USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Middleton > Town annual report of Middleton, MA. 1953 > Part 4
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46
7
-
Sept. 10
George F. Moreland
76
9
18
Sept. 18
Alva P. Gifford
63
-
Sept. 24
Carolyn Louise Wilkins
63
-
-
Nov. 16
Lois Roode
56
4
14
Nov. 16
Edward Jellerson
80
Dec. 20
Horace S. Emerson
90
10
26
Dec. 27
John M. Addison
65
9
-
Dec. 27
George E. Foley
59
7
7
Stillborn Deaths
2
Non-Resident Deaths 31
Any errors or omissions should be promptly noted and reported to the Town Clerk.
-
-
May 20
Joseph Rogalski
80
69
TOWN CLERK'S REPORT
Dog Taxes Collected For 1953
255 Male Dogs at $2.00
$ 510.00
49 Female Dogs at $5.00
245.00
74 Spayed Female Dogs at $2.00
148.00
11 Kennel at $10.00
110.00
3 Kennel at $25.00
75.00
.
$1,088.00
Less Fees deducted 78.40
Paid to Town Treasurer $1.009.60
Licenses Issued For 1953
86 Resident Citizens
Fishing
91 Resident Citizens
Hunting
43 Resident Citizens Sporting .
22 Resident Citizens ·
Minor's Fishing
23 Resident Citizens
Women's Fishing
6 Resident Citizens . Trapping
10 Resident Citizens
Free (Military)
2 Resident Citizens
Free (Old Age Ass't.) .
1 Non-Resident
· Fishing
6 Resident Citizens
Sporting (70 years or over)
1 Non-Resident Military
Sporting
.
Respectfully submitted,
ELMER P. MORRILL
Town Clerk
70
LIST OF JURORS
LIST OF JURORS
The following is a list of the Jurors prepared by the Selectmen of the Town of Middleton in accordance with Chapter 234, Section 4, General Laws.
Name
Street
Occupation
Doane, Arthur G.
North Main Street
Insurance
Floyd, Richard G.
Pleasant Street
Shipper
Fuller, Arthur
Maple Street
Farmer
Goodale, Ernest P.
King Street
Shipper
Luscomb, George H.
North Main Street
Retired
Mooreland, George F.
South Main Street
Retired
Nichols, Arthur
Liberty Street
Retired
Ogden, George B.
East Street
Retired
Peart, James W.
Forest Street
Blacksmith
Pennell, Roger
Highland Park
Shipper
Pike, Sands
Maple Street
Retired
Raynard, Ralph
Boston Street
Foreman
Sears, James W.
Lake Street
Retired
Sheldon, Oscar H.
Maple Street
Retired
Woodbury, Ralph A.
Maple Street
Retired
71
BUILDING INSPECTOR'S REPORT
BUILDING INSPECTOR'S REPORT
Board of Selectmen
Middleton, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1953.
Permits applied for
119
Permits issued
118
Permits not granted
1
Jobs completed
90
Jobs not completed
28
Buildings moved
3
Permits for shingling
4
Permits for razing
3
Calls made for inspection
676
Mileage covered
1290 miles
Amount collected in fees
$340.00
Estimated value of total permits issued
$390,718.00
Estimated value new construction
$361,412.00
Estimated value new construction completed
$231,562.00
Estimated value new construction not completed
$129,850.00
Estimated value remodeling
$29,306.00
Estimated value remodeling completed
$18,795.00
Estimated value remodeling not completed
$10,511.00
I wish to thank the town officials and the general public for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
EARL F. JONES,
Building Inspector
72
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 1953 Tax Rate.
APPROPRIATIONS
Town Appropriation
$350,157.99
Total appropriations voted to be taken
from available funds
51,836.75
Deficits due to abatements in excess of overlay of prior years
State Parks and Reservations
250.53
State Audit of Muncipal Accounts
1,248.13
County Tax
7,154.41
Tuberculosis Hospital Assessment
2,140.47
1953 Overlay
8,270.21
Gross Amount to be raised
$421,187.91
ESTIMATED RECEIPTS AND AVAILABLE FUNDS
Income Tax
$ 21,513.89
Corporation Taxes
12,250.60
Reimbursement on account of publicly owned land
1,978.25
Old Age Tax (Meals) Chap. 64B, S. 10
883.77
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
12,000.00
Licenses
3,000.00
Fines
Special Assessments
General Government
1,000.00
Protection of Persons and Property
500.00
Health and Sanitation
200.00
Charities (other than federal grants)
1,500.00
Old Age Assistance (other than federal grants)
20,000.00
Veterans' Benefits
100.00
Schools (funds from income tax not to be included)
6,500.00
Public Service Enterprises
117,968.32
Cemeteries (other than trust funds and sale of lots)
500.00
Interest: On Taxes and Assessments
350,00
≤
73
ASSESSORS' REPORT
State Assistance for School Construction, Ch. 645, Acts of 1948 5,000.00
Overestimates of previous year to be
used as available funds:
County Tax T. B. Hospital
600.86
485.87
Amounts to be taken from
available funds 61,836.75
Total Estimated Receipts and Available Funds $268,168.31
Gross Amount to be raised
421,187.91
Total Estimated Receipts and Available Funds
268,168.31
Net Amount to be Raised by Tax
$153,019.60
Net Amount raised by taxation on Personal Property
10,715.49
Net amount raised by taxation on Real Estate
140,631.94
Number of Polls Assessed 836
1,672.00
Fractional Gain .17
$153,019.60
TOTAL VALUATION: Personal Property Real Estate 1953 Tax Rate
187,991.00
2,467,227.00
57.00
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL B. WAKE, SR. DANIEL J. DONOVAN WILLIAM BIRCH
Board of Assessors
74
TAX COLLECTOR'S REPORT
TAX COLLECTOR'S REPORT
REAL ESTATE TAXES 1952
Balance January 1, 1953
Interest
$ 7,753.40 211.29
Collections
7,660.54
Transferred to Tax Title Accounts
304.15
$ 7,964.69 $ 7,964.69
REAL ESTATE TAXES - 1953
1953 Commitment
$140,632.06
Refund
114.00
Interest
23.15
Collections
129,279.35
Abatements
3,207.90
Transferred to Tax Title Accounts
640.88
Uncollected balance December 31, 1953
7,641.08
$140,769.21
$140,769.21
MOTOR VEHICLE & TRAILER EXCISE TAXES - 1952
Balance January 1, 1953
$ 2,720.88
Committed in 1953
1,103.91
Interest
26.07
Refunds
70.87
Collections
$ 3,238.18 683.55
Abatements
$ 3,921.73
$ 3,921.73
75
TAX COLLECTOR'S REPORT
MOTOR VEHICLE & TRAILER EXCISE TAXES - 1953
1953 Commitment
Interest
$ 19,645.56 22.83
Refunds
274.48
Collections
15,624.23
Abatements
689.55
*Uncollected balance December 31, 1953
3,629.09
$ 19,942.87
$ 19,942.87
* Includes late commitment of 186 accounts totaling $2,727.55. Because of bookkeeping procedure, this amount must be shown as part of uncollected balance for 1953.
POLL TAXES - 1953
1953 Commitment
$ 1,682.00
Interest
1.26
Collections
1,359.26
Abatements
324.00
$ 1,683.26
$ 1,683.26
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES - 1952
Balance January 1, 1953
$ 252.98
Interest
4.27
Collections
257.25
$ 257.25 $ 257.25
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES - 1953
1953 Commitment
$ 10,715.54
Interest
3.24
Collections
9,985.52
Abatements
489.86
Uncollected balance December 31, 1953
243.40
$ 10,718.78
$ 10,718.78
76
TAX COLLECTOR'S REPORT
SUMMARY AND COMPARISON 1949 - 1953
Commitment 1949
Commitment 1953 $140,632.06
Amt. of Increase
Real Estate Taxes
$ 89,927.63
$ 50,704.43
Excise Taxes
9,734.15
20,749.47
11,015.32
Poll Taxes
1,540.00
1,682.00
142.00
Personal Property Taxes
5,974.00
10,715.54
4,741.54
$107,175.78
$173,779.07
$ 66,603.29
Collections 1949
Collections 1953
Amt. of Increase
Real Estate Taxes
$ 88,134.04
$136,939.89
$ 48,805.85
Excise Taxes
8,844.01
18,862.41
10,018.40
Poll Taxes
1,407.47
1,359.26
48.21*
Personal Property Taxes
7,153.41
10,242.77
3,089.36
$105,538.93
$167,404.33
$ 61,865.40
* Decrease due to abatements. $162.00 in 1949, $324.00 in 1953.
NUMBER OF ACCOUNTS
1949
1953
Increase
Real Estate
1037
1114
77
Excise
1019
1406
387
Poll
770
841
71
Personal Property
91
90
1*
2917
3451
534
* Decrease
The above comparison shows the increase in volume of business during the past five years. Tax. commitments show an increase of $66,603.29 with a corresponding increase in collections of $61,865.40. There has been an increase of 534 in the number of tax accounts handled during this same five year period.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD E. TYLER,
Collector of Taxes
77
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT REPORT
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT REPORT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens:
I hereby submit my report for the year of 1953.
As in the past, every effort has been made to operate with as much efficiency as possible, to make the highways as safe as possible, and to remove snow and sand the highways so that when a storm ends, the highways will be as normal as possible.
CHAPTER 90 CONSTRUCTION
Essex Street has been excavated and gravel spread for a distance of 1200 feet and the same distance has been reconstructed and oiled.
CHAPTER 90 MAINTENANCE
Work Done Distance
Lowell Street sealcoated for a distance of .24 miles
Maple Street sealcoated for a distance of .20 miles
Essex Street guardrail 700 feet
Essex Street oiled for a distance of .02 miles
CHAPTER 81
Mill Street rebuilt, gravel and oil for a distance of .50 miles Arrow Street rebuilt, gravel and oil for a distance of .18 miles Birch Avenue rebuilt, gravel and oil for a distance of .10 miles Grove Avenue rebuilt, gravel and oil for a distance of .05 miles Oak Avenue rebuilt, gravel and oil for a distance of .05 miles Riverview Drive oiled for a distance of .15 miles
Highland Ave. rebuilt, gravel and oiled for a distance of .13 miles Cross Street rebuilt, gravel and oiled for a distance of .05 miles Juniper Avenue rebuilt, gravel and oiled for a distance of .06 miles Perkins Road oiled, gravel and oiled for a distance of .25 miles Pine Street oiled, gravel and oiled for a distance of .06 miles Essex Street oiled for a distance of .80 miles
Logbridge Road oiled for a distance of .32 miles
Hilldale Avenue oiled for a distance of .30 miles
Mill Street oiled for a distance of .25 miles
Drainage on Lakeview Ave. 225 ft., two catch basins
78
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT REPORT
A total of 17,943 gallons of oil have been used for resurfacing work.
Two retaining walls have been rebuilt by Ipswich River bridge on Peabody Street.
125 feet of drainage on Liberty Street and two catch-basins in- stalled.
During the late fall and early winter brush has been cut for a distance of six feet on either side of the street thus improving general conditions.
The highway surveyor and all members of the department wish to thank the Board of Selectmen, the Police Department and the Finance Committee for their fine cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN J. HOCTER, SR.
Highway Surveyor
79
TREE DEPARTMENT REPORT
TREE DEPARTMENT REPORT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and the Citizens of the Town of Middleton
Gentlemen:
Following is the Annual Report of the Tree Department for the year 1953.
Again this year there was a bad storm in April. The heavy snow and wind caused damage to many trees, although only one tree was broken off. The tree and highway departments spent two weeks removing broken and hanging limbs, especially from Pine trees.
Tree work was done on the following streets:
Trees Removed Topped
Pruned Cabled
King Street
1
10
Maple Street
2
1
5
1
East Street
4
1
Peabody Street
1
Arrow Street
2
Liberty Street
1
2
Essex Street
9
Lake Street
2
Pleasant Street
2
40
1
Park Avenue
4
Log Bridge Road
3
River Street
2
A total of 27 new trees were planted.
Construction line clearing was done in conjunction with the Middleton Light Dept. and the N.E. Tel. & Tel. Co. on the following streets:
Log Bridge Road
King Street
Park Avenue Essex Street
At this time I would like to express my thanks to the heads of departments for the cooperation they have given me in the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
CLARENCE OSGOOD,
Tree Warden
80
MOTH DEPARTMENT REPORT
MOTH DEPARTMENT REPORT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and the Citizens of the Town of Middleton
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my Annual Report for the Moth Department.
Four sprays were applied to the trees during the year. Three were for the control of Dutch Elm disease and Elm Leaf Beetle. As there was a bad infestation of tent caterpiller the fourth spray was applied to the wild cherry and apple trees along the roadsides.
The Gypsy Moth has been increasing in Essex County in the last few years and is now in Middleton. A bad infestation has been found at the upper end of Essex Street and North Liberty Street.
I have asked for a larger appropriation to have this area sprayed by air in conjunction with North Andover and Boxford and the Department of Natural Resources.
Eight specimens were taken from Elm trees and sent to Amherst for culture. Of these ,three came back positive.
Respectfully submitted,
CLARENCE OSGOOD,
Moth Supt.
81
POLICE REPORT
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of the Town of Middleton, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report of the Middleton Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1953.
DEPARTMENT ROSTER
Chief of Police-James W. Wentworth
Sergeant-Lloyd H. Getchell
Regular Specials-Arthur G. Doane, Alexander Fraser, Joseph P. Peters, William C. Pennock, Wilbur C. Rundlett, Jr.
For Special Duty-Philip H. Dearth, Charles Pasquale, Leon N. Soper
OFFENCE FOR WHICH ARRESTS WERE MADE
Assault and battery
2
Allowing an improper person to operate a motor vehicle 2
Drunkenness
50
Failure to heed a stop sign
2
Larceny
1
Leaving the scene of an accident after property damage
6
Leaving the scene of an accident after personal injury
3
Lewdness and lasciviceas
2
Manslaughter
2
Non-support
4
Neglect of misor children
2
Insane persons
6
Collecting junk without a license
2
Operating a motor vehicle without his license in his possession 2
Operating without his registration in his possession
1
Operating with improper brakes
2
Operating a motor vehicle so as to endanger
7
Operating a motor vehicle without authority
1
Operating a motor vehicle after revocation of license
4
Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor 13
Operating unregistered motor vehicle 5
82
POLICE REPORT
Operating uninsured motor vehicle
5
Operating a motor vehicle without a license 6
Passing while his view was obstructed
1
Refusing to stop for a police officer Speeding
1
6
Unnatural and lasciviceas act
10
Violation of conditions of probation
2
Total
150
Arrests made by State Police not listed above (25)
25
Total
175
DISPOSITIONS:
Committed to Danvers State Hospital
6
Dismissed
1
Discharged not guilty
1
Guilty and fined
56
Guilty and filed
29
Placed on probation
2
Rleased
33
Sentenced to the House of Correction
9
Sentenced to Bridgewater
1
Suspended from the House of Correction
10
Suspended from Concord Reformatory
2
Total 150
Dispositions on State Police arrests unknown MISCELLANEOUS:
Ambulance and cruiser cases
29
Automobile accidents investigated
28
Booked and warned for speeding
146
Complaints received and investigated
729
Dogs shot by police department
6
Dogs killed by automobiles
16
Escaped patients returned to Danvers State Hospital
7
Firearm permits issued
52
Fire alarms that Police went to
33
House in Court 195
Licenses suspended and revoked through the Registry of Motor Vehicles for speeding and etc. 87
Missing and lost persons found 1
83
POLICE REPORT
Messages delivered
152
Motor vehicle transfers
126
Summons and Warrants served
44
Turned over to the Town Treasurer for firearm permits $26.00
Stolen property recovered $5,928.68
There has been many property damage cases investigated not listed above which have been settled satisfactorily to all concerned without making arrests or going to Court.
In closing I wish to extend my appreciation to my officers who have faithfully performed their duties. Also to the Highway Surveyor, Fire Chief, Auxiliary and State Police, and to the Board of Selectmen for the cooperation they have given me.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES W WENTWORTH,
Chief of Police
DOG OFFICER'S REPORT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens
of the Town of Middleton, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report as Dog Officer for the year ending December 31, 1953:
Complaints received and investigated 107
Dogs restrained
9
Dogs killed by automobiles 16
Dogs shot by Police Department 6
Dogs put in pound
24
Lost dogs returned to rightful owners 12
Reports of dog bites 9
Stray dogs disposed of
24
Poultry and animals killed by dogs
32
Caused (144) persons to license their dogs with the Town Clerk
To all dog owners - 1954 dog licenses are due and payable to the Town Clerk April 1, 1954.
In closing I wish to extend my appreciation for the cooperation shown by the Board of Selectmen and all dog owners during the year 1953.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES W. WENTWORTH, Dog Officer
84
BOARD OF APPEALS
BOARD OF APPEALS
Board of Selectmen
Middleton, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The following is a factual report of the activities of the Board of Appeals for the year ending December 31, 1953:
Meetings held 14
Public Hearings 11
Formal Decisions Rendered 10
Petitions "Dismissed without prejudice" 2
Renewals issued 1
Decisions Pending
0
In addition, a special panel was designated to hear and act on one petition after this Board had dismissed said peition and three members had disqualified themselves from further action on the peition in question.
In all cases proper public notice was given and parties at interest notified.
Copies of all formal decisions and dismissals have been filed with the Town Clerk.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM H. SANBORN
WILLIAM T. MARTIN
BEUMONT B. HURD
CHESTER K. MASSE
RICHARD E. QUINN
Board of Appeals
85
ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT
ELECTRIC LIGHT DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and the Citizens of the Town of Middleton,
Gentlemen:
Herewith is submitted the annual report of the Middleton Electric Light Department for the year ending Dec. 31, 1953.
The main projects for the year were:
1. The installation of a new bus from the substation to Hoffman's Garage of a 4/0 alum. cable operated at 4160 volts to carry the South Main, Boston, Haswell Park, River St., and Keddy Machine load.
2. The extension of primaries on Mt. Vernon St., North Liberty St., Middleton Pines, and Essex St.
3. Installation of 3 phase the length of East St.
4. Servicing the newly developed Middleton Meadows.
5. Replacement of 42 poles in various parts of town.
6. Replacement of 15 Street Light Fixtures.
7. Converted 63 - 120 volt services to 240 volts.
8. Added 17 transformers to our system.
9. During the year every meter in town has been tested and if need be, corrected to within less than 1% accuracy.
During the year of 1953, the town purchased 4,391,833 KWH at a cost of $67,565.47, or 1.5384 cents per KWH. The approximate cost of delivery to the consumer is .7 cent per KWH or a total cost to the customer of 2.5 cents per KWH.
Of the above 4,391,833 we can account for 3,774,398 KWH or a line loss of 617,435, or 14.06% as compared to 15.24% for 1952.
The gross amount to be collected for the above KWH's is $116,155.77 of which we collected $111,872.45, or an average deficit of $4.79 per customer. During 1953, $3,329.96 was allowed in discounts.
86
ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT
At intervals throughout the year we plan to meet with the various Boards in town so as to kesep abreast with their plans for the future. The reason for this plan is that we believe that in the near future there will be a great many physical changes made in this town, which will greatly involve this Department financially and physically. We should be prepared, well beforehand, to meet these changes.
We would like to call to your attention to the fact that we have suffered but one major outage during 1953. This was due to the heavy snow storm last April. At that time our longest outage was 13 hours.
At this time, we would like to thank the different department heads and their men for the fine cooperation extended to this depart- ment.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD B. FLOYD FRANK E. DOW GEORGE F. NASH
Board of Commissioners
87
FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Citizens of the Town:
The following is the report of the Fire Department for the year, 1953. The Department was called 70 times.
Buildings
8
Auto and Truck
1
Brush, Woods and Dumps
24
Grass
17
Oil Burners
2
Chimney
1
Electrical
2
Miscellaneous
9
Needless
3
False
2
Out of Town
1
Total
70
Box Alarms
44
Still Alarms
26
.
Total
70
Work is progressing on the Fire Alarm System. Some changes were made on the Alarm System wires, in anticipation of the new building, which did not get started during the year. However, this work is now done. Lines were extended along Boston Street.
We are looking forward to the day our new Fire Station is completed.
I wish to sincerely thank the Board of Engineers, my officers and men, for their cooperation during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD F. PURDY
Chief, Fire Department
88
PLANNING BOARD REPORT
REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD
To the Board of Selectmen Town of Middleton
The Annual Report of the Planning Board, for the year 1953.
The Planning Board organized with Frank Silva as chairman and Roger L. Pennell as secretary.
The Board held its regular meetings the third Thursday of each month. There were several special meetings called by request during the year.
During the year the Board received a number of requests from the Appeal Board. Replies made with recommendation as considered in the best interest of the town.
A few land owners of the town have met with the board for the purpose of obtaining information for subdividing their land, under the Subdivision Laws of the town, which this board advised.
In the past year the board has several times called in qualified consultants, under the advice of the State Planning Board, of which valuable information was obtained concerning our town.
Several meetings were held with the newly formed Middleton board of Trade to discuss business aspects of the town.
A meeting of all town officials was called by the Planning Board to discuss the advisability of revaluing the real property of the town. Attending the meeting were qualified speakers on this subject.
After a complete study of our Zoning By-Laws, and consulting with Municipal Engineers, we have submitted plans to make some revisions, and a request for the necessary funds has been included in our budget.
Approved by the Planning Board Jan., 1954.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK SILVA ROGER L. PENNELL LOUIS BARETT ALTON HUBBARD A. S. TUTTLE
89
FIRE STATION AND HIGHWAY BUILDING COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE FIRE STATION AND HIGHWAY BUILDING COMMITTEE
January 18, 1954
To the Honorary Board of Selectmen:
The Fire House Survey Committee appointed at the special Town Meeting of June 26, 1951 and comprised of the following:
Mr. Wilbur C. Rundlett, Jr. - Chairman, Board of Selectmen Mr. Earl F. Jones - Building Inspector, Town of Middleton
Mr. Harold F. Purdy - Chief of the Fire Department
Mr. Chester K. Masse - Member, Board of Appeals
Mr. William G. Birch - Member, Board of Assessors
were authorized to act as the Building Committee, under Artciles 16 and 17 of the Annual Town Meeting of March 10, 1953.
An organizing meeting of this group was held on March 30, 1953 and elected Mr. Harold F. Purdy to act as chairman and Mr. William G. Birch to act as secretary. The Committee unanimously appointed and requested Mr. Ray Thibedeau, Architect of Hamilton, Mass. to draft a set of Budget Plans and Specifications.
Meetings were held weekly to discuss details of the Project. On May 11, 1953, Mr. Chester K. Masse resigned from the Committee, and Mr. John J. Hoctor, Sr. was appointed to serve in his place. On May 27, 1953, Mr. Earl F. Jones resigned from the Committee, and as yet no one has been appointed to serve in his stead.
On August 6, 1953, invitations for bids to build the Fire Station and Highway Building were called for in accordance with the Town of Middleton by-laws.
Bids were opened at a public meeting on September 3, 1953, and on September 8, 1953, the general contracting firm of Conti & Donahue of Lynn, Mass. were awarded the contract on their low bid of $53,801.00.
A request for a building permit was immediately applied for, and after many special meetings, open hearings and also a temporary special Board of Appeals, appointed by the Board of Selectmen, a building permit was finally granted on December 29, 1953.
90
FIRE STATION AND HIGHWAY BUILDING COMMITTEE
The firm of Conti & Donehue have agreed to build the Fire Station and Highway Building without any increase in cost, even taking into consideration the delay in obtaining a building permit, and have indicated to the Committee that ground will be broken in March of 1954, and the Project brought to the state of completion as early as conditions will permit.
To date a total of $6,814.65 has been spent by the Committee for special services, architect's fee, and contractor's supplies on hand.
It is the hope of the Committee that with the arrival of good weather, that this Project can be completed approximately in July or August of this year.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD F. PURDY, Chairman WILBUR C. RUNDLETT, JR. JOHN. J. HOCTOR WILLIAM G. BIRCH, Secretary
91
REGIONAL SCHOOL PLANNING REPORT
REGIONAL SCHOOL SURVEY COMMITTEE REPORT
Board of Selectmen
Middleton, Mass.
Gentlemen:
The following is the second and final report of the Regional School Planning Committee, as formed by vote of a special town meeting in September 1952, composed of Mr. D. J. Donovan, Chair- man, Mr. Eben L. Jewett, Secretary with Mr. James Coffin.
Meetings started early in 1953 between the two committees representing Middleton and North Reading. At these meetings, the committees were assisted by Mr. Turner Hood, Superintendent of North Reading and Mr. Thomas Rivard, Superintendent of Middleton. At the early meetings, the prospect of entering an article in the warrants for town meeting consideration seemed bright. After meet- ings with Mr. Domas and Mr. Black of the School Building Assistance Commission, a tentative "Article of Agreement" was drawn up. This was written as provided by Chapter 71 of the General Laws, Sec. 14-161 incl. After this agreement was written it became necessary to agree to present the plan to the voters of each town. About this time, North Reading was having a survey of the needs of their school system conducted by Educational Service Associates. The group from Middleton eagerly awaited this report, and in the interim tried to obtain from Danvers more definite information regarding the security of our position at Holten High School. On the 7th of July we received a letter from Superintendent Smith of Danvers stating, in part "It is felt that Danvers can accommodate the Middleton pupils for several years without adding to their present plant. This would be especially so if the committee (Danvers school committee) is successful in the building one or two elementary schools so that our fifth and sixth grades could be moved from the Richmond School. However, when the limit of the present plant is reached the committee is not in a position to state whether or not the town would increase the capacity to provide for the Middleton pupils however much the committee would like to have this done". As can be seen, this left us without too definite a picture, or too clear a plan upon which to work. By mid-September, North Reading's position was so acute that the
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