USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Westford > Town of Westford annual report 1956-1962 > Part 27
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72
On June 5, 1958 the Board of Selectmen appointed me as Wire Inspector for Westford.
At a Special Town Meeting held August 5, 1958, Article 4, it was voted that $300.00 be appropriated to defray the expenses of the Wire In- spector.
There were 58 Permits issued and 54 Inspections made at no charge from June 5 to August 31, 1958.
The following Instructions and Schedule of Fees were approved by the Selectmen and became effective September 1, 1958.
INS TRUC TIONS
All applications must be on file with local Wire Inspector before the start of any work.
Applications may be obtained from the Selectmen's Office, Town Hall, Westford, or from the Wire Inspector, Norman E. Day, at his Office on Main Street, Westford.
Office hours: 8:00 A. M. to 4:00 P. M., Monday through Friday.
All fees shall be made payable to the Town of Westford and submitted to the Wire Inspector with Application.
It is IMPORTANT that complete instructions be given so that property may be easily located for Inspection, including Pole Number or distance from last Pole.
It is also IMPORTANT that, unless wiring can be inspected at any time, specific instructions be given as to the best time for Inspection.
If out-of-Town, Inspection Report will only be made by postal card, unless instructed to make collect call.
SCHEDULE OF FEES
New residence, or any construction similar in size, or that could require more than one Inspection and not over two Inspections $ 4.00
Temporary entrances, service entrance changes, elec- tric range wiring, dryer outlets, water heaters, etc or over five lighting outlets $ 2.00
75
Minor changes and additions not exceeding five out- lets (A switch is considered an outlet)
$ .50
Industrial Plants or equal must file an Application for Inspection of all new work and any changes in existing work.
Maximum charge per month, requiring not more than one Inspection (except major jobs) $ 2.00
Major jobs, new industrial buildings, apartment houses, etc $ 4.00
Example : New house
Permit covers rough and final Inspection only. A request for a meter before final Inspection is ready requires an additional Inspection.
The following covers September 1 to December 31, 1958 :
Appropriated August 5, 1958
$ 300.00
125 Permits issued
Expenditures Receipts $ 274.00
116 Inspections made @ $ 1.50
$ 174.00
Supplies, including Permits,
clerical work, etc
99.03
$ 273.03
Total Expenses Total Receipts $ 274.00 Balance $ .97
Amount to be turned back to General Fund
$ 300.97
Norman E. Day Wire Inspector
REPORT OF THE MOTH AND TREE DEPARTMENTS
All the Elm Trees were Sprayed twice and some three times. The shade trees were Sprayed once. Some swampy areas were sprayed for mosqui- toes.
In the Tree Department most of the dead Elms and also a great amount of large limbs were cut and destroyed.
150 new nursery trees were purchased to be planted in the Spring.
Kenneth A. Wilson Moth Superintendent and Tree Warden
76
REPORT OF DEVELOPMENT AND INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION
The Development and Industrial Commission was originally organized in 1956 to aid and stimulate the industrial growth of Westford. It soon became evident that the Commission's duties fell into two categories. The first duty was that of making known to the industrial world what Westford had to offer. In this way business men seeking a home for their companies might be induced to consider our Town. The second duty, and one which becomes more important each year, is that of se- lection. There are many industries unsuited to our Community. Some- times this is obvious, as in the case of a tannery which it was decid- ed would hurt us rather than help. Sometimes, however, it takes care- ful study to determine whether an industry will assist or not. It is in this field that the Industrial Commission can be of great benefit in advising the Selectmen, Planning Board and voters about any indus- try which might show an interest in settling in Westford.
During 1958, the Commission has had opportunity to serve in the second manner in the case of the group who wish to establish an Industrial Park here. For several months during the spring and summer the mem- bers of the Commission worked with other Town Boards to get all possi- ble information on this matter. Meetings, hearings and finally, of course, a Town Meeting settled the matter.
The Commission has also been active in the positive sense. Negotia- tions with a Printing Company now located in Boston are still under way. There have also been meetings with Real Estate Agents. Many companies hire agents to find sites for them. Towns must first deal with the agents. To date these meetings have produced no results.
The construction of the new Route 110 will certainly tend to bring Westford into the "Magic Circle" now centered around Route 128. As the completion date of this new circumferential Route approaches and the desirability of Towns such as Westford becomes apparent, it is an- ticipated that this Commission will become a most important part of the Town government.
Roland Battis, Chairman
Robert V. Cassidy
Elizabeth K. Beyer, Secretary
William G. Chace
Manly P. Barber
Athill H. Moran Henry A. Beyer
Peter Sechovich J. William Blythe
Development and Industrial Commission
REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
CHAPTER 81 AND GENERAL HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE
The usual Highway work was carried out this year which included the use of Gravel, Asphalt, Screened Sand, Gravel Pea Stone and Bituminous Concrete Patch on our Roads and Streets that come under Chapter 81.
CHAPTER 90 - MAINTENANCE
This Chapter was carried out this year under the provisions of the contract. A section of Acton and Carlisle Roads was patched with Bitu-
77
minous Concrete. North Street and a section of Concord Road were re- surfaced with Asphalt, Pea Stone and Sand.
CHAPTER 90 - CONSTRUCTION
Under the terms of the contract, the remaining section of Graniteville Road to be reconstructed, must be completed by June 30, 1959. The 1958 contract on Groton Road - Route 40 - consisted of Grading, plac- ing Gravel Foundation, Drainage, Installation of Guard Rail, laying Bituminous Concrete and other incidental work.
Joseph R. Connell Superintendent of Streets
REPORT OF DOG OFFICER
Complaints investigated
134
Returned to owner
8
Placed in homes
3
Taken by Dog Officer
54
Given to County
20
Destroyed
21
Bites investigated
16
Destruction of Poultry and Livestock
6
Cases filed with County Commissioners for damage to Poultry and Livestock
4
Struck by car
12
William C. MacMillan Dog Officer
REPORT OF CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
We were all thankful for the rain this past summer after the dry sum- mer of last year that burned all the grass.
By spreading Lime and Fertilizer on all four Cemeteries, the grass came back to a good green color. We will do the same this year and, if we are blessed with a little rain, we hope to keep them as green next summer as we did last.
We are asking for more money as you can not take care of the four Cemeteries for $3,500.00 to give them the care they should have and the care the people expect.
Walter L. Blanchard Albert A. Hildreth Cemetery Commissioners
78
REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
This Committee after several meeting and much investigation, have the following recommendations to make:
We do not believe that at this time it would be necessary to set-up a permanent Personnel Board as the number of per- sons employed by the Town, full time, does not warrant it.
Benefits and wages should be stabilized for all Town employ- ees, dependent on length of service and position held.
All personnel, excluding those in the School Department, should be covered by clearly defined job descriptions, these would be used to ascertain the wage scales.
A pamphlet should be made available to each employee stat- ing the benefits, rules and procedure set-up for them.
The job description should be made by the Selectmen and the Department Heads.
We have received a great deal of literature from other Towns compar- able to Westford in size and find that they have systems in effect at the present time that are similar to those we recommend. If our recommendations are adopted, we feel that they will alleviate the problems that are bound to cane as the population and consequently, the number of Town employees increases in size.
There are several private organizations that make surveys of this type and set-up systems to be used but we do not feel that this is necessary, as the fee is very high and the number of employees in- volved is small.
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE:
Harry S. Forty Francis E. Daly Kenneth P. Harkins Roger H. Hildreth - Chairman David E. Bolger - Secretary
79
REPORT OF THE WESTFORD 4-H ORGANIZATION
It is a pleasure to report for the 4-H Organization of Westford. Ap- proximately 100 boys and girls have enrolled this year in the numerous Projects that are made available to them by the willingness of the Leaders to give their time and knowledge. The Projects include Dairy, Clothing, Crafts, Poultry, Gardening, Food Preservation, Woodworking, Recreation and the Junior Leader and Citizenship Club.
Each member is to complete the requirements of his Project and exhibit at the Town Achievement Day before he can receive his Town and County Awards. Having received a first or Blue Ribbon on Achievement Night he can then exhibit at the County Rally Day in May. There are numer- ous Grange Fairs and the 4-H Fair at which to exhibit, thus enabling a member to receive both ribbons and cash in prizes. Oftentimes this money is banked for a further education. After the age of 14 a mem- ber is eligible for State Competition and recognition. The awards and trips are many.
This brings out the story of Donald Hildreth who reached the climax of a 4-H career in nine years by winning an all-expense paid trip to Chi- cago to attend the 4-H National Club Congress for a week to join with the many 4-H members from all over the United States and it's posses- sions.
The Junior Leaders and Citizenship Club, among its many activities, moved furniture and books of the J. V. Fletcher Library in order to have the floors refinished.
The $75.00, which was appropriated by the Town, was used by the Busy Beavers Woodworking Club. This, and funds they raised, purchased much needed hand tools such as hammers, saws, files, sandpaper etc. for the 25 members who meet weekly at the Club House.
The Townspeople are invited to attend all functions such as the Annual Supper in March in celebration of 4-H Week, Town Achievement Night in April, County Day in May, Fair Time in August and Booster Night in October also, to visit any individual Club.
Our many thanks to the Townspeople who have helped to make 4-H Pro- grams a success, especially to Mrs. Hilda I. Bosworth for her fine publicity. Jo Wilkins and D. Hildreth are Junior Vice Chairmen of the Town Committee.
May we close with the 4-H Pledge
I pledge
my head to clearer thinking my heart to greater loyalty my hands to larger service and my health to better living for my club, my community and my country.
4-Hily, Evelyn K. Brown 4-H Town Chairman
80
REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
Board of Selectmen Westford Massachusetts
February 13, 1959
Gentlemen,
Again this year we submit a preliminary report for insertion in the Town Report now about to go to press. Our detailed recommendations and suggestions relative to appropriations to be made at the Annual Town Meeting will be set forth in a later report to be printed as a supplement to the Town Report and mailed to each household in West- ford.
At present we have but one recommendation - it is, that the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting be closed by the middle of January of each year. We appreciate your concern that each citizen and each Town De- partment have every opportunity to submit Articles for the Warrant. However, in order for the Town Counsel to prepare the Warrant and for the Finance Committee to study it carefully, a January 15th deadline seems most desirable. This year, for example, we do not yet have a copy of the Warrant, which presents at least the possibility that our final report may not be prepared in time for mailing to all citizens of the Town in advance of Town Meeting.
The schedule of Transfers from our Reserve Fund appears below.
Respectfully submitted,
WESTFORD FINANCE COMMITTEE Lawrence S. Johnston, Chairman John J. Barretto Helen S. Chace Herbert C. Decato
Albert G. Forty
Arthur L. Healy
Elmer P. Morrill
Viateur A. Ricard
F. Stanley Smith
TRANSFERS FROM THE RESERVE FUND DURING 1958
Assessors
$ 360.00
Cemeteries
204.13
Drainage
5.57
Interest on Revenue Loans
363.25
Machinery and Equipment
32.24
Nashoba Associated Boards of Health
.31
Planning Board
21.22
Registration and Election
578.48
School Athletics
58.35
Snow and Ice Removal
2,755.88
Street Marking
50.00
Town Hall
11.88
81
Town Possessions Sale Committee
Town Roads Account
$ 350.00 101.99
$ 4,893.30
Balance
106.70
Fund Appropriated at Annual Meeting
$ 5,000.00
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEERS
The Board of Fire Engineers submits the following report for the year ending December 31, 1958:
The following men were appointed as Fire Engineers: Edward N. Lamson, Leo R. Larkin, Francis J. Mulligan, Carl R. Nylund and Hubert V. Ray- mond.
The organization of the Board of Fire Engineers followed with the e- lection of Edward N. Lamson as Chief and Francis J. Mulligan as Clerk.
The Fire Department answered 137 calls as follows: 17 Building Fires; 6 Chimney Fires; 5 Oil Burners; 9 Automotive Fires; 35 Grass and Brush Fires; 10 Tower Calls; 3 Electrical Fires; 43 Dump Fires; 1 Lost Girl; 1 Lost Airplane; 4 Mutual Aid Calls; 2 Accidents where gasoline spilled and 1 Rescue Call for two boys who broke thru the ice at Nabnasset.
Besides the above, the Fire Department pumped out several cellars dur- ing power failures and manned the Fire Houses due to storms.
The Ambulance, manned by Firemen, rendered its usual service to the people of Westford by answering 144 Calls.
Again the Board of Fire Engineers wishes to express its appreciation and thanks to all the Officers, men and Mrs. George E. St. Onge, for their cooperation and fine work during the year.
Edward N. Lamson
Leo R. Larkin
Francis J. Mulligan
Carl R. Nylund
Hubert V. Raymond Board of Fire Engineers
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Scales under 100 1bs
21
Scales 100 - 5,000 1bs
12
Scales 5,000 - 10,000 1bs
2
Scales over 10,000 1bs Gasoline Meters
26 3
George S. Wilder Sealer
82
TOWN OF WESTFORD
WARRANT
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss.
To the Constable of the Town of Westford, in said County,
GREETINGS :
You are hereby required, in the name of the Commonwealth afore- said, to notify and warn all the inhabitants of said Town qualified to vote in elections, and also in Town affairs, to meet at their several polling places, viz:
PRECINCT 1
Town Hall, Westford Center
PRECINCT 2
Legion Hall, Graniteville
PRECINCT 3 Nabnasset School, Brook side
PRECINCT 4
Murray Hall, Forge Village
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 1959
being the first Monday in said month, at 12:00 o'clock noon for the following purposes :
To bring in their votes for the following officers:
FOR FIVE YEARS
One Member of the Planning Board FOR THREE YEARS
One Selectman
One Member of the Board of Public Welfare
One Assessor
Two Members of the School Committee
One Trustee of the J. V. Fletcher Library
One Member of the Board of Cemetery Commissioners
One Member of the Board of Public Health
One Member of the Board of Water Commissioners
One Tax Collector
One Treasurer
One Constable
FOR ONE YEAR
One Tree Warden
All on one ballot.
The polls will be open from 12:00 o'clock noon to 8:00 P. M., and to meet in the Town Hall in Westford Center on the following
83
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 1959
at 1:00 o'clock in the afternoon, then and there to act upon the following Articles, viz:
ARTICLE 1. To hear the reports of Town Officers and Committees; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 2. To determine the salary and compensation of elected officers and officials as provided by law.
ARTICLE 3. To appropriate money to meet the costs and expenses of the following departments, officers and purposes:
1. General Government
2. Town Hall
3. Police Department
4. Fire Department
5. Water Department
6. Hydrants
7. Sealer of Weights and Measures
8. Forest Fires
9. Town Forest
10. Tree Warden
11. Moth Department
12. Health Department
13. Cattle Inspector
14. Highway Purposes
15. Department of Public Welfare
16.
Soldiers' Benefits
17. School Department
18. Vocational Tuition
19. Public Library
20. Care of Common
21. Commemoration of Memorial Day
22. Publishing of Town Reports
23. Fire and other Insurance
24. Interest on Revenue Loans
25. Cemeteries
26. Street Lights
27. Finance Committee Reserve Fund
28. Board of Appeals
29. Enforcement of Zoning-Building Permits
30. Unpaid Bills of Previous Years.
ARTICLE 4. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the current financial year and to issue a note or notes therefor payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year, in accordance with Section 17 of Chapter 44 of the General Laws: or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 5. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate the sum of One Hundred ($100.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for
84
the purpose of defraying the expenses of the Planning Board; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 6. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate the sum of Seventeen Hundred Twenty-Five ($1725.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the Ath- letic Program in the Westford Schools; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 7. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate, or transfer from unappropriated available funds in the Treasury, a sum of money for Chapter 81 Highways; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 8. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate, or transfer from unappropriated available funds in the Treasury, a sum of money for Chapter 90 Highway Maintenance; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 9. To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money from the Highway Machinery Fund to the Highway Equipment Ac- count; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 10. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate, or transfer from unappropriated available funds, the sum of Sixty-Two Hundred Fifty ($6250.00) Dollars, or some other sum, to meet the Town's share of the cost of Chapter 90 Highway Construction on Groton and Acton Roads, contingent upon the State and County con- tributing towards the cost thereof; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 11. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen, in the name and behalf of the Town, to sell and transfer at public auction or private sale, and on such terms as said Board shall deem for the best interests of the Town, various and sundry articles of personal property now or formerly used by the Highway De- partment; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 12. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate the sum of Nine Thousand and Seventy ($9,070.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of purchasing two (2) new trucks for the Highway Department, said purchases to be made under the supervision of the Board of Selectmen, and to authorize said Board to transfer by a good and sufficient Bill of Sale title to the pick-up truck now be- ing used by said Department and apply the sum received therefrom against the purchase price of the two new trucks; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 13. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate a sufficient sum of money for the purchase of two (2) new snow- plows for the Highway Department; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 14. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate the sum of One Thousand ($1,000.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of purchasing nozzles, extinguishers, badges, rubber coats, boots, helmets and other equipment, all for use by the Fire Department, said purchase to be made under the supervision of the Board of Fire Engineers; or act in relation thereto.
85
ARTICLE 15. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate the sum of Seventeen Hundred ($1700.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of purchasing new fire hose for the Fire Depart- ment, said purchase to be made under the supervision of the Board of Fire Engineers; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 16. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Fire Engineers to renew the lease of quarters at Nabnasset in which one of the fire trucks is stationed, and raise and appropriate the sum of Six Hundred ($600.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for rent of said quarters; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 17. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate the sum of Four Hundred ($400.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of purchasing new tires for the use of the Fire Depart- ment, said purchase to be made under the supervision of the Board of Fire Engineers; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 18. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate the sum of Five Hundred Fifty ($550.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of purchasing a new two-way radio to be used by the Fire Department, said purchase to be made under the supervision of the Board of Fire Engineers; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 19. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate a sufficient sum of money for the purchase of new fire hose for the Forest Fire Department, said purchase to be made under the super- vision of the Forest Fire Warden; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 20. To see if the Town will vote to adopt the following amendments to its Protective By-Law and Protective By-Law Map:
(1) Amend Article XII, Section 5, so that the present Section 5 is deleted and in place thereof the following new Section 5 is inserted:
SECTION 5. INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT USES
A. In an Industrial A District, no building shall be erected or altered and no building or premises shall be used for any purpose except :
1. All buildings and uses permitted in Section 4 and Section 5B2.
2. Quarrying, mining, and the processing and finishing of the products thereof, rock crushing, lime kilns, private railroads, spur tracts, lumbering and saw mills.
B. In an Industrial B District, no building or premises shall be erected or altered and no buildings or premises shall be used for any purpose except:
1. All buildings and uses permitted in Section 4.
86
2. Light manufacturing, employing only electric or other substantially noiseless and inoffensive motive power, utilizing hand labor or quiet machinery and processes but subject, however, to the following conditions: Any light manufacturing business, the conduct of which may be undesirable or detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of persons working in or living near the proposed location of such manufacturing, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, special danger of fire or explosion, pollution of water ways, corrosive, toxic or noisome fumes, gas smoke, soot, obnoxious dust, disagreeable odors and offensive noise of vibrations is expressly prohibited.
3. In an Industrial B District, there shall be pro- vided :
a. For each permitted principal building, a lot containing not less than four acres and a frontage of not less than 300 feet on the street on which the principal building faces.
b. For each such building and accessory building:
1. A front yard of not less than 50 feet in depth on each street on which the lot abuts.
2. A side yard on each side of not less than 40 feet in width.
3. A rear yard of not less than 50 feet in depth;
Provided, however, that if a boundary of the lot abuts on land in a residential district the side and rear yard requirements for the yard having as its exterior line the boundary of the lot which abuts on the residential district shall be not less than 60 feet in width or depth as the case may be.
c. For each such principal building an open space on the lot not occupied by any building of 75 per cent of the area of such lot which may be used for parking if otherwise lawful.
d. No loading or parking area on the lot shall be located within 10 feet of the exterior line of any street on which the lot abuts and if a boundary line of the lot abuts on land in a residential district, no such parking or load- ing area shall be located within 10 feet of such boundary line.
87
e. Parking and loading areas on the lot shall be provided with adequate driveways, providing ac- cess to a street. The width and the entrance of all driveways to a street shall be subject to the approval in writing by the Planning Board.
f. All buildings shall be constructed, reconstruct- ed, altered, enlarged, or used and the premises shall be used for a permitted purpose only in conformity with a site plan for such lot bearing an indorsement of approval by the Planning Board.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.