USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Middleton > Town annual report of Middleton, MA. 1945 > Part 4
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Complaints 104
There have been 14 people taken in Police Car for dog bites to doctor
Fowl killed by dogs 273
Dogs picked up and returned to owners 11
Miles answering complaints
386
Hours working on complaints 110
Tramp dogs kept and adv and disposed of
14
Animals killed by motor vehicles 18 dogs, 14 cats, 5 skunks 14
Dogs disposed of by request of owners
Turned over to the Town Clerk for unlicensed dogs
$138.00
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER H. MILBERY,
Dog Officer of Town of Middleton.
POLICE REPORT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The Chief of Police does submit herewith his annual report for the year ending December 31, 1945.
ARRESTS DURING YEAR:
Operating under the influence of liquor
1
Driving after license suspended
1
Driving to endanger 4
Sentenced to House of Correction 4
Drunks released
38
Larceny of automobiles
3
Larceny, breaking and entering camps
9
Assault and battery
3
Assault with dangerous weapon committed
to Danvers State Hospital 1
72
POLICE REPORT
Committed to Danvers State Hospital for D. T. 1
Sentenced to D. S. H. for indecent exposure 1
Juveniles put on probation 14
MISCELLANEOUS WORK:
Owing to condition of gas and tires the police car has taken 24 to different hospitals
Summons and warrants served 48
Emergency calls from out of town delivered 31
A. W. O. L. Warrants for army. served 3
Wayward children under 16 held for parents 4
Children lost, found by police 4
Ration books lost and advertised
28
Complaints received and investigated 642
Automobile accidents covered 31
Buildings found broken into 4
Larceny from camps, property returned back to owner Valued at $1,840.00
Animals caught and owners notified
20
Hours in court
360
Property and buildings inspected
260
Reports for insurance companies
31
Automobile licenses and registrations
12
Traffic duty, approximately 800 hours
Transfers 48
We had two fatal accident and one suicide.
Turned over to Town Treasurer for issuing revolver licenses $6.00
We had no poultry or stock stolen this year.
In conclusion I wish to thank the honorable board, also the Police officers under me and thank the citizens of Middleton for coop- eration with me in the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER H. MILBERY,
Chief of Police.
TAX COLLECTOR'S REPORT
Year of Tax
Balance Jan. 1, 1945
1945 Commitment
Amount Collected
Abate- ments
Refunds Tax Titles
Collected Dec. 31, '45
REAL ESTATE
1944
$7,362 72
$7,356 27
$ 6 45 $ 175 23
-
1945
-
$59,454 90 50,904 42
$765 08
$ 129 75
613 29
10 26 $7,172 11
EXCISE
1945
1,967 98 1,896 60
24 53
2 40
1 69
46 85
POLL
1945
-
1,318 00
952 00
366 00
-
-
36 40
-
PERSONAL PROPERTY
1945
-
4,113 87 3,979 88
2 19
-
-
14 65
132 30
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD E. TYLER, Tax Collector.
73
1
-
-
TAX COLLECTOR'S REPORT
Int. & Fees
Balance
74
ASSESSORS' REPORT
ASSESSORS' REPORT
The following is a recapitulation of the money appropriated by the Town of Middleton and the estimated receipts deducted therefrom in the determination of the 1945 Tax Rate:
APPROPRIATIONS:
Town appropriation
$118,311 82
State tax-1945
2,380 00
State parks and reservations
90 99
County tax
3,836 06
Tuberculosis Hospital assessment
1,676 55
1945 Overlay
1,772 17
Total appropriation
$128,067 59
ESTIMATED RECEIPTS AND AVAILABLE FUNDS:
Income tax
$6,843 71
Corporation taxes
7,000 60
Reimbursement on account of State owned land
753 47
Gasoline tax under Acts of 1943, Chapter 569
3,493 20
Motor vehicle and trailer excise
2,000 00
1,800 00
Licenses Fines
50 00
General government
500 00
Protection of persons and property
250 00
Health and sanitation
450 00
Charities (other than federal grants for aid to dependent children)
900 00
Old age assistance (other than federal grants)
14,000 00
Old age tax (meals) Gen. Laws, (Chap. 64B S10)
671 77
Schools 6,000 00
Cemeteries (other than trust funds and sale of lots) 350 00
Interest on taxes and assessments
300 00
Unclassified 1,350 00
Transfers voted by Town
16,565 82
Total estimated receipts and available funds
$63,278 57
Gross amount to be raised 128,067 59
63,278 57
Total estimated receipts and available funds
$64,789 02
1
75
ASSESSORS' REPORT
Net amount raised by taxation on personal property ..
4,113 87
" real estate
59,367 15
Number of polls assessed, 654 at $2.00 each
1,308 00
Total taxes levied
$64,789 02
TOTAL VALUATION:
Personal property Real estate 1945 Tax rate
$137,129 00
1,978,905 00
30 00
Respectfully submitted, ARCHIBALD L. JONES, PAUL B. WAKE, SR., HAROLD M. BISHOP,
Board of Assessors.
76
STATE AUDIT REPORT
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF CORPORATIONS AND TAXATION DIVISION OF ACCOUNTS STATE HOUSE, BOSTON 33
August 3, 1945
To the Board of Selectmen Mr. George B. Ogden, Chairman Middleton, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I submit herewith my report of an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Middleton for the period from June 16, 1943, to May 28, 1945, made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws. This is in the form of a report made to me by Mr. Herman B. Dine, Assistant Director of Accounts.
Very truly yours,
Theodore N. Waddell Director of Accounts
Mr. Theodore N. Waddell Director of Accounts Department of Corporations and Taxation
State House, Boston
Sir:
As directed by you, I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Middleton for the period from June 16, 1943, the date of the previous audit, to May 28, 1945, and submit the following report thereon:
The financial transactions, as recorded on the books of the several de- partments receiving or disbursing money for the town or committing bills for collection, were examined and checked with the books of the town accountant and the treasurer.
The books and accounts in the office of the town accountant were ex- amined and checked. The receipts, as recorded on the ledger, were checked with the records of the several departments making payments to the treas- urer and with the treasurer's books, while the recorded payments were checked with the treasury warrants issued by the selectmen and with the treasurer's cash book. The appropriations and transfers from the reserve fund, as re- corded on the ledger, were checked with the town clerk's records of town meetings and with the authorizations of the finance committee.
77
STATE AUDIT REPORT
The town accountant's ledger was analyzed, and a balance sheet, which is appended to this report, was prepared showing the financial condition of the town as of May 28, 1945.
The books and accounts of the town treasurer were examined and checked. The recorded receipts were compared with the town accountant's books and with the records in the various departments collecting money for the town, as well as with the other sources from which money was paid into the town treasury, while the payments were compared with the approved warrants. The cash balance on May 28, 1945, was proved by verification of the cash in the office and by reconciliation of the bank balance with a statement furnished by the bank of deposit.
The reported payments on account of debt and interest were compared with the amounts falling due and with the cancelled securities and coupons on file.
The records of tax titles held by the town were examined and checked. The amounts added to the tax title account were compared with the col- lector's records, the tax titles redeemed were checked with the receipts as recorded on the treasurer's cash book, the foreclosures were verified, and the tax titles held were listed and compared with the records at the Registry of Deeds.
The savings bank books and securities representing the investment of trust funds in the custody of the town treasurer, the library trustees, and the Naumkeag Trust Company, were examined and listed. The income was proved and the expenditures were verified.
The books and accounts of the tax collector were examined and checked. The poll, personal property, real estate and motor vehicle excise taxes out- standing according to the previous examination and all subsequent commit- ments were audited and checked to the assessors' warrants for their collect- ion. The payments to the treasurer were checked to the treasurer's cash book, the recorded abatements were compared with the records of abatements granted, and the outstanding accounts were listed and reconciled with the respective controlling accounts in the accountant's ledger.
Verification of the outstanding accounts was made by sending notices to a number of persons whose names appeared on the books as owing money to the town, the replies received thereto indicating that the accounts, as listed. are correct.
The records of the electric light department were examined and checked in detail. The commitments were verified, the collections were compared with the payments to the treasurer, and the outstanding accounts were listed nd reconciled with the accountant's ledger.
78
STATE AUDIT REPORT
The town clerk's records of dog and sporting licenses were examined and checked, the payments to the State being verified by comparison with the receipts on file and the payments to the town treasurer being checked to the treasurer's cash book.
The records of receipts from selectmen's licenses, of the sealer of weights and measures, the public welfare and cemetery departments, and of all other departments in which money was collected for the town, were examined, checked and reconciled with the accountant's and treasurer's books.
The surety bonds furnished by the several officials required to file such surety were examined and found to be in proper form.
In addition to the balance sheet referred to, there are appended to this report tables showing a reconciliation of the treasurer's and collector's cash, summaries of the tax, tax title, and departmental accounts, as well as tables showing the trust fund transactions.
For the cooperation received from the various town officials while en- gaged in making the audit, I wish, on behalf of my assistants and for my- self, to express appreciation.
Respectfully submitted, Herman B. Dine.
Assistant Director of Accounts.
79
RECOMMENDATIONS FINANCE COMMITTEE
Report of the Finance Committee For the Town of Middleton Upon the Warrant For the Annual Meeting to be held March 12, 1946
TO THE VOTERS OF THE TOWN OF MIDDLETON:
Your Finance Committee after conferring with the several depart- ment heads and open discussions with the citizens, submit the follow- ing recommendations, for your further consideration.
The cost of living has been high for some time and the trend is still upward. All such factors are reflected in the cost of Govern- ment. We must face the issue and either contribute more in the way of local taxation, or curtail on some of the services now being ren- dered.
With careful consideration of the Articles in the warrant we believe the tax rate can remain about the same as last year, and we will provide reasonable public services.
We should be cautious in requesting any new or additional ex- penditures at this time.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE For the Town of Middleton For the Annual Town Meeting March 12, 1946
ARTICLE I. To authorize the Selectmen to appoint such other Town Officers as are required to be chosen annually.
No recommendation required.
ARTICLE II. To see what action the Town will take in regard to the letting of the Town Hall.
No recommendation required.
ARTICLE III. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1946, and to issue a note or notes there- for, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accordance with Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws.
No recommendation required.
80
RECOMMENDATIONS FINANCE COMMITTEE
ARTICLE IV. To see what action the Town will take to defray the Town expenses for the ensuing year.
See itemized recommendations as per attached.
ARTICLE V. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $365.01 from the Dog Tax Refund to the Library Fund.
Recommended such sum be so transferred.
ARTICLE VI. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Electric Light Department to use the earnings of the Department for the ensuing year, agreeable to the petition of the Electric Light Commissioners, or take any action in relation thereto.
Recommended the Electric Light Department be so authorized.
ARTICLE VII. To see if the Town will vote to accept the sum of $2,500.00 from the earnings of the Electric Light Department.
Recommended this article be accepted.
ARTICLE VIII. To see if the Town will vote to raise and approp- riate, or transfer from available funds in the treasury, the sum of $2,000.00 for the purchase of war bonds or other bonds that are legal investments for savings banks, in order to establish a Post- War Rehabilitation fund, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 5, Acts of 1943.
Recommended the sum of $2,000.00 be transferred from avail- able funds for the purchase of war bonds only.
ARTICLE IX. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Assessors to use such free cash in the Treasury as they, in their best judgment, feel is warranted, and is approved by the Commissioner of Corporations and Taxation, for the purpose of reducing the tax rate.
Recommended this article be accepted as read.
ARTICLE X. To see if the Town will vote to raise and approp- riate the sum of $4,650.00 for the maintenance of Chapter 81- Roads; said money to be used in conjunction with any money which may be allotted by Federal, State or County, or all, for this purpose.
Recommended that the sum of $4,650.00 be raised and appro- priated.
81
RECOMMENDATIONS FINANCE COMMITTEE
ARTICLE XI. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,100.00 for the maintenance of Chapter 90-Roads; the same to be expended in conjunction with the State allotment.
Recommended the sum of $1,100.00 be raised and appropriated.
ARTICLE XII. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the expen- diture of $2,500.00 from the Road Machinery Fund to maintain equipment.
Recommended this article be accepted.
ARTICLE XIII. To see if the Town will vote to raise and approp- riate the sum of $1,700.00 to place subway grating on the Peabody Street bridge or take what other action deemed advisable to make this bridge safe for travel.
Recommended this article be accepted.
ARTICLE XIV. To see if the Town will vote to raise and approp- riate the sum of $3,000.00 for the improvement of Essex Street; said money to be used in conjunction with any money which may be allotted by the State, or County, or both for this purpose. (Chapter 90 Construction)
Since it seems to the concensus of opinion among many of the citizens that extensive improvements of this street is not desired at this time, we recommend this article be not accepted.
ARTICLE XV. To see if the Town will vote to make permanent, the temporary increases granted the laborers and heads of var- ious departments at the last annual Town Meeting, or take any other action in relation thereto.
Recommended this article be accepted.
ARTICLE XVI. To see if the Town will vote to pay the Highway Surveyor a salary of $2,080.00 per year, this sum to be taken from the various highway appropriations.
Recommended.
ARTICLE XVII. To see if the Town wishes to continue the Forest Fire Patrol as has been required by law the last three years.
Recommended this patrol be continued this year and the sum of $100.00 be raised and appropriated for this purpose.
82
RECOMMENDATIONS FINANCE COMMITTEE
ARTICLE XVIII. To see if the Town will vote to adopt the follow- ing Zoning By-Law. Part 2, Sect. 4-7. Any of the following uses, provided it is not injurious, noxious, or offensive to the neighborhood, and only if authorized by the Board of Appeals; (a) Aviation field, (b) Cemetery, (c) Fur farm, (d) Golf club, (e) Gravel, loam clay or sand stripping or removal, (f) Green- house, (g) Hospital, convalescent home, sanitarium, or philan- thropic use, (h) Ice harvesting and storage on the same premises, (i) Municipal use, (j) riding stable, (k) stone quarrying, (1) Tel- ephone exchange, not including a service station or outside storage of supplies,
Recommended this article be accepted.
ARTICLE XIX. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the ap- pointment of a committee of five to investigate the needed repairs and improvements to the Old School Building, and report at the next annual Town Meeting.
Recommended.
ARTICLE XX. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the ap- pointment of a committee of five to investigate the further exten- sions of water mains and to report at the next annual Town Meeting.
Recommended.
ARTICLE XXI. To see if the Town will vote to raise and approp- riate a sum of money to properly celebrate the return of the Men and Women who served in or were affiliated or associated with the Armed Forces of the United States in World War II, according to Chapter 1, Acts of 1946.
Recommended appropriate action be taken.
ARTICLE XXII. To see if the Town will vote to adopt Chapter 723, Acts of 1945, whereby Towns may establish and maintain muni- cipal departments or form districts for furnishing information, advice and assistance to veterans of World War II, or to other veterans.
It seems to be the opinion of several of the citizens that such a department could furnish no further assistance than is available under the present set-up, we therefore recommend this article be not accepted this year.
88
RECOMMENDATIONS FINANCE COMMITTEE
ARTICLE XXIII. To see if the Town will vote to adopt the Building Laws as Amended by a committee of five according to Chapter 143, Sec. 3, General Laws; or take any action in relation thereto.
We believe the adoption of such building laws is a step forward and will prove of considerable benefit to the town.
ARTICLE XXIV. On petition of Ernest P. Goodale and thirty-eight others to see if the Town will vote to prohibit the travel of trucks on King and Mount Vernon Streets, or take any other action in relation thereto.
No recommendation required.
ARTICLE XXV. On petition of Alfred H. Kitchen and fourteen others, to see if the Town will vote to widen Mount Vernon Street mainly by the brook and old cemetery, or take any other action in relation thereto.
No recommendation required.
ARTICLE XXVI. On petition of Joseph Picariello and twenty-four others, to see if the Town will vote to accept 2,000 feet of Haswell Park Extension and raise money for any necessary improvement of the same.
Recommended that the Town move with caution in accepting any street unless proof of a proper lay-out can be shown and evidence that the same is duly recorded.
ARTICLE XXVII. On petition of Edwin W. Whitehouse and twenty others, to see if the Town will vote to accept a portion of Spring Road as far as Acorn Street and a portion of Acorn Street as far as Lawrence L. Chute's house.
Recommended that the Town move with caution in accepting any street unless proof of a proper lay-out can be shown and evidence that the same is duly recorded.
ARTICLE XXVIII. On petition of Harold E. Tyler and fourteen others, to see if the Town will vote to accept Lakeview Avenue (off North Main Street) or take any action in relation thereto.
Same recommendation as for Articles 26 and 27.
84
RECOMMENDATIONS FINANCE COMMITTEE
ARTICLE XXIX. On petition of Ernest P. Goodale and twenty others, to see if the Town will vote to allow the Boy Scouts of said Town to erect a building to be used for recreational pur- poses, on Recreation Park in said Town, or on other land owned by said Town suitable for the purpose above mentioned.
No recommendation.
ARTICLF XXX. On petition of John W. Campbell and forty-nine others, to see if the Town will vote to extend the street lights on River Street from Sleet's corner to the end of the existing power lines, also Hilldale and Belleview Avenues.
Recommended this article be accepted and the necessary funds be taken from the earnings of the Electric Light Department (estimated cost $1,975.00)
ARTICLE XXXI. On petition of Marie Murphy and twenty-two others, to see if the Town will vote to install a light on Liberty Street at the intersection of Spring Road and Lakeview Avenue, to lessen the danger of accidents. Electric poles are located at proposed site of installation.
To install one light will cost $282.00. Since a line must be run from LeColst's to Middleton Pines entrance which could carry six more lights for an additional cost of $118.00, it would seem advisable to light that section of the street. We recommend this be done and the necessary funds be taken from the earnings of the Electric Light Department.
ARTICLE XXXII. On petition of George B. Ellis and nine others, to see if the Town will vote to adopt and enact the following By-Laws:
1. No street shall be accepted by the Town unless it is laid out fifty feet wide, graded and drained the full width and all banks sloped not less than one up, two out. A traveled road- way twenty-five feet wide shall have all loam, sub-soil, roots, stumps, boulders and ledge removed for one foot below the finish grade then brought to grade with good road gravel crowned four inches. No grade shall exceed 10%. The street or streets must connect with an accepted street. There shall not be any dead end street unless a turning area one hundred feet in diameter is provided finished same as traveled roadway. If any part of this
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RECOMMENDATIONS FINANCE COMMITTEE
rule is not followed the Selectmen shall have prominent signs erected warning that no permits will be granted for building on these premises.
2. No lot shall be sold on new developments less than seventy- five feet wide and one hundred feet deep.
No recommendations required.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM W. RICHARDSON, WALTER L. PAINE, HAROLD Y. SMITH, WILLIAM T. MARTIN,
Middleton Finance Committee.
86
RECOMMENDATIONS FINANCE COMMITTEE
Recommendations of Finance Committee for the Year 1946
I. - GENERAL GOVERNMENT:
SALARIES:
Requested
Recommended
Moderator
$ 50 00
$ 50 00
Selectmen (three)
725 00
725 00
Accountant
700 00
700 00
Treasurer
700 00
700 00
Collector
1,000 00
1,000 00
Town Clerk
400 00
400 00
Assessors (three)
1,500 00
1,500 00
Assessors Administration
300 00
300 00
Town Counsel
300 00
300 00
Electric Light Commissioners (three)
150 00
150 00
EXPENSES :
Town Officers' Expenses
1,200 00
1,200 00
Tax Title Expenses
500 00
500 00
ELECTIONS AND REGISTRATIONS:
Salaries
180 00
180 00
Expenses
350 00
350 00
TOWN HALL:
Maintenance
800 00
800 00
Custodian's salary
730 00
730 00
II .- PROTECTION OF PERSONS
AND PROPERTY:
Police
$1,650 00
$1,650 00
Constable's Salary
35 00
35 00
Fire, Maintenance and Salaries
2,775 00
2,775 00
Forest Fire Patrol (see Article 17)
Forest Fire Hose
300 00
300 00
Cleaning Water Holes
100 00
100 00
Fire Alarm
600 00
600 00
III. - FORESTRY :
Moth
$1,000 00
$1,000 00
Moth, Private work
300 00
300 00
Tree Warden
500 00
500 00
Sealer of Weights and Measures, salary 125 00
125 00
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RECOMMENDATIONS FINANCE COMMITTEE
Requested
Recommended
IV .- HEALTH AND SANITATION:
Board of Health
$ 2,000 00
$2,000 00
Essex Sanatorium
2,173 43
2,173 43
Dental Clinic
500 00
500 00
Inspector of Slaughtering, salary
50 00
50 00
Inspector of Cattle, salary
175 00
175 00
V .- HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT:
Highway
$1,600 00
$1,600 00
Chapter 81 Maintenance
(See Article 10)
Chapter 90 Maintenance
(See Article 11)
Chapter 90 Construction
(See Article 14)
Snow Removal
Road Machinery Account
(See Article 12)
Street Lighting
2,500 00
2,500 00
VI .- CHARITIES:
Public Welfare, Salaries
$ 325 00
$ 325 00
Public Welfare, Maintenance
2,500 00
2,500 00
Aid Dependent Children
1,000 00
1,000 00
Old Age Assistance, Aid
16,500 00
16,500 00
Old Age Assistance, Administration
500 00
500 00
Aid Dependent Children, Administration 50 00
50 00
VII .- SOLDIERS' BENEFITS:
State Aid
$150 00
$150 00
Soldiers' Relief
500 00
1,000 00
War Allowances
400 00
400 00
VIII. - EDUCATION:
School
$39,651 00
$39,651 00
Vocational Education
200 00
200 00
Library
1,500 00
1,500 00
IX .- CEMETERY:
Sup't. of Burials, Salary
$15 00
$15 00
Commissioners' Salary
60 00
60 00
Maintenance
1,450 00
1,450 00
Graves
350 00
350 00
Asphalt, transferred from
lots and graves account
125 00
125 00
88
RECOMMENDATIONS FINANCE COMMITTEE
Requested
Recommended
X .- PARK:
Maintenance
$350 00
$350 00
XI .- INTEREST AND INSURANCE:
Interest
$ 480 00
$ 480 00
Insurance
1,255 00
1,255 00
XII. - MUNICIPAL INDEBTEDNESS:
School Construction Notes
$3,000 00
$3,000 00
XIII .- UNCLASSIFIED:
Contingent Fund
$
800 00
$ 800 00
Reserve Fund
1,500 00
1,500 00
Memorial Day
300 00
300 00
War Bonds
(See Article 8)
Repairs, Old School
300 00
300 00
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE
School Committee
Superintendent of Schools AND
Yearly Statistics
OF THE
Grammar School
OF THE
Town of Middleton
FOR THE
Year Ending December 31, 1945
-
91
SCHOOL REPORT
SCHOOL REPORT
School Committee
DR. RAYMOND SILVERNAIL, Chairman Term Expires 1948 MRS. ALICE K. CASS, Secretary Term Expires 1947
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