USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1962 > Part 5
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I wish to thank Mrs. Frank Wetherbee, Assistant Librarian, for her fine assistance and to express my appreciation for the faithful cooperation of the staff, Mrs. Harry Clarke and Mrs. Orman Richards. I am grateful also to Miss Linda Obear and to the many volunteers whose diligent work made for an excellent year at our Public Library.
Respectfully submitted,
MRS. DANIEL E. HUGHES, Librarian
67
REPORT OF THE HAMILTON INDUSTRIAL ZONING COMMITTEE JANUARY 1963
The Committee was charged with giving consideration to the prob- lem of permitting industrial land use in the Town of Hamilton and with making recommendations thereon.
For the reasons briefly set out in the body of the Report, the Com- mittee makes the following RECOMMENDATION:
That the Town of Hamilton, through the appropriate agency or agencies, undertake and prepare a Comprehensive Planning Study to the end that there may be a Master Plan or Guide for the future development of the Town in the interests of sound and balanced growth.
The Committee concluded that the pros and cons of permitting in- dustrial uses of land in Hamilton could not be properly or fairly evaluated unless there were available such elements of a Master Plan as to permit the Committee to weigh the advantages of industrial development against that of possible other development in various combinations such as resi- dential, commercial, conservation, streets, water, sewers, recreation, pub- lic services, and so on. Likewise to identify any parcels of land as being best suited for industrial sites in the absence of a land use map, let alone a Future Land Use map, was at best a waste of time and effort. Land suitable for industry exists in Hamilton. To resolve this question presents no problem. The question comes on WHAT land. An industrial site to attract firms with sound management, a growth potential, and the other necessities to assure that the company will flourish and be a good neighbor must be zoned FOR industry. This requires a limited but essential buffer zone to protect the industrial site from encroachment by such incompatible uses as schools and residences. This requires that certain services be made available to the site, such as, proper access roads which do not present hazards to children and others, adequate water, sewer disposal, both storm and sanitary, utilities, and fire and police protection. This further requires that many other elements be known and studied before it can be said that a parcel or parcels of land in various locations should be set aside and zoned for industry.
In addition, there are the dangers which come from uncontrolled growth and the pressures-often irresistable-for the same brought by outsiders and/or property owners wishing to realize "the best deal" on their lands. Such developers and owners care little for the long-range effect upon the property of neighbors or the pocketbooks of the citizens. Thus, it is necessary that at very least the Town be aware of the various uses for which land might be best suited: for industry, for residence, for
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retail establishments, for recreation, for conservation, for Town use, or whatever.
To the question is industry desirable for Hamilton, the Committee can at best answer: maybe, but we cannot tell.
This is no answer, of course, but it is the only one. Before an intelli- gent evaluation of the question can be made and a definite opinion render- ed, certain factors must be given careful consideration. Most of these, if not all, would be determined through the process of a proper, compre- hensive planning study. They include:
(a) the determination of the most suitable industries for Hamilton. To do so with an open mind requires that the economic base be studied. The questions to be resolved encompass a study of the comparable ad- vantages to Hamilton of such industries as those based upon research and development in the newer fields of electronic, nucleuronics, systems, etc., wholesale warehousing, light manufacture, heavy manufacture, service industries, and so on. Questions associated with determining the types of industry that might be most advantageous for Hamilton must be resolv- ed. These include: the yield in tax revenue weighted against the cost of Town services, the number of employees and the likely impact upon the residential growth of the Town with the residual problems thereof, the probable size of the traffic to be generated by the various types of industry, and the basic question-over the years how much industry will be re- quired to provide an economic base that will assure sound growth, and what proportion should it yield as compared with other types of develop- ment in the Town?
(b) the determination of the economic base not only of Hamilton but of the towns which border upon it and the area in which it is located. The economic base reveals the characteristics of the Town, its assets and liabilities, its financial capabilities, the social and economic growth forces pressuring it and suggests certain courses of future development which are capable of providing the Town with sound growth potentials.
(c) the determination of present land uses both within the Town and contiguous to its borders and, through the process of comprehensive planning, the determination of future land uses as a guide in ascertaining the effect that one use might have as compared with another. (It should be noted here that a Future Land Use map and plan exists not as a rigid foremat within which a community must be developed but as a guide to future development. It suggests the thought-to-be-most-suitable use in view of known factors. It, therefore, provides the means by which the impact of other suggested uses may be compared. Thus, it is an essential tool in evaluating sites for industry and/or other potential uses of land.)
The foregoing, in the Committee's opinion, is sufficient evidence to demonstrate the reasons behind its conclusions and its recommendation. There is altogether too much at stake for unilateral determination or ac- tion in this or any other planning for development. The Planning Board, the Conservation Commission, the Appeals Board, the Finance Committee,
69
the Industrial Zoning Committee, the Assessors, other departments and, most importantly, the Selectmen, all are concerned with the development of the Town of Hamilton. Indeed, they are responsible for its sound and balanced growth. It is only common sense that they should operate with a common goal and common purpose. What better instrument may be found than the guide and program which only a hard look at the Town through the analysis of comprehensive planning provides?
In summary, your Industrial Zoning Committee concludes that no one can reach a decision on the many problems which prospective indus- trial development present and do so honestly until all of the various ele- ments of community development have been studied and made available as the basis for intelligent evaluation.
Respectfully submitted, signed
WILLIAM D. DURYEA
ROBERT E. PORTER HAROLD L. CARLMAN, JR. LAWRENCE C. FOSTER RICHARD PRESTON, Chairman
REPORT OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I herewith submit my report as Building Inspector of the Town of Hamilton for the year ending December 31, 1962.
A total of 80 permits with an estimated cost of $680,070 exclusive of land has been issued covering the construction of the following:
New dwellings with garage
29
New dwellings
Garages
16 9
Commercial
1
Sheds
1
Swimming Pool
1
Greenhouse
1
Additions and alterations
29
Demolitions 1
I wish to express my appreciation for the cooperation of all I have come in contact with during the performance of my duties.
Respectfully submitted,
LAWRENCE C. FOSTER, Building Inspector
70
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
We submit our report of the Welfare Department for the year end- ing December 31, 1962.
The case load increased five cases as twenty-five applications were approved and twenty cases were closed. Expenditures increased for Aid to Dependent Children, Disability Assistance and Medical Assistance for the Aged which was due to more cases and increased medical costs. Old Age Assistance decreased in case load and expenditures.
The State Department increased the per diem rates for hospital and nursing homes and the budget item on transportation. The Federal match- ing share on reimbursement was increased $4.20 a case in Old Age As- sistance and Disability Assistance.
A complete recovery of $6,011.40 was received from a release of a lien on the property of a recipient of Old Age Assistance and $133.60 under Medical Assistance for the Aged from the estate of an individual.
The following figures show the expenditures, the amount of reim- bursement to be received and the net cost to the town for 1962.
GENERAL RELIEF
Expenditures
Reimbursements
By Town
$2,239.71 State of Mass. $ 40.00
Cities and Towns 59.96
Net Cost to Town 2,139.75
$2,239.71
$2,239.71
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE
Expenditures
By Town
$15,410.91
Reimbursements
Federal Government $ 2,994.00
State of Mass. 8,211.40
Individuals 58.00
Net Cost to Town
4,147.51
$15,410.91
$15,410.91
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AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
Expenditures
Reimbursements
By Town
$4,488.95
Federal Government $2,788.00
Individuals 1,021.00
State of Mass. 858.82
Net Cost to Town (Cr.) 178.87
$4,488.95
$4,488.95
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
Expenditures
Reimbursements
By Town
$39,318.85
Federal Government $24,004.00
Individuals 131.05
Cities and Towns
539.97
State of Mass.
10,953.46
Net Cost to Town
3,690.37
$39,318.85
$39,318.85
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR AGED
Expenditures
Reimbursements
By Town
$13,195.91
Federal Government $ 6,706.96
Individuals 7.50
State 4,496.27
Net Cost to Town 1,985.18
$13,195.91
$13,195.91
The Board deeply appreciates the work of the Emergency Aid Com- mittee and the organizations and individuals who assisted them 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
72
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, 1962.
A total of 192 permits have been issued covering the installation of wiring and appliances as follows:
Commercial new buildings 1
Dwellings, new construction
42
Temporary wiring, fairs, carnivals, etc.
1
Temporary services
15
New services (replacements)
31
Oil Burners
32
Gas Burners
7
Electric Ranges
1
Electric Clothes Dryers
8
Electric Dishwashers
1
Additions and Repairs
43
Electric Signs
3
Air Conditioners
1
Swimming Pools
1
Electric Water Heaters
3
Ice Vending Machines
1
Gasoline Pumps
1
Inspections made on above
316
Advisory calls made
14
Calls made for service locations
31
Services removed due to fire
1
Wiring condemned due to fire
1
Work completed for 1962
189
Permits completed for 1960
1
Permits completed for 1961
3
Permits carried over from 1962
3
I wish to express my appreciation for the cooperation of the Board of Selectmen, Town Clerk, John Lang of the Massachusetts Electric Com- pany, and all citizens I have come in contact with during the performance of my duties.
Respectfully submitted,
ALBERT L. HAM
Electrical Inspector
73
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
We submit herewith a report of the activities of the Board of Health for the year ending December 31, 1962.
As in past years the activities and the duties of the Board of Health have continued to increase with the growth of the community.
Every effort is being made to maintain and improve the services through constant study and more efficient operation without increasing our overall budget.
The Board is proud to announce that it is returning $1,460.11 of unexpended funds of the 1962 budget to the Excess and Deficiency Fund of the town.
In addition to having jurisdiction over communicable diseases and local health problems, the Board of Health is responsible for the collec- tion and disposal of refuse and garbage; the maintenance and operation of the town dump; the approval of all new building developments to ascer- tain whether adequate sewage and drainage can be provided; the inspec- tion of all operating sewage disposal systems, the inspection of food hand- lers, restaurants, nursery schools and all other matters relating or per- taining to Public Health.
Realizing the need for professional advice, the overall health pro- gram of the town was greatly strengthened with the appointment of Dr. Albert R. Larchez as Board of Health physician. His untiring efforts and untold hours of service are greatly appreciated by this Board, not only in consultation and advice but in the carrying out of the Polio Clinics this past year.
To further strengthten the Health Program, the Board of Health is sponsoring an article in the 1963 Warrant to appoint a committee to look into the advisability of a separate Board of Health, either appointed or elected.
It has long been the recommendation of the Massachusetts Depart- ment of Public Health that in towns where the Selectmen serve as mem- bers of the Board of Health, action be taken to establish separate Boards.
Mrs. Welthea Nelson, R.N. of the Visiting Nurse Association was again appointed Health Nurse for the year 1962-1963. Her assistance in follow-up cases and clinics has been extremely valuable.
Due to the steady increase in the number of school children in grades 1-3, the growing cost of the Clinic, the loss of classroom time by students and the lack of available professional time, it is anticipated that a meeting of the Finance Committee, School Committee, Board of Health
74
and Dental Supervisor will be called prior to the Town Meeting to make recommendations on the future of the Dental Clinic.
The Board wishes to thank the School Nurse, Mrs. Irene Dankow- ski, R.N. who so ably assisted Dr. Polsonetti in setting up and carrying out the Dental Clinic and for her untiring efforts and professional assist- ance provided Dr. Albert Larchez and members of this Board in carrying out the various Clinics this past year.
A complete report of the Dental Clinic will be found elsewhere in the Town Report.
The following is a list of communicable diseases reported during the year:
Chicken Pox
7
Mumps 23
Dog Bite
6
Salmonellosis
1
German Measles
1
Scarlet Fever
1
Measles
40
Whooping Cough
2
Total Reported 81
The Board expresses its appreciation to all who have assisted in any way during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM F. MACKENZIE, Chairman LAWRENCE LAMSON
LAWRENCE R. STONE
Board of Health
75
REPORT OF THE EMERGENCY CENTER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Included in my report for the year 1962 is a detailed analysis of 12,992 logged telephone calls and 20,748 radio messages.
Three full time and two part-time operators are manning the Emer- gency Center at the present time. These operators who are trained and experienced in their field, man the Center seven days a week, twenty- four hours a day, in eight hour shifts. The past year did not necessitate the use of two operators at any time.
Although our gasoline driven emergency power generator is checked periodically, we did not have to put it to use at any time this past year.
On January 27, 1962 another Wenham fire truck was radio equip- ped. February 16 and 26th found the new Mack truck and sander for the Town of Wenham added to the air-ways and on July 23rd radio in- stallation in the Wenham Water truck was completed. This now gives us eleven radio equipped vehicles available for any emergency.
The radio station license 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 cost.
The first responsibility of the operators is to answer the Emergency lines. Among other things they are held responsible for answering the Police Department telephones when the stations are unmanned, ac- knowledging 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 De- partments of surrounding cities and towns, alerting Town officials and departments of dangerous conditions such as fallen wires, approaching storms or icy roads, finding doctors, alerting hospitals, plus many more emergency or public safety actions. Recording of all telephone calls and radio messages on prescribed log sheets, insures the accuracy of informa- tion, thereby meeting the requirements of the F.C.C. All these responsi- bilities are highly complicated, requiring clear thinking and fast action on the part of the operators.
Unless kept at a minimum, non-emergency calls may cause delays and could cost a fellow townsman his life.
To provide you and your family with the services of the Town's public safety facilities in any possible emergency you may have is our one primary function.
76
SUMMARY OF TELEPHONE AND RADIO MESSAGES FOR PERIOD JANUARY 1, 1962 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1962
Telephone Messages Logged by Operators:
Civil Defense 38
Electric Light Company (power failures, street lights out, wires down, defective transformers, etc.)
257
Gas Company
39
Highway Department (Hamilton and Wenham)
563
Fire Department (Hamilton and Wenham) Alarms and Stills 48
Permits and Other (excluding Fire location calls to firemen ) 259
Park Department
121
Police Department (Hamilton and Wenham)
(does not include calls answered by Police)
Accidents
98
Ambulance
286
Clergy
11
Coroner
1
Doctors
113
Dog Bites
6
Electrical Inspector
18
General Police (referred to regular numbers)
7,966
House Checks
314
General Information
895
Oxygen
5
Registry
195
Resuscitator
2
Road Watch
1
State Police Assistance (photographer, fingerprinter, and officers)
29
Stolen Car Checks
51
Wrecker
83
Other Assistance (Emergency telegrams, or messages, gasoline, flat tires, cab service, lodging availability, etc. )
91
Miscellaneous (lost, found, strayed, injured, or returned dogs, cats, cows, etc.)
506
Miscellaneous Non-Classifiable
416
Telephone Company
69
Water Department (Hamilton and Wenham)
295
Wrongly Dialed Numbers
216
Grand Total
12,992
77
Radio Messages Logged by Operator
Police Department (Hamilton and Wenham)
17,649
Fire Department (Hamilton and Wenham) 619
Highway Department (Hamilton and Wenham) 563
Water Department (Hamilton and Wenham)
393
Routine-weather reports, station identifications, CON- ELRAD tests Miscellaneous Communications
1,206
18
Grand Total
20,748
Average Message Load per day :
Period January 1, 1962 through December 31, 1962
35.6 calls per day
Telephone Radio
56.8 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.
Respectfully submitted,
ALYENE A. ROLLINS
Chief Operator
FOR
EMERGENCY FIRE OR POLICE DIAL HO 8-4421
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS Under the Protective (Zoning) By-Law
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
During the year 1962, a dozen or more matters were considered by the Board, seven of them requiring public hearings and formal decisions. Passing over ordinary zoning questions (including another decision that no general or "blanket" variance for business purposes can be given), certain unusual situations may be worthy of mention.
One which it is hoped will continue to be unusual was the investi- gation of newspaper advertisements for the sale of land which appeared to misstate the effect of a variance previously granted by the Board. An- other was an application for a commercial riding stable of substantial size, to be built in a remote corner of the town, largely for use by non- residents, where it appeared quite likely that damage to the public good might result. The members of the Board continue to believe that their de- nial of this application was for the best interest of the neighborhood and of several town departments.
A case which was appealed to the Superior Court was that of the Coles' property on Sagamore Street, formerly owned by C. C. Febiger Company, where this Board agreed with the Selectmen that the non-con- forming uses had been abandoned and declined to grant any new variance. Although the decision of this Board was annulled or set aside by the Court, the negative nature of its decision that the use had not been aband- oned appears to leave open for further controversy the question of exact- ly what is a legal use of this property. Under the law, any extension or change in whatever use may now be legal is subject to the provisions of our By-Law.
The matter of gravel or other soil removal operations continues to be a problem. Early in the year the Board affirmed its 1962 denial of a permit for an extensive project near Sagamore Hill. Present indications are that two of the three commercial operations previously authorized may be concluded in 1963 and the areas finished off as required by the By- Law. The Board renews its recommendations in its report for 1961, look- ing to the adoption of more detailed regulations for soil removal and the provision of adequate machinery for enforcing the same.
The year was marked by the resignation of F. Harlan Clock who had served as Associate Member since the original organization of the Board in 1954. Mr. Clock took part as an alternate in a goodly number of hear- ings and decisions, often at the expense of considerable effort on his part, and was always ready to serve when needed. Late in the year, the Select- men appointed H. Grant Crowell to fill the vacancy.
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As in the past, the Board acknowledges the unfailing assistance of the Building Inspector and of the Town Clerk and his staff.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE G. BECKETT JOHN F. NEARY DONALD G. HARADEN H. GRANT CROWELL
Board of Appeals
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS BUILDING BY-LAWS
The Board has had but a few appeals. Rulings to such have been adequately accepted.
Over-appeal is significantly zeroes, the Board feels, because of ex- ceptional inspectorship, reliable contractors, and general public accept- ance of a just Building Code.
The Board recognizes changes that occur (pre-fabrication, etc. ) will be subject to consideration and discussion. Generally Article 3, Section 2 (7) of the Building By-Laws will apply.
Respectfully submitted,
JEROME F. FLYNN, Chairman CARL POEHLER, JR. W. WHITNEY LUNDGREN RAYMOND MARTEL ROBERT S. PIRIE
Board of Appeals Building By-Laws
80
REPORT OF THE INSECT AND PEST CONTROL DEPARTMENT
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
I herewith submit a report of the Insect and Pest Control Depart- ment:
It was with much regret that the officials of the Town learned that Rudolph Haraden, who had so ably served the town for so many years as Superintendent of Insect and Pest Control, could not be reappointed due to the retirement laws. His long service and dedication to public service will be sorely missed. Because of Mr. Haraden's retiremen in March 1962, a vacancy existed in the office of Superintendent of Insect and Pest Con- trol (formerly Moth Department).
Previously the jobs of Tree Warden and Superintendent of Insect and Pest Control were one job. In an effort to determine what would be in the best interest of the town and until such time as the two jobs could again be combined, Selectman William F. Mackenzie was appointed to serve without compensation as Superintendent of Insect and Pest Control. Mr. Melvin Young, who had previously been with the two departments, ably carried out the work of the department with the loan of help from the various town departments and at a savings to the town of $2,000.80 for the nine-month period from appointment in March to December 31.
All elm trees were sprayed several times during the year in an at- tempt to control the Dutch Elm Disease. It was necessary to remove and burn elm trees that were infected with the disease.
This department assisted the Tree Department by aiding in the re- moving and pruning and planting of new trees whenever the Tree War- den requested the same.
The work of trimming brush and spraying Poison Ivy on the road- side was carried on as usual.
The Town Mist Sprayer was used in carrying out a test program of mosquito control throughout the town. A non-toxic mixture of malathion and water was used with a great deal of success. This mixture is non- toxic to humans, will not injure wild life and has no harmful effects on shrubbery.
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