USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Ashby > Town annual reports for the year town of Ashby Massachusetts 1948 > Part 6
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Art. 21. Motion was made and seconded that the town reappropriate the 1947 unexpended balance of $110.00 Quarters for American Legion, for use by the Holmes-Curran-Bennett Post 361 A. L.
Motion was withdrawn.
11:20 P. M. Motion was made and seconded that this meet- ing be dissolved.
ARTHUR L. WASS,
Town Clerk.
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SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
June 7, 1948
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex, ss.
To: Howard F. Damon, Constable of the Town of Ashby, in said county.
Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Ashby, qualified to vote in election and town affairs, to meet at the First Parish Hall, in said Ashby, the 7th day of June, next, at 8 P. M. for consideration of the following articles:
Art. 1. To hear the report of the Special Town Hall Com- mittee and act anything thereon.
Art. 2. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of $450.00 from surplus funds for operating and maintenance ex- penses of the Fire Department.
Art. 3. To see what action the Town will take in regard to the construction of an addition to the Fire Department Engine House.
Art. 4. To see if the Town will sell the "JAEGER SUMP PUMP" to the Ashby Fire Department for the sum of $1.00.
Art. 5. To see what action the Town will take in regard to the elimination of the drainage nuisance at the School House.
Art. 6. To see if the Town will accept the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 143, Sections 3 to 12 inclusive, (previous- ly brought up as Article 25 at the annual Town Meeting, March 4, 1947.)
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And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting an attested copy at three public places in said Ashby, seven days at least before holding of said meeting.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant with your doings thereon, at the time and place of holding of said meeting to the Selectmen or Town Clerk.
Given under our hands this 29th day of May, A. D. 1948.
WAINO I. PERNAA, Chairman GEORGE C. ELLIOTT FRERERICK S. KOHL, Clerk
Selectmen of Ashby
RESULT OF SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, JUNE 7, 1948
A Special Town Meeting was held in the First Parish Hall June 7, 1948 at 8:00 P. M. The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Luther H. Hayes. Warrant was read by the Town Clerk. 85 Voters present.
Art. 1. Committee's report as read by Wilbur Tantum ac- cepted with thanks.
Following is the report: June 7, 1948.
A Report from The Special Town Hall Committee
To the Town of Ashby:
Greetings: We the undersigned present for your edification and consideration the results of our three month study regarding the possibility or possibilities of remodeling the present Town Hall as set forth in a motion under Article 18 of the Town War- rant, dated March 2nd, 1948, reading as follows:
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"Motion made that a committee of five (5) be nominated and elected from the floor this evening, empowered to spend up to the sum of nine hundred twenty-three dollars and sixty cents ($923.60) for plans and blue-prints for remodeling the Town Hall. reporting their actions and recommendations at a special Town Meeting to be held some time in June, 1948. The money to be reappropriated from the special building fund committee's funds (otherwise known as the Memorial Building Committee.)"
1. The first consideration was to determine the needs for which this building would be used:
A) Hall large enough to accommodate all Ashby Citizens interested in Town Meetings; with adequate ceiling height, play- ing area and seating space for basketball; and socials.
B) Adequate stage facilities, roughly 20' x 30'.
C) Society Rooms.
D) Kitchen facilities.
E) Dressing rooms, toilets, showers, etc.
F) Adequate heating; continuous versus occasional.
2. To accomplish the foregoing the following steps were deemed necessary:
A) Level building, raise four (4) feet and construct new foundation.
B) Erect new addition, 30' x 40' x 26', at rear of present structure.
C) Lower present floor level four (4) feet to allow sixteen (16) foot ceiling height; lay new floor.
D) Build new side entrances, enlarge present vestibule and use as stage area.
E) Utilize one half of present and all of new basement area for dressing rooms, showers, toilets, kitchen, heater room, etc.
F) Interior and exterior painting, grading, new water sup- ply and drainage system.
It was our earnest desire to see if such a goal could be ob- tained for a reasonable figure but, based on best available bids and estimates we find the cost to be in the neighborhood of thirty-five to forty thousand dollars (35,00 to $40,000) and possi- bly higher when remodeling problems arise which we were una- ble to foresee.
Therefore, we the undersigned Committee, respectively
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recommend that the citizens of Ashby reject any proposal or con- sideration to remodel the present Town Hall Building save that sum necessary to retain and maintain the present building on the basis of civic pride.
Committee expenditures to date, nil.
Respectfully submitted,
WILBUR M. TANTUM, Chairman WAINO I. PERNAA EDWIN J. LYMAN ALBERT H. DAMON HERBERT L. O'NEIL, SR.
Art. 1. Motion was made and seconded that a committee of five be named, empowered to spend up to the sum of nine hundred twenty-three dollars and sixty cents ($923.60) for plans, blue prints and costs of constructing a new Town Building, re- porting their actions and recommendations at a special town meeting to be held within 90 days of this meeting. This com- mittee to include one member from the Selectmen and one mem- ber from the School Board and the remaining three members to be appointed by the Moderator. Money to be reappropriated from the unexpended balance of the Special Town Hall Commit- tee's funds. Voted: Yes.
Committee appointed by the Moderator as follows:
Frederick S. Kohl, Wilbur Tantum, Franklin Ingerson, Edwin J. Lyman and Waino I. Pernaa.
Art. 2. Motion was made and seconded that the town ap- propriate the sum of $450.00 from surplus funds for operating and maintenance expenses of the Fire Department. Voted: Yes.
Art. 3. Motion was made and seconded that the Selectmen and Chief of the Fire Department be authorized to secure bids on addition to the Fire Engine House. Voted: No.
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Motion was made and seconded that a committee to include the Chairman of Selectmen, Fire Chief and Road Superintendent and two members at large be appointed to study the matter of construction of building needs and to make their recommenda- tions and report at a Special Town Meeting called for under Voted: Yes. Article 1.
Committee: Waino I. Pernaa, George C. Elliott, Roland F. Simonds, Wallace H. Walker and David H. Damon.
Art. 4. Motion was made and seconded that the town sell to the Ashby Fire Department the "Jaeger Sump Pump" for the sum of one dollar ($1.00). Voted: Yes.
Art. 5. Motion was made and seconded that this Article be passed over Voted: Yes.
Art. 6. Motion was made and seconded that this Article be passed over. Voted: Yes.
Motion was made and seconded to rescind the vote taken under Article 25, Annual Town Meeting held March 4, 1947.
Voted: Yes 85. No. 0.
It was suggested that the Selectmen mail to all registered voters a copy of the articles to be voted upon at all Special Town Meetings.
Voted to adjourn at 9:30 P. M.
ARTHUR L. WASS.
Town Clerk.
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING September 1, 1948
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex, ss.
To: Howard F. Damon, Constable of the Town of Ashby, in said County.
Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are
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directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Ashby, qualified to vote in election and town affairs, to meet at the First Parish Hall, in said Ashby, the 1st day of September, next, at 8 P. M. for consideration of the following articles:
Art. 1. To hear the report of the Town Building Commit- tee and act anything thereon.
Art. 2. To hear the report of the Fire Department and Highway Department Building Committee and act anything thereon.
Art. 3. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of $3,500.00 for an addition to the Fire Station or act any- thing thereon. (Approved by Finance Committee if Town takes no action on Fire Department facilities in Article 2 above.)
Art. 4. To see what action the Town will take in regard to the elimination of the drainage nuisance at the School House. (Previously brought up as Article No. 5 at Special Town Meet- ing, June 7, 1948.)
Art. 5. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate ad- ditional funds for the Police Department both for normal operat- ing expenses and for additional patrol expense or act anything thereon.
Art. 6. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of $1,500.00 for increased General Relief Expense or act anything thereon. (Approved by Finance Committee.)
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting an attested copy at three public places in said Ashby, seven days at least before holding of said meeting.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant with your doings thereon, at the time and place of holding of said meeting to the Selectmen or Town Clerk.
Given under our hands this 24th day of August, A. D. 1948.
WAINO I. PERNAA, Chairman GEORGE C. ELLIOTT FREDERICK S. KOHL
Selectmen of Ashby.
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RESULT OF SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
September 1, 1948.
A Special town meeting was held in the First Parish Hall this evening. The meeting was called to order at 8:00 P. M. by the Moderator, Luther H. Hayes, with 150 voters present. Rev. William B. Howenstine offered the invocation. On motion by Mr. Kohl which was duly seconded, it was voted to dispense with the reading of the Warrant.
Art. 1. The report of the Town Building Committee was read by the Chairman Wilber M. Tantum and was accepted with thanks. Following is the report:
September 1, 1948
Town of Ashby:
Greetings: We the undersigned committee present for your consideration and action, the following proposals under the terms of the motion carried in the Special Town Meeting of June 7th, 1948 reading as follows:
"Move that a committee of five (5) be named, empowered to spend up to the sum of nine-hundred-twenty-three dollars and sixty cents ($923.60) for plans, blue prints and costs of con- structing a new Town Building reporting their actions and rec- ommendations at the next Town Meeting. This committee to include one member from the Selectmen and one member from the School Board. Money to be reappropriated from the un- expended funds of the Special Town Hall Committee's funds. Amendment passed to report in 90 days."
1. It was our earnest desire to see if a community building could be constructed for a reasonable sum housing a combination auditorium-gymnasium and related facilities, however it was apparent that such a structure was unreasonable because of:
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A) Total cost would have to be borne by the Town itself without State Aid.
B) The indebtedness incurred would make it difficult for the Town to finance any other substantial building construction for a period of many years.
C) It is known that with an increasing school population two additional class rooms will be needed by 1950; and two more again by 1952. For these reasons along with the fact that State Aid for construction of school buildings (Chapter 645, Acts of 1948) Ashby's reimbursement would be up to 44 per cent of the total cost of construction, it was evident that any structure should logically be coupled with school needs.
2. With the foregoing in mind a preliminary study of the combination structure including gymanisum-auditorium, stage, lobby, cafeteria so constructed as to be available for society meeting rooms, four class rooms, laboratories, teacher and nurse facilities was made. Based on brick construction it was esti- mated that this would cost approximately $375,00.00 (350,000 cu. ft. at $1.00 per cu, ft. plus furnishings, best available current average estimate).
A) Feeling that the Town should not attempt total project at the time we submit a breakdown of estimated costs in order to allow the consideration of construction in part:
B) a. Gymnasium-auditorium, including heat and base- ment for later partitioning, not including stage or lobby $125.000
b. Stage
50,00
c. Lobby
25,000
d. Partitioning and furnishing
25,000
e. Class room wing
135,000
f. Class room wing equipment
15,000
Total project
375,000
3. In accordance with an estimate furnished by the State Office of Taxation and Corporations, we present an example to illustrate the financing of a $150,000 project:
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Having $35,000 in funds it would be necessary for the Town to raise and appropriate $115,000. As our debt limit is $60,000 it would be necessary to petition legislature for $55,000. This would mean an amortizing yearly payment, for 20 years, ($5750 plus interest of $1950) of $7700. However the State will re- imburse Ashby up to 44 percent of the cost of the building, or $66,000. This $66,000 paid in equal payments over 20 years equals $3300 per year the State will pay us. This $3300 deducted from our yearly payment of $7700 would leave a net of $4400 to be raised by taxes or, based on the present tax schedule of 67 cents for every $1000 spent, would mean an increase on the tax rate of $2.95.
4. In conclusion, we respectfully urge the citizens of Ashby to approve one of the aforementioned proposals.
5. Committee expenditures to date $207.25 for preliminary sketches. Returning balance of $716.35.
Respectfully submitted,
WILBUR M. TANTUM, Chairman WAINO I. PERNAA
EDWIN J. LYMAN FREDERICK S. KOHL
FRANKLIN C. INGERSON
RESULTS OF SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
Sept. 1, 1948
Art. 1. Motion was made and duly seconded that the Town approve the school building project of a combination gymnasium and auditorium with provisions for class rooms.
Approximate cost $150,000.00.
It was voted to have the above vote taken by Check List.
Mr. Roland F. Simonds and Arthur L. Wass were appointed by the Moderator to serve as Checkers.
Result of the check list vote: 78 Yes. 54 No.
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It was also voted that the same building committee, com- prising Wilbur M. Tantum, Waino I. Pernaa, Edwin J. Lyman, Frederick S. Kohl and Franklin C. Ingerson work further on this project.
Motion was made and seconded that the town reappropriate the sum of $716.35, being the unexpended balance of the Town Building Committee, for further use of the Committee.
Voted: Yes.
Art. 2. Mr. Waino I. Pernaa made a verbal report for the Fire Department and Highway Department Building Committee, which was unfavorable and inadvisable to do anything at this time. The motion was then made and seconded to accept the Voted: Yes. report.
Art. 3. Motion was made and seconded that the town raise and appropriate the sum of $3,500.00 for an addition to the Engine House. Voted: Yes.
Art. 4. Motion was made and seconded that the town raise and appropriate the sum of $2,500.00 for the elimination of the drainage nuisance at the Lyman School. Voted: Yes.
Art. 5. Motion was made and seconded that the town raise and appropriate the sum of $500.00 for Police Department Opera- tion Expenses. Voted: Yes.
Amendment: That the town raise and appropriate the sum of $2,500.00 for the purchase of a Patrol car. Amendment Lost. Art. 6. Motion was made and seconded that the town raise and appropriate the sum of $1,500.00 for General Relief.
Voted: Yes.
10:20 P. M. Motion was made and seconded that the meet- ing be adjourned. Voted: Yes.
ARTHUR L. WASS,
Town Clerk.
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SPECIAL TOWN MEETING December 13, 1948
TOWN WARRANT
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex, ss.
To: Howard F. Damon, Constable of the Town of Ashby, in said county.
Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Ashby, qualified to vote in election and town affairs, to meet at the Town Hall, in said Ashby, the 13th day of December, next, at 7:30 P. M. for consideration of the following article:
Article 1. To see if the Town will authorize the Board of Selectmen to dispose of the following town property:
1) Holt Crawler Tractor and snow plow attachment.
2) Waco grader.
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting an attested copy at three public places in said Ashby, seven days at least before holding of said meeting.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant with your doings thereon, at the time and place of holding of said meeting to the Selectmen or Town Clerk.
Given under our hands this 4th day of December, A. D. 1948.
WAINO I. PERNAA, Chairman GEORGE C. ELLIOTT FREDERICK S. KOHL, Clerk.
Selectmen of Ashby.
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RESULT OF SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
December 13, 1948
A Special Town Meeting was held in the Town Hall this evening at 7:30. The Meeting was called to order by Moderator Luther H. Hayes. The warrant was then read by the Town Clerk. There were eleven voters present.
Art. 1. On motion made by Frederick S. Kohl and duly seconded, it was voted that the town authorize the Board of Selectmen to dispose of the following:
(a) Waco Grader, by public auction.
(b) Holt Crawler Tractor and snow plow attachment, by public auction.
(c) Trailer Sander (broken), scrap metal and junk, now the property of the Highway Dept., by direct sale to a scrap metal dealer at recognized current prices, with the net proceeds of these sales going into the town's Machinery Purchase Account.
Voted: Yes.
Voted to adjourn.
ARTHUR L. WASS,
Town Clerk.
119
TOWN WARRANT 1949 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex, ss.
To Howard F. Damon, Constable of the Town of Ashby, in said County.
Greetings :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Ashby, qualified to vote in election and Town affairs, to meet at the Town Hall in said Ashby, the 8th day of March, next, at 12:00 o'clock noon, then and there to give their votes on one ballot for the following town officers.
Moderator-1 year. 1 Selectman-3 years.
1 Assessor-3 years Auditor-1 year.
1 School Committee member-3 years.
1 School Committee member-1 year. (vacancy)
1 Cemetery Commissioner-3 years.
3 Library Trustees-3 years.
1 Library Trustee-2 years. (vacancies) Constable-1 year.
1 Park Commissioner-3 years. Tree Warden-1 year.
1 Member, Board of Public Welfare-3 years. Road Surveyor-1 year.
Polls may be closed at 7:30 P. M.
Business meeting to be held in 1st Parish Hall at 7:30 P. M. for consideration of the following articles:
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Article 1. To elect town officers not required by law to be on the official ballot, as follows:
Board of Health. Surveyors of Wood, Bark and Timber.
Fence Viewers. Field Drivers.
Article 2. To hear the 1948 Reports of the various town officers.
Article 3. To see if the town will vote to authorize the town treasurer, with the approval of the selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1949 to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accordance with Section 44, Chapter 44, General Laws. (Approved by the Finance Committee.)
Article 4. To raise and appropriate funds for the various departments of the Town as listed in the 1949 Budget prepared by the Finance Committee after consulta- tion with the Board of Selectmen and department heads, or to act anything thereon.
Article 5. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate $2900 for Chapter 81 Highways, or act anything thereon. (Approved by Finance Committee for $2900.)
Article 6. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate $500 for Chapter 90 Highway maintenance, or act anything theron. (Approved by Finance Committee for $500.)
Article 7. To see if the town will raise and appropri- ate funds for Chapter 90 Highway Construction as follows :
New Ipswich Road $1500 $1000
Rindge Road
or act anything thereon. (Approved by Finance Committee for $1500 and $1000 as shown.)
Article 8. To see if the town will raise and appropri- ate $930.70 for the Middlesex County Retirement system in accordance with Chap. 23, Section 22 (7) c (11) of the
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Gen. Laws, or act anything thereon. (Approved by Fi- nance Committee for $930.70.)
Article 9. To see if the town will raise and appropri- ate $456.44 for the Middlesex County Tuberculosis Hospi- tal, or act anything thereon. (Approved by Finance Com- mittee for $456.44.)
Article 10. To see if the town will raise and appropri- ate $444.00 for the Nashoba Health Unit, or act anything thereon. (Approved by Finance Committee for $444.00.)
Article 11. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $35.00, and elect a director, the money to be spent in the furtherance of agriculture and the director to serve, in cooperation with the Middlesex County Extension Service, under the provision of Sections 40-45, Chapter 128, General Laws of Massachusetts. (Ap- proved by Finance Committee for $35.00.)
Article 12. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate $300.00 for snow fence, or act anything thereon. (Approved by Finance Committee for $300.00.)
Article 13. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate $1200 for gas masks for the Fire Department in ac- cordance with Chapter 48, Section 51A of the General Laws, or act anything thereon. (Approved by Finance Committee for $400.)
Article 14. To see if the town will reappropriate $367.41 (the unexpended 1948 balance) and raise and ap- propriate $1000 for the repair and building of water holes for fire protection, or act anything thereon. (Approved for $367.41 and $1000.00 as shown, by Finance Committee.)
Article 15. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate $750 for fire hose for the Fire Department, or act anything thereon. (Approved by Finance Committee for $750.)
Article 16. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate $1500 for painting the exterior of the Lyman School. (Disapproved by the Finance Committee.)
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Article 17. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate funds for band concerts.
Article 18. To see if the town will appropriate the income from the Town Farm Fund to reduce the tax rate for the year 1949. (Approved by the Finance Committee.)
Article 19. To hear the report of the Building Com- mittee.
Article 20. To see if the town will (1) select a loca- tion for and (2) raise and appropriate funds for the repair and installation of the town's platform scales (removed from former location because of interference with the driveway for the engine house addition.)
Article 21. To see if the town will appoint a commit- tee to make recommendations at the next annual town meeting concerning the establishment of a permanent "Honor Roll" of town residents who served in the armed forces during World War II.
Article 22. To see if the town will accept the following by-laws and by their acceptance cancel any and all previous by-laws that may have been enacted concerning the date and time for annual town meetings :
Section 1 .- The annual town meeting for the election of town officers shall be held on the first Tuesday following the first Monday of March of each year.
Section 2 .- All business of the annual town meeting, except the election of such officers and the determination of such matters as are required by law to be elected or determined by ballot, shall be considered at an adjournment of such meeting to be held on the first Saturday following the first Monday of March at 7:00 P. M.
Article 23. To see if the town will vote to support the following resolution or act anything thereon:
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Whereas, modern science has produced means by which mankind can destroy itself; and,
Whereas, this threat can be reduced by strengthening the United Nations through amending its Charter so as to clothe it with some measure of world government; and
Whereas, the people of Ashby have always been happy to delegate appropriate portions of their innate sovereignty to their town government, to their state government, and to their national government; therefore be it
Resolved, that we the people of Ashby, Massachusetts, in Town Meeting assembled, in order to help form a more perfect union of the people of the world, to help insure peace among them, and to confirm our faith in the prin- ciples of delegated government, do now call upon our Senators and Representatives in the American Congress, and the President of the United States, to support measures looking toward amending the United Nations Charter so as to make it a world government capable of enacting, inter- preting, and enforcing world law to prevent war; and be it
Further Resolved, that the Town Clerk be hereby di- rected to transmit one copy of this Resolution to each Sen- ator from Massachusetts, to the Representative from the fifth Congressional District, and to the President of the United States.
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting an attested copy at three public places in said Ashby, seven days at least before holding of said meeting.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant with your doings thereon, at the time and place of holding of said meeting to the Selectmen or Town Clerk.
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