USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1962 > Part 16
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c. Attended hearings held by other town boards that covered areas concerning planning for the Town of Reading.
d. Held hearings, as required by law, on matters concerning zoning or changes in zoning by-laws.
e. Proposed changes in the Zoning By-Law at Town Meeting, which were unanimously accepted, thereby taking the first of many steps towards implementing the many recommendations as set forth in the Master Plan.
Respectfully Submitted,
C. DEWEY SMITH, Chairman JAMES J. SULLIVAN, JR., Secretary EDWIN H. BJORKMAN JOHN H. CROOKER PAUL P. SHEPHERD
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
During 1962 this Board in cooperation with the State Department of Health and the School Health Department supplied Sabin Type I and III vaccine to all children through high school. This program is to be completed in 1963 with the offering of Type II.
Our present garbage contractor is doing an excellent job though he costs more money.
With the retirement of Carl Smith, our long time Milk and Food Inspector, we have appointed Mr. Kenneth Shaw to add this duty to his work as Health Agent.
Our Dental Clinic demands are still high, but expansion is limited by the availability of professional help.
The impact of the "Conflict of Interest" law on this board is still unresolved; if all Board functions are deferred until legal advice is obtained then we will need an enormous legal advisory department, or all board functions will become stereotyped and sterile.
Sincerely,
C. R. BAISLEY, M.D. E. M. HALLIGAN, M.D. C. F. PARKER
202
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN TO THE CITIZENS OF READING
To the Citizens of Reading:
I submit my report as Tree Warden for 1962.
Line clearance was completed on fifty-seven streets. The dead wood and low branches were also removed on these streets. The Muni- cipal Light Department paid for this line clearance.
The department planted one hundred and eighty-three new trees.
Twenty elms were removed from the roadside under the Dutch Elm Control program. Twenty-six additional trees were also removed, three after hearings to clear driveways, five were destroyed by gas and the remaining eighteen were either dead or in a dangerous con- dition.
On July 21st, a small tornado struck near the junction of Van Norden Road and Forest Street. Tops were broken out of several oaks at this point. Two fifteen inch Norway Maples were uprooted on Wells Road and trees on Irving Road and Pearl Street were also badly damaged.
I take this opportunity to thank the men of this department and the many others who have assisted me in the past year.
Respectfully submitted, MAURICE H. DONEGAN, Tree Warden
REPORT OF THE TOWN COUNSEL
To the Law Committee of the Town of Reading-
I submit my report as Town Counsel for the year of 1962 as follows:
The Welfare Department disposed of a suit by the New England Sanitarium against Evelyn Atkinson in the amount of $714.27. This suit was similar to the one brought against the Town by the Massa- achusetts General Hospital against the same Old Age Assistance recipient which was fully tried in the Third District Court of Eastern Middlesex. This suit was not brought against an Old Age Assistance recipient, but was brought, under the statute which permits hospitals to recover when a resident of a Town is furnished hospital aid, if the resident is unable to pay himself. The recipient in this case was a recipient from the State of Maine, but did reside in Reading, Mass. The Town received from the Estate of Herbert Henderson the amount of $9,807.27, the same being the amount that was furnished to the late Herbert Henderson under Old Age Assistance. The Town also received from the Estate of Florence Wiberg the sum of $4,252.48 for Old Age Assistance furnished to her. There are presently two suits pending by the Massachusetts General Hospital, one against the late James Guthrie and one against Alice M. Stevens. Both of these matters are pending
203
in Suffolk Superior Court, Demurrer, Motion for Specifications and Answer have been filed in both cases. The Motion for Specifications has been argued and granted. There is, in my opinion, a very proper de- fense against the entire claim as it applies to James Guthrie, and there is a partial defense against the claim in behalf of Alice M. Stevens. Those will probably be tried during the coming year.
It was my recommendation in my 1961 report that an investigating officer from the Police Department be assigned to the Welfare Depart- ment to work in conjunction with regular social workers in investi- gations of the Department to investigate, locate and obtain complaints against recalcitrant husbands and fathers in the District Court if neces- sary. I would again recommend that the Law Committee suggest to the Welfare Department that such an arrangement be made with an investigating officer from the Police Department.
It is now the policy of the Massachusetts General Hospital and, I believe, several others, and I am told that the entire Hospital Associa- tion will make it a policy during the coming year, to send immediate notices to the Welfare Department of any resident of our Town who comes into the hospital for treatment under the statute, General Laws Chapter 117 Section 24A, and in the event that this procedure is fol- lowed, we can anticipate an influx of suits from hospitals during the coming year.
There were a great many accident claims filed against the Town as a result of defective highways, damage sustained by falling limbs, overflow of water and automobile accidents. Some of these have been settled. The bulk of them have either had liability denied or are pending further action by the claimants. Those claims having to do with automobile accidents have been referred to the proper insurance company and are being handled by our insurer direct.
On the matter of the West Street Land Taking, which was con- summated by Middlesex County, there was a suit brought against the County on behalf of one Sloss and one Barbera. These land takings were handled by an attorney appointed by the Middlesex County Com- missioners, and your Town Counsel sat in representing the Town. Executions were issued against the County in the amount of $800.00 for Sloss and $600.00 for Barbera which amounts were paid by the County and will be eventually assessed back to the Town.
On May 8, 1962, the Board of Appeal held a hearing on the peti- tion of Eva Cole and Bursaw Oil Co. for permission "to continue in a more restricted way and in a safer condition the present property under General Laws Chapter 40A Section 15 and Town of Reading Zon- ing By-Laws Section 18", and on the same day the Board granted the petition as presented, subject to several restrictions, and on June 5, 1962, the Board made a supplemental finding in which they found, in substance that the denial of the petition would result in a hardship upon the petitioners. The Planning Board opposed the granting of the petition at the hearing, and thereafter took an appeal from the decision to the Middlesex Superior Court. This case is now pending in that
204
court as number 23818. It is now believed that on the matter of the interest of the petitioners, namely Eva Cole and the Bursaw Oil Co., that the action has been abandoned, as neither of the parties have filed appearances in the case. The main difficulty with the matter now seems to be the method of disposition of the case without injury to the integrity of either the Planning Board or the Board of Appeal.
The so-called Laundromat By-Law is now in contention. Anton's of Reading, Inc. have brought a petition for declaratory judgment on the by law, and the matter is now pending in Middlesex Superior Court.
The Town of Reading brought a Bill in Equity against the Drink- water interests to prevent the improper removal of sand and gravel from his land adjacent to the land of the Town Forest. This matter is now pending.
There have been various contracts drawn and executed, for example the sale of the land on John Street to Robert W. Hotin for $22,000, con- tract for traffic light installation at Lowell Street, Lease agreements on various rooms at the Community Center, gasoline contract with Tide- water Oil Co., architect's contract with regard to library alterations, final disposition of contract on Arthur W. Coolidge Junior High School with D. Guschov & Co. was accomplished after receiving waivers of liens from several sub-contractors.
A claim as a result of tar sprayed by Town equipment on an auto- mobile was settled. The suit by George Brox, Inc., on the matter of Summer Avenue construction, after two days of trial in Middlesex Superior Court, was disposed of. The claim of George M. Bryne Co. on sewer contract was disposed of. Various claims for injuries as result of falls on defective ways have been disposed of, and claims by the Town for damage to fire alarm boxes, municipal light poles, etc., have been settled and disposed of.
I have attended the regular meetings of the Board of Selectmen and have been available to other boards within the Town on Monday evenings throughout the year. I have attended many special meetings of other Boards and have performed all the professional acts required of me in the performance of the duties of my office.
The so-called Code of Ethics Law Chapter 779 of the Acts of 1962 is a matter of considerable importance to all persons associated with municipal government if they find themselves in the position of having any contract relationship with the municipality, or if they find them- selves in the position of representing outside interests in matters in which the municipality has a substantial interest. There will be, un- doubtedly, some amendments to that act, and probably before it actu- ally becomes operative, namely May 1, 1963, but in any event, it will . be important to all employees.
May I express my appreciation to the various Boards and heads of Departments of the Town for their cooperation in the year 1962.
Respectfully submitted,
J. WARREN KILLAM, JR.
205
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
To the Members of the Board of Public Welfare, Bureau of Old Age Assistance, and Citizens of the Town of Reading. The following report of activities, expenditures, and reimbursement in the various categories of assistance administered by the Welfare Office for the year ending December 31, 1962 is respectfully submitted.
Members of the Board of Public Welfare and Bureau of Old Age Assistance:
Daniel L. Chamberlain, Chairman
William H. Willson, Jr., Secretary, Bureau of Old Age Assistance Newell H. Morton, Secretary, Board of Public Welfare
Staff Members of the Welfare Office
Quincy B. Park, Director of Public Assistance
Gladys M. Wilson, Social Worker
Anne A. Bleau, Social Worker
Elsie M. Kriehn, Senior Clerk G. Marie MacIntyre, Junior Clerk
Board of Public Welfare and Bureau of Old Age Assistance have met weekly to approve assistance and administrative payrolls and vouchers. Regular monthly meetings have also been held with the Director of Public Assistance at which time new applications for assist- ance in all categories have been acted upon and to review all increases or decreases in budgeted needs of recipients of assistance, and to trans- act any other business incumbent to their regular duties.
During 1962 a total of 88 applications were received for assistance and classified as follows:
19 applications for Old Age Assistance
37 applications for Medical Assistance for the Aged
11 applications for Aid to Dependent Children
15 applications for Disability Assistance 6 applications for General Relief
Seven applications were denied after investigation, when it was determined eligibility requirements had not been met. Three applica- tions were voluntarily withdrawn at applicant's request previous to as- sistance being granted.
I wish to take this opportunity on behalf of the entire staff of the Welfare Office to express our appreciation to the Members of the Board of Public Welfare, Bureau of Old Age Assistance for their cooperation and consideration given in various matters that were referred to them during the past year.
The cooperation of Town Counsel, J. Warren Killam, Jr. relative to subjects which were referred to him requiring legal advice and action whenever necessary, have been greatly appreciated. Appreciation also is extended to the Commissioners of the Parker Fund and to the Veter- an's Benefit Officer who have been most cooperative in furnishing as- sistance to persons referred to them thereby resulting in reduced ex- penditures by this office.
206
Old Age Assistance
Continuing the trend that started with the inception of Medical as- sistance for the Aged, which became effective in October 1960, the num- ber of persons receiving Old Age Assistance payments has continued to decrease, despite the fact seventeen new applications were approved. However, the average monthly case load for 1962 shows a decrease.
The following figures are included as comparisons for the years 1961 and 1962.
1961
1962
Case Load (Monthly Average)
117
102
EXPENDITURES
Cash Grants
$ 94,520.97 $
77,923.67
Material Grants (Medical)
15,440.22
17,066.95
Payments to Other Cities & Towns
2,781.91
3,101.69
$ 112,743.10 $
98,092.31
Medical Assistance for the Aged
This program became effective in this State on October 1, 1960, therefore this is the first opportunity that we have been able to make a comparison with last year's operational experience in this category of assistance.
The following figures represent the average monthly case load and expenditures for the second full year of operation.
1961
1962
Case Load (Monthly Average) ....... ...
43.2
58.3
Expenditures
Cash Grants (Clothing & Personal Care)
$ 3,565.22 $
4,129.40
Material Grants (Medical Payments)
99,530.89
115,754.26
$ 103,096.11 $ 119,883.66
During 1962 there were 38 applications made for this category of assistance. Seven of this number were transferred from Old Age Assist- ance, one from another municipality, one denied due to ineligibility, and one voluntarily withdrawn.
Aid to Dependent Children
1961
1962
Case Load (Monthly Average)
13.2
14.3
Persons Per Case (Monthly Average)
42.4
49.4
Expenditures
Cash Grants
$ 20,912.39 $
24,661.95
Material Grants (Medical)
2,994.27
4,205.46
$ 23,906.66 $
28,867.41
In this category of assistance it will be noted that the above figures include the number of persons aided on average monthly basis. These
207
figures are included as reimbursements from State and Federal funds are computed on number of persons in each family in receipt of this category of assistance.
Eleven applications were received for this type of assistance. Two applications were withdrawn previous to completion of investigation. Despite the fact that nine additional cases were approved and aided, our monthly average case load increased by 1.6 cases. The significant factor responsible for only a slight increase in average monthly case load is due to intensified program initiated by Social Workers to edu- cate parents being aided to secure employment thereby becoming self- supporting.
Disability Assistance
1961
1962
Case Load (Monthly Average)
12
12.8
Expenditures
Cash Grants
$ 12,113.32 $
12,050.68
Material Grants (Medical)
3,566.63
6,106.62
Totals
$ 15,679.95 $
18,157.30
This category of assistance provides aid to persons in age group of 18 to 64 years who are unable to be employed due to physical or mental condition and who are adjudged eligible for this type of assistance by State Medical Review Team from medical information submitted to them by physician or hospital authorities.
During the year we received fifteen applications for this category of assistance. One was a transfer from another municipality. Four ap- plications were denied after investigation. The above figures indicate that with new cases added to our rolls, the average number of cases aided increased only .8 over the previous year. This is explained by persons reaching their 65th birthday and being transferred to Old Age Assistance or Medical Assistance for the Aged programs, or transfers to another municipality. In several instances Social Security Disability Benefits became available to recipients and cases were closed as former recipient had sufficient income to meet own needs from this source.
General Relief
This may be identified as "catch all" category of assistance as it provides funds for needs that cannot be met from other programs in which State and Federal laws restrict payments unless various require- ments have been met.
This office processed six applications for General Relief, however, in each instance aid was necessary for only a short period of time.
1961
1962
Case Load (Monthly Average)
3
2.5
Cash Payments
$ 1,030.49 $
1,335.94
Material Grants (Medical)
1,089.57
1,350.53
Payments to Other Cities and Towns
1,346.26
1,326.84
Totals
$ 3,466.32 $
4,013.31
208
Reimbursement to Town Treasurer
Old Age Assistance
Source
Amount Account Credited
State Reimbursement
$ 17,695.68
Estimated Receipts
Other Cities and Towns
1,276.19
Surplus Revenue
Federal Grants
63,560.25
Aid Account
Balance from Appropriation not expended
12,699.38
Surplus Revenue
Refunds
202.15 Aid Account
Real Estate Liens
21,590.56
To be determined
Medical Assistance for the Aged
State Reimbursement $ 42,227.03 Estimated Receipts
Federal Grants
58,261.97
Aid Account
Balance from Appropriation not expended
5,680.47 Surplus Revenue
Refunds
525.00
Aid Account
Aid to Dependent Children
State Reimbursement $ 8,348.21
Estimated Receipts
Federal Grants
12,617.50
Aid Account
Balance from Appropriation not expended
1,025.69
Surplus Revenue
Refunds
1,353.10
Aid Account
Disability Assistance
State Reimbursement $ 6,581.78 Estimated Receipts
Federal Grants
6,681.90
Aid Account
Balance from Appropriation not expended
278.65 Surplus Revenue
Refunds
720.95 Aid Account
Recovery
1,059.00
To be determined
General Relief
State Reimbursement $ 1,133.05 Estimated Receipts
Other Cities and Towns
575.51
Surplus Revenue
Balance from Appropriation not expended
1,486.69 Surplus Revenue
Administrative Account not expended
105.09 Surplus Revenue
Summary
State Reimbursement for all categories of Assistance credited to Estimated Receipts Account $ 75,985.75
Reimbursement from Other Cities and Towns credited to Surplus Revenue Account 1,851.70
Federal Reimbursement credited to various assistance accounts
141,121.62
Respectfully submitted,
QUINCY B. PARK, Director of Public Assistance
209
REPORT OF THE TREASURER For the Year Ended December 31, 1962
The transactions in the General Cash Account, in summary form, were as follows:
Balance January 1, 1962
Receipts
$ 1,527,446.66 9,133,882.13
Total
$ 10,661,328.79
Disbursements
9,509,902.52
Balance December 31, 1962
$ 1,151,426.27
Funded Debt
Outstanding January 1, 1962
$ 4,575,000.00
Bonds and Notes Issued in 1962
none
4,575,000.00
Bonds and Notes Paid in 1962
402,000.00
Outstanding December 31, 1962
4,173,000.00
4,575,000.00
Loans in Anticipation of Revenue
Outstanding January 1, 1962
none
Notes Issued in 1962
700,000.00
700,000.00
Notes Paid in 1962
700,000.00
Outstanding December 31, 1962
none
700,000.00
A more detailed statement of receipts and disbursements, and a condensed version of my annual report of the trust funds of the Town, are presented in the report of the Town Accountant.
PRESTON F. NICHOLS
Treasurer
210
REPORT OF THE COLLECTOR OF TAXES For the Year ended December 31, 1962
Taxes and Assessments 1955
Uncollected December 31, 1961
$ .00
Abatements Rescinded
2.00
Interest and Costs Collected
.45
Paid Treasurer
$
2.45
Uncollected December 31, 1962
.00
$ 2.45 $
2.45
Taxes and Assessments 1958
Uncollected December 31, 1961
$
.00
Abatements Rescinded
17.08
Interest and Costs Collected
4.00
Paid Treasurer
$ 21.08
Uncollected December 31, 1962
.00
$ 21.08 $
21.08
Taxes and Assessments 1959
Uncollected December 31, 1961
$ 8.63
Abatements Rescinded
4.01
Interest and Costs Collected
2.74
Paid Treasurer
$ 15.38
Uncollected December 31, 1962
.00
$ 15.38 $
15.38
Taxes and Assessments 1960
Uncollected December 31, 1961
$ 7,957.38
Refunds
95.45
Abatements Recinded
371.93
Interest and Costs Collected
527.14
Paid Treasurer
$ 8,250.33
Abatements
409.65
Tax Takings
283.92
Uncollected December 31, 1962
8.00
$ 8,951.90 $
8,951.90
211
Taxes and Assessments 1961 $ 114,864.87
Uncollected December 31, 1961
Committed 1962
10,062.77
Refunds
6,456.81
Interest and Costs Collected
1,894.81
Paid Treasurer
$ 111,071.25
Abatements
10,167.80
Tax Takings
297.44
Uncollected December 31, 1962
11,742.77
$ 133,279.26 $ 133,279.26
Taxes and Assessments 1962
General Tax Warrant
$3,198,561.11
Refunds
24,114.69
Abatement Rescinded
66.00
Interest and Costs Collected
1,342.63
Paid Treasurer
$3,029,492.78
Abatements
96,063.69
Tax Takings
2,023.71
Uncollected December 31, 1962
96,504.25
$3,224,084.43 $ 3,224,084.43
Sewer Rentals
Uncollected December 31, 1961
$ 4,396.47
Committed 1962
46,495.44
Refunds
164.12
Interest and Costs Collected
702.08
Paid Treasurer
46,332.89
Abatements
228.20
Uncollected December 31, 1962
5,197.02
$ 51,758.11 $
51,758.11
Water Mains
Uncollected December 31, 1961
$ 1,799.52
Betterments apportioned
$ 1,799.52
$ 1,799.52 $
1,799.52
Highway Betterments
Uncollected December 31, 1961
$ 10,816.75
Committed 1962
8,658.40
Refunds
Paid Treasurer
19.87 $ 4,091.87
Abatements
84.78
Betterments Apportioned
6,659.97
Uncollected December 31, 1962
8,658.40
$ 19,495.02 $
19,495.02
212
Advance Payment Apportioned Highway Interest Collected Paid Treasurer
4,249.41 17.83
4,267.24
$ 23,762.26 $
23,762.26
Sidewalk Betterments
Uncollected December 31, 1961
$ 2,127.73
Committed 1962
5,270.69
Interest Collected
.22 $ 679.50
Paid Treasurer
Betterments Apportioned
1,448.45
Uncollected December 31, 1962
5,270.69
$
7,398.64 $
7,398.64
Advance Payment Apportioned Sidewalk
304.72
Interest Collected
2.38
Paid Treasurer
307.10
$ 7,705.74 $
7,705.74
Sewer Betterments
Uncollected December 31, 1961
$ 41,135.68
Committed 1962
36,801,69
Interest Collected
3.95
Paid Treasurer
$ 12,924.25
Abatements
107.38
Betterments Apportioned
28,308.00
Uncollected December 31, 1962
36,601.69
$
77,941.32 $
77,941.32
Advance Payment Apportioned Sewer
4,418.17
Interest Collected
23.21
Paid Treasurer
4,441.38
$ 82,382.70 $
82,382.70
Sewer House Connection Betterments
Uncollected December 31, 1961
$ 24,268.22
Committed 1962
33,621.43
Interest Collected
6.36
Paid Treasurer
$ 8,833.23
Betterment Apportioned
16,738.55
Uncollected December 31, 1962
32,324.23
$ 57,896.01 $
57,896.01
Advance Payment Apportioned Sewer House Connection
3,023.78
Interest Collected
16.15
Paid Treasurer
3,039.93
$ 60,935.94 $ 60,935.94
213
Moth Department
Uncollected December 31, 1961
$ 1,416.10
Committed 1962
5,924.90
Paid Treasurer
$ 5,454.60
Abated
896.00
Uncollected December 31, 1962
990.40
$ 7,341.00 $
7,341.00
Certificates
Certificates of Municipal Liens
$
1,371.00
Paid Treasurer
$ 1,371.00
$ 1,371.00 $
1,371.00
Departmental Accounts
Tuition
$
7,341.17
Old Age Assistance
61,198.80
Snow Plowing
437.75
Main Pipe Extension
20,925.40
Veteran's Service
21,186.55
Aid to Dependent Children
8,348.21
Public Health
200.00
Disability Assistance
6,581.78
General Aid
575.51
Temporary Aid and Assistance
18.51
Paid Treasurer
$ 126,813.78
$ 126,813.78 $ 126,813.78
Water Rates and Miscellaneous
Uncollected December 31, 1961
$ 28,599.22
Committed 1962
242,360.10
Refund
213.53
Paid Treasurer
$ 213,969.03
Abatements
612.70
Water Liens added to Taxes
23,428.27
Uncollected December 31, 1962
33,162.85
$ 271,172.85 $ 271,172.85
Recapitulation of Receipts
Taxes and Assessments
$3,148,853.27
Sewer Rentals
46,332.89
Betterments
38,584.50
Departmental Accounts 132,268.38
Certificates of Municipal Liens
1,371.00
Water Rates and Miscellaneous
213,969.03
Paid Treasurer per Treasurer's Receipts
$3,581,379.07
$3,581,379.07 $3,581,379.07
WILLIAM E. MORRISON Collector of Taxes
214
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS For the year 1962 Valuation
Real Estate
Land, exclusive of buildings
$ 5,116,830.00
Buildings, exclusive of land
33,471,275.00
Total Value of Real Estate ..
$38,588,105.00
Personal Property
Stock in Trade
$ 124,616.00
Machinery
127,961.00
Live Stock
1,894.00
All Other
1,290,186.00
Total Value of Personal Property ....
1,544,657.00
Total Value of all Property
40,132,762.00
Amount Appropriated for Town Purposes
$ 4,468,198.81
Amount to be paid for State & County Taxes
164,747.66
Amount of Overlay
70,566.73
4,703,513.20
Less Estimated Receipts $ 1,134,522.79
Excise Tax
384,138.00
Over Estimate in 1961
29,572.40
Available Funds
435,010.30
1,983,243.49
Net Amount to be raised on Polls &
Property
2,720,269.71
Tax Rate for 1962 - $67.50 Actual Commitments for 1962
Real Estate Tax
$ 2,606,056.54*
Personal Property Tax
104,264.86
Farm Animal Excise
33.73
Polls
11,334.00*
Excise
404,763.63
Sidewalk & Curbing
1,802.30
215
House Connections
12,665.59
Sewer Frontage
19,508.89
Highway
14,249.86
Water Charges
23,428.27
Water Mains
453.44
$ 3,198,561.11
*Includes additional commitments since Tax Rate Date
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