USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1941-1945 > Part 13
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Other divisions are the Planning and Technical, War Economy, Public Information, Salvage and Medical.
The Salvage Committee has done a very good job and the Medical Division has a fine outfit including a first aid room in the High School.
77
I served under Chief Hewey as assistant until last fall when he thought the hardest part of the work was done and asked to be relieved.
There has been no glamor connected with this work and it has been done quietly and I think as efficiently as in any town of our size in the region.
Respectfully submitted, WALTER S. KERR, Town Chairman.
January 12, 1943.
78
REPORT OF THE Forestry Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
This past year has been a very busy one for the forestry department. There was a considerable amount of work that was left over from the previous years which we had to clean up along with our regular work. We completed this work, and then started other work that was necessary for the wel- fare of the townspeople.
Due to the moving of town equipment to the new quar- ters on Main St., Agawam, we were confronted with the problem of the old town tree sprayer. This spraying outfit was about 25 years old and more. It hadn't been used for that many years also. The outfit was a horse drawn affair with a large wooden tank, and which ran by an antique engine. Mice had made their homes in the motor block, and parts of the motor were missing or destroyed. Being with- out any spraying equipment whatsoever we decided to give this outfit a try. After considerable work and repairs, this outfit was mounted on our truck, and after experiencing much hard luck, we got it to build up enough pressure to reach the tops of our elms. This was a difficult job, considering many of our elms are quite large and tall. After repairing the block, which had blown three times from pressure twice as high as that which the sprayer had been intended for ,we finally got it doing a fine job, and all our elms were given a good spray- ing. We hope to use the outfit again this coming year.
During the past year the Telephone Company trimmed their lines in this town, and this department wishes to thank them for their carefulness in not trimming any more than was necessary, and for the help they gave in removing dead wood and low hanging branches along the highways.
Many streets were cleared of low branches that were obstructing sidewalks and traffic. In many places residents had to drive through branches to get into their driveways,. and many people were unable to walk along the sidewalks. Load after load of these branches were removed, and we
79
believe that in the coming year we will be able to complete all this type of work for the present time.
This department also expresses its appreciation for the help given by Mr. Roger Hynes of the Electric Light Com- pany, who has always given us valuable assistance whenever we were working around power lines.
In conclusion, let us not be inclined to take these beauti- ful trees, which we are accustomed to seeing, for granted. Let us not be careless and neglectful or we shall lose many of these fine old trees that have taken generations to grow. These trees must be sprayed, pruned, and fed.
I also wish to state that this department has in the past, and will in the future do this work to the best of its ability.
Respectfully submitted,
DANIEL DI DONATO, Tree Warden
80
REPORT OF Sealers of Weights and Measures
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
The following is the report of work performed for the year ending December 31, 1942.
Con- Not Adjusted Sealed demned Sealed
Platform Scales-5,000 to 10,000
1
1
Platform Scales-100 to 5,000. .
12
13
Counter Scales under 100.
4
11
Beams-100 to 5,000
2
3
Spring-100 or over
7
Spring under 100
15
30
Computing under 100.
8
22
2
Person Weighing (Slot)
3
Avoirdupois Weights.
45
No. 3 Volumetric Measure.
2
36
5
Liquid Measuring Device
42
Gasoline Stops .
4
Kerosene Pumps
14
2
Oil Pumps. .
17
Grease Measuring Device.
34
Linear Measure .
3
Cloth Measuring Device.
3
Totals
44
288
2
7
Trial Weighings on Measurement of Commodities Sold or Put Up for Sale
Total No. Number Tested Correct
Incorrect Under
Over
Beans
15
10
0
5
Bread.
45
36
9
0
Butter
73
37
22
14
Confectionery .
33
21
8
4
Coal in Transit.
3
1
1
1
Dry Commodities
119
88
19
12
Flour
30
12
16
2
81
Fruit and Vegetables.
0
0
0
0
Grain and Feed .
0
0
0
0
Hay
0
0
0
0
Lard.
29
29
0
0
Meats and Provisions
56
32
20
4
Potatoes
51
12
32
7
Totals
454
278
127
49
Sealing Fees $49.06
Total No.
In-
Tested Correct correct
Retest on Peddler's Scales
8
7
1
Retest on Ice Scales .
7
7
Restet on Proper Markings
35
29
6
Reinspection of Gas Pumps.
4
4
Totals .
54
47
7
I wish to thank the merchants for their cooperation in the past year, and hope they will continue the good work.
This department has been called upon to cooperate with the O.P.A. on several occasions which has been extra work, but this department is always ready and willing to work with any one who is trying to help the war effort.
Respectfully submitted, FRANK DRAGHETTI, Sealer.
82
REPORT OF The Town Nurse
JANUARY 1, 1942-DECEMBER 31, 1942
Total Number of Nursing Calls 1,805
Total number of Dressings . 286
Total number of General Care, Baths, etc. 505
Total number of Mothers and Babies 45
Total number of Prenatals. 16
Total number of Temperature, pulse, etc.
361
Total number of Miscellaneous Calls 156
Total number of Well Babies
29
Total number of Hypodermics (prevention care)
209
Total number of T. B. . 48
Total home visits made on Scarlet Fever Patients. . 150
Total Calls 1,805
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
Number of Mumps .. 4
Number of German Measles 6
Number of Regular Measles 57
Number of Chicken Pox .. 13
Number of Whooping Cough. 13
Number of Scarlet Fever
63
Total . 156
The Diphtheria Immunization clinic was held May 14, June 4, June 25, July 16, and August 6, 1942.
Total number immunized. 109
Total number attended clinic . 367
Total number of initial visits for the Welfare De- partment. 30
Patients taken to Doctors' and Dentists' offices. .. . 41
Appointments made for patients to go to hospitals. 52
Appointments made for patients to go to clinics at Springfield and Mercy Hospitals. 32
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A Tuberculosis Clinic was held September 2, from 4 to 6:30 P.M. in the Town Hall. Dr. Houser, Mrs. Almeida, Westfield Sanitarium Nurse, and Mr. Frost, X-ray technician examined and X-rayed 15 patients.
One Home Nursing class was conducted for adults, and one for high-school students.
I would like to thank all town officers and townspeople for their splendid cooperation and loyal support to me during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
CLARA H. WILLIAMS, R. N., Town Nurse.
84
ANNUAL REPORT OF Agawam Library Trustees FOR THE YEAR 1942
The Library Trustees for the Town of Agawam submit the following report:
The three libraries have donated books from their shelves and have solicited books for the soldiers so that about 350 have been sent to army camps.
Books have been given to shut-ins and to the Salvation Army throughout the year.
For the help of Study Groups some fine publications have been added to Agawam Library.
The Art and Literature group, meeting monthly, at the Capt. Chas. Leonard House has used the new books the Library owns, also other study groups from the Agawam Woman's Club have used library books.
The Red Cross Home Nursing Class was supplied with publications ordered especially for the group.
Sherwin-Williams presented the Agawam Library with a book that is the delight of those looking for help in Interior and Exterior Decoration.
The libraries borrow books, as usual, from the State Library and from Springfield City Library. These books are for use in study and research along unusual lines or books written in the Italian or Polish languages.
The crowded conditions of the shelves means constant weeding out of old books to make place for the new ones. To help this condition Miss Ferranti of North Agawam Library has purchased a new book case.
After eighteen years as Library Trustee and Librarian Mrs. Anna H. Rudman feels that she must give up the work.
She wishes to thank all those connected with her in the work for their fine cooperation and friendliness. It has been a very worthwhile and happy term of service for the towns- people. The work with the children being the most enjoy- able.
For her successor in this field of service she wishes the same friendly relations that she has enjoyed through her long term of office.
85
The lower circulation of books is caused by war condi- tions.
Figures for Libraries
Agawam
Circulation. .
14,745
Books owned
9,325
Borrowers.
1,130
Feeding Hills
Circulation.
10,224
Books owned
6,750
Borrowers.
540
North Agawam
Circulation.
11,123
Books owned
4,808
Borrowers.
449
Respectfully submitted,
ANNA H. RUDMAN,
EVA S. KERR,
MARGARET FERRANTI.
Trustees.
86
State Auditor's Report
October 30, 1942.
To the Board of Selectmen Mr. Edward W. Talmadge, Chairman Agawam, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen :
I submit herewith my report of an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Agawam for the period from October 16, 1941 to September 5, 1942, made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws. This is in the form of a report made to me by Mr. Herman B. Dine, Assistant Director of Accounts.
Very truly yours,
THEODORE N. WADDELL, Director of Accounts.
TNW:MMH
Mr. Theodore N. Waddell Director of Accounts
Department of Corporations and Taxation
State House, Boston.
Sir:
As directed by you, I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Agawam for the period from October 16, 1941, the date of the previous examination, to September 5, 1942, and submit the following report thereon:
The records of financial transactions of the several de- partments collecting or disbursing money for the town, or committing bills for collection, were examined and checked.
The recorded receipts for licenses issued by the board of selectmen were checked with the record of licenses granted, and the payments to the treasurer were verified. The surety bonds filed with the town by individuals to whom liquor licenses were issued were examined and found to be in proper form.
87
The books and accounts of the bookkeeping department were examined and checked. The recorded receipts were compared with the records of the departments collecting money for the town and with the treasurer's cash book, while the recorded payments were compared with the approved treasury warrants.
The commitments of departmental accounts receivable, as shown on the ledger, were checked with the records of the department in which the charges originated.
The appropriations and transfers voted by the town were listed from the town clerk's record of town meetings and were checked with the appropriation ledger accounts.
The ledger was analyzed, a trial balance was taken off, and a balance sheet which is appended to this report, was pre- pared showing the financial condition of the town on Septem- ber 5, 1942.
In checking the paid vouchers, it was noted that a number of bills submitted by town officials for reimbursement of ex- penses incurred while on official business lacked detail or item- ization. It is recommended that no payments be made unless the bills submitted are fully itemized and supported by re- ceipted vouchers wherever possible. Bills for services ren- dered should clearly state the period during which such ser- vices were performed.
The books and accounts of the town treasurer were ex- amined and checked in detail. The receipts, as recorded, were analyzed and checked with the records of the depart- ments collecting money for the town and with the other sources from which money was paid into the town treasury. The payments were compared with the treasury warrants approved by the board of selectmen. The cash book addition was verified, the bank balances were reconciled with state- ments received from the bank of deposit, and the cash in the office was proved by actual count.
The payments on account of debt and interest were proved by comparison with the amounts falling due and with the cancelled securities and coupons on file.
The securities, including savings bank books, representing the investment of the trust funds in custody of the town treasurer were examined and listed, the income being proved and the expenditures being verified.
The reconciliation of the treasurer's cash on September 5, 1942, showed that the cash in the banks and on hand was $35.74 less than was required to balance his accounts.
88
The books and accounts of the tax collector were examined and checked in detail. The tax accounts outstanding at the time of the previous examination, and the subsequent com- mitment lists of taxes were audited and reconciled with the warrants given by the board of assessors for their collection. The recorded collections were compared with the payments to the treasurer, the recorded abatements were checked with the assessors' record of abatements granted, and the out- standing accounts were listed and proved with the book- keeper's ledger.
The collector's cash on hand September 5, 1942, was proved by actual count.
The records of tax titles held by the town were examined. The tax title register was analyzed and checked with the tax collector's and the treasurer's accounts and with the records at the Registry of Deeds.
The record of tax possessions was examined. The re- corded collections for the sale of possessions were checked, the necessary adjustments were made, and the balance was recon- ciled with the bookkeeper's ledger.
The financial transactions of the town clerk were ex- amined. The recorded receipts for dog and sporting licenses were checked with the record of licenses issued, the payments to the State and town treasurers were verified and the cash on hand September 5, 1942, was proved by actual count.
Attention is called to the provisions of Chapter 179, Acts of 1941, which prohibits appropriations for the payment of certain bills incurred in a prior year except by a vote of four- fifths of those voting at an annual meeting and nine-tenths at a special meeting.
The receipts for revolver permits, issued by the chief of police were checked with the record of permits issued and the cash on hand September 5, 1942, was proved by actual count.
The accounts of the sealer of weights and measures were examined. The recorded receipts were checked with the record of fees charged and the payments to the treasurer were verified.
The charges for the rental of town-owned property, in- cluding school halls, were listed, the payments to the treasurer were verified, and the outstanding accounts were listed and proved.
The record of accounts receivable of the sewer, public welfare, and school departments were examined. The
89
charges were added and compared with the commitments reported to the bookkeeper, the recorded collections and abate- ments were checked, and the outstanding accounts were listed and proved with the bookkeeper's ledger.
The recorded receipts of the school department for sales and miscellaneous charges were checked, the payments to the treasurer were verified, and the cash on hand September 5, 1942, was counted.
The recorded receipts from manual training projects were checked, the payments to the treasurer were verified, and the cash on hand October 15, 1942, was proved by actual count.
The receipts of the librarian for fines, etc., were checked, the payments to the treasurer were verified, and the cash on hand October 13, 1942, was counted.
The books and accounts of the water department were examined and checked in detail. The recorded charges for the sale of water services were added and compared with the commitments reported to the bookkeeper, the recorded col- lections were checked with the commitment list, the payments to the treasurer were verified, the abatements were checked, and the outstanding accounts were listed and proved with the bookkeeper's ledger.
The tax and departmental accounts, including water accounts, outstanding September 5, 1942, were verified by mailing notices to a number of persons whose names appeared on the books as owing money to the town, the replies received thereto indicating that the accounts, as listed, are correct.
The securities, including savings bank books, representing the investment of the Charles Palmer Davis Library Fund in custody of the trustee were examined and listed, the income being proved and the expenditures and transfers to the town being verified.
There are appended to this report, in addition to the balance sheet, tables showing a reconciliation of the treasurer's cash, summaries of the tax and departmental accounts, as well as tables showing the trust fund transactions.
For the cooperation of all town officials during the prog- ress of the audit, I wish, on behalf of my assistants and for myself, to express appreciation.
HBD:MMH
Respectfully submitted. HERMAN B. DINE, Assistant Director of Accounts.
90
RECONCILIATION OF TREASURER'S CASH
Balance October 16, 1941, per
previous audit .
$196,600.22
Receipts October 16 to December 31, 1941: Per cash book . $180,251.50
Omitted from cash book:
Tax title redemption
26.74
Penalty interest.
2.00
180,280.24
$376,880.46
Payments October 16 to Decem-
ber 31 1941, per warrants.
$281,563.73
Balance December 31, 1941 95,316.68
$376,880.46
Balance January 1, 1942
$ 95,316.68
Receipts January 1 to September 5, 1942:
Per cash book .
$290,702.67
Omitted from cash book:
Selectmen's licenses
12.00
Sealer's fees .
23.98
Tenement rents
14.00
290,752.65
$386,069.33
Payments January 1 to September 5, 1942, per warrants. .
$291,547.98
Error in entering receipts: Tax title redemption.
9.18
Balance September 5, 1942: West Springfield Trust Com- pany.
$ 13,309.43
Springfield National Bank.
67,208.29
Union Trust Company
4,819.26
Cash in office, verified
9,139.45
Cash discrepancy.
35.74
94,512.17
$386,069.33
91
West Springfield Trust Company
Balance September 5, 1942, per statement .
Balance September 5, 1942, per check register. $ 13,309.43
Outstanding checks September 5, 1942, per list . 753.65
$ 14,063.08
$ 14,063.08
Springfield National Bank
Balance September 5, 1942, per statement .
$ 69,960.42
Balance September 5, 1942, per check register. $ 67,208.29
Outstanding checks September 5, 1942, per list . 2,752.13
$ 69,960.42
Union Trust Company
Balance September 5, 1942, per statement .
$
5,405.67
Balance September 5, 1942, per check register. $ 4,819.26
Outstanding checks September 5, 1942, per list . 586.41
$ 5,405.67
TAXES-1938
Outstanding October 16, 1941, per previous audit . $ 114.90
Abatement after payment refund- ed October 16 to December 31, 1941. 2.00
$ 116.90
Payments to treasurer October 16 to December 31, 1941. $2.00
Abatements October 16 to Decem- ber 31, 1941 . 4.00
Outstanding December 31, 1941 ..
110.90
$ 116.90
92
Outstanding January 1, 1942 Payments to treasurer January 1 to September 5, 1942.
Outstanding September 5, 1942, per list.
26.40
$ 110.90
TAXES-1939
Outstanding October 16, 1941, per previous audit .
$ 408.63
Payments to treasurer October 16 to December 31, 1941 $ 70.83
Abatements October 16 to Decem- ber 31, 1941 .
130.30
Outstanding December 31, 1941 ..
207.50
$ 408.63
Outstanding January 1, 1942
$ 207.50
Payments to treasurer January 1 to September 5, 1942 .
$ 155.55
Abatements January 1 to Septem- ber 5, 1942
17.10
Outstanding September 5, 1942, per list.
34.85
$ 207.50
TAXES-1940
Outstanding October 16, 1941, per previous audit .
$ 44,236.15
Overpayment to collector refund- ed October 16, 1941, to Decem- ber 31, 1941 $
1.62
Abatement after payment refund- ed October 16, 1941, to Decem- ber 31, 1941
13.72
Taxes 1941 reported as taxes 1940 .
25.00
Interest on taxes reported as taxes 1940. 132.84
$ 44,409.33
Payments to treasurer October 16 to December 31, 1941.
$ 15,575.69
Abatements October 16 to Decem- ber 31, 1941. 112.14
Outstanding December 31, 1941. .
28,721.50
$ 44,409.33
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$ 110.90
$ 84.50
Outstanding January 1, 1942 . ... $ 28,721.50 Taxes 1941 reported as taxes 1940 . 100.00
Audit adjustments:
Motor vehicle excise taxes 1940 reported as taxes 1940 . . . 2.00
Taxes 1941 reported as taxes 1940. 2.00
Abatement cancelled.
2.00
Overpayment to collector. .10
$ 28,827.60
Payments to treasurer January 1 to September 5, 1942 . $ 26,953.31
Abatements January 1 to Septem- ber 5, 1942 . 614.68
Transfer to tax titles January 1 to September 5, 1942. . 289.17
Taxes 1940 reported as taxes 1941 .
430.26
Audit adjustments:
Taxes 1940 reported as taxes 1941. 3.24
Refund of motor vehicle excise
taxes 1940 charged to taxes 1940. 2.00
Unlocated difference . .06
Outstanding September 5, 1942, per list. 534.88
$ 28,827.60
TAXES-1941
Outstanding October 16, 1941, per previous audit . $196,138.36
Additional commitment October 16 to December 31, 1941 . 4.00
Abatement after payment refund- ed October 16 to December 31, 1941. 186.68
Payment after abatement refund- ed October 16 to December 31, 1941. 2.00
$196,331.04
Payments to treasurer October 16 to December 31, 1941. $ 96,701.61
Abatements October 16 to Decem- ber 31, 1941 965.23
94
Transfer to tax titles October 16 to December 31, 1941. Taxes 1941 reported as taxes 1940 . Outstanding December 31, 1941 ..
18,714.24 25.00 79,924.96
$196,331.04
Outstanding January 1, 1942 . ... Abatement after payment refund- ed January 1 to September 5, 1942.
25.92
Error in reporting abatements Jan- uary 1 to September 5, 1942. . .
2.00
Taxes 1940 reported as taxes 1941 .
430.26
Error in reporting transfer tax titles January 1 to September 5, 1942.
16.20
Audit adjustments:
Overpayment to collector.
.02
Interest reported as taxes 1941.
.24
Error in reporting transfer to tax titles .
3.24
Abatement in excess of commit- ment .
.04
Taxes 1940 reported as taxes 1941.
3.24
Transfer to tax titles after re- demption. 6.48
Overpayment to collector, to be refunded
9.00
$ 80,421.60
Payments to treasurer January 1 to September 5, 1942 .
$ 45,162.55
Abatements January 1 to Septem- ber 5, 1942 .
125.00
Transfer to tax titles January 1 to September 5, 1942. 285.93
Taxes 1941 reported as taxes 1940. Audit adjustments :
100.00
Abatements not reported. .
32.40
Taxes 1941 reported as interest .
.69
Taxes 1941 reported as taxes 1940. . 2.00
Warrant in excess of commit- ment list
2.00
95
$ 79,924.96
Outstanding September 5, 1942, per list. 34,711.03
$ 80,421.60
TAXES-1942
Commitment January 1 to Sep- tember 5, 1942, per warrants ... Overpayment to collector to be re- funded. 5.80
$315,045.60
Abatement after payment to be re- funded. 2.00
$315,053.40
Payments to treasurer January 1 to September 5, 1942. $ 47,823.25
Abatements January 1 to Septem- ber 5, 1942 . 494.60
Audit adjustment: Error in reporting abatements. Outstanding September 5, 1942, per list. 266,735.35
.20
$315,053.40
MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAXES-1938
Outstanding October 16, 1941, per previous audit . $ 19.27
Abatements October 16 to Decem- ber 31, 1941 19.27
MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAXES-1939
Outstanding October 16, 1941, per previous audit . $ 20.00
Abatements October 16 to Decem- ber 31, 1941 . $ 8.00
Outstanding December 31, 1941 and September 5, 1942, per list 12.00
$ 20.00
MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAXES-1940
Outstanding October 16, 1941, per previous audit . $ 192.88
96
Overpayment to collector per previous audit, refunded . 4.00
Overpayment to treasurer by col- lector per previous audit, re- funded. 2.11
Abatement after payment per previous audit, refunded .
2.00
$ 200.99
Payment to treasurer October 16 to December 31, 1941.
$ 27.11
Abatement October 16 to Decem- ber 31, 1941
138.44
Outstanding December 31, 1941. .
35.44
$ 200.99
Outstanding January 1, 1942 .... $ 35.44
Audit adjustment:
Refund of motor vehicle excise taxes 1940, charged to taxes 1940.
2.00
$ 37.44
Payments to treasurer January 1 to September 5, 1942
$ 22.25
Audit adjustment:
Motor vehicle excise taxes 1940 reported as taxes 1940 .
2.00
Outstanding September 5, 1942, per list.
13.19
$ 37.44
MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAXES-1941
Outstanding October 16, 1941, per previous audit . . $ 2,208.45
Additional commitment October 16 to December 31, 1941 1,230.62
Refunds:
Abatement after payment re- funded October 16 to Decem- ber 31, 1941 260.09
Overpayment to collector re- refunded October 16 to De- cember 31, 1941 3.00
$ 3,702.16
97
Payments to treasurer October 16 to December 21, 1941 .... $ 2,347.24 Abatements October 16 to Decem- ber 31, 1941 . 320.47
Outstanding December 31, 1941 .. 1,034.45
$ 3,702.16
Outstanding January 1, 1942. . . $ 1,034.45
Additional commitment January 1 to September 5, 1942 . . 16.00
Abatement after payment refund- ed January 1 to September 5, 1942. 15.02
Audit adjustments:
Commitment list in excess of warrant. 6.36
Interest reported as motor ve- hicle excise taxes 1941 . . 1.14
Costs reported as motor vehicle excise taxes 1941 1.55
Overpayment to collector, to be refunded 9.25
$ 1,083.77
Payments to treasurer January 1 to September 5, 1942 . $ 696.78
Abatements January 1 to Septem- ber 5, 1942 . 20.11
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