Town annual reports of the officers of the town of Pepperell, Mass 1956, Part 25

Author: Pepperell (Mass.)
Publication date: 1946
Publisher: [Pepperell, Mass.] : [Town of Pepperell]
Number of Pages: 682


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Pepperell > Town annual reports of the officers of the town of Pepperell, Mass 1956 > Part 25


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Article 27. Voted that the Town accept the sum of $150.00 the income therefrom to be expended for the per- petual care of the Jasper Shattuck lot No. 232-B in Wood- lawn Cemetery.


Article 28. Voted that the Town Clerk be elected for a Three Year term instead of a One Year term, this to be- come effective at the 1950 Election.


44


Article 29. Voted that the Boy Scouts and Cubs, Girl Scouts and Brownies, 4-H Groups and similar organizations, be given permission to use the lower hall in Town Hall Building for their meetings, without charge.


Article 30. Motion made and seconded that the Town vote to abolish the Caucus by rescinding the action taken previously for caucuses. Not carried.


Article 31. Voted that the Town will address the fol- lowing Resolution to each of our United States Senators from Massachusetts and to our Representative in Congress :


"Whereas it is our belief that the United Nations should be so strengthened that it shall become adequate for the preservation of world peace; we therefore earnestly recom- mend your support for all measures tending toward this end; and whereas we have the deepest confidence in the Federal System of Government, devised by our fathers un- der which the United States has prospered for one hundred and sixty years; we specifically recommend your support for such changes in the United Nations Charter as shall make it a limited World Federal Government, with full power over all matters vital to the preservation of peace."


Article 32. Motion made and seconded that the Town act on Substitute Motion made under Article 12 of the Special Town Meeting dated October 8, 1948 which reads as follows :


"That the matter of amending the existing Town By Laws, by inserting a new section under the heading of Zoning Laws, be brought before the Annual Town Meeting in 1949 for further consideration." Not carried.


Article 33. Voted that the Town transfer from Ma- chinery Fund Reserve the sum of $1,325.00 to be used as follows: $300.00 to remain in workable fund; $350.00 for purchase of a sand spreader; $675.00 for purchase of a tar kettle.


A true copy,


Attest:


JOHN F. CULLINAN, Town Clerk.


45


SPECIAL TOWN MEETING September 28, 1949


Article 1. To choose a Moderator.


Article 2. To determine if the Town will vote to transfer the present Moth Department truck to the Ceme- tery Commissioners for use in the Town Cemeteries.


Article 3. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Accountant to transfer to excess and deficiency five thousand dollars ($5,000) raised and appropriated un- der ARTICLE XXII of the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting held February 16, 1948, and cancel or rescind that part of the vote passed under said ARTICLE, authorizing the borrowing of twenty-five thousand dollars, ($25,000).


Article 22 reads as follows :


Voted that the Town of Pepperell shall raise and ap- propriate $40,000.00 for the purpose of remodeling and re- constructing the Clara M. Shattuck elementary school and to meet said appropriation that $5,000.00 be included in the current tax levy and $10,000.00 be transferred from surplus revenue and the Treasurer, with approval of Select- men, be and hereby is authorized to borrow the sum of $25,000.00, and to issue bonds or notes of the Town there- for, said bonds or notes to be 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 Five years from the date of issue of the first bond or note or at such earlier time as the Treasurer and Selectmen may determine. The School Committee, together with three citizens ap- pointed by Moderator, are authorized to enter into all necessary contracts for said remodeling and reconstruction.


Article 4. To determine if the Town will vote to transfer from Surplus Revenue, the sum of $1,000.00 to the "Aid to Dependent Children Account" to defray expenses for the balance of 1949.


46


Article 5. To determine if the Town will vote to transfer from Surplus Revenue, the sum of $3,000.00 to the "General Relief Account" to defray expenses for the balance of 1949.


Article 6. To determine if the Town will vote to transfer from Overlay Surplus Reserve, the sum of $600.00 to the "Health Account," to defray expenses for the balance of 1949.


Article 7. To determine if the Town will vote to close-out the following special accounts and that the bal- ances be returned to Surplus Revenue, or take any other action in relation thereto.


Appropriation Balances


A. Government Projects $312.00


B. Post War Projects-Art. 22 500.00


C. Veterans' Rehabilitation 101.50


D. Drainage Project 439.17


Article 8. To determine if the Town will vote to transfer from Overlay Surplus Reserve, the sum of $434.50 to purchase two gas masks for the Fire Department, as re- quired by Chapter 377 of the Acts of 1948 which amends Chapter 48 of the General Laws, by the addition of Section 51A.


Article 9. To determine if the Town will vote to transfer from Overlay Surplus Reserve, the sum of $150.00 to the "Dog Officer Account," to defray expenses for the balance of 1949.


Article 10. To determine if the Town will vote to transfer from Surplus Revenue, the sum of $500.00 to Vet- erans' Benefits Account.


Article 11. To determine if the Town will vote to pay Robert McGrath the sum of $185.00 from Surplus Revenue, for bill rendered on Boiler Repairs. This amount having been received by the Town from the Travelers Insurance Company to pay for repairs on boiler in the old Tarbell Street School building.


47


Article 12. To determine if the Town will appropri- ate from available funds a sum not exceeding $15,200.00 to construct a new road frora Boynton Street to the Pump- ing Station, a distance of approximately one mile, or take any action in relation thereto. Work to be done under con- tract and under supervision of the Highway Surveyor.


Article 13. To determine if the Town will vote to transfer from Surplus Revenue, a sum not exceeding $2,000 to the Board of Health to establish and equip a dental clinic for the school children in the Town of Pepperell and to defray operating expenses for the balance of 1949. This money to be spent under the supervision of the Board of Health and a Committee to be appointed by them.


Article 14. To see if the Town will construct cement steps at the High School instead of granite steps as voted under ARTICLE XIX of the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting in the current year, and authorize the expenditure of five hundred fifty dollars ($550) for said construction and transfer the balance of the appropriation valid under said ARTICLE XIX, to-wit: Two thousand, two hundred fifty dollars ($2,250) for the following purposes :


One thousand dollars ($1,000) for the construction and furnishing of an additional classroom in the basement of the Clara M. Shattuck School; and one thousand, two hun- dred fifty dollars ($1,250) for the salaries of three addi- tional teachers necessary for the balance of 1949; or take any action relative thereto.


Article 15. To see if the Town will vote to rescind the votes taken at the Annual Town Meeting held March 24, 1913 relating to the election of a Playground Commission.


Article 16. To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of Sections 21 to 25, inclusive, of Chapter 136 of the General Laws relating to the conduct and control of certain sports on the Lord's Day.


Article 17. To see if the Town will vote to elect, by ballot, at the Annual Town Meeting in February, 1950, a


48


Playground Commission to have supervision of the Town Playground, or take any action in relation thereto.


Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to elect a Playground Commission to have supervision of the Town playground until the Annual Town Meeting in February, 1950, or take any action in relation thereto.


Article 19. To determine if the Town will vote to transfer from Surplus Revenue the sum of $300.00 for use on the Playground.


Article 20. To determine if the Town will vote to give the Selectmen permission to sell to Frederic Archam- bault a portion of land for the sum of $200.00. This is the remaining part of the Town owned land, located on Tucker Street, used in the past by the Highway Surveyor as a gravel pit.


Article 21. (By Petition) To determine what action the Town will take to extend the Town Water Supply to in- clude the residents of South Road. Money to be supplied by borrowing or by floating a bond.


SPECIAL TOWN MEETING


September 28, 1949


Article 2. Voted that the Town transfer the present Moth Department truck to the Cemetery Commissioners for use in the Town Cemeteries.


Article 3. Voted that the Town authorize the Town Accountant to transfer to excess and deficiency five thou- sand dollars ($5,000) raised and appropriated under Article XXII of the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting held February 16, 1948, and cancel or rescind that part of the vote passed under said Article authorizing the borrowing of twenty-five thousand dollars, ($25,000.)


Article 4. Voted that the Town transfer from Sur-


49


plus Revenue the sum of $1,000.00 to the "Aid to Dependent Children Account" to defray expenses for the balance of 1949.


Article 5. Voted that the Town transfer from Sur- plus Revenue the sum of $3,000.00 to the "General Relief Account" to defray expenses for the balance of 1949.


Article 6. Voted that the Town transfer from Overlay Surplus Reserve, the sum of $600.00 to the "Health Ac- count," to defray expenses for the balance of 1949.


Article 7. Voted that the Town close-out the follow- ing special accounts and that balances be returned to Sur- plus Revenue.


Appropriation Balances :


A. Government Projects $312.00


B. Post War Projects-Article 22 500.00


C. Veterans Rehabilitation 101.50


D. Drainage Project 439.17


Article 8. Voted that the Town transfer from Over- lay Surplus Reserve, the sum of $434.50 to purchase two gas masks for the Fire Department, as required by Chapter 377 of the Acts of 1948 which amends Chapter 48 of the General Laws, by the addition of Section 51A.


Article 9. Voted that the Town transfer from Over- lay Surplus Reserve, the sum of $150.00 to the "Dog Officer Account," to defray expenses for the balance of 1949.


Article 10. Voted that the Town transfer from Sur- plus Revenue, the sum of $500.00 to Veterans Benefits Ac -. count.


Article 11. Voted that the Town pay Robert McGrath the sum of $185.00 from Surplus Revenue, for bill rendered on Boiler Repairs. This amount having been received by the Town from the Travelers Insurance Company to pay for repairs on boiler in the Old Tarbell Street School Build- ing.


50


:


Article 12. Voted that the Town transfer from Sur- plus Revenue a sum not exceeding $15,200.00 to construct a new road from Boynton Street to the Pumping Station, a distance of approximately one mile. This work to be done under contract and under supervision of the Highway Sur- veyor and Selectmen. This was a check list vote. Total votes cast, 165. Yes 106. No 58. One Blank.


Article 13. Voted that the Town transfer from Sur- plus Revenue a sum not exceeding $2,000.00 to the Board of Health, to establish and equip a dental clinic for the school children in the Town of Pepperell and to defray oper- ating expenses for the balance of 1949. This money to be spent under the supervision of the Board of Health and a Committee to be appointed by them. This was a check list vote. Total votes cast 168. Yes 125. No 43.


Article 13. Amendment to Article 13, made as fol- lows: Provided that fees be set at such a level as to pay all


operating expenses.


Not carried.


Article 14. Voted that the Town construct cement steps at the High School instead of Granite steps as voted under Article XIX of the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting in the current year, and authorize the expenditure of five hundred fifty dollars ($550.00) for said construc- tion and transfer the balance of the appropriation valid un- der said Article XIX, to wit: Two thousand, two hun- dred fifty dollars ($2,250.00) for the following purposes.


One thousand dollars ($1,000) for the construction and furnishing of an additional classroom in the basement of the Clara M. Shattuck School; and one thousand, two hun- dred fifty dollars ($1,250.00) for the salaries of three addi- tional teachers necessary for the balance of 1949.


Article 15. Voted that the Town rescind the votes passed at the Annual Town Meeting on March 24, 1913, relating to the election of a Playground Commission.


Article 16. Voted to Pass over Article 16.


Article 17. Voted that the Town elect, by ballot, a Playground Commission consisting of three members to be


51


elected in the following manner: At the Annual Town Meeting in February 1950, one member be, elected for one year, one member for two years, and one member for three years, and annually thereafter, one member be elected for three years, said Playground Commission to have control and supervision of the Town Playground and all activities to be conducted thereon.


Article 18. Voted that a Playground Commssion of three members be elected at this meeting, to serve until the Annual Town Meeting in February 1950.


The three members elected were Robert B. Patch, Wal- ter D. Crowley and Harold T. Lynch, as members of the Playground Commission to serve until the Annual Town Meeting in February 1950.


Article 19. Voted that the Town vote to transfer from Surplus Revenue, the sum of $300.00 for use on the Playground.


Article 20. Voted that the Town give the Selectmen permission to sell to Frederick J. Archambault a portion of land for the sum of $200.00. This is the remaining part of the Town owned land, located on Tucker Street, used in the past by the Highway Surveyor as a gravel pit.


Article 21. Motion made and seconded that the Town extend the Water System from the end of the present line on River Road, along River Road to South Road, along South Road, to the Townsend line, and along Shattuck Street, to Jewett Street, and along Jewett Street, to the end of the present line. Not carried.


Article 21. Amendment to Article 21. Motion made and seconded that the Town float a Bond for $175,000.00 to. complete the Project.


This was a check list vote. Total votes cast 171. Yes 63. No 108.


Voted to adjourn.


A true copy,


Attest:


JOHN F. CULLINAN, Town Clerk.


52


---


Report of Police Department


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen


of the Town of Pepperell


I respectfully submit the report of the Police Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1949.


Drunkenness


30


Driving under the influence of liquor


10


Disturbing the peace


3


Assault and Battery


7


Neglect or desertion of family, Non-support


4


Neglect of minor children


1


Lewd cohabitation


2


Adultery


2


Trespass


2


Larceny


9


Evading fare


1


Motor violations


Speeding


10


Driving to endanger


5


Leaving the scene, without making self known


1


Stop sign violations


11


Arrests for other departments


4


Total


102


Miscellaneous :


Automobile accidents investigated


37


Fatals


None


Automobile licenses suspended or revoked


3


Transfers or sales reported


340


Calls and complaints


2750


Investigations resulting from


568


Investigations for other Departments


83


Investigations with the F. B. I.


7


Ambulance calls


88


53


State Hospital commitments Lyman School Youth Service Board Warrants served Summon served


5


1


1


8


32


Doors found open, and owners notified


21


Value recovered property


$1,491.63


The disposition of court cases are as follows:


Placed on probation


5


Released


2


Given suspended sentences


7


Committed to House of Correction


10


Found not guilty


1


All the rest were fined the total of


$780.00


Financial report of Police Department


Salary :


Chief


$3.141.60


Officers


4,853.83


Gas and oil


807.72


Station


43.20


Fuel and lights


202.82


Telephone


213.73


Matron


4.35


Radio and car repairs


302.33


Supplies


139.87


Town of Groton


500.00


All other


156.36


Total


$10,365.81


Balance


9.19


$10,375.00


I am very happy to report that we had less arrests this


54


year than last. We also had less accidents and NO FATAL accidents this year.


Our two way radio hook-up now has the Towns of Ayer and Townsend added to our net-work, giving us added assistance if needed.


I wish to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen and all the citizens of the Town of Pepperell for their courtesy and co-operation during the past year.


Respectfully submitted,


HAROLD C. KING,


Chief of Police.


55


Report of Fire Department


January 10, 1950


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:


The Engineers of the Fire Department submit the fol- lowing report for the year ending December 31, 1949.


The past year the department has answered 92 calls :


16 Buildings


21 Chimneys


8 Still


44 Grass and brush


1 False


2 Out of town


Your apparatus is in first class condition. We have on hand 4500 feet of 21/2 inch hose, but recommend an appro- priation of $250.00 to put into hose fund for replacement of broken lines.


We also recommend $4,000.00 for regular appropria- tion.


As this report reaches every citizen the precautions we had last year should not be changed.


A Do not let rubbish accumulate.


B Remember it requires a permit to start fires in the open.


C Have your chimney cleaned regularly.


D Remember the law in regard to storage of oil.


We have issued 143 permits for the storage of oil for 1949.


We want to thank the Telephone operators for their


56


co-operation and any others that have helped us in the last year.


The following are the expenditures for the year:


Lorden Oil Co.


$47.32


George A. Shattuck


396.78


Palmers Servicenter


149.40


Richardsons Garage


29.20


New England Tel. & Tel. Co.


56.00


Wachusett Electric Co.


75.04


Sheldon's Express


8.44


Lux Fire Equipment Co.


9.75


Seagraves Corp.


5.00


American La France


48.72


Harry Dow, janitor


242.00


The DuPaw Pharmacy


30.25


Hotel Place Garage


2.00


Atomlite


24.00


Pepperell Plumbing and Heating


18.25


Town of Pepperell Water Dept.


12.00


A. W. Bartlett


24.00


Leonard W. Dow, Sr.


3.50


A. B. C. Transportation Co.


1.05


Nite-Glow Reflector Co.


30.77


Lewis W. Caldwell


29.88


Wilfred E. Bouchard


50.00


Times-Free Press


9.50


Attridge Bros.


7.30


Hope Rubber Co.


23.38


PAY ROLL


Combination No. 1


750.00


Hose Company No. 1


750.00


Hook & Ladder Co.


750.00


Engineers


250.00


Drivers


165.00


Total


$3,998.53


Appropriation


4,000.00


Balance


$1.47


57


Special Appropriation Cellar Pump


404.79


Special Appropriation Gas Masks


434.50


Respectfully submitted, GEORGE E. BOUTWELL, LEONARD W. DOW, SR.


Engineers.


58


Report of Forest Fire Warden


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:


The Forest Warden submits the following report for the year ending December 31, 1949.


The forest fire department has answered 44 calls, grass - brush. The forest fire equipment is in good condi- tion.


The following are the expenditures of the year:


Warden


$50.00


Dep. Wardens


30.00


Wages of Firemen


386.25


American LaFrance Corp., couplings


5.42


E. L. Phillips, pressure plates


3.70


DuPaw Pharmacy, supplies


21.60


$496.97


Appropriated for the year


500.00


Unexpended


$3.03


I have issued 119 permits for open air fires. No trou- ble from any of them.


- Everyone has cooperated with us and I would like to thank one and all.


Just remember that you are supposed to have a permit for open air fires.


Also, you are supposed to cover rubbish barrels when burning. This is a state law and it will be enforced in the future.


Respectfully submitted, GEORGE E. BOUTWELL, Forest Warden.


59


Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:


Following is my report for the year ending December 31, 1949.


Scales


Sealed


Fees Collected


Platform, over 10,000 lbs.


3


$15.00


Platform, over 5,000 lbs.


1


2.00


Platform, over 100 lbs. to 5000 lbs. 36


36.00


Scales under 100 lbs.


Old Rates


7


.70


New Rates


32


16.00


$69.70


Weights


134


$13.40


$13.40


Vehicles Tanks


3


$9.00


$9.00


Meters


Gasoline


22


$22.00


Grease Elec.


1


1.00


Grease


23


5.75


$28.75


Linear Measures


Yard Sticks


9


.90


.90


$121.75


I have turned over to the Town Treasurer the fees col- lected by me $121.75, making 5 different payments during the year for the above total. This is the largest amount ever collected by this department, all rates being advanced this year. This is my seventh annual report and I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen and also Mr. T. J. Dacey of Worcester, Mass., State Inspector, for all assistance given me.


Sealer of Weights and Measures. GORDON B. HOBBS,


Yours truly,


60


Report of Water Department


For the Year Ending December 31, 1949


RECEIPTS


Sales of Water


$20,942.22


Sales of Material Total Receipts


20.04


$20,965.26


EXPENDITURES


Salaries and Transportation


$6,601.75


Service-Labor


1,312.70


Service-Material


1,166.00


Pumping Station No. 1-Labor


470.53


Pumping Station No. 1-Material


370.37


Pumping Station No. 1-Expense


2,258.77


Piping System-Labor


2.50


Piping System-Material


27.12


Meters-New


624.00


Meters-Maintenance


303.95


Pumping Station No. 2-Labor


93.91


Pumping Station No. 2-Material


32.50


Water Commissioners


120.00


Collector-First National Bank


20.00


Sundry Account


454.71


Total Expenditures


$13,858.81


Respectfully submitted,


LEWIS D. BEMIS,


Superintendent.


61


Report of Cemetery Commissioners


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:


In submitting this our annual report we wish to thank all who have so kindly assisted in our work. The Board of Selectmen, Town Accountant, Treasurer, and Mrs. Saunders have rendered valuable assistance and to them we extend a special word of appreciation. This year the work in the cemeteries was under the direct supervision of the commis- sioners, with Mr. Shattuck in charge, thereby eliminating the need for a full time superintendent.


This year we omitted care of several lots as the annual bills for previous years remained unpaid. The response to the annual care bills shows some improvement over previous years.


The services of competent tree surgeons have been em- ployed to properly prune the trees in both the Walton and Woodlawn Cemeteries.


The equipment is in good condition, new greens, a small power mower, and a lawn roller have been purchased this past year.


The tool house and arch at the main entrance to the Woodlawn Cemetery have been painted.


Lack of space at the tool house still remains a problem.


We recommend the following appropriation for 1950:


Soldiers Graves $400


Cemeteries 2,000


A summary of receipts and expenditures for the ceme- teries may be found in the report of the town accountant. .


Respectfully submitted, HAROLD B. OLSEN LEROY A. SHATTUCK I. MAYO CALL


Cemetery Commissioners.


62


Report of Trustees of Lawrence Library


January 17, 1950


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:


The Trustees of the Lawrence Library respectfully submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1949 :


Organization


Chairman, John R. Shugert Secretary, Beatrice Parker


Executive Committee


John R. Shugert Pat J. McDermott George A. Gillis


Finance Committee


John R. Shugert Pat J. McDermott George A. Gillis


Book Committee


Beatrice Parker Ethel Clarke Irene T. Attridge


The most important project handled during 1949 by the Trustees was major repairs to the roof. These repairs consisted of copper flushings being replaced around the skylights where several bad leaks had occured over a period of years; several new copper down spouts plus repairing of others as well as pointing up of masonry work that had needed attention for some time. We put out bids for this work and accepted one of the lowest received after taking into consideration the reliability of the firm doing the work.


We also in March of 1949 gave two small monthly raises to the head librarian and her assistant.


After careful consideration of our budget we have de- cided that the regular Town appropriation of $1,800.00 will


63


not be sufficient for our purposes in 1950 and feel we will need $2,000.00. The reason we are requesting this small increase is not only due to the fact that the prices of books have risen but for the past several years it has been neces- sary that we withhold several of the bills coming in during the month of December until our Town appropriation is received.


Respectfully submitted,


JOHN R. SHUGERT,


Chairman.


64


+


Report of Treasurer of the Lawrence Memorial Library


Cash on Hand Jan., 1949


256.22


Income from Bonds :


Northern Pacific R. R. Bonds $300.00


New York Central R. R. Bonds 245.00


Detroit River Tunnel R. R. Bonds 180.00


Chicago & Indianapolis R. R. Bonds 80.00


Bangor & Aroostook R. R. Bonds


120.00


New England Tel. & Tel. Co. Bonds


100.00


Baltimore & Ohio R. R. Bonds


100.00


Holyoke Street R. R. Bonds 27.50


Interest on U. S. Government Bonds 525.00


1,677.50


Income from Stocks:


First National Bank of Boston


112.50


Shawmut National Bank of Boston 80.85


193.35


Town Appropriation


1,800.00


Transfer Funds (Special) from First - National Bank of East Pepperell


600.00


Total Income


4,527.07


INCOME AND PAYMENTS


Cash on Hand Jan. 1, 1949


256.22


Receipts for 1949


4,270.85


Total Receipts


4,527.07


Total Payments


4,258.25


Unexpended Balance of 1949


268.82


65


SECURITIES OWNED BY THE LAWRENCE MEMORIAL LIBRARY


BONDS:


10 Northern Pacific R. R. Bonds 10,000.00


7 New York Central R. R. Bonds 7,000.00


4 Detroit River Tunnel Bonds 4,000.00




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