USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Middleton > Town annual report of Middleton, MA. 1958 > Part 4
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In the case of police protection, the three police chiefs of the
80
REGIONAL SCHOOL REPORT
respective towns, along with the attorney for the Committee, agreed that police protection would come under the jurisdiction of the Police Chief of Boxford. It was also agreed that assignments of police duties, both regular and special, would be made on an equal basis, through a rotation schedule, among the special policemen of the three towns.
The problem of getting water to the site was solved with the agreement of the Topsfield Water Board to extend its mains to the boundary of the District property after receiving authorization from the Legislature of the Commonwealth. On June 18, 1958 bids were opened for the extension of the water line from Topsfield to the school site. The contract for the water extension work was awarded to Pelletier and Milbury Corporation of Danvers. This work was completed by mid-July.
A part of one meeting each month is devoted to a thorough discussion of the progress of the construction work with a representa- tive from the architect's office. Although the work, up until the first of October, was running slightly behind schedule, the Committee is pleased to be able to report that the construction is now going accord- ing to schedule which calls for the completion of the building in August 1959.
Selecting the Professional Staff
Mr. Julius H. Mueller, who had been serving the Committee as Educational Consultant since July 1, 1957, was elected to the position of Superintendent-Principal and began his new duties on August 1, 1958. His office is located in the old farmhouse on the school site which also serves as headquarters for the District School Committee.
Early in September the Committee met to consider carefully the minimum qualifications and duties of key personnel which had been prepared by the Superintendent-Principal and the Sub-Committee on Education. These have been adopted by the full Committee and serve as a guide in the selection and appointment of staff members. Equally important, and most basic to the orderly and successful operation of any school, has been the development and adoption of a complete Salary Policy, including a salary schedule which it feels is realistic in comparison with those of other schools and in keeping with current trends in teachers' salaries. The Committee feels strongly that the most important part of its work is securing the very best people possible to staff the new school. Without competent teaching personnel, the exceptionally fine building rapidly taking shape on the District site will be, of itself, no consequence.
The recruitment and selection of teachers for the school has occupied much of the time and attention of the Superintendent-
81
REGIONAL SCHOOL REPORT
Principal and the members of the Sub-Committee on Education. In April letters and applications were sent to all the local junior and senior high teachers whose positions would be affected by the advent of the Regional School. Each of these who elected to apply was given a personal interview by the Sub-Committee, as well as a personal interview by the Superintendent-Principal. In addition, each was observed by the Superintendent-Principal in the classroom. Placement offices of leading colleges and universities as well as commercial teachers' agencies were notified of the staff needs.
All candidates are first screened by the application information, except the local candidates as already mentioned. Those whose references and papers look promising are invited for an interview with the Superintendent-Principal. Those who meet this test are visited by him in the classroom. The two top candidates are then invited to meet with the Sub-Committee on Education. Following these inter- views the Sub-Committee meets to discuss the merits of the candidates and to decide on the one to recommend for appointment to the full committee. A summary sheet dealing with the educational qualifications and personal background of candidates to be recommended is prepared for the information of the School Committee, which then decides on the appointment. Teaching staff positions filled to date number fifteen and include the two assistant principals, the director of Guidance, the heads of the Science, Industrial Arts, Social Studies, Physical Educa- tion, Music, and Business Education Departments. The total instruc- tional staff is expected to number between 35 and 40.
A salary schedule and policy for Custodians, Matrons, School Nurse, Cafeteria Employees, and Clerical Staff has also been formulated and adopted by the Regional School Committee. Miss Elizabeth H. Rider of Danvers, secretary for a number of years in Holten High School, is now serving as secretary to the Superintendent- Principal.
Looking Ahead
The Masconomet Regional Junior-Senior High School will open its doors in September 1959 with an anticipated enrollment of 800 pupils. This is 112 pupils more than was forecast for September 1959 in the projected enrollment figures published in the green brochure in September 1956. On the basis of current enrollments as reported by the local Superintendents of Schools, the enrollment forecast for September 1959 is as follows:
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REGIONAL SCHOOL REPORT
Grade
Boxford
Enrollment Forecast Middleton
Topsfield
Total
7
37
65
80
182
8
40
60
60
160
9
27
42
45
114
10
19
47
55
121
11
32
43
39
114
12
39
42
28
109
Totals 194
299
307
800
The budget for the 1959 fiscal year has been prepared on the basis of the enrollment figures cited above. The total operational budget adopted by the Regional Committee amounts to $228,005. While this may appear at first glance to be rather high, particularly in view of the fact that the school will be in operation but four months of 1959, it must be remembered that we are establishing an entirely new school, which creates budgetary needs in some categories larger than would be required if the school was already an operating entity. In preparing its budget for 1959, the Committee has been motivated solely by what it feels strongly to be the desire of the citizens of the District, namely, to have a sound educational program for their children of secondary school age.
The amount of $180,775 for debt service due in 1959, and repre- senting two interest payments and one of twenty annual repayments of principal, has been offset in part by the portion of State Con- struction Aid Grant to be received in 1959, and in part by a one-third portion of the Planning Aid reimbursement anticipated from the State in 1959. This reduces the Net Debt Service cost in 1959 to $79,735. The total money to be raised by member towns of the District for the support and operation of the Regional School in 1959, therefore, amounts to $307,790.
In concluding its report the Regional School Committee wishes to express its appreciation and thanks to all the citizens and officials of the member 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 MERTON BARROWS MARIE D. BANUS ROSAMOND L. BASTABLE
FRANKLIN C. ROBERTS, SR. ROBERT T. SPERRY GODFREY G. TORREY
83
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, 1958.
Complaints received and investigated 31
Dogs restrained 14
Dogs killed by automobiles
9
Dogs shot by Police Department
4
Dogs put in pound 19
Dogs returned to rightful owners 7
Reports of dog bites 14
Stray dogs disposed of 19
Poultry and animals killed by dogs 16
In making this report I would like to advise that there were fifty-six delinquent licenses. The owners were notified to obtain their dog licenses and coplied without the necessity of court appearance.
I would like to take this opportunity to notify all dog owners that their dog licenses are due April 1, 1959, and are payable to the Town Clerk, in accordance with General Laws, Chapter 140. Any owner or keeper of a dog three months old or older, after March 31, must obtain a license for their dog. If the dog is not licensed the statute provides a penalty of $15.00 each.
In closing I wish to extend my appreciation for the splendid spirit and cooperation shown by the Board of Selectmen, Town Clerk and all dog owners during the year 1958.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES W. WENTWORTH,
Chief of Police
84
BOARD OF APPEALS
BOARD OF APPEALS
To the Citizens of the Town of Middleton:
Following is a report from the Board of Appeals for the year 1958:
Meetings held .
18
Applications filed
7
Hearings held .
7
Decisions granted
3
Decisions rejected
4
Renewals
3
Proper notice was sent to all interested parties and public hear- ings were held in all cases and copies of all decisions and renewals have been filed at the office of the Town Clerk.
Respectfully submitted,
BOARD OF APPEALS
William H. Sanborn, Chairman Donald A. Aylward, Clerk Beaumont Hurd Frederick Daniels Frank Dow
85
ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT
ELECTRIC LIGHT DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
and Citizens of the Town of Middleton
Gentlemen:
The Board of Electric Light Commissioners respectfully submit their report for the year ending December 31, 1958.
Regular meetings of the Board were held at Memorial Hall.
During the year a 3 phase line has been rebuilt on Forest Street.
A single phase line on Essex and School Streets has been rebuilt to a 3 phase line for a distance of one and two tenths miles.
A single phase line on River Street has been rebuilt for a distance of one half mile and converted to a 3 phase line.
Six poles were relocated and replaced in Middleton Square to pro- vide a clear area for parking.
A pole line was constructed and street lights were installed on Park Street.
Street lighting was installed on Wennerberg Road and on Beatle Road, as was voted at the last Town Meeting.
Series street light circuits on Forest Street, Essex Street, and School Street were converted to multiple circuit.
Mercury vapor lighting was installed in front of the Howe Manning School.
A 3 phase line was extended from River Street along So. Main Street to the Middleton and Danvers line.
During the year your Department purchased 6,247,272 KWH of electricity at a cost of $107,646.74. Our peak demand occurred on January 15, and was 1428 KW.
Our line losses for the year were 8.79%.
The Board of Electric Light Commissioners take this opportunity to thank the Board of Selectmen, the Departments of the Town, and the Citizens for their cooperation during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
Board of Electric Light Commissioners
J. L. ENGLISH
FRANK E. DOW
JOHN MUZICHUK
86
INSPECTOR OF WIRES REPORT
INSPECTOR OF WIRES REPORT
Board of Selectmen
Middleton, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I wish to submit my report for the year 1958.
There were 467 permits issued. Fifty-nine of these included change of service from 110 to 120 volts due to bad conditions or increase in load. Twenty-two were wire permits for power oil burners. Nineteen, new homes; three, stores; twenty-three, temporary services.
All jobs have been inspected up to date except approximately thirty permits are still in the process of construction.
A total of 480 calls have been made since January 1, 1958 covering over 1,400 miles. There were many calls made at the request of persons who are planning to have electrical work installed and wanted infor- mation.
I would like to impress upon the townspeople that it is very important to have adequate power when they are adding new electrical equipment to their homes. It is very important to have electrical work done by a competent licensed electrician. It is for their safety that electrical work be inspected.
I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen, the Electric Light Department and the people of Middleton for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN W. MILBERY
87
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, 1958.
The Fire Department is a call force, consisting of a Chief, Deputy Chief, Captain, 3 Lieutenants, and twenty-six (26) Privates, making a total of thirty-two (32) men.
The department answered 123 calls in 1958. They are as follows:
Buildings
11
Automobiles
7
Brush, Woods, and Grass
25
Dump
18
Oil Burners
10
Electrical
2
Miscellaneous (accidents, etc)
35
Rescue Calls
10
Out-of-Town
2
False
3
Total 123
Box Alarms
33
Still Alarms 90
Total
123
Incoming Telephone Calls
838
Inspections and Permits granted for the following :-
Permits to burn
475
Fireworks
2
Gasoline
2
Explosives
5
Oil Burner
40
L.P. Gas
70
Total 594
The equipment of the Department is in excellent condition and repair. Last year in my report I called to your attention the need to replace our Forest Fire Truck. This truck is now 31 years old and
88
FIRE DEPARTMENT
of no use to the Department, being very unsafe. I have inserted an Article in the Annual Town Meeting Warrant asking for $4,000.00 to purchase and equip a 34 Ton pick-up truck to replace this antiquated truck.
The Fire Alarm System is in excellent condition and repair. Our system is continuing to expand with wires installed on East Street to the new Regional High School, with Box 1451 located there. This installation was paid for by the High School.
The following new boxes were added to the system: Box 143; Box 45; Box 331; Box 1451. We also had to do a great deal of work changing wires in Middleton Square due to the re-location project undertaken by the Electric Light Department.
The Drill School is in its fourth year of operation and is still very popular. This past year 17 men completed the Standard First Aid Course; 13 men completed the Advanced First Aid Course; and 4 men have completed the Instructor Course. This will enable us to give even better service.
I again recommend that some thought be given to the installation of Fire Detection Systems in all Town buildings.
Again I urge the citizens to familiarize themselves in the proper way to call the Fire Department in case of an emergency. If you live near a street box, use it; if not, Dial SP 4-2211. Do not dial the Operator as this connects you with the Salem office, and many times this causes a delay, because the Operator calls the Danvers Fire Department. We have been notified of fires, many times, this past year by the Danvers Fire Department, who have received calls from the Operator.
I am 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
89
PLANNING BOARD REPORT
REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD
Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Middleton
Gentlemen:
The following are the activities of your Planning Board for the year 1958:
Regular meetings were held on the third Thursday of every month; also a good many meetings were held in members' homes io discuss ways and means for the good of our community. Our duties were discharged according to law.
A petition has been submitted to appear in the town warrant for rezoning the former Fuller estate and others, for limited commercial use. Sub-division laws were strictly enforced.
Respectfully submitted,
LOUIS A. BARETT, Chr. HENRY SAWYER LIONEL BARROWS GILBERT SANDERS FRANK CONNORS
90
PUBLIC WELFARE AND OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE REPORT BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
To Honorable Board of Selectmen and
the citizens of the Town of Middleton
Report to the Town of Middleton for the year ending December 31, 1958.
GENERAL RELIEF
Unsettled state
2 cases
2 persons
Outside cities and towns
3 cases
7 persons
Middleton settled
3 cases
4 persons
Middleton settled aided other
cities and towns
5 cases
15 persons
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN:
(No settlement laws in ADC)
6 cases
17 persons
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE:
(No settlement laws in DA)
2 cases
2 persons
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE:
Unsettled State
7 cases
Outside cities and towns
6 cases
Middleton settled
27 cases
Total
41 cases
Cost of medical expense for the years of 1957 and 1958 .
1957
1958
Old Age Assistance
$ 14,050.84
$ 11,075.23
Disability Assistance
1,054.84
1,662.60
Aid to Dependent Children
444.60
1,696.87
$ 15,550.28
$ 14,434.70
CUMMINGS FUND:
Persons aided (Middleton residents) 1 case
2 persons
The Board of Public Welfare wishes to thank the other depart- ments of the Town for their cooperation thoroughout the year.
Respectfully submitted,
LESLIE E. MERRIFIELD, Chr. ROGER M. PEABODY
LEYLAND A. PHILLIPS, Clerk
91
WATER BOARD REPORT
REPORT OF WATER BOARD
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and
Citizens of Middleton:
Gentlemen:
Herewith is submitted our second annual report as your Board of Water Commissioners.
This past year has been a very busy one for the Board. The Town of Danvers filed a bill with the Legislature to permit them to take water from another source in the Town of Middleton. As originally written this bill did not guarantee the Town of Middleton a water supply from the Town of Danvers and as there never has been an agreement between the two towns guaranteeing Middleton water, this bill was changed through the efforts of the Town Counsel, members of the Senate and your Water Board. Sections five (5) and six (6) as originally written were deleted and a new Section five (5) added in its place. This now guarantees Middleton a supply of water and gives us the right to negotiate with the Danvers Water Board for some revenue from water bills collected in the Town of Middleton. At this time the Town of Danvers is tapping wells on the Middleton side of the Ipswich River on Route 114 near the river.
This bill was approved on August 15, 1958. The following is a copy of Section 5, Acts of 1958, Chapter 531:
Section 5. "The town of Danvers shall continue to supply water to the town of Middleton from sources of supply of the town of Danvers existing at the time of the passage of this act, and from such sources of ground water supply as may be developed by the town of Danvers in the town of Middleton under authority of this act. In case of failure to agree as to the price of water furnished or the manner and location of construction of hydrants, the department of public utilities, upon petition of either board of water commissioners, shall determine the price of the water furnished and the manner and location of hydrants, and such determination shall be final."
During this past year we started a project on King Street to connect on a pipe that ends by brook on Mt. Vernon Street. Property owners paid for the laying of this pipe which extends some 625 feet from main on Maple Street. Pipe was paid for by Town of Middleton. A new hydrant was placed at end of line which will benefit residents of that area by lower insurance rates.
92
WATER BOARD REPORT
We hope to continue this line this year as far as Mt. Vernon Street so as to eventually have a loop between Middleton Square and the Church.
In conjunction with improving Essex Street, we had to move two hydrants and relocate two more. Hydrants have been relocated at the Square and by so doing the parking of cars has been improved, also this helps snow removal.
During the year we had two broken hydrants which were hit by automobiles and which had to be replaced.
Mr. Earle Robbins of Danvers is building three or four houses on Mill Street and has installed, at his own expense, a six inch line from Liberty Street for distance of about 600 feet.
This coming year work will start on reconstruction of Forest Street and pipe will have to be changed to eight inch as far as Mr. English's house.
We now have application forms available for renewal, repair or new service for anyone desiring work done. These forms may be obtained by applying to the Clerk of the Water Board.
In closing we would like to take this opportunity to thank the various departments who have cooperated with us.
Respectfully submitted,
BENJAMIN RICHARDSON, Chairman DONALD AYLWARD ROGER M. PEABODY, Clerk
93
COMMUNITY HEALTH PROGRAM
COMMUNITY HEALTH PROGRAM
To the Citizens of the Town of Middleton:
In addition to activities carried on in previous years which are outlined below the Community Health Program launched and estab- lished a very active Well Child Conference.
In the periods January to June, 1958, and September to December, 1958, Well Child Conferences were held twice monthly with Dr. William Wiswall in attendance. During the year 125 children of pre-school age received 350 treatments.
Home visits numbered 658 in 1958.
Bedside Care
555
Health Supervision .
103
Postpartum
14
New Born
12
Premature
3
Other Infants
2
Age 1-4
10
Age 5-14 .
24
Age 15-19
8
Over 20
19
T. B.
6
Not Found
4
I attended courses in Mental Hygiene at Simmons College this year and assisted at the prenatal classes given at Hunt Hospital in Danvers.
The services of the Community Nurse are available to all residents of Middleton.
Respectfully submitted,
IRENE RICHMOND, R. N.,
Community Nurse
94
SANITARY COMMITTEE
REPORT OF SANITARY COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of the Town of Middleton:
In accordance with Article XI of the Annual Town Meeting Warrant held on the 11th day of March, 1958, Moderator Daniel J. Donovan appointed on April 7, 1958, the following voters to investigate the advisability, proposed costs and methods of the regular collection of garbage and rubbish as a municipal function in the Town of Middleton: Frank LeColst, John Hocter, Roy Schneider, Milton Collins and Marion Seaver.
The Committee organized April 30, 1958 in the following manner: Chairman, Roy Schneider; Secretary, Marion Seaver; Committeemen Frank LeColst, John Hocter and Milton Collins.
Several meetings were held by the Committee at which time interested parties and consultants were interviewed on the problems of garbage and trash collection.
The Committee finds that there are two alternatives to the prob- lem: (1) the collection of garbage only, which according to estimates received would cost approximately $7,500.00 per year; or the combined collection of garbage and rubbish at a cost of between $15,000.00 and $16,000.00 per year.
Respectfully submitted, ROY SCHNEIDER, Chairman MARION SEAVER, Secretary MILTON COLLINS JOHN HOCTER FRANK LeCOLST
95
RECOMMENDATIONS FINANCE COMMITTEE
Town of Middleton REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
TO THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MARCH 10, 1959
Your Finance Committee hereby submits its report and recom- mendations relative to the 1959 budget. The committee held numerous interviews with those submitting proposed budgets, and conducted an open hearing February 9, 1959, for the purpose of discussing with voters the issues involved.
In view of the predicted heavy impact on the tax rate, owing to the scheduled opening of the Regional School this Fall, all budgets underwent exceptionally close scrutiny. Our conferences with depart- ment heads resulted in lowering the total requested monies for operating the town by $2,515.00. Further reduction of the local tax burden in the amount of $11,940.00 was the outcome of a meeting among the regional school committees of Middleton, Topsfield, and Boxford, and representatives of the Finance Committees of the three towns.
The recommended budget exceeds the 1958 appropriation by $35,439.28. Should all articles in the warrant be accepted, this figure will be reduced to $25,439.28.
The year 1959 is unique in that it contains 53 paydays, and certain salary figures have been adjusted accordingly.
The committee expresses its appreciation to town officers for their outstanding co-operation in discussing department budgets.
Respectfully submitted, RICHARD CRESSEY, Chairman HAZEN M. RICHARDSON ALDEN F. MORELAND BARTHOLOMEW J. WHELAN ROBIN JONES, Clerk
96
RECOMMENDATIONS FINANCE COMMITTEE
ANNUAL TOWN WARRANT
ARTICLE 1. To hear and act on Committee Reports.
No recommendation required.
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, 1959, 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.
Recommended.
ARTICLE 3. To see what action the Town will take to defray the Town Expenses for the ensuing year.
Committee recommendations 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.
Recommended.
ARTICLE 5. On petition of the Board of Electric Light Commis- sioners, to see if the Town will vote to accept the sum of $4,000.00 from the earnings of the Electric Light Department, said sum to be used for reducing the tax rate.
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