Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1962-1964, Part 21

Author: Acton (Mass.)
Publication date: 1962
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 578


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1962-1964 > Part 21


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107


THE TOWN OF ACTON


results of this survey, only about 10% of the land area of the Town of Acton is suitable.


5. The pollution of Fort Pond Brook is caused by inadequately treated household sewage.


6. School construction and other municipal buildings will not be located where needed but where land is adequate for sewage disposal and then at excessive costs for individual unit waste disposal systems.


When are the problems in household sewage disposal systems going to need relief by a Town Sewerage System?


1. The average life of a household sewage disposal system is considered to be from 10 to 15 years.


2. Failures in household systems will increase as more individual sys- tems are constructed; soils will become saturated and unable to receive ad- ditional waste water. This condition is especially prevalent in the Spring season of the year.


3. Failures in household sewage disposal systems, for which repair permits were issued, have increased each year since 1960. In 1963, 40 permits were issued representing a 90% increase over 1962.


4. All failures are not reported, but at the rate reflected in the records the minimum number expected in 1970 would be 140.


5. It is the opinion of the Board of Health that most failures in house- hold sewage disposal systems by the year 1970 will be beyond repair and that Town Sewage disposal will be necessary to serve the Fort Pond Drainage area.


Why the need for a sewerage study now?


1. The cost of repairs to househould sewage disposal systems aver- ages about $700 to the homeowner. On the basis of repair permits issued since 1960 this means that about $68,000 has been spent for temporary im- provements to private sewage disposal systems. In the year 1970, the total costs to individual homeowners could be $100,000.


2. With the assistance of the Federal Government the individual home- owner can be used to support an organized transition from household systems to a permanent Town sewerage system.


3. A plan for constructing Town sewers and a sewage treatment plant will require Federal, State and local approval which will take time. The Town should have time and take time to consider this construction.


4. Cost estimates for a sewerage system will enable the Town to con- sider finances well in advance of the time construction would begin.


5. Land could be purchased and designated as a sewage treatment plant site before other development encroaches on the area or otherwise causes the cost of purchase to increase.


6. Easements could be obtained over the route of the proposed trunk sewers to prevent excessive damages or detours at the time of construction.


7. Schools and municipal buildings could be located where needed and programmed for construction or expansion when sewer services are pro- vided.


8. By using the federal funds that Towns are encouraged to use, Acton will be able to plan for the years ahead and make use of the information at no cost to the Town until actual construction is undertaken.


The Board has held regular meetings every second and fourth Monday of each month. Whenever necessary special meetings were held. Visitors are always welcome to attend these meetings.


108


228th ANNUAL REPORT OF


During the year regular inspections of schools, food handling establish- ments, milk dealers, kindergartens, nursery schools, rest homes, etc., have been made.


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 Diptheria and Tetanus immunizations, Dental clinic, Tuberculin clinic and Dog rabies immunization.


A Sabin (Oral) Polio Vaccine Clinic was held in January, March and May, with a mass make-up clinic held in June.


Total receipts from all these clinics were . $1,081.90


Total receipts were returned to the General Fund.


We have had no cases of T B in hospitals at present. The Middlesex - County Sanatorium at Waltham provides a clinic for free chest X-Ray. The Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 1 to 4:45 p.m. and on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 6:30 to 8. p.m. It is suggested that people take advantage of this free clinic.


The Board of Health has worked constantly for health standards through- out the community.


The Town provides a garbage collection. No rubbish collection is pro- vided; however, the Town maintains a Dump for the convenience of the resi- dents of Acton.


We would appreciate all communicable diseases be reported either by an attending physician or the householder. (Chapter 111 General Laws of Massachusetts).


There were 337 cases of contagious disease reported during the year 1963.


Cases Reported:


Scarlet fever and strepto throat 31


Chicken Pox


151


Measles


3


German Measles 8


Dog Bites 18


Mumps . 121


Infectious Hepatitis


Tuberculosis .


-


Infectious Mononucleosis 1


Salmonella 2


Syphilis


2


There were 13 premature births reported during 1963.


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 the guidance of a physician. She may be reached by calling the Board of Health Office CO 3-4736.


109


THE TOWN OF ACTON


The following permits and licenses were issued:


Sewage disposal permits


new construction 139


repairs or alterations 45


Total amount collected for these $ 920.00


Plumbing permits issued .


179


Total amount collected for these


$1,937.60


Offal transport permits 7


Catering permits 1


Overnight cabins and camps. 3


Methyl alcohol permits . 10


Kindergarten & Nursery School 8


Store Milk License


23


Milk Dealers License


11


Massage license


1


Total amount collected for these $ 75.50


Nursing and Rest Homes inspected 2


Eating and Food dispensing establishments inspected . 20


Burial permits issued


64


Amount collected from Town Nurse $ 821.25


Total amount received and deposited with the Town Treasurer for year ending December 31, 1963 $4,836.25


The Board of Health wishes to thank all those who contributed to its progress for the year 1963.


Respectfully submitted,


ROBERT C. HEUSTIS, R.S., Chairman MARTIN J. DUGGAN, R.N., Member JAY S. GRUMBLING, Member


REPORT OF THE TOWN NURSE


To The Board of Health:


I hereby submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1963.


Total number of visits made include paid and unpaid calls. . . 1,710


Visits include: Old Age Persons, persons receiving general, medical or disability relief. Aid to dependent children, and


Veterans on aid and their dependents . 870 calls


Paid calls ($1.00 fee per visit) 825


Saturday, Sunday and Holiday calls 105


110


228th ANNUAL REPORT OF


Public Health Clinics held during the year in cooperation with the School Department are:


17. . . . Dental Clinics were held at Dr. McQueen's office.


811 . Tuberculin Tests were done in November, with 11 (eleven positive reactors in Grades 1, 4, 7, and 11).


Diptheria Clinics ... with boosters of Diptheria and Tetanus for Grades 1, 5, and 9 were given.


The Board of Health conducted a Sabin (Oral) Polio Vaccine Program of Types I, II and III for preschool, school and adults 11,580 doses


We wish to thank everyone who volunteered to work for these clinics. It was appreciated very much.


We were pleased to have two students from the Burbank Hospital School of Nursing during the year, for their Public Health Training period of eight weeks each.


Kindergarten, playground and scout camp inspections . . . 17


Total amount of fees received and turned over to the $821.25 Town Treasurer


I wish to thank all those who assisted me during the year.


Respectfully submitted,


EILEEN H. HALE, Town Nurse


REPORT OF THE SLAUGHTERING INSPECTOR


To The Board of Health Acton, Massachusetts


There were no cases of slaughtering reported during the year 1963.


EDWARD J. HIGGINS,


Inspector of Slaughtering


REPORT OF THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:


In early 1963 and for the third successive year, Rep. Vernon L. Fletcher filed a bill in the Legislature in our behalf which would have directed the Department of Correction to turn over to the Town of Acton 125 industrially- zoned acres of Concord Reformatory farmland lying along the south side of Route 2. The several details concerning this proposal have been discussed in previous reports. Suffice it to say, this effort was once again defeated. During our negotiations with the Department of Correction, however, the Superintendent of the Reformatory stated that he would be willing to release something in excess of 25 acres to the Town; this acreage also lies along the


111


THE TOWN OF ACTON


south side of Route 2, adjacent to Hosmer Street. Rep. Fletcher has there- fore filed a bill for 1964 legislative consideration along these lines, and "hope springs eternal".


At a recent Special Town Meeting, an article was defeated by a small margin which would have rezoned from residential to industrial use approxi- mately 25 acres fronting on School Street but abutting the 25 acre Reforma- tory plot noted above. Both the Planning Board and this Commission recom- mended the rezoning, and its defeat is traced by some to the fact that no guarantees existed concerning the specific use to which the land might be put. (Of course, it should be remarked that no such guarantees exist on any pres- ent industrial land nor, as a matter of fact, do they exist concerning the type of residential housing which might conceivably be built on this very same land). With this in mind, the Planning Board will again recommend rezoning at the Annual Town Meeting but will also recommend the creation of a Light Industrial zoning classification restricting the types of industries which may be located in such a zone. It is into such a zone that the land in question would be placed, and this Commission will again support the rezoning. Al- though there are many acres of industrially-zoned land in Acton, it becomes more apparent with each passing year that desirable features are missing in many cases. It cannot be emphasized too strongly that land along or close to Route 2 has the characteristics necessary to attract top-notch industry.


In other areas, we have received several inquiries - both by mail and by personal visit - concerning available land and available plant space. Because we have catalogued all present industrial land as well as all known available plant space, we can easily provide the names of owners to be contacted by mail or, in fact, escort the prospect to the site. Significantly enough, we have been ifnormed more than once in recent months that asking prices for land in Acton tend to be too high considering what we have to offer.


As we write this report, one company engaged in light manufacturing of precision instruments is very actively seeking to locate in Acton. This com- pany has already been placed in contact with several land owners and with a present company in Acton which may wish to build for lease on its own ex- cess land area.


We expect shortly to have available a small brochure outlining Acton's assets and this brochure will be made available to Chambers of Commerce, Departments of Commerce, industrial realtors, industrial developers, and the like.


As we have in the past, may we again note that our meetings are in the Town Hall at 8:00 P.M. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month and are open to all.


ALLEN M. CHRISTOFFERSON PAUL H. LESURE STEPHEN E. LORD PAUL M. McPHERSON FREDERICK H. BUBIER, Clerk RICHARD J. O'NEIL, Chairman


112


228th ANNUAL REPORT OF


REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS


To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:


Acton, Massachusetts


Gentlemen:


I herewith submit my report for the year ending 1963.


Premises Inspected 24


Cows ..


124


Young Cattle


11


Bulls


3


Beef Cattle


1.5


Swine .


0


Sheep


9


Goats


0


Horses & Ponies


40


Dog bites


38


Dog quarantined .


38


Respectfully submitted,


CARL W. FLINT


Animal Inspector


REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF WIRES


To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:


Acton, Massachusetts


I herewith submit my report as Inspector of Wires for the year ending December 31, 1963.


Two Hundred Sixty Four permits were issued. The sum of One Thousand Nine Hundred Forty Four dollars and seventy five cents, ($1,944.75) was collected in fees for these permits and turned over to the Treasurer.


Respectfully submitted,


LESLIE F. PARKE


Inspector of Wires


REPORT OF THE INSURANCE COMMITTEE


To The Honorable Board of Selectmen: Acton, Massachusetts


Gentlemen:


The Annual Report of the Insurance Committee for 1963 is marked for its brevity. The only change in the program has been the addition of Public Liability insurance on Town Buildings in accordance with Article 63 of the Annual Town Meeting in March. It is hoped that this insurance may be broadened to include the other operations of the Town government and to include property damage liability so that claims of property owners can be honored.


113


THE TOWN OF ACTON


In the past, broken water mains and the work of the Highway Department or it's contractors have caused damage that could have been paid by an in- surance carrier and a study should be made to see if these and other inci- dents will justify the purchase of additional insurance.


You have before you a proposal to consider the advisability of putting a $1,000. deductible on the Fire Schedule. When action is taken on this pro- posal, all of the major recommendations of the Insurance Committee will have been completed.


The only major change in the insurance budget for 1964 is reflected in item 111, Workmen's Compensation. This represents no change of coverage but an expected loss of a very favorable experience credit due to one serious outstanding claim and a general increase of rates that will become effective February 1, 1964.


Respectfully submitted,


DAVID P. TINKER RAYMOND A. GALLANT CHARLES M. MacRAE THERON LOWDEN THOMAS MOTLEY, Chairman


LIBRARIAN'S REPORT


To The Honorable Board of Selectmen: Acton, Massachusetts


I herewith submit the following report for 1963.


Board of Trustees


Richard A. Bodge A. Frank Garbarino


Louise M. Gardiner Dudley F. Howe, Chairman


Roland R. MacLean


Florence Merriman Raymond A. Shamel Marvin L. Tolf Earle W. Tuttle


Library Hours effective Jan. 1, 1964


Monday through Friday


Saturday


1 - 6 P.M. and 7 - 9 P.M. 1 - 6 P.M.


Staff


Marian L. Piper


Librarian


Marion M. Armstrong


Edna R. Custance


Julie W. Custance


Library Assistant General Assistant Custodian


114


228th ANNUAL REPORT OF


Accession


Number of Volumes in Library January 1, 1963 Increase by purchase Increase by gift Withdrawn


22,015


1,379


182


2,943


Number of Volumes in Library January 1, 1964


20,633


Circulation in 1963:


Fiction


28,067


Non-fiction


15,154


Juvenile


30,012


Total


73,233


Circulation in 1962


64,415


Increase in circulation over 1962


8,818


Receipts


Fines and miscellaneous


$1,390.87


During the past year the Library has incorporated several new features to make our facilities more convenient and attractive to our patrons. A tele- phone has been installed, a new charge-out system has been put in operation and the McNaughton "Lend-lease" plan has been initiated. This plan does away with outright purchase and processing of the books. The Library con- tracts for a loan of a specified number of copies sufficient to meet the de - mand and excess books are returned in exchange for newer ones as they are published.


The Friends of the Acton Libraries have been most helpful and coopera- tive. They have purchased several new books for the Library and also given many used books. The Garden Club has provided a beautiful flower arrange- ment each week which has been a delight to all. The League of Women Voters set up an attractive display recognizing United Nations week. The Girl Scouts presented us with a fine selection of Scout books in memory of Mrs. Myrtle Pettingell. To those organizations and to each individual who has given us books or magazines we extend a sincere "thank you". To the conscientious, faithful and most cooperative Board of Trustees I extend a personal thank you.


Respectfully submitted,


MARIAN L. PIPER


Librarian


115


THE TOWN OF ACTON


REPORT OF THE CITIZENS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION OF WEST ACTON To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:


I herewith submit the following report for 1963:


Board of Trustees


James Kinsley Barbara Nylander, Chairman Percival Wood, Secretary


Library Hours:


Monday, 7 - 9 P.M.


Tuesday, 3 - 6 P.M.


Thursday, 3 - 5 P.M.


Thelma G. Hermes


Librarian


Accession


Number of Volumes January 1, 1963


3,652


Increase by Purchase


23


Increase by Gift Withdrawn


102


Number of Volumes in Library January 1, 1964


5,212


Circulation in 1963:


Fiction


1,049


Non-fiction


766


Juvenile


2,828


Total


4,643


Circulation in 1962:


2,302


Receipts


Fines


$109.63


The first year of the Citizens Library Association of West Acton opera- ting as a Town of Acton public library was one of active growth. The trust- ees and librarian were pleased that the number of books circulated in 1963 doubled the figures of the previous twelve months.


The interest and support of the following was deeply appreciated: Friends of the Acton Libraries, Acton Memorial Library, Friendship Society, West Acton Baptist Church, League of Women Voters, Acton Girl Scouts, and local residents.


Respectfully submitted, THELMA G. HERMES Librarian


1,639


116


228th ANNUAL REPORT OF


REPORT OF THE MOTH SUPERINTENDENT


To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:


I herewith submit my report for the year 1963. A Foliage Spray for the control of the elm leaf beetle was applied to the Elm trees in June this year. Wild cherry and apple trees growing along the streets were also sprayed for the control of tent caterpillers and canker worms.


We removed 35 diseased Elms in 1963. There are about 15 diseased Elms to be removed before April 1964.


Respectfully submitted, FRANKLIN H. CHARTER Moth Superintendent


IN MEMORIAM


Peter Gray


Appointed to original Personnel Board in 1956 and continued until his death.


REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL BOARD


To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:


The necessary changes in the by-laws because of the new fire depart- ment setup incorporating permanent men were worked out. The desire on the part of all concerned for maintaining the status of the call fire depart- ment resulted in this work taking much longer than originally estimated.


The Personnel Board is recommending a general increase for all town employees of five per cent. It is our feeling that this should be granted to maintain the favorable level of Acton in relation to other towns.


During this past year a set of standard personnel forms were developed and accepted. These will be used by all departments.


The Personnel Board and the town suffered a severe loss in the untimely death of Peter Gray. Mr. Gray had served on the Personnel Board longer than any other member and his help to the town cannot be measured.


The Personnel Board has met with department heads on problems as they have arisen.


Respectfully submitted, CLYDE J. HORNE, Chairman WARREN S. NEWELL WILBUR J. TOLMAN WILLIAM H. KEMP, Secretary


117


THE TOWN OF ACTON


REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD


To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:


The year 1963 has been an active one for the Planning Board. In addi- tion to the regular meetings of the Board held the first and third Tuesdays of each month in the Acton Center Fire Station, many additional meetings have been necessary.


The Attorney General approved the zoning changes December 13th that were voted by the Town at its special meeting of October 20th. The prepara- tion of these changes was the main activity of the Planning Board this year.


The administration of the Subdivision Control Law was a close second to the zoning changes. We found the subdividers anxious to cooperate in work- ing toward the continuance of our subdivision standards.


New subdivisions offered during the year were:


James Carrig


Meadow Land of Acton


North Acton


Ervin D. Putnam


Meadow Brook Subdivision


South Acton


Jenks Homes, Inc.


Minuteman Ridge


West Acton


M. & L. Building Corp.


Faulkner Hill Estates


South Acton


Bellows Farms, Inc.


Brookview Subdivision


North Acton South Acton


Kennedy Brothers Milldam Trust


Parker Village


Houghton Park


West Acton


Flagg Hill Estates, Inc.


Flagg Hill Subdivision, Section IV


West Acton


Frederick W. Abbt


Acton Estates


East Acton


Milldam Trust


Hamblin Park


South Acton


Gerald Leone


Town House Acres


South Acton


As in the past the Board has made on-the-ground inspections with the Town Engineers to check subdivision layouts, inspecting roads up for Town acceptance, and viewing our ever-present drainage problems.


We have consulted with Mr. Charles A. Downe on several occasions during the year. In making many of our decisions, we have used the com- prehensive Town Plan as a guide and by keeping in contact with Mr. Downe, we have kept this very valuable source of information to the Planning Board and the Town Consultant up to date.


In February, Donald E. Donnelly resigned from the Board and Calvin M. Farnsworth of Acton Center was appointed. In turn, Mr. Farnsworth moved out of state and tendered his resignation. Arthur P. Charbonneau of Acton Center was appointed to complete his term. The Board wishes to thank both Mr. Donnelly and Mr. Farnsworth for their counsel while members of the Board.


During the year the Planning Board has met with the Boards of Select- men, Health, Finance, and the Industrial Commission on various mutual problems. The Town Engineer is present at all Planning Board meetings. We feel there should be more of these joint meetings.


In the interest of better Town Government the Planning Board makes the following recommendations: That


1. The Town employ legal counsel for all Town Boards who should be available for Board meetings when asked and telephone counsel at any time.


118


228th ANNUAL REPORT OF


2. The Town again considers the employment of an administrative assistant to the Selectmen.


3. The practice of a special Town Meeting in the fall, preferably in November, be continued.


4. The Industrial Section of the Zoning By-law be amended to make two Industrial Districts


General Industrial I-1 Light Industrial I-2


The I-2 District limiting production to light manufacturing.


5. The possibility of some form of Flood Plain Zoning to protect Fort Pond Brook and Nashoba Brook and their water sheds to postpone as long as possible the need for sewerage and to keep them as beauty spots in the Town.


6. A quarterly meeting of all Boards be called by the Selectmen to discuss their problems thereby making for better communication between the various Town Boards.


We wish to thank the various Boards, Committees, and Departments of the Town for their cooperation during the past year.


Respectfully submitted,


DAVID P. TINKER, Chairman ARTHUR P. CHARBONNEAU C. JUDD FARLEY JOHN H. LORING WILLIAM M. VEAZEY


Acton Planning Board


REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT


To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:


Acton, Massachusetts


Gentlemen:


I herewith submit my seventh annual report for the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1963. 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:


Accosting and Annoying


1


Adultery .


1


Allowing an Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle 1


Assault and Battery 8


Assault with a dangerous Weapon


1


Assault with Intent to Rape


1


Attaching Plates


6


Begetting


2


Defective Brakes


1


THE TOWN OF ACTON


119


Delivering Alcoholic Beverages to a Minor.


1


Disturbance at School


1


Drunk 27


Exploding Fireworks


1


Failing to Mark Motor Vehicle to Show Ownership


1


Failing to Report an Accident


1


Failing to Slow at Intersection


1


Failing to Stop for a Police Officer


1


False Representation to Obtain Drugs


1


Fornication


1


Fraudulent Check


1


Fugitive from Justice


2


Giving False Name to a Police Officer .


1


Going away, after causing Personal Injury


2


Going away, after causing Property Damage


5


Hiring a Minor to Operate a Motor Vehicle .


1


Illegal Turning.


2


Indecent Assault and Battery


1


Indecent Exposure


2


Larceny .


13


Law of the Road .


5


Lewd and Lascivious Speech and Behavior


5


Loaning License.


1


Manslaughter


1


No License in Possession


22


Non-Support


5


No Registration in Possession


5


Obscene Materials


1


Operating after Suspension of License


5


Operating an Uninspected Motor Vehicle.


15


Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle .


13


Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle


14


Operating Motor Vehicle without Lights


2


Operating So as to Endanger


35


Operating Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor.


18


Parking Violation .


1


Possession of Burglarious Tools


1


Possession of Explosives without a Permit .


1


Red Light .


20


School Bus Violations


12


Speeding .


212


Spilling.


4


Stop Sign.


37 1


Towing Unregistered Motor Vehicle.


3


Trespassing


1


Trucking on Sunday.


4


Wrong way on One way Street


1


Delinquent Child - Arson


3


Delinquent Child - Attaching Plates .


2 .




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