USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1958 > Part 4
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When the master plan program is adopted the Town will be aided by the Federal Government up to fifty per cent of the cost.
Before the aforementioned program is started, a great deal of preliminary work will be necessary so that all Town Departments will become familiar with all phases of this program.
We would have the assistance of the Massachusetts De- partment of Commerce in bringing the program to a success- ful conclusion.
Water Shed
During 1958, the Planning Board began studies for an improvement in our water supply and have just received
84
the first, and only enlarged contour map showing our water shed. With the cooperation of the Board of Health in future meetings and the aid of this map, we hope to present a pro- gram for the prevention of contamination of our Water Shed.
Shore Front
High on our agenda for 1959 is a continuation of studies for the improvement of all water front properties hoping that Fairhaven can attract, and encourage the development of new industries and business as well as the expansion of present industrial and business properties.
Hurricane Dyke
With reference to the proposed Hurricane Dyke.
We are indebted to the Fairhaven League of Women Voters for their help on this subject. It is our unanimous opinion that if, and when this dyke is constructed it should be a one hundred per cent Federal Project with no cost to the town.
The Planning Board has been assured that the building of the dyke would in no way increase the danger of addition- al flood waters on Sconticut Neck.
Sewers
If and when the proposed dyke is built, Fairhaven will have to take steps to prevent sewage disposal in the Acush- net River. It is the Planning Board's intention to call a meeting with the Sewer Commissioners with the view of getting practical ideas with respect to this serious and im- portant problem.
Industrial Park
Studies for the location of an Industrial Park have been postponed until such time as we have concrete assurances where the new Route 95 will enter and cross Fairhaven.
Preliminary plans show the new road entering Fairhaven across the Acushnet River between Newbury Avenue, and Veranda Avenue, and continuing in an easterly direction under Alden Road.
New Central Fire Station
It is the unanimous opinion that the town's interest can best be served by continuing the present location, and take
85
title to same, and securing the open lot to the west of the present building. We believe there is no question as to the desirability of the present location. In addition from a tax- payer's point of view deciding on the present location has much in it's favor.
Water Pressure
The board again urges steps to be taken as soon as pos- sible to plan for increased water pressure in North Fair- haven where most of our high buildings are located. We believe proper water pressure is more important for the protection of life and property than a fire station.
Traffic Lights
The Planning Board again urges that traffic lights be installed at Huttleston Avenue and Adams Street without further delay. The Board was assured some time ago that this important phase of traffic safety would be installed and we can't understand the lack of interest by those in authority in the installation of the needed traffic lights.
We believe it is inexcusable to wait for a serious accident or death which is a potential at this crossing.
Underground Wires
The Planning Board has on the agenda plans to call in the proper authorities for the purposes of finding out the reason why a program of putting service wires underground particularly in new streets has not been adopted.
Some years ago the Planning Board was assured the reason was shortage of materials due to the war effort. That excuse cannot be accepted now.
Infirmary
It is the opinion of the Planning Board that the use of the Infirmary could be dispensed with, and this valuable property turned into taxable income.
We believe the maintaining of an Infirmary is a relic of the past, and that those citizens now being boarded, could be boarded in private homes as efficiently or more so than is now the case.
Our unofficial understanding is there are only three citi- zens now being boarded at the institution. Tops for the year was four, (unofficial).
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Conclusion
In conclusion, we wish to urge all citizens to take a greater interest in town affairs, and the workings of the different departments. Only by doing so, will you have a better and intelligent understanding of your town govern- ment.
The Planning Board is neither an administrative or an enforcement body, but an advisary board elected by you, governed by statute of the State of Massachusetts.
In our efforts to advise for Fairhaven's betterment, we realize our various problems; among them the sewer prob- lem, the water problem, and the tremendous State and local tax which are a draw back to the industrial and business development of the State and Town.
On the other hand, we have a good potential in our shellfish and fish industry which we should encourage with- out too much financial outlay.
Fairhaven is a beautiful town, and has much in it's favor, but it is only through sincere cooperation can we maintain what we have and improve our town as a better place in which to live.
At this time we wish to thank the Town Meeting Mem- bers for their cooperative support during the past year. We also wish to thank Mrs. William Wallbank of the Standard-Times for the publicity and Mrs. Dorothy Kearns for clerical assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
VICTOR O. B. SLATER, Chairman KENNETH R. VINING, Vice-Chairman JAMES PARKINSON, Secretary CHARLES R. DUGDALE ALFRED RAPHAEL ARSENE G. DUVAL HERBERT L. CANDAGE NOEL B. COUTURE
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Public Assistance
Public Assistance was granted to Children, the Disabled and the Aged who were in need of financial help to provide for their maintenance and medical requirements under the Federal and State program for each group.
Aid to Dependent Children was furnished to a total of 41 families with 96 children in 1958. An increased number of applications have been made in the last two years and expenditures have increased by 30% in that time.
Disability Assistance, which is a Federal program for disabled persons aged 18 and older who are permanently and totally disabled, was furnished to 19 persons during the year.
The cost of medical care in this category of relief in- creased because of higher hospital and nursing home rates. There were fewer applications and closings than in 1957. The number of people on the payroll at the close of 1958 remained approximately the same as two years ago.
Temporary relief was furnished to 49 single persons and families, approximately the same number as last year. Hos- pitalization was the largest item of expense, with the ex- ception of cash aid.
For further information see chart of expenditures and receipts (from Federal and State Governments and other cities and towns) which may be found on another page of this report.
CLAUDIA I. SCHILLER Social Work Supervisor
WALTER SILVEIRA WALTER J. BOROWICZ ALBERT E. STANTON Board of Public Welfare
88
SOURCE-OF-THE-PUBLIC.ASSISTANCE.DOLLAR:1958
LOCAL TAXPAYER $ 127,496. 87
30.77 %
COMMONWEALTH $ 132,656.37 32.02 %
$ 12,264.04
FEDERAL
2.96 %
GOVERNMENT
$ 137,945.75 33.30 %
INDIVIDUALS $ 3,924.28 CITIES AND TOWNS
0.95%
EXPENDITURES-FOR-PUBLIC·ASSISTANCE-1958
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE $ 245,046.78 59.15 %
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
$ 55,886.72 13.49 %
VETERANS'
BENEFITS
GEN. RELIEF
$ 13,786.85
$ 7,407.83 1.79%
$ 53,797.13
$ 21,792.92
$ 16,569.08
3.33 %
12.99 %
5.26 %
ADMINISTRATION
4.0%
DISABILITY ASSIST. INFIRMARY
Sealer of Weights and Measures
Report of the Activities of the Sealer of Weights and Measures for 1958:
Adjusted
Sealed
Condemned
Scales
9
81
1
Weights
163
Volumetric Measures (Liquid)
31
Automatic Liquid Measuring Devices
89
2
9
364
3
Total 376
Total Fees $173.80
WILLIAM L. LACASSE Sealer
90
Board of Health
During the year of 1958, weekly meetings have been held by the members of the Board of Health. The many nuisances and complaints which were brought to their attention have been taken care of promptly, with consideration of all per- sons involved.
In the Board of Health Clinics, 627 children were inocu- lated against diphtheria, 70 children were vaccinated against small pox and 40 children were inoculated against poli- omyelitis.
Three new cases of tuberculosis have been reported dur- ing the year. The Community Nurses made a total of 82 visits to tubercular patients, and their contacts have been X-rayed. All three patients were hospitalized, two in Bristol County Tuberculosis Hospital and one in North Reading State Sanatorium. 93 visits were made to patients with communicable diseases.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health insti- tuted a program for the care of premature infants which has been followed by the Board of Health. There were 17 premature infants born to residents of Fairhaven during the year 1958.
The School Dental Clinic has been held twice a week during the school year. The charges are low and free serv- ices have been given to those who are not able to pay. A summary of the dental work done is:
Fillings
507 Cleanings 12
Extractions
121 Examinations 27
The Bristol County Mental Health Clinic in New Bedford provides facilities for psychiatric diagnosis, treatment and consultation, free of charge, for residents of Fairhaven, 16 of which made a total of 125 visits to this clinic.
The following licenses were issued during the year:
91
Burial Permits
185
Oleomargarine 30
Methyl Alcohol
17
Pasteurization
1
Camp
6
Milk Dealers 17
Day Nursery
1
Store Milk
44
Ice Cream
3
Communicable diseases reported during the year are :
Chicken Pox
6
Meningitis 1
Dog Bites
42
Salmonellosis
2
Measles
38
Scarlet Fever
5
German Measles
9
Hepatitis
1
Mumps
12
Tuberculosis 3
The collection of garbage throughout the town has been carried out by Raymond Bourdon. The following have per- formed their duties effectively: Henry Stevens, Slaughter Inspector; Samuel Barrett, Animal and Milk Inspector; Lawrence B. Maxfield, Sanitary Inspector.
The new developments and improved present day reg- ulations that have been established in Fairhaven are chang- ing our program to such an extent that Board of Health measures which sufficed a few years ago, are inadequate today. These new health measures demand much more time and effort in their organization and execution, than previously.
The members of this board express their gratitude to the Board of Selectmen, Police Department and the Community Nurses for their help and cooperation. We also appreciate the help of the many townspeople who gave freely of their time to assist in our many clinics.
Respectfully submitted,
DR. FILBERT A. SILVEIRA, Chairman
DR. EDWARD L. SOARES MR. FRANK BETTENCOURT
92
Health Nursing Service
In our cities and towns there are many service organ- izations with resources to which people can turn for help. One of these organizations is the Public Health Nursing Service which seeks to meet the various health needs of the community by health teaching or general nursing care.
The appropriation from the Town for health nursing services made it possible to make the following visits during the year 1958:
Child Welfare 1523 visits
Tuberculosis 82 visits
Acute Communicable Diseases 93 visits
1698 visits
The Town paid for the following nursing visits to pa- tients receiving :
Old Age Assistance 217 visits
Veterans Benefits 145 visits
Disability Assistance 24 visits
386 visits
Assistance was given at the following clinics held under the supervision of the Board of Health.
Diphtheria Toxoid Clinics - 627 children inoculated
Polio Clinics 40 children inoculated
Vaccination Clinics
70 children inoculated
Three new cases of Tuberculosis were admitted during the year. They were hospitalized and their contacts have been X-rayed. Several arrested cases had X-ray examina- tions during the year and contacts have been checked period- ically. Some of the examinations were made at the Bristol County State Sanatoriam, others at New Bedford Chest Clinic and others by private physicians.
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.
GRACE E. SMALLEY, R.N. Agent of the Board of Health
93
Dental Clinic
The Board of Health Dental Clinic is held at the Tripp School every Tuesday and Wednesday morning. Dr. Nor- mand Gamache is the dentist and Mrs. Catherine Govoni the dental assistant. Ten to twelve children are examined and treated each morning. Charges are very low ranging from 20 to 35 cents, children unable to pay are treated free of charge.
SUMMARY OF DENTAL WORK
Fillings
507 Cleanings 12
Extractions
121
Examinations 27
LOUISE F. DENNIE, R.N.
School Nurse
Animal Inspection
Under the supervision of the Division of Livestock Disease Control, and in cooperation with the Board of Health.
Inspected are 607 cows, 30 heifers 1 to 2 years old, 48 heifers under 1 year old, 12 bulls, 27 horses, 4 goats, 7 sheep, 118 swine, 16 steers, at 54 places.
There were 93 head of cattle that came into Town from out of State requiring 19 inspections.
Inspected are 5 places that lost cows from the Brucellosis tests. In all 10 cows were taken, 13 inspections were required before the cleanup was complete.
There were 65 dogs quarantined for biting, there was no case of Rabies. There were 2 dog and 2 cat heads sent to the Wasserman Laboratory for examination.
SAMUEL C. BARRETT Inspector of Animals
94
Milk Inspection
There are 18 Producers that sell their milk to dealers, and they produce about 6343 quarts of milk per day. These places are inspected at least twice a year to assure clean- liness of the products they sell.
Bacteriological examinations of the products are made by the New Bedford Board of Health without cost to the town.
Although there is one less producer this year than last the number of cows are 61 over last year.
Number of resident dealers in town is one.
The amount of milk sold to the people of the town per week is about 14891 quarts.
SAMUEL C. BARRETT Inspector of Milk
Slaughter Inspection
I hereby submit my annual report for the year 1958.
Due to a low selling price and an overstocked market, there were no animals slaughtered for sale on the open market. Therefore, I made no inspections during the year.
Respectfully submitted, HENRY STEVENS Slaughter Inspector
95
Shellfish Inspection
There has been a noticeable increase in the growth and harvest of quahogs and clams this year. This is due to propagation, cooperation of the diggers and proper super- vision.
Rotation of closing and opening of areas has proved very successful. This was noted in two areas that were open between Long Island and West Island, where many bushels of shellfish were taken by families and commercial fisher- men. There was an increase of approximately 80%. Clams and oyster propagation will be carried on in 1959 with State and Town funds. A total of 8 bushel of clams was planted in December.
The scallop crop matured the same as last year but was destroyed by the so-called Bristol Worm (Polydora), which caused about 75% to die. An analysis by biological survey shows that there is nothing that can be done to prevent such destruction. Next year the crop has a slim chance to survive if such a worm destroys the seed. Fairhaven, however, had its share of scallops in comparison with nearby towns. Prices were lower than the previous year. The yield of a 5 bushel limit in 1957 netted $24.00. The same 5 bushel limit in 1958 netted only $14.00. This of course discouraged many scallop fishermen and forced them to quit due to overhead expenses. There still are scallops to be harvested in Jan- uary and February, weather permitting.
The following licenses and permits were issued :
1062 Family Permits @ $1.00 $1062.
13 Non-Resident Permits @ $5.00 65.
110 Commercial Quahog Licenses @ $5. 550.
388 Scallop Licenses @ $5. 1940.
$3617.
State contribution for propagation
750.
$4367.
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The following number of violators, as recorded, were given warning :
6 Taking shellfish from closed area (local)
12 Taking clams less than 2 inches (local)
38 Taking quahogs less than 2 inches (local)
5 Shellfishing without permits (Out of town)
The following violations were prosecuted and fined :
1 Taking seed clams and without permit (out of town)
2 Taking seed quahogs and without permit (local)
A total of 585 bushel of quahogs and 50 bushel of oysters were placed for propagation in Jack's Cove and Deacon's Cove this year. This area will be opened to the taking of shellfish next year after the spawning season.
The gross income from quahogs, clams, scallops, oysters and lobsters is between $75,000. and $100,000.
Due to the great number of star fish, a project was started in cleaning the preditors on the west side of Sconti- cut Neck where many bushels were dragged from the scal- lop beds by commercial fishermen. Also the Boston Sea Rovers and the Fairhaven Skin Divers offered their services in locating starfish on the east side of Sconticut Neck, under the direction of Mr. Bradford W. Luther, Jr.
I want at this time to thank the Director of Marine Fish- eries, Mr. Frederick C. Wilbour, Jr., Marine Biologist, Mr. Harry J. Turner, Jr. and the Board of Selectmen, in assist- ing and cooperating with me in maintaining this Department.
JOSEPH B. GOULART, Shellfish Constable
97
Fairhaven Board of Retirement
The following schedules show the operations summarized for the year ending December 31, 1958.
INCOME
Cash on Hand
$152,554.57
Contributions from members
14,297.23
Appropriation from Town
8,526.00
Interest Received
5,907.10
Total Income
$181,284.90
DISBURSEMENTS
Pensions Paid
$ 13,094.71
Refunds
978.25
Expenses
470.87
Total Disbursements $ 14,543.83
$166,741.07
BALANCE
National Bank of Fairhaven $ 1,466.83
Fairhaven Institution for Saving 26,709.64
Bonds
138,564.60
$166,741.07
Retirement Board ELIZABETH H. CHURCH IRVA M. BUSHNELL MICHAEL J. O'LEARY
98
Building Department
There were 260 applications for new Building permits in the year 1958, issued from this office as follows:
64 dwellings: 10 trailers: 4 camps: 30 garages: 110 ad- ditions : 1 First National Store: 1 office building 2 barns : 1 pigeon coop : 1 utility room : 1 bath house : 1 pig shed : and 34 buildings were razed.
We collected fees for the following :
64 dwellings @ $5.00 each $320.00
10 Trailers @ $5.00 each
$ 50.00
4 camps @ $5.00 each $ 20.00
32 garages @ $1.00 each
$ 32.00
Paid to the Treasurer from the Building Department $422.00
All plumbing permits must be obtained from the Build- ing Department :-
Plumbing application fees for Inspection
John M. Reilly
189 @ $5.00 each $945.00
Brayton Beals
83 @ $5.00 each $425.00
E. P. Hirst
28 @ $5.00 each $140.00
$1510.00
It is the duty of the Building Inspector to enforce all of the Zoning and Building Regulations. If an applicant for a Building Permit cannot conform with the Zoning Law or the Building Code, he may apply to the Board of Appeals, which body meets each first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 P.M. in the office of the Building Inspector, Town Hall.
REUBEN E. HAWKINS, Building Inspector
99
Highway Department
The department has performed the usual operations of maintaining the streets, drains and sidewalks of the town as well as constructing the following streets voted by the Town Meeting :
School St.
2700 Square Yards
Gilbert St.
2240
Weeden Place
1387
No. Summer St.
928
Chestnut St.
1760
"
So. Chestnut St.
777
"
"
No. Walnut St.
2700
Massasoit Ave.
661
"
Oak Grove Lane
2600
"
Spruce St.
453
Phillip St.
1333
St. Mary St.
773
18312
">
The following drains were installed :
School St.
828 Feet
John St.
610
">
Bonney St.
400
Prince St.
450
Phillip St.
252
2540
"
We also laid, under the sidewalk program 846 square yards of black top and 32 square yards of cement walks.
There was also 96000 square yards of streets seal coated during the year.
RUBBISH COLLECTION
This division of the highway department continues to be one of our big problems what with the extension of the street system and the many new homes. The disposal at the dump is made more difficult because of the carelessness and/or of indifference of the people using same.
HENRY T. HOWARD Superintendent of Highways
100
„
Sewer and Water Department
The Board of Sewer and Water Commissioners organ- ized with G. Winston Valentine, Chairman, John M. Reilly, Clerk and Lawrence B. Maxfield.
During 1958 twenty-two new water services and twenty- four sewer connections were installed, making a total of forty-six for the year. There are now approximately 2161 sewer connections in use, and to date 904 water services have been installed on Sconticut Neck.
As voted at the Annual Town Meeting in 1958, an eight inch sewer main was laid in Rogers Street, and a six inch water main in Buxton Street. The contract for this work was awarded to J. F. Simmons & Sons of Assonet, Mass.
We are pleased to report that due to work done during the year, we were able to return to the town the amount of $21,386.40.
Mr. G. Winston Valentine, a valued member of the Board for forty-five consecutive years, died on July 29, 1958. He has been sadly missed by all in the department, and will always be remembered for his kindness, expert advice and loyalty over the years as a Sewer and Water Commissioner.
JOHN M. REILLY LAWRENCE B. MAXFIELD
101
Park Department
The Park Commissioners organized with Mrs. Elinor Vander Pol Duxbury as Chairman; Weber Rego Torres, Jr., Secretary and Joseph G. Mello.
This Department has strived to maintain its 11 areas to the best of its ability. The Baseball, Softball, Pony, and Little Leagues have enjoyed good playing conditions on all Fields. Activities on these diamonds are increasing every year.
The Park Commissioners are concentrating their efforts in planning an all-purpose Recreation Area at the Pond site at Livesey Park for winter skating, summer activities, such as roller skating, volley ball, badminton, etc.
This past Winter has seen the need for a skating area. Its townspeople had to go out of town for such activity.
The Park Department hopes all the townspeople will cooperate with them to develop its all-purpose Recreation Area.
A new flagpole was installed at Livesey Park and we contemplate one for Cushman Park to replace the one that was destroyed in 1938.
The past year has been one of Progress. The recreation facilities were enjoyed by the children and we shall en- deavor to improve and expand our facilities in the future.
ELINOR VANDER POL DUXBURY, Chairman JOSEPH G. MELLO
WEBER REGO TORRES, JR., Secretary
102
Care of Trees and Moth Control
To safeguard our shade trees in various parts of the town, all trees throughout the town have been sprayed as well as a large number on private property. Also, a second spraying and a third spraying in some sections has been given to keep under control the later breeding of beetles. During the year we have taken down 82 trees, trimmed trees, removed dead limbs and elevated the trees so that they will not cause any damage to the large trucks and buses that use our streets. We also planted 104 trees in various parts of the town.
I recommend an appropriation of $2,500.00 for care of trees in 1959.
I am recommending a special appropriation of $1,000.00 for the purchase of trees to plant in various sections of the town.
During the past year we sprayed all shade trees and removed dead limbs in various parts of the town and carted and burned brush at the town dump. I find that our trees, as a whole, are in healthy condition.
I recommend an appropriation of $4,000.00 for Insect Pest Extermination in 1959.
JOHN JARVIS Tree Warden and Moth Superintendent
103
Civil Defense
Civil Defense in 1958 maintained progressive stability and growth in realistically tailoring Civil Defense to local needs.
In a time when world tensions are mounting rapidly, the biggest job for Civil Defense remains that of trying to convince our people that Civil Defense IS our defense and the more preparation we have, the less the possibility of having to use it becomes.
Civil Defense is, of necessity, paradoxical: it is at the same time, discouragingly frustrating, and, extremely gratifying.
Frustrating, in that the lightning-like speed with which vehicles and weapons become obsolete make it very dis- couraging for local Civil Defense to attempt to maintain common-sense training and public education.
Gratifying because of the sincere interest and cooperation of the large majority of you, our fellow townspeople.
The emphasis in Civil Defense this year is on an adequate shelter program, which we, locally, have always believed offered the best protection for the largest number of our people.
Federal and State Civil Defense Shelter Programs are already under way and it is our sincere hope that we may have a satisfactory report on the local shelter program to present to you by this time next year.
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