USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1961 > Part 9
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Emergency Power Generator.
The reason for this request is that the fire alarm system is operated on Edison power with a battery stand-by in case of power failure, which is good for a 24-hour period. In case of power failure, the base radio would be out.
In case of some sort of disaster, one of the most logical places for emergency housing, would be the Fire Stations.
119
THE TOWN OF ACTON
Fire Hydrant.
At the present time, there is no water available for fire protection on Pope Road. However, there is a water hole on land owned by the town on Pope Road that could be made available by piping it to the street.
Fire Alarm Extension.
This extension would cover the southwesterly part of South Acton.
I believe that now all the underwriters' requirements to bring the fire department up to standard, have been accomplished, with the excep- tion of a few more alarm extensions, and of course replacing out-dated and out-moded equipment as it is required.
In closing, I wish to thank the firemen and auxiliary firemen for their cooperation in attending meetings, drills, training schools, and the assistance they have given me through the year. I, also, wish to thank the Board of Selectmen, the Finance Committee, the Clerical Staff at the Town Hall, 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
INVESTMENTS
Charlestown Savings Bank
$465.54
Concord Co-operative Bank
3,000.00
$3,465.54
RECEIPTS
Charlestown Savings Bank
$18.01
Concord Co-operative Bank
112.51
$130.52
EXPENDITURES
Treasurer of the Evangelical Church in Acton
$110.52
Town of Acton for the perpetual care of Good-
now Lot in Woodlawn Cemetery 20.00
$130.52
THELMA L. BOATMAN, JAMES N. GATES, CLARK C. McELVEIN, Trustees of Goodnow Fund.
120
226th ANNUAL REPORT OF
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN:
Acton, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
The Board of Health herewith submits its report for the year ending December 31, 1961, together with the reports of other departments con- nected with it.
Sanitation is a way of life. It is the quality of living that is expressed in the clean home, the clean farm, the clean business and industry, the clean neighborhood, the clean community. Being a way of life it must come from within the people; it is nourished by knowledge and grows as an obligation and an ideal in human relations.
The continued good health and well-being of the people of Acton depend upon appropriate sanitation, therefore with the increase in build- ing, closer supervision of sanitary conditions have been necessary.
Individual sewerage systems need attention and it is recommended that they should be checked periodically and pumped if necessary.
In presenting an Article in the Town Warrant, the Board of Health is calling attention once again to a number of areas in the town which presently constitute a health hazard, and at the same time pose problems of sewage disposal which cannot comply with existing rules and regula- tions. Many problems of sewage disposal can be met by the judicious location of building and adequate provision for individual systems. There exist, however, substantial areas of residential dwelling, notably in West and South Acton, wherein problems of sewage disposal cannot be met by individual home owners or even abutter cooperation.
There is need for a coordinated study by interested and responsible Town officials to make a concerted attack upon this problem, to estimate objectively in dollars and cents, number of dwellings, number of house- holders, location and acreage, the present hazard and future problems. The collection and study of existing information in the way of town contours with this particular subject in mind, and the availability of professional consultant services, particularly federal, needs clearer delineation.
It is the purpose of this Article to establish a committee representing the Selectmen, the Planning Board, the Town Engineer and the Board of Health, together with a representative of the Town at large, to make such studies and to make recommendations to the respective committees no later than 30 October 1962. Such report may be expected to recom- mend any appropriate action, whether for a sectional or regional system or systems, complete with treatment plant location and recommendations
121
THE TOWN OF ACTON
for appropriation of land, to essentially maintain the status quo or the more economical expedient (?) of town appropriation by eminent domain of those areas in the town unsuitable for continued residence.
The Board has held regular meetings every second and fourth Mon- day of each month. Special meetings were held whenever necessary. Visitors are always welcome to attend these meetings.
During the year regular inspections of schools, food handling estab- lishments, milk dealers, kindergartens, nursery schools, rest homes, etc. have been made.
The Board of Health has worked constantly for health standards throughout the community.
Water samples have been tested whenever it was considered necessary.
Mosquito control spray was provided during the spring and summer.
The Board sponsored the usual clinics, namely, Diphtheria and Tetanus immunizations, Dental clinic, Tuberculin clinic and Dog rabies immunization.
We have no cases of TB in hospitals at present. The Middlesex County Sanatorium at Waltham provides a clinic for free chest X-ray. It is suggested that people take advantage of this free clinic.
The Town provides a garbage collection. No rubbish collection is provided; however the Town maintains a Dump for the convenience of residents of Acton.
The Town has been free from any epidemic of communicable disease, dangerous to the public health.
All communicable disease should be reported either by an attending physician or the householder, (Chapter 111, General Laws of Massa- chusetts ).
There were 70 cases of contagious disease reported during the year 1961.
Cases Reported:
Scarlet fever and strepto throat
2
Chicken pox
10
Measles
S
German Measles 6
Dog bites
14
Mumps
26
Tuberculosis
1
Syphilis
3
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226th ANNUAL REPORT OF
There were 21 premature births reported during 1961.
The services of the Town Nurse are available for those who cannot pay for emergency nursing care. Those who are financially able are required to pay a small fee for each visit. These services are offered only under guidance of a physician. She may be reached by calling the Board of Health Office CO 3-4736.
The following permits and licenses were issued :
Sewage disposal permits 171
Total amount collected for these
$3,150.00
Offal transport permits
3
Catering permits
2
Overnight cabins and camps
2
Methyl alcohol permits
9
Kindergarten and Nursery school
7
Store milk license
14
Milk dealers license
12
Massage license 1
Amount collected for these permits $50.00
Nursing and Rest Homes inspected
2
Eating and Food dispensing establishments inspected
15
Burial permits issued
34
Plumbing permits issued 193
Amount collected
$2,083.50
Amount collected from Town Nurse $882.00
Total amount received and deposited with the Town
Treasurer for year ending December 31, 1961 $6,165.50
The Board of Health wishes to thank all those who contributed to its progress for the year 1961.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT C. HEUSTIS, R.S., Chairman MARTIN J. DUGGAN, R.N. DONNELL W. BOARDMAN, M.D.
123
THE TOWN OF ACTON
IN MEMORIAM
In December 1961 the Town was saddened by the death of Lillian F. Taylor who for twenty-five (25) years served as Town Nurse. She also served as a Board of Health member at one time. She was a faithful citizen in the performance of her duties and obligations to the Town, still caring for others long after her resignation.
A picture of Dr. Orma L. Clark who was Chairman of the Board of Health, and the late Lillian F. Taylor retiring Town Nurse. Picture was taken at a testimonial in 1952 for Mrs. Taylor. Dr. Clark resigned from the Board in 1958 after serving as Chairman for 20 years. He now resides in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
124
226th ANNUAL REPORT OF
TO THE BOARD OF HEALTH:
I hereby submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1961.
The following visits were made:
Old Age Persons General Welfare
Aid to Dependent Children
Veterans, Veterans' Widows and their Dependents
Follow up and Health supervision
Maternity and Child Health visits (some paid visits)
Communicable Diseases
Mumps Chicken pox
Tuberculosis patients and contacts New cases of Tuberculosis 1
Transfers from Boston 1
Total number of unpaid calls 1,024
Total number of paid calls 878
Trips to hospitals and doctors with patients 23
Number of calls made on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 174
Public Health Clinics held during the year in cooperation with the School Department are as follows:
Diphtheria Clinics (Tetanus/Diphtheria boosters)
for grades 1, 5 and 9 314
Dental Clinics 11 with appointments 71
Tuberculin Testing Clinic pupils 652
Positive reactors (now being X-rayed) 23
A Polio Clinic was held in June and only 36 persons availed them- selves of it.
I also assisted at Preschool Clinic with the School Nurse in April.
An X-ray Clinic for Farm Laborers was held in Maynard, Acton had 8 X-rayed.
Kindergarten, playground and Scout Camp Inspec- tions 14
Total amount of fees received and turned over to the Town Treasurer $882.00
I wish to extend my thanks to all those who have helped me during the past year, especially Mrs. Lydia Rhodes and Mrs. Hazel Vose who are always ready to help when there are more calls than time.
EILEEN F. HALE, R.N. Town Nurse.
125
THE TOWN OF ACTON
TO THE BOARD OF HEALTH:
Acton, Massachusetts
There were no cases of slaughtering reported during the year 1961.
EDWARD J. HIGGINS, Inspector of Slaughtering.
REPORT OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
January 4, 1962
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN: Gentlemen:
This is our fifth annual report but the first since the Acton Industrial Development Committee with no budget became a Commission with a present annual budget of $500.00. This transition occurred by vote of the March 1961 Annual Town Meeting and broadened the scope of our work substantially.
Our principal efforts during 1961 concerned the 125 acres of so-called Concord Reformatory Farmland lying between Hosmer Street and the Concord line on the southside of Route 2. In summary:
1.) The Annual Town Meeting by an overwhelming vote of 604 to 120 rezoned this land from residential to industrial usage. This unpre- cedented expression of the townspeoples' wishes justifies our past and present efforts at the State Legislative level.
2.) After our presentation of Acton's case before the Joint Public Welfare Committee, both that committee and the House Ways and Means Committee favorably reported House Bill 2301 to the floor of the House. This bill would have directed the Massachusetts Dept. of Correction to convey to the Town of Acton for industrial use the 125 acres rezoned by the Town. Proceeds of the sale of this land by the Town to industry or industrial developers were to be returned to the Commonwealth. This bill passed the first and second readings in the House but lost on the third reading.
3.) A similar bill has just been refiled in the Town's behalf by Rep. Vernon L. Fletcher. We feel as strongly as ever that success of this legislation could be the keystone to Acton's long terms economic future.
In quite another area, we have sent representatives to formative meetings of a Route 495 Regional Industrial Commission and a Northern ยท Middlesex Industrial Development Council, sponsored respectively by the State Dept. of Commerce and the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce.
126
226th ANNUAL REPORT OF
Finally, we have received seven specific requests this year from firms in such varied fields as scientific research and development, shopping center development, quarrying, and prefab building construction who were potentially interested in locating in Acton. As a result of these contacts it continues to be clear that Acton is on the fringe of the area considered ripe for industrial development. Therefore we cannot too strongly emphasize the importance of successfully concluding our Reformatory land negotiations so that Acton will stand ready when industry moves out to meet it.
A. L. BECK
ALLEN M. CHRISTOFFERSON
FREDERICK H. BUBIER
STEPHEN E. LORD
RICHARD J. O'NEILL PAUL H. LESURE, Chairman
Acton Industrial Development Commission
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
I herewith submit my report for the year ending 1961.
Premises inspected
30
Cows
244
Young cattle
24
Bulls
8
Steer
10
Swine
1
Sheep
13
Goats
4
Horses and Ponies
37
Dog Bites
19
Dogs Quarantined
24
Rabies
0
384
Respectfully submitted,
CARL W. FLINT, Animal Inspector, Town of Acton.
127
THE TOWN OF ACTON
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF WIRES
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN:
I herewith submit my report as Inspector of Wires for the year ending December 31, 1961.
Two hundred seventy-eight permits were issued. The sum of two thousand three hundred five dollars and seventy-five cents, ($2,305.75) was collected in fees for these permits, and turned over to the Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted,
LESLIE F. PARKE, Inspector of Wires.
LFP/jp
1961 INSURANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
January 25, 1962
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN:
Acton, Massachusetts Gentlemen :
The principal change in the Town Insurance Program in 1961 was the recruiting of the Town Fire Insurance Schedule onto the New Public and Institutional Property form. The revision of coverage provides a single limit of $2,066,500.00, which equals 90% of the insurable values, and can be applied to any unit insured. The technical name is blanket coverage on Buildings and Contents.
The new contract requires an inspection of all qualified buildings annually by the New England Fire Insurance Rating Association, and quarterly inspection by Town officials for seeking out fire hazards. In recognition of these inspections the fire rate is reduced 25%, the extended coverage 40%, and the vandalism 50%. These rate credits have made it possible for the Town to buy extended coverage and vandalism protection at a reasonable cost.
This revision was completed in November, which upset the 1962 budget, because the new policy required more insurance than the old and much better protection, and hence, will increase the annual expenditure about $800.00, but this year it will seem like more because the anniver- sary date of the policies has been changed from April to November, which means that an extra six months of insurance must be paid for in one fiscal year.
128
226th ANNUAL REPORT OF
Another matter under consideration is the purchase of Public Lia- bility Insurance on certain Town Properties, and the activities of certain employees who, in the course of their duties, could accidentally cause injury to persons or property of citizens. The complete package will cost in the vicinity of $1,000.00. The Insurance Committee are aware that the Selectmen are giving this problem very serious consideration, but realize that the budget problems may not permit such an expenditure this year.
In September of 1961 the Town Employees were enrolled under a Plan of Group Life Insurance and a Revised Blue Cross - Blue Shield Plan under the authority of Chapter 32-B of the General Laws of Massa- chusetts, which Act was accepted by vote of the Town at the Annual Town Meeting in March of 1961. By this acceptance, the Town author- ized the Town to pay fifty percent of the cost of this insurance; the employees themselves pay the remaining fifty percent.
There were no other changes in the Town Insurance.
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID P. TINKER RAYMOND A. GALLANT CHARLES M. MACRAE THERON A. LOWDEN THOMAS MOTLEY, Chairman
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN:
I herewith submit the following report for 1961:
Board of Trustees
Richard Bodge Mrs. Florence Durkee
W. W. Forbes, M.D.
Frank Garbarino, Chairman
Dudley Howe
Roland MacLean Miss Florence Merriam Mrs. M. P. Moore
Marvin Tolf
Library Hours
Acton Memorial West Branch
Tuesday - Saturday (incl.) 1 - 6 P. M. and 7 - 9 P. M.
Tuesday 3 - 6 P. M. Thursday 6 - 8 P. M.
THE TOWN OF ACTON
129
Librarians Marian L. Piper
Marion M. Armstrong
Edna R. Custance
Ina Milbery - West Branch
Custodian Edna R. Custance
Accession
Number of Volumes in Library January 1, 1961
21,169
Increase by Purchase
1,298
Increase by Gift
197
Withdrawn
995
Number of Volumes in Library January 1, 1962
22,669
Circulation in 1961 :
Fiction
24,500
Non-fiction
10,988
Juvenile
17,269
Total
52,757
Circulation in 1960
50,145
Receipts
Fines
$866.52
Miscellaneous
15.50
Total
$882.02
The Trustees of the Library are working on a plan for long range expansion and have started buying $2,000.00 worth of children's books in addition to regular purchases. This has been done as a part of a pro- gram of improvement based on a study made by a State Department of Education Library representative. No added expense to the Town is incurred as bequested funds are available.
About five hundred new books have been acquired and put on the shelves. Another three or four hundred will be added. The selections have been made from picture books to eighth grade and include the popular classics, biographies, histories, science and some light reading.
Through the kindness of the employees of the Natick and Burling- ton plants of Radio Corporation of America, an additional one hundred and ten books for very young children were given to the Library in memory of Michele St. Lawrence.
My thanks to all who so kindly contributed books and magazines.
Respectfully submitted,
MARIAN L. PIPER. Librarian.
130
226th ANNUAL REPORT OF
REPORT OF THE MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN:
I herewith submit my report for the year 1961. A foliage spray was applied to all elms growing on town property. Wild cherry and apple trees along the street were also sprayed for tent caterpillars.
Our poison ivy control program was continued with emphasis around playgrounds and recreation areas.
We removed 42 diseased Elms in 1961. There are 10 diseased Elms remaining to be removed before April 1962.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANKLIN H. CHARTER, Moth Superintendent.
REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL BOARD
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN:
At a regular Town Meeting in March of 1961, the townspeople voted unanimously to appropriate a sum of money to be used to hire a consultant to check our programs of study in past years relative to salaries and wages, and to incorporate the wishes and feelings of the Personnel Board into a Town By-Law. This has been accomplished in the resulting By-Law which will appear as Article 4 on the 1962 Annual Town Meet- ing Warrant.
Respectfully submitted,
CLYDE HORNE, Chairman PETER GRAY EVERETT PARKER CHARLES WHITEHEAD JOHN DARGIN WARREN J. NEWELL, Clerk
131
THE TOWN OF ACTON
REPORT OF THE ACTON PLANNING BOARD - 1961
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN:
Gentlemen:
The year 1961 was another busy one for the Planning Board and was also one that offered much satisfaction to the members of the board, in that several programs and plans for the future development of the town that have long been in the preparation stage have been completed. The implementation of the recommendations of these studies will be one of the major activities of the board during the next few years.
The recommendations of hired consultants must be carefully studied by all the various boards and committees of the town, whenever their individual functions may be involved. Where it is deemed advisable, changes and modifications will be made based on the intimate knowledge of the town that these town officials have. The final responsibility for the future of the town, however, falls on all of the townspeople in their participation at public hearings and their votes at town meetings.
The Planning Board is of the opinion that one of its major functions should be to present reasonable and well thought out plans to the town for its action. This we feel can be best accomplished by the regular publication of all its activities and through public hearings. This we have done during the past year and expect to continue in the future.
The completed programs are as follows:
1. The comprehensive planning and study program which started in 1959 has been completed and will be published in January 1962. A summary of its major recommendations is elsewhere in the town report.
2. A complete Drainage study of the Fort Pond Brook area has been carried out.
The following Subdivisions were approved during the year:
Flagg Hill Estates, Section III, West Acton, Flagg Hill Estates Inc.
Evergreen Heights, off Newtown Road, Acton Center, Herbert L. Estabrook.
Brucewood Estates, Section III, J. F. Cahill Construction Co.
Meadowgreen, off School Street, South Acton, Merwin H. Craig. In addition to these approved subdivisions several more are in the preliminary stage at the present time.
The wisdom of the town's hiring a town engineer has been con- firmed many times during the past year. This has been especially true in the boards subdivision regulation. The value of his engineering advice on
132
226th ANNUAL REPORT OF
many subdivision problems during their consideration and inspection of the construction after approval, cannot be accurately measured in dollars but will be realized in the future maintenance costs of these new streets.
In the interest of better town government, the Planning Board makes the following recommendations, that:
1. The Town take positive steps toward the purchase of a suitable site for the consolidation of several departments now in need of adequate facilities. This would require a centrally located area to house the police department, the Highway department, and for the construction of additional Library facilities.
2. The Town again consider the employment of an administrative assistant.
3. The Town consider very seriously the recommendations of the comprehensive plan as they are presented for implementation at town meetings.
4. An energetic drainage program be carried out in the Fort Pond Brook water shed to postpone as long as possible the need for a town sewer system.
5. A traffic and parking study be made of the West Acton area with a view towards enhancing its value as the major mercantile center in the town.
6. The Board of Health consider the advisability of hiring a Sanitary Engineer on a part time or full time basis as the need is indicated. The Town Engineer might be used in this capacity on the trial basis.
7. The Building Inspector be put on a full time basis with addi- tional responsibilities such as Zoning By-Law, and Earth Removal By-Law enforcement.
We wish to thank the various Boards, Committees and Departments of the Town for their co-operation during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN H. LORING, Chairman CHARLES JUDD FARLEY DAVID P. TINKER DONALD E. DONNELLY, Clerk WILLIAM M. VEAZEY
THE TOWN OF ACTON
133
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN:
Acton, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my fifth annual report for the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1961. This report includes all arrests and prosecutions, report on motor vehicle accidents, bicycle registrations, houses checked, parking violations, defective equipment tags, telephone calls received and other items.
Arrests and Prosecutions for the following offenses:
Allowing Improper person to operate a motor vehicle
1
Assault
1
Assault and Battery
4
Assault and Battery on a Police Officer
1
Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon
1
Assault by means of a Dangerous Weapon
1
Carrying Firearm without a Permit
2
Carrying Weapon in motor vehicle
1
Dangerous Weapon in motor vehicle without a Permit
1
Disturbing the Peace
2
Drunk
24
Failing to display Number Plates
1
Failing to slow at Intersection
1
Failing to stop for Police Officer
1
False Alarm of Fire
1
Fugitive from Justice
1
Going away after Property Damage
2
Impeded Operation
1
Indecent Assault and Battery
2
Larceny
4
Law of the Road
4
Malicious injury to Property
3
No Inspection Sticker
5
No License in Possession
11
Non-Support
1
No Registration in Possession
1
Operating after revocation of license
3
Operating after suspension of license
3
Operating an Uninspected Motor Vehicle
4
Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle
3
Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle
3
Operating so as to Endanger
28
Operating Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor
18
134
226th ANNUAL REPORT OF
Operating without a License
2
Operating without Mud Flaps
1
Racing
1
Red Light Violation
15
School Bus Violation
7
Speeding
146
Spilling
1
Stop Sign Violation
47
Throwing Rubbish on Highway
2
Traffic Sign Violation
1
Unlawful Possession of Harmful Drugs
1
Unnecessary Noise with Motor Vehicle
2
Using Trailer without License
1
Uttering Check without Funds
2
Vagrancy
Violation of Sanitation Code
1
Delinquent Child - Assault and Battery with Dangerous Weapon
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