USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1963 > Part 6
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Recoveries were made from estates of recipients, assigned insurance and under the real estate lien in Old Age Assistance in the total amount of $8,125.28.
The following figures show the expenditures, the amounts of re- imbursements to be received and the net cost to the Town for 1963.
GENERAL RELIEF
Expenditures
Reimbursements
By Town
$1,394.38
State of Mass. $ 130.35
Net Cost to Town 1,264.03
$1,394.38
$1,394.38
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE
Expenditures
Reimbursements
By Town
$9,192.23
Federal Government $2,372.50
State of Mass. 4,943.37
$9,192.23
Individuals 48.15
Net Cost to Town 1,828.21
$9,192.23
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AID DEPENDENT CHILDREN
Expenditures
Reimbursements
By Town
$5,356.60 Federal Government $3,423.50
State of Mass. 1,320.06
Individuals 876.05
Net Cost to Town (Cr.) 263.01
$5,356.60
$5,356.60
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
Expenditures
Reimbursements
By Town
$39,904.62 Federal Government $18,627.74
State of Mass.
10,011.87
Cities and Towns
433.88
Individuals 446.45
Net Cost to Town
10,384.68
$39,904.62
$39,904.62
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO THE AGED
Expenditures
Reimbursements
By Town
$21,607.31
Federal Government $11,172.39
State of Mass. 7,408.02
Individuals 15.00
Net Cost to Town
3,011.90
$21,607.31
$21,607.31
The Board appreciates the aid given by the Emergency Aid Com- mittee and all others who aided this Committee during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
LARWENCE R. STONE LAWRENCE LAMSON
WILLIAM F. MACKENZIE
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REPORT OF THE EASTERN ESSEX DISTRICT DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' SERVICES
To the Citizens of Hamilton:
After several meetings with the Selectmen of the towns of Essex, Hamilton and Ipswich, and representatives of the State Department of Veterans' Services, the Eastern Essex District Department of Veterans' Services was formed as outlined in Chapter 115, Sections 10-14 of the General Laws, and activated April 15, 1963.
The main office is located in the Town Hall of Ipswich. Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. The re- mainder of the day is devoted to home visitations and field work.
Services rendered to Hamilton Veterans and Their Dependents:
1 Waiver of Insurance premium payments.
1 Headstone applied for.
1 Medical folder forwarded to V. A.
1 Transfer from Military settlement to V. A.
1 Application for Housing for Aged.
1 Assistance to Conservator.
1 Lost Discharge applied for.
32 Home Visits.
110 Papers Verifaxed.
Pensions Applied for and Awarded:
1 Service connected.
1 Aid to Dependents.
The total monthly awards for the above range from $200.00 to $90.00 with a total saving to the Town of $4,560.00 yearly.
Applications for one service connected and one conversion to service connected are awaiting award.
The number of Veterans and Dependents receiving Veterans' Bene- fits is reported as to the number of cases per month: April 2; May 2; June 2; July 2; August 4; September 2; October 1; November 1; Decem- ber 2. A breakdown and total expenses paid under this program may be found in the Town Accountant's Report.
I sincerely express my thanks to all town officials, and local organ- izations who have in any way rendered assistance to this Department.
Respectfully submitted. FRANK STORY,
Director
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In Memoriam
ERNEST MELVILLE BARKER May 17, 1963
Born December 11, 1868 in Wenham, Massachusetts, son of Edwin and Elmira Barker. Coming to Hamilton in 1900 he conducted a dairy farm until his retirement a few years ago.
Mr. Barker was appointed Animal Inspector and Milk Inspector for the Town in 1933, which positions he held until his passing. His many years of experience with cattle well qualified him for the positions which he so ably filled.
Several years ago he was presented the Boston Post Cane, it being determined that he was the oldest male citizen in town.
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REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
The Town Meeting-on March 4, 1963-accepted the recommen- dation of an "Industrial Zoning Committee" and of the Planning Board for the preparation of a "Comprehensive Planning Study." The Town voted to raise and appropriate $4,900 "for the purpose of contracting through the Hamilton Planning Board with the Massachusetts Department of Com- merce for the preparation of a Comprehensive Planning Study of the Town, such sum to be expended only if the sum of $9,000 is provided by the Federal Government."
Following this vote, the Planning Board initiated a series of inter- views with six firms of planning consultants and during April and May met with them at over 12 meetings. From these discussions, the Board selected Charles W. Eliot, Planning Consultant and Professor of City and Regional Planning at the Harvard Graduate School of Design to advise us on the Comprehensive Planning Study. The Planning Board considers itself and the citizens of Hamilton very fortunate in acquiring the services of a man who has been a pioneer in the field of planning in Washington, D.C., in California and at Harvard University, and who has just com- pleted an excellent comprehensive study for the Town of Groton, Massa- chusetts. He is a resident of Ipswich and, therefore, familiar with the Hamilton area and many of its problems.
Professor Eliot prepared a preliminary statement of our planning problems and opportunities, reviewed the status of planning data and present by-laws, and assisted in the preparation of an application for a Federal Grant under Section 701 of Title VII of the Housing Act of 1954 as amended.
The application for Federal assistance with a statement of "scope of services" which would define the work to be performed by the Planning Consultant was forwarded to the Massachusetts Department of Commerce on June 18, 1963. The application was processed in Boston and by the U. S. Housing and Home Finance Agency in New York and Washington and approved in December.
Under contracts dated December 23, 1963, the Town and the Planning Consultant have agreed with the Planning Division of the Massachusetts Department of Commerce on procedures to carry on the Comprehensive Planning Study over an eighteen month period. The first meeting to inaugurate the work was held on February 3, 1964, when the contracts were approved.
The Consultant, in his preliminary statement and after interviews and visits in Hamilton and conferences with the Planning Board, identi- fied the following subjects as of particular concern and Interest:
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1. Possible Future Industrial Development, including what kinds of industrial activities might be attracted, what impact they might have on the Town, and where, or under what conditions, they could best be located.
2. Sewerage. Whether, when and where sewerage may be requir- ed and what steps can postpone or avoid heavy investment in a public sewerage system. There may be special problems in South Hamilton and in the areas with small lots, such as near Che- bacco Lake, Pleasant Pond or Asbury Grove to avoid pollution of ponds, swamps or streams, or of wells used for water supply.
3. Water Supply-with a continuing problem of adequate sources, -possibly involving some arrangements with other towns in the Ipswich River Watershed. To protect wetlands and under- ground water sources from pollution and to help assure a con- tinuous water supply, it may be desirable to preserve wetlands (as natural reservoirs) and to count only dry land in measuring the size of building lots.
4. Soil Removal may have to be further controlled.
5. Future School Needs-with special reference to arrangements with Wenham.
6. Improvements for drainage and roads, etc., in new subdivisions to avoid undue costs to the Town in maintenance or rebuilding.
7. Effect of Tax Exempt Properties on Future Tax Rates and Town Services, with particular reference to possible sale or gift of large houses and estates to Tax Exempt Institutions.
8. The policies appropriate to areas with previously established small lots, as at Chebacco Lake, Asbury Grove and Pleasant Pond.
9. Future of Rail Passenger Service and the effect on commuting.
10. Concern, to maintain the "rural character" of the Town. Though placed last on the list, this is one of the more important sub- jects in the opinion of the Planning Board.
Your Planning Board and its Planning Consultant hope to engage the interest and active participation of town officials, citizen groups and individuals in the Comprehensive Planning Study. Our objective is to develop factual data as to where the Town stands today and as to existing trends,-and to present for consideration of the voters some of the possi- bilities for the future.
Although the Comprehensive Plan is often referred to as the Master Plan, we have neither desire nor intent to impose our ideas on our fellow citizens. We hope and believe that the facts and the advice of an exper- ienced Planning Consultant will develop proposals for guidance of the
89
Town's future growth, which will meet with the approval of the voters at a future Town Meeting. We ask for your suggestions and your help in our efforts.
We wish to emphasize that this Comprehensive Study will only be as useful as it is successful in reflecting the needs of the community. The requirements of the community can only be expressed through the par- ticipation of the citizens of the Town in the preparation of the Compre- hensive Planning Study.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE C. CUTLER, Chairman WILLIAM D. DURYEA, II HENRY J. GOURDEAU DR. HENRY F. LARCHEZ W. WHITNEY LUNDGREN
Planning Board
90
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of the Town of Hamilton:
We submit herewith a report of activities of the Board of Health for the year ending December 31, 1963.
As in the past years the activities and the duties of the Board of Health have continued to increase with the growth and demands of the community.
Every effort is being made to maintain and improve the services through constant study and more efficient operation without increasing the over-all budget.
In addition to having jurisdiction over communicable diseases and local health problems, the Board of Health is responsible for the collection and disposal of refuse and garbage; the maintenance and operation of the town dump; the approval of all new building developments to ascertain whether adequate sewage and drainage can be provided; the inspection of all operating disposal systems; the inspection of food handlers, res- taurants and all other matters relating or pertaining to Public Health.
Under the direction of the Board of Health Physician Dr. Albert R. Larchez, three Oral Polio Vaccine Immunization Clinics were carried out. The Board wishes to express its appreciation to the School Department Staff, Mrs. Donald Trussell of the Town Hall Staff, the volunteers who gave so willingly of their time and especially the Visiting Nurse Associa- tion, who handed the Adult Program, so all residents who wished to par- ticipate could be immunized at no cost to the town.
Also under the direction of Dr. Albert R. Larchez, who is also the School Physician, a Tuberculin Patch Test was carried out in the school system as a joint Board of Health and School Department program.
The Board of Health wishes to thank Mrs. Wealthea Nelson, R. N., of the Visiting Nurse Association who has acted as Board of Health Nurse in follow-up cases and other matters of Public Health.
The Board wishes to thank Mrs. Irene Dankowski, R. N. who so ably assisted Dr. Polsonetti in his duties of carrying out the Dental Pro- gram and for her untiring efforts and professional assistance provided Dr. Albert R. Larchez and members of this Board in carrying out the various clinics this past year.
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The following is a list of communicable diseases reported during the year :
Chicken Pox
10
Mumps
6
Dog Bite
8
Salmonellosis 3
German Measles
10
Scarlet Fever
4
Measles
4
Tuberculosis
1
Menigoccoccal
2
Rubella
1
Whooping Cough
1
Total Reported 50
The Board expresses its appreciation to all who have assisted in any way in the operation of this Department, especially Mr. Charles F. Poole, Highway Surveyor, in cooperation of lending men and equipment when needed.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM F. MACKENZIE, Chairman LAWRENCE R. STONE LAWRENCE LAMSON
Board of Health
92
REPORT OF THE TOWN TREASURER
To the Citizens of Hamilton:
I herewith submit my report as Treasurer of the Town of Hamilton for the year ending December 31, 1963.
Balance January 1, 1963 :
Beverly Trust Co., Chec. Acct. $268,142.38
New Eng. Merchants, Check. Acct. 41,798.42
Cash on Hand 21,603.35
$ 331,544.15
Receipts during the year
1,989,043.20
Total Balance and Receipts
$2,320,587.35
Payments during the year
1,986,976.34
Balance December 31, 1963
$ 333,611.01
Beverly Trust Co., Check. Acct.
$229,126.16
New Eng. Merchants, Check. Acct. 40,778.04
Merchants-Warren, Check. Acct.
49,673.03
Cash on Hand
13,997.57
Protested Checks on Hand
36.21
$ 333,611.01
During the year it was necessary to borrow $400,000 in anticipa- tion of taxes in order to meet financial obligations until sufficient tax money had been received. Bids were received for the loan from the Beverly Trust Company, New England Merchants of Boston and Merchants-War- ren National Bank of Salem. Each was awarded a portion of the loan. $30,000 was added to the Stabilization Fund by depositing this amount in a savings account with the Salem Five Cents Savings Bank.
A consolidation of cemetery perpetual care funds was effected during the year so that instead of 237 individual bank books in various banks, we now have one account in each bank.
Interest has been added to the various trust funds, and withdrawals have been made as authorized. Receipts for cemetery perpetual care and sale of lots have been deposited in the respective savings accounts.
I express my sincere appreciation to Mrs. Barnes and Mrs. Trussell of the town hall staff who have so graciously assisted me during the year. Also, my appreciation to all town officials and citizens of the town who have assisted me in my work.
Respectfully submitted,
EVERETT F. HALEY, Town Treasurer
1963 TOWN COLLECTOR'S REPORT In Account with the Town of Hamilton
Abate- ments
Trans- ferred to Un- Tax Title collected
1962 Real Estate
$
324.00
$20,750.72
1962 Personal
2,545.41
24.30
2,260.90
179.21
1962 Water Liens
359.80
359.80
1962 Motor Excise Balance
7,293.94
1962 Excise Com. in 1963
864.16
869.97
18.70 7,162.95
1,866.14
17.68
1963 Commitments
1963 Real Estate
912,759.96
1,915.30
863,679.18
26,691.00
$75.60
24,229.48
1963 Personal
58,959.60
4.20
55,004.72
1,691.34
2,267.74
1963 Water Liens
1,389.00
1,143.40
245.60
1963 Polls
3,226.00
4.00
2.00
2,784.00
448.00
None
1963 Motor Excise
125,657.02
1,703.38
16.50 95,426.74
11,052.67
20,897.49
1963 Water Rates Balance 13,559.18
Liens
1963 Water Rates Commitments 50,832.37
40.56
41,645.07
466.05 1,384.00
20,936.99
1963 Water Services Balance
515.96
1963 W. Services Commitments 1,446.53
1,710.47
5.00
247.02
1963 Cemetery Balance
34.00
1963 Cemetery Commitments
413.00
409.00
38.00
Year Tax
Outstanding Jan. 1, 1963 $ 20,961.32
Refunds Rescinded Collected
Abate- ments $534.60
None 129.60 None
Respectfully submitted, BERTHA L. CROWELL, Town Collector
94
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
To the Citizens of Hamilton :
The Board of Selectmen organized on March 18, 1963 with Law- rence Lamson Chairman, William F. Mackenzie Chairman of the Board of Health and Lawrence R. Stone Chairman of the Board of Public Wel- fare. The various town officers under the jurisdiction of the Board were appointed.
During the year the town lost the services of four faithful employees : Ernest M. Barker who had been milk, animal and slaughtering inspector from 1933 until his passing May 17, 1963, in his 96th year. Although his duties were on a part time basis, they were essential to the health of the community. William Walsh was appointed to fill the positions held by Mr. Barker, and his years of experience with cattle well qualifies him for the work. Lester F. Stanley, janitor of the town hall for the past sixteen years retired on July 31st. "Let" took great pride in keeping the building and grounds in tip-top shape. John Sinkiewicz has been appointed to the position. His past experience in similar work well qualifies him for the position. Lawrence C. Foster resigned as building inspector to accept the position of Clerk of the Works at the Housing Authority project. Ben- jamin A. Dodge was appointed to fill the vacancy. Being connected with the construction business for many years qualified both men for this posi- tion. Mrs. Alyene Rollins resigned as chief operator at the Emergency Re- port Center after serving since it was first opened. Her experience with the Telephone Company qualified her for the organization of the personnel at the Center. Miss Jean Austin had considerable experience at the Cen- ter, and was appointed to the vacancy, which duties she has very ably carried out.
Following the adoption of an applicable by-law by the last Annual Town Meeting, Thomas J. Mullins was appointed inspector of gas in- stallations, and fees for permits established.
Under Chapter 90 Road Improvements, Walnut Road was re-built, drainage installed and the entire road resurfaced with bituminous con- crete. Bridge Street was also completed with the unexpended funds of last year, appropriated for the purpose.
The State Legislature made $10,710.14 available to the town for improvements of approved roads. This project was carried out under supervision of the Board of Selectmen which resulted in several streets being resurfaced with bituminous concrete. A similar amount has been assured for 1964, which we propose to use for resurfacing other streets.
We have continued our program of street lighting improvements with the installation of brighter lights on Asbury Street and other parts of town. We plan to continue this program in 1964.
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The mosquito control program was carried out with the dusting of swamp areas and spraying with the town owned sprayer, in conjunction with the Conservation Commission and Insect Pest Control Department.
As provided for by a vote of the Town, a new police cruiser was pur- chased from Ipswich Motor Company. We had the vehicle for only a short time when it was seriously damaged in an accident, but we were fortunate in having it replaced with a new vehicle by the insurance coverage without any cost to the town. We extend our appreciation to the Geo. A. Foster Company of Beverly for providing us with a vehicle to use while ours was being replaced.
The Emergency Report Center continues to function very effectively. The new radio for the police network in conjunction with other Police Departments in the State has been installed and has proven very effective. New outside lights were installed along the front of the building which greatly adds to the appearance as well as lighting up the area. A coat of waterproof paint was applied to the rear wall by town employees during spare time.
Continuing our improvement and maintenance program at the town hall, the driveway was sealed, inside painting and laying linoleum carried on, and the easterly end of the building was stripped of paint in prepara- tion for painting in the spring of 1964.
Traffic lines have been painted on the streets where necessary, street and traffic signs put up. It is depressing to note the damage being done to signs by persons throwing rocks, and the carrying away of signs.
The improvements at Depot Square have been completed and we express our appreciation to the Committee appointed to consider the uses of the property for their excellent cooperation in the entire matter. We say to the Committee, "a good job well done." We are pleased to report that the care of the planted area will now be taken over by the Park De- partment.
Under authority of a vote of the Annual Town meeting, the Select- men appointed as members of the Personnel Board Study Committee, John C. Garland, Chairman, G. Gordon Love, Finlay D. MacDonald, Mortimer C. Mirants and Raymond A. Whipple. This Committee has faithfully discharged the duties for which it was created, its report is printed in the town report, and an article is in the warrant to carry out the recommendations.
The Board of Health Study Committee authorized by the last Town Meeting was appointed with Dr. Albert R. Larchez, Chairman, Mrs. Wealthea Nelson, Arthur M. Knight, George H. Connolly and Everett F. Haley being the members. This Committee has very ably completed its duties and has reported in the town report.
The people of Hamilton as well as of the entire World were greatly saddened by the untimely death of our President, John F. Kennedy on
96
November 22, 1963. Upon hearing of this tragedy the Selectmen de- clared a period of mourning and ordered that in-so-far as possible, all public buildings remain closed and activities cease until after the funeral. The town hall and the fire and police building were appropriately draped and remained so during the entire period of National Mourning.
The Board held regular meetings every Monday evening which were open to the townspeople, in addition several special meetings were held to take care of special problems. Hearings at the State House relative to matters effecting the Town were attended by all members of the Board, as well as conferences and seminars. Meetings with the heads of various town departments have been held throughout the year as conditions warranted.
This report is only a summary of a part of the activities of the Board which we feel will be of the most interest to the townspeople, it would be next to impossible to report on every detail of the town business handled by the Board. We take this opportunity to thank all the townspeople, town officials and all others who have assisted the Board during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, LAWRENCE LAMSON, Chairman WILLIAM F. MACKENZIE LAWRENCE R. STONE
Board of Selectmen
97
WARRANT FOR THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING 1964
ESSEX, SS. To the Constable of the Town of Hamilton:
GREETINGS :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Hamilton qualified to vote in election and Town affairs, to meet in the JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM in said Town on MONDAY, the SECOND DAY OF MARCH, NINETEEN HUNDRED AND SIXTY- FOUR (March 2, 1964) at eight o'clock in the evening (8:00 P.M.) then and there to act on the following articles, viz:
Article 1. To bring your ballots for :
Moderator for one year. Town Clerk for one year. One Selectman for three years. Treasurer for one year. Tax Collector for one year.
One Assessor for three years. Tree Warden for one year.
Highway Surveyor for one year.
One Member of the School Committee for three years.
One Library Trustee for three years.
One Water Commissioner for three years.
One Cemetery Commissioner for three years.
One Park Commissioner for three years.
One Member of Planning Board for five years.
The above-named officers to be voted for on one ballot on TUESDAY, the TENTH DAY OF MARCH, 1964 (MARCH 10, 1964) in the JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM. The Polls will be opened at 8.00 o'clock A.M. and will close at 8:00 P.M.
Article 2. To choose and appoint other Town Officers in such manner as the Town may determine.
Article 3. To hear the reports of the Town Officers and of the Finance and Advisory Committee and all other committees and take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
98
Article 4. To raise and appropriate money for Schools, Highways and all other Town expenses and determine the manner of expending the same.
Article 5. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for Chapter 90 Highway Construction, or to take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 6. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for Chapter 90 Highway Maintenance, or to take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 7. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $2,000 from the Cemetery Sale of Lots and Graves Fund to the Cemetery Account for improvements to the Town Cemetery, or to take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 8. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for mosquito control, or to take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Assessors to use available funds or "free cash" in an amount not to exceed the sum of $40,000 in determining the tax rate for the year 1964, or to take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from the Excess and Deficiency Account to the Stabilization Fund estab- lished pursuant to the provisions of Section 5B of Chapter 40 of the General Laws, or to take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time as provided by Section 4 of Chapter 44 of the General Laws, in anticipation of revenue for the financial year beginning January 1, 1965 and to issue a note or notes therefor payable within one year, in ac- cordance with Section 17, Chapter 44 of the General Laws, or to take any other action thereon or relative thereto.
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