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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