USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1963 > Part 4
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Chapter 90 Maintenance was the hot topping of a section of High- land Street.
A program of resurfacing our streets with hot top was started last year and will continue during this year.
Drainage work, cleaning out storm drains and clearing outlets was done and new drains added to the system.
Winter maintenance of streets was carried on by plowing and sand- ing using 1000 tons of sand and 200 tons of salt. The demand of salt has increased every year.
The same system of cooperation between departments is still being practiced 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 who have assisted me in the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES F. POOLE,
Highway Surveyor
51
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 1963.
The Department installed forty services increasing our number to 1704. The majority of these were installed in new developments where building still continues.
The new combination backhoe and loader which was purchased by the Department has proved to be an economical decision. The machine has been used by all Departments requiring its use for a total of seven hundred sixty hours. During the winter months the machine is being used by the Highway Department for snow removal and clearing out hydrants.
The usual maintenance required to operate a Water Department has been attended to and repairs made where necessary.
A considerable amount of ledge was encountered when installing mains on Highland Street so we were unable to reach the bridge as an- ticipated with the appropriation allotted to this work.
Water samples have been taken periodically and sent to the Depart- ment of Public Health at Lawrence for chemical, fluoride and bacteria analysis.
The past year we were obliged to curtail the outdoor use of water because the demand exceeded our supply. During the year of 1963 we pumped 129,702,150 gallons of water with a daily average consumption of 355,380 gallons.
I wish to express my appreciation for the assistance rendered me from other Departments and all others associated with us in our work.
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND A. WHIPPLE,
Superintendent
52
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
GENTLEMEN:
I herewith submit my report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending December 31, 1963.
Scales :
Adjusted
Sealed
Not Sealed Condemned
Over 10,000 Lbs.
0
1 14
0
0
100 to 5,000 Lbs.
4
Under 100 Lbs.
7
28
2
0
Weights :
Avoirdupois
10
38
0
0
Metric
0
24
0
0
Apothecary
0
24
0
0
Capacity Measures :
Liquid, 1 Gal. or under
0
4
0
0
Meters :
Gasoline
2
23
3
0
Oil, Grease
2
8
0
0
Vehicle, Tank
0
5
0
0
Pumps:
Kerosene
0
0
2
0
Totals
25
169
7
1
Reweighing of commodities put up for sale : 280 items checked
Inspections made :
Metered Fuel Oil Delivery (House)
26
Clinical Thermometers
79
Milk Bottles 60
Bulk Fuel Oil Delivery
5
Fish Peddler
2
Scales
10
Gasoline Pumps
4
Gas Fuel Delivery
1
0
1
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE W. . DIXON, Sealer
53
REPORT OF THE CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Civil Defense in the town has continued its program of training, staffing and expansion this year as in the past. Progress is slow as is under- standable due to weapon power changes by the nations of the world. Readjustments and evaluations make past planning obsolete and call for new and better planning. We continue to expand and retrain our existing personnel in an endeavor to keep abreast of changes.
During 1963 our police agency was enlarged by the addition of several members. This agency contributed to the town 1640 man hours of police work at 30 events in the town calling for policemen. This sort of assistance to our regular police force frees the regular police for their regular duties and assignments. Thus the town has better police protec- tion. The Civil Defense police have maintained membership in the North Shore Special Police Association and revolver league. In addition to other activities, the members have had a program of instruction weekly, in handling of small arms for boys of scout age. In times of emergency, we have augmented the regular police force in their duties with additional cruisers manned by Civil Defense Police and our communications' men.
The Civil Defense Communications force is continuing to expand whenever qualified radio men can be found. New equipment in the form of four walkie talkie units were added to the equipment available for them to have better emergency coverage of the Town. These new units are available to the regular Police Force should the occasion arise. The purpose of these new units is for short distance and portable use such as in the woods on a lost child call. These units have been in use on several occasions and have proven their worth. Communications has worked in close cooperation on many of the events in town when Civil Defense Po- lice were on duty.
Training courses have been taken and in some instances put into use by people interested in Civil Defense. A course was taken by some of our science teachers. A Mr. Simpson of the Science Department of Hamilton Wenham Regional High School passed the course and tried to put on a course for the town during the holiday season. It was unsuccessful, ap- parently due to the time of year. He is planning another course to start January 28, 1964 which we hope will be better attended. Two rescue courses of 3 months each were held at Topsfield training area. The first course in April, May and June was heavy rescue which Albert Chouinard attended and completed. In August, September and October a light rescue course was attended by William and Stephen Myers, both passing and completing the course. The latter two plan to enroll on heavy rescue when available. When they complete their second course we may be able to start courses on rescue with a thought towards a Rescue Unit for the town.
54
Refresher courses have been held for fire and police department in ad- vanced first aid.
Planning for 1964 includes radio coverage of town departments not now in the communications hook up, a rescue unit set up with proper per- sonnel and equipment, continuing of local training and information courses, participating in training programs as they are set up at Area 1 Topsfield Training Center.
Respectfully submitted, HARVEY E. BARNES, Civil Defense Director
55
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The Assessors submit herewith their Annual Report for the calendar year ending December 31, 1963.
COMPARATIVE FIGURES (for the past four years) 1960
1961
1962 1963
Total
Valuation
$10,572,430 $10,769,375 $11,177,420 $11,558,990
Increase over
previous year
370,355
196,945
408,045
381,570
No. of polls
1,527
1,546
1,565
1,613
Number of
dwellings
1,810
1,846
1,862
1,894
DETAIL OF ASSESSMENT
Value of Buildings
$8,950,475
Value of Land 1,906,615
Total Value of Real Estate
$10,857,090
Value of Personal Estate 701,900
Total Valuation
$11,558,990
Tax Rate $84.00 per Thousand
Tax an Real Estate
$911,995.56
Tax on Personal Estate
58,959.60
Tax on Polls
3,226.00
Total Taxes Assesed
$974,181.16
RECAPITULATION
EXPENDITURES
Appropriation to be raised by Taxation $1,376,561.47
Deficits in overlay of prior years 4,148.14
State Tax and Assessments :
State Park Reservations
3,187.90
State Audit of Municipal Accounts
858.62
County Tax and Assessments
County Tax 1963
31,990.16
Tuberculosis Hospital 5,594.09
Overlay for the current year 1963
38,766.44
Gross amount to be raised
$1,461,106.82
56
ESTIMATED RECEIPTS AND AVAILABLE FUNDS
Income Tax $95,442.23
Corporation Taxes 35,094.34
Reimbursement a/c publicly owned land
8,222.20
Old Age Tax (Meals)
1,705.45
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
116,000.00
Licenses
3,800.00
General Government
1,200.00
Health and Sanitation
300.00
Highways
400.00
Charities
(other than Federal Grants, etc. )
15,000.00
Old Age Assistance
(other than Federal Grants)
6,000.00
Veterans' Services
800.00
Schools
14,000.00
Libraries
900.00
Recreation
1,500.00
Public Services (Water)
52,400.00
Cemetery
1,000.00
Interest on Taxes and Assessments
600.00
State Assistance for School Construction
18,574.26
Town of Manchester (in lieu of taxes)
1,175.00
Town of Wenham (Refund)
7,000.00
Amounts taken from available funds
and over-estimates
105,812.18
Total Estimated Receipts
$486,925.66
TO THE TAXPAYERS
During 1963 the Board of Assessors spent many days on personal inspections throughout the Town. These inspections are necessary in order that we can maintain a proportionate and reasonable tax burden on all properties within the town.
The Board attended all meetings of the Essex County Assessor's Association in an effort to keep abreast of any new legislation and to review existing requirements regarding the assessment of real and personal properties subject to local taxation. Several hearings were held throughout the year with residents of the town regarding property valuation, personal and motor excise taxes, veteran's exemptions and so forth.
Taxpayers are once again reminded that abatements for the motor vehicle tax should be applied for promptly after receiving their bill thus permitting the processing of the abatement to be handled more efficiently.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT H. CHITTICK ROBERT H. TRUSSELL ROBERT H. BROOKS
Assessors
57
REPORT OF THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
GENTLEMEN:
The Conservation Commission devoted most of its time during 1963 to the highly controversial question of pesticide use for the control of the mosquito problem in Hamilton.
The Commission, together with the Insect and Pest Control Depart- ment and volunteers from the Hamilton Boy Scouts, made larval counts in all major swamp systems in town during April and catalogued the results. The purpose of this is to define those areas which are breeding mosquitoes for use in future larval control.
Your action in discontinuing aerial spraying with DDT in preference to truck spraying with malathion was most timely in the light of findings of the President's Science Advisory Committee's report on pesticides re- leased last May.
This report stated that while pesticides should continue to be used for agricultural work and the control of communicable diseases, "environ- mental contamination by pesticide chemicals has generated concern which is no longer limited to citizens of affected areas or members of special interest groups." It goes on to say, "pesticides have traveled great distances and some of them have persisted for long periods of time. Although they remain in small quantities, their variety, toxicity and persistence are affecting biological systems in nature and may eventually affect human health."
The President's Science Advisory Committee recommended that the "Federal Government might restrict wide-scale use of persistent insecticides except for necessary control of disease vectors."
In a nutshell, this distinguished group of scientists has stated that pesticide chemicals are destroying wildlife, contaminating our environment and may ultimately affect human health. When these chemicals are used for the control of disease, these risks may be justified; when used simply for the control of insect pests they recommend the elimination of the use of present persistent toxic pesticides (of which DDT is one), while recommending research for developing selective chemicals or non-chemi- cal methods of insect control.
In the light of this scientific evaluation of the pesticide problem as it relates to the mosquito problem in Hamilton, the Conservation Com- mission makes the following recommendations:
58
1. No DDT or other persistent chemical be used under any circumstances.
2. All other methods of chemical use for mosquito control be abandoned until a safe and selective form be found.
3. Money be appropriated for a scheduled program of brook clearance each year with particular emphasis on those areas found to be mosquito breeding areas by the studies conducted last spring.
The Chairman participated in the Governor's Conference on Rural Land Use and Urban Environment held at the University of Massachusetts last April.
The Conservation Commission participated in National Wildlife Week in March by distributing the prepared literature in both Hamilton and Wenham and arranging for the showing of a conservation film in the schools of both communities. The theme was, appropriately, "Chemical Pesticides are Poison, Handle With Care."
Respectfully submitted,
NATHANIEL C. NASH, Chairman EDWARD FIELDING, JR. MARY M. McGRAY EDWARD A. SAMMEL
CHARLES H. SHACKELFORD
Conservation Commission
59
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Board of Fire Engineers herewith submit our Annual Report for the year of 1963.
The Department responded to 92 alarms and laid 8,310 feet of Booster hose, 5,600 feet 11/2 inch and 4,100 feet 21/2 inch. A new 30 foot extension ladder and 500 feet of 21/2 inch hose were purchased during the year. We also had to replace the old Indian pump cans which were worn out.
ALARMS FOR 1963
JANUARY 1963
Date Dist. No.
Nature
Location
17
16
Fireplace, Miles River Rd.
19
23
Stove, Cutler Road
20
23
Dump, Meyer Road
30
16
Oil burner, Miles River Rd.
Owner Richard Storey Daniel Hughes Clemenzi C. Henry Drost
FEBRUARY 1963
4
41
House, Lake Drive
17
31
Electric Wire, Maple Avenue
18
31
Rubbish, Sharon Road
26
21
Oil truck, Bay Road
William Curley Lawrence Knight Roger Brand Lawrence Lamson
MARCH 1963
2
3-3-3
House, Larch Row
J. Reynolds
9
21
Automobile, Savoy Road
F. Kenney
20
21
Oil burner, Lincoln Avenue
J. Fleming
21
21
Boiler Room, Bay Road
Town of Hamilton
25
21
Electric motor, Walnut Road
G. Seaverns
31
24
Brush, Gardner Street
J. McDuffey
APRIL 1963
1
24
Grass, Sagamore Road
1
23
Hot Plate, Bay Road
2
16
Grass, Essex St.
2
21
Automobile, Union St.
5
21
Grass, Bay Road
Myopia Hunt Club
6
31
Grass, Garfield Ave.
W. Gray R. Berry
6
55
Brush, Cutler Road
8
34
Brush, Highland St.
9
14
Brush, Sagamore
9
25
Grass, Meyer Road
12
41
Grass, Lake Drive
13
31
Grass, Asbury Street
13
25
Grass, Cutler Road
J. Pratt C. Shorey G. Steward G. Potter
6
14
Brush, Essex Street False
8
25
E. Cabot S. Pingree S. Bradford Bowman Maunsell Asbury Grove Ass'n. R. H. Smith
60
Date Dist. No. Nature
Location
Owner
13
16
Brush, Woodbury
Edw. Taft
13
3-3-3
City of Beverly
14
13
Brass, School Street
14
15
Dump, Chebacco Road
14
12
Grass, Bridge Street
14
15
Dump, Chebacco Road
Town of Hamilton
15
21
Grass, Asbury Street
F. Perkins
17
21
Water Heater, Lois Street
J. Callanan
19
25
Automobile, Cutler Road
B. Lenane
20
31
Grass, Asbury Street
F. Maione
20
15
Grass, Chebacco Road
Dr. Moses
20
14
Inhalator, Chebacco Lake
21
15
Dump, Chebacco Road
Town of Hamilton
25
25
Rescue child, Meyer Road
28
15
Dump, Chebacco Road
29
21
Grass, Cunningham Dr.
MAY 1963
6
34
Grass, Highland St.
G. Horne
8
21
Automobile, Howard St.
S. Moore
11
21
Rubbish, Bay Road
Town
11
21
Grass, Moynihan Road
G. Johnson B&M RR
13
21
Grass, Maple Street
JUNE 1963
10
41
Grass, Lake Drive
H. Perkins J. Wolshin
12
21
Clothes dryer, Walnut Road
14
21
Flush Street, Willow Street
Town
20
21
Stove, Walnut Road
R. Pray
21
25
Automobile, Cutler Road
24
32
Woods, Winthrop St.
State Park
JULY 1963
1
21
Elec. Motor, Union St.
4
32
Brush, Winthrop St.
4
16
Grass, Miles River Rd.
5
16
Pine Needles, Miles River Rd.
S. Palmer Burnham
8
15
Brush dump, Chebacco
Town
18
41
Elec. wires, Pine Tree Drive
M. DeAngelis
19
16
Automobile, Miles River Road
AUGUST 1963
1
21
Rubbish truck, Railroad Ave.
Town
12
41
Elec. wires, Moynihan Road
E. Henry
16
21
Brush, Howard Street
R. Martel
17
12
Dump, Bridge Street
T. Clark
25
17
Woods, Village Lane
21
21
Automobile, Walnut Road
SEPTEMBER 1963
7
25
Automobile, Cutler Road
9
23
House, Bay Road
9
21
Paper Store, Railroad Ave.
9
14
Oil Burner, Echo Cove
M. Weller
10
15
Woods, Chebacco Road
Gor. College
12
34
Barn, Highland St.
F. Appleton
15
21
Paint cloths, Railroad Ave.
L. Anderson
20
21
Cloths, Walnut Road
Supreme Cleaners
7
3-3-3
House, Larch Row
A. Waterman State Park Town
E. Cabot G. Harrigan N. Crockett
Town of Hamilton Town of Hamilton R. Baldwin
Town F. Lenherr
61
OCTOBER 1963 Location
Owner
1
3-3-3
Barn, Larch Row
7
12
Woods, School
7
12
Woods, School
12
21
Grass, B&M RR
14
21
Grass, Railroad Ave.
17
31
Stove, Highland
18
12
Dump, Bridge
M. Pingrec T. Clark B&M R.R.
22
13
Brush, Woodbury St.
Carmelite
22
13
Brush, Woodbury St.
Carmelite
NOVEMBER 1963
12
31
Clothes Dryer, Highland St.
14
15
Brush dump, Chebacco Road
P. Johnson Town
27
21
Automobile, Walnut Road
Crowley
28
12
Leaves, Bridge
C. Poehler
We wish to thank all who assisted the Department in the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
GORDON L. THOMPSON, Chief
RAYMOND A. WHIPPLE
CHARLES W. DOLLIVER
BENJAMIN A. DODGE
ROBERT H. CHITTICK III
Fire Engineers
21
21
Grass, B&M R.R.
Prince E. Liporto E. Liporto B&M RR
Date Dist. No. Nature
62
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE HAMILTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
Your trustees feel that 1963 was a year of steady growth and in- creased service for our Public Library. It becomes more than ever appar- ent that the town is fortunate to have the services of Mrs. Daniel E. Hughes as Librarian. During 1963, her first complete year in that posi- tion, she has not only done a dedicated and highly competent job, but has earned additional professional accreditation as well. The trustees ac- cepted, with sincere regret, the resignation of Mrs. Frank Wetherbee the Assistant Librarian, in the late summer, and wish to express appreciation for her splendid contribution as a member of the staff.
It is gratifying that another increase in book circulation has been recorded-this year a jump of some 12% over the 1962 figures. Thus we have maintained our record of regular annual circulation growth since our new library went into operation. The 29,547 total of 1960 moved up to 38,994 in 1961, to 39,191 in 1962 and the figure for the past year is 43,779, or an overall increase of almost 50% in three years. We are pleased to acknowledge the part of the Regional Bookmobile in helping to build circulation and we recommend use of this periodic service to all the townspeople. The Bookmobile broadens and enriches our collection by providing special volumes otherwise unavailable within our budget.
The trustees have planned a 1964 increase in library hours to take effect soon after Town Meeting. In response to an apparent need, the library will be open every Wednesday morning from 9:00 to 12:00 throughout the rest of the year. This brings our total open hours well above state requirements, and will be followed, it is hoped, by additional evening hours as time goes on.
The Librarian, in her report, has outlined community activities in which the library has participated during the past year-work with the schools and school children, the very successful Story Hours for young- sters, etc. We have also been happy to cooperate with the Town of Wen- ham during its library expansion and with the library staff of Gordon College, as well as to provide meeting and display space for community projects. Our inviting modern library, as the property of all our citizens, is at their service, and the trustees hope to gradually increase these areas of service.
There are so many to be thanked for generous gifts and assistance to the library that we can only mention them in passing-the donors of books, notably the Hamilton-Wenham Garden Club; the donors of periodi- cal subscriptions, the volunteer workers. In particular we express our gratitude to Mrs. Hughes and her excellent staff, and of course, to Mr.
63
Francis Whipple, our Town Clerk and Accountant, whose assistance is always invaluable. We also very much appreciate the good work of the Park Department in caring for the library grounds.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN F. NEARY, Chairman MRS. CHARLES H. SHACKELFORD CLEMENT F. HAYES
Library Trustees
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
To the Trustees of the Public Library:
The Librarian wishes to express her appreciation to all those who assisted in making the Library year of 1963 the most successful in the Town's history. The circulation of books has exceeded all previous records.
In June, the Hamilton Library was host to the North Shore Library Association. Mrs. V. Genevieve Galick, Director of Massachusetts Library Extension was guest speaker. After the meeting a delicious luncheon was prepared and served to the more than 45 guests by the women of the Methodist Parish.
The Children's Story Hour and Reading Program conducted during the months of July and August by Mrs. Glen Barker, proved most suc- cessful with a total registration of 154 pupils. Over 600 book reports were made by all children attending. Graduation exercises were held in late August with many parents in attendance. Your Librarian is extremely grateful to Mrs. Barker for her ability and interest in this project.
During the fall, your Librarian attended a ten weeks' course of in- struction in the use of reference books, "The Library as an information Center." The course was held at Lynnfield Public Library.
64
The response of many teachers from the Hamilton School system has been most gratifying. Elementary teachers have made book selections for their pupils to read and this is much appreciated. The Library was happy to give a brief introduction to Library Procedure to the fourth grade pupils of Winthrop School.
National Children's Book Week was held in November; new books were placed on display in each of the Elementary Schools. This also being National Education Week, a group of students from Gordon College visited our Library to receive instruction on Library Procedure and methods of administration.
The cooperation between this Library and other Libraries in the loaning of books has proven very satisfactory. Under the direction of Mrs. Harold Libby, Reading Consultant of the Hamilton School System, and your Librarian, a rotating system of loaning books to the Manasseh Cutler School has been in operation since November. This program is designed to create the desire to read and to help the child who is unable to come to the library.
The past year, over 200 books were made available to Hamilton residents through the interloan system. We are indebted to the Libraries of Beverly, Boston, Brookline, Manchester, Newton and Cambridge for their generosity and assistance in furnishing this material.
The artistic window displays and posters were arranged and con- structed by our talented artist, Mrs. Woodrow Winfrey. Her helpfulness and interest in Library work is most appreciated.
Circulation for the year of 1963
43,779
Adult fiction
13,852
Adult non-fiction
9,544
23,396
Juvenile fiction
15,647
Juvenile non-fiction
4,736
20,383
Bookmobile circulation
5,422
Accession
Total purchase by library
1,349
Total number of gifts
336
Total books added to library collection 1,685
I wish to thank the Library Staff and the many volunteers and aides whose diligent work made for an excellent year at our Public Library.
Respectfully submitted,
MRS. DANIEL E. HUGHES, Librarian
65
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, 1963.
A total of 97 permits with an estimated cost of $1,210,900.00 exclusive of land have been issued covering the following:
New dwellings with garage 17
New dwellings 18
Garages (private)
5
Garage and Breezeway
4
Breezeway
1
Swimming pools
3
Demolition
3
Housing Project for Elderly
1
Gasoline station
1
Greenhouse
1
Potting shed
1
Tool sheds
3
Pool cover
1
Bath house
1
Play room
1
Additions and alterations
36
I wish to express my thanks to all who have assisted me in the per- formance of my duties, especially the Town Clerk and his staff, and Mr. Lawrence Foster whom I succeeded and who assisted me in taking over the duties of Inspector.
Respectfully submitted,
BENJAMIN A. DODGE,
Building Inspector
66
REPORT OF THE ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
GENTLEMEN :
I herewith submit my report as Electrical Inspector for the year end- ing December 31, 1963.
A total of 172 permits have been issued covering the installation of wiring and appliances as follows:
Commercial new buildings
1
Dwellings new construction
22
Buildings, other than residential
1
Temporary wiring, fairs etc.
2
Temporary services
24
New services (replacements)
33
Oil Burners
16
Gas Burners
3
Electric Ranges
2
Electric Dryers
3
Motors wired
5
Additions and Repairs
41
Emergency Generator
1
Dishwashers
1
Air Conditioners
1
Disposals
1
Swimming Pools
4
Electric Water Heaters
9
Electric Heating
1
Inspections made on the above
281
Advisory calls made
21
Calls made for service locations
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