USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Mendon > Town annual reports of the officers of Mendon, Massachusetts 1943-1947 > Part 6
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Gentlemen :-
The Fire Department answered eleven alarms in 1944, as follows :
5 Building Fires.
3 Auto and Truck Fires.
2 Chimney Fires.
1 Rubbish Fire.
Total estimated damage, $5,264.00.
A Phomaire nozzle and a Carbon-Dioxide extinguisher were purchased this year to combat airplane, auto, gasoline and all oil fires.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD F. LOWELL, Chief, EDWARD T. WHITING, NORRY J. DAIGE,
Fire Engineers.
60
REPORT OF THE FOREST WARDEN.
January 1, 1945.
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN :-
Gentlemen :-
This Department answered twenty (20) alarms in 1944, burning over approximately thirty (30) acres of brush and woodland and three (3) acres of grass.
Two fires came in from other Towns and one was caused by children and matches, but seventeen (17) were caused by carelessness.
LET'S NOT BE CARELESS IN 1945.
The Forest Fire Fighters Service (F.F.F.S.) were active again this year.
Please remember, "PERMITS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL OPEN AIR FIRES, UNLESS THE GROUND IS SUB- STANTIALLY COVERED WITH SNOW", and the F.F.F.S. are on the watch.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD F. LOWELL,
Forest Warden.
61
TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE REPORT.
Mendon, Mass., January 1, 1945.
TO THE SELECMEN OF MENDON :-
Gentlemen :--
There were nineteen hundred (1900) Red pines and nine hundred (900) White pine seedlings set out at the Town forest. The committee wish to take this opportunity to thank all who gave their time and energy in the planting of these trees.
The well on the property was cleaned out which made drinking water available.
The Boy Scouts and other groups from Town enjoyed outings and weinie roasts at various times during the season. Fifty dollars for rent of land on which the Tower stands was received from the Department of Conservation.
The committee are working on plans to further the use- fulness of the Forest and it is hoped that groups from Town will avail themselves the privileges of this site.
Respectfully submitted, HAROLD F. LOWELL, CHARLES F. LEONARD, NORRY J. DAIGE,
Town Forest Committee.
62
COLLECTOR'S REPORT. 1944.
1942 PROPERTY TAXES.
DR.
Taxes outstanding, Jan. 1, 1944
$300 79
Interest 3 15
$303 94
CR.
Paid Treasurer
$291 14
Tax taking credit
12 80
Uncollected
00
$303 94
1943 POLL TAXES.
DR.
Taxes outstanding, Jan. 1, 1944
$4 00
Interest
30
Demands
70
$5 00
CR.
Paid Treasurer
$5 00
Uncollected
00
$5 00
1943 EXCISE TAXES.
DR.
Total taxes outstanding, Jan. 1, 1944 $64 24
Interest 56
$64 80
63
CR.
Paid Treasurer
$56 44
Abated
8 36
Uncollected
00
$64 80
DR.
1943 taxes committed, Jan. 17, 1944 ... $28 91
Interest
20
$29 11
CR.
Paid Treasurer
$26 20
Abated
2 91
Uncollected
00
$29 11
1943 PROPERTY TAXES.
DR.
Taxes outstanding, Jan. 1, 1944 $4,873 68
Interest
143 70
Tax taking costs
5 50
$5,022 88
CR.
Paid Treasurer
$4,982 47
Tax taking credit
12 00
Abated
28 41
Uncollected
00
$5,022 88
1944 POLL TAXES.
DR.
Taxes committed, including omitted assessments of March 31, and July 26, 1944 $928 00
64
Interest
54
Demands
17 15
$945 69
CR.
Paid Treasurer
$729 69
Abated
216 00
$945 69
1944 EXCISE TAXES.
DR.
First commitment, April 25, 1944 $1,237 18
Interest 95
$1,238 13
CR.
Paid Treasurer
$1,225 70
Abated
8 84
Uncollected
3 59
$1,238 13
DR.
Second commitment, June 28, 1944
$468 75 19
Interest
$468 94
CR.
Paid Treasurer
$459 62
Uncollected
9 32
$468 94
DR.
Third commitment, Sept. 12, 1944
$70 11
Interest ..
01
$70 12
65
CR.
Paid Treasurer
$70 12 00
Uncollected
$70 12
DR.
Fourth commitment, Nov. 8, 1944
$60 06
Interest
01
$60 07
CR.
Paid Treasurer
$50 07
Uncollected
10 00
$60 07
DR.
Fifth commitment, Dec. 9, 1944 $12 00
$12 00
CR.
Paid Treasurer
$2 00
Uncollected
10 00
$12 00
1944 PROPERTY TAXES.
DR.
Total Personal and Real estate taxes
committed
$41,197 69
Special Warrant to estate
155 58
Interest
16 84
$41,370 11
CR.
Paid Treasurer $36,719 20 Abated 573 52 ,
Subsequent tax title credit
94 25
Uncollected
3,983 14
- $41,370 11
Total tax refunds for 1944
$45 07
Respectfully submitted, ARTHUR P. DALTON, Collector of Taxes.
January 1, 1945.
67
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE.
TEMPORARY AID.
RESOURCES.
Town Appropriation
$3,000 00
Expended
$1,870 09
Unexpended
1,129 91
$3,000 00
DETAILED EXPENDITURES. MENDON SETTLED CASES.
One person in own home
$239 03
One person in own home
87 35
One family in own home
80 00
One family in own home
22 50
$428 88
CASE WITH SETTLEMENT IN QUESTION.
One family in own home
$467 00
$467 00
CASES WITH NO SETTLEMENT, CHARGEABLE TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF. WELFARE.
One person in own home
$198 48
One person in own home
18 00
One family in own home
750 23
$966 71
68
MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES.
Boston Council of Social Agency, Social
Index
$5 50
Mass. Welfare Agents' Association,
dues
2 00
$7 50
PROPORTIONATE SHARE OF ABOVE EXPENSES.
State of Massachusetts
$966 71
Mendon's share
903 38
$1,870 09
Respectfully submitted, SILAS H. DUDLEY, Chairman, ROY A. BARROWS, D. VICTOR SMITH,
Board of Public Welfare.
I
69
REPORT OF AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN.
Town Appropriation
$1,000 00
Federal Grant 150 00
$1,150 00
Expended :
Direct Aid
$376 00
Unexpended
$774 00
DISTRIBUTION OF ABOVE AMOUNTS.
Federal Government
$188 00
State
125 33
Town share
62 67
$376 00
AIDED TWO CASES IN 1944.
Amounts due Town, State for November
and December
$42 00
Federal Government for November
and December
63 00
$105 00
ADMINISTRATION.
January 1, cash on hand
$5 64
Expended
00
Unexpended
$5 64
Respectfully submitted,
ROY A. BARROWS,
Agent.
70
REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE.
Resources :
Appropriation by Town $10,500 00
Received from Federal Grant 7,994 80
Total Resources
$18,494 80
Expenditures $17,116 44
Unexpended
1,378 36
- $18,494 80
Administration Federal Grant :
Received from Federal Grant
$361 70 Expended $273 36
Unexpended 88 34
$361 70
January 1, 1944 we were aiding 41 persons. December 31, 1944 there were 34 on our list.
Money received from State from July,
1943 to August, 1944, inclusive .... $6,669 46
Due Town on Old Age Assistance Accounts :
State of Massachusetts from September
to December 31, 1944 $1,650 04
Federal Government, November and December, 1944 1,225 60
Town of Holliston
10 00
Total Due Town
$2,885 64
71
Distributions of Expenditures :
Federal Government
$7,816 08
State of Massachusetts
6,200 24
Town of Mendon
3,100 12
$17,116 44
Amounts Due Town of Mendon:
Federal Government for November
and December, 1944
$1,225 60
State of Massachusetts, September to
December 31, 1944
1,651 04
Town of Holliston
10 00
$2,886 64
Respectfully submitted,
ROY A. BARROWS,
Agent.
72
REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE TAFT PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Appropriation
$525 00
Expenditures :
William Bowen, wood
$16 50
Worcester Sub. Electric Co. 15 12
Verena R. Daley, Librarian 225 00
Personal Book Shop., Inc., books
64 61
Barney Coal Co., fuel
30 78
Gaylord Bros., Inc.
13 80
A. N. Marquis Co., Who's. Who
17 50
Tomlinson of High Point
5 00
Nancy Dudley, janitor
39 00
Raymond Daley, janitor
13 00
M. M. Goodnow, repairs to heater
9 63
American Library Association, dues
3 00
H. W. Wilson Co., books 7 75
R. B. Dalrymple, care of lawn
3 72
Nina M. Burr, magazines 55 25
Uxbridge Printing Co., printing
5 00
Balance
$524 66 34
FLETCHER FUND.
Balance
$5,247 99
Personal Book Shop, books
120 49
Balance
$5,127 50
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD T. WHITING, Finance Committee.
73
SIXTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE TAFT PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The Trustees of the Taft Public Library present the report of the Librarian and financial report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1944.
We accepted with sincere regret the resignation of Mrs. Nancy Dudley as janitor as of October 1st. Raymond Daley accepted the janitorship until a new janitor is appointed. The Trustees feel it necessary to raise the salary to $100.00
The Hopedal Bancroft Memorial Library gave several books which will be of great value to our Library.
The Library steps are in bad repair and we are asking for an appropriation to have new brick steps installed this year.
Respectfully submitted,
D. VICTOR SMITH, GEORGE F. LEE, PERCY ROWE, MRS. LENA W. GEORGE, EDWARD T. WHITING, Secretary,
Library Trustees.
74
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT.
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE TAFT PUBLIC LIBRARY :---
The circulation for the year (100 days) was 9,951 vol- umes. The largest given out in one day was 157, the smallest 52, the average 99. The circulation by classes was as follows : Fiction, 6,808; Magazines, 2,462; Biography, 166; Travel, 95; History, 226; Literature, 42; Useful and Fine Arts, 75; Sci- ence, 29; All others, 48.
There are 9,665 volumes in the Library. 198 were added this year. 41 were bought by the town, 78 with the Fletcher Fund, and 79 were gifts.
The library subscribes to the American Magazine, Ameri- can Home, Atlantic Monthly, Better Homes and Gardens, Boys' Life, Child's Life, Country Gentlemen, Colliers', Good Housekeeping, Instructor, Ladies' Home Journal, Life, McCalls', Red Book, Saturday Evening Post, and Woman's Home Companion.
$18.71 was received in fines during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
VERENA R. DALEY,
January 1, 1945.
Librarian.
75
TOWN WATER SURVEY AND REPORT OF POST-WAR PLANNING COMMITTEE.
-
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Mendon, Mass.
Dear Sirs:
I am sending you herewith report on public water supply system, which I hope you will find in form and substance ade- quate for your immediate purposes.
I believe the estimated construction and operating costs are safe. The cost of the system per person served is com- paratively high, because of the present prices of material and labor, and also because of the necessary length of main per person served. On the other hand, the present interest rate is very low, and the annual fixed charges are no greater than they would have been twenty years ago on a system costing one-half as much but paying 4 per cent interest, as would have been the case at that time.
I have refrained from any remarks about the obvious need of a water supply in Mendon-from the standpoint of health, convenience, fire protection, resulting reduction in in- surance rates, increased attractiveness as a residential area, etc.
As you must realize, the source of supply cannot be final- ly determined without an investigation of subsurface condi- tions by exploratory wells and pump tests, and if you should
76
decide to proceed further with the project, the next step is this definite investigation of supply conditions.
Yours very truly,
F. A. BARBOUR.
July 6, 1944.
Silas H. Dudley Roy A. Barrows
D. Victor Smith
Board of Selectmen Mendon, Massachusetts
Dear Sirs :
The following report presents the results of a preliminary investigation made to determine the economic feasibility of a public water supply in Mendon. The answer obviously de- pends on the cost, and this in turn on the population to be served, the necessary yield and location of a suitable supply, and the capacity and length of the distribution system re- quired to provide reasonable fire service.
The population of Mendon by the 1940 census was 1315, of which approximately 550 people are located in the area served by the pipe system to be hereinafter suggested for first construction. The total assessed valuation in 1943 was $1,393,480, of which $1,265,370 was on real estate, and of this latter figure $933,190 was levied on buildings. Of the total valuation approximately $550,000, or 40 per cent, was on prop- erty located within the area to be served by the suggested first construction program.
Obviously water service in all streets and roads-the total length of which approximates 40 miles-is not econom- ically possible. Compared with this total length, the length of piping suggested for first installation is about 6.25 miles, by which 130 premises will be served.
77
Under the General Statutes (Chapters 40 and 44, with various amendments), a town may construct a water system. Total expenditure may be authorized by a two-thirds (2/3rds) vote up to 10 per cent of the last previous valuation. Bonds must be retired in a period not longer than thirty years.
By a Special Act of legislature, a Water District-with geographical limits carefully defined-may be created. A copy of a typical Water District act is hereto appended.
Whether constructed by the town or by a district, pro- vision must be made to meet annual bond retirements, interest and operating expenses-with such part of the necessary an- nual outlay, as is not obtained through the water rates from consumers, raised through the general tax levy.
Construction as a town system is preferable to the forma- tion of a district because of the complications resulting from later inevitable progressive extensions, but where population and property values are concentrated in a relatively small part of the town, it sometimes becomes necessary to form a water district. In such case a tax is superimposed on the property within the district to meet such part of the annual cost as is not obtainable from the consumers. What revenue can be obtained from the consumers will depend upon the value they set on a supply of good water under pressure.
The limits of the first construction program, or of a district, is a matter for local determination and of obtainable agreements to take water at some estimated price-if the system is constructed. For the purpose of this report it is suggested-as shown in red on the map hereto appended-that first construction should be limited to the following streets :
Size Ft.
1. Milford Road
Pumping station to North Avenue
2500
2. North Avenue
Milford Road to storage tank
6000
78
3. North Avenue
Northward from storage tank
1300
4. Main Street and Providence Street Milford Road to Gaskill Street 8'' 4000
5. Hastings Street and Maple Street, North Avenue to Millville Street
2300
6. Elm Street
Hastings Street to Maple Street
800
7. Washington Street
Hastings Street to near el. power line .... 8'
2400
8. Emerson Street
Hastings Street to Blackstone Street 6 !!
....
1800
9. George Street
Main Street to Neckhill Road
3200
10. Blackstone Street
Main Street to Emerson Street 8 !!
1000
Blackstone Street
Emerson Street to brook (Tetreault's) ....
2500
11. Providence Street
Gaskill Street to Hartford Avenue E. ....
3800
12. Maple Street
Main Street to Emerson Street ...
1500
The cost of the above-listed pipe system, based on pres- ent-day prices and including sixty (60) hydrants, the neces- sary gates, and replacement of street surfaces, is estimated as follows :
8"-14,900 feet $37,250 00
6"-17,400 feet 38,600 00
4"- 800 feet 1,350 00
$77,200 00
Hydrants
4,800 00
Gate valves 1,250 00
$83,250 00
79
The size of pipe has been determined by an assumed fire service of 500 gallons per minute for five (5) hours-with an available hydrant pressure at the end of this period of 50-75 pounds per square inch in the more closely built up center of the town and not less than 30 pounds at the extreme ends of the pipe system-this draft and pressure being made possible by a storage tank of 150,000 gallons (H. W. el. 615, L.W. el. 585), located as shown on map, near the high point on North Avenue. The estimated cost of the storage tank is $15,000.
It is anticipated from surface indications that an ac- ceptable supply of ground water can be obtained from a well located adjacent to Muddy Brook off the Milford road, as in- dicated on map. The watershed tributary to this point has an area of 1 3/4 square miles, or more than ample to provide the required supply which-assuming future service to 1,000 people at 50 gallons per person per day-would total only 50,000 gallons per day.
No subsurface exploratory work has been done, but if a reasonably pervious sand or gravel can be found at the point above named, a supply capable of yielding 100-150 gallons per minute can be developed by a 50 ft. gravel packed well of the type recently installed in Uxbridge. Pumping equipment will consist of an 8-inch deep well turbine unit, driven through vertical shaft by a 15 Horse Power motor, housed in a small fireproof building. The cost of the well, together with pumping equipment and house, is estimated at $8,000.
The total estimated cost of the system as above outlined is therefore-
Supply-well, pumping equipment and house $8,000 00
Pipe system 83,000 00
Storage tank 15,000 00
$106,000 00
80
Add 10 per cent for future exploratory work,
engineering and contingencies
10,600 00
Total
$116,600 00
This total does not include the cost of house services, part of which-that from the main to the curb stop at the street line-is generally provided as part of the public sustem. Assuming 130 services with average length to curb stop of 20 feet, the cost of this work will approximate $4,500.
The total estimated cost of a supply of from 100-150 gal- lons per minute, a distribution system of 33,000 feet, (6.25 Miles), a storage tank of 150,000 gallons volume, and 130 ser- vices laid to the street line may therefore-at present prices- be taken at the round figure of $120,000. A lesser expendi- ture-except as it may result from a lower future price basis -is not possible for a system covering the same area, if reasonably adequate fire protection is to be provided. Obvi- ously, it is impossible under present-day conditions to fore- cast with any accuracy what the post-war price basis will be within any particular future period of time. A 10 per cent lesser cost than that estimated is possible in the not-distant future. On the other hand the necessary interest rate may be higher.
The annual operating cost will depend in considerable de- gree on what arrangement can be made for supervision of the system by the superintendent of streets, or other existing town official, by allowance of some small increase in salary. The pumping plant, except for daily inspection and lubrica- tion, will be practically automatic. Assuming that 40,000 gallons are pumped daily against an average head of 325 feet, the cost of power and minor supplies will approximate $900 per year. The total annual operating cost should therefore not exceed $1600.
Based on a construction cost of $120,000 and thirty- year, 2 per cent bonds, the annual retirement charge will be
81
$4,000, and the interest will reduce from $2,400 in the first year by $80 each year. The total annual cost, including opera- ting expenses-starting from $8,000 in the first year-will therefore average $6,800 during the thirty-year bond period. This brief general summary of costs obviously does not take into account possible extension of the system at the demand of property outside the area first served, nor does it allow for the comparatively minor item of interest during the construction period before income is available.
As compared with the foregoing estimate of expenses, a revenue of $4,000-$4,500 will be available, if 130 takers can be found who are willing to pay a minimum charge of $30 per year, and 30 cents per 1000 gallons for all water metered to large consumers in excess of 25,000 gallons in any quarter of the year. Assuming a revenue of $4,000, the average neces- sary addition to the general tax rate-if the system were to be constructed as a town project-will approximate $2.00 per $1,000 during the thirty-year bond period-starting with an increase of $2.90 per $1,000 in the first year and gradually reducing as the bonds are paid off. If the system were to be sponsored by the district served by the first construction pro- gram, the tax necessarily superimposed on property within the district will average about $5.00 per $1,000 during the thirty-year period-starting with a supertax of about $7.00 in the first year.
If in the probable post-war program of public works construction one-half of the first cost can be obtained from the Federal Government, the average fixed charges above estimated will be reduced by $2,600 during the thirty-year period and those of the first year $3,200-thus lowering the necessary average increase in the general tax levy during the thirty-year period, if the town undertakes the construction of the system-to approximately $0.15 per $1000, and the in- crease in the first year to approximately $0.60 per $1000. Likewise a contribution of one-half of the cost by the Federal Government will reduce the tax necessarily superimposed on
82
property within the district as formed, to a thirty-year aver- age of $0.35 per $1000 and to $1.45 per $1000 in the first year.
It is to be noted that the above charges of $30 annual minimum, and $0.30 per 1,000 gallons, have been used to in- dicate simply the reciprocal relation between income from the consumers and the necessary increase in tax levy. A rate schedule more equitably measuring relative benefits from water service is doubtless possible.
In reference to operating costs, it is not improbable that by providing more tank storage and arranging with the power company to pump only during off-peak hours, some saving can be made in the annual cost estimated.
The foregoing analysis should provide you with the in- formation necessary for local determination of the financial possibility of a public water system-whether without or with Federal assistance.
Obviously, the answer depends on the magnitude of the existing desire for pure water in ample quantity and pres- sure for all domestic and commercial uses and for good fire protection.
F. A. BARBOUR.
The Post-War Planning Committee recommends that the town seek a Federal grant of fifty per cent, and extend the system to cover the Mendon Hill section, either by buying water from Milford Water Co. or from our own central sys- tem; and that a separate system be built connecting with the Bellingham water system at Hartford Ave. East and at the town line on the state highway 140, to supply water and fire protection to East Mendon. The town would buy the water from Bellingham wholesale and sell to consumers. In fact, with a Federal grant, the water system at the outset could be extended from the junction of Uxbridge Road and Millville Street along Uxbridge Road to Thornton Street; down
83
Hartford Ave. West to the recent road construction; from Uxbridge Road along Taft Avenue to Millville Street; and Millville Street from the junction with Uxbridge Road to Hogarth's house, without increasing the amount necessary to be raised by taxation, as long as the average number of takers per mile amounts to fifteen.
It is pointed out that with this system in operation, the insurance rates would drop between 50% to 60% on homes within the system from what they are now. The Committee also feels that taxpayers outside this system should not have to pay for it in taxes, and recommends that valuation increase for properties adjacent to the system is the only fair way to raise the necessary funds beyond the revenue from consumers. For instance, with a Federal grant of fifty per cent, which has been indicated as probable for post-war years, a property owner would actually pay less for insurance and taxes togeth- er with the water system, than without it,-assuming he has insurance equal to assessed value.
Following is an example of what it would cost the aver- age home owner for water, as compared to his present costs without water, averaging over the thirty-year bonding period:
Without water system:
Assessed value $4,000. @ $30.00 per 1,000 $120 00
Insured for $4,000. @ $5.00 per 1,000 20 00
Total
$140 00
With water system under Federal grant:
Assessed value (plus 5% ) $4,200 @ $30 per 1,000 $126 00
Insured for $4,000 @ $2.23 per 1,000 8 92
Total tax and insurance $134 92
Water rate 30 00
$164 92
84
Net cost of water per year
24 92
Net cost of water per month 2 08
With water system wholly a town project, but costs ap- portioned to those on the system, as recommended by the Committee :
Assessed value (plus 121/2 % ) $4,500 @ $30 per 1,000 $135 00
Insured for $4,000 as above 8 92
$143 92
Water rate
30 00
Total taxes, insurance and water $173 92
Net cost of water per year
33 92
Net cost of water per month 2 83
Then, too, the Town itself would save about $375. per year on insurance, and there would be a greater desire on the part of home builders to build in Mendon, with a water sys- tem, which, in turn, would, in all probability, wipe out any tax deficit from the cost of the system.
In order to be in a position to obtain a Federal grant, when and if it is available, the source of water must first be located through test wells, and plans drawn up, with full specifications. The cost of locating water cannot be prede- termined. Mr. Barbour has estimated cost of locating wells and complete plans and specifications at a figure between $2,500 and $5,000. The Post-War Planning Committee recommends that an article be placed in the Town Warrant next March so that Mendon will be ready to proceed quickly when Federal grants are available.
The Committee also feels that a $20.00 minimum charge for water would be advisable. While the cost to a consumer would be only slightly reduced, due to the fact that valuation
85
would necessarily have to be higher to compensate for the loss in revenue, nevertheless, in this manner, property owners who do not tie in with the system would pay towards the cost of the system an amount that is commensurate with the ad- vantages of a lower insurance rate, the knowledge that there would be a greater chance of preventing his home from being destroyed by fire, and that the actual value of his property would be greater. However, it would be for the future water commissioners to decide the water rates, when the system is operating.
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