USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1929-1930 > Part 14
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Land
$729.00
Services
1,758.89
Meters
460.00
Garage-Work Shop.
5,211.15
8,159.04
Total Expenditures
22,620.67
Balance $703.17
Note-Cash discounts taken during 1930
$56.51
Schedule E
Accounts Receivable :
Service Accounts :
Balance due 1929 account
$5.03
Balance due 1930 account
73.46
$78.49
Water Rate Account:
Balance due 1930 account
292.72
Total Account Receivable
$371.21
Schedule F Aldrich Road Extension Account
Appropriation
$2,500.00
Expenditures :
Pay Roll
$1,466.95
Truck Hire
40.00
C. I. Pipe
840.83
Joint Material
12.75
Compressor
90.00
Dynamite
46.30
Total
2,496.83
Balance
$3.17
Schedule G Glen Road Extension Account
Appropriation
$3,000.00
Expenditures :
Pay Roll
$910.05
C. I. Pipe
1,666.75
Special Castnigs
170.53
Truck Hire
69.50
Joint Material
148.50
Tools
34.15
Total
2,999.48
Balance
$.52
113
Schedule H Total Construction Cost
Cost of Water System December 31, 1929
$352,497.48 2.00
Wm. A. Mohr Land
$352,499.48
80 Services
$1,758.89
20 Meters
460.00
Land Albert Reeves
729.00
New Work Shop
5,211.15
8,159.04
Aldrich Road Extension
2,496.83
Glen Road Extension
2,999.48
Total Cost December 31, 1930
$366,154.83
Much of the preliminary expenses for equipment and operation have been taken care of and this year the Water Department will only ask that the remaining balance, together with the receipts and hydrant rental be appropriated for the operation of this de- partment for the year 1931.
Respectfully submitted,
CALEB S. HARRIMAN,
LOUIS. T. McMAHON, ALDEN N. EAMES.
114
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF WATER DEPARTMENT
Gentlemen:
The following is a report of the activities of the Water Depart- for the year ending December 31, 1930.
During this year we have accomplished a great deal of con- structive and worthwhile additions.
The total services now connected are close to 400-about fifty- two percent of the possible connections that can be made on our present system. It is a source of satisfaction to see that people are increasingly using the water, evidenced by the increased pumping requirements to supply the demand.
Through the drought of the last two years we have been happy to be able to supply water to people who undoubtedly would have been without water had it not been for the supply available from the Town Water System.
The dry conditions of last spring made a tremendous fire hazard and the fact that hydrants were available I believe aided in saving a great deal of property which otherwise would have been lost.
During the year the Department has built a new garage and work-shop. Naturally we take considerable pride in this building as outside of the brick-laying it is entirely constructed by the men in this Department. We feel that we not only have a building that is in keeping with the Pumping Station but we also have a building that was built at minimum cost.
Due to the fact that our Buildings, because of necessity, are set low, it was necessary for us to do considerable grading in order to take care of the drainage of surface water as well as to im- prove the appearance of the grounds. Considerable amount of grading has been accomplished during the past year and we be- lieve that it has added a great deal to the appearance of the station which in turn adds to the attractiveness of the Town.
While it would be desirable to purchase a new truck, in order to avoid this expense we have continued to make repairs on the truck we have and it will undoubtedly last another season. We wish to express our appreciation to Mr. E. N. Eames, a former Water Commissioner, who has contributed a supply of hardwood lumber, and with which we will be able to construct a new body for our truck this winter and which will make it more serviceable for the coming year.
115
Last winter Mr. L. T. McMahon contributed a Reo touring-car to the Department and it has been built into a service truck This has been a great help in the Department, answering all kinds of calls. It is equipped with a first aid kit and a lighting device so that it can be of service day or night. It has proved its value many times in the last year.
We were pleased to be able to make additions to our mains in accordance with the vote of the Town, on Aldrich and Glen Roads. This work was accomplished entirely by the Department without calling in any outside contractor. During this construction work we were able to employ quite a few men who were out of work.
There is still some construction work to do on Glen Road which it would seem advisable to complete. The materials have all been purchased and it is simply a matter of laying the mains. This would give added service to the people on this street as well as added fire protection along this wooded area.
Owing to the arrangement made with the Department of the Tree Warden, by the combined use of men and equipment we have been able to give additional services to the Town at a considerable saving to both Departments. This arrangement has worked out well and I hope the Town will see fit to continue it.
It has been the policy of this Department to cooperate in any possible way with the other Departments and the people of the Town. Consequently during the year we have been glad to water. gardens, wash out culverts, assist in blasting, climb flag poles, thaw out frozen pipes, supply water for steam-rollers and do several other types of service when we have been called upon.
In closing I want to express my appreciation to the men in my Department for the manner in which they have done their work, and for their cooperation and willingness to respond to call, day or night. I also want to express my appreciation to the coopera- tion that has been given me from the heads of the various Depart- ments of the Town. Such cooperation makes our task easier and leads to efficiency.
Respectfully submitted,
DONALD W. FOSTER,
Superintendent, Water Department.
116
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF WILDWOOD CEMETERY
-
During this year improvements have been made in the develop- ment of a new section in the Cemetery. This work will be com- pleted in another year and lots will be available in this new section.
The drought of the past year made it very difficult to keep the appearance of the Cemetery as it should be. One of the needs of the Cemetery at this time is the installation of a water system and we hope that in the near future a start will be made on piping the Cemetery for water.
The fence on the Middlesex Avenue section of the Cemetery had become an eyesore and disgrace to the Cemetery and Town. This fence was pulled down and a new iron fence substituted which we believe will be appreciated by the people of the Town.
It must be realized that the added sections of the Cemetery takes additional labor and materials to maintain. While we do not wish to be extravagant, it is necessary to ask for a slightly larger ap- propriation in order to cover the expansion in a proper manner.
The expenditures were as follows:
Appropriation
$2,500.00
Salaries and Wages .
$1,689.00
Team and truck hire
295.75
Tools, hardware, paints
67.75
Fertilizer
25.27
Posts
5.25
Iron Fence and gates
307.40
Trees and shrubs
55.88
Repairs
11.00
Liability insurance
....
31.88
Balance
$2,489.18 $ 10.82
Respectfully submitted, GUY E. NICHOLS, WALLACE E. BARROWS, LOUIS T. MCMAHON.
117
REPORT OF MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
January 24, 1931.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen,
Herewith I hand you my report as Moth Superintendent.
The spraying of trees and creosoting of egg masses have been done as usual along the Town highways. No private work has been performed as no appropriation was made for that purpose.
Details of expenditures will be found in the report of the Town Accountant.
Respectfully submitted,
OLIVER A. McGRANE,
Moth Superintendent.
118
REPORT OF TREE WARDEN
' Honorable Board of Selectmen:
January 15th, 1931.
I submit you the following report of the tree department for the period ending December 31st.
During the past year there has been a good deal of work done along the line of trimming and removing of trees along the high- ways of the town. I find upon careful inspection that there is a lot of work to be done along these lines. For varied reasons, such as widening of streets, installation of traffic signs, clearance for high loads and the constant demand of the traveling public for bet- ter views around curves and at intersections. There is also a de- mand for better telephone and light service, which all means bet ter clearance for wires and less chance of ground leaks. A lot of work has been done for these companies at their expense dur- ing the past year. This not only improves their service to us but at the same time helps the trees in a good many cases.
"There have been no new trees set out in the past year. Neither have we done any transplanting, although there are a lot of trees that need moving, for they are not doing as they should where they are. Overhead wires, nearness of larger trees or other ob- structions are deforming them.
Our appropriation of $700 together with the $400 transfered to us by the Finance Committee has been spent as you will see in the Accountant's report. Approximately $800 payroll, $60 to the Water Deparpment for truck hire and $240 for supplys and equip- ment, tool sharpening and so forth. There have been receipts to the extent of over $400 paid to the treasurer for private work done and wood sold.
This private work has been done for the Telephone and Light Companies as well as for some of our citizens. This private work has given employment to the extent of over $400 to men who would have otherwise been idle and it has cost the town nothing.
This coming year I estimate that the receipts will be well over $1,200 if the work is carried on along the same lines. In anticipa- tion of this revenue I am asking that the annual appropriation this year be increased to $1,900. The additional $1,200 will not change the actual cost of maintaining the department in the least, and by the end of the year will have been paid to the treasurer in the form of receipts.
Respectfully submitted,
DONALD W. FOSTER, Tree Warden.
119
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
January 30, 1931. Wilmington, Massachusetts.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen,
It is my pleasure at this time to submit my report as Inspector of Animals for the year 1930.
Early in the year instructions were received to make a tour of inspection of all cattle, sheep, swine, etc., kept within the town limits, and also an inspection of the premises where the same animals were kept.
The inspection was made in a thorough and improved manner and a report made to the Division of Animal Industry, which de- partment has charge of such work.
Approximately 250 head of cattle, 3500 swine and 11 sheep were examined.
Many of the farmers are going into the accredited herd plan under State and Federal supervision, which is certainly a step in the right direction -- toward freedom from tuberculosis. Cat- tle which react to the tuberculosis test given by State and Federal boards are disposed of and the owner is reimbursed by the State and Federal authorities.
Rabies is still prevalent, although no person has been bitten. Considerable damage has been done to live stock, however, and every precaution should be taken to prevent the spread of the disease.
Very respectfully,
CALVERT H. PLAYDON,
Inspector of Animals.
120
REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE
The Board of Public Welfare respectfully submit the following report for the year ended December 31, 1930.
During the year 1930, the Board of Public Welfare has been obliged to aid the largest number of cases in history, due chiefly to the unemployment conditions prevailing throughout the cuontry.
The following number of cases were aided:
Wilmington Cases 54
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Cases 11
Other Cities and Towns Cases 12
Total
77
The town has, or will, be reimbursed by the Commonwealth, and other cities and towns for aid rendered, to the amount of approxi- mately $4,500.00.
A financial statement of the Board of Public Welfare will be found in the Town Accountant's Report.
Mothers' Aid
Two cases of Dependent Mothers have been aided. One-third of the cost is reimbursed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 1930 Appropriation $2,000.00
Expenditures
$1,495.08
Transferred to Excess and Deficiency Account
504.92
$2,000.00
$2,000.00
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER G. BUCKLE, Chairman.
121
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen,
As Inspector of Slaughtering for the Town of Wilmington, for the year 1930, I submit my report.
Whole number of hogs and pigs inspected in town from January 1st, 1930 to January 1st, 1931-113.
None condemned.
Respectfully,
ARTHUR W. SPRAGUE.
122
COLLECTOR'S ACCOUNT
Account of 1929 Tax
Uncollected January 1930
$83,143.43
Taxes Collected
$81,812.37
Taxes Abated
807.17
$82,619.54
Uncollected January 1931
$ 523.89
Interest Collected
$3,985.84
Account of 1929 Excise Tax
Uncollected January 1930
$5,059.10
Collected
$2,887.12
Abated
259.94
$3,147.06
Uncollected January 1931
$1,912.04
Interest Collected
$101.83
Account of 1930 Tax
Commitment
$161,581.12
Taxes Collected
$71,345.17
Taxes Abated
167.40
$71,512.57
Uncollected January 1931
$ 90,068.55
Interest Collected
$82.14
Account of 1930 Excise Tax
Commitment
$ 8,805.46
Collected
$ 3,829.91
Abated
286.04
$ 4,115.95
Uncollected January 1931
$ 4,689.51
Interest Collected .
$4.03
GEORGE W. BUCK,
Collector of Taxes.
123
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I hereby submit the following report as Superintendent of Streets for the year 1930.
Our equipment in the Highway Department has been an invest- ment wor th while, go back five or six years and you will easily notice a marked improvement in our streets, give those in office at that time our appreciation for there sound judgement and fore- sight. We are enjoying the advantages of highway equipment equal to towns nearly twice our size in appropriations for high- way work.
This year we added to our equipment a new Reo truck. The long distances necessary to cart materials, it seems a mark of efficiency to add the extra carting unit with practically no extra help needed except the driver. This next year, 1931, I believe it good economy to replace one or more trucks, they have done their best work considering the cost to keep them on the road. This year we over-hauled the roller at a cost of $282.00. The first of January, 1931, the Buffalo-Springfield Roller Co., sent out their man to in- spect our roller and reported hee found it in first class condition, and that for wear, it is in far better condition than he naturally would expect considering the work it has done.
We have placed several hundred feet of curbing this year. I would like to see a little done on this work, each year. Side-walks and fences received considerable attention this year. I believe it is money well spent. More has been done for storm drainage this year than usual, many towns have a special appropriation for this work. Special work; graveling has been done on Park and Boutwell Streets. When we can have a few more of our bad streets graded we ought. to accept some new ones. I understand that we could get aid under Chapter 81, if we accepted about three miles more streets, this is worth your consideration.
Respectfully submitted,
DANIEL ROBERT CARTER,
Superintendent of Streets.
124
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON GENERAL TOWN SURVEY
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
We herby submit our report:
Report of work done on Town Plans:
At the Annual Town Meeting, in 1930, the sum of $300.00 was appropriated for the purpose of assembling existing plans toward a general survey of the Town. It was decided that the lot plans be put into shape first. This was accomplished through the kind assistance of Donald Foster of the Water Department. Tracings were made and two complete sets of plans are now bound, one for the use of the Board of Assessors, and the other for the use of the public, the original tracing being filed in the Town Clerk's safe.
During the summer, owing to the overcrowded condition of the Town Clerk's safe, space was not available for the proper filing of these plans and a safe formerly used by the Town of North Andover was approved and purchased. Space for this safe was given by the Water Department and approval for keeping same there was obtained from the Supervisor of Public Records.
We feel that considerable progress has been made and trust that the voters will continue with this much needed improvement.
Respectfully submitted, BOARD OF ASSESORS, TOWN CLERK, WATER DEPARTMENT.
125
REPORT OF THE PARK COMMISSIONERS
Wilmington, Mass. February 1, 1931.
Gentlemen:
The Board of Park Commissioners hereby submits its report for the year of 1931.
Nee Park was brought to grade with Burlington Avenue and made a big improvement. Rogers and Regan Parks were kept in good condition through the spring and summer, at a time when appearance was most important to a municipality.
Expense of maintaining various parks necessarily increases each year with the gradual development of the system, for instance, Memorial Park. This wonderful, picturesque and natural piece of property has been sadly neglected in the past. With a small appropriation each year to fashion and build over Memorial Park we would soon have one of the best Parks and Recreation Centers in the State.
At this time the Park Commissioners wishes to thank the High- way Department and the Citizens of Wilmington for there co- operation in helping us prepare Memorial Park for the dedication.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE F. NEWCOMB, Chairman PAUL TODD, GARDNER RITCHIE, Secretary.
126
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
Wilmington, Mass. January 1, 1931.
To the Board of Selectmen:
It becomes everywhere, a simple question of whether to regulate, or not to regulate.
If the growth of this town is regulated along right and sound lines it would not be long before it has rid itself of the present haphazardly development.
It is well to keep this in mind now while many places are con- sidering the question of advertising themselves. It is said that zoning of a town or city wlil produce more benefit than many times the amount spent in advertising.
Zoning is the sanest and most effective means of advertising.
A clean, well ordered, convenient, comfortable town of properly located industries, commercial areas, and home, a town where health happiness, honesty and efficiency rule does not need to tell the world what it is doing.
The geographical location of Wilmington with its fine railroad faculties and excellent water system are the greatest assets that any town can have for future development, but zoning is the real feature to regulate this development.
The planning board is making a study of zoning, we expect to present a plan to the Board of Selectmen, this year.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE F. NEWCOMB, Chairman; GARDNER RITCHIE, PAUL TODD.
Planning Board.
127
PLANNING BOARD TOWN OF WILMINGTON, MASS.
Wilmington, Mass. February 2, 1931,
Honorable Board of Selectmen: Wilmington, Mass.
Gentlemen:
We wish to call your attention to the General Laws of the State of Massachusetts, Chapter 45, Section 15, appertaining to the es- tablishment of playgrounds which reads as follows:
"Every town having a population of more than five thousand, which accepts this section, shall provide and maintain at least one public playground conveniently located and of suitable size and equipment, for the recreation and physical education of the minors of such city or town."
Although Wilmington has now approximately four thousand in- habitants, we believe at the rate of the increased population dur- ing the past decade that it will not be many years before this town will be in the five thousand class.
In view of this situation we recommend that your honorable board take action in the purchase or taking of the land known as Hillers Cranberry Bog, comprising four acres, located on Church Street extending through to Middlesex Avenue for the purpose of converting into a public playground.
Respectfully submitted,
GARDNER RITCHIE,
Secretary.
128
REPORT OF 200TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE
At a Special Town Meeting held August 6, 1928, it was voted to appoint the Board of Selectmen to act as a Committee to make arrangements for the 200th Anniversary of the incorporation of the town, with power to add to their number, and to call a citizens' meeting within sixty days. Several attempts were made, but only a few attended. It was then decided o ask each of the organiza- tions in town, and the churches, to appoint a committee of three each. This plan was carried through with marked success. At the Annual Town Meeting, March 3, 1930, the Committee asked for an appropriation of $2,000.00, with the understanding that it would endeavor to raise another $1,000.00 from other sources. That the Committee was successful in doing so will be seen in the following report of the Treasurer. At the March meeting, it was voted to turn over to the Park Commissioners the former Town Farm land, comprising some ninety-two acres, at which spot part of our celebration ceremonies were held.
The Committee met regularly during 1929 and 1930 and a fine spirit of harmony and co-operation prevaield. The celebration began Thursday, September 25, and ended with the dedication of Memorial Park on Sunday, September 28, when the Stars and Stripes were unfurled on the flag staff presented to the Town by the Anniversary Committee. This ceremony, which was attended by the clergy from all our churches, was a very impressive one. At it is not possible to give in this report an account of the many events of the celebration, we have deposited in the Town archives for future reference, copies of printed program of events, parade roster, the full list of members of the general committee, historical and progressive pamphlet, copy of the historical address given September 25, a list of the men who went out from Wilmington to the Revolution, the Civil War, Spanish War and the World War, together with newspaper accounts of the celebration. It is probable that a complete history of the celebration will be written later on and placed in the Library.
As a closing event during our Anniversary year, the Committee again produced "What Anne Brought Home" and the entire pro- ceeds used for relief of distress caused by the business depression. As was the case during all our preparations for the celebration, the citizens responded generously and the play was a financial success. Fifty-two huge Christmas Baskets were distributed on Christmas Eve.
The Committee is very grateful to the organization, churches, merchants, the press and to individuals for the wonderful spirit of co-operation shown and for their moral, physical and financial support.
129
FINANCIAL STATEMENT Town Funds
$2,000.00
Expenditures
Advertising
$62.00
Printing
23.75
Anniversary Seals
54.75
Signs
217.25
Decorations
84.60
Rent of tents
440.00
Amplifiers
85.00
Lighting
35.00
Band stands
60.40
Prizes
45.00
Music
525.00
Entertainments
120.00
Piano
25.00
Flags
23.40
Badges
28.49
Refreshments
47.25
Banquet tickets for guests
55.00
Labor, Memorial Park
33.34
Miscellaneous
32.76
1,997.99
Unexpended balance
$2.01
$2,000.00
REPORT OF TREASURER Committee Funds Receipts
Contributions :
Woman's Club
$50.00
Republican Club
25.00
Friendship Lodge
100.00
Rebekahs Lodge
21.24
American Legion Auviliary
25.00
Ladies Benevolent Society
25.00
Catholic Club
50.00
Order Eastern Star
25.00
Silver Lake Associates
50.00
Teachers' Association
10.00
Miscellaneous
34.50
Receipts from play, June, 1930
526.75°
Sale of tags (not for flag staff)
39.27
Contributions and sale of tags, account flag staff
127.11
Sale souvenir booklets
112.95
Sale of seals
88.90
Interest
5.00
Receipts from dance
32.19
. .
$1,347.91
Appropriation
130
Expenditures
Play expenses
$124.22
Printing and electrotypes
253.87
Flag staff
208.00
Prizes
198.20
Music
75.00
Parade expense
23.00
Photographs
66.00
Transportation
31.00
Signs
45.45
Decorations
14.60
Airplanes
40.00
Labor, Memorial Park
23.00
Printing, postage and stationery
52.51
Miscellaneous
5.00
Advertising
15.00
1,174.85
Balance on hand
$173.06
JOSEPH B. McMAHON, Treasurer.
As the Anniversary Relief Fund has not been closed at this time, a report of receipts and expenditures will be given at the Town Meeting. All bills incurred on account of the celebration hav been paid, and the Committee hopes that the citizens feel the cele- bration was worthy of the expenditures.
Respectfully submitted,
For the Committee,
By HARRY R. DEMING, Chairman.
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF TRUST FUNDS 1930
Amount
Accum'd Interest
With- drawn
Bal. on Deposit
S. D. J. Carter Lecture Fund
Blackstone
No. 1879
$2578.50
$184.86
$150.00
$2613.36
Woburn
No. 56672
145.00
50.00
2095.00
Mechanics
No. 11437
2000.00 2000.00
130.69
50.00
2080.69
Library Funds:
$6578.50
$460.55
$250.00
$6789.05
Chester W. Clark
Blackstone
No.
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