USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1960 > Part 5
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4,000.00
Amounts taken from available funds and over-estimates
65,127.27
Tax receipts from 1960 assessments
649,186.26
Gross Receipts
$1,016,589.20
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 possible, 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 thus eliminate the need for mailing out a refund check.
New real estate valuation continues to be added to the books at a conservative rate approximating half the increase during the peak year of 1956. Still to be reflected in the comparative figures is the impact of two local properties which have become tax exempt, and will therefore affect the increase in valuation to be reported a year from now.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT H. CHITTICK
ARTHUR L. BENNETT
ROBERT H. TRUSSELL
Assessors
71
REPORT OF THE ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit my report as Electrical Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1960.
A total of 227 permits have been issued covering the installation of wiring and appliances as follows:
Commercial new buildings
4
Dwellings, new construction
37
Temporary wiring, fairs, carnivals, etc.
1
Temporary services
22
New services (replacements)
29
Oil Burners
37
Gas Burners
2
Electric Ranges
2
Electric Clothes Dryers
6
Electric Dishwashers
1
Additions and Repairs
72
Electric Signs
2
Air Conditioners
1
Swimming Pools
3
Police Signal Light
1
Electric Generators
1
Telephone Booths (Outside)
2
Water Heaters (Electric)
1
Polo Arena
1
Electric Heaters
1
Garbage Disposals
1
Inspections made on the above
366
Advisory Calls Made
31
Calls for Service Locations
28
Work Completed
220
I wish to express my appreciation for the cooperation of the Board of Selectmen, Town Clerk, Mr. John Lang of the Merrimac Essex Electric Company, Fred Varney, Electrical Inspector of Wenham, and all citizens I have come in contact with during the performance of my duties.
Respectfully submitted,
ALBERT L. HAM
Electrical Inspector
72
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY SURVEYOR
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
I herewith submit my report of the Highway Department for the year ending December 31, 1960.
Necessary patching and maintenance work was carried on through- out the year. New drains and catch basins were added to our present system and all others were kept in order by periodical cleaning, by using our new basin cleaner which was purchased this year by a vote of the Town.
The sidewalk program was carried on this year, completing Linden Street.
Chapter 90 Maintenance work was carried on by seal coating and covered with pea stone for a one mile stretch on Asbury Street.
The system of cooperation between departments is still being used very successfully and is a great saving to the taxpayers.
I extend my sincere appreciation to the citizens of Hamilton and all the Town Officials and Departments that have assisted me in the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES F. POOLE
Highway Surveyor
73
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS Under the Protective (Zoning) By-Law
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
Fifteen formal applications for variances were filed with the Board in 1960, as well as one request for a special permit for a riding stable and school of equitation, which was granted upon certain conditions. Two sideline variances were granted for garages, and the division of three tracts, each into two slightly substandard lots, was authorized in order to prevent hardship in limiting each of these larger tracts to a single house, all in an area made up for the most part of small lots. A variance was denied to an undersized lot which appeared to have been split off from a larger area owned in common, in fact if not of record.
Early in the year the Board unanimously denied an application for a variance to permit a neighborhood type grocery store in a residential area in East Hamilton. In the absence of a prior non-conforming use of the premises, this board believes that no such variance is authorized by our By-Law. Arguments that such a store is needed by the residents of the area should be made to the voters in Town Meeting, rather than to this board, in an effort to increase the rather small business area origi- nally provided for that part of the town.
A recent act of the Legislature requiring town clerks to record notice of certain decisions of zoning boards of appeals includes all decisions granting special permits (in Hamilton this would mean Club, two-family house, greenhouse, soil removal, or commercial riding stable permits) and also decisions granting variances which are limited as to time or type of use, or which may be forfeited for failure to comply with imposed con- ditions. Presumably the purpose of such a notice is to protect the holder of the special permit and to protect the public and prospective purchasers in the case of a variance which is not outright and perpetual.
Perhaps partly because of the warning contained in our 1959 Report, a number of interested persons have protected themselves by making inquiries of the Building Inspector or otherwise as to the status of sub- standard lots alleged to be "legal lots" not requiring a variance. The danger is that if such a lot finally proves not to be legal a purchaser may not be able to get a building permit.
As in the past, the Town Clerk and his staff have continued to supply valued clerical assistance in connection with notices of hearings and decisions, and the preparation of copies of decisions.
The untimely death of the late Building Inspector, Mr. Leon S. Perkins, marks a real loss to the Board in the performance of its duties. In matters pertaining to this board, Mr. Perkins took the same interest and gave that extra measure of attention which characterized his work
74
in granting and following up building permits. His assistance in finding Town Hall information, preparing sketches, and inspecting and measuring sites has been of inestimable assistance to the Board, particularly to the Chairman. His friendly interest and genial personality will indeed be missed by all the members.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE G. BECKETT JOHN F. NEARY COSTAS L. CARAGANIS F. HARLAN CLOCK
Board of Appeals
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The Board of Park Commissioners herein submit their Annual Re- port for the year ending December 31, 1960.
The Department continued the maintenance of all the Parks and School Grounds, under the able supervision of Mr. Henry Stelline, the Superintendent.
The Playground season opened July 6 and closed August 25. Regis- tration was again high this year with a very fine program under the supervision of the following instructors: Miss Janet Smerage, Miss Sarah Jane O'Hara and Miss Nancy Garland and Robert Crowell.
With the financial help of the Mother's Club, the Recreation Com- mittee and the fine cooperation of the Highway Department, we were able to install a regulation out-door basketball court at a very small cost.
The Little League, Junior League and the Town Team kept the ball diamonds busy all season. The 4th of July Holidays at Patton Park was a very busy time with the Carnival, Community Service Fair and Mid- way. The tennis courts received their share of the play during the tennis season. Skating drew out large numbers of children and adults during the skating season. The Burning of the Greens on January 6 under the supervision of the Park Department and Community Service is an annual event.
These programs belong to the citizens of this town and we hope you make good use of them and at the same time keeping them clean and beautiful. Please help us and the Superintendent in doing this.
The Commissioners wish to express their thanks to the townspeople and departments who have so ably assisted them during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE H. RICKER, Chairman RAY M. SANFORD ALBERT P. LOUGEE
76
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
A year ago the theme of our message to the townspeople was an urgent plea for support of a new library for Hamilton. Thanks to your civic responsibility and vision that new library is now practically a reality and a proud accomplishment for all of us.
Your trustees had hoped the new library might be open and in op- eration by Town Meeting time. It appears at this writing as if a little more time will be required, especially since we are confronted with the additional job of book transferral and arrangement. Severe winter weather slowed operations in recent weeks, but with heat now installed, the interior work has been speeded, and with furnishings on hand, the official opening should not be long delayed.
With our total appropriation of $90,000. the town was fortunate that the general contract came in at a low figure of some $71,000 with Sarno Construction Company of Winchester the successful bidder. Indeed, so favorable was the bid that six dormer windows, reluctantly omitted from the original plan for reasons of economy, were re-incorporated into the design. This action will, of course, decidedly advance the time when the second floor area may be utilized. Dormers would have been required in any case and the cost at a later date would have been considerably greater. Some of the other expenses not covered in the general contract include shelving, furnishings, architectural fees, to mention a few, so that careful budgeting has been necessary. However, your trustees feel that every important requirement will be met within the appropriation, al- though any contingency surplus will be a modest one. (In this connection, our budget limitations have precluded certain desirable if not essential items of furniture or furnishings. Should individual Hamilton citizens or organizations be interested in providing one or more of these, as memo- rials or otherwise, we should be pleased to supply a list of suggestions. The Hamilton Teachers' Club has very generously offered such a gift already.) As planned, the second floor hall will for the present be un- finished, but with heating and lighting installed and those essential dormers provided, it can be readily and inexpensively converted to use at a later date.
In planning and implementing the work the trustees have enjoyed the complete cooperation of the architect, Mr. Ray Thibedeau, whose interest has been as deep and personal as their own, and whose constant beyond-duty supervision has obviated the expense of a Clerk of the Works. In addition, we have been most fortunate in having the help and guidance of a splendid Advisory Committee who have met with the trustees periodically. Members of this group are Mrs. Fred C. Barnes, Mrs. Costas L. Caraganis, Mrs. William G. Clyde, Mrs. Edward W.
McGuiness, Mrs. Frank Pulsifer, Mrs. Charles H. Shackelford as well as Standish Bradford, Henry J. Gourdeau, Joseph M. Hurley, Edward N. McMillan, Paul M. Pilcher, Morley L. Piper, Wayne A. Shafer and Elmer H. Smith. Their contribution has been invaluable and the trustees are relying on their continued assistance.
Orderly transfer of books into the new library is a painstaking and practically hand-to-hand operation, as previous experience has shown us. The trustees will welcome volunteers when this task begins. Mr. Poole, our Surveyor of Highways, has been very generous with assistance previ- ously, and we trust the use of departmental trucks may be allowed us in this instance.
There is definitely a dream-come-true aspect to our soon-to-be com- pleted library for both trustees and townspeople. It makes possible a broadening of the scope of library service and will most certainly stim- ulate interest in books and reading. For the first time we shall have all our library resources in a unified collection. Present planning calls for a total of 27 library hours weekly. As tentatively scheduled, we shall be open six days a week from 2 to 5:30 P.M., and three evenings, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 7 to 9 P.M. The new library operation may require moderate increases in expenditure in some areas, such as for heat- ing and custodian, possibly in personnel. It is therefore gratifying that like other towns and cities of the Commonwealth we shall benefit this year, and annually hereafter, from the state's library grants-in-aid legislation enacted in the past year. Our 1961 community grant will be figured on a 25ยข per capita basis, and the timing is excellent.
Throughout this most significant year in Hamilton's library history the trustees have had at all times the full professional cooperation of our highly competent Librarian, Mrs. Fred H. Brown, and her able assistant, Mrs. Daniel E. Hughes. We are exceedingly grateful to them, as well as to Mrs. Orman J. Richards and Mrs. Harry F. Clarke of the library staff for jobs well done. As Mrs. Brown's report will indicate, again in 1960 we broke records for book circulation. Your trustees are sure that the coming year, with the stimulus of our new facilities, will bring a library "boom" to test our library service as never before. This we welcome wholeheartedly ; this, even more than the trim new building on Bay Road, will be the dream come true.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN F. NEARY, Chairman SARAH H. TRUSSELL CLEMENT F. HAYES
78
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
To the Trustees of the Public Library:
The Librarian herewith submits her report for the year 1960.
For your Librarian the paramount interest of 1960 was, of course, the new library. The excitement and thrill of working with the Trustees and the Library Advisory Committee on final plans and furnishing and decorating details was surpassed only by that of watching those plans become brick and mortar.
We now have a beautiful building with space enough to welcome all of you; we have shelves for all the books we can afford for a long time; we have a willing staff; we have an interested and cooperative public. Under such favorable conditions we earnestly hope to improve our service in countless ways, but especially in the field of communication. We are not content merely to publish lists of new books; we want to hear from more of you! We are most anxious to build up a collection which will faithfully reflect the interests of the entire community, not just a favored few. We can also put you in touch with larger resources through the Bookmobile and through Interlibrary Loan.
Substantial increases in circulation (see statistics below) may be due in part to the interest aroused by the decision to build, for immediately after Town Meeting a great number of new patrons were registered. The fact that attendance at the Branch for study purposes increased, as spot checks indicated, surely verifies the wisdom of selecting a central site for the new library.
I take this opportunity to thank the Trustees for making it possible for me to accept an opportunity to enjoy a trip abroad in October of this year. It was a rewarding experience not only for its memories of scenic and artistic beauties but especially for the contacts with people and glimpses of another way of life.
I wish also to express my appreciation to our Assistant Librarian, Mrs. Daniel Hughes, for the capable and efficient manner in which she managed the library during my leave of absence, and for her invaluable contribution to the smooth functioning of the library at all times. My thanks also go to Mrs. Clarke and Mrs. Richards for the faithful and cooperative manner in which they have always discharged their duties, and to Miss Gabriella Hurley whose cheerful presence and busy type- writer were so much appreciated during the early months of the year. To Mrs. Edmund T. Belton also we extend thanks for her evenings of volun- teer work. We also appreciate the help given by Miss Diane Cortucci and Miss Claudia Hays, who, as Future Teachers of America, spent many hours learning at first hand, the part played in our educational system by the public library. Another faithful volunteer from the High School was Miss Linda Obear. Our thanks to her also.
79
Circulation
Main Library
Bookmobile
Total
Adult fiction
4869
548
5417
Juvenile fiction
3984
682
4666
Adult non-fiction
2289
715
3004
Juvenile non-fiction
1258
201
1459
Periodicals
1084
1084
Circulation
Branch
Bookmobile
Adult fiction
3452
979
4431
Juvenile fiction
4466
880
5346
Adult non-fiction
1341
473
1814
Juvenile non-fiction
1321
356
1677
Periodicals
649
649
TOTAL
24,713
4,834
29,547
Books added
Adult fiction
309
Juvenile fiction
277
Adult non-fiction
276
Juvenile non-fiction
115
TOTAL
977
Books purchased
784
Gifts
193
Respectfully submitted,
LOUISE BROWN, Librarian
80
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The Board of Selectmen met and organized on March 21, 1960.
Lawrence Lamson was elected Chairman for the year 1960-1961. William F. Mackenzie was elected Chairman of the Board of Health and Lawrence R. Stone was elected Chairman of the Board of Public Welfare.
The various town officers under our jurisdiction requiring appoint- ment were re-appointed.
The Board has held its regular weekly meetings every Monday evening and numerous special meetings, both day and evening throughout the year whenever necessary. The Board has been represented at State House hearings on proposed legislation, attended conferences and semi- nars and met with State, County and Municipal officials on matters pertinent to the town.
The annual aerial spraying for mosquito control was carried out after the Board received approval and assurance from the State Board of Health that the program would have no injurious results on the inhab- itants of the town. This program was carried out in two stages this past year. Reports indicate that the program was very effective in most parts of town. The Board is working closely with the newly appointed Conser- vation Committee and both groups are studying the findings of the Con- servation Committee's recent town study on mosquito spraying.
With the information available at this date we recommend that this program be carried out again in 1961.
The Board has continued to vigorously oppose the proposal of the Merrimac-Essex Electric Company to run high tension wires through the Town, and has been represented at all hearings on this subject held in both Boston and Ipswich. The matter is now before the Department of Public Utilities for consideration.
Under our annual Chapter 90 construction program, the first section of Bridge Street was rebuilt and drainage installed from Miles River Road to the Hamilton Pumping Station. Present plans call for the in- stallation of drainage and rebuilding of Bridge Street from the Pumping Station to the intersection of Woodbury Street and the final application of hot top on the entire project. It is recommended that this program be continued the coming year, with the town appropriating $4500.00 as its share of the cost.
The Board recommends that the sum of $1000.00 in matching funds be appropriated for Chapter 90 maintenance. This will enable Hamilton to maintain their roads at a portion of the total maintenance cost.
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 annual Town Warrant requesting that the present one be turned in toward the purchase of a new one.
In addition to the usual maintenance of the Town Hall building, the rear portion was scraped and painted, a new oil burner was installed to
replace the coal fired stoker and old water pipes are being replaced. When the Library moves from the Town Hall into the new building we propose to remodel the room it now occupies to provide a larger conference room and office space. In keeping with our policy of making a few major re- pairs and improvements each year, we propose inside painting and hot- topping the driveway this coming year. The sliding doors on the Health Department shed were replaced with overhead doors.
New street and traffic signs were erected and street lights installed where needed. Street numbering of homes and business blocks has been brought up to date.
In accordance with a vote of the Town at the Special Meeting in July to establish a Housing Authority, the Selectmen appointed Mr. Louis Cortucci, Mr. Philip Hopkins, Mr. Ernesto Liporto and Mr. Lester W. Wallace as town appointed members. Mr. John B. Gray was recom- mended by the Board and subsequently appointed by the State Authority as the fifth member. This Committee will insert its report in the Annual Town Report.
Several hearings have been held by the Board during the year, some on petitions for various permits, others on complaints to the Board. These hearings give interested persons an opportunity to express their views and bring out the facts that are helpful to the Board in reaching a decision.
The Board again this year continued its program and studies of the problems of the Town both present and long range. To this end the Board has met with the various Town Committees including the Depot Property Study Committee, Conservation Committee, Housing Authority, Regional School Committee, as well as Town Boards and Department Heads.
With the continuing growth of our town we must be constantly studying our operations and expenditures to insure our operating in the most efficient and business like manner so as to be progressive, give the taxpayer the most for his tax dollar and yet not find ourselves with a progressively higher tax rate.
This report by no means covers the entire duties of the Board of Selectmen nor its complete activities during the year. It is a summary of accomplishments and recommendations which should be of the most in- terest to the voters.
In conclusion we would like to thank the people of Hamilton for the privilege of having served 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 and other Town Departments and the Town employees for the splendid cooperation they have given the Board during the 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
82
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT STUDY COMMITTEE
This Committee was appointed by the Moderator as authorized by action taken on Article 20 at the 1960 Annual Town Meeting, 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 organiza- tion of such department and the form of special legislation, if any, needed therefor. The Moderator appointed this Committee on April 4, 1960.
This report shall discuss the Committee's recommendation in the order in which they were proposed in the Article.
A. "To examine into the desirability of establishing a Public Works Department for the Town."
After a number of Committee meetings, field trips to towns that have within recent years adopted Public Works plans and a meeting with the heads of various departments that would be affected by the creation of a Public Works Department, it is the considered judgment of this Com- mittee that it is most desirable to establish a Public Works Department at this time.
B. "To recommend as to the functions and organization of such Department."
This Committee feels that the acceptance of Sections 69-C to 69-F, inclusive, of Chapter 41 of the General Laws sufficiently meets the needs of the Town as to the organization of such a department. We have studied the special acts that have been passed for various towns over the past ten (10) years to determine if a special act would be more desirable than the sections of Chapter 41.
Our investigation revealed that almost without exception the only reason for these Special Acts was that these particular towns wanted their Selectmen to serve also as the Board of Public Works. Except for this factor, all of the Special Acts were taken practically verbatim from Chapter 41 of the General Laws.
The Committee felt that the Selectmen have more than sufficient duties to occupy them without being burdened with any additional tasks, and furthermore, that the qualifications for a competent and able Select- man might not be those for a competent and able member of the Board of Public Works because of the vast difference in their duties and back- grounds. It was also considered that too great a concentration of author- ity in Town Government is not a desirable thing.
A brief summary of the provisions of Section 69-C through 69-F of Chapter 41 is as follows: If the Town votes favorably at this Annual Town Meeting to place this question on the official ballot at the 1962 Annual Town Election, and if the vote in the Annual Town Election is in favor of this measure, then, at the following annual Town Election which
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