Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1956-1960, Part 3

Author: Acton (Mass.)
Publication date: 1956
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1150


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1956-1960 > Part 3


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Precinct I


Forrest E. Bean, Jr., 40 Wood Lane, beef merchandiser Russell C. Berry, 54 Hosmer Street, retired Sherman W. Frost, 852 Main Street, farmer Ray L. Harris, 781 Main Street, water commissioner Walter B. Stevens, 20 Concord Road, manager E. Clayton Steeves, 49 Taylor Road, supervisor Roy H. Linscott, 341 Great Road, owner gas station Julius Roth, 777 Main Street, factory manager David E. Driscoll, 7 Great Road, mechanical engineer Edward W. Mann, 90 Hammond Street, ins. maker Caroline McGregor, 140 Nagog Hill Road, home maker Raynold Dagenais, Nagog Hill Road, salesman


Precinct II


Edward H. Bentsen, 74 School Street, sheet metal Thomas W. Curtin, 66 Maple Street, lithographer Margaret F. Heath, 74 Main Street, clerk Sylvester P. Condon, 54 Central Street, General Motors Frederick J. Strate, 198 Main Street, postal clerk Dante E. Bartolomeo, 40 Liberty Street, Civil Engineer John A. Flaherty, 11 Chadwick Street, rigger George W. Larrabee, 37 Liberty Street, equipment operator Galen R. Mclaughlin, 31 Prospect Street, tool maker Arthur McKelvie, 48 Main Street, plumber Edwin B. Murdough 87 School Street, Civil Engineer Millard J. Landry, 49 Maple Street, machinist


Precinct III


David E. Worrall, 16 Mohawk Drive, tube grinder Margaret B. Miney, 402 Central Street, housewife Frederick A. Harris, 15 Church Street, granite worker Benjamin H. Webster, 28 Mohawk Drive, instructor Richard Sisson, Hayward Road, builder Ernest K. Anderson, 251 Newtown Road, postal clerk Irving O. Berlied, 74 Summer Street, carpenter George H. Locke, Jr., 235 Arlington Street, assembly man Clyde J. Horne, 13 Orchard Drive, assistant plant manager Donald J. MacLennan, Nash Road, engineer John Fitzallen Moore, 47 Mohawk Drive, scientist William J. Grancey, 2 Mohawk Drive, salesman


22


REPORT OF THE MOTH SUPERINTENDENT


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:


I herewith submit my report as Moth Superintendent for the year 1956. A Dormant Spray for the Elm Bark Beetle was put on all town Elms in April. A Foliage spray was put on in June for Elm Leaf Beetles and Cankerworms.


There were 46 Town trees infected with Dutch Elm Disease in 1956. All of them have been removed.


Respectfully submitted, FRANKLIN H. CHARTER, Moth Superintendent.


REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :


Acton, Massachusetts


Gentlemen :


I herewith submit my thirtieth annual report for the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1956. This report includes all arrests made within the Town during the past year. It also includes reports on Motor Vehicle accidents, bicycle registrations, houses checked, parking viola- tions, and tickets given for defective equipment in addition to other items.


Arrests and prosecutions for the following offenses:


Speeding


217


Speed Regulation


69


Law of the Road


6


School Bus Law violation


10


Operating without license in possession


4


Operating without lights on motor vehicle


1


Operating under influence of liquor


11


Operating without tail light


1


Operating without rear plate light


1


Operating so as to endanger


24


Fish and Game violation


3


Operating an unregistered motor vehicle


18


23


Operating an uninsured motor vehicle


9


Attaching plates


3


Drunkenness


17 9


Red Light violations


8


Stop Sign violations


8


Operating after suspension of right


1 1


Operating a motor vehicle without a license


11


Vagrancy


5


Racing


2


Fraudulent check


1


Operating an uninspected motor vehicle


4 1


Desertion


Going away after causing property damage


1


Operating without registration in possession


2


Operating without a registration


3


Operating after revocation of license


6


Inadequate brakes


1


Not using care in passing


1


Carrying a revolver without a permit


5


Breaking and Entering and Larceny


2


Trespassing


2


Defacing serial number on firearms


4


Operating after suspension of license


1


Loaded rifle in motor vehicle


1


Non-support


2


Giving false name to Police Officer


1


Collection of junk without a license


1


Spilling on highway


1


Operation after revocation of right


1


Operating recklessly


1


Operating with no plates displayed


1


Larceny of auto


4


Failing to give right of way at intersection


1


Manslaughter


2


Lewd and Lascivious behaviour


1


Rape


1


Begetting


1


Using a motor vehicle without authority


1


493


Motor Vehicle Accident Report :


1955


1956


Total number of accidents reported


95


94


Number of occupants injured


58


64


24


Larceny


Making unsafe turn


Number of occupants killed


1


1


Number of pedestrians injured


1 0


1


1


Number of pedestrians killed Bicyclists injured


2


3


Motorcyclists injured


1 0


Miscellaneous Statistics:


Houses checked


468


Parking tickets given


119


Defective Equipment tickets given


170


There were 1,027 motor vehicles checked by this depart- ment for traffic or motor vehicle violations for which the operators received verbal warnings, summonses to appear in court or had the violation reported to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles for action.


Bicycle Registrations :


Of the 959 bicycle registrations in circulation, there have been only 477 new and renewed registrations issued in 1956. All bicycles in the town must be registered with the Police Department. All registrations expire on April 30th, 1958. No charge is made if the plate issued is still in good condi- tion. If a new plate is issued, the fee is twenty-five cents.


Cruisers :


We have two cruisers; a 1956 Dodge sedan and a 1957 Ford Ranch Wagon. The 1957 Ford Ranch Wagon is a combina- tion cruiser and ambulance which can be used for emergency purposes.


Personnel Records:


On October 30, 1956, the Selectmen created a new position in the Police Department in the rank of Sergeant, and Edward J. Collins, Jr. was provisionally appointed to the post pending a Civil Service examination. Also at this time, William Durkin, Jr. was appointed a patrolman under the same set up.


Due to my illness, and the fact that my retirement becomes effective January 31, 1957, two additional patrolmen were added to the Department. Norman Roche and Richard Farrell were appointed to the Police Department as patrolmen pending Civil Service examinations for these positions. This brings the total number of officers to seven; five patrolmen, a sergeant, and a chief.


25


I have recommended to the Board of Selectmen that Ser- geant Collins become Acting Chief upon the effective date of my retirement. Sergeant Collins has been with the De- partment eight years. He has assisted me in many of my duties as Chief. Whenever I left town on vacation or for any other purpose Sergeant Collins was put in charge of the Department. He is familiar with the duties of a chief and the general functions of the police department.


In my association with all the members of the De- partment over the years I have found them to be very sin- cere, cooperative, devoted to duty, and their services have been in the highest tradition of the Force.


I wish to express my thanks to the entire Department for their loyalty to me and to the town during the years which they have served under me and it is with sincere appreciation to all the boards, departments and citizens of Acton that I close my thirtieth annual report as Chief of Police.


Respectfully submitted,


MICHAEL FOLEY, Chief of Police.


REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen : Gentlemen :


I herewith submit my annual report of Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending December 31, 1956.


In the past year I have sealed 273 weighing and measuring devices.


There are at the present time 38 gas pumps, 11 Vehicle Gas and Oil Trucks, 71 sets of Scales, the rest being weights and small measures.


Sealing fees collected $148.70. The same was turned over to the Town Treasurer.


Respectfully submitted, A. PERRY MARBLE, Sealer of Weights and Measures.


26


REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:


I herewith submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1956.


Chapter 90 - Construction


(1.) The construction, on Main Street, Acton Center, for 1955 which was held up due to the flood in October of that year was completed in June.


(2.) The washout on High Street in January, due to high water, was filled in and new sheathing for a retaining wall was driven. This reconstruction was done by the original contractor, who was not at fault, at no cost to the town.


(3.) The construction on Massachusetts Avenue in West Acton was done under contract by the Charles Contracting Company of Waltham. This was delayed due to changes in the drainage grades and the changing of pipe material and size under the Boston and Maine Railroad, plus the delay in the delivery of the correct pipe due to the seasonal demand.


(4.) The planned construction for 1957 is the relocation and surfacing of Main Street, from Central Street to Prospect Street, with the addition of suitable drainage and a sidewalk on the west side.


Chapter 90 - Maintenance


All Chapter 90 Maintenance work, consisting of resurfac- ing, was completed and a similar program is contemplated for 1957. A total of $4,500.00 is allotted for the work on Chapter 90 roads, State, County, and Town each contributing one-third. It is possible that in the future it will be neces- sary for the State, County and Town to increase their con- tribution because of the rising cost per mile.


Chapter 81


The floods of October 1955 and January 1956 washed sur- plus sand into many catch basins and drop in-lets of our drainage system to the extent of rendering some of them useless. These along with some culverts had to be flushed out and some of them repaired. Because of this unexpected expense the money under Chapter 81 was expended earlier than was anticipated. Therefore several roads which were ready to be oiled could not be done and will have to be pre-


27


pared again in 1957. A large amount of patching could not be done which leaves more repairing to be done in 1957. This plus the added patching, repairing and graveling accounted for over $8,000.00 of the $24,650.00 of Chapter 81 money. Added roads and increasing prices are also reducing the amount of maintenance that can be done.


Drainage


Drainage is an increasing problem and the establishing of a Drainage Account was necessary to relieve Chapter 81 of the drainage item. Under the newly established Drainage Account we will be able to install several small catch basin systems where they are badly needed.


Article 16- Town Meeting of March 12, 1956


Under Article 16 the work on the brook in West Acton was undertaken by the Highway Department to prevent a layoff of regular department employees and 70% of the work is completed. Work was stopped on this project because of the weather and it was necessary for the Water District to lower the main on Willow Street.


Equipment


The new Trojan Loader, purchased in May 1956, has proved very satisfactory by speeding up all phases of work. It has cut sanding time 40% and practically eliminated the hiring of equipment for snow removal in the Squares.


The large motor driven sweeper has been a big help. Admitted it is dusty and does not pick up the dirt but it has cut the sweeping time 500%. It is hoped that in the near future a power sweeper can be obtained. This machine would eliminate the dust and pick up the oiling and snow sand from the gutters. A new truck will be needed before too long and it is hoped a stabilization fund will be started so these expenditures would not be too great at any one time.


Due to the co-operation of the Cemetery Department we have been using their compressor. It is very convenient and has saved the Department considerable time and money. We have need of some accessories that the Cemetery Department does not use and it is hoped we will be able to obtain these this year. If so, we would not have to hire a compressor for any reason. These accessories should pay for themselves in two years.


28


Miscellaneous


Building Repair: A face lifting is contemplated for the garage, necessitated by the size of the equipment. A re- roofing is needed and it is thought that at the same time a section of the roof could be raised and large overhead doors installed. The present doors are too low and narrow, and as they open outward they are a constant source of trouble dur- ing the winter.


An addition to one of the buildings was completed for the housing of the roller and grader. No money was available for a door for this addition but it is hoped one can be in- stalled this year.


I would like to thank the townspeople and the various departments for their co-operation during the year.


Respectfully submitted,


BENJAMIN F. RICE, Superintendent of Streets.


REPORT OF THE TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:


The Town Forest Committee submits the following report for the year 1956.


The sum of $100 was appropriated for work in the Town Forest. The brush along the fire lanes was sprayed with brushkiller. The rest was cut to the ground. Brush was also cut along two access roads in the Texas lot.


Respectfully submitted,


FRANKLIN H. CHARTER, EMERY NELSON, ARNO H. PERKINS, Town Forest Committee.


29


REPORT OF WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION AGENT


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :


During the year ended December 31, 1956, four accidents were reported to me. They all required medical attention but two were of a more serious nature but were taken care of as far as the law would allow.


Respectfully submitted,


THERON A. LOWDEN, Compensation Agent.


30


REPORT OF TOWN CLERK


RECORD OF TOWN ELECTION HELD MARCH 5, 1956


Pct. 1 Pct. 2


Pct. 3 Total


Whole number of votes cast 204 249


283


736


MODERATOR, one year


Albert P. Durkee 180 217


252


649


Sworn by Town Clerk March 10, 1956


James Kinsley


1


1


Blanks


24


32


30


86


TOWN CLERK, one year


Harlan E. Tuttle


194 234


262


690


Sworn by Moderator March 10, 1956


Blanks


10


15


21


46


SELECTMAN, three years


Leo C. Cunningham, Jr. 181 214


259


654


Sworn by Town Clerk March 6, 1956


Blanks


23


35


24


82


ASSESSOR, three years


Albert P. Durkee


180


220


252


652


Sworn by Town Clerk March 10, 1956


Blanks


24


29


31


84


BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE, three years


Walter B. Stevens


178 213


255


646


Sworn by Town Clerk March 31, 1956


Blanks


26


36


28


90


TREASURER, one year


Wm. Henry Soar


189 228


261


678


Sworn by Town Clerk March 12, 1956


Blanks


15


21


22


58


31


TOWN COLLECTOR, one year


Charles M. MacRae 188 220 262 670


Sworn by Town Clerk March 12, 1956


Blanks 16 29 21 66


SCHOOL COMMITTEE, three years


Evelyn N. MacLean


144


173


187


504


Sworn March 10, 1956


Thomas E. Wetherbee


160


199


196


555


Sworn March 12, 1956


George H. Allen


30


48


71


149


Joseph F. Bushell


9


6


45


60


Raymond F. Letts


33


34


34


101


Blanks


32


38


33


103


CONSTABLES, one year


Edward J. Collins, Jr. .......


185


222


259


666


Sworn by Town Clerk


Michael Foley


186


219


261


666


Sworn by Town Clerk


T. Frederick S. Kennedy ....


180


217


257


654


Sworn by Town Clerk March 12, 1956


Ivar Peterson


189


210


261


660


Sworn by Town Clerk March 6, 1956


Scattered


1


1


2


Blanks


76


127


93


296


CEMETERY COMMISSIONER three years


Harry E. Holt


184


212


253


649


Scattered


1


1


Blanks


20


36


30


86


BOARD OF HEALTH, three years


Herbert L. Leusher


188


212


249


649


Sworn by Town Clerk March 12, 1956


16


37 34


87


TRUSTEE OF MEMORIAL LIBRARY, three years


Vesta B. Thompson


169 154


235


558


Sworn by Town Clerk March 8, 1956


William E. Cowley, Jr.


25


67


27


119


Blanks 10


28


21


59


Blanks


32


TREE WARDEN, one year


Franklin H. Charter 190 214 261 665


Sworn by Town Clerk March 8, 1956


Blanks


14 35


22


71


PLANNING BOARD, five years


Charles Judd Farley


113


79


81


273


Sworn by Town Clerk March 10, 1956


John F. Mclaughlin


44


34


31


109


Arnold H. Mercier


30


71


132


233


William C. Ray


8


43


31


82


Blanks


9


22


8


39


ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MARCH 12, 1956


Article 1. (Officers) To choose all necessary Town Offi- cers and Committees and fix the salaries and compensation of all the elective officers of the town.


Chose: Clara Sawyer trustee of the Elizabeth White Fund for three years.


Chose: Frederick T. Kennedy trustee of the Acton Fire- men's Relief Fund for three years.


Chose: Arno H. Perkins trustee of the West Acton Fire- men's Relief Fund for three years.


Chose: Thelma L. Boatman trustee of the Goodnow Fund for two years to fill vacancy and Frank E. Greenough trustee of the Goodnow Fund for three years.


Voted : That the salary of the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen be six hundred dollars per annum and the other members three hundred dollars each per annum.


Voted: That the salary of the Moderator be fifteen dollars for one evening and twenty-five dollars for two evenings for the annual town meeting and ten dollars for each special meeting.


Voted : That the salary of the Town Treasurer be thirteen hundred dollars per annum.


33


Voted: That the salary of the Town Collector be two thousand dollars per annum.


Voted: That the salary of the Chairman of the Board of Assessors be twenty-five hundred dollars per annum and the other members eight hundred dollars each per annum.


Voted: That the salary of the Town Clerk be six hundred fifty dollars per annum.


Voted: That the salary of the Tree Warden be fixed at $1.60 per hour plus 75 cents per hour for use of a truck.


Voted: That the salary of the Chairman of the Board of Health be twenty-five dollars per annum; the clerk fifteen dollars and the other member ten dollars per annum and that the Board of Health be authorized to appoint one of its own members as an assistant agent and assistant custodian of the Town Dump at the rate of $1.25 per hour in accordance with the provisions of Section 4A of Chapter 41 of the General Laws.


Voted: That the salary of the Chairman of the Board of Public Welfare be one hundred twenty-five dollars per annum and that of the other members seventy-five dollars each per annum.


Article 2. (Reports) To see if the Town will vote to accept the several reports of the Town Officers and Boards, or take any other action relative thereto.


Voted: To accept the several reports of the town officers and boards.


Article 3. To hear and act upon the reports of any Com- mittees chosen at any previous town meeting that have not already reported.


Report of the Special School Building Committee


The Town Meeting of December 22, 1955, voted to author- ize the Moderator to appoint a committee of five members, one of whom would be from the School Committee, to plan an addition of six rooms to the Julia L. McCarthy Primary School.


The committee has met regularly since its appointment and has also held conference with members of the Board of Assessors and the Planning Board. We have had liasion with the School Committee through our joint member. Mr. O'Connell, the Superintendent of Schools, has attended most


34


of our meetings. One conference was held with representa- tives of the State School Building Assistance Commission.


The Committee's first action was to study the projected school population of grades one through six as provided by the School Department. This census is of children now living in Town and who will be of school age not later than 1961. This does not take into account any children of this age who move into town within this period.


The present primary space available in the school system consists of eight rooms at the Julia L. McCarthy School, four rooms at the West School, four rooms at the South School, and three rooms at the Center School - a total of nineteen rooms. In addition, three more rooms outside the school system are being rented.


When the Acton-Boxborough Regional High School is com- pleted, the present Acton High School will be converted for elementary use. This will provide eleven more rooms for a total of thirty rooms within the school system. On the basis of the School Department census and with classes of twenty- five pupils, this will provide sufficient space for the period necessary for a complete and thorough investigation of the school needs and to formulate plans for additional space.


The town would be unable to complete the construction of any building sooner than the High School conversion would be ready. The present school facilities would provide space for at least the next three years. Therefore, it seemed to this committee that some time should be taken to study the long- range aspect of the Acton School System.


The questions that came to our minds were many. The McCarthy School was planned for a four room addition. Could it be increased to a six room addition without extensive im- provements ? The additional six rooms would provide the town with thirty-six rooms in its grades one through six. Would this extra space be empty, or should one of the village schools be temporarily closed ?


This committee concurs with the School Committee that the village schools are not a very satisfactory educational facility, nor do they rate highly from a safety standpoint. Perhaps they should be replaced with another building? If so, where and when? The members of this committee would like to study these and other questions further. They would like to consult with the School Committee to understand the educational needs and goals, and with the Planning Board as to future growth of population centers in the Town.


35


May we then request this meeting to extend the term and the scope of this Committee that we can explore the long- range requirements of the Town's educational facilities, and to report to the Town within the next six months.


No money has been expended from our appropriation of $500.


Respectfully submitted,


ORMAL LAFFIN, NORMAN McINTOSH, EDMUND McNIFF, LLOYD PRIEST, WALTER STEVENS.


Voted : £ That the report of the Special School Building Committee be accepted as a report of progress.


Report of the War Memorial Committee


The committee appointed under Article 3 of the Special Town Meeting held September 12, 1955 as a "Committee to study and investigate and make recommendations for a suitable memorial to Acton Veterans who served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America or its Allies during World War II or the Korean Conflict" have met and organized with:


Clyde J. Horne as Chairman Louis C. Schwaab as Secretary


After exploratory discussions it was generally decided to proceed along the lines of Permanent, Tablet or Stone type and Living Memorials.


Permanent and Stone type being investigated by Theron A. Lowden.


Living Memorials such as a swimming pool being investi- gated by Leslie F. Parke.


Scholarships by Carl W. Bergman.


The committee feels that the Living type Memorials are more appropriate and in harmony with the sentiments ex- pressed by Veterans country wide.


Respectfully submitted,


CARL W. BERGMAN, CLYDE J. HORNE, THERON A. LOWDEN, LESLIE F. PARKE, LOUIS C. SCHWAAB.


36


Voted: That this report be accepted as a report of progress.


Article 4. To see what sums of money the Town will vote to raise and appropriate to defray the necessary expenses of the several departments of the Town and determine how the same shall be raised.


Voted: That the following sums of money be appropriated for the several purposes hereinafter designated and that the same be expended only for those purposes under the direction of the respective boards, committees, or officers of the town as follows, and that the total money shall be made available by a transfer of $54,000 from the Surplus Revenue Account and the remainder to be raised in the 1956 Tax Levy.


General Government


1 Moderator


$75.00


2 Finance Committee Expense


50.00


3 Selectmen's Dept. - Salaries and Wages


4,678.00


4 Expenses


300.00


5


Town Accountant - Wages


1,300.00


6 Expenses


200.00


7 Town Treasurer - Salary and


Wages


1,300.00


8 Expenses


400.00


9 Town Collector - Salaries and


Wages


2,000.00


11


Assessors' Salaries and Wages


4,500.00


12 Expenses


400.00


13


Town Clerk, Salary and Fees Expenses


350.00


15


Elections and Registrations Salaries and Wages


2,490.00


16 Expenses


900.00


17 Total General Government


$21,243.00


Buildings and Grounds


18 Buildings and Grounds Salaries and Wages $3,150.00


19 Expenses 4,450.00


20 Total Buildings and Grounds $7,600.00


37


500.00


9.A Clerk, Wages


10 Expenses


700.00


1,100.00


14


Protection of Persons and Property


21 Police, Salaries and Wages $20,920.00


21A Clerk Hire, Wages 1,300.00


22 Expenses - including Cruiser operation and Uniforms ..... 4,425.00


23 Fire Department - Salaries and Wages


8,775.00


24 Expenses


9,120.00


25


Fire Alarm System, Salaries and Wages


4,760.00


26 Expenses


230.00


27


Fire Hydrant Rental


10,650.00


28 Sealer of Weights and Measures Salaries and Wages


250.00


29 Expenses


50.00


30


Moth Department Chapter 660 Salaries and Wages


1,000.00


31


Expenses


1,000.00


32


Dutch Elm Disease Control Chap- ter 761


1,200.00


33


Town Forests, Maintenance


100.00


34


Shade Tree Replacement


250.00


35


Tree Warden, Salary and Wages


2,000.00


36 Expenses


1,200.00


37


Wire Inspector, Salary and Travel


750.00


38 Expenses 100.00


39


Dog Officer


350.00


40 Total Protection


$68,430.00


Health and Sanitation


41


Board of Health, Salaries and Wages $50.00


42


Expenses


950.00


43


Secretary, Salary


2,385.00


44


Town and School Nurse, Salary Expenses


3,120.00


:45


960.00


46


Assistant Nurse, Salary




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