USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1961 > Part 19
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4. Undertake an evaluation of the present staff with the aim to strength- en it, if needed.
5. Explore the feasibility of promoting new courses for adults which will enable them to develop cultural and appreciative abilities. These might include: Courses in Music Appreciation, Art Apprecia- tion, Sketching, Sculpture, Oil Painting, The Great Books, Current Issues, Contemporary Literature, and Current Drama to mention but a few.
Upon completion of this survey the School Administration will present the results to the School Committee for their counsel and direction.
The future for Adult Education is bright provided we offer courses geared to the interests and needs of our citizens. It gives people an opportunity to develop the skills, attitudes, and knowledge they needto live more meaning- ful lives, so essential to their well-being. The concept of education as a never-ending process is exemplified in a well-rounded community Adult Education program.
PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES
The eighteenth annual survey of the previous June graduating class of the Arlington High School indicated that 60.8% of the class was enrolled in full-time advanced education. Last year's figure was 59.9% which shows the continuing trend toward more post high school education for our gradu- ates each year. In addition to the 60.8% in full-time advanced education, 12.3% of the class are taking part-time education. 29.5% of the class are in four year degree granting institutions with the remainder of the group in junior colleges, nursing schools, business schools, technical institutes, etc. 31.8% of the class are employed, and a study of this group shows that they are following careers pursuant with their studies at Arlington High School.
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REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
5.8% of the group are in the armed services, and 1.6% are ill, married or at home.
A large proportion of the class are attending colleges in the Greater Boston area, with 28 at Northeastern, 19 at Boston University, 11 at Tufts, .9 at Framingham State College, 7 at Boston College, 3 at Harvard, 3 at Jackson, 2 at Radcliffe, 2 at Wellesley, and 2 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Other well known colleges which have enrolled members of the Class of 1961 are Antioch, Bates, Brandeis, Brown, Colby, Stanford, United States Naval Academy and Vassar. Forty-five members of the class are enrolled in business with 21 at Chandler, 12 at Burdett, and 9 at Bentley, leading the field.
Twenty-two are in junior colleges with 7 at Fisher, 3 at Mount Ida, and 2 each at Dean, Lasell, Newton and Westbrook. Twelve girls are attending nursing schools and 17 boys are attending technical schools, with Wentworth leading with 13.
A determined effort to interest our young people in the field of teaching has been successful with 22 members of the class attending state colleges to prepare for this profession. Eighteen others are attending various schools of education throughout the country. Although we are well aware of the nation-wide shortage of teachers we are particularly concerned that our best students are not entering the teaching field. The teacher shortage facing the Greater Boston Community is largely one of a lack of quality teachers rather than applicants meeting minimum certification standards. This is not the case for the country as a whole.
The Class of 1961 has scholarship grants, exclusive of those granted by our own Thompson Fund, the Arlington Parent-Teacher Association, and the Arlington Women's Club, for a greater amount than has ever been re- ceived by any class in the history of the school. In addition to two National Merit Scholarships, which amount was not disclosed, awards totalled over $30,125.00. Since only four of these awards were on a yearly basis and were renewable for each year, the total winnings of the class were near $100,000. This is certainly an extraordinary record for any school group. Scholar- ships were received from many of our leading colleges -- Harvard, Tufts, Antioch, Simmons, Bates, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston University, Webb Institute, Emmanuel and a host of others. Three graduates of this class won National Reserve Officers Training Corps awards and are attending college under this program.
Again this year, the job placement bureau within the High School Guid- ance Department has been most active. Among the graduates of June, 1961, 92 girls of the 105 employed were placed in full-time work by the Depart- ment and 426 girls were placed in part-time employment. Among the boys, 28 of the 54 graduates working were placed in full-time work by the Depart- ment.
The present senior class is the first which will be graduated under our Academically Talented program, and it is interesting to note that this group obtained the highest junior college board scores of any Arlington High School class to date. This may possibly reflect on the desirability and advantages of our Academically Talented program.
Now that we feel our Academically Talented Program is operating well, we must continue to uphold these standards and improve upon them where we are able. The time is now propitious to turn our attention to the under- achiever who seems to be common to all grades and curricula. In many cases of under achievement one is apt to assume that the child is only lazy or indifferent to school and that there would be little point in investigating the problem. There seems to be good reason, however, based upon pre-
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
liminary study, to believe that the cause is much more complex in make-up and merits serious investigation by us.
CONCLUSION
Fairness decrees that a word of thanks and recognition be given to the people who made this report possible -- the. men and women who comprise the Arlington School Committee. It is a privilege as a School Administrator to work with such a dedicated group. Their willingness to devote long hours to the enactment of sound educational policies, makes the task an easier one.
To the members of the professional staff I express my appreciation for their devoted service and support. To the clerical staff and to the custodial staff I wish to express my thanks for their fine services.
The entire School staff is most appreciative of the gracious assistance afforded us whenever we have called upon the Town Manager, the Superin- tendent of Public Works, the Fire Chief, the Chief of Police, the Supervisor of Maintenance and the Supervisor of Custodians.
To all concerned, I extend my appreciation and gratitude.
Respectfully submitted,
Bert A. Roens Superintendent of Schools
197
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
Report of the Planning Board
January 10, 1962
Mr. Edward C. Monahan, Town Manager Robbins Memorial Town Hall Arlington 74, Massachusets
Dear Mr. Monahan:
In accordance with Section 49 of Chapter 40 and Section 71 of Chapter 41 of the General Laws, the Planning Board submits its report for the year ending December 31, 1961.
Work continued through 1961 on the Comprehensive Plan for Arlington being prepared for the Planning Board by its consultants, the Planning Serv- ices Group of Cambridge. This project, on which work began in August, 1960, is financed in part through an Urban Planning Asssistance Grant from the U.S. Housing and Home Finance Agency under the provisions of Section 701 of the Housing Act of 1954. As of December 31, 1961, approximately 80% of this plan has been completed.
Reports submitted during 1961 include an analysis of population trends in Arlington which indicates that the town's population characteristics will not change drastically within the next two decades. It is estimated that Arlington's population will rise slightly over the 1960 level (49,953), perhaps to 55,000 in 1970 but more probably remaining below 53,000, and that sub- sequently it will remain approximately constant. The proportion of young people should decline somewhat below the high 1960 level as families with young children continue to move to suburbs with larger lots and more open space. The study depicts a community which has virtually no open land remaining for single family housing but with a location in close proximity to both the central portions of the Boston Metropolitan area and growing in- dustrial belt of Route 128 which should preserve Arlington as a desirable residential community.
A study of public school needs based on this population survey was dis- cussed with the School Committee and the Committee on School Buildings in September. The most acute problem is the lack of space in the Senior High School which will be felt strongly by 1963. There seems to be but two solutions -- one, the building of an addition to the Senior High School; second, a new Junior High North, with a return to the three-year junior high system. It is recommended that the present high level of upkeep and modernization characteristic of Arlington schools should be continued because all will be needed in the next ten years but recommendations have been planned to per- mit gradual retirement later of those schools built over sixty years ago which are in areas of declining enrollment and on inadequate and inefficiently located sites with respect to pupil distribution.
The section of the Comprehensive Plan concerned with public outdoor recreation was discussed with the Park Commissioners in December. The salient point emphasized in this study is that a good recreation system is an indispensable factor in maintaining Arlington's chief source of taxes: the high quality of its one and two-family homes. Its recommendations are based on the assumption that Arlington desires a truly modern system of recreation areas and facilities providing equal standards of service for youngsters in all parts of town and offering adults opportunity for healthy use of leisure time that will attract desirable residents to Arlington and keep them there.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
This memoradum on parks suggests that Arlington consider the forma- tion of a joint public body with Arlington and Lexington representation which might qualify for federal assistance in developing the Great Meadows in Lexington owned by Arlington. While a nature science park is a possible use of the area, land use and recreation planning considerations suggest that the site would be of considerable value as a municipal golf course which might pay its own way when once established.
The economic base study indicates that both private family economies of Arlington residents and town finances appear to be in sound condition. An analysis of economic patterns in Arlington and the six adjoining cities and towns reveal that per capita and family incomes in Arlington are among the highest in this area while its equalized tax rates are among the lowest. However, town expenditures have been rising faster than our family incomes and unless there is a change in the Massachusetts tax structure, heavier tax burdens are indicated for the families of this town. One of the major prob- lems of the town is to maintain the existing economic base, much of whose strength is derived from housing occupied by moderate to high income families. Three items appear necessary to achieve this objective: (1) main- taining and strengthening the public schools, (2) strengthening the park and recreation system, (3) improving Arlington Center. Steps to exploit the community's economic potential include (1) measures to assemble and de- velop industrial land, (2) renewal and expansion of the retail core, (3) at- traction of high quality apartment houses to the town.
The Comprehensive Plan is scheduled for completion by March, 1962 and will include reports on traffic, utilities and urban renewal.
The membership of the Board changed during the year. Due to an un- expected foreign assignment, Professor Clair E. Turner found it necessary to resign after serving only a few months and his unexpired term was filled by the appointment of John A. Cataldo.
During the year the Board held eighteen meetings and participated in fifteen meetings with the Board of Selectmen, Development Commission, School Committee, Park Commissioners, Arlington Housing Authority, Zoning Board of Appeals, Arlington business men, the committee appointed to investigate urban renewal, and in numerous conferences with town officials.
Eight public hearings were conducted for revisions in the Zoning By- Law and changes in the Zoning Map for the March Town Meeting and one for the August meeting. Two of the recommendations of the Board regarding these revisions were not upheld by the Town Meeting. One, an adverse re- port on rezoning land on Spy Pond to the Residence C apartment district, was defeated by a margin of less than one vote. Residents of the area se- cured an injunction to prevent the issuing of a building permit and requested a Town Meeting in August for reconsideration. At this meeting the margin of approval for rezoning was larger than in March. The residents then brought suit in the Superior Court and a decisionis expected in the near future.
In October the Chairman of the Board, together with the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen and the Development Commission, was appointed to represent Arlington on the Community Advisory Council established by the Massachusetts Transportation Commission which has undertaken a com- prehensive survey of the Boston Metropolitan Region. This survey will assist the MTC in finding solutions to the problem of mass transportation and in identifying future needs in this field.
The Board is currently preparing for the 1962 Town Meeting recom- mendations for zoning revisions to direct and encourage apartment house
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REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
construction. These revisions, based on the comprehensive plan studies, include the raising of the height limitation to 75 ft. for apartment houses in some areas of the town.
While Arlington should have a full-time professional planner and staff to carry forward the planning work begun under the Comprehensive Plan, the Board is recommending that the town defer establishing this arrangement for approximately one year in order that the Board can more easily restrict its work load until two important planning programs not covered by the existing 701 contract are completed. It is our understanding that these would qualify for federal planning assistance under the present consultant arrangement. The first would be a Public Improvements Program which will provide schedules of costs and priorities to carry out the Compre- hensive Plan. The second would be a substantive plan for Arlington Center. During the past year the Board has been asked for specific proposals re- garding this key area which require analysis beyond the scope of the present 701 planning project.
The members of the Planning Board extend their thanks to the Town Manager, Board of Selectmen, the various town boards and department heads for the cooperation and assistance given during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
Murdena A. Campbell, Chairman George M. Herlihy, Secretary
David G. Ashton John A. Cataldo Thomas D. Kenna, Jr.
200
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Report of the Public Welfare Department
January 31, 1962
Edward C. Monahan, Town Manager
Town Hall
Arlington, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I have the honor to submit the report of the Medical Inspector of the Department of Public Welfare for the year ending December 31, 1961.
House Calls
Clinic Calls
Total
Old Age Assistance
168
100
268
Medical Assistance for the Aged
94
29
123
Aid to Dependent Children
11
90
101
Disability Assistance
21
45
66
General Relief
6
53
59
Veterans Services
7
14
21
307
331
638
The total number of visits made to the Clinic for Dental Care - 13.
Respectfully submitted,
Edward W. Feeley, M.D. Medical Inspector Department of Public Welfare
February 5, 1962
Honorable Edward C. Monahan
Town Manager
Town Hall
Arlington, Massachusetts
Dear. Mr. Monahan:
I herewith submit my report for the Public Welfare Department for the year ending December 31, 1961.
Case Load Per Month
Welfare Aid
Old Age Assistance
M.A.A.
Aid to Dependent Children
Disability Assistance
January
25
360
94
24
38
February
27
356
102
27
37
March
27
345
105
27
37
April
27
343
109
28
38
May
29
339
111
29
39
June
23
333
110
29
39
201
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC WELFARE DEPARTMENT
Case Load Per Month (Continued)
Welfare Aid
Old Age Assistance
M.A.A.
Aid to Dependent Children
Disability Assistance
July
23
327
112
32
39
August
23
335
120
30
41
September
25
332
125
28
39
October
29
326
128
28
38
November
22
335
133
27
41
December
22
334
131
28
41
MEDICAL AND DENTAL CLINIC
519 visists were made to our Medical Clinic by recipients who had established their eligibility to receive assistance under one of the five cate- gories listed below.
Summary:
Welfare .
7
Medical Assistance for the Aged
184
Old Age Assistance .
303
Aid to Dependent Children
21
Disability Assistance .
4
519
Clinic closed August 1, 1961
Patients are treated by Physician at his office or their homes. 91 visits were made to the Clinic for Dental care.
WELFARE AID:
Total Expenditures . $24,661.77*
Less Reimbursements
State, Cities and Towns $1,309.67
Individuals and Estates
500.00
1,809.67
Net Cost to Town $22,852.10
WELFARE AID was granted to 31 cases including 76 persons.
Settlement Status - Welfare Aid
Arlington 20
State . .
3
Other Cities and Towns
8
Undetermined .
0
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE (Not including Medical Aid Assistance)
Total Expenditures . $348,316.82
*$6,696.60 - Paid to other Cities and Towns
*$ 101.78 - Paid to Institutions
*Part Payment - Claim in dispute
31
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Less: Reimbursements and Grants:
Federal Grants $189,602.50
State . . . 103,116.38
Other Cities and Towns 15,199.42 307,918.30
Net Cost to Town.
$ 40,398.52
Case Load Summary
Cases - January 1, 1961
360
New Cases
50
410
Cases closed .
76
Cases - December 31, 1961
334
Settlement Status
Arlington 241
State (unsettled)
72
Other Cities and Towns 97
410
Reasons for Discontinuance
Death . 32
Moved from Arlington . 13
Transferred to Veterans' Services 0
Family to support. 1
Excess Resources 2
Transferred to Institutions.
2
Transferred to Medical Aid Assistance
26
76
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
Total Expenditures . $55,833,56
Less Reimbursements and Grants
Federal Grants
$24,181.50
State.
15,923.85
Individuals
0.00 $40,105.35
Net Cost to Town
$15,728.21
38 Families were aided under this category of relief including 105 persons, 59 children under 16 years and 8 children between 16 and 18 years of age and attending school.
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE
Total Expenditures . $58,937.90
Less Reimbursements and Grants
Federal Grants $19,119.60
State
23,714.73
Individuals and Estates 0.00 $42,834.33
Net Cost to Town
$16,103.57
Disability assistance was granted to 52 persons.
$40,105.35
203
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC WELFARE DEPARTMENT
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE for the AGED
Total Expenditures
$273,067.97
Less Reimbursements and Grants
Federal Grants State
$157,715.34 97,499.93 $255,215.27
Net Cost to Town
$ 17,852.70
An analysis of gross and net expenditures for 1961 in comparison with 1960 reveals the following results:
The 1961 Gross for the five categories of Aid amounted to $760,818. (cents ommitted) as against $674,025. in 1960. This was an increase of $86,793. or approximately 13%. With Lien Recoveries eliminated from both, the 1961 net was $112,935. as against $127,048. in 1960 - a decrease of $14,113. or approximately 11%. In contrast with 1960, the 1961 gross went up while Net Town Costs declined.
It is too soon yet to assess the merits of the new category which came into being on October 1, 1960. Medical Assistance for the Aged (over 65) are eligible under certain financial conditions. This program is very liberal when compared with Old Age Assistance as no lien is required on real estate.
The Board of Public Welfare continues to meet monthly with the Direc- tor and two Social Work Supervisors. New cases and changes in all cate- gories are examined for approval, adjustment or denial.
There is also supervision of Administration by the State Department of Public Welfare. State and Federal Personnel audit at regular intervals. Each month the Board of Public Welfare members go into Executive sessions with the Director to review Administration matters.
The Board of Public Welfare is organized as follows:
Mr. Walter T. Kenney, Chairman Mr. William J. Mckeever) Members Mr. Harold N. Anderson ) Members Mr. George V. Morse, Director and Secretary
Changes in Personnel
Mr. Cornelius F. Collins, former Board Chairman Resigned - we all admired his civic interest.
Retired - Mrs. Ena V. Kivlehan, Clerk - always dependable.
IN MEMORIAM - Mrs. Olive W. Holton, Principal Clerk Longest in Service - 30 years.
Mr. Harold N. Anderson was appointed to the Board of Public Welfare on March 9, 1961 for a term of three years, succeeding Mr. Collins who re- signed.
This is the season to extend my thanks to you, to the members of the Board of Public Welfare and to all Officials, Department Heads and em- ployees of the Town who courteously co-operated with me and members of my staff throughout the year. I commend also the Social Agencies, Service Organizations, Church and Civic Groups and individuals for their many serv- ices.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Many times these people can rescue a family where we cannot aid. I further wish to commend my staff and the Field Representative of the State Department of Public Welfare without whom we could not function. Our task is to take care of unfortunates and provide rehabilitation and Medical Care. Respectfully submitted, George V. Morse Director of Public Assistance
REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL BOARD
205
Annual Report of the Personnal Board
January 12, 1962
To the Citizens of Arlington:
The Personnel Board herewith respectfully submits its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1961.
The membership of the Board changed with the appointment of Edward J. Swadkins, an employee nominee, to succeed Warren E. O'Leary. F. Law- rence Doherty was re-elected Chairman for the coming year. The appoint- ments of William J. Frost and F. Lawrence Doherty will expire on March 12, 1962. Robert L. Johnson, an employee representative, was appointed to March 12, 1963 and Paul E. Widder to March 12, 1964.
The Board attended the sixth annual meeting of the Massachusetts Muni- cipal Personnel Boards Association at Framingham and Lee Morris pre- sided as Chairman of the Association. The main topics of discussion were the mandatory amendment to the Welfare Compensation Plan and collective bargaining for cities and towns.
The Board has held 17 meetings during the year and considered 25 requests of individuals, committees and appointing authorities. A reqeust from the various employee organizations for a general flat increase for all employees, a reduction in service for sick leave eligibility, guaranteed holi- days, and additional funeral leave was considered. Since the cost of living continues to rise and the salary rates in comparable communities have in- creased, the Board is again considering a recommendation of another gen- eral increase in order to maintain a median comparison and a fair standard of living for the employees of the Town. In addition to the meetings, we have had frequent contact with the Executive Secretary on various personnel matters that have arisen between meetings. The Executive Secretary has had numerous conferences with the Town Manager, department heads, em- ployees and the Division of Civil Service on matters pertaining to Civil Service procedure, the operation of the Classification and Pay Plan and the Leave Regulations. The following are some of the routine personnel pro- cedures handled by the department this year:
Civil Service requisitions
84
Emergency appointments
58
Appointments, temporary, provisional, renewals
205
Permanent appointments
42
Promotions - permanent and temporary
26
Termination of temporary employment
1 74
Termination of permanent employment
40
Permanent and temporary transfers
10
Loyalty Oaths
113
Group Insurance
28
There are at present 554 permanent full-time, 24 permanent part-time, 10 temporary full-time, 47 temporary part-time, and 36 seasonal part-time classified employees in the service of the Town. The peak employment period is during the summer months with a total of 731. These figures do not in- clude the personnel under the School Committee.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
The Board appreciates the cooperation and assistance given by the Board of Selectmen, Town Manager, Finance Committee, officials, boards, Town Counsel and employees in our effort to administer the duties and responsibilities involved. We also wish to express our sincere apprecia- tion for the capable services of our Executive Secretary and for the clerical work performed by Mrs. Helen Mccluskey.
Respectfully submitted,
William J. Frost Robert L. Johnson Edward J. Swadkins Paul E. Widder F. Lawrence Doherty, Chairman
207
REPORT OF THE PURCHASING DEPARTMENT
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