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 1960-1963 > Part 36
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We are still rearranging books and magazines making them more accessable and attractive to our patrons.
There are still some things that are needed for library equipment which we hope will come in time.
We thank the Trustees for their advice and assistance in the problems that have come up from time to time and hope to keep our continued pleasant relations with our many patrons.
Respectfully submitted,
HAZEL C. FLETCHER
Librarian
1963 TRUSTEES
ELECTED
TERM EXPIRES
Anna Howe
1961
1964
Stanley Carlson
1961
1964
Jessie Anderson
1962
1965
Kenneth Buker
1962
1965
Lillian Kundzicz
1963
1966
William Noyes, Sr.
1966
ORGANIZATION
Chairman
Kenneth Buker
Secretary
Treasurer
Jessie Anderson Anna Howe
BOOK COMMITTEE
Kenneth Buker
Jessie Anderson Anna Howe Stanley Carlson
45
MAINTENANCE William Noyes, Sr.
The Trustees of the Public Library have met monthly for the past year. They have acted upon many problems facing the new library. Small equipment has been purchased as needed. A new librarian's desk was purchased as well as new tables and chairs. A new sign for the library was erected. The parking lot has been black-topped. New library hours were decided upon. These new hours included two evenings a week for the convenience of our school children and townspeople.
The Trustees feel that these new measures will aid in the more efficient functioning of the library and enhance the library as a whole.
The board accepted with regret the resignation of Allen Foye. His foresight and sound judgment will be intensely missed by the Library Trustees.
William Noyes, Sr. was unanimously elected to complete his unexpired term.
We hope that in the past year the library has met your needs more successfully. The Library Trustees and our able and concerned staff work continuously toward this end.
Use and enjoy your library.
Respectfully submitted for Trustees
JESSIE M. ANDERSON, Secretary
STATISTICS - 1963
GENERAL CIRCULATION
Adult Fiction
9,564
Adult Non-Fiction 2,969
Juvenile Fiction
6,660
Juvenile Non-Fiction
2,369
Magazines
3,083
Total 24,645
46
SCHOOL CIRCULATION
Elementary Fiction
3,527
Elementary Non-Fiction
2,755
Total
6,282
Secondary Fiction
2,893
Secondary Non-Fiction
3,424
Total
6,317
Elementary Total
6,282
Secondary Total
6,317
School Total
12,599
BOOKS PURCHASED
Adult
383
Juvenile
180
Total
563
COLLECTOR OF TAXES
Following is a list of unpaid Taxes and Water Rates as of December 31, 1963:
1963 Poll Taxes $ 24.00
1963 Real Estate Taxes
36,351.43
Water Liens added to Tax
1,498.35
Farm Animal Excise
239.47
Personal Property Taxes
4,790.55
Motor Vehicle Excise - 1963
28,760.14
Water Rates
5,794.67
Motor Vehicle Excise - 1962 238.16
Total Gross Collections, 1963
$869,898.24
WALTER C. DUNBAR Tax Collector
47
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
To the Honorable Board of Health
Town of West Bridgewater
I hereby submit my report as Inspector of Animals for the year 1963.
There were fifty-eight barns inspected during the period which included the following animals :-
Number of Cattle 1,039
Number of Horses
39
Number of Ponies 15
Number of Donkeys 4
Number of Hogs (Swine)
135
Number of Goats
23
Number of Sheep
31
Ear tag inspections numbered ten. There were 32 dog bites investigated, resulting in animals being restrained. Also investi- gated were complaints of excessive flies in one location and trouble caused from a reported "dog pack."
In regard to rodent extermination at the Town Dump, poison was used in a controlled program from January 1 to November 4, 1963. The program was effective but the rat popu- lation at the Dump has increased considerably during the last two months of the year as no more poison was available.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD F. DENLEY Inspector of Animals
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
To the Board of Selectmen:
I submit herewith my annual report of the Highway Depart- ment for the year 1963.
In addition to the usual routine work, such as patching,
48
cleaning catch basins, digging out water-ways, sand removal, etc., the following work has been done by the Department:
SEAL COAT
The following streets or portions thereof, were sealcoated: Buttonwood Avenue, Francis Avenue, Columbus Avenue, Pleas- ant Street, Aldrich Road, East Street, Oliver Street and Spring Street.
DRAINAGE
Catch Basins built, Matfield Street, 6; Belmont Street, 2; Progressive Avenue, 1. Pipe laid, Matfield Street, 1300' 12", 240' 15", Belmont Street, 80' 10", West Street, 180' 12".
TYPE I HOT MIX
Matfield Street 1400', Belmont Street 500', Norman Avenue 1200', South Street 3000', Howard Street 3000'. Berms where needed, driveways and shoulders built to grade.
CHAPTER 90 MAINTENANCE
Belmont Street, 2000' re-surfaced with Hot Mix, driveways, shoulders and water-ways built to grade.
CHAPTER 90 NEW CONSTRUCTION
South Street rebuilt from #215 to Cross Street (2000 ft.) Drainage, catch basins built 10, pipe laid 1000' 12", 300' 15". Gravel base, depth 15", Type I surface, depth 3", width 26', Berms, 1500', Driveways and shoulders built to grade.
The Highway Department is grateful for the co-operation and support received from the Board of Selectmen.
Respectfully submitted, RICHARD BERGLUND Highway Superintendent
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The following is a report of the Sealer of Weights and Measures for the Town Report of 1963.
49
Scales under 100 lbs.
29
Scales over 100 lbs.
4
Gasoline Pumps
46
Weights
55
Vehicle tanks
2
Package reweighing
241
WARREN A. TURNER Sealer of Weights and Measures
PLYMOUTH COUNTY MOSQUITO CONTROL PROJECT
In reporting on the project's activities and accomplishments in 1963, there have been several advances made toward the proj- ect's number one objective: Namely, the drainage of infected wet- lands known to contain species capable of transmitting ence- phalitis or other virus.
The Eastern equine encephalitis continues to be vital to southeastern Massachusetts, as research in this area shows virus activity is yet present in wild birdlife. We hope we have been instrumental in the fact that there have been no human cases of this virus reported during the last six years. We will continue to emphasize the locating and treating of breeding sites of the vector species of mosquitoes.
The ditch reclaiming phase of control continues to be the best investment in a long range control program. It not only eliminates sources of breeding, but gradually reduces the repeated costly ap- plications of insecticides. Our power-trencher has been concen- trating on inland town problems during the warm weather months. The project has completed a phase of its drainage program in the West Street and Manley Street area, eliminating acres of breeding swamp. The splendid cooperation of Thomas MacQuinn aided tremendously in the completion of this project. Future work of this type is planned in the Cowessett Brook area. I feel we can accomplish more in our coastal salt marshes during the
50
cold weather periods, utilizing the frost in the ground for greater buoyancy in these areas. Weather permitting, our power unit will be operating the year round.
Aerial spraying for adult mosquitoes is important where a serious nuisance develops and immediate results are necessary. Control of this type is temporary and costly. The project was not designed to expend large sums on this type of control, yet we find it a valuable supplement to our long range efforts. The increasing trend toward outdoor living during the vacation season has added tremendous pressure on the project for temporary control with our five truck-mounted units. We are finding it impossible to satisfy each individual property owner, as we are not set up financially for this type of operation. Our weekly larval inspections and treatment of filter systems, sewage areas, dumps, public parks, ball fields and public gatherings were seriously hampered by increased requests for back yard spraying this past season.
We are cooperating with the newly organized Pesticide Board, and adhere to all State and Federal rules and recom- mendations as regards pesticides.
Our sincere thanks to your town officials, and your Tree, Health and Highway Departments for their splendid cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
M. CURRIE BEATON, JR. Superintendent
POLICE DEPARTMENT
To The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit the Annual Report of the West Bridge- water Police Department for the year 1963.
Complaints 1262
Investigations 2045
51
Investigations other departments
131
19
Breaking and Entering night time, Larceny Larceny
83
Arrests: Male, 171; Female, 12
Larceny from a Building
1
Larceny
14
Using car without Authority
2
Assault and Battery
4
Assault with dangerous weapon
1
Attempt Robbery
1
Throwing rubbish in Highway
1
Stubborn Child
1
Disturbance
1
Possession of Altered License
1
Drunkenness
34
Attaching license plates illegally
3
Operating under the influence
17
Operating so as to endanger
8
Operating unregistered
8
Operating uninsured
8
Operating after suspension of license
16
Speeding
58
Failing to slow
25
Operating Reckless
1
Failing to stop for school Bus
1
Failing to stop for stop sign
16
No inspection sticker
10
Failing to keep right
4
Leaving the scene of accident Property Damage
2
Attaching plates illegally
3
Malicious breaking of glass
1
Violation narcotic drug act
3
Allowing an improper person to operate
1
MISCELLANEOUS
Times in District Court
136
Times in Superior Court
10
Grand Jury
5
Building Doors and Windows found open
325
Street lights out and reported
80
52
Summons served for other departments
92
Summons served for this department
10
Fires reported by police
7
Fires covered by police
68
Road hazards reported
30
Emergency messages delivered
11
Other messages delivered
64
Emergency Calls
99
Assistance to other departments investigations
131
Assistance to other departments accidents
17
Other out of Town assistance
26
Assistance to disabled motorists
70
Stolen cars reported
10
Stolen cars recovered
8
Transfer of Prisoners
4
Foxboro State Hospital
7
Bank Alarms
4
Merchant Alarms
59
Dogs killed or injured by cars
58
Dogs missing
19
Stray dogs reported
15
Persons bitten by dogs
13
Escorts given
12
Bicycles reported stolen and recovered
3
Stolen property recovered
$12,250.00
Unexpected deaths covered by police
4
Persons injured other than auto accidents
87
Taken to doctor
7
Taken to Hospital
80
TRAFFIC REPORTED
Accidents
105
Persons Injured
88
Persons killed
1
Persons taken to hospital
58
Accidents property damage only
44
Auto violations
579
Auto violation taken to court
132
Auto violation sent to Registry
193
Auto violation warnings
254
53
TRANSFER OF MOTOR VEHICLES
Motor Vehicle Transfers
592
Class 1 207
Class 2 385
As of March 31, 1963 the West Bridgewater Police Depart- ment went on 24 hour patrol, which has been a tremendous in- crease in the efficiency of the department, not only in the pro- tection of its citizens but also in checking business houses through- out the night, checking cars when the occupants look of suspicious nature, helping disabled motorists, last but not the least to heed your call for help immediately in the small hours of the morning.
I sincerely express my thanks and appreciation to the Select- men and all other departments for their invaluable assistance in helping us to carry out our duties.
To the members of the department again, thanks for your co-operation and untiring efforts to make West Bridgewater a safer and better place in which to live.
Respectfully submitted,
DOUGLAS EATON Chief of Police
WATER DEPARTMENT
We, the Water Commissioners and Superintendent of the Town of West Bridgewater, respectfully submit our annual report for the year ending December 31, 1963.
During the year a total of 117,086,858 gallons of water were pumped. The greatest amount pumped on any one day was 525,648 gallons on June 27; the highest month was July with 11,200,424 gallons pumped.
With 117,086,858 gallons of water pumped, plus 13,483,500 gallons of water we buy from Brockton, plus the 465,000 gallons of water we buy from Easton, this gives us a total of 131,035,358
54
gallons consumed. This makes a daily average of 359,000 gallons; a weekly average of 2,519,910 gallons, and a monthly average of 10,919,613 gallons. As the town is steadily growing, we should go ahead with securing land and additional well sites, for future growth and water demands.
There were 23 analyses of our town drinking water made dur- ing the year by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and others. All reports were most satisfactory, showing highly acceptable quality and free from bacterial elements.
Several samples of water were taken from Walnut and Manley Street areas; which were of a safe, but poor quality of water. It was necessary to flush these lines extensively. This helps, but is far from satisfactory.
A total of 52 new services were installed to make a total of 1,537 services and there were 22 old services renewed. There was 1,400 feet of twelve inch; 4,561 feet of eight inch; and 700 feet of six inch laid and joined to the system to make a total of 44.51 miles of pipe. We have sealed and tagged 278 meters. There were 274 calls for meter removal and installation, 108 miscellaneous house calls and 83 repair calls. We had 16 emergency house leaks, 10 emergency main leaks, 10 service line leaks, 25 meter leaks, 7 frozen services, 7 frozen meters, and 35 inside installations were made. Repaired four hydrants, set two hydrants back, and added 12 new hydrants to the system. Painted hydrants that needed it, checked and double checked hydrants for winter. Hydrant stakes were removed, painted and replaced for winter. Grass around hydrants was cut in summer and snow was shoveled around hydrants in winter. Regular station maintenance was carried out every day and stations were painted inside. We had six power and control failures during the year. Meters were read twice dur- ing the year. We pumped 11 cellars, filled four tanks and pools where possible; and repaired 194 meters. Made several flow tests with engineers and underwriters. There was a total of 678 hours of overtime spent on emergency calls and maintenance. There were 87 new service charts recorded and 1,077 charts made towards a duplicate set.
We have closely followed the activities of the Southeastern Massachusetts Water District Commission during the year and
55
other legislation affecting water department problems, both at the State House and in Washington. We have also studied closely and have been in contact with the Commonwealth of Massachu- setts Water Resources Commission. The board has also been in contact with the American Water Works Association, New Eng- land Water Works Association, Massachusetts Water Works Association, Plymouth County Water Superintendent Association which runs sessions and schools to help the personnel and the departments in future planning for a better system for your pro- tection and future service.
America-The land of plenty-is in danger of a serious water crisis, not due to any lowering of the water table or lack of water, but simply due to lack of the facilities to store the water, transport the water, treat the water, and bring it to the user.
Water is essential to life-the life of a town as well as the life of a human being. Without water, a man dies. Without water, a community faces the same fate.
Life without water is so completely unthinkable that we expect as a matter of course to be provided with all we need. Just like the air we breathe. The truth of the matter, however, is that our unending flows of pure, safe water is possible only be- cause of farsighted planning, sound engineering and constant vigilance on the part of the water department officials.
The use of water is way ahead of water conservation, includ- ing research on how to cope with pollution-Water supply is the Number One problem that faces the human race. The entire water utility industry must look ahead, must think of what the demands will be in 1980 and the year 2000, and it better be thinking now, not only of quantity but of quality of both raw and delivered water. Fortunately, most water departments are doing just that. There is a tremendous challenge ahead.
We have completed a part of our projected plan and next year we hope, with your co-operation, to take an even bigger step towards our goal of strengthening our system for future security.
At this time we would like to thank all Departments and personnel for their co-operation during emergencies. We also
56
would like to thank our Water Department personnel for their fine co-operation which makes a smooth running department.
It has been our pleasure to serve all our customers in the past and we will continue to do so in the future to the best of our ability.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD ASACK, Chairman WILLIAM CROWLEY JOHN NOYES, Secretary WILLIAM NICKERSON,
Superintendent
BUILDING INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I hereby submit my annual report as Building Inspector for the Town of West Bridgewater, for the year 1963. Permits were issued and inspections were made as required, for the construction as listed:
Permits issued :
New Dwellings
44
New Garages
18
New Business Establishments 5
Other New Buildings 7
Alterations to Dwellings
19
Alterations to Business Establishments
5
Buildings Taken Down
5
Buildings Moved
2
Alterations to Other Buildings
4
New Churches
1
Mobile Homes 3
Total Permits 113
Respectfully submitted,
ANTONE SOUSA Building Inspector
57
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE DEPARTMENT
New legislation for 1963 eliminates legal settlements in General Relief and Old Age Assistance. Beginning January 1, 1964, Old Age Assistance, Medical Assistance for the Aged, Aid to Families with Dependent Children, Disability Assistance, and General Relief will all have both State and Federal percentage reimbursement subject to State policies. Medical expenses alone in 1963 amounted to $34,640.26, which is approximately $9,000.00 over 1962 medicals.
Expenditures and receipts for the past three years are:
Expenses
1961 $79,802.71
1962 $76,035.34 70,008.86
1963 $89,858.59
Receipts
74,142.74
70,277.63
Net expense
$ 5,659.97
$ 6,026.48
$19,580.96
GEORGE V. HOLLERTZ, JR., Chairman MERTON H. OUDERKIRK MARJORIE MACDONALD
Board of Public Welfare
A. M. DEAN
Director of Public Assistance
BOARD OF HEALTH
The year 1963 confronted this board with old existing prob- lems and some new problems. Each situation was discussed, studied and corrective measures were taken.
Mr. Steele must be complimented for his diligent work in preventing the development of past conditions and attempting to correct sanitary problems that do exist.
58
Our dump continued to require a great deal of our time. Several problems have occurred this past year. Some have been corrected and action is being considered to handle the rest.
The rodent control program appears to be successful. Mr. Denley reports that his efforts have substantially reduced the rat population.
Mr. Harold Denley was appointed animal inspector, and his report has been accepted by the board.
The polio vaccine clinic was instituted early this year and thanks to Dr. Calitri, Mr. Fisher, Mrs. Howard and the respective staffs the results were gratifying.
The inspection of eating establishments continued this past year.
The Massachusetts State Department of Public Health have been working hard toward developing the "Sanitary Code." This is a series of laws that establish minimum standards of health and penalties for those who break these laws. Much of the policy that the board has labored to create during the past years will be required by state law in the very near future. Our inspection programs will be mandatory when all parts of this code are passed by the legislature.
A survey of the town dump indicates the road to the area is not entirely on town property and an effort is to be made to ob- tain this land. The survey has made it possible to assess the future of our dump and what measures should be taken to make it less susceptible to uncontrolled fires. The drought of the past summer has required extensive temporary precautions, and a great deal of thought concerning more permanent, less costly fire protection. After consultation with the board of Selectmen and Fire Chief Sousa, the Board has decided it is necessary to bulldoze a wide fire break at the foot of the dump, and the Board would like to see a water supply at the dump.
Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Dean have continued to be invaluable in carrying out our programs.
This year the board has instituted a policy of typing its
59
minutes, and they are available to any one who wishes to read them at the town hall.
A resolution was passed by the board that no single member can represent the board without a majority vote. This would guarantee discussion before action and protect all parties con- cerned. This policy has always been in effect but many are not aware of it.
We extend our gratitude to Mr. Willis who has helped to overcome a serious problem which the new Board of Health in- herited at the town dump. He informed us this will be his last year of bulldozing the dump area. We wish to thank him for his capable assistance.
Our thanks are also extended to all the Departments, boards and citizens which have cooperated with us this past year.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD T. GUIDOBONI, Chairman JOHN A. HOWE, Clerk ROBERT V. CHISHOLM
Board of Health
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF WIRES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of West Bridgewater, Mass.
I hereby submit my report for the year ending 1963:
Edison Permits
167
Add Meters
21
Services
88
Locked Premises
6
Rough Wiring
53
Added Wiring
30
Not Accepted
3
60
Electric Dryers
39
Electric Water Heaters
26
Electric Ranges
25
Trailers
4
Signs
3
Temp. Construction Services
17
Finals
12
Power Work
2
Fire Calls
2
Oil Burners
34
Carnivals
1
All inspections were based on the latest edition of the National Electric Code with no special rules.
Again through the fee system this department has been self supporting.
I wish at this time to thank the honorable Board of Selectmen and the Town Treasurer for their assistance in issuing permits and aid to this department.
Respectfully submitted,
ALBERT M. GREINER Inspector of Wires Town of West Bridgewater, Mass.
REPORT OF THE TOWN SANITARY INSPECTOR FOR YEAR 1963
Inspection, percolation tests, and sewage disposal layouts were made on all proposed building Lots before permits issued. Inspection before back-fill was made at each Lot to insure proper construction of sewage disposal system according to specifications. Proposed subdivisions are investigated.
Complaints were investigated promptly and corrections made as promptly as possible. Investigation of additions or repair
61
of older existing sewage disposal sytems were made and advice given as to correction to furnish satisfactory disposal, and as economical as possible.
Inspection of eating and drinking establishments were made on quarterly basis, also school cafeterias were included in the program. Bacteria swab counts were made of utensils. Reports of inspection and bacteria counts of utensils are reported to Board of Health and a report of inspection to operators with required corrections to be made.
Respectfully submitted,
PUTNAM STEELE, R.S. Sanitary Inspector
TREASURER
The financial transactions of the Town for the year 1963 may be briefly summarized as follows:
Cash on hand, December 31, 1963:
General Fund $ 86,873.18
New High School and Library Addition Account 3,185.59
Receipts from Tax Collector 869,898.24
Receipts from Other sources
1,065,840.64
Payment of Selectmen's Warrants
1,898,144.97
Tax Title Account 8,924.17
Tax Title Redemptions 6,093.30
PUBLIC TRUST FUNDS CEMETERY TRUST FUNDS
Dec. 31, 1962
Income Earned
Income Paid Out
Dec. 31, 1963
Evrard-Alger
Brockton Savings Bank
$ 225.16
$ 9.08
$ 7.50
$ 226.74
Alfred E. Alger
Bridgewater Savings Bank
211.28
8.52
7.00
212.80
Nathan Alger
Bridgewater Savings Bank
103.78
4.16
3.50
104.44
Sanford Alger
Bridgewater Savings Bank
51.56
2.06
1.75
51.87
William Burke
Bridgewater Savings Bank
169.24
6.82
4.00
172.06
M. A. Clapp
Brockton Savings Bank
423.96
17.10
14.00
427.06
Davis Copeland
East Bridgewater Savings Bank
199.84
8.04
8.00
199.88
Mrs. Henry Copeland
Brockton Savings Bank
100.98
4.04
4.00
101.02
Lyman & Pardon Copeland
East Bridgewater Savings Bank
660.64
26.66
25.00
662.30
Samuel G. Copeland
Bridgewater Savings Bank
208.26
8.40
8.00
208.66
Samuel G. & James Copeland
Brockton Savings Bank
1,146.44
46.30
42.00
1,150.74
Martha K. Crosby
Bridgewater Savings Bank
103.74
4.16
4.00
103.90
Mary A. Dwyer
Bridgewater Savings Bank
105.26
4.24
3.50
106.00
Michael Dwyer
Bridgewater Savings Bank
102.58
4.12
3.50
103.20
John E. & Desire L. Gould
Brockton Savings Bank
101.94
4.08
3.50
102.52
Hartwell Fund
Bridgewater Savings Bank
308.21
12.44
10.50
310.15
Etta L. Hartwell
Bridgewater Savings Bank
360.27
14.54
8.00
366.81
Frank P. Hatch
East Bridgewater Savings Bank
162.50
6.54
5.50
163.54
Julia M. Hooper
East Bridgewater Savings Bank
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