USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Eastham > Town of Eastham Annual Report 1957-1961 > Part 3
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1. Jan. 23 John S. Ahern Granted (with stipulations)
2. April 10 Katherine W. Allen
Denied
3. April 10 Frank E. Gould
Granted
4. May 22 Ella Gillespie Granted
5. June 12 Yngve Rongner
Granted
6. Aug. 14 William D. McCray
Granted
7. Sept. 4 Oscar W. Baer
Granted
8. Sept. 18 Doris M. and Fred Rechenberg Denied
9. Oct. 16 Donald S. Woodbury Granted
54
10. Oct. 16 Nathan A. Nickerson, Sr. Denied
11. Oct. 16 Hattie C Higgins Denied
12. Oct. 16 Johanna Smith
Granted
13. Oct. 16 Dr. C. C. Christiansen Denied
14. Nov. 13 Robert A. and Ellen Smith Denied
15. Nov. 13 Richard J. and Antoinette VanderMay Granted
16. Dec. 4 Ulysses G. and Helene MacNeil Granted
It should be pointed out that besides these cases which were formally heard during the course of the year, the Board held several informal discussions with prospective appellants who wished to seek the advice of or to sound out the opinions of the members on and off-the-record basis. In addition, two more appeal requests have been recently received as of this date and these cases, there being no dire emergency involved, have been set for January 1958, in order to avoid the holiday season. Finally, the Board, as requested by the appellants, is holding in abeyance until after the February Town Meeting at least four other cases, decisions on which hinge upon the Zoning Code additions and revisions that the townspeople may see fit to vote. From this record it can be seen that 1957 was a busy year for your Board of Appeals and that 1958, with the probable changes in the Zoning Code and the completion of the Mid- Cape Highway to Orleans, promises to be even busier.
In regard to the proposed amendments to the Zoning Code, your Board, as a part of the fifteen member commit- tee voted at the last annual town meeting, has had a prominent part in formulating those additions and changes which through its past experiences have appeared to be the most urgently needed in order to facilitate progressive and orderly growth in the town. Discussion of the individual articles has no proper place in this report, but, rather, should and will be conducted most properly at the open hearing in January and at the February town meeting.
55
Certainly the Board urges every voter to consider the very great importance of proper zoning to the future of his town and to give his full and earnest attention to the new articles.
As Acting Chairman for the year of 1957 during and since Mr. Whitford's final illness, I have been most fortu- nate in receiving fine cooperation and support from the other members of the Board, Mr. John D. Leary, Mr. Clyde L. Becker and Mr. George D. Dickie, whose faithful attend- ance and interested participation at the hearings has been most gratifying. I also wish to say that in the person of Mrs. Catherine DeVille the Board has an excellent clerk and secretary whose genuine interest and helpfulness in the affairs of the Board has made our task much easier and more pleasant. My hearty thanks to these fine associ- ates and to those townspeople who, by their faithful attend- ance at hearings, have shown a definite interest in their town's bright future and, by their participation in the hear- ing discussions, have aided the Board in reaching proper decisions.
Respecfully submitted,
DAVID L. MEAD
Acting Chairman
56
Report of The Barnstable County Health Department
January 2, 1958
Board of Health,
Town of Eastham
Gentlemen :
I beg to submit, this report of the Barnstable County Health Department for the year 1957.
The vaccine program for the prevention of poliomye- litis was continued during the year. The vast majority of children who had previously received two doses of the vac- cine were given a third dose, and by the end of the year, a high proportion of our population under twenty years of age had been vaccinated. Only one mild non-paralytic case of the disease was reported during the year.
However, it should be noted that services for crippled persons who suffered the effects of the disease in previous years, chiefly during the year 1955, were continued. This involved additional demands on the Crippled Children's Service and on the funds raised by the local chapter of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis.
Services in sanitation, nursing, child guidance and dental hygiene were carried out during the year at about the usual level.
Statistical Summary of Activities
Administrative :
Miles Travelled
65,380
Individuals Interviewed
2,602
Meetings Attended
311
Lectures, etc.
48
Attendance at Lectures
4,060
57
Communicable Disease Control:
Acute Communicable Disease Visits
35
Consultations with Physicians 28
Venereal Disease Visits
104
Smallpox Vaccinations
158
Diphtheria Immunizations
1,493
Tetanus Immunizations
1,493
Whooping Couph Immunizations
415
Poliomyelitis Vaccinations
14,586
Child Hygiene:
Preschool Examinations
293
School Examinations
812
Children Examined (Dental Hygienist)
2,371
Children Given Fluorine Prophylaxis
534
Total Fluorine Treatments
2,829
Visits to Crippled Children's Service
374
Visits to Psychiatric Social Worker
848
Visits to Psychiatrist
148
Visits to Psychologist
176
Sanitary Inspections :
Water Supplies
121
Sewage Disposal
119
Camps
30
Rodent Control
45
Dairy Farms
33
Pasteurizing Plants
51
Restaurants
2,030
Markets
350
Miscellaneous
15
Laboratory Specimens Examined :
Water Supplies 127
Milk (Bacteriological) 119
58
Milk (Fats and Solids)
118
Cream
18
Coliform Tests
286
Food Handling Utensils
1,761
Cases of Reportable Diseases :
Chicken Pox
43
Dog Bite
175
German Measles
22
Measles
51
Meningitis
4
Mumps
115
Scarlet Fever
25
Tuberculosis
23
Whooping Cough
55
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
2
Reespectfully submitted,
F. L. MOORE, M.D., M.P.H. County Health Officer
59
Report of The Building Inspector
To the Board of Selectmen :
I herewith submit my report for the year ending Decem- ber 31, 1957.
During the year 122 Building Permits were issued and 317 inspections made.
The sum of $467.50 was collected and turned in to the Treasurer as fees for Building Permits.
The estimated cost of all buildings for the year was $450,125.00.
Permits were issued for the following buildings :
Dwellings
28
Cottages
44
Garages
9
Additions
38
Camps
2
Motel
1
122
Respectfully submitted
RALPH L. ROGERS
Building Inspector
60
Civil Defense Director's Report
December 17, 1957
To the Board of Selectmen :
The past year has been an active one for the office of Civil Defense. The local staff officers meet every Monday night from 7:00 to 9:30 for instruction and briefings on procedure.
The rapid advancement in warfare devices necessitates numerous changes in Civil Defense planning. Therefore to minimize the damage caused either by natural disaster or enemy action, much time is required for planning and train- ing of key personnel.
The local Civil Defense participated in the Massachu- setts Pre-Alert exercises in May, and was on duty May 24-25-26, with a very good representation of staff officers.
During the fire emergency in May we were alerted and remained on call for the remainder of the emergency, acting as the coordinating service for the fire department.
In July the local Civil Defense had a disaster drill with the Nauset Coast Guard Station cooperating. This drill designed to test our communications system proved very beneficial and we are grateful to the Nauset Station for their cooperation.
We now have four men trained and equipped for de- tecting radiation. These men completed an eighteen-hour radiological monitoring course during the past winter.
61
Local staff officers are now attending classes every sec- ond week at Sector 2C headquarters. These classes are expected to run well into the new year.
The emergency generator is completely installed and will prove very beneficial in case of power failure.
We are now instructing volunteers in radio communi- cations, and are making plans for a first aid station course for the winter.
I wish to sincerely thank the Board of Selectmen, Police Chief Knowles, Fire Chief Hilferty, Welfare Service Chief Dorice Mayo, and my staff officers for their fine coopera- tion during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
CLARENCE E. DOUGHTY, Director
£
62
Report of The Finance Committee
January 8, 1958
To the Board of Selectmen :
Transfers from the Reserve Fund to various accounts during the year 1957 were as follows:
March 4 Snow Account
$1,000.00
March 4 Public Welfare 4.00
Sept. 19 Snow Account
27.81
Oct. 30 Town Hall Account
700.00
Oct. 30 Civilian Defense
200.00
Nov. 27 Fire Department
600.00
Nov. 27 Highway Snow Account
500.00
Dec. 30 Assessor Abstract
10.67
Dec. 30 Selectmen and Assessors' Expense
11.17
Dec.
30 Fire Department
137.87
Dec.
30 Civilian Defense
.19
Total
$3,191.71
Balance as of December 30
$1,808.29
Respectfully submitted,
WARRENTON A. WILLIAMS,
Chairman
Edward J. Brown
Joseph L. Putnam
William Hokkanen
Dr. Carl I. Skyllberg
Dr. James Leach
George R. Bridgwood
Ralph L. Ormsby
Herman A. Mahoney
63
Report of The Eastham Fire Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
I hereby submit my report of activities of the East- ham Volunteer Fire Department.
In 1957 the Fire Department was called upon to ex- tinguish twenty-two fires and give assistance in thirteen emergencies. Due to the extremely dry spring and sum- mer, eighteen of the twenty-two fires were grass and woods fires. In May, when Plymouth had its forest fire, Eastham made available one fire truck and a crew of men. The truck and men were in Plymouth May 8, 9 and part of May 10. A total of 140 man hours were accumulated.
March 20 was the day we had our spring blizzard. Ten men spent the next twenty-four hours on duty at the Fire Station in order to act more quickly in the event of a fire or emergency. Your Fire Department is always ready to move, so do not be afraid to call on them no matter how small the fire or the emergency.
Three hundred and twenty-five fire permits were issued in spite of the fact the woods were closed three different times. I also issued 250 gas and oil permits.
Yngve Rongner, Captain of our Rescue Squad, retired in September, much to the regret of the men. Captain Ernest Hollis is now our able Rescue Officer.
Our alarm system is going to be operated by the Dis-
64
patcher in Orleans instead of by the Telephone Operator. New cards showing new Code Numbers will be distributed by the firemen.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the Selectmen and everyone for their support and cooperation.
The alarm calls are as follows:
8 Silent
1 Oil Stove
2 Chimney
18 Grass and Woods
1 Electrical
13 Emergencies
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN HILFERTY,
Fire Chief
65
Report of Highway Surveyor
To Board of Selectmen :
Chapter 81
To Appropriation
$ 4,000.0 By Payment $15,000.00
By State
11,000.00
$15,000.00
Laborers' Wages
$1,101.80
Surveyors' Wages 644.00
1,745.80
Equipment Rental : Trucks and
Operators
2,930.38
Power Grader 740.00
Tractor Shovel
1,480.00
Bulldozer
88.00
Chip Spreader
66.00
Tractor and
Mower
358.00
Road Sweeper
411.25
Power Crane
67.50
Power Saw
25.00
6,166.13
Material & Supplies :
Type I Hot Mix
182.00
Asphalt
6,667.17
Catch Basins 165.92
Top Soil
72.00
Gasoline .98
7,088.07
$15,000.00
66
The following roads were given Asphalt treatment dur- ing 1957 :
Bay View Road
Herring Brook
Bridge Road
Pond
Gov. Prence
Samoset
Light House McKoy Shurtleff
Kingsbury Beach
Patterson
Sunken Meadow, So.
Massasoit
Lawton
Camp Ground
Sunset, Village
Nauset
Ellis
Aspinet
Old State Highway
Cooks Brook
Respectfully submitted,
NATHAN A. NICKERSON, SR. Highway Surveyor
67
Report of The Town Librarian
-
To the Board of Selectmen:
The number of people using the Library this year was 3,776. The book and magazine circulation was 9,568, ex- ceeding last year's number by 1,314.
Fines for the year totaled $78.95.
1
Respectfully submitted,
NATHENA M. COLE, Librarian
68
Library Trustees Report
Our good friend, Mrs. Dorrice Mayo, retired as Chair- man and we welcomed Mrs. Elgie C. Milliken as the new third trustee.
In the past year the roof has been re-shingled and in doing so,, the chimney was torn partly down to permit the installation of new furnace vents.
New metal area ways were installed at the cellar win- dows which will eliminate a very bad situation there of rot and decay.
The bulkhead and foundation were rebuilt as well as minor repairs made to the exterior trim.
At this writing the building is in very presentable shape and state of repair. However, the condition of the cellar has still to be corrected. Although one wall has been re-sheathed, there still remain the other three to be done and possibly the old storage section.
On appeal of Mrs. Homer Smith to move in two cot- tages on her land adjacent to the Library property, the Trustees met with Mrs. Smith and went over the proposed plan. At the hearing we said we had no objection as we would see no future harm to the Library property.
Despite the Encyclopaedia Britannica we still need more reference books for the young people. Several excel- lent nature books have been added this year.
The Library Trustees wish to thank all those who have helped us in the past year and the many people who have contributed books. We also wish to thank our librarian, Mrs. Nathena Cole, for her continued excellent work.
Respectfully submitted,
MARGARET J. CAMPBELL, Chrm. ELGIE C. MILLIKEN LORNA B. HORTON, Secretary
69
Report of The Tree Warden and Moth Superintendent
To the Board of Selectmen:
There was a minimum amount of storm clearance re- quired this past year as we suffered no severe storms. Over- hanging limbs were removed wherever noted.
The scouting and trapping was carried out as usual this year. A total of twenty traps were set in as many locations throughout the Town. The results this past year were not as favorable as in the past. The gypsy moths were found to be prevalent in most areas. The surrounding towns have had gypsy moths previously and they finally filtered into Eastham.
There are still no cases of Dutch Elm disease in East- ham. However, much of the State has been infested and a constant watch is being kept here for any early signs of the disease.
The spraying program was carried out as extensively as was possible. Many repairs were necessary to the spray equipment. The program was cut short by a few weeks when extensive repairs became necessary. As the money was not available the sprayer was stored. Repairs to the pump, motor and tank and a general overhaul were esti- mated at a cost of from seven to eight hundred dollars. Due to the vintage of the equipment an expenditure of such amount is not, to my belief, in the best interests of the Town and its taxpayers. Therefore, it is sincerely hoped
70
that the voters will give serious consideration to the purchase of necessary new equipment and act favorably thereon.
Respectfully submitted
ROBERT L. SCHROEDER
Tree Warden and Moth Superintendent
Report Of The Old Mill
To the Board of Selectmen:
The Old Mill was opened on June 15th and closed on September 28th. The longer season was due to the fact that there were no Polio or hurricane scares to send the visitors home early, and the warm weather in June brought people to town earlier than usual.
Over 19,000 people signed the Guest Book and of course there were several thousand who did not sign.
The receipts from sales amounted to $997.90 and the donations totaled $768.36.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD R. COLE, Miller
71
Report of Planning Board
To the Board of Selectmen:
During 1957 the Planning Board met fourteen times. In addition its members actively participated in seven meet- ings of the Special Protective By-Law Review Committee of fifteen members created by a vote of the 1957 annual town meeting. The Planning Board approved five sub- divisions with a total number of seventy-seven lots.
The Planning Board gave considerable time and study to the question of public parks in Eastham, in connection with plans for National Parks and State Parks on Cape Cod being studied and developed by the National Park de- partment in Washington and the Massachusetts State Com- missioner of Natural Resources, Francis W. Sargent.
As a result of the information available so far on these subjects, the Planning Board submitted recommendations to the Eastham Board of Selectmen covering the subject of a Town Park extending from the ocean to Ocean View Drive between Nauset Light and the U. S. Coast Guard Station to cover about thirty-five acres or so (of which the Town of Eastham already owns a great part) with a road leading to it directly from School House Road. Other pos- sible areas of town park ownership were also pointed out for future consideration.
The Town Park recommendation is being considered by the Board of Selectmen, but no further actual action is being taken now, pending further information becoming available regarding Federal and State plans.
72
The Planning Board believes that the Zoning By-Law revisions recommended to the Town Meeting by the special 15-men committee are very helpful and will aid materially in guiding the growth of Eastham along constructive and solid lines. The Planning Board therefore hopes that the annual town meeting will adopt them all.
Respectfully submitted,
Bernard C. Collins, Jr., Chairman
Albert H. Nickerson, Clerk
Prescott B. Cummings
Clarence E. Doughty
Eugene S. Zack
73
Report of The Chief of Police
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and the Citizens of the Town of Eastham:
I hereby submit my report of the duties and activities of the Police Department of the Town of Eastham.
1. PATROL DUTIES :
Covering the entire town year round. 26,905 miles driven by Police Cruiser.
From June to September the Cruiser was in patrol operation for approximately 19 hours each day.
2. PARKING AREAS:
Parking cars at Nauset Light Beach and at Nauset Coast Guard Beach on weekends and at other times when needed.
Parking cars at all large Town Hall functions.
Attending to parking at Churches, when improper on- street parking would create a traffic hazard.
3. MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS AND VIOLATIONS:
Written warnings issued 30
Licenses and/or Registrations referred to Registry for further action 128
Auto accidents investigated 16
Persons injured 15
Motor vehicle court cases 5
Convictions 5
4. COMPLAINTS INVESTIGATED :
Total number of complaints
672
Breaking and Entering 6
74
Property Damage
6
(estimated total damage $931.00)
Recovered for Property Owners (estimated recovery $645.00)
6
Drunk Complaints
4
Prowlers
6
Illegal Use of Firearms
3
Dog Complaints
6
Summons Served 16
Arrests
3
Convictions 3
5. ROUTINE DUTIES :
Assists to other Police Departments 20
Assists to U. S. Coast Guard 2
Messages delivered to and from residents and summer visitors 42
Motor vehicle transfers issued 85
Pistol permits issued 14
Complete inspections of unoccupied dwellings 3
In the 1955 Town Report this Department claimed a portion of the responsibility for a very successful year. Success in this case meaning fewer accidents, fewer injuries and fewer related problems. This was, to a great degree, made fact by increasing the number of hours of Cruiser patrol duty and by a general tightening of law enforce- ment. If year after year the problems and the demands of this department remained the same, it would mean that the 1955 solution would solve the 1958 problem. We all know that this is not the case. Increases in traffic volume,
75
in the number of persons visiting and living in Eastham, and the increased acceptance and use of the Police De- partment by residents and summer visitors alike, show a substantial growth each year. These factors, in part, con- stitute the problem in 1958.
Included in the Police Department budget is an amount suffcient to enable me to have a second man on duty each day during the busy season. By so doing, it will be possible to maintain almost continuous Cruiser patrol for the entire nineteen duty hours. During the day-time hours of last summer it was necessary to limit cruiser patrol to the barest minimum in order to properly handle the routine duties and the office functions of the department.
Public participation in safe and courteous driving cam- paigns is becoming increasingly popular. Beginning in February, a campaign developed by the Eastham Police Department and sponsored by Clancy's Auto Sales of North Eastham, will make an award each month to persons picked as "Courteous Driver of the Month". This plan, used in other communities, has proven very effective in making drivers conscious of the value of "courtesy while driving." Further announcements will be made when final details have been arranged.
I feel it necessary to, once more, call to your attention the need of reporting complaints to the Department as quickly as possible. In a number of instances the efficiency of police work is impaired by the delay in reporting. For example, the instance of a strange noise, suspected by a prowler. If investigated within a few minutes it is more likely resolved, than when reported the next morning.
In October, a new two-way radio was installed in the cruiser. This was made possible by a very generous con- tribution from the Eastham Improvement Association in the amount of $400.00. Our sincere gratitude is due this very interested group of summer residents.
76
I am going to take this opportunity to thank the Selectmen and other town officials, the officers of this de- partment, the citizens and visitors, the Orleans Police De- partment and the other Cape Police Departments for their excellent support and cooperation. It has been a pleasure working for and with them. Any recommendations that will tend to make a better Police Department will be sin- cerely appreciated.
Respectfully submitted, WINFRED J. KNOWLES, Chief of Police
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
To the Board of Selectmen :
I hereby submit my report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending December 31, 1957.
Scales 100 to 5000 pounds
Adjusted 3
Sealed 3
Scales under 100 pounds
Adjusted 1 Sealed 5
Weights
Sealed 8
Gasoline Meters 1 inch or less
Adjusted 4 Sealed 23
Vehicle Tanks
Adjusted 2 Sealed 2
Kerosene Measure Devices Total
Sealed 1
Gasoline Meter Retests 4
Adjusted 10 Sealed 42
Total amount of Fees collected $35.50.
Respectfully submitted STANLEY M. WALKER Sealer of Weights and Measures
77
Report of The Eastham Recreation Commission
To the Board of Selectmen :
The initiation of a volley ball program for men last winter proved to be successful. Monday evenings were game nights at the Eastham Elementary School until the month of May. Volley ball for women on Friday evenings was also popular.
On Saturday mornings from 9 to 11, basketball was played by boys in grades 3 through 6. A league was organ- ized with Orleans, the league being divided into two parts : the 3rd and 4th grade teams, and the 5th and 6th grade teams.
We were fortunate in having Miss Sharon Tarvers as our swimming instructor once again. She was assisted by Miss Elaine Plante. Miss Tarvers reported 352 enrolled, 64 passed beginners tests, 36 passed the intermediate require- ments, 20 the Swimmers, 12 the Junior Life Saving, and 10 completed advanced swimmers' requirements. To climax the season an excellent water show was presented at Salt Pond.
The Reds and Blues, Eastham's Little League teams, were coached by Brad Whitmore and Pete Arnold, and both teams had good seasons, each playing 15 games. For the first time a Pony League was organized, with teams from Harwich, Orleans and Eastham. Our Eastham team was coached by Doug Higgins. A total of 12 games were played by each club, and all reports indicate this was a highly successful venture.
78
The annual Hallowe'en Party was enjoyed by all who attended. It was for pre-school children through grade 6. Master of ceremonies Roy Babbitt was assisted by the Den Mothers.
Last October a basketball backboard was placed on the edge of the parking lot at the Town Hall. It appeared to be popular with the local boys.
While other programs will not be de-emphasized during the coming year, it has become apparent that swimming is the most important function sponsored by the Recreation Commission. More money and thought will have to go into this program for instruction and improvement of the swim- ming areas.
Respectfully submitted,
Howard E. Brewer, Chairman Velma MacPherson, Secretary Leroy Babbitt Theodore Mickle Leonard Tarvers
79
Report of The Shellfish Constable
-
To the Board of Selectmen :
During the year 1957 a total of 200 bushels of quahoags were planted in the Salt Pond. No oysters were planted this year due to the borers. All softshell clam areas in Salt Pond were kept closed because of the clam seed.
There were no scallops in Cape Cod Bay this year and very few in the Town Cove. There is some scallop seed showing in Cape Cod Bay at this time.
During the year a total of 187 bushels of green crabs were destroyed, as they are enemies of shellfish.
Shellfish permits were issued as follows :
918 Resident Non-Commercial 235 Non-Resident Non-Commercial 24 Commercial 2 Scallop
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