USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1961 > Part 9
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Respectfully yours, E. N. NIRO
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 1961 has again imposed a series of reorganizational pro- blems. It was necessary to write a completely new Operational Plan for Middleborough. In anticipation of pending legislature concerning PL606 a new plan became mandatory in order to qualify for certain benefits under the law. The new plan has been completed and approved by M.C.D.A.
Our Radiological Officer, Mr. Richmond L. Bessey, has completed training and is now a qualified instructor and will conduct classes.
We welcome Mr. Malcolm Buck as Chief Monitor.
Mr. Wilfred Duphilly has taken over the post of Chief Intelligence Officer and will be in charge of control center operations.
Mr. Arthur E. Boardman continues as Radio Officer.
Mr. William A. LeWillie is training officer for control center communications.
Mr. Ellsworth Crowell will continue as Operations Officer and is also acting as Chief Technician of all communication services.
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ANNUAL REPORT
We have added several more mobile radio units who will operate as zone control units. The high powered station on East Grove Street is progressing and will be operational by the end of the year.
Captain D'Elia has continued to train and improve the Auxiliary Police, and I wish to convey my appreciation of their fine cooperation during the year.
The Medical Department has acquired a new supply of first aid items. The gift of the hospital bed from Dr. Bonnar is much appreci- ated. Our C. D. ambulance is now completely repaired and ready for use.
The movement of one of the emergency hospitals in storage to the Hannah Shaw Home has been held up pending Federal approval.
The mobile communications unit, mobile feeding unit and a Ford truck purchased from the Air Force have been used a number of times during the year and have proved to be very useful ..
I wish to convey my very sincere appreciation to the Town Officials and to all members of the Civil Defense organization who have given their cooperation during the year.
Respectfully submitted, PAUL WEAVER
Director of Civil Defense
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Middleboro, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit, for your consideration and approval, the report of the Department of Weights and Measures for the year 1961.
In 1961, I tested a total of 772 weighing and measuring devices, 78 of which were found in need of adjustment and 6 were condemned.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Peddlers have been checked for proper license and, at regular in- tervals, prepackaged commodities offered for sale, inspected for short weight or over-pricing.
The revenue turned into the Town Treasurer, for the year 1961, is as follows:
Sealing Fees
Adjusting Fees
$460.30 31.00
Total Fees
$491.30
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT F. COBURN Sealer of Weights and Measures
SCALES AND BALANCES
Adjusted
Sealed
Not Sealed Condemned
Over 10,000 lbs.
3
5,000 to 10,000 lbs.
1
100 to 5,000 lbs.
7
76
3
1
Under 100 lbs
23
148
2
WEIGHTS
Avoirdupois
1
253
Apothecary Metric
62
CAPACITY MEASURES
Vehicle Tanks
5
Liquid 1 gallon or under
4
METERS
Gas pumps
29
101
3
Oil and Grease
1
24
1
1
Vehicle tanks
12
30
Bulk Storage
2
5
1
PUMPS
Kerosene - oil
3
13
LINEAR MEASURE Cloth
2
MEASURING DEVICES
Yard sticks
2
Total
78
766
6
6
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT F. COBURN Sealer of Weights and Measures
37
132
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 my third annual report of the Department of Veterans' Services.
This year we have had an increasing amount of illness among our veterans of World War I, and as time goes on this problem will increase considerably. Although some veterans are eligible for unlimited care in Veterans' Administration hospitals, the ones without a service connected disability are not eligible for care in veterans' hospitals unless there are available beds and they are destitute.
Every six months, we receive a new directive from the Commis- sioner's Office directing us to increase the rates paid to eligible veterans and their dependents. Our latest directive which was received Jan- uary 10, 1962 directed us to increase our rates to nursing homes from $6.10 per day to $6.85 per day. This amounts to $5.25 per week. Our local hospital has increased its rates $3.00 per day which is $21.00 a week.
During this year, the change in the Social Security program has helped many of our recipients. We have very friendly relations with the Social Security organization and we are able to expedite the process of obtaining benefits under this program.
I feel we have been very fortunate to be able to keep within our budget. Although we have had to have a transfer of $3,500.00 from the reserve account, we will reimburse the town $4,000.00 when we receive monies from the liens we hold on industrial accidents and real estate.
May I take this opportunity to thank all of the departments and others for their continued cooperation without which no department can successfully function.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE E. WHEELER
Veterans' Agent
133
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE
Following is the Annual Report of the Director of the Department of Public Welfare for the year ending December 31, 1961:
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN was granted to an average mon- thly caseload of 42 cases representing 142 eligible recipients. Expendi- tures of this Division exceeded those of the year 1960 by $11,638.43 because of an increased caseload.
Since April 1, 1961, time specifications relating to desertion, separ- ation and duration of need are no longer applicable in determining eligibility for this category of assistance.
A child is now considered deprived of parental support or care at the time the decree nisi, annulment or decree of separate support is granted and when separation or desertion of a parent has been estab- lished. This agency, however, still has the responsibility to exert every effort for the best interests of the children by securing support from the father through such means as securing appropriate court orders, securing enforcement of existing orders or locating the absent father whose whereabouts are unknown.
A total of $4,924.97 was received by this Division from separated parents.
The Medical Review Team of the Massachusetts Department of Public Welfare determines whether or not a person is permanently and totally disabled from medical reports submitted by the local agency.
During the year 1961, a monthly average of 27 persons received DISABILITY ASSISTANCE at an expense of $36,857.01. Although our caseload was eight less than in the year 1960, our expenses were greater because of increased medical services, drugs, hospitalization and pros- thetic devices.
Chapter 127 of the Acts of 1961 amended the Disability Assistance Law. The age for eligibility is limited to sixty-five. Because of this amendment, two cases were transferred to the category of Old Age Assistance on the effective date, June 1, 1961.
Federal participation in the DA assistance expenditures was in- creased from $41.50 to $42.30 a month per case on October 1, 1961.
A monthly average of 144 persons received OLD AGE ASSIST- ANCE during the year 1961. There was a decided decrease in the ex- penditures of this type of assistance because those recipients who are
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ANNUAL REPORT
now in need of nursing home care are automatically transferred to the category of Medical Assistance for the Aged, enacted and effective October 1, 1960.
There were two increases in Federal participation during the year 1961 viz: On July 1st from $47.50 to $49.00 and on October 1st, to $49.80 a month per case.
A total of $6,173.63 was recovered under the Old Age Assistance lien law while a total of $4,661.50 was refunded by four recipients who desired to remain eligible for this type of assistance.
Expenditures in the category of GENERAL RELIEF were decreas- ed in 1961 by $4,003.46 over the total expenses of $14,997.46 in the year 1960. The average monthly caseload was nine, five less than in the pre- vious year, as it was determined that several persons were eligible for categorical assistance.
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE AGED was furnished to a mon- thly average of 42 persons, 65 years of age or over, whose income and resources were insufficient to meet the necessary costs of the follow- ing: Care in licensed nursing homes; inpatient hospital ward services; outpatient hospital laboratory and x-ray services; physicians' and dental services; prescribed drugs, eyeglasses and dentures.
The expenditures of this category of assistance will continue to in- crease because of the constant revision of per diem rates for hospitaliz- ation and nursing home care by the Division of Hospital Costs and Finance.
The report of the Vendor Medical Payments in this category of assistance is as follows:
Hospitalization - Acute and Chronic $11,139.13
Physicians' Services 3,511.00
Drugs and Other Medical Supplies
6,875.65
Care in Licensed Nursing Homes 83,556.25
Other Medical and Dentists
1,049.15
The Federal government participates to the extent of 50% of all monies expended for the above medical costs. After deduction of the Federal reimbursement, the State reimburses two-thirds of the re mainder.
Up to October 1, 1960, the only category of assistance in which the Commonwealth participated for all monies expended for ADMINISTRA- TION was Disability Assistance. We are now receiving 50% from the Federal government and 25% from the State of all administrative costs of Aid to Dependent Children, Disability Assistance, Old Age Assist- ance and Medical Assistance for the Aged.
Respectfully submitted,
BARBARA D. NORVISH
Director of Public Welfare
135
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE
(PLYMOUTH COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE)
By Robert B. Ewing, County Agent-Manager
The Cooperative Agricultural Extension Service was established in 1914, when Congress passed the Smith-Lever Act. The question heard so many times since then is "What is the Extension Service, and what does it do?"
The answer to that question is clearly defined in the Act passed by Congress which states, in part, that the Extension Service shall - "aid in diffusing among the people of the United States useful and practical information on subjects relating to Agriculture and Home Economics, and to encourage the application of same."
Each year agreements are written between the United States De- partment of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts and Plymouth County. The Federal, State and County governments cooperate in fur- nishing this service to the Citizens of Plymouth County. Thus the name "Cooperative" Extension Service. Since the Plymouth County Extension Service was organized and established in 1915, information pertaining to Agriculture, Home Economics education, 4-H Club Work, has been given free to all citizens of Plymouth County. The Extension Service has always been known as the "educational arm" of the United States Department of Agriculture.
The Extension Service office is located in the Court House, Brockton and is staffed by agents who conduct programs in Agriculture, Home Economics and 4-H Club Work by furnishing educational information through farm and home visits, letters, newspaper articles, radio talks, meetings, office visits. The basic job of the Extension Service has always been the same and that is "to aid in diffusing among the people of Plymouth County, useful and practical information on subjects relat- ing to Agriculture and Home Economics."
Funds for conducting the Plymouth County Extension Service are derived from three sources: Federal, State and County Governments. Along with these funds, most towns in Plymouth County make an annual appropriation which is used for the general expenditures of the Ply- mouth 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 representative in their respective towns.
For the commercial and part-time farmers, information is available in the following: agronomy, farm management, insect and disease con- trol, marketing, production, rodent control and weed control.
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ANNUAL REPORT
For the home owners information is available in the following: Growing Vegetables, Flowers and Shrubs: insect and disease control: also information on lawns and household insects.
For the housewife and homemaker information and programs are available in the following subjects: Consumer education, home manage- ment, homemaking skills, and leadership development.
4-H Club Work is a youth program and is available to any boy or girl between the ages of 10 and 21. These young people are organized in agricultural and home economics clubs of all kinds.
Requests for information in agriculture, home economics or 4-H Club Work should be directed to the Plymouth County Extension Ser- vice, Court House, Brockton.
While the Extension Service furnishes information, it is up to the individual who receives this information to make the decision as to how it can be used to the best advantage.
Many Plymouth County citizens avail themselves of the opportunity each year to secure this free help and information pertaining to the home, home grounds, 4-H Club Work and agriculture. As the Extension Service is supported by the Federal, State and County governments, all citizens should make full use of their Extension Service.
The Board of Trustees appointed by the Plymouth County Com- missioners, administer the Plymouth County Extension Service pro- grams. It is composed of the following members:
Gilbert Blackledge, Whitman, Chairman Mrs. Harold D. Bent, Brockton Louis Billings, Plympton Mrs. Mabel Chandler, Duxbury Mrs. Gladys Gibbs, Hanover Robert Hammond, Wareham John Howe, West Bridgewater John W. Little, Marshfield John Prentice, Plymouth
137
ANNUAL REPORT
PLYMOUTH COUNTY MOSQUITO CONTROL PROJECT
In reporting the project's activities for 1961, we have been able to continue our primary objective in each town. Namely, the reduction of the mosquito population at source of breeding. This was accomplished either by drainage of wetland areas or the periodic treatment with in- secticide of such water areas where mosquito larvae were found in the samples taken.
One or more major drainage projects were completed in each of our towns by our power ditching unit and many other small breeding wetlands were corrected by use of hand tools
As indicated and emphasized in previous reports, our major control problem continues to be the early spring brood which originates from the vast woodland swamp areas of the county. This nuisance species persists from early May until June and as the cost of an aerial spray over such swamps would range up to $50,000.00 I would never recom- mend such an expenditure for control of a species that is not a disease vector.
Our county program is divided into five work districts with a dis- trict foreman in charge of the control work in three or more towns. Each of these foremen have now completed four seasons in their respec- tive districts, their experience and knowledge of breeding wetlands in their respective districts has enabled us to maintain very good control after mid-June.
In addition to the winter use of insecticide dust on isolated wet areas when frozen over, we have increased our use of insecticide dust in the summer season to reduce the hazard of foliage burning by repeat- ed oil sprays.
As areas are located or reported with an abundance of adult mos- quitoes, residual type spraying is completed, this effort affords temp- orary 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 de- velopments where inefficient septic tanks are leaching into streams and 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 of mosquitoes, it is the number one priority for each district foreman.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Since the start of the project in 1957, we have not had a single case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in horses or humans, yet the Federal and State research units produce evidence each summer of this virus in bird life. We sincerely hope that our emphasis on this type of control has had a part in preventing a new outbreak of this disease, such as this area suffered in 1955 and 1956 when 35 deaths resulted from 50 cases.
Respectfully submitted,
WARREN G. HARDING Superintendent
139
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, 1961.
GAS DIVISION
A: A 311 foot extension of 4" wrapped steel gas mains was made from Southwick Street to the new A & P Shopping Center at Everett Square. Most of the new stores use gas for heating the premises.
B. An extension of wrapped 2" steel gas mains was made at the Traffic Circle across Route 28 and Route 18. This was later extended to feed the new Red Coach Grill which was built near the new Expressway Route 25.
C: A new 8" High Pressure Gas Line of X-Tru coat wrapped steel was installed from the Gas Plant at Vine Street to just past Cherry Street along Route 28 for a distance of 13,179 feet. This line is already being used to supply an industrial plant for heating (Colonial Brass Foundry) and work is being done to use it for boosting our present low pressure system.
The new pipe line was certified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities for use up to 199 1bs. per square inch pressure, thus permitting the Town to use it as a dual purpose line of supplying many additional customers and as a feed from the Algonquin Gas Transmis- sion Line in South Middleboro to the Town Gas Plant (if later extend- ed). Our own personnel installed a 12 inch steel sleeve for the gas line across the R.R. tracks thereby saving the Town about $7,000.
D: Concurrent with the reconstruction of a part of North Main Street, an old leaky gas main was replaced with 6" C. I. mechanical joint main in the area between Center and Peirce Streets. Considerable old and leaky piping was also replaced in this area.
E: Our own gas crew constructed an addition to our Propane Plant Building and also installed in it a new steam boiler for making Propane-air gas.
F: A considerable amount of piping changes were made at the Gas Plant by our gas crew. This will permit us to operate more effic-
140
ANNUAL REPORT
iently and is necessary because our new revised gas contract requires us to make more of our own gas.
G: An appreciable number of leaky joints were dug up and clamp- ed in various locations. This is expected to further improve our oper- ations by reducing the amount of lost gas.
H: Other data are:
New High Pressure Gas Services installed 4
New Low Pressure Gas Services installed 15
Low Pressure Gas Services dug up and abandoned 2
Old Gas Services dug up and completely replaced 4
Old Gas Service partly replaced (across road and in cellar wall) 11
Manifolds, (piping at gas meters) completely replaced 10
*Gas meters dismantled and reconditioned 227
Gas meters tested and sealed by Mass. D. P. U. 227
Jobbing orders executed 200
Customers' service calls made 650
New gas mains laid
8" - 13,179 ft Other 775 ft.
Old gas mains abandoned
210 ft.
Gas main joints dug up and clamped
66
* Because of a State law, about 15% of the gas meters in service must be removed from buildings and tested each year. The meters are overhauled prior to using again.
Propane-Air Gas manufactured at Gas Plant into system (Natural Gas equivalent) 329,940 cu. ft.
GAS 1961
Gas Purchased: For High Pressure Services For Low Pressure Services
3,818,900 cu. ft. 61,616,200 cu. ft.
Total Purchased
65,435,100 cu. ft.
Gas Made
329,940 cu. ft.
Total Gas Made and Purchased
65,765,040 cu. ft. 1,116,840 cu. ft.
Gas Sold other than to Gas & Electric Dept.
59,521,800 cu. ft.
Increase over 1960
Gas used by Gas & Electric Dept.
3,719,100 cu. ft. 866,600 cu. ft.
Gas for Lakeville (passed through Middleboro Mains)
953,800 cu. ft.
Gas on Hand (1961 and 1962)
200,000 cu. ft.
Gas Unaccounted for
Paid Brockton-Taunton Gas
5,376,640 cu. ft. $62,367.72 $.95
Average per 1,000 cu. ft. purchased
Average cost per 1,000 cu. ft. purchased and distributed $2.12
Increase over 1960
141
ANNUAL REPORT
Average received per 1,000 cu. ft. sold
$2.75
Average consumption per customer
36,161 cu. ft.
Miles of Main
32.97
Average consumer per mile of main
20.03
Gas Sold per Mile of Main
Average B.T.U. per cu. ft. gas
1,805,277 cu. ft. 1004
Mfg. Profit to Profit and Loss
$24,349.33
ELECTRIC DIVISION
A: An extension of three phase power lines and a three phase bank of transformers were installed off Bedford St. to serve the new Red Coach Grill.
B: A manhole was built and an underground extension of 3 phase power lines with a transformer bank were constructed to serve the new A & P and associated stores at Everett Square.
C: A three phase, double circuit, primary line extension was con- structed off Main St., Lakeville to the new Lakeville State Sanatorium building now under construction.
D: Electric Line extensions in Lakeville were made to serve homes at Reservoir Heights, Barstow St. and Race Course Road.
E: A pole line extension and twelve Mercury Lights were installed on the new approach to the expressway Route #25 (from Route #28) at South Middleboro.
F: Power lines were rebuilt and converted to three phase along Harding St. to serve Mello's Package Store. A three phase transformer bank was also installed.
G: Three phase transformer power banks were rebuilt and en- larged at the Walker Co. on East Main St. and at Byrnes Gravel Pit on Wood St.
H: Heavier wire and larger transformers were installed as replace- ments in numerous locations where customers added loads such as electric stoves, water heaters, motors, etc.
I: As in the past few years, prizes were furnished to the three customers who were judged by the local JAYCEES to have the best Christmas Lighting displays at their homes.
J: The Town Hall area Christmas Display and wiring was installed by the Electric Division as was done for the past few years. This usually takes up one crew's time for about a week. High School personnel under the direction of Mr. Battis built and erected the main Creche which is disassembled and used again other years.
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ANNUAL REPORT
K: Three phase electric lines were rebuilt with heavy construct- ion along Main St., Lakeville from R. I. Road to Staples Shore Road. Also heavier wire was installed from Highland Road to Nelson Shore Road.
L: As in the past two years, a year end Bonus Dividend was given to all customers. This amounted to 50% of the last electric bill for 1961 for Residential and Commercial Customers and 5% of the net annual bill for Industrial Customers.
M: Other Data are:
Services Installed:
Temporary 3-wire - 34
New 3-wire - 93
Changeover, 2-wire to 3-wire - 103
New 3 Phase, 3-wire - 3
New 3 Phase, 4-wire - 7
Changeover, underground - 3
Poles:
New Poles Set
25 ft. 5
30 ft. - 21
35 ft. - 39
35 ft. - 30
40 ft. - 3
65 Poles damaged by cars - 12
41
Transformers:
Installed
3 KVA -13
1} KVA -
1
5 KVA - - 17
3 KVA 8
10 KVA - 11
5 KVA 11
15 KVA -19
10 KVA 3
25 KVA -11
15 KVA 8
50 KVA - 3
25 KVA 1
32
Wire:
Installed
#6 WP copper - 500 ft.
#4 WP copper - 1,594 ft.
#2 Bare copper - 9,026 ft.
#2 WP copper - 33, 894 ft.
#1/0 WP copper - 142 ft.
#4/0 WP copper - 25,776 ft.
Removed
74
Poles Replaced
25 ft. 3
30 ft. 5
ANNUAL REPORT 143
#4/0 Lead covered copper - 2,175 ft.
#1/0 Bare copper - 3,435 ft. #2 ACSR - 10,938 ft. #4/0 ACSR - 13,244 ft. .
Removed
#6 WP copper - 28,844 ft.
#4 WP copper - - 11,088 ft. #2 WP copper - 9,600 ft.
#1 WP copper - 5,392 ft.
#2 Solid copper - 10,784 ft.
Service Cable Installed:
#2/3 wire Aluminum - 22,788 ft.
#2/4 wire Copper - 155 ft.
Clocks for Water Heaters:
Installed - 21
Removed - 3
Electric 1961
K.W.H. Purchased High Tension
23,702,000
K.W.H. Purchased for East and Beach Sts.
57,200
Total KWH Purchased
23,759,200
K.W.H. Increase over 1960
1,652,100
Total paid for electricity
$301,135.13
Average cost per K.W.H. High Tension
.0126
Average cost per K.W.H. East, Beach and Pine Sts.
.0298
Average cost per K.W.H. purchased and distributed
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