USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1954-1955 > Part 3
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Town Forest
We are told that the Old Middlesex Canal is fast disappearing from the New England Scene, but we are lucky that we have the Old Canal going through our forest and park. You can drive about one thousand feet through the Old Canal with your car, and we hope next year to add another three or four hundred feet more. Some people from Boston are taking pictures of the Old Canal and state that the Town is doing a good job of trying to keep the Old Middlesex Canal looking good in their park.
Mosquitoes
The swamps and bog holes were sprayed with D. D. T. This was done on windy days when the wind was blowing In the direction of the swamps. Also, we sprayed behind homes that were near a lot of water where the mosquitoes would reed, and this helped a lot. We hope next year to do a lot more and get out early in the Spring before they start to breed.
31
housing authority
The Veterans' Housing Project on Wildwood Street, consisting of thirteen single units, has been continuously occupied during the second full year of operation. Three vacancies occurred during the year, the same number as in the previous year; however, no loss of revenue resulted, as tenants were promptly selected from eligible applicants. No change in membership occurred, as appointed member James M. Pipes was elected in March to the unexpired term. (Vice Joseph F, McManus, resigned).
The project suffered some damage from the hurricanes. Certain of the units either lost or had their combina- tion doors badly damaged, and it also was necessary to make temporary repairs to a few of the roofs, and in December the work on permanent repairs was started.
The installation of a proper drainage system was completed and is now properly operating.
Regular meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month at the Town Hall at 8. 00 P. M.
Following is the schedule of admission and income limits:
Income - less than three minors
Income - more than
Rent
three minors
$44.00
$3400.00
$3700.00
46.00
3600.00
3900.00
49.00
3800.00
4100.00
53.00
3900.00
4200.00
70.00
(Ineligible over)
3900.00
4200.00
BALANCE SHEET - 7/1/54 to 12/31/54
ASSETS
LIABILITIES
Cash On Hand
$ 7,667. 04
Notes Authorized
$198,000. 00
Investment, Reading Co-op. Bank,
Accrued Fire Insurance
1,643.00
paid-up shares
2,015.00
Accounts Receivable
53. 65
Matured Principal & Interest
7,639.00
Premium Fund
1,707. 44
Unamortized Note Premium
6,628.68
Investment Note Premium
10,000.00
Development Cost
198,000.00
Development Cost Liquidation
4,000.00
Notes Retired
4,000.00
Administration Salary & Services
61. 45
Debt Service Reserve
987.00
Other Administrative expenses
154. 41
Compensation members
35.00
Working Capital
484. 85
Utilities
126. 55
Reduction Annual Contribution
1,803.97
Contractual services (Repairs)
305. 35
Insurance expenses
380.63
Operating Reserve
3,427. 88
Payment in lieu of taxes
234.00
Shelter Rent
3,600.00
Provision for operating reserve
312.00
Provision for Debt Service
371.00
Misc. Project Income
(Interest on Investment)
32. 50
Total Assets
$228,246. 88
Total Liabilities
$228, 246. 88
Debt Service Expenses
2,823. 36
32
town counsel
In accordance with the requirements of the Town By-Laws, I submit herewith my report as Town Counsel cover - ing the year 1954.
A. On January 1, 1954, there were pending the following actions by or against the Town (exclusive of actions in which the Town was merely summoned as trustee, and in which it had no interest, and of tax lien foreclosure proceedings in the Land Court):
City of Lowell v. Town of Wilmington, District Court of Lowell. (Action of contract by City of Lowell to recover the sum of $275. 96 for special vocational training of certain pupils. )
City of Lowell v. Town of Wilmington, District Court of Lowell. (Action of contract by City of Lowell to recover $657. 77 plus interest for aid furnished in a public welfare case. )
City of Lowell v. Town of Wilmington, District Court of Lowell. (Action of contract by City of Lowell to recover $721. 90 for aid furnished in a public welfare case. )
Town of Wilmington v. A Certain Defendant, Fourth District Court of Eastern Middlesex. (Action of contract under G. L. Chap. 117, Sec. 5.)
Jacob Levine & Sons v. Town of Wilmington, Fourth District Court of Eastern Middlesex. (Action of contract to recover burial expense. )
Town of Wilmington v. Edward N. Gadsby et als, Commissioners of Department of Public Utilities and Boston and Maine Railroad Company, Supreme Judicial Court, Suffolk County. (Petition to review certain rulings and orders of the Department of Public Utilities in connection with protection at the Middlesex Avenue Grade Crossing of the Boston and Maine Railroad. )
City of Boston v. Town of Wilmington, Suffolk Superior Court. (Action of contract to recover for aid rendered various persons whose legal settlement is supposed to be in Wilmington. )
C
C
Samuel Freedman v. Town of Wilmington, Suffolk Superior Court. (Action of tort for personal injuries claimed to have resulted from a defect in the highway. )
Town of Wilmington v. Julia Godzyk, Administratrix of the Estate of Andrew Klebasz, Fourth District Court of Eastern Middlesex. (Action of contract to recover amounts expended by the Town for support and hospital treatment of decedent. )
Marion J. Murphy v. Ernest Rice, Sr. , Bldg. Inspector et al, Middlesex Superior Court. (Equity appeal to review the action by the Board of Appeal in denying a variance under the Zoning By-Law requested by the petitioner. )
Town of Wilmington v. City of Cambridge, Middlesex Superior Court. (Action of contract to recover for aid furnished in a public welfare case. )
Town of Wilmington v. City of Somerville, Middlesex Superior Court. (Action of contract to recover for aid furnished in a public welfare case. )
Town of Wilmington v. City of Woburn, Middlesex Superior Court. (Action of contract to recover for aid furnished in a public welfare case.
Town of Wilmington v. John W. O'Brien, Essex Superior Court. (Equity suit to enforce obligation to support. ) Town of Wilmington v. Wendell Phillips, Middlesex Probate Court. (Petition to enforce obligation to support. )
Rocco and Rose Yentile v. County of Middlesex, Middlesex Superior Court. (Petition for assessment of damages resulting from relocation of Cross Street, the relocation having been made by the County but the Town being liable for any damages which may be assessed. )
33
Willie B. McIntosh v. County of Middlesex, Middlesex Superior Court. (Petition for assessment of damages resulting from relocation of Cross Street, the relocation having been made by the County but the Town being liable for any damages which may be assessed. )
Elizabeth F. Green v. Town of Wilmington and other defendants, Middlesex Superior Court. (Action of tort for personal injuries alleged to have been sustained as a result of a defect in Shawsheen Avenue. )
Mary E. Cosgrove v. Town of Wilmington, Middlesex Superior Court. (Action of tort for trespass and conver - sion, alleged taking of soil. )
B. (1). During the year 1954 the following new actions were brought by or on behalf of the Town:
Town of Wilmington v. Irving L. White, Middlesex Probate Court. (Petition to enforce obligation to support .. )
Town of Wilmington v. Joseph Marsi, Woburn District Court. (Writ of ejectment to recover possession of dwell- ing and land belonging to the Town. )
(2). During the year 1954 the following new actions were brought against the Town or its officers or agents:
Albert P. Rounds vs. Mary E. Gilligan, Town Clerk, Middlesex Superior Court. (Petition for writ of mandam - us directing the Town Clerk to issue a certificate of approval of a certain plan. )
Joseph A. Grimes vs. Frank J. Hagerty et al, Members of the Board of Health in the Town of Wilmington, Middlesex Superior Court. (Petition under Chapter 111 of the General Laws for determination by a jury of a certain order of prohibition issued against the petitioner by the respondents. )
C. During the year 1954 the following actions by or against the Town were finally disposed of:
Samuel Freedman v. Town of Wilmington, Suffolk Superior Court. (Action of tort for personal injuries claimed to have resulted from a defect in the highway. ) Disposed of by contribution of $100. 00 toward settlement by principal de - fendant.
Albert P. Rounds v. Mary E. Gilligan, Town Clerk, Middlesex Superior Court. (Petition for writ of mandamus directing the Town Clerk to issue a certificate of approval of a certain plan. ) Disposed of by final judgment in favor of the respondent.
Town of Wilmington v. Joseph Marsi, Woburn District Court. (Writ of ejectment to recover possession of dwelling and land belonging to the Town. ) Disposed of by judgment for possession in favor of the Town.
D. Compensation was received by the Town Counsel in said matters and in all other matters during the year as follows:
Compensation Disbursements
$865. 00 58. 18
(The above amounts were entirely on account of services rendered and disbursements paid in the calendar year 1953. )
Respectfully submitted,
Philip B. Buzzell Town Counsel
carter lecture fund
This committee did not present any program this year but expects to put on an especially good program next year.
34
water department
Water Mains: In 1954 water mains were constructed on the following streets:
Concord Street Main Street
2657 ft. of 8" pipe 1378 ft. of 10" pipe
The total appropriation for water main construction in 1954 was thirty thousand dollars ($30, 000). With the ex - ception of the hiring of a back-hoe, all other equipment and labor were furnished by the Water Department. Work was started on West Street. However, due to freezing weather and the need for men on other work, it was decided to postpone the completion of this project until 1955.
Hydrants: Five (5) new hydrants have been added to the system in the process of the water main extensions. Two new hydrants were also installed on Fairmeadow Road. Two hydrants were struck by automobiles during the year. The resulting damages were completely covered by insurance.
Service Connections: One hundred and forty-four (144) new services were installed during the year, making a total of two thousand one hundred and fifty-eight (2158). Six of these services were installed from new street mains laid in 1954.
Concord Street Main Street
2657 ft. Six services
1378 ft.
No services
Meters: The meter program of the department is still in force. Meters are installed with all new services and have been installed in old services when application has been made and meters were available. As of December 31, 1954, a total of 866 meters were in service in the Town.
.
A fire-flow meter was installed at the Tewksbury-Wilmington line (at Brown & Nichols Streets) to insure ample water supply in case of fire in that vicinity.
New Well Field: Proposed work on this project has been postponed until a final decision on the new Route 28 is made.
In 1954 the average amount of water pumped per day was 862, 851 gallons. The capacity of the standpipe is only 660, 000 gallons. During the summer months there are many days when well over 1, 000, 000 gallons are pumped. Each year since 1950 our report has shown the impelling need for greater storage capacity. A new standpipe has become an even more vital item needed to insure an increased and dependable supply of water to the consumer.
The standpipe on Kelley Hill was drained, cleaned, and painted inside and outside during the year.
Capital outlays such as new pumping station, new standpipe, new water main extensions, etc. are financed through appropriation made by the voters of the Town.
The receipts of the Department are devoted first to payment of operating expense. Any amount in excess of expenses is to be paid for interest on bonds, and then payment of bonds after interest charges are met. The Commissioners have control of operating expenses but have no authority to provide extensions of mains which must be voted at town meeting.
Neglect of takers to pay bills for water already consumed is a source of concern to the Commissioners and should be to all taxpayers. Approximately $14, 000 was due the Town at the end of this year, and if collected would have been of considerable assistance in paying for interest and principal on bonds which must now come from taxes. Due to un- wise and unprofitable extensions, the System is not self-supporting and is not likely to be in the forseeable future.
WATER CONSUMED
1950. . 280, 475, 100 1951. 250,813, 500
1952. . 307, 358, 900
1953. 352,417, 900
1954. .309, 940,500 Bought from the
Town of Tewksbury 5,000,000
1954 Total.
314, 940,500
35
board of health
BOARD OF HEALTH (1. to r.) Vinal Lewis, Dr. G. Harmon Agent Patrick Thibeau Chairman, Francis Hagerty
HEALTH AGENT AND SANITARIAN
In this year, an attempt was made to develop a program in public health relating not only to sanitation, but also including communicable disease control, housing, nursing services, maternal and child health and a bactericological labo- ratory, to test water, milk and food. This endeavor did succeed to a great extent with the possible exception of a well baby clinic. An initial study was however made wherein such clinics were conducted by observing them in operation, determining our needs and by supplementing our budget request for the necessary funds to establish monthly clinics in this town.
Since the conception and realization of a board of health in 1952, the health services provided have increased with each year. This is perhaps best exemplified by comparing the three years.
1952
1953
1954
Nursing Visits
658
794
842
Clinics (Pre-school)
5
5
Sanitary Inspections
46
5 215 app.
1200 approx.
Laboratory Tests
0
1 32
553
Clinics (Anti-Rabid)
0
0
1
Housing Inspections
0
0
23
In the field of enviromental sanitation, several new phases were instigated as that of private water supplies, housing and recreational areas, other phases were continued.
Water Sanitation:
Thirty-seven private sources of water supply were inspected and analyzed. A number of supplies were found to have been contaminated either by flooded cellars during the hurricanes or by proximity to brooks or cesspools. Persons faced with the dilemna of unsafe water, were advised in the means of rendering them potable. In several cases connections were made directly to the town system after unfavorable reports were made. Residents of the town, may upon request, have their water supplies tested by merely calling the Town Hall. Information may also be obtained on construction and location of any new source.
36
Sewage Sanitation:
In this year, the construction of new dwellings exceeded the previous high. As each dwelling was erected, the amount of good drainage land decreased. The result was that it became exceedingly more difficult to develop satisfactory systems to dispose of domestic wastes. It was therefore necessary to consider the use of fill to raise systems above the water table, and to establish heights for soil pipes. The systems also had to be increased in size to accommodate auto- matic washing machines and dishwashers. A number of permits had to be refused when there was no solution to the problem.
Applications for permits 244
Drainage tests performed
218
Permits granted:
New dwellings 188
Old dwellings 43 Commercial establish. 1 Industrial plants 3 Total inspections made 450
Included under subdivision planning, is sewage sanitation and storm water drainage. Through the development of new Planning Board Regulations, each responsible town official and board studied a new subdivision from their respec - tive point of view. The result was a more efficient land development program being achieved. An example of this was for the first time, storm water systems were required on subdivisions. A developer had to present plans for these systems showing location and types of catchbasins, manholes and drainage pipes. These plans were then reviewed by the Highway Superintendent and Sanitarian. If the plan was unsatisfactory, new ones were drawn up to meet the needs of the develop- ment. Water mains sufficient to provide uninterrupted and continuous service to homes and fire hydrants, were similarly approved by the water and fire departments. Such regulations considerably increased the value of the subdivision to the town.
Subdivisions surveyed 6
Drainage tests 84
Lots restricted 60
Milk Sanitation:
At the present time, sixteen milk companies are licensed to sell in this Town. Exclusive of stores, about 5, 000 quarts are sold daily. Samples of milk from each company were seized periodically and tested. As a result of these tests, 96% of the milk sold in the town, was found to comply with the standards of the State Board of Health.
In the Summer, trucks were checked to see if the milk was properly iced and kept below 50ºF.
Three stores in town were found to have had inadequate refrigeration facilities. All three were prohibited from selling milk until proper refrigeration could be insured. This was very quickly achieved.
Housing Sanitation:
With the adopation of the minimum standards of habitation, a concerted effort was made this year to clean up substandard housing in the town. . This was particularly a difficult program to carry through without the benefit of public housing. Families living in condemned dwellings could not be forcibly ejected, although the law permits such a course, but were aided in finding new homes. With about 60 unfit and substandard dwellings in the town, the program must be carried on for at least five years. Unoccupied dwellings were also inspected and posted, when found to be unfit. This would prevent their occupancy without the permission of the Board of Health. Thanks must be given to the Building and Fire Departments for their help in razing dwellings after the occupants had been removed. A resume of this program follows: -
Occupied dwellings inspected 20 Condemned by the Board of Health 16
Violations rectified 3
Dwellings vacated 10
Dwellings razed 4
Unoccupied dwellings inspected 3
Food Sanitation:
The two hurricanes particularly endangered the Town's food supply by the loss of refirgeration, not only in the stores and restaurants but also in the homes. The Board of Health however succeeded in acquiring about 6, 000 pounds of dry ice and distributed it to as many stores and homes as possible. This did much in preserving our food supply and very much contributed to the small amount that had to be condemned. Eighty inspections were made to the nine restaurants and fourteen grocery stores to determine the wholesomeness of food. Any article found to have been spoiled, was condemned and so marked.
37
.
Regular inspections were made during the year, and tests were performed on restaurant utensils to determine how effectively they were cleaned and sterilized. A summary of these inspections are: -
Grocery Stores
20
Ice Cream Plants 2
Bakeries
4
Candy Store
1
Restaurants
18
Food condemned
93 lbs.
Nuisance Sanitation:
In this period sixty complaints were registered and investigated. A court complaint was issued in one case, but the nuisance was abated, and action was not sought.
Abated
Dumps
22
19
Housing
2
0
Pollution of streams
2
1
Animals
5
4
Drinking water
2
2
Food
2
2
Sewage
21
18
Stagnant Waters
4
3
Miscellaneous Inspections:
Piggeries
27
Sanitary Surveys
3
Public comfort stations
11
Poultry Farms
3
Schools
1
Recreational Areas
4
Laboratory:
This year, the Board of Health rented laboratory facilities to test water, milk and food. This has proved to be very advantageous for the carrying on of programs in the three phases of sanitation. The health agent made a total of 553 tests. A breakdown includes: -
No.
Satisfactory
Unsatisfactory
Milk
227
214
13
Restaurant Utensils
17
7
10
Private Wells
222
112
110
Silver Lake
75
75
0
Recreational Camp Well
12
12
0
INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
No.
51
Inspection of Domestic Animals and Premises where Animals are kept.
Dog bites reported
1
Premises keeping domestic animals inspected 42
Cattle inspected
198
All biting animals were quarantined for the
Horses inspected
27
period of time prescribed by law.
Hogs inspected
4614
Goats inspected
16
Animals quarantined
51
Sheep inspected
5
Animals released from quarantine
50
Cattle released from Interstate Shipment
0
Dogs released from Interstate Shipment
0
Cattle reacting to the Tuberculin Test
0
Laboratory Report:
Positive
0
All special work assigned to me by the Department of
Negative
1
Livestock Disease Control was attended to promptly.
INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
There was no slaughtering inspected during the year nineteen hundred and fifty-four (1954).
38
Dogs showing physical signs of rabies
Animals submitted to laboratory exam.
1
PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE
Morbidity Service:
Nursing visits during the year Fees collected for these visits
724 $649. 00
The purpose of this service is to provide professional nursing care, under the direction of a physician, to those individuals requiring such service in their homes; and to give instructions in the care of the sick, in the prevention of disease and in the promotion of health. This service is available to any individual living in the Town of Wilmington.
Immunization Clinic:
The Immunization Clinic this year was held in the Congregational Church Vestry and consisted of three clinics and a make-up clinic. It was held with the cooperation of the school nurse, and 89 children of pre-school age were given protection against whooping cough, diphtheria and tetanus. A Booster Clinic was held at the same time, and 149 pre - school children received additional protection against these diseases.
Health Service:
As a result of the Community Chest X-ray survey held in December 1953, a retake clinic was held in Jan. 1954 and thirty people received retake X-rays. This consisted of an afternoon and evening clinic. X-rays were taken with a larger film, and all chest abnormalities were reported to private physicians where further follow-up studies were made.
During the year, 88 visits were made in the interest of adult and child health. These visits include prenatal, postnatal, premature, infant, child and adult health. It aims to promote health and to prevent illness through such public health practices as are an accepted part of the nurse's visit. This service also includes helping and acquainting families with resources and facilities for protecting and promoting health and well being.
Miscellaneous Inspections - 6:
These inspections include Boarding Homes for Children, Boarding Homes for Aged, and Kindergartens.
Trips to Rutland 2
Trips to Middlesex County Sanatorium 2
Trips to No. Reading State Sanatorium 13
Trips to Boston 1
Trips to Cambridge
1
Trips to Everett 1
Trips to Somerville 1
Trips to Reading
1
TUBERCULOSIS REPORT FOR 1954
Cases on Register January 1, 1954 19
Number moved in from other places
1
New cases reported during year 3
23
Deaths reported during year
1
Number placed on inactive list
1
0
Number moved away 2.
No. remaining on register Dec. 31, 1954
21
No. in Sanatorium Dec. 31, 1954 2
No. of Tuberculosis Visits 64
( 11 Library
39
highway department
Chapter 90 Maintenance:
Chapter 90 Maintenance work consisted of some brush cutting, cleaning catch basins and culverts, surface - patching and surface-treating. Total amount of money available to do this work was $3900 expended as follows. Labor - $1456. 07; treated stone $73. 16; sand $133. 16; pea gravel $568. 91, and asphalt $1668. 67. A short section of Salem Street at the Tewksbury line was surface treated with heavy asphalt and treated half-inch stone; about 1000 feet on Burlington Ave. was treated with asphalt and covered with sand; about one mile of Shawsheen Avenue treated with pea gravel and heavy asphalt. All work was completed as laid out by the State Engineer.
Chapter 90 Construction:
Chapter 90 Construction for 1953 was completed by July 1954 as laid out by the State Engineer. Chapter 90 Construction for 1954 was planned to get underway by the first of September and would have been started on time and com-, pleted before cold weather if the two hurricanes hadn't hit us. We were delayed over six weeks in actually getting underway, but did manage after four weeks to open the job while the balance of the men were doing hurricane work. Before starting the job I discussed it with the Town Manager, and informed him that I had planned to open about half the job so that I could get it surface-treated before the time limit which is November 15th. This was agreeable with him and the State Engineer. The work was completed as planned. The balance of the funds will be used in 1955 to complete the contract as approved by the Department of Public Works.
Chapter 81 Maintenance:
Chapter 81 includes all Town roads that have been accepted even though they come under Chapter 90 Maintenance. The reason being, if Chapter 90 maintenance funds are exhausted, Chapter 81 funds can be used to complete the job or added to it, if necessary. After Chapter 81 work, as laid out by the State Engineer, has been completed, any unexpended monies may be used for street widening, graveling, culverts and catch basins, straightening curves, tree removal, etc. Some of the Chapter 81 money can be used for snow removal, but it is more to our advantage to use it in the line of main- tenance and further construction. It also tends to give the State Public Works Department the impression that they are giving us too much money for road work. However, in the past I have purchased sand and salt for ice control at the end of the year when I knew that I didn't have time to spend it on the highways. This met with the approval of the State Engineer.
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