USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1959 > Part 5
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Propagation each year is the only method of being able to produce a reasonable amount of shellfish, as there are a great many people taking shellfish. A total of 7011/2 bushels of mixed quahogs were planted for propagation at a cost of $2,253.29 and 6 bushels of seed clams at $30.00. Also noted is the abundance of seed clams and quahogs for 1960.
Scallop season this year was poor in comparison with past years, due to the small amount of seed in 1958 - yet the commercial fishermen had a good season due to the high prices received. The sum of $12.35 per gallon netted them over $1,000. for the season. The prospects for the 1960 scallop crop look much better than in 1959, due to a great number of seed, both on the east and west sides of Sconticut Neck, providing there is no destruction caused by storms.
A Shellfish Advisory Board, consisting of six members, one from each precinct, was appointed by the Board of Selectmen to investigate and act upon issues pertaining to the town shellfish resources. This Board is presently making a study and recommending a revision of the town Shellfish By-Laws for 1960.
The following number of violators, as recorded, were given warning :
2 Taking clams less than 2 inches and without a permit (Local)
4 Taking more than allowed by law (Local)
4 Taking quahogs without a permit (Out of Town)
108
3 Taking clams on Sunday and without a permit (Out of Town)
2 Shellfish in a closed area (Out of Town)
The following number of violators recorded were pros- ecuted and fined :
1 Taking seed clams from area closed for propagation (Out of Town)
1 Taking and dredging seed scallops (Out of Town)
1 Taking, dredging and shucking seed scallops 12-21-59. Case continued to January 18, 1960 (Local)
The following number of permits, as recorded, were suspended :
2 Transferring permits (Local)
Total number of licenses and permits issued are as follows:
1124 Family Shellfish Permits @ $1.00 $1,124.00
41 Family Shellfish Permits
No Charge
23 Non-Resident Family Shellfish Permits @ $5.00
115.00
106 Commercial Quahog Licenses @ $5.00
530.00
71 Commercial Scallop Licenses @ $5.00 355.00
2 Quahog Dredging Licenses @ $5.00 10.00
Sub-total $2,134.00
State Allocation for Propagation 600.00
GRAND TOTAL
$2,734.00
The gross income from quahogs, clams, scallops, oysters and lobsters was between $85,000 and $100,000. From all indications, the coming year should be even more prosperous.
I wish at this time to thank the Board of Selectmen, West Island Improvement Association, Inc., and the towns- people for their assistance and co-operation in maintaining this Department.
JOSEPH B. GOULART, Shellfish Constable
109
Fairhaven Board of Retirement
The following schedules show the operations summarized for the year ending December 31, 1959.
INCOME
Cash on Hand
$166,741.07
Contributions from Members
15,861.64
Appropriation from Town
11,275.00
Interest Received
6,279.34
Total Income
$200,157.05
DISBURSEMENTS
Pensions Paid
Refunds
$ 18,633.32 1,876.80
Expenses
532.28
Total Disbursements
$ 21,042.40
$179,114.65
BALANCE
National Bank of Fairhaven $ 1,139.00
Fairhaven Institution for Savings
27,618.66
Bonds
150,356.99
$179,114.65
ELIZABETH H. CHURCH IRVA M. BUSHNELL MICHAEL J. O'LEARY Retirement Board
110
Building Department
There were 258 applications for new Building Permits issued from the Building Inspector's Office during the year of 1959. They were as follows: 56 Dweilings, 12 Summer Cottages, 10 Trailers, 32 Garages, 63 Additions, 30 Altera- tions, 15 Sheds, 3 Pigeon Lofts, 5 to move buildings, 5 Boat Sheds, 18 were razed, 2 Buildings located, 1 Sales Office, 1 Bank, 1 Rectory, 1 Laundry, 1 Launderette, 1 Hot House and 1 Root Beer Stand.
Fees Collected was $444.00 for the following permits:
56 Dwellings @ $5.00
$280.00
12 Summer Cottages @ $5.00
60.00
10 Trailers @ $5.00 50.00
44 Garages @ $1.00
44.00
1 Root Beer Stand @ $5.00
5.00
1 Rectory @ $5.00
5.00
$444.00
Copies of the New Building Codes are available in the Building Department's office for the fee of $1.00.
All plumbing permits must be obtained from the Build- ing Department. Plumbing application fees for Inspection for 1959 were:
John M. Reilly
212 @ $5.00
$1060.00
Brayton Beals
134 @ $5.00
670.00
Lawrence Maxfield
5 @ $5.00
25.00
Dudley Richards
3 @ $5.00 15.00
$1770.00
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 of the Building Code, he may apply to the Board of Appeals, which body meets each first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 in the office of the Building Inspector, Town Hall.
REUBEN E. HAWKINS,
Building Inspector
111
Highway Department
This Department has performed the usual operations of maintaining the streets, roads, sidewalks and drains as well as the following construction, voted by the Town, as follows :
Reconstruction of roads
20135 Square Yards
Drains
4776 Feet
Catch basins constructed 34
Sidewalks, black-top
1062 Square Yards
Sidewalks, cement 290 " "
Also seal-coated 58329 square yards of streets and honed 10611 square yards.
We were unable to finish construction of Hedge Street because of installation of sewer and water lines.
RUBBISH COLLECTION
We were able to add several new streets to our regular routes. The condition of the dump has been greatly im- proved through the co-operation of several departments.
HENRY T. HOWARD
Superintendent of Highways
112
Sewer and Water Department
At the Annual election Mr. Dudley S. Richards was elected to the unexpired two year term of Mr. G. Winston Valentine, deceased. The Board organized with John M. Reilly, Chairman, Lawrence B. Maxfield, Vice Chairman, and Mr. Richards, Clerk.
This has been an exceptionally busy year for this depart- ment. Twenty new water services and forty-two sewer connections were installed, making a total of sixty-two for the year. There are now approximately 2203 sewer con- nections in use, and to date 924 water services have been installed on Sconticut Neck.
As voted at the Annual Town Meeting in 1959, eight inch sewer mains were laid in Cedar Street, North Street, Adams Street and Hedge Street. The contract for this work was awarded to J. F. Simmons and Sons of Assonet, Mass.
The sewer and water department laid eight hundred feet of six inch water pipe in Harbor View Drive, at the expense of the property owner.
We are pleased to report that due to work done during the year, we were able to return to the town the amount of $27,699.40.
Mr. John M. Reilly, a valued member of the board for thirty years, died on November 23, 1959. He will be sadly missed by the department, for his expert advice, his sense of humor, friendliness and loyalty to the Town.
LAWRENCE B. MAXFIELD DUDLEY S. RICHARDS
Board of Sewer and Water Commissioners
113
Park Department
The Park Commissioners organized with Weber Rego Torres, Jr., as Chairman, Mrs. Elinor Duxbury, Secretary and Joseph Mello. Mrs. Elinor Duxbury resigned as of January 1, 1960, due to moving out of the State.
A new flag pole was installed at Cushman Park at the Anna B. Trowbridge Memorial Band Shell, after the absence of a flag in this park for approximately twenty-two years.
Our summer recreation period was very capably super- vised by our Recreation Staff, who did a commendable job and playing conditions in all parks have been improved and will be improved further.
The first phase of a 3-year plan for an All-Purpose Recreation Area in the Pond site at Livesey Park has been completed. It is hoped by this Department that the second phase will be accomplished this year. By 1961 we should have the best facilities in this area.
The past year has seen a great deal of progress due to interest among Board members and we look to the future to improve and expand our facilities for the townspeople.
We wish to thank the Selectmen and the townspeople for their co-operation.
WEBER REGO TORRES, JR., Chairman JOSEPH G. MELLO
Park Department
114
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 94 trees, cut down 22 tree stumps that were left standing so that the stump chipper could cut them down below street level, 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 120 trees in various parts of the town.
I recommend an appropriation of $3,000.00 for care of trees in 1960.
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 $4,500.00 for Insect Pest Extermination in 1960.
JOHN JARVIS
Superintendent of Moths
115
Civil Defense
The ever changing pattern of protection against any enemy attack by fast advances in missiles and more power- ful bombs is a thought not to be ignored by any of us. It is our job to be ready at all times and everyone without exception must do his part to be prepared for enemy attack. We may not have any warning to get ready because missiles can cross continents in a matter of minutes.
During the year 1959 your Civil Defense suffered a severe blow. The death of our good director and friend, Senator Arthur J. Mullen, will be felt by all of us for some time to come. His advice and help in time of need will be greatly missed.
Your Civil Defense will try to resume training and get teams operating in the different parts of the town to meet emergencies that may occur during the year, other than enemy attacks. These training units will, of course, be getting valuable training in working together as groups and we hope to be able to do our part as a section of good town government.
ARMAND A. GUILMETTE, Director Civil Defense
116
Veterans' Benefits
Veterans' Benefits were granted to a total of 74 cases during the year at a total cost of $50,192.68. There were 39 cases receiving aid in January and 35 cases in December. The present case load is divided as follows :
Spanish War
1
World War I
6
World War II
24
Korean War
4 - 35
Dependent parents in their homes
18
Dependents parents in nursing homes
2
Widows of Veterans
4
Disabled Veterans
5
Families-illness of Veteran
3
Families-unemployment of Veteran
3
35
Medical care only is being furnished to six cases.
The Veteran who is ill is admitted whenever possible to a Veterans' Administration Hospital, and often while he is away it is necessary to aid his family.
Before granting Veterans' Benefits, approval is received from the Commissioner of Veterans' Services in Boston. All expenditures are reported monthly and one-half of the amount expended is reimbursed to the town and is credited to the General Fund.
This year the town received a reimbursement of $886.05 for Veterans' Benefits received due to the new lien law which provides for the placing of a lien on real property owned by a dependent parent of a Veteran.
WALTER J. BOROWICZ Veterans' Agent
117
Sealer of Weights and Measures
Report of the Activities of the Sealer of Weights and Measures for 1959 :
Adjusted 2
Sealed
Not Sealed 3
Weights
Volumetric Measures (Liquid)
16
Automatic Liquid Measuring Devices
164
Miscellaneous
2
-
-
2
495
3
Total 500
Total Fees $180.00
WILLIAM L. LACASSE Sealer of Weights and Measures
Board of Appeals
At the organization meeting in April, Ellsworth M. Burgess was elected Chairman, and William C. Brennan was re-elected Secretary.
The board has held 15 hearings during the year 1959 and granted 14 petitions.
New State Legislation enacted during 1959 requires that every hearing be advertised twice and not less than 21 days prior to the date of hearing.
ELLSWORTH M. BURGESS,
Chairman
118
71 242
Scales
Fire Department
During the year 1959, the Fire Department answered 207 still alarms, 42 bell alarms and 4 calls which required the use of the resuscitator; a total of 253 calls, 46 more than in 1958.
The Town voted a 48 hour week for the firemen this year, which calls for four extra men. As these men are under Civil Service, a list of eligibles had to be established through a competitive examination which was held in June. At the end of the year the eligible list has just been received and we expect to make appointments on or about February 1, 1960.
All of the equipment, including apparatus and buildings, is in good condition. We are requesting that a new piece of apparatus be purchased to replace Engine 5, stationed in East Fairhaven. This piece would carry a large supply of water, something that is needed for places in town where there is no water supply.
We wish to thank the entire personnel of the Depart- ment for their loyal and efficient work during the year and we also wish to express our appreciation to all others who have co-operated with us, especially the Fairhaven Protect- ing Society whose members, year after year, stay on the job and help the Department.
FRANK ROGERS, Chief AUGUSTUS XAVIER LINDSEY GIFFORD WALTER JACHNA AUDELL W. MONK Board of Fire Engineers
119
Fire Alarm
During the past year three (3) new Gamewell Boxes of the three-fold type were added to the Fire Alarm system. The boxes installed were as follows:
Box 241 Grinnell and Washington Streets
Box 291 Hamlet and Washington Streets
Box 734 Ball and Main Streets
A new coded horn which was added to the Fire Alarm system, is located on the Oxford School. This coded horn does away with the bell and siren which was located atop the school.
Considerable changing of cross arms and wires has to be done each year for the Gas Company and the Telephone Company.
This year I am asking for three (3) new locations for Fire Alarm boxes and cable, to be used on the system. I am also requesting a New Fire Alarm truck to replace the 1940 truck which we now have in service.
FRANK ROGERS Superintendent of Fire Alarm
120
Police Department
Police Department Personnel
The personnel underwent a very beneficial change, thanks to vote of Town Meeting Members at the annual town meet- ing. The change is an addition of five additional regular patrolmen to the department. On June 30, 1959 Patrolman Albert E. Foster retired at the mandatory age of 65 years after 37 years as a member of this department - always giving exceptionally good service.
At the present time the fulltime personnel consists of a chief, two sergeants, 9 patrolmen, one of whom is filling the vacancy caused by the retirement as night clerk, and a principal clerk.
North Fairhaven is now covered by regular patrolmen day and night.
The 1960 budget will show an increase request - mostly for labor. The five additional patrolmen were started off with $66 per week for six months when they were advanced to $70 per week. In May 1960 they will receive the maximum patrolman's pay. Also sought is a 11% pay increase for all employees which, if granted, will bring us somewhere in keeping with other towns of the size of Fairhaven, or smaller.
Department Patrol Cars
The Ford V8 sedans provided for 1959 have traveled the miles as follows: First sedan, in the middle of May, has covered 40,836 miles to December 31, 1959. The second sedan, also delivered about the same time, has covered 12,510 to December 31, 1959. The 1958 Ford V8 Ranch Wagon, delivered June 11, 1958, has covered 44,923 to December 31, 1959.
Two unavoidable accidents involving the 1959 sedan and the 1958 Ranch Wagon were repaired at a cost of $900.60, paid from our repair account in the budget. This year we are including an amount in our budget for collision insur- ance which is necessary to prevent a re-occurrence.
121
Police Ambulance
The Cadillac Ambulance in service since September, 1954 is still giving good service although an increase is sought for it for 1960 for repairs and, no doubt, tires. The am- bulance has traveled from January 1, 1959 through Decem- ber 31, 1959 by months as follows: 31-19-34-26-23-21-26-20- 29-31 and 29. Included in these runs are 2 Fairhaven to Fall River; 1 Boston to Fairhaven; 3 New Bedford to Taun- ton; 1 Pondville to Fairhaven; and 1 Fairhaven to Boston. Total runs, 308. Mileage January 1 through December 31, 1959 is 3,526. Total mileage for ambulance from September 1954 to December 31, 1959, 18,888.
Police Rescue Boats
The newest rescue boat acquired in 1958 is still giving very good service and is called for on occasions by New Bedford Police. This past year the boat gave service to government engineers drilling for test samples of the river bottom on the Fairhaven side of the channel for breakwater purposes. Pleasure boats and fishermen of the New Bedford fleet were slowed down to prevent breaking drills.
These services are generally made by Patrolman M. F. Joseph, Jr., who also keeps both boats in working order. The first boat, presented by the Fairhaven Lion's Club, is generally used on the east side of Sconticut Neck to the Mattapoisett line.
Our rescue boats are envied by other departments.
Maintenance and insurance costs are included in the 1960 budget which includes three hours weekly for Patrol- man Joseph for service to the boats on his time off from regular duties.
Fingerprinting Service
It is apparent that more and more persons are present- ing themselves to us for fingerprint service.
In addition to the routine printing we have done for years we notice an increase in the applicants for citizenship, and, as a service to the Massachusetts Division of Civil Service, we now print all applicants who are Fairhaven residents.
122
Appreciation
I take this means to express my appreciation to the Board of Selectmen and to the regular and intermittent men of the department for good work through 1959.
Also, I say "thank you" to the many sources of informa- tion and help from outside the department.
Youth Guidance
Patrolman T. P. Wolan and his North Fairhaven Junior Patrol and Patrolman Manuel Duarte and his North Fair- haven Silent Police are still active as ever with projects and outings through the year. Finance and help would be appreciated by these group leaders to keep their worthwhile projects alive. Your assistance, Mr. & Mrs. Reader, is solicited.
Conclusion
I wish to again thank all town departments, out-of-town police departments, the Registry, radio, press, and the four improvement associations, namely the Fairhaven Improve- ment Association, the East Fairhaven Improvement Associa- tion, the North Fairhaven Improvement Association, and the Sconticut Neck Improvement Association for their ac- tivities throughout the year with regard to youth guidance and recreation. Your help in these matters and others is greatly appreciated and it is my hope your activities will be continued.
NORMAN D. SHURTLEFF Chief of Police
123
OFFENSES
Males Females Totals
Accosting a Female in a Public Place
1
0
1
Allowing an Improper Person to
Operate a Motor Vehicle
2
0
2
Assault and Battery
10
0
10
Assault on a Police Officer
2
0
2
Assault with a Dangerous Weapon .
1
0
1
Attaching Registration Plates to a Motor Vehicle other than for Which Issued
1
0
1
Attempt to Rape
1
0
1
Being a Delinquent Child
17
0
17
Being an Unlicensed Operator
5
1
6
Being Concerned in Lottery
2
0
2
Breaking and Entering and
Larceny in the Daytime
2
0
2
Breaking and Entering and
Larceny in the Nighttime
6
0
6
Breaking and Entering in the Nighttime with Intent to Commit Rape
1
0
1
Breaking and Entering with
Intent to Commit a Misdemeanor
1
0
1
Carrying a Revolver
1
0
1
Disturbing the Peace
6
0
6
Drunkenness
41
1
42
Election Laws Violations
1
0
1
Failing to Keep to the Right of the Road
2
0
2
Failing to Stop at Stop Sign
1
0
1
Failing to Stop when Signaled So to Do
5
0
5
Fairhaven Traffic Rules and Orders Violations
1
0
1
Forgery
1
0
1
Giving False Name and
Address to Police Officer
3
0
3
124
Males Females Totals
Habitual School Offender
2
0
2
Hunting Without a License
1
0
1
Illegitimate Children Law Violations
1
0
1
Indecent Exposure
1
0
1
Injury to Personal Property
2
1
3
Keeping Unlicensed Dog
3
0
3
Larceny
4
0
4
Leaving Scene of Accident
after Causing Injury to Property Lewd and Lascivious Cohabitation .
1
1
2
Lewd in Speech and Behavior
3
0
3
Loaning Operator's License
1
0
1
Maintaining a Gaming Nuisance
1
0
1
Neglect of Family
3
0
3
No Inspection Sticker
3
0
3
Operating a Motor Vehicle
after License was Suspended ..
7
0
7
Operating a Motor Vehicle
after Right was Suspended
2
0
2
Operating a Motor Vehicle
so as to Endanger
9
0
9
Operating a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence
of Intoxicating Liquor
14
1
15
Operating a Motor Vehicle With Defective Equipment
1
0
1
Operating a Motor Vehicle
Without Having Certificate of
Registration in Possession
2
0
2
Operating a Motor Vehicle
Without Having Operator's
license in Possession
3
0
3
Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Lights
2
0
2
Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle
2
1
3
3
0
3
125
Males Females Totals
Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle
2
1
3
Possession of Burglary Tools
2
0
2
Possession of Lottery Slips
1
0
1
Promoting a Lottery
1
0
1
Racing
2
0
2
Receiving Stolen Property
1
0
1
Rules and Regulations Violations ..
3
0
3
School Attendance Law Violations .
0
3
3
School Bus Law Violations
1
2
3
Shellfish Laws Violations
2
0
2
Speeding
28
0
28
Threatening Bodily Harm
1
0
1
Trespass
5
0
5
Unauthorized Use of Motor
Vehicle after Suspension or
Revocation of License
1
0
1
Unnatural Act
2
0
2
TOTAL LOCAL OFFENSES
237
12
249
OFFENSES IN ARRESTS FOR
OUT-OF-TOWN POLICE
110
14
124
TOTAL OFFENSES
347
26
373
DISPOSITION OF LOCAL CASES
Fined
75
4
79
Continued
23
0
23
Appealed
9
0
9
Filed
58
2
60
Dismissed
16
2
18
No Proable Cause
3
0
3
Youth Service Board
3
0
3
Youth Service Board Suspended and Probation
1
0
1
Concord Reformatory
6
0
6
Probation
5
2
7
126
Males Females Totals
Released without Arrangement
19
0
19
House of Correction
1
0
1
Defaulted
6
0
6
Not Guilty
1
0
1
Fined-Committed
1
0
1
House of Correction-Suspended
3
1
4
Fined-Suspended
5
1
6
Pending
2
0
2
TOTAL DISPOSITIONS
237
12
249
ARRESTS BY MONTHS
January
9
3
12
February
7
0
7
March
2
1
3
April
18
1
19
May
25
1
26
June
10
0
10
July
11
0
11
August
9
1
10
September
13
0
13
October
15
1
16
November
18
0
18
December
10
1
11
TOTAL ARRESTS FOR LOCAL OFFENSES
147
9
156
ARRESTS FOR OUT-OF-TOWN POLICE
93
11
104
TOTAL ARRESTS
240
20
260
ARRESTS BY AGES
6-10 years
2
0
2
11-15 years
12
0
12
16-20 years
33
0
33
21-25 years
20
1
21
127
Males Females Totals
26-30 years
25
1
26
31-35 years
15
2
17
36-40 years
8
2
10
41-45 years
10
0
10
46-50 years
6
1
7
51-55 years
5
0
5
56-60 years
7
1
8
61-65 years
1
0
1
66-70 years
2
0
2
71-75 years
1
0
1
Unknown
0
1
1
TOTAL ARRESTS FOR LOCAL OFFENSES
147
9
156
ARRESTS FOR OUT-OF-TOWN POLICE
93
11
104
TOTAL ARRESTS
240
20
260
Fines imposed in Fairhaven cases
$ 2,855.00
Fine money received by the town
$ 529.00
Telephone calls, etc. Jan. 1 - Dec. 31
31,175
Complaints
3,618
Reports
4,068
Resident arrests
81
Non-resident arrests
75
Stolen property reported to the value of
$13,026.88
Stolen property recovered to the value of
$ 4,343.08
Number of Motor Vehicle Injury accident reports filed with the Police Department in 1959
103
Number of non-injury accident reports filed under Section 1, Article IX, Traffic Rules and Regulations 38
Number of dead bodies found 7
Number of persons injured in motor vehicle accidents 158
1
128
Number of persons killed in motor vehicle accidents 1
Number of doors found unlocked or open 104
Number of windows found unlocked or open 26
Number of street lights reported out
307
Number of ambulance cases
308
Number of Motor Vehicle Sales and Transfers filed with the Police Department in 1959:
Class 1 303
2 474
3 Individual 624 0
1,401
Mileage covered by ambulance in 1959
3,526
Number of children lost and returned to their homes 11
Number of traffic checkups
504
Number of above checkups which resulted in operators' licenses or rights being recommended suspended or revoked
88
Number of operators' licenses and rights suspended or revoked 148
Number of motor vehicle registrations suspended or revoked 9
129
Town Clerk's Report
In the interest of economy, we have eliminated the long list of births, marriages, and deaths in this Annual Town Report. The Vital Statistics are recorded and filed in this office, and any interested persons may secure any informa- tion to which they are entitled by applying to the Town Clerk's Office. The totals for 1959 may be briefly sum- marized as follows:
BIRTHS 235 MARRIAGES 158 DEATHS 202
The numerous duties of the Town Clerk and the respon- sibilities of the position are all precisely prescribed by the statutes. Your Town Clerk must watch every step very carefully - and prayerfully.
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