USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1939 > Part 4
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In order to promote efficiency in the department and to comply to some extent with the Bingham recommendations I recommend that the 1940 police appropriation be $16,000. In the interests of both economy and efficiency I recommend that the 1937 cruiser car now in use be replaced at the earliest possible date.
Respectfully submitted,
BERTIE W. BESSE,
Acting Chief of Police
81
OFFENSES
Males Females Total
Adultery
1
0
1
fective Bakes to be Operated
1
0
1
Allowing Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle who had no Legal Right to Do So
1
0
1
Assault and Battery
8
1
9
Assault to Rob
1
0
1
Attempt to Defraud an Insurance
1
1
2
Attempt to Defraud an Insurance Company by Burning Furniture
52
2
54
Being a Delinquent Child
52
2
54
Being an Unlicensed Operator
9
1
10
Breaking and Entering and Larceny in the Daytime
4
0
4
Breaking and Entering and Larceny in the Nighttime
2
0
2
Breaking and Entering in the Night- time with Intent to Commit Larceny Disturbing the Peace
7
0
7
Drunkenness
41
0
41
Failing to Slow Down at an Inter- section
1
0
1
Failing to Stop When Signalled to Do So
3
0
3
Fornication
0
1
1
Giving False Name to a Police Officer
1
0
1
Highway Regulations Violations
1
0
1
Illegal Possession of Blackjack
1
0
1
Illegitimate Children Law Violations
2
0
2
Insane
1
0
1
Keeping Unlicensed Dog
14
0
14
Larceny
25
0
25
Law of the Road Violations
1
0
1
Leaving the Scene of an Accident after Injury to a Person
1
0
1
Leaving the Scene of an Accident after Injury to Property
2
0
2
Lewd and Lascivious Cohabitation
0
1
1
3
0
3
Company by Burning a Building
Allowing Motor Vehicle with De-
82
Males Females Total
Lewd in Speech and Behavior Lewdness
3
0
3
Lobster Law Violations
1
0
1
Maintaining a Disorderly House
2
0
2
Neglect of Family
3
0
3
Neglect of Minor Child
2
0
2
Operating a Motor Vehicle After Right was Revoked
1
0
1
Operating a Motor Vehicle So as to Endanger
4
0
4
Operating a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor
13
0
13
Operating a Motor Vehicle with De- fective Brakes
3
0
3
Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Having a Certificate of Registra- tion in Possession
3
0
3
Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Having an Operator's License in Possession
2
0
2
Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Lights
1
0
1
Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle
2
0
2
Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle
2
0
2
Parole Violations
1
0
1
Possession of Burglary Tools
1
0
1
Possession of Lottery Slips
2
0
2
Promoting a Lottery
16
0
16
Receiving Stolen Property
2
0
2
Registering Horse Bets
2
0
2
Shellfish Laws Violations
5
0
5
Speeding
11
1
12
Trespass
1
0
1
Unauthorized Use of Number Plates
1
0
1
Unlawful Appropriation of Motor Vehicle
5
0
5
Wilful Injury to Property
1
0
1
TOTAL LOCAL OFFENSES
281
9
290
TOTAL OUT-OF-TOWN OFFENSES 20
0
20
301
9
310
7
0
7
83
DISPOSITION OF LOCAL CASES
Males Females
Total
Fined
26
1
27
Shirley School
1
0
1
Not Guilty
11
0
11
Dismissed
16
1
17
Fined-Suspended
18
1
19
Probation
25
2
27
Appealed
12
0
12
Continued
16
0
16
Pending in Superior Court
1
2
3
Filed
93
0
93
Shirley School-Suspended
7
0
7
Defaulted
2
1
3
State Prison
2
0
2
Massachusetts Reformatory
3
0
3
Parole Revoked
6
0
6
Released Without Arraignment
11
0
11
House of Correction
12
0
12
State Farm
2
0
2
House of Correction-Suspended
15
1
16
Taunton State Hospital
1
0
1
Lyman School
1
0
1
281
9
290
ARRESTS BY MONTHS
Males Females
Total
January
16
1
17
February
12
0
12
March
9
0
9
April
7
0
7
May
10
0
10
June
20
0
20
July
22
1
23
August
16
1
17
September
22
1
23
October
23
0
23
November
16
3
19
December
3
0
3
Total Arrests for Local Offenses
176
7
183
Arrests for Out-of-Town Offenses
20
0
20
Total Arrests
196
7
203
84
ARRESTS BY AGES
Males Females
Total
6-10 years
1
0
1
11-15 years
12
1
13
16-20 years
37
0
37
21-25 years
21
2
23
26-30 years
14
1
15
31-35 years
18
0
18
36-40 years
14
2
16
41-45 years
20
0
20
46-50 years
17
1
18
51-55 years
5
0
5
56-60 years
7
0
7
61-65 years
5
0
5
71-75 years
3
0
3
Unknown
2
0
2
176
7
183
Fines imposed in Fairhaven cases Court fines received by the town
255.00
Telephone calls etc. January 1 to December 31, 1939
25,772
Complaints January 1 to December 31, 1939
1,651
Reports January 1 to December 31, 1939
2,212
Resident arrests
109
Non-resident arrests
74
Stolen property reported to the value of
6,666.44
Stolen property recovered to the value of 11,576.29
85
Number of Motor Vehicle Accident Reports filed with the police department 55
Number of dead bodies found
5
Number of doors found unlocked or open
8
Number of windows found unlocked or open
1
Number of street lights reported out
106
Number of Motor Vehicle Sales and Transfers filed with police department
Class 1
620
Class 2
1
Class 3
10
Individual
244
875
Number of persons injured in automobile accidents
$1,600.00
85
Children lost and returned to their homes
15
Motor vehicle licenses and rights suspended or revoked
139
Motor vehicle registrations suspended or revoked
9
Traffic checkups Radio calls
1,542
Mileage summary
Car 1
8,071
Car 2
32,284
Car 1
10,270
50,625
POLICE DEPARTMENT EXPENDITURES
Chief George T. Sykes
$1,170.00
Acting Chief Bertie W. Besse
1,176.43
Regular Men
9,764.09
Spare Men
1,370.77
Dog Officer
62.75
Flashlight batteries and bulbs
4.40
Telephones
260.36
Auto Hire
70.00
Maintenance of Automobiles
895.07
Stationery, postage, office supplies
28.31
Physicians
10.00
Town Clerk's fees
19.75
Supplies
.40
Office Expense
20.00
Furniture and Fixtures
85.51
Street directory
15.00
Boat hire
8.00
Using drag
31.00
Repairs to drag
4.80
Total Expenditures
$14,996.64
Unexpended balance
3.36
Appropriation Annual Town Meeting
$15,000.00
229
Report of Dog Officer
There were 404 dogs listed on the dog warrant this year, from this number I obtained 312 licenses. The Animal Rescue League, dead dogs and other causes accounted for the rest.
All complaints and all persons on the warrant were properly investigated.
Court action was necessary in 11 cases.
Receipts to the Town for my work amounted to $783.00 for the year.
Respectfully submitted,
TRACY W. MARKS, Dog Officer.
Report of the Board of Assessors
To the Board of Selectmen:
The Board of Assessors submit the following report for the year 1939.
RECAPITULATION Appropriations
All Appropriations Voted Since 1938 Tax Rate
Was Fixed Must Be Included In 1938, since
1938 tax rate was fixed
$529,602.47
Deficits due to abatements in excess of overlay of prior years G.L.C. 59, Sec. 23 (1938, 175, Sec. 2)
1921
$ 6.50
1922
7.25
1923
14.50
1924
29.87
1925
12.80
1926
225.90
1927
131.60
1928
252.59
1929
291.97
1930
500.45
1931
342.12
1932
311.89
1933
324.25
1934
489.90
1935
1,631.84
1936
840.91
$5,414.34
State: Tax and Assessments
1939 Estimated
1938
Underestimates
State Tax
$32,400.00 $16,200.00
Auditing Municipal Acts 1,445.29
State Parks and
Reservations
612.45
37.58
$34,457.74 $16,237.58 $50,695.32
88
County : Tax and Assessments County Tax $19,633.99
$19,633.99
Overlay of current year
$15,655.29
Gross Amount to be Raised
$621,001.41
Estimated Receipts and Available Funds
Income Tax
$36,825.40
Corporation Taxes
14,395.59
Reimbursement A/C state owned land
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax
14,631.10
Licenses
3,704.50
Fines
634.30
Federal Relief Fund
145.73
Special Assessment
151.84
General Government
1,012.00
Protection of Persons & Property
344.25
Health and Sanitation
4,044.41
Chadwick Fund
12.50
Charities
14,906.66
Old Age Assistance (other than federal grants)
21,995.15
Soldiers' Benefits
557.50
Schools
6,965.36
Gasoline Tax, Chap. 504, Sec. 232-'39 17,590.73 Water Co.
1,175.00
Pub. Ser. Enterprises
1,772.62
Income Tax Title Liens
362.48
Interest on Taxes and assessments
4,518.59
Veterans Exemptions
98.43
Total Estimated Receipts
$145,844.14
Overestimates of Previous years County Tax $42.09
Appropriations voted by town meeting to be taken from available funds
Sept. 6th, 1939 $16,000.00 $16,000.00
Total Available Funds $16,042.09
89
Total Estimated Receipts and available funds $161,886.23
Net amount to be raised by taxation on polls and property $459,115.18
Number of Polls, 3842 at $2.00 each $7,684.00
Total Valuation, Personal Property $992,260 at $42.50 42,171.05
Real Estate $9,629.650
$409,260.13
Gain or loss account fraction 7.75
Total Taxes levied on polls and property $459,122.93
Betterment and Special Assessments : Sewers $114.50 Excise on Ships & Vessels 1/3 of 1% 388.70
$503.20
Total Amount of all Taxes and Assess- ments on Polls & Property committed to the collector in 1939
$459,626.13
Value of Buildings
$7,304,480.00
Land 2,325,170.00
$9,629,650.00
Personal property
Stock in Trade $45,080.00
Machinery 687,660.00
Live Stock 48,540.00
All other Tangible 210,980.00 $ 992,260.00
Total Valuation of assessed estate $10,621,910.00 Tax Rate per $1,000 - $42.50 Taxes for state, county and town purposes, including overlay
On Personal Estate $42,171.05
On Real Estate 409,260.13
On Polls 7,684.00
Gain because of fraction
$459,115.18
7.75
$459,122.93
90
Number of Live Stock Assessed
Horses (one year or over)
77
Neat Cattle
8
Cows (one year or over)
634
Yearlings (one year or over)
104
Swine (6 months or over)
58
Goats
56
Fowl
5010
Mink
30
Number of Dwelling houses
2786
Number of Acres
7497
Recapitulation of Motor Vehicles
Total Number
Total Value
Excise
First Commitment
741
$111,150.00
$4,077.71
Second Commitment
1163
198,330.00
7,231.16
Third Commitment
440
94,380.00
2,944.56
Fourth Commitment
168
36,160.00
917.98
Fifth Commitment
82
19,970.00
456.21
Sixth Commitment
205
57,230.00
1,024.95
Seventh Commitment
230
74,190.00
726.34
Eighth Commitment
15
4,670.00
30.97
Total for 1939
3044
$596,080.00
$17,409.88
Respectfully submitted
CLARENCE A. TERRY,
CHRISTOPHER J. BIRTWISTLE,
ALFRED F. NYE,
Board of Assessors.
Report of the Auditors
January 31, 1940.
We hereby certify we have examined the accounts of the Tax Collector, Treasurer, Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor and the School Committee of the Town of Fairhaven, for the year ending December 31, 1939 and find them correct.
CHARLES E. SHURTLEFF RICHARD A. DENNIE GEORGE A. GREENE Auditors.
Report of the Highway Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I hereby submit my annual report of the activities of the Highway Department for the year of 1939.
We have penetrated 6,200 square yards of gravel streets with tar and sealed 21,000 square yards with tar or asphalt. The same yardage, at the least, should be sealed next year. The gradual reconstruction, by WPA projects, of some of the older streets has lowered the cost of patching. It is de- sirable to continue these worthwhile WPA projects. The Highway Department has cooperated with the WPA by furnishing equipment and supervision in carrying on many projects in 1939. A report of this type of work will be found elsewhere in the Town Report. The project for con- struction of granolithic sidewalks is one appreciated by the public. I would urge that more publicity be given this mat- ter so that all property owners, who are in a position to do so, may take advantage of the opportunity of securing a first class walk for a small expenditure.
Two new motor trucks were purchased according to the vote of the Town Meeting. Although these trucks were in operation only about six months, during the year of 1939, their operation resulted in a considerable saving in main- tenance for the year. I recommend the appropriation of $3500.00 for the purchase of another new truck to replace a sixteen-year-old White truck that is far from economical in operation. It is becoming increasingly difficult to secure new parts for this unit without long delays. With the gen- eral public expecting prompt removal of snow from the highways these delays are a constant source of trouble.
ASH COLLECTION
This division of work under the Highway Department is one of the most important. Today we have but three dumps available for the disposal of rubbish : one at the North end of the town; one on Bridge St. east of Huttleston Ave .; and
93
one in the extreme East end of the town. The latter is used for not over two loads a week. In comparison the following dumps were in use a few years ago : Four south of Washing- ton St .; three south of Riverside Cemetery and north of Washington St .; and two north of Riverside. It is appar- ent the length of haul has increased and there is a larger quantity of rubbish accumulated by the average household. The installation of oil burners has decreased the ash content but has increased by far the trash formerly consumed by old type furnaces. It is interesting to note that the cost of Ash Collection has decreased from $5,300 in 1931 to $4,450 in 1939. An estimated cost for 1940 is $4,975. This latter figure includes $400 for cost of truck maintenance not form- erly carried in this account.
I ask for the understanding and cooperation of the pub- lic in carrying on this phase of a difficult problem.
I would recommend the appropriation of $30,000.00 for the Highway Department for the year of 1940. I appre- ciate the cooperation of all departments of the town and also the citizens at large.
Respectfully, HENRY T. HOWARD, Supt. Highway Dept.
Annual Report of the Planning Board
Board of Selectmen, Fairhaven, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen :-
The annual report of the Planning Board is submitted herewith :
"The Planning Board held 13 meetings during the year 1939, 3 of which were public hearings." The first of these public hearings was held in the Town Hall on March 30 to consider petition from the Fairhaven Institution for Savings for change from BUSINESS to INDUSTRIAL classification property located at the corner of Washington and Kane Streets. This change was subsequently approved at town meeting. On this same date, a public hearing was held in connection with the Board's proposed amendment to the town zoning laws-Section 24 (A) as follows: "To permit the alteration of a one-family house or building existing at the time the amendment to the zoning law is adopted, and wherever located, to accommodate two or more families. This amendment was also subsequently passed at town meet- ing. The third public hearing was held in the town hall on June 29, to consider the petition of Manuel Silva, Sconticut Neck, to rezone from residential to business-property at Winsaganset Heights, in order that this property might be used as the site of a proposed fish canning industry. Many of our citizens were heard both for and against this change of zone, and the subject became "first page news" for weeks. The Board voted not to recommend the change of zone chiefly because it was convinced that the entire matter in- volved a "promotion" project. The proposed change sub- sequently was rejected in town meeting.
Regarding the matter of "Billboards", the Planning Board, with the cooperation of the Board of Selectmen and the Building Inspector, succeeded in having several boards removed. The fight, however is still going on to remove every illegal billboard in the town. At the moment, the Board is waiting with interest to hear from the Dept. of Public Works the result of the hearing on TOWN BILL-
95
BOARDS held on October 31, 1939. The result of this hearing will have much bearing in connection with the elimination of the remaining illegal billboards in Fairhaven. It is interesting to note that of nine boards in Fairhaven which we consider illegal, permits have been refused for seven, the remaining two being the ones for which the hear- ing, referred to above, was held.
For the past three years, the Planning Board has, with the cooperation of the Supt. of Schools and the head of the High School, conducted "Planning Contests" in the High School. The first-"How would you zone the Huttleston Avenue extension" , the second-"How would you lay-out a second highway from Sconticut Neck Road, and how would you zone the new highway" and the third-"How would you develop the present Livesey Park so that it might be used at all seasons and for all ages".
In connection with the contest involving a second high- way to Sconticut Neck, the idea was to start the new road about a mile from Washington Street and to have it run in any direction as another exit, the same to give the greatest amount of service with future development in mind. Tre- mendous interest was shown in this particular contest, and the Board considers every article submitted as "workable". These contests, we feel, create in the minds of High School students a proper sense of civic pride and interest, and are worth the $15.00 expenditure given as prizes.
This report would not be complete without expressing our appreciation to the selectmen and all the town officials for their hearty cooperation and support, and we feel that Fairhaven is a finer place in which to live because of this support.
Yours respectfully,
V. O. B. Slater, Chairman S. Bates Coy. George A. Hayward. Kenneth S. Peirce. William Tallman. Charles R. Dugdale. H. L. Candage. Geo. A. Steele, Secretary
Fairhaven Planning Board.
Report of the Board of Appeals
Board of Selectmen Fairhaven, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
During the year 1939 this Board received twenty-eight petitions to vary the application of the provisions of the zoning by-laws.
After public hearings, twenty-two of the petitions were granted and six denied for reasons set forth in the individual reports which are on file.
Respectfully submitted,
FAIRHAVEN BOARD OF APPEALS,
Stanley H. Packard, Chairman Raymond T. Babbitt Howard E. Odirone Gilbert W. Tuell, Secretary
Board of Fire Engineers
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Fairhaven, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
The Board of Fire Engineers herewith presents to you its annual report for the year 1939.
This Board organized on May 15 with the following mem- bers comprising the Board for the fire year, 1939-40; Ed- ward G. Spooner, Chief; Charles H. Lawton, Asst. Chief; James E. Yates; Alfred J. Pacheco and Arthur S. Richards, Chairman and Clerk. Alexander Price was again selected to serve as Deputy-Chief of the Department.
On May 16, the Board appeared at the various stations and formally organized the members of the call companies for the 1939-40 fire year.
During the year this Department responded to 33 Box Alarms for fire and 161 Still Alarm calls. These figures comprise the recorded calls for fire and does not include other varied calls such as by complaints, Fire Tower calls or other emergency missions. A decrease by three calls is noted over the record for 1938 and this difference occurred in the number of Box Alarms. The number of Still Alarm calls remained the same as in 1938. By good fortune throughout the year and commendable, diligent efforts of the permanent and call men, the payroll cost for Still Alarms was noticeably reduced and with no reduction in service to the Town.
A complete record of all active open-air fire permits and a careful check with the Acushnet Fire Lookout Tower min- imized the vast number of needless runs. Many such calls were handled, because of this systematic check-up, without the dispatch of units of fire-fighting apparatus and at no extra cost to the Department.
The three Town-owned stations are in good condition, but nothing has been done so far towards the improvement of the heating systems. Coal stoves are still in use in two of
98
the stations and the heat from this source is most unsatis- factory for safety and proper care of the stations and equip- ment.
The apparatus and equipment is in good condition. The principle units of apparatus were inspected and tested by representatives of their respective manufacturers and all of these units were judged by them to be all right. The equip- ment has been overhauled and improved to make it up-to- date and as dependable as possible. The addition of some new equipment has helped materially.
Practice sessions for all seven call companies were held throughout the year. Some companies held written sessions, lessons and tests throughout the winter months and all com- panies held semi-monthly, out-of-doors practice sessions from May to September inclusive. Practice consisted of study of apparatus, its handling and equipment, hose and ladder layouts, hydraulics, practical fire department ques- tions and problems and instructions in First-aid to the in- jured.
Some inspections of property and premises have been made during the year by the Fire Prevention Bureau which is supervised by Chief Spooner. This is important work in our efforts to decrease as much as possible, fire hazards, and inform owners or occupants of the correct methods or con- ditions for the reduction of existing hazards. However, due to the fact that practically one day a week only can be de- voted to this work because of limited permanent personnel not as much progress in this field can be made at present nor the coverage be so complete as this Department desires.
Many times requests are made by this Board for a small increase in the appropriation to permit purchases to be made which the Board feels is necessary for the replacement of old, out-moded articles or for new equipment designed for better handling of fires and emergencies. The Board always feels that by making requests for appropriations it is doing so for the best interests and protection of all citizens and the constant attempt to reduce our fire loss to a mini- mum and enable the citizens to benefit by the low prevail- ing insurance rates now enjoyed. Maintenance of good and proper equipment by the citizens and the Fire Department is requisite in maintaining our present good rates and stand- ing.
99
In a recent printed report, reference was made to the fire loss during the past five years. This reference, we feel was not quite clear to the citizens who may have read the report. In further explanation, taking the figures according to our usual method of compilation a not too favorable comparison with other fire departments in other communities was possible. Referring to our 1938 report and adding to same the value of all property protected for that year, amounting to $283,026.00, one will readily see that the loss per hundred dollars will amount to approximately $6.93. In our ac- companying 1939 report one will observe that a much better showing was made and a loss of approximately $2.93 per hundred dollars resulted which is far below the average as per the statement in the printed report. A pretty fair estimate can thus be made of how our losses will run from year to year if figured the way it has been suggested. If this present method of figuring losses is an accepted form this Department will henceforth submit its report based on this suggested method.
We are grateful for the cooperative interest shown by all of our citizens, especially in the matter of fire preven- tion, and we welcome the opportunity to extend our personal thanks.
Respectfully submitted,
Arthur S. Richards, Chairman Edward G. Spooner, Chief Charles H. Lawton Alfred J. Pacheco James E. Yates
Board of Fire Engineers.
100
CAUSES FOR FIRES AND ALARMS FOR THE YEAR 1939
1 Automobile, backfire
1 Automobile, excessive anti-freeze compound in radiator
1 Automobile, grease around exhaust pipe
1 Automobile, grease around motor
1 Automobile, brakes burning
18 Bonfires, without permit
2 Bonfires, with permit
1 Bonfire, flying embers from
3 Bonfires, complaint
8 Brush & grass, without permit
1 Burning grass from non-permit incinerator
1 Burning food on stove
1 Campfire, without permit
1 Careless use of fires used in smoking meats
5 Careless disposal of lighted or smoking material
2 Careless smoking
2 Cat on pole
2 Cat on roof
3 Cat in tree
1 Celebration bonfire
2 Chicken brooder heating equipment defective
7 Children and matches
1 Chimney fire, delayed report
13 Chimney fires, burning soot
2 Chimneys poorly constructed
1 Chimney, no fire found
1 Cold air box at heater poorly constructed
1 Chimney backdraft
1 Dust mistaken for smoke
6 Dump fires
1 Electric flat iron neglected
15 False fire box alarms
2 Faulty alarm system
1 Faulty oil burner equipment
1 Explosion in furnace
1 Fireworks
2 First-aid to injured at station
1 First-aid to injured outside station
1 Floor mop burning in basement
1 Fuel gas ignited by electric spark
101
1 Hot ashes in basement
1 Hot ashes in wooden box beside dwelling
2 Incendiary
1 Illuminating gas tubing broken
1 Inflammable material in rubbish barrel
1 Lighting fixture defective
1 Meat burning in oven
11 No cause for alarm
14 No fire found
2 Oil burner, improperly regulated
2 Oil stove, improperly regulated
1 Oil stove near draperies
1 Radio wiring defective
2 Recurrence of grass and brush fire
2 Recurrence of dump fire
3 Rubbish burning in auto truck
1 Soot burning in smokepipe
1 Soot burning in fireplace
1 Sparks from chimney
2 Sparks from locomotive
2 Sparks from welding torch
1 Sparks from dump fire
2 Steam escaping
1 Still alarm converted to Box alarm
1 Suspicious
18 Unknown
1 Wiring defective in trolley car motor
194
EDWARD G. SPOONER, Chief
REPORT OF ALARMS, LOSSES AND INSURANCE FOR THE YEAR 1939
Total Value of Property Involved
Total Damage
Insurance Valuation
Insurance Loss
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