Town of Tewksbury annual report 1956-1962, Part 32

Author: Tewksbury (Mass.)
Publication date: 1956
Publisher: Tewksbury (Mass.)
Number of Pages: 1502


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Tewksbury > Town of Tewksbury annual report 1956-1962 > Part 32


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HERBERT A. FAIRBROTHER, Chairman WILLIAM H. BENNETT GEORGE J. McCOY ALICE A. PIKE, Clerk ex-officio


VITAL STATISTICS


Births, Marriages and Deaths Recorded for 1958


Births


Males 184 375


37


Females 191 1957 Births received and recorded in 1959 Males 18


Females 17


Marriages 123


Deaths


82


Males 44


Females 38


THE TOWN CLERK HEREBY GIVES NOTICE THAT SHE IS PREPARED TO FURNISH PARENTS, HOUSEHOLDERS, AND PHYSICIANS, APPLYING THEREFORE, BLANKS FOR THE RETURN OF BIRTHS AS REQUIRED BY LAW.


Financial Report


Received and paid the Town Treasurer for


licenses, permits, recording fees, etc. $2,523.03


Received and paid the Town Treasurer for dog licenses 2,567.50


Received and paid the Div. of Fisheries


and Game for Sporting licenses 3,312.50


Total $8,403.03


ALICE A. PIKE


Town Clerk


REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD


The year 1958 has been an exceptionally busy year for your Planning Board.


Starting with internal streamlining of the Board's office procedure, we proceeded to the two articles which the Town adopted at the An- nual Meeting in March. One, to re-zone 52 acres into industry and the other to stiffen the trailer by-law.


This year the Board has also signed acceptance of 13 new streets, approved 27 single lots and one sub-division of 16 lots.


Much time went into assuring our town of the benefits of Route 110 and in a vain attempt to gain access to the new Route 28 (or 93). There is still a chance that access to 93 may yet be gained as the peti- tions signed by you and your fellow townsmen have been forwarded to


38


Senators Kennedy and Saltonstall and Representative Rogers. The Senators have advised us that they will look into the matter.


As many of you already know, most of the Board's time has been spent in presenting the work of the Technical Planning Associates to the people of the town.


Because of the many facets of the Master Plan, no short explanation could suffice. Also, because of the diversification of interest no one meeting could answer all the questions covering the plan.


The Planning Board, therefore, has held 12 or 13 meetings, or hearings, in about as many locations.


The fruits of these meetings are well evidenced when one looks at the changes between the original maps and those which will be presented at the Town Meeting.


Your Planning Board has made a sincere effort to do the im- possible, that is, please everyone. The Board has confidence that no serious objections can be made and assures the Town that all minor objections to the plan will be given full consideration and the proper action taken.


Respectfully submitted,


JOHN J. COONEY, Chairman ROGER LAFRENIERE THOMAS P. SAWYER JEROME A. CARPENTER ROBERT W. LACEY, Clerk


39


REPORT OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR


January 13, 1959


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:


The Building Inspector herein submits the following report for the year ending December 31, 1958.


Permits Issued in 1958


Number


Estimated Cost


New Dwellings


35


$402,500


Alterations and Additions


82


77,697


Garages, Residential


22


16,465


Business - Commercial Buildings


10


428,500


Move Buildings


5


8,600


Demolish Buildings


13


Total Taxable


$933,762


Parish Buildings


2


100,000


Alterations Existing High School


1


10,000


Total Non-Taxable. $110,000


Received and paid to the Town Treasurer for permits issued .. $1,414.50 Building Inspections made from July 1, 1958 to Dec. 31, 1958 .. 217


Respectfully submitted,


WALTER J. PUPKIS


Building Inspector


REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY


As in former years the Library Trustees continue to report generally a rush of business practically every session the Library is open. Better than 2,500 patrons use the Town's limited Library facilities. Book circulation now tops 15,000 when it formally was 9,000 to 10,000. The Library is open three evenings and Saturday afternoon. Tuesday and Thursday evenings the Library is open from 6:30 P. M. until 9:00 P.M .; and on Saturday the Library is open from 2:00 P. M. until 8:30 P. M. Even these opening sessions are not enough for the growing Town of Tewksbury. During 1958 Bookmobile Service conducted by the State of Massachusetts through its State Regional Center in North Reading


40


has made three stops monthly at Shawsheen, North Street and Ella Flemings Schools. This program indirectly from a 1956 Federal Aid Bill to the States for rural Library Service will continue through 1961. After that the Federal Aid ceases, and if the State fails to continue Bookmobile Service to these 26 communities, including Tewksbury as it is now doing this program will cease. If the Bookmobile Service ceases the Trustees foresee an enormous added burden of book circula- tion and patronage upon present Library facilities. School Principals are even now suggesting an afternoon session of the Library. As we said last year, "Schools and Town Libraries are mutual Town programs." As soon as our Town school problems are on the road to completion the Library Trustees believe that something will have to be done about a new Town Library building.


The Trustees keenly felt the passing of Abbie Blaisdell Dempsey on May 24, 1958. She had served the Town faithfully as Librarian of the Public Library for more than fifty years, which was certainly a long and successful period of stewardship. Incidently the Town Hall Asso- ciates have placed an "In Memoriam Plaque" on the Library walls to assist in keeping ever before us the name of one who was faithful in her library service to her fellow townspeople.


Mrs. Marion Carlson was elected Librarian to fill the vacancy left by the death of Mrs. Dempsey. Later Mrs. Irene Coombes was elected as Assistant Librarian to complete the library force of three.


The records of the Library work are contained in the Librarian's Report and the Library expenditures may be found in the report of the Auditor.


The Trustees wish to publicly thank Mrs. Marion Carlson, Li- brarian and her assistants, Mrs. Irene Coombes and Mrs. Ella Marshall for their faithful and excellent service during the past year.


The Trustees request that the articles in the Town Warrant asking for a Salary Budget of $2,000.00 and an operation budget of $1,700.00 and the money received from the licensing of dogs be approved and granted for the maintenance and operation of the Public Library.


Respectfully submitted,


HAROLD H. SLOAN, Chairman MARIAN E. FRENCH, Secretary EDGAR SMITH HAROLD J. PATTEN DOROTHY FITZGERALD HARRY PRIESTLY


41


REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE


The High School Building Committee respectfully submits the following report.


A vote of the Special Town Meeting of May 8, 1957, instructed Moderator, Alfred N. Shamas, to appoint a committee to be known as the High School Building Committee. Five residents of the Town were named to this Committee and their first meeting was held on June 19, 1957. The High School Building Committee had been voted a sum of $1,000 to investigate the possibility of constructing a high school in the Town.


The Committee spent the first few months studying the kinds and types of schools and the estimated cost of constructing a 1,000 pupil high school; interviewing architects; consulting with the State School Building Assistance Commission; discussing the problem with elected and appointed officials in the Town, and the School Committee.


At a Special Town Meeting on October 23, 1957, the results of the Committee's study was made known to the townspeople. They voted an appropriation of $75,000 to obtain plans and specifications for a proposed high school. Commissioned as architects for the project was the firm of Stephen W. Haynes and Associates, Inc


The next step taken was that relating to the site for the proposed school. After looking at many sites, the site chosen was selected on the following basis :


1) A vote of the Special Town Meeting held on May 8, 1957, on Article 10.


2) Recommendations of the Boards or Committees involved.


3) A team of professional planners financed by the Town recom- mended the particular site.


The site so selected was obtained by a vote at the Annual Town Meeting, March 12, 1958, authorizing landtaking by eminent domain.


The task of obtaining concrete bids for the construction of the school was completed and a Special Town Meeting was called on April 16, 1958. The townspeople there assembled approved by a vote of 401 in favor to 15 opposed the amount of $1,500,000 for constructing a high school. The Town was fortunate in that the time for floating bonds for municipal construction was opportune. The bonds were floated for 3% interest which represented the lowest interest rate in the area for some time. Interest rates have since risen.


Construction of the new high school was started by the Sewell and Smith Construction Company of Framingham, Mass. in May, 1958,


42


one year after the vote of the town to investigate this matter. Selected as the Clerk of the Works to supervise this project for the Town was Mr. John F. Dougherty of Chandler Street, Tewksbury. As of January 1, 1959, the foundations, walls, and two-thirds of the roof have been completed. It is anticipated the school will be substantially complete and available for student use by September of 1959.


The major work remaining to be accomplished by the Committee is as follows:


1) Obtaining educational materials and furnishings.


2) Negotiating landtaking awards with former owners of the site.


3) Making arrangements for additional entrances to and exits from the property.


4) Completion of the many details involved in the construction, equipping and furnishing of the school.


5) Presentation of financial transactions to the State School Build- ing Assistance Commission for reimbursements.


Up to January 1, 1959, the Committee has had 65 regular meetings and many other informal meetings on this project.


A word of thanks to all those who have given us help in this matter is due. However, the teaching staff of the present high school, the high school principal, Mr. Lawrence R. McGowan, and the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Everett G. Thistle, are extended a special word of thanks for their continuous effort in aiding the Committee.


Respectfully submitted,


DANIEL G. O'CONNOR, Chairman MARGARET C. HARSCH


THOMAS J. MULLANE NELSON P. MacARTHUR JAMES A. JOHNSON


ASSESSOR'S REPORT


Value of Real Estate Jan. 1, 1958 $11,830.900.00 Value of Personal Property 3,172,000.00


Total Value of 1958 $15,002,900.00


Total Value of 1957 14,535,150.00


Gain in Valuation $ 467,750.00


43


Total Levy for 1958


Town $ 1,881,472.85


State


7,116.03


County


27,183.56


Overlay Current Year


60,836.47


Gross Amount to be Raised


$ 1,987,767.43


Total Estimated Receipts and Available Funds 885,473.73


Net Amount to be raised on Poll and Property $ 1,102,293.70


Polls


$ 7,082.00


Personal Property


231,556.00


Real Estate


863,655.70


Total Taxes Levied on Polls and Property $ 1,102,293.70


Water Liens added to Taxes 6,399.90


TAX RATE 1958 -$73.00


Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise


Total Valuation $2,795,280.00


Amount Warrants to Collector 157,312.78


TAX RATE 1958 - $60.25


Respectfully submitted, AUSTIN F. FRENCH, Chairman


ETHEL M. PHILLIPS


EDWARD J. SULLIVAN Board of Assessors


REPORT OF THE APPEALS BOARD FOR 1958


During the entire year, there were 36 appeals heard at public hearings.


With new by-laws being passed all the time, especially the by-law at the Annual Town Meeting in March, imposing stricter regulations on trailers, the board expects numerous appeals for 1959.


The board has endeavored to judge each case on its individual merits and circumstances surrounding it and to render a decision as fair as possible to all concerned.


There were two new appointments to the board this year in the


44


form of associate members. There were also two resignations, J. Robert Lacy and Richard P. Morris. We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for their time and efforts, freely given, to enable us to dispose of all petitions presented to us, fairly and equitably while at the same time doing our utmost to make sure that our decisions are consistent with the best interests of the Town .


JEREMIAH F. MURPHY, Jr., Chairman ROBERT FLUCKER LEO D. CHIBAS CHARLES R. LOCICERO


CIVIL DEFENSE - TEWKSBURY, MASS.


Mr. Victor N. Cluff, Chairman Board of Selectmen


The Civil Defense Department in compliance with Federal and State directives during the year 1958, established a communications network in the Town. This network is manned by licensed operators and can be put into operation within a few minutes notice.


The Department purchased a large pumping unit for use in pump- ing out areas or as a unit to supply water to an area during a disaster.


Two large first aid disaster classes were held. These classes were under the direction of Mrs. Barbara Morgan, R.N., and were well attended and received.


The Auxiliary Police organization continued its fine operation and is ever ready to assist the townspeople in an emergency.


The Auxiliary Fire Department truck spent many hours pumping out streets and cellars during flooding conditions.


Training programs have been set up and are in operation.


I wish at this time to thank the Board of Selectmen, the Fire Chief, Police Chief, Tree Warden and many others for their continued support of the Town's Civil Defense program.


Respectfully submitted, GEORGE A. MCDERMOTT Director


45


REPORT OF TEWKSBURY SCHOOL PLANNING COMMITTEE


The School Planning Committee submits to the Town projected views for school building needs.


Adequate pupil space for the education of the youth of the Town of Tewksbury will be foremost in the thoughts of this Committee.


It is true there is evidence that the birthrate in the year 1958 is showing signs of stabilizing in the neighborhood of four hundred births, but the present school facilities will not provide for the children already enrolled.


There is factual evidence that more pupil space is needed, there- fore it has been the immediate concern of this Committee, at recent meetings to study the enrollment figures and present to the voters the conclusion.


Recognizing that children are already living in Tewksbury, who will move into the school system, it places a tremendous burden on the already over taxed facilities. Due to this factor and because of the present educational need for more facilities this Committee is submitting an Article for the Town Warrant to ask the Town to provide additional elementary and secondary school buildings in the year 1960, which is an eventuality.


MRS. ANTHONY F. ANDERSON


Chairman


BOARD OF ROAD COMMISSIONERS


The following report is submitted by the Board of Road Com- missioners for the year ending December 31, 1958.


Chapter 81 and General Highway


Chapter 81 and Highway monies were expended on most accepted streets with oiling, patching and general maintenance being accom- plished.


The following materials were used:


Gravel .yards 10,000


Sand yards 10,500


Asphalt .gals. 53,765


Bituminous Concrete tons 377.87


Pea Stone


tons 1046.20


Catch Basins Installed 25


Storm Drain feet 1,000


46


Chapter 90 Maintenance


Chapter 90 Maintenance work was done on Andover Street, East Street, North Street, and Shawsheen Street.


Chapter 90 Construction


Chapter 90 Construction took place on Shawsheen Street with one section completed.


Respectfully submitted, CHESTER M. ROPER, Chairman GEORGE R. GRAY WILLIAM D. GATH Road Commissioners


REPORT OF 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 31, 1958.


Kennel Licenses 1-$25 14-$10


Dog Licenses 1214


Dogs Sheltered 89


Dogs Destroyed 64


Dogs returned to owners 25


Telephone Calls 1542


Investigations, (Licenses) complaints of barking dogs, killing chickens, rabbits,


destroying property, etc. 1282


Respectfully submitted,


LESLIE COLLINS Dog Officer


47


REPORT OF INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION


Tewksbury citizens to be in a position to benefit industrially will have to continue to show patience, exercise good judgment and wisdom, maintain a sound financial structure, continue the school building pro- gram until classroom shortage is eliminated, scrutinize all disbursements with care, eliminating all unnecessary expenditures, and resolve to keep the budget and tax rate within reasonable bounds.


At the DPW hearing last August in Lowell dealing with relocated Route 110 (Interstate Route 495) great emphasis was placed on the need of an additional interchange at Woburn Street by the City Man- ager, representatives of Raytheon and elected State officials, another interchange would be an asset to Tewksbury, making available for industry many acres of ideal land in the West section of the town within easy reach of the new freeway. Federal approval has not yet been received to move this proposed interchange out of the planning stage.


Presently the town has an adequate water supply, many miles of gas mains, a complete network of power lines, railroad siding facilities, assurance of a branch bank at our Shopping Center, and because we will be geographically bounded by a network of new highways, will undoubtedly enjoy our share of industrial growth, but, only if we con- tinue to plan carefully and regulate wisely for the future.


Sincerely, JOHN J. BELTON Chairman


TEWKSBURY TREE DEPARTMENT


To the Honorable Board of Selectmen


Gentlemen:


I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board for the cooperation which I received through the year.


There is nothing new on the control or prevention of Dutch Elm Disease. The only light note that I may offer is that we have been able to take care of all of the cases without any extra help or money. We are probably the only town around where extra help and money was not used. This disease can be very costly if removals are not handled in time.


To add to the Flowering Crab which were planted in 1957, the Tewksbury Garden Club supplied a greater portion of the money which


48


went into the foundation planting at the Town Hall, which was badly needed. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Garden Club officially.


We planted as many trees as we could obtain. This was not an easy project, as young trees are much in demand. I was greatly disappointed when the Town Meeting chose to defeat the $300.00 for nursery stock. Though it is not a large sum of money, the planting of young nursery stock would contribute much to the looks and well-being of this town five or ten years hence. There is nothing that will increase the value of a home, or a street, more than a good planting of trees.


I am very happy to say that we had a fine response from the residents of Oakland Avenue and Kent Street. Through the efforts of Mrs. Albert Lubinski, Mrs. Leo Fava and Mrs. Melvin Briggle, who canvassed their respective streets and convinced each home owner to purchase two trees which were planted on the lots of the owners by the Tree Department. I sincerely hope this system will take hold on other streets where trees are non-existent. Any information on this type project may be had by calling me. I would like to thank these women officially for their effort in making these streets just a little better on which to live.


We sprayed the required amount of spray for the control of all chewing and sucking insects as prescribed.


Japanese Beetles are becoming more troublesome each year. The control of these pests must be of a dual control. Chlordane and Milky Disease Spore Powder must be applied to lawns. Every effort must be made to control the Japanese Beetle, or no lawn will be safe from infection.


Extensive spraying for brush control was done by this department this year. The use of chemicals is not always accepted as good public relations, but the cost of removing brush manually is so much greater that we have no alternative. We could never hope to keep up with it otherwise.


In closing I would like to thank all other departments for their cooperation when assistance was requested.


Remember Arbor Day - Plant a tree and make Tewksbury green.


WALTER R. DOUCETTE Tree Warden


49


REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE


Disposition of Cases District Court and Superior Court, of Lowell Superior Court of East Cambridge


Dismissed


2


Filed


9


Fined


52


For Other Police Dept.


19


Guilty


103


Not Guilty


3


Pending


6


Released


14


Total 208


Assault and Battery


4


Assault and Battery on a Police Officer


1


Assault and Battery on a Police Officer (Dangerous Weapon)


1


A. W. O. L.


1


Bigamy


1


Breaking and Entering Night Time, Larceny


2


Cruelty to Animals


2


Default Warrant


1


Disturbing the Peace


8


Drunkeness


75


D. K. Complaint


18


Driving so as to Endanger


1


Driving after Suspension of License


2


Driving without Registration in Possession


4


Driving without a License


5


Failing to Display an Inspection Sticker


2


Failing to Stop for a School Bus


2


False Statement to Procure Alcoholic Beverages


3


Indecent Assault and Battery


1


Larceny


3


Larceny from Buildings


2


Leaving the Scene of an Accident after Causing Property Damage ..


2


Leaving the Scene of an Accident after Causing Personal Injury 1


7


Non Payment of Fine


6


Malicious Damage to Property


4


Operating under the Influence 15


50


Non Support


Driving without License in Possession 1


Operating Uninsured Motor Vehicle 7


Operating Unregistered Motor Vehicle 7


Parking Violations


1


Receiving Stolen Goods


1


Robbery


1


Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle


2


Vagrancy 3


4


Violation of Speed Laws


5


Warrant


2


Total 208


Police Report, Year 1958


Ambulance Calls 89


Auto Accidents Investigated


145


Auto Accidents Reported at Office


72


Armed Robberies Investigated


1


Bad Checks


18


Bank Service 371


Bicycles Recovered


16


Car Registration and Ownership Transferred


752


Cars Stolen Elsewhere and Recovered


12


Cars Stolen Tewksbury


42


Committed to Worcester State Hospital


5


Complaints Received and Investigated


2012


Dog Bites Investigated


.82


Dogs Reported Missing


13


Dogs Struck by Autos


157


Doors and Windows Found Open


81


Family Trouble


90


Fires Policed


73


Funerals Policed


18


Hearings at Office 17


64


Investigations for Other Police Dept.


133


License to Carry Firearms


50


Licenses Suspended


39


Lights Out, Poles and Wires Down


76


Lost Property


$269.15


Merchandise Recovered


$23,721.50


Messages Delivered


432


Missing Persons Elsewhere


22


Missing Persons Tewksbury 82


Other Emergency 123


Permits Issued (Trailers )


7


Permits Issued (Sundays)


25


51


House Breaks Investigated


Bicycles Stolen 27


Violation of Probation


Public Functions Policed


62


Registrations Checked


88


Snow and Ice Reported on Highway


32


Sudden Deaths Investigated


13


Summons Served


256


Transported to Hospital


189


Violation Notices to Registry


51


Vacant Houses Checked


323


Value of Stolen Property


$33,180.00


Parking Violations


35


Defective Equipment Tags


53


JOHN F. SULLIVAN


Chief of Police


REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH


The State Legislature has charged local boards of health through- out the Commonwealth with more duties and responsibilities than any other town bodies. The Tewksbury Board of Health is no exception to this general condition. The activities administered by the Health De- partment include inspection of restaurants and grocery stores, inspection of dairy products, mosquito control, rubbish and garbage collection, sewage disposal installation and operation, care of tubercular cases, control of contagious diseases, administration of dental clinic, operation of town dump, pumping of flooded areas in emergencies, dog disposal, animal inspection, inoculations, inspections of plumbing, inspection of nursery schools and homes providing day care for children, inspection of nursing homes, issuance of burial permits, inspection of slaughtering, and in general any duties which may be related directly or remotely to the public health. It is obvious, therefore, that a detailed report on all of the Board's activities would require much more space than allotted in the regular town report. It can be said in summary, however, that the department has conscientiously endeavored to carry out the above responsibilities as efficiently and expeditiously as possible.


The program of food inspection, adopted last year, is now showing positive results. The deficiencies revealed during initial inspections have decreased to a minimum and this may be attributed to the conscientious work of Robert S. Rimbach, the Town's Registered Sanitarian, and the fine cooperation displayed by most of the local food handlers. 916 tests were made on samples of milk and cream and indicated an average total solids for milk at 12.80%, butterfat 3.80%, light cream butterfat was 20.00%, heavy cream butterfat was 40.05%, bacterial count was


52


3900 for milk and light cream and 6100 for heavy cream. 384 inspections of eating and food establishments were made.


A statute adopted by the legislature last year required that all towns adopt a plumbing code and provided a penalty of fifty dollars per month for failure to do so. Accordingly, under the provisions of Chapter III of the General Laws, the Board of Health adopted uniform plumbing regulations and appointed John McCormack as Plumbing Inspector. With minor exceptions the code is identical to that which appeared in last year's annual town report. The plumbing inspector assumed his duties on July 16th and up to December 31st issued 28 permits and collected 218 dollars in fees. The Plumbing Code is being submitted to the voters for ratification at the 1959 Annual Town Meeting and the Board urges favorable consideration by the towns- people.




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