USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1938 > Part 8
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During the year the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety informed the Board that lighting conditions in the Town Hall did not conform to regulations for public buildings. Accord- ingly, we are compelled to install gas as an auxiliary lighting system. Therefore, a sum of $300 will be requested for this purpose.
Referring to the vote authorizing the Selectmen to purchase
191
REPORT OF BOARD OF SELECTMEN
land suitable for a playground, the Board was unable to acquire any place, which in their opinion, was suitable for such a purpose. Of the places considered one was unexpectedly sold early in the vear, and of the other desirable places, the Board feels that it would be wise to defer the selection of a site in view of the many suggestions for the installation of different types of athletic activities. However, this appropriation is kept open, and set up specially to be used for any site acceptable to the Town when selected.
This report would be incomplete if the Board did not recognize the faithful and conscientious services of our Town Counsel. His advice and wise counsel was of great assistance, not only to our Board but to many of the other departments.
The splendid cooperation of the Unemployment Committee, the Surveyor of Highways, and our W. P. A. agent, simplified our problems,-to them and all other Town officials, we take this opportunity to express our appreciation.
The Board has endeavored to conduct an economical and busi- ness-like administration-having in mind at all times-it is the people's money which is being spent, many of whom are having a struggle to pay their bills.
Careful consideration on all appropriations as recommended by your Town officials should be the watch-word at the annual meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN H. PERKINS
WALFRED B. SELLMAN EDWARD A. DEWITT
WARRANT FOR THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
ESSEX, SS. To either of the Constables of the Town of Hamilton : GREETINGS :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Hamilton, qualified to vote in election and Town affairs to meet in the Town Hall in said Town on Monday, the sixth day of March, nineteen hundred and thirty-nine (March 6, 1939) at seven thirty o'clock in the evening (7.30 P. M.) then and there to act on the following articles, viz.
ARTICLE 1. "To bring in your ballots for :
Moderator for one year
Town Clerk for one year
Three Selectmen for one year
Three Overseers of Public Welfare for one year
Treasurer for one year
Tax Collector for one year
One Surveyor of Highways for one year
Tree Warden for one year
Three Constables for one year
One Assessor for three years
One Member of the School Committee for three years
One Library Trustee for three years
One Cemetery Commissioner for three years
One Park Commissioner for three years
One Water Commissioner for three years
193
WARRANT
The above named officers to be voted for on one ballot on Tuesday, the fourteenth day of March, 1939 (March 14, 1939). The polls will be opened at 5.45 o'clock A. M., and may be closed at 4.00 o'clock P. M."
ARTICLE 2. "To choose and appoint all other Town Officers in such manner as the Town shall determine."
ARTICLE 3. "To hear the report of the Town Officers and of the Finance and Advisory Committee and all other committees and take any action thereon."
ARTICLE 4. "To raise and appropriate money for Schools, Highways and all other town expenses and determine the manner of expending same."
ARTICLE 5. "To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $4,200.00 to be expended for work to be done on the Highways, the Cemetery, the Moth Suppression Depart- ment, the Parks, Fire Protection, the Water Supply System, municipal buildings, and other municipal works and for materials and implements, to provide work for the needy unemployed of the town, or take any action thereon."
ARTICLE 6. "To see if the Town will vote to continue the building of permanent highway on Asbury Street, said highway to be built jointly by the State, County and Town, and to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,500.00 for the Town's share of the cost of above work, or take any action thereon."
ARTICLE 7. "To see if the Town will raise and appropriate a sum of money for the operation, current expenses and main- tenance of the Water Department or take any action thereon."
194
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
ARTICLE 8. "To see if the Town will raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money to defray the expense of waterproofing the southeast side of the High School Building and do such other repairs in connection thereto, as necessary on the inside, to bring the work to a satisfactory completion, or take any action thereon, :as petitioned for by the School Committee and others."
ARTICLE 9. "To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of $1,355.73 to cover the balance and pay the following overdraft: Snow, $1,355.73."
ARTICLE 10. "To see if the Town will vote to accept Linden Street Extension. so called, from Lois Street to Highland Street, as altered and relocated, in accordance with a plan dated Novem- ber, 1938. on file at the Town Clerk's office or take any action thereon."
ARTICLE 11. "To see if the Town will vote to accept Lois Street. southwesterly to the Wenham line as altered and relocated in accordance with a plan dated September, 1938, on file at the Town Clerk's office or take any action thereon."
ARTICLE 12. "To see if the Town will vote to accept that part or continuation of Garfield Avenue, so called, as laid out by the Selectmen, as shown on a plan on file in the Town Clerk's office, not included in the acceptance and lay-out of said Garfield Avenue by vote of the Town under Article 9 of the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting March 13, 1929. or take any action there- on, as petitioned for by Wendell W. Dodge and others."
ARTICLE 13. "To see if the Town will vote to accept Boston Avenue. as laid out by the Selectmen, as shown on a plan on file in the Town Clerk's office, or take any action thereon."
195
WARRANT
ARTICLE 14. "To see if the Town will vote, subject to the approval of the Commissioner of Corporations and Taxation, to transfer the sum of $2,500.00 from the Overlay Reserve Fund to the Reserve Fund."
ARTICLE 15. "To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to sell, after first giving notice of the time and place of sale by posting such notice of sale in some convenient and public place in the Town fourteen days at least before the sale, property taken by the Town under tax title procedure, provided that the Selectmen or whomsoever they may authorize to hold such public auction may reject any bid which they deem inade- quate, or take any action relative thereto."
ARTICLE 16. "To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1940, and to issue a note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accord- ance with Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws and amendments thereto."
ARTICLE 17. "To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, in anticipa- tion of the receipt of the proceeds of a federal grant to be used with funds provided by the Town for a public works project, expenditures upon which may be primarily required to pay a portion of the expense before reimbursement is received from such grant, borrow and incur debt outside the debt limit to an amount not exceeding the amount of such grant, and issue notes therefor, payable in not exceeding one year from their dates, as provided for in Chapter 82 of the Acts and Resolves of 1938."
196
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
ARTICLE 18. "To see if the Town will authorize the Collector to use all means of collecting taxes which a Town Treasurer, when appointed Collector, may use agreeable to Chapter 41, Section 37, of the General Laws and amendments thereto."
ARTICLE 19. "To act on any other matter that may legally come before said meeting."
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting attested copies thereof, one at the Town Hall, and one at each of the three postoffices in said Town, seven days at least before the time of holding said meeting.
Hereof fail not and make due return of this warrant with your doings thereon to the Town Clerk at the time and place of holding said meeting.
Given under our hands this 1st day of February A. D. 1939. A true copy, Attest :
(Signed) JOHN H. PERKINS
WALFRED B. SELLMAN EDWARD A. DEWITT Selectmen of Hamilton.
TOWN OF HAMILTON
REPORT
OF THE
Finance and Advisory Committee ON THE
Appropriations and Articles FOR THE
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
MARCH 6, 1939
MASSA
A
ILTON
. HA
ITS.
INC
179
RP
SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS NEWCOMB & GAUSS CO., PRINTERS 1939
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FINANCE AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Hamilton:
Thanks to the wholehearted cooperation of the various depart- ment heads, the 1939 budget is less than the 1938 budget. Never- theless we shall probably have an increase in the tax rate this year, and the increase might be substantial. This contradictory situation exists by virtue of the power of the State to levy what is called the state tax on cities and towns. The amount of this tax is the difference between the State's receipts and its expenses. In other words, it is the State's deficit.
In round figures and as well as can be estimated at this date, the situation as to the state tax is as follows : Hamilton is required by law to pay 82c per $1,000 of the state tax, and in return receives from the State a share of the income tax, the corporation tax, and certain other taxes. Up to recently the amount paid out and the amount received were somewhat in bal- ance. However, changes have occurred in 1938 and 1939. The State's deficit has substantially increased and the return to cities and towns from income, corporation and other state taxes will probably be reduced. The state tax for 1938 was $17,000,000, of which only $8,000,000 was anticipated by the cities and towns and included in the 1938 tax levy. The balance of $9,000,000 and the 1939 state tax will have to be paid by the cities and towns this year. As a result of increased state commitments over a period of years, the state tax this year is estimated as high as $32,000,000, but revenues from new taxes will probably keep it below this fig-
200
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
ure. At best, however, it seems reasonably certain that our tax rate will be increased even though our expenses are reduced.
In making reductions in our budget the increased state tax was the chief motivating factor. We do not feel that department heads should be further penalized to the extent of cutting salaries or reducing necessary facilities in order to avoid an increased tax rate of which they had no part in the making. But the town's taxpayers, we are sure, appreciate the forbearance of those depart- ments which could forego increases or were able to effect econo- mies this year. The appropriations recommended for 1939 com- pared with those of 1938 are as follows :
Appropriations and Transfers 1938
Recom-
mended Increases Decreases 1939
Selectmen
$1,200 00
$1,200 00
Accounting
1,350 00
1,350 00
Treasury
1,025 00
1,000 00
$25 00
Collector
1,250 00
1,250 00
Assessors
1,820 00
1,800 00
20 00
Other Finance Accounts.
10 00
5 00
5 00
Law
300 00
300 00
Town Clerk
650 00
650 00
Election and Registration ..
1,000 00
1,000 00
Town Hall
2,300 00
2,300 00
Town Hall for auxiliary lighting
340 00
340 00
Police
2,500 00
2,500 00
Police 1937 Overdraft
209 86
209 86
Fire Department
3,000 00
2,800 00
200 00
Shingling Fire House
175 00
175 00
Water Department
450 00
1,000 00
550 00
Moth, public
2,000 00
2,000 00
Moth, private
1,100 00
1,100 00
Moth sprayer
1,285 00
1,285 00
Tree Warden
900 00
900 00
Forest Warden
150 00
75 00
75 00
Sealer
300 00
300 00
300 00
Inspector of Animals
75 00
75 00
Town Highways
13,000 00
13,000 00
State Road maintenance ...
1,000 00
500 00
500 00
Roads under Ch. 90
3,500 00
1,500 00
2,000 00
Health Department
2,700 00
2,400 00
201
RECOMMENDATIONS OF FINANCE AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Appropriations and Transfers 1938
Recom-
mended Increases Decreases 1939
Snow
8,000 00
5,000 00
3,000 00
Snow 1938 overdraft
1,355 73
1,355 73
Street Lighting
8,200 00
8,200 00
Unemployment Fund
11,500 00
8,300 00*
*3,200 00
Public Welfare
18.500 00
21,000 00
2,500 00
Public Welfare 1937 over- draft
877 17
877 17
Soldiers' Relief
1,700 00
1,800 00
100 00
State and Military Aid
1,000 00
1,100 00
100 00
Schools
42,643 92+ 42,858 64+
214 72
Vocational
300 00
350 00
50 00
Educational trips
50 00
50 00
Fire door
135 00
135 00
Tables and stock
92 80
92 80
Manual training machines
337 45
100 00
237 45
Cafeteria dishes
94 75
94 75
Waterproofing high school
800 00
1,500 00
700 00
Stoker for high school .... Painting
333 00
333 00
Library
2,400 00
2,400 00
American Legion
300 00
300 00
Memorial Day
300 00
250 00
50 00
Parks
150 00
150 00
Reserve Fund
3,000 00年
2,500 00套
Town Clock
50 00
50 00
Cemetery
1,450 00
1,400 00
50 00
Town Report
600 00
500 00
100 00
Insurance Fund
1,200 00
1,300 00
1,00 00
Boiler insurance
75 00
75 00
Interest
2,950 00
3,750 00
800 00
Playground
500 00
500 00
Maturing debt
7,000 00
8,500 00
1,500 00
Totals
$157,455 95$153,402 37 $9,578 45 $13,132 03
* In 1938 there was distributed to the cities and towns $5,000,000 from the gasoline tax fund, of which Hamilton's share was $4,100. It is proposed that this sum be transferred to the Unemployment Fund, the effect of which will be to reduce by that figure the amount to be raised by taxation.
¡ Without allowance for receipts from Dog Tax.
¿ In 1938 the Reserve Fund was transferred from the Overlay Re- serve Fund and it is proposed that the same be done in 1939. The decrease of $500 in amount of the Reserve Fund for this year is not
935 00
935 00
202
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
shown in the column marked "Decreases," as transfers from the Overlay Reserve Fund do not affect the tax rate. If the proposed transfer were not made, the full $2,500 should appear as an increase.
The Warrant contained no articles involving appropriations other than those included in the above budget recommendations.
Respectfully submitted,
STANDISH BRADFORD, Chairman JOHN KING LAWRENCE R. STONE PERCIVAL D. WHIPPLE JOHN M. RAYMOND
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF HAMILTON
FOR THE YEAR
1938
MA
S
ALEX. HA
ILTON
HA
TTS.
INCORP.
21. 1793·
UN
SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS NEWCOMB & GAUSS CO., PRINTERS
1939
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The annual report of the School Committee for the year ending December 31, 1938, is herewith submitted:
Due to events occurring in 1937, public interest in school matters reached an unusually high point. The committee is fully aware of the responsibility placed upon it by the citizens of Hamilton and realizes that to it is entrusted the adminis- tration of the largest single town appropriation, the mainte- nance of the greatest number of public buildings, and the direction of the education of the town's future citizens, a task which cannot be lightly assumed. It has been the endeavor of your committee to proceed economically, to insure and protect the people's investment in their public buildings by proper repairs and constant upkeep and, above all, to develop an edu- cational system which shall not merely be as good as in towns of equal size, but which shall be the best in the State.
Due to the changes effected early in 1938, and to the in- creased interest of parents which made other changes possible later in the year, a definitely higher morale is noted in all departments of our school system. Very definite plans have been promulgated which will lead to still further improvement, but which, necessarily, cannot all be put into effect immedi- ately. We sincerely believe a policy of gradual but sure de- velopment will carry out the wishes of the Hamilton citizens for a better educational program.
We herewith present a report on the activities in the various departments of the Hamilton schools. Space does not permit more than a passing comment on the main topics.
4
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
FACULTY
Several changes in the teaching staff were made necessary by resignations, and the retirement of Miss Nellie Cutting, whose long and conscientious service to more than two gen- erations of Hamilton citizens is very well known. All new appointees to the teaching staff are capably filling their positions. The fine co-operative spirit, which the entire staff has shown, has been of much assistance to your committee and an appreciative acknowledgment is made at this time. The number of full-time teachers required during 1938 was nine- teen, with two part-time instructors, one each in the music and art departments.
SCHEDULE CHANGES
The new hours at the Junior-Senior High School have, ap- parently, proved advantageous from several angles. More time has been made available for those who need individual assist- ance, and the athletic department has been able to enlarge its activities.
ATHLETICS
Your committee has endeavored to develop an athletic pro- gram which will render the most good to the greatest number of pupils and, at the same time, promote a friendly rivalry with high schools of about the same size as that of Hamilton. The good sportsmanship, the intensive work necessary in pre- paring for contests, the obedience to instruction, and the con- tacts which these events produce are, we believe, valuable as training for the future.
Soccer was adopted last fall in place of football and met with favorable interest as the season progressed. Plans have
5
SCHOOL REPORT
already been made to enlarge the program in this sport this coming fall.
Basketball has reached an unusually high peak this year, both from a point of view of the number of students taking part and in the fine public support which the teams have been accorded.
Plans for the athletic department include a renewed interest in baseball this spring, with probable membership in the Mer- rimac Valley league.
INDUSTRIAL ARTS
That the wisdom of the town was justified in authorizing the purchase of additional machines for the Industrial Arts de- partment, is borne out by the enrollment in this department. One hundred twelve students are now taking this course-a record number. The shop is busy, not only during the regular sessions, but many extra hours as well.
HOME ECONOMICS
A necessary subject and one which is carried into the future home life of each and every student. We look to this depart- ment for greater improvement and feel confident that all taking this course will derive many benefits therefrom.
COLLEGE PREPARATION
Courses of study for college preparation, as taught in our High School, compare favorably with other schools of the State and, with the exception of requirements in a very few colleges. meet the demands of the student who, early in his career, selects that course. A survey of the graduates of the last ten years shows that of the 222 graduates, a total of 16% have
6
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
received diplomas in that course. This should not mislead anyone to assume that all have entered college direct from high school, but the percentage that have is favorably compar- able with other high schools of equal size. The need for an early decision, on the course of study a student desires to pur- sue, cannot be too strongly urged.
BUSINESS COURSE
The business course, as offered in our High School, when compared with other high schools, measures up to the standards of that generally offered by other schools. Some 17% of the 222 graduates in the last ten years have taken this course and the positions held by the majority are further testimony of its soundness.
FINANCIAL
The detailed financial statement of the school department will be found in the report of the Town Accountant, but a few of the main points are herewith explained. The regular bud- get for 1938 was for $42,643.32, and of this a balance of $57.37 was returned to the town at the end of the year.
Your committee, after a very careful and thorough study, has submitted for 1939, a regular budget which would be, nomi- nally, slightly less than that of 1938, but which must be made to conform with the statutes of the Commonwealth from an accunting angle. In accordance with the recommendations of the Department of Corporations, it is necessary to appropriate all moneys to be used in purchasing supplies for the High School cafeteria, and to return to the town all receipts there- from. This change in the financial operation of the cafeteria will not, in any way, affect the tax rate, as the assessors may use the anticipated receipts in their tax rate computation for
7
SCHOOL REPORT
1939. In addition to the regular budget, your committee feels that the following special items are very necessary if the town is to continue to develop its educational facilities and to pro- tect its buildings : Vocational training $350., educational trips $50., painting $333., automatic stokers for the High School $935., waterproofing the remaining front of the High School $1,500., and Industrial Arts supplies $100.
PLANT MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENT
During 1938, fire doors were installed in the Lamson School boiler room and two rooms in this building renovated and painted. The painting program should be continued annually, that the buildings may be kept in proper repair and thus pre- vent deterioration.
With the appropriation of $800. granted last year for water- proofing a section of the masonry of the High School, a begin- ning was made which, thus far has proved highly satisfactory. Of this amount, $785. was devoted to waterproofing the right front panel and the northeast side of the main building. As a guarantee of its permanence, the sum of $785. has been placed in escrow for three years, not to be payable to the contractor until 1941, if at that time all the work is satisfactory. In connection with this work, it was found necessary to make other repairs to accomplish satisfactory results, and these were financed from the regular repair budget. Your committee feels justified in asking for $1,500., to continue this waterproofing, across the front of the building.
After a very thorough investigation, three separate surveys by recognized heating engineers, careful computation, and ob- servations of plants where they are in use, your committee feels that automatic stokers are advisable for the High School boil- ers. We are convinced that a fuel saving of 30% per year,
8
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
or $300., can be effected by the installation of two stokers and we strongly recommend an appropriation of $935. for this purpose. The committee will shortly be faced with the neces- sity of installing new grates in the boilers and the acquisition of stokers will eliminate this problem and its expense.
In conclusion, your committee extends its sincere thanks to the various town departments, agencies, and individuals who have so spledidly co-operated during the year just closed. With this fine spirit of helpfulness, and the keen interest now being displayed by parents and citizens, Hamilton cannot help but go forward educationally.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERIC WINTHROP. JR., Chairman
FRANK E. WITHEE HARRY S. GILCHREST
9
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee:
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my sixteenth annual report for your con- sideration.
ENROLLMENT, SEPTEMBER, 1938
Grade
Jonathan Lamson
Adelaide
Dodge Walsh High
1
29
3
2
36
5
3
30
2
4
27
3
20 00 20 00 5 6 7 8
32
1
26
4
34
37
9
34
10
30
11
22
12
28
Post Graduates
3
Totals
180
18
188
Grand Total
386
This enrollment is the same at the Walsh School as in 1937; four higher at the Lamson School, and twelve more at the High School. Although every seat is filled in a few classrooms at the High School no rooms are overcrowded. A considerably larger number of pupils could be cared for at each building.
10
HAMILTON TOWN REPORT
TEACHERS
The report of the School Committee to the town in 1900 informs me that Miss Nelly G. Cutting was elected to teach in the East School that year. Excepting for a year which Miss Cutting spent in study at the Salem Normal School she was continuously in the employ of the Hamilton School Department until she retired from service at the close of school last June. Rarely does a teacher remain in the employ of the school department of a town the size of Hamilton as long and give so general satisfaction as did Miss Cutting. It is hoped that her years of retirement may be filled with many happy thoughts of her former pupils and the citizens of the town.
To fill the vacancy in the first grade Miss Alice Brown was elected from a large number of applicants. Miss Brown had taught successfully ten years before coming to her present position which she fills most satisfactorily.
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