USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > Town annual reports of Medfield 1960-1966 > Part 55
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The services rendered during 1965 are classified as follows:
Buildings
24
Woods and Grass
70
State Hospital
2
Public Dump
10
Automobiles
13
Rubbish
5
Boat
1
Gasoline Washdowns
3
Pumping Cellars
3
Filling Wells
9
Station Duty
12
Highway Accidents
3
Mutual Aid
6
Outside Assistance Called
2
False Alarms
8
Cat in Tree
4
Lock-outs
2
Fire Patrols
3
Reports Investigated
97
Oil Storgae Permits
57
Burning Permits
401
Blasting Permits
7
Building Inspections
12
In closing, I express my sincere thanks to Retired Chief Clark, the Officers and Men of the Department, all members of the Police Depart- ment, Fire Alarm Operators, and all other Town Departments who assisted us.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER F. REYNOLDS,
Chief
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TOWN OF MEDFIELD
1965
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION FOR 1965
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
During the year 1965 The Park and Recreation Commission pursued the following activities:
1. The operation and maintenance of a bathing beach and a Red Cross swimming instruction program for residents.
2. The operation of a Youth Center for the young people.
3. The upkeep of Medfield's Park and other properties under its jurisdiction as follows:
(a) Baxter Park
(b) Netacomet Field
(c) Baker's Pond Area
(d) Tennis Court on Adams Street
(e) Green Street property-the location of the swimming pond
4. Tennis instruction
Pond Statistics
Registrations-2,550
Receipts-$3,550.00
% Self-supporting-48%
Impact of remaining expense upon tax rate-11c
Pupils taught under Red Cross Program-725
Certificates Awarded-317
Projects Completed At the Pond
Pond completely drained and cleaned
Dock area doubled-now 170 feet
Cement Dam constructed in Vine Brook
New ropes supplied, creating ten 25-yard swimming lanes
New fence constructed at back of parking field
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ANNUAL REPORT
1965
Mr. Kingdon R. Watt, Jr. acted as Waterfront Director and Mrs. Frank McWilliams as Chief Swimming Instructor.
The Youth Center grew in stature and in size during the year to the extent that help was required from the School System for the use of Dale Street gymnasium. Some of the dances held on Saturday nights drew in excess of 400 young people, making the Town Hall site unsuitable. The Young People are planning a building of their own and have raised a substantial amount of money toward the project. Mr. Robert Capers acted as Chairman of the Adult Advisory Group and Mr. Daniel Wright as president of the Young Peoples' organization, which is doing its own planning and administers the affairs of the Youth Center. The total program is under the able care of Mr. O. Scott Fader, member of the Commission.
Mr. Merlon Spender was once again the successful bidder for the care and upkeep of the parks, and as usual he did an outstanding job. In addition to carrying out his regular duties under the contract, Mr. Spender donated materials and labor sufficient to construct a 100-foot fence at the back of the parking field at the Pond. He was also primarily responsible for our first attempt at Christmas decorations at Baxter Park. The tree itself was donated by Mr. Ellis Allan, and a portion of the ex- pense was borne by various service organizations, the balance being paid for by unexpended balances in our budget.
The Commission attempted to create a safe skating area at the loca- tion of the parking field at the swimming pond. At the year end the weather had not cooperated sufficiently to enable skating. A very small amount of money was expended and the outlook for success existed, al- though more dependent upon the weather than any other factor. Vanda- lism and carelessness were responsible for much of the delay, however, and unless there is better cooperation in early 1966, the project could fail completely.
Two Juniors from Medfield High School were once again chosen to act as youth representatives on the Park and Recreation Commission. Miss Paula Mastropieri and Mr. Joel Adams have attended our meet- ings regularly and have made welcome suggestions.
The Commission was pleased to grant increased use of the properties under its control. The Lions Club once again made use of Metacomet Field for its annual carnival, and new this year, the Girl Scouts enjoyed a one week day camp and the Boy Scouts a week-end overnight, at the location of the Swimming Pond.
The Park and Recreation Commission is much indebted to many individuals and service organizations for the success of its various
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TOWN OF MEDFIELD
1965
programs. To endeavor to mention them all might result in forgetting one, which would be unforgiveable. They all have our thanks, however, as do the other departments of the Town.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER FRANK, Chairman 0. SCOTT FADER FREDERICK H. LOADER HERBERT E. JOHNSON THOMAS W. McNEELEY, JR.
REPORT OF CONSERVATION COMMISSION
1965 has been a productive year for your Conservation Commission. The Commission, after many delays, received for the town, as a result of the tax title takings, 76.5 acres of land in various locations along the Stop and Charles Rivers. To date we have received in the form of gifts, 9 parcels of land along the same area.
We purchased for the town a "missing link piece of land", along the Charles River, which now makes possible the building of a trail on town owned land from Route 109 along the Charles to the Rhododendron Swamp. Your Commission has approximately 110 acres of land presently reserved for Conservation.
Our Conservation Fund has received a gift of $100 from the Medfield Garden Club. A "Tour of Holiday Houses" sponsored by the Hannah Adams Club and the Medfield Garden Club, resulted in an additional gift of $107.00.
We have been greatly encourage by the amount of land acquired to date and are confident more will be obtained by gift and tax title takings in 1966.
Respectfully submitted,
0. SCOTT FADER, Chairman MARIO PEDERZINI DOROTHY J. KANE THOMAS A. BLAKE E. AUGUSTA CAIN STANLEY SWAIM DANIEL HINKLEY
27
ANNUAL REPORT
1965
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The following is the report of the Board of Public Welfare for the year 1965.
As of October 15, 1965, Mr. Theodore Pederson resigned from the Board of Public Welfare because his business took him out of State. For his many years of untiring service as a valued member, this Board of Public Welfare wishes to thank Mr. Pederson and to wish him success in his new venture. Mr. John Lantz was appointed to fill this vacancy on November 16, 1965, until the next annual election.
A total of twenty-eight Old Age Assistance cases, forty-five Medical Assistance for the Aged cases, sixteen Aid To Families with Dependent Children cases, nine Disability cases and seven General Relief cases were administered. Fifty-eight applications were received and processed. Forty-four applications were approved for aid and fourteen applications were denied or withdrawn.
Aid rendered in all categories was as follows:
Old Age Assistance $19,465.00
Medical Assistance for the Aged
41,285.00
Aid to Families with Dependent Children
17,639.00
Disability Assistance 7,182.00
General Relief
4,417.00
Public Welfare is emphasizing total need; financial need, medical need, educational need, employment need, social need and emotional need. Service to our recipients to help satisfy the needs is the aim of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, the State Department of Public Welfare and the local administration. By service in these fields, with cooperation for our recipients, and better understanding in helping people help themselves, we aim to reduce dependency.
Outstanding legislation on the Federal level known as Medicare should help reduce our medical costs to our elderly. There will be in- creased Federal participation as of January 1, 1966 in all categories of assistance.
As of October 1, 1965 Social Security grants were increased from 1% to 7%. Leisure Time Activity to our Old Age Assistance recipients was increased on October 1, 1965 to $11.50 per month. Increased activity means increased administrative activities in reporting, recording and
28
TOWN OF MEDFIELD
1965
service. Those directly responsible for the administration of Public Welfare seek to give adequate service to recipients, according to State Standards, always keeping in mind the cost to the taxpayer.
Doris M. Carr, Director of Public Assistance and Helen E. Kennedy, Senior Clerk, have continued to serve this Board of Public Welfare com- mendably. For their able assistance during the year the Board wishes to publicly thank them.
In conclusion, for the excellent cooperation given this Board of Public Welfare by the Town Officials, Physicians and private business men, this Board of Public Welfare wishes to acknowledge its appreciation and to extend publicly their thanks.
Respectfully submitted, WARREN C. BOIS, Chairman MARION HENDERSON, Clerk JOHN LANTZ, Third Member
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Licenses have been issued to dealers selling or transporting Methyl 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 Contract was renewed, Collections were made twice a week in summer and once a week in winter.
The face of the dump has been cut down. At present the Board is proceeding on a semi land fill procedure and have had no complaints so far.
From time to time it is necessary to burn brush as it is a state re- quirement to burn old elm trees.
Plans have been formulated for three Immunization Clinics to be held in February, March and April, sponsored by the Visiting Nurses Associa- tion, the State Department of Health, and the Medfield Board of Health.
The Board is in contact with a professional Sanitarian who is quali- fied to inspect, and issue licenses to all establishments in Medfield handling or dispensing food. This service is required by Article X of the State Sanitary Code.
Respectfully submitted,
ALLISON CARR, Chairman MADELEINE HARDING CLAIRE H. SMITH
29
ANNUAL REPORT
1965
REPORT OF CIVIL DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Civil Defense Department has been very active this year in many areas. We have not been able to accomplish all that I had hoped, but many of the projects will be completed early in 1966.
The Auxiliary Police have contributed a total of twelve hundred and twenty-five hours to the Town this year. This time has been volunteered and worked with the regular police department, on desk duty, checking closed homes, traffic control and many other assignments. Holiday week- ends the members have put in long hours patroling in their own vehicles, equipped with the mobile civil defense radios. The Auxiliary members have been trained and are receiving refresher courses in conjunction with regular monthly meetings. These men are an asset to the Town of Med- field.
Moving the "Civil Defense Control Center" from the town hall to the basement of the Fire Station as recommended by the Corps of Engineers has been started. Some equipment acquired through the surplus property program has been installed. The necessary sheilding of the quarters is still pending the report of the Corps of Engineers.
Medfield has been able to participate in the Federal/State Surplus Property Program again this year on the merit of its active civil defense program. A total of $5,994.98 in property has been received for a total expenditure of $237.44. Much of this property is put to good use immedi- ately by the various town departments. Many items created for military use have been converted, through the ingenuity of the town personnel, to important useful equipment.
This Department has acquired a five ton truck with a walk in van type body which is being converted into an emergency wagon. The con- version is being done by businessmen and individuals donating their time and talents to this project.
With the appointment of a new Radio Officer and assistant, a new plan for radio communications has been filed with the State and Federal Civil Defense Departments. This action will reinstate our RACES com- munications program. Approval should be completed early in 1966. It will be necessary to invest some money in reliable radio equipment to implement this program. This radio network will tie the community into
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TOWN OF MEDFIELD
1965
the state network with the Sector Headquarters in Stoughton. We will also use it on the local level to augment our citizens band equipment.
This year is the first in many that we have not had a mock disaster drill. The great blackout gave us a good drill with reality. The members of the civil defense organization mustered quickly. The mechanical fail- ure of the generator at the town hall made it necessary for us to call upon auxiliary generating equipment in inventory, to provide power for the Police communications and light and heat for the town hall. A first aid station was established at the Fire Station and staffed with a doctor. The Fire and Police Departments and the Auxiliary Police responded with lights, batteries and personnel to rest homes, and homes of the elderly to assist them if necessary.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank the members of the town de- partments and the citizens who have supported the Civil Defense Organi- zation, especially those who are members. It is through their contribu- tions of time, and talents that Medfield has a nucleus ready to cope with emergencies created by man or nature.
Respectfully submitted,
AUSTIN C. BUCHANAN Director
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit the report of the Police Department of the Town of Medfield for the year ending December 31, 1965:
ACCIDENTS REPORTED
194
Fatal Accidents
3
AMBULANCE TRIPS
156
ANIMALS
Lost or Nuisances 283
Found and Owners Notified
88
Hit by Cars or Killed by Police
34
Persons Bitten by Animals 59
1965
ANNUAL REPORT
31
ARMED ROBBERY
1
ARRESTS
26
Assaults, Accosting, Threats
10
ASSISTANCE
Other Departments
338
Stranded Persons or Motorists
295
AUTOMOBILE VIOLATIONS
145
Moved Off Highway
87
Illegal Parking
43
School Bus Laws
6
License Suspensions and Revocations
51
Reported Stolen
2
Stolen Cars Recovered
3
BICYCLES REGISTERED (New) 147
BREAKING AND ENTERING 36
BURGLAR ALARMS ANSWERED AND TESTED 51
CIVIL MATTERS AND FAMILY TROUBLE
89
CLOSED HOMES CHECKED
385
COURT ATTENDANCE
144
DISTURBANCES
114
DOORS AND WINDOWS FOUND OPEN
351
DRUNKS 18
EMERGENCY CALLS
315
FIRES COVERED BY POLICE
122
FIRST AID BY POLICE
31
FUNERAL TRAFFIC COVERED 25
5
INVESTIGATIONS OF COMPLAINTS
Ours
1428
Other Departments
168
LARCENIES
103
INDECENT ACTIONS INVESTIGATED
MALICIOUS INJURY TO PROPERTY 104
32
TOWN OF MEDFIELD
1965
MALICIOUS MISCHIEF 28
MISSING PATIENTS FROM STATE HOSPITALS 98
Picked up by Police 18
MISSING PERSONS 24 Located by Police 22
MESSAGES RECEIVED 303
Delivered by Police 395
PERMITS ISSUED
Licenses to Carry Firearms 65
Firearms Dealers
2
Sunday Work-Emergency
21
PERSONAL PROPERTY REPORTED LOST Turned into Police 116
88
PERSONS COMMITTED TO INSTITUTIONS
19
PERSONS INJURED 148
PERSONS REGISTERED TO SOLICIT
54
PRISON ESCAPES COVERED 1
REPORTS OF PROWLERS 19
SPEEDING COMPLAINTS 31
STONE, GLASS OR RUBBISH ON HIGHWAY 42
STREET DEFECTS REPORTED BY POLICE 14
STREET LIGHTS REPORTED OUT BY POLICE 286
SUDDEN DEATHS INVESTIGATED 5
SUMMONS SERVED 259
SUSPICIOUS LIGHTS, CARS, PERSONS, ETC. 250
VIOLATIONS OF BY-LAWS, PERMITS OR REGULATIONS 11
WIRES DOWN 8
MOTOR VEHICLE TRANSFER
Class 1 and Class 2 41
MISCELLANEOUS 835
33
ANNUAL REPORT
1965
TRAFFIC:
This continues to be one of our greatest problems and is worsening each year on the Route roads 109 and 27. I am again recommending the installation of Traffic Control Lights at the intersection of Main, North and Pleasant Streets and Main and Spring Streets. Also that the Town accept the provisions of Chapter 409 of the Acts of 1962 (Pedestrian Con- trol Law). This may be accomplished before Main Street is to be resur- faced this year.
RADAR-TIMER:
I am again requesting the purchase of a Radar-Timer for use by the Police Department. I feel that this is now a necessity due to the new "No Fix" law where all complaints are either marked for Court or Warning. I do not feel that Estimated speed is a good yardstick to use in securing a Court Complaint.
PERSONNEL:
It is again recommended that another Officer be added to each shift and that the Fire Alarm System be handled by the Police Department. This would enable Police to keep better records, put the time into their investigations that they should and to have a man present in the station at all times when prisoners are locked up. Due to Supreme Court De- cisions of the past few years even the booking or questioning of a prison- er is becoming more technical and requires that an Officer not be dis- tracted while doing his job, by having to answer the phones, radio or other Police work.
POLICE SCHOOLS:
No Officer attended the State Police Academy this year but most all the Officers, Sergeants and Chief attended other Seminars or classes on subjects pertaining to Police Work. A sum of money will be requested this year to cover expenses in sending the Chief of Police to the F.B.I. National Academy in Washington, D.C. This is an intensive three month course.
AUXILIARY POLICE:
In 1965 Auxiliary Police Officers under Sergeant Iafolla contributed well over 1,000 hours of time in assisting the Regular Police on weekends, nights, in emergencies and in covering the Football Games and the Little League Ball Games. In addition they participated in the Mock Disaster Drill held in conjunction with the Medfield State Hospital.
3
34
TOWN OF MEDFIELD
1965
OTHER:
The Police Department also cooperated with the other Town Offices in collecting past due Excise Taxes by working with the Registry of Motor Vehicles in picking up registration plates of delinquents. They also conducted investigations into ownership of abandoned motor vehicles under the Town By-Law adopted in June 1965. This cooperation will be extended into 1966.
On behalf of the Police Officers, I wish to thank the State and Local Officials, Town of Medfield Department Heads and the Citizens of the Town, for the cooperation and assistance extended to the Police Depart- ment during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
ALLAN A. KINGSBURY
Chief of Police
REPORT OF OPERATION OF TOWN AMBULANCE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit the annual report for the Operation and Maintenance of the Town of Medfield Ambulance for the year ending December 31, 1965:
Ambulance made 156 trips in 1965. Mileage on Ambulance 34,103.
Total amount billed in 1965
$2,588.00
Receipts for 1965 bills
1,425.00
Outstanding bills 1965
1,163.00
Outstanding bills 1964
756.00
Outstanding bills 1963
450.00
Outstanding bills 1962
205.00
Outstanding bills 1961 45.00
Outstanding bills 1955-1960
845.00
Total Outstanding
$3,464.00
35
ANNUAL REPORT
1965
In August of 1965 we received delivery of the 1961 Cadillac Ambu- lance for which money was appropriated in December of 1964. A new pack-type resuscitator was purchased and installed and the old one was adapted for use in the Police Cruiser. I feel that Medfield now has an Ambulance which is practical and will be of service to us for several years.
It should be noted that persons who use the Ambulance are billed for this service and that amounts collected in a year cover the annual budget.
This year I am requesting that the rates paid the Ambulance At- tendants and the Administrator be increased as there has been no in- crease in the rates since the Service was started in 1955.
Respectfully submitted, ALLAN A. KINGSBURY
Chief of Police
REPORT OF THE MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
A permanent Master Plan Implementation Committee (MPIC), to be composed of 9 members appointed by the Moderator, was established by vote of the Town at the Special Town Meeting, June 28, 1965.
The purpose of MPIC is to assume responsibility for seeing that the Master Plan is put into effect. The committee is to work in conjunction with Town Officials, and is required to report to the Town each year as to what aspects pertaining to the Master Plan have been implemented during the preceeding year.
Authorization by the Town was carried out during 1965 for:
1. Acquisition of new wetlands along the Charles River. (Conserva- tion Commission)
2. Acquisition of property off Elm St. for future school use. (Future School Land Acquisition Committee)
36
TOWN OF MEDFIELD
1965
3. Renovation and enlargement of the Library. (Library Trustees)
4. Adoption of a Building Code for Medfield. (Planning Board)
5. Formation of a committee to study and locate a suitable site for construction of a town garage. (Selectmen)
6. Formation of a committee to study and report to the Town at a future Town Meeting a proposed creation of a Town Common and parking area. (Selectmen)
7. New water supply off Elm St. and new pipes, and a new sewage treatment plant of the "package type." (Water and Sewerage Board)
In addition to the above:
1. The League of Women Voters continue their work with the Charles River Plan.
2. The North St. School Study Committee concluded their work, and found the North St. School suitable for town offices.
3. Study continues on the relocation of Route 109. (Planning Board and Selectmen)
4. Mr. Daniel Hinkley has been elected to the newly formed Charles River Valley Watershed Association, comprised of towns border- ing the Charles, to conserve the water supply, wetlands and wild- life, and to combat pollution. (Conservation Commission)
MPIC has, in addition to supporting the above, a request from the Planning Board to undertake an apartment zoning study, and to report back to the Planning Board with its recommendations.
MPIC wishes to offer all Town Departments and Town Organizations its cooperation in any planned or proposed project which falls within the confines of the Medfield Master Plan, and hopes that all Departments and Organizations will feel free to ask for any help that MPIC might be able to offer, whether it be research, publicity, liason, etc.
Respectfully submitted,
BLANCHARD WARREN, Chairman and publicity MRS. GRACE P. RITCHIE, Secretary and publicity PAUL BOWSER
GORDON THOMAS, CBD and schools
WILLIAM BREED, Zoning
KENNETH BROCK, Zoning
DONALD OCKER, CBD
LEO KELLEY, Finance
ROBERT ALTMAN, Conservation and Recreation
Term expires 1966 Term expires 1968 Term expires 1966 Term expires 1968 Term expires 1967 Term expires 1967 Term expires 1967 Term expires 1968 Term expires 1966
37
ANNUAL REPORT
1965
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
We respectfully submit the following report on the Vine Lake Cemetery.
Due to the second year of extremely dry weather, the grass and its make-up has deteriorated to such a degree that, unless extensive applica- tion of fertilizer and lime are applied in the 1966 season, crab grass, witch grass, and weeds will take over and smother out the Kentucky and Blue grasses that were originally planted.
Section A-the Oldyard, must be heavily fertilized, and in many areas, grading and seeding should be done in 1966.
Section B through E will require a program of at least two appli- cations of fertilizer and one of lime in 1966.
Section F, the newest section, was built during another dry year and has never had enough fertilizer to grow properly. Due to the second dry season in succession, we find the root growth extremely shallow and full of crab and witch grass and weeds. This section in particular will require spectial attention in 1966.
Our mowing equipment is getting old. We have two rider-type mowers of 4 and 5 years old, and three smaller power mowers designed for one season of service, plus one of this same type, two years old.
We will need this year, one machine of the heavy duty rider-type and two smaller machines.
We were fortunate last year to receive as a gift, a heavy duty "Gravely" mowing machine. This machine is second-hand but will be of service to us in 1966.
We have made a little headway in the area around the pond and can forsee the completion of this project in two more seasons.
The road program, started so successfully in 1964, came to an abrupt halt in 1965, due to the over-expenditures of 1964.
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TOWN OF MEDFIELD
1965
We hope to move again this year and complete another section of this program. We are asking in a separate article, monies for this purpose.
We hope to move ahead in 1966 along the following lines: (1) a sec- tion of our roads to be hard surfaced, (2) another section of the pond completed and seeded, (3) preliminary plans for the next section G, (4) start a three year program for revitilizing the grasses in Section A - E.
In conclusion, it is the feeling of this commission that if the parents do a little "Boom-lowering" among the youngsters who delight in destroy- ing the irreplaceable property of others, the feeling would be much better when we see the children enjoying the fishing and skating that they now enjoy. The use of the cemetery as a short cut to their homes or to the homes of their pals would be less worrysome.
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