Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1926-1930, Part 8

Author: Agawam (Mass. : Town)
Publication date: 1926
Publisher: Agawam (Mass. : Town)
Number of Pages: 628


USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1926-1930 > Part 8


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BALANCE SHEET, DECEMBER 31, 1926


Cash


$ 7,763.51


Taxes, 1922


305.53


Taxes, 1923


2,357.78


Taxes, 1924


8,117.47


Taxes, 1925


45,383.62


Taxes, 1926


106,178.07


a/c Receivable Co. Aid to Highways.


15,000.00


Water Rates


5,624.33


Water Entrances


690.08


Tax Titles


147.51


Loans Authorized


16,000.00


Revenue Loans


$80,000.00


Surplus War Bonus


2,701.14


Overlay, 1924


4,640.70


Overlay, 1925


1,184.61


Overlay, 1926


1,842.09


Water Revenue


6,831.42


Tax Title Revenue


147.51


Excess and Deficiency


55,209.42


Maple and Bridge Street pavement.


29,965.13


Springfield Street School


2,000.00


North Agawam School


5,711.06


Water Maintenance


12,334.82


Water Main Construction


5,000.00


$207,567.90 $207,567.90


32


RECEIPTS GENERAL REVENUE-TAXES


Current Year


Property


$139,891.13


Polls


2,016.00


$141,907.13


Previous Years


Property


$ 95,228.44


Polls


762.00


$ 95,990.44


From State


Corporation $ 5,899.49


Bank


54.36


Income


34,376.40


Soldiers' Exemption


28.52


Trust Co. Tax


67.84


$ 40,426.61


LICENSES AND PERMITS


Licenses $ 1,344.00 $ 1,344.00


FINES AND FORFEITS


Court $ 1,860.00


Sheriff


11.50


Departmental penalties


113.00


$


1,984.50


GRANTS AND GIFTS


From State


Aid to Industrial schools $ 1,036.80


From County


Dog licenses 1,223.92 $ 2,260.72


All Other General revenue.


330.00


COMMERCIAL REVENUE


Privileges


Public Service


$


106.17 $


106.17


33


DEPARTMENTAL


Selectmen


$ 1.00


Collector


95.90


Sealer weights and measures


104.43


Tuberculosis


21.00


Sewer


600.75


Highway


35.00


Reimbursements for relief Individuals


5.00


Other cities and towns


32.29


895.37


Departmental


From State and County for


Aid to Highways +3,962.10


--- $ 43,962.10


Soldiers' Benefits


State Aid


$


96.00


-- $


96.00


SCHOOLS


Tuition and Transportation of State


wards $ 395.57


Other Tuition


250.00


Miscellaneous


339.50


-$


985.07


LIBRARIES


Fines $ 84.26


$ 84.26


PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISES


Water


Sale of water


$ 19,185.78


Miscellaneous


2,146.00


$


21,331.78


INTEREST


Deposits


$


230.87


On Deferred taxes


6,881.43


34


Cemetery


31.84 818.91 .


Library


-$ 7,963.05


MUNICIPAL INDEBTEDNESS


Anticipation of Revenue loans $200,000.00


Highway Loan 10,000.00


$ 210,000.00


Premiums received on Highway loan ....


37.00


REFUNDS


General departments $ 10.52


Accrued interest 8.89


$ 19.41


Total cash receipts


$ 569,723.61


Cash on hand January 1, 1927 7,763.51


Total cash and receipts


$ 577,487.12


RECAPITULATION


Receipts for the year 1927 from


General Revenue $284,243.40


Commercial Revenue 2,166.87


From State and County to Aid


Highway construction 43,962.10


Water Department


19,185.78


Other Public Service


2,146.00


Interest


7,963.05


Municipal Indebtedness


Anticipation of Revenue loans 200,000.00 Highway loan 10,000.00


Premium on Highway loan


37.00


Refunds


19.41


Cash on hand


7,763.51


$ 577,487.12


PAYMENTS GENERAL GOVERNMENT


Legislative


Moderator $ 5.00


50.35


Other expenses


$ 55.35


35


Executive


Salaries Selectmen $ 925.00


Printing, stationery and postage ..


5.91


Travel


40.00


$


970.91


Auditing Department


Town Audit $ 50.00


Accounting officer


375.00


Printing, stationery and postage


42.88


$


467.88


Treasury Department


Salaries and wages $ 1,380.00


Printing, stationery and postage


...


75.32


Surety Bond


107.50


All other expenses


33.70


-$


1,596.52


Collector's Department


Salaries and wages


$ 1,515.75


Printing, stationery and postage


.... 138.76


Surety Bond


215.00


All Other


138.30


-$


2,007.81


Assessors' Department


Salaries and wages


$ 2,369.39


Printing, stationery and postage


130.61


-$


2,500.00


Other Finance Office and accounts


Printing


$ 20.50


-$ 20.50


Law Department


Salaries and wages $ 510.00


-$


510.00


36


Town Clerk


Salaries and wages .$ 620.00


Printing, stationery and postage ..


43.54


All other


26.30


--- $


689.84


Election and Registration Department


Salaries


$ 210.00


Printing, stationery and postage


80.56


All other


70.00


-$


360.56


Town Buildings


Janitor Town Halls


$ 175.50


Light


290.79


Repair to Fire building at Feeding Hills


487.00


Repairing Feeding Hills Town


Hall


1,376.85


Insurance on buildings


251.46


All other expenses


1.00


$


2,582.60


Total General Government .... $ 11,761.97


PROTECTION TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY Police Department


Salaries and wages $ 2,823.58


Equipment and repairs for automo- bile


244.01


Gasoline and oil


278.08


All other expenses


162.44


-$


3,508.11


Fire Department


Salaries and wages $ 1,020.00


Repair on truck


36.05


Equipment and repairs


1,642.77


All other expenses


191.60


Fuel


303.70


37


Light 51.97 Maintenance of buildings and grounds


1,180.91


Other expenses


Telephone


33.05


Gas and oil


25.70


Incidentals


20.76


-$


4,506.51


Inspection


Sealer weights and measures


Salary and wages


$ 521.50


Teams


42.67


Equipment


16.36


All other


29.03


$


609.56


Forestry


Insect Pest Extermination $ 313.96


Planting and trimming trees


738.90


Forest Fires


32.50


-$


1,085.36


Total protection, persons and property


$


9,709.54


HEALTH AND SANITATION


Health Department


General Administration


Salaries $ 162.50


Printing


.52


Quarantine and Contagious Diseases


Board and treatment 565.00


Medicine and medical attend- ance 25.00


Bacteria tests


60.00


Tuberculosis


Board and treatment


22.29


Hospital Maintenance 455.58


- -


38


Other expenses


Fumigation


4.40


Garbage collection


150.00


Inspection of Animals


Salaries ......


199.00


Other expenses


1.00


Inspection of Meat and provisions 1,006.00


$


2,651.29


Sanitation (Sewers)


Labor $ 715.87


Pipe and fittings


186.45


All other expenses


12.38


-$


914.70


Total Health and Sanitation


$


3,565.99


HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT


General


Salaries and wages


Pay rolls $ 7,404.45


Teams and automobile hire


316.22


Gravel, stone, tar, etc.


4,128.67


Equipment and repairs


Chevrolet Dump Motor truck


937.00


Road Machine


+50.00


Two Ton Caterpillar Tractor


1,935.55


Oil Pump


5.50


Small Tools


117.37


Tires


225.82


Repairs


323.38


Parts for repairs


13.15


All other expenses


1,027.95


Bridges


Wages


25.00


Repairs and other expenses 194.96


39


Snow and Ice removal Salaries and wages Pay rolls


575.82


Teams and auto hire 281.25


All other


155.30


-$


18,117.39


Construction


Completion lower end of Maple St.$ 1,980.00 From Walnut and Springfield St. to Agawam Bridge 1,874.50


Maple and Bridge St. 40,576.45


Sidewalks and Curbing


1,996.67


School St. pavement


9,954.70


Meadow St. pavement


25,334.05


Total on construction and walks $ 81,716.37


Land Damage


To Luther P. Davis on Drain .... $ 200.00


Georgana Hamblen Property for


damage on Main Street 2,525.65 -$


2,725.65


Repair of Fences on Highways


Paint, lumber, etc.


29.80


Street Lighting


9,300.91


Numbering streets


100.00


State Highway tax


2,356.39


Total Highways


$ 114,346.51


CHARITIES AND SOLDIERS' BENEFITS


Public Welfare


General Administration


Salaries of Overseers $ 225.00


Printing, stationery and postage ....


1.39


Other expenses


50.00


Outside relief by Town


Groceries and provisions ... 442.91


40


Fuel 274.05


Board and care


1,085.00


Medicine and medical attendance. .... Cash aid


239.50


1,391.50


Rent and all other


248.99


Relief by other cities and towns


1,103.32


Other expenses


Clothing, shoes, etc.


82.81


Burial


60.00


Hospital


119.00


-$


5,323.47


Soldiers' Benefits


$


96.00


-$ 96.00


Total Charities and Soldiers' Benefits


$


5,419.47


SCHOOLS


General Administration


Salary of Superintendent $ 4,300.01


Salary of Clerk 1,533.36


Salary of Truant Officer 525.00


Printing, stationery and postage


214.72


Telephone


58.49


Traveling expenses


190.17


Supervisors' salaries


3,560.00


All other General expenses


182.00


$


10,563.75


Teachers' Salaries


High $ 17,153.50.


Elementary'


60,627.70 -$ 77,781.20


Principal's salary $ 2,700.00 $ 2,700.00


Text Books and Supplies


High


Text and reference books $ 1,050.81 All other


1,058.33


41


State Aid


Elementary


Text and reference books 2,687.57 All other


1,957.13


6,753.84 -$


Tuition


Elementary


$ 1,130.63


Vocational


352.50


-$


1,483.13


Transportation


Elementary


$ 6,643.44


$


6,643.44


Support of Truants


.$


7.43


-$


7.43


Janitors' Services


High


$ 1,567.43


Elementary


6,865.96


-$


8,433.39


Fuel and Light


High


$ 1,056.46


Elementary


6,333.65


-$


7,390.11


Maintenance of Buildings and Grounds


High


Repairs


$ 502.14


Janitor's supplies


29.42


All other


252.21


Elementary


Repairs


2,659.80


Janitor's supplies


42.94


All other


892.84


-$


4,379.35


42


Furniture and Furnishings High $ 1,106.24 649.02


Elementary


$ 1,755.26


Other expenses


Diplomas and graduation exercises $


69.83


Miscellaneous printing


12.22


All other


50.87


$


132.92


Health


High


$ 200.00


Elementary


1,776.12


-$ 1,976.12


Total Schools


$ 129,999.94


LIBRARIES


Salaries and Wages


Librarians


$ 300.00


Assistants


16.37


Books and Periodicals


Books


1,111.75


Periodicals


14.85


Fuel and light


9.18


Buildings


Furniture


27.60


Repairs


23.58


Other expenses


Stationery and postage


7.92


Printing


1.15


Express


1.48


All other


9.30


Total Libraries $ 1,523.18


43


UNCLASSIFIED


Damage to Persons and Personal Prop-


erty $


1.58


Memorial Day


150.00


Aid to Agriculture


400.00


Printing Town Reports


354.72


Survey for addition to High School lot


106.00


Liability Insurance


393.60


Zoning and Rules Committee


500.00


Grading High School lot


300.00


Tax sale by collector


104.99


State Auditing tax


33.76


- -$


2,344.65


PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISES


Water Department


Salaries and wages Superintendent


$ 1,404.00


Clerical


500.00


Printing, stationery and postage


171.47


All other


2.00


Maturing Bonds


5,500.00


Interest on Bonds


3,733.75


General


Labor


300.00


Teams


176.39


Pipe and fittings


3,126.63


Equipment


1,441.41


Water purchased


3,221.63


All other


8.79


Service Pipe


Labor pay rolls


1,442.38


Pipe and fittings


869.86


All other


312.35


Total Water Department ...


$ 22,210.66


CEMETERIES


Care of North Cemetery $ 50.00


-___ $ 50.00


44


Interest


INTEREST AND MATURING DEBT


Temporary Loans in Anticipation


of Revenue $ 5,764.88


General Loans


High School loan 9,250.00


Schools 3,786.25


Bridge Loan


2,320.00


Highway Loans


960.00


Sewer Loan


680.00


Total Interest $ 22,761.13


Municipal Indebtedness


Temporary Loans in Anticipation


of Revenue $180,000.00


High School 13,000.00


Other School loans


8,000.00


Bridge Loan 4,000.00


Main St. Highway Loan


6,000.00


Sewer Loan


1,000.00


Total Municipal Indebtedness $ 212,000.00


AGENCY, TRUST AND INVESTMENT


State Tax $ 13,320.00


County Tax 11,733.33


Income Davis Library Fund 783.89


Total Agency $ 25,837.22


REFUNDS


National Bank Tax


$


4.66


-$ 4.66


Total Payments


$ 561,534.92


Cash on hand December 31, 1927 $ 15,885.34


Cash in Public Trust Funds 66.86


Total cash on hand


$


15,952.20


Total cash and payments


$ 577,487.12


45


RECAPITULATION


Payments for year 1927


General Government $ 11,761.97


Protection to Persons and Property 9,709.54


Health and Sanitation 3,565.99


Highway Department 114,346.51


Charities and Soldiers' Benefits 5,419.47


Schools


129,999.94


Libraries


1,523.18


Unclassified


2,344.65


Public Service Enterprises


22,210.66


Cemetery


50.00


Interest and Maturing Debt


Interest


22,761.13


Municipal Indebtedness


212,000.00


Agency Trust and Investment


25,837.22


Refunds


4.66


Cash and Other Public Trust


funds


15,952.20


Total payments and cash


$ 577,487.12


TRIAL BALANCE AFTER CLOSING BOOKS DECEMBER 31, 1927


Cash


$ 15,952.20


Taxes 1923


73.87


Taxes 1924


755.67


Taxes 1925


9,572.33


Taxes 1926


55,596.07


Taxes 1927


110,418.56


Accounts Rec. County and State


Aid to Highways


21,000.00


Schools


32.00


Sidewalks and curbing


652.58


Water Rates


4,635.29


Water Entrances


691.38


Tax Titles


310.00


Revenue Loans


$ 100,000.00


Overlay 1924


3,991.30


Overlay 1925


1,184.61


Overlay 1926


1,842.09


46


Overlay 1927


970.27


Trust Fund Income


66.86


Departmental Revenue


32.00


Zoning and Rules Committee


500.00


Water Revenue


5,326.67


Tax Title Revenue


310.00


Excess and Deficiency


59,052.90


Meadow Street pavement


31,665.95


Land Damage


2,525.65


Libraries


100.00


Grading High School Lot


200.00


Water Maintenance


16,972.95


$222,215.60 $222,215.60


47


APPROPRIATIONS AND EXPENDITURES


Approp.


Expend.


Assessors


$


2,500.00


$ 2,500.00


Town Buildings


2,000.00


2,582.60


Town Clerk, Treas. and Coll.


2,500.00


2,500.00


'Town Office


4,000.00


3,791.17


Surety Bonds


350.00


322.50


Forestry


1,100.00


1,085.36


Fire Department


4,500.00


4,506.51


Police Department


3,500.00


3,508.11


Health


2,000.00


1,446.29


Highways and Bridges


20,000.00


20,021.69


Schools


130,000.00


129,999.94


Public Welfare


5,500.00


5,323.47


Sealer


600.00


609.56


Inspector of Meats and Animals


900.00


1,205.00


Libraries


1,623.92


1,523.18


State Aid


100.00


96.00


Sewers


1,500.00


914.70


Reserve Fund


1,000.00


567.29


Street Lights


9,500.00


9,300.91


Interest


22,000.00


22,761.13


Debt


32,000.00


32,000.00


Memorial Day


150.00


150.00


Liability Insurance


400.00


393.60


County Aid to Agriculture


400.00


400.00


House Numbering


100.00


100.00


Sidewalks and Curbing


2,000.00


1,996.67


Care of North Cemetery


50.00


50.00


Meadow Street Construction


19,000.00


25,334.05


School Street Construction


10,000.00


9,954.70


Drainage damage


200.00


200.00


Grading High School lot


500.00


300.00


Maple Street Construction


2,000.00


1,980.00


Zoning


1,000.00


500.00


Maple and Bridge Street Construction


44,540.00


40,877.92


48


Treasurer's Report


Year Ending December 31, 1927


Cash on hand January 1, 1927


$


7,764.51


Receipts 1927 569,723.61


Total $577,487.12


Payments 1927 $561,534.92


Cash on hand December 31, 1927


$ 15,952.20


TRUST FUNDS


Whiting Street Fund


On Hand January 1, 1927


Cash


$


1,034.11


Securities


5,500.00


Received


Income from fund


341.29


Premium on securities 20.00


-$ 6,895.40


Paid orders of Trustees $ 243.66


Accrued interest


21.67


Discount on securities


30.00


Safe Deposit box


7.50


On Hand December 31, 1927 Cash


1,092.57


Securities


5,500.00


-$ 6,895.40


49


Desire A. Pyne Fund


On Hand January 1, 1927


Securities


$ 2,000.00


Cash


131.81


Income


91.00


2,222.81


Expenditures


For Worthy Poor $ 37.00


On Hand December 31, 1927 Securities


2,000.00


Cash


185.81


-$


2,222.81


Phelon School Fund


On Hand January 1, 1927


Securities


$ 4,150.00


Cash


624.85


Income from fund


179.23 $


4,954.08


On Hand December 31, 1927


Securities


$ 4,150.00


Cash


804.08


$


4,954.08


Maple Grove Cemetery Fund


Securities on Hand $ 500.00


$


500.00


Davis Library Fund


Income for 1927 $ 825.15


-$


825.15


Expenses


41.26


Paid to F. A. Worthington, Treas. 783.89


-$


825.15


Phelon Library Fund


On Hand January 1, 1927


Securities


$ 500.00


Income


35.02


535.02


-


--- $


50


On Hand December 31, 1927 Securities


$


500.00


Cash


35.02


-$ 535.02


Old Cemetery Fund


Securities on hand January 1, 1927 $


700.00


Income


31.84


-$


731.84


On Hand December 31, 1927


Securities


$ 700.00


Cash


31.8+


-$


731.84


HENRY E. BODURTHA,


Treasurer


51


LIABILITIES, DECEMBER 31, 1927


Fifteen bonds of $1,000, payable annu- ally, Oct. 1, 1928-1942, to Old Col- ony Trust Co., at 4%, water loan $ 15,000.00


Bonds of 1913 water loan, payable $3,500 annually, July 1, 1928-34, to Old Colony Trust Co., at +1/2% . 51,000.00


1916 Schoolhouse loan, $1,000, payable annually, July 1, 1928-34, to Old Col- ony Trust Co., at 4% 7,000.00


1917 Schoolhouse loan, $1,000, payable annually, Sept. 1, 1928-32, to Old Colony Trust Co., at 41/2% 5,000.00


Sewer bonds of 1916, payable $1,000 an- nually, Dec. 1, 1928-43, to Old Col- ony Trust Co., at 4% 16,000.00


Water bonds of 1917, payable $1,000 an- nually, Oct. 1, 1928-42, to Old Col- ony Trust Co., at 41/2% 15,000.00


High School bonds, $13,000 anuually, Sept. 1, 1928-31; $12,000 anuually, Sept. 1, 1932-41, to Old Colony Trust Co., at 5% 172,000.00


Schoolhouse loan of 1924, payable $3,000 annually, June 1, 1928-30; $2,000, June 1, 1931-44, to Old Colony Trust Co., at 41/4% 37,000.00


Memorial Bridge loan, payable $4,000 annually, Oct. 1, 1928-30; $3,000 an- nually, Oct. 1, 1931-44, to Old Col- ony Trust Co., at 4% 54,000.00


52


Highway loan, payable $2,000 annually, Oct. 1, 1928-33, to Old Colony Trust Co., at 4% 10,000.00


Schoolhouse loan of 1925, payable $3,000 annually, June 1, 1928-40, to Old Colony Trust Co., at 4% 38,000.00


Highway loan of 1925, payable $4,000 annually, June 1, 1928-29, to Old Colony Trust Co., at 4% 8,000.00


Meadow Street loan of 1927, payable $5,000 annually, Nov. 15, 1928-29, to Old Colony Corporation, at 4% .... 10,000.00


Temporary loans 100,000.00


$538,000.00


53


REPORT OF Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor and Board of Health


DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE


The needs of this department are influenced by so many different conditions that it is hard to foretell the first of the year what the needs of the twelve months will be.


Twenty-nine families have been aided, some for the entire year and others for a few days only.


Sickness has been the cause of many applying for aid and unemployment another main cause.


We have done better than we expected at one time as we were able to charge other towns and cities for several expensive cases.


HIGHWAYS


During the past year Meadow Street was started with the cooperation of the State and County, and will be finished early this Spring.


This relieves one of our worst streets and is an improvement which will be appreciated by all. Maple and Bridge Streets were completed on the same basis.


We wish to take this occasion to urge upon the voters the advisability of carrying on this permanent highway work with the State, County and Town paying one-third each as long as we can get their cooperation.


Springfield Street from the Agawam Bridge to the inter- section of Walnut Street was torn up and rebuilt; Springfield Street the entire length and Walnut Street were resurfaced, which puts them in good condition for a number of years.


During the year we purchased a new two ton Tractor with a snow plow to go with it, which puts us in good shape for any


54


snow storm which might come. We also got a new road scraper and new truck and have rebuilt the back of the Feeding Hills Fire Station for a garage, which was much needed.


We strongly recommend continuing buying equipment and putting the Highway Department up to date as we have a good start now and in the end it is the only way to keep abreast of the times with the demands which are now made upon our highways.


BOARD OF HEALTH For 1927


We have lived up to our reputation as a good healthful town to live in. We have had a few scattered cases of scarlet fever, diphtheria, chicken-pox, measles, etc., but nothing that could be called an epidemic.


Our tuberculosis cases are always expensive but we have been fortunate as to the number.


Considering all things we have had an exceptionally good year.


GILES W. HALLADAY CHARLES W. HULL JAMES F. KIRBY


Selectmen, Board of Public Welfare, Board of Health


55


Report of the Chief of Police


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen.


Gentlemen :


I herewith submit to you the annual report of the Police Department from May 1, 1927, to December 31, 1927, inclusive.


ARRESTS


Assault


4


Assault with a dangerous weapon


1


Alien in possession of fire arms


1


Automobile violations


13


Breaking and entering and larcency


7


Breaking and entering


3


Breach of the peace


3


Cruelty to animals


2


Drunkenness


30


Fugitive from justice


1


Hunting without license


1


Illegal shooting of song birds


2


Insane


1


Larceny


3


Liquor violation


13


Malicious destruction of property


2


Non-support


3


Peddling without license


1


Stubborn child


1


Vagrancy


1


Violation of probation


7


Total number of arrests 100


56


DISPOSITION


Continued day to day


3


Discharged


3


Defaulted


1 2


Filed


Fined


44


House of Correction


3


Lyman School


1


Northampton (Insane Hospital)


1


Joined Army


1 6


Probation


Restitution


8


To other Police


1


Shirley


3


State Farm


5


Suspended Sentences


6


Released


7


Pending


5


Total


100


Total Amount of Fines Imposed. $ 1,893.00


Total Amount turned back to Town Treasury


1,515.00


Restitution


465.00


Defaulted


1,000.00


Value of Stolen Property recovered


150.00


Stolen Automobiles Recovered (5) Value


2,000.00


It is extremely gratifying to me to render this, my first Police Report. I' believe that today the Town is in a fairly clean condition, although there is much more work to be done.


Police work can only be accomplished efficiently through coop- eration, and I take this opportunity to thank the Board of Select- men, the State Police, the Special Police and Public at large for the assistance and cooperation rendered.


In the past season we have had a number of automobile ac- cidents, two of which resulted in fatalities, but in each case the driver has been apprehended and brought before the Courts. We have had a number of cases of Breaking and Entering and Lar- ceny, both in places of Business and Dwelling Houses, but I am


57


pleased to state that these have been taken care of and the Guilty punished.


There is much that should be done on our Highways in the interest of Safety, and I am in hopes that something can be ac- complished along this line the coming season.


Respectfully submitted,


PERLEY J. HEWEY,


Chief of Police


58


Report of Tree and Forest Warden


SHADE TREES


Owing to severe storms and winds the past season we have had several costly jobs in removing broken trees and debris, but fortunately no very heavy damage occurred.


When removing dead and worthless, we replant where nec- essary with new ones and as many more as possible with the funds at our disposal will permit of.


Last season we sprayed our elm shade trees for the first time in a number of years and it made a great improvement in foilage and appearance throughout the season and would advise spraying them again the coming season.


Last year $200.00 was appropriated for this purpose, and although the work cost somewhat more, your servant would rec- ommend the same amount for 1928.


MOTH WORK


Last year your servant in conjunction with State moth men planted several colonies of gypsy moth parasites in the worst infested places. Some planted in 1926 are multiplying and feed- ing on moth caterpillars and we hope eventually will control them, especially in the woodland where our worst trouble will be in the future.


As the young caterpillars are blown by strong winds and car- ried by automobiles, your servant believes it will be almost im- possible to exterminate them. However, we can control them by scouting or parasites or both.


Expense, Moth Work $285.50


Scouting


Spraying 28.46


$313.96


59


RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 1928


For Moth Work


$ 300.00


Spraying Shade Trees 200.00


Tree Warden


600.00


$1,100.00


Respectfully sumitted,


EDWIN M. HITCHCOCK,


Tree and Forest Warden


60


Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures


To the Selectmen of Agawam,


Gentlemen :


I hereby submit my report of work done for the year.


Articles sealed 531


Condemned 106


Food inspections 153


Correct


73


Under weight


41


Over weight


39


A percentage of under weight (.267%) which is too high. Peddlers have been brought under some control this year; it should be made complete.


I wish to thank our Chief of Police for the help he has rendered.


Respectfully submitted,


EDWIN U. LEONARD,


Sealer of Weights and Measures


61


Report of Board of Fire Engineers


For the Year Ending December 31, 1927


In submitting our annual report we first wish to thank you for the substantial increase in the appropriation which you granted us for 1927.


We were able to do some very much needed repairs on the three Fire Stations. At Feeding Hills a first class heater was installed and is giving entire satisfaction. The exterior of the building was painted two coats, and a sign placed on the building. All of these things have added to the stations an improvement which will last for a number of years. The station at North Agawam was given two coats of paint, and some minor repairs on the heating system were made. Repairs on heater at Agawam Center were also made. At Agawam Center the Station was given two coats of paint both inside and out, and a sign similar to the one at Feeding Hills was placed over the double doors on the front of the building. Following a lead taken by the Feeding Hills Company last year equipment boxes and ladder racks were made and placed on the trucks of North Agawam and Agawam Center. These add neatness to the trucks and also are an aid to efficiency.


New coats were purchased which are greatly appreciated by the men to whom they were issued. And we hope to see the three units of the department so equipped in the near future. 600 feet of 21/2 inch double jacket fire hose was purchased, also 600 feet of 11/2 inch single jacket hose. The firemen who have used this latter size hose are pleased with it and express a desire to see more of it as part of their equipment.


Just a word in regards to Fire Prevention. As far back as records are available, the year 1927 stands out in Big Red Let- ters. More calls were made on the department than ever before.


62


While these words might sound bold, many of these calls were for fires that had a motive behind them that was far from honest. Some of these have been proven, others are pending. In one case two attempts were made to destroy a building; the second one accomplished it. Another case, no one we feel sure, con- nected with the dwelling were at fault, but nevertheless it was a total loss when the department reached the scene.


We wish to thank the members of the three companies for the very efficient and unselfish manner in which they have served the Town of Agawam. We suggest the hydrants be installed in the more thickly settled parts of the town. This in time will reduce the amount of hose which will have to be laid to control fires.


This report would not be complete without calling attention to the way in which the men of Company No. 3, Agawam Center, got out and collected a sum of money and purchased a fire siren, which they erected on a tower in the rear of their station. Thanks is also given to the residents of this fire district whose support made this movement a success. The installation of this siren has made it possible for the men in this Company to gather at the scene of a fire much quicker than formerly. While the number of boxes at present is only three it is hoped in time to increase them and possibly install a code system.




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