USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Tewksbury > Town of Tewksbury annual report 1959-1963 > Part 39
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Open 17
Closed 23
122
124
115
93
87
Medical Assistance
for the Aged
10
13
0
0
0
23
20
Aid to Dependent Children
7
8
22
26
25
28
27
Disability Assistance
7
8
10
16
18
22
21
General Relief
41
43
5
13
9
8
6
-
-
-
-
TOTALS
82
95
159
179
167
174
161
91
BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS Eben A. Prescott
Number of Services Installed during the year 1961 95
House Service Pipe Installed 6,560 feet
2" Pipe Installed 57 feet
6" Pipe Installed 2,045 feet
6" Pipe Relocated 700 feet
6" Pipe Replaced and Relocated 2,800 feet
8" Pipe Replaced and Relocated
613 feet
Number of Hydrants Installed 1
Total Gallons Pumped during the year 1961 421,754,340
Total Number of Water Customers at the end of 1961 3348
Number of New Takers during the year 1961 106
BUILDING INSPECTOR William Bullen
Building Permits Issued in 1961
Number
Estimated Cost
New Dwellings
83
$ 932,000.00
Alterations & Additions
168
269,471.00
Business and Commercial
21
507,900.00
(New Buildings and Additions)
Renewal of Permits 2
Gravel Removal
8
Loam Removal
1
Demolish Buildings
6
$1,709,371.00
Minus 1 Building Permit Pending Court Action
250,000.00
Total Taxable Properties
$1,459,371.00
New Town Building Police Station
$ 55,000.00
Others
17,000.00
Total Non-taxable Property Total Number of Building Permits Issued 291 Total Number of Building Inspections Made 467 Building Violations Found and Corrected 69
$ 72,000.00
Received and Paid to Town Treasurer ...
$ 2,008.50
92
JOHN J. GRAY
Born in Watertown, 1886 Died June 15, 1961
Faithfully served the Town as Slaughtering Inspector from 1954 until his death.
.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
William A. Chandler, Chief
Gasoline Storage
4
Oil Storage
65
L.P. Gas
33
Schools Nursing Homes etc.
55
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
April
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept. Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Building
8 3
7
4 10
I 4 |
4
6|
3 |
4
2| 1 | 56
Dump
-
1
2
1
1
6
1
3
1|
16
Brush
23 54 |24 |20 |14 |21|
25 |10 | 209
Chimney
3 |2|
1
1
7
Auto
3
1
1 5 5
3|
2 |
3 | 3|
1| 4 |
33
Resuscitator
5 | 7 | 2
5
3
5|
4 |
7 |
6
3
47
Electrical
2 | 3|
3
3
2
4 |
2 |
3 |2
4
1
29
Accident
1 | 2
1| 2 2 3
1 |
7 |
3 |
1
1
25
Oil Burners
1 | 3
4 1 |1|
2 |1 |1|
3 |
4
22
Out of Town
1 | 1|
2
1 |1 1|
1 1
1
9
All Others
9
4 |
4
2 1 2 3
6
5
1
4 |
41
TOTAL
|34
23
52
82
50 |37 |40
58
24 46
48
30 | 524
4
14
1 |
4
30
False
3
4|4|1|2 5 33
1
94
INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION John Nolan, Chairman
Your Industrial Commission is extremely proud to summar- ize its activities in this Annual Report. It justifies the optomistic attitude of this Commission in our Town's future as stated in previous Annual Reports. Due to the geographical location of our town, it has always been the opinion of this Commission that industrial development would be dependent upon the interstate highway program. Every effort of this Committee has been ex- pended toward the development of this highway system. Our initial program was the interchange at Woburn Street which served to open up the western part of Tewksbury to Route 495. This activity was reported in the Town Reports of 1958 and 1959. At the Annual Town Meetings of 1958 and 1959 this Commission in cooperation with the Planning Board rezoned land along U. S. Routes 93 and 495, plus other areas we believed strategic, for industrial use. We also sponsored "By-Laws" to cover industrial areas. These "By-Laws" were originally put before the Town at its Meeting of 1959 and Amended in 1960. We are now in an excel- lent position to accept industry. We feel the proper areas are industrially zoned and proper By-Laws protect the Town and the Industrial Customer. We have been working continuously to pro- vide industrial prospects with all essential information. To this end we have developed an excellent Brochure of the Town -a complete list of the land within the Industrial Zone, information as to the Owner, the size of the parcel, its geographical features, and its availability to municipal services, such as Gas, Electricity, Water, etc. We also distribute Town Report, Zoning Map, Zoning By-Law, Street Map and Master Plan as information to industrial clients.
Bearing in mind that the Interstate Highway System in Tewks- bury is still under construction, to date two concerns have chosen Tewksbury and plant construction is nearing completion. The Liquid Carbonics Division of General Dynamics plant operation target is February 1, 1962. Parkway Refinishing Company, Inc. will be ready for operation early in 1962 at their plant on East Street. Recently the Wang Laboratory, Inc. purchased an 84-Acre tract on which they will erect their facilities in the near future. Interested parties have indicated a bona fide concern with Indus- trial Development Areas. These developments are along U. S. Route 495 and as of this writing this route is not as yet completed. We, therefore, feel that we are not overly optimistic in envisioning many more industries in the very near future. This expansion of our tax base will allow us many more municipal needs with no
. .
95
material change in the tax bill of the local property owner. These municipal needs, such as sewerage, will not only benefit the local resident but will add to the Town's desirability to future industrial locations. The foregoing is primarily a recap of past events. This Commission has not been resting on its laurels, and in the following we will outline the activities this Commission has participated in during the years 1960 and 1961. In an area reflecting keen competi- tion between towns and cities for attractive industries, we must be ever alert and extend every effort to foster the benefits to our own town. In order to keep at least in step, a tremendous effort must be exerted not only by this Commission but by every Town Official and Private Citizen to place our Town in an attractive light for the potential developer. Along these lines this Commission has either sponsored or participated actively in the following:
1. We have discussed and shown various sites to many bona fide industrial clients, many of whom are definitely interested and may eventually build here.
2. We have attended all the area functions concerning the industrial development of the area
3. We have been in constant contact with both the State and Federal Chambers of Commerce.
4. We had a representative at the Area Redevelopment workshop sponsored by Senator Benjamin Smith in Washington. This has been progressed by the Area consisting of six municipalities, namely: Tewksbury, Dracut, Chelmsford, Lowell, Tyngsboro and Billerica, to the extent that at this writing this Surplus Labor Area is the only one in Massachusetts that has had an Overall Economic Development Plan certified and approved by Area Redevelopment Agency, Washington, D. C. We are now in a position to receive the benefits resulting from the Area Redevelopment Act. This Town has now had approved by the State the first project application for such assistance and, if approved by Washington, will result in the development of a substantial piece of real estate in this Town.
5. We have attended numerous meetings with surrounding municipalities for the purpose of establishing an Area Economic Development Commission that would cover general industrial growth. The portion of this project concerned with industry has been named the Northern Middlesex Development Corporation. In connection with this project we have an Article in this Warrant to permit the Industrial Commission to use its funds, if necessary, in various programs that might result from this association, and which, in our opinion, would be
96
beneficial to our interests. This would entail area adver- tising in national publication plus other area activities that would be beyond the pocketbook of any single municipality in the group.
The summation of all this activity and effort is that our Town is now in as strong a position as any of our neighboring municipalities and due to conditions peculiar to our Town, it has an advantage on some fronts. We can offer industry both large and small areas located on or convenient to the Inter- state Highways, Boston and Maine Railroad, or both. These locations are amply serviced by Water, Gas, Electricity and other municipal services. The land, to a great extent, is unde- veloped. This means that the sale of houses, etc. is practically nonexistent in the transfer of our land. The land along the highways is generally superior to the land along the highways and railroad tracks in neighboring communities. These, plus other features, we feel places us in an advantageous position. In order to reclaim land that is presently unusable and also as an additional protection to proposed Well Field, we have placed an Article in the Town Warrant to take the land below elevation one hundred feet (100') above sea level in the area known as the "Great Swamp" for the purpose of future tax benefit and income to the Town. This area consists of several hundred acres and with proper drainage, etc. much of this land can be reclaimed and utilized.
In closing, it is gratifying to have the extensive interest shown by industrialists that has been showered on our Town in the last few months. We, as a Commission, sincerely feel that if a proper town attitude is maintained, we will increase our tax base by leaps and bounds. This cannot be accomplished by this Commission alone. Everyone must participate to the extent of their ability to bring our tremendous potential to full, fruition. We must use every means at our command to control our tax rate, provide for proper municipal services, good public relations and all the other ingredients necessary to the fulfill- ment of our program.
If we all strive toward this end, we will receive the benefits attached to a successful program of this nature. The net result being a town of more dignity and prominence with a better than - average tax base, educational system, etc.
The reaction of this Town in the past few years has been very heartening. All necessary programs sponsored for the purpose of industrial advancement have been overwhelmingly accepted. This Commission has been aided by individual citi- zens as well as Town Officials in expediting our Town's indus- trial growth. For this cooperation and assistance our Commis- sion extends a sincere "Thank You" and we look forward to your continued assistance in the future.
97
LIBRARY TRUSTEES Harold H. Sloan, Chairman
The Trustees of the Tewksbury Public Library believe that a Town the size of Tewksbury should have its own Library build- ing separate from any other Town building. Billerica, Chelms- ford, Dracut, Tyngsboro, Westford all have Library buildings. Chelmsford has two, one in the Center and one in North Chelms- ford and both are heavily patronized. Tewksbury Library cir- culation including the Bookmobile has averaged over 29,000 during the past two years and just three years ago the circu- lation of books taken out was 22,298. This is better than a 30% increase in Library business. Three years ago people holding cards amounted to 3,050. Today they total 4,228, an increase of almost 500 in 1961. These are certainly impressive figures; and they are all the more so when you have to realize that all this business takes place in our one small Library wing of the Town Hall. Check in there some evening when the Library is open and notice the activity and interest displayed in our small Library. And do not think for one minute that all those using the Library take out story books and novels. True the fiction classification circulation tops the books taken out, but during the past few years there has been a noticeable increase in non-fiction circulation. People young and old want to know all they can learn, and our non-fiction collection we believe to be up to current demands. But we need more space. We need room to expand for everybody's needs who uses the Library. We need a larger children's room, more tables and space for children and adults to study any subject they may be inter- ested in, using our numerous books of reference and books of allied subjects. Incidentally the Librarians are glad to assist any person. young or old, in their reference work, even though our quarters are crowded and limited.
The Trustees are endeavoring to do everything possible to making our Library a good and popular Library and always striving to render the best of service to the people of the Town.
The Trustees wish to publicly thank Mrs. Marion Carlson, Librarian; Mrs. Irene Coombes and Mrs. Ella Marshall who so earnestly assist her, for all their interested and faithful service during 1961.
The Trustees respectfully request that the Articles in the Town Warrant, namely a Salary Budget of $3,225.00 and an Operation Budget of $2,270.00 besides the money received from the licensing of dogs in the Town, be approved and granted for the general maintenance and operation of the Public Library.
98
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT Marion Carlson, Librarian
The following report is respectfully submitted. During the year 576 books were added: 256 Adult Fiction, 177 Adult Non- fiction, 96 Junior Fiction and 47 Junior Non-fiction.
The Librarian and Assistants appreciate the co-operation of the many patrons who return books and magazines when due and request the return of BOOKS and MAGAZINES NOW OVERDUE.
The Library is open Tuesday from 3 p. m. to 5 p. m. and 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p. m. and Saturday mornings from 10:00 a. m. to 12:30 p.m. and Saturday afternoon continuously from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p. m.
The Library is closed for Legal Holidays and for the Annual Vacation in the summer.
CIRCULATION OF BOOKS AT THE LIBRARY
Fiction Non-fiction
Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday
17040
6567
Total Fiction & Non-fiction
23607
Again this year a Bookmobile from the State Regional Library Center at 133 Main St., North Reading, Mass. made three stops monthly in Tewksbury: Shawsheen School, North Street School and Andover St., North Tewksbury. The circu- lation from that special service is as follows:
Adult
870
Junior
4372
Total
5242
This Bookmobile circulation combined with Tewksbury Library Circulation totals 28,849.
CIRCULATION OF MAGAZINES
American Home 26 McCalls 37
Atlantic Monthly
10
Mechanics Illus. 54
Better Homes & Gardens
49 National Geog. 74
Consumers Report
27 Readers Digest 53
Good Housekeepin
53 Popular Mechanics 87
Harpers
16 Redbook 52
Hobbies
4 Children's Digest
16
Holiday
16 Humpty-Dumpty 19
Ladies Home Journal
34
Yankee 21
Life
179
Others 70
Look 65
Total 962
99
MOTH AND TREE DEPARTMENT
Walter Doucette
The most serious problem facing this department is keeping up with the removal of Elm trees that have been infected with Dutch Elm Disease. This year we have over two hundred trees that will have to be handled by two men. This is a very difficult task, only timing of removals eases the work. While there is snow on the ground many trees can be burned on the spot, thus cutting the amount of hauling that would have to be done.
Increasing numbers of calls have come to my attention this past year in regard to termites. This insect bears watching. If allowed to progress unattended it can do great harm to homes. There are many protective measures that can be taken to prevent entrance into a home. Assistance will be given to anyone if it is requested.
Another insect which was very troublesome this year was the Japanese Beetle. More extensive spraying will have to be done to keep this insect in check. Home owners will have to spray their lawns to prevent serious damage by the Japanese Beetle Grubs. Chlordane is the material to use.
This department handles countless numbers of calls on insect pests through the year. I am very happy and willing to help where- ever possible.
In closing I would remind the townspeople who have room to plant a tree to do so. It will not only give you comfort in the sum- mer but add looks and increase the value of your home and property.
Remember Arbor Day
Plant a tree and make Tewksbury green.
100
BOARD OF SELECTMEN John A. Morrissey, Chairman
Having a voice in your own government is a most wonderful thing. Even in parts of the United States, the only time a citizen has a voice in his own government is when election time rolls around. Here in Tewksbury, each resident has a number of chances to decide on the affairs of the Town. At election time, weekly board meetings and town meetings. This is the greatest gift any citizen in the world today could ask. The only way to safeguard this great responsibility is to attend the town meetings.
The financial stability of the Town is of paramount impor- tance to this Town as many cities and towns are faced with one problem dear to all the people-tax increases year after year. The problems besetting the Town of Tewksbury have increased tre- mendously. One of the main problems has been the necessity of additional employees and expansion of Town Departments to keep in step with the ever increasing population, also the many new services required bcause of the population increase. The Town has found it necessary to build a new Police Station, now under construction, a sub Fire Station, and still to be considered in the near future, the construction of a Highway Garage, Central Fire Station, Public Library and Schools. Taxes on these projects may not be taken out of this year's taxes, but will have to come out sometime.
The Warrant for the Town Meeting contains many requests for appropriations affecting the tax structure of the Town, also the new Assessing bill passed by the Legislature this year may affect the tax structure. Now is the time to study the recommenda- tions of the Finance Committee Each resident should ask them- selves, "Can the Town afford it?" Satisfactory answers should be given at the Town Meeting. After each voter assures himself that he clearly understands the article, he should then vote accord- ing to his own feelings, as it is the people who spend the money.
During the past year, the Board of Selectmen held regular meetings every Tuesday at 8 p. m., excepting during the months of. July and August when we met on the first and third Tuesday of the month. In addition, many special meetings were held when the occasion warranted, including conferences with other town boards, signing of contracts in accordance with Article 5, Section 2 of the Town By-Laws, in conjunction with the Water and Highway Commissioners.
During the past year the Board of Selectmen sent a member
101
1
of the Industrial Commission to Washington to the Area Rede- velopment Authority meeting to represent the Town, also ap- pointed a representative to the Local A.R.A. board. From these and many other meetings, Tewksbury has been included in the Greater Lowell Distress Area, which entitles it to many benefits industrially.
New Route 495 interstate Highway is progressing rapidly through our Town and will open many acres of land for indus- trial use. At the present time a number of acres has been pur- chased by a manufacturer to establish a business in our town. As this road progresses, the Industrial Commission and the Board of Selectmen feel that more and more industrial businesses will locate in our Town, thereby increasing the assessed valuation of the Town which will help to decrease the tax burden.
The Board of Selectmen and Town Departments have worked together arranging the transfer of all Town Employees, with the exception of Teachers in the School Department, to a Civil Ser- vice status in the Town.
The Town has been involved in many court cases this past year. Some have been decided, others are pending. For a complete report, refer to the Town Counsel's report.
The Selectmen take this opportunity to thank the boards, commissions, committees and the people of Tewksbury for their co-operation and efforts to make a better Tewksbury to live in.
MILK AND FOOD INSPECTION DIVISION Thomas Abbott, Chairman
Gentlemen:
I have the honor to present the report of the food and milk inspection division for the year ending December 31, 1961.
I have placed much emphasis on compliance of the rules and regulations relative to the storage and distribution of frozen foods due to the tremendous amount of merchandise sold and stored in Tewksbury. Samples of pre-cooked frozen foods were taken at randam from display cases and were examined for stand- ard plate count, coliform and coagulse positive staphylococci.
Bacterial swabs were taken bi-monthly of eating and drinking
102
failed or made little effort to rectify violations noted on inspection determine the degree of sanitizing.
Warnings of time limits were given those establishments that failed or made little effort to rectify violations on inspection reports.
Samples of milk and cream taken at random from delivery trucks, stores and processing plants were examined for compli- ance of state regulations. Several inspections were made of vari- ous processing plants of those dealers delivering in Tewksbury to observe sanitary practices.
Investigations were made of complaints received relative to quality of product.
In conclusion, I wish to thank the Board of Health, Select- men and those with whom I have had the pleasure of serving for their assistance and co-operation.
Robert W. Rimbach, R.S., Sanitarian
ROAD COMMISSIONERS
George R. Gray, Chairman
Chapter 81 and General Highway
Maintenance took place on most of the accepted streets in the Town, with most monies spent patching, oiling, etc.
The following materials were used:
Gravel
10,500 yards
Sand 7,000 yards
Asphalt 61,922 gallons
Bituminous Concrete . 780 tons
Pea Stone 1,405 tons
Storm Drains 5,627 feet
Catch Basins
34
Man Holes
12
Chapter 90 Maintenance
Work took place on River Road, East Street and a section of Shawsheen Street.
Chapter 90 Construction
Rebuilding of Shawsheen Street took place under 90 Con- struction, with a section starting at Route 38 being completed for a distance of 2,500 feet. This section was surfaced with bi- tuminous concrete. This is the first surfacing of this kind done by the Town. The second section of this street has already been started with storm drains being installed.
103
POLICE DEPARTMENT John F. Sullivan, Chief
Armed Robbery
1
Ambulance Calls
70
Auto Accidents Investigated
208
Bad Checks
2
Bank Service
165
Bicycle's Recovered
13
Bicycle's Stolen
17
Breaks Investigated
68
Burglar Alarms Checked
48
Car Registration and Ownership Transferred
649
Cars Recovered
19
Cars Stolen
17
Complaints Received and Investigated
1,263
Defective Equipment Tags Issued
67
Dog Bites Investigated
113
Dogs Killed
31
Dogs Reported Missing
58
Dogs Struck by Auto's
121
Doors and Windows Found Open
43
Family Trouble
89
Fires Policed
133
Funerals Policed
20
Hearings at Office
18
Injured Animals Shot
8
Investigations for Other Police Departments
53
License's Issued to Carry Firearms
61
Lights Out, Poles and Wires Down
3
Lost Property
$71.00
Lost Property Recovered
$20.00
Malicious Damage to Property
$7,235.50
Messages Delivered
181
Missing Persons Reported
90
Missing Persons Returned
88
Monies Recovered
$2,558.00
Monies Stolen
$3,810.16
Operators License's Suspended
91
Other Emergencys
165
Parking Violations
46
Permits Issued, Work Sundays
5
Permits to Solicit
33
Persons Admitted to Mental Institutions
1
Property Checks
223
104
Prowlers Investigated
87
Public Functions Covered
57
Slippery Streets Checked
27
Stray Dogs Reported
20
Sudden Deaths Investigated
14
Summons Served
331
Suspicious Cars Checked
106
Suspicious Persons Questioned
55
Transported to Hospitals
176
Value of Stolen Property
$25,460.15
Value of Stolen Property Recovered
$23,470.00
Vehicles Towed off of Streets
128
Violation Notices Sent to Registry
51
DISPOSITION OF CASES
District Court of Lowell Superior Court of East Cambridge
Dismissed
5
Filed
15
Fined
78
For Other Police Departments
5
Guilty
195
Not Guilty
5
Pending
2
Released
49
Armed Robbery
1
Assault and Battery
2
Attaching Wrong Plates
0
Breaking and Entering in the Daytime and Larceny
0
Breaking and Entering in the Nightime and Larceny
7
Breaking and Entering in the Nightime with Intent to
Commit a Felony
0
Breaking and Entering in the Nightime with Intent to Commit Larceny
3
Burglary
Carrying a Loaded Shotgun in a Motor Vehicle
1
Contempt Warrant
1
Default Warrant, Non-Support
1
Delinquent Child
1
Disturbing the Peace
1
Drunkenness
64
Drunkenness Complaint
34
Failing to Display an Inspection Sticker
0
Failing to Slow Down at an Intersection
0
Failing to Stop for a Stop Sign
0
1
105
Failing to Stop for a Police Officer 4
Failing to Stop for a School Bus 0
Failing to Stop for a Red Light
1
Failing to Use Right Name
0
Forgery
1
Illegal Sale of Alcohol to a Minor
0
Indecent Assault and Battery
0
Intent B&E in the Nightime with Intent to Commit Larceny
1
Kidnapping
0
Larceny
2
Larceny from a Building
1
Leaving a Scene After Causing Property Damage
2
Non-Payment of Fine to Court
2
Non-Payment of Wages
0
Non-Support
4
Open and Gross Lewdness
1
Operating After Rights Had Been Suspended
1
Operating After Suspension of License
4
Operating So As to Endanger
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