Town of Tewksbury annual report 1959-1963, Part 20

Author: Tewksbury (Mass.)
Publication date: 1959
Publisher: Tewksbury (Mass.)
Number of Pages: 1078


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Tewksbury > Town of Tewksbury annual report 1959-1963 > Part 20


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5


Attaching Wrong Plates 3


Breaking and Entering in the Daytime and Larcey


5


Breaking and Entering in the Night Time and Larceny


9


Breaking and Entering in the Night Time with Intent to Commit a Felony 1


Delinquent Child 1


Disturbing the Peace 2


71


Drunkenness


37


Drunkenness Complaint


28


Failing to Display an Inspection Sticker


1


Failing to Slow Down at an Intersection


1


Failing to Stop at Stop Sign


1


Failing to Stop for a Police Officer


7


Failing to Stop for a School Bus


1


Indecent Assault and Battery


1


Illegal Sale of Alcohol to a Minor


2


Kidnapping


1


Larceny


11


Larceny from a Building


3


Leaving a Scene after Causing Property Damage


1


Malicious Damage to Property


1


Non Payment of Wages


4


Non Support


2


Operating after Suspension of License


6


Operating So As to Endanger


10


Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol


18


Operating Uninsured Motor Vehicle


4


Operating Unregistered Motor Vehicle


3


Operating Without Authority of Owner after Suspension of License


1


Operating Without Authority of Owner after Suspension of Rights to Operate


1


Operating Without a License


6


Passing Where View is Obstructed


2


Participating in an Immoral Show


2


Presenting an Immoral Show


1


Stubborn Child


1


Threatening


3


Trespassing on Real Estate


5


Unlawful Use of Motor Vehicle


4


Unnatural Act


1


Vagrancy


6


Violation of Dog Laws


5


Violation of Probation


2


Violation of Speed Laws


17


Total 228


72


1


Failing to Use Right Name


TOWN COUNSEL Warren W. Allgrove


One of the most troublesome problems, involving administration and enforcement of your zoning by-law, resulted in a decree against Kenneth R. Thuillier et ux concerning the trailers on Astle Street, in which a mandatory injunction issued ordering the defendants to remove the trailers involved. This decree was appealed from and is presently pending before the Supreme Judicial Court of the Com- monwealth. It involved the highly technical question of the proper publication of the earlier trailer by-law and is, of course, of no moment insofar as the present zoning by-law relating to trailers adopted at your last annual town meeting. It does indicate, however, the position of the Superior Court in relation to trailers and viola- tions of the zoning by-law concerning the same. It is true that each violation involving a trailer, or an alleged violation, must stand on its own facts, and your board has the difficult problem of determin- ing which cases warrant the expense of legal action, to say nothing of the time and effort necessary to prosecute the same.


Your Town Counsel, as ordered by the Board of Selectmen, in- stituted an unusual action appealing from a decision of the Board of Appeals from a variance granted to a land owner, which was sub- sequently settled by agreement of all the parties and town officials involved. For those who did not understand the action, it may be well to point out that the matter was called to the attention of the Board of Selectmen at or just before the final date for commencing legal action and that a nominal sum was involved to hold the rights of all the parties pending conferences to determine the effect of the variance upon subsequent policy. This was accomplished and the matter thoroughly ironed out.


Your Building Inspector with the Town Counsel prosecuted one violator of the building by-laws in the Lowell District Court, which resulted in a fine. The action taken is in the nature of a warning that the building by-laws have teeth, and in case of a deliberate or continued violation, fines may be imposed by the District Court in the nature of a penalty.


Your dog officer with your town counsel prosecuted several persons for delinquency in failing to pay their dog license fees, and after several warnings, which a very few persons failed to heed, convictions were obtained in the Lowell District Court. The dog officer, prior to taking this action had warned the parties and the Lowell District Court had sent out summonses asking them to ap- pear. Those who did appear and made arrangements to pay their


73


dog license fees had the matters dismissed. A very few who dis- regarded all notices and summonses were arrested on capias warrants and confined until their matters were disposed of by the court. This may seem harsh in some respects, but the dog officer is charged with this responsibility and duty, however disagreeable. He has exercised this authority reasonably and has sought court action only as a last resort.


The several matters involving money retained by the town for uncompleted work at the Heath Brook School from the general contractor, Morris & Sons Construction Company, and the sub- contractors have been adjusted satisfactorily to the 1954 School Building Committee. After many conferences with the architect, committee, and expert consultants, responsibility for uncompleted work was determined, and the money matters adjusted. This should be completed shortly, and the legal action involved in the lien filed against the town will be terminated.


Two small property damage matters are still pending, and a new action involving the enforcement of the new trailer by-law will soon be commenced.


I have attempted to be available for conferences with your board and the several town boards and committees upon request. Total amount paid to your town counsel for court appearances, opinions, and conferences, $2,420.00.


This does not include court fees or other disbursements for services of writs or summonsing of witnesses.


TREASURER


William J. O'Neill


Cash on hand, January 1, 1960 $ 467,985.00


Receipts to December 31, 1960 3,110,148.40


$ 3,578,133.40


Paid on Warrants drawn by the Town Accountant


to December 31, 1960 $ 3,223,653.23


Balance at Merchants National Bank of Boston 5,000.00


Balance at Union National Bank of Lowell 12,031.77


Balance at Middlesex County National Bank of Lowell


337,448.40


$ 3,578,133.40


For details of receipts and expenditures see Report of the Town Accountant.


74


TREE AND MOTH DEPARTMENT Walter R. Doucette, Tree Warden


During the year this department handled many calls for assist- ance in the control of insects. Two insects which are making great gains are the termites and fleas. I would like to take a little time to explain each of these:


Termites can become troublesome in any area where there is good drainage or a sandy soil condition. These areas which I have been called in on, in most part, are in the new developments. The source of trouble has come about by contractors burying scrap ends of waste lumber along foundations. It takes many years for termites to get a good start. The only sign of detection is when the winged adults swarm. One would only become aware of their presence when the swarms are in great number. By this time the termites are well established, and control should be started. They are not too difficult to control if the proper method is applied. The insecti- cide commonly used is chlordane. I will be glad to assist anyone who requests further information.


The flea has become quite troublesome in many areas. Any hairy animal is a good host. The flea can only live on hair, any kind of haid. Once they are established in a home a thorough cleaning must be done. In my association with this pest, I have found that they cannot be tolerated too long. Three percent D.D.T. is enough to control this insect. Any further information can be had by calling this department.


The natural parasite of the Oak-leaf Miner all but eliminated the miner. The control of this insect was almost impossible due to the hatching and timing of application of the insecticide.


I would like to thank the town meeting for the approval of a chipper. This machine almost made half its net worth on the Pleasant Street sidewalk and the Chapter 90 work on Shawsheen St.


There is nothing new to report on the Dutch Elm disease. Only to try to keep up with removals.


Poison Ivy and brush control projects were carried on as long as the money held out.


More home owners took advantage of our tree planting program this past year. Any information requested will be furnished by this department.


I would like to express my appreciation for the vote of confi- dence which I received in last March's election.


Observe Arbor Day the last Friday in April.


"Plant a tree and make Tewksbury green."


75


WIRE INSPECTOR Patrick Canavan


My report for 1960 is as follows:


197 permits issued for a total of $764.50 in fees.


PRELIMINARY REPORT OF THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE


This Committee, established under Article 1 of the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting of September 28, 1960, submits the following preliminary report.


On motion of Mrs. Ruth Anderson of the School Planning Committee it was voted "to appoint a committee of five members to be known as the 'Junior High School Building Committee' and authorize and empower said committee to obtain preliminary plans and specifications for a Junior High School building with facilities and to recommend a site for said school; and to do and take any other action in connection therewith necessary, proper and inci- dental to carry out the foregoing, or take any other action in relation thereto."


This committee, appointed by the Moderator under Article 1, is composed of the following: John A. Baker, Chairman, David J. Beattie, Frank D. Carter, Victor N. Cluff, and John H. Hart.


The committee held its first meeting on November 9, 1960. The following were elected officers: Vice Chairman, David J. Beattie; Clerk, John H. Hart; Treasurer, Victor N. Cluff; Publicity Director, Frank D. Carter.


The first problem was an attempt to determine the extent of additional facilities required. At the time the Tewksbury Memorial High School was built, it was planned that the Ninth Grade would have to be moved to the Junior High School by 1963. Therefore, it now appears that 300 pupils in Grade 9 will have to be housed with Grades 7 and 8 at that time, which would make a school population in the Junior High School of about 1,000. Furthermore, grades of over 400 are moving through the elementary schools leading to the forecast that Grades 7, 8, and 9 will total about 1,200 by 1966.


76


The second problem was to decide on the most desirable loca- tion for Junior High School facilities. Many sites were examined. Using as a guide the specifications of the Massachusetts School Building Assistance Commission two possible sites were selected for final consideration. A site on State-owned land was chosen to begin tests to determine whether it meets the requirements of size, centrality, freedom from hazards and noises, safety and ease of accessibility, and adaptability to development. Dana F. Perkins and Son, Inc., Surveyors, was retained to prepare a plan of the site, and arrangements with Massachusetts Department of Public Health engineers were made to run percolation tests for sewerage and drainage design. The data will be presented to the School Building Assistance Commission with the request that the site be approved for a Junior High School.


In order to obtain the State-owned land for a school it is necessary to secure the favorable recommendations of the Superin- tendent and Board of Trustees of the State Hospital, submit a bill in the Legislature, secure a favorable action in the House and Senate, secure the signature of the Governor, and complete formal transfer of the land. Preliminary steps have been undertaken to forge this chain of events.


The third problem was the selection of an architect. All appli- cations received by the committee were screened and 7 architects were invited for interviews. Several recently completed schools were visited. The architect who designed the Memorial High School was felt to be eminently well qualified and S. W. Haynes and Associates, Inc. was retained to make studies and prepare prelimi- nary plans and cost estimates.


Upon receipt of the plans and estimates, and after adequate study, the Committee will report its recommendations.


The Committee has submitted articles for action by the Town at the Annual Town Meeting, March 4, 1961. Favorable action by the Town will speed completion of sorely needed additional Junior High School facilities.


JOHN A. BAKER, Chairman


77


BOARD OF HEALTH Thomas A. Abbott, Chairman


During the past year the Board of Health meetings were held on the third Tuesday of every month starting at 7 o'clock P. M. in the Selectmen's office. New offices are now being constructed in the lower Town Hall where the Board feels it will have adequate space to store its equipment, records, and medical supplies needed for its clinics. Present plans call for meetings to be held at the same time and any change will be made public well in advance for those who wish to attend the meetings.


During the past year 8 clinics were held. There were 3 polio, 4 D.P.T. and 1 small pox. These clinics were conducted by Mrs. Helen R. Kelley, R.N., health nurse, with the cooperation of the Board of Health physician, Jose M. Ruisanchez, M.D. It is certainly gratifying to observe the progress that is being made in the area of control and prevention of diseases. The Board would like to thank the school nurses, high school students, and all others who contributed to the success of these clinics. For the second year no new cases of polio were reported.


The dental program in the schools has been expanded to include the services of Dr. Richard Cushner and Dr. E. M. Canellakis, and Mrs. Shirley Recks, Dental Hygienist. Approximately one thousand cleanings and examinations were given to Grades I through III. Those children having defective six-year molars were referred to the school dentists for permanent fillings. The Board provides for these services for the community in its annual budget request. Accordingly, students are charged a small fee to help meet part of the expense of the program. The money that is received is returned to the general treasury.


There were 1906 determinations made on samples of milk and cream by sanitarian Robert W. Rimbach, assuring residents that the high standards of the Department of Health are being met. There were 19 samples of water analyzed for drinking or bathing purposes. In this regard, the Board has informed the State Department of Health relative to the unsanitary conditions which existed in the Shawsheen River last summer. 402 inspections were made of eating and food-handling establishments. Reports of each inspection were made to the Board by the inspector with accom- panying recommendations where necessary. The Board wishes to acknowledge the cooperation extended the inspector in this regard.


Mr. John F. McCormack, Jr., sanitary and plumbing inspector, is available at the Town Hall on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, from 8 o'clock to 9 o'clock. Arrangements for plumb-


78


ing inspections can be made at this time. Also, complaints on sanitary conditions, except for instances of emergency, should be referred to the sanitary inspector's office during these hours.


The Board hopes to have better results this coming year with its mosquito control program. Bids for aerial spraying have been let early hoping for a favorable price. The weather, however, has a great deal to do with the effectiveness of the program and the only permanent relief from this problem would seem to lie in a comprehensive drainage program.


In closing, the Board wishes to express its thanks for the cooperation it has rececived in putting into effect its program for 1960. It is also aware of the many problems yet to be solved, including the selection of a permanent dump site, the latter having been the subject of numerous meetings. It is our hope that these problems will be resolved in 1961.


BOARD OF HEALTH - PLUMBING INSPECTOR John F. McCormack


The following activities of the Plumbing Inspector, who also serves as Sanitary Inspector, are herewith reported.


Plumbing Insp.


Sanitary Insp.


Time spent at office


150 hours


150 hours


Inspection Time


150 hours


152 hours


Telephone Calls


100 hours


150 hours


Investigation of complaints


250 hours


Mileage Covered


715 miles


1400 miles


BOARD OF HEALTH - DENTAL CLINIC


Shirley Recks, Dental Hygienist


The Dental Clinic operated under the direction of Dr. Stone from January 6, 1960 until May 13, 1960. During this period 1099 children were screened and 102 fillings and 14 extractions were made. Ninety dollars was collected in fees.


In September 1960 an entirely new program was set up. The hygienist cleaned and examined the teeth of children in the first three grades only. Those having defective six-year molars were


79


referred to the School Dentists for permanent fillings. Two new dentists, Dr. Richard Cushner and Dr. E. M. Canellakis, were en- gaged by the Board of Health to work one day a week each. As of December 22, 1960 there were 85 fillings in permanent teeth and 3 extractions.


From February 1960 to December 1960, the Dental Hygienist performed 914 cleanings and turned into the Town Treasurer $769.00 in fees.


BOARD OF HEALTH - PHYSICIAN Jose M. Ruisanchez, M. D.


Diseases Reported:


Meninngitis 1


Dog Bites


133


German Measles


3


Chicken Pox 3


Scarlet Fever


1


Polio


0


Whooping Cough


1


Encephalitis


3


Tuberculosis


2


Salmonellosis 1


Licenses Granted:


Stores - Milk and Cream 29


Vehicle - Milk and Cream


23


Milk Pasteurization


3


Slaughtering


1


Manufacturing Ice Cream


1


Trailer Park


1


Overnight Cabins


1


Motel


1


Kindergarten 1


Rubbish and Garbage Removal


1


80


BOARD OF HEALTH - SLAUGHTERING INSPECTOR John Grey


Cows


Calves


Hogs


Sheep


Goats


Total


Jan.


63


11


87


6


0


167


Feb.


58


7


54


4


0


123


Mar.


83


1


41


0


0


125


Apr.


80


5


30


0


0


115


May


77


1


15


0


0


93


Jun.


76


1


3


0


0


80


Jul.


47


0


0


0


0


47


Aug.


78


10


1


0


0


89


Sept.


74


8


17


0


0


99


Oct.


79


14


53


5


0


151


Nov.


90


14


64


0


0


168


Dec.


63


4


46


2


0


115


-


-


Totals


868


76


411


17


0


1372


BOARD OF HEALTH - PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE Helen Kelly, R. N.


During 1960, 8 clinics were conducted by the Board of Health. These were as follows:


Polio Clinics May 25, June 22, November- 2


DPT Clinics June 8, July 27, August 3, August 31


May 4 Smallpox Vaccination


Tuberculosis control was exercised through follow up of dis- charged patients and reporting of Mantoux tests.


Other activities assigned included time spent at St. William's School in Mass. Vision and Audio testing and necessary follow-up. In addition assistance was given to Dr. Ruisanchez when necessary.


81


82


REPORT OF TAX COLLECTOR William J. O'Neill


1960


1959


1958


Previous Year


MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE


Balance January 1, 1960


$ 67,919.57


$ 9,149.85


$ 13,502.72


1960 Commitments


$177,523.37


22,512.37


Refunds


2,063.65


1,904.81


10.55


Collections


99,640.26


77,315.34


3,548.15


3,498.57


Abatements


10,531.78


9,130.96


1,446.86


4,658.67


Balance December 31, 1960


69,414.98


5,890.45


4,165.39


5,345.48


POLL


Balance January 1, 1960


$ 906.00


$


228.00


$ 486.00


1960 Commitments


$


7,366.00


Refunds


28.74


10.52


Collections


5,934.74


598.52


52.00


62.00


Abatements


668.00


110.00


108.00


200.00


Balance December 31, 1960


792.00


208.00


68.00


224.00


PERSONAL PROPERTY


Balance January 1, 1960


$ 3,286.20


$ 1,160.70


$ 4,343.44


1960 Commitments


$282,781.66


Refunds


4.75


Collections


280,565.56


2,209.30


979.79


2,090.09


Abatements


78.85


667.50


Balance December 31, 1960


2,137.25


409.40


185.66


2,253.35


1960


1959


1958


Previous Year


REAL ESTATE


Balance January 1, 1960


$ 83,791.63


$ 15,663.11


$ 34,487.16


1960 Commitments


$ 1,051,877.26


Refunds


13,424.85


1,382.55


185.60


Collections


937,993.10


62,681.51


5,020.18


5,415.46


Abatements


63,488.78


636.35


414.40


Balance December 31, 1960


63,820.23


21,856.32


10,642.93


28,842.90


83


REAL ESTATE WATER LIENS


Balance January 1, 1960


$ 425.60


$ 295.00


$ 508.52


1960 Commitments


$ 1,357.52


Collections


994.82


189.10


63.50


139.29


Balance December 31, 1960


362.70


236.50


231.50


369.23


FARM ANIMAL EXCISE


Balance January 1, 1960


$ 10.60


1960 Commitments


$


141.13


Collections


131.13


.60


Balance December 31, 1960


10.00


10.00


BOARD OF SELECTMEN Joseph J. Whelan Chairman


Although the many problems besetting the Town of Tewksbury over the past year have not lessened to any degree, it is becoming quite apparent that more and more people are becoming aware of these problems as evidenced by the increasing interest in town affairs developing throughout the town. This, of course, is a healthy sign and should ultimately result in more intelligent consideration of important issues as they are proposed and discussed at town meetings. Certain votes taken at previous town meetings are now beginning to pay off in the form of a degree of financial stability that was not realizable in previous years. It is obvious that the most important of these was the adoption of the one-acre by-law since this action has made it possible to predict, with a fair degree of accuracy, the residential growth over the next few years. Any move to nullify this important by-law should be rejected strongly.


During the past year the Board of Selectmen held regular weekly meetings every Tuesday at eight P. M. In addition, many special meetings were held when the occasion warranted, including conferences with other town boards, meetings with outside munici- palities and discussions with individuals.


The quintennial perambulation of town bounds was performed on separate dates with the Towns of Billerica, Wilmington and Andover and the City of Lowell. All bounds were found to be properly placed with the exception of the monument at the Billerica- Wilmington line in the southwest corner of the town. This bound had collapsed into the Shawsheen River. However, an agreement was reached with the Billerica Board of Selectmen whereby the Town of Tewksbury will purchase a new bound and it will be installed by the Town of Billerica.


A move is presently underway to look into the desirability of area planning. The City of Lowell and most of the adjoining towns have been represented at meetings in Lowell to study this matter and if it is determined that mutual benefits may result it is possible that a program will be presented at the next annual town meeting (1962) for the consideration of the townspeople.


As a result of the acceptance of Chapter 32B of the General Laws, providing for a Group Insurance and Hospitalization Plan for Town Employees, at the 1960 Town Election, the Board of


84


Selectmen placed into operation a plan which is equal to most similar programs and superior to many. This plan evolved as a result of conferences with town employees' representatives, meet- ings with many insurance agencies and, finally, competitive bidding by companies willing and able to submit proposals based on specifi- cations drawn by the Selectmen. About 250 employees have taken advantage of this new program.


Several applications were received during the past year to establish additional automobile junk yards in various areas. These were denied on the basis of a previously established policy that the town is adequately served by the existing junk yards and additional permits would provide no useful purpose and could tie up land that could be used for better purposes.


The new Billboard by-law has been very effective in control- ling this nuisance, since not a single application for a new billboard installation was received during the past year.


As authorized by a law passed by the Legislature in 1959, the Board of Selectmen conducted inquiries into the operations of certain Town departments, namely the School department and the Highway department. It is intended to continue these inquiries this year into other town departments. The law requires that a report of these inquiries be inserted in the annual town report and, con- sequently, there is herewith appended a report of activities in this regard.


JOINT MEETINGS WITH SCHOOL COMMITTEE


Early in the year the Board of Selectmen held several joint meetings with the School Committee to study the operation of the School Department. During these meetings many phases of school operation were discussed and complete cooperation was offered by the School Committee in providing information requested by the Selectmen.


Items under consideration include the following:


Salary Schedules


Receipts


Budget Preparation


Reimbursements


Reports


Teachers' Contracts


Records


Maintenance Costs


Contract Procedures


Use of Federal Funds


Detailed questioning took place on each of the above items. In addition a study was made of all vouchers submitted for payment by the Town Treasurer. Records of School meetings were studied.


85


In general, the Board studied school operations in fairly great detail.


As a result of this study the following findings are herewith reported:


Salary Schedules


Salary Schedules established for the Tewksbury School system appear to be equitable, inasmuch as teacher turnover has been normal and no serious difficulty has been experienced in recruiting new teachers.


Budget Preparation


A considerable amount of work is involved in preparing the school budget. The Superintendent of Schools performs most of this work and submits figures on all budgetary items for the con- sideration and approval of the School Committee. In most instances these figures are approved as submitted.




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