USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Pepperell > Town annual reports of the officers of the town of Pepperell, Mass 1954 > Part 3
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Article 36. To determine if the town will authorize the Cemetery Commissioners to withdraw from the ceme- tery fund an amount not to exceed five hundred ($500.00) dollars to be used for the erection of a chain link fence on the west side of Woodlawn Cemetery.
Article 37. (By Petition) To see if the Town will vote to accept "B" Street as a Town way in accordance with a plan now on file at the Town Clerk's Office, or otherwise act thereon.
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Article 38. To determine if the Town will vote to accept Section 103A of Chapter 54 of the General Laws relative to allowing absentee ballots at Town Elections, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 39. (By Petition) To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money not to exceed twenty-seven thousand dollars ($27,000.00), for the pur- pose of extending the water line from present point on Elm Street one mile along Elm Street and up Shirley Street to property of William Newsham. Said extension to be of eight inch cement lined cast iron pipe. To also determine whether the money shall be provided for by borrowing under authority of Chapter 44 of the General Laws as amended, or take any other action in relation thereto.
Article 40. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1000.00 for an account to be known as the School Athletic Account, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 41. To determine if the Town will vote to accept the following resolutions expressing the Town's appreciation for the loyal and faithful service of William E. Chapman, former Highway Surveyor: Be it resolved: That, in recognition of the twenty-five years of continuous, faithful and efficient service of William E. Chapman as Highway Surveyor and, in consideration of this service, special thanks be extended for his fidelity, courtesy and deep interest in the welfare of his Department and of the town, his duties always having been carried out with ability even when difficult problems were encountered and often in the face of the most adverse weather condi- tions, and that these resolutions when accepted by the Town to be spread on the Town Records, a copy to be given to Mr. Chapman and copies be sent to the local press to be printed.
Article 42. To determine if the Town will vote to
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accept the following resolutions expressing the Town's appreciation for the loyal and faithful service of Helen M. Wiley, former Librarian of the Lawrence Memorial Li- brary: Be it resolved: That, in recognition of the forty- two years of continuous, faithful and efficient service of Helen M. Wiley as Librarian of the Lawrence Memorial Library and, in consideration of this service, special thanks be extended for her fidelity, courtesy and deep interest in the welfare of the Library and of the Town, and that these resolutions when accepted by the Town be spread on the Town records, a copy be given to Miss Wiley and copies be sent to the local press to be printed.
Article 43. To determine if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen and Forestry Committee to sell timber located in the Town Forest, acting under the advice of the State Forest Conservation Service.
Article 44. To determine if the Town will vote to pay the Water Bill annually for the so-called Old Tarbell Street School Building being used as American Legion quarters. These bills to be paid from the Selectmen's Contingent Fund as long as this building is Town property.
Article 45. To determine if the Town will vote to become associated with the Nashoba Associated Boards of Health and to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,656.00 to pay the cost of this service from April 1st, 1954, to Decem- ber 31st, 1954, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 46. To determine if the Town will vote to appoint a Committee to investigate the advisability of establishing a separate Board of Health. Said Committee to report its findings at the next Annual Town Meeting.
Article 47. To determine if the Town will vote to appoint a Committee to study and recommend changes in the existing Town By-Laws. Said Committee to report their findings at the next Annual Town Meeting.
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Article 48. To determine if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to request the County Commis- sioners to lay out the way locally known as Tucker Park, extending northerly from the north side of Tucker Street for a distance of about 700 feet, as a public highway, and also to lay out as a public way, a way locally known as Chace Avenue, extending northwesterly from the north- westerly end of said Chace Avenue as relocated by the County Commissioners in 1936, to a point beyond the resi- dence of Robert Primus.
Article 49. To determine if the Town will vote to accept the sum of $200.00, the income therefrom to be ex- pended for perpetual care of the Catherine T. Marshall lot No. 85, Section C in the Woodlawn Cemetery.
ROBERT N. TURNER, JR. JOHN L. COTTER LEONARD J, DAVIS Selectmen
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING February 15, 1954
Article 1. Trescott T. Abele voted Moderator.
Article 2. Voted that the remaining reports of the Town Officers and Committees for the year 1953 be ac- cepted as printed in the Annual Town Report, with the ex- ception of the Finance Committee's Report.
Unanimous vote.
Article 3. Voted that all Town Officers and Com- mittees for the ensuing year, not required to be elected by ballot, be appointed by the Selectmen.
Unanimous vote.
Article 4. Voted that the Treasurer be, and hereby is, authorized with the consent of the Selectmen, to borrow money and issue notes therefor in anticipation of revenue for the current year in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, Section 4 of the General Laws.
Unanimous vote.
Article 5. Voted that the salaries of Elected Town Officers for the year 1954, effective March 1, 1954, shall be as follows, which is in accordance with the Finance Committee's recommendations-
Officers
No. of Members
Salary
Selectmen-Chairman
1 $300.00
Selectmen-2nd and 3rd
2 200.00 each
Town Clerk
1 500.00
Treasurer
1 800.00
Assessors
Chairman-2nd and 3rd
3 500.00 each
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Welfare Board
Chairman-2nd and 3rd 3
100.00 each
Cemetery Commissioners Chairman-2nd and 3rd
3
50.00 each
Trustees of Library
6
None
Constable
1
None
Tree Warden
1
1.25 per hr.
Water Commissioners
3
100.00 each
School Committee
3
60.00 each
Highway Surveyor
1
1.50 per hr.
Article 6. Voted that all items in Part One of Article 6'be raised and appropriated, in accordance with the recom- mendations of the Finance Committee.
Unanimous vote.
Article 6. Voted that all items in Part Two of Arti- cle 6 be raised and appropriated, in accordance with the recommendations of the Finance Committee.
Unanimous vote.
Article 6. Voted that all items in Part Three of Arti- cle 6 be raised and appropriated, in accordance with the recommendations of the Finance Committee.
Unanimous vote.
Article 6. Voted that the sum of $143,815.00 listed in Part Four of Article 6 be raised and appropriated for Public Schools, plus the Dog Tax, which is in accordance with the recommendations of the Finance Committee.
Unanimous vote.
Article 6. Voted that all items in Part Five of Arti- cle 6 be raised and appropriated, in accordance with the recommendations of the Finance Committee.
Unanimous vote.
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Article 7. Voted that all taxes be collected in accord- ance with the provisions of General Laws in relation thereto and that the collector be paid one percent on the principal of all taxes collected up to and including Decem- ber 31, in the year they are due and three-fourths of one percent on the principal collected after that date.
Unanimous vote.
Article 8. Voted that the Town shall raise and ap- propriate the sum of $123.07 to pay commission due the Tax Collector for collection of 1952 and 1953 taxes, and the sum of $17.70 for 1953 Tax Taking expense.
Unanimous vote.
Article 9. Voted that the sum of $2,500.00 be trans- ferred from the Overlay Surplus Reserve to a fund to be known as the "Reserve Fund" in accordance with Section 6 of Chapter 40 of the General Laws.
Unanimous vote.
Article 10. Voted that the Town shall appropriate the sum of $29,274.45 from Water Department Receipts, to pay operating and maintenance cost of the Department for the current year.
Unanimous vote.
Article 11. Voted that the Town transfer from "Water Department Surplus" the sum of $2,523.25 to a special account to be called "Water Department-Bond Ac- count" to be used in retiring Bonds of Pepperell Water Loan, Acts of 1950, when due.
Unanimous vote.
Article 12. Voted that the Town will raise and ap- propriate the sum of $6,000.00 for Hydrant Rental to be paid to the Water Department for 1954 operating expenses.
Unanimous vote.
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Article 13. Voted that the Town will vote to trans- fer from "Water Loan No. 2 Account" the unexpended balance of $48.05 to a special account called "Water De- partment Bond Account" to be used in retiring Bonds of the Pepperell Water Loan, Acts of 1950.
Unanimous vote.
Article 14. Voted that the Town shall raise and ap- propriate $14,000.00 for removal of snow and ice.
Unanimous vote.
Article 15. Voted that the Town shall raise and ap- propriate $7,000.00 for repairs and improvements on out- lying roads under the provisions of Section 26 through 29, Chapter 81 of the General Laws, as amended.
Unanimous vote.
Article 16. Voted that the Town shall raise and ap- propriate $3,000.00 for maintenance of Chapter 90 Roads, money to be used in conjunction with any money which may be allotted by State or County.
Unanimous vote.
Article 17. Voted that the Town shall raise and ap- propriate the sum of $5,000.00 for construction on Chapter 90 Roads or other Town Roads; money to be used in con- junction with any money which may be allotted by State or County.
Unanimous vote.
Article 18. Voted that the Town shall transfer from Machinery Fund Reserve the sum of $1,000.00 to a work- able fund.
Unanimous vote.
Article 19. Voted that the Town shall transfer from
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No. 1 Truck Machinery Fund Reserve, the sum of $1,000.00 to a workable fund.
Unanimous vote.
Article 20. Voted that the Town shall transfer from No. 2 Truck Machinery Fund Reserve, the sum of $750.00 to a workable fund.
Unanimous vote.
Article 21. Voted that the Town shall raise and ap- propriate the sum of $1,332.00 for "Insect Pest Control Work" in 1954 as required under Section 11, Chapter 662, Acts of 1948.
Unanimous vote.
Article 22. Voted that the Town shall raise and ap- propriate the sum of $666.00 for "Dutch Elm Disease Con- trol Work" in 1954, as required under Section 13, Chapter 761, Acts of 1949.
Unanimous vote.
Article 23. Voted that the Town shall instruct the Assessors to take the sum of $18,000.00 from Surplus Rev- enue to reduce the Tax Rate for the current year.
Unanimous vote
Article 24. Voted that the Town shall raise and appropriate the sum of $2,000.00 for a special project to remove dead trees and dangerous limbs, this work to be done under the supervision of the Selectmen and the Tree Warden.
Unanimous vote
Article 25. Voted that the sums of $2,500.00 be transferred from No. 1 and No. 2 Truck Machinery Re- serve Fund and $3,000.00 from Surplus Revenue to pur-
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chase one Ford Tractor with Back Hoe-Bucket Attachment and Assessories for the Highway Department.
Unanimous vote
Article 26. Voted that the Town shall authorize the Selectmen to turn in the present Police Cruiser and pur- chase a new car at a net cost not to exceed $450.00; this sum to be transferred from Surplus Revenue.
Unanimous vote
Article 27. Voted that the Town shall authorize the Selectmen to turn in the new police cruiser if purchased under Article 26, at the end of Six months at a cost not to exceed $200.00. Said sum to be transferred from Sur- plus Revenue.
Unanimous vote
Article 28. Voted that the Town shall raise and appropriate the sum of $200.00 to be paid to the Town of Groton to defray additional 1953 expenses of the Police Department Radio Station.
Unanimous vote
Article 29. Voted that the Town shall vote to trans- fer from Surplus Revenue a sum not exceeding $2,500.00 to make changes in the present Fire Alarm System that will be necessary due to the installation of the dial tele- phone system in the Town. These changes to be made under the supervision of the Selectmen and Engineers of the Fire Department.
Majority vote
Article 30. Voted that the Town shall raise and appropriate the sum of Four Hundred Dollars ($400.00) to purchase check disbursement equipment for the treasury depart ment of the Town of Pepperell.
Unanimous vote
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Article 31. Voted that the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for the purpose of providing School Band Instruction, this money to be expended under the supervision of School Committee.
Unanimous vote
Article 32. Voted that the Town shall raise and appropriate a sum not exceeding $600.00 to install new stage settings for Prescott Hall.
Unanimous vote
Article 33. Voted that the Town shall raise and appropriate a sum not exceeding $200.00 for resetting curb- ing and regrading a portion of the Common.
Unanimous vote.
Article 34. Voted that the Town shall raise and appropriate a sum not exceeding $200.00 for installing Back-rest on Bleachers at Playground as required by the State Department of Public Safety.
Article 35. Voted that the Town shall raise and appropriate a sum not exceeding $325.00 to make necessary repairs to Bandstand at Playground.
Majority vote.
Article 36. Voted that the Town shall authorize the Cemetery Commissioners to withdraw from the cemetery fund an amount not to exceed Five Hundred ($500.00) Dollars to be used for the erection of a chain link fence on the west side of Woodlawn Cemetery.
Unanimous vote.
Article 37. Voted that the Town shall accept a street
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to be known as Bacon Street as a Town way in accordance with a plan now on file as "B" Street at the Town Clerk's Office.
Unanimous vote.
Article 38. Voted that the Town shall accept Section 103A of Chapter 54 of the General Laws relative to allow- ing absentee ballots at Town Elections.
Unanimous vote.
Article 39. Motion made that the sum of $27,000.00 be raised and appropriated for the purpose of construct- ing a new eight-inch cement lined cast iron water main, from present termination on Elm Street, one mile along Elm Street and up Shirley Street to property of William Newsham; and that to meet said appropriation the Treas- urer, with the approval of the Selectmen be, and hereby is authorized to borrow the sum of $27,000.00 and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor, payable in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44 of the General Laws so that the whole loan shall be paid in not more than fifteen years from the date of issue of the first bond or note.
Check list vote Total votes cast 204 No 120
Yes 84
Article 40. Voted that the Town shall raise and appropriate the sum of $600.00 for an account known as the School Athletic Account.
Unanimous vote.
Article 41. Voted that the Town shall accept the following resolutions expressing the Town's appreciation for the loyal and faithful service of William E. Chapman, former Highway Surveyor: Be it resolved: That, in rec- ognition of the twenty-five years of continuous, faithful and efficient consideration of this service, special thanks
57
be extended for fidelity, courtesy and deep interest in the welfare of his Department and of the town, his duties always having been carried out with ability even when difficult problems were encountered and often in the face of the most adverse weather conditions and that these resolutions when accepted by the Town to be spread on the Town Records, a copy to be given to Mr. Chapman and copies be sent to the local press to be printed.
Unanimous vote.
Article 42. Voted that the Town shall accept the following resolutions expressing the Town's appreciation for the loyal and faithful service of Helen M. Wiley, former Librarian of the Lawrence Library: Be it resolved: that, in recognition of the forty-two years of continuous, faith- ful and efficient service of Helen M. Wiley, as Librarian of the Lawrence Library and in consideration of this ser- vice, special thanks be extended for her fidelity, courtesy and deep interest in the welfare of the Library and of the Town, and that these resolutions when accepted by the Town be spread on the Town Records, a copy be given to Miss Wiley and copies be sent to the local press to be printed.
Unanimous vote
Article 43. Voted that the Town shall authorize the Selectmen and Forestry Committee to sell timber located in the Town Forest, acting under the advice of the State Forest Conservation Service.
Unanimous vote
Article 44. Voted that the Town shall pay the Water Bill annually for the so-called Old Tarbell Street School Building being used as American Legion Quarters. These bills to be paid from the Selectmen's Contingent Fund as long as this building is Town property.
Majority vote.
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Article 45. Motion made that the Town shall become associated with the Nashoba Associated Boards of Health and to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,656.00 to pay the cost of this service from April 1st, 1954 to December 31st, 1954.
Check list vote Total votes cast 168
No 85
Yes 83
Article 46. Voted that the Moderator shall appoint a Committee to investigate the advisability of establish- ing a separate Board of Health. Said Committee to report its findings at the next Annual Town Meeting.
Unanimous vote
Article 47. Voted that the Moderator shall appoint a Committee to study and recommend changes in the exist- ing Town By-Laws. Said Committee to report their find- ings at the next Annual Town Meeting.
Unanimous vote
Article 48. Voted that the Town shall authorize the Selectmen to request the County Commissioners to lay out the way locally known as Tucker Park, extending northerly from the north side of Tucker Street for a dis- tance of about 700 feet, as a public highway, and also to lay out as a public way, a way locally known as Chace Avenue, extending northwesterly from the northwesterly end of said Chace Avenue as relocated by the County Com- missioners in 1936, to a point beyond the residence of Robert Primus.
Unanimous vote
Article 49. Voted that the Town shall accept the sum of $200.00, the income therefrom to be expended for
59
perpetual care of the Catherine T. Marshall lot No. 85, Section C, in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Unanimous vote A true copy, Attest : JOHN F. CULLINAN Town Clerk
WARRANT FOR SPECIAL TOWN MEETING April 20th, 1954
Article 1. To choose a Moderator.
Article 2. To determine if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum not exceeding $2,500.00 to make necessary repairs to the foot passageway and to both ends of the Groton Street Covered Bridge. This work to be done by the Highway Department, or take any other action in relation thereto.
Article 3. To determine if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to sell to George A. Rice a parcel of land off Main Street adjoining the Rice land and con- sisting of approximately 5,800 square feet, for the sum of $50.00 and that any expenses incurred in transferring title of the land be paid by the purchaser.
ROBERT N. TURNER, Jr. JOHN L. COTTER LEONARD J. DAVIS Selectmen of the Town of Pepperell
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SPECIAL TOWN MEETING April 20th, 1954
Article 1. Motion made and seconded that the Town Clerk cast one ballot bearing the name of Trescott T. Abele to serve as Moderator.
Article 2. Voted: that the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of $2,500.00 to make the necessary repairs on the foot passageway and to both ends of the Groton Street Covered Bridge,
An amendment to this motion by Leonard J. Davis that the work be done by the Highway Department car- ried by a Check list vote.
Total votes cast 31. Yes 28. No 3.
The original motion as amended was then carried by a unanimous vote.
Article 3. Voted: on motion of George A. Rice that the Selectmen be authorized to sell to George A. Rice a parcel of land off Main Street adjoining the Rice land and consisting of approximately 5,800 sq. ft., for the sum of $50.00. Any expense incurred in transfer of title borne by the purchaser.
Unanimous vote.
Voted to adjourn.
A true copy, Attest :
JOHN F. CULLINAN Town Clerk
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REPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I respectfully submit the report of the Police Depart- ment, for the year ending December 31, 1954.
Arrests:
Drunkenness
35
Driving under the influence of liquor
12
Assault and battery
6
Non-support
6
Larceny
2
Indecent assault
1
Un-armed robbery
2
Attempted larceny
1
Accosting person of opposite sex
1
Contributing to delinquency of a minor
3
Illegitimacy
2
Lord's Day violation
2
Violation of probation
6
Arrested for other Departments
4
Motor Violations
Speeding
52
Driving to endanger
3
Driving after revocation of license or registration
7
No license
6
Un-registered
2
Un-insured
1
Leaving the scene without making self known
1
Un-authorized use of auto
1
Violation of the Law of the Road
3
Total 159
Automobile accidents investigated
38
62
Automobile licenses or registrations suspended or revoked 6
Transfers and sales reported
108
Transfers and sales reported through dealers
547
Calls and complaints 4540
Investigations resulting from
2860
Investigations with F. B. I.
11
Investigations with C. I. D.
6
Investigations for other Departments
110
Deaths investigated
3
State Hospital commitments
3
Warrants served
22
Summons served
42
Places found open, secured, and owners notified
12
Value of property recovered
$1,600.00
Disposition of court cases are as follows :
Placed on probation
4
Suspended sentences
9
Committed to House of Correction
15
Cases filed
13
Dismissed by order of the Court
1
Found not guilty
3
Committed to State Farm
2
Committed to State Prison
2
Cases pending
2
The rest were find a total of
$1,230.00
Financial report of the Police Department:
Salaries: Chief
$4,133.50
Sergeant
3,611.50
Officers
1,022.00
Gas and oil
1,057.69
Car repairs
25.27
Car maintenance
265.20
Telephone
507.24
Fuel and lights
238.73
Supplies
229.31
Car radio
50.00
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Matron All other
36.76 56.70
Total Expended Balance
$11,233.90
6.10
Appropriation
$11,240.00
I wish to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen for their cooperation during the past year. I also want to thank the heads of the other Town Departments for their close cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD C. KING ,
Chief of Police
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REPORT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Engineers of the Fire Department submit the fol- lowing report for the year ending December 31, 1954.
The department answered 73 calls in 1954-17 house, 13 chimney, 4 car, 32 grass and brush, 3 woods, 1 cat in well, 2 calls to Dunstable and 1 False Alarm. We have also had 3 calls for the Inhalator.
The apparatus is in good condition. We have 3700 feet of hose, some in poor condition, so we are asking for 1200 feet of 21/2 in. double jacket hose.
Our fire alarm system has been changed to dial and we have had 8 calls since installation. Cards were mailed with instructions. To report a Fire dial 3-5360. Many have used that number to inquire the whereabouts of a fire-for that information please dial 3-2113.
We are asking for a radio to be installed in the chief's car to be used in conjunction with the one we have on truck, which has proven worthy on many occasions.
We repeat previous precautions.
A Do not let rubbish accumulate on premises.
B Remember law requires permits for open fires.
C Have chimney cleaned regularly.
D Remember the law on oil storage.
E In case of fire, call department at once.
We wish to thank the public and all the Town Officials for their co-operation.
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Pay Roll
$4,500.00
Engineers
$ 250.00
Combination No. 1
750.00
Hose Co. No. 1
750.00
Hook & Ladder Co.
750.00
Drives - 158 @ $1.00
158.00
George Boutwell-Janitor
242.00
Expenditures
Hope Rubber Co.
$ 197.56
B and C Products Co.
27.00
Fire Equipment Corp.
24.25
Pentland Pontiac - Inspections
3.00
Townell Co. - Printing
5.00
Palmer's Servicenter - Gas & Oil
109.82
New England Tel. & Tel. Co.
105.90
Tower's Motor Parts, Inc.
1.06
DeMontigny - Clock
21.95
New England Gas Products
6.00
Town of Pepperell - Water Dept.
15.00
George Boutwell - Stamps
2.60
Walter Sherwood - Labor
6.50
Worcester County Electric Co. 69.40
Philip Morris - File Cabinet
65.85
Kemp's Service Station - Gas
2.50
Seagrave Corp. - Parts
31.02
Geo. Shattuck - Fuel and Labor
124.14
Sheldon's Express Co. - Charges
21.60
Bob's Hardware - Batteries & Fuse
12.00
Gamewell 121.84
Lewis Caldwell - Labor
8.00
Henry Leary - Labor
8.75
A. W. Bartlett - Supplies
21.46
Lowell Gas Co.
15.84
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Lorden Oil Co. - Fuel
548.05
Total
$4,476.09
Unexpended
$ 23.91
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE E. BOUTWELL ARTHUR STRAITIFF
Engineers
REPORT OF FOREST FIRE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Forest Warden submits the following report for the year ending December 31, 1954.
The Forest Fire Department has answered 35 calls. The truck has been overhauled and the department is in good condition.
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