USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Tewksbury > Town of Tewksbury annual report 1963-1967 > Part 33
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3. That a new typewriter with a 15" carriage be purchased.
4. That a Photo Copy Machine be purchased.
5. That one full time Maintenance Man be added to the personnel of the Water Department.
78
TEWKSBURY COUNCIL FOR THE AGING
Member of Tewksbury Council for the Aging for the year March 1965 - March 1966
From March 1965 to May 1965 Mr. Sydney March (deceased) Chrmn.
From May 1965 to March 1966 Mr. John E. Smith, Chrmn.
From March 1965 to June 1965 Rev. Mr. Robert Hannum (transferred)
From June 1965 to March 1966
Rev. J. Thurston Powell
Active Members
Rev. J. Thurston Powell
Rev. Father Edward F. Donovan
Mrs. Loella F. Dewing
Mr. Victor N. Cluff
Mr. Robert Flucker
Mr. George A. O'Connell
Mr. Henry Haas
Mr. Wilfred P. Breen
The Council for the Aging meets the first Thursday of each month unless voted otherwise.
The activities for the year 1965 were more diversified than in any other year bringing recreation to a larger group of elderly people of the Town.
A breakdown of these activities for 1965 were as follows:
1. Valentine Party.
2. Donated to Com. Service Corps for Ceramic project supplies for Shut-Ins and Elderly.
3. Games, Cards, etc. for Shut Ins at Town Nursing Homes.
4. Two buses for trip to Nashoba Valley - Apple Blossom Ride.
5. Two buses and tickets to North Shore Theatre to see play on stage, "Showboat."
6. Three buses to Gloucester-Essex North Shore Ride.
7. One bus to Show Case Cinema to see "Carousel."
8. Two buses to Salem Willows.
9. Donated to "Golden Age" Supper.
10. Gave fruit baskets to nursing homes for Christmas.
11. Two buses and tickets to Showcase Cinema to see "My Fair Lady."
Respectfully submitted, JOHN E. SMITH Chairman
79
POLICE DEPARTMENT John F. Sullivan, Chief of Police
The Police Department wishes to thank the people of Tewksbury for sending two police officers to the State Police Academy in Framingham in the year 1965.
In the 1966 Budget, monies have been included to send two more men to this school. I cannot stress too much the importance of trained personnel. This course includes all phases of police work, including the use of firearms. I believe this course is essential.
An interdepartment training course is planned for all personnel.
I wish to thank the town officials and the citizens of the town for their cooperation in the past year.
You may expect the police department's full cooperation in the year ahead.
ROSTER OF POLICE DEPARTMENT
Date of Appointment to Police Dept.
Chief of Police - John F. Sullivan
1-12-48
Sgt. Eugene Manley
3-6-48
Sgt. Walter Jop
5-29-51
Sgt. Phillip D. Bradanick
3-24-59
Ptlm. Frank J. Sullivan, Jr.
11-2-54
Ptlm. Cyril A. Gordon
11-2-54
Ptlm. Robert A. Haines
6-26-56
Ptlm. Samuel G. Stephens
4-30-57
Ptlm. Richard J. Mackey, Jr.
4-30-57
Ptlm. Richard J. Hanson
12-30-58
Ptlm. Eugene F. Saunders
3-24-59
Ptlm. Donald E. Sheehan
3-24-59
Ptlm. Martin J. Cormier
3-24-59
Ptlm. Garner G. Hague
5-13-62
Ptlm. Paul G. Johnson
5-13-62
Ptlm. James E. Jones
5-13-62
Ptlm. Francis P. Blaquiere
3-15-65
Ptlm. Robert E. Cook
10-19-65
Ethel M. Phillips
7-1-64
Sgt. James P. Kane
(retired) 9-25-65
80
Police Department . . . continued
Bank Service
207 100
B & E Investigated
Complaints Received and Investigated
11,515
Dog Bites Investigated
101
Doors and Windows Found Open
230
Fires Policed
154
Hearings at Office
39
Larceny
201
Licenses Issued to Carry Firearms
96
License to Sell
3
Malicious Damage to Property
$ 8,000.00
Motor Vehicle Accidents
323
Motor Vehicle Registration and Ownership Transfers Class 1-2-3
785
Motor Vehicles Recovered
30
Motor Vehicles Stolen
27
Operators' Licenses Suspended
206
Disturbing the Peace
3
Drunkenness
127
Larceny by Check
12
Malicious Damage to a Building
103
Persons Admitted to Mental Institutions
2
Property Checks
37,364
Slippery Streets Checked
45
Street Lights Out, Poles and Wires Down
310
Summons Served
656
Value of Stolen Property
$33,000.00
Value of Stolen Property Recovered
$30,103.00
Violation Notices Sent to Registry
135
DISPOSITION OF CASES
District Court of Lowell
Superior Court of East Cambridge
Dismissed
7
Filed
5
Fined
105
Guilty
200
Not Guilty
8
Released
92
For Other Police Departments
17
Cases Handled within Dept. - No Court Action
51
Assault and Battery
8
Assault and Battery on a Police Officer
2
B & E in the Daytime and Larceny
1
B & E in the Nightime and Larceny
7
Drunkenness
127
Violation Motor Vehicle Laws
135
81
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL DEFENSE
Warren P. Ray
Civil Defense in Tewksbury con- tinues to operate with a minimum of volunteers but despite the lack of interest we have made some impor- tant steps.
In the past year two Fallout Shel- ters were stocked and marked under Federal Aid, but these only allow spaces for 508 persons, far below the population of the Town. This situa- tion is due to the type of buildings being built that will not pass Federal Regulations because of the lack of basements and excessive use of glass walls.
This part of the country experi- enced its first major local disaster in many a year and gave Civil Defense volunteers here in Tewksbury a chance to use some of the duties they have practiced over and over so many times in the past years. This was the blackout that covered the Northeast section of the United States and part of Canada.
During the blackout, most of our Civil Defense volunteers, constitu- ting mostly of the Auxiliary Police and Communication Section, consist- ing of Radio "Hams," responded quickly and took over the duties of supplying emergency power to the
Fire and Police stations, and aiding the police in watching banks, schools and other important section of the town and relaying information back to the Police Station by emergency radio. At all times this department was in constant communication with Massachusetts State Civil Defense Agency on the exact situations as they developed.
Because of the blackout, a program has already been started to supply emergency power to the Police Sta- tion, the Town Hall and both Fire Stations. A 15 thousand watt gene- rator is already being installed at the Center Fire Station that will operate automatically.
The Rescue Truck had 2,000 more watts of light added to make a total of 5,000 watts emergency light plus its many other duties.
I would like to take this space to thank Capt. Philip A. Burgess of the Auxiliary Police for his long and fine service to the town and Civil De- fense. Capt. "Tippy" Burgess retired after 15 years on the Auxiliary Police.
For details of expenditures please refer to the Auditor's report.
82
SCHOOL PLANNING COMMITTEE
Mrs. Anthony F. Anderson, Chairman
The School Planning Committee is comprised of the members of the currently elected members of the School Committee together with four members appointed by the Moder- ator.
This Committee empowered and authorized to function with the pur- pose of answering the State of Mass- achusetts' request and the Town's need for a long range school building program and the purpose of carrying this program, and in particular each project, through the states of dem- onstrated need, approval of educa- tional specifications, and site.
The Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent have attended the many meetings held by this Commit- tee and have provided information on present enrollments.
Projections of school population in this Town, based solely on the pres- ent enrollment and births during the past several years show that school
facilities must be provided on the elementary level immediately.
Dr. John E. Marshall, Educational Consultant, has provided the com- mittee with figures which substan- tiate the problem which faces the Superintendent in providing space for our children.
Mr. Frederick C. Achin, Appraiser, quotes figures in Article of the War- rant for the Annual Town Meeting for the taking of Site recommended by Dr. Marshall for an elementary school.
Also, from Dr. Marshall's report with the enrollments of the second- ary level soaring, provision must be made to take care of growth in this category. Therefore, in the very near future the committee must recom- mend facilities for a school on the secondary level. An Article to pro- vide monies to continue for the Long Range Planning will be contained in the Warrant.
83
VOCATIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEE
William B. Bullen, Chairman
Robert Bernier Albert Reardon Mrs. Ruth Anderson
This is a final report of the Tewks- bury Vocational Planning Commit- tee.
As of November 29, 1965, the Tewksbury Vocational Planning Committee ceased to exist. A lot of work and effort went into this pro- ject and we wish at this time, to thank the townspeople for their
overwhelming vote of approval for the Shawsheen Valley. Regional Technical/Vocational High School, which is now in existence.
Of the $1,000 that was voted to the committee at the last Town Meeting, $250.93 was used for the brochures and secretarial services; $749.07 has been returned to the Town Treasury.
SHAWSHEEN VALLEY REGIONAL TECHNICAL/VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
William B. Bullen
Mrs. Anthony Anderson
On November 16, 1965, the Shaw- sheen Valley Regional Technical/ Vocational High School was estab- lished by an affirmative vote of the five (5) towns, as verified by the Town Clerk of each respective town. All Regional School Committee members were properly appointed by November 26, 1965, and have been sworn into office. The membership in terms of office are as follows:
Name of member term expires
Bedford
Mr. Fred Keough
1968
Mr. Joseph Rogers 1966
Billerica
Mr. George Menezes 1966
Mr. John Glavin 1967
Burlington
Mr. Wallace Haigh 1967
Mr. James Cipoletta 1966
Tewksbury
Mrs. Anthony Anderson 1967
Mr. William Bullen 1968
Wilmington
Mr. Richard Pelletier 1967
Mr. Richard Keane 1968
Our first meeting was held in the School Administration Building, Bil- lerica, Massachusetts. Mr. Richard Keane was elected Chairman. Mr. John Glavin was elected Vice Chair- man and Mr. Wallace High was elected Secretary-Treasurer.
The budget for the year 1966 will be found elsewhere in this report. Tewksbury's share will be as per the agreement in the brochure that was issued.
We have had meetings with the Massachusetts Division of Vocational Education and at the present time we are investigating all aid, both Fed- eral and State, that it is possible to get to help us build this school.
This is just a report of progress to date as we have not yet been in existence long enough to give a more complete report.
84
FIRE DEPARTMENT William A. Chandler, Chief
Following is the report of the Fire Department for the year 1965:
Inspections Made
Schools, Rest Homes and Nursing Homes 60
Gasoline storage 4
Oil permits
34
Blasting permits
16
FIRE RECORD JAN. 1, 1965 to DEC. 31, 1965
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Total
Building
4 |
3| 7|
2
3
4 |
2
3 |
1 |
4 |
11 | 3
47
Dump
0
1
0
2
2
0
1
0 |
2
2
0
0
10
Brush
6
2
20
63
59
25
36
26 |
14
37
23
9
320
Chimney
1 |
0
0
1
0
0
0
0 |
0
0 |
0
1
3
Auto
1
4
3
4
1
4
8 |
4
1
5
2
3
40
False
4
4
15
15
7
5
1 |
6
4
4
3
73
Resuscitator
6
6
3
4
4
8
8
11
4
4
7
4
69
Electrical
4
6
1
1
3
5
4
1 |
5
2
2
3
37
Accident
0
1
1
0
1
1
1|
3 |
0
5
2
6
21
Oil Burners
1
3
0 |
2
1
1
0
0
2
0
3
4
17
Out of Town
3
5
0
6
3
0
1 |
4
2
9
5
3
41
All Others
7
6
10
13
10
7
9
9
6
11
10
8 |106
TOTAL
37
41
60
113 251
94 345
60 405
75
62
43
83
69
47
78
138
480 |542
585
66
1 737
784 784
85
An Tribute
ALDEN S. HAINES
As the Fire Department expands in personnel and equip- ment, and the Town contemplates a new fire station, it seems fitting to look back at the valuable contribution made by Alden S. Haines. His dedicated service as Fire Chief for twenty-eight years laid the foundation for the efficient department that protects Tewksbury today. A grateful community acknowledg- ing this debt, offers a word of tribute as part of the permanent records of the Town of Tewksbury.
86
BUILDING INSPECTOR
Estimated Valuation
New Dwellings
302
Residential Additions and Alterations
135
$ 3,623,300.00 215,946.00 2,216,500.00
New Commercial
8
Commercial Additions and Alterations
22
114,450.00
Swimming Pools
7
Gravel Permits
5
Buildings Demolished
28
Buildings Posted Dangerous
11
Move Buildings
1
Stop Work Orders (Posted for various reasons)
20
Signs
8
Inspections made
1610
Total All Construction
$ 6,215,496.00 86,000.00
Total
* $ 6,129,496.00
* Of this $6,129,496 worth of permits issued, the major breakdown of this would be, although these were the permits issued, Holiday Inn at the present time, January 1, is only 10% completed. Stadium Plaza Shopping Center is 75% completed. Approximately $1,200,000 of homes, which permits were taken out for, is not yet assessible. $500,000 for the Housing for the Elderly is not taxable. This would lower the completed taxable property to approximately $3,611,996.00.
The following is a comparison chart for the years 1963, 1964 and 1965:
1963
1964
1965
New Dwellings
176
302
Total Taxable Property
$ 2,628,396.00
Total Permits
436
185 $ 2,713,753.00 362
$ 6,129,496.00 547
Permit Fees Paid to
Town Treasurer
$ 4,380.50
$ 4,484.00 $ 6,985.50
During the year 1965 Tewksbury has shown a great growth in commer- cial construction. Commercial construction for the past year is 80% ahead of 1964 in valuation. We will not realize this year, all of the gain that was shown by the permits on commercial construction for the simple reason that they are not yet completed. Holiday Inns of America's new motel is just getting a real good start. Consolidated Rendering Plant Office Building on Woburn Street has been completed. Stadium Plaza Shopping Center is completed to about 75%. By Town Meeting time, it is our hope that the Home for the Elderly will be completed and occupied. Home for the Elderly permit is for $500,000.00 and is included in the commercial permits issued for this year.
Of the 302 permits taken out for new dwellings this year, 242 were issued for acre lots or better. Thirty (30) permits were issued under Chapter 40A Section 5A, which is quoted in full:
87
Minus 4 Renewal Permits
Building Inspector . . continued
5A. "Certain Lots Exempt From Application of Certain Zoning Ordi- nances or By-Laws. (The first paragraph is amended to read as follows:)
Any lot lawfully laid out by plan or deed duly recorded, as defined in section eighty-one L of chapter forty-one, or any lot shown on a plan en- dorsed with the words "approved under the subdivision control law not required" or words of similar import, pursuant to section eighty-one P of chapter forty-one, which complies at the time of such recording or such endorsement, whichever is earlier, with the minimum area, frontage, width, and depth requirements, if any, of any zoning ordinances or by-law in effect in the city or town where the land is situated, notwithstanding the adoption or amendment of provisions of a zoning ordinance or by-law in such city or town imposing minimum area, frontage, width, depth, or yard requirements, ar more than one such requirement, in excess of those in effect at the time of such recording or endorsement (1) may thereafter be built upon for residential use if, at the time of the adoption of such requirements or increased requirements, or while building on such lot was otherwise per- mitted, whichever occurs later, such lot was held in ownership separate from that of adjoining land located in the same residential district, or (2) may be built upon for residential use for a period of five years from the date of such recording or such endorsement, whichever is earlier, if, at the time of the adoption of such requirements or increased requirements, such lot was held in common ownership with that of adjoining land located in the same residential district; and further provided, in either instance, at the time of building (a) such lot has an area of five thousand square feet or more and a frontage of fifty feet or more, is in a district zoned for residen- tial use, and conforms except as to area, frontage, width, and depth with the applicable provisions of the zoning ordinance or by-law in effect in such city or town and (b) any proposed structure is to be located on such lot so as to conform with the minimum requirements of front, side, and rear yard setbacks, if any, in effect at the time of such recording or such endorsement, whichever is earlier, and to all other requirements for such structure in effect at the time of building. (Amended by 1961, 435, S1, approved May 5, 1961, effective 90 days thereafter.)"
Seventeen (17) permits were issued through the Board of Appeals, which takes their authority from Section 17 of the zoning by-laws. Ten (10) permits were issued under Section 10, Paragraph 3 of the zoning by-laws here quoted:
"3. These provisions shall not prevent the erection or placing of any dwelling on any lot containing less area than one acre provided that the Board of Selectmen may vote to issue not more than three (3) building per- mits for the erection of residential building on any lots approved and recorded at the Registry of Deeds for the Northern District of Middlesex County prior to June 29, 1956, so long as such lots shall not exceed fifty (50) in number in any calendar year and provided also that in determining which lots shall be approved for permits the Board of Selectmen shall not issue more than three (3) permits to any one owner and shall consider which lots are best located for residential dwelling in such divisions; that no such
88
Building Inspector . . . continued
permit shall be approved except with the unanimous vote of the Board of Selectmen at a regular meeting, and that all lots shall conform to the Planning Board's proposed Zoning By-Laws as submitted by the Planning Board at the 1959 Town Meeting and be subject to the Planning Board's proposed Sub-division rules and regulations."
Of the 302 houses that permits were taken out for last year, 203 have been completed. Forty-seven (47) are in various stages of construction, and 52 have no more than cellar holes dug, or are in the footing and foundation stage.
The commercial outlook for 1966 is very promising. It is our hope that we can attract much more industry to the Town of Tewksbury.
BOARD OF APPEALS
Report for the year ending December 31, 1965
The Board of Appeals experienced another busy year in 1965. Forty- two (42) hearings were held and thirty-one (31) regular business meetings were conducted. The members of the Board put many hours into viewing property and discussing all cases thoroughly before making decisions. Additional meetings were held with the Building Inspector, Road Com- missioners and the Board of Selectmen in regard to various cases.
Meetings were held with the Finance Committee with regard to the yearly budget as well as to request an additional $150 for operating expenses due to additional advertising and office supplies to cover cases.
During the course of 1965, variances were granted for a Motel (Holiday Inn, Main Street), a Housing Project for the Elderly (off Summer Street) and a nursing home (Erlin Terrace) as well as for twenty-four (24) addi- tional new homes, two (2) commercial establishments, two (2) additions to present dwellings and one (1) technical, i.e. (on an existing building).
The Board denied variances in several cases, the granting of which would have been detrimental to the town and the townspeople in general.
ARTHUR N. CHAFF, Chairman EDWARD N. WILSON, Clerk GEORGE C. GREENE
89
LIBRARY TRUSTEES William S. Abbott, Chairman
Inadvertently, the Library Trustees' report for 1964 was not included in the 1964 Annual Report. Therefore, pertinent information relative to that year is included herein.
The past two years have proven to be years of change through progress in expansion of service for our borrowers. Hours of service have increased from 171/2 to 40 per week with the library open six days. To help finance the increased budget, the trustees, for the first time applied for and were granted state funds under Chapter 760 Aid for Free Public Libraries. This grant, totaling $3,975.50 annually, is currently being used in part to offset our departmental budget. However, $7,351 has been set up in the Public Library Equipment Fund to be used to purchase equipment for the new library.
The biggest change, of course, is yet to be realized; that is the new library for which $147,000 was appropriated at the 1965 Annual Town Meeting. Although there has been a necessitated delay due to the applica- tion for a Federal Construction Grant, the Trustees anticipate the building will be ready for occupancy in the Fall of 1966. The Library Trustees have worked closely with the Municipal Building Committee in the design and layout of the building and are anxiously awaiting, as are our patrons, the ribbon-cutting ceremonies. The Trustees earnestly feel that this new facility will be a fine credit to our community and a long-awaited and much needed cultural development.
Patronage has increased steadily as shown by the following tabulation:
Circulation
1964
1965
Adult
14,881
Juvenile
16,910
31,791
37,006
These figures include circulation of 5,534 and 6,454 respectively as reported by the Bookmobile which stops monthly at the Shawsheen and North Street Schools and at North Tewksbury.
The number of Juvenile books purchased has been greatly increased over prior years to correct a deficiency in this area.
Books Purchased
1964
1965
Adult
596
390
Juvenile
351
394
947
784
90
Library Trustees . . continued
The purchases for 1964 included the World Book Encyclopedia published specifically for juvenile use.
The Trustees remind library patrons of the suspension of fines for overdue books and request their continued support in reducing the excessive numbers of overdue books. Although the books are public property, it is the responsibility of each borrower to return his books on a timely basis in order that the library may better serve all.
The Trustees wish to sincerely thank, on behalf of the town, the staff of Mrs. Marion Carlson, Librarian, and assistants, Mrs. Irene Coombes, Mrs. Ida Gourley and Mrs. Barbara Conrod for their continued conscientious and faithful service.
The Trustees are looking forward to 1966 and the completion of the new library with which we may truly provide proper library service to our community. We also encourage the patrons to express their desires to the library staff while utilizing the facilities.
91
In Memoriam
HARRY PRIESTLY
The Library Trustees submit, on behalf of the Town, this Memoriam to Trustee Harry Priestly
Harry Priestly was born in Halifax, Yorkshire, England, August 27, 1886. Twenty years later, 1906, he came to America settling in Lowell, Massachu- setts. In 1927 Mr. and Mrs. Priestly moved to Tewksbury where he built his home on Pleasant Street. Here they resided until his death, July 23, 1965 - Aged 78 years, 10 months and 26 days.
Mr. Priestly was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board of Library Trustees in 1936. Elected Chairman of the Board, serving 1937-1949. In 1951 Mr. Priestly was again appointed to fill a vacancy as a Library Trustee, serving until 1964 when, due to a serious illness of several years, he was unable to continue as a Trustee of the Public Library that he had served so faithfully for 27 years.
92
PLANNING BOARD
Edward H. Bowley, Jr., Chairman
Chester C. Sullivan George C. Greene Raymond Paczkowski John J. Cooney
REPORT FOR YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1965
During the year 1965, the Planning Board held 39 regular Board meetings in the course of which 74 plans were signed for recording purposes and 7 plans were signed for Land Court purposes. Plans of streets to be accepted at Annual Town Meeting of 1965 were also signed. Three plans were referred to the Board of Appeals for action.
The Board attended a special State Legislative Hearing held in Town regarding the proposed Town Manager Act.
Eleven hearings were held on proposed sub-divisions. Eleven sub- division were approved consisting of a total of 207 one-acre lots.
Other hearings were held on:
1. Proposed changes in zoning by-laws for Annual Town Meeting of 1965.
2. Proposed changes in zoning by-laws to include multiple dwellings for Special Town Meeting 1965.
3. New sub-division rules and regulation.
Special meetings were held with:
1. Finance Committee to discuss yearly budget.
2. Board of Selectmen to appoint new member to fill vacancy due to resignation of Mr. Robert Lacy. (Atty. Raymond Paczkowski was appointed)
3. Road Commissioners to discuss various matters pertaining to new sub-divisions.
4. Road Commissioners (three meetings) to discuss and formulate new sub-division rules and regulations.
5. Chairman of Tewksbury Housing Authority to view and discuss plans of proposed Project for Housing for Elderly in Town.
6. Residents of various sub-divisions to discuss matters pertaining to drainage, etc.
93
Planning Board ... continued
On August 24, 1965, new sub-divisions rules and regulations were approved and adopted pursuant to the Massachusetts sub-division Control Law, Chapter 41, of the Massachusetts General Laws, as amended, con- taining the substantive and procedural rules and regulations of the Tewksbury Planning Board.
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