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 37
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240.33
9.70
250.03
Alba Howard
Brockton Savings Bank
103.66
4.16
3.50
104.32
Isabelle Howard
Bridgewater Savings Bank
101.82
1.08
4.00
101.90
S. Nelson Howard
Bridgewater Savings Bank
103.01
4.16
3.50
103.67
Samuel Howard
Bridgewater Savings Bank
104.43
4.20
3.50
105.13
62
Dec. 31,
1962
Income Earned
Income Paid Out
Dec. 31, 1963
Harriet M. Jennings
Broekton Savings Bank
102.14
4.12
3.50
102.76
Abbie B. Jones
Brockton Savings Bank
102.39
4.12
3.50
103.01
Frank H. Jones
Bridgewater Savings Bank
181.16
7.30
3.50
184.96
Smith R. Kelley
Bridgewater Savings Bank
575.42
23.22
10.50
588.14
Sumner D. Keith
Bridgewater Savings Bank
111.79
4.50
3.50
112.79
Warren C. Kinney
East Bridgewater Savings Bank
200.53
8.08
8.00
200.61
Henry J. LeLacheur
Brockton Savings Bank
105.60
4.24
4.00
105.84
Elihu Leonard
Broekton Savings Bank
319.27
12.88
12.00
320.15
Azel Lothrop
Bridgewater Savings Bank
181.16
7.30
3.50
184.96
Joshua Morse
Bridgewater Savings Bank
131.06
5.28
3.50
132.84
Emma F. Paekard
Bridgewater Savings Bank
330.61
13.34
10.50
333.45
Fred A. Perkins
Bridgewater Savings Bank
102.79
4.12
3.50
103.41
Rosa R. Shaw
Brockton Savings Bank
373.57
15.08
10.50
378.15
Sarah F. Shipman
Bridgewater Savings Bank
103.21
4.16
3.50
103.87
Orrin A. Smith
Bridgewater Savings Bank
157.26
6.34
5.00
158.60
South St. Cemetery
Bridgewater Savings Bank
148.48
5.98
154.46
Flora Snell
Brockton Savings Bank
102.14
4.12
3.50
102.76
Robert Tibbetts
Bridgewater Savings Bank
103.07
4.16
3.50
103.73
Charles C. Thayer
Bridgewater Savings Bank
319.29
12.88
332.17
Mary E. Wilson
Bridgewater Savings Bank
206.08
8.32
7.00
207.40
9,355.91
377.14
280.25
9,452.80
James C. Keith Cemetery Trust Fund Bridgewater Savings Bank
5,517.40
222.88
50.00
5,690.28
$14,873.31 $600.02 $330.25
$15,143.08
63
LIBRARY TRUST FUNDS
12-31-63
12-31-63 Balance
Name of Fund Cornelia Alger Edith Dunbar Blanchard
$ 675.00
Frances E. Howard
$
500.00
13,717.00
William J. & Anna Clifford Howard
2,621.90
Nathan Copeland
500.00
Mary L. Perkins
1,000.00
Eliza P. & Millard O. Dalton
250.00
Mary P. Whitman
15,000.00
Mary N. K. Edgerly
500.00
Total this Column Amount Brought Forward
19,121.90
$15,642.00
15,642.00
$34,763.90
Interest Account #1
$ 950.86
$ 842.91
$ 710.46
$1,083.31
Interest Account #2
896.67
565.47
526.82
935.32
Interest Account #3
1,158.81
582.50
921.25
820.06
$3,006.34
$1,990.88
$2,158.53
$2,838.69
SCHOLARSHIP TRUST FUND
William J. & Anna Clifford Howard
$5,234.50
$ 9.46
$5,243.96
SUMMARY
12-31-63
Name of Fund
12-31-63 Balance
Receipts
Payments
Balance
Cemetery Trust Funds
$ 14,873.31
$ 600.02
$ 330.25
$ 15,143.08
Library Trust Funds, Principal
34,741.66
22.24
34,763.90
Library Trust Funds, Interest
3,006.34
1,990.88
2,158.53
2,838.69
William J. & Anna Clifford Howard Scholarship Fund
5,234.50
9.46
5,243.96
Stabilization Fund
44,999.54
4,704.19
49,703.73
$102,855.35
$7,326.79
$2,488.78
$107,693.36
64
Balance
Name of Fund
BONDED INDEBTEDNESS
SCHOOL BONDS
Date of Maturity
1964
$ 50,000. $ 15,000.
$ 20,000.
$ 10,000.
$ 15,000.
$ 110,000.
$110,000.
1965 - 1969
250,000.
75,000.
100,000.
50,000.
75,000.
550,000.
110,000.
1970
48,000.
15,000.
20,000.
10,000.
15,000.
108,000.
108,000.
1971 - 1972
30,000.
40,000.
20,000.
30,000.
120,000.
60,000.
1973 - 1975
60,000.
30,000.
45,000.
135,000.
45,000.
1976 - 1977
20,000.
30,000.
50,000.
25,000.
1978
10,000.
10,000.
20,000.
20,000.
1979 - 1981
15,000.
30,000.
45,000.
15,000.
$348,000. $135,000. $240,000. $165,000. $250,000. $1,138,000 .**
** There will be re-imbursement from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts amount- ing to 50% of these totals.
WATER BONDS
3.40% Bonds Issued 1958
3.50% Bonds Issued 1958
3.30% Bonds Issued 1963
Total
Payment Per Year
Date of Maturity
1964
$ 2,000.
$ 5,000.
$ 3,000.
$ 10,000.
$ 10,000
1965 - 1970
12,000.
30,000.
18,000.
60,000.
10,000.
1971 - 1973
15,000.
9,000.
24,000.
8,000.
1974 - 1978
10,000.
1,000.
2,000.
Totals
$ 14,000. $ 50,000. $ 40,000.
$104,000.
65
Totals
2% Bonds Issued 1950
Issued 1955
1.90% Bonds 21/2 % Bonds 3.25% Bonds 3.25% Bonds Issued Issued Issued 6-1-61 6-1-61 1952
Total
Payment Per Year
Date of Maturity 1964 1965 - 1970 Totals
LIBRARY BONDS
3.25% Bonds Issued 6-1-61
Payment Per Year
$ 5,000.
$ 5,000.
30,000.
5,000.
$35,000.
TOTAL SCHOOL BONDS
$1,138,000.
TOTAL WATER BONDS
104,000.
TOTAL LIBRARY BONDS
35,000.
TOTAL BONDED INDEBTEDNESS
$1,277,000.
Principal to be paid 1964
$ 125,000.
H. ROY HARTSHORN Treasurer
66
67
REGIONAL VOCATIONAL SCHOOL PLANNING COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of West Bridgewater:
Providing educational facilities to allow youth to develop their aptitudes and abilities to the maximum is the prime ob- jective of the Regional Vocational District Planning Committee. The committee was entrusted with the task of studying and mak- ing recommendations relative to the advisability of establishing a Regional Vocational School District.
A comprehensive survey of our region by the Division of Vocational Education of the State Department of Education in- dicated the need for a vocational school in our geographical area. It would not be practical or economically feasible for one small community to construct and maintain a vocational school. There- fore, several meetings were held with comparable committees from the neighboring towns of East Bridgewater, Easton, Fox- borough, Mansfield, Norton, Sharon, Stoughton and the City of Brockton. The Vocational Regional School District Agreement is an outgrowth of these meetings. Drafting the agreement was accomplished by the combined efforts of the superintendent of schools of the several communities, representatives of the School Building Assistance Commission and committee members.
The mutual promises contained within the agreement em- body: (1) the composition of the regional school district school committee, (2) the type of regional school district, (3) the loca- tion of the regional district school, (4) the apportionment and payment of costs incurred by the district, (5) the operating and maintenance budget of the school, (6) the admission of additional towns to the district, (7) the withdrawal of a member munici- pality from the district and (8) admission of pupils residing out- side the district.
In order to better acquaint the townspeople with the pro- visions of the agreement and to answer anticipated questions concerning curriculum, expenditures, and administrative pro-
68
cedure a sub-committee prepared and distributed a brochure to each residence in town.
The members of the West Bridgewater Regional Vocational School District Planning Committee recommend that the citizens of West Bridgewater accept the provisions of the Vocational Regional School District Agreement.
Respectfully submitted,
S. ERICK BENSON, Chairman ROBERT W. BOWMAN JOHN H. HAMILTON
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Emergencies Only JU 6-3232
Information and Permits JU 6-4137
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I hereby submit the annual report of the Fire Department.
PERSONNEL
The organization of the Fire Service in the Town is as fol- lows: Chief, Deputy Chief, two Captains, four Lieutenants, one Protestant and one Catholic Chaplain, twenty-six Firefighters, one Electrician and Fire-Alarm Technician, and five Forest Fire Wardens.
APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT
Engine #1, Seagraves 750 GPM Pumper, 1952; Engine #2, Seagraves 750 GPM Pumper, 1959 Chevrolet; Engine #3, Buffalo 500 GPM Pumper, 1937 Diamond T; Combination #1, 250 GPM (front mounted pump) 1946 Chevrolet; Service Truck, 1947 Ford; Rescue Truck, Ford 1962; Boat & Motor, (Water rescue).
69
ALARMS
Fires:
Automobile
20
Auto Trailers
1
Barns
2
Brush
17
Chicken Houses
3
Chimney
1
Dumps
10
Electric Motors
5
Calls (no fires)
3
False Alarms
4
Gasoline Spills
1
Grass Land
33
Houses
6
Lockout
1
Oil Burners
3
Underground Tank
1
Rescue Dog
1
Restaurant
2
Resuscitator
6
Rubbish
4
School Heating Unit
1
Station Duty
4
Trucks
5
Woods
14
Aid to Police
11
Aid to Other Towns
16
Aid from Other Towns
5
Permits Issued :
Open Air Fires
1471
Oil Burners
104
All others
76
Complaints
197
Investigations
209
INSPECTIONS
Routine inspections have been made in all Buildings and Schools, both Public and Private in the course of the year. Fire Drills have been conducted and observed at all Schools. All
70
hazardous conditions brought to the attention of persons re- sponsible have been investigated and corrected.
TRAINING & DRILL PROGRAM
A comprehensive program of training and practical drills have been carried out. Subject matter has included, Pump Drills, Hose Layouts, Ladder Work, First Aid, Rescue Breathing, Radiology, Flammable Liquids, Aircraft Crash & Fire Control, Fireground Hydraulics, to mention a few.
DISPATCHERS
The three men assigned as full time Dispatchers render exceedingly valuable and efficient service to both the Fire and Police Departments, in addition to providing the Townspeople and transients, with full time contact with all other departments of the Town.
REQUESTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
In order to maintain the Apparatus and Equipment at maxi- mum efficiency, and to prolong the usable life of the older vehicles and appliances, budget requests have been made for: Replacing tires on Engine #1, now 12 years old; general repair and pre- ventative maintenance of all other trucks and equipment; new Ladder & Pike Pole for Rescue Truck; a supply of rope, in addition to some small appliances. Also to provide for a Washdown sink at the rear of the Apparatus Room and maintenance of the Station.
In all categories, the Department answered fifty percent more calls during 1963. Heavier traffic on major routes through town, resulted in a 100 per cent increase in calls for motor vehicle fires. Conditions at the Town Dump, together with the extremely dry summer, were almost totally responsible for the increase in the labor item of the budget. Immediate action should be taken to alleviate the ever-present hazard that exists at the Town Dump. I would recommend the extension of a water service to the Dump area, and also the bulldozing of an adequate fire-break around and rear of the Dump to boundary lines.
I would remind all residents that Permits are required by law, for all open air Fires. Call the Station 586-4137 for author- ization.
The Station is open for visits and inspection by individuals
71
and groups, and I extend an invitation for any and all to become more familiar with the Fire Service in the Town.
To my Officers and men, the Town Officials, and all others who have co-operated with me, to render the excellent service of this past year, I want to thank each and every one.
Respectfully submitted,
ANTONE SOUSA Chief of the Fire Department
CIVIL DEFENSE REPORT, 1963
"MAKE PREPAREDNESS A PART OF YOUR LIFE" To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I hereby submit my annual report as Civil Defense Director for the Town of West Bridgewater for the year of 1963.
During the year of 1963 I attended many meetings held on an Area level and also on a State level. Much valuable information has been obtained from these meetings and put into operation at our local Civil Defense Agency. Valuable groundwork has been laid for an efficiently operating unit geared to handle emergencies that may arise either through nuclear attack, nuclear accident or natural disaster. I attended the dedication of the new State Emergency Control Centre in Framingham and was greatly im- pressed with the completeness of this unit, not a thing has been overlooked. Massachusetts can be proud of this Centre and also proud of the fact that it is one of the first States to undertake such a venture.
Many visits have been made to both Area 2 Headquarters in South Bridgewater and Sector 2B Headquarters in Hanson in regards to Matching Funds on the new Rescue Truck. Papers have been submitted and approved with payment due momen- tarily. Final amount approved was for $2,884.50, this is half the purchase price of the truck.
72
During the year the Town Hall was stocked with 100 empty water containers. These cannot be filled until such time as we have an approved shelter here in town. Purchase of these was made for a very small amount through Surplus Property.
Other visits have been made to the Surplus Warehouse in Taunton where merchandise was looked over and purchase of some things made, things that could be used to further our Civil Defense Plans. At the present time we have requested other items and it is hoped that they will be made available to the Town in the near future.
During the past year I attended a course held at the State College in Bridgewater entitled, "Personal and Family Survival." The course consisted of six sessions and included such items of interest as Community Shelters, Individual and Family Prepared- ness for Shelter Living, Modern Weapons and Radioactive Fall- out, Warning and Communications, Home Shelters and many other subjects. This course was also taken by several teachers of our local school system and is now available to the citizens of the town. Course was sponsored by the Office of Civil Defense Adult Education and given by John P. Lindsay, Coordinator of Mass- achusetts Civil Defense Adult Education.
Arrangements have been made for several members of the Fire Department along with myself to take a course soon after the first of the year on Radiological Monitoring. Monitoring Kits to be used in case of an emergency will be placed in the new Rescue Truck and also a Police Cruiser. It is hoped that we will soon have other Kits spread around town at strategic points and have citizens of the town qualified to run them. These Kits consist of Radiological Survey Meters and Dosimeters used to measure radiation.
The Town was surveyed a few years back in regards to Fall- out Shelters; at that time we did not have one that could be ap- proved. A new survey will be taken at a later date but prospects of having any approved at that time are very slim as we have had no new construction that has complied with specifications in regards to Fallout Protection.
I have worked with Mr. Oliver Millett, Elementary Super-
73
visor, Civil Defense Coordinator for the School System, in regards to a plan that would assure the pupils of the schools the best possible safety in case of an emergency. It is hoped that the plan will be complete soon after the first of the year and presented to the School Authorities for their approval. There are no Fallout Shelters within any of our school buildings and none within the Town that the Children could be transported to. For this reason we have decided on the evacuation of the schools and it is these plans that we are working on.
Also being discussed is a possible Municipal Communication Network. At the present time this appears to be one of our great- est needs. Evacuation of the children from the school buildings and the utilization of all the Town Departments in case of an Emergency depends on our ability to commute with all the parties concerned. Items of this nature can be purchased by Matching Funds as long as certain specifications are met by the Town. Towns around West Bridgewater have installed this same type of system and find that it is advantageous to the towns not only during emergencies but during normal working operations.
Organizations within the Town have made requests for in- formation and material with reference to Civil Defense and it has been supplied to them from this office. May I encourage all organ- izations and individuals that want material for meetings or in- formation of any sort to contact me and I will see to it that you receive same.
I am most grateful for the assistance given me by the Honor- able Board of Selectmen. Their consideration given to this Agency and to the Town in regards to Civil Defense problems is greatly appreciated. Many thanks to our Town Accountant and all other members of our Town Government who have given me their time so graciously.
Once again may I say that if I can be of any assistance to any Department within the Town or any of the citizens here I would be more than glad to hear from them. Cooperation will enable us to accomplish our goals. Make Preparedness a Part of Your Life.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT W. ANDERSON Civil Defense Director
74
PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE
(Plymouth County Extension Service) By Robert B. Ewing, County Agent-Manager
The primary responsibility of the Extension Service is as the 1914 law states "to aid in diffusing among the people of the United States useful and practical information on the subjects relating to Agriculture and Home Economics and to encourage the applica- tion of same."
Resources of the University of Massachusetts and the United States Department of Agriculture are available to the Staff of the Plymouth County Extension Service because of a mutual assistance agreement.
To make this service available to you funds are provided by the Federal, State and County governments. Thus the name - Cooperative Extension Service.
Since 1915, when the Plymouth County Extension Service was organized and established, educational information pertaining to Agriculture, Home Economics and 4-H Club Work has been given free to citizens of Plymouth County.
The Extension Service office is located in the Court House, Brockton, Mass., and is staffed by agents who conduct programs in Agriculture, Home Economics and 4-H Club Work by furnish- ing educational information through farm and home visits, letters, newspaper articles, radio talks, meetings, office visits and tele- phone calls.
You are invited to make full use of the services provided by the Extension Service but should remember that although the Extension Service furnishes the information, it is you who makes the decision as to how the information may be used to best advantage.
75
Requests for information can be directed to the Plymouth County Extension Service, Court House, Brockton, Massa- chusetts.
The Board of Trustees, appointed by the Plymouth County Commissioners, administer the Plymouth County Extension Service program and is composed of the following members:
Mr. John Prentice, Plymouth, Chairman
Mrs. Elva Bent Swartz, Brockton
Mr. Lewis Billings, Plympton
Mrs. Mabel Chandler, Duxbury
Mr. John Duffy, Halifax
Mrs. Gladys Gibbs, Hanover
Mr. Robert Hammond, Wareham
Mr. John Howe, West Bridgewater
Mr. Gilbert Blackledge, Whitman
REPORT OF THE TOWN OFFICE PLANNING COMMITTEE
As a result of action taken at the 1963 Annual Town Meeting a committee was appointed to prepare preliminary plans for a new Town Office Building and to present such plans to the 1964 Annual Town Meeting for consideration.
The appointed committee started regular meetings in April of 1963 and after a careful study of many qualified architects selected the firm of Alger & Gunn of Hyannis.
The Committee has kept the space well within the conserva- tive estimated requests made by the various departments of the Town, yet believe that the proposed building will be adequate for the forseeable future.
It was determined that rather than spread the required space over the large area necessary for one story construction, it would be more economical to provide for a building to cover only one half
76
the area with one main floor, then in the space normally required for foundation purposes to provide for a lower floor.
This economy has been incorporated in the plans with pro- visions made in the grading for access to both floors from ground level.
After considering several possible sites the Committee selected the space directly North of the present Town Hall.
This site proposal has been discussed with abuttors to the satisfaction of all concerned.
The Committee feels that it is well acquainted with the needs of the Town and believes that the Proposed Town Office Building is the best answer to fulfill the Towns requirements.
The Committee realizes that the question of "what to do with the present Town Hall?", is pertinent, and that even though the Committee has definite feelings in this regard, it also believes this question is also outside the realm of its authority.
The Committee wishes to express their thanks to the Board of Selectmen, the Town Moderator and to the Town Engineer for their co-operation and help on this project.
Respectfully submitted,
CARL R. BYSTROM, Chairman ERNEST R. PETERSON
J. LAYTON HAYWARD MALCOLM A. MacLEAN, Clerk ANTONE SOUSA RICHARD G. MacDONALD
ARMEN AMERIGIAN
Town Office Planning Committee
TREE WARDEN
I hereby submit my annual report for the year 1963 as Tree Warden:
The duties of your Tree Department are varied and cover
77
many subjects. Following is a list of activities of this department for 1963.
1. Pruning and trimming of trees.
2. Removal of trees.
3. Spraying for insects and diseases.
4. Feeding.
5. Brush and Poison Ivy control.
6. Cabling and bracing.
7. Tree Planting
8. Dutch Elm Disease control.
9. Mosquito control.
10. Maintenance of Town Cemeteries.
11. Maintenance of Town greens.
12. Town Christmas decorations.
13. Safety and public relations.
1. Pruning includes the removal of dead, diseased, super- fluous and interfering branches with proper regard to the future health and growth of the tree, also to prevent personal or property damage, from falling limbs. Trees along the Town's roadways re- ceived this treatment wherever needed or judged by your Tree Warden to warrant the need. Limbs over roadways were elevated to eliminate future injury by trucks. Storm damage has been at a minimum this year, mostly because the majority of our shade trees are in an excellent state of condition, also all previously weakened trees have been removed and we were most thankful not to have been visited by any hurricanes this season.
2. Under removal of trees, 76 elms infected with Dutch Elm Disease were removed and because of old age, the death of a tree itself or because of the public hazard involved, the following were removed: 18 maples, 5 hickory, 1 willow, 2 poplar, 1 sycamore and 3 ash. Wherever needed, stumps on these removals were cut below ground level to eliminate any injury to the public. Many of our town trees are becoming over-age and even though the de- partment tries to expand their life span by tree surgery, removal of the complete tree is the only safe and efficient manner to handle such a case. The department has used the facilities of the 80 foot hydraulic crane and hydraulic sky-bucket for pruning and removal. This allows for a safe and quick method for this
78
work and gives the department labor more time for its other varied duties.
3. With the mist blower and also, the hydraulic spray unit mounted on the pick-up truck, all roadside shade trees were sprayed twice this season with either DDT, Malathion, Lindane or Sevin wherever their particular use or insect warranted it. To control the elm bark beetle, the carrier of Dutch Elm Disease, all Town elms received one dormant and two foliar applications. The majority of spraying is accomplished during hours of darkness as there is no wind and little road traffic at these hours making for an efficient working condition.
This year, under Chapter 521, General Laws of the Common- wealth, all persons engaged in the application of pesticides on the lands of another or public property will be required to be licensed by the State Pesticide Board. Because of this, your Tree Warden attended a three day refresher course at the University of Massachusetts. This has all come about from interest stirred up by the controversial book "Silent Spring," Audubon Society and others but I personally believe it will bring out a great deal of good. Primarily, it will bring to the public and the pesticide applicator the need for pesticide safety.
4. Under feeding, as many trees as our budget and time would allow were fertilized in 1963. Two methods were used: the power auger drill with a balanced fertilizer and by hydraulic pressure using a liquid formulation. All newly set out trees as well as larger trees were treated in these ways.
5. As in previous years, the Tree Department sprayed Poison Ivy on private property. This is in conjunction with spot treat- ments of Ivy eradication along Town roads. Since starting this program in 1952, Poison Ivy slowly has become non-existent along West Bridgewater roadsides. I would urge all residents to contact me if they feel they now have Ivy on their property- there is no charge for this service.
6. Cabling and bracing are accomplished wherever needed to reinforce a weak or defective crotch of a tree with steel rods and the installation of steel cables higher up in the tops to prevent the splitting or snapping off of larger limbs. All the tree wounds caused
79
by mechanical means (automobiles, etc.) and pruning cuts were treated with an asphaltum wound dressing to keep out rot-pro- ducing fungi until wound has healed over.
7. From the Town Shade Tree Nursery where over 500 young trees of various species and sizes are continually maintained, the department set out 64 new trees. This figure would have totaled more but because of the dry planting conditions during the early Fall, we did not think it would justify setting them out at this time.
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