USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1951 > Part 3
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Complaints
The Board has received 27 written complaints, some of which involved conditions of a nature presenting great difficulties as far as their solution is concerned. However, as of the first of the year, 23 of the complaints are considered closed, and 4 are still pending. It would appear that Wilmington is in a period of changing over from a rural community to a residential one in which certain existing agricultural and industrial pursuits ard
likely to give rise to conditions that some may consider nuisances. The Board wishes to treat the differing points of view sure to arise from this situation as impartially as possible, and ask the cooperation of all in reaching decisions in the best interest of the entire town.
Dumping
The Board wishes to call the attention of the citizens to the unsightly conditions that exist along our highways due to the roadside dumping of rubbish, garbage, refuse, bottles, cans, etc. In addition, it has been called to the Board's attention that there is dumping by one person on another person's land without per- mission. Both of these practices are prohibited by law. The co- operation of everyone is asked in making Wilmington a clean and attractive town.
Inspections
Many inspections have been made and more will be re- quired in the future to maintain an efficient and expanding public health service. Inspections have not only been made in handling complaints, but also before granting licenses to nurseries, kinder- gartens, boarding houses, food establishments, and upon request to give advice on health and sanitary matters. While this list is a partial one, it will give some evidence of the Board's activity along inspectional lines.
Dangerous or Communicable Diseases
During the period of the Board's existence, 60 cases of such diseases have been reported to the Board but this number is far short, no doubt, of the total number that occurred. During this period, fortunately, there were no serious epidemics brought to the attention of the Board. The Board respectively requests the cooperation of both physicians and householders, as required by law, in reporting promptly all known cases of dangerous diseases as listed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Hospitalization
As provided by law, the Board has approved hospital bills for persons of Wilmington settlement, as follows :
The number of tuberculosis patients has varied from 4 at the beginning of the period to 2 at the end. There were
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two premature births, and a case of communicable disease during 1951, placing financial obligation on the Town.
Waste Disposal
In all too many instances, the waste disposal of houses in Wilmington is unsatisfactory as evidenced by overflowing cess- pools, bubbling sub-surface works and the backing up of sewage into the sanitary fixtures in the house. There are certain factors in this problem which may well be mentioned.
1. In the absence of a public sewerage system, each dwelling requires its own waste disposal plant.
2. The low altitude of Wilmington and the presence of large areas of wet, soggy and swampy land complicate the securing of adequate drainage.
3. Many dwellings have been erected on lots on which the ground water level is too near the surface to make ad- equate drainage possible.
4. Under such circumstances the problem is further com- plicated by the extra amount of water piped through the house, in addition to rainwater which the surrounding ground has to take care of. In such circumstances, the drainage capacity of the ground is exceeded with the re- sults indicated above.
The solution of this problem would seem to lie in avoiding the use of lots for which the ground water level is too near the surface, or the soil is too impervious, or both. Furthermore, a well planned system of waste disposal should be worked out in advance of construction, for each dwelling unit in relation to soil conditions, ground water level and volume of liquid wastes to be handled. After much thought, the Board under authority granted it by State law has adopted rules and regulations, which, it is hoped will focus the attention on the waste disposal prob- lem and contribute to a solution of the problem to the greater satisfaction of the ultimate owner. The cooperation of buyers of lots, prospective house owners and builders, should reduce unnecessary annoyance, repair bills and the development of nuisances.
Food and Milk
During the summer an inspection was made of our milk and food establishments by Mr. Ernest C. Cloon, State Food Inspector, Division of Food and Drugs, Massachusetts Department of Pub
lic Health. A reinspection was made in the Fall. These inspections brought out certain flaws, many of which have been corrected or improved. In the absence of sufficient inspectional staff, the service thus supplied was of great assistance.
Nursing Service
The activities of the Public Health Nurse, Miss Butters, will be found listed and described in her annual report.
Needs
The Board of Health, in planning to supply adequate public health service for our rapidly growing town, needs the following, among others :
1. More office and clinic space.
2. Additional inspectors and clerical help.
3. Completion of Public Health rules and regulations which the Board is working on.
4. An increase in budget.
In conclusion, the Board wishes to express its appreciation of the cooperation received from Miss Ann E. Butters, R.N. and Dr. Gerald Fagan, our employees, the Town Manager, and from our fellow citizens. Be assured that the Board of Health is striv- ing for a clean, attractive, healthy town to which we all can point to with pride.
TUBERCULOSIS REPORT FOR 1951
Cases on register January 1, 1951 25
Number moved in from other places
1
New cases reported during year 1 Total 27
Deaths reported during year
1
Number placed on inactive list
7
Number who moved away 2
Total 10
Number remaining on register December 31, 1951
17
Number of these cases in sanitorium December 31, 1951 2
Number of people transported to North Reading State San. and Middlesex County San. for x-rays 104
INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
There was no slaughtering inspected during the year 1951. Respectfully submitted,
Herbert Thrush
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PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE
Nursing Service
The purpose of this service is to render skilled nursing care to individuals in the community upon request by a physician, and is available to every individual living within the Town of Wilmington.
Nursing visits for 1951 373
Fees collected for these visits $323.00
Immunization Clinics
This year a new immunization program was introduced in the town; sponsored by the Board of Health, and held with the cooperation of the Superintendent of Schools and with the assist- ance of the School nurse. In the Spring, the clinic was held for all preschool children. For the first time it offered protection against diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus. Four clinics were held and 90 children were immunized. In the Fall a Booster clinic was held. This clinic was available to all children in Grades I & II and booster doses were given to 110 children. A similar program is being planned for the coming year; its purpose being to give this protection before children enter school and it is hoped that all parents will take advantage of such protection for their children either through their own private physician or at the clinic held in the Spring.
Health Services
During the year, 187 health visits were made. This service is offered to mothers with new babies, families and individuals who have health problems or related social problems. It aims to prevent illness and to promote health through such public health practises as are the accepted part of a nurse's visit. This service also includes helping, and acquainting families and individuals with community resources and facilities whereby they may for- mulate plans for the protection and promotion of their own health and well being.
Miscellaneous inspections 12
To all who have helped in this program, sincere thanks and appreciation.
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
Number of dog bites reported 44 Number of dogs showing physical signs of rabies 0
Number of animals submitted to laboratory examination 1
All biting animals were quarantined for the period of time prescribed by law. Number of animals quarantined 44
Number of animals released from quarantine 44
Number of dogs released from Interstate Shipment ...
0
Laboratory Report
Positive
0
Negative
1
Inspection of Domestic Animals and Premises Where Animals Are Kept
Number of premises keeping domestic animals inspected ...
42
Number of cattle inspected
185
Number of horses inspected 35
Number of hogs inspected
3167
Number of goats inspected
55
Number of sheep inspected 14
Number of cattle released from Interstate Shipment 0 ... Number of cattle reacting to the Tuberculin Test 0
All special work assigned to me by the Department of Livestock Disease Control was promptly attended to.
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ACTIVITIES OF THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE
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Middlesex County maintains an Extension Service in Agri- culture and Home Economics for the benefit of all towns within the County. This service is available to all citizens, especially farmers, home gardeners, homemakers, rural youth and 4-H Club boys and girls.
The work is developed by an unpaid Board of Trustees who maintain a staff of agents at the headquarters at 19 Everett Street, Concord. The trustees appoint a director in each town to represent them in all phases of Extension Work or in a few cases towns elect a director and make an appropriation to help defray local expenses.
In addition to farm and home visits made upon request, local meetings are held or sectional or county-wide meetings or tours are helps available to everyone. A monthly bulletin is published, timely letters mailed on spraying, fertilizing, seeding, poultry problems, information to homemakers, boys' and girls' 4-H work or general community problems.
Some of the activities that took place last year in Wilmington are as follows :
Educational work with the dairymen was concentrated On programs to assist the farmers in solving their problems of rais-
ing better roughage, diseases control and milk marketing. Farm and home visits were made to farmers and home gardeners who desired help with their production problems. Increased efficiency, flock health, greater breeding progress, and better marketing practices were the principal goals of the Extension Poultry Pro- gram. Efficient management practices and equipment were among the topics discussed at meetings of the Eastern Middlesex County Poultry Association, held at the Northern Residents' Association Hall on the first Tuesday of the month. Anthony A. Marmiani, and Theodore E. Thomas were enrolled in the Middlesex Flock Health Program, through which the Extension Service is attempt- ing to help poultrymen and turkey growers to keep their flocks healthy. Rabbit breeders were given assistance through the Middle- sex Commercial Rabbit Association, which meets monthly at the Extension Service "Schoolhouse" in Concord.
Mrs. A. G. Hutchins and Mrs. Arthur Domenicis were active Wilmington representatives at the Women's Advisory Council. Among the extension classes were food preservation, sandwich making demonstration and "New Ideas in Food Preparation". Wilmington women attended the sewing machine clinics as well as a clothing class in coat making. The "Effective Windows" project was also very popular in Wilmington. Miss Barbara Higgins, state specialist, presented a meeting "Getting the Most for your Mon- ey". The Christmas gift kit was shown in several group meetings. Four women attended Camp Middlesex in Ashby.
Eighty-eight boys and girls were enrolled in 4-H Club work, carrying on activities in clothing, food, craft, home furnishing, garden, poultry, livestock and electricity. The clubs were under the leadership of Miss Barbara Nims, who was also Chairman of the Town Committee, Mrs. Arthur Williams, Mrs. Margery White, Mrs. Anthony Marmiani, Mrs. Elmer H. Waller, Mrs. Maurice O'Neil, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lafionatis, Mrs. Rose Eames, Miss Janiss White, Miss Priscilla Palmer, David Manson, and Robert Jensen.
A large exhibit and achievement program was carried out in May in the Betterment Hall. Worthy of special mention was Mrs. Arthur Williams' home furnishing group, whose members made beautiful hooked rugs. Ralph Clifford took part in a State 1-H Demonstration Contest at the University of Massachusetts, receiving an excellent award on his demonstration on "Safety with Electricity."
JOHN P. EVANS Town. Director
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BUILDING INSPECTOR
237 permits issued as follows :
Estimated Value $1,102,812.0
150 New Dwellings
"
58,030.00
34 Additions
19,200.00
11 Alterations
"
16,633.01
28 Garages
=
17,250.00
5 Storage Sheds
=
11,800.00
4 Hen Houses
",
1,300.00
1 Greenhouse
31,000.01
2 Gas Stations
"
400,000.00
1 Factory Building
$1,658,025.00
Total Estimated Value of
Fees of $902.00 were collected and turned over to the Town Treasurer.
JUST LIKE Magic!
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VETERANS AGENT
Under Chapter 115 of the General Laws as amended, each city and town is required to establish and maintain a department known as the Department of Veterans Services. The functions of this department may be broken down into two main types of assistance; Veterans Benefits and Veterans Services.
Veterans Benefits
This department is responsible for financial aid to those qual- ified veterans who may be in need because of sickness or unem- ployment. Only those veterans who have served to the credit of the Town of Wilmington or who since their service have acquired a legal settlement herein are eligible under this state supervised program. The aid costs of this program are shared equally by the state and town while the administration costs must be borne by the town.
During the past year, 103 cases of financial aid were handled by this department under Veterans Benefits. These cases include Ordinary Benefits (food, clothing and shelter), Fuel, Medical and Dental bills and hospital bills. Total expenditure amounted to $6,791.75.
Veterans Services
Veterans Services is the non-financial part of the program established to be of help to the veterans in matters of compensa- tion and pension claims, medical aid from the state Soldiers Home in Chelsea and the Veterans Administration hospitals, Insurance and Education benefits and any other type of assistance that the veteran may require.
In the year 1951, this office aided 20 cases of this type among which were 6 compensation and pension awards, 5 Veterans Ad- ministration hospital claims, 5 Soldiers Home claims and 4 mis- cellaneous including Education and housing.
The Town of Wilmington has approximately 1100 veterans of the Spanish War, World War I and World War II. In addition, those servicemen now fighting under the United Nations flag in Korea who have service after June 27, 1950 have been accorded most of the rights of wartime veterans thereby adding about 300 more veterans to the previous figure.
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Insofar as our estimate for the year 1952 is concerned, it is difficult to accurately foretell the amount needed to carry on this program since there are a number of factors involved which are beyond the control of this department. Our estimate of $9500.00 is based on expenditures of the preceding three months and is as accurate as can be devised at this time.
As in past years our goal is still to provide adequate care for the needy veteran and their families within the law while keep- ing in mind the interest of the taxpayer who provides the money for this care.
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BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
RELIEF
Welfare
50 cases, comprising 155 persons, were aided under this cate- gory in 1951.
Disability Assistance
This type of program was effective November 1, 1951 and applied to a person over 18 years of age, who was medically or mentally sick. We are now aiding 8 cases under this program.
Aid To Dependent Children
During the year 1951, 30 cases were aided under this program.
Old Age Assistance
Old Age Assistance was granted to 142 cases during the year 1951.
A detailed account of the receipts of the Department can be found in the Treasurer's report and the expenditures are listed in the report of the Town Accountant.
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PLANNING BOARD AND PARK COMMISSIONERS
PLAN
AN
Maintenance of town parks, the baseball field at Memorial Park, and the Town Beach at Silver Lake were continued as in past years. The burden of supervising this work was lifted from the shoulders of the Park Commissioners by the functioning of the Town Manager system. For the first time a situation existed which the Commissioners have suggested in past years; namely, the use of employees from other departments for maintenance and operation of park and recreational facilities.
Employees of the Highway, Water, Police and Cemetery De- partments carried out all necessary work. The equipment of these departments was also used. The only full-time employee hired for the season was the lifeguard, Mr. Edwin Forrest, who served us faithfully and well for the second summer.
As before, the Lowell Chapter of the Red Cross contributed $175.00 toward the lifeguard's salary ; this contribution has been received annually for four years as well as gifts of equipment such as first aid supplies and life preservers.
The principal direct responsibility for maintenance of park facilities fell upon Mr. Ernest Eames because of his experience in the care of cemetery grounds. The standard of work was sat- isfactory, but an improved level of maintenance will be established at the town beach this coming year.
Attention is again called to the need of providing for toilet and shower facilities at the town beach. The State Department of Public Health has strongly urged action; the town cannot fore- stall it for long. As soon as the portable school building can be made available the necessary steps must be taken.
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No maintenance from Park funds was provided for the Town Common. While this remains under the jurisdiction of the Park Department, it is used now largely as a school playground.
The Park Commissioners again wish to point out that the town is making practically no provision for recreational and ath- letic areas for the schools in the center. Grounds in the rear of the new High School which were put into turf reverted to field growth due to insufficient funds to adequately care for both inside and outside maintenance.
New areas, including the land purchased from Mr. McMahon for use in conjunction with the elementary schools should be developed. Until these playground areas are properly developed Wilmington children cannot have proper physical education pro- grams. The Town Common which should be an attractive feature, can not remain green due to the heavy use by over 1000 school children.
In connection with playgrounds may we say at this point that while we appreciate the civic interest of the Rotary Club in purchasing the Hiller Bog, we definitely feel that this activity should not distract from the immediate development of the ath- letic fields already planned and laid out on the former Roman property.
The work of the Planning Board continued. Hearings were held on the following sub-division plans and approval given with appropriate restrictions in each case: A. P. Rounds, Hathaway Acres Extension ; John D. Cooke, Lawrence Acres; John D. Cooke and Edward C. Manning, Narrow Gauge Park Extension ; Strout and Wing, roads off Lowell Street.
The first printing of the Town map was exhausted by fall and a second edition with the addition of new sub-divisions was prepared and made available for sale at ten cents per copy. It may be of interest to note that this small charge has yielded suf- ficient returns to pay costs of printing and something over.
The Board also held hearings and reported favorably to the Special Town Meetings at which the following zoning law changes were voted : -
1. Change of area to be occupied by the Greer Co. from light to heavy industry.
2. Change from residential to industrial for the area between Main and Lowell Streets and bounded principally by property of Pike, Yentile and Barrows.
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3 Change of two small areas of Park land, one adjoining Greer Co. property and one bounded by the B&M Rail- road, Main Street and property of Calendrello from Park use to industrial use.
The Board has discussed many problems of zoning and plan- ning with the Town Manager and has found his attitude to be constructive and progressive. It is hoped that some definite steps may be taken this year toward the development of a proper bus- iness center. The Board has made no new recommendations on this matter but rests on its proposals made last year.
In closing, the Planning Board wishes to express its apprecia- tion of the cooperation received from the Board of Selectmen and the Town Manager.
CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
During the year 1951 the Park Department was combines with the Cemetery Department, under Mr. Ernest W. Eames al superintendent. Under these conditions we were unable to d any work on the Old Cemetery. However, we still have this projec in mind.
The commissioner wishes to thank the Aids to Victory fo the new flag presented to us on Memorial Day, and the Welfar Department for the help furnished us last spring.
Mr. Joseph B. McMahon was appointed to the Cemetery Commissioners to fill the vacancy caused by the death of hi brother, Mr. Louis T. McMahon.
The department is making more land suitable for new lot for future use.
Burial in Wildwood Cemetery 1951
Wilmington Residents died in Wilmington =
Elsewhere
Non Residents
Transfers
..
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WILMINGTON HOUSING AUTHORITY
The Financial Assistance Contract for ten single dwelling units on Wildwood Street site at an estimated cost of $137,000.00, filed December 18, 1950, was returned early in January with the approval of the State Housing Board.
From the beginning the entire membership of the Wilming- ton Housing Authority has been unanimous in their decision as to the need of twenty single dwelling units. With this as their goal, new sites were submitted to the State Housing Board, along with a suggestion that the Wildwood Street site be so developed as to include twenty units.
At a meeting early in the year with the State Housing Board your Authority was instructed to obtain more applications for ren- tals from qualified veterans; however, only thirty-three applied, and after reviewing the applications the State Housing Board notified the Authority that no more than ten units would appear to be justified for construction under the Chapter 200 program at this time.
The State Housing Board was willing, however, to add three more units to the ten already approved, provided the mini- mum planning requirements were maintained within the area already approved in Part II application.
The architect was informed to proceed with the plan for, 13 single dwelling units on Wildwood Street site.
The Financial Assistance Contract dated December 18, 1950, was amended as of June 22, 1951, calling for 13 single dwelling units on Wildwood site in the aggregate principal amount of $176,000.00.
Negotiations were then carried on with the Henry W. Sar- gent heirs relative to the purchase of all land owned by them fronting on Wildwood Street for a depth of 100 feet, including a small tract of land on Lots 1, 2, 3. Satisfactory title to such land could not be obtained and it was taken by eminent domain. From the land taken a frontage of 50 feet with depth of 100 feet and the small tract were reconveyed.
Bids were prepared by the State Housing Board for the sale of temporary notes, Wilmington Housing Project 200-1, principal amount $176,000.00.
Four bids were received. The National Shawmut Bank of Boston was low bidder, and in the latter part of June the sale and
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delivery of notes in the amount of $176,000.00 was authorized.
Mr. William A. Anderson was elected to membership to the Authority on August 14, 1951, vice Mr. Herbert Higginbotham, resigned.
Upon approval of the plans and specifications by the State Board, invitations to bid were advertised for construction of thir- teen single dwelling units.
Considerable interest was shown in the project among the builders as fourteen "General Contractors" and thirteen sub- contractors submitted bids.
Edward Goverman of Boston, the lowest bidder, was awarded the contract.
Mr. Basil Weatherbee was appointed Clerk of the Works, as the representative of the Authority on the job while project is under construction.
The construction of the units has progressed at a satisfactory rate and at the close of the year was 40% completed.
The Authority wishes to take this opportunity to thank all persons who have assisted them in any manner to get this project under construction.
Regular meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month at the Town Hall, at 8 P.M.
Following is the financial statement showing the cost of con- struction and Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1951.
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