Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1951-1955, Part 44

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 44


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The savings bank books and securities representing the investment of the trust and investment funds in the custody of the town treasurer were examined and listed. The income was proved and the expenditures and transfers to the town were verified.


TOWN COLLECTOR: The books and accounts of the town collector were examined and checked in detail. The accounts outstanding at the time of the previous examination, as well as all subsequent commitment lists of taxes, excise, assessments, and departmental and water accounts, were audited and proved with the assessors' warrants and with the commitments received from the several departments. The recorded collections were checked, the payments to the town treasurer were verified, the abatements as recorded were compared with the assessors' and other departmental records of abatements granted, and the outstanding accounts were listed and proved with the accountant's ledger.


Verification of the outstanding accounts was obtained by mailing notices to a number of persons whose names appeared on the books as owing money to the town, and from the replies received it appears that the accounts, as listed, are correct.


The recorded receipts for sewer and water connection fees were checked with the applications on file, the payments to the treasurer were verified, and the balance in the hands of the town collector on June 30, 1954 was proved.


The recorded receipts for water connection guarantee deposits were checked with the applications on file, the transfers to water accounts re- ceivable and refunds to depositors were verified, and the balances in the general treasury and in the hands of the town collector were listed and proved with the accountant's ledger.


The town collector's cash balance on June 30, 1954 was proved by


33


in


ter


su:


ans


n


reconciliation of the bank balance with a statement furnished by the bank of deposit and by actual count of the cash in the office.


ASSESSOR'S DEPARTMENT: The appropriations, as listed from the town clerk's records of town meetings, were compared with the aggregate amounts raised in the determination of the 1953 and 1954 tax rates.


TOWN CLERK: The financial transactions of the town clerk were examined. The recorded receipts for dog and sporting licenses were checked with the record of licenses issued, the payments to the town treasurer and to the Division of Fisheries and Game were verified, and the cash balance on June 30, 1954 was proved by actual count.


SURETY BONDS: The surety bonds of the town treasurer, town col- lector, town clerk, financial coordinator for the school lunch program, and of clerks employed in the offices of the town treasurer and town collector were examined and found to be in proper form.


TOWN PROPERTY RENTALS: The records for the rental of town property were examined. The charges were listed and the payments to the treasurer were verified.


POLICE DEPARTMENT: 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 June 30. 1954 was proved by actual count.


FIRE DEPARTMENT: The records of receipts of the fire department for the inspection of oil burner installations and oil storage were checked, the payments to the treasurer were verified, and the cash on hand June 30, 1954 in custody of the inspectors was proved by actual count.


SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The books and accounts of the sealer of weights and measures were examined. The recorded receipts were checked with the records of fees charged, the payments to the treasurer were verified, and the cash on hand June 30, 1954 was proved by actual count.


TOWN NURSES' FEES: The records of the town nurses for fees charged were checked and the payments to the treasurer were verified.


ROAD MACHINERY EARNINGS: The records of payroll deduc- tions for the use of town-owned highway equipment were checked and the payments to the town were verified.


SCHOOL DEPARTMENT: The recorded receipts for the rental of school properties and for miscellaneous charges were checked, the payment: to the treasurer were verified, and the cash on hand June 30, 1954 wa- proved by actual count.


The records pertaining to the school lunch program for lunches served and Federal and State reimbursements were checked and the payments tc the treasurer were verified.


34


The recorded receipts of the high school athletic fund were checked and the payments to the treasurer were verified.


LIBRARY DEPARTMENT: The recorded receipts of the librarians for fines were checked, the payments to the treasurer were verified, and the cash on hand June 30, 1954 was proved by actual count.


TRUST FUND: The savings bank books and securities representing the investment of the Charles Palmer Davis Library Fund in custody of the Springfield Safe Deposit and Trust Company were examined and listed, the income was proved, and the expenditures and payments to the town were verified.


CONCLUSION: There are appended to this report, in addition to the balance sheet, tables showing reconciliations of the treasurer's and col- lector's cash, summaries of the tax, excise, assessment, tax title, and depart- mental accounts, as well as schedules showing the transactions and condition of the trust and investment funds.


While engaged in making the audit cooperation was received from all town officials, for which, on behalf of my assistants and for myself, I wish to express appreciation.


Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM SCHWARTZ Assistant Director of Accounts


WS:EMH


35


Assessor's Report


The following is the report of the Board of Assessors for the year ending December 31, 1954.


Number of Horses Assessed


53


Number of Cows Assessed 381


Number of Neat Cattle Assessed


130


Number of Swine Assessed


19


Number of Fowls Assessed


22,075


Total Number of Livestock Assessed


22,830.00


Value of Assessed Stock in Trade $ 128,240.00


Value of Assessed Machinery


969,700.00


Value of Assessed Livestock


71,025.00


Value of All Other Tangible Property Assessed


731,835.00


Total Value of All Personal Property Assessed


$ 1,900,800.00


Number of Dwelling Houses Assessed 3,260


Number of Acres of Land Assessed


12,152


Number of Motor Vehicles and Trailers Assessed 5,750


Number of 1953 Motor Vehicles and Trailers Assessed, January 12, 1954 69


Number of 1953 Motor Vehicles and Trailers Assessed, January 29, 1954


569


Value of Motor Vehicles and Trailers Assessed


$ 2,809,890.00


Value of 1953 Motor Vehicles and Trailers Assessed, January 12, 195-4 422,730.00


Value of 1953 Motor Vehicles and Trailers Assessed, January 29, 1954 424.540.00


Pu


Excise Tax Assessed on Motor Vehicles and Trailers 125,681.31


Excise Tax Assessed on 1953 Motor Vehicles


12,096.86


and Trailers, Assessed January 12, 1954 Excise Tax Assessed on 1953 Motor Vehicles and Trailers, Assessed January 29, 1954


5,825.94


In


Jog


VALUATIONS


Value of Buildings Assessed .... ..... $14,313,792.00


36


Value of Land Assessed


2,902,653.00


Total Value of Real Estate $17,216,445.00 Value of Personal Estate 1,900,800.00


Total Value of All Assessed Estate .. $19,117,245.00 (upon which taxes have been levied as follows )


County Tax


$ 23,545.06


Tuberculosis Hospital Assessment


1,178.20


State Audit


255.09


State Parks and Reservations


2,066.09


1953 Under Estimate


459.67


Town Appropriation


1,578,249.57


Overlay of Current Year


44,768.95


$ 1,650,522.63


LESS ESTIMATED RECEIPTS


Income Tax


$ 98,700.46


Corporation Taxes


44,461.57


Reimbursement on Account of Publicly


Owned Land


7,810.06


Old Age Tax (Meals) C.64B, S.10


1,707.35


Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise


90,000.00


Licenses


12,000.00


Fines


1,200.00


Special Assessments


10,000.00


General Government


5,000.00


Protection of Persons and Property


300.00


Health and Sanitation


6,000.00


Charities


11,000.00


Old Age Assistance


30,000.00


Veteran's Benefits


2,200.00


Schools


20,000.00


Libraries


100.00


Public Service Enterprises


(Water Dept., Etc.)


69,300.00


Interest on Taxes and Assessments


1,300.00


State Assistance for School Constr. C.645 Acts of 1948


15,500.00


In Lieu of Taxes (City of Springfield)


1,800.00


Dog Licenses


1,800.00


Housing Authority


1,000.00


Total Estimated Receipts ..... $ 431,179.44


37


1953 Over Estimates: County Tax


$


301.48


789.45


Tuberculosis Hospital Assessment Amounts Voted from Available Funds:


June 15, 1953 $ 23,063.80


Nov. 2, 1953


14,024.97


March 11, 1954


190,450.00


March 11, 1954


8,000.00 $ 235,538.77 $ 667,809.14


Amount to be raised by taxation


$ 982,713.49


Number of Polls 3,867 @ $2.00 $ 7,734.00


Value of Personal Property $1,900,800 @ $51.00


96,90.80


Value of Real Estate $17,216,445 @ $51.00


878,038.69


$ 982,713.49


Omitted Polls Assessed 9 @ $2.00


$


18.00


$ 18.00


Omitted Real Estate $7,150 @ $51.00


$


364.65 $ 354.65


Opening of Trout Fishing Season at Mawaga Photo by Fred


Police Department


YEARLY REPORT FOR 1954


Arrests:


1. Against Person 5


2. Against Property 12


3. Against Public Order, etc. 653


Total number of arrests 670


Convictions 63


Not guilty or dismissed


18


Pending


7


Turned over to other Police 11


Total 670


Total amount of Fines to Town $ 920.00


Total amount of Fines to State or County 4,268.00


Total amount of Fines $ 5,188.00


Total value of Property Recovered 10,029.00


Cases transported in ambulance


154


Medical cases transported in cruiser 114


Missing persons found and returned 21


Homes reported and checked 315


Daily check of business establishments 111


Buildings found unlocked and secured 166


Summons served for other departments 318


Reported to Registry for action on license


34


Warnings:


Verbal 505


Written 143


Total number of warnings


Dog Complaints 263


Complaints requiring Police Assistance 1349


Bicycles registered in 1954 196


Accident Report - 1954:


Number of Property Damage Accidents Reported 65


Number of Personal Damage Accidents Reported 45


Total Reportable Accidents 110


Number of Fatal Accidents 3


Number of Persons Injured 64


648


39


Number of Agawam Operators Involved 75 Number of Out of Town Mass. Operators Involved 78


Number of Out of State Operators Involved 27


Total Number of Operators Involved 180


The Agawam Police Department has completed another year in the successful guardianship of our Town and its citizens. The year of 1954 was, by far, the most active year in the Department's history.


Despite increased activities in all phases of our work in safety, in crime prevention, and in the pursuit and apprehension of criminals, we can say with pride, that the Town of Agawam still retains one of the lowest crime rates in our State.


The basic reasons for the greatly increased Police Department activi- ties may be described as follows:


(a) Our population now approaches 13,000 - a substantial in- crease since a year ago.


(b) In the past year, nearly 50 new businesses were established.


(c) There were 767 more automobiles registered in the past 12 months than in the preceeding year within the Town of Agawam.


(d) A general increase in traffic conditions was also noted.


Maintaining our yearly low crime rate during this period of increased population, increased automobile registrations, and greater "out-of-state" car traffic, has been due largely to the extra efforts of our entire force to meet and discharge the duties which they are required to perform.


During the past year, several of our officers were given additional train- ing in organized police and civil defense schools. Their increased knowledge may well benefit our entire community. Officer John Chriscola attended the Western Massachusetts Safety Officers' Training School in Springfield; Sergeant Howard Minor and Officer Douglas Carr attended the Police Training School at the Farmingham State Police Headquarters; Sergeant Romeo Borgatti and Officer Louis Tatro attended the Civil Defense Rescue Instructors School at Olney, Maryland.


The largest single classification of arrests made during the year natur- ally continued to be for automobile violations. However, the rate of ar- rests during the year, per car population, did not increase. This resulted from more vigilant patroling of the highways, and safety education.


The members of the Police Department take pride in their crime pre- vention work. Although this important work of preventing crime receives little public recognition, it is of extreme value to both our citizenry and the many large and small business interests in our town.


During last year there were 315 homes checked at various vacation periods at the request of home owners. This is 112 more than during 1953. In the past year there were 166 doors or windows in business establishments


40


which were found opened, and were secured by police officers. In 1953 there were only 132.


The ambulance service provided by your Police Department was util- ized in 154 cases during the past year. In addition, there were 114 medical cases which were transported in police cruisers.


The Agawam Police Department proudly continues its work in public safety. Much has been accomplished through the Agawam Public Safety League, which was sponsored by the Springfield National Bank. Through continued assistance from this community-spirited bank, our Department registered and installed scotch-lite tape on 196 bicycles during the year. More than 150 Police Safety Calendars were distributed by our officers throughout the community. In addition, the Springfield National Bank sup- plied us with 2000 winter safety booklets for school children. This depart- ment also erected several highway safety signs in various strategic points throughout the town.


As Chief of the Department, I again express my fullest appreciation to the entire force. Their abilities and their loyal performance to arduous duties are to be commended.


To the Selectmen, I also express my sincere thanks for their whole- hearted cooperation.


To our citizens, we will strive to merit your continued confidence in us. Guarding your property and welfare is our privileged duty, and we will expend all efforts to continue to make Agawam a good community in which to work, live and play.


Bicycle Safety Campaign


Photo by Ray Sparrow


42


POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR THE YEARS


Personnel


1948


1949


1950


1951


1952


1953


195+


Chief


1


1


1


1


1


1


1


Sergeants


1


1


2


2


2


2


4


Patrolmen


5


6


7


9


11


13


11


Secretary


1/2


1/2


1/2


1/2


1/2


1/2


1


Total


71/2


81/2


101/2


121/2


141/2


161/2


17


Violations:


Against Person


16


10


8


13


10


10


5


Against Property


14


10


14


19


18


19


12


Against Public Order


457


389


523


709


847


678


653


Total


487


409


545


741


881


707


670


Accidents


137


123


156


112


111


86


110


Emeregncy Runs (Ambulance and Cruiser)


135


141


196


177


218


217


268


Complaints


224


406


371


460


449


649


1349


Buildings Checked Nightly*


(Average)


111


Businesses


(4 summer months


35


Homes


(8 winter months)


10


* Business establishments have always been checked nightly. In 1952 there were 192 homes checked, plus the business establish- ments and since then there has been a continued increase, which will continue as population increases. In 1954 an average of 315 homes were checked.


Sealer of Weights and Measures


I herewith submit my annual report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending December 31, 1954.


Weighing Devices and Measuring:


Adjusted 67


Sealed 407


Not Sealed 3


Condemned 21


Trial Weighings of Commodities put up for sale:


Number Correct 2090


Under


371


Over 331


Total Number 2792


Summary of Inspections Made and Call Backs:


Total Inspections and call back 407


Sealing Fees:


Sealing Fees collected $ 212.00


Electrical Inspector


As Electrical Inspector of the Town of Agawam I hereby submit this annual report for the year ending December 31, 1954.


This has been a banner year for the construction of dwellings, industrial, mercantile and professional buildings. The number of inspections exceeds any previous year.


The installing of air condition units and clothes dryers has increased considerably and in many instances has necessitated increases in the size of meter service entrances.


Dwellings 704


Industrial, Commercial & Professional 139


Alterations 104


Service Entrance Changes 74


Oil Burners 201


Water Heaters & Conversions 41


Electric Ranges 202


Electric Washers & Dryers 31


Air Conditioning Units


27


TOTAL 1526


43


--


----


--


-


T


PROPOSED


HIGH


SCHOOL


FOR


THE


ALDERMAN 8


MAGNEISH, ARCH


Architect's rendering of new High School Occupancy is prom


OF AGAWAM


MASSACHUSETTS


IND ENGINEERS, SPRINGFIELD


construction at Mill and Cooper Streets. by Fall of 1955.


Except for a few minor fires no major electrically caused fires have been reported this year.


It is my earnest hope that those participating in the "Do It Yourself" program of wiring which is so popular, will use the best material available, the greatest care, and any advice that this Department may impart to safeguard themselves and their property.


Building Inspector


Building in Agawam has kept apace of any community in the State and in one month of this year permits for new houses even exceeded those issued by Springfield in the same length of time. Many of these dwellings are now completed and occupied or will be occupied early in 1955.


Not only have we had activity in the building field but also within the building department. Three inspectors have served the Town during the twelve month period. Nelson Trevallion served the Town until June 1st and resigned due to the pressure of his own business. The Town briefly enjoyed the very capable services of Leigh F. Morgan, Asst. Building Commissioner of Springfield, but who is a resident of Agawam. A few months convinced Mr. Morgan that the job in Agawam is too great for a part time inspector and he, as inspectors before him, acquainted the Selectmen of this fact. Mr. Morgan's resignation became effective November 30th.


Town Engineer Robert Alcorn acted as inspector for the rest of the year. .


The following is a report of permits issued during 1954:


288 New Dwellings


$ 1,911,937


79 New Garages 44,825


78 Alterations & Additions 70,685


31 New Business 311,039


16 Miscellaneous


4,175


10 Demolitions


***


New High School


1,283,305


School Addition


7,324


Post Office Addition ***


8,000


505


$ 3,641,290


This compares with a total of $1,649,381 in 1952 and $1,506,200 in 1953.


46


Board of Health


This past year was the first full year that Agawam has had the services of a Health Agent. The Board of Health wishes to commend Mr. Francis J. Murphy for the efficient manner in which he has carried on the work of his department.


Details of the operation of the Health Department will be covered in reports of the Health Agent, Town Nurse and others under supervision of the agent.


In 1954, we relocated the town dump and placed it on land owned by Agawam. It has been fenced across the front and is under the direction of a part-time Dump Master.


Garbage collection is now a direct responsibility of the Town. The collector and his help are town employees, operating a truck owned by Agawam. As our Town grows, and our piggeries diminish the problems of garbage pick-up will increase.


One of our chief concerns is that of increased costs at Westfield Sana- torium. A recess commission of the Massachusetts General Court is studying the problem. We are hopeful that some action will come through that will help us.


The report of our Health Agent follows.


Health Agent


I herewith submit my 1954 report which covers the first full year of operation of this newly established office. Briefly some of the highlights of the year are as follows:


A regulation requiring the pasteurization of all milk sold in Agawam was adopted in August.


The Board of Health appointed a seven member advisory committee to work with the Health Department on special problems.


The dump location was changed from Cooper Street to Town owned land on Shoemaker Lane. It is fenced supervised, and dumping hours are regulated.


Garbage collection was changed from contractural service to municipal pickup.


A very successful Food Handler training course was held during the month of June. We plan to conduct this course as often as necessary.


The nurses and I have expanded our Health Education program through lectures and the distribution of free educational pamphlets.


47


- 0 n


1


The first diabetes detection clinic was held in November. While the response was not great we feel that in future years the demand for this annual clinic will grow.


The Health Department was made an official Biologic distribution station by the Commonwealth.


Certification of the Laboratory for the testing of milk, water and res- taurant utensils was also obtained from the Commonwealth.


I have advocated and helped start a drive for the construction of a swimming pool in Agawam so that children and adults of all ages may enjoy the healthful benefits of swimming in a clean safe environment.


During the course of the year I attended ten out-of-town conferences.


Licenses and Permits issued:


Burial certificates (local deaths) 36


Ice Cream Manufacturers


7


Camps, Trailer Parks & Motels


4


Day Camps


1


Milk licenses (dealers)


24


Milk licenses (stores)


59


Oleomargarine Registrations 15


Manufacture of Non-alcoholic Beverages


1


Pasteurization of Milk


2


Kindergartens & Day Nurseries


1


Slaughter Houses


3


Sale of Methyl Alcohol


4


Piggeries


9


Transportation of Garbage


10


TOTAL 176


Resident Cases of Communicable Diseases:


During 1954 a total of 357 communicable diseases were reported to the Health Department. This represents an increase of 53 cases more than reported in 1953. The increase is due to a mild form of scarlet fever occurring in epidemic proportions during the spring.


Disease


Cases


Scarlet fever


111


Mumps


62


Chicken-pox


83


Measles


60


Dog Bite


28


Whooping Cough


4


German Measles


4


Septic Sore Throat


2


Infectious Hepatitis


1


48


Tuberculosis (pulmonary)


1


Salmonellosis


1


TOTAL 357


Laboratory Analyses:


Pasteurized milk samples tested


44 Satisfactory 38


Unsatisfactory 6


Raw milk samples tested


18 Satisfactory 12 Unsatisfactory 6 Satisfactory 1


Ice Cream samples tested


Restaurant utensils tested


191


Satisfactory 60


Unsatisfactory 131


Private drinking water supplies tested 9


Satisfactory 7


Unsatisfactory 2


Water analyses of Bathing areas ... 14 Satisfactory 7 Unsatisfactory 7


Samples of food tested for suspected food poisoning


2


Satisfactory 2


Urinalysis (Diabetes detection clinic) 23


Positive


2


Negative


21


Sanitation:


Investigation of environmental sanitation complaints 233


Violation notices sent out


131


Dwelling places declared unfit for occupancy


2


Percolation tests for sewage disposal 19


Subdivision tracts approved for buildings


6


School inspections 12


Playgrounds


6


Ice Cream Manufacturers inspections


9


Eating and drinking establishments inspected


75


Markets


29


Camps and Trailer Parks


7


Pasteurization plants


5


Milk producers


7


Food manufacturers


3


Piggeries


17


Nursing homes and day care centers


4


Bakeries


3


Day camps 3


Bottling plants 1


Inspections with other departments


7


I am gratified by the cooperation given this new office by the Board of Selectmen, Public Health Nurses, School Nurses, Inspectors, and other departments in assisting me in carrying out the duties of this office and I am looking forward to the challenge of the new year.


49


Commercial Slaughter Inspector


Mr. Artem Honchar had under his supervision the 2 commercial slaughterhouses in Agawam. During the year he made ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections of 630 calves, 30 beef cattle, and 51 sheep.


Domestic Slaughter Inspector


Mr. Herbert G. Taylor made 59 trips to farms for the purpose of inspecting animals to be slaughtered. He made ante-mortem and post- mortem inspections of 324 pigs, 16 calves, 1 cow, and 1 sheep.


Plumbing Inspector


Mr. Edward J. Desmarais, the Plumbing Inspector, had a busy year with home and business developments continuing to be built at a rapid pace. During the year he made 1281 plumbing inspections. The revision of the Plumbing By-laws during 1954 has aided him as well as those concerned with doing plumbing work in Agawam.


Animal Inspector


I herewith submit my Annual Report as Animal Inspector for the year 1954:


Barns Inspected


52


Number of Cows


401


Number of Calves 209


Number of Bulls


25


Number of Steers


50


Number of Horses


20


Number of Swine


816


Number of Sheep


47


Number of Goats


9


Cattle shipped into town (ear tags)


34


Dog Bites


53


Again in my coverage of the Town I found barns and animals in a clean and sanitary state.


There was a slight decrease in dog bite cases this year which was gratifying to say the least.


I again caution all townspeople to report all cases of being bitten by a dog as we hope to be able to keep that dread disease of rabies out of this part of the county.


I have kept in close contact with Mr. Francis Murphy, Health Agent, on all cases pertaining to his office and mine.


50


Town Nurse


The total number of nursing calls made from January 1st to Decem- ber 31, 1954 were 3140. These calls consisted of bedside care, dressings and injections of all types. All the above are done under written orders by doc- tors in charge of case. We teach new mothers how to bath their babies, make formulas and any other care a patient might need. We make home visits on pre-post natal cases. There are numerous other calls that come under nurses department such as inspection with Mr. Murphy in day care centers, rest homes, playgrounds, etc.




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