USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1948 > Part 5
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67
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
To the Citizens of Hamilton :
The administration of General Relief, Old Age Assistance and Aid to Dependent Children is the function of the Board of Public Welfare. We submit a report of the activities of these three categories of assistance for the year 1948.
Expenditures for assistance under General Relief were approximately $1,000.00 less than in 1947, due to a decrease in the number of persons being assisted. Present conditions indicate that the demands for 1949 will exceed the 1948 expenditures.
Expenditures for Old Age Assistance exceeded that of 1947 by ap- proximately $7,000.00, due to an increase in the number of persons assisted, and a cost of living increase in monthly grants. Conditions now indicate that a greater number will receive this form of assistance in 1949, resulting in an increase in the expenditure over that of last year.
As was estimated a year ago, expenditures for Aid to Dependent Chil- dren were less than for 1947. An increase is also anticipated in this category for the coming year.
During the year the amount of contribution by the Federal Govern- ment in both Old Age Assistance and Aid to Dependent Children was in- creased. The following tables will show the proportionate cost during 1948 :
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
Expenditures
Reimbursements
By Town
$29,507.48
Federal Govt.
$12,163.78
State
11,141.73
Meals Tax
634.93
Towns & Cities
443.67
Net Cost to Town
5,123.37
$29,507.48
$29,507.48
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
By Town
$1,285.50
Federal Govt.
$289.50
State
472.42
Net Cost to Town
523.58
$1,285.50
$1,285.50
GENERAL RELIEF
By Town
$5,419.62
Towns & Cities
$1,121.00
Net Cost to Town
4,298.62
$5,419.62
$5,419.62
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The cooperation rendered by local physicians and our District Nurse, Miss Haynes, has been most helpful. We extend to them, and to all who have assisted us during the year, our sincere appreciation.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD A. DEWITT LAWRENCE R. STONE EVERETT F. HALEY
Board of Public Welfare.
REPORT OF SURVEYOR OF HIGHWAYS
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The report of the Highway Department for the year ending December 31, 1948 is respectfully submitted.
During 1948 the Highway Department has applied approximately 10,000 gallons of asphalt to the streets and an additional 500 gallons were used in the mixing of pea stone and sand for patching broken shoulders and filling in holes.
The work of graveling and penetrating Savoy Road was done this year with a necessary seal-coat of asphalt to be applied this Spring, thus completing the project.
The gravel roads have been scraped and patched as usual.
Spring cleaning was completed in the usual manner: roadsides were raked and broomed; catch-basins cleaned and outlets into which street drainage entered were cared for.
A portion of Highland Street was sealed with asphalt and covered with pea-stone and rolled and guard-rail posts were painted under Chapter 90 work.
The sidewalk project on Asbury Street was continued from Garfield Avenue to Park Street and with an appropriation granted will be finished to Main Street this year.
Once again I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the Town Officials, all other departments and to the citizens of the Town for their splendid co-operation.
Respectfully submitted, LELAND D. THOMPSON Surveyor of Highways.
69
TOWN OF HAMILTON
RULES AND ORDERS REGULATING TRAFFIC UPON THE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS OF THE TOWN OF HAMILTON
ARTICLE I
Definitions
For the purposes of these rules and orders, the words and phrases used herein shall have the following meanings except in those instances where the context clearly indicates a different meaning.
(a) "Street or Highway." The entire width between property lines of every way open to the use of the public for purposes of travel.
(b) "Vehicle." Every device in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a street or highway, except devices moved by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.
(c) "Emergency Vehicle." Vehicles of the Fire Department (Fire Patrol), police vehicles, ambulances and emergency vehicles of federal, state and municipal departments or public service corporations when the latter are responding to an emergency in relation to the police or fire de- partments.
(d) "Parking." The standing of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, otherwise than temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading, or in obedience to an officer or traffic signs or signals, or while making emergency repairs, or, if disabled, while arrange- ments are being made to move such vehicle.
(e) "Crosswalk." That portion of a roadway ordinarily included within the prolongation or connection of curb lines and property lines at intersections, or at any portion of a roadway clearly indicated for pedes- trian crossing by lines on the road surface or by other markings or signs.
(f) "Railroad Crossing." Any intersection of ways with a railroad right-of-way.
(g) "Official Traffic Signs." All signs, markings and devices, other than signals, not inconsistent with these rules and orders, and which con- form to the standards prescribed by the Department of Public Works of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and placed or erected by authority of a public body or official having jurisdiction, for the purpose of guiding, directing, warning or regulating traffic.
(h) "Officer." For the purpose of these rules and orders an officer shall be construed to mean any officer, any investigator, examiner or in- spector of the Registry of Motor Vehicles, any constable or special officer, provided he has his badge of office displayed over his left breast and upon his outer garment.
(i) "Official Curb Marking." That portion of a curbing, the paint- ing of which has been authorized by the chief of police and which has the written approval of the Department of Public Works, of the Common- wealth of Massachusetts.
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(j) "Official Street Markings." Any painted line, legend, marking or marker of any description painted or placed upon any way which pur- ports to direct or regulate traffic and which has been authorized by the chief of police and which has the written approval of the Department of Public Works of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
(k) "Sidewalk." That portion of a street or highway set aside for pedestrian travel, whether or not bounded by a curbing.
(1) "Bus Stop." An area in the roadway set aside for the berthing or parking of busses.
(m) "Bus Stops." Any area in the roadway set aside for the board- ing or alighting from and the parking of busses.
(n) "Taxicab Stands." An area, in the roadway in which certain taxicabs are required to park while waiting to be engaged.
ARTICLE II Authority and Duties of Police
Section 1. Officers to Direct Traffic. It shall be the duty of officers designated by the chief of police to enforce the provisions of these rules and orders. Such officers are hereby authorized to direct all traffic, either in person or by means of visible or audible signals in conformance with the provisions of these rules and orders, provided that in the event of a fire or other emergency to expedite traffic or safeguard pedestrians, offi- cers of the police or fire departments may direct traffic, as conditions may require, notwithstanding the provisions of these rules and orders.
Section 2. Obedience to Police. Drivers of vehicles shall comply with any lawful or reasonable order, signal or direction of any police offi- cers.
Section 3. Police May Close Streets Temporarily. The chief of police is hereby authorized to close temporarily any street or highway in an im- pending or existing emergency, or for any lawful assemblage, demonstra- tion, procession or funeral provided there is reasonable justification for the closing of such street.
Section 4. Police May Prohibit Parking Temporarily. The chief of police is hereby authorized to prohibit, temporarily, parking on any street or highway or part thereof in an impending or existing emergency, or for a lawful assemblage, demonstration, procession or funeral provided there is reasonable justification for such prohibition. Vehicles parked in places where parking is prohibited temporarily may be moved by or under the direction of an officer.
Section 5. Exemptions. The provisions of these rules and orders shall not apply to operators actually engaged in work upon a street or highway closed to travel or under construction or repair, to officers when engaged in the performance of public duties nor to drivers of emergency vehicles while operating in an emergency and in the performance of public duties when the nature of the work of any of these necessitates a departure from any part of these rules and orders. These exemptions shall not, how- ever, protect the driver of any vehicle from the consequences of a reckless disregard of the safety of others.
71
ARTICLE III Traffic Signs, Signals and Markings
Section 1. (a) The Highway Surveyor is hereby authorized, and as to those signs and signals required hereunder it shall be his duty, to place and maintain or cause to be placed and maintained all official traffic signs, signals and markings. All signs, signals and markings shall conform to the standards as prescribed by the Department of Public Works of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
(b) Sections 2 and 4 of Article II and Sections 2 and 3 of Article IV relating to parking shall be effective only during such time as official signs are erected and maintained in each block designating the provisions of such sections and located so as to be easily visible to approaching drivers. Sufficient number of such signs must be provided, so that a car cannot be parked in a limited or prohibited parking place without having the legend side of such a sign, clearly setting forth the parking regulations thereon, visible from that location.
Section 2. Obedience to Traffic Signs and Signals. No driver of any vehicle shall disobey the instructions of any official traffic control signal, sign, marking, marker or legend, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.
Section 3. Location of Bus Stops and Taxicab Stands. The location of all bus stops and taxicab stands shall be specified by the Board of Select- men and in the case of taxicab stands the selectmen may designate who may use them as such.
ARTICLE IV
Parking
Section 1. General Prohibitions. No person shall park a vehicle in any of the following places and vehicles found parked in violation of the provisions of this section may be moved by or under the direction of a police officer and at the expense of the owner to a place where parking is permitted.
(a) Within an intersection.
(b) Upon any sidewalk.
(c) Upon any crosswalk.
(d) Upon any roadway where the parking of a vehicle will not leave a clear and unobstructed lane at least ten (10) feet wide for passing traffic.
(e) Upon any street or highway within ten (10) feet of a fire hy- drant.
(f) Upon any street or highway way within twenty (20) feet of an intersecting way, except alleys.
72
Section 2. Parking Prohibited on Certain Streets. Upon the follow- ing streets or highways or parts thereof parking is hereby prohibited, ex- cept on Sunday or holidays :
(a) On both sides of Railroad Avenue between Main and Willow street for longer than a period of one hour between the hours of 9 A. M. and 6 P. M.
Section 3.
(a) No person shall park a vehicle other than a bus in a bus stop.
(b) No person shall park a bus upon any street within a business district at any place other than a bus stop, when a nearby bus stop is available for use.
Section 4. Taxicab Stands.
(a) No person shall park a vehicle other than a taxicab upon any street within a business district in any taxicab stand for a peri- od of time longer than fifteen (15) minutes except while actual- ly engaged in loading or unloading provided that such loading and unloading does not exceed a period of time longer than one- half (¿) hour.
(b) No person shall park a taxicab upon any street within a business district at any place other than the taxicab stand or stands desig- nated for the use of his taxicab or taxicabs except while waiting an opportunity to use a taxicab stand designated for his use.
ARTICLE V Obedience to Isolated Stop Signs
Section 1. Every driver of a vehicle, railway car or other conveyance approaching an intersection of ways where there exists facing him an official sign, bearing the word "stop" and authorized by this section, said sign having, apart from this regulation, the written approval of the Depart- ment of Public Works of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and such approval being in effect, shall, before proceeding through the intersection, bring such vehicle, bus or other conveyance to a complete stop at such point as may be clearly marked by a sign or line, or if a point is not so marked, then at a place between the said "stop" sign and the nearer line of the street intersection. In the case of a line of two or more vehicles approaching such "stop" sign, the drivers of the second and third vericles in line in any group shall not be required to stop more than once before proceeding through the intersection. This section shall not apply when the traffic is otherwise directed by an officer or by a lawful traffic regulating sign, signal or device.
In accordance with the foregoing the erection and maintenance of an official "stop" sign or signs are authorized so as to face :
1. North and southbound drivers on Woodbury street at Essex street.
2. Southeast bound drivers on Asbury street at Highland avenue.
3. Northbound drivers on Willow street at Asbury street.
4. East and westbound drivers on Linden street at Union.
73
ARTICLE VI
Penalty
Section 1. Any person violating any provision of any rule, regulation or order regulating the parking of motor vehicles made by anybody author- ized to make the same shall be dealt with as provided in Chapter 176 of the Legislative Acts of 1935, amending Section 20a of Chapter 90 of the Gen- eral Laws and any person convicted of a violation of any other rule, regu- lation or order made hereunder except as otherwise provided shall be pun- ished by a fine not exceeding twenty ($20.00) for each offense.
Repeal
These rules are adopted with the intent that each of them shall have force and effect separately and independently of each other except in so far as by express reference or necessary implication any rule or any part of a rule is made dependent upon another rule or part thereof.
The provisions of these rules so far as they are the same in effect as those of any valid existing rules and orders or regulations heretofore made by the Selectmen of Hamilton relative to or in connection with offi- cial signs, lights, markings, signal systems or devices shall be construed as a continuation thereof, but all other existing rules, orders and regula- tions so made for the regulation of vehicles are hereby expressly repealed. This repeal, however, shall not affect any punishment or penalty imposed or complaint or prosecution pending at the time of the passage hereof im- posed or complaint or prosecution pending at the time of the passage here- of imposed or complaint or prosecution pending at the time of the passage hereof for an offense committed under any of the said rules, orders or regulations hereby repealed.
Adopted by the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Hamilton, Massa- chusetts at regular meetings held June 7, 1948, July 26, 1948, Septem- ber 7, 1948.
LAWRENCE R. STONE EDWARD A. DEWITT EVERETT F. HALEY Board of Selectmen.
Approved by State Dept. of Public Works Permits No. 3375-3419-3455 Attest :
FRANCIS H. WHIPPLE, Town Clerk.
Published in accordance with provisions of Chap. 40, Sec. 22 Feb. 5, 1949, Salem Evening News.
74
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The Cemetery Commissioners submit herewith their report for the year ending Dec. 31, 1948.
During the year of 1948 we have graded and seeded approximately (58) fifty-eight grave lots. These are the family size lots and are located at the lower end of the new section in the cemetery.
A set of power clippers have been purchased by the department there- by speeding up the task of clipping around monuments and headstones.
The usual maintenance work has been done with a minimum of extra labor involved.
We wish at this time to thank Luther Caverly our Superintendent who has performed his duties so conscientiously and faithfully.
Respectfully submitted, RAYMOND A. WHIPPLE LAWRENCE C. FOSTER JOHN T. WALKE Cemetery Commissioners.
75
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
GENTLEMEN :
I have the honor to submit to you the Annual Report of the Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending Dec. 31, 1948.
Scales
Adjusted
Sealed Not Sealed Condemned
Platform over 10,000 lbs.
·
2
. .
. .
Platform 5,000 to 10,000 lbs. 0
0
0
0
Platform 100 to 5,000
. .
3
1
. .
Beam under 100 lbs.
1
4
. .
. .
Spring 100 lbs.
. .
1
. .
. .
Spring under 100 lbs.
2-
. .
. .
Computing under 100
15
1
.
Personal Weighing
. .
1
1
Prescription
. .
1
. .
. .
Weights
Avoirdupois
. .
14
. .
. .
Apothecary
15
. .
. .
Volumetric Measures
Liquid Measures under 1 gal.
25
. .
. .
Fuel Baskets
1
. .
2
Automatic Liquid Measuring Devices
Oil Pumps
. .
. .
17
Gasoline Pumps
18
. .
4
Vehicle Tank Meter Systems
4
. .
. .
Linear Measures
Yard Sticks
4
. .
Reweighing Commodities Sold or Put Up for Sale
Load of Hot Top for Town of Hamilton
Sealed 1
Load of Hay
1
Respectfully submitted
ERVING O. MAXWELL, Sealer.
. .
. .
·
GEORGE EVERETT SMITH
GEORGE EVERETT SMITH
George Everett Smith was born in Rockport, Mass., on March 7, 1893, and died in Saugus, Mass., on June 18, 1948. He spent his boyhood days in Rockport, where he attended the local public schools, and became a resi- dent of Hamilton in 1921.
He soon became active in community and town affairs, and in 1926 he was appointed to the board of registrars of voters, serving until 1928. In 1928 he was elected a member of the Board of Selectmen, being annually re-elected until 1933, part of which time he acted as chairman.
In 1933 he was appointed town treasurer to fill a vacancy, and was annually re-elected until 1940, when he voluntarily retired from the office.
In addition to his many duties he found time to serve as one of our first water commissioners between 1935 and 1940, giving unstintingly of his time and was largely instrumental in laying the foundation of our pres- ent water system.
In 1939 and 1940 he was a representative from the 15th Essex district in the Massachusetts Legislature, comprising the city of Beverly and Ham- ilton and Wenham, and served on the committee on civil service of that body, acting as clerk of the committee.
During World War II he served in the United States Coast Guard Reserve.
78
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
To the Citizens of Hamilton :
The following is a report of the Selectmen for the year 1948 :
Under article twelve of the 1948 warrant it was voted to build a Municipal Garage on the town property in the rear of the Town Hall. The sum of $15,000 was appropriated for the same. Early in the summer specifications were drawn up and bids were called for to complete the work. Five bids were received and the contract was awarded to John Singer & Sons of Ipswich who submitted a bid of $14,942.00 the lowest bid. The work was completed on October 15 as called for in the specifi- cations and the Board immediately assigned space in the building for the Highway, Water, Tree and Moth departments for the storage of their equipment.
The plans, specifications and supervising the work were done by Charles H. Morse at no cost to the town. We feel that an excellent job has been done in the construction of this building, both in material and workmanship.
During 1948 a portion of Essex street extending from Four Corners, so called, to a point near Chebacco Road was rebuilt. In addition to the rebuilding proper drainage was installed. The total cost for this work amounted to $11,983.64, Hamilton's share being $2,995.91, the State $5,991.82 and the County $2,995.91. This year we are planning to con- tinue the rebuilding of this street to a point near Woodbury's crossing. We are asking for an appropriation of $4,000. to cover Hamilton's share of the cost. The sum of $1,000.00 is being asked for maintenance under the act.
Each year we receive at least one petition asking for the acceptance of a street. This year we have had three, namely, Lake Drive in the Pleasant Pond section. Durham Avenue, off Highland street and Hatfield road a short street off Maple street. The necessary lay outs have been made, the plans are on file with the Town Clerk. and the matter of ac- ceptance by the town will be in the warrant for the annual town meeting.
Many requests for an added light or lights in various sections of the town were received from time to time. Some we were able to have installed others we hope to be able to install this year.
We did have a new type of light installed on a portion of Railroad avenue and along Main street from the Wenham line to Asbury street. These lights we feel have greatly improved the lighting of the business and recreational areas.
PERMANENT SIDEWALKS
This year we are asking for $2.000 to continue the construction of permanent sidewalks. Last year the Asbury street sidewalk was further extended and if this article is voted we will complete the work to Main street. In addition we expect the $2000.00 will do Maple, Arlington and
79
Park streets on one side, and possibly make a start on Hamilton avenue. During the year we had the Town Hall painted on the outside two coats. The contract was awarded to Donald G. Trussell for $2000.00. For 1949 we plan to complete the inside by having the Community Room done, as well as back hall and and stairs. Some repairs must be made in the Community Room and new and improved lighting should be installed. We are asking that a sum of money be appropriated to take care of this work under Town Hall special. The whistle acquired by the Civilian Defense Committee during the war and placed on the Town Hall to warn the citizens of an air raid has been sold to the Kingston, N. H. fire depart- ment for $100.00.
Last year we made note in our report that something should be done before long about the office arrangements in the Town Hall. This year we are including in the Town Hall appropriation $150.00 for the purpose of making a study of this project. We plan to engage the services of an architect, and have him submit recommendations and plans which can be used at some future time when it is deemed advisable to have the work done.
Arrangements were made with the Selective Service Board in Salem for the local registration of persons in town, thereby eliminating the neces- sity of going to Salem. This was carried on for three weeks under the direction of the Town Clerk, assisted by Mrs. Hazel Bray and Edward J. Ready, during which time persons were registered at the town hall daily and at the engine house evenings.
As a result of the vote of the town meeting of 1948, rules and regula- tions governing the parking and operating of vehicles in town have been adopted, and as required by law, approved by the State Department of Public Works and published. Signs have been ordered and will be erected as soon as received. These rules are published in the town report for 1948, and it is hoped that they will tend to relieve the traffic congestion in the business section of town.
Several years ago the town authorized the Selectmen to sell the land and building at 45 School Street owned by the town. This building was used as a district school prior to the building of the Adelaide Dodge Walsh School, but for the past several years has only been used by the town for occasional storage. We feel it is advisable to sell the building, but due to the time that has elapsed since the town voted to do so, our town counsel has recommended that another vote be taken by the town at the annual town meeting. An article is in the warrant to legally bring the matter before the meeting.
In closing we express our grateful appreciation to Charles H. Morse for his generous assistance in engineering and surveying matters, to Robert B. Walsh, Town Counsel, for his continued assistance in problems of a legal nature, and to all other persons who have assisted us during the year.
Respectfully submitted, LAWRENCE R. STONE EDWARD A. DEWITT EVERETT F. HALEY
Board of Selectmen.
80
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, quali- fied to vote in election and Town affairs, to meet in the Town Hall in said Town on Monday, the seventh day of March, nineteen hundred and forty- nine (March 7, 1949), at seven-thirty o'clock in the evening (7:30 P.M.) then and there to act on the following articles, viz.
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