USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Tewksbury > Town of Tewksbury annual report 1956-1962 > Part 10
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B. For the demolition of a structure 2.00
C. For the moving of a structure 2.00
The minimum fee to be charged 2.00
The maximum fee to be charged 100.00
ADD THE FOLLOWING TO SECTION 24
The Building Inspector may revoke a permit, or approval issued under the provisions of this code in case there has been any false statement or misrepresentation as to material, fact in the application, or plans, on which the permit or approval was based, or whenever any permit or approval has been issued in error and the conditions are such that a permit or approval should not have been issued.
ADD THE FOLLOWING TO BE KNOWN AS SECTION 15A
An opening with a minimum of 24" x 24" shall be provided into each attic space for inspection and repair.
ADD THE FOLLOWING TO SECTION 9
Built-up Beam.
A built-up beam which is composed of vertically laminated pieces shall be fastened together by bolts that are placed near the top and bottom edges in staggered rows, with a longtitudinal distance between bolts not exceeding four times the depth of the beam.
Notched beam or girder.
A wood girder or beam may be notched at any section other than the middle third of the span, provided the notch depth is less than one-fifth (1/5) of the depth of the member. Holes, with a diameter which does not exceed one-quarter (1/4) of the depth of a girder or beam, may be bored, in the center third of the depth of the middle third of the span, or in the top or bot- tom third of the depth of the outer thirds of the span of a simply supported member.
ADD THE FOLLOWING TO BE KNOWN AS SECTION 15A
The Building Inspector or the head of the Fire Department may require that sprinklers and wet or dry standpipes be in- stalled where the size, type, or particular occupancy of a structure make such protection necessary.
To see if the Town will vote to strike out Paragraph 2 of Section 24 of the Building Laws and substitute the following:
The Building Inspector may, with the consent of the Board of Selectmen, institute proceedings to enforce this by-law and to enjoin the erection, continuance or occupation of any building in violation of the provisions of this by-law.
Building Inspector
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ART. 54 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, or transfer from E. & D. or available funds, the sum of $6,000 to install a coded air fire alarm system; said system to include a cement block house in the rear of Central Fire Station, with air tanks and other necessary pieces placed in this cement block house and in the Central Fire Station. This $6,000 to include cement block building. Fire Department
Recommend indefinite postponement.
ART. 55. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, or transfer from E. & D. or available funds, the sum of $80.00 for out of State expense or take any other action in relation thereto. Anthony Obdens, Fire Chief
Recommend adoption - Raise and appropriate instead of transfer.
ART. 56. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $800.00 (eight hundred) for the proper observance of Memorial Day, and a Committee to be appointed by the Moderator, said committee to expend money. The Committee to be taken from members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Amvets and Disabled American Veterans. V. Baldacci
Recommend that $300.00 be raised and appropriated.
ART. 57. To see if the town will appropriate the sum of three thousand dollars, under the direction of a playground commission of five members to be appointed by the moderator in accordance with Chapter 45, Section 14 of the General Laws of the Com- monwealth of Massachusetts, or take any other action relative thereto. Roger D. Harsch
Recommend adoption.
ART. 58. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money to construct a hard surface sidewalk on the easterly side of North Street, between East and Main Streets, or take any other action in relation thereto. Thelma Darby
Recommend that $300 be raised and appropriated - Work to be performed by the Highway Department.
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ART. 59. To see if the Town will vote to authorize and empower a committee composed of three members to continue as the 1954 School Building Committee to supervise, execute or perform any duties necessary or desirable to carry out the action voted by the Town under Article 18 of the Warrant for the special Town Meeting of September 12, 1956, calling for the construction, equipping and furnishing of a six room addition and playground to the present Shawsheen School including the employment of professional service, technical advice, securing plans, specifica- tions and bids for the erection of said school addition and to accept in the name of the Town the lowest responsible bid submitted, and to execute all legal documents for contracts, approve all expenditures and vouchers for services rendered, for material supplied in connection with the same, or take any action in relation thereto.
1954 School Building Committee
ART. 60. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the use of the committee appointed under the foregoing article for the purpose therein set forth, or take any action in relation thereto.
1954 School Building Committee
Recommend indefinite postponement.
ART. 61. To see if the Town will vote to authorize and empower a committee consisting of five members to be known as the Junior High School Building Committee to supervise, execute or perform any duties necessary or desirable to carry out the action voted by the Town under Article 15 of the Warrant for Special Town Meeting September 12, 1956 with special reference to expanding the present High School and for the construction, equipping and furnishing of a 750 pupil Junior High School, including the employment of professional service, technical advice, securing plans, specifications, and bids for the building of said school plant and to accept in the name of the Town the lowest responsible bid submitted, and to execute all legal docu- ments for contracts, approve all expenditures and vouchers for services rendered, for material supplied in connection with the same, or take any action in relation thereto. 1954 School Building Committee
ART. 62 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the use of the committee appointed under the foregoing article for the purpose of converting the present High School Plant of 320 pupil capacity to a Junior High School Plant with a capacity of 750 pupils; including land acquisition,
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alterations, additions, new structures and equipment of same and determine whether the money necessary for same shall be raised by taxation, by transfer of available funds in the treasury, or be borrowed under the authority of Chapter 44, of the General Laws or of Chapter 645 of the Acts of 1948 as amended or take any action in relation thereto.
1954 School Building Committee
Recommend that this article be temporarily postponed as the estimated cost of this structure is considered to be excessive.
ART. 63. To see if the Town will vote to authorize and empower a committee consisting of three members to be known as the Elementary School Building Committee to supervise, execute or perform any duties necessary or desirable to continue the carry- ing out of the action voted by the Town under Article 15 of the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting of September 12, 1956 with special reference to a 12 Room Elementary School; and in addition to supervise, execute or perform any duties necessary or desirable for procurement of professional service, technical advice, bid plans and specifications, for erection of same, and authority to accept in the name of the Town the lowest respon- sible bid submitted, and to execute all legal documents for con- tracts, approve all expenditures and vouchers for services render- ed for material supplied in connection with same, or take any action related thereto.
1954 School Building Committee
ART. 64. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for use of the committee appointed under the foregoing Article for the purposes therein set forth, or take any action in relation thereto.
1954 School Building Committee Recommend indefinite postponement.
ART. 65. To see if the Town will vote to authorize and empower a committee consisting of five members to be known as the High School Building Committee to supervise, execute, or perform any duties necessary or desirable to continue the carrying out of the action voted by the Town under Article 15 of the Warrant for the Special 'Town Meeting of September 12, 1956, with special reference to constructing a Senior High School on a separate site, and in addition to supervise, execute or perform any duties necessary or desirable for procurement of professional service, technical advice, bid plans and specifications for erection of same, and authority to accept in the name of the Town the lowest
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responsible bid submitted, and to execute all legal documents for contracts, approve all expenditures and vouchers for services rendered, for material supplied in connection with same, or take any action related thereto.
1954 School Building Committee
ART. 66. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for use of the committee, appointed under the foregoing article for the purposes therein set forth, or take any action in relation thereto.
1954 School Building Committee
Recommend indefinite postponement.
ART. 67. To see if the Town will vote to authorize and empower the members of the 1954 School Building Committee and the Sub-Committee appointed under Article 11, Special Town Meeting May 15, 1956, to function as a School Planning Com- mittee with the purpose of answering the State of Massachusetts request and the Town's need for a long range school building program and the purpose of carrying this program, and in parti- cular, each project, through the stages of demonstrated need, approval of educational program, educational specifications, and site.
1954 School Building Committee
Recommend that this article be amended as follows: To see if the Town will vote to authorize and empower a committee com- posed of 7 members, 4 to be appointed by the Selectmen and 3 by the Moderator, to function as a School Planning Committee with the purpose of carrying this program, and in particular, each project, Town's need for a long range school building program and the purpose of carrying this program, and in particular, each project, through the stages of demonstrated need, approval of educational program, educational specifications, and site. The 1954 School Build- ing Committee and the sub-committee appointed under Art. 11 at the Special Town Meeting May 15, 1956, be released from long range school planning duties.
ART. 68. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the use of the committee appointed under the foregoing Article for the purposes therein set forth, or take any action in relation thereto. To see if the Town will furthermore vote to the use of this committee any monies left as residue in the following appropriations:
a) The survey appropriations Article of the Town Meeting of
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b) the Article 16 of the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting of September 12, 1956.
1954 School Building Committee
Recommend transfer of all funds from unexpended balance of School Plans and Specifications Account.
ART. 69. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $260.00 for shirts and trousers for the auxiliary police or take any action relative thereto. Auxiliary Police
Recommend indefinite postponement due to question of legality.
ART. 70. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to acquire by purchase or by eminent domain a tract of land consisting of approximately two hundred acres for school purposes, namely the erection of school buildings, play grounds, and other school facilities, in accordance with Chapter 40, section 14, and Chapter 79 of the General Laws as amended, said parcel of land being bounded and described as follows:
Beginning at a point on the southerly side of Pleasant Street about 1700 feet west of the intersection of Pleasant Etreet and Helvetia Street; thence southwesterly 300 feet; thence southeasterly 200 feet; thence south 80 feet, southeasterly 880 feet; thence northerly 690 feet; thence easterly 440 feet; thence southeasterly 280 feet; thence southwesterly 510 feet; thence easterly 340 feet to the westerly side line of Helvetia Street; thence southerly and southeasterly by the westerly side line of Helvetia Street 1040 feet to a point; thence southwesterly to the high water mark of Round Pond; thence along the south- erly and westerly shore line of said pond 2000 feet to a point; thence southwesterly 450 feet; thence southerlv 220 feet; thence southwesterly 300 feet; thence southerlv 190 feet; thence south- westerly 140 feet; thence southerly 480 feet to the northerlv side line of Chandler Street; thence southwesterly along the notherly side line of Chandler Street 100 feet; thence northerly 470 feet; thence southwesterly 180 feet; northwesterly by lines totaling 1950 feet, said lines being approximately 300 feet north of the northerlv side line of Pine Street and approximately parallel to the side line of Pine Street; thence westerly along the northerly side line of Pine Street 50 feet; thence northwesterly 300 feet; thence westerly 360 feet, parallel to and 300 feet north of the northerlv side line of Pine Street, to the easterly side line of New England Power Company easement; thence northerly along said easement line 925 feet; thence southwesterly 435 feet to the easterly side line of Whipple Street; thence along the easterly side line of Whipple Street 50 feet; thence northeasterly 450 feet; thence northerly along the easterly side line of aforemen- tioned easement 1200 feet; thence northeasterly 270 feet;
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thence northwesterly 300 feet to the southerly side line of Pleasant Street; thence along the southerly side line of Pleasant Street 100 feet; thenc southeasterly 300 feet; thence by lines totaling 2030 feet said lines being approximately 300 feet; thence by lines totaling 2030 feet said lines being approximately 300 feet south of the southerly side line of Pleasant Street and parallel thereto; thence north 300 feet to the southerly side lines of Pleasant Street; thence southeasterly along the south- erly side of Pleasant Street 100 feet to the point of beginning.
All distance in this description being approximate and con- taining approximately 200 acres,
and to see what sum the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from excess and deficiency account for such taking or take any other action in relation thereto.
1954 School Building Committee
Recommend indefinite postponement pending formation of long range School Planning Committee under Article 67.
And you are directed to serve this warrant, by posting attested copies thereof upon the Town Hall and in the Post Office and by leaving at least five hundred (500) copies at the Post Office and at the Town Hall in said Town, seven (7) days at least before the time of holding said meeting.
HEREOF FAIL NOT, AND MAKE DUE RETURNS OF THIS WARRANT, with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk at the time and place of Meeting as aforesaid.
Given under our hands this twenty-fifth day of February, in the year of our Lord, one thousand nine hundred and fifty-six.
VICTOR N. CLUFF JOHN D. SULLIVAN JOSEPH J. WHELAN JOHN H. HART GEORGE A. O'CONNELL Selectmen of Tewksbury
A true copy, Attest :
Constable of Tewksbury
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In Memoriam
EVERETT H. KING
School Committee
Election Officer
Finance Committee
W.P. A. Sponsor's Agent
Draft Board
Selectmen
Board of Registrars
Board of Public Welfare
Born December 20, 1882
Died November 21, 1956
REPORT OF THE TOWN COUNSEL
February 11, 1957
Victor N. Cluff, Chairman Board of Selectmen
Town Hall, Tewksbury, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report as Town Counsel for the year ending December 31, 1956. Two cases which have been peneding for some- time have been disposed of, namely, Barton vs. Kane and the Peti- tion of the creditors of Charles L. Haas, Inc. The latter matter has been settled by the Bonding Company although the final papers have not been executed. Two new matters have arisen involving defects in streets, both being minor.
This year the new zoning regulations have naturally reduced the building, and as a result, many of the complicated legal problems arising in the several departments. It is true, that the past six to seven months have been a period of transition from small lot size to the larger lot size and that during this period the question of appli- cation of the By-Law has brought some new problems. However, most of them have been determined and only one piece of litigation took place. As we proceed into 1957, the probability of additional litigation has been reduced.
Your Town Counsel has endeavored to remain free from ques- tions of policy or conflicts of interest. Contrary to some statements at the last annual Town Meeting, concerning the Sullivan taking for the Water Department, the Town Officials involved in that taking had been immediately advised that I had represented Mr. Sullivan and that special counsel would be necessary in the event that it could not be settled amicably. This has been done and special counsel has been appointed by the Board of Selectmen.
Two articles have been inserted in the Warrant requesting special appropriations for two specific cases now pending. The purpose of both articles being twofold; first, to indicate to the Selectmen the wishes of the Townspeople as to policy and secondly, whether or not they wish to expend for legal fees the money in- volved in each case. As with all special articles, they involve the expenditure of funds that require your thoughtful consideration in conjunction with other Depeartment Budgets and the recommenda- tion of your Finance Committee.
Very respectfully yours, WARREN W. ALLGROVE Town Counsel
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LIBRARIAN'S REPORT
To the Trustees of the Tewksbury Public Library:
The following report is respectfully submitted: During the year 817 books were added: 325 adult fiction, 215 adult non-fiction, 166 juvenile fiction and 111 juvenile non-fiction.
During the year 325 new patrons have taken out cards.
The Librarian and Assistants wish to thank our patrons for their prompt return of books and magazines and to urge all those having overdue books and magazines to return these at once.
The Library is now open Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 until 9:00 and Saturday afternoons and evenings from 2:00 until 8:30.
CIRCULATION OF BOOKS AT THE LIBRARY
Tuesday Evenings
Fiction
1767
Sociology
27
History
58
Religion
19
Literature
32
Science
43
Travel
44
Poetry
13
Arts
126
Philosophy
15
Biography
158
Total
2302
Wednesday Evenings
Fiction
684
Sociology
9
History
42
Religion
8
Literature
17
Science
13
Travel
16
Poetry
10
Arts
73
Philosophy
8
Biography
68
Total
948
Thursday Evenings
Fiction
1465
Sociology
30
History
44
Religion
13
Literature
31
Science
38
Travel
40
Poetry
7
Arts
99
Philosophy
10
Biography
113
Total
1890
129
Saturday Afternoons and Evenings
Fiction
6715
Sociology
104
History
209
Religion
75
Literature
124
Science
151
Travel
144
Poetry
49
Arts
466
Philosophy
79
Biography
520
Total
8636
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
13,776
Library and Wamesit District
14,151
Wamesit
Fiction
328
Sociology
History
3
Religion
Literature
2
Science
6
Travel
3
Poetry
3
Arts
21
Philosophy
Biography
9
Total
375
CIRCULATION OF MAGAZINES
American
38
McCall's
57
American Home
25
Mechanics Illustrated 75
Atlantic Monthly
36
National Geographic
136
Better Homes & Gardens
55
Popular Mechanics 100
Collier's
3
Reader's Digest
17
Cosmopolitan
28
Red Book
53
Daughters of the Am-
Woman's Home Comp.
52
erican Revolution
14
Children's Activities
8
Good Housekeeping
47
Children's Digest
30
Harper's
28
Children's Playmate
43
Hobbies
30
Humpty Dumpty
23
Holiday
49
Story a Day
6
Ladies' Home Journal
42
Others
24
Life
153
Mademoiselle
21
Total
1193
*Donated
+2 copies
ABBIE M. DEMPSEY
Librarian
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
The Board of Selectmen held its regular weekly meetings during the last year. In addition, the Board also met with the other Town Departments and outside interests whenever it was deemed necessary.
The Board in cooperation with the School Committee allowed the lower hall to be utilized for class-rooms. This necessitated in- creasing the budget for town hall maintenance about one-third, which is reflected in the town hall budget.
As a result of a decision by the Board of Appeals, the Selectmen voted to appeal its decision in the courts and so instructed the Town Counsel. After a conference with all parties affected and the Town Counsel a majority of the Board of Selectmen felt that because of the cost of litigation and as the chances of success were no better than fifty-fifty to begin with, that the best interests of the town would be served by withdrawing the appeal.
For a complete record on suits pending before the town, please refer to the Town Counsel's report elsewhere in the Town Report.
It was with a great deal of reluctance that the Board accepted the resignation of George McDeremott as Civil Defense Director. George has served in this capacity since the inception of the Civil Defense Program. He has built up an organization in cooperation with the other departments of the Town that is second to none in this locality.
This job is a time consuming effort to strengthen our position and knowledge in case of an enemy attack. The nonchalant attitude of the general public to Civil Defense is disheartening to those who realize its importance.
The Board takes this opportunity to thank George for his un- tiring efforts and for a job well done, and may his successor carry on with the same enthusiasm, ability, and courage as he has displayed in the performance of these duties.
This year the Board has recommended the establishment of a new precinct. This was contemplated as a result of the growth of the town, and the inability of the present facilities of the Town Hall to adequately serve the voters. The new precinct as proposed will re- duce Precinct One by approximately 1000 voters and should take care of this situation for several years.
Under the direction and supervision of the Planning Board a complete survey of the town is under way. Until this survey is completed the townspeople should be reluctant to spend too much money on contemplated improvements until the final report is com- pleted. An example of haste has just been experienced this last year when a preliminary report by the School Building Committee along with a report from the Planning Board to build a six-room addition to the present Shawsheen School was not recommended but neverthe- less is going to be built.
It was necessary for the Board to take emergency action to re-
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place the police crusier that was wrecked in a most unfortunate accident.
There was placed on the ballot this year the question of whether the town should make a change in the type of government that has prevailed here since the town was incorporated.
We surely hope that the merits and demerits of a Public Works Department will be freely discussed so that the voting public can make up its own mind on this basis and vote accordingly.
The confidence and foresight of people in the investment field has brought to our town one of the most modern shopping centers. This type of industry serves as a good source of income in our tax program. Every citizen should be on the alert to foster and en- courage new industry for our town.
The Board wishes to take this opportunity to express their appreciation of the fine cooperation they have had from James Gaffney who has served as town moderator over a period of years. It was with regret that the Board learned of his retirement because of health and wishes him a speedy recovery in order that he may again take part some place in the political life of Tewksbury.
In conclusion, the Board wishes to express its appreciation to all the townspeople and town departments who have cooperated with us to make Tewksbury a better community in which to live, work, and play. The rapid growth of our Town presents numerous prob- lems which cannot be solved over night, nor by any one person. It takes time and cooperation by a lot of people to seek the correct solutions to these many problems in order to insure a successful town government.
VICTOR N. CLUFF, Chairman JOHN D. SULLIVAN JOHN H. HART GEORGE A. O'CONNELL
INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION
Your Commission has held many meetings since January, 1956, with a majority of members present at each meeting.
The Commission has held sessions with executives of various industrial realty firms from Boston at which meetings the advan- tages and disadvantages of the Town, from an industrial standpoint, were discussed frankly.
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