USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > Town annual report of Swampscott 1958 > Part 7
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A detailed description of the work of Swampscott's Weights and Meas- ures Department is contained in my annual report.
"Protector of the Public Pocketbook" is a good description of Swamp- scott's Sealer of Weights and Measures. He is one Town Official whose work is devoted in its entirety to saving the taxpayer's money, and his cost of liv- ing.
The Sealer plays a vital role in your everyday existence. Every time you shop for food, fill your car's gas tank, order coal or oil, have a prescription filled or pick up a quart of milk-the Town Sealer makes sure you get what you pay for. It is my responsibility to inspect and test for accuracy all weighing and measuring devices commercially used within the town; I also make certain that all pre-packaged items carry the correct markings as to price and amount of contents. Scales and measuring devices are either ap- proved and sealed, or disapproved not sealed, or condemned. Commercial use of an unsealed or condemned device is a criminal offense and a merchant us- ing such is liable to prosecution.
Weights and Measures is a matter of concern to every individual citizen in our Town. The Sealer of our Town represents a most important branch of the nublic service in the economic life of our citizens, both at the consum- er and industry level.
The Sixty-Third Annual Conference Of The MASSACHUSETTS WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ASSOCIATION was held for the first time in Swampscott, at the New Ocean House, October 1-3. It was a very successful one, and several of the Sealers voiced their approval in a large manner, that they would like to return in the near future, as they were received and treat- ed very cordially by our Town Officials, and Mr. Clement Kennedy. President of the New Ocean House.
This Report covers the period from January 1, 1958 to December 31, 1958.
Adjusted Sealed Not Sealed Condemned
Scales
5
351 8 6
Weights
2
87
0
3
Tank Meters 9 113 0 2
TRIAL RE-WEIGHINGS
Tested
Correct Under Over
1474
550 60 864
There were 1,574 Inspections and 256 Tests made after Scales and Tanks were sealed.
Some new scales, meters, weights and measures were purchased by sev- eral merchants throughout the Town.
Police Department
Francis P. Wall. Chief
PERSONNEL
During the year Frank T. Roach who retired from this department on October 1, 1953 died on July 10, 1958. He served the town as a regular pa-
67
Town of Swampscott
trolman from 1920 to 1953. He was a capable and efficient member of the department.
On May 1, 1958 Anthony D'Agnese and Joseph A. McHugh were appoint- ed permanent patrolmen from the reserve list.
On May 22, 1958 Francis J. Corcoran was appointed a reserve officer to fill a vacancy resulting from the appointment of Anthony D'Agnese as a per- manent patrolman.
On November 20, 1958 Peter J. Cassidy was appointed a reserve officer to fill a vacancy resulting from the appointment of Joseph A. McHugh as a permanent patrolman.
Officers Edward P. Carroll and Anthony D'Agnese attended and graduat- ed from the Massachusetts State Police School. The training of these offic- ers has proven to be beneficial both to the officers and to the department.
AUXILIARY POLICE
The Auxiliary Police under the direction of the Captain John P. Costin has been active during the year in assisting the regular force in many police functions. This force is ready for immediate service at any time.
ARRESTS
On warrant
11
Without warrant
27
Summonsed to appear in Court
22
Witness summonses served
17
Warrants served for other Police Departments
6
Summonses to appear in Court served for other Police Departments 203
OFFENCES CHARGED
Accosting person of opposite sex
1
Assault and battery
2
Assault and battery on Police Officer
1
Being abroad in nighttime and failing to give good account for self
1
Breaking, entering and larceny in daytime
3
Breaking, entering and larceny in nighttime
2
Breaking and entering with intent to commit larceny Drunkenness
1
Larceny
9
Lewdness
1 2
Possession of burglarious tools
1
Violation of conditions of probation
1
Receiving stolen property
2
1957 case continued to 1958
Breaking, entering and larceny in nighttime Motor vehicle laws:
1
Allowing improper person to operate motor vehicle Failure to have license to operate in possession Failure to stop for officer in uniform
1
1
1
2
1
1
68
Leaving scene of accident-property damage ...... Operating motor vehicle after revocation of license Operating motor vehicle after suspension of license
13
Malicious mischief
1958 Annual Report
Operating motor vehicle under influence of liquor 6
Using motor vehicle without authority 4
Operating motor vehicle without license 7
Operating uninsured motor vehicle 1
Operating unregistered motor vehicle 1
1957 case continued to 1958
Operating motor vehicle so as to endanger ....
1
Using motor vehicle without authority 3
DISPOSITION OF CASES
Appealed cases
2
Dismissed
3
Filed
3
Fined
22
Found not guilty
1
Probable cause, held for Grand Jury
1
Probation
4
Released (Drunkenness, first offence)
9
Sentenced to State Prison
1
Sentenced to Youth Service Board
3
Suspended sentence to House of Correction
7
Sentenced to House of Correction
3
Cases continued to 1959
7
1957 cases continued to 1958
Dismissed
3
Nol. Pros.
1
Suspended sentence to House of Correction
1
MISCELLANEOUS
Accidents :
Automobile accidents reported and investigated 84
Fatalities
0
Accidents involving personal injuries
67
Property damage only
17
Personal injuries:
Pedestrians injured
5
Bicyclists
4
Operators and passengers
119
Ambulance Service:
To accidents
20
To false alarms
25
To fires
28
Persons conveyed to hospitals
182
Persons conveyed from Home to another Home
1
Persons conveyed to Nursing Home
11
Persons conveyed from Hospital to Home
29
Persons conveyed from Nursing Home to Hospital
2
Persons conveyed from Hospital to Nursing Home
9
Persons conveyed from Hospital to another hos- pital
1
Persons conveyed from Nursing Home to Home .... 2
Persons conveyed from Nursing Home to another Nursing Home 1
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Town of Swampscott
Motor Patrol Service:
Assistance given to sick and injured persons 47
Persons conveyed to Doctor's Office 4
Persons conveyed to Doctor's Office to Home 1
Persons conveyed from Doctor's Office to Hospital 1
Persons conveyed to Hospital
64
Persons conveyed from Hospital to Home
7
Auto Theft
Breaking and entering cases investigated
29
Complaints investigated
787
Doors and windows found open 124
Duty calls made by patrolmen from police boxes 48,799
Larceny reports $50 and over investigated 26
Larceny reports under $50 investigated
101
Licenses issued:
Bicycle licenses
129
Permits to perform necessary work on the Lord's Day
20
Pistol permits
71
Lights in vacant buildings investigated
20
Manhole covers reported loose
4
Messages delivered for other Police Departments, etc.
146
Motor Vehicle Moving Violations:
Reported to Registrar of Motor Vehicles 139 Warnings 144
Parking Violations:
Motor Vehicles tagged
2,527
Notice of violation of parking rules served 400
Persons reported missing and located 27
Residences temporarily closed and special attention given
384
Sale or transfer of motor vehicle notices filed
292
Sale of second-hand motor vehicle notices filed
234
Street lamps reported out
107
Street and sidewalk defects reported
26
Trees reported down
18
Trench cave-in reported
3
Water leaks reported
19
Windows reported broken and cases investigated
82
Wires reported defective
27
DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT
The equipment of this department is regularly inspected and tested and no effort is spared to have it ready for instant use at all times.
RECOMMENDATIONS
I recommend that the Town purchase two patrol cars to replace two 1958 Chevrolets.
I recommend that the Town purchase a motorcycle to replace a 1956 Har- ley-Davidson motorcycle.
I recommend that the Town purchase an Auxiliary Power Unit.
APPRECIATION
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the Board of Selectmen, to the members of my department, to the officers and members of the Auxiliary Police, to the traffic Policewomen, to all Town departments and to all others who have co-operated with me during the year.
70
5
1958 Annual Report
Housing Authority
Martin C. Goldman, Chairman
Leonard H. Bates, Jr. Vice Chairman
David F. Doherty, Treasurer
John A. Massey, Asst. Treasurer
Thomas W. Duncan
The Swampscott Housing Authority submits herewith its Annual Report for the year ending December 31, 1958.
The Authority is an independent Comporation from the Town. Four mem- bers are elected while the fifth member is appointed by the State 'Housing Board for a term of five years. The other four members are elected for a five year term with staggered expiration dates guaranteeing a majority of exper- ienced members to carry on the business of the Authority at all times. All vacancies are filled by a majority vote of a joint meeting between the Author- ity and the Board of Selectmen.
Officers are elected annually and consist of Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer. All checks and withdrawals against the accounts of the Authority must be signed by the Chairman or Vice Chair- man AND the Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer.
The Executive Director, Counsel and the Insurance Broker of Record, are all appointed by the Authority. It employs a call maintenance man on an hourly basis for the hours worked.
In September the Annual Re-examination of family income was complet- ed in accordance with approved procedures. The average months rent before re-examination was $44.50-after re-examination $46.00. During the year a minimum monthly rent of $42.00 was established by the State Housing Board in keeping with realistic current day operating costs.
Tne subsidy from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the year 1958 amounted to $7,150 which represents less than 21/2% of $406,000 bond issue or $10,150 which could be obtained for debt requirements. The existing Debt Service Schedule requires that all bonds be retired by 1991. The National Shawmut Bank of Boston is the fiscal agent for this transaction.
A total of $1,893.85 was paid to the Town of Swampscott during the year, $1,296.00 for payment in lieu of taxes and $519.55 for water bills.
The contract to clean and service the 36 oil burner units was awarded to Roman J. Caron of Lynn, Massachusetts.
The question of converting the oil burner units to gas is being held in abeyance by the State Housing Board until such time as some equitable ar- rangement can be made with the Lynn Gas & Electric Co. for furnishing the fuel at a cost in keeping with other Utility Companies in the surrounding areas.
The Exterior Painting Contract was awarded to the lowest bidder, Bond Painting Company of Lynnfield. Mass., in the amount of $4,490.00.
Prior to the exterior painting the Authority was one of the first to inaug- urate a program of "venting" all clap-board sections of the buildings as a means of reducing and/or curbing peeling, blistering, etc. to prolong the life of a paint job. It is the opinion of the Authority that this money was well spent, and a good indication of this, is that many other Authorities have or intend to carry out the same program in the interest of economy.
Other improvements and corrective work were completed during the vear. namely :- installed full screens and grilles to new metal combination doors, hot-topping under certain clothes drying areas and Cherry Street parking
71
Town of Swampscott
space, kitchen floors, kitchen counter tops and all types of campentry work.
The sum of $10,000 was transferred from the commercial account to the savings account, Salem 5c Savings Bank, as a means of obtaining additional revenue for the operation of the project.
The Authority voted to allow its eligible employees to join the Town of Swampscott Retirement System. Prior to this action the employees were not members or covered by any retirement system.
The Authority is. vitally concerned with the parking and traffic conditions in Cherry Street and has referred the matter to the responsible officials namely :- Police Department, Board of Selectmen and the Citizens Traffic Committee.
The Swampscott Project was occupied in 1950 and consists of 9 multiple buildings, 4 apartments in each for a total of 36 apartments. There are 20 4-room and 16 5-room apartments. There are 36 individual cellars and heat- ing units. Each apartment is equipped with an electric range and refrigerat- or, and has its own front, rear and bulkhead door, it has its own garbage re- ceptacle and clothes drying area. The tenant supplies its own fuel and elec- tricity. The Authority furnishes the servicing of the oil burner units and water.
The following insurance policies are carried by the Authority for its pro- tection: Fire, Public Liability, Position and Bond, Workmens Compensation, Non-Ownership Auto, and Fire and Theft on Office Furniture.
Periodic inspection of grounds and apartments are made by the Members of the Authority and its representatives.
The Authority regrets to report that the 1958 Annual Town Meeting vot- ed to reject the Authority's article to re-zone the DiDio and Hawley property on Paradise Road for the erection of a new Housing Project for Elderly Per- sons. However, the meeting was encouraging in that the article received the majority vote, and not the necessary two-thirds vote required for re-zoning.
In most all communities having an Elderly Housing Program the land and utilities were donated for this very worthy program by the respective cities and Towns. In Swampscott the town has no land to donate and what land is available is very expensive to purchase and develop. The local Plan- ning Board and Board of Selectmen have shown an interest in the program and it is quite possible that if all interested Town Boards, groups and individ- uals can get together for a solution to the problem, the Golden Age Program may become a reality in the near future. Under the formula used by the State Housing Board the Town of Swampscott is eligible for thirty units, more or less.
Eligibility Requirements for the Elderly Housing Program are as follows:
1. A person must be 65 years of age or over (single individuals living alone or couples are eligible.)
2. A person must be a citizen of the United States (except an alien who has served in the armed forces of the United States and who has been honorably discharged and provided application has been made for citizenship and aliens eligible to receive Old Age Assistance).
3. A person must be of low income. In general the annual income of a single individual not to exceed $2,500 and the annual income of a couple not. to exceed $3,000.
72
1958 Annual Report
4. A person must be in need of good housing.
Dwellings are planned for single and double occupancy. Dwellings for two persons may be occupied by the following combinations:
a. married couple
b. two men or two women
c. a brother and sister
d. in some instances an elderly tenant (65 years or over) and a non-elderly person provided that person is necessary for the physical well being of the elderly person and is of low income.
5. Average rent and including heat and utilities $47.00 per month, more or less.
VETERANS HOUSING MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Rents and Income Limits in relation to tenant's net family income :
18% with one or less minor dependent
16% with two minor dependents
14% with three minor dependents
$200 deduction from total family income for each minor de-
pendent child in excess of three in number.
Minimum Monthly Rents :-
families with one or less minor dependent $30.00
families with two minor dependents 26.50
families with three or more minor dependents 23.50
Admission Limits :-
families with one or less minor dependent $3,650.00
families with two minor dependents 3,775.00
families with three or more minor dependents 3,900.00
Continued Occupancy Limits :-
families with one or less minor dependent $4,400.00
families with two minor dependents 4,600.00
families with three or more minor dependents 4,800.00
Once again the Authority would like to extend its appreciation to the various Town Departments, staff of the State Housing Board, groups and in- dividual citizens for their co-operation and constructive comments offered throughout the year.
BALANCE SHEET DECEMBER 31, 1958
Assets
Administration Fund
$2,284.25
Petty Cash
20.00
Tenants Accounts Receivable
182.90
Debt Service Fund
11,097.50
Investment Debt Service Trust Fund
4,000.00
Investment Administration Fund
21,339.50
State Treasurer's Account
252.00
Debt Service Trust Fund
1,173.76
37,862.76
Development Costs ............ .... 406,000.00
73
Town of Swampscott
Less:
Development Costs Liq. 52,000.00 354,000.00
Total Assets
$394,349.91
Liabilities
Accrued Insurance
$ 1,092.19
Matured Interest and Principal
11,097.50
Bonds Authorized 406,000.00
Less: Bonds Retired
52,000.00
354,000.00
Debt Service Reserve 9,793.36
Unam. Bond Premium
5,173.76
Reserve from Sale of Property
252.00
Operating Reserve
11,279.27
Earned Surplus
1,661.83
28,160.22
Total Liabilities
$394,349.91
National Shawmut Bank
U. S. Treasury Notes Due 8/15/63
Rate 21/2 % $4,000.00
Salem Five Cents Savings Bank Savings Account 31/4 %
15,721.21
Beverly Savings Bank
Savings Account 31/4 %
5,618.29
Operating Reserve as of 11/30/58
11,567.71
Quarterly Accrual
432.00
11,999.71
Less: Expenses for Counter Tops and
Floors
720.44
Operating Reserve as of 12/31/58
11,279.27
Building Code Advisory Board
John F. Milo, Chairman
Raymond O. Doane
Donald Goss
Edwin A. Fuller
David J. Abrahams (deceased)
During the past year the Board held five meetings. Four cases were brought before the Board and notices of the decisions were filed in the office of the Town Clerk.
The Board also voted to amend Paragraph 1 of Article III, Section 18 of the Building By-Laws of the Town of Swampscott, to exempt fees on all per- mits issued for Town owned property.
It is with deep regret that the Board announces the death of our esteemed colleague and fellow Board Member, Mr. David J. Abrahams in November, 1958.
74
1958 Annual Report
Collector of Taxes
Malcolm F. MacLean, Jr., Collector of Taxes, in account with the Town of Swampscott-1958
DR.
Real Estate
$1,917,828.95
Sewer Assessments
3,181.14
Sidewalk Assessments
725.47
Water Liens
4,768.86
Committed Interest
757.69
Personal Property
131,089.70
Poll
8,130.00
Excise
272,669.05
Water Rates
95,075.20
Water Services
8,500.86
Water Rent.
1,500.00
Unapportioned Sidewalk Assessments
2,765.17
Unapportioned Sewer Assessments
29,019.57
Departmental Accounts Receivable
9,038.03
Refunds
14,567.08
$2,499,666.77
CR.
Cash Paid on Real Estate
$1,820,678.98
Cash Paid on Sewer Assessments
2,903.46
Cash Paid on Sidewalk Assessments
707.39
Cash Paid on Water Liens
4,159.79
Cash Paid on Committed Interest
662.65
Cash Paid on Personal Property
122,910.97
Cash Paid on Poll
7,066.00
Cash Paid on Excise
251,594.07
Cash Paid on Water Rates
82,623.29
Cash Paid on Water Services
7,981.40
Cash Paid on Water Rent
1,500.00
Cash Paid on Unapport. Sidewalk Assessments ....
2,765.17
Cash Paid on Unapportioned Sewer Assessments
7,096.55
Cash Paid on Departmental Accounts Receivable
8,104.26
Abatements on Real Estate
40,052.31
Abatements on Personal Property
6,907.73
Abatements on Poll
1,018.00
Abatements on Excise
16,045.80
75
Town of Swampscott
Abatements on Water Rates
235.40
Abatements on Unapportioned Sewer Assessments
4,653.13
Abatements on Departmental Accounts Receivable
112.50
Sewer Assessments Apportioned
3,719.99
Uncollected Real Estate
64,748.74
Uncollected Sewer Assessments
337.36
Uncollected Sidewalk Assessments
18.08
Uncollected Water Liens
625.27
Uncollected Committed Interest
97.43
Uncollected Personal Property
1,705.00
Uncollected Poll
110.00
Uncollected Excise
11,354.31
Uncollected Water Rates
12,281.11
Uncollected Water Services
519.46
Uncollected Unapportioned Sewer Assessments ....
13,549.90
Uncollected Departmental Accounts Receivable ...
821.27
$2,499,666.77
Inspector of Wires
Fred D. Sargent, Inspector of Wires
I herewith submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1958. This report covers the period from January 1, 1958 to December 31, 1958.
Permits Issued
Fees Collected
January
30
$50.00
February
25
23.50
March
41
44.75
April
30
41.50
May
49
46.75
June
23
21.25
35
23.25
July
26
23.25
August
36
51.50
September
37
37.50
October
32
36.00
November
33
42.00
December
Total
397
$441.25
Month
Frequent inspections are made of electrical installations in new buildings and of changes made in old work. Work performed is in accordance with the requirements of the Massachusetts State Code.
76
1958 Annual Report
Board of Assessors
Ernest Manchin, Chairman Anthony F. Pierre, Secretary Thomas F. Collins
The Board of Assessors submit all figures used to determine the Tax Rate for 1958 at $62.00 per thousand:
VALUATIONS
Real Estate
$30,928,425.00
Personal Property
2,113,350.00
Total
$33,041,775.00
APPROPRIATIONS AND ASSESSMENTS
State
$ 68,477.98
County
141,830.52
Town
2,808,339.20
Total
$3,018,647.70
ESTIMATED RECEIPTS AND AVAILABLE FUNDS
Taxation on Property and Polls $2,056,766.05
Taxation on Motor Vehicles
278,017.34
Receipts from State 182,560.54
Receipts from County
67.14
Receipts from Metropolitan Parks
1,068.29
Receipts from Town
206,844.41
Available Funds
293,323.93
Total
$3,018,647.70
TABLE OF AGGREGATES
Number of Persons, Partnerships
and Corporations Assessed
3955
Number of Polls
4090
Number of Dwellings
3435
Value of Land
$ 7,522,635.00
Value of Buildings
23,405,790.00
MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAILORS ASSESSED (not figured
in the Tax Rate)
Number of Cars Assessed 7993
Valuation $6,315,890.00
Excise Tax
299,945.19
77
Town of Swampscott
Public Library
TRUSTEES George W. Howe, Chairman Andrew R. Linscott Ruth M. Barry Secretary STAFF (December 31, 1958) Edith N. Snow, Librarian
Elizabeth W. Forbes, Children's Librarian Ruth E. Pollard, Reference Librarian
Theresa F. Kenneally, General Library Assistant Louise E. Caron, General Library Assistant Jane Pinard, Library Secretary Marguerite W. Condon. Part-Time Assistant Angelo M. Losano Custodian Anthony DiPietro, Jr., Night Custodian
The unique reason for the existence of a public library is to provide an organized collection of materials for townspeople to consult or to borrow. This Library had, on December 31, 1958, 37,926 volumes. 113,932 volumes were borrowed for home use during the year, 4,500 more than in 1957. The number of classroom collections loaned to the schools was 10 per cent greater. Books borrowed on interlibrary loan for specialized needs doubled. Reference questions asked were of greater variety and often of considerable complexity, in both the children's and the adult departments. All this indicates an in- creasingly purposeful use of the Library's resources by the community, which is most encouraging.
In an unparalleled example of community thinking, the Blanche E. Doyle Memorial Committee voted that the Fund collected (which it is expected will have continual additions) be spent for the benefit of the Jean G. Allan Room for children. This will keep alive the memory of two of the town's devoted teachers. Already a marionette show for the Summer Reading Club party has been paid for by this fund.
The most important addition of the year was doubtless the Stuart P. Ellis collection of films and slides of Old Swampscott. This was made possible by a contribution of $75.00 from the Neighborhood Association, sums by inter- ested citizens and a transfer by the Finance Committee.
Other noteworthy gifts include $100.00 from the Garden Club of Swamp- scott to continue the work on the landscaping plan begun in 1956; $10.00 from the Little Garden Club: a large photograph of Swampscott from the air in 1927, made by W. H. Pote, from Stuart P. Ellis; a water color scene of a picnic from its artist, Prudence W. Potter. The Upper Swampscott Improve- ment Association repeated its gift of $15.00 for adult books. A list of other donors is posted on the Library bulletin board.
Services have also been given: Harold P. Willett, as chairman of the local National Library Week observance, by his enthusiasm and energy brought the Library before every club in town and placed exhibits of books in store windows. For storytelling, we are indebted to Mrs. Philip Kitfield and Miss Olive Jakes, exchange teacher from England. Mrs. Martin Katzenstein has continued as a volunteer worker; Alvah Mendelssohn, about to enter college, gave many scheduled hours during the summer.
The Auditorium was finished by using part of the Ingalls Fund plus some money voted by the Town Meeting. An application blank with a statement of terms of use was mailed to all general organizations in town. That this meeting room fills a real need is increasingly evident. About 20 meetings
have been held there since September. Compliments on its attractive appear- ance and suitability have been many.
78
1958 Annual Report
School Department
SCHOOL COMMITTEE-1958
Lillian I. White, Chairman
Term Expires 1960
8 Phillips Ave.
O. O. Keiver, Jr., Vice-Chairman
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