USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Middleton > Town annual report of Middleton, MA. 1956 > Part 4
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of the Town of Middleton, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report of the Middleton Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1956.
DEPARTMENT ROSTER
Chief of Police-James W. Wentworth
Sergeant-Lloyd H. Getchell
Regular Specials-Joseph P. Peters, William C. Pennock, Arthur G. Doane, Harold G. Moore, Norman Welch, Robert Hurd
Special Duty- Philip Dearth, Charles Pasquale
OFFENSE FOR WHICH ARRESTS WERE MADE
Allowing an improper person to operate a motor vehicle 1
Attaching number plates assigned to another vehicle 1
Breaking and entering in the night time 7 Drunkenness 29
Escaped from Gardner State Hospital
1
Having under control in a motor vehicle a loaded rifle
2
Immoral entertainment or show
1
Chapter 272 Section 21
1
Chapter 272 Section 29
1
Larceny
8
Leaving the scene of an accident after property damage 1
Insane persons 5
Non support
3
Operating a motor vehicle after revocation of their license 3
Operating under the influence of liquor 4
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle 1
Operating an uninsured motor vehicle
1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license in his possession 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a registration in possession 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license 2
Run away child 2
Speeding 26
Selling alcohol beverage to a minor
1
Violation of narcotic drug laws: 8 Charges 1
Total 104 Arrests made in Middleton by State Police are listed above also.
83
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT
DISPOSITIONS
Committed to Danvers State Hospital 5
Guilty and fined 39
Guilty and filed 3
Released 28
Sentenced to the House of Correction 7
Sentenced to the Youth Reception Center 6
Sentenced to the Concord Reformatory 4
Sentenced to Bridgewater 1
Suspended from the House of Correction 8
Turned over to other department 2
Turned over to Gardner State Hospital
1
Total 104
MISCELLANEOUS
Ambulance cases 52
Automobile accidents investigated 38
Booked and warned for speeding 92
Complaints received and investigated 478
Cruiser cases
26
Dogs shot by Police Department
6
Dogs killed by automobiles
16
Escaped patients returned to Danvers State Hospital
4
Firearm permits issued
44
Fire alarms that police went to 17
Licenses suspended and revoked through the Registry of Motor Vehicles for speeding and etc. 71
Missing and lost persons found 1
Messages delivered 67
Motor vehicles transfers
126
Summons and warrants served
32
Turned over to the Town Treasurer for Firearm Permits $22.00
Stolen property recovered $6,379.00
In closing the men are to be commended for their prompt response and their efficiency of operation. A sincere thanks is extended to the State Police, officials of the Town of Middleton and the Board of Selectmen and townspeople. To all those who assisted this department in any way we are grateful.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES W. WENTWORTH
Chief of Police
84
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT
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, 1956.
Complaints received and investigated 42
Dogs restrained
14
Dogs killed by automobiles 16
Dogs shot by Police Department
6
Dogs put in pound 26
Lost dogs returned to rightful owners 7
Reports of dog bites 14
Stray dogs disposed of 26
Poultry and animals killed by dogs 00
In making this report I would like to advise that I have caused 91 dogs to be licensed with the Town Clerk by mailing notices for same. At this time I wish to notify all dog owners that their dog licenses are due April 1, 1957 and payable to the Town Clerk.
In closing again I wish to extend my appreciation for the cooper- ation shown by the Board of Selectmen and all dog owners during the year 1956.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES W. WENTWORTH
Chief of Police
85
BOARD OF APPEALS
BOARD OF APPEALS
To the Citizens of Middleton:
The Board of Appeals submit the following report for the year 1956:
Twenty petitions were received for hearings for various purposes, which were disposed of as follows:
Granted
14
Refused
4
Pending
1
Withdrawn
1
ยท
.
Respectfully submitted,
BOARD OF APPEALS
William H. Sanborn, Chairman R. L. S. Marsh, Clerk Beumont Hurd
Frederick Daniels
Chester Masse
86
ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT
ELECTRIC LIGHT DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens
of the Town of Middleton, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
Herewith is submitted the Annual Report of the Municipal Light Department for the year ending December 31, 1956.
During the year, Primary Lines were extended on East Street, South Main Street, North Liberty Street, Lakeview Road and Wennerberg Avenue.
The Power Line purchased from the Town of Danvers has been converted to our use on Maple Street.
A section of the Sub-Station was remodeled and a bank of voltage regulators installed as part of the conversion to a 3 phase 4160 volt system.
A new line truck was purchased and has been equipped with an Aerial Ladder.
Street Lighting was installed on Curtis & Phaneuf Avenues.
Primary lines were extended to the new Santa's Lookout and two 25 K.V.A. transformers installed.
Poles were relocated on Essex Street to conform with the Chapter 90 Road Construction.
A Street Light Patrol has been inaugurated for one night a week, which has proven to be a better street light service.
33 Customers' Services were converted from 120v to 240v.
11 Temporary Services were constructed.
45 New 240 volt services were connected.
During the year, we purchased 5,590,237 KWH of Electric Energy at a cost of $88,536.38, which is an increase of 286,446 KWH over the previous year. Our line losses were 10.3% or 1.5% less than the last year.
Transformer capacities were increased at several locations to take care of increased demands.
We, the Board of Electric Light Commissioners, wish to take this opportunity to thank the various Town Departments for their cooperation during the year.
Respectfully submitted, BOARD OF ELECTRIC LIGHT COMMISSIONERS John J. Muzichuk Frank E. Dow J. Lansing English
87
INSPECTOR OF WIRES REPORT
INSPECTOR OF WIRES REPORT
Board of Selectmen
Middleton, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I wish to submit my report for the year 1956.
There were 273 permits issued, 33 of which include change of service from 110 to 220 volts due to bad conditions or increase in load. Thirty-five of these were permits for power oil burners, 35 new homes, one store and Santa's Lookout.
A total of 315 calls have been made since January 1956 covering 1300 miles.
There were many calls made at the request of persons who are planning to have electrical work installed and requested information.
I would like to express to the townspeople that it is very important to have electrical work done by a competent licensed elec- trician. It is for their safety that all electrical work be inspected.
I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen, Electric Light Depart- ment and the people of Middleton for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN MILBERY
88
FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Citizens of the Town:
I hereby submit my Annual Report of the Fire Department, for the year ending December 31, 1956.
The Fire Department is a call force, consisting of a Chief, Deputy Chief, Captain, three Lieutenants and twenty-six Privates, making a total of thirty-two men.
The department had 86 calls in 1956, as follows:
Buildings
13
Auto and Truck
3
Brush, Woods and Dump
39
Grass
10
Oil Burners
1
Electrical
3
Miscellaneous (Accidents, etc.)
7
Rescue Calls
4
Out of Town
4
False
2
Total
86
Box Alarms
36
Still Alarms
50
Total 86
Inspections and permits granted for the following:
Fuel Oil Permits
.
65
LP Gas Permits
41
Fireworks
2
Gasoline .
4
Explosives
16
Total 128
89
FIRE DEPARTMENT
We now record all calls received on the Fire Department tele- phone. This system started on September 27, 1956, and through December 31, 1956, 302 calls were received. I believe that calls including Fire, Fire Permits, Information, etc., will approximate 1200 calls per year. However, we will have a complete record for the year 1957.
During the past year we have again expanded our Fire Alarm System. We have installed wires on Maple Street, Essex Street, North Main Street and DeBush Avenue.
Also, during the past year a drill school was conducted by the officers of the Department on Monday evenings. Specialists from outside departments were brought in on such hpases as Bescue, Safety, Handling of Ladders, Pump Operation, etc. The men responded to this activity, and were intensely interested. It proved interesting and constructive. It will be continued in the future.
The Fire Department assisted during several storms, furnishing lighting equipment to assist the Electric Light Dept. in repairing wires at night.
We have completed our radio system, and are more than pleased with the part it plays in providing greater efficiency.
I mentioned in my report last year that Engine I was getting old. This year it will be 25 years old. This is the largest pump we have for first line fire fighting, being of 500 gallon per minute capacity. This year I have asked for a 750 gallon per minute, Class A, pumper, to replace it. I have talked with a representative of the New England Fire Insurance Rating Bureau, and they will give no credit for any- thing over 20 year of age. I feel that due to rising costs, we should purchase this apparatus this year, or plan to spend approximately $2500 on the old engine, to get it in good shape, and we will still not get any credit for it.
I am again grateful to the Board of Fire Engineers, the citizens of the Town, my officers, and men, for their cooperation, during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD F. PURDY
Chief
90
PLANNING BOARD REPORT
REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD
-
Board of Selectmen
Town of Middleton
The Planning Board of the Town of Middleton submits this report for the year 1956. This board organized and held its first meeting following town election. Louis A. Barett was elected chairman. William E. Willett was elected Secretary.
Our activities and meetings were a good many in number. This board has been willing to act on any of the projects that came up at any time in order to convenience all applicants whether they were builders, developers or individuals. They were all given impartial hearings. All subdivision control laws and whatever other information requested was given and explained in detail.
This board feels that the most important project is not only to give and explain the law to the applicant, but to enforce it, and use good judgment in same. There were a good many studies made as to how the Town of Middleton can benefit most by the action of this board and acted accordingly.
Wennerburg Circle was constructed under the advice and super- vision of the Planning Board. All members kept their eyes on the project to see that every law and request made by the board for that project to be carried out 100 percent.
This was quite a busy year. We are learning and hope to improve.
We wish to express our sincere thanks to the board of Selectmen, the Building Inspector, the Road Surveyor, the Board of Health, the Board of Appeals and the Finance Board, for the splendid cooper- ation given us. Also all the citizens of the town.
Respectfully submitted,
LOUIS A. BARETT, Chairman FRANK SILVA EDWARD HOFFMAN WILLIAM E. WILLETTE HENRY SAWYER
91
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, 1956.
GENERAL RELIEF:
Unsettled state
2 cases
2 persons
Outside cities and towns
2 cases
2 persons
Middleton settled
1 case
4 persons
Division of Child Guardianship
1 case
1 person
Tewkesbury State Infirmary
1 case
1 person
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN:
(No settlement laws in ADC)
6 cases
20 persons
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE:
(No settlement laws in DA)
3 cases
3 persons
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE:
Unsettled state
8 cases
Outside cities and towns
8 cases
Middleton settled
24 cases
Total
40 cases
CUMMINGS FUND:
Persons aided (Middleton residents)
2 cases
11 persons
Costs for medical expense for the years of 1955 and 1956
1955
1956
Old Age Assistance
$ 23,532.41
$ 22,310.56
Disability Assistance
267.45
1,545.81
Aid to Dependent Children
1,270.13
746.56
Total
$ 25,069.99
$ 24,602.93
The Board of Public Welfare wishes to thank the other depart- ments of the Town for their cooperation throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted,
LESLIE E. MERRIFIELD, Chr. CHARLES PASQUALE LEYLAND A. PHILLIPS, Clerk
92
REGIONAL DISTRICT SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
REPORT OF THE REGIONAL DISTRICT SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Boxford, Middleton and Topsfield:
On October 1st, 1956 following many months of careful research and planning, the nine-member Regional School District Planning Board set forth its findings and recommendations for the consideration of the voting citizens in the towns of Boxford, Middleton and Tops- field. An overwhelming majority in each of the three towns voted in favor of the recommended regional plan.
Directly following the October Special Town Meetings each member town's moderator re-appointed the same members of the team previously known as the Regional District School Planning Committee to the Interim Regional District School Committee, which is to continue the activities until the Regular Committee is elected at the March Town Meeting.
In the ensuing four months this Regional Committee covered a great amount of work - detailed in nature, wide in scope and with considerable speed, in view of the needs for which the program is intended.
This writing affords the member towns a brief accounting of the progress made to date.
To provide for proper legal protection of all activities, the Committee early decided to employ a legal counsel experienced in the field of regional school affairs.
To assist in keeping the records of the meetings and to carry on the necessary correspondence promptly, the services of a stenographer were acquired.
Because of the many ramifications involved in the initial planning, it was necessary for the nine-member committee to handle certain parts of the program through sub-committees. A sub-committee was appointed to develop the educational needs of the program, draft administrational and educational specifications, and to carry on the necessary conferences with the Department of Education and other educational leaders.
Superintendents Johnson, Dower, and Smith of the three member towns are contributing invaluably to this committee. A Site Committee responsible for a thorough study of every possible school site was appointed to carry on this work. Thirteen site studies were carefully investigated and surveyed by the committee. During the last week in January of 1957 an option on the property presently owned by Mr. and Mrs. Frederick H. McComiskey on Endicott Street in Boxford was executed.
In terms of location this site is ideally situated, being near where
93
REGIONAL DISTRICT SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
the three towns meet. The approaches from all directions are good. Access to the town water of Topsfield, which is very close, is thus obtained, and its use will provide an adequate supply of water and will materially reduce the cost of fire insurance. The land is virtually clear of obstructions and the terrain is such that it will lend itself well to the location of a proper school building.
After interviewing a considerable number of architects, the firm of Rich and Tucker Associates of Boston was selected to perform the architectural services. The Committee's preliminary discussions with the architects have led it to believe' that a school building meeting the educational needs of the district will result.
Interviews have been carried out in connection with engineering survey and test boring services. These services must be accomplished prior to architectural sketches. By the time this report is in your hands this stage of the work will have been finished, and the archi- tectural sketches should be nearly completed.
The planning aid money, appropriated at the October 1, 1956 Special Town Meetings, totaling $55,500.00, has been received and deposited in the District's account. Of this amount the Committee has invested $40,000.00 in 90-day U.S. Treasury Bills at a yield in excess of 3%. Until certain known expenditures become due, it is felt that a portion of the district's account should be invested in this manner in order to realize earnings.
In its quest of a name for the school district the Committee had extended discussions and a number of names were considered. To achieve a name that had a meaning for the three towns was somewhat difficult. However, upon searching the historical background of the towns it was found that an Indian sagamore, at the time of settlement, held claim to the lands of all three towns. Hence, the name of that Indian chief or sagamore, "Masconomet," was chosen.
The Committee wishes to express its appreciation and thanks to all the citizens and officials of the three towns who have been most generous and helpful to the Committee in assisting it in carrying on its work.
Respectfully submitted,
J. Harrison Holman, Chairman Richard E. Quinn, Vice-Chairman Richard Bowler, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer Rosamond L. Barstable Rosamond L. Lord Franklin C. Roberts, Sr. John R. Robertson Robert T. Sperry Godfrey G. Torrey
94
COMMUNITY HEALTH PROGRAM
COMMUNITY HEALTH PROGRAM
The Community Nurse was hired in August, 1956 to provide nursing services to the townspeople and the school children with money appropriated by the town for these purposes and supplemented by Middleton Community Services, Inc. These services are available to all residents of Middleton. Those desiring nursing care and advice may reach the Community Nurse, Mrs. Irene Richmond, at SP 4- 4105, between the hours of 8:30 to 9:30 A. M. and 12:30 to 1:30 P. M. at her office in the Howe-Manning School Clinic.
After the first two home visits, the Community Nurse may at- tend a patient when directed by the family physician. Mothers with new-born babies are entitled to a free home visit. Conferences with the nurse for expectant mothers have been scheduled to supplement their regular monthly visit to their doctor. Further service to the townspeople will be provided by a Well Baby Clinic with a pediatrician in attendance, to start in the near future.
The Community Nursing Program is supported in part by public contributions. For those who are able to pay, the fee of $1.00 per home visit has been set to help defray expenses. The Medical Ad- visory Board consists of the following members:
Chairman - Dr. William P. McHugh, Middleton Dr. Hart Achenbach, Danvers Dr. Aubrey C. Bishop, Danvers Dr. William Collins, Danvers Dr. Cornelius Driscoll, Danvers Dr. Lawrence Essember, Danvers
Dr. William Goldberg, Danvers Dr. William Hook, Danvers
Dr. Walter Leonard, Lynnfield Center
Dr. Nathaniel Macdonald, Danvers Dr. Edwin Reynolds, Danvers Dr. Lois Rogers, Topsfield Dr. Verne Smith, Danvers
Dr. Thomas B. White, Lynnfield Center
95
RECOMMENDATIONS FINANCE COMMITTEE
Town of Middleton REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
Your Finance Committee hereby submits its report and recom- mendations for the 1957 budget. Each item has been thoroughly investigated and has received serious consideration. The requests, in many cases, were higher than last year's figures but our discussions with department heads indicates that there is a sincere effort to keep expenses to a minimum.
The money you townspeople vote to raise and appropriate at the Town Meeting must, in large measure, be assessed against real estate, and like it or not, your Finance Committee is obliged to consider this fact when we are asked to recommend appropriations to meet the expenses of running the town as efficiently and economically as possible.
The recommended budget amounts to $410,787.12. This sum is approximately $41,000 more than the appropriations of 1956. The recommended articles in the warrant reduce this sum by $10,495.50. This leaves a net increase of approximately $31,500.00.
With the same careful management exhibited in the past, we are sure that the cost of operating the town can be held within the recommended budget.
RICHARD CRESSEY FREDERICK JONES HAZEN M. RICHARDSON BARBARA A. ROONEY, Clerk N. ALLAN WENNERBERG
96
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, 1957, 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.
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. On petition of the Board of Electric Light Commis- sioners, to see if the Town will vote to accept the sum of $1,000.00 from the earnings of the Electric Light Department.
Committee recommends approval of this article.
ARTICLE 6. On petition of the Board of Electric Light Commis- sioners, to see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $3,000.00; said money to be taken from the surplus account of the Electric Light Dept., to rebuild a three-phase primary line on South Main Street, to increase its current carrying capacity.
Committee recommends approval of this article.
ARTICLE 7. On petition of the Fire Chief, to see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $19,500.00, said money to be used to purchase and equip a new 750 G.P.M. Class A Pumper to replace Engine 1, which is twenty-five years old. Said money
97
RECOMMENDATIONS FINANCE COMMITTEE
to be raised in the following way: $4,500.00 to be assessed against this years tax rate, and $15,000.00 to be bonded at $3,000.00 per year for 5 years, making a total of $19,500.00; and to have a committee appointed by the Moderator, consisting of five members. One from the Board of Selectmen, one from the Finance Com- mittee, the Fire Chief, and two other members of the Fire Dept., to purchase and equip a new 750 G.P.M. Class A Pumper for the Fire Dept.
Committee does not recommend approval of this article.
ARTICLE 8. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of $1,100.00 which, together with the exchange value of the present 1955 Ford Police Car, to be expended for the purchase of a new Police Cruiser for the use of the Police Department, to be purchased by the Board of Selectmen as provided in the By-Laws, in agreement with the Chief of Police.
Committee recommends approval of this article.
ARTICLE 9. On petition of the Chief of Police to see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $670.00, to be expended by the Board of Selectmen, agreeable to the Chief of Police, for the purchase of a new two-way radio, police roof-light, and siren, all to be equipped with the 12-volt system consistent with the new cruiser equipment, and authorizing the Police Department to install the present radio in the Town Ambulance.
Committee recommends approval of this article.
ARTICLE 10. On petition of the Town Treasurer to see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $139.50 for the purpose of paying the Town Treasurer's Surety Bond Expenditure incurred in the year 1956.
Committee recommends approval of this article.
ARTICLE 11. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to appoint a citizens committee of five members to investigate and make a study of the advisability of revaluating the real estate of the Town, and to submit its report and recom- mendations at the next Town Meeting.
No recommendation needed.
98
RECOMMENDATIONS FINANCE COMMITTEE
ARTICLE 12. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $100.00 to be used to pay for expenditures of said revaluation committee.
Committee recommends approval of this article.
ARTICLE 13. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, or transfer from available funds in the treasury, $2,000.00 for the permanent construction of Mill Street and $2,000.00 for the permanent construction of Mt. Vernon Street, or take any action in relation thereto.
Committee recommends approval of this article.
ARTICLE 14. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $495.00 to purchase an oil burner for Memorial Hall to replace the existing oil burner.
Committee recommends approval of this article.
99
RECOMMENDATIONS FINANCE COMMITTEE
SCHEDULE "A" - 1957 BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS UNDER ARTICLE
Item No.
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