USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1949-1950 > Part 15
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Question No. 6
A. Shall the pari-mutuel system of betting on licensed horse races be permitted in this county?
Yes, One Thousand One Hundred Seventy-nine 1179
No, Eight Hundred Ninety-nine 899
Blanks, Two Hundred Seventy-eight 278
B. Shall the pari-mutuel system of betting on licensed dog races be permitted in this county?
Yes, One Thousand Seven 1007
No, Nine Hundred Thirty-Eight 938
Blanks, Four Hundred Eleven 411
Question No. 7
A. Shall licenses be granted in this city (or town) for the sale therein of all alcoholic beverages (whisky, rum, gin, malt beverages, wines and all other alcoholic beverages) ?
Yes, Seven Hundred Ninety-two
792
No, Thirteen Hundred Sixty-three
1363
Blanks, Two Hundred One 201
B. Shall licenses be granted in this city (or town) for the sale therein of wines and malt beverages (wines and beer, ale and other malt beverages) ?
Yes, Eight Hundred Two 802
No, One Thousand Two Hundred Eighty-nine .... 1,289
Blanks, Two Hundred Sixty-five
265
52
C. Shall licenses be granted in this city (or town) for the sale therein of all alcoholic beverages in packages, so called, not to be drunk on the premises?
Yes, One Thousand Six Hundred Ninety-seven 1697
No, Five Hundred Sixteen 516
Blanks, One Hundred Forty-three 143
Question No. 8
(a) If a voter desires that this city (or town) shall declare by popular referendum that a shortage of rental housing accomodations exists which requires the continuance of federal rent control in this city (or town) after December thirty-first, nineteen hundred and fifty, and until the close of June thirtieth, nineteen hundred and fifty-one, In accordance with the provisions of the Housing and Rent Act of 1950, he will vote "YES" on said question. (b) If he desires that federal rent control shall cease to be in effect in this city (or town) at the close of December thirty-first, nineteen hundred and fifty, he will vote "NO" on said question. If a majority of the votes cast in any such city or town in answer to said question is in the affirmative, such city or town shall be deemed to have declared by popular referendum, pur- suant to the Housing and Rent Act of 1950, that a shortage of rental accomodations exists which requires the continuance of federal rent control in such city or town after December thirty-first, nineteen hun- dred and fifty, and until the close of June thirtieth, nineteen hundred and fifty-one, in accordance with the provisions of said act. If a major- ity of the votes cast in any such city or town in answer to said question is not in the affirmative, such city or town shall be deemed not to have declared by popular referendum, pursuant to the Housing and Rent Act of 1950, that a shortage of rental accommodations exists which re- quires the continuance of federal rent control in such city or town after December thirty-first, nineteen hundred and fifty.
Shall a declaration be made by popular referendum, pursuant to the Housing and Rent Act of 1950, that a shortoge of rental housing accomodations exists which requires the continuance of federal rent control in this city (or town) after December thirty-first, nineteen hundred and fifty and until the close of June thirtieth, ineteen hundred and fifty-one, in accordance with the provisions of said Act?
Yes, One Thousand Two Hundred and Four 1204
No, Five Hundred Twenty-seven 527
Blanks, Six Hundred Twenty-five 625
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Question No. 9
"Shall an act passed by the General Court in the year nineteen hundred and fifty, entitled 'An Act establishing a town manager form of government for the town of Wilmington' be accepted by this town?"' Yes, One Thousand Four Hundred and One 1401
750
No, Seven Hundred Fifty
Blanks, Two Hundred Five
205
Following the declaration of the vote the meeting was adjourned.
A true copy. Attest:
MARY E. GILLIGAN
Town Clerk
VITAL STATISTICS
Births recorded in 1949 149
Marriages recorded in 1949 85
Deaths recorded in 1949 71
The Town Clerk will furnish to parents, householders and phys- icians and midwives applying therefor, blanks for return of births as required by law.
COMPILED RECORDS OF BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS From 1730 to 1898
On hand January 1, 1949 82
4 Sold
On hand January 1, 1950
78
These records are on sale by a vote of the Selectmen at $1.00 each. Bookstores are allowed to purchase these copies at 60c each. May be obtained from the Town Clerk.
Number of Dogs Licensed
620
Kennel Licenses 15
Licenses-Fishing, Hunting, Sporting
328
Respectfully submitted,
MARY E. GILLIGAN,
Town Clerk.
54
TOWN OF WILMINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS WILDWOOD CEMETERY
Burials in Wildwood Cemetery-1950
Wilmington Residents died in Wilmington
25
Wilmington Residents died elsewhere
12
Non Residents 28
Transfer
1
-
66
ERNEST W. EAMES
Superintendent
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
During the year 1950 we have lost one of our esteemed citizens, Mr. Louis T. McMahon, who had been on the Board of Cemetery Com- missioners for many years, and one who has devoted much time and thought for the improvement of the Cemetery.
During the year, loan has been added to the new section and a crop of buckwheat and winter rye were ploughed in for fertilizer. We expect we will have new lots available in the near future.
Also during the year 1950 the town bought a parcel of land from Mr. William Russell and Mr. Alden N. Eames gave us a parcel of land which will be graded as soon as possible. Both parcels join the present cemetery land.
We have in mind the improving of a section of the Old Cemetery around the Town Hall, this coming year.
The Welfare Department have supplied us with 253 days work which is gratefully accepted. We wish to thank the Aids to Victory for the new flag presented us for Memorial Day.
GUY E. NICHOLS WILLIAM S. CAVANAUGH
55
REPORT OF CONSTABLE OF WILMINGTON
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Town of Wilmington, Mass.,
Gentlemen:
I submit the report of Constable during the year 1950.
Posting notices of the Town Meeting in March 1950, also notices of every Special Town Meeting during the year 1950. Posting Warrants to notify the inhabitants of the Town of Wilmington of the Town meeting in March 1950, also of Special Town meetings during the year 1950.
Posting Warrants for Primaries in September 1950, also Posting Warrants of State Election November 1950. All in accordance with the By-Laws of the Town of Wilmington.
Serving and Posting Notices for other Town Officials throughout 1950.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY J. AINSWORTH
Constable of Wilmington
56
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS
Wilmington, Mass., January 31, 1951
The following is the report of the Board of Assessors for the year 1950:
Valuation of Taxable Property as of January 1, 1950
Real Estate
$7,323,000.00
Personal Property
542,913.00
RECAPITULATION
Real Estate Tax
410,088.00
Personal Property Tax
30,403.12
Poll Tax
4,284.00
Excise Tax
20,000.00
December Commitment (R. E.)
3,162.60
Total Appropriation
642,415.86
Middlesex County Pension Fund
4,626.00
State Audit
4,552.21
State Parks & Reservations
641.71
County Tax
12,089.05
Tuberculosis Hospital
6,565.33
Amount of Overlay
15,119.57
Gross Amount to be raised
686,405.73
Total Estimated Receipts and Available Funds
$ 241,630.61
Total Amount Levied on Polls and Property and
committed to the Collector in 1950
448,029.72
Tax Rate per $1.000. for 1950-$56.00
TABLE OF AGGREGATES FOR WILMINGTON
OF POLLS, PROPERTY AND TAXES, ASSESSED JANUARY 1, 1950
Compiled from the figures entered in the Valuation List not including figures relating to Exempted Property or to the Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise.
57
Number of Persons Assessed
Individuals All Others
Total
On Personal Estate Only
29 3101
32
3133
On Both Personal & Real Estate ... 120
7
127
Total number of Persons Assessed
3298
Total number of Polls Assessed
2142
Value of Assessed Personal Estate
Stock in Trade
$ 60,850.00
Machinery
45,550.00
Live Stock
53,998.00
All Other Tangible Personal Property
382,515.00
Total Assessed Value of Personal Estate
$ 542,913.00
Value of Assessed Real Estate
Land exclusive of buildings
$1,490,810.00
Buildings exclusive of land 5,832,190.00
Total Value of Assessed Real Estate $7,323,000.00
Total Value of Assessed Estate
7,865,913.00
Tax Rate per $1,000 .- $56.00
Taxes for State, County and City or Town Purposes,
including Overlay:
On Personal Estate
30,431.12
On Real Estate
413,250.60
On Polls
4,348.00
Total Taxes Assessed
448,029.72
Number of Live Stock Assessed:
Horses (1 year old, or over) 50
Neat Cattle: (1 year old, or over)
Cows (Milch)
113
Bulls 4, Oxen 0, Yearlings: steers 4, heifers 39 47
Swine (6 months old, or over)
810
Sheep (6 months old, or over)
2
Fowl
12,838
All Other 562
Number of Acres of Land Assessed 10,043
9
38
On Real Estate Only
Number of Dwelling Houses Assessed 2,187
58
TOWN OWNED PROPERTY-REAL ESTATE
Water Department-150 acres of land and buildings $ 416,000.00 Schools-Approx. 10 acres of land and buildings 136,600.00
Town Park-93 acres of land 4,500.00
Town Hall-14 acre of land and building 7,500.00
Cemetery-Land and building
23,000.00
Library-1/16 acre of land and building
2,000.00
Firehouse-1/8 acre of land and building
2,750.00
Moth House-6,694 sq. ft. of land and building
700.00
Highway Building-15,500 sq. ft. of land and building 5,000.00
Common and Flag Staff-2 acres of land
2,500.00
Roman Property-Approx. 18 acres of land and building 18,200.00
TOWN OWNED PROPERTY-PERSONAL
Departmental trucks and equipment $ 52,900.00
Respectfully submitted,
SUSAN T. ESLER, Chairman
LOUIS T. DOUCETTE, GEORGE E. REYNOLDS,
Wilmington Board of Assessors.
59
REPORT OF TOWN COUNSEL
January 24, 1951
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
In accordance with the requirements of the Town By-Laws, I submit herewith my report as Town Counsel covering the year 1950.
A. On January 1, 1950, there were pending the following actions by or against the Town (exclusive of actions in which the Town was merely summoned as trustee, and in which it had no interest, and of tax lien foreclosure proceedings in the Land Court) :
City of Lowell vs. Town of Wilmington, District Court of Lowell. (Action of contract by City of Lowell to recover the sum of $275.96 for special vocational training of certain pupils.)
City of Lowell vs. Town of Wilmington, District Court of Lowell. (Action of contract by City of Lowell to recover $657.77 plus interest for aid furnished in a public welfare case.)
City of Lowell vs. Town of Wilmington, District Court of Lowell. (Action of contract by City of Lowell to recover $721.90 for aid fur- nished in a public welfare case.)
Town of Wilmington vs. a Certain Defendant, Fourth District Court of Eastern Middlesex. (Action of contract under G. L. Chap. 117, Sec. 5).
Jacob Levine & Sons vs. Town of Wilmington, Fourth District, Court of Eastern Middlesex. (Action of contract to recover burial ex- pense.)
Chester T. Horton, Inspector of Buildings vs. Ann Briguglio and Ann's Duck Farm, Inc. Middlesex Superior Court. (Bill in equity to restrain violations of building and zoning by-laws.)
Town of Wilmington vs. Edward N. Gadsby et als, Commissioners of Department of Public Utilities and Boston and Maine Railroad Company, Supreme Judicial Court, Suffolk County. (Petition to review certain rulings and orders of the Department of Public Utilities in connection with protection at the Middlesex Avenue Grade Crossing of the Boston and Maine Railroad.
60
Town of Wilmington vs. Arthur S. Flint, Middlesex Superior Court. (Bill in equity to restrain defendant from further prosecuting an action against the Town to recover for flooding of his land.)
Arthur S. Flint vs. Town of Wilmington. Middlesex Superior Court. (Action at law to recover for flooding of plaintiff's land.)
Leo E. VanSteensburg, Inspector of Bldgs. Town of Wilmington vs. Robert J. Moran et al. Middlesex Superior Court. (Bill in equity to restrain violations of the building and zoning by-laws.)
Blanche E. McQuaid vs. Ernest Rice, Sr. Building Inspector and Joseph L. Cunningham et al, Members of the Board of Appeal of the Town of Wilmington. Middlesex Superior Court. (Bill in equity to review action of Board of Appeal denying permit for lunchroom on Grove Avenue.)
B (1). During the year 1950 the following new actions were brought by or on behalf of the Town:
Ernest B. Rice, Inspector of Bldgs. of the Town of Wilmington vs. Meyer I. Eilberg, Middlesex Superior Court. (Bill in equity to en- join certain erections and alterations of the building at the corner of Main and Church Streets without a building permit.)
Town of Wilmington vs. Refrigerator Truck Body Inc. and Harold T. Stanton, Middlesex Superior Court. (ction of tort to recover damages to police car resulting from collision with truck.)
(2) During the year 1950 the following new actions were brought against the Town or ils officers or agents:
City of Boston vs. Town of Wilmington, Suffolk Superior Court. (Action of contract to recover for aid rendered various persons whose legal settlement is supposed to be in Wilmington. )
George E. Reynolds vs. Town of Wilmington, Fourth District Court of Eastern Middlesex. (Action of contract by a member of the Board of Assessors to recover compensation for services )
Francis E. Kelley, Atty. General vs. Maurice D. O'Neill et als' as Members of the Board of Public Welfare, Suffolk Superior Court. (Petition for writ of mandamus to compel the Board of Public Wel fare to furnish aid to dependent children of a certain applicant.)
Samuel Freedman vs. Town of Wilmington, Suffolk Superior Court. (Action of tort for personal injuries claimed to have resulted from a defect in the highway.)
61
Saviour Cardinal vs. Town of Wilmington, Fourth District Court of Eastern Middlesex. (Action of tort to recover damages to auto- mobile from alleged defect in highway.
C. During the year 1950 no actions by or against the Town were finally disposed of.
D. Compensation was received by the Town Counsel in said matters and in all other matters during the year as follows: Compensation : $ 600.00 Disbursements: 20.10
(The above amounts were entirely on account of services rend- ered and disbursements paid in the calendar year 1949.)
Respectfully submitted
PHILIP B. BUZZELL,
Town Counsel.
62
REPORT OF WILMINGTON POLICE DEPARTMENT
Kenneth M. Lyons, Chairman
Wilmington Board of Selectmen
Wilmington, Massachusetts
Dear Sir: I hereby submit my report for the Wilmington Police Depart- ment for the year 1950.
ARREST
Number of Arrest 140
Males 131
Females 9
CAUSES OF ARREST
Adultery
1
Assault
1
Assault & Battery
12
A. W. O. L. (Military)
Breach of Peace
2
Breaking & Entering & Larceny
7
Concealed Weapon
1
Conspiracy to Rob
4
Disturbing the Peace
3 54
Failing to Provide Heat to Tenant
1
Failing to Pay Wages
1
Fugitive from Justice
1
Game Law
3
Illegitimacy
1 5 1
Lewd in Behavior
Malicious Damage to Property
1 3
Neglect of Children
1
Sale of Leased Property
1
Violation of Probation
1
109
Drunkenness
Larceny
Non-Support
63
MOTOR VEHICLE VIOLATIONS
Failing to Slow
1
Law of Road
1
Manslaughter
1
Operating to Endanger
Operating After Suspension
2
Operating Under the Influence
12
Operating Without Authority
3
Operating Without License
2
Red Light Violation
2
Speeding
1
Stickers
3
-
31
The violations above listed are those who were summoned into court. The department traffic records show the following activities:
Licenses revoked by the Registry 94
By other departments
55
By this department 39
Registrations revoked by the Registry 34
By cancellation 30
For operation 4
Registry conducted safety drives and check-ups 3
Department activities
Verbal warnings
209
Parking tags issued
110
Warning letters
26
During the year we also have conducted traffic control checks at various spots throughout the Town in an effort to reduce speeding and accidents resulting therefrom.
DISPOSITION OF CASES
Cases dismissed
3
Cases continued 1
Disposition pending
1
Filed by court
21
Fined
20
Not Guilty 10
64
3
House of Correction
9
I'mheating
15
Released
36
Concord Reformatory
1
Suspended sentence 13
10
-
140
Total amount of finas imposed $150.00
DEPARTMENT RECORDS
Ambulanor csrx 111
Emergency cruiser cases
Auto accidents reported 107
29
Males &Died
Females killed
0
Autis transferred (private salek
Autos reported etolen
Autos recorered
15
Bicycles toJen
1K
Bleycles neutered
Halldings Found apen
Complaints received
Complaints investigated
525
Death messages delivered
11 44
Dogs Injured by kubis
Does killed by action
[bp lispwerd sl as a ruk w zutw injuries
Une bites xrpurted
Emergency calls to bomes iaccident to bomel
16
Fatal Dre
Pires responded Lo
Finir all cases
Hvases entered ( vacant pimja)
25
larsligations hy other departments
Turned over to other degarth ents
6
Accidental shootings
3
Attempted suizides
3
Vandalism esses reported E
65
36 11
Received from other departments
Suicides
15 15 525
Turned over to other departments
Livestock killed by dogs
Poultry 220
Pigs
1
Goats
1
Sheep
1
Messages delivered (emergency and police) 110
Persons reported missing
31
Persons found or located 32
Property reported lost (est. value) $392.00
Property found 200.00
Property reported stolen 4,255.00
Property recovered 900.00
Plates reported lost 16
Plates turned in to department 43
Sick signs posted 2
Sudden deaths reported 16
Summons and warrants delivered 126
Summons returned undelivered 8
Sunday work permits issued 113
It is gratifying to report that there was a substantial decrease in the number of vandalism cases reported during the year. This re- duction may be a reflection of the department's efforts to obtain the co-operation of the teachers, parents, and the school children in com- batting this malicious practice. However, the damage to public build- ings, street lights and railroad crossing signals still continues. It is hoped that, with a little more effort from all concerned, we can elimi- nate this practice entirely.
Our ambulance record shows that we handled 112 cases during 1950. In addition, the cruiser was used to make 35 emergency trips. May we again remind the residents of Wilmington that we maintain a 24-hour ambulance service which is free of charge to all those resid- ing here. The only requirement is that a Doctor must be consulted to that he may authorize the transportation of the patient. This prac- tice assures that arrangements have been made to admit the patient to a hospital. Naturally, this formality is not necessary in the event of an accident or emergency.
66
Our police department phone number is Wilmington 331. In the event that you receive a busy signal on this line, dial 353 which is a pay phone located in the police station. In cases of emergency when you can not contact the police station, call the Chief's number, Wil- mington 2-7162.
The department wishes to extend its sincere thanks to the Reading police for their splendid co-operation in receiving and transmitting radio messages, and for other valuable assistance.
We also would like to thank the Special police officers, the Police Associates, and the Boy Scouts for the services they have performed during the year.
In conclusion. I wish to offer my personal thanks to the Board of Selectmen. Town officials, other departments, and the residents of Wilmington for the fine co-operation they have shown the Police de- partment.
Respectfully submitted
PAUL J. LYNCH, Chief of Police
67
REPORT OF PLANNING BOARD & PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
In 1950 the Park Commission budget request was for the sum of $2,362.00. The Finance Committee recommended the reduced sum of $1900.00. The Park Commission accepted the reduction and com- pleted the year's work without requesting additional funds. This was possible only through the practice of the utmost economy and through the circumstance that the summer was unseasonably dry so that the mowing of fields was not done so often as in a more normal season. We were also able to do some new work and introduce some new re- creational features by means of contributions from organizations and individuals.
It will be of interest for you to know that the Superintendent submitted a budget of $5000.00 to the Commission for the year 1951. He did this to show what the Town really should be spending to main- tain its recreational facilities in proper condition and to provide for a reasonable extension of these facilities from year to year. The Com- mission has cut this budget to somewhat less than $3000.00 and is submitting the latter figure to the Finance Committee for study. We know that this sum is needed to provide minimum maintainance in the face of rising costs. We feel that in the coming difficult years it would be a mistake to curtail provision for recreation for youth. The physical and psychological strains that we all must continue to bear should not be transferred any more than necessary to the shoulders of children. If reductions are made in this budget it must be done by those concerned with the full realization that an actual limitation is being placed on the recreational outlets for our young people.
The Planning Board budget request for 1950 was in the sum of $1000.00. The Finance Committee suggested the reduced sum of $500.00. The Board accepted the lower figure by agreement and planned its work accordingly. We have been able to achieve some important pro- gressive steps at a lower cost than we had anticipated and have re- turned a balance of a little over $100.00.
The Planning Board budget request is for the sum of $300.00. We believe that this will be sufficient for the work to be done this year.
There were receipts for the Park Commission in 1950 amounting to $32.50. We estimate receipts for 1951 in the amount of $50.00
68
The receipts of the Planning Board in 1950 were $12.00. The es- timated receipts for 1951 are $24.00.
Details of these figures can be found, of course, in the report of the Town Accountant. We point them out here to demonstrate our efforts to render economical administration to the Town and to em- phasize our consciousness of the need for the most stringent economy during the present year.
PARK ACTIVITIES
Regular maintainance of Rogers, Reagan, and Nee Parks has been provided. Through your cooperation the Highway Department installed curbing on the Glen Road edges of Rogers' Park, an improvement that should have been accomplished long ago. May we call your attention to the serious traffic hazard that exists on Glen Road near this Park. The street should be widened on both sides of the Park by takings from the Hayward and MacDougall properties so that a light polé and at least one tree could be removed. Sooner or later damage to property or loss of life will occur at this spot with the possibilities of tort action against the Town.
Some renewal of planting should be done at Reagan and Nee Parks and shade trees should be planted at the Town Beach, but we have eliminated these items again in the interests of economy. Perhaps some organization interested in the improvement of the Town would like to contribute materiais, labor, or money to this worthwhile matter.
Maintainance of the Honor Roll to Veterans of World War II has been provided. This memorial can be kept in a decent state of appearance until the Town decides what to do about a really suitable memorial for the veterans of all wars, past, present, and future. May we suggest that in renovating and improving the Town Hall some money be spent to secure the advice of a landscape architect and to provide attractive even if inexpensive planting around the building and the Honor Roll. Further may we suggest that such a plan include arrangements to improve the present disorderly and indiscriminate parking facilities at this location. There would seem to be no objection to widening Middlesex Avenue from Rogers Park to the Moth Depart- ment building and establishing marked parking lanes along that side of the street. This can be done without damaging the appearance of the Congregational Church grounds and would prevent the present practice of indifferent and careless persons in using the Church drive- way as a kind of rotary traffic circle. This improvement could be
69
carried out at a low cost, but only if the work is carefully planned on paper by a professional designer and then only if the plan is fol- lowed while the work is being done.
Maintenance of the Town Common has been provided, but the Commission has cut its budget request for maintainance for this pro- perty from the customary $100.00 to $50.00 for 1951. Last summer the ball teams for young boys were not so active as in the preceding two or three years; this helped to rduce our costs along with the dry- ness of the season. It will be almost futile to try to maintain a grass surface on this site from now on; almost 1000 school pupils have no other playground in the vicinity of the surrounding schools. Even if new playgrounds are constructed at least a year must pass before the turf on them will bear use; we therefore advise the Town to expect that the Common will take on a new kind of unsightliness during the coming year.
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