USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1962-1964 > Part 31
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Conant Park proposed extension of Acton Manor Chadwick Park off River Street Parker Village off Parker Street
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229th ANNUAL REPORT OF
Concordian Heights off School and River Streets
d) Preparation of Proposed Wet District Map.
e) Updating of Zoning Map
f) Assisting building inspector as necessary
g) Keeping and filing of all plans.
3) For the Board of Assessors:
a) Continued the development of the Tax Maps: 400 scale work sheets 100% complete
200 and 100 scale work sheets 86%
200 and 100 scale milars 66%
11
File cards 60%
4) For the Board of Health:
a) Determination of High Water Elevations for review of septic system designs.
5) For the School Committee:
a) Inspection of land for possible school sites.
6) For the Fire Department:
a) Updating and renewing of the department's town map.
7) For the Highway Department:
a) Field layout and grade of the following drainage projects: Central Street at Pearl Street Arlington Street at Spruce Street Forest Road at Whittier Drive Central Street at Nash Road Elm Street at Quaboag Road Main Street just south of Acton Center
In April of 1964 the Engineering Department lost the Assistant Town Engineer when Lewis Bowker resigned to accept the job of Town Engineer in Wayland.
In July of 1964 Fred K. Hanack, Town Engineer resigned to accept the job of Superintendent of Public Works in Dartmouth, Massachusetts.
In October of 1964 the Board of Selectmen hired John Dowd to assume the responsibilities of Town Engineer.
David Abbt has been hired by the Department as Engineering Assistant.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN J. DOWD Town Engineer
*
87
THE TOWN OF ACTON
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my thirty-second annual report of the Fire Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1964.
Total number of alarms responded to are as follows:
Residential.
18
Non-Residential.
1
Mercantile.
1
Manufacturing.
6
Miscellaneous.
4
Grass and Brush.
62
Automobile, etc
25
False Alarms.
13
Smoke scares and accidental alarms.
21
Accidents and emergencies.
19
Out of Town.
242
Loss to Buildings.
$ 28,065.00
Loss to Contents.
106,714.00
Loss to Automobiles
3,825.00
Total Loss
$138,604.00
Insurance Paid on Losses
133,767.75
Permits Issued:
Oil and Power Burners
104
Bottled Gas.
14
Blasting.
39
Open Air Fires.
1474
Inspections and investigations
1080
2711
Collected
Permits
$ 77.00
Station Rental.
745.00
Testing Water Mains
66.00
Labor Burning. .
25.00
Collected on accident
54.00
$967.00
The seven permanent firefighters started work last April and have proved very beneficial to the efficiency and operation of the department. We are now able to keep the apparatus, buildings and other equip- ment in first class condition. They will be very helpful in conducting school fire drills, inspections of mercantile, manufacturing, churches, schools and nursing homes, which will also acquaint them with the lay- out of these buildings to do a better job in case of fire. These men will also attend schools from time to time to better equip themselves.
Upon receiving the resignation of Fire Alarm Operator, Frederic W. Rimback, due to illness, it became necessary to employ new fire alarm operators. After much consideration and planning it was decided that
72
88
229th ANNUAL REPORT OF
the most economical and efficient way to take care of the required 24 hour service was to hire 3 men working a 24 hour on and 48 hours off shift. This system was installed the first of November and is working very satisfactorily. Not only do we have 24 hour coverage at one station, but I believe that people who have had the occasion to call the Department recently have discovered the difference in the response.
Article 12
This Article to replace the ladder truck at South Acton. A new truck has been ordered with delivery date in June, 1965. This will be a 75 foot aerial ladder, modern and up to date in every way.
Article 13
The fire alarm and boxes installed on Spruce Street and Kinsley Road.
Fire Alarm Boxes installed by Town or others:
Box # 12 on Concord Road @ Hosmer Street
Box #2212 on High Street @ Faulkner Hill Road
Box #2213 on High Street @ Valley Road
Box #2214 on High Street @ Traftons
Box #2215 on High Street @ Fletcher Cor.
Box # 228 on Independence Road Box #2228 on Broadway Street
Box #2512 on Piper Road
Box #2522 on Parker Street at Brookside Circle
Box #2526 on Lawsbrook Road @ Old Colony Lane
Box # 329 on Kinsley Road
Box #3442 on Spruce Street
Box # 353 on Hayward Road @ Captain Brown's Lane
1965 Program
Stabilization Fund -- $7,000.00 Fire Alarm Extension
Nash Road - One Box
Kelley Road & Beverly Road - One Box
New Cruiser for Fire Chief
Overhaul and Repair Engine #3
With the exception of Engine #3 which needs overhauling, the balance of the equipment is in good condition. Many minor repairs and adjust- ments have been taken care of this year by the full-time men on duty.
In closing, I wish to thank the fire fighters and auxilary for their co-operation throughout the year. I also wish to thank the Board of Selectmen, the Finance Committee, Personnel Board, 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. STUART MacGREGOR
89
THE TOWN OF ACTON
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE GOODNOW FUND For the year ending December 31, 1964 INVESTMENTS
Charlestown Savings Bank
Concord Co-operative Bank
$ 465.54 3,000.00
$3,465.54
RECEIPTS
Charlestown Savings Bank
19.76
Concord Co-operative Bank
120.94
140.70
EXPENDITURES
Treasurer of the Evangelical Church in Acton
120.70
Town of Acton for the perpetual care of
Goodnow Lot in Woodlawn Cemetery
20.00
140.70
Respectfully submitted, THELMA L. BOATMAN, TR. CLARK C. McELVEIN JAMES N. GATES
Trustees of Goodnow Fund
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
PERSONNEL
Resignations caused the following changes in personnel:
Resignations and Dates
Replaced By
Martin J. Duggan, R. N. July 1, 1964 Robert C. Heustis, R.S. Sept. 14, 1964
Dr. J. Huston Westover, M.D. Warren M. McFague
"Marty" Duggan has faithfully served the Town as a board member for many years (13 years) and as a part-time agent for the past seven years. Robert Heustis served as a board member for seven years and resigned in order to accept employment as Agent for the Board. Dr. Westover is a partner of Acton Medical Associates and known by most townspeople. Warren McFague is an administrative officer with the U. S. Public Health Service.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
The board, through its agent, town nurse, inspectors and contractors provides both supervisory and direct service in the areas of garbage collection, mosquito control, milk and food sanitation, housing, personal hygiene, health education, water supplies and sewage disposal. Account- able functions are as follows:
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229th ANNUAL REPORT OF
Inspections
Number
Food Handling Establishments
35
Nursing and Rest Homes
2
Schools and Kindergartens
13
Swimming Pools
4
Slaughtering Inspections
None
Nurse Visits for Sick Care
1,524
Maintaining Environmental Sanitation is one of the particular responsibilities of the Public Health Board. In a growing community, such as ours, problems must be met and anticipated particularly with reference to sewage disposal, milk and food sanitation, control of insects and animals that are disease carriers, and finally, control of nuisances. Part of this is accomplished by rigidly managed stipulative licensing of all new construction, and the other part necessitates the continued reinspection of operating facilities and of old properties constructed under previous sanitation rules. No community dare relax its health precautions because certain diseases such as typhoid, dysentery and encephalitis occur whenever appropriate safeguards are ignored. Similarly, the zoonoses or animal diseases, many of which can be transmitted to man, must be guarded against and controlled, including rabies, tuberculosis, brucellosis, trichinosis and numerous others. Prophylactic immunizations in the population must be main- tained to prevent tetanus, smallpox, whooping cough, diptheria and poliomyelitis. Hopefully, still more diseases can be fully controlled in the future by immunization techniques.
Related to the problem of health is the problem of community housekeeping. Old cars, tumbledown buildings, trash and ill-kept properties attract and provide a direct danger to children, and create breeding places for vermin and insects which may harm humans. Public spirit and responsibility which keep the town clean, tidy and attractive support the general attitude which needs to be both socially responsible and health-promoting. The Board of Health strongly wishes to promote excellent community housekeeping and solicits the support of all the people of the town. No health program will be fully successful without individual cooperation. The rewards for a good program, in health and happiness, are great.
NEW REGULATIONS
The State of Massachusetts has enacted three new regulations to be enforced by the Board.
1. Rules and Regulations relative to Eating and Drinking Establishments.
2. Rules and Regulations for Day Care Services for Children.
3. Article 6, Minimum Standards for Swimming Pools.
CLINICS
Clinics were conducted with the aid of State and local agencies, others with the co-operation of the School Department.
Dental examination and treatment clinics were conducted by Dr. McQueen, D.D.M. at his office.
91
THE TOWN OF ACTON
Clinics
No. of Persons
Amount Collected
Dental Clinic
85
$ 14.50
Diptheria-Tetanus Booster Program
384 (March)
159.50
435 (November)
Adult "Make-up" Polio Clinic
191 doses
26.50
Tuberculin Testing Clinic
34
none
T.B. X-Ray Clinic
237
70.10
Total Collected from Clinics
$270.60
MENTAL HEALTH
We are aware that communities share responsibility to bring modern and diagnosis treatment to those afflicted with mental illness. State and local agencies, as well as private psychiatrists, provide mental health care. Our community must, for the future be sure that services are both available and adequate. Further consideration may be given during the coming year to the possibility, now legally per .- missable, for the Town to help support certain area mental health facilities to help needy citizens.
Communicable Disease - Cases Reported
Chicken Pox
79
Infectious Hepatitis.
none
Infectious Mononucleosis
1
Measles 7 Day.
6
German Measles.
125
Mumps.
40
Salmonella Infections
1
Scarlet Fever.
10
Syphilis.
2
Gonorrhea
2
Tuberculosis (Committed). none
11 (Non-infectious). . . 4
Other Cases Reported
Dog Bites.
15
Cat Bite.
1
Total Cases
283
BIRTHS
Premature Births.
10
Births -reported in Acton. 1
DEATHS
Infant
none
Other
30
Mortality Rate
2.9 per 1000
92
229th ANNUAL REPORT OF
PERMITS, LICENSES AND FEES
Number Issued Total Collected
Burial Permits
30
Catering Permits
1
Kindergarten & Nursery Schools
8
Offal Transport.
9
Overnight Cabins and Camps
3
Massage License.
1
Methyl Alcohol.
11
Milk Store License.
25
Milk Dealers License.
12.
$ 110.50
Plumbing Permits
192.
2,095.50
Gas Permits.
165.
1,265.50
Sewage Works Permits.
865.00
New.
132
Repairs & Alterations
30
Paid Visits by Town Nurse 794.50
Total Transferred to Town Treasurer
$5,672.20
* Total Acton population estimated to be 10,500 persons.
Respectfully submitted,
JAY S. GRUMBLING P.E., Chairman J. HUSTON WESTOVER, M.D. WARREN McF AGUE
Board of Health
ROBERT C. HEUSTIS, R.S., Agent EILEEN F. HALE, R.N., Town Nurse
EDWARD J. HIGGINS Slaughtering Inspector
JOSEPH G. PERRY Plumbing Inspector
REPORT OF THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Although 1964 was not without disappointment to industrial devel- opment in Acton, it also had its bright aspects.
The decision of the managements of Brand-Rex and Technology Instrument Corporation to move their facilities out of Massachusetts was a hard one for Acton. The Industrial Development Commission contacted both concerns and was assured that their relationships with the Town were excellent and had nothing to do with their leaving. Although these vacancies do not cause any immediate loss of tax income to the Town, they do increase the amount of unused industrial real estate
Until the last day of the 1964 Legislative session, we thought we would be successful in having a portion of the Reformatory Farm re- turned to productive, private use. Our bill was passed by both the
93
THE TOWN OF ACTON
Senate and the House, but the Governor failed to sign it, thereby destroy- ing its passage under his pocket veto power. Representatives Eaton and Fletcher worked hard and fruitfully on this bill in the House and deserve the Town's gratitude.
We were happy to have twenty-four acres of land located on School Street rezoned for light industrial use. We hope to see building there in 1965. A development, intangible, but important, has been the better- ing of our relationships with those influential in attracting good industry to Acton. We are in weekly contact with industrial realtors, industrial location men of the public utilities and transportation companies, and location people from firms seeking industrial sites. Acton is well known to those who are working with industry in the search for new plant sites.
It seems to us that Acton is still paying the penalty of having a divided highway run through the Town without getting any of the benefits. Because we have no good available industrial land directly adjacent to Rte#2 we have again filed, through Representative John Eaton, a bill to have part of the Reformatory Farm released to private industrial use.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD J. O'NEIL
FREDERICK H. BUBIER
ALLEN M. CHRISTOFFERSON STEPHEN E. LORD
PAUL M. McPHERSON
RALPH C. MORSE
*
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Premises inspected
25
Cows
109
Young Cattle
26
Bulls
3
Beef Cattle
11
Swine
0
Sheep
9
Goats
0
Horses & Ponies
45
Dog Bites
45
Dogs Quarantined
45
Respectfully submitted, CARL W. FLINT
*
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF WIRES
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Two Hundred Twenty permits were issued. The sum of One Thou- sand Eight Hundred Fifty Two dollars and Forty Five cents, ($1,852.45) was collectedin fees for these permits, and turnedover to the Treasurer.
Respectfully submitted, LESLIE F. PARKE Inspector of Wires
94
229th ANNUAL REPORT OF
REPORT OF THE INSURANCE COMMITTEE
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
We have just submitted our budget for the year 1965 and are happy to announce that we have been able to reduce the requests for funds by approximately $1,000. over the previous year. This is partially due to the introduction of a deductible under the Fire Schedule earlier this year and partly because certain three year policies do not have an anniversary date during the coming year. There are certain additions that will have to be made in the course of the year and as nearly as we can see the additions will pertain to adding the new police station to the Fire Schedule, and we have made an allowance of an additional $52.00 for the Boiler Insurance in this same building.
In the area of recommendations we have two: One is that you increase the Property Damage Liability Limits for the Motor Vehicles belonging to the town from $5,000 to $10,000 at an increase cost esti- mated at $90.00. The costs of Motor Vehicles and other structures that can be damaged by motor vehicles have all increased gradually over the years and we strongly recommend that this increase be insti- tuted. We have made allowances for the payment of this premium in our budget for the coming year.
We have just received notice that a new statute has been passed in the State of Massachusetts requiring municipalities and towns to indemnify teachers and other town employees for their personal liabil- ity in case a student or other member of the public is injured as a result of their negligence. This is necessary because this type of personal liability falls in between all of the current commercial liability policies and the personal liability policies available to the teachers and employees. Insurance to protect the town in this area is available but it is too soon to know just what the solution will be, and as soon as we have definite recommendations in this area we will notify you. On October 5th, we notified the Superintendent of Schools of this legislation and shall hope that before very long we can have an answer for you. It should not involve a great deal of additional cost to the town but the former policy may have to be revised slightly to include coverage in the area operations of town employees rather than purely liability in connection with the ownership of town buildings which the present policy covers. Conceivably, this could increase the premium as much as $200. or $300. due to the change of form but it is so new that we did not feel it proper to include a definite budget request to provide this protection.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS MOTLEY RAYMOND A. GALLANT CHARLES M. MacRAE THERON LOWDEN
*
95
THE TOWN OF ACTON
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE ACTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
In 1964, the townspeople voted to bring adequate modern library facilities to Acton by building an addition to the Acton Memorial Library, a gift to the town in 1889 from Mr. William A. Wilde, which has served the town for three quarters of a century. Working drawings are nearing the final stages and ground will be broken in the spring. The new library facilities will be serving all of Acton in late 1965. This tremendously important project has required the thoughtful assis- tance and wholehearted cooperation of many public spirited citizens. The Board of Trustees wishes to express appreciation to members of the Finance Committee, the Building Committee, the School Committee, the Selectmen, the Friends of the Acton Libraries and the many other interested citizens who gave their support and encouragement.
The Trustees have filed application for Federal Aid to Libraries and have received favorable indications that Acton may receive a grant toward the improvement of the building currently planned.
Designs for the addition were only one of many activities for the Board of Trustees this year. There were twenty scheduled meetings in contrast with four meetings a year held not too many years ago. Service to the public was improved by increasing the number of hours the library is open by 14%.
The book collection has been strengthened by doubling to two hundred the number of books received under a rental plan which gives the library a constantly renewed selection of up to the minute, best selling fiction and non-fiction. Ninety per cent of these books are in circulation at all times, proving their popularity. Approximately one hundred reference books recommended by the American Library Assoc- iation were purchased including sets of Scientific, Historical and Bio- graphical Encyclopedias. Sixteen new subscriptions were added to our periodical collection. Two hundred thirty two books were added to our shelves by gifts from citizens of Acton. To all donors we express our thanks.
Reading lists for all public school grades, whenever provided, were considered in the purchase of books. The Trustees offer full co-operation with the schools and all other groups, in selecting books to best meet the wide fields of interest of our citizens of all ages. As new books were added to the library collection, our circulation increased, roughly doubling every five years. (In 1959, circulation was 44,052; in 1964, circulation was 87,750.) The Trustees commend our Library Staff for their service throughout the year as the increased demand for books has called for a greater effort on their part to serve the public well.
The Trustees have better defined and improved library policies and service objectives during the year. Papers were signed linking the Acton Memorial Library with the Eastern Massachusetts Regional Library System. When completely organized and staffed, the Regional System will make the resources of the larger public libraries in the Eastern section of Massachusetts easily available to the citizens of Acton at no extra cost. Our Staff has been improved through training opportunity at the University of New Hampshire. The Trustees and Staff have been represented at all major meetings of the Massachusetts Library Association.
96
229th ANNUAL REPORT OF
The Friends of the Acton Libraries have helped to improve library service by providing an average of ten hours of volunteer work per week. The Friends have, also, conducted story hours for pre-school and first grade children. Through the generosity of many people in donating copies of the National Geographic Magazine, the Friends were able to trade with book dealers until a complete set of National Geo- graphics from 1914 to date has been assembled and bound into per- manent covers.
The Acton Garden Club again provided beautiful floral arrangements, replaced each week. The Patrons, Staff and Trustees are especially grateful for this added touch of beauty.
A special recognition and appreciation is noted for the services of Mr. Richard Sawdo who has each week given his time and talent to expertly rebinding and repairing of worn but valuable books.
The Trustees accepted, with sincere regret, the resignation of Mr. Frank Garbarino. He had served the library for ten years as Trustee and was Chairman of the Board for three years. Mr. Garbarino was the first Trustee to recognize the need for additional space in the library. He did all of the original spade work in planning for the new building, finding facts and figures which were the basis for the new plans. The Trustees wish to thank him for his guidance and help throughout his years of service to the library and the town.
1964 has been a year of progress in many directions for the Acton Memorial Library. We look forward to even greater advances in library service to the town as the new year comes. The added facilities provided by the addition will result in a tremendously increased library opportunity offered to all citizens of Acton.
Respectfully submitted,
LOUISE GARDINER, Chairman RICHARD A. BODGE A. FRANK GARBARINO DUDLEY F. HOWE FLORENCE MERRIAM DORIS H. PETERSON RAYMOND A. SHAMEL MARVIN L. TOLF EARLE W. TUTTLE
Trustees
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
LIBRARY HOURS
Monday through Friday Saturday
1 - 6 and 7 - 9 P.M. 1 - 6 P.M.
97
THE TOWN OF ACTON
STAFF
Marian L. Piper, Librarian
Marion M. Armstrong, Library Assistant
Edna R. Custance, General Assistant
Frances Collins, General Assistant
Dorothy Reichle, General Assistant
Julie W. Custance, Custodian
ACCESSION
Number of volumes in the Library Jan. 1, 1964
20,633
Increase by purchase
1,771
Increase by gift Withdrawn
162
Number of volumes in the Library Jan. 1, 1965
22,474
Fines Collected in 1964
$2,054.49
CIRCULATION
1959
44,052
1963
1964
1960
50,145
Fiction
28,067
32,254
1961
52,757
Non-Fiction
15,154
19,756
1962
64,415
Juvenile
30,012
35,840
Total
73,233
87,850
Respectfully submitted,
MARIAN L. PIPER Librarian
REPORT OF THE CITIZENS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION OF WEST ACTON
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
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 in Library Jan. 1, 1964
5,212
Increase by purchase
78
Increase by gift
941
Withdrawn
480
Number of volumes in Library Jan. 1, 1965 5,751
232
98
229th ANNUAL REPORT OF
Circulation in 1964: Fiction Non-fiction Juvenile Total
Circulation in 1963:
1,694
1,351
2,853
5,898
4,643
Receipts
Fines and Miscellaneous
$116.01
Circulation in 1964 increased more than 25% over the previous year. A significant portion of the increase was in adult patronage, resulting from the fact that the library was open Monday nights for the first time through a full year. Good stocks of material from the var- ious school required reading lists were maintained and there was ex- tensive use of the library by students.
The Board of Trustees and I wish to thank the Friends of the Acton Libraries, the Acton Memorial Library and all individuals who have contributed books and magazines.
Respectfully submitted,
THELMA G. HERMES Librarian
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF MOTH WORK
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Department removed 54 diseased Elms this year on town pro- perty. There are about 10 remaining diseased Elms to be removed before April 1965.
A Foliage spray for the control of leaf feeding insects was applied in June. A private contractor was hired to do the work this year. A law was passed by the legislature requiring all applicators of pest- icides to be licensed. Your superintendent is the only member of the department holding a license at present.
Respectfully submitted, FRANKLIN H. CHARTER Superintendent of Moth Work
99
THE TOWN OF ACTON
REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL BOARD
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