Town annual report of Rutland 1951-57, Part 7

Author: Rutland, Mass.
Publication date: 1951
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 870


USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Rutland > Town annual report of Rutland 1951-57 > Part 7


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DEBITS


Salary for Librarian 520.00


Books


167.69


Magazines 58.00


Supplies, Box rent, etc. 27.32 773.51


Unexpended 167.99


Respectfully submitted,


Rev. Willard Bicket


Mrs. Hope Bracebridge


Mrs. Hattie Griffin


Mr. Edmund Kelsey


Mrs. Ethel Dow


Mrs. Harriet Myska


74 REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN OF THE FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY


To the Citizens of the Town of Rutland:


I submit my report for the year 1952.


Circulation


Adult Fiction


1630


Adult Non-fiction 733


Juvenile Fiction 2020


Juvenile Non-fiction 313


Donations Fines and sale of cards 7.70


$23.00


84 new books were purchased including a new Boy Scout hand book and eight merit badge books.


Magazines were donated by Mrs. Franklin T. Wood and the American Humane Society and money for the purchase of magazines was received from Rutland Grange, Eastern Star, Home Relief , Women's Union and the Monday Night Club.


The 1952 Heart Fund Committee presented the library with a copy of "You and Your Heart" and the Dupont Company with a history of the Dupont Company.


Respectfully submitted,


LINDA A. HANFF


Librarian


75 REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH


1952


There have been several cases of measles reported to this board during the year and at the present time there is considerable scarlet fever, the cases fortunately being rather mild.


The board has considered the matter of a health union as re- quired by statute to be effective by 1959. Further study of the matter will be made during 1953.


Several cases of faulty sewage disposal have been reported and corrected.


Appointments made for 1952-


Miss Linda A. Hanff Charles M. Fiske Emil J. Koenig, M.D.


Board of Health Agent Inspector of Slaughtering Physician


Respectfully submitted,


P.E. DOW, Chairman MARY C. BIGELOW, Clerk C. HOPE BRACEBRIDGE


76


REPORT OF THE VETERANS' AGENT


To the Board of Selectmen, Rutland, Mass.


As Veteran's Agent for the town of Rutland I have authorized payments totaling $2101.50 to ex-servicemen, or their widows and ex-servicewomen whose settlement is in Rutland. Judging from past experience I request that $2500 be appropriated for the year 1953.


On October 18th I accepted an appointment as Volunteer Veteran Re-employment Agent for Rutland and vicinity. The purpose of this project is to assist ex-servicemen in obtaining employment pursuant to the selective service act of 1948 and all related acts.


Respectfully submitted, HERBERT J. BUTLER, R. N. Veteran's Agent


77


REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ARRESTS CRIMES AGAINST THE PERSON


Male


0


Female 0


CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY


Breaking and Entering Larceny Using Motor Vehicle Without Authority


1


5


1


CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER


Driving Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated


2


Driving Motor Vehicle to Endanger Life


4


Motor Vehicle Laws Violated


2


Drunk


5


TOTAL ARRESTS


20


Complaints investigated


93


Accidents


15


Fatal


0


Injured


20


Lost Children Located


2


Lost Adults Located


2


Stolen Cars Recovered


1


Automobile Transfers


69


License Suspended


16


Registrations Suspended


9


Injured Dogs Destroyed


3


Summons served for other Dept.


11


Respectfully submitted,


JOHN COLLINS Chief of Police


78


REPORT OF THE FIRE ENGINEERS


During the year 1952, eight calls for fires in buildings were answered.


3 chimney fires 1 electric motor fire 2 factory fires 1 house fire 1 school fire


Respectfully submitted,


RUSSELL ERICKSON , Chief DONALD LINCOLN, Ass't. Chief JOHN COLLINS G. EDGAR FAY ROBERT B. LOVE, Clerk


79


FINANCIAL REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT


New Heating System


Appropriated:


$1,200.00


Expended :


Joseph Swanson


$ 999.60


Worc. Sheet Metal Co.


11. 79


Central Supply Co.


27.87


$1,039.26


Unexpended


# 160.74


$1,200.00


Painting Fire House


Appropriated: $ 500.00


Transferred from Reserve Fund


55.00


Expended


$


555.00


Forest Fires


Appropriated: $ 200.00


Transferred from Reserve Fund


48.75


Expended


$


248.75


William White


# 96.00


New England Ass. of Fire Chiefs


3.00


Worcester County Electric Co.


63.62


New England Tel. & Tel. Co.


52.96


Holt Coal Co.


25.80


Holden Fire Protection Co.


17.80


Robert Spindler


50.00


James Coffin Co.


60.50


Dower Coo


85.20


Herbert G. Calkins


9.55


Rutland Training Center


24.30


Joe Swanson


48.40


Rutland Garage


54.78


80


Bill's Garage F. D. Marsh Co. Nellie I. Griffin Robert Dea Labor of Fires


$ 40.80 65.46


7.33 418.75


217.50


Total


$1,551. 30


Appropriated


$1,500.00


Transferred from Reserve Fund


51.30


Expended


$1,551. 30


Respectfully submitted,


ROBERT B. LOVE, Clerk


81


REPORT OF THE FOREST WARDEN


During the year, 1952, there were 37 calls for grass and brush fires.


Fires from defective incinerators 23 Fires from incendiary 4 Fires from burning without permits 7 Fires from burning with permits 3


47 permits were issued for burning in the open. Labor at fires $248.75.


Respectfully submitted,


RUSSELL E. ERICKSON Forest Warden


82


REPORT OF THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT TOWN OF RUTLAND 1952


Water Department Appropriations: Maintenance


$ 8900.00


Superintendents Salary


2860.00


Commissioners Salary


275.00


Total Appropriations


$12,035.00


EXPENDED WATER DEPARTMENT


Outside Labor


$ 1521.41


Brewer and Company


19.27


Gardner Electric


3914.40


Equipment and Stock


1232.17


Express Charges


36.27


Printing


21.59


Garage Maintenance


63.63


Truck Maintenance, Fuel and Insurance


271.69


Pumping Station Maintenance


205.60


Commonwealth of Massachusetts Sewer Maintenance


504.33


Expended $ 7,790.36


Transferred from Maintenance Account to Supts. Salary 350.00


Transferred from Maint. Account to Glenwood Road Project


553.89


Total Expenditures $ 8,694.25


Total Maintenance Appropriations 8,900.00


Total Maintenance Expenditures 8,694.25


Unexpended Balance $ 205.75


Superintendents Salary Appropriated


# 2860.00


Transferred from Maintenance Account


350.00


Transferred from Reserve Fund 38.57


Total Expended $ 3248.57


Commissioners Salary Appropriated $ 275.00


275.00


Expended


83


RELAYING WATER MAIN CENTRAL TREE ROAD


Balance to 1952


520.51


Transferred to Glenwood Road Water Project


520.51


Balance to 1953


000. 00


RELAYING WATER MAIN ON GLENWOOD ROAD


Appropriated


2420.00


Transferred from Central Tree Road Account


520.51


Transferred from Water Dept. Maintenance Account


553.89


Transferred from Reserve Funds


9.95


Total Appropriated


3504. 35


Total Expended


3504.35


NEW PUMP ACCOUNT (LOAN)


Total Loan


3500.00


Expended


2500.00


Balance (Loan) unexpended


1000.00


WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT BILLINGS


Water Billings State Sanatorium


2396.20


Water Billings U. S. Veterans Hospital


4042.14


Water Billings Town Residents


4933.23


Total Billings Water


11,371.57


Sewer Billings Town Residents


679.82


Total Billings 12,051.39


Respectfully submitted


ROBERT B. LOVE THEODORE H. CURTIS RICHARD H. JONES


Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners


84


REPORT OF THE CHARLTON HOME FARM ASSOCIATION For the year ending Dec. 31, 1952


Land and Buildings


$14,000.00


Deposit in Savings Banks


12,496.55


3 U. S. Bonds


2,600.00


Personal Property


3,733.52


Amount Receivable from Towns


899.15


Cash in checking account


25.13


$33,754.35


RECEIPTS


Cash on Hand, Jan. 1, 1952


$ 535.65


Income from Farm


700. 36


Withdrawn from Savings Bank


1,899.30


Received from Towns and Boarders


22,065.15


$25,200.46


EXPENDITURES


Bills Paid Cash in checking account


$25,175.33


25.13


$25,200.46


Number of Boarders


34


Robert F. Tucker, President Lester P. Gates, Secretary and Treas. Carl F. Davis, Auditor


85


REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD


The first Monday of each month has been established as the regular meeting night of the Planning Board. Mr. Smith who was Chairman of the Board resigned as a member and Mr. Nolan was ap- pointed in his place and was elected Clerk. Mr. Yonker was elected Chairman .


Subdivision control, an important duty of the Planning Board, has been the basis of both misunderstanding and criticism. A di- vision of a tract of land into even only two parts may require ap- proval of the Board. But the Board is not called upon to act un- less the matter is presented to it by the parties in interest.


Of two matters of subdivision which have been presented during the year one was withdrawn while the other has been a serious pro- blem for the Board as well as for all of the parties in interest. In an effort to limit misunderstanding and to encourage coopera- tion to the mutual benefit of all, a joint meeting was held with the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Water and Sewer Commission, and the Board of Health, and a message was prepared and sent to numerous persons thought most likely to have interest in subdivision. From this message we quote two paragraphs .


"The Town of Rutland has established a Planning Board under section 81-A Chapter Ll of General Laws. Therefore, no subdivision of land into two or more lots, any one of which does not abut on a public way, may be made without first 'submitting to such Board for approval a plan of such proposed subdivision." The Planning Board, before approval of a subdivision, must hold a public hear- ing after at least ten days notice, and must obtain approval in writing by the Board of Health. "


"Without a duly approved plan recorded in the Registry of Deeds, "no easement or other right shall be acquired in a way --- , either expressly or by implication, ' and 'no public water supply or sewer, or other municipal utility or improvement shall be constructed. "


86


The Board will welcome the opportunity to assist any property owners who contemplate subdivision or sale of land.


John J. Yonker, Chairman


Fred H. Rice


Alishan L. Martin


Rufus B. Dunbar


Matthew J. Nolan, Clerk


87


WACHUSETT REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT REPORT OF THE TREASURER


The year 1952 was one of considerable moment in the financial activity of the Wachusett Regional School District, With the sign- ing of the contract for the construction of the new school by the J. W. Bishop Company of Worcester in April, it became immediately necessary to provide funds to meet our obligations. While the total over-all bond issue of $2,600,000 had been authorized by the five towns of the District, of which only $100,000 had been issued in 1951, on advice of financial counsel it was decided to limit the sale of bonds to $1,500,000 in 1952.


In accord with this plan $1,500,000 in coupon bonds, dated June 1, 1952 and maturing $75,000 annually over a period of twenty years, were sold to the lowest bidders. The First Boston Corporation and Hornblower & Weeks, at $100. 319 for a 1.90% coupon rate. At this price the net interest rate is approximately 1.866% which is considered very satisfactory by your committee. Four other bids on these bonds ran to a high of $100.039 for 2% coupons.


It is contemplated that the balance of $1,000,000 in coupon bonds to complete the financing of the school will be sold early in 1953 when the market appears most favorable.


In order to meet the requirements of our present and antici- pated funded debt for the year 1953, on November 21st the District Committee voted to appropriate the sum of $124,822.50. After applying credits of cash on hand, certain reimbursements from the State and estimated income from the temporary reinvestment of part of the proceeds of the bonds, totaling the sum of $59,822 50, the net assessment on the five towns of the District for debt obliga- tions was placed at $65,000 as follows:


#6 Debt and Interest Charges


Town


Percentage


Assessment


Holden


45


$29,250.00


Paxton


9


5,850.00


Princeton


11


7,150.00


Rutland


15


9,750.00


Sterling


20


13,000.00


88


While the possibility of using the academic portion of the new school beginning in September of 1953 is highly problematical, it was felt by the committee that everything possible should be done to bring about this favorable result. In anticipation of possible success in this endeavor it was necessary to provide funds for the operation of the academic sections for four months of 1953 before December 1st, 1952 in order to conform to the terms of the District Agreement. It was therefore voted by your committee to appropriate the sum of $75,000 for this purpose under the following headings to be assessed as indicated:


COSTS OF OPERATION


Item #1 General Control


$ 5,000.00


#2 Expenses of Instruction 50,000.00


#3 Operation of School Plant


10,000.00


#7 Special Charges


10,000.00


$75,000.00


ASSESSMENTS


High School


Enrollment


Town


Assessment


Oct. 1, 1952


272


Holden


$40,800.00


30


Paxton


4,500.00


44


Princeton


6,600.00


63


Rutland


9,450.00


91


Sterling


13,650.00


The situation as to the possible opening of the academic sec- tions in September 1953 is to be reviewed by the committee the latter part of January and, if it is determined that such opening is out of the question, the major portion of this assessment will be withdrawn by proper notice before February Ist, 1953.


A financial statement of the Wachusett Regional School Dis- trict as of December 31, 1952 follows:


WACHUSETT REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT


STATEMENT As of December 31, 1952


ASSETS


LIABILITIES


Cash:


Maintenance Account


$23,848. 89


Construction Account 133,984.82


#2 Expense of Instruction 50,000.00


#3 Operating School Plant 10,000.00


*U.S. Treasury Bills 800,000.00


#6 Debt and Interest 124,822. 50


#7 Special Charges 10,000.00


1953 Revenue Account 39,741. 25


School Construction Acct. 933, 984.82


Accounts Receivable :


Assessments Due in 1953:


Holden $70,050. 00


Paxton


10,350.00


Princeton


13,750.00


Rutland 19,200.00


Sterling 26,650.00


140,000.00


$1, 137, 574. 96


$1, 137, 574. 96


*Treasury Bills: $100, 000 due January 2, 1953, Discount 1. 75% 100, 000 due February 5, 1953, Discount 1. 95% 600, 000 due March 5, 1953, Discount 2. 02%


DEBT ACCOUNTS


Net Funded Debt


$1,595, 000. 00


Coupon Bonds, 6/1/51 Interest 2. 20%, Payable $5, 000 yearly thru 1971 95,000.00


Coupon Bonds, 6/1/52 Interest 1. 90%, payable $75,000 yearly thru 1972 1,500,000.00


$1,595, 000. 00


$1,595, 000. 00


Appropriation Balances : #1 General Control $8, 767. 64


89


90


REPORT OF THE WACHUSETT REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEE FOR THE YEAR 1952


The organization of the Wachusett Regional School District Com- mittee was unchanged from the previous year. All incumbents being either reappointed or re-elected. Membership of the Committee was as follows:


Holden:


Term Expires


Rudolph Lindgren


1952


W. Goulding Warren


1952


George W. Lyman


-


1953


Paxton


Charles C. Craig


-


1952


Jesse E. Mills


1954


Princeton


John Hubbard


1952


Leslie E. Poole


-


1953


Rutland


James L. Wood


1952


David A. Darrah


1952


Sterling


Mrs. Clara R. Brown


1952


Robert W. Mason


1954


At the Annual Meeting, held March 10, 1952, the Officers of the previous year were re-elected, namely:


Chairman Leslie E. Poole


Princeton


Vice-Chairman


Robert Mason


Sterling


Secretary


George W. Lyman - Holden


Treasurer


W. Goulding Warren


Holden


-


During the year, the Committee held 23 regular meetings and 7 special meetings.


Final plans and specifications for the high school construction


91


were approved by the School Building Assistance Commission.


Several sets of these plans and specifications were sent out to various contractors, and we advertised for bids.


Bids for construction were opened at Holden High School on March 72 1952.


After due consideration of all bids received for the general con- tract, the sub-contracts, and the alternates, the following contract awards were made:


General Construction Contract to J. W. Bishop Company of Worcester, Mass., in the amount of $1,978,447.00. Rough grading, roads, walks, and paving to Gargolinski Bros. of Sterling, Mass., in the amount of #164,594.00. Finish grading, seeding and planting to the East- ern Tree & Landscaping Corp. of Dedham, Mass., in the amount of $69,998.00. Kitchen equipment to the Wrought Iron Kitchen Com- pany of Boston, Mass, , in the amount of $24,122.00.


Candidates for the position of Clerk of The Works were interviewed and on April 28th, the Committee entered into a contract with Colonel George H. Schumacher of Northboro, a retired army engineer with many years of experience in all phases of construction to his credit.


The Committee received permission from the Emergency Finance Board to borrow $2,500,000.00 with which to finance the construction and equipping of the school. It was decided that it would be best to borrow this money in two bond issues. One of $1,500,000.00 and another to be made next year in the amount of $1,000,000.00. De- tails of the bond issue are recorded in the Treasurer's report.


On August 4, 1952, the Committee found it necessary to call in The Walter Reed Corp. of Boston to handle the contract for roads 2 walks, paving and rough grading. Settlement was made with Gargo- linski Bros. and a contract to complete the work was made with The Walter Reed Corp. , in the amount of #145,221.00.


Sub-Committees were set-up to work on the study and selection of equipment necessary to put the school into operation. Considerable time has been spent on this work and samples have been brought in for inspection.


92


In November, the Wachusett Committee was approached by the West Boylston School Building Committee looking for a solution to their school housing problem. They asked to have a decision as to whether or not they could buy-in to the present Wachusett Regional School District or whether or not they would be able to send pupils to the high school on the tuition basis. After due consideration, the Committee informed the West Boylston group that tuition pupils could be accepted for a limited period on the opening of the school, and that the question of West Boylston buying-in to the Wachusett Regional School District would have to be left open for future discussion.


In order to expedite work on selection of equipment for operation of the school, the Committee appointed Mr. Buker of Holden as Superintendent of the Wachusett Regional High School for one year, effective January 1, 1953. Mr. Fogg of Sterling was appointed as Assistant Superintendent of the Wachusett Regional High School for one year, effective January 1, 1953. Both men are presently serving as Superintendents of two or more of the towns now making up the District.


Following is a report on the status of the construction work:


The Building


The contract for the construction of the Regional High School Building was let on April 7, 1952. It provides for substantial completion within 585 consecutive calendar days, which would make the completion date November 13, 1953. Work actually commenced on May 1, 1952, with the staking out of the Northeast corner of the building but, due to weather conditions, excavation for founda- tions did not commence until May 14th. Progress during the early part of the summer was slow, due to excessive rain and some delay in completing the rough grading of the site under a previous con- tract. During July and August labor strikes contributed to further delay. Laborers, Plumbers, Carpenters, and Steel Workers were out for short periods. Then the general steel strike, which was nation- wide, stopped the production of steel and delayed this project over a month.


At this date, the concrete foundations are complete with the excep- tion of those at the Northwest corner of the building under the rooms near the Auditorium stage. Practically all of the structural


93


steel is on the site and is in place on Units "A" and "B" (the E. end of the building) . Brick walls are complete and the roof is on the one story portion of Unit "B", (shop section) . Other brick walls have been partially erected along the South side of the building and on the Science section of Unit "A".


The mechanical trades, i. e. Plumbing, Heating, and Electrical keep their installations well ahead of the building construction and have caused no delay so far to the general progress. The under- ground and concealed plumbing work is approximately 70% complete; having been installed under the Gymnasium and Auditorium sections where no structural progress has been made, except foundations. The electrical concealed lines are likewise well in advance of general construction. The heating installations to date consist, mainly, of pipe runs in trenches. The boiler room walls have been substantially completed, but the floor and roof have not been started. The boiler foundations are in and the boilers have been set. Also, various pieces of equipment have been stored in the Boiler Room, but no mechanical work has been done. All of the Mechanical Trades have stock piled material and equipment in excess of immediate needs in order to forestall delay in procurement due to unforeseen conditions beyond their control.


The general progress during the months of November and December was somewhat above that estimated, due to favorable weather con- ditions. At present, however, it is slow and is expected to remain slow for the next two months .


Grading and Municipal Work


The completion of the rough grading over the entire site was con= tracted for with the Walter Reed Corporation of Boston in August 1952. All rough grading of the Recreation Area, Parking Area, the main entrance road, service road, and areas outside of the building has been substantially completed, and storm water drains with catch basins have been constructed.


The municipal work, which includes the water, sewer, and electrical services, have shown practically no progress. The water main from the street to the building was installed in July in order to supply the contractor with water. None of the water mains or fire hydrants around the building have been installed. The underground electric service line from the building to where the Power Company will


94


terminate ine pole line is complete. The pole line has not been constructed Nc sewer lines or manholes have been constructed.


Based upon the fixed contract date for completion, i.e. November 13, 1953, the progress of the entire project should have been approximately 45% along on December 31, 1952. It was estimated to be approximately 23% along on that date.


Therefore due to the delays listed above, it is probable that the school building will not be completed until the spring of 1954.


In the months ahead, the equipment procurement program will be stepped up and the problem of lining up a teaching staff will be considered. Thus, the new Wachusett Regional High School should be ready for full operation in September of 1954.


George W. Lyman, Secretary


95


REPORT OF THE STATE AUDIT


December 16, 1952


To the Board of Selectmen Mr. Lloyd H. Campbell, Chairman Rutland, Massachusetts


Gentlemen:


I submit herewith my report of an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Rutland for the period from March 30, 1951, to October 14, 1952, made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44; General Laws: This is in the form of a report made to me by Mr. Herman B. Dine, Assistant Director of Accounts .


Very truly yours , FRANCIS X. LANG Director of Accounts


FXL : EV


Mr. Francis X. Lang Director of Accounts


Department of Corporations and Taxation


State House, Boston


Sir:


In accordance with your instructions, I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Rutland for the period from March 30, 1951, the date of the previous examination, to October 14, 1952, and report thereon as follows:


The records of financial transactions of the several depart- ments receiving or disbursing money for the town, or committing bills for collection, were examined and checked for the period of the audit.


The books and accounts in the office of the town accountant were examined and checked in detail. The recorded receipts were verified by comparison with the treasureris books and with the


96


records of the several departments making the original charges. The disbursements as recorded were checked with the warrants of the selectmen authorizing the treasurer to disburse town funds and with the treasurer's books.


The appropriations and transfers voted by the town, as shown by the records of the town clerk, were checked to the ledgers in the accountant's office. The ledger accounts were analyzed, and a balance sheet, showing the financial condition of the town on October 14, 1952, was prepared and is appended to this report.


The books and accounts of the town treasurer were examined and checked. The recorded receipts were analyzed and compared with the records of the several departments making payments to the treasurer, and with other sources from which money was paid into the town treasury. The disbursements were compared with the selectmen's warrants authorizing the treasurer to disburse town funds and with the accountant's books.


The cash book footings were verified, and the treasurer's cash balance on October 14, 1952 was proved by reconciliation of the bank balances with statements furnished by the banks of de- posit and by actual count of the cash in the office.


The payments on account of maturing debt and interest were verified by comparison with the amounts falling due and with the cancelled securities on file .


The tax titles on hand were examined and listed. £ The amounts transferred from the tax levies to the tax title accounts were proved, and the tax titles as listed were reconciled with the accountant's ledger and further verified by comparison with the records at the Registry of Deeds.


The securities, including savings bank books, representing the investment of the trust funds in the custody of the town trea- surer were examined and listed, and the income was proved.




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