USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > West Bridgewater > Town annual reports of the selectmen, overseers of the poor, town clerk, and school committee of West Bridgewater for the year ending 1955-1959 > Part 5
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Your Planning Board has been greatly concerned with the drainage problems of our Town and have carefully inspected some of the most troublesome areas, reporting their findings to the Board of Selectmen. It is the opinion of this Board that it would be pru- dent to appropriate a sum of money each year for needful drainage work, and have accordingly entered an article in the Town Warrant for the appropriation of a sum of money to be used correcting drainage problems.
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This Board has carefully reviewed the Town's need for specific Building lot requirements, and have requested the Zoning Com- mittee to enter an article in the Town Warrant for same.
The Planning Board had funds on hand at start of the year amounting to $246.30. They have spent for Printing, Advertising, Postage, Stationery and supplies the sum of $58.82.
We recommend that the amount of money made available for necessary expenses be brought up to $300.00, making an appropri- ation for 1956 of $112.52.
Respectfully submitted,
H. EDWARD PARRY, Chairman ARTHUR STEPTOE, Secretary ARTHUR REED RUSSELL ROBERY MERTON OUDERKIRK
BOOSTERS' CLUB
As customary, for the past several years, The Boosters Club membership was active in assisting at all of the High School home athletic contests in the matter of selling and collecting tickets, selling programs and operating a refreshment booth at the football games.
In April the sixth annual Sports Night was sponsored by the Boosters Club. 250 townspeole and students attended the affair at which jackets were presented to the Senior Class lettermen.
The Club also sponsored a Thanksgiving Day football dance.
The welcomed support of the townspeople in these various activities of the Boosters Club enabled us to present to the High School a moving picture camera and several rolls of films early in the year. At a later time a telescopic lense was also presented to make it possible to use the camera for taking pictures of the various athletic events of the High School teams.
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Once again the Boosters Club wishes to express its thanks to the townspeople who have contributed to the support of the above activities. The active membership roster of the year 1955 consisted of the following members:
GEORGE NOONAN, President
JULIAN LUCINI
WARREN TURNER
LEON BEAULIEU JOHN GUMMOW
JOHN KENT
WESTON ANDRE
ARTHUR CHAVES
CARLTON BROOKS
GEORGE AUSTIN, JR. CARL OHLSON, JR. SUMNER OHLSON ACE CHEYUNSKI GORDON ROSS
RALPH HOWE
WALTER SOUSA
LANCE OHLSON
ELMER SLANEY WARREN E. TURNER, JR. ARTHUR MATHER
Honorary Members PETER SPERANDIO, Principal LEO GLEASON, Coach URBINO BERRIERA, Coach ROGER VIENS, Faculty Manager KARL N. MYERS, Secretary-Treasurer
REPORT OF BUILDING APPEAL BOARD
This committee, appointed by the Board of Selectmen under the provision of the Town By-Law known as the Building Code, consists of five regular and two alternate members.
The committee selected were H. Edward Parry, to serve for 3 years; Charles A. Freeman for 2 years; Norman W. Esterbrooks for 3 years; Minot A. Edson for 2 years; Horace Snell for 1 year as regular members. Everett Young and Kingman Burrill as alternate members. This committee named H. Edward Parry as chairman, and Kingman Burrill as acting secretary. The committee agreed
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that all appeals for variances should be judged on merit and their effects on the best interests of the Town as a whole. The Board heard one appeal for variance during 1955. This was a petition from the West Bridgewater Savings Bank to enlarge their quarters on the Burke-Miner property, North Main Street, by approving their application for a building permit. After a duly called hearing, their petition for a variance to the Town Building By-Laws was granted upon the following conditions: The southerly wall of this addition, to be built on or near the line separating the Burque pro- perty from the Crowley property, shall be of approved fire resistant construction. The fire wall shall be built of masonry not less than 8 inches thick. The fire windows shall consist of frame, sash and glazing which will successfully resist an ordinary fire for one hour. The Fire Wall and Fire Windows must be approved by the Fire Chief.
Respectfully submitted,
H. EDWARD PARRY, Chairman CHARLES A. FREEMAN
MINOT A. EDSON NORMAN W. ESTERBROOK HORACE SNELL
EVERETT YOUNG KINGMAN BURRILL, Acting Secretary
EXTENSION SERVICE
By Robert B. Ewing, Agent-Manager
The Plymouth County Extension Service is an educational organization which is a part of the United States Department of Agriculture and the University of Massachusetts.
There are three departments-Agriculture, Home and 4-H- and the office in the Court House, Brockton, Massachusetts.
The Program of each department-Agriculture, Home Eco- nomics and 4-H is planned with the cooperation of farm, rural and
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urban people. County Extension Agents strive to bring to county people the results of research in Agriculture and Homemaking, that will increase incomes, provide a better living, and happier family life, by teaching people to help themselves. Hundreds of leaders trained by the Extension Service staff, augment their teaching by publicizing Extension Service Programs and passing on to people in their own communities the information they have received.
Funds for County Aid to Agriculture are derived principally from the County. Some Federal funds are also made available through the University of Massachusetts. Most towns in Plymouth County make a token appropriation which is used for the general expenditures of the Plymouth County Extension Service. Town Directors are appointed in those towns where an appropriation is made. These Town Directors are unpaid volunteer leaders who serve as the Extension Service representatives in their respective town.
A Board of Trustees appointed by the Plymouth County Com- missioners administers the Extension Service program.
The Trustees for 1955-56 are: Lloyd A. Hathaway, Abington, Chairman; Gilbert Beaton, Wareham, Vice-Chairman; Mrs. Har- old D. Bent, Brockton; Joseph Teeling, North Middleboro; Robert B. Bowler, Plymouth; Ralph McIlvana, Plympton; Mrs. Roy Pud- dington, Hanson; Mrs. Herbert Wydom, Brockton; Paul Lehtola, Bridgewater.
A brief statistical Summary for 1955 follows:
STATISTICAL SUMMARY - 1955
4-H
Agri. Dept:
Home Dept.
Club Dept.
Total
Farm or Home Visits
1,238
171
370
1,779
Office Calls
1,284
1,159
617
3,060
Telephone Calls
5,210
3,203
1,097
9,510
News Stories
202
119
3
324
Radio Talks
100
50
17
167
Television Shows
17
1
1
19
Bulletins Distributed
16,299
5,472
8,070
29,841
Individual Letters
1,304
400
938
2,642
Circular Letters
170
46
86
302
Copies Mailed
45,413
12,487
7,310
65,210
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Number of Leaders
212
739
307
1,258
Meetings of Local Leaders or Committeemen
79
227
21
327
Attendance
1,111
1,572
321
3,004
Demonstration Meetings
13
50
45
108
Attendance
475
887
2,385
3,747
Other Extension Meetings
190
80
142
412
Attendance
7,792
1,241
5,051
14,084
No. of 4-H Clubs - 91
4-H Club Members enrolled by Projects - 1,122
PUBLIC WELFARE DEPARTMENT
The Welfare Department shows an increase in family count and expenditures. In 1955 medical expenses for Old Age Assis- tance, Aid to Dependent Children, Disability Aid and General Relief increased $4,981.18. Family count for the year was 151.
Expenditures and receipts were:
1954
1955
General Relief
$ 7,721.27
$ 8,620.64
Old Age Assistance
58,474.87
61,167.07
Aid to Dependent Children
3,126.02
3,979.27
Disability Aid
4,446.63
5,930.71
Total expense
$ 73,768.79
$ 79,697.69
1955 Receipts
58,573.98
64,347.97
Net Expense To Town
$ 15,194.81
$ 15,349.72
WILLIAM W. NOYES, Chairman WARREN H. ANDERSON H. ROY HARTSHORN Board of Public Welfare A. M. DEAN Welfare Agent
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WATER COMMISSIONERS
We, the Water Commissioners of the Town of West Bridge- water, submit our annual report for the year ending December 31, 1955.
During the year a total of 86,004,752 gallons of water were pumped. This is a daily average of 235,630 gallons, a weekly aver- age of 1,649,410 gallons, and a monthly average of 7,167,063 gallons. It represents an increase of 17% over 1954 in the amount of water used. The greatest amount pumped on any one day was 480,256 gallons.
A total of 58 new and renewal services were installed during the year. All hydrants have been carefully checked and tested for leakage just prior to the beginning of cold weather.
We have closely followed the activities of the Southeastern Massachusetts Water District Commission during the year, and other legislation affecting water department problems both at the State House and in Washington. We made recommendations to Senator Saltonstall regarding reimbursement to towns affected by Federal-Aid Highways, such as expenses brought upon our own department by the construction of the Fall River Expressway. These were incorporated into the records of the Senate committee hearings.
During the year, new 6-inch and 8-inch mains were laid on parts of South Street and Cross Street, and these have also im- proved service to the Forest Street area.
There were 15 separate analyses of our town's drinking water made during the year by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. As usual, all reports were most satisfactory, showing highly acceptable quality and much greater freedom from bacterial ele- ments than many nearby surface water sources of public water supplies.
During the late spring and summer months the Jerusalem sec- tion was frequently without water for considerable periods of time, especially during hours when water was being used heavily at the V-A Hospital or on the West Side of Brockton. Water for the Jerusalem area is purchased from Brockton, coming in Manley Street just beyond the V-A Hospital. This shortage was serious both to the residents of Jerusalem and also to the several dairies in
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the area, who depend on water for pasteurizing as well as washing bottles and equipment. The Commissioners worked closely with the Brockton Water Department and with the executive staff at the V-A Hospial during this critical period, and wish to acknowledge the interest and help shown by both of these organizations. Co- operation from both sources was immediate and complete. How- ever, it still became necessary to lay approximately 1800 feet of temporary 6-inch aluminum pipe on top of the ground from Lin- wood Street in Brockton to our Walnut Street main in order to secure water for the approximately 50 families in Jerusalem.
The Commissioners have discussed the Jerusalem situation with professional water works engineers, have held public meetings with the residents of the area, and will ask the Town's approval of a temporary solution to the problem. With the agreement of a majority of the Jerusalem residents who attended our meetings, the permanent and more costly solution of the problem is expected to be held in abeyance for a while longer, and will be considered again when the payments on our present water bonds drop to a smaller figure.
The two major factors affecting consumption of water in West Bridgewater are the increasing population of the town, and the many new automatic devices which use water more abundantly than in the past. Then too, most owners of new houses use con- siderable amounts of water in starting lawns and caring for them during dry spells. The result is that our present water system, be- cause it contains mains of inadequate size on the chief supply route, is not of sufficient capacity to keep the standpipe properly filled. Therefore, the Commissioners advocate the construction of a trunk line from the pumping station to a point near Pinc Hill Cemetery. This change will increase the pumping capacity from 330 gallons per minute to approximately 500 gallons per minute. It will relieve the presently overworked pumps and also keep the standpipe filled a larger portion of the time, thus affording needed reserves for fire fighting and domestic use.
The cooperation of the residents during the past year is most sincerely appreciated by the Water Commissioners.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD G. ASACK, Chairman GORDON A. McDONALD, Secretary WILLIAM E. CROWLEY
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REPORT OF STREET LIGHTING SURVEY COMMITTEE
The recommendations of the committee are as follows:
Matfield Street - Install 1000 lumen lights on poles #15/32, cor- ner of East Street, and #15/35 opposite Norman ave. $34.00
East Street - Install 1000 lumen light on pole #21/1, one stretch from Matfield St. 17.00
Norman Avenue - Install 1000 lumen light on pole #79/2, two stretches from Matfield St. 17.00
Woodland Road - Install 1000 lumen light on pole #66/3, three stretches from Matfield St. 17.00
Plain Street - Install 1000 lumen lights on poles #13/5 and 10. These poles are north of Belmont Street and are approximately midway between present lights. 34.00
North Main Street - Install 4000 lumen light on new pole to be set approximately opposite pole #26/72 and remove 2500 lumen light now on pole #72. 11.00
Howard Street - Install 2500 lumen lights on poles #7/7 and 10. These poles are midway between present lights. 62.00
West Center Street - Install 2500 lumen light on pole #8/76, opposite Lincoln Street. 31.00
Lincoln Street - Change present 1000 lumen light on pole #10/ 26 to the 2500 lumen size. This pole is opposite the American Legion Post Quarters. 14.00
Total increased yearly cost $237.00
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCIS W. LaBRACHE LESTER W. REYNOLDS FRANCIS CHEYUNSKI SUMNER OHLSON FRANK M. SINKEVICH
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FIRE AND POLICE STATION BUILDING COMMITTEE
This committee was appointed pursuant to action at the Annual Town Meeting of March 8, 1954. It has reported previously on its activities during the construction phases of its operation, completed early in 1955.
On February 19, 1955, the new Fire and Police Station was dedicated and a general open house was held for all citizens of the town and other interested persons. We were honored by the pres- ence of State Senator Hastings Keith and Governor's Councillor Harry R. Allen, both of whom spoke enthusiastically of the new building. Various town officials also participated in the dedicatory program.
The new building has now been used by both departments for a period of over a year. It is furnishing them with accommodations that are ample for not only their present needs but also for a con- siderable amount of future growth as the population of the town increases.
The committee has completed its work, and now that the town has had possession of the building for a year's time the committee has held a final meeting, voting to disband upon the town's accep- tance of this report. There are no matters of unfinished business, and the committee knows of no structural defects in the building and no problems involving litigation of any kind. The Town Counsel has complimented the committee on the business like manner in which it has handled all its duties, and freedom from legal entanglements.
Respectfully submitted,
KENNETH L. HARDENBROOK, Chairman GORDON A. McDONALD, Secretary WARREN H. ANDERSON P. DOUGLAS EATON THOMAS B. MacQUINN G. WILLARD PETERSON ANTONE SOUSA
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CIVIL DEFENSE
Your local Civil Defense Agency has been busy during 1955. All personnel are on a voluntary basis so our activities have been necessarily limited. However we have certain accomplishments of which we are proud.
The Civil Defense Headquarters, located in the High School, is now equipped and in use. We have our desk, file cabinets and a typewriter for the administration part of our duties. We also have a telephone which was recommended by the State Director. Our phone number is 2889.
Our Communications Department now has three (3) Gonsett Communicators, 2 meter two way radios. These radios are used regularly on Monday night Sector 2B network drills and have been tested as mobile units throughout the town. Much work and plan- ning on this has been done by Richard Packard, Communications Chief. A permanent antenna has been installed outside our Head- quarters and mobile type antennas have been purchased for use on auto tops when sets are used as mobile units. With our 1956 ap- propriation we hope to add two more complete sets so that we may cover the town entirely in case of an emergency.
Plans are now underway to train and equip a useful auxiliary police force. This is under the direction of Chief of Police Eaton.
Mrs. Jean Buker, designated as Chief of Nursing Services, has contacted the registered nurses in town and has organized a very essential section in our local organization. Dr. Calitri, as head of the Medical Department, will advise and supervise this group. Dur- ing 1956 we hope to lay in emergency supplies, which will be rec- ommended by this group and the State Medical Experts.
During the past year we have participated in alert exercises both State and Nationwide. May and June were our busiest months. "Operation Mayflower" was conducted on May 23 from 9:30 to 10:00 P.M .; "Operation Able," June 6 from 7:30 to 10:00 P.M. and "Operation Alert 1955" was a 26 hour exercise from noon June 15 to 2:00 P.M. June 16. None of the 1955 exercises involved the public but all control centers were active.
West Bridgewater has been represented at many State, sector and local meetings. The most impressive of all was the December
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17 Open House day at Otis Air Base in Falmouth. High brass of the Army and Air Force addressed a group of 200 Civil Defense person- nel and we were given a demonstration of an emergency alert with two jet planes taking off within 2 minutes of the alarm to intercept the supposed unidentified aircraft. Civil Defense and armed ser- vices are working together throughout the country preparing for any emergency whether it be an enemy attack or a natural disaster.
We must be vigilant - we must not relax - we must have a town organization. The threat of natural disasters or enemy oppres- sion has not been reduced. Civil Defense is nothing new - it is as old as man. Knowledge and preparation may save your life so please cooperate with and assist your local Civil Defense Organization this year.
GORDON M. LOVELL Director
REPORT OF COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO INVESTIGATE THE NEED FOR A SANITARIAN
This committee appointed by the town moderator has inves- tigated the necessity for West Bridgewater retaining, on a part or full time basis, a trained sanitarian and reports affirmatively within the limitations hereinafter set forth.
The duties of such an office consist mainly of the following:
1. The periodic inspection of all food and drink handlers and manufacturers.
2. Supervision of premature baby cases.
3. Epidemiological investigations of communicable diseases.
4. Supervision and operation of Health Department clinics, both dental and immunization.
5. Abatement of nuisances.
6. Licensing programs falling within health department jurisdiction.
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7. Public Health Education.
8. Development and maintenance of interdepartmental co- operation for the health welfare of the town.
9. Sanitation programs.
10. Preparation and revision of rules and regulations for Board of Health approval.
11. Orientation of Board of Health on new public health legislation.
12. Supervision of garbage collection methods.
13. Preparation of Board of Health, State Department reports.
14. Effecting and operating Health Department with attend- ant budget and personal problems.
15. Attending to citizens complaints falling within health welfare limitations.
16. Supervision of town dump.
VALUE OF SERVICES
It is thought by this committee that the value to this town of such services will far outweigh the anticipated costs by virtue of offering a measure of protection from disease which our citizens have never been afforded in the past.
COST OF SERVICES
This committee has investigated the cost of the services out- lined and recommends that an annual appropriation of $3,000.00 will provide a competent trained sanitarian on the basis of two days per week. It is thought that the present size of the town would require presently but not exceed this amount of time.
The necessary funds it is recommended would be spent as follows:
Salary - 2 days per week @ $20 $2,080.00
Automobile expense
520.00
Technical advice expense
200.00
Clerical assistance
200.00
Total
$3,000.00
CORTLAND A. MATHERS,
Chairman
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REPORT OF THE ZONING BY-LAWS COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of the Town of West Bridgewater:
Gentlemen:
We, the members of the West Bridgewater Zoning Commit- tee wish to make a progressive report as of this date and have pre- sented a set of lot regulations for consideration at the Annual Town Meeting.
In order to present a complete set of By-Laws, we respectfully request an extension of time in order to perform properly the duties delegated to us.
CHARLES L. HILL, Chairman CHARLES S. MILLET, Secretary JOHN W. JULIEN THOMAS M. CHISHOLM H. EDWARD PARRY
REPORT OF THE TOWN RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION
On March 30, 1955 a group of farmers met with Joseph T. Brown, County Agent for Plymouth County, to see what might be done in regard to the extensive flooding of farm lands. It was at this time that Mr. Brown told of Public Act 566 which had been passed by Congress, and he thought we would qualify under the Act. Immediately a committee was formed and proceeded to make an application for assistance under this Act.
The Committee then met on April 21, 1955, with the Plymouth County Soil Conservation officers. At this meeting the group made an application to have a preliminary survey which would determine whether or not the benefits of such a project would exceed the cost.
May 9th a preliminary survey was made which did have a fav- orable benefit - cost ratio. May 10th the first application was sent to Governor Herter asking for assistance under Public Act 566; because of the law, action had to be taken by the Attorney General.
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Due to delayed action, our given time was running out. We with- drew our application of May 10th and reapplied more specifically on June 22nd to Governor Herter, and also to Secretary of Agri- culture, Benson.
During this lapse of time many meetings were held with Soil Conservation groups of Plymouth, Bristol, and Norfolk counties; Selectmen; Assessors; Tree Warden; Planning Board; Rod and Gun Club; Jenkins Mill in Bridgewater as well as several open meetings which everyone was invited to attend.
The application was finally met with approval, and on Septem- ber 16th we learned that the Governor of Massachusetts and Mr. D. A. Williams, administrator, Soil Conservation Service of Wash- ington, D. C., had approved our application. This was the first application that met with approval for the New England States; that is under the Hope-Aiken Watershed Protection and Flood pre- vention Act of 1954. This Act authorizes the U. S. Department of Agriculture to give technical and financial assistance to organized groups of farmers living in small watersheds where floods, inade- quate drainage, and soil erosion are causing serious damage. Also specified territory must show that the benefits would exceed the cost.
In our application to Governor Herter and Secretary Benson our objectives were stated. A summary of such follows: to lower the dams at High and Arch Streets enough to lower the water table; and to straighten the channel from the Arch Street dam to make it large enough, wide enough, and long enough to take care of water at rainy seasons. Also this must take care of the water coming from the tributaries in order that market garden crops and hay (such as the clover and timothy) could be grown. If the lowering of the water table could be brought about, the water in the cellars of many homes would disappear. If the pollution could be materially re- duced or eliminated, old recreation areas could be improved and new ones created. Conditions for the production of fish and wild life would be greatly improved by these changes.
A group of engineers started a field survey on September 13th which is to serve as a basis for our work plan. It was thought that the survey would be completed and a report given by December 1st; due to the very bad weather this fall work was delayed.
A Work Plan Committee has been appointed. They will at- tempt to incorporate the findings of the survey with the desires of the people.
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The members of this Committee represent the different phases of our counties and communities that are concerned with this pro- ject: They are as follows:
Reverend Ronald G. Whitney, Clergy (Chairman)
Robert Ewing, County Agent
Edward Mowrey, Plymouth County Soil Conservation (Service) Cortland Mathers, Attorney
Reverend Francis S. Shea, Clergy William W. Noyes, Selectman
H. Roy Hartshorn, Health Department
Clifford Carlson, Agriculture
H. Edward Parry, Planning Board & Zoning Committee
George Hollertz, Finance Committee
Walter O'Bannon, Recreation (Rod & Gun Club) George O. Jenkins, Industry
Richard Krugger, Industrial Development Committee
Norman W. Estabrooks, Town River Watershed Association
On January 26th notice was received that our survey has been completed and would be reported on very shortly.
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