USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1941-1945 > Part 37
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All categories of relief have been handled by us as in previous years but general relief is the only one that did . not show an increase in cost during 1945.
General relief, formerly called temporary aid, is still under local control in spite of the efforts of both the state and the federal government to take it over. The principal barrier in each case is lack of sufficient money to finance the change. Our former commissioner favored the ap- propriation of $10,000,000 to allow the state to pay 75% of welfare costs and abolish settlement. Thinking people know that the state must get its money from the 351 cities and towns in the commonwealth and remote control is less efficient and more expensive. This proposal had the support of many communities however who would benefit by its adoption at the expense of others. The main purpose of the present settlement law is to place re- sponsibility for welfare aid on the city or town where
85
such responsibility belongs and every just and honest community is willing to pay its own bills and expects others to do the same.
Aid to Dependent Children which has been tapering off for several years showed an increase in 1945 and promises to cost even more in 1946.
The old-age assistance law came in for its annual overhauling this time at the hands of the most liberal and extravagant legislature that ever met in this state with the natural result an increased cost for this form of aid. There was a great deal of opposition to the last change from all parts of the state but to no avail.
This year a bill is coming up to make another change taking old-age assistance out of the hands of the state de- partment of public welfare and having the control given to three appointed men. Apparently the sponsors are ready to have a referendum put on the ballot in the fall election.
The local welfare agent has not always agreed with the arbitrary and high-handed methods of the state de- partment of public welfare and has felt free to express his dissatisfaction on many occasions but there are in this department many very intelligent, fair minded people and to take it away from them and place the supervision in the hands of inexperienced men would be a dangerous ex- periment and one that would cost us dearly and the old folks who received the aid would get no benefit thereby.
It is hoped that the citizens of Agawam will give this matter consideration.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER S. KERR Welfare Agent
86
REPORT OF THE Sealer 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, 1945.
Con-
Adjusted Sealed demned
Not Sealed 2
Platform Scales, 100-5,000 lbs. .. 16
28
Counter, 100 lbs., or over
1
Counter under 100 lbs.
6
Beam 100 lbs. or over
1
3
1
1
Spring, 100 lbs. or over
6
Spring, under 100 lbs.
9
25
2
Computing, 100 lbs. or over
1
Computing, under 100 lbs.
4
25
2
Personal Weighing (slot)
2
Avoirdupois
107
Vehicle Tanks, 100 gals. or less
5
Liquid-1 gal. and under
34
Meters, 1 in. inlet or less
38
Oil Measuring Pumps
20
Grease Measuring Pumps
31
Totals
30
332
5
3
Trial Weighings on Measurements of Commodities Sold or Put Up For Sale
Total No. Tested
No. Correct
Incorrect Under
Over
Bread
85
77
6
2
Butter
75
70
5 0
Dry Commodities
40
37
3
0
Flour
45
38
7
0
Fruits and Vegetables
65
62
1
2
87
Grain and Feed
10
8
1
1
Lard
40
36
4
0
Meats and Provisions
55
49
1
5
Potatoes
60
21
26
13
Beans
30
26
4
0
Totals
505
424
58
23
Inspections on Road-Total 18, Correct 15, Incorrect 3.
Sealing Fees $63.47
I am unable to give a report on Coal reweighings simply because we haven't the proper facilities to work with, and I sincerely hope in the coming year the Town will acquire such equipment necessary to take care of this type of work.
I should like to remind the persons that are negligi- ble about bringing in small scales to be tested, that the time has come when this practice will have to stop.
Respectfully submitted, FRANK DRAGHETTI Sealer of Weights and Measures
88
REPORT OF THE Forestry Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
During the past year we have been trying to repair the damage done by the last two hurricanes, and to re- move many of the Poplar trees which have reached the stage where the blight is hurting them seriously, causing them to die off fast. Unfortunately many of these Poplar, trees, which were planted some years ago are proving now to be quite a burden to the Department, and causing much concern to many of the townspeople. Apparently these trees were planted with the intentions of having fast growing shade trees in town. Now that the trees are full grown, they are uprooting walks, damaging cellars and sewers, and creating an expensive problem for our Department. Nevertheless, this Department hopes that during the coming year it will be able to eliminate all these bad trees and any others which it may encounter.
This Department is very fortunate in having at its disposal a power log saw which has proven its worth sev- eral times over, and has speeded our work considerably, also eliminating much of the hard work connected with tree removal. This saw is at our disposal without expense to the town.
We are also pleased that we now have our own spray- er which we feel is doing a good job for the Department, and which we hope to put to much better use during the coming year.
The Forestry Department is very sorry to inform the townspeople that Dutch Elm Disease has been found in our town. As most people know Dutch Elm Disease is a serious menace to the Elm trees, and is a difficult disease to combat as we know of no remedy to cure it. The only thing that can be done is keep the disease from spreading as much as possible. To do this any Elms affected with this disease should be removed and burned immediately.
89
This State is fortunate in having the U. S. Department of Agriculture assisting in scouting for this Dutch Elm Disease, and reporting any cases found. If this disease is not kept at a minimum we may soon see the beautiful Elms that have adorned our highways completely de- stroyed.
At this time we find that it is not advisable to have a tree planting program, the chief reason being the lack of available trees. In the near future we hope to give the townspeople more encouraging news in regard to tree planting.
We are also hopeful of receiving a stump removal appropriation this coming year. If and when this appro- priation is received we will remove many of the stumps that have been an unpleasant sight.
During the past several years this department has grown considerably, and we hope that it will continue to grow. In the future we hope that we will be able to give the people of this town all the service they need when they need it.
Respectfully submitted, DANIEL DI DONATO Tree Warden
90
GYPSY MOTH REPORT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Gypsy Moth report differs somewhat from pre- vious reports, due to several causes. Namely, first, the weather last Spring was ideal for the hatching of the egg masses; second, the appropriation is too small to do effec- tive work on a large scale.
When we consider a 20% withholding tax from the small appropriation, and the scarcity of good scouters, it doesn't leave much to pay higher wages to the men.
Third, Robinson State Park and the Provin Mountain water shed are infested quite heavy, and with the right winds prevailing, we are very certain of a spread into our areas bordering the same. These sections must have special attention this year.
While the infestations are heavy in Feeding Hills, other sections are being held in check so the spread of the Moths isn't as serious as it might be in these localities.
The number of infestations number approximately 114 in the town.
The number of clusters creosoted in 1945 was 541 with many more of the 1945 hatch to be taken care of by the 1946 appropriation.
Respectfully submitted, JAMES F. KIRBY
Moth Superintendent
91
JAPANESE BEETLE REPORT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Japanese Beetle work, which was done this year, was the first organized effort (to combat and control, if possible) the town has attempted.
ยท Again, in this department the appropriation was sub- ject to the 20% withholding tax, leaving a small amount for effective work in all parts of the town.
Sixty-seven beetle traps were purchased and a suf- ficient amount of bait was left over to take care of the 1946 needs.
Thousands of beetles were trapped in the containers and for every female caught it would represent about fifty more of this pest.
This year I would recommend a larger amount to work with, so that a larger number of traps could be purchased.
Three hundred and forty-eight telephone calls were received regarding the traps or methods of combating the pest.
For the benefit of those who might like to help them- selves in this work, I would say that 10 lbs. of Arsenate of lead, poured in fifty gallons of water, will make a so- lution strong enough to kill the grub, if sprinkled on the ground in the early Spring. The sprinkling to be done several times around the plants, shrubs or grapevines, not on the plants, but on the ground around the same.
In this work every one must cooperate fully.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES' F. KIRBY .
92
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of the Town of Agawam:
I hereby submit my annual report of the Police De- partment for the year ending December 31st, 1945.
Personnel
Chief of Police Perley J. Hewey Sergt. Roland C. Reed Patrolmen John Chriscolo
Stephen Carlisto
Special Officers Howard Miner George Phaneuf
Total Number of Arrests
382
Total Number of Convictions 381
Total Number of Accidents
Total Amount of Fines 76
Total Number of Speeders Arrested 137
$3,340.00
Amount of Property Recovered and Returned $9,158.00
When we stop to consider that this department at present consists of only three regular Officers and three Special Officers, I can only say that these few men have built up an excellent record and one that the Town of Agawam and I should be proud to submit.
During the past year we have had very few breaks and larcenies and in most cases these have been cleared up and the guilty punished.
We certainly do appreciate the new building which the Town has provided for us, together with the Police Radio and the Cruiser Ambulance which is busy many times during the year and helps to accomplish much bet- ter Police work.
In conclusion I wish to express my appreciation for the assistance and co-operation given us during the past year by the Board of Selectmen and all other Officials and citizens of the Town.
Respectfully submitted, PERLEY J. HEWEY Chief of Police
93
REPORT OF THE Plumbing Inspector
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Agawam :
I wish to state that the year 1945 was a very busy year, and with the government releasing more plumbing fixtures, pipes and fittings there will be more building and alterations in the coming year than in 1945, and for all work now in progress 1946 should be the best year the Town of Agawam has ever had in the building of new homes and improvements of homes already built.
I have seen tracts of land being staked out for houses all over the town and from contact with different con- tractors I understand that all they are waiting for is word from the government that they can get material and they will show the townspeople a big improvement in new projects.
During the year 1945, 228 permits for plumbing con- struction have been issued and 436 inspections made on all of these permits. These permits were for the follow- ing: 111 Water Closets, 102 Lavatories, 65 Bath Tubs, 6 Showers, 58 Laundry Trays, 88 Kitchen Sinks, 23 Sewer Entrances, 43 Ceptic Tanks, 85 Hot Water Tanks, 86 Safety Relief Valves, 5 Hot Water Heaters, 15 Gas Auto- matic Storage Tanks, 3 Urinals, 3 Floor Drains, 22 Traps and 11 Gas Piping Installations.
I wish at this time to thank all plumbers, owners of homes and buildings for their co-operation in the past year of my service to them, and also wish to state that it has been a pleasure and privilege to be of service to them and I will do my utmost to make this town a clean and healthful place to live in. I shall be ready to serve and co-operate whenever called upon for suggestions and ad- vice.
Respectfully yours,
EDWARD J. DESMARAIS Plumbing Inspector
94
REPORT OF THE Building Inspector
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my annual report as Building In- spector for the year ending December 31, 1945.
Estimated Cost of Buildings $599,362.43
Number of Permits Issued 323
Number of Applications out but not ap- proved yet 480
Number of Inspections Made
2,610
New Homes
71 80
Additions and Alterations to Homes
36
Barns
13
Poultry Houses
64
Greenhouses
4
Churches
4
Storage Buildings
25
Miscellaneous
14
Buildings Demolished
12
323
Number of Buildings Condemned
14
Buildings taken down where code was violated 6
Number of buildings changed to comply with code 48
Foundation footings changed to comply with code 34 30
Stop Notices posted
1945 was a very busy year with a lot of building, and I expect there will be considerable more in 1946 if ma- terials are released.
I appreciate the cooperation of the Town Officials and taxpayers in helping to keep construction in line with the Building Code of Agawam.
Respectfully submitted, ERNEST R. HALL Building Inspector
95
Garages
REPORT OF THE Board of Fire Engineers
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
We are pleased to report for the year 1945 our fire calls were less than for either of the two previous years. Perhaps the fires are waiting for our new fire truck to arrive.
Your Fire Engineers have signed a contract for an American La France 750 gallon pumper. This truck is expected soon. The delivery was held up by the refusal of the powers that were, in Washington, to grant a prior- ity to the Town of Agawam.
As usual about three quarters of our fire calls were needless, caused by careless people, matches and grass.
Calls upon the department were as follows:
North Agawam Station No. 1 77
Feeding Hills Station No. 2 43
Agawam Center Station No. 3 53
Total 173
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK T. GOSS, Chairman PATRICK J. COUGHLIN RILEY S. FARNSWORTH Board of Fire Engineers
96
ANNUAL REPORT OF
Agawam Library Trustees FOR THE YEAR 1945
During the past year all three Libraries have func- tioned as usual, striving to serve the schools and towns- people to the best of their ability.
In Agawam the Children's Story hours were en- joyed during the summer.
Two new bookcases were added in North Agawam and the Feeding Hills Library redecorated.
If there is any way in which we can be of service we will be glad to cooperate.
Figures for Libraries
Feeding Hills
Number of books
7,200
Borrowers
450
Circulation
6,175
North Agawam
Number of books
5,709
Borrowers
410
Circulation
4,550
Agawam
Number of books
9,995
Borrowers
650
Circulation
10,325
Respectfully submitted,
EVA S. KERR CLARA MCVEIGH
MARGARET FERRANTI
97
REPORT OF THE The Planning Board
Recognizing the desirability of planning for the fu- ture growth and development of cities and towns, the state legislature has enacted enabling laws under which municipalities may have "Planning Boards." These laws provide that Planning Boards may study and make rec- ommendations on a wide variety of community interests, among which the problem of having and maintaining de- sirable zoning restrictions has proved of practical value.
Although our zoning by-laws, adopted in 1928, have served a useful purpose and have been instrumental in helping to maintain reasonably orderly development in the town, this Board realizes that conditions have changed.
With this in mind, we have engaged the services of an experienced consultant to advise with us so that rec- ommendations which we hope will improve and modern- ize our zoning may be made during the coming year.
It should be borne in mind that this Board, of itself, is not empowered to make zoning laws-this being the prerogative of the voters. Likewise it should be borne in mind that such by-laws should be made for the purpose of benefitting the development of the entire town.
It being recognized that no hard and fast rule of en- forcement may be equitably applied to every case, the laws also provide for the appointment of a Board of Ap- peals.
With this in mind, the Planning Board recommended, and the town adopted at a special town meeting, a by-law providing for a Board of Appeals with power to act in connection with decisions pertaining to zoning and build- ing by-laws, as well as to decisions of the Planning Board relative to subdivisions.
98
During this, the initial year of the Agawam Planning Board, we have endeavored to formulate general policies and to establish the beginnings of a workable program for the future growth of the town.
After making revisions, one small subdivision has been approved and two others are currently under con- sideration.
The Board has attempted to discourage so-called "spot zoning", but is recommending re-zoning of certain areas which we feel should be re-zoned even prior to a more general revision of the zoning by-laws.
It is recommended that a more definite and complete building by-law be prepared and adopted by the town as a preventative of "jerry-building", which, if allowed, will certainly not be beneficial to the town's development.
The problem of providing recreational facilities for the young people in various sections of the town might well be given consideration at this time.
We will welcome suggestions for the constructive improvement of the town's welfare, and offer our support of projects which seem feasible and in the best interests of the town.
Regular meetings of the Board are held in the Town Administration Building at 7.30 P. M. on the first Friday of each month.
Respectfully submitted,
AGAWAM PLANNING BOARD
WILLIAM E. VIGNEAUX, Chairman JAMES P. KANE ANDREW CHRISCOLO CLIFFORD M. GRANGER
PAUL B. JOHNSON, Clerk
99
REPORT OF VETERANS Rehabilitation Committee
The Committee remained active during the year 1945 and considerable assistance was given to discharged vet- erans and their families in all phases of rehabilitation work. Advice was given in problems of re-employment, education, disability connected discharges, medical, relief, etc.
From the date of origin of this Committee it had been our firm intention to provide ourselves with every bit of up to date information relative to veterans' prob- lems and make same available to every discharged vet- eran.
With this in mind, our Chairman attended various meetings held in Boston and in this vicinity where new veterans legislation was discussed and interpreted. This helped to keep our Veterans Service Centre office fully up to date with information.
.
Now that a Veterans Administrator has been ap- pointed to take over this work, the Committee feels its function is now over with. It hopes it has laid the ground work for efficient operation of a Veterans Centre, and offers the new Administrator its fullest cooperation and backing.
We, also, want to thank at this time Mr. Louis H. Moseley for his time and help contributed during the past year.
Veterans Rehabilitation Committee JOHN M. QUIRK, Chairman FRANK E. DRAGHETTI WARREN F. HOYE JAMES P. KANE EDW. L. TALMADGE JOS. P. McMAHON, JR., Sec'ty.
100
1945 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE AND THE HAMPDEN COUNTY IMPROVEMENT LEAGUE TOWN OF AGAWAM
Agricultural Work
All farmers in town have been kept informed of the latest developments in Agricultural problems by means of personal visits by the County Agents or through group meetings, circulars, bulletins, and field demonstrations. Opportunity has been given to all in matters pertaining to crop production, better care of livestock and general farm management problems. A total expense of $6.12 was incurred by Chester Pilch and Arthur Taylor.
Home Bureau Work
During the year 413 women attended 44 meetings or demonstrations conducted by 13 different local leaders as- sisted by the County Agents. There were 8 different proj- ects undertaken as requested by various groups of home- makers, and the following local leaders incurred expenses amounting to $12.66: Miss Lora T. Smith, Mrs. William Costine, and Mrs. Ernest Hall.
4-H Club Work
There were 75 young people enrolled in 12 different 4-H Club projects under the direction of 10 local leaders and the County Agents. Outstanding awards for excel- lence in their projects were given to several members. The following local leaders incurred expenses amounting to $29.37: Western Mass. Electric Company, Frank Gironda, Treasurer Camp Moses Fund, Miss Betty Magiera, and Mrs. Marion Pond.
101
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
1945 Appropriation $ 75.00
Balance carried over from 1944
26.36
$101.36
Expended in 1945 48.15
Balance available for 1946 $ 53.21
Appropriation recommended for 1946
$ 75.00
Note: The town appropriation is deposited with the County Treasurer and held to the credit of the town for for reimbursing local town leaders for their necessary ex- penses in conducting such work as may be assigned them.
Respectfully submitted,
Trustees for County Aid to Agriculture L. B. BOSTON, Clerk
102
REPORT OF The Town Nurse
JANUARY 1, 1945-DECEMBER 31, 1945
Total Number of Nursing Calls 2,310
Total Number of Dressings 526
Total Number of Temperature, Pulse, Respiration 279
Total Number of General Care, Baths, etc. 1,002
Total Number of Mothers and Babies 239
Total Number of Pre-natals 31
Total Number of Miscellaneous Calls 233
-
2,310
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
Number of Mumps 38
Number of German Measles 10
Number of Regular Measles 22
Number of Whooping Cough 27
Number of Chicken Pox 100
Number of Scarlet Fever 13
210
Appointments Made for Tonsils 34
Patients Taken to Westfield Sanitarium,
Springfield Hospitals, Doctors and Dentists 45
We had 4 T.B. Clinics held at the High School in January and February, with Miss O'Brien in charge.
On April 5, and 26, May 17 and June 12, our Diph- theria Clinics were held. 94 children were immunized and 226 school children received the booster dose. Dr. Lan- ger was in charge, assisted by Miss O'Brien, Miss Wil- liams and two high school students.
May 31, Vaccination Clinic was held with 71 chil- dren attending. Dr. Langer was again in charge, assist- ed by the school and town nurses. On June 7, 125 Pre-School children were examined.
103
I started the Mother-Craft Class in March under the auspices of the Agawam Women's Club. Sixteen classes were held, ending in June. New classes were started again in October.
During the year I have had visits from 10 State Visitors from various agencies.
I have inspected 3 Infant Boarding Homes.
The Free Diphtheria Clinic will be held this year on April 4, 18, May 9, in the Town Building. The Vaccina- tion Clinic will be June 6, and a fee of $1.00 per child will be charged. This Clinic will also be held in the Town Building. Pre-School examination to be held June 6, and all children entering school should attend.
We were very fortunate to have Miss Graham from Tolland, Conn., substitute for me while I was on vacation.
I wish to thank all the Town Officers and Townspeo- ple for their splendid cooperation and loyal support to me throughout the year.
I thank you all.
Respectfully submitted,
CLARA H. WILLIAMS, R. N., Town Nurse
104
State Auditor's Report
September 5, 1945
To the Board of Selectmen
Mr. Joseph J. Borgatti, 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 August 20, 1944, to July 28, 1945, 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,
TNW:MMH
THEODORE N. WADDELL Director of Accounts
Mr. Theodore N. Waddell
Director of Accounts
Department of Corporations and Taxation
State House, Boston
Sir:
In accordance with your instructions, I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Agawam for the period from August 20, 1944, the date of the pre- vious examination, to July 28, 1945, and submit the fol- lowing 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 ex- amined, checked, and verified.
The books and accounts of the bookkeeping depart- ment were examined. The ledger was analyzed, the re- corded receipts and payments were checked, the records of departmental accounts receivable were checked with the records of the departments committing the bills, and
105
a balance sheet, which is appended to this report, was pre- pared showing the financial condition of the town on July 28, 1945.
The books and accounts of the town treasurer were examined and checked in detail. The recorded receipts were analyzed and checked with the records of the depart- ments making payments to the treasurer and with the other sources from which money was paid into the town treasury. The expenditures were compared with the treasury warrants approved by the board of selectmen and with the bookkeeper's records, and the cash balance July 28, 1945, was proved by reconciliation of the bank balances with statements received from the banks of de- posit and by actual count of the cash in the office.
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