Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1951-1955, Part 36

Author: Agawam (Mass. : Town)
Publication date: 1951
Publisher: Agawam (Mass. : Town)
Number of Pages: 1034


USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1951-1955 > Part 36


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We, the commissioners, are in complete accord with this report and now will give our plans for the year 1954 to meet these problems.


A primary age play area at the Danahy School Play- ground. This for the safety and well being of those children too small to travel to Shea's Field and now missing the chance to take part in a supervised summer program and forced to play on streets now dangerous with automobiles constantly using same.


Part of the present High School Playground should be used for the same purpose and for the same reasons as above. Phelps School, you will agree, is much too far for these small children in the Reed Street area between lower Suffield and Main Street to get to.


We also believe that our present four playgrounds war- rant a better supervised level than we have had in the past. Due to the increased attendance and the bigger demands on our personnel in the future, it is our intent to secure trained or personnel in training on a college level for this type of work as our playground supervisors. In the past we have used high school boys and girls.


This, we believe, will result in a better planned and carried out program for our children of the town. It also may be the means of carrying out a "LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM" we think is necessary after the tragedies and near tragedies in this area the past summer.


A winter program of supervised sport activities in place of our present "HANDICRAFT PROGRAM," which has not been too successful.


Feeling the cost per child per week spent amounts to less than 39c and our proposed budget will be less than 80c per child, per week, for 1954, we feel justified in asking for this increase in our expenditures for the youth of Agawam.


Respectfully submitted,


CHARLES C. MITCHELL, Chairman ASHLEY COOLEY, JR., Clerk SAMUEL PROVO


103


Report of the Planning Board


January 11, 1954


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:


Gentlemen:


The Agawam Planning Board herewith submits its Annual Report for the year ending December 31, 1953.


The Board has held twelve regular meetings, one Special Meeting with the Parking Survey Committee appointed by your body, and many on-site meetings for the purpose of in- specting progress of subdivisions and familiarizing the members with land on which zone changes had been proposed.


No new subdivisions were approved but the Board spent considerable time on the two subdivisions in the process of de- velopment-namely, Merrell, off River Road, and the Ramah Industrial, both of which have turned out to be well planned, attractive, and worthwhile assets to the Town.


Eleven hearings on proposed zone changes were held in accordance with the law. Three zone changes were approved by Town Meeting vote and also approved by the State Attorney General.


The Board has followed closely the regulations laid down in the past years and outlined in its last year's report in the de- velopment of subdivisions with a few additions, always keeping in mind the welfare of the townspeople as a whole.


In its deliberations on zoning problems, the Board has kept in mind the effect of proposed zone changes on the localities involved as brought out in public hearings and also its obliga- tion to encourage the location of new businesses in our town.


The Board invites constructive ideas that will help in its part of making Agawam a better place in which to live and


10


bring up our families and will welcome your visits to our regu- lar monthly meetings.


Respectfully submitted,


EDWIN SPRING, Chairman HENRY W. LAWSON, Clerk RAYMOND J. DELOGHIA WILLIAM S. MABB CLIFFORD D. POND


Agawam Planning Board


105


Report of the Board of Appeals


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:


Gentlemen:


Forty-nine petitions asking variations from the require- ments of the Zoning By-laws or the Building Code were filed with the Board during 1953.


Thirty-two meetings were held at which hearings on these petitions were given to the petitioners and other parties deemed interested under the terms of the laws.


Six petitions were withdrawn, seven were denied, and thirty-six were granted. In several cases where the petition was granted the Board included in the decision such restrictions as they considered necessary to protect the best interests of the Town and neighborhood.


Due to the construction of the new bridges there were nine petitions filed requesting permit to remove fill in large quanti- ties. The Board has established a policy which requires the person selling the fill to enter into an agreement with the Town, which agreement contains a provision for the filing of a bond to protect the Town during the removal of the fill and the restoration of the property for the protection of the Town.


We wish once more to remind persons considering the purchase of a building lot or existing buildings to make sure that plans they may have for future use of the property are in compliance with the various By-laws of the Town.


HAROLD C. ATWATER, Chairman JAMES P. KANE JAMES H. KERR


106


Report of the Water Department


To the Citizens of the Town of Agawam:


We respectfully submit for your approval a summary of the activities of the Water Department for the year 1953 and an outline of planned new construction work for the coming year.


WATER CONSUMPTION:


Consumption of water for the year 1953 exceeded all pre- vious figures with a usage of 275,666,200 gallons; or a daily average of approximately 782,600 gallons. The highest day's consumption was recorded at 2,142,300 gallons; the lowest was 477,900 gallons. The town was billed by the City of Spring- field for $29,581.48 for furnishing our water.


REVENUE:


Total income received from all sources during 1953 amounted to $92,722.94, which represents a little over 15% increase against 1952.


Water Commitments


$79,385.89


Water Connections and Replacement


13,337.05


Services


$92,722.94


NEW CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS:


The following water main extensions were completed this year:


Street


Footage Main Hydts.


Cost


Howard St.


400 ft. 6"


1


$ 1,030.59


Columbus St.


700 ft. 6" 2


1,837.84


Lealand Ave.


800 ft. 6"


2


2,072.52


Hastings St.


800 ft.


6" 2


1,539.29


Witheridge St.


500 ft.


6" 1


1,173.31


Suffield St.


1600 ft.


8"


3


5,625.14


107


Grant St.


300 ft. 6"


1 988.50


Colemore St.


500 ft. 8"


*358.01


Re-route Meadow St.


900 ft. 10" 3,319.40


$17,944.60


*Represents difference in cost between 8" and 6" pipe, the line being laid and paid for by Armand Dubuc, developer, less this amount.


To be reimbursed the town by the State of Mass. $1,287.56


PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION WORK:


Southwick St.


500 ft. 6"


1 1,500.00


Hastings St. Ext.


200 ft. 6"


1 700.00


North St.


400 ft. 8"


1


1,600.00


Fairview Ave.


1200 ft. 6"


2


3,500.00


Oak Hill


500 ft. 6" 1


1,200.00


8,500.00


Hydrant Installations:


Highland St.


2


600.00


Shoemaker Lane


1 300.00


No. West St.


1 300.00


Norris St.


1 300.00


$10,000.00


The widening and resurfacing of Main Street during the year required the constant attention and service of the Water Department. Hydrant run-outs had to be extended or relo- cated, house connections in some cases were likewise involved. Whenever it was possible and deemed necessary, new services were installed while excavations were being made during the construction work on the road.


The preparation work for the westerly approaches to the new South End Bridge required the relocation of our water main at the east end of Meadow Street. Since this project was to be financed by the State of Mass., we used the oppor- tunity of such assistance, to install a 10" main instead of a 6" main presently servicing the area, and absorbed the difference in cost of the larger main over the smaller one. It will only be a question of time when a larger main will have to be con- sidered in this section.


Also completed this past year was another metered con-


108


nection to the Springfield transmission main that crossed Main Street near Meadow Street. This provides all sectors of town with greater capacity and allows additional benefit of available pressure in all areas, even in periods of heavy consumption dur- ing the summer months.


The Water Department is sponsoring a separate article in the warrant to provide for the purchase of a piece of ex- cavating equipment, one designed for digging out house service line trenches, and small distribution mains. The digger re- quested, the Pippin Excavator, will operate as a trencher, a loader and a grader, and does not require a specially trained operator. Such a digger would likewise be available to the Sewer Department for house connection excavating. The cost of this equipment is $5400.


The Board of Commissioners wishes to take this oppor- tunity to thank the voters and town officials, and the person- nel of its own department for the fine cooperation and as- sistance rendered to them during the year just past.


Respectfully submitted,


DUDLEY K. BODURTHA, Chairman LOUIS MERCADANTE, Superintendent EDWARD CONNOR, JR., Clerk Board of Water Commissioners


109


Report of the Agawam Housing Authority


January 13, 1954


Board of Selectmen Agawam, Massachusetts


Gentlemen:


On behalf of the Agawam Housing Authority, I submit the following report for the year 1953:


The present admission and income limits as set by the State Housing Board are as follows: One minor dependent, $3,650.00: two minor dependents, $3,775.00, and three or more minor dependents. $3,900.00. The continued occupancy limits are $3.900.00, $4.025.00 and $4,150.00 respectively. The aver- age cost of shelter rent for two or three bedroom units (with- out heat or hot water furnished) is $44.50 per month. Each unit is furnished with a electric refrigerator and electric range.


As of January 1, 1954, the elected members were Mr. Louis DePalma, Mr. James H. Chandler, Jr., Mr. Jules K. DeForge. Mr. Valentine R. Moreno, state appointee. Mr. Louis Del- Padre submitted his resignation effective December 31, 1953.


Six vacancies during the year were filled from applications on file. During the year the nine buildings of the original 32 units were painted two coats on the outside and nearly all the apartments were painted inside. That is, the downstairs por- tions only. It is contemplated that the upstairs portions will be done at a later date. At this date the authority is in the process of having eave troughs erected on project 200-1. Dur- ing 1954 we expect to have door canopies built over the rear entrances of the 32 units in project 200-1.


The Authority has been granted permission by the State Housing Board to pay to the Town of Agawam in lieu of taxes $3.00 per unit per month. This replaces the old system of pay- ing 5% of the shelter rent and is estimated to be an increase to the Town of $750.00 per year.


110


I wish to thank the members of the board and all the ten- ants for their cooperation during the year.


Respectfully submitted,


LOUIS DE PALMA Chairman


Balance Sheet as of September 30, 1953 Project 200-2 (12 Units) ASSETS


Development Fund $ 3,101.37


Administration Fund


4,950.70


Debt Service Fund


116.35


Investment-Debt Service Trust Fund


2.000.00


Debt Service Trust Fund


566.78


Development Costs


$140,000.00


Less: Developm'nt Cost Liquidation 2,000.00


138,000.00


TOTAL ASSETS


$148,735.20


LIABILITIES & DEFICIT


Accounts Payable - 200-1


370.37


Accounts Payable-Development


3,101.37 -


3,171.71 $


Tenants' Security Deposits


300.00


Accrued Liabilities


Payments in Lieu of Taxes


76.26


Matured Interest & Principal


1,280.00


Insurance


504.27


1.860.53


Bonds Authorized


140,000.00


Less: Bonds Retired


2,000.00


138,000.00


Reserves


Debt Service


612.50


Unamortized Bond Premium


2,566.78


Operating Reserve


2,263.14


5,412.42


Deficit


339.49


TOTAL LIABILITIES & DEFICIT


148,735.20


111


Statement of Income and Expense for the Period Ending September 30, 1953 Project 200-2 (12 Units) INCOME


Dwelling Rent Schedule $ 1,842.00


TOTAL INCOME


1,842.00


EXPENSES


Management Expenses


$ 158.06


Utilities


327.21


Repairs, Maintenance & Replacements


Insurance Expense


140.00


Payments in Lieu of Taxes


76.26


Provision for Operating Reserve


180.00


Provision for Debt Service Reserve


122.50


Debt Service Requirements


1,177.46


TOTAL EXPENSE


2,181.49


DEFICIT


339.49


Balance Sheet as of September 30, 1953 Project 200-1 (32 Units) ASSETS


Administration Fund $ 5,061.88 10.00


Petty Cash Fund


$ 5,071.88


Accounts Receivable-Tenants


53.00


Accounts Receivable-Sundry (200-2)


370.37


Debt Service Fund


Investment-U. S. Treasury Notes


10,000.00


Development Cost


331,000.00


Less: Developm'nt Cost Liquidation 12,000.00


319,000.00


TOTAL ASSETS


$343,286.50


123.37 8,791.25


112


LIABILITIES AND SURPLUS


Accounts Payable


$ 742.86


Tenants' Security Deposits


325.00


Accrued Liabilities


Insurance $ 1,538.73


Payments in Lieu of Taxes


794.91


Matured Interest & Principal


8,791.25


11,124.89


Bonds Authorized


331,000.00


Less: Bonds Retired


12,000.00


319,000.00


Reserves


Debt Service


3,019.38


Working Capital


1,237.72


Operating Reserve


6,138.00


10,395.10


Surplus


1,698.65


TOTAL LIABILITIES & SURPLUS


$343,286.50


Statement of Income and Expense for the Fiscal Year Beginning October 1, 1952 and Ending September 30, 1953 Project 200-1 (32 Units)


INCOME


Dwelling Rent Schedule


$ 18,673.81


Less: Dwelling Vacancy Loss


56.20


$ 18,617.61


Miscellaneous Project Income


211.60


Commonwealth Contribution


2,958.66


Contribution Reduction


5,316.34


TOTAL INCOME


$ 27,104.21


EXPENSE


Management Expense


$ 1,717.88


Operating Services


260.71


Utilities


4,844.32


Repairs, Maintenance & Replacem'nts Insurance Expense


1,788.10


813.10


113


Payments in Lieu of Taxes


Provision for Operating Reserve Provision for Debt Service Reserve Debt Service Requirements Operating Improvements


794.91 320.00


1,006.46


11,582.50


2,247.28


TOTAL EXPENSE


$ 25,405.56


SURPLUS


1,698.65


114


Report of the Personnel Board


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:


Gentlemen:


After the revision of the Personnel By-laws in June, 1952, the administration of this law became a much easier matter. As a consequence, fewer hearings with department heads and the employees were necessary. Harmony became the key-note and uncertainty and dissatisfaction were reduced.


However, the Personnel Board realized that salary equa- tions needed revision in an upward direction and after very careful thought and study, continued over several months, de- cided upon a $5.00 weekly increase in all classifications. We also set new minimum and maximum scales. The reason for this move was to better enable department hcads to procure new personnel for jobs as they became open. It will reduce the competition with other forms of employment considerably and also become an incentive for older employees to remain with the Town of Agawam.


As a result of this thinking a new pay and classification plan was introduced at the Special Town Meeting held on November 2, 1953. This article No. 15 was passed with a large majority, thereby proving that the townspeople were in a sym- pathetic frame of mind and in accord with the thinking of your Personnel Board. The spirit of fair play prevailed.


This same article made the pay raises available as of Janu- ary 1, 1954, rather than waiting until the Annual Meeting to be held in March, 1954. This factor was to eliminate unneces- sary bookkeeping and the accompanying headaches attendant upon adjustments of budgets by the Finance Committee.


In keeping with the growth and progress that the town is enjoying, Article No. 10 was introduced at the Special Town Meeting Junc 15, 1953, establishing a classification and pay scale for a Public Health Agent. This was a confirmation of Article No. 21 appearing in the warrant at the Annual Town


115


Meeting held March 7, 1953, wherein an appropriation was set up but without classification.


Your Personnel Board and your Personnel Officer, Mr. Ronald Johnson, wish to thank all officials, employees and citi- zens who have cooperated with us and helped make the year 1953 a pleasant one.


Respectfully submitted, PAUL J. ADAMS HENRY L. McGOWAN JEAN GOSS


116


Report of the Welfare Agent


The local board still administers all forms of relief and the laws passed in 1953 made few changes in the work.


While our General Relief roll is as low as it probably ever will be, the expense is rather high partly because of costly medical bills and hospitalization.


Although sickness has been the reason for aid in some rather expensive cases, desertions, delinquency and separations are the chief causes for the majority of all new cases on General Relief and Aid to Dependent Children. We have done every- thing possible legally to have the responsible parties make pay- ment for their dependents but many of them cannot be found.


Veterans whose actions have prevented them and their families from receiving veteran's benefits must be aided by us when in distress and we have had many of these.


Aid to Dependent Children has always been the form of assistance best liked by the State Department, and we have just received a seven page letter to tell us of the changes we must put into effect within a month. The case load in this category, although small, will be enough to occupy one work- er's time under the new plan. Most of the extra work placed upon us seems to this agent to be unreasonable and unnecessary but we have no choice.


Disability Assistance, the latest category, has been a dis- appointment because so few can qualify to receive it.


Old Age Assistance, our largest category, didn't suffer much at the hands of the lawmakers in 1953 but the State De- partment felt the need of some changes and have just sent us another large manual to add to the six we already have. This tells in detail what changes we must make a few months from now. This new program has some virtue and will not add to our work as much as the new plan for Aid to Dependent Chil- dren, in fact we may even derive some benefit from it. The case load here has not shown a large increase but now a ma-


117


jority of the recipients are very old and consequently require a great deal of medication and hospitalization. This in itself has caused an enormous expense.


We have been fortunate in getting a former worker rein- stated, thus meeting some of the federal requirements.


As in past years, our work has been made easier by the help of other departments and town employees. Our janitor, the town nurses, the police and the highway department have aided us in many ways. The Welfare Board and the Finance Board have given freely of their time and effort and I wish to thank all these as well as all the other town workers and officials for a fine spirit of good will and helpfulness which made 1953 a very happy and pleasant year.


Respectfully submitted,


WALTER S. KERR


118


Annual Town Meeting


MARCH 7, 1953


The meeting was called to order by the moderator, prayer led by Rev. Vito Cannizzo, the call of the warrant read by the Town Clerk and under:


Article 1. Voted James W. Cesan and William H. Lester for fence viewers.


Article 2. Voted to accept reports of town officers, errors and omissions excepted.


Article 3. Voted to leave the support of Public Welfare in the hands of Board of Public Welfare.


Article 4. Voted to raise and appropriate $450.00 for the proper observance of Memorial day, and that the sum be ex- pended under the direction of Wilson-Thompson Post 185 American Legion.


Article 5. Voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $647.25 for the payment of a proper charge of an insurance company for acting as surety on the official bond of its officers.


Article 6. Voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $4,968.88 for the liability insurance of its employees.


Article 7. Voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $200.00 for enforcement of the Dog Law.


Article 8. Voted to transfer the sum of $20,000.00 from the Overlay Reserve Fund to the Reserve Fund.


Article 9. Voted to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1953, and to issue a note or notes, there- for, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period less than one year, in accordance with Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws.


Article 10. Voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $3,187.60 for insurance of town vehicles.


119


Article 11. Voted to authorize the Assessors to use a sum not exceeding $25,000.00 from Available Funds for the reduc- tion of the amount to be raised by taxation during the current year.


Article 12. Voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $100.00 to be expended in the Town of Agawam by the Hamp- den County Trustees for Aid to Agriculture in accordance with the provisions of the laws of the Commonwealth.


Article 13. Voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $10,805.65 for the Contributory Retirement System of the town.


Article 14. Voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $500.00 for the foreclosure of tax titles.


Article 15. Voted to fix the salary and compensation of all elective officers of the town as provided by Section 108 of Chapter 41, General Laws, as amended, effective from Janu- ary 1, 1953.


Article 16. Voted to make the necessary appropriations for the ensuing year. $1,067,587.00, effective from January 1, 1953.


GENERAL GOVERNMENT:


Legislative


Salary - Moderator


25.00


Selectmen


Salaries


Chairman


821.00


Second member


738.00


Third member


738.00


Clerk


2,555.00


Out of State travel


225.00


All other


1,160.00


6,237.00


Accounting Department


Salary


3,732.00


All other


380.00


4,112.00


Treasurer


Salary


1.703.00


120


Clerk


1,371.00


All other


1,297.00


4,371.00


Collector


Salary


3,951.00


Clerk


2,741.00


All other


1,880.00


8,572.00


Assessors


Salaries


Chairman


3,241.00


Second member


1,200.00


Third member


1,200.00


Clerk


2,741.00


All other


1,700.00


10,082.00


Law


Salaries


Town Counsel


1,500.00


Town Prosecutor


500.00


Appraisals


600.00


All other


800.00


Damage to persons and property


500.00


3,900.00


Town Clerk


Salary


1,703.00


Clerk


1,370.00


All other


429.00


3,502.00


Election and Registration


Salaries


Registrars


900.00


Election Officers


66.00


All other


735.00


2,281.00


Town Building: Administration Building Janitor


3,090.00


121


Clerk 2,080.00


Fuel, light, telephone


4,100.00


Painting All other Other town buildings


775.00


1,780.00


785.00


12,610.00


Total General Government


55,692.00


PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY:


Police Department


Salaries


59,560.00


Out of State travel


100.00


New radio antenna


500.00


All other


6,200.00


66,360.00


Fire Department


Salaries - Commissioners


300.00


Permanent Firemen


33,670.00


Volunteers


3,700.00


All other


6,560.00


14,230.00


Sealer of Weights and Measures


Salary


1,200.00


Out of State travel


75.00


All other


475.00


1,750.00


Tree Warden


Salary


825.00


Labor


1,800.00


Truck


500.00


Spraying


1,000.00


Removal of Dutch Elm infected trees (on


500.00


town property)


Tree planting


500.00


All other


200.00


5,325.00


122


Gypsy Moth Control All other


500.00


Fire Warden


Labor


150.00


Fire permits


150.00


Equipment


200.00


Truck


75.00


All other


25.00


600.00


Civil Defense


Clerical


530.00


Observation tower


645.00


All other


100.00


1,275.00


Total of Protection and Property Health and Sanitation


120,040.00


Salaries


Chairman


239.00


Second member


157.00


Third member


157.00


Hospitals and other


3,500.00


Garbage


4,000.00


Inspection


Animal


275.00


Slaughter


807.00


Meats and provisions


60.00


Vital Statistics


15.00


9,210.00


Sewer and Surface Drainage


Labor


10,500.00


Rental, shovel and equipment


3,500.00


All other


4,625.00


18,625.00


Total Health and Sanitation


27,835.00


Highways


Salary (Superintendent)


5,125.00


Clerk


2,278.00


123


Maintenance


28,760.00


Oiling ..... Snow removal


8,850.00


Sidewalk maintenance


1,000.00


Road machinery account


5,425.00


New oiling


14,484.00


Rubbish Collecting


5,950.00


Brush cutting


2,000.00


88,842.00


Schools


School Budget


467,242.00


Out of State travel


150.00


Total School Budget


467,392.00


Water Department


Salaries


First commissioner


127.00


Second commissioner


127.00


Third commissioner


127.00


Superintendent


3,890.00


Clerk


500.00


Contract, water consumption


26,000.00


New construction


18,000.00 ยท


Springfield Tie-in


7,000.00


All other


45,120.00


Total Water Department


100,891.00


Charities


General Relief


Salaries


1,100.00


Relief


16,300.00


1952 Relief bills (other cities and towns)


3,751.00


All other


300.00


21,451.00


Disability Assistance


Relief


4,000.00


Administration


400.00


4,400.00


Old Age Assistance


Relief


45,000.00


124


14,970.00


Administration


2,420.00


47,420.00


Aid to Dependent Children


Relief


11,000.00


Administration


880.00


11,880.00


Total Charities


85,151.00


Engineering Department


Salaries


9,500.00


All other


1,055.00


Total Engineering Department


10,555.00


Building Department


Building Inspector


Salary


1,300.00


All other


900.00


Plumbing Inspector


Labor


2,800.00


All other


75.00


2.875.00


Electrical Inspector


Salary


750.00


All other


300.00


1,050.00


Total Building Inspectors


6,125.00


Veterans


Salary


3.090.00


Benefits


8.000.00


All other


100.00


Total Veterans Administration


11,490.00


Libraries


Salaries


First Librarian


225.00


125


2,200.00


Second Librarian


225.00


Third Librarian


225.00


Fuel and light


300.00


All other


150.00


Total Libraries




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