USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Tewksbury > Town of Tewksbury annual report 1959-1963 > Part 61
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Due to the resignation of the pre- vious Board, an entirely new Board was appointed late in September. Our first meeting was held Septem- ber 30, 1963. Subsequently 25 meet- ings were held up to the end of the year.
The survey taken by the previous Board was used this year along with another survey for the entire Wage Schedule. Surveys were taken to de- termine what percentage Department Heads were compensated for above the lowest grade in their depart- ments. We also felt that surveys alone do not supply all the answers. Wage equity amongst fellow employ- ees is of paramount importance. Compensation for similar classifica- tions in industry were taken into consideration, also State and Federal employees.
Correspondence from several com- munities concerning our pay scales and fringe benefits was received and the information was forwarded to same.
Letters were sent to all Depart- ments requesting their suggestions for Changes in the Personnel By- Law. The following replies were received:
Water Department
20% increase in wages for 1964.
$20 per week night call instead of $10.
Time and one-half for all overtime. Accumulative sick leave.
Social Security Benefits and Mass- achusetts Unemployment Bene- fits.
Unused vacation carried over into next year.
100% payment of Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
Police Association
Maximum and minimum wage same as Fire Department.
Unlimited sick time.
Clothing allowance.
Tree Department
Accumulative sick leave.
Wage increase of 5% plus consid- eration for closing wage gap. Time and one-half for overtime.
Highway Department
20% increase in wages for 1964.
Time and one-half for all overtime. Accumulative sick leave.
Police Department
Maximum pay of $6300 for patrol- men.
Full time Police Stenographer in Grade IV.
Chief's pay 50% above maximum for patrolmen.
Request raising standards for po -: lice officers through examina- tions to be set up by Board of Selectmen, Personnel Board and Town Council.
Request $2 per hour for part time police officers.
Fire Department
Request that Captain's pay be 18% above Private, Deputy Chief's 20% and Chief's 50% above. Request change in sick leave.
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Personnel Board ... continued
Request establishing three grades between Firefighter and Chief. Request change in wage classifica- tion grades, so that minimum of next grade will be higher than maximum of previous grade.
Board of Selectmen
Request adjustment in Town Hall Custodian wage.
Request set up wage for part-time Gas Inspector and combination full-time job of Gas Inspector, Plumbing Inspector and Sanita- tion Inspector.
Tax Collector
Request to regrade Senior Account Clerk to Senior Bookkeeper.
Request to regrade Account Clerk to Senior Clerk Typist.
Having reviewed all requests, and taking into consideration all the in- formation that we have compiled, the disposition of the requests may be found in the Articles the Person- nel Board is sponsoring in the war- rant for the March, 1964 Town Meet- ing.
REPORT OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR
Estimated Valuation
New Dwellings
176
$2,131,175.00
Residential Additions and Alterations
186
259,026.00
New Commercial
8
256,600.00
Commercial Additions and Alterations
19
73,050.00
Swimming Pools
4
Gravel Permits
8
Buildings Posted Dangerous
16
Temporary House Trailer
1
Construction Offices Temp.
2
Move Buildings
4
Buildings Demolished
28
Stop Work Orders (posted for various reasons)
23
Inspections made
1065
Total All Construction
$ 2,719,851.00
Minus 2 Renewal Permits
60,000.00
$ 2,659,851.00
Minus Non Taxable Property
31,455.00
Total Taxable Property
$ 2,628,396.00
The following is a comparison chart for the years 1961, 1962 and 1963:
1961
1962
1963
New Dwellings
83
123
176
Total all construction
$1,531,371.00
$3,203,386.00
$2,719,851.00
Total Taxable property
$1,459,371.00
$1,883,386.00
$2,628,396.00
Total number of Permits (all types)
291
360
436
Permit fees paid to Town Treas. $
2,008.50
$ 2,588.00
$ 4,380.50
58
Building Inspector. . . continued
During the year of 1963, Tewksbury has seen a growth in building that is on a par with our neighboring communities. The construction of dwell- ings in town has shown an increase over 1962.
Generally, dwellings built last year were of a better grade than those built prior to this.
Of the 176 new dwellings, 99 were built on acre lots or larger. The other 77 were constructed on legal size lots of land recorded previous to our adoption of the acre lots. These came under G. L. Chapter 40A, Section 5A, or 7, granted by the board of Selectmen (under the three per year for local builders) or through the Appeals Board. These were issued permits on advice of Town Counsel.
163 of the 176 houses for which permits were issued went to local builders. There was no building of any consequence done by out of town people.
There are three developments under construction at the present time. All are on acre lots, being well built and in the Twenty Thousand Dollar class.
Two commercial ventures of importance were issued permits during 1963. These are Wang Laboratories at North St. and Route 495 (which should be in full operation by Town Meeting time) and John Carroll Co. at Clark Rd. and Route 495 (which should be about fifty per cent completed at Town Meeting time).
With the near completion of Route 495 and the widening of South Street, to open up the industrial area near Route 93, it is the hope of us all that new industry will be attracted to our town.
Another item of importance is the increase of taxable property valua- tion during 1963.
TEWKSBURY PLAYGROUND COMMISSION
The Tewksbury Recreation Com- mission is happy to report that a very successful 12-month season has been concluded as of December 31st. The commission members wish to thank the many recreation boosters in Tewksbury for their unstinting efforts in helping to meet the recrea- tional needs of the Tewksbury youth.
Recreation Chairman Jerry Ride- out and the members of the commis- sion Bill Breen, Bob Briggs, Sil Maglio and Frank Heidenrich have worked this year to strengthen and unify the program that was initiated
four short years ago by the first rec- reation commission.
The "Athletic Center" with its 3 basketball courts, tennis courts, bad- minton courts and hockey rink, has been the major fruit of this year's endeavors. This area is equipped with lights for night activities, and already has been the scene of night basketball during the summer months. Currently, much use is being made of this facility as a general skating area for the public and as a clinic for aspiring hockey stars under the capable direction of Mr. Ed
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Playground Commission ... continued
Devine. This Center has been the dream of past commissions, and its final materialization is a tribute to their efforts and the faith of Tewks- bury's people. Expansion in this area is still possible, and the present com- mission has tentatively outlined plans for a building at this area containing an open fireplace. This would lead to increased use of the facility and pro- vide a very enjoyable recreational pastime for adults as well as children. In addition, a central storage area is planned in this projected building for the storage of recreation equip- ment. At the present, recreation sup- plies are stored in five different public buildings.
This past summer, while the "Ath- letic Center" was being hot-topped, three major playground areas were functioning with a total enrollment of 1130 boys and girls. The Shaw- sheen area has an enrollment of 420; the Heathbrook School playground with 465, and the Junior High School with 245. These figures include all boys and girls who participated in activities this past summer. The ex- penditure for supplies during the 8- week period, exclusive of Arts and Crafts was $1,000.00. Less than $1 then was spent on expendable mate- rial for each child during this period. Everyone will certainly agree that bargains such as providing 8 weeks of daily, supervised, programmed activity for the children of Tewks- bury for less than $1 per student is money well spent.
Of course, participation varied from day to day at the park areas. Because of a lack of swimming facili- ties in the Tewksbury set-up, many students would be at the lakes and beaches during real hot days. Other- wise, the children were most eager to be on hand at the playgrounds when they opened each morning.
The area of physical fitness activ- ity at the parks had the distinction of being singled out by Senator "Ted" Kennedy as the one worthy of the high standards set by the late Presi-
dent Kennedy. This physical fitness program, adhering to the minimum standards set by the Council on Physical Fitness, has been incopo- rated into the Tewksbury program and made a permanent part of its offerings. Far from being the usual dry activity, Mr. Flanagan, Director of Recreation, has placed special em- phasis and attention on this area to insure that the children gain positive value from this activity. A system of inter-playground competition has been inaugurated that worked out splendidly in inspiring that partici- pation of every child on the Tewks- bury Parks in this phase of the pro- gram. Special reports were compiled on every child showing his physical standing compared to national mini- mums. These reports were sent to the parents for follow-up at home and in school.
Further expenditures by the com- mission included necessary items such as basketball backstops for the "Athletic Center," care and mainte- nance of the rink, insurance, fences and other necessary expenses. These expenditures do strengthen and pro- vide for better recreational facilities in the years to come.
As the program moves into its fifth year, the Commission is intent upon increasing the role of physical activi- ty, of bringing the public to use the new facility at the "Athletic Center," of seeking a permanent headquarters for recreation, of offering more work- shops for those who must instruct the youngsters, of reaching newer and high plateaus of accomplishmen ..
Tewksbury Athletic Center
A round-the-year program has been successfully initiated by the Recreation Commission, with its em- phasis on Summer and Winter activ- ities. The State Hospital Rink Area, the site of the Recreation Center, has been the scene of a variety of multi- sports activities.
The rink, while structurally de- signed for ice hockey and public
60
Playground Commission ... continued
skating, has been expertly modified to allow for other seasonal sports such as basketball, volleyball and tennis.
Summer basketball, "under the lights," proved to be a favorite pro- gram for boys and girls alike. The girls, brightly clad in their red jer- seys, presented a colorful picture of excitement as they raced up and down the lighted court.
The anticipated success of a con- tinued summer basketball program is such that another court has already been installed, allowing two games to be played at the same time. This is just one instance of how the Rec- reation Commission has taken maxi- mum advantage of their existing facilities.
Expansion of the program is in- evitable. With the installation of tennis nets in the rink this coming summer, it is expected that tennis will share the spot-light of interest among Tewksbury's sports-minded youth. It will henceforth come as no surprise to witness, simultaneously, night basketball and night tennis at the Recreation Center.
Arts and Crafts Program
The Tewksbury Arts and Crafts program functions over a twelve- month period. During the summer playgrounds activities, arts and crafts is an integral part of the total pro- gram. Supplies are ordered for play- ground activities, but have to be transported from park to park. The program is built anew each year, and is based on the supplies available. Mr. McGuire, Arts and Crafts super- visor, prepares an art handbook for park counsellors. New projects are initiated by the supervisor and fol- lowed through by the counsellor. In this way all parks are working on arts and crafts at the same time. As a guide, counsellors use the hand- book supplied by the supervisor. An average summer will thus find over 5000 projects being completed at all parks. This many projects are pos-
sible within the limited art budget because the method employed to purchase supplies is directed at get- ting many uses for one product and because students supply portions of the material needed, where possible.
For example, playground funds are used to purchase wooden frames for a hook rug project. Small quantities of yarn needed by the boy or girl to make a rug are purchased by the students' parents. Thus the cost of the most expensive item and inci- dentally, the expendable item are borne by parents. And the parents do not object nor find a burden in this method of stretching our sup- plies. The cost to a family to have a student make a rug would be be- tween .35c and .75c. In the case where this cost cannot be borne by the family, the commission provides the materials. This expense is insig- nificant in one instance, but multi- plied one hundred times would begin to take a big part of the budget.
Projects made at the parks and at the Saturday morning session in- clude:
plaster-of-paris pendants
papier mache masks
papier mache puppets
potato puppets
block printing sponge printing vegetable printing plasticone modeling silk screen printing
portrait drawing marble casting wood working
copper enameled jewelry, and ash trays tile coasters
paper plate painting
cut and torn paper work
3-D paper sculpture
stage design murals, etchings, batique work Christmas cards, Christmas decorations
ceramic modeling soap sculpture water-color painting
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Playground Commission . . . continued
felt craft paper standups sun pictures oil paintings sign painting popsicle stick construction drawing sketching wood mosaics, tile mosaics leather and metal tooling tempera painting stocking hat, and wool scarf weaving
hook rug design pen and ink & charcoal drawing pot holders
and many other projects
In addition to the over 5000 large and small projects completed during the summer, many more are made at the Saturday morning sessions con- ducted throughout the Fall, Winter and Spring.
With an enrollment of over 97 at the Saturday morning class, and since the session runs over four hours, many students are able to complete as many as three projects in one session. As a result, then, over the length of the overall pro- gram as many as four or five thous- and additional projects are made.
The total annual output of the Arts and Crafts program, with a $500 budget is approximately 9500 proj- ects. The average unit cost per project to the town is in the vicinity of .05c per project, per student. Of course, some projects are more ex- pensive, the average is as indicated.
In addition to the regular Arts and Crafts projects, the Saturday Recre- ation activity will also offer a com- plete drawing and painting program. This is the result of a number of re- quests from parents who have tal- ented children, and wish to see them progress in this area. In addition to drawing and painting, a complete program of weaving will be incor- porated into the program. In this activity students will make hook rugs, stocking caps, seat pads and scarves. The increase in enrollment over the past year, coupled with an anticipated expansion of activities would indicate a whole-hearted ac- ceptance of this program by the parents and children of Tewksbury. In order to continue to offer the best in programming in this area, an in- crease in appropriation is most ur- gently sought.
REPORT OF WIRE INSPECTOR
Inspections of new buildings 176
Inspection of previously constructed buildings
28
Buildings changed to 100 Amp.
132
Total permits 336
PATRICK CANAVAN
62
DUTCH ELM, MOTH and TREE DEPARTMENT
A. ORGANIZATION
1. Tree Warden - Walter R. Dou- cette - $5,980 per year.
2. Tree Climber Surgeon - Peter M. Peters - $5,157.36 per year.
3. Tree Climber - Roger Trott - $4,259.52.
B. WORK SCHEDULE for the year: January, February and March
1. General Tree Removal.
2. Dutch Elm Removal and Burn- ing.
3. Pruning heavy and dangerous dead wood.
4. Handling office calls and re- quests for tree removals.
This work is done at this time of year because many trees, such as Dutch Elm, can be burned right on the spot, which eases work of hand- ling.
April, May
1. Spraying begins on Elm trees for the control of Scolytus Beetle, with a 12% DDT Oil Base Material. This is called a dormant spray. The application at this time is to try and get DDT on the bark of the Elms, to get the first brood. Dormant spray- ing can be done any time the tem- perature is above freezing.
2. Planting of trees is also carried on in this period. Planting of new trees is a very important function of this department. With the loss of the Elm trees and many of the Sugar Maple trees, which are being affected by a disease that has not yet been diagnosed.
3. Calls for assistance in this period double and triple themselves, and these calls must be answered.
June
1. Most of June and half of July, spraying is done for chewing and sucking insects which feed on fol- iage. The material used in this period vary from DDT a material known as Muldane, which has proved very successful. A new material known
as Seven has been used to control Rose Bugs and Elm Leaf Beetles. These materials are used as pres- cribed by the manufacturer.
No spray material should be ap- plied indiscriminately, and yet a cer- tain degree of spraying must be done whenever a build-up of any particu- lar insect is noticed. Only with con- trolled spraying can the high produc- tion of food and other materials be maintained.
I would like to report at this time, that both Peter Peters and I have completed one week's training at the Waltham Field Station for the safe use of insecticides and herbicides. This is in preparation of licensing all those who apply insecticides and her- bicides, which will probably be put into effect in the spring of 1964.
July, August and September
1. Poison Ivy and Brush Control goes on in this period. We use mate- rial known as 24D. This material is used where selected kill is desired. 24D-245-T is used where an almost complete kill is desired. Then we use a material by the name of F-40 or Sodium Arsenate for a complete contact kill. I would like to add that this material is only used in outlying areas because of its extreme toxin to animals. I would like to stop using this material but for its efficiency.
Brush Control has always been a problem to rural towns. With the advent of brush killers, the cost of maintaining control is at a fraction of what the cost was in the past. This past year at Town Meeting extra money was voted for part-time work- ers. With this money three persons were hired on provisional appoint- ment by Civil Service. I am happy to report that almost every street which needed heavy brush cut back was completed. This is particularly important for the control of resprig- ging which can be easily controlled by the application of brush control sprays. It is my wish that part time
ยท
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Dutch Elm and Tree Department . . . continued
help funds be appropriated each year. October, November, December
During this period the most dan- gerous trees which require topping are removed. This is done so that the heavy amount of climbing may be done under more ideal conditions. The work done by the two climbers which this department employs is most gratifying. Little is said of this type of work. Of any type work it is the most dangerous and only a few can qualify. This town is fortunate in having two climbers.
C. NEW AND USED EQUIPMENT PURCHASED IN 1963.
1. New Chain Saw $212.00
2. 1958 GMC Truck had minor re- pairs $239.59
D. TREES REMOVED ON REQUEST OR DISEASED
1. Andover Street - 3 Elms
2. Astle Street - 2 Maple, 2 Elm, 2 Ash, 1 Oak
3. Bridge Street - 2 Elm
4. Chandler Street - 4 Maple
5. Clark Road - 3 Oak
6. East Street - 3 Pine, 2 Oak, 1 Maple, 2 Elm, 2 Ash
7. Fiske Street - 3 Elm
8. French Street - 2 Oak, 3 Elm
9. Hood Road - 1 Elm
10. Kendall Road - 3 Elm
11. Lee Street - 2 Elm
12. Livingston Street - 1 Pine, 1 Oak, 4 Elm, 1 Apple
13. Marston Street - 3 Elm
14. North Street - 4 Elm, 1 Oak, 1 Ash
15. North Billerica Road - 1 Maple, 1 Oak
16. Oak Street - 1 Pine
17. Old Main Street - 1 Elm
18. Park Street - 1 Pine
19. Patten Road - 5 Pine, 2 Oak, 1 Elm
20. Pike Street - 3 Elm
21. Pine Street - 2 Oak, 1 Pine
22. Pond Street - 1 Maple
23. River Road - 1 Maple, 3 Elm, 1 Ash
24. Rogers Street - 7 Elm, 2 Apple
25. Salem Road - 1 Elm, 2 Pine
26. South Street - 3 Maple, 3 Pine 27. Trull Road - 7 Elm
28. Water Street - 2 Pine
29. Whipple Road - 5 Pine, 1 Maple, 1 Oak, 1 Locust
30. White Street - 1 Maple
31. Whittemore Street - 2 Elm, 1 Maple
Money expended for Gas, Oil, etc. for trucks and equipment - $1,012.26.
In closing this report, I would like to say that the calls on this depart- ment over the years have increased many times. We are always ready to assist when requested.
Plant a Tree and Keep Tewksbury Green
Respectfully submitted, WALTER R. DOUCETTE
64
THE FIRE STATION and LIBRARY COMMITTEE
On a motion and vote by the Board of Selectmen a committee was estab- lished for the purpose of investiga- ting the future Fire Station and Li- brary requirements for the town, rec- ommending possible approaches.
The great need for both facilities was concluded early in our meetings. Reference was made to the Master Plan, Fire Department Reports, and Library Board of Trustees as evi- dence to need.
After discussion at great length, whether the suggestion of combina- tion or separate buildings for these purposes would be advantageous or not, this committee suggests separate Fire Station and Library buildings. There are three basic concepts which this committee looks favorably upon and suggests the following:
1. A new six bay Fire Station on Main Street within one-quarter of a mile of the center, and a Public Library on the Gray Lot on Common Street.
2. A Library and Fire Station (separate buildings) on the Gray Lot; one facing Dewey Street and the other facing Common Street.
3. A combination Office Building and Fire Station on the Gray Lot and convert the present Town Hall to a Public Library.
There were many suggestions made to this committee by the towns- people. Some are recommended above and others such as the State Property facing Main and Lee Street, and the Larrabee property on Main Street next to the Town Hall were investigated, but for various reasons the committee did not look favorably upon these properties. Those favorable sites recommended were discussed with a foundation engineer, but due to lack of funds a full investigation could not be con- ducted.
The financing of the construction of these buildings would be done with existing funds in the stabiliza- tion account, raising and appropria- ting, and any other State or Federal Funds available.
This committee, being in contact with Congressman Bradford Morse, was made aware of Federal Loans available, but no outright grants are possible presently. However, in De- cember 1963, the United States Sen- ate passed a sum of $60 million as an outright grant to public libraries for construction and equipment. This has not yet been passed by the House, but this committee is very optimistic. We will keep in contact with Con- gressman Morse for any future developments.
This committee makes the follow- ing recommendation to the Select- men and the Townspeople:
First: That a Fire Station Building Committee be formed with funds available for preliminary archi- tectural fees and the purpose of eventually erecting a suitable Fire Station.
Second: That a Public Library Building Committee be estab- lished with funds available for preliminary architectural fees and the purpose of eventually erecting a suitable Public Li- brary.
We further recommend that these buildings be erected in consecutive years, with the Public Library im- mediately following the Fire Station, but that the Public Library Building Committee be established now, so that they can take advantage of any Federal grants that may become available in 1964.
This committee enjoyed serving the town at the request of the Board of Selectmen, and, if we can be of any additional service to the Town, ". Selectmen or Building Committees if established, we now express our desire to do so.
Respectfully submitted, THE FIRE STATION AND LIBRARY COMMITTEE Arthur N. Chaff, Chairman William G. Cofrin, Secretary Edward N. Wilson Donald W. Nickerson William A. Chandler Harold H. Sloan
65
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT
The following report is respectfully submitted. During the year 538 books were added: 200 Adult Fiction, 186 Adult Non-Fiction, 110 Junior Fic- tion and 42 Junior Non-Fiction.
The Librarian and Assistants ap- preciate the cooperation of the many patrons who return books and mag- azines when due and request the re- turn of BOOKS AND MAGAZINES NOW OVERDUE.
This year the Library had two gifts presented, one the "Horticultural Guide," a compilation of 139 Exten- sion Service Bulletins from Middle- sex County Extension Service given by Mr. William Carter. The other gift was Merit Badge Pamphlets from Tewksbury Boy Scout Troops 41, 47 and 49.
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