USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > Town annual reports of Medfield 1955-1959 > Part 11
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ARROW PRINTING Holliston, Massachusetts
SARY THT WET
TOWN OFFICERS
Moderator
Joseph S. Kennedy
Charles W. Keirstead
Treasurer
Orion Wight
Selectmen
Joseph A. Roberts Herbert B. Burr
Term expires 1957
Term expires 1958
Joseph L. Marcionette
Term expires 1959
Assessors
Carlton W. Kingsbury
Term expires 1957
Joseph S. Kennedy
Term expires 1958
Harry E. Conway
Term expires 1959
School Committee
*Henry R. DeForest
Term expires 1957
Mary B. Aylward
Term expires 1957
** Jeanne A. Bibby Term expires 1957
Leon M. Bowden
Term expires 1958
James T. Frame
Term expires 1959
Alton H. Hartford
Term expires 1959
Trustees of the Public Library
*Bertha H. Jefferson
Term expires 1957
Charles F. Woodard
Term expires 1957
** Hope Day .Term expires 1957
C. Munroe Clark
Term expires 1958
Mark Hollingsworth
Term expires 1958
Anne C. Donlan
Term expires 1959
Evelyn H. Byng
Term expires 1959
Collector of Taxes
Charles H. Rayner, Jr.
Term expires 1959
Board of Health
Madeleine I. Harding
Term expires 1957
A. Ritchey Stagg, M.D. Term expires 1958
Clarence M. Boyce
Term expires 1959
*Resigned
** Appointed to fill unexpired term
3
Town Clerk
Water and Sewer Commissioners
Harry R. Leighton John D. Williams
Term expires 1957
Term expires 1958
Myron H. Smith
Term expires 1959
Park and Planning Board
Charles C. Cain
Term expires 1957
Claire H. Smith
Term expires 1958
Roger E. Hardy
Term expires 1959
Everett J. Wills
Term expires 1960
Ernest L. Spencer
Term expires 1961
Board of Public Welfare
Theodore B. Pederson
Term expires 1957
William S. Farmer
Term expires 1958
Lawton B. Kingsbury
Term expires 1959
Tree Warden
Ellis N. Allen Term expires 1957
Constables (Terms expire 1957)
Nicholas N. Gugliotta George W. Kingsbury
John F. McCarthy
Police Officers
Nicholas N. Gugliotta Robert W. Brady George W. Kingsbury Allan A. Kingsbury
John F. McCarthy Francis E. Ryan Maurice P. Bouin
E. Nina Iafolla
Harvey M. Hamilton Robert B. Ripley
APPOINTMENTS MADE BY THE SELECTMEN Superintendent of Streets *Roy Owen W. E. McCarthy Superintendent of Moth Work Ellis N. Allen
*Resigned
4
Engineers of the Fire Department
Edgar W. Allen, Chief
Kenneth R. Clark, Assistant Chief
Field Drivers and Fence Viewers
Edgar W. Allen
Henry A. Kingsbury Fred C. Chick
Inspector of Animals
Carlton S. Cheney
Pound Keeper
William S. Blanchard
Dog Officer
George W. Kingsbury
Sealer of Weights and Measures J. Fred Whittier
Measurers of Wood and Bark
Dennis H. Lucey
Edgar W. Allen
Public Weigher
Samuel Gilmore
Forest Warden
Kenneth R. Clark
Keeper of the Lockup
Robert Brady Nicholas Gugliotta George Kingsbury Allan Kingsbury
E. Nina Iafolla John F. McCarthy Francis E. Ryan
Special Police Officers
Edgar W. Allen William S. Blanchard Thomas F. Clancy Ercolla Iafolla
Dennis H. Lucy Charles Mains
Earl A. Beaton Fred C. Chick Kenneth R. Clark Arthur V. Kennedy John W. Lynch John J. McGrath, Jr.
5
William H. Mann John D. Farrell Edwin Flaherty James E. Morris Robert K. McCarthy, Jr. George M. Hamilton Roy Owen Mario Pederzini H. Arnold Ripley Paul F. Seeley
Cornelius Mckeown Melvin J. Thibeau William A. Weiker Ralph A. Williamson Hans VonKnorr
John T. Grover William J. Marchand, Jr. Robert H. Fisher Donald Bouret Charles Garabedian Rodman C. Nowers Edwin Penniman Walter F. Reynolds Harold Ryan Ralph Sproul William H. McLin John E. Varnum J. Fred Whittier Earl Woodward
Town Accountant
Leslie J. Howlett Term expires 1959
Town Counsel
Joseph S. Kennedy
Veterans' Agent
Herbert B. Burr
Veterans' Director
Lawrence G. Rossi
Burial Agent Herbert B. Burr
Board of Registrars of Voters
Mary I. MairEtienne Anne Young Thomas F. Clancy
Term expires 1957 Term expires 1958 Term expires 1959
Building Inspector
Allison T. Carr
Acting Building Inspector Benjamin H. Brock
6
Plumbing Inspector
J. Roger Petrie
Wiring Inspector
Joseph F. Erskine
Acting Wiring Inspector John W. Goucher
Board of Appeals for Zoning
*Mark Hollingsworth *Leon H. Ballou, Jr.
Term expires 1957
Term expires 1958
*Ellen P. Crowell, Associate Member
Board of Appeals for Subdivision Control
*Benjamin H. Brock
Term expires 1957
*Henry A. Kingsbury Term expires 1958
*William F. Rogers, Jr. Term expires 1959
*Eugene G. Hoell, Associate Member
Board of Appeals Building By-Law
*Charles C. Cain *Norman H. Carlson *Winthrop Johnson *Everett J. Wills, Associate Member
Board of Appeals for Zoning, Subdivision Control
and Building By-Law
Paul E. Nyren William F. Rogers, Jr. Leon H. Ballou, Jr.
Term expires 1957
Term expires 1958 Term expires 1959
Ellen P. Crowell, Associate Member
Board of Appeals for Zoning-Enforcing Officer for Trailers
Allison T. Carr
*Resigned
7
Development and Industrial Commission
William F. Spang
Term expires 1957
James N. White
Term expires 1957
Robert Eburne
Term expires 1958
Paul E. Seeley
Term expires 1958
Charles H. Wood
Term expires 1959
Roger Hardy
Term expires 1959
Walter E. Anderson
Term expires 1960
Harry E. Conway
Term expires 1960
Gordon Yarlott
Term expires 1960
Frank G. Haley
Term expires 1961
Arthur L. Lewis
Term expires 1961
Director of Civil Defense Ralph A. Parmigiane Walter F. Reynolds, Jr., Assistant Director
Captain, Auxiliary Police
*William H. McLin
Liaison Officer, Flood Relief
William E. McCarthy
APPOINTMENTS MADE BY BOARD OF HEALTH
Slaughtering Inspector
Francis X. Maguire, V.M.D.
Board of Health Agent-Sewerage Regulation Allison T. Carr
APPOINTMENTS MADE BY THE MODERATOR
Finance Committee
*George W. Ferris ** Frederick W. Blinn Term expires 1957
Term expires 1957
John F. Bradstreet Term expires 1957
8
Rossiter R. Holt
Term expires 1957
Term expires 1958
Martin P. Craven Robert L. Coulter William F. Mittendorf
Term expires 1958
Term expires 1958 J. Edwin Daniels Term expires 1959 Richard T. Kennett
Term expires 1959
William B. Frothingham
Term expires 1959
APPOINTMENT MADE BY TREASURER Marie N. Burke, Assistant Treasurer
APPOINTMENT MADE BY COLLECTOR Doris M. Rayner
*Resigned
** Appointed to fill unexpired term
9
DEPARTMENTAL
REPORTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1956
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
The Board was organized on March 6th at 7:00 P.M. with Joseph A. Roberts, Chairman; Herbert B. Burr, Clerk, and Joseph L. Marcionette, third member.
Regular meetings were held on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 P.M. throughout the year in addition to many executive sessions and ground meetings.
Space will not permit a complete discussion of all the Selectmen's activities but a report of the more important ones follows.
HIGHWAYS: Chapter 90 Construction of High Street.
In 1954 the State alloted $10,000.00, the County alloted $5,000.00 and the Town appropriated $5,000.00 to start the reconstruction of High Street between Medfield and Walpole. Because the amount was too little to start construction, the funds were carried over by a Memoran- dum of Agreement until 1955. In 1955 the same amounts were made available, making the total amount $40,000.00.
The specifications called for work on about 2700 feet of the street. Approximately 1750 feet to be completed, 455 feet of advance fill and 530 feet of advance cut.
The Department of Public Works who draws the specifications, advertises and opens the bids, notified the Board of Selectmen on June 28, 1955, that the bids were as follows:
Northeastern Construction Co. $43,169.25
Manning Construction Co. 48,048.00
William P. Capone Corp. 48,955.00
The Department recommended and notified the lowest bidder of the award of the contract.
Allowance for traffic officers and contingencies in addition to the contractor's price brought the total amount required to $46,829.21. Since the amount available was $6,829.21 less than the amount required the work was reduced by eliminating the finished surface and some advanced drainage that will be installed with the next section.
Although the final payment has not been made to the Contractor, it is anticipated that the cost will be less than $40,000.00.
In 1956 the State alloted $15,000.00, the County alloted $5,000.00, and the Town appropriated $5,000.00, a total of $25,000.00 for the con- tinuation of the work. It was felt that it was more practical and eco- nomical to carry over the 1956 funds and use them with funds obtained in 1957. It is hoped that the funds will be sufficient to complete the
13
highway between Granite and Forest Streets (3000') and to install about 1200 feet of advanced drainage to the brook that flows into Stuart's Pond.
The distance between Forest Street and the Walpole line is 3600 feet and, although construction plans are not available, it is estimated that it will be 1961 before the highway is completed to the Walpole line if the present rate of obtaining funds prevails.
The last section from Plain Street to the Walpole line will have to be incorporated in one contract with the Town of Walpole since each terminus is a dead end.
Because Chapter 90 Construction will undoubtedly continue for a period of many years, it is felt by the Selectmen that the voters will be interested in a background of the procedure of the program.
Therefore, the following brief account of the steps in their chrono- logical order is presented.
In the Fall of each year the Commissioner of Public Works holds a hearing in the Court House at Dedham in conjunction with the County Commissioners. At that time the selectmen of the towns present the projects and the amounts requested to accomplish them.
Before the Town Meeting the Department notifies the Town of the disposition of its requests and the amounts alloted.
At the Town Meeting the Town's share is appropriated. After the Town Meeting the Town Clerk forwards two certified copies of the vote to the Department and the Director of Accounts.
The Department discusses the general problems with the local officials and then proceeds to make the engineering surveys and draw the specifications. The specifications are advertised by the Department and publicly opened by them. Local officials are then notified of the bids with the Department's recommendation that the lowest bidder be awarded the contract and further that the contractor has been so noti- fied and that the contracts are being prepared by them.
The Selectmen, in behalf of the Town, sign the contract with the construction contractor and one with the Department of Public Works which includes the contract with the construction contractor.
Included in the contract is the estimates of the Department of Pub- lic Works of the amounts of every item of construction. The contractor bids on the basis of the item cost, as well as the total cost of the quantity. The resident engineer keeps a record of all quantities of work done. If there is less of the item than was estimated he is paid only for the quantity at the item price; if the amount is greater than estimated he is paid for the quantity at the unit price.
14
Periodically the resident engineer submits work done to date to the Engineer of his district.
The quantities are checked against the amounts estimated and are sent to the Department in Boston for further verification. The Commissioner and Associate Commissioners certifies an itemized amount of work completed with a recommendation and authorization to pay the contractor a part of it.
Since the town has originally borrowed the State and County share the County and State reimburses the town from time to time as the work progresses. The amounts reimbursed discharge the loan. Pay- ments are made to the contractor upon proper authorization and in turn the town receives payments from the County and State until the road is completed and final payments are made.
CHAPTER 90-MAIN STREET WIDENING. In 1955 Main Street was widened to the County line from Spring Street to Park Street with funds obtained from the State, County, and Town.
In 1956 the State alloted $1200.00, the County $600.00 and the Town appropriated $600.00 for the widening of Main Street from Pleas- ant Street as far as the Congregational Church. The total of $2400.00 has been carried over by agreement with the Department of Public Works until 1957.
This year $1400.00 has been requested of the State, $700.00 of the County, providing the Town appropriates $1200.00. An extra $500.00 is included in the Town's share to pay for straight curbing to be set in front of the Congregational Church. The State will not participate in the cost of the straight curbing.
The total amount available for this widening will be $5700.00 and will be completed this year.
CHAPTER 718. In September of 1956 the Legislature passed Chapter 718 which is entitled "An Act Providing for An Accelerated Highway Program." Fifteen million dollars was apportioned among the cities and towns according to a formula. Medfield's allotment was $11,758.59.
The funds can be used only for the original construction, extension, or widening of public ways including sidewalks.
The Selectmen and the Department of Public Works are of the opinion that the best project for the application of the funds is the continued widening of Main Street between Miller Street and Park Street.
The Town must vote to raise and appropriate the funds but the
15
action of the Town will not affect the tax rate because the Town will have received its payment from the State in advance and it must be used as an estimated receipt by the Assessors in computing the tax rate.
STREET RELOCATIONS. In the past the Selectmen have dis- cussed the need for the relocation of many of our ancient ways and yet some misunderstanding still prevails.
The existing public ways of the Town constitute the framework around which the future will be built; recreational facilities, homes and developments, and business and industrial areas. The opportunity exists now to take the land necessary with a minimum of hardship to the adjoining homes and a minimum of costs for land damages. As homes are built along the public ways the opportunity to provide for adequate roads will be decreased due to the costs involved.
With the lost opportunity to acquire the land that will be needed to straighten and widen the roads as conditions may require, will also be lost the qualifications necessary to obtain State, County, and prob- ably Federal participating funds for roads that do not meet their design standards.
It is equally essential that the people understand the need for acquiring land upon which they will construct their roads as it is to understand the need for acquiring the land upon which to build their schools, public buildings, and recreational areas of the future.
TURNPIKE BRIDGE. Turnpike Bridge, so called, which crosses the Charles River on Main Street, Route 109 at the Millis-Medfield line was built in 1909.
The travelled way of the bridge is only twenty-three feet, four inches wide which is further reduced by two-foot gutters on either side and the approach grades on either side are 3.30% both of which cause a dangerous condition of travel.
The Selectmen of Millis and Medfield petitioned the Department of Public Works to survey the bridge and to consider widening it.
On November 21, 1956, the Selectmen received a letter from the Department of Public Works stating that the widening of the bridge and the rebuilding of the approaches have been included in its construction program. It is expected that the bridge will be completed sometime during the summer of 1957.
POLICE. On November 30, 1955, the last Chief of Police reached the retirement age. In the previous July an examination was given to establish a list to fill the vacancy. Bceause of an appeal no list of eligibility could be established until January 1956.
16
The three officers who passed the examination have been employed as inter-mittent officers rather than full-time officers.
Because the selection of a chief of police will be one that will, under normal circumstances, continue for a period of approximately thirty years, the Selectmen feel that before making a decision they should be certain that it will be the one that will meet the approval of the inhabitants of the Town, not only for the present but during the full tenure of office.
PURCHASING AGENT. By Article 55 of the Annual Town Meet- ing of 1956, the Town voted to authorize the Selectmen to enter into a contract for consultive services available to the several officers, com- mittees and boards of the Town in the purchase of supplies, materials, equipment and commodities and appropriated $225.00 to meet the cost of the service.
The several departments and boards have cooperated with the Purchasing Agent to the fullest extent. In reply to an inquiry to all departments, the departments have reported that savings were not realized.
Considerable number of calls have been made, correspondence sent and time consumed in attempting to save money. Since it is evident that it has cost money in attempting to save it the Board does not recommend that the contract be renewed.
In conclusion, the Selectmen wish to thank all the Town officials with whom they have had the pleasure of working during the past year. Particularly deserving of commendation are the many officials who contribute without remuneration their time to the interests of the Town.
It continues to be an honor to serve the citizens of the Town and to have had the opportunity of assisting them in the many problems that have arisen during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH A. ROBERTS HERBERT B. BURR JOSEPH L. MARCIONETTE
Board of Selectmen
17
REPORT OF THE FIRE ENGINEERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Fire Engineers hereby submit their report for the year ending December 31, 1956.
There were 76 fires reported and classified as follows:
Brush
20
Grass
15
Woods
10
Automobiles
4
Buildings
4
Incinerators
3
Public Dump
3
Electrical
3
Oil Burners
2
False Alarms
2
Gasoline
1
Smoking in Bed
1
Out of Town
1
Miscellaneous
6
also one resuscitator call.
The apparatus, although some of it is quite old, is in good working condition and the equipment and supplies are also in good condition.
We wish to thank the townspeople for their cooperation in obtain- ing permits for outdoor fires.
Respectfully submitted,
EDGAR W. ALLEN KENNETH R. CLARK Fire Engineers
REPORT OF THE VETERANS' AGENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen:
Financial assistance during the first six months of 1956 was more of a requirement than during the latter part of the year. The principal reason being temporary lay-offs because of seasonal unemployment. Applications were made by Veterans, and their dependents, of World
18
War II and The Korean Emergency. However, no applications were received from veterans or their dependents of World War I.
After proper authorization from the Office of the Commissioner of Veterans' Services, State House, Boston, Mass., the town of Medfield receives one-half of the amount expended on settled cases and the full amount expended on unsettled cases.
All applicants are granted financial assistance after a complete investigation by the Veterans' Agent of the veteran and/or dependents and they are found to be in need.
Financial Report
Veterans' Benefits
Appropriation
Expenditures:
Ordinary Benefits
$869.87
Fuel
140.00
Medical
24.89
Total
$1,034.76
Transferred Article 4
Special Town Meeting Nov. 26, 1956
1,500.00
Balance to Revenue
465.24
$3,000.00
Administration
Appropriation
200.00
General Expenses
$175.96
Balance to Revenue
24.04
200.00
The total amount of revenue from the State of Massachusetts, for this category, for the period August 1955 to March 1956 inclusive, as their share of the expenditure on Veterans' Benefits was $594.80. These payments were received April 5, 1956 to December 17, 1956 and sent to the Treasurer of the Town of Medfield.
At a future date, I would recommend that the Office of Veterans' Agent be separated from the Board of Selectmen and be combined with the Director of Veterans' Services. In my contacts with the Veterans' Agents of the neighboring towns, I find that the Veterans' Agent and Director are one. In Medfield a member of the Board of Selectmen acts as Veterans' Agent and the Director of Veterans' Services is appointed at a salary. I believe that with an increase in salary, the Director of Veterans' Services could handle the two offices.
Respectfully submitted,
HERBERT B. BURR,
Veterans' Agent
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$3,000.00
REPORT OF VETERANS' SERVICE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
During the year 1956, veterans and their dependents were assisted with information, forms, etc., as listed below:
Pensions
8
Compensation
5
Civil Service
5
Education
9
State Bonus
10
Hospitalization
13
Medical
5
Dental
3
Insurance
11
Miscellaneous
23
Loans (G.I.)
13
Veterans' Benefits
1
Real Estate Tax Abatement
6
Headstone
3
Burial Allowance
2
Income Questionaire
7
Veterans' Administration Forms for any benefit are available to veterans and their dependents at this office.
Respectfully submitted,
LAWRENCE G. ROSSI,
Director
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
January 8, 1957
The following is the report of the Board of Public Welfare for the year 1956.
A total of 45 Old Age Assistance cases, 4 Aid to Dependent Chil- dren cases, 5 Disability Assistance cases and 6 General Relief cases were administered. Seventeen applications for aid were received during the year. Fifteen were found eligible, approved and aid was rendered. Two were denied.
20
Aid rendered to recipients in all categories was as follows:
Old Age Assistance
$43,433.83
Aid to Dependent Children
4,305.41
Disability Assistance
4,844.19
General Relief
1,415.80
Monies paid out to other towns in behalf of Medfield settled cases in all categories was $1,219.15.
The constantly rising medical costs, a problem to everyone, is an ever present and serious problem in Public Welfare. The waning years of life are most often the years of high medical costs. Seventy-five per cent of our recipients are over 65 years of age. As administrators of local, state and federal funds, we should be and are seriously concerned with this problem.
During the year 1956 two major changes were effected:
One: Due to the rising cost of living, our State Standard Budget Adjustment was increased from 14.2 to 20% over the State Standard Budget as of July 1, 1956.
Two: Under the Social Security Act, federal reimbursement in Old Age Assistance, Aid to Dependent Children and Disability Assistance to cities and towns was increased. This increase aver- ages approximately $4.00 per case.
For their able assistance during the year, the Board wish to pub- licly thank Helen E. Kennedy, Senior Clerk, and Doris M. Carr, Agent, who have continued to serve this Board of Public Welfare com- mendably.
In conclusion, for their excellent cooperation during the year 1956 this Board of Public Welfare wishes to acknowledge its appreciation and to publicly thank the Town Officials, Doctors and private business men.
Respectfully submitted,
THEODORE B. PEDERSON, Chairman WILLIAM S. FARMER, Clerk LAWTON B. KINGSBURY, Third Member
21
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
We hereby respectfully submit our Report of the Board of Health for the year ending December 31, 1956.
We have issued licenses to dealers selling, buying or transporting Methyl Alcohol or Wood Alcohol, so-called, or any preparation other than Shellac or Varnish; the manufacturing of Ice Cream; and a license to Funeral Directors for the establishment and maintaining of a Funeral Home.
The garbage collection contract was renewed and collections were made twice a week during the summer months and once a week during the winter months.
The Medfield School Dental Clinic is under the supervision of the Board of Health and all children in the elementary building were examined. Treatment has been started on all children desiring work at the clinic.
There is one patient at the Norfolk County Hospital for Tubercu- losis, and one at the Rutland State Sanitorium.
The number of communicable diseases reported to the Board of Health we are certain does not reflect the actual number of cases. Please bear in mind also that it is the responsibility of the family to report this in writing to the Board of Health.
There were five Polio Vaccine Clinics held during the year and we expect to continue the polio vaccine immunization program through the end of this school year and after that we will follow the recom- mendations of the State Board of Health.
During the year several complaints were taken care of by members of the board.
Respectfully submitted,
A. RITCHEY STAGG, M.D., Chairman CLARENCE BOYCE MADELEINE HARDING Board of Health
ยท
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I hereby submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1956. The dogs known to have bitten persons were quarantined and
22
released at the end of the quarantine period.
Order No. 53, relative to the interstate shipment of cattle, was received, copies of which were filed with the Town Clerk and posted.
In the annual inspection there were 164 cattle, 58 horses, 2 goats, 2 sheep, and 105 swine.
The animals showed no signs of contagious diseases and the premises were found in a satisfactory condition.
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