Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1962-1964, Part 31

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 31


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Conant Park proposed extension of Acton Manor Chadwick Park off River Street Parker Village off Parker Street


86


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


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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:


90


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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