USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > Lenox > Town annual report of the town of Lenox, Massachusetts > Part 5
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(1) A complete list of all necessary needs.
(2) An arrangement of these needs in the order of necessity.
(3) An estimate of cost.
(4) Methods of financing available.
The Planning Board also suggests that this report be completed not later than December 15th of each year, and a copy of this report be filed with the Town Finance Committee so that this Committee may have the benefits of these studies before the Finance Committee makes its recommendations for the annual Town Meeting.
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The Planning Board has been working for some time on a Building Code for the Town, which would be sensible, practical and enforceable but, as yet, nothing tangible is produceable.
In view of possible industrial developments in the neighborhood upon the completion of the Massachusetts Thruway, the Planning Board has been studying the possibilities of establishing an industrial district for the purpose of light manu- facturing. The best location in the opinion of the Board is land adjoining the rail- road tracks.
The Planning Board regrets the resignation of its Chairman, Charles G. Stanley on December 31, 1956, who because of new business activities could no longer give the time the Board requires. It was with reluctance the Board accepted Mr. Stanley's resignation.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES G. STANLEY, Chairman JOHN BLAKE HENRY A. FUORE GEORGE L. HUGHES JOHN D. KENNEDY
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REPORT OF LENOX LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The year 1956 marks the one hundredth anniversary of the founding of the Library. On the whole the centennial year was a good one marked by further im- provement of our services and facilities.
Circulation among adults again increased but slightly while total circulation showed a gain of 3.7%. This result was occasioned principally by an increase of 12.6% in the use of juvenile books. Special efforts were made during the year to attract more juvenile readers and it would appear that some of these efforts have been rewarded. We hope to promote even more interest among this important group in the future.
As previously pointed out, however, circulation statistics alone are not a de- pendable measure of the vigor of an institution such as ours. The Librarian's re- port sets forth in detail the variety of other services rendered. Not the least of these is the offering of considerable up-to-date reference material. In addition, the Book Committee has continued to make selections in this field that are much in demand.
During the year the upstairs hallway was renovated. This much needed im- provement has added greatly to the attractiveness of our second story facilities and will provide a suitable area for the hanging of many pictures and portraits of local interest. Our Building Superintendent played a large part in the work and contributed many hours of overtime labor in our behalf.
The development of our local historical section continued and arrangements have been made for permanent displays. Records and memorabilia have been sorted and classified. Further, in response to a direct appeal, we have received a number of gifts during the year for addition to our collections.
All of our principal committees were active in their respective fields. The Book Committee met regularly and performed with an efficiency we have come to regard as customary. The Music Committee gave us its usual outstanding sup- port and our musical facilities were used by more people than during the previous year. The Art Committee has so expanded and improved our collection of art books that circulation of the latter showed a substantial increase. Public interest in this field is pronounced. During the year, the Finance Committee without holding formal meetings made several reviews of our portfolio as a result of which a number of changes in investments were made. The Building and House Com- mittee successfully initiated and supervised maintenance and renovations. Year in and year out the Library is fortunate beneficiary of the unselfish efforts of its Committee Chairmen and many members.
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Our financial position may be described as satisfactory but in a cash sense only. Reserves remain pitifully small and fall far short of even minimum require- ments. The pressures of inflation as reflected in the higher cost of all items pur- chased and in higher salaries granted the staff are a never ceasing source of con- cern to our management. Were it not for the consistent generosity of our friends and the Town of Lenox, we should find ourselves unable to balance our modest budget.
At the close of our fiscal year our Librarian resigned to accept a similar but less exacting position at another Library. Miss Poirier has led our staff for eighteen years during which time she has proved herself to be outstanding in every respect. Her undivided devotion to the Library and through it to the people it serves de- serves the greatest praise while her professional attainments and her high stand- ards will serve as goals her successors will be happy to achieve. It is utterly im- possible to express in a few words here how deeply we are indebted to Miss Poirier or to tell her how sadly she will be missed. She leaves with our every good wish for the future and will always have with her the knowledge of our gratitude and affection.
Finally, on behalf of the Board of Managers, I thank once again most sin- cerely all who have helped us through gifts of their time, experience and money and by donations of books, memorabilia, furnishings, historical records, art sub- jects and periodicals. Additional and equal appreciation goes to the Chairmen and to all the active members of our standing committees, to the Town of Lenox, to our Librarian and to our staff which performed with its usual competence whether or not the illness of the latter during parts of the year permitted her ac- tive direction.
JOHN H. P. GOULD, President
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REPORT OF RECREATIONAL COMMITTEE
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Lenox, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
At the first meeting of the new Recreation Committee this year W. Churchill Richards was re-elected chairman.
A St. Patrick's Day Dance was held and refreshments donated by Mr. Samuel Schwartz and Mr. W. Hewitt Clifford were served.
W. E. Williams blacktopped a 100 ft. by 50 ft. area in the back of the Center and the first block dance was held May 30, with about 300 attending. Dances were held every other week for the next several months.
Four softball teams were formed and played twice a week throughout the summer.
Swimming Classes were again carried on in connection with the Red Cross Program. Approximately 150 children attended.
New shades were installed throughout the Center. Open House was held September 27th with bowling, ping-pong, pool offered to all and a teen-age dance was well attended in the upstairs ballroom.
Dancing classes and art classes were again sponsored this year. The Ladies Bridge Club meets every week and also the Cub Scouts and Brownies. The Little League had 250 at their dinner and the Holy Family League dinner was attended by 205. The Boy Scouts held their re-organization meeting at the Center.
The Junior Class is sponsoring movies every Saturday night. The Kiwanis is setting up a wood-working class in the basement of the center.
Mr. Edward Barry was appointed to help Mr. Bosworth on the busy nights at the Center.
The kitchen was remodeled. A new sink and counter top were installed.
Thursday night was set aside for the use of the girls only.
Bowling teams were formed and again there are numerous leagues in action. The skating rink was flooded and to date there has been an attendance of 500. A shuffle board was installed downstairs and is now available to the public. The total attendance for the Community Center this year was 7000.
We hope to start several new programs this year for the Children. We would also like to repaint the Ladies Room and Lounge and the Card Room.
The members of the committee would appreciate any suggestions for the improvement of the program or premises.
Respectfully submitted,
W. CHURCHILL RICHARDS, Chairman
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REPORT OF THE REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT PLANNING COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Town of Lenox Regional School District Planning Committee was ap- pointed by the Town Moderator during the summer of 1955 for the purpose of studying the advisability of establishing a regional school district, its organiza- tion, operation, and control; and of constructing and operating a school to serve the district.
Shortly after its appointment the Committee organized as indicated below.
As stated in the Committee's report of last year, the Lenox Committee met with similar committees of Stockbridge and West Stockbridge, and formed a three (3) town board. This Board organized and started studying the possibility of a regional high school.
On May 23, 1956, the Town of Lee Regional Study Committee requested admission, for the purpose of forming a four (4) town board. The Town of Lee Committee was admitted and a four (4) town board was formed, and organized on the above mentioned date, with Mr. C. J. Kettler, of Stockbridge as Chairman and Mr. Arthur Dioli, of West Stockbridge, as Secretary-Treasurer. Meetings were held by-weekly in the various towns.
A tentative agreement was completed, but has not had final approval of the Regional Board at this time. The Board at its last meeting voted that a re- gional high school was feasible.
The study of the Board was based on a nine hundred (900) pupil, four (4) year high school, at an estimated cost of $2,000,000.
The proposed agreement includes, among other things, the following:
The Regional District School Committee shall consist of eleven members, four from Lee, three from Lenox, and two each from Stock- bridge and West Stockbridge.
The approximate capital net cost to Lenox would be $550,000 with a $75,000 yearly operational cost.
The teachers in the High School would all be retained and would retain their tenure.
The capital costs would be apportioned according to the equalized valuation of 1945, as set up by the State Department of Education.
Lee
$5,734,825 33% of Capital Outlay
Stockbridge
$5,088,589 29.2% of Capital Outlay
Lenox
$4,999,940 28.7% of Capital Outlay
West Stockbridge
$1,579,183 9.1% of Capital Outlay
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The operational cost would be apportioned on the basis of pupil enrollments from the various towns.
The transportation for the Regional District High School would be paid for as operational expense, but the Regional District would be reimbursed 100% by the State.
If the vote of a majority of the Regional Board is in favor of the agreement, it will be sent to the State Department of Education for ap- proval, after which it will be put to a vote in each of the member towns at a regular or special Town Meeting, within 30 days after submission to the Selectmen.
If one or more towns fail to approve by a majority vote, the entire plan is killed and Town Meeting action will be required to authorize the Regional Committee to proceed with a second proposal.
Final action on the above mentioned agreement will be taken by the Regional Board soon after the various annual Town Meetings.
The Committee wishes to thank all those who have helped in any way to make its assignment less burdensome.
JOSEPH B. REYNOLDS, Chairman DAVID T. DANA, JR., Secretary-Treasurer WILLIAM D. ROCHE
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REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Following is my report for the year 1956.
Sealed the following:
30 Gasoline Metering Systems 1 Kerosene
Scales:
15 Weight
4 Spring
5 Computing
1 Platform
2 Adjusted
Condemned: One
Collected: $52.50
Yours respectfully,
WALTER M. COAKLEY, Sealer of Weights and Measures
REPORT OF THE WIRE INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
A total of 276 permits were issued and inspections made. Of this total 89 were granted the two Electric Light Companies that serve Lenox, Lenox Dale and New Lenox for installations of new meters and service, 58 for new buildings, 54 alterations and 70 permits granted to licensed electricians for new oil and gas burners. Annual inspections were made in Nursing Homes and Boarding Homes as required by the State.
I wish to thank the electrical contractors and the few home owners who in- stalled their own wiring for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES G. STANLEY, Inspector of Wiring
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REPORT OF DOG OFFICER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1956.
Dogs Licensed
Male
188
Female
26
Spayed
111
Kennel
7
Total
332
Complaints answered
Nuisance
74
Lost
64
S.P.C.A. 8
Dr. Collins
6
Other complaints 52
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY A. FUORE,
Dog Officer
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
During the year of 1956 there were removed 30 dead and dangerous trees plus 9 condemned with Dutch Elm Disease.
There were many dead and dangerous limbs removed along the Main Streets. In the Spring we sprayed 860 Elm trees with 12% DDT for Elm bark bettle. The latter part of June the 2nd spray we covered 849 trees with 6% DDT for Elm leaf beetle.
We removed low limbs and dead wood and trees on Old Stockbridge Road for a distance of 800 ft.
We fertilized 5 trees on Main Street.
All Elm wood and brush was burned according to State Laws.
Partial cost of some of these trees was paid for by New England Telephone Company and the Southern Berkshire Power and Light Company.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN H. FLYNN, Tree Warden
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REPORT OF CEMETERY COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of the Town of Lenox:
During the year 1956 the usual care of the Town cemeteries was performed. The hedges and evergreens were pruned, the lawns were mowed and the leaves were raked and removed. Several stones which were leaning due to frost action were straightened and where needed the foundations were repaired. Any graves which had sunk were raised and reseeded. At the Cemetery on the Hill the drive was treated with blacktop on the south side for a distance of about 500 feet, with a turnout being constructed near the Koussevitzky plot. This was a much needed improvement as in places this road was very rough.
Two trees which showed signs of disease were removed by the Tree Warden. The money for these improvements was taken from the income from the Perpetual Care Funds, with the approval of the Trust Fund Commissioners.
It is the intention of the Cemetery Commission to blacktop the remaining portion of the road, which is on the north side of the cemetery, in 1957, and will result in having the entire drive at the Cemetery on the Hill in excellent condition. Thirteen graves were opened in 1956 and three lots were sold for a total of $633.00. This money was turned over to the Town Treasurer.
For several years the Cemetery Commission has asked the Town for an appro- priation of $3000.00. This was considerably less than was needed for the care of the cemeteries, but the deficit was met by the income from the Trust Funds for the use of the cemeteries. Under a 1956 ruling of the Commissioners of Trust Funds, in the future none of the income from these funds can be expended for labor in the cemeteries. As labor is by far the largest item in the cemetery budget, it will be necessary to ask for a larger appropriation in 1957 if the Town cemeteries are to be maintained at their present level.
Respectfully,
JAMES D. CAMERON HERBERT F. HURST JAMES H. PELTON
Cemetery Commissioners
-
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REPORT OF LENOX ACADEMY ASSOCIATION
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen: Lenox, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
The Lenox Academy Building has been maintained throughout the year with only minor repairs necessary.
A Flag pole and a sign listing the various organizations occupying the Build- ing, were erected on the lawn in front.
As the Building should be painted this year, the Committee respectfully re- quests the amount of $1,500.00 for this expense and the usual maintenance and upkeep.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE L. HUGHES, Chairman EDWARD J. ROCHE, Clerk DAVID T. DANA, JR. WILLIAM F. DUNN ADELBERT I. NEWTON
REPORT OF LENOX CIVIC ASSOCIATION
Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Lenox, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
We respectfully submit the following report on the Albert Clifford Club for the year 1956.
As in previous years several loads of sand were delivered by the town trucks and leveled off by a large group of Kiwanis workers along with a general clean-up job.
We again had the supervision of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Welch and the life guard was John Ster, who again did an exceptionally fine job.
Besides the usual Red Cross program which was extended from town funds we again had a large group of Girl Scouts in a day camp for two weeks.
A much needed new float was constructed early in the season.
We leased a suitable piece of land to the Lenox Kiwanis Club on which is now being built a cabin for the use of local youth organizations.
The attendance was heavy the early part of the season but tapered off due to a rather cool summer. We did not however experience any polio trouble.
Any constructive criticism will be welcomed by the committee.
Respectfully submitted,
W. HEWITT CLIFFORD, Chairman STEVENSON TOWLE, Secretary-Treasurer JAMES WOODGER FORREST JUDKINS HELEN FILLIO
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REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF CIVIL DEFENSE
To the Board of Selectmen: Lenox, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
Because of the disaster at Shadowbrook this past year our Ground Observer Corps activities, that were so diligently and effectively performed by the members of the Society of Jesus at Shadowbrook, came to an abrupt end. We would be remiss in failing to acknowledge the debt of gratitude we owe to the Jesuits for carrying out this extremely important task in such a tireless and devoted manner. As a result of their efforts, few communities in the entire country could match the record of performance they achieved as a GOC unit.
Fortunately for Lenox, Father Raymond Borcino and the Novices at Our Lady of Mercy Seminary have agreed to take over the task of furnishing the personnel for our local Ground Observer Corps. Such devotion to our protection should inspire our lay citizens to greater efforts for the organizational work of Civil Defense.
During the past year the Town has been able to obtain at half price, through the Federal CDA Matching Funds Program, portable radio equipment and a resuscitator that will be of great value to our Fire and Rescue Services, both for training and operational activities.
It is hoped that in the future we may be able to qualify for other benefits available through Civil Defense, but in order to do so we will need more coopera- tion in the form of assistance from our fellow townsmen to make Civil Defense a live and potent force dedicated to the welfare of our community. Our activity rating by the CDA of Massachusetts will determine if we are to become eligible for some very fine equipment available under the Surplus Property Program, so by helping Civil Defense you help yourself as well as your town.
Fire Chief Oscar Hutchinson and his fine organization has been the backbone of our Civil Defense Organization and his assistance is gratefully acknowledged.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR A. GARDNER, Director
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REPORT OF THE SEWER COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of Lenox:
We submit the following report of the Sewer Commissioners for the year 1956:
The Town voted to have the North Lenox Sewer Committee make a further study and report on the Sewage system in that area. We refer you to their report, and we express our appreciation to the members of that Committee for a job well done. We believe this Committee should be continued until such time as the project is undertaken.
Appropriation was made last year to Recondition Filter Bed No. 2. Due to the press of other operations, this work has been deferred to 1957, when we will request the District Sanitary Engineer to approve the method of performance.
Some work requires to be done on surface drainage and storm sewers, but this program will have to depend on the availability of man power after the main- tenance and cleaning of sewers has been accomplished.
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH HENRY BARNES CHARLES F. HOUSE DAVID H. MACKEY Sewer Commissioners
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON STORAGE OF TOWN EQUIPMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmens
The Committee met with the Superintendent of Streets, the Superintendent of the Water Department, and the Chief of the Fire Department, who all told of space needed for equipment and supplies.
The Committee feels that all these needs can be best provided for by building a garage for the Public Works Equipment and the Water Department's truck and equipment and supplies, and including needed space for Fire Department at the rear and side of the present Fire Department Building, with entrances from Courthouse Hill Road at the rear of the Town Hall for Public Works and Water Departments. This would centralize all Town equipment and supplies.
A parking lot has been constructed by the Public Works Department at the rear of the Town Hall.
The Committee suggests that an Architect be employed and recommends an appropriation of $1000, and that plans be presented at a future Town Meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
J. B. FIELDING GEORGE E. LAGARCE HAROLD FELTON
H. J. KLIPP O. R. HUTCHINSON JOSEPH N. WALSH, Secretary
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REPORT OF NORTH LENOX SEWAGE COMMITTEE
To the Board of Selectmen:
The North Lenox Sewer Committee, authorized at the last annual Town Meeting, has been continued during the past year. The Committee has concen- trated its efforts in three principal areas:
I. To continue the study of the sewage conditions in the North Lenox busi- ness area.
II. To develop a suitable sewerage system plan for the North Lenox business area.
III. To study the various methods of financing a central sewerage system.
I. Present Sewage Conditions
The need for some form of central sewerage disposal system in the North Lenox area is best emphasized by the most recent communication from the State Department of Public Health. A letter from Mr. Francis H. Kingsbury is repro- duced below :
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH STATE HOUSE, BOSTON 33
December 17, 1956
Mr. F. H. Judkins, Chairman North Lenox Sewer Committee New Lenox Road Lenox, Massachusetts
Re: LENOX-Sewage Works for North Lenox
Dear Sir:
The Department of Public Health is in receipt of your letter dated November 27, 1956, in regard to the proposed sewerage system and treatment works to serve the North Lenox business area.
The Department has advised you and the Town of Lenox on numerous occa- sions in the past, the latest letter being dated January 10, 1956, which contained the results of a sanitary survey made by an engineer of this office of the sewage disposal facilities in the general vicinity of the Pittsfield-Lenox boundary on Route 7 and Route 20. The results of this survey show that there are numerous installa- tions which are discharging improperly treated sewage to the brooks in this area. Individual sewage disposal systems are not considered satisfactory in this area due to the poor soil conditions.
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The most practical solution of the sewage disposal problems is a sewerage system and a sewage treatment plant in this general area to serve all of the houses and business establishments. The discharge of improperly treated sewage onto the surface of the ground or into small brooks in the area is considered a public health hazard. The discharge of improperly treated sewage to any tributary of the Housa- tonic River is in violation of Section 5 of Chapter III of the General Laws, as amended by Chapter 615 of the Acts of 1945.
The Department is of the opinion that sewage and other liquid wastes from this area should be collected in a system of sewers and conveyed to a central loca- tion for treatment prior to discharge to a receiving water course.
Regarding the sewage disposal problem at the Howard Johnson Restaurant just over the city line in the City of Pittsfield, the Department is of the opinion that the Howard Johnson Restaurant and other houses in this area in the City of Pittsfield that are having trouble with sewage disposal facilities could be included in the sewer district. While there are no other sewer districts in the State which include land in two municipalities there is a water district which does serve areas in two towns and this can be considered a precedent for setting up a sewer district serving two towns. When the sewer district is set up it is necessary to define the boundaries of the sewer district and, if the sewer district includes the area of the City of Pittsfield where Howard Johnson Restaurant is located, action could be taken by the Pittsfield Board of Health to make the Howard Johnson Restaurant connect to the sewer when it becomes available.
Respectfully,
FRANCIS H. KINGSBURY
Francis H. Kingsbury Acting Deputy Commissioner Environmental Sanitation
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C Tri-Town Health
Department, Lee
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