USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1941-1945 > Part 28
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New Sanitary Sewer Construction
The ten inch sanitary sewer started on Letendre Avenue during 1943 was completed during May and June 1944, ex- tending this sewer an additional 388 feet and making twelve house connections of 6 inch clay pipe and 4-6 inch clay tees for future houses.
Sanitary Sewers and Surface Drainage
During 1945 funds for these two items were appropriated jointly, a total of $3,500.00. Under sewer connections the town received $2,310.00 for 23 connections to houses. The cost of installing connections, repairs, flushing of sewers, and maintenance are paid from the above appropriation. Also cleaning catch basins on surface drainage lines, opening drain ditches and cleaning culverts.
Expenditures-$2,943.55 Balance-$556.45
Chapter 90 Maintenance
Fifty-one hundred dollars was appropriated for Highway Maintenance by the State, County and Town. This money
57
was used on Suffield Street 0.753 miles, South Street 1.040 miles, Shoemaker Lane 2.645 miles, Maple Street 0.641 miles and West Street North 1.444 miles, a total of 6.523 miles. It consisted of a one coat application of asphalt and trap rock finish.
Expenditures-$5,095.03 Balance-$4.97
All Others
An appropriation of $1,200.00 was made under this heading for the cost of paper, tin and rubber salvage; con- structing skating rinks; new tools and special signs and other miscellaneous items.
Expenditures-$1,158.41
Balance-$41.59
Engineering
Salaries.
$3,836.79
Engineering Supplies.
68.77
Transportation .
321.05
Miscellaneous
65.89
Total Expenditures
$4,292.50
Balance .
$
7.50
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM D. RISING Highway Superintendent
58
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE AND BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
The Board organized early in the year and elected Mr. Cavanaugh as Chairman.
Meetings were not held as frequently as in former years but were called by the Chairman whenever necessary.
The work done in the two divisions will be covered by the agents report.
Respectfully submitted,
ANDREW CHRISCOLO FRANK W. KELLOGG JEREMIAH J. CAVANAUGH
REPORT OF THE WELFARE AGENT
Old Age Assistance occupies the greater part of our time and takes the major part of our appropriations.
General Relief is at the lowest level in many years and includes only unemployables. All of the aged people on aid would be placed on Old Age Assistance if they were citizens.
Aid to dependent children is given in but very few cases, but they are all large families so the cost per case is rather high.
We have kept abreast of all the changes in Old Age As- sistance and are now awaiting the action of the present legis- lature. While the expense in this category is less than in 1943 and for several years we have not increased our case load, we have had more applications and opened more new cases in the last two months than we have ever done in the same length of time. This will result in a larger expenditure during the coming year and changes in the law may also affect us.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER S. KERR, Welfare Agent
59
REPORT OF Sealers of Weights and Measures
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my annual report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending December 31, 1944.
Adjusted
Sealed 1
Con- demned
Not Sealed
Platform Scales over 10,000 lbs.
Platform, 100 to 5,000 lbs.
15
31
2
Counter, under 100 lbs.
3
Beam, 100 to 5,000 lbs.
2
Beam, under 100 lbs.
4
5
1
Spring, under 100 lbs.
10
30
2
Computing, under 100 lbs.
9
24
1
1
Person weigher (slot)
2
Avoirdupois Weights.
108
2
Liquid Measures, 1 gal.
37
Milk Cans.
23
Oil Pumps.
28
Gasoline Meter Systems
30
4
Vehicle Tank Meter Systems.
4
Grease-Measuring Devices.
61
Yard Sticks.
7
Cloth-measuring Devices
3
Totals.
38
406
1
12
Trial Weighings on Measurements of Commodities Sold or Put Up For Sale
Total No. Tested
Number Correct
Incorrect Under
Over
Bread
95
87
6
2
Butter
41
37
1
3
Dry Commodities.
78
75
0
3
Flour . .
10
0
10
0
Fruits and Vegetables
30
8
16
6
Grain and Feed .
6
6
0
0
Spring, 100 to 5,000 lbs.
7
60
Hay
8
8
0
0
Lard .
25
23
2
0
Meats and Provisions .
35.
23
5
7
Potatoes.
36
16
19
1
Wood (cord)
1
0
1
0
Beans .
50
32
14
4
Totals
415
315
74
26
Sealing Fees $77.92
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK DRAGHETTI, Sealer of Weights and Measures
61
REPORT OF THE Board of Fire Engineers
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The fire department has not been favored the past year with small fire losses. More than Thirty thousand dollars has been paid by insurance companies.
There was an increase of more than fifty calls this year, many needless.
The officers and men are to be commended for their prompt and efficient labors.
Calls upon the department were as follows:
North Agawam, Station No. 1 86
Feeding Hills, Station No. 2. . 61
Agawam Center, Station No. 3 98
Total Calls. 245
Respectfully Submitted,
FRANK T. GOSS, Chairman PATRICK J. COUGHLIN RILEY S. FARNSWORTH
Board of Fire Engineers
62
REPORT OF THE Forestry Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
The past year has been a busy one for this Department. We had several bad storms that caused a considerable amount of damage. The hurricane which followed in the latter part of the year provided the climax.
The hurricane added a great deal of expense and work. Much of this we could not finish and have had to leave for the following year. We have tried our best to remedy any conditions which might give damage or injury to the residents of the town. We felled many trees and a number we topped and left for the coming year, because of the lack of help and the over burden of work caused by the hurricane.
The Department now possesses a modern spraying ma- chine and have given this town's Elm Trees the best atten- tion they have received in many a year. We also wish to point out to many of the townspeople, at this time, the fact that we have not given this attention to all trees, but mainly the Elm Tree. In the future we may be able to give more service, because we now have our own sprayer.
We wish to convey our thanks to Mr. Rising and his Department and also the boys from Jamaica. Without' their help it would have been very difficult to cope with many of the situations that arose during the past year.
As in the past, we will do all that is possible to promote and maintain the beauty of our town by caring for and protect- ing our trees. When we find that they have lost their beauty and tend to become a menace to the public, we will remove them as soon as possible.
Respectfully submitted,
DANIEL DIDONATO Tree Warden
63
JAPANESE BEETLE REPORT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Dear Sirs:
We are faced with a problem today that seems to be a problem with everyone.
The war on the Japanese beetle must be started in Agawam this year.
For several years I have told the same story about the Japanese beetle menace; but the colonies were allowed to increase without any financial support from the town, until today it is very doubtful if any garden hasn't suffered from the ravages of this pest.
If the home owner or tenant would cooperate in this movement it would be a great aid to the movement of ex- termination.
I would suggest that-
10 lbs. of lead arsenate in fifty gallons of water be sprinkled on areas of ground in the early spring where these pests have been feeding. The grub is close by the rose bushes - grapevines and other plants wintering in the ground. Sprinkle the areas where the adults were feeding (several times) let the liquid soak into the ground with the help of rains in the spring and this is a very great help in killing off the grubs before they are hatched.
Suggest an application be made (this has to be a separate account from Gypsy Moth Work), sufficient to purchase beetle traps and the oil necessary to aid in this work.
If an appropriation is made for traps the inhabitants of Agawam will have to take care of their own traps; the town furnishing the traps and oil. The inhabitants would have to do this as the town could not afford to do it with conditions as they are today, such as high labor costs and shortage of manpower.
I recommend an appropriation sufficient to start this work in the right way so it will continue to move in the right way, or until we have these pests under control.
Respectfully yours,
JAMES F. KIRBY
64
GYPSY MOTH REPORT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
A report of Gypsy Moth work for the year of 1944 is hereby submitted-
The total number of infestations increased over 1943 by approximately 27.
The increase in colonies was not heavy in any infected area but was spread out somewhat in Feeding Hills and some localities in Agawam.
North Agawam has shown but a few scattered infests and the increase is very small. All infests have been marked and will be painted with creosote in the early part of 1945
A shortage of skilled help has handicapped this work and the time has come when this appropriation must be increased to meet current wages and the higher prices of all materials.
Respectfully yours,
JAMES F. KIRBY Moth Superintendent
65
REPORT OF THE Rehabilitation Committee
At the annual Town Meeting held February 12, 1944, those present voted that the Moderator appoint a five man committee to prepare for the rehabilitation problems that would arise as discharged veterans returned home to Aga- wam. The Governor of our State had previously asked that such a committee be set up. The functions of this com- mittee were primarily to make available to all returned serv- ice men and women of the Town of Agawam all facilities necessary to help them become readjusted to civilian life.
With this thought uppermost in mind, the Committee in April, 1944 immediately established an office in the Town Administration Building and named it the Agawam Veterans' Service Centre. Through the co-operation of our School Dept., we were fortunate in obtaining the volunteer services of Mr. L. H. Moseley, who has carried on as our Director in a very able manner. Through our office we have assisted several returned veterans with their particular problems and have available information for the veteran as to re-employ- ment, medical attention, education, etc. Assistance to families of active service men has also been procured in sev- eral instances.
The Committee has endeavored to strengthen itself by appointing several Advisory Committees to assist it in prob- lems. Persons prominent in their particular fields of endeavor have volunteered to assist and are as follows:
Medical: Miss Clara Williams, Drs. Edward M. Langer, Philip S. Taylor and I. I. Chamberlain.
Law: Judge Thomas H. Stapleton, Arthur T. Garvey.
Industrialists: S. F. Cushman, Gorham Bliss, A. R. Tulloch, William Vigneault.
Education: Benjamin J. Phelps, Clifford Granger, Fred- erick T. Dacey.
Agriculture: James Cesan, L. DePalma, C. Pil~1, George W. Porter.
66
Compensation, Claims and Pensions: Leslie Miller, Henry McGowan, Willis Shaylor and Francis Brutnell.
The Committee met regularly during 1944 and Mr. Warren Hoye, a member of the Governor's Re-employment Committee, met with us also.
The Committee has kept its office up to date on the in- terpretation of all National and State legislation pertaining to veterans and can, at all times, assist any discharged Aga- wam veteran.
During 1944, the Committee feels it has gained enough experience to be able to handle the immense problem of handling numerous cases when large groups of service men and women are released from the armed services in the future.
Signed :
JOHN M. QUIRK, Chairman FRANK DRAGHETTI JAMES KANE J. P. McMAHON, Jr., Secretary EDW. TALMADGE 1
Rehabilitation Committee
67
REPORT OF THE Plumbing Inspector
Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Gentlemen :
The following is the report of the plumbing inspector for the year ending December 31, 1944:
From January 1, 1944 to December 31, 1944 I have issued 147 permits and have made 289 inspections. The list of inspections follows: -
Sewer Entrances
23
Septic Tanks.
18
Domestic Hot Water Tanks.
41
Gas Hot Water Heaters
8
Coal Hot Water Heaters
4
Safety Relief Valves
35
Traps for Fixtures
12
Kitchen Sinks.
42
Laundry Trays
23
Bath Tubs
23
Showers .
5
Lavatories
26
Water Closets. 38
I wish at this time to thank all plumbers and owners of homes and buildings for their cooperation in the past years, and wish to state that it has been a pleasure and privilege to serve them. I shall do my utmost to make this town a clean and healthful place to live in, and I shall be ready to serve and cooperate whenever called upon for suggestions and advice.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD J. DESMARAIS, Plumbing Inspector
68
ANNUAL REPORT OF Agawam Library Trustees FOR THE YEAR 1944
During the past year all three libraries have carried on their work as usual. The circulation has varied more than usual but averaged nearly the same as last year.
Books have been given to the Service Men and the Sal- vation Army and waste paper to the schools for their waste paper collections.
We have used the State and Springfield Libraries for inter-library loans and tried especially to help the school pupils.
The North Agawam Library is handicapped by its crowded quarters and greatly needs more space.
We would like to extend a cordial invitation to all the towns people, especially the newcomers to visit our libraries and make use of the good collection of books and magazines which are available for their use.
Figures for Libraries
Agawam
Number of books.
9,983
Number of borrowers .
620
Circulation .
10,000
Feeding Hills
Number of books
7,114
Number of borrowers .
430
Circulation
6,282
North Agawam
Number of books.
5,309
Number of borrowers .
389
Circulation .
7,704
Respectfully submitted,
EVA S. KERR MARGARET FERRANTI CLARA MCVEIGH
69
REPORT OF THE Building Inspector
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my annual report as Building Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1944.
Estimated cost of building.
$163,564.00
Number of permits issued .
184
Number of inspections made
1,190
New Homes .
20
Additions and alterations
71
Garages
27
Barns ..
10
Poultry houses
21
Greenhouses .
8
Storage buildings
11
Miscellaneous buildings
11
Buildings demolished
5
184
Number of buildings taken down where code was violated.
24
Stop notices posted
27
Foundation footings changed to comply with the code .
11
I appreciate the cooperation which the Town Officials and taxpayers have shown in helping to put across this new project, which is for the benefit of all, especially new home owners.
As long as I am in office I shall do everything in my power to live up to the building code which was accepted by the voters of the Town of Agawam.
Anyone contemplating buying a building lot or build- ing, should check on the building and zoning laws to be sure their plans coincide, and anyone contemplating construction should have plans approved before construction is started.
Respectfully submitted,
ERNEST R. HALL, Building Inspector
70
1944 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE AND THE HAMPDEN COUNTY IMPROVEMENT LEAGUE TOWN OF AGAWAM
Agricultural Work
During the year the service of the County Agricultural Agent has returned to more regular extension work. How- ever, war time developments are still very important in shap- ing the agricultural program. This past year saw an increase in subject matter meetings for the county farmers.
All farmers have been kept informed by circular letters and published articles regarding special crop and livestock developments and recommended practices, spray bulletins, pest control calendars, tips on poultry range management, beekeeping and so forth. Assistance to individuals in con- nection with their agricultural production and marketing problems has been given when requested.
A total expense of $21.33 was incurred by Chester Pilch and Arthur Taylor.
Home Bureau Work
During the year 262 women attended 25 meetings or demonstrations conducted by 25 local leaders assisted by the County and State Agents. There were 10 different projects undertaken during the year, a few of which included Food Preservation, Magic in Housekeeping, Accessories, and Dress forms. The following local leaders incurred expenses amount- ing to $12.22: Mrs. E. R. Hall, Mrs. Francis O'Connor, Mrs. Arthur Phelps, Mrs. Henry Gensheimer, and Mrs. Anthony Zerra.
4-H Club Work
There were 285 young people enrolled in 15 different projects under the direction of 19 local leaders and the County Agents. Outstanding awards for excellence in their projects were given to several members. The following local leaders incurred expenses amounting to $58.62: Mr. Albert Chris- topher, Mrs. Orlo Powell, Mrs. Marion Pond, and Meredythe Barker.
71
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
1944 Appropriation .
Balance carried over from 1943.
$ 50.00 68.53
$118.53
Expended in 1944.
$ 92.17
Balance available for 1945
$26.36
Amount Recommended for 1945
$ 75.00
Note: All payments to local leaders as listed above received checks directly from the County Treasurer. All Town Ap- propriations are spent within the town to local town people.
Respectfully submitted,
L. B. BOSTON, Clerk
TRUSTEE FOR COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE,
72
REPORT OF THE CIVILIAN DEFENSE COUNCIL
Practice blackouts and similar incidents are no longer held but all of our divisions could be mobilized at short notice.
Our new radio outfit has been installed in the Admini- stration Building with a suitable antenna erected near the garage. It functions very well and we have plenty of li- censed operators.
Our salvage committee has made regular collections during the year and has done a good job with the small amount of help available.
The local property officer has all of his equipment prop- erly housed and available for use.
While the medical division is probably the hardest hit on account of members in the armed forces it is ready to function whenever necessary.
At this time I wish to thank all the residents of Agawam who have participated in any of the Civilian Defense activi- ties and to assure them that their efforts have been appreciated.
Respectfully submitted
WALTER S. KERR, Town Chairman
January 8, 1945.
73
REPORT OF The Town Nurse
JANUARY 1, 1944-DECEMBER 31, 1944
Total Number of Nursing Calls.
1,848
Total Number of Dressings . 357
Total Number of Temperature, Pulse, Respirations
229
Total Number of General Care, Baths, etc. 851
Total Number of Mothers and Babies. 47
Total Number of Pre-natals. 21
Total Number of Miscellaneous Calls 343
1,848
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
Number of Mumps. 18
Number of German Measles 16
Number of Regular Measles. 31
Number of Whooping Cough
Number of Chicken Pox. 9
52
Number of Scarlet Fever
29
Number of Polios. 4
Total . 159
Appointments Made for Tonsils
6
Patients Taken to Westfield Sanitorium, Doc- tors and Dentists 72
On April 6, 1944 a Blood Bank was held in the High School, sponsored by the American Red Cross. A total of 158 pints were given. Mrs. Warren Jewett, Mrs. James Snell and Miss Frances Pedulla, along with Miss Mary O'Brien, my co-worker and the Agawam Motor Corps very willingly gave their services. I wish to thank everyone who gave of their time and self to make our Blood Bank a success.
On April 20, 89 children were immunized for Diptheria. On May 11, 115 children and on June 1, 22 were immunized. Dr. Langer was in charge, assisted by Miss O'Brien, school nurse and myself.
74
May 4, a Vaccination Clinic was held with 89 children attending. Mrs. Grant Dickinson and Mrs. Fred Naile assisted Dr. Langer and we two nurses.
I have inspected 3 Infant Boarding Homes.
We did not hold Well-Baby Clinics during 1944, but plan to start again in the Spring of 1945.
The Diptheria Immunization Clinic will be held some time in April of 1945, and we are planning to have one an- nually. All babies from six months and over are welcome.
Again I would like to thank all town officers and towns- people for their splendid cooperation and loyal support throughout the year.
The Town car has been a blessing, for which I thank you.
Respectfully submitted,
CLARA H. WILLIAMS, R.N., Town Nurse
75
State Auditor's Report
October 27, 1944
To the Board of Selectmen Mr. Herman A. Cordes, 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 Sep- tember 8, 1943, to August 19, 1944, 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, Assist- ant Director of Accounts.
Very truly yours,
TNW.CAH
THEODORE N. WADDELL Director of Accounts
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 September 8, 1943, the date of the previous examination, to August 19, 1944, and submit the following report thereon.
The financial transactions as recorded on the books of the several departments collecting or disbursing money for the town or committing bills for collection were examined, checked and verified.
The surety bonds of the town clerk, town treasurer, tax collector and the clerk employed in the collector's office were examined and found to be in proper form.
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.
76
The books and accounts of the bookkeeping department were examined. The recorded receipts were checked with the records of the departments collecting money for the town and with the treasurer's cash book, while the payments were com- pared with the treasury warrants approved by the board of selectmen.
The ledger record of departmental accounts receivable was checked with the records of the departments in which the charges originated and with the treasurer's record of collections.
The appropriations 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 prepared showing the financial condition of the town on August 19, 1944.
The balance sheet indicates that the town is in excellent financial condition.
The books and accounts of the town treasurer were ex- amined and checked in detail. The recorded receipts were analyzed and checked with the records of the departments 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 approved treasury war- rants and with the bookkeeper's record of disbursements, while the cash balance August 19, 1944, was proved by re- conciliation of the bank balances with statements received from the banks and by actual count of the cash in the office.
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, represent- ing the investment of the trust funds in custody of the town treasurer were examined and listed. The income was proved and the expenditures and transfers to the town were verified.
The books and accounts of the tax collector were exam- ined and checked in detail. The commitment lists were added and proved 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 abate- ments granted, and the outstanding accounts were listed and proved with the bookkeeper's ledger.
77
The records of tax titles held by the town were exam- ined and checked with the tax collector's and treasurer's accounts and with the records at the Registry of Deeds.
The financial transactions of the town clerk were exam- ined. The recorded receipts for dog and sporting licenses were checked with the record of licenses issued, the payments to the State and town treasurer were verified, and the cash on hand August 19, 1944, was proved by actual count.
The computation of the tax rates by the board of assessors was examined. It was noted that $50,000 voted from avail- able funds at a special town meeting held September 29, 1943, and $50,300 voted from available funds at the annual 1944 town meeting were not used by the assessors in determining the tax rate for 1944.
This omission as due to the failure of the town clerk to certify these appropriations to the board of assessors as re- quired by Section 15A, Chapter 41, General Laws.
The receipts for revolver permits issued by the chief of police were checked with the record of permits issued, the payments to the treasurer were verified, and the cash on hand August 19, 1944, was proved by actual count.
The charges for the rental of town-owned property were listed, the payments to the treasurer were verified and the outstanding accounts were listed and proved.
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