USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Harwich > Town annual reports of the selectmen and overseers of the poor of the town of Harwich 1958 > Part 7
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The second factor that causes this Committee to postpone its recommendation is found in the fact that a projection of the school population over a period of ten years shows that in all probability the present school facilities can be adequate in Harwich for at least a period of two years ahead. While there may be some crowding and handicaps at the high school and in individual grades here and there, these diffi- culties may be met by the hiring of a few additional teachers, but without the danger of double sessions at any grade level throughout the school system.
While school population projections are proving some- what unreliable throughout the country due to shifts of fam- ilies from one community to another and exceedingly high birth rates the projections of school population in Harwich of the past few years have been realistic and reasonably ac- curate when based on present class size and connected by birth rates within the community. There has been and con- tinues to be addition of some new families each year, but due to the absence of sizeable industrial plants in this area it does not seem probable that the school population will increase significantly over and above the number of children already in attendance in the lower elementary grades. The latest projection of school population for a ten year period shows by 1966-67 an increase of 48 children in the kindergarten and first three grades, an increase of 61 in grades 4-6, an increase of 40 in grades 7 and 8; also, an increase of 78 in the high school or a total increase of 227 boys and girls in the ten year period. It actually may be more than that. It certainly will not be less. Consequently it will be necessary to provide ad- ditional housing space for both elementary and secondary schools pupils in the years ahead.
If the Regional High School idea can be achieved it will be possible to have a four year school of 500 pupils or a six year school of 800 pupils serving the two towns at a consider- ably lower cost of construction and at a lower cost of main-
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tenance and operation than would be possible for either town if it goes its present way of separate high schools. In addition and most important such a regional school would be able to offer a much richer and more diversified program of edu- cation for its youth.
For the increase in elementary school population the present high school plant could be modified at almost neglig- ible expense to accommodate all increased elementary school population. Thus for the forseeable future the only school building cost for the Town of Harwich would be its share, 50% of the regional high school.
It is the hope of the School Space Needs Committee that it will be able to make specific recommendations for the 1960 Town Meeting or before that at a Special Town Meeting. The funds provided by the Town Meeting of 1957, $4,000 would seem to be adequate for the expenses of this preliminary planning group.
Respectfully submitted,
DONALD T. BATES MILTON CAHOON FRED CROWELL GERSHOM D. HALL MARGARET LEONARD CHARLES H. MONBLEAU H. WILLIAM MOREY ROSWELL NYE EARLE SIMS JULIUS E. WARREN, Chm.
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Report of the Insect Pest Control and Tree Warden Departments
To the Citizens of the Town of Harwich:
I am pleased to report that this has been a year our roadsides have been nearly free from woodticks and leaf eat- ing pest. This condition I believe was due to the wet cold Spring. There was hardly a day that passed without some rain.
Many of the pest such as the Tent Caterpillar, Japanese beetles, Pine tip worm, and Earwigs had all the signs for a large increase over last year, but this was not the way it turned out. The weather man changed their plans, it seems, and there was a small decrease instead.
The cold wet weather, while helping to keep down the number of worms and beetles, was certainly of no help to the small maples and planetrees. The dampness and lack of sun- shine caused these trees to have a fungus disease. Many of their leaves turned yellow and fell off. It was necessary to spray these trees two or three times with a fungicide.
A worm known as the Pine Saw Fly is increasing in num- bers very rapidly in the Pleasant Lake area and must be watched very carefully the years ahead. Many of the pine trees were infested and much damage done this year.
There was no increase in the Gypsy moth population as we had expected. The Brewster State park was sprayed twice by airplane and I believe this was the reason. As usual thirty- five moth traps were set out and maintained during July and August. The results were, eleven millers captured, a much smaller number than last year. The Cape is not free of the Gypsy moth and a bad infestation can break out most any- where. It did in the Brewster State Park two years ago.
Specimens were taken from twenty-five sick looking elm trees and sent to Amherst College for culturing. It was found that eleven of these trees were dying from the Dutch Elm Disease and will have to be taken down before Spring. Six of these trees are on town roads and will be removed by this department. The State Department of Public Works are going
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to remove the diseased ones from the State highway. I have an article in the warrant for the 1959 annual town meeting to see what the town will vote to do with diseased trees on private property. Some towns pay all the cost of removal, and some pay a part, and some don't pay anything, but make the owner pay all. The latter is what this town has been doing in the past. Three large stumps from diseased trees were re- moved this year. These trees died two years ago and were taken down, but there were no funds allowed for removal of these stumps. This is a very bad thing to do as it spreads the disease very fast. All the elm trees in town were sprayed at least once and most of them twice, or three times. The Dutch Elm Disease is caused by a fungus and loves damp, wet wea- ther to grow and thrive in.
The work of the Tree Warden's department was about the same as usual, except the small maples set out every year didn't need water in July and August.
The only wind damage the trees suffered was on the night of January 8. Several large pines and one elm were destroyed and some small limbs broken.
Twenty-five dead trees were taken down this year. Of this number most of them were pine from the camp ground area.
Twenty-five 10 - 12 foot Norway Maples were set out along town roads as follows: West Harwich 3, North Harwich 2, East Harwich 2, Pleasant Lake 2, Harwich Center 6, Har- wichport 10. Five Spruce trees were set out in the old East Harwich cemetery. Three of the maples were used to replace the ones that died during last year's dry spell.
Insect Pest Control Department
Appropriation
$3,500.00
Expenditures :
Supt. Salary
$1,326.00
Labor Hire
831.25
Equipment Hire
650.60
Transportation
258.40
Insecticides & poison ivy killer
305.86
New Equipment
40.65
Gasoline & Oil for Sprayer
50.61
Miscellaneous Supplies
26.73
Telephone Calls
9.90
$3,500.00
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Dutch Elm Disease Control
Appropriation
$1,500.00
Expenditures:
Labor Hire
$846.44
Equipment Hire
358.25
Transportation
97.35
Insecticides
169.66
Gasoline & Oil for Sprayer
16.95
Miscellaneous Supplies
11.35
$1,500.00
Tree Warden (Forestry Dept.)
Appropriation
$800.00
Expenditures:
Labor Hire
$237.45
Equipment Hire
366.25
Transportation
150.00
Miscellaneous Supplies
33.96
Fertilizer
10.80
$798.46
Open Balance
$1.54
Planting Shade Trees Article Account
Appropriation
$500.00
Expenditures:
Maple Trees (25)
$257.25
Labor Hire
97.50
Truck Hire
60.00
Transportation
40.00
Loam & Dressing
40.00
$494.75
Open Balance 1
$5.25
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER E. CAHOON, Supt. Insect Pest Control and Tree Warden
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Report of the Police Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
and to the Citizens. of the Town of Harwich:
I hereby submit the annual report of the Police Depart- ment for the year 1958.
Personnel
Rank
Name
Address
Chief
George C. Baldwin
Harwich Port
Sergeant
Charles M. Johnson
North Harwich
Sergeant
Charles H. Thomas
West Harwich
Patrolman
Horace F. Wixon
West Harwich
Patrolman
Charles D. Gardner
Harwich Port
Patrolman
Earl P. Ryder
Pleasant Lake
Patrolman
John S. Raneo
Harwich
Desk Officer
Howard M. Ellis
Harwich Port
General Routine
Complaints received and investigated
262
Stolen property reported
$4,410.00
Stolen property recovered
$2,748.00
Lost property reported
$2,594.00
Lost property recovered
$446.00
Missing persons reported
5
Missing persons found
5
Licenses suspended
46
Licenses revoked
14
Auto accidents investigated
66
Property damage
66
Personal injury
21
Fatals
0
Minor auto accidents reported to Police, not investigated
15
First Class auto dealers reports filed
10
Second Class auto dealers reports filed
61
Third Class auto dealers reports filed
239
Individual Auto Dealers reports filed
179
Summer homes and cottages inspected
1,336
Summer homes and cottages found open and reported to owners
22
Accidental deaths investigated
4
Fires attended
46
Rescue runs attended
85
Suicides
1
Warrants served
15
100
Summons served
Confined to lockup
Court Cases
Breaking and entering
1
Juvenile cases
8
Larceny
1
Speeding
5
Leaving the scene of accident after knowingly causing property damage
5
Operating under the influence
15
Operating motor vehicle after right suspended
7
Operating to endanger
24
Drunk
15
Malicious destruction of property
2
Failure to stop at Stop Sign
1
Non-support
8
Assault
3
Rape
1
Violation of Probation
4
Disturbing the peace
3
Trespassing (Criminal)
1
Refusing to give Police Officer information
1
Assault and Battery
5
Begetting
1
Operating uninsured vehicle
1
Operating non-registered Motor vehicle
1
Desertion
1
Unauthorized use of Motor vehicle
2
Uttering and delivering Fraudulent check
1
Out of Town Trips with Cruiser
State Police Barracks, South Yarmouth
4
Taunton State Hospital
9
Barnstable County House of Correction
6
Provincetown
10
Brockton
1
New Bedford
1
Brewster
3
Buzzards Bay
1
Bridgewater State Hospital
1
Cape Cod Hospital
3
Barnstable Police Department
1
Barnstable Court House
5
Miles covered by Cruisers
77,988
This year two men, Sgt. Charles Johnson and Sgt. Charles Thomas completed a course of training at the Mass.
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State Police Training School for Local Police Officers at Framingham. I am sure that this training will be of use to these men and to the town.
The year 1958 saw a slight increase in the number of traffic accidents over the previous year but again we were fortunate in not having any serious personal injuries.
Respectfuly submitted, GEORGE C. BALDWIN Chief of Police
Report of the Board of Appeals
The Harwich Board of Appeals has held six public hear- ings in 1958, and seventeen petitioners have presented their cases at their hearings. After thoughtful discussions and deliberation the Board has granted twelve requests, denied six and given permission for half of one request while deny- ing the second part. The Board feels that the cases have been presented well and show great care in their preparation by the petitioners.
In March when Col. Ralph Cummings declined to con- tinue as chairman, Mr. Leland McKenney was elected to that position by the Board, with Mr. Herbert Morse continuing to act as a most valuable vice-chairman. Then Mr. McKen- ney found it necessary to resign from the Board in Sept., Mr. Morse acted as chairman until the election of Mrs. Earle Sims in Oct. With the resignation of Mr. Peter Barber in Sept. the Board lost another valuable member. Thanks are due to Mr. McKenney and Mr. Barber for their splendid serv- ice to the Board, and to Col. Cummings for his able work as Chairman for the previous year. Mr. Chas. W. Chase of East Harwich and Mr. Donald Hall of Harwich Port were appointed to the vacancies from the alternate list, and Mr. Wm. Chandler, Mr. Biddle Thompson and Mr. A. S. Mazzur have served several times as alternates at public hearings and meetings.
The Board wishes to express its thanks again to Mr. Morse for his great interest and extensive research on the subject of protective by-laws. It wishes also to express ap- preciation for the valuable service given by the secretary, Mrs. Irvin Phipps.
Respectfuly submitted, CHARLOTTE P. SIMS, Chm. Harwich Board of Appeals
102
Report of Town Government Study Committee
To the Citizens of the Town of Harwich:
The Harwich Town Government Study Committee has completed its first full year in existence. During this past year it has undertaken an intensive study of the town's Water Department, a study which took the committee sev- eral months to complete.
From the study the committee has gained valuable in- formation, not only about the Water Department itself, but information and ideas which will be of material aid in fu- ture studies to be made by the committee. It has learned through trial and error how to better serve the purpose for which it was established in 1957.
When this committee was appointed by the Town Mod- erator late in the Spring of 1957, there had never been a similar committee from which this group could obtain guid- ance in achieving the aims established for it by the voters. The commttee members were all faced with the problem of undertaking a task for which they had no previous expe- rience and for which there was no precedent. For that reason it was necessary for the committee to "feel its way" during the first year of its existence.
Now, with more than a year of experience, the commit- tee has sought to put in writing what it feels should be the aims and objectives it should pursue.
The members of the study committee believe that much benefit can be derived from a comprehensive study and in- vestigation of the various phases of our town government. As a result, the committee has set up the following objec- tives which it believes will be of material aid in bringing better town government to Harwich:
1. A detailed study of every town department, with an eye to increasing efficiency within departments and at the same time to bring about a better coordination of activities and working relationships between departments.
2. A study of the facilities and equipment of our de- partments with special attention to long-range expansion needs.
3. A study of the costs of municipal government and their effect on property values and the local tax structure.
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4. A study of how our local government units can work effectively for a better, more attractive Harwich, thus en- couraging business to locate here, Summer residents to visit here, and year-round residents to build here-all with the in- tent of discovering proper means for boosting the economy of the town and bringing a better standard of living to its residents.
In attempting to achieve these objectives the committee wishes to emphasize that it must have, and will welcome, the cooperation of all town officials and department heads and the residents of the town. The committee wants to work with town officials and it firmly believes that the best re- sults for the town can be achieved only through mutual co- operation.
At this time the committee wishes to express its appre- ciation to the town officials who have aided the committee during the past year, particularly the selectmen who have always been ready to respond with information and to meet with the committee. It also expresses its appreciation to the officials of the Water Department for the cooperation given by them in the study of the department.
The committee is this year submitting two articles to the voters for their consideration. The first is an article similar to one which was adopted by voters two years ago but was ruled invalid by the State Attorney-General. This deals with a prohibition against town officials, elected or appointed, from having any part in any contract in which they may have a personal financial interest.
The committee would like to emphasize at this time that this article is not being placed before the voters again be- cause of any information uncovered by the committee in its studies, but rather because the committee felt that it was something that the voters themselves desired. An attempt has been made to re-word the article so that if adopted by the voters, it will be acceptable to the Attorney-General.
The other article to be presented to the voters concerns the filing of monthly reports by all town department heads with the Board of Selectmen. It is felt that there are some departments in the town over which the Selectmen have no jurisdiction, but that it would be beneficial to all concerned if the executive body of the town was kept informed of the activities and operations of the various departments.
It is, therefore, recommended by the study committee, that voters adopt an article instructing all department heads to file a detailed monthly report with the Selectmen, these
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reports to be kept on file at the town office building and be available to the public for inspection.
During the year there have been four resignations from the committee. Robert Stearns of North Harwich, Frederick Whitehouse of Harwichport, Philip C. Hammond of Harwich- port, and Elmer S. Holmes of East Harwich. Mr. Hammond was appointed to replace Mr. Whitehouse, but he later re- signed as LeRoy W. Long of Harwichport was named to fill the vacancy.
Mr. Holmes has submitted his resignation to be effec- tive as of December 31, 1958. The committee and the towns- people of Harwich owe to Mr. Holmes their appreciation for his faithful attendance at committee meetings, for his lively interest in the work of the committee, and for his valuable store of knowledge about the town.
Appended to this report is the complete report of the study committee resulting from its investigation of the Harwich Water Department.
REPORT OF STUDY OF HARWICH WATER DEPARTMENT
November 20, 1958
To the Residents and Taxpayers of the Town of Harwich:
The Harwich Town Government Study Committee has completed an intensive study of the Harwich Water Depart- ment and has found in general, that it is a department to which the townspeople can point with pride.
During the course of its study the members of the com- mittee personally visited the Water Department plant and examined the facilities and equipment. The committee is unanimous in its agreement that the entire plant is kept in excellent condition. Not only were the buildings and grounds in A-1 shape, but machinery, pumps, and other equipment all appeared to be well-kept.
The committee doubts that more than a handful of Harwich residents appreciate the fine installation that the town has in its Water Department. Without question the area behind the main plant, where the pump houses are located, is one of the most attractive areas in town.
In addition to visiting the plant, the committee inter- viewed the superintendent, and invited the members of the Board of Water Commissioners to a meeting of the study committee, so that members could ask questions. A com- mittee member later met with the Water Commissioners for further information. At all times these department officials were 100 percent cooperative with the study committee.
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In the course of its study the committee investigated practically every aspect of the Water Department operation. It was pleased to learn that a new and more efficient method of record-keeping had recently been instituted in the de- partment.
As a result of its study the committee has made a series of recommendations, some of which could be put into effect in the near future if the Water Commissioners feel they have merit; other suggestions are of a long range nature.
It was noted that the rules and regulations of the de- partment had not been revised and reprinted since January 1940. In bringing this to the attention of the superintendent and the commissioners, the committee was informed that the department is presently revising these rules and regulations and new, printed copies are expected to be available some- time next Summer.
The committee recommends that all water installations be made on an actual cost basis. This is presently the sys- tem used by the department in all cases except those in- stallations involving one-inch lines. These installations are billed to property owners on the basis of $1.40 per foot.
In discussing this with Water Department officials it was learned that this was a figure which "averages out" over the course of a year. It was learned, however, that there are some instances where one resident pays $1.40 per foot where the actual cost may be less, and that another resident may pay the same $1.40 per foot where the actual cost is more. . Thus we have a situation where one resident may be paying more than the cost of his installation and in effect is subsidizing the cost of an installation which is more than $1.40 per foot. We feel that this is not fair and that all should be billed for actual costs involved in each installa- tion. 1
The committee was informed by the commissioners that it was not the practice of the department to initiate articles in the annual town meeting warrant for water main installa- tions except in those cases where the department would directly benefit, such as the completion of a loop in the lines.
It is felt that the department should take the initiative in the expansion of the system. Basically the committee feels it would be to the advantage of the department and the town for officials of the department "to try and sell their product."
By this the committee means that the department should take the initiative in trying to sell town water to
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residents of a street which does not now have town water. If this was done, bearing in mind that the town by-laws re- quire a six percent return on the installation cost, it would mean that the water department could come into town meeting with an article that water mains be installed on a number of streets.
This would eliminate the need for the residents of each street wanting water to petition for an article in the war- rant and the ensuing confusion and arguments on the town meeting floor. It would eliminate too, the unfair situations which have developed in the past, of some residents getting water and others not getting it based, not on facts and fig- ures, but on the whims of the voters.
Thus the department could put before the voters the question of installing water on a given number of specified streets. Voters could be told by water department officials that residents of these streets had signed up for town water and that in all cases the town would receive the required six percent return or more. Voters could then act on the basis of plain facts and the considered action of water department officials, rather than on the emotional basis which so often accompanies requests for water main installation.
The committee was pleased to learn, that in spite of disheartening setbacks at the hands of voters, the Water Commissioners are continuing a program of long range planning. There is little doubt that additional facilities will be needed as the town grows and the populaton areas ex- pand. The committee feels that, on the basis of the com- missioners statements as to future needs, that they should continue to ask voter approval for additional well sites in East Harwich. It is hoped that commissioners will con- tinue to make plans for future expansion needs of their de- partment, and more important, we hope that voters will support their recommendations. .
It is the observation of this committee that there are certain times of the year when the department is somewhat overstaffed as far as the hourly personnel are concerned.
Respectfully, submitted,
Harwich Town Government Study Committee
GEORGE N. VAGENAS, Chairman ARTHUR I. KEEFE, Vice-Chairman ELMER W. HOLMES
ROBERT J. CHASE LEROY W. LONG
ROBERT L. R. PLACE, Secretary
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Report of the Conservation Commission
At the town meeting held in March of 1958, the people voted to establish a Conservation Commission, under Chap- ter 223, for the promotion and development of natural re- sources and for the protection of watershed resources in the town. This Commission was to conduct researches into the local land areas and was to seek to coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes. The fol- lowing members were appointed by the selectmen:
Three year term:
Miss Laura D. Sargent representing the Garden Club Dr. Mabel Rice representing the Historical Society
Mrs. Virginia S. Doane representing the Playground and Recreation Commission
Two year term:
C. William Johnson representing the Planning Board Robert B. Megathlin representing the Park Commission Francis P. Hibbert representing the Water Department
One year term:
Donald T. Bates representing the Town Forest Committee
At the organizational meeting held on May 21st, Miss Sargent was elected Chairman, and Mrs. Doane, Secretary. It was voted that regular meetings would be held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Town Offices. The first discussion of the group centered about the duties and scope of the committee and it was decided to devote each meeting to one aspect of conservation in the town of Har- wich. In accordance with this decision, the committee in- spected the watershed and town pumping station, the land surrounding the Herring Pool in North Harwich, and the Recreation Area north of Brooks Park. The Commission also held discussions with members of the Water Depart- ment, the Recreation Commission, and the Park Commission, as well as the Tree Warden and Mr. Moody of the Herring Committee.
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