USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1957-1961 > Part 33
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79
Paulhus, Yvonne, 259 Everett St. P Husband Bench Worker, Hyde Mfg. Co., Southbridge, Mass.
At home
Salek, Alice, 801 Worcester St.
R Russell, Mary R., 86 Hamilton St. S Husband Sub-Station Operator Worcester County Electric, Southbridge, Mass.
15
Name - Residence
Business or Occupation and Address of Employer or Business of Husband
Sullivan, Evelyn E., 40 South St. T
Husband Baker, Unemp.
Thibeault, Aurore, 168 Everett St. Housewife Trudeau, Atwilda, 50 Central St. Husband Watchman Mass. Turnpike Authority
V
Varin, Laura A., 110 Mechanic St. Retired
SELECTMEN'S REPORT
To the Citizens of the Town of Southbridge:
The Board of Selectmen met and organized on March 9, 1959. Raymond J. Lataille was voted Chairman, Armand O. DeGrenier, Clerk, and Peter Graf, third member. Mrs. Doris Nolan was appointed as Assistant Clerk.
Many important projects came up during the year and major decisions had to be made for the best interests of the townspeople.
AMBULANCE
After weeks of intense study the delicate question of am- bulance service was resolved and the Board, following the ad- vice of Town Counsel, Harold C. Peterson, Jr., voted unlimited service to all residents while restricting such service to South- bridge only.
WESTVILLE DAM AND RECREATION AREA
Many meetings have been held in connection with this project and it is certain many more will be called during 1960. At this point, many decisions remain to be settled and this Board is maintaining contact with Engineers in the hope of an early settlement and beginning of this very important flood control and recreational undertaking. An informative, well attended public meeting was held on Dec. 8, 1959, at which General Adlen Sibley was principal speaker, introduced by Mr. Samuel T. Sheard. A question and answer period followed and many points of interest to persons involved were answered. This Board is on record in favor of a recreational pool at the site and everything possible is being done to ensure it.
STREET LIGHTS
Following its former actions, this Board expanded the in-
16
creased lighting program and, inasmuch as appropriation will allow, will continue this much needed service.
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
As in the past two years this Board has called the 1960 An- nual Town Meeting at the Strand Theater. This action is due to increased requests by citizens in view of the greater com- fort, more adequate facilities and lack of stairs and will, in all probability, become a yearly must.
CHAPTER 90 PLEASANT STREET
Public Hearings were held and many individual meetings in connection with the reconstruction of Pleasant Street. This Board hopes that continued construction will eventually result in the entire street being renewed, thus providing adequate access to the Southbridge Municipal Airport, in addition to serving residents of the area.
WATER - MORRIS STREET
After hearings and meetings with the Department of Pub- lic Utilities and the Southbridge Water Supply Co., a satis- factory working plan has been submitted for approval and resi- dents of this area will soon enjoy increased water service to the satisfaction of all concerned and a new development area will be served as well.
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
Following is a detailed listing of expenditures by the Chamber of Commerce for Christmams Lighting. This year, as last year, your Town Hall was decorated for the Holidays.
INCOME AND EXPENSES - 1958 - 1959
Income:
Business Contributions
$1,754.00
Town of Southbridge
1,000.00
Chamber Budget
321.36
Loan
750.00
$3,825.36
Expenses:
Installation and Cost of Cables
and Garlands
$ 2,290.76
Installation and Cost of Wiring
883.34
Insurance
185.00
Santa Expenses
181.56
Electrical Power
177.90
Rent, Storage
48.00
17
Miscellaneous Interest on Loan
23.05
35.75
$3,825.36
*
INCOME AND EXPENSES - 1959 - 1960
Income: Business Contributions
$1,504.00
Town of Southbridge
1,000.00
$2,504.00
Expenses:
Installation of Decorations
$ 701.71
1958 Loan
749.13
Insurance
216.33
New Equipment
216.99
Reserve Fund, Equipment Replacement
231.28
Electrical Power
180.77
Santa Claus
137.81
Storage
48.00
Miscellaneous
21.98
$2,504.00
TABULATION OF TOWN OF SOUTHBRIDGE LITIGATION
American Optical Company v. Town of Southbridge. Ac- tion in Land Court concerning land bounded by Mechanic, Crystal and Lens Streets. On non-triable docket.
Stanley Mroczkowska v. Town of Southbridge. Action in Superior Court alleging $15,000.00 damages for personal injur- ies at corner of Main and Mill Streets.
Pasquale Buccelli v. Town of Southbridge et al. Petition in Superior Court for land damage caused by relocation of Eastford Rd.
Adelard Mongeon Jr. et als. v. Town of Southbridge. Ac- tion in Superior Court alleging damages caused by alleged defect in way on Paige Hill Road
Laurette Barr v. Town of Southbridge. Action in Superior Court alleging damage of $5,000.00 for personal injuries caused by fall on Everett Street. Allegedly due to defect in way.
David Bellerose P.P.A. v. Town of Southbridge. Action in Superior Court alleging damage of $1,000 00 for personal injuries caused by fall on Thomas Street. Allegedly due to defect in the way.
18
Alice Bellerose v. Town of Southbridge. Action in Superior Court alleging damages of $4,000.00 for personal injuries caused by fall on Thomas Street, allegedly due to defect in the way.
Cecile Hainsworth v. Town of Southbridge. Action in Superior Court alleging damages of $4,000.00 for personal in- juries caused by fall on Wall Street allegedly due to defect in the way.
George A. Gamache et al. v. Town of Southbridge. Action in Superior Court alleging damages of $10,000 for property damage allegedly caused by negligence in the maintenance of a sewer line on North Street.
Ray Morgan Mckinstry v. Town of Southbridge. Petition for assessment of damages in Superior Court alleging damages to property caused by the divergence of Nuisance brook.
Our report would not be complete without public acknowl- edgment and thanks to all Departments, members of various Committees, and to the Press for their cooperation. Once again this Board has enjoyed a pleasant and harmonious year and we look forward to a progressive 1960.
Respectfully submitted, RAYMOND J. LATAILLE ARMAND O. DeGRENIER PETER GRAF
REPORT OF TOWN TREASURER
For Year Ending December 31, 1959
Cash on Hand, Jan. 1, 1959 $ 517,840.48
Receipts for 1959 3,692,143.72
$4,209,984.20 3,676,800.29
1959 Disbursements
Balance, Cash on Hand, Dec. 31, 1959
$ 533,183.91
TEMPORARY LOANS
$150,000.00 Anticipation of Taxes Due May 10, 1960
* *
POST WAR FUND
21/4% U. S. Treasury Bonds - Dated June 1, 1945 $ 75,000.00 Coupon and Savings Bank. Int. thru 12/31/59 33,157.29
$ 108,157.29
19
Note :--
$105,000.00 of $180,000.00 voted for New High School at March 16, 1959 Town Meeting is still held in above bonds and savings account until needed.
FUNDED DEBT
1
Due
Amt. of
ยท : 1960
Denominated
Date of Issue 1959
Loan $50,000.00
Outstanding Dec. 31, 1959 $50,000.00
** *
CEMETERY FUND
Balance Dec. 31, 1959
Int. 1959
Cambridge Savings
$ 3,000.00
101.24
Dedham Inst. Savings
2,000.00
67.50
Gardner Savings
3,000.00
105.00
Lynn Inst.
2,000.00
67.50
Leominster Savings
2,500.00
108.07
Millbury Savings
2,000.00
65.00
New Bedford Savings
3,000.00
97.50
Natick 5 Cent Savings
2,500.00.
81.26
Southbridge Savings
16,135.30
460.60
Salem 5 Cents Savings
3,000.00
101.26
Winchendon Savings
3,000.00
105.00
Ware Savings
2,000.00
81.25
Webster 5 Cents Savings
2,000.00
65.00
Worcester 5 Cents Savings
2,000.00
67.50
Worcester Federal Co-Op
4,000.00
130.00
Workingmen's Co-Op
8,000.00
260.25
Merchants Co-Op
4,000.00
135.00
Mattapan Co-Op
2,000.00
70.00
Mt. Washington Co-Op
4,000.00
140.00
Southbridge Co-Op
2,000.00
67.50
Merrimack Co-Op
2,000.00
63.90
First Federal Savings
4,000.00
120.00
Minot Co-Op
2,000.00
66.25
Lincoln Co-Op
2,000.00
70.00
Southbridge Credit Union
4,000.00
140.00
Southbridge Credit Union
5,000.00
175.00
Southbridge Credit Union
(Louise Orr)
10,000.00
350.00
$10,000.00
Airport Improvement Loan
Congress Co-Op*
20.00
20
Southbridge Credit Union (R. Stedman)
1,000.00
29.17
$102,135.30
$3,410.75
Cemetery Fund as of Jan. 1, 1959 Added to Fund in 1959
$100,085.30
2,050.00
Cemetery Fund, December 31, 1959 $102,135.30
* Congress Co-Op Merged with Workingmen's Co-Op January 12, 1959.
TRUST FUNDS
Balance Jan. 1, 1959
Int. Balance 1959 Dec. 31, 1959
Depository
Mary Mynott Fund:
Southbridge Savings
$1,000.00
$ 32.50
$1,000.00
Boyer Fund:
Southbridge Savings Bank
539.75
17.99
557.74
Ella M. Cole Fund:
Attleboro Savings
1,000.00
32.50
1,000 00
Cambridge Savings
1,000.00
33.74
1,000.00
Charlestown 5 Cent Sav.
1,000.00
33.75
1,000.00
Jesse J. Angell Fund:
Southbridge Savings
1,829.81
59.93
1,889.74
Hannah Edwards Fund:
First Nat'l Bank of Boston
5,000.00
205.00
5,000.00
Mabel Murphy Fund:
Southbridge Savings
2,000.00
65.00
2,000.00
Adah Stedman Fund:
Southbridge Credit Union
1,000.00
35.00
1,000.00
Respectfully submitted, NORBERT C. BENOIT, Town Treasurer.
REPORT OF ASSESSORS
The Board of Assessors submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1959.
All appropriations voted since 1958 Tax Rate was fixed. Tax Rate for 1959 was set as follows:
21
General Tax Rate School Tax Rate
$51.57
22.63
Total Tax Rate Total appropriations as certified by Town Clerk to be raised by taxation. $2,038,992.98
$74.20
Total appropriations voted to be taken from available funds. In 1959 since 1958 Tax Rate was fixed
248,244.71
$2,287,237.69
Other amounts to be raised by taxation
(none)
STATE: Tax and Assessments
1959 Estimates
1958
Underestimates
State Parks and
Reservations $ 9,240.72
State Audit of Municipal Accounts 1,691.07
State Examination of Retirement
System
55.30
$ 10,987.09
10,987.09
COUNTY: Tax and Assessments
County Tax $ 81,395.35
Tuberculosis Hospital Assessment 39,374.88 $ 5,274.99
$ 120,770.23 $ 5,274.99 $ 126,045.22
OVERLAY of Current Year
21,004.79
GROSS AMOUNT TO BE RAISED
$2,445,274.79
ESTIMATED RECEIPTS:
Estimated Receipts for the year 1959 $ 707,780.13
OVERESTIMATES of previous year to be used as available funds
County Tuberculosis Hospital
$
1,391.22
State Recreatonal Areas
99.35
Amounts voted to be taken from available funds:
22
$ 50,275.00-E. & D. 17,969.71-E. & D. & Misc. 92,000.00-Free Cash 180,000.00-Post War Rehabilita- tion Fund
$340,244.71 $ 340,244.71
TOTAL AVAILABLE FUNDS .....
$ 341,735.28
ESTIMATED RECEIPTS AND AVAILABLE FUNDS
$1,049,515.41
NET AMOUNT TO BE RAISED BY TAXATION ON POLLS AND PROPERTY
$1,395,759.38
Valuation Tax
Number of polls: 4500 at $2.00 each: $ 9,000.00
Total Valuation:
Personal Property ..
$ 2,910,095.00
215,929.05
Real Estate
15,779,325.00
1,170,825.54
TOTAL ASSESSED VALUATION & TAXES ON PERSONAL AND REAL ESTATE $18,689,420.00 $1,395,754.59
Gain on account of fraction division of Tax Rate (Real Estate & Personal Prop.) 31.16
TOTAL TAXES LEVIED ON POLLS AND PROPERTY $1,395,785.75
ITEMS NOT ENTERING INTO THE DETERMINATION OF THE TAX RATE:
Betterment and Special Assessments added to taxes: $ 6,539.01
Sewer Assessment $ 6,539.01
TOTAL AMOUNT OF ALL TAXES ON POLLS & PROPERTY & ASSESSMENTS COMMITTED TO THE TAX COLLECTOR TO DATE OF TAX RATE $1,402,324.76
ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENTS:
June 8, 1959 - Poll Tax
$
1,338.00
Warrant to Tax Collector- June 8, 1959 $ 1,338.00
April 2, 1959 - Farm Animal Excise 168.77
23
Warrant to Tax Collector- April 2, 1959 Sept. 18, 1959 - Real Estate
$ 168.77
$ 8.53
Warrant to Tax Collector- Sept. 18, 1959
$ 8.53
Oct. 22, 1959 - Poll Tax
$ 66.00
Warrant to Tax Collector- Oct. 22, 1959
$ 66.00
TOTAL WARRANTS TO COLLECTOR ON POLLS AND PROPERTY, BETTERMENT, OMITTED AND ADDITIONAL ASSESS- MENTS FOR 1959 $1,403,906.06
VALUATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES FOR 1959 $ 3,409,620
Tax on Motor Vehicles for 1959
191,202.08
Warrants to Collector in 1959
$ 191,202.08
TOTAL ASSESSED VALUATION IN 1959 INCLUDING
MOTOR VEHICLES $22,099,040.00
TOTAL WARRANTS TO COLLECTOR FOR 1959 $1,595,108.14
VALUE OF EXEMPTED REAL ESTATE
Churches, Parsonages, Schools, Hospital and Cemeteries, etc. $2,653,750.00 Town Property 3,457,525.00 U. S. Post Office 108,000.00
TOTAL EXEMPTED REAL ESTATE
$6,219,275.00
VALUE OF EXEMPTED PERSONAL PROPERTY Schools, Hospital, etc. $ 210,100.00 597,850.00
Town Property
TOTAL EXEMPTED PERSONAL PROPERTY ..
$ 807,950.00
TOTAL NUMBER OF MOTOR VEHICLES ASSESSED
6,761
24
TOTAL NUMBER OF DWELLING HOUSES
2,888
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES NORMANDIN ROSARIO ARPIN ERNEST A. FARLAND Board of Assessors.
REPORT OF TAX COLLECTOR
To the Citizens of the Town of Southbridge:
I wish to submit the following report as Collector of South- bridge from January 1, 1959 to December 31, 1959.
Excise Tax: Levy of 1953
Cancelled Abatements $ 47.90
Payment to Treasurer
$ 47.90
Excise Taxes: Levy of 1956
Outstanding Jan. 1, 1959
$ 106.38
Abated
$ 106.38
Excise Taxes: Levy of 1957
Outstanding Jan. 1, 1959
$ 615 09
Cancelled Abatements
21.89
$ 636.98
Payments to Treasurer
$ 359.14
Abated
84.53
Outstanding Dec. 31, 1959
193.31
$ 636.98
Exicse Taxes: Levy of 1958
Outstanding Jan. 1, 1959
$ 19,442.74 3,486.97
Refunds
517.71
$ 23,447.42
Payments to Treasurer
$ 19,687.94
Abated
2,135.65
Outstanding Dec. 31, 1959
1,624.83
$ 23,447.42
Exicse Taxes: Levy of 1959
Committed $ 162,441.47
25
Committed
Refunds
1,869.23
$
164,310.70
Payments to Treasurer Abated Outstanding Dec. 31, 1959
$ 131,223.29 9,108.48 23,978.93
$ 164,310.70
Apportioned Sewers
Outstanding Jan. 1, 1959
$ 2,146.60
1959 Apportionment
651.55
$ 2,798.15
Payments to Treasurer
$ 779.60 2,018.55
Outstanding Dec. 31, 1959
$
2,798.15
Taxes: Levy of 1956
Outstanding Jan 1, 1959
$ 180.90
Outstanding Dec. 31, 1959
$ 180.90
Taxes: Levy of 1957
Outstanding Jan. 1, 1959
$ 6,147.74
Cancelled Abatements
4.00
$ 6,151.74
Payments to Treasurer
$ 3,648.83
Tax Title
7.08
Abated
262 88
Outstanding Dec. 31, 1959
2,232.95
$ 6,151.74
Taxes: Levy of 1958
Oustanding Jan. 1, 1959
$ 54,386.27
Refunds
149.20
Cancelled Abatements
4.00
$ 54,539.47
Payments to Treasurer
$ 44,807.93
Abated
346.92
Tax Title
14.92
Outstanding Dec. 31, 1959
9,369.70
$ 54,539.47
26
Taxes: Levy of 1959
Committed Refunds
$1,397,620.68 1,469.78
Payments to Treasurer
Abated Tax Title Outstanding Dec. 31, 1959
$1,321,565.40 25,724.70 89.05
51,711.31
$1,399,090.46
Ambulance
Outstanding Jan. 1, 1959
$ 701.50
Committed
705.00
Refunds
50.00
$ 1,456.50
Payments to Treasurer
$ 889.00
Abated
142.50
Outstanding Dec. 31, 1959
425.00
$ 1,456.50
Selectmen
Outstanding Jan. 1, 1959
$ 15.00
Committed
7,100.00
$ 7,115.00
Payments to Treasurer
$ 4,885.00
Outstanding Dec. 31, 1959
2,230.00
$ 7,115.00
Public Welfare
Outstanding Jan. 1, 1959
$ 1,203.25
Committed
15,902.26
$ 17,105.51
Payments to Treasurer
$ 13,136.33
Abated
278.30
Paid Direct to Treasurer
180 62
Outstanding Dec. 31, 1959
3,510.26
$ 17,105.51
School
Outstanding Jan. 1, 1959 $ 584.05
27
$1,399,090.46
Committed
....... 12,185.68
Payments to Treasurer Abated Outstanding Dec. 31, 1959
$ 10,805.62
235.03
1,729.08
$ 12,769.73
Health
Committed
$ 596.43
Payments to Treasurer
$ 596.43
Airport
Committed
$ 150.00
Payments to Treasurer
$ 150.00
Taxes: Levy of 1954
Cancelled Abatement
$
137.50
Payments to Treasurer
$ 137.50
Sewer and Sidewalk Discharges
$
54.00
Fees and Interest Levy 1959
652.85
Committed Interest on Sewers
107.33
Fees and Interest Levy 1958
1,914.68
Fees and Interest Levy 1957
311.72
Added Interest on Sewers
.21
Fees and Interest Levy 1953
21.31
Fees and Interest Levy 1954
13.97
$ 3,076.07
Grand Total Collected in 1959
$1,555,795.98
I wish to thank the townspeople and various town officials for their cooperation during the year.
Respectfully submitted, ELIZABETH M. DUHAMEL, Town Collector.
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit the report of the Department of Weights and Measures for the year 1959.
The amount of fees collected for the town through this de- partment was $434.10.
28
$ 12,769.73
Scales and Balances
Adjusted
Sealed Condemned
Over 10,000 lbs. 5,000 to 10,000 lbs.
1
2
100 to 5,000 1bs.
11
64
Under 100 lbs.
43
193
Weights
452
2
Gasoline Meters
7
82
3
Grease, Oil Devices
17
Vehicle Tank Meters
7
36
1
Kerosene Meters
2
Cloth Measuring Device
1
Totals
69
853
6
Weights and Inspections
Tested Corrected
Under
Over
Bread
205
110
26
69
Butter
280
160
18
102
Charcoal (in bags)
54
14
2
38
Coal (in transit)
9
8
1
Confectionery
96
46
12
38
Dry Commodities
108
98
5
5
Dry Goods
90
38
12
40
Flour
161
68
6
87
Fruits and Vegetables
108
63
7
38
Grain and Feeed
16
12
4
Lard
142
106
6
30
Liquid Commodities
212
161
19
32
Meats and Provisions
292
229
38
25
Potatoes
101
42
7
52
TOTALS
1874
1155
158
561
Other Inspections
Berry Baskets
40
Bread Markings
168
Charcoal Bag Markings
54
Clinical Thermometers
43
Coal Certificates
16
Food Package Markings
280
Ice Cream Cans
8
Junk Scales
8
Milk Jars
39
Oil Jars
12
Paper or Fibre Cartons
86
Peddler's Licenses
13
Peddler's Scales
5
Re-tests of Gasoline Devices
23
4
-
-
29
Transient Vendor's Licenses Wholesale Milk Cans
7 11
TOTALS
813
Respectfully submitted, ROLAND A. VARIN, Sealer of Weights and Measures:
SOUTHBRIDGE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen: Gentlemen:
The Southbridge Public Improvement Committee, at the end of its third year, was made up as follows: Charles E. Havener, Chairman Michael J. Morrill, Clerk
Clarence Peloquin Albert DiGregorio Bernard W. Walkowiak
The following is a listing of problems considered and the action taken on them during the year 1959.
a. Town Hall Facilities - The report prepared for the Committee by Bigelow, Kent, Willard & Co., consisting of a survey of the existing Town Hall building and proposing a new Town Office building, was presented during the early part of 1959. An Article was introduced in the Warrant for the 1959 Annual Town Meeting requesting consideration of the con- struction of a new Town Office building but because of the amount of money involved in the construction of a new high school building, this Committee merely presented its report for consideration and evaluation by the Town's people. No action was requested at this meeting, and the Finance Com- mittee's recommendation of indefinite postponement was ac- cepted. The conditions which exist in the Town Hall continue to be a serious problem but it is presently the belief of the Com- mittee that further consideration of Urban Renewal is desir- able at this time and it is expected that consideration of the Town Office building will be correlated with Urban Renewal considerations.
b. Parking Facilities - Rental of the property at the cor- ner of Goddard and Main Streets was continued during the early part of 1959. However, the property owners elected to discontinue the agreement with the Town and this property was rented by the Chamber of Commerce for a period of time.
30
Later in the year arrangements were made whereby the rental of this property was again continued under the Town. It is our recommendation that arrangements be made for the continued use of this property until such time as other facilities are made available.
c. Property Revaluation - No additional work has been done by this Committee on the problem of property revalua- tion. Our position of having no evidence sufficient to substan- tiate the cost remains unchanged.
d. Town Infirmary - The position of this Committee as to the disposal of the Town Infirmary remains unchanged. At the present time the property is being appraised under the supervision of the Board of Selectmen and it is expected that the Selectmen will cause to have incorporated in the Warrant for the March 1960 Annual Town Meeting, an Article author- izing disposal of this property for a sum not less than the ap- praised value.
e Inventory - Attention is called to the inventory of Town-owned materials taken during 1957 and turned over to the Town Accountant with recommendation that action be taken to keep this inventory up to date by posting new pur- chases and deleting material worn out or otherwise lost to use. We continue to strongly urge that the Selectmen and the Finance Committee follow this annually.
f. Urban Renewal - Through the efforts of the Tri-Com- munity Chamber of Commerce, considerable interest has been shown in the possibility of making use of state and federal funds for an Urban Renewal Program. This Committee is actively interested in cooperation with other committees and groups, in attempting to correlate action to the end that the Town of Southbridge will achieve the most benefit from such a program. We are pleased to note that the Planning Board has already taken steps to contact a firm with reference to the preparation of a master plan which is one of the first steps nec- essary in an Urban Renewal Program.
g. General - One of the items that has received consid- erable discussion throughout the Town during 1959, has been the condition of the Town Sewage System, specifically as re- lated to the North Street-Crystal Street area. It is considered regrettable by this committee that action to alleviate conditions which are reported to exist in this vicinity has not been taken more rapidly than it has. Regardless of specific statements made associated with the causes of the problem, it has been a known fact for quite a number of years that private drains of surface water and inadequate underground piping have re-
31
sulted in an excessive flow through the sewage system. The right of the Sewer Committee to take legal action against parties having surface drains dumping into the sewer lines is clear and we strongly urge that this type of action be initiated immediately.
In our 1958 Report, we urged that the Finance Committee and others take steps to prevent the withdrawal of funds from the Parking Meter Account in order that that fund increase to the point where it might be suitable for procurement of Off- Street Parking Areas. We again call attention to the fact that more money is being taken out of the Parking Meter Receipts than is being received each year and we urgently request that the Finance Committee take action THIS year to permit this account to grow into a sizeable amount as was intended when the Parking Meters were originally authorized by the voters of Southbridge.
During the year the Committee accepted with regret the resignations of John Rossi and Joseph Swiacki. The Commit- tee was pleased to have appointed as new members Albert Di- Gregorio and Dr. Bernard Walkowiak. The Committee has continued to receive excellent cooperation from the Board of Selectmen and other Town Officials. We express our appre- ciation to the other citizens of the Town of Southbridge who have aided and encouraged us. We hope we will continue to warrant their support.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES E. HAVENER,
Chairman
REPORT OF THE SEWER DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The following is the report of the Sewer Department for 1959.
Manholes Cleaned 120
Stoppages Cleared
21
Lines Flushed
6
Total flow for 1959
534.5 Million Gallons
Average Daily Flow 1.5 M. G. D.
Maximum Daily Flow 3.8 M. G. D.
Minimum Daily Flow 0.7 M. G. D.
Bypass to river because of power failures, high flows and repairs totalled 16.5 M. G. in 19 days. Chlorine Used 21,000 pounds
Percent Removal on B. O. D. 77%
32
Percent Removal on Settleable Solids 97% Percent Removal on Suspended Solids 83%
Respectfuly submitted, BERNARD ALLARD, EDGAR McCANN, ALFRED GOUDREAU, Sewer Commissioners.
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF JACOB EDWARDS MEMORIAL LIBRARY 1959
TRUSTEES
FOR THE EDWARDS BEQUEST
Robert L. Fox Jacob K. Edwards
Ellsworth D. Mitchell John J. O'Shaughnessy (December)
John O. Martin (January - October)
FOR THE TOWN Dr. Nerio W. Pioppi, Chairman
Oswald J. Laliberte Edward P. Sheehan
LIBRARY HOURS
Open 1960:
Adult Section:
Monday - Friday
10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Children's Room:
Monday - Friday
2:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
School Holidays
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Closed 1960:
January 1 New Year's Day
February 22
Washington's Birthday
May 30
Memorial Day
July 4
September 5
Independence Day Labor Day Columbus Day
October 12
November 11
Veteran's Day
November 24
Thanksgiving Day
December 25
Christmas Day
33
STATISTICAL RECORD
Date of Founding
1871
Population Served
18,000
Days Open During Year
303
Hours Open Each Week
63
Number of Volumes Added:
Adult
952
Juvenile 388
Total
1,340
Number of Volumes Discarded and Lost:
Adult
423
Juvenile 171
Total
594
Number of Volumes December 31, 1959
39,910
Number of Registered Borrowers
5,240
Largest Circulation for One Day (July 6)
523
Smallest Circulation for One Day (March 27)
129
Average Circulation Per Day
308
Annual Circulation:
School Deposits
4,196
Juvenile (except deposits)
35,443
Adult
53,618
Total
93,257
LIBRARY STAFF
Librarian
Mary Anna Tien
Reference Librarian
Hilda Heather
Children's Librarian
Mary Hazelton
Bookkeeper and General Assistant
Gladys Hobson
Janitor
Joseph Lataille
PART TIME STAFF
Lucille Buchiacho
Beverly Heck
Faith Byron
Viola Michael
Louise Despres
Brenda Phipps
Maryalice Dion
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.