USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1954-1955 > Part 13
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Another reason for the increase in the case load and costs of public assistance, is the increased life span of the average individual. In 1900, the average length of life was 49 years. Today it is 66. In 1900 one person in twenty-five was 65 years of age or older. In 1980 it is estimated that the ratio will be one in ten. As people become older, their medical needs change, and they require more medical service. As the average citizen well knows, the cost of medical services have increased and of course has resulted in a large increase, when you consider a large number of cases at one time. Medical science has, of course, made a great deal of progress and has reduced many diseases which were once fatal, to a point where - if properly cared for - can now be cured. For the aged and chronically ill there is no well planned or integrated service. Unfortunately, they find refuge in general hospitals, convalescent homes and homes for the aged. The majority have worked steadily and productively in a society that respects only the productive, and the ending of ability to do gainful work is for most aged persons a tragedy. It symbolizes the end of independence and purpose in life. Unfortunately, at present, there does not seem to be any way to work out a program to care for this type of aged person in need, because old people fear isolation and want to be near relatives and friends. They like to be around where they can associate with their old friends, and they like to attend the church where they have been in attendance for many years. To accomplish good social work, it is best that they should have a home of their own, or live with relatives or friends as long as they are capable to, in some way, care for themselves.
PUBLIC WELFARE
The right to apply for public welfare is a legal right which a citizen has. Assistance under this program is granted to individuals who are not eligible for other types of assistance. In most cases, applications are received from individuals due to sickness or unemployment. They are not constant cases and sometimes receive assistance for a short period of time only. During 1955, twenty-five cases - consisting of 84 persons - were aided, with a total expenditure of $5, 707. 52. Some of these cases aided had recently moved to Wilmington from other cities and towns, and therefore aid granted will be reimbursed to the town. The sum of $2219. 42 was granted to these types of cases, and therefore the net cost to the Town of Wilmington for Welfare Aid in the year 1955 will be $3488. 10. There has been a sharp decrease in the number of welfare cases aided, at the time of writing this report in January. This decrease has been caused by high employment and good times. In the month of January 1956, to the date of writing this report, we have aided two cases, which makes it a very serious problem to try and determine the amount of money necessary to maintain this program for the year 1956. It is hoped that economic conditions will continue, and with that in mind, a request for $7, 000. 00 has been asked for this program for the year 1956, the same amount as for 1955.
It should be remembered that due to the present good economic conditions and the possible change in legislation affecting the programs under the supervision of this Board, both at the National and State level, it is physically impossible to accurately determine the needs of the Department for the year in advance. Therefore, the estimated amounts requested by this Board are based solely on what can be seen at this time. Public Welfare is the only category of relief in which the Federal Government does not participate. They do not reimburse in any welfare case for aid, or for administration costs. They do, however, reimburse the town for aid and administration costs for assistance granted under the Aid to Dependent Children, Old Age Assistance and Disability Assistance categories.
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
An Aid to Dependent Children grant is provided in cases where there is a widow with dependent children, who are in regular attendance at public schools, and when families have been deserted. It is also granted to a family case where the parent is physically incapacitated, and the medical report shows that the duration of disability will extend for a period in excess of three months. During 1955, twenty - three cases - consisting of 76 children - were aided. The total expenditures under the program were $26, 811. 78. The costs of this program were shared by the Federal Government, the State and the local community.
63
It is expected that costs of this program for the year 1956 will increase, and it is requested that $17, 000. 00 be provided to maintain this program for the year 1956. Federal reimbursement received during the year is held in a special account by the Town Accountant, and is used for this program only. The State share of reimbursement cannot be credited to this account, and therefore goes to the Excess and Deficiency account of the town as an estimated receipt. At the date of writing this report we are aiding eighteen cases under this category.
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
To be eligible to receive Old Age Assistance, which is a part of the Social Security Act, a per - son in Massachusetts must be over 65, a citizen, to have lived in Massachusetts three out of the last nine years - one year immediately preceding the date of application - and to be in need of assistance. Under the Massachusetts Law, a person may have an equity in real estate not to exceed $3, 000. However, real estate will be subject to a lien with a $1500. exemption. Applicant may have a bank account - or other resources - not in excess of $500. and an unlimited amount of life insurance, provided the case surrender value does not exceed $1, 000. and still be determined as in need. The Law further requires that any in- come, or other resources, shall be deducted from the total grant, as figured by the State Budget, which is mandatory on the local Boards.
During the year 1955, one hundred and one cases have received a direct grant from this Board, at a total cost of $63, 448. 54. Old Age Assistance is part of the Social Security Act, and the costs are shared by the Federal Government, State, and local community where the person is legally settled. The Social Security Act was changed to increase the amount of reimbursement by the Federal Government, and the Federal Government now reimburses for one -half the monthly grant up to $55. 00 plus $7. 50 for each case. This has resulted in the Federal Government paying a larger share of the costs of this program. The Federal reimbursement is retained in a special account - the same as the Aid to Dependent Children grant - and is used over again by this Board. The State share and the money received from other cities and towns for cases aided in Wilmington, are credited to the Excess and Deficiency Account, as estimated receipts.
It is expected that costs of this program for the year 1956 will remain about the same (due to a decrease in the case load) although the clients will receive a larger grant. Old Age Assistance recipi- ents now receive $2. 50 per month for Transportation Allowance, which became effective Jan. 1, 1956. It is requested that $45, 000. be provided to maintain this program for the year 1956. In the month of Jan. to the date of writing this report, we have aided 83 cases, which makes it very difficult to try and deter - mine the amount of money necessary to maintain this program in the year 1956.
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE
To be eligible to receive Disability Assistance, which is a part of the Social Security Act, a person must be 18 years of age or over, to have lived in Massachusetts continuously for one year immedi- ately preceding the date of application for assistance and to be in need of assistance. This form of assist- ance came into effect in November of 1951, to provide for needy persons found to be permanently and totally disabled. Under the Massachusetts Law, an applicant has certain exemptions. The Law permits applicants to retain cash, personal property, savings deposits, cash surrender value of life insurance, or any combination of these which is not in excess of $300. 00.
During the year 1955, fifteen cases have received a direct grant from this Board at a total cost of $18, 224. 76. It is expected that costs of this program for the year 1956 will increase, and it is requested that $15, 000. 00 be provided to maintain this program. Federal Reimbursement received during the year is held in a special account by the Town Accountant and is used for this program only. We have aided 18 cases at the time of writing this report.
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ADMINISTRATION
The term "Administration Costs" covers all expenditures of the Board to administer the pro- grams under the Board's supervision. The Federal Government does not participate in the costs of admini- stering the Welfare program, but does reimburse for the administration of Aid to Dependent Children, Old Age Assistance and Disability Assistance, which are part of the Social Security Act. The reimbursement - at the present time - amounts to about 40% of the gross expenditures for administration. In order that the town may be eligible to receive this reimbursement there are many requirements which must be met, as the reimbursement allowance is based on home case visits, or contacts with cases in the office. It is a requirement that Old Age Assistance and Disability Assistance cases shall be visited at least every six months and Aid to Dependent Children cases shall be visited once a month. It also requires that the Board have suitable office quarters, and that an applicant must be interviewed in private.
The latter part of 1949 and early 1950, Wilmington accepted an Administration Plan, which governs the number of personnel and the type of personnel, based on the case load of the Department, and also regulates minimum salaries, sick leave, vacation , leave of absence and minimum hours of work per week. This Plan has to be followed in order for the Town of Wilmington to receive reimbursement for administration costs. The Social Security Act requires that employees of this Board be under Civil Service and that salaries of the employees must conform to the Civil Service Compensation Plan. I would like to mention here that at present Mrs. Miriam Sullivan is the only Civil Service employee under the local Board at the time of writing this report. Mr. Ring is only acting temporarily as Welfare Agent, with the approval of Civil Service until a permanent Agent can be hired. Mr. Ring will resume his membership on the Board. Due to the fact that the Wilmington Social Worker resigned, and the Civil Service list in the State was exhausted, this town was without a Social Worker for about ten months during the past year. The Board and Town Manager have requested a new list and a Social Worker should be hired within a few weeks.
It is estimated that the sum of $8, 000. will be necessary to provide administration of the vari- ous programs under the supervision of this Board for the year 1956. It should be remembered that all of the figures quoted for the year 1956 are purely estimated and in no sense intended to be a guarantee that they will be sufficient to provide proper administration of the programs under this Board's supervision, which are changing constantly. The general economic conditions govern the expenditures required and un- fortunately the expenses of the Board of Public Welfare are always the greatest when the economic condi - tions of the Country are bad, and when the taxpayer can least afford to pay the high cost.
Maurice D. O'Neil Florence A. Balkus
65
housing authority
The Veterans' Housing Project 200-1 on Wildwood Street, consisting of thirteen single units, has been continuously occupied during the third full year of operation. The tenants' earnings were filed and verified as required by law, and rent charges were adjusted to income where necessary.
Since the start of the project eight vacancies have occurred, two in the current year; however, no loss of revenue resulted, as tenants were promptly selected from eligible applicants.
Following is the schedule of admission and continued occupancy:
Rent
Income - less than three minors
Income - more than three minors
$44. 00
$3400.00
$3700.00
Admission limits
46. 00
3600.00
3900.00
Continued occupancy
49.00
3800.00
4100.00
Continued occupancy
53.00
3900.00
4200.00
Continued occupancy
70.00
over
3900.00
over
4200.00
Ineligible
Mr. Gardner I. Ritchie resigned as a member of the Authority at the December meeting.
Contract for the interior painting of the thirteen units has been awarded, and the work is now in process.
Regular meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month at the Town Hall at 8. 00 P. M.
BALANCE SHEET - 7/1/55 to 12/31/55
ASSETS
LIABILITIES
Cash On Hand
$ 9,995.78
Notes Authorized
$,198, 000. 00
Investment, Reading Co-op Bank,
Accrued Fire Insurance
1,203.07
paid up shares
2,000.00
Accounts Receivable
94. 36
Matured Principal & Interest
7,540.00
Premium Fund
1,359.25
Unamortized Note Premium
6, 371.90
Investment Note Premium
10,000.00
Development Cost
198,000.00
Development Cost Liquidation
9,000.00
Notes Retired
9,000.00
Utility charges to Tenants
6. 11
Debt Service Reserve
1,697. 50
Admin. Salaries & Services
77. 15
Other Administrative expenses
136. 32
Working Capital
484. 85
Compensation to members
36. 50
Operating Reserve
4,884. 64
Utilities
130. 07
Contractual services (Repairs)
431. 84
Shelter Rent
3,636.00
Insurance Expense
145. 28
Misc. Project Income
32.50
Payment in lieu of taxes
234.00
Provision for operating reserve
312.00
Reduction Prior Surplus
1,000.00
Provision for debt service reserve
339. 50
Debt Service Expenses
2,552.30
Reduction Annual Contribution
1,000.00
Total Assets
$ 234, 850. 46
Total Liabilities
$ 234, 850. 46
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JURY LIST
Revised - June 27, 1955
Name
Residence
287 Woburn Street
Negotiator
*Anderson, Mary B.
Westdale Avenue
Housewife
332 Lowell Street
Housewife
829 Woburn Street
Caretaker
*Babcock, Dorothy F. Bacon, Bernard R.
114 Andover Street
Tool Maker
*Baldwin, Gertrude E.
7 Jones Avenue
Saleslady
*Bedell, Vilma B.
48 Burlington Avenue
Housewife
*Biggar, Mary E.
272 Middlesex Avenue
Housewife
*Black, Pauline R.
84 Church Street
Housewife
*Boylen, Marion C.
22 Williams Avenue
Housewife
298 Main Street
Housewife
2-4 Chandler Road
Auto Service Mgr.
46 Middlesex Avenue
Housewife
*Buck, Hilda May
439 Middlesex Avenue
Housewife
Castine, Jame s
35 Columbia Street
Leather Worker
Cates, Howard L.
57 High Street
Safety Engineer
Cavanaugh, Rose T.
168 Middlesex Avenue
At home
Chisholm, Fred
16 Church Street
Meat Cutter
*Clinch, Ethel J.
67 Chestnut Street
Housewife
*Coffin, Winnifred L.
Strout Avenue
Housewife
Cornish, Percival H.
4 Central Street
Foreman
Crawford, Ralph M.
3 Chase Road
Installer
Crispo, Ernest M.
Hopkins Street
Mason
Currier, Walter H. Jr.
15 Cottage Avenue
Machinist
Carman Carpenter
Sugar Packer
*Darling, Dorothy E.
124 Eames Street
Teacher of Ceramics
Dayton, William P.
214 Burlington Avenue
Electrical Engineer
Denner, Philip F.
283 Chestnut Street
Commercial Representative
Doucette, Clarence E.
64 Ballardvale Street
Engineer
Flight, Henry T.
121 Shawsheen Avenue
Machine Operator
Foberg, Charles A.
5 Strout Avenue
Appraiser
Froton, Burton A.
8 Middlesex Avenue
R. R. Brakeman
Galka, Paul
Atlantic Avenue
Painter
Gammons, Helen T.
128 West Street
Postal Worker
Grimes, Eleanor F.
5 Columbia Street
Commercial Staff Asst.
Hadley, Frank J. Sr.
64 Boutwell Street
Asst. Secretary-Banking
Hayward, John G.
200 Middlesex Avenue
Asst. Mechanical Engineer
Higginbotham, Madeline B.
33 Adams Street
At home
LaCreta, Norma Marie
76 Burlington Avenue
Secretary
LaDow, Chester F.
3 Ledgewood Road
120 Forest Street
Mechanic
Carpenter
Housewife
Taxi Driver
Sheet Metal Foreman
*Nitchie, Edith H.
236 Chestnut Street
Housewife
67
Carpenter
Littlewood, Ernest L. Madigan, John Jr.
Taplin Avenue Hopkins Street
*Martino, Eugenia M. Mc Manus, James F. Metcalf, Paul T.
8 Central Street
30 Brentwood Avenue
Occupation
Allgrove, Charles J. Jr.
*Anderson, Ruth M. Andrews, Wilfred H.
642 Woburn Street
Housewife
*Branscombe, Irene E. Bridges, Frank B. *Buck, Elizabeth E.
Cutter, Harry J.
17 Belmont Avenue
18 Burlington Avenue
Dalaimo, Katherine D.
U
Name
Residence
Norton, Augustus T.
67 High Street
Retired Appraiser
*Odiorne, Hazel W.
Housewife
Page, Edward F.
32 Grove Avenue
Maintenance Superintendent
Peterson, Charles A. Jr.
8 Strout Avenue
Machinist
Pilcher, Stephen J.
30 Brand Avenue
Superintendent
Pilling, Russell E.
98 Woburn Street
Design Checker
Prindle, J. Parker
117 Middlesex Avenue
PBX Installer
Ring, Joseph P. Sciarappa, Daisy A.
341 Andover Street
Clerk
Sottile, Joseph J.
Lake Street
Manager
Sudsbury, Floyd
131 Church Street
Carpenter
Swain, Harold
197 Middlesex Avenue
Carpenter
Swain, Lester M.
116 Andover Street
Leather worker
Sweet, Robert J.
43 Aldrich Road
Foreman Painter
*Thiel, Sadie J.
31 Atlantic Avenue
Clerk
*Thorpe, Ruth E.
4 Ballardvale Street
Housewife
*Welling, Mary E. Widger, William K. Jr.
10 Fay Street
Cook
Meteorologist
Vadaikes, John F.
Dartmouth Avenue
Painter
*Indicates married woman
------------
68
Occupation
266 Lowell Street
275 Middlesex Avenue
Retired Foreman
1 Fairview Avenue
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING HELD MARCH 5, 1955 with action taken
To: Harry J. Ainsworth, Constable of the Town of Wilmington:
GREETINGS: - In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and in the manner prescribed in the By- Laws of said Town, you are hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town qualified to vote in Town affairs to meet and assemble at the High School Cafeteria, Saturday, the 5th Day of March A. D. 1955 at 9. 45 o'clock in the forenoon, the polls to be opened at 10. 00 A. M. and shall be closed at 8. 00 P. M. for the election of Town Offices:
February 23rd/55 I this day posted attested copies of the above Warrant in accordance with the By-Laws of the Town of Wilmington.
Harry J. Ainsworth (Signed) Constable of Wilmington
Article 1. To bring in your votes on one ballot respectively for the following named Offices, to wit: One Selectman for the term of three years; two Members of the School Committee for the term of three years; one Moderator for the term of one year; one Member of the Wilmington Housing Authority for the term of five years:
In accordance with the above the meeting was called to order by the Moderator at 9. 45 A. M., Mar. 5, 1955. The Warrant was read by the Moderator. After reading Article 1, on a motion by Robert Peters it was voted to dispense with further reading of the Warrant.
The ballot box was examined, found to be empty, and registered 0000. The box was locked and the keys delivered to the police chief. The tellers were sworn and the ballots delivered to the checkers and receipts taken.
At 10. 00 A. M. the polls were declared open.
At 8.00 P. M. the polls were declared closed.
The Ballot box registered 1632, but had jammed eight or ten times. There were 1626 votes cast. The results were as follows:
Qualified
Elected - Nicholas L. DeFelice, Seven Hundred Forty-eight
748
3-5-55
585
271
22
1 626
School Committee - Three years
Elected - Ruth M. Gratcyk, One Thousand Seventy-four
1 074
3-5-55
Elected - James B. Moore, Eight Hundred Ninety-three
893
3-5-55
Allan D. MacMullin, Seven Hundred Forty-one All others, Three
3
Blanks, Five Hundred Forty-one
541
3 252
Moderator - 1 year
Elected - Simon Cutter, Thirteen Hundred Sixty-one All others, Nine
1 361
3-5-55
9
Blanks, Two Hundred Fifty-six
256
1 626
69
Selectman - 3 years
Kenneth M. Lyons, Five Hundred Eighty-five Larz Neilson, Two Hundred Seventy-one Blanks, Twenty-two
741
Wilmington Housing Authority - 5 years Elected - Ernest B. Rice, One Hundred Seventy-one All others, One Hundred Forty-nine Blanks, Thirteen Hundred Six
Qualified
171
3-14-55
149
1306
1 626
At 8. 45 P. M. the meeting was adjourned, to meet in Town Meeting at Villanova Hall, Middlesex Avenue, in said Town of Wilmington on Saturday, the 12th day of March, A. D. 1955 at 1. 30 P. M. to act on the following Articles:
Article 2. To hear the reports of Committees and act thereon.
Accordingly the meeting was called to order by the Moderator at 1. 45 P. M. on March 12, 1955. Prayer was given by Fr. Croke, followed by salute to the flag. A rising vote of thanks was given to Fr. Croke for the use of Villanova Hall.
On a motion by Mr. David Elfman it was voted that the report of the Recreation Committee be taken up at the same time as the item in the budget.
The report of the Sub-station Fire Committee was given by Mr. Wendell. On the recommendations of the Committee it was voted to extend same for one year.
On a motion by Mr. Larz Neilson it was voted that the report of the Water Extension Committee be taken up with Article 23.
The report of the Wildwood School Building Committee was given by Mr. Alan Shepard. Mr. Fred Corum gave the report of the High School Building Committee.
Article 3. To see how much money the Town will appropriate for the expenses of the Town and salaries of the several Town Offices, and Departments and determine how the same shall be raised, whether by taxation, transfer from available funds or otherwise, or do anything in relation thereto.
On a motion by Mr. Herbert C. Barrows it was voted that the several and respective sums as recommended by the Finance Committee be raised and appropriated for the purposes set forth in Article three of the Town Warrant, each item to be taken up and voted on separately subject to amendment.
In accordance with the above the following amounts were appropriated.
General Government
Transfer
Taxation
Town Officers Salaries:
Town Manager, Six Thousand Seven Hundred Sixty Dollars
6,760.00
Town Accountant, Four Thousand Four Hundred Seventy-two Dollars
4, 472.00
Town Treasurer, Three Thousand One Hundred Twenty Dollars
3,120.00
Town Collector, Three Thousand One Hundred Twenty Dollars
3,120.00
Town Clerk, Three Thousand One Hundred Twenty Dollars
3,120.00
Assessors-Principal, Four Thousand Four Hundred Seventy-two Dollars
4,472.00
Assessors-Member, Clerk, Three Thousand One Hundred Twenty Dollars
3,120.00
Assessors-Member, Twenty-five Hundred Dollars
2,500.00
Town Hall Salaries, Five Thousand Three Hundred Sixteen Dollars
5,316.00
36,000.00
Town Officers Expenses
Board of Selectmen, Two Thousand Four Hundred Ninety-seven Dollars
2,497.00
Elections, Four Hundred Dollars
400.00
Registrations, Fifteen Hundred Ninety Dollars
1,590.00
Finance Committee, Three Hundred Dollars
300.00
Town Manager, Four Thousand Six Dollars
4,006.00
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Transfer
Taxation
Industrial, Twelve Hundred Dollars Town Accountant, Five Hundred Fourteen Dollars
514.00
Town Treasurer, Twelve Hundred Fifty-three Dollars
1,253.00
Town Collector, Fourteen Hundred Eighty Dollars
1,480.00
Town Clerk, One Hundred Thirty-two Dollars
132.00
Board of Assessors, Thirteen Hundred Twenty-three Dollars
1,323.00
Town Counsel, Nine Hundred Twenty-five Dollars
925.00
Town Hall, Six Thousand Six Hundred Eighty-four Dollars From Available Funds 2,500.00
4,184. 00
Planning Board, Four Thousand Dollars
4,000.00
23,804.00
Protection, Persons & Property:
Police Dept. Salaries, on amendment by Chief Paul Lynch Forty-seven Thousand Sixty Dollars
47,060.00
Police Dept. Expenses, Five Thousand Three Hundred Twenty-one Dollars
5,321.00
Fire Dept. Salaries, on amendment by Mr. Joseph H. Woods Fifty Thousand, Four Hundred Ninety-three Dollars
50,493.00
Fire Dept. Expenses, Three Thousand Seven Hundred Fifteen Dollars
3,715.00
Fire Dept. Outlays, Twenty-eight Hundred Dollars
2,800.00
Ambulance Expenses, One Thousand Seven Dollars
1,007.00
Fire/Police Station Expenses, Twenty-eight Hundred Dollars
2,800.00
Constable, Fifty Dollars
50.00
Dog Officer, Five Hundred Dollars
500.00
Bldg. Inspector, Salary, Four Thousand Four Hundred Seventy-two Dollars
4,472.00
Bldg. Insp. Wages and expenses of Plumbing & Elec. Insp. Fourteen Hundred Seventy-seven Dollars
1,477. 00
Board of Appeals, One Hundred Fifty Dollars
150.00
Sealer of Weights & Measures, Three Hundred Twenty-four Dollars and Seventy Cents
324. 70
Tree Warden, Forty-four Hundred Dollars
4,400.00
Dutch Elm Control, Forty-three Hundred Dollars
4,300.00
Gypsy Moth Control, Four Thousand One Hundred Forty Dollars
4,140.00
Town Forest, One Hundred Fifty Dollars
150.00
133, 159. 70
Public Works
6,500.00
Town Engineer, Sixty-five Hundred Dollars (Salary 5, 000. 00-Expenses 1, 000. 00-Equip. 500.00)
17,000.00
Highway Dept. Expenses, Thirteen Thousand Dollars
13,000.00
Road Machinery, Eight Thousand Dollars
8,000.00
Chapter 90 Construction, Five Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Dollars
5,250.00
Chapter 90 Maintenance, Fifteen Hundred Dollars
1,500.00
Chapter 81 Maintenance, Ten Thousand Five Hundred Dollars
10,500.00
Snow and Ice Removal, Nine Thousand Dollars
9,000.00
Public Street Lights, Thirteen Thousand Dollars
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