USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1949 > Part 7
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Article 17. To see if the Town will vote, subject to compliance by the selectmen with section 81 I of Chapter 41 of the General Laws and amendments thereto, to accept the proposed layout as a public way by the selectmen of Stopford Street, so called, from Durham Avenue in a north- easterly direction for a distance of approximately 366 feet substantially as shown on a plan entitled "Plan of Durham Ave., Appleton, Stopford and Gibney Streets, Hamilton, Mass., for Acceptance, Nov. 22, 1941, Morse, Dickinson & Goodwin, Engineers, Haverhill, Mass.," or take any action thereon as petitioned for by Theodore E. Johnson and others.
Article 18. To see if the Town will vote, subject to compliance by the selectmen with section 81I of Chapter 41 of the General Laws and amendments thereto, to accept the proposed layout as a public way by the selectmen of an extension of Lincoln Avenue, so-called, substantially as shown on plans on file in the office of the Town Clerk, of Hamilton, or take any action thereon, as petitioned for by Herbert C. Haraden and others.
.
86
Article 19. To see if the Town will vote, subject to compliance by the selectmen with section 81 I of Chapter 41 of the General Laws and amendments thereto, to accept the proposed layout as a public way by the selectmen of Moynihan Road, so-called, situated in South Hamilton, sub- stantially as shown on a plan entitled "Plan of Moynihan Road, Hamilton, Mass., Charles H. Morse & Son, Engineers, Haverhill, Mass., dated Jan- uary 1950," now on file in the office of the Town Clerk, of Hamilton, or take any action thereon, as petitioned for by Francis C. Moynihan and others.
Article 20. To see if the Town will vote, subject to compliance by the selectmen with section 81 I of Chapter 41 of the General Laws and amendments thereto, to accept the proposed layout as a public way by the selectmen of the extension of some 200 feet of Howard Street, so-called situated in South Hamilton, substantially as shown on a plan entitled "Plan of extension of Howard Street, Hamilton, Mass., Charles H. Morse & Son, Engineers, Haverhill, Mass., dated January 1950," now on file in the office of the Town Clerk of Hamilton, or take any action thereon, as petitioned for by Francis C. Moynihan and others.
Article 21. To see if the Town will vote, subject to compliance by the selectmen with section 81 I of chapter 41 of the General Laws and amendments thereto, to accept the proposed layout as a public way by the selectmen of the extension of Lake Drive, so-called, substantially as shown on a plan entitled "Plan of Lake Drive for Acceptance, December 13, 1948, Charles H. Morse & Son, Engineers," now on file in the office of the Town Clerk of Hamilton, or take any action thereon, as petitioned for by Phillip Brackett and others.
Article 22. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from the Excess and Deficiency Account a sum of money for the purpose of purchasing and laying water mains of not less than six inches but less than sixteen inches in diameter on Moynihan road, so-called, South Hamilton, and acquiring necessary water departmental equipment includ- ing hydrants and attachments therefor, or take any action thereon, as peti- tioned for by Francis C. Moynihan and others.
Article 23. To see if the Town will vote to build, grade, oil and drain Lake Drive, an accepted street, as shown on a plan entitled "Accept- ance Plan of a portion of Lake Drive, 6 December 1946, and accepted by the Town as a public way at the annual town meeting held March 3, 1947, and raise and appropriate a sum of money therefor, the work to be done under the direction and supervision of the Highway Surveyor, or take any action thereon, as petitioned for by Roy E. Crosby and others.
Article 24. To see if the Town will vote to build, grade, drain and oil Perkins Avenue, an accepted street, raise and appropriate a sum of money therefor, the work to be done under the direction and supervision of the Highway Surveyor, or take any action thereon, as petitioned for by Roy E. Crosby and others.
87
Article 25. To see if the Town will vote to accept the relocation or alteration of Railroad avenue as a public town way by the selectmen for the use of the inhabitants of the town under section 21 of Chapter 82 of the General Laws and amendments thereto to remedy the unnecessarily high curbstone on the southwesterly side of said avenue and to widen said avenue, as shown on a plan now on file in the office of the Town Clerk, vote to acquire land by purchase or eminent domain for such pur- pose under chapter 79 and raise and appropriate or transfer from the Ex- cess and Deficiency Account a sum of money therefor or take any action thereon.
Article 26. To see if the Town will vote to approve making Railroad Avenue a one-way street between Willow Street and Main Street, or take any action thereon, as petitioned for by Gordon L. Thompson and others.
Article 27. To see if the town will vote to erect a suitable memorial on the Public Playground and Recreation Center at the corner of Main and Asbury Street, called Patton Park, in memory of those from Hamilton who served their country during World War II, raise and appropriate a sum of money therefor, or take any action thereon.
Article 28. To see if the Town will vote to erect a flagpole with a suitable inscription thereon to the memory of General George S. Patton, Jr., on the public playground and recreation centre at the corner of Main and Asbury streets, called Patton Park, raise and appropriate a sum of money therefor, or take any action thereon.
Article 29. To see if the Town will vote to build a Field House on the town Playground and Recreation Centre at the corner of Asbury and Main Streets, called Patton Park, and raise and appropriate the sum of $18,000.00 therefor, which sum shall include and provide for the necessary equipment and furnishings of said building, engineer and architect fees and plans, grading of the land, building of a roadway to the building, and other necessary expenditures that may arise, the work to be done under the direction and supervision of the Board of Park Commissioners, or take any action thereon.
Article 30. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Park Com- missioners to fix and collect admission fees from non-residents of the town for the use of town playgrounds and recreation centres and parks or take any action thereon.
Article 31. 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 revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1951, and to issue a note or notes therefor payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a shorter period than one year, in accordance with Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws and Amendments thereto.
Article 32. To see if the Town will authorize the Collector to use all means of collecting taxes which as Town Treasurer, when appointed Col- lector, may use agreeable to Chapter 41, Section 37, General Laws and Amendments thereto.
88
Article 33. 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 post offices 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 of holding said meeting.
Given under our hands this 30th day of January, A. D. 1950.
EDWARD A. DEWITT LAWRENCE R. STONE EVERETT F. HALEY Selectmen of Hamilton.
A true copy, Attest :
FRANCIS H. WHIPPLE, Town Clerk.
89
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FINANCE AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The total appropriation recommended by the Finance Committee for 1950 is approximately $316,000, which is some $10,000 higher than the total appropriation in 1949. By reason of an indicated increase in the total assessed valuation of real estate in the town and by reason of some increases in other sources of revenue, it is expected that the tax rate can remain at $35. The Finance Committee, on behalf of the citizens of the town, wishes to thank the various department heads who maintained their budgets at a minimum level consistent with giving adequate service to the town.
The reason why there is any increase in the regular budget is a sub- stantial increase in expenditures for welfare and veterans' benefits. These increases are graphically illustrated by the following table in which the figures are given in round numbers :
1949
1950
Public Welfare
$6,400.00
$9,000.00
Aid to Dependent Children
1,500.00
2,500.00
Old Age Assistance
17,000.00
24,000.00
Veterans' Benefits
2,500.00
6,000.00
TOTAL
$27,400.00
$41,500.00
This is an over-all increase of more than $14,000. Coming as it does at a time of relative prosperity and high employment, such an increase is in the opinion of the Finance Committee disturbing. While under the present laws of the Commonwealth little can be done about this growing burden, the Finance Committee believes that the citizens of the town should be aware of the trend and be prepared for considerably higher figures for these benefits if and when unemployment increases.
1950 WARRANT
As is customary, Articles 1 through 6 and Articles 31, 32, and 33 pro- vide for routine matters of town business which normally require no com- ment by this committee. This year Article 1 places on the ballot a ques- tion as to the acceptance by the town of certain provisions of Chapter 71 of the General Laws and of providing for the establishment of a regional school district with the towns of Manchester, Topsfield and Wenham. The benefits to be derived from a regional school have been clearly and effective- ly pointed out in the able report submitted by Educational Research Asso- ciates. The Finance Committee have been unable to discover any com- pelling arguments against Hamilton's joining in the proposed regional school ; and so, even though as a result of Hamilton's participation therein the tax rate may rise as much as $5.00, the Finance Committee feel that it is money well spent and so recommend that the Article be adopted.
90
ACTION ON SPECIAL ARTICLES
ARTICLE 7: Sidewalk Extension. Recommended
An item of $2,000 is included in the Highway Department budget in accordance with the understanding that this amount be expended annually so that the plan for the development of sidewalks in the hands of the High- way Surveyor may be gradually accomplished. As the funds required are already included in the Highway Department budget, no money should be appropriated.
ARTICLE 8: Rearranging Town Hall. Not Recommended
Article 15 requests that the Town Study Committee be continued. This continuation will be so that they will turn in to the annual town meet- ing in 1951 specific recommendations as to how the town government may be reorganized so that it may serve the town in the best manner possible. Part of this report is expected to carry recommendations for the physical relocation of various departments, and the best uses of the Town Hall; the Finance Committee feel that the Town Hall should not be remodelled until this report is received. The Finance Committee recognizes, however, that the present arrangement of the Town Hall is neither efficient nor satisfactory, and particularly that the office and vault provided for the Town Clerk and Accountant are inadequate and not suitable for the trans- action of much of the business he must handle. In the event that Article 15 is not adopted by the town meeting, the Finance Committee approves the adoption of Article 8 on the basis of the plan now on file in the office of the Selectmen.
ARTICLE 9: Rubbish Body For Old Highway Truck. Recommended
Last year the cost of disposing of the rubbish in the town amounted to $3,250. This year the surveyor of highways has agreed to undertake this activity for the Board of Health at a cost of $2,500 to the town, provided the town supplies him with the proper equipment. The highway depart- ment has a truck, whose engine and chassis will be suitable for the job, but which is not in good enough condition to continue the heavy work de- manded of it by the highway department. It is felt that this truck should last ten years at the job of rubbish collection. Therefore, it is considered worthwhile to spend $4,000 to put a proper rubbish collecting body on it. A majority of the Committee approves this change in arrangements as to rubbish collection and recommends the adoption of the article.
ARTICLE 10: Truck for the Highway Department. Recommended
This truck will take the place of the one referred to in Article 9 which it is proposed to transfer to rubbish collection. The Finance Committee feel that the Highway Department needs three trucks, and as they have recommended that the third truck be transferred to rubbish disposal, they feel that this truck should be purchased by the town.
91
ARTICLE 11: Water Board-Transfer of Funds. Recommended
There remains from the amount raised by the bond issue of 1947 for the construction of the Reservoir and Wells an unexpended balance of $4,502.18. The work on the reservoirs and wells has been completed and the Board of Water Commissioners have requested a transfer of $1500 from this balance for the purpose of laying further mains in accordance with their expansion program. The Finance Committee feels that this is a proper request and recommends that the article be adopted.
ARTICLE 13: Change in Quorum By-Law. Not Recommended
At the Annual Town Meeting in 1948 the town voted to amend the by-laws by providing that 200 registered voters constitute a quorum to transact business at any town meeting. It is now proposed, apparently because of some difficulty experienced in 1949 in getting a quorum for a special town meeting, that the quorum be reduced to 100. The number re- quired by the by-laws is approximately one-seventh of the registered voters of the town. The Finance Committee feels that it is not too much to con- sider that the transaction of important business of the town ought to de- mand the attention and presence of at least one-seventh of the registered voters. The Committee, therefore, recommends that this article be not approved.
ARTICLE 14: Continuation of School Survey Committee. Recommended
An examination of the report of the School Survey Committee will show that they considered the minimum requirements of the school system to be a 6-room addition to the High School with necessary remodelling to care for the needs of the elementary school pupils. The Finance Commit- tee feels that the School Survey Committee should continue in existence in order to be in a position to take steps to accomplish this in the event the town should reject the proposal to join the regional school district.
ARTICLE 15: Town Study Committee Continuation. Recommended
The 1949 town meeting authorized the moderator to appoint a com- mittee to make a study of the town government. The committee was appointed and engaged certain experts to assist them in the prosecution of this study. The report of these experts provides a comprehensive examination of the government of the town and leads to the conclusion that by and large, despite some inefficiencies and defects. the town is reasonably well-run by a devoted and experienced group of officials. These experts have reported that for an additional fee of $2500 they can present a de- tailed blue-print of their views as to what the structure of the town govern- ment should be. The Study Committee has recommended that this be done. The Finance Committee, while inclined to the view that the report already made does not indicate that any substantial changes are required, feels that such a blueprint would be valuable and beneficial to the town. Accordingly, it recommends the adoption of this article.
92
ARTICLE 16 : Removal of Curbstone Opposite 314 Asbury Street. Not Recommended
The request for the removal of the curbstone opposite 314 Asbury Street arises from the fact that many people driving in to shop at Al's Variety Store have dented or otherwise damaged their cars on this curb. If the cars would remain on the highway such damage would not occur to them. Furthermore, this curbstone is in this place to protect a catch basin which was installed by the County Commissioners. The Finance Committee, therefore, does not feel it desirable to remove the curbstone.
ARTICLES 17, 18, 19, 20: Acceptance of Certain Streets. Recommended
The Finance Committee is informed that these streets as they now stand conform to the requirements of the by-laws of the town for acceptance as public ways, and accordingly recommend that these articles be adopted.
ARTICLE 21: Acceptance of Lake Drive Extension. Not Recommended
The Finance Committee is informed that the petitioners for this article have not brought it within the requirements of the by-laws and the Lake Drive extension is not eligible for acceptance. Accordingly the Finance Committee recommends that the article be not adopted.
ARTICLE 22: Moynihan Road Water Main. Recommended
Moynihan Road is a newly laid out street in what amounts to a sub- division off the easterly side of Highland Street not far from the Wenham line. The developer asserts that the land abutting the street has been subdivided into lots equitably restricted to be not less than 10,000 square feet and designed for home building. He has offered to make a binding guarantee to the town of a return of 10% annually on the cost of the in- stallation of the water main on this street, if voted. While as a matter of principle the Finance Committee is opposed to the development of pri- vate subdivisions at public expense, it feels that this offer is a satisfactory one. Accordingly, the Finance Committee recommends the adoption of the article appropriately amended to provide that such adoption becomes effec- tive only on the execution by the developer of a suitable agreement making such a guarantee.
ARTICLES 23 and 24: Building, Oiling and Grading Lake Drive and Perkins Avenue. Not Recommended
The Finance Committee have recommended that a budget of $26,000 be voted to the Surveyor of Highways to do the necessary maintenance and construction of roads in the town during 1950. They feel that no more money than this should be spent upon the roads. If Lake Drive or Perkins Avenue have a prior call for attention from the Highway Surveyor, the Finance Committee feel that he will give them the attention they merit. He has a plan for the maintenance and development of roads in the town, and he should be allowed to follow this plan without interference by piece- meal vote.
93
ARTICLE 25: Widening of Railroad Avenue. Not Recommended
The proposed cost of widening Railroad Avenue is estimated to be $6,000 or approximately $1.00 on the tax rate. While they appreciate the congested conditions of this street which makes shopping and access to the stores thereon difficult, the Finance Committee feel that an effort to remedy these difficulties should be made first by (1) enforcing the present by-laws which forbid parking for more than one hour and (2) by making Railroad Avenue into a one-way street, as petitioned for in Article 26.
ARTICLE 26: Railroad Avenue One-Way. Recommended
As indicated in the comments on Article 25, the Committee feels that this article should be adopted.
ARTICLES 27 and 28: War Memorials. Recommended
Article 27 calls for the erection of a suitable war memorial to those who served in World War II. Article 28 calls for the erection of a flag- pole with a suitable inscription thereon to the memory of General George S. Patton. The Finance Committee feel that the flagpole with a suitable plaque on which will be mounted the names of the Hamilton men who died in World War II can accomplish both purposes. Therefore, they recom- mend that the sum of $500 be appropriated to erect such a memorial flag- pole.
ARTICLE 29: Field House at Patton Park. Not Recommended
The Finance Committee feels that the proposal to expend $18.000 for the construction of a field house on Patton Park is not sound. It is of the opinion that the potential usefulness of such a building is small and that it will present problems of future expenditures for maintenance and care which are not warranted. If it is considered that there is a substantial need for the installation of toilet facilities at some part of the park, the committee feels that a survey directed specifically to that problem should be made and recommendations brought in.
ARTICLE 30: Admission Fees at Patton Park. Recommended
The Finance Committee sees no objection to the adoption of this article which has the approval of the Park Commissioners.
The following tables show the actual appropriations in 1948 and 1949 and the figures which the Finance Committee recommend for 1950.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERIC WINTHROP. Chairman JOHN E. HARTNETT, JR. HAROLD A. DALEY JOHN E. LAWRENCE ARTHUR MASON, JR.
Item
Appropriation Appropriation Recommended 1948 1949
1950
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
1
Moderator
2
Finance Committee
90 00
15 00
15 00
Selectmen :
3
Salaries
1,150 00
1,150 00
1,150 00
4
Clerical
700 00
750 00
5
Expenses
1,285 00
1,500 00
1,500 00
Accountant :
6
Salary
1,900 00
2,300 00
2,300 00
2
Expenses
200 00
200 00
200 00
Treasurer :
8
Salary
1,080 00
1,080 00
1,200 00
9
Expenses
285 00
580 00
575 00
Tax Collector :
10
Salary
1,265 00
1,365 00
1,365 00
11
Expenses
450 00
450 00
500 00
Assessors :
12
Salaries
975 00
975 00
975 00
13
Wages
1,040 00
1,000 00
1,000 00
14
Expenses
265 00
365 00
1,365 00
Law :
15
Salary
700 00
700 00
700 00
Town Clerk :
16
Salary
800 00
900 00
900 00
17
Expenses
225 00
200 00
250 00
Election and Registration Expenses
1,600 00
1,300 00
1,800 00
Town Hall :
19
Salary
2,184 00
2,288 00
2,288 00
18
Item
Appropriation Appropriation Recommended 1948 1950 1949
20
1,216 00
1,500 00
1,500 00
21
2,000 00
1,000 00
Essex County Pension Fund :
22
Contribution Expenses
(91 50)
(33 20)
23 24
TOTAL GENERAL GOVERNMENT
21,150 62
21,251 00
20,334 20
PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY Police :
25
Salary of Chief
2,600 00
2,860 00
2,860 00
26
Wages-Constable and Special Officers
3,600 00
3,600 00
5,300 00
27
Expenses
995 00
535 00
670 00
28 29
Cruiser
744 50
852 00
30
TOTAL POLICE
7,467 00
7,839 50
9,782 00
Fire :
31
Salary-Clerk
50 00
50 00
32
Salary-Janitor
200 00
200 00
33
Wages
1,620 00
1.560 00
1,560 00
34
Equipment and Repairs
800 00
800 00
800 00
35
Other expenses
1,080 00
890 00
890 00
36
New Hose
600 00
600 00
219 00
37
Gas masks
450 00
38
Painting building
300 00
39
TOTAL FIRE
4,100 00
4,550 00
4,019 00
Sealer of Weights and Measures :
40
Salary
230 00
230 00
230 00
41
Expenses
100 00
100 00
100 00
Uniforms
272 00
100 00
100 00
1,740 62
1,633 00
1,751 20
Expenses Special
Item
Appropriation Appropriation Recommended
1948
1949
1950
330 00
330 00
330 00
43
Salary of Superintendent
1,296 00
1,338 00
1,338 00
44 45
Expenses
735 00
553 00
553 00
46
TOTAL MOTH-TOWN
3,181 00
2,791 00
2,791 00
Moth-Private:
47
Salary of Superintendent
432 00
475 00
475 00
48 49
Expenses
390 00
390 00
390 00
50
TOTAL MOTH-PRIVATE
1,200 00
1,243 00
1,243 00
Tree Warden :
51
Salary
768 00
845 00
845 00
52
Wages
864 00
864 00
864 00
53
Expenses
320 00
120 00
120 00
54 55
Special-Pruning elm
150 00
56
TOTAL TREE WARDEN
1,952 00
1,829 00
2,279 00
57
Salary
40 00
40 00
40 00
58
Expenses
40 00
40 00
55 00
59
TOTAL FOREST FIRE WARDEN
80 00
80 00
95 00
60
TOTAL PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY
18,310 00
18,662 50
20,539 00
HEALTH AND SANITATION
Board of Health :
61
Salaries
120 00
120 00
120 00
62
Clerk
60 00
60 00
60 00
42
TOTAL SEALER Moth-Town:
Wages
1,150 00
900 00
900 00
Wages
378 00
378 00
378 00
Special-Planting trees
300 00
Forest Fire Warden :
Item
Appropriation Appropriation Recommended
1948 75 00
1949
1950
63
Milk Inspector
75 00
75 00
*
3,250 00
2,500 00
65
Garbage Collection
2,200 00
2,200 00
66 67 68
Essex County Sanitarium
821 25
820 00
Miscellaneous
300 00
281 00
Rent of Dump
250 00
69 TOTAL BOARD OF HEALTH
6,395 00
6,826 25
6,306 00
Dental Clinic :
70
Salary of Nurse
200 00
200 00
200 00
71
Expenses
2,000 00
2,550 00
2,600 00
72
TOTAL DENTAL CLINIC
2,200 00
2,750 00
2,800 00
*
Not broken down prior to 1949.
Inspector of Animals :
73
Salary
90 00
90 00
90 00
74
Expenses
50 00
50 00
50 00
75
TOTAL INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
140 00
140 00
140 00
76
TOTAL HEALTH AND SANITATION
8,735 00
9,716 25
9,246 00
HIGHWAYS
Salary of Superintendent and Surveyor
2,800 00
3,080 00
3,120 00
78
Wages of Drivers and Helpers
8,551 00
10,272 00
10,272 00
79
Labor and Expenses
6,490 00
7,575 00
7,708 00
80
Sidewalk Roller
2,375 00
81
Chapter 90-Maintenance
(1,000 00)
(1,000 00)
(1,000 00)
82
Chapter 90-Construction
(1,500 00)
(4,000 00)
(4,000 00)
83
Snow Removal and Sanding
10,000 00
5,000 00
5,000 00
84
Street Lighting
7,000 00
8,000 00
8,250 00
85 Sidewalks
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