USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1956-1960 > Part 33
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Plowing
600.00
Supplies
2,500.00
Telephone
1,200.00
Water
300.00
Miscellaneous
1,000.00
TOTAL OPERATION OF PLANT
$31,550.00
Maintenance of Plant
Instructional Equipment
$400.00
General Maintenance Equipment
1,500.00
TOTAL MAINTENANCE OF PLANT
$1,900.00
Auxiliary Agencies
Transportation (Field Trips)
$250.00
School Physician
300.00
School Nurse
2,050.00
150.00
Health Supplies Library
1,250.00
THE TOWN OF ACTON
91
School Car (Insurance, Excise Tax)
180.00
Graduation
200.00
Printing and Advertising
40.00
Middlesex County Retirement System Assessment
500.00
Miscellaneous
250.00
TOTAL AUXILIARY AGENCIES
$5,170.00
Outlay
Landscaping
$300.00
Musical Instruments
1,492.00
Miscellaneous
500.00
TOTAL OUTLAY
$2,292.00
Cost of Transportation
20,450.00
Special Charges
6,566.00
Miscellaneous
200.00
...
Recapitulation
General Control
$9,440.00
Expenses of Instruction
185,272.00
Operation of Plant
31,550.00
Maintenance of Plant
1,900.00
Auxiliary Agencies
5,170.00
Outlay
2,292.00
Cost of Transportation
20,450.00
Special Charges
6,566.00
Miscellaneous
200.00
Total
$262,840.00
Capital Cost, Debt Service
119,015.00
Non-Classified
School Athletic Fund
2,800.00
GRAND TOTAL
$384,655.00
Gross Operating Budget
$262,840.00
Less (1) Bal. of 1958 Op. Budget $8,732.95
(2) 1957-58 Transportation Reimbursement
14,964.60 23,697.55
$239,142.45
92
223rd ANNUAL REPORT OF
Debt Service
Interest on Maturing Debt
$39,015.00
Maturing Debt
$80,000.00
Less: State Aid
48,000.00
$32,000.00
Non-Classified
School Athletic Fund $2,800.00
$312,957.45
APPORTIONMENT OF THE CHARGES TO BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE TOWNS OF ACTON AND BOXBOROUGH
Acton
*Operating Expenses, 87.6%
of
$234,867.45 ** $205,743.89
Cost of Transportation $14,250.00
Less Reimbursement 9,975.00 4,275.00
Debt Service, 95% of $71,015.00 67,464.25
Non-Classified, 87.6% of $2,800.00 2,452.80
$279,935.94
Boxborough
*Operating Expenses,
12.4%
of
$234,867.45 ** $29,123.56
Cost of Transportation $4,989.60
Less Reimbursement 4,989.60 0.00
Debt Service, 5% of $71,015.00
3,550.75
Non-Classified, 12.4% of $2,800.00 347.20
$33,021.51
$312,957.45
* Acton Student Enrollment 10/1/1958 465
Boxborough Student Enrollment 10/1/58 66
** Gross Operating Budget less $8,732.95 $254,107.05 Less Combined Acton and Boxborough Cost of Transportation (Contract amounts) 19,239.60
$234,867.45
93
THE TOWN OF ACTON
ACTON-BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Treasurer's Report December 31, 1958
Balance, December 31, 1957
$139,152.69
Receipts, 1958:
Town of Acton
$240,924.73
Town of Boxborough
28,333.46
State Aid for Construction
48,509.35
Federal Aid
2,892.72
Transportation Reimbursement
14,964.60
School Lunch
32,843.48
School Athletics
859.03
Tuition
317.88
Refunds
90.01
Miscellaneous
269.81
Total Receipts $370,005.07
Total
$509,157.76
Disbursements, 1958:
Maintenance and Operation :
General Control
$8,208.56
Expenses of Instruction
163,542.31
Operation of Plant
30,488.24
Maintenance of Plant
709.00
Auxiliary Agencies
4,188.98
Outlay
138.55
Cost of Transportation
20,065.60
Miscellaneous
147.81
School Lunch
32,026.23
School Athletics
2,461.80
School Construction
6,358.96
Payment on Principal
80,000.00
Interest on Bonds
41,280.00
Furnishings and Equipment - Miscellaneous 4,045.52
Total Disbursements
$393,661.56
Balance, December 31, 1958
$115,496.20
SECTION C
Archives Committee
95
Board of Appeals 95
Building Committee
96
Building Inspector
96
Cemetery Commissioners
97
Dog Officer
97
Fence Viewers 98
Fire Department
98
Goodnow Fund
100
Health
101
Industrial Development Committee
105
Inspector of Animals
106
Inspector of Wires.
107
Library
107
Moth Superintendent 108
Planning Board
109
Sealer of Weights and Measures
111
Superintendent of Streets
112
Town Forest Committee
114
Tree Warden
115
Welfare
115
95
THE TOWN OF ACTON
ARCHIVES COMMITTEE - REPORT FOR 1958
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Microfilming bids were secured and a start was made on micro- filming the town records and documents, in accordance with the vote of the town at the Town Meetings in 1957 and 1958. This work is being done by Graphic Microfilm of New England, Inc. Early historical documents, town meeting records from the date of incorporation through 1957, records of births, deaths and marriages, Town Clerk's maps and historical maps, some historical letters are among material already micro- filmed. Further work of this type will be continued in 1959.
During the year further investigations were made with a view toward locating certain records of apparent concern. It is evident that many important documents are not readily obtainable.
As reported previously there is a need for facilities for public display of pictures and documents of historical value and local interest. The thought has been expressed that this might be accomplished through the formation by interested citizens of a Historical Society.
The Committee feels that a program should be initiated for a more systematic procedure for securing and preserving records and maps of concern to the town. Along with this is a need for more storage space and fireproof facilities. A recommendation is made that planning be directed toward this end.
Respectfully submitted, FREDERICK S. KENNEDY, Chairman DONALD P. FELT JOYCE H. WOODHEAD
BOARD OF APPEALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Acton Board of Appeals herewith submits its annual report for the year 1958.
Carol H. Flagg was appointed in March for a three year term. Hayward S. Houghton was appointed an alternate for a three year term.
During the year the Board held four public hearings. A request for a variance from the Protective Zoning By-law was denied, two permits for loam removal were granted restrictions, and one special permit was granted by the power given the Board under Sec. III, Para. 1, of the Protective Zoning By-law.
Respectfully submitted, OTTO PASANEN, Chairman EDWARD M. FERRY, CAROL H. FLAGG,
96
223rd ANNUAL REPORT OF
REPORT OF THE TOWN BUILDING COMMITTEE
During the past year, the Town Building Committee has completed the West Acton Fire Station within the appropriation allowed and with a small balance left over.
The Elementary School on Charter Road is 75% completed. The building should be done by April 1 and the grounds by June 1.
We wish to thank all the departments and persons who worked with us in the past year for their co-operation and assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
KENNETH JEWELL, Chairman LLOYD PRIEST NORMAN MCINTOSH ROBERT LORTZ
BUILDING INSPECTOR
Board of Selectmen
Town of Acton
I herewith submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1958. Permits Issued
Business
16
Industrial
8
Dwellings
137
Additions
55
Total
216
Expenses
Wages and Travel
$2,200.00
Expenses
123.70
Total
$2,323.70
Receipts
Fees for permits
$3,338.00
Building code sold
17.00
Total
$3,355.00
All receipts were turned over to the Town Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted,
ALBERT E. FOSTER, Building Inspector.
97
THE TOWN OF ACTON
ACTON CEMETERY DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
We hereby submit the following report for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1958.
The account of the Town Treasurer shows that during the past year the Cemetery Department has received and paid into the treasury the sum of $2,835.00 which can be found itemized in the treasurer's report. Also in the Town Collector's report you will find sum of $681.00 collected for the annual care of lots, which is credited to the Cemetery Department receipts.
There has been added to the perpetual care account and in special funds, the past year the sum of $6,125.00, this means that from these three accounts the department has received and turned over to the treasury the total sum of $9,641.00.
We wish to express our appreciation to the trustees of the Varnum Tuttle Fund, for their co-operation in the repairs made to the Woodlawn Chapel and also to the improvements made to the grounds, around the Chapel, by setting out shade trees and shrubs. They have also made arrangements to make further improvements in the year 1959.
We have submitted an article for the Annual Town Meeting, deal- ing with enlarging Mt. Hope Cemetery, by laying out several new sec- tions in the new part of the cemetery, as there are very few lots left in the present cemetery, in fact there are no single grave sections available at the present time.
Respectfully submitted,
HARLAN E. TUTTLE, HOWARD F. JONES, HARRY E. HOLT, Cemetery Commissioners.
REPORT OF THE DOG OFFICER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my report for the year ending 1958.
Calls and complaints investigated 92
Dogs picked up unlicensed 51
Dogs destroyed 26
169
Respectfully submitted,
CARL W. FLINT, Dog Oficer.
98
223rd ANNUAL REPORT OF
REPORT OF THE FENCE VIEWERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Your committee on Fence Viewing for the Town of Acton reports no activity in partition fences for the year 1958.
Respectfully submitted,
ALLAN R. MURRAY, LAURENCE HADLEY, LOUIS F. LEVERONI, Fence Viewers.
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I hereby submit my twenty-sixth annual report of the Fire Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1958.
Total number of alarms responded to are as follows:
Residential
16
Non-Residential
2
Mercantile
2
Manufacturing
2
Miscellaneous
3
Grass and Brush
12
Automobile, etc.
9
False Alarms
3
Smoke scares and honest mistakes
15
Accidents and Emergencies
21
Out of Town
3
88
Loss to buildings
$11,996.11
Loss to contents
3,013.83
Loss to automobiles
1,000.00
$16,009.94
Permits Issued:
Oil and Power Burners
91
Bottled Gas
19
Blasting
40
Open Air Fires
657
Inspections and Investigations
716
1,523
THE TOWN OF ACTON
99
Collected for Oil, Gas and Blasting Permits
$74.00
Collected on fires
14,40
Miscellaneous Cash Collections
46.00
Collected Rents at Station #1
60.00
$194.40
The new fire station has been completed at 256 Central Street, West Acton and is occupied by the West Acton Company. This building is a substantial improvement to the fire department not only its outside appearance but also it is a good substantial and practical building with ample room for expansion and the taxpayers can rest assured that their money is well invested.
This station houses 1 Rescue Truck, 1-500 gallon pumper and a new arrival this year which is a 750 gallon pumper equipped with a 500 gallon water tank, 400 feet of 1 inch hose, 500 feet of 11/2 inch hose, 1,400 feet of 21/2 inch hose, foam eductor and a 11/2 inch pre-connected live line.
Also in this station, a new fire alarm system has been installed which is the latest in modern alarm apparatus with plenty of room for expansion. It meets the underwriters requirements for a Type B Fire Alarm System.
The new Fire Chief's car was purchased and put into service May 26, 1958 and has proved beneficial to the department both in efficiency and economy. The equipment carried in this car consists of first aid fire fighting apparatus, self contained air mask, and various small spare units used by the department.
An auxiliary power unit was purchased for use at fire alarm headquarters in case of power failure.
This year we complied with more recommendations of the Fire Underwriters as follows:
14 Half of this was accomplished by replacing old Engine #4 with a new 750 gallon pumping engine.
15 That pumping engine be tested at least annually and after extensive repairs.
16a Add to the equipment, powerful stream appliances such as deluge set or turret gun, foam equipment, cellar pipes, distributing nozzles and facilities for siamesing lines at fires.
16b Small steam appliances such as hand extinguishers for all classes of fires, fog and spray nozzles for 21/2 inch, 11/2 inch and booster hose lines.
20a
Replacing Fire Station at West Acton.
22
Fire prevention - Inspection of buildings.
25
Providing fireproof quarters for Fire Alarm Apparatus.
-
100
223rd ANNUAL REPORT OF
26a and b Replacing old fire alarm with approved Type B system.
27 Indicating devices installed at alarm headquarters to give warning of diminution of current, open circuits and grounds.
30 Testing circuits - batteries --- inside and outside circuits and boxes periodically.
1959 PROGRAM
Stabilization Fund - $6,000.00.
Painting inside of Center Fire Station - $575.00. This is a main- tenance project, as when it was built eight years ago it had only one coat of paint.
Fire alarm system, an increase of $1,000.00 to set up a definite plan of replacing and installing fire alarm boxes each year as recommended by the Fire Underwriters. I feel this plan will work out better for a long range program than asking for $2,500.00 one year and maybe $3,500.00 another year.
A new fire station is scheduled for South Acton in 1960. I recom- mend that as soon as the school in South Acton is vacated, the property be taken back by the Town and preparation made for its use by the fire department.
Your fire department is in good condition, all apparatus and other equipment is kept in repair and always ready for emergency use.
In closing, I wish to thank all the firemen for their excellent co-operation in responding to alarms, drills, meetings, training schools and the support they have given me throughout the years. Also I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee and any and all others who have contributed to the support and operation of the Fire Department.
Respectfully submitted,
H. S. MACGREGOR, Chief of Fire Department.
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE GOODNOW FUND
For the year ending December 31, 1958
INVESTMENTS
Charlestown Savings Bank $465.54
Concord Co-operative Bank
3,000.00
$3,465.54
RECEIPTS
Charlestown Savings Bank
$15.12
Concord Co-operative Bank
97.52
$112.64
101
THE TOWN OF ACTON
EXPENDITURES
Treasurer of the Evangelical Church in Acton $92.64 Town of Acton for perpetual care of Goodnow Lot in Woodlawn Cemetery 20.00
$112.64
THELMA L. BOATMAN, ROY H. LINDSCOTT, JAMES N. GATES, Trustees of Goodnow Fund.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The Board of Health herewith submits its report for the year ending December 31, 1958, together with the reports of other departments connected with them.
In February 1958 Dr. O. L. Clark, who had been a member of the Board for many years and its Chairman for twenty years, resigned to take up new residence in Florida. His many years of faithful services to Acton will long be remembered by those who have known and were associated with him. We wish many more years of health and happiness in the future for you "Doc." Clark. The Board voted him an honorary member and presented him with a badge of merit.
During the year the Board has resolved some drainage problems. The most important, which has been a source of confusion for a long time, is the Faulkner Dam at South Acton. In the Fall of 1958 the water level at the Dam was lowered with the cooperation of its owner Mr. Henry Erikson. This has already proved to be of benefit.
All public buildings, industrial plants etc. constructed in the Town are now supervised by the State and local Board pertaining to sanitation. The services of the State Sanitarian is of no expense to the Town and is of great assistance to the local Board. His service is used by the Board of Health on all subdivisions and drainage problems. The Board of Health advises that all Septic Tanks be cleaned every two years to keep them in good operation. If left too long it may ruin the complete system.
The Board does not recommend the installation of garbage disposal units as most of the sewerage systems are not designed for their use. Any one desiring to install one shall obtain from the Board of Health a permit to do so to determine adequate tank size and drainage.
Arthur J. Conquest of West Acton was appointed dump custodian in February, 1958.
102
223rd ANNUAL REPORT OF
Three mosquito sprayings were given the Town last year. This was effected under a separate article of the Town Warrant but due to apparent acceptance by the people this project has been inserted this year as a budget item of the Board of Health. We hope to be able to continue this project in the best interests of the Town's people.
This year we have inserted two articles in the Town Warrant:
The first: To set up a Town By-Law making it mandatory to cover or fill in all abandoned wells. This is for the general health and safety of children playing in these areas.
The second: To form a committee to start sewerage planning in the Town. We feel the Town will be faced with this project in the near future. If the Town had a workable survey of this project it would then be possible for the Board of Health to advise builders accordingly. Such a survey would also designate the areas in the Town where the necessary fields would be installed. The Town could then purchase these areas and post them as future available sites of sewage disposal. We feel that this land will be more readily purchased at a lower price at this time rather than after buildings and subdivisions have been created in these areas. It would also be a warning to those building in these areas, if and when the Town installs a sewerage system. Such a survey, dependent as it is upon the contours of the land, would be, once accomplished, of perma- nent value and useful to further comprehensive planning for the Town.
There are ninety-six cases of contagious diseases which are danger- ous to the public health, reported during the year 1958.
Cases Reported:
Chicken pox
41
Mumps
3
Dog bites 28
German Measles
3
Scarlet fever
2
Tuberculosis
2
Measles
8
Syphilis
4
Whooping cough
5
All communicable diseases should be reported either by an attending physician or the householder, (Chapter 111, General Laws of Massa- chusetts ) .
We have no cases of tuberculosis in hospitals at present.
The following applications for permits were received.
Sewerage (New construction) 124
Sewerage (Old construction) 59
Two or three inspections are required on each of these.
Total amount collected for these
$3,395.00
103
THE TOWN OF ACTON
Burial permits issued
14
Offal permits issued 3
Overnight Cabins permits issued 2
Methyl alcohol permits 11
Kindergartens and Nursery Schools 6
Rest Homes inspected 3
Swimming holes inspected
1
The following is the report of the Food, Water and Milk Inspector:
Eating places inspected 5
Catering establishments 2
Stores where milk, etc. is sold 16
Milk licenses issued 16
Milk dealers licenses issued
13
Water samples were taken of Town water and from other places when the Board of Health considered it necessary.
The following is the report of the Plumbing inspector: There were 189 permits issued :
Amount collected $1,562.50
The total amount received and deposited with the
Town Treasurer for the year 1958 $5,833.00
The Board of Health wishes to thank all other departments for their cooperation and to any one who contributed to its program for the year.
Respectfully submitted,
MARTIN J. DUGGAN, R.N., Chairman DONNELL W. BOARDMAN, M.D. ROBERT C. HEUSTIS
To the Board of Health:
I hereby submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1958.
Total number of calls made 1,985
Total number of calls made for:
Old Age
General Welfare
Aid to Dependent Children
Veterans, Veterans' Widows or their dependents
Social Security Disability persons 822
Total number of paid medical and surgical calls
715
Total number of follow-up calls 128
Total number of emergency (Sunday and off duty calls ) 59
Total number of maternity and child health calls 103
Prenatal 43
104
223rd ANNUAL REPORT OF
Postnatal 53
Home deliveries 2
Calls for communicable diseases :
Chicken pox 5
Mumps 1
Scarlet fever 2
German measles 5
Tuberculosis patients and contacts
36
Trips to hospitals and doctors with patients 10
Public Health Clinics held during the year in cooperation with the School Department are as follows:
Diphtheria Clinics - Schick testing of grades 1, 3, and 5 243
Immunizations 9
Booster Diphtheria 12
Dental Clinic held each month except August by Dr. John Albright
108 appts.
The Tuberculin testing program initiated this year included the 1, 4, 7 and 11th grades. There were 13 positive reactions from the 498 chil- dren and personnel tested. This group of positive reactors will be X-rayed and checked further for tuberculosis.
Polio inoculations were given to only 3 preschool children. Vaccinations 1 by Doctor
Total amount of fees received and turned over to Town Treasurer $818.50
I wish to thank the many people and organizations in Acton who have helped and contributed so much to the welfare of other residents during the year. I am sorry I cannot list them all here but I would like to thank Dr. David L. Smith for helping us with the clinic program during the leave of absence of Dr. Paul Gates, our Public Health Doctor. Many thanks also to Miss Barbara Clemence, R.N. school nurse, Mrs. Hazel Vose, R.N. and Mrs. Marion Mulvany, R.N. for their help and cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
EILEEN F. HALE, R.N.,
Town Nurse.
105
THE TOWN OF ACTON
SECOND ANNUAL REPORT OF THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
January 12, 1959
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Last year's report included three specific recommendations. What has been done to implement these recommendations and what new areas have commanded our attention ?
Your Committee suggested adoption of an Industrial Code to protect existing industry and present residents of Acton by insuring that future industries would live up to the fine standards of character and appearance voluntarily maintained by companies already with us. We also recom- mended investigation of "comprehensive planning" as a flexible guide for the long term development of our Town. Planning for a proper balance between desirable industrial-commercial land areas and residential areas, as well as the analysis of other basic factors affecting the tax rate were of particular interest to us. We are happy on both counts to support wholeheartedly the Planning Board's article concerning Master Planning in the Town Warrant for the 1959 Annual Town Meeting. Our reasons were spelled-out in our report of last year and in our remarks before the Special Town Meeting of November 1958. That we are not alone in our promotion of long range planning is evidenced by the fact that at least 50 towns in Massachusetts have already undertaken or approved such planning (under Federal aid) while 55 others have expressed interest. Among the former are such familiar names as Bedford, Billerica, Con- cord, Maynard, Tewksbury, Wayland, Weston, Wilmington, and Lincoln. For Acton to delay at this crucial point in its growth pattern is to abandon the idea entirely.
So much for the questions of setting apart more desirable industrial areas and placing basic restrictions on their use. Our third recommenda- tion last year related to companies interested in locating on presently zoned industrial land. Our major activity here has involved investigation of serious problems affecting potential new industry. Water is a prime question mark. Discussions with the Water Commissioners have revealed that no new process industry could apparently be served within the present capacity of the Water District. The number of house lots already approved by the Planning Board places a large future drain on the supply. Furthermore, our largest open industrial tract does not even lie within the Water District. Our comments in this area will be submitted shortly and Master Planning would also include a study of this very fundamental problem.
Another large industrial tract - located on Rte. 2 between Piper Road and Hosmer Street - was recently the first choice for location of a research unit of a nationally known electronics firm. It was rejected for only one reason: access to Rte. 2 may be entirely cut-off under present Massachusetts highway plans. We recommend immediate efforts to revise
106
223rd ANNUAL REPORT OF
these plans so that the area will be restored to its proper level of high industrial desirability.
A lack of conveniently available information about Acton's industrial climate should, we hope, be partially met by two projects now nearing completion. Our questionnaire to the 211 businesses and industries in Acton should provide a picture of the size and type of units now here, their effect upon Acton's tax base, and their opinions regarding Acton's assets and liabilities. Our map study locating all industrial tracts and identifying their usage, acreage, ownership, and availability should show graphically what Acton has to offer. Both should contribute substantially toward development of a fact booklet on Acton. Of course, willingness on the part of the land owner to set a marketable price on his industrially zoned land is fundamental but this is a fact which cannot be guaranteed when such land is zoned or re-zoned.
Finally your Committee is happy to note that the Acton Chamber of Commerce is now a going concern. (Ed. Note: a member of this Committee, Frederick W. Abbt, has been elected first president of the Chamber.) The idea was born within this committee but the charter members themselves took full responsibility and are due full credit for the very auspicious beginning. By stimulating the interest of all business- men and industrialists in the problems facing Acton now and in the future, the Chamber should make a notable contribution toward the intelli- gent solution of these problems.
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