USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1949-1950 > Part 6
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I have given much time, study and honest effort in preparing the 1950 Budget. I fully appreciate the tax burden facing our people as it also affects my pocket book. All the departments have asked for more money because in their opinion and judgment they need it if their program is to be carried out in full. However, speaking for my own department, I know in all fairness to the Finance Com- mittee that after they have given my Budget very careful study they will recommend cuts, not that it isn't needed but to help keep the tax rate within reach of the working man. I feel at this time as in the past that they will treat by department fairly and not cut any more than is absolutely necessary for which in return I promise with the guidance of the Selectmen to spend the money wisely and conscien- tiously where it will render the most good to the people.
We plan to complete Middlesex Avenue under Chap. 90 construc- tion from Mystic Avenue to the junction of Salem Street and at the same time remove the dangerous curve at Salem Street to a large degree. The State and County have already notified us of their allotments, namely $4000.00 from the County and $8000.00 from the State. Our share is $4,000.00.
In conclusion I wish to take this opportunity to thank all the other departments for their cooperation and what ever help they have rendered and especially the Board of Selectmen for their unselfish guidance, sound advice and very pleasant relationship in and out of Town business. It's been a great pleasure working with them.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES H. WHITE,
Superintendent of Streets.
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TREASURER'S REPORT SARAH D. J. CARTER LECTURE COMMITTEE
To the Board of Selectmen of Wilmington, Mass .:
Following is the Financial Report of the Sarah D. J. Carter Lecture Fund for the year 1949.
RECEIPTS
January 1, 1949-Balance on hand
4.21
Received from Town Treasurer
140.00
Interest to December 3, 1949
.08
$ 144.29
EXPENDITURES
May 5, 1949-Rent of Cong'l Church $ 15.00
May 5, 1949-Edmund Bucher (Singers)
125.00
Balance
$ 4.29
Respectfully submitted,
GUY E. NICHOLS,
Treasurer.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF APPEAL
January 16, 1950
Mr. Charles H. Black, Chairman Board of Selectmen,
Town Hall, Wilmington, Massachusetts.
Dear Mr. Black:
The Board of Appeal held eight hearings during 1949.
There is one case pending in court.
Yours truly,
JOHN F. HARTNETT, Secretary Wilmington Board of Appeal
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$ 140.00
REPORT OF PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE
To the Board of Selectman Mr. Charles H. Black, Chairman Wilmington, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Board of Health Nurse for the Town of Wilmington from May 9, 1949 to December 31, 1949.
In previous years Public Health Nursing in the town of Wilmington was mostly confined to the nursing care of the sick in their homes. Today it is the additional responsibility of the public health nurse to assist in analyzing health problems and related social problems of families and individuals to help them, with the aid of other com- munity resources, to formulate an acceptable plan for the promotion and protection of their own health.
In an endeavor to acquaint the townspeople with this service I am in the process of visiting mothers of children between the ages of 1 and 5. Knowing that diphtheria is one of the most fatal diseases of early childhood this visitation also presents an opportunity to acquaint the parents with the necessity of having their children im- miunized as soon after the age of six months as possible. It is possible for all children to acquire an immunity to this disease through inno- culations from a private physician or at the clinic held every Spring at the Roman House. Every parent has the privilege to take advantage of this protective measure and if all would cooperate with physicians and health workers we could do away with this deadly menace.
Morbidity Service
Morbidity visits during this period numbered 265.
Fees collected for these visits amounted to $250.00.
This service is available to every individual within this commu- nity, its purpose being to render skilled nursing care and to promote the services that result in a well rounded public health program.
To Dr. Fagan and all who have extended cooperation my sincere appreciation. To Mrs. Esther H. Nichols my deepest gratitude for her interest, help and cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
ANNE BUTTERS, R. N.
83
REPORT IN PART OF THE SPECIAL SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE WILMINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS
The following description of the Committee's investigation and findings together with the plans and summaries appearing in the illus- trated booklet sent through the mails represents the report of the Committee. Details such as are given here could not be included in the booklet.
This report is divided into three general sections: first, the problem as the Committee sees it; secondly the general solution suggested; and, finally, discussion of significant phases of the educational plan.
The Problem
The members of this Committee worked first as a special committee to study the needs for additional school buildings under the authority of a Special Town Meeting held on November 29, 1948 and made a report at the Annual Town Meeting in March, 1949. Its report was accepted. Voters are urged to reread the mimeogrgaphed copy of that report distributed at the Annual Town Meeting.
The chief recommendations of that report applying to the present report are as follows:
1. That a broader program of studies than now exists be provided which would include manual training, home economics, arts and crafts and an expanded physical education program.
2. That plans be prepared for a high school to house 1000 pupils in grades 7-12 and to provide space for necessary athletic fields.
3. That plans be prepared and costs be secured for erecting what- ever units of such a school are needed for immediate use.
This Committee, in consultation with its educational consultant, Dr. Jesse B. Davis; the School Committee; the Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Stephen G. Bean; and the High School Principal, Mr. George C. Kambour; established an agreement on a program of studies to meet the first recommendation stated above. This program would be gradually developed over a period of years expanding as the school buildings are completed.
Completed Building
The second recommendation is fulfilled by the plans shown on the back cover and on Pages 9, 12 and 13 of the illustrated booklet. These show a building which would provide facilities for the desired
84
program of studies for 1000 pupils. This plant would also include an auditorium, a gymnasium and a cafeteria for community as well as school use.
It is estimated that the construction of this complete plant today would cost $1,200,000. Immediately it can be seen that only a portion could be built within the Town's present financial limits.
Town Borrowing Power
The Town's debt limit, fixed by statute, is $333,129. Under a Special Act of the Legislature, passed in 1947 and good until 1952, the Town may borrow for school purposes outside the debt limit the sum of $200,000, making a total borrowing power of $533,129. Some borrowing power must be retained for a cushion against an emergency. The Committee and the Town Counsel consulted with the State Department of Corporations and Taxation and were advised that borrowing would be approved up to an amount of $487,000.
State Aid
This amount, then, represents the maximum the Town can borrow for the construction of a school at the present time. The State under
School Program
Chapter 645 of the General Laws will assist Towns in paying for school buildings up to 50% of the approved cost, not including the cost of equipment. Payments by the State, however, will be made only when the Town is paying off principal amounts on bonds. The Town must raise by borrowing the total amount needed for construction of a school.
For example:
If a Town borrowed $500,000
to build a school, and if the cost,
not including equipment. was $450,000
Each year, on 20-year bonds,
the Town would pay off $ 22,500
against the $450,000
and
Each year the State would reimburse the Town for 50 % of this amount, or $ 11,250 The State will not assist on payments of interest or on that part of the cost applying to equipment.
Regional High School Considered
Since there has been much publicity given to the planning of regional high schools serving several adjoining Towns, the Committee feels it wise to explain that the application of a regional system to
85
Wilmington's needs was studied. Wilmington has too many pupils to fit into a regional system of organization. With 355 pupils in the present high school and 249 in the junior high school, we have a total of 604 in secondary, or high school grades. Regional schools are best suited to groups of Towns that will not have for some years to come to 1000 in grades 7-12 or 9-12.
The Solution
to determine what part of the total building could now be erected.
With the foregoing facts in hand it was the task of the Committee The PRINCIPLE ADOPTED was to choose a unit which would meet present needs, be within the Town's financial capacity, and yet fit into the final plan and program of studies.
Build For Grades 9-12
The first step in finding a solution was to build now for grades 9-12 rather than for 7-12. This would reduce the number of pupils to be housed at present from a total of 604 to 355.
The Committee has been conscious of the danger that this building might soon become crowded. Therefore a careful analysis of projected enrollments has been made with the following results:
The figures given below are for actual enrollments in each grade as of October 1, 1948 and do not allow for students who drop out before entering high school. Students, of course, do drop out and the actual numbers in the high school classes would be less than shown. These tabulations are offered to show the possible height of enrollment if all pupils now in the lower grades moved on without loss of numbers into the high school.
1948-49
1949-50
1950-51
Gr. 9
130
Gr. 8 108
Gr. 7 125
Gr. 10
83
9
130
8 108
11
64
10
83
9 130
12
58
11
64
10 83
335
385
446
(355 actual)
1951-52
1952-53
1953-54
1954-55
Gr.
6
124
Gr. 5
138
Gr.
4
126
Gr. 3 122
7
125
6 124
5
138
4
126
8
108
7 125
6
124
5 138
9
130
8
108
7
125
6 124
-
487
495
513
510
86
Grade 1
Grade 2
October 1, 1948
157
144
October 1, 1949
186
(more than the total in High School in the 1920's)
It would appear safe to assume that the high school enrollment will not exceed 450 within the six-year period beginning with the school year 1950-1951. This estimate can be thrown off by the addition of pupils coming from families moving into the Town. In general, how- ever, new families are more likely to have children in the primary grades rather than at the high school level. In any case, circumstances require us to assume that the future growth of the Town will not increase beyond these estimates.
Some proof of the foregoing assertion is afforded by the fact that the September, 1949 enrollment in grades 9-12 is actually 355 whereas 385 pupils were anticipated. Additional proof, as well as a demonstration of the growth of the Town, is given in the following figures:
First Grade
Births
Enrollments First Grade
Births
Enrollments
1941
102
1946
124
1942
104
1947
144
1943
116
1948
157
1944
1949
186
1945
87
1950
1946
102
1951
1947
147
1952
In this connection it should be kept in mind that new homes add new valuation and refresh the Town's borrowing power. By careful management the finances can be available when additional rooms are needed. It seems reasonable to expect that more homeowners will be attracted to Wilmington by improved school facilities.
Plans and estimates were made for a unit to house between 450 and 500 pupils in accordance with the foregoing findings. The lowest cost that could be obtained with this plan was close to $600,000 for the needed classrooms, offices and cafeteria, but without a gymnasium.
The Committee was compelled reluctantly to drop from the im- mediate plan provisions for a full-scale gymnasium. The most econo- mical design for this structure would require an expenditure estimated to be $188,000. It can readily be seen that this additional amount would raise the cost of the first unit to better than $750,000.
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Field House as Substitute for Gymnasium
As a substitute for a gymnasium a field house has been provided near the athletic field. This building would contain lockers, showers, and toilets for boys and for girls, offices for physical education teachers, and storage space. The estimated cost for a totally new structure was $25,000: Since this is to be a temporary structure it was decided to make use of the Maple Meadow portable school which would be abandoned when the new school is ready for use. Later when the permanent gymnasium is built this building can be utilized on the site as a storage place for tools and equipment, or it can be continued as an auxiliary physical education unit. The cost of this structure thus planned is estimated to be $15,000.
Use of Roman House
The next consideration was to see what savings could be effected by making use of existing buildings. It was agreed that the Roman House could be made a unit for instruction in Home Economics. The following points are to be noted in this connection:
1. The building is in good condition and would need little altera- tion for this purpose. The estimated cost is $7,000.
2. Space for the Superintendent's office is provided on the second floor.
3. Home economics may be taught effectively in a realistic setting. Many Towns have purchased homes for such programs.
4. The school nurse and the dental clinic will be provided for in the new school structure. The nurse has indicated her approval of this arrangement.
5. The location of the new building would not require moving the Roman House unless it were desired to do so at a later time.
It was also agreed by the architects and the educational consultant that the older dwelling house on the site could be altered and used for a General Shop on the first floor and for Mechanical Drawing and Arts and Crafts on the second floor. This building would be moved a short distance toward the Hosmer property and remodelled. No cellar would be needed since heating would come from the new building. The estimate for alterations to this structure is $5,000.
It would be necessary to seek special authority from the State Emergency Finance Board for borrowing to alter existing buildings. Since the amounts needed are relatively small, the Committee recom-
88
mends that action on these appropriations be deferred until after January 1, 1950, as there would still be ample time to make the neces- sary alterations before September, 1950.
By removing from the new building the areas needed for Home Economics and Arts and Crafts and by designing a cafeteria for the space that shops will later occupy, the overall cost of the project is reduced to $487,000.
Long and detailed study of the problem thus has resulted in bring- ing within the capacity of the Town to pay a plan for an educational plant that is adequate and satisfactory in the opinion of the Committee and its advisors. The solution yields a thrifty product, not a cheapened one. The School Committee has voted unanimously to accept this plan and the school officials have indicated their approval.
Athletics and Physical Education
The Committee employed a firm of landscape architects to lay out the 18 and 34 acres owned by the Town. In conjunction with the building architects and the education consultant, the landscape archi- tect has designed drives and paths, planting and the location of athletic fields. This procedure gives assurance of the most efficient relation- ship of building to grounds and the best utilization of athletic fields.
The building, when completed, is located to the side of the lot nearer Adams Street. Placing it in the center would have left the space on either side too small for any standard athletic field. The proposed location also makes the gymnasium central in relation to all playing fields.
The complete plan provides for separate football and baseball fields but for present use a combined field has been designed. Girls' field hockey is provided for on both plans.
The Committee recommends that a road be brought in from Wild- wood Street to take traffic coming in for games. The Town has a right of way to Wildwood Street now. It would not seem desirable to bring traffic in from Church Street or to have a through road dividing the school areas.
The physical education program will be limited to outdoor ac- tivities until a gymnasium can be built. This simply cannot be helped in view of the Town's financial resources. No saving on the other parts of the building can be made which would permit the construction of a gymnasium now. It may be possible to add one in the near future if careful planning of Town financing is maintained.
89
Meanwhile the field house as proposed will provide facilities for physical education that we have not had before. Good administration by school officials and imaginative planning of programs by the physical education teachers will permit a greatly expanded set of physical education activities.
The amount to be spent on grounds and athletic fields is held to a minimum in our recommendation. Altogether it comes to $32,000. The complete development of grounds would amount to $82,000.
The Committee feels that the plans for utilization of the area are adequate and will provide an attractive and efficient environment for the building.
Capacity of the Proposed First Unit
The proposed first unit of the building will provide the following seating:
10 Classrooms at 35 each 350
1 classroom at 25 25
2 laboratories used also for homeroom seating at 35 and 30 65
440
If necessary, the cafeteria could also be used as a homeroom for 35 more pupils 35
Total Seating 475
While grades 7 and 8 cannot be provided for in the first unit of the building, they would be accommodated when the second classroom unit is added. Meanwhile, they would profit from the new facilities in several ways. The program in Arts and Crafts will be available to these pupils. Some experience in Home Economics can also be provided for them.
These pupils would move from the Buzzell School to the present high school. This would be the first step in a series of shifts in the elementary grades which will help to reduce the serious overcrowding which now exists. The two portable buildings are obsolete for school use and should be abandoned.
The Committee has given long and careful attention to its task. More than $8,000 of the Town's money has been spent to secure the necessary plans, estimates, and expert advice. It is the unanimous judgment of the Committee that the proposal offered is as sound as any that could be prepared under present circumstances.
90
At this time the Committee wishes to express its gratitude to all who contributed time and services to make its work easier. In particu- lar, appreciation is due to Mr. Louis Grossman who kindly loaned the use of his projection equipment and his services as a projectionist. The School Committee and the school officials have been cooperative at every critical point. Other citizens and officials have helped in nu- merous ways.
We submit this report with the earnest hope that all voters will give it lengthy and serious consideration.
(signed )
EDWARD C. MANNING, Chairman KENNETH G. KELLEY, Secretary CHARLES H. BLACK, E. HAYWARD BLISS, ERNEST M. CRISPO, EDWARD M. NEILSON, JOHN J. NITCHIE.
91
REPORT OF THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE
Poultry projects conducted during the year included the Quality Egg Program. Through this program poultrymen are assisted in im- proving their egg handling facilities and practices. Poultrymen made use of the diagnostic service of the Poultry Disease Program in main- taining flock health during the year. The 1949 Middlesex County Poultry Trade Show held in cooperation with the turkey and poultry associations to the county gave poultrymen an opportunity to see the latest in egg graders, automatic feeders and other equipment. Egg quality and efficient management were the themes of the event.
The dairy projects carried on during 1949 consisted of distribution of information relating to mastitis control in dairy cows. The 1949 Green Pasture Program endeavored to promote more efficient dairying. Cooperation was extended to the Dairy Herd Improvement Association and to the Selective Breeding Association. The Selective Breeding Association is organized to improve our dairy animals by the use of superior bulls through artificial insemination. General farmers and gardeners used the facilities of our soil testing laboratory.
Weekly radio broadcast was given on station WBZ every Wed- nesday at 6:45 A. M. of general interest to farm families. A monthly BULLETIN is published covering all phases of extension work and mailed to nearly all farmers in the town.
Wilmington was quite active with two different large groups meet- ing for the home management classes and Christmas gift suggestions. Homemakers received our monthly service letters and participated in slipcover classes. We judged one local fair in Wilmington this fall.
There were 142 boys and girls enrolled in 4-H Club work, carrying on activities in agriculture, clothing, crafts, canning, foods, and home furnishing under the supervision of fourteen local leaders.
Constance Kambour was awarded a medal in the County Dress Revue. She was also a delegate to the Junior Leaders' Camp at the University of Massachusetts. Ralph Clifford received a medal for outstanding achievement in gardening. Club work is sponsored by a local committee, of which Miss Barbara Nims is the 4-H Chairman.
The work of the Middlesex County Extension Service is available to all farmers within the county and those who are interested in agriculture, homemaking and boys and girls in 4-H club work.
JOHN A. EVANS,
Town Director
92
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF CORPORATIONS AND TAXATION
October 31, 1949
To the Board of Selectnien
Mr. Charles H. Black, chairman
Wilmington, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my report of an audit of the books and ac- counts of the town of Wilmington for the period from April 20, 1948 to May 23, 1949, and the installation of an accounting system, made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws. This is in form of a report made to me by Mr. Herman B. Dine, Assistant Director of Accounts.
Very truly yours,
FRANCIS X. LANG, Director of Accounts
Mr. Francis X. Lang Director of Accounts Department of Corporations and Taxation
State House, Boston Sir:
In accordance with your instructions. I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Wilmington for the period from April 20. 1948. the date of the previous examination, to May 23, 1949, and, in addition, have installed a system of accounts for the town, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws, and a vote of the town, the following report being submitted thereon :
The financial transactions, as recorded on the books of the sev- eral departments receiving or disbursing money for the town or committing bills for collection, were examined and verified by con- parison with the records of the town accountant and the town treas- urer.
The books and accounts in the town accountant's office were examined and checked in detail. The recorded receipts were checked .
with the treasurer's cash book and with the records of departmental
93
payments to the treasurer, while the recorded disbursements were checked with the treasury warrants and with the record of pay- ments by the treasurer.
The appropriations, transfers, and loan authorizations as listed from the town clerk's record of town meetings were checked to the appropriation accounts in the accountant's ledger.
An analysis was made of the ledger accounts, the necessary adjusting entries resulting from the audit were made, a trial balance was taken off, and a balance sheet, which is appended to this re- port, was prepared showing the financial condition of the town on May 23, 1949.
The books and accounts of the town treasurer were examined and checked. The receipts, as recorded, were analyzed and compared with the records of payments to the treasurer by the several depart- ments and with other sources from which the town received money, while the recorded payments were compared with the selectmen's warrants and with the accountant's books.
The cash book was footed, and the cash balance on May 23, 1949 was verified by reconciliation of the bank balances with state- ments furnished by the banks of deposit.
It is again recommended that all checks drawn by the treasurer be either distributed direct to the payees or mailed to them when- ever personal delivery is impracticable, since no person other than the treasurer or his duly appointed assistant has the legal authority to make payments in behalf of the town.
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