USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1958 > Part 4
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On Thursday, June 5th, the Town of Hamilton, at a Special Town Meeting, voted $502,400.00 to build the proposed elementary school. $2,400.00 to come from Excess & Deficiency Fund, and $500,000.00 from the sale of bonds. After this vote, the final working drawings and specifi- cations were approved by the School Building Assistance Commission, and the method of financing was approved by the Emergency Finance Board. The general contract was signed by Anthony Frasca on July 3rd. The total cost to the Town when the building is ready for occupancy will have been $552,400.45 or $50,000.00 more than the money voted at the June 5th Special Town Meeting. This $50,000.00 was appropriated at previous Town meetings to pay for preliminary plans and other expenses incurred before the final vote.
General Contractor
$454,646.00
Architect fees
36,567.45
Equipment
25,000.00
Cost of land
15,000.00
Other costs
21,187.00
$552,400.45
It will have been financed as follows :
From taxation
$ 30,000.00
20 year bonds @ 2.9% 500,000.00
Excess & Deficiency Fund
22,400.45
$552.400.45
The estimated approved construction grant from the Commonwealth is $197,527.62 payable over the life of the loan, the first payment to be paid September of 1959. Both he and the Clerk of the Works feel that the build- $40,000.00 more than the total expected interest of $145.000.00 on the bonds.
54
Ground was broken the beginning of July, but progress was slow due to the fact that Mr. Frasca was busy finishing up two other school buildings. However, when he really started, progress was made at a satisfactory rate. Unfortunately, the cold weather came early this year and more severe than might have been expected which. again, slowed up the work. This was aggravated because the windows were not delivered on schedule and the men working on the inside of the building had to keep out the cold the best they could by using sheets. In spite of this, the Architect is still satisfied with the progress of the building, and feels confident that the building will be ready for occupancy by midsummer, well before the opening of school in September of 1959. Both he and the Clerk of the Works feels that the build- ing will be of excellent construction.
FREDERIC WINTHROP, Chairman HENRY J. GOURDEAU MALCOLM E. DOUGLASS JOHN F. NEARY ELMER H. SMITH DONALD L. MILLER FREDERICK J. CALDWELL MORLEY L. PIPER
School Building Committee for New Elementary School
55
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The Board of Selectmen met and organized on March 17, 1958. Law- rence Lamson was elected chairman for the year 1958-59. William F. Mackenzie was elected chairman of the Board of Health. Lawrence R. Stone was elected chairman of the Board of Public Welfare. Francis H. Whipple was appointed clerk.
The various town offices under our jurisdiction requiring appointment were made.
The Board has held its regular weekly meeting every Monday evening and special meetings whenever necessary. The Board has been represented at the State House hearings on proposed legislation. In addition, members have attended conferences and meetings with state, county, and municipal officials pertaining to town affairs.
The annual spraying for mosquito control was carried out in three stages this year. Reports indicate that this spraying was very effective in most parts of town. The article calling for aerial spraying will be in the town warrant again this year; however, the Board will not recommend that this program be carried out because of the damage it caused to gar- dens, shrubbery, wildlife, and until more information can be obtained as to its overall effects to the inhabitants of the town. It will be left up to the judgment of the voters.
Three sections of streets were laid out which we recommend be accepted as public ways by the 1959 annual Town Meeting.
Under our annual Chapter 90 construction program School Street was rebuilt and drainage installed from Bridge Street to the Legion Hall. This year State and County funds have been made available and if voted at the Annual Town Meeting, the sum of $3,000 of town funds will be used to complete School Street and reconstruct Bridge Street from Miles River Road to Woodbury Street. This would carry on our program of rebuilding through roads in town.
In addition to the usual maintenance of the Town Hall building, the front of the building was completely stripped and repainted and repaired to eliminate the problem of paint peeling. We are recommending that the two sides be done in a similar manner in 1959. It is hoped that this will correct the condition that has been so troublesome for some time in the past. We also recommend some landscaping and interior repairs be done in 1959. The Roller Shed that was located near the Town Hall was moved to the rear of the lot, set on a concrete foundation, repaired and painted and now houses the Health Department trucks. This building is sound and should serve the town for many years to come.
We find it economically sound to replace our Police Cruiser-Ambulance every two years, and in keeping with this program, an article will be in the town warrant requesting that the present cruiser-ambulance be turned in towards the purchase of a new Police Cruiser-Ambulance.
56
The new Fire and Police Station was completed and occupied during the early part of the year and has proven to be a great asset in the opera- tion of the departments. Plans call for completing the hot-topping and erecting a flag pole in the spring.
An additional police officer was added during the year, and it is sug- gested that another be added in 1959 to afford better police protection in the town.
New street and traffic signs were erected, and street lights installed where needed. We plan to keep abreast of this need each year.
Street numbering of new homes has been brought up to date.
The sum of $1,000 for a Brook Clearance Program was voted at the 1958 annual Town Meeting. This program has proved very worthwhile in the elimination of drainage problems and mosquito control on several im- portant streams. We recommend that this program again be carried out in 1959 even to a greater extent.
The Board accepted with regret the resignation of Frank W. Buzzell as a member of the Board of Registrars of Voters as well as Building In- spector. Mr. Buzzell had served the town for over thirty years as a regis- trar, and as Building Inspector since the adoption of the zoning by-law. Mr. Robert Peale was appointed to fill the vacancy in the Board of Regis- trars, and Mr. Leon Perkins as Building Inspector.
Mr. Thomas M. Robinson, Electrical Inspector since the adoption of the electrical code, passed away during the year. Mr. Albert Ham, of Moul- ton Street, was appointed to fill the vacancy.
The Board has diligently continued its program and studies of the problems of the town. both present and long range. With the rapid growth of the town, we must be constantly studying our operations and expendi- tures to insure we are operating in the most efficient and businesslike manner, to continue to be progressive and vet not find ourselves with an unreasonably high tax rate.
This report by no means covers the entire duties of the Board of Select- men, nor its complete activities during the year. It is a summary of ac- complishments and recommendations which should be of the most interest to the yoters of the town.
In conclusion, we would like to thank the people of Hamilton for the privilege of having served you as your Selectmen. We have made every effort to solve your problems in a fair and satisfactory manner. Your patience and understanding have been most appreciated.
In addition, we take this opportunity to thank all appointees of the Board of Selectmen, the other town departments, and the town employees for the splendid cooperation they have given the Board during the past year. It is only by working as a team that a growing community such as ours can best be served.
Respectfully submitted, LAWRENCE LAMSON WILLIAM F. MACKENZIE LAWRENCE R. STONE Board of Selectmen.
57
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton :
I herewith submit a report of the Tree and Moth Departments for the year 1958.
The work of suppressing the various bugs and diseases that attack shade trees has been carried on by spraying and trimming out dead wood.
We had thirty-three elm trees with Dutch Elm Disease last year. They were cut down and burned.
Brush and undergrowth have been cut along various streets of the town. We have also planted eighty-seven new maple trees in various areas.
I wish to thank all departments for their valuable assistance during the year.
Respectfully submitted, RUDOLPH H. HARADEN, Tree Warden.
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton :
During the year 1958 the Planning Board held regular meetings at the Town Hall at 8:00 P.M. on the first Monday of each month.
The Board considered certain plans for subdivisions and determined that many plans which were presented did not require approval.
The Planning Board has received the cooperation of the Selectmen, the Board of Appeals and other town officials in matters relating to the development of the town.
Respectfully submitted.
GEORGE C. CUTLER, JR., Chairman PAUL F. PERKINS, JR .. Secretary JOHN A. BICK, JR .. HENRY J. GOURDEAU HENRY A. LAUGHLIN, JR.
58
ELMO O. ADAMS
Elmo O. Adams, son of Charles and Mary (Malcolm) Adams, was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, November 8, 1885, and settled in Hamilton over 35 years ago.
A Vice-President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, he commuted to and from his work daily, and yet found time for civic and social activ- ities in the community. Soon after retirement from his work with the Bank, he was appointed to a vacancy in the Board of Assessors for the re- mainder of the year. At the annual town meeting in 1951 he was elected to this office, and was re-elected each succeeding term, and held the office at the time of his death, January 5, 1958.
Fond of the work of an assessor, conscientious and sincere in his duties, Elmo gave unstintingly of his time in the performance of this work for the Town, and gained a reputation of being fair and impartial in his decisions.
Of a friendly nature, sunny and agreeable disposition, always ready to extend a helping hand. Elmo will long be remembered by all who knew him.
59
THOMAS M. ROBINSON
Thomas M. Robinson, son of Thomas and Mary (Wickam) Robinson was born in Lynn, Massachusetts, August 11, 1889, and came to Hamilton to make his home several years ago.
"Tom," as he was known by all who knew him, held the distinction of being the first Wire Inspector of the Town of Hamilton, having been ap- pointed to that position soon after the adoption of the electrical code by the town, and which position he held continuously until his death, November 11, 1958.
"Tom" was well qualified for the position, having been connected with all types of electrical work in practically every state in the Union, and con- stantly kept informed of changes in the electrical field.
Ever ready to advise and assist, always pleasant and agreeable, con- scientious and fair to all, "Tom" will long be remembered by his legion of friends.
60
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of Hamilton :
We submit herewith a report of the activities of the Board of Health for the year ending December 31, 1958.
Along with the other departments of the town. the activities of the Board of Health have increased in keeping with the continued growth of our community.
In addition to having jurisdiction over communicable diseases and local health problems, the Board of Health is responsible for the collection and disposal of garbage and refuse, the inspection of all new building de- velopments to ascertain whether adequate sewage and drainage can be pro- vided, the inspection of all operating sewage disposal systems, and other matters relating to public health.
The Board of Health closed the town dump off Bridge Street as of December 31, 1958, for two basic reasons :
(1) We could not reach an agreement with the owner that was satis- factory to both parties.
(?) The smoke and odor of burning rubbish was objectionable to the residents of the area.
Your Board searched diligently for a dump site that would serve the town for many years to come and yet would be in an area that would not be objectionable from a residential point of view. We have been fortunate in locating such an area in an old abandoned gravel pit in the woods off Chebacco Road. We will ask your approval of a lease of this property at the annual Town Meeting.
Our garbage truck is now four years old and has seen a lot of hard service. In addition, it was involved in a serious accident in October. We believe it would be best economically to replace the truck chassis this year and are recommending this at the annual Town Meeting. We regret that the garbage collection may have fallen behind schedule in some areas until the truck was back in service.
The Dental Clinic has been continued under the supervision of Dr. John King, assisted by Miss Florence Stobbart, school nurse, for the chil- dren in the first three grades of school. A report of the activities of the Dental Clinic may be found elsewhere in the Town Report.
The following is a list of communicable diseases reported during the year :
Chicken Pox 51
Scarlet Fever 5
Dog-bite 5 Mumps 73
German Measles 197
Infectious Meningitis 9
Hepatitus 1
Pulmonary Tuberculosis 1
Measles 88 Para-Typhoid 1
The Board expresses its appreciation to Charles F. Poole. Highway
61
Surveyor, for his excellent cooperation at all times, especially the loaning of men and equipment when needed.
Appreciation is also extended to all who have assisted this Board in any way during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM F. MACKENZIE LAWRENCE LAMSON LAWRENCE R. STONE Board of Health.
REPORT OF THE DENTAL CLINIC
To the Board of Health :
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit my report of the Dental Clinic for 1958.
Amalgam fillings 440
Cement fillings 20
Copper cement fillings 5
Temporary fillings 34
Cement linings 16
Treatments
6
Extractions (permanent)
01
Extractions (temporary )
20
Novocains 37
Cleaningis 113
X-rays
8
Certificates 94
Total number of hours 207
Total number of operations 704
Number of children having work done 131
In my report of last year, I urged the parents to see that their young children be taken to the dentist. Let me again stress the point that it is most important.
Sincerely, JOHN KING, D.M.D.
62
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
To the Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my report of the activities of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1958.
Total Arrests
36
Male 34 Female . 2
CLASSIFICATION OF CRIMES
Attempted breaking and enter- ing . 1
Disturbing the peace
Drunkenness 8 intersection 1
Contributing to the delinquency of a minor 1
Hunting without license 2
Hunting too close to dwelling 2
Non-support
2
Vagrancy
1
Larceny by check
4
Driving under influence
2
Driving to endanger 1
Failing to slow down at an
Failing to stop for officer 1
Leaving scene of accident 1 Operating after right suspended 1 Operating without authority .. 1
DISPOSITION OF CASES
Dismissed
2
Not Guilty
2
Filed
8
Released (Drunk)
5
Fined
15
Sentenced
4
SUMMONS SERVED
For local department
10
For out of town police
61
AUTOMOBILE REGULATIONS
Accident reports filed 49
Automobile transfers 244
Licenses revoked by Registrar 58
Registrations revoked by Registrar 8
63
MISCELLANEOUS
Accident investigated 35
Ambulance runs to hospital 144
Assistance to out of town police 97
Dangerous wires reported 11
Dog complaints investigated 76
Street lights reported out
225
The new quarters now in use by the Police Department have proven very satisfactory in the handling of police business.
I express my sincere appreciation to the Beverly Police Department for its continued co-operation in handling calls for our two-way cruiser radio, and for assistance in police work. The continued co-operation of the local telephone operators is also greatly appreciated. To all townspeople and others who have assisted the Police Department during the past year, I ex- tend my sincere appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD FREDERICK, Chief of Police.
64
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Engineers of the Fire Department herewith submit their report for the year ending December 31, 1958.
The Department responded to 61 alarms during the year.
The amount of hose laid: 3/4"-6150 feet; 12"-1300 feet; 22"- 3750 feet.
The amount of water used from booster tanks was 9550 gallons.
500 feet of 22" and 250 feet of 12" hose was purchased this year.
ALARMS FOR 1958 JANUARY, 1958
Date Dist. No. Nature
Location
Owner
26
17 Rescue a cat, Lakeview Avenue
FEBRUARY, 1958
8
21 Chimney, Bay Road, D. L. Miller
12
31 Gas Leak, Asbury Street, Peter DeJager
24
12 Oil Burner, Post Gate Road, George Mowbray
MARCH, 1958
1
12
Oil Burner, School Street, J. P. White
3
25
Ashes in the cellar, Cutler Road, G. L. Cutler
12
21 Store front, Railroad Avenue, Hamilton & Wenham News
14
21
Brush, Bay Road, Town of Hamilton
21
24 Chimney, Sagamore Street, Clifford Roberts
26
25
Brush, Cutler Road, F. R. Appleton
28
21
Remove refrigerator, Maple Street, Egbert Hatt
31
31 Smoke, Asbury Street, Town of Hamilton
APRIL, 1958
12
21
Building, Bay Road, Norman Welch
16
14
Dump, Off Sagamore, Harlan Clock
17
23
Grass & brush, Bay Road,
17
24 Grass & brush, Gardner Street, H. R. Jones
19
14 Grass & brush, Gardner Street, Off Sagamore, H. C. Hatfield
21
31 Grass & brush, Day Avenue, Arthur Day
21
12 Grass & brush, Off Bridge Street, Elsie Knowlton
MAY, 1958
1
21
Grass & brush, Off Asbury Street, Shaw McKeen
4
31
Inhalator
7
21
Food burned on a stove, Cunningham Drive, R. P. Marchand
19
31
Rescue a bird, Highland Street
21
12 Brush, Off School Street, Philip Graham
29
17 Mattress, Village Lane, L. P. Harrison
30
25 Grass & brush, Cutler Road, C. L. Johnson
65
JUNE, 1958 Location Owner
Date Dist. No.
Nature
7
25
Grass & brush, Blaek Brook Road, S. M. Auditore
15
12
Rubbish, Bridge Street, E. R. Crowley
16
34
Chimney, Highland Street, F. Winthrop
18
41
Grass & brush, Lake Drive, Howard Perkins
JULY, 1958
3
24
Couch, Moulton Street, James Parker
23
21
Auto, Willow Street
29
14
Lighting Unit, Sagamore Street, Town of Hamilton Inhalator
AUGUST, 1958
21
14
Auto, Sagamore Street
SEPTEMBER, 1958
5
3-3-3
Ladder sent to Wenham
9
23
Auto, Off Bay Road
10
31
House, Maple Avenue, C. D. Tully
12
31
Cottage, Clark Avenue, Asbury Grove Corp.
13
21
Rescue a coon, Bay Road
26
4-4-4
Police Call
27
31
Grease in an oven, Baker Avenue, Norman Eddy
28
15
Tractor, Chebacco Road, Arthur Moore
OCTOBER, 1958
2
16
Chimney, Miles River Road, F. A. Pearson
5
31
Meat burned on a stove, Asbury Street, Cecil Killam
8
24
Remove a refrigerator, Moulton Street
12
25
Brush, Black Brook Road, Thomas Stevenson Ipswich
22
3-3-3
Wiring, Rock Maple Avenue, John Amaro House, Highland Street, State of Mass.
NOVEMBER, 1958
9
21
2 automobiles, Bay Road
12
21
Grass & brush, Chestnut Street, H. W. Regan
17
31 Grass & brush, Pleasant Avenue, Asbury Grove Corp.
30
34
Building, Highland Street, F. R. Appleton
DECEMBER, 1958
2
21
Building, Railroad Avenue, Hamilton & Wenham News
6
21
Garage, Linden Street, E. L. Duelow
8
31
Garage, Day Avenue, J. A. Maravelias
12
15
House, Chebacco Road, D. W. Kerr
22
21 Auto, Bay Road
25
Inhalator
27
3-3-3 House, Wenham
28
41
Tree, Off Highland Street, Audubon Society
We wish to thank all who have assisted the Department during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, A. MERRILL CUMMINGS, Chief RAYMOND A. WHIPPLE RUDOLPH H. HARADEN Fire Engineers.
16
3-3-3
27
32
31
31
66
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of Hamilton:
The Board herewith submits their twenty-third annual report of the Water Department.
The Department continued to lay water mains under the Extension of Mains program.
In our search for more water a good supply was found at the end of Pine Tree Drive in the Idlewood Lake area. After a seven day pumping test it is calculated that a supply of about one million (1,000,000) gallons of water is available per day. The State made regular analysis of the water and has approved the water and well site. The well area is on land owned by the Audubon Society which has agreed to sell us five (5) acres of land for the sum of one (1) dollar.
It is planned by the Board to complete this well and start in by a step plan so as not to put an overload on the tax payer. The well will be avail- able for emergency use if needed.
As the water system is now in its twentieth year some of the original meters are now being repaired or replaced as needed.
We wish to thank the residents of the Town of Hamilton and all the Town Departments for their cooperation during the past year.
Respectfully submitted. GORDON L. THOMPSON, Chairman GEORGE A. HARRIGAN RICHARD H. SMITH
Water Commissioners.
67
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The Assessors submit herewith their annual report for the calendar year ending December 31, 1958.
COMPARATIVE FIGURES (for the past four years)
1955
1956
1957
1958
Total Valuation
$8,390,985
$9,073,215
$9,559,310
$9,877,015
Increase over previous
year
376,065
682,230
486,095
317,705
Number of Polls
1,284
1,355
1.455
1,446
Number of Dwellings
1,403
1,507
1,727
1,746
DETAIL OF ASSESSMENT
Value of Buildings
$7,661,900 1,626,235
Total Value of Real Estate
$9,288,135
Value of Personal Estate
588,880
Total Valuation
$9,877,015
Tax Rate $52.00 per Thousand
Tax on Real Estate
$482,983.02
Tax on Personal Estate
30,621.76
Tax on Polls
2,892.00
Total Taxes Assessed
$516,496.78
RECAPITULATION
EXPENDITURES
Appropriations to be raised by taxation
$780,298.02
Deficit in overlay of 1957
1,615.92
State Tax and Assessments :
State Parks and Reservations
2,686.56
State Audit of Municipal Accounts
529.14
County Tax and Assessments :
County Tax
26,945.36
Tuberculosis Hospital
6,082.06
Overlay for the current year 1958
12,267.60
Gross amount to be raised
$830,424.66
Value of Land
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ESTIMATED RECEIPTS AND AVAILABLE FUNDS
Veterans' Benefits
$ 2.000.00
Income Tax 48,181.99
Corporation Tax 20,694.34
Reimbursement a/c publicity owned land 6,995.02
Old Age (meals) 1,036.03
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
77.000.00
Licenses and Fines 2,500.00
Special Assessments (moth) 600.00
Protection of Persons and Property
1.000.00
Health and Sanitation
1.100.00
Charities (other than Federal Grants for dependent children) 8,400.00
Old Age Assistance (other than Federal Grants)
16,800.00
Schools 8,500.00
Public Services (water)
48,000.00
Cemetery 1,000.00
Interest on Taxes and Assessments 400.00
State Assistance for School Construction
16,000.00
Town of Manchester (in lieu of taxes)
700.00
Amounts taken from available funds and over-estimates
53,020.50
Tax receipts from 1958 assessments
516,496.78
Gross Receipts $830,424.66
Anyone who transfers or sells a motor vehicle should apply to the Assessors for an abatement for the balance of the year as promptly as pos- sible, stating the date of such transfer. In many cases this will make it possible to deduct the amount of the rebate when paying the original excise tax itself and would eliminate the need for sending a refund check.
Any veteran entitled to a real estate tax exemption on account of ser- vice-connected disability should send his certificate to the Assessors as soon as possible after he receives it from the Veterans Administration.
In our report submitted a year ago we pointed out that an average increase of $500,000 annually in total assessed valuation had been main- tained over the preceding five years. Concern was expressed that this pace could not be long continued because of the growing scarcity of sites for home construction. The warning is now supported by the figures showing an increase of only $317,705. for the year to January 1. 1958. and it is doubtful that this increase will have been equalled for the past twelve months when figures are complete.
It is to be hoped that new commercial construction will be encouraged and developed in order to compensate at least partially for the alarming drop in new residential valuation.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT H. CHITTICK ARTHUR L. BENNETT ROBERT H. TRUSSELL Assessors.
69
REPORT OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
GENTLEMEN :
As successor to Frank W. Buzzell to the Office of Building Inspector, I herewith submit the report for the year 1958.
105 permits were issued, as follows :
New dwellings with garage 20
New dwellings
Additions
Garages 15
Service Station
1
Elementary School
1
Block of Stores 1
Storage buildings
3
Work Shop
1
Pigeon Loft
1
Roller Shed
1
Carports
2
Alterations
6
Demolished
4 Total (105)
Respectfully yours,
LEON S. PERKINS Building Inspector.
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY DEPARTMENT
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The Board of Cemetery Commissioners, submit their annual report for the year ending December 31st 1958.
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