USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1959 > Part 6
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The Auxiliary Police, under the direction of George W. Dixon, did a very able job again during the year. Working under the direction of Chief Edward Frederick the Auxiliary Police put in a total of 556 man hours at no cost to the Town. We, of the Town of Hamilton, are very fortunate to have a group of men to call on in time of emergency.
The Civil Defense Agency has tried to keep the Town Departments notified of training programs with a request that those people interested be allowed to take the instruction. Cooperation has been good.
The Town is setting up a radio communications network to embrace all town departments. Money was appropriated to cover one-half the cost of this operation at last year's Annual Town Meeting. In the mean- time we have run into conditions and regulations that have slowed us down. One of these problems was the need of emergency generation in case of power failure. The cost to the town of a new generator would have been $2,000 which had not been appropriated. After much search and due investigation such a unit was found and duly procured through Civil Defense Headquarters at a cost of $100 to Hamilton. We are now awaiting Federal approval and will have this service ready for opera- tion when this town goes on dial telephone. At various times throughout the year we have participated in the surplus program obtaining for the town materials at a fraction of actual cost.
In the coming year we have plans coming along that will further train and educate our townspeople in Civil Defense preparedness.
Respectfully submitted, HARVEY E. BARNES Civil Defense Director.
77
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
To the Board of Selectmen :
I herewith submit my report of the activities of the Police Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1959.
Total Arrests
.48
Male 44 Female .0 Juvenile .. .4
CLASSIFICATION OF CRIMES
Allowing improper person to
Lewd and lascivious
1
operate a motor vehicle 2
Assault 1
Operating after right suspended 2
Attaching improper plates to a motor vehicle 2
Operating under the influence 3
Operating without a license . .
2
Breaking and entering 5
Robbery (Armed) 1
Driving to endanger 4
Speeding
4
Drunkenness
11
Uninsured Motor Vehicle
3
Failing to keep to the right
2
Unregistered Motor Vehicle .
3
Larceny
2
DISPOSITION OF CASES
Dismissed 5 Not Guilty 5
Filed 8 Released 8
Fined 16 Sentenced 6
AUTOMOBILE REGULATIONS
Accident reports filed 53
Automobile transfers 257
Equipment tags issued . 104
Licenses revoked by Registrar 76
Registrations revoked by Registrar 6
MISCELLANEOUS
Accident investigated 39
Ambulance runs to hospital 143
78
Assistance to out of town police
75
Dangerous wires reported 10
Dog complaints investigated 89
Summons served 81
Street lights reported out
275
I again express my sincere appreciation to the Beverly Police De- partment for its continued cooperation in handling calls for our cruiser radio, and for assistance in police work; also to the Wenham Police Department and the Hamilton Auxiliary Police who rendered valuable assistance on many occasions. The continued cooperation of the local telephone operators is also greatly appreciated. To all townspeople and others who have assisted the Police Department during the year, I ex- tend my sincere appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD H. FREDERICK
Chief of Police.
79
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, 1959.
The Department responded to 81 alarms.
The amount of hose laid : 3/4"-6700 feet; 11/2"-1800 feet ; 21/2"- 2700 feet.
The amount of water used from booster tanks was 8050 gallons.
500 feet of 21/2" and 400 ft. of 11/2" hose was purchased this year.
A smoke ejector was bought for ventilation.
We recommend the replacing of the 1935 Dodge with a modern piece of apparatus.
ALARMS FOR 1959 JANUARY 1959
Date Dist. No.
Nature
Location
6
16
Chimney, Off Bay Road
9
21
Grass, Walnut Road
14 21 Auto, Asbury Street
19
21
Fuel Tank Leak, Asbury Street
24
32
Chimney, Highland Street
24
21 Transformer, Park Street
FEBRUARY 1959
2
31
Grass, Highland Street
3
21 Grass, Asbury Street
3 16 Chimney, Essex Street
7
24
Grass, Off Bay Road
16
3-3-3
Beverly
17
3-3-3
Beverly
Owner Myopia Club I. G. A. Market
Allen Fuel Company Louis Davino George Grant
Sumner Pingree W. R. Herrick W. L. McCann H. A. Laughlin
MARCH 1959
7
31 Chimney, Asbury Street
11
21 Roof, Railroad Avenue
24
32 Inhalator
24
21 Kitchen, Linden Street
28
31 Chimney, Highland Street
APRIL 1959
5
31
Brush, Harris Avenue
5
23
Grass, Ortins Road
5
31 Grass, Off Lincoln Avenue
7
32 Grass, Winthrop Street
7
23
Grass, Bay Road
7
31 Grass, Asbury Street
Asbury Street Market H & W News
Jack Mazzotti Gladys Johnson
R. L. Davis Wallace Livingstone Gladys Johnson J. S. Laurence H. A. Daley Mrs. C. H. Knowles
80
Date Dist. No. Nature
Location
8
21
Grass, Walnut Road
8
31
Grass, Off Asbury Street
8
13 Grass, Post Gate Road
8
24
Grass, Bay Road
8
14
Grass, Essex Street
8
31
Grass, Topsfield Road
8
23
Grass, Cutler Road
9
16
Grass, Essex Street
12
24
Grass, Sagamore Farm Road
12
21
Grass, Off Bay Road
14
31
Grass, Lincoln Avenue
14
34
Grass, Goodhue Street
15
16
Grass, Essex Street
17
31
Grass, Highland Street
17
32
Grass, Winthrop St.
17
12
Auto, Bridge Street
18
17
Rug, Gregory Island
22
31
Mattress, Gifford Road
24
23
(Grass, Brush), Bay Road
24
15
Auto, Chebacco Road
25
21
Grass, Union Street
25
23
Grass, Rock Maple Avenue
25
41
Grass, Highland Street
25
15
Woods, Chebacco Road
26
31
Grass, Topsfield Road
26
24
Brush, Moulton Street
MAY 1959
6
23
House, Bay Road
23
31
Dump, Western Avenue
29
13
Leaves, Dodge Park
31
21
Auto
JUNE 1959
27
31
Mattress, Gifford Road
S. C. Peek
5
34
Oil Burner, Highland Street
9
16
Hay Baler, Woodbury Street
7
24
Inhalator
14
31
Auto
17
21
Auto
20
41
Television Set, Lake Drive
H. Stevens
21
24
Auto
22
21
Oil Burner, Lois Street
Fred Johnson
AUGUST 1959
1
13
Building, Essex Street
Morley Piper
SEPTEMBER 1959
6
31
House, Arthur Avenue
10
24 Fat in an oven, Bay Road
14
17
Tree, Forest Street
15
41
False
15
21
Smoke in a school, Bay Road
30
21 Steam in a cellar, Home St.
Owner
Dr. Henry Larchez Asbury Grove Corp. J. M. Hurley R. S. Hayward J. W. Mann Town of Hamilton Town of Hamilton Town of Hamilton Costas Caraganis Myopia Club C. F. Blaney F. R. Appleton- Robert Chetty Charles A. Stewart
Sumner Pingree
Heath Morse
Joseph Filtrani S. C. Peek Town of Hamilton
Elizabeth Fitz Thomas Cashin R. J. Gauthier Gordon College Town of Hamilton
Francis Whipple
John Hollister Amos Fuller Jr. H. K. Spears
JULY 1959
George Horn Helen Frick
Mrs. W. Bullerwell Oliver Wolcott Jr.
Gordon Hemenway
81
OCTOBER 1959
Date Dist. No. Nature
Location
2
23
Mattress, Homestead Circle
7
16
Oil Burner, Off Bridge St.
7
16
Oil Burner, Off Bay Road
15
31
Gas Stove, Garfield Avenue
30
32
Tractor, Cutler Road
31
Inhalator
Owner
Leonard Hatch Carmelite Seminary Myopia Club Fred Morris
NOVEMBER 1959
3
12
Truck, Bridge Street
Gordon Thompson
13
25
Rescue a dog, Cutler Road
27
3-3-3
Lighting unit sent to Wenham
20
21
Electric Wire, Asbury Street
Earl Trefry
24
Auto
DECEMBER 1959 19
3-3-3 Barn, Ipswich
We wish to thank all who have assisted the Department during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
A. MERRILL CUMMINGS, Chief RAYMOND A. WHIPPLE RUDOLPH H. HARADEN Fire Engineers.
82
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The Board of Public Welfare submits the Annual Report of the Welfare Department for the year ending December 31, 1959.
The case load remains the same at the beginning and end of the year with nine cases removed and nine cases added to the rolls. Despite the increase in hospital rates for the second consecutive year and higher costs for medication, the only category to show an increase in expendi- ture was General Relief. The other three categories of Old Age Assist- ance, Aid to Dependent Children and Disability Assistance decreased from the previous year. The higher benefits and new awards of Social Security to recipients on our rolls during the year helped to reduce the expenditures in these programs
The following figures show the expenditures for 1959 and the amount of reimbursements from Federal, State and other sources. The amounts may not be the same as actually received because of the over- lapping of the reimbursement of one year with the next year.
GENERAL RELIEF
Expenditures
By Town $ 2,340.34
Cost to Town .$ 2,340.34
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE
Expenditures
By Town $ 9,499.34
Reimbursements
Federal Government .. $ 2,687.50
State of Mass. 4,507.31
Individuals 22.90
Net Cost to Town 2,281.63
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
Expenditures
By Town $ 1,976.71
Reimbursements
Federal Government .. $ 1,791.00
State of Mass. 809.75
Individuals 55.00
Net Cost to Town .. Cr. 679.04
83
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
Expenditures
Reimbursements
By Town .$43,872.93 Federal Government .$21,570.00
State of Mass. 14,422.62
Cities and Towns 734.75
Individuals 135.95
Net Cost to Town 7,009.61
The Board wishes to thank all who assisted this Department during the past year, especially the local Doctors, Visiting Nurse Association, and the Community Emergency Aid Committee.
Respectfully submitted, LAWRENCE R. STONE LAWRENCE LAMSON WILLIAM F. MACKENZIE Board of Public Welfare.
1959 TOWN COLLECTOR'S REPORT In Account with the Town of Hamilton
Year Tax
Outstanding Jan. 1, 1959
Refunds
Abate. Rescinded Collected
Abate- ments
Tax Title
Un- collected
1957 Motor Excise
$100.84
$249.92
$266.20 10,716.96
686.40
None
1958 Personal
1,765.45
850.25
894.40
20.80
1958
Moth
1.60
1.60
None
1958
Water Liens
753.20
753.20
None
1958
Motor Excise
12,759.31
M. Ex. Commitments 1959 2,002.53
740.97
8.28
12,747.84
2,666.60
96.65
1959
Real Estate
538,154.12
1,149.50
510,290.72
15,421.20
50.40
13,541.30
1959
Personal
33,702.48
32,650.80
49.28
1,002.40
1959
Moth
405.70
396.40
9.30
1959
Polls
3,022.00
2.00
2,652.00
356.00
16.00
1959
Motor Excise
92,109.15
1,239.42
71,774.35
7,076.60
14,497.62
1959
Cemetery Balance
67.00
Cemetery Commitment
450.00
421.00
96.00
1959
Water Rates Balance
11,594.02
Water Rates Com.
45,211.50
37.00
41,769.69
683.20
Liens 1,446.70
12,942.93
1959 Water Services Bal.
260.80
Water Services Com.
2,203.62
3.00
2,103.75
3.00
360.67
1959
Water Liens
1,446.70
982.40
464.30
1958
Real Estate
11,163.06
240.30
84.56
None
1959 Commitments
Respectfully submitted, BERTHA L. CROWELL, Town Collector
85
ERVING O. MAXWELL
Erving O. Maxwell, son of Orrin R. and Phebe H. Maxwell was born in Sweden, Maine, April 3, 1877, and settled in Ham- ilton more than 30 years ago.
A jeweller by trade, with an office in Salem for many years and a recognized watch repairer by the Boston and Maine Rail- road, he became widely known for his outstanding ability in his vocation.
He was appointed Sealer of Weights and Measures for the Town of Hamilton in 1936 and held this position until his death, October 17, 1959.
Always sincere in his work, conscientious and fair to all, ever ready to lend a helping hand, he will long be remembered by all who knew him.
86
WARRANT FOR THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING 1960
ESSEX, SS. To the Constable 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 HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM in said Town on Monday, the seventh day of March, nineteen hundred and sixty (March 7, 1960) at eight o'clock in the evening (8:00 P.M.) then and there to act on the following articles, viz:
Article 1. To bring your ballots for :
Moderator for one year. Town Clerk for one year. Three Selectmen for one year. Treasurer for one year. Tax Collector for one year.
Assessor for three years. Tree Warden for one year.
Highway Surveyor for one year.
Two members of the School Committee for three years.
One member of the Hamilton-Wenham Regional District School Committee for three years.
One member of the Hamilton-Wenham Regional District School Committee for two years.
Trustee of Public Library for three years.
Water Commissioner for three years. Cemetery Commissioner for three years. Park Commissioner for three years. Member of Planning Board for five years.
Member of Planning Board for one year (to fill vacancy).
And to vote yes or no on the following question :
"Shall an act passed by the General Court in the year nineteen hundred and sixty, en- titled 'An Act providing tenure of office for the chief of police of the town of Hamilton' be accepted?"
Yes.
No.
87
The above named officers and question to be voted for on one ballot on TUESDAY, the FIFTEENTH DAY OF MARCH, 1960 (MARCH 15, 1960) in the HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM. The polls will be opened at 8:00 o'clock A.M. and will close at 8:00 P.M.
Article 2. To choose and appoint all other Town Officers in such manner as the Town may determine.
Article 3. To hear the reports of the Town Officers and of the Finance and Advisory Committee and all other committees and take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 4. To raise and appropriate money for Schools, Highways, and all other Town expenses and determine the manner of expending the same.
Article 5. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for Chapter 90 Highway Construction, or take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 6. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for Chapter 90 Highway Maintenance of various streets in town, or take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 7. To see if the Town will vote to purchase a new Fire Truck and equipment for use by the Fire Department, provide for the turning in of the present Dodge fire truck toward the purchase price there- of, or take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 8. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Library Trustees to construct, originally equip and furnish a new library build- ing to provide complete library facilities, and for said purposes (a) to employ an architect and let contracts and (b) to transfer to the custody and control of the Library Trustees from the School Committee and the Board of Selectmen a parcel of land on Bay Road on which said Library shall be located, such parcel being of approximately 40,000 square feet, and being bounded approximately 200 feet on Bay Road and approxi- mately 200 feet deep, and lying between the new Fire House and the Elementary School, as more fully shown on a plan on file with the Town Clerk; and for the foregoing purposes to raise and appropriate a sum of money, and to determine the manner in which the appropriation is to be raised, whether by borrowing, by taxation, by transfer of available funds, or otherwise, or take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 9 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Library Trustees to construct, originally equip and furnish a new library building to provide partial facilities deemed to be presently adequate, and for said purposes (a) to employ an architect and let contracts and (b) to transfer to the custody and control of the Library Trustees from the School Com- mittee and the Board of Selectmen a parcel of land on Bay Road on
88
which said Library shall be located approximately 200 feet on Bay Road and approximately 200 feet deep, and lying between the new Fire House and the Elementary School, as more fully shown on a plan on file with the Town Clerk; and for the foregoing purpose to raise and appropriate a sum of money, and to determine the manner in which the appropriation is to be raised, whether by borrowing, by taxation, by transfer of available funds, or otherwise, or take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to acquire by purchase or eminent domain for water pur- poses a parcel of land belonging to Massachusetts Audubon Society and others of approximately six and one-half (61%) acres as shown on a plan on file with the Town Clerk, and to acquire adequate rights of way there- to, and to raise and appropriate a sum of money therefor, or take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the purpose of exploring for additional water for the Town's water system, including the hiring of engineers, the making of tests, and the purchase of equipment for the foregoing purpose, or take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 12. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for mosquito control in the Town, the work to be done under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, or take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 13 To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $4,000 from the Overlay Reserve Account to the Finance Committee Re- serve Fund, or take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 14. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $1,000 from the Cemetery Sale of Lots and Graves Fund to the Cemetery Account for improvements to the Town Cemetery, or take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 15. To see if the Town will vote to authorize and ap- prove the Board of Assessors to use available funds or "free cash" in an amount not to exceed the sum of $30,000 in determining the tax rate for the year 1960, or take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 16. To see if the town will vote to establish a radio com- munication center in the town under Federal Communication Commission license to be operated under the direction of the Selectmen and in connec- tion therewith to authorize the Selectmen to purchase and maintain radio equipment for the center in town vehicles and installations, and to es- tablish an organization for the operation of the Center on a 24-hour basis and to enter into an agreement with the Town of Wenham whereby said town may be served by said center by tying in its radio facilities with
89
the center, for which service the Town of Wenham will pay the Town of Hamilton substantially one-half the cost of operating and maintaining said communication center; and to raise and appropriate sums of money for the foregoing purposes, or take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 17. To see if the Town will vote to amend the Protective By-Law by changing the area on the Southerly side of Essex Street be- tween Woodbury Street and Chebacco Road to a depth of two hundred (200) feet from Residence B to Residence A to correspond with opposite side of street as shown on the zoning map, Hamilton, Massachusetts filed with the Town Clerk, or take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of Section 8C of Chapter 40 of the General Laws inserted by Section 1 of Chapter 223 of the Acts of 1957, being an act providing for the estab- lishment of a Conservation Commission for the promotion, development and better utilization of the natural resources and for the protection of watershed resources of the Town, or take any other action thereon or rela- tive thereto.
Article 19. To see if the Town will vote to increase to an amount not exceeding twelve hundred dollars the annual amount of any retire- ment allowance, pension, annuity or other benefit payable by it under any general or special law, to specified former officials or employees or to his dependent as provided in such general or special law in accordance with Chapter 32, Section 96 of the General Laws inserted by Chapter 513 of the Acts of 1959, or take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 20. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Modera- tor to appoint a committee of five residents of the Town to examine into the desirability of establishing a Public Works Department for the town and to report thereon at the next annual town meeting; and if such report is favorable, to recommend as to the functions and organization of such department and the form of special legislation, if any, needed therefor, or take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 21 To see if the Town will vote to change the term of office of the Selectmen from one to three years, to become effective com- mencing with the election of town officers in 1961, such change to be effected by the election in 1961 of one Selectman for a term of three years, one Selectman for the term of two years, and one Selectman for the term of one year, and by the election each year thereafter of one Selectman for a term of three years, or take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 22. To see if the town will vote to amend Chapter VI of the By-laws by adding a new Section 4 thereto as follows:
"4. There shall be established a Board of Appeals under the Sub- division Control Law, so-called, as provided by Section 81Z of Chapter 41 of the General Laws, such Board of Appeals to
90
be the existing Board of Appeals under the Protective (Zon- ing) By-law";
or take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 23. To see if the town will vote to authorize the Modera- tor to appoint a committee of five residents of the Town to examine into the uses which may be made of the land in South Hamilton at Depot Square, consisting of 14,900 square feet more or less, and the railroad station and baggage building thereon, the same having been recently ac- quired by the town, and to report their recommendations thereon to the town not later than the next annual town meeting, or take any other ac- tion thereon or relative thereto.
Article 24. To see if the Town will vote under Massachusetts General Laws (Ter. Ed.) Chapter 121, Section 26K, as amended, to es- tablish a Housing Authority and in that connection to make any and all determinations and declarations deemed necessary or desirable, or take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 25. To see if the Town will vote to amend the Building By-Law of the Town in the following respects :
(A) By inserting the following new Article No. 11A: ARTICLE 11A-MEANS OF EGRESS
Section 1. Secondary Exit: A secondary exit shall be avail- able to each separate family unit above the first floor, con- sisting of an exterior stairway or a fire escape of incombustible construction approved by the Building Inspector, with access to the street or a second interior enclosed stairway.
Section 2. From Basements: Every cellar or basement shall have a direct means of egress from the basement level to the outside.
(B) By striking out Article 15 and inserting a new Article 15 as follows:
ARTICLE 15-FEES
1. Dwelling (Initial) $10.00 Cost exceeding $10,000 each $1,000 or frac- tion thereof 1.00
2. Garage, accessory building, alteration, addi- tion, moving: 3.00
Operation costing up to $3,000
Cost exceeding $3,000 each $1,000 or frac- tion thereof 1.00
1.00
3. Demolition
4. Any building not covered by the above:
For operation costing up to $1,000 3.00
For each cost of $1,000 above the first $1,000 1.00
or take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
91
Article 26. 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 as provided for by Section 4 of Chapter 44, General Laws and amendments thereto in anticipation of revenue of the financial year be- ginning January 1, 1961, and to issue a note or notes therefor payable within one year, in accordance with Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws and amendments thereto, or take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 27. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Collector to use all means of collecting taxes which a Town Treasurer, when ap- pointed Collector, may use, or take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 28. To act on any other matter that may legally come be- fore 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 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 eighteenth day of January, A.D., 1960.
LAWRENCE LAMSON WILLIAM F. MACKENZIE LAWRENCE R. STONE
Selectmen of Hamilton.
0
1
92
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FINANCE AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE
As inevitably the case, municipalities with growing pains incur a continued increase in operating expenses and, unfortunately, the Town of Hamilton is no exception to this rule. The 1960 budget, as recom- mended by the Finance and Advisory Committee, represents an increase of nearly $80,000 over the budget for the preceding year. In short, the 1960 budget totals roughly $900,000, as compared to $820,000 for 1959, which, in turn, represented an increase of $107,000 over 1958. As a mat- ter of fact, this trend will continue in the near future, occasioned by a further growth in population and the new regional school project. While this Committee endeavors to keep any increase in the tax rate to an absolute minimum, we, of course, must not be unmindful of providing all the necessary services which are in the best interests of all the tax- payers of the Town. As far as the financial status is concerned, the Town remains in sound condition, which is really of primary importance to all of us.
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