USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1949 > Part 4
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May I again ask the people not to dispose of their dog when it has bitten anyone.
Respectfully submitted, SAMUEL C. BARRETT Inspector of Animals
70
Report of Inspector of Milk
December 31, 1949
To the Board of Health and Citizens of the Town:
Inspected are 26 places that sell milk to dealers, 43 places that have private stock, 3 places that sell milk pro- duced on their own farms, and one dealer that buys milk from two Fairhaven Farms and sells it here in Town.
These places are inspected once each month.
I have inspected 73 places and issued Permits to Keep Livestock on them. There were 12 less permits issued this year than last year.
Investigated are 5 complaints that were turned over to me by the Board of Health.
Respectfully submitted, SAMUEL C. BARRETT
Inspector of Milk
71
Report of Health Nursing Service
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Public Health Nursing not only cares for the individual patient with a specific sickness, but reaches out into the community to promote good health for all, helps to prevent sickness before it strikes and tries to marshal community forces that will help to correct physical and social condi- tions, which contribute to poor health. It is an essential link in a total community health program.
The appropriation from the Town for health nursing services made it possible to make the following visits dur- ing the year 1949:
Communicable Diseases 51
Child Welfare 1255
Tuberculosis 145
1451
The Town paid for 416 bedside nursing visits to Old Age Assistance recipients and 87 bedside nursing visits to patients receiving general relief.
Two new active cases of tuberculosis were discovered during the year and were immediately hospitalized and their contacts X-rayed. Several arrested cases had X-ray examinations during the year and contacts have been checked periodically. Some of these examinations were made at the State Sanatoria, others at the New Bedford Tuberculosis Clinic and others by private physicians.
Assistance was given at the following clinics held under the supervision of the Board of Health:
Diphtheria Toxoid Clinic - 263 children were inoculated Vaccination Clinic - 127 children were inoculated
The Board of Health Executive Officer has been most helpful in reporting some of the new laws and policies of the Commonwealth, as they affect those doing public health nursing.
To all who have assisted and co-operated appreciation is hereby expressed.
Respectfully submitted, GRACE E. SMALLEY, R.N. Agent of the Board of Health
72
Report of the Sewer Commissioners
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
By vote of the Annual Town Meeting of 1949, the Sewer and Water Departments of the Town of Fairhaven are now jointly operated and the board is called the Board of Sewer and Water Commissioners. The board organized with G. W. Valentine, as chairman, John M. Reilly, as clerk, and Lawrence B. Maxfield.
The office is opened from 9:00 A.M. until 12 noon and 1:30 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. Saturday 9:00 A.M. to 12 noon. Board meetings are held at 7:00 Thursday evenings, and the public is invited to discuss any problems pertaining to the Sewer and Water Departments. Mrs. Elizabeth H. Church is office clerk.
Two main sewers were laid during 1949. Newton Street and East Winsor Street, approximately 400 feet and on Fort Street, approximately 150 feet south of Church Street.
During 1949 twenty-three new house connections were installed and several repairs made.
Respectfully submitted,
G. WINSTON VALENTINE JOHN M. REILLY LAWRENCE B. MAXFIELD Sewer and Water Commissioners
73
Report of Highway Department
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen
Fairhaven, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen :
The required work of maintenance of the streets, roads, sidewalks and drains was performed and much additional work was accomplished although handicapped by the lack of proper equipment and delayed by our inability to secure hired equipment at the time we were ready to use it.
Among the important activities were the following projects-Approximately Thirteen miles of streets were given a seal coat of tar or asphalt including all of the streets listed December 1948 for attention in 1949 and several others which we later found to be in need of im- mediate attention and we have prepared another list of streets which are in need of this protection and which we hope to treat in 1950.
Nine roads of cinders or gravel surface were recon- structed with a hard surface and sidewalks improved where necessary and funds available.
The extensive system of drains (open and closed) were cleaned and repaired where necessary, bushes were cut back at intersections and along the sides of suburban roads, and we repaired or rebuilt and painted the guard fences on abutments of bridges over drains and on the water front including the fence on both sides of Howland Road approaching the Coggeshall Street bridge.
All buildings (wood, wood and stone, and metal) at the Town Yard were repaired and painted and are now in excellent condition.
All Snow Equipment was overhauled, repaired and painted and put in first class condition for the Winter.
74
Under the special arrangement for obtaining hard surfaced sidewalks with the cost shared equally by the property owner and the Town we constructed thirteen granolithic walks total 728 square yards and four black top (hot mix) walks total 228 square yards, and as this is a desirable improvement we recommend that the program be continued and there are already several applications on file.
RUBBISH COLLECTION
As we have predicted in our reports of the last two or three years the increase in number of homes in various parts of the town has resulted in an increase in the number of pick ups and volume of rubbish material and many requests and even demands for collection in districts not now covered. This is particularly true in East Fairhaven and on Sconticut Neck and we have been compelled to re- quest a larger appropriation this coming year to provide the extra service.
In closing we express our appreciation of the efforts of the many citizens to co-operate during snow storms by taking their automobiles off the streets when we are trying to clear the roads satisfactorily and we extend our sincere thanks to the Selectmen, other Town officers and depart- ments for their valued co-operation.
Respectfully, ALFRED J. TRIPANIER, Superintendent
75
Report of Building Inspector
January 29th, 1950
To the Board of Selectmen :
The Building Department submits the following report for the year 1949 :
There were 336 applications for permission to build, received by the department as follows: 110 dwellings; 57 garages; 82 additions; 1 drug-store; 3 general stores; 25 henhouses; 1 restaurant; 1 milkhouse; 1 dormitory; 30 sheds, various kinds; 1 small animal hospital; 2 bath- houses; 2 gas stations; 1 fruit stand; 4 shelters; 9 permits to remodel and 6 buildings were razed.
The estimated cost of this building was given as $503,820.00. The fees collected by the department for the issuing of these permits amounted to the sum of $633.00. 110 dwellings at $5.00-$550.00; 54 2 car garages at $1.00 each-$54.00; 1 five car business garage $25.00 and 2 three car garages at $2.00 each. No fee is charged for other permits.
PLUMBING INSPECTION
There were 383 plumbing inspections made in the year 1949 by the following inspectors :
John M. Reilly 321 @ $5.00 ea. $1,605.00
Brayton Beals 22 @ $5.00 ea. $ 110.00
Eben P. Hirst
40 @ $5.00 ea. $ 200.00
$1,915.00
All plumbing applications must be taken out at the office of the Building Inspector, Town Hall.
ALFRED J. TRIPANIER
Building Inspector
76
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my annual report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending Dec. 31, 1949 during which time the following devices were tested and sealed or condemned.
Scales
100 to 5000 Lbs.
Adjusted 18
Sealed 71
Not Sealed 6
Con- demned 2
Scales or Balances
Under 100 Lbs.
44
161
8
7
Weights
10
341
Capacity Meas.
Liquid 1 Gal. or Under
80
Liquid Over 1 Gal.
1
43
Dry Measure
4
Meters
Inlet 1 Inch or Less
25
49
6
Automatic Measuring Devices
Inlet More Than 1 Inch
Vehicle Tank Meter System 5
12
Bulk Storage 3
11
Other Auto. Liquid
Meas. Devices
Gasoline Pump (Ea. Meas.)
5
Kerosene, Oil, Grease (Ea. Meas.) 1 10 42
Linear Measures
Yard Sticks 3
77
Sealing fees collected and turned into Town
Treasurer $287.74
1948
$120.70
I anticipate a further increase for 1950.
I wish to thank all the various officials for the support extended to me during the past year.
Appropriation recommended for 1950 as follows:
Salary $1,100.00 250.00
Transportation
Equipment & Supplies 45.00
Tel., Postage, Printing
15.00
Convention & Travel
35.00
Sealers Helper
55.00
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES P. THATCHER,
Sealer of Weights & Measures
78
Report of Shellfish Inspector
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Fairhaven, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1949. For the first time in the history of the town, the Shellfish Department can be made to pay its own expenses. License and permit fees were raised sufficiently to cover departmental costs, and to provide for considerable restocking. This money is available for the coming year, if it is appropriated for this purpose. I find the residents of the town generally agreeable to the change of license and permit costs, as long as the revenue thus raised will be expended for the improvement of the fishing areas.
Shellfish, one of our natural resources, has furnished inestimable amounts of food, income and pleasure, through- out the years, for a large number of townspeople. However, due to the increasing demands on our stocks of clams and quahogs, our supply has been reduced faster than they can grow. Our appropriations to date have been small, and the little restocking we have been able to do, has not been sufficient to keep up to demands. It is possible this year to make sizeable improvements without extra cost to the taxpayer.
From seven to fourteen shellfishermen worked stead- ily all summer, and prices were fair for the crop. The largest showing was in the number of townspeople who did shellfishing as a sideline, or for pleasure. As many as fifty at one time were fishing on low tides.
Records of the Shellfish Department show:
750 Family permits @ $1.00 $750.00
76 Commercial quahog Lic. @ $5.00 380.00
500 Scallop licenses @ $5.00 2,500.00
Donation from West Island Corp. 100.00
Rebate from the State for propagation 400.00
Total revenue $4,130.00
79
One hundred and twenty bushels of small seed qua- hogs at six dollars ($6.00) per bushel were planted by this department, and more seed could have been obtained had the appropriation been large enough to cover the cost of planting. The appropriation was too small with the current work and expenses, to take care of any more propagation.
Respectfully submitted, TRACY W. MARKS Shellfish Inspector
80
Report of Water Commissioners
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
By vote of the Annual Town Meeting of 1949, the Sewer and Water Departments of the Town of Fairhaven are now jointly operated and the board is called the Board of Sewer and Water Commissioners. The board organized with G. W. Valentine, as chairman, John M. Reilly, as clerk and Lawrence B. Maxfield.
The office is opened from 9:00 A.M. until 12 noon and 1:30 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. Saturday 9:00 A.M. to 12 noon. Board meetings are held at 7:00 Thursday evenings and the public is invited to discuss any problems pertaining to the Sewer and Water Departments. Mrs. Elizabeth H. Church is office clerk.
During 1949 Water Mains were laid on Hiller Avenue, approximately 210 feet beyond the service already install- ed, Capeview Street, approximately 720 feet, Bonney Street, approximately 392 feet east of Sconticut Neck Road, and on Sconticut Neck Road, extending the water supply approximately 3000 feet down the main road.
Fifty-eight new connections were installed in 1949, making a total of 458 takers in all. Several applications for water services are on file, for connections on streets not yet accepted by the town, and where no mains are as yet available.
Respectfully submitted, G. WINSTON VALENTINE JOHN M. REILLY LAWRENCE B. MAXFIELD
Sewer and Water Commissioners
81
Fairhaven Board of Retirement
The following schedule shows the operations summarized :
INCOME FOR 1949
Cash on Hand December 31, 1948 $48,574.48
Contributions from Members 7,201.48
Appropriation of Town
5,535.00
Interest Received
1,094.47
$62,405.43
DISBURSEMENTS
Pensions Paid
$5,338.24
Refunds
7.08
Expenses
517.45
5,862.77
Balance on Hand December 31, 1949 $56,542.66
Balance Invested as follows:
Deposited in National Bank of Fairhaven $3,107.49
Deposited in Fairhaven Institution for Savings
28,435.17
Government Bonds
25,000.00
Total
$56,542.66
Active Members 60
On Retirement 12
Total
72
GEORGE A. GREENE
HELEN M. WESTGATE
CLAUDIA I. SCHILLER
82
Report of the Park Commission
To the Citizens of the Town of Fairhaven:
This Board witnessed the hottest and dryest growing season on record. As a result of this, all the grass plots in the ten-park system suffered greatly and we hope that the new plantings will survive.
Our faithful foreman for many years was obliged to retire but the work was carried on efficiently by the two remaining employees with the help of a Fairhaven High School boy.
The annual pruning and shrub replacement was accomplished together with the setting of a number of new trees -Willows at Cushman Park, Lindens at Bridge Park and Elms at Livesey Park.
With the co-operation of Livesey Memorial Club, Varsity Club, Lions Club, Miss Elizabeth Hastings, Music Supervisor, Fairhaven High School Band and the East Fairhaven boys in and around New Boston Road, the public enjoyed the best season in years in the way of music and sports. New Bedford Local A.F.M. gave a band concert under lights at Livesey Park, while at Cushman Park every Tuesday evening Miss Hastings lead one of the finest bands anywhere, made up of our own boys and girls-the Fairhaven High School Band.
During the summer months we had two playground supervisors and next year we plan to extend the season and give a broader program with new games for all ages. There was much activity in the parks with both play- grounds and ball diamonds being in great demand. Al- though we missed the green sod and the flowers, our beautiful trees gave much comfort.
Lights have been installed at Livesey Park for night football practice and at Cushman Park for evening con- certs. The new Veterans' Memorial building will be erected at Cushman Park and there is hope of bleachers too.
83
The requests for the use of the baseball diamonds at both Livesey and Cushman Parks as well as the football field, make it necessary for this Board to ask for an in- crease in its budget. At Livesey Park the football field was ruined and must be replanted.
The Board wishes Mr. Harold Dutton much success and happiness in his retirement. Mr. Dutton was a mem- ber of this Board for thirty years and we regret that he is leaving, but we know that the years spent as park com- missioner were unselfishly given and he has helped develop our playgrounds as well as instituting many of its organized games.
Your Park Board wants your help in protecting what we have, and remember, these are your parks. We want to thank all for helping to keep them clean.
In the coming year we sincerely wish for you and yours a very happy and enjoyable time in YOUR parks.
MABEL L. POTTER, Chairman HAROLD B. DUTTON KENNETH R. VINING, Secretary
84
Report of the Tree Warden and Moth Superintendent
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen: Gentlemen:
As a safeguard to our shade trees, all street trees throughout the town have been sprayed as well as a large number on private property. In various sections a second spraying has been given to keep under control the later breeding of beetles. As a result of this extra care given the elms, the leaves remained on the trees much longer and in a healthier condition.
During the spraying season of 1949 a blower-type sprayer was hired by this department and D.D.T. used, with very good results.
Forty-five large dangerous trees were taken down and also a number of smaller trees. Many trees have been trimmed in various parts of the town. One hundred trees were planted this year and it is planned to continue the work next year.
I recommend an appropriation of $4500 for care of trees in 1950.
There have been no browntail moths on the trees this year but both street trees and trees on private property have been infested with gypsy moths and tent caterpillars. These trees have been sprayed with D.D.T. and we find that it has helped a great deal toward eliminating the tent caterpillars.
I recommend an appropriation of $300. for insect pest extermination in 1950.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN JARVIS Superintendent
85
Report of Police Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
Below and on the following pages you will find the report of the Fairhaven Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1949.
Department Vehicles
At the 1949 annual town meeting there was considered an article calling for the purchase of a new car to replace the 1948 Ford sedan delivered April 7, 1948 which, to the date of the town meeting, had travelled 44,321 miles.
In taking the floor and appealing to the voting body I stressed the need of obtaining a new car to replace the 1948 sedan. I warned that if the car were to be used in 1949 the cost of repairs, in my estimation, would exceed the amount sought for the purchase of the new vehicle. The article called for an appropriation of between $600 and $800. Although I urged adoption of the article it was defeated.
The repair costs for the 1948 car for the year 1949 were $855.32; and by the end of the year it had covered 66,153 miles. This does not include wear due to the running of the motor with the car not in motion, which is very necessary to keep up the battery for radio, etc.
In 1950 there will, without question, be voted an amount for a new car to replace the 1948 Ford.
Traffic.
Last year I reported as follows: "Usually an officer controls traffic four times daily in the vicinity of the Job C. Tripp School, and, whenever possible, similar work is done in the vicinity of the Oxford School twice daily. To make this service possible investigations are many times interrupted and ambulance cases rescheduled. Sometimes it is not possible to do this traffic work at the schools; but in nearly every such instance the schools are notified so that janitors can direct traffic." These statements are still correct.
86
I have recommended that the janitors be required to handle the traffic work in order that the police depart- ment can take care of routine duties.
There were slightly fewer accidents in 1948 than in 1949. However, traffic checkups and license suspension recommendations both increased.
If we are still required to service Oxford and Tripp School traffic two cars would be an asset, as each officer could be dispatched on matters requiring more than one officer without the present loss of time in having to go a distance of about two miles from one school to the other to pick up the other officer.
In 1949 Fairhaven received a plaque from the National Safety Council for having no traffic deaths in 1948. £
In 1950 we are to receive a plaque for having no traffic deaths for two years, and I am pleased to say, that, as this is written, Fairhaven has had over 1,000 days without a traffic fatality. We, the police, do not assume any more credit for this record than we are entitled to; but we have dealt with flagrant violators in the proper way. Will you read further and observe the offenses, traffic check- ups, and suspensions and revocations? Much credit is due to groups and agencies, the radio, the press, and others who are safety-conscious.
Police Department Personnel
The roster of the Fairhaven Police Department for 1949 was as follows:
Chief of Police
7 Regular Police Officers (active)
38 Spare Police Officers
2 Policewomen
45 Reserve Police Officers
40 Special Police Officers
40 Auxiliary Police Officers (inactive)
174
Retired on pension :
Patrolman Joseph B. Silva 1938 Deceased
Chief George T. Sykes 1939
Retired :
Patrolman Charles V. Eddy
1947
87
.
Increased Business
There will appear in the 1950 warrant an article calling for the purchase of a second new car. There is no trade-in car involved in this case. The increased num- ber of homes and population in the past few years have increased police business sufficiently to warrant two cars being placed in service at all times. The estimated popu- lation for Fairhaven for 1949 is 12,704 year-round, plus about 6,000 during the summer months when summer resorts are occupied. Since 1941 there has been no increase in the personnel of this department.
My plan, if the second car is purchased, is to have one man in each car on the 8 A.M. to 6 P.M. shift. This will give double coverage with much increased service in Precinct 4 and in other outlaying areas which, not from choice, have been denied proper service.
From 6 P.M. to 9 P.M. I would have one man in one car, two men in the same car from 9 P.M. to 3 A.M., and one man from 3 A.M. to 8 A.M. In the second car I would have two men from 8 P.M. to 5 A.M. This would give much better protection than has been available heretofore during the early morning hours.
Lifeboat and Related Equipment
In about June the Fairhaven Lions Club presented to the town a lifeboat, outboard motor, and trailer which were turned over to this department. This life-saving equipment is greatly appreciated by this department and increases our efficiency.
We have been spared the use of this equipment thus far.
Many thanks to the Lions Club for their contribution ! The storage of this equipment has been provided by Peirce and Kilburn Corporation. Many thanks to P&K for saving us the expense of storage!
88
Appreciation
The Board of Selectmen, the other town departments, other police departments, the press, Radio Stations WNBH and WBSM, the businessmen, and the public have given patrolmen and I a great deal of help. It is my purpose to say "Thank you."
My appreciation goes, also, to Chairman Victor O. B. Slater of the Fairhaven Committee on Street and Highway Safety, who, I regret, has left town, and to E. Cooper Jacques. The Superintendent of Schools, the school faculty, and the student body all have assisted the police department in promoting safety.
Respectfully submitted, NORMAN D. SHURTLEFF Chief of Police
89
OFFENSES
Males
Females
Total
Adultery
1
0
1
Alien in Possession of Firearm
1
0
1
Operate a Motor Vehicle
1
0
1
Assault and Battery
22
2
24
Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
1
0
1
Attempt to Break and Enter in the
Nighttime and Commit Larceny
1
0
1
Being a Delinquent Child
6
2
8
Being an Idle and Disorderly Person
0
2
2
Being an Unlicensed Operator
6
1
7
Being a Tramp
1
0
1
Breaking and Entering and Larceny in the Daytime
1
0
1
Breaking and Entering and Larceny in the Nighttime
4
0
4
Breaking Glass
1
0
1
Bribery
1
0
1
Carrying a Revolver
1
0
1
Contributing to Delinquency
0
1
1
Disturbing the Peace
3
0
3
Drunkenness
54
4
58
Failing to Stop When Signalled So to Do
3
0
3
Fairhaven Shellfish Regulations Violations
1
0
1
False Statement in Application for Fishing License
1
0
1
Fornication
2
2
4
Fraudulent Checks
1
0
1
Fugitive from Justice
1
0
1
Illegitimate Children Law Violations
2
0
2
Injury to Personal Property
1
0
1
Larceny
5
0
5
Leaving Scene of Accident After Injury to Property
7
0
7
Neglect of Family
5
0
5
Obstructing an Officer
1
0
1
Operating a Motor Vehicle After
Right was Suspended
1
0
1
90
Allowing an Improper Person to
Males
Females
Total
Operating a Motor Vehicle So as to Endanger
5
0
5
Operating a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence of Intoxicat- ing Liquor
19
0
19
Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle
1
0
1
Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle
1
0
1
Possession of Burglary Tools
1
0
1
Refusing to Show Certificate of Registration to Officer
1
0
1
Refusing to Show Operator's License to Officer
1
0
1
Speeding
9
0
9
Stubbornness
0
2
2
Threatening Bodily Harm
2
0
2
Trespass
0
1
1
True Name Law Violations
1
0
1
Unlawful Appropriation of a Motor Vehicle
1
0
1
Unlicensed Electrician
1
0
1
Unnatural Act
6
0
6
Weekly Wage Law Violations
1
0
1
Wilful Injury to Real Property
1
0
1
TOTAL LOCAL OFFENSES
187
17
204
OFFENSES IN ARRESTS FOR
OUT-OF-TOWN POLICE
37
5
42
TOTAL OFFENSES
224
22
246
DISPOSITION OF CASES
House of Correction Suspended
8
0
8
House of Correction
6
1
7
Fined
27
2
29
Dismissed
19
1
20
Probation
18
4
22
Not Guilty
15
1
16
Filed
57
4
61
Continued
3
1
4
Youth Service Board Suspended
2
0
2
Framingham Reformatory
0
1
1
Fined Suspended
5
0
5
91
Males
Females
Total
Released Without Arraignment Pending State Farm
21
2
23
1
0
1
1
0
1
State Farm Suspended
4
0
4
TOTAL DISPOSITIONS OF LOCAL OFFENSES
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