USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1963 > Part 9
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One hundred and eighty-two persons were injured in motor vehicle accidents which the police department investigated. Twenty-two of those injured were of a serious nature. Eighty-three others were treated and hospitalized. Seventy-seven others were either treated by a doctor at his office or at the hospital and released. Middleboro again had ten pedes- trian accidents. There were no pedestrian fatal accidents. There were two fatal accidents in which two persons met death. One accident took place on a straight road on Route 28 in South Middleboro and the other took place on a curve on Route 44 in East Middleboro.
Six hundred and thirty-nine accidents were either investigated or reported to the police department as a result of motor vehicle accidents. One hundred and seventy-four accidents involving personal and property damage in excess of $200.00. Two hundred and twenty-nine accidents involving only property damage in excess of $200.00. Two hundred and thirty-six accidents involving property damage under $200.00 were either investigated or reported to police. Cruiser car 1 traveled 17,537 from January 1 to June 1963 at which time it was turned in. Cruiser car 2 traveled 14,445 miles from January 1 to June 1963. New cruiser car 1 traveled 18,025 miles from June to December 31, 1963. Cruiser car 2 traveled 18,025 miles from June to December 31, 1963. Total mileage for the year 70,007, this was used in patrols and investigations. Forty- four persons were taken either to a doctors office or hospital for treat- ment as a result of injuries or illness.
The Police Department suffered two losses in 1963 by death of William C. Elliott, Deputy Chief of Police, who was a member of the department for twenty-six years, he was a dedicated police officer and was known by everyone as "Ced". Special Officer Harry Hull, who was
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ANNUAL REPORT
a member of the department for over thirty-five years, a gentleman at all times and a good officer.
I wish to extend my sincere thanks to the citizens of Middleboro for their cooperation and understanding during my years as a police officer and as Chief of Police, upon this my last annual report and last official act as Chief of Police for the Town of Middleborough. After nearly twenty-eight years of service to the Town I am retiring as of this date, December 31, 1963. To the heads of all Departments and their personnel I wish to express my sincere thanks for your assistance over the years. To the members of the Civilian Defense Police who have been of great assistance to the department throughout the past several years. To those officers of my department who helped to make the administration a success thanks.
Very truly yours,
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 forty- second annual report of the Fire Department for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1963.
Apparatus
Engine #1 Maxim - 1000 gal. pumper
Engine #2 Maxim - 1000 gal. pumper
Engine #3 Maxim - 500 gal. pumper Engine #4 Maxim - - 750 gal. pumper Aerial Ladder - Maxim Ladder #1 - Maxim Dodge 1 Ton Truck
Dodge 3 Ton Truck
1 Trailer Unit
1 Rescue Boat, Trailer and Equipment
Purchased November 14, 1961 Purchased April 23, 1928 Purchased October 15, 1954 Purchased March 29, 1934 Purchased January 18, 1956 Purchased April 26, 1946 Purchased Sept. 8, 1956 Purchased May 26 ,1949 Donated Donated
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ANNUAL REPORT
Organization
The personnel of the Fire Department as of December 31, 1963 is as follows:
1 Permanent Chief
1 Permanent Deputy Chief
1 Permanent Captain
12 Permanent Men
5 Call Captains 41 Call Men 5 Substitutes
South Middleboro Unit
1 Call Captain 13 Call Men
Equipment 1 Ford - 500 gal. pumper 1 Chevrolet - 500 gal. pumper
1 Tractor Trailer Tank Truck
Operation
Box Alarms - 25
False Alarms - 5
Still Alarms - 207
Squads - 44
Resuscitator - 9
No School - 1
Total Calls - 291
South Middleboro Operation
Building Fires - 9
Chimney - 2
Grass and Brush - 18
Lost Child - 1
Town Dump - 3
Aid to Carver - 1
Autos and Trucks - 6
Aid to Rochester
Oilburners - 0
Aid to Plympton - 1
Various Still Alarms - 23
Total Calls - 65
Property Loss
Buildings
Contents
Valuation - $993,750.00
$356,000.00
Total Insurance - $807,700.00
256,900.00
Estimated Damage - $116,911.15
53,709.28
Insurance Paid $100,154.15
35,236.36
Loss not covered by Insurance - $16,757.00
18,472.92
William R. Jacintho resigned as a call firefighter on December 2 because of pressure of other business after having served for 22 years.
The several companies held practices and meetings once a month or oftener throughout the year.
All apparatus and equipment is in the best possible repair, the usual maintenance having been done.
Aid to Lakeville - 2 Aid to Plympton - 1 Aid to Plymouth - - 1
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ANNUAL REPORT
All the doors, windows and woodwork on the exterior of the Fire Station was repaired, weatherproofed and painted.
A new roof covering over the second floor and the brickwork repointed and water-proofed is recommended this year.
A telephone to report a fire only was installed when the system was changed to dial.
Two new 2 way radios were put on South Middleboro Engine #5 and Tank #1 to conform with the Federal Communication Commissions narrow banding regulation. These installations complete the narrow banding of all radio equipment.
I recommend that Ladder #1 be converted to an engine to replace the nearly 36 year old Engine #2 which is not now dependable and is costly to maintain.
The old fire alarm line on Wareham St. from Fairview St. to the end of system was removed and renewed. New underground fire alarm cable was installed for about 250 feet on North Main St. near Reland St.
Quarterly inspections of the hospital and the nine nursing and rest homes were made and a special inspection was made of the nursing homes in cooperation with inspectors from the State Fire Marshal's office.
Oilburner and bottled gas installations were checked, 7344 permits to burn were issued.
A portable pump was installed on the South Middleboro tank truck making this truck more efficient.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER H. GRANT
Chief of Fire Department
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE FOREST WARDEN
To the Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report for the year 1963.
Box Alarms
1 5
Squad Calls
Warden Calls
31
Still alarms, grass and brush
95
Town Dump
63
Total Calls
195
Estimated damage
$4,500.00
Cost of Extinguishing
Wages
$2,585:25
Maintenance and Operation
909.63
Total Cost
$3,494.88
.
For burning Grass $ 323.00
The number of calls, the estimated damage and total cost of ex- tinguishing was increased this year because of the long period of heat and dryness and by the attention given to the Town Dump by the Fire Department in cooperation with the dump custodian in keeping fires and smoke to a minimum.
Forest Fire #1 had a new motor block installed and 3 new tires put on.
Respectfully submitted, WALTER H. GRANT Forest Warden
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF WIRES
For the year 1963 there were 76 new inspections, 92 changeovers, 19 temporary services, 2 trailers and 13 Electric Water Heaters in- spected. Also there were 40 reinspections made, 69 inspections of rough wiring on new construction and 130 calls on additions, oil burners etc. Total inspections made during the year were 441 and miles traveled 2,549.
Respectfully yours,
E. N. NIRO
Receipts
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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 1963 has again brought some changes in the Civil Defense program. We have increased the public shelter capability by two more shelter sites. All shelter sites have now been posted with the approved type signs. The supplies for the public shelters are in custodial storage and will be distributed. These supplies consist of food, water, medical and first aid kits and radiological kits.
The radiological monitoring system is now in operation on a twenty- four hour basis. This service, measures the daily background radiation, plus any significant increase.
Mr. Wilfred Duphilly continues as Chief of Intelligence, with Mr. Gerald Aker and Mr. William Wright as deputies.
Mr. Richmond Bessey continues as Chief Monitor in the Radiological department.
Mr. William A. LeWillie functions as Asst. Radio and Communica- tions training Officer.
Mr. Ellsworth Crowell as Operations Officer is in charge of the Control Center.
Mr. George Wheeler will continue as mass feeding Officer.
Two changes have been made in the Natural Disaster Plan, which will update several obsolete phases of the plan.
The program plan for 1963 and 1964 has been submitted and is waiting approval.
The Auxiliary Police continued training under the administration of Chief William A. Gardiner.
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 time and cooperation during the year.
Respectfully submitted, PAUL WEAVER
Director of Civil Defense
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Middleborough, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit, for your consideration and approval, the report of the Department of Weights and Measures for the year 1963.
In 1963 I tested a total of 714 weighing and measuring devices, 62 of which were found in need of adjustment and 8 were condemned.
Prepackaged commodities offered for sale have been inspected for
short weight or over-pricing and peddlers have been checked for proper license. I have found a large increase in peddling activities in the town this year.
The revenue turned into the Town Treasurer, for the year 1963, is as follows:
Sealing Fees $413.35 Adjusting Fees $14.00
Total Fees $427.35
Adjusted
Sealed
Not Sealed Condemned
SCALES AND BALANCES
Over 10,000 lbs.
1
4
1
1
100 to 5,000 lbs.
8
72
1
Under 100 lbs.
17
108
5
2
WEIGHTS
Avoirdupois
220
Apothecary
47
Metric
61
CAPACITY MEASURES
Liquid 1 gallon or under
5
METERS
Gas pumps
25
100
1
1
Oil and grease
23
3
Vehicle Tanks
6
30
1
Bulk storage
2
5
PUMPS
Kerosene - oil
3
11
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ANNUAL REPORT
MEASURING DEVICES Cloth
2
LINEAR MEASURE Yard Sticks
18
2
Total
62
706
10
8
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT F. COBURN Sealer of Weights and Measures
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ANNUAL REPORT
Public Services
REPORT OF THE VETERANS' SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Middleboro, Mass.
Gentlemen:
May I submit my fifth annual report of the Department of Veterans' Services.
We have lead another very busy year and have been able again to stay within our estimated budget. This is almost an impossible task as God alone knows what distress and sickness will come to our eligible veterans' and their dependents.
Recently the Hospitals in our Commonwealth were allowed by a Superior Court ruling to again increase their per diem rate which in- creases the cost of all Social Agency functions.
About eighty-five or ninety percent of our work, as the name of our department conveys, is service to Veterans and their dependents, meaning helping them acquire pensions, home loans, insurance, burial allowances, grave markers and stones, funeral flags and seeing that their graves are properly cared for and a flag placed on each Veterans' Grave on Memorial Day. This includes veterans of all wars.
When President Kennedy's program of Nursing Home care for Veterans is in full swing it will help us financially. Our disabled veterans are eligible for a $2,000.00 exemption on their real estate taxes if their disability is 10% or more, service connected. Holders of the Congressional Medal of Honor, The Distinguished Service Cross, The Flying Cross and the Navy Cross are entitled to a $4,000.00 exemption of real estate taxes.
Every year about two hundred cases ask us to fill out their income questionaire, which if not properly filed results in their pension being stopped.
Our Veterans' Benefits program stays about the same year in and year out, except for emergencies.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE E. WHEELER, Agent
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Middleborough, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The following is the Annual Report of the Director of Public Wel- fare for the year ending December 31, 1963.
During that year, there was an INCREASE in the:
Allowance for "Leisure Time Activities" to Old Age Assistance recipients;
Exemptions of single children in Old Age Assistance and Med- ical Assistance for the Aged;
Payments on Old Age Assistance, Aid to Families with Depen- dent Children and Disability Assistance;
Fee schedule for Dental Services.
Chapter 432 of the Acts of 1963 changed the title of Chapter 118 of the General Laws to AID TO FAMILIES WITH DEPENDENT CHILD- REN. There were 153 eligible recipients who were aided under this program at an expense slightly less than in the previous year.
Contributions from fathers who are separated from their families amounted to $6,485.75, approximately $2,000 more than in 1962. A dis- abled parent who received an insurance settlement made a repayment of $613.04 for assistance granted.
Federal reimbursement remains the same: $20.50 per eligible re- cipient regardless of the amount of assistance granted.
Although the DISABILITY ASSISTANCE caseload remained fairly constant, recipients of this category of assistance received a great deal more medical care in 1963 than in 1962. Two recipients were re- ferred by the Medical Review Team to the Division of Vocational Rehab- ilitation but it was determined that because of their disability, they were unable to be gainfully employed.
There was no change in the Federal Reimbursement.
Our MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE AGED caseload averaged 59 persons, fifteen more than in 1962. Because these recipients required nursing home care, drugs, hospital care (chronic and general), pros- thetic appliances, etc., it was necessary for us to transfer the amount of
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ANNUAL REPORT
$15,000 from our Old Age Assistance U.S. Cash Grant Account to the Medical Assistance for the Aged U. S. Cash Grant Account.
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE was granted to an average caseload of 116, six less than in the previous year. Increased expenditures for this type of assistance was due to an increase in allowance for "Leisure Time Activities", exemptions of single children and the 5.1% increase in the cost of living as reported by the Division on the Necessaries of Life.
One thousand dollars was recovered by this agency under the Old Age Assistance lien law. A total of $2,425 was received from two recip- ients who voluntarily made a repayment from an inheritance in order to remain eligible for categorical assistance.
Expenditures for GENERAL ASSISTANCE were $834.54 less than in the previous year. Although our average caseload averaged five, it is noted that the greatest expense was for board and care of a child who was confined to the Lakeville State Sanatorium for approximately nine months following corrective surgery.
Respectfully submitted,
BARBARA D. NORVISH
Director of Public Welfare
135
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE
(PLYMOUTH COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE) By Robert B. Ewing, County Agent-Manager
The primary responsibility of the Extension Service is as the 1914 law states "to aid in diffusing among the people of the United States useful and practical information on the subjects relating to Agriculture and Home Economics and to encourage the application of same."
Resources of the University of Massachusetts and the United States Department of Agriculture are available to the Staff of the Plymouth County Extension Service because of a mutual assistance agreement.
To make this service available to you funds are provided by the Federal, State and County Governments. Thus the name - Cooperative Extension Service.
Since 1915, when the Plymouth County Extension Service was or- ganized and established, educational information pertaining to Agricul- ture, Home Economics and 4-H Club Work has been given free to citizens of Plymouth County.
The Extension Service office is located in the Court House, Brock- ton, Mass., and is staffed by agents who conduct programs in Agri- culture, Home Economics and 4-H Club Work by furnishing educational information through farm and home visits, letters, newspaper articles, radio talks, meetings, office visits and telephone calls.
You are invited to make full use of the services provided by the Extension Service but should remember that although the Extension Service furnishes the information, it is you who makes the decision as to how the information may be used to best advantage.
Requests for information can be directed to the Plymouth County Extension Service, Court House, Brockton, Massachusetts.
The Board of Trustees, appointed by the Plymouth County Com- missioners, administer the Plymouth County Extension Service program and is composed of the following members:
Mr. John Prentice, Plymouth, Chairman Mrs. Elva Bent Schwartz, Brockton Mr. Lewis Billings, Plympton Mrs. Mabel Chandler, Duxbury Mr. John Duffy, Halifax Mrs. Gladys Gibbs, Hanover Mr. Robert Hammond, Wareham Mr. John Howe, West Bridgewater Mr. Gilbert Blackledge, Whitman
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ANNUAL REPORT
PLYMOUTH COUNTY MOSQUITO CONTROL PROJECT
In reporting on the project's activities and accomplishments in 1963, there have been several advances made toward the project's number one objective: Namely, the drainage of infected wetlands known to contain species capable of transmitting encephalitis or other virus.
The Eastern equine encephalitis continues to be vital to south- eastern Massachusetts, as research in this area shows virus activity is yet present in wild birdlife. We hope we have been instrumental in the fact that there have been no human cases of this virus reported during the last six years. We will continue to emphasize the locating and treating of breeding sites of the vector species of mosquitoes.
The ditch reclaiming phase of control continues to be the best in- vestment in a long range control program. It not only eliminates sources of breeding, but gradually reduces the repeated costly applications of insecticides. Our power-trencher has been concentrating on inland town problems during the warm weather months. I feel we can accomplish more in our coastal salt marshes during the cold weather periods, utilizing the frost in the ground for greater buoyancy in these areas. Weather permitting, our power unit will be operating the year round.
Aerial spraying for adult mosquitoes is important where a serious nuisance develops and immediate results are necessary. Control of this type is temporary and costly. The project was not designed to expend large sums on this type of control, yet we find it a valuable supplement to our long range efforts. The increasing trend toward outdoor living during the vacation season has added tremendous pressure on the proj- ect for temporary control with our five truck-mounted units. We are finding it impossible to satisfy each individual property owner, as we are not set up financially for this type of operation. Our weekly larval inspections and treatment of filter systems, sewage areas, dumps, public parks, ball fields and public gatherings were seriously hampered by increased requests for back yard spraying this past season.
We are cooperating with the newly organized Pesticide Board, and adhere to all State and Federal rules and recommendations as regards pesticides.
Our sincere thanks to your town officials, and your Tree, Health and Highway Departments for their splendid cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
M. CURRIE BEATON, Jr.
Superintendent
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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, 1963.
GAS DIVISION
A: All old gas services were replaced along So. Main St. concurrent with the rebuilding of the roadbed from Route #28 to Center St. About 380 ft. of very old (1862) 3" gas main was found and inactivated. This work will eliminate the need for digging up the new road for repairs and will tend to reduce lost gas.
B: In conjunction with the building of the new Route #44, Steel gas main (4") crossings were made at Old Center St. (1917 ft.) and at Everett St. (1210 ft. of 6" steel main).
C: Relocations of gas main crossings on Route #44 were made at the Rotary Traffic Circle and Plymouth St. These will be paid for by the Mass. Dept. of Public Works.
D: An enclosure was built by our personnel, around the 30,000 watt emergency generator at the gas plant. This generator was converted to operate either with Gasoline or Natural Gas for more reliability.
E: The two 30,000 gallon liquid Propane tanks with associated structures and piping were primed and painted. This should protect them against corrosion for an appreciable number of years.
F: Improvements in piping arrangements at the Gas Plant were made by the Department personnel for more efficient Gas-making operations.
G: Gas main extensions were also made at Hemlock St. (350 ft. of 2" steel), Roosevelt Ave. (100 ft. of 2" steel), off North St. (288 ft. of 4" steel) and on Woodlawn St. (768 ft. of 4" steel).
H: A leaky 6 inch ground-joint gas main was replaced along So. Main St. (Center to Webster Sts.) with 6 inch C.I. Mechanical joint pipe for a distance of 380 ft.
I: On West Grove St., 900 ft. of old 4 inch C.I. gas main was re-
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ANNUAL REPORT
moved to permit a sewer installation. Nine gas customers were converted to Bottled Gas on a temporary basis. Later the new 4 inch steel gas main was installed and customers connected back to Natural Gas.
J: Other data are:
New High Pressure Gas Services Installed 15
New Low Pressure Gas Services Installed 13
High Pressure Services dug up and abandoned 3 Old Gas Services dug up and completely replaced 5 Old Gas Services partly replaced (across road and in cellar wall) 26
Manifolds (piping at gas meters) completely replaced 9
Gas meters dismantled and reconditioned 90
Gas meters inspected and set to Zero index 90
Gas meters tested and sealed by Mass. D.P.U.
241
Jobbing orders executed
173
Customers' service calls made
760
New Gas Mains laid (steel) LOW PRESSURE HIGH PRESSURE
6" - 1,210 ft. 4" . - 1,917 ft.
4" - 1.056 ft. 2" 450 ft.
Gas main joints dug up and clamped 13
* Because of a State Law, about 15% of the gas meters in service must be removed from the buildings and tested each year. The meters are overhauled, tested and sealed by a representative of the Mass. Dept. of Public Utilities.
Propane-Air Gas manufactured at Gas Plant into system (Natural Gas equivalent on a heat content basis. 2,101,060 cu. ft.
GAS 1963
Gas Purchased:
For High Pressure Services For Low Pressure Services
6,764,400 cu. ft. 67,167,700 cu. ft.
Total Purchased
Gas Made at Plant (Propane-Air)
73,932,100 cu. ft. 2,101,060 cu. ft.
Total Purchased and Made
76,033,160 cu. ft. 756,360 cu. ft.
Increase over 1962
Gas sold other than to Gas & Electric Dept.
70,457,300 cu. ft. 748,300 cu. ft.
increase over 1962
Gas used by Gas & Electric Dept.
1,200,800 cu. ft.
Gas for Lakeville (Passed through Middleboro Mains)
920,300 cu. ft. 200,000 cu. ft.
Gas on Hand in Hortonsphere
Gas unaccounted for
4,357,060 cu. ft. $62,997.17 $ .85
Paid Brockton-Taunton Gas Company
Average per 1000 cu. ft. purchased
Average cost per 1000 cu. ft. delivered up to customers meters
$ 2.28
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ANNUAL REPORT
Average Received per 1000 cu. ft. sold Average Consumption per customer Miles of Main
Average consumers per mile of Main Gas Sold per mile of Main Average B.T.U. per cu. ft. gas Profit
$ 2.61 41,310 cu. ft.
38,89
43.7
1,840,000 cu. ft. 1,003
22,695.96
ELECTRIC DIVISION
A: An appreciable number of street lights were converted from series type to multiple type by revamping appropriate wires on pole lines. This work is done as a modernization of our electric system.
B: A conversion of single phase lines to three phase was accom- plished in Lakeville along Precinct St. to supply the Lakeville Sand & Gravel Co.
C: Several conversions were made of our White-Way street lights to Mercury Vapor Type on a trial basis. Differences of opinion between residents of the town result in our holding up further conversions.
D: A new three phase electric line was run to the Sewerage Plant because of the new expressway Route #44.
E: Electric line crossings had to be rebuilt across the newly built Route #44 at the Rotary Traffic Circle, Center St., Everett St., Plymouth St. and Plympton St. The State will reimburse the town for most of this work.
F: Underground ducts were installed on So. Main St. in conjunc- tion with the rebuilding of the road. This will permit further improve- ments and removing unsightly poles without disturbing the road. Some White-Way lights were relocated with this job.
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