USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Middleton > Town annual report of Middleton, MA. 1954 > Part 4
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Miles
Boston Street sealcoated for a distance of
1
Maple Street shoulders build up with hottop .10
CHAPTER 81
Roads oiled under Chapter 81:
Essex Street .40
Haswell Park
.1
Mill Street .50
Mt. Vernon Street .54
Peabody Street .60
Park Street
.45
Lakeview Road
.22
Lakeview Avenue
.28
Arrow Street
.18
Birch Avenue
.10
Grove Avenue
.05
Oak Avenue
.05
Highland Road
.13
Pine Street
.06
Cross Street
.05
Juniper Avenue
.05
Locust Street rebuilt and oiled
1.
84
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT REPORT
GENERAL HIGHWAY WORK
A total of 21,892 gallons of oil have been used for resurfacing work.
Mill Street bridge replanked.
170 feet of drainage on Essex Street and 1 catch basin installed. New pipe installed under Highland Road.
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.
85
TREE DEPARTMENT REPORT
TREE DEPARTMENT REPORT
To the Board of Selectmen and the Citizens of the Town of Middleton:
Gentlemen:
I submit my annual report for the Tree Department for 1954.
Most of the work of the Tree Department for this year was in cleaning up after the two hurricanes. Approximately two hundred and fifty trees on municipal property were blown over or badly damaged. All available manpower and equipment were put to work during and after these storms.
There is still a considerable amount of work to be done, including broken limbs and weakened trees.
At this time I would like to extend my thanks to the heads' of departments and the citizens for their cooperation during and after these storms.
Respectfully submitted,
CLARENCE OSGOOD,
Tree Warden
86
MOTH DEPARTMENT REPORT
MOTH DEPARTMENT REPORT
To the Board of Selectmen and the citizens of the Town of Middleton:
Gentlemen:
Following is my annual report for the Moth Department for the year 1954.
The most important work for the Department was the cleaning up of a very bad infestation of gypsy moth in the Northern section of the town. This area was sprayed by air in conjunction with the Department of Natural Resources. Inspection of the area later in the year showed 100% control.
There was another small infestation that appeared in 1954 around section of Hilldale, Riverview and Bellview Ave. Considerable ground spraying was done to help check the insects. This area will have to be sprayed in 1955, but is not large enough for state reim- bursement. It will be sprayed in conjunction with Peabody and Lynn- field.
Respectfully submitted,
CLARENCE OSGOOD,
Moth Superintendent
1
87
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, 1954.
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, Harold G. Moore
OFFENSE FOR WHICH ARRESTS WERE MADE
Assault and Battery
2
A.W.O.L. From the U. S. Service
3
Drunkenness
38
For not being properly equipped with brakes defective Larceny of a Motor Vehicle
2
Leaving the scene of an accident after property damage
2
Leaving the scene of an accident after personal injury Lewdness and Lascivious
1
Non Support
2
Neglect of Minor Children
1
Indecent Assault
1
Operating a Motor Vehicle so as to endanger
9
Operating a Motor Vehicle without authority
1
Operating a Motor Vehicle after revocation of their license
1
Operating a Motor Vehicle under the influence of liquor 11
2
Run Away
1
Refusing to stop for a Police Officer
5
Speeding
1
Stubborn Child
1
Vagrancy
Violation of Conditions of Probation
2
Insane Persons
3
2
2
Operating a Motor Vehicle without a license
2
88
POLICE REPORT
Possession and storing of gambling parts (slot machine type) 1
Total 96
(12) Arrests made in Middleton by the State Police are listed above.
DISPOSITIONS:
Committed to Danvers State Hospital
3
Discharged not guilty
1
Guilty and fined 31
Guilty and filed
11
Placed on probation
6
Released
31
Sentenced to House of Correction
2
Sentenced to Youth Reception Center
1
Sentenced to Bridgewater
2
Suspended from the House of Correction
1
Suspended from the Youth Reception Center
3
Sentenced to Women's Reformatory in Framingham
1
Turned over to the Armed U. S. Service
3
Total 96
MISCELLANEOUS:
Ambulance and Cruiser Cases
30
Automobile Accidents Investigated 39
Booked and Warned for Speeding
169
Complaints Received and Investigated 810
Dogs shot by Police Department 8
Dogs killed by Automobiles
16
Escaped Patients returned to Danvers State Hospital
3
Firearm Permits Issued
57
Fire Alarm that Police went to 28
Hours in Court 122
Licenses suspended and revoked through the Registry of Motor Vehicles for speeding and etc. 62
Missing and lost persons found 2
165
Motor Vehicles Transfers
118
Summons and Warrants served
34
Turned over to the Town Treasurer for Firearm permits $28.50
Stolen property recovered
$4,750.00
Messages delivered
89
POLICE REPORT
There have been many property damage cases investigated not listed above which have been settled satisfactorily to all concerned without making arrests or going to Court.
And in closing I wish to thank all Town officials and the towns- people who helped me in my endeavors during this last year.
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, 1954:
Complaints received and investigated 125
Dogs restrained 13
Dogs killed by automobiles 16
Dogs shot by Police Department 8
Dogs put in pound
28
Lost dogs returned to rightful owners
11
Reports of dog bites
13
Stray dogs disposed of
28
Poultry and animals killed by dogs
73
Caused (95) persons to license their dogs with the Town Clerk
To all dog owners 1955 dog licenses are due and payable to the Town Clerk April 1, 1955.
In closing I wish to extend by appreciation for the cooperation shown by the Board of Selectmen and all dog owners during the year 1954.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES W. WENTWORTH
Dog Officer
90
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, 1954.
Meetings held 13
Public Hearings 8
Decisions rendered 7
Renewals issued 1
Decisions pending 1
In all cases proper public notice was given and parties at interest notified.
Copies of all formal decisions and renewals have been filed at the office of the Town Clerk.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM H. SANBORN
WILLIAM T. MARTIN
BEUMONT B. HURD
CHESTER K. MASSE
MANUEL GILBOARD
Board of Appeals
91
ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT
ELECTRIC LIGHT DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of the Town of Middleton,
Gentlemen:
Herewith is submitted the annual report of the Electric Light Department for the year ending December 31, 1954.
The main projects for the year are as follows:
1. Street lights were extended on North Main St. from the corner of Forest and North Main Sts. to the Andover line.
2. Haswell Park was completely rewired, both primary and second- ary; transformer capacity was increased also.
3. So. Main St. and Essex St. were rewired with primaries and new poles.
The revamping of So. Main St. was due to the reconstruction of route 114; Essex St. was due to the Chapter 90 road project.
4. We have converted 44 services from 120v 2 w to 240v 3w.
5. We have increased the capacity of 14 transformers in various sections of the Town.
6. We renewed 23 street light fixtures.
7. There were 32 poles replaced in various parts of the Town.
8. The primary line was extended on Essex St. to the line.
During the year 1954, the Town purchased 4,767,832 KWH, at a cost of $73,094.42 or 1.5330 cents per KWH.
Of the above 4,767,832 KWH, we can account for 4,053,677 or a line loss of 714,155, which is 14.99%.
In 1954 we purchased 375,999 KWH more than in 1953.
The actual amount to be collected for the above KWH was $125,772.64. We have collected $117,870.06, allowed $3,937.19 in discounts. This leaves an outstanding balance of $3,965.39 which is approximately $4.45 per customer as compared with $4.79 per customer last year.
92
ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT
During 1955, we are in hopes of changing the Town over to 4160v which will mean the rewiring of Maple St. and North Main St.
We are also forced to purchase new regulators for the Middleton substation due to the added growth. An example of the added growth in the Town of Middleton is shown by the fact that in 1950 we pur- chased 2,833,500 KWH and 1954 we purchased 4,767,832 KWH. In 1955 we anticipate purchasing over 5,000,000 KWH.
The Department has done extensive line clearing in the past three years and feels that it has more than paid for itself; as the citizens of Middleton well know from the absence of outages compared to the period before line clearing.
Early in 1955 we are purchasing a new street light transformer and expect to have it installed by the first of February. It will make the street lights on South Main St., Maple St., and adjacent streets much more brighter and distribute more light on the Highways.
We, the Board of Electric Light Commissioners, would like to thank the citizens of the Town of Middleton for their fine patience and cooperation during the two hurricanes, which were experienced in the Fall of 1954.
We would also like to thank the various Departments in the Town for their assistance and fine cooperation not only during the recon- struction of the damage done by the storms, but throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted,
Board of Electric Light Comissioners FRANK E. DOW GEORGE W. NASH JOHN J. MUZICHUK
93
INSPECTOR OF WIRES REPORT
INSPECTOR OF WIRES REPORT
Board of Selectmen Middleton, Mass.
Subject: Inspector of Wires Report
Gentlemen:
I wish to submit my report for the year 1954.
There were 85 permits issued, 44 of which included change of service from 110 to 220 volts due to bad conditions or increase in load. 38 of these were permits for power oil burners.
All jobs have been inspected up to date but approximately 30 which are still in the process of construction.
A total of 260 calls have been made since April 13, 1954 covering 985 miles.
There are many calls made at the request of persons who are planning to have electrical work installed and would like information.
I would like to express to the townspeople that it is very import- ant to have electrical work done by a competent licensed electrician. It is for their own safety that electrical work be inspected.
I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen, Electric Light Dept. and the people of Middleton for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD MURPHY
94
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 1954. The Department was called 80 times.
Buildings
. 18
Auto and Truck
0)
Brush, Woods and Dump
19
Grass
9
Oil Burners
4
Chimney
2
Electrical
1
Gas Explosion
Miscellaneous (Accidents, Etc.)
1 16
Out of Town
2
Lost Persons
1
Needless
2
False
2
Total
80
Box Alarms
45
Still Alarms
35
Total
80
I am happy to report that the new Fire Station and Highway Building is now completed, and will be dedicated in the near future. I have received many favorable comments, from prominent fire officials, in neighboring cities and towns, about the amount of building received for the amount of money spent.
We are now anticipating a new course, in first aid and fire fighting.
I am inserting an Article in the Town Meeting Warrant for the Fire Department, asking for $1,800.00 for radio equipment.
I should like to present the following reasons for asking for this equipment:
3
Rescue Calls
95
FIRE DEPARTMENT
(1) By having radio on Engine 1, 2 and 3, it will allow placing apparatus at strategic points at all fires, thus saving valuable minutes, and reducing confusion.
(2) Radio will allow headquatrers to be in contact with all equipment when out of the station. This is extremely important.
(3) By uniting with the Electric Light Department we are able to take advantage of their Base Station equipment, which represents a saving of approximately $1,750.00.
(4) The members of the Electric Light Department are also members of the Fire Department. The purchase of this equipment will guarantee the response of these men to all fires. Coupled with the other available manpower, this gives the Town good fire protection during the crucial daytime hours.
(5) Under the pending State Civil Defense and Mutual Aid Plans, local fire equipment will be asked to go to the aid of our many neighbors. This equipment will be a great help at these times.
The Town will not regret the purchase of this equipment because it will greatly increase efficiency and keep the Fire Department up with the modern trends.
It has been indeed pleasing to notice the difference in the morale of the department. The men certainly have shown their appreciation of the new building. The equipment is being kept up now, without any equivocations. The men take pride in their respective trucks.
Once again may I say thanks for the wonderful cooperation I have received from the Board of Fire Engineers, my officers, and men. Also thanks to the citizens of the Town, for the wonderful building, and for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD F. PURDY
Chief, Fire Dept.
96
FIRE-HIGHWAY BUILDING COMMITTEE
FIRE STATION AND HIGHWAY BUILDING COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen: Citizens of the Town:
The committee wishes to report, that the new fire station has been in daily use to house fire apparatus since August, 1954, even though the building was not completely finished.
The Highway Dept. moved into their new quarters on December 1 ,1954, after yard area and ramp had been surfaced with 60 tons of hot-top material.
It should be of interest, that the building proper, as contracted for, by Conti & Donahue, Inc. of Lynn, Mass., has been accepted by the architect, Ray Thibideau, of Hamilton, Mass., as completed, on December 21, 1954.
The committee has some outside work to complete, after the old Fire House is dismantled. Funds are available for this work.
The sum of $227.00 bid by the Muzichuk Building Wrecking Co. of Middleton, for the old Fire House, has been paid to the Town Treasurer. This money is not available to this committee for use on this project.
The committee is formulating plans to dedicate the new Fire Station and Highway Building, in the near future.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD F. PURDY, Chairman WILLIAM BIRCH, Secretary WILBUR RUNDLETT JOHN HOCTER, SR.
97
PLANNING BOARD REPORT
REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD
Board of Selectmen Town of Middleton
Board of Selectmen:
The Planning Board submits the following report for the year 1954.
This Board organized at the first regular meeting following the town election with Arthur Tuttle as chairman, and Roger Pennell as secretary. We held regular meetings each month as well as many specials.
There were many requests before the Board during the year of which replies were made and considered in the interest of the town. We had several developers, and individual land owners requesting information regarding the Towns subdivision control laws.
We have held three open meetings the past year for the purpose of enlightening the voters as to the progress for the Rezoning of the Town. This work has been completed and will be presented at the Annual Town Meeting.
There were petitions before us regarding the acceptance of streets, recommendations were made which we considered to be in the best interest of the Town.
This has been a very busy year for the board and we wish to thank the Board of Slectmen, and other Boards and Departments for their full cooperation which was extended us.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR S. TUTTLE ROGER L. PENNELL FRANK SILVA LOUIS BARETT
98
PUBLIC WELFARE AND OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE REPORT BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE REPORT
Report to the Town of Middleton for the year ending December 31, 1954.
GENERAL RELIEF:
Unsettled state
2 cases
11 persons
Outside cities and towns
4 cases
6 persons
Middleton settled
7 cases
18 persons
Division of Child Guardianship
2 cases
2 persons
State Infirmary
2 cases
2 persons
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN:
(No settlement laws in ADC)
7 cases
23 children
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE:
(No settlement laws in DA)
2 cases
2 persons
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE:
Unsettled state
11 cases
Ouside Cities and towns
11 cases
Middleton settled
24 cases
Total
46 cases
CUMMINGS FUND:
Persons aided (Middleton Residents)
5 cases
18 persons
The general trend is for a decreasing case load in all categories with the exception of ADC. However, though the number aided is smaller there is a state wide trend for higher expenditure per case. This can be traced directly to the increased and increasing cost of medical care, and the medical care programme. In Old Age Assistance it can be attributed to the larger number of persons now being cared for in nursing homes and because of the general advance in age of our population. In the other categories it means improved care and supervision of medical needs.
Per Month Per Case
Average medical payroll for OAA for 1954 Total $1523.43
$33.12
Average medical payroll for DA for 1954 Total 107.16 53.53
Average medical payroll for ADC for 1954 Total
37.60 5.30
The Board of Public Welfare wishes to thank the other depart- ments of the Town for their cooperation throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES PASQUALE, Chairman LESLIE MERRIFIELD
LEYLAND A. PHILLIPS, Clerk
99
RECOMMENDATIONS FINANCE COMMITTEE
Town of Middleton REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
OF THE
FINANCE COMMITTEE
TO THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MARCH 15, 1955
Your finance committee hereby submits its report and recom- mendations for the 1955 budget.
All items have been considered with due regard to the needs and abilities of the town to defray such expenditures. All departments were consulted separately and an open meeting was held February 8, 1955.
The latter meeting was attended by all department heads and sponsors of articles of the warrant, and a few other interested citizens. Several discussions with department heads were subsequently held, and some slight reductions made.
The total budget for all departments is greater than last year's expenditures by $17,373.63. This, in a large measure reflects an increase in salaries and wages of the town employees. Other expenses are substantially the same as they were in previous yars, and seem to be irreducible.
Should all articles requesting additional appropriations be accepted by the voters of the town, the total budget to be raised by taxation would be $315,132.12. Should article (4) be accepted, this amount would reduce to $303,132.12 or $15,688.63 more than was expended in 1954.
An increase of approximately $7.00 on the tax rate seems imminent.
The following transfers from the Finance Committee Reserve Fund have been approved during the past year.
100
RECOMMENDATIONS FINANCE COMMITTEE
Date
To
Amount
4-8-54
Town Accountant
$ 26.60
5-18-54
Town Counsel
14.85
11-2-54
Town Clerk
275.00
11-2-54
Police Department
200.00
11-4-54
Registrations and Elections
100.00
12-20-54
Planning Board
150.00
12-31-54
Veterans Aid
265.08
12-31-54
Cemetery
39.90
12-31-54
Selectmen
8.65
12-31-54
Planning Board
.60
Total
$ 1,080.68
Transferred to Surplus Revenue 919.32
$ 2,000.00
Respectfully submitted,
ELMER L. McINTIRE, Chairman
HAZEN M. RICHARDSON
FREDERICK C. JONES RICHARD CRESSEY
DONALD A. AYLWARD, Clerk
Finance Committee
101
RECOMMENDATIONS FINANCE COMMITTEE
ANNUAL TOWN WARRANT
ARTICLE 1. To hear and act on Committee Reports.
No recommendation needed.
ARTICLE 2. To see if the town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1955, and to issue a note or notes therefor payable within one year, and to renew such note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accordance with Chapter 44, Section 17 of the General Laws.
Committee recommends approval of this article.
ARTICLE 3. To see what action the Town will take to defray the town expenses for the ensuing year.
Committee recommendations are set forth in schedule "A".
ARTICLE 4. To see if the town will authorize the Board of Assessors to use $12,000.00 from available funds to reduce the tax rate.
Committee recommends approval of this article.
ARTICLE 5. To see if the town will vote to accept Chapter 41, Section 100A of the General Laws of Massachusetts Ter. Cent. Ed. as amended which enables the town to make an appropriation for the Indemnification of Officers or Employees for damages to others incurred on' account of injuries arising out of their operation of town owned vehicles.
No recommendation needed.
ARTICLE 6. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $640.00 for the purpose of reimbursing Allan Marshall for a property damage claim against him by one, Edward Marchewka, while said Marshall was engaged in the business of the town.
Committe recommends approval of this article.
ARTICLE 7. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,000.00 for the purpose of reimbursing Allan Marshall
102
RECOMMENDATIONS FINANCE COMMITTEE
for personal injury claims against him by Edward Marchewka and Mary Marchesini while the said Allan Marshall was engaged in the business of the town.
Committee recommends approval of this article.
ARTICLE 8. To see if the town, in accordance with Chapter 40, Section 5 (1), will raise and appropriate the sum of $1,500.00 to pay a proper charge for effecting insurance for the protection of any officer or employee, or volunteer driver approved by the Selectmen, against loss by reason of his liability to pay damages to others caused by the operation with the scope of his duties or employment of motor vehicles owned by the town.
Committee recommends more discussion on this article.
ARTICLE 9. On petition of the Honor Roll Committee to see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,600.00 to erect a monument for World War II Veterans.
Committee recommends that this article be amended and the money used to set up a "Living Memorial".
ARTICLE 10. On petition of Joseph S. Connor and others, to see if the town will accept portions of the streets, namely, Curtis Avenue, Phaneuf Street, north portion, beginning at a point at the inter- section with Boston Street and extending easterly for a distance of three hundred feet. Phaneuf Street, south portion beginning at a point at the intersection of Boston Street and extending easterly for a distance of six hundred feet as shown on a plan entitled Subdivision Plan in Middleton for Wm. V. Heard, Esquire.
No recommendation needed.
ARTICLE 11. To see if the town will permit the Middleton Historical Society the use of the former town jail as a museum as long as the Society maintains it as such; such Society to undertake such repairs as are necessary to make the building usable for this purpose.
No recommendation needed.
ARTICLE 12. To see if the town will give the bell formerly hung in the old fire house to the Middleton Historical Society for preservation as an object of historical interest to the town.
No recommendation needed.
103
RECOMMENDATIONS FINANCE COMMITTEE
ARTICLE 13. On petition of the Fire Chief to see if the town will vote to raise the sum of $1,800.00 to buy the following radio equipment, three (3) mobile units, and one (1) remote control unit. This amount to be taken from available funds.
Committee recommends approval of this article.
ARTICLE 14. On peition of the Finance Committee to see if the town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to appoint one of its members to the office of Town Counsel for the ensuing year at a salary of $600.00 in accordance with Section 4A of Chapter 41 (Ter. Ed.) of the General Laws.
Committee recommends approval of this article.
ARTICLE 15. To see if the town will vote to authorize the Electric Light Commissioners, or its Agent, to hire one of its members from time to time as a lineman at an hourly salary of $1.55 in accord- ance with Section 4A of Chapter 41 (Ter. Ed.) of the General Laws of Massachusetts.
Committee recommends that this article be discussed at greater length at town meeting.
ARTICLE 16. On petition of the Howe-Manning School Parent- Teachers Association, to see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,000.00 for a summer recreational pro- gram to be administered by the Park department.
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