USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1958 > Part 25
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behooves every parent to be sure that their children are protected against Polio, Diphtheria, Whooping Cough and Tetanus. It would be proper here, to use the old adage, that, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," because these diseases can be completely eradicated if immunizations are received at the proper intervals.
On her day's rounds, the visiting nurse does many jobs. She is both nurse and teacher. She may help a diabetic youngster learn how to give himself his injections or she may give a bath to a bedridden grandmother. It's part of her job, when she's called in, to be aware of emo- tional and economic problems which affect health, and steer the family to agencies which can help.
She works with the doctor in explaining the whys and wherefores of treatment. In a long term illness, such as Tuberculosis, she teaches the family how to prevent the spread of the disease and she makes sure no aspect of care is neglected until the disease is under control.
By guiding the family toward better health and help- ing them prevent spread of disease, the lady in blue safe- guards and improves the health of the community as a whole and she is available to everyone who needs her.
FORTY-FIRST ANNUAL NURSING SERVICE REPORT PLYMOUTH COMMUNITY NURSE ASSOCIATION 1957 - 1958
Statistical Report
No. Patients
Service
No. Visits
271
Home Visits
6,231
Office Visits 698
3
Acute Communicable Disease 89
12
Tuberculosis
146
34
Tuberculosis Contacts
48
1
Tuberculosis Suspects
15
29
Maternity
43
1
Home Delivery
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35
Infant Health
69
16
Preschool Health 36
11
School Health
16
28
Adult Health
191
Unclassified
64
441
7,646
Pay Status
Free 3,597
Part Fee
1,719
Full Fee
1,808
Health Guidance
458
Welfare
777
Old Age Assistance 3,056
23 Well Child Conferences 468 visits
10 Chest Clinics 354 visits
13 Immunization Clinics 650 visits
Respectfully submitted,
MRS. JOSEPH W. LYNCH, R.N.,
Supervisor.
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PLYMOUTH PUBLIC LIBRARIES
DIRECTORS
Dr. Bryce Prindle President
Mr. John Farrell Vice President
Miss Sara C. Bodell Clerk
Mr. Walder J. Engstrom
Treasurer
Mrs. Robert B. Bowler Mr. Edward B. Garside
Mrs. Edward W. Burgess
Miss Laura R. Gibbs
Mr. Arthur G. Estes, Jr.
Mr. Roland W. Holmes
Mrs. William S. Franks
Mrs. Francis W. Savery
Katharine F. Freeland, Acting Librarian to August 31, 1958
Eunice E. Sharp, Library Director, remainder of year.
In presenting our annual report, we wish to thank all of the people of Plymouth for their support through taxa- tion of the educational and recreational purposes of their libraries. At the same time we hope that all will feel a sense of proprietorship and a desire to visit the libraries to see what they offer in services, and to use them. Personnel:
At the central library Mrs. Katharine F. Freeland was acting librarian until Miss Sharp assumed her duties on September 2, 1958. Mrs. Freeland continues as assistant librarian and cataloger. Miss Ann E. Lucas, Junior De- partment; Miss Carolyn Pratt, Records Assistant; Miss Margaret Osmond, Circulation Assistant; Miss Beverly Fohrder, General Assistant; Mrs. Allen Wood and Mrs. Charles E. Seifert, part-time assistants; altogether give the equivalent of seven full-time librarians. Miss Grace Haigh, librarian of Loring Branch, is assisted by Miss Elizabeth Stephan.
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Acknowledgments:
When the Book Committee of the Board of Directors proposed that the library circulate paper backed books, we received generous donations of several hundred novels from a number of interested people. Although too numer- ous to name here, we wish to thank them all. We have received many books this year which have added to the pleasure of our borrowers and to the value of our service. We especially mention those books donated by the Gar- den Club and Woman's Club as memorials to deceased members of the clubs.
For carrying our book news we thank the Old Colony Memorial and the Brockton Enterprise. To the proprietors of local stores and banks and radio station WPLM we express thanks for assisting with publicity and exhibits during National Library Week and Children's Book Week.
It has been a pleasure for members of the staff to give book reviews when requested by schools and clubs.
Finally, our gratitude goes to the artists who have loaned their work, the art committee chairmen and teach- ers who have given their time in arranging the work which has been enjoyed and appreciated by our patrons. Miss Osmond of our staff made the schedules and helped with the arrangements.
Great Book's Discussion Group:
The group has been meeting every two weeks with the able leadership of Dr. and Mrs. Francis Scheid. By sharing their opinions and reactions to the ideas of great thinkers of the past, the members have enlarged their enjoyment of reading. The activity of this group is a good example of the value of libraries in fostering better in- formed citizens.
Anne Appleton Memorial Children's Library:
Loans of books to classrooms of the elementary schools increased to 44, with approximately 30 books in
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each. The librarian, Miss Ann Lucas visited the schools, upon invitation of the teachers, giving talks about the new books for Children's Book Week in October. Miss Lucas and Miss Fohrder held a story hour at the Library that week also. As seventh grade pupils graduate to the adult department new young readers take their places, as will be seen in the statistics.
Loring Branch:
Miss Grace Haigh and her assistant, Miss Elizabeth Stephan have continued their good work for the residents of North Plymouth. Their services to young people and children have attracted a larger number to borrow more books than last year. School visits have been maintained as in previous years.
STATISTICS
Although the number of borrowers at the central library has decreased, more books have been read per person. Increases were registered in every month, with the greatest increase in May, and the largest total circu- lation, 7,730, in June. The program of buying up-to-date editions of encyclopedias has continued with replace- ments of Americana and Compton's Pictured Encyclo- pedias this year. The central library purchased 1,411 books and received 270 as gifts; a total which is one less than last year. Loring Branch acquired 525 books, 18 more than in 1957.
Registrations:
1957
1958
Central
Adult
3,659
3,465
Junior
954
961
Total
4,613
4,426
Loring Branch
Adult
620
623
Junior
771
775
Total
1,391
1,398
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Circulation:
Central
Adult
50,958
56,228
Junior
18,057
19,903
Total
69,015
76,131
Loring Branch
Adult
6,276
7,649
Junior
11,976
13,462
Total
18,252
21,111
Grand total
87,267
97,242
Total gain
9,975
Book Stock:
Central
Volumes in library Jan. 1, 1958
33,154
Volumes added, 1958
1,681
Total
34,835
Volumes withdrawn, 1958
1,377
Volumes in library Dec. 31, 1958
33,458
Periodicals (purchased)
63
Newspapers
5
Gift subscriptions
19
Total periodicals
87
Loring Branch
Volumes in library Jan. 1, 1958
10,394
Volumes added, 1958
525
Total
10,919
Volumes withdrawn, 1958
974
Volumes in library Dec. 31, 1958
9,945
Respectfully submitted,
EUNICE E. SHARP, Library Director.
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
The members of the Board of Public Welfare on January 1, 1958, were Joseph H. Nogueira, Chairman, John J. Magee, Margaret E. McLean, Dexter M. Brooks and Francis H. Murphy.
At the Annual Town Election held on Saturday, March 1, 1958, John J. Magee and Francis H. Murphy were re-elected members of the Board of Public Welfare for three years.
At the organization meeting of the Board of Public Welfare held following the Town Election, Francis H. Murphy was elected Chairman of the Board of Public Welfare and Albert A. Saunders, Agent, was re-appointed Secretary of the Board.
The Board of Public Welfare as Directors of the Town Infirmary, re-appointed Flora L. Cavicchi Superintendent, and for the 52nd consecutive year, re-appointed Sarah A. Dickson the Matron of the Town Infirmary.
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
In the Old Age Assistance category of Public Assist- ance, the case load decreased gradually during the year from 433 cases at the opening of the year to 412 at the close of the year.
The total Old Age Assistance payments in 1958 were $526,997.33. The Federal Grants amounted to $201,952.69 which with $373.07 of Federal money remaining from last year totaled $202,325.76. The share of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will be approximately $232,334.95. The Town received $5,805.13 from other Cities and Towns for Old Age Assistance persons settled in Plymouth and resid- ing in other communities, leaving the cost to the Town of Plymouth for Old Age Assistance $86,904.56.
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AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
In the Aid to Dependent Children category, the year began with 83 cases composed of 66 Parents and 169 Chil- dren. There was a slight increase during the year and at the close of the year there were 89 cases with 68 parents and 189 children receiving this category of assistance.
The total expenditure for this category of assistance this year was $146,380.79, an increase of $6,817.63 over last year. The Federal Grants amounted to $58,127.46 which with $2,101.17 remaining from the previous year made available $60,228.63 of Federal Funds, the share of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will be approximately $48,793.59 and this will leave the balance of $37,358.57 as the approximate cost to the Town of Plymouth.
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE
In the category of Disability Assistance, the year began with 44 cases and remained with little change up to the month of August when a steady increase monthly brought the case load up to 57 at the close of the year.
The expenditure for the year was $63,010.98. Federal funds were available in the amount of $21,272.01, the Com- monwealth's share approximately $25,986.90, leaving the cost to the Town of Plymouth approximately $15,752.07.
GENERAL RELIEF
During the 1958 year, 150 cases were granted "outside" assistance, 102 new applications were approved, and 42 cases that were interviewed were referred to other agen- cies or denied assistance for various reasons.
127 cases were closed during the year and 24 re- applied again for relief.
67 cases were being assisted at the start of the year which were composed of 187 persons, the peak load was in the month of February with 69 cases composed of 190
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persons. The load gradually decreased to the month of November and the year closed with 55 cases composed of 162 persons.
The expenditures for General Relief amounted to $56,136.25 and the Town of Plymouth paid other Commu- nities for Plymouth settled cases, the amount of $3,889.95 making the total "Relief" cost $60,847.30. The 1958 appro- priation was $60,115.00. Income from Trust Funds was $10.57 and $721.73 was transferred from reserve. The Commonwealth, individuals and other Cities and Towns paid the Town of Plymouth $16,170.03. This amount in- cluded $7,800.00 which was the result of a suit "for aid granted" against the City of Boston. The cost to the Town of Plymouth for this category of Public Assistance was $44,677.02 for the 1958 year.
INFIRMARY
The services and facilities of the Town Infirmary were made available to 11 "homeless" persons, a total of 2,024 resident days. The total cost at the Infirmary for 1958 was $11,439.58. The Commonwealth, other Communities and individuals reimbursed the Town $2,610.09, leaving the cost to the Town of Plymouth $8,829.49.
IN CONCLUSION
The Massachusetts Department of Public Welfare Medical Care Plan, extends to the Public Assistance Re- cipients, a complete system of Medical Care.
On March 1, 1959, a major change becomes effective, and "All items of Medical Care will be payable directly to the Vendor."
The Administration of Public Assistance has become increasingly complex and with the extensive changes in the Medical Care Plan which require "Approval" and "Authorization" for many items and forms for billing of all medication, Drugs and Medical Supplies, has made the
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Medical Care Plan complicated and detailed and has added not only a large amount of work to the Depart- ment but a substantial increase in cost of operation.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCIS H. MURPHY, Chairman, DEXTER M. BROOKS, JOHN J. MAGEE,
MARGARET E. McLEAN, JOSEPH H. NOGUEIRA,
Board of Public Welfare Directors of the Town Infirmary
REPORT OF TREE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Tree planting is a must on new streets of approved layouts. Approximately 125 trees of different varieties, Norway and Schwedler maples and a few elms, were planted.
Spraying of trees for red spider and aphids had to be done. The heavy infestation was due to last year's dry weather.
Tree pruning was carried out, keeping the trees clear of dead wood and broken branches.
I want to thank those who have made my work more pleasant through the year.
JOHN KENNEDY,
Tree Warden.
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In Memoriam
HOWARD L. PRIESTLEY
Superintendent
Cemetery Department
1947 - 1958
Died June 1, 1958
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REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
The maintenance of the several cemeteries has been carried on the past year, but with some serious interrup- tions in the personnel of the department.
Our Superintendent of Cemeteries, Mr. Howard L. Priestley, died suddenly on June 1, 1958, thus causing the loss of his experienced services at the busiest time of the year.
Mr. Priestley had served as Superintendent since 1947 and, as such, had managed the care of the cemeteries with outstanding ability.
Mr. Austin S. Fratus, working under Mr. Priestley as foreman, carried on through the summer as Acting Super- intendent, and in November was appointed Superin- tendent.
Mr. John B. Finney, who had served as Commissioner from 1945, and as Chairman of the Board since 1953, re- signed from the Board October 15, 1958, on account of his health.
Mr. Finney's previous experience in road building, landscaping, and other outdoor work was of great value to the department, and we feel the Town has been very fortunate to have had his services on this Commission.
At a joint meeting of the Selectmen and the remain- ing Cemetery Commissioners Mr. George E. Randall was appointed to fill the vacancy on the Commission caused by the resignation of John B. Finney.
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On account of the excessive rainfall through the spring and summer months, more mowing than usual was necessary in all of the cemeteries.
In Oak Grove and Vine Hills Cemeteries some new blacktop was laid, and some that was laid in previous years was resealed. We do not recommend any appro- priation for this work in 1959, as has been made in the past few years, as most of the avenues are now covered, and the road repairs in 1959 can be taken care of from the regular maintenance appropriation.
The building used as an office and tool house should be painted in 1959, and a new heater installed.
There is very little area left in Oak Grove and Vine Hills Cemeteries that is available for lots, but we feel it is advisable to use it all before opening up the new addi- tion. There is one more section near the Easterly Samoset Street entrance that can be developed into 47 lots, and we are recommending an appropriation for this work.
The usual care has been given Burial Hill, and new trees have been set out. Some repairs will have to be made in 1959 to the Hearse House, and to the stone wall at the Spring Street entrance.
At the Manomet Cemetery part of the unimproved section near the center of the cemetery was graded and seeded, thus providing about 20 lots. We are recommend- ing an appropriation to complete the grading and seed- ing of this section. This will greatly improve the appear- ance of the whole cemetery, and no additional lots will have to be provided in the near future.
The other Outlying Cemeteries have been mowed and cared for, and trees were set out at the South Pond Ceme- tery in place of those destroyed by the fire of the previous year, and some replacements were made at Chiltonville. Some repairs to the fences at Chiltonville and Cedarville Cemeteries will be necessary in 1959.
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We are again recommending the purchase of a new truck for this department to replace the 1948 truck now in use, and on which the cost of repairs and maintenance is growing fast.
The Receipts and Expenditures of the Department may be seen in Schedules A and B of the Town Account- ant's Report.
RICHARD T. ELDRIDGE, Chairman, F. WILLARD DITTMAR, Clerk, GEORGE E. RANDALL,
Board of Cemetery Commissioners.
AUSTIN S. FRATUS, Superintendent.
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ASSESSORS' REPORT
Official Valuation of Real Estate
$50,372,450.00
Official Valuation of Personal Property 8,263,475.00
Aggregate Value $58,635,925.00
Exempted Under Chapter 59:
Real $16,706,375.00
Personal
4,995,575.00
21,701,950.00
Assessed Value Available for Revenue To be Raised by Taxation:
$36,933,975.00
State Tax $10,296.96
County Tax 154,520.67
Tuberculosis Hospital
45,663.50
Mosquito Control 20,914.85
Town Appropriations
3,002,825.61
Amount Necessary to Satisfy
Final Court Judgments
50,792.50
Overlay
51,146.43
Forest Fire Emergency Overdraft 83,166.89
Underestimates 1957 662.60
Total Amount to be Raised by Taxation $3,419,990.01
Estimated Receipts Including Dog Tax Voted by the Town
to be used by the Assessors $1,023,839.71 Over-Estimates for Year 1957 to be used as Available Funds 1,611.16
Out of Available Funds under Approval by Commissioners of
Corporations and Taxation 228,665.00
Total Estimated Receipts and Available Funds 1,254,115.87
Net Amount to be Raised by Taxation on Polls and Property $2,165,874.14
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Division of Taxes:
Personal Property, Jan. 1st $190,845.36
Real Estate, Jan. 1st
1,966,098.78
Polls, March 1st 8,930.00
Total Taxes to be Raised on Polls and Property $2,165,874.14
Rate of Taxation: $58.40 on $1000
General Rate: $38.89
School Rate: 19.51
Warrants to Collector:
Real Estate
$1,966,098.75
Personal Property
190,845.36
Polls
8,930.00
Farm Animal Excise
194.77
Water Liens
5.947.48
Additional Real
1,216.18
Additional Personal Property
1,883.40
Additional Polls
54.00
Total Warrants to Collector $2,175,169.94
Exempted Under Section 5, Chapter 59,
General Laws as Amended: Houses of Religious Worship:
Real $455,200.00 Personal 45,500.00
Charitable, Benevolent, Literary,
Educational:
Real
1,440,400.00
Personal
237,275.00
Parsonages Exempted: Real
61,725.00
Personal
6,200.00
United States of America: Real 183,800.00
Personal
20,000.00
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'Town of Plymouth:
Real
5,447,325.00
Personal
4,508,100.00
Commonwealth of Mass .:
Real
7,428,725.00
Personal
50,000.00
County of Plymouth:
Real
1,246,850.00
Personal
125,000.00
Cemeteries:
Real 8,250.00
Plymouth Housing Authority:
Real 410,600.00
Personal 1,000.00
Property of Incorporated Organ- izations of War Veterans:
Real
23,500.00
Personal 2,500.00
Total Exempted Under Section 5,
Chapter 59 General Laws as Amended:
$21,701,950.00
TABLE OF AGGREGATES
Number of Persons, Firms and Corporations Assessed on Property 18,110
Polls Assessed 4,465
Polls Exempted Under Clauses 17A and 18,
Chapter 59 or Section 8, Chapter 58 685
Polls Exempted Under Acts 1950, Chapter 796 (Men in Armed Forces) 98
Polls Exempted Under Section 71, Chapter 59
83
Horses 47
Cows 134
Bulls (2), Steers (3), Heifers (4) 9
Swine 258
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Sheep 27
Fowl
22,353
All Other: Goats (2), Ponies (3)
5
Dwelling Houses
11,000
Acres of Land Assessed
70,000
Motor Vehicles and Trailers Assessed Under Motor Excise and Trailer Law:
Value of Motor Vehicles and Trailers
Registered (1957)
$550,240.00
(1958)
$3,487,615.00
Number of Motor Vehicles and Trailers
Assessed (1957) 658
(1958) 7,387
Warrants to Collector (Motor Vehicle and
Trailer Excise) (1957) $7,959.64
(1958) $178,361.55
State Rate on Motor Vehicles and Trailers:
$60.25 on $1000
ABATEMENT ACCOUNT
Levy of 1955:
January 1, 1958, Balance
$100.00
To Reserve Overlay
$100.00
Levy of 1956:
January 1, 1958, Deficit $662.60
Abatements:
Real Estate
47.60
Real Estate (Tax Titles)
114.21
1957 Overdraft, Appropriated in 1958
662.60
Overdraft (To be Appropriated in 1959)
$161.81
Levy of 1957: January 1, 1958, Balance $2,806.87
$824.41
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Abatements:
Poll
$6.00
Personal
18.98
Real Estate
1,049.40
Real Estate (Tax Titles)
2,044.00
3,118.38
Overdraft (To be Appropriated in 1959)
$311.51
Levy of 1958:
1958 Overlay
$51,146.43
Abatements:
Poll
$1,740.00
Personal
902.99
Real Estate
44,132.36
46,775.35
Dec. 31, 1958, Balance
$4,371.08
Reserve Overlay:
January 1, 1958, Balance
$18,097.06
From Overlay of 1955
100.00
From Reserve Account
5,724.35
$23,921.41
To Reserve Account
15,000.00
December 31, 1958, Balance $8,921.41
ROBERT A. CARR, Chairman, WILLIAM H. BARRETT,
CARL W. RAYMOND,
Board of Assessors.
NANNIE A. PRATT, Senior Clerk
KATHRYN M. TASSINARI, Junior Clerk
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REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
The duly elected Planning Board continued its func- tion during the calendar year of 1958 in accordance with the vote of the Town passed March 26, 1949.
At the Annual Town Meeting Election in March, 1958, Mr. Bryce Prindle was elected a member of the Planning Board, taking the place of Mr. E. W. Brewster who, after serving continuously for eight years, did not run for re-election.
A total of 26 meetings were held during the year with 90% attendance by members.
During the year there was presented for approval under the subdivision control law a total of eleven (11). plans for subdivision into 416 lots. Six (6) of these with a total of 167 lots were approved; one (1) with a total of 35 lots was not approved; and four (4) with a total of 214 lots were pending at the end of the year.
In addition there was submitted during the year a total of 43 plans for which it claimed approval not re- quired. All but two (2) were so found and endorsed.
The special committee appointed under Article 98 of the Annual Town Meeting in March, 1956, to study the ad- visability of revising our Zoning By-Laws reported fur- ther progress and their work continued during the year. They met with the Planning Board for conference on Oc- tober 6, 1958.
At the Annual Town Meeting in March, 1958, the Planning Board reported to the Town on the Traffic and Parking Survey conducted by Bruce Campbell Associates of Boston, and the Planning Board recommended that the Town appoint a Special Committee of five to study the
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report and to make recommendation to the Town. The report was accepted and the recommendation adopted.
The vote of the Town under Article 88 of the 1958 Annual Town Meeting authorized the purchase and demo- lition of seven additional parcels of property on Summer and High Streets by the Planning Board. All designated parcels were acquired for the Town, and demolition of all the buildings has been completed.
JAMES A. WHITE, EDWARD CHASE, A. LINWOOD ELLIS, DAVID M. CRAWLEY, BRYCE PRINDLE, Plymouth Planning Board.
PLYMOUTH HOUSING AUTHORITY
This Authority has been operating the Veterans Housing Project at Olmstead Terrace and Standish Court since its building in 1949. The full tenancy since that time has demonstrated its usefulness and desirability.
There are forty units, equally divided into two- and three-bedroom houses. They are all equipped with a modern kitchen, dining area and living room. All vacan- cies over the past year have been promptly filled. The greater demand for housing is coming from the larger families who require three and four bedrooms. The popu- lation remains about static with from 74-78 adults and 108-116 children.
It is most gratifying to frequently hear complimen- tary remarks about the appearance of the houses and grounds. There is a general pride in appearance on the
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part of most of the tenants and the interiors are taste- fully decorated and well kept.
A children's playground has been partially developed in the rear of the project and it is hoped that sometime in the future the Park Department may have supervised recreation in this area for these youngsters.
The only major repairs necessary this past year were reglazing and painting of all the windows. Next year some of the clapboard houses will need one coat of paint. The shingled houses require less upkeep. There are the usual minor repairs and replacements of some of the facilities, such as water heaters and oil storage tanks.
The average rent paid in 1958 was $53.50 including gas and electricity. The rental charges are based solely on income and limitations are necessarily placed on in- come for admission and continued occupancy. These charges and limitations are as follows:
Minor
Admission
Continued
Dependents
Limits
Occupancy Limit
Rent
One or less
$3,650.00
$3,900.00
18% of income
Two
3,775.00
4,025.00
16% of income
Three or more*
3,900.00
4,150.00 14% of income
*$100 deduction from total income for each minor dependent child in excess of three.
A summary balance sheet as of December 31, 1958, follows:
Assets
Administration Fund-Plymouth National Bank $1,426.25
Administration Fund-Plymouth
Federal Savings and Loan 25,081.85
$26,508.10
Tenants' Accounts Receivable
546.15
Debt Service Fund $5,777.23
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Debt Service Trust Fund 409.64 Debt Service Trust Fund-Investment 4,000.00
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