus, the addition during 1961 of a new position in the Department's budget of Gas Inspector.
Fifth, increasing concern on both Federal and State levels about narcotics and other harmful drugs. New regulations concerning the ad- ministration and enforcement of laws already in force have been adopt- ed and included in those is a new license issued by this office to more closely regulate those persons possessing hypodermic needles and syringes.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Sixth, continuing interest on the part of State Public Health Offi- cials in the matter of antibiotic residue in milk as affecting human be- ings. Studies are presently being made at the State level to determine if regular 'antibiotic residue tests' of this type of bacterial action should be included in each town's health budget. Until that decision is reached, this office recommends that this testing be done individually by the farmers concerned through a private bacteriological laboratory.
Seventh, international attention focused on the question of radio- active fallout and fallout shelters. Fallout, as everyone knows, is caused by the explosion of certain types of thermo-nuclear weapons. Specific tests of the radioactive fallout level are made daily by the various Fed- eral and State agencies and reports are made to the health and defense headquarters concerned. The specific question of radioactive fallout in milk and its effect on we human beings is also receiving the attention of both Federal and State Officials.
Returning to the local level and the services provided by our De- partment for the Townspeople, no major changes were made during 1961.
Trash collections continue on a bi-monthly schedule using town- owned equipment.
Garbage collections are made on a weekly schedule using town- owned equipment.
Town funds, made available through appropriation, were used to assist the families of several prematurely born children when on inves- tigation these needs were determined. During 1961, twenty-nine children were born prematurely in the Town and our Public Health Nurse visited and advised those parents in the care of their new arrivals.
Many types and kinds of licenses and permits were issued to those individuals and firms requiring them in the pursuit of their occupations, trades and profession after inspection by State and/or local authorities. Those licenses and permits include bottling permits, motel, trailer court and recreation camp licenses, hospital, rest and nursing home permits, funeral director licenses, slaughter house permits, milk, cream and oleo- margarine sales permits, methyl alcohol sales permits, sewer and cess- pool installation permits, as well as the newly established permit for the possession of hypodermic needles and syringes.
On the local level these inspecting and licensing responsibilities are divided between you, the Board of Health, the Health Agent, Health Officer, Plumbing Inspector, and the Animal and Milk Inspector.
Turning now to our direct work in attempting to prevent the va- rious diseases known to man and their crippling effects:
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ANNUAL REPORT
Five separate diptheria clinics were held during the school year, three of those for the younger school-aged children and two in the Junior and Senior High School level. These clinics used the now famous 'three-in-one' immunization shot and were administered by local doctors with the help of the Public Health and Public School Nurse assisted by members and friends of the Middleboro District Nursing Association.
One clinic for the younger pre-school children using whooping cough vaccine only was also held.
It is interesting to note here that the incidence of polio was at the lowest level state-wide in many, many years. In a check made recent- ly with the State Department of Public Health, only thirty-five cases had been reported for the entire year 1961. Fortunately, none of these were in Middleboro.
Generally, the Public's acceptance of the Salk Polio vaccine has been good. However, there are still many young adults in the suscept- ible age groups who have not afforded themselves this protection. Our local physicians have co-operated in assisting those who wish this pro- tection by offering the immunization shots at a minimum of cost to the patient, yet affording the privacy of the doctor's office.
This office expects to work out a program for the New Year to stimulate the interest of both young and old in this important program as well as continuing to emphasize the necessity of children's immuniza- tion as soon as possible after birth.
The School Dentist, Dr. George P. Canucci, assisted by both School and Public Health Nurses examined all children attending the Middle- boro Public School in the first four grades. Notices of needed dental attention were sent to the children's homes, thus informing the parents of the need to contact their family's dentist.
Through the cooperation of the Plymouth County Health Associa- tion, a mobile Tuberculosis X-Ray unit was stationed in Middleboro in June. Many of the townspeople and school children were X-rayed and several of those were called back for re-x-rays and further study of their individual cases at the Plymouth County Hospital. All resulted in nega- tive final reports.
The Public School Nurse and the Public Health Nurse worked in conjunction with the School Department in conducting the 'Heaf' test for tuberculosis on all school children. This test for tuberculosis some- times shows a 'positive' reaction and X-Rays taken after the 'Heaf' test show the amount, if any, of activity. A positive reaction does not neces- sarily mean that the person examined has tuberculosis, but rather shows that sometime in the past the patient has been exposed to the tuber- culin bacillus.
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ANNUAL REPORT
The County, in cooperation with St. Luke's Hospital, also runs a TB X-Ray clinic on the second Wednesday of each month and reports the findings to the individual patient's physician.
Public eating establishments including the various school cafeterias were visited several times during the year. The services of an outside laboratory were employed for the 'swab tests' which give the bacterial count on the utensils examined. Several of the establishments continue to earn fine reports, while others place only cursory importance on this public service.
The communicable diseases, rapidly decreasing in relative impor- tance as health menaces, seem to follow almost annual trends. Again it should be mentioned that many cases of the 'childhood' diseases are never reported to the local physicians and thus to our office. We did have one reported case of meningitis and four cases of the venereal diseases. The incidence of scarlet fever was a little more prevalent during 1961 than in recent years, but all the factors considered, the com- municable diseases are all but beaten.
Death certificates and burial permits were issued on two hundred seven persons during the year. Locally, this is a substantial increase. Nationally, however, the death rate continues to drop, further eviden- cing the continuing success in the battle against disease.
For several years, this report has included suggestions about ex- pansion of certain programs in the department and certain funds have been appropriated to establish and continue some of those.
It is unfortunate, however, that the situation at the Town Dump has not been solved to date. Many thousands of words have been written and spoken by various town officials and newspaper reporters concern- ing this eyesore and fire hazard. Once again, it must be included in this report. Perhaps another year will permit us a more optimistic outlook for a land-filled dump or some other satisfactory solution.
It would be unfair, however, not to mention that the increased ap- propriations for Dump Control and part-time custodian have helped to reduce the litter and fire hazard problems.
In closing, several persons deserve a formal thank you: Our Plumbing Inspector, Mr. Harry Rowe Our Milk and Animal Inspector, Mr. John Rebell Our Public Health Nurse, Mrs. Mary Korpinen Our Public School Nurse, Mrs. Mary Edgerly
A word of personal thanks to the Town Manager and his Secretary as well as other Town Employees in the Health Department. The Select- men, acting as the Board of Health, have been cooperative and helpful to the subscriber in our joint efforts to improve the Community's health.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT CARTMELL, R.S. Health Officer
104
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF PLUMBING INSPECTOR
My report for the year 1961 is as follows:
I received 225 applications for new and remodelling work on plumb- ing, seventy-four applications for cesspools, overflow cesspools and septic tanks. Four hundred and ten inspections were made of plumbing and 86 inspections were made on cesspools, overflow cesspools and septic tanks and filter beds.
All written complaints during the year have been investigated and properly disposed of. One violation of the plumbing code was disposed of through this office without having to go to Court and violation rec- tified to meet Plumbing by-Laws of the Town.
Once again Mr. Joseph Brown and myself worked very well together on gas water inspections and I wish to thank Mr. Brown for his interest in these inspections. This kind of co-operation helps to safe guard the life and property of all citizens.
I wish to thank Mr. Wilson, Town Manager, Mrs. Anne Rogers, Members of the Board of Health, Mr. Robert Cartmell and Mr. Albert Sears of the Water Department for their co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY ROWE
Plumbing Inspector
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF MILK, ANIMALS AND SLAUGHTERING
MILK
All producers of milk have a certificate of registration from the Division of Dairying.
All milk dealers have a license issued by the Milk Control Board and one issued by me for the Town of Middleboro to sell milk and cream and also oleomargarine.
Eighty-four samples of dealers milk, twenty-four samples of milk from schools and ten samples of producers milk were taken to Steele's Laboratory in East Bridgewater for tests. No mastitis was found in any of the samples.
105
ANNUAL REPORT
Two hundred and seventy-five inspections were made of roadside stands, restaurants and stores to see that milk was properly refrigerated.
Forty-five inspections were made of milk trucks on the streets.
Forty-eight inspections were made on dairies about the handling of their milk.
Forty-five inspections were made on producers for the condition of their milking machines and other equipment.
Eighty-nine inspections were made on milk dispensers.
Five days were spent inspecting premises with the State Milk Inspector.
Forty-eight milk applications were sent to dealers for them to sell milk and cream.
Two hundred and ten notices were sent to dairies and owners of milk dispensers about the results from tests and inspections.
One hundred and forty-eight inspections were made before licenses were issued.
On February 7, 1961 a list of store licenses were sent to Milk Con- trol Board as requested by them.
28 Dealers licenses were issued to sell milk and cream
$14.00
73 Store licenses were issued to sell milk and cream
36.50
17 Oleomargarine licenses were issued
8.50
Total $59.00
ANIMALS
A survey of two hundred and eighty-six premises were made for the State Department of Disease Control with a census of all livestock taken with a coverage of eight hundred and thirty-three miles.
The following is the results of the census and survey.
Cattle
1452
Sheep
451
Calves
319
Bulls
31
Goats
35
Swine
352
Horses
196
Steers 57
Total number of animals
2,896
Total number of herds 135
106
ANNUAL REPORT
Eighty-nine permits were received from the State Disease Control to ship cattle into Middleboro with five hundred and ten head checked under these permits and eight permits cancelled.
All cattle in Middleboro were tested for tuberculosis and burcellosis by either Dr's Briggs, Wood or Delano. No cases of tuberculosis were found in Middleboro in 1961. Eleven reactors were found from the bur- cellosis tests and cattle were condemned. Orders were sent to me from the State Disease Control as to disinfection and inspection and were complied with.
Two calls received from the Middleboro Police Department report- ing stray pigs also one lost cow both were investigated.
One poultry farm was put under quarantine by orders of the State Department.
Ten cases of neglected animals were reported and investigated and turned over to the State Departmnt.
Forty-five dogs were put under quarantine. Five persons were bit- ten by stray dogs and numerous complaints were received about dogs chasing cattle and poultry also chasing and frightening school children.
No horse sleeping sickness was found in Middleboro during 1961.
SLAUGHTERING
Monthly reports are received and filled out by me for the State Department of Public Health as to any slaughtering done in Middleboro.
I wish to thank the Board of Health, Board of Selectmen, Town Manager, Police Department and all other departments also all others whom I have been in contact for their assistance and cooperation not only during the past year but for the past twenty years prior to my retirement.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN REBELL
Inspector of Milk, Animals and Slaughtering
107
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE DOG OFFICER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Middleboro, Mass.
I hereby submit my report as Dog Officer for the year 1961.
Number of dogs picked up
187
Number of dogs redeemed by owners
131
Dead dogs on highway
72
Dogs sold
5
Dogs destroyed for individuals
151
Cats destroyed for individuals
574
Complaints answered
52
Respectfully,
ARTHUR F. BENSON Dog Officer
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS UNDER THE ZONING BY-LAW
The Board of Appeals on the Zoning By-Law held fifteen hearings in 1961, three less than in 1960.
Respectfully submitted,
ELMER G. ALLAN,
Chairman
108
ANNUAL REPORT
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Town of Middleborough, Massachusetts Gentlemen:
During 1961, permits for new construction for business and indus- trial purposes amounting to $240,800 were issued. This is an increase of $22,420 over 1960.
It should be pointed out, however, that new business and industrial construction does not necessarily result in a total new gain in assessed valuation. As in the case of the new A & P, which resulted in increased assessed valuation in the new location, assessed valuation on its old location drops because of the loss of income producing revenue.
This points up one of Middleborough's most pressing needs - adequate parking in the center of town. Without adequate provision for customer parking, retail businesses may be expected to continue to move out of the center of town with a resulting loss of taxable valuation to the Town. With the erection of the new Shopping Center in Raynham, this trend may be expected to continue at an increased rate, unless immediate steps are taken by the merchants with the cooperation of the Business and Industrial Commission to provide the parking that will attract shoppers to the center of Town.
Another important need that is responsible for the slowness in attracting new industries is our antiquated system of property evalu- ation for tax assessments. The Commission has been made aware of the unwillingness of new industries to have confidence in assessments on evaluations made by part-time and non-professional assessors. An im- provement of this part of the Town services would be of great assistance in helping to attract new industries.
The Commission is continuing to develop and follow up intensively all leads for new industrial construction. A sign has been erected, visible from the new route 25, calling attention to our industrial site. Locations for other signs are being studied. Distribution of the brochure on Middleborough continued during 1961. A new brochure, aimed more specifically at the needs of industries, is now being prepared for distri- bution in 1962.
Respectfully submitted,
For the Commission
HAROLD A. HALL Chairman
109
ANNUAL REPORT
MIDDLEBOROUGH HOUSING AUTHORITY
Board of Selectmen Town of Middleborough Middleborough, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The year 1961 was the twelfth successful year of operation of the Veterans Project at Archer Court and the second successful year of the Housing for the Elderly Project at Frank, Sproat, and Park Streets. There was a turnover of seven tenants at the Housing for the Elderly and a turnover of eight tenants at the Veterans Project with no loss of rent at either project and no evictions for non-payment of rent.
General physical appearance of the Veterans Project, 200-1, has been maintained at a very high level during the past year. Necessary small repairs were made where needed. Window sashes were glazed and spot painting was done on two buildings. Two more remaining buildings will be done this next spring when weather permits. General physical appearance of the Housing for the Elderly Project, 667-1, has been main- tained at a very high level during the past year. Repairs at this project are at their minimum due to the fact that these buildings are only two years old.
The Veterans Housing Project was constructed and is operated under Chapter 200 under the General Laws of Massachusetts to provide low cost housing to Veterans of limited income. Low rents are made possible by a state subsidy, a maximum of $7,000.00 for Middleborough. Admission to the Project is restricted to Veterans or their families, whose rate of income is from $2,000.00 to $4,000.00 per year. Although once admitted, the Veteran or his family may remain until his income reaches a maximum of $4,500.00 per year. If he has more than three minor dependents he may deduct $200.00 for each minor dependent over three in number from his gross income which will determine how much rent he must pay.
The Housing for the Elderly Project was constructed and is operat- ed under Chapter 667 under the General Laws of Massachusetts to pro- vide low cost housing to elderly people sixty-five years of age or over who must be citizens of the United States and that a couple cannot ex- ceed an income of more than $3,000.00 per year. An individual cannot exceed an income of more than $2,400.00 per year. Low rents are made possible by a state subsidy of a maximum of $10,225.00 for Middlebor- ough. Residents of the Town of Middleborough are given first prefer- ence in admittance. The contract for drapes for the Community Building has been awarded to the Fay Upholstering Company of Middleborough, they being the low bidder and the drapes are expected to be installed in the month of January 1962.
The amount of rent paid at the Veterans Project, 200-1, is deter- mined by the Veterans income and the size of his family with the
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ANNUAL REPORT
larger family paying slightly lower rents than the smaller families. The average shelter rent for 1961 was $44.65 per unit month and the average charge for all utilities; electricity, heat, hot water and sewerage was $21.19 per unit month. The project ended the year with a surplus of $6,286.00.
The average shelter rent for the Housing for the Elderly Project, 667-1, was $32.92 per unit month. The average charge for all utilities; electricity, gas, heat, hot water, water and sewerage was $15.08 per unit month. The project ended the year with a surplus of $8,031.93.
One thousand and eight dollars was paid to the Town of Middle- borough in lieu of taxes from the 200-1 Veterans Project. No payment is made to the Town of Middleborough in lieu of taxes for the 667-1 Housing for the Elderly Project. The appending financial statements show the excellent financial condition of the Veterans Project, 200-1, the Housing for the Elderly Project, 667-1, and the Development Fund account, 667-1.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT H. AYOTTE
Executive Director
MIDDLEBORO HOUSING AUTHORITY Project 200-1 Balance Sheet, December 31, 1961
Assets
Administrative Fund
$ 4,721.20
Accounts receivable "Tenants
588.75
Debt Service Fund
Investments
7,986.25 22,790.12 227.30
Debt Service Trust Fund
Development Cost
$280,000.00
Less Development Cost Liquidated
$53,000.00
227,000.00
Total Assets
$263,313.62
Liabilities and Surplus
Accounts Payable
Matured Interest and Principle
.25 7,986.25 330.00
Tenant's Security Deposits
Bonds Authorized Less Bonds Retired
$280,000.00 53,000.00 227,000.00
ANNUAL REPORT 111
Debt Service Reserve Operating Reserve Unamortized Bond Premium Surplus, December 31, 1961
9,422.54
11,553.28
3,227.30
3,794.00
$263,313.62
MIDDLEBORO HOUSING AUTHORITY Project 667-1 Balance Sheet, December 31, 1961
Assets
Administration Fund
$ 3,514.09
Accounts Receivable Tenants
8.00
Accounts Receivable - Development Account 667-1
9,186.39
Investments
7,047.50
Total Assets
$19,755.98
Liabilities and Surplus
Accrued Insurance
$ 101.08
Operating Reserve
2,880.00
Surplus - Prior
$8,742.97
Surplus - 1961
8,031.93
16,774.90
Total Liabilities
$19,755.98
MIDDLEBORO HOUSING AUTHORITY Development Project 667-1 Balance Sheet, December 31, 1961
Assets
Development Fund
$ 1,191.32
Development Cost
422,902.87
Total Assets
$424,094.19
Liabilities
Accounts Payable:
Project 667-1 Administrative Advances Interest on Notes Paid
$2,000.00
7,094.19
9,094.19
Notes:
Authorized
Unissued
$400,000.00 15,000.00
415,000.00
Total Liabilities
$424,094.19
112
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Trustees
Robert L. Anderson Horace K. Atkins Joseph F. Riley Myra A. Shaw
Ernest E. Thomas Helen S. Whitcomb Thomas Weston Ethel M. Washburn
Theodore N. Wood
Officers Theodore N. Wood, President Ernest E. Thomas, Vice-President Helen S. Whitcomb, Secretary Thomas Weston, Treasurer
Library Staff
Mertie E. Witbeck, Librarian Miriam A. Bassett Leah K. Rockwell Helen E. Southwick Patricia Thomas Thomas Ryder, Custodian
Doris S. Warren, Volunteer Librarian South Middleborough Branch
113
ANNUAL REPORT
To the President and Board of Trustees,
Middleborough Public Library:
The year 1961 will go down in library history as the Year of the State Grant to Libraries. While there may be some feeling on the part of certain individuals that this is just another step in State control, it is a great assist in helping libraries to give better service to the public, and public libraries, most of which are struggling to function with in- adequate appropriations, most certainly welcome this long overdue attention to their needs. A sum based on twenty-five cents per capita is paid out of State income tax to public libraries in the state which meet certain requirements as to a qualfied staff, hours open et cetera.
The 1961 grant to Middleborough meant that the town received over two thousand dollars to be spent for the benefit of the library. With this money it was possible to buy more books, more phonograph records, improve the lighting and other facilities of the library.
Work with Schools
A portion of the State Grant was used to purchase more books for the use of pupils reading for State certificates. This activity in every grade from the Fourth to the Eighth requires a great many books in order to supply each school with an adequate number. The books receive such constant use they soon become ragged and worn. It is a great satis- faction to be able to replace the old and unattractive copies with new ones which provide the children with an incentive to read.
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