USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Harwich > Town annual reports of the selectmen and overseers of the poor of the town of Harwich 1960 > Part 5
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West Harwich
4
Ladderman
Walter Eldredge
Harwich Center
7
Ladderman
Richard E. Chase
West Harwich
7
Ladderman
John Daluze
Pleasant Lake
14
Ladderman
John Woodruff
Harwich Center
3
Ladderman
Theron C. Holmes Jr.
Harwich Center
5
Ladderman
William Court
West Harwich
2
Ladderman
Alvin Eldredge
West Harwich
2
Ladderman
Frank Roderick
Pleasant Lake
1
Engine #3
Lieutenant
Robert C. Greenough
West Harwich 9
Engineman
Douglas Witherell
Harwich Center
11
Engineman
Bruce Young
West Harwich 3
Engineman
Emulous E. Hall Jr.
East Harwich 14
Engineman
Raymond Thacher
Harwich Center
3
Engineman
Wayne Gilmore
Pleasant Lake
3
Wallace Raneo
Harwich Center 1
Engineman Engineman
Roy Eldredge
Harwich Center
1
Engine #4
Lieutenant
William S. Johnson
Harwich Port
6
Engineman
Sheldon Thayer Jr.
South Harwich
5
Engineman
Russell L. Ritchie
West Harwich
9
Engineman
Arthur Peavey
West Harwich
7
Engineman
Melvin Orton
West Harwich
5
Engineman
Alfred B. Higgins
East Harwich
11
66
Rescue #1
Rescueman
Rescueman
Francis Nickerson Harwich Port 33 Todd Lee Harwich Port 1
Dispatchers
Years
Name
Address
Service
Mrs. Arthur Doane
Harwich Center
13
Mrs. Douglas Gardner
South Harwich
11
Mrs. Richard E. Johnson
West Harwich
6
Mrs. Walter Eldredge
Harwich Center
6
Mrs. Russell L. Ritchie
West Harwich
5
Mrs. William S. Johnson
Harwich Port
3
Mrs. Bruce Young
West Harwich
3
Life Members
Mr. John Condon
Harwich Center
Ex-Fire Warden
Sgt. Charles Pratt
Harwich Center Ex-Fireman
Arthur P. Doane
Harwich Center
Ex-Fireman
Clayton E. Chase
East Harwich
Ex-Fireman
Special Service Unit (Diving Squad)
Chief
Charles A. Hall
Lieutenant
William S. Johnson
Engineman
Raymond Thacher
Engineman Emulous E. Hall Jr.
Engineman Arthur Peavey
Town of Harwich Insurance Rating
(1) Property subject to minimum rates:
(2) Specifically rated property:
(a) Total number of fire and rescue alarms answered:
Fire
Rescue
Total
North Harwich
10
24
34
East Harwich
11
21
32
South Harwich
8
21
29
West Harwich
18
64
82
Harwich Port
26
130
156
Harwich Center
13
33
46
Pleasant Lake
9
5
14
Out of Town
2
6
8
97
304
401
(b) Total miles covered answering alarms:
Fire
423.5 13,788.7
Total
14,212.2
(c) Total number of alarms answered by:
Ladder No. 1
34
Engine No. 2
47
Engine No. 3
30
Engine No. 4 .
.6
Grade D 7th Class
Rescue
67
Engine No. 5
13
26
91
264
3
2
(d) Total number of fire and rescue alarms by type:
1. Building
18
2. Investigations
16
3. Oil burners
4
4. Vehicle
7
5. Dump & Rubbish
3
6. Electrical
5
7. Woods & Grass
23
8. False or needless
7
9. Chimney
2
10. Out of Town
2
11. Service
10
97
Rescue and Ambulance
1. Medical and Surgical
127
2. Service
45
3. First Aid at Fire Headquarters 21
4. Needless
6
5. Heart Attacks
49
6. Suicides and attempted
2
7. Maternity
6
8. Auto and Pedestrian Accidents
18
9. Home, Work and Play Accidents
23
10. Out of Town
6
11. Accidental Poisoning
1
304
(e) Trips to various hospitals in Ambulance and Chief's Car:
Cape Cod Hospital
194
Barnstable County Hospital
30
Other Hospitals
20
Nursing Homes
22
266
(f) Total acres of woodland burned
2.9
(g) Total acres of grassland burned
1.9
(h) Deaths attributed to fire
One
(i) Total number of Gas & Oil Inspections made
757
(j) Total number of Gas & Oil Permits issued
397
(k) Open Air Permits issued
802
(1) Estimated value of property involved:
Buildings
$558,500.00
Contents
399,950.00
Vehicles
3,850,00
$962,200.00
Rescue No. 1 Chief Car Ambulance DUKW Boat
68
(m) Estimated damage to property involved: Buildings Contents Vehicles
$140,550.00
145,925.00
200.00
(n) Insurance paid:
Buildings
$10,945.85
Contents
1,250.00
Vehicles
Incomplete
$12,195.85
Item (n) incomplete due to insurance reports.
(o) Fire Department Budget and Expenditures:
Appropriation and Transfers
$34,373.00
Fire Chief's Salary
$4,700.00
Permanent Firemen's Salaries
15,866.58
Call Firemen's Salaries
4,492.00
$25,058.58
Vehicle Maintenance
$2,160.55
Gasoline
1,005.41
Equipment Expense
1,430.07
Ladder 1 Account
600.00
Radio Expense
351.69
Uniforms
369.73
$5,917.45
Building Expense
$338.72
Office Equipment
335.81
Travel Expense
8.00
Equipment repairs and replacements
284.12
Telephone
526.90
Electricity
446.91
Town Water
38.80
Natural Gas
94.91
Heating Fuel
650.03
$2,724.20
Repairs to building
$623.07
Total Expense
$34,323.30 $49.70
Returned to Revenue
New Ambulance Account: Appropriation
$7,800.00
Expended
7,730.64
Returned to Revenue
$69.36
New Tires Account:
Appropriation
$710.00
Expended
594.50
Returned to Revenue
$115.50
Hose Account:
Appropriation
$950.00
Expended
895.00
Returned to Revenue
$55.00
$286,675.00
69
It is not very pleasing to report that this year brought upon us one of the most serious fires in the town's history. Daily in the newspapers and on television programs we see the results of disastrous fires throughout our country and wonder if these holocausts could happen here. They have and will continue if fire prevention rules and regulations are not observed. Therefore I stress a program of fire safety in the home to be promptly instituted by all citizens. This in- cludes preplanning for the possibility that fire may occur. Prompt discovery of fire, safe escape of your family from any room in the home, prompt fire department notification and proper type of first aid fire fighting equipment. These are some of the points that must be considered and with the help of your fire department who stands ready to lend a hand we can make a fire safe community.
All equipment of the department is in sound condition due to effective preventative maintenance and reasonable replacements of vehicles. In the near future I will recommend the need for an aerial ladder and another station in West Harwich. These recommendations will effect better fire pro- tection in the outlying areas of West Harwich and North Harwich
This year we lost the presence of one of our permanent firemen through retirement. Capt. William Fratus dedicated twelve years of service to the town in the protection of lives and property and his absence among all of us is truly missed. We wish him happiness and good health in his retirement.
This year has been one of experience which I am sure will never be forgotten by the firefighters. The disastrous fire in Harwich Port will be remembered by many and will recall it as a time when men were asked to meet certain tests- and met them well. The degree of efficiency is all part of our services, wise leadership by the officers and devotion to duty by the men was inspiring.
I wish to thank all the men and dispatchers of the de- partment for their cooperation and donation of time during the past year, to the members and chiefs of other towns and to the citizens for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES A. HALL
Harwich Fire Chief
70
A TRIBUTE TO OUR HIGHWAY SURVEYOR
Mr. Alton P. Hall, "Plum Hall" as he is known to all his associates and friends both on and off the Cape, is retiring as Surveyor of Highways for the Town of Harwich on March 6, 1961. Mr. Hall was first elected Surveyor of Highways in February of 1938 for a term of one year but has been re- elected each year and recently for a period of three years and now, after twenty-three years of service, he is retiring. We, the Selectmen of Harwich, wish to pay tribute to this fine man and to commend him for the excellent job that he has done over the past years, working many times under adverse conditions. Our roads in Harwich are roads to be proud of and many an "off islander" as our tourists are so often called has commented on the way that they are kept and the efficient manner in which our roads are quickly cleared and sanded after snow and ice storms. All the praise that we receive is due to the careful, conscientious planning and managing of Alton "Plum" Hall. It has been his responsibility to care for all the roads in the seven villages that comprise Harwich. The Board of Selectmen are deeply grateful for the splendid cooperation that he has always given them.
So now after his many years of service to the citizens of Harwich, we would like to salute him and say, "Well Done Thou True and Faithful Servant."
ALTON E. WALKER EMULOUS E. HALL
DOUGLAS ROCKWOOD
Selectmen of Harwich
71
Report of the Highway Surveyor
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of the Town of Harwich:
I hereby submit my report for the year of 1960:
This will be the last of twenty three consecutive Annual Reports which I have made to the Citizens of Harwich and by this report may I respectfully submit my resignation to be effective as of March 6, 1961.
Let me hasten to sincerely thank my many friends who year after year have elected me to the post of Surveyor of Highways. This is indeed most gratifying. For my part I have tried to do a good job with the equipment and funds made available to my department. Over a period of many years I have received unsolicited commendations - both ver- bal and written - as to the comparatively good road condi- tions in' Harwich - testimonials from people who constantly travel in many parts of the State, and who are therefore qualified to make such comparisons. This, also has been a source of gratification and encouragement to me.
When I first assumed the position of Surveyor of High- ways, there were approximately 70 miles of roads in Harwich, many of which were in poor condition. Today there are ap- proximately 110 miles of roads most of which are hard sur- faced.
As we all know a public official is subject to criticsm and pot-shots - from a few. I have been a target in this respect. In the last annual report there appeared an article by the Town Government Study Committee which was anything but complimentary and from which it may be assumed that the Highway Department is in a mess. This of course is far from the truth. Included in this report was a decisive comment that I planned my work "in my head." It so happens that this statement is absolutely true although the committee undoubtedly had other motives in so quoting me. Let me say that each day can and does present new problems which have to be worked out and decided at that time by using one's
72
head a universal custom - centuries old. I have successfully used this method for years and highly recommend it.
Mr. Dine's name was brought into the report in question several times to give it, I presume the appearance of official strength. Let me state here and now that never in my long service have any of my accounts been questioned by either Mr. Dine's office or the State Auditors.
Before terminating my service I would like to briefly report on the following accomplishments during the year under review. In addition to the customary and continuous maintenance and repairs of roads, installations of catch basins, snow removal, etc., I have completed the following new roads under the appropriations made in Article #82 of 1959:
Ostable Road -Brettwood Road - Grassy Pond Road Bayport Road - Orton Road
Under the appropriations made in Article #59 of 1960 - The following roads were built:
Nevins Lane - Arbutus Avenue - Moody Road Victoria Road - John Joseph Road
Finally, whoever succeeds me as Surveyor of Highways will find me ready to assist, in an advisory capacity, in any way that I might be of help - if such assistance is wanted.
In closing may I again express my sincere gratitude to my many friends in Harwich for their confidence and trust in me over these many years, and to all Town Departments and employees for their splendid co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
ALTON P. HALL
Surveyor of Highways
73
General Repairs
Appropriation
$49,000.00
Gasoline transfers from Dept.
3,404.45
Refunds
90.51
Total
$52.494.96
Labor
$22,398.90
Hired Equipment
6,196.37
Materials & Supplies
14,572.12
Repairs & Parts
4,142.69
Operating Expense of Dept. Bldg.
328.47
Advertising of Bids
41.00
Gasoline Total
4,555.79
Office Supplies
207.67
Total Expenses
$52,443.01
Balance to Revenue
$51.95
Bridges
Appropriation
$400.00
Open Balance to 1961
400.00
Chapter 90-Maintenance
Appropriation
$3,000.00
Labor
$99.20
Material
2,900.76
Total Expense
2,999.96
Balance to Revenue Repairs to Highway Bldg.
$0.04
Appropriation
$200.00
Labor
$78.00
Material
121.67
Total Expense
199.67
Balance to Revenue
$0.33
Fence & Railing
Appropriation
$500.00
Labor
$484.30
Material
14.85
Total Expense
499.15
Balance to Revenue
$0.85
74
Sidewalks
$1,500.00
Appropriation Labor Material
$701.10
786.50
Total Expense
1,487.60
Balance to Revenue
$12.40
Insurance
Appropriation
$900.00
Insurance Cost
$900.00
Total Expense
900.00
Balance to Revenue
0.00
Snow
Appropriation and Transfer
$9,000.00
Labor
$5,551.13
Hired Equipment
5,604.55
Material
1,828.66
Total Expense
12,984.34
Deficit Balance
$3,984.34
John Joseph Road
Appropriation
$800.00
Labor
$289.65
Material
276.00
Total Expense
565.65
Balance to 1961
$234.35
Arbutus Avenue
Appropriation
$700.00
Labor
$330.40
Material
367.02
Total Expense
697.42
Balance to Revenue
$2.58
75
Nevins Lane
Appropriation Labor Material
$750.00
$297.60
449.66
Total Expense
747.26
Balance to Revenue
$2.74
Article 82
Grassy Pond Road
Ostable Road
Orton Road
Bayport Road
Brettwood Road
Appropriation
$2,440.00
Labor
$1,235.25
Hired Equipment
104.00
Material
859.91
Total Expense
2,199.16
Balance to Revenue
$240.84
Damon Road
Appropriation
$550.00
Open Balance to 1961
$550.00
Moody Road
Appropriation
$750.00
Labor
$414.00
Equipment Hired
64.00
Material
170.45
Total Expense
648.45
Balance to Revenue
$101.55
Victoria Road
Appropriation
$550.00
Labor
$227.20
Equipment Hired
52.00
Material
262.63
Total Expense
541.83
Balance to Revenue
$8.17
76
Pleasant Road
Appropriation ยท Balance Open Labor
$118.40
Material
335.44
Total Expense
453.84
Balance to Revenue
$7.52
Sisson Road
Appropriation
Labor
$361.80
Material
4,638.20
Total Expense
5,000.00
Balance to Revenue
0.00
Old Chatham Road
Appropriation
$2,863.16
Open Balance
$2,863.16
Labor
$1,046.25
Hired Equipment
279.75
Material
1,530.14
Total Expense
2,856.14
Balance to Revenue
$7.02
Queen Anne Road
Appropriation
$1,292.65
Open Balance
$1,292.65
Labor
$275.10
Hired Equipment
91.88
Material
924.57
Total Expense
1,291.55
Balance to Revenue
$1.10
Pleasant Road (Chapt. 18)
Appropriation Open Balance Labor
$1,070.94 $1,070.94
$622.40
-
$461.36
$5,000.00
77
Hired Equipment Material
72.50 343.91
Total Expense
1,038.81
Balance to Revenue
$32.13
South Street
Appropriation
$1,491.00
Open Balance
$1,491.00
Labor
$80.00
Hired Equipment
925.00
Material
127.80
Total Expense
1,132.80
Balance to Revenue
$358.20
Depot Road
Appropriation
$2,000.00
Open Balance
$2,000.00
Labor
$81.00
Hired Equipment
128.00
Material
1,790.12
Total Expense
1,999.32
Balance to Revenue
$0.68
Pleasant Bay Road (Chapter 18)
Appropriation Open Balance
$2,562.00
Labor
$654.20
Hired Equipment
1,563.56
Material
344.24
Total Expense
$2,562.00
Balance to Revenue
0.00
ALTON P. HALL,
Surveyor of Highways
78
Report of the Finance Committee
Preceeding the last Annual Town Meeting the Committee met with regularity to review the Budget of all Departments and the Final Total Budget which was presented to the meeting. In addition we reviewed every article in detail - mak- ing recommendations to the voters.
During the remainder of the year the Committee met seven times to consider transfers from its Reserve Fund.
Transfers were voted as follows:
Date
Department Amount
May 11
Highway Department
$1,000.00
July 15 Veterans Agent
3,000.00
Aug. 12
Welfare Department
2,000.00
Aug. 18
Police Department
1,200.00
Sept. 14
Forestry Department
200.00
Oct. 17
Park Department
100.00
Dec. 30
Fire Department 500.00
Total $8,000.00
These transfers used up all of the Reserve Fund which was insufficient this year.
Considering the fact that this reserve fund has remained at $8,000.00 for several years - but that the Town and its needs have constantly grown - the Committee has decided to request a larger Reserve for 1961. Transfers will as usual be made only after the most careful consideration.
During the year Ralph B. Snow resigned due to the pressure of business and we lost through death Guy Putnam, long an interested and helpful member, whose experience and advice were appreciated by all on the Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH CASHEN
WILLIAM MARION
FRED CROWELL, JR.
ROSWELL H. NYE, JR.
DAVID DAVIS DWIGHT W. SLEEPER
RALPH U. BRETT, Chairman
79
Report of the Personnel Board
To the Citizens of the Town of Harwich:
The "Classification and Salary Plan" was established in 1960 pursuant to Article 6 of the Warrant. This is, therefore, the first Report of the Board.
The Personnel Board was only duly appointed by the Selectmen for a period of one year. Its membership and organization are indicated by the signatories to this Report.
The Board has taken the following steps since its organ- ization.
(1) Held a general meeting with Department Heads to be- come better acquainted and to orient the Department Heads with the scope of the Board's authority and its basic inter- pretations of the By-Laws.
(2) Developed the necessary forms for the position classifi- cation of employees and for changes in their classification or rates of pay.
(3) Classified the positions of 37 employees; the remainder were in process at the end of the year.
(4) Several pay step-ups were recommended by the opera- ting departments near the end of the year and considered, but action thereon was briefly delayed until a date early in 1961 when all the proposed pay adjustments would be known and their interrelationships carefully weighed.
(5) Taken initial steps to establish a control service and pay record card and personnel file for each town employee.
(6) The Chairman attended the Annual Conference of the Masschusetts Municipal Personnel Boards Association which was held in Framingham. The interchange of information and acquaintances made at the Conference proved so valua- ble that the Board made application to join the Association, effective 1/1/61. Meanwhile the Board has cooperated with the Association in the assembly and dissemination to Person- nel Boards of comparative wage, salary and work schedule information for a large number of cities and towns.
(7) Decided that the wage and salary schedule and some other provisions of Article 6 could be improved from an ad- ministrative viewpoint, but concluded to withhold its recom-
80
mendation until the Board has had the benefit of additional experience with the schedule as initially adopted.
Article 6 provides that each of the three appointees shall serve for a period of one year. The Board believes that a one year period of office does not give the work the degree of con- tinuity which is so desirable for maximum success. Futhr- more, a one year term raises a question of uncertainty in the minds of the Department Heads as well as that of the Board. Not knowing what will happen at the end of each year, the Board members may lack the incentive to become well ac- quainted with the many facets of its responsibilities. Accord- ingly, the Board that the by-law be amended in 1961 so that one member appointed for a term of one year, one member for a term of two years and the third member for a term of three years and that, thereafter, all appointments be made for a term of three years. Once the transition is completed the result would be that the term of only one member would ex- pire each year and that there would always be at least two ex- perienced members on the Board.
The Board is encouraged to believe that the Classification and Salary Plan will prove of great benefit to the Town. De- partment Heads are broadening their understanding of em- ployee relations and a better balance in the treatment of the personnel should be achieved.
The Board desires to acknowledge the excellent coopera- tion received from the Selectmen, The Departmen Heads and others concerned. The individual employees were very helpful in describing their own assignments and thus facilitating their Classification. All of us recognize that there is much to learn about the Classification Plan and how it should best be administered in the long-range interest of both the voters and the employees.
Respectfully submitted,
J. W. MYERS, Chairman HENRY F. SMITH, Vice-Chairman PETER BARBER, Clerk
81
Report of the Waterways Study Committee
To the Selectmen of the Town of Harwich, Mass.
Gentlemen:
Since this committee was authorized by the 1960 Town Meeting and appointed by you in May of this year, regular meetings have been held at least monthly with one well-at- tended Public Meeting - held in August - to receive suggestions and inform both permanent and seasonal residents.
PURPOSE
The Committee's function, as defined by the article creat- ing it, is - "To study the needs and problems of harbors and waterways development; to encourage commercial and recrea- tional boating and to make such recommendations to the Town at the next Annual Meeting for harbor and waterways improvement as may be appropriate."
POLICY
Since undertaking this study the Committee has adhered to the following principles:
1. To consider only those projects which will be in the best of interest of the Town of Harwich.
2. To study, impartially, all potential areas of improve- ment and development.
3. To hold a proper regard for costs, initial, long-range and maintenance - and to consider income potential both direct and indirect.
4. To present recommendations that will be financially manageable annually.
5. To avoid as much as possible the taking of high tax- value land.
6. To respect the "atmosphere" of our Town and approve only those plans which will enhance the natural beauty of the community.
7. To establish cooperative relationships with county, state and federal agencies, departments and divisions from which help can be secured.
This Committee has developed a real conviction that the future growth and development of Harwich will be substan- tially affected by the intelligent and comprehensive develop- ment of useful, safe and adequate harbors, channels, docks,
82
mooring areas, shorefront beautification and protection which will attract substantial people to make this Town their season- al, or permanent, residence with a most beneficial effort on every phase of community life.
PROGRESS
We are pleased to report the following activity:
1. The inner channel at Wychmere Harbor was properly dredged in time for 1960 seasonal use.
2. Arrangements have been developed for dredging adequate outer approach channels at Wychmere and Allen Harbor with the State providing a major share of the costs and acceding to our request that this work be accomplished in the spring of 1961 rather than in the fall of 1960, as originally scheduled.
3. The question of the Town's legal title to the land at the Town Landing at Allen Harbor has been fully re- solved and the Town's title is now entirely clear.
4. Preliminary studies of Wychmere Harbor, Allen Har- bor, Herring River, Andrews River Area, Red River and Round Cove have been carried out.
Note: This Committee is aware of the fact that private funds were subscribed by public- spirited groups and individuals to provide minimum temporary emergency deepening of the approaches to Wychmere and Allen Harbor to enable boats to enter and leave these harbors in 1960. While this action was appreciated - and probably necessary - we feel it is the Town's responsibility to make such improvements.
5. Reconstruction of the Town Landing at Wychmere, authorized by the 1960 Town Meeting, will be carried out in 1961 as the result of conferences between the Selectmen and the State Department of Public Works, Division of Waterways.
RECOMMENDATIONS
This Committee's recommendation is in two parts. The first is specific and immediate and several articles will appear in the 1961 Town Warrant in support of these recommenda- tions. The second is long range and subject to further study.
PART ONE - Articles in the 1961 Town Warrant will ask for consideration of the following:
1. Rebuild and improve the Town Landing at Allen Har- bor.
83
2. Dredge the inner channel, enlarge the perimeter and dredge the approach to the Town Landing at Allen Harbor.
3. Grade, fence and improve the small boat launching area at Herring River, adjoining Route 28.
4 .Take certain marsh land in the Andrews River Area and hold for future development.
5. Take a certain piece of land at Allen Harbor and hold for future development.
6. Make certain improvements at the small boat launch- ing area at Round Cove.
7. Continue this study committee and enlarge its study area to include the preservation of beaches, shore front erosion control and improvement.
PART TWO - This Committee recommends that the en- gineering services of the State Division of Waterways be en- listed for the long-range planning and assistance in surveying and developing engineering layouts of possible improvements at Wychmere Outer Harbor, Allen Harbor, Andrews River and Red River, keeping in mind cost factors, type of land to be used, facilities to be developed and the preserving of natural beauty and atmosphere. In case of any Red River develop- ment, this Committee recommends that a cooperative plan be developed with the Town of Chatham.
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