USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1961 > Part 5
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The Committee, during the past year, has reviewed its original report and is as enthusiastic in urging the creation of a Board of Public Works as it was a year ago.
Voters who wish to refresh their recollection of the details of the proposed organization and functions of this program will find it worth- while to study the original report in The 1960 Annual Report. In order to resolve any misunderstandings or any questions relative to this issue, the Committee will hold a public hearing prior to the 1962 Annual Town Meeting, the date to be announced in the press. Any voter of the Town is cordially invited to attend.
Respectfully submitted, LAWRENCE E. PELKEY, Chairman CLARK S. SEARS EDWARD A. DEWITT EUGENE D. SULLIVAN EDWARD N. McMILLAN
62
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
We submit a report of the Welfare Department for the year ending December 31, 1961.
The case load decreased one case as eighteen applications were ap- proved and nineteen cases were removed from the rolls. Expenditures increased for Aid to Dependent Children and Medical Assistance to the Aged but decreased in General Relief and Old Age Assistance.
The State Department increased the rates for Rest and Nursing homes. The cost of medical care for recipients has increased over last year. The Federal matching share on reimbursements was slightly in- creased for Old Age Assistance and Disability Assistance.
A recovery of $9,471.00 was received from the release of a lien on the property of a recipient of Old Age Assistance which amount will be allocated in proportion to the funds contributed by the Federal, State and local government to this individual.
The following figures show the expenditures, the amount of reim- bursements to be received and the net cost to the Town for 1961.
GENERAL RELIEF
Expenditures
Reimbursements
By Town $1,130.75
State of Mass. $ 176.05
Cities and Towns 98.83
Net Cost to Town 855.87
$1,130.75
$1,130.75
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE
Expenditures
Reimbursements
By Town
$9,614.84
Federal Government $2,711.90
State of Mass. 4,490.71
Individuals 11.35
Net Cost to Town
2,400.88
$9,614.84
$9,614.84
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
Expenditures
Reimbursements
By Town $2,153.95
Federal Government $1,537.50
State of Mass. 536.97
Individuals 543.00
Net Cost to Town Cr. 463.52
$2,153.95
$2,153.95
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OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
Expenditures
Reimbursements
By Town $41,068.97
Federal Government $23,010.10
State of Mass. 11,276.77
Towns and Cities 742.85
Individuals 203.40
Net Cost to Town
5,835.85
$41,068.97
$41,068.97
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO AGED
Expenditures
Reimbursements
By Town
$11,921.74 Federal Government $ 5,773.39
State of Mass. 4,093.92
Individual 7.50
Net Cost to Town
2,046.93
$11,921.74
$11,921.74
We commend the Community Aid Committee and the organiza- tions and individuals who assisted this group during the year. We also extend our thanks to all who aided this Board during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, LAWRENCE R. STONE
LAWRENCE LAMSON
WILLIAM F. MACKENZIE
64
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE FOR USES OF DEPOT SQUARE PROPERTY
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton :
The Committee in cooperation with the Board of Selectmen as authorized under Article 25 at the 1961 Town Meeting had the old depot building removed, and remodeled the former baggage building into a waiting room.
The Board of Selectmen were able to incorporate the removal of the depot building, at no cost to the Town, with the removal of the Lamson School resulting in a savings of nearly 50% of the $2,000 appropriated in 1961 for the use of this Committee.
The former baggage building was cleaned out and with new ceil- ings, wall sheathing, doors, wiring and interior and exterior painting, it was made suitable for a waiting room and its appearance was greatly improved. The Board of Selectmen made arrangements with a taxi operator to provide janitor service in return for office space. Automatic gas heat was installed by the taxi operator, which has been very welcome by persons waiting on cold mornings.
Although its location is somewhat inconvenient, this building has been satisfactory as a waiting room and the Committee recommends its maintenance be continued by the Board of Selectmen.
The Committee, as authorized under Article 26 adopted at the 1961 Town Meeting, was increased to seven members by the appointments of Mr. Richard Wills and Mr. Frederick Winthrop and it has held a number of meetings to consider uses and improvements to the Town property at Depot Square.
Suitable parking for commuter cars has been provided by the proprietors of the I.G.A. Shopping Center with the enlargement of their parking area by grading and paving the area between the railroad right- of-way and their former parking area. The commuter parking on the shopping center property is made possible by the shopping center using Town property near the center of the whole parking area.
Due to the large paved area of the shopping center and the removal of large trees at the site of the new bank, the Depot Square Area is bare and bleak and will probably get worse even with landscaping around the new bank because of the eventual loss by disease of the few elm and maple trees now in the immediate vicinity.
The Committee therefore recommends that the appearance of Depot Square and vicinity be improved by the use of a portion of the Town's Depot Square property for the planting of shrubs and trees requiring a minimum of maintenance. An article for this improvement will be presented for action at the annual Town Meeting.
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We understand that an organization is interested in improving the appearance of the business area and may cooperate with the Town in this improvement.
As the Town's Depot Square property is now not required for all- day commuter parking, the Committee recommends limited time parking, to suit the needs of the adjacent stores and shops, be established by the Board of Selectmen in the area not used for the planting.
The area leading from the Square to the waiting room should be graded and paved but by filling the holes with a little gravel this work can be delayed for another year.
Respectfully submitted,
ELMER H. SMITH, Chairman MRS. FRANCIS H. BURR HENRY P. CONNOLLY HENRY J. GOURDEAU MRS. JOHN NEARY RICHARD WILLS FREDERICK WINTHROP
66
REPORT OF THE EMERGENCY CENTER
To the Hamilton Board of Selectmen:
Included in my report for the year 1961, is a detailed analysis of of 10,908 logged telephone calls and 18,989 radio messages.
At the present time there are four full time and two part time operators manning the Emergency Center. These are operators who are trained and experienced in their field. The Center is manned seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day - in eight hour shifts. In the past year there was only one instance when two operators was required, the pre- dicted hurricane.
Our gasoline-driven emergency power generator is periodically checked, but only once was put into use this year. This was during a power failure at the Hamilton Fire-Police station.
Vehicles equipped to communicate with the Emergency Center now include the two police cruisers, three fire engines, one Water Department vehicle, and the Hamilton Highway Department truck, which was radio equipped in December. Presently an order has been entered and ap- proved for one additional radio for the Wenham Fire Department and two for the Wenham Highway Department.
The radio station licenses held by both Towns are in the frequency band designated by the F.C.C. as the Local Government Band. Only in this band are all Town owned vehicles permitted to communicate with the Report Center for the conducting of Town business. This allows the Towns to utilize one base station location and a single radio operator for all radio operations, and thus be able to take advantage of the time and labor savings afforded by mobile radio for the least possible costs.
On September 14, 1961 a teletype receiver was installed at the Center. We are on the Boston Suburban Police Network - receiving messages from every part of the New England states, as well as "locals." Every morning the operator prepares a "Hot Sheet" of stolen cars for each cruiser, containing all cars reported stolen within a three-day period. During the day additional and correctional bulletins and local teletype messages are issued to the police departments, such as missing or wanted persons, robberies, stolen cars, etc.
The operators are charged with answering the Emergency Lines first. In addition, they are held responsible for answering the police department telephones when the staions are unmanned, acknowledging and transmitting messages on the radio system, sounding the fire alarms, answering unlisted fire telephones to give fire locations to the firemen, giving fire locations to the first responding man to the engine houses, making calls to the Registry, State Police, Police and Fire Departments of surrounding cities and towns, alerting Town officials and departments of dangerous conditions such as fallen wires, approaching storms or icy
67
roads, finding doctors, alerting hospitals, calling the Poison Information Center, plus many more emergency or public safety actions. Additionally to meet the requirements of the F.C.C. and also to insure accuracy of information, all radio and telephone calls passed through the Center must be recorded by the operator on prescribed log sheets. All these re- sponsibilities are highly complicated requiring clear thinking and fast action on the part of the operators. By keeping non-emergency calls to a minimum, the operators can perform their responsibilities properly and as rapidly as humanly possible.
Non-emergency calls such as : " Any skating at Patton Park ?", "Any school today ?", "Is the ski tow running?", "What time is it?", etc., are still on the increase. Calls such as these may cause a delay, which could cost a fellow townsman his life.
The Emergency Report Center was designed and is operated with one primary function - to provide you and your family with the services of the Town's public safety facilities in any possible emergency you may have.
SUMMARY OF TELEPHONE AND RADIO MESSAGES FOR PERIOD JANUARY 1, 1961 TO DECEMBER 31, 1961
Telephone Messages Logged by Operators
Civil Defense 57
Electric Light Company (power failures, street lights out,
wires down, defective transformers) 263
Gas Company (gas leaks)
24
Highway Department (Hamilton and Wenham) 192
Fire Department (Hamilton and Wenham)
Alarms and Stills 111
Fire Permits and other (excluding fire location calls
346
Park Department
Police Department (Hamilton and Wenham)
(does not include calls answered directly by Police )
Accidents
107
Ambulance
219
Clergy
12
Coroner
1
Doctors
39
Dog Bites
21
Electrical Inspector
5
General Police Department Call (referred to regular numbers)
6726
House Checks
133
Information (calls for time, locations, dates, persons, activities, sports, services, meetings, etc.)
705
Oxygen 3
from firemen - average 7 per fire) 96
68
Registry
140
Resuscitator
4
Road Watch
1
State Police Assistance (photographer, fingerprinter, and officers) Stolen Car Checks (local)
73
Wrecker
92
Other Assistance (emergency telegrams or messages, gasoline, flat tires, cab service, lodging availability ) 109 Miscellaneous (lost, found, strayed, injured or returned dogs cats, cows, donkeys, cattle, pigeons, swarms of bees and mired horses) 382
Miscellaneous - Nonclassifiable
585
Telephone Company 55
Water Department (Hamilton and Wenham)
171
Wrongly Dialed Numbers
175
Grand Total 10,908
Not included are calls from newspapers and radio stations referred to proper authority such as chief of police.
Radio Messages Logged by Operators :
Police Department (Hamilton and Wenham) 16,489
Fire Department (Hamilton and Wenham) 523
Highway Department (Hamilton) (installed Dec. 27, 1961) 15
Water Department (Hamilton) 416
Routine - weather reports, station identifications, CONAL-
RAD test 1523
Miscellaneous Communications
23
Grand Total
18,989
Average Message Load per day
Period January 1, 1961 to December 31, 1961
Telephone
27.1 calls per day
Radio 52.0 calls per day
This report does not include the test sounding of the 12:00 Noon fire whistle, the no-school signals, or giving information, street directions, or receiving reports from persons coming into the Emergency Center.
Submitted by, ALYENE A. ROLLINS, Chief Operator
FOR EMERGENCY FIRE OR POLICE DIAL HO 8-4421
61
69
REPORT OF THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
GENTLEMEN :
Activities of the Conservation Commission during 1961 were devoted to the following three areas :
Use of Pesticides
A study was made of all available material pertaining to pesticides, their use and effects. Recognized authorities were interviewed, both those engaged in spraying as well as those whose prime concern is the protection of beneficial forms of wildlife. The present aerial spraying program was then examined in the light of these data. It was found to be safe with the insistence that under no circumstances should the sprayer use a concentration of DDT in excess of 6% (equal to 1/2 pound per acre).
The Commission recommended that a qualified individual be ap- pointed to supervise and direct the mosquito control program. The choice of Melvin F. Young by the Board of Selectmen was an excellent one and the Conservation Commission arranged for him to be instructed by Robert L. Armstrong, Superintendent of the East Middlesex Mosquito Control District, an entomologist considered tops in his field and noted for his keen interest in protecting wildlife.
The Conservation Commission also recommended that a mid-winter dusting of the mosquito breeding areas with DDT, instead of the late- April spraying, should provide better control with less harm to other forms of wildlife.
It should be understood that the Conservation Commission, while having no inherent interest in mosquito control, has recognized that the Town wants the program continued, as evidenced by the results of the conservation questionnaires distributed last year and by the interest shown at Town meetings. Therefore, the Commission has adopted a policy of striving to insure that the program is a safe one and that the Town is getting the most effective results from the money spent.
An Insect Control Committee was appointed composed of Edward Fielding, Jr., Chairman, William F. Mackenzie and Melvin F. Young.
Education
Conservation material for use in classrooms was assembled and copies furnished the principals of the high school and the Winthrop School.
In an effort to stimulate interest in conservation, the Commission awarded certificates to all pupils of the Winthrop School entering
70
exhibits in the Science Fair on subjects of conservation or natural sciences. A conservation talk by an Audubon official was also sponsored at separate assemblies of the Junior High and High Schools.
The Commission is presently attempting to have included as part of the fifth grade curriculum a week at the Otter Lake Conservation School in Greenfield, New Hampshire.
An Educational Committee composed of Edward A. Samuel, Chair- man, Edmund Dodge and Mrs. Eugene A. Oster, Jr. has been appointed.
Open Spaces
The Conservation Commission, together with Joseph F. Albanese, Mrs. Standish Bradford, and Jackson Garfield, formed an Open Spaces Committee for the purpose of studying ways of preserving open areas in Hamilton for recreation, protection of the Town's water resources, maintenance of the rural beauty, and for the protection of property values. An illustrated brochure was prepared and distributed to a limited number of property-owners as an initial attempt at acquiring property through outright gift, bequest, or the granting of easements.
The Conservation Commission wishes to thank those who served so capably on the several committees during the year.
Respectfully submitted, NATHANIEL C. NASH, Chairman EDWARD FIELDING, JR. MARY M. McGRAY EDWARD A. SAMMEL CHARLES H. SHACKELFORD
Conservation Commission
71
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS Under the Protective (Zoning) By-Law
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
This Board held twelve formal hearings in the year 1961 and de- cided a number of the matters where no bearing was deemed necessary or where the applicant stopped short of a public hearing.
Most of the few variances granted involved either hardship cases concerning garages for or additions to dwellings existing before the adoption of the Protective By-Law, or minor deficiencies of frontage or area for new house lots in settled districts. One such proposed lot was rejected as not conforming to the 1957 amendment, in that the change would not be in keeping with the character of the neighborhood.
Two cases of business use arose during the year. In one the storage and sale of trailers under strict conditions was authorized at a location within the boundary of a residence district long entitled to store vehicles of all descriptions and to sell certain types of motor vehicles. In the other case a decision by the Board that former use as a shop had been abandoned has put an end to a troublesome situation and has since re- sulted in the construction of a residence in what is otherwise exclusively a residence area.
The only special permit requested during the year was for soil removal from the top of a hill on Sagamore Street, an operation which might take in over twenty acres of land and might continue for many years. After denial of a permit by the Board a rehearing in October, granted at the request of the applicant, aroused much interest. At year's end, the new decision was still under advisement.
Towns are authorized by the General Laws to adopt By-Laws (whether part of a zoning by-law or not) regulating or even prohibiting soil removal in specified districts or throughout the entire town. From testimony at 1961 hearings and from other sources the Board members believe there is considerable dissatisfaction with existing soil operations, some authorized by this Board and some antedating zoning in Hamilton. The members believe the time is ripe for a study of this question by the various officials directly concerned, to see if there is real need or a general desire for any such regulation or prohibition, whether the same should continue in the zoning By-Law, and whether some agency other than the Board of Appeals should be charged with the details of ad- ministering whatever regulations may exist. As to the last, the function of a Board of Appeals is essentially judicial. It reviews the actual or expected action taken by a building inspector or other official, except for specified cases where it may after hearing issue special permits. The other special permit cases likely to arise under our By-Law may be dis- missed as relatively simple and within the capabilities of any Board of Appeals. Even the simplest soil removal case under the present By-Law,
72
however, calls for expert knowledge of various types, a considerable effort to devise conditions at once fair to the applicant and protective of the best interests of the Town and, quite likely, an extended period of supervision. It would seem that even without a change in the present requirements that this administrative burden should be lodged elsewhere than with a Town's Board of Appeals. Whether this should be performed by the Selectmen, who are charged with enforcement of all provisions of the present By-Law, or by the Conservation Commission, as in a number of other communities, or by some other agency of the Town, is a question which merits thoughtful consideration.
A change in the membership of the Board incurred with the resigna- tion of Costas L. Caraganis in October. Mr. Caraganis had served faith- fully since his appointment in 1959 and it is regretted that he was unable to continue. The Selectmen filled the vacancy by appointment of Donald G. Haraden, who first sat at the hearings held on October 19, 1961.
The Board acknowledges the continued cooperation and assistance of the Town Clerk, his staff, and the Building Inspector. The Board's tribute to the memory of the former Building Inspector, the late Leon S. Perkins, appeared in the 1960 Report.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE G. BECKETT JOHN F. NEARY DONALD G. HARADEN F. HARLAN CLOCK
Board of Appeals
73
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS
To the Citizens of Hamilton:
The Board herewith submits its twenty-sixth Annual Report of the Water Department.
The Total Commitments for the year indicate that a substantial in- crease has been realized over a period of years.
The commitment for the year of 1958 totaled $43,997.70
1959
46,939.89
1960
49,298.11
1961
49,696.63
This revenue is derived from the sale of water and new installations. Therefore, during a dry summer the demand for water is greater and more revenue can be expected.
New mains have been installed and connected to the distribution sys- tem on Martel Road, Old Cart Road and Blueberry Lane. These mains are located in new developments and were installed by the property owner, which will become Town property when the streets are accepted by the Town.
In order to keep up with the increased demand the Board will con- tinue to look for more water for our system.
We wish to thank all other Departments of the Town for their con- tinued cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD H. SMITH, Chairman GORDON L. THOMPSON JAMES L. DEANGELIS
Water Commissioners.
74
REPORT OF THE WATER SUPERINTENDENT
To the Board of Water Commissioners:
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit my Annual Report as Superintendent of the Water Department for the year 1961.
Eight inch mains were laid on Highland Street consisting of 1,814 feet of pipe and installation of two R. D. Wood fire hydrants.
The fire hydrants were painted and inspected and repairs made where required.
Fifty-nine new water services were installed this year which included churches, commercial buildings and private homes which increased our total number of services to 1,622 now connected to the distribution system.
This past summer was not considered as extremely dry. Therefore, we pumped 104,980,800 gallons plus some assistance from the Town of Essex during the period of the greatest demand.
It is reasonable to assume that with the addition of new services each year and the difficulty experienced in supplying the Town with our present facilities another source is imperative in order to maintain service adequately.
Water samples have been taken and sent to the State Department of Public Health for their analysis as prescribed by their schedule.
Printed below is a copy of the report received from the State De- partment of Public Health of chemical tests of water samples taken from the three sources of supply on October 3, 1961.
No. 446017 No. 446018 Bridge St. Sta. School St. Sta.
No. 446019 Patton Sta.
Turbidity
0.
0.
0.
Sediment
0.
1.
0.
Color
10
20.
5.
Odor-Cold
0.
1M
0.
Chlorides
15.
13.
7.5
Hardness
56
98.
76.
Alkalinity
38
47.
62.
PH
6.3
6.4
6.5
Iron
.11
1.4
.11
Manganese
.20
.10
.10
I wish to express my appreciation for the cooperation and assistance received from other Town Departments and all others who are associated with us in our work.
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND A. WHIPPLE, Superintendent, Water Dept.
75
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY SURVEYOR
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
I herewith submit my report of the Highway Department of the year ending December 31, 1961.
Spring Cleaning was carried out in the usual manner, roadsides were mowed at different times throughout the summer, guard rails were repaired and new posts replaced and painted.
Necessary patching and general maintenance work on streets was carried on throughout the year. Chapter 90 Maintenance work was carried on by seal coating and covered with pea stone on a one-mile stretch on High- land Street.
Drainage work, cleaning out storm drains and clearing outlets was done, and new drains added to the system.
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 Town Officials and Departments and the Highway employees that have as- sisted me in the past year. As in the past, the Highway Department re- mains cooperative in assisting all town departments whenever possible.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES F. POOLE,
Highway Surveyor
76
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The Board of Selectmen met and organized on March 20, 1961 with Lawrence Lamson being elected Chairman. William F. Mackenzie was elected Chairman of the Board of Health and Lawrence R. Stone Chairman of the Board of Public Welfare.
The various town officers under the jurisdiction of the Board requiring appointment were re-appointed. We sincerely regret the death of Leon S. Perkins early in the year. Leon had carried on the duties of Building In- spector for several years in a very excellent manner. Lawrence C. Foster was appointed to fill this vacancy. During the year Costas Caraganis re- signed as a member of the Board of Appeals. This vacancy was filled by the appointment of Donald G. Haraden, a life long resident of Hamilton.
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