USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Tewksbury > Town of Tewksbury annual report 1956-1962 > Part 21
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State Letter 86 dated 8/5/57 effective 9/1/57. An adjustment of the item for fuel is made because of the increases in fuel prices over those currently used in the budget item Cost Schedule. The new rates are $23.00 a month from September to May and $9.50 a month from June to August. The old rate was $14.65 a month.
State Letter 86 dated 8/7/57 increased burial allowances from $150.00 to $200.00 and increased the total allowable cost to $350.00.
Chapter 43 of the Acts of 1957, effective 9/5/57, further liberalizes the Aid to Dependent Children program.
State Letter 91 dated 9/24/57, in accordance with the pro- visions of Chapter 7, Section 30L of the General Laws, established a new rate of $5.75 per diem for all licensed nursing homes. The old rate was $28.00 or $35.00 a week.
Chapter 614 of the Acts of 1957, reduced the liability of children in support of their parents who are recipients of Old Age Assistance.
Chapter 659 of the Acts of 1957, relieved parents over 65 of their obligation to support disabled children over 18 and increased the exemption of children from their liability to support disabled parents.
Chapters 184, 187, 493, 430, 344, 252, 707, 464, and 304 of the Acts of 1957, deal with the department and related matters, but as they appear to have little effect on the budget, they will not be discussed in this report. However, they as well as a copy of all the Acts passed by the General Court in 1957, are available to the townspeople in the Selectmen's Office.
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The Board feels that for those who are not familiar with the duties of a Welfare Department, it would be well to review their functions and responsibilities at this time.
The Board of Public Welfare is responsible for the supervision of Old Age Assistance, Aid to Dependent Children, and Disability Assist- ance, and for the total administration of General Relief. Old Age Assistance is a program set up by the General Court of Massachusetts to render financial assistance and medical care to persons over 65 who are in need. The amount of aid rendered and the means of determining need are spelled out by the General Court through the State Depart- ment of Public Welfare. Of money expended by the Town for this program, approximately 41.2% is reimbursed by "Federal Funds" and 41.5% by "State Funds". The balance of 17.3% is the local share and is a cost to the town of settlement. Settlement, generally speaking, is that community where a person last resided for a period of five con- secutive years without receiving public assistance.
Aid to Dependent Children is a program similar to Old Age Assistance for children in need who have been deprived of parental support either by desertion, for more than six months; sickness, for more than three months; death; or divorce. The General Court acts in the same manner as in Old Age Assistance. Of the money expended by the town, approximately 45.8% is reimbursed by "Federal Funds" and 30.3% by "State Funds". Settlement is not involved and the balance of 20.9% is the cost to the town.
Disability Assistance is a program similar to Old Age Assistance and Aid to Dependent Children for persons whom it is determined are permanently and totally disabled by the Medical Review Team of the State Department of Public Welfare, and who are in need. Of the money expended, approximately 34.6% is reimbursed by "Federal Funds" and 40.4% by "State Funds". Settlement is not involved and the balance of 25% is the cost to the town.
General Relief is a program set up by the local Board of Public Welfare acting in accordance with Chapter 117 of the General Laws. Expenditures are a total cost to the town of settlement. Generally it it is for persons in need who do not fall into one of the above categories.
GEORGE A. O'CONNELL Chairman
Board of Public Welfare
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PLANNING BOARD REPORT
Since the adoption of the one acre lot by-law, this board has ap- proved three one acre subdivisions, with a total of 98 lots for all three plans. There has been no one acre subdivision started except for frontage lots. This has given the town officials an opportunity to study the problems facing us, present and future, particularly the school problem.
Mr. Moore of the Technical Planning Associates, has recommended that the tract of land located between Pleasant Street and Pine Street, be taken by eminent domain for school site and a future recreational area. This is being accomplished by our school building committee.
Our efforts have been concentrated on planning for the future with Technical Planning Associates, and attempting to put town plan- ning on a firm foundation. Our contract with Technical Planning Associates has provided us with the following map information:
1. Distribution of dwellings.
2. Present land use.
3. Usable and buildable land.
4. Neighborhood distribution.
5. Zoning.
6. General soil characteristics.
7. Drainage basin.
8. Topography.
9. Comparative population trend.
Considerable thought has been given to industrial zoning. The area at the Eastern end of Tewksbury, bordered by Andover and Wilming- ton, which has some 600 acres in Tewksbury and a total of approx- imately 1200 acres in all three towns, is considered by Mr. Moore as the most valuable tract of land for Heavy Industrial zoning.
A joint meeting was held with Wilmington to investigate the pos- sibility of an access to Route 28. A plan has been proposed by the board known as the Industrial World. We are in hopes that after proper zoning, and maps have been completed, industry will settle here. This will not only help the town tax problem, but will provide employment for town residents.
The Planning Board and Board of Selectmen held a joint meeting with Mr. Whitcomb, Department of Commerce. The purpose of the meeting was to decide on the best location for a connector road between Route 110 and Route 28, which will best serve the industrial areas.
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A study of the Betterment Act is being conducted to learn its advantages and disadvantages.
A major problem is to rezone the town for building lot sizes. Under the guidance of Technical Planning Associates and the volunteer ser- vices of Dana Perkins Engineering Co., we have proposed a map which divides the Town into some 60 blocks, each block being separated by streets or natural boundaries. In using this map, the lot sizes to be recommended by this board are determined by these following factors:
1. Existing lot sizes
2. Neighborhood distribution
3. Density of population
4. Distribution of dwellings
5. Comparative population trends
6. Usable and buildable land
7. Topography
8. General soil characteristics
9. Drainage
A complete new set of zoning laws has been completed and will be available at public hearing to be held.
Subdivision Rules and Regulations are being completed. These will require a great deal more from builders on any new subdivisions. Some of the changes required will be sidewalks, hot top streets, curbings, planting of trees, drainage and many more.
Much time and study has been given to the proposed changes in our subdivision control regulations and to our zoning by-laws, by both the Planning Board and Technical Planning Associates.
It is our sincere hope that the people of the Town will take an active interest and carefully study the recommendations to be made by this board.
The Planning Board urges a large attendance at both legal hear- ings and the Annual Town Meeting which will be held in the near future.
PLANNING BOARD JOHN J. COONEY, Chairman ROGER LAFRENIERE, Clerk THOMAS P. SAWYER JEROME A. CARPENTER ROBERT LACY
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REPORT OF THE DOG OFFICER
To the Board of Selectmen
Town of Tewksbury, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The following is my report as Dog Officer for the year ending December 31st, 1957.
Kennel Licenses
15-$10.00
1-$25.00
Dogs Licensed 1,236
Dogs Sheltered 73
45
Dogs Returned to Owners
28
Telephone Calls
883
Investigations (Licenses ) complaints of barking dogs,
killing chickens, rabbits, destroying property, etc. 901
Respectfully submitted LESLIE COLLINS Dog Officer
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
To the Board of Health
Tewksbury, Mass.
Dear Sirs:
This is my report for year of 1957.
Slaughtering: January 1957
Cattle 77
Calves 22
Hogs 41
Sheep 3
Goats
Total
1
144
February 1957
41
10
30
0
0 81
83
21
20
0 127
57
17
36
0 127
70
19
27
1
119
78
7
3
June 1957 5
0
93
76
March 1957 3 April 1957 2
May 1957 2
Dogs Destroyed
89
3
0
July 1957 7
0
99
August 1957
92
12
2
1 September 1957
87
8
21
17 October 1957
131
25
29
0 193
75
22
41
0 149
December 1957
81
20
60
1
0
162
TOTAL FOR YEAR 1957
1,536
Respectfully submitted, JOHN J. GRAY Inspector of Slaughtering
POLICE REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1957
Admitted to Tewksbury State Hospital. 2
Air Alerts Received. 25
Ambulance Calls. 66
Auto Accidents Investigated 100
Auto Accidents Reported at Office. 64
Car Registration and Ownership Transferred 237
Cars Stolen Elsewhere. 12
Cars Stolen in Tewksbury.
31
Committed to Worcester State Hospital
1
Complaints Received and Investigated
1,403
Dog Bites Investigated. 143
.54
Dogs Struck by Autos
74
Fires Policed. 61
Funerals Policed. 19
Hearings at Office
14
Investigations for Other Police Departments
130
Lights Out, Poles and Wires Down.
56
Merchandise Recovered.
$14,705
Messages Delivered. 485
Missing Persons Elsewhere. 18
77
0 107
2 135
8 November 1957 11
Doors and Windows Found Open.
Missing Persons Tewksbury 83
Permits Issued to Purchase Arms. 2
Permits Issued - Trailers.
5
Public Functions Policed.
25
Registration Plates Checked
88
Revolver Licenses Issued.
43
Sessions at Lowell District Court
47
Sessions at Superior Court, Lowell.
5
Sessions at Superior Court, East Cambridge
9
Snow and Ice Reported on Highways.
10
Sudden Deaths Investigated 15
Summons served.
201
Traffic Duty.
72
Transported to Hospitals.
174
Vacant Properties Checked.
201
Disposition of Cases
District Court and Superior Court, Lowell Superior Court, East Cambridge
Dismissed
3
Filed
6
Fined
55
For Other Police Departments
18
Guilty
29
Not Guilty
5
Pending
19
Released
57
TOTAL 192
Total Number of Arrests
1
Assault and Battery
10
Breaking, Entering, Larceny in Night Time
12
Defacing Fire Arms
2
Drunkenness
77
Failing to Stop for School Bus
2
For Other Police Departments 17
Larceny
6
Non-Payment of Fine
2
Non-Support
9
78
Accosting Opposite Sex
Operating Auto Without Authority 1
Operating Auto As To Endanger 5
Operating Auto Without A License. 8
Operating Auto Without Safety Sticker 2
Operating Auto Under the Influence 12
Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle
1
Receiving Stolen Property 2
Vagrancy
1
Violating Speed Laws 22
TOTAL 192
JOHN F. SULLIVAN Chief of Police
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
During the year 1957 the Board of Health met every second week. Meetings were held in the Office of the Board of Selectmen, starting at 7:00 P. M., preceding the Selectmen's meeting. At the organizational meeting, Thomas A. Abbott was elected Chairman.
Mr. Ralph Peters, Sanitary Inspector, proposed that new regula- tions be adopted to safeguard the health of the community concerning disposal of sewage. Complaints in the past have indicated a need for more adequate protection in this respect. As a result, each new system requested is designed individually with topography of area and per- colation being considered.
The Board held five Polio clinics, three Asian Flu clinics (for Town employees and school personnel) and three Diphtheria clinics. As an indication of the growth of the Town, the total number of inoculations given were far in excess of the total given during the year 1956. The Board wishes to acknowledge the splendid cooperation shown by local nurses and volunteer workers who donated their services to aid in conducting these clinics.
During the year, the Board awarded the contract for mosquito control to "East Coast Aviation" with a low bid of $1.10 per acre. Because of the dry season, fewer applications were necessary, resulting in a saving over the original estimate. It is hoped that the program may be expanded for the coming year.
Numerous complaints were received concerning rubbish and gar- bage removal which were aggravated by lack of adequate dumping facilities. The Board has secured a temporary dump site on South
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Street which is free to Town residents and is continuing in its efforts to secure a permanent, well located site for future use.
The Board has closed site at Pond, Pine and Whipple Streets and has posted the land "No further dumping on premises will be allowed". Dumping now permitted at the approved South Street site only.
The Board has adopted food and sanitation regulations for every person, firm or corporation engaged in the storage, sale, distribution or transportation of foodstuffs and beverages and has engaged Sanitarian Robert W. Rimbach of Middlesex Laboratories to inspect the afore- mentioned establishments. There were 1026 determinations made on samples of milk and cream, 169 samples of milk from dealers were examined for Total Solids, Fat, Bacterial Count, Sediment, Phosphatase and Coliform content. The average total solids for milk was 12.59%. Fat, 3.82 %and Bacterial Count 3,400. There were approximately 7,695 quarts of milk sold daily. Three hundred and thirty-three inspections were made of eating and food establishments and three hundred and sixty-nine bacterial swabs were taken of eating utensils and bar glasses.
There were many problems still facing the Board at the conclusion of 1957. It is hoped that with the cooperation of the townspeople, they can be brought to a successful completion during the year 1958.
THOMAS A. ABBOTT, Chairman VICTOR N. CLUFF JOSEPH J. WHELAN Board of Health
ASSESSOR'S REPORT
Value of Real Estate Jan. 1, 1957.
$11,454,700
Value of Personal Property. 3,080,450
Total Value of 1957
$14,535,150
Total Value of 1956.
13,559,050
Gain in Valuation $ 976,100
Total Levy for 1957
Town $1,754,880.34
State
4,102.50
County
29,256.30
Overlay Current Year
53,348.69
Gross Amount to be raised $1,841,587.83
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Total Estimated Receipts and Available Funds. 773,655.88
Net Amount to be raised on Poll and Property.
$1,067,931.95
Polls
$
6,866.00
Personal Property
224,872.85
Real Estate
836,193.10
Total Taxes Levied on Polls and Property. $1,067,931.95
TAX RATE 1957 $73.00
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise
Total Valuation $2,244,575.00
Amount Warrants to Collector. $ 116,884.42
TAX RATE 1957 $57.10
Respectfully submitted,
AUSTIN F. FRENCH, Chairman ETHEL M. PHILLIPS
EDWARD J. SULLIVAN Board of Assessors
REPORT OF THE WATER DEPARTMENT FOR 1957
Number of Services Installed during the year 1957 91
House Service Pipe Installer 5459 feet
2" Pipe Installed. 241 feet
6" Pipe Installed. 193 feet
6" Pipe Relocated 169 feet
Total Gallons Pumped during the year 1957. 235,689,140
Total Number of Water Customers at the end of 1957 2997
Number of New Takers during the year 1957 155
CHARLES A. CARTER JOHN J. COONEY EBEN A. PRESCOTT Board of Water Commissioners
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FIRE DEPARTMENT
Honorable Board of Selectmen
I wish to submit my report for the year 1957.
Building
21
Dump
19
Brush
222
Chimney
6
Auto
14
False
23
Resuscitator
55
Electrical
25
Accidents
32
Oil Burners
6
Out of Town
22
All Others
45
TOTAL
490
Inspections:
Gasoline Storage
3
Oil Storage
272
L. P. Gas
66
Est. Value to Buildings and Contents
1,155,000.00
Estimated Loss to Buildings and Contents 111,705.00
Insurance Paid
94,714.22
WILLIAM A. CHANDLER Chief of the Fire Department
REPORT OF THE ROAD COMMISSIONERS
The following report is submitted by the Board of Road Com- missioners for the year ending December 31, 1957.
Chapter 81 and General Highway
Chapter 81 and Highway moneys were expended on most accepted streets with oiling, patching and general maintenance being accom- plished.
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January 13, 1958
The following materials were used:
Gravel
12,000 yards
Sand
10,000 yards
Asphalt
62,078 gals.
Bituminous Concrete 813.05 tons
Pea Stone
461.05 tons
Catch Basins Installed
6
Culverts Installed
3
Chapter 90 Maintenance
Chapter 90 Maintenance work was done on Andover Street which had an armor coating of oil and stone for 8500 feet.
Chapter 90 Construction
Chapter 90 Construction took place on Shawsheen Street with one section being completed and the next section now under construction.
Respectfully submitted, CHESTER M. ROPER, Chairman THOMAS F. SULLIVAN GEORGE R. GRAY Road Commissioners
REPORT OF INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION
Although Tewksbury is outside the present industrial perimeter, it is a well known fact that Route 128 known as the "Golden Circle" is now an overcrowded artery. If not by choice, but by necessity, industry will be compelled to look elsewhere due to this condition. The second circumferential highway, Route 110, looms as the quickest, most economical and practical way to solve this traffic problem and provide the lands needed for new industrial growth.
When, new Route 28, now under construction cutting across the southeastern corner of our Town and the new Outer Belt, Route 110, now being surveyed and cutting across the northern corner of Tewks- bury are constructed, then and only then will our community be in a position to compete with other communities for a share of the remark- able industrial growth being enjoyed in Massachusetts.
All the citizens of Tewksbury, but primarily owners of land abutting the new highways, can look forward to enjoying benefits of this in- dustrial growth, which the commission fells could be in the very near future and comparable to what took place along Route 128.
Sincerely, JOHN J. BELTON, Chairman Industrial Commission
Jan. 13, 1958 Submitted for 1957 Report.
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BUREAU OF ACCOUNTS
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Corporations and Taxation Sate House, Boston, Mass.
To the Board of Selectmen
Mr. Victor N. Cluff, Chairman
Tewksbury, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my report of an audit of the books and accounts of the Town of Tewksbury for the period from November 10, 1955 to May 25, 1957, made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws. This is in the form of a report made to me by Mr. William Schwartz, Assistant Director of Accounts.
Very truly yours, HERMAN B. DINE Director of Accounts
Mr. Herman B. Dine
Director of Accounts
Department of Corporations and Taxation
State House, Boston, Mass.
Sir:
As directed by you, I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the Town of Tewksbury for the period from November 10, 1955, the date of the previous examination, to May 25, 1957, the following report being submitted thereon:
An examination and verification was made of the financial transactions of the Town as shown on the books of the departments receiving or disbursing money for the Town or committing bills for collection.
The books and accounts in the Town Auditor's office were examined and checked in detail. The recorded receipts were checked with the treasurer's cash book and with the available records of departmental payments to the treasurer, while the disbursements were checked with the treasury warrants.
The appropriations, transfers, and loan authorizations, as listed from the Town Clerk's record of town meeting proceedings, and the transfers from the reserve fund authorized by the finance committee, were checked with the appropriation accounts in the auditor's ledger.
An analysis was made of the ledger accounts, the necessary adjust- ing entries resulting from the audit were made, a trial balance was taken off, and a balance sheet, which is appended to this report, was
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prepared showing the financial condition of the Town on May 25, 1957.
The books and accounts of the Town Treasurer were examined and checked. The receipts, as recorded, were analysed and compared with the records of payments to the treasurer by the several depart- ments, and with other sources from which the town received money, while the recorded payments were compared with the selectmen's warrants and with the auditor's books.
The cash balance on May 25, 1957 was verified by reconciliation of the bank balance with statements furnished by the banks of deposit, by verification of treasury notes held for safekeeping by the bank, and by actual count of the cash in the office.
The payments on account of maturing debt and interest were compared with the amounts falling due and with the cancelled securities and coupons on file. The outstanding bonds and coupons were listed and reconciled with the bond and coupon account as shown by a statement furnished by the bank of deposit.
The investments of the several trust and investment funds in the custody of the town treasurer were verified, the savings bank books being personally examined and listed. The income was proved and all transactions and balances were checked with the books of the town auditor.
The records of tax titles and tax possessions held by the town were examined and checked. The redemptions and sales were verified, and the tax titles and tax possessions on hand were listed, proved, and verified by comparison with the records of the Registry of Deeds.
It was noted that no transfers to the tax title account had been reported by the collector during the audit period.
The records of payroll deductions for Federal taxes, the county retirement system, and the Massachusetts Hospital Service, Inc., were examined and checked with the treasurer's record of receipts, the pay- ments to the proper agencies were verified, and the balances in the general treasury on May 25, 1957 were listed and proved with the auditor's ledger.
The books and accounts of the town collector were examined and checked. The taxes and motor vehicle and trailer excise outstanding at the time of the previous examination, as well as all subsequent com- mitment lists, were audited and checked with the warrants issued for their collection. The recorded collections were compared with the payments to the treasurer; the abatements, as recorded, were chcked with the assessors' records of abatements granted ; and the outstanding accounts were listed and proved with the respective controlling accounts in the auditor's ledger.
The commitments of departmental and water accounts were examined and checked. The recorded receipts were checked with the payments to the treasurer, the abatements, as recorded, were compared with the records of the departments authorized to grant them, and the
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outstanding accounts were listed and proved with the auditor's ledger controls.
The town collector's cash balance on May 25, 1957 was proved by reconciliation of the bank balance with a statement furnished by the bank of deposit and by actual count of the cash in the office. This reconciliation showed a cash discrepancy in the collector's accounts amounting to $923.21.
The outstanding tax, excise, and departmental accounts receivable were further verified by mailing notices to a number of persons whose names appeared on the books as owing money to the town, the replies received thereto indicating that the accounts, as listed, are correct.
The attention of the collector is again called to Section 2, Chapter 60, General Laws, which requires payments be made to the treasurer at least weekly.
It is again recommended that the collector make a determined effort to effect a prompt settlement of all delinquent tax and excise accounts, which date back to 1949.
The financial records of the town clerk were examined and checked in detail. The recorded receipts on account of dog, sporting and town licenses, as well as from marriage intentions, recording fees, copies of records, and miscellaneous charges, were checked with the town clerk's cash book, and compared with the payments to the treasurer and the Division of Fisheries and Game. The cash balance on May 25, 1957 was verified by actual count of the cash in the office and by reconciliation of the bank balance with a statement furnished by the bank of deposit.
The surety bonds on file for the several town officials for the faithful performance of their duties were examined and found to be in proper form.
The records of the board of selectmen, the inspector of buildings, and the sealer of weights and measures, as well as of the health depart- ment and of all other departments collecting money for the Town or committing bills for collection, were examined, checked and reconciled with the treasurer's and the auditor's books.
Appended to this report, in addition to the balance sheet, are tables showing reconciliations of the town treasurer's, town collector's, and town clerk's cash; summaries of the tax, excise, tax title, tax pos- session, and departmental accounts; as well as schedules showing the transactions and condition of the trust and investment funds.
During the progress of the audit cooperation was received from all town officials, for which, on behalf of my assistants and for myself, I wish to express appreciation.
Respectfully submitted WILLIAM SCHWARTZ Assistant Director of Accounts
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TOWN OF TEWKSBURY Balance Sheet - May 25, 1957 GENERAL ACCOUNTS
ASSETS
LIABILITIES AND RESERVES
CASH:
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