USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1952 > Part 3
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24,813.2
2,538.53
101.2
10. 12
1952
29,276. 4
3,106. 36
104. 9
10. 06
Lubrication Oil Used:
1948
152
114. 00
. 61
. 42
1949
212
165. 36
.76
. 59
1950
182
141. 96
. 65
. 50
1951
245
190. 49
.97
. 76
1952
312
252. 39
1.01
.82
Oil Used In Heater:
1948
5614
518. 59
1949
4150
413. 29
1950
3599
310. 41
1951
3854
392. 00
1952
3725
400. 13
35
From the above figures it can be noted that while the amount of water pumped in 1952 was 25% more than that pumped in 1948, the cost of fuel oil per million gallons pumped increased only 9% in the same period. It is apparent that the department has been pump- ing water into the standpipe against less pressure because of less stored water in recent years. This is another indication that Wil- mington's water supply is not adequate to take care of our increas- ing needs. Extending water mains will not help this situation. The town must spend money for a new well area and storage facilities.
These figures also show a 95% increase in lubrication costs per million gallons, not only because of increased prices but also nearly all pumping is now through our new Cooper-Bessemer pump which is a higher speed unit than is necessary for our present water supply consumption. The installation of a 15 KW alternator in 1953 will reduce these increased operating costs, and the excess energy thus produced could be used to manufacture our own electricity for lights and motors at the pumping station.
-
-
Interior view of pumping station kept immaculate by department personnel.
36
TREE AND MOTH DEPARTMENT
Tree Department:
The routine work of removing dead or dying trees, broken limbs, and split tops was carried on throughout the year. Roadside brush was cut, hauled away, and burned in accordance with good disease control procedure. Seventeen trees were removed as follows:
Andover Street - 1 Oak
Lowell Street - 2 Maples
- 1 Maple
Middlesex Ave. - 2 Maples
Butters Row
- 1 Maple
Park Street - 2 Pines
Chestnut Street - 1 Maple
Salem Street - 2 Pines
Concord Street - 2 Maples
Shawsheen Ave. - 2 Maples
- 1 Pine
The wood from these trees was given to the abuttor or de- posited at the Highway Department building for use as kindling and stove wood where necessary in all town departments. In an effort to reduce tree loss, all shade trees were sprayed twice.
Moth Department:
In addition to the spraying mentioned above, all moth egg clusters were painted with creosote for the control of gypsy moth, and then an additional spray to shade trees to reduce web worms. As a control of flies and insects, the town dump near the North Read- ing line on Route 62 was sprayed five times in the spring and summer. Bog holes and wooded swamps adjacent to highways were also sprayed. Since the mist-blower (purchased in 1951) is mounted on the tree department truck, the swamp area which can be covered with DDT is limited by accessability from highways, and the ability of the wind to blow the DDT spray into the marshes and swamps.
The State Reclamation Board, made up jointly of members of the State Department of Public Works and Department of Health, has investigated the town's system of spraying as described above, and has approved the operation and commended the Tree and Moth Department for its operation in 1952. The Reclamation Board is continuing its investigations into land reclamation and pest control .... ough 1953, and has recommended to the State Legislature that $25, 000. 00 be appropriated by the State for an engineering survey of the Ipswich River as the only possible way to improve to a satis- factory degree the open swamp areas of Wilmington which comprise over four square miles of Wilmington's seventeen square mile total.
Elm Leaf Beetle and Dutch Elm Disease:
All elm trees on roads and streets in Wilmington were spray- ed four times in 1952 starting April 26 and ending July 20. It is planned to expand this spraying program to private land, since 1952 saw twenty-six Eims destroyed by the Dutch Elm disease. The Tree
37
Department will charge only the actual cost to any private individual for spraying trees not situated on public roads. This is being offered as a service to the citizens in an attempt to expand the DDT spraying program without increasing the cost to the taxpayers. Over sixty samples of prunings were sent to Amherst for inspection. The tree warden has completed a survey of all elm trees in the town and is cross-referencing information as to location, health, broken branches, split limbs, and cavities to ensure regular and complete inspection as one way of reducing losses through Dutch Elm Disease. This sur- vey with accompanying maps and ledger books has been referred to the State Conservation Agency by request - - to aid other municipali- ties in New England to work out similar controls for the improvement of shade trees.
Tree Planting:
Each tree that must be removed because of street widening or relocation is replaced by the Town. If replacement at the side of removal of the original tree is needed, a new planting is made at the town park. Cooperation of the Tree Department will be given gladly to any private individual who desires advice on planting of new trees.
38
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Sealed
Adjusted
Condemned
Platform Scales over 500 lbs.
2
1
0
Counter Scales under 100 lbs.
4
0
0
Spring Scales 100 lbs. or over
7
2
0
Beam Scales 100 lbs. or over
1
0
0
Beam Scales under 100 lbs.
2
0
0
Computing Scales under 100 lbs.
15
0
0
Personal Weighing Scales
3
1
0
Avoirdupois Scales
19
3
0
Vehicle Tanks
2
0
0
Apothecary
3
0
0
Liquid Measures
22
0
0
Meters over 1 inch inlet
1
0
0
Meters 1 inch inlet
33
7
0
Gasoline Measuring Pumps
2
1
0
Oil Measuring Pumps
1
1
0
Sealing Fees Collected and turned over to the Town Treasurer
$92.50
The following are weights of commodities for immediate delivery:
Tested
Corrected
Under
Over
Beans
47
44
0
3
Bread
51
51
0
0
Butter
42
42
0
0
Coal in paper bags
10
10
0
0
Coal in transit
4
4
0
0
Confectionery
29
25
0
4
Fruits and Vegetables
32
30
0
2
Lard
10
10
0
0
Potatoes
35
35
0
0
Number of Licenses Inspected:
24
Hawkers and Peddlers Seals
13
Junk Dealers
4
Clinical Thermometers
7
Expenses of Department are as follows:
Appropriations
$325.00
Total Expenses
324. 97
Unexpended Balance
.03
39
BOARD OF
£ HEALTH
The first regular meeting of the Board of Health of the Town of Wilmington for 1952 was held on the second of January with Dr. Gaius Harmon, Mr. R. B. Odiorne, and Mr. Charles A. Baldwin as members. These three members, who composed the original Board of Health in this Town, served until July 30, 1952. During this time the following inspections were made:
Nursery Schools
3
Homes for Boarding Children
2
Piggeries
21
Cesspool sites Written complaints
5
4
Licenses granted:
Retail selling of Milk and Cream
23
Selling and storing of Anti-freeze
12
Piggery operation
19
Garbage hauling and disposal
18
Vehicular selling of Oleomargarine 4
Funeral Directors
4
It was recommended also to the Board of Selectmen that four Common Victualler Licenses be granted.
The following amounts were paid out of the Board of Health's budget for items noted:
(From January 1, 1952 to July 30, 1952)
Sanitarium care of Tuberculosis patients $397. 50
Communicable disease hospitalization 372. 95
Premature infant care 418. 25
The Health Agents appointed by this Board of Health for the year 1952 were:
Health Agent
Sanitary Inspector
Inspector of Slaughtering
Mr. H. Thrush
Special Agent for Burial Permits
Mrs. M. Gilligan
Clerk of the Board and Asst. to Chmn.
Dr. G. A. Fagan Mr. E. B. Rice
Miss Ann Butters
On July 30, 1952 due to the resignation of Dr. G. Harmon and Mr. Baldwin, two new members were appointed to the Board of Health. The new Board was composed of Mr. Ralph Odiorne, Mr. Albert Marfleet, and Mr. John E. O'Neil. Mr. Odiorne re- signed on September 12.
40
During the remainder of the year the following inspections were made:
Nursery School
1
Piggeries
5
Complaints
4
Cesspool sites
3
Dairy Farms
2
Homes for Boarding Children
1
Goat Farm
2
Licenses granted:
Milk and Cream 11
Homes for Boarding Children
2
Kindergarten 2
Vehicular selling of Oleomargarine
2
Manufacture and sale of Ice Cream (Retail and Wholesale) 1
The following amounts were paid out of the Board of Health's Budget for the remainder of the year:
Sanitarium care of Tuberculosis patients $276. 12
Abatement of a nuisance 948.00
Communicable disease hospitalization 704. 85
Recommendations of the Board of Health:
1. The Board of Health has been faced with many problems during the year, the solutions of which could be hastened by the employment of a Town Sanitarian. It has been recommended by the Board of Health to the Town Manager, therefore, that a full- time sanitarian be employed.
2. The problem of sewerage disposal in the Town is more acute than ever. It is felt by the Board that the only permanent solution is to be found in the installation of a sewerage system. With the prohibitive cost of such a system, and the many commit- ments already made by the Town, it would seem that a Town sewerage system will be a long time coming. Therefore, all new building sites on which construction was started in 1952 have been inspected and approved by the Board of Health, if the site had suit- able drainage possibilities. The Board requests that all citizens and home-owners in the Town co-operate with the Rules and Regula - tions for cesspools and septic tanks adopted by the Board in 1951.
41
3. In the interest of cleanliness and orderliness, the Board of Health feels that a regular system of garbage and rubbish collect- ion be instituted in the Town. The present system of garbage dis- posal where employed by the home-owner, gives no promise of regular garbage collection, and many homes in the Town are with - out even this type of collection. This also applies to refuse.
4. It is hoped by the Board that a complete set of rules and regulations regarding Public Health be formulated and published by them during the coming year.
In conclusion, the Board of Health wishes to express its appreciation of the co-operation received from Dr. Gerald Fagan, Miss Ann Butters, R. N., and Mr. Ernest B. Rice, our employees, the Town Manager, and from our fellow citizens.
There are many old problems still facing the Board and many new ones presenting themselves, and it is hoped that all of these can be brought to a successful conclusion before the end of 1953.
* Cougho
Hands
Sneegas
-
C
B
42
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
Morbidity Service
Nursing visits during this period 534
Fees collected for these visits $467. 50
The purpose of this service is to render skilled nursing care, under the guidance of a physician, and to promote the services that result in a well rounded public health program. This service is available to every individual within the Town of Wilmington.
Immunization Clinics:
This year our immunization program consisted of three in- dividual clinics and was held with the co-operation of the school nurse.
In the spring, the immunization clinic was held for pre-school children and consisted of four clinics. Sixty-two (62) children were immunized against whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus. For the first time a booster clinic was also held this spring, for children who had been immunized the previous spring. Seventy-two (72) children received booster doses.
In the fall, another booster clinic was held. This clinic was available to any child who had been previously immunized but had not received a booster dose. Thirty (30) children received booster doses.
The purpose of this program is to give this protection to children before they enter school. A similar program is being planned for the coming year, and it is hoped that every parent will take advantage of the opportunity to protect their children , either through their own private physician or at the clinic sponsored by the Board of Health.
Health Services:
During the year, one hundred and twenty-four (124) visits were made. This is a service offered to mothers with new babies, or families and individuals with health problems or related social problems. It aims at helping and acquainting families and indivi- duals with community resources and facilities, whereby, they may formulate plans for the protection and promotion of their own health and well being.
Miscellaneous Inspections made - 36
43
TUBERCULOSIS REPORT FOR 1952
Cases on register, Jan. 1, 1952 17 Number moved in from other places 5
New cases reported during year
0
Total 22
Deaths reported during year
0
Number placed on inactive list
1
Number moved away
0
Total 1
Number remaining on register,
December 31, 1952 21
Number of these cases in Sanitorium
December 31, 1952
1
Number of people transported to North Reading State Sanitorium and Middlesex County Sanitorium for X-rays 87
44
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
Dog bites reported 44
Dogs showing physical signs of rabies 0
Animals submitted to laboratory exam.
0
All biting animals were quarantined for the period of time prescribed by law.
Animals quarantined 42
Animals released from quarantine
42
Dogs released from Interstate Shipment 0
Laboratory Report: Positive 0
Negative 0
Inspection of Domestic Animals and Premises where Animals are Kept.
Premises, keeping domestic animals,
inspected
40
Cattle inspected
156
Horses inspected
32
Hogs inspected
2821
Goats inspected
10
Sheep inspected
15
Cattle released from Interstate Shipment 0
Cattle reacting to the Tuberculin Test 0
All special work assigned to me by the Depart- ment of Livestock Disease Control was attended to promptly.
INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
There was no slaughtering inspected during the year 1952.
45
MIDDLESEX C COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE IN WILMINGTON
The Middlesex County Extension Service is an organization maintained by the County in co-operation with the University of Mass- achusetts and the United States Department of Agriculture to serve the citizens of the town in the field of agriculture and home economics The work is carried on under the guidance of the town director, who is assisted by the chairman in homemaking and boys' and girls' 4-H Club work.
The County office makes farm and home visits to help when requested; and, in addition, carries on organized projects county - wide under the guidance of farmers' and homemakers' service on county committees.
Radio service is maintained weekly on WBZ, monthly on WHDH, and five days a week, during the summer, on WKOX. A monthly bulletin with a circulation of five thousand (5, 000) is maintained, and timely notices of interest to dairymen, fruit growers, market gar - deners, poultrymen, and commercial florists are sent to anyone on request.
Some of the special activities of local interest follow: Dairy- men were primarily interested in co-operating in the New England- wide Green Pastures Program, the Dairy Herd Improvement Associa. tion, Owner Sampler work, and Selective Breeding.
The Extension Poultry Program in 1952 was keyed to help poultrymen and turkey growers to improve the efficiency of their operations, maintain flock health, and take better advantage of their marketing opportunities. Efforts were made to provide breeders with information which might help them to hold their prominent place in the industry, and routine service was provided in all phases of poultry and turkey farming.
Theodore E. Thomas, 214 West Street, and the late Anthony Marmiani, Cleveland Avenue, were both members of the 1952 Middle - sex Flock Health Program.
A spray service is maintained by radio to all fruit growers as well as market gardeners. Fruit growers also follow closely the weekly twilight meetings held during the growing season to keep abreast of production and marketing problems. There has been an increased demand from home-owners for information on vegetables, flowers, and lawns.
46
Mrs. Ellen Domenicis and Mrs. A. G. Hutchings represent their town on the Womens' Advisory Council. They regularly attend meetings and help to plan programs and policies of the Home Depart - ment. In the field of Home Management this year, a Sewing Machine Clinic was held where the women learned care of the machines. A Furniture Refinishing Class, A Chair Seating Class, and Slip Cover Making were also taught. A demonstration on Effective Windows completed the Home Furnishings Program. A small leader school in Coat Making was taught in the Roman House.
A leaders' school in Textile Stenciling was held at the Grange Hall for leaders from surrounding communities. Those attending from Wilmington were Mrs. Domenicis, Mrs. Arthur S. Williams, Mrs. Mildred Isaacs, Mrs. Maurice D. O'Neil, and Mrs. Gertrude Bennett. They have taught this craft to a total of twenty-five (25) people.
Coat leaders are Mrs. Gertrude Bennett, Mrs. Winifred Etsell, Mrs. Guy York, Mrs. Ellen Domenicis, Mrs. Pauline De Lucia, Mrs. W. F. Thompson, Mrs. Norman Rice, and Mrs. J. Cotter.
Just one hundred (100) boys and girls carried on activities in garden, poultry, livestock, horse, electricity, clothing, home furnishing, and food preparation. The clubs were under the leader- ship of Barbara Nims, who was also chairman of the 4-H Town Com- mittee, Mrs. Walter Bennett, Mrs. Fred Corum, Mrs. Anthony Marmiani, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lafionatis, Mrs. Maurice O'Neil, Mr. Samuel Thorpe, Mrs. William Townsend, Mrs. Melvin White, Mrs. Arthur Williams, and Mrs. Guy York.
An excellent achievement program and exhibit was held in the Silver Lake Betterment, Inc. Hall in the spring. Twenty-five girls took part in the activities at County Girls' Day in Lexington. Barbara Nims was awarded the gold "Award of the 4-H Clover" for completing ten years of 4-H leadership. The late Anthony Marmiani received the County Medal in the National 4-H Poultry Contest. Georgette Crispo. Brenda Corcoran, and Jean Bousfield all won First Prizes at the County 4-H Fair on knitting and crocheting.
47
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
There were two hundred and fifty (250) permits issued in 1952 which are classified as follows:
No.
Estimated Value
New Dwellings
155'
$1,239,000.00
Alterations
22
13,450.00
Additions
23
20,350.00
Garages
24
11, 500. 00
Hen-houses
4
9,300.00
Factory Bldgs.
5
74,000.00
Tool sheds
6
1,650.00
Storage
2
5,000.00
Greenhouses
2
1,150.00
Barn
1
1,500.00
Church Add.
1
27,000.00
Foundation
1
300. 00
Utility Bldg.
1
6,000.00
Demolish
2
Gas Station
1
12,000.00
Total Estimated Value
$1,422,200. 00
Approximate number of calls made
800
Total fees from permits 1,135.00
48
SANITATION DEPARTMENT
There were one hundred and fifty-eight (158) permits issued:
Septic Tanks
72
Cesspools
93
Seepage Pits
111
Disposal Fields
28
Total Units
304
Total Inspections
306
Total Receipts from Permits $79.00
Third Annual Report of VETERANS SERVICES IN WILMINGTON
VETERANS BENEFITS represent financial aid extended to those needy and qualified veterans of all Wars including the present Korean conflict. The aid cost for this program is shared equally by the Town of Wilmington and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. During the year 1952, eighty-eight (88) individual applications were filed with this Department. Six of these applications were rejected, ten referred to other cities and towns, and seventy-two cases ap- proved for aid, totaling $7, 750. 00.
VETERANS SERVICES consist of aiding veterans and their dependents in filing claims against the Veterans Administration, making application for entrance to a Veterans Administration Hos- pital, the Soldiers Home in Chelsea, and similar matters. In 1952, twenty-three (23) cases of this type were processed as follows:
Veteran's Pension 5 V. A. Hospitals 4
Widow's Pension 7 Soldiers Home 7
Most of the benefits covering World War I and World War II Veterans have now been expanded to include Korean War Veterans who have Honorable Service after June 25, 1950 in the present con- flict. The effect of the extension of this program was evident for the first time in 1952 when four cases involving Korean veterans were aided financially.
49
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
The Board of Public Welfare submits the 1952 Report cover - ing the types of aid under the jurisdiction of this Board.
Welfare:
During the year 1952, thirty-seven (37) cases, consisting of one hundred and six (106) people, were aided under this type of relief. This is a smaller number of cases than in previous years, and pri- vate employment conditions seem to be the prevailing reason for the smaller case load.
Disability Assistance:
During the year 1952, fourteen (14) cases received assistance under Disability Aid, and $9, 288.19 was the total amount authorized by the Board to cover these needs.
Aid to Dependent Children:
During the year 1952, thirty (30) cases received assistance under this category, and $36, 913. 80 was approved by this Board for their needs.
Old Age Assistance:
During the year 1952, one hundred and thirty-eight (138) cases were aided under this type of relief, and this Board authorized $89, 187. 75 for their needs.
cele
BURIALS IN WILDWOOD CEMETERY
Wilmington Residents Died in Wilmington 19
Wilmington Residents Died Elsewhere 24 Non-residents 33 Transfers
1 77
50
PLANNING £ BOARD
The major work of the Planning Board in 1952 was the control of rezoning land areas proposed for industrial expansion, control of sub-divisions to reduce costs of town services in the future, co- ordinating procedure with the Board of Health on approval of sanitary drainage in new sub-divisions (new state law), and approval of sani- tary drainage on all new construction (new regulation of Wilmington Board of Health).
Plans of sub-divisions on Nichols Street, Middlesex Avenue, and Woburn Street were approved; while, plans for sub-divisions on Burlington Avenue and Grove Avenue were disapproved. The present Planning Board program includes strengthening sub-division require- ments to include adequate surface drainage, especially catch-basins and culverts, and surfacing new streets after water mains are install- ed but before lots can be sold.
It is the feeling of the Board that an expert survey should be made in the near future with respect to possible changes in existing zoning laws so that an orderly growth in the future can be insured, along with consideration for the established procedures of the past. Several of the more obvious necessary Zoning Law changes will be proposed at the Annual Town Meeting in 1953.
-
51
THIRD ANNUAL REPORT - WILMINGTON HOUSING AUTHORITY
The Wilmington Housing Authority takes pride in the Veterans Housing Project, consisting of thirteen (13) single dwelling units, located on Wildwood Street.
The year started with the Project forty percent completed.
Changes in plans, already approved, were necessary in the installa- tion of the water mains and in the sewage system; and, these items somewhat delayed the completion.
In May, the Authority began to process the seventy-nine (79) applications on file for dwelling units, of which forty-two (42) quali- fied. The thirteen tenants were selected in accordance with the Housing Act and such directives as issued by the State Housing Board. The Authority visited all applicants, recorded conditions as found, and verified income.
Eight units were ready for occupancy on July 23; and by August 1, all units were occupied. Certain units required con- siderable fill to bring up to grade. This work, as well as planting of the lawns, was carried on during September.
The certificate of completion with the building contractor was approved by the State Housing Board on November 25, 1952.
Changes in the membership of the Authority occurred in February when Mr. Gardner I. Ritchie was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. E. Hayward Bliss. Mr. Joseph M. Grimes, serving as chairman, resigned on Decem- ber 30, 1952. He was the State-appointed member.
Two amendments to the Financial Assistance Contract were made, increasing the total amount borrowed for Temporary Financ- ing from $ 176, 000 to $200,000. . The items of water extension, sewage disposal, and cost for additional fill were mainly responsible for the increase.
The following is a summary of the cost of the construction of the Veterans Housing Project:
52
DEVELOPMENT FUND December 31, 1952
lotes Authorized, 3rd series remium on Sale of Notes
$200,000.00 8,220.00
$208,220.00
nexpended Cash Balance, Dec. 31, 1952
14,626. 52
xpenses Paid:
dministrative Cost
894. 21
Architectural & Engineering
9,702.43
cquisition of Site
8,197.23
ite Improvements
13,903.65
tructures & Equipment
158, 745. 35
enant Selection Cost
29. 65
nsurance in development
96.21
Net amount paid on interest,
2,024. 75
193,593. 48
$208,220.00
BALANCE SHEET
Assets:
Development Fund Cash
14,626. 52
Development Cost
187,640. 15
202,266. 67
Liabilities:
Accrued Interest
2,266.67
nvestment
200,000. 00
202,266. 67
The following is a summary of the Administration Fund. This Fund covers he receipts and expenses of operation of the completed units.
ADMINISTRATION FUND
Trial Balance - December 31, 1952
2,948. 35
Administration Fund
Expenses Paid: Utilities
113. 03
Expenses
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